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American Archives: 


CONSISTING OF 


A COLLECTION OF AUTHENTICK RECORDS, STATE PAPERS, DEBATES, AND LETTERS AND 
~ OTHER NOTICES OF PUBLICK AFFAIRS, 


THE WHOLE FORMING 


A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY 


OF 
THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COLONIES; 


OF THE 


CAUSES AND ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION; 


AND OF 
THE CONSTITUTION OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES, 


TO 


THE FINAL RATIFICATION THEREOF. 


IN SIX SERIES. 


FIRST SERIES. FOURTH SERIES. 

From the Discovery and Settlement of the North American || From the King’s Message of March 7th, 1774, to the Decla- 
Colonies, to the Revolution in England, in 1688. ration of Independence, by the United States, in 1776. 
SECOND SERIES. FIFTH SERIES. 

From the Revolution in England, in 1688, to the Cession of || From the Declaration of Independence, in 1776, to the De- 

Canada to Great Britain, by the Treaty at Paris, in 1763. finitive Treaty of Peace with Great Britain, in 1783. 
THIRD SERIES. : SIXTH SERIES. 
From the Cession of Canada, in 1763, to the King’s Message || From the Treaty of Peace, in 1783, to the final ratification 
to Parliament, of March 7th, 1774, on the Proceedings in of the Constitution of Government for the United States, 


North America. _ proposed by the Convention, held at Philadelphia, 1787. 


BY PETER FORCE. 


PREPARED AND PUBLISHED UNDER AUTHORITY OF AN ACT OF CONGRESS. 


ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 1843, 
BY PETER FORCE, 
iN THE CLERK’S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 


AMERICAN ARCHIVES: 


Fitth Sertes, 


CONTAINING 


A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY 


THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 


FROM THE 


DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, JULY 4, 1776, 


TO THE 


DEFINITIVE TREATY OF PEACE WITH GREAT BRITAIN, SEPTEMBER 3, 1783. 
BY PETER FORCE. 


VOLUME I. 


PUBLISHED BY M. ST. CLAIR CLARKE AND PETER FORCE, 


UNDER AUTHORITY OF ACTS OF CONGRESS, PASSED ON THE SECOND DAY OF MARCH, 1833, 
AND ON THE THIRD DAY OF MARCH, 1843. 


WASHINGTON, APRIL, 1848. 


ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 1848, 
BY PETER FORCE, 
IN THE CLERK’S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 


nr 
& 


ia 7 qr 


y. | 
ed 2. 


CONTENTS 


OF THE FIRST VOLUME OF THE FIFTH SERIES. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC. 


1776. ca 


May 3, Letter from Dennis De Berdt to Joseph Reed, 


6, Letter from the Bridgetown Committee to the 
New-Jersey Delegates in Congress, - - 


— 7, Letter from General Lee to Patrick Henry, on 


his objections to an immediate declaration 
of independence, - 


- 14, Letter of agency to Asa Perley aot Asai Kim- 


ball, - - 
14, Proceedings of the Shlahitents of Sintitey No- 
va-Scotia, - - - - - - 
17, Letter from Lord George Germaine to Gover- 
nour Tryon: The first division of Hessians 
have sailed for America, the remainder will 
soon follow; this reinforcement will enable 
General Howe to open the campaign with 
advantage; the Province of New-York will be 
the main object of the General’s attention, - 
19, Letter from Captain George Forster to Major 
Butterfield: Terms of capitulation at the Ce- 
dars, - 
21, Petition of the Inhabitants of St. Founitss i ea 
Scotia, to the Massachusetts Assembly, — - 
22, Letter from S. Kirkland to General Schuyler, - 
26, Articles of Capitulation between Major Sher- 
burne and Captain Forster, - . - 
27, Articles of Capitulation between General Ar- 
nold and Captain Forster, - - 
30, Proceedings of a Council of War held in ee 
bly, Canada, - - 


June2, Letter from General ‘Avialdl to the Commis 


sioners of Congress, - - - 

7, Extract of a Letter from Colonel Pellenger a 
the Albany Committee, - 

8, Letter from the onan Gonitides to Gonerdl 
Schuyler, - 

10, Letter from Gavel Shiylor to General Wash- 
ington, - . - - - - - 

11, Letter from Lord George Germaine to Gover- 
nour Tryon: He trusts that General Howe 
has fixed his Head-Quarters in New-York, 
and will soon drive the Rebels out of the 
Province: Officers appointed to command 
Corps raised in America are not to expect 
rank in the Army after their iba or to 
be entitled to half-pay, —- é. 

11, Letter from Thomas Burke to Geteral Ties - 


— 17, Letter from George Johnson to General Lee: 


It is a greater “honour to contribute in the 
smallest degree to a reconciliation of Ameri- 
ca and Great Britain, than to have the greatest 
share in bringing about a victory, - 3 

17, Report of the Committee of Congress on the 
Capitulation between eg Arnold sy 
Captain Forster, - 

18, Letter from John Adams to I Gates) Gated: 
Congress has ordered him to the post of 
honour, and made him dictator in Canada 
for six months, or at least until the first of 
October, - - - . 

21, Letter from General Lee to chai Mhcmpdens 
Has learned with concern that the men have 
been suffered to fire at a preposterous dis- 
tance; orders that not a man is to fire without 
almost a moral certainty of hittang their ob- 
ject, - . - - - » - 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


372 
469 


95 
704 
705 


122 


162 


703 
867 


162 
163 
164 
165 
817 
817 
816 


123 
98 


99 


159 


21 


1776. 
June 21, Letter from Colonel Fleming to the New-York 


Provincial Congress, - - 
21, Letter from the ‘Committee for Gaibertand 
County to the New-York Convention, - 
22, Letter from Stephen Smith to the Massachu- 
setts Council, - - 
25, Letter from Elbridge Gery e Gener Giver: 
The affairs of Canada having been evidently 
suffering from want of an experienced offi- 
cer, his appointment to that command is 
considered a happy circumstance, notwith- 
standing the Eastern Colonies needed his 
assistance, - - - - 
26, Protest of sundry Tahabitant of the Town of 
Barnstable, Massachusetts, against: the Pro- 
ceedings of that Town, at their ep held 
on the 25th instant, - : - - 
28, Memorial of Lieutenant-Colonel Brown - 


July 1, Proceedings of the Committee of Leonard- 


Town, Maryland, : - - - 

1, Letter from the President of Coltetebe to Gene- 
ral Washington: Major Rodgers has been 
put under guard at the Barracks, - - 

1, Letter from Joseph Trumbull, Commissary-Ge- 
neral, to the President of Congress, - - 

1, Letter from John Whittier to James Warren: 
Declines, at present, to accept his appoint- 
ment to the command of a ees Hci for the 
Canada expedition, - - 

2, Letter from General Lee to the President 6f 
Congress: Account of the defeat of the Bri- 
tish at Sullivan’s Island, - - ~ - 

2, Letter from John Covenhoven to the President 
of Congress: The enemy’s fleet has passed 
the Hook, for New-York, where the Militia 
of Monmouth County, New-Jersey, cannot 
be prevailed upon to march, as they would 
leave their wives and children to be murdered 
by the Tories, - - - 

3, Letter from Samuel Tucker te the Piesident Bf 
Congress: Recommending Major Anderson, 

2, Letter from the Massachusetts Assembly to the 
several Town Committees: Urges them to 
raise Troops with all possible expedition, - 

3, Letter from Massachusetts Assembly to the 
President of Congress: Request Congress 
will direct General Washington to order two 
of the Regiments stationed at Boston to 
march to Canada, . - - - 

3, Letter from General Sullivan to Colonel Mo: 
sington: The Army on Lake Champlain is 
fully sufficient to oppose any force that may 
be sent against them at present, - - 

3, Letter from the Officers on Governour’s Island 
to General Heath: Request a reinforcement ; 
they are not strong enough to defend the post, 

3, Letter from the President of Congress to the 
Committee for Lancaster, Pennsylvania: The 
Troops they are to raise for the Flying-Camp 
should be sent to Philadelphia with the A 
est expedition, - - - = - 

8, Letter from Colonel Burd to the Committee for 
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania: Has ar- 
rested Daniel Shelly, who is charged with 
attempting to raise soldiers for the Ministe- 
rial Army, - : - - - - 


204 
1535 
703 


21 


435 


Ill 
1776. 


CONTENTS. 


July 2, Orders of Colonel Burd to Captain Crutch, for 


the arrest of Captain Shelly, —- - 
Statements of William Wall and Ann Wall, - 


4, Letter from Matthew Tilghman to the President 


of Congress; enclosing Resolutions for rais- 
ing the number required of Maryland for the 
Flying-Camp, - - - a ‘ 


4, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General 


Washington, - - - = 


5, Edict of the King of Portugal prohibiting all 


5, 


5, 
5, 
5, 
5, 


5, 


5, 


5, 


“a: 


5, 
5, 
—_ 5, 


5; 
5, 
5; 


5, 


5, 


intercourse between his dominions and the 
American Colonies, - - - sid ale 
Letter from Barbue Dubourg to Dr, Franklin: 
Is privately informed that France is raising 
funds for a great armament, - 5 - 
Georgia Council of Safety: Representation to 
General Lee of the state of the Province, - 
Reformation of the Book of Common Prayer, 
by the Virginia Convention, —- - - 


Court-Martial on Captain Ball, = - - -! 


Letter from David Hall to the President of Con- 
gress: General disaffection among the peo- 
ple of Sussex, in Delaware, - - - 

Letter from a Committee of Sussex County to 
the Council of Safety of Delaware: Request 
assistance—a large majority of the people in 
the lower part of the County disaffected, - 

Testimony. of Enoch Scudder, - - - 

Letter from the President of Congress to Colo- 
nel Haslett, commander of the Continental 
Troops in Delaware, - - - - - 

Letter from the President of Congress to the 
Convention of New-Jersey: The Prisoners 
are to be removed from New-Jersey to York, 
in Pennsylvania, - - - - - 

Letter from the President of Congress to the 
Pennsylvania Committee of Safety: The 
American States are now forever divided from 
those who wished to destroy them, - - 

Letter from General Wooster to a Committee 
of Congress: Complains of the treatment he 
received from the Commissioners to Canada, 

Letter from General Wooster to a Committee 
of Congress: Justifies. his seizure of the 
goods of one Bernard, an Indian trader, - 

Letter from Elbridge Gerry to James Warren: 
All the Colonies except New-York voted for 
the Declaration of Independency, = - - 

Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia: Loss o 
the Brig Nancy in Delaware Bay, - - 

Measures proposed for the defence of New- 
Jersey and Pennsylvania, - - - - 

Letter from a French officer in America to a 
French nobleman in Paris: The Americans 
are able to resist all their enemies, = - - 

Letter from Samuel Tucker to the President o 
Congress: An officer who may be confided 
in has been sent to take charge of Governour 
Franklin, - - 4 * . x 

Letter from the Committee for Brunswick (July 
4) to the New-Jersey Provincial Congress: 
The prisoners of war should be removed to 
some other place, - - - . 3 

Letter from General Washington to General 
Livingston, - - - - 2 : 


5, Letter from General Livingston to General 


Washington: Colonel Drake, with the Second 
Morris Battalion of two hundred and fifty 
men, will be down this evening, - - 


5, Letter from General. Livingston to General 


5; 


5, 


5, 
5, 


5, 
5, 


Washington, enclosing intelligence from 
Staten-Island, - - - - - - 
Letter from Major Duyckinck to General Liv- 
ingston: Has arrived at Amboy with four 
hundred and fifty men, leaving about one 
hundred at the Old and New Blazing-Star, - 
Letter from Colonel Joseph Reed to the New- 
York Convention, on removing the prisoners 
from the City of New-York, - - - 
Letter from Joseph Trumbull to General Gates, 
Letter from Ebenezer Hazard to General Gates: 
The British have taken possession of Staten- 
Island, cattle and Tories, - - - - 
Letter from Major Goforth to the New-York 
Provincial Congress, - - < 4 2 
Letter from Colonel Joseph Reed to the New- 
York Convention, respecting prisoners, 


11 


12 | 


12 | 


13 


14 
14 
14 


15 


16 


16 


17 


18 


18 


19 


19 
20 


20 
205 


- 1389 


oO &d oo 


1776. 


July 5, Letter from Maltby Gelston, Chairman of the 


Committees of South and East Hampton, to 
the New-York Provincial Congress: They 
fear the stock on the east side of Long- 
Island will fall in the hands of the enemy, - 


5, Letter from General Scott to the New-York 


Congress; with a number of prisoners of 
war. General Washington is very uneasy at 
the detention of prisoners of war in the city, 
at this critical juncture, —- - . ~ 


5, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 


5, 


5; 
5, 
5, 
5; 


6, 
6, 


6, 
6, 
6, 


6, 
6, 
6, 


6, 


6, 
6, 
6, 
6, 


6, 
6, 


6, 


— 6, 


6, 
6, 


6, 
6, 


6, 


ington, with an examination of four persons 
taken last night, - - - - - 
Letter from General Mifflin to General Wash- 
ington: From the Colonels’ reports, the men’s 
arms are in a most alarming situation, - 
Letter from Governour Trumbull to the Presi- 
dent of Congress, - - - - - 
Letter from Governour Trumbull to General 
Schuyler, - - - - - - - 
Letter from the Council of Massachusetts to 
Walter Spooner, - - - mit gs 
Proceedings at a meeting of the towns of Lyme, 
Hanover, Lebanon, Thredford, Norwich, and 
Hartford, at Hanover, New-Hampshire, -. 
Letter from Arthur Lee to Charles W. F. Dumas, 
Extract of a Letter from Paris: The Court of 
Great Britain has presented a memorial to 
the Courts of France and: Spain, strongly 
complaining of the trade which is so indus- 
triously carried on. by the French and Span- 
ish merchants with- the rebellious Colonies 


of America, - - - - - . 
Letter from Benjamin Harrison, Jun., to the 
President of Congress, > - - - 
Letter from Matthew Tilghman to the Presi- 
dent of Congress, - - - - - 


Letter from the President of Congress to Gene- 
ral Washington: The Congress have judged 
it necessary to dissolve the connection be- 
tween Great-Britain and the American Colo- 
nies, and to declare them free-and indepen- 
dent States, - - - - - - 

Letter from the President of Congress to Gene- 
ral Washington, - - - . - 

Letter from the Board of War to General Wash- 
ington, - - 8 = - - - - 

Letter from the President of Congress to the 
States of New-York, Massachusetts, Con- 
necticut, Rhode-Island, and New-Hampshire, 
with the Declaration of Independence, - 

Letter from the President of Congress to the 
Assembly of New-Hampshire; The Congress 
have ordered Major Rogers to be sent to 
New-Hampshire, - - - at |< 

Letter from the President of Congress to James 
Mease, - - - - - - - 

Letter from the President of Congress to Gene- 
ral Ward, - - - - - - - 

Letter from the President of Congress to John 
Bradford, - - - - - - - 

Advertisement by the Board of War, for infor- 
mation respecting flint stone, and persons 
skilled in the manufacture of flints, — - - 

Letter from Jacob Rush to General Washington, 

Letter from a gentleman in Philadelphia to his 
friend in Annapolis: General Howe has 
landed ten thousand Troops; the whole Militia 
of Pennsylvania are ordered to the Jerseys, - 

Letter from the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Com- 
mittee to the President of Congress, - - 

Letter from George Ross to Colonel Galbraith, 

Letter from the Northampton, Pennsylvania, 

Committee to the President of Congress, 

Letter from the Reading, Pennsylvania, Com- 
mittee to the President of Congress, - - 

Conference with Indians at Fort Pitt, © - - 

Letter from the Convention of New-Jersey to 
the President of Congress: The Militia are 
wholly destitute of ammunition, the Mon- 
mouth Tories had confederated under oath; 
about thirty are flying on board the enemy’s 
fleet, - - - eZ ‘ F : 

Letter from General Livingston to General 
Washington: He cannot send out the neces- 
sary detachments for want of powder and 
ball, - - - - - - - - 


IV 


1394 


30! 


31 
31 
31 


32 
33 
33 


33 


33 
33 
34 

34 


34 
34 


34 


35 
35 


35 


35 
36 


37 


38 


1776. 


July 6, Letter from Major Duyckinek to General Liv- To prevent the forging and altering Bills of 


ingston, with the Tory oe taken by 


Publick Credit, and for preventing the de- 


Genvral Heard, - ~ - 88 preciation thereof; and for making Bills of 

6, Letter from Gena Biashington to desierel Credit of the United Colonies, and of this 
Livingston: The disaffection of the people Colony, a tender in all payments, - 88 
of Amboy and the treachery of those of To abolish the Court of Appeals in this Golbny, 
Staten-Island, induced him to give orders to and to empower the Superior Court of Judi- 
General Heard for their arrest, - - - 38 cature to sustain and determine all matters 

6, Letter from General Washington to Colonel pending in said Court of Appeals, and to 
Silliman: There is occasion for all the men prevent the absurd practice of granting ap- 
that can be possibly got; no force that can be peals to the King of Great Britain in Council, 
collected will be too great to ward off the from judgments of any Courts in this Colony, 
blow our enemies mean to strike in a little in future, - “ * ™ 7 -3 «ie G0 
time, - - 89 For encouraging the fixing out of armed ves- 

6, Letter from Goltiel Hensliwwis to Gerieral Wash- sels to defend the sea-coast of America, and 
ington, - - 950 to cruize on the enemies of the United 

6, Letter from John Fay to ise Brandent ws Con- Colonies; as also for erecting a court to try 
gress, enclosing a memorial from Mr. Bill, and condemn all ships and other vessels, 
of New-York, - - 40 their tackle, apparel, and futniture, and all 

6, Letter from John Jay to heaved Rutledge, - 40 goods, wares, and merchandises, belonging 

6, Letter from Colonel i mE to Lord Stir- to any inhabitant or inhabitants of Great Bri- 
ling, 41 tain, taken on the high seas, - ~ - 90 

6, Letter from ‘Major Goforth to shi New! York 
Convention: He views the appointment of 
juniors over him, as no more than taking the CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC. 
most genteel way of Gi eeme him from 1776. — 
the publick service, - - 1390 | July, Letter from General Lee to Edmund Pendleton, 95 

6, Letter from the President afi Gongress 0 the 7, Letter from Jesse Hollingsworth to the ary 
New-York Convention: Rongrens has de- land Council of Safety, = - - 100 
clared Independence, - - - 1397 7, Letter from E. Johnson to the Maryland ( aaa 

6, Petition from Cadwalader Colden to the New- cil of Safety,  - - - 100 
York Convention, - - - 1404 7, Letter from the Baltimore Goniinitna to the 

6, Examination and Parole of John Simpeon, Maryland Council of Safety: Colonel Ware 
Samuel Cox, William Elder, William Mc- has drawn a plan of a Fortification for avetet- 
Dermot, James Auchmuty Joseph Wool- stone Point, - - 101 
comb, and Richard Brueré, - - «© 23 7, Letter from the Maryland Council of Sata to 

6, Letter from H. Glenn to Colonel Dayton, - 42 the Baltimore Committee: The Convention 

6, Letter from H. Glenn to Major Fonda, - - 42 has ordered no further money for Fortifica- 

6, Letter from General Sullivan to General Schuy- tions at or near Baltimore-Town, = - 101 
ler, requesting leave of absence from the 7, Letter from Colonel Smallwood to the mUSE: 
Army, as he cannot, consistently with his land Council of Safety, - — - - 101 
honour, serve under the command of General 7, Letter from Richard Tootell to Maryland itn 
Gates, - - - - - - - 235 cil of Safety: Petitions for the office of Sur- 

6, Letter from Governour Trumbull to the Presi- geon Major, - ? - 101 
dent of Congress, = - - - 42 G Letter from the Maryland Council of Salety to 

6, Letter from Governour Trumbull t to the Presi- General Buchanan, - 101 
dent of Congress: Eighteen hundred pounds 7, Letter from the Maryland named ‘of Safety - 
in hard money has been sent to the Paymas- Colonel Weems, = 101 
ter-General for the Northern Department, - 43 7, Letter from the Maryland anbeil of Safety 

6, Letter from Governour Trumbull to the Presi- to Captain Veazey and Lieutenant Harri- 
dent of Congress, = - - =f 45 son, “ : - - - - 102 

6, Letter from Governour Trumbull to the Presi- 7, Letter from the Maryland Council of Hota to 
dent of Congress: Governour Franklin has Captain Veazey, - 102 
given his parole in bien he is to reside 7, Letter from the Maryland Goneti of Safety to 
in Wallingford, - = 7 45 Richard Buchanan, - - 102 

6, Letter from Govehdour Trumbull stow General 7, Extract of a Letter from John Adams: Hopes, 
Washington: The Connecticut Battalions are for the honour of New-England, the people 
raising with all possible Sheen and will will not be backward in marching to New- 
soon march, - “ r - winery 455 York; that important post must be maintain- 

6, Resolutions of the Shrmeittes on Prisoners, in ed and defended at all events, - - - 102 
Connecticut, - - 46 7, Letter from the Committee for Bucks County, 

6, Letter from Nehemiah Ratubrodk ga the aed Pennsylvania, to the President of Congress, 103 
bly of New-Hampshire: The people about 7, Letter from the Committee for Lancaster, Penn- 
New-Hampshire have agreed to raise three sylvania, to the President of Congress : Some 
hundred men for the defence of the frontiers, measures should be adopted to secure the 
but they are destitute of arms, ammunition, prisoners at Lancaster; they are at large, 
and money, - - - - - «4546 and it is believed aa sw inemhigeees to 

the enemy, emeto3 
7, Letter from Dr. Gochnasi to Thomas McKean, 104 
Lee Ey Ca Oe NE HAMPSHIRE. 7, Letter from General Livingston ‘to General 
oO - - - - - - 
Fes, Proceedings of the Sears from June 5 to ce a po ie ae Howe to Lord George Ger- a 
July 6, - u y 7 5 : 47-59 maine: Met with Governour Tryon “at the 
Hook, and many fast friends to the Govern- 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. ment attending him; who gave the fullest 
information of the state of the Rebels. There 
July 6, Proobedings from Triad 5 to July 6, - 59-87 is great reason to expect a numerous body 
os to join the Army from New-York, the Jer- 
Acts passed by the Legislature of New-Hamp- seys, and Connecticut ; sixty men came over 
shire:— — a few days ago from Shrewsbury, - - 105 
For establishing the style of Commissions, which 7, Letter from General Washington to Governour 
shall hereafter be issued, and for altering the Trumbull: The situation of our affairs calls 
style of Writs, Processes, and all Law Pro- aloud for the most vigorous exertions, and 
ceedings, within the Colony; and for direct- nothing else will be sufficient to avert the 
ing how Recognizances, to the use of this impending blow ; the situation of the North- 
Colony, shall in future be taken and prose- ern Army is certainly distressing, but we can 
cuted, .-. -- - 7 \SReaeeenigemh.-. .87 afford norelief,- - >= - = = 106 


CONTENTS. 


1776. 
July 8, Letter from the President of Pengress to Gen- 


1776. 
July, Letter from General Washington to General 


Ward, - - - 
7, Letter Gem Genta Washitigton to William 
Watson, - - s js . 


7, Letter from General Wastdington to G@olbnel 
James Clinton: Hopes he will be able to get 
arms for his men; if not, all not equipped 
must be dismissed, - - - - 

7, Letter from General Wadkingtbeiut to the Mas- 
sachusetts Assembly: Thanks them for their 
compliance with the Sie say of Con- 
giess, : - - - ~ 

Regulations agreed upon Babess the Director 
General of the American Hospitals and the 
Regimental shar eter and Mates at New- 


York, - - - “ 
it Commitment of John Lewis by Gener Spen- 
cer, - - ‘ - 


7, Letter from H. Glenn ” Bolonil Bonds; - 

7, Letter from H. Glenn to Colonel Dayton, . 

7, Letter from H. Glenn to John Petrie, - - 

7, Letter from Colonel Hurd to the New-Hamp- 
shire Committee of Safety: The inhabitants 
on and near Connecticut river are much 
alarmed, several families have moved off, and 
more are moving; it is of the utmost con- 
sequence that reinforcements should be sent 
into that quarter, - - - - - 

7, Memorial from the inhabitants of Conway, Fry- 
burgh, and Brownfield, to the Assembly of 
New- Hampshire : They are exposed to the 
incursions of the Savages, and request to be 
supplied with arms and ammunition, - - 

7, Minutes of a Council of War held at Crown- 
Point, = - - - - - 

7, Letter from General Schuyler to General Sul- 
livan, granting him permission to report him- 
self to the Commander-in-Chief, - - 

8, Deposition of Jarret Williams, of Fincastle 
County, Virginia: The Overhill Cherokees 
are preparing to go to war against the fron- 
tiers of Virginia; a number from the Lower 
Towns were gone to fall on the frontiers of 
South-Carolina and Georgia, - 

8, Letter from Dr. Wiesenthall to the Maryland 
Council of Safety: When he entered the ser- 
vice he expected the appointment of Sur- 
geon-General, or Director-in-Chief, 

8, Letter from Colonel Hollingsworth to the sete 
land Council of Safety, = - 

8, Letter from Colonel Tyler to the Maryland 
Council of Safety: There are but three hun- 
dred and fifty-one guns in his Battalion, = - 

8, Letter from Jesse Hollingsworth to the Mary- 
land Council of Safety: Has sent three ves- 
sels to take the three Companies from An- 
napolis to the Head of Elk, - - 

8, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety 
to Matthias Hammond, Quartermaster : Re- 
quires him to make provision for the Troops 
ordered to Annapolis for its defence, - - 

8, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 
Stephen Stewart, ee nOany armed vessels 
for the Province, - 

8, Letter from the Maryland Gouriell i Safety 5 
Colonel Dorsey, 

8, Letter from the Maryland Gouneil ae Safety i 
Thomas Smith, - 

8, Letter from the Maryland Gant as Safoty 6 
Charles Ridgely: The Province hasimmediate 
occasion for some swivels and small cannon, 

8, Letter from the Council of Safety to the Mary- 
land Delegates in Congress: 
pounds have been appropriated to fortify the 
city of Annapolis, but there is no engineer 
to carry on the works; the Delegates are re- 
quested to inquire for and recommend a 
proper person, - - 

8, Letter from the Maryland Gina of Safety a 
Robert Alexander, - - “ 

8, Baltimore Committee : fet tatin tite raeeieeil of 
landing of the British Army on Staten-Island, 

8, Letter from the President of Con gress to Gene- 
ral Washington: By order of Congress he 
has written to Generals Schuyler and Gates; 
and.recommended mutual confidence hd 
harmony in their military operations, - _ 


Ten thousand 


107 
107 


108 


108 


108 


109 
110 
110 
110 


110 


111 
233 


235 


111 


112 


113 


113 


113 


113 


113 
114 
114 


114 


114 
114 
115 


115 


eral Schuyler, - - 
8, Letter from the President of Congress es fn 
eral Gates, - . 


8, Letter from the Rensident of Commas to Gen- 
eral Roberdeau: Captain Peters, Secretary 
to the War Office, must not be ordered out 
of Philadelphia, - F 

8, Letter from the President “ Congress 1 the 
Rev. Jacob Duché: Informing him that Con- 
gress has, from a consideration of his piety 
and zealous attachment to the rights of 
America, appointed him their Chaplain, - 


- 8, Letter from Joseph Hewes to Samuel Johnston, 


of North-Carolina,  - - - a * 


~ 8, Letter from Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry 


-~ 


Lee, enclosing original report of the Decla- 
ration of Independence, - 

8, Letter from William Wiipmle to John Lang- 
don, - 

8, Declaration of Tailenctilariavy emda at ice State 
House in Philadelphia, — - - 

8, Declaration of Independency ‘gen in 
Easton, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, 

8, Declaration of Independence, with the new 
Constitution of Newelpmers pioglaimed in 
Trenton, 

8, Letter from General Mercer ona Wash- 
ington, - - 

8, Examination of William Ash, carl Satie: 
and, - 

8, Letter from Gone! Galbraith. to the Lancaster) 
Pennsylvania, Committee, - - 

8, Letter from Lewis Ogden to John Jay and 
Gouverneur Morris, - — - 

8, Letter from General Howe to Lond roms 
Germaine: Two ships of war are to proceed 
up the North River to distress the Rebels, by 
obstructing supplies coming down the river, 

8, Letter from Governour Tryon to Lord George 
Germaine: Four hundred of the Militia on 
Staten-Island have taken the oath of allegi- 
ance to his Majesty; this testimony of loyalty 
will probably be general throughout the 
Province, when the King’s Army gets the 
main body of the Rebels between them and 
the sea, - + - 

8, Letter from rev apt i hives * the Presi- 
dent of Congress, recommending Lieutenant 
Wilpert to the command of a ‘Company in 
the German Battalion, - - - - 

8, Letter from General Washington to the Penn- 
sylvania Committee of Safety, - - 

8, Letter from General Washington to atone 
Seymour, - - - - - 

8, Conference of General Officers and att at 
Head-Quarters, New-York, - - 

8, Letter from General Greene to the President of 
Congress, recommending Dr. Sentor, who 
went last year from Boston to Canada, as 
Surgeon in General Arnold’s Detachment, - 

8, Letter from the Ulster County, New- York, 
Committee, to the New-York Provincial Con- 
gress, complaining that Kingston is left des- 
titute of Powder, although the town is, and 
has for a long time been, crowded with a set 
of Ministerial cut-throats, regular officers, 
and soldiers, - - - 

8, Letter from Johannes Toes to the New- 
York Provincial Congress, with complaint 
against the Committee for Ulster County, - 

8, Address to General Sullivan by the Field Offi- 
cers lately under his command, - 

8, General Sullivan’s Answer to the dress of the 
Field Officers, - - - . ‘ 

8, Committee of Skenesborough, Neer York, de- 
clare Lieutenant Daniel Brundage an incor- 
rigible ones to the Boot of American lib- 


erty, 
8, Minutes of a Wipancil of aaa Cicer held 
at Crown-Point, = 


8, Remonstrance of Field Officers at lee aisBoint 
against the determination of the General 
Officers to remove the Army to Ticonderoga, 

8, Letter from Charles Cushing to his brother, 
giving a true state of facts with regard to the 
Army in Canada, = - - - - 


VIII 


115 
116 


116 


116 
117 
118 
118 


119 
119 


119 
120 
120 
121 
121 


121 


122 


124 
124 
124 
125 


125 


125 


126 
127 
127 


128 
236 
233 


128 


x CONTENTS. 7. 
1776. 


July, Letter from the Committee for Symsbury, Con- July 9,; Letter from Governour Trumbull to General 


necticut, to Governour Trumbull: The per- 
sons committed to Newgate Prison, as ene- 
mies to their eaey are not in safe cus- 


Schuyler: Has sent Major John Ely, a gen- 
tleman skilled in the treatment of the small- 
pox, to consult and assist in putting a “ity 


tody, é - - - 132 to its progress, - - - - 145 

8, Letter from Sexfarhin Payire to James Warren: 9, Letter from Moses Morse to the Giabiedding 
John Graves, of Pittsfield, who aided Captain Officer at Crown-Point: Has been directed 
McKay, a prisoner, in making his escape, in by the General Court to ascertain the true 
violation of his parole, is in prison in Hart- state of the Army in that department, and the 
ford; it is recommended that he be removed danger that the country is in at ic from 
to Massachusetts for trial, - - - - 133 . that quarter, = - - - - 145 

8, Letter from the Council of Massachusetts to 9, Petition of the inhabitants of Truro to the 
Jerathmeel Bowers: He is desired to equip Council and House of Representatives of the 
the Colony vessels for sea immediately, - 134 Colony of Massachusetts-Bay, - - - 146 

8, Letter from Samuel Elliot to Governour Trum- 9, Letter from the Council of Massachusetts to 
bull, relating to Captain Harding’s Prizes, - 134 “General Ward, on the report that he had 

9, Letter from Amsterdam to a gentleman in Lon- given liberty to a number of the Continental 
don: Effects of the American Revolution on Troops stationed at Winter-Hill, to receive 
the trade of France and Spain, - - - 134 the small-pox by inoculation, —- - - 146 

9, Letter from Thomas Oliver to David Phips, - 135 9, Letter from General Ward to the Massachusetts 

9, Letter from Colonel Dorsey to the Maryland Council: There are no Continental Troops 
Council of Safety: Has ordered the Elkridge at or near Winter-Hill, except a guard, and 
Battalion to meet immediately, and will send they have all had the small- -pox, - - 146 
the number of men required to Annapolis, - 135 9, Letter from Sturgis Gorham, on the Bentect 

9, Letter from Stephen Stewart to the bit against the Proceedings of the Town of Barn- 
Council of Safety, - - - 136 stable, Massachusetts, - - - - 147 

9, Letter from the President of Osndtoks to Weeeph Protest of inhabitants of the Town of Barnsta- 
Trumbull, enclosing Resolutions of eye ble, June 26, - - 147 
of July 8, - - - - 136 Letter from Joseph Otis, July 18, on the Pfo- 

9, Letter froin Josiah Bartlett to “Meshech Weare, 136 ceedings of the Town of Barnstable, - - 147 

9, Letter from Lewis Gordon to the President of 9, Intelligence from Salem, Massachusetts : Prizes 
Congress, - - - - 137 to the Yankee privateer sloop, (Captain 

9, Letter from Gonimibaols Hopkitis to @iptin Henry Johnson,) in the Continental service, 
Hacker, - - : - - - - 137 lately fitted out at Boston, - - - - 47 

9, Intelligence from the Indians, brought by 9, Letter from Benjamin Foster, Chairman of the 
George Morgan, - - - - - 137 Committee for erp to the Massachusetts 

9, Letter from Captain Crawford, a prisoner, to Assembly, - 148 
Jasper Yeates, - - - - - - 138 10, Letter from Thomas Gian Tostlons to Edward 

9, Letter from Samuel Tucker to the President of Winslow, Halifax: The ‘application from the 
Congress, on the defence of New-Jersey: sufferers in America are like to be so very 
We contribute to the general defence of the numerous, that it will probably prevent the 
Continent, to the defence of New-York, of gratification of any; there is scarcely a Pro- 
Boston, of Virginia, of the Carolinas: When vince in America which does not afford shoals 
we are pressed by the stroke of war, in our of petitioners hanging about the Treasury, - 149 
turn, are we alone to sustain the burden? - 138 10, Letter from the Camp at Gwinn’s Island: Lord 

9, Letter from Joseph Barton to Henry Wisner: Dunmore has been driven from the Island ; 
Sussex County, in New-Jersey, abounds in the only loss we sustained was Captain Do- 
flint. The people there should be supplied hickey Arundel, of the Artillery, who was 
with powder; if attacked now, they have killed by the bursting of a mortar, - - 149 
nothing but sticks or axes to fight with, - 139 10, Particular account of the attack and rout of 

9, Letter from Ibbetson Hamer, a prisoner, to the Lord Dunmore, with his piratical crew, from 
President of Congress, —- - - - 140 Gwinn’s Island, - : - - - 150 

9, Letter from General Mercer to General Wash- 10, List of Lord Dunmore’ s Fleet, - 152 
ington: State of the Army in New-Jersey, - 140 10, Letter from Edward Tillard to the Maryland 

9, Letter from Captain Cregier to Thomas Ran- Council of Safety: The men for his Company 
dall: Account of action between the schoo- are nearly raised, but they have no firelocks 
ner General Putnam anda British vessel-of-war fit for service among them, - 153 
of twenty guns, - . - - 141 10, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 

9, Letter from General Washington to Goleahour Jesse Hollingsworth, - 158 
Cooke, - - - - - - '141 10, Letter from the Maryland Council as Safety a 

9, Letter from General Washington td Governour Smyth, Hands, and Nicholson, - 153 
Trumbull, - - - - - 142 10, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety be 

9, Letter from General Washington to Ganeial General Buchanan, - 153 
Ward, requesting him to detach immediately 10, Letter from the Maryland Gousieil of Safety £0 
three of his fullest Regiments to Ticonde- Edward Parker: The service requires an im- 
roga - = 14% mediate supply of linen cloth, fit for making 

9, Letter from Gaveril Wishinztat to the Alsat tents, - 153 
bly of Massachusetts: Should it be deemed 10, Letter from the Maryland Goutidil of Safety 2 
expedient by the Assembly, they are autho- Amos Garrett, for a supply of bayonets; they 
rized by Congress to imbody a number of are much wanted for the Militia of the Hlymg- 
Militia, equal to the Regiments detached, to Camp, 153 
strengthen the Northern Army, - - - 143 10, Letter from. thi Maryland Gouneil of Safty by 

9, Colonel Knox’s plan for increasing the Artil- Stephen Stewart: In great want of tents, - 154 
ler - - - - - - 502 10, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 

9, Résaittions of the New-York Ovadeniton ap- John Archerand James Harris: The bts 
proving the Declaration of Independence, - 205 service requires linen fit for tenting, - 154 

9; Declaration of See aries ob at 10, Letter from the Maryland Couneil of Safety to 
New-York, - 144 Richard Dallam, to send all the arms he has 

9, Certificate of Biethress County, ovews viet, already made, and all he can make, to Gerard 
Committee, of the quantity of gunpowder Hopkins, Commissary of Stores, at Baltimore, 154 
made by John R. Livingston,  - 144 10, Letter from the Maryland Council of “ats to 

9, Letter from General Schuyler to the Field- Ofi- William Whetcroft, - 154 
cers, in reply to their remonstrance, - - 234 10, Letter from the ‘Maryland Cornell of Safety to to 

9, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Captain Colonel Dorsey, - 154 
Shaw, for an account of the cannon left at 10, Letter from the Maryland Gauitiesl vr Safeay.to to 
New- London by Commodore Hopkins, - 144 the Committee of Harford, to send all the 

9, Letter from William Hillhouse to Nathaniel arms purchased by them, or manufactured 
Shaw, - - « - - - - 145 under their direction, to Baltimore, - = (155 


Firth Serres.—Vot. I. 


7 CONTENTS. XII 
July 10, Intelligence from Annapolis: Colonel Small- July 10, Letter from H. Glen, Commissary, to Walter 
wood’s Battalion embarked at “gehen for Livingston: He is forwarding as fast as pos- 
the Head of Elk, — + - - 155 sible men and stores to Colonel passin, at 
10, Letter from the President of oliniess to dank: the German Flats, - - 175 
ral Washington, referring to him Ephraim 10, Letter from H. Glen to eoeeral Schayles - 176 
Anderson’s plan for wig ale the ne Si 10, Letter from General Arnold to General Gates: 
Fleet at New-York, - - 155 | Colonel Hartley has inna from a tour down 
Letter from Ephraim "Anderson, July 9, to the the Lakes, mati 207 
President of Congress, submitting a plan for 10, Letter from Colonel Hartley to Efecral Areioltd 
destruction of the British Fleet, - - 155 Report of his scout down Lake Champlain, 207 
10, Letter from the President of Congress to Wil- 10, List of Artificers sent from Crown-Point to Ti- 
liam Palfrey, = - - aod = 156 conderoga and Skenesborough,- —- - 209 


10, Petition of Lieutenant Benjamin Flower ve the 
honourable the United States of America, - 

10, Petition of Isaac Melchior, late a of Brigade 
in Canada, - - - - 

10, Letter from the Marine haitties of Congress 
to Captain Parker, of the Brig Despatch : 


10, Letter from the Provincial Congress of New- 
Jersey to the President of Congress: The 


156 
156 


10, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates: 
Suggests the arrangement of the Eastern and 
Southern troops in different Brigades, and 
the appointment of Colonel St. Clair to the 
command of the latter; the Eastern troops 
will act much better alone than joined with 


11, Letter from the Baltimore Cumswaliian to the 
Council of Safety, recommending officers for , 


Instructions for his voyage to France, - 156 the others, - “ - - - ae W) 

10, Letter from the Marine Committee to the Mes- 10, Letter from Ira Allen to the New-Hampshire 

sieurs Samuel and J.H. Delap: The Brig Committee of Safety: Suggesting measures 
Despatch is consigned to them, and, with for the protection and defence of the frontiers, 177 

the proceeds of the cargo, after paying all 10, Letter from Nathan Miller to Governour Trum- 
expenses, they are requested to procure mili- bull, - - - : . - - 17 

tary stores, - > - - - - 158 10, Letter from William Pitkin to Governour Trum- 

10, Resolutions of Congress on A capitulation at bull: Fears an attempt will be made to de- 

the Cedars, = - - - - 158 | stroy his Powder Mill, ried Petnsts prota: 
Report of the Ehatkaalite on the capitulation tion for it, - 178 

entered into between General Arnold and 10, Letter from Colonel Harta ie che Cerne of 
Captain Forster, June 17, - - - 159 Massachusetts, - - - - - - 178 

Letter from: Captain George Forster to “Majer Resignation of Captain Flint and ‘his subal- 
Butterfield, sie 19: Terms of the Pepecala: terns, July 8, - : - 178 

tion, - - 162 10, Conference between the Bshiaeil of Me teanhil: 

Articles of Capitulatiod rethicea Hissin Sher- setts and the St. Johns and Mickmack tribe 
burne and Captain Forster, May 26, - - 162 of Indians, - - 838 

Articles of Capitulation between General Ar- 10, Worcester County, Massdibnenttl Sich ates) 
nold and Captain Forster, May 27, - - 163 authorize the employment of prisoners, - 178 

' Proceedings of a Council of War held in Cham- 10, Thomas Billings and others, confined to the 
bly, Canada, May 30, - - - - 164 limits of their farms in Worcester, - - 179 

Major Butterfield’s testimony respecting a 10, Subscriptions in Kittery, Maine, for the encour- 
breach of the Convention at the Cedars, - 165 agement of inlistments, = - - 179 

Captains Estabrook and Wilkins’s testimony 11, Letter from St. Eustatia to a gentleman in Phila- 
respecting a breach of the convention at the . delphia, - - - : - - 180 

Cedars, - = - 166 11, Letter from Captain Wickes to the Sceaak Com- 

List of the Prisoners Balomaiais to the Ghatinel. mittee of Congress: Has taken a prize and 
tal Army taken at the Cedars, - - - 167 ordered her to ’ Philadelphia, - - - 180 

List of the Prisoners belonging to the Conti- 11, Extract of a Letter from Savannah: Alermiig 
nental Army taken at Fort Cedars, Canada, 168 news from the Indians, - - 181 

of, 10, Letter from Cesar Rodney to Thomas Rodney, 169 11, Resolutions adopted by the pushwaciicn’ os An- 
= 10, Letter from John Adams to Mrs. Adams, - 170 napolis, - - - - - 181 

10, Address of Board of Officers to General Rober- 11, Letter from Jesse Haltigeranh to the Mary- 
deau, - = 170 land Council of Safety, — - - - - / 182 

10, General Roberdemi” s eld ne the Mads - 171 11, Baltimore Committee order the arrest of Abra- 

10, Resolutions of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, ham Evening, a Non-Associator, and sus- 

Committee, for collecting the arms of Non- pected of being unfriendly to the liberties of 
Associators, - - - - - - 171 America, - - - . - 182 


Colony is drained of men for the defence of two companies of Germans, - 183 
New-York; they should be permitted to re- 11, Letter from Harford Committee to the Maryland 
turn for the present, that they may save and Council of Safety: Rerommending officers 
secure their grain, already suffering, - - 172 for a Rifle Company, - 183 

10, Declaration of Independence proclaimed at 11, Letter from the antpny etd Council of Salety to 
Princeton, New-Jersey, - 173 Colonel Hall, - - 184 

10, Letter from General Washington to the ‘Presi. 11, Letter from dire Gausied of Salety to the, Balti- 
dent of Congress: The Declaration of Inde- more Committee, - - - - 184 
pendence has been proclaimed before the 11, Letter from the Council of Safety to Colonel 
Army, and seemed to have their most hearty Hollingsworth for four hundred bayonets, - 184 
assent. The Militia from Maryland, Penn- 11, Letter from John Adams to Mrs. Adams: While 
sylvania, and Delaware, to form the Flying- the Congress were employed in political reg- 
Camp, are in motion; from Connecticut they ulations his presence was necessary; but 
begin to come in; General Howe has between now these matters will soon be eginpieted, 
nine and ten thousand men, and large rein- and he will ask to be relieved, - 184 
forcements are daily expected : the Staten- 11, Letter from Richard Ellis to the President of 
Islanders have all joined him, and talk of Congress: Offers to raise a Company to serve 
carrying all before them when Admiral Howe during the war, - - - - - 185 
arrives, - tf 11, Letter fram the President of Mongress to Ge- 

10, General jail adliveey of deserts in (Nase anc neral Washington, - - - 185 
in pursuance of the Declaration for Indepen- 11, Letter from the Pennsylvania Compan of 
dency, - : - 174 Safety to General Washington, offering the 

10, Letter from the Nows¥erk Bonvention to Eg- services of Captain Hazlewood to assist in 
bert Benson: They send him apo for preparing fire-vessels for the defence of New- 
the Northern Counties, - - 1394 York, + = - - 186 

10, Petition of Joseph Blanchard and oblige to the 11, Petition of Francis Motiteas to the Congress, 
Provincial Congress of New-York: Complain for the appointment of Major in the German 
of their confinement in jail, occasioned, as Battalion, ¥ 186 
they apprehend, by some mistaken notion of 11, Report of Marine Cowinittie on Gasman Sal- 
their political principles, — - - - - 175 187 


tonstall and Whipple, > - — - 


XIII 


1776. 

July 11,Committee for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania: 
Resolutions provinieey for their hap. gre of 
the Flying-Camp, 

11, Letter from George oss to the President of 
Congress, : a 

11, Letter from Goueril Wushingtoii te the Presi- 
dent of Congress: Has ordered the two Regi- 
ments in Massachusetts to march for New- 
York; and forwarded the resolve of Con- 
gress for employing the Eastern Indians, - 
Letter from Governour Trumbull, of July 4, to 
General Washington: The retreat of the 
Northern Army and the ravages of the small- 

pox have so weakened the defences of the 
northern frontiers of New-York and New- 
Hampshire, that the people in many places 

are abandoning the settlements, - - 

11, Letter from General Washington to Governour 
Trumbull, - - - - - - 

11, Letter from General Washington to the Mas- 
sachusetts Assembly, enclosing the resolve 
of Congress for the employment of the St. 
John’s, Nova-Scotia, and Penobscot Indians, 

11, Letter from General Washington to General 
Schuyler: Reinforcements have been ordered 
for the Northern Army,  - 

11, Letter from Gen. Washington to Gdns Ward, 

11, Letter from Rev. John Rodgers to Gen. Gates, 

11, Letter from Ebenezer Hazard to General Gates, 

11, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 
ington, suggesting regulations for improving 
the health ofthe Army, - - - - 

11, Examinations of Deserters and others from the 
enemy, - - - - - - 

11, Letter from the Convention of New-York to 
the President of Congress: They were much 
surprised by the resolution of the Congress 
of June 26, which takes from them the nomi- 
nation of the officers for the Regiment they 
were requested to raise in the Colony; the 
good of the service will not be promoted by 
the measures the Congress have taken, —- 

Letter from Major Goforth, of July 5, to the 
New-York Provincial Congress, resigning 
his commission, Sahn officers potion been 
placed over him, 

Letter from Colonel hoi tines en bunt 21, to Me 
New-York Provincial een: liees oy et rege his 
commission, - - - - 

11, Letter from the New-York Oonveieidh to the 
President of Congress, —- - - - 

11, Letter from Colonel Seymour to Governour 
Trumbull: Arrived at New-York on the 8th, 
with five hundred Light-Horse. Independ- 
ency is highly approved by the Army, - 

11, Letter from Joseph Trumbull to Jeremiah Pow- 
ell, - - - - - - - ~ 

11, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates, 

11, Letter from General Gates to General Arnold, 

11, Letter from General Gates to General Schuy- 
ler; enclosing Colonel Hartley’s report of the 
proceedings of his detachment, - - 

Letter from General Arnold to General. Gates, 
of July 10: Colonel Hartley has arrived from 
a tour down the Lake, - - 

Letter from Colonel Hartley to Geiieral Ar- 
nold, of July 10: Report of his scout down 
Lake Champlain, - - - 

List of Artificers sent from Evite Poi to Ti- 
conderoga and Skenesborough, July 10, - 

11, Letter from General Ward to General Wash- 
ington; with invoices of the cargoes taken 
on board the Scotch Transports, - 

11, Letter from General Ward to General Wash- 
ington: Has forwarded the arms and accou- 
trements taken from the Scotch prisoners, - 

11, Letter to Justices in Massachusetts empowered 
by the Court to deal with the Tories, - - 

11, New-Hampshire Committee of Safety: Tnstruc- 
tions for Benjamin Giles, - - 

11, Letter from the New-Hampshire Goririhittes of 
Safety to Colonel Wyman, - 

11, New-Hampshire Committee of Safety : ‘ies 
tions to Captain Woodward, - - - 

11, Petition of Selectmen of Portsmouth, New- 
Hampshire, to the Committee of Safety : For 
permission to the inhabitants to inoculate 
for the small-pox, — - : - . : 


188 
188 


188 


190 
192 


192 


193 
194 
195 
195 


196 


196-200 


201 


203 


204 
205 


205 
206 


206 
206 


206 
207 


207 
209 


209 


210 
210 
211 
212 
212 


212 


CONTENTS. 


1776. 
July 12, Proclamation by Governour Bullock: Offering 


land bounties to those who inlist for the war, 
12, Letter from John Page to General Lee, - - 
12, Letter from Matthew Tilghman to the Presi- 


dent of Congress, —- - 
12, Letter from N. ‘Ruxton Moore. to the Maryland 
Council of Safety, - - 


12, Letter from John Weems to the Mexpland Gouil- 
cil of Safety: With information from Captain 
Chew that there are forty sail of square-rigged 
vessels up the Bay as far as Point Lookout, - 

12, Letter from Thomas —— to eRe ae Coun- 
cil of Safety, - 

12, Letter from Peter Gheillée to the Maryland 
Council of Safety, - - 

12, Letter from the Dorchester Cotta Llastiniittee 
to the Council of Safety: Several persons 
have been apprehended as unfriendly, - 

Deposition of John Rumley, of Dorchester 
County, Maryland, July 9, as to Basil Clark- 
son’s going on board the British en a - 

Petition of Basil Clarkson, - 

12, Letter from the Maryland Council ie Safety to to 
Elisha Winters, . 

12, Letter from the Council of Safety to » Jesse Hol- 
lingsworth, 

12, Letter from the Gori of Safety to chvitib ‘Misty. 
land Delegates in Congress: Recommending 
Mr. Hughes, who desires to contract for 
casting cannon, - - - 

12, Letter from the President of lomeat=s to the 
Committee for Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Re- 
questing a guard to be kept over the pag 


ers in that Borough, - - 
12, Letter from Thomas Stone to dhe Maryland 
Council of Safety, - - - - 2 


12, Letter from the Pennsylvania Committee of 
Safety to the Maryland Convention, - - 

12, Association of inhabitants of Donegal, Lan- 
caster County, Pennsylvania, = - - - 

12, York County, Pennsylvania, Committee, restore 
James Rankin to his liberty, and the confi- 
dence of his countrymen, - - - - 

12, Letter from British Officers, prisoners of war, 
to the President of Congress, spo Pog 
of ill treatment, - - 

12, Letter from Ephraim Blsiak to the Tiesiddht 
of Congress, - - 

12, Letter from General Wiaalitupeas to the sBeatie 
dent of Congress: Two of the enemy’s ships 
of war have passed the batteries at New- 
York, and run up the North River, — - - 

Minutes of a Conference of General Officers, 
July 8: Agreed to sink hulks in the North 
River, at Tappan Bay, to wes the ae s 
progress, - - 

12, Proceedings of a pena of nace Qffiseis: 
Decide against a general attack on the ene- 
my’s quarters at Staten-Island, - = - 

General Orders, July 5 to July 12, - - 

12, Letter from General Washington to General 
Clinton: Recommending measures for secu- 
ring the passes in the Highlands, - - 

12, Letter from Ebenezer Hazard to General Gates, 

12, Letter from the Convention of New-York to the 
Committees of East and South Hampton: 
Measures have been taken to secure the 
stock on the east end of Long-Island, - 

12, Letter from a Committee to the New-York 
Convention: They have conferred with Ge- 
neral Washington, who refused his consent 
to keeping the stock on Long-Island; he is 
of opinion it should be removed with all ex- 
pedition, - - - - 

12, Letter from the News¥oik Rdgitentioh to the 
President of Congress, calling attention to 
complaints against the arrangement of the 


Canada Regiment, - 5 “ « e 
Resignation of Lieutenant Aerson and others, 
July B}-rais - " . 


12, Letter font Sumitted Ssslont hied others, to the 
New-York Convention: Complaining of the 
injustice of the late arrangement, . 

List of Company Officers in “the New-York Re- 
giments, who served the late campaign in 
Canada, - - - - - a é 

Colonel Dubois’s arrangement, — - - 

General Montgomery’s arrangement, - . 


XIV 
212 
213 
215 
215 


216 
216 
217 


217 
218 
218 


218 
219 


219 


223 


224 


224 
225 


227 
227 


1398 


1414 


CONTENTS. 


XV xvI 
1776. 
July 12, Letter from an officerin New-York to his father July | 13, Letter from the Council of Safety to the Com- 
in Massachusetts, - - 230 mittees of the lower Counties, - -,, 252 

12, Letter from the Committee for Pikohess Grinty 13, Letter from the President of Congress to Bank 
to New-York Convention: informing them of ral Washington: with the Resolves of Con- 

a dangerous insurrection that has been dis- gress relative to the treatment of prisoners 
covered in the County, — - - 1408 by Captain Forster in Canada, - - - 253 

12, Deposition relative to piece Sutton’ s iddola- 13, Letter from the President of < hagpe to Gene- 
ration, == : - 622 ral Schuyler, - 253 

12, Letter from Blortaial Schuylet t to General Wash- “= 13, Officers for the Bis ue aera appointed by the 
ington: Sickness, disorder, and discord reign Philadelphia Committee,  - 253 
triumphant in the Northern Army; the latter 13, Letter from John Cox to Jasper Racin tieg - - 254 
occasioned by an illiberal and destructive 13, Letter from the Committee for Berks County, 
jealousy, which unhappily subsists between Pennsylvania, to the President of Congress : 
the troops raised in different Colonies, - 232 They have nearly raised their proportion of 

Minutes of a Council of War held at Crown- the Flying-Camp, — - - 54 
Point, July 7, - - - - - - 233 13, Letter from the Committee rs F-eniiiehen: Beat - 
Remonstrance of Field-Officers at Crown- sylvania, to the President of Congress, - | 255 
Point, July 8, - - - 233 13, Letter from General Washington to a Commit- 
Letter from General Schuyler to the Field- Ofi- tee of the New-York Convention: urging the 
cers, July 9, - - 234 adoption of measures to remove from New- 
Letter from General Sullivan to Genktal Sshefy- York and its environs persons of known dis- 
ler, July 6, : mide - - 235 affection and enmity to the cause of America, 255 
Letter from General Reine to General Sulli- 13, Letter from General Washington to Egbert 
van, July 7, - 235 Benson: righ et the ships up Hudson’s 
Minutes of Gutinesl of Banca Officers held at River; - 2 256 
Crown-Point, July 8, - - - 236 13, Letter from Caner Washington to Gaitain 
List of articles wanted for gondolas, seenél Dennis, requesting him to secure some ves- 
vessels, and batteries, - - - 236 sels in the Highlands, - - - 256 

12, Letter from General Schuyler to omekour 13, Instructions to Captain Johnson: Regulations 
Trumbull, - - - - - - 237 for the North River Ferry, - 256 

12, Letter from General Gates to Moses Morse: 13, Letter from John McKesson to SD chati Bankdh 257 
giving him a general description of the state 13, Officers chosen in Queen’s County, New- York, 257 
of affairs at Ticonderoga, - - - 237 13, Deposition relative to Joshua Gedney, - - 623 

12, Letter from General Amold to General atch: 13, Letter from John Coe to the Commanding Offi- 
requesting him to examine the thirteen In- cer at Paulus-Hook, . - - 258 
dians taken by Colonel Hartley, - - 238 13, Letter from the New- "York Convention ne Ge- 

12, Letter from General Arnold to General Gates: neral Washington, - - 258 
referring for his decision the case of William 13, Letter from the New-York Cannameibed to Gala 
Hay and others, suspected of being inimical, 239 nel Hammond: Serious incursions into the 

12, Letter from Colonel Bedel to General Gates: country by pactlen from the ships i in the river 
urging the action of the Court of Inquiry, - 239 are not feared, - - - - 258 

12, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General 13, Letter from the Cheanieatiche to Colonel Van 
Schuyler: by Captain Lester, who has raised Cortlandt: To furnish guards for the ae tig 
a company of Carpenters for the Lakes, - 239 property at Peekskill, . 259 

Proceedings of the Connecticut Council of 13, Letter from John Jay to the New-York Guai- 
Safety, from the 5th to the 12th of July, - 240 vention: enclosing examinations taken by 

12, Proceedings of a Convention of Committees of the Committee of Westchester County, - 1412 
Safety, &e., at Petersham, Massachusetts, - 245 13, Letter from Colonel Clinton to General Wash- 

12, Barnardston, Miastanhanle ties Committee: Trial ington, - - 259 
and punishment of Jacob Orcut, for passing 13, Letter from Guripral Sebuylas to ole fovansicks 259 
a counterfeit bill, - - - - - 2247 13, Letter from General Schuyler to Jeremiah Pow- 

12, Application of the Boston Committee to the ell: Measures taken to prevent the small- 
Council for a revocation of the order permit- pox, which has so greatly reduced the Amy, 
ting the departure of Captain Holmes, wi ota from infecting the Militia interitlea to rein- 

12, Letter from William Sever to James Bowdoin: force it, - - - 259 
respecting the equipment of the armed brig- 13, Letter from Genaral Sehuvler to enoesl Gates, 260 
antine at Plymouth, - - - 248 13, Letter from P. Van Rensselaer to General Gates, 261 

Letter from Colonel Gilman to the New-Hamp- 13, Letter from General Gates to General Arnold: 
shire Committee of Safety, : 248 Making efforts to secure the naval superiority 

12, Letter from the New-Hampshire Gainisined of on the Lake, - : - 61 
Safety to the Selectmen of New-Market, - 248 13, Letter from Colonel Bedel to Gane Gates, - 261 

12, Letter from the Committee for Kittery to the 13, Letter from Governour Trumbull to the Dien: 
Committee for Portsmouth, - - 249 dent of Congress: with an account of the 

13, Letter from Williamsburgh, Virginia Defeat bf cannon left at New-London ca Membtealore 
Lord Dunmore, - ~#2151 Hopkins, - 262 

13, Letter from Captain Wickes ‘3 the sta Com- 13, Letter from John Keiphleyito to tise Gouneil of 
mittee of Congress: Has made two prizes,- 249. Massachusetts: Has been three months in 

13, Letter from William Falconer to the Hon. An- prison ; Pale he pit be heard or dis- 
thony Falconer: Account of the attack of charged, - 262 
the British on Sullivan’s Island, - e 249 13, Letter ‘roka pease Finioe re hed Geanieil of 

13, Letter from John Page to the Maryland Peale Massachusetts: The levies for reinforcements 
cil of Safety: The enemy driven from Gwinn’s to the Northern Army are going on eres 
Island will endeavour to possess themselves of tiously, - = - 263 
some place on the Eastern- Shore ofMaryland, 250 13, Letter from Colonel Hurd to Genieend Bullivat! 263 

13, Letter from Caleb C. Gough to the Council of 13, Instructions from the New-Hampshire Conk 
Safety, - - 251 mittee of Safety to Captain Eames, - - 264 

13, Letter from John Hauedtl Jon yer Biharss a 13, Letter from Captain Parker to the New- “Hae 
the Council of Safety: recommending es shire Committee of Safety, - - 265 
for officers, - . - 251 SEE aR 

13, Letter from James Hindriannst to the Goyneil of RESOLVES OF THE ASSEMBLY OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
Safety: Sends three prisoners delivered to 1776. oe 
him by the Committee for Somerset County, 251 May 31, The Commissary directed to deliver two Can- 

13, Letter from Colonel Barnes to the Council of non to Peter Coffin, - - 265 
Safety: Fifty-eight sail of the enemy’s vessels 31, For supplying the Town ‘of Gidheester with 
opposite Smith’s Creek, in the Potomack, 252 Cannon, &c., - 265 

13, Bae from John Weston to the Council of June 3, For filling up the four Companies at Doredaneed: 265 

alety : srs ken en s ves tg 3, For paying Colonels Marshall and aes phi one 
is in blast, 252 month’s advance wages, - - - 265 


XVII 


June’, Resolve to supply Captain i: naga with 
seven Fire-Arms, = - 

3, Appointing a Committee to Suvthane Gaokon 
for the Armed Vessels, - * 3 7 

3, On the Account of Jacob Boardman, -—° - 

4, To erect a Fortification at Plymouth, — - - 

4, For adjourning Worcester Court, - - 

4, Appointing a Committee to correspond with 
Congress, - - - . “ < ~ 

4, On the Petition from Mendon relative to some 
uneasiness subsisting in the Regiment there, 

4, Establishment for Gunners on board Armed 


Vessels, - 
5, To suspend sinking Hulks in etTiel Bisthstr of 
Boston, - “ 


5, To supply the Rov of Beveily bith Shot, - 
6, Appointing a Committee of Accounts, - 
6, For transmitting hard Money to General Schuy- 
ler, - - - - - 
6, For further fanitying the Harbour of Boston, - 
6, For supplying the Committee for procuring 
Saltpetre with Money, - - - - 
6, To explain the Resolve of Court with respect 
to the price of a bounty on Saltpetre, - - 
8, For raising a Company of Matrosses, to be sta- 
tioned at Falmouth, - - 
8, To remove the Apparatus, &e., of Heameardl Col- 
lege, from Concord to Cambridge, - 
10, For supplying Captain Jordan, bound to Fal- 
mouth, with a Guard, - - 
10, Relative to building a Powder-Mill i in Sidon! - 
10, On the Petition from the Committee of Kittery, 
11, Appointing a Committee of Fortification, - 
11, For supplying the Town of Gloucester with 
Cannon, - - - - 
11, On the Petition of HdWard Buiter; - - - 
12, On the Petition of Benjamin Smith, - 
12, On the Petition of eee: Edwards ata 
Samuel Brown, Jun., - 
12, To supply Richard Darby valth Gitkcoues - 
12, On the Petition of Reuben Higgins, - - 
12, On the Petition of William Whitney, - 
13, Appointing Officers for the. ptt bie at Fal- 


mouth, - 
13, On the Petition of Stephen Hall. and ‘Peleg 
Crocker, - - - é a 


13, For placing Cannon at the Gathat and for 
raising one hundred men to be stationed 


there, - - - - - - - 
13, Appointing a Committee to make Landy rela-* 

tive to casting Cannon, - - - 
14, To pay for losses at Bunker-Hill, a! Bowe - 


14, Establishing a Form of Beating Orders and In- 
listment for raising three Companies of Ma- 
trosses, - - 

14, For supplying the Golepuiies of Matioasés at 
Gloucester and Falmouth, - - - - 

14, Appointing Muster-Masters, - - - - 

14, On the Petition of Thomas Cook, - - - 

14, For transmitting hard Money to Gen. Schuyler, 

14, On the Petition of Lewis Allen, in behalf of his 
brother, Jolley Allen, - 

14, For adding an Ensign to, and supplying the 
men stationed on the Gurnet, in Plymouth, 

15, Directing the Commissary-General to secure 


the Colony’s stores, - - - - 
15, Appointing persons to receive and pay for Salt- 
petre, - - - - - - = 


15, For bringing forward causes which were eos 
ing in “the Superior Court, - . - 
17, On the Petition of William Tupper, respecting 


captures, - 
17, To supply the Teese of inva viel Bows 
der, &c., - - a ms x 


18, On the Petition of Faitac Nickson, - - - 

18, For procuring two decoy Ships, ‘Ken, “hi. - 

19, Instructing the Committee on the Abstracts, - 

19, Appointing James Warren Second ne -Ge- 
neral, - - - 

19, Appointing Jonathan Dee nesiios Second hear 
of the Fourth Regiment in Middlesex, - 

19, For payment of Colonel John Robertson’s Ab- 


stract, - 
19, To prevent the expouasiin of Painless till the 
10th of November next, - - . 4 


19, On the Petition of Gilbert Harrison, “5 & 
20, On the Petition of Nathan Smith, - " ” 
20, On the Account of Jeremiah Putnam, - ~ - 


CONTENTS. 


266 
266 
266 
267 
267 
267 
268 
268 
268 
269 


269 
269 


270 
270 
271 
272 


272 
272 


273 


June0, Resolve for supplying Colonels Marshall’s, 


Whitney’s, and Craft’s tg with Medi- 
cines, - - 

21, Directing the Gommiasary-Gehortl to receive 
all the Powder due from the Continent, - 

21, For supplying the several Towns with Powder, 

21, Relative to delinquent Collectors, - - 

21, Relative to Dr. Stockbridge and others, and 
persons who, having fled to Halifax, &c., 
shall return to this Colony, - e : 

21, On the Petition of John Stedman, - - _ 

21, Directing Alexander ares to receive Salt- 
petre, - - - 

22, On the Petition of the OBintiaittens efBriswick, 

22, For supplying the Brig Rising co bie with 
Cannon, &c., - 


22, On the Return made to ile) Court by ‘Major 


Barachiah Basset, - 
22, Relative to supplying the three Colonial Reg 
ments with Medicines, - - 
22, On the Abstract of Galonel Isaac Srhithe - 
24, Directing the Treasurer to receive two Komee of 
Money of George Spriggs, - - - 
24, On the Petition of George Langford, — - - 
24, On the Complaint of Samuel Rice, - 
24, To supply David Jeffries with fifteen hadted 


Pounds, - - - - - “ 
24, Directing the Selectmen of the several Towns 
to lend Military Tools, — - - . p 


24, For payment of Accounts for losses in battle, 
25, Making provision for the Families of such To- 


ries as have left the Colony, — - : 2 
25, For raising one hundred Men to be stationed 
at Martha’s Vineyard, - - : 2 


25, For raising five thousand Men to cooperate 
with the Continental Troops at Canada and 
New-York, - - - - - - 

25, Appointing John Cummings and John Fellows 
Brigadier-Generals, - 

26, On the Petition of Jacob Harker ad others; bE 
Nova-Scotia, - - 

26, On the Petition of Wlewaitdedt McLellan, - 

26, Relative to erecting Beacons, - . 

26, On the Account of the Selectmen of Haverhill, 

26, Field-Officers for six Battalions chosen, - . 

Q7, For supplying part of the Moneys appropriated 
to the purchase of Flour to pay for Tents, - 

27, For signing Bills of publick credit, - - 

27, For the Commissary-General to sirtoarae Tents, 

27, For procuring hard Money, - 

27, For paying the PE cso of the Colony in Gon 


gress, - 
27, For appointing Staff-Officers fot the Regiments 
going to Canada, - 


27, For providing Canteens and GatipiKetiles) - 

27, For paying Captain Scott and men, - - 

28, Form of Inlistment for raising one hundred 
men, to be stationed at Martha’s Vineyard, 

28, On the Petition of the Town of Charleton,  - 

28, For supplying Marblehead with Cannon, - 

28, For supplying the Towns of Salem, Beverly, 
and Newburyport with Cannon, &c., - - 

28, On the Petition of Edward Perry, - - 

28, For a grant of fifty Pounds for the Goiiviitide 
on Camp-Kettles, - - 

28, For purchasing Cannon-Ball for the Cokaniitids 
of Truro, - - - - 


. 28, For the route of the Troops destitied to Gartsida 


and New-York, - 

28, For supplying the Town of Cape- Elizabeth orth 
Cannon, - - 

28, On the Petition oe: Jerse! Bswites cha 
others, - - - - - - ~ 

29, For supplying the Committee for raising Men 
with Money for that purpose, - : - 

29, Relative to fortifying the Gurnet, - - . 

29, Appointing a Committee to confer with a Com- 
mittee of the Assembly of Rhode-Island,  - 

29, On the Petition of Jonathan Stickney, - - 

29, To supply the Committee for eA Men with 
more Money, - 

29, For supplying the Sain af Amtiniel edith 


Powder, - - = 
29, For paying Januiyea Minot for iiatibexiniy the 
People, - “ - 


29, For procuring Stockings for the Aaayi - - 
29, For supplying the Town. of Harpswell with ews 
Arms and Powder, - u " . 


XVIII 


282 
282 
282 
282 


283 
283 


283 
283 


283 
283 


284 
284 


284 
285 
285 
285 


285 
286 


286 
286 


287 
291 
291 
292 
292 
292 
292 
293 
293 
293 
294 
294 
294 
294 
295 
295 
296 
296 


297 
297 


297 
298 
298 
298 
299 


300 
300 


300 
301 


301 
302 


302 
302 


302 


1776. 1776. 
June 29, Resolve for payment of losses in Battle on July 13, Resolve for supplying Westminster, in the Pro- 
the 19th of April, and 17th of June, 1775, - 302 vince of New-York, with Powder, Lead, &c., 321 
July 1, For procuring a company of het Carpenters 13, On the Petition of the Committee of Safety of 
to go to Albany, - 303 Cavendish, in New-York, - - - - 322 
1, Vesting certain powers in the Ssundil mantel 13, For forwarding Tents, &c., to the Army, -, 322 
the recess of the Court, - . - 304 13, For supplying “Baker's Town, in the Rees of” 
1, Empowering the Commissary to alalied out Cumberland, with Powder, - 322 
Powder, &c., to the forces bound to Canada, 305 13, For appointing Gunners to the Compauaa of 
1, For appointing an Engineer to direct in the Matrosses, - - - - - 322 
works carrying on at the Gurnet, - - 305 13, On the Petition of Initel Davis, - - 323 
1, Relative to the Accounts of the guardians of the 13, Relative to the St. John’s and Mickmack Indie 323 
Dudley Indians, - - - - - 305 13, On the Petition of William esate - - 324 
1, For taking possession of the Estates of Thomas 13, For procuring Wool, - - - 324 
Hutchinson and Henry Lloyd, - - - 306 13, On the Report of the Cusuntied aioe’ to 
1, Relative to the Commissary receiving Saltpetre, 306 distribute twelve hundred Pounds among the 
1, On the Return of Estates in Woburn, - - 206 inhabitants of the eastern part of the County 
2, For discharging the Schooner Charlestown of Lincoln, - - - - - = 324 
Cutter, - - - - - . - 306 shactnnnandiel beamed 
2, To fit out a Vessel of observation, - ~ - 307 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC. 
2, For raising a Company of Matrosses, to be sta- 1776. 
tioned at Salem, SF ee - - 307 | July 14, Letter from Jesse Hidlingswtyil to the Fal 
2, Directing the Committee to ip victes i no more land Council of Safety, - - 325 
Flour, - - - 307 14, Letter from John Hanson, Jun., to the Getiicil 
2, For an ebtablishinent for the Bax Gallows - 3807 of Safety: The mode pointed out by the Con- 
2, Relative to leaden window weights, - - 307 vention for the men now raising for the Con- 
2, For supplying the Town of Falmouth with Can- tinental service will prove ineffectual, - - 325 
non, - - - - 308 14, Letter from Colonel Somerville to the Council 
2, Relative to the Test Act, - - 308 of Safety: A number of ships-of-war and 
2, To encourage the manufacture of BitseAcms tenders have come into the Potomack, and it 
» and Cannon, - - - - - - 308 is said they intend to land on St. George’s 
2, For procuring Teams, * : - - - 309 Island, in the mouth of St. Mary’s River, - 325 
2, For procuring Coats, Blankets, Hats, &c., - 309 14, Letter from Colonel Dorsey to the Council of 
3, On the Petition of David Cheever, - - 309 Safety, - - - - 326 
3, Lending Cannon to the arias of pina ag 14, Letter from the Prosideitt of mah to Colo- 
shire, - - - 310 nel Roberdeau: requesting him to exert him- 
3, For sending Brilowers from Truro to Bosinip, - 310 self in forwarding the immediate march of 
3, Desiring the Council to isa pe of solemn the whole Militia destined for the etch 
Humiliation and Prayer, - 310 from Pennsylvania, - - - 326 
3, For supplying the Counts of Lincoln sa Burn: 14, Letter from the President ‘a Congress to ihe 
powder, - - - 310 Pennsylvania Committee of Safety : Con- 
3, Relative to men’s peace Ras phi other than gress earnestly requests them to supply the 
their own Towns, - - - - - 310 Flying-Camp and Militia with musket-car- 
4, For advancing one month’s pay to the Officers tridges; the state of affairs will not admit of 
destined to Canada and New-York, - - $11 the least delay, - - - - - 827 
4, Appointing a-Court to try certain persons sus- 14, Letter from the President of Congress to General 
pected of being inimical to the American Mercer: Directs him to march the Militia and 
Colonies, - - - - - - - 311 Flying-Camp to Brunswick, or other places ° 
4, To sell the Tories’ Chaises and Carriages, - 312 in the Jerseys, as he may judge necessary, - 327 
4, For supplying the Company stationed at Salem, 312 14, Letter from the Committee for Cumberland 
4, Giving additional power to the Court appointed ; County, Pennsylvania, to the President of 
to try suspected persons, - - - - 312 Congress: Will be able to send five compa- 
4, Appointing a Committee on Accounts, - - 312 nies for the Tesch efi arms can 
5, Relative to Dr. Gelston, - - - ="e513 be had, - - - - 327 
5, Relative to procuring hard Money, - - 313 14, Letter from General fctans As Gand Wash- 
5, On the Petition of Jonathan Capen, oe ington: Suggests a surprise of the enemy’s 
of the Puncapaug Indians, - - 313 small posts on Staten-Island, = - - - 328 
5, Desiring the Council to write a letter to ae 14, Letter from Colonel wg to He ig ee 
ral Washington, relative to raising men, &c., 314 bull, - - 328 
5, Relative to a number of Masts at Georgetown, 315 14, Letter from Gentes FVAahin esti to the Pra. 
6, On the Petition of John Collas and others, dent of Congress, - 329 
prisoners in Salem Jail, - - - 315 General Return of the Army sane United Gales, 
6, For employing two persons to ride post $5 nies in and near the City of New-York, ie) 
Crown Point, -  - = - 315 13th, a ee ee a 331 
6, Relative to paying the Officers of the cmt Return of the Regiment of Andillery% in the ser- 
Regiments destined to Canada and New- vice of the United States of America, com- 
York one month’s advance pay, - - 315 manded by Henry Knox, July 13th, - -. 332 
8, On the Petition of Hannah Mather, . 315 14, Letter from General Washington to the New- | 
8, To adjourn the Maritime Court for the Middle York Convention: on the importance of secu- 
District, - " 316 ring the Passes in the Highlands, - - 333 
8, For furnishing forces iateoudd on Elizabeth 14, Letter from General Washington to the com- 
Islands with Powder, - - 316 manding officer of the Hae gag ies 
9, For drafting men to make up the five thousand in New- -Jersey, - - 333 
to reinforce the sry in New-York and 14, Letter from Colonel Ritzema go Gdheral Wash- 
Canada, - - 316 ington: He has many secret enemies, who 
10, For furnishing the Golonials Hegirhenis with are endeavouring to blast his character ; to 
necessary articles for the sick, - - - 317 dvoid further persecution, requests pee” 
10, For raising every twenty-fifth man to reinforce sion to resign his commission, - 333 
the Northern Armmy,- — - 317 14, Letter from General Washington to. .Gelitel 
10, For furnishing the Town of Marblehead with Ritzema: Is surprised to find an officer of 
apparatus for eight Cannon, ~— - - - 319 his rank in the Army soliciting leave to re- 
11, Appointing James Bricket a Brigadier-General, sign his commission, when the enemy is in 
to command the forces to be sent to Canada, 3820 full view, and a battle hourly expected, - 334 
12, Establishing the form of Inlistment for the 14, Letter from Gouverneur Morris to General 
twenty-fifth part of the Militia, - - 320 Washington: asking his advice as to what is 
13, On the Petition from Beysareh and Beene best to be done with the Tory prisoners from 
field, - - —fs521 Queen’s County, on Long-Island. It is in 
13, Directing that the ‘Maditiond Court for the Mid- their power to confine them close prisoners, 
dle District should be held at Salem, - ee PA or to take security for their future conduct, 334 


CONTENTS. 


XXI XXII 
1776. 
Memorial of sundry inhabitants of the City of Py 5, Letter from the Council of Safety to General 
New-York, and other friends to the peace and Dent: The fleet under Lord Dunmore having 
safety of the United States of America, on entered the Potomack, and will probably at- 
the danger of suffering the Tories to remain tempt a landing there, he is directed to take 
in the by or near it, in : Long-Island, Shrews- command of the a and ng the neces- 
bury, & 335 sary orders, - 843 
July 14, Letter Pie: Golons| Pitkin an she Neneork 15, Letter from the Goan of Safety to Colaiel 
Convention: respecting Mr. Tyler’sconduct, 335 Barnes, - - 844 
14, Letter from General Mifflin to Sires Wash- 15, Letter froda the C sanstill of Salty to Captain 
ington, - - - - - 336 Thomas, - - - 844 
14, Letter from General Wadhiogipe hs the Com- 15, Letter from the Gouncil of Safety to Captain 
mittee for Orange County, in New-York: Hindman, - - - 344 
Every precaution ought, to be taken to pre- 15, Letter from the Council of Salety to General 
vent enemy’s ships from getting supplies, or Hooper, - : - 344 
keeping up any intercourse with the disaf- 15, Letter from the Gouna of Safety to Captain 
fected inhabitants, - Sis igen - 336 Smyth, - - 344 
14, Letter from Colonel Hey to General George 15, Letter from the Gduden of Safety to Bolodel 
Clinton, - - - - 337 Johnson: A number of cannon is wanted 
14, Letter from Gidemal nlite} to the Die w- for the use of the Province; he is requested 
York Convention, - - - - - 1402 to say on what terms he can furnish them, - 345 
* 14, Letter from Colonel je casos to the New- 15, Proceedings of the Baltimore Committee, - 345 
York Convention, - - 1426 15, Letter from the President of Congress to (oe 
14, Letter from Egbert Benson to naw Wash- ral Washington, - - 346 
ington: The late insurrection of the Tories 15, Letter from the President of aiprces to the 
in Dutchess eeanty was an inconsiderable Convention of New-Jersey: earnestly request- 
affair, . - - - - - 337 ing them to furnish the Flying-Camp and the 
14, Letter from the Gomanistie for Dutchess Coun- Militia with all the lead they can procure; 
ty, New-York, to Colonel Clinton: proposing the amount already received is very ni short 
fire-rafts for the destruction of the enemy’s of what is wanted, - - - 346 
ships in the North River, - - - - 338 15, Letter from the President of Cinagecasit to Dr. 
14, Letter from Colonel Clinton to the Committee Shippen: Congress have appointed him Sur- 
for Dutchess County: Approves much of geon-General and Director of the Hospital of 
their plan for the fire-rafts, - - - 337 the Flying-Camp and Militia in New-Jersey, 346 
14, Letter from General igi to the President “15, Letter from Samuel Adams to Richard sininlpe 
of Congress, - - 338 Lee, -  - 347 
14, Letter from General Ete view to Besent! Wash- ~ 15, Letter from Josiah Bartlett to Join Jiatigdoas - 348 
ington: Yesterday discovery was made of ~—15, Extract ofa letter from John Adams, - 348 
some desperate designs of the Tories; he is — 15, Letter from General Roberdeau to Righard 
bound by oath not to divulge names or par- Peters, - - - - - 349 
ticulars, - - - - - 338 15, Resolutions of the Pennsylvania Council of 
14, Letter from General Schuyler to un nee Wash- Safety, making provision for thé support of 
ington: introducing Captain Marquisie, a the families of “indigent Associators who have 
French Engineer, = - - - - - 338 been called into service, - 349 
14, Letter from Colonel Schuyler to General Gates, 339 | “~ 15, Officers for the Flying-Camp appointed by che 
14, Letter from Captain Veeders to General Gates: Philadelphia Associators, - 349 
Is stationed at Skenesborough as a guard, — 15, Letter from Carpenter Wharton to the President 
but has no ammunition for his men, - - 339 of Congress: Two thousand of the Pennsyl- 
14, Letter from an Officer at Fort George to an vania Militia have arrived at Trenton, New- 
Officer in New-York: The important services Jersey, and Colonel Dickinson’s Battalion 
of General Sullivan in Canada, - - - °339 have just marched for Woodbridge, - - 350 
14, Letter from General Gates to Lieutenant Ganse- 15, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 
voort: Sends thirteen Indians prisoners, who dent of Congress: The inhuman treatment 
are to be escorted safely to General Schuyler, of our people by Captain Forster deserves the 
at Albany, - - . - - - 339 severest reprobation; if, hereafter, the claims 
14, Letter from General Gates to Colonel Schuyler, 340 of humanity are disregarded, justice and 
14, Letter from General Arnold to General Gates: policy will require recourse to be had to the 
with the sentence of a General Court-Mar- laws of retaliation, - - - - 350 
tial, who have dismissed Colonel Campbell 15, Letter from General aNUaRinicete to a Commit- 
from the service, - - - - - 340 tee of the New-York Convention: It is 
14, Letter from Captain Brownsonto General Gates, 340 equally dangerous to set at large or permit 
14, Letter from Ebenezer Bartram to General Gates: the continuance in New-York, of the prison- 
Recommends Captian Harding for promo- ers confined in the Jail of that City; they 
tion, . - - . - 340 should be sent to some place where they can 
14, Letter from Andrew Hamilion to Jabez Fisher, 341 be safely kept, and can do us no injury, - 351 
14, Letter from William Pyncheon to Jabez Fisher, 341 15, Letter from General Washington to General 
14, Letter from Colonel Child to the New-Hamp- Schuyler: enclosing Resolutions of Congress, 351 
shire Committee of Safety, ~ - 341 15, Letter from General Washington to Governour 
15, Letter from a Member of the Council of Salety Trumbull: With the condolas, row-galleys, 
of Maryland, - 341 &c., in Connecticut, the ships in the North 
15, Letter from William Lait to the Maryland Getuk River would be attacked, - - - - 352 
cilofSafety, - = - 342 | © 15, Letter from General Washington to General 
15, Letter from Colonel Jordan tha. Gouneil a Schuyler: enionin ga letter for General Bur- 
Safety: Between seventy and eighty vessels goyne,  - - - - 352 
are lying off the mouth of St. Mary’s River; this 15, Letter from General TMaahingtde to Gonbral 
morning ten boats full of men landed on St. Howe: enclosing resolutions of Congress, 
George’s Island, - - 342 of July 10, on the breach of the capitulation 
15, Letter from John Dorsey to the Gaui of at the Cedars, by Captain Forster, = - 352 
Safety, - ‘ : : - 342 15, Letter from Colonel Joseph Reed to Chasleg 
15, Letter from the Berraision for Talbot County, Petitt: Describes his meeting a flag from the 
Maryland, to the Council of Safety, - - 343 British fleet, with a letter from Lord Howe 
15, Letter from Samuel Barret to the Council of to Mr. Washington, - - - - - 352 
Safety, - 343 15, Examination of “Deserters from the oa 
15, Letter from the Obani of Satots, to Gating fleet, - > 353 
Somerville: They have been informed of the 15, Letter ‘cae the re vdaten of Now Wask to 
landing of the British on St. George’s Island, General Washington: Measures will be taken 
and have given the necessary directions, - 343 immediately to secure the passes in the High- 
15, Letter from the Council of pati to Captain lands, and the utmost vigilance will be used 
Bealls < reiuit o 5% + 948 in watching the steps of the Tories, - - 353 


XXIII | CONTENTS. | XXIV 


1776. 

July 15, Letter from the New-York Convention to Gen. July 16, Letter from Council of Safety to the Commit- 
Washington: Vessels have been seen going tees on the Eastern-Shore of Maryland, - 365 
to and from the ships-of-war at Tarrytown, - 354 16, Letter from the Council of Safety to the Com- 

15, Letter from Colonel Hammond to the New- mittees on the Western-Shore of Maryland, 366 
York Convention, - - - - - 1402 16, Letter from the President of Congress to the 

15, Letter from the New-York Eonenyon to Colo- Virginia Council of Safety: requesting them 
nel Hammond, - - 1403 to send all the lead that can be spared; it is 

15, Letter from Joseph Teas to thes New-York wanted for the Army in New-Jersey, and the 
Convention, = - - - - 1404 state of affairs will not admit the least delay, 366 

15, Westchester County, Rawat ore, Ganairtss 16, Letter from the President of Congress to Colo- 
prohibit meetings of the Tories, - - - 354 nel Lewis: urging him to collect and send 

15, Letter from General Clinton to General Wash- all the lead that can be spared, -  - 366 
ington: communicating the measures he has 16, Letter from the Pregident of ree to Colo- 
taken to protect the country on the North nel Kirmovan: informing him of his appoint- 
River from depredations by the enemy, - 354 ment as Engineer in the Continental service, 367 

15, Letter from Colonel Hamman! to General Wash- 16, Letter from the President of Congress to the 
ington, - 355. |. Massachusetts Assembly: beseeching them, 

15, Letter from Babert Beakants to the New’ Mork in the name and by the authority of Congress, 
Convention: Objections to a general call of as they regard the liberties of the country 
Militia at this time, - - - - = 3855 and the happiness of posterity, to strain every 

15, Extract of a letter from sada SGOrREE of nerve to send forward the Militia for strengtlt 
the Tory plot, -— - - - 307 ening the Army at New-York, - — - 367 

15, Letter from General Waterbury to General < 16, Letter from William Whipple to John Tavedon: 
Gates, - - - 357 The Declaration of indepondenre has had a : 

15, Letter from Gana Bathe to General Arnold: glorious effect, - - 368 
He will not decide on Colonel Campbell’s — 16, Letter from John Alsop to che ere York thet 
Court-Martial; that must be left to General vention: As the Declaration:of Independ- 
Schuyler; Colonel Hazen complains of irregu- ence is against his judgment and inclination, 
larities in the proceedings against him, = OO d he begs leave to resign his seat as a DeMantp 

15, Letter from General Gates to “General Water- in Congress, - 368 
bury, . - - - - - 358 16, Letter from General Motos a the President oF 

15, Letter from pee Arnold to General Baten Congress, a - 8.389 
To-morrow Colonel Bedel and Major Butter- 16, Letter from General Merder i General Wash- 
field are ordered up, and go off immediately, 358 ington: His plan of a proposed attack on the 

15, Letter from Colonel Winds to General Gates, 359 British posts on Staten-Island, - - 369 

15, Letter from Thomas. Bull to.General Gates: 16, Letter from General Mercer to General Wash- 
soliciting a supply of ammunition for eighty ington . 371 
men, alias Ac alain) de pethal- GBOo 16, Letter from Colonel Sesminny to Genceal Wash- 

15, Letter from Danie] Tillinghast to General Wash- ington: Remonstrance of the Officers of the 
ington: Has sent three cases of fire-arms Connecticut Light-Horse against doing duty 
from Providence, ~ - - - - 359 on foot, and requesting a dismission in form, 371 

15, Letter from F. Greene to General Washington, 359 16, Letter from General Washington to Colonel 

15, Notice of the suppression of the Domes at Nine- Seymour: Agrees that the ueeop may be 
Partners, in New-York, - - 360 dismissed, - - 371 

15, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Nathaniel 16, Letter from Gertorn hae iS eal Wash- 
Shaw - 360 ington, - - 371 

15, Letter from John Roetie to Canin Haskell : 16, Letter Gam Aalonel Reed to Mrs. Recs By Oe D. 
His instructions as Captain of a vessel fitted Letter from Dennis de Berdt to Joseph Reed, . 
out for gaining intelligence REAPER BHE me May 3: Lord Howe goes to America as a 
British fleets and armies, - 360 mediator, and not as a destroyer; if a con- 

15, Letter from the Council of Massachusetts to ference should be brought: about, nothing 
Joseph Hawley, : =u ites -, S6l unbecoming a gentleman will be desired, nor 

15, Letter from the Council of Massachusetts to unreasonable concessions expected, - - 372 
Joseph Trumbull, Commissary, -  - - 361 16, Letter from General Spencer to a Committee of 

15, Letter from Richard Newton to He Massachu- the New-York Provincial Congress: respect- 
setts Council, - 361 ing the discharge of two prisoners, - - 373 

15, Letter from Bradbury Riahanisen to J etaiban 16, Pass for Members of the Convention from New- 
Moulton, - - - - - - - 362 York to the White-Plains, - - 374 

16, Court-Martial on Lieutenant Williams, - - 362 16, Resolution of the New- Vork Committee for ihe 

16, Letter from St. Joseph Dashiell to the inthe publication of the Declaration of Independ- 
land Council of Safety, - - 362 ence, on the 18th, at the City-Hall, - - 874 

16, Letter from Captain Bracco to the oral er 16, Letter from Colonel Hammon to the NPP 
Safety: Has exhausted both money and credit Convention, - - 1404 
to support the men under his command, - 362 16, Letter from the New- York Convention to Cold- 

16, Letter from Richard Dallam to the Council of nel Hammon, - : m - - 1404 
Safety, - - - 363 16, Letter from the New- York Gententtn to the 

16, Letter from Captains Parnes and Elliott to the Committee for Ulster County, - - - 1405 
Council of Safety: soliciting a reinforcement 16, Letter from the New-York Convention to Cad- 
for the defence of Kent-Island, - 363 walader Colden, Jun.: His petition is refer- 

16, Letter from Colonel Johnson to ihe Council of red to the Committee for Ulster County, - 1405 
Safety, - - 363 16, Letter from Colonel Hammond to the New- 

16, Letter from General Dent ‘# the iC onace of York Convention, - - 1405 
Safety: Will immediately set out to St. Ma- -|° 16, Letter from the New-York Geuventinn a Colo- 
ry’s, and take every precaution to guard nel Van Cortlandt,  - - - 1407 
against and repel the enemy, - - 363 16, Letter from the New-York Ganvaiion es the 

16, Letter from Robert Porteus to the Council of Commissioners for building the Continental 
Safety, - - - - - 364 ships at Poughkeepsie, = - - - - 1407 

16, Letter from John Skinner to the Council of 16, Letter from the New-York Convention to Gen- 
Safety, - - 364 eral Washington: As their troops are but 

16, Letter from Colonel Tyler tp the iGbancal of ill supplied with ammunition, they request 
Safety, - - - -  - 364 he will order them an immediate supply, - 446 

16, Letter from the Council of Safety to the several 16, Letter from John McDonald to the New-York 
Committees of Observation in Maryland: Convention, - rs - 1413 
with the Declaration of Independence, and 16, Letter from ahr pan re the pe York 
requesting it re! be So toerin in each Convention: uae a commission sak a 
County, - - 364 privateer, - - - 374 

16, Letter from the Chane of Safety to the Sah 16, Certificate for the erection ofa Powder-Mill i in 


mittee for Worcester County, Maryland, - 364 Ulster County, New-York, - os - $74 


CONTENTS. 


Firts Series.—Vot. I. 


evo XXVI 
1776. 

i <6, Letter from John Coe to General Washington: July 17, Letter from the President of ni to Gen- 
giving information of the movements of Brit- eral Mercer, - - - 388 
ish vessels of war up the North River, - 374 17, Letter from General Washinton to the Presi- 

16, Letter from Colonel Porter to General Fellows: dent of Congress: Colonel Hand’s Battalion, 388 
enclosing a letter from Egbert Benson, re- 17, Letter from General Vonece to the Presi- 
questing “some troops from the western part - dent of Congress, - 7 - 389 
of Gonnecticut, for the defence of the High- 17, Letter from General Washington’ to General 
lands, . - - 375 Schuyler, - : “ - 390 

16, Letter from General Gates to the Pieshtent of 17, Letter Hom General Washinea to Gétonel 
Congress: State of the Northern Army, - 375 Clinton: Approves the steps he has taken 

16, Letter from General Gates to General Wash- for the defence of the Highlands, 2 =|) SOT 
ington, - 376 17, Letter from General Washington to the New- 

16, Letter for Nathan Clarke to General Schuyler: York Convention, - d : - 392 
with a list of the Officers nominated, to raise 17, Letter from a Seeret Cotiunittee of the New- 
the Green Mountain Boys, to be stationed York Convention to General Washington: 
on the eastern side of Lake Champlain, - 377 They have been appointed to form and exe- 

16, Letter from Governour Cooke to the President cute any plan they may conceive necessary 
of Congress, = - «= $877 for the defence of Hudson’s River,  - - 392 

16, Letter from Governour Cok te General Wash- 17, Letter from Colonel Malcom to the New-York 
ington, - - - - - 378 Convention, - - + - - - 1410 

16, Letter from Gov. Trumbull to Obi $veehitieton, 378 17, Letter from Colonel Hammond to the New- 

16, Proceedings of the Connecticut Council of York Convention, - - - 1414 
Safety, - - - - - - - 378 17, Letter from Colonel Dubois to the Prébident 

16, Letter from the Massachusetts Council to Gen- of Congress: respecting the pail ay of 
eral Washington: requesting his attention to Officers in his Regiment, - 393 
the exchange of the officers and men of the 17, Arrangement of the Third New- York Battalion, 
privateer Yankee Hero, now ar one in the as they served at Canada the last campaign, 393 
hands of the enemy, - - ° 380 17, Letter from General edith to General Wash- 

16, Letter from the New-Hampshire Ovnistiee af ington, - - - 394 
Safety to the President of Congress: Has 17, Letter from General Reiayter to the President 
received the Declaration of Independence, of Congress: Arrived yesterday at the Ger- 
and believes it will give great satisfaction man- Flats to meet the Six Nations, - - 394 
throughout the Colony, - - 381 17, Letter from General Schuyler to Governour 

16, Letter from Captain Barrow to the New- $e inp- Trumbull: This day about one hundred and 
shire Committee of Safety, - - - 381 ‘fifty Indians came in, and we expect a numer- 

17, Letter from Captain Dunnell at Martinico, - 382 ous body of them in a few days, - - 895 

17, Letter from Colonel Jordan to the Maryland 17, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates: 
Council of Safety: Attempt of the British to Hopes his endeavours to establish good order 
land on St. George’s Island, 3 382 and to eradicate the dangerous jealousy which 

17, Letter from R. Hooe to the Maryland Oduncil has unhappily arisen amongst the troops will 
of Safety, - - . 8383 meet with the desired success, - = 896 

17, Letter from Captain Barnes to the céutitel of 17, Letter from General Gates to General Water- 
Safety: Is much in want of ammunition; has ur - = - 396 
not more than a gor ics of a aid of see 17, Letter from General Gates to Bomeral Arnold: 
der perman, ~- 383 He sends the Commodore, with the largest 

17, Letter from Colonel Soinbiville to the Maryland and best schooner, for his instructions in re- 
Council of Safety, - 429 gard to the cruise he ih to make down 

17, Letter from Jesse Hollingawetth to the Oduncil the Lake, - - - 397 
of Safety, - - - - - - 384 17, Letter from General Gates to the Commanding 

17, Letter from Daniel Wolsienholm to the Com- Officer at Fort George: There is a wanton 
manding Officer at St. George’s, S 519 waste of powder at that fort, in firing a 

17, Letter from William Waters to the Council of morning and evening gun, and in unneces- 
Safety: with the proceedings of the Commit- sary salutes; none must be used but in op- 
tee for Somerset eM ott James ee posing the atticks of the enemy, - - 397 
field, L u 384 17, Letter from General Gates to alight Colo- 

17, Letter ‘from Thomas B. ‘Hands to the Cbuncil nel Gansevoort, - 2 =) 397 
of Safety: Declines accepting his appoint- 17, Letter from Captain Brovison 6 Gancie 
ment as a member of the Committee of Gates, - 398 
Safety, - - - 885 17, Petition Of the Oeste: &e., of Goloiel Bedel’s s 

17, Letter from Stephen Stewart to the CBitinittee Regiment, to General Gates, - 398 
of Safety, - - - - 8385 17, Letter from Daniel Tillinghast to General Wash: 

17, Letter from the Council of Safety to Captain ington: He sends more guns and flints, - 399 
Crawford: directing him to convey ammuni- 17, Letter from Governour Trumbull to the New- 
tion to St. Mary’s County, - - 886 York Convention, - 4 - 1452 

17, Letter from the Council of Safety to General 17, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General 
Dent: Request of him fall information of the SOLES hpi ieee oad 399 
numbers, situation, and movements of the 17, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Geert 
enemy; powder, lead, and flints are sent off Washington, - - * - 400 
to Leonardtown, - - 386 17, Affidavit of Nathan Spiteri Vessel from New- 

17, Letter from the Council of Safety to rffogias York sake tees the British Fleet with Ay 
Ringgold: Gunpowder and lead has been visions, - 401 
sent for the use of Kent-Island, - - - 386 17, Affidavit of Sarnuél Siiediey! The people’ of the 

17, Letter from the Council of Safety to Thomas Block Island boats not so friendly as ae 
Smyth, - - - - 386 ought to be to the American cause, - 402 

17, Letter from the Gaile of Seca to Captains 17, Affidavit of Captain Niles: Has reason to nds 
Barnes and Elliott, - 887 lieve that the Block-Island boats are em- 

17, Letter from the Council of Safety to ional ployed in furnishing the enemy’s ships with 
Ewing, - - - - jz 887 intelligence, supplies, and Sau comfort in 

17, Letter from the President of Congress to Gent their power to afford, - 402 
eral Washington, - - 387 17, Affidavit of Ebenezer Cle tox’: A "aes loaded 

——~ 17, Letter from the President of: Gan pread to the with flour came from New-York to the British 
Convention of Pennsylvania: requesting a Fleet, . 402 
Committee of the Convention may be ap- 17, Affidavit of Matthew Thonipsont: British Sites 
pointed under an injunction of secrecy, to were supplied with hogs, es &c., from 
confer with a Committee of the Congress, - 387 Block-Island, - s 403 

17, Letter from the President of Congress to Colo- 17, Affidavit of Tomas Kanady: teapectiny a ahi 
nel Smallwood: To march the Maryland partly loaded with provisions, lying at an- 
Troops to New-York immediately, - - 388 chor at Fisher’s Island, - : - 403 


XXVII 


met July 17, Letter from Joseph Hawley to Elbridge Gerry : 


_ 


The Declaration of Independence should have 
been accompanied with a declaration of high 
treason. Most certainly it must immediately 
and without the least delay, follow it, - - 
17, Letter from General Lincoln to the Council of 


Massachusetts: Estimate of the fortifications ° 


and the number of men necessary for the de- 
fence of Boston, - - - - 

17, Letter from Captain Fisk to the Mastachiisetts 
Assembly: Has captured the British armed 
schooner Despatch; and desires to know how 
to proceed with the prisoners, - 

17, Letter from Meshech Weare to Galbniel Win- 
gate, 

18, Letter from Francis Siivador to William H. 
Drayton, - - - - - - - 

18, Recantation of Bennet Armstrong, - 

18, Letter from John West to the Maryland oun 
cil of Safety: on empowering commanding 
officers to raise the Militia in cases of oreal 
emergency, - - 

18, Letter from Gstenal Dorsey to Maryland Gore 
cil of Safety, - : 

18, Letter from Captain Nicholaon to the donneil 
of Safety, - 

18, Letter from the Cannoli of Safety t to the Com- 
manding Officer at St. Mary’s, - - 

18, Letter from the Council of Safety to Colonel 


Somerville, - : 
18, Letter from the Gonacil of Safety to fabaries 
Ridgely, Sen., - - . 
18, Letter from the Council of Safety to Captain 
Smith, - - - - - - - 
18, Proceedings at a special meeting of the Balti- 
more Committee, - ~ - - 
18, Letter from the President of Conair’ to anc! 
ral Washington, - - - - 


18, Letter from the President = Congress to the 
Pennsylvania Convention, - - - 

18, Letter from the President of Canarees to eon 
ral Schuyler, - 

18, William Allibone’s Reved on Flint Qtarnes 

18, Letter from Samuel Chase to General Gates: 
He cannot conceive the propriety of erect- 
ing fortifications at Crown-Point, - 

18, Letter from William Atlee to the Renurlvenia 
Committee of Safety : respecting the baggage 
of the British officers, prisoners on parole, 
who absconded from Lebanon, - - - 

18, Letter from Colonel Burd to the Lancaster, 
Pennsylvania, Committee, with John White, 
a prisoner, charged with assisting the British 
officers to escape from Lebanon, - : 

18, Ordinance passed by the Convention of New- 
Jersey, for punishing Traitors and Counter- 
feiters, - - - 

18, Letter from General Mercer Goaeesl Wash- 
ington: If nothing unlooked for intervenes, 
he intends to- night to attack the British 
posts on Staten- Island, - - 

18, Letter from General Mercer to Major owe 
ton: Instructions for the prolecieg Sepia 
of the enemy on Staten Island, - 

18, Letter from Samuel B. Webb to Cetera Ward, 

List of articles taken in the transports, which 
General Ward is requested to forward from 
Boston to New-York as soon as possible, - 

18, Letter from Samuel B. Webb to Governour 
Trumbull: On the refusal of the Connecticut 
Light-Horse to mount guard, the General 

was obliged to discharge them yesterday, - 

18, Instructions to the Superintendents of the East 
River and North River Ferries, New-York, 

18, Letter from Colonel Joseph Reed to Robert 
Morris: with the Letter to him from Dennis 
de Berdt, - - - - - 

18, Letter from General Wadsworth to Peecatous 
Trumbull: Account of the difficulty with 
Colonel Seymour’s Troop of Horse from 
Connecticut, - - - - . 

18, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 
ington: Report of the position and move- 
ments of the enemy, - - - - 

18, Declaration of Independence read and pub- 
lished at the City-Hall, New-York, — - - 

18, Narrative of the case of Captain Robert Camp- 
bell, of New-York, - ni thpie . “ 


CONTENTS. 


403 


404 


405 
406 


406 
407 


407 
408 
408 
408 
409 
409 
409 
409 
409 
409 
410 
410 


410 


411 


412 


412 


413 


413 
413 


414 


414 


414 


415 


417 


418 
418 
419 


Fils ts, Letter from the New-York Convention to the 


XXVIII 


Committee of Rochester, in Ulster County, 1415 


18, Letter from the New-York Convention to Ge- 
neral Washington, - - - 

18, Letter from Colonel Van Cortlandt and Cap- 
tain Platt to the New-York Convention: re- 
porting their proceedings for the defence of 
the Highlands, - . - 33 

18, Letter from a Committee nf the New-York 
Convention to General Washington: Have 
taken a survey of the fortresses in the High- 
lands, and are sorry to say that they are by 
no means in a proper state of defence, - 

18, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates: 
Encloses the Declaration of Independence, 
to be preriaimnes throughout the Northern 


Army, - ’ é 
18, Letter from Gomera Wnterbetpie to General 
Gates, - - - = “ < 


18, Resolves of the Connecticut Committee of 
Safety for the arrest and punishment of sus- 
pected persons, - - - - 

18, Letter from Timothy ‘Parker to Governour 
Trumbull: Declines the appointment of First 
Lieutenant of the Colony ship commanded 
by Captain Coit, - - - - - 

18, Letter from Captain Tinker to Governour Trum- 
bull, - - - - - - - 

18, Declaration of Independence proclaimed from 
the balcony of the State-House in Boston, - 

18, Declaration of Independence proclaimed from 
the Council Chamber in Watertown, - 

18, Letter from Timothy Pickering to Raphard 
Derby: Urges the adoption of some regula- 
tions to prevent the spread of the small-pox, 

18, Letter from the Selectmen of Northfield to the 
Council of Massachusetts, - - - 

18, Letter from Joseph Otis: on the proceedings of 
the Town of Barnstable, Massachusetts, on 
the 25th of June, - - - - - 

18, Letter from the New-Hampshire Committee of 
Safety to Colonel Bayley, - - - - 

18, Declaration of Independence braganed at 
Portsmouth, New-Hampshire,_ - - 

19, Letter from General Lee to a Member of Con- 
gress: giving his opinion on the propriety 
of waiving his rank in favour of some ghia 
dent adventurer, ~ - - - 

19, Letter from George Scott to me Maryland Gans 
cil of Safety, + - 

19, Letter from Thomas Patel ‘ the Gounel a 
Safety, - - - 

19, Letter from General ie tees i the Bounced oF 
Safety: Has called out the Militia, but they 
cannot be kept together, without money for 
their subsistence, = - - - 

19, Letter from Colonel Harrison to the Gorncil 
of Safety, - - 

19, Letter from General Dent to tbe iCoanti of 
Safety: Strength and movements of the ene- 
my; the Fleet continues at the mouth of St. 
Mary’s River; it is said they intend only to 
wood and water, and then proceed to sea, - 

Examination of Cunningham, yeecpned from the 
British Fleet, - - - 

19, Letter from Daniel Tye laahelne to Gelondl 
Barnes, - - 

19, Letter from the robgitn of Safety to clonal 
Dorsey: Do not desire him to send in any 
more Militia, - 

19, Letter from the Goan aa of Se ays Meryland 
to the Council of Safety of Virginia, - - 

19, Letter from the Council of Safety to "eh Weis- 
enthall, - - 

19, Letter from the Genaed of Safety to he Came 
mittee for Alexandria, in Virginia: Will 
cheerfully afford them assistance. BPpBi etry 
emergency that may require it, - 

19, Letter from the Council of Safety to Stephen 


Stewart, - 

19, Letter from the Obudell, of Safety to the. Com- 
mittee for Charles County, - 

19, Letter from the Council of Safety to the Mary- 
land Delegates in Congress, - - 

19, Letter from the President of Cemaress to ont 
ral Washington, « - - 


Letter from General Lee to Mi AE of 
Congress, July 2, - - - “ 2 


422 


422 


423 


423 
424 


424 


425 
425 
425 
426 


426 
427 


147 
4Q7 
427 


428 
430 
430 


430 


433 
433 
434 
434 
435 


XXIX 


1776. 

Circumstantial account of the proceedings of 
the British Fleet and Army, both before and 
after their defeat at Sullivan’s Island, - 

July 19, Letter from the President of Congress tb the 

Convention of New-Jersey: requesting the 
live stock on the sea-coast of New-Jersey 
may be removed to the interior, - - - 

19, Letter from the President of Congress to the 
Convention of New-Jersey: The Congress 
wish to know by what means the letter to 

_ Mr. Kinsey reached his hands, - - 

19, Letter from William Goddard to the Board of 
War: applying for the it ip aya of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel, - - - - 

Memorial of William Goddard to attipeiss: re- 
questing a military appointment, - - 

19, Letter from J. Kinsey to Samuel Tucker, - 

——~ 19, Letter from General Mercer to General Wash- 
ington: The weather so tempestuous last 
night that the troops could not cross to Sta- 
ten-Island, - - - - - 

Plan for attacking Staten- Blend) - - - 

19, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 
dent of Congress: The determination of the 
General Officers of the Northern Army to 
retreat from Crown-Point surprised him much; 
the more it is considered, the more striking 
does the impropriety appear, = - - - 

Letter from the New-York Convention to Gene- 

ral Washington, July 16, - - - - 

19, Letter from General Washington to the Com- 
mittee of the City of New-York : recommend- 
ing the removal ofall equivocal and suspicious 
persons from the City, - - - - 

19, Letter from General Washington to the Secret 
Committee of the New-York Convention, - 

19, Letter from General Washington to the New- 
York Convention, - - - - - 

19, Letter from General Washington to Governour 
Trumbull, - - - - 

19, Letter from General Washington to Geteral 
Gates, - - - 

19, Letter from the New-York Gomvamien to the 
Committee of Litchfield, Connecticut: re- 
questing them to take charge of some pri- 
soners, - - - - - 

19, Letter from Colonel Banmend ‘6 the New- 
York Convention, - - - - - 

19, Letter from Colonel Ludenton to ne New-York 
Convention, - - - . : 

19, Letter from General Washington «tha General 
Gates: Lord Howe has arrived ; he and the 
General, his brother, are appointed Commis- 
sioners to sore yee to eau 
sinners, - ~ - - 

19, Letter from Gener Wasligtatan to Gatretal 
Ward: Request five hundred barrels of Rows 
der may be sent to Norwich, - : 

19, Letter from Ephraim Anderson to the Breaniang 
of Congress: Is preparing for the destruction 
of the British Fleet in the harbour of New- 
York, - 

19, Letter from ayer Trambull 5 the President 
of Congress: The Northern Army is in want 
of provisions the Commissary has no posers 
and is largely in debt, - - 

19, Letter from General Greene to General este 
ington, - 

19, Letter from Gulbis Hay to arora Wikehins- 
ton: The enemy now lie in Haverstraw-Bay, 
and are using every effort to land and destroy 
the property of the inhabitants; a supply of 
powder and ball is absolutely necessary, = - 

19, Examination of Richard Turpin, a deserter from 
Captain Wallace, of the ship Rose: Commu- 
nications of the Tories with the British, = - 

19, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates: 
Fears he will be detained at the German- 
Flats much longer than he expected, - - 

19, Resignations and promotions in Colonel Day- 
ton’s Regiment at the German-Flats, - . 

19, Letter from Walter Livingston to General Gates, 

19, Petition of the inhabitants of Shelburne, on 
Lake Champlain, to General Gates: request- 
ing a party of men may be stationed there for 
their protection,» = 3 y 2 

19, Letter from Samuel Squier to Bev ernour Trum- 
bull, - - - - . - “ - 


— 


436 


440 


440 


441 


442 
469 


443 
443 


444 
446 


448 
448 
449 
450 
650 


1419 


1420 
1422 


450 


451 


451 


451 


| 452 


452 


452 


453 


453 
454 


455 
455 


CONTENTS. 


July 19, Proceedings of the Council of ality of Con- 
necticut, - - - - 

19, Resolve of Committee for Syiasbuty, in Con- 
necticut, respecting Tories, - 

19, Court of Inquiry at STrury on John Moses 
and Jesse Cosset, — - uJ 

19, Letter from the Council: of Massnchysetts to 
the President of Congress: The calls for 
Troops have so areatly thinned us of men 
that it has become extremely difficult, if not 
impracticable, to raise any more, ‘ 

19, Treaty between Massachusetts and the St. 
John’s and Mickmac tribe of Indians, - 

19, Letter from Benjamin Austin to Thomas Cush- 
ing: Respecting presents for the St. John’s 
and Mickmac Indians, - 

19, Letter from General Lincoln to ieee iGush- 
ing: Recommends detaching the Militia in 
the neighbourhood of Boston harbour, the 
erection of beacons, and establishing signals, 
that all may be ready in case of an alarm, - 

19, Letter from Tristram Dalton to Elbridge Gerry: 
The important results from the Declaration 
of Independence, - - - - 

19, Letter from the Portsmouth Simutcek to the 
New-Hampshire Committee of Safety: Re- 
questing permission for Mrs. Livius to pro- 
ceed to Quebeck,~— - . - - - 

19, Letter from the Portsmouth Committee to the 
New-Hampshire Committee of Safety: Onthe 
projected voyage of Captain Roach, - 

20, Letter from Captain Richards to the English 
Postmaster-General, - - - 

20, Extract of a letter from Tondiah - - - 

List of British armed vessels on the North- 
American station, - - - - - 

20, Letter from Samuel Curson to Comfort Sands: 
Powder continues in great plenty at St. Ku- 
statia, = - - 

20, Account of a battle between the Militia of Fin- 
castle County, Virginia, and the Cherokee 
and Creek Indians, near the great Island of 
Holstein, - 

20, Declaration of Tdevendenas ereted by the 
Council of Virginia to be published in the 
several gazettes, and proclaimed at the Court- 
House door of each peunty by the several 
Sheriffs, - - - - - 

20, Letter from John Page to the Bratidestt Ae Con- 
gress: The people of Virginia have been 
anxiously expecting the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, and will receive it with joy, - 


20, Letter from Elisha Winters to the patyland 


Council of Safety, —- - 

20, Letter from Captain Martin to the Gounteil ae 
Safety : Proposes to raise men for the defence 
of Oxford, - - - - : 

20, Letter from General Dent to the Goaniil of 
Safety: The fleet has gone up the Potomack, 

20, Letter from the Council of Safety to Major 
Shryock: Request he will forward the Militia 
of the Flying-Camp, - - - 

20, Baltimore Committee authorize the discharge 
of John Amos, - - - - - 

20, Letter from the President of Congress to Gentes 
ral Washington, - : - 

— 20, Extract ofa Weties from Fah cenit - - 

20, Letter from M. Pelissier to the Presidént of 
Congress: He was among the foremost in 
Canada to support the American cause; by 
the retreat of the Army from Canada he is 
ruined, and dare not return, - - 

20, Philadelphia Committee ‘dmonumend to the Cap- 
tains of the Militia to use their utmost abili- 
ties to complete their Companies, — - 

— 20, Letter from Robert Morris to Joseph Reed: If 
the Commissioners have any propositions to 
make, they ought to be heard; if they have 
no power beyond granting pardons, it will 
unite all America in support of independence; 
but if they can offer peace on admissible 
terms, the great majority of the American 


people would still be for accepting it, - - 
20, Letter from Samuel Tucker to the Brosident of 
Congress, - 


Letter from J. Kinsey to Samuel Tucker July 19: 
The letter came to Mrs. Reed in a packet from 
her brother, Dennis de Berdt,  - - - 


460 


461 


461 
461 
462 
462 
463 


463 


464 


464 


466 


467 


467 
468 


469 


XXXI 
1776. 4 
Letter from the Bridgetown Committee to the 
New-Jersey Delegates in Congress, May 6: 
They are suffering from the depredations of 
the enemy, and solicit a supply of pawder 
and ball, - - 


«> July 20, Letter from General Rtcrccd to the Daiinns of 


Congress, - 

20, Letter from Philip B. Bradley t to Canard Wash- 
ington: Is of opinion that Captain Ephraim 
Burr’s conduct, upon the strictest scrutiny, 
will appear unexceptionable, - . - 

20, Letter from General Wadsworth to Governour 
Trumbull: But little more than half his Bri- 
gade has arrived, an event very disagreeable 
under the present circumstances of the Army, 

20, Letter from the New-York Convention to Colo- 
nel Ludenton, - - 

20, Letter from the New- York anepetee to their 
Delegates in Congress: They have relin- 
quished the thought of removing the stock 


from Long-Island, - e A es 
20, Letter from the New-York Ra ention to Gene- 
ral Washington, - - ‘e . A. 


20, Resolutions of the New-York Convention for 
removing the stock from Long-Island, - 

20, Letter from the Committee for Dutchess County 
to the New-York Convention: It will be dif- 
ficult to raise the two Regiments in the 
County without money to pay the bounty on 
inlisting, - - - - - - 

20, Letter from General Schuyler to the een 
of Congress: Sees no prospect of erecting a 
fort at Oswego, or building galleys: on Ontario, 
this campaign, - 

20, Letter from General Schuyler to Gentral Vash 
ington, - = 


20, Letter from eee nt ie: Gopi 


Gates, - ~ - - 

20, Letter from General Gates to Nathan Ginrk ds 
Sends eighteen commissions for the officers 
of the six Companies, but has no authority 
to appoint a Field-Officer, - - - 

20, Instructions from General Gates to Colonel 


Hartley, - . - 
20, Letter from reat de Ree tite to Cdteral 
Gates, - - = 


20, Letter from Governour Goske to repel Wash- 
ington: The Captains of the row-galleys are 
ordered to progeed dmmediataly to ‘Naw; 
York, - 

20, Assembly of Rhode- island senses He for 
the King of Great Britain, or for the success 


of his arms, - - - - 

20, Declaration of Independence proclaimed 43 
Newport, Rhode-Island,_ - - " 

20, Letter from Governour eal to the el 
dent of Congress, - - c 

20, Letter from Gorenionr eunll to Nathanich 
Shaw, 


20, Letter from William and to iv ohn evan: The 
eastern settlements are without ammunition; 
not one-tenth part of the inhabitants have any, 

20, Letter from the Council of Massachusetts to the 


Selectmen of Boston, - 
20, Letter from Jonathan Glover to Geapenl Wash. 
ington, - - = 


20, Letter from General Bellows to Meshach Weare, 

20, Letter from Colonel Wait to Colonel Hurd: 
The Northern Army has been treated with 
cruel neglect, or we might have been in pos- 
session of Quebeck; there were Generals 
without men, Artillery without supplies, 
Commissaries without provisions, Paymas- 
ters without money, Quartermasters without 
stores, Physicians without raPRLGIO OF and 
the small- -pox in the Army, - ’ 

20, Letter from Benjamin Giles to Meshech Woe. 

20, Letter from Colonel Hurd to the New-Hamp- 
shire Committee of Safety: Is informed that 
seventy-two ships have arrived at Quebeck, 
and the Ministerial Army made up to ten 
thousand British and Canadians, under Ge- 
neral Carleton, - - - 

21, Letter from Charlestown, Santhe Carolina: nel 


CONTENTS. 


469 
469 


470 


470 
1422 


1425 
538 
538 


472 


479 
480 


480 


art has prevailed upon the Cherokees to take ~ 


up the hatchet against our countrymen, - 
21, Account of the attack of Watauga: Fort by ihe 
Cherokees, - 


481 
481 


eroe Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 


General Dent: A reinforcement under ep 
Price has been sent down, - 

21, Letter from James Tilghman to the Maryland 
Council of Safety: For arms, - 

21, Letter from B. Johnson to the Council i Safe- 
ty: Captain Good cannot procure arms with- 
out money; with money he can get both 
arms and blankets, - - - - - 

21, Letter from the President of Congress to Col- 
onel Haslett: Directing him to march, with 
the brodpa under his command, to Philadel- 

phia, 

21, Toe from Dr. Franklin to pee Bowes On hts 
mission to offer pardon to the Colonies,  - 

21, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 
dent of Congress: Has just been informed 
that ten ships, supposed to be part of Lord 
Howe’s fleet, were seen coming in, - - 

21, Letter from General Washington to Samuel 
Tucker: Urging the completion of the levies 
as soon. as possible, as the period is at hand 
when there will be the most pressing occasion 
for troops to oppose the formidable army 
expected against us, - - - - - 

21, Letter from General Washington to the Secret 
Committee of the New-York Convention: It 
is not in his power to reinforce the garrisons 
in the Highlands with more men, as but about 
five thousand of the new levies have arrived 
in camp, of the fifteen thousand ordered, - 

21, Letter from General Washington to Colonel 
Clinton: Sends him Lieutenant Machin, who 
has given great satisfaction as an engineer 
at Boston, - - - - - - 

21, Letter from General Washington to Lieutenant 
Machin: Directs him to proceed to the High- 
lands and report to Colonel James Clinton, - 

21, Letter from Joseph Trumbull to James Bow- 
doin: A person is at No. 4 to receive and 
forward the troops from Nexabagand | going 
to. Crown-Point, - 

21, Letter from General Greene i Cianerdl Wash- 
ington: Is informed that eight hundred ne- 
groes, collected on Staten-Island, were this 
day to be formed into a Regiment by Gene- 
ral Howe, - - - 

21, Letter from the Secret Peeeaane Pe the wey 
York Convention to General Gates: Request- 
ing him to send to Poughkeepsie the chain 
intended to obstruct the navigation of the 


Sorel, ° . x S % E. 
21, Letter fcr General Gates to Genera Washing 
ton, - = 


21, Letter from William Gilliland yr Goacml Gates, 
21, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates: 
Arrived at Crown-Point yesterday; there is 
no news yet from down the Lake, - - 
21, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Arnold, 
21, Letter from S. Metcalf to Colonel Bayley: with 
four Canadian officers, late of Colonel James 
Livingston’s Regiment, - - - 
21, Letter from Governour Cooke to Lord oua, 
22, Letter from Colonel Williamson to William H. 
Drayton; Is encamped at Baker’s Creek, 
with about seven hundred effective men; will 


do his utmost to check the Cherokees, - 
22, Letter from General Henty Clinton to General 
Lee, - - 4 


22; Committee for Ded ania Connie FieieeR 
publish George Herndon and others as ene- 
mies to the rights and liberties of America, 

22, Account of the progress of Lord Dunmore’s 
fleet up the Potomack, = - - 

22, Letter from Dumfries, Virginia: Dearainions 
of the British fleet up the Potomack, - = 

22, Letter from General Thomas Johnson to. the 
Maryland Council of Safety, - ° 

22, Letter from James Murray to the Maryland 
Council of Safety, - 


22, Letter from Richard Dallam ad Cospedl of 


Safety: Has made and delivered some guns 5 ; 


more are ready, - - 
22, Letter from Matthew Tilghman to the Bonncil 
of Safety: enclosing a ‘Petition, - A 


22, Letter from Thomas Stone and William Tah 
Maryland Delegates in Congress, to the 
Council of Safety, - sur - ~ 


XXXII 


481 
482 


482 


482 
482 


484 


484 


484 


485 


485 


485 


486 


486 
916 
486 


486 
487 


488 
606 


488 
489 


489 
490 
490 
490 
491 


491 
491 


492 


XXXIUIT 


July’ 22, Letter from the Council of Safety to Captain 
Perkins: They have no muskets to supply 
any company belonging to the EKastern- 
Shore Battalion, - - - 

22, Letter from the Council of Safety to General 
Hooper: His arrangement of the Militia 
meets with entire approbation, - - - 

22, Letter from the Council of Safety to the Com- 
mittee for Kent County; They haye received 
by Captain Berry a quantity of powder and 
arms, : 

22, Letter from hie dane! of Safety to Thowas 
Ringgold, with powder and lead for the de- 
fence of Kent-Island, . - - - 

22, Letter from the President of Congress to Gen- 
eral Lee: with thanks of Congress for repulse 
of British fleet and army in South-Carolina, - 

List of Officers who were in Fort Monlttie on 
the 28th of June, - 

22, Letter from the President of Goneros to Col- 
onel Moultrie: with the thanks of Congress 
for his patriotick and spirited conduct on the 
28th of June, - - - 

22, Letter from the Proaitont of [Gorcwree to Col- 
onel Thompson: with thanks for the impor- 
tant part he acted on the 28th of June, —- 

22, Letter from the President of Congress to the 
Governour of Virginia, - - - 

22, Letter from the President of Sosigness to Gen- 
eral Lewis: directing him to order two Bat- 
‘talions of Continental Troops in Virginia to 
join the Flying-Camp in New-Jersey, - 

22, Letter from the President of Congress to the 
Pennsylvania Convention: requesting them 
to augment the quota for the Flying-Camp, 
with four Battalions of Militia, - - - 

22, Letter from the President of Congress to the 
Convention of New-Jersey: to augment their 
quota of the Fiying-Gamp with three Bat- 
talions of Militia, - x 

22, Letter from the President of eranis 4“ Col- 


onel Griffin: Appointed DeputyrAdjutant - 


General to the Flying-Camp,_ - 

22, Letter from Dr. Franklin to General Wiashine- 
ton: with Joseph Belton, who has a contri- 
vance for destroying the enemy’s ships, - 

22, Letter from Josiah Bartlett to John Langdon: 
The Confederation is now before a Commit- 
tee of the Whole in Congress; by reason 
of so much other business it goes on but 
slowly, 

“~ 22, Letter from Williem Whipple to John rere 
don: Pennsylvania and New-Jersey are all 
alive; men of fortune march as private sol- 
diers; Colonel Dickinson and all the others 
have marched with their Battalions; the 
Declaration of Independence has done won- 
ders, - 

22, Petition of Lavi Allen . the Bbugnasel Re- 
quests application may be made for the ex- 
change of his brother, Colonel Ethan Allen, 
and the prisoners taken with him, — - - 

General Spencer and others recommend Levi 
Allen as a fit person to be intrusted with a 
flag to the British fleet, - - - - 

22, Colonel Brown’s certificate respecting Colonel 
Ethan Allen, - - - - - . 

22, Letter from Goloviel Thompson to the Commit- 
tee for Lancaster, Pennsylvania: For publick 
guns to arm the men ready to turn out, —- 

22, Letter from General Mercer to the President 
of Congress, - - - - - - 

22, General Return of the Forces in New-Jersey, - 

22, Letter from an officer in the Second Pennsyl- 
vania Battalion at Amboy, - - - - 

22, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 
dent of Congress, PSHE aeeain 


Wilpen, - 
22, Notice of the Flags fico bard and ge ners 
Howe to General Washington, - - - 
22, Letter from an officer in the Army at New- 
York, - - - - 
22, Letter from General Wiihinctan to the Presi- 
dent of Congress, - “ 5 ~ s 


Memorandum ‘of what passed in the interview 
between General Washington and Colonel 


CONTENTS. 
1776. 


492 


492 


493 


493 


493 


493 


494 


494 


494 


494 


495 


495 


495 


496 


496 


497 


498 


498 
498 


498 


499 
575 


499 


499 
471 
472 
499 


Patterson, Adjutant- -General of the Army - 


under General Howe, July 20, 1776, - a 


500 


Colonel Knox’s plan for increasing the Artil- 

lery, July9,  - a 
General Orders, from duly 13 to ‘Tily 21, - 
General Return of the Army in and near New- 


York, July 20, - : - A 
Return of the Ragiitinn of Artillery commanded 
by Colonel Knox, July 20, - - - 


Return of Grininee Stores, July pa = 


July 22, Letter from General Washington to John Au- 


gustine Washington, 
22, Letter from Baron de Calbiac to General Wash- 


ington ” - 
22, Letter from Colonel Huntington a Case reaite 
Trumbull, - - 


22, Letter from General ‘Greene to General Watli- 
ington: The ships that came in Yenieray 
have troops on board, : 

22, Letter from Colonel Joseph Drake to wa Nese 
York Convention, - - - 

22, Letter from the New-York Given to their 
Delegates in Congress: On Mr. Eiiss:) s re- 
signation and conduct, - - 

22, Letter from Colonel Isaac Nicoll to hen New- 
York Conyention, - - - - - 

22, Letter from Abraham Yates, Chairman of the 
Secret Committee, to the New-York Con- 
vention, - - - - 

22, Letter from Robert Yeates to William Deiat 
Two armed sloops are to be fitted out at 
Albany, to protect the North River from the 
depredations of the British, - 

22, Letter from General. Schuyler to Célonel Day: 
ton: There is reason to suspect that Lieu- 
tenant McDonald is concerned in the em- 
bezzlement of the effects at Johnstown; all 
concerned in this affair must be arrested and 
tried, - - 

22, Letter from Genaral Gates to aay aa Schuy- 
ler, - - 

22, Letter from John Trumbull is Chlduel Read 
He is required to collect all who are well, at 
Fort George, and return with them to the 
Army at Ticonderoga, - 

22, Letter from Captain Wilson to opera a 


nold: Has taken some suspietous Bersons 
on the Lake, - - 

22, Letter from Major French bs Genera Wash- 
ington, - - - 


22, Letter from euienial Geta to Governour 
Trumbull: Respecting the dismissal of the 
Troop of Light-Horse under his command, - 

22, Letter from General Ward to General Wash- 
ington: Sargent’s and Hutchinson’s Regi- 
ments marched on the 18th for Norwich; 
Glover’s on the 20th; the two remaining 
Regiments will follow as soon as they have 
recovered from the small-pox, - - - 

22, Letter from the Council of Massachusetts to 
Colonel Foster, - - - - - 

22, Declaration of Independence celebrated at 
Worcester, Massachusetts, - - - 

22, Letter from Joseph Palmer to James Bowdoin, 

22, Petition of the Town of Warren to the New- 
Hampshire Committee of Safety: for fire- 
arms and lead, of which they are destitute, - 

22, Letter from David Gilman to the New- -Hamp- 
shire Committee of Safety: The works at 
New-Castle go on very well; it will be one 
of the most complete ones upon the conti- 
nent of North-America when finished, - 

23, Letter from B. Johnson to the Maryland Council 
of Safety: Captain Hardman, if furnished 
with money, could get guns, blankets, &c., - 

23, Letter from Major Price to the Council of 
Safety: Has determined to detain Mr. Wol- 
stenholme until he hears from the Conyen- 
tion, > = £ - > 

23, Letter from Colonel Barnes to the Council of 
Safety: Relating to Mr. Wolstenholme’s de- 
tention by Major Price, - - - - 

Letter from Mr. Wolstenholme to the Com- 
manding Officer at St. George’s: Requesting 
when a ‘flag comes for him from the fleet, 
due respect may be paid to it, - . 

Letter from Daniel Wolstenholme to Colonel 
Barnes: Complains of his detention by the 
military after he had received a passport from 
the civil authority, - - - : “ 


XXXIV 


502 
502 


507 


507 
586 


509 
509 
510 


510 
1428 


1431 
1450 


1453 


511 


511 


511 


512 


512 
621 


513 


514 
515 
515 
516 


517 


517 


517 


518 


518 


519 


520 


Loe CONTENTS. 
1776. 


wits Proceedings of the Committee of Leonardtown, 
on the application of Daniel Wolstenholme 
for permission to leave the Province of Ma- 
ryland and return to Great Beata his native 
country, - 
July 23, Letter from ee Witlnne to the Wathen 
Council of Safety: Declines the appointment 
of Colonel of the Frederick oa Bat- 


talion, ~ . 
23, Letter Porn Aig Heian to the ogtteh of 
Safety, - = = es. 


23, Letter from the Committee for Dorchester 
County, Maryland, to the Council of Safety: 
There are not a fourth part of the Militia of 
the County who have arms that can be de- 
pended on, and these only eee ee 
and squirrel-guns, - - 

23, Letter from General Dent to the Pertti of 
Safety: resigning his commission, as he has 
been superseded by the Mp ah of Ma- 
jor Price to the command, - 

23, Letter from General Johnson to ae Courter of 


Safety, - - - - - - - 
23, Proceedings of the Committee for Baltimore 
County, - = + : : 4 


23, Letter from the Bulumore Committee to the 
Council of Safety: They have appointed a 
committee to collect blankets and arms, - 

23, Muster-Roll of Captain Grabill’s Company, - 

23, Letter from the Council of Safety to John Yost: 
Are very desirous of knowing what arms he 
has ready for the publick, - - - - 

23, Affair of the galleys near Sandy-Point, - - 

Captain Conway’s statement, Alexandria, Au- 
gust 10, - 

Deposition of Edvard Wales itl Cuthbert EI- 
lis, Midshipmen on board the Protector row- 
galley, August 10, - - - - - 

S. Hanson’s advertisement, July 31, - - 

Certificates of George F. Hopkins, July 29, - 

Certificate of Captain John M. Lowe and Mr. 
John M. Burgess, July 29, - - - 

Colonel Harrison’s statement, Chester Somat 
October 21, - 

Affidavit of John rimey. William fruntee ail 
James Lawrason, October 4, - 

Affidavit of John Matthews and William Stod- 
dert, October 18, —- - 

Statement of Henry Fendall snd Warren! Dent, 
October 20, - - : - - - 

23, Letter from Samuel Chase and Thomas Stone 
to the Maryland Council of Safety, - - 

23, Letter from a Member of the Congress to Ge- 
neral Lee: The Tories are quiet but surly ; 
Lord Howe’s Proclamation leaves them not 
a single filament of their cobweb doctrine of 
reconciliation, - - - 

23, Council of Safety of Pennsylvania appointed 
by the Convention, - 

23, William Maclay to Richard Peteie His ai 
covered flint suitable for fire-arms, —- 

23, Letter from G. Noartts to Richard Peters: re 
consequence of an advertisement from the 
War Department, has taken Mars to discover 
a quantity of flint stone, - 

23, Letter from William Allen to the Peasident bi 
Congress: Resigns his commission of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel‘in the Continental Army, - 

23, Proceedings of the Committee for Lancaster 
County, Pennsylvania, - : = 2 

23, Letter from the Lancaster Committee to the 
Convention of Pennsylvania: Will, as far as 
in their power, carry the recommendation of 
Congress into effect; but their means are 
nearly exhausted; they have hardly muskets 
enough to relieve the necessary guards, —- 

23, Letter from the Lancaster Committee to the 
Board of War: They have no barracks for the 
prisoners lately sent there, - - 

23, Petition of Jonathan Roland and diene to aC 
Lancaster Committee: That destitute fami- 
lies of the Associators who are about to 
pa for the EE may be eeiod 
or, - 

23, ) Letter fi from Captain Cregier to Thomas Rats. 

all, z - 

23, Letter from Gas Washitieton to the Presi. 
dent of Congress, - - - - = 


- 


521 


521 


522 


522 


522 


524 
524 


524 
525 
525 
526 
526 
527 
527 
527 
528 


“528 


530 
531 


532 


532 


533 


533 


533 
533 


534 


535 


535 
536 
537 


Letter from the New-York Convention to Ge- 
neral Washington, July 20: There are on 
Long-Island one hundred thousand head of 
horned cattle, besides a larger number of 
sheep and other stock. To remove these 
would reduce the inhabitants (twenty-five or 
thirty thousand) to the greatest distress; the 
Convention, therefore, “have given over the 
thou ghtof removing the stock from the Island, 


July 23, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 


dent of Congress, —- : - 
Letter from Governour Trumbull 6 Gelierdl 
Washington, July 17, - - - . 

23, Return of ammunition and other utensils at the 
different forts on Long-Island, - - - 

23, Letter from General Washington to Baron de 
Calbiac : on the application made by him in 
behalf of some of his pits bes itae dugcainlg 


for offices, - - 
23, Letter from Geena Greene to Geveel Wash- 
ington, - - - - = <, a 


23, Letter from Colonel Varnum to General Greene: 
recommending a compliance with Captain 
Read’s request for a discharge, - - - 

23, Declaration of Independence proclaimed at 
Huntington, on Long-Island,  - - 

23, Company of old men, to the age of seventy abd 
upwards, formed at Southampton, on Long- 
Island, for defence, in case of an invasion, - 

23, Letter from Captain Denton to Nathaniel Wopd- 
hull: for commissions, = - 

Report on commissions for Captain Denton’ 8 
Company, - - 

23, Letter from Colonel Cortlandt and Osptitin Platt 
to the New-York Convention: The New- 
England forces will leave the Highlands on 
the 27th; part of the new levies should be 
on the ground by that time, - - - 

23, Letter from the New-York Convention to Ge- 
neral Gates: Requesting him to communi- 
cate a full state of the military Aisa is he 

_ now superintends, - - > 

23, Letter from New-York Guiiventiolt to HeeHard 
Gansevoort and Jacob Cuyler, a Committee 
appointed by the Convention to proceed to 
Ticonderoga and obtain exact information of 
the state of the Northern Army, a - 

23, Letter from General George Clinton to General 
Washington, - - - - - - 

23, Letter from Fort Montgomery: Proceedings of 
the British ships near the Highlands, - - 

23, Letter from Johannes Sleght, Chairman of the 
Committee of Kingston, to the New-York 
Convention, - - - 

23, Letterfrom Captain Wie uiesays to Geiierat (ator 
Sends one gondola from Skenesborough; will 
send another this week, and two more next 
week, - - - - - 

23, Letter from General Gates to Colonel Harley 
Major Bigelow is sent with a letter to Gene- 
ral Burgoyne. The parties down the Lake 
should be called while the flag of truce is 
there, - - - - 

23, Letter from General Galea to the Comminding 
Officer at Albany: with Mr. Brown, a pri- 
soner, who is to be confined in prison, - 

23, Letter from the Committees of hea and 
Haverhill to General Sullivan, - 

23, Letter from the Governour of Rhode- Taland (p 
the President of Congress, - - 

23, Declaration of Independence proclaimed a 
East Greenwich, Rhode-Island, - - 

23, Proceedings of the Connecticut Council of 
Safety, - - 

23, Letter from the Gudicil of Minwachinaatid to 
the President of Congress: Men will be raised 
and forwarded as fast as possible, - - 

23, Letter from Reuben Swain to General Wash- 
ington: To make a request of Lord Howe to 
liberate his sons, - - 

23, Letter from Benjamin Barnard to Genet Wash- 
ington, - - - 

23; Petition of the Committee of Broowheld 40 the 
Council of Massachusetts: For the ect 
tion of Captain King, - 

23, Letter from Joseph’ Cushing to Sot Peylor: 
Have raised the men for New-York, and some 
for Canada, - - - - - - 


XXXVI 


538 
540 
540 
541 


542 
542 


543 
543 


543 
543 
544 


544 


1432 


1433 
544 
546 


1459 


547 


548 


548 
548 
549 
549 
549 


550 


550 
550 


551 


551 


XXXVII 


July 23, Notice of the Tyrennigiig privateer, Captain 
Fisk, : te 

23, Letter from Migs Hawley to ho, Massachu- 
setts Council: The raising and marching of 
troops, - 

23, Order of New- Eerepahite eh of Safety, 
forthe conveyance of Mrs. Livius to Quebeck, 

24, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 
L. Barret: They have sent eight hundred 
pounds of lead, - - 

24, Letter from Thomas Sinsthet to the Pica} of 
Safety, - - - - 

24, Letter from Josias Beall the *Countil of 
Safety : Desires a quantity.o of Powder may be 
sent to Piscataway, - 

24, Letter from General Dent. to the icasg eet AC 
Safety: Wishes to know if they have any 
doubts of his military knowledge, agiduity, 
or personal courage, - - - 

24, Letter from B. Graves to the Counc of Hoe 

24, Letter from Robert L. Nicols to the Council 
of Safety, - - - - - - 

24, Letter from J. Contee to the ened of Safety: 
The Committee for Prince George’s County 
say there is little probability of borrowing or 
purchasing any guns, - - 

24, Letter from the President’ of costamee . Go- 
vernour Rutledge: enclosing Resolution of 
Congress for placing the Regiment of Ran- 
gers in South-Carolina on the Continental 
establishment, - - - - - - 

24, Letter from the Brasident of Congress to Gene- 
ral Washington: Congress has left the dis- 
position of the Troops at New-York, the 
Flying-Camp, and Ticonderoga, wholly with 
him : hay x v 

24, Letter from the Beecaut of Congress to Ge- 
neral Schuyler: As nothing can show greater 
weakness or wickedness than to throw pro- 
vincial reflections on one another, he is re- 
quested to suppress such ungenerous and 
base practices, and promote discipling, arder, 
and zeal, in the Army, = - 

24, Letter from Thomas Stone to the Maryland 
Council of Safety: Sends from Philadelphia 
forty barrels of howder and fifty-four boxes 
of arms, - - - . - - 

24, Letter from the epee Committee of 
Safety to the Committee for Berks County, 

24, Letter from the Convention of New-Jersey to 
General Washington: The utmost efforts will 
be used to complete the Brigade ordered from 
New-Jersey for the reinlorgament of the 
Army, - 

24, Letter from ean Moses to Caress Wash- 
ington: The harvest will be secured in a few 
days, when a considemable body of the Mili- 
tia of New-Jersey can be called out, - - 

24, General Return of the Pennsylvania Forces in 
New-Jersey, under the command of pes 
dier-General Mercer, - - - 

24, Letter from General Washington to saptite ENew: 
York Convention: Recommends the adoption 
of some regulations to prevent the enemy 
from receiving supplies of provisions, - - 

24, Letter from General Washington to Governour 
Trumbull: The orders he has given to the 
armed cruisers of Connecticut for stopping 
provision vessels are extremely necessary, - 

24, Notice of the men-of-war up the North River, - 

24, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 
ington, - - . - 

24, Letter from the aermitied for Queen’s ers 
to the New-York Convention, - - 

24, Examination of the evidence against Colonel 
Hamman in respect to his behaviour as an 
officer on the evening of the day on which 
the enemy’s aia came to anchor off Tarry- 
town, - 2 j! 

24, Commission from ae Naw-kore Convention to 
Joab Horsington, as Major of Rangers in the 
Counties of Gloucester and Cumberland, 


552 
553 


553 
553 


553 


554 
554 


554 


554 


555 


555 


555 


556 
1300 


556 


556 


557 


557 


558 
559 


559 


- 1464 


- 1438 


- 1439 


24, Letter from Dr. Samuel Cooke to Captain Platt, 1450 


24, Letter from Colonel Henry Remsen to General 
Woodhull: Several perishable cargoes waiting 


the decision of a Court of Admiralty, - - 1452 
24, Letter from Colonel Joseph Drake to General 
Morris, - - - - - - - 1461 


CONTENTS. 


July's y 24, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash- 


ington: Describes the positions of the posts 
at “Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and gives 
his reasons for the removal of the AEAY to 
Ticonderoga, - - 

24, Letter from General Waterbury | to General 
Gates, - x 

24, Letter from General Ainata to Gonaral Chios, 

24, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates: 
Captain Wilson has taken some prisoners, 
from whom material discoveries may be made. 
Major Bigelow has just gone down, - - 

24, Letter from “Colonel Hartley to General-Gates : 
Has sent down the Lake to intercept some 
spies on their return to St. John’s, — - - 

24, Letter from Dr. Stringer to General Gates, —- 

24, Petition of the Committee of Safety for Cum- 
berland County, in New-York, to General 
Gates: that the men required by the Provin- 
cial Congress to be raised in the County for 
the Northern Army, may be retained there 
for the defence of the frontier towns, - - 

24, Extracts of the Votes and Proceedings of a 
General Convention of fifty-nine Delegates 
on the west side of the range of Green Moun- 
tains, on the New- Hanbehye Grants, held at 
Dorset, - 

24, Benjamin Griffith aeriaed peinical to the United 
Colonies by Committee for Killingworth,  - 

24, Address to the Inhabitants of Massachusetts- 

ay, - - - - . - - - 

24, Court-Martial at Boston on Lieutenant Moses 
Banks, - - - 

24, Letter from John acheter to the Meson 
setts Council: Was mistaken in the informa- 
tion he gave against Captain Obrian, - : 

24, Letter from William Sever to the Massachusetts 
Council: respecting the cruise of Brigantine 
Independence, Captain Samson, . - 

24, Letter from the Cumberland County Committee 
to the Massachusetts Council, - - 

24, Letter from the New- -Hampshire Committee of 
Safety to Benjamin Giles, - - - - 

25, Declaration of Independence proclaimed at 
Williamsburgh, Virginia, - - - - 

25, Letter from the Baltimore Committee to the 
Maryland Council of Safety, - 

25, Letter from John Hanson to the eit of 
Safety, - - - - - 

25, Letter from Colonel Stricker to ceniel hase. 

25, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 
General Johnson: The Militia from Frederick 
County will not be wanted; for although 
there are many of the enemy’s ships in Poto- 
mack, there are but few men in them, - 

25, Letter from the Council of Safety to Major 
Price: He should be parbeulerly careful to 
secure deserters, - - 

25, Letter from the Council of Ces to ae Com- 
mittees of Dorchester and Somerset, - - 

25, Letter from the Council of paltty to Matthew 
Tilghman, - - 

25, Letter from the Corned of Safety to Colonel 
Barnes: Mr. Wolstenholme’s case may be 
attended with peculiar circumstances; he 
must, however, submit to the times, - - 

25, Letter from John Adams to the Massachusetts 
Assembly: Asks for leave to return home, - 

25, Letter from Robert Morris to General Gates: 
Some people attribute the mismanagement 
in the North to a source he never should 
have suspected. Is it possible that General 
Schuyler is sacrificing the interest ofthat coun- 
try to his ambition or avarice? - - - 

25, Proceedings of the Committee for Lancaster 
County, Pennsylvania, - - - - 

25, Letter from the Lancaster Committee to the 
Associators from that County, - 

25, Letter from General Mercer to General Wash- 
ington: A material error ini his return of yes; 
terday, - - - = 


-—25, General Return of the Lgitapae in Wetetcrsey 


under the command of General Mercer, = 


— 25, Extract of a letter from the CamaR at Elizabeth- 


Town, e 
25, Letter from Fer sieey Wisiiurten to the ite 
dent of Congress: Asking for an increase of 


his Aids-de-Camp, aes = sis 2 


XXXVIII 


559 


563 
563 


564 


564 
651 


564 


571 
571 


XXXIX 


July’ 25, Letter from General Washington to the Mas- 


sachusetts Assembly : Requesting that the 
Troops for the Army may be sent as ise are 
raised to Skenesborough, - 

25, Letter from Colonel Joseph Reed t to the eck 
dent of Congress: Recommends an increase 
of punishment for desertion and other mili- 
tary crimes, - - 

25, Letter from Dr. Morgan to General Washing- 
ton: Recommending DMN Rag ike in’ the 
Hospital Department, - - 

25, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 
ington: Asks how he shall proceed in relation 
to a duel that is to take place the next day, - 

25, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 
ington: Requests an officer may be apilnrs 
to write and sign passes, - 

25, Letter from the New-York Convention to Golo: 
nel Van Cortlandt and Captain Platt, - - 

25, Sundry Affidavits with respect to inimical de- 
clarations and threats used by William Sutton 


and his son John Satton, - = « = 
25, Examination of Balthazar De Hart, * = 
25, Letter from Colonel Jacobus pene to the 
New-York Convention, - - - 
25, Memorial of Captain ake Heats Roos t the New- 
York Convention, - = 


25, Letter from General Heath to General Wash- 
ington: Complaining of the imprisonment of 
Ensign Bryant by order of Lord Stirling, - 

25, Reports of General and Field-Officers of the 
quantity of paper required for a month, - 

25, Letter from General Mifflin to General Wash- 
ington: The enemy have received informa- 
tion of the eae giey for fecal the 
river, 

25, Letter ‘from Gotonel Hay to y Weneral Wash- 
ington: Since the destruction of Halstead’s 
house, and the robbing the poor man of his 
hogs by Captain Wallace, nothing of a hos- 
tile nature has been attempted by the men- 
of-war in the North River, - - iS P 

25, Letter from General Schuyler to Governour 
Trumbull: The conference with the Indians 
is not yet opened, and Seer Hh will not be 
until the 29th, - - 

25, Letter from General Schuyler to Genoral Gates, 

25, Letter from General Arnold to General Gates: 
Has sent an express to General Schuyler to 
request he will procure two or three hundred 
seamen to man the craft that will soon be 
completed, - 

25, Letterfrom Colonel Wynkoop & Getioral NRE 
The works at ee ag tae ery 


slowly, - - - 4 
25, Declaration of Independence proclaimed at 
Providence, Rhode-Island, - - 


25, Letter from Major Meigs to General etane 
ington: Has just returned from Quebeck on 
parole ; left about three hundred prisoners 
there in confinement, - - - - 

25, Letter from the Committee for Litchfield, Con- 
necticut, to the New-York Convention: Their 
jail is so crowded that it is not safe to confine 
more prisoners there, - - 

25, Letter from James Bowdoin to the Mesiachu- 
setts Council: Between thirty and forty men 
were inlisted for the new levies, on the 22d, 
on a promise of extravagant bounties; some 
demanded one hundred dollars over and 
above the Government bounty, - - - 

25, Letter from James Bowdoin to the Massachu- 
setts Council: Recommends that the Eastern 
Indians be engaged heartily in the war, - 

25, Letter from J. Palmer to Richard Devens, - 

25, Letter from John Avery to Deacon Newell: 
Colonel Reed’s Regiment is delayed from 
marching to Canada poy for the want of 
camp-kettles, - 

25, Letter from General Ward to General Wash- 
ington: As soon as the Regiments are able 
to march he will give orders therefor, and 
immediately retire, - 

Return of Ordnance Stores at Bectea qisy 22, 
Return of Stock and Tools belonging to the 
Continent, at Boston, July 25, - - - 


25, Letter from Joseph Nye to the Massachusetts 
Council, - *, A L : 


576 


576 


416 


577 


577 
1440 
1443 
1444 
1450 
1499 


578, 


578 


579 


580 


580 


581 


581 


582 


582 


583 


1441 


584 


585 
585 


585 


585 
586 


586 
587 


CONTENTS. 


ia 35, Proceedings of a Convention of Committees of 


Hampshire County, Massachusetts, - - 

26, Intelligence from England: Prizes taken by the 
Revenge and the “ars daa two Ameri- 
can privateers, - 

26, Letter from Silas Deane to C. Ww. F. Dewan: Do 
vites acorrespondence on the dispute between 
the United Colonies and Great Britain, “ 

26, Letter from Captain Meroney to the Maryland 
Council of Safety: Cannot furnish his com- 
pany with guns and blankets without money, 

26, Letter from Major Price to the Council of Safety: 

as been under the necessity of sending 
home all the Militia, except fifty, and it was 
with much difficulty they were kept, - - 

26, Letter from Major Price to the Couneil of Safety: 
The enemy’s fleet lies about a mile from the 
northeast side of St. George’s Island, - - 

26, Letter from B. Hooe to the Council of ‘Safety, 

26, Letter from John Darnes to the Council of 
Safety: His men are very anxious to be pro- 
vided with arms, - - - 

26, Letter from Colonel Barnes 1b the Counvil of 
Safety: recommending Capt. George Cooke 
for the command of the Defence, = - 

26, Letter from Captain Bracco to the Council of 
Safety: The small-pox has broken out among 
the men under his command; it was com- 
municated by a man who called himself a 
deserter from the British fleet, - - 

26, Letter from Colonel Hawkins to the Council 
of Safety: The fleet have gone down the river, 

26, Letter from Samuel W. weg to the Coun- 
cil of Safety, - 

26, Letter from the Council of Safety t to ine Wor- 
cester County Committee: Inquiring about 
a number of cannon from a Spanish wreck, 

26, Letter from the Council of Safety to the Mary- 
land Delegates in Congress, — = - - 

26, Letter from the Council of Safety to Josias Beall: 
It gives sincere pleasure to find the people in 
different parts of the Colony so spirited, - 

26, Letter from the Council of Safety to John Han- 
son: By first opportunity will send KD to 
pay for muskets and rifles, - - 

26, Letter from the Council of Safety to Bante 
Tilghman: Requesting his attendance, as a 
member of the Council of Safety, = - 

26, Letter from the Council of SA to the Balti- 
more Committee, ~ = 

26, Letter from the President of Gatien to’ Gene- 
ral Washington: General Sullivan has sent in 
his resignation, - - - 

26, Instructions of the Convention to the Pennsyl- 
vania Delegates in Congress, - 

26, Letter from the Pennsylvania Council of ‘Safety 
to General Robexdeau, - 2 . ! 

26, Proceedings of the Lancaster Committee, = - 

26, Examination of William Poor and John White, 
in respect to the British officers (prisoners 
of war) who broke their parole, and escaped 
from Lebanon, in Pennsylvania, in June last, 


-= 26, Letter from General Mercer to the President of 


Congress, - 

26, Letter from Géneral Meter “ Catioral Wash- 
ington: He is collecting all the craft, of which 
a return will be transmitted, = 


/ 26, Letter from General Mercer to General Wash- 


ington; Six ships have come into the Hook, 


_~ 26, Extract of a letter from General Mercer’s ge 


at Perth Amboy, - 

26, Letter from Lord Stirling to Caner} WwW hing! 
ton: Captain Butler wishes to know the de- 
termination on his asking leave to resign, - 

26, Letter from General Washington to General 
George Clinton, - 

26, Letter from Colonel McDougall to Gendril 
Washington: Regiments engaged without 
time are more to be depended on for the 
defence of the country than those imbodied 
fora short period, - - - - - 

26, Letter from General Putnam to Miss Moncrieffe, 

26, Letter from General Greene to General cist 
ington, - - 

26, Letter from: the New-York Ghsieehtion to Go- 
vernour Trumbull; Requesting him to remove 
some of the prisoners from Litchfield Jail to 
such convenient place as he may select, 


588 
589 


590 


590 


590 
591 


591 


591 


592 
592 
592 


593 
593 


594 
594 


594 
594 


594 
595 


1301 
595 


596 
599 


600 
600 
600 


601 
601 


602 
471 


602 


- 1445 


XLI 


July 26, Letter from the New-York Convention to the 
Committee for Litchfield, Connecticut, - 

26, Letter from the New-York Convention to Gene- 

ral Washington, a . 7 “ 

26, Letter from New-York Rerrantion to the Com- 
mittee for Monmouth County, New-Jersey, - 

26, Letter from the New-York Convention to the 
Convention of New-Jersey, - - - 

26, Petition from William Sutton to the New-York 
Convention, - - 

26, Letter from Dr. Grahain: to Renciel Woodhull, 
on the health of William Sutton, - 

26, Petition of Alexander Py to the Newyork 
Convention, - 

26, Letter from Henry Wilmot to hee apie York 
Convention, - 

26, Letter from Henry Wilmot to ae Now York 
Convention, - - - 

26, Letter from several Captains of Militia in King’s 
County to the New-York Convention: Re- 
quest their Companies may be excused from 
a draught, as the whole Militia engage to 
turn out whenever necessary, = - - - 

26, Letter from Cornelius C. Roosevelt to the New- 
York Convention, - - - - 

26, Letter from Captain Alexander Heciise to the 
New-York Convention, - - 

26, Letter from the Committee of re Nei s County 
to the New-York Convention, - - 

26, Letter from the New-York Convention to Gene 
ral Washington: With the information given 
by Balthazar De Hart, relative to the conduct 
of the Tories in Monmouth County, New- 
Jersey, - - - - - - - 

26, Examination of Balthazar De Hart, - 

26, Letter from Richard Varick (General Schuyler's s 
Secretary) to General Gates, —- 

26, Letter from Colonel Ogden to Masoud arom. Batt: 
Independence is well relished by the North- 
ern Army. Generalship is now dealt out to 
the Army by our worthy and well-esteemed 
General Gates. Arnold will command the 
water-craft on the Lake in person, - 

26, Court-Martial on Gantain Wentworth, at Bicone 
deroga, - - - 

26, Letter from Gélens! Hata fa General Gates: 
There are ans men at Crown-Point without 
arms, . - - 

26, Letter from ede endus Gohke to the News 
Hampshire Convention, - - - - 

Letter from Lord Howe to the Governour of 
Rhode-Island, June 20, - - - - 
Lord Howe’s Declaration, June 20, - - 
Letter from Governour Cooke to Lord Howe, 
July 21; Will transmit copies of his Letter 
and Declaration to the General Congress of 
the United States of America, - - 

26, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Teallatn 
Williams: The Army in Canada last spring 
amounted to upwards of ten thousand men ; 
of these, there now remain about six thou- 
sand, three thousand of them sick. Among 
those who remain there is neither order, sub- 
ordination, nor harmony ; the officers, as well 
as men, of one Colony insulting and apes; 
ing with those of another, - - - 

26, Letter from Timothy Newell to the Maasachi- 
setts Council, - - - - - 

Q7, Extract of a letter from St. Baia Account 
of the engagement between the Reprisal, 
Captain Wickes, and the Shark, a British 
sloop-of-war, off the harbour of St. Pierre’s, 

27, Letter from James Creswell to William H. 
Drayton: Situation of affairs on the western 
frontiers of South-Carolina, - - 

27, Letter from the Council of Vir ginia to the Pe 
sident of Congress, - - - 

Letter from the President of Sontht Gardlitia to 
the Virginia Convention, July 7, - - 

Letter from General Lee to the Virginia Con- 
vention, July 7, - - . : 

Letter from the Convention of North- Reavlida 
to the Governour of Virginia, July 21, - 

Letter from General Rutherford to the Council 
of Safety of North-Carolina, - 

27, Letter from Elisha Winters #0 the Maryland 
Council of Safety: Makes forty muskets per 
month, agreeable to his contract, - - 


otH Series.—Vot. I. 


1446 
1446 
1446 
1446 
- 1447 
- 1448 
- 1448 
- 1453 
- 1454 


1460 
1461 
- 1462 
1462 


602 
602 


603 


603 
604 


604 
605 


605 
605 


606 


606 
608 


609 


CONTENTS. 


~ 


1776. 
July 27, Letter from Charles Carroll, Barrister, to the 


Council of Safety, - - - - - 

27, Letter from Colonel me ease: to the Council 
of Safety, - 

27, Letter from Charles Bikvear' to the @ouvinil of 
Safety, - - 2 - - 

Roll of Captain Oglevie’s » Company, - - 

27, Letter from Major Price to the Council of 
Safety, - - - - - 

Letter from Governour Eden to Danial Wol- 
stenholme, July 20, - - - 

Letter from Daniel Wolstenholme to Governour 
Eden, - 

27, Letter from the Maryland Goundil of Salety to 
Richard Dallam, - . - 

27, Letter from the Council of Safety to Gindon 
and Patten, - - 

27, Letter from the Council of Bates to Geaata 
Hopkins: Officers of the Flying-Camp have 
no command over the stores of the Province, 

27, Delaware Assembly order an election of a Con- 
vention to form a State Government, - - 

27, Letter from the President of Congress to lag ty 
Trumbull, ~ - 

27, Letter from’ the Maryland Delefates in Con- 
gress to the Council of Safety : It is said 
there is a large quantity of flint stones on 
the Wye and Choptank ; the Congress wishes 
to know whether they are good or not, - 

27, Letter from the Committee for Cumberland 
County, Pennsylvania, to the President of 
Congress: They want arms for the Compa- 
nies they have raised for the Oy in New- 
Jersey, - - - - - 


— 27, Letter from General Mercer to Ganecal echt 


ington: Is preparing for an attack on Staten- 
Island, - - - - - 


— 27, Letter ott General Marae to Gulonel Dickin- 


son: Has sent ammunition for the troops at 
Elizabeth-Town, - - - - 
27, Letter from General Wieshitetin to the Presi- 
dent of Congress: The Militia for the Flying- 
Camp come in but slowly; by General Mer- 
cer’s return they are but a little over three 
thousand, - - - - - > 
Letter from Major Teena to General Washing- 
ton, July 22, - - - 
27, Letter from Gerieral Giecnge to (onstel Wash- 
ington: Has taken four prisoners, inhabit- 
ants of Queen’s County, that were sinthatie 

to make their escape to the enemy, - 
27, Letter from General Greene to General rae 


ington: He has examined the prisoners, 
and finds them nore ignorant, cowardly 
fellows, - 


27, Letter from Calouel Shee to Gener Mifflin, - 
27, Letter from the Convention of New-York to 
General Washington, - - - - 
Deposition relative to William Sutton’s Decla- 
ration, July 12, - - - - - 
Deposition relative to Joshua Gedney, July 13, 

27, Letter from Richard Brueré to the New-York 
Convention: He has no money, and requests 

the usual allowance for prisoners, — - - 

27, Letter from the New-York Gon enian to Gov- 
ernour Trumbull, - - - - 

27, Letter from the New-York Convention to Cap- 
tain Hazlewood: Requesting him to repair 

to Poughkeepsie with the combustible mate- 

rials for charging the fire-ships, - - - 

27, Letter from the New-York Convention to the 
Philadelphia Committee: Requesting them 

to take charge of William Sutton, — - - 

27, Report of a Committee of the New-York Con- 
vention, on the case of Alexander Stewart, - 

27, Letter from Richard Varick to General Gates, - 
27, Letter from the Marine Committee of Rhode- 
Island to the Council of Massachusetts: Re- 
questing Captain Grannis may be dismissed 

the service of Massachusetts, that he may 
enter the service of Rhode-Island, — - = 

27, Proceedings of the Connecticut Gouncil of 
Safety, on the application from the Conven- 

tion of New-York for a loan ofcannon, = - 

27, Letter from Joseph Ward to John Bradford, - 
List of articles taken in the transports which 
General Washington requests General Ward 

to forward from Boston to New-York, - 


XLII 


614 
614 


614 
615 


615 
616 
616 
616 
617 


617 
617 
618 


618 


619 


619 


621 


625 


joer CONTENTS. 


July! 27, Letter from Colonel Hurd to the New- Hamp. 
shire Committee of Safety, - 

28, Extract of a letter from St. Eustatia: Pov ae 
and warlike stores are plenty at Martinique, 
and may be purchased and shipped without 
difficulty, - - - - - - 

28, Letter from Dr. Morrow to fone Rumsey, - 

28, Letter from General Chamberlain to the Pratie 
land Council of Safety, == - 

28, Letter from Captain Dean to the Gawevl a 
Safety: No provision has been made for the 
Troops on Kent-Island, — - : 

28, Letter from Benjamin Mackall to ee Couvell 
of Safety: Sends Mr. Braithwait, who desert- 
ed from the British fleet on the night of the 
25th, - - - - - 

28, Letter from the nhs of Safety to Generel 
Dent: Enclose his commission, and would 
be glad to see him as soon as possible, - 

28, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 
ington: The enemy were alarmed last night; 
they may have heard of the fire-ships, - 

28, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 
ington: Mr. Grant applies again for permis- 
sion to go on board the fleet, - - - 

28, Letter from Colonel Ritzema to Colonel Sevey, 

28, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates: 
Is surprised to find so little has been done 
towards building the gondolas, - - 

28, Letter from General Mica? to Generkl 
Gates, - 

28, Letter fen Galoual Hartley to Generel Saya 
The Lake will be pretty well secured by our 
shipping in a short time, and he has taken 
measures to make Crown-Point pretty safe 
on the land side, - - - - 

28, Journal of Major Jacob Bivelow: - - : 

28, Declaration of Independence proclaimed at Ti- 


conderoga, - - - - - - 
29, Letter from General Lee to the Governour of 
Virginia, - - - - - - - 


Return of the forces in South-Carolina, - - 

29, Extract of a letter from Charlestown, South- 
Carolina: Remains of the British fleet off the 
harbour, - 

29, William Wall, of Remerie Nirdinias Publishes 
ed as an enemy to his country, - - - 

29, Declaration of Independence read at the Court- 
House in Baltimore, - 

29, Letter from George Weolles to the Meteytand 
Council of Safety : Has examined all the 
wharves about Baltimore, and found a few 
flint stones; is informed that there is a flint 
quarry about two miles from the head of Elk, 

29, Letter from Captain Thomas to George Plater, 

29, Letter from Archibald Buchanan to the Mary- 
land Council of Safety: Will undertake the 
building of two or three gondolas, —- 

29, Letter from the Council of Safety to the Mary- 


land Delegates in Congress, - 
29, Letter from the Council of pee to Colonel 
Somerville, > & 


29, Letter from the Council of Safety to Colonel 
Kent: Wish to consult him upon matters 
relative to the arming, Be Rs and ele 
ping his Battalion, - 

29, Letter from the Council of Safety to Colonel 
Dashiell, - - - - - 

29, Proceedings of the Baltimore Camantiee. - 

29, Letter from the President of Spabeces to Gen- 
eral Washington, - - 

29, Letter from the President of Contes ne Gen. 
Washington: The Congress readily agreed 
to his having another Aid-de-Camp, . - 

29, Petition of George Nicholson to the Congress: 
To be continued in service, - - 

29, Letter from Josiah Bartlett to John Teo dane 
General Sullivan, disgusted at the appoint- 
ment of General Gates to be a Major-Gen- 
eral, and being sent to the Northern Army, 
has petitioned Congress for leave to pean 
his commission, - - 

— 9, Extract of a letter from Soha dana) On the 
Confederation, - - - “ 

—~ 29, Letter from General Mercer to General Wash- 
ington: Dissatisfaction among the troops, - 

San: Letter from General Mercer to Colonel Dick- 
inson, == : - - - - - 


625 


628 


628 


628 


629 


630 
986 


630 
630 
631 
632 
633 
633 


633 
634 
634 
634 
634 


635 


635 
635 


636 


636 
636 


637 
637 
638 
638 


1776. 
July 29, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 


dent of Congress: Fears the troops have not 

— got entirely clear of the small-pex; will use 

every precaution to DIST the infection 
spreading, - 

Return of the Army in and near New-York, 
July 27, - - 

Return of the Regiment) of Artillery, July 27, - 

29, Letter from General Washington to the Board 

of War: On Bppomunenly and premotor 

inthe Army, - - 
Return of the Officers be Calonal Nixon: s Re- 


giment, - 

Return of the Onieer: of Colonal MeDougall’s 
Regiment, . 

Return of the Officers of Golaeel Webb’s Re. 
giment, - - - - - - - 

Persons recommended to fill the vacancies in 
Lord Stirling’s Brigade, - - - 


29, Letter from Gen. Washington to Gen. Ward, 

29, Letter from Joseph Trumbull to the Pasedont 
of Congress, - - - - - - 

29, Extract of a letter from New-York: Two gal- 


leys have gone up the North River to meet | 


' the enemy’s vessels when they come down, 

29, Advertisement of the General hospital; at New- 
York, for nurses, &c., - 

29, Petition from Richard Cantillon aid John. Park- 
inson to the New-York Convention, - - 

29, Letter from Abraham C. Cuyler and others to 
the New-York Convention: They hope in the 
course of time to remove the suspicion that 
they are inimical to the country, - - 

29, Orange County, New-York, Committee de- 
clare Dennis Snyder, Jesse Snyder, William 
Snyder, and Samuel Snyder, inveterate ene- 
mies to the common States of America, - 

29, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates: 
Will be greatly distressed for a supply for the 
Indians; more than eleven hundred have 
arrived, and four or five hundred more are 
expected to-day, - 

29, Letter from General Gates to ‘dhe Peeoidant of 
Congress: Affairs begin to wear a less gloomy 
aspect ; General Arnold has most nobly un- 
dertaken to command our fleet upon the 
Lake ; the whole of that department is com- 
mitted to his care. Encloses a letter from 
General Washington, and his answer, - 

Letter from General Washington to General 
Gates, July 19: His objections to the removal 
of the Army from ort to Ticonde- 
roga, - 

29, Letter from Gener! Gates io General Wash- 
ington: The Board of General Officers were 
unanimous for removing the Army to Ticon- 
deroga: their decision was founded in reason 
and good sense. The General Officers at 
Ticonderoga are in nothing inferior to their 
compeers at New-York,  - - 

Letter from Dr. Stringer to General Gates, Fly. 
24: The hospital at Fort George is without 
medicines, surgeons, and attendants ; the 
sick are dying for want of assistance, - 

General Orders, at Bigonteree from Jans 10 
to July 29, - 

29, Letter from General Gains to Richurd Vesiok! 
Sends the chain wanted for pia heat the 
North River, - - : 

29, Letter from John Dewitt te) General Coan: 


Complains that Captain Romans has ordered’ 


his name to be left off the return of his Com- 
pany; : + q - P ¥ 

29, Extract of a letter from Ticonderoga: They 
are hard at work rer, sek pengning the id 
French lines, - - 

29, Letter from the Cnenrnte of Boulinay to 
General Gates: fora erery of poe and 
lead, - 

29, Letter from Jacob Bayley and Jane Bayley to 
General Gates, - 

29, Letter from Governour Goole to Genstal Wash- 
ington: Captain Bucklin, in a privateer from 
Providence, has returned from a successful 
cruise, in which he has taken five valuable 


prizes, - FS - - ~ r= 
29, Letter from Govern Trumbull to General 
Gates, - - 4 - je is a 


XLIV 


638 
639 
639 
641 
644 
844 
645 


645 
642 


643 


647 
647 


1457 


1472 


648 


648 


649 


650 


651 
653 


658 


658 


659 


658 


XLV 


1776. 
July 29, Letter from Stephen Budkisnd to Governour 
Trumbull, - 

29, Letter from James Bowdoin es GéxBinour 
Cooke; His answer to Lord Howe expresses 
the mind of every one of the United States, 

29, Letter from opie Bowdoin to General Wash- 
ington, - - ~ < = 

Examination of James’ decide tt he of 
the sloop Peggy, - 

29, Letter frem General Ward to Generel Wash- 
ington, - - - - - - - 

29, Notice of prizes taken by American Privateers, 

29, Letter from James Bowdoin to General Wash- 
ington, - - - - - - - 

29, Examination of Captain James Kennedy, - 

29, Letter from General Warner to the Massachu- 
setts Council, - - 

29, Letter from Richard Deity to bTaihies Howden, 

Notices of the Maritime Court for captured 
vessels, - 

30, Letter from Turbutt Wright 16 the Maryland 
Council of Safety: Captain Darnes’s Com- 
pany is full, but arms cannot be aot for 
them, - - 

30, Letter from General Hiapert to the Mfstyland 
Council of Safety: Stations of the Militia on 
the Eastern-Shore, - 

30, Letter from Joseph W. Henan to the Mary- 
land Council of Safety: Captain Conway 
has arrived with a fine cargo of arms and 
ammunition, - 

30, Letter from Gerard Hopkins to the Maryland 
Council of Safety, = - 

30, Letter from the Council of Safety to Golatiel 
Hollingsworth, - - 

30, Letter from the Council of Safety ta Avéhibald 
Buchanan: Desires to know if he can build 
two row-galleys, - 

30, Letter from the Council of Ssifaty to Facob 
Schley: Require him to send to Annapolis 
the rifles he has made for the use of the 
Province, - - . 

30, Letter from the OBiunvill of Safety to the @ub- 
lock Commissioners: The Province is in 
great distress for arms; few of the troops 
raised for the PRM ged oie are ee ee 
with them, - 

30, Letter from the @bdnpil of Sie to iM ajor 
Price: The cannon that were sent down will 
be wanted here, - - ~ - - 

30, Letter from the Council of Safety to General 
Chamberlaine: For an account of the pow- 
der in the magazine, - 

30, Letter from the Council of Safety ita Captains 
Barnes and Elliot, - - x 

30, Letter from the Council of Bare to Isaac 

: Griest, - - - - - - - 

30, Proceedings of the Baltimore Committee, - 

30, Letter from the President of Congress to Gen- 
eral Washington: With sundry resolves re- 
lating to new THE opie and NS pe ca 


in the Amy, - - : 
80, Letter from the President of Considss to Gen- 
eral Washington, - = “ 


30, Letter from the President of Gorvies ‘3 abs 
tain Morris, = - 

30, Letter from Samuel Gitasd to the Maryland 
Council of Safety, - 

30, Letter from Thomas Siatio-t to the Maryland 
Council of Safety: There are only three 
thousand men in New-Jersey, where there 
ought to be at least ten thousand, —- - 

30, Letter from the Marine Committee of Congress 
to John Bradford, = - - - 

30, Letter from the Marine Gottiinittee: to Osiieain 
Cleaveland: His instructions as commander 
of the brigantine Despatch, - - - 

30, Letter from the Marine ranted to Samuel 
and J. H. Delap, - 

30, Letter from Samuel Chase to Richard ity 
Lee: The Confederacy has engaged our 
close attention for a week ; three great diffi- 
culties occur—representation, the mode of 
voting, and the claims to the South Sea, - 

30, Proceedings of the Committee for Lancaster, 


Pennsylvania, . . 
30, Letter from Captains Martin and aiidinai to the 
Lancaster Committee, - " 2 7 


CONTENTS. 


1776. 
July 30, Letter from General dae to the President 


_— 


— 


661 
661 | — 
661 


662 
662 


836 
836 


663 
663 


664 


665 


665 


666 


666 
666 


667 


667 


667 


667 


of Congress, - - - 
30, Letter from General Métcer to General Wash- 
ington: Recommends the calling out of two 
thousand of the New-Jersey Militia, - - 
30, Letter from General Mercer to Colonel Dickin- 
son: Respecting the att attack on Sta- 
ten Island, - - . 2 Hs 
30, Letter from General Ribertedd to the Penn- 
sylvania Council of Safety: Requests some 
cannon in Philadelphia may be sent to Am- 
boy, . - - - - - AS 
30, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 
dent of Congress: There are but three or four 
thousand dollars in the Paymaster’s hands, 
and two months’ pay due the Army, besides 
many other demands. The want of money 
may occasion consequences of an alarming 
nature, - - - - - - “ 
General Orders, Head-Quarters, New-York, 
July 22 to July 31, - - - . 
30, Letter from General Washington to @itteral 
Howe: Sy aN Ps a general tiene of 
prisoners, 
30, Letter from Baron ae Calbiac t to Gaver Wash 
ington, - = 
30, Letter from pepe William Dutcher to the 
New-York Convention: Offers to raise a 
Company out of Colonel Drake’s Regiment 
to serve under Colonel Thomas, - “ 
30, Letter of the Committee of the City of New- 
York to the New-York Convention, - 2 
30, Petition from Daniel Shaw to the New-York 
Convention: For permission to purchase 
gunpowder for the use of the aa a of 
war the Harlequin, - = 
30, Letter from General Waterbury to énetal 
Gates: Every man at Skenesborough is em- 
ployed to the best advantage for the publick 


ood, - - - - - . - 

30, Heiter from Colonel Wynkoop to General Gates: 
Sends another gondola down, - - 

30, Letter from General Arnold to General Stuy: 
ler: Sorry to hear his treaty with the Indians 
is so long retarded, as his presence is much 
wanted at Skenesborough and Ticonderoga, 

Return of Ordnance and EAR: Stores at 
Ticonderoga, - - 

30, Orders to Colonel Buell to joie tits Reeient 
at Ticonderoga, ~ - - - - 

30, Petition of Lieutenant Fowler and others to 
General Gates: Asking leave to resign their 
commissions, - - - - - - 

30, Extract of a letter from Ticonderoga: Impa- 
tiently waiting the return of the flag sent by 
General Gates to General Carleton, - 

30, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates: 
Ensign Hughes, who went down the Lake 
on the 24th, returned on the 29th without 
making any discoveries, - - 

30, Proceedings of the Connecticut Coanell of 
Safety, - - - - = 


' 80, Letter from the abeaehiestia Council to The- 


ophilus Cushing, - - - : 
30, Letter from the Massachusetts Council to Jo- 
seph Nye, - 


» 30, Letter pees Fines Bow dbin to General Wash- 


672 
673 


ington, - - 
30, Extract of a ere f¥otin poe in Wapiind: 
Capture of the Yankee, privateer, and ill treat- 
ment of Captain Johnson, - - - 
31, Petition of the inhabitants of the Pariah of St. 
George and St. Paul, including the ceded lands 
in the Province of Georgia, to General Lee, - 
31, Extract of a letter from Charlestown, South- 
Carolina: We are just setting out for the 
burning sands of Georgia, on an expedition 
planned against part of East-Florida, - . 
31, Letter from General ee ce to the eet tie 
Council of Safety, - 
31, Letter from Captain Smith 8 the Maryland 
Council of Safety, - - - 


XLVI 


673 


674 


31, Letter from the Dorchester Cotnhy Connie . 


to the Maryland Council of Safety, with pri- 
soners lately taken in Hooper’s Straits, in the’ 
service of Lord Dunmore, - - 2 Be 
Deposition of Joseph Mareman, - -~— = 
Deposition of Moses Yell, - - — = - 


688. 


XLVI CONTENTS. XLVI 


1776. 
July 31, Letter from the Massachusetts Council to the 
Governour of Rhode-Island: The Committee 
of the Council do not consider themselves 
authorized to dismiss Captain Grannis, - 701 
ty - - - - - 689 31, Letter from General Palmer to Benjamin Lin- 

31, Letter from the Maryland Gousiail a Safety to coln: The Armourer has but little iron, no 
Captain Conway: Wish to see him imme- steel, no files, and but little coal, - - 701 
diately at Annapolis, to consult with him 31, Letter from the Massachusetts Council to 
about another voyage, 690 Richard Derby: Request him to procure a 

31, Letter from the Maryland Gorell ‘of Bafiy ts to conveyance for the four Indians to General 
Joseph Gilpin: To make pint about the Washington at New-York, - - - - 701 


July A, Letter from the Maret Council of specu to 
Major Price, - 689 

31, Letter from the Maryland Gotlnel os Safety to 

a Committee for Northumberland Coun- 


Flint quarry, - 690 31, Letter from the Massachusetts Council to the 
31, Letter from the Maryland aS of Safety to to absent Members: Requesting their imme; 
Alexander McFadon, - - 690 diate attendance, - - - - - 702 


31, Letter from the Massachusetts Council to Gene- 
ral Washington: With William Shaw, who 
goes with the four Indians, - 702 
51, Tietics from the Masaachoacttd Council to ad. 
ral Washington: With Newell Wallis, one of 
the four Indians, - - - - - 702 
31, Letter from the Massachusetts Council to 
James Bowdoin: With talks with the Indian 
Chiefs, - 702 
Letter, dated Sine 22, “ibaa Sinphen iSpsith 
to ihe Massachusetts Council: Transactions 


31, Letter from the President of Congress to he 
Pennsylvania Council of Safety : ‘Requesting 
some cannon may be immediately forward- 
ed to General Mercer, in New-Jersey, - 690 

31, Letter from the President of Congress to Gene- 

ral Washington: On explaining to General 
Sullivan the reasons of Congress for promo- 
ting General Gates over him, he has with- 
drawn his resignation, - - - - 690 

31, Letter from the President of Congress to Ben- 

jamin Flower: Appointed Commissary of 


Military Stores for the Flying-Camp, - - 691 with the Indians, —- - - - - 703 
— 31, Letter from the President of Congress to Gene- Petition of Jacob Barker and others, a Com- 
ral Mercer, - - - 691 mittee on behalf of the inhabitants of the 


‘river St. John’s, in Nova-Scotia, May 21, to 
the Provincial Congress or General Assem- 


31, Letter from the Drecident of peepee to Gene- 
ral Schuyler, - - 691 


31, Letter from the Drectdant of Congress to Joseph bly of the Massachusetts-Bay, - 703 
Trumbull, F 691 Letter of Agency to Asa hone and Asa ren 
31, Deposition of John relies pa Martha Nahi ball, May 14, - # i: - 704 


Proceedings of, the ‘habitants of the Gontiey 


respecting the escape of Colonel Kirkland, - 1304 
of Sunbury, in the Province of Nova-Scotia, 


——~ $1, Letter from General Mercer to General Weahe 


ington, - - - - - - - 691 May 14, - s " ‘ “ - 05 
Examination of two Negroes, deserters from 31, Instructions of the Freeholders and others, in- 
Staten-Island, - . - = . - 692 habitants of Portsmouth, New-Hampshire, 
31, Letter from oneal Washington to the Presi- to their Delegates in the General Assem- 
dent of Congress, - - - - - 692 bly, - . - - - 706 


31, Letter from Ephraim Anderson to the President 
of Congress: Has completed and hauled off 
in the stream two fire-ships, at New-York, 


Aug.1, Extract of a letter gate St. Biarral s, Martinique: 
After the engagement between the Reprisal 
and the Shark, Captain Wickes triumphantly 


and will complete two more to-morrow, - 692 entered the port, and landed amidst the ac- 

31, Letter from General Washington to General clamations and caresses of a multitude of 
Schuyler, - - - - - 693 people, - - - - - - 706 

31, Memorial of the Regimental Shyla in the 1, Extract of a letter from Pensacola, in West 
Army commanded by General Washington to Florida: Governour Tonyn’s Proclamation, - 706 

the Congress, - - - - - - 694 1, Letter from the Maryland Comics of Barty to 
* 31, Memorial of the Regimental Surgeons to Gene- Captain Woolsey, - "07 

ral Washington, =cnien Mal iF -, = 695 1, Letter from General Dent to the Maryland 


31, Letter from William Palfrey to Francis Lewis, - 696 
' $1, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 
ington, - - - - 696 
31, Letter from Colonel Hever B. leyaeoien to 
General Washington: There area prodigious 
number of cattle on Long-Island ; two can- 


Council of Safety: Returns his commission, 

as they have a controlling power under which 

he is resolved never more to act, - 107 
1, Letter from Thomas Smith to the Maryland 

Council of Safety: The Companies raised at 

Chester-Town will be much delayed for want 


non have been mounted at the east end of of arms, - ‘ ¥ - 07 
the Island, but there is no ammunition for 1, Letter from John ae . the Maryland Council 
them, Soke Gus acai sho pene, (= 696 of Safety, - = - - 07 


31, Letter from the Committee for Queen’s County 
to the New-York Convention: Enclosing a 


1, Petition of Mary Giagine to thé Rinses Com- 
mittee of Congress: Her husband was killed 


copy of Lord Howe’s Proclamation, which 
has been published by Governour Tryon and 


on board the Alfred, in her action with the 
Glasgow, and she prays for the bounty pro- 


sent up by Sheriff Willett, - - - - 1466 mised to the widows or children of seamen 

31, Letter from General Schuyler to Governour killed in action in defence of America, - 708 
Trumbull: Our misfortunes in Canada have 1, Extract of a letter from Philadelphia: Arrival 
made the Indians somewhat assuming, but of prizes, - - - - - ~- 708% 
hope they will not engage against us, - - 696 1, Resolutions of the Eengajeanic Convention on 

31, Letter from Colonel Gansevoort to John Mc- the defenceless condition of the frontiers of 
Kesson, - - - ~ - 697 Northumberland and Northampton, - - 709 

31, Letter from Colonel Greaton to General Heath, 697 1, Ordinance of Pennsylvania for securing the 

31, Letter from General Gates to General Waters arms of the Non-Associators,  - e - 709 


bury: Glad to hear that the Militia begin to 

arrive at Skenesborough, - - - - 698 
31, Letter from John Trumbull to Lieutenant-Colo- 

nel Gansevoort: Sends Major Hubley to take 

an inventory and appraisement of the late 

Baron Woedtke’s goods, - - - - 698 
31, Petition of Captain Young to General Gates, - 698 


1, Ordinance of Pennsylvania to prevent the coun- 
terfeiting the Paper Money issued by the 
Continental Congress, or by any of the Uni- 
ted States of America, 710 

1, Persons appointed by the Philadelpiita oti 
mittee to distribute money for the women 
and children whose husbands and fathers are 


31, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General now in actual service, :. ss < a fy | 
Schuyler, - - - - - - - 699 1, Letter from Gabriel Davis to the Lancaster, 

3], Prbcacdined of the Connecticut Council of Pennsylvania, Committee, - - 711 
Safety,  - - - - - - 699 1, Letter from General Howe to General ach: 


ington: The enlargement of Colonel Allen 
must depend upon General Carleton’s deter- 
mination, but will consent to an exchange of 
prisoners such as has been proposed, - - 711 


(31, Letter from Major Hawley to the Matai obiieetts 
Council: Urges the passing of an act like 
that of Connecticut, to p ston the Digceenings 
of the Tories, - : 700 


XLIX CONTENTS. L 


1776. . 


Aug.1, Letier from General Washington to eveminl ae 4 Letter from the President of Congress to Gene- 


Trumbull: Requesting Colonel Ward’s Regi- 
ment may be marched to New-York imme- 


ral Washington: Reasons of Congress for 
authorizing "Gerieral Gates to fill up vacancies 


diately, - - - - - 712 in the Army, while the same authority was 

1, Letter from Gedemi Washington to Governour withheld from General Washington, - - 7125 
Trumbull: For Colonel Elmore’ s Regiment, 712 2, Memorial of George Measham, late of Montreal, 

1, Letter from General Washington to Gulonel in Canada, to the Congress, 3 = 726 
Elmore, - - - - - -| 712 Letter from Dr. Franklin to John eke 

1, Letter from Pahendl Wadsworth to Governour Recommending the case of Mr. Measam to 
Trumbull, - - - - - - - 712 the attention of the Board of War, - at 726 

1, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 2, Warrant for apprehending John Thomas and 
ington: Thirty sail of ships are standing in Arthur Thomas, - - 1306 
for the Hook, - - - - - - 713 2, Warrant for apprehending soni Hadon? Sen., 

1, Letter from Gencral Greene to General Wash- and John Hatton, Jun.,~— - - - - 13807 
ington: The fleet reported coming in this 2, Letter from the Pennsylvania Committee of 
morning consists of bach sail, tenders and Safety to the Committee of Salem County, 
all, - - - - - 713 New-Jersey, respecting the arrest of Colonel 

1, Letter from Sylvester Salisbury to the New- Kirkland, - - - - - - - 1307 
York Convention: His Company of Horse 2, Letter from Joseph Trumbull to the President 
have unanimously cst to turn out as of Congress, - - - - - - 726 
Footmen, - - - 714 2, Resolution of the Convention of New-Jersey 

1, Letter from Colonel sffder to the New Work for taking charge of the estates of Refugees, - 726 
Convention: If the Horse be exempted from 2, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 
doing duty equal with the rest of the Militia, dent of Congress: The enemy’s force is daily 
it will create a mutiny, - - 714 augmenting and becoming stronger by new 

1, Letter from Colonel Ritzema to Tolin McKes- arrivals, - - - - (27 
son, - - - - : - 1467 2, Letter from General Washington to the Maséa- 

ie Letter from the Gantmiltes at the White-Plains chusetts Council: Exchange of prisoners, - 727 
to the New-York Convention, - - 1471 2, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 

1, Letter from Richard Spaight to the New: vor ington, - - - 727 
Convention: He is in prison as a person 2, Letter from the Comblitied of the City of New- 
disaffected to the American cause, but is York to the New-York Convention: With the 
willing to accept the appointment of Chemist names of sundry persons taken up in Bergen 
or Surgeon to a Regiment in the Army, - 1482 Woods, as disaffected to these States, - - 1484 

1, Letter from Henry Van Schaack to the New- 2, Letter from the New-York Convention to the 
York Convention, = - - - - - 1527 Committee of Kingston, - - - - 1471 

1, Commitment of David Matthews, - - - 1550 2, Letter from General George Clinton to General 

1, Letter from General Schuyler to the President Washington: The three hundred New-Eng- 
of Congress, - - - - - - 714 land troops left on SA without giving 

1, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates, 715 the least notice, - 728 

1, Letter from General Pie to General Wash- 2, Letter from Colonel Hay to Getteral Washided 
ington, - - - - 716 ton: The enemy’s vessels are at anchor near 

1, Letter from General Waterbury to encral Teller’s Point, and have, since they changed 
Gates: Four Companies of Connecticut their ground, received Saas, from the 
troops have arrived at Skenesborough, - 716 Westchester shore, - 728 

1, Letter from Harmanus Schuyler to General 2, Letter from Colonel Van Cortlandt He Cuniain 
Gates, = - - - - - - Se1t Platt to the New-York Convention: Some 

1, Letter from General Gates to the Committee rascal must have informed the enemy of the 
for Cumberland County, New-York: The departure of the New-England troops on 
Congress have ordered a Regiment to be Saturday, without leaving a sufficient number 
raised under the command of Colonel War- to guard the shore; they landed and carried 
ner, for the defence of the frontier, ~ - SO Le off some live stock, - - - 729 

1, Letter from General Arnold to the Court-Mar- 2, Letter from Isaac Nicoll to the New-York Con- 
tial at Ticonderoga, - - - 1278 vention: Three Companies are at Haverstraw, 

1, Letter from Nathaniel Shaw, aw to Genctal but have no store of Hts Ea or 
Washington, - - Sn I Lia Wa ball,- —- - 729 

1, Letter from Thomas Mumford to Governour pa, héttet from William Baealae to the New York 
Trumbull: Is directed to return to Connec- Convention: Forasettlement of his accounts 
ticut the powder oe lent to General as Commissioner of the Highlands, that he 
Washington, - 718 may pay the artificers and others, who are 

1, Letter from Enos Stoité to the Mhsag cli tout pressing for their money, - - 730 
Assembly, . - - - 718 2, Letter from the Albany, New-York, ‘Cunuittess 

1, Declaration of Widépaundtaee proclaimed # to Governour Trumbull, —- 889 
Amherst, New-Hampshire, - - - 719 2, Letter from General Schuyler to Genet Wash- 

2, Letter from General Lee to Richard Peters, ington, - - - - - - - 815 
Secretary of the Board of War: Is busy in 2, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates, 730 
arranging matters for an expedition into East 2, Letter from General Waterbury to General 
Florida, - - - - - - - 719 Gates, - - - - . - - 730 

2, Letter from the Committee for Queen Anne’s 2, Letter from Samuel ewes to Governour Trum- 
County to the Maryland Council of Safety, - 722 bull, - - - - - 730 

2, Letter from Captain Graybill to the operand 9. Proceedings of the Condeenent CouRe of 
Council of Safety, - 722 Safety, - 731 

2, Letter from Maryland Gouditcil of Salety to 2, John Birdsey and i@enlien Bitdeey pokitated 
General Hooper, - - 7122 as enemies to the country by the Committee. 

2, Letter from the Maryland Commies of Safety for Middletown, Connecticut, - = - 732 
to the Committee for Dorchester County: 2, Committee of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, publialt 
They send some powder and lead, _—- 723 Charles Goodrich as an enemy to his country, 733 

2, Letter from the Council of Safety to the Mary- 2, Letter from Richard pers? to General Wash- 
land Delegates in Congress, - 723 ington, - - - 733 

2, Letter from ‘thd Maryland Council of Safety % 2, Letter from the pee to the Mbaabemtectia 
General Dent: Ask a personal conference Delegates in Congress: Respecting the Pe- 
with him; they can satisfy him that no affront tition from the Town of Onslow, in Nova- 
or indignity was intended in sending te Scotia, - 733 
Price down to St. George’s, - - 724 2, Letter froin Ss. McClintock to William Whitple: 

2, Letter from Christopher Pelissier to the sivas. On the state of publick affairs, - - 734 
dent of Congress: Appointed Engineer ; re- 3, North-Carolina Council of Safety declare the 
questing two y months? pay in advance to equip charge against William Edwards totally 
him for the service, - - = r Py py groundless, - - - - . - 735 


CONTENTS. 


LI Lil 
1776. 1776. 
Aug.3, Letter from the Virginia Council of Safety to ‘lug. 4, Letter from Colonel A. Williamson to Govern- 
the President of Congress: have ordered a our Rutledge: Account of an attack on his 
number of the Minute-men and Militia on detachment by the Cherokees, at the Seneca 
duty, in place of the two Begin ordered Ford of the Keowee; Mr. Salvador killed and 
to the Jerseys, - - - 736 scalped, - - 749 

3, Letter from General Lewis to Bid Pyesidetit of — 4, Letter from General Meréer to the Presi@int BE ; 
Congress: Will send the two Continental Congress: Some of the Militia have become 
Battalions now in Virginia to New-Jersey as much dissatisfied ; the officers in some of the 
expeditiously as possible, - - - - ‘736 battalions with difficulty prevent a desertion, 

3, Court-Martial on Lieutenant done, by order DF not of men singly, but by companies, - - 50 
General Lewis, - - 736 4, Letter from Joseph Trumbull to the President 

3, Letter from the Maryland Counell of Safety s of Congress, = - * - 160 
Thomas Smyth and Thomas Ringgold: Sup: 4, Letter from General Greene to Gaberu Wash- 
plies for the Flying Camp, - 737 ington: Eight sail arrived at the Hook this 

3, Letter from the Maryiane Council of Safety to morning, and thirteen coming in, ~ 750 
George Scott, - 738 4, Account of an engagement of the row- Behave 

3, Letter from Richard Thompson to the Maryland with the British patugtocuiny up the North | 
Council of Safety: It is impossible for him, River, - "51 
at this time, to accept the appointment of 4, Extract of a letter Ror New: Yorke Doahata 
Quartermaster of a Regtnens paiging for the tions of General Mifflin to prevent the British 
Flying-Camp, - - - ‘738 vessels-of-war from descending the North 

3, Letter from Jos. Earle to J. Nichblaou: - - 738 River, - é - 51 

3, Memorial of William Stone to the Maryland 4, Letter from Rieherd Vinck to antral Gates, - ‘752 
Council of Safety, —- - 738 4, Letter from General Waterbury to General 

3, Letter from John Adams to Goneral Henth- Gates: Has sent to im di the Brpops from 
The Army must be well officered, armed, New-England, - - - 753 
disciplined, fed, clothed, covered, and paid ; 4, Letter from General Ward to ‘ehysn ee 
in these tebepts we do as well as we ington, - - - - 53 
can, - - 739 4, Resolutions of the Comminee of Williamstown, 1004 

3, Letter from the Non York Convention to Meecrs. 5, Address to the Lord Mayor of London on the 
Jay, Livingston, and Yates: Requiring their cruel treatment of Lape Johnson and his 
attendance with the Committee formed for crew, - - - - - - 754 
the organization of a new Government, ~ 1472 Account of the ened of the Yankee, priva- 

3, Letter from William Goforth and John Houston teer, Captain Johnson, - = = =e TDD 
to the New-York Convention: Apply for en- 5, Proclamation by Governour Rutledge: Requir- 
couragement in erecting salt works, - - 1475 ing the General Assembly to meet at Charles- 

3, Letter from the Committee of the City of New- town, on the 17th of September, - 756 
York to the New-York Convention: Praying 5, Declaration of Independence proclaimer * 
the House to erase from their Journals, and Richmond, Virginia, - “ 756 
bury in eternal oblivion, a motion now before 5, Letter from General Dent to the Maryland 
them respecting the rights of the City and Council of Safety, - 757 
County to say who shall represent them in 5, Letter from the Maryland Connoll os Safety to 
General Convention, - - - - 1476 Captain Tootell, - 4 57 

3, Letter from Cesar Rodney to Thomas Rodney: 5, Letter from Captain Brooke to Hes Maryland 
On the proposed Convention in Delaware, - 740 Council of Safety,  - = laste 

3, Letter from Cesar Rodney to Thomas Rodney: 5, Letter from John Hanson, Jun., a the Mary- 
Prizes taken by Captain Wickes, - - TA1 land Council of Safety, —- - fer 

3, Extract of a letter from Philadelphia: Notices 5, Letter from Colonel Ewing to the Maryland 
of prizes, - - . - : - Al Council of Safety, - "57 

3, Letter from the Non sates Convention to their 5, Letter from Dr. Weisenthall ie Nee Maryland 
Delegates in Congress: On the preservation Council of Safety, - 4 "58 
of the ferries over "thé Passaick and Hacken- 5, Meeting of the Baltimore Criarnece - - %58 
sack, between Newark and Powles Hook, - 742 | .= 5, Letter from Josiah Bartlett to John Langdon: 

3, Resolves of the New-Jersey Convention for A vessel fitted out by the Secret Committee 
raising the whole body of the Militia, - - 748 has brought from France a quantity of arms, 

3, Letter from General Mercer to Colonel Dick- powder, and Jead. Mr. Alsop’s resignation, ‘758 . 
inson: The account given of the disposition 5, Order for the commitment of Alexander Mau- 
of a Battalion of Associators appears, the rice, charged as being inimical to the Ameri- 
more it is thought of, the more alarming, - 744 can ‘States: - - 1308 

3, Letter from Colonel app EY to General Wash- 5, Letter from ‘the Pennsylvania Gonmnities of 
ington, 766 Safety to their Delegates in Congress, - 1308 

3, Letter from Richard eee to oA Wash- 5, Commitment of John Hatton, Sen., to the State 
ington: Supplies for the fleet on Lake Cham- Prison, - - - - - - - 1308 
plain, - - - - - 744 5, Proceedings of the Lancaster, Henneplyania, 

Lists of articles wanted for the gondolas, angen Committee, - - - - - 59 
vessels, and batteaus, on Lake Champlain, - 745 5, Letter from Lieutenant Bacto (prisoner) 

3, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates: to the Lancaster Committee: for an increase 
The opinion of General Washington’s Coun- of his accommodations, —- 761 
cil, that the General Officers at “Ticonderoga — 5, Letter from General Mercer to onan Wash- 
had acted reprehensibly, without knowing ington: The whole force of the Flying-Camp 
their reasons, is so insulting that he cannot is as yet only two hundred and seventy-four 
sit patiently under it, - - - 747 rank and file, and the Pennsylvania. Militia 

3, Letter from Colonel Bedel to (ayer Gales’ have become very clamorous to return home, 761 
Mentions his former services, and that now, 5, Letter from General Washington to the Presi 
because he did not understand General Ar- dent of Congress, - 762 
nold’s orders, or because other gentlemen Return of the Army of the United Statee 3 in a 
have understood them differently, he has been near the City of New-York, August 3, - 763 
broke and ordered home, - - - - TAT Return of the Regiment of Artillery: commanded 

3, Extract of a letter from Ticonderoga: Colonel _ by Henry Knox, - - - - - 763 
Bedel and Major Butterfield are cashiered Return of the Regiment under the command 
and rendered incapable of bearing a commis- of Colonel Jonathan Brewer, - - - 765 
sion in the Army of the United States, - 748 Arrangement of Colonel Brewer’s Regiment, - '765 

3, Letter from Colonel Hurd to the New-Hamp- Letter from General Washington to General 
shire Committee of Safety: Captain Payne, Howe: Proposing an exchanee of pyrowers, 
of Lebanon, has just returned from a scout; July 30, - os - - "65 
he went to Ticonderoga, Crown-Point, down Letter from General ine 3 General Wash- q 
the Lake to Onion River, to the La Moelle, ington: Agrees to exchange of prisoners, 
and back to Cohos, but saw no enemy, - 748 August 1, - - - - - - 765 


CONTENTS. 


LUI LIV 
1776. 1776. 
Letter from Colonel Tupper to General Wash- Aug. 5, Letter from Francis Abbot to Richard Devens: 
ington, August 3: Action of the galleys with The roads are so bad that it is almost pe cm 
the British ships up the North River, - - 766 sible to get to Ticonderoga, - 779 
Letter from Governour Cooke to General Wash- 5, Notice of Prizes taken by “Captain White, of 
ington, July 29, - 767 Falmouth, <r ba - 780 
General Orders: Head- adasters: ewevark 6, Extract of a letter from the Camp, two nile 
August 1 to August 5, - - - - 767 below Keowee, in the Cherokee country, - 780 
Aug. 5, Letter from General Washington to Governour 6, Letter from Praticis Sanderson to the Maxvene 
Cooke; - r : . ° - 769 Council of Safety, - - “ - 781 

5, Letter from General Washington to Nathaniel 6, Letter from the Committee for Cecil County, 
Shaw, Jun.: To provide “for the return of Maryland, to the Council of Safety: For sup- 
four French ab cate to the Island of Gua- plies, quarters, and BERENS, for the Arpens 
daloupe, -~ 770 in the County, - 781 

5, Letter from General Weenie to Hones Brad- 6, Letter from the Maryland Couten of Safety to to 
ford: All warlike stores taken by publick Jesse Hollingsworth, 782 
armed vessels must be stored until orders 6, Letter from the Maryland ones ot Safety to to 
are received from the proper authority, Swag Al Vanbibber and Harrison, - 782 

.5, Letter from General Sullivan to the President 6, Letter from the Maryland Council a Safety to to 
of Congress: Owing to the scattered state Edward Parker: Want linen for the Figing- 
of the American Army at New-York, Long- Camp, 782 
Island, Governour’s Island, and King’s 6, Letter from the Matyland Couneil of Safety to 
Bridge, we can at no point the enemy may Harris and Archer, - 782 
attack meet them with much more than a 6, Letter from the Maryland Scant bf Satay to 
third of their numbers, which is too great a, Colonel Ewing: As the Companies march 
disparity of numbers to risk the fate of Ame- forward they will be RepP ign with he late 
rica upon, 770 that can be spared, - 783 

5, Letter from Foseph Touches to the Board of 6, Letter from the petviana Saunt of Salty to 
War, - Tt Isaac Griest, - “ a geek: 

5, Letter from Colne! Dahow : Gehan Wash- 6, Letter from R. ‘Potts to ihe Biceter Pennsyl- 
ington: For permission to recruit out of the vania, Committee, = - - - - 783 
Militia, as his emer is to be inlisted for 6, Letter from the President of Congress ip the 
the war, - 772 officer commanding Colonel Haslett’s Batta- 

5, Letter from Richard Variel to General Rinah: lion; Orders have been given to deliver arms 
ington: Stores wanted for the Lake, - - 772 to the battlion; which, without loss of time, 

5, Letter from Richard Varick to General Gates: must be marched to Amboy, in New-Jersey, 783 
Stores forwarded to Skenesborough, - - 773 6, Letter from Richard Peters to the Maryland 

5, Letter from Colonel penseroort to General Council of Safety: For a list of all prisoners 
Gates, - - 173 of war now in the State, - - - - 784 

5, Letter from Gantral Gates to the ie York 6, Letter from the Marine Committee to Captain 
Convention: State of the Army, - 773 John Paul Jones, of the Sloop Providence: 

5, Letter from General Gates to Colonels Bayley Being now ready for sea, he is to proceed 
and Hurd, - 774 immediately on a cruise against our enemies, 784 

5, Letter from Colonel Corfinne to the es Pagse 6, Letter from Abraham Clarke to Colonel Day- 
Convention: Complains that he has been ton: General view of publick affairs, - - 785 
superseded by inferior officers, - - 774 6, Committees to hear the complaints of the fami- 

5, Letter from Colonel Starke to General aes =» 7715 hes of the Associators that have gone to 

5, Letter from Ticonderoga: American naval force camp, - - 787 
on Lake Champlain, - - - - - 776 6, General serie aes Aftillery flog nanee now 

5, Letter from General Thompson, - - 1166 lying at the eae Park, near Amboy, in 

5, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Geasril East-Jersey, - - 787 
Washington: Our internal malignants may 6, Letter from General Howe to Lord George Ger- 
do many injurious and insidious things; they maine: Finds, as he expected, the principal 
are, therefore, to be watched with care and force of the Rebels assembled at New-York, 
diligence, to prevent such hypocritical and from whence, to dislodge them, it will re- 
designing men carrying on and perpetrating quire their collected strength, before any other 
their wicked purposes, = - - - 776 operation can take place. Major Rogers, 

5, Letter from William Pitkin to Governour Trum- having escaped from Philadelphia, and joined 
bull: The proportion of men required from him, is empowered to raise a Battalion of 
Hartford is nearly, if not quite, completed, - 776 Rangers, which may be useful in the course 

5, Application of the Selectmen of Fairfield to the of the campaign, - - - 788 
Connecticut Council of Safety, for cannon 6, Letter from the New- Vor Convention to Gene- 
and ball allotted to the town, for the bay ral Washington: Expressing their approba- 
at Black-Rock, - - 777 tion of the appointment of General Clinton 

5, Letter from Major French to Corerat Wash- to command in the Highlands, - - 1477 
ington: Froponng an orgs for gene 6, Examination of Sheriff Willett, by the New: 
Meigs, - rita) York Convention, - - - 1478 

5, Letter from John hay to iGotdnel Willard : 6, Letter from the New-York Gonventian to the 
What Counties and Towns are in his Regi- Committee of the City of New-York, - - 1480 
ment, - LOD 6, Declaration of Thomas Gumersall, from the 

5, Letter from John shvnee to Sherif Grednivat: Mohock country, —- : - - - 866 
The Council expect him to take proper care 6, Letter from Colonel Samuel Drake to General 
that the Declaration of Independence may Washington: Fora suspension of the order 
be distributed through the State, and read in for the troops to march into the City, - — -_—‘789 
each religious assembly in every town, - 778 6, Letter from Colonel Joseph-Drake to the New- 

5, Letter from Captain Clarke to James Warren: York Convention » Having been twice ener 
Explaining why he has not been able to carry seded, resigns his commission, - 790 
into effect the orders of July 25, - - 778 6, Letter from General Mifflin to General Wesh- 

5, Letter from Timothy Pickering to the Massachu- ington: Preparations for obstructing the river, 790 
setts Council: Should every twenty-fifth man 6, Letter from Colonel Thomas to General Wash- 
in Salem be drafted, the Captains say the ington: Respecting a combined attack on 
men would not go, and that the effect will British SEP seo fia and tenders UR the North 
bea publick open contempt of authority : even River, - 791 
many of the sea-coast company are pressing 6, Letter from the Committee for Ulster County 
to be discharged, that they may obtain more to the New-York Convention: Exppandings 
lucrative employments, - - - 778 in Mr. Colden’s case, - - 791 

5, Letter from Major Hawley to the Veeoe em 6, Letter from General Schuyler to General mtn 
setts Council: Progress in raising the Regi- ington: General view of affairs in the North- 
ment required of Hampshire County, - - 779 ern Department, . - : - - 793 


LV 


CONTENTS. 


1776. 
Alug.6, Letter from General Waterbury to Gen. Gates, 


6, Letter from General Gates to the President of 
Congress, - - - - 4 : 


List of Continental armed vessels on mane 


Champlain, August 6, . 

Letter from Jacob - Bayley and pate, Bayley to 
General Gates, July 29, - - 

Letter from S. Metcalf to Colonel nes Bayt 
ley, July 21, 

Examination of two Canadian Captains of Colo- 
nel James Livingston’s Regiment of Cana- 
dians, who fled from St. John’ s, and nae 
arrived at Ticonderoga, - 

General Orders of General Gates! July 30 to 
August 5, - - - 

6, Letter from General Poor, Diebident ofa ont 
Martial, to General Gates: Exceptionable 
conduct of General Arnold, in the course of 
his prosecution of Colonel Hazen, before the 
Court-Martial, - 

6, Petition of the soHabitants of Gheipare on 
Lake Champlain, to General Gates: Praying, 
in case of an alarm, to send them relief, —- 

6, Petition of the habitants of Onion River, on 
Lake Champlain, to General Gates: Request- 
ing his assistance with a guard, so that they 
can get in their crops, that are now ripe, - 

6, Letter from Gov. Trumbull to Gen. Wadsworth, 

6, Committee for Norwalk, Connecticut, declare 
Cornelius Dyckman an open and malicious 
enemy to the United States, = - - - 

6, Letter from James Warren to Thomas Cushing: 
Requesting more powder for Captain Sam- 
son, of the Brigantine Independence, - - 

6, Letter from the Massachusetts Council to Colo- 
nel Dike: To order Companies, as they are 
raised, to march to Dorchester Heights, —- 

6, Letter from Francis Shaw, Jun., to the Massa- 
chusetts Council, = - - - - - 

6, Letter from William Sever to James Bowdoin, 

6, Letter from the New-Hampshire Committee of 
Safety to Messrs. Lovewell, Patten, and 
Blanchard: Relating to counterfeiters of Bills 
of Credit, - - - - - - 

7, Extract of a letter Aon Charlestown, South- 
Carolina: Generals Lee and Howe set off 
this morning for the southward; it is said 
they are going for St. Augustine, - - 

7, Letter from the Council of Safety to the ety 
land Delegates in Congress, - 

7, Letter from the Maryland ‘Council of Safety to 15 
Colonel Hollingsworth, — - 

7, Letter from the Maryland Council Si Serr to to 
Captain Brooke: Soon as his company is 
complete, to march to the northward, - 

7, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to to 
the Delegates in Congress, 

7, Letter from the Maryland Council oF Salety to to 
Captain Nicholson, - 

7, Letter from the Maryland Coane of Safety th 
Daniel Hughes: They are much in want of 
the cannon he contracted to supply, - - 

7, Letter from the Maryland Council of ey to 
Captain Tillard, - 

7, Letter from the Maryland dante Sf Safety to 
George Scott, - 

7, Letter from the Moin Council or Safety to 
Mr. Nichols, - - 

7, Letter from Committee for St. Mary’ s Cadvee, 
to the Maryland Council of Safety, - - 

7, Letter from Colonel Sims to plasriand Council 
of Safety, - . 

7, Letter from Charles (ean to Thekh ‘eee 
wood, Jun., - _ 

7, Letter from James Kent t to the Maryland ote: 
cil of Safety, - 

7, Letter from John Grogkett to th Maryland 
Council of Safety, = - - - 

7, Letter from George Woolsey to the Maryland 
Council of Safety, - . 

7, Letter from Colonel Ewing to ine Maryland 
Council of Safety, - : - 

7, Notice of prizes taken by the ara of Bal- 
timore, - - é 

7, Letter from the anne Commins of Congress 
to Silas Deane: The Congress have consi- 
dered, but have not yet concluded upon the 
heads of a treaty to be proposed to France, - 


795 
795 


798 


798 
800 


802 


803 


803 
803 


804 


804 


804 


804 
805 


805 


805 
805 
806 


806 
806 
806 


806 
806 
807 
807 
807 
807 
808 
808 
808 
809 
809 
809 


809 


1776. 
Aug.7, Letter from Samuel Chase to General Arnold: 


Requests him to write, from time to time, 
with his usual candour, and without reserve, 
the numbers and condition of our Army, and 
such observations as may expe the Rupert, 
both of men and measures, 

7, Letter from Abraham Clark to Rev. Yates Cald- 
well: This morning one of our large frigates 
was launched; two ‘others, of twenty- -four and 
twenty-six guns, were some time BBR Jaunch- 
ed, and are rigging, - - - 

qd; Declaration of a aeeesantsite: proclaimed at 
area Cupberand County, New-Jer- 


sey, 
‘Adtetee of Dr. Pier - - 


‘7, Letter from General Mercer to hana Wash- 


ington, - - = = > = 

Examination of Richard Shea, a erence - 

7, Extract of a letter from Elizabeth- Town Point, 
New-Jersey: The current opinion of the 
British Generals is, that they will take New- 
York without difficulty; but are much afraid 
that the Rebels will destroy it, - - - 

7, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 
dent of Congress: His opinion on the ne- 
cessity there is of eppoinnng more General 
Officers, - 

Letter from Corer Seated Fi Gener Wash- 
ington, August 2, - - - 

Intelligence brought from Oswego by Taenie: 
nant McMichael, - 

Letter from General Schuyler ie (General Wash: 
ington, June 10, - - - 

Extract of a letter from Colonel Tvederiek Pel- 
lenger, of the German-Flats, to the gent 
Committee, June 7, - ~ - 

Letter from the Albany Committee to Gureral 
Schuyler, June 8: papeoted attack of the 
Upper Indians, - - - - 

Letter from Jonathan Glover to General Wash- 
ington, July 20, : - - 

7, Letter from General {agmeten to the Apres! 
dent of Congress, - - - 

7, Letter from General Wastitewat to the New- 
Jersey Convention: Requesting they will 
cause a number of suspicious persons col- 
lected in Monmouth County to be secured; 
and urges them to complete ae proportion 
of the levies, - - - - 

7, Letter from General Wetinotene to General 
George Clinton: for a return of his strength. 
There is reason to believe a general attack 
will be made in the course of a few 
days, - - - - - 

7, Letter from General Washington to Colonel 
Elmore: to put himself under the command 
of General Schuyler, - - - - 

7, Letter from General Washington to General 
Schuyler, - “ - - - - - 

7, Letter from General Washington to Governour 
Trumbull: Learns from two deserters from 
the British fleet that they are to attack New- 
York, Long-Island, &c., in the course of a 
week, - - ~ - - - 

7, Letter from General Wathinetont to Colonels 
Fitch, Sears, Mead, Hindman, and Cooke: 
Requesting them to call forth their Regi- 
ments without delay, and march to New- 
York, where the army, from sickness, the 
deficiency of regiments, and other causes, is 
far short of its intended complement, - - 

7, Letter from General Washington to Jesse Root: 
An attack is hourly expected, and the levies 
from New-Jersey, New-York, and Connecti- 
cut, are not completed within parton of 
their establishment, - - 

Letter from General Washington to Timothy 


Edwards: To engage in the service as many. 


of the Stockbridge Indians as he can, as 
they are very anxious to take ee in our 
favour, - - 

7, Letter from General Washingtell to the orn 
mittee of Hartford, Connecticut: parr cue 
Major French, - - 

7, Letter from General Washinpioe to Major 
French, - - - - 

7, Letter ae John Beriaat to Phe Neeson: 
Congress, - - - - =ieth m 


LVI 


810 


811 
811 
811 


812 
812 


814 


815 
815 
816 
816 


817 


817 
817 
818 


819 


819 


820 


820 


821 


822 


822 


822 


823 
823 
824 


LVII CONTENTS. 


1776. 

Alug.7, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 
ington: More than a hundred boats full of 
men have come from Cs ipa to the 
ships, ~ 

7, Memorial of ‘Abel “Noble and Peed Townsend 
to the New-York Convention, - - - 
7, Letter from the New-York Convention to their 


Delegates in Congress, - - or 


7, Examination of Jacob Halsted, of Orange 
County, - - - : 

7, Letter from Walter. inpinkaton to General Wich? 
ington: Is greatly distressed for money to 
purchase provisions for the Army; the mill- 
tary chest of the Northern Army is empty; 
cattle cannot be procured without the cash, 

7, Letter from Richard Varick to General Gates, 

7, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wa- 
terbury, - - - - - - - 

7, Letter from General Schuyler to Governour 
Trumbull: Is this moment going to open 
the conference with the Indians; seventeen 
hundred are present, and one hundred and 
sixty more are expected to-day, - - - 

7, Letter from General Arnold to General Gates: 
The work on the galleys at Skenesborough 
much more forward than he expected; the 
last gondola will be launched in a few days, 
and the seamen will be drafted this after- 
noon, - - - 

7, Letter from General pata to Goer Ente 
Accusing the Court-Martial of unfairness, - 

7, Letter from General Gates to General Water- 
bury, - - - - 

7, Instructions by apart Gates to nek Ar- 
nold, as commander of ty fleet on Lake 
Champlain, - 

7, Letter from General Sins to Getler Wash- 
ington, - - - - - “ - 

Examination of Captain Mesnard, - - - 
Journal of a scout from Crown-Point to St. 
John’s, Chambly, &c., by Lieutenant Whit- 
comb and four men, - - - - 

7, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Nathaniel 
Shaw, Jun., - - - - - - 

7, Letter from Colonel Ward to Governour Trum- 
bull, - - - - 

qy Letter from General Ward to the President of 
Congress, - - - - ~ 

7, Letter from the Massachusetts eiineil to Gen- 
eral Washington: Everything necessary re- 
specting the marching of troops for Canada 
has been done, - - - - - - 

7, Letter from John Avery to the absent members 
of the Massachusetts Council: Beaguing 
their attendance, - 

8, Letter from Lord George Canasind to William 
Hey : The Province of Quebeck being cleared 
of the Rebels, it is necessary the courts of 
justice should ‘be forthwith opened, - 

8, Letter from the eae Council of Sety to 
John Hanson, - 

8, Letter from Matthew vipers to the Mary- 
land Council of Safety: With the resignation 
of N. Thomas as NE RECESS of the Fourth 
Battalion, - - - 

8, Letter from ‘Captain Mantz to sManphind Goda. 
cil of Safety, - - - - - 

8, Letter from Isaac Griest to the ae saat Coun- 
cil of Safety, - - - - 

8, Letter from the President of Geagree to Gen- 
eral Washington: The treatment of LEGNe 
ant Josiah, - - - - 

8, Letter from the President of Consress +a Gen- 
eral Lee: Directing him to repair to Phila- 
delphia, to receive “such orders as the Con- 

_gress may think proper to give, - - - 

8, Letter from Cesar Rodney to Thomas Rodney: 

' The Delaware Battalion is under marching 
orders for BEabOy ps are sarc) arm- 
ed, - 

8, Orders from the War Office fox the marching 
of troops to Amboy, - . 

— §, Notice to the Associators from the pitintende 

. ing officer in Philadelphia, - - - 

~ Address of a private Associator to the com- 
manding officer, - : 

8, Commitment of William Sutton , by Piier af the 


824 


825 


825 
1274 
826 
826 
827 
828 


828 


829. 


830 


830 


830 


830 


831 
831 


831 
831 
832 


832 


&32 


833 
833 
833 
833 


Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, - - 1312 


Frets Series.— Voc. I. 


Letter from James Bowdoin to General Wash- 
ington, July 29: The passengers on board 
the ship Peggy, who fled from Boston last 
March, came to Boston this morning, and 
are now in jail there, - - - 

Examination of James Wenagdy a master of the 
ship Peggy, = - - - - - = 

Letter from James Bowdoin to General Wash- 
ington, July 30: aan of ey Eastern 
Indians, - 

A Conference held at Watertown! in Athe Gsiony 
of Massachusetts-Bay, between the honour- 
able the Council of the said Colony, in behalf 
of the said Colony, and of all the United 
Colonies, of the one part, and the Delegates 
of the St. John’s and Mickmack Tribes of 
aes in Nova-Scotia, on the other part, 
July - - - - - - 

Treaty ed Alliance and Friendship entered into 
and concluded by and between the Govern- 
ours of the State of Massachusetts-Bay and 
the Delegates of the St. John’s and Mick- 
mack Tribes of Indians, July 19, - - 

8, Letter from General Washington to the Penn- 
sylvania Associators: Urging them to remain 
at the present crisis, and showing the ruin- 
ous consequences to the Army, and the dis- 
credit to themselves, of their now leaving the 
service, - - - - - - - 

8, Letter from General Washington to General 
Livingston: The unexpected arrival of the 
Carolina Army on Staten-Island, added to 
the Hessians and foreign troops under Lord 
Howe, exhibits a force justly alarming, when 
compared with that which we have to \ oppose 
them, = - - - - - . - 

8, Letter from General Washington to General 
Mercer: In consequence of the great rein- 
forcements of the enemy, and considering 
how much deficient the Army is, from the 
not filling up the new levies and sickness, 
desires that one of the Rifle regiments may 
be sent over, as there is not one corps of 
that kind on the Island, - - - . 

8, Letter from General Washington to the New- 
York Convention: From information, in 
which the fullest confidence may be placed, 
it is not to be doubted but the number of the 
enemy’s Army will greatly exceed ours. Re- 
inforcements are indispensable, - - - 

8, Letter from General Washington to the New- 
York Convention: Relating to the appoint- 
ment of General George Clinton, and the de- 
fences of the Highlands, - - . - 

8, Letter from General Washington to General 


George Clinton, - - : : s 
8, Letter from General Washington to Maier 
French, - ~ 7 A z 


8, Letter from Daniel Goldsmith to the New- York 
Convention: Joseph Andrews appears to be 
very friendly to the American cause, - 

8, Examination of Edward Willett, Sen., bvard 
Willett, Jun., and Thomas Hicks, by the 
New- York Convention, - - 

8, Letter from General Washington tb the New- 
York Convention: For reinforcements, - 

8, Letter from General Washington to the New- 
York Convention: On the appointment of 
General Clinton, - - - - - 

8, Letter from the New-York Convention to Gen- 
eral Clinton: Informing him of his appoint- 
ment, - - - 

8, Letter from the New-York Guiven tee to Gen- 
eral Washington, = - - - 

8, Letter from Abraham Le Dat to the New-York 
Convention: Offering to raise a eh a, of 
Volunteers, = - - - - 

8, Petition of Joseph Andrews, of PeughkESpsic, 
to the Provincial Congress of New-York, - 

8, Letter from the New-York Convention to Ge- 
neral Washington: The Convention have 
measures in contemplation for the security of 
the State, which they conceive of the utmost 
importance to the general cause of America, 


LVIII 
1776. 
lug. 8, Letter from General Mercer to Sah Wash- 
ington, - - - 834 
8, Letter from Chancel Washington to the Presi- 
dent of Congress, - 2 b- - - 834 


836 
836 


836 


838 


849 


851 


851 


852 


852 
853 
853 


853 


1485 
1487 


1487 


1489 
1489 


1489 
854 


854. 


LIX 


ow 


76. 
Aug. 8, Resolutions of the New-York Convention for 


the defence of the Highlands, - 

8, Extract of a letter dated from off Fort Wash- 
ington, New-York: Remarks on the engage- 
ment between the galleys and the men-of- 
war up the North River, - - - 

8, Letter from Colonel Thomas to the New- York 
Convention: Sends Joshua Ferris, an old 
offender, - - - - - - - 

Examination of Joshua Ferris, - - - 

8, Letter from General Schuyler to the President 
of Congress: The Conference with the Six 
Nations was yesterday opened in form; the 
Northern Army is out of money; the service 
has for some time been carried on upon cre- 
dit, but that, too, is exhausted, and he is now 
driven to the necessity of borrowing money 
at interest, or leaving undone what is indis- 
pensably necessary to be done, - 

8, Paper delivered to Major Bigelow, by Captain 
Craig, at Isle-aux-Noix, - 

8, Letter from General Arnold to Generll Sear 
ler, - - - - - 

8, Letter from Colonel Wy ALae to General Gates, 

Return of the Sick in the General He let at 
Fort George, - - - - 

8, Letter from “Governour Trumbull to General 
Gates: The Companies ordered to be raised 
are not filled; those who are inlisted are 
marched; the small-pox has been a great 
discouragement, - - - - - 

8, Letter from Andrew Ward, Jun., to Governour 
Trumbull: Difficulties in raising men, - 

8, Letter from Thomas Mumford to Governour 
Trumbull, - - - - - - 

8, Letter from Charles C. Chandler to Governour 
Trumbull: Half of the Militia of Woodstock 
have entered the publick service already, but 
in the present crisis ts will endeavour to 
send more, - - 

8, Letter from William Watson to Gener Wash- 
ington, = - > - 

8, Letter from Richard Dare} don, to the Pc 
dent of Congress: General Ward designs in 
a few days to retire from his military depart- 
ment; the appointment of a General Officer 
in his place is necessary, - - - - 

8, Letter from the New-Hampshire Committee of 
Safety to the Committee of War in Massachu- 
setts: Request the loan of a few large cannon 
for the defence of Portsmouth, - - 

8, Letter from Ethan Allen to the Gosnenacat 
Assembly: The cruel treatment he has re- 
ceived from the British officers; was landed 
at Halifax on the 5th instant, and is now in 
the common jail there, - - 

9, Extract of a letter from the Hague: 
affairs in Europe, - 

9, Letter to the Printer of the ioaan Pabligk 
Ledger: Relations of France and England ; 
Lord Stormont, Mr. St. Paul, and the French 
Court, - - - - * “ : 

9, Intelligence from Williamsburgh, Virginia: 
Lord Dunmore took leave of the Capes of 
Virginia on the 7th; has with him near four 
hundred in all—regulars, negroes, and tories, 

9, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 
the Committee for St. Mary’s County, - 

9, Letter from the Council of Safety to their Dele- 
gates in Congress: The Flying-Camp are 
beginning tomove. General Dent is elected 
for Charles County. Under all the difficulties 
arising from the want of arms and necessa- 
ries, and also from resignations, the Council 
are exerting themselves to the utmost, - 

9, Letter from Lieutenant Pownall to the Maryland 
Council of Safety, = - - - . 

9, Letter from Samuel Chase to General Gates: 
On his letter to Mr. Adams of July 17, - 

9, Resolutions of Pennsylvania Convention, - 

Pay and Rations in the Continental service, - 

9, Letter from General Mercer to General Wash- 
ington: Colonel Miles will march to New- 
York with his Riflemen. A cowardly, infa- 
mous spirit of desertion, prevails in his Army 
too much; General Washington’ s letter to 
the Associators will be read to each corps, 
and must have good effects, - - = 


State of 


854 


855 


855 
855 


856 | 


987 


1033 
857 


857 


859 
859 


859 


860 


860 
861 


861 


863 
863 
864 


864 
865 


865 


CONTENTS. 


1776. 
Aug. 9, Letter from Colonel Guy Johnson to Lord 


George Germaine: Arrived at Staten-Island 
on the 29th of July; sends the best intelli- 
gence he can procure respecting the back 
country and the Indians, - - - 
Declaration of Thomas Gumersall, who left the 
Mohock country about the beginning of June 
last; taken at Staten-Island August 6, - 
Copy of a letter intercepted from S! Kirkland, 
a New-England Missionary among the Onei- 
das, to Mr. Schuyler, a Rebel General and 
manager of their affairs, dated Oneida, May 
22, - - : ; a a . a 
9, Letter from General Washington to Colonel 
Dubois: To march his Regiment to New- 
York as fast as an officer’s party are inlisted, 
9, Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Hardenburgh 
to the New-York Convention: Is at New- 
York with five Companies, and thinks it hard 
that men are taken from their homes and 
brought down to defend their pee with- 
out arms, - 
9, Letter from ean Wallace to General Wish 
ington, - 
9, Letter from eles McDougall a General 
Washington, - - - - - - 
9, Letter from Ebenezer Hazard to General Gates, 
9, Letter from Joseph Trumbull to the President 
of Congress: Suggests the necessity of a 
large quantity of salt being secured by the 
Congress for salting provisions for the Army, 
9, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 
ington, - - - - : - 
9, Letter from Robert R. Dinitbeten to General 
Washington: A considerable body of troops 
will be on the march for King’s Bridge to- 
morrow ; in five or six days their number will 
be increased to seventeen or eighteen hun- 
dred men; suggests the possibility of the 
enemy’s destroying the bridge before any 
assistance could come in, - - - - 
9, Letter from the New-York Convention to Ge- 
neral Washington: From disaffection, the 
want of arms, the exposed situation of Long- 
Island and the frontiers, the possession of 
one County by the enemy, and the probability 
of their being called upon for reinforcements 
for the northern frontier, they are deprived of 
the assistance of nine Counties of the fourteen 
‘ which compose the State; it is, therefore, 
not in their power to do as much at this crisis 
as the cause of America requires, - - 
9, Examination of Nathaniel Mills, Caleb Mills, 
Joshua Mills, and Elizabeth Hicks, on mieet s 
County, New- York, - ~ : 
9, Letter from Jacob Cuyler and esnaes Gane. 
voort to the New-York Convention, - - 
9, Letter from the Committee of Poughkeepsie to 
the New-York Convention: They labour 
under many difficulties for the want of cash 
for the publick service, —- - 
9, Letter from Richard Varick to Goren! Bates 3 
Will send supplies as fast as possible, - - 
9, Letter from Colonel Dayton to the Indian 
Chiefs: Sends two barrels of powder, - - 
9, Letter from General Waterbury to General 
Gates: None of the troops at Skenesborough 
have tents, except the small parhies of the 
New-York Regiments, - 
9, Letter from General Gates to Gaui Richard 


Varick, - = « i 
9, Letter from Obadiah Toleen to Governour 
Trumbull, - - - - - - - 


9, Letter from Colonel Cooke to Governour Trum- 
bull: Has called out his Regiment, and ex- 
pects to march, in a short time, to New- 
York; but as it is near seed time, it will very 
much damp the zeal of the people, if Ber 
cannot expect to be soon dismissed, - 

9, Letter from Colonel Crafts to the Massachusetts 
Council, - - 

9, Letter from Timothy Tanodam to ion Avery, - 

9, Letter from Colonel Mitchell to the Massachu- 


setts Council, - - 
9, Notice of a prize taken by the Hancock, of 
Philadelphia, - 


9, Letter from Colonel Gale to the New-Hamp- 
shire Council of Safety, - - 


LX 


866 


866 


867 


868 


868 
869 


869 
869 


870 


1491 


1507 
1513 


871 
872 
872 


872 
872 
873 


873 


874 
874 


874 
874 
875 


LXI CONTENTS. LXII 


1776. 
tne. 10, Letter from Charles W. F. Dumas to the Secret Aug. 10, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates : 


Committee of Congress, (original,)  - - 875 Major Bigelow has returned safe, though his 
10, Letter from Charlensive F. Dumas to the Secret embassy, “has proved abortive in some re- 
Committee of Congress, (translation, ) = 878 spects, - - - - 888 


10, Letter from Colonel Ric eet % to General 
Washington: Captain Harris, who has just 
arrived at Newport, fell in with a fleet of one 
hundred and eight sail of ships-of-war and 
transports about ‘the latitude of Sandy-Hook, 888 

10, Letter from Governour Trumbull to the New- 

York Convention: Desires the Tory prison- 

ers from New-York may be removed from 

Connecticut, - - - - : - 888 
Letter from the Committee for Albany, New- 

York, August 2, to Governour Trumbull: with 

a number. of Tory prisoners, - - - 889 


Lette rfrom Arthur Lee to C. W.F. Dumas, dated 

July 6: The strange timidity of the French 
Courtrequires great patience and management, 881 

Letter from Silas Deane to C. W. F. Dumas, 
dated July 26, - - - - 881 

10, Extract of a letter gah Gaps Frangois: It is 

said an armament is now fitting out at Brest 

of twenty sail of the line, twelve frigates, and 
fourteen thousand land forces! - - - 882 

10, Letter from the Committee for Prince George’s 

County to the Maryland Council of Safety: 

They cannot he Near arms and blankets 


without money, 882 10, Letter from the Albany Committee to the New- 
10, Letter from Archer & Piers itd the Maryland York Convention: respecting the Tory pri- 
Council of Safety, = - - 882 soners, - - - - - - - 889 
10, Letter from the President of Gonutees hs Bane 10, Letter from Colonel] Fitch to Governour Trum- 


enclosing lists of promo- bull: Has received General Washington’s 
orders to call out his Regiment and march 
forthwith to New-York; but is sick, and de- 
sires a field-officer may be appointed to take 


eral Washington: 

tions in the ‘Army of the American States, - 883 
10, Letters from the President of Congress to Ma- 

jor-Generals Heath, Spencer, Sullivan, and 


Greene, with their commissions, - - 883 command and call the men out, - - 891 
10, Letters from the President of Congress to Brig- 10, Letter from the BLS se yer Council to Ma- 
adier-Generals Read, Nixon, St. Clair, Mc- jor Hawley, - 891 
Dougall, Parsons, and Clinton, bay their 11, Letter from Colonel rie ‘Stephen S <7 
commissions, - 883 Council of Virginia, - - - 892 


11, Letter from Colonel Ewing to a Maryland 
Council of Safety: urging, if there is any 
way possible, to let him have arms; has none 


10, Letter from the Pedaldont of eustGss to Wil- 
liam Tudor, appointed Judge-Advocate Gen- 
eral to the ‘Army, with the rank of Lieuten- 


ant-Colonel, - - - - - BA geo: for his battalion, which is meee to march for 
10, Letter from the President of Congress to Gene- the Jerseys, = - 892 
ral Washington, 884 11, Letter from Captain Thaenad i the Maryland 
10, Letter from William Floyd to oles iWeKedson: 884 Council of Safety, - 892 
10, Resolutions of the Pennsylvania Convention 11, Letter from James Gibson to the Maryland 
for the encouragement of the Associators, - 884 Council of Safety, - - - - 893 
10, Resolutions of the Lancaster Committee for 11, Letter from John Bartlett to John Vevadead - 893 
marching the Associators, - - 885 11, Letter from Stephen Parker to Jonathan Be 
10, Resolutions of the New-Jersey Convention for Smith: Is about to return to Machias; his 
preventing desertion, - - 885 coming to Philadelphia has not been attend- 


— 10, Letter from General Mercer to General Washing- ed with such success as the deplorable cir- 
ton: Will push forward to New-York as many cumstances of that people constrained him 
ofthe troopsascan be prevailedupontomarch, 885 warmly to wish, LW Pedant - 893 
10, Letter from Robert H. Harrison to General — 11, Letter from Gehdral Mercer to General Wagh. 
Mifflin: General Washington requests his ington: Has sent about twelve hundred 
particular attention to works erecting on the spears, and will push on as many of the 


other side of King’s Bridge; the enemy ah Flying-Camp and volunteers as_ possible. 


attempt to destroy the Bridge, - - 886 The Pennsylvania Associators continue to 
10, Letter from General Washington to Colonel Efity. 886 desert by bodies, = - 894 
10, Letter from General Washington to Richard — 11, Leiter from General Mercer a Caloucls Dek 
Varick, - - 2 886 inson: Has requested New-Jersey to order 


10, Letter from General Washington to Timothy out the Militia to prevent the desertion of 


Edwards: With two Stockbridge Indians, the Pennsylvanians, - — - 895 
who have expressed the desire of their peo- — 11, Letter from General Mercer to GAloaele Dick 
ple to become part of the eh of the Uni- inson: requesting him to use his utmost 
ted States, - - 886 address to induce the Militia to before their 


10, Letter from Aaron Burr to Piiothy Bier’ 
The King’s land army is at present fifteen or 


duty at this critical time, - - 895 
11, Letter from Admiral Hawe to Lord ere 
Germaine: 


sixteen thousand strong; they expect very 
soon to exceed twenty-five thousand. They 
are to invest New-York by the North and 
East rivers, to land on both sides the Island, 
draw a line across, which will hem us in and 


He had little expectation that 
his Letters and Declarations would reach the 
hands of His Majesty’s Governours. His 
object was, that they should be circulated as 
extensively as possible throughout the Pro- 


vinces, = - - - - 895 
11, Letter from General Winbieaeed ft the oii 

mittee for Queen’s County, New-York: re- 

questing them to take care of the property 

of the suspected persons that have been ap- 


totally cut off all communication, - - 887 
10, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 

ington: Has sent over nine suspected Tories 

from Long-Island this morning, - = 1897 
10, Commission for Lewis Graham as Judge af the 


High Court of Admiralty for the ‘State of prehended and sent to Connecticut, - - 896 
New-York, - = 2 - 1494 11, Letter from General Washington to the New- 

10, Resolutions & the New-York Gsivondoh for York Convention, ~- - - - 896 
embodying the Militia of the State, - - 1495 11, Letter from Geiieral Washington to Gaverncn: 


10, Letter from the New-York ~orktnsee de ye to Wil- 
liam Paulding, - z 
10, Letter from Colonel Blauvelt t to tha Newark 


Trumbull: Is compelled to trouble him with 
more suspected persons, whose characters 
are such as to make it unsafe for them to 


- 1496 


Convention, - - 1503 remain at their usual aon of abode on 

10, Letter from Colonel Folivide i ha Net York Long-Island,  ~ - - - - 897 
Convention, - 1507 11, Letter from Colonel Huntington to Governour 

10, Letter from William Repti ve the N ewiVork Trumbull, - - - 898 
Convention, ~ - - 1507 11, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 


ington: The sick in the Regimental Hospital 
suffer for want of proper accommodation, - 898 
11, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 
ington: enclosing a list of the principal 
Tories in the different towns on Long- 
Island, - - - « Le r - 898 


10, Letter from General Gates to Major Hawldy: 
requesting him to write to the Committee at 
Number Four, to put a stop to the pernicious 
practice of inoculating the Militia, and to 

send the Doctor who inoculates imitiediz 
ately to jail, = - - 70 ie - - 901 


CONTENTS. 


1776. 
Resolutions of New-York Convention on the 


LXIII LXIV 


76. 
Alug. 11, Letter from the Rev. Samuel Provost to the 


New-York Convention: requesting to be 
excused from delivering a sermon before the 


information that the inhabitants of King’s 
County have determined not to oo te the 


Convention on the 27th instant, which has enemy, - 911 
been set apart to be observed as a day of General Orders, Heal Quartdem Reediork, 
fasting, humiliation, and prayer, - - 1470 August 6 to August 12, - - 911 

11, Letter from Colonel: Sipiots oe to John Aug. 12, Letter from General Washington to tha: ies. 
McKesson, - - 1510 dent of Congress : referring to Congress for 

11, Letter from General idea to Geiiersl Setiny- their decision the case of Colonel Campbell, 
ler, enclosing Major Bigelow’s Journal, - 986 of the Northern Army, who has been tried 

11, Potiee from General Gates to Governour fein by a General Court-Martial at Ticonderoga, - 915 
bull: giving him a particular state of the Letter from General Gates to General Wash- 
Army in the Northern Department, - - 899 ington, July 21: with the proceedings of the 

11, Letter from General Gates to General Putnam: Court-Martial on Colonel Campbell, - - 916 
His progress in fortifying Ticonderoga, - 900 12, Letter from General Washington to General 

11, Letter from General Gates to General Water- Lee: The strength of the enemy when the 
bury: To send the whole of the Massachu- Hessians arrive, cannot fall short of twenty- 
setts Militia to Pyeudetoge as soon as their five thousand men; ours under twenty, very 
tents come forward, - - - 900 sickly, and posted on Governour’s Island, 

11, Letter from Colonel Ovden to eta Burr: Long-Island, at Powles Hook, Horn’s Hook, 
General Arnold is taking a very active part and at the pass near King’s Bridge, - - 916 
in the command of the fleet on the Lake; he 12, Letter from General Washington to the New- 
will sail himself in a few days, - - - 901 York Convention: informing them of his 

11, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General ‘Gates, 902 proceedings with the Queen’s County Tories, 917 

11, Letter from Major French to General Washing- 12, Letter from General Washington to General 
ton; with a letter to General Howe, request- Ward, - 917 
ing he may be exchanged, - - - - 902 12, Letter from Golokel McDougall to General 

11, Letter from Thomas Cushing to the President Washington: with recommendation of John 
of Congress: On the propriety of une one Lawrence for Paymaster, - - - 918 
the Missionaries among the Indians, - 902 12, List of officers in Col. John Lasher’s Re oteaent 918 

Case of the Stockbridge Indians, - 903 12, List of officers in Colonel Goose Van Schaick’s 

12, Extract of a Letter from Cape Nichola Mole: Regiment, - 918 
It is said four French ships are to cruise 12, List of officers in Golanel Toke Migoleeat s Re- 
about the Island of St. pest to ae giment, - - 919 
the American trade, - - - 904 12, List of officers in SGelondl Comelius D. aven- 

12, Letter from General Armstrong to the Progiflent koop’s Regiment, —- - - - 919 
of Congress: On the operations in ae 12, Return of sundry articles sent VR General 
Carolina, - : 904 Schuyler, - - 919 

Opinions of the anand and Field- Qiiven on 12, Letter from Dr. Morsad to ithe Brasidand of 
the construction of a Resolve of Congress Congress: On the condition of the General 
with respect to certain Regiments in South- Hospital, - - - . - - - 919 
Carolina being on the Continental establish- 12, Letter from General Greene to General Wash- 
ment, - - 905 ington: Four ships went through the Nar- 

12, Address of the Baptist Ghireiest in ve to rows yesterday, and are at anchor nines the 
the Governour, - - - - - - 905 New-Utrecht shore, - - 921 

Answer of Governour Patrick Henry to the Min- 12, Letter from the New-York Gaaventidh to Jolin 
isters and Delegates of the Baptist nes, Jay and R. R. Livingston: requiring their 
and the members of that communion, 906 attendance on business of importance, - 1498 

12, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 12, Letter from Captain Hamilton to the New-York 
Colonel Ewing, - 906 Convention, - - 1509 

12, Letter from the Maryland Gaatoll ay Safety ts 12, Memorial from John Holt, Ghisles ice 
Gerard Hopkins, - - 906 and Thomas Elms, to the New-York Con- 

12, Letter from James Ganoi chad to the Mary- vention : requesting that the Paper-makers 
land Council of Safety : Has left the service may be exempted from military service, - 1510 
under Lord Dunmore, and is willing to enter 12, Letter from Abraham C. Cuyler and others, 
that of America, - - - - - 907 to the New-York Convention, - - 1526 

12, Proceedings of the Baltimore Committee, - 907 12, Letter from A. C. pou to the Naved York 

12, Letter from John Adams to Mrs. Adams: Thou- Convention, - - 1527 
sands of schemes for privateering are afloat 12, Letter from Henry Ven Schaick is ine) Nek 
in American imaginations ; out of their spec- ° York Convention, - - 1527 
ulations, many fruitless aa some pee eele 12, Letter from David Matthews to ibe Meviey ork 
projects will grow, - 907 Convention, - - 1549 

12, Letter from General Mercer in the Proviaanit pf 12, Letter from David Matthews te to Mrs. Matthews, 1550 
Congress: Upwards of eighty sail of ships 12, Letter from Moses pipes to the New-York 
have been seen standing in from sea towards Convention, - - 1551 
New-York this morning. Notwithstanding 12, Last order issued by Bengaitiiceeatel Heath 
the desertion of many of the Associators, we to his Brigade, - - - - - 922 
will have a respectable force here, - 908 12, Letter from Richard Varick to pends Gates, - 922 

12, Letter from General Mercer to General Wash 12, Letter from General he gles to Captain 
ington: Intends to have ready at New-York, Eddy, - - - 1004 
as speedily as possible, two thousand men 12, Letter from Gen. Riiatbhry és aa Gates, - 924 
to reinforce the Army there, if their services 12, Letter from General Gates to Dr. Potts: Wishes 
are thought necessary, —- - - - 909 to be informed of the substance of a solemn 

12, Letter from General Livingston to General declaration of a matter that highly concerns 
Washington: Two thousand men for the the interest of the United States, made by 
Flying-Camp under General Dickinson are the Baron de Woedtke some time before his 
in great forwardness; though little acquaint- death, - - - - - 3 - 924 
ed with their duty, may be of service in New- 12, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General 
York. In the present emergency great part Schuyler - - - - - - 924 
of the Militia must be kept in New-Jersey, 12, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Gtneral 
to supply the place of the Pennsylvania As- Gates: The controversy with Great Britain 
sociators, who are deserting their Post in seems now approaching fo a crisis, - 925 
considerable numbers, - - - 909 12, Letter from the Rev. William Gordon to ears. 

12, Letter from Lord Drummond to Lord rae! - 1027 ral Gates: The Howes have been juggling 

12, Propositions communicated to hae Howe by together to learn General Washington’s tem- 

Lord Drummond, - - - - 1027 per; and, to their great mortification, have 

12, Letter from General Washingtoif i the Presi- found it to be resolutely steady and immov- 

dent of Congress, . - = fa - 910 able, . . 4 “ n " - 925 


& 


CONTENTS. 
1776. 
‘lug. 13, Letter from Governour Trumbull to General 


LXV LXVI 


1776. 
Aug. 12, Letter from General Ward to General Washing- 


ton: Has sent one hundred barrels of powder 
to Norwich, and one chest of arms for New- 


Schuyler: Captain Seth Warner has consent- 
ed to raise a GOmpAny of seamen, for the 


York, - 926 Lake service, - a . - 9387 

12, Letter from Sidi Bradford to eu. Washingt, 927 13, Letter from etornvec’ Trumbull to General 

12, Letter from the Massachusetts Council to Major Gates, - 937 
Hawley: Intreat him to use his utmost to 13, Letter from Henry oaeatd to Ceara) tah 
raise his proportion of the fifteen hundred ington, - - 2 ze - 938 
men and march them to Ticonderoga, - 927 13, Letter from Colonel Fitch to Cerematere Prout 

12, Letter from Colonel Hurd to the New-Hamp- bull: His Regiment is ordered off to New- 
shire Committee of Safety: Sends Colonel York, but the complaints of the men are 
Porter, who has tried every means to Braxent without number; in all places part of their 
being sent to Exeter, - 927 work is done, and there are not men engugh 

12, Letter from Ethan Allen to the Doadadtiont left behind to finish it, - 938 
Assembly, - - 928 13, Letter from Jacob Bayley to oman} oe 

13, Letter from Arthur Lee ‘i Charles W. F. Danas’ 929 The road is so well marked from Number 

13, Letter from the Maryland Council of Bafety to Four to St. John’s, that cattle may be easily 
Colonel Hyde, - - 929 driven there, - - - - - - 938 

13, Letter from Joseph Bibhandess to tie Maryland 13, Intelligence from Halifax, in Nova-Scotia, - 939 
Council of Safety, - 929 13, Authentick list of the naval and aBEary, force 

13, Letter from Francis Baker * the Maryland in the Province of Halifax, - - 939 
Council of Safety: Returns his commission, 930 14, Letter from John Hanson, at St. Croix, to the 

13, Letter from Robert Christie, Jun., to the Mary- President of Congress: Offers, if he can be 
land Council of Safety, = - - 930 of service, to settle his affairs, and sail for 

13, Letter from Thomas Stone to the Maryland America, - . - - - 940 
Council of Safety: Strength of the American 14, Letter from Colonel Thompas to ie President 
and British armies, and “the necessity for a of Congress, - 940° 
reinforcement for General Washington, - 930 14, Extract of a letter from a Field- Giices of South 

13, Letter from the President of Congress to Gene- Carolina, at Camp Keowee s engagements 
ral Washington, - 930 with the Indians, —- 941 

13, Letter from Mease and Caldwell to Hisnerd 14, Letter from the Maryland rept esi BE Safety - 
Peters, - - - - 931 the Committee for Rorthamhersnd Gonnty, 

13, Resolutions of the Tae of iar - - - 931 Virginia, - 941 

13, Letter from John Hubley to William Atlee, - 931 14, Letter from John Dalton i the Maryland create 

13, Persons appointed by the Committee for Ches- cil of Safety, - 942 
ter County, Pennsylvania, to provide for the 14, Letter from Samuel Michal, to the Maryland 
distressed families of the Associators, when Council of Safety: Two tons of flint-stones 
they are in actual service, - - - 932 may be readily got at Emerson’s Landing, - 942 

13, Letter: from General Hawa to General TTA 14, Letter from Dr. Wicmenthat to the Meryland 
ington: For permission for the landing of Council of Safety, - 942 
Robert Temple, ~ - - 932 14, Letter from Captain Lowe to the Maryland 

13, Letter from General Washington to the Prachioht Council of Safety, for money, - 942 
of Congress: Sends to the care of Congress 14, Letter from Colonel Hollingsworth to the Mary- 
all the publick papers in his hands, lest by any land Council of Safety, - - 942 

. event they may fallinto the hands obit enemy, 932 14, Letter from Robert Morris to Gen. yethneugn 943. 

13, Letter from General hates to General Extract of a letter from Clarke & Nightingale, 
Schuyler, - “ - - - 932 of Providence, Rhode-Island,_— - 943° 

13, Letter from General aiid to Rential Washing- 14, Letter from pe Adams to Mrs. petiore Tee 
ton: requesting payment for rey Brigade, to vices for a medal to commemorate the sur- 
the Ist of August, - 933 render of Boston to the American arms. 

13, Letter from Colonel Joseph Reed i the Bees Notice of M. du Simitiere, - - 943 
dent of Congress: with two suspected per- 14, Letter from Cesar Rodney to Thomas Heeear 944 
sons, arrested by order of General Washing- 14, Letter from Francis Lewis to Mr. Gates, - 945 
ton, who has Beek them to g° to Phila- 14, Regulations for the sale of Salt, established by 
delphia, are 934 the Pennsylvania Convention, Solin) <= 946 

13, Letter from Stephen Moylan to the Beenie tte 14, Proceedings of the Commitee for Lancaster, 
of Congress, - 934 Pennsylvania, 7 946 

13, Letter from ‘ite Baron iia Cues to Richard 14, Letter from Clement Biddle to Richard jee 948 
Peters, - ~ 934 14, Return of the Army in New-Jersey, under the 

13, Letter fins the Nelwia York GativenG Je to Mena: command of General Mercer, - 963 
ral Washington: By sparing them the dis- 14, Letter from Governour Tryon to Lord Pane 
agreeable task of apprehending the disaffect- Germaine: The confederated Colonies have 
ed, he has conferred upon them a consider- declared themselves independent States. 

Wile obligation, - - - 1502 The whole armament, except the last divi- 

13, Letter from Robert Yates, Ginicrts of the sion of Hessians, being now assembled at 
Secret Committee at Poughkeepsie, to the Staten-Island, by the courage and strength 
New-York Convention, - - - = 1515 of this noble Army tyranny wal, be crushed 

13, Letter from General Scott to the New-York and legal government restored, - - 949 
Convention: In favour of eta Taylor, a- 14, Letter from ‘General Washington o the Presi- 
prisoner, - - 934 dent of Congress: The enemy have received 

13, Letter from Schivdul ava to the Ne wala | an augmentation to their fleet, of ninety-six 
Convention: It is necessary to remove his ships. Colonel Varnum, of Rhodes Island, 
press from New-York to some place of safety, 935 has tendered his resignation, conceiving fie 

13, Letter from Gen. Wadsworth to Gov. Trumbull, 935 self greatly injured i in not having been noticed 

13, Letter from Robert Yates to General Washing- in the late promotions of General Officers, - 949 
ton: The fortifications at West-Point, op- Letter from Colone! Henshaw to General Wash- 
posite Fort Montgomery, are going on with ington, July 6, - - - 950 
spirit; it is a most doe post for the de- Examination of Thomas Ciene a veneers hard 
fence of the river, - 935 Staten-Island, - . . : - 950 

13, Letter from Captain Smith (s prisoner) an the 14, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 
New-York Convention, - - 936 | dent of Congress: Captain Mocballe, a Dutch 

13, Letter from Governour Trombull to Gaaarel gentleman, “from Surinam, desires to enter 
Washington: The strength of the enemy and the service of the States, - - 951 
the weakness of the American Army were 14, Letter from General Washington to Ceneral 
equally unforeseen and surprising ; has order- James Clinton, - - - - - - 951 
ed fourteen Regiments of the Connecticut 14, Letter from General Washington to General 
Militia to march without loss of time as a Gates: He is mistaken with senerd to the 
reinforcement, - : - ; : - 936 Council of War, - - - - 951 


LXVII CONTENTS. 


iar 14, Letter from General Ak ee tie to James 


Bowdoin, - - : 4 : 
14, Letter from General Scott to the New-York 
Convention: Case of Willet Taylor, - - 


14, Roll of the Troop of Horse of King’s County, 
New-York, who were on mah to drive off 
the stock, - - 

14, Roll of the Troop of Hive of | Oudeti s Donne, 

14, Application of John Broome and others to the 
New-York Convention for a commission for 
a privateer, - = 

14, Examination of Isaac Beast! Capen Hallet 
and others, of Queen’s County, New-York, 
have gone over to the British at Staten-Island, 

14, Letter from Joseph Trumbull, Commissary- 
General, to the New-York Convention, - 

14, Letter from Henry Wilmot to the New-York 
Convention: with the examination of John 
Sloane and Thomas Clarke, - - - 

14, Letter from Robert Yates, Sebati at to the New- 
York Convention, - > 

14, Letter from William staal to che New! York 
Convention, - - - - 

14, Letter from Thomas Graiit to the New-York 
Convention, - - 

14, Letter from the New- York Gouvention 46 the 
Committee for Ulster County, - . - 

14, Letter from Robert Yates to General Washing- 
ton: requesting a supply of powder for two 
armed vessels, as the little powder belonging 
to New-York is dispersed through the Coun- 
ties for the use of the Militia, = - - - 

14, Letter from General Waterbury to Gen. Gates, 

14, Letter from General Gates to General Water- 
bury: requesting him to send to Tyonderoga 
all the troops from Massachusetts and New- 
Hampshire, now at Skenesborough, - - 

14, Letter from General Gates to Colonel Ganse- 
voort, - 

14, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates: 
The three men sent to St. John’s have re- 
turned safe, with aay. intelligence from 
that quarter, - 

14, Letter from Govemour THainbull to Geers 
Gates: Is happy to hear that the Army be- 
gins to emerge from the state of distress and 
dejection that chee a their retreat from 
Canada, - 

14, Thomas Genet deetarea to veh disaireetad' to the 
United States, by the Committee for Nor- 
walk, Connecticut, - - - - - 

14, Letter from Colonel] Hinman to Governour 
Trumbull: Of his Regiment, called out to 

.reinforce General Washington, several Com- 
panies have gone, and to-morrow the US 
will be off, - - 

14, Letter from Captain Barnes: of Khe Eagle, & 
his owners in Whitehaven, England: with an 
account of his capture by the. eee ery 
Captain Bucklin, = - 

14, Letter from Major Hawley ts Genéril Gated: 
Number-Four is ninety miles from North- 
ampton. It is contrary to the orders of the 
Council of the State that a man should aaLy 
to inoculate, - 

14, Letter from Major Hawléy to the Massachusetts 
Council, - - - - 

14, Letter from Benjamin Greenleaf eb the Meeas: 
chusetts Council, = - - - - 

14, Letter from the Massachusetts Council to re 
Committee of Salem, - - 

14, Letter from Jacob Emerson to the Masdichn- 
setts Council; Calling their attention to 
Colonel Campbell, and “other prisoners, = 

14, Lemuel Hedge disarmed, and confined to the 
limits of his own farm, by the Committee for 
Warwick, Massachusetts, - - 

14, Proclamation by the Lieutenant- Gorenout Bf 
Halifax: Forbidding the master of any ves- 
sel to take on board any person to convey 
him from thence, under a penalty of any 
pounds, - - - ~ 

15, Notice from the Cifeiisatoers for the sale of 
Lord Dunmore’s estate, - 

15, Letter from the Maryland Council of Salety te 
Colonel Hollingsworth,  - 

15, Letter from Major Brooke to the Maryland 
Council of Safety, resigning his commission, 


952 
953 


955 


955 


956 


957 


957 


958 


958 
958 
958 
958 


959 


959 


959 
960 
960 
960 


1776. 
Aug. 15, Letter from Jesse Hollingsworth to the 2g 


land Council of Safety, —- 

15, Letter from John Veazy to the > Maryland Coun- 
cil of Safety, - 

15, Letter from William Cox to Richard Reibrd: 
recommending William Strong, who is so- 
liciting employ i in some publick ont asa 
clerk, - 

15, Petition of Major ered in behalf of the offibers 
and soldiers taken prisoners on the 31st of 
December last, at the storming of Quebeck ; 
requesting a cartel may be settled for an ex- 
change of prisoners, - - - - Fi 

15, Pennsylvania Convention direct the command- 
ing officer of each Battalion or Company of 
Associators to return a list of all who have 
deserted from their respective corps, - - 

15, Persons appointed to relieve the distressed fami- 
lies of Associators in Reading, Berks yt are 
Pennsylvania, - 

15, Letter from General aetserst to General Wash- 
ington, - - - 

15, Letter from General Réberiea a Gatien 
Washington, - - 

15, Letter from Lord Howe die Lexa Deviniolas 

15, Letter from General Howe to Lord Gobrce 
Germaine: Informs him of the arrival of the 
two fleets, under the convoy of Commodore 
Hotham and the Repulse; the Guards and 
Hessians on board are ey to be very 
healthy, - - - 

15, Letter from General Washitieton to the sBfes- 
dent of Congress, - - 

General Orders, Head- Qiartaie N Swaiviork. 
August 13 to August 15, - . - 

15, Letter from General Washington to the ew 
York Convention, - - 

15, vate from Andrew Reatiniok to Robert Ben- 

on, - = - - - - 

15, Lee from fosepH Trumbull to the President 
of Congress, - - - . - 

15, Letter from General Greene to “General Wash- 
ington: Colonel Hand reports that the Hes- 
sians were oe on Staten-Island last 
evening, - - - - 

15, Letter from Richard Varick to Gaara Gates: 
The return of General Schuyler from the Ger- 
man-Flats is hourly expected, - - 

15, Letter from Colonel Dayton to General Sechagler 

15, Letter from General Waterbury to General 
Gates: None of the Continental Regiments 
have arrived at Skenesborough, and the Mili- 
tia come in very slowly, - - - - 

15, Letter from Col. Gansevoort to Gen. Gates, - 

15, Letter from General Gates to Colonel Hartley: 
General Arnold will jasc pag gh make a 
cruise down the Lake, - - - 

15, List of the Fleet on Lake Ghainplaint - - 

15, Letter from George Pitkin to Governour Trum- 
bull: requesting permission to retire on the 
arrival of his Regiment at New-York, - - 

15, Letter from Oliver Wolcott to Governour Trum- 
bull, - - - - - - - - 

15, Letter from Colonel Lewis to Governour Trum- 
bull: His Regiment, in number about four 
hundred and twenty, marched from Fairfield 
for New-York yesterday ; Captain Cooley has 
refused to take up arms against the King, 
and Captain Sumner’s company are ety 
Tories, and refuse to obey him, - - 

15, Letter from the Massachusetts Council to Colo- 
nel Herrick: to direct a er mray to chee 
officers, - 

15, Letter from the Wh nesachdeetis Gouneils to the 
Committee of Reading: respecting the pri- 
soners with Colonel Campbell, . - « 

15, Letter from James Bowdoin to the Massachu- 
setts Council, - - - - - - 

15, Intelligence from Boston: Prizes, &c., - - 

15, Extract of a letter from Halifax: An expedition 
has been formed there for landing some men 
at St. John’s Fort, on St. John’s River, in the 
Bay of Fundy, - 

16, Letter from Goieuel Hasest to in ‘Lewis 
Gervais, - 

16, Intelligence from Williamebneety Beitr The 
First Virginia Continental Regiment has 
marched for New-York. Indian affairs,  - 


LXVIII 


960 
961 


961 


962 


962 


962 
964 


996 
- 1027 


963 
963 
964 
1511 
1530 
966 


967 


968 


1033. 


968 
969 


969 
969 


970 
970 


970 


971 


971 


971 
972 


973 
973 


973 


EE ee ae 


ae 


ps, 16, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 


the tent-makers: *To get the tents msec y 
with the greatest despatch, 

16, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 
Captain Dean: requiring him paiperiately 

- to march to Philadelphia, - 

16, Letter from the Maryland Council ~ Safety to 
Captain Bourke: Arms for his Company have 
been procured, and he is poneingd to pigcatd 
to Philadelphia, - 

16, Letter from the Maryland Council ns Safety to 
the Committee for Dorchester County, - 

16, Letter from the Maryland Council of Batty to 
Edward Parker, : 

16, Letter from the Maryland elses of Salety fh 
the Linen Manufacturers, - 

16, Letter from the Maryland Council a Safety Fa 
Jesse Hollingsworth, - - 

16, Letter from the Council of Safety to ete Mary- 
land Delegates in Congress: Will have four 
thousand men with the Army ina short time ; 
this is more than their Brg heton of the 
Flying-Camp, - - 

List of the Troops aerated a Maryland - 

16, Letter from the Maryland Council of mataty to 
Captains Smyth and Perkins, — - 

16, Letter from the paniiene Coynell of Salty ie 
John Gordon, - 

16, Letter from Captain Smyth % the Maryland 
Council of Safety, = - - 

16, Letter from the President of Congress to eames 
ral Washington, - 

16, Letter from Philip Livingston to the Kero 
Convention, - 

16, Letter from the Marine ecramnttee of ances 
to Captains Jones and Hallock, - - - 


16, Resolutions of the Pennsylvania Convention: 


Respecting the Associators who have de- 
serted, - - 

16, Letter from the Gaceatan of Newey crass to 
the Board of War, - 

First Battalion of New-Jersey Troops, ard 
Stirling Colonel, - 

Second Battalion of New-Jersey, Wilhane Max- 
well Colonel, - 

Third Battalion of New-Jersey, Elias Dayton 
Colonel, - 

16, Letter from Lord Hore to Dr. Franklins He 
has no powers to negotiate a reunion with 
America under any other description than as 
subject to the Crown of Great Britain, - 

16, Letter from General Howe to Lord George 
Germaine: Has appointed Captain Macken- 
zie Paymaster General for the Provincial 
Corps already raised, and the new levies 
which may probably be made in the progress 
of this American war, - - - 

16, Letter from General Suet niandt to the Presi- 
dent of Congress: With great regret he men- 
tions to Congress the sickly condition of the 
troops; none of the Field-Officers in some 
of the pasate are capable of doing 
duty, - - - 

16, Letter from Gener! Washington to the New- 
Jersey Convention: Requests Isaac Low, 
late of New-York, may be released from re- 
straint, = - = . = * - - 


16, Letter from General Washingiony to Governour 


Trumbull, - - - 

16, Letter from General TWtashisiaton to Brederick 
Jay: with several disaffected persons, on 
their way to Governour Trumbull, - - 

16, Letter from General Scott to Robert Ben- 


son, - - - - - - - - 

16, Letter from Major Nicholas Fish to the New- 
York Convention, - - 

16, William S. Livingston to seen Washington: 
Is desired by General Greene (who is sick) 
to say that a considerable number of Hes- 
sians were banding esterday on Staten- 
Island, - 

16, Letter from William Flodicat to Genéral Brash 
ington: By order of General Greene, he in- 
forms that fourteen vessels have entered the 
Narrows, - - - - - 

16, Intelligence from New-York: Ratbaspt tostestroy 
the British vessels in the North River with 
fire-ships, - : - - - - - 


974 


974 


974 
975 
975 
975 
975 


975 
976 


976 
976 
976 
977 
977 
977 


978 
978 
978 
979 
979 


979 


980 


980 


980 


981 


981 
981 
982 


982 


CONTENTS. 


776. 
“ths. 16, Letter from General Schuyler to the President 


of Congress: His character has been barba- 
rously traduced ; urges in the strongest man- 
ner the propriety ‘of examining, with the 
strictest scrutiny, into his conduct; he should 
be convicted or acquitted of whatever may be 
laid to his charge, —- 

16, Letter from General Schuyler to Ge uacal Wash- 
ington, - - 

Letter from Conaral Cates to aca Schuyler, 
August 11, - - - 

Journal of Major John Bigelow. Taly 28, - 

Paper delivered to Captain Bigelow by Captain 
Craig, at Isle-aux-Noix, August Se) ac 

16, Extract of a letter from Skenesborough : The 
Army is every day receiving reinforcements, 
by single companies, from the different States 
of New- England, - - - 

16, Letter from General Arnold to emer Cates - 

16, Letter from Jacob Bayley to General Gates, - 

16, Letter from Richard Law to Governour Trum- 
bull: Has had an interview with General 
Washington, and is in hopes there is not 
that foundation for Jealousy that was appre- 
hended,_ - - - - ~ 

Parole given by the Tapered persons sent from 
New-York to Connecticut, - - - 

Instructions for the Officer appointed to go to 
Connecticut with the prisoners, - - 

16, Letter from the Massachusetts Council to the 
Council of Safety of New-Hampshire: It is 
not in the power of Massachusetts to supply 
New-Hampshire with any cannon, - - 

16, Intelligence trom Newburyport : Prizes, - - 

16, Letter ‘from Thomas Fletcher to the Massachu- 
setts Council: Conference with the Penob- 
scot Indians, - - - - 

16, New-Hampshire Toler Cees - - 

17, Letter from William Finnie to the President of 
Congress, 

17, Letter from ‘the Maryland Cage na Safety to 
Captain Deakins: Should send to ABBABCHS 
immediately the men he has got, 

17, Letter from the Maryland Council of Salety ‘4 
Colonel Hollingsworth, - 

17, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety ts 
Colonel Richardson, - - 

17, Letter from the Maryland Council bs Safety a 
Captains George and Alexander, - 

17, Letter from Dr. Tootell to the Maryland Ceti 
cil of Safety, - - - 

17, Resolution of the Maryland onesie to 
maintain the freedom and mdenendenny of 
the United States, - - - - 

17, Baltimore Committee order the arrest of ans: 
topher Limes, - - - - 

17, Letter from the President of Gameicss a Gen- 
eral Washington: Has received the box of 
publick papers, and is directed by Seagarass 
to take care of it, = - 

17, Letter from Commodore Hiopins Ps the eee 
dent of Congress, - - - - - 

17, Letter from the Committee for Cumberland 
County, Pennsylvania, to the President of 
Congress, - - - - - 

Account of moneys advanced to the Gs eat 
of the marching Militia and Flying-Camp 
Companies of Cumberland County,  - - 

17, Resolutions of the New-Jersey Convention 
making Continental Bills of Credit a legal 
tender, - - - - - ~ 

17, Letter from the Committee of Monmcuths New- 
Jersey, to the New-York Convention, - 

17, Letter from Gen. Washington to Lord Howe, - 

17, Letter from Lord Drummond to General Wash- 


ington, - - 
17, Letter from General Washington to Lord Dams 
mond, - - - 


17, Letter fam Gen. Via lonetod to ip Hames - 
17, Letter from General Washington to the Breet. 
dent of Congress, - ~ - - - 
Letter from eaters Roberdeau to General 
Washington, August 15, - . a 
Examination of Captain “Alexander antes! 
escaped from on board the Rockingham 
transport, - 2 - - - 
Examination of Isaac Taniaes a Pilot of Phila- 
delphia, escaped from the British fleet, - 


LXX 


983 
985 


986 
986 


987 


988 
988 
989 


989 
989 
990 


990 
990 


990 
991 
991 


992 
992 
992 
993 
993 


993 
993 


993 
994 


994 
995 


995 


1534 
1026 


1026 


1027 
1094 


995 
996 


996 
996 


CONTENTS. LXXII 


LXXI 
wis Examination of a deserter from Staten-Island, 996 An 17, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Nathaniel 
Examination of John Hammond, - - ~ 997 Shaw, Jun.: The Tory prisoners at New- 
Examination of William Brooks, - 997 London will be taken care of till further 
Aug. 17, Letter from General Washington to the New- orders are given, - - 1004 
York Convention: recommending the re- 17, Proceedings of the Gonneotiuat ‘Goiees) of 
moval of the women and children from the Safety, August 9 to August 17, - - - 1005 
City, - - - . - - - 997 17, Intelligence from Providence, Rhode-Island : 

17, Proclamation by General Washington: recom- Prizes, - : - - - 1010 
mending to all women, children, and infirm 17, Letter from the Count of Massachusetts to 
persons “to. remove with * expedition from the President of the State of New-Hampshire, 1010 
the City, - - 998 17, Letter from Eleazer Russel to Meshech Weare: 

17, Letter ae Colonel Reed to Neeneral Heath : His reasons for not signing the Association, 1010 
with M. Martin, an Engineer, - - 998 18, Letter from Silas Deane to the Committee of 

17, Letter from Colonel Cary to General Herth: - 998 Secret Correspondence of Congress: His 

17, Letter from William S. Livingston to General proceedings and negotiations in France, - 1011 
Washington: General Greene had a very bad 18, Letter from Silas Deane to C. W. F. Dumas, - 1021 
night, and i is no better this morning than he 18, Letter from Baron de Beaumarchais to the Com- 
was yesterday, - - - 998 mittee of Secret Correspondence of Congress, 1021 

17, Report of Committee of ‘New- Work ‘Convention 18, Extract of a letter from the camp near Seneca: 
on removing the prisoners from Kingston to Engagement with the Indians, - - - 1023 
Morris-Town, New-Jersey, - - - 1517 18, Letter from Colonel Ewing to the Maryland 

17, Letter from the New-York Convention to the Council of Safety, - 1023 
Committee for Ulster County, - - - 1518 18, Letter from Captain Bourk a the Maryland 

17, Letter from John McDonald, miner, to the Council of Safety, - - 1024 
New-York Convention, - - - - 1519 18, Letter from the Maryland Cate aaah an a 

17, Letter from the Committee of Safety for West- President of Congress for ten thousand dol- 
chester County to the New-York Conven- lars, on account of aaa se jis for the ys 
tion: Concerning some prisoners brought ing-Camp, 1024 
from Bedford to White-Plains, and Tories 18, Letter from Tonk Bartlett ¥ Coloael Whip- 
lately confined in their jail, - : - 1523 | ple: The ship Morris is arrived from France 

17, Letter from the New-York Convention to Gen- with sail-cloth, lead, powder, &. Commo- 
eral Washington: They agree to the pro- dore Hopkins has been found guilty of dis- 
posed obstructions in the East River, - - 998 obedience of orders, and Congress have 

17, Letter from the New-York Convention to Gen- ordered him to be censured, = = - - 1024 
eral Washington: A committee has been “ 18, Extract ofa letter from John Adams, - - 1025 
appointed to provide for the removal of wo- 18, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 
men and children from the City, - - 999 dent of Congress, - - - - - 1025 

17, Resolutions of the New-York Convention for Letter from General Howe to General Wash- 
the removal of the women, children, and ington, August 13, - - - - - 1026 
infirm persons, remaining in the City, - 999 Letter from General Wantnaor to Copeia! 

17, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates, 1000 Howe, August 17, - - 1026 

17, Letter from H. Glen to Walter Livingston, - 1001 Letter from Lord Drummond is General Wash- 

17, Extract of a letter from an Officer at Fort Stan- ington, August 17, - - - - - 1026 
wix: Ensign Younglove, of the Third Batta- Letter from Lord Drummond to Lord Howe, 
lion of New-Jersey, killed by the Indians, - 1001 August 12, - - - - - - 1027 

17, Letter from General Waterbury to General Sketch of propositions communicated to Lord 
Gates: Wishes some quarter-deck plank to Howe by Lord Drummond, August 12, - 1027 
be sent to Skenesborough, - - - 1001 Letter from Lord Howe to Lord “Drummond, 

17, Letter from General Waterbury to General August 15, - - - - - - 1027 
Gates: Is obliged to employ twelve boats Letter from General Washington to itty Drum- 
constantly in Wood Creek, - - 1001 mond, August 17, - - - 1027 

17, Letter from General Gates to General Water- 18, Letter from General Washington . thes Mews 
bury: Sends twenty batteaus to bring such York Convention: He cannot advance any 

_ of the Massachusetts troops as have arrived money for expenses incurred in obstructing 
at Skenesborough, - -~— - - + 1002 the navigation of the East River, - - 1028 

17, Letter from General Gates to Colonel eae 18, Letter from General Washington to Governour 
voort, - ~ = 1002 Trumbull: Captain Thomas, it is feared, 

17, Letter from Genes) Arnold to Gondral Gates: perished in the attempt to fire the Phenix ; 
Commodore J. Wynkoop has refused to obey the whole British forces in America, except 
his orders, and imagines his appointment by those employed in Censdas, are now at New- 
General Schuyler cannot be superseded, - 1002 Yorkjuow- - 1028 

17, Orders from General Arnold to Caplan Sea- 18, Letter from William Blodget t to Leet Wash- 

man, - 1002 ington: General Greene is better, and is in 

17, Letter from Ghrniadote Wiyukoon to ised hopes in a few days to be able to go abroad, 1029 
Arnold: Knows no orders but what are given 18, Letter from Lewis Morris to Abraham Yates, - 1522 
out by himself, except sailing orders from the 18, Letter from Jonathan G. Tompkins to the New- 
Commander-in-Chief, - - - - 1002 York Convention: relating to Josiah and 

17, Letter from General Arnold, Commander-in- Isaac Brown, imprisoned at the White-Plains, 1524 
Chief of the fleet on Lake Champlain, to 18, Letter from General Heath to General Wash- 
Commodore J. Wynkoop: If he does not obey ington: The Rose and Phenix have peeced 
orders, will be under the disagreeable neces- down the river, - 1029 
sity of immediately arresting him, - - 1003 18, Letter from David Mattheuure to te Se Recagie 

17, Letter from Commodore Wynkoop to General Begs the favour of being heard before the Pro- . 
Gates: General Arnold says he is to have the vincial Congress, before they come to a final : 
command of the Navy. Without showing determination about him, - - 1030 | 
any authority for it, he ordered two schoon- 18, Letter from Colonel Gilbert rake to Captain 
ers down the Lake, on some information he Brown: Directs him to proceed to Cortlandt’s 
says he had of the approach of the enemy, - 1003 Manor, and apprehend all persons disaffected 

17, Letter from William Page to General Gates: to the good of the States of America, -  - 1030 
respecting Captain Eddy’ s company of car- 18, Letter from General Schuyler to the President 
penters from Rhode-Island, - . - 1003 of Congress: Transmits to General Washing- 

Letter from General Waterbury to Captain ton the transactions of the late treaty with 
Eddy, August 12: By General Gates’s orders the Indians. The commissioners thought it 
the company of carpenters under his com- needless to make entries of all the meetings 
mand, having lately had the small-pox, cannot with Indians, on affairs of eery little or no 
enter the service, - - - - - 1004 moment, - - 1030 
Resolutions of the Committee of Wiliamatown, 18, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash- 


August 4, - wi zs . - - 1004 ington, - - - 1031 


LXXIII 


1776. 

Letter from General Arnold to General ai 
ler, August 8, - . 
Letter from Colonel Dayton to General Schuy- 
ler, August 15: Desertion of Lieutenant 
McMichael and others to the enemy, - - 
Information given by Richard Bell and Samuel 
Freeman of the scout from Fort Schuyler to 
Oswego, in pursuit of McMichael, under the 
command of Sergeant Youngton, - - 
Conference of the Commissioners for Indian 
Affairs with the Six Nations of Indians, at 

German-Flats, in August, 1776, - - 
Aug: 18, Letter from General Schuyler to Giébietél 
Gates, - - - - - : 

18, Letter from General W atdebiy to General 
Gates: Will forward the Bay troops as fast 
as they arrive, according to orders, - - 

18, Letter from General Gates to General Schuyler: 
More artillery and picts will be wanted for 
the fleet, - - - - - - 

18, Letter from General Gates to General Arnold: 
Orders him instantly to put Commodore Wyn- 
koop in arrest, and send him prisoner to 
Head-Quarters at Tyonderoga, - - - 

18, Letter from Colonel Stewart to General Water- 
bury, - - - - - - - 

18, Letter from George Pitkin to Benjamin Payne, 

18, Letter from Meshech Weare to James Bowdoin: 
Is extremely sorry at the’delay the troops met 
with. The villanous ee ak of the Doctor 
at Number Four, - 

19, Opinion of the Georgia Gbinell of Safety on 
General Lee’s questions, as to the propriety 
of invading East-Florida, - - - - 

19, Letter from General Lewis to the President of 
Congress: Has ordered the First and Third 
Battalions, in Virginia, to march with all 
speed to the Flying-Camp, in New-Jersey, - 

19, Instructions to the Delegates of Anne Arundel 
County, in the Maryland Convention, - - 

19, Letter from the Delegates in Convention to the 
Electors of Anne Arundel County: They 
consider several of the instructions, if carried 
into execution, destructive of free govern- 
ment; and submit to them the propriety of 
reconsidering their instructions, - ~ 

19, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 
Colonel Hollingsworth : ue ppaeire of his on 
for forwarding the troops, - 

19, Letter from the “Maryland Council of Safety " 
the Committee for Kent County, 

19, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety 6 
Colonel Ewing: The order of Convention is, 
that all companies are to march that can be 
armed and equipped; his ete are not 
to march unarmed, - 

19, Letter from Isaac Griest to the. Maryland Gouts: 
cil of Safety: He don’t know what will be 
done for blankets; all the guns are in bad 
order, and very few have bayonets, = - - 

19, Proceedings of the Baltingpre Committee, - 

19, Address delivered at the opening of the election 
in Dover, Delaware, for the choice of Mem- 
bers of the Convention, - 

19, Letter from John Bartlett to Jott Langton 
The insolence of the commanders of the 
British vessels-of-war in. the West-Indies is 
becoming intolerable; they have attempted 
to take possession of some American vessels 
in the harbour of St. Eustatia, but were pre- 
vented by the Dutch, - ~ - - - 

19, Letter from General Wooster to the Congress: 
Having their approbation of his past conduct 
in the Army, is still one to serve in his 
“properrank, = - . 

19, Letter from William Gics to William Atlee, - 

19, Proceedings of the Sa vadel pats oe eh 
mittee, - - 

= 19, General ‘Orders, by Gites Mercar; at Blige. 
beth-Town, New-Jersey: Thanks ‘the Penn- 
sylvania Associators for their attention to 
duty; he relieves part, and hopes it will soon 
be in his power to give an honourable dis- 
mission to the remainder, - - Ms 
19, Proceedings of the inline igen teats 


Committtee, - 
— 19, General Roberdeau’s Addrews to the Renzisyly a- 
nia Associatorsat Amboy,- | - ; 


Firra Serres.—Vot. I. 


1033 


1033 


1034 


- 1035 
1050 


1050 


1050 


1051 


1051 
1051 


- 1051 


1052 


1053 
1054 


- 1055 


1055 
- 1055 


- 1055 | 


1056 | 


1056 


- 1057 | 


1060 


1060 
1061 


1061 


CONTENTS. 


LXXIV 


1776. 
Aug. 19, Letter from General Mercer to General Wash- 


ington; with some intelligence that may be 
eh ok consequence, - - - 1064 

Information given by seen ave cainail, 

Isaac Osborne, and Robert Peas, escaped 
from a British transport, — - = - - 1064 
Examination of Captain Britton, - - - 1064 

19, Letter from General Roberdeau to General 

Washington: Informing him of a report 
spread by the post- -rider, - - - 1065 

19, Letter from Lord Howe to Genditl Washing- 
ton, - - - - - - - - 1095 

19, Letter from Lord Drummond to General Wash- 
ington, - - - - - . - 1158 

19, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 
dent of Congress, - - - - - 1065 

19, Letter from General Washington to General 

Roberdeau: The report propagated by the 
Post-rider is totally destitute of truth, - - 1066 

19, Letter from pet ky alu Bias to General 
Gates, - - - 1066 

19, Extract of a letter from New! Wort Escape of 
the Rose and Phenix, - - - - 1066 


19, Letter from Colonel 


Hitchcock to Géindril 
Washington: Thinks himself entitled to pro- 
motion with Colonel Varnum; the moment 
Colone] Varnum receives preferment, and he 
remains unnoticed, he will resign his com- 
mand; and at the end of the campaign, his 
whole regiment, officers and soldiers, will 
follow, - 


- 1067 


19, Letter from Golanel McDougall - to General 


19, Report of Captain Suydam of the Light- Horse; 


Washington: with the substance of the 
examination of Mary Debeau, - 


- 1068 
1068 


19, Examination of William Newton and others, 


taken bagel at ey by Captain 
Suydam, - - - - 


1069 


19, Letter from the Nuits York Camriiitee of Safety 


1522 


to General Clinton, - 


19, Letter from General ‘Schaples to Golovel Seth 


Reed: Grants him leave of absence, - - 1070 
19, Extract of a letter from Albany, - 5 - 1070 
19, Letter from H. Glen to Walter Livingston, - 1070 


19, Letter from General Waterbury to General 


Gates, - - - - - - 1071 
19, Letter from Colonel Mott to General Gates: In 

consequence of sudden family afflictions, 

asks for a short leave of absence, - - 1071 


19, Letter from the members ef a General Court- 


Martial at Ticonderoga to the President of 
Congress: On the conduct of General Ar- 
nold, - - - - 1072 


19, Letter eas Geiiarel Gates to : Gartétal Arnold: 


desires that Mr. Wynkoop be sent, as already 
ordered, immediately, under arrest, to him, at 
Tyonderoga, - - - - - - 1073 


19, Letter from General Gates to Governour Trum- 


bull: Soon as the row-galleys at Skenes- 
borough are completed, will despatch them, 
under the command of Brigadier Waterbury, 
to reinforce the ih dh dp now with General - 


Arnold, - - . - 1073 


19, Letter fans General Gates to tid Rev. Mr. 


Olcott: Requesting that the Committee at 
Number-Four will call before them a certain 
Doctor Stevens; and that the Doctor, with 
his acai PASE be sent to close confine- 
ment, - - - 1073 


19, Letter ori Gentral Aorta to piCeneral Gates: 


Has ordered Commodore Wynkoop to Head- 
Quarters; recommends that he may be per- 
mitted to return home without being cashiered, 
if it can be done with propriety, - - 1073 


19, Letter from Joseph Gilbert to General Gates : 


The difficulties he has had to contend with 
in forwarding the troops with provisions, for 
their march to Ticonderoga, - - - 1074 


19, Letter from Colonel Seyinour to Governour 


Trumbull, - - - - 1074 
19, Letter from the Reverend William Gordon to 
General Gates, - - - 1074 
19, Letter from General Word to General Wash- 
ington: Great solicitude is felt for him and 
the Army at New-York, - - 1075 
19, Letter from Thomas W. Waldron bo Meshech 
Weare, - - - . - 1075 
20, Extract of a letter fis St. Augustine, - - 1076 


LXXV 


ac 20, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 
Jesse Hollingsworth: They want a person 
that understands manufacturing flints, - 1076 
20, Letter from Captain Darnes to the Maryland 
Council of Safety: His company is really 
armed, and vastly anxious to receive their 
marching orders, - - - 1077 
20, Letter from Isaac Griest to the Maryland Coun- 
cil of Safety, - - - 1077 
20, Extract of a letter from Philadelhie! - - 1077 
20, Letter from Samuel Griffin, Deputy Adjutant- 
General, to the Board of War, - : - 1079 
General Return of the Army in New-Jersey 
under the command of General Mercer, - 1079 
20, Proceedings of the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 
Committee, - - - - - - 1079 
20, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 
dent of Congress: Encloses a copy of Gen- 
eral Carleton’s orders. Will not trouble Con- 

- gress with any strictures upon this indecent, 
illiberal, scurrilous performance, so highly 
unbecoming the character of a soldier and a 
gentleman, - - - - - 1081 

20, Letter from (oritnisents Trumbull to Colonel 
Chester: His beef man is sick, and there is 
none but Seats Isham who can supply his 


place, - - F - 1082 
20, Letter from Gen. Heath to en Washington, 1082 
20, Letter frony Colonel Dubois to General Wash- 

ington: His officers request they may be 

ordered into immediate service at New-York, 

or wherever it may be thought fit, - - 1082 


20, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates, 1083 
20, Letter from General Schuyler to Governour 

Trumbull: Is informed that the Connecticut 

troops, since their return, are striving to in- 

crease the unjust jealousies against him in 

different parts of the country. Conscious of 

the rectitude of his conduct, he has entreated 

Congress for a minute inquiry into it; if the 

misfortunes in Canada were occasioned by 

malconduct in him, he ought to be held up 

to publick detestation, - - - 1083 
20, Letter from the Albany Committee ‘6 Governour 

Trumbull: On the information they have re- 

ceived, that the Tory prisoners from Albany, 

by false reports and artful insinuations, are 

endeavouring to Aree the character of Gen- 

eral Schuyler, - - - 1084 
20, Letter from H. Glen io Walter Sanieton: 

Commissary-General, - - - - 1085 
20, Letter from Colonels Pettibone and Chapman to 

Governour Trumbull: They are on the march 

to New-York, according to orders received, 1085 
20, Letter from David Matthews to John McKesson: 

Complaining of his hard treatment, - - 1085 
20, Letter from the Committee of Greenwich, Con- 
necticut, to General Washington: Desire to 
know whether the service requires the whole 
of the few men remaining in town to be raised 
immediately ; and if so, whether they can be 
supplied with arms on their arrival at New- 
Vor rere! MTB Wan aina La). 1986 
20, Letter from Major Hawley to General Gates: 

Has done every thing in his power to sup- 

press the pernicious ‘practice of delaying the 

march of the troops for the sake of taking the 

small-pox, - - - - 1086 
20, Letter from the Selectmen of the gown of Min- 

den to the Massachusetts Council : Respect- 

ing the conduct of the Scotch officers, prison- 

ers at that place, - - x - 1087 
20, Proceedings of the Gomer for the County 

of Middlesex, Massachusetts, - - - 1087 
21, Orders of the King i in Council: Prohibiting the 

exporting out ‘of the Kingdom, or carrying 

coastwise, gunpowder, saltpetre, or any sort 

of arms or ammunition, for three months from 

the 23d day of the present month of August, 1088 
21, Orders of the King in Council: Continuing 

until the 31st day. of October the bounties to 

seamen who enter PS ae to serve in the 

Royal Navy, - - - - 1089 
21, Letter from Thomas Jones i the Maryland 

Council of Safety: Has delivered to Thomas 

Walker, at the request of Captain Nicholson, 

four hundred and thirty-two half barrels of 

powder, eighteen chests of arms, &c., - - 1089 


CONTENTS. 


Cus 21, Letter from the Maryland Council of “ip hed 


the Committee for Cecil County, Z 

21, Letter from the ae bo Council of Salety to 
Isaac Griest, - 

21, Letter from the Maryland Conta of Safety to 
the President of Congress: for ten thousand 
pounds, for money advanced by the Province 
on account of the Congress, - 

21, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 
Samuel Dorsey, - 

21, Letter from Captain Darnes ito the Maryland 
Council of Safety, = - - 

21, Letter from Dr. Wiesenthall to the Maryland 
Council of Safety, = - 

21, Letter from Amos Garrett ke the Maryland 
Council of Safety: with his account for mus- 
kets and bayonets, - - - - 

21, Letter from Caesar Rodney to Thomas Rodney, 

21, Petition of the Captains and Subalterns of the 
two old Virginia Regiments to the Congress, 

21, Memorial of Preudhome la Jeunesse, of Mon- 
treal, in Canada, to the Congress: For the 
commission of Captain of a corps of Cana- 
dians, Acadians, French, and others who 
speak French, for operations in Canada, - 

21, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 
dent of Congress, —- - - 

Letter from General Washington to Lord Howe, 
dated August 17: On the general exchange 
of prisoners in the naval line, and of that of 
Lieutenant Josiah in particular, - - - 

~ Letter from Lord Howe to General Washington, 
dated August 19: Will propose an exchange 
of an officer of the same rank with Lieuten- 


ant Josiah, when he arrives, . - - 
21, Letter from General Abie ieee to General 
Schuyler, - : - 


21, Letter from Joseph Rea Aap ionGeneat to 
the New-York Convention: Simtel a 
letter from Governour Martin,» - - 

21, Report of A. W. Depeyster to the New+¥ork 
Convention: Relative to the disposition of 
the prisoners in Connecticut, - - - 

21, Letter from General Livingston to General 
Washington: Information he has received 
from a spy returned from Staten-Island, = - 

21, Extract of a letter from an Offecer on board the 
Royal Savage, in Lake Champlain: They ex- 
pect to sail to-morrow for St. John’s, - - 

21, Letter from Colonel Hand to General Nixon: 
Embarkation and movements of the enemy, - 

21, Letter from Richard Brueré and others, prison- 
ers, to the New-York Convention,  - - 

21, Resolutions of the Committee for Dutchess 
County, New-York: ea a SL) a ited of 
salt, - - 

21, Petition of Gadwaladdy Gosden Tui of Ulster 
County, to the New-York Convention, - 

21, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Sulli- 
van: The works at Crown-Point might have 
been repaired bef@ this, so that five thousand 
men would have stopped the enemy had they 
attempted toadvance ; but wiser councils have 
fixed on Ticonderoga; the fleet goes down 
the Lake to-morrow, under General Arnold, 

21, Proceedings of the Connecticut Council of 
Safety, - - - - 

21, Letter from Governour Trombull to the Massa- 
chusetts Council: The practice of inoculating 
the troops for the small-pox exposes the other 
troops anew to that infection, which has al- 
ready rendered abortive the hopes of the 


Army, - - - - - : 
21, Orders of the Massachusetts Gouneil, - - 
21, Letter from the New-Hampshire Committee of 
Safety to Major Gains, - - - 


22, Letter from Lord George Germaine to Genet 
Howe: on filling up army vacancies, - - 

22, Letter from Lord George Germaine to ‘General 
Howe: Has received his plan on which the 
corps of Loyal Nova-Scotia Volunteers was 
then formed ; and hopes by the activity of the 
officers, they may soon be able to ta ag 
the corps, - - - 

22, Letter from Lord Gedrae Gurniaiste to Geseval 
Howe: The King approves of his prudence 
in waiting for the arrival of reinforcements ; 
and also of his whole conduct and plan, - 


LXXVI 


1090 
- 1090 


- 1091 
- 1091 
1091 
1091 
1092 
1092 
1093 


1093 
1094 


1094 
1095 
1095 
1528 
1529 


1531 


1096 
1111 
1096 


- 1096 
1097 


1098 
1099 


1100 
1100 


1101 
1101 


1102 


1102 


LXXVII 


1776. 

Aug. 22, Letter from Lord George Germaine to General 
Howe: The King having read and considered 
the reasons assigned for the detention at 
Halifax, is of opinion that an earlier removal 
from there was impracticable, = - - 

22, Letter from Lord George Germaine to Gover- 
nour Tryon: The steady loyalty of the people 
of Staten-Island, and their affectionate recep- 
tion of the troops under General Howe, can- 
not fail to recommend them to Govern- 
ment, - - - - - - - 

22, Letter from Lord George Germaine to Gover- 
nour Carleton: It is hoped that, with the 
prisoners he has taken, he can procure the 
release of his Majesty’s officers and loyal sub-, 
jects who are in the disgraceful situation of 
being prisoners to the Rebels, without com- 
mitting the honour and dignity of the King 
or using his name in any negotiation for the 
purpose, - - . - - . 

22, Letter from Lord George Serres to Gover- 
nour Carleton: on rank in the Army, - 

22, Letter from Lord George Germaine to Gover- 
nour Carleton: The rapid success of his 
Majesty’s arms in driving the Rebels out of 
Canada does great honour to his conduct. 
After clearing the frontiers of Canada of all 
the Rebel forces, and taking possession of 
the Lakes, he must send a detachment to 
communicate with and act under the com- 
mand of General Howe, - - - 

22, Letter from Lord George ‘Germaine to Gack: 
nour Carleton: The proofs the Indians have 
already given of their fidelity, and the mani- 
fest utility which large parties of them must be 
of to the Army leaves no room to doubt that 
every means has been exerted to induce them 
to a general declaration in our favour, - 

22, Letter from Silas Deane to the Count de Ver- 
gennes: Is surprised by the arrival of Mr. 
Arthur Lee, the agent of the United Colo- 
nies in Great Britain, - - = 

22, Letter from Cornelius Stevenson to Dr. Frank- 
lin: Has forwarded to him from St. Eustatia 
a packet from Amsterdam, - - - 

22, Petition from the Committee of the Settlements 
of Watauga and Holstein, to the North-Car- 
olina Council of Safety, - > - - 

22, Letter from the Marine Committee of Congress 
to Commodore Hopkins: instructing him to 
send to sea as soon as practicable the Alfred, 
Columbus, Cabot, and Hampden, with di- 
rections in what seas to cruise, - - - 

22, Letter from the Marine Committee to Captain 
Hacker: He will receive orders from Com- 
modore Hopkins, - - - - - 

22, Letter from the Marine Committee to Nathaniel 
Shaw, Jun.: requesting him to purchase a 
prize schooner, and equip her for a Conti- 
nental cruiser, - - 

22, Letter from the Marine Committee ne N athaniel 
Shaw, Jun.: to receive certain articles the 
Secret Committee have directed Barnabas 
Deane to deliver to him, - 

22, Intelligence received at Bigistiaiphigs Stravipth 
of the British forces on Staten- Island, - 

22, Resolution of the Committee for Berks County, 
Pennsylvania: on the application of M. Berie 
Hertel de Rouville, - - - - 

22, Letter from Colonel Wilson to the Teanadent 
of Congress: on the rewards offered to for- 
eign troops who will desert the cause of Great 
Britain, : - - - 

22, Letter from General Washington t to the rei: 
dent of Congress: There is every reason to 
believe that an attack is shortly designed ; 
we are making Nee pace usauan to receive 
them, - ° mn 

Letter from Lord sling to Colonel Vison, - 

22, Extract of a letter from New-York: Preparations 
of the enemy for an attack, - 

22, Petition of Abel Noble and Peter TPapenserd, 
proprietors of the Stirling Iron Works, to the 
New-York Convention: for an exemption 
from military duty of the Fencons engaged at 
their works, - . ‘ Rk : 

Schedule of the artificers and lalate: employ- 
ed at the Stirling Iron Works, - . 


CONTENTS. 


1102 


1103 


1103 
1104 


1104 


1105 


1105 


1106 


1376 


1106 


1107 


- 1107 


- 1108 
1109 


- 1109 


- 1110 


1110 
1111 


11114 


1112 
- 1112 


Y 


1776. 
Aug. 22, Letter from the New-York Convention to Col- 


onel Joseph Reed, - - fp : 
22, Letter from the New-York rire etn to Gen- 
eral Washington: relative to a report that the 
city of New-York was to be burnt if the 
troops left it, - - - 
22, Letter from Gancmi Heath to Glenn Mifflin : 
Requests him to attend the Court for inquir- 


ing into the conduct of the Captains of the. 


Row- Galleys, - a 
22, Letter from Cadwallader Golden, Jun. o the 
New-York Convention, - - 
22, Letter from General Waterbury to ere 
Gates, - 
22, Letter from Ganaral Gates to eee Benson: 
Dr. Stringer has gone a preferment hunting 
to the Congress ‘at Philadelphia, while the 
troops are suffering inexpressible distress for 
want of medicines; entreats that this letter 
may instantly bé laid before General Wash- 
ington, - - - - - 
22, Letter from Canonel Hise to General Gates: 
A reconnoitering party sent down the Lake, 
towards Gilliland’s, has just returned, and re- 
ports all quiet there, - - 
22, Intelligence from Mewnars 


Rhode-Island: 


: Prizes, - - - “ - : 
22, Letter from ‘Epiete Trumbull to General 
Schuyler, - - - - - ~ 


22, Intelligence from Boston: Prizes, - - - 
22, Letter from General Ward to General Wash- 
ington: Will order Captain Burbeck, with his 
company of Artillery, to march as soon as 
possible to New-York, — - - - - 
22, Letter from Thomas Rice to James Warren, - 
Subscription for exchanging hard money for 
Continental bills, —- - - 
22, Letter from the Massachusetts Conta to the 
Committee for the Town of Mendon, - 
22, Letter from the New-Hampshire Committee of 
Safety to the Selectmen of Charlestown, 
(Number-Four :) Are of opinion that there is 
great danger that the small-pox may be car- 
ried from Number-Four to the Army, - . 
23, Letter from Benjamin Harrison, Jun., to the 
President of Congress: with his accounts, - 
23, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 
Captain Darnes: The Convention has direct- 
ed them to despatch all the companies of the 
Flying-Camp that could be armed, with the 
utmost despatch, - 
23, Letter from the Maryland Cacned “Of Salty to 
Edward Parker, - - 
23, Letter from J. Nicholson to the Marland roti 
cil of Safety: Captain Darnes has been ex- 
ceedingly active, in endeavouring to arm his 
company of the Flying-Camp, to march to 
the northward ; he has pearly got them Sip 
ped for that purpose, : 
23, Appointment of James White as lannaocene 
missary for the Province of Pennsylvania, - 
23, Letter from the Marine Committee of Congress 
to Lieutenant Baldwin: Instructions for his 
cruise in the Continental schooner Wasp, 
23, Stephen Shewell and Joseph Shewell declared 
enemies to their country by the Philadelphia 
Committee, - - - - - 
23, Discharge of the battalions of et trie from 
the City of Philadelphia, they having com- 
pleted six weeks’ service, - " “ 
23, Extract of a letter from an officer returned from 
the German-Flats, - - « 
23, Letter from General Washington the rece 
dent of Congress: Eight or nine thousand of 
the British have landed at Gravesend- Bay, on 
Long-Island, and approached within three 
miles of our lines. 
talions from New-York, which is all that can 
be spared, as an attack is anticipated there. 
Owing to the sickness of General Greene, 
General Sullivan is appointed to the com- 
mand of the Army on Long-Island,_ - : 
23, Letter from General Washington to General 
Heath: The enemy halted last night at Flat- 
bush, - 5 - 
23, Letter from Gen. Sullivan to Gen Washington, 
23, Letter from Colonel Cooke to Governour Trum- 
bull, - - - - : - - - 


Has detached six bat-* 


LXXVUI 


1528 


1531 


1113 


1113 
1114 


1114 


- 1114 


1115 


1115 
1116 


1116 
1116 


1116 
1116 


1117 
1117 


- 1117 
1117 


1117 
1118 


- 1118 


1119 


1119 
1119 


1120 


1120 
1136 


1120 


LXXIX 


1776. 
ug. 23, Proclamation by General Howe: Informing all 
persons who have been forced into rebellion, 
that on delivering themselves at Head-Quar- 
ters of the Army on Long-Island, they will 


be received as faithful subjects, - - 1121 
23, Letter from Major RSDLgE to the /New- York 
Convention, = - - 1537 


23, Letter from General Washington to Apts New- 
York Convention: Contradicting the report 
that the City of Np riatiork was to be aban- 
doned and burnt, - - 1538 

23, Letter from Capen Heath to Genteal Wash- 
ington: Is more afraid of the arts than the 
force of the enemys thay must be well 
watched, - - - 1121 

23, Letter fan General Heath to Guleanl Necoll: 
directing him forthwith, to march to Fort 
Washinston, and, in case of an alarm, to 
proceed” to Bloomingdale, and join General 


Mifflin, - - - - - 1122 
23, Letter from General Heute to the Commissary 
of Provisions, - - 1122 


23, Letter from General Heat to erent Mifflin, - 1122 
23, Letter from General Ten Broeck to the New- 
York Convention: For promotion of officers, 1122 
23, Letter from Colonel Cortlandt to General Gates, 1122 
23, Letter from General Gates to the President of 
Congress: Saturday se’nnight expects the 
whole of the Militia of the different States, 
with the two established Regiments from 
Boston, will be at Tyonderoga, - - - 1123 
List of armed vessels on Lake Champlain, - 1123 
Application of the Field-Officers of the Regi- 
ments from Jersey and Pennsylvania for a 
post between swine and 'Ticonde- 
roga, - 1123 
General One fi Cone) Gatast gala har 
ters, Ticonderoga, August 6 to August 22, - 1124 
23, Letter from General Gates to General ‘Amold, - 1129 
23, Letter from Captain Nelson to the President of 
* Congress, - - - - - - - 1129 
23, Letter from General Arnold to General Gates, - 1129 
23, Letter from Colonel Brewer to General Gates, - 1130 
23, Intelligence from New-London: Prizes, - - 1130 
23, Letter from the Council of Massachusetts to the 
Board of War: Steps have been taken to 
procure a list of the prisoners now in Massa- 
chusetts, - - - - - - 1130 
24, Letter from Ganedal Lee to the President of 
Congress: The present state of Georgia, its 
strength and weakness, will be transmitted to 
the Board of War, - - 1130 
24, Letter from General Lee to the Board of War 
‘ and Ordnance, - - 1131 
24, Letter from the Maryland Coun on Salety e 
General Washington, - - 1133 
24, Letter from the Maryland Council Safety to 
Captain Darnes: with orders for furnishing 
him with arms; Colonel Richardson will give 
him marching orders, 1133 
24, Letter from the Maryland retest he Safety to 
the Baltimore Committee: with a quantity 
of powder to be stored and secured in or near 


Baltimore, - 1133 
24, Letter from the Margiand Ge unal Re Safety to 
Stephen Steward, - - 1133 


24, Letter from the Maryland Conan ae Safety R 
Gerard Hopkins, Copan of anos at 
Baltimore, - - 1138 

24, Letter from the Maryland Ganpedl as Safety to 
Colonel Richardson: Captain Bourke’s com- 
pany will leave Annapolis for the Head of 
Elk this afternoon; medicines must be fur- 
nished, and the arms repaired at Philadelphia; 
tents may be had at New-York ; then cannot 
be got here, - - - 1134 

24, Letter from John Hanson, a F $0) the Mary- 
land Council of Safety: The money sent to 
Frederick-Town, for the support of the pri- 
soners, is allexpended,_ - - - - 1134 

24, Letter from Colonel Hollingsworth to the Ma- 
ryland Council of Safety: Captain Alexander, 
of the Flying-Camp, has his company com- 
pleted, and only waits orders to march, - 1134 

24, Letter from Captain Dean to the Maryland 
Council of Safety: Has arrived at the Head 
of Elk, but finds nothing provided for him 
there, and no Field-Officer to direct him, - 1134 


CONTENTS. 


ee 24, Letter from the President of Congress to Gen- 


eral Washington: Congress highly approve 
of the manner in which the officious and in- 
temperate zeal of Lord Drummond has been 


checked, - - - - 
24, Proceedings of the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 
Committee, - 


24, Letter from John Givadex to Dr. Frankiade Re- 
quests permission to return to Canada; says 
he has been justified by every man, whatever 
his politicks, in refusing to deliver up the 
papers, - - - - 

24, Letter from Gonekdl Washington to the Presi- 
dent of Congress, - - - 

_ Letter from General Sullivan ‘a Give] Wash- 
ington, August 23: The enemy attempted to 
pass the road by Bedford this afternoon, but 
were driven back by the Riflemen, — - - 

General Orders of General Washington, Head- 
Quarters, New-York, August 16 to August 


24, Letter from General Washington to General 
Schuyler, - - - - - - 
24, Letter from General Washington to Governour 
Trumbull, - - - - - 


24, Letter from Colonel Knox to Gapeial Huth, - 
24, Letter from James Livingston to John Jay, - 
24, Extract of a letter from New-York: Skirmish 
on Long-Island, - - 
24, Letter from Captain i aplartink Platt . the 
New-York Convention: Many of the troops 
have no money to eh the necessaries 
of life, - - - 
24, Letter from General Gedcas iheac: to ‘Mejor 
Verbryck, - - - - - 
24, Resolutions of the Nereis Goudenied for 
removing the stock from the south and west 
parts of Long-Island, - - 
24, Letter from Christopher Tappen ond Gilbert 
Livingston to the New-York Convention, - 
24, Letter from Erastus Wolcott to the Committee 
at Saybrook, Connecticut: Two of the ene- 
my’s frigates have none by New-London to 
the westward, - - 
24, Letter from Gen. Heath to Gan? Wstsainoton, 
24, Letter from General Mifilin to General Heath : 
asking a court-martial for the trial of Lieu- 
tenant Priestly, of Col. Magaw’s Battalion, 
24, Letter from General Heath to General Mifflin: 
Thinks it advisable to take the opinion of 
General Washington on Lieutenant ions 
case - - 
24, Letter ‘from. the Garaoaeee ior Uleetonastar 
County to the New-York Convention: They 
have caused a number of disaffected persons 
to be arrested and confined in jail, —- - 
List of Tories arrested by the Whentehesibe 


Committee, - - i 
24, Letter from GAliniel Samuel esue fe thes New- 
York Convention, - ad be ' x, 


24, Letter from the Committee of Kingston, Ulster 
County, to the New-York Convention: re- 
specting the removal of the prisoners from 
Kingston to Morristown, - - - - 

24, Letter from Dr. Potts to General Gates, - - 

24, Letter from Elbridge Gerry to General Gates: 
General Carleton is angry that a scout has 
taken off one of his General Officers; but is 
it not justifiable on the principle of retalia- 
tion? The frontier inhabitants are indiscri- 
minately murdered by Indians in the service 
of his Britannick Majesty, - - - 

24, Letter from J. Trumbull to the Mubssaciimette 
Convention: with a return of the deserters 
from the Massachusetts Regiments now ser- 
ving in the Northern Army, - - - 

24, Letter from Colonel Moulton to the New- 
Hampshire Committee of Safety: Has raised 
and equipped fifty-nine men out of his regi- 
ment, and ordered their march for New-York 
on the 25th instant, - 

25, Letter from Claude Grespigay to Ralph lvend: 
The Court at St. James’s laugh at the Decla- 
ration of Independence; in their exultation 
they will not choose to remember that inde- 
pendence was not premeditated in America, 
but is only the immediate and necessary con- 
sequence of their own acts, - - - 


LXXX 


1135 
1135 


1135 
1136 
1136 


1137 
1142 


1143 
1143 
1143 


1144 


1536 
1537 


~ 1537 
1541 


1544 
1144 
1144 
1145 
1145 
1145 
1145 
1146 
1146 


1146 


1147 


- 1147 


1148 


LXXXI 


1776. e 
Aug. 25, Intelligence from Charlestown, South-Carolina: 


Engagement with the Cherokees, - 

25, Letter from Captain Mantz to the Maryland 
Council of Safety, - ‘ 

25, General Washington’s orders to hears Put- 
nam: to restrain the loose, disorderly, and 
wasteful firing, which he witnessed yester- 
day; a kind of fire that tended to disgrace 
our own men as soldiérs, and to render our 
defence contemptible in the eyes of the 
enemy, - - - - - - - 

25, Resolutions of the New-York Convention on 

the distresses of the inhabitants who are 
compelled to abandon their habitations by 
the cruel and unnatural invasion now made 
upon the State, - - " 

25, Letter from Colonel Knox to Genext Heath, - 

25, Letter from Colonel Varnum to General Wash- 
ington: Is convinced that promotions in the 
Army are not designed for those whose prin- 
ciples are disinterested enough to serve the 
Continent without; as his continuance in the 
Army can be of no possible advantage, he asks 
permission to retire, - - A 

25, Letter from General Heath to Major icalay: 
Requires him to attend his duty at King’s 
Bridge, or another Aid-de- hectares will be ur 
pointed i in his place, - - 

25, Letter from General Schuyler to the Bacident 
of Congress: On the defects in the Commis- 
sary’s Department, - - - - - 

25, Letter from General Schuyler to General Gates, 

25, Letter from General Waterbury to General 
Gates: Captain Titcomb’s company of car- 
penters are all sick except four, and have ap- 
plied for discharges, - - - - - 

25, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates: 
The fleet is under way from Crown-Point this 
morning; intimates his disapprobation of 
General Arnold’s making detachments from 
his Regiment alone, - - - - - 

25, Letter from James Bowdoin to Governour 
Cooke: A British ship-of-war is cruising in 
Boston Bay, and has taken several prizes; 
the Continental ships lately built in Massa- 
chusetts are without guns; requests that if 
any armed vessels are at Rrovidenge hey 
may be sent, - 

26, Petition of Charles Shaw ‘a ine, News York 
Convention, - - - - 

26, Report of Committee of New-York Cnoeeiiin 
of their conference with General Washing- 
ton, about calling out the western Suffolk, 
and Queen’s County Regiment, - - 

26, Letter from Colonel Joseph Drake to the New- 
York Convention, - - 

26, Letter from the New-York Ganvensan fp Gen- 
eral Woodhull, - - - - - - 

26, Instructions of the New-York Convention to 

General Woodhull, - 

26, Letter from the Maryland engl of Safety fe 
Captain Nicholson, - - - - 

26, Letter from the Baltimore Committee to the 
Maryland Council of Safety: with a list of 
officers recommended to form a Battalion. 
Case of Jesse Hollingsworth, who has sold 
tea above the limited | price, - - 

26, Letter from the President of Congress én Ge- 
neral Ward: requesting him to continue in 
the command of the,Army at Boston, until 
an officer to relieve him can be fixed 
upon, . - - - - - - 

26, Memorial of George Measam, late of Meureal, 
to the Congress, - - 

26, Letter from James Work to William Atlee, - 

26, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 
dent of Congress: From the movements of 
the enemy, it appears that they mean to land 
the main body of their Army on Long-Island, 
and to make their grand push there. Con- 
siderable reinforcements of our HORS have 
been ordered thére, - - i 

Letter from Lord Drummond to Gases Wash- 
ington: On the violation of his parole, August 
19, - - - - “ ‘ 4 : 

Proceedings of a General Court-Martial of the 
line on Lieutenant-Colonel Zedtwitz, August 


25, 4 2 “a P = - - - 


CONTENTS. 


- 1148 
1149 


1149 


1539 
1150 
1150 
1151 
1151 


1153 


1154 


1154 


* 


1155 
1540 


1541 
1542 
1543 
- 1543 
1155 


1156 


1156 


1157 
1158 


1158 


1158 


1159 


Caias 26, Letter from Major Henley to General Heath: 


Requests he will appoint some person to take 

his place, as he cannot leave New-York be- 

fore the action, - - 
26, Extract of a letter from New- Rovde Netive of 
Zedtwitz’s treason, - . “ - * 

26, Intelligence from New-York, - - - 
26, Petition of George Harris to the New-York 
Convention: For relief from the ill-treatment 
he has received from the Tory inhabitants of 

Rye, in Westchester County, = - - 

26, Letter from General i. oh to General Wash- 
ington - 

26, Letter from Creaniival Gates to Canad Sehifylar: 
enclosing letters received yesterday by three 
inhabitants from Mr. Gilliland’s. The letters 
are wrote in so extraordinary a style and 
manner that the authors must be either sub- 
orned by the enemy, or the letters themselves 
a forgery. They ought to be sent without 
delay to Congress, - - 
Letter from General Stioorpson dated Qheteck 
Harbour, August 5, - - - - - 

[ Letter from Ebenezer Sullivan to General John 
Sullivan, Montreal, August 14,] - - - 
[Letter from Theo. Bliss to the Rev. William 
Emerson, Montreal, August 14, | - - 
[Letter from Ebed Greene to Colonel Israel 


Morey, Montreal, August 14,] - - - 
Parole of American Prisoners in Canada to 
General Carleton, August 9, - - 


List of American Prisoners sent home from 
Canada on parole, - = 

26, Letter from Rev. Bulkley Olcott to Gondial 
Gates: On examination of his charge against 

Dr. Stevens, his conduct appeared to the 
Committee much less feed he than was 
represented, - - - 

26, Letter from the Committee of Safety for Charles- 
town, (Number-Four,) to General Gates: Re- 

port ‘of their examination of the charges 
against Dr. Stevens, - - - - - 

26, Letter from Doctor Phineas Stevens to General 
Gates, - - - - 

26, Letter from Govaninu’ oeke to data Bow- 
doin: The two Continental ships in Rhode- 
Island cannot be got ready; so that no assist- 

ance can be given, ~ - - - - 

26, Intelligence from Hartford, in Connecticut: 


Arrival of Tories, = - - - “0 - 
26, Intelligence from Watertown, Massachusetts: 
Prizes, &c., - - - - - 


26, Isaac Chauncey, convicted of being notoriously 
inimical to the American States, advertised 
by the Committee for rite ate Massachu- 
setts, - 

26, Letter ‘from J. Wentworth to GUncral yenek 
ington: Condemnation of prizes, - 

27, Letter from General Beale to the Maryland 
Council of Safety, - - 

27, Letter from Captain Perkins to dike Maryland 
Council of Safety: for as much money as 
will defray the Sle oF his pal le to 
New-York, - 

27, Letter from "Moses Chaille Ho tite Maryland 


Council of Safety, - . 
27, Letter from E. Johnson to the Maryland Ban: 
cil of Safety, - - - * : » 


27, Constitution of Delaware agreed ie in Con- 
vention at New-Castle, —- . 

27, Letter from John Bartlett to Goiensi Whipple: 
The articles of Confederation were last week 
finished by the Committee of the — 
House, - - 
27, Letter from Feuneis iis to Mrs. Antes: Gen- 
eral Gates commands at Ticonderoga; Gen- 
eral Schuyler is treating with the Indians at 
German-Flats; they will always be on sepa- 
rate commands, - - - - 
27, Resolution of Pennsylvania Corweuition® re- 
quiring double guards of the Associators this 
night, as a number of the Militia in the bar- 

racks have been very riotous this day, - 
27, Memorial of the Chevalier Sauralle to the Con- 
gress: Is a young officer who has served two 

years as a volunteer in the artillery at St. 
Domingo; now offers his services to the Con- 
gress, - - - - - : 


LXXXII 


1162 


1162 
1163 


1163 
1164 


1165 
1166 
1167 
1167 
1168 
1168 
1169 


1170 


1170 
1171 


1179 


1180 


1180 


1180 


LXXXIII 


1776. 

Aug. 27, Letter from the Marine Committee to Captain 
Stone, - - - - - - 

27, Letter from John Hai to the stra geey Penn- 
sylvania, Committee, - . 

27, Letter from General Woodhull to the sate 
York Convention: He is at Jamaica with 
less than one hundred men; will remain 
there as long as he can, in pbb of a .rein- 
forcement, 

27, Letter from Colonel aay Drake to General 
Morris: Two men-of-war are now anchored 
between Hart and City Islands; one more 
has gone past Frog’s Point, - - 

27, Letter from General Woodhull to the new 
York Convention, - - - - - 

Letter from the New-York Convention to Gen- 
eral Washington: suggesting a reinforcement 
for General Woodhull, 

27, List of Prisoners at Lancaster, - - - 

27, Letter from Robert G. Livingston to the New- 
York Convention: Mr. Robert Hyslop has 
refused to receive Continental currency in 
payment for a bond for nine hundred pounds, 

27, Letter from Joseph Trumbull to the President 
of Congress, - - 

27, Letter from Robert H. Harken to the fhresi- 
dent of Congress: Has just returned from 
our lines on Long-Island, where he left Gen- 
eral Washington, by whose order he writes, 
that there has been an action to-day between 
the enemy and our detachments, which have 
sustained a considerable loss; General Sulli- 
van and Lord Stirling are among the missing, 

27, Extract of a letter from an officer in Colonel 
Atlee’s Battalion, on Long-Island,  - - 

27, Extract of a letter from New-York: Our people 
have been engaged with the enemy on Long- 
Island all this morning, and are at it yet; we 
cannot get at the particulars, - 

27, Letter from General Woodhull to the snes: 
York Convention: Has removed the cattle 
to the eastward of the Cross Road between 
the two Counties; unless he has more men 
the stay there will be to little purpose, - 

27, Letter from General Heath to General Mifflin: 
Has just been informed that three ships have 
come to anchor just above Frog-Point; a re- 
giment has been detached to. Satoh their 
landing, - - 

27, Letter from Ganagal Heath to Galeudl coeuan 

27, Petition of Jacobus Wynkoop to the Congress: 
setting forth all the circumstances connected 
with his arrest, and asking for such relief as 
he is entitled to, - 

27, Letter from General ia tesiaey to Gea Bites, 

27, Extract of a letter from Crown-Point: The 
enemy’s fleet is said to be on the way up the 
Lake, - - - - - - 

27, Letter from Fentenant plone! Brown to Gene- 
ral Schuyler, - - - - - 

27, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Gages 


Gates: Glad to hear affairs at the North are 
so favourable, - - - be i 
27, Letter from Gayemara Trumbull to Tati Bow- 
doin, - 43 4 
27, Proceedings of the Guaneerees Coupeil of 
Safety, - = 


27, Letter from Goloné! Bayiby te the New- -Hamp- 
shire Committee of Safety, - - - - 
28, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 
John Hanson: Send money for the support 
of the prisoners at Frederick-Town, - . 
28, Letter from the Maryland Council of Safety to 
the Committee for Charles County: for some , 
cannon powder for pabss ee who is” 
just ready to sail, - - - 
28, Letter from the Maryland Couneil of Safety to 
,Robert Berry, - - - - 
28, Letter from Captain Darnes hs the Maryland 
Council of Safety: His Cees is now on 
the march, - - - 
28, Letter from the Praidept ae giarats to the 
officer commanding a Virginia battalion: to 
proceed by the nearest route to New-Jersey, 
avoiding Philadelphia, - : - - 
28, Petition of Jean Laugeay, (artificial fireworker, ) 


to the Congress: Offers his service to Con- 
gress, =) enh of > Yibenents he 


CONTENTS. 


1181 
1181 


- 1544 


1544 
1546 
1547 
1182 


1182 
- 1182 


1183 
1183 


- 1184 


1184 


- 1184 
1185 


1189 
1189 


1190. 


1191 
1191 


1191 


1191 


1191 


i: 28, Petition of Paul Fooks to the Congress: Offers 


his services to Congress as an interpreter of 


LXXXIV 


the French and Spanish languages, - - 1192 


28, Notice from the War Office: Yequiring all the 
troops, without exception, now in Philadel- 
phia, on their way to the onuts to march to 
Amboy immediately, - 

28, Letter from Cesar Bee Dey to Thomash Rod- 


28, Letter fi from Dr. Heankiie 0 Cancel Gateen The 
Congress continues firmly united; arms and 
ammunition are also continually arriving, 
the French having resolved to reams the ex- 
portation to us, - - - 

28, Letter from General Mercer to the Prsstifent of 
Congress: His whole force, including the 
New-Jersey Militia, from Powles Hook to 
Shrewsbury, amounts to eight thousand three 
hundred men. Will have on Bergen, ready 
to pass over to New-York, if required, from 
three to four thousand men, . - - 

28, Extract of a letter from New-York: The small 
part of our Army engaged yesterday behaved 
most manfully; they fought the enemy, treble 
in number, several hours in the open field, - 

28, Extract of a letter from New-York: We yester- 
day had asevere engagement with the ssa 
on Long-Island, - - - - 

28, Extract of a letter from Head-Quarters, Ete: 
Island: Brief notice of the pis ghs or of 
yesterday, - - 

28, Extract of a letter omnis an éffider in the iNtary- 
land Battalion, on Long-Island: The battalion 
has suffered very much ; a great number of 
officers and men are killed and missing, —- 

28, Extract of a letter from Long-Island: Account 
of yesterday’s occurrences, - - - 

28, Letter from the New-York Convention to Gene- 
ral Washington: Enclosing copy of a letter 
from General Woodhull, - + 

28, Letter from the New- York Ganventittn to Go- 
vernour Trumbull: for one thousand men, 
or any greater force that can speedily be 
obtained, - ~ - - - - - 

28, Letter from the New-York Convention to sun- 
dry Committees in Connecticut: requesting 
them to assist in removing the stock from 


- 1192 


- 1192 


1193 


1193 


1194 


1194 


1195 


1195 


1195 


1196 


1196 


Long-Island, where there are between eighty ) 


and one hundred thousand head of cattle, and 
as many sheep, - - 

28, Letter from General Woodhull to thé Neve Work 
Convention: If no reinforcements are sent 
him he will have no men by to-morrow night ; 
hopes the Convention does not i a him 
to make bricks without straw, - - 

28, Letter from the New-York Convention to David 
Matthews, - - - - - - 

28, Letter from the New-York Convention to Go- 
vernour Trumbull, — - 

28, Letter from Colonel ‘Joseph Drake to ase} New- 
York Convention, - - 

28, Letter from the New-York Convention to Soheril 
Towns in Connecticut: requesting their as- 
sistance in removing the inhabitants a the 
stock from Long-Island,  - - - 

28, Letter from the New- York Convention tb Go- 
vernour Trumbull, = - - 

28, Letter from the N ew-York Gententide to Gblo- 
nel Joseph Drake, - - - 

28, Examination of Colonel Covenhoven by the 
New-York Convention, - - - 

28, Letter from General Washington to thes New- 
York Convention, - 

28, Letter from Cornelius Van Wyek to sen Now: 
York Convention, . - 

28, Letter from Peter T. Onvecaiitis to the N eweYinn 
Convention, - - - - - - 

28, New-York Convention adjourn from Harlem to 
meet at Fishkill, on spare next, oa 

ber 2, - - 

30, Letter from the N smu ork Commitee of Safety 
(at King’s Bridge) to General Washington, - 

28, Letter from the New-York Convention to their 
Delegates in Congress: asking for assistance 
in fortifying Hudson’s River and adalah 


the passage of the Highlands, - - 
28, Letter from General Gates to General Washing- 
ton, . - - - - . @- o 


- 1196 


1548 
1551 
- 1551 
1552 


1552 
1553 
- 1553 
1554 
- 1554 
- 1555 
1557 


1557 


1558 


1548 
1197 


CONTENTS. 


LXXXVv ° LXXXVI 
1776. 

Return of a Regiment of Foot, Sohal by Aug. 29, Accountof the engagement on Long-Island on 

Colonel Elmore, a - the QT th) te ai a ts wh rs? ager. =) 1212 

Return of Colonel John ‘Nicholson’: s Regiment, 29, Another account, it a a " a - 1213 
Albany, August 26, - - - - 1199 29, Letter from New-York: There was a constant 

General Return of the Army bitider General firing on Long-Island all yesterday afternoon, 1214 
Gates, Ticonderoga, August 24, - - - 1199 29, Proceedings of a Council of General Officers 

Return of Provisions at Skenesborough, Aug. 19, 1201 held at Long-Island, - - P - 1246 
Return of men who drew provisions on the. 12th 29, Determination of a Council of General Officers 

and 13th of August, - - - - - 1201 on Long-Island, - - £ = - 1246 
Provisions in the Magazine at mien 29, Colonel Fanning informs the New-York Com- 
August 13, - - - 1201 mittee of Safety that General Washington 
List of GUntinental Armed yeddele on Lake has ordered his regiment to withdraw from 

Champlain, August 18,  - — - . - 1201 Long-Island, - -~— - wt. 1557 
Return of men who drew provisions on the 24th 29, Letter ‘from Ebenezer Hazard to ‘Rabert Liv- 

of August, - - - - - - 1202 ingston, - é - 1214 
Provisions on hand in the Magazine at Ticon- 29, Letter from Comfort Sind i the New-York 
deroga, August 23; - - - - ~ 1202 Convention: Sends Daniel Redfield, who 

General Gates’s instructions for Lieutenant will give important information, - : - 1214 
Whitcomb, going on a party of observation 29, Letter from Joseph Drake to the New-York 

into Canada. Tyonderoga, August 19, — -_: 1202 Committee of Safety, - - 1214 
Extract of a letter from General “Schuyler to Examination of Daniel Redfield, of KGlifhgs- 

General Waterbury, Albany, August 17, = - 1203 worth, in Connecticut, = : - 1215 
Aug. 28, Letter from General Gates to Colonel Hartley : 29, Letter from General Heath to the: Committee 
Did not suppose General Arnold would take of Fairfield, Connecticut: Sends a number 
any of his men, as the vessels all had their of prisoners taken on Long-Island on the 

full complement when they left Tyonderoga, 1203 27th, : A a - 1215 


29, Orders by General Heath fork Hiohteiane Um- 
stead to convey the prisoners to Fairfield, - 1215 
29, Letter from Colonel Graham to General Heath: 
His regiment has full employ, and some other 
force should be sent, as there are many points 
to guard, - - - . - 1216 
29, Council of Warat King’s aBrides decide that one 
hundred men should be sent to Long-Island 
this night, to surprise the British Light- Horse, 
who are pillaging the inhabitants at Flushing, 1216 
29, Letter from General Heath to Colonel Graham: 
directing him to attempt the surprise on 


28, Letter from Colonel Maxwell to the President 
of Congress, - - - 1203 
Memorial of Colonel Willian Maxwell to the 
Continental Congress: Finds himself much 
aggrieved by the appointment of a younger 
officer, (Colonel St. Clair,) promoted over 
him. He would have quitted the Army imme- 
diately, but that the present alarming state of 
the country required his presence in the field, 1204 
28, Letter from Colonel Phinney to General Gates : 
Will make the best of his way to aa it Soh 
as directed, = - : - - 1204 


28, Letter from Governour Trumbull to Panera 
Schuyler: No misrepresentations of Tories 
will have credit enough, in Connecticut, 


Long-Island, if he thinks it may be effected, 1216 


29, Letter from Abraham King to Peter Livingston, 1216 
29, Letter from General are. to the President 


greatly to wound his character, - - 204 of Congress, - - - - 1217 

28, Letter from Colonel Stickney to the New- Hamp- Letter from General Gates to General Schuyler, 
shire Committee of Safety, - 1205 August 18, - - - - - - 1218 

28, Letter from Major Daniel Ilsley to the L@otk Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Brown to Gen- 
mittee of the town of Falmouth: His com- eral Schuyler, August 27: Account of scout 
plaint against Colonel Mitchell, - - - 1205 down the Lake, - - - - - 1218 

28, Letter fom Francis Shaw, Jun., to the Massa- Petition and Memorial ‘of John Brown, Lieu-, 
chusetts Council, -' - - - - 1208 tenant-Colonel of Colonel Elmore’s Regi- 

28, Letter from James Lyon to the Massachusetts ment, to the Continental Congress, - - 1219 
Assembly: Thinks Nova-Scotia worth an- 29, Letter from General Schuyler to General Wash- 
nexing to our dominions, and proposes an ington: In the Army the home sickness be- 
expedition to subdue it, - - - - 1280 gins to prevail about the middle of October, 

28, Intelligence from Halifax, in Nova-Scotia, - 1209 and when that unconquerable distemper 

American prisoners in Halifax, - - - 1283 takes place pat consideration gives way 
29, Memorial of R. Souralle to the recon - 1209 to it, - > - - - 1220 
Letter from M. De la Valletiere, - - 1209 29, Letter from Gesierdl Schuyler yi General Gates: 

29, A proposed Ordinance of the State of Bantisyt: Encloses a copy of Cpa: Meee, Ss me- 
vania, declaring what shall be treason, and morial to Congress, - - - 1221 
for punishing ‘the same, and other crimes 29, Letter from Captain Fasset to ‘General Gates, - 1222 
and practices against the State, - - - 1210 29, Letter from Governour Cooke to the Massachu- 

29, Letter from General William Livingston to Wil- setts Council: requesting Captain Grannis 
liam Hooper, in Congress, - - 1210 may be dismissed from the service of Mas- 

29, Letter from General Washington to the rae sachusetts, and that he may be permitted to 
dent of Congress: Mr. Harrison has informed inlist a complement of Marines there for the 
the Congress of the engagement between a Continental agi Warren, er out at Pro- 
detachment of our men and the enemy, on vidence, - - 1222 
the 27th. Neither General Sullivan nor Lord 29, Messages from the Oschdil of Massachusetts 
Stirling have yet been heard of, nor has our to the House of Representatives, - - 1223 
loss been ascertained, - - 1211, Message from the House of Representatives of 

29, Letter from General Mifflin to Geheril Heath : Massachusetts to the Council, - - - 1225 
Many battalions are coming over from New- 29, Intelligence from Boston: Arrival of Mr. S. 
Jersey this evening to relieve others here, - 1211 Adams: Prizes, . - . - 1226 

29, Letter from Colonel Josiah Smith to the New- 29, Letter from Dr. Brackett to die New-Hampshire 
York Convention: He is ready to march to . Council of Safety: Condemnation of the ship 
New-York, and desires orders, - - - 1211 Prince George at Portsmouth, - . - 1226 

29, Address of General William Erskine to the in- 30, Letter from General Lee to the Governour of 
habitants of Suffolk County, Long-Island: Cape Francois: It is for the interest as well 
He has been appointed commanding officer as the glory of France to furnish us with 
for the eastern part of the Island, and com- means of supporting our liberties. We do 
mands all Committee-men and others, acting not require any aid of men; we require small 
under the authority of the Rebels, to cease, arms, powder, field-pieces, woollen and linen 
and remain at their respective homes, - - 1211 to clothe our Soe and drugs, eetly 

29, Extract of a letter from an Officer in Colonel bark, - - ‘ : - 1227 

. Atlee’s Battalion: Sullivan and Stirling are 30, Intelligence from Williamsburgh, Virginia: In- 
prisoners; Colonel Atlee, Captains Howell, dian. depredations, - si - 1228 
Herbert, Murray, and Nice, and others, wails 30, Letter from Thomas Rodney to Gaus? Rodney, 1228 
eighty privates of the regiment, are missing, 1212 30, Admiralty Court, Philadelphia, : “ - 1229 


LXXXVII 


ee 30, Resolution of Council of Safety, Pennsylvania: 


urging the immediate necessity for the Asso- 
ciators to hasten their march to the camp in 
New-Jersey, - - = - 
30, Letter from the Lancaster, Banned Com- 
mittee, to the President of Congress, - _— - 
30, Letter from Captain Lowe to the Maryland 
Council of Safety: His company now in the 
Flying-Camp are desirous of serving as regu- 
lars on the Continental establishment, - 
30, Letter from General Washington to the New- 
York Convention: By the unanimous advice 
of a council of General Officers, it was deter- 
mined to abandon Long-Island, - : 
30, Letter from Colonel Joseph Reed to General 
Heath: Long-Island was evacuated last 
night; it was a measure th oh on the full- 
est necessity, - ~ 
30, Letter from Colonel Fategh Reeds to Goxitil 
Livingston: The gh aee eS and losses of 
the 27th, - - . - - 
30, Extract of a letter from an efieds of the Mary- 
land Battalion: giving a short account of the 
late engagement on Long-Island, —- : 
30, Extract of a letter from penadnagd ree 9 The 
retreat from Long-Island, - - 
30, Letter from John "Sloss Hobart and James 
Townsend to the New-York Convention: 
They found, on their arrival in Queen’s 
County, that the Militia had dispersed, and 
that General Woodhull had fallen into the 
hands of the enemy. The County as far as 
Jamaica is in possession of the enemy, and 
the disaffected from east and west have gone 
over to them, - - - - - - 
Ebenezer Dayton’s narrative of the proceed- 
ings of the First Regiment in Suffolk County, 
30, Letter from Colonel Livingston to General 
Washington, - - . - - 
30, Letter from Colonel Titcenten to Governour 
Trumbull: Has the command of a detach- 
ment, of two hundred men for the protection 
of the inhabitants, stock, &c., on Long- 
Island; the communications are cut off, and 
the detachment is in danger, - - - 
30, Letter from the Rev. S. Buell to Governour 
Trumbull: The enemy, sixteen thousand 
strong, have a line across Long-Island, from 
the Sound to the south. They have cut off 
communication with our Army, and have 
command of the west end of the Island 
entirely, - - 
30, Letter from William nes to {General Wesh- 
. ington: One Lownsbery, at the head of four- 
teen Tories, was killed yesterday; in his 
pocket-book was found a commission from 
General Howe to Major Rogers, empower- 
ing him to raise a battalion of Rangers, and 
with it a warrant from Rogers, apiomyng 
Lownsbery Captain, - - - 
30, Letter from the New-York Gommtkse of Safety, 
at King’s Bridge, to. General Washington: 
Desire to know if the Army has been removed 
from Long-Island to New-York, - - 
30, Petition of Jonathan Purdy to the New-York 
Convention: to be considered a pe of 
war, - - - - - - 
30, Letter from General George Clinton ay the 
New-York Committee of Safety, - 2 
30, Examination of Captain Brinton Payne by the 
New-York Committee of Safety, - “ 
30, Letter from Philip Livingston to the New-York 
Committee of Safety, - - - : 
30, Letter from General Heath to poe pe eta 
of Provisions, - 
30, Orders from General Heath t to thal Captain ai 
the main Guard, - 
30, Letter from J ames Ww. Payne tf Genet Hsath: 
The enemy’s Light-Horse are pillaging the 
country all along the shore opposite Frog 


Point, - - - - - + 
30, Letter from Eanes! ata to General 
Gates, - - - 4 A 


30, Letter from Colonel Fraser £6 Ghaltal Gates, - 
30, Letter from Colonel Hartley to General Gates: 
Crown-Point is a place of the last import- 
ance; the enemy, in possession of it, could 
effectually destroy our navigation, - - 


CONTENTS. 


1229 
1230 


1230 


1230 


1230 


1231 


1232 
1233 


1233 
1234 
1235 


1235 


1236 


1236 


1237 


1237 
1558 
1558 
1564 
1237 
- 1237 


1238 


1238 
1238 


1239 


1776. 
Aug. 30, Letter from Stephen Badger to James Bow- 


doin: on the propriety of eetnptinting: Colo- 
nel Jones, of Dedham, - - - 
30, Recommendation of the Committee of Safety 
of New-Hampshire, on the chanies against 


Zaccheus Clough, - - - 1 


30, Proclamation by General Carleton! Governour 
of Quebeck, - - 

30, Address of the City of Montreal to Govemmons 
Carleton, - - - - - 

General Carleton’s anes - 

31, Letter from Ralph Izard, in Pagioadl to Claude 
Crespigny: The Ministry are fully persuaded 
that Mr. Howe will winter in Philadelphia, - 

31, Letter from the Council of \yngiele to the 
Board of War, - - 

31, Letter from General Lewis to the President of 


Congress, - - - 1 


31, Extract of a letter from Philedelphia’ Notice of 
the late engagement on Long-Island, - - 
31, Letter from General Washington to the Presi- 
dent of Congress: The retreat from Long- 
Island was made without any loss of men or 
ammunition. Lord Howe is extremely de- 
sirous of seeing some members of Congress, 
for which purpose he has allowed General 
Sullivan to come out on parole, to communi- 
cate to them what has ee between him 
and his lordship, - - 
31, Letter from Lord Stirling to General Wadjor- 
ton: His account of the ee eae on the 
27th, - - 
Proceedings of a Gael of Gusev Oligers; 
held at Long-Island, August 29, - - - 
Determination of a Council of General Officers, 
held at Long-Island, August 29, - - 
General Orders, by General Washington, Head- 
Quarters, New-York, August 25 to August 31, 
List of the names of such Officers of the Penn- 
sylvania battalions as are prisoners and miss- 
ing, - - - - - - - - 
List of the names of such Officers as are prison- 
ers with the enemy, and have, by a flag of 
truce, sent for their baggage and cash, - 
Death of Philip Johnston, of New-Jersey, - 
Journal of transactions on Long-Island, on the 
27th of August, by Colonel Samuel Atlee, - 
31, Extract of a letter from Admiral Lord Howe, to 
Mr. Stephens, Secretary of the Admiralty, - 
Letter from General Howe to Lord Genrer Ger- 
maine, September 3, - - - - 
Return of American Prisoners tadigin on png: 
Island, August 27, - - - 
General Howe’s return of brass ayn iron Ord- 
nance taken from the enemy in the engage- 
ment on the 27th of August, and found in 
their different redoubts on Long-Island and 
Governour’s Island, - - - - ~ 
General Howe’s return of the killed, wounded, 
and missing, of the British Army, August 27, 
Extract of a letter from an officer in General 
Frazer’s battalion, September 3, - - 
31, Letter from John Sloss Hobart and James 
Townsend to the New-York Convention: A 
number of the Militia of Huntington, on 
Long-Island, are under arms, but a general 
complaint among them is, that their officers 
have deserted them, - - - - - 
31, Letter from Colonel Livingston to General 
Washington: Many of the inhabitants of 
Long-Island have been prevailed with by the 
disaffected to solicit pardons from General 
Howe. Our communication is cut off from 
New-York by land, and the ships are en- 
deavouring to intercept it by water. General 
Woodhull was taken prisoner and cruelly 
treated by the enemy; after he was taken, he 
received a wound in the head, and was com- 
mitted close prisoner to Jamaica Jail, - - 
31, Letter from the Suffolk County, Long-Island, 
Committee, to Governour Trumbull: asking 
for assistance ; most of their men capable of 
bearing arms are with the Army, - - 
31, Letter from the Rev. S. Buell to Governour 
Trumbull: Without some assistance, ten thou- 
sand people in Suffolk County, with all the 
stock in the County, will fall into the enemy’s 
hands, - - - - - - - 


LXXXVIII 


1244 


1245 
1246 
1246 
1247 


1250 


1250 
1251 
1251 
1255 
1256 


1258 


1258 
1258 
1259 


1260 


1260 


1261 


LXXXIX CONTENTS. ; ° xc 


1776. 1776. 
Aug. 31, Letter from Cornelius C. Roosevelt to the New- Aug. 31, Letter fromthe Committee of Southold, in Suf- 
York Convention, - - 1262 folk County, to Governour Trumbull, - - 1279 
31, Letter from the Naws York eernites of Safety 31, Committee of Guilford, Connecticut, agree to as- 
(at the house of Mr. Odell, in Phillipse’s Ma- sist in removing the stock from Long-Island 1279 
nor) to General Washington, - - - 1560 31, Letter from Maltby Gelston to Gov. Trumbull, - 1279 
31, Resolutions of the New- York Committee of 31, Rev. William Gordon’s letter to the inhabitants 
Safety, for forming the Militia of King’s and . of Massachusetts, - 1284 
Queen’s Counties, - - - - 1561 | Sept.1, Rasoiution of the Ne w-York Ge cunthes of Safe- 
31, Letter from Colonel Hopkins to General oatae ty, (Croton River, at the house of John 
Clinton: The people at Frog: s Neck pray for Blagge,) directing the Post between New- 
a reinforcement, - - 1262 York and Albany to ride, for the present, on 
31, Orders from General Heath to ernianrat dere the east side of Hudson’s River, - - 1562 
don: to proceed immediately with a detach- 1, Letter from General Washington to the New- 
ment and take post near the landing-place York Committee of Safety, - - - 1563 
at Harlem, - - - - - - 1262 2, Colonel Rensselaer informs the New-York 
31, Letter from General Heath to the officer com- Committee of Safety (at Fishkill, in Dutchess 
manding at Mount Washington, - - 1262 County) that the garrisons at forts Constitu- 
31, Pay-roll of the officers on board the armed gal- _ tion and Montgomery are ill armed, and 
ley Lady Washington, - - - 1263 otherwise in a condition ill calculated to an- 
Petition of Col. Morris Graham mene the officers noy the enemy, - - - 1562 
under his command to Gen. George Clinton, 1263 3, Letter from the New- Tork Caminita of Safety 
Return of Elkanah Day’s company, - - 1263 to the Committee for Westchester County, - 1564 


Muster-Roll of Captain Joseph Hatch’s compa- 
ny of Rangers, under the command of PAAIOT 


Joab Hoisington, - 1264 PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 
31, Letter from General Schuyler to eee Wash- 1776. pe 
ington, -  - - 1264 | July 5, James Dunlap appounied Surgeon of the Naval 
31, Letter from General Ceca to (ett Ontaet 1265 armament, - - 1287 
31, Letter from General Gates to Colonel Hartley, 1265 5, Levi BIB rletet: ma Theat Prensa 
31, Letter from Doctor Kennedy to General Gates : sent to New-York for cannon, - . - 1287 
Report of the Surgeons on the health of the 5, Robert Towers, Commissary, ordered to deliver 
Army, - - - - - - - 1266 thirty thousand flints for the Army under 
31, Letter from Colonel Gansevoort to Conan General Washington, at New-York, - - 1287 
Gates: For a reinforcement, agreeably to Ge- 5, Mr. Palmer and Mr. Nicholson appointed to 
neral Schuyler’s orders, —- - - - 1266 examine and value the arms of the Non- 
31, Letter from Colonel John prepa to Temes Associators, = - - 1287 
Bowdoin, - — - - - 1266 5, The good women of Diaatentas requested to 
31, Letter from General ened to General (ee furnish as much old linen for lint and band- 
Is with the fleet at Button-Mould Bay. De- ages as can be spared, - - - - 1287 
spatched Lieutenant Whitcomb yesterday 5, Philadelphia Committee requested to procure 
morning. Recommends the sending of a good linen for tents for the Associators, - - 1288 
officer, if one can be procured, to act as_ - 6, Pay of Officers of the armed booty Provincial 
Captain of the Royal Savage, - - - 1266 ship, and floating battery, - - 1288 
Sept.2, Letter from General Gates to the President of 6, Daniel Burkhard, George Hubley, Levan Bun- 
Congress: In the removal of Captain Wyn- ner, and Benjamin Weiser, recommended 
koop a little of the dictatorial power was for Captains of the four German Companies, 1289 
exerted, but perhaps it was never more ne- 6, Committees of Bucks, Chester, Northumber- 
cessary than on that occasion. Sends the land, Lancaster, and Berks Counties, re- 
proceedings of a General Court-Martial on quested to publish the Declaration of Inde- 
Colonel Hazen, on a complaint exhibited by pendence on Monday next, . - 1289 
General Arnold; here, again, he was obliged 6, Sheriff of Philadelphia directed to read ad pro- 
to act dictatorially, and dissolve the court, claim at the State House, on Monday next, 
the instant they demanded the arrest of Ge- at twelve o’clock, the Declaration of Inde- 
neral Arnold. Wishes this affair may be pendence, - - 1289 
represented in the most favourable ight to 8, Eight rounds of powder wearer for the ye 
Congress, - 1267 ciators, to be used in training them, - - 1289 
General Orders, - Cor Cate, eat saree 8, Army Regulations printed for ‘the Associators 
ters, Ticonderoga, August 23 to ‘September 2, 1268 going into the Continental service, - - 1289 
General Arnold’s protest against the proceed- : 8, Ironmasters employed in casting cannon or 
ings of the Court-Martial on Colonel Hazen, shot authorized to employ prisoners of war 
for rejecting the evidence of Major Scott, - 1272 at Lancaster and Reading, - - - 1289 
Minute of the Court requiring an apology from 8, Adam Kuhn appointed Physician and Surgeon- 
General Arnold, - - - 1278 General to the troops under orders for New- 
Letter from General Arnold to the Cont, Au- Jersey, - - : - = - - 1290 
cust 1; reflecting upon their vote, and inform- 8, Persons employed in making guns, gun-locks, 
ing them that as, in their apprehension, their chevaux-de-frise, or piers, for the publick 
nice honour is injured, as soon as the dis- not to march with the Militia without Baccus 
agreeable service is ended he will withhold permission, - - 1290 
from no gentleman of the court the satisfac- 8, Two hundred weight Pilead f be atiected to 
tion his nice honour may require, —- - 1273 Colonel Miles, for the use of the troops un- 
Letter from the Court-Martial to General Gates, der his command, - - - - - 1290 
August 6: with their reasons for felgeting 8, Committee to collect all the leaden window- 
the evidence of Major Scott, - - 1273 weights, and other lead in Germantown and 
Letter from the Court-Martial to General Cates. its neighbourhood, - - - 1290 
August 6: Review of the conduct of General 9, Two hundred pounds of lead ireh Sor an 
Arnold, - - - - 1273 Artillery company of New-Jersey, - - 1290 
Letter aah General Reet i rareve Gates, 9, Order for one hundred thousand dollars re- 
August 7; The letter of the Court-Martial is ceived from the Congress, - - - - 1290 
couched in the most artful terms, to deceive 9, Committee of Bucks County directed to have 
and gloss over their private resentment, under repaired all the fire-arms collected from the 
an appearance of the greatest concern to Non-Associators, - - - - - 1291 
keep up discipline, &c., - - - - 1274 9, Prisoners from North-Carolina permitted to 
Letter and extracts relating to the arrest of write to their friends, = ~ “ - 1291 
Commodore Wynkoop, — - bh B15 9, Twelve hundred flints, one quarter cask of 
Aug.31, Letter from Governour email to eooren powder, sixty pikes, and powder and lead 
Washington: The measures he has taken to for sixty Riflemen, ordered to be delivered 
afford assistance to Sofa Copy, on Long- to Colonel Thomas McKean, of the Fourth 
Island, - - - - = 1977 Battalion, - - - - - - 1291 


Firru Sermes.—Vot. I. 6 


XCI ; | CONTENTS. 


1776. 
July 9, Parole of Allan McDonald taken, - - - 
10, Fifty pounds offered to any person who will 
apprehend Major Rodgers, and deliver him 


1291 


XCil 


1776. 
July 31, Depositions of John Walker and Martha Ash, 


respecting the escape of Colonel Kirkland, - 1304 


/lug.1, Jacob Barge directed to attend the Board, - 1305 


to the Council of Safety, - £ - « 4291 1, Resolve that Rules and Regulations of the late 
10, Prisoners of war sent from Philadelphia to House of Assembly respecting the Associ- 
Yorktown, ° x = . - - 1292 ators ought to be complied with, 4 - 13805 
11, Committee to examine and value awnings to 1, Captain John Hamilton, of the Congress, and 
be taken and made up into tents, - - 1292 Captain James Montgomery, ofthe Chatham, ~ 
12, Committee to pay for the brigantine Nancy, - 1292 armed boats, resign their commissions, - 1306 
12, Committee to draw up a plan for the support 2, Warrant for apprehending John Thomas and 
of the poor Associators upon the Ptapane Arthur Thomas, - - - - - 1306 
expedition into the Jerseys, - 1293 2, Warrant for apprehending John Hatton, Sen., 
12, Lieutenant Webb, of the armed bout Bull-Dog, and John Hatton, Jun.,-— - - - - 1307 
restored to his command, : - 1293 2, Letter to the Committee of Salem County, New- 
12, Lieutenants and Ensigns for the four Gurnen Jersey, respecting the arrest of Col. Kirkland, 1307 
Companies recommended to Congress, - 1293 5, Order for the commitment of Alexander Mau- ‘ 


rice, charged as being inimical to the Ame- 

rican States, - ~ < - 1308 
5, Letters to the Delepaees in Congress for arms, 1308 
5, Commitment of John Hatton, Sen., to the 

State prison, - - - - - 1308 
6, Committees for hearing the doraplaluits of the 

families of the Associators who have gone 


12, Committees of Inspection and Observation of 

the several Counties requested to be vigilant 

in securing the arms of the Non-Associators, 1293 
15, One hundred thousand cartridges directed to 

be sent to Jersey, - - - 1294 
15, Persons employed in the ienntaetne of small 

arms must be permitted to continue that 


necessary business, - - - - 1294 to camp, - F “ - 1309 
15, Abraham Marshall permitted # to resign his com- 6, Thomas Wharton, Iu, “cheese President and 
mission, - - - . - 1294 David Rittenhouse Vice- President of the 
15, British Officers, prisoners, réquiren to leave Council of Safety, - - - 1309 
Philadelphia within twenty-four hours, and 6, Sixty stand of arms to be soppiied to the ‘Town 
to repair straightway to the places where they of Lancaster, - - - - 1309 


are ordered to reside, - - - - 1295 
15, Provision made for the support of the families 

of the poss Associators while in actual ser- 

vice, - 1295 
16, Alexander McDonald berated on pis Bexiles 1296 
16, An allowance fixed for the maintenance of 

Mrs. Conolly, - . - - - 1296 
17, Persons who have leaden weights or clock- 

weights requested to give them up immedi- 

ately to the et Stine ie to collect 


7, Deputy Quartermaster- General’ s assidtael au- 
thorized to quarter their troops in the several 
places of publick worship in Philadelphia, in 
turn, provided they cannot procure suitable 
quarters elsewhere, - - - 1310 

7, Colonel Matlack requested i lay before the 
Convention the necessity of raising the Fly- 
ing-Camp, - - - - - - 1310 

7, All the companies of Associators that are suffi- 
ciently provided ordered to proceed forward 


them, x - 1296 to the camp without delay, - - - 1310 
18, Maries on board ihe ship and Abatingsbestery 7, Commitment of John Conner, - - - 1310 

allowed fifty shillings per month, - - 1297 8, Commitment of William Sutton, - - ~ 1312 
19, James Carter appointed on the Committee for 8, Commitment of James McConnaughy, - - 1312 


superintending the making of fire-locks and 
p g 8 


8, Militia on their march towards the camp in 
the gun-lock ingen pete for the use of the 


New-Jersey to quarter in such private houses 


Province, - - - 1297 as are empty, - ~ = ‘ “ 2» 1813 
20, Brigadier- General McKinley perminsa Hi pure 9, Committee for carrying on the salt works 
chase fifty rifles in Lancaster, - - 1298 erected by the late Committee of veictes in 

22, Minutes of the Council of Safety directed i New-Jersey, - - ##1313 
be laid before the Convention, - - 1298 9, Officers commissioned in Colonel Sine! 

ae Miles’s battalion, - - - - - 1313 


July 24, New Committee of pil eee ae by the 9, Francis Mentges appointed a Lieutenant, in 


Convention, - - 1298 consequence of General Mercer’s recom- 
24, Oath administered to the Members - - 1299 mendation, and of Mentges’s merit, - - 1313 
.24, Resolution on a letter from the Committee for 9, Committee to fix upon a plan of the fortifica- 
Berks County, - - - 1299 tion at Billingsport, - - - r: 01513 
24, Letter to the Committee of Berks Goanty, - 1300 9, Two pieces of heavy cannon to be sent to camp 
25, Jacob S. Howell appointed Secretary, - - 1300 in New-Jersey, - . - - - 1314 
26, Court-Martial on John Peale, Boatswain of the 10, Dispute about the naval command on the Dela- 
Ranger, ordered, - - 1301 ware referred to the Convention, - - 1314 


27, John Maxwell Nesbit ep puiaced Pieaniret, - 1301 
27, Two tons of lead, and two tons of powder, 
made into cartridges, ordered for the use of 
the Army under General Mercer, . - 1301 
29, Further provision made for the support of dis- 
tressed families of Associators now in actual 
service, - - - - - - - 1302 


12, Letter to the President of the New-York Con- 
vention, informing him that William Sutton 
is confined in the State prison, - - - 1815 
15, Commanding Officers of each battalion or 
company of Associators requested forthwith 
to return a list of the names of the Associ- 
ators who have deserted from their Sep 


29, Two new cables and such small rigging as he corps, - - - ~ 1388 
may want for sinking the pier for fixing a 17, Resolutions respecting the edsdvintiles on duty 
boom at Fort Island, ordered to be delivered as guards in Philadelphia, - - Bae 


to John Colburn, - - - - - 1302 


20, Commodore Davison and the Captains an the 
29, Order to deliver Thomas Hazlewood two hun- 


galleys summoned to attend the Council on 


dred pounds of brimstone for the use of the Thursday next, - - - 1322 
fire-rafts, - - - - - - - 1302 20, Warrant for the arrest of George Cowws, ehitieed 

29, Application to the Convention to determine with forgery, - + 1822 
the matter respecting the command of the 20, John Hatton, of New- “Jersey, and Tohis Hales, 
fleet of the State, = - - - - - 1303 enlarged on bail, - - 1322 


31, Captain Blewer ordered to procure and forw ard 


21, Lieutenant Brownback and Ensign Gipher 
to General Mercer ten six-pound and ten 


summoned to attend the Council on Saturday 


four-pound cannon, - - - - 1303 next, the 24th instant, to answer for leaving 
31, Captain Hazlewood directed to deliver famed their colours without leave of their command- 
Mease fifty barrels of combustibles, - - 1303 ing-officer, - . - - - # ‘= 1322 
31, Warrants for the arrest of persons concerned in 21, Lieutenant Greenway, of the ship peatgOnery; 
the escape of Colonel Kirkland, - - - 1303 resigns his commission, = - - 1323 
31, Persons employed at the iron works in casting 22, George Craws brought before the Gbinell oe 
cannon or shot for the publick ordered not Safety, - - - - - - - 1323 


to leave their respective works, nor to march 


22, Commitment of George Craws to the State 
with the Militia, - . = - - 1304 


pfison, ~~) btsieaeems pirtee =~: 28824 


CONTENTS. 


Xclil XCIV 
1776. 1776. 

Aug. 22, Commodore Davison and the Captains of the July 26, Charges against the Rev. John Scott, examined 
galleys appear before the Council, and are by the Council, - - - - 1348 
heard, “ - 1324 27, Commissions to Militia oftieéts issued, - - 1344 

24, Application to the ‘Bourd of War for aiaty stand 29, Heavy cannon to be sent to Annapolis, - - 1344 
of arms, to supply the Ae now on their 30, Commanding officer at Annapolis requested to 
way to camp, - t ~ - 1325 arrest William Warren Clayton, and bring 

27, Printers in the State, in the present scarcity of him immediately before the Council, P - 1345 
cartridge- paper, requested to spare a quantity 31, Order for the arrest of William Yeldel, - - 1345 
of their paper for the purpose of making Aug. 1, Commissions to officers in Colonel Kent’s bat- 
cartridges, - - - - - - 1326 talion of Militia for the Flying-Camp, - - 1346 

27, Samuel Davison dismissed from the command 2, Commissions for officers of a company in Kent 
of the naval armament of Pennsylvania, = 1327 County, for the Flying-Camp,  - - - 1347 

27, Henry Dougherty appointed to the command of 3, William Bartlett Townsend brought before the 
the Delaware galley, building at Kensington, 1327 Council, examined, and committed to a 

27, John Rice appointed Commander of Conven- guard, - : . r “ - 1347 
tion galley, - - . - - - 1327 3, Colonel Ewing ordered to march his battalion, 

27, Reward for the apprehension of the ringleaders in detachments, as fast as they are armed, to 
in the riot this day, at the = in Phila- Philadelphia, - - 1347 
delphia, - ‘ ~ : * 1327 3, Basil Clarkson, Joseph sea Shi ent 

28, Commanding Officers of the trode in Philadel- and Robert Howith, brought before the Coun- 
phia directed to proceed with all their men cil, examined, and committed to Jail, - - 1347 
to Amboy, to-morrow morning, and not to 5, Commissions issued to officers of Colonel Hall’s 
wait for any arms or ammunition, a wea? battalion of Militia for the si akdis Reeves - 1348 

30, Commission granted for the privateer brig Gen- 6, Sundry commissions issued, - - 1348 
eral Montgomery, commanded by James 7, Commissions to Colonel Griffith’ Thutiaibowe&ch 1350 
Montgomery, - - - 1330 20, Caleb Jones examined before the Council, and 

30, Resolution of the Gouneil of ‘Safety on the re- placed under bonds, - - - - - 1356 
ports of designing men, that there are more 27, Colonel Hall requested to march his batihlion, 
troops in the camp y in Jersey than are wanted, 1330 with all convenient speed, to Philadelphia, - 1360 

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. NORTH-CAROLINA COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
1776. _ 1776. pak 
July 6, Council of Safety meets at Annapolis, - - 1331 | July9, Three tons of powder to be sent from the Bri- 
6, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer appointed Presi- gades of Edenton, Halifax, and Newbern, for 
dent, and Charles Carroll Vice President, - 1331 Charlestown, - - 1363 
7, Contract with John Yost for making three hun- 10, Oath to be taken by Fades of the Courts ia 
dred muskets, - - - - - - 1331 hearing and determining Maritime matters, at 
8, Lieutenant Moore to throw up intrenchments the ports of Edenton, Bath, Newbern, and 
for the protection of Annapolis, - - - 1331 Wilmington, - - - - - - 1363 
9, Advertisement for supplies for the troops, - 1332 11, Proceedings on the information that many per- 
9, Field-Officers for the Upper Battalion of Militia sons within the Province, inimical to the lib- 
of Prince George’s County appointed, - 1332 erties of America, have offered Bills of Credit 
9, Colonel Smallwood directed to make a: return at a depreciation, - 1363 
of his Battalion, - - 1332 11, Money advanced to Richard Blackled ge, bo en- 
9, Company officers appointed be Golonel Srall. able him to erect and carry on salt “works, - 1363 
wood’s battalion of regular forces, —- - 1333 15, Rev. George Micklejohn to be removed imme- 
10, Advertisement for a number of labourers, - 1333 diately from the County of Orange, - - 1364 
11, Resolutions of the Associators of the City of 15, Commissioners for the purchase beth ata 
Annapolis presented, - - - - 1334 lead, &c., appointed, - - : - 1364 
11, Captain Fulford authorized to employ as many 22, Committees of the respective Mowe and Coun- 
men for the protection of Annapolis as can ties in the Colony required, on receiving the 
conveniently work at the intrenchments, - 1334. Declaration of Independence, to cause it to 
13, The proprietors of Poplar-Island, Tilghman’s, be proclaimed in the most publick manner, - 1365 
Sharp’s, Baron, and James’s Islands, and the 23, Five hundred men, under the command of Colo- 
Islands from Hooper’s to Cagre’s Straits, re- nel Taylor, to be marched, with beac HOR 
quired to remove from them immediately all to the western frontiers, = - - 1365 
the stock except such as are used for tillage, 1335 William Miller, Andrew Wilson, afi Ww nian 
16, Committee to superintend the fortifications and Clarke, sent to particular places, on parole, - 1365 
breastworks in the City of Annapolis, under 25, New Test subscribed by the members of the 
the direction of the commanding officer, - 1337 Council of Safety, = - - - 1366 
18, Three Sal arg ag sent down to St. Mary’ s 25, John Hunter sent to the town of Martiasbbs 
County, - - 1338 rough, on parole, = - - a Z - 1366 
18, Commanding Oiieer!s in “St. Mary’ s n@eunty A 25, Resolution to encourage the Sela of 
rected to take under his charge the schooner common salt, - - - = - 1366 
lately taken from the enemy; likewise the 25, Resolution to prevent the forestalling of com- 
sloop aground there, if it can be done with mon salt, - : On ti. - - - 1367 
safety, - . - - - 1338 26, Resolution to enforce the directions of weed a 
18, Colonel Hale’s battdlion to ware Paoli respecting exportation, —- - 1367 
to Annapolis, - 1339 27, Agreement with Robert Neilson for ‘the import 
18, All persons between Annapolis antl St. Mary’ s “ation of salt, arms, and ammunition, - 1367 
County requested to give their aid and assist- 27, William Turner and others committed to Jail 
ance in getting down the cannon, ammuni- for passing counterfeit money, - - - 1367 
tion, &c., to St. George’s Island, - - 1339 27, Thursday, the 1st of August, set apart for pro- 
19, Captain Thomas’s company ordered to proceed claiming the Declaration of Independence, in 
immediately to St. Mary’s County, - - 1339 the town of Halifax, - : - - - 1368 
20, Militia companies on rae at Pure dis- 29, Resolution of the Continental Congress, of the 
charged, - - 1340 24th of June last, with respect to treason, 
22, Denwood Turpin mr Sibloracin Ward, biachi sent to the respective Counties and Towns 
under guard from Somerset County, examined of the Colony, to be made publick,  - - 1368 
before the Council of Safety, = - - 1341 29, Order for the arrest of William Harrell, - - 1369 
22, Slaughter-houses in Annapolis prbhibted, - 1341 29, General Rutherford directed to order three hun- 
23, Alexander McGee, of Baltimore County, exam- dred men to act in concert with the Virginia 
ined before the Gdnixeid of Safety, - - 1341 forces against the Overhill Cherokees, - - 1369 
25, No person whatever hereafter permitted to em- 30, Examinations respecting sundry persons con- 
bark on board any man-of-war, tender, or cerned in passing counterfeit money, - - 1369 
other vessel, in order to remove out of thi 30, Thomas Harrison, suspected of being an enemy 
Colony to Great Britain, - - - - 1342 to the Colony, arrested, - - 5 - 1369 


KCV 


ee 1, John Gale, or William Calvert, appointed to 
command the brigantine Betsey, now lying 
in Edenton Bay, laden with a cargo on Con- 
tinental account, - - - = “= 
1, Arrangement with Robert Smith, of Edenton, 
for the importation of salt, arms, ammuni- 
tion, and other warlike stores, - - - 
2, Order for the arrest of John Smith, charged with 
passing counterfeit money, - - ° 
3, Order for the arrest of John Pitts, - - - 
3, Charges against William Edwards declared to 
be totally groundless, - - 
3, Directions for appointing proper persons to ex- 
plain to the people of the western parts of the 
Colony the justice and necessity of the meas- 
ures pursued by the United States of America 
for sustaining our civil rights and liberties, —- 
5, Agreement with John Webb, for importing salt, 
arms, ammunition, and other warlike stores, - 
6, Colonel Folesome and Colonel Smith appointed 
to proclaim the Declaration Pingo pen yeR oe 
in Cumberland County, - ~ - 
7, Committee of Edenton authorized to appoint a 
known friend of American independence to 
command the brig Betsey, - - - - 
9, Recommendation to the people to pay great 
attention to the election to be held on the 
15th of October next, - 
9, Lewis Williamson required to keep possession 
of the books and papers of AOD; War- 

wick & Co., = 
9, Richard Dunniv anand W han ‘Millet aeehaeed 
from parole, and declared to be members and 
free citizens of the State, - - - - 
12, Lead Mine on Great Fishing Creek, in the 
County of Halifax, ordered to be examined, 
13, James Childs, a preacher of the New-Light Bap- 
tist persuasion, declared to be an enemy to 
the State, - - - - - - - 
13, John Campbell to be henceforward considered 
as a member and free citizen of the State, - 
13, Adjourned to Wake Coun at the house of 
Joel Lane, - - - ~ - 


Alug.21, Council met in Wake. County, - - - 
Samuel Ash chosen President, in place of Cor- 
nelius Harnet, who has leave of absence, - 

22, Petition from the Committee of the settlements 
of Watauga and Holstein, called By them the 
Washington District, - - 

22, Officers and soldiers of Virginia te “ie State, 
who have marched against the Cherokees, 
requested to restore to the owners the stock 
they may recapture from the Indians, - - 

23, John Cowper, of Beaufort County, merchant, re- 
quired to deliver, on oath, an exact account of 
the quantity ofsalt he has now in his possession, 

23, On information that the Cherokees, of the Low- 
er, Middle, and Valley settlements, have aban- 
doned their towns, the order for reinforcing 
General Rutherford is countermanded, - 

23, Persons, of the Militia in Hillsborough District, 
who have refused to do diy) to be tried by 
Courts-Martial, - - 

23, Conner Doud directed to sell the “are in ved pos- 
session to the Whigs who bore arms in the 
late expedition against the Tories at Moore’s 
Creek, - - - - - : 

24, Petition of a “ate of inhabitants of Cumber- 
land County, complaining of many abuses 
committed by Colonel Folesome, - - 

26, Proceedings in relation to William Campbell, 
late owner of the ship Alexander, - 

28, Reneca Julian, James Walker, Jacob Elliot, 
Abraham Woodward, James Wilson, William 
Draper, and John Underhill, brought from 
Guilford County, as persons inimical to the 
cause of America, - 

28, Commissioners at the ports a awian) “Bath, 
Newbern, and Wilmington, empowered to 
give permits to vessels for any of the French, 
Spanish, Dutch, or Danish Islands, - - 

Adjourned to Salisbury, in the County of Rowan, 
Sept.6, Council met at Salisbury, —- 

6, James Hunter and Joseph Dobson, Ae Guilford 

County, admitted as free citizens and mem- 

bers of the State, = - ° a “ s 


CONTENTS. 


1373 


- 1373 


1373 
1374 


1375 
1375 
1375 
1376 
1376 


1376 


1376 


1377 


1377 


1377 


1377 


1377 
- 1378 


- 1378 


1379 
1379 


- 1379 


1379 


1776. 
Sept. 7, The troops stationed on the frontiers of cairn 
County, to remain there, - 4 
9, Petition for the release of Michael Holt, late of 
Orange doen at page comtnene in Phila- 
delphia, - 

13, Adjourned to the Topen af Hellen in nthe County 

of Halifax, - - - 


Sept. 27, Council met at aliens - - - - 
27, Willie Jones chosen President, in place of 
Samuel Ashe, who has leave of absence, - 

27, Order for the arrest of Hance Hamilton, of Gran- 
ville County, a Aerie inimical to the liberties 

of America, - - - - - 

27, Soldiers, except such as have a right to vote, 
not permitted to be or appear at the ensuing 

election of Delegates, - - - 
Oct. 1, Orders to Sylvanus Pendleton, oe of 
the armed brig King Taminy, - - - 

1, Orders to Joshua Hempstead, commander of the 


armed vessel Pennsylvania Farmer, - - 1 


Adjourned to meet at this Town of Halifax, on 

the 17th, - - - . . 

17, General Moore Peioasnna lay before the Gone 
cil a state of the Continental forces in the 
State, - - - - - - - 

21, Commission for the RR ICe s0P Polly is- 
sued, - - - - 

21, Further orders to Gariain Pondieea: - - 
Orders to Captain John Foster, commander of 
the armed brig General Washington, - - 

23, Further orders to Captain Hempstead, - - 
The Continental Battalions in North-Carolina, 
being far from complete, sickly, and ill pro- 

vided with clothing, their march to the North 

is suspended, - - - - 

25, General Howe directed to folacn the North- 
Carolina soldiers inlisted in the service of 
South-Carolina, and to remand the whole of 

the North-Carolina troops now in Georgia - 

25, Nicholas Long directed to take into his posses- 
sion the Tory horses and wagons condemned 

by the last Congress, - - - - - 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
1776. as 
July9, Provincial Congress met at the Court-House in 
the Town of White-Plains, in the County of 
Westchester, - - 
9, General Nathaniel Woodhull elected President 
9, John McKesson and Robert Benson chosen 
Secretaries, - - - - - - 
9, Credentials of the Delegates presented, - . 
9, Deputies from Charlotte County produced no 
credentials, - : - - - - 
9, Members who had not been sworn required to 
take the general oath of secrecy, - - 
9, Benjamin Smith, refusing to take the oath of 
secrecy, required to withdraw, - =i) 0 
9, Letter from the Delegates in Congress, dated 
July 2, received and read, - - - - 
, 9, Letter from the Delegates in Congress, enclosing 
the Declaration of Independence, - - 
9, Committee on the Declaration of Independence, 
9, Letter from Joseph Reed, Adjutant-General of 
the American Army, read and referred, - 
9, Committee to consider and report on the let- 
ters on the subject of the new regiment, - 
9, Letter from William Goforth, dated July 6, re- 
signing his commission of Major, - - 
9, Resolutions approving the Declaration of he 
pendence, - - - - - 
9, Committee to consider and report the Heo 
places for the reception and means of sup- 
port of the poor inhabitants of the City and 
County of New-York, - - 
9, Additional powers granted to the Gamunaiae 
on the conspiracy lately discovered, - - 
10, Credentials of the Delegates from Tryon County, 
10, Credentials of the Delegates from the City and 
County of New-York, - - - 
10, Depositions and Examinations taken by the 
Secret Committee, delivered by Mr. Morris, 
10, Style and title of the House changed from ‘‘ The 
Provincial Congress of the Colony of New- 
York,” to “The Convention of the Repre- 
sentatives of the State of New York,” - 


XCVI 


1383 


1383 


1383 
1383 


1384 
1384 


1384 


1385 


1386 


1385 
1385 


1385 
1385 


1387 
1387 
1387 
1387 


1387 
1389 


1389 
1390 
1390 
1391 


- 1391 


1391 
1392 


- 1393 
1393 


1393 


& 


CONTENTS. 


ject of these complaints,  - - 

12, Information received that three ships oe ar 
had passed New-York and oS he ee peled s 
River, - - 

12, Committee to take such measures as may he 
necessary on the occasion, - - - 

13, Ammunition ordered for the Militia of Queen’s 
Coun - - - 

13, Letter Ma GMOOT ELT pieties Van @orilandtt - - 

13, Letter to Lieutenant-Colonel Hammond, - 

13, Letter to General Washington, ~— - - 

15, Letter from General Washington, of July 14, - 

15, Letter to General Washington, — - - 

15, Committee to consider General Whaliaseot? S 
letter of July 14, - 

15, Letter from Colonel Harachobra} éF July 14: 
Has taken one John Fowler, returning from 
on board the men-of-war, - - - 

15, Letter from Colonel Hammond, dated at arr y 
town this day: The men are pet desirous of 
being relieved, - - 

15, Colonel Thomas dederda to teherd the Militia 
stationed at Tarrytown, - - - - 

15, Letter to Colonel Hammond, - - - 

15, Resolution of the Convention to cooperate 
cheerfully with General Washington, if he 
should think it expedient to abandon the city 
of New-York, and retire to the north of 
King’s Bridge, - - - - - - 

15, Letter to General Washington, - - . 

16, Letter from Colonel Hammond, with a return 
of the men under his command, - - - 

16, Letter to Colonel Hammond, 

16, Letter from sola Travis, duted'a at Peekskill, 
July 15, - 

16, Pétition of Gud Wallader @eldea; Fite dat Ae 
Ulster County Jail, July 6, 

16, Letter to the Committee for Ulster County, - 

16, Letter from Colonel Hammond, - - - 

16, Resolutions for the defence of the Highlands, - 

16, Letter to Colonel Van Cortlandt, - - - 

16, Letter to the Commissioners for building the 
Continental ships at Poughkeepsie, - - 

16, Resolution ofthe General Committee of Dutchess 
County, of July 13, - - = 

16, Letter from the Committee of Datohess Coinney. 
dated July 12: read and referred, 

16, Secret Committee for obstructing the channel 
of Hudson’s River, or annoying the enemy’s 
ships in their navigating up that river, - - 

16, Letter to General Washington, - - “ 

16, Consideration of the necessity and propriety of 
establishing an independent civil government 
postponed to the Ist of August next, - - 

16, Resolutions defining treason against the State, 

17, Letter from Colonel Malcom: Many of his men 
are without arms, = - KE 3 i J 

17, Secret Committee impowered to impress boats, 
vessels, teams, wagons, horses, and drivers, - 

17, Order for the arrest and confinement of James 
Horton, Jun., William Sutton, and John 
Sutton, - - - a a g J 


- 1399 
1399 
1399 
1400 
1400 
1400 
1401 
1401 


- 1402 


1402 


1402 


1403 
1403 


1403 
1403 


1404 
- 1404 


- 1404 
1404 
1405 
1405 
1406 
1407 
1407 
1408 
1408 


1409 
1409 


1410 
1410 
1410 


1411 


1412 


mittee appointed to deal with Pia sadnn and 
disaffected persons, - - 
18, Report on the Rangers for the asians of the 
frontier Counties read and recommitted, - 
18, Letter from Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt and 
Captain Zephaniah Platt: read and ordered 
to be sent to General Washington, - - 
18, Letter to General Washington, = - - - 
18, Report on the cattle on ‘Nassau-Island: con- 
sidered and postponed, - - - - 
18, Report of Committee on dangerous and disaf- 
fected persons, - - - . - - 
18, Report approved, and prisoners directed to be 


sent to Litchfield, Connecticut, - : = 
19, Bond of John Carpenter and others, for ae 
for erecting a powder-mill, - - - 


19, Report of the Committee relative to the cattle 
on Nassau-Island further considered, - - 
19, Letter to the Committee of Litchfield, Con- 
necticut, - - - - - 


19, Letter rots Colonel Henne at Cartas 


Perry. a - - - 
19, Committee of Weslehester Cot? requested to 
meet on the 22d instant, for the trial of pri- 
soners now in jail, - - - 
19, Consideration of the report on the hivitea cattle 
and live stock on Nassau-Island resumed, - 
20, Letter from Colonel Henry eh ay of Duteh- 
ess County, of July 19, - - 
20, Letter to Colonel Ludenton, - 
20, Letter from General Washington, dated Tie 19, 
read and sent to the Secret Committee, : 
20, Resolutions formed on the report of the ‘Com- 
mittee on General Washington’s answer re- 
lating to horned cattle on Nassau-Island, - 
20, Letter to General Washington, ~ - - - 
20, Committee to transact business during the ad- 


journment of the House, - ~ 
20, Letter from Colonel Weisentels, dated ee 
York, July 14, - - “ : 


21, Permission given i dismiss a Orig of the 
men from neighbouring States now doing duty 
on Hudson’s River, - 3 . 
22, Letter from Colonel Joseph Drake - - 
22, Committee on his complaint, - * 
22, Letter from John Alsop, Delegate in oengrals, 
dated July 16, - - - - Y 
22, Mr. Alsop’s resignation accepted, - - - 
22, Report of the Committee on raising Rangers in 
the northern Counties of the State, - - 
22, The report considered and agreed to, - ~~ - 
22, Letter to the Delegates in Congress on the sub- 
ject of the dismission of John Alsop, - é 
22, Committee to wait on General Gates, and ob- 
tain a full insight into the state of the ‘Horthiern 
Army, - - - - - es 
23, ardenites to wait on Governour TramBuil; 3 
23, Exportation of provisions nee the port of New- 
York prohibited, - - . tL 
23, Letter to General Gates, . 
23, Letter to Leonard Gansevoort and J agen Oiler, 


XCVII XCVIII 
1776. 1776. 
July 10, Committee to confer with the Commander-in- July 17, Letter from General Scott, dated New-York, 
Chief, concerning the son ge o the July 16, - = : = 1412 
stock on Long-Island, t - 1393 17, Field- Officers of the Restntents of Militia, to go 
10, Recommendation of Congress to form a Go- into immediate service, appointed, — - - 1412 
vernment to be considered on Tuesday next, 1394 17, Letter or Report from John McDonald, dated 
10, Letter from the Committee of East and South Little Nine Partners’ Mine, = - 1413 
Hampton, dated July 5, 2 Selah to the stock 17, Letter from Egbert Benson, dated July 12, 
of cattle, - - - - - 1394 again read, - - 1413 
10, Letter to Egbert Benson, - - - - 1394 17; Report on the letter fia ey postponed’ - 1413 
11, Letter to the Continental Congress, - - 1395 17, Letter from the Committee appointed to confer 
11, Committee of Tryon County authorized to take with General Washington, dated New-York, 
the leaden weights out of all the windows in July 12, - - - - 1414 
the County, d - 1397 17; nests on the Letter vita atia’ ween one! - 1414 
11, Lead furnished to Charlottes Cumbérientas and 17, Letter from Colonel Hammond, - - - 1414 
Gloucester Counties, - - - - 1397 18, Committee to examine two prisoners appre- 
11, Committee on thé fefundl of the Troop of ‘Worse hended by Major Graham, - i. - - 1415 
of Westchester County to furnish their quota 18, Letter to the Committee for the town of Roches- 
for reinforcing the Army at New-York, - 1397 ter, in Ulster County, - - 1415 
11, Letter from the President of Congress, of July 6, 18, The President ordered to absolve all the Ném- 
enclosing the Declaration of Independence, - 1397 bers and the Secretaries from the oath of 
11, Letter to the President of Congress, - - 1398 secrecy taken under the resolution of the 5th 
12, Letter to the Committees of East and South- of June last, relative to dangerous and dis- 
Hampton, ~ - - - 1398 affected persons, - : - 1415 
12, Memorial from Officers, deniieining of i Abe 18, Members added to the Céitnittes on fia Hétned 
per appointments by Congress, - - 1398 cattle and live stock on Nassau-Island, - 1415 
12, Letter to the President of pa shes on thé sub- 18, Letter from David Matthews and application 
1399 from John L. C. Rome, referred to the Com- 


- 1415 
1415 
1416 
1416 
1417 
1417 
1417 
1418 
1419 
1419 
1420 


1420 
1420 


1422 
- 1422 


1422 
1424 
1425 
1426 
1426 
1427 
1428 
1428 


1428 
1428 


1429 
1430 


1431 
1431 
1432 
1432 


- 1432 
1433 


XCIX 
1776. 


July 23, Resolutions for the raising and appointment of 


Rangers in the northern Counties, = - 

23, Company of men to be raised for a guard to the 
stores and vessels with provisions ‘and ammv- 
nition in and about Albany, - - - 

24, Report of the Committee on the manufacture 
of saltpetre, - - . < L 2 

24, Gunpowder sent to the Indians, - - 

24, Committee to provide modes of providing for 
deserving officers who stood forth in defence 
of the liberties of America in the dawn of 
this dispute, —- 

24, Two hundred thousand Poonlss in Bills of Ose 
dit, ordered to be immediately struck and 
issued for the apribligk oxigeneres of the 
State, - 

24, Joab Hoisington anpointed Major if the Raa- 
gers raised in Gloucester and Cumberland 


Counties, - - = - - = 
24, Examination of witnesses on the complaints 
against Colonel Hammond, - - - 


24, Commission to Major Hoisington, - - - 
25, Letter from Colonel Van Cortlandt and Captain 
Platt, dated at Peekskill, July 238, - - 
25, Letter to Colonel Van Cortlandt and Captain 
Platt, - - ‘- - - 
25, Committee to examine Balthazar de Hart, - 
25, Letter from the Committee of Litchfield, Con- 
necticut, dated July 22, - - - - 
25, Committee to consider the state of the prison- 
ers lately sent to Litchfield, - - - 
25, Report of the Commie on the case of James 
Stewart, - - - - 
25, Affidavits with respect to the inimical apolar 
tions and threats used by William Sutton and 
his son, John Sutton, - - - - 
26, Examination of Balthazar de Hart, - - 
26, Letter to Governour Trumbull, - - - 
26, Letter to the Committee of Litchfield, Connec- 
ticut, - “ - - - - 
26, Letter to General Washington, - - - 
26, Letter to the Committee of Monmouth Coun, 
New-Jersey, - - - 
26, Letter to the aa idant of the Epasehiion of 
New-Jersey, - - 
26, Report on the Troop “8 Aiseny in Westehcsthr 
County, - - - - ~ - - 
26, Petition of William Sutton, - - - - 
26, Letter from Dr. Graham, - - - - 
26, Memorial of Alexander Stewart, - - - 
26, Examination of William Sutton, - - - 
27, Letter from Colonel Nicoll, July 22, : - . - 
27, Letter from Colonel Swartwout, Fishkill, July 


p] 


27, Letter from Dr. Cooke, Poughkeepsie, July 24, 
27, Letter from General WV esniigtons New-York, 
July 24, - - - - 
27, Letter from Gennes Praga Lebanon, 
July 17, - - - - - - - 
27, Lett to Governour Trumbull, - - - 
27, Letter from Colonel Henry Remsen, one of the 
Members for the City of New-York, July 24, 
27, Letter from the New-York Committee, yay 26, 
27, Thomas Fleet’s bond, - 
27, Letter from Robert Yates, Poughkeepsie, July 


27; Letter ait Henry Wilmot afi 26, - - 
27, Letter to Captain Hazlewood, - - - 
27, William Sutton sent under a Gite guard, at his 
own expense, to the jail of Philadelphia, = - 
27, Letter to the Chairman of the Committee of 
Philadelphia, - - - 
27, Report on the Petition me Alepartier Steer, - 
27, John Sutton admonished and discharged, - 
27, Adjourned to meet at Harlem on Monday next, 
29, Convention met in the Church at Harlem: no 
quorum, - . - - - 
30, Petition of Bishan Cantillon, of Pineanie pre- 
cinct, and John Parkinson, of Charlotte pre- 
cinct, in Dutchess County, - - - 
30, The Doorkeeper, who necessarily hears many 
of the debates of the Convention, sworn to 
secrecy, - 
30, Report on vipplying the psd eGphe of sep 
State with salt agreed to, - - 
30, Information received that a nmuiber of dintfect- 


ed persons had inlisted in the Continental 
service, - - é i ‘ i . 


- 1436 


- 1437 


1437 


1438 
1439 


1440 


1440 
1441 


1441 
1441 
1441 
1443 
1444 
1445 


1446 
1446 


1446 
1446 


1447 
1447 
1448 
1448 
1449 
1450 


- 1450 


1450 
1450 


1452 
1452 


1452 
1453 
- 1453 
1453 
1454 
1454 
1454 
1455 
1455 
1456 
1457 


1457 


1457 


1458 
- 1458 


1459 


CONTENTS. 


1776. 
July 30, Letter from the Committee at Kingston, July 


23, acknowledging the receipt of prisoners, - 
30, Letter from several Captains of Militia in ag s 
County, July 26, - - - 
31, Returns required of the state of the Militia i in 
the several Brigades of the State, on the Ist 
of September next, - - 
31, Letter from Colonel Joseph ‘Datkal at “New- 
Rochelle, July 24, - 
31, Richard Morris appointed Badte of she High 
Court of Admiralty of the State, - - - 
31, John McKesson appointed Register, and Robert 
Benson appointed Marshal and Provost Mar- 
shal of the High Court of Admiralty, - - 
31, Letter from Cornelius C. Roosevelt, - - 
31, Letter from Captain Alexander Hamilton, - 
31, Letter from Joseph Robinson, Deputy Chairman 
of the Committee of Queen’s County, - 
31, Memorial of Lieutenant-Colonel Stockholm and 
Major Livingston, - - - - . 
31, Committee of Dutchess County requested to 
send a guard to John R. Livingston’s pow- 
der-mill, - - - - - - - 
31, Letter from William Datcher, offering to raise 
acompany, - . 
31, Objections made by Mr. Morris ito Generel 
Scott’s right to a seat in the Convention, - 
31, Letter from the Committee for macanis County, 
July 24, - - 


‘lug. 1, Militia of Chitlottet Sumber last aud rt 


ter, formed into two brigades, - - 
i Jacob Bayley, of Newbury, appointed Brgesien 
General of the Militia of Gloucester and 
Cumberland Counties, - - - - 
1, Report on issuing a second emission of bills of 
credit in the Colony read and recommitted, - 
1, Committee to report a plan for instituting and 
framing a form of Government and a bill of 


rights, - - = = z A = 
1; Petition of Alexander Robertson and others, 
who propose to make salt, - - “ 


1, Letter from the Committee for Queen’s Caunty 
enclosing Lord Howe’s Proclamation, - 
1, General Scott requested to take into custody 
Sheriff Willet, of Queen’s County, = - - 
1, Letter from Colonel Ritzema to John McKes- 
son, - - - - - - - . 
2, Committee on the letter from John Berrien, on 
the frequent sales of Bohea tea, - - - 
2, Letter from John Berrien and others, dated 
New-York, July 30, - - - . - 
2, Quit rents formerly due and payable to the 
King, are now declared to be due to the 
State, - - - - es - - 
2, Day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, ap- 
pointed for ‘the 27th instant, - - 
2, Richard Morris declines to accept the a of 
Judge of the Court of Ad otras - - 
2, Memorial of Daniel Shaw, - - 
2, Letter from the Committee at ‘ie White- 
Plains, - - - - - 
2, Letter to the Committee at Kinovien, felatize 
to the prisoners there on parole, - - 
3, Letter to the absent Members of the Secret 
Committee, - = 
3, Letter from Abraham Culex aud avers for per- 
mission to return to their respective homes, 
3, Mr. Morris’s motion for a peremptory order to 
the Committee at Albany to return their pro- 
ceedings against Abraham Cnyer and others 
rejected, - - 
3, Letter from Goldrisl Vee Cortlandt aaa Captain 
Platt, August 2, - 2 
5, Lewis Graham appointed yee of the Dake 
of Admiralty of the State, - - z= 
5, Application of William Goforth and John ‘Hane 
ton for encouragement for erecting salt- 
works, - ~ - - 
5, Telescope belonging to the College in iNew- 
York taken for General Washington, - - 
5, Letter from the Committee for the City of of New- 


York, - - 
6, Letter to General Wathingtals - - - 
6, Examination of Thomas Willett, - - - 
6, Letter to the Committee of the tty of New- 
York, - - - 


6, Consideration of the gtieetion on “Mr. Scott’s 
eligibility postponed till to-morrow, - - 


1459 
1460 


1461 
- 1461 
1461 
1461 
1461 
1462 
1462 


1463 


1463 
1463 
1463 
1464 
1464 


1464 
1465 


1466 
1466 
1466 
1467 
1467 
1469 
1469 


1470 
1470 


1471 
1471 


1471 
1471 
1472 
1472 


1473 
1473 
1474 


1475 
1475 
1476 
1477 
1478 
1480 


1481 


CI 


1776. 

Aug.7, Committee to report regulation ee ang 
a fund in the State, - : 

7, Memorial of Abel Noble and Peter Townsend, 

", Letter from Richard Speight, of August 1, - 

7, Mr. Roosevelt’s report on printing and signing 


the bills of credit under the resolutions of 


5th March and 8th May last, —- . A 

7, Letter to the Diepatee of the State in Con- 
gress, : 

7, Letter from the General \donuuittes of the City 
of New-York, - - - - - - 

7, Committee of New-York requested to detain in 
jail pemessone | taken up by General Wash- 
ington, - - - - 

tf Report on the state of the biel in the Mili- 
tia, - - - - - 

7, Consideration of “the ‘Paspeiety of General 
Scott’s being admitted to a seat in the Con- 
vention postponed till Friday next, = - - 

7, Edward Willett, Sen., Edward Willett, Jun., 
and Thomas Hicks examined and discharged, 

7, Committee to examine Nathaniel Mills of Ja- 
maica, - - - - - 

ti Committee to report repalations for establishing 

a fund in the State dissolved, - - . 

8, Letter from General Washington: Giving in- 
telligence received by two deserters from the 
Solebay man-of-war, - - - : 

8, Letter from General Washington relative to the 
Militia called forth from the Counties of 
Dutchess, Ulster, Westchester, and Orange, 

8, Letter to Brigadier-General Clinton, — - - 

8, Letter to General Washington, - 

8, Letter from Abraham Le Dieu, of Wetchester 
County: Offering to raise a SHOvARy of vol- 
unteers, - - 

9, Examination of fests Bieta, +: Orange 
County, - - 

9, Petition of grag Carpill eaters Barer 
Praying to be exempted from military duty; - 

9, Letter to General Washington, - 

10, Certain machines in the City “ietUpik: aid 
to be the property of Captain Foy, taken for 
the use of Samuel Ogden, - - - 

10, Commission to Lewis Graham, - - - 

10, All persons between the ages of sixteen and 
fifty abiding in any County for fourteen says 
to be enrolled in the Militia, = - - 

10, Abraham Yates, Jun., chosen President, in te 
necessary absence of General Woodhull, - 

10, Resolutions respecting the Militia, - - 

10, Letter to William Paulding, - - 

10; Order for the preservation of the publick. stores 
in New-York, where an attack is daily ex- 
pected, - - - - - - - 

10, Committee to repair to King’s County and as- 
certain the truth of a report that the peaple 
there will not oppose the enemy, - 

12, Letter to John Jay and R. R. Deen Re- 
questing their attendance in the Convention, 

(3, General Washington authorized to apply cer- 
tain houses to the use of the General Hospi- 
tal of the American Army, aig ia “ 

13, Memorial of Captain Jacobus Roos, — - - 

13, Letter from General Washington, of August 11, 

13, Intelligence brought from Oswego ay Lieuten- 
ant McMichael, - 

13, Letter from General apparent a; Leet 12, 

13, General Scott empowered, with the permission 
of General Washington, to dispose of Willett 
Taylor, - - - 

13, Tics to ‘General Seomianedon! - - 

13, Letter from Colonel Blauvelt, of Pesaseey 10, - 

13, The President of the Convention authorized, in 
case of urgent necessity, to remove the pub- 
lick papers to a place of safety, - - - 

13, Resolutions providing for the issue of five hun- 
dred dollars in bills of credit, — - - - 

13, Examination of Isaac Burga, - - - 

14, Mr. Polhemus admitted to a seat as a Deputy 
from King’s County, - - i 

14, Letter from the Committee appointed to “ale 
depositions at Jamaica, - 

14, Examination of Nathaniel Mills, Caleb Mills, 
Joshua Mills, and Elizabeth Hicks, - - 

14, Order for the arrest of Elizabeth Hicks, - - 

14, Encouragement for the manufacture of Saltpetre 
and Gunpowder, - - - * - 


1481 
1481 
1482 
1482 
1483 
1484 


1484 
1485 


1485 
1485 
1486 
1487 


1487 


1487 
1489 
- 1489 
- 1489 
1490 
1491 
- 1491 


- 1493 
1494 
1494 
1494 


1494 
1496 


1497 


1497 
1498 
1499 
1499 
1500 
- 1501 
1501 


- 1502 
1502 
1503 
1504 


1504 
1506 


1506 
- 1507 


1507 
1507 


1508 


CONTENTS. 


As. ‘14, Letter from Captain Alexander Hamilton, - 


14, Persons employed in certain manufactures ex- 
empted from military duty, “ 7 4 
14, Memorial of John Holt and others, . €, 
14, Letter from Henry Remsen to John McKesson, 
August 11, - - 
14, Letter from Joseph Trumbull, Commissary 
General, - - . 
15, Letter from General Washington, of: Aebust 


15, Letter from Henny Wilmot, of August 14, - 

15, Examination of John Sloane and Thomas 
Clarke, - 

15, Letter from Jacob ‘Guxler dnd Leowerd Ginee. 
voort, Commissioners sent to the Northern 
Army, - - - - 

16, Plan for obstructing the diuvipition of the Bast 
River submitted to General Washington, - 

16, General Clinton requested to remove all the 
cannon lying beyond King’s Bridge, - - 

16, Letter from the Secret Committee at oe 
keepsie, August 13, - - 

16, Letter from Robert Yates: Chainswn of the Se- 
cret Committee, August 14, —- - - 

16, Letter from Thomas Grant, - . - - 

16, Letter to the Committee for Ulster County, - 

17, Order for the removal of the prisoners from 
Kingston to Morristown, in New-Jersey,  - 

17, Letter to the Committee for Ulster County, - 

17, Order for stopping up the channel between the 
Grand Battery and Governour’s Island, - 

17, Letter to General Washington, — - - - 

17, Committee of Safety appointed to sit during 
the adjournment of the Convention, - - 

17, Report of John McDonald, miner, - - - 

17, Letter of Ezra Thomson, - - - 

17, Letter from General Washington: Recom- 
mending the removal of the women rip chil- 
dren from New-York, - - - 

17, Committee for the removal of such persons, - 

17, Letter to General Washington, - - - 

18, Letter from General Washington: on obstruct- 
ing the navigation of the East River, - . 


COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 


19, Letter to General Clinton on discharging the 
Orange County Troop, - - - 
19, John McDonald authorized to meer aitie the 
exploring the lead mine in the Great Nine 
Partners of Ezra Thomson, - - - 
19, Mr. Duer requested to consult with General 
Washington, on obstructing the navigation of 
Hudson’s River, - - - - 
20, Letter from General Morris, New-Rochelle, 
August 18, - - - - - - 
CONVENTION. 


20, Letter from the Committee for Westchester 
County, concerning some prisoners of war 
and Tories, lately pee in their jail, Au- 
gust 17, - - - 

20, Letter from the prisoners in White Pails jail, 

20, Commissioners appointed to pad of and 
provide for prisoners, - 

20, Letter from Jonathan G. Terese Aust 18, 

20, William Miller, Deputy Chairman of the West- 
chester Committee, examined as to the Hore 
prisoners, - - - - 

21, Committee of King’ s County requested to hold 
an election for a Representative in the Con- 
vention, - - = ~ > - - 

21, Committee to report on the mode of confining, 
securing, or otherwise disposing of the pris- 
oners now confined by order of the Con- 
vention, - 

21, Letter, dated Magee 12, feat ‘bration C. 
Cuyler and others, prisoners sent and con- 
fined in Hartford jail, praying to be released, 

21, Letter dated August 12, from A. C. Cuyler, re- 
questing permission to return home to visit 
his sick wife, - 

21, Letter, dated August 12, from Hee Vat 
Scheack, declaring his innocence, and com- 
plaining of injustice, - 

21, Letter dated Albany Tory Tue ‘Aueaet 1, fin 
Henry Van Schaack and others, to the Al- 
bany Committee, — - - 

22, Letter from Adjutant General Read. enclosing 
a letter from Governour Martin, - - - 


cil 


1509 


1510 
1510 


1510 
1511 


1511 
1512 


- 1512 


- 1513 
1514 
1514 
1515 
1515 
1516 
1517 


1518 
1518 


1518 
1518 


1519 


1519 
1519 


1520 
1520 
1521 


1521 


1522 


1522 


- 1522 


1522 


- 1523 
1523 


- 1523 
1524 
1524 


1525 


- 1526 
1526 
- 1527 
- 1527 


- 1527 
1528 


CONTENTS. 


Cill CIV 
1776. 1776. 
Aug. 22, Letter to Colonel Reed, - - 1528 | Jug.28, Committee to consider what means can be de- 

22, Report of Ab. W. De Peyster, eelanye to the dis- vised for supplying the SPEES peith pining 
position of the prisoners in Connecticut, - 1529 and blankets, - - 1548 

22, Letter from Andrew Bostwick, mpshen; Au- 28, Letter from General Woodhull, - - 1548 
gust 15, enclosing a petition, - - - 1530 28, Committee to repair to General Woodhull, rrith 

22, Petition of Abel Noble and Peter Hea rand: power to impress horses, boats, &c., - 1549 
praying that one hundred and fifty men em- 28, Letter from David Matthews to General Wood- 
ployed at their iron works may be xpmped hull, dated Litchfield, August 12, —- - 1549 
from Militia duty, = - . - - 1531 28, Commitment of Mr. Matthews, August 1,. =. 1550 

22, Letter to General Washington, relative to a 28, Letter from David Matthews, Litchfield, August 
report that the City of New-York was to be 12, to Mrs. Matthews, at Flatbush, - - 1550 
burnt if the Army left it, - - - - 1531 28, Letter from Moses maymoun £ to General Wood- 

22, Letter from General Livingston of New-Jersey, . hull, August 12, - - - - 1551 
to General Washington, August 21, - - 1531 28, Letter to David Matthews, - - - - 1551 

22, Committee on General Livingston’s letter, - 1532 28° Letter to Governour Trumbull, - - - 1551 

23, Report on General Livingston’s letter, read, 28) Letter from Colonel Joseph Drake, - - 1552 
and committed to the Deputies from Suffolk 28, Governour. Trumbull requested to send one 
and Queen’s Counties, - - - - 1532 thousand troops into Suffolk County, - - 1552 

24, Resolutions reported by the Committee, con- 28, Letter to several Towns in Connecticut, re- 
sisting of members from Queen’s and Suf- questing their assistance in removing the 
folk, read and agreed to, - - - - 1533 stock from Long-Island,_ - = - 1552 

24, Better. from the Gonitetties at Monmouth, in 28, Letter to Gov. Trumbull on the same spice - 1553 
New-Jersey, August 17, - - - 1534 28° Examination of Colonel Covenhoven, - - 1554 

24, Letter from the Committee « of the County of 28, Letter from General Washington, - - - 1554 
Cumberland, - - - - 1535 29, Letter from Mr. Van Wish; dated Flushing, 

24, Letter from Captain Platt, on Arie corihietns August 28, - - © 1555 
among the troops concerning money, - 1536 29, Samuel Townsend reared to 55 to ong’ 

24, Letter from Major Verbryck, requesting a dis- Island, it being dangerous to send a letter, - 1556 
mission from the present service, - 1537 29, Reward to Mr. Flood for appretionaee Wil- 

24, Letter from General Clinton to Major Detbiget 1537 liam Lounsbury, - - 1556 

24, Report of the Committee appointed to recon- 29, Committee to consider what sts of Militia 
sider a former report on General Livingston’s - can be called out for the defence of the 
letter, read and agreed to,- —- - 1537 State wy. o- amar - 1557 

24, Letter from General ‘Washington, gerta 23, 29, Adjourned to meet in ope Baglin Siem 7 
contradicting the report that New-York was Fishkill, on Monday next, - os - 1557 
to be abandoned and burnt, - - - 1538 COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 

25, Further report from the Committee on Comer 29, Committee met at Harlem, - : _ 1557 
Livingston’ s letter, read and agreed to, - 1539 29, Letter from Colonel Josiah Smith, phi that 

26, Report from the Committee on disposing of the General Washington has ordered his Regi- 
prisoners confined by the Convention, - 1540 rapnitite witht Gini Long-Island, - - 1557 

26, Petition of Charles Shaw, — - ¢ - 1540 29, Colonel Smith ordered to march his erie: 

26, General Morris ordered to attend at Congress, to Horn’s Hook, t 1557 
at Philadelphia, ‘and return with “all. conve- 29, The Militia in the Counties oF Oraiiite: iigees! 
nientspeed, -  - = “ROA! Westchester, and Dutchess to be held ready 

26, Report of the Committee appointed to wait on to march at a moment’s warning, . - 1558 
General Washington, respecting the sedeay 30, Committee at King’s Bridge, - “ ‘ - 1558 
of the stock on Long-Island, _— - 1541 30, Letter to General Washington,. - -  - 1558 

26, Letter from Gilbert Livingston ane Ghrstepier 30, Letter from Brigadier-General Clinton, - > 1558 
Tappen, Commissioners for ngs vessels 30, Examination of Captain Payne relative to the 
at Poughkeepsie, —_- ae ~ 1541 taking of John Woolly, - — - - 1559 

26, Letter from John Sleght, Chairman of the ‘King- 30, General Clinton Behe ib Anke further ex- 
ston Committee, - - - - 1542 aminations, . - f - 1559 

26, Order for searching the house i Colonel ipuinh 30, Ebenezer Hazard, PSone fackthe District 
Martin, and for the arrest of poe Samuel Mar- of New-York, requested LORRI ee 
tin, of Rockaway, ‘ : 5 - 1542 from the city to some convenient — near 

26, Letter to General “peanut - - - - 1543 Dobbs’s Ferry, - i _ 1559 

26, Instructions to General Woodhull T - 1543 31, Committee met fat the hones of Mr. Odell, in 

COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. Philips’s Manor, - - - 1560 

27, Mr. Hobart chosen Chairman, «, - 1544 Letter from General Washington, dated Nagase 

27, Committee to confer with General Warhineidn 30, requesting a body of Militia may be ready 
relative to the state of Nassau-Island, - 1544 Be prevent or retard the landing of the enemy 

27, Mr. Dearing Chairman in the room nr Mr. : east of Harlem River, r « - - 1560 
Hobart, - bs " - 1544 31, Letter to General Washington, - 4 - 1560 

27, Letter from Erastus Wolcott to the Commit- 31, Resolutions for organizing such of the Militia 
tee of Saybrook, brought to Harlem ay ex- as may turn out, = - 1561 
press, ia e , , 5 1544 | Sept.1, The Committee met at the —— of Satie 

27, Committee to report ways and means for ne Blagge, at Croton River, - ¢ - 1562 
sale of fat cattle on Nassau and Shelter- Mr. Hazard requested to direct the post be- 
Islands, - - 2 = - 1545 tween New-York and Albany to ride on the 

27, Records and papers of ie Coneention ordered east side of Hudson’s River weekly, - - 1562 
to be removed to General Clinton’ S SE og 2, The Committee met at Fishkill, in Dutchess ; 
ment at or near King’s Bridge, - - 1546 County, - s y x ¥ - 1562 

27, Captain Benson ordered to apprehend Nieticias « 2, Committee to visit Forts Gbastitation and 
Covenhoven, who is suspected of giving in- Montgomery, - " x : z - 1562 
telligence to the enemy, - . - - 1546 2, Information given by a member that a number 

27, Letter from General Woodhull, - “ - 1546 of indigent infirm persons are on board a 

sloop at Fishkill Landing, . = - 1562 
Pst gol meae 3, Letter from General Washington, September 1, 1563 

28, Letter to General Washington, = - - 1547 3, Letter to the Committee of Westchester Coun- 

28, Mr. Van Wyck sent to Flushing to gain Midis: ty, - - - - - - - - 1564 
ligence of the situation of the enemy, - 1547 3, Letter from Philip Livingston, one of the Dele- 

28, Letter to the Delegates of New-York in Con- gates at Continental Congress, pated August 
gress, - - - - - - - 1548 30, - - - - - - 1564 


DOCUMENTARY HISTORY, &c. 


CORRESPONDENCE, MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS, PROCEEDINGS OF COMMITTEES, &c. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 

Philadelphia, July 1, 1776. 

Sir: I wrote you by the express on Saturday last, since 
which nothing has occurred worthy your notice. ‘The sole 
reason of troubling you with this is to acquaint you, that in 
consequence of your orders to Captain Peters, he proceeded 
with Major Rogers to this city, and called on me on Satur- 
day last, and in the evening of that day relieved him of his 
charge, and put Major Rogers under guard at the barracks, 
where he now remains, the Congress having, by a particular 
appointment, had under consideration a momentous matter 
this day, which prevented their attention to Major Rogers. 
My next will inform you, I hope, of some very decisive 
measures. 

Being much engaged, I can only add my best wishes for 
your health and success ; with respects to your worthy lady. 
I am, sir, your very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


P.S. In justice to Captain Peters, I must say he has con- 
ducted exceedingly well. 


JOHN WHITTIER TO JAMES WARREN, 
Haverhill, July 1, 1776. 


Gentiemen: I have very lately heard that [am appointed 
to the command of a Regiment for the Canada expedition. 
I most sincerely and heartily thank the General Court for 
their repeated honours done me, and should gladly have 
accepted the appointment, were it not that my health of late 
has so far failed me, that, at present, I find myself unable to 
perform a journey of twenty miles without much difficulty 
and delay. Notwithstanding my willingness to assist in this 
(as I apprehend) just and righteous cause, yet the great 
and constant care of a Regiment, and the fatigues of such a 
long journey, render it impossible for me to accept the 
invitation with honour to myself and any advantage to the 
Province. ‘Therefore I trust that the honourable Court 
will justify me in declining to accept, at present, of such an 
appointment. 

Gentlemen, that you may have all that wisdom which is 
profitable to direct, and that the American arms may be 
crowned with victory and success, is the ardent prayer of 
your most humble and obedient servant, 

Joun WHITTIER. 
To the Honourable James Warren, Esq., Speaker; to be 
communicated to the Honourable House of Representa- 
tives at Watertown. 


JOHN COVENHOVEN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, 


[Read July 3, 1776.] 


In Provincial Congress of New-Jersey, 
Burlington, July 2, 1776. 


GentLemen: We have this moment undoubted inform- 
ation, by Lieutenant Colonel Scudder, from Monmouth 
County, that about four o’clock yesterday afternoon, he 
observed nearly the whole of the enemy’s fleet in motion, 
and at half past six in the afternoon, saw about one hundred 
and thirty sail in the channel from the Hook to New-York, 
within nine miles from the Narrows, (a few vessels being 
left at the Hook ;) that he left Mcddleton at eleven o’clock 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


last evening; and about four this morning, being at the 
highland, between Upper and Lower Freehold, (about fifty 
miles from New-York,) on his way hither, heard a very 
heavy firing of cannon; whether this was at New-York, or 
to cover the landing of their troops, he could not judge. 

We also received, by Colonel Scudder, a letter from Co- 
lonel Taylor, of Monmouth, dated yesterday, informing us 
of that County being so exposed to the enemy without, and 
the Tories among themselves, that he apprehends the Militia 
will not be prevailed on to march to New-York, and leave 
their wives and children to fall either a prey to the enemy, 
if they should be repulsed at New-York, or be murdered by 
the Tories in their absence, who are imbodying themselves, 
and a considerable number already encamped at the Cedar 
Swamps. 

We thought it highly necessary to inform you of these 
matters, not doubting that you will, without the least delay, 
send forward all the assistance in your power, and take all 
present measures possible on this alarming exigency. 

We are, gentlemen, your most obedient servants. 

By order of Congress: 

Joun Covennoven, Vice-President. 
To the Honourable Continental Congress. 


SAMUEL TUCKER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 


In Provincial Congress of New-Jersey, 
Burlington, July 3, 1776. 


Sir: The bearer, Major Anderson, having been rendered 
for some time past unfit for service, is on his way from Can- 
ada to the Continental Congress, and requests our recom- 
mendation. He is at present an officer in the second battalion 
of Continental troops lately raised in this Colony, and now on 
service in the Northern Army. Of our own knowledge we 
can certify, that from the beginning of the present controversy 
Mr. Andérson has been a warm and active friend to the 
American cause, and a very useful officer of Militia, in which 
he was a Major. His behaviour in Canada has been very 
highly commended to us in various letters from the gentlemen 
of the Army in Canada, of which he will produce other testi- 
monials. We have only to add, that besides his services in 
the Militia, and of late in Canada, he has formerly served 
in the Bratish Army. By order of Congress: 

Samuet Tucker, President. 
To the Honourable the Continental Congress. 


GENERAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS TO THE COMMITTEES 
OF SEVERAL TOWNS. 
Watertown, July 2, 1776. 

Sir: The General Court have received from his Excel- 
lency General Washington a pressing letter that the troops 
destined to New-York may be sent with all despatch, as he 
is well informed that General Howe is arrived from Halifax 
at the Hook. You will please to communicate this to your 
brethren, that you and they, with all possible expedition, 
may raise and march the troops going from your County. 
The General Court expect you will not let anything prevent 
their marching as fast as possible, as you see the exigency of 
the case requires. 

By order of the General Court. 


To the Chairman of the Committee for raising men in the 
County of ———. 


3 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 4 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 

Watertown, July 3, 1776. 
Sir: The Court acknowledge the receipt of your letter 
of the 28th ultimo, with the resolution of Congress; and 
having taken them into consideration, find, that as their Com- 
mittees are now out on the business of raising and marching 
the three thousand men required of them by the Congress 
for the department of Canada, as also the three thousand 
destined for New-York, that it is not probable that the two 
battalions for the same service that are requested by Congress 
can be raised with that despatch that the exigency of the 
case requires. Therefore they beg leave to propose to the hon- 
ourable Continental Congress that they would be pleased to 
give out directions to his Excellency General Washington to 
order two of the regiments now stationed at Boston to march 
immediately to Canada ; and if they shall see cause so to do, 
this Court will take effectual measures that their numbers 


shall be immediately supplied. We are, &c. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, President of the Con- 
tinental Congress. 


GENERAL SULLIVAN TO COLONEL HOISINGTON. 

Crown-Point, July 3, 1776. 
Dear Sir: I this moment received your favour of the 
28th ultimo. Am much obliged by your kind offer of as- 
sistance, but have the pleasure to inform you that at pre- 
sent our Army, weak and reduced by sickness as it is, will 
be fully sufficient to oppose any force that may be sent 
against us at present. I am well convinced that the enemy 
has neither boats to transport any army, nor armed vessels 
upon the Lake, to defend themselves against us; for which 
reason I suppose they will be very careful about making any 
attempt upon us at present. Perhaps some future day we 
may find ourselves under the necessity of embracing your 
generous offer ; in the mean time, beg you and those friendly 
Americans to hold yourselves in readiness either to defend 

yourselves or repair to this place, as occasion may require. 
Dear sir, I am, &c., Seas reer ae 
To Colonel Hoisington, of Woodstock, New- York Govern- 


ment, west of Connecticut River. 


OFFICERS ON GOVERNOUR’S ISLAND, NEW-YORK, TO GENERAL 
HEATH. 
Governour’s Island, July 3, 1776. 

May ir PLEASE your Honour: We, the Officers of the 
Seventh Regiment, stationed on Governour’s Island, are 
determined to fight in defence of our country to the last ; yet 
we think it too much for America to risk such an important 
post as this with seven or eight hundred men, especially con- 
sidering the extensiveness of the lines we have to defend, 
and the difficulty which will attend our immediate supplies, 
when most probably in case of an attack wind and tide will 
be against them; whereas, should a sufficient number be on 
the spot to withstand any force that could be sent against 
them, they would have the same advantage of wind and tide 
with the enemy, should they aim at any other part. We think 
it likewise very necessary to have some field-pieces and a re- 
inforcement of the train, in order to secure the retreat, should 
it be thought proper, from the outworks to the citadel. 

We therefore pray your Honour to represent the affair to 
his Excellency, and solicit a proper reinforcement, which in 
our opinion cannot be less than two thousand men. 

We are, as in duty bound, your Honour’s most obedient, 
humble servants, 

Wituiram Prescorrt, Colonel, 
Jounson Moutron, Lieutenant- Colonel, 
Henry Woops, Major, 


In behalf of ourselves and Officers. 
To the Honourable Brigadier-General Heath. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) 
COMMITTEE. 
Philadelphia, July 3, 1776. 
GentLemeNn: You are so well acquainted with the criti- 
cal and alarming state of our public affairs, that it is unneces- 
sary to use arguments to press you to a compliance with any 
resolves of Congress calculated to promote the cause of 


liberty in the United Colonies of America. I am therefore 
to request, by order of Congress that the troops you are 
raising to form the Flying-Camp may be sent to the City 
of Philadelphia with the utmost expedition. That they 
may arrive the sooner, it is the desire of Congress that you 
will send them by battalions, or detachments of battalions, 
or companies, as soon as raised. 

I am persuaded the Committee of Lancaster County will 
strain every nerve to comply with this requisition of Con- 
gress, with all the despatch which the infinite importance of 
the present situation of affairs requires. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient 
and very humble servant, 

Joan Hancock, President. 


To the Honourable Committee of Lancaster County, at 
Lancaster. 


COLONEL BURD TO COMMITTEE FOR LANCASTER COUNTY, 
PENNSYLVANIA. 
Tinian, July 3, 1776. 

GentLemen: Last Monday the Board of Officers of my 
Battalion being met at Harris’s Ferry, the enclosed allega- 
tions against Daniel Shelly were laid before them. ‘They 
unanimously resolved that said Shelly should be appre- 
hended, and if found upon examination there was any reason 
for the charge, that said Shelly should be sent down with a 
safeguard to you. I examined Daniel Shelly and William 
Wall and Ann Wail, in the presence of a number of officers 
and privates, who were unanimously of opinion that he 
should be sent down to you, as likewise the evidences. [ 
accordingly send him, under the care of Mr. Michael Sheerer, 
Constable, who is to provide a guard for his safe conduct, 
and have ordered down to you William Wall, evidence. His 
wife being unable to travel, herewith I send you her depo- 
sition. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant, 

SamueL Burp. 
To the Chairman and Standing Committee of Lancaster 

County. 

Str: Whereas it was yesterday represented to the Board 
of Officers of my Battalion, (met at the house of Mr. John 
Harris, upon publick business,) that a Captain Daniel Shelly 
has been attempting to raise soldiers for the Ministerial 
Army, offering a reward of nine pounds per man by way of 
bounty, the Board, taking the same into consideration, re- 
solved that you immediately send a party of your Company 
and apprehend the said Danzel Shelly, and bring him before 
me, with you and your officers, that we may examine said 
Shelly, and do further what shall appear to us to be right in 
the case. 

Given under my hand, this 2d July, 1776. 

SamueL Burp, Colonel. 


To Captain James Crutch. 


P.S. Bring Wiliam Wall and any other evidences you 
can find. hee 

Daniel Shelly told Wiliam Wall that people that were 
true to the country were great fools. If the English troops 
knew as well or as much as I do, the English troops would 
have the country in six weeks’ time. He also says that he 
knows where there are plenty of powder and ball that can 
be got within twelve miles or a quarter of a day’s ride as 
would keep the Americans employed. ‘The said Shelly also 
went to Lewis Morris, and told him if he will list under him 
that he will give him nine pounds bounty. He also says 
that Colonel James Burd will not swear to be true to the 
country. 


Present: William Wall. 


Lancaster County, ss: 

Before me, James Burd, Esq., one of the Justices for the 
County of Lancaster, personally appeareth Ann Wall, who, 
being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say, 
that last Sunday, on the Hill Island, she (deponent) at the 
house of Daniel Rosse, heard a certain Daniel Shelly ex- 
press himself in the manner as follows: ‘Although they 
take their arms from them, a creditable man informed him 
they have powder and balls enough for them, and that the 
powder and ball could be found ina half a day’s travel, and 


5 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 6 


that the King was only playing with them now, and correct- 
ing them as he would his child, and that the ships in the 
harbour were as thick as the trees in an old field, (pointing 
to a field where the trees stood very thick,) and that the 
King could take this country in three weeks if he pleased.” 
And that a certain Morris Lewis told this deponent that the 
said Daniel Shelly wanted much to inlist him under him for 
the space of six months, offerimg him a bounty of nine 
pounds, and that the said Lewts asked Shelly for what. He 
told him it made no odds for what ; that this deponent asked 
him would he make up a company, and he said he did not 
know what he wanted him for. fot 
Ann » Watt. 
mark. 
Sworn and subscribed before me, 2d July, 1776. 
SamueL Burp. 


MATTHEW TILGHMAN TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read 8th July, 1776.] 
Annapolis, July 4, 1776. 

Sir: In obedience to the order of Convention, I enclose 
you their Resolutions for raising the number of Militia re- 
quired of this Province for the Flying-Camp. The alacrity 
and unanimity with which these resolutions were formed 
and passed, are a proof of the readiness in this Convention 
to do everything in their power that may contribute to the 
common safety. I make no doubt the same disposition will 
prevail individually, and that the several members will use 
their influence in forwarding this service, which I hope will 
be soon completed. 

I am also directed to request you will, by the first oppor- 
tunity, order to be transmitted to the Council of Safety for 
this Province the last Resolution of Congress respecting the 
pay of the Militia when called into actual service. 

I have the honour to be your most obedient servant, 

MatruHew Titeuman, President. 


To the Hon. John Hancock Esq., Philadelphia. 


In Convention at Annapolis, June 25, 1776. 

Resolved, unanimously, That this Province will furnish 
three thousand four hundred and five of its Militia to form a 
Flying-Camp, and to act with the Militia of Pennsylvania 
and the Delaware Government in the Middle Department, 
that is to say, from this Province to New-York, inclusive, 
according to the request of the Congress in their Resolution 
of the 3d day of this instant June. __ 

That, for that purpose, four Battalions be instantly raised, 
each of them to consist of nine Companies, and each Com- 
pany to consist of ninety men, to wit: one Captain, two 
Lieutenants, one Ensign, four Sergeants, four Corporals, one 
Drummer, one Fifer, and seventy-six Privates; each of the 


said Battalions to be commanded by one Colonel, one Lieu- | 


tenant Colonel, and one Major; and that to each Battalion 
there be allowed a Quartermaster, an Adjutant, a Surgeon, 
and two Assistants; and that over and above the said Bat- 
talions, there be also instantly raised one other Company, to 
consist of one Captain, three Lieutenants, four Sergeants, 
* four Corporals, one Drummer, one Fifer, and ninety-six 
Privates; and that the whole of the said Militia so to be 
raised be commanded by a Brigadier General, who shall 
have the appointment of a Brigade Major. 

That warrants immediately issue to such persons as shall 
be appointed by this Convention to take the enrolment of 
the said non-commissioned Officers and Privates, which 
enrolment shall be made of those who shall voluntarily offer 
themselves for the said service and subscribe an enrolment in 
the following words, to wit: ‘ We, the subscribers, do hereby 
enrol ourselves to serve as Militia of Maryland in the Middle 
Department, that is to say, from this Province to New-York, 
inclusive, until the lst day of December next, unless sooner 
discharged by the honourable Congress, according to the 
Resolution of the Convention of Maryland, held at Annapo- 
lis, the 21st day of June, 1776.” 

That the said warrants be in the following form, to wit: 


“By the Convention of Maryland, June 1776: 

*¢ You are empowered to enrol... .. . effective free- 
men, to act as Militia of this Province in the Middle Depart- 
ment, according to the Resolutions of this Convention and 
the form of enrolment herewith delivered to you; and on 
your doing which, and their passing as effective, you are to 


be entitled to, and shall receive a commission as Captain, 
as First Lieutenant, or Second Lieutenant, or Ensign, as the 
case may be, of a Company to be composed partly of those 


ou enrol.” : 
y Marruew Trineuman, President. 


Extract from the Minutes: G. Duva.t. 


EDICT OF THE KING OF PORTUGAL, FROHIBITING ALL IN- 
TERCOURSE BETWEEN HIS DOMINIONS AND THE AMERI- 
CAN COLONIES. 


Joseph, by the Grace of God, King of Portugal and 
of the Algarves, &c., &c., &c.: I make known to all who 
shall see this present Edict, that having been lately informed 
that the English Colonies in America had not only separa- 
ted themselves, by an act of the Congress the 15th of May 
last, from the subjection to the Crown of Great Britain, but 
also were making laws of their own, and giving particular 
power to resist the lawful authority of his Britannick Majes- 
ty, my good brother, friend, and ally: And whereas so 
pernicious an example ought to interest even the most indif- 
ferent Princes not to favour or assist, directly or indirectly, 
subjects thus publickly and formally rebelling against their 
lawful Sovereign, it is my will and pleasure to order, that in 
all the ports of these Kingdoms and his dominions, no shelter 
shall be given to any ships, loaded or in ballast, coming from 
any of the ports of the said North American British Colo- 
nies; but, on the contrary, that they are to be repelled from 
the said ports, and in the same manner they entered, without 
giving them the least succour of any kind whatsoever. The 
Masters of ships who have been permitted to enter hitherto, 
in consideration of not having received any express injunction 
to the contrary, shall be notified to depart with their ships 
out of the abovementioned ports within the space of eight 
successive days without fail; examination being had before 
their departure, if they have on board any gunpowder, or 
other warlike stores, of the kinds already prohibited by my 
Royal Orders, given the 21st of October last, to the Arscnal 
of the Army, and to the Office of Outward Consulship ; and 
confiscating, for the benefit of the publick works, any of the 
said ships on board of which shall be found clandestinely 
concealed any of the abovementioned warlike stores, as goods 
rightly seized and manifestly known to be the property of 
Rebels. 

Our Lord the King hath ordered this by his Royal Decree 
of the fourth of this current month of July, and directed it to 
his Royal Council, commanding it to be printed and set up 
in all publick places of Lisbon and ports of this Kingdom, 
and of the Algarve, in order that every one should have 
notice thereof, and that no person may pretend ignorance. 

(Signed) Count pe AzamBusa, President. 
Lisbon, 5th of July, 1776. 


BARBEU DUBOURG TO DR. FRANKLIN. 
Paris, July 5, 1776. 

Sir: I am privately informed that at the General’s Office 
they are actually raising funds for a great armament, now 
fitting out by land and sea, with the greatest despatch. 

I did not receive this advice until last night, and that with 
the greatest secrecy. I hasten to inform you of it, and shall 
not neglect it on my part. 

I shall be very happy when my dear country will have a 
common cause with yours ; in the mean time recommend me 
to the favour of our future allies. 

I am, with all my heart, my dear friend, 

Barseu Dupourc. 


GEORGIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 


At a Council, July 5, 1776: Present: His Excellency 
Archibald Bulloch, Jonathan Bryan, John Houston, John 
Girardeau, Daniel Roberts, Nathan Bronson, John Were- 
at, Benjamin Andrews, John Adam Treutlen, William Le 
Conte. 

Mr. Jonathan Bryan, John Houston, and Colonel Mc- 
Intosh, waited on the Board, and reported what they had 
represented to General Lee relative to the state of this Pro- 
vince, which was as follows, viz: 

The Deputies sent by desire of General Lee, from the 


, Colony of Georgia, to confer with him upon the state of 


7 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 8 


that Colony and the mode of putting it in the best posture 
of defence against all enemies, external and internal, are of 
Opinion, that it is evident that Province is in a most weak 
and defenceless situation; and besides the intrinsic value of 
the lands and other property in the Province, its situation 
as a frontier, its fine inlets, harbours, and rivers, and plenty 
of provisions, make it of the utmost consequence, perhaps 
equal to any other on the Continent, in the great cause of 
America. ‘That as it is not only liable to be attacked by sea 
on the east, in common with the other Colonies, but from 
the south and west, by the garrisoned Province of the Flo- 
ridas, and the most numerous tribes of Savages in North 
America, and far less able than any of them to bear it: the 
Deputies sent from Georgia, by desire of his Excellency 
General Lee, to confer with him upon the state of the Co- 
lony, in order to devise the best method of putting it ina 
proper posture of defence, beg leave to represent, that from 
the weak and defenceless situation of the Colony, sur- 
rounded as it is with enemies, it stands in immediate need 
of assistance from the General Congress. And when they 
consider, that however small the Colony may be of itself, in 
a comparative point of view, yet that from the great plenty 
of provisions, numerous stocks of cattle, excellent inlets, 
harbours, and rivers, perhaps equal to any upon the Conti- 
nent, with which the Colony abounds, and above all, the 
firm attachments of its inhabitants to the American cause, 
they are led to trust that the protection and security of that 
Colony will be held an object of considerable importance. 
Not one of the thirteen United Colonies is so weak within 
or so much exposed from without. ‘To the east, the inhabi- 
tants suffer the ravages of British cruisers. ‘Their negroes 
are daily inveigled and carried away from their plantations. 
British fleets may be supplied with beef from several large 
islands, well stocked with cattle, which line their coasts, and 
round which large ships may sail. 'To the south, they have 
the Province of East Florida, the inhabitants and soldiers of 
which must of necessity make inroads upon Georgia for the 
article of provision with which they have been heretofore 
chiefly supplied. Georgia here stands as a barrier to South 
Carolina, and effectually secures that Province against the 
like depredations. ‘The southern parts of Georgia contain 
vast stocks of cattle, and our most valuable rice plantations 
lie that way. By some late computations, there are said to 
be upwards of thirty thousand head of black cattle in the 
Province, and hogs without number. We have certain 
accounts of there being at this time upwards of one thousand 
British troops in Saint Augustine. To the west, and 
almost down upon the Georgia line, are the most numerous 
tribes of Indians now in North America, viz: the Creeks, 
Cherokees, Choctaws, and a number of small tribes, in the 
whole at least fifteen thousand gun-men. All these nations 
have been much tampered with by the emissaries of Govern- 
ment, and without the utmost exertions of prudence on our 
side it is feared may be brought to act against us. They 
are so situated as to make it extremely convenient for our 
enemies to supply them, from Kast and West Florida, with 
ammunition and everything that they want. Our last ac- 
counts from the Indians are rather unfavourable, and when 
we consider their natural principle of infidelity, and how 
much more able our enemies are to purchase their friendship 
by presents, &c., than we are, there seems to be the greatest 
reason to apprehend a rupture with them. In such a case 
the fate of Georgia may be easily conceived. Add to all 
these considerations the vast number of negroes we have, 
perhaps of themselves sufficient to subdue us. In point of 
numbers, the blacks exceed the whites, and the ready chan- 
nel-and secure retreat which Saint Augustine affords, render 
them much to be dreaded. The conquest of Georgia would 
be considered a great acquisition by Great Britain. It isa 
most excellent provision country, abounds with ship timber 
and lumber of all kinds, and is conveniently situated for a 
place of rendezvous to their shipping. Under all these cir- 
cumstances, it must certainly appear indispensably necessary 
that measures be immediately taken for the defence and 
security of that Province. But the low situation, in point 
of means or ability, of its inhabitants, puts it out of their 
power to do it of themselves, more especially.as they have 
been already put to a very great expense in consequence of 
the late descent upon them. The great objects seem to be 
men, fortifications, and a good understanding with the Jn- 
dians. We would therefore beg leave to propose— 


Ist. That his Excellency General Lee be requested to 
state the peculiar situation of the Province of Georgia to the 
General Congress, and to obtain directions from them to 
raise and take into Continental pay so many men as may be 
conceived to be sufficient to defend that Province. In our 
opinion, less than six battalions will not answer the purpose. 
But we do not conceive any of these men can be recruited 
in Georgia. We would apprehend it full as eligible, if that 
can be done, to order some of the regiments already raised, 
to march thither; and further, that the four troops of horse 
already raised be augmented to a regiment, and put upon 
the Continental establishment. Part of these battalions and 
troops may be so stationed as to serve equally for the pro- 
tection of Georgia and South Carolina against the Indians; 
and above all, may entirely shut up the communication 
between them and our enemies to the southward, which, in 
our opinion, will be the most effectual means of preventing 
an Indian war. 

2d. That the sum of ———— sterling be granted by 
the General Congress for building fortifications and guard- 
boats in the Province of Georgia. The reason why we 
conceive this ought to be a general charge is, because it is 
evident the same will serve against attacks from the south, 
and for cutting off the communication between East and 
West Florida and the Indians, upon which the peace of the 
back inhabitants of Georgia, South Carolina, North Caro- 
lina, and Virginia, depends. Besides, it seems to be a part 
of the plan of Administration to throw forces into the Indian 
country, where they expect to be joined by a considerable 
number of the savages; and in that event, there is no Pro- 
vince or place through which they could so conveniently 
pass as through Georgia. 

3d. It is a fixed principle with the Indians to be paid for 
their good offices ; and in this controversy we conceive they 
will expect to be well paid even for neutrality. The arti- 
cles they prefer will doubtless be ammunition and clothing, 
but these we have it not in our power to give them. We 
would, then, propose cattle as a substitute, and are inclined 
to think, if the communication between them and our en- 
emies was cut off they would soon be broucht to be well 
satisfied with a present of this kind. It is therefore submit- 
ted to the General Congress whether it would not be worth 
while to give direction that ———— head of cattle be pur- 
chased and distributed among the Indians by Commissioners. 
We are of opinion this step would answer many valuable 
purposes, and would have a tendency not only of attaching 
them to our interest from gratitude, but would also be a 
means of civilizing them, and by fixing the idea of property, 
would keep them honest and peaceable with us, for fear of 
reprisals. ' 


REFORMATION OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER BY THE 
VIRGINIA CONVENTION. 
In Convention, Williamsburgh, July 5, 1776. 

Resolved, That the following sentences in the Morning 
and Evening Service shall be omitted: ““O Lord, save the 
King, and mercifully hear us when we call upon Thee.” 

That the 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th sentences in the Li- ° 
tany, for the King’s Majesty, and the Royal Family, &c., 
shall be omitted. 

That the Prayers in the Communion Service, which ac- 
knowledge the authority of the King, and so much of the 
Prayer for the Church Militant as declares the same autho- 
rity, shall be omitted, and this alteration made in one of the 
above Prayers in the Communion Service: “Almighty and 
everlasting God, we are taught by thy Holy Word that 
the hearts of all Rulers are in thy governance, and that 
Thou dost dispose and turn them as it seemeth best to thy 
godly wisdom; we humbly beseech Thee so to dispose 
and govern the hearts of all the Magistrates of this Com- 
monwealth, that in all their thoughts, words, and works, they 
may evermore seek thy honour and glory, and study to 
preserve thy people committed to their charge, in wealth, 
peace, and godliness. Grant this, O merciful Father, for 
thy dear Son’s sake, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” 

That the following Prayer shall be used, instead of the 
Prayer for the King’s Majesty, in the Morning and Evening 
Service: “O Lord, our heavenly Father, high and mighty 
King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the only Ruler of the Uni- 
verse, who dost, from thy throne, behold all the dwel- 


9 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


lers upon earth, most heartily we beseech Thee, with thy 
favour, to behold the Magistrates of this Commonwealth, 
and so replenish them with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, 
that they may always incline to thy will, and walk m thy 
way; endue them plenteously with heavenly gifts; strengthen 
them that they may vanquish and overcome all their ene- 
mies; and finally, after this life, they may obtain everlasting 
joy and felicity, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” 

In the twentieth sentence of the Litany, use these words : 
“That it may please Thee to endue the Magistrates of this 
Commonwealth with grace, wisdom, and understanding.” 
In the succeeding one, use these words: “That it may 
please Thee to bless and keep them, giving them grace to 
execute justice and maintain truth.” 

Let every other sentence of the Litany be retained without 
anysalteration, except the above sentences recited. 

Epmunp Penpueton, President. 


J. Tazewew., Clerk of the Convention. 


COURT MARTIAL ON CAPTAIN BALL. 
Williamsburgh, Virginia, July 5, 1776. 

At a General Court-Martial, held in the City of Wil- 
liamsburgh, the 5th day of July, 1776, by order of Brigadier- 
General Andrew Lewis, for the trial of Captain Burgess 
Ball, of the Fifth Regiment, (arrested for suffering the Brig 
which was run aground on Willoughby’s Point to be retaken 
by the enemy,) the Court, upon hearing the evidence of 
Captain John Willoughby, which was corroborated by the 
testimony of Captain Nathaniel Boush, Ensign Beale, and 
Mr. Cocke, and Mr. Netherland, Cadets, were unanimously 
of opinion that the loss of the prize could in nowise be impu- 
ted to Captain Ball, and therefore honourably acquitted him. 
Which sentence of the Court-Martial was approved of by the 
General. 


DAVID HALL TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 8. Referred to the Delegates of Maryland.] 
Lewis, Delaware, July 5, 1776. 

Sir: [have the honour to enclose sundry depositions, con- 
taining, as we think, a true state of the general disaffection 
that prevails among the people in the County of Sussex. 
Sundry gentlemen from the neighbourhood of Broad Creek, 
and Wicomico, have been qualified to the truth of it, on 
whose attachment to the cause of America we very much 
depend. ‘The Council of Safety have ordered down part of 
an Independent Company now under their direction. A 
company of the Delaware Battalion is also preparing to 
march. ‘The most alarming circumstance is, the danger of 
Lord Dunmore’s recruiting with success among the dis- 
affected, who repair to him without reserve, and supply him 
with the produce of the country. We earnestly entreat 
that Congress may take the matter into their serious con- 
sideration, and order what may be thought necessary to fix 
the minds of the wavering, and secure the common safety. 

By order of the Council of Safety. 

Iam, with the greatest respect, Sir, your most humble 
servant, Davin Hati, Chairman. 


To the Hon. President of the Continental Congress. 


Sussex County, Broad Creek, Delaware, July 5, 1776. 

GentLEemeN: The situation of the part of the country in 
which we live having of late appeared to us rather.critical, 
and a number of armed vessels lately appearing in our 
rivers, occasion us to think ourselves bound in duty, both 
to our country and our families, to lay our case before you, 
both for advice and assistance. We need not inform that a 
large majority of the people in the lower part of this country 
appear disaffected, which, being lately fully demonstrated 
by these hostile appearances, occasions troops to be sent 
from above to quiet them; and we are sorry to say, that it 
is our opinion that they (viz: the enemies of the cause) are 


not better affected than they were before those troops came,- 


(we mean in the parts near us,) although we are fully of the 
opinion that the gentlemen appointed and sent down as 
heads of that business thought proper to have a few hun- 
dred riflemen sent amongst us at that time, who took up 
some of the most insolent, and put them in confinement, 
disarmed the offenders of less note, and left a few troops as 


10 


a protection to the well disposed. Things at this time 
should have worn a face much more in favour of the country 
than it now does. 

The night before last, we sent an ex press down to Vienna, 
a small town in Maryland, upon Nanticoke River, to give 
information of what men-of-war or tenders were in the 
rivers. Yesterday our express returned, and gave an 
account, that in the mouth of the River Nanticoke, there 
lay the Fowey ship-of-war and four tenders; in the River 
Wicomico were three tenders. Those up Wicomico had 
run far up the river into the heart of the country; but we 
had no account of any great damage they had then done, 
They had landed, and attempted to rob some plantations ; 
but were driven back to their vessels. Although the Militia 
were about ten miles below the mouth of the river, they 
went on shore, and robbed the most wealthy man in the 
neighbourhood, of his cash, and all his negroes they could 
lay hands on; after which, they tied the gentleman, and 
took him off on board their vessel. We also may inform 
you, that parties from tenders and other vessels supposed to 
belong to Dunmore’s Fleet, have taken large quantities of 
cattle and other stock from what is called the Islands, which 
lie just below the mouth of Nanticoke River ; and we have 
reason to believe that they have taken stock out of the river 
they left, which they might easily have done, as great part of 
the inhabitants upon the river, from the mouth to the head, 
would be glad to have an opportunity to deal with them, 
and would take great pleasure to supply them with anything 
in their power. This much, gentlemen, you may depend 
on, that vast numbers of the inhabitants of Somerset and 
Dorchester Counties, in Maryland, and of Sussex County, 
in Delaware, have men on board of these men-of-war 
and tenders, either trading, inlisting, taking the oath of alle- 
giance, or something we really are not informed of; but we 
have it from such authority, that we do really believe that 
they purchase some sorts of goods from the tenders, very low; 
and also, that the captain of the tenders registers the name 
of every person who goes on board of them. We are also 
fully convinced that numbers of the inhabitants have actually 
voluntarily entered into the service under Dunmore; some 
of whom, we have reason to believe, now bear command 
on board these tenders, and we look upon them as a more 
dangerous enemy than the Ewropeans. They know our 
country, and are able to carry the vessels they command to 
the heads of our rivers; and it is reported (and we believe 
it to be true) that these traitors have sent word (by their 
neighbours, who have been down on board trading) to their 
relations, who live in the heart of the country, that in a 
very short time they, with their armed vessels, will pay 
them a visit. It would be impossible for us to relate to you, 
gentlemen, on paper, every threat that has been thrown out 
by the disaffected amongst ourselves, as well as the people 
on board the tenders and ships-of-war, and therefore shall 
only add, that, from the disaffection amongst ourselves, 
which we conceive to be so great, that there is, at least, six 
disaffected to one firm man for America,—we say, from that 
melancholy appearance, and from the arrival of these armed 
vessels, we think it our duty to make application to you for 
assistance of men; and make no doubt but that, if it is in 
your power, you will grantit tous. Ifit is not in your power, 
we must be candid enough to inform you, that self-preserva- 
tion will oblige us either to leave our hivings, or fall in and 
run with the current, either of which will be hateful to us, 
But we believe it cannot be required of us to offer ourselves 
sacrifices for our country, without there being some prospect 
of benefit arising therefrom. 

If, gentlemen, upon reflection, you judge it practicable 
and expedient to grant us men, we beg they may continue 
stationed amongst us, until we shall appear able to protect 
ourselves; and for that purpose, we pray you will, in our 
behalf, make application to Congress that we may not be 
liable to have them called away, and again be left destitute ; 
for if we should have them only a short time, and then 
taken from us, our case would be worse than now, as revenge 
might prompt our enemies to more desperate actions. Al- 
though we represent our case to be distressing, we do not 
mean to represent it as past hope ; for we are of opinion, if you 
favour us with only three or four good companies, with pru- 
dent officers, we shall not only be able to defend ourselves, 
but also that it will be a means to reclaim a considerable 
number of the disaffected, and bring them to their duty, as 


11 


it will enable our officers to pursue such steps as is neces- 

sary to accomplish this purpose so much wished for. Not 

doubting but that you will do everything for us that may 

appear to you necessary, 

We rest, and are, gentlemen, your most obedient humble 

servants, JonatHAN Bett, Joxnn Mrrcue tt, 
Jno. Pox, Isaac Horsey, 
Joun Creicuton, Levin Connaway, 
JosrepH Forman, Roserr Houston. 


To the Hon. the Council of Safety now sitting at Sussea. 


I do hereby certify, that the several subscribers to the 
within letter were sworn to the truth of the facts in said 
letter set forth before the Council of Safety for the County 
of Sussex, in Delaware, 5th July, 1776. 

By order of the Council of Safety. 

~ Davin Hay, Chairman. 


Testimony of Exocu Scupper, July 4, 1776. 


Enoch Scudder, being duly sworn on the holy Gospel, 
doth depose and say: That on the third of this instant July, 
in travelling down from Philadelphia, he was overtaken by 
four men near Cedar Creek, who asked him if he had heard 
that Lord Dunmore had landed an armament of men in 
Maryland, and whether he (this deponent) was going to 
join him: upon which, this deponent asked them if there 
were any men there that would join Dunmore, and how 
many, and whereabouts they were to be gathered: upon 
which, they informed him that fifteen hundred might be col- 
lected about Cedar Creek, and between that and the place 
where Dunmore had landed; and that he, (this deponent,) in 
several harvest-fields, heard the people converse to this pur- 
pose; and that they were determined that the gentlemen 
who had been busy in calling the Tories to account should 
not be suffered to pass without a guard; and they further 
told him that Boymer Lloyd was actually with Dunmore. 

July 4, 1776. Enocu ScuppeEr. 


Sworn before Jno. Dacworrtuy. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO COLONEL HASLETT. 
Philadelphia, July 5, 1776. 
Sir: I have it in command from Congress to direct you 
to station one Company of the Battalion under your com- 
mand at Lewistown, and to march the remaining seven 
companies to the town of Wilmington, and there remain 
until the further order of this Congress. You will there- 
fore immediately put this order into execution. 
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To Colonel Haslett, or Officer commanding the Battalion 
of Continental Troops in Delaware Government. 


P.S. The enclosed Declaration you will please to have 
read at the head of your battalion. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO THE CONVENTION OF NEW- 
JERSEY. 
Philadelphia, July 5, 1776. 

GentLemen: You will perceive, by the enclosed Re- 
solve, that the Congress have judged it necessary to remove 
the prisoners from your Colony to the town of York, in 
Pennsylvania, and have directed me to request you to carry 
the same into execution immediately. Their vicinity to our 
enemies, and the opportunity of deserting to them, or keep- 
ing up a communication dangerous to the interest of these 
United States, rendered this step not only prudent, but 
absolutely necessary. 

I do myself the honour to enclose, in obedience to the 
commands of Congress, a copy of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, which you will please to have proclaimed in your 
Colony in such way and manner as you shall judge best. 

The important consequences resulting to the American 
States from this Declaration of Independence, considered 
as the ground and foundation of a future Government, will 
naturally suggest the propriety of proclaiming it in such a 
mode as that the people may be universally informed of it. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient 
and very humble servant, 


Joun Hancock, President. 
Honourable Convention of New Jersey, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


12 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO THE PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE 
OF SAFETY. 


Philadelphia, July 5, 1776. 

GeNnTLEMEN: I do myself the honour to enclose, in obe- 
dience to the commands of Congress, a copy of the Decla- 
ration of Independence, which I am directed to request you 
will have proclaimed in your Colony in the way and man- 
ner which you shall judge best. 

The American States being now forever divided from 
those who wished to destroy them, it has become absolutely 
necessary, for their security and happiness, to adopt some 
Government of their own. In this view of the matter, the 
important consequences flowing from a Declaration of Inde 
pendence, considered as the ground and foundation thereof, 
will naturally suggest the propriety of proclaiming it in such 
a mode that the people may be universally informed of it. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient 
and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


Honourable Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania. 


GENERAL WOOSTER TO COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS, 


Philadelphia, July 5, 1776. 

As I understand my conduct in confining Major Gray, 
Colonel Dufee, and St. George Dupree, has been found 
fault with, I must beg leave to give the reasons that induced 
me to it. 

Sundry captains of militia applied to me to issue an order, 
directing them to deliver up the commissions they had re- 
ceived from General Carleton, by which they were obliged 
to take up arms against the Continental troops whenever 
they should be commanded by General Carleton; which 
they did not choose to do, but would rather take commis- 
sions under the Continental Congress. Being fully sensible 
of the propriety of their request, I accordingly gave out an 
order for that purpose, and allowed every parish the privi- 
lege of choosing their own officers, and making a proper 
return to me; which they cheerfully complied with. I then 
granted commissions under the honourable Continental Con- 
gress to almost all the officers of militia in the District of 
Montreal, as far as the Three Rivers. As the Field Offi- 
cers belonging to Montreal had not given up their commis- 
sions, several Captains applied to me to oblige them to do 
it, as they should yet be obliged to take up arms against us 
in case General Carleton should call upon them to raise the 
militia; upon which I called upon these officers to deliver 
their commissions pursuant to my orders, as it was incon- 
sistent for them to pretend either to friendship or neutrality, 
while they held commissions for the very purpose of taking 
arms against the Colonies whenever they were commanded 
by General Carleton or his successor. And here I must 
observe, these commissions were predicated upon a procla- 
mation issued by General Carleton, in May or June, 1775, 
denouncing destruction to the Traitors and Rebels of the 
New-England Colonies. The French officers appeared 
willing to deliver up their commissions, but Major Gray 
swore he would not deliver his, let the consequence be what 
it would, and the whole posse of Tories in Montreal used 
their utmost endeavours to dissuade the French officers from 
complying with my orders, which they effected. It there- 
fore became necessary for me to support my authority, or 
both 1 and my orders would appear contemptible in the 
eyes of Tories and Canadians. | told these officers if they 
persisted in their disobedience they must repair to the fort 
of Chambly, as a place of security, and to put it out of their 
power to do us that injury which might be justly appre- 
hended from them. 

Major Gray, as early as December, swore we had not 
taken Quebeck yet, and never should take it; which conver- 
sation had a very bad effect upon people who were far from 
being our friends ; indeed, the whole tenour of his discourse 
in the coffee-house last winter was against the honourable 
Continental Congress and their measures. ‘Therefore, I 
judged him a dangerous man, and, with all his adherents, 
inimical to the cause of the United Colonies; and, as such, 
pursuant to General Schuyler’s orders and my own senti- 
ments, I sent Colonel Dufee and him and St. George Du- 
pree to Chambly. 

Here I must observe, that the honourable Commissioners 


13 


from Congress, on their arrival in Canada, did, ex offcto, 
supersede my orders, and released the abovementioned per- 
sons to go to Montreal, where Major Gray put on his sword 
and cockade and strutted about like a victorious conqueror. 
Two prisoners of war also had this enlargement at that time 
to go from that fort into the adjacent village, and in a few 
days they went off, recruiting for the King’s Army among 
the Canadians. 

I must beg leave to observe, that by the above transac- 
tion, the greatest insult and indignity was cast on my cha- 
racter and conduct, being then commander-in-chief in 
Canada; and it was certainly inconsistent with good poli- 
cy, let their private sentiments of me and my measures be 
what they would, as it naturally rendered general orders 
contemptible in the eyes of the officers and soldiers of our own 
Army, as well as of our enemies. And yet, what is more 
extraordinary, all this was done before I could possibly have 
an interview (consistent with the publick safety) with these 
gentlemen on the subject. 

Davin Wooster, Brig. General. 


To the Honourable Committee of Congress. 


GENERAL WOOSTER TO THE COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS. 


Philadelphia, July 5, 1776. 

As I understand that my character has greatly suffered 
by an injurious representation that I am guilty of robbing 
one Bernard, an Indian trader in Montreal, of his goods last 
winter, I therefore beg leave to state that matter in its pro- 
per light. In January last I called the Indian traders of 
Montreal together, and.inquired of them whether they ex- 
pected passports in the spring to carry their goods, &c., into 
the Indian country as usual; they told me they expected 
that indulgence; but that, at any rate, they should be per- 
mitted to carry provisions to their people in the upper coun- 
try. As I apprehended the granting of passports for the 
upper country might be attended with unhappy conse- 
quences to the interests of the United Colonies—as the 
goods which they make use of for that trade were much 
wanted for our Army, and there was the greatest reason to 
expect that by this way our enemies would be supplied with 
everything they wanted—I did not incline to grant passports 
without the direction of Congress. I therefore advised them 
to choose a committee to wait upon Congress for their 
direction. ‘They sent Mr. Forbisher, who did not return 
till the month of April. Soon after, I was informed the 
merchants were determined to send off their goods in the 
spring, with or without passports; upon which I gave out 
a general order prohibiting the carrying any coarse goods 
out of the city, except such as were wanted by the country 
people. About the 20th of March I was informed that the 
abovementioned Bernard had privately conveyed out of the 
city into the suburbs a large quantity of coarse goods for the 
upper country trade; and upon further inquiry, found that 
the goods were loaded in the night and carried off twenty- 
nine sleigh loads. I immediately sent a party after them, 
who, about thirty miles from Montreal, overtook and brought 
back seven loads of blankets, powder, and various other 
goods, calculated for the Indian trade. ‘These goods were 
all brought to Head-Quarters; and as I was then preparing 
to go to Quebeck, | gave them into the hands of Mr. George 
Measam, with orders to take an exact account of them, and 
to keep them to be delivered out to the troops when wanted ; 
that if it should afterwards be judged that Mr. Bernard had 
not properly, by the rules of war, forfeited them, they might 
be paid for. You will please to observe that this Bernard had 
broken through and violated a publick agreement, disobeyed 
general orders, and was carrying warlike stores, provisions, 
&c., to our enemies; and, notwithstanding, I was called a 
robber for detaining the man’s goods. I am far from being 
certain that many are and will be of opinion that the goods 
were as legal a prize as any vessel or goods taken coming 
from Great Britain or the West Indies this war. In addi- 
tion to my own opinion of the propriety of preventing the 
Indian trade, 1 had General Lee’s instructions to prevent 
the carrying off of coarse goods, which you will see by his 
letter of the 28th of February. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 

Daviv Wooster, Brig. General. 


To the Honourable the Committee of Congress. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


14 


ELBRIDGE GERRY TO GENERAL WARREN. 
Philadelphia, July 5, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I have the pleasure to inform you that a 
determined resolution of the Delegates from some of the 
Colonies to push the question of Independency has had a 
most happy effect, and, after a day’s debate, all the Colo- 
nies, excepting New-York, whose Delegates are not em- 
powered to give either an affirmative or negative voice, 
united in a declaration long sought for, solicited, and neces- 
sary—the Declaration of Independency. 

New-York will most probably, on Monday next, when 
its Convention meets for forming a constitution, join in the 
measure, and then it will be entitled Tur Unanimous 
Deciaration oF THE TuiRTEEN Unirep Srates or 
AMERICA. 

I enclose you a copy of the Declaration for yourself, and 
another for Major Hawley, and offer you my sincere con- 
gratulations on the occasion ; and I pray that we may never 
want the Divine aid, or the spirit and the means to defend 


it. Yours, &c. 
aye? Ex.sripee Gerry. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED PHILADELPHIA, Juty 5, 
1776. 


By a person this day from the lower counties in Jersey, 
we are informed that the brig Nancy, Captain Montgomery, 
of six three-pounders and eleven men, from St. Croix and 
St. Thomas for this port, loaded on Congress account with 
three hundred and eighty-six barrels of gunpowder, fifty 
firelocks, one hundred and one hogsheads of rum, and sixty- 
two hogsheads of sugar, &c., on board, in the morning of 
the 29th ultimo, when standing for Cape-May, discovered 
six sail of men-of-war, tenders, &c., making towards him, 
as also a row boat. ‘he boat and tenders he soon after 
engaged and beat off, stood close along shore, and got as- 
sistance from Captains Wickes and Barry, when it was 
agreed to run the brig ashore, which was done, and, under 
favour of a fog, they have saved two hundred and sixty- 
eight barrels of powder, fifty arms, and some dry goods, 
when, the fog clearing away, Captain Montgomery dis- 
covered the enemy’s ships very near him, and five boats 
coming to board the brig; on which he started a quantity of 
powder in the cabin, and fifty pounds in the mainsail, in the 
folds of which he put fire, and then quitted her. ‘The men- 
of-war boats (some say two, some three) boarded the brig, 
and took possession of her, with three cheers; soon after 
which the fire took the desired effect, and blew the pirates 
forty or fifty yards into the air, and much shattered one of 
their boats under her stern. Eleven dead bodies have since 
come on shore, with two gold-laced hats, and a leg with a 
garter. From the great number of limbs floating and driven 
ashore, it is supposed thirty or forty of them were destroyed 
by the explosion. A number of people from on board our 
ships-of-war, and a number of the inhabitants of Cape-May, 
mounted a gun on shore, with which they kept up a fire at 
the barges; which the men-of-war, &c., returned, and killed 
Mr. Wickes, (brother of Captain Wickes,) third lieutenant of 
the Continental ship Reprisal, and wounded a boy in the 
thigh. 


MEASURES FOR DEFENCE OF NEW-JERSEY AND PENNSYLVANIA, 


At a Conference of the Delegates in Congress for the States 
of New-York, New-Jersey, and Pennsylvania, of the 
Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania, the Committee of 
Inspection and Observation for the City and Liberties of 
Philadelphia, and the Field-Officers of the five Battalions 
of the said city, &c., at the State House in Philadelphia, 
on the 5th day of July, 1776, in pursuance of the follow- 
ing Resolution of Congress, to wit: 


‘© In Congress, July 4, 1776. 

“ Resolved, That the Delegates of New- York, New-Jersey, 
and Pennsylvania, be a Committee to confer with the Com- 
mittee of Safety of Pennsylvania, the Committee of Inspec- 
tion of the City and Liberties of Phzladelphia, and the Field 
Officers of the Battalions of the said City and Liberties, on 
the best means of defending the Colonies of New-Jersey and 
Pennsylvania, and that they be empowered to send expresses 


yhere necessary. : : 
an y Joun Hancock, President.” 


15 


Tromas McKean in the Chair. 


Resolved, That it appears to the conferees that all the 
associated Militia of Pennsylvania, (excepting the Counties 
of Westmoreland, Bedford, and Northampton,) who can be 
furnished with arms and accoutrements, should be forthwith 
requested to march with the utmost expedition to Trenton, 
(except the Militia for Northampton County, who are to 
march directly to New-Brunswick,) in New-Jersey, and that 
the said Militia continue in service until the Flying-Camp of 
ten thousand men can be collected to relieve them, unless 
they shall be sooner discharged by Congress. 

Resolved, That the Militia march by Companies to the 
place of rendezvous. 

Resolved, That the said Militia be taken into Continental 
pay, and receive the same pay, allowances, and rations, with 
the Continental troops, from the time they begin their march 
until they return to their respective homes. 

Resolved, That those of the three Battalions of the Penn- 
sylvania Troops, now remaining in the Province, be ordered 
to march immediately for New-Brunswick, in New-Jersey. 

Resolved, That the Committee of Safety of this Colony 
provide as many Tents as they can for the said Militia. 

Resolved, That the Committee of Inspection, &c., in the 
several Counties furnish a good Kettle to every six men, and 
give all the assistance in their power; that the said Militia 
be well armed and equipped, and march with the greatest 
expedition. Tuomas McKean, Chairman. 


In Congress, July 5, 1776. 

Resolved, That the Committees of Inspection for the 
several Counties in the Colony of Pennsylvania be directed 
to order such Troops as they may raise for the Flying-Camp 
to be marched to Trenton, the resolve of yesterday to march 
them to Philadelphia notwithstanding. 

Resolved, That this Congress highly approve of the fore- 
going resolutions, and recommend it to the good people of 
Pennsylvania to carry the same into execution with the 
same laudable readiness which they have hitherto manifested 
in supporting the injured rights of their country. 

By order of Congress : 


Joun Hancock, President. 


TRANSLATION OF A LETTER WRITTEN BY A FRENCH OFFICER 
NOW IN THE STATES OF AMERICA, TO A FRENCH NOBLEMAN 
IN PARIS. 

Philadelphia, July 5, 1776. 
My Lorn: After the permission you were pleased to 
grant me to come to this country, I am at last arrived; not 

without many dangers and great expense. I found here a 

happy people, averse to oppression, without any spirit- of 

sedition, active and laborious, with all the necessary qualifi- 
cations required to the foundation of a powerful Republick, 
able to support itself without the assistance of Europe. 

This immense country possesses all advantages, and its true 

riches consist in the produce of its soil. It is, as yet, in its 

infancy; but still it is a vigorous child, that, in reality, has 
no more need of its mother nor its neighbours, provided it 
never meddle with the balance of Europe. Perhaps, my 

Lord, you will not consider these things in the light I do; 

but this country might be the greatest market for our manu- 

factures, could we once give those people a taste for those 
which we have in great abundance, and with which Great 

Britain used to furnish them, to the amount of immense 

sums. I found the people generally inclined for absolute 

independency, and willing to support it with their lives and 
fortunes. I was surprised to see their troops exercise and 
manceuvre as well as they do; and were they not animated 
by the love of liberty, they would be an unparalleled prodigy; 
but when that takes place, all wonder ceases. _I visited many 
of their fortifications, which have been raised with an amazing 
celerity. I never knew so many, and such good works, per- 
formed in so short a time. I was accompanied in this tour 
by several General Officers, particularly by Majors General 

Putnam and Gates, and a Member of the Congress. _ I told 

them my opinion of those works, and I have been desired to 

raise some necessary ones here where they are required. 

This Government, its form, its liberty, are so similar to that 
of the ancient and once happy people of Bretagne, (the 
country of my nativity,) that Lam delighted with it, And, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


16 


if I can be useful to the United States, I intend to end my 
days in them. JI shall regard my original country and its 
subjects as my family; and if I can be useful to them, and 
anything advantageous to the American States, and equally 
agreeable to France, could be proposed here, I would under- 
take to offer it with the greatest pleasure, without requiring 
from the King of France either honours, pecuniary rewards, 
or any other mark of gratitude. All my satisfaction would 
consist in the inward feelings of my soul if I could once, by 
my endeavours, set on foot a commercial correspondence— 
equally beneficial to my former country and that which I 
now adopt. You will imagine, my Lord, that I am too hasty; 
but permit me to assure you, that after mature deliberation, 
and positive information of the strength of America, I am 
convinced they are able to resist against all their enemies. 
If the Americans have not the greatest knowledge in the art 
of war, they have great advantages from the situation of their 
country, undaunted courage, determined resolution, and the 
best and most glorious cause. Nothing will be able to divide 
them. Every precaution is taken against their interior ene- 
mies, whose number is insignificant. Such a solemn and well 
supported resolution gives me the highest opinion of these 
privileged souls, who defend their nghts without ostentation 
or faction, and who desire only liberty and independency. 
They already feel that such a state is not a chimera, as too 
generally thought in Europe, Switzerland excepted. 

I have the honour, my Lord, to enclose you the Declara- 
tion of Independency, published yesterday by the honourable 
the Congress of the United American States, and to prevent 
the danger of iny letter miscarrying, shall send it by dupli- 
cate. é 

I have the honour to be, with respect, my Lord, your most 
humble and most obedient servant. 


% 


SAMUEL TUCKER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, 


In Provincial Congress of New-Jersey, 
Trenton, July 5, 1776. R 


Sir: Before we received your letter of yesterday, relative 
to the late Governour Franklin, this Congress had taken new 
order in that business. ‘The view of one of our members in 
applying to Mr. P. Livingston was, to prevent the success 
of an application we heard Mr. Franklin’s friends were about 
making to the Continental Congress for leave yet to stay in 
this Colony upon a parole of his own framing. 

We have been greatly deceived in the Captain of the 
Morristown Lighthorse, to whom we had confided the 
charge of this business. We have cited him to answer for 
his conduct, which we fear will be found highly culpable, as 
he never even acquainted us with his delay in executing his 
orders. We have further sent an officer, in whom we can 
confide, to take charge of Mr. Franklin for the remainder 
of the journey. We are heartily chagrined at the accident ; 
but were obliged to change the guards from time to time, as 
Colonel Heard, to whom he was first committed, was ad- 
vanced to the rank of Brigadier General, and all the Militia 
who had him in charge were engaged for the service at New- 
York, except the Lighthorse, who we considered would be 
of less use there. 

By the enclosed copy of a letter from Mr. Dennis, Chair- 
man of the Committee of New-Brunswick, the Congress will 
see, we hope, the necessity of relieving us from the care of 
the prisoners of war in this Colony. The story of the 
negroes may be depended upon, so far at least as to their 
arming and attempting to form themselves, particularly in 
Somerset County. Our Militia are gone off in such numbers 
that we have hardly men or arms left in those parts which 
are best affected to the cause. We shall be highly pleased 
to receive the speediest advice from Congress upon this head, 
as we cannot but add that the behaviour of these gentlemen 
has not been such as we could wish since the arrival of the 
troops. We are, sir, your most humble servants. 

By order of Congress: 

Samue. Tucker, President. 


Honourable President Hancock. 


Brunswick, July 4, 1776. 
Sir: The powder directed to my care came safe to hand 
this morning. 1 provided wagons, and sent it immediately 
to the several eastern Counties, agreeable to. the proportions 
handed me. 


17 


In my last I acquainted the honourable Congress of the 
necessity of removing the officers and other prisoners of war, 
from this and other publick situations in the Province where 
they are at present; but no directions coming, am induced 
to trouble you once more, by saying that our apprehensions 
increase daily. From incontestable evidence it appears the 
soldiers have been continually forming, with numbers of our 
negroes; that they have discouraged persons listing in the 
present service; they have impudently ridiculed the Con- 
gress, and despised the American Army. On which I im- 
mediately committed them to Somerset jail, as a place more 
remote and secure than Brunswick. Captain Hescoat re- 
moves from this to Burlington to-morrow, with his family, so 
that we have but one officer in town; but he is a very bad 
one. ‘There is a number at Princeton; two vile ones at 
Boundbrook, and some at Elizabethtown. 'The directions 
of Congress, how they shall be disposed of, shall be punctu- 
ally executed by, sir, your obedient servant, 

Joun Dennis. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL LIVINGSTON. 
Head Quarters, July 5, 1776. 

Sie: Your favour of the 4th came safely to hand. The 
situation of New-Jersey is such, and the apprehensions of 
the inhabitants so justly excited, that I have concluded to 
discharge the Militia from this place, except those from Mor- 
ris County, whose internal situation is such as to leave them 
nothing to fear from the enemy. ‘These I have posted in 
Bergen, in order to prevent any communication, and to give 
the enemy obstruction, in case they should attempt to land in 
that quarter, which, with the assistance of the Continental 
troops posted there, I hope they will be able effectually to 
do. ‘The remainder of the Militia I have dismissed, as I 
have reason to believe the enemy is waiting for the Euro- 
pean fleet, and will not make a general attack until it 
arrives; but we have not yet one man from Connecticut. 
You will observe I have dismissed the Militia from hence, but 
have not discharged them, as I am of opinion a part of them 
may be usefully employed in the immediate defence of the 
Province. In this view they fall properly under your com- 
mand; and I would suggest to you the propriety of stationing 
them in proper places along the shore, opposite to Staten 
Island, so as to relieve the inhabitants from the apprehen- 
sions they are under of being plundered, as well as preventing 
any communication with the enemy. ‘There are a number 
of people in Amboy who will undoubtedly open a corre- 
spondence with them immediately, and endeavour to excite 
disaffection through the Province, now they feel themselves 
under some kind of protection. If it is practicable, in the 
present situation of things, I am of opinion those officers of 
Government, and the notoriously disaffected there, should be 
removed with all expedition to less dangerous places; that 
the cattle and sheep and horses on the shores contiguous to 
Staten-Island should be immediately driven back ; the ferries 
carefully attended to, and all boats watched that pass, or 
attempt so to do. The number of men necessary for these 
services you will be able to ascertain better than I can, but 
in such emergency it is better to exceed than fall short. As 
to provision for the men, I presume, while the Militia are 
employed in the immediate defence of the Province, the 
expense, at least in the first instance, will fall upon the 
Colony. How far the Continent will reimburse the Pro- 
vince I cannot determine. But the necessity of some sup- 
plies being collected is so evident, that 1 make no doubt the 
Convention will immediately go into it. In the mean time, 
I should think no person could run any risk in doing what is 
immediately necessary, under your appointment. 

I have been the more induced to dismiss the Militia, that 
the new levies (or six months’ men) may be forwarded as 
soon as possible; and I must request your exertions for this 
purpose, as it is my intention to have them here without 
delay. Since this letter was begun, another of your favours 
came to my hands, informing me that the enemy have thrown 
up two small breastworks on the causeway from the point. 

You also request some experienced officers to be sent over ; 
which I would gladly comply with, ifin my power; but I have 
few of that character, and those are so necessarily engaged 
here, that for the present I must refer you to General Mercer, 
whose judgment and experience may be depended on. I 
have written him that I should endeavour to send over an 


Firtu Sertes.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


18 


engineer as soon as possible. From all accounts we re- 
ceive, I cannot think they have any serious intentions at 
present, beyond making themselves masters of Staten-Island, 
guarding against any attack from us, and collecting what 
stock they can; but, at the same time, it is highly prudent for 
you to be in the best posture of defence you can. 

I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 

Grorce WasHINGTON 

To Brigadier-General Livingston. 


GENERAL LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Elizabethtown, July 5, 1776. 

May ir pLEeAsE your Excetuency: I forwarded the 
enclosed early this morning, but, through a mistake of the 
express, it was this moment returned to me; since which I 
am honoured with your Excellency’s letter of this day, part 
of which is answered by the enclosed letter. Everything in 
my power shall be carefully attended to for the publick good. 
We have plenty of provision, and am informed it will con- 
tinue. I forgot to mention in my last, that, on examining a 
person who was taken by one of the tenders in the Kills, I 
found that Captain Williams, of the tender, has a wife and 
children in New-York: he married Benjamin Stout’s daugh- 
ter,in the Bowery. I mention this circumstance, as it may 
lead to discover a correspondence between them. ‘The ex- 
aminant said that Captain Williams expressed his desire of 
leaving the service, and getting to New-York. General 
Mercer having returned yesterday, I send back the letter 
directed to him. 

Colonel Drake, of the second Morris battalion, has not 
been able to come down with his men till this day. He 
has about two hundred and fifty men, who will be here this 
evening, and I shall forward them to New-York to-morrow 
morning, without delay, unless your Excellency shall give 
other orders. 

I have the honour to be your Excellency’s most humble 
and most obedient servant, Wixuram Livineston. 


GENERAL W. LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Elizabethtown, July 5, 1776. 

May IT PLEASE your Exce.uency: Since my last, I have 
received so many applications from the inhabitants along the 
Sound, Woodbridge, and Amboy, relating to the defenceless 
state of their borders, the whole Militia being sent to New- 
York, that, to allay their fears, (with the approbation of 
General Mercer, who had stopped them at Newark Ferry, 
where they were ordered to assist General Heard,) I ordered 
Major Duyckinck, with six hundred Middlesex Militia, to Am- 
boy, leaving one hundred men at the Blazing-Star Ferry. 

This morning, I received an application from the three 
companies of the Woodbridge Militia, now at your city, re- 
questing my interest with your Excellency, to let them return 
to defend that quarter ; but perhaps when they are informed 
of the above disposition, it may make them easy. 

I have this moment received an express, with a piece of 
information, which I trouble you with, only from the advan- 
tage that may arise from your having intelligence of every 
kind, that the whole may be compared together; and, to 
prevent mistakes, I beg leave to transcribe the letter. 

“Sir: A relation of Mr. Dississoway stole away from 
Staten-Island last night in a small canoe, with James Fitz 
Randolph, (both of whom are returned again;) they are 
staunch friends, and say, that if Disstssoway does not return 
by to-morrow, his estate shall be forfeited. Randolph says 
he is much insulted for being a Whig by the lowest sort, but 
must return to save his family from being hostages. He 
heard the Major with other officers declare, at about four 
o’clock yesterday, there should be three thousand men landed 
at Amboy this day, before that time; and from what he could 
gather, that they intended to push matters in the Jerseys. We 
are in such a situation at this time, that with difficulty we raise 
a small guard, and many begin to talk of being afraid we are 
sold; and ifthe clamour is not soon stopped, God only knows 
what soon will be the consequence in this place, as some in- 
tend to go over, themselves and families, and not return.” 

This letter was written this morning, and is signed Daniel 
Moores, who is a principal man in that neighbourhood. No- 
thing material happened here last night, except that being 
informed of a large parcel of fat cattle being pastured on the 
neck along the Sound, I have ordered a party to drive off 


19 


all cattle and sheep to a place of safety. The enemy are 
throwing up breastworks at every avenue to the Island, but 
do not appear otherwise very busy. 

I have just been informed that the West-Jersey Militia are 
on their way to this place, and I shall forward them to New- 
York, unless [ receive contre orders from your Excellency. 

I have the honour to be, your Excellency’s most humble 
servant, WiuuraMm Livineston. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


MAJOR DUYCKINCK TO GENERAL LIVINGSTON. 
Head-Quarters, Perth Amboy, July 5, 1776. 
Sir: This day at eleven o’clock I arrived here, with the 
battalion under my command, save only the troops left at the 
Old and New Blazing-Star. The number with me is about 
four hundred and fifty men. As to the appearance of the 
enemy, I can at present give you but an imperfect account 
of their situation, but can plainly discover a number of men 
with wagons; also, some horsemen driving off cattle. It is 
here reported that they have been frequently seen parading 
under arms,.and that they have intrenched a small distance 
above the ferry on the opposite side of the river. ‘The num- 
ber of the enemy appears to be about one thousand men, 
who have struck some tents in view. Shall be glad of your 
instructions from time to time. 
I am, sir, in much haste, your liumble servant, 
Joun Duycxincx. 


P.S. Sundry persons of the enemy appear in the dress 
of the Train. 


COLONEL REED TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 5, 1776. 

GentLemen: I am directed by the General to solicit the 
attention of your honourable body to the resolve of the Con- 
gress touching prisoners of war. By that resolve they are put 
wholly on the disposition of the Legislatures of the respective 
Colonies, who are authorized to appoint a Commissary to 
make provision for them, and they are to be taken to such 
place as shall be deemed the most secure. 

There are now a number of prisoners in the jail, some of 
them of some rank. ‘Their expenses run much higher than 
if in the country, and in our present situation extremely 
dangerous. His Excellency requests no time may be lost 
in removing not only those who have been taken prisoners 
of war, but those committed for practices against the State ; 
and if some direction was taken with respect to the prisoners 
for debt, it would be proper, as there is too much reason to 
fear that in case of an attack, if the doors were not opened 
by the jailor, the whole would rise and force them open. 
Any assistance that may be wanted for this purpose, the 
General begs leave totender. I have also in charge to men- 
tion to you the impropriety of suffering Burrows to continue 
in the care of the jail, as, from his connexions, his appoint- 
ment, and other circumstances, there is the utmost reason to 
suspect him. 

‘The distance to which the Congress has removed will make 
it very difficult to have their advice and assistance on occa- 
sions which frequently present. ‘The General would suggest 
the propriety of their appointing a small Committee in the 
city, to regulate such matters of intimate concern as daily 
present themselves. 

The great hurry and engagement of the General prevents 
his writing personally, but he begs his respectful compliments 
aay be made to your honourable body. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient 


humble servant, JosePH Reep, Adjutant General. 


'To the Convention of New-York. 


JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, July 1, 1776. 

Honouraste Sir: I have drawn on you of this date for 
twenty thousand dollars, in favour of Azariah Dunham, Esq., 
of New-Brunswick, for the use of the gentlemen I have em- 
ployed:in New-Jersey to furnish the troops there with provi- 
sions, which I hope will be honoured with payment. 

The enemy are lying very quiet at the Hook, yet we 
don’t expect this calm will last long; a warm storm may 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


20 


soon be expected—where the severest part of it will fall, is 
yet uncertain. We are pretty well prepared, but for men. 
I hope Pennsylvania will soon furnish us some. 

I am, most respectfully, honourable sir, your most humble 
ans JosEPH TRUMBULL. 
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Conti- 

nental Congress, at Philadelphia. 


JOSEPH TRUMBULL (COMMISSARY-GENERAL) TO GEN. GATES. 


New-York, July 5, 1776. 

I last night received a letter from Mr. Avery on the sub- 
ject of his department, and several others from Albany; by 
which I find you are in a cursed situation—your authority 
at an end, and commanded by a person who will be willing 
to have you knocked in the head, as General Montgomery 
was, if he can have the money-chest, &c., in his power. [ 
expect soon to see you and your suite back here again. I 
have shown Mr. Avery’s letter, and one I received from Mr. 
Livingston at the same time, to General Washington. He 
is distressed with these matters. I told him I should order 
Mr. Avery and Mr. Jauncey back again immediately, as a 
deputy of mine, who could have no money from anybody 
but General Schuyler, could be of no use in that part of the 
world, and that I would not be answerable for consequences 
where my authority and the chief command were both dis- 
puted. He said 1 was right, and that he was writing to 
Congress on the matter of your command. I have there- 
fore directed Mr. Avery to apply to you, for your leave of 
passport to return immediately, and I wish your favour 
therein. 

General Howe is arrived here, with about the force he left 
Boston with—the fleet about one hundred and thirty sail, 
at anchor under Staten-Island, and the troops on that Island. 
There they will stay till reinforced, [expect. General Mifflin” 
is gone to command at King’s Bridge ; the Militia come in 
very fast. 

Wishing you health and happiness more than [ think you 
at present enjoy, 1 am, my dear sir, your friend and humble 
servant, 


To General Gates. 


P.S. If you judge it best to stop Mr. Avery till you hear 
from Congress, do as you please. 


JoserH TRUMBULL. 


EBENEZER HAZARD TO GENERAL GATES. 
New-York, July 5, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Being in the midst of hurry, I can write but 
little at present. 

Since my last, the British fleet has arrived. About seventy 
sail are within the Narrows, at the watering-place, under 
Staten-Island shore. They have landed their men, and 
taken possession of Staten-Island, cattle, and Tories, and that 
I hope will be all they will do, Our people on the Jersey 
shore have severely punished a tender for her temerity in 
going up the Kills, but as she got on shore on Staten-Island, 
they could not take her. A captain and five men got into a 
boat, and went in quest of a boat which had drifted away. 
They came too near our shore; our riflemen ordered them 
ashore. They obeyed the summons, and are in salva cus- 
todia in this city. 

It was last night reported at the coffee-house, (and | believe 
the report may be depended on,) that the Congress had de- 
termined on a Declaration of Independence, and that the 
vote was unanimous, except New-York, whose Delegates, 
not being instructed, could not vote.- 

Our new Convention meets next Monday, and I think 
will doubtless concur with the other Colonies. ‘The Phala- 
delphia post is not yet come in; but I will keep my letter 
unsealed, that if he brings anything, I may add it. En- 
closed is a letter from Gordon. Please to tell Major Pierce 
I received the letter he wrote me from Albany, and have 
forwarded the enclosed, per post, which went a few hours 
after I received his. 

The Philadelphia post is come in; am so hurried, [ 
can’t read my letters or the papers, but send you a news- 
paper. 


Adieu, EseNEzER Hazarp. 


21 


JOHN ADAMS TO GENERAL GATES. 
Philadelphia, June 18, 1776. 

My pear Generat: We have ordered you to the post 
of honour, and made you Dictator in Canada for six months, 
or at least until the Ist of October. We do not choose to 
trust you Generals with too much power for too long time. 

I took my pen at this time to mention to you the name 
of a young gentleman, and to recommend him to your notice 
and favour. His name is Rice. This gentleman is the son 
of a worthy clergyman. He was educated at Harvard Col- 
lege, where he was an officer of the military company, and 
distinguished himself as a soldier in the manual exercises and 
manceuvres. After he came out of college he put himself 
under my care as a student of law. While he was in my 
office he was very useful in the neighbourhood in training 
the companies and Militia there. He is a modest, sensible, 
and well-read young man, and a very virtuous and worthy 
one. In my absence from home after the battle of Lexing- 
ton, he applied for a commission in the Army, and obtained 
a place, in my opinion, vastly below his real merit—I mean 
that of Adjutant in General Heath’s, now Colonel G'reaton’s 
Regiment. In this capacity he has continued from his first 
engagement, which was immediately after the battle of Lex- 
mgton, until this time, and is now in Canada with his regi- 
ment, and I have been informed by a variety of officers that 
he has behaved remarkably well. 

As you are going to Canada with full powers, I must beg 
the favour of you to think of this young gentleman, inquire 
into his character and conduct, and if you can, consistently 
with the publick service, advance him to some place more 
adequate to his abilities and merits and services, I should 
take it as a favour. 

I pray God to prosper you in Canada, and grant you a 
plentiful crop of laurels; and am your affectionate, humble 
servant, 


To General Gates. 


Joun Apams. 


ELBRIDGE GERRY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Philadelphia, June 25, 1776. 

Dear Genera: Since I had the pleasure of seeing you 
in this place, the affairs of Canada having been evidently 
suffering from want of an experienced officer to take the 
command, your appointment to that department is consider- 
ed as a happy circumstance, notwithstanding the Eastern 
Colonies greatly need your assistance. I hope the cam- 
paign will terminate with honour and happiness to yourself 
and country; and if any services can be rendered from this 
quarter, by giving you information of the measures here 
adopted, the causes and moving principles thereof, or by 
promoting in Congress such other measures as you shall find 
necessary for the service, it will give me pleasure to have 
a share therein. 

The Conference Committee, among other things, reported 
the expediency of appointing to each regiment a Paymaster, 
whose duty, they said, you would take an opportunity of 
describing and communicating to Congress. The matter 
has since lain on the table, and only waits your sentiments 
thereon, to be carried into execution. I am very fond of 
the measure, and it will save an infinitude of trouble, by 
opening a channel through which all payments to the soldiers 
will regularly pass, whether consisting of money paid out of 
the chest, clothing, arms, accoutrements, or sutling accounts ; 
and when anything is wanted for the comfort of the Army, 
an order from the General, or the Paymaster-General, for 
a suitable sum, in favour of the Regimental Paymaster, will 
enable the latter to communicate immediate assistance to 
each soldier, without the possibility of any loss to the Con- 
tinent. Further, when the Paymaster-General discharges 
himself, it will appear what sums the Regimental Paymas- 
ters have received, and these, together with the amount of 
clothing beforementioned, must be deducted from the pay 
rolls, whether paid immediately to the men or other per- 
sons in their behalf; and the commanding officer, without 
any further trouble than an occasional warrant, can always 
be sure of having his men punctually paid and well supplied 
with necessaries, which is the life of an army. 

I think we are in a fair way to a speedy Declaration 
of Independency, confederations, and other measures that 
depend on secrecy for success; and Congress having yester- 
day passed resolves for capitally punishing spies that shall 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


* 


22 


be found in or about any of the camps or fortifications of 
the United Colonies, and recommended to the Assemblies 
to make provision for punishing all*inhabitants and other 
persons receiving protection in any of the Colonies, who shall 
be found affording aid or comfort to the King of Great 
Britain, or other enemies of the United States of America, 
it appears to me that little will remain to be done, but an 
attention to the supplies, appointments, and discipline of the 
Army,—all of which are of the utmost importance, With 
respect to the first, the soldiers must be well paid, clothed, 
armed, and fed, or they can never be made to do their duty. 
And the plans on foot for securing the currency and obtain- 
ing large sums by loan, also for manufacturing and otherwise 
obtaining cannon, arms, ammunition, and clothing, together 
with the great ease in obtaining provisions, will, I hope, be 
timely and effectually carried into execution, and have a 
happy effect. ‘The appointments of the Army are matters 
of interesting consequences ; and notwithstanding every pre- 
caution of Congress and the Assemblies to choose good 
officers, yet time and experience will alone enable them to 
distinguish those that are qualified with conduct, virtue, and 
prowess, suitable for their respective places. 

Discipline is the last, but not the least, important object . 
of attention, and I shall be glad of your explicit sentiments 
on the same. I cannot conceive why we may not, by setting 
out right, soon make soldiers equal to any that the world 
affords. For surely men inspired with the principles of 
liberty, and enthusiastically engaged in its defence, afford as 
good materials as can anywhere be found for this purpose. 
And in the first place, I put it down as a settled, fixed prin- 
ciple, that they must be inlisted for the war, let the neces- 
sary encouragement be what it may, which I am happy to 
find the Generals agreed in, and I think most of the members 
of Congress. We can easily look over the statutes of 
Britain and other regulations relative to the Army, and find 
how far the same are applicable to our own forces ; and to 
promote the measure, the sentiments of military gentlemen 
must be collected, and, amongst others, I know of none that 
I shall more depend on than those which you shall have an 
opportunity to express. 

I intended to have troubled you with only a line or two, 
but being now on the second sheet, find it high time to in- 
form you that your friends here are well, and join in due 
regards to Generals Mifflin, Trumbull, and others ; with, sir, 
your assured friend and humble servant, 

Evsripce Gerry. 


To Major General Gates. 


GENERAL SCOTT TO THE NEW-YORK CONGRESS. 
New-York, July 5, 1776. 

Sir: The Continental Congress having, by their resolve, 
committed the disposal of the prisoners of war, taken and 
brought into this Colony, to our Congress, I send you, by a 
Lieutenant of my brigade and a guard of twenty men, the 
following prisoners of war, to wit: 

* James Auchmuty, store-keeper in the engineer depart- 
ment of the enemy, and brother to Doctor Auchmuty, with 
his wife and child. William Patterson, and his wife and 
child, servant to the store-keeper; *Richard Brueré, son 
of the Governour of Burmuda, Midshipman in the British 
Navy ; Samuel Cox, sloop-captain. ‘These were taken in 
a Bermuda sloop (one of the enemy’s fleet loaded with in- 
trenching tools) by Captain Rogers, in our privateer, on the 
back of Long-Island. 

* William Elder, volunteer in the Royal Highland Emi- 
grants; *William McDermott ; *Thomas Remington Har- 
ris, master’s mate; */Villiam Metcalf, Midshipman; *Jo- 
seph Woolcombe, Midshipman ; * John Simpson, Master ; 
James Wilson, seaman; John Murray, seaman; Samuel 
Coppin, seaman ; Jeremiah Rierdon, John Gibbins, Henry 
Killigrove, Francis Clemens, Michael Cowney, Caesar Free- 
man. These have been taken, as I understand, in the 
enemy’s boats. 

His Excellency General Washington is very uneasy at 
the detention of prisoners of war in this city, at this critical 
juncture. ‘The jail is crowded with a variety of prisoners, 
and they seek every opportunity of communicating with our 
internal and unconfined enemies. An instance of this was 
discovered the day before yesterday, consisting in an attempt 

*To the Township of Bedford, 


23 


of the prisoner Auchmuty to communicate with his nephew, 
by the agency of J. L. C. Roome, whose note for the pur- 
pose was found upon a*negro before it reached young Auch- 
muty. It was the General’s opinion that the abovementioned 
prisoners should be immediately sent to our Congress, to be 
disposed of by them, in some place of security, and charged 
me with the doing of it. They will be delivered to the 
Congress by Lieutenant Gilbert Dean and a guard of twenty 
men of my brigade. However inconvenient it may be to 
return me the guard, I must earnestly insist that it be imme- 
diately done. My brigade is very thin, and there is already 
a large guard gone out of it to New-England with the Scotch 
prisoners of war. 

I have nothing material to inform Congress of now than 
as follows, to wit: Independency declared last Tuesday in 
Congress by an unanimous voice. Our infamous brethren 
of Staten-Island, instead of assisting the troops in removing 
the stock, drove them into hiding places. Not above a hun- 
dred were got off. The enemy, ora part of them, are landed 
on Staten-Island, live in great harmony with the inhabitants, 
who sell them their stock for hard money, and I suppose 
were never so happy in their lives. An attempt was made 
on the Jersey shore, but upon the appearance of the Militia 
they retired to the Island again, and broke up the causeway ; 
and Richard Lawrence was the first man on that work. 
Brigadier Heard, of the Jersey Militia, with a party and two 
twelve-pounders, have destroyed one of the enemy’s tenders 
in the Kills. 

I am, sir, with great respect, your most obedient servant, 

Joun Morin Scorvt. 


To the President of the New-York Provincial Congress, at 
the White-Plains. 


Examination of Joun Simpson. 
White-Plains, in Westchester County, July 6, 1776. 


John Simpson, of the County of Northumberland, in 
England, aged about thirty-eight, about five feet ten inches, 
light eyes, and brown hair, being examined, says, that he 
sailed from London in the ship Saville, himself master, bound 
for Boston, with a cargo of provisions for the Ministerial 
Navy, where he arrived in November last, and was detained 
at Boston until the Army under General Howe left that place 
for Halifax. That he sailed from Halifax with General 
Howe’s fleet, and on their arrival at the Narrows one of his 
boats went adrift, on which he, with three of his sailors, took 
another boat and went in quest of her, and on their coming 
near Long-Island shore were taken prisoners, and brought 
up to New-York, from whence he was sent to this place. 


Parole of Joun Simpson. 


I, John Simpson, master of the ship Saville, a victualling 
transport, being made a prisoner of war by the Army of the 
Thirteen United Colonies in North America, do promise and 
engage, on my word and honour, and on the faith of a gen- 
tleman, to depart from hence to the township of Bedford, 
in Westchester County, in the Province of New-York, being 
the place of my destination and residence, and there, or six 
miles thereof, to remain during the present war between 
Great Britain and the said United Colonies, or until the 
Congress of the said United Colonies, or the Assembly, 
Convention, or Committee or Council of Safety of the said 
Colony, shall order otherwise ; and that I will not, directly 
or indirectly, give any intelligence whatsoever to the enemies 
of the said United Colonies, or do or say anything in oppo- 
sition to, or in prejudice of, the measures and proceedings of 
any Congress for the said Colonies during the present trou- 
bles, or until I am duly exchanged or discharged. 

Given under my hand, this sixth day of July, A. D. 1776. 

JOHN SIMPSON, 


Master of the Saville Victualler. 


Examination of Samurt Cox. 


Samuel Cox, a native of the Island of Bermuda, master of 
the sloop Charlotte, about five feet ten inches high, brown 
complexion, light eyes, brown hair, about twenty-five years 
of age, being examined, says he sailed from Halifax as 
master of the said sloop on the tenth of June last, with a 
cargo of intrenching tools, &c., for the use of the Ministerial 
Army, and bound to Sandy-Hook ; that he was taken in the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


24 


said sloop on the 28th of Jast month, by Captain Rogers, in 
an American armed sloop, and carried into Fire-Island In- 
let, on the south side of Long-Island, from whence he was 


brought prisoner to this place. 
ght p I Samuet Cox. 


Parole of Samuret Cox. 


I, Samuel Cox, being made a prisoner of war by the Army 
of the Thirteen United Colonies in North America, do pro- 
mise and engage, on my word and honour, and on the faith 
of a gentleman, to depart from hence to the township of 
Bedford, in Westchester County, in the Province of New- 
York, being the place of my destination and residence; and 
there, or within six miles thereof, to remain during the pre- 
sent war between Great Britain and the said United Colo- 
nies, or until the Congress of the said United Colonies, or the 
Assembly, Convention, or Committee or Council of Safety 
of the said Colony, shall order otherwise; and that I will 
not, directly or indirectly, give any intelligence whatsoever 
to the enemies of the United Colonies, or do or say anything 
in opposition to, or in prejudice of, the measures and pro- 
ceedings of any Congress for the said Colonies during the 
present troubles, or until I am duly exchanged or dis- 
charged. 

Given under my hand this 6th day of July, A. D. 1776. 

SamuEu Cox, 


Master of the Sloop Charlotte Transport. 


Examination of Witiiam Exper. 


William Elder, a North Briton, about five feet eight 
inches in height, aged twenty-five, light eyes, fair complex- 
ion, and dark brown hair, being examined, says he came 
from Scotland via Falmouth, in the packet last spring was 
a year; that he came out as a volunteer with Colonel Allan 
Maclean, who, on his arrival, went to Boston; that the ex- 
aminant received a letter from Major Small, informing this 
examinant that Colonel Maclean had recommended him and 
requested him to come to Boston; that the examinant took 
passage in the ship Sally, bound to Boston; that on the 6th 
of March last, the said ship was cast away on the south side 
of Long-Island, and he taken prisoner and brought to New- 
York, where he remained a prisoner till yesterday, when he 


was sent to this place. Peenrenn hain 


Parole of Wiuu1am Exper. 


I, Wiliam Elder, being made a prisoner of war by the 
Army of the Thirteen United Colonies in North America, 
do promise and engage, on my word and honour, and on the 
faith of a gentleman, to depart from hence to the town of 
Bedford, in Westchester County, in the Province of New- 
York, being the place of my destination and residence; and 
there, or within six miles thereof, to remain during the pre- 
sent war between Great Britain and the said United Colo- 
nies, or until the Congress of the said United Colonies, or 
the Assembly, Convention, or Committee or Council of 
Safety of the said Colony, shall order otherwise; and that I 
will not, directly or indirectly, give any intelligence whatso- 
ever to the enemies of the United Colonies, or do or say any- 
thing in opposition to, or in prejudice of, any Congress for 
the said Colonies during the present troubles, or until 1 am 
duly exchanged or discharged. 

Given under my hand this 6th day of July, A. D. 1776. 

Wituiam Exper, Volunteer. 


Examination of Witu1am McDermott. 


William McDermott, an Hibernian, aged twenty-two, 
about five feet six inches high, fair complexion, light eyes, 
and light brown hair, being examined, says, that on his pas- 
sage from New- York (he having been for some time on board 
the Asia) he was cast away on board the ship Sadly, on the 
south side of Long-Island, taken and sent prisoner to New- 
York, where he remained a prisoner till yesterday, when he 


is place. 
was sent to this plac Wituram McDermorr. 


Parole of Wittiam McDerwnorr. 


I, William McDermott, being made a prisoner of war by 
the Army of the Thirteen United Colonies in North America, 
do promise and engage, on my word and honour, and on the 


25 


faith of a gentleman, to depart from hence to the township 
of Bedford, in Westchester County, in the Province of New- 
York, being the place of my destination and residence ; and 
there, or within six miles thereof, to remain during the pre- 
sent war with Great Britain and the said United Colonies, 
or until the Congress of the said United Colonies, or the 
Assembly, Convention, or Committee, or Council of Safety 
of the said Colony, shall order otherwise; and that I will not, 
directly or indirectly, give any intelligence whatsoever to the 
enemies of the United Colonies, or do or say anything in 
opposition to, or in prejudice of, the measures and proceed- 
ings of any Congress for the said Colonies during the present 
troubles, or until I am duly exchanged or discharged. 
Given under my hand this 6th day of July, A. D. 1776. 
Wititram McDermorr. 


— 


Examination of James Aucumuty. 
White-Plains, in Westchester County, July 6, 1776. 

James Auchmuty, Esq., of Boston, being examined, saith: 
That he, together with his wife and child, sailed from Hali- 
fax on the 10th of June last, in a transport sloop called the 
Charlotte, whereof Samuel Cox was master, bound for New- 
York; that, on Friday last, the said sloop was taken by 
Captain Rogers, in an American armed sloop called the 
Montgomery, and carried into Fire-Island Inlet, on the south 
side of Long-Island, and from thence, with his said wife and 
child, were sent prisoners to this place; that this examinant 
was appointed by General Howe storekeeper to the engi- 
neers, and that the pay allowed him was four shillings ster- 
ling per day, with the promise of its being augmented to five ; 
that the fleet, of which the Charlotte transport was one, 
amounted to about one hundred and thirty sail; that the army 
on board the said fleet consisted of near ten thousand men, 
exclusive of marines, as he (the examinant) understood ; that 
it was reported at Halifax that Lord Howe, with the Ger- 
man troops, were intended for New-York ; that it was said 
eleven thousand regular troops went with General Burgoyne 
to Quebeck ; that the said sloop Charlotte was laden with 
intrenching tools, some spikes, Chevaux-de-Frise, and some 
mantelets. James AUCHMUTY. 


Parole of James Aucumoury. 


I, James Auchmuty, being made a prisoner of war by the 
Army of the Thirteen United Colonies in North America, 
do promise and engage, on my word and honour, and on the 
faith of a gentleman, to depart from hence to the township 
of Bedford, in the Province of New- York, being the place 
of my destination and residence; and there, or within six 
miles thereof, to remain during the present war between 
Great Britain and the said United Colonies, or until the 
Congress of the said United Colonies, or the Assembly, 
Convention, or Committee or Council of Safety of the said 
Colony, shall order otherwise ; and that [ will not, directly or 
indirectly, give any intelligence whatsoever to the enemies of 
the United Colonies, or do or say anything in opposition to, 
or in prejudice of, the measures and proceedings of any 
Congress for the said Colonies during the present troubles, 
or until I am duly exchanged or discharged. 

Given under my hand this 6th day of July, A. D. 1776. 

James Aucumuty, 
Storekeeper of the Engincer’s Department. 


Examination of Tuomas Remineron Harris. 


Thomas Remington Harris, an inhabitant of the city of 
London, master’s mate on board the Savage sloop of war, 
being examined, saith: That he was taken prisoner on Sta- 
ten-Island by a party of riflemen on the 7th of April last, 
and brought to the city of New-York, where he was con- 
fined in Jail till yesterday, when he was sent to this place a 


risoner. 
Pp Tuomas Reminetron Harris. 


Parole of Tuomas Remineron Harris. 


I, Thomas Remington Harris, being made a prisoner of 
war by the Army of the Thirteen United Colonies in North 
America, do promise and engage, on my word of honour, 
and on the faith of a gentleman, to depart from hence to the 
township of Bedford, in Westchester County, in the Pro- 
vince of New-York, being the place of my destination and 
residence; and there, or within six miles thereof, to remain 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c. JULY, 1776. 


26 


during the present war with Great Britain and the said 
United Colonies, or until the Congress of the said United 
Colonies, or the Assembly, Convention or Committee, or 
Council of Safety, of the said Colony, shall order otherwise ; 
and that I will not, directly or indirectly, give any intelligence 
whatsoever to the enemies of the United Colonies, or do or 
say anything in opposition to, or in prejudice of, the measures 
and proceedings of any Congress for the said Colonies during 
the present troubles, or until 1 am duly exchanged or dis- 
charged. 
Given under my hand this 6th day of July, A. D. 1776. 
Tuomas Remineton Harris, 
Mate of the Savage Sloop. 


Examination of Witu1am Mercaure. 


William Metcalfe, born near Bristol, in Old England, of 
the age of twenty, about five feet two inches high, well set, 
light eyes, fair complexion and brown hair, and a cast in his 
right eye, somewhat pitted with the small-pox, being ex- 
amined, says, that he was a Midshipman on board the Savage 
sloop of war; being of a party sent on shore at Staten-Island, 
was taken prisoner on the 7th of April last, brought to New- 
York, and now sent to this place. 

Witiuam Mercatre. 


Examination of JoserpH Wooicomse. 


Joseph Woolcombe, a native of Topsham, in Devonshire, 
in Old England, being examined, says he was formerly mate 
on board the ship Blue Mountain Valley, a transport ship ; 
was cast away in the ship Sally on the south side of Long- 
Island, (bound to Boston,) taken prisoner and sent to New- 
York, and from thence to this place; he is about five feet 
eight inches in height, light eyes and complexion, light 
brown hair, and well set. JosepH WooLcomBE. 


Parole of Joserpu WooucomsBe. 


I, Joseph Woolcombe, being made a prisoner of war by the 
Army of the Thirteen United Colonies in North America, do 
promise and engage, on my word and honour, and on the 
faith of a gentleman, to depart from hence to the township 
of Bedford, in Westchester County, in the Province of New- 
York, being the place of my destination and residence ; and 
there, or within six miles thereof, to remain during the pre- 
sent war between Great Britain and the said United Colo- 
nies, or until the Congress of the said United Colonies, or the 
Assembly, Convention, or Committee or Council of Safety 
of the said Colony, shall order otherwise; and that I will not, 
directly or indirectly, give any intelligence whatsoever to the 
enemies of the United Colonies, or do or say anything in 
opposition to, or in prejudice of, the measures and proceed- 
ings of any Congress for the said Colonies during the present 
troubles, or until I am duly exchanged or discharged. 

Given under my hand this 6th day of July, A. D. 1776. 

JosepH WooLcoMBE, 


Chief Mate of the Ship Blue Mountain Valley. 


° . / 
Examination of RicHarp Brurre. 


Richard Brueré, second son of Governour Brueré of the 
Island of Bermuda, being examined, saith: That he is at 
present a Midshipman of the Navy of Great Britain; that 
he was to be made an acting lieutenant on board the Merlin 
sloop of war; that he sailed from Halkfax about the 10th of 
June last in one of the engineer’s sloops, of which he was 
part owner, bound to Sandy-Hook ; that the said sloop was 
taken on Friday or Saturday last on the south side of Long- 
Island, by Captain Rogers of an American armed sloop, 
and carried into Fire-Island Inlet, and from thence was sent 


prisoner to this place. Ricuarp Bruere. 


Parole of R. Bruert. 


I Richard Brueré, beg made a prisoner of war by the 
Army of the Thirteen United Colonies in North America, 
do promise and engage, on my word and honour, and on the 
faith of a gentleman, to depart from hence to the township 
of Bedford, in Westchester County, in the Province of New- 
York, being the place of my destination and residence ; and 
there, or within six miles thereof, to remain during the pre- 
sent war between Great Britain and the said United Colo- 
nies, or until the Congress of the said United Colonies, or the 


27 


Assembly, Convention, or Committee or Council of Safety 
of the said Colony, shall order otherwise; and that I will 
not, directly or indirectly, give any intelligence whatsoever 
to the enemies of the United Colonies, or do or say any- 
thing in opposition to, or in prejudice of, the measures and 
proceedings of any Congress for the said Colonies during 
the present troubles, or until I am duly exchanged or dis- 
charged. 
Given under my hand this 6th day of July, A. D. 1776. 
R. Bruert, Midshipman, &c. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, July 5, 1776. 

Dear Genera: I beg leave to recommend to your con- 
sideration the establishing a certain guard at Red Hook. It 
is undoubtedly a post of vast importance. Detached guards 
never defend a place equal to troops stationed at a particular 
post. Both officers and men contract an affection for a post 
after being there some time; they will be more industrious 
to have everything in readiness, and obstinate in defence. 
The little baggage that each private has is of consequence 
to him, and will influence his conduct in time of action, if it 
is at stake. The officers also will have new motives: they, 
knowing a post to be committed to their trust, and that the 
whole disgrace will fall upon them if any misconduct happens, 
will be much more likely to take every necessary precaution 
to avoid so great an evil. But an officer that commands a 
detachment thinks little more than how to pass away his 
time during his tour of duty, it being uncertain whether he 
shall ever command there again. 

I sent to General Scott this morning four persons taken 
at the Narrows last night. The following is a copy of their 
examination. ‘They were taken separately, and agreed in 
their account in everything, except the number of men. 
The Captain’s account was the least, and, I believe, the 
nearest right, and I apprehend not much from the truth. 

The fleet sailed from Halifax the 10th of June, and ar- 
rived the 29th. ‘The fleet consists of one hundred and 
twenty sail of topsail vessels, and they have on board ten 
thousand troops received at Halifax, besides some of the 
Scotch brigade that have joined the fleet on the passage. 
The troops from the West Indies joined the army at Hali- 
fax, and were there received by them. 

List of the Generals: Howe, Pigot, Percy, Grant, Jones. 

A list of the ships of force: Asia, 64; Centurion, 50 ; 
Chatham, 50; Phenix, 40; Greyhound, 30; Rose, 20; 
Swan, 16; Senegal, 16. 

Four days before the fleet sailed from Halifax a packet 
arrived from England, that brought an account of Admiral 
Howe’s sailing with a fleet of one hundred and fifty sail, on 
board of which were twenty thousand troops. The fleet 
sailed a few days before the packet: they are expected in 
here every day. 

General Carleton’s regiment went from Halifax to Que- 
beck. The Niger ship, that went from Halifax in April to 
Canada, met Burgoyne going up the river with thirty-six 
transports, and six thousand troops on board. General 
Carleton’s son went into Quebeck painted like an Indian. 

The people of Staten-Island went on board the fleet as 
they lay at the Hook, several boat loads of them. 

Our people are firing with the nine-pounders at the Nar- 
rows, but have not heard where they have done any execu- 
tion. ‘There was a smart fire heard at the west end of 
Staten-Island about four this morning. It is supposed to 
be an attack upon Fort Smith, in the south part of Staten- 
Island. 

Nothing further has happened since yesterday. 

Believe me to be, with the greatest respect, your Excel- 
lency’s most obedient humble servant, 

NaTHANAEL GREENE. 


GENERAL MIFFLIN TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp at Mount Washington, July 5, 1776. 

My pear Generar: I find the works well advanced, 
but not in a state of defence. The teams allotted to them 
have been taken off: some of them sent to town for mate- 
rials, and there detained; others necessarily employed in 
hauling up the powder (which is now stored in the best 
place I could find) and provisions from the landing. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


28 


From the Colonels’ reports the men’s arms are in a most 
alarming situation. Colonel Magaw has not more than one 
hundred and twenty-five in his regiment fit for service ; 
Colonel Shee about three hundred, including all the carbines 
which they received lately by your order. If the enemy pay 
us a visit we will do our best, and endeavour to make up in 
zeal what we want in appointment. 

Should sufficient reinforcements arrive at New-York, may 
we not expect a share? You are best acquainted with the 
importance of this post, my dear General, and I flatter myself 
will put it into our power to do something more than mere 
defensive work within our lines. I think the enemy may 
divert our attention to the heights above King’s Bridge ; if 
So, is it expected that we can detach a party to oppose them ? 
I shall be happy in your orders how to act if a landing 
should be attempted above or below us, at the same time 
that we may have reason to believe our present post to be 
one of their objects. Were the works in good order, and 
the men well equipped ; I could easily determine these points, 
but circumstanced as we are, I do not see how we can per- 
mit even a small party to leave the environs of this camp, 
without exposing it to imminent danger, and yet I might be 
tempted to try it. 

I propose to exercise with the artillery, if the works will 
admit of it, two companies who are not armed. Our prin- 
cipal business within the works must be with artillery. 

We have many arms which might soon be put in order 
if Colonel Moylan will favour us with four armourers and 
some tools. Captain Bacon promised it several days past, 
but still neglects us. 

I am, my dear General, your obedient servant and friend, 


Tuomas Mrireriin, B. G. 
His Excellency Gen. Washington, Camp at New-York. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 11, 1776.] 
Lebanon, July 5, 1776. 

Sir: In my last, of the 10th of June, I informed you 
I had called the General Assembly to meet at Hartford, 
on the 14th then current, to take into consideration the 
requisitions of Congress of the Ist and 3d of June, for re- 
inforcements to the armies at New-York and in Canada. 
They accordingly met, and cheerfully granted the reinforce- 
ments required, including one regiment ordered to be raised 
in May last, and not particularly destined. ‘They consist of 
nine battalions—two for the Northern Department, and seven 
for New-York. David Waterbury, Jun., Esq., is appointed 
Brigadier-General for the Northern Department, and James 
Wadsworth, Jun., Esq., for New-York. 

As at this season of the year the pressure of country busi- 
ness was such as to engage the attention ofthe people in 
general, and was not to be left without great difficulty, and 
the small-pox in Canada naturally would deter those from 
engaging in the service who had never passed through that 
distemper, it was thought necessary by the Assembly to 
encourage men to inlist, by offering them a bounty; and 
accordingly six pounds as a bounty to each able-bodied man 
that should inlist into the battalions destined for Canada, and 
three pounds for those destined to New- York. 

In the rest of the session, after officers were appointed, 
proper measures were consulted for arming and equipping 
the troops to be raised, and furnishing them with other 
necessaries, agreeably to the resolves of Congress. 

The Assembly, apprehending that the bounty granted to 
the battalions of Militia might retard the raising the Conti- 
nental regiment ordered to be raised in this Colony in May 
last, thought it necessary and did grant a bounty of forty 
shillings to each able-bodied man that should inlist into that 
regiment. . 

The battalions of Militia are now filling up as fast as 
may be, though the prevalence of the small-pox in the 
Northern Army intimidates our men, and retards the inlist- 
ments. Proper orders have been given to the Brigadiers 
General, and by them to the Colonels, to hasten the raising, 
equipping, and marching the troops. Many have marched 
for New-York, and the rest will soon follow; in the mean- 
time, lest the want of these battalions should be felt at New- 
York, three regiments of horse of our Militia are ordered to 
join the army at New-York, and, if wanted, to continue 
there till the battalions of foot arrive. © 


29 


During the session, and soon after the rising of the As- 
sembly, your favours of the 11th, 14th, and 19th of June 
came to hand. The exportation of salted beef and pork 
was prohibited by act of Assembly, and all the salted pork 
in the stores of merchants and others, except provisions for 
the use of families, ordered to be purchased on the Colony’s 
account, antecedent to the receipt of the resolve of Congress 
on that subject. 

As an extraordinary bounty is given to the two battalions 
raising for the Northern Department, it would be attended 
with difficulty to exchange their destination, and send the 
battalion ordered to be raised in May last that way instead 
of one of them. Indeed, I suppose the largest part of that 
battalion are now on their way to New-York. The Con- 
tinental, or Colonel Ward’s regiment, is not filled. 'To alter 
its first destination may create uneasiness. Will it not be 
best that the Militia desired to be sent to Boston in their 
room be forwarded to New-York, and a battalion ordered 
from thence of such as have passed through the small-pox ? 
Not one in twenty of our soldiers have had it. 

This, I trust, will be considered as complying fully with 
the spirit and intention of the resolves of Congress of the 
19th and 25th of June last. 

The small-pox is a more terrible enemy than the British 
troops, and strikes a greater dread into our men who have 
never had it. Might not some of our troops be sent to New- 
York, and serve there, instead of the York or Jersey bat- 
talions, which have generally passed through that distemper? 
Such an exchange would be*very agreeable, and greatly 
facilitate the filling up our regiments. Our intelligence from 
Crown-Point shows the infection to be very great in our 
returning army. 

I have received information by several persons that the 
inhabitants on the New-Hampshire Grants, on the northern 
frontier of the Province of New-York, are in the highest con- 
sternation on the retreat of the Army from Canada, from an 
apprehended attack of the savages. Some of their settlements 
are breaking up, and all are in danger of being soon deserted. 
Should they fall back on the older plantations, the enemy 
would derive great advantages from their improvements and 
buildings, to fall on and distress the frontiers; and the incon- 
venience they may bring with them, and the terror they will 
spread, may produce the most unhappy consequences. May 
I not venture to suggest the expediency of raising a batta- 
lion of troops, in the pay of the Continent, upon those Grants? 
The inhabitants, inured to hardship, and acquainted with 
the country, may rival the Indians in their own mode of 
making war, will support that frontier, and leave the more 
interior settlements at liberty to assist in the general defence 
of the Colonies. If they are not put under pay, their poverty 
is such they can hire no labourers to carry on their farming 
business in their absence. Should they go out as Militia 
without pay, the failure of one crop would effectually break 
up their settlements. 

As to your requisition respecting a regiment of Militia for 
the Northern Department, if you mean it in addition to the 
two battalions now raising by us for that destination, the 
one for Boston, and seven for New-York, I am constrained 
to say, although we wish to comply with every requisition 
of your wise and honourable body, and to make every exer- 
tion for the salvation of the United Colonies in our power, 
it seems impossible to comply, as we have now more than 
fourteen thousand men from this Colony in Continental and 
Colonial service, by sea and land, and especially in this ex- 
treme busy season, when the fields languish for want of 
labourers, and inevitable famine and nakedness will be the 
consequence of stripping them any more. 

I am, with great truth and regard, sir, your most obedient 
humble servant, JONATHAN TRUMBULL. 


To the Honourable President Hancock. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Lebanon, July 5, 1776. 
Dear Sir: The bearer, Captain Winslow, is one of the 
head carpenters I mentioned in my last, and now waits on 
you with his party to enter into your service. You will find 
him a man of integrity, and well calculated for your pur- 
pose. I find by him that his men are doubtful whether, in 
case of sickness, they are to receive hospital allowance, as 
customary for sick soldiers. ‘They would think it so hard to 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


30 


be deprived of that allowance, that he would be obliged to 
release them all at Albany if it should appear to be your 
intention not to make it. I must earnestly recommend it 
to you to make them every allowance of that kind which 
you can think consistent with honour and justice. Captain 
Lester’s company are in the same circumstances, and will 
merit to be treated in the same manner. 

I am, sir, with great esteem and regard, your most obe- 
dient humble servant, JoNaTHAN TRUMBULL. 


To the Honourable Philip Schuyler, Esq. 


COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS TO WALTER SPOONER. 
Watertown, July 5, 1776. 

Sir: Whereas Captain Welden, commander of the brig 
Rising Empire, has received orders from the Board, dated 
the 27th ultimo, directing him, when properly armed, to 
proceed to Boston to take his complement of provisions, &c., 
the Board request you will direct Captain Welden, when 
he is ready to proceed for Boston, to take under his convoy 
all such vessels as are ready for sailing by the 20th instant, 
and them convoy into latitude 38° 30’ north, and longitude 
67° west from London; after which he is to proceed as 
directed by his instructions, dated the 27th of last month. 

In the name and by order of the Council. 


To the Honourable Walter Spooner, Esq. 


PROCEEDINGS AT HANOVER, NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 
At a meeting of several adjacent ‘Towns at the College 


Hall, on Friday, the 5th day of July, 1776, viz: Lyme, 
Hanover, Lebanon, Thredford, Norwich, and Hartford: 


Chosen, Amos Robinson, Clerk. 
Chosen, Deacon Nehemiah Estabrook, Moderator. 


Voted, 'To have fifty men, exclusive of officers, to repair 
to Royalton, to fortify in that town, and scout from thence 
to Onion River and Newbury. 

Voted, 'To appoint one Captain and two Subalterns. 

Voted, To appoint Mr. David Woodward Captain. 

Voted, To appoint Mr. Joshua Hazen 1st Lieutenant. 

Voted, To appoint Mr. Abel Lyman 2d Lieutenant. 

Voted, 'To appoint a Committee of three men to direct 
the building of the Fort at Royalton, and furnish said Fort 
with all necessary supplies. 

Chosen, Esquire Joel Marsh, Mr. Isaac Morgan, and 
Major John Slapp, to be said Committee. 

Voted, To raise two hundred and fifty men, exclusive of 
officers, to go to Newbury, to fortify, scout, and guard there 
for three months, unless sooner discharged. 

Voted, 'To appoint Captain Abner Seely Major of the 
last mentioned department. 

Voted, To divide said two hundred and fifty men into 
four Companies. , 

Voted, To appoint Mr. Levi Willard, Mr. Oliver Ashley, 
and Mr, Samuel Paine, to be Captains. 

Voted, That the Captains appoint their Subalterns. 

Voted, To appoint a Committee of three men to direct 
and order the affairs of the Newbury department. 

Voted, That Colonel Bailey, Colonel Johnson, and Col. 
Olcott be said Committee. 

Voted, ‘That this Committee engage that the Officers and 
Soldiers in both the aforementioned departments be honour- 
ably paid for their services. 

Voted, ‘To dismiss this meeting. 

It is accordingly dismissed. 

A true copy, taken from the Minutes. 

Attest per me: Amos Rosrnson, Clerk. 


ARTHUR LEE TO CHARLES W. F. DUMAS. 
London, July 6, 1776. 

Dear Sir: This will be delivered to you by Mr. Ellis, a 
friend of Dr. Franklin, of liberty, and of America. He isa 
philosopher, very well instructed on the subject of America, 
and, I trust, will be both an agreeable and useful acquaint- 
ance while he remains near you. 

I thank you for your favour of the 21st of last month. By 
the last advices from America, General Howe was prepared 
to sail for Halifax, and, it is imagined, to land at New-York, 
where he will certainly be strongly opposed. He numbers 
ten thousand regulars, and it will be fortunate for us if he 


31 


makes his attempt before he is joined by the Germans, who 
sailed the 6th of May. ji 

The Americans have taken post upon the river Richelieu 
and the Lakes, so that Montreal, not being tenable, is evacu- 
ated. General Lee is in Virginia, with ten thousand men, 
expecting Lord Cornwallis and General Clinton. General 
Washington commands at New-York, and General Ward in 
Boston. 

The strange timidity de la Cour Francaise requires great 
patience and management; but I think it will at last be 
brought to act an avowed and decided part. When that 
happens, Angleterre must submit to whatever terms they 
please to impose, for she is totally incapable of sustaining a 
war with France. Adieu, Arruur LEE. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM PARIS, DATED JULY 6, 1776. 


We hear that the Court of Great Britain have lately pre- 
sented a memorial to our Court, and also to that of Spain, 
strongly complaining of the trade which is so industriously 
carried on by the French and Spanish merchants with the 
rebellious Colonies of North America; and at the same time 
inquiring the reason of the great armament carrying on in 
both these Kingdoms, supposed to be against the States of 
Africa, whilst the latter sit quiet and inactive, as if they 
had nothing to fear. ‘The answer given by both the above 
Courts is publickly spoken to be this: That with regard to 
the complaints of trading with the Rebels, it isa mere smug- 
gling and illicit trade, which, notwithstanding the risk of 
being confiscated, according to law, merchants of every ma- 
ritime country will always venture, and act contrary to the 
positive commands of the Legislature. But with regard to the 
armament, both France and Spain find themselves highly 
necessitated to send strong forces to their Colonies of South 
America and the West-Indies, in order to prevent a rebellion 
there, to which they might be induced by the seeming suc- 
cess of the British Colonies in North America. Feasible, 
however, as this answer may appear, yet it is certain, that 
our squadron, lately sailed from Brest and Toulon, met and 
united themselves with a Spanish squadron near the Cape 
of St. Vincent; and there are authentick advices of the latest 
date, mentioning that the Spanish fleet destined for Cuba 
was observed steering towards Jamaica. 


BENJAMIN HARRISON, JR., TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Williamsburgh, July 6, 1776. 

Hownovurasce Sir: By direction of Brigadier General Lewis, 

I do myself the honour to transmit you an account of the 

state of my office, from 22d of June to this day; andI have 

it in orders from the General to say that an immediate sup- 

ply of money is wanted. 

I have the honour to be, honourable sir, your very obedi- 

ent servant, Bens. Harrison, Jun. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


MATTHEW TILGHMAN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 

Annapolis, July 6, 1776. 
Sir: Very fortunately, your letters, with the several reso- 
lutions of Congress, came just time enough to be offered to 
the Convention before their rising. ‘They were immediately 
taken into consideration, and the enclosed resolves were 
very speedily and unanimously passed, and directed to be 
transmitted to you, to be laid before the Congress; which, 
in obedience to the order of Convention, I have now the 
honour to do; and am, sir, respectfully, your most obedient 

servant, Mar. Titenman, President. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress, 
at Philadelphia. 
In Convention, Annapolis, July 6, 1776. 


The President laid before the Convention several Letters 
from the Honourable the President of Congress, of the 25th 
and 29th of June, and the 4th instant, and sundry Resolu- 
tions of that respectable body, which were taken into con- 
sideration ; and thereupon, 

Ordered, That Colonel Smallwood immediately proceed 
with his Battalion to the City of Philadelphia, and put him- 
self under the Continental officer commanding there, and be 
subject to the further orders of the Congress. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


32 


Ordered, That the Independent Companies stationed in 
Talbot, Kent, Queen Anne, and St. Mary’s Counties, imme- 
diately proceed to Philadelphia, and put themselves under 
the command of Colonel Smallwood, subject to the further 
order of the Congress. 

Resolved, That the said Battalion and Independent Com- 
panies be deducted from the number of the Militia required 
by Congress of this Colony, to compose the Flying-Camp. 

Resolved, That this Province will raise two Companies 
of Riflemen, and four Companies of Germans, according to 
the requisition of Congress in their Resolutions of the 27th 
day of June last. 

That one of the said Companies of Riflemen be raised in 
Harford County, two of the said Companies of Germans 
be raised in Baltimore County, and one of the Companies of 
Riflemen and two of the Companies of Germans be raised 
in Frederick County. 

That each of the Companies of Germans consist of one 
Captain, two Lieutenants, one Ensign, four Sergeants, four 
Corporals, one Drummer, one Fifer, and seventy-six Pri- 
vates; and each of the Rifle Companies of one Captain, 
three Lieutenants, four Sergeants, four Corporals, one Drum- 
mer, one Fifer, and seventy-six Privates ; and that the Offi- 
cers be approved by appointment and certified to the Con- 
gress by the Council of Safety. 

Extract from the minutes : G. Duvauu, Clerk. 


Resolved, That it be recommended to the Commanding 
Officer of the Flying-Camp to keep the corps of Regular 
Forces and Militia distinct and separate, if possible, to pre- 
vent any discontent about rank. 

Extract from the minutes : 


G. Duvaxt, Clerk. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 6, 1776. 

Sir: The Congress, for some time past, have had their 
attention occupied by one of the most interesting and im- 
portant subjects that could possibly come before them or 
any other assembly of men. 

Although it is not possible to foresee the consequences of 
human actions, yet it is nevertheless a duty we owe our- 
selves and posterity, in all our publick counsels, to decide in 
the best manner we are able, and to leave the event to that 
Being who controls both causes and events to bring about 
his own determinations. 

Impressed with this sentiment, and at the same time fully 
convinced that our affairs may take a more favourable turn, 
the Congress have judged it necessary to dissolve the con- 
nexion between Great Britain and the American Colonies, 
and to declare them free and independent States, as you 
will perceive by the enclosed Declaration, which I am di- 
rected by Congress to transmit to you, and to request you 
will have it proclaimed at the head of the Army in the way 
you shall think most proper. 

Agreeable to the request of Congress, the Committee of 
Safety of this Colony have forwarded to you ten thousand 
flints, and the flints at RAode-Island are ordered to be sent 
to you immediately. 

It is with great pleasure I inform you that the Militia of 
this Colony, of Delaware Government, and Maryland, are, 
and will be every day, in motion to form the Flying-Camp, 
and that all the Militia of this Colony will soon be in the 
Jerseys, ready to receive such orders as you shall please to 
give them. 

I have written to Governour Cooke to engage immediately, 
and send forward as fast as possible, fifty ship-carpenters to 
General Schuyler, for the purpose of building vessels on the 
Lakes. Fifty have already gone from hence on that busi- 
ness. 

The Congress having directed the arms taken on board 
the Scotch transports to be sent to you, I have written to 
the agents in Rhode-Island and Massachusetts-Bay to for- 
ward them immediately. 

The enclosed copy of a letter from Mr. Greene I am 
directed to forward by Congress, with a request that you 
will order such parts of the stores therein mentioned to New- 
York as you shall judge proper. 

I have the honour to be, sir, with perfect esteem, your most 
obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


33 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 6, 1776. 
Sm: Should this be presented to you by Captain Thomas 
Cardrop, you will please to understand that he, with fifty 
ship-carpenters under his command, are engaged in the Con- 
tinental service, with orders to proceed, with the utmost 
expedition, for Albany, there to put themselves under the 
direction of Major-General Philip Schuyler, in order to per- 
form the very essential service of building galleys, floating- 
batteries, &c., for the defence of the Lakes. And the pre- 
sent situation of the Ministerial Army on Staten-Island 
having rendered it necessary to leave the route of this corps 
to the judgment and discretion of Captain Cardrop, it is 
uncertain whether your Excellency will see him or not; 
therefore these lines are given to him merely to procure the 
necessary assistance and despatch, if he should find it safe 
and convenient to call at New-York in order to procure 
water conveyance. 
I have the honour to remain your Excellency’s most obe- 
dient servant, Joun Hancock. 


To His Excellency Geerge Washington, Esq. 


BOARD OF WAR TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
War-Office, Philadelphia, July 6, 1776. 

Sir: [am directed by the Board of War and Ordnance 
to request that you would be pleased to inform them whether 
any and what provision has been made in the Continental 
Army for sergeant-majors, drum and fife-majors, and quar- 
termaster-sergeants ; and if none has heretofore been made, 
whether any and what pay or allowance ought to be made 
them. 

I have the honour to be your Excellency’s most obedient 


and most humble servant, EE GE 
> e 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION, ETC. 
Philadelphia, July 6, 1776. 

HonovuraBie Gentiemen: Although it is not possible to 
foresee the consequences of human actions, yet it is never- 
theless a duty we owe ourselves and posterity, in all our 
publick councils, to decide in the best manner we are able, 
and to trust the event to that Being who controls both 
causes and events so as to bring about his own determina- 
tions. 

Impressed with this sentiment, and at the same time fully 
convinced that our affairs may take a more favourable turn, 
the Congress have judged it necessary to dissolve all con- 
nexion between G'reat Britain and the American Colonies, 
and to declare them free and independent States, as you will 
perceive by the enclosed Declaration, which I am directed 
by Congress to transmit to you, and to request you will have 
it proclaimed in your Colony, in the way you shall think 
most proper. 

The important consequences to the American States from 
this Declaration of Independence, considered as the ground 
and foundation of a future Government, will naturally sug- 
gest the propriety of proclaiming it in such a manner that 
the people may be universally informed of it. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, gentlemen, 
your most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To the Honourable Convention of New-York. 


[Same to the Honourable Assembly of Massachusetts- 
Bay, Governour Trumbull, Governour Cooke, and Assembly 
of New-Hampshire.] 


P. S. to the Letter to New-Hampshire :—Major Rogers, 
of your Colony, is now here. The Congress have ordered 


that he be sent to New-Hampshire, to be disposed of as that 
Government shall judge best. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO COMMISSARY MEASE. 
Philadelphia, July 6, 1776. 
Str: You are hereby required to pay to Captain William 
Kilsay, commanding a company of ‘Satpal Militia, one 
month’s pay, in the following proportions, the said Captain 
Kilsay to be accountable, agreeably to a resolve of Con- 
gress of this day, viz: ‘To one Captain, two Lieutenants, 


Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


34 


one Ensign, four Sergeants, four Corporals, fifty-one Pri- 
vates—to each of these gentlemen one month’s advance pay 
agreeable to the established pay. 
By order of Congress : 
Joun Hancock, President. 
To Mr. Commissary and Paymaster Mease. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WARD. 
Philadelphia, July 6, 1776. 

Sir: The enclosed Declaration of Independence I am 
directed to transmit to you, with a request that you will have 
it proclaimed at the head of the troops under your command, 
in the way you shall think most proper. 

I have only time to add, that the importance of it will 
naturally suggest the propriety of proclaiming it in such a 
manner as that the whole Army may be fully apprized of it. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and very 
humble servant, Joun Hancock, President. 


To General Ward, or Officer commanding the Continental 
Troops at Boston. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO JOHN BRADFORD. 
Philadelphia, July 6, 1776. 
Sir: As I purpose writing you fully on the subject of ma- 
rine affairs some time in the course of next week, I shall only 
enclose at present a resolve of Congress, directing you to 
send the arms taken out of the Scotch transports to General 
Washington at New- York ; and indeed this is all I have time 
to do now, being in great haste. 
Sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To Mr. John Bradford, Agent in Massachusetts-Bay. 


[Same to Mr. Daniel Tillinghast, Agent in Rhode- 
Island.] 


War-Office, Philadelphia, July 6, 1776. 
All persons in the United American States who are able 
to inform the Congress of any quantities of flint-stone, or of 
any persons who are skilled in the manufacture of flints, are 
requested to apply in person, or by letter, to the Board of 
War and Ordnance, at the War-Office in Market Street, 
near the corner of Fourth Street. All printers of news- 
papers in the several States are desired to insert this adver- 

tisement. Ricuarp Perers, Jun., Secretary. 


JACOB RUSH TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 6, 1776. 
Sir: I beg leave to acquaint you, at the desire of Mr. 
Hancock, that your letter of the 4th and 5th instant was 
this day received and read in Congress. As the despatches 
which are at this time preparing for you cannot be got ready 
for the post, and Mr. Hancock does not incline to detain 
him, I am to inform you that he will send them by express 
as soon as possible after Congress rises. 
I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, you most 
obedient and very humble servant, Jacos Rusu. 


To His Excellency General Washington, New-York. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN IN PHILADEL- 
PHIA TO HIS FRIEND AT ANNAPOLIS, DATED JULY 6, 1776, 
SATURDAY MORNING. 


General Howe has landed a great body of troops on Sta- 
ten-Island. His force cannot be ascertained. General 
Washington and his troops are in high spirits. ‘The strength 
of our Army at New-York cannot be ascertained, the Militia 
pour in so fast that it is impracticable. ‘The Jersey Militia, 
amounting to three thousand five hundred, have acquired great 
honour in forming and marching with such alacrity and ex- 
pedition. They have for some time past got over to New- 
York. The battalions of this city (every one of them) are 
marching to Trenton and Brunswick, in the Jerseys. ‘The 
rifle battalion in the pay of this Province, marched yester- 
day for the same places. The Militia in the Counties are 
also ordered to march. Out of these bodies they mean to 
form their quota of the Flying-Camp, to be posted in the Jer- 
seys, and to be at the command of General Washington. 
It is expected that the Lower Counties and Maryland will 


30 


immediately march their quotas of Militia, to compose the 
Flying-Camp, to this city, to defend it in the absence of its 
own battalions. 

Your hour of trial is come; your plighted faith, your pub- 
Jick honour, the love of your country, and its dearest liber- 
ties, in this moment of imminent danger, demand that you 
instantly fly to the assistance of a sister Colony. 


Saturday noon.—An express is just arrived from General 
Washington. Howe’s Army consists of ten thousand men. 
Admiral Howe is not yet arrived, but hourly expected, with 
one hundred and fifty sail, having on board twenty thousand 
troops. ‘The enemy’s grand army will consist of thirty thou- 
sand. The whole Militia of this Province are ordered to 
the Jerseys. We are in anxious expectation to hear from 
Maryland, nor can we for a moment entertain a fear that 
our brethren will desert us in the day of our distress. The 
farmers here have left their harvest, and cast away the scythe 
for the musket. I should rejoice to hear you have imitated 
so laudable, so glorious an example. 


GEORGE ROSS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, 
In Committee, Lancaster, July 6, 1776. 


Sir: [have the honour to inform you of the receipt of 
yours of the 3d instant, before which, the Committee received 
letters of the 4th instant, from a Committee of Congress, 
and from the Committee of Inspection of the City and Liber- 
ties of Philadelphia. The Conference here had broken up 
before either came to hand, and the members had returned 
to their respective homes. We immediately took into con- 
sideration the very important matters recommended; and 
how they have proceeded, you will be best informed by the 
enclosed resolves ; and we have despatched orders to all the 
Colonels of this County, and shall continue to exert every 
nerve to carry the resolves of Congress into execution. 

I am, sir, your most obliged and obedient servant, 

Gro. Ross, Chairman. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


GEORGE ROSS TO COLONEL GALBRAITH. 
In Committee, Lancaster, July 6, 1776. 

Sir: We yesterday enclosed you our resolves respect- 
ing the companies agreed to be furnished by the battalions 
in this County towards the six thousand men required to 
form the Flying-Camp. 

We this day received the enclosed resolves of the Con- 
gress as to the Independency of the United States of Ame- 
rica, which we forward to you for the regulation of your 
conduct in the present alarming situation of our affairs. The 
battalions in this town were this day drawn out, and unani- 
mously agreed to march. We doubt not but that you will 
exert yourself to carry the resolves of Congress and the con- 
ference of Committees into execution; and are, sir, your 
most obedient servants. ; 


By order of the Committee: G. Ross, Chairman. 


ROBERT FRAILL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 8, 1776.] 
Easton, July 6, 1776. 

Sir: Your favour of the 3d instant, by express, came to 
hand this forenoon about half after nine o’clock. There 
being but one of the meinbers of our Committee at present 
in this town, orders are'sent off for a meeting of the Com- 
mittee to attend here next Monday, as also the several 
Colonels of this County to attend at the same time, in order 
to consider on the contents of your letter. 

In the mean time, I am desired to acquaint you, that the 
utmost despatch will be made to forward the request of 
Congress for the defence of the liberties of the United Co- 
lonies. 

I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

Rosert Frat, 


Clerk to the Committee of Northampton County. 
To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


HENRY HALLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 8, 1776.] 
Reading, July 6, 1776. 
_ Sir: Last night the messenger arrived with your letter 
to the Committee of Berks County, requesting us to use 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


36 


the utmost despatch in sending off the troops to be raised 
here for the defence of the middle Colonies. 

It will be unnecessary at this time to acquaint you of the 
measures pursued by us for the more speedy raising of the 
men, as the Congress are already informed of them by our 
letters. We have only to add, that you may depend upon 
our utmost diligence in completing the companies, and 
marching them without loss of time, wherein we apprehend 
no other difficulty than what may arise from the want of 
muskets, of which we have directed the Captains to purchase 
as many as possible, and should be glad to be informed by 
what means the men are to be supplied with the remainder. 

By order of the Committee. 

I am, your most obedient and very humble servant, 

Henry Hauer, Chairman. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


CONFERENCE WITH INDIANS AT FORT PITT. 
Fort Pitt, July 6, 1776. 

At a Meeting held this day at this place, present: Kiashuta, 

a Mingo Chief, just returned from the treaty at Niagara ; 

Captain Pipe, a Delaware Chief; the Shade, a Shawnees 

Chief, with several others, Shawnees and Delawares ; 

likewise Major Trent, Major Ward, Captain Nevill, his 

officers, and a number of the inhabitants. After being 
seated, Kiashuta made the following speech: 


“Brorners: Three months ago, I left this place to 
attend a treaty at Niagara, to be held between the com- 
manding officer at that place, and Six Nations, Shawnees, 
Delawares, &c.; but I was stopped near a month at Caugh- 
nawaga, as the commanding officer had sent word to the 
Indians not to assemble until he should hear from Detroit. 
While I was at Caughnawaga, eight hundred Indians of the 
Six Nations, hearing of my intention of going to the treaty, 
came to meet and go with me. Just as we arrived ata 
small village beyond Caughnawaga, they received a message 
from the commanding officer, acquainting them that the 
treaty was over; but they, notwithstanding, persisted in 
going. I received a message at the same time, inviting me. 
to come, and assuring me that the Council fire was not en- 
tirely extinguished. Upon my arrival with the rest of the 
Indians, 1 informed the commanding officer that I had come 
a great distance to hear what he had to say, and desired 
that he would inform me; but he told me that he was not 
yet prepared to speak with me, which ended our con- 
ference.” 

Kiashuta then produced a belt of the wampum which 
was to be sent from the Six Nations to the Shawnees, 
Delawares, Wyandots, and Western Indians, acquainting 
them that they were determined to take no part in the pre- 
sent war between Great Britain and America, and desiring 
them to do the same. 

N. B.—Kiashuta has the belt, and is ordered by the Sir 
Nations to send it through the Indzan country. 


He then addressed himself to the Virginians and Penn- 
sylvanians in the following manner : 

“Brorners: We will not suffer either the English or 
the Americans to march an army through our country. 
Should either attempt it, we shall forewarn them three times 
from proceeding; but should they then persist, they must 
abide by the consequences. I am appointed by the Sex 
Nations to the care of this country, that is, to the care of 
the Indians on the west side of the River Ohio; and I desire 
you will not think of an expedition against Detroit, for (I 
repeat it to you again) we will not suffer an army to march 
through our country.” —A String. 

Kiashuta again rose, and spoke as follows: 

‘ Brotuers: Should any mischief chance to be com- 
mitted by any of our people, you must not blame the Na- 
tions, nor think it was done by the approbation of the 
Chiefs ; for the Stx Nations have strictly forbidden any of 
their young men or tributaries to molest any people on their 
waters ; but if they are determined to go to war, let them go 
to Canada, and fight there.’”—A String. 

Kiashuta then addressed himself to Captain Pipe, a 
Delaware Chief, desiring him to inform his Nation of what 
he had heard, and to request them to be strong, and join 
with the other Nations in keeping peace in his country.— 


A String. 


37 


He also recommended to the Shade, a Shawnees Chief, 
to do the same. He then desired the foregoing speech 
might be distributed through the country, to quiet the minds 
of the people, and convince them that the Sex Nations and 
their adherents did not desire to live at variance with them. 


To which Captain Nevill returned the following answer: 


“ Brorner Krasnuta: Lam much obliged to you for 
your good speech on the present occasion. You may de- 
pend we shall not attempt to march an army through your 
country, without first acquainting you with it, unless we 
hear of a British army coming this course; in such case, 
we must make all possible speed to march and endeavour 
to stop them.” 

To which Kiashuta replied, there was not the least dan- 
ger of that, as they should make it their business to prevent 
either an English or an American army from passing through 
their country. 


SAMUEL TUCKER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 


[Read July 8, 1776.]} 
Trenton, July 6, 1776. 

Sir: Your letter of the 5th was delivered me this mo- 
ment, and shall lay the enclosed before our Convention this 
afternoon. The resolution respecting the officers and sol- 
diers prisoners in this Colony has relieved me from any more 
anxious thoughts on account of these gentry. 

The enclosed will inform you of particulars. I hope 
Congress will attend particularly to the Flying-Camp and 
establishing a magazine of powder, &c., in the eastern part 
of this Colony. Our Convention removed yesterday morning 
from Burlington to this place, in order to be more in the 
way of intelligence and out of the way of the officers pri- 
soners, &c. 

I have the honour to be, your most obedient humble ser- 
vant, SamMuEL Tucker. 
To the Honourable John Hancock. 

In Provincial Congress, New Jersey, 
Trenton, July 6, 1776. 

Sir: As the eastern part of our Colony is now unhappily 
exposed to the ravages of the enemy, a large army being in 
possession of Staten-Island, which is divided from us by a 
narrow river only, we must beg the attention of the Conti- 
nental Congress to our present situation. 

Although in this Congress we repose the utmost confi- 
dence in your wisdom and care, and doubt not you will 
provide fully for the defence of every part of the Continent, 
yet we are sorry to find that the people are alarmed and 
uneasy. Their being sent to New-York in such numbers, 
and the Flying-Camp being so slow in taking their place, 
is one cause of dissatisfaction; but, above all, the people 
wish to see a sufficient supply of ammunition. We hope 
that General Mercer's camp will be fully provided; but 
some visible source from whence our Militia could depend 
upon being furnished on occasion, would give great pleasure. 
The two tons of powder lately received was distributed to 
the counties from Burlington eastward, on account of their 
vicinity to New-York, and some of them were wholly des- 
titute. It is said to be insufficient under the present circum- 
stances, of which we hope you will take notice and take 
care for a sufficient quantity there. Of the western Coun- 
ties, Salem and Cumberland are still unprovided with am- 
munition; and as, in the present season, it is absolutely 
necessary that all the Militia should have some small supply, 
we request that Congress would grant us half a ton of pow- 
der, on account of the Colony, for the use of those two 
counties. 

We are, sir, your most humble servants. 

By order of Congress : 


Samuen Tucker, President. 
To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


P. S. Colonel Brearley is just now arrived from Allen- 
town, which is in the neighbourhood of the Monmouth in- 
surgents. He supposes that not more than one hundred 
have been over together; they had confederated under oath, 
at least part of them; about thirty are flying on board the 
enemy’s fleet, our Militia in pursuit, and numbers of the 
lesser offenders coming back to their duty, upon encourage- 
ment we have thought proper to give to such as shall appear 
to have been deluded. ‘The leaders, if they can be appre- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


*% 


38 


hended, will be punished; if they escape, some of them 
have left estates. The Colonel at Shrewsbury has offered 
to resign, making great complaints of the backwardness, 
“to say no worse,” as he expresses himself, of his people; 
“so few of whom,” he tells us, “are ready to turn out 
(hiding themselves and deserting their homes) whenever he 
marches to defend the shores,” that he is discouraged. As 
we hope the Rifle battalion will have little remaining to 
detain them in the upper end of the County, we have ven- 
tured to encourage him with the expectation of their assist- 
ing him at the lower end. ‘The Freehold and Middletown 
people, who form one large battalion, are, we believe, very 
hearty, and will assist as much as possible, both at Shrews- 


bury and the neighbourhood of Sandy-Hook. 


GENERAL LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Elizabethtown, July 6, 1776. 


May ir PLease your Exceitency: This moment an 
express arrived from Major Duyckinck, a copy of whose 
letter I enclose, to save time. I should be glad of some 
immediate directions what to do with the prisoners, as in the 
mean time I am obliged to keep them under guard. I am 
acquainted with but one of them, John Smyth, Esq., who 
is a man of’so great integrity that I think great faith may 
be given to his word. If they are to remain in this Pro- 
vince, I know of nothing that can be done with them so 
conveniently as to forward them on to the Convention, who 
can provide for their safe-keeping. ‘The internal Counties 
are now so destitute of men that [ should think it dangerous 
to trust these prisoners there; nor do I know in whom in | 
those parts to put sufficient confidence to intrust their safe- 
keeping. 

I am under the greatest difficulty with regard to ammu- 
nition. The whole back militia being unprovided with 
ammunition, | am prevented from sending such detachments 
to particular places as I think necessary, for want of powder 
and ball. 

Since writing the above, Captain Kennedy and Mr. Cuy- 
ler are sent in prisoners from Newark. 

I have the honour to be, your Excellency’s most humble 
servant, Wivuiam Livineston. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


P. S. In consequence of Major Duyckinck’s letter, I 
have detached two hundred and fifty men to him from the 
Hunterdon and Morris Militia. 


MAJOR DUYCKINCK TO GENERAL LIVINGSTON. 
Head-Quarters, Perth Amboy, July 6, 1776. 

Str: In pursuance of an order received last night from 
General Heard, have taken into custody the following per- 
sons: John Smyth, Esq., Philip Kearney, Michael Kear- 
ney, William Hick, Thomas Skinner, Dr. John Lawrence, 
Captain Turnbull, Johnstone Fairholme, and Isaac Bunnel, 
whom | now convey to you. 

We last night received intelligence per General Heard, 
about twelve o'clock, that he had, by two different persons 
who made their escape from the Island, received such strong 
assurances that we were last night to be attacked by a strong 
body, that he ordered us immediately to leave the town, and 
repair to some proper ground out of town; which we ac- 
cordingly did, and am sorry to say with much precipitation, 
as the troops were greatly alarmed by the sudden and un- 
expected orders. We kept a good look-out for the remain- 
der of the night, and this morning early returned again to 
town. 

The enemy appear much in the same situation as men- 
tioned in my last, only the plain appearance of artillery, 
which they have mounted opposite the town. 

We can’t help thinking our situation precarious with the 
few troops here, and could wish a reinforcement as soon as 
may be convenient. 

In haste, remain your humble servant, 

Joun Duycxinck. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL LIVINGSTON, 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 6, 1776, 
Five o’clock, P. M. 


Sir: Your favour of this date, enclosing Major Duyck- 
inck’s letter, was this moment received. The known dis- 


39 


affection of the people of Amboy, and the treachery of those 
of Staten-Island, who, after the fairest professions, have 
shown themselves our inveterate enemies, induced me to 
give directions that all persons of known enmity or doubtful 
character should be removed from places where they might 
enter into a correspondence with the enemy and aid them 
in their schemes. ‘To this end, General Heard had direc- 
tions to apprehend such persons as, from their conduct, had 
shown themselves inimical, or whose situations, connexions, 
or offices, give just cause of suspicion. I have no know- 
ledge of the persons apprehended, but suppose General 
Heard lad good reason for taking hold of them; however, 
if there are any who, from your personal knowledge and 
opinion, you think may be permitted to return, I have no 
objection, and sending the others to Provincial Congress for 
their disposal; but as to the former, I would suggest to you 
that my tenderness has been often abused, and I have had 
reason to repent the indulgence shown them. I would show 
them all possible humanity and kindness consistent with our 
own safety ; but matters are now too far advanced to sacri- 
fice anything to punctilios. 

I have given direction to forward you a supply of ammu- 
nition, but must beg you to inculcate the vtmost frugality 
and care of it, as we have no superfluity. This supply 
consists of cartridges, some loose powder, and lead. If you 
have any occasion for ammunition for field-pieces which the 
Jatter will not supply, T will endeavour to assist you; but I 
would wish you to make no more draughts than are abso- 
Jutely necessary. 

General Mercer has just set off for Jersey. In his expe- 
rience and judgment you may repose great confidence. He 
will proceed to Amboy after conferring with you. 

You will please to keep me constantly informed of the 
proceedings of the enemy; and be assured of every assist- 
ance and attention from, sir, your most, &c., 

Go. WasHINGTON. 
Brig. General Livingston, Elizabethtown, New-Jersey. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL SILLIMAN. 
New-York, July 6, 1776. 

Sir: Governour Trumbull having informed me, in a letter 
of the 3d instant, that he had ordered three regiments of the 
Militia Lighthorse to march to the defence of this place, 
under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Seymour, lest 
the other troops from your Colony should not arrive in time 
for succour, and at the same time requesting, if their service 
is unnecessary, or can be dispensed with, that I would sig- 
nify it to you, I must take this opportunity to acquaint you 
that the intelligence we have received from three or four 
prisoners that have fallen into our hands within a few days 
past, leads me to conclude, that no force that can be col- 
lected will be too great to ward off the blow that our ene- 
mies mean to strike in a little time. The prisoners say 
that General Howe has already ten thousand men here, 
being joined by some regiments from the West-Indies, and 
part of the Highland troops in his passage, and that he is 
in daily expectation of the arrival of Admiral Howe with 
a large fleet of one hundred and fifty sail, with troops on 
board; that before he left Halifax, a packet had arrived 
there, giving intelligence that he would be met here by this 
fleet in a very little time, and that the expectation of them 
is the only reason why the enemy have not begun their 
operations. 

From these accounts, you will readily conceive the neces- 
sity of our most vigorous and spirited exertions, and that 
there is occasion here for all the men that can be possibly 
got. But what to do with the horses of this regiment I am 
at a loss to determine: it will be impossible to support them; 
and if it could be done, the expense would be enormous. 
I cannot think myself at liberty to consent to the horses 
coming; at the same time, I must request your exertions to 
prevail on the men. They may have it in their power to 
dismiss their horses, perhaps after bringing them almost here. 
The exigency of our affairs calls aloud for their assistance, 
and more especially as there is almost a moral certainty that 
the battalions which are intended for this place will be some 
time before they all arrive, and when they do, will not be 
more than half complete. 

Recommending to your and their notice what I have said, 
and the alarming consequences that may result from not 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


40 


having sufficient and timely succours to repel the enemy, 
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 
Go. WasuHINncTON. 


To Colonel Gold Selleck Silliman, Fairfield. 


JOHN JAY TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, July 6, 1776. 

Sir: The enclosed memorial was yesterday given me by 
Mr. Bill, with a request that I would transmit it to Con- 
gress. He appears much hurt in being omitted in the 
arrangements of officers intended for the regiment lately 
ordered to be raised in this Colony; and I sincerely wish 
he had less reason to think himself neglected. He is a fine, 
spirited young gentleman, of one or two and twenty, of an 
ancient and once opulent family in this Colony. His con- 
nexions are extensive in the County, and he seems to 
possess that generous kind of ambition so essential to the 
character of a good officer. What renders his case the 
more unfortunate is, that he is almost the only one of his 
family who has discovered any great degree of ardour in the 
American cause. His promotion would have contributed 
as much to increase their zeal as his being laid aside may 
tend to diminish it. Nor is this the only instance in which 
that arrangement has given disgust: among others, Mr. 
Cortlandt, whose family is not only very numerous, but also 
respectable and wealthy, entered the service last year as 
Lieutenant-Colonel ; he has done the like this year. Mr. 
Dubois entered the service last year as a Captain, and this 
year Captain Dubois is made to command Lieutenant-Co- 
lonel Cortlandt. Appointments like these pay ill eompli- 
ments to those who are thus (as they think unjustly) super- 
seded, and therefore have an unhappy tendeney to drive 
them into a sullen indifference about Congressional mea- 
sures. 

I am, sir, with great respect, the Congress’s and your 
most obedient servant, 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


JoHN Jay. 


JOHN JAY TO EDWARD RUTLEDGE. 
New-York, July 6, 1776. 

Dear Ruttepee: Your friendly letter found me so en- 
gaged by plots, conspiracies, and chimeras dire, that, though 
I thanked you for it in my heart, I had not time to tell you 
so, either in person or by letter. Your ideas of men and 
things {to speak mathematically) run, for the most part, pa- 
rallel with my own; and I wish Governour Tryon and the 
devil had not prevented my joining you on the occasion you 
mentioned. How long I may be detained here is uncertain ; 
but I see little prospect of returning to you for a month or 
two yet to come. We have a Government, you know, to 
form; and God only knows what it will resemble. Our 
politicians, like some guests at a feast, are perplexed and 
undetermined which dish to prefer. Our affairs in Canada 
have lately become much the subject of animadversion ; and 
the miscarriages in that country are, with little reserve, im- 
puted to the inattention of the Congress. Indeed, there is 
reason to believe that certain military gentlemen who reaped 
no laurels there, are among the patrons of that doctrine. It 
is to me amazing that a strict inquiry has not been made 
into the behaviour of those under whose direction we have 
met with nothing but repeated losses m that country. Nor 
is the publick silent with respect to the mactivity of the fleet ; 
and reports have gone abroad that the Admiral has refused 
to comply with. the orders of Congress relative to the can- 
non taken at Providence. Ill tell you a pretty story of 
Wooster. While he was smoking his pipe in the suburbs 
of Quebeck, he took it into bis head that he might do won- 
ders with a fire-ship; and, with an imagination warmed by 
the blaze of the enemy’s vessels, sent for a New-York cap- 
tain, who, it seems, understood the business of fire-ship build- 
ing. Under the strongest injunctions of secrecy, he com- 
municated to him the important plan, and ordered him to 
get the ship in readiness with all the despatch and privacy 
in his power, wisely observing, that if the enemy should get 
any intelligence of his design, they would carry their vessels 
out of the way of his fire-ship. The captain accordingly 
set about preparing the materials, &c., necessary for the ex- 
ploit which was to heroize his General. Some short time 
after, Wooster was informed that the time for which the 


Al 


York troops were inlisted would expire in a day or two. 
He issued orders for them to parade at a certain time and 
place, and informed them that he would then and there make 
a speech to them, and a Ciceronean speech it was. 

“ My lads,” says he, “I find your time is almost out, and 
may be some of you think on going; but surely you won’t 
leave me now; you must try and stay a little longer Don’t 
think that Iam laying here doing nothing. No, no; you 
shall see a fine sight soon. I am busy building a fire-ship ; 
and as soon as she is ready, we'll burn all their vessels up.” 
Cetera desunt. 

The York troops, allured by the promise of a feu de joie, 
staid, and were disappointed. Some renegade Frenchmen 
remembered the speech, and told it as a secret to Governour 
Carleton. ‘The vessels were put out of harm’s way, and the 
Connecticut Alexander lost his passage in a fire-ship to the 
temple of fame. 

My compliments to Messrs. Braxton, Eynch, and such 
others as I esteem, of which number rank yourself, my dear 
Ned, among the first. 


Believe me to be sincerely yours, Joun Jay. 


COLONEL WEISSENFELS TO LORD STIRLING. 
July 6, 1776. 
My Lorn: Captain Hutchins has refused to assist me in 
quelling the mutiny in his company. I have frequently ad- 
vised him not to put himself on the level with his men ; but 
he continues to do so, which is the cause of his not exer- 
cising authority in a becoming manner. He is guilty of 
many things which I wish to waive, and hope he will behave 
in a respectful manner to your Lordship, so as to entitle him 
to your favour. 
With great respect, your most obedient servant, 
Freperick WEISSENFELS. 


New-York, July 6, 1776. 

Captain Maston, late of the snow Dickinson, belonging 
to Philadelphia, arrived there the 2d instant, from Bristol, 
but last from the West-Indies. He sailed from that place 
last February, bound for Nantz ; but the mate, assisted by 
the crew, seized and confined the Captain on the coast of 
Portugal, and then altered their course for London. The 
southerly winds driving them into Bristol Channel, they 
arrived at Bristol, the Sth of April, when the mate pro- 
posed to set off immediately for London, with all the letters 
and papers on board, for the inspection of Government. 
The vessel was detained at Bristol, till the determination of 
Government concerning her should be known. 

.A large number of Tories in Monmouth County, New- 
Jersey, having taken up arms on purpose to assist the 
Ministerial Army on their arrival in that Province, have en- 
camped in a cedar swamp near that place. A detachment 
of Colonel Miles’s battalion are ordered to disperse and 
disarm them. 

Yesterday afternoon arrived the first division of the Con- 
necticut forces, commanded by the Honourable Brigadier- 
Generals Waterbury and Wadsworth, and this day the re- 
mainder are expected to arrive, being in the whole five thou- 
sand, well equipped and disciplined. 

The fleet from Halifax arrived at Sandy-Hook on Satur- 
day, June 29, to the amount of one hundred and thirteen 
sail. It is difficult, from their situation, to ascertain their 
number ; but we suppose it does not exceed one hundred and 
thirty sail. Monday it came up into Yakes’s Bay, below 
the Narrows ; Tuesday, several ships came to at the Water- 
ing Place; Wednesday, more followed; and by Thursday 
noon, the whole fleet was at anchor in a line from Kill Van 
Kull to Simonson’s Ferry, on the east side of Staten-Island. 
The Asva brought up the rear of the fleet, and in the Nar- 
rows was fired at from a small battery on Long-Island, which 
compliment was returned by about forty 24-pounders, one of 
which lodged in the wall of the house of Mr. Bennet, but 
did no hurt to the family; and three shot had near done much 
mischief to the house and family of Mr. Denyse’ Denyse, one 
of them narrowly missing the kitchen, wherein was a num- 
ber of the family; a second struck the barn, and the third 
destroyed much of the fence of the garden opposite the front 
door of the mansion-house. ; 

Part of the.army is now encamped on Staten-Island, and 
we have not the least reason to doubt, will endeavour to secure 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


42 


the north side thereof by intrenchments, whilst the shipping 
protects the other parts of it. 

As soon as the troops landed, they paraded the north 
shore, and on Wednesday morning made their appearance 
near Elizabethtown Point; but the country being soon 
alarmed, they retreated, took up the floor of the drawbridge 
in the Salt Meadows, and immediately threw up some works. 

Their near approach to Elizabethtown Point greatly 
alarmed the inhabitants of Essex County, and particularly 
the people of Elizabethtown and Newark ; but they are now 
in a condition to receive them whenever they may think 
proper to approach. 

Two young men from Elizabethtown crossed the river in 
a canoe last Thursday, and fired upon the Regulars; but a 
number of them rushed out of the woods, and they were 
obliged to retreat and cross the river again. 

We hear two men-of-war now lie near Amboy, in order, 
it is supposed, to stop all navigation that way. 

Yesterday, seven seamen, belonging to the Killingsworth 
transport, of seven hundred tons, was brought to town from 
Long-Island, having deserted the ship the night before. 
They say the number of soldiers with the fleet is about eight 
thousand five hundred, who are all encamped; and that 
many of the seamen intended to desert the fleet when an 
opportunity presented. 

Last Wednesday night, the Captain of a transport, and 
four of his men, were taken at the Narrows, and brought to 
town. ‘They were looking for a boat that had gone adrift ; 
and going too near the shore, were taken by the riflemen. 


H. GLEN TO COLONEL DAYTON. 
Schenectady, July 6, 1776. 
Sir: By Captains Lansing and Wolcott you will receive 
a quantity of stores for engineers, directed to Mr. Hubbell, 
and the ordnance, under the care of a party of the-train. 

I have yesterday sent off sixty barrels of pork in fifteen 
wagons, as I am apprehensive you will want it sooner than 
I will be able to send it by boats. I am as yet scant of 
them, hoping it may be with you sooner than this can. I 
have given the Captains of the batteau-men directions to 
follow your further orders, and to be punctual in obeying 
them as such. You will please send them back here, or as 
many as you can spare, as here is a quantity of provisions 
more to go up. I have written to Major Fonda to send six 
batteau loads of flour to you, as [ had no more boats here 
to forward. I am, sir, your humble servant, He Gudik 


To Colonel Dayton, commanding German Flats. 


H. GLEN TO MAJOR FONDA. 

Schenectady, July 6, 1776. 
Dear Sir: As I have no more batteaus here at present 
than are wanted to forward the stores I was to send first, and 
am confident Colonel Dayton will want flour, I must beg 
you will forward to him six batteau loads, or as many bat- 
taus as you can, should you not have six. Let the men that 
go up be engaged to go as far as Stanwix, should Colonel 
Dayton want them that far. I shall pay you for all ex- 
penses for boats, hire, and men, that may accrue. General 
Schuyler expected that I would have been able to have empty 
boats from here for flour, but I have scarcely enough for 
what was intended first to be sent. Let me hear from you 
if you can send the boats, as by your silence I shall expect 

you sent them. I am, dear sir, yours, Xc., Hoctro 


To Major Fonda, Caughnawaga. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 11, 1776.] 
Lebanon, July 6, 1776. 


Sir: Your letters, enclosing the resolves of Congress of 
the 17th, 19th, 24th, and 25th of June last, have been duly 
received since the recess of the General Assembly. 

The ancient laws of this Colony enable the Colonels of 
the respective regiments of Militia to call out their regiments 
upon any alarm, invasion, or appearance of an enemy, by 
sea or land, giving notice to the Captain, General, or Com- 
mander-in-Chief for the time being, of the occasion thereof. 
This, with a general order to the Colonels of the Militia 


43 


regiments to call out their regiments upon notice of any 
invasion by sea or land from General Washington, or the 
Commander-in-Chief for the time being, and to march to 
his assistance, may supersede the necessity of any new regu- 
lation in respect to the Militia: at least until the next meeting 
of the Assembly. It is very inconvenient for them to come 
together at this busy season. 

The resolve of the 19th of June, providing for clothing 
the troops in future, will be carefully attended to, and timely 
intelligence given of the quantities that may be obtained. 

There has been nothing done towards inlisting the Mohe- 
gan Indians into Continental service ; and, in obedience to 
the resolve of Congress, of the 24th of June, that measure 
will be laid aside entirely. 

An act passed the General Assembly in December last, for 
restraining and punishing persons inimical to the liberties of 
this and the rest of the United Colonies, in which the trea- 
sons mentioned in the resolve of Congress of the 24th of 
June, are provided against; the real estate of persons that 
have or shall fly to, and put themselves under the protection 
of, the British fleet or army, are made liable to seizure; and 
by another act of the Assembly in June last, the personal 
estates of such refugees are ordered to be seized, sold, and 
the avails paid into the publick treasury; and several other 
regulations are established to prevent mischief and danger 
from persons inimical. 

The laws of this Colony subject every person who shall 
counterfeit or alter any bills of publick credit current in this 
Colony, to imprisonment in our prison in the copper mines 
at Symsbury, at the discretion of the Superior Court, not 
exceeding the term of ten years. ‘The Continental bills have 
been current in this Colony. One person was tried upon an 
indictment for altering some of those bills before the Supe- 
rior Court in March last, and, upon conviction, was sentenced 
to be imprisoned in Newgate; since which, the General 
Assembly, in May last, enacted that the Continental bills 
should be current in all payments at the treasury of this 
Colony; so that they are now placed, in every respect, on 
an equal footing with the bills of publick credit of this 
Colony. 

The battalions of Militia now are marching to join the 
Army at New-York, and in the Northern Department will 
provide themselves with suitable clothes; camp equipage is 
ordered to be provided for them by the General Assembly; 
tents we shall endeavour to provide, but fear they will be 
procured with great difficulty, if at all. 

I am, with sincerity and regard, sir, your most obedient 


humble servant, 
JonaTHAN TRUMBULL. 


To the Honourable President Hancock. 


P.S. I have sent orders to the Colonels of Militia to- 
wards New-York, to attend the call and order of General 
Washington, and give him notice of it. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 11, 1776.] 

Lebanon, July 6, 1776. 
sir: I received your favour of the 30th of April ultimo, 
enclosing the resolve of Congress of the 29th of April, re- 
questing that a sum of hard money might be collected and 
sent to General Schuyler ; which was immediately attended 
* to, and the sum of eighteen hundred pounds procured and 
sent to the Paymaster-General for the Northern Department. 
The expense of transporting the same to Albany amounts to 
the sum of twenty-four pounds two shillings and six pence, 
as you will see by an account thereof which will be laid 

before you by the Delegates for this Colony. 

I have drawn on you for the money procured, and the 
charges of transporting to Albany, in favour of Roger Sher- 
man and Samuel Huntington, Esqs., two of our Delegates in 
Congress, which, I make no doubt, will be duly honoured. 

{ am, with great truth and regard, sir, your most obedient 
and very humble servant, JONATHAN 'T’RUMBULL. 


To the Honourable President Hancock. 


The Thirteen United Eneutsu Colonies in America to the 
Colony of Connecticut, Dr. 

1776—June 19. To cash for eighteen hundred pounds in 

hard money paid to the Paymaster-General of the North- 

ern Department at Albany, - - - - £1800 00 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


44 


To Captain John Chenevard’s bill for trans- 
porting the same from Hartford to Albany, £24 2 6 


£1824 26 


1776—July 6. Errors excepted. 
JONATHAN TRUMBULL, G'overnour. 
Lebanon, July 6, 1776. 
Sir: Pay to Roger Sherman and Samuel Huntington, 
Esgqs., the sum of eighteen hundred and twenty-four pounds 
two shillings and six pence, lawful money, for eighteen hun- 
dred pounds hard mouey procured by the Colony of Con- 
necticut, and paid to the Paymaster-General for the Northern 
Department at Albany, agreeably to a resolve of Congress of 
the 29th of April ultimo, and charges of transporting the 
same to Albany, and their receipt shall discharge the United 
Colonies from any demand of the Colony of Connecticut on 
account for said hard money supplied as aforesaid. 
In behalf of the Colony of Connecticut, I am, sir, your 
obedient humble servant, JONATHAN TRUMBULL. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


Philadelphia, July 12, A. D. 1776. 
Received of President Hancock his order of this date, 
drawn on the Continental Treasurers for six thousand and 
eighty dollars and five-twelfths of a dollar, on account and 
in full of the within order. 
SamueL Huntineton, for self and 
Rocer SHERMAN. 


The Colony of Connecticut, for transporting £1800 in 
specie from Treasurer's Office to JonatHan TRuMBULL, 
Jun., Esq., in AvBany, to Joun Cuenevarn, Dr. 


1776.—June 17. To two yards of bagging 


To oats, &c., twenty miles this side Albany, 
To dinners, &c., eight miles ditto,- - - - 
To ferriages, &c., taking care of wagon, &c., 
June 21. To Mr. Vernon’s bill while at -Al- 

Dani, lees he ee te Rees ore 
To Mr. Valken, dinners, &c., - - - - - 
June 22. To Guy Sharp’s bill,- - - - - 
To Wiliam Jackson's bill, - - - - -. - 
To Mr. Younglove, - - - - - - - - 
To Mr. Dewey, stop in the rain, --- - - 
June 23. 'To Captain Watson,- - - - - 
To Mri Rockwell 2 = = a er 
To Dudley Case,- -.- - - - - - - 
To John Chenevard’s time, eight days, at 6s., 
To ditto for his horse one hundred miles, at 4s., 
To William Nichols’s time, seven days, at 6s., 
To ditto for his horse one hundred miles, at 4s., 
To Joseph Flagg’s time, seven days, at 6s., - 
To ditto for his horse one hundred miles, at 4s., 
To Daniel Olcott’s time, seven days, at 6s., - 
To ditto for his horse one hundred miles, at 4s., 


cloth, at 2s.3d. - - £ 6 
To paid making ditto into bags, - - - - 0 
June 19, paid Dudley Case per bill, - - - 10 
To John Wright, per bill, - - - - - - 2 
June 18. To Captain Titus Watson, - - - 0 
To Captain Whitney, - - - - - - - 4 
To Mr. Younglove, - - - - - - - - 3 
To Mr. McKinstry, - -°- - - - - - 3 
June 19. To Guy Sharp, - - - - - 12 3 

4 
5 
0 


— 
alrornononoavnrSsS6oSooar 


— 


—_ 
DOL WNWAWANWWwWNWWOWWUMOOURWOOMD OAK nwonante ALP 
—_ 


mor wornwnornwnoooecoocococw ceoococoeoococeso 


— 


£24 
Errors Excepted. 


Joun CHENEVARD. 


Received, Albany, June 19, A. D. 1776, from the Trea- 
surer of the Colony of Connecticut, per hands of Captain 
John Chenevard, eighteen hundred pounds lawful money of 
Connecticut, in specie; forwarded from said Colony agree- 
able to desire from the honourable Continental Congress for 
the use of the Continental Army in Canada; which sum I 
promise to apply to said purpose and account accordingly, 
having signed duplicate therefor. 

Received per JonatHan TruMBULL, Jun., 

Northern Department. 


45 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 11, 1776.] 
Lebanon, July 6, 1776. 
Sin: Yesterday I received your favour of the 29th June, 
ultimo, with the enclosed copy of the resolve of Congress, 
to which I shall attend, and will send as soon as can be 
obtained an account of the cannon left at New-London by 
Commodore Hopkins, their number, size, bore, and weight ; 
and also an account of the other cannon there. 
I am, with great truth and regard, sir, your obedient hum- 
ble servant, JonaTHaNn TRUMBULL. 


To the Honourable President Hancock. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 11, 1776.] 
Lebanon, July 6, 1776. 
Sir: I received your letter of the 24th June, ultimo, 
enclosing the resolution of Congress with respect to Govern- 
our Franklin. He has given his parole in writing. I have 
thought proper to assign Wallingford to be the place for his 
residence. 
I am, most respectfully, sir, your most obedient humble 
servant, JonaTHaN ‘TRUMBULL. 


To the Honourable President Hancock. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Lebanon, July 6, 1776. 

Sir: I this day wrote to the Continental Congress, “that 
the ancient laws of this Colony enable the Colonels of 
the Militia to call out their respective regiments upon any 
alarm, invasion, or appearance of an enemy, by sea or land, 
giving notice to the Captain-General or Commander-in- 
Chief for the time being, of the occasion thereof. ‘This, with 
a general order to them to call out their regiments upon 
notice from General Washington, or the Commander-in- 
Chief for the time being, to march to his assistance, may 
supersede the necessity of any new regulation in respect to 
the Militia, at least until the next Assembly, as it is very 
inconvenient for them to come together at this busy season.” 
By this post general orders are accordingly given to Colonel 
Jonathan Fitch, of New-Haven, commander of the Second 
regiment of Militia; to Ichabod Lewis, of Stratford, Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel of the Fourth, Colonel Stliiman being absent in 
the service at New-York; to John Mead, of Greenwich or 
Horseneck, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Ninth, Colonel Webb 
being with you; to Benjamin Hinman, of Woodbury, Col- 
onel of the Thirteenth; and to Joseph Plat Cooke, of Dan- 
bury, Colonel of the Sixteenth. These are the field officers 
present in the several regiments next towards New- York, 
on whom you may call when needful. 

Our battalions are raising with all possible diligence, and 
will soon march to the places of their several destinations. 
Many have marched for New-York, and the rest will soon 
follow. And the three regiments of Lighthorse mentioned 
in my last, I hear are moving on fast. 

An extraordinary bounty is given to the two battalions 
raising for the Northern Department ; it will be attended with 
difficulty to alter their destination. ‘The Continental bat- 
talion destined to Boston, under Colonel Ward, and the 
other battalion, raised in May last, for the defence of this 
and the neighbouring Colonies, it will be hard to send to 
the northward, which hath lately been moved to me from 
Congress; this last is probably now at your camp at New- 
York. Will it not be best to send in their room a battalion 
who have had the small-pox, and to order Colonel Ward to 
Boston, as destined at first, instead of sending thither any 
other of our battalions, who have already begun their march 
for New-York? Probably not one in twenty of our men 
have ever had that distemper, when the New- York, Jersey, 
and Pennsylvania men have generally passed through it. 

Our intelligence from Crown-Point is, that the infection 
is very great in our retreating army. ‘This distemper strikes 
a greater dread in our men who have not had it, than the 
British troops. Cannot measures be taken to cleanse the 
army, and, in the mean time, keep the infected from those 
who are not? I have provided two companies of ship car- 
penters, twenty-five in each company, who will march next 
week, and carry their tools with them, to go to that work at 
Crown-Point ; but few of them have ever passed through 
that distemper. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


46 


I hear from Captain Niles, that there are four thousand 
head of neat cattle on Montauk-Point, on Long-Island, 
great part of them good beef cattle, fit for slaughter. We 
have ordered the stock of cattle, sheep, and swine, from 
Fisher’s Island. Many of both cattle and sheep are fit for 
the use of the Army, and ordered accordingly. Is it not best 
that you procure those at Montauk likewise, and prevent 
their being used to feed the enemy ? 

I am, with great truth and regard, sir, your most obedient 
humble servant, JONATHAN TRUMBULL. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


COMMITTEE ON PRISONERS. 
Hartford, July 6, 1776. 
Colony of Connecricut, ss: 

In Committee for ordering Prisoners stationed in this Co- 
lony, it is 

Resolved and Ordered, That no Prisoner under the care 
of this Committee, not enlarged on parole, may go out of 
the Parish wherein such Prisoner is stationed, without a per- 
mit in writing, under the hand of one or more of this Com- 
mittee, or the person under whose care he is or shall be 
placed, and not exceed the limits prescribed in such permit, 
on pain of imprisonment. 

And itis further Resolved, That it is the opinion of this 
Committee, it will be improper and unsafe to employ said 
Prisoners in making Firearms, Gunpowder, casting Can- 
non, Cannonball, or in erecting Fortifications. 

And it is recommended to all the Towns in this Colony, 
in which Prisoners are stationed, to set a watch to guard the 
avenues into and out of their respective Towns, said watch 
to be set at or before nine of the clock in the evening, and 
to continue through the night, for the purpose of preserving 
peace and order in such Towns, and for preventing the con- 
veying intelligence prejudicial to the liberties of America. 

Per order of the Committee: 

Jesse Root, Chairman. 


Boston, July 6, 1776. 

We learn from Halifax, by a person who left that place 
this day three weeks, that the troops General Howe left 
there were supposed to be about fifteen hundred, mostly Ma- 
rines, and the Regiment of Lighthorse (which lately were 
wantonly tutored in a house of God in this town) was at 
Windsor, waiting for General Howe to get foothold at New- 
York, when they were to follow, and march (or gallop) 
through this Continent; that they were busily employed in 
fortifying Citadel-Hill and other places, being under appre- 
hension of an attack; that Brigadier Ruggles and son from 
Hardwick, William Tyng, formerly High-Sheriff, John 
Hicks, and John Howe, Printers, were gone volunteers with 
General Howe, and a number of others, which our informant 
could not recollect. 

We also learn from Halifax, that when the New- York 
Tories arrived there, they applied to General Efowe for sub- 
sistence; but were informed that, unless they took up arms 
in defence of Government, they could have no relief; when 
some of them voluntarily entered the service, and others, 
through necessity, were obliged to; and that the fourth day 
after their inlistment, they, together with the Baston Tories, 
were ordered to dig in the Coal Mines at Nova-Scotia, where 
we hope they may remain during life—a proper shelter 
for all the Tories in America. 


NEHEMIAH ESTABROOK TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE ASSEMBLY. 


Province of New-Hampshire, Lebanon, July 6, 1776. 

May 17 PLease your Honours: The necessitous and 
alarming circumstances the inhabitants are under in these 
infant and frontier towns, since the Army have retreated 
to Crown Point, out of the Province of Canada, leaving a 
large extent of our frontiers open to the ravages of the 
savage Indians, being almost destitute of arms and ammuni- 
tion, and many of our inhabitants leaving their houses and 
fields a prey to our enemies, we humbly trust your Honours 
will compassionate and afford us such relief as you in your 
wisdom shall judge necessary, from time to time, especially 
at this present time. We would inform your Honours that 
the Committees of several of the adjacent towns met together 


47 


and agreed to raise three hundred men, to build garrisons, 
and scout for our defence, as you will see by a copy of the 
proceedings of said Committee, which I send you here en- 
closed. But as we are destitute of arms, ammunition, and 
money, we are fearful it will in a great measure prove abor- 
tive, and this only alternative left us: either to make our 
escape into the lower towns, or fall a sacrifice to our enemies. 


LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 
Wednesday, June 5, 1776. 

Present: the Honourable Meshech Weare, Matthew Thorn- 
ton, Nathaniel Folsom, Ebenezer Thompson, Jonathan 
Blanchard, and Benjamin Giles, Esquires. 

Adjourned till to-morrow, at nine o’clock, A. M. 

Thursday, June 6, 1776. 

Present as yesterday, with the addition of Wyseman Cla- 
gett, Esq.; and Samuel Ashley, Esq., who this day first took 
his seat at the Board. 

Mr. Clough brought from the House a Vote appointing a 
Committee to join a Committee of the Board to consult 
what business is necessary immediately to be entered on ; 
which was read and concurred; and Mr. Thornton, Mr. 
Folsom, and the Secretary, added by the Board. 


Mr. Cutts brought up a Vote for a Committee to join a 
Committee, to consider the Petition of Richard Emms and 
others, which was concurred, and Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Giles, 


and Mr. Ashley, added by the Board. 


Captain Long brought up a Vote for allowing Richard 
Emms, a prisoner here, £20 for his subsistence, and also for 
his liberty to take passage for the West-Indies ; which was 
read and concurred. 

Also a Vote for giving John Brazee and James Taylor, 
two prisoners, leave to take passage for the West-Indies ; 
which was read and concurred. 


A Vote brought up for paying the Roll of Captain Eb- 
enezer Dearing, amounting to £99 1s. 74d., which was 
read and concurred. 


Mr. Clough brought up a Vote for paying the Account of 
Captain John Calfe for countersigning money, amounting 
to £2 11s. 11d.; which was read and concurred. 


A Vote paying two Rolls of Captain Titus Salter’s 
Company, from the 17th of March to the 17th of May, 
amounting to £773 15s. 1d., brought up, read and concur- 
red. 

Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 

Friday, June 7, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Colonel David Gilman brought up a Vote directing 
Quartermaster Gaznes to supply him, the said Colonel Gl- 
man, with Powder to blow the rocks out of the fort building 
at New-Castle, which was read and concurred. 

Mr. Clough brought up a Vote for one John Griffith, a 
soldier, to receive wages out of the Treasury from the time 
he was rendered incapable of doing his duty until the time 
of his discharge, which was read and concurred. 

Resolved, That Nicholas Gilman, Esq., Treasurer and 
Receiver-General of this Colony, be, and hereby is, fully 
authorized and empowered to receive and take in all those 
paper Bills of Credit, emitted on the credit of said Colony, 
bearing interest, and so pay such interest to the time of such 
exchange, and charge the amount of said interest in his ac- 
count with said Colony ; and that said ‘Treasurer give notice 
of this order as soon as may be. Sent down for concurrence ; 
which was brought up concurred. 


A Vote was brought up appointing George Gains and 
Wilham Treferrin a Committee to procure and transport 
Cannon, Powder, &c., from Boston; which was read and 
concurred. 

Vote for George Gains to receive out of the Treasury 
£400, to be by him accounted for, brought up, read and 
concurred. 

Vote for Samuel Roby to receive out of the Treasury 
£1 10s. 8d., for wages in Captain William Prescott’s Com- 
pany, being omitted in said Prescott’s Roll by mistake, 
brought up, read, and concurred. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, JUNE, 1776. 


48 


We therefore pray your Honours would afford us immediate 
relief in the premises, as it is of the utmost importance to us 
all. And we shall, as in duty bound, ever pray. 
In behalf of the Committee: 
Neuemran Estasroox, Chairman. 
To the Honourable Assembly of the Province of New- 
Hampshire. 


Vote appointing a Committee to procure Gold and Silver 
to send to Canada for the use of the ‘Troops, then brought 
up, read and concurred, and Mr. Thornton and Mr. Folsom 
added by the Board. 

Vote for allowing and paying to John Hunter £4 13s., 
for so much Paper Money belonging to him casually de- 
stroyed, brought up, read and concurred. 

A Vote appointing a Committee to examine into the cause 
or ground of a complaint exhibited to the Court by several 
soldiers against Captain John Parker, brought up, read and 
concurred. Mr. Folsom and Mr. Blanchard added. 

Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock, A. M.. . 

Saturday, June 8, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

A Vote to build a Bridge at New-Castle, and appointing a 
Committee to report the most proper place for erecting the 
same, brought up, read and concurred, with this amend- 
ment, ‘That Mr. Ashley and Mr. Giles be joined to the Com- 
mittee of the House, to repair to New-Castle and view all 
the proposed places for erecting a bridge there, and also the 
old bridge there, and report their opinion relative to the 
whole matter as soon as may be. 

Upon reading the Petition of Hugh Tollant, 

Voted, That the Committee of the Town of Pelham be 
directed forthwith to use their utmost endeavours to protect 
the said Hugh Tollant from the violence of any or every 
person, on his body or estate, until there can be an oppor- 
tunity for some civil Magistrate to take cognizance of his 
complaint. And also whenever any process may issue from 
a civil authority, that they use their endeavours to apprehend 
any persons accused, that there may be an impartial inquiry 
and justice done; and that in this day of publick calamity 
and distress, they would assist their brethren in the Colony 
to keep peace and good order in the same. 


Vote appointing a Committee to name persons to be ap- 
pointed Field-Officers for the Continental Battalion to be 
raised here, brought up, read, and concurred, and Mr. Thorn- 
ton, Mr. Folsom, and the Secretary, joined. 


Vote appointing a Committee to draw a plan for carrying 
into execution the Report of the Committee on the com- 
plaint against Captain John Parker, brought up, read, and 
concurred, and Mr. Thornton and Mr. Giles added. 


Adjourned till Monday next, three o’clock, P. M. 
at Monday, June 10, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Several of the Members being on Committees, adjourned 
ull to-morrow morning, eight o’clock, A. M. 

Tuesday, June 11, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

A Vote appointing Mr. Walker, Mr. Prescott, and Mr. 
Lovewell, with such as the Board should join, a Committee 
to examine all Accounts laid in against the Colony, and 
report thereon; which was read, and Mr. Hurd, Mr. Joseph 
Gilman, and Mr. John Taylor Gilman, added by the Board 


after concurrence. 


Vote for paying Dr. Isaac Thom £3 5s. 10d., for Medi- 
cines, and attendance on John Simpson and John Foster, 
soldiers wounded in Bunker-Hill battle, brought up, read, 
and concurred. 


Vote appointing Mr. Walker, Mr. Patten, and Mr. Smith, 
a Committee to frame and present to the House sundry Bills, 
brought up, read and concurred, and Mr. Thornton, Mr. 
Clagett, and Mr. Giles, added. 

Vote for paying James Aiken 60s. for a coat lost by him 


in the Bunker-Hill battle, brought up; which was read and 
concurred. 


49 


Vote for paying Joseph Greeley £6 2s. for nursing his 
son wounded in Bunker-Hill battle, brought up, read and 
concurred. 

Form of a Commission for the Chief-Justice of this Colo- 
ny, brought up, read, and concurred. 

A Vote appointing Samuel Cutts, Timothy Walker, and 
John Dudley, a Committee, with such as the Board should 
join, to make a draught ofa Declaration of the General Assem- 
bly for Independence of the United Colonies on Great Bri- 
tain, brought up, read, and concurred, with this amendment, 
that the Committee prepare a draught, setting forth the sen- 
timents and opinions of the Council and Assembly of this 
Colony relative to the United Colonies forming themselves 
into independent States, in order that, when passed, the same 
may be transmitted to our Delegates at the Continental 
Congress ; and that Messrs. Hurd, Clagett, and the Secre- 
tary, be added to the Committee. 


Voted, That John Taylor Gilman be joined to the Com- 
mittee for examining and adjusting Accounts for and against 
this Colony, in the room of Captain John Emery, who is 
gone out of the Colony. 


The President made out an Order for Samuel Ashley, Esq., 
to receive out of the Treasury £3 5s., for thirteen days’ ser- 
vice in Committee of Safety, before the 17th of November, 
1775. 

Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 


Wednesday, June 12, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

A Vote brought up, appointing James Hackett Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel and David Copp Major, of the Continental 
Battalion to be raised here ; which was read and concurred, 
with this amendment, that James Hackett, Esq., Thomas 
Tash, Esq., and David Copp, Esq., be nominated to the 
honourable Continental Congress as the persons recom- 
mended by this Colony to be appointed Colonel and Major 
of the Continental Battalion ordered to be raised here. 


The President made out an Order in favour of Colonel 
Bartlett for £6 5s., for twenty-five days’ service in Com- 
mittee of Safety, before the 17th of November, 1775. 


A Vote appointing a Committee to confer upon the mode 
of raising the Battalion lately ordered to be raised in this 
State, brought up, read, and concurred; and Mr. Folsom, 
Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Ashley, and the Secretary, added. 


Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 


; : Thursday, June 13, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 
A Vote for raising a Battalion in pursuance of a Resolu- 
tion of the Continental Congress, brought up, read, and con- 
curred. 


Vote for a Committee to join such as the Board should 
appoint to nominate sixteen persons, eight of whom to have 
orders to raise men for the Continental Battalion, brought 
up, read, and concurred; and Mr. Thornton, Mr. Folsom, 
Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Clagett, Mr. Giles, Mr. Ashley, and 
the Secretary, added by the Board. 


Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 


Friday, June 14, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Vote for a Committee to join a Committee of the Board 
to nominate Officers for a Regiment to be raised to march 
into Canada, brought up, read, and concurred; and Mr. 
eben: Mr. Folsom, Mr. Blanchard, and the Secretary, 
added. 


The remainder of this day spent in a Committee of both 
Houses. 


Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 
Saturday, June 15, 1776. 

Voted, That a Bounty of 40s., lawful money, over and 
above the £3 voted the 12th of January last, as a price for 
Guns, be now given for all good new Firearms manufactured 
in this Colony and delivered within one month from this 
date; 30s. Bounty for a second month, commencing at the 
expiration of the first month; and 20s. for a third month, 
being of the size, dimensions, and delivered agreeable to the 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, JUNE, 1776. 


4 


50 


aforesaid vote of the 12th of January last; the said Bounty 
to be paid as the price is therein directed to be paid. Sent 
down for concurrence ; and was sent back from the House 
non-concurred. 


Adjourned till Monday next, three o’clock, P. M. 


4 . Monday, June 17, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 
Vote for paying the Account of Daniel Fowle, for Print- 
ing for the Colony, amounting to £5 14s., brought up, read, 
and concurred. 


Vote for a Committee to consider the expediency of letting 
the ‘Town of Chesterfield have Powder out of the Publick 
Magazine, brought up, read, and concurred, and Mr. Blanch- 


ard, Mr. Ashley, and Mr. Giles, added. 
Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 


: , Tuesday, June 18, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 
Vote for the Selectmen of Chesterfield to have out of the 
publick store half a barrel of Gunpowder, brought up, read, 
and concurred. 


Vote for reconsidering a vote for raising two Battalions 
immediately in this Colony, passed the 15th instant, brought 
up, read, and concurred. 


Vote appointing James Hackett Colonel, Joseph Senter 
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Stephen Peabody Major, of the 
Regiment to be raised for Canada, brought up, read, and 
concurred. 


Vote appointing a Committee to join such as the Board 
should appoint, to consult about a proper method of sending 
to General Schuyler the hard money requested by Congress 
to be sent to him, brought up, read, and concurred, and Mr. 


Thornton, Mr. Wentworth, and Mr. Thompson, added. 


Vote appointing John Drew, James Hadlock, William 
Harper, Joseph Dearborn, James Shepard, Augustus 
Blanchard, Samuel Weatherbee, and Joseph Parker, Cap- 
tains to command the eight Companies for the Canada 
Expedition, brought up, read, and concurred. 


Vote for paying Jonathan Dearborn 12s. for going express 
on publick business from Chester to Concord, brought up, 
read, and concurred, and warrant made out. 


Vote appointing John Dudley and Pierce Long and John 
Smith a Committee to join such as the Board should join, 
to give out Inlisting Orders to the several persons appointed 
to raise men in the Canada Regiment, make out their com- 
missions, and equip them for their march, brought up, read, 
and concurred. Mr. Hurd, Mr. Folsom, and Mr. Blanchard, 
added. 


Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 
Wednesday, June 19, 1776. 

Vote appointing the following persons Muster and Pay- 
masters, viz: Colonel Walker for Captain Shepard’s Com- 
pany, Colonel Baker for Captain Drew’s Company, Cap- 
tain Worthen for Captain Hadlock’s Company, John Dud- 
ley, Esq., for Captain Dearborn’s Company, Deacon Nahum 
Baldwin for Captain Blanchard’s Company, Mr. Elyah 
Grant for Captain Weatherbee’s Company, brought up, read, 
and concurred. . 


Vote for Beryamin Giles, Esq., and James Betton, Esq., 
to receive out of the Treasury £30 to pay their expenses 
to Albany, brought up, read, and concurred. 

Vote for the Colonel and other Officers of the Militia to 
be aiding and assisting the Officers appointed to raise the 
Regiment for Canada, brought up, read, and concurred. 

Vote to pay the Account, as balanced, of Major John 
Bellows, amounting to £19 7s. 7d., brought up, read, and 
concurred, and warrant made out. 

Vote appointing Benjamin Giles and James Betton, Esqs., 
a Committee to carry money to General Schuyler, brought 
up, read, and concurred. 

Vote for paying the Roll of Captain Eliphalet Daniel, 
amounting to £154 12s., brought up, read, and concurred, 
and warrant made out. 


Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 


51 


Thursday, June 20, 1776. 
Vote appointing a Committee to consult about providing 
Provisions for the Canada Expedition, and several other 
matters, brought up, read, and concurred; and Mr. Thorn- 


ton, Mr. Folsom, and Mr. Thompson, added by the Board. 


Vote on the Complaints of several Committees against 
Leonard Whiting, Benjamin Whiting, Samuel Cummings, 
and Thomas Cummings, viz: that said Complaints were not 
supported, and that said persons should be acquitted ; brought 
up, read, and concurred. 

Vote to pay Benjamin Giles, Esq., and others, a Com- 
mittee to view New-Castle Bridge, their expenses, being 
£3 13s. 10d., brought up, read, and concurred, and war- 
rant made out. 


Vote appointing a Committee to consult upon the expe- 
diency of sending Money to Canada, by persons employed 
by Colonel Langdon, on business for him, brought up, read, 
and concurred, and Mr. Thornton, Mr. Folsom, and Mr. 
Ashley, added by the Board. 


Vote for paying the Account of Otis Baker, amounting 
to 20s., brought up, read, and concurred, and warrant made 
out. 

Vote of the House brought up, setting forth that Peti- 
tions had been preferred against Colonel John Hale, and the 
other Field-Officers of his Regiment, praying they might 
be dismissed, and that, after a full hearing, it appeared to 
‘the House that Colonel John Hale had exerted himself in 
the cause of his country; and no evidence appearing against 
the other Field-Officers, voted, that the Petitions be dis- 
missed ; which was read and concurred. 


Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 

; : Friday, June 21, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Vote for Otis Baker, Esq., and others, the Mustermas- 
ters appointed for the Canada Regiment, each to receive 
out of the Treasury £780, to enable them to pay the offi- 
cers and men, according to their direction, for which they 
are respectively to be accountable, brought up, read, and 
concurred. Warrants made out for each. 


Vote for Jacob Willson, to be paid 28s., for boarding and 
nursing James Winn, a sick soldier, brought up, read, and 
concurred, and warrant made out. 


Vote for Benjamin Giles and James Betton, Esquires, 
to receive out of the Treasury £20, to be accounted for by 
them, brought up, read, and concurred, and warrant made 
out. 


Vote for the Field-Officers and Staff-Officers of the Canada 
Regiment to have two months’ wages advanced them, 
brought up, read, and concurred. 


Vote for Samuel Cutts, Esq., to receive out of the Trea- 
sury £600, to be by him accounted for, brought up, read, 
and concurred, and warrant made out. 


Vote for appointing Daniel Colburn Second Major in 
‘Colonel Thornton's Regiment, brought up, read, and con- 
curred. 


Vote for paying Colonel Thornton £3 19s., for sending 
Expresses on publick business, brought up, read, and con- 
curred, and warrant made out. 


Vote for Colonel John Hurd to receive out of the Trea- 
ssury £350, to make provision at Cohos for the soldiers, he 
to be accountable therefor, brought up, read, and concurred, 
and.warrant made out. 


Vote for Captain Prentice to receive out of the Treasury 
£116, to make provision for the Troops, for which he is to 
be accountable ; brought up, read, and concurred, and warrant 
made out. 


Vote for Colonel Hurd to receive 300 pounds of Gun- 
powder, 750 pounds of Bullets, and 1200 Flints, for the 
use of the Army destined for Canada. Captain Prentice 
100 pounds of Gunpowder, 250 pounds of Bullets, and 400 
Flints. Brought up, read, and concurred ; with this amend- 
ment: that they each receive half the abovementioned 
quantities. Sent down for concurrence, and brought back 


non-concurred ; and then the first vote concurred by the 
Board. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, JUNE, 1776. 


52 


Vote for paying the Account of Nicholas Nicolle, amount- 
ing to £3 Os. 7d., brought up, read, and concurred, and war- 
rant made out. 


Vote appointing a Committee to consider of the expedi- 
ency of erecting a Bridge at New- Castle, brought up, read, 
and concurred, and Mr, Folsom, Mr. Ashley, and Mr. Hurd, 
joined by the Board. . 

Vote appointing Colonel Hurd and Captain Prentice a 
Committee to fix off the Canada Regiment, brought up, read, 
and concurred. 


Vote for a Committee to consider the Petition of Peter 
Neveau, and report thereon, brought up, read, and concur 


red, and Mr. Thornton and Mr. Blanchard added. 


Vote for paying Noah Emery, Esq., Clerk of the House, 
£4 16s., for his service in March last, brought up, read, and 
concurred, and warrant made out. 


Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 


Saturday, June 22, 1776. 
Vote for paying the Account of John Moulton, Esq., 
amounting to £33 Os. 6d., for Blacksmith’s work for the 
Cavalry; brought up, read, and concurred, with this amend- 
ment: that £25 10s. be paid, instead of the above sum ; and 
sent back for concurrence. 


Vote for paying Major Thomas Bartlett £2 9s., for haul- 
ing Cannon from Nottengham to Durham, brought up, read, 
and concurred, and warrant made out. 


Vote to pay John Shirley £2 8s., for loss sustained at 
Bunker-Hill battle, brought up, read, and concurred, and 
order made out. ' 


Vote for paying Alexander Shirley £12 11s., brought up, 
read, and concurred, and order made out. 


Vote fixing the Rendezvous of the Canada Regiment at 
Cohos, brought up, read, and concurred. 


Vote for paying the Committee of Greenland £13 8s., 
for Pine Rafts, brought up, read, and concurred, and order 
made out. 


Adjourned till Monday next, at three o’clock, P. M. 
2 Monday, June 24, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment, a number of the Members, 
but not enough to make a quorum. 


Tuesday, June 25, 1776. 
Vote fora Committee to examine the Account of Captain 
John Moulton, brought up, read, and concurred, and Mr. 
Folsom, Mr. Ashley, and Mr. Thompson, joined. 


Vote appointing a Committee to consult upon the expe- 
diency of procuring Boats for the use of the Troops at New- 
Castle, to be used in case of an alarm, brought up, read, and 
concurred, and Mr. Ashley and Mr. Hurd added by the 
Board. 


Vote for a Committee to consult upon the most proper 
method of procuring Casks to head up the Saltpetre bought 
by the State, brought up, read, and concurred, and Mr. 
Clagett and Mr. Thornton added. 


Vote brought up for paying Jonathan Blanchard, Esq., 
£1 14s. for sending an Express to Walpole on publick 


business, read and concurred, and an order made out. 


Vote for paying Ebenezer Collins 14s., Daniel Murray 
19s., Wilkam Stimpson £1 8s., Aaron Quimby £1 5s. 9d., 
for Stoppages on their Wages, unjustly made by Captain 
John Parker, brought up, read, and concurred, and war- 
rant made out. 


Vote for paying the Roll of Captain Ebenezer Dearing, 
amounting to £100 14s. 4d., from the 22d of May last to 
the 22d of June current, brought up, read, and concurred, 
and order made out. 


Vote for John Langdon, Esq., to raise a Company of 
men, to consist of forty rank and file, to be styled Light- 
Infantry, he to command them, with the rank of Colonel, 
brought up, read, and concurred. 


Vote for Deacon Baldwin to receive out of the Treasury 
£60, to pay for Guns for the Colony, he to be accountable 
therefor, brought up, read, and concurred, and warrant 
made out. 


53 


Vote for paying the Roll of Captain Titus Salter, 
amounting to £199 14s. 7d., brought up, read, and con- 
curred, and warrant made out. 

Vote for Lydia McCrellis to receive out of the ‘Treasury 
£6 13s. 6d., to pay the Doctor’s Bill in the last sickness 
of her late husband, who was a soldier, brought up, read, 
and concurred, and warrant made out. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Wednesday, June 26, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, That Mr. Thornton, Mr. Folsom, Mr. Hurd, and 
Mr. Thompson, be a Committee to examine the Account of 
Captain Titus Salter against the Colony, together with such 
as the House shall join. Sent down for concurrence. 


Vote for a Committee to consider and report their opin- 
jon on the Petition of Joseph Leigh, brought up, read, and 
concurred, and Mr. Thornton, Mr. Wentworth, and Mr. 
Ashley, added by the Board. 


Vote for a Committee to consider of the request of Colo- 
nel Hurd to have a Company of Rangers raised for a guard 
on Connecticut River, brought up, read, and concurred, and 
Mr. Thornton, Mr. Wentworth, and Mr. Folsom, added. 


Vote for Captain Titus Salter to receive out of the 
Treasury £89 3s. 93d., in full of his Account against the 
Colony, brought up, read, and concurred, and warrant made 
out. 


Whereas one Mr. John Odin, just arrived from the Con- 
tinental Congress, has presented to the Council ten thousand 
Dollars, sent by the Congress for the use of this Colony: 

Voted, That Mr. Thornton, Mr. Folsom, and Mr. Hurd, 
with such as the House shall join, be a Committee to re- 
ceive said Money, deliver it to the Treasurer, and take his 
receipt therefor. ‘Sent down for concurrence. 


Vote to pay Joseph Leigh £6 3s., for three months’ ser- 
vice as a soldier in Captain Salter’s Company, brought 
up, read, and concurred, and warrant made out. 


Vote for paying John Odin £4 12s., for bringing Money 
from Boston to Exeter for the Colony, brought up, read, 
and concurred, and warrant made out. 


Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 


Thursday, June 27, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Vote brought up for a Committee to endeavour to ex- 
change a ton of Saltpetre for Gunpowder, read and con- 
curred, and Mr. Folsom, Mr. Ashley, and Mr. Hurd, added 
by the Board. 


Vote for paying Robert Light £2 2s., for Axes for the 
Colony, brought up, read, and concurred, and warrant made 
out. 


Vote for paying the Account of Mr. John Pickering, for 
drawing Bills for the General Assembly, amounting to £5, 
brought up, read, and concurred. 


Vote for a Committee to consider the expediency of 
emitting a quantity of Bills for small change, brought up, 
read, and concurred, and Mr, Wentworth and Mr. Hurd 
joined by the Board. 


Vote appointing a Committee to consider of and report 
what business they think is necessary to be done by the 
General Assembly this session, and what wages shall be 
paid the Members of both Houses, brought up, read, and 
concurred, and Mr. Thornton, Mr. Folsom, and Mr. Thomp- 
son, added. 


Vote for allowing 6s. per day to the Members of the 
Council and of the House of Representatives for their ser- 
vices in the General Assembly; also 6s. per day to the 
Secretary, and 6s. per day to the Clerk of the House, and 
3s. per day to the Assistant Clerk, over and above their 
pay as Members, brought up, read, and concurred. 

Vote to pay Richard Champney £1 4s., for time and 


expenses to Newbury on publick business, brought up, read, 
and concurred, and warrant made out. 


Vote for sending to Colonel Samuel Folsom £300, to 


enable him to go on with erecting a Powder-Mill, brought 
up, read, and concurred. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, JUNE, 1776. 


54 


Vote appointing a Committee to consult the propriety of 
inlisting men out of the standing troops at New-Castle, 
brought up, read, and concurred. Mr. Folsom, Mr. Went- 
worth, and Mr. Hurd, added. 


Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 


Friday, June 28, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

An Act entitled “An Act to remove any doubts that- have 
or may arise concerning the legality of any Taxes granted 
by the late Congress of this Colony, and to enforce payment 
of Taxes for the future,” having been read a third time, 

Voted, That the same be enacted. 


An Act entitled “An Act to abolish the Court of Appeals 
in this Colony, and to empower the Superior Court of Judi- 
cature to sustain and determine all matters pending in said 
Court of Appeals, and to prevent the absurd practice of 
granting appeals to the King of Great Britain in Council 
from the judgment of any Courts in this Colony in future,” 
having been read a third time, 

Voted, That the same be enacted. 


A Vote appointing a Committee to consult upon the best 
and most effectual method of supplying this Colony with 
Firearms, brought up, read, and concurred, and Mr. Thorn- 
ton, Mr. Folsom, and Mr. Wentworth, added. 


Vote of the House for paying the Roll of Captain Eli- 
phalet Daniel, for five Privates not mustered, £10 12s. i1d., 
brought up, read, and concurred, and warrant made out. 


A Vote of the House appointing a large number of Civil 
Officers in the several Counties, brought up, read, and con- 
curred. 


Vote for paying the Account of Nathaniel Sartel Prentice, 
amounting to £7 2s., brought up, read, and concurred, and 
warrant made out. 


Vote allowing the Recruiting Officers for Canada to inlist 
men from those stationed at Portsmouth and New-Castle, 
brought up, read, and concurred. 


Vote directing the several Mustermasters to muster all 
the men inlisted, and make return by next Wednesday night, 
brought up, read, and concurred. 


Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 


Saturday, June 29, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, That Mr. Folsom, Mr. Thornton, and Mr. Thomp- 
son, be a Committee to join with such as the House shall 
appoint, to report their opinion on the state of Colonel Mo- 
rey’s Account with the Colony, and particularly concerning 
goods and stores in his hands, whether the Colony had 
better receive them or not; and thereby determine the expe- 
diency of his having an order on the Treasury or not. Sent 
down for concurrence. 


Vote empowering the Mustermasters assigned for par- 
ticular Companies to muster other Companies, brought up, 
read, and concurred. 


An Act entitled “ An Act for the better regulating High- 
ways,” read a third time, and voted to be enacted. 


Vote for Jonathan Hale, Esq., to receive out of the 
Treasury £200, to buy Firearms for the Towns of Haver- 
hill and Bath, he to give security to replace the same, 
brought up, read, and concurred, and warrant made out. 


Vote for Jonathan Hale, Esq., to receive two barrels of 
Gunpowder for the use of Haverhill and Bath ; which was 
read and concurred, with this amendment, that said Hale 
receive said Powder for the use of Haverhill, Bath, and the 
Towns above, in this Colony. Sent down for concurrence ; 
brought up, concurred, and order made out. 


Vote for the Non-Commissioned Officers and Private Sol- 
diers who will engage in the Canada Expedition, to have 
38s. bounty given them, in addition to what has been already 
voted, brought up, read, and concurred. 


The Council, taking into consideration the complaint of 
Samuel Penhallow, Esq., that he had, as a Civil Magistrate 
of this Colony, on a complaint made to him in said capacity, 
issued a warrant against a soldier in Colonel David Gilman’s 
Regiment, for a flagrant breach of the peace, and applied to 
said Gilman for assistance to bring the offender to justice, 


55 


and that said Colonel Gilman had replied, that the soldiers 
under his command were subject to martial law, and were 
not subject to the Civil Magistrate for any offence, or to any 
effect : 

Voted, It is the opinion of this Board that said Colonel 
David Gilman is ignorant of the laws and received rules 
and regulations always practised in the English Constitu- 
tion; and that the military power setting up an authority 
uncontrollable by the civil power, is subversive of the laws, 
rights, and privileges of Englishmen ; and what our invete- 
rate enemies never attempted. And that said Colonel 
David Gilman be summoned to appear before the General 
Assembly forthwith, to answer for his conduct. 

Sent down for concurrence, and was brought back con- 
curred. 

A Vote for Richard Champney to receive £200, to buy 
Arms for the Colony, brought up, read, and concurred, and 
warrant made out. 


Samuel Penhallow, Esq., applied to the Board for the 
payment of a Note signed by Andrew McClary and Henry 
Dearborn for £16 4s. for blanketing for the Army, as he 
says; but the matter being uncertain, by reason of Mc- 
Clary’s death and Dearborn’s captivity, it is now left for 
consideration. 

N. B. Mr. Penhallow had made application for the same 
last February. 


Vote appointing Richard Champney to go express to 
General Ward, and the General Court of the Massachusetts- 
Bay, and for him to receive out of the Treasury £200, 
brought up, read, and concurred, and warrant made out. 


Adjourned till Monday next, three o’clock, P. M. 


Monday, July 1, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Vote appointing Captain Worthen, with such other as 
the Board should appoint, to be a Committee to purchase 
materials and erect a Bridge at New-Castle, brought up, 
read, and concurred, and James Hackett, Esq., joined by the 
Board. 

Vote for Colonel Henry Gerrish to receive one hundred 
pounds Gunpowder out of the Colony store, to pay part of 
six hundred pounds borrowed of the Committee of Newbury, 
brought up, read, and concurred, and order made out. 


Tuesday, July 2, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 
Voted, 'That the whole Council resolve themselves into 
a Committee to confer with the House, on the measures 
necessary to be taken on the present alarming state of our 
affairs in Canada, &c. Sent down for concurrence; brought 
back concurred. 


Vote for the Committees of Plymouth, Compton, and 
Thornton, to have out of the Treasury £250, for procuring 
Firearms, Powder, Lead, and Filints, they giving security 
to the Treasury to repay said sum; brought up, read, and 
concurred, and order made out. 


Vote brought up for delivering Captain Benjamin Hitch- 
cock two hundred pounds of Gunpowder, in consequence of 
an order from the Committee of Newburyport, for so much 
due from us to them; read and concurred, and order made 
out. 

Vote for a Committee to consider of supplying the Towns 
of Piermont, Orford, Alewandria, Wentworth, Warren, 
Lyme, New-Chester, Rumney, and Salisbury, with Ammuni- 
tion, brought up, read, and concurred; and Mr. Wentworth, 


Mr. Ashley, and the Secretary, added. 


Vote for raising fifteen hundred men, instead of seven 
hundred and fifty voted before, to reinforce the Northern 
Army, and for a Committee to proportion them among the 
several Regiments of Militia to be raised by them, brought 
up, read, and concurred; and Mr. Thornton, Mr. Folsom, 
Mr. Ashley, Mr. Blanchard, and Mr. Thompson, joined by 
the Board. 


Vote for Gunpowder, to be delivered as follows, viz: to 
the Town of Wentworth, 9 pounds; Wurren, 9 pounds ; 
Lyme, 30 pounds; New- Chester, 30 pounds; Rumney, 30 
pounds; Piermont, 30 pounds; Orford, 15 pounds ; Alex- 
andria, 22 pounds; Salisbury, 25 pounds ; Colonel Bel- 
lows, for his Regiment, 200 pounds; Colonel Ashley, for 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, JULY, 1776. 


56 


his Regiment, 100 pounds: amounting in the whole to 500 
pounds ; brought up, read, and concurred. 


Vote for the following sums, to be delivered out of the 
Treasury, to buy Ammunition, viz: to Israel Morey, for 
Orford, £50; Alexander Craige and Michael Dwyer, for 
Rumney, £75; Jonathan Chandler, for Piermont, £50; 
they to give security for repaying the same. 


Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 


Wednesday, July 3, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Vote for the Officers stationed at New-Castle, to receive 
reasonable expenses for recruiting men to fill up the vacan- 
cies in their Companies, made by the inlistment for Canada, 
brought up, read, and concurred. 


Vote for a Committee to confer on what sum of money 
is necessary to supply the Treasury, and report a plan, 
brought up, read, and concurred; and Mr. Blanchard, Mr. 
Thornton, and Mr. Folsom, joined by the Board. 


Vote brought up for Abner Fellows and Eliphalet Gale 
to receive out of the Treasury, £4 6s., to purchase Ammu- 
nition, they giving security for paying the same, brought up, 
read, and concurred, and order made out. 

Vote for paying the Account of Thomas Hart, amounting 
to £8 10s. 6d., for superintending the buildings at Piscata- 
quay Harbour, brought up, read, and concurred. 


Vote for General Folsom to deliver Samuel Curry twen- 
ty-five pounds of Gunpowder for the Town of Holderness, 
to be accounted for, brought up, read, and concurred, and 
order made out. 


Vote for Samuel Curry to receive £5 out of the Treas- 
ury, to buy Ammunition for the Town of Holderness, brought 
up, read, and concurred, and order made out. 


An Act to invest the Overseers of the Poor with power 
more effectually to employ them, and to provide for bring- 
ing up their children more usefully, having been read a third 
time, 

Voted, That the same be enacted. 

An Act to establish an equitable method of making Rates 
and Taxes, and determining who shall be Legal Voters, in 
Town and Parish affairs, having been read a third time, 

Voted, That the same be enacted. 


An Act for opening Sluices in the Dams across Piscata- 
quay River, &c., having been read a third time, 
Voted, That the same be enacted. 


An Act for empowering Committees to cause Sluices to 
be made in all the Dams across Beaver-Brook, &c., having 
been read a third time, : 

Voted, That the same be enacted. 


An Act for establishing the style of Commissions which 
hereafter shall be issued, &c., having been read a third time, 
Voted, That the same be enacted. 


An Act to prevent the forging and altering Bills of 
Credit, &c., having been read a third time, 
Voted, That the same be enacted. 


An Act for encouraging the fixing out of Armed Vessels, 
to defend the sea-coast, &c., having been read a third time, 

Voted, That the same be enacted. 

Vote for paying the abstract of Captain Clement’s Roll, for 
soldiers inlisted out of his Company for Canada, amounting 
to £51 18s. ld., and ditto for Captain Brown’s, amounting 
to £16 7s. 5d., brought up, read, and concurred, and order 
made out. 

Vote for Major Jonathan Child to receive out of the 
Treasury £50, to buy Ammunition, he to give security 
therefor, brought up, read, and concurred, and warrant made 


. out. 


An Act for regulating Marriages, &c., having been read 
a third time, 

Voted, That the same be enacted. 

Vote for Colonel Nicholas Gilman to keep a Guard at the 
Powder-House in Exeter, brought up, read, and concurred. 

Vote proportioning the 1500 men to be raised for Canada 
in the following manner, viz: Colonel Whzpple’s Regiment 
115, Colonel Evans’s 150, Colonel Moulton’s 88, Colonel 
Gilman’s 163, Colonel Ashley’s 100, Colonel Bellows’s 73, 


- 


57 


late Colonel John Hale’s 157, Colonel Bartlett’s 111, Colo- 
nel Thornton’s 66, Colonel Enoch Hale’s 107, Colonel 
Webster's 55, Colonel More’s 126, Colonel Stickney’s 116, 
Colonel Badger’s 73 ; and for General Folsom to give out 
orders accordingly; brought up, read, and concurred. 
Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 


v 


Thursday, July 4, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, That two hundred Handbills be immediately print- 
ed and distributed in this Colony, in the following words : 

“ To the Selectmen and Committees of Safety, and all Civil 
Officers in the several Towns in this Colony: 

« You, and each of you, are now called upon, in behalf of 
yourselves and your distressed country, to exert every nerve 
in forwarding the inlisting and making up the quotas of men 
in the respective places you belong to, that they may march 
forward and join their brethren under General Sullivan, 
and enable him to repel the Army coming against us from 
Canada.” 


Vote for a Committee to consider the expediency of ad- 
journing, and to what time, and of the propriety of choosing 
a large Committee of Safety, brought up, read, and concur- 
red, and Mr. Thornton, Mr. Folsom, Mr. Wentworth, and 
Mr. Ashley, added. 


Vote for paying the Staff Roll of Colonel David Gilman, 
amounting to £83 1s., brought up, read, and concurred, and 
warrant made out. 


Vote appointing Moses Kelley Lieutenant-Colonel of the 
Ninth Regiment of Militia, in the room of David Gilman, 
who has resigned, Samuel Page First Major, and James 
Hurd Second Major of said Regiment, brought up, read, 
and concurred. 


Vote for Colonel Weare and Dr. Dearborn to receive 
£20 to buy Paper to print Bills of Credit on, brought up, 
read, and concurred, and warrant made out. 


Vote to pay the Roll of Captain John Calfe, amounting 
to £325 9s. 10d., brought up, read, and concurred, and 
warrant made out. 


Vote to pay the Roll of Captain Caleb Hodgdon, amount- 
ing to £329 12s. 3d., brought up, read, and concurred, and 
warrant made out. 


Vote appointing a Committee to get two hundred and 
fifty copies of each of the Acts passed this Session printed, 
brought up, read, and concurred, and General Folsom added 
by the Board. 


Vote for emitting £20,160 in Bills of Credit, for the use 
of the Colony, and for Dr. Levt Dearborn, with such as the 
Board should join, to get the same printed, and for Philip 
White, Esq., John Smith, and Josiah Moulton, Jun., to be 
a Committee to sign said Bills, brought up, read, and con- 
curred, and Meshech Weare, Esq., joined with Dr. Dearborn, 


to superintend the press. 


Vote appointing Joshua Wingate Colonel, James Hacket 
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Samuel Connor Major, of one of the 
Regiments to be raised for Canada, brought up, read, and 
concurred. 


Vote appointing Captain Pierce Long to provide all 
necessaries for equipping and fixing off the Reinforcements 
for Canada, brought up, read, and concurred. 

Vote appointing eight Mustermasters and Paymasters for 
the last Regiment voted to be raised for Canada, viz: Major 
Bartlett, Colonel Sherburne, John Bell, Major Philbrick, 
Colonel Kelley, Deacon Knowles, Asa Davis, and Colonel 
Ashley, brought up, read, and concurred. » 


Vote for the Mustermasters of the last Regiment voted to 
be raised to receive each out of the Treasury £940, to pay 
off the advance pay, &c., and the Mustermasters appointed 
for the First Regiment each £171, brought up, read, and 
concurred. Orders made out for all those who were to 
receive the £940, and to Baldwin Hale, Ezekiel Worthen, 
and John Dudley, for the £171. 


Adjourned till to-morrow, eight o’clock, A. M. 


— 


: ; Friday, July 5, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Vote for a Committtee to examine into the grounds of a 
complaint against Captain George March, as an enemy to his 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, JULY, 1776. 


58 


country, brought up, read, and concurred, and Mr. Thornton, 
Mr. Folsom, and Mr. Wentworth, added by the Board. 


Vote appointing a Committee to give out Inlisting Orders, 
blank Commissions to the Officers, and Instructions to the 
Mustermasters of the two Regiments destined for Canada, 
brought up, read, and concurred, and Mr. Folsom, Mr. Cla- 
gett,and Mr. Blanchard, added by the Board. 


Vote for a Committee to nominate persons out of whom 
to be appointed a Maritime Officer and a Naval Officer, 
brought up, read, and concurred, and Mr. Thornton, Mr. 


Clagett, and Mr. Thompson, joined. 


An Act for establishing Courts of Law, &c., in this Colo- 
ny, having been read a third time, 
Voted, That the same be enacted. 


Vote for appointing Noah Emery, Jun., Paymaster to the 
first Regiment of Recruits for the Canada Army, brought 
up, read, and concurred. 

The Board having heard Colonel David Gilman’s defence 
on the complaint of Samuel Penhallow, Esquire, respecting 
Colonel Gilmam’s asserting that the soldiers under his com- 
mand were subject to martial law only, are of opinion that 
the sentiments conveyed in Colonel Gz/man’s letter plainly 
and in express words denied the right of the civil power to 
control the military, and thereby gave just reason for Mr. 
Penhallow to be alarmed at such a doctrine, especially from 
the commanding military officer of the standing troops in 
this Colony. And the Board do return Mr. Penhallow their 
sincere thanks for his attachment to, and care of, so essential 
and fundamental a principle of the Constitution and rights 
of a free people. Nevertheless do believe that the senti- 
ments conveyed in the aforesaid letter escaped from Colonel 
Gilman through inattention or ruffle of his mind, and con- 
veyed ideas different from his real sentiments. 


Vote for a Committee to name a person for a Maritime 
Officer, and one or more for a Notary Publick or Notary 
Publicks, brought up, read, and concurred, and Mr. Clagett, 
Mr. Thornton, and Mr. Thompson, added by the Board. 


Vote appointing Eleazer Russell, Esq., Maritime Officer 
for the Port of Piscataquog, and Wyseman Clagett and John 
Pickering, Esqs., Notary Publicks, brought up, read, and 


concurred. 


Vote appointing Samuel Penhallow, Esq., one of the 
Justices of the Inferior Court for the County of Rocking- 
ham, in the room of George King, Esq., who declines accept- 
ing thereof, brought up, read, and concurred. Also appoint- 
ing William Kmght, Esq., a special Justice of said Court ; 
which was also concurred. 

Vote appointing a Committee to nominate proper persons 
to serve as a Committee of Safety in recess of the General 
Assembly, brought up, read, and concurred, and Colonel 
Thornton added. 

A Vote appointing Captain Joseph Chandler to command 
one of the Companies in the First Canada Regiment, in the 
room of Mr. Hadlock, who has resigned, brought up, read, 
and concurred. 

Vote for Samuel Jones, of Canaan, and Elisha Bingham, 
of Enfield, to have twenty-five pounds of Gunpowder and 
£5 in Money, to buy Lead for said ‘Towns, to be accounted 
for by them, brought up, read, and concurred. 

Vote for paying the Roll of Captain Timothy Clements, 
amounting to £238 15s., brought up, read, and concurred, 
and warrant made out. 

Vote for paying the Roll of Captain Nathan Brown, 
amounting to £267 4s. 7d., brought up, read, and concurred, 
and warrant made out. 

Saturday, July 6, 1776. 

Resolve for George March, of Stratham, to confine him- 
self to his farm in said Stratham, on pain of imprisonment; 
and that he recognise in the sum of £100, with two suffi- 
cient sureties in £50 each, to the Government and People 
of this Colony, to be of good behaviour until further order 
of the Court, brought up, read, and concurred. 

Vote appointing fifteen persons to act as a Committee of 
Safety during the recess of the General Assembly, brought 
up, read, and concurred. 

Vote for paying Deacon Isaac Williams 20s. for the use 
of his room for Committees this Session, brought up, read, 
and concurred, and warrant made out. 


59 


Vote for a Committee to confer upon the appointment of 
Mr. Connor and Mr. Baker, to be Lieutenant-Colonel and 
Major of Colonel Wingate’s Regiment, brought up, read, and 
concurred, with this amendment, That the Committee name 
persons for Lieutenant-Colonel and Major of said Regiment ; 
and Mr. Thornton, Mr. Folsom, Mr. Wentworth, Mr. Blanch- 
ard, and Mr. Thompson, added by the Board. Sent down 


for concurrence. 


Vote for Colonel Jonathan Chase to receive out of the 
Colony store five barrels of Gunpowder, brought up, read, 
and concurred, with this amendment, That Colonel Chase 
receive three barrels, instead of five barrels. Sent down for 
concurrence, and brought back concurred. 


Vote appointing Samuel Connor Lieutenant-Colonel, and 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE -HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JUNE, 1776. 


60 
Moses Baker Major, of Colonel Wingate’s Regiment, brought 


up, read, and concurred. 

Vote for the Treasurer to hire £5,000 for the use of the 
Colony, brought up, read, and concurred. 

Vote establishing Fees to be taken in the Maritime Court, 
brought up, read, and concurred. 

Vote for paying the Account of Richard Champney, 
amounting to £22 6s., brought up, read, and concurred, and 
warrant made out. 

Vote promising a bounty of six per cent. upon all bar 
Lead, and ten Dollars per cent. upon all Sulphur manufac- 
tured in this Colony for a certain time, brought up, read, and 
concurred. 


Adjourned till the first Wednesday in September next. 


— 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
Wednesday, June 5, 1776 

At three o’clock, P. M., the House met at Exeter, ac- 
cording to adjournment. 

Read sundry Letters for Philadelphia. 

Voted, That John Dudley and Samuel Cutts, Esquires, 
be a Committee to examine how much Silver and Gold coin 
there is in the Treasury, and make report as soon as may 
be. Which Committee made report, that there is now in the 
Treasury, in silver and gold coin, £859 12s., lawful money. 

Voted, That Dr. Dearborn, Captain Prentice, and Mr. 
Jacob Abbot, be a Committee of this House to join a Com- 
mittee of the honourable Board, to draught a Vote concerning 
the procuring Firearms for the use of this Colony, and pre- 
sent the same to this House as soon as may be. 

Adjourned till to-morrow morning, at eight o’clock. 


Thursday, June 6, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, That a Committee be chosen in this House to 
join a Committee of the honourable Board, to consult what 
business is most necessary to be entered upon immediately, 
and to make report to this House as soon as may be; and 
that Captain Prentice, Colonel Walker, James Betton, Esq., 
Richard Downing, Esq., and John Dudley, Esq., be the 
Committee of this House for that purpose. — 

Which Committee, being joined by a Committee of the 
honourable Board, made the following Report, viz: 

The Committee of both Houses appointed to consider what 
business is necessary to be done this session, recommend the 
following things, viz: A Table of Fees to be completed. A 
determination about opening the Courts of Law. The Civil 
List to be filled up, and Commissions for the several Courts 
to be made out. An Act to enforce the payment of the 
Colony Taxes andothers. An Act to prevent the alteration 
and counterfeiting the Bills of Credit of this and the neigh- 
bouring Colonies, and to make the Bills of Credit of said 
Colonies a legal tender. An Act to regulate Taxation, and 
the sum to be raised for this year. An Act to regulate the 
Militia. An Act for abolishing the Court of Appeals in this 
Colony, and for determining how Appeal shall be made, 
and heard, from decrees of the Judges of Probate, for the 
future. ‘That the persons who have laid out the Colony’s 
money may be compelled to render accounts thereof; that 
the sending our accounts to Philadelphia be no longer de- 
layed; and that attested accounts of the number of the 
People be procured immediately. Necessary orders to be 
made out for raising the Continental Battalion. Some direc- 
tions about Saltpetre to be given. Directions in what name 
Writs, &c., shall issue. A Resolve that all persons shall 
be prosecuted, who, after the sitting of the Courts of Sessions 
in the respective Counties, shall sell liquors without license; 
and that no person be licensed without procuring a certifi- 
eate that they have paid their Excise for the year 1775. 
An Act for the better observation of the Lord’s Day. An 
Act imposing a Fine on all Justices of the Peace and Minis- 
ters, for joining persons in wedlock without a Certificate 
from the Clerk or Clerks of the Towns where the persons 
married live, that they have been lawfully published. To 
revive the late Highway Act. To make the Courts of Pro- 
bate circular. Some further directions about Firearms. 
An Act for making Captures on the Sea, &c., and for con- 
demning them ; and to commission the Judge and Register 
of the Admiralty. M. Tuornton, Chairman. 


Voted, To choose a-Committee of this House to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to consider the Peti- 
tions of Richard Emms, John Frazier, and James Taylor, 
and to make report to this House as soon as may be; and 
that Samuel Cutts, Esq., Captain Long, and Major Tash, 
be the Committee of this House for that purpose. 

Voted, 'To choose a Committee of this House to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to examine all Accounts 
against this Colony, and report thereon to this House as 
soon as may be; and that Colonel Walker, Henry Prescott, 
Esq., and Jonathan Lovewell, Esq., be the Committee of 
this House for that purpose. 


Voted, That the Pay-Roll of Captain Ebenezer Dearing, 
amounting to £99 17s. 14d., be allowed and paid out of 
the Treasury ; and that the President of the Council give 
order of payment accordingly. 

Voted, That Deacon Nahum Baldwin be Mustermaster 
to the Forces raised and to be raised in this Colony for the 
current year, until further order of this Colony. 

Voted, That Captain Richard Emms, now a prisoner in 
this Colony, receive out of the Treasury £20 for and towards 
his subsistence ; and that the President of the Council give 
order of payment accordingly ; and that said Emms have 
leave to depart this Colony for any Foreign Port in the 
West-Indies, as passenger only. 

Voted, That Captain John Frazier and Mr. James Tay- 
lor have liberty to depart from this Colony, separately, in 
any vessel bound to the Foreign West-India Islands, as 
passengers. 

Voted, That the Account of Captain John Calfe, amount- 
ing to £2 11s., be allowed and paid out of the Treasury ; 
and that the President of the Council give order of payment. 


Voted, That the Pay-Roll of Captain Titus Salter’s Com- 
pany, from March 17th to April 16th, 1776, amounting to 
£246 Os. 1d., be allowed and paid out of the Treasury ; and 
that the President of the Council give order of payment. 


Voted, That the Pay-Roll of Titus Salter’s Company, 
from April 16th to May 17th, 1776, amounting to £197 
15s., be allowed and paid out of the Treasury, and that the 
President of the Council give order of payment. 


Upon reading the Petition of John Griffith, 

Voted, That he be paid wages as a soldier in Captain 
Ebenezer Dearing’s Company from the time of his inlistment 
until the time of his discharge. . 


Adjourned to half past two o’clock, P. M. 


Met according to adjournment. 


Upon reading the Petition of a number of persons, pray- 
ing that several Petitions against Lieutenant-Colonel Folsom 
may be dismissed, 

Voted, That the Petition now presented and read, be 
dismissed. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Friday, June 7, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, That Quartermaster Gains furnish Colonel David 
Gilman with what Powder shall be necessary to clear the 
rocks out of the Fort now building at Great-Island. 

Voted, That George Gains, Esq., and Captain William 
Trefethen be a Committee of this House to repair to Boston, 
and other parts of Massachusetts-Bay, to search for, inquire 


61 


after, and receive of the Commanding Officer, or any other 
person or persons, who may have in their care or possession 
any Cannon belonging to this Colony, according to the 
Resolve of Continental Congress; and also to receive the 
Powder lent by this Colony to the Continental Army, and 
to transport the said Cannon to Portsmouth in this Colony, 
and the Powder to Eveter, on the most reasonable terms, as 
soon as may be. 

Voted, That George Gains, Esq., have and receive out 
of the Treasury £400, to be by him accounted for ; and that 
the President of the Council give order of payment accord- 
ingly. 

Voted, That Samuel Robey, a soldier in Captain William 
Prescott’s Company, (who was left out of the roll,) be allowed 
and paid out of the Treasury £1 8s. Sd., in full for twenty- 
three days’ service in said Company; and that the President 
of the Council give order of payment. 


Upon hearing the complaint of Aaron Quimby, Ebenezer 
Collins, and Daniel Murray, against Captain John Parker, 
for wronging them in making up his Muster Roll, &c., 

Voted, That Colonel Badger, Captain Prentice, Captain 
Worthen, Major Tash, and Major Kelley, be a Committee 
of this House, to join a Committee of the honourable Board, 
to éxamine into the Roll of said Parker, and his accounts 
and vouchers, and make report to this House as soon as 
may be. 


Upon reading and considering the Petition of John Hun- 
ter, concerning his losing Paper Money, to the value of fif- 
teen Dollars and a half: 

Voted, That the said John Hunter have and receive out 
of the Treasury £4 13s. for his said loss, and that the Pre- 
sident give order of payment. 


Adjourned to three o’clock, P. M. 


Met according to adjournment. 


Voted, That Colonel Samuel Sherburne, Richard Down- 
ing, Esq., Colonel Stephen Evans, Captain Josiah Moulton, 
Samuel Dudley, Esq., Captain Pierce Long, and Major 
Tash, be a Committee of this House, who, with a Commit- 
tee of the honourable Board, are desired and empowered to 
exchange Paper Currency for Gold and Silver, for the use 
of this Colony, and report what sums they do or can ex- 
change as soon as may be. 


The following Vote of Council was brought from the 
Board, viz: 
** Colony of New-Hampshire, in Council, ; 
June 7, 1776. 


“ Resolved, That Nicholas Gilman, Esq., Treasurer and 
Receiver-General of this Colony, be, and is hereby, fully 
authorized and empowered to receive and take in all those 
Paper Bills of Credit emitted on the credit of said Colony, 
bearing interest, and to pay such interest to the time of such 
exchange, and charge the amount of said interest in his 
account with said Colony; and that the Treasurer give 
notice of this Order as soon as may be.” 

The above Vote or Resolve of Congress being read, 

Voted, That the same be concurred. 


Read sundry Petitions, &c. 


Voted, To build a Bridge from the westerly end of New- 
Castle to Ward’s Island, and from thence to Adams’s Island, 
so called, or somewhere across the water, so as to secure a 
retreat for our forces to be stationed at New-Castle in case 
of a defeat; and that Mr. Baldwin, Major Downing, and 
Colonel Walker, be a Committee of this House, to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to look out and dis- 
cover the best place where, and the manner how, the said 
Bridge shall be built, and to make report thereon to this 
Court as soon as may be. 


Voted, That Colonel Walker, Major Downing, Major 
Kelley, Mr. John Smith, third, Captain Long, Major Bel- 
lows, Captain Wilson, Mr. Emerson, and Mr. Knowles, be a 
Committee of this House, to join a Committee of the hon- 
ourable Board, to nominate to this House three persons for 
Colonel, three for Lieutenant-Colonel, and three for Major, 
of the Regiment now to be raised in this Colony on the Con- 
tinental establishment; for this House to nominate one of 
each three for the said Offices. 


Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JUNE, 1776. 


62 


Saturday, June 8, 1776. 
The House met according to adjournment. 


Upon information from the Committee of Safety or Cor- 
respondence of the Towns of Ipswich and Rindge, against 
Jonathan Parker, for altering and uttering Paper Bills of 
Credit of this Colony contrary to law, 

Voted, That Jonathan Lovewell, Esq., Ichabod Rollins, 
Esq., John Dudley, Esq., James Betton, Esq., Matthew 
Patten, Esq., Samuel Sherburne, Esq., and Colonels Stephen 
Ewans, Hale, and Baker, be a Committee of this House to 
examine into the matter informed of, and make report to 
this House as soon as may be. 


The Committee of both Houses to examine Captain 
Parker’s Roll, &c., made report, as on file; which being 
read and considered, 

Voted, 'That the same be received, accepted, and filed. 

And further Voted, 'To choose a Committee of this House, 
to join a Committee of the honourable Board, to consult in 
what manner and how the said John Parker shall be pro- 
ceeded against, concerning the premises; and that Major 
Bellows, Ichabod Rollins, Esq., Matthew Patten, Esq., 
Colonel Sherburne, and Colonel Hale, be the Committee of 
this House for that purpose. 


Voted, That Samuel Cutts, Esq., Commissary, have, and 
receive out of the Treasury, to be by him accounted for, 
£600, and that the President give order of payment. 


Voted, That Theophilus Dame be appointed First Colo- 
nel of the Battalion now to be raised in this Colony, to be 
on the Continental establishment, and that Colonel David 
Gilman be Lieutenant-Colonel, and Major James Hackett 
be Major of said Battalion. 


Voted, That James Arkin be allowed and paid out of the 
Treasury £3 for his boat, lost at Bunker Hill fight, and 
that the President give order of payment. 


Adjourned till Monday, the 10th instant, at three of the 
clock, afternoon. 
Monday, June 10, 1776. 
The House met according to adjournment. 


Voted, That the price of good merchantable Saltpetre, 
that shall be manufactured in this Colony, and brought in 
to Doctor Jostah Gilman, or the Receiver thereof for this 
Colony for the time being, for the space of one year from 
and after the 8th day of June instant, shall be four shillings 
per pound, to be paid out of the Treasury upon the said Re- 
ceiver’s certificate, the manufacturer or producers of the 
said Saltpetre to be under oath that the same was manufac- 
tured in this Colony. 

Voted, That the Account of Samuel Greeley, amounting 
to £6 Os. 2d., for doctoring, billeting, and nursing his son 
Joseph, (being wounded at Bunker-Hill fight,) be allowed 
and paid out of the Treasury, and that the President give 
order of payment. , 


Voted, To choose a Committee of this House, to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to frame, draw up, and 
present to this House, the following Acts for Laws for this 
Colony, viz: 

Ist. An Act for establishing the Table of Fees for the 
several Officers in this Colony. 

2d. An Order or Resolve for opening the Courts of Justice. 

3d. An Act to enforce the payinent of Taxes in this Colony. 

4th. An Act to prevent the alteration and counterfeiting 
the Bills of Credit for this and the neighbouring Colonies, 
and to make the said Bills of Credit a legal tender. 

5th. An Act to regulate Taxation, and to ascertain the 
sum to be raised as a Colony Tax, for the current year. 

6th. An Act for regulating the Militia. 

7th. An Act for abolishing the Court of Appeals in this 
Colony, and for determining how and by whom appeals 
shall be made and heard from decrees of the Judges of 
Probate in this Colony, in future. 

Sth. An Act or Resolve in what name, and in what form, 
Writs and Processes shall be issued in future. 

9th. An Act for the better observation of the Lord’s Day. 

10th. An Act to impose a Fine on all Justices of the 
Peace and Ministers of the Gospel, who shall presume to 
join persons in Matrimony without a Certificate from the 
Clerk or Clerks of Towns or places where the persons so 
married live that they have been lawfully published. 


63 


11th. An Act to revive the late Highway Act. 

12, An Act to make the Courts of Probate circular. 

13th. An Act for making Captures on the Seas, and for 
condemning them, and to regulate the Trials of said Captures. 

14th. An Act to prevent the stopping or obstructing the 
course or passage of Fish into the several rivers, brooks, 
and ponds in this Colony, where Fish usually passed. 

And that Timothy Walker, Matthew Patten, Esq., and 
Mr. John Smith, be the Committee of this House for that 
purpose. 

Adjourned iill eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 


Tuesday, June 11, 1776. 
The House met according to adjournment. 


Read the form of the Commission for the Chief Justice 
of the Superior Court, and voted that the same be trans- 
eribed, sealed with the Colony seal, and delivered to the 
Honourable Meshech Weare, Esq. 


Voted, That Samuel Cutts, Timothy Walker, and John 
Dudley, Esquires, be a Committee of this House, to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to make a draught of a 
Declaration of this General Assembly for Independence of 
the United Colonies on Great Britain. 


Adjourned to three o’clock, P. M. 


Met according to adjournment. 


Voted, That the Account of the Committee of Safety of 
Greenland, amounting to £13 8s., be allowed and paid out 
of the Treasury, and that the President give order of pay- 
ment. 


Voted, That the Vote of the Sth June instant, for choosing 
Field-Officers of the Battalion now to be raised in this Colo- 
ny, to be on the Continental establishment, according to the 
Resolution of the Continental Congress, exclusive of the 
Regiment now on duty at New-Castle and at or near Pis- 
cataqua Harbour, be reconsidered. 

Voted, That John Taylor Gilman be joined to the Com- 
mittee for examining and adjusting Accounts for and against 
this Colony, in the room of Captain John Emery, who has 
gone out of the country. 

This Vote having passed in Council this day and sent 
down, is concurred by the House. 


Voted, That Major James Hackett be the first officer 
of the Battalion now to be raised in this Colony on the 
Continental establishment, that Major Thomas Tash be the 
second officer, and Major David Copp the third officer of 
said Battalion. 


Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 


Wednesday, June 12, 1776. 
The House met according to adjournment. 


Voted, That Matthew Patten, Henry Prescott, and Jona- 
than Lovewell, Esquires, be a Committee of this House, to 
join a Committee of the honourable Board, to examine into 
the matter of the Petition of the Honourable William Parker, 
Esquire, for his last year’s salary, and to see if there is any 
moneys due him from the Colony, and make report thereon 
as soon as may be. 


Voted, That a Committee of five Members of this House 
be chosen, to confer with a Committee of the honourable 
Board, upon the mode of raising the Battalion now to be 
raised in this Colony on the Continental establishment, and 
to make report to this House as soon as may be; and that 
Colonel Badger, Colonel Morey, Colonel Sherburne, Jona- 
than Lovewell, Esquire, and Colonel Hale, be the Committee 
of this House for that purpose. 


Voted, That the Amendment of the honourable Council 
on the Vote for appointing Officers for the new Battalion, 
&c., be concurred. 


Voted, That John Dudley, Esquire, Captain Harriman, 
and Major Bartlett, be a Committee of this House, to join a 
Committee of the Board, to consult upon the expediency of 
delivering out Powder from the Colony stores to the several 
Colonels or Captains or Selectmen of the several Towns, 
and if expedient, then how, and in what manner, and on 
what conditions the same shall be delivered out, and to make 
report to this House as soon as may be. 


Adjourned to three o’clock, afternoon. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JUNE, 1776. 


7 


64 


Met according to adjournment. 


Upon reading the Petition of Maurice Lynch, John Dun- 
can, and Samuel Moore, a Committee of part of the Society 
Lands, praying to be incorporated by the following bounds, 
viz: “ Beginning at the northeast corner of said ‘Township, 
which is the northwest corner of Deering, and running 
southerly according to the course of Contoocook River, 
which river is the west line of Deering, so as to make five 
miles in a straight line; thence westerly, on the north line of 
No. 3 in the original plan of said Society, to the east line of 
Parkersfield ; thence northerly, on said Parkersfield and 
Stoddard, to Cammell’s Gore and Hillsborough, to the 
bounds first mentioned :” 

And considering the same, 

Voted, 'That the same lie for consideration. 


Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 
Thursday, June 13; 1776. 
The House met according to adjournment. 


The Committee of both Houses appointed to confer upon 
a mode of raising the Battalion ordered by the Continental 
Congress, made report: That they would recommend the 
appointment of eight persons most likely to inlist the men 
and perform the services, and give out orders for each to 
inlist a Company, with liberty for them to name Subalterns 
to serve under them, to be commissioned if they raise the 
Companies. M. Tuornton, Chairman. 


Which Report being read and considered, 

Voted, That the same be received and accepted. 

Voted, To choose a Committee of sixteen persons of this 
House, to join a Committee of the honourable Board, to 
nominate to this House sixteen persons, eight of whom to 
inlist the men for the Battalion to be raised by order of the 
Continental Congress, and to make the said nomination as 
soon as may be; and that Colonel Sherburne, Colonel Evens, 
Captain Worthen, Samuel Dudley, Esq., Samuel Kimboll, 
Esq., Doctor Nichols, Mr. John Bell, John Dudley, Esq., 
Matthew Patten, Esq., Colonel Badger, Colonel Walker, 
Major Ellis, Mr. Shattuck, Mr. Grout, Mr. Emerson, and 
Colonel Morey, be the Committee of this House for that 
purpose. 

Upon considering the motion of Captain Benjamin Connor, 
that he may receive the bounty of £50, heretofore voted 
for the greatest quantity of Saltpetre to be manufactured in 
this Colony, and brought in by the 8th day of June instant ; 
the question was put, whether the partnership between said 
Conner and Mr. Call was in fact dissolved, in the opinion 
of this House; and a vote thereon being put, 

It passed in the negative. 

Voted, That Doctor Levit Dearborn, Colonel Baker, 
Ebenezer Smith, Esq., Doctor Nichols, and Mr. Grout, be 
a Committee of this House, to join a Committee of the 
honourable Board, to confer together, and make report to 
this House what person is entitled to the £50 bounty voted 
by the late Congress to be given to such inhabitants of this 
Colony as should manufacture in this Colony, and bring in, 
the greatest quantity of Saltpetre by the 8th day of June 


instant. 


Voted, That all Bonds, Recognisances, and Securities, 
for Moneys, or any other Forfeitures heretofore usually given 
to the King, shall henceforward be given and taken to the 
present Speaker of the House of Representatives, or the 
Speaker for the time being, for the use of this Colony; and 
where the matter relates to any particular County, upon 
non-performance of the condition, that the penalty shall and 
may be sued for and recovered in the name of the said 
Speaker, for the use of said County. 


Adjourned to three o’clock, afternoon. 


— 


Met according to adjournment. 


Voted, Not to recommend any other persons than those 
already recommended by this Court to the Continental 
Congress, for Field-Officers to command the Battalion or- 
dered to be raised on the Continental establishment. 

Voted, That Mark Wiggin, of Stratham, John Brews- 
ter, of Rochester, Moses Leavitt, of Northampton, James 
Hill, of New-Market, Joseph Dearborn, of Chester, Stephen 
Peabody, of Amherst, John Calfe, of Kingston, and Ebe- 
nezer Webster, of Salisbury, be appointed Captains in the 


65 


Battalion now to be raised in this Colony, on the Continen- 
tal establishment. 


Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 


Friday, June 14, 1776. 
The House met according to adjournment. 


Voted, To raise £5,000 for the Colony Tax for the cur- 
rent year, to be assessed on the polls and estates within this 
Colony, and to be collected and paid into the Treasury on 
or before the Ist day of March next. 

~ Received a, Letter from the Honourable John Hancock, 
Esgq., enclosing the Resolves and Requisitions of the Conti- 
nental Congress, about raising the Militia, &c., to send to 
Canada, and sent the same up to the Board by Mr. Cutts. 


Adjourned to three o’clock, afternoon. 


Met according to adjournment. 


Voted, That this House resolve themselves into a Com- 
mittee of the Whole House to join the Council, or such of 
their Members as they shall appoint, to converse together 
concerning the requisition of the Continental Congress for a 
Battalion to be raised and sent from this Colony to Canada, 
and other matters concerning raising and equipping the said 
Battalion. 

Which Committee of the Whole House being joined by 
a Committee of the Whole Board, the Honourable Meshech 
Weare, Esq., in the chair, and conferring on the premises, 
came to the following Resolution, viz: 

That there be forthwith raised and equipped in this Co- 
lony a Regiment of seven hundred and fifty men, including 
Officers; and that each Non-Commissioned Officer and Sol- 
dier receive a bounty of £6. 

And the question being put, whether the Troops now on 
duty at or near New- Castle, &c., shall have leave to inlist into 
the said Regiment, or into the Continental Battalion, and a 
vote being put thereon, it passed in the negative. 

Also, Resolved, That the Officers and Soldiers have the 
same Wages as the Continental Troops have. 

Voted, To choose a Committee of sixteen Members of 
this House to join a Committee of the honourable Board, to 
confer together and nominate to this House proper persons 
for Field-Officers, and for Captains of Regiments now to be 
raised for Canada, and how and in what manner the said 
Regiment shall be inlisted and equipped, and to make re- 
port thereon to this House as soon as may be; and that 
Major Barker, Colonel Baker, Captain Moulton, Mr. Wheel- 
er, Robert Willson, Esq., James Betton, Esq., Major Phil- 
brick, Mr. Abbott, Major Kelley, Colonel Hale, Mr. Robin- 
son, Colonel Gerrish, Colonel Smith, Major Bellows, Colonel 
Morey, and Mr. Brainard, be the Committee of this House 
for that purpose. 


Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 
Saturday, June 15, 1776. 
The House met according to adjournment. 


An Act for establishing the style of Commissions, and 
altering the style of Writs and Law Processes, &c., read a 
first time. 

An Act to prevent the forging and altering Bills of Pub- 
lick Credit, &c., read a first time. 


The Committee of both Houses appointed to prepare a 
Draught setting forth the sentiments and opinion of the Coun- 
cil and Assembly of this Colony, relative to the United Colo- 
nies setting up an independent State, made Report as on file. 
Which Report being read and considered, 

Voted unanimously, That the Report of said Committee 
be received and accepted, and that the Draught by them 
brought in be sent to our Delegates at the Continental Con- 
gress forthwith, as the sense of this House. 


Voted, To raise and equip forthwith in this Colony a 
Regiment of seven hundred and fifty men, including Offi- 
cers, to be sent immediately to Canada, to reinforce our 
Army there; and that each Non-Commissioned Officer and 
Soldier receive a bounty of £6 on their being mustered and 
enrolled, and to receive the same Wages as the Continental 
Troops have, and that the Officers and Soldiers receive one 
month’s advance wages upon their being ready to march, 
and to continue in the service until the first day of December 
next, unless sooner discharged by the Continental Congress. 


Firrn Series.— Vor. I. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JUNE, 1776. 


66 


And that Isaac Wyman, Esq., be Colonel of the said Regi- 
ment, and Joseph Senter, Esq., be Lieutenant-Colonel, and 
Edward Sherburne, Esq., be Major of said Regiment; that 
John Drew, of Barrington, Henry Elkins, of Hampton, 
William Harper, of Brintwood, Daniel Reynolds, of Lon- 
donderry, James Shepard, of Canterbury, Augustus Blanch- 
ard, of Merrimack, Samuel Wetherbee, of Charlestown, and 
Joseph Parker, of New-Ipswich, be Captains in the said 
Regiment. 

Voted, That the Account of Daniel Fowle, Esq., amount- 
ing to £5 14s., be allowed and paid out of the Treasury, 
and that the President give order of payment. 

The Draught made by the Committee of both Houses, 
relating to Independency, and voted as the sense of this 
House as in the preceding page, is as follows, viz: 

Whereas it now appears an undoubted fact, that notwith- 
standing all the dutiful Petitions and decent Remonstrances 
from the American Colonies, and the utmost exertions of 
their best friends in England on their behalf, the Bretesh 
Ministry, arbitrary and vindictive, are yet determined to 
reduce, by fire and sword, our bleeding country to their 
absolute obedience; and for this purpose, in addition to their 
own forces, have engaged great numbers of foreign merce- 
naries, who may now be on their passage here, accompanied 
by a formidable Fleet, to ravage and plunder the sea-coast ; 
from all which we may expect the most dismal scenes of 
distress the ensuing year, unless we exert ourselves by every 
means and precaution possible: And whereas we, of this 
Colony of New-Hampshire, have the example of the most 
respectable of our sister Colonies before us for entering upon 
that most important step of a disunion from Great Britain, 
and declaring ourselves free and independent of the Crown 
thereof, being impelled thereto by the most violent and inju- 
rious treatment, and it appearing most necessary in this most 
critical juncture of our publick affairs, that the honourable 
the Continental Congress, who have this most important 
object under their immediate consideration, should be also 
informed of our Resolution thereon without loss of time: 
We do hereby declare, that it is the opinion of our Assembly 
that our Delegates at the Continental Congress should be 
instructed, and they are hereby instructed, to join with the 
other Colonies in declaring the Thirteen United Colonies a 
free and independent State, solemnly pledging our faith and 
honour that we will, on our parts, support the measure with 
our lives and fortunes; and that in consequence thereof, they, 
the Continental Congress, on whose wisdom, fidelity, and 
integrity, we rely, may enter into and form such alliances as 
they may judge most conducive to the present safety and 
future advantage of these American Colonies, provided the 
regulation of our internal police be under the direction of 
our own Assembly. 

Entered according to the original. 

Attest: Noau Emery, Clerk. 


Voted, That Deacon Nahum Baldwin, Captain Pren- 
tice, Matthew Patten, Esq., Colonel Hale, and Mr. Grout, 
be a Committee of this House to join a Committee of the 
honourable Board, to give out Inlisting Orders to the several 
Officers of the Regiment now to be raised for Canada; and 
to commissionate the Officers, and make all necessary prepa- 
rations for, and equip the said Regiment as soon as possible. 


Adjourned to Monday next, at ten o’clock, forenoon. 


Monday, June 17, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment; and there being but a 
thin House, adjourned to three o’clock, afternoon. 


Then met according to adjournment. 


An Act concerning Taxes, and for ascertaining who are 
Legal Voters in Town and Parish Meetings ; read a first time. 

An Act preventing the Altering, Forging, &c., of the 
Bills of Credit, &c.; read a second time. 

Voted, To choose a Committee of this House to confer 
with a Committee from the honourable Board, on the expe- 
diency of furnishing the Town of Chesterfield with Powder 
to defend themselves against the attempts and assaults of 
all persons who appear by their conduct inimical to this 
country, and to make report to this House as soon as may 
be; and that Captain Prentice, Major Bellows, and Dr. 
Dearborn, be the Committee of this House for that purpose. 


Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 


67 


Tuesday, June 18, 1776. 
The House met according to adjournment. 


Voted, That a half-barrel of Gunpowder be delivered 
out of the Powder-House in Exeter to the Selectmen of 
Chesterfield, or their order, for the use of said Town of 
Chesterfield, and that the said Selectmen of Chesterfield, or 
some person, give a receipt therefor, and promise to account 
with the Treasurer of this Colony for the same. 


Voted, That Major James Hackett be First Colonel of 
the Regiment now to be raised for Canada, and that Joseph 
Senter be Lieutenant-Colonel, and Colonel Stephen Pea- 
body be Major of said Regiment. 


Adjourned to half-past two, P. M. 


~ Met according to adjournment. 


Voted, To choose a Committee of this House to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to confer together, and 
nominate to this House certain persons to take the hard 
Money now collected in this Colony, and carry the same to 
General Schuyler at Ticonderoga, or wherever he may be 
found, for the support and supply of our Troops in Canada, 
and to make report as soon as may be; and that Major 
Bartlett, Captain Long, and Deacon Baldwin, be the Com- 
mittee of this House for that purpose. 


Voted, That John Drew of Barrington, James Hadlock 
of Southampton, William Harper of Brintwood, Joseph 
Dearborn of Chester, James Shephard of Canterbury, Au- 
gustus Blanchard of Merrumack, Samuel Wetherbee of 
Charlestown, and Joseph Parker of New-Ipswich, be Cap- 


tains in the Regiment now to be raised and sent to Canada. 


Voted, That Benjamin Giles, Esq., of the Council, and 
Matthew Patten, Esq., and Nahum Baldwin, Esq., of this 
House, be a Committee to receive what Gold and Silver 
Coin is now in the Treasury, and to carry the same to the 
Hon. General Schuyler at Ticonderoga, or Albany, or where- 
ever he may be, for the necessary supply of our Troops at 
Canada, and take his receipt for the same on account of 
this Colony. 

Voted, That the Account of Jonathan Dearborn, amount- 
ing to 12s., be allowed and paid out of the Treasury, and 
that the President give order of payment. 


Voted, 'To choose a Committee of this House to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to give out Inlisting 
Orders to the several Officers of the Regiment now to be 
raised and sent into Canada, and to commissionate the Offi- 
cers, and make all necessary preparations for, and equip the 
said Regiment as soon as possible; and that John Dudley, 
Esq., Captain Pierce Long, and Mr. John Smith, be the 
Committee of this House for that purpose. 

Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 

Wednesday, June 19, 1776. 

The House met according to adjournment, and the Speaker 
being absent, the House made choice of Samuel Cutts, Esq., 
for their Speaker, pro tempore, who took the Chair accord- 
ingly ; soon after which, the Speaker came in, and resumed 


the Chair. 


Voted, That it be, and hereby is, recommended to all 
Colonels, and other Officers of the Militia in this Colony, to 
be aiding and assisting to the several Officers appointed to 
inlist Soldiers for the Regiment to be sent into Canada, by 
all good means in their power, that the said Regiment may 
be raised with all convenient speed. 


Voted, That Mr. Baldwin and. Matthew Patten, Esq., 
be excused from going to Canada, to carry the hard Money 
now in the ‘Treasury to General Schuyler. 


Voted, That James Betton, Esq., be joined to the Hon. 
Benjamin Giles, Esq., as a Committee to receive out of the 
Colony Treasury, and convey to General Schuyler, or to the 
Commanding Officer of the Continental Forces in Canada, 
all the hard Money in the Treasury, for the support of our 


said Forces, and to take his receipt for the same on account 
of this Colony. 


Voted, That Benjamin Giles, Esq., and James Betton, 
Esq., receive out of the Treasury £30, lawful money, to be 


by them accounted for, and that the President give order of 
payment accordingly, 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JUNE, 1776. 


68 


Voted, That the balance of the Account of Major John 
Bellows, amounting to £19 7s. 7d., be allowed and paid 
out of the Treasury, and that the President give order of 
payment. 


Voted, That the several Mustermasters, hereafter named, 
receive out of the Treasury sufficient Moneys to pay off the 
Troops going to Canada, for their bounty and their month’s 
advance wages; and that they pay them in their several 
departments, upon their being mustered and enrolled; and 
that Colonel Timothy Walker be Mustermaster of Captain 
Shepard’s Company, Colonel Otis Baker of Captain Drew’s 
Company, Captain Ezekiel Worthen of Captain Hadlock’s 
Company, Samuel Dudley, Esq., of Captain Harper’s Com- 
pany, John Dudley, Esq., of Captain Dearborn’s Company, 
Deacon Nahum Baldwin of Captain Blanchard’s Company, 
Mr. Elijah Grout of Captain Wetherbee’s Company, and 
Colonel Enoch Hale of Captain Parker's Company. 


“The Committee of both Houses beg leave to recommend 
the reconsidering of two Votes lately passed, viz: one for 
raising a Battalion agreeable to a Resolve of the Continental 
Congress, probably to be stationed at Portsmouth, and nomi- 
nating Field and other Officers for the same, and a Vote 
appointing Officers for a Battalion to be sent into Canada. 
And they further recommend the six gentlemen voted for 
Field-Officers for the two above mentioned Battalions, with 
others who may be named, in lieu of those who decline the 
service, stand nominated to appoint-eight of them for the 


second Canada service. _,, 8 ee HEL remy 
e ] e 


Voted and Resolved, That the Vote of this House of the 
11th instant, appointing Major Hackett, Major Tash, and 
Major Copp, to the command of the Battalion to be raised 
agreeable to a Resolve of the Continental Congress, to be 
stationed at Portsmouth; and the Vote of this House of the 
same day, for raising and equipping the said Battalion; and 
also a Vote of this House, of the 15th instant, appointing 
Officers for a Regiment to be sent into Canada, &c. ;—that 
each and every of said Votes be, and hereby are, reconsidered 
and made null and void. 


Voted, That Mr. Thomas Clough go to Moultonborough 
and Canterbury, and carry a Letter to Colonel Senter and 
a Letter to Captain Shepard, and to return and report his 
doings as soon as may be. 


The following Letter was presented to the House, viz: 


“To the Honourable House of Representatives for the Co- 


lony of New-HampsHire: 


“‘Acreeable to the request of the late Congress of the 
Colony aforesaid to the Committees of Safety of the several 
Towns of the Colony, the Committees of the Towns of 
Dunstable, Hollis, Merrimack, and Litchfield, in said Co- 
lony, herewith return the names of Captain Leonard Whi- 
ting, Benjamin Whiting, and Samuel Cummings, Esqs., and 
Thomas Cummings, of Hollis, suspected persons of being 
unfriendly or inimical to the liberties and rights of the Uni- 
ted Colonies, together with the evidences of such suspicion ; 
which is humbly submitted to the examination and decision 
of the said honourable House of Assembly, agreeable to the 
handbills. 

“Dated at Dunstable, 15th of June, 1776. 

“Reusen Dow, Chairman of Committee. 


Whereas the Committees of Safety for the Towns of Dun- 
stable, Hollis, Merrimack, and Litchfield, have returned the 
names of Leonard Whiting, Benjamin Whiting, Samuel 
Cummings, Esqrs., and Thomas Cummings, as persons sus- 
pected of being unfriendly or inimical to the liberties of the 
United Colonies, together with the evidences of such suspi- 
cion; which having been heard and fully considered, and 
also the said Leonard Whiting, Benjamin Whiting, Samuel 
Cummings, and Thomas Cummings, being heard by counsel 
upon their petition before both Houses, it appears to this 
House that the said suspicion is not sufficiently supported, 
and that the said Leonard Whiting, Benjamin Whiting, 
Samuel Cummings, and Thomas Cummings, be acquitted, 
and fully discharged. 

Voted, That the Pay-Roll of Captain Ekphalet Daniel, 
for his Company of Matrosses, from the 17th of May, 1776, 
to the 17th of June instant, amounting to £154 12s., be 
allowed and paid out of the Treasury, and that the Presi- 
dent give order of payment. 


69 
Voted, That Noah Emery, Esq., Clerk of this House, 


receive out of the Treasury 6s. per day for his services as 
Clerk of this House, over and above his wages as Member 
of the House during the last session of this House in March 
last, amounting to £4 16s., and that the President give 
order of payment. 

Voted, That Colonel Isaac Wyman be appointed: First 
Colonel of the Regiment now to be raised and sent into Ca- 
nada, in the room and stead of Major James Hackett, who 
was appointed, and has resigned. 

Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Thursday, June 20, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, To choose a Committee of three Members of this 
House, to join a Committee of the honourable Board, to con- 
fer and consult upon the best method of procuring Provisions 
and other necessaries for the Regiment going into Canada, 
and to make report to this House as soon as may be; and 
that Captain Prentice, Colonel Walker, and Captain Long, 
be the Committee of this House for that purpose; and also 
to consult upon the best method of getting Shots and Balls 
belonging to this Colony, now in store at Mystick, and to 
write to General Washington for an order to receive the 
Powder loaned by this Colony for the supply of the Conti- 
nental Army ; and also to try and borrow some Cannon from 


the Colony of Massachusetts-Bay. 
Voted, That Mr. Samuel Moore be a Monitor to this 


House. 

Voted, That the Account of Samuel Ashley, Benjamin 
Giles, Timothy Walker, Junior, Nahum Baldwin, and Rich- 
ard Downing, Esqrs., (for their expenses as a Committee 
to Portsmouth to look out a proper place for a Bridge to 
New-Castle,) amounting to £3 13s. 10}d., be allowed and 
paid out of the Treasury, and that the President give order 
of payment. 

Adjourned to half-past two o’clock, P. M. 


Met according to adjournment. 


Upon reading sundry Petitions of the Officers and Soldiers 
of the Sixth Regiment of the Militia, praying that Colonel 
John Hale and the other Field-Officers appointed for said 
Regiment may be discharged and dismissed from their said 
appointment, and some others appointed in their room, the 
Petitioners and the said Field-Officers being heard upon their 
evidence before both Houses, it appears to this House that 
the said John Hale, Esq., has carried and behaved himself 
as a good friend to the cause of liberty, and has in many 
cases exerted himself for the good of the American cause, 
now contending for; and no evidence appearing against the 
other Field-Officers of said Regiment, it is therefore voted and 
resolved by this House that the said Petitions be, and hereby 
are, dismissed. 


Voted, 'To have a Committee of this House to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to consult upon the 
matter of sending what hard Money we have to Canada, 
by the same guard Captain Langdon proposes to send what 
he has collected by, or in what manner the same shall be 
sent, and to make report thereon to this House as soon as 
may be; and that John Dudley, Esq., Captain Josiah Moul- 
ton, and Colonel Samuel Sherburne, be the Committee of this 
House for that purpose. 


Voted, That the balance of the Account of Colonel Otis 
Baker, amounting to 20s., be allowed and paid out of the 
Treasury, and that the President of the Council give order 
of payment. 


Voted, ‘That Jacob Wilson receive out of the ‘Treasury 
28s., in full for boarding and nursing James Winn, a sick 
soldier, and for his watchers, and that the President give 
order of payment. 

Voted, That the Field-Officers and the Staff-Officers of 
the Regiment destined for Canada be paid out of the Trea- 
sury, each two months’ advance pay, instead of the one 
month’s advance pay heretofore voted them, and that the 
President give order of payment. 

Voted, That Colonel Otis Baker, Mr. Elijah Grout, 
Colonel Timothy Walker, Samuel Dudley, Esq., John Dud- 


*€ 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JUNE, 1776. 


70 
ley, Esq., Deacon Nahum Baldwin, Colonel Enoch Hale, 


and Captain Ezekiel Worthen, the several Mustermasters 
appointed to pay off the Troops destined for Canada, re- 
ceive, each of them, out of the Treasury £780, to pay off 
the Soldiers (by them severally to be mustered) their bounty 
of $20 each, and their one month’s advance pay, and to 
pay off the Captains and Subaltern Officers of said Troops 
two months’ advance pay, instead of the one month’s pay 
heretofore voted them; and that the said Mustermasters be 
severally accountable for said sum, and that the President 
give order of payment accordingly. 

The Committee appointed to report their opinion of the 
necessaries to fix off the Canada Regiment, agree to report, 
that Colonel Hurd be appointed to fix off all the Companies 
from Cohos, with ten days’ provisions—except Captain Par- 
ker’s and Captain Wetherbee’s Companies, who we would 
recommend to be fixed off by Captain Prentice, at Charles- 
town, with ten days’ provisions—to proceed by way of Crown 
Point; and that the persons appointed Mustermasters deliver 
each Company a day’s provision for every twenty miles’ 
travel, from the place they march from, until they come to 
Cohos or Charlestown—otherwise pay to each man 1d. per 
mile for said distance; and that said Hurd and Prentice 
deliver each man a quart of rum, and that six dozen of axes 
be immediately provided at Exeter, and sent forward. 

M. TxHornton, Chairman. 

Which Report being read, 

Voted, That the same be received and accepted, and 
that orders issue from the honourable the President accord- 
ingly. 

John Hale, Esq., Colonel of the Sixth Regiment of 
Militia in this Colony, together with Robert Reid, Esq., his 
Lieutenant-Colonel, and Wilkam McQuieston, Esq., his 
Major, came into the House and desired leave to resign their 
respective commissions appointing them to the command of 
said Regiment. 


Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 
Friday, June 21, 1776. 
The House met according to adjournment. 


The form of Orders for the Mustermasters was presented, 
read, and accepted. 


Voted, That Benjamin Giles, Esq., and James Betton, 
Esq., receive out of the Treasury £20, to.be by them ac- 
counted for, and that the President give order of payment. 


‘Voted, That Colonel Baker, Mustermaster for Captain 
Drew’s Company, receive out of the Treasury £20; and 
that Captain Worthen, Mustermaster of Captain Hadlock’s 
Company, receive out of the ‘Treasury £30; and that John 
Dudley, Esq., Mustermaster of Captain Dearborn’s Com- 
pany, receive out of the Treasury £30; and that Samuel 
Dudley, Esq., Mustermaster of Captain Harper’s Company, 
receive out of the Treasury £30; and that Colonel Walker, 
Mustermaster of Captain Shepard’s Company, receive out 
of the Treasury £20; and that Deacon Nahum Baldwin, 
Mustermaster of Captain Parker's Company, receive out of 
the Treasury £20: in addition to the sums before voted 
for them, to pay off the Officers and Soldiers destined for 
Canada; and that the honourable President give orders of 
payment accordingly. 

Voted, That Captain Daniel Colburn, of Pelham, be Sec- 
ond Major of Colonel Thornton’s Regiment, in the room 
and stead of James McGregore, who refuses to accept that 
office. 


Upon a motion made in the House for appointing a Sec- 
ond Major to the First Regiment in this Colony, in the room 
of Ephraim Pickering, who was lately appointed to that 
office, 

Voted, That Lieutenant-Colonel Joshua Wentworth and 
the said Ephraim Pickering be desired to appear before 
this House on Wednesday next, to show cause why the said 
Regiment is not yet settled, and why the said motion may 
not be granted. 

Voted, To choose a Committee of this House to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to consider of a method 
to carry into execution the vote of this House for building a 


~ Bridge at New-Castle; and that Major Downing, Deacon 


Nahum Baldwin, and Colonel Samuel Sherburne, be the 
Committee of this House for that purpose. 


71 


Voted, That the Account of Nicholas Nicolle, amount- 
ing to £3 5s. 7d., be allowed and paid out of the Treasury, 
and that the President give order of payment. 


Voted, That Captain Prentice receive out of the Trea- 
sury £116, to provide and fix off the Troops destined for 
Canada, and that he be accountable for the same, and that 
the President give order of payment accordingly. 


‘Voted, That Colonel Hurd receive out of the Treasury 
£350, to provide for and fix off the Troops destined for 
Canada, to be by him accounted for, and that the President 
give order of payment. 

Voted, That the Account of Colonel Matthew Thornton, 
Esq., amounting to £3 19s., be allowed and paid out of the 
Treasury, and that the President give order of payment. 


Voted, That Captain Prentice receive of the Quarter- 
master 100 pounds of Powder, and 250 pounds of Bullets, 
and 400 Flints, for the use of the Troops destined for 
Canada, and that the President give order accordingly. 


Voted, That Colonel Hurd receive of the Quartermaster 
300 pounds Powder, 750 pounds Bullets, and 1200 F'lints, 
for the use of the Troops destined for Canada, and that the 
President give order of payment. 


Voted, To choose a Committee of three persons of this 
House, to joina Committee of the honourable Board, to con- 
sult about constituting a Court to sustain Appeals from the 
sentences or decrees of the Judges of Probate in this Colony, 
or to point out what Court shall sustain such Appeals, and 
whether the parties shall be sustained by a Jury; and to 
make report as soon as may be; and that Jonathan Love- 
well, Esq., John Dudley, Esq., and Colonel Walker, be the 


Committee of this House for that purpose. 
Adjourned to three o’clock, P. M. 


Met according to adjournment. 


Voted, That Colonel Walker, Colonel Sherburne, and 
Major Downing, be a Committee of this House, to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to examine into the 
complaints and grievances of Peter Neveau, a poor French- 
man, now inhabiting within this Colony, and to make report 
to this House as soon as may be. 


Voted, That the Account of Captain John Moulton, 
amounting to £33 Os. 6d., be allowed and paid out of the 
Treasury, and that the President give order of payment. 


Adjourned till eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 

: Saturday, June 22, 1776. 

The House met according to adjournment, and made a 
collection in the House for Peter Neveau, a poor Frenchman, 

_and delivered the same, being £2 14s. 9d., into the hands of 
Deacon James Knowles, for the use of said Peter Neveau. 

The House having taken into their serious consideration 
the distressed and unhappy situation of Peter Neveau and 
his family, do hereby recommend to the Committee of Safety 
of Wakefield, that they, together with Deacon Knowles and 
Mr. Balch, inquire into the circumstances of the said Ne- 
veau and family, and see that he is not injured by his neigh- 
bours, or any person whatsoever. 

Voted, That there be but one place of Rendezvous in 
this Colony for the Troops destined for Canada, and that it 
be at Haverhill, on Connecticut River. 

Voted, 'That Alexander Shirley receive out of the Trea- 
sury £2 11s., in full for his coat and knapsack, lost at 
Bunker-Hill fight, and that the President give order of 
payment. 

Voted, That John Shirley receive out of the Treasury 
£2 8s., in full for his coat and jacket, lost at Bunker-Hill 
ficht, and that the President give order of payment. 

Voted, That Colonel Morey receive out of the Treasury 
£150, to be by him accounted for, and that the President 
give order of payment. 

Voted, That the Account of the Committee of Safety 
of Greenland, amounting to £13 Qs., (for Fire Raft,) be 
allowed, and paid out of the Treasury; and that the Presi- 
dent give order of payment. 


Adjourned to Monday next, at three o’clock, P. M. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JUNE, 1776. 


72 


Monday, June 24, 1776. ° 
The House met according to adjournment. 


An Act for altering the style of Commissions and Law 
Processes, was read a third time, and passed to be enacted. 


An Act to prevent the counterfeiting or altering the Bills 
of Credit of the United Colonies, or either of them, and for 
preventing the depreciation thereof, was read a third time, 
and passed to be enacted. 

An Act for assessing Taxes, &c., and for ascertaining who 
are Legal Voters in Town and Parish Meetings, was read a 
third time, and passed to be enacted. 


Voted, That Aaron Quimby receive out of the Treasury 
£1 5s. 9d., being a stoppage against his wages on the roll 
of Captain John Parker, and that the President give order 
of payment. 


Voted, That Ebenezer Collins receive out of the Trea- 
sury 14s., being a stoppage out of his wages on the roll of 
Captain John Parker, and that the President give order of 
payment. 


Voted, That Daniel Murray receive out of the Treasury 
19s., being a stoppage out of his wages on the roll of Cap- 
tain John Parker, and that the President give order of 
payment. 

Voted, That William Simpson receive out of the Trea- 
sury £1 8s, 1d., being a stoppage out of his wages on the 
roll of Captain John Parker, and that the President give 
order of payment. 


The Petition of John Colby being read, 
Voted, That he be heard thereon on the 


first Tuesday 
of the next session of this Assembly. 


Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 
Tuesday, June 25, 1776. 
The House met according to adjournment. 


Voted, To choose a Committee of three of this House, 
to join a Committee of the honourable Board, to consult 
upon the expediency of procuring and securing a number of 
Boats for the transporting reinforcements to our ‘Troops at 
New- Castle, in case of necessity, and to make report to this 
House as soon as may be; and that Deacon Baldwin, Cap- 
tain Worthen, and Major Downing, be the Committee of 
this House for that purpose. 


Voted, That Mr. Balch, Captain Prentice, and Captain 
Simonds, be a Committee of this House, to join a Committee 
of the honourable Board, to consult upon the matter and 
manner of procuring Casks for the Saltpetre now procured, 
and that hereafter may be procured, in this Colony, and also 
for Powder, and make report thereon as soon as may be. 


“The Committee of the Council and Assembly appointed 
to consult upon the matter and manner of procuring Casks 
for the Saltpetre now procured, &c., have maturely con- 
sidered the same, and do humbly report, that one hundred 
and twenty new Barrels be provided for the purposes in the 
Resolve set forth, each Barrel to contain sixteen gallons, 
which, they think, will be sufficient at present. 

“ M. Tuornton, Chairman.” 


Voted, That Major Tash, Colonel Morey, and Captain 
Prentice, be a Committee of this House to join a Committee 
of the honourable Board, to confer together upon the Account 
of Captain John Moulton against this Colony, and make 
report as soon as may be. 


Voted, To choose a Committee of this House to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to confer upon the 
expediency of seizing and securing Major Robert Rogers, 
in consequence of sundry informations against him, as inimi- 
cal to the rights and liberties of this country, and to make 
report thereon to this House as soon as may be; and that 
Captain Harriman, Major Philbrick, and Mr. Bell, be 
the Committee of this House for that purpose. 

Voted, That the Pay-Roll of Captain Ebenezer Dear- 
ing, from May 22 to June 22, 1776, amounting to £100 
14s. 43d., be allowed, and paid out of the ‘Treasury, and 
that the President give order of payment. 

The Maritime Act was read a second time. An Act to 
enforce the payment of Taxes, &c., read a first time. An 
Act to abolish the Court of Appeals, &c., read a first time. 


Adjourned to half-past two o’clock, P. M. 


73 


Met according to adjournment. 


Voted, That Deacon Nahum Baldwin receive out of the 
Treasury £60, lawful money, towards procuring Firearms, 
to be by him accounted for, and that the President give 
order of payment. 

An Act for abolishing the Court of Appeals, &c., was 
read a third time, and passed to be enacted. ‘ 


Voted, That the Muster-Roll of Captain Titus Salter, 
from the 17th of May to the 16th of June, 1776, amount- 
ing to £199 14s. 7d., be allowed, and paid out of the 
Treasury, and that the President give order of payment 
accordingly. 

Voted, That Captain John Langdon, of Portsmouth, be 
Captain of a Company of Light-Infantry in Portsmouth, 
and that he be commissioned therefor, with the rank of 
Colonel; that his Lieutenant (by him to be nominated) be 
commissioned, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel ; and 
that his Ensign be commissioned, with the rank of Major; 
and that the said Company consist_of forty men, rank and 
file, and that the President give out Commissions accord- 
ingly. ‘The said Company to be under the command of 
the General Officer of the Militia for this Colony. 


“'The Committee appointed to consider of a method to 
carry into execution the Vote of this House for building a 
Bridge at New-Castle, recommend that a Committee be 
chosen to purchase materials suitable to build said Bridge or 
Bridges in the places recommended by the Committee, of 
fourteen feet width in the clear, in a substantial manner, 
according to their best skill and judgment, and with all the 
expedition that may be; and also that it be recommended 
to the commanding officer of the Troops in the District of 
Portsmouth to furnish forty able and suitable men to assist 
in this business, the men to be allowed one pistareen per 
day more than common wages, and excusable from other 
duties. J. Hurp, for the Committee. 

‘s Exeter, June 25, 1776.”’ 

The above Report being read and considered, 

Voted, That Captain Worthen, together with one to be 
appointed from the honourable Council, be a Committee to 
purchase materials suitable to build a Bridge of fourteen feet 
width in the clear, in the place mentioned in the report of a 
Committee sent to view the best place for building a Bridge 
from the main land to New-Castle, in a substantial manner, 
according to their best skill and judgment, and with all the 
expedition that may be, and also to oversee the said work 
while building said Bridge ; and that they employ four good 
Carpenters on the said work, and as many of the Troops at 
New-Castle as occasion may require, which Troops shall 
receive one gill of rum each per day whilst on the said 
work, beside their rations and wages as soldiers. 


Voted, That there be procured, at the charge of this Colony, 
one hundred and twenty new, good, tight oak Casks, to con- 
tain sixteen gallons each, for the purpose of securing in them 
the Saltpetre already procured and hereafter to be procured 
for the use of this Colony, and also to secure Powder in, as 
this Colony may have occasion ; and that Doctor Josiah Gil- 
man and Mr. Nathaniel be a Committee to procure 
the said Casks. 

Voted, That John McClary, Esquire, and Mr. Bell bea 
Committee of this House, to join a Committee of the honour- 
able Board, to consider the Petition of Joseph Leigh, this day 
presented to this House, and to make report thereon as soon 
as may be. 

Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 


Wednesday, June 26, 1776. 
The House met according to adjournment. 


Voted, That Captain Titus Salter be allowed and paid 
out of the Treasury £89 3s. 93d., in full for his Account, 
and that the President give order of payment accordingly. 


Voted, 'That the Vote of the honourable Council, sent to 
this House this day, appointing Colonel Thornton, General 
Folsom, Colonel Hurd, and Ebenezer Thompson, Esquire, 
a Committee to join a Committee of the honourable Board, 
to examine the Account of Captain Titus Salter, and confer 
together on an allowance thereof, and make report thereon, 
be concurred, and Captain Prentice, Ichabod Rollins, Esq., 
Richard Downing, Esq., Colonel Walker, and Colonel 
March, be joined on the part of this House, 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JUNE, 1776. 


74 


An Act for establishing a Court Maritime, &c., was read 
a third time, and passed to be enacted. 


Voted, 'To choose a Committee of three of this House, to 
join a Committee of the honourable Board, to consider a 
Petition of Colonel Ashley, Colonel Hurd, Major Bellows, 
Benjamin Giles, Esq., and Colonel Morey, for a Company 
of Rangers, &c., and make report to this House as soon as 
may be; and that Captain Prentice, John McClary, Esq., 
and Jonathan Lovewell, Esq., be the Committee of this 
House for that purpose. 


The following Vote of Council was brought down from 
the honourable Board, viz: 


“Colony of New-Hampshire, in Council, 
June 26, 1776. 


“Whereas, one Mr. John Odlin has just arrived and pre- 
sented to the Council $10,000 from the honourable Conti- 
nental Congress for the use of this Colony: 

“Voted, That Colonel Thornton, General Folsom, and 
Colonel Hurd, be a Committee, to join with such as the 
honourable Board shall appoint, to receive and tell over 
said Money and deliver it to the ‘Treasurer, and take his 
receipt therefor. 

«Sent down for concurrence. 

“EK. Tuompson, Secretary.” 


The above Vote of Council read and concurred, and 
Captain Simonds, John Dudley, Esq., and Captain Pren- 


tice, are added on the part of the House. 
Adjourned to half-past two o’clock, P. M. 
Met according to adjournment. 


An Act concerning Marriages, &c., was read a third 
time, and passed to be enacted. 


Voted, That a Committee of five persons of this House 
join a Committee of the honourable Board, to confer to- 
gether upon the expediency of purchasing or borrowing a 
quantity of Powder, or of exchanging of Saltpetre in the 
Massachusetts Colony for Powder, and in what manner the 
exchange shall be made, and make report thereon as soon 
as may be; and that Colonel Morey, Ichabod Rollins, Esq., 
Doctor Dearborn, Captain Prentice, and Captain Moulton, 
be the Committee of this House for that purpose; and also 
to consider the expediency of supplying the frontier ‘Towns 
in this Colony with Powder, and also what 'Towns shall be 
supplied, and with how much. 


Voted, 'To choose a Committee of three Members of this 
House, to join a Committee of the honourable Board, to 
inquire into the cause why the First Regiment in this Colo- 
ny is not settled, according to the order of this House; and 
why Major Ephraim Pickering is objected to by some part 
of said Regiment as Second Major thereof, and to make report 
thereof to this House as soon as may be; and that Jonathan 
Lovewell, Esq., Daniel Brainard, Esq., and Captain Har- 


riman, be a Committee of this House for that purpose. 


Voted, That Joseph Leigh receive out of the Treasury 
£6 3s., in full for his service to this Colony as a soldier 
under the command of Captain Salter, and that the Presi- 
dent give order of payment. 


Voted, 'That the Account of Mr. John Odin, amounting 
to £4 12s., be allowed and paid out of the Treasury, and 
that the President give order of payment. 


Voted, That the Ensign of Colonel Sherburne’s Company 
of Cadets have the same rank as the Ensign of Colonel 
Langdon’s Company of Light-Infantry. 

Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 


Thursday, June 27, 1776. 

The House met according to adjournment. 

Voted, 'To choose a Committee of this House, to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to consult upon the 
expediency of emitting a quantity of Small Bills for the 
benefit of change, and to make report how much, and in 
what manner, the same shall be emitted, and that Doctor 
Dearborn, Captain Long, and John McClary, Esq., be the 
Committee of this House for that purpose. 

Which Committee being joined by a Committee of the 
honourable Board, made report, as on file. Whereupon it 
is voted, that there be forthwith emitted, on the credit of 


75 


this Colony, the sum of £3,400, in manner following, 
VIZ: 


6,000 bills, at 3d.each,is- - - - - £75 
6,000 bills, at 4dd.each,is- - - - - 100 
6,000 bills, at 5d. each,is- - - - - 125 
6,000 bills, at 7d.each,is- - - - - 175 
6,000 bills, at 8d.each,is- - - - - 200 
6,000 bills, at 10d. each, is - - - - 250 
6,000 bills, at ls. each,is- - - - - 300 
6,000 bills, at 1s. 3d. each, is - - + 9375 
6,000 bills, at 2s. each,is- - - - - 600 
6,000 bills, at 4s. each,is- - - - = 1,200 

3,400 


Whereof £1,700 to be received by a tax on the Polls 
and Estates of the rateable inhabitants of this Colony by the 
26th day of January, 1787, and the remaining £1,700 by 
the 26th day of January, 1788, and that the said bills be 
emitted in the following form: 


“ Colony of New-Hampsuire, June 28, 1776. 


pence. No. ; pence. 

“ The possessor of this bill shall be paid by the Treasurer 
of this Colony , by the 26th day of January, 1778. 
And this bill shall be received for the aforesaid sum in all 


payments. By order of the Council and Assembly. 
Committee. 
pence. pence.” 


And that Doctor Dearborn, together with such of the 
Council as shall be appointed by the honourable Board, be 
a Committee to procure the materials and inspect the print- 
ing of said Bills; and when so done, to deliver the same to 
the Treasurer, and take his receipt therefor; and that six 
persons of this House, with such as the honourable Board 
shall appoint, be a Committee to sign the said Bills; and 
that one signer to each of said Bills shall be sufficient ; and 
that Noah Emery, Esq., Captain Pierce Long, Mr. John 
Smith, Philips White, Esq., Major Samuel Philbrick, and 
Major Benjamin Barker, be the Committee of this House 
for the purpose aforesaid. 


Voted, To choose a Committee of this House, to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to consult together 
and to make report what business is most necessary to be 
done at this session ; and at what time and to what time the 
General Assembly shall be adjourned ; and also to consult 
in what manner and how the Members of both Houses shall 
receive their pay; and that Jonathan Lovewell, Esq., John 
Dudley, Esq., and Captain Prentice, be the Committee of 
the House for the purposes aforesaid. 


Which Committee being joined by a Committee of the 
Council, made report as follows, viz: 

“The Committee of both Houses agree to report that they 
think it necessary a vote should pass, directing the Secre- 
tary that he should make out commissions of the peace for 
each County, agreeable to the Acts, Votes, and Resolves of 
the General Assembly; and for the President to sign them. 
That the several Acts under consideration be finished and 
passed. And considering the necessity of raising the Ca- 
nada Regiment, and uncertainty of recruiting officers raising 
the men, think it absolutely necessary for the Court to set 
next week. That the Judge of Maritime Affairs be com- 
missioned without delay. M. 'THornron, Chairman.” 


Voted, That the wages of the several Members of the 
honourable Council and of this House be 6s. per day for their 
attendance during the current year; and that the Secretary 
and the Clerk of this House receive for their services, as 
Secretary and Clerk, 6s. per day each, over and above their 
wages as Members; and that Mr. John Smith receive, for 
his services in this House as Assistant Clerk, 3s. per day 
over and above his wages as a Member of this House. 


An Act for the better regulating Highways, was read a 
third time, and passed to be enacted. 

Voted, That the Account of Robert Leight, for Axes, 
amounting to £2 Qs. be allowed and paid out of the Trea- 
sury, and that the President give order of payment. 


Voted, That the Account of John Pickering, Esq., for 
drawing Acts, &c., amounting to £5, be allowed and paid 


out of the Treasury, and that the President give order of 
payment. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JUNE, 1776. 


76 


Voted, That the Account of Richard Champney, amount- 
ing to 24s. 6d., be allowed and paid out of the Treasury, 
and that the President give order of payment. 


Adjourned to three o’clock, P. M. 


Met according to adjournment. 


Voted, That Samuel Folsom, Esq., have the loan of £300 
out of the Treasury, for the term of one year, to enable him 
to prosecute the building a Powder-Mill in Exeter, he giving 
bond, with sufficient sureties, to the Treasurer of this Colony 
for the repayment of said sum at the end of said term, and 
that the President give order accordingly. 


Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 


Friday, June 28, 1776. 
The House met according to adjournment. 


Voted, 'l'o choose a Committee of this House to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board to take into considera- 
tion the matter of Colonel Bayley’s Letter received this day, 
and make report thereon as soon as may be; and that Cap- 
tain Long, John Dudley, Esq., Colonel Morey, and Captain — 
Moulton, be the Committee of this House for that purpose. 


An Act to empower sundry Committees to open Sluices 
on Beaver-Brook, was read a third time, and passed to be 
enacted. 

An Act for opening Sluices in each Dam across Piscata- 
qua River, &c., was read a third time, and passed to be 
enacted. 


A Petition of Samuel Gutterson, in behalf of the Inhabi- 
tants of the One-Mile Slip and Duxbury Farm, lying in the 
County of Hillsborough, praying to be empowered to manage 
the prudential affairs of their District in a legal way, with 
good order and safety, being read and considered, 

Voted, That the prayer thereof be granted, and that the 
Petitioner ihereof have leave to bring in a Bill accordingly. 


Voted, To choose a Committee of this House, to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to consult upon the 
best and most effectual method of supplying this Colony 
with Firearms, and to make report as soon as may be; and 
that Colonel Sherburne, Colonel Baker, Dr. Nichols, Cap- 
tain Prentice, and Colonel Morey, be the Committee of this 
House for that purpose. 


Voted, That the Account of Captain Nathaniel Sartel 
Prentice, amounting to £7 2s. 4d., be allowed and paid out 
of the Treasury, and that the President give order of pay- 
ment. 


An Act for the more strict observation of the Lord’s Day 
in this Colony was read a third time, and passed to be en- 
acted. 


Voted, That the Treasurer of this Colony receive into the 
Treasury, in exchange for the Paper Bills of this Colony, 
any quantity of Copper Coin, made in this Colony, of the 
weight of five pennyweight and ten grains each, to the amount 
of any sum not exceeding £1,000, lawful money; three of 
which Coppers shall be received and paid for two pence, 
lawful money, in all payments; which Coppers shall have 
the following device, viz: A pine tree, with the word Ame- 
rican liberty on one side, and a harp and the figures 1776 
on the other side. 


Adjourned to three o’clock, P. M. 


Met according to adjournment. 


An Act against counterfeiting Bills of Credit, &c., was 
read a third time, and passed to be enacted. 

An Act to regulate Taxation, &c., was read a third time, 
and passed to be enacted. 


“The Committee of both Houses agree to report that they 
advise the raising two hundred men to guard the Western 
frontiers, and that inlisting orders be delivered to persons to 
raise four Companies, of fifty men each; which Companies, 
when raised, to choose a Captain, Lieutenant, and Ensign, 
to each Company. And that they would advise that the 
raising the men be attempted on Pemigewasset River and 
across the middle of the Colony, to be inlisted for five 
months; Officers and Soldiers to have the same wages as 
the other Colonial Troops, and 40s. bounty—one month’s 
wages to be advanced; that Colonel Ashley, Colonel Con- 


77 


nor, Samuel Emerson, Esq., and Colonel Hurd, be recom- 
mended to inlist the Companies, muster, pay them, and 
deliver Commissions to the persons chosen Officers by the 
Soldiers. And it is further recommended that Colonel Hurd 
be appointed to give orders to the several Companies, from 
time to time, about their scouting route, &c. 

“M, Weare, Chairman.” 


The following Vote of Council.was brought down from 

the honourable Board, viz: 
“In Council, June 28, 1776. 

“Voted, That General Nathaniel Folsom, Colonel Mat- 
thew Thornton, and Ebenezer Thompson, Esq., be a Com- 
mittee, to join a Committee of the honourable House, to report 
their opinion on the state of Colonel Morey’s Account, and 
in particular concerning goods and stores in his hands— 
whether the Colony had best receive them or not, and 
thereby determine the expediency of his having an order on 
the Treasury for money.” 


The above Vote of Council read and concurred, and 
Captain Prentice, Captain Harriman, Captain Moulton, 
Captain Simonds, and Colonel Evans, are added on the 
part of the House. 


Voted, That the Officers appointed to inlist the Regi- 
ment now destined for Canada, have liberty to inlist such 
men, now in the service of this Colony at New-Castle, as 
see fit to inlist in said Regiment destined for Canada; and 
that Colonel David Gilman, commander of said Regiment 
at New- Castle, be forthwith informed of this Vote, and that 
he, and his Officers under him, have leave to recruit such 
number of Soldiers as shall so inlist out of said Regiment. 


Adjourned for ten minutes. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Voted, That the several Mustermasters appointed to 
muster the several Companies destined for Canada, imme- 
diately repair to their several places of destination, and muster 
whatever Troops are inlisted by the several Recruiting Offi- 
cers, and return to this House a Roll of such Soldiers so in- 
listed, and to what Regiment they respectively belong, on or 
before Wednesday night next week. 


Voted, That if any or either of the several Recruiting 
Officers appointed to inlist the Soldiers destined for Canada, 
shall represent to any or either of the Mustermasters appointed 
to muster their respective Companies, and resign their re- 
spective claim to the command of such Company respec- 
tively ; and any other respectable man shall raise such Com- 
pany, and cause them to be mustered by such Mustermaster, 
that then the said Mustermaster may proceed _to pay off such 
Soldiers, in the same manner as if inlisted by such Inlisting 
Officer. , 

Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 

' Saturday, June 29, 1776. 
The House met according to adjournment. 


Voted, That Mr. Richard Champney be sent express to 
General Ward, in Boston, and make application to him to 
replace to this Colony the quantity of Powder furnished and 
lent to General Washington last year, for the use of the 
Continental Army; and in failure of that, that he be em- 
powered to borrow, for this Colony, thirty or forty barrels of 
Powder, for the present urgent necessity; and if that cannot 
be obtained, either from General Ward or the Massachusetts 
Assembly, that he propose an exchange of Saltpetre, as 
much as can be spared from our present stock, for Powder, 
on the best terms he can; and also to purchase Powder 
from any private hands, if to be procured; and that he be 
directed to inquire for, and purchase a number of Firearms 
in Massachusetts, if any can be had, and immediately to 
forward the same to Exeter, as soon as may be. 


Voted, That Jonathan Hale, Esq., of Haverhill, in this 
Colony, have and receive out of the ‘Treasury £200, for the 
purchasing Firearms for the use of the inhabitants of the 
Towns of Haverhill and Bath, at Cohos, he giving security 
to the Treasurer to replace the said sum in the Treasury 
when called for; and that the President give order accord- 
ingly. 

Voted, That Jonathan Hale, Esq., of Haverhill, in this 
Colony, have and receive out of the Colony stores, two 
barrels of Powder for the use of the inhabitants of Haverhill 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JULY, 1776. 


78 


and Bath, to be by him accounted for; and that the Presi- 
dent give order accordingly. 

Voted, To choose a Committee of this House to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to take under consider- 
ation the several Petitions of the Towns of Plymouth, Camp- 
ton, Thornton, Haverhill and Bath, concerning Arms and 
Ammunition, and to make report thereon as soon as may be ; 
and that Captain Caleb Page, Daniel Brainard, Esq., and 
Captain Harriman, be the Committee of this House for that 
purpose. 


Voted, 'To choose a Committee of this House to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to confer upon the 
expediency of raising or adding to the Bounty of the Non- 
Commissioned Officers and Soldiers of this Colony for Cane 
ada, and to report thereon as soon as may be; and that 
Doctor Dearborn, Captain Moulton, and Colonel Evans, be 
the Committee of this House for that purpose. 

Which Committee, being joined by a Committee of the 
Council, reported as their opinion, that an addition of 38s. 
is necessary on this occasion. 

Voted, That there be added to the Bounty already given 
to the Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers of this Co- 
lony destined for Canada, the sum of 38s. each. 


Vote to give £3 for all good new Firearms, agreeable to 
a former Vote, for one year from this time. 


Voted, That Mr. Stephen Seavey have and receive out 
of the Treasury £10, to be by him accounted for; and that 
the President give order of payment. 


Adjourned to three o’clock, P. M. 


Met according to adjournment. 


The Speaker being absent, 
Voted, That Nathaniel Sartel Prentice be Speaker pro 


tempore. 


Voted, 'That Mr. Richard Champney receive out of the 
Treasury £200, for the purpose of purchasing Firearms and 
Powder, and to be by him accounted for; and that the Pre- 
sident give order for payment accordingly. 


An Act concerning Marriages, &c., was read a third time, 
and passed to be enacted. 

An Act to regulate Taxation was read a third time, and 
passed to be enacted. 

An Act empowering Selectmen, &c., to bind out poor 
persons, &c., was read a third time, and passed to be enacted. 


The following Vote was sent down from the honourable 
Board, viz: 


1 


*« Colony of New-Hampshire, in Council, ; 
; ; f ; June 29, 1776. 
«The Council having taken into consideration the com- 


plaint of Samuel Penhallow, Esq., that he had, as a Civil 
Magistrate of this Colony, on a complaint made to him in 
said capacity, issued a warrant against a soldier in Colonel 
David Gilman’s Regiment, for a flagrant breach of the 
peace, applied to said Colonel Gilman for assistance, to 
bring the offender to justice ; and that said Colonel Gilman 
had replied that the soldiers under his command were sub- 
ject to martial law, and were not subject to the Civil 
Magistrate for any offence, or to that effect : 

“Voted, That it is the opinion of the Board that the said 
Colonel David Gilman is ignorant of the laws and received 
rules and regulations always practised in the English Consti- 
tution ; and the military power setting up an authority uncon- 
trollable by the Civil Magistrate, is subversive of the laws, 
rights, and privileges of Englshmen, and what our present 
inveterate enemies never attempted ; and that Colonel David 
Gilman be summoned to appear before the General Assem- 
bly forthwith, to answer for his conduct.” 


The above Vote of Council being read and considered, 
Voted, That the same be concurred. 
Adjourned to Monday next, at three o’clock, P. M. 


—_— 


Monday, July 1, 1776. 
The House met according to adjournment. 
An Act for establishing the style of Commissions, and for 
altering the style of Writs, &c., was read a second time. 
Voted, That General Nathaniel Folsom be directed to 
deliver to Colonel Henry Gerrish one hundred pounds 
weight of Powder out of the Colony stores, and take his 


79 


receipt for the same, agreeable to the request of George 
Gaines, Esq., by order from the Committee of Newburyport; 
and that the President give directions accordingly. 

Voted, 'To choose a Committee of this House, to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to consult and examine 
into the expediency of delivering Powder to the inhabitants 
of Piermont, Orford, and Alexandria, and in what quantity, 
and on what condition the same shall be delivered to each 
of said Towns, and to make report thereon as soon as may 
be; and that Captain Moulton, Deacon Knowles, and Mr. 
Wheeler, be the Committee of this House for that purpose. 

An Act for establishing the style of Commissions, and for 
altering the style of Writs, &c., was read a third time, and 
passed to be enacted. 

Voted, That Captain Prentice, Doctor Dearborn, and 
Major Philbrick, be a Committee of this House, to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to try and see how 
cheap they can get two hundred and fifty copies of each of 
the Acts and Laws passed in this present session, printed, 
and to get them printed in the cheapest manner they can, 
as soon as may be, at the charge of this Colony. 

Adjourned to to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 

Tuesday, July 2, 1776. 

The House met according to adjournment. 

Voted, That the Committees of Plymouth, Campton, and 
Thornton, have and receive out of the Treasury £250, for 
the purpose of purchasing Firearms, Powder, Lead, and 
.Flints, for the use of said Towns; they giving security to 
the Treasurer to repay said sum when required; and that 
the President give order accordingly. 

Voted, That General Folsom deliver to Captain Bena- 
min Hickocks two hundred pounds weight of Powder out of 
the Colony stores, according to the desire of the Committee 
of Portsmouth, in consequence of an order from the Com- 
mittee of Newburyport, and that the President give order 
accordingly. 

The whole Council and House being resolved into a Com- 
mittee of both Houses, to confer on the necessary measures 
to be immediately pursued in the present alarming circum- 
stances of our Canada affairs, &c.: 

_ Having met in the Town-House, at Exeter, the Honour- 
able Meshech Weare, Esgq., in the chair, after conferring upon 
the said measures ; 

_ Voted, That the General Court proportion to each Co- 
lonel or Commanding-Officer of each Regiment in_ this 
Colony, how many men shall be raised in each Regiment 
forthwith, to reinforce our Army in Canada; and that the 
said Colonels and Commanding Officers shall be directed to 
proportion the said men among the several Companies in 
their respective Regiments, including the Alarm List; and 
that the number of men to be raised shall be fifteen hundred, 
including the seven hundred and fifty men already voted to 
be raised for that service; and that they remain in the ser- 
vice till the lst day of December next, and have the same 
allowance, pay, and bounty, as those heretofore appointed 
to be raised for Canada. ~ 

The above Vote being read, 

Voted, That the same be made a Resolve of this House. 

Also, Voted, That Captain Long, Mr. Abbot, and Cap- 
tain Moore, be a Committee of this House, to join a Com- 
mittee of the honourable Board, to make a proportion of 
what number of men shall be raised in each Regiment in 
this Colony for a reinforcement of our Army in Canada. 


Voted, That there be paid by the Treasurer, for all such 
good Firearms as shall be manufactured in this Colony, and 
brought to the Treasurer, agreeable to a former vote of this 
House, within one year from this time, 10s. each, in addition 
to the £3 heretofore voted. 

Voted, To choose a Committee of three of this House, 
to join a Committee of the honourable Board, to consult and 
examine into the expediency of delivering Powder to the 
inhabitants of Walpole, Westmoreland, New-Chester, Rum- 
ney, Wentworth, Warren, Lyme, and Salisbury, and what 
quantity and on what condition the same shall be delivered 
to each of said Towns, and make report thereon as soon as 
may be; and that Captain Moulton, Deacon Knowles, and 
Mr. Wheeler, be the Committee of this House for that pur- 
pose. 

Adjourned to three o’clock, afternoon. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JULY, 1776. 


80 


Met according to adjournment. 


Voted, That there be delivered to the Towns hereafter 
named, and to the several Colonels hereafter named, the 
several quantities of Powder hereafter mentioned, (they being 
accountable for the same,) viz: To the Town of Wentworth, 
9 pounds weight ; to the Town of Warren, 9 pounds weight ; 
to the Town of Lyme, 30 pounds weight ; to the Town of 
New- Chester, 30 pounds weight ; to the Town of Rumney, 
30 pounds weight ; to the Town of Piermont, thirty pounds 
weight; to the Town of Orford, 15 pounds weight ; to the 
Town of Alexandria, 20 pounds weight; to the Town of 
Salisbury, 25 pounds weight ; to Colonel Benjamin Bellows, 
for his Regiment, to be divided between them in due pro- 
portion, 200 pounds weight ; and to Colonel Samuel Ashley, 
for his Regiment, to be divided between them in due pro- 
portion, 100 pounds weight ; amounting in the whole to 500 
pounds weight, to be accounted for as aforesaid ; and that the 
President give orders accordingly. 


Voted, That Major Alewander Craige and Michael Dwyer 
have and receive out of the Treasury £45, for the purpose 
of purchasing Firearms, Lead, and F'lints, for the use of the 
Town of Rumney, in this Colony ; they giving good security 
to the ‘Treasurer for the repayment of said sum into the 
Treasury when required ; and that the President give order 
accordingly. 

Voted, That Captain Jonathan Chandler have and re- 
ceive out of the ‘Treasury £50, for the purpose of purcha- 
sing Firearms, Lead, and Flints, for the use of the Town of 
Piermont, in this Colony, he giving good security to the 
Treasurer for the repayment of said sum when required, and 
that the President give order accordingly. 


Voted, That Colonel Israel Morey have and receive out 
of the Treasury £50, for the purpose of- purchasing Fire- 
arms, Lead, and F'lints, for the use of the Town of Orford, 
in this Colony, he giving good security to the Treasurer for 
the repayment of said sum into the Treasury when required, 
and that the President give order accordingly. 


Whereas it is strongly suspected that Major Robert Rogers, 
and one Samuel Dyer are inimical to the rights and liberties 
of Americans: Therefore, 

Voted, That it be, and hereby is, strongly recommended 
to the several Committees of Safety and of Correspondence 
in this Colony, or either or any of them, that they take 
effectual care to seize the bodies of the said Samuel Dyer 
and Robert Rogers, whenever or wherever found in this 
Colony, and to secure them, or either of them, under a 
proper guard; and convey them or either of them to this 
House, or Committee of Safety of this Colony, as soon as 
may be, for examination. 

Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 

Wednesday, July 3, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, That the following numbers of men be raised in 
the several Regiments hereunder mentioned, for the rein- 
forcement of our Army in Canada, viz: Colonel Whipple’s 
Regiment, 115; Colonel Evans’s Regiment, 150; Colonel 
Moulton’s Regiment, 88 ; Colonel Gilman’s Regiment, 163 ; 
Colonel Ashley’s Regiment, 100; Colonel Bellows’s Regi- 
ment, 73; late Colonel John Hale’s Regiment, 157 ; Colonel 
Bartlett’s Regiment, 111; Colonel Thornton’s Regiment, 
66; Colonel Enoch Hale’s Regiment, 107; Colonel Weé- 
ster’s Regiment, 55; Colonel Moore’s Regiment, 126; 
Colonel Stickney’s Regiment, 116 ; Colonel Badger’s Regi- 
ment, 73—1,500. 

And that General Folsom give orders to the several Co- 
lonels or Commanding Officers of said Regiments accord- 
ingly. 

“The Committee on Colonel Morey’s Account agree to 
report that the goods Colonel Morey has on hand, for which 
he charges £100, ought to remain as his own property, and 
the charge against the Colony taken off. And the state of 
the Account being such that they cannot at present enter 
into an examination thereof, they would recommend that no 
money be paid thereon until a proper settlement can be 
made. M. Tuornton, Chairman.” 


Which Report being read: 
Voted, That the same be received and entered as a resolve 
of this House. 


8i 


Voted, That Captain Nathaniel Sartel Prentice have and 
receive out of the Treasury the sum of £200, for the pur- 
ose of purchasing Firearms, Lead, and F'lints, for the use 
of Colonel Bellows’s Regiment, he giving good security for 
the repayment of said sum when required ; and that the Pre- 
sident give order accordingly. 

Whereas sundry Soldiers have inlisted out of the Regiment 
under command of Colonel David Gilman, at New- Castle, 
into the Regiment now going to Canada: It is hereby 

Voted and Ordered, That the reasonable expenses of such 
of the Officers in said Gilman’s Regiment as shall recruit 
Soldiers to fill up said Regiment, shall be paid by the Colony. 


Voted, To choose a Committee of three Members of this 
House, to join a Committee of the honourable Board, to con- 
fer together and nominate to this House a number of persons 
for Field-Officers for the new Regiment now to be raised to 
reinforce our Army in Canada; and to make report thereon ; 
and that John McClarey, Esq., Major Barker, Colonel 
Evans, Deacon Baldwin, Captain Moore, Mr. Rounsival, 
and Deacon Knowles, be the Committee of this House for 
that purpose. 


Voted, That Captain Worthen be appointed Mustermas- 
ter of the Soldiers inlisted for the Canada reinforcement, now 
at New-Castle, and that he pay them off their Bounty and 
one month’s advance wages, and that he return a Roll thereof 
to this House as soon as may be. 


Voted, That Abner Fellows and Eliphalet Gale have and 
receive out of the Treasury £4 6s., for the purpose of pur- 
chasing Firearms, Lead, and F'lints, for the use of the Towns 
of New-Chester and Alexandria, they giving good security 
to the Treasurer for the repayment of said sum into the 
Treasury, and that the President give order accordingly. 


Voted, That Samuel Curry have and receive out of the 
Treasury £5, for the purpose of purchasing Firearms, Lead, 
and Flints, for the use of the inhabitants of New-Holderness, 
he giving good security for repayment of said sum into the 
Treasury when required, and that the President give order 
accordingly. 

Voted, That General Nathaniel Folsom deliver to Sam- 
uel Curry, for the use of the inhabitants of New-Holder- 
‘ness, 25 pounds of Powder, out of the Colony stores, to be 
by them accounted for, and that the President give order 
accordingly. 

Adjourned to three o’clock, P. M. 


Met according to adjournment. 


Voted, That Colonel Nicholas Gilman be desired and 
directed to keep a Guard of two men every night, and one 
man every day, about the Powder-House in Eveter, in order 
to secure it from being destroyed, and that he give orders to 
said Guard daily for their conduct in that affair, until further 
order of the Court or of the Committee of Safety, and that 
the charge of said Guards be paid by the Colony. 


Voted, 'To choose a Committee of this House, to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to receive the Returns 
of the Mustermasters appointed to muster Troops destined 
to Canada, and to make report to this House thereon, and 
from time to time to report when any sufficient number of 
said Troops are ready to march; and that Captain Harri- 
man, Captain Moulton, and Captain Prentice, be the Com- 
* mittee of this House for that purpose. 


Colonel David Gilman appearing before both Houses to 
answer the complaint of Samuel Penhallow, Esq., as on file, 
&c., and being fully heard, and the matter duly considered, 
it is 

Voted and Resolved, That the said complaint be dis- 
missed. 

Voted, That the extract from Captain Timothy Clements’s 
Roll, amounting to £51 18s, 1d., be allowed and paid out 
of the Treasury, and that the President give order of pay- 
ment. 

Voted, That the extract from Captain Nathan Brown’s 
Roll, amounting to £16 7s. 5d., be allowed and paid out of 
the Treasury, and that the President give order of payment. 

Voted, That the balance of the Account of Daniel War- 
ner, Esq., amounting to £26 19s. 53d., be allowed and paid 
out of the Treasury, and that the President give order of 
payment. 


Firrn Series.—Vot. I. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JULY, 1776. 


6 


82 


Voted, That Major Jonathan Childs have and receive 
out of the Treasury £50, for the purpose of purchasing F'ire- 
arms, Lead, and F'lints, for the use of the Town of Lyme, 
he giving good security to the Treasurer for the repayment 
of the said sum into the Treasury when required, and that 
the President give order of payment. 

Voted and Resolved, That there be emitted £20,160, 
lawful money, upon the credit of this Colony, for the use 
and service thereof, in Bills of the following denominations, 
viz: 


3,200 bills of six dollars, is - - - - - £5,760 
3,200 bills of five dollars, is - - - - - 4,800 
3,200 bills of four dollars, is - - - - - 3,840 
3,200 bills of three dollars,is - - - - 2,880 
3,200 bills of two dollars, is - - - - - 1,920 
3,200 bills of one dollar,is - - - - - 960 

In the whole, - - - - - £20,160 


And that the same be redeemed by a tax on the Polls 
and Estates of the rateable inhabitants of this Colony, in the 
following manner, viz: £5,000 by the 26th of January, 
1789; £5,000 by the 26th of January, 1790; £5,000 by 
the 26th of January, 1791; £5,160 by the 26th of Janu- 
ary, 1792. And that the said bills be of the same form as 
those emitted by vote of this Assembly of the 26th of Janu- 
ary last past; and that Dr. Levt Dearborn, together with 
such Member of the honourable Board as they shall appoint, 
be a Committee to procure the materials and superintend the 
press while the said Bills are printing, and to deliver the 
same to the Treasurer of this Colony, (for the time being,) 
and take his receipt therefor; all which Bills, after their 
redemption, shall be burnt to ashes in the presence of the 
Council and Assembly; and that Phzlips White, Esq., Mr. 
John Smith, and Mr. Jostah Moulton, the third, or any two 
of them, be a Committee to sign the said Bills. 

Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 

Thursday, July 4, 1776. 

The House met according to adjournment. 


Voted, That the Staff-Roll of Colonel David Gilman, up 
to the 30th of June, inclusive, amounting to £83 1s., be 
allowed and paid out of the Treasury, and that the Presi- 
dent give order of payment. 


A Message came down from the honourable Board, by 
Colonel Thornton and General Folsom, advising that the 
General be directed to send out orders to the several Colonels 
and Commanding Officers of each Regiment, to raise, at pre- 
sent, their several quotas of only seven hundred and fifty men 
for the Canada expedition, instead of the fifteen hundred men 
voted to be raised for that expedition ; which Message being 
considered, 

Voted, That this House adhere to the same. 

And, in about half an hour afterwards, a new requisition 
for more men being laid before the House, 

Voted, That the last mentioned vote of adherence to the 
said advice of Council be, and hereby is, reconsidered and 
made null and void. 


Voted, To choose a Committee to join a Committee of 
the honourable Board, to confer upon the expediency of 
choosing a large Committee of this House, to be joined toa 
Committee of the honourable Board, as a Committee of 
Safety, to transact the business of both Houses in the recess 
of the Court, and to consult what time the General Assem- 
bly shall be adjourned from, and also to what time, and 
make report as soon as may be; and that Ichabod Rollins, 
Esq., Colonel Walker, John McClary, Esq., Mr. Abbot, 
and Deacon Baldwin, be the Committee of this House for 
the purpose aforesaid. 


The Committee of both Houses appointed to confer about 
choosing a Committee and an adjournment, beg leave to 
report their opinion, as follows, viz: ‘That the Committee 
of Safety consist of twelve persons; and that the General 
Assembly be adjourned this week, as soon as the publick busi- 
ness will permit, to the first Wednesday in September next. 

M. Txornton, Chairman. 


Voted, That Captain Pierce Long be appointed to pro- 
vide all necessaries for equipping and fixing off the reinforce- 
ments for the Canada expedition. 


Voted, That the Pay-Roll of Captain John Calfe, 


83 


amounting to £325 9s. 10d., be allowed and paid out of the 
Treasury, and that the President give order of payment. 


Voted, That the Pay-Roll of Captain Caleb Hodgdon, 
amounting to £329 12s. 3d., be allowed. 


Voted, That Major Moses Kelley, Lieutenant-Colonel of 
the Ninth Regiment of Militia in this Colony, be Colonel, 
in the room of Colonel David Gilman, (who is advanced,) 
and that Major Samuel Page be First Major, and Captain 
James Head be the Second Major, of said Regiment. 


Voted, That three hundred Handbills be immediately print- 
ed and distributed in this Colony, in the following words, viz: 


“Colony of New-Hampsuire to the Selectmen and Commit- 
tees of Safety and of Correspondence, and to all Officers, 
civil and military, in the several Towns in this Colony: 
“You, and each of you, are now called upon, in behalf 

of yourselves and your distressed country, to exert every 

nerve in forwarding the inlisting and making up the quotas 
of men in the respective places you belong to, that they 
may march forward and join their brethren under General 

Sullivan, and enable him to repel the Army coming against 

us from Canada.” 


Voted, That eight Mustermasters be appointed for the 
eight Companies of Militia last voted to be raised for the 
reinforcement of our Army in Canada, viz: one for each of 
said Companies, who shall be empowered to muster the said 
respective Companies, pay them off, and see them fixed for 
marching, and give them marching orders; and also, that 
they receive blank commissions for the Captains and sub- 
altern officers of their respective Companies; and when said 
officers shall be chosen by the soldiers, then to fill up said 
commissions and deliver them to the said respective officers, 
that they may march immediately; and that the said Mus- 
termasters have power to preside at the meeting of the sol- 
diers, to see a fair choice of the respective officers; and that 
Major Bartlett, Colonel Samuel Sherburne, Mr. John Bell, 
Major Samuel Philbrick, Colonel Moses Kelley, Deacon 
James Knowles, Mr. Asa Davis, and Colonel Samuel Ashley, 


be the Mustermasters of the said Companies. 


Voted, That the Honourable Colonel Weare and Doctor 
Dearborn have and receive out of the Treasury £20, for 
the purpose of purchasing Paper, &c., for printing the Bills 
of Credit, and the Laws of this Colony, to be by them ac- 
counted for; and that the President give order accordingly. 


Voted, That Colonel Joshua Wingate be appointed First 
Colonel of the Second Regiment now raising in this Colony 
for a reinforcement to our Army in Canada, and that Major 
James Hackett be Lieutenant-Colonel, and that Lieutenant- 
Colonel Samuel Connor be Major of said Regiment. 


Voted, 'To choose a Committee, to join a Committee of 
the honourable Board, to confer upon the expediency of 
appointing a Paymaster or Paymasters to the two Regi- 
ments now destined for Canada, and to make report as soon 
as may be; and that Captain Long, John Dudley, Esq., 
and Colonel Walker, be the Committee of this House for 
that purpose. 

Which Committee, being joined by a Committee of the 
Council, made the following Report, viz: 

“The Committee of both Houses, appointed to consult 
on the expediency of appointing Paymasters for the two 
Battalions to be raised to join the Northern Army, are of 
opinion that they ought to be immediately appointed. 

“July 4, 1776.” “M. Tuornron, Chairman. 


Voted, That Captain Joseph Chandler have inlisting 
orders to inlist a Company of Soldiers for the Canada expe- 
dition, in the room of Captain Hadlock, who resigns. 


Voted, That the several Mustermasters and Paymasters 
of the several Companies of the last Regiment destined for 
Canada have and receive out of the Treasury £940 each, 
for the purpose of paying off the several Companies their 
bounty and advance wages, and to be by them severally 
accounted for; and that the Mustermasters and Paymasters 
of the First Regiment destined for Canada, and now raising 
for that purpose, have and receive out of the Treasury £171 
each, for the purpose of paying off the additional bounty 
voted to the Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers of the 
said First Regiment; and that the President give orders 
accordingly. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JULY, 1776. 


84 


: Friday, July 5, 1776. 

The House met according to adjournment. 

Upon the information of the Committee of Safety of 
Stratham against Captain George March, as a person being 
inimical to the liberties of this country, &c., 

Voted, To choose a Committee of this House, to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to examine into the 
matter of their complaint and information, and to report 
thereon as soon as may be; and that Captain Prentice, 
Captain Harriman, and Matthew Patten, Esq., Mr. Samuel 
Moore, and Doctor Nichols, be the Committee for that pur- 
pose. 

Which Committee, being joined by a Committee of the 
honourable Council, made report, that upon questioning 
said George March, and after reading sundry testimonies, 
they are of opinion that said March is inimical to his coun- 
try, and that he ought to be taken care of in such manner 
as the said Houses shall judge proper. 

M. 'THornton, Chairman. 


Voted, To choose a Committee of this House, to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to give out inlisting 
orders. blank commissions, and instructions, to the Muster- 
masters and Paymasters of the two Regiments now destined 
for Canada ; and that Colonel Evans, Captain Long, and Mr. 
Gibson, be the Committee of this House for that purpose. 


Voted, That Major Joseph Bass, of Portsmouth, be ap- 
pointed Paymaster to the Second Regiment, now to be 
raised in this Colony, and destined for Canada, he giving 
bond in a respectable sum, with sufficient sureties, for the 
faithful discharge of his said trust. 


Voted, That Noah Emery, Jun., of Exeter, be appoint- 
ed Paymaster to the First Regiment, now to be raised in 
this Colony, destined for Canada, he to give bond, with two 
sufficient sureties, in a respectable sum, for the faithful dis- 
charge of his said trust. 


Voted, 'To choose a Committee of this House, to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to nominate a proper 
person for a Maritime Officer, and also a proper person or 
persons for a Notary Publick or Notaries Publick, for this 
Colony; and that Mr. Cutts, Colonel Walker, and John 
Dudley, Esq., be the Committee of this House for that pur- 
pose. 


An Act for establishing Courts of Law for the adminis- 
tration of justice within this Colony, was read a third time, 
and passed to be enacted. 


Voted and Resolved, That the several Courts of Law 
within this Colony be, and hereby are, prohibited from trying 
any civil actions until the next Session of this Assembly ; 
and that they proceed as usual to hear and try all capital 
crimes, misdemeanors, trovers, trespasses, assaults, batteries, 
robberies, thefts, and other breaches of the peace, committed 
within their respective jurisdictions; and that the fees to be 
taken or taxed in the several Courts shall be taken accord- 
ing to the last Table of Fees established in this Colony, until 
the last of the next session of this Assembly, or until other- 
wise ordered by the General Assembly, and no longer. 


Voted, That the Constable of Exeter be directed to seize 
the body of George March, and safely keep him till called 
for by this House, to be examined and tried on suspicion of 
his being inimical to the liberties of this Colony; and that 
the Clerk make out a warrant accordingly, and send out 
summons for witnesses by Major Barker. 


Voted, 'To choose a Committee, to join a Committee of 
the honourable Board, to consult and nominate a proper 
person, or proper persons, out of whom this House shall 
appoint one, to be a Justice of the Inferior Court of Common 
Pleas in the County of Rockingham, in the room and stead 
of George King, Esq., who refused to accept that office ; 
and also to nominate some proper person to be a Special 
Justice of said Court, in case of the death or incapacity of 
either of the standing Justices, and to make report as soon 
as may be; and that Major Downing, Captain Long, and 
Captain Worthen, be the Committee of this House for that 
purpose. 


Voted, That Eleazer Russell, Esq., of Portsmouth, be 
appointed Maritime Officer of the Port of Piscataqua ; and 
that the Honourable Wyseman Clagett, Esq., and John 
Pickering, Esq., be appointed Notaries Publick and Tabel- 
lions for this Colony. . 


85 


Voted; That Samuel Penhallow, Esq., of Portsmouth, 
be appointed a Justice of the Inferior Court of Common 
Pleas for the County of Rockingham, in the room and 
stead of George King, Esq., who refuses to accept that 
office. 

Voted, That William Knight, Esq., be appointed a 
Special Justice of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas for 
the County of Rockingham, in case of the death or inca- 
pacity of either of the standing Justices. 


Adjourned to three o’clock, afternoon. 


Met according to adjournment. 

Voted, To choose a Committee of this House, to join a 
Committee of the honourable Board, to nominate fifteen 
persons of the Council and of this House, to be a Com- 
mittee of Safety for this Colony, to transact the business of 
both Houses in the recess of the General Court; and that 
Colonel Walker, Colonel Baker, Captain Prentice, Mr. 
Brainard, Mr. Bell, and John Mc Clary, Esq., be the Com- 
mittee of this House for that purpose. 


Voted, That Simeon Dearborn, Esq., and Mr. Nathaniel 
Balch, have and receive out of the Colony stock, thirty 
ounds of Powder, for the use of the inhabitants of the 
Tain of Wakefield, to be by them accounted for, and that 
the President give order accordingly. 


Voted, That Samuel Jones, of Canaan, and Elisha 
Bingham, of Enfield, receive out of the Colony stock seventy - 
five pounds of Powder, for the use of the inhabitants of the 
said Towns of Canaan and Enfield, and to be by them 
accounted for; and that the President give order accord- 
ingly. 

Voted, That Samuel Jones, of Canaan, and Elisha 
Bingham, of Enfield, have and receive out of the Treasury 
£5, for the purpose of purchasing Lead and F'lints for the 
use of the inhabitants of said Towns, they giving good 
security to the Treasurer for the repayment of said sum 
when requested ; and that the President give order accord- 
ingly. 

The Council and House, taking into consideration the 
accusations laid against Captain George March, of Strat- 
ham, as being inimical to the liberties of this country, and 
a full hearing being had thereon before both Houses, and 
sundry witnesses being sworn and examined, it appears to 
this Court that the said George March has uttered many 
things against the liberties and privileges of this country: 

It is therefore Voted and Resolved, That the said George 
March confine himself to the limits of the farm which he 
now improves in Stratham, on pain of imprisonment, and 
that he recognise to the Government and People of the 
Colony of New-Hampshire, in the sum of £100, with two 
sureties in £50 each, for his good behaviour, until further 
order of this Court, and that, in the mean time, he be dis- 
armed by the Committee of Safety of Stratham. 


Voted, That the Pay-Roll of Captain Nathan Brown, 
up to July 1st, 1776, amounting to £267 4s. 7d., be 
allowed and paid out of the Treasury, and that the Presi- 
dent give order of payment. 


Voted, That the Pay-Roll of Captain Timothy Clement, 
up to July Ist, 1776, amounting to £238 15s., be allowed 
and paid out of the Treasury, and that the President give 
order of payment. 


Voted, That the Honourable Meshech Weare, Esq., 
Matthew Thornton, Nathaniel Folsom, Ebenezer Thompson, 
and Wyseman Clagett, Esquires, of the Council, and the 
Honourable Philips White, Esq., John Dudley, Timothy 
Walker, Matthew Patten, Otis Baker, Josiah Moulton, 
Benjamin Parker, Nathaniel Sartel Prentice, and Pierce 
Long, Esquires, of this House, be a Committee of Safety 
for this Colony, to transact all the business of both Houses 
in the recess of the General Court ; with all the power and 
authority that any Committee of Safety of this Colony, 
before chosen or appointed, have had and exercised, and to 
appoint and commission officers, in case of the death or 


refusal of those that are already appointed; and on any - 


emergency, to call the Council and House together, as 
occasion may require; and that any eight of said Committee 
be a quorum to do business. 


Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JULY, 1776. 


86 


Saturday, July 6, 1776. 
The House met according to adjournment. 


An Act for forming and regulating the Militia was read 
a third time, and passed to be enacted; also, the Articles of 
War, &c. 

The Bill of Fees for the Court Maritime* was read a 
third time and passed. 

Voted, 'That the Committee of Safety have and receive 
out of the Treasury 6s. per day each, for the time they sit 
in Committee, and also pay for their travel as the Members 
of the General Assembly are paid. 


Voted, That Nicholas Gilman, Esq., Treasurer of this 
Colony, be desired to borrow, on the credit of this Colony, 
£5,000, lawful money, for the supply of the Treasury. 


Voted, That Deacon Isaac Williams have and receive 
out of the Treasury 20s., for the use of his room this ses- 
sion for Committees, &c., and that the President give order 
of payment. 

Voted, That Colonel Jonathan Chase receive out of the 
Colony stock three barrels of Powder, for the use of his Regi- 
ment and the Frontiers adjacent, and that the President 
give orders accordingly. 

Voted, To choose a Committee of five Members of this 
House, to join a Committee of the honourable Board, to 
confer together upon the choice of Lieutenant-Colonel Con- 
nor and Captain Baker, as Field-Officers of Colonel Win- 
gate’s Regiment, and to make report as soon as may be; 
and that Major Tash, Colonel Evans, Major Kelley, Icha- 
bod Rollins, Esq., and Captain Harriman, be the Commit- 


tee of this House for that purpose. 


Voted, That the Account of Joshua Wiggin, Doorkeeper 
and Bellringer for the House, amounting to £4 18s., be 
allowed, and paid out of the Treasury, and that the Presi- 
dent give order of payment. 


Voted, 'To raise four Companies of Rangers, of fifty 
men in a Company, three commissioned officers included, 
to range on the frontiers of this Colony, to guard the said 
frontiers against the incursions of the enemy, and to be paid 
the same wages the Colony Troops had last year, and also 


* Cotony or New-HampsuHire, 
In the House of Representatives, July 6, 1776. 
Resolved, That the within Bill of Fees for the Court Maritime in this 
Colony, and for the several officers of said Court, be a rule for the said 
officers as to taking their fees in all cases maritime in said Court, until 
further order of the General Assembly. 
Sent up for concurrence. 


In Council, eodem die, read and concurred. 
E. Tuompson, Secretary. 


P. Waite, Speaker. 


Court Maritime Fees. 


s. d. 
To the Attorney or Advocate-General for drawing a libel...... 6 0 
To the Judge for allowing the same...-..eesseceeeee Stolele:c cialers 3 0 
To the Register for filing .........-. os erccce stoke olen set ecyl sraiea 2 0 
For a citation for appearance, seal and service, viz: 2s. to the 
Judge, 2s. to the Register, and to the Marshal, 3s........... ia20 
For a summons for witnesses, and seal, viz: to the Judge, Is., 
and to the Register, 1s.......... bee nvisceveccemness scouts 2 0 
For filing papers and taxing costs, viz: to the Judge, 1s., and to 
the Register, Is.c...2 20.0 fal archelelacteteleaicie esi etelaieleetc sniStsasc. a} AY 
For an interlocutory decree, and recording, viz: to the Judge, 4s., 
to the Register, ls., and to the Marshal, 3s...........0202+65 8 O 
To the Crier, 1s., and to the Register for enactment, Is....... - 2 6 
For a decree definitive, and recording, viz: to the Judge, 10s., 
tothe Registers Gs.visre is e009 sie's asidisiec wisiew esse td de coecees 16: 0 
To the Marshal for witness summoned within a mile, 6d.; if 
above, 3d. per Mile... ..cesscccscsces Seve sipeewe bl cvntide & - O 6 
To the Marshal for bail-bond paid by the person bailed....... 0 9 


For levying execution, the same as Sheriff; and for travel, as in 
Sheriff’s fees. 
For executing a warrant for debtors deserted, &c., 
On board a ship at wharf...cccccocccrcccccrcccorsscces 4 
At New-Castle, or up the river above Portsmouth........ 8 
For taking a vessel into custody, upon an arrest for wages..... 6 
For taking every evidence in Court, and summoning, viz: to the 
Judge, 6d., to the Register, 6d., and to the Marshal, 6d...... 
For the Advocate’s fees. ....0..2cces eee breve vcrcenccroeces 
To the Register for copy of a libel......... selene 
To copy of information........ Pe aerenseescsacene ees aees eee 
To copy of defence..........4. © 00s ele eave cee ee so caee eeccece 
For a retraxit, viz: to the Judge, 4s., to the Register, 1s. 6d., 
Marshal, 1s., Doorkeeper, Gd... cccoccccccssscccessocwene 17 
For a warrant of appraisement or inventory for debtors or 
deserters, viz: to the Judge, 2s., to the Register, 4s.......... 6 
For sailors’ wages, 1s. to each man to the Register for adjusting 
their accounts..... Sele ciaia belie © Bicale\bie 6e0m e,/6.c5 s/ale cansenee 1 
To the Register for entering a motion of ae a sistema sites st 4 
To the Judge for allowing or disallowing the same. . 8 
For copies of every case, as the Clerk of the Supreme Court. 
To the Register for every adjournment. ..secccsccssccscessee O 
1 
0 


eee tresses 


To the Marshal for summoning appraisers, each Is........... 

To the Doorkeeper and bell......... 

To jurors, and officers who summon them, same 
ourt. 


Pom 2F0° fF FF ONOSSOR occSo 


Supreme 


87 


a blanket to each non-commissioned officer and soldier, and 
to remain in the said service till the first day of December 
next, unless sooner discharged; and that the several Com- 
panies be raised in the several Regiments of Colonel Morey, 
Colonel Hobart, and Colonel Chace, and that they receive 
their orders, directions, and commissions, from the Commit- 
tee of Safety, in the recess of this Court. 


Voted, That Captain Prentice, Colonel Evans, John 
Dudley, Esq., Matthew Patten, Esq., Ichabod Rollins, Esq., 
Captain Moulton, Major Tash, Colonel Sherburne, and 
Daniel Brainard, Esq., be a Committee of this House, to 
join a Committee of the honourable Board, to nominate to 
this House sundry proper persons for Lieutenant-Colonel 
and Major of Colonel Wingate’s Regiment, destined for 
Canada, and to make report as soon as may be; and also 
to nominate to this House proper persons for Field-Officers 
for Continental Battalions to be destined to New- Castle and 
Piscataqua Harbour. 


Voted, That the Account of Richard Champney, amount- 
ing to £22 6s. 2d., be allowed and paid out of the Treasury, 
and that the President give order of payment. 


Voted, That Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Connor be ap- 
pointed the Lieutenant-Colonel of the Regiment destined 
for Canada under the command of Colonel Wingate, and 
that Captain Moses Baker be appointed the Major of the 
said Regiment. 


Adjourned for one hour, and then met. 


Voted, That any person who shall manufacture in this 
Colony good Sulphur, and bring in the same to Dr. Josiah 
Gilman, at Exeter, within six months next ensuing, shall 
receive out of the Treasury at and after the rate of $10 for 
every hundred weight, upon certificate of the said Dr. Josiah 
Gilman that he has received the same of such person for the 
use of this Colony, such person being under oath that the 
same was manufactured in this Colony; and that any per- 
son who shall manufacture in this Colony good Bar-Lead 
within six months next ensuing, and deliver the same to 
Nicholas Gilman, Esq., Receiver-General, (who is to put 
such person on oath that the same was manufactured in this 
Colony,) shall be entitled to £6 per hundred weight therefor 
out of the Treasury. 


Voted, 'That the Committee of Safety be directed to 
remonstrate to the Continental Congress against allowing 
any person or persons extravagant commissions for transact- 
ing the publick business in this distressing day. 


Voted, 'That the Members of the honourable Council and 
of this House be paid out of the Treasury 6s. per day each 
for each day’s attendance in this Session, and 2d. per mile 
travel to and from their respective homes, and that the con- 
sideration of the method how the same shall be replaced in 
the Treasury be postponed to a future day, and that the 
Secretary and the Clerk of the House make out the Pay- 
Rolls accordingly. 

The House adjourned to the first Wednesday in September 


next, at three of the clock, afternoon, then to meet at the 
Court-House in Exeter. 


ACTS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 


An Act for establishing the style of Commissions, which 
shall hereafter be rssued, and for altering the style of 
Writs, Processes, and all Law Proceedings within this 
Colony; and for directing how Recognisances to the use 
of this Colony shall in future be taken and prosecuted. 


Whereas the hostile and vindictive proceedings of the 
British Administration against the United Colonies have 
obtained the sanction of the King of Great Britain, not- 
withstanding the frequent and dutiful Remonstrances of these 
Colonies against such cruel measures; and by his command a 
powerful Navy and Army are come and coming, with avowed 
purposes of spreading slaughter and desolation through this 
Continent, by which the good people of this Colony have 
been necessitated to have recourse to arms to repel such 
force, and to protect their lives and fortunes: And whereas, 
under such circumstances, the absurdity of issuing Commis- 
sions, Writs, Processes, or other proceedings in law and in 
Courts of Justice within this Colony, in the name and style 
of the King of Great Britain, is very apparent, and tends 
to keep up ideas inconsistent with the form and safety of 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JULY, 1776. 


88 


this Government, and to give the people of this Colony 
great uneasiness: 

Be it therefore enacted by the Council and House of Re- 
presentatives in General Court assembled, and by the autho- 
rity of the same, That all Civil Commissions, Writs, and 
Precepts, for convening the General Court or Assembly, 
which hereafter shall be made out in this Colony, shall be 
in the style and name of the Government and People of the 
Colony of New-Hampshire ; and all Commissions, both civil 
and military, shall be dated in the year of the Christian era, 
and shall not bear the date of the year of the reign of any 
King or Queen of Great Britain. 

And that all Writs, Processes, and Proceedings in Law, 
and in any of the Courts of Justice in this Colony, which 
have been used or accustomed, or by any laws of this Co- 
lony, are required to be issued, used, or practised in law, 
and in any of the Courts of Justice in this Colony, in the 
name and style of the King of Great Britain, France, and 
Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c., or in any other words 
implying or intending the same, shall, from and after the 
passing this Act, be made, issued, used, and practised in the 
name and style of the Government and People of the Colony 
of New-Hampshire, and no other, and shall bear the date of 
the year of the Christian era, and shall not bear the date of 
the year of the reign of any King or Queen of Great Bri- 
tain, until some accommodation of the American Congress, 
or Act, Order, or Resolve, of a General American Legisla- 
ture, or of the Legislature of this Colony, shall be made and 
passed, otherwise directing and prescribing. 

And be tt enacted, That all Commissions, civil and mili- 
tary, which have been issued by the Congress or General 
Assembly of this Colony before the passing of this act, 
shall have the same force and effect as if this act had never 
been made, the style and date therein notwithstanding. 

And be it further enacted, That all Recognisances that 
heretofore have been used and accustomed to be taken to 
the King of Great Britain, by the style and title of our 
sovereign Lord the King, shall, from and after the date 
hereof, be taken to the Government and people of the Co- 
lony of New-Hampshire ; and when scire facias, or other 
legal process, shall be issued thereon against the recognisor 
or recognisors, they shall be in the name and behalf of the 
said Government and people; and when judgment shall be 
rendered thereon, the money recovered and levied, shall be 
paid into the ‘Treasury of this Colony for the use of the 
same. 

And be it further enacted, That all suits upon Recogni- 
sances which have been taken heretofore, within this Colony, 
to the King of Great Britain, or otherwise, under any name, 
character, or form of words whatsoever, that have been, or 
that may be hereafter forfeited, (if any suits should be brought 
thereon,) shall, from and after the passing of this Act, be 
commenced and prosecuted in the name and behalf of the 
Government and people of the Colony of New-Hampshire, 
and not in the name of the said King; and the money re- 
covered and levied on such suits, shall be likewise paid into 
the Treasury of this Colony, for the use and benefit of the 
said people. 


An Act to prevent the forging and altering Bills of Pub- 
lick Credit, and for preventing the depreciation thereof ; 
and for making the Bills of Credit of the United Colo- 
nies, and the Bills of this Colony, a tender in all pay- 


ments. 


Whereas, by reason of the unjustifiable attacks committed 
against the United Colonies of America by the Troops of 
Great Britain, and the difficulty of collecting Money, Plate, 
and Bullion, to support the charges of their necessary de- 
fence, the Congress of said Colonies have thought fit, for the 
carrying on the publick affairs, and answering the present 
demands of soldiers and seamen employed by them, to order 
the imprinting and signing a certain number of Bills of Pub- 
lick Credit of several sums, by Commissioners thereunto duly 
appointed and authorized: And whereas the Congress and 
General Assembly of this Colony have also, for the payment 
of seamen and soldiers employed in defence of the same, 
ordered that a certain number of Notes and Bills of Credit 
of several sums should be imprinted, and signed by Com- 
missioners thereunto duly authorized and appointed: And 
whereas several of the United Colonies have, by their Gov- 


89 


ernments, severally ordered the imprinting and signing a 
certain number of Bills of Publick Credit, for answering the 
demands of soldiers and seamen by them severally employed 
for their necessary defence; all which Bills have obtained a 
good currency, and have very much facilitated the carrying 
on the present war: nevertheless, some wicked persons, 
intending to defraud the inhabitants of the Colonies afore- 
said, and for the sake of base and unlawful gain, have forged, 
altered, and uttered several Counterfeit Notes and Bills of the 
same, in imitation of the true Notes and Bills of this Colony, 
thereby imposing a vile cheat on unwary and less discerning 
persons: For the prevention of which evils in future, 

Be it enacted by the Council and House of Representa- 
tives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of 
the same, That whosoever shall presume to forge or coun- 
terfeit any Note or Notes, Bill or Bills, of the tenor, or in 
imitation of the Bills of Credit of the United Colonies, estab- 
lished by any resolve of the American Congress, or the 
Convention, Congress, or Government of this, or any of the 
United Colonies of America, heretofore emitted, or that may 
hereafter be emitted, or that shall utter any such counterfeit 
and forged Notes or Bills, knowing them to be such, or that 
shall counsel, advise, assist in, or procure the forging, coun- 
terfeiting, imprinting, or signing of any such false Notes or 
Bills, or engrave any plate, or make any instrument to be 
used in forging and counterfeiting such Notes or Bills, every 
person so offending, and being thereof convicted before the 
Superior Court of Judicature, Court of Assize, and General 
Jail Delivery for said Colony, shall be punished by being 
set on the gallows for the space of one hour, with a rope 
round the neck, and pay a fine for the use of this Colony 
not exceeding fifty pounds, and suffer six months imprison- 
ment, and be publickly whipped, not exceeding thirty-nine 
stripes, and be incapable of holding any office under the 
Government of this Colony, or shall suffer all or any of the 
foregoing punishments in the discretion of the Court before 
whom the trial shall be, according to the nature and circum- 
stances of the offence, and shall pay to the person or persons 
that shall be defrauded by such forgery, treble damages. 
And if such offender or offenders shall not be able to pay 
the charges of his or their imprisonment, the Court before 
whom the conviction is, shall order that, at the expiration of 
said term of imprisonment, such person or persons shall be 
sold in service a time sufficient to pay the same. 

And it is also enacted by the authority aforesaid, That 
whosoever shall make discovery and give information of such 
vile and wicked practice of making or knowingly putting off 
any false and counterfeit Note or Bill, as aforesaid, so that 
the person or persons guilty thereof may be rendered to justice 
and convicted, every such informer shall have and receive, 
as a reward for his good services, on every such conviction, 
the sum of ten pounds, to be ordered out of the publick 
Treasury of this Colony by the President of the Council 
for the time being, on a certificate from the Court before 
whom the conviction shall be, that such person did inform 
of such offence according to this act. 

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That 

every person convicted of altering or increasing the sum or 
figures set and expressed in the Notes or Bills of Credit of 
the said United Colonies, or either of them, or of forging or 
counterfeiting any hand, name, or stamps, or other private 
mark, that shall be or has been made, or set thereon, shall 
be, for either of said offences, punished in the same manner 
as is provided by this act against those who shall forge or 
counterfeit such Notes or Bills. 
__ And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That 
if any person or persons shall, directly or indirectly, receive 
or pay any of the Bills aforesaid for a less sum than is in 
them expressed, such person shall be incapable ever after of 
holding any civil or military office in this Colony; and for 
every such offence pay a fine of fifty pounds, to be recovered 
before any court of record in the County where the same 
offence may be committed, by bill, plaint, or indictment ; 
one moiety whereof shall be to the use of the person who 
shall sue or inform for the same, and the other moiety to the 
use of this Colony. 

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That 
if any person or persons shall set, or offer his, her, or their 
goods, wares, or merchandise, at a smaller or less price in 
gold or silver than what they are by him, her, or them, set 
at in the paper currency of the United Colonies, or either 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JULY, 1776. 


90 


of them, he, she, or they, shall pay a fine of fifty pounds ; 
one moiety thereof to the use of the person who shall sue for 
and recover the same, and the other moiety to the use of the 
town where the offence is committed. 

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That 
the Bills of Credit of the United Colonies that are or shall 
be established by the American Congress, and the Bills of 
this Government, that are or shall be emitted, shall be 
received in all payments within this Colony, and a tender 
of the same may be pleaded in bar to any action brought 
for the recovery of any money, or species of money, due by 
deed or simple contract, or in any way and manner whatever. 
And all Justices, Sheriffs, Grand Jurors, and Tithingmen, 
are hereby strictly commanded to bring to justice all persons 
offending against this act, or any part of it. 


An Act to abolish the Court of Appeals in this Colony, and 
to empower the Superior Court of Judicature to sustain 
and determine all matters pending in said Court of Ap- 
peals, and to prevent the absurd practice of granting 
appeals to the King of Great Briratn in Council from 
judgments of any Courts in this Colony in future. 


Whereas the granting such a multiplicity of appeals from 
Court to Court and trials consequent thereupon as hath been 
heretofore practised within this Colony hath been found to 
promote litigation, protract suits, and increase the charges 
thereof, rather than to serve the ends of justice in this Colo- 
ny: And whereas the allowance of appeals in any cases to 
said Court of Appeals or to the King of Great Britain is 
depriving the people of this Colony of their great, inestima- 
ble, and inherent right of trial by jury, and opening a door 
for arbitrary decisions of their property, even in the causes 
of the greatest moment: Therefore, 

Be it enacted by the Council and House of Representa- 
tives for said Colony, in General Court assembled, ‘That 
the said Court of Appeals heretofore held in this Colony 
shall be, and hereby is, totally abolished, and that no appeal 
heretofore granted by the laws of this Colony to the said 
Court of Appeals or to the King of Great Britain in Coun- 
cil from the judgment or sentence of any Court whatever in 
this Colony shall be granted ; and that all appeals from any 
sentence of any Judge of Probate for any County in this 
Colony, which heretofore might by the laws thereof be 
granted to said Court of Appeals, shall for the future be 
granted only to the Superior Court of Judicature next to 
be holden for the same County wherein the same appeal 
may be granted, which said Superior Court shall hear and 
finally determine all causes and matters as may be brought 
before them by appeals from any Court of Probate within 
this Colohy. 

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
That all appeals heretofore granted to, and matters now 
pending in, said Court of Appeals, may and shall be sus- 
tained, heard, and determined by the said Superior Court 
in the County where the action or appeal originated. All 
causes and matters now pending before said Court of Ap- 
peals by appeals from the Superior Court heretofore held 
in this Colony, may be brought before the Superior Court 
of Judicature established in this Colony, by writ of review, 
any time within three years from the passing of this act; 
and all causes or matters now pending in said Court of Ap- 
peals by appeal from any Court of Probate in this Colony 
may, and shall be, brought before the last-mentioned Supe- 
rior Court, by entering the appeal there any time within 
two years, in the same manner as if it had been first granted 
to that Court. 


An Act for encouraging the fixing out of Armed Vessels 
to defend the sea-coast of America, and to cruise on the 
enemies of the United Colonies, as also for erecting a 
Court to try and condemn all Ships and other Vessels, 
their tackle, apparel, and furniture, and all goods, wares, 
and merchandises belonging to any inhabitant or inhabi- 
tants of Great Brrrain taken on the high seas. 


Whereas it has been expressly resolved by the Grand 
Congress of America, «That each Colony, at their own 
expense, make such provision by armed vessels, or other- 
wise, as their respective Assemblies, Conventions, or Com- 
mittees of Safety shall judge expedient and suitable to their 
circumstances and situations, for the protection of their har- 


91 


bours and navigation on the sea-coast against all unlawful 
invasions, attacks, and depredations, from cutters and ships 
of war;”’ and also that it should be lawful for the inhabi- 
tants of the United Colonies to fit out armed vessels to cruise 
on the enemies thereof, and that all ships and other vessels, 
their tackle, apparel, and furniture, and all goods, wares, and 
merchandise, belonging to any inhabitant or inhabitants of 
Great Britain, taken on the high seas, or between high- 
water and low-water mark, should be deemed and adjudged 
a lawful prize, (excepting such vessels as may be taken in 
bringing any settlers, arms, ammunition, or warlike stores, to 
and for the use of the United Colonies, or any of the inhabi- 
tants thereof who are friends to the American cause, and 
warlike stores and effects of such settlers:) Therefore, for 
the more effectually carrying into execution the purposes 
aforesaid, 

Be it enacted by the Council and House of Representa- 
tives, in General Court assembled, That all armed and other 
vessels that have at any time since the nineteenth day of 
April, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, been 
engaged in making unlawful invasions, attacks, or depreda- 
tions, on the sea-coasts of America or the navigation thereof, 
or used in supplying the fleet or army which have been, 
or shall at any time be, employed against the United Colo- 
nies, or employed by the enemy in any respect whatsoever ; 
and those vessels which have been carrying supplies of any 
kind to the enemy, or whose masters or supercargoes shall 
have designs of carrying supplies of any kind to the enemy, 
or that shall be returning from the enemy after having car- 
ried such supplies, and shall be found hereafter on the high 
seas, and shall be brought into the harbour of Piscataqua, 
or any other place within this Colony, or found within the 
same, and be convicted of any of the offences aforesaid, such 
vessel or vessels, with their appurtenances and cargoes, shall 
be deemed forfeited, and shall be condemned and disposed 
of as by this act is hereafter ordered and directed. And in 
pursuance of a resolve of the American Congress: 

Be it further enacted, That all ships and other vessels, 
their tackle, apparel, and furniture, and all goods, wares, 
and merchandises, belonging to any inhabitant or inhabi- 
tants of Great Britain, taken on the high seas, or between 
high-water and low-water mark, and being brought into, or 
lying within, the Colony aforesaid, since the date aforesaid, 
shall be deemed and adjudged lawful prize ; and the Judge 
of the Court Maritime, hereafter mentioned, shall be, and is 
hereby, empowered to proceed upon, try, adjudge, and con- 
demn, all such vessels, with their cargoes and appurtenances, 
and all such British merchandises and property as shall be 
taken as aforesaid. 

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, 
That the Council of this Colony, or the major part of them, 
shall be fully empowered to commission with letters of 
marque and reprisal any person or persons within this Co- 
lony, who shall, at his, or their own, or at the Colony’s 
expense, fit out and equip for the defence of America, any 
vessel, as also any person who shall, by the owner of such 
vessel, be recommended therefor ; and that all such persons, 
so commissioned as aforesaid, shall have full power, with such 
other persons as they shall engage to their assistance, to sail 
on the seas, attack, take, and bring into port in this Colony, 
all vessels offending or employed by, or being the property 
of, the enemy, as aforesaid; and also to retake and bring in 
as aforesaid any vessel or vessels that may be taken from any 
person or persons by said enemy. 

Provided always, and be it further enacted, That the 
master or owner of such vessel shall, at the time he receives 
such commission, enter into bond, with one sufficient surety 
at least, for the faithful discharge of his office, and observing 
the law of this Colony relating to armed vessels ; which bond 
shall be in the form following, viz: 

‘“‘ Know all men by these presents, that we, A B and C 
D, are holden, and stand firmly bound and obliged, unto E 
F,, Treasurer and Receiver-General of the Colony aforesaid, 
in the full and just sum of £5,000, to be paid unto the said 
Treasurer and Receiver-General, or to his successor in said 
office. ‘To the true payment whereof, we bind ourselves, 
our heirs, executors, and administrators, jointly and severally, 
firmly by these presents. 

“Sealed with oursealsthe day of ,A.D.,17 .” 

The condition of the aforewritten obligation is such, that 
whereas the said A B hath, on the day of the date hereof, 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JULY, 1776. 


92 


received a commission to command an armed vessel called 
, burden about tons, to make reprisal of all 
armed and other vessels, which shall be found infesting the 
sea-coast, or upon the high seas, or between high and low- 
water mark; such vessels being the property of, or belong- 
ing to, any inhabitant or inhabitants of Great Britain, 
(excepting such vessels as may be taken in bringing any 
settlers, arms, ammunition, or warlike stores, to and for the 
use of the United Colonies, or any of the inhabitants thereof, 
who are friends to the American cause, and warlike stores 
and effect of such settlers:) If, therefore, the said A. B. 
shall in and by all things well and truly observe and fulfil 
such instructions as he shall receive from the Council of this 
Colony, and shall, in all things and respects, conform him- 
self to the directions given in and by an act entitled “An 
Act for encouraging the fixing out of armed vessels to de- 
fend the sea-coast of America, and to cruise on the enemies 
of the United Colonies ; as also for erecting a court to try and 
condemn all ships or other vessels, their tackle, apparel, and 
furniture, and all goods, wares, and merchandises, belonging 
to the inhabitants of Great Britain, taken on the high 
seas,’—then the above-written obligation to be void; other- 
wise to remain in full force. 

And be it further enacted, 'That there shall be erected 
and constantly held in the town of Portsmouth, or some 
town or place adjacent, in the County of Rockingham, a 
Court of Justice, by the name of the Court Maritime, by 
such able and discreet person as shall be appointed and 
commissioned by the Council and Assembly for that pur- 
pose, whose business it shall be to take cognizance and try 
the justice of any capture or captures of any vessel or 
vessels that have been, may, or shall be, taken by any per- 
son or persons whomsoever, and brought into this Colony, 
or any the captures that have or shall be taken and brought 
thereinto. 

And be it further enacted, That any person or persons 
who have been or shall be concerned in the taking and 
bringing into this Colony any vessel or vessels employed or 
offending, or being the property as aforesaid, shall jointly, 
or either of them, by themselves, or by their attorneys 
or agents, within twenty days after being possessed of the 
same in this Colony, file before the said Judge a libel in 
writing, therein giving a full and ample account of the time, 
manner, and cause of the taking such vessel or vessels. 
But in case of any such vessel or vessels already brought in 
as aforesaid, then such libel shall be filed within twenty 
days next after the passing this act, and at the time of filing 
such libel, shall also be filed all papers on board such vessel 
or vessels, to the intent that the jury may have the benefit . 
of the evidence therefrom arising. And the Judge shall, as 
soon as may be, appoint a day to try by a jury the justice 
of the capture of such vessel or vessels, with their appur- 
tenances and cargoes; and he is hereby authorized and 
empowered to try the same. And the same Judge shall 
cause a notification thereof, and the name, if known, and 
description of the vessel so brought in, with the day set for 
the trial thereon, to be advertised in some newspaper printed 
in the said Colony, if any such paper there be, twenty 
days before the time of the trial ; and for want of such paper, 
then to cause the same notification to be affixed on the doors 
of the Town-House, in said Portsmouth, to the intent that 
the owner of such vessel, or any persons concerned, may 
appear, and show cause, if any they have, why such vessel, 
with her cargo and appurtenances, should not be condemned 
as aforesaid. And the said Judge shall, seven days before 
the day set and appointed for the trial of such vessel or 
vessels, issue his warrant to any Constable or Constables 
within the County aforesaid, commanding them, or either of 
them, to assemble the inhabitants of their towns respectively, 
and to draw out of the box, in manner provided for drawing 
jurors to serve at the Superior Court of Judicature, so many 
good and lawful men as the said Judge shall order—not less 
than twelve, nor exceeding twenty-four ; and the Constable 
or Constables shall, as soon as may be, give any person or 
persons so drawn to serve on the jury in said Court due 
notice thereof, and shall make due return of his doings 
therein to the said Judge at or before the day set and ap- 
pointed for the trial. And the said jurors shall be held to 
serve on the trial of all such vessels as shall have been libelled 
before the said Judge, and the time of their trial published at 
the time said jurors are drawn, unless the Judge shall see 


93 


cause to discharge them, or either of them, before; and if 
seven of the jurors shall appear, and there shall not be 
enough to complete the number of twelve, (which shall be 
a panel,) or if there shall be a legal challenge to any of 
them, so that there shall be seven, and not a panel, it shall 
and may be lawful for the Judge to order his Clerk, the 
Sheriff, or other proper officer attending on said Court, to 
fill up the jury with good and lawful men present; and the 
said jury, when so filled up and empannelled, shall be sworn 
to return a true verdict on any bill, claim, or memorial, which 
shall be committed to them, according to law and evidence. 
And if the jury shall find that any vessel or vessels, against 
which a bill or libel is committed to them, have been offend- 
ing, used, employed, or improved as aforesaid, or are the 
property of any inhabitants of Great Britain as aforesaid, 
they shall return their verdict thereof to the said Judge, and 
he shall thereupon condemn such vessel or vessels, with their 
cargoes and appurtenances, and shall order them to be dis- 
posed of, as by law is provided. And if the jury shall return 
a special verdict, therein setting forth certain facts relative 
to such vessel or vessels, (a bill against which is committed 
to them,) and it shall appear to the said Judge by said ver- 
dict that such vessel or vessels have been infesting the 
sea-coast of America, or navigation thereof, or that such 
vessels have been employed, used, improved, or offending, 
or are the property of any inhabitant or inhabitants of Great 
Britain, as aforesaid, he, the said Judge, shall condemn 
such vessel or vessels, and decree them to be sold, with 
their cargoes and appurtenances, at publick vendue, and 
shall also order the charges of said trial and condemnation 
to be paid out of the money such vessel and cargo, with 
her appurtenances, shall sell for, to the officers of the Court, 
according to the table of fees last established by law of this 
Colony, and shall order the residue thereof to be delivered 
to the captors, their agents or attorneys, for the use and 
benefit of such captors, and others concerned therein. And 
if two or more vessels (the commanders whereof shall be 
properly commissioned) shall jointly take such vessel, the 
money which she and her cargo shall sell for, after payment 
of charges as aforesaid, shall be divided between the captors, 
in proportion to their men. And the said Judge is hereby 
authorized to make out his precept, under his hand and seal, 
directed to the Sheriff of the County aforesaid, or, if thereto 
requested by the captors or agents, to any other person to be 
appointed by the said Judge, to sell such vessel and appur- 
tenances and cargo, at publick vendue, and such Sheriff, or 
other person, after deducting his own charges for the same, 
to pay and deliver the residue, according to the decree of 
said Judge. 

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That 
if any Constable within the said County shall neglect or 
refuse to obey the warrant of the Judge for returning said 
jurors as aforesaid, he shall pay a fine, as the said Judge 
shall order, not exceeding the sum of forty shillings; and 
if any juror so drawn, and having notice as aforesaid, shall 
not appear at the time and place directed in such warrant, 
or shall refuse, without reasonable excuse, to serve on such 
Jury, he shall pay such fine as the Judge shall order, not 
exceeding the sum of forty shillings. But before such fine 
shall be awarded, the Judge shall summon such juror to 
appear before him to show forth the reason of his neglect ; 
and if such reason shall not be satisfactory to the said Judge, 
then he shall issue his warrant of distress for such fine, if the 
said juror shall neglect to pay the same, and (excepting the 
style and test) in such manner as is directed for the recovery 
of fine of jurors who shall neglect or refuse to serve in the Infe- 
rior Court of Common Pleas. Which fines so recovered shall 
be paid into the Treasury of this Colony, for the use thereof. 

And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, That any 
person or persons claiming the whole or any part or share, 
either as owner or captor of any such vessel or vessels, 
against which a libel is so filed, may jointly, or by themselves, 
or by their attorneys or agents, five days before the day set 
and appointed for the trial of such vessel or vessels, file their 
claim before the said Judge; which claim shall be committed 
to the Jury with the libel which is first filed, and the Jury 
shall thereupon determine and return their verdict of what 
part or share such claimant or claimants shall have of the 
capture or captures; and every person or persons who shall 
neglect to file his or their claim in manner as aforesaid, shall 
be forever barred therefrom. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, JULY, 1776. 


94 


And be it further enacted, That no person who shall take 
and bring in any vessel as aforesaid, shall use or improve 
such capture before condemnation; and every person who 
shall file the first libel against such vessel or vessels, shall be 
held to pay all fees established by law, in the same manner 
as hath been used and accustomed in the courts of common 
law within the Colony. 

And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That 
every vessel which shall be taken and brought into this 
Colony by the armed vessels of any of the United Colonies 
of America, and shall be condemned as aforesaid, the pro- 
ceeds of such vessels and cargoes shall go and be, one-third 
part to the use of the captors, and the other two-thirds to 
the use of the Colony, at whose charge such armed vessel 
was fitted out. And where any vessel or vessels shall be 
taken by the Fleet and Army of the United Colonies, and 
brought into this Colony, and condemned as aforesaid, the 
said Judge shall distribute and dispose of the said vessels and 
cargoes according to the resolves and orders of the American 
Congress. 

And be it enacted, That the process and proceedings upon 
any vessel which has been or shall be retaken from the enemy 
by any person or persons, shall be in the same manner as 
herein provided for other vessels. And any vessels of any of the 
inhabitants of the United Colonies which have been or shall 
be hereafter retaken from the enemy, before condemnation 
thereof had, the moneys which they and their appurtenances 
and cargoes shall sell for, shall be disposed of as follows, viz: 
If they have been in the possession of the enemy less than 
twenty-four hours, then one-eighth part shall go to the use 
of the recaptors; if more than twenty-four and less than 
forty-eight hours, then one-fifth part shall go to the recap- 
tors; and if more than forty-eight and less than ninety-six 
hours, then one-third part; and if more than ninety-six 
hours, one-half shall go to the recaptors; and in every case 
the residue to the owner or owners, unless such vessel or 
vessels shall, after being so brought in, be legally condemn- 
ed as a prize; in which case the recaptors shall have the 
whole. 

And be it further enacted, That any person, owner, 
captor, or claimant, may take affidavits in any cause to be 
tried in the Court Maritime aforesaid, before any Justice of 
the Peace, under the regulation provided by the laws of this 
Colony for taking affidavits to be used in civil actions in 
any of the courts of common law. And any person on 
board such captures, when they surrender, may be admitted 
as a witness to testify to any fact in dispute between any of 
the captors. And the Clerk appointed by the said Judge is 
empowered to make out a summons to any person named as 
a witness by either party. And if any person served with 
such summons, and having the legal fees for his travel ren- 
dered him, shall unnecessarily refuse to appear and give 
evidence in such cause, he shall suffer such penalty as is 
provided by the laws of this Colony against witnesses who 
shall neglect to appear when legally summoned to give 
evidence in the Superior Court of Judicature. 

And whereas the honourable Continental Congress have 
recommended that, in certain cases, an appeal should be 
granted from the Court aforesaid : 

Be it therefore enacted, That from all judgments or 
decrees hereafter to be given in the said Court Maritime, 
on the capture of any vessel, appurtenances, or cargoes, 
where such vessel is taken, or shall be taken, by any armed 
vessel fitted out at the charge of the United Colonies, an 
appeal shall be allowed to the Continental Congress, or to 
such person or persons as they already have, or shall here- 
after appoint, for the trials of appeals: Provided, The ap- 
peal be demanded within five days after definitive sentence 
given, and such appeal shall be lodged with the Secretary 
of the Congress within forty days afterwards: And provided, 
The party appealing shall give security to prosecute said 
appeal with effect. And in case of the death of the Secre- 
tary during the recess of the Congress, the said appeal 
shall be lodged in Congress within twenty days after the 
next meeting thereof; and that from the judgment, decrees, 
or sentence of said Court, on the capture of any vessel or 
cargo which have been, or shall hereafter be, brought into 
this Colony, by any person or persons, (excepting those who 
are in the service of the United Colonies,) an appeal shall 
be allowed to the Superior Court of Judicature, which shall 
next be held in the County aforesaid. 


95 


And whereas, no provision has been made by any of the 
said resolves for an appeal from the sentence or decree of 
the said Judge, where the capture of any such vessel or 
vessels may be made by a vessel in the service of the United 
Colonies, and of any particular Colony or person, together: 
Therefore, 

Be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, That, in such 
cases, the appeal shall be allowed to the next Superior Court, 
as aforesaid: Provided, The appellant shall enter into bonds, 
with sufficient sureties, to prosecute his appeal with effect. 
And such Superior Court, to which the appeal shall be, 
shall take cognizance thereof, in the same manner, as if the 
appeal was from the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, and 
shall condemn or acquit such vessel or vessels, their cargoes 
and appurtenances, and in the sale and disposition of them, 
proceed according to this act. And the appellant shall pay 
the Court and Jury such fees as are allowed by law in 
civil actions. 

And be it further enacted, That when there shall be on 


GENERAL LEE TO EDMUND PENDLETON. 
Charlestown, July 7, 1776. 

Sir: Mr. Rutledge will inform you by this express of the 
outrages committed by the Cherokees, which must be con- 
strued as the commencement of a war. As it is now certain 
that a capital and favourite part of the plan laid down by our 
enemies is to lay waste the Provinces, burn the dwellings of 
the inhabitants, and mix men, women, and children, in one 
common carnage by the hands of the Indians ; and as this 
part of the plan, though a piece of inhumanity, is certainly 
more big with mischievous consequences than the rest, it 
appears to me absolutely necessary to crush the evil before 
it arises to any dangerous height. Indeed, if we avail our- 
selves of the event, it may prove a fortunate one. Perhaps 
we ought in policy to have wished for it. We can now, 
with the greatest justice, strike a blow which is necessary to 
intimidate the numerous tribes of Indians from falling into the 
measures of our enemies; and as these Cherokees are not 
esteemed the most formidable warriors, we can, probably, do 
it without much risk or loss. I think, then, sir, that without 
a moment’s delay, a body of your frontier riflemen should be 
immediately furnished, and march into the country of the 
Overhill Cherokees, and make a severe, lasting, and salutary 
example of them. ‘The Carolinians propose at the same 
time attacking their lower towns, and, with the codperation 
of Virginia, entertain no doubt of success. 

Clinton’s army and Parker’s squadron are pretty much in 
the same situation as when I wrote last. ‘They daily, indeed, 
make some alterations in the position of their land troops, 
from one island to another; perhaps for new air or water, of 
which, the deserters say, they are in great want. They tell 
us, likewise, that considerable sickness prevails in the army, 
and greater discontents from hard duty and bad diet. The 
spirit of desertion begins to show itself. Five soldiers came 
over these two last nights, who assure us that, were they not 
on an Island from which it is difficult to escape, two-thirds of 
their army would soon be with us. I am myself inclined to 
believe them. Upon the whole, when I consider the diffi- 
culties which the enemy’s Generals have to encounter, the 
temper and disposition of their troops, and the improving spirit 
of ours, I assure myself that the game is in our hands: God 
give us more grace than to shuffle it away. 

I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

Cuartes Ler. 
To the Hon. Edmund Pendleton, President of the Conven- 
tion of Virginia. 


GENERAL LEE TO PATRICK HENRY. 
Williamsburgh, May 7, 1776. 

Dear Sir: If I had not the highest opinion of your 
character and liberal way of thinking, I should not venture 
to address myself to you. And if I were not equally per- 
suaded of the great weight and influence which the transcen- 
dent abilities you possess must naturally confer, I should not 
give myself the trouble of writing, nor you the trouble of 
reading this long letter. Since our conversation yesterday, 
my thoughts have been solely employed on the great ques- 
tion, whether Independence ought or ought not to be imme- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


96 


board such capture any goods perishable by nature, the 
Judge aforesaid shall be, and hereby is empowered, to give 
license for the sale of such goods before the trial, and after a 
libel is filed as aforesaid: Provided, ‘The person or persons 
filing said libel shall give security to the Judge for the pay- 
ment of such moneys, as such goods are reasonably worth, 
to the captor or captors thereof, if the same shall be con- 
demned, and if otherwise, to the owners thereof. 

And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, That when 
any merchant ship or vessel shall be taken by virtue of any 
resolve aforesaid, the wages of seamen and mariners who 
shall be taken on board the same, shall be paid out of the 
proceeds of the prize, up to the time of condemnation. 

And be it further enacted, That the said Judge shall 
appoint an able Clerk, who shall keep a true and fair record 
of all the proceedings of the said Court, and shall be duly 
sworn to act in said office with truth and fidelity: And his 
attestations shall be received as evidence in all courts of 
law. 


diately declared. Having weighed the argument on both 
sides, I am clearly of the opinion that we must, as we value 
the liberties of America, or even her existence, without a 
moment’s delay declare for Independence. If my reasons 
appear weak, you will excuse them for the disinterestedness 
of the author, as I may venture to affirm, that no man on 
this Continent will sacrifice more than myself by the sepa- 
ration. But if I have the good fortune to offer any argu- 
ments which have escaped your understanding, and they 
should make the desired impression, I think I shall have 
rendered the greatest service to the community. 

The objection you made yesterday, if I understood you 
rightly, to an immediate Declaration, was, by many degrees, 
the most specious ; indeed it is the only tolerable one that I 
have yet heard. You say, and with great justice, that we 
ought previously to have felt the pulse of France and Spain. 
I more than believe, I am almost confident, that it has been 
done ; at least I can assert, upon recollection, that some of 
the Committee of Secrecy have assured me that the senti- 
ments of both these Courts, or their agents, had been sounded, 
and were found to be as favourable as could be wished. 
But, admitting that we are utter strangers to their senti- 
ments on the subject, and that we run some risk of this De- 
claration being coldly received by these Powers, such is our 
situation that the risk must be ventured. 

On one side there are the most probable chances of our 
success, founded on the certain advantages which must mani- 
fest themselves to French understandings by a treaty of 
alliance with America. The strength and weakness, the 
opulence and poverty of every State are estimated in the 
scale of comparison with her immediate rival. The superior 
commerce and marine force of England were evidently 
established on the monopoly of her American trade. The 
inferiority of France, in these two capital points, consequently 
had its source in the same origin. Any deduction from this 
monopoly must bring down her rival in proportion to this 
deduction. 

The French are, and always have been, sensible of these 
great truths. Your idea, that they may be diverted from a 
line of policy which assures them such immense and perma- 
nent advantages by an offer of partition from Great Britain, 
appears to me, if you will excuse the phrase, an absolute 
chimera. They must be wretched politicians, indeed, if 
they would prefer the uncertain acquisition, and the preca- 
rious, expensive possession of one or two Provinces, to the 
greater part of the commerce of the whole. Besides, were 
not the advantages from the latter so manifestly greater than 
those that would accrue from the imagined partition scheme, 
it is notorious that acquisition of territory, or even Colonial 
possessions, which require either men or money to retain 
them, are entirely repugnant to the spirit and principles of 
the present French Court. It is so repugnant, indeed, that 
it is most certain they have lately entertained thoughts of 
abandoning their West-India Islands. Le commerce et 
Peconomie are the cry, down from the King to the lowest 
Minister. From these considerations, 1 am convinced that 
they will immediately and essentially assist us if Indepen- 
dence is declared. 

But allowing that there can be no certainty, but mere 


97 


chances, in our favour ; I do insist upon it, that these chances 
render it our duty to adopt the measure, as, by procrastina- 
tion, our ruin is inevitable. Should it now be determined 
to wait the result of a previous formal negotiation with 
France, a whole year must pass over our heads before we 
can be acquainted with «the result. In the mean time we 
are to struggle through a campaign, without arms, ammuni- 
tion, or any one necessary of war. Disgrace and defeat will 
infallibly ensue; the soldiers and officers will become so dis- 
appointed that they will abandon their colours, and probably 
never be persuaded to make another effort. 

But there is another consideration still more cogent. I 
can assure you that the spirit of the people cries out for this 
Declaration; the military, in particular, men and officers, 
are outrageous on the subject ; and a man of your excellent 
discernment need not be told how dangerous it would be in 
our present circumstances, to dally with the spirit, or dis- 
appoint the expectations of the bulk of the people. May 
not despair, anarchy, and finally submission, be the bitter 
fruits? 1am firmly persuaded that they will; and, in this 
persuasion, I most devoutly pray that you may not merely 
recommend, but positively lay injunctions, on your servants 
in Congress to embrace a measure so necessary to our sal- 
vation. 


Yours, most sincerely, Cuarves Lee. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL LEE. 
New-York, May, 1776. 

My pear Lee: Your favour of the 5th ultimo, from 
Willamsburgh, the first I have received from you since you 
left this city, came to my hands by the last post. I thank 
you for your kind congratulations on our possession of Bos- 
ton. I thank you for your good wishes in our future opera- 
tions, and hope that every diabolical attempt to deprive 
mankind of their inherent rights and privileges, whether 
made in the east, west, north, or south, will be attended 
with disappointment and disgrace, and that the authors in 
the end will be brought to sach punishment as an injured 
people have a right to inflict. 

General Howe’s retreat from Boston was precipitate be- 
yond anything I could have conceived. The destruction 
of the stores at Dunbar’s camp, after Braddock’s defeat, 
was but a faint image of what was seen at Boston: artillery 
carts cut to pieces in one place, gun-carriages in another ; 
shells broke here, shot buried there; and everything carry- 
ing with it the face of disorder and confusion, as also of 
distress. 

Immediately upon their embarkation, I detached a brigade 
of five regiments to this city, and upon their sailing, removed 
with the whole Army hither, except four regiments at Bos- 
ton'and one at Beverly, &c., for the protection of those 
places, the stores and barracks there, and for erecting works 
for defending the harbour of the former. Immediately upon 
my arrival here, I detached four regiments, by order of Con- 
gress, to Canada, (to wit: Poor’s, Patterson's, Greaton’s, 
and Bond’s,) under the command of Brigadier Thompson; 
and since that, by the same authority, and in consequence 
of some unfavourable accounts from that quarter, General 
Sullivan and six other regiments (namely, Stark’s, Read’s, 
Wayne's, Irvine’s, Winds’s, and Dayton’s) have moved off 
for that department; the last four regiments are from Penn- 
sylvania and New-Jersey. The first brigade arrived at 
Albany on the 24th ultimo, and were moving on when 
accounts came from thence on the 27th. The other brigade 
must all be at Albany before this, as some of the regiments 
sailed ten days ago, and the last four and the winds very 
favourable. This has left us very weak at this place; whilst 
I have my fears that the reinforcement will scarce get to 
Canada in time, for want of teams to transport the troops, 
&c., to Fort George, and vessels to convey them’on after- 
wards. 

We have done a great deal of work at this place. Ina 
fortnight more, I think the city will be in a very respectable 
posture of defence. Governour’s Island has a large and 
strong work erected, and a regiment encamped there. The 
point below, called Red Hook, has a small, but exceedingly 
strong barbette battery; and several new works are con- 
structed, and many of them almost executed at other places. 

General Ward, upon the evacuation of Boston, and find- 
ing that there was a probability of his being removed from 


Firtu Serres.—Vot. I. af 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


98 


the smoke of his own chimney, applied to me, and wrote to 
Congress, for leave to resign. A few days afterwards, some 
of the officers, as he says, getting uneasy at the prospect of 
his leaving them, he applied for his letter of resignation, 
which had been committed to my care ; but, behold! it had 
been carefully forwarded to Congress, and, as I have since 
learned, judged so reasonable, (want of health being the 
plea,) that it was instantly complied with. Brigadier Frye, 
previous to this, also conceiving that there was nothing enter- 
taining or profitable to an old man, to be marching and 
countermarching, desired, immediately on the evacuation of 
Boston, (which happened on the 17th of March,) that he 
might resign his commission on the 11th of April. The 
choice of the day became a matter of great speculation, and 
remained profoundly mysterious till he exhibited his account, 
when there appeared neither more nor less in it than the 
completion of three calendar months, the pay of which he 
received without any kind of compunction, although he had 
never done one tour of duty, or, I believe, had ever been 
out of his house from the time he entered till he quitted 
Cambridge. 

So much for two Generals. I have next to inform you, 
that the Paymaster-General, Colonel Warren, not finding it 
convenient to attend the Army, from the various employ- 
ments and avocations in which he was engaged, also resigned 
his commission, and is succeeded by your old aid, Palfrey. 

When I was speaking of the distressed situation of the 
King’s troops, and the Tories, at their evacuation of Boston, I 
might have gone on and added, that their misfortunes did not 
end here. Itseems, upon their arrival at Halifax, that many 
of the former were obliged to encamp, although the ground 
was covered deep with snow ; and the latter to pay six dollars 
a week for sorry upper rooms, and stow in them men, women, 
and children, as thick, comparatively, as the hair upon their 
heads. This induced many of these gentry to return and 
throw themselves upon the mercy and clemency of their 
countrymen, who were for sending them immediately back, 
as the most proper and severest punishment they could 
inflict; but death being preferred to this, they now wait in 
confinement any other that may be thought due to such 
parricides. 

All the ships-of-war have left this place, and gone down 
to the Hook, except the Asta, which lies five miles below 
the Narrows, and about twelve or fourteen from hence. I 
could have added more; but my paper will not admit of 
it. With compliments, therefore, to the gentlemen of my 
acquaintance with you, and with the most fervent wishes 
for your health and sucess, 

I remain, your most affectionate, 

Go. Wasuineron. 


To Major-General Lee. 


THOMAS BURKE TO GENERAL LEE. 
Tyaquin, North-Carolina, June 11, 1776. 

Sm: This moment yours of the Ist instant came to my 
hand. The note enclosed, directed to the commanding 
officer of the corps of Virginia forces intended for the station 
of Hillsborough, I will use my best endeavour to transmit, 
as soon as I can learn who he is, or for what part of Vir- 
ginia they are ordered; of both I am now entirely unin- 
formed, having heard nothing of such destination until I 
received your letter. If I can get no information in my 
neighbourhood, I will send your note to the commanding 
officer of Halifax, or of Mecklenburgh County, who, being 
stationed contiguous to this, are most likely to have received 
orders to march hither. 

I cannot say, sir, that I rejoice that the enemy have aban- 
doned their design on this Colony. Their force could not 
have effected much against us; but they may prove trouble- 
some to some of our southern neighbours, who are probably 
not so well provided for defence as we are. 

I beg leave, sir, to wish you all possible success in your 
generous efforts for the defence of the undoubted nights of 
mankind. Had the scene of action been where we first 
expected it, I intended to have put myself, as a volunteer, 
under your command, and to have contributed my little 
assistance towards that success which, I am assured, would 
have attended your command. Remote as the scene may 
be, I shall not bear absence from it with much patience, 
and, were it not almost ruin to my private affairs, no cam- 


99 


paign should pass without receiving the little assistance I 
could personally give; for though I am no military character, 
nor ambitious of such distinction, the cause in which we are 
now engaged, and in-which I have unremittingly struggled 
since the stamp act, makes me anxious to be a witness and 
an actor, however inconsiderable, in every scene of impor- 
tance, whether military or civil, which may relate to it. 

I have the honour to be, with singular respect, sir, your 
obedient servant, Tuomas Burke. 


To Major General Lee. 


GEORGE JOHNSON TO GENERAL LEE. 
Philadelphia, June 17, 1776. 

Dear Sir: [ heartily thank you for your letter, and regret 
that I cannot have the pleasure of meeting you. ‘The great 
wish of my life is to see peace between two countries I 
almost equally love; while it is a question whether this or 
an exterminating war is to take place. I meant, in words 
I had learned from you, to set before you the many and 
mutual advantages both would derive from an agreement ; 
and as the terms now offered are more for the interest of 
your favourite America than you ever hoped to obtain, I 
should have made no scruple to ask your good offices, and 
to engage my own, to remove any obstacles that might 
obstruct the peace. I should think it a greater honour to 
contribute in the smallest degree to this, than to have the 
greatest share in bringing about victory; these, to a think- 
ing man like you, who has many friends on both sides, sub- 
ject him to a double regret. 

I may not find another occasion of meeting you easily ; 
but I would travel far to have the pleasure of embracing 
you asa fellow-subject of the same empire, and a friend. 
You will see, by some speeches in the House of Commons, 
that others whom you value have the same wish. A cele- 
brated poem, just published, says: 

‘* By virtue, captive Lee is doubly blest.” 


A pamphlet, written by Governour JoAnstone’s brother, 
is much applauded by the nation, where a spirit prevails 
like that between tender relations, who are more disposed to 
love and respect, after a quarrel has convinced both of the ad- 
vantage and value of friendship. I send you the pamphlet. 

You do Sir H. Clinton great justice in believing him 
to be incapable of an inhuman or illiberal measure; you 
may, with great confidence, assert, that he had no share in 
the havock that you say has imbittered people’s minds to a 
degree of madness. Your letter to me is the only notice 
he has of the burnings you mention. If any other houses 
besides magazines were destroyed, it must have been by the 
wantonness of soldiers, as the officer who formed the plan 
for destroying the preparations for the invasion of the island 
confined it to this object. The destruction of houses was 
no part of his project; otherwise he would have mentioned 
the success of it, which he has not done. I will deliver 
the messages you give me, and will ever seek every occa- 
sion to show that I am, with regard, dear sir, your most 
affectionate friend and humble servant, 

Grorce Jounson. 


To Major-General Lee. 
P.S. Sir Henry Clinton bids me thank you for your 


letter, and charges me to enclose one he has received for 
you from England. 


GENERAL LEE TO COLONEL THOMPSON. 
Charlestown, June 21, 1776. 
Sie: It is a certain truth that the enemy entertain a most 
fortunate apprehension of American riflemen. It is equally 
certain that nothing can diminish this apprehension so infal- 
libly as a frequent ineffectual fire. It is with some concern, 
therefore, that I have been informed that your men have 
been suffered to fire at a most preposterous distance. Upon 
this principle, I must entreat and insist, that you consider it 
as a standing order, that not a man under your command 
is to fire at a greater distance than one hundred and fifty 
yards, at the utmost ; in short, they must never fire without 
almost a moral certainty of hitting their object. Distant 
firmg has a doubly bad effect ; it encourages the enemy, and 
adds to the pernicious persuasion of the American soldiers, 
viz: that they are no match for their antagonists at close 
fighting. To speak plainly, it is almost a sure method of 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


\ 


100 


making them cowards. Once more, I must request that a 
stop be put to this childish, vicious, and scandalous practice. 
I extend the rule to those who have the care of the field- 
pieces; four hundred yards is the greatest distance they 
should be allowed to fire at. A transgression of this rule 
will be considered as the effect of flurry and want of courage. 
Those who are accused of transgressing will be proceeded 
against, as acting from these principles. 

I have, sir, the greatest opinion of your good sense and 
spirit, and flatter myself that you will not only issue orders 
of restriction on this head, but that you will be attentive 
that they are rigorously put in execution. 

I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

Cuarwes Lee. 


To Colonel Thompson. 


P. S. I am likewise informed that your men pass with- 
out order or orders to Long-Island. Is this wise? Is it 
soldierlike? Is it to show the enemy where our weak- 
ness is? 


JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
, Baltimore, July 7, 1776. 
Sir: I have sent you three vessels at the request of Mr. 
Purviance, which I hope is right. He tells me that Mr. 
Tilghman spoke to him about the one that is to carry troops 
to Elk. I give you a line by each vessel, for fear that one 
may be before the others in getting down. ‘They are to have 
17s. 6d. per day while in the service. Each vessel will 
carry acompany. ‘They ought to be well ballasted, as the 
soldiers will be a top-heavy load. ‘The skipper will hand 
you this from your humble servant, 
Jesse Hotiincsworru. 


To the Chairman of the Council of Safety, Annapolis. 


P.S. The vessels will find all they want for their own 
use. 


E. JOHNSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Lower Marlborough, July 7, 1776. 


GentTLemMeN: The day I fixed on, in the week before 
last, to search into the clifts on this river for salt, proved 
rainy, and thereby I was disappointed in many hands en- 
gaged; but, however, with what I had, I sunk a shaft, ten 
feet square and five feet deep, in the inside of the clifts, 
free from any tide that ever flowed since the Deluge, and 
have found since, that a few days sun thereon has brought 
out some appearances of saline particles ; so that I conclude 
that this earth will yield salt, and have ordered it to be tried, 
the success of which you shall know by next post. If this 
earth yields salt, the whole clift must also yield it, and of 
course the quantity is inexhaustible. Report says that the 
clifts both north and south of this, on the same side of the 
river, are impregnated with salt. I have not seen any of 
them, except a small bank at my own plantation, at the 
mouth of Hunting Creek, south of the first-discovered clift, 
which is very salt; and shall, as soon as my harvest is 
secured, make some large experiments on, and, if success- 
ful, set to work to make what I can. 

The owner of the land of the first-discovered clift will 
come upon no settled, fixed plan of proceeding to erect either 
a publick or private saltern; but says that, after harvest, he 
will join me in trying further experiments. ‘The expense 
attending my sinking the shaft, in hire of negroes, provisions, 
and cooking for them, cost me twenty-five shillings currency, 


‘which I have paid; and if agreeable to you to charge to my 


saltpetre account, please to give me your order, or other- 
wise, as you may think proper. The time of my engage- 
ment, with my labour at my saltpetre manufactory, expired a 
few days ago, and we have not done anything since. My 
manager has brought in his account, and thirty-four pounds 
of good crude nitre, for which he demands a quarter of a 
dollar. Being informed that the May Convention gave him 
that sum, I have only paid a shilling, with promise to make 
it agreeable to the orders I am empowered to act by. I 
shall hire another labourer soon, to go on with the business, 
and shall continue it as long as I can find materials impreg- 
nated sufficiently. In a few months, the quantity of earth, 
&c., I have in my shed, will, I expect, yield two hundred 
pounds. The thirty-four pounds made at the manufac- 


tory, five-and-a-half pounds I bought, returned to the Con- 


101 


vention in my account, makes thirty-nine-and-a-half pounds in 

my hands. Please to give me orders what I am to do with it. 
1 am, gentlemen, with all due respect, your humble ser- 

vant, EK. Jounson. 


To the Hon. the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


BALTIMORE COMMITTEE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
In Committee, Baltimore, July 7, 1776. 
Gentiemen: Colonel Ware having informed us that he 
had drawn a plan of a fortification to be added to the works 
at Whetstone Point, we shall be glad to know whether you 
mean it should be finished, and if so, what further sum of 
money you will apply to that purpose; and we should be 
much obliged if you would favour us with the plan left with 
you. 
I am, gentlemen, on behalf of the Committee, your most 
obedient servant, Wiviram Lux, Vice-Chairman. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO BALTIMORE COMMITTEE. 
Annapolis, July 7, 1776. 

GentLemen: The Convention have given no order for 
laying out any further sum of money on the fortifications at 
or near Baltimore Town. If more money had been neces- 
sary, application should have been made to that respectable 
body. We consider ourselves not at large to comply with 
your request in advancing a further sum, and so we have 
repeatedly intimated when the plan was first offered to us. 
We send it you enclosed; and are your most obedient ser- 
vants. 

P. S. If the money you have for erecting fortifications be 
not expended, you will apply it to erecting the fortification 
desired. 


COLONEL SMALLWOOD TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Sunday, July 7, 1776. 
The bearers, Michael Hart and Lawrence Keenan, of the 
Artillery Company, having been released from jail, prosecu- 
tion against them being withdrawn, have applied for a dis- 
charge, the date of which will properly commence the 7th 
day of May, when they were imprisoned, as I ordered 
them to be given up at that time to the civil power; and 
having no authority to discharge them, must refer them to 
the honourable Council of Safety for their discharges. 
W. Smattwoop. 


RICHARD TOOTELL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Annapolis, July 7, 1776. 
Gentiemen: As the Surgeon-Major and his assistant 
must march with the battalion which was stationed in this 
city, to which corps they belong, I presume the deficiency 
of that battalion will be immediately supplied with Militia. 
The troops stationed here for the safety of the city will 
stand in need of a Surgeon-Major and an assistant. I pe- 
tition your Honours for the office of Surgeon-Major to the 
abovementioned troops. 
J am, with great respect, your Honours’ most obedient 
humble servant, Ricuarp Toore.u. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GENERAL BUCHANAN. 
{No. 2.] Annapolis, July 7, 1776. 

Sir: You will perceive by the enclosed resolve that the 
Convention have directed the place of the regulars that are 
to march from Baltimore Town to Philadelphia should be 
supplied by the companies of the neighbouring Militia till the 
Flying-Camp can be ready. We must request, therefore, 
that you will consider what companies of your County may 
with the greatest convenience be stationed at Baltimore 
Town, and give orders for their march to that station as soon 
as the regulars leave it. We are, Xe. 


To Brigadier-General Buchanan. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL WEEMS. 

[No. 3.] Annapolis, July 7, 1776. 
Sir: You will perceive by the enclosed resolves that the 

Convention have directed the place of the regulars that are 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


102 


to march from hence to Philadelphia should be supplied by 
three companies of the neighbourigg Militia till the Militia for 
the Flying-Camp can be ready. We shall be glad to see 
you as soon as you possibly can, that we may determine 
what companies of your battalion may with the greatest 
convenience be stationed at this place. We are, &c. 


To Colonels Weems and Hammond, respectively. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN VEAZEY AND 
LIEUTENANT HARRISON. 
(No. 4.] Annapolis, July 7, 1776. 
Sir: You will perceive by the enclosed resolves that your 
company is to march immediately to Philadelphia. ‘The 
service requires the utmost despatch. We think it will be 
the most expeditious as well as convenient way to go to the 
head of Elk by water, and therefore recommend it to you 
to endeavour to procure a vessel for the purpose of transport- 
ing your troops thither. If, however, you cannot get one 
immediately, you will march up as speedily as possible. 
Wagons will be ready for you at the head of Elk to carry 
your baggage and a proper supply of provisions to Phila- 
delphia. Ifa vessel is not to be had, you will please to get 
the necessary carriages in Talbot for your baggage, and lay 
in a sufficient quantity of provision for your men until you 
can reach the head of Elk. Colonel Smallwood’s battalion 
will set off by water to-morrow or Tuesday. We are, &c. 


To Captain Edward Veazey and Lieutenant Harrison, 
respectively. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN VEAZEY. 

[No. 5.] Annapolis, July 7, 1776. 

Sir: You will perceive by the enclosed resolves that your 
company is to march immediately to Philadelphia. The 
service requires the utmost despatch. Wagons will be ready 
for you at the head of Elk, to carry your baggage and a pro- 
per supply of provisions from thence to Philadelphia. ° You 
will please to get the necessary carriages in Kent for your 
baggages, and lay in a sufficient quantity of provisions for 
your men until you can reach the head of Elk. Colonel 
Smallwood’s battalion will set off to-morrow or on Tuesday 
by water, and so we expect will Lieutenant, Harrison’s 
division of your company, as we have given him his orders. 


We are, &c. 
To Captain Edward Veazey. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO RICHARD. BUCHANAN. 
[No. 6.] Annapolis, July 7, 1776. 

Str: We are despatching the troops from hence to Phila- 
delphia. Including those for Baltimore, they will amount 
to one thousand men, and they are to go by water to the 
head of Elk; when they arrive there, perhaps they may be 
at a loss for a supply of provision for their march, which 
may take them up four days from thence. We therefore 
think it necessary that you, or Mr. Cummings, or some per- 
son for you, should be there, to be ready to supply them, in 
case they should be in want. We are, &c. 


To Mr. Richard Buchanan. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM JOHN ADAMS, DATED PHILA- 
DELPHIA, JULY 7, 1776. 


The design of our enemy now seems to be a powerful in- 
vasion of New-York and New-Jersey. The Halifax fleet 
and army is arrived, and another fleet and army under Lord 
Howe is expected to join them. We are making great pre- 
parations to meet them, by marching the Militia of Maryland, 
Pennsylvania, and New-Jersey, down to the scene of action, 
and have made large requisitions upon New-England. I 
hope, for the honour of New-England and the salvation of 
America, our people will not be backward in marching to 
New-York. We must maintain and defend that important 
post at all events. If the enemy get possession there, it 
will cost New-England very dear. There is no danger of 
the small-pox at New-York; it is carefully kept out of the 
city and the Army. I hope that your*brother, and mine 
too, will go into the service of their country at this critical 
period of its distress. 


103 


Our Army at Crown-Point is an object of wretchedness 
enough to fill a humane mipd with horrour ; disgraced, defeat- 
ed, discontented, dispinited, diseased, naked, undisciplined, 
eaten up with vermin; no clothes, beds, blankets; no medi- 
cines; no victuals, but salt pork and flour. A chaplain 
from that Army preached a sermon here the other day, from 
‘Cursed is he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully.” 
I knew better than he did who the persons were who de- 
served these curses ; but I could not help myself, nor my 
poor country, any more than he. [hope that measures will 
be taken to cleanse the Army at Crown-Point from the small- 
pox, and that other measures will be taken in New-England, 
by tolerating and encouraging inoculation, to render that dis- 
temper less terrible. 

I am solicitous to hear what figure our new Superior 
Court made in their eastern circuit: what business they did ; 
whether the grand juries and petit juries were sworn; whe- 
ther they had tried any criminal, or any civil actions; how 
the people were affected at the appearance of courts again ; 
how the Judges were treated—whether with respect, or cold 
neglect, &c. Every Colony upon the Continent will soon 
be in the same situation. ‘They are erecting Governments 
as fast as children build cob-houses; but, I conjecture, they 
will hardly throw them down again so soon. 

The practice we have hitherto been in, of ditching round 
about our enemies, will not always do. We must learn to 
use other weapons than the pick and the spade. Our armies 
must be disciplined, and learn to fight. I have the satis- 
faction to reflect that our Massachusetts people, when they 
have been left to themselves, have been constantly fighting 
and skirmishing, and always with success. I wish the same 
valour, prudence, and spirit, had been discovered every- 
where. 


JOSEPH HART TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 8, 1776.] 

: Warminster, Bucks County, July 7, 1776. 

HonourasLe Sir: This day, Mr. Wynkoop delivered 
me your letter of the 3d instant, directed to the Committee 
of our County, requesting that the troops we are raising to 
form the Flying-Camp might be immediately sent to New- 
Brunswick. This I dare say our Committee will readily 
comply with; but they are not yet formed, and to-morrow 
the election must be attended. On Wednesday, however, 
our Committee are to meet to appoint officers; and when 
that is done, I am of opinion the men will turn out imme- 
diately, and which I believe our Committee will encourage, 
to the utmost of their abilities. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient, humble 
servant, 

JoserH Harr 


To the Hon. John Hancock, President. 


GEORGE ROSS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Lancaster, July 7, 1776. 

GentLemen: The present situation of publick affairs 
having made it necessary that the Militia of Pennsylvania 
should be immediately marched to the Jerseys, to act until 
the Flying-Camp shall be formed, and the resolves of the 
Congress and Committee lately convened at Philadelphia, 
directing and approving of this measure, having been made 
known to the Associators here, they have almost to a man 
determined to march on this service. The Committee, con- 
sidering the dangerous situation of the town, exposed to the 
fury and ravages of near four hundred of the prisoners taken 
at Chambly and St. John’s, who are stationed here, and can- 
not be confined day or night, in the present open state of 
our barracks, have been under the necessity of checking the 
ardour of the Associators in the town, and permit but a part 
to leave the place; but as these will have our best arms 
with them, and those who remain are not in numbers equal 
to those prisoners, the remainder of the inhabitants and their 
property are, we think, rather too much exposed. Upon 
these prisoners first coming to Lancaster, the Committee 
asked the sentiments of Congress as to enclosing the barracks 
ground, and keeping a guard over them there. The Con- 
gress then thought this measure unnecessary, doubtless from 
a persuasion that by the prisoners mixing and working with 
the inhabitants, they would learn and be convinced of the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


104 


justness of our cause, and become rather the friends than 
enemies of the rights of America. But experience evinces 
the contrary. By their mixing with the people, they have 
done much mischief. They adhere, with an extraordinary 
degree of firmness, to their tyrannical master and his cause, 
and every action and expression convinces us that they would 
seize every opportunity to promote it and distress us. 

We have lately found several of them in the dress of our 
riflemen, and as that dress is now become a kind of passport 
for those who wear it, we cannot help hinting to Congress 
the danger of these people carrying intelligence between 
our enemies in that garb, and that, as they are now placed, 
we cannot prevent it. Indeed, it is probable that the offi- 
cers from Lebanon have gone off in that disguise. We have 
had it hinted that some of them are travelling through the 
country, procuring signers to some paper, which, it is more 
than probable, is of bad tendency, and shall therefore en- 
deavour to detectthem. ‘That they have had the most early 
intelligence of events which have happened in Canada, we 
have had experience. We therefore cannot help mention- 
ing to Congress our opinion as to the necessity of having 
them in some manner secured, so as to prevent their strag- 
gling, carrying intelligence, or insulting or injuring the in- 
habitants; and that, while at liberty, they are a dangerous 
set of people, and beg leave to request the direction of Con- 
gress in the premises. 

As it is proposed to march part of the town Militia on 
Thursday next, we shall be happy in having the sentiments 
and directions of Congress before that time. 

And have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedi- 
ent, humble servant. 

By order of the Committee: 

Gerorce Ross, Chairman. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, President of the Honourable 


Continental Congress. 


DOCTOR COCHRAN TO THOMAS McKEAN. 
New-Brunswick, July 7, 1776. 

Dear Sir: The bearer, Lieutenant Woodman, of the 
Twenty-Sixth Regiment, taken prisoner at Ticonderoga last 
summer, has resided in this town ever since, on his parole. 
As far as I know, he has behaved himself with decency re- 
specting publick matters; nor do I find that he has ever been 
charged with taking part either with one side or the other. 
He has made a in this town, and is at 
present employed in repairing it. He is married to a daugh- 
ter of Mr. Legrange, of this place, and has a family of six 
children, which renders his removal from hence rather dis- 
tressing ; therefore, if any indulgences, consistent with the 
publick safety, can be allowed him, [ hope they will not be 
improperly bestowed. I know your readiness to do aets of 
humanity ; therefore leave the matter of it particularly to 
your own judgment and the publick security. 

I am, dear sir, your very obedient, humble servant, 


Joun Cocuran. 
To Thomas McKean, Esq., Philadelphia. 


GENERAL LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Elizabethtown, July 7, 1776. 

May ir PLEASE your Exce.iency: By Captain Swan, of 
the new levies, just going off for the city, I take the liberty of 
enclosing a rough draught of the Sound and Jersey shore, from 
Elizabeth Point to Amboy, with an abstract of the different 
posts [ have directed along the same. Although this may 
not be of any essential service, yet I thought it not amiss, as it 
might give you an idea of what I had done, that your Excel- 
lency might rectify anything that was amiss in the arrange- 
ment. 

Since writing the above, a deserter is brought in to me, 
whose examination I have taken, and enclose it; and forward 
this by express, lest itshould be delayed. I have also this 
moment received intelligence from Philadelphia, that the 
Pennsylvania forces marched the 5th instant to our assistance, 
and that the principal part of the strength of Pennsylvania 
will soon be on their march, for the same beneyolent pur- 


_pose. 


I received your Excellency’s letter respecting the persons 
apprehended at Amboy, and I'shall send them all (except 


105 


Smyth, whom I think I can trust on his parole) to the Con- 
vention to-morrow morning. 

I have the honour to be, your Excellency’s most humble 
servant, Wituiam Livineston. 
To General Washington. 


GENERAL HOWE TO LORD GEORGE GERMAINE. 
Staten-Island, July 7, 1776. 

My Lorp: The Mercury packet is despatched to inform 
your Lordship of the arrival of the Halifax fleet, on the 29th 
of June, at Sandy-Hook, where I arrived four days sooner 
in the Grayhound frigate. I met with Governour Tryon, on 
board of ship at the Hook, and many gentlemen, fast friends 
to Government, attending him, from whom I have had the 
fullest information of the state of the Rebels, who are nume- 
rous, and very advantageously posted, with strong intrench- 
ments both upon Long-Island and that of New-York, with 
more than one hundred pieces of cannon for the defence of 
the town towards the sea, and to obstruct the passage of the 
fleet up the North River, besides a considerable field-train 
of artillery. Having made inquiries of these gentlemen 
respecting the face of the country between Gravesend Bay 
in Long-Island, and the enemy’s works in the neighbour- 
hood of Brooklyn, their accounts were so satisfactory that 
I had determined to disembark the Army at Gravesend ; and 
with this intention the fleet moved up to the bay, on the Ist 
instant, in the evening, in order to land the troops at the 
break of day next morning; but being more particularly 
informed during the night of a strong pass upon a ridge of 
craggy heights covered with wood, that lay in the route the 
Army must have taken, only two miles distant from the front 
of the enemy’s encampment and seven from Gravesend, 
which the Rebels would undoubtedly have occupied before 
the King’s troops could get up to it; and from the minutest 
description, judging an attack upon this post, so strong by 
nature, and so near the front of the enemy’s works, to be too 
hazardous an attempt, before the arrival of the troops ‘with 
Commodore Hotham, daily expected, I declined the under- 
taking, and passing the Narrows with three ships of war 
and the first division of transports, landed the Grenadiers and 
Light-Infantry as the ships came up, to the great joy of a most 
loyal people, long suffering on that account under the oppres- 
sion of the Rebels stationed among them, who precipitately 
fled on the approach of the shipping. The remainder of 
the troops landed during the next day and night, and are 
now distributed in cantonments, where they have the best 
refreshments. 

In justice to Captain Reynar, of his Majesty’s ship Chat- 
ham, who was directed by the Admiral to make the dispo- 
sition of boats for landing the troops, and to Captain Curtis, 
commanding the Senegal sloop-of-war, who was to super- 
intend the execution, I must express my entire satisfaction 
in the conduct of those gentlemen, and the dependence to be 
placed upon their future services in this line. 

I propose waiting here for the English fleet, or the arrival 
of Lieutenant-General Clinton, in readiness to proceed, unless 
by some unexpected change of circumstances in the mean- 
time, it should be found expedient to act with the present 
force. In case Lieutenant-General Clinton’s southern ope- 
rations should prevent his joining the Army here, I am 
apprehensive the possession of Rhode-Island, though of the 
most important nature, must be deferred until the arrival of 
the second embarcation from Europe, unless General Cark- 
ton should penetrate early into this Province, which may 
enable me to spare a corps adequate to that service. But 
as I must esteem a previous impression upon the enemy’s 
principal force, collected in this quarter, to be the first object 
of my attention, I shall hold it steadily in view, without 
losing sight of those which, comparatively, may be esteemed 
collateral. 

Vice-Admiral Shuldham was joined on his voyage by six 
transports belonging to the Highland corps, having three 
companies of the Forty-Second and three of the Seventy-First 
on board. There is no other intelligence of this embarca- 
tion, excepting an account published in the New-York 
papers, that two transports of the fleet were taken by the 
enemy's privateers, and carried into Boston; that Major 
Menzies was killed in the engagement, and Lieutenant- 
Colonel Campbell, of the Seventy-First, made prisoner, with 
sixteen other officers, and about four hundred and fifty men. 
Sir W. Erskine is among those that are absent. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


106 


Governour Franklin, who for a long time maintained his 
ground in Jersey, has been lately taken into custody at Am- 
boy, and is at this time detained a prisoner in Connecticut ; 
and the Mayor of New-York was confined a few days ago, 
pm a frivolous complaint of his sending intelligence to 

overnour Tryon, brought to trial, and condemned to suffer 
death ; ,but, by the last intelligence, the sentence was not 
carried into execution. 

Notwithstanding these violent proceedings, I have the 
satisfaction to inform your Lordship, that there is great rea- 
son to expect a numerous body of the inhabitants to join the 
Army from the Provinces of York, the Jerseys, and Connec- 
ticut, who, in this time of universal oppression, only wait for 
opportunities to give proofs of their loyalty and zeal for Go- 
vernment. Sixty men came over two days ago, with a few 
arms, from the neighbourhood of Shrewsbury, in Jersey, who 
are all desirous to serve; and I understand there are five 
hundred more in that quarter’ready to follow their example. 
This disposition among the people makes me impatient for 
the arrival of Lord Howe, concluding the powers with which 
he is furnished will have the best effect at this critical time ; 
but I am still of opinion that peace will not be restored in 
America until the Rebel Army is defeated. 

I beg leave to represent to your Lordship the inconveni- 
ency arising from the want of camp-equipage at this time, 
which may continue during the course of this rebellion, un- 
less sent out the year before it is to be used ; also the neces- 
sity of an early supply of woollens, linen, and shoes, for the 
Provincial troops that I may retain in pay during the winter, 
as these things are not to be had here on any terms, and 
the distress of the inhabitants in general is so great, from the 
want of those articles, that the friends of Government will 
suffer much, without assistance from Europe. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Blunt, of the Fourth Regiment, who 
has my leave to return to Britain from the particular situa- 
tion of his affairs, will deliver this despatch; and I have the 
honour to be, &c., W. Howe. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-York, July 7, 1776. 

Sir: I have been honoured with your favours of the 3d 
and 4th instant, and return you my sincere thanks for your 
kind intention to afford me every assistance in your power 
at this truly critical and alarming period. The situation of 
our affairs calls aloud for the most vigorous exertions, and 
nothing less will be sufficient to avert the impending blow. 
From four prisoners, taken the other day, we are informed 
that General Howe has already about ten thousand men, 
being joined by the regiment from the West-Indies and 
some of the Highland troops in his passage hither; that he 
is in daily expectation of the arrival of Admiral Howe; and 
that nothing would be attempted till he came, having come 
from Halifax in consequence of advices received a few days 
before from England, that the Admiral was ready to sail 
with a fleet of one hundred and fifty ships, with a large rein- 
forcement to join him here. ‘These armies, when united, 
you will readily conceive, will be extremely formidable, and 
such as will require a large and numerous one, on our part, 
to oppose them. But yet I have been under the necessity 
of informing Colonel St/iman that it will be impossible to 
subsist the horses of the three regiments ordered ; and if it 
could be done, the expense would be enormous, and what I 
do not apprehend I have authority to assent to. At the 
same time, knowing the important advantages that may result 
from their aid, I have entreated his exertions to prevail on 
the men to come themselves. I hope, on the one hand, they 
will see the propriety of my objecting to their horses, and on 
the other, the necessity there is of coming themselves. My 
anxiety leads me to request a continuance of your good 
offices in forwarding the battalions ordered with all possible 
despatch. The interest of America is now in the balance, 
and it behooves all attached to her sacred cause, and the 
rights of humanity, to hold forth their utmost and most speedy 
aid. I am convinced nothing will be wanting in your power 
to effect. 

The situation of the Northern Army is certainly distressing, 
but no relief can be afforded by me. This, I am persuaded, 
you will readily agree to. I should suppose, if proper pre- 
cautions are taken; the small-pox may be prevented from 
spreading. This was done at Cambridge, and I trust will 


107 


be continued by Generals Schuyler and G‘ates, who are well 
apprized of the fatal consequences that may attend its infect- 
ing the whole Army. But a small part of the forces here 
have had it; were it not the case, neither policy nor prudence 
would allow me to send any more from hence that have seen 
the least of service. ‘Too many have been already detached ; 
to part with more would be to put all to the hazard, 

The retreat of the Army from Canada, | doubt not, will 
occasion a general alarm to the frontier inhabitants, and our 
enemies, without question, will use every means they have 
to excite the savages against them; but I would fain hope 
their incursions will be prevented and repelled without much 
difficulty. The first opportunity I have, I will transmit a 
copy of your letter to Congress upon this subject, and request 
their attention to it. 

I am, sir, with sentiments of great esteem, your most obe- 
dient humble servant, Grorce WasHINGTON. 


To Governour Trumbull. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL WARD. 
New-York, July 7, 1776. 

Sir: I received your favour of the 30th ultimo, and I 
doubt not but the powder claimed by the Assembly of New- 
Hampshire was lent the Continent. ‘The exposed situation 
of their frontiers renders every precaution necessary for their 
defence. 

I think it would be proper to send a quantity of it to some 
safe place on the communication betwixt this and Boston, 
there to be ready in case of accident, or if it should be 
wanted. I therefore wish you to lodge at Norwich (which 
I suppose will be as secure as any other place) from three to 
four hundred barrels. In my letter of the Ist, I desired you 
to send a quantity of the Highlanders’ muskets that were 
taken. I pray your attention to my request, and that they 
may come with all possible expedition; the deficiency here 
in this essential article is greatly alarming. 1 am extremely 
sorry that your indisposition has increased, and I hope in a 
little time you will be relieved. It is now before Congress 
to determine whether the Continental Regiments at Boston 
should not be ordered from thence, as there is almost a moral 
certainty that the enemy mean not to make an attack there, 
but to bend their whole force against this Province. Four 
prisoners that fell into our hands last week, on a separate 
examination, agree, that General Howe, being joined by some 
regiments from the West-Indies, and part of the Scotch 
Highlanders, on his passage hither, has now about ten thou- 
sand men; that a few days before they left Halifax, an 
express packet arrived, ordering him to come to this place, 
where he would be joined by Admiral Howe, with a fleet of 
one hundred and fifty sail, with troops on board, which was 
about to sail when the packet did; that they are daily ex- 
pected, which has been the reason nothing has been yet 
attempted. If Congress withdraw the regiments, you will 
be instantly relieved; and if they do not, I must send a Gen- 
eral Officer (inconvenient as it is to spare one at this critical 
time) to take the command. I expect to know the result 
of their deliberations in a day or two. It will be right to 
comply with the order of the Board of War and Ordnance, 
and a list may be transmitted of the persons you have judged 
most proper to fill the vacancies. 

I am, sir, with my best wishes for your recovery, your 
most obedient servant, 


To Major-General Ward. 


Grorce WasHINGTON. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO WILLIAM WATSON. 
New-York, July 7, 1776. 

Sir: [received yours of the 19th ultimo, and directed 
the papers you wrote for to be transmitted you, but find, upon 
inquiry, they are not among any in my possession now. 
Colonel Moylan, who used generally to receive and examine 
the papers appertaining to the prizes, being called upon, says 
that previous to his departure from Cambridge, he made up 
all the prize papers, and ‘put them in such a channel as he 
thought most likely to convey them to the different agents. 
He supposes these were with the rest; he cannot recollect to 
whom they were delivered. If they cannot be got, you must 
try the legality of the captures upon such evidence as you 
can collect from the men who were in the vessels when they 
were taken, and from other circumstances. If they were 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


108 


going to Nova-Scotia for the purpose mentioned by the 
claimants, f presume it will not be difficult for.them to prove 
it by witnesses. I am, sir, your humble servant, 

Grorce WasnineTon. 


To William Watson, Esq., Plymouth. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL JAMES CLINTON. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 7, 1776. 

Sir: I received yours by Major Rensselaer, and am pleased 
to find you are making the necessary preparations to repel 
the enemy in case of an attack. I hope you will be able to 
get arms sufficient for the men under your command who 
are destitute; but if not, you are to dismiss all those whom 
you cannot equip, (1 mean to confine myself to the Militia 
wholly,) as it is equally absurd and unjust to keep men in 
Continental pay, who will be of no service in time of action 
for want of arms; it is, in fact, amusing ourselves with the 
appearance of strength, when at the same time we want the 
reality. Colonel Knox informs me he has no carriages to 
spare, but you can have the carriage wheels, which, with 
the iron, will be delivered to the care of Major Rensselaer, 
As to the balls for the small-arms, they should be sent if the 
sizes could be ascertained, so as to fit the muskets exactly; 
but as that cannot be done, I shall order a sufficient quantity 
of lead to he sent up, which you will direct to be cast into 
balls suitable for your purpose. You must furnish the bullet 
moulds in the best manner you can, as there are none here. 
With regard to the appointment of Doctor Tappan, I would 
just mention, that as it is a matter transacted between you 
and the Provincial Congress, in which I am quite uncon- 
nected, I would choose it should continue so; however, by 
renewing your application to the Congress, you will doubt- 
less receive a satisfactory answer. 

I am, sir, your very humble servant, 

Grorce WasHINGToN. 

To Colonel James Chnton. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY. 

New-York, July 7, 1776. 
GenTLemeEn: I was yesterday honoured with your favour 
of the 2d instant, with the proceedings you have adopted in 
compliance with the requisition of Congress and my appli- 
cation since ; for which, and your kind wishes for my success, 
I beg your acceptance of my most hearty thanks; and am, 
gentlemen, with sentiments of the greatest respect, your 


most obedient servant, Gronae Wise 


To the Hon. the General Court of Massachusetts-Bay, at 
Watertown. 


HOSPITAL REGULATIONS. 


Regulations agreed upon betwixt the Director-General of 
the American Hospital and the Regimental Surgeons and 
Mates at New-York, the day of July, 1776. 

Rule 1. That every full Regiment or Battalion, provided 
with a Surgeon and Mate, or each Brigade, as the occasion 
may point out, ought to have some convenient quarters, to 
be appropriated by the proper Quartermaster, for the recep- 
tion of such of the sick of that corps, and entitled a Regi- 
mental Hospital; which sick are to be attended by their 
own regimental Surgeons and Mates. . 

2. That it shall be the business of the Surgeons and 
Mates in all Regiments, to examine the soldiers in the same 
who are reported to be unfit for duty, and to separate from 
the well those who are sick, and to receive them into the 
Regimental Hospital. 

3. That they keep a Register of those who are admitted 
into the Regimental Hospital, containing the patient’s name, 
the company he belongs to, the days.of his admission into and 
discharge from the Hospital, (agreeable to a form annexed.) 

4. That he shall make daily returns of the sick in his 
Regiment to the commanding officer of the same, that it may 
be known who are fit for duty and who are not; and that 
such as are on the doctor’s list may not be included in the 
provision return of the Regiment. 

5. That the Surgeon shall every day prescribe the diet 
of each sick person under his care, according to the diet 
tables established in the General Hospital, or other suitable 
tables to be agreed on, under the titles of full diet, half diet, 
spare diet, dry diet, milk diet, &c. 


109 


6. That he make out and sign the provision return every 
day for the sick, and draw upon the Director-General of the 
Hospital, agreeable to the tables of diet before mentioned ; 
for the regulation of which, weekly returns of the number 
sick (in that week) shall be made out on a stated day, so 
that whatever the price of diet drawn for said sick shall fall 
short of the rations stopped from the sick during the week, 
so much may be drawn for their use in other stores, as wine, 
rum, sugar, coffee, tea, molasses, candles, soap, &e. 

{If that surplus of money is not sufficient, there are no 
other ways to supply than either to do it by stoppages of 
the soldier’s pay, as in the British Army, or by its being 
advanced by himself, or by the Colonel or the Captain of 
the regiment to which he belongs, and allowed in his ab- 
stract; the General Hospital having nothing to do with the 
expenses of Regimental Hospitals, and no provision for the 
purpose being yet made by the Congress. ] 

7. That no Regimental Surgeon shall send any sick from 
his Regiment or Regimental Hospital to the General Hospital, 
without a ticket expressing the name of the sick, his Com- 
pany, and the Regiment to which he belongs, signed by 
himself or mate, .and mentioning likewise the disorder he 
labours under, and the time he has been ill. 

8. That he send none to the General Hospital labouring 
under infectious, putrid, or malignant diseases; for the intro- 
duction of such fevers into a general hospital will only injure 
the person sent, and may endanger the Surgeons’ Mates and 
other officers, as well as all that are sick of other diseases in 
the General Hospital, engender the jail or hospital fever, 
and ruin the Army. Such sick are to be kept separate if 
possible, and be taken care of by the Regimental Surgeon. 

9. That whatever stores or utensils may be wanted for 
the use of a Regimental Hospital, whether kettles to cook 
victuals, blankets, &c., they ought to be got from the Quar- 
termaster-General’s store, or procured from the same place 
and in the same manner as the like articles are procured for 
the well soldiers of the regiment: to be provided by an order 
from the Colonel, the Surgeon to give his receipt for and 
take care of the same; for the preservation of which, he 
may establish such regulations as he sees fit. 

10. That as the medicine chest, and a number of articles, 
as old linen, bandages, &c., have been supplied to regiments 
at the voluntary motion of the Director-General of the Ge- 
neral Hospital, with the approbation of the Commander- 
in-Chief, whenever the regiments are disbanded, all such 
particulars are to be returned into the General Hospital ; 
otherwise, when new troops are levied, under the present 
scarcity and difficulty to procure them, it may not be practi- 
cable or easy to supply the Army again with those articles 
for another year. 

11. That for every Regimental Hospital a cook ought to 
be allowed, to prepare the diet of the sick agreeable to the 
tables, or nurses who may serve for cooks, one to every ten 
men: the pay the same as in the General Hospital, viz: half 
a dollar per week, and rations allowed, (by the regiment.) 

12. That each Regimental Hospital ought to have a cor- 
poral’s guard, or at least three men, one of which to stand 
sentinel at the Hospital door, to prevent the sick from leav- 
ing the Hospital without permission from the Surgeon, and 
to keep persons from going in, without orders, to disturb the 
sick, or carry liquor to them. ‘The other persons, whilst 
relieved from standing sentinel, to serve for the time as 
waiters, and obey the Surgeon and his Mate, in respect to 
any assistance which may be reasonably required in behalf 
of the sick. 

Lastly. That in all cases not provided for by the fore- 
going or any future regulations that may be agreed upon, 
the Surgeons and Mates shall observe the customs and 
usages of the British Army, and shall at all times obey 
such orders as they shall (in the way of duty) receive from 
the Director-General for the treatment of the sick, or for 
the discharge of the duties of their station. 


COMMITMENT OF JOHN LEWIS. 
New-York, July 7, 1776. 
John Lewis, a resident in the city of New-York, confined 
in the City-Hall for his drinking healths to King George and 
success to his fleet, and manifesting his intention to join the 
said fleet or the army of the enemy, against the Continental 
Army, by Jos. Spencer, Brig. General. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


. 


110 


H. GLEN TO COLONEL FONDA. 
Schenectady, July 7, 1776. 
Dear Sir: As I am at present not able to complete as 
many boats as the service requires, I have sent off Ernst 
Van Epps with three, which are all I can as yet complete, 
having recommended him to you to procure four batteaus 
for here for two trips to the Falls, as he is then to return 
here, after having done that work, he having tolls complete 
for seven boats. You will please load him with flour, for 
which article I am directed by Walter Livingston, Esq., to 
apply to you. I believe twelve barrels will be a good load. 
Excuse my intruding on you for batteaus, which I should not 
do could I get them any other way ; but the urgency is such 
that [ cannot avoid it. I am yours, &c., H. Guen. 


To Colonel Fonda. 


H. GLEN TO COLONEL DAYTON. 

Schenectady, July 7, 1776. 
Sir: Since I wrote to you yesterday by Lieutenant Tur- 
navel, of the Artillery, | have succeeded in getting some more 
batteau-men, whom [ have ordered to take flour from Co- 
lonel Fonda’s, to bring to the carrying-place; so that I hope 
to be able, by the time the batteaus that take up the artil- 
lery, &c., can return to the Falls, to have a load of provi- 
sions ready for them there to take to Fort Stanwix, to which 
place Major Barber has informed me that, on the arrival of 
the artillery, you were to go; so that you will please give them 
directions for that purpose, not to come across the carrying- 
place till that business is done, but then to come down -here 

to this place. I am, sir, yours, &c., H. Guen. 


To Colonel Dayton. 


H. GLEN TO JOHN PETRIE. 

y Schenectady, July 7, 1776. 

Sir: As a quantity of flour will be brought to the Falls 
for the troops above you, I am to request of you, after the 
same is brought over the carrying-place, to have the same 
put in your barn, and that you will be so good and have a 
lock over it, so that it is not destroyed. ‘The stay will be 
but short, as the batteaus that go over are to take it away 
as soon as they can return; the riding and your little trouble 


shall be paid for by, sir, yours, &c. H. Guen. 
To Mr. John Petrie. 


COLONEL HURD TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 
Concord, July 7, 1776. 

Sir: By several persons I have met with on the road 
coming from Coos, and by the last intelligence I can collect, 
[ find the inhabitants there, especially those on and near 
Connecticut River, from the Upper to the Lower Coos, are 
much more alarmed and apprehensive of danger from the 
enemy than we imagined; several families are already re- 
moved and removing from thence; among the rest, I have 
found Mrs. Hurd, with part of my family, here at Concord, 
who was advised by the most discreet of the people to leave 
the place, unless she could submit to live, as they must do, 
crowded into a garrison, and which they were all preparing 
for. The particulars of this, the bearer, Colonel Bayley, 
who goes express on the occasion, can acquaint you of, and 
of the very critical situation of all that part of the country; 
that it is of the utmost consequence the first of the reinforce- 
ments which can be raised should be sent into that quarter, 
and that immediately. 

It is yet uncertain whether General Sullivan has retreated 
to Crown-Point. There is a person in town (one Kins- 
man) who informs that Messrs. Gyles and Betton (whom he 
heard of on the road) had altered their course, and were 
gone for Albany, and who were at Otter Creek this day 
week, within twenty miles of Crown-Point. He tells us 
there was then no account of Sullivan’s having crossed the 
lake; that he was thought still to be at Isle-aux-Noix, or 
not far distant; and if so, it may be best that great part of 
the new levies should rendezvous at Coos, as at first de- 
signed; they might then, by ranging the woods, give some 
check to the enemy, and draw off part of their forces from 
pursuing General Sullivan’s Army, as well as to be a pro- 
tection to our settlers, who must otherwise desert many of 
their plantations and lose the benefit of the approaching 


111 


harvest, that is now very promising; this may be a double 
loss to us. I shall proceed on my journey to-morrow for 
Haverhill, leaving my wife here; and if anything important 
occurs, I will immediately advise you, but must beg leave 
to repeat my request, that we may have some very speedy 
assistance. Why may not Captain Harper’s company, if 
mustered, or any other first in readiness, march off for this 
purpose? It can be no detriment; and little out of the way, 
should they afterwards be ordered to Crown-Point. Shall 
be glad to hear something of this sort by return of Colonel 
Bayley, for the quiet of our people. 

In the mean time remain, with great esteem and respect 
to you and the gentlemen of the Committee of Safety, sir, 
your most obedient servant, J. Hurp. 


To the Honourable Meshech Weare, Esq. 


MEMORIAL FROM CONWAY, FRYBURGH, AND BROWNFIELD. 


To the Honourable General Court of the Colony of New- 


HamPsHIrReE: 


The memorial of the Committee of Conway, in the Coun- 
ty of Grafton, and Fryburgh and Brownfield, in the County 
of York, and Colony of Massachusetts-Bay, united, humbly 
showeth: That the abovesaid new Plantations, consisting 
of about thirty families, are situated at a place called Pig- 
wacket, upon Saco River, which nearly unites with a branch 
of the Androscoggin River, about thirty miles northerly 
from other settlements, and lie greatly exposed to incur- 
sions from the savages, by the following natural communi- 
cations, as frequented by the Indians that come to those 
places: one from Chaudiere River into Umbagog Lake, 
which empties itself into Androscoggin Rwer ; another from 
St. Francois River, into a branch of Connecticut River, 
and by that into Androscoggin Rwer ; another from Ken- 
nebeck River, by the way of Muschamucontocock, into An- 
droscoggin River; that these several ways are by water, 
except a few short carrying places, which bring them within 
twenty miles of these settlements; that the greatest part of 
these twenty miles is water carriage; that Androscoggin 
Rwer runs farther to the northward than the head of Con- 
necticut Raver ; that a party the last year was sent out from 
Coos to reconnoitre the woods over to Umbramagog Lake, 
which empties into the St. Francois River, from thence 
they set out eastwardly, in order to strike Connecticut River, 
but headed it, and struck Androscoggin River, came down 
that river, and came into these settlements; that last fall 
three men from Colonel Arnold’s party came into these 
settlements by the way of Androscoggin River; four or 
five persons from Quebeck, last May, came in here the same 
way. It appears that whenever the frontiers are exposed, 
these settlements are in danger; that from the alarming 
accounts we have lately received from Canada, we think it 
necessary to make preparation for defence; and as it is not 
likely we can provide ourselves with arms and ammunition 
without the aid of the honourable Court, therefore the me- 
morialists entreat the favour of the honourable Court to the 
application that may be made for the above purpose and 
for protection, if the time should come that the frontiers are 
in danger. And we, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c. 

Ricuarp Krupaty, Chairman of Committee. 


Dated at Fryburgh, this 7th day of July, 1776. 
N. B. Last night came in here one family from the 


Upper Coos, and all the rest of the inhabitants are removing 
as fast as possible. 


DEPOSITION OF JARRET WILLIAMS, 
Fincastle, Virginia, Monday, July 8, 1776. 


The Deposition of Jarret Wilkams, taken before me, An- 
thony Bledsoe, a Justice of the Peace for the County afore- 
said, being first sworn on the holy Evangelists of Almighty 
God, deposeth and saith: That he left the Cherokee Nation 
on Monday night, the 8th instant, (July ;) that the part of the 
nation called the Overhills, were then preparing to go to war 
against the frontiers of Virginia, having purchased to the 
amount of one thousand skins, or thereabouts, for mockasins. 
They were also beating flour for a march, and making other 
warlike preparations. Their number, from a calculation made 
by the Raven warriors, amounts to about six hundred warriors ; 
and, according to the deponent’s ideas, he thinks we may 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


112 


expect a general attack every hour. They propose to take 
away negroes, horses, &c., and to kill all kinds of cattle, 
sheep, &c., for which purpose they are well stocked with 
bows and arrows, &c.; also to destroy all corn, burn houses, 
&c. And he also heard, that the valley towns were, a part 
of them, set off; but that they had sent a runner to stop them, 
till all were ready to start. He further relates, that Alew- 
ander Cameron informed them that he had concluded to send 
Captain Nathaniel Guest, William Faulin, Isaac Williams, 
and the deponent, with the Indians, till they came near to. 
Nanachukey ; then the Indians were to stop, and Guest and 
the other whites abovementioned were to go to see if there 
were any King’s men among the inhabitants ; and if they 
found any, they were to take them off to the Indians, or 
have a white signal in their hands, or otherwise, to distinguish 
them. When this was done, they were to fall on the inhabi- 
tants, and kill and drive all they possibly could. That on 
Saturday, the 6th instant, in the night, he heard two pri- 
soners were brought in about midnight; but the deponent saw 
only one. That the within Walliams saw one scalp brought 


~ by a party of the Indians, with a prisoner; but from ac- 


counts, they had five scalps. He also says, that he heard the 
prisoner examined by Cameron, though he gave a very im- 
perfect account, being very much cast down. He further 
says, that the Cherokees had received the war-belt from 
the Shawanese, Mingo, Taawah, and Delaware Nations, to 
strike the white people; that fifteen of the said nation were 
lately in the Cherokee towns, and that few of the Cherokees 
went in company with the Shawanese,&c. ‘That they all 
intended to strike the settlers on Kentucky ; and that the 
Cherokees gave the said Shawanese, &c., fourscalpsof white 
men, which they carried away with them. The said Shaw- 
anese and Mingoes informed the Cherokees, that they then 
were at peace with every other nation; that the French 
were to supply them with ammunition, and that they wanted 
the Cherokees to join them to strike the white people on the 
frontiers, which the Cherokees have agreed to. And the 
deponent further saith, that before he left the nation a num- 
ber of the Cherokees of the lower towns were gone to fall on 
the frontiers of South-Carolina and Georgia ; and further 


ith not. 
saith no JaRRET WiLLIAMs. 


Antuony BLEpsoe. 


Signed before 


DR. C. WIESENTHALL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 8, 1776. 

Gentiemen: In all the troops which designed, or are 
taking the field, there is a necessity fora medical department 
abstract from that of the battalion, and which is committed 
to the superintendency of a physician or surgeon-general, 
or director-in-chief, who has the care of the hospitals, and 
gives the proper directions thereof, as well as to the troops 
in general. 

This was that station I meant when I accepted the service ; 
very well knowing, as surgeon in common, several might be 
had to fill that station, because during engagements, they 
chiefly act in dressing wounds, &c., where very little art is 
necessary ; but after the removal of the wounded to the hos- 
pital, the proper applications are made. 

The first surgeon of a battalion or regiment is called 
Surgeon-Major, and his province goes no farther than his 
battalion, only except he is contiguous to the hospital, and 
has time, then he assists his men belonging to the battalion. 

You were pleased, gentlemen, to give me a commission of 
first surgeon of Colonel Smallwood’s battalion only, which I 
accepted, with the promise of having it laid before the Con- 
vention in order to increase the salary adequate to the above- 
mentioned station. I have acted all along in that station 
according to the extent of the circumstances. I have taken 
and caused to be taken care of the sick of the ship Defence 
as often as they left the harbour. I have advised and visited 
them when in harbour. I have even twice furnished them 
with a surgeon in absence of their own. ‘The Militia when 
called to town made likewise application during their stay. 
Several instances more might be mentioned, but the above 
will be sufficiently convincing, and leave the method to your 
consideration, being, with the greatest respect, gentlemen, 
your most humble and most obedient servant, 

C. WirsenTHALL. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


113 


COL. HOLLINGSWORTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Elk, 7 o’clock, July 8, at Evening. 

Sir: Yours of the 7th per express is now before me. 

Every requisite necessary shall be provided for expediting 

the troops with despatch. Could wish something had been 

said regarding provisions, as I am now at a loss whether to 

provide or not ; and am, sir, your most obedient humble ser- 
vant, H. Hotiineswortu. 


To Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, President of the Council 
of Safety. 


COLONEL TYLER TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 8, 1776. 

GenTLEMEN: You have, enclosed, a list of the arms in 
my battalion. Iam informed by Major Williams, who ex- 
‘amined the guns, that all those said to be in good order are 
such as the owners would choose to make use of in case of an 
emergency. By this return, the guns in the battalion amount 
to no more than three hundred and fifty-one, which I am 
sorry to hear are so few; however, the many good ones 
make amends. 

I have further to inform you, that for the sake of satisfy- 
ing the people, I allowed them to choose a second Major, 
who is wanting, from the resignation of Colonel Joshua Beall, 
and that Captain John McGill had the voice of a very great 
majority. 1 therefore recommend him as very worthy your 

-notice, and hope you will appoint him to that command. I 
beg you will send commissions of Mr. Williams’s, Mr. Snow- 
den’s, and my promotions, by Mr. Millikin, who has the care 
of this letter. Iam, gentlemen, your very humble servant, 

Rosert Tyter. 


JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, Sunday afternoon, July 8, 1776. 
Sirs: At the request of Mr. Purviance, I have sent down 
three vessels that will carry three companies of the soldiers 
to Elk, or where they may be wanted. I do this at his 
request, not doubting but it may be right, as he says you 
desire it. But please when you want anything done by me, 
write a line, as I could tell better how to proceed, and with 
greater certainty. I shall finish unloading the brigs to-mor- 
row ; but the delay was owing to the owners not beginning 
at your first request. From your friend and humble servant, 
Jesse HoLiineswortu. 


P. S. I am to pay for each of these vessels 17s. 6d. per 
day, and they find them in hands and provisions. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO MATTHIAS HAMMOND. 
{No. 7.] Annapolis, July 8, 1776. 

Sir: Two companies of Colonel Hall’s battalion will be 
immediately ordered to the city of Annapolis, for its defence, 
agreeable to a resolution of Convention. And as it will be 
proper that you, as Quartermaster, should provide quarters 
and provision for them, we have thought fit to give you this 
early information of it, that you may adjust matters accord- 
ingly ; the service requires expedition, and that not a mo- 
ment should be lost in taking the necessary measures. 

We are, &c. 

To Mat. Hammond, Quartermaster. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO STEPHEN STEWART. 
{No. 8.} Annapolis, July 8, 1776. 

Sir: The Council of Safety will take Mr. Sprigg’s ves- 
sel if you are of opinion that she will make a fast sailer, draw 
little water, and suit this Province as an armed vessel, of 
which please to advise us in writing; and request she may 
be got ready with the utmost despatch. We hope and ex- 
pect a fortnight will complete her. When can you set off for 
the Eastern-Shore to examine the vessels which are offered 
as suitable for the purpose? We want them. You pro- 
mised to be with us on Friday, but we did not understand 
whether you could immediately go over the bay. This mat- 
ter requires despatch, and we beg your immediate answer. 
If you can go, we shall be much pleased ; if you cannot go, 
do you know any one who would be proper to send on that 
business? We are, &c. 


To Mr. Stephen Stewart. 


Firta Series.—Vot. I. 8 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


114 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL DORSEY. 
[No. 9.] Annapolis, July 8, 1776. 

Sir: You will see by the enclosed resolve that the Con- 
vention have directed the place of the regulars that are to 
march from hence to Philadelphia should be supplied by 
three companies of the neighbouring Militia till the Militia 
for the Flying-Camp can be got ready. The Council of 
Safety have thought proper to order a company of your bat- 
talion to march down here immediately, and we desire you 
will despatch them with the utmost expedition. We expect 
a sufficient number of the Militia for the Flying-Camp will 
be raised in a very short time to supply the place of yours, 
with the other companies which shall be discharged, as soon 
as possible. Colonels Weems and Hammond are now with 
us, and intend that the company they are respectively to 
furnish shall be composed out of the whole battalion com- 
panies if wholly ordered out, may be much distressed and 
very indifferently armed. We are, &c. 


To Colonel Thomas Dorsey. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THOMAS SMYTH. 
[No. 10.] Annapolis, July 8, 1776. 

Sir: The Council of Safety request you will agree with 
Blake for the cartridge-boxes, &c. The price of the whole 
is twelve shillings, but we cannot ascertain individually, not 
having yet been furnished with the contracts by Mr. Alez- 
ander, who made them. We are, &c. 


To Thomas Smyth, Esq. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CHARLES RIDGELY. 
[No. 11.] Annapolis, July 8, 1776. 

Str: We have immediate occasion, on account of the Pro- 
vince, for some swivels and small cannon, from four-pounders 
downwards, and shall (as we are informed your furnace is in 
blast) be very glad to know whether you can cast them. If 
you can, be pleased to let us know the terms, and by what 
time you can furnish us with them. We are, &c. 


To Messrs. Charles Ridgely and John Weston, respectively. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DELEGATES IN CONGRESS. 
[No. 12.] Annapolis, July 8, 1776. 

GentLEmEN: The Convention have ordered that the sum 
of ten thousand pounds be appropriated to fortify the city of 
Annapolis, and to place obstructions in the river Severn; but 
as we have not, nor know of an Engineer properly qualified to 
carry on. the works, and your station may perhaps afford you 
an opportunity of assisting us with one, we beg you will make 
inquiry for and recommend to us some person of knowledge 
and experience in that science. We are anxious to comply 
with the resolve of Convention, as Annapolis is very unde- 
fensible ; and we presume, from its advantageous situation, 
will be an object with theenemy. We aresothronged with 
business that we cannot now write you fully, but will as soon 
as we have a little leisure. As the conveniences may not 
be provided for Colonel Smallwood and the troops by the 
time they reach Philadelphia, we request you will give him 
all the assistance you can. We send you, enclosed, a re- 
solve of our Convention, relating to our regular forces, which 
we desire you will communicate to the Brigadier-General of, 
the Flying-Camp. We are, &c. 


To the Deputies for Maryland in Congress. 


P. S. We take the liberty of recommending Captain 
Stricker to you, as a person fora field officer in the German. 
battalion, and think the service will be benefited by his ap- 
pointment. If he should be commissioned, the sooner it is 
done the better, as it will probably be a great inducement to 
his countrymen to inlist. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY tO ROBERT ALEXANDER. 
[No. 13.] Annapolis, July 8, 1776. 

Str: The Council of Safety are much at aloss in respect 
to the contracts made by you in Baltimore; they have written 
to you several times to transmit them, but have never had_ 
the pleasure to receive them or a line from you on the sub- 
ject. ‘There is a real necessity for their being lodged here,. 


115 


as some of the artificers do not comply with their contracts ; 
and we are subject to two inconveniences—the ignorance of 
the real contract, and the want of power to enforce it. 

We are, &c. 
To Robert Alexander, Esq. 


BALTIMORE COMMITTEE. 
At a meeting of the Committee, July 8, 1776: 


Present: iS. Purviance, Chairman, William Lux, Vice 
Chairman, J. Calhoun, W. Aisquith, A. Brittain, Andrew 
Buchanan, B. Nicholson, Charles Ridgely of William, Z. 
McCubbin, T. Sollers, and J. Griest. 


Messrs. Selah Barbon and James Seddon applied to this 
Committee to be released from the fines assessed on them as 
Non-Enrollers, as they had now enrolled with Captain 
Cromwell; which was granted. 


On representation of Richard Taylor that he was fined 
£10, which he is utterly unable to pay, without greatly 
distressing his family of a wife and seven children, the Com- 
mittee, taking the same into consideration, agreed to remit 


£5 of said fine. 


An express arrived from the Council of Safety with copies 
of a Letter from the Honourable John Hancock, Esq., Presi- 
dent of the Congress, to the Convention of Maryland, dated 
the 4th July, advising of the arrival of General Howe, with 
a considerable Army, at Staten-Island, and requesting, in the 
most earnest manner, the march of the Militia voted by this 
Colony for the Flying-Camp. Also, several Resolves of the 
Convention of this Province, dated 6th July, among which 
is a resolve that two Companies of Germans be raised in 
this County, to consist of one Captain, two Lieutenants, one 
Ensign, four Sergeants, four Corporals, one Drummer, and 
seventy-six Privates, and that the Committee recommend 
the Officers of said Companies, and certify the same to the 
Council of Safety. 


Resolved, That this Committee will meet on Thursday, 
the 11th instant, and that publick notice be given thereof, 
in order that all those who are desirous of commissions may 
apply. 


Attested : Grorce Lux, Secretary., 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 8, 1776. 

Sir: I do myself the honour of enclosing sundry resolves 
of Congress, to which I beg leave to refer your attention, 
and which are so explicit that I need not enlarge. 

In obedience to the commands of Congress, I have written 
to Generals Schuyler and Gates, and have recommended a 
mutual confidence and harmony in their military operations. 
Their joint labour and exertions are requisite in that quarter ; 
nor have I the least doubt but they will act on all occasions 
with the most perfect unanimity. 

You will please to appoint suitable places of rendezvous 
for the battalions raising for Canada, and communicate the 
same to the Assemblies of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts- 
Bay, Connecticut, and New-York, and also to issue orders 
for supplying the men with rations, tents, month’s advance 
pay, and other necessaries. 

[ am so pressed for time, that I can only add that I am, 
most truly, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To General Washington. 


P. S. The enclosed please forward to General Schuyler 
and General Gates. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Philadelphia, July 8, 1776. 
Sir: In consequence of your letter to General Washing- 
ton, stating that a difference of opinion had arisen between 
General Gates and yourself with regard to the command of 
the troops in the Northern Department, I am to inform you 
that Congress have this day taken the matter into considera- 
tion, and directed me to transmit the enclosed resolution. 
You will there perceive that it was the intention of Con- 
gress to give General Gates the command while the troops 
were in Canada, but no longer. As they think it expedient 
he should still continue to act with you, | am most earnestly 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


116 


to recommend to you to cultivate a harmony in your military 
operations. ‘The Congress highly approve of your patriotism 
and magnanimity in not suffering any difference of opinion 
to hurt the publick service. 

A mutual confidence and good understanding are at this 
time so essentially necessary, that I am persuaded they will 
take place on all occasions between yourself and General 
Gates, and that by your joint exertions in the cause of free- 
dom, your country will receive the most essential benefits, 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most 
obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To General Schuyler, Albany or elsewhere. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL GATES. 
Philadelphia, July 8, 1776. 
Sir: The Congress being informed by letter from Gene- 
ral Schuyler to General Washington, which was laid before 


. them at the request of the former, and by your own consent, 


that a difference of opinion had arisen between General 
Schuyler and yourself, with regard to the command of the 


. Army in the Northern Department, they immediately took 


the matter into consideration, and have this day come to the 
enclosed resolution, which I do myself the honour of trans- 
mitting in obedience to their commands, 

You will there perceive that Congress are of opinion your 
command was totally independent of General Schuyler while. 
the Army was in Canada, but no longer; and, indeed, the 
terms in which the resolve relative to your appointment is 
conceived, seem to show that this was their intention. You 
were expressly, by that resolve, to take the command of the 
troops in Canada ; words which strongly imply that they had 
no design to divest General Schuyler of the command while 
the troops were on this side Canada. 

I am, however, to inform you that Congress highly ap- 
prove your resolution and magnanimity that the publick 
service should receive no detriment from any difference of 
opinion on the occasion. It is their most earnest desire that 
you will go on to act in the same manner, and cultivate har- 
mony in all your military operations. A good understand- 
ing and mutual confidence are so essentially necessary .in 
order to give success to our measures, that I] am convinced 
they will take place on all occasions between you. He de- 
serves most of his country, and will undoubtedly meet with 
the greatest applause, in whatever rank or station he may 
be, who renders her the most useful and signal services. __ 

I have the honour to be, sir, with great respect and esteem, 
your most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 
To General Gates. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL ROBERDEAU. 
Philadelphia, July 8, 1776. 

Sir: I have it in charge from Congress to direct that you 
do not order Captain Peters out of this city, his service being 
necessary as Secretary to the War Office. 

Tam also to inform you that the Postmasters, while in office, 
are excused, by order of Congress, from all military duty. 

I am, sir, with respect, your most obedient and very hum- 
ble servant, Joun Hancock, President. 


To Gen. Roberdeau, commanding officer in Philadelphia. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO JAMES MEASE. 
Philadelphia, July 8, 1776. 
Sir: I have it in charge from the Congress, to direct 
that you pay one month’s advance to such of the Militia as 
will engage to serve in the Flying-Camp ; which you will 
please to notice accordingly. 
I am, with respect, sir, your most obedient servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 
To James Mease, Esq., Commissary and Paymaster, Phila- 
delphia. 


‘ 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO REV. JACOB DUCHE. 
Philadelphia, July 8, 1776. 
Sir: It is with the greatest pleasure I inform you that the 
Congress have been induced, from a consideration of your 


117 


piety, as well as your uniform and zealous attachment to the 
rights of America, to appoint you their Chaplain. — 
It is their request, which Lam commanded to signify to you, 
that you will attend on them every morning at nine o'clock. _ 
I have the honour to be, sir, with respect, your most obe- 
dient and very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To the Rev. Mr. Jacob Duché. 


JOSEPH HEWES TO SAMUEL JOHNSTON. 
Philadelphia, July 8, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I have received your favours of the 23d May, 
and 6th and 11th of June. The first of these came last to 
hand. I have not had an opportunity to forward your Jetter 
to Elmsly. Tryon is not to be trusted with it. I send it 
by some vessel bound to France or Spain. I cannot find out 
any other way of conveyance, and that is very precarious. 

[ shall endeavour to get for you a proper account of the 
linen manufactory here. I have been several times at it, 
but have not been hitherto fortunate enough to meet with 
any of the directors. I expect, in the course of our political 
convulsions with Great Britain, I shall be rendered incapa- 
ble of holding any share in any publick manufactory for want 
of stock. [I will think of it when [ get home, which I hope 
will be towards the end of August. 

I received a letter from your Committee of Secrecy, War 
and Intelligence, respecting the expediency of fortifying the 
‘harbour of Cape-Lookout. I laid the matter before a com- 
mittee of Congress appointed to consider what places were 
proper to be fortified; but before they consider and make 
report thereon, it is absolutely necessary that they should 
have a plan or map of the harbour, with proper explanations 
and descriptions. These should be taken by an engineer on 
the spot, who should form a plan of the fortifications neces- 
sary to be made, and the expense that would attend the 
erection of them. I have written to Mr. Harnett twice on 
this subject; but as I have reason to believe many letters 
miscarry, | now mention the matter to you, in hopes you will 
endeavour to prevail on the Council of Safety to get the 
matter done as early as possible. I find a disposition in 
most of the Members of Congress to grant to our Province 
all that can be reasonably expected. It is not in their power 
to assist us at present with cannon; but as several forges 
are beginning to cast twelve and eighteen-pounders, I hope 
towards winter they will not only have it in their power, but 
be heartily disposed to assist us with some heavy pieces to 
put into such places as may be thought most advisable. 
This is all you can expect—tt is all that is done in the like 
cases. ‘The work must be done at your own expense, or 
by such Continental troops as may be in the Province for 
the time being. I give you this as my opinion. Perhaps 
they may do more for our Province: it stands high in rank 
and high in estimation. I wish it may be able to support its 
good character in future. 

A hellish plot has been lately discovered at New-York to 
murder General Washington and some other officers of the 
first rank, blow ap the magazine, and spike up the can- 
non. ‘The persons employed had it in charge, and have 
actually inlisted a number of men for the King’s Army. It 
was to have been put in execution on the first arrival of the 
Army from Halifax. One of General Washington’s guards 
has been put to death for being concerned in it. The Mayor 
of the city, and some others, are confined. I believe many 
of them are guilty. It is said the matter has been traced up 
to Governour Tryon. 

What has become of my friend Hooper? I expected to 
have seen him here ere now; otherwise I should have written 
to him respecting some of his connexions at Boston, who are 
like to suffer by having property in the hands of Tories who 
have fled from that country. 

My friend Penn came time enough to give his vote for 
Independence. I send you the Declaration of Independence 
enclosed. All the Colonies voted for it, except New- York. 
That Colony was prevented from joining in it by an old 
instruction. Their Convention meets this day, and it is 
expected they will follow the example of the other Colonies. 

{ had the weight of North- Carolina on my shoulders within 
a day or two of three months. The service was too severe. 
I have set some days from six in the morning till five and 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


118 


My health was bad; such close attention made it worse. I 
nevertheless obstinately persisted in doing my duty to the 
best of my judgment and abilities, and attended Congress 
the whole time, one day only excepted. ‘This I did con- 
trary to the repeated solicitations of my friends, some of whom 
I believe thought I should not be able to keep soul and body 
together to this time. Duty, inclination, and sel{-preserva- 
tion call on me now to make a little excursion into the coun- 
try to see my mother. ‘This is a duty which | have not 
allowed myself time to perform during almost nine months 
that I have been here. 

General Howe and his Army are in the neighbourhood of 
New- York, sometimes on shore on Staten-Island, and some- 
times on board the fleet. It is thought that he has not more 
than seven or eight thousand men with him. He is waiting 
for Lord Howe’s fleet to arrive, when he expects to be joined 
by twenty thousand men. All the regiments in Continen- 
tal pay, that were raised in this Province, are now at New- 
York and on the lakes. Six thousand Militia from this Pro- 
vince, and three thousand four hundred from Maryland, will 
march in a few days towards New-York. ‘The Jersey Mi- 
litia are all in motion. I fear these Colonies will suffer 
greatly for want of labourers to get in the harvest. Some 
people are of opinion that many fields of wheat will remain 
unreaped, and be totally lost. Our northern Army has left 
Canada and retreated to Ticonderoga and Crown-Point. 
The small-pox has made great havock among them. Seve- 
ral regiments had not well men enough to row the sick over 
the lakes. Men were drafted from other regiments to do 
that service. In short, that army has melted away in as 
little time as if the destroying angel had been sent on pur- 
pose to demolish them, as he did the children of Israel. 

We are endeavouring to get the lakes fortified in the best 
manner we can, to prevent Burgoyne from passing them and 
entering the Colonies on that side. 

A paper has been privately laid on the Congress table, 
importing that some dark designs were forming for our de- 
struction, and advising us to take care of ourselves. Some 
were for examining the cellars under the room where we 
sit. I was against it, and urged that we ought to treat such 
information with contempt, and not show any mark of fear 
or jealousy. I told some of them I had almost as soon be 
blewn up, as to discover to the world that I thought myself 
in danger. No notice has been taken of this piece of inform- 
ation, which I think is right. 

I enclose you a resolve of Congress, which please to for- 
ward to your Council of Safety. I also enclose a letter to 
Mr. Burke. If you can do anything for the gentlemen who 
subscribe it, I hope you will do it. They are my friends, 
and friends to America. I sent you a commission of this 
kind some time ago; you have not mentioned it in any of 
your letters. 

I will trespass no longer on your patience. Remember 
me to your family and connexions; and be assured I am, ° 
with affection and regard, dear sir, your most obedient ser- 
vant, JosepH Hewes. 
To Samuel Johnston, Esq. 

P.S. I copy no letters—take them with all their imper- 
fections. 


THOMAS JEFFERSON TO RICHARD HENRY LEE. 
Philadelphia, July 8, 1776. 

Dear Sir: For news I refer you to your brother, who 
writes on that head. I enclose you a copy of the Declara- 
tion of Indeperidence, as agreed to by the House, and also 
as originally framed. You will judge whether it is the 
better or worse for the criticks. 1 shall return to Virginia 
after the 11th of August. I wish my successor may be 
certain to come before that time; in that case I shall hope 
to see you, and not Wythe, in Convention, that the business 
of Government, which is of everlasting concern, may receive 
your aid. 

Adieu, and believe me to be your friend and servant, 


Tuomas JEFFERSON. 
To Richard Henry Lee, Esq. 


WILLIAM WHIPPLE TO JOHN LANGDON. 
. Philadelphia, July 8, 1776. 
My pear Sir: Yours of the 24th ultimo I have received... 


sometimes six in the afternoon, without eating or drinking. It grieved me that the frigates cannot be got to sea, which I, 


* 


119 


am sensible they might before this, had proper attention been 
paid to cannon in season. I have been a long time endea- 
vouring to draw the attention of the Committee to the regu- 
lation of the Navy, but hitherto without success. The 
present establishment certainly needs amendment, but busi- 
ness is so exceedingly pressing that it is impossible to form 
a judgment when it will be done. In my opinion a purser 
is a necessary officer; but as no provision is made for a 
purser, I think it necessary you should appoint a steward. 
I submit it to you whether it would not be best to appoint a 
man that would do for a purser, as the wages at present are 
much higher than will be allowed for stewards if pursers are 
established. 

I must’refer you to the papers for news, as time just now 
is very precious. The Declaration will no doubt give you 
pleasure. It will be published next Thursday at the head 
of the Army at New-York. I am told it is to be published 
this day in form in this city. 

As I am obliged to catch leisure minutes to write, perhaps 
something may turn up between this and to-morrow morn- 
ing ; if so, shall give it you. Governour-Hopkins, who has 
the direction of matters respecting the cannon at Providence, 
promises me that he will order the cannon for the Raleigh 
to be sent from thence immediately, provided the Commit- 
tee there think that the furnaces will be able to cast more 
for those ships by the time they will be ready to receive 
them. So you may expect to hear from thence on this sub- 
ject. 

General Howe has landed part of his Army on Staten- 
Island, which you know was not in General Washington’s 
power to prevent; however, the Jersey and Pennsylvania 
Militia, with three thousand from Maryland, are now on 
their march, and will soon form a very formidable army on 
this side Hudson’s River, and General Washington has, by 
this time, got twenty thousand men at York, including the 
Militia of York and Connecticut. I cannot help flattering 
myself that all this, with the smiles of Providence, will en- 
able us to give a good account of these fellows before the 
campaign is over. I assure you the people here begin to 
feel themselves. Governour Franklin is sent to Connecticut 
for his good behaviour. 

I am, with great truth, sincerely yours, ‘ 

Wituiam Waieri 
I hope you will take care that the Declaration is properly 


treated. Colonel Bartlett desires his compliments, and that 
you will excuse his writing, as he is much engaged. 


Philadelphia, July 8, 1776. 

This day the Committee of Safety and the Committee 
of Inspection went in procession to the State-House, where 
the Declaration of the Independency of the United States 
of America was read to a very large number of the inhabi- 
tants of this City and County, which was received with gene- 
ral applause and heartfelt satisfaction ; and in the evening 
our late King’s Coat-of-Arms was brought from the Hall, in 
the State-House, where the said King’s Courts were formerly 
held, and burnt, amidst the acclamations of a crowd of 
‘spectators. 


Easton, Northampton County, July 8, 1776. 

This day, the Declaration of Independency was received 
here, and proclaimed in the following order: 'The Colonel, 
and all other Field-Officers of the First Battalion, repaired 
to the Court-House, the Light-Infantry company marching 
there with drums beating, fifes playing, and the Standard, 
(the device for which is the Thirteen United Colonies,) 
which was ordered to be displayed; and after that the De- 
claration was read aloud to a great number of spectators, 
who gave their hearty assent with three loud huzzas, and 
cried out, “‘ May God long preserve and unite the Free and 
Independent States of America.” 


Trenton, July 8, 1776. 
The Declaration of Independence was this day proclaimed 
here, together with the new Constitution of the Colony, of 
late established, and the resolve of the Provincial Congress 
for continuing the administration of justice during the inte- 
rim. ‘The members of the Provincial Congress, the gentle- 
.men of the Committee, the officers and privates of the Militia, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


120 


under arms, and a large concourse of the inhabitants attend- 
ed on this great and solemn occasion.. The Declaration and 
other proceedings were received with loud acclamations. 

The people are now convinced, of what we ought long 
sincerto have known, that our enemies have left us no mid- 
dle way between perfect freedom and abject slavery. In 
the field, we trust, as well as in council, the inhabitants of 
New-Jersey will be found ever ready to support the freedom 
and independence of America. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
. Elizabethtown, July 8, 1776. 
Sir: On examining Bergen-Neck I found some stock of 
black cattle and horses still remained there; and that some 
families on the point held an intercourse with the enemy. 
Colonel Ford assured me he would have all those removed 
to-day. His force amounts to no more than three hundred 
and fifty, and those begin to be dissatisfied at remaining on 


_ duty, while the Militia of the neighbourhood are dismissed. 


After leaving proper guards at the ferries of Hackensack 
and Passaick, there is not a number sufficient in this quarter 
to reinforce the party on Bergen-Neck to five hundred. 
We are informed of a body of Militia being on the march 
from Pennsylvania. On their arrival | shall order part of 
them to Bergen-Neck. I hope for instructions as to the 
destination of them generally. Colonel Putnam has directed 
some works for the defence of Elizabethtown-Ferry, and 
adjacent approaches to this place.. No ground from thence 
to Newark-Bay will serve for erecting a battery. On the 
Bergen shore the land is proper, but the channel is so wide 
that little advantage will accrue as to guarding that bay. 

The boats and canoes along this shore to Amboy are re- 
moved up the creeks, and secured under guards. 

One William Ash, with his wife and family, taken last 
Tuesday, on their way from York to Newark, came in to- 
day from Staten-Island, by a pass from General Howe, 
Their intelligence coincides with what we had formerly, 
that the number of the enemy amounts to nine or ten thou- 
sand; they lie cantoned in the farmers’ houses along the 
shores of the Island, slack on their guards and no intrench- 
ments. The frigate that lay some days’ ago in Princess- 
Bay was this morning under sail, making towards the town 
of Amboy. I intend for that place to-day. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most 
obedient servant, Hueu Mercer. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


EXAMINATION OF WILLIAM ASH, FROM STATEN-ISLAND. 
July 8, 1776. 

He left New-York last Tuesday morning, in a boat 
bound to Paulus-Hook, commanded by Joseph Harcomb, 
belonging to New-York. Instead of landing him at Paulus 
Hook, he would go over the Bay to the Kills. When 
examinant saw the tender, he told the boatman it was a 
tender; the boatman said it was the Amboy privateer, and 
immediately a gun fired, when the boatman dropped sail 
and came to. Captain Dickinson, of the Greyhound, came 
aboard, and told them that all the passengers should go 
ashore, but the boatman was to stay. 

They went on shore next morning, where they were 
kindly treated. General Howe lives in Mr. Bancker’s house, 
but Mr. Bancker is sent on board a man-of-war. Their 
numbers were reported to be between eight and nine thou- 
sand men. ‘The men appeared to be hearty. They could 
get no provision but a little pickled pork, which cost them 
seven pence per pound. ‘That the Jersey people had taken 
off all the cattle, and there was nothing to be had. He 
thinks if they cannot get provisions from somewhere else 
they must starve. No vegetables to be had; even the Gen- 
eral could get none. He saw Doctor Mallet, Oliver De 
Lancey, Stephen De Lancey, one Prior, a carpenter, Bar- 
row, Cortlandt Skinner, Major Bayard, one Perry, 
( Yates’s clerk,) and one Troup, with red hair; and others 
whom he knew. George Barnes and Richard Lawrence 
appeared violent against him. 

Governour Tryon was at Cuckold’s Town on Saturday 
last, inlisting men. He was to inlist thirteen hundred men 
from Long-Island and Staten-Island, who were to be joined 
by thirteen hundred regulars, who were to be left for the 


121 


defence of the Island. ‘They looked for the reinforcement 
every day. Some say they are to land on Long-Island, 
and others that they are to run up by New-York. His 
pass is signed by C. Cuyler, aid-de-camp. General Howe 
suffered him, with his wife and children, to come off this 
morning. ‘They have four field-pieces at Decker’s, and two 
more, with two howitzers, opposite Bergen-Point. * 

A boy and a Nantasket Indian were killed, and some 
wounded from Bergen shore; but the Captain was not 
killed, he having seen him since. He heard that both the 
boy and Indian were prisoners. The Indian had both his 
feet shot off. A person told him that a number of them on 
the Island had got together and burned forty pounds in Con- 
tinental money, damning the Congress, and saying that they 
had nothing more to do with the Congress, 

A man told him he was present when Governour Tryon 
offered one hundred dollars for Justice Mercereau, dead or 
alive. Richard Lawrence is made a collector, as he was 
told. The Governour told them, at a meeting in Cuck- 
old’s Town, that if they could not subdue New-York they 
would burn it, and never give them the liberty of building 
there again, but would build a city on Staten-Island; that 
he had liberty to go where he pleased, and found the men 
very thick along shore in every house, but no lines or breast- 
works anywhere, not even round the General’s quarters. 


COLONEL GALBRAITH TO LANCASTER COMMITTEE. 
Elizabethtown, July 8, 1776. 
Gentiemen: In pursuance of your resolve of the 5th 
instant, we do certify that Wilkam Hay was unanimously 
chosen (by the volunteers) Captain; Robert Clerk, First 
Lieutenant ; Patrick Hays, Second Lieutenant; William 
Patterson, Third Lieutenant ;—officers for the company 
draughted from our battalion to form, in part, the six thousand 
Militia Flying-Camp, whom we do recommend to you for 
their further appointment ; and are, gentlemen, your humble 
servants, 
Bartrem Garsraitu, Colonel. 
ALEXANDER Lowrey, Lieutenant- Colonel. 
James Cunnincuam, Major. 


To the Standing Committee of Observation and Inspection, 
Lancaster. 


LEWIS OGDEN TO JOHN JAY. 
Newark, July 8, 1776. 
GenTLEeMEN: I have just now received the order from 
our Congress, of which the enclosed is a copy; and inform 
you thereof, that we may correspond and cooperate, as the 
execution of the trust reposed in us may require. 
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
Lewis Ogpen. 
To John Jay and Gouverneur Morris, Esquires, at New- 
York. 


GENERAL HOWE TO LORD GEORGE GERMAINE. 
Staten-Island, July 8, 1776. 

My Lorn: Having yesterday submitted to the Admiral’s 
consideration the propriety of sending a naval force up the 
North River, above the town of New-York, with a view to 
distress the Rebels on that Island, by obstructing supplies 
coming down the river, and other good consequences de- 
pendent upon that measure, which meeting with his appro- 
bation, orders are given for two ships, (one of forty, and 
another of twenty guns,) to proceed upon that service the 
first favourable opportunity; and I flatter myself that these 
ships, more than which cannot be spared at present from 
the protection of the transports, will prove of sufficient force 
to support themselves against all attempts of the enemy from 
the upper river, and to answer the purposes for which they 
are intended. 

Several men have come over to this Island, and to the 
ships, since my letter of yesterday; and, by a newspaper of 
the 6th, I learn that the Continental Congress, on the Tues- 
day preceding, had declared the United Colonies free and 
independent States. ‘The same paper mentions, that thirty 
sail of transports, a fifty-gun ship, and several small ships- 
of-war, had got over Charlestown Bar, in South-Carolina, 
without specifying the time, or any circumstance in conse- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. f 


122 


quence, besides a summons for the town to surrender, which 
was rejected. Having no better authority for this intelli- 
gence than the newspaper, I decline making any observa- 
tions upon it; and have the honour to be, &c., 
W. Howe. 
Admiralty-Office, August 10, 1776. 

By a letter received this day from Vice-Admiral Lord 
Shuldham, dated Staten-Island, near New-York, the 8th of 
July last, it appears that his Lordship arrived there on the 
3d of that month, with his Majesty’s ships under his com- 
mand, and the whole fleet of transports, victuallers, and 
store-ships, under his convoy, without any loss or separation ; 
that his Majesty’s troops, under the command of General 
Howe, were landed, on that day and the next, upon Staten- 
Island, without any opposition or interruption, the inhabitants 
having, immediately on the troops landing, surrendered, and 
put themselves under the protection of his Majesty’s arms; 
that two hundred of the inhabitants were imbodied ; that the 
whole Island had taken the oath of allegiance and fidelity to 
the King ; and that‘a party of sixty men, with their arms, had 
made their escape from the Province of New-Jersey, and 
joined the King’s troops. . 

The arrival of Lord Howe, and the reinforcement under 
Commodore Hotham, were daily expected at Staten-Island, 
Lord Shuldham having stationed his cruisers in the most 
proper manner to fall in with and direct them thither. 


GOVERNOUR TRYON TO LORD GEORGE GERMAINE. 
Dutchess of Gordon, off Staten-Island, July 8, 1776. 


My Lorp: I have the satisfaction to acquaint your Lord- 
ship of the arrival of the fleet under the command of Ad- 
miral Shuldham in this port, on the 29th ultimo, and that 
General Howe disembarked the troops under his command 
on Staten-Island, the 2d instant, without opposition, on which 
occasion the inhabitants of the Island came down to welcome 
the arrival of their deliverers, and have since afforded the 
Army every supply and accommodation in their power. 

On Saturday last I received the Militia of the Island at 
Richmond town, where near four hundred appeared, who 
cheerfully, on my recommendation, took the oath of alle- 
giance and fidelity to his Majesty. ‘To-morrow, I am to 
have another muster, for the inlistment of volunteers to form 
a Provincial Corps for the defence of the Island, as the Ge- 
neral finds it an important quarter to hold against the Rebels. 
This testimony, given by the inhabitants of the Island, of 
loyalty to his Majesty, and attachment to his Government, 
I flatter myself will be general through the Province, as 
soon as the King’s Army gets the main body of the Rebels 
between them and the sea, which will leave all the back 
country open to the command of the King’s friends, and 
yield a plentiful resource of provisions for the Army, and 
place them in a better situation to cut off the Rebels’ retreat, 
when forced from their stronghold. 

In the promotion of general officers in America, I do not 
find it has been his Majesty’s pleasure to employ me in this 
country in my military character. I shall, however, do 
everything in my power, in my civil capacity, to promote 
his Majesty’s service. 

The fortifications in and about New-York have, I am told, 
undergone little change since the enclosed observations were 
delivered. Every matter of further information I have laid 
before General Howe since his arrival, as they came to my 
knowledge. 

I am, with great respect, my Lord, your Lordship’s most 
obedient servant, Wiis Tryon. 


To Lord George Germaine. 


LORD GEORGE GERMAINE TO GOVERNOUR TRYON. 
Whitehall, May 17, 1776. 

Sir: Since my letter to you of the 28th March, I have 
not received any of your despatches, nor have I any com- 
mands of his Majesty to signify to you; but I have the satis- 
faction to acquaint you that the embarkation of the troops 
destined for the reinforcement of General Howe’s Army have 
succeeded so happily, that the corps of Highlanders sailed 
from the Clyde the 29th of last month, and the first division 
of the Hesstans were clear of the Channel on the 10th 
instant, and we are in hourly expectation of the arrival at 


123 ; 


Spithead of the remainder of that ‘body, which has been 
some time on board the transports in the Wesel. So large a 
reinforcement will, I trust, enable General Howe to open the 
campaign with advantage, and to strike some blow which 
will give spirit and vigour to the friends of Government, and 
incite them to take an active and resolute part in freeing 
themselves from that cruel oppression under which they have 
so long groaned. 

The Province of New-York will certainly be a main 
object of the General’s attention; and as | am not without 
hopes that before this letter comes to your hands you will 
have the satisfaction of seeing him, it is unnecessary for me 
to acquaint you further with the operations which are in- 
tended to be carried on in that Province. I shall therefore 
only add my most hearty wishes for their success, and that 
they may, in their issue, restore the blessings of peace and 
legal Government to his Majesty’s faithful subjects. 

Lam, &c., Gerorce GERMAINE. 


To Governour Tryon. 


LORD GEORGE GERMAINE TO GOVERNOUR TRYON. 
Whitehall, June 11, 1776. 

Sm: Your several despatches by the Swallow packet, 
numbered from one to nine inclusive, and two private letters 
dated the 17th April, were received at my office the 3d 
instant, and I immediately laid them before the King. 

The intelligence contained in the papers you transmit with 
these despatches is of the greatest importance ; and although 
you do not say what degree of credit ought to be given to 
it, yet, as the accounts stated to have been received at New- 
York of the Rebels’ having met with a second repulse at 
Quebeck are corroborated by many circumstances, and par- 
ticularly by the measures they have taken for strengthening 
their posts on the frontiers, we flatter ourselves that the first 
vessel which arrives from Quebeck will bring a confirm- 
ation of this good news. I will not, however, anticipate 
the consequences of an event which is not yet confirmed ; 
but if it proves to be only in part as favourable as your in- 
telligence represents, I shall have little doubt that our opera- 
tions on that side will have all the success we could wish, 
and that Crown Point and Ticonderoga will be restored to 
his Majesty’s possession before the campaign is ended. 

It was to have been expected that the departure of the 
troops from Boston would turn the attention of the Rebels 
to New-York; but I trust General Howe has ere this fixed 
his Head-Quarters in that city, and that he will soon find 
himself in sufficient force to drive the Rebels out of the Pro- 
vince, and give effectual protection to his Majesty’s loyal sub- 
jects; and I will hope that not only those who have adhered to 
their duty, but even many who have been misled into a con- 
currence with the Rebels in some of their measures, will be 
induced to take up arms and join the King’s standard, from 
a just sense of the dreadful consequences which they have 
experienced, and which must ever follow a departure from 
the mode of government established by the Constitution, and 
an opposition to lawful authority. 

Your influence and advice at such a time must be attended 
with the happiest effects, and lam commanded by the King 
to repeat to you his Majesty’s great satisfaction in your con- 
tinuance in your Government ; and that the firm and pru- 
dent conduct you have persevered in, notwithstanding all the 
difficulties you have encountered and the hazards to which 
you have been exposed, is very much approved by the 
King, 

The facility with which Lieutenants Campbell and Grant 
have inlisted men at New-York is a very pleasing proof of 
the good disposition of the people to return to their duty, 
if they were assured they might do it with safety; and I doubt 


not General Howe will reward the diligence of those officers, 


by continding them in the command of the companies they 
have raised. But I must acquaint you, that in this instance, 
as well as in all others which may occur, the officers who 
are appointed to command corps raised in America, are to 
be on the same footing in respect to rank as the Provincial 
troops employed in the last war; and that they are neither 
to expect rank in the army after their reduction, in conse- 
quence of such commissions, or to be entitled to half-pay. I 
should be very glad to show every attention to your recom- 
mendation, but, from what I have told you in respect to the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


124 


Lieutenants Campbell and Grant, you will readily perceive 
the difficulties which oppose themselves in the way of Cap- 
tain Stevenson’s request. 

Two hundred copies of the pamphlet you mentioned in 
your letter of the 6th April, will be sent to you with this 
despatch by the packet; and I shall order five thousand - 
more to be put on board the first ships that sail from hence 
for New-York. Iam, &c., Geo. Germaine. 


To Governour Tryon. 


P. S. When I was closing my letter Major Caldwell 
arrived express from Quebeck, with the account of the raising 
the siege, which you will see in the enclosed Gazette Extra- 
ordinary; and although it shows our former intelligence to 
have had no foundation, it happily agrees with it in the event, 
on which I most heartily congratulate you. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, July 8, 1776. 
Sir: Congress having resolved to raise a regiment of 
Germans, to counteract the designs of our enemies, I must 
beg leave to recommend to their notice John David Wilpert, 
now a First Lieutenant in Colonel Shea’s battalion, to the 
office of Captain in said regiment. I am personally acquaint- 
ed with him, and know that he joined the Virginia forces 
under my command, in the year 1754, and continued in ser- 
vice the whole war, during which he conducted himself as 
an active, vigilant, and brave officer. He is a German, and 
his merit as a soldier entitles him much to the office he 
wishes for. 
I have the honour to be, with great esteem, sir, your most 
obedient servant, Go. WasHINGTON. 


To John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF 
SAFETY. j 
New-York, July 8, 1776. 

Gentiemen: At the request of an old officer of mine, and 
who at present is a First Lieutenant in Colonel Shea’s bat- 
talion, 1 am induced to recommend him to your honourable 
Committee as a fit person to command a company in the 
German battalion directed by a resolution of Congress to be 
raised in your Province. John David Wilpert, late of your 
city, is the person I mean. He is a German by birth; was 
a soldier in his own country; served many years as an officer 
in the regiment I had the honour to command in the Vir- 
ginia service ; always supported the character of a diligent 
and brave officer; and, as far as I know and believe, is a 
man of good character. If, therefore, he could be appoint- 
ed to the command of a company in the above regiment, I 
would, from my knowledge of the man, pledge myself for 
his good behaviour and meriting of it. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 


To the Committee of Safety for the City of Philadelphia. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL SEYMOUR. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 8, 1776. 

Sir: By a letter from his Honour Governour Trumbull, 
received on the 5th instant, I was informed he had ordered 
three regiments of Horse on to this place, (under your com- 
mand,) with all possible despatch, and was desired, in case 
they were not wanted, to inform Colonel Silliman thereof. 
Accordingly, 1 wrote Colonel Silliman, acquainting him it 
was my desire the men might come on, provided they could 
leave or send back their horses, which letter did not go for- 
ward as soon as I intended. Major Starr this morning waited 
on me, informing of his arrival with fifty of the troop, and 
that the rest were on their march. I have ordered him to 
find some pasture for his horses this day, and immediately ride 
forward and acquaint you that there is not more forage on 
hand, or to be had, than is absolutely necessary for the use 
of our working and artillery horses ; and that it is my desire 
your men may be halted some way in the rear of this place, 
and their horses sent back: otherwise the men can only bea 
moth and a check to the service, as they cannot act as horse- 
men in case of action, or if they could, forage could not be 
found to support them. I think it absolutely necessary the 


125 


men should be here till the new levies all arrive ; but for the 
above reasons shall be necessitated to order their return, un- 
less they can be persuaded to come on without their horses. 
I would not be supposed, by this, to discourage the troops of 
horse from being in constant readiness in the different States, 
as Iam fully persuaded they will be much more useful than 
the militia to throw in succours to a place in an emergency. 
I am pleased to see with what cheerfulness and alacrity the 
troops from your Province step forward to the assistance of 
their countrymen, whenever called, and doubt not it will 
continue. 

Major Starr will be able to inform you fully, from what I 
have mentioned to him, the absolute necessity for the men, 
and the utter impossibility of keeping the horses. Baggage- 
wagons may be hired to bring on baggage for your men, from 
any place they leave their horses. 

I am, sir, your most humble servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 
To Colonel Seymour. 


PROCEEDINGS OF A CONFERENCE OF GENERAL OFFICERS. 


At a conference of General Officers and others, at Head- 
Quarters, July 8th, 1776: 

Present, His Excellency General Washington; Major- 
General Putnam; Brigadiers-General Heath, Spencer, 
Greene, Scott,and Wadsworth ; Colonel McDougall; and 
Messrs. Randolph, Green, Dennis, and Duer. 

A proposition having been made to the General to sink 
hulks in the North River, at Tappan Bay, in order to stop 
the enemy’s progress, it was fully discussed, and agreed that 
the same be carried into execution: Captain Grenell to 
sound the channel, and fix the buoys; Captain Dennis to 
take up the vessels; Captains Lawrence and Tudor to have 
them sunk ina proper manner; Captain Grrenell to take 
notice of the commanding ground, so that, if works should 
be hereafter erected, they may be made in the most proper 
manner. 

The General proposed to the General Officers, what should 
be done with the troop of Horse from Connecticut? 

Agreed, That the men be detained until the new levies 
arrive, but the horses be sent home as soon as possible. 

The Congress having referred to the General’s determi- 
nation the propriety of marching three Regiments of the 
Continental troops from Boston to the Northern Army, and, 
in case of need, substituting the Militia in their place, 

Unanimously agreed, ‘That the said three Regiments be 
immediately despatched to join the Northern Army. 


_ GENERAL GREENE TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Camp on Long-Island, July 8, 1776. 
Sir: The bearer, Doctor Sentor, by whom this will be 
handed you, is a gentleman from Quebeck. He was sur- 
geon of Colonel Church’s regiment last year, and went from 
Boston to Canada in General Arnold’s detachment. His 
merit and services render him worthy your notice; as such, 
I beg leave to recommend him to your acquaintance. 
Believe me to be, with the greatest respect, your most 
obedient humble servant, NaTHANAEL GREENE. 


ULSTER COUNTY (NEW-YORK) COMMITTEE TO PROVINCIAL 
CONGRESS. 
‘ Committee Chamber, Kingston, July 8, 1776. 

Gentiemen: We beg leave once more to trouble you 
with a complaint which has now become general, which is, 
that notwithstanding our frequent applications, we are yet 
left destitute of powder. And, gentlemen, we have reason 
to believe that this is not owing to a scarcity of that neces- 
sary article, neither do we believe it to be a neglect of your 
honourable Board, as we have been informed that an order 
has been issued from thence for that purpose. But, gentle- 
men, whatever may be the reason, it is unknown to us. It 
is, however, a matter of fact, that we have received none as 
yet. It is also well known that our town has, for a long 
time, been crowded, and is yet, with a set of ministerial 
cut-throats, recular officers and soldiers, sent here as pri- 
soners. A detachment of our Militia has been lately sent 
down to New-York ; and although strictly’ charged to come 
with arms and ammunition, they were obliged to go without 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


, powder. 


126 


powder, for we had none. The southern and northern 
Ministerial armies are drawing near. Above all, the 
savages threaten slavery, death, and destruction, for us ; and 
for aught we can see, it is likely that the whole Militia will 
be called upon to defend the dearest rights and liberties of 
our country. Considering these circumstances, how unac- 
countable is it that we, who stand foremost in defence of 
our invaded liberties, should be left destitute of the only 
means by which we can defend ourselves. This being the 
case, we most earnestly beg the favour of you to take this 
matter into your most serious consideration, and grant us 
such timely relief as you, in your wisdom, may think proper. 

We are, gentlemen, your most obedient and most humble 
servants. 

By order of the Committee : 

Jowannes SLeGutT, Chairman. 

To the President of the Provincial Congress of New- York. 


P.S. We just now received a letter from a member of 
the Committee of Rochester, an extract whereof is .in the 
words following: 

“T yesterday spoke with Silas Bowker, from Papaconk. 
He informs me that an old savage (a friend of his) has ad- 
vised him to abandon the place, without delay, with his 
family, to prevent their destruction. Alas! if they attempt, 
we are undone. We must fall piecemeal, without revenge, 
as the tenth man among us cannot produce a charge of 
If the Congress can pass this unnoticed, then 
adieu America!” 


JOHANNES HARDENBURGH TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS. 
Rosendall, Ulster County, July 8, 1776. 

GentvLemMen: I think it my duty to lay the following before 
your honourable Board, by way of complaint against the 
proteedings of the County Committee, held at the house of 
Mrs. Ann Dubois, on or about the 13th day of June last, 
when there was laid before the Committee the order from 
your honourable Board for me to give my reasons why I 
had signed and delivered two credentials to our Delegates, 
dated on one and the same day: IJ happening to be there 
that day, to deliver some papers to that Committee, which 
were in my hands as chairman of the former County Com: 
mittee, which I conceived necessary to be delivered to them— 
when I was there, in the latter part of the day, [ was in- 
formed by the chairman of said Committee that there was 
an order from your honourable Board for me to give my 
reason why I had signed two credentials, on one and the 
same day ; on which notice to me, I desired of the said Com- 
mittee some days’ time,-to draw up and give in my reasons at 
their next meeting, which I was denied ; but ordered to give 
my reasons on the next day, at eleven or twelve o’clock ; 
which I thought impossible for me to do, being then twelve 
miles from home; and having none of my papers with me, 
was obliged to ride home that night, where I ‘came at one 
o'clock in the morning, when I examined the proceedings 
of the County Committee of the 16th and 25th of April, 
as also of the 13th of May, and then drew my reasons, which 
I conceived would be satisfactory to your honourable Board, 
in the best manner the time I was allowed would admit of. 

What follows the extraordinary proceeding of that admi- 
rable County Committee? On the 29th of June, I received 
a letter from the chairman, dated the 28th of June, to attend 
the said Committee on the 4th of July next, to account for 
the money in my hands, which I had received by an order 
of the former County Committee from your Treasurer, Mr. 
Van B. Livingston, in the presence of two of your mem- 
bers, (whereof, I think, Mr. Van Zandt was one,) and then 
to deliver the remainder to such a person as they appointed 
to receive it ; on which notice I attended on the Committee, 
and accounted for the money then in my hands. The 
balance then in my hands was two hundred and sixty-seven 
pounds, which balance I conceived I could not give out of 
my hands, as I stand accountable for the said sum of three 
hundred and sixty pounds at any time to the honourable 
Congress, when they, or any of them, shall be pleased to 
call me to account, or to answer such contingencies of the 
County as they shall think a proper County charge, or such 
allowances as have been made a contingent County charge. 

Gentlemen, whereas I was, on the 13th day of May last, 
empowered by the then County Committee to receive the 
before-mentioned sum of money, to pay the contingencies 


127 


of the County to such persons as had a just right thereto ; 
and on the 28th of June, by a new County Committee, 
ordered to deliver the sum then in my hands, on the 4th of 
July, to such person as they directed me,—I conceive those 
proceedings to be such a reflection on my character, that I 
must either be guilty of some malpractice, or of not perform- 
ing my duty in the payment of the money intrusted to my 
hands: with neither of which I can charge myself, and defy 
any person to charge me with any misconduct in the pay- 
ment of that money. I therefore thought it my duty to lay 
the same before your honourable Board, and shall be ready, 
at any time, to obey your orders in the payment thereof, or 
such others as have a right to dispose thereof, pursuant to 
the directions of your honourable Board. 

Gentlemen, as I have had the trouble to get the money 
brought from New-York here, I expect to have the paying 
thereof to such persons as have a just right to the same; but 
in case your honourable Board should be of opinion to order 
me to pay it to any one person, I shall think myself entitled 
to the same fees as if I had paid it to many. 

Gentlemen, the confidence I put in the Provincial Con- 
gress, from which I expect the clearest streams of justice 
will flow to every person that may come before your honour- 
able Board, has induced me to lay this before the honour- 
able Congress; and remain, gentlemen, with esteem, your 
most obedient, humble servant, 

Jouannes HarpENBURGH. 


To the Honourable the Provincial Congress for the Province 
of New-York. 


ADDRESS TO GENERAL SULLIVAN. 


To the Hon. Joun SORLItAN, Esquire, Brigadier-General, 
lately commanding the Army of the United Colonies in 


CanapDa: 


The humble Address of the Field-Offcers, lately under his 
command : 


We, the Field-Officers of the several Regiments now com- 
posing the Army of the United Colonies, in the Northern 
Department, having been informed of your Honour’s intended 
departure from hence, esteem it would be unpardonable in 
us, should we forego this opportunity of tendering the hom- 
age due to him who, upon the late most trying occasion, has 
comforted, supported, and protected the shattered remains of 
a debilitated army, and, with unwearied care, watchfulness, 
and attention, has landed the publick stores, of every kind, 
without almost the least dimmution, safe at this place. It 
is to you, sir, the publick are indebted for the preservation 
of their property in Canada. It is to you we owe our safety 
thus far. Your humanity will call forth the silent tear and 
grateful ejaculation of the sick; your universal impartiality 
will force the applause of the wearied soldier. Permit us, 
then, worthy sir, to take our leave, wishing you every hap- 
piness and success your most sanguine inclinations can sug- 
gest, or our most fervent prayers procure. 


John Moore, Matthew Ogden, 
Moses Hazen, Seth Reed, 
Edward Antil, Joseph Vose, 
Joseph Celty, Nathan Fuller, 
John McDuffee, John Stark, 
Thomas Poor, John Patterson, 
Enoch Poor, William Bond, 
J. Alden, James Read, 
Charles Burrel, Ar. St. Clair, 


Crown-Point, 8th July, 1776. 


William De Haas, 
John Greaton, 
Israel Shreve, 
William Maxwell, 
David Rhea, 
Jotham Loring, 
Elisha Porter, 
Abner Morgan, 
Anthony Wayne. 


To the Ficid-Officers of the several Regiments composing 
the Northern Army. 


GentLemen: Your polite and friendly Address, presented 
at this hour of my departure from thé Army, demands my 
most cordial thanks. ‘The favourable opinion you are pleased 
to entertain of my exertions, in protecting and supporting 
our distressed Army in Canada, gives me the highest satis- 
faction. 

If the publick are in any measure indebted to me for the 
preservation of their property in Canada, or the Army for 
its safety thus far, your generosity in voluntarily giving your 
testimony thereto, at this time, evinces that generous spirit 
which I have ever found you to possess. The debilitated 
state of our Army rendered'the task of saving it extremely 
arduous; and had not your zeal and activity so strongly 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


128 


seconded my endeavours, it must have been impossible. 
Duty to my country demanded that humanity to the sick, 
and impartiality to the soldiers, which you are pleased so 
politely to mention; it gives me the most sensible pleasure 
to find my conduct in this respect meets with the approbation 
of officers so truly deserving. 

Gentlemen, I deeply deplore the necessity I am under of 
quitting this department; and most sincerely wish that I could, 
with honour, have remained to share with you the fortune 
ofthe campaign; yet, give me leave to assure you, that 
wherever fortune may place me in future—whether the 
alarm of war may summon me again to the field, or domestick 
affairs call me to private life—your safety and success I shall 
deem inseparable from my own. That an indulgent Heaven 
may grant you success equal to your merits, reward your toil 
with the conquest of your unnatural enemies, and in due time 
return you, crowned with laurels, to your respective families, 
shall be my most earnest prayer. 

Joun. SULLIVAN. 


Crown-Point, 8th July, 1776. 


COMMITTEE OF OBSERVATION, SKENESBOROUGH, CHARLOTTE 
COUNTY, NEW-YORK. 


The Committee for this town having had due process 
against Lieutenant Daniel Brundage of this town, according 
to the Association of the Continental Congress, and finding 
him obstinately unfriendly, in full opposition to the spirit of 
said Association, hereby give notice to the publick, that he 
may be treated with all that neglect and contempt which is 
so justly his due, for his incorrigible enmity to the rights of 
American Liberty. 

By order of the Committee: 

Garret Keratine, Chairman. 
Attest, James Burroveus, Clerk. 
July 8, 1776. 


CHARLES CUSHING TO HIS BROTHER. 
Camp at Crown-Point, July 8, 1776. 


Dear Frienp anp Broruer: After my love to you and 
my sister, I will endeavour to relate to you a true state of 
facts with regard to the Army in Canada, (as well as my 
own private concerns,) which I believe you have never yet 
had, being very much imposed upon by publick prints and 
letters from some gentlemen in high office, inserted in the 
papers. After our arrival at Albany, our regiment was the 
first that marched for Canada. Three regiments more of 
the same brigade followed as fast as they could, one after 
another. We were forced on in the greatest hurry, passing 
through great difficulty and fatigue, being told by all who 
came from that country that there was no doubt but Quebeck 
would be surrendered by the time we could get there, or 
soon after, as there were several batteries opened and play- 
ing upon the city. And we went on with good spirits and 
in good health till we came to the mouth of the river Sorel, 
where, to our great surprise, we heard of the retreat of the 
army from Quebeck. Here we first made a stand, and being 
soon joined by something of an army, erected considerable 
fortifications. We had here a considerable number of can- 
non and several row galleys; but we were in a most pitiful 
situation. We had never drawn any provision from the time 
we left Albany but pork and flour, and the inhabitants would 
not take paper money, and we had no other. We were now 
at a great distance from our own country, and the pork and 
flour came in so slowly that the store was almost exhausted, 
especially the flour. In some days we could get none, or 
not more than half the allowance. Although there was 
flour in the country, yet, such was the disposition of the peo- 
ple, that we were obliged to take it with fixed bayonets ; and 
the most of the flour expended in Canada since our arrival 
was taken in that manner. The inhabitants about Sorel 
seemed more friendly, but they had no provisions to spare. 
The retreating army from Quebeck began to scatter into 
Sorel soon after our arrival, having the small-pox among 
them, and boat loads sick with it were landed among us, so 
that there seemed no possibility of escaping it, and it was 
contrary to general orders to inoculate. Although our situ- 
ation was unhappy, that of the army at Quebeck was much 
moreso. They had but three pieces of small cannon mount- 
ed, and no shot suitable for them. They had one small 


129 


mortar, which they kept in play to no purpose. The enemy 
kept up a heavy cannonade from the city, and once in a 
while would throw outa shell filled with molasses, or open a 
port and fire a pistol, by way of contempt. 

Our army had no breastwork or fortification but what was 
built with snow. ‘Their lines extended near thirty miles 
distant, and a great part of them sick with the small-pox, 
having lost a great number. As I was credibly informed, no 
less than thirty captains died with it, and not more than one 
in three lived through it that took it the natural way. They 
had gone through every hardship and fatigue that men could 
possibly live through, the winter past. ‘The weather was 
most inclement, and the men almost starved, for sometimes 
they had no bread, and sometimes no meat. 

On the arrival of General Thomas, he found the army in 
such a situation that a speedy retreat was necessary, which, 
by a-council of war, was agreed to. ‘Their lines being so 
extensive and their army so scattered, it could not suddenly 
be effected; and the enemy getting intelligence of it from 
an officer who deserted, immediately pursued them. In that 
situation, one may easily imagine the confusion they were 
in, every one making his escape as well as he could, leaving 
the sick to the mercy of the enemy. Yet many of them 
who had the small-pox out thick on them came off, and 
went through the greatest fatigue, and were exposed to wet 
and cold, without blankets or anything to cover them, and 
I afterwards saw them at Sorel. What ordnance stores they 
had were taken, and much of their baggage. The first 
stop they made was at Pownt de Chambly, forty-five miles 
from Quebeck. 'The General then sent an express to Sorel 
for provisions, boats, and assistance, to bring off what sick 
they had there, for-they were continually taken down with 
the small-pox. Captain Bent and my first lieutenant, with 
two hundred and fifty men, were sent off with boats to their 
assistance. They then retreated to the Three Rivers, forty- 
five miles from that place, and from thence to Sorel. _ 

The New-England forces now began to be very uneasy 
about the small-pox spreading among them, as but few of them 
had hadit. It was death for any doctor who attempted inocu- 
lation. However, it was practised secretly, as they were 
willing to run any hazard-rather than take it the natural way. 
Some inoculated themselves, and several officers and myself 
began it in our regiment at Sorel. We had been at Sorel 
but ten days, when our regiment was ordered up to Mon- 
treal, forty-five miles above, on the river St. Lawrence. 
Colonel Paterson’s regiment, which arrived at S¢. John’s in 
two days after ours, was directly ordered from thence to 
Montreal, by land, about twenty-seven miles across; and 
soon after Major Sherburne, with one hundred and twenty 
men, was detached to The Cedars, to the assistance of Colo- 
nel Bedel’s party, and another party was left as a guard to 
La Prairie. Colonel Paterson’s regiment was now so re- 
duced by detachments, that it was expected the inhabitants 
of Montreal would rise, as it was easily perceived they were 
making preparations. Our regiment was now under the 
necessity of getting there as fast as possible. We rowed till 
after dark, when, it coming on to rain very hard, we went 
on shore. Some pitched their tents, and some got into a 
small house and barn where we landed. I got into the barn, 
which was shattered almost to pieces, and being much 
fatigued, I slept very well. I was now under a mercurial 
preparation for the small-pox. In the morning we set off 
for Montreal, the current running very strong. We were 
not like to get there that day, and about four o’clock P. M., 
we landed on the point of the Island. At five P. M., the 
regiment marched for the city, leaving myself and a suffi- 
cient number of men to carry up the boats and baggage. 
About eleven at night they arrived there, having marched 
fifteen miles. During this fatigue we had nothing to eat but 
fiour and water, and lake water to drink, as we had no other 
since we came into Canada. As soon as they came into the 
city they were so fatigued as to lie immediately down under 
the walls to sleep, and some lay there until morning, it being 
impossible to move them. But happily they arrived as they 
did, for that night was appointed for the Tories to take pos- 
session of the place. Here we tarried about ten days, and 
soon after our arrival the regiment in general were inoculated 
for the small-pox. General Sullivan’s brigade beginning to 
come in, and a detachment sent up from Sorel, our regiment 
was ordered over to St. John’s, to have the small-pox. Ac- 
cordingly, we set off for La Pratrie about four P. M., May 


Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


9 


130 


31, the current+very strong, and in some places the falls 
being so great that we were obliged to unload the batteaus and 
haul them over by land. About dark we got up to Nun’s 
Island, where we tarried all night. The next morning went 
over to La Pratrie, the weather being very rainy all day, the 
men much exposed to it, most of them beginning to feel the 
effects of the disorder. ‘The next day we marched to St. 
John’s, eighteen miles. ‘The small-pox was then turning on 
those who were first inoculated. When we came to St. 
John’s, the most of us went into tents, except some of the 
worst, who went into a large house and a barn. Here we 
could get nothing to nourish us without hard money, except 
the allowance of flour and pork and a little molasses, which 
we drew for the use of the sick. ‘The inhabitants would 
exchange milk for pork, but at the rate of two or three 
pounds for one quart. 

I must now return to the Army below. General Thomas 
took the small-pox the natural way, came up to Chambly, 
and there died on Sunday, the 2d of June. His death was 
much lamented by the New-England troops. General 
Sullivan, with .his brigade, is now at Sorel, and he takes 
command at that place. Immediately after his arrival 
there, he sent General Thompson, with two thousand men, 
towards the Three-Rivers; but before they got there, they 
were attacked by a large body of the enemy, who defeated 
them, and took the General, Colonel Irvine, and a large 
number of officers and men, prisoners; and it is supposed 
that two hundred more perished in the woods, as they 
retreated in the greatest confusion, the officers without men, 
and the men without officers. But it gives me pleasure to 
acquaint you, that none of the “damn’d Yankees” were 
there, as the southern troops are pleased to term us. We 
had been at St. John’s but ten days, when we had orders 
for as many of the regiment as were able to go to Sorel. 
Accordingly, there was a petty surgeon’s mate sent to 
examine the men, (not trusting to our own doctor, who 
was a good physician,) who reported two hundred, who had 
been off duty but ten days for the small-pox, fit for the ser- 
vice. Although they had the disorder light, no one could 
think them fit to go through so much fatigue. We were 
reduced very low by dieting, and had nothing to recruit 
with afterwards. 

June 13. We set off for Sorel with heavy hearts, none 
of us expecting to come back again, for General Burgoyne 
and all his troops were come in, our Army but small in com- 
parison to his, and if we were defeated, there would be no 
retreat. We got to Chambly the first day, and the next 
morning set off for Sorel, and before mght met Colonel 
Greaton about twenty-three miles from the mouth of the 
river, who came directly from there. He infornied us the 
Army were retreating as fast as possible, that the enemy’s 
fleet was.just below them, and he ordered us to go on shore 
and cook some victuals, and then return back to Chambly 
as fast as possible. After refreshing ourselves a little, we 
set off about dark, and rowed all night very hard, the cur- 
rentrunning rapidly. In the morning, about seven o'clock, 
we got up to Chambly, when, after refreshing ourselves with. 
a little breakfast, we were obliged to assist in getting the 
batteaus, cannon, and other stores, above the lower Rapids ; 
and then it is as much as twenty men can do to towa 
loaded batteau up the river in many places. After our 
party had drawn over two batteaus, two pieces of cannon, 
and all their tents and baggage, and put them on board, we 
set off with three or four boats up the river. In some places, 
the men were obliged to wade up to their middie. At dark, 
having got about half-way up to St. John’s, we pitched our 
tents, and lay down to rest. In the morning, we proceeded 
to St. John’s. During this fatigue, the men had but little to 
eat but pork and flour, and lake water to drink. The Army 
at Sored brought off*all their artillery and other stores, and 
arrived safe at Chambly; and in eight hours after their 


departure, the enemy had come up with their fleet, and 


taken possession of Sorel. At Chambly, General Sullivan 
made.all the despatch possible in getting over the artillery, 
stores, and boats, there being a large quantity of them, and 
not less than a hundred batteaus. We lost one or two 
pieces of cannon by staving the boats, and one or two more 
were left. The row galleys were burnt, and I think we 
left but little else, except four schooners that we burnt in. 
the river. 

‘Our Army, consisting of about six thousand men, were 


131 


now all retreated safely to St. John’s, and the enemy at 
Montreal and Chambly. We then sent the sick and some 
of the stores to the Isle-aux-Noix, the Isle-au-Motte, and 
Point-au-Fer, not having boats to carry the whole Army 
and stores at once; and as soon as the boats came back, 
the whole Army embarked and went to the IJsle-aux-Notz. 
Here, what boats could be spared were sent-to Crown- 
Point with sick and stores, as a great part of the Army were 
sick, many with the small-pox, and many of those who had 
had it were sick with the flux. Here we were obliged to 
wait for boats eight days, where we could get nothing but 
pork and flour. The island being small, not more than one 
mile in length, and a quarter of a mile in width, the land 
low, the days hot, and at night great dews, and such a num- 
ber of men on so small a spot, and many of them sick— 
the place stunk enough to breed an infection. 

At length the boats returned from Crown-Point. We 
were ordered to strike our tents, and put all our baggage on 
board, and the invalids who were not able to march by 
land. Those of our regiment who were well, and about a 
thousand more, were set over to the west side, to go by 
land to Point-au-Fer, about twenty-six miles. During our 
stay at the Isle-aux-Noix, there went a number of officers 
about a mile below to a house to drink spruce beer; but 
unfortunately were beset by a party of Indzans, who killed 
and scalped one ensign, one captain, and two privates, and 
took several prisoners. We heard the guns, and saw the 
fire. A party was immediately sent to their assistance; but 
the enemy were gone,.and had left the dead stripped all to 
their shirts. They were brought to the Isle-aux-Noix, and 
decently buried. They all belonged to the rifle regiment. 
The Indians attacked several boats on the lake, that went 
above after some flour, killed two or three men, and 
wounded six more; the others escaped. About noon, we 
marched for Point-au-Fer, and soon came where there was 
only an Indian path, and a wet swamp, which was for 
a great distance almost up to our knees in mud and water. 
Besides this, it rained very hard all the afternoon. At dark, 
we came out against a bay in the lake, within about six 
miles of Point-au-Fer. We bad now nothing but the ground 
to lie on, and the heavens to cover us; and what with 
the rain, sweat, and mud, we had but little about us that 
was dry. We soon built fires, and dried ourselves as well 
as we could, and then lay down to rest with our feet to the 
fire. I slept very well, and got up in the morning refreshed. 
The weather cleared off pleasant; we got some breakfast ; 
and about nine o’clock, there came boats enough to take us 
all off. The remainder of the Army came in batteaus from 
the Isle-aux-Noix, and all arrived at the Isle-au-Motte that 
night. Wr soon had boats enough to carry the whole Army 
to Crown-Point, and, I think, nothing remarkable ha p- 
pened till we arrived there. 

Iam afraid that the retreat from Canada will make a great 
noise in the country, and many reflections be thrown out by 
inconsiderate and ill-minded persons ; but I am sure that any 
person of sense, when he comes to know the truth, must be 
satisfied. Some scandalous reflections have been thrown out 
upon General Thomas for his proceedings ; but I am sorry the 
character of so worthy a gentleman as he was should suffer 
by men who are striving for places they are not worthy of. 
There is one thing I have omitted, which is this: that a great 
part of the Army at Quebeck inlisted for no longer than the 
Ist of April, and, as soon as their time was out, would stay 
no longer. J am very sure that the state of the Army in 
Canada has never been rightly represented. They have been 
shamefully neglected and imposed upon through the means 
of some persons who were appointed to provide for them. 
You will find, in the New-England Chronicle of the 27th 
of June, a passage in a letter from General r, where 
he says that the Army in Canada has been well provided 
for, that the inhabitagits were very kind to them, and sup- 
plied them with everything necessary, &c.; the whole of 
which is false; for we had never yet drawn any allowance 
but pork and flour or bread, except once a few peas at Sorel, 
and what I have before mentioned; and had we the money 


for what the vegetables and other things allowed us by the * 


resolve of Congress have fallen short, it would now amount 
to more than two thousand dollars in our regiment. It is not 
the money I mind, but it is what we have suffered for want 
.of those necessaries. 


I will now endeavour to give you some description of the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


132 


country. It is full of navigable rivers. ‘The land is very 
good on them, but the buildings are but mean. The land 
a little back of the rivers is unsettled, and appears to be 
very poor. The river St. Lawrence is sufficient for a large 
fleet of ships to come up to Montreal, one hundred and 
eighty miles from Quebeck. 'The river Sorel is navigable 
up to Chambly; besides many others which empty into the 
St. Lawrence. ‘Till we have a fleet sufficient to come, into 
the mouth of the river, it will be impossible for us to do any- 
thing in Canada. Had we taken Quebeck, we could not 
have kept. it, as the enemy could come in with their fleet, 
and cut off all communication; and nothing has hurt our 
cause so much as coming to Canada, where, in my opinion, 
we had nothing to promise ourselves. Our Army have very 
much imposed upon the inhabitants, and promised them 
what they could never perform, which will set them against 
us ; whereas, if we had never concerned ourselves with them, 
they would at least have remained neuter; and if, instead of 
spending our time, lives, and health, in Canada, we had been 
fortifying our own frontiers, we should now have been able 
to repel any force they could send. 

We have lost a vast number of men with the small-pox, 
it being very mortal to those who took it the natural way; but 
our regiment has been remarkably preserved, and my com- 
pany in particular. We have lost ten or eleven in the regi- 
ment, and those took the disease in the natural way. I led 
a company of seventy-six men into Canada, and brought 
them all out, seventy-four of whom had the small-pox while 
we remained there. One lad, belonging to the Cape, who 
thought he had had it before, took it the natural way, and 
died here at Crown-Point. 

July 10. We have now been at Crown-Point eight days, 
and the sick considerably longer; and since their arrival, We 
have buried great numbers—some days not less than fifteen 
or twenty; but few have died, except with the small-pox. 
Some regiments which did not inoculate have lost many; 
and Colonel Read, in particular, says that, by the time it 
has gone through his regiment, he shall lose one-third of 
them. When we first came to this place, our men were very 
feeble. Besides all their fatigue, they were followed with 
severe fluxes. But they recruit very fast, having good 
ground to encamp upon, and good water to drink, and some 
fresh provisions; but have not yet had any vegetables of any 
kind. Here are likewise sutlers who have spirits of all kinds— 
wines, sugar, chocolate, &c., to sell, though at a very dear 
rate—sugar three shillings, lawful money, per pound, &c. 

These are only the outlines; to relate every particular, 
would fill a volume; but I fear I have tired your patience 
already. 

Your sincere friend and brother, 

Cuas. Cusnine. 


P.S. Please to give my regards to Colonel Lincoln, Mr. 
Andrews, Mr. Norton, and all friends, and let as many of 
them see this letter as have a mind to; for I have nothing 
against any one seeing it but the irregularity with which it 
is put together. 


Hartford, July 8, 1776. 

Last Wednesday passed through this place Governour 
Franklin, of New-Jersey, on his way to Governour Trum- 
bull, at Lebanon; and last Saturday he returned from Leba- 
non to Walling ford, where he is stationed. 

Friday \ast, a pack of 'Tory prisoners, forty-nine in num- 
ber, taken some time since at Johnstown, were brought to 
this town, under a guard, from Albany, and delivered to the 
Committee for the disposition of prisoners in this Colony. 
We hear a number more of the same clan are on their way 
to this place. 

Several regiments of Foot, ordered to be raised in this 
Colony, together with three regiments of the troop of Light- 
horse, have marched for New- York, to assist in the defence 
of the capital of that invaded Province. 

Last week, twenty-two prisoners, taken from on board a 
barge belonging to the Brotzsh fleet, as they were sounding 
the channel below New- York, arrived safe at Farmington. 


ELISHA CORNISH TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Symsbury, July 8, 1776. 
May iT PLEASE your Honour: The Committee of In- 
spection of this town, in conjunction with sundry of the 


133 


thembers of the Committees of the towns of Farmington and 
New-Hartford, convened at said Symsbury, to consult upon 
matters of importance, that fall under their cognizance, 
taking into consideration the present situation of Newgate 
prison, beg leave to represent to your Honour, that, since 
sundry persons have been sentenced by the Superior Court 
of this Colony to said prison, as enemies to their country, 
who, it is generally apprehended, are not in safe custody; 
and since said present keeper has repeatedly manifested to 
said Committee and to others an uneasiness under the burden 
ef his office, which uneasiness is not peculiar to him, but 
pervades ‘the body of the people in these towns; in our 
opinion, some effectual measures should be taken to prevent 
the consequences which we apprehend may soon take place, 
to the detriment of the cause we are endeavouring to defend. 
Permit us to suggest to your Honour, whether it is not 
necessary, under the present situation, to secure said prison 
with a sufficient guard, under the conduct of such person or 
persons.as your Honour shall think fit to appoint. Further, 
we entertain the most sanguine hopes, that in some future 
time, as speedily as may be, your Honour, in conjunction 
with the General Assembly, will cause an addition to be 
made to said prison-house, wherein a prison-keeper, to be 
appointed, may dwell. Such a step, we imagine, will be a 
mean of retrenching much unnecessary expense. ‘The ap- 
prehensions of imminent dahger have compelled us to take 
this measure. Any impropriety in it, your Honour will 
benevolently impute not to our arrogance, but to the love 
we bear our country. 

We have the honour to be, your Honour’s most obedient 
and most humble servants. 

Per order of the Committee : 
. Exisua Cornisu, Chairman. 


BENJAMIN PAYNE TO JAMES WARREN. 
Hartford, July 8, 1776. 


By direction of the Committee for superintending prisoners 
of war in this Colony, I have to inform you that a certain 
John Graves, of Pittsfield, in your Province, was sent here 
by order of the Committee of said Pittsfield, some time in 
May last, he bging accused of aiding and assisting Captain 
McKay, a pris6ner stationed here, in making his escape, 
in direct violation of his parole. And said Graves being 
examined touching the matter, it evidently appeared, by his 
confession and other evidence, that he had made two jour- 
neys to Hartford in the course of the last Spring, the last 
of which was about the 17th of May, the time when said 
McKay escaped; that he (said Graves) was not only con- 
cerned in concerting measures for effecting said McKay’s 
escape, but actually undertook and acted as his pilot, and 
when they had got as far as Prttsfeld, furnished him (this 
man) with fresh horses. On which he was committed to the 
jail in this town, where he hath remained ever since in close 
confinement. He appears to be a low-spirited, insidious 
fellow, ‘and to have entertained strong prejudices against the 
liberties of America, and no doubt ought to be brought to 
trial for his aforesaid offence ; but as he is a subject of your 
Government, it is doubtless most proper that he should be 
brought to trial there, notwithstanding he so far perpetra- 
ted his crime here as to bring him within the jurisdiction 
of our Court; yet his estate, if he hath any, lieth in your 
Province, and the evidence (in case he should not on trial 
confess the matter) would most likely be more full and 
clear against him, not only to this particular crime, but with 
respect to his general character. Besides, to take up the 
subjects of one Government and carry thein into another for 
trial, which might, with as great propriety, be had in the 
Colony where such offender belonged, may prove, on occa- 
sion of a misunderstanding between Colonies, of dangerous 
consequence at all times, but more especially at the present 
day; which on all occasions ought to be carefully avoided. 
It is therefore expected that your Assembly will take the 
affair into consideration, and give orders for his removal from 
hence to such place as they shall think proper, in your 
Province, in order to take his trial for his aforementioned 
offence. ‘ 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most humble servant, 


Bensamin Payne. 


To the Honourable James Warren, Esq. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776, 


134 


COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS TO JERATHMEEL BOWERS. 
Watertown, July 8, 1776. 
Sir: As it is ofimportance that the Colony vessels should 
be immediately equipped and fixed for sea, the Board have 
ordered me to desire you to use your utmost endeavours to 
have the two vessels (built under your directions for the use 
of the Colony) completely equipped and fixed as soon as 
may be. IL am, sir, your humble servant, 
Joun Avery, Deputy Secretary. 
To Jerathmeel Bowers, Esq. 


SAMUEL ELLIOT TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Boston, July 8, 1776. 

Honovurep Sir: Some days past I did myself the honour 
of informing you (very briefly) of Captain Harding’s en- 
gagement. I purpose forwarding the particulars as they 
appear upon trial, which is appointed to be on the 23d of 
this month. I am now just setting out for Reading, to ob- 
tain Colonel Campbell’s deposition, which, with the other 
evidences, shall be duly handed you. TI shall esteem it a 
favour in your Honour to inform Captain Harding (who will 
doubtless be with you by the time this reaches you) the trial 
is to be on the 23d, not 26th, as he was informed; as it is 
absolutely necessary that two intelligent persons who were 
on board the brig should attend the trial. ‘Three days will 
make an amazing difference. ‘There are many claimants ; 
but my counsel affirms that half the ship George and brig 
Annabella will be adjudged to the Colony brigantine. Cap- 
tain Harding will assign the particular reasons for leaving 
this port. It was the opinion of all his friends that he could 
not justify himself in staying while the small-pox was so 
prevalent in this place, and so many on board the brig liable 
to take the infection, We parted with regret. His polite 
and genteel carriage and easy deportment has gained the 
esteem of all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. 

I must request the favour of particular directions respect- 
ing those who had the misfortune to be wounded in the 
engagement. ‘They have had the best attendance. I have 
discharged their bills, with the Captain’s consent. If any 
allowance is made to them, it ought (I think) to be deducted. 
Captain Harding mentioned that an allowance of about 
thirty or forty pounds was to be made for the loss of a limb, 
but could not tell with respect to the others. I should be 
glad for it to be ascertained, as it should be taken out before 
there is any division. ; 

I must beg your Honour’s pardon for thus troubling you ; 
but I thought it my duty to mention every (although some 
may be trivial) circumstance that I am in doubt of. With 
pleasure I would acquaint your Honour the prize brig Anna- 
bella is brought up, and laid along side Hancock’s wharf. 
She is damaged, but not so much as I expected. There 
may be some directions necessary for regulating my conduct : 
your Honour may depend upon my strict observance and 
punctual fulfilment of any you shall at any time think ne- 
cessary to favour me with. 

J remain your Honour’s most obedient and dutiful servant, 

SamueL Enxnior, Jun., 


Agent to Captain Harding. 


P.S. Yesterday Captain Johnson, in a sloop of ten car- 
riage guns, carried into Cape-Ann a large three-deck Jamat- 
caman, with near six hundred hogsheads best sugar, some 
rum, &c.; also, a brig loaded with ram from Antigua, both 
bound for London. She had been cruising about six weeks. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AMSTERDAM TO A GENTLEMAN 
IN LONDON, DATED JULY 9, 1776. 


There is not a maritime nation in Europe but which, pri- 
vately carries on a trade with the British Colonies of North 
America: France and Spain in particular, who have the 
best opportunity for it. Witness, that commerce never 
flourished so much throughout all Europe as it has actually 
done since the beginning of the present American war. 
Thus Great Britain, formerly the provider of the whole 
globe, now suffers foreign nations to enrich themselves by 
trafficking with her own Colonies, while she is contending 
with them for power and vain superiority. The’ armament 
of France and Spain, which of late has so much taken up 

,the notice of Europe, we now find to be for the following, 


¥ 


135 


purpose: It is far from the intention of either of those two 
Powers to interrupt Great Britain whilst she is engaged in 
the present contest, but their views merely are, to carry on 
an open trade (warlike stores excepted) with the Colonies 
of North America. They argue thus: As the Colonies 
were kept in subjection by the mother country, the latter 
prevented other nations from dealing with them, and the 
former, through filial affection and mutual interest, submitted 
their trade to be monopolized by the mother country; but 
now, the ties being dissolved, the Colonies being declared as 
enemies, the monopoly ceases from itself, and every nation 
may go to market according to their interest. Tt was in the 
power of Great Britain to prohibit her Colonies to trade 
with foreigners, but it is not in her power to prescribe laws 
to other nations prohibiting them from trading with America; 
nor does it consist with the laws of nations; just as if Russza, 
as long as she was at war with the Ottoman Porte, would 
have prohibited all Europe from trading to Turkey. Butif 
Great Britain should insist upon it that she has a right to 
prevent other nations from trafficking with North America, 
both France and Spain are determined to oppose her by 


force of arms; to which purpose a strong, united force of . 


these two nations is cruising in the sea, merely to act in 
their own defence ; and as it is impossible for Great Britain 
to submit to this, nothing is more sure than open hostilities, 
to be soon commenced at sea, which cannot fail of involving 
all Europe in a most horrid war. 


THOMAS OLIVER TO DAVID FHIPS. 
London, July 9, 1776. 

Dear Sir: This day I received your kind letter of the 
9th of June. It gives me great pleasure, as it seems to carry 
with ita degree of satisfaction and contentment with your 
present situation. Happy [am that you did not leave Hali- 
fav, to encounter the expenses of this extravagant place. 
Every article of expense is increased fourfold since you knew 
it. What the many poor people will do who have steered 
their course this way, [ cannot tell. Government, however 
disposed to relieve their necessities, will not be able to answer 
their numerous claims. Every Province of America affords 
its petitioners, and I apprehend the number of them will pre- 
vent the gratification of any. : 

I think it my duty, in point of friendship, to give you this 
hint; but keep it to yourself, lest it may be construed to a 
kind of reflection which 1 do not mean. . Upon the score of 
secrecy, let me hint to you, that your friend General Gage 
is entirely in the private walk of life; he could not serve you ; 
therefore, my good friend, you must be content to wait with 
patience the event of things. If any opening occurs, I will 
not fail to advise you of it. 

I found Mrs. Oliver well, and settled in a little snug house 
at-.Bromton, in the neighbourhood of London. But I shall 
continue here no longer than | am able to find an economical 
retreat. Ihave not had time to look about me yet; some 
cheaper part of England must be the object of my inquiry. 
Colonel Vassall is at present in our neighbourhood, but he 
means to take a house in London, at the court end of the 
town, and enjoy the comforts of a plentiful fortune, at least 
for one winter. 

We received the account of our successes in Canada 
about ten days before the arrival of your letters. It would 
have given me great pleasure to have received first from 
you. You know it would have given me an opportunity to 
have shown them to your advantase—“a word to the wise.” 
If anything occurs which you think important, let me have 


it by the first opportunity. Direct to Lieutenant-Goyernour - 


Oliver, London; it will be sufficient. ~ 

I hope this will find you, Mrs. P., and family, well, and 
‘as happy as your circumstances will admit; in which I shall 
-ever take the part of a sincere friend and well-wisher. 


Tuo. Oxtver. 
Lo David Phips, Esq., Halifax. 


COLONEL DORSEY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Elk-Ridge, July 9, 1776. 
‘GentLEemeN: I received yours of yesterday, in conse- 
quence of which, have ordered the Elk-Ridge battalion to 
meet immediately, and will send the number of men required 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


136 


a company of the Flying-Camp might be sent, if they were 
made up. On inquiry, I find that there is no company near 
full, though perhaps on the day the battalion meets they may 
make up their number ; if so, they will inpe diately march 
down ; otherwise will find a company of Militia, which I 
imagine will be with you on Saturday. By a letter I have 
just received from Mr. Paca, I find the Congress have passed 
aresolve that the Militia of Maryland march to Philadelphia. 
I shall be glad to hear from your Honours on that head as 
soon as possible, 

I am, with respect, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 

. Tuomas Dorsey. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


STEPHEN STEWART TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 9, 1776. 
GenTLeMEN: I have yours of yesterday, with a list of ves- 
sels. .There are many people that have vessels who would be 


- glad to get your money for them, whether they were suitable 
g get y Af yi 


for your use or not. Will have as fine a vessel of our own 
as almost any in this bay, and goes pretty fast; I want to sell 
her very much, but am afraid she would not answer the end 
you want her for. Mr. Sprigg’s snow goes fast, and is well 
calculated to be lengthened, by putting ten feet inher. She 
will draw but little water, and 1 think will go very fast; but 
I may be mistaken in her sailing, though she certainly sails 
fast now. I will be off on Friday, and go to Baltimore for 
you, or the Eastern-Shore; though your business requires 
my being in the yard, I will do what you think most advan- 
tageous for the Province. I think to get Captain Kilty to 
go to the Eastern-\Shore, and will get him to come up with 
me for that purpose. I think the most of those vessels you 
send a list of, must be in Nanticoke and Wicomico. As these 
two rivers are blocked up, how are you to get them out, if 
they should suit your purpose? John Ball has applied to 
me to get the building of one of the row-galleys; which I 
have no objection to, if you think well of it. ‘The more of 
them that are building in our yard, the more hands will be 
employed; therefore we shall be better able to protect them 
from the enemy; though I should be glad Mr. Ball and every 
honest man should have part of the Province business. 
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, hungble servant, 
STEPHEN STEWART. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO JOSEPH TRUMBULL. 
Philadelphia, July 9, 1776. 
Str: lam so engaged im the execution of the resolves 
of Congress, that I have only time to transmit you the en- 
closed resolutions respecting your department; and, indeed, 
they are so explicit as not to require any addition. 
I wish you happy, and am, with sentiments of esteem, sir, 


our very humble servant : 
y y ~~? Joun Hancock, President. 


To Joseph Trumbull, Esq., Commissary-General. 


JOSIAH BARTLETT TO MESHECH WEARE. 
Philadelphia, July 9, 1776. 

Sir: Your highly esteemed favour of the 18th ultimo, 
enclosing the instructions to join with the other Colonies in 
declaring these United Colonies free and independent States, 
came very seasonably to hand. As we were so happy as 
to agree in sentiment with our constituents, it gave us the 
greater pleasure to concur with the Delegates of the other 
Colonies in the enclosed Declaration, which was yesterday 
published in form in this city, and is to be published at the 
head of the Army at New-York next Thursday. A plan 
of Confederation is now forming, which, when finished, will 
be transmitted to each Colony for their approbation. 

Major Rogers (whose conduct, it seems, was suspicious) 
was taken up some time since by order of General Wash- 
ington, and sent under guard to this city. He requested 
leave to go to England, by way of the West-Indies; but 
Congress, not thinking it proper, have directed him to be 
sent to New-Hampshire, to be disposed of as the authority 
there shall think best. 

We have the honour to be, with great respect, your most 
obedient servants, JostaH Bartvett, 

Wituram Wuippte. 


ito Annapolis. Colonel John Dorsey tells me that you desire , To Colonel Weare. 


137 


LEWIS GORDON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
In Committee, Easton, July 9, 1776. 


Honouraste Sir: This Committee acknowledges the 
receipt of your letter of the 3d instant, by express ; and being 
truly sensible of the critical and alarming state of our publick 
affairs, will most cordially comply with every resolve of the 
Continental Congress to sustain and promote the cause of 
liberty in America. This Committee, however, are entirely 
at a loss how to send any troops immediately out of this 
country, as no measures have hitherto been taken to raise 
men for forming a Flying-Camp; neither had we had the 
least intimation of such a requisition before we received your 
letter. 

To remedy this defect as well as possible, we propose 
instantly to take out of our four battalions a proportional 
number, so as in the whole to compose a body of three 
hundred and forty-six men, which appears by General 
Roberdeaw’s letter of the 6th instant to be our quota of 
Associators' allotted by the late conference of Committees for 
this County; but we are at the same time utterly unpro- 
vided with money, nor have we so much gunpowder nor 
lead as to carry the men to New-Brunswick. As to the 
article of tin for kettles, we are told there is none in the 
country; and we pray that some proper steps may be taken 
to furnish us immediately with those articles, to avoid delay 
as much as possible. 

By order of the Committee : 

Lewis Gorpon, Chairman. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 
P. S. Wecould not avoid detaining the express till this 
moment, being eleven o’clock in the forenoon. 


COMMODORE HOPKINS TO CAPTAIN HACKER. 
Philadelphia, July 9, 1776. 
Sir: I received yours of the 5th instant, and think you 
are pretty well hemmed in. I think it best you should keep 
your vessel in the best posture of defence you can, and assist 
the common cause all in your power with youf sloop; but 
should it so happen that you can’t help falling into the 
enemy’s hands, you are to destroy the sloop, rather than let 
them get her. You will continue thereabouts, and do what 
service you can until further orders. You may draw for 
any supplies you may want. 
I am, sir, your friend, &c., E. Hopkins. 


To Hoysted Hacker, Esq., Commander of the Fly, at 
Brunswick or Amboy. 


ADVICES FROM THE INDIANS BY GEORGE MORGAN. 
Philadelphia, August 15, 1776. 

George Morgan, Esq., arrived in Philadelphia from the 
westward on Saturday, the 10th of August. On the 9th 
of July, whilst at one of the Shawanese towns on the Scioto, 
he received intelligence of three Stx-Nation warriors having 
passed by there with two prisoners they had taken, sixteen 
days before, from Virginia. Mr. Morgan followed, and got 
to their own town before them, prevented the usual punish- 
ment of the prisoners on their entry, and insisted on their 
being immediately delivered up to them, unless they intended 
this breach of the peace as an open declaration of war. All 
the headmen of the Six-Nations, Shawanese, and Dela- 
wares, who were called together on this occasion, behaved 
in a very friendly manner, and joined with Mr. Morgan in 
his demand made to the warriors, who soon complied there- 
with, and were promised forgiveness, on condition of future 
good behaviour. These warriors told Mr. Morgan they had 
done no other damage, except they killed a young man they 
‘shot at when they took these prisoners; but he made his 
escape, though they believed the ball entered his breast. 
Theeprisoners are twin sons of Andrew Mc Connel, late of 
Pennsylvania, who removed last winter to Leestown, on 
Kentucky River, and were taken within a few hundred yards 
of the town. Mr. Morgan brought them to Pittsburgh, and 
delivered them to their uncle in Westmoreland County, in 
this Province. 

Since then, a small party of Shawanese, in returning 
from the Cherokee country, killed and scalped two per- 
sons near the Big Bone Lick, They were pursued by a 
few Of the neighbours, who killed and scalped two of the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


138 


Indians ; the others escaped. This breach is also likely to 
be settled to the satisfaction of all parties, as the headmen 
had expressed great concern at the conduct of their foolish 
young people, and promise to do all in their power to pre- 
serve our friendship. A treaty is to be held at Pittsburgh 
with the western Indians the beginning of October, when it 
is hoped they will listen to and follow their true interest, as 
they have promised to do. 

The chiefs of the Six-Nations met in council at Onon- 
daga, on the 18th, 19th, and 20th days of last June, pro- 
mised Mr. Morgan to call all their warriors from Canada, 
and to listen to the Thirteen United States of America, 
being convinced that their advice was for’their true interest, 
as they have no business to join either side in the present 
war between Great Britain and America. 'They accord- 
ingly sent off a party for the above purpose the 22d of June, 
and another party to Magara, to insist on Colonel Butler’s 
bringing all their people safe back immediately. They like- , 
wise sent off two large belts to the Lake and other western 
Indians, to inform them of their determination, and to desire 
they will also sit still. 


CAPTAIN CRAWFORD (PRISONER) TO JASPER YEATES. 
Reading, July 9, 1776. 
Sir: Mr. Nesbitt, of Philadelphia, was so kind as to give 
me the enclosed letter, which, if I could have got a passport 
from the Congress, should have delivered myself when I had 
the pleasure of seeing you at Lancaster. You will see by 
the contents it is to assist me in procuring money for the 
soldiers of the T'wenty-Sixth Regiment who are prisoners 
at your town. I beg, therefore, if Captain Strong, of said 
regiment, should be in want some time hence, on account of 
my not being able to get over, that you will be so obliging 
as to assist him, whose orders on me shall be punctually 
repaid at Messrs. Conynham & Nesbitt’s, as I shall advise 
them. Being unknown to you, sir, 1 must beg your pardon 
most particularly for this intrusion; and remain, sir, your 
most obedient and most humble servant, 
Joun Crawrorp, 
Captain and Paymaster to Twenty-Sicth Regiment. 


To Jasper Yeates, Esq., Lancaster. 


SAMUEL TUCKER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 11, 1776.] 
In Provincial Congress, Trenton, July 9, 1776. 

Sir: By a letter this day received from General Living- 
ston, enclosing a copy of one from General Washington, we 
seem to be called upon to make provision for the entire de- 
fence of our own shores against the British forces at Staten- 
Island. 

As our funds are very inadequate to this purpose, it be- 
comes absolutely necessary that we know immediately what 
we are to depend upon in this very important article, that 
we may set about providing money, provisions, and ammu- 
nition. 

We had thought that Congress would provide for the 
defence of every part of the continent; that for this end our 
brigade was to be formed for the defence of New-York in 
part ; that the Flying-Camp was to protect such parts of 
the Middle Department as was on this side of the North 
River. And when we heard that General Mercer was ap- 
pointed to the command in New-Jersey, we hoped provision 
would be made by the Continental Congress for the neces- 
sary supplies of the Army in this Colony, as well as for their 

ay. 
Our Militia from the eastern Counties have turned out in 
great numbers, but they are very destitute, General Living- 
ston informs us, of everything except provisions. When 
their place shall be filled, as we hope it will be, by the Mili- 
tia of Pennsylvania and the Flying-Camp, and our people 
discharged to attend their business at home, which is very 
pressing at this season, they will expect pay. Must we pay. 
them ourselves? Must we supply them with ammunition, 
&c.? We have no other resources but an application to 
the Continental Congress for the latter and as to money. 
They are in the place of the F'lying-Camp—we contribute 
to the general defence of the continent, to the defence of 
New-York, of Boston, of Virginia, of the Carolinas. When 
we are pressed by the stroke of war in our turn, are we alone 


139 


to sustain the burden? The continent we apprehend should 
defend the continent. We are loath to strike more money. 
Taxes to any very great amount would be highly imprudent 
at this time. ° 

What are we to do?—what to expect? You will forgive 
us if we beg you to be explicit and speedy in your answer, 
as the exigency admits of no delay. 

Colonel Broadhead, by our advice, has marched forward 
to Amboy, the Tories in Monmouth having been already 
crushed by our Militia. His presence at Amboy will not be 
unseasonable. We are, sir, your most humble servants. 

By order of Congress: ' 
Samue.t Tucker, President. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


P. S. We omitted to mention that General Washington 
has dismissed a great part of our Militia from New - York, 
with orders to put themselves under General Lavingston’s 
direction in New-Jersey. 


JOSEPH BARTON TO HENRY WISNER. 
Newton, Sussex County, Jersey, July 9, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I received your favour of the 5th instant, 
relating to flint-stones. I have sent a sample of the flint our 
country abounds in. If there can be any way of manufac- 
turing that sort of flint to any advantage, there is enough of 
it; besides, there are two other sorts—a red flint (which is 
found about Menesint, which far exceeds any flint imported 
from Europe) anda green. The green flint which I have sent 
you is better than the common sort of flint used. It is harder, 
and will fire oftener without sharpening. Besides these men- 
tioned, there is a black flint, commonly found incorporated 
with limestone. Our country abounds in great plenty of 
this sort. Ihave often made use of it for gun-flints, but 
don’t think they are equal to the other sorts. Another sort 
we sometimes use, which we call the crystal flint, resem- 
bling the diamond amongst us. They are commonly small, 
but at Membacas, near Esopus, they are very large. Could 
they be manufactured, would far exceed any imported. But, 
sir, we want none of the flint here: you may have them 
all, for we have no powder, which gives great uneasiness to 
the people in general, as we expect an Indian war, should 
our forces fail to the northward. For my own part, could I 
procure powder at forty shillings, should embrace the oppor- 
tunity. As to lead, there is a good lead-mine at Nepenoh. I 
have used the lead oftentimes: we could help ourselves to 
that article. 

I pray, if in your power, you would order powder, 
if it were but a quarter of a pound, each man. I should 
rest much easier for my part, and think we could defend 
ourselves, if attacked by our enemies, in some measure; 
but now we have nothing but our axes or sticks to fight 
with, should we be attacked. As to the lead mine, I 
could wish it might be worked in; I should be glad to un- 
dertake that matter, and would give considerable towards it 
myself. I have sent three different sorts of flint stone—the 
black is the limestone flint. 

Sir, it gives a great turn to the minds of our people de- 
claring our independence. Now we know what to depend 
on. For my part, I have been at a great stand: I could 
hardly own the King, and fight against him at the same time; 
but now these matters are cleared up. Heart and hand shall 
move together. I don’t think there will be five Tories in 
our part of the country in ten days after matters are well 
known. We have had great numbers who would do nothing 
until we were declared a free State, who now are ready to 
spend their lives and fortunes in defence of our country. 

I must, my dear friend, bid you farewell. May the 
Supreme Judge of all things sit at the head of our affairs, 
and give that great and august body, the Congress, wisdom to 
govern us, and by their wisdom make this continent a great 
and happy empire. I expect a great turn one way or the 
other before I see you again. 

I an, sir, your loving and affectionate cousin, 

Joseru Barton. 


To Henry Wisner, Esq. 


N. B. I believe, sir, could the gentlemen see one Island 
in the drowned land near Jacobus Ducker’s, called Flint- 
Island, they would think we could supply all Europe with 
gun-flints, besides our own country. J.B 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c.; JULY, 1776, 


140 


IBBETSON HAMER (PRISONER OF WAR) TO PRESIDENT OF 
CONGRESS. 


Kingsberry, near Trenton, July 9, 1776. 


Sir: I have some reason to believe that you have done 
me the favour to answer a former letter written you, which 
I have not been so fortunate as to receive. ‘The reason of 
this my second application, is on account of a jate order of 
the Continental Congress for removing the officers to the 
interior part of Pennsylvania; and as I suppose the order 
mareetes the leave you was so kind as to give me to reside 
near Princeton, I now take the liberty to acquaint you, 
that on my application to Mr. Tucker, he recommended it 
to me to make this application to you for leave to remain in 
the same quarter for some time longer, with permission to 
come as far as Trenton. 

I should not have made this application, but for some 
circumstances which have happened, and which make it of 
the utmost consequence to my future happiness. Doctor 
Bryant, with whom 1 am now, is the bearer of this, and 
returns in a day or two, by whom I hope to be favoured 
with your answer. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and 
humble servant, 

Issetson Hamer. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., at Philadelphia. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 
Amboy, July 9, 1776. 

Sir: Nothing extraordinary has happened here. The 
frigate that appeared yesterday under sail, standing towards 
the town, is now- out of view—supposed to be in Prince’s 
Bay. At this post and the Blazing-Star, are posted about 
one thousand of the New-Jersey Militia. 'They begin to be 
so anxious to return to their harvest, under the apprehension 
of their families’ being without support, if they continue 
longer, that I have permitted a draught from each com- 
pany to be discharged—about two hundred in all, and have 
assured the others they shall be relieved when the Penn- 
sylvania Militia arrive. . 

. Ten or twelve days hence the harvest, I am told, will be 
secured ; when it is so, the Militia will return on duty with 
pleasure, and in the mean time will assemble at the first 
summons. Some troops from Pennsylvania are now at 
Brunswick ; bat whether they are composed of the Militia, 
or those intended to form the F'lying-Camp, I have not yet 
been informed. 

The enemy on the point, in view of town, appear to be 
but few—works of defence thrown up—two pieces of field 
artillery only. 

We have found a convenient and strong situation for fixing 
an encampment within a mile of Amboy; but if the body 
of men intended to encamp here are to cover not only this 
Province, but Philadelphia, or occasionally march to New- 
York, I should think Brunswick, as being most centrical to 
all those, would be the most proper place to rendezvous: 
It seems to me most eligible to relieve the Jersey Militia 
with whatever troops come immediately from Pennsylvania ; 
and about twelve days after, when their harvest is secured, 
to call them in to guard their own coast, or go upon any 
other necessary service. ‘This, I am persuaded, they will 
do with the utmost celerity. . 

The present situation of the enemy discovers no intention 
of their attacking us; it rather points out an attempt on their 
quarters, which being made at once at different places, would 
probably succeed. 

The contractors for the Army here (Colonels Denham 


‘and Lowrey) tell me they have a good stock of pickled 


pork—upwards of eighty thousand pounds. Any quantity 
of live-stock and flour necessary for our supplies, may be 
at once procured. Colonel Putnam will give his senti- 
ments as to the practicability of defending this town. I 
fear it will require more cannon and ammunition than can 
be spared at present. As soon as I can procure returns of 
the ammunition and artillery in this Province, I shall com- 
municate them. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most 
obedient servant, 

H. Mercer. 

To General Washington. ; 


14] 


CAPTAIN CREGIER TO THOMAS RANDALL. 
Shrewsburytown, July 9, 1776. 


Wonrrny Sir: After my due respects to you and your 
honourable House, I am to inform you what has brought me 
to this place. You must, in the first place, know my busi- 
ness here is to draw on you for some cash, which Mr. John 
Murray bas supplied me with—sixteen pounds sixteen shil- 
lings—on account of your schooner General Putnam, for 
which I have given a bill payable at three days’ sight, which 
I hope will meet with honour. I should not have come 
this far, but I understood at Squam Inlet, where I left my 
vessel this morning, that there was a letter here for me; but 
it has been intercepted. Sir, on the 5th of this instant, being 
about nine miles distant to the southeast of Egg-Harbour, 
I saw two sail standing to the northward; I then gave them 
chase, the wind being light; I got out my oars, and rowed 
until three o’clock in the afternoon, when the wind came to 
thesouthwest. After eleven hours’ chase, I drew near them. 
I then shortened sail, and got all clear for action. At four 
in the afternoon, I got within one hundred and seventy 
yards of the sternmost ship, in order to board her; but she, 
putting her helm hard a starboard, hauled up her ports, and 
gave me her whole broadside of ten guns. She proved to be 
a Ministerial pirate of twenty guns. I hauled my wind in for 
the shore; she did the same, and continued firing without 
intermission. When I was within four hundred yards of the 
shore, | made a small tack, but being very near her, I re- 
ceived her whole broadside, at which I hove about, and ran 
ashore about forty yards from Sqguam Inlet. I then got all 
my arms and ammunition on the beach, and the ship came 
to anchor about a quarter of a mile from us, and began 
a heavy firing upon us, and continued their fire for near 
half an hour, when at last she hoisted out two barges and 
manned them with about fifty men; but as they approached 
the shore, we handled them so roughly that they were 
obliged to make a scandalous retreat. She continued her 
fire until dark, when she weighed, expending upward of 
four hundred pounds of powder. I had seventeen large 
holes in my mainsail, and some shot in my hull. When the 
tide made, I got my vessel into this inlet, where I will repair as 
soon as possible, and hope to pay the pirates for this usage. 

Iam, sir, your humble servant, THomas Creeier. 


To Thomas Randall, Esquire, Member of the Provincial 
Congress, or in his absence, Jacobus Van Zandt, Esquire, 
Member as aforesaid. 


P. S. They were both ships. ‘The money I have taken 
up of Mr. Murray is to defray some expenses I am at for the 
vessel, and to purchase a little spirits for my people, who 
(some of them) are sick drinking the bad water that is on this 
coast. If you have any further orders for me, direct for me 
at Jumes Randall's, at Cranberry. There has not been any: 
vessel arrived in any of the inlets these six weeks past, which 
much surprises me. Please to deliver the enclosed letter. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR COOKE. 
Head-Quarters, ee July 9, 1776. 

_ Sir: By a letter received by Congress from Mr. Thomas 
Green, copy of which they did me the honour to enclose, I 
have the pleasure to hear of the arrival of Captain, Chase, 
with a valuable cargo, at Providence. And as that honour- 
able body have been pleased to order the flints at Rhode- 
Island belonging to the Continent, to be sent to me here, 
(as per their resolution enclosed,) I would therefore request 
you would cause it to be done without the smallest delay, 
together with the small-arms which came in the vessel. As 
to the duck, if it is of the kind suitable for tents, either the 
whole or part, I should be greatly obliged to you if you 
would order them made up as fast as possible, and for- 
warded to Norwich ; but if it is coarse and stubborn, and of 
a quality unfit for the above purpose, it will be unnecessary 
to give yourself any trouble about the matter. 

] am very sorry I cannot spare you a General Officer, 
agreeable to your desire, to take command of the forces 
belonging to Rhode-Island, but in the present critical junc- 
ture it is utterly out of my power to comply with your 
request. General Mercer is the only officer who has no 
brigade assigned him; and at a time when we are in con- 
stant expectation of some important movement of the enemy, 
his presence is so necessary here that it cannot possibly be 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


142 


dispensed with. The best expedient that can be fallen 
upon, | presume, would be to give the command to the 
senior officer of the troops till a Brigadier is appointed. 

I have only to add, that I am, with much respect, sir, 


our most obedient servant 
y , Go. WasHINGTON, | 


To the Honourable Nicholas Cooke, Esq. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 9, 1776. 

Srr: Yours of the — instant~is safely come to hand. 
Colonel Seymour arrived yesterday with a few of his men, 
when I sent for and acquainted him it would be impossible 
for me to have his horses remain here. Forage is not to be 
procured ; and if it could, it would only be a great expense, 
without a single advantage arising from it. 

The men are absolutely necessary, till the arrival of the 
new levies. Colonel Seymour is to propose the matter to , 
them this morning, and return me, an answer. We have 
intelligence that may be relied on, of Lord Howe being on 
his passage for this place, with a large fleet and about fifteen 
thousand men, and is hourly expected. By several deserters 
from Staten-Island and the ships of war, whose accounts all 
agree, we learn that General Howe proposes no attempt on 
us till the arrival of this reinforcement, when, it is said, with 
a part of his army he will make a descent on the Jersey side, 
while the fleet and the other part of the army in conjunction, 
attack this city. ‘To oppose this force, in which the Ministry 
put so much confidence, I think it necessary to exert our 
every nerve, and, by defeating their views this campaign, 
be enabled to meet them with double advantage the next. 
Should they think proper to pursue their unwarrantable 
measures, 1 hope the good people of your Colony or State 
will be ready on all occasions to fly to our assistance, if 
needed ; I have a confidence in them, and doubt not they 
will be ready and willing. 

To prevent the enemy from obtaining fresh provisions, is 
a matter highly necessary to be attended to. I am informed 
that there are great quantities on the Islands in the neigh- 
bourhood of New-London, viz: Fisher's, Block, Plumb, 
and Elizabeth Islands, and Martha’s Vineyard ; these are 
accessible to ships of force, and no doubt they will soon be 
on a plundering voyage. I could wish your attention to this 
matter, that the stock might all be removed quite out of 
reach of the enemy. ‘The east end of Long-Island, 1 am 
told, is not less exposed than the others. I think effectual 
steps will be taken in regard to that, as I have had a confer- 
ence with the Convention of this Province, and an order 
has gone out for driving all the stock from the sea-coasts. 

In the conference of a full board of General Officers yester- 
day, it was recommended that I should apply to your Honour 
for the three row-galleys, being now at New-London, or in 
the river, together with as many heavy cannon as you can 
possibly spare; they are what will be much wanted here; 
and if you find it consistent, would beg you to forward them 
on as soon as possible. 

I would not have it understood, from what I have said 
above in regard to the Horse, that I think their coming for- 
ward a wrong step. I think it a step which was highly 
advisable, and am much pleased to see with what cheerful- 
ness and despatch your orders were executed. This body 
of Horse, provided they are well armed with good muskets, 
must always be of greater service, on sudden emergencies to 
throw in succours when called for, than the Militia. 

I have the honour to be, with esteem, sir, your most obe- 


dient humble servant, OW janice 


To Governour Trumbull, of the State of Connecticut. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL WARD. 
New-York, July 9, 1776. 

Str: The enclosed Declaration will show you that Con- 
gress, at length impelled by necessity, have dissolved the 
connexion between the American Colonies and Great Bri- 
tain, and declared them free and independent States; and 
in compliance with their order, I am to request you will cause 
this Declaration to be immediately proclaimed at the head of 
the Continental Regiments in the Massachusetts-Bay. 

It being evident from a variety of concurring circumstances, 
that the British armies mean to direct their most vigorous 
operations this campaign against the State of New-York, to 


143 


penetrate into it by way of the Lakes and the North River, 
and to unite their attacks, the importance of it has induced 
Congress to take further measures for baffling their designs 
and rendering it more secure. You will see by the resolves 
now transmitted, that the Northern Army is to be augmented 
by part of the troops under your command; and I do desire 
that you will immediately detach for that purpose three of 
the fullest regiments forthwith to march to Ticonderoga, or 
such other place as the said Army may be at, and put them- 
selves under the order and directions of the General Officer 
commanding the same. 

You will also perceive that Congress have resolved that 
the arms taken in the Scotch transports should be sent here. 
The President informs me that he has written to the agents 
respecting them; but as I presume they are in your posses- 
sion, or in some of the stores by your order, you will have the 
whole of them forwarded with all possible despatch, in the 
usual route, and with necessary directions. 

Congress have made some alteration in the establishment 
of Chaplains, and advanced their pay, as they have that 
of the Regimental Surgeons, as you will see by their pro- 
ceedings, copies of which in these instances are also trans- 
mitted. ; 

You will be particularly attentive to hastening the march 
of the three regiments, and give proper orders for their route, 
and to the Commissary and Quartermaster, that everything 
necessary for the same may be immediately provided. Their 
aid is much wanted, and may be of the utmost importance. 
When they have marched, you will be pleased to put the 
remaining regiments under the command of the oldest 
Colonel, with such instructions as you may judge necessary, 
and then retire, if it shall be agreeable to you, for the reco- 
very of your health, as I cannot possibly request you longer 
to continue; and wishing you a speedy restoration of it, I 
am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Major-General Ward. 


P.S. I would have you consult with proper persons, 
and some of the members of the General Court, respecting 
the route of the three regiments to be detached to the North- 
ern Army. And if they shall be of opinion, that they may 
probably arrive there as soon if they come to Norwich and 
embark from thence for Albany, I should think that would 
be most preferable, for two reasons: First, it will ease the 
troops of much fatigue; and, secondly, they might, if there 
was a necessity for it, afford succour here as they passed. 
I do not mean to give any direction in the matter; nor do I 
wish this mode to be adopted, unless there appears to be a 
probability of their arriving where they are intended to be 
sent by Congress, as early as if they pursued their march by 
land and across the country. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY. 
New-York, July 9, 1776. 

GentLemen: You will perceive by the enclosed Decla- 
ration, which I have the honour to transmit to you, that 
Congress of late have been employed in deliberating on 
matters of the utmost importance. Impelled by necessity 
and a repetition of injuries insufferable, without the most 
distant prospect of relief, they have asserted the claims of 
the American Colonies to the rights of humanity, and de- 
clared them free and independent States. 

Judging, from a variety of circumstances, that the British 
arms are meant to be directed this campaign against the 
State of New-York to effect its reduction, Congress have 
empowered me to order the three fullest regiments of their 
troops in the Massachusetts-Bay to reinforce our Northern 
Army, as you will see by a copy of their resolve, which I 
have enclosed. I have accordingly, by the advice of my 
General Officers, requested General Ward to detach. them 
with all possible expedition to jom that Army, and prevent 
the fatal and alarming consequences that would result from 
the enemy’s passing the Lakes and making an impression on 
our frontiers. Iam almost morally certain that no attempts 
will be made on the Massachusetts-Bay; and if there should, 
they must prove abortive and ineffectual—the Militia, inde- 
pendent of other troops, being more than competent to all 
the purposes of defensive war. However, should it be deemed 
expedient by your honourable body, Congress have autho 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


144 


rized you to embody and take into pay a number of Militia 
equal to the regiments to be detached. _ 
I have the honour to be, with great respect, gentlemen, 
your most obedient humble servant, 
Go. Wasuineron. 
To the Hon. General Court of Massachusetts-Bay. 


Resolve for sending three Regiments from Massacuvusetts-Bay, to rein-* 
force the Northern Army. 


’ In Congress, July 4, 1776. 
Resolved, That General Washington be empowered, if 
he shall judge it advisable, to order three of the fullest Regi- 
ments stationed in Massachusetts-Bay to be immediately 
marched to Ticonderoga, and that an equal number of the 
Militia of that State be taken into pay, and imbodied for its 
defence, if the Government of Massachusetts-Bay judge it 

necessary. Rosert H. Harrison. 


New-York, July 11, 1776. 

The fourth instant was rendered remarkable by the most 
important event that ever happened to the American Colo- 
nies ; an event which will doubtless be celebrated through 
a long succession of future ages, by anniversary commemora- 
tions, and be considered as a grand era in the history of the 
American States. On this auspicious day, the Representa- 
tives of the Thirteen United Colonies, by the providence of 
God, unanimously agreed to, and voted a Proclamation, 
declaring the said Colonies free and independent States, 
which was proclaimed at the State-House, in Philadelphia, 
on Monday last, and received with joyful acclamations. 
Copies were also distributed to all the United Colonies. On 
Tuesday last, it was read at the head of each Brigade of the 
Continental Army posted at and near New-York, and every- 
where received with loud huzzas, and the utmost demon- 
strations of joy. 

The same evening, the equestrian statue of George IIL., 
which Tory pride and folly raised in the year 1770, was, by 
the sons of freedom, laid prostrate in the dirt, the just desert 
of an ungrateful tyrant! The lead wherewith this monu- 
ment was made is to be run into bullets, to assimilate with 
the brain of our infatuated adversaries, who, to gain a pep- 
percorn, have lost an empire.* 


DUTCHESS COUNTY (NEW-YORK ) COMMITTEE. 


In General Committee, 
Dutchess County, July 9, 1776. 


This is to certify, that John R. Livingston proved to the 
satisfaction of this Committee, by his own affidavit and the 
affidavits of the principal millwright and principal manufac- 
turer, that his Powder-Mill in this County was completed 
before the 20th day of May last, and that the quantity of 
one thousand pounds of good merchantable gunpowder was 
manufactured at the said mill in one week, or seven days 
successively. By order of the Committee: 

Ecsert Benson, Chairman. 


GOVERNOUR ‘SRUMBULL TO CAPTAIN SHAW. 
Lebanon, July 9, 1776. 
Sir: On receipt of this, you are desired to prepare and 
forthwith transmit to me a particular account of the cannon 
left at New-London by Commodore Hopkins, their num- 
ber, size, bore, and weight, how they are disposed of, and 
where to be found at this time; also, an account of the other 
cannon at New-London belonging to the Colony, their num- 
ber, size, bore, and weight; particularly distinguished from 
those brought in by Commodore Hopkins. There is high 
probability that the fortifications building at the harbour of 
New-London will be at Continental expense. I thank you 
for yours of yesterday. The law has made provision for the 
supply of Captain Richard Deshon. ‘The arms you im- 
ported may be purchased by the Selectmen, and paid by 
order to the Pay-Table for that end. 
From your humble servant, Jonatruan TRrumBULL. 


To Captain Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., New-London. 


P.S. Please send me also, by itself, an account of the 
stores left by the Commodore, and how we are provided for 
necessaries for the cannon, shot, &c. 

* Lord Clare, in the House of Commons, declared that a pepper- 


corn, in acknowledgment of Britain’s right to tax “merica, was of more 
importance than millions without it. 


145 


WILLIAM HILLHOUSE TO NATHANIEL SHAW. 
Lebanon, July 9, 1776. 
Sir: The Colony arms to be divided among the towns 
that I spoke to you about. New-London’s share is seven- 
teen, which may be had at Captain Braznard’s, at Hadam. 
Mr. Hosmer, I suppose, has given orders accordingly. 
I am, sir, your humble servant, Ww. Hittuouse. 


To Mr. Nathaniel Shaw. 


— 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Lebanon, July 9, 1776. 

Sir: The small-pox in our northern Army carries with 
it a much greater dread than our enemies. Our men dare 
to face them, but are not willing to go into a Hospital. I 
wish to have every precaution taken to prevent the spread 
of that infection. Surely, by care and good discipline, the 
infected may be cleansed, and a stop put to its progress. 
To promote this design, and afford every assistance in my 
power, I have sent up Major John Ely,a gentleman skilled 
in that distemper, whose fidelity may be relied on, to con- 
sult and assist in the matter. I shall cooperate in every 
measure tending to the security of the rights of the Colonies. 
The two battalions from this Colony will come on soon; 
beg they may be preserved from the infection. ‘The two 
companies of ship carpenters will begin their march the 
beginning of this week. One meets at Middletown this day. 
I have written you by Captain Winslow. Captain Lester 
will follow soon. Do not doubt you will find both, with 
their companies, skilful workmen, and answerable to your 
expectations. They bring their tools. Neither of the 
head workmen, and but few of the others, have had the 
small-pox. 

I am, with great truth and regard, sir, your obedient hum- 
ble servant, JONATHAN TRUMBULL. 


To Major-General Schuyler. 


MOSES MORSE TO COMMANDING OFFICER AT CROWN-POINT. 
Worthington, July 9, 1776. 

Sir: I am directed by the General Court of Massachu- 
setts-Bay forthwith to send an express to Head-Quarters at 
Crown-Point, requesting the true state of the Army in that 
department, and the danger that the country is in at present 
from that quarter. Would inform that three thousand men 
are preparing with all expedition to come to the relief of 
that part of the country. Also, fifteen hundred more are 
ordered by the Continental Congress to be raised for that 
department. Boston is become a hospital with the small- 
pox. Also, have enclosed a copy of a resolve for a post- 
rider. Have appointed Joshua Morse, of Worthington, for 
the present. 

Am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Moses Morse. 
To the chief Commanding Officer at Crown-Point. 
«In the House of Representatives, July 6, 1776. 

“Resolved, That Jonathan Brown, Esq., Doctor Moses 
Morse, Mr. Benjamin Guild, Oliver Wendell, Esq., and 
Major Jacob Davis, be a Committee to agree with two suit- 
able persons to ride post to Crown-Point once a week until 
the last day of November next; and that the said Post take 
such route as the Committee aforesaid shall think best—the 
said Post to start from and return to Watertown until the 
further orders of this Court. 

“And it is further Resolved, That some person be ap- 
pointed at Watertown by the Committee aforesaid to receive 
and deliver such Letters as shall not be delivered before said 
Post’s arrival at Watertown; and that all Letters to or from 
any persons in the Army be carried free of charge. 

“Sent up for concurrence. 

. “Wittiam Cooper, Speaker pro tem. 

“Ix Councit, July 6, 1776: Read and concurred. 

“Joun Avery, Deputy Secretary. 

“Consented to by the major part of the Council. 

“A true copy: Attest: Joun Avery, Dep. Sec. 


“N. B. Letters to be received and delivered at Mr. 
Stephen Harris’s, near Watertown Bridge, and at Captain 
Nathaniel Daniels’s, in Worthington.” | 


Firta Series.—Vot. I, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


146 


PETITION OF THE INHABITANTS OF TRURO, MASSACHUSETTS, 


To the Honourable the Council and House of Representa- 
ties of the Colony of the Massacuuserts-Bay in Ge- 
neral Court assembled at Warerrown, July 9, 1776, the 
Petition and Memorial of the subscribers humbly show: 


At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Truro, 
legally warned, and held on the 9th of July, 1776, moved 
and voted, that Israel Gross, Reuben Higgins, and Sylvanus 
Snow, be a Committee to draft a petition to the honourable 
Council and House of Representatives for an easement of 
our Colony taxes; which is as followeth: 

We, your petitioners, do humbly address your Honours to 
take into your wise consideration the many difficulties your 
petitioners at this time feel and Jabour under. 

Firstly. The sandy and lightness of our soil, which is 
much blown over to sand, does not afford more than 
half a sufficient supply to support our inhabitants; and as 
Cape-Cod harbour is open to the enemy, and no convenient 
harbour in this town, we are at a great expense in trans- 
porting the most of our necessaries from other places. 

Secondly. The enormous loss we sustain by being re- 
strained from our whale and cod fishery, which was our 
greatest support, besides a dormant and wasting substance 
of our vessels. 

Thirdly. The exposed situation we are in to our unnatural 
enemies; as this town is a narrow neck of land, not short 
of twelve miles in length, and from a mile and a half to a half 
mile in breadth, and makes one side of Cape-Cod harbour, 
where the enemy may anchor in safety, and land and rob 
us of our stock, burn our buildings, and retreat off, before we 
can be reinforced from our neighbouring towns. 

Fourthly. And that by reason of our distressed situation, 
from four years taxes our constables cannot gather enough 
to support our reverend pastor; as we were ever willing to 
pay the first money collected into the Province treasury, 
and left the town treasury empty; for which reason our 
schools, for six months past, have entirely ceased, and many 
of our necessary town charges remain unpaid; besides a 
great number of poor families, widows, and fatherless chil- 
dren, depend on the charity of the town; and although the 
greatest part of our men have gone into the war, yet we 
expect they will bring but little to support their families, by 
reason of extraordinary expenses. All of which your peti- 
tioners think it our indispensable duty not to conceal, but 
humbly to present it to this honourable Court, praying that 
your Honours, by taking our hard lot into your most serious 
consideration, would be pleased, so far to consider us as to 
cause an easement in our Colony taxes ; and your petitioners, 
as in duty bound, will ever pray. 

By order of the Committee: 

IsraEL Gross, Chairman. 


COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS TO GENERAL WARD. 
Watertown, July 9, 1776. 

Sir: The Board was this day informed that you had 
given liberty to a number of Continental troops now sta- 
tioned at Winter-Hill, to receive the small-pox by inocu- 
lation. ‘The Board are unwilling to credit such a report, as 
there is an act of this Colony prohibiting inoculation except 
in the town of Boston. ‘They therefore request, if you 
have given out any such orders, that you would immediately 
recall them, that the good people of Medford, &c., may be 
relieved of their apprehensions; and desire your Honour 
would not permit any of the troops under your command 
to receive the small-pox by inoculation, in any other town 
except the town of Boston. 


To the Honourable Artemas Ward, Esq. 


GENERAL WARD TO COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
Boston, July 9, 1776. 

Sm: I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your favour 
of this day; and in answer thereto, say, there is no Conti- 
nental troops at or near Winter-HMill, except a guard at the 
powder magazine, and they have all had the small-pox. 

Yesterday the Selectmen of Medford applied to me for 
leave to make use of one of the barracks at or near Winter- 
Hill for a small-pox hospital, the small-pox having broken 
out in said town. I gave them leave to take some of them 


10 


147 


for that purpose. I thought then, and I think now, I had 
a right so to do. 
I am, sirs, yours, and the honourable Board’s most obe- 


dient and very humble servant 
y ? Artemas Warp. 


To the Honourable John Avery. 


BARNSTABLE (MASSACHUSETTS) COMMITTEE. 


Messieurs Printers: Please to give the following a 
place in your next, and you will oblige a friend, and help to 
vindicate the injured : 

In the Watertown paper of last Monday, I then being in 
Boston, had the mortification to see a piece most artfully 
dressed up in the form of a Protest,* against the proceedings 
of the town of Barnstable, in a late meeting of theirs, which 
was held to choose a Representative in the room of that 
truly honourable gentleman, lately admitted to the Board. 

These respectable gentlemen (as the protestors are pleased 
to call themselves) have endeavoured to make it appear, by 
their representation of the matter, that the town of Barn- 
stable, in voting not to instruct their Representative, did posi- 
tively give their sentiments as a town against the measure 
of Independency, even if the Congress should see fit to adopt 
it; and that they did thereby absolutely refuse to support 
such a determination, however necessary it may appear to 
the wisdom of the Continent. The subscriber to this, bemg 
an inhabitant of the town of Barnstable, and present at the 
said meeting, humbly requests the candid publick that they 
would for the present suspend their judgment of this matter 
(which, as it has been represented, must appear in the most 
unfavourable light) until such time as an attested copy of 
the above mentioned proceedings can be procured and made 
publick, when he hopes it will appear, not that the late Pro- 
test was designed as a malevolent aspersion of the town, but 
that the representation therein exhibited has not the truth 
for its foundation ; in the mean time, I am the respectable 
protestors’ humble servant, Sturgis Goruam. 

Boston, July 9, 1776. 


JOSEPH OTIS ON THE PROCEEDINGS AT BARNSTABLE. 
Barnstable, July 18, 1776. 

Mr. Epes: By Powers & Willis’s paper of the 11th 
July 1 find an inhabitant of the town of Barnstable greatly 
mortified at a piece in your paper, dressed up in form of a 
Protest, and with a sneer at the persons whose names were 
annexed to the account, ‘“ begging the candid publick to sus- 
pend their judgment.” Who dressed up the piece that gave 
him so much mortification I pretend not tosay. But surely 
he showed but little address in taxing the protestors against 


* We, the subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Barnstable, protest 
against the proceedings of said town, at their meeting held on Tuesday, 
25th of June instant, respecting their giving the Representatives instruc- 
tions with regard to the independency of the Colonies, as it was recom- 
mended to the several towns in this Colony, by way of resolve from 
the honourable House of Representatives: and as a vote was put in 
said meeting, to know whether the town would proceed to give any 
instructions to their Representatives agreeable to the aforesaid recom- 
mendation, which was carried in the negative. And judging it to be our 
duty to protest against said vote, we do it for the following reason: we 
think such a measure as proposed in said resolve to be the most salu- 
tary that can be gone into for the safety and well-being of the Colonies 
under our present oppressed situation. And as it is the duty of every 
individual to give his voice in favour of the aforesaid recommendation, 
in case the honourable Continental Congress see cause to declare these 
Colonies entirely independent, we are ready and willing to stand by 
such a declaration (if it should take place) to the uttermost of our power, 
with our lives and estates. And being very unwilling that the aforesaid 
vote should be passed over in silence, for fear of offending our own 
consciences in being thought to acquiesce in so strange a vote of the 
‘town, and of offending our countrymen and brethren in other towns who 
may go into contrary measures, entirely abhorring any principles but 
what are for the good of the United Colonies of America, and detesting 
‘those arguments brought by some men in said meeting to dissuade the 
:people from complying with said recommendation, we take this method 
-of letting the publick know our dissent from the aforesaid proceedings 
sof the town, having no other way to make our sentiments known. 

We request that this Protest may be entered in the Town-book, to let 
posterity know that there were a few in this town who dared to stand 
‘forth in favour of an injured and oppressed country, treated with every 
‘species of wickedness used by tyranny to enslave mankind; and itis a 
matter of great grief to us that the cause of liberty is treated with such 
untleaty by some of the inhabitants of the town of Barnstable. 

oseph Otis, Nathan Bassett, Cornelius Lovell, 
Thomas Annable, David Smith, Seth Lathrop, 
Benjamin Smith, Job Howland, Benoni Crocker, 
Zaccheus Howland, James Davis, John Bliss, 
Joseph Jenkins, Nathaniel Howland, Edmund Hawes, 
‘Benjamin Smith, | Ebenezer Lathrop, John Russel, 
Freeman Parker, Binney Baker, Charles Conant. 
John Crocker, Jun., Jonathan Hallet, 


‘BARNSTABLE, June 26, 1776. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


148 


a proceeding of a town meeting with “ artfully misrepresent- 
ing” in an article of intelligence, and which he insinuates 
was a “ malevolent aspersion of their town,” when the pro- 
testors were to a man unacquainted with the piece until it 
appeared in your paper. Nor has he the truth for his foun- 
dation when he says the “ protestors call themselves respect- 
able gentlemen,” for, in truth, the protestors have hitherto 
been silent, and the paragraph in your paper only styles 
them “respectable inhabitants.” An unfortunate advocate 
for truth and candour this, to appear in the first part of his 
performance destitute of both. I pronounce the account of 
our town meeting neither true nor false, nor do I determine 
whether, all circumstances considered, a negative upon the 
question of instructing relative to Independence was a nega- 
tive upon the question of Independence ; though if the infer- 
ence was natural, it was unavoidable. The account of our 
town meeting in your paper “had the truth for its founda- 
tion ;” but if the question was mistaken, or even “artfully” 
stated, I see not how the protestors are responsible. Asa 
protestor, an inhabitant of Barnstable, and one at the meet- 
ing, I join issue with this “ mortified” young man, state facts, 
and leave the publick to draw their inferences. 

_ After it was debated largely whether the town would 
give any instructions to their Representatives, the question 
was put by yeas and nays. Thirty appeared for instructing, 
thirty-five against it. There was a long debate about de- 
claring independency. One said “it was downright rebel- 
lion ;” another, a staunch friend of Governour Hutchinson, 
said “our trade was as free as if we were independent ;” and 
these were violently against the motion. And such-like 
weighty arguments, I suppose, obtained a majority against 
instructing, of which number our quandam Captain under 
Governour Hutchinson was one. The protestors, | am sure, 
for one, were far from rejoicing that the vote was carried as 
it was, and am as certain they have no desire of aspersing 
the town ; though if exculpating themselves and stating facts 
“mortifies a part of the town, and our candid sneerer at the 
protestors amongst the rest, I am little solicitous about that 
consequence. I have no wish to set the town in a less repu- 
table light. It is my opinion, if a certain party had not, by 
their boisterous, illiberal behaviour, intimidated the major part 
not to act, (for of one hundred and forty voters at the meeting 
sixty-five only voted upon the question,) the question would 
have been carried in favour of instructing, and the town 
would have saved its credit, at least in this affair. 

The unprovoked attack upon me and the protestors has 
drawn me into the view of the publick upon this occasion, 
supposing my silence would be deemed a tacit acknowledg- 
ment of wrong, which is all my inducement to answer ; for 
the sneers of a little emissary of a desperate cabal are as con- 
temptible as their unremitting malice and abuse; happy in 
conscious integrity, though the love of my country and my 
efforts in her service have opened upon me the throats of 
deep-mouthed mastiffs, as well as occasioned the barking of 
lesser curs. This unprovoked attack will, I hope, apologize 
for publishing the Protest as it was hastily drawn up; and 
submitting to the judgment of an impartial publick, Iam 
their humble servant, JosEPH Ortts. 


Salem, July 9, 1776. 

On Wednesday last, was taken and sent into Cape-Ann, 
by the Yankey privateer sloop, in the Continental service, 
(lately fitted out at Boston, to cruise against the unnatural 
enemies of America,) commanded by Captain Henry John- 
son, the ship Creighton, Ross, master, about three 
hundred and fifty tons burden. She was bound from Antigua 
to Boston, and has on board a cargo of four hundred pun- 
cheons of rum. 

Same day, was also sent in by Captain Johnson, the ship 
Zechariah Baily, , master, four hundred and 
fifty tons burden, with a cargo of rum, sugar, spices, pepper, 
cotton, &c. She was taken about a fortnight ago, on her 
passage from Jamaica to London. 'This ship was a lettgr- 
of-marque of twenty-four guns last war. 

When the above ships parted with the Yankey, she was 
in chase of several other vessels. 


COMMITTEE OF MACHIAS TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY. 
Machias, July 9, 1776. 

We, the Committee of Safety for Machias, beg leave to 

acquaint your Honours, that on Saturday last came into 


149 


our harbour the Viper sloop-of-war, and she has taken five 
fishing vessels, two of which had about one hundred quin- 
tals of fish each; all of which vessels were taken as they 
were passing by our harbour, bound home; and said man- 
of-war, after tarrying here two days, sailed for Annapolis 
Royal, with her prizes, where the ship Merlin, of eighteen 
guns, lies, there to fix out one or two of the schooners for 
tenders, to cruise upon this shore for three months, to 
pick up every vessel that passes. Her station, as we 
are informed by Mr. Ralph Hacock, is from Mount Desert 
to Granmenan. Mr. Hacock was master of one of the 
vessels taken, owned in this place, and the Captain of the 
Viper gave him leave to come on shore, by his pleading 
the great necessity of his family; and Mr. Hacock gives 
further information that the Viper mounts ten guns, six- 
pounders, and twenty swivels, and has one hundred and 
thirty men; but have been on two-thirds allowance all their 
cruise. We would inform your Honours, that bad the 
Machias privateers been here, we should have tried to have 
taken the Viper; but being destitute of any such assistance, 
we lie almost at the mercy of our enemies. If we cannot 
pass with our vessels, we can maintain our families but a 
short time in this place. ‘Therefore, we beg that your 
Honours would take our difficult circumstances into your 
consideration, and grant us such relief as you in your wis- 
dom shall think proper; and we, the Committee, as in duty 
bound, will ever pray. 
By order of the Committee: 
Bensamin Foster, Chairman. 


To the Hon. Council and the Hon. House of Representa- 
tives for the Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay. 


THOMAS OLIVER TO EDWARD WINSLOW. 
London, July 10, 1776. 

Dear Nep: I received your very obliging letter of the 
23d of May, by Mr. Simpson, with a number of other letters 
returned, which went out from England, directed to me at 
Halifax, or Boston; and Iam much obliged, not only for 
your kind attention to my concerns, but for your early cor- 
respondence, containing a fund of intelligence and entertain- 
ment. 

I wish it were in my power to make you a suitable return, 
by giving you such information as would be new and enter- 
taining; but long, I hope, before this reaches your hands, 
you will have known the great preparations which are 
already made for prosecuting with vigour the American war. 
We hope that these appearances of determination may have 
great effect upon the southern Governments, in bringing 
them to a proper temper of mind for a speedy reconcilia- 
tion; but have not the least expectation of the New-England 
people giving up without real correction. 

At this season of the year, London is more barren of 
interesting events, or any great movements, than Nova- 
Scotia. 

I am glad you did not come over, as I am confident you 
would have been disappointed, entre nous. The application 
from the sufferers in America are like to be so very numerous, 
that I apprehend it will prevent the gratification of any. 
There is scarcely a Province in America which does not 
afford shoals of petitioners hanging about. the Treasury; 
and Administration, however well inclined, are unable to 
answer all the numerous demands. Therefore, my friend, 
I advise you to trust your fortune in the channel you are in. 
If times alter in America, it may alter appearances here. 
I am still in the neighbourhood of London, but mean to get 
into some cheaper part of the country. Colonel Vassal and 
family are well; they will continue in London. I am not 
able to form any conjecture whether I shall succeed in my 
West-India plan, for reasons before mentioned. 

I remain, your affectionate friend, T. Oxiver. 


To Edward Winslow, Esq., Halifax. 


LETTER FROM THE CAMP BEFORE GWIN’S ISLAND, DATED 
suLY 10, 1776. 


Yesterday morning Brigadier-General Lewis, accompa- 
nied by the Colonels Stephens, Woodford, Weedon, and 
Bucknor, arrived here; when a vigorous attack was made 
on the fleet and camp of the enemy. The ships were so 
roughly handled that the Dunmore and several others were 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


150 


in a short time towed off, and the enemy abandoned their 
works, after carrying away all their cannon except a six- 
pounder. We have taken the Lady Charlotte tender, with 
three guns, a very fine schooner, and a pilot-boat, which they 
made use of as tenders. ‘The want of boats prevented our 
seizing many Tories, all their cannon, the greatest part of 
their baggage, and the negroes ; the enemy have burnt sev- 
eral of their vessels, among them a very fine ship, supposed 
to be the Dunmore, which was rendered unfit for sea. His 
Lordship lost his china, by a double-headed shot, and it is 
said he himself was wounded in the leg by a splinter. The 
fleet is driven off without water; and although they have 
plenty of prize flour, there is not a biscuit on board. The 
houses, ovens, and fortifications, which they have begun on 
the Island, plainly prove that they had no intention to leave 
it in so precipitate a manner. All the loss that we sustained 
was in poor Captain Arundel, of the Artillery, who was 
killed by the bursting of a mortar. ‘The officers and sol- 
diers of Colonel Dangerfield’s regiment behaved with great 
bravery. 


PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF THE ATTACK AND ROUT OF LORD 
DUNMORE, WITH HIS PIRATICAL CREW, FROM GWIN’S ISL- 
AND. 

We got to the Island on Monday, the 8th of July, and 
next morning, at eight o’clock, began a furious attack upon 
the enemy’s shipping, camp, and fortifications, from two 
batteries—one of five six and nine-pounders, the other 
mounting two 18-pounders. What forces the enemy had 
were encamped on a point of the Island, nearly opposite 
to our five-gun battery, covered by a battery of four em- 
brasures, and a breastwork of considerable extent. Besides 
this, they had two other batteries, and a stockade fort higher 
up the haven, where troops were stationed to prevent our 
landing. In the haven, were three tenders—one a sloop, 
(the Lady Charlotte,) mounting six carriage-guns, a schooner 
of two carriage-guns, six swivels, and a cohorn, and a pilot- 
boat, badly armed—who had orders from Captain Ham- 
mond, of the Roebuck, to prevent our boats passing over to 
the Island, and to annoy the Rebels by every means in their 
power. | 

General Lewis announced his orders for attacking the 
enemy, by putting a match to the first gun, an 18-pounder, 
himself; and the Dunmore, being the nearest to us, at the 
distance of only four or five hundred yards, the shot passed 
through her hull, and did considerable damage. Our five- 
gun battery likewise began playing on the fleet, the enemy’s 
camp, and works; and the fire soon became so hot, that the 
Dunmore was obliged to cut her cables and haul off, after 
receiving ten shot, some of which raked her fore and aft. 
The Otter lay next to her, and it was expected would have 
taken her birth; but the first shot we gave her took effect, 
supposed between wind and water, as she immediately 
slipped her cable likewise, and hauled out on a careen, 
without firing a gun. By this time, all the fleet any way 
near shore began to slip their cables, in the utmost confu- 
sion; and had the wind set in with a flood tide, we must 
have taken great numbers of them, Our 18-pounders did 
great execution from the upper battery, which raked the 
whole fleet ; and Captain Denny, who commanded the other 
battery, soon silenced the enemy at the point, knocking down 
several tents, which put their camp into great confusion. At 
half after nine, the firing ceased, which was renewed again 
at twelve, with double vigour, from both batteries; and 
nothing prevented our pushing to the Island, during the can- 
nonade, but the want of vessels. 

The General being determined to cross next day, gave 
orders for all the small craft to be collected together from 
the neighbouring creek that night, and two brass field-pieces, 
six-pounders, to be carried to a place called Lower Windmill 
Point, to attack the tender that lay there, and facilitate our 
crossing. Accordingly, in the morning Captain Harrison, 
who had the direction of those field-pieces, began playing 
upon the tenders, which he galled so much that the schooner 
ran up a small creek which made into the Island, where 
the crew abandoned her, and the sloop got aground in reach 
of our cannon; upon which, the General ordered Captain 
Smith, of the Seventh Regiment, with his company, to man 
the canoes and board her, which was done with alacrity. 
However, before our men came up with her, the crew got into. 


151 


their boats, and pushed for the Island; but Captain Smith, 
very prudently passing the tender, pursued them so close, 
that before they could reach the shore, he exchanged a few 
shot with them, and took part of them prisoners. The 
enemy’s lookouts, perceiving our men close upon the lower 
part of the Island, cried out, “The Shirtmen are coming,” and 
scampered off. The pilot-boat made no resistance. 

General Lewis then ordered two hundred men, under 
Colonel McClanahan, to land in the Island; which was per- 
formed as expeditiously as our small vessels would admit of. 
On our arrival, we found the enemy had evacuated the place 
with the greatest precipitation, and were struck with horrour 
at the number of dead bodies, in a state of putrefaction, 
strewed all the way from their battery to Cherry-Point, 
about two miles in Jength, without a shovelful of earth upon 
them ; others gasping for life; and some had crawled to the 
water’s edge, who could only make known their distress by 
beckoning to us. By the small-pox, and other malignant 
disorders which have raged on board the fleet for many months 
past, it is clear they have lost, since their arrival at Gwin’s 
Island, near five hundred souls. I myself counted one 
hundred and thirty graves, or rather holes, loosely covered 
over with earth, close together, many of them large enough 
to hold a corporal’s guard. One, in the middle, was neatly 
done up with turf, and is supposed to contain the remains of 
the late Lord of Gosport. Many were burnt alive in brush 
huts, which, in their confusion, had got on fire. In short, 
such a scene of misery, distress, and cruelty, my eyes never 
beheld ; for which the authors, one may reasonably conclude, 
never can make atonement in this world. 

The enemy left behind them, in their battery, a double 
fortified nine-pounder, a great part of their baggage, with 
several tents and markees, besides the three tenders, with 
their cannon, small arms, &c.; also, the anchors and cables 
of the Dunmore, Otter, and many others, to the amount, it 
is supposed, of twelve or fifteen hundred pounds. On their 
leaving the Island, they burnt some valuable vessels which 
had got aground. Mr. John Grymes’s effects on the Island 
have fallen into our hands, consisting of thirty-five negroes, 
horses, cattle, and furniture. Major Byrd, on the approach 
of our canoes to the Island, was huddled into,a cart, in a 
very sick and low condition, it is said, and carried down to 
Cherry-Point, where he embarked. ‘The second shot the 
Dunmore received cut her boatswain in two, and wounded 
two or three others; and she had scarcely recovered from 
the shock, when a nine-pounder from the lower battery 
entered her quarter, and beat in a large timber, from the 
splinters of which Lord Dunmore got wounded in the legs, 
and had all his valuable china smashed about his ears. It 
is said his Lordship was exceedingly alarmed, and roared 
out, “Good God, that ever I should come to this!” We 
had our information from one of his people that came ashore 
after the engagement, who was taken by our scouts; he 
likewise.said that many were killed in the fleet, which had 
sustained some thousand pounds worth of damage. The 
Fowey and Roebuck were the lowermost ships; besides 
which, there were one hundred and large odd sail of vessels, 
which took their departure on Thursday afternoon, and are 
supposed to have gone into Potomack. In this affair we 
lost not a man but poor Captain Arundel, who was killed 
by the bursting of a mortar of his own invention, although 
the General and all the officers were against his firing it. 
His zeal for the service lost him his life. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED WILLIAMSBURGH, VIRGINIA, 
JuLY 13, 1776. 


A battery of two eighteen-pounders was opened on the 
enemy’s fleet on Tuesday morning, whilst another of four 
nine-pounders played on their works and camp on G'win’s 
Island. Ina short time, the whole fleet was forced to tow 
out of reach of the battery; their fire ceased after a few 
rounds; their camp was thrown into confusion; and in the 
night, before we could procure boats to carry over our men, 
they removed all their tents except one, their cannon except 
one, and all their stores, &c. There were three tenders in 
the haven, which attempted to prevent our passage. Their 
works were still manned, as if they meant to dispute their 
ground; but as soon as our soldiers put off in a few canoes, 
they retreated precipitately to their ships. The tenders fell 
into our hands; one they set on fire, but our people boarded 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


152 


it and extinguished the flames. The enemy burnt two small 
vessels, and the night following, a very large ship, supposed 
to be the Dunmore, for she was very much damaged, having 
received four eighteen-pound shot through her sides, and a 
double-headed one through her stern, which raked her. Her 
mate was killed, a sailor had his arm taken off, and Lord 
Dunmore had his leg wounded by this shot. The fleet has 
sailed from the Island, which we are in quiet possession of. 
From their works, and preparations for others, and stock 
of cattle left on the Island, it is evident they left it much 
against their inclination, and long before they expected it. 
We found one hundred and fifty graves and twelve dead 
negroes lying in the open air. They have had a dreadful 
fever amongst them, and the small-pox. I wish our Army 
may not catch the infection. The Roebuck was at the 
mouth of Rappahannock. The Fowey and Otter did not 
choose to come to the assistance of the Dunmore, which, 
unfortunately for her, had changed stations with the Otter, 
and by this means came into the jaws of our battery, which 
was concealed. We did not lose a man. 


LIST OF SHIPS IN LORD DUNMORE’S FLEET, JULY 10, 1776. 

Roebuck, a forty-four-gun ship, Commodore Hammond com- 
mander. 

Fowey, a twenty-gun ship, Captain Montagu commander. 

Otter, a ten-gun sloop of war, Captan Squzres commander. 

Dunmore, a frigate-built ship, mounting four six-pounders on 
one side. 

William, a ship with two four-pounders of a side, a part of 
the 14th Regiment on board. 

Anna, a ship, barricadoed, with a part of the 14th Regiment 
on board. 

Dun Lace, a ship, occupied by the Queen’s Loyals, a regi- 
ment of ditto raising. 

Grace, a ship belonging to and occupied by Mr. Fleming and 
family. 

Deen a store-ship, in which Governour Eden has taken a 
passage. 

Brigantine Fincastle, belonging to and occupied by Neel 
Jamieson. 

Brigantine Dolphin, belonging to and occupied by Hector 
McAlister. 

Brigantine Maria, occupied by John Allason and family. 

Brigantine Fanny, occupied by Dr. Mc Caa and family. 

Brigantine Betsey, occupied by Captain Boynoe and family. 


Ditto, occupied by Doctor Coakley and family, 
sometimes with negroes. 
Ditto, | occupied by Mr. Feener and family. 


A Spanish snow, prizemaster, supercargo, captain, and crew, 
on board. 

Brigantine Helena, belonging to Roger Steuart, occupied as 
a prison for prisoners. 

Brigantine William and Charles, from Barbadoes, on board 
three hundred hogsheads rum and one hundred hogsheads 
sugar, sent in by the Governour of Barbadoes to Sir Peter 
Parker. 

Snow Unicorn, on board of which is blacksmith’s shop. 

Brigantine Hammond, occupied by Mr. John Hunter and Mr. 
Sprowles’s family. 

Schooner Thomas, occupied by William Calderhead and 
family. 

aes Charlotte, occupied by William Hargisdes and 
family. 

Sloop Campbell, occupied by Mr. Farmer and family. 

Sloop Peace and Plenty, belonging to and occupied by Mr. 
Eilbeck. 

Sloop Lady Augusta, belonging to and occupied by Captain 
Lowes. 

Sloop Lady Gower, a tender, John Wilkie commander. 

Sloop Lady Stanly, a tender, William Younghusband com- 
mander. 

Sloop Lady Susan, a tender, Briger Goodrich commander. 

Schooner Gage, a tender, belonging to the Roebuck. 

Sloop Fincastle, of twelve guns, belonging to the Otter. 

Sloop Lady Gage, a tender, belonging to the Fowey. 

Seven sloops, occupied by Messrs. Spedden and Goodrich’s 
families. 

Two schooners, occupied by John Brown and family. 

Ship Logan, belonging to and occupied by Mr. Logan and 
family. | 


153 


Sloop John Grimes, occupied by said Grimes and some 
dragoons. 
Most of the other vessels are small craft, and occupied by 
tradespeople and negroes—vessels that are not fit to go to 
sea. The Lively frigate cruising off the Capes. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety, Annapolis. 


EDWARD TILLARD TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 10, 1776. 
Gentiemen: I have nearly raised my thirty men, as 
directed by my warrant, and I believe the Lieutenants and 
Ensigns are in a fair way of raising theirs; but they have 
but few or no firelocks fit for service among them. If you 
have none ready, I am told Mr. Stephen West hath some 
very good ones, which I do not doubt may be procured for 
the service. 1 would willingly have firelocks put into the 
hands of these men that could be depended on, and if you 
think proper to give me an order I will go and secure them, 
and fit out my company as soon as completed. Iam told 
his price is six pounds currency apiece. 
Iam, gentlemen, your obedient servant, 
Epwarp Titvarp. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH. 
[No. 14.] Annapolis, July 10, 1776. 

Sir: We have four hundred and fifty yards of country 
linen cloth fit for making tents, and want a man from Balti- 
more immediately to make itup. We shall be much obliged 
to you if you will send us such a person down without delay, 
as the service will be greatly forwarded by it. If a person 
can be got to make it up in Baltimore it shall be sent to 
you on notice immediately. We are, &c. 


To Mr. Jesse Hollingsworth. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO SMYTH, HANDS, AND 
NICHOLSON. 
[No. 15.] Annapolis, July 10, 1776. 
GentiemeNn: Do you know of any one who will engage 
in the tent-making business for the Province? Pray inform 
us immediately, and as soon as the wagons arrive from 
below, advise us of it. We are, &c. 


To Messrs. Smyth, Hands, and Nicholson. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GENERAL BUCHANAN. 
{No. 16.] Annapolis, July 10, 1776. 

Sir: There is an indispensable necessity that the Militia 
for the Flying-Camp should be provided as soon as they are 
raised with cartouch-boxes; but as this cannot be accom- 
plished in proper time, without a return of those which were 
delivered the Militia in your district when the Otter sloop- 
of-war was up the bay, there not being a sufficient quantity 
without them, we desire you will immediately collect and 
return them to the magazine in this city, or Baltimore town. 
The service requires the utmost expedition in this matter, 
and will not admit of a moment’s delay. We are, &c. 
To Brigadier-General Buchanan. 


[Copies of the above letter sent to Colonels A. Hall, 
Bond, Dorsey, and Rumsey.| 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO EDWARD PARKER. 
[No. 17.] Annapolis, July 10, 1776. 

Sir: The service requires an immediate supply of linen 
cloth fit for making tents. The encouragement you have 
met with, and still may expect to meet, together with the 
punctuality hitherto shown by you, induces us to think you 
will exert your utmost endeavours to bring in as great a 
quantity of that sort, and in as small a space of time, as lies 
in your power. We are, &c. 


To Mr. Edward Parker. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO-AMOS GARRETT. 
[No. 18.] Annapolis, July 10, 1776. 
Sir: We request you will exert yourselves in supplying 
us with bayonets; they are much wanted for our Militia of 
the Flying-Camp. We are, &c. 


To Mr. Amos Garrett. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


154 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO STEPHEN STEWART. 
[No. 19.] Annapolis, July 10, 1776. 

Sir: We are in great want of tents. Can your sailmaker 
engage in that business for us? We are, &c. 


To Mr. Stephen Stewart. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JOHN ARCHER AND JAMES 
HARRIS. 
[No. 20.] Annapolis, July 10, 1776. 

GrntLemen: You are by obligation bound to pay three 
hundred pounds borrowed of the Province, in linen; one-third 
thereof by the Ist of June, one-third by the Ist of Septem- 
ber, and the residue by the Ist of December, in such sizes as 
should be wanted by this Colony. The publick service re- 
quires linen of about a six hundred, or coarser, fit for tenting, 
or tow linen wove thick, as our troops must very shortly 
take the field. 

We have that confidence in your publick spirit, and ardour 
to serve your country, that you will, as soon as possible, 
furnish us with what quantity you can, as some of our coun- 
trymen may be too fatally exposed to the inclemency of the 
weather without it. We are, &c. 


To Messrs. John Archer and James Harris. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO RICHARD DALLAM. 
[No. 21.] Annapolis, July 10, 1776. 

Sir: The regular forces were ordered by Convention to 
march from Annapolis and Baltimore, and an equal number 
of the Militia to be raised for the Flying-Camp, were directed, 
when raised, to supply their places. 

You must be sensible that all the arms we can procure 
in the publick way will be immediately wanted; therefore 
send what you have already made, and all you can make, 
down to Gerrard Hopkins, the Commissary of Stores at 
Baltimore. 

It will be necessary that the barrels should be proved ; 
the common proof is the weight of the ball in powder, and 
one ball; this may be done before Mr. John Rumsey and 
Doctor Thomas Andrews, or either of them, and a certificate 
taken thereof, as also of their delivery to the Commissary, 
unless you incline to have them proved before Captain 
Smith, in Baltimore. We are, &c. 


To Mr. Richard Dallam. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO WILLIAM WHETCROFT. 
[No. 22.] Annapolis, July 10, 1776. 

Sir: The Council of Safety have been informed that you 
have a servant who understands the business of tent-making ; 
if so, and you are desirous of having him employed in that 
business, we will immediately set him to work, and find em- 
ployment for him for some time. We are, &c. 


To Mr. William Whetcroft. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL DORSEY. 
[No. 23.] Annapolis, July 10, 1776. 

Sir: The regular forces in the pay of this Province leave 
this city this evening; the sooner, therefore, the company 
you are to send get here, the better. It will be proper, 
under the resolves of the Convention, that three companies 
of our neighbouring Militia should be stationed in Annapolis, 
until the places of the regular troops ordered from hence 
can be supplied by the Militia to be raised for the Flying- 
Camp. When Colonel John Dorsey was with us, we con- 
ceived that your company of Militia might be discharged 
when the company of Militia raised on Elk-Ridge for the 
Flying-Camp marched here ; but upon further considering 
the resolve, apprehend there may be three companies of 
the neighbouring Militia in this city, until the places of the 
regular troops can be supplied by the Flying-Camp Militia, 
You may rely on it, however, that the company of your 
battalion which comes down shall be relieved as soon as 
possible. 

You must be mistaken in what you wrote about the vote 
of Congress; those only of the Militia that compose the 
Flying-Camp, are to march to Philadelphia, or anywhere 
out of the Province. We are, &c. 


To Colonel Thomas Dorsey. 


155 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COMMITTEE OF HARFORD. 
[No. 24.] Annapolis, July 10, 1776. 

Gentiemen: The publick service requires that all the 
arms purchased by you, or manufactured in Harford under 
your direction, be transmitted to Baltimore town, to Ger- 
rard Hopkins, the Commissary, of whom you will be pleased 
to take a receipt, and transmit to us the number, quality, 
and value of the same. 

We desire you will also furnish us with an account of the 
disposition of the four hundred pounds we heretofore sent 


you. Weare, &c. 
To the Committee of Harford. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN TILLARD. 
[No. 26.] Annapolis, July 10, 1776. 

Sir: We are glad to hear you and your officers are so 
forward in raising your company, as our forces are at present 
much wanted. ‘L'hough it will be difficult to procure fire- 
locks for all the men, yet we cannot agree to give so great 
a price as six pounds currency apiece. We have got very 
good at four pounds and a crown, but would on this occa- 
sion willingly advance as far as four pounds ten for such as 
are good and serviceable, fixed with bayonets. 

We are, &c. 


To Captain Edward Tillard. 


Annapolis, Maryland, July 11, 1776. 
Yesterday evening six companies of the First Battalion of 
Maryland Troops, stationed in this city, and commanded by 
Colonel Wiliam Smallwood, embarked for the head of Elk, 
in high spirits, and three companies of the same battalion, 
stationed in Baltimore town, embarked yesterday morning 
for the same place; from thence they are to proceed to 


Philadelphia. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 10, 1776. 


Sir: The enclosed letter from Mr. Ephraim Anderson, 
I am directed to transmit by order of Congress. As Mr. 
Anderson appears to be an ingenious man, and proposes to 
destroy the Britzsh fleet at New-York, the Congress are 
willing to give him an opportunity of trying the experiment, 
and have therefore thought proper to refer him to you. The 
event only can show whether his scheme is visionary or 
practicable. 

Should it be attended with success, (and the very chance 
of it is sufficient to justify the attempt,) the infinite service 
to the Americun States arising therefrom cannot be described ; 
or should it fail, our situation will be in every respect the 
same as before. 

Many things seem highly probable in speculation which, 
however, cannot be reduced to practice. And on the other 
hand, experiment has shown that many things are extremely 
practicable which our most accurate reasonings had taught 
us to believe were impossible. 

[have the honour to be, sir, with the greatest respect, your 
most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington, at New-York. 


GenTLEMEN: Being anxiously desirous of being service- 
able to my country (in an eminent degree) at this time of 
publick calamity, I am ready immediately to undertake the 
destruction of the British fleet now at New-York. If I 
may be honoured with such directions from this Congress, 
my plan of operation I will communicate to any of the 
Members. of the House for their approbation, convinced of 
the probability of success, and the infinite service such an 
enterprise would be to these States, particularly at this time. 
Shall be glad to execute it at the hazard of my life. An 
enterprise of the same kind I undertook at Quebeck, and 
should undoubtedly have succeeded, had not the enemy had 
intelligence, and stretched a cable across the mouth of their 
harbour, and myself by accident much burnt; but, thank 
God, am recovered perfectly again, and ready to make the 
like attempt. This, or any other appointment: I may be 
honoured with, shall be thankfully received. As men well 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


156 


acquainted with military discipline are much wanting in our 
armies, I would offer myself to the Congress for an appoint- 
ment in that department. Having served in the British Army 
last war, have had greater opportunities of being acquainted 
with the military art than most of our officers are. I shall 
wait the order of the Congress at the Conestoga Wagon, in 
Market Street. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient and most humble 
servant, Eruram ANDERSON, 


Adjutant to 2d Jersey Battalion. 
July 9, 1776. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO WILLIAM PALFREY. 
Philadelphia, July 10, 1776. 

Sir: [am to inform you that Congress, in consideration 
of your zeal and attachment to the liberties of America, have 
thought proper to give you the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel 
in the Continental Army. 

You will please to acquaint me whether General Wash- 
ington has delivered a commission to Mr. Harrison or to 
Mr. Baylor, in consequence of their appointments. If he 
has, I will forward one to you; but if they have not received 
commissions, you will in that case, like them, take your rank 
without a commission. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and very 


humble servant i 
; Joun Hancock, President. 


To William Palfrey, Esq., Paymaster-General, New-York. 


PETITION OF BENJAMIN FLOWER. 
{July 11, 1776, read, and referred to the Board of War.] 
To the Honourable the Unrrep States or AMERICA: 


The Petition of Bensamin Fiower, Lieutenant in the First 
Battalion of the Associators of the City of PuiLapELPuiA, 
showeth : 

That your petitioner, animated with a just sense of the 
importance of the present contest, was among the first of the 
Associators in the Province of Pennsylvania; that he un- 
derstands that the office of Conductor or Commissary of 
Stores for the Flying-Camp, is vacant; he therefore prays 
your Honours to appoint him to that office, and, as in duty 
bound, he will ever pray, &c., 


Philadelphia, July 10, 1776. 


Bensamin Fiower. 


PETITION OF MAJOR MELCHIOR. 
[July 11, 1776, referred to the Board of War.] 
To the Honourable the Unitep States or AMERICA: 


The Petition of Isaac Mexcutor, late Major of Brigade 
in Canapa, showeth: ' 

That your petitioner is desirous of serving his country in 
the present alarming state of publick affairs, in any station to 
which your Honours may think fit to appoint him. That he 
understands that the offices of Paymaster and Adjutant to 
the Flying-Camp and Militia are both yet vacant; to either 
of which, if your Honours think proper to appoint him, he 
hopes to act in such a manner as to give the fullest satisfac- 
tion. For his conduct in the campaign in Canada, he begs 
leave to refer to the letters of the late General Montgomery 
and of General Schuyler. 

And your petitioner will both fight and pray, &c. 

Isaac Mevcutor. 
Philadelphia, July 10, 1776. 


MARINE COMMITTEE TO CAPTAIN PARKER. 
Philadelphia, July 10, 1776. 

Sir: The brig Despatch, of which you are hereby ap- 
pointed the commander, in the service of the United States 
of America, being now ready for sea, you are to proceed 
immediately on board said brigantine for the port of Bor- 
deaux, in France; and, on your arrival there, deliver the 
despatches given you herewith to Messrs. Samuel and J. H. 
Delap, merchants at that place. You are to consider these 
letters directed to those gentlemen as very important, and 
must deliver them yourself as soon as possible. You must 
have them hung at sea with a heavy weight, ready to throw 
overboard and sink them, in case you should be unfortu- 
nately taken by the enemy; but, to avoid that danger, you 


157 


must make a standing rule to run from every vessel you see 
at sea. The Despatch is well found with plenty of sails, 
rigging, stores, and materials. . You will therefore make 
good use of them, and endeavour to make a short passage 
by a diligent attention to winds and weather, carrying at all 
times as much sail as is proper. ‘ 

The goods we have caused to be shipped on board this 
brig are consigned to Messrs. Delap, to whom you are to 
deliver the same; and when this is done, you must imme- 
diately set about arming the brig with eight or ten four- 

ounder cannon, as many swivels, blunderhusses, cohorns, 
booninal and muskets, as you think proper; but take care 
that the cannon, &c., are of the best and handsomest fit for 
ship’s use. You may, if you think proper, fit her with close 
quarters, and mount some guns in the cabin, steerage, and 
forecastle, or you may mount the whole on deck ; and if she 
will bear more than ten cannon, you may buy them. You 
must procure a suitable quantity of powder and ball for the 
cannon, arms, &c., with cartridges, cartridge-paper, and all 
necessary apparatus thereto. You will complete this busi- 
ness with expedition, and procure the best advice and 
assistance in doing it. Messrs. Delap will recommend you 
to proper people for this purpose, and they will supply you 
with money to pay the cost. You must ship as many sea- 
men as you can possibly get, especially American seamen, 
or those that have been much connected in this country; 
but you are not to confine yourself to these alone. We are 
in want of seamen, and you may bring people of all coun- 
tries or nations that are willing to enter into the American 
service. You must make it known, in the best manner you 
can, that great wages and encouragement is now given to 
seamen in every part of America, both for the publick and 
for merchant service. You are therefore to bring over not 
only sufficient for your own complement, which, as an armed 
vessel, might be thirty to forty, but as many as you can 
conveniently give ship-room to, and you may contract’ with 
them for such reasonable wages as may be satisfactory to 
them. If any masters or mates want passages home, you 
are to accommodate them, free of any charge to them. You 
must lay in sufficient of provisions, and allow each man 
plenty, but suffer no waste. You are to receive from Messrs. 
Delap any goods they may desire to ship, or from any other 
persons goods that Messrs. Delap approve of being shipped 
on board; and when you are ready for departure, you are 
to wait on those gentlemen for their despatches; and when 
you receive the same, with their approbation for your de- 
parture, you are then to make the best of your way back for 
this coast. You know how it is lined with British men-of- 
war at present, and it is not possible for us to say what port 
may be safest by the time you return; but as we expect 
you will be well armed and manned, you need not fear small 
vessels; and by keeping constantly a hand at each mast- 
head to look out, we think you may avoid all large ones, 
especially as we expect the Despatch will be a flyer, and in 
France you may get another complete suit of sails for her ; 
you must therefore put into the first safe port you can, any- 
where in the United States of America, and by the time 
you return you may expect to meet with some of our own 
frigates, galleys, and cruisers. Little Egg-Harbour or Cape 
May will probably be as secure as any other places. 

We deliver you herewith a commission, a list of agents 
for prizes, and the resolves of Congress respecting captures, 
by which you will learn how to conduct yourself in this 
respect; your business, however, is not to cruise, but to 
make quick passages; but if you meet any prizes on your 
return, so much the better, provided you do not lose time in 
seeking them; and in case of capture, you must send them 
in to some of the agents, who will do the needful for all 
concerned. We expect you will be careful of the brig, her 
stores, and materials, diligent in making despatch, both at 
sea and in port, faithful in the discharge of your duty, and 
the moment you reach any port in America, come, or send 
the despatches express to the Committee of Secret Corre- 
spondence. 

We are, sir, your humble servants. 


To Captain Peter Parker. 
P. S. Should you meet Silas Deane, Esq., who lately 


went from this place for Bordeaux, you may consult with 
and be advised and directed by him in all things relative to 
your business with the brig Despatch. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776) 


158 
j 
MARINE COMMITTEE TO MESSRS. DELAP. 
Philadelphia, July 10, 1776. 

GentLemen: You will receive this by the brigantine 
Despatch, Captain Peter Parker, and with it some letters 
for Silas Deane, Esq., which, being of considerable conse- 
quence, we beg you will cause them to be sent or delivered 
to him with the utmost expedition ; and we make no doubt 
he has left his address with you, should he have left Bor- 
deaux. 

You will find herein an invoice and bill of lading for some 
goods we have shipped on board this brig, consigned to you 
for sale. ‘These goods you will please to receive, and make 
the most advantageous sale of them that your market will 
admit. . 

Captain Parker has orders to arm and fit out the Despatch 
in a warlike manner, and we hope you will advise and assist 
him in doing it. You will please to procure him the assist- 
ance of the most skilful persons, tradesmen, &c., for doing 
that business, and supply him with money to purchase can- 
non, swivels, howitzers, muskets, powder, ball, &c. He 
must fit her in a very complete manner, and must have plenty 
of those kinds of stores. He is also to procure as many 
seamen as he possibly can, to come with him in this brigan- 
tine, in which we also pray for your assistance, and that you 
will furnish him with money to pay advance wages for provi- 
sions and a new suit of sails; all which we hope he will 
soon get completed with your assistance. When you have 
paid all charges and expenses relative to this vessel, what- 
ever balance remains from the sale of her cargo, you will 
please to invest in the purchase of some brass field-pieces, six 
and four-pounders, if you can procure them; good soldiers’ 
muskets, gunlocks, powder, or saltpetre ; or, if you cannot 
ship such articles, you may then invest the said balance in 
blankets, and other woollen goods, suitable for wear in a cold 
climate; and whatever you buy, ship on board the said 
brigantine Despatch, for address of the Committee of Secret 
Correspondence, on account and risk of the United States 
of America, and enclose to them an invoice and bill of lading 
for the same. 

It is necessary that Captain Parker make despatch in 
fitting the brigantine and getting her ready for sea, and that 
you also complete your business for her as soon as you can ; 
but she is not to sail until Mr. Deane sends his despatches ; 
for those are the most immediate object of the present voyage. 
Therefore, if Mr. Deane is not at Bordeaux, you will please 
to keep him well informed when the brigantine will be ready 
to return, and the moment his despatches come to your hands, 
deliver them to Captain Parker, with an injunction to sail 
immediately for this coast, agreeable to his orders. Should 
Mr. Deane be in Bordeaux, Captain Parker must be di- 
rected by him entirely in all his proceedings; and if Mr. 
Deane desires any goods to be shipped on board the Despatch, 
they must be received on board. In short, the Captain is 
ordered to receive on board all goods you recommend. 
Therefore, you will please to ship any you may have, or that 
Mr. Deane may order Mr. John Daniel Schweighauser, 
of Nantz, that he may ship any he has for account of this 
Continent. 

We hope you will assist in making it known that great 
wages and encouragement are given to seamen in America, 
and the seamen of every country will be alike welcome. 
We shall have frequent opportunities of addressing you ; and 
remain, gentlemen, your obedient servants. 


To Messrs. Samuel and J. H. Delap. 


CAPITULATION AT THE CEDARS. 
In Congress, July 10, 1776. 

The Committee to whom the cartel between Brigadier- 
General Arnold and Captain Forster, and the several papers 
thereto relating, were committed, having had the same under 
their consideration, and made diligent inquiry into the facts, 
have agreed to the following Report : 

They find that a party of three hundred and ninety Con- 
tinental troops, under the command of Colonel Bedel, was 
posted at the Cedars, about forty-three miles above Montreal; 
that they had there formed some works of defence, the 
greater part of them picketed lines, the rest a breastwork, 
with two field-pieces mounted. 

That on Wednesday, the 15th of May, Colonel Bedel 
received intelligence that a party of the enemy, consisting 


159 


of about six hundred regulars, Canadians, and Indians, were 
on the way to attack his post, and were within nine miles of 


it; that Colonel Bede! thereon set out himself for Montreal, 


to procure a reinforcement, whereupon the command at the 
Cedars devolved on Major Butterfield. 

That on Thursday, a reinforcement, under the command 
of Major Sherburne, marched from Montreal for the Cedars, 
while a larger detachment should be getting ready to pro- 
ceed thither with Brigadier-General Arnold. 

That on Friday, the 19th, the enemy, under the com- 

mand of Captain Forster, invested the post at the Cedars, 
and for two days kept up a loose, scattering fire; that Major 
Butterfield, from the very first, proposed to surrender the 
post, and refused repeated solicitations from his officers and 
men to permit them to sally out on the enemy. 
- That on Sunday afternoon, a flag being sent in by the 
enemy, Major Butterfield agreed to surrender the fort and 
garrison to Captain Forster, capitulating with him (whether 
verbally or in writing, does not appear) that the garrison 
should not be put into the hands of the savages, and that 
their baggage should not be plundered. 

That, at the time of the surrender, the enemy consisted 
of about forty regulars, one hundred Canadians, and five 
hundred Indians, and had no cannon. The garrison had 
sustained no injury from the fire, but the having one man 
wounded; they had twenty rounds of cartridges a man, 
thirty rounds for one field-piece, and five for another, half a 
barrel of gunpowder, fifteen pounds of musket ball, and pro- 
visions sufficient to have lasted them twenty or thirty days. 


Report of the Committee on the Capitulation entered into between General 
Arnoxp and Caplain Forster. 


{Brought in June 17, 1776. Read,and ordered to lie on the table. Recommitted June 
24,1776. Passed July 10.) 


The Committee to whom were recommitted the cartel between Briga- 
dier-General rnold and Captain Forster, for the exchange of prisoners, 
and the several papers relating thereto, have had the same under their 
consideration, and agreed to the following Report: 

Your Committee having proceeded to make inquiry into the facts 
relating to the agreement entered into at St. nn’s, between Brigadier- 
General Arnold and Captain Forster, find a part of them well authenti- 
cated and others not; yet being apprehensive that silence on the part of 
Congress may be construed by some into a ratification of the said 
agreement, they have thought it best to state the same as they appear 
at present, with such resolutions as they will justify if found true, 
reserving final decision till the whole truth shall be accurately inquired 
into and transmitted to Congress. 

Your Committee, on the best information they have been able to 
obtain, find— 

That on the 24th day of May last a party of the enemy, consisting, as 
is said, of about six hundred men, under the command of Captain Fors- 
ter, attacked a post at the Cedars, held by a garrison of three hundred 
and fifty Continental forces, then under the command of Major Butter- 
field. 

That the said post was secured by a stockade sufficient to cover the 
garrison from the enemy’s musketry; that there were mounted therein 
two field-pieces, and that the enemy had no cannon. 

That the said garrison had ammunition and provisions sufficient to 
have lasted them ten days ; that they had reason to expect a reinforce- 
ment in a few days, which, on a requisition from themselves, was 
actually on its way from Montreal; and, moreover, were so near the 
main body of the Army, that they could not doubt being joined by 
detachments from them sufficient to oblige the enemy to retire. 

That the enemy, for two days, kept up only ascattering fire, by which 
not a single man of the garrison was killed or wounded, and that on the 
third day the garrison surrendered themselves prisoners of war, having 
capitulated for the preservation of their own baggage from plunder, an 
that their persons should not be delivered into the hands of the savages. 

That the enemy broke the capitulation, utterly and immediately, on 
their part, plundering the garrison of their baggage, and stripping their 
clothes from their backs, and delivering the prisoners into the hands of 
the savages. 

That they then proceeded against the reinforcement which was on its 
way, consisting of about one hundred and fifty men, under the command 
of Major Sherburne; that Major Sherburne and his party engaged and 
fought them with bravery; but being at length surrounded by numbers 
greatly superior, and informed that the fort and garrison were already 
in the hands of the enemy, they were obliged to surrender themselves 
prisoners of war also, but whether on capitulation or not, your Com- 
mittee are not informed. 

That after they had put themselves into the hands of the enemy, the 
said enemy murdered two of them, butchering the one with tomahawks 
and drowning the other, and left divers others exposed on an island, 
naked and perishing with cold and famine. 

That by this time Brigadier-General rnold, who had been detached 
by Major-General Thomas to relieve the fort at the Cedars, approached, 
and was making dispositions to attack the enemy. 

That Captain Forster thereupon notified General Arnold, that if he 
attacked him, the prisoners (then five hundred in number) would, every 
man of them, be put to death ; and proposing, at the same time, an 
exchange of prisoners. 

It appears that General Arnold was extremely averse to entering on 
any agreement of that kind, and was at length induced to do it by no 
other motive than that of saving the prisoners from cruel and inhuman 
death, threatened in such terms as left no doubt it was to be perpetrated. 

That an agreement was thereupon entered into between Brigadier- 
General rnold and Captain Forster, bearing date at St. Mmn’s, on the 
27th day of May, whereby the said Forster stipulated that he would 
deliver up all the said prisoners, except such as were Canadians, to 
General “rnold, who agreed, on the other part, that so many of equal 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


160 


Major Butterfield knew that a reinforcement was on its way, 
and, moreover, was so near the main body of the Army that 
he could not doubt of being supported by that. 

That immediately on the surrender, the garrison was put 
into the custody of the savages, who plundered them of their 
baggage, and even stripped them of their clothes. 

That Major Sherburne having landed on Monday, the 
20th, at Quinze Chiens, about nine miles from the Cedars, 
and marched on with his party, consisting then of one hun- 
dred men, to within four miles thereof, was there attacked by 
about five hundred of the enemy; that he_ maintained his 
ground about one hour, and then, being constrained to retreat, 
performed the same in good order, receiving and returning 
a constant fire for about forty minutes; when the enemy 
finding means to post advanced parties in such a manner as 
to intercept their further retreat, they also were made pri- 
soners of war. 

That they were immediately put into the custody of the 
savages, carried to where Major Butterfield and his party 
were, and stripped of their baggage and wearing apparel. 
That two of them were put to death that evening; four or 
five others at different times afterwards—one of whom was 
of those who surrendered on capitulation at the Cedars, and 
was killed on the eighth day after that surrender. That 
one was first shot, and while retaining life and sensation, was 
roasted, as was related by one of his companions now in pos- 
session of the savages, who himself saw the fact; and that seve- 
ral others, being worn down by famine and cruelty, were ex- 
posed in an island, naked and perishing with cold and hunger. 


rank and condition should be returned to the enemy of those taken by 
our arms on former occasions; that the prisoners so stipulated to be 
given up to the €nemy were not in the possession of General Arnold, 
nor under his direction, but were at that time distributed through various 
parts of the Continent, under the orders of this House. 

That Captain Forster, in violation of this agreement, also detained a 
considerable number of the prisoners he had thus stipulated to deliver, 
and sent them into the Indian countries, for purposes unknown. 

Whereupon, your Committee have come to the following Resolutions: 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that plundering 
the baggage of the garrison at the Cedars, stripping them of their clothes, 
and delivering the prisoners into the hands of the savages, was a breach 
of the capitulation on the part of the enemy, for which satisfaction ought 
to be demanded. 

Resolved, That the murder of two of the prisoners of war wasa gross and 
barbarous violation of the laws of nature and of nations, for which satis- 
faction should be made by the enemy, by delivering into our hands either 
Captain Forster, or the individuals concerned in committing the murder. 

Resolved, That the agreement entered into at St. 4mn’s was a mere 
sponsion on the part of Brigadier-General rnold, he not being invested 
with powers for the absolute disposal of the Continental prisoners in 
general, and that therefore it is subject to be ratified or annulled at the 
discretion of this House, the sole Representative of the United Colonies. 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that Major Sher- 
burne and his party having fought as men should do, so much of the 
said sponsion as relates to their exchange should be ratified and con- 
firmed by this House, and that an equal number of captives from the 
enemy, of the same rank and condition, should be restored to them, as 
stipulated by the said sponsion. 

Resolved, ‘That it is the opinion of this Committee, that so much of the 
said sponsion as relates to Major Butterfield, and the garrison surrender- 
ing with him, ought not to be ratified, because we should redeem none 
but those who will fight, and because, too, the said sponsion excepted 
the Canadian prisoners, and we will in no case admit a distinction of 
countries among men fighting in the same cause. 

Resolved, therefore, That the said Major Butterfield and garrison should 
still be considered as prisoners of war appertaining to the enemy; but 
as, by the actual murder of two of the prisoners, and the threats at St. 
Ann’s to put the others to death, the enemy are found capable of destroy- 
ing their captives, the said prisoners ought not to be put into their 
hands, but should be permitted to remain in their own country; that, in 
the mean time, they shall not bear arms, nor otherwise act against the 
enemy; but are bound to demean themselves in all things in the manner 
of prisoners of war enlarged on their parole, and to hold themselves 
subject to be recalled by the enemy whenever proper security shall have 
been given that their lives shall be safe. ‘ 

Resolved, That previous to the delivery of the prisoners to be returned 
in lieu of Major Sherburne and those captivated with him, satisfaction be 
required from the enemy for the murder of the two prisoners, by deliver- 
ing into our hands Captain Forster, or the individuals concerned in per- 
petrating that horrid act; and likewise restitution for the plunder at the 
Cedars, taken contrary to the faith of the capitulation; and that till 
such satisfaction and restitution be made, the said prisoners be not 
delivered. : 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that if the enemy 
shall put to death, torture, or otherwise ill treat any of the hostages in 
their hands, or of the Canadians or other prisoners captivated by them 
in the service of the United Colonies, recourse must be had to retalia- 
tion, as the sole means of stopping the progress of human butchery; and 
that for that purpose, punishments of the same kind and degree be in- 
flicted on an equal number of their subjects taken by us, till they shall 
be taught due respect to the violated rights of nations. ; 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that a copy of this 
report be transmitted to the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental 
Forces in Canada, to be by him sent to the British Commander there; 
and that he moreover make further and diligent inquiry into the facts 
therein stated, and such others as may relate to the same subject, and 
return the same, duly authenticated, and with all possible despatch, to 
Congress, for their final decision; and that, in the mean time, the pri- 
soners delivered up by the enemy abstain from bearing arms, or other- 
wise acting against them, 


161 


That while Major Sherburne was in custody of the en- 
emy, Captain Forster required of him and the other officers 
to sign a cartel, stipulating the exchange of themselves and 
their men, for as many of equal condition of the British 
troops in our possession ; and further, that, notwithstanding 
the exchange, neither themselves nor men should ever again 
bear arms against the British Government; and for the 
performance of this, four hostages were to be delivered: 
which they, being under the absolute power of the enemy, 
did sign. é : 

That, on Sunday, the 26th, the prisoners were carried to 
Quinze Chiens, when it was discovered that General Arnold 
was approaching, and making dispositions to attack them. 

That Captain Forster, having desired Major Sherburne to 
attend a flag which he was about to send to General Arnold 
for confirmation of the cartel, carried him into the council of 
the Indians, then sitting, who told him that it was a mercy 
never before shown in their wars, that they had put to death 
so few of the prisoners; but that he must expect, and so 
inform General Arnold, that they should certainly kill every 
man who should thereafter fall into their hands. That 
Captain Forster joined in desiring that this bloody message 
should be delivered to General Arnold, and, moreover, that 
he should be notified, that if he rejected the cartel and 
attacked him, every man of the prisoners should be put to 
instant death. 

That General Arnold was extremely averse from entering 
into any agreement, and was at length induced to do it by 
no other motive than that of saving the prisoners from cruel 
and inhuman death, threatened in such terms as left no doubt 
it was to be perpetrated, and that he did in the end conclude 
it, after several flags received from Captain Forster, and a 
relinquishment by him of the unequal article, restraining our 
soldiers from again bearing arms. 

That the prisoners so stipulated to be given up to the 
enemy, were not in possession of General Arnold, nor under 
his direction, but were at that time distributed through various 
parts of the Continent, under the orders of this House. 

That four hostages were accordingly delivered to Captain 
Forster, who were immediately plundered and stripped by 
the savages; and on his part were delivered one Major, 
four Captains, sixteen subalterns, and three hundred and 
fifty-five privates, as specified in a certificate of Captain 
James Osgood and others, of whom no specification by their 
names or numbers has yet been transmitted; that he retained 
twelve Canadians, alleging, in his justification, express orders 
so to do; and that being in a military Government, they 
were to be considered even in a worse light than deserters 
from his Majesty’s armies. These he carried away in irons, 
but afterwards released. That he permitted the Indians to 
carry into their countries several others, natives of the United 
States, for purposes unknown. 

That during the time of their captivity, not half food was 
allowed the prisoners. ‘They were continually insulted, 
buffeted, and ill-treated by the savages; and when the first 
parties of them were carried off from the shore, to be deliv- 
ered to General Arnold, balls of mud were fired, and at the 
last parties, musket-balls. 

Whereupon, the Congress came to the following Resolu- 
tions: 

Resolved, That all acts contrary to good faith, the laws 
of nature, or the customs of civilized nations, done by the 
officers and soldiers of his Britannick Majesty, or by foreigners 
or savages taken into his service, are to be considered as 
done by his orders, unless indemnification be made in cases 
which admit of indemnification; and in all other cases, unless 
immediate and effective measures be taken by him or his 
officers, for bringing to condign punishment the authors, 
abetters, and perpetrators of the acts. 

Resolved, ‘That the plundering the baggage of the garrison 
at the Cedars, stripping them of their clothes, and delivering 
them into the hands of the savages, was a breach of the 
capitulation on the part of the enemy, for which indemnifi- 
cation ought to be demanded. 

Resolved, That the murder of the prisoners of war was 
a gross and inhuman violation of the laws of nature and 
nations; that condign punishment should be inflicted on the 
authors, abetters, and perpetrators of the same; and that, 
for this purpose, it be required that they be delivered into 
our hands. 


Firth Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


162. 


Resolved, That the agreement entered into by General 
Arnold was a mere sponsion on his part, he not .being 
invested with powers for the disposal of prisoners not in bis 
possession, nor under his direction; and that therefore it is 
subject to be ratified or annulled, at the direction of this House. 

Resolved, That the shameful surrender of the post at the 
Cedars is chargeable on the commanding officer; that such 
other of the prisoners as were taken there showed a willing- 
ness and desire to fight the enemy; and that Major Sher- 
burne, and the prisoners taken with him, though their disparity 
of numbers was great, fought the enemy bravely for a con- 
siderable time, and surrendered but on absolute necessity. 
On which considerations, an'd on which alone, it js 

Resolved, That the said sponsion be ratified, and that an 
equal number of captives from the enemy, of the same rank 
and condition, be restored to them, as stipulated by the said 
sponsion. 

Resolved, That previous to the delivery of the prisoners 
to be returned on our part, the British Commander in 
Canada be required to deliver into our hands the authors, 
abetters, and perpetrators of the horrid murder committed 
on the prisoners, to suffer such punishment as their crime 
deserves; and also to make indemnification for the plunder 
at the Cedars, taken contrary to the faith of the capitulation ; 
and that until such delivery and indemnification be made, 
the said prisoners be not delivered. 

Resolved, That if the enemy shall commit any further 
violences, by putting to death, torturing, or otherwise ill- 
treating the prisoners retained by them, or any of the hos- 
tages put into their hands, recourse be had to retaliation, as 
the sole means of stopping the progress of human butchery ; 
and that for that purpose, punishments of the same kind and 
degree be inflicted on an equal number of the captives from 
them, in our possession, till they shall be taught due respect 
to the violated rights of nations. 

Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing Report and Reso- 
lutions be transmitted to the Commander-in-Chief of the 
Continental Forces, to be by him sent to Generals Howe 
and Burgoyne. 

By order of the Congress : 

Joun Hancock, President. 


Capitulation of Major Burrerrie.n. 
Camp at the Cedars, May 19, 1776. 

Sir: From the message I received from your flag of 
truce, [ am glad to find that my motives for sending to you 
yesterday has had the desired effect. é 

I have again assembled the many chiefs of my Indians, 
and have been so fortunate as to overcome their resolution 
of yesterday after your refusal. 

The disposition of the savages not being long certain, or 
governable to any particular will, to be the better able to 
keep my promises with you, it will be absolutely necessary 
that the fort be delivered up in half an hour after the receiv- 
ing this. 

Your persons and apparel you have on will be secured, 
as proposed yesterday, and the garrison will surrender at 
discretion, 

The artillery, ammunition, batteaus, and stores of every 
kind, to be delivered on good faith to persons appointed for 
that purpose. 

A part of the King’s troops to take possession of the fort 
at the expiration of the appointed time. 

The prisoners will be marched some distance from the 
fort, for their greater security, before the savages will be 
allowed to enter, exclusive of a few chiefs who may insist 
on going with the troops. 

I am, sir, your most obedient, 

Grorce Forster, 
Captain, commanding the King’s Troops. 


To Major Butterfield. 


Articles between Major Surreurne and Captain Forster. 


After the maturest deliberation on the customs and man- 
ners of the savages in war, which I find so opposite and 
contrary to the humane disposition of the British Govern-~ 
ment, and to all civilized nations, and to avoid the inevitable. 
consequences of the savages’ customs in former wars, (which, 


ee 


163 


by their threats and menaces, I find is not changed,) that of 
putting their prisoners to death, to disencumber themselves 
in case of their being attacked by their enemy,—I have, 
therefore, in compliance with the above disposition in Gov- 
ernment, and the dictates of humanity, thought fit to enter 
into the following Articles of Agreement with Major Henry 
Sherburne, and the under-subscribing officers in the name of 
the Power they were employed by, and of the officers and 
soldiers who shall be released by this agreement, whose rank 
and number shall be endorsed on this cartel : 

Ist. That there shall be an exchange of prisoners faith- 
fully made, returning an equal number of his Majesty’s 
troops of the same rank with those released by this agree- 
ment, as soon as possible, within the space of two months, 
allowing a moderate time for casualties that may render the 
performance of this article impracticable. 

2d. That those prisoners taken in opposing Government 
shall not, on any pretext whatsoever, hereafter take up arms 
against the Government of Great Britain. 

3d. That the prisoners shall be conducted with safety, 
and all possible convenience and despatch that circumstances 
will permit, to the south shore of the river St. Lawrence, 
from which they are to repair to St. John’s, and return to 
their own countries immediately, without committing any 
waste or spoil on their march thither, allowing ten or twelve 
to go to Montreal to transact their private affairs. 

4th. That the prisoners so returned shall not, under any 
pretext whatsoever, either in words, writings, or signs, give 
the least information to Government’s enemies, or their ad- 
herents now in arms, in the least prejudicial to his Majesty’s 
service. 

5th. That the batteaus or other conveniences made use 
of to transport the prisoners to the south shore of said river, 
or the necessary people to conduct them, shall return unmo- 
lested. 

6th. That hostages be delivered for the performance of 
these articles to the full, according to the sense and spirit of 
agreement, without any equivocation whatsoever. 

7th. That the security of the subscribers be given to the 
inhabitants for all the waste and spoil committed by the 
detachment under Colonel Bedel, on fair accounts, attested 
and signed, being delivered in, for which the hostages are not 
to be answerable. 

It being our full intention to fulfil the above articles, we 
mutually sign and interchange them, as assurances of per- 
formance. 

Signed at Vaudreuil, this 26th day of May, in the year 
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six. 

By order of Captain George Forster, commanding his 
Majesty’s forces at Vaudreuil. 

AnpDREW Parke, 
Lieutenant in the King’s or 8th Reg. of Foot. 
Henry SHERBURNE. 
Isaac Burrerrievp. 
Tueopore Buss. 
Danret WIxK1ns. 
JOHN STEVENS. 
EBENEZER SULLIVAN. 
Curo. Lormier. 
LesarpDE DE Monrieny. 


Articles between General Arnoip and Captain Forster. 


After the maturest deliberation on the customs and man- 
ners of the savages in war, which I find so opposite and 
contrary to the humane disposition of the Britesh Govern- 
ment, and to all civilized nations, and to avoid the inevitable 
consequences of the savage customs in former wars, (which, 
by their threats and menaces, I find is not changed,) that of 
putting their prisoners to death, to disencumber themselves 
in case of being attacked by their enemy,—I have, therefore, 
in compliance with the above disposition in Government, 
and the dictates of humanity, thought fit to enter into the 
following Articles of Agreement with General Arnold, in the 
name of the Power he is employed by, and of the officers 
and soldiers who shall be released by this agreement, whose 
rank and number shall be endorsed on this cartel :* 

Ist. That there shall be an exchange of prisoners faithfully 
made, returning an equal number of his Majesty troops of 
the same rank with those released by this agreement, as 


* Endorsement—2 Majors, 9 Captains, 20 Subalterns, 443 Privates. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


164 


soon as possible, within the space of two months, allowing 
a moderate time for casualties that may render the perform- 
ance of this article impracticable. 

2d. That the prisoners shall be conducted in safety, with 
all possible convenience and despatch which circumstances 
will admit, to the south shore of the river St. Lawrence, from 
which they are to repair to St. John’s, and return to their 
own country immediately, without committing any waste or 
spoil on their march thither, allowing ten or twelve to go to 
Montreal to transact their private affairs. 

3d. That the prisoners so returned shall not, under any 
pretext whatever, either in words, writing, or signs, give the 
least information to Government enemies, or their adherents 
now in arms, in the least prejudicial to his Majesty’s ser- 
vice. 

4th. That hostages be delivered for the performance of 
articles to the full, according to the sense and spirit of the 
agreement, without any equivocation whatever. 

6th. That the security of the subscribers be given to the 
inhabitants for all the waste and spoil committed by the 
detachment under Colonel Bedel, on fair accounts, attested 
and signed, being delivered, for which the hostages are not 
to be answerable. 

It being our full intention to fulfil the above articles, we 
mutually sign and interchange them as assurances of per- 
formance. 

Given under our hands, this 27th day of May, 1776, at 
Vaudreuil. Georce Forster, 

Captain, commanding King’s Troops. 


St. Ann’s, 27th May. 
Arr. 2d. The prisoners shall be sent to the south shore of 
the river St. Lawrence, within one league of Caughnawaga, 
and from thence to St. John’s, and their own country, except 
twelve, who have liberty to go to Montreal, for which pur- 
pose six days shall be allowed, and hostilities to cease on 
both sides. 
Ath. Four Captains shall be sent to Quebeck as hostages, 
and remain there until prisoners are exchanged. 
6th. The Continental troops, from principle, have ever 
avoided plundering. Upon proof being made of any waste 
committed by Colonel Bedel’s detachment, reparation shall 
be made. B. Arnoxp. 
To George Forster, Captain. 
May 27. 
But if the prisoners can be conducted in less time, this 
truce to cease on the return of the last boats employed on 
this service, on notice given. GrorceE Forster. 
May 27. 
Answer: If Captain Forster will choose to have hos- 
tilities commence in less time than six days, it will be per- 
fectly agreeable to me, provided the time is fixed on, and 
notice given this evening. B. Arnon. 


—— 


Copy of Proceedings of Council of War held in Cuamsty, 
Canapa, May 30, 1776. 
At a Council of War, held at Chambly, May 30, 1776: 
Hon. Brigadier-General Wooster, President. 

Brigadier-Generals: Arnold, Thompson, De Woedtke; 
Colonels: Greaton, Maxwell, Poor, Stark, Campbell, St. 
Clair, Livingston, Porter, Brown, Hazen, Allen, McAufie, 
Gilman. 

Ist. Resolved, That orders be immediately transmitted to 
the Commanding Officer at St. Ann’s to attack the enemy 
at Quinze Chiens, as soon as the time fixed for the cessation 
of hostilities is expired. 

2d. Resolved, That it is necessary that a General Officer 
should take the command of the forces sent to Quinze 
Chiens. 

3d. Resolved, That five hundred men, including those 
ordered this morning, be immediately sent from Montreal to 
St. -Ann’s, and that their place be supplied by the troops 
from St. John’s. 

Ath. Resolved, That, if practicable, it will be for the in- 
terest of the Colonies to keep Canada. ' 

5th. Resolved, That it is not practicable or prudent, under 
our present circumstances, to keep possession of Descham- 
bault. 

Resolved, That the present post now occupied be kept 
for the present by the main body of the Army. 


165 


Montreal, June 2, 1776. 


GentTLEMEN: On my return to this place, I received 
intelligence from Colonel De Haas that the enemy had 
abandoned their post at Quinze Chiens, the 30th ultimo, and 
were seen next morning three miles above the Cedars. On 
their way up they made a precipitate retreat, and left behind 
them a quantity of flour. I repeated my order to Colonel 
De Haas to burn and destroy the town and inhabitants of 
Canassadaga, and afterwards to destroy the fort at S¢. 
Ann’s, and retire to La Chine. Last evening an express 
arrived from him, who advises that on the 31st they received 
intelligence by some Frenchmen that seven hundred Indians 
were arrived at Canassadaga from the upper countries, and 
were on the point of attacking St. Ann’s, on which Colonel 
De Haas called a council of war, which concluded it best 
to retire from the fort. The express came away at three 
o'clock, P. M., and the troops were to leave it immediately 
after. The advice Colonel De Haas received from the 
Frenchmen appears to me very vague and uncertain, neither 
do I believe a single Indian has arrived from above. The 
orders I sent Colonel De Haas were very positive; and how 
he should think of calling a council to determine if he should 
obey them, appears to me very extraordinary. A fatality 
seems to attend every of our enterprises. Enclosed are sun- 
dry depositions respecting the affair at the Cedars. Our 
prisoners are most of them delivered up. I have sent all the 
sick from this to Isle-aux-Noix. Nothing new from below 
since you left us. Our future conduct must be governed by 
advice from that quarter. J am making every possible pre- 
paration to secure our retreat. I have secured six tons of 
lead, ball, and shot. Merchandise or the inhabitants I have 
not as yet taken hold of; I intend it to-morrow. It is im- 
possible to know one hour beforehand the necessary steps to 
be taken. Everything is in the greatest confusion ; not one 
contractor, Commissary, or Quartermaster: I am obliged to 
do the duty of all. 1 wish with all my heart we were out 
of the country. We had much better begin anew, and set 
out right and methodically. 

Enclosed is the list of the prisoners who came into Caugh- 
nawaga, attested by Captain Osgood, who was appointed on 
my part to receive them. They were fired at on their leaving 
Quinze Chiens, and narrowly escaped. Major Sherburne 
will deliver you this, to whom I beg leave to refer you for 
particulars. 

I am, with great esteem and affection, gentlemen, your 
obedient, humble servant, 

B. Arnotp. 


To the Honourable Commissioners of Congress. 


Major Burrerrieip’s Testimony respecting a breach of 
the Convention at the Cepars. 


The savages did plunder the prisoners of almost all their 
clothes, beginning their pillage and plunder the evening we 
surrendered, but plundered us chiefly after Major Sherburne 
was taken. Captain Forster being acquainted with it, said 
it was not in his power to prevent it. 

I believe Captain Forster and the other officers did not 
induce the savages to take any of the prisoners, but exerted 
themselves to redeem and rescue the prisoners out of their 
hands. I did not hear the Indians say that Captain Forster 
promised them all the plunder. Some of the prisoners said 
that they heard some of the Indians say that Captain Forster 
promised them all the plunder. 

As to what number of prisoners the savages have taken 
or murdered, I am under a disadvantage of not knowing, by 
not seeing the last party that came in. They murdered one 
of my party the eighth day after we were taken. Have 
taken with them several young lads, and all the blacks, 
also one young child from one of the women. Of the whole 
number I cannot assert as yet what are killed and carried 
away by them. 

There were nine Canadian soldiers, and one Lieutenant, a 
Canadian. Captain Forster did refuse to exchange them with 
the rest of the prisoners. He said it was not in his power 
to release them, signifying that they were liable to be treated 
"as deserters from the King’s troops by their taking up arms 
against their own military laws and Government. Did 
likewise carry the soldiers away in irons, and the Lieutenant 
with a guard. The number of prisoners taken with me 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


166 


were, according to my best knowledge, three hundred and 
ninety. 
Test: 
Montreal, June, 1776. 


Isaac BuTrTERFIELD. 


Captains Eastasroox’s and Witxins’s Testimony respect- 
ing a breach of Convention at the Cenvars. 


Question 1. How long were you apprised of the approach 
of the enemy before you were attacked? 

Answer. Three days. 

. 2. Did you hear their numbers ? 

A. We heard that there were fifty regulars, and between 
three and four hundred savages; but when the fort was 
given up, we suppose that the enemy consisted of six hun- 
dred in all, including one hundred Canadians. 

Q. 3. Did the Commanding Officer exert himself in get- 
ting provisions into the fort? 

A. He did in procuring flour, but nothing else. 

. 4. How much provision had you when attacked ? 

A. Three barrels of pork, one barrel and a half of beef, 
twenty bushels of meal, besides five or six horses. 

Q. 5. Was any to be got in the neighbourhood ? 

A. None, unless by force. 

. 6. How much ammunition had you for small-arms and 
how much for field-pieces when you capitulated ? 

A. Twenty rounds per man for small-arms, thirty for the 
smallest cannon, five cartridges for the largest, half a barrel 
of powder, and about fifteen pounds of musket-ball. 

. 7. Did not the private soldiers and many of the offi- 
cers beg of Major Butterfield to let them go out and attack 
the enemy? 

A. They did; which he refused. 

Q. 8. How much longer do you think you could have 
held out against the enemy ? 

A. We expected the enemy to make a general attack on 
Sunday night, the same night we gave up; which if they 
had, it is our opinion that we could have defended the fort 
from being taken, and even beat them if we had sallied out 
from the fort upon them. 

Q. 9. Did Major Butterfield seem terrified or not? 

A. He seemed much terrified. 

Q. 10. How were you treated by the enemy after capitu- 
lation ? 

A. Cruelly insulted, and repeatedly stripped of almost 
everything, and several murdered. 

@. 11. How many were murdered, their names and com- 
panies, and for what reason? 

A. Three or four; of their companies, and for what, we 
cannot tell. 

Q. 12. Were you fired upon or any one killed after the 
articles were signed for the exchange of prisoners ? 

A. We were fired at, but none killed. 

. 13. How were the prisoners sent off, and where de- 
livered ? 

A. They began to send off the prisoners the 27th of May, 
and continued till the 31st. Five boat-loads were landed at 
Chateauguai, and the rest at St. Ann’s. 

Q. 14. Did Captain Forster promise plunder to the 
savages ? 

A. He was told by Lyanee, the Interpreter, in Captain 
Eastabrook’s presence, that he had promised all the plunder 
to the savages, and that they should strip the prisoners to 
the skin, which Captain Forster did not deny. 

Dante, Winxins, 
JosepH EasTaBroox. 


Personally appeared before me Captain Joseph Eastabrook 
and Captain Daniel Wilkins, and made solemn oath that the 
foregoing answers to the questions proposed to them, are just 
and true, to the best of their knowledge. 

B. Arnovp, Brigadier-General. 


Montreal, June 2, 1776. 


GrntLemeNn: On the strictest inquiry, I find that Major 
Sherburne has acted with great prudence, spirit, and resolu « 
tion. I beg leave to recommend him as an officer worthy 
of your particular notice ; and am, with great esteem and 
respect, gentlemen, your obedient, humble servant, 

B. Arnoup. 


To the Hon. Samuel Chase and Charles Carroll, Esq., on 
their way to Philadelphia, 


167 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 168 


Captain Nosie’s Company. 


A list of the Prisoners belonging to the Continental Army, ? 
Elice Kinsley, Private. Tristram Storey, Private. 


taken at the Cevars. 


Colonel Beven’s Regiment. 
Captain Oscoon’s Company. 


Captain Asutey’s Company. 
Ebenezer Williams, Private. 


Samuel Fowler, Ist Lieutenant. Ezekiel Eastman, Private. Ts 
John Webster 2d Lieutenant. Wells Burbank do. c a : : 
Chas Hill, —_Ensien. J meas alike a aad. A list of the Prisoners belonging to the Continental Army 
Stephen Webster, Sergeant. Edward Danford, do. taken at Forr Crepars, Canapa. 
Hubbard Carter, do. William Hopkins, do. 5 : 
Benjamin Webster, Corporal. Noah Payne, do. Colonel Bepew’s Regiment. 
Joseph Hardaway, Private. Barnabas Hagatee, _— do. Captain Dantex Winxins’s Company. 
John Hardaway, do. James Murphy, do. Dani pa 5 ie f 
Wathanthnenien da: Joseph Basford, Ho: aniel Wilkins, Captain. Robert Livingston, Private. 
Robinson, do. James Basford do. Roby, Ist Lieutenant. Roger Dutton, do. 
Christopher Hinkley, dat Matthew: Peck, do John Mills, 2d Lieutenant. James Hartshorn, do. 
Chandler Abbot, do. Jeremiah Smith, do. William Bradford, Ensign. Abbot Roby, do. 
Biiog Abbott al Aaron Smith, ee Jabez Holt, Fifer. Shirtherick Wesson, do. 
Philip Abbot, do. William Teahey, ds! Samuel Wood, Private. Thomas Mallady, do. 
Timothy Foss, aes! William Simons, dae George Pearmain, do. Sylvester Wilkins, do. 
Wandervort do. Elisha Speed, aa: Alexander Brown, do. Robert Coffran, do. 
John Carney, : an Ezra Abbott, aan James Harwood, do. Aaron Nichols, do. 
Benjamin Fifield, aa William Cutler, hee Thomas McLeary, do. James Colwell, Sergeant. 
Nathaniel Walker, do. William Fahey, do. John Robbins, do. Robert Campbell, do. 
John Brown, do. Edward Carleton, do. William Hamlet, do. J. Colwell McNeil, do. 
SO ett da. Tahe Beatin dée William Alds, do. Samuel Boyd, Private. 
Cotton, de taeci Spalding, adc. Thomas Stevens, do. Benjamin McAllister, do. 
Nason Cass, do. Richard Pangbourn, do. Joseph Dickey, do. Timothy Martin, do. 
Joseph Cass do: Elisha Spera jn Lareford Gilbert, do. Hugh McKeene, do. 
Taha Smith ; ace Wore Abnoe Ge he Isaac Cartis, do. Jonathan Fifield, | Corporal. 
7 ee nine do: William Guiler do. Reuben Camp, do. Daniel Wilkins, Private. 
S? j Joseph Farrer, do. John Wyley, do. 
Captain CaruisLe’s Company. John Allen, do. Lemuel Curtis, do. 
Joshua White, Private. Isaac Gibbs, Private. oe Brown, do. Stephen Curtis, do. 
John Butler, do. James Wheelock, do. acob Blodget, do. Isaac Stearnes, do. 
David Gibbs, do. Henry Willard do. John Phelps, do. John McClintock, do. 
Thomas Gibbs, do. John Willard, do. James Jewell, do. Obadiah Holt, do. 
Joshua Gibbs, do. Zephaniah Richardson, do. Ephraim Clarke, do. Andrew Wilkins, Corporal. 
James Cochran, do. Joseph Lovejoy, Private. 
Captain Warrs’s Company. Samuel Sternes, Corporal. Jonathan Farnham, do. 
Aaron Johnson, Private. Amos Puffer, Private. Joshua Abbott, do. James Clark, do. 
Oliver Mordock, ao. Joseph Gray, da Henry Glover, Private. Jeremiah Lamson, do. 
Benjamin Hall, do. Amos Flood, do. Josiah Warren, do. Amos Boutal, do. 
Elisha Willis, Corporal. Simeon Puffer, do. Colonel Burreww’s Regiment. 


Captain GreEn’s Company. Captain Downes’s Company. 


Benj. Chamberlin, Ensign. John Roe, Private. David Downes, Captain. Elijah Jackson, Private. 
David Chamberlin, Private. Pearley Rogers, do. Samuel Johnson, Ensign. William Williams, do. 
Joseph Skinner, do. Josiah Hopkins, do. David Ruscoe, Sergeant. James Laughlin, do. 
Abner Chamberlin, — do. Daniel Eustis, do. David Strong, do. Samuel Gray, do. 
Nathaniel Rogers, jr., do. Joseph Dimmer, do. David Randall, Private. Elijah Bennett, do. 
John Morris, do. Aaron Smith, do. David Manning do. Joseph Callcins, do. 
John Evans, do. John Powell, do. James Clary, do. Josiah Hambleton, do. 
Elias Chamberlin, do. Joseph Doty, do. Abner Goodrick, do. 
; i Simon Whitcomb, do. Oliver Crocker, do. 
Colonel Burrew’s Regiment. Faerie McIntire, do. Charles Gillett, do. 
pies a Tichael McGee, do. Amasa Warner, do. 
Captain SterHens’s Company. Rozil Roberts, do. Jehiel Smith, do. 
Phineas Stephens, Private. Joseph A. Tanner, Private. Caleb Jewett, do. Isaac Parsons, aoe 
Benjamin Stevens, — do. Jacob Wheeler, do. W.Guttridge Willar, do. John Hall, jr., do. 
Samuel Simons, do. William Wheeler, do. John Wren, do. Ephraim Toby, do. 
Ephraim Simons, do. Walter Whalen, do. Jonas Knight, do. Simeon Reno, do. 
Jabez Spencer, do. John Waterhouse, do. Redr. Bell, do. Stephen Wilcock, do. 
Amos Shephard, do. Abraham Webster, do. Jacob Marsden, do. Jeremiah Ringsbery, do. 
Colonel P re eS Judah Bills, do. Asa Rice, do. 
olonel LK ATTERSON S fregument. James Clay, do. Benjamin Young, do. 


Captain Sutiivan’s Company. 


4 ; Captain Joun Strynns’s Company. 
2d Lieutenant. Jonathan Nook, Private. 


Ne an ord, Matthew Patterson, 2d Lieutenant. Obil Fellows, Private. 


Enoch Whitehouse, Corporal. Moses Eggleston, do. anes = Z 5 
John Jenkins, Ppivete, Mark Tuke, do. Ate corpo pean Pe re do. 
Ephraim Goodwin, do. Richard Shean, do. eee tas e Ebenezer A. Foot, do. 
Rook Stillians, do. Jeremiah Ceathe, do. een ee ens Ha aes 
ays ebulon Stevens, oO. saiah Gridley, O. 
TA ape glenn he ae. pepe Hern, oe Samuel Green, Drummer. Zadock Hawley do. 
Captain SawyeR’s Company. Zechariah Porter, Fifer. Ephraim Hewett, do. 
William Joloson, Private. Joseph Wilkins, Private. Edward Bowe, Private. Joseph Henderson, do. 
Paul Goodwin, do. Hezekiah Kember do. Elisha Bradford, do. John Herrington, do. 
Joseph Stewart, an ‘ Hezekiah Barce, do. Daniel Jackways, do. 
; David Baldwin, do. Eldad Kellogg, do. 
Captain Sutiivan’s Company. Josiah Cleveland, do. Jabez Lears, do. 
Samuel Spray, Private. Nathaniel Tyler, Private. Jonas Cleveland, do, fEneas Lyne, do. 
James Hambleton, do. Josiah Strong, do. James Clary, do. John Ledgar, do. 
Samuel Jones, do. Thomas Durban, do. John Cole, do. Paul Moon, do. 
Samuel Spray, do. Joseph Adams, do. Simeon Dupee, do. Titus Merrill, do. 
Samuel Southard. do. Reuben Deane, eee ss Magoon, do. 
oS, , Jobn Evans, oO. avid Preston do. 
Coptcin MeKinsrny’s Company. Eleazer Fisher, do. Amaziah Palmeter, do. 
—— Phelps, Private. William Fann, Private. Samuel Fitch, do. Seth Raymond, do. 
Roberts, do. William Bennett, do. Thomas Fleming, do. 
Joel Phelps, do, Geo. Vanvolcamburgh, do. ; s 
Joseph Hon a ¥. Vanvoleamburgh, do. Colonel Beprx’s Regiment. 
Isaac Welch, 0, e atch, do. , : 
Michael Murray, do. John Leming, do. Cape SYERENT ; Company. f 
Edward Everett, Captain. William Pitts, Private. 
Captain Asuiny’s Company. Chamberlin, Lieutenant. Ephraim Blodget, do. 
Caleb Walker, Sergeant, Isaac Winston, Private. John Tyler, Sergeant. Ephraim Chamberlin, do. 
Abner Bruce, Private. David Read, do. Benjamin Mordock, do. Daniel Chamberlin, do. 
Joseph Chaplain, do. Timothy Cole, do. Benjamin Rawlins, Corporal. Lemuel Medes, do. 
Jesse Perin, do. William Raymont, do. Nahum Powers, Private. Joseph Wheat, do. 
Oliver Clary, do. Willis Taylor, do. Michael Clarke, do. Ezra Gates, } do. 
Abel Maltoon, do. Elisha Whitehead, do. Joseph Judkins, do. Ezra Gates, jr., do. 
William Long, do. Nathan Curtis, do. Job Leverett, do. Jacob Gates, do. 
Hezekiah Davis, do. Joel Curtis, do, John Brown, do. Stephen Gates, do. 
Sylvanus Maltoon, do. Daniel Perin, do. Nathaniel Bardean, do. John Cooley, do. 
John Deverin, 0. James Taylor, do. James Barnes, do. 
Jeremiah Miller, 2d Lieutenant. Benjamin Ingram, do. Captain Youne’s Company. 
Ezra Read, Private. Elisha Norton, do, Solomon Cleveland, Private. Joseph Hadley, Private. 
Captain Wryman’s Company. Captain Green’s Company. 
James Wentworth, Private. Isaac Fisk, Private. Alexander, Private. 


169 


Captain Caruisie’s Company. 


Eleazer Jordan,. ~ Private. Joshua Pierce, Private. 
Luke Aldridge, do. Joseph Beaman, do. 
Nathaniel Bacon, do. Stephen Chapman, do. 
Thomas Whitcomb, do. Nathaniel Colborn, do. 
Thomas Armsdin, do. 

Captain Warr’s Company. 
Isaac Johnson, Private. Aaron Rice, Private. 


Josiah Johnson, do. 
Captain Eastasrooxs’s Company. 
Jos. Eastabrooks, Captain. Martin Montgomery, Private. 


—— Sergeants, 1st Lieutenant.’ Benjamin Coate, do. 
Griggs, 2d Lieutenant. William Hardwich, do. 
Holbrook, Ensign. Elisha Bowes, do. 
Fuller, Sergeant. Joseph Church, do. 
Skinner, do. Moses Wright, do. 

James Miller, Drummer. Elphias Hill, do. 

John Udal, Private. Asa White, do. 

Andrew Binton, do. Cornelius Dunfer, do. 

John Wright, do. Robert Little, do. 

Peter Wilson, do Timothy Harvey, do. 

Charles Richards, do. Amos Holbrook, do. 

William Murphy, do. 

Train of Artillery. 

John McKallough, Sergeant. James Edy, Private. 

Abiah Buck, Private. Michael Fitzgerald, do. 

Matthew McCluar, do. 

Isaac Butterfield, | Major. Thomas Hibbard, Adjutant. 


The first party (five boats) were landed at Chateauguat, 
and the remainder at Fort Ann. 
The prisoners mentioned in these papers are all [ received 


at Cuughnawaga. : 
5 8 James Oscoon, Captain. 


Montreal, June 2, 1776. 


Montreal, June 2, 1776. 
The annexed schedule contains a true and just account 
of the prisoners which were taken at the Cedars, and some 
at Caughnawaga, amounting to one Major, four Captains, 
sixteen Subalterns, and three hundred and fifty-five Privates ; 
most of them were set at liberty at Quinze Chiens. 
James Oseoop, Captain. 


Captain Osgood, who was appointed and sent to Caugh- 
nawaga to receive the prisoners according to articles entered 
into with Captain Forster, personally appeared before me, 
and made solemn oath to the truth of the above account. 

B. Arnoip, Brigadier-General. 


CESAR RODNEY TO THOMAS RODNEY. 
Philadelphia, July 10, 1776. 

Sir: You mention in your last that Mr. Wells is dis- 
charged the service. Colonel Haslett has not as yet reported 
that matter to Congress. When he does, I shall attend to 
what you have said on that head, 

With respect to the other matters you sent me, I am of 
opinion that/any good effect that might flow from them must 
be local—I mean, that it would be confined principally to 
the inhabitants of that County; and, on the other hand— 
at a time of such imminent danger, when powerful armies 
are actually knocking at our gates, and the serious attention 
of every friend to American liberty is employed in giving 
that manly opposition to those vile invaders of their just 
rights, privileges, and property—whether it would be pru- 
dent to hold out to the world such numbers of internal ene- 
miesfespecially as, by the manly and determined spirit pre- 
vailing in the Congress, their wings must and will be clipped. 
The Declaration has laid the foundation, and will be followed 
by laws fixing the degree of offence and punishment suit- 
able. Some people have done things which, if done in 
future, nothing less than life will be sufficient to atone for. 
‘These enemies to our righteous cause will (I apprehend) 
be less on their guard, if they are not held up in that 
publick way, than if they are, and will undoubtedly meet 
their due reward, provided you pursue steadily your line of 
patriotism, and at the same time keep a watchful eye toward 
their conduct in the politicks of your country. These things 
must and will be inquired into. But, sir, now is the time 
and season that our open and avowed enemies are pressing 
hard. They call forth the attention and utmost vigilance 
of the Congress to that point. ‘They well know they have 
internal enemies in disguise; and whenever, by the blessing 
of God, their virtuous efforts shall be crowned with success, 
they will immediately turn their thoughts toward those sap- 
pers of the rights of mankind. It is also the business of 
every Government, so soon as formed, to take in hand that 
business. South-Carolina has already set them a good ex- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


170 


ample. Ihave sent you a pamphlet, called Observations on 
the nature of Civil Liberty, &c., written by Doctor Price, in 
England. It is an excellent piece, and I do not doubt 
(properly used) will tend to strengthen your patriotick, or, in 
other words, independent party. I have also directed one 
to Doctor McCall as a present. 

The Militia of Pennsylvania are beginning their march 
this day towards New-York ; and I do suppose that by the 
last of this week General Washington will be thirty thousand 
strong at least. Colonel Has/lett’s battalion (except one 
company, which is to stay at Lewis) is ordered up to Wil- 
ming‘ton, as a security to Philadelphia in the absence of their 
Militia, as well as to the lower Counties, and hopes, for this 
reason, the Committee of Safety will permit them to retain 
(while thus employed) the Militia arms belonging to the 
publick. 

Neither Betsey’s nor Sally’s shoes are yet done, though 
the measures were sent as soon as I got to town. Iam glad 
to find that you are of opinion my harvest will be down by 
the last of this week. Pray do attend to it. Perhaps 
wheat will bring something next year. 

I am yours, &c., 


To Captain Thomas Rodney, Esq., at Dover. 


Cmsar Ropney. 


JOHN ADAMS TO MRS. ADAMS. 
Philadelphia, July 10, 1776. 

You will see by the newspapers which I from time to 
time enclose, with what rapidity the Colonies proceed in 
their political manceuvres. How many calamities might 
have been avoided, if these measures had been taken twelve 
months ago, or even no longer ago than last December. 

The Colonies to the South are pursuing the same maxims 
which have heretofore governed those to the North. In 
constituting their new Governments, their plans are remark- 
ably popular, more so than I could ever have imagined; even 
more popular than the “'Thoughts on Government;” and 
in the choice of their rulers, capacity, spirit, and zeal in the 
cause, supply the place of fortune, family, and every other 
consideration which used to have weight with mankind. 
My friend Archibald Bulloch, Esq., is Governour of Geor- 
gia; John Rutledge, Esq., is Governour of South-Caro- 
lina; Patrick Henry, Esq., is Governour of Virginia, Xc.; 
Dr. Franklin will be Governour of Pennsylvania. The 
new Members of this city are all in this taste, chosen be- 
cause of their inflexible zeal for Independence. All the old 
Members left out because they opposed Independence, or 
at least were lukewarm aboutit. Dickinson, Morris, Allen, 
all fallen, like grass before the scythe, notwithstanding 
all their vast advantages in point of fortune, family, and 
abilities. I am inclined to think, however, and to wish that 
these gentlemen may be restored at a fresh election, be- 
cause, although mistaken in some points, they are good 
characters, and their great wealth and numerous connexions 
will contribute to strengthen America, and cement her 
Union. 

I wish I were at perfect liberty to portray before you all 
these characters in their genuine lights, and to explain to 
you the course of political changes in this Province. It 
would give you a great idea of the spirit and resolution of 
the people, and show you, in a striking point of view, the 
deep roots of American Independence in all the Colonies. 
But it is not prudent to commit to writing such free specu- 
lations in the present state of things. ‘Time, which takes 
away the veil, may lay open the secret springs of this sur- 
prising Revolution. - But I find, although the Colonies have 
differed in religion, laws, customs, and manners, yet in 
the great essentials of society and government, they are all 
alike. 


ADDRESS TO GENERAL ROBERDEAU. 


To the Hon. Dantet Roserveav, Esq., First Brigadier- 
General for the Province of PENNSYLVANIA: 


Str: We are desired by the Board of Officers of the 
Second Battalion to inform you that they are fully sensible 
of the great attention and zeal with which you have con- 
ducted yourself while in the station of their Colonel, not 
only for the general and important interest of our bleeding 
country, but for those of the battalion in particular. Nothing 
but the consideration of your being advanced to a situation 


171 


in which you can be more extensively useful, could alleviate 
the regret they feel on the removal of their Colonel. 
Weare instructed unfeignedly to congratulate you on your 
election to the distinguished department you now fill, which 
we have no doubt you will conduct with honour to yourself 
and advantage to the cause in which our lives and fortunes 
are so deeply engaged; and permit us to assure you that the 
officers and privates of the Second Battalion will always 
esteem it a peculiar privilege to be under your command, 
and you may depend upon their zeal and readiness on all 
occasions to support your authority and execute your orders. 
Signed by order and in behalf of the Battalion : 
Joun Bayarp, Colonel. 
JonaTHan Situ, Captain. 
Samuet Massey, Lieutenant. 
Philadelphia, July 10, 1776. 


GENERAL ROB ERDEAU’S REPLY. 


GentLemen: The sense which the Officers of the Second 
Battalion express, in this obliging Address, of my attention 
to, and zeal in, the service of my bleeding country, in that 
particular line of duty marked out by their free unanimous 
voice, is not only very honourable, but also highly pleasing, 
as it is a fresh proof of the regard of a corps with whom I 
have had uninterrupted happiness ever since our first con- 
nection, and whose esteem I would ever studiously culti- 
vate. At the same time that I accept with thanks, as a 
further mark of regard, your congratulations on my late 
honourable appointment at Lancaster, permit me to say 
that neither that appointment nor your congratulations can 
prevent the pain of an ingenuous mind under the conscious 
sense of a want of talents for so important a station. How- 
ever, the cause in which we are engaged is the cause of 
God, who loveth justice and hateth oppression. He can 
give efficacy to the feeblest efforts. ‘The concurrence of 
officers and privates, in a general assurance of their zeal and 
readiness in the service of their country under my command, 
presages a happy, and, I trust, a successful campaign, for 
which they have my hearty thanks. I expect no less from 
every friend to America, engaged in the service, as I can 
have no private or sinister view, and it is evident union 
alone can serve our suffering country, whereas divisions 
would destroy it. 


Philadelphia, July 10, 1776. 


DanieL RoperDeEav. 


LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE. 
In Committee, Lancaster, July 10, 1776. 

The necessity for Arms at present is such, that it is re- 
commended to Thomas McClenaghan, a journeyman of 
Michael Rhinehart, (gun-barrel maker,) to go to work with 
the said Michael Rhinehart, as it is the opinion of the Com- 
mittee that gun-barrel makers, and persons of such trades 
as are immediately necessary for the publick service, ought 
to continue at their particular employments. 


BUCKS COUNTY (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE 
In Committee, Bucks County, July 10, 1776. 

Resolved, That this Committee will use their utmost en- 
‘ deavours that the Resolve of the late Provincial Conference 
for imbodying four hundred of the Associators of this County, 
be immediately put into execution; and that the following 
gentlemen be appointed Officers, being the proportion allot- 
ted to this County, viz: Colonel, Joseph Hart; Captains: 
John Followell, William Roberts, William Hart, Valentine 
Up, John Jamison ; First Lieutenants: John Kresen, Henry 
Durroch, Hugh Long, Philip Trumbower, Dennis Middle- 
swart ; Second Lieutenants: Abraham Dubois, James Shaw, 
Jacob Drake, Samuel Deane, John Irvine ; Ensigns : 
McKissack, Wilham Hines, Joseph Hart, Stoffel Keller, 
John Mc Cammon ; Adjutant: John Johnson ; Surgeon: Joseph 
Fenton, Jun.; Quartermaster: Alexander Benstead. 

Resolved, That where any person or persons within any 
Township of this County, shall refuse to deliver his or their 
Firearms to the Collectors of Arms, either chosen or ap- 
pointed, agreeable to a late resolve of the Assembly of this 
Province, the said Collectors, or any one of them, shall apply 
to the Colonel, or, in his absence, the next in command of 
the Battalion to which the Associators of that Township 
belong, who shall thereupon give orders to such officer and 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


172 


such number of men as he shall apprehend proper and sufli- 
cient to enforce the said resolve of Assembl¥. 

Resolved, That where it shall appear to the Collector of 
Arms, that any person or persons have been possessed of 
good Firearms, and do not deliver them, or satisfy the Col- 
lectors where they are, the said Collectors, or any of them, 
cite such person or persons to appear before this Committee 
at their next meeting, and satisfy this Board how the said 
Arms have been disposed of. 

Agreeable to two Resolves of the Committee of Safety 
of this Province, this Committee have appointed Gerret 
Dungan to cause the Firearms collected from Non-Associa- 
tors in this County, to be immediately rendered fit for use. 

Matthew Bennet is appointed for the First Battalion, and 
Jared Irvine for the Second, Third, and Fourth Battalions 
of Associators in this County, to seize the guns and mark 
the size on the breechpin, or lower end of the barrel. 

By order of the Committee : 

JosEPH Harr, Chairman. 


SAMUEL TUCKER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 12,1776. Referred to the Board of War.] 
In Provincial Congress of New-Jersey, 
Trenton, July 10, 1776. 

Sir: By order of the Provincial Congress, I am to inform 
you that, on the sudden call of the Commander-in-Chief at 
New-York, the Militia of several of the eastern Counties 
have marched to the General’s assistance ; and also a number 
from the western part of the Colony there, together with the 
new levies for the requested brigade, have greatly drained 
us of men, at a time when the grain (the support of the 
Colony) is in imminent danger of being neglected and lost. 
The condition of this Colony, from the present situation of 
the enemy, has been such that the Militia have been neces- 
sarily detained hitherto. In such circumstances, we have 
with pleasure received information that the Militia of Penn- 
sylvamia is about to march to our assistance. While we 
thus enjoy the pleasing prospect of more effectually oppo- 
sing our common enemy, we hope the Congress will give 
such directions as may afford an opportunity for immediately 
dismissing our Militia for the present, in order that they may 
save and secure their grain, already suffering. 

At Trenton, where we understand the camp is to be 
formed, the Pennsylvania Militia cannot effect the purpose, 
which we have greatly at heart, of relieving our people from 
their attendance, that their harvests may not perish. We 
submit to Congress, therefore, the propriety of sending for- 
ward our friends from Pennsylvania to the eastern part of 
this Colony; if not all, at least such part of them as may be 
thought more immediately necessary. 

Besides the danger of our harvest suffering, a more press- 
ing one, if possible, urges us to this application, which is 
that of our people from the interior Counties deserting the 
service in order to preserve their crops; the rather as some 
of our Counties have in a great measure withheld their force, 
whilst others have turned out almost to a man. 

We are, sir, your most humble servants. 


By order of Congress: s 
J 6 SamueL Tucker, President. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. “* 


DR. WITHERSPOON TO COLONEL HARRISON. 


Dr. WirHErsPpoon’s compliments to Colonel Harrison. 
The bearer of this is Mr. Rowland Chambers, recommended 
by the Provincial Congress of New-Jersey as Paymaster to 
the three thousand three hundred men raised in Jersey for 
the Army at New-York. He will be obliged to Colonel 
Harrison, if he is appointed, to let him know as soon as 
possible the condition of the bond to be taken of him, and 
the nature of the security, that no time may be lost in pro- 
viding it. 

Philadelphia, Friday, July 12, 1776. 


In Provincial Congress of New-Jersey, 
Burlington, June 27, 1776. 


Resolved, That Mr. Rowland Chambers be recommended 
by this Congress to the honourable Continental Congress as 
a proper person to be Paymaster of the new levies raising in 
this Colony to reinforce the Army at New-York. 

Extract from the Minutes : 

Wixtiam Paterson, Secretary. 


173 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED PRINCETON, NEW-JERSEY, 
° suLy 10, 1776. 


Last night Nassau-Hall was grandly illuminated, and In- 
dependency proclaimed under a triple volley of musketry, 
and universal acclamation for the prosperity of the United 
States. The ceremony was conducted with the greatest 
decorum. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 11, 1776.] 
New-York, July 10, 1776. 

Sir: I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your two 
favours of the 4th and 6th instant, which came duly to hand, 
with their important enclosures. 

I perceive that Congress have been employed in delibe- 
rating on measures of the most interesting nature. It is 
certain it is not with us to determine, in many instances, 
what consequences will flow from our counsels; but yet 
it behooves us to adopt such as, under the smiles of a 
gracious and all-kind Providence, will be most likely to pro- 
mote our happiness. I trust the late decisive part they have 
taken is calculated for that end, and will secure us that free- 
dom and those privileges which have been and are refused 
us, contrary to the views of nature and the British Consti- 
tution. Agreeable to the request of Congress, I caused the 
Declaration to be proclaimed before all the Army under my 
command, and have the pleasure to inform them that the 
measure seemed to have their most hearty assent—the 
expressions and behaviour, both of officers and men, testify- 
ing their warmest approbation of it. I have transmitted a 
copy to Genaral Ward, at Boston, requesting him to have it 
proclaimed to the Continental troops in that department. 

It is with great pleasure that I hear the Militia from Ma- 
ryland, the Delaware Government, and Pennsylvania, will 
be in motion every day to form the Flying-Camp. It is of 
great importance, and should be accomplished with all pos- 
sible despatch. ‘The readiness and alacrity with which the 
Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania and the other conferees 
have acted, in order to forward the associated Militia of that 
State to the Jerseys for service, till the men to compose the 
Flying-Camp arrive, strongly evidence their regard to the 
common cause, and that nothing on their part will be want- 
ing to support it. I hope, and I doubt not, that the asso- 
ciated Militia, impressed with the expediency of the measure, 
will immediately carry it into execution, and furnish in this 
instance a proof of the continuance of that zeal which has 
so eminently marked their conduct. I have directed the 
Commissary to make necessary provision for their reception, 
who will also supply the Army for the Flying-Camp with 
rations. A proper officer will be appointed to command it. 

In pursuance of the power given me by Congress, and 
the advice of my General Officers, I have written to General 
Ward, and desired him forthwith to detach three of the 
fullest regiments from the Massachusetts-Bay to join the 
northern Army, esteeming it a matter of the greatest impor- 
tance to have a sufficient force there to prevent the enemy’s 
passing the lake, and making an impression in that quarter. 
The gondolas and galleys will be of great service, and I 
am hopeful the carpenters you have sent from Philadelphia, 
and that will go from the eastward on your application, will 
be able to build a sufficient number in time to answer every 
exigency. 

I have requested Governour Cooke, if the duck mentioned 
in Mr. Greene’s letter is proper for tents, to have it made 
up as early as possible, and forwarded here. I have also 
desired him to send the flints and small-arms; as I leave 
General Ward those of the latter that were taken out of the 
Scotch transports, our deficiency in those necessary articles 
being still greater. 

Observing that Congress have particularly mentioned a 
bounty of ten dollars to be paid to men of some corps directed 
to be raised in two or three instances, since their resolve of 
the 26th of June allows such bounty, I have been led to 
doubt how that resolve is to be construed; whether it is a 
general regulation, and extends to all men that will engage 
for three years: for instance, the soldiers of the present 
Army, if they will inlist for that time. If it is, and extends 
to them, it will be necessary to forward a large sum of 
money; many, perhaps, would engage. I also observe, by 
the resolve of the 25th June, for raising four regiments of 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


174 


Militia in the eastern Governments, to augment the troops 
in the Northern Department, that the Assemblies of those 
Governments are empowered to appoint Paymasters to the 
said regiments. ‘This appears to me a regulation of great 
use, and I could wish that it was made general, and one 
allowed to every regiment in the service: many advantages 
would result from it. 

The Connecticut Militia begin to come in; but from every 
account, the battalions will be very incomplete, owing, they 
say, to the busy season of the year. That Government, 
lest any inconveniences might result from their Militia not 
being here in time, ordered three regiments of their Light- 
horse to my assistance, part-of which have arrived; but not 
having the means to support them, (and if it could be done, 
the expense would be enormous,) I have thanked the gen- 
tlemen for their zeal and the attachment they have mani- 
fested upon this occasion, and informed them that I cannot 
consent to their keeping their horses, at the same time wish- 
ing them to stay themselves. I am told that they, or part 
of them, mean to do so. 

General Mercer is now in the Jerseys, for the purpose of 
receiving and ordering the Militia coming from the Flying- 
Camp, and have sent over our Chief Engineer to view the 
grounds within the neighbourhood of Amboy, and to lay out 
some necessary works for the encampment, and such as 
may be proper at the different passes in Bergen-Neck and 
other places on the Jersey shore, opposite Staten-Island, to 
prevent the enemy making impressions and committing 
depredations on the property of the inhabitants. 

The intelligence we have from a few deserters that have 
come over to us, and from others, is, that General Howe has 
between nine and ten thousand men, who are chiefly landed 
on the Island, posted in different parts, and securing the 
several communications from the Jerseys with small works 
and intrenchments, to prevent our people from paying them 
a visit; that the Islanders have all joined them, seem well 
disposed to favour their cause, and have agreed to take up 
arms in their behalf. They look for Admiral Howe’s arrival 
every day, with his fleet and a large reinforcement, and are in 
high spirits, and talk confidently of success and carrying all 
before them when he comes. I trust, through divine favour 
and our own exertions, they will be disappointed in their 
views; and, at all events, any advantages they may gain 
will cost them very dear. If our troops will behave well, 
which I hope will be the case, leaving everything to contend 
for that freedom they hold dear, they will have to wade 
through much blood and slaughter before they can carry any 
part of our works, if they carry them at all; and at best be 
in possession of a melancholy and mournful victory. May 
the sacredness of our cause inspire our soldiery with senti- 
ments of heroism, and lead them to the performance of the 
noblest exploits. ‘With this wish, I have the honour to be, 
with the greatest esteem, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Grorce WasuHINGTON. 


New-York, July 10, 1776. 

In pursuance of the Declaration for Independency, a 
general jail delivery, with respect to Debtors, took place here 
this day. 

On Monday last, a small party of our men were sent to 
drive off cattle from Bergen woods; their curiosity led them 
to march along Bergen shore, to view the regulars on Staten- 
Island. On seeing two of their officers riding along the 
road towards Elizabethtown-Point, some of our men thought 
to scare them, and fired their pieces at them, over the river, 
nearly opposite Decker’s Ferry. About two minutes after, 
they thundered away incessantly for some time at our people 
with their cannon, but did them no hurt, as they betook 
themselves to the woods; however, they continued their fire 
with great fury for a considerable time, thinking, no doubt, 
that we had been intrenching there with a great force. It 
was no small diversion to our men to see them throwing 
away their powder and shot among the trees. ‘They picked 
up some of the balls and brought them away with them. 

During the past week several of the newly raised regiments 
of Connecticut troops have arrived in town, and appear to 
be as fine a body of men as any engaged in the present 
grand struggle for liberty and independence. Among them, 
the Light-Dragoons, between five and six hundred, who 
came to town yesterday, and paraded on horseback through 


175 


the city, made a noble and martial appearance; and as this 
corps is composed of the substantial yeomanry of a virtuous 
sister State, nothing could be more agreeable or animating 
to all true friends of their country. Some of these worthy 
soldiers assisted, in their present uniforms, at the reduction 
of Louisburgh, and their “lank, lean cheeks, and war-worn 
coats,’ are viewed with more veneration by their honest 
countrymen than if they were glittering nabobs from India, 
or bashaws with nine tails. 


PETITION OF JOSEPH BLANCHARD AND OTHERS. 


To the Honourable Provincial Congress of the Province of 
New-York: 
The Petition of the subscribers, inhabitants upon Lone- 
Isuanp, in said Province, humbly showeth : 


That your petitioners were taken prisoners by a military 
power, and confined in jail in the City of New- York, which 
confinement your petitioners apprehend to be occasioned by 
some mistaken opinion of their political principles. ‘They 
hereby beg leave to assure the honourable Congress that 
they nor either of them have, by any ways or means what- 
soever, directly or indirectly given or offered any aid, assist- 
ance, or information, to the Army or Navy of the King of 
Great Britain, relative to the dispute now subsisting between 
Great Britain and these Colonies. ‘That your petitioners 
are all tradesmen and farmers, and at this season of the year 
in particular their business must greatly suffer by reason of 
their absence. ‘Therefore your petitioners most humbly pray 
that, in tender compassion to their health, their families, and 
circumstances, your Honours will take their case under con- 
sideration, and cause them to be discharged, or otherwise 
suffer them to be brought before your Honours, that they 
may know of what they are accused, and what is expected 
of them to do. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, 
shall ever pray, &c. 


Joseph Blanchard, residing in the City of New-York. 
Townsend Weeks, Henry Dorland, William McCoun, 
John Hutcheons, Andrew Allen, John Fleet, 
Daniel Smith, Ezekiel Rayner, Elijah Rainer, 
John Carman, Jacob Lamberson, Benjamin Pettit, 
Samuel Townsend, Richard Smith, Joseph Dorlon, 
Peter Wheeler, Thomas Fleet, Nathaniel Smith. 
Joseph Bedell, 


New-York, July 10, 1776. 


H. GLEN TO WALTER LIVINGSTON. 
Schenectady, July 10, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Yours of the 2d instant, accompanied with 
a deputation as an Assistant Deputy Commissary, is duly 
come to hand, and am much obliged to you for appointing 
me to that post. I would have written you sooner, but have 
been so busy in getting forward a party of men with some 
cannon, artillery, &c. ‘They are now on their way to the 
German-Flats, to Colonel Dayton. I had no batteau-men 
to spare but what were wanted to take up the artillery stores 
and engineers’ ditto, which I had orders to send first, but at 
the same time sent off fifteen wagons, loaded with sixty bar- 
rels of pork, to the German-Flats, directed to the Deputy- 
Commissary, which I find is as cheap as in boats, as the 
water in this river is very low. I have some reason to 
believe that Colonel Dayton, with his regiment (when the 
officer of the Train with the artillery comes to the German- 
Flats) will proceed to Fort Stanwix ; and as the two com- 
panies of batteau-men, with twenty boats, are entirely loaded 
with artillery and engineers’ stores, I have ordered the cap- 
tains, whenever they have delivered their loading to Colonel 
Dayton, wherever he will please to order them; which 
will be at Fort Stanwiz. ‘The batteau-men, with three 
batteaus, are to proceed to the Little-Falls. Since the 
batteau-men went from here with the artillery, &c., came 
down one Captain Van Epps, who had undertaken to raise a 
company of batteau-men to take in flour at Major Fonda’s, 
or wherever the Major may have it ready. I have ordered 
Van Epps with his men to make two trips, with flour, from 
Major Fonda’s to the Little-Falls, which they are to carry 
up to Fort Stanwix before they come back. I shall by that 
time know if these companies of batteau-men are to remain 
in this river; if so, shall fix one of the companies between 
the Litile-Falls and Fort Stanwix, before they come down, 
and the other company between this and the said falls; so 
there will be no occasion for transporting any of the batteaus 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


176 


across the Little-Falls’ carrying-place. Your instructions [ 
shall follow, you may depend on. ‘The copies Mr. Beecher 
sent for entries I have received. ‘The returns will be sent you 
at the day required. I can get no scales and weights, but 
have taken my storehouse to store the pork and beef, and 
as I have scales, weights, &c., of my own, shall make use 
of them for the present. 

I am informed that the Commissioners of Indian Affairs 
are going up to have a treaty with the Indzans. I would 
be glad to know whether they are to have pork, and from 
where. The pork I sent to the Flats is intended for Co- 
lonel Dayton’s regiment, and is to make up the loading I am 
to send to Fort Stanwix with flour from Major Fonda’s, 

I am, dear sir, your humble servant, H. Guevn. 
To Walter Livingston, Esq., Deputy Commissary-General, 

at Albany. 


H. GLEN TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Schenectady, July 10, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Yours of the 30th ultimo I received, and 
immediately, in conformity to your order to me of the 26th, 
began to put them in execution. I can now inform you that 
I have sent off all the artillery and engineers’ stores to the 
German-Flats, to Colonel Dayton, with the Captains Lan- 
sing and Wolcott, loaded in nineteen batteaus, together with 
sixty barrels of pork in wagons, as the boats could not load 
anything more than the artillery, &c., and the river very low 
withal. I was considerably put to it in getting the cannon 
loaded, for want of proper implements, as the officer of the 
artillery had neglected to bring a gin with him. I have like- 
wise been under the necessity to purchase three oilcloths for 
the preservation of the ammunition. I have also got them 
a gin made here, and procured a tackle, as I found it im- 
possible for them to load the cannon on carriages and the 
like, so that I got them fixed after a good deal of trouble. 
The batteaus were but indifferent in general; neither was 
the complement here fit for service, as was expected. 
Since the first batteaus, under Lansing and Wolcott, went 
off, came down Ernst Van Epps, with twenty men. I did 
immediately on his arrival despatch him to Fonda’s for flour, 
with seven boats to carry the same to the Falls, and ordered 
him to make two trips and then return here. The flour Van 
Epps wiil bring to the Falls, and the pork sent in wagons 
will, by computation, make a loading for Lansing and Wol- 
cott when they return, after delivering the artillery anywhere 
Colonel Dayton will have it brought. So that there will be 
no occasion of having the boats carried over the carrying- 
place until they may have gone a trip more with provisions, 
which, by computation, will make out thirty-five days’ pro- 
visions for seven hundred men, if they are supplied with a 
little fresh with the pork. By the time the batteaus may 
have done this work, I expect to be honoured with your 
further commands (as I have ordered them down here) what 
they are next to do. And should then anything be ordered 
to Colonel Dayton, at Fort Stanwix, where I have reason 
to expect he will be, I then intend to station one company 
above the Falls, to prevent the carrying of the batteaus over 
so often. You may rely on my exerting everything in my 
power to promote the service you have been pleased to 
honor me with. 

Ihave the honour to be, dear sir, your very humble servant, 

H. Gren. 

To the Hon. Major-General Schuyler. 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES. - 
Crown-Point, July 10, 1776. 

Honovrep Sir: I yesterday evening returned from a 
command which I hope I have executed to the satisfaction 
of your Honour and the other Generals. This absence has 
deprived me of the pleasure of seeing you here; but, as a 
matter of the last consequence to the Army is likely soon 
to be determined, I hope you will excuse my freedom. 
I have understood that the regiments are to be brigaded. 
If so, I should apprehend that it will tend to the furtherance 
of the service much, that the Pennsylvanians should be 
brigaded together. If there is no General proper to be 
appointed over them, Colonel St. Clair, an old and expe- 
rienced officer, would be exceedingly acceptable, and every 
one would act with confidence under him. 


177 


I have a great regard for the eastern troops; but I am 
confident they will act much better alone than joined with 
us. Our policy and manners are so exceedingly different, 
that it would require a much greater time than can now be 
spent to blend them properly together. Much business 1s 
to be done this campaign; and I am certain, from what I 
have observed, that we shall be happier, and act better, if the 
eastern and southern troops are in distant brigades. 

We shall preserve a polite and friendly intercourse, and 
will endeavour to wipe off all Colonial distinctions and pre- 
judices; but it will, in my weak opinion, tend to increase 
them, if brigaded together at present. I write this with a 
real intention of advancing the service; and am, with the 
greatest respect, your most humble servant, 

Tuos. Harter. 


To General Gates. 


IRA ALLEN TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 
Onion River, July 10, 1776. 

Gentiemen: I learn you are alarmed at the retreat of 
our Army out of Canada. Can assure you the savages have 
killed and scalped a number of men by the river La Cole, 
on the west side of Lake Champlain. When they will visit 
us or you, is uncertain. Advise you to look sharp, and 
keep scouts out, but not to move, except some families 
much remote from the main inhabitants. Last Saturday, 
was at Crown-Point with General Sullivan. He assured 
me he would do all in his power to protect the frontier set- 
tlements. 

I proposed a line of forts by this river to Cohos. He 
said he believed that to be the best place, and made no 
doubt but it would be done. He immediately ordered 
Colonel Waite and two hundred men to this place, here to 
remain, and grant all protection in his power to the inhabi- 
tants. Before I left there, Generals Schuyler, Gates, and 
Arnold, arrived. I conclude there is a determination before 
this time in regard to all the frontiers. I make no doubt 
but a line of block forts is agreed on by all, from this river 
to yours, and so round your frontiers. Had intelligence 
from sSt. John’s about twelve days ago. Our enemy had 
but one hundred tents, which, at most, could not be for 
more than six hundred men ‘They did not appear to be 
in much preparation for war. At. Chambly, there were but 
few men. It is thought by some that the enemy are busy 
in sending provisions and clothing to all the garrisons near 
the head of the river St. Lawrence, and in supplying. the 
Indians with all necessaries. The small-pox has almost 
gone through our Army; they are in much better health than 
they were. Gondolas are building ; the vessels are preparing 
for war. I hope, in a short time, they will be able to beat 
all the powers of Britain on this Lake. Crown-Point is 
proposed for headquarters. In haste, Ina ALLEN. 


NATHAN MILLER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Camp at Newport, July 10, 1776. 

Sir: When I take pen in hand to address a gentleman 
with whom I have not the pleasure of an acquaintance, I 
feel myself abashed; but when I call to mind the injury 
received from your son, I feel myself bold. 

I am Commissary to the troops in the Colony of Rhode- 
Island, appointed by the General Assembly of the said 
Colony; and when I heard the troops were like to be-put 
under the Continental establishment, [ wrote a letter to your 
son, of 30th May. A copy of the answer I herewith enclose 
you, dated the 9th June, to which requisition I complied, 
as you may see by a copy of another letter, of the 28th 
June, received by Peter Phillips, Esq., by which you will 
see the ungenteel treatment of which I have abundant reason 
to complain. He, in his first letter, tells me how to proceed 
to make matters to his satisfaction, and, in his next, acknow- 
ledges them to be so; but informs me that Peter Phillips 
has a Colony appointment antecedent to mine. I acknow- 
ledge it; but it was to General Greene’s brigade, which 
went immediately out of the Colony when raised, and Mr. 
Phillips with them, who might have remained, and no one 
have superseded him to this day. I am sure I should never 
have harboured such a thought, although I have the vanity 
to think [ have been as good a friend to my country on 
every occasion as any one in it, according to my capacity; 

Firra Series.—Vor. I. l 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


178 


and from the distraction of the empire, am now deprived of 
the profits of a very good branch of business, viz: ship- 
building, in which I have hitherto maintained a reputable 
character, till those distractions came on, which changed the 
face of matters in such a way, that business of that kind 
was at an end; and it pleased the Colony to appoint me to 
the place of Commissary to the Rhode-Island troops, where 
I was in a way still to support my character; and after the 
greatest encouragement, even to a promise, without a fault, 
and without any previous notice, gave Peter Phillips a com- 
mission to take my place; the justice of which I submit to 
your abundant goodness; while I subscribe myself, your 


Honour’s most obedient Xe. . 
? 
NaTHAN Munver. 


To the Honourable Jonathan Trumbull, Esq. 


WILLIAM PITKIN TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Hartford, July 10, 1776. 

Honovurenp Sir: I have, since the first of this month, kept 
a guard at my powder-mill, at the expense of seven shillings 
per night. I was urged into the measure by a great number 
of gentlemen that live forty or fifty miles distant. ‘Threats 
have leaked out from Skene, and. other inimical monsters, 
that it should be destroyed, if art or money could effect it. 
I intended to procure, in writing, the opinion of all the prin- 
cipal gentlemen in this town, that it is absolutely necessary 
some effectual measures should be taken at the expense of 
Government, to prevent the intended destruction, which they 
were fond of signifying to your Honour and Committee, but 
have not time. Mr. Bennet is now with me, pleading for 
powder. Ihave repeated applications from people at the 
northward in great distress, some of whom I have supplied, 
upon advice of gentlemen in authority in this town; but shail 
supply no further without your Honour’s direction. Only add 
that 1 am, with the highest esteem, your Honour’s obedient 
humble servant, Wm. Pirin. 


To Governour Trumbull. 
P.S. Mr. Bennet, of Hartford, went from Ashford; has 


the character of an honest, good man, on whom your Honour 
may rely for intelligence, &c. . 


COLONEL HERRICK TO COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
May tr pLeAsE’yourR Honours: A few days since, I 
received the within resignation from Captain Flint and his 
subalterns. ‘They were commissionated by your Honours 
to command the second company in my regiment; so that 
said company is now destitute of officers; and I submit it 
to your Honours to judge what is proper to be done, and 
wait your orders. 
I am, your most obedient humble servant, 
Henry Herrick, 
Colonel of 8th Regiment, in the County of Essex. 


To the Honourable Council of Massachusetts-Bay. 


Danvers, July 8, 1776. 
Honourep Sir: We, the subscribers, with profound 
respect to you, take leave to send you a few lines, to inform 
you that we have a real zeal for the good of our country, 
and nothing can be more agreeable to us than to see univer- 
sal harmony and benevolence prevail in every regiment 
and company of Militia upon the Continent, being sensible 
that the exigency of the times requires it more immediately 
now than ever; but, sir, as we cannot think our accepting 
the commissions offered to us by the honourable Council of 
this Colony will be attended with peace in this company, 
and for some other reasons which one of us has heretofore 
given you, we take leave, in this manner, to acquaint you, 
that we utterly refuse to accept the commissions. Hoping 
that you will be directed to some better method of setting 
the company in peace, we are, sir, your humble servants, 
Samvue. Fin, 
Dante. Putnam, 
JoserpH Purnam, Jr. 


WORCESTER COUNTY (MASSACHUSETTS) COMMITTEE. 


The good people of this County are hereby informed, 
that there are a considerable number of Prisoners in. this 


9 


ow 


179 


town, who are willing to go out to service, if proper persons 
should appear to hire them. The method of obtaining them 
is as follows: 

The persons applying must have a certificate from the 
‘Committee of Safety, &c., of the town where each applicant 
belongs, recommending them to be friendly to the American 
cause, and must have a receipt from said Committee to be 
given to the Sheriff, and give a receipt to them, at the same 
time engaging to return the Prisoners whenever thereto 
required. 

Worcester, July 10, 1776. 


NORTHBOROUGH, (WORCESTER COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS, ) 
COMMITTEE. 
Northborough, July 10, 1776. 

At a meeting of the Committee of Correspondence, In- 
spection, and Safety, it was voted unanimously, that Thomas 
Billings, and his son Sylvanus ‘Billings, John. Taylor, and 
James and John Eager, be all confined to the limits of their 
respective farms in said town; and that they should not pass 
said bounds on any occasion whatever, without leave it wri- 
ting from the major part of said Committee, unless it be to 
attend publick worship or funerals in their own town. 

As we consider these persons unfriendly to the cause for 
which the United Independent States of North America are 
contending, and as there have lately been many private 
meetings of them with others in other towns, (with ill design, 
as we have too much reason to think,) they are now held 
up to publick view; and all persons in town and out, who 
are friends to their country, are desired to concur with this 
Committee in their endeavours to prevent all such meetings 
for the future; and if the above-named persons are found 
beyond the limits aforesaid without a pass, to apprehend and 
return them to the Committee, or detam them in custody 
until they inform said Committee thereof. And all persons 
are warned not to have any commercial intercourse with 
them, agreeable to the Association of the Congress, as they 
would avoid being treated in the same manner. 

By order of the Committee of Correspondence, Inspec- 
tion, and Safety, of Northborough: 

Joun Baxi, Chairman. 


Attest : Jeruro Perers, Clerk. 


SUBSCRIPTION TO ENCOURAGE INLISTMENTS. 
Kittery, Maine, July 10, 1776. 

Whereas some difficulty attends the raising the proportion 
of men assigned this town by the General Assembly, for the 
purpose of opposing our cruel and most implacable enemies, 
we, the subscribers, being duly affected with a sense of the 
justice of our present contest, and also of the absolute neces- 
sity that the said men be forthwith inlisted and sent to the 
place of destination, for encouragement and in order to expe- 
dite this measure, do severally promise to pay unto Charles 
Chauncey, Esquire, the sums respectively set against our 
names. 


Charles Chauncey, - - 


ten dollars. 


Edward Cutts, - - - seven dollars. 
N. Sparhawk, two joes, or sixteen dollars. 
Wilham Moore, - - -~ one dollar. 


Roger Dearing, - - - 
James Hearswell, - - one dollar. 
Wilham Dearing, - one dollar. 
Thomas Harnat,- - - _ half-dollar. 
Joseph Gerrish, - - - two dollars. 
Richard Cutts, - - - seven dollars. 


one dollar. 


Samuel Mitchell,- - - four shillings. 
Jeremiah Mitchell, - - three shillings. 
William Mitchell, - - four shillings. 
Joseph Bitmer, - - - one dollar. 
Benjamin Mogdridge, - one dollar. 


London, July 11, 1776. 

The following letter was received yesterday from Mr. 
Charles Barns, commander of the snow Blake, in the ser- 
vice of Government, dated Cadiz Bay, June 20: 

“ Yesterday morning I chased an American ship of about 
two hundred and fifty tons into this bay, but cannot take 
her, it being a foreign port. I never was more surprised in 
my life when I found there were three American privateers 
aiding here at single anchor, and a number of their merchant 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


180 


vessels loading and unloading at the quays. A large Spanish 
fleet of men-of-war have sailed from this place, but to what 
part I cannot learn, all manner of business being conducted 
here with the greatest mystery.” 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM ST. EUSTATIA TO A GENTLEMAN 
IN PHILADELPHIA, DATED JULY 11, 1776. 


You have herewith a few West-India papers, and an 
extract of a letter received from Dominica, dated July 8. 

We have a vessel here from Dublin, that sailed May 28. 
The captain brings accounts of A. Thompson, Newry, A. 
Bryan, and James Lecky, Dublin, being all taken up by 
order of the Privy Council of Ireland, for carrying on cor- 
respondence with the people of America. Mr. Bryan was 
discharged, but Mr. Thompson and Mr. Lecky were held to 
great bail; and when the Captain sailed, an officer was kept 
on Mr. Lecky’s house, and his papers sealed up. It was 
the affair of the gunpowder he purchased last year for Mr. 
B. Mc Clenachan, to be shipped by the Hancock and Adams, 
that Mr. Lecky was taken up for; and the appearance of 
Captain Forrest in Dublin from Nantz revived the story, 
and caused these disagreeable things to happen. Large 
subscriptions were made or offered for Mr. Lecky, to support 
him against this attack of the Council. 

About ten days ago the Pomona frigate, Captain East- 
wood, came down from Antigua, and came to in this road, 
where she stayed for several days, with intention, as we 
since find, to wait the sailing of a brig, Captain Booker, 
(owned formerly by Mr. Goodrich, of Virginia, but at pre- 
sent Dutch property,) bound to Amsterdam. As soon as 
the brig got under way, the Pomona followed and took her. 
She was sent into St. Kitts, and an express sent up to the 
Admiral at Antigua to know what to do with her. It appears 
that information was lodged against said vessel that she was 
bound to America with warlike stores, &c., and it is expected 
as soon as she is examined will be discharged. 

While Captain Eastwood lay in this road, he sent a let- 
ter to our Governour, requesting leave to take possession of 
several American vessels then in the road, two or three of 
which were loaded with powder, dry goods, &c., and ready 
to sail. ‘The Governour informed him he could grant him 
no such permission, and desired he might not attempt to 
commit any hostilities by offering a thing of this nature. The 
Governour and Council met on this occasion, and determined 
that, in future, if any English frigates or cruisers came within 
reach of the guns of any fort of this Island, with intention to 
obstruct the trade, the commanders of the different forts have 
orders to fire on them. The Pomona has kept within sight 
of this Island ever since, but has not attempted to come 
within reach of the forts. 

Mr. De Graff (our late Secretary) is appointed Gover- 
nour of this Island. His commission is expected out by the 
first vessel from Holland, and it is thought he will do every- 
thing in his power for the protection of trade. 


P. S. Two of the passengers that came in the before- 
mentioned vessel from Dublin are just arrived here. They 
say that Captain Forrest arrived in Ireland from Nantz in 
a vessel under French colours, and on his appearance in 
Dublin was immediately suspected of coming for the pow- 
der he was disappointed in taking away before; on which 
his vessel was searched, and several letters and papers found 
on board, two of which letters were for Mr. Lecky and Mr. 
Thompson, in consequence of which they were taken up. 
Mr. Lecky is held to twenty thousand pounds bail, and Mr. 
Thompson to thirty thousand pounds, but Captain Forrest 
would not be admitted to bail, and was committed to prison 
in irons, where he lay when those gentlemen came away. It 
was the general opinion in Dublin that they would all three 
be removed to England for trial, and the consequence very 
uncertain. 


CAPTAIN WICKES TO SECRET COMMITTEE IN CONGRESS. 
On board the Ship Reprisal, July 11, 1776. 
GentLemen: This will inform you of my proceedings 
since I left Cape-May, the 3d instant. We left that place 
ia company with thirteen merchantmen, who [ think all got 
safe off, as we did not lose sight of them till they got a good 
distance from the land. We saw no ships-of-war at all on 
the coast. 


181 


We this day fell in with Captain Mackay, in the ship 
Friendship, from Granada, bound to London, loaded with 
rum, sugar, cocoa, and coffee, which ship I have taken, and 
sent John Parks in her prize-master, and have given him 
orders to get into Philadelphia, if possible; and if this 
should not be practicable, he is to run her into the first port 
in his power, and send an express to inform you immediately. 
Mr. Bingham is well, and desires his compliments to you. 
From, gentlemen, your most obliged, humble servant, 

Lampert Wickes. 
To the Committee of Secret Correspondence, Philadelphia. 


P. S. Our people are all well to three or four. We are 


in longitude 57° west, and latitude 319. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN PHILADELPHIA FROM 
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, DATED JULY 11, 1776. 


We have received, by several expresses, very alarming 
news from the Indians. Colonel writes that the 
savages have murdered four families on our frontiers; that 
two women were taken prisoners, one of whom afterwards 
made her escape, and the other had her hands tied behind 
her, and was naked, all her clothes being taken from her. 
Some men have likewise been taken, and since found means 
to get away, who say there is a report that these Indians 
are to be joitted by six hundred Creeks, and a number of 
the King’s men, who are to march down and cut the settle- 
ments all off. We are also informed that a great number of 
people are fled from the ceded lands, and that the Chero- 
kees and Creeks were to join and come down on the 
frontiers of South-Carolina and Georgia. ‘These things 
confirm the truth of the Ministerial plan, discovered by the 
intercepted letters of Stuart and others. Iam in hopes the 
action on Sullivan’s Island will defeat the prosecution of their 
horrid projects, and give a different aspect to our affairs. 


ASSOCIATORS OF THE CITY OF ANNAPOLIS. 


At a meeting of the Associators of the City of Annapolis, 
on Thursday, the 11th of July, 1776, Wilham Roberts, 
Esq., Chairman, John Duckett, Clerk: 

ist. Resolved, That it is the duty of every inhabitant of 
the City of Annapolis, and of all persons having property 
therein, to contribute every assistance in their power for the 
protection and defence of the City and the inhabitants 
thereof, and that Mr. James Brice, Mr. John Bullen, Mr. 
Charles Wallace, Mr. William Wilkins, Mr. Beriah May- 
bury, Mr. John Brice, and Mr. John Campbell, or a 
majority of them, or any three or more of them, be a 
Committee to act on behalf of the inhabitants of this City; 
and that they wait on the Council of Safety, and inform 
them that the inhabitants will afford every assistance in their 
power for the putting the City into the best posture of de- 
fence ; and that the inhabitants will, in person, or by others 
employed at their expense, labour on any intrenchments or 
works which the Council shall think necessary. 

Qd. Resolved, That the said Committee be empowered 
to call on every inhabitant of the City, and every person 
having property therein, to labour in person, or to furnish 
some person to labour in his stead, at such time and place 
as the Committee shall think proper, on the works that may 
be ordered by the Council of Safety to be erected for the 
defence of the City. 

3d. Resolved, That the said Committee be authorized to 
execute all matters which may be recommended by the 
Council of Safety for the defence of the City, or for the 
keeping peace and good order therein. 

4th. Resolved, That no member of this meeting will, 
and that it is the opinion of the meeting that no inhabitant 
of the City of Annapolis ought, to buy from, or employ, 
any merchant, tradesman, or any other person, who has 
not subscribed the Association. 

5th. Resolved, That application be made by the Com- 
mittee to the Council of Safety not to employ in the publick 
service any Non-Associator, and that they be requested to 
give a preference to such tradesmen and others as have 
manifested their attachment and zeal to the liberties of 
America. 

Ordered, That copies of the above Resolutions be trans- 
mitted by the Chairman to the Associators of Baltimore 
town, for their opinion and concurrence. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


182 


Ordered, That the names of the Non-Associators in this 
City be published, and distributed among the inhabitants. 

Resolved, ‘That this meeting be adjourned to the 10th 
day of August next, and that the Committee have power 
to call a meeting at any time before, if they shall think 
proper. 

True copy of the proceedings. 


Test: 


Joun Deckert, Clerk. 


JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, July 11, 1776. 

Sirs: The brigs are both discharged. On hoisting out 
the lower tier of the flour on board Mr. Lux and Mr. Bow- 
ly’s brig, I find it is damaged. I have had two gentlemen 
to view the flour. The report they make, I send you. The 
flour appears to have been wet some time ago, as it is rotten 
all round the outsides and head of the barrel, and has since 
dried, so that it is hard and black, which answers with what 
Captain Sands reports concerning it, as he says that it has 
not been wet this some time, but was under water more than 
two months ago, and not since. His report I have taken 
down in writing, as I think there has been a fault. I would 
be glad that the blame should be fixed right. Mr. Spear 
has all the damaged flour in his custody, and says that he 
will bake all that can be baked, and the remainder must be 
returned. I suppose Mr. Lux ought to take it. Ifso, Mr. 
Spear says he will assist Mr. Lux in dividing it, and such 
as can be baked, he will bake. ‘The bake-houses are going 
on; and I suppose there might be a parcel of bread, and part 
of Captain Woolsey’s flour, sent to the brig that lately arrived 
with your powder. If it is practicable, and must. be done, 
the sooner the better. I received yours this day, and shall 
speak to Mr. Jacobs this evening, about making the tents. 
I think the linen must come here, as the sailmakers would 
choose to work at home with their hands. 

From yours, Jesse HoLiincswortn. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety, at Annapolis. 
Baltimore, July 12, 1776. 
We, the subscribers, being requested by Mr. Jesse Hol- 
lingsworth to inspect some flour, (suppose near one hundred 
barrels,) said to be landed from the brig Fortune, belonging 
to Messrs Lux and Bowly, and which flour was purchased 
by them for the honourable the Council of Safety for this 
Province, do, to the best of our knowledge, believe that 
such of the aforesaid flour as we have examined has been 
damaged by bilge water, admitted into the hold of the said 
vessel, through insufficiency of said vessel, or neglect of the 
hands then on board, in not pumping her as often as neces- 
sary, and the said flour is now hard, rotten, and musty, and 
unfit for baking, or any other merchantable use. 
Marx ALEXANDER, 
Bensamin GrirFiru. 


BALTIMORE COMMITTEE. 
At a meeting of the Committee, July 11, 1776: 
Present: Samuel Purviance, Jun., Chairman, W. Luz, 


Vice Chairman, W. Buchanan, W. Aisquith, J. Calhoun, 
B. Griffith, J. Sterrett, and J. Griest. 


The following appointment of Officers for the two German 
Companies to be raised in this County was agreed upon, 
and a copy thereof transmitted by letter to the Council of 
Safety: 

Philip Greybill, Captain; John Shora, First Lieutenant ; 
Christian Myers, Second Lieutenant ; and Martin Shugart, 
Ensign. 

George Peter Keyports, Captain ; Samuel Garroch, First 
Lieutenant; William Ritter, Second Lieutenant; and John 
Landenberger, Ensign. 


Ordered, That the Chairman grant Dr. James Houston 
a permission to depart with his vessel, and that he advise the 
Committee of Somerset of our having taken security of the 
said James Houston in the sum of two hundred and fifty 
pounds sterling for his good behaviour, and that the same: 
was done from several suspicious circumstances which gave: 
reason to believe him inimical to the interest of America, 
and requesting that they will give directions whether the 
said security shall be delivered up; which, it is presumed, 


183 


they ought to do, provided the Committee of Somerset either 
choose to take security of the said Houston themselves, or 
have sufficient reason to believe him a friend to the country. 


Whereas Abraham Evening, a person suspected of being 
inimical to the interest of America, was adjudged by this 
Committee to give security in the sum of two hundred and 
fifty pounds sterling for his good behaviour, and hath neg- 
lected to do so, the Committee agreed to issue a warrant 
for the apprehending and commitment to prison of the said 
Abraham Evening, which was done, as follows: 

Whereas a certain Abraham Evening was brought before 
this Committee on the 9th instant as a Non-Associator, and 
a person suspected of being unfriendly to the rights and 
liberties of America, and the Committee adjudged him, the 
said Abraham Evening, to find security in the sum of two 
-hundred and fifty pounds sterling, agreeable to a resolve of 
the honourable Convention of this Province in that case 
made and provided, which security he, the said Abraham 
Evening, hath neglected : 

These are therefore to require you to arrest the body of 
him, the said Abraham Evening, and deliver him, with this 
commitment, to the Sheriff of Baltimore County, who is 
commanded to receive into his custody the said Abraham 
Evening, and him in his Jail safely keep, until he finds the 
above mentioned security, or be delivered therefrom by the 
honourable the Convention of this Province, the honourable 
the Council of Safety, or this Committee; and for your so 
doing, this shall be your sufficient authority. 

Given under our hands and seals this 11th July, 1776. 

Signed by all present. 


Attested : Georce Lux, Secretary. 


BALTIMORE COMMITTEE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 
In Committee, Baltimore, July 11, 1776. 

GentLemeN: Agreeable to your instructions we have 
nominated the gentlemen, whose names are undermentioned, 
as officers for the two companies of Germans to be raised 
in this County. 

We advertised a meeting of the Committee to be held 
this day for the very purpose, and have taken care to be as 
well informed as possible of the characters and qualifications 
of the persons who applied to us; and we have the satisfac- 
tion to assure you they are all persons whose merits and 
reputations appear to us in the most favourable light. 

Weare, with much respect, gentlemen, your most humble 
servants. Samueu Pourviance, Jun., Ch’n. 

Wituiam Bucnanan, 
Wiuiam Atsquita, 
Bensamin GrirFitH, 
J. Griest, 

James CaLnoun, 
JOHN STERRETT. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety, at Annapolis. 

Officers recommended for the two Companies of Germans 
to be raised in Baltimore County : 

Philip Greybill, Captain ; John Shora, First Lieutenant ; 
Christian Myers, Second Lieutenant; and Martin Shugart, 
Ensign. 

George Peter Keyports, Captain; Samuel Garroch, First 
Lieutenant; William Ritter, Second Lieutenant; and John 
Lindenberger, Ensign. 


HARFORD COMMITTEE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 11, 1776. 
GENTLEMEN: Agreeable to a resolve of the late Conven- 
‘tion, empowering the Committee of this County to appoint 
the officers of a Rifle Company to be raised within this 
County, we have chosen and do recommend the following 
gentlemen as worthy of commissions, to wit: Alexander 
Lawson Smith, Captain; James White Hall, First Lieute- 
nant; William Bradford, Second Lieutenant; and Josias 
Hall, Third Lieutenant; whose conduct, we flatter our- 
selves, will do honour to them and justice to the choice of 
this Committee. 
We are, gentlemen, your most humble servants. 
Signed per order of Committee of Harford County : 
Amos Garrett, Chairman. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


184 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL HALL. 
[No. 25.] Annapolis, July 11, 1776. 
Sir: The Council of Safety think it proper that you and 
the battalion under your command should be stationed at 
this city and at Baltimore town, to supply the place of the 
regular troops that have marched from this Province to Penn- 
sylvuania. As we desire to see you as soon as possible, to con- 
cert the proper measures for the defence of this place, we 
request you will come to Annapolis as soon as you can. 
We send you enclosed your commission. We are, &c. 


To Colonel Josias Carvil Hall. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO BALTIMORE COUNTY COM- 
MITTEE. . 
[No. 27.] Annapolis, July 11, 1776. 
GentLemen: The Council of Safety think it expedient 
to have a Magazine built at some place in your County, be- 
tween five and ten miles back from Baltimore town. They 
would have it large enough to contain about four hundred 
barrels of powder, and a proportionable quantity of lead, 
arched and substantially built; and will be obliged if you 
will fix on any place you may judge safe and convenient, 
aod contract for materials and attend to the construction of 
the same. ‘They will supply the cash necessary to defray 


the expense whenever you will be pleased to eall for it. 
Weare, &c. 


To the Committee of Baltimore County. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COL. HOLLINGSWORTH. 
[No. 28.] Annapolis, July 11, 1776. 

Sir: We are in immediate want of about four hundred 
bayonets, of different sized sockets, for the arms of the 
Eastern-Shore Militia, who are to compose part of the 
Flying-Camp, and have sent an order on you to Mr. Win- 
ters for them; and we request you will supply him with 
that number as soon as possible. The greatest exertions 
are necessary upon this occasion, and we doubt not your 
warmest efforts to enable us to carry into execution the 
resolves of our Convention with that despatch the exigency 
of the times require. We are, &c. 


To Colonel Henry Hollingsworth. 


JOHN ADAMS TO MRS. ADAMS. 
Philadelphia, July 11, 1776. 

You seem to be situated in the place of greatest tranquil- 
lity and security of any upon the Continent. I may be 
mistaken in this particular, and an armament may have in- 
vaded your neighbourhood before now. But we have no 
intelligence of any such design; and all that we now know 
of the motions, plans, operations, and designs of the enemy, 
indicate the contrary. It is but just that you should have a 
little rest, and take a little breath. 

I wish I knew whether your brother and mine have 
inlisted in the Army, and what spirit is manifested by our 
Militia for marching to New-York and Crown-Point. The 
Militia of Maryland, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the 
lower Counties, are marching with much alacrity, and a 
laudable zeal, to take care of Howe and his Army at Staten- 
Island. The Army in New-York is in high spirits, and 
seems determined to give the enemy a serious reception. 
The unprincipled and unfeeling and unnatural inhabitants 
of Staten-Island are cordially receiving the enemy, and, 
deserters say, have engaged to take arms. They are an 
ignorant, cowardly pack of scoundrels. ‘Their numbers 
are small, and their spirit less. 

It is some time since I received any letter from you. The 
Plymouth one was the last. You must write me every 
week, by the post, if it is but a few lines. It gives me 
many spirits. I design to write to the General Court, 
requesting a dismission, or at least a furlough. I think to 
propose that they choose four more members, or at least 
three more, that so we may attend here in rotation. ‘Two 
or three or four may be at home at a time, and the Colony 
properly represented notwithstanding. Indeed, while the 
Congress were employed in political regulations, forming the 
sentiments of the people of the Colonies into some consistent 
system, extinguishing the remainders of authority under the 


185 


Crown, and gradually erecting and strengthening Govern- 
ments under the authority of the people, turning their 
thoughts upon the principles of polity and the forms of Goy- 
ernment, framing Constitutions for the Colonies separately, 
and a limited and a defined Confederacy for the United 
Colonies, and in some other measures, which I do not choose 
to mention particularly, but which are now determined, or 
near the point of determination, I flattered myself that I 
might have been of some little use here. But now, these 
matters will be soon completed, and very little business will 
be to be done here, but what will be either military or com- 
mercial—branches of knowledge and business for which 
hundreds of others in our Province are much better qualified 
than Iam. I shall therefore request my masters to relieve me. 

I am not a little concerned about my health, which seems 
to have been providentially preserved to me much beyond 
my expectations; but I begin to feel the disagreeable 
effects of unremitting attention to business for so long a time, 
and a want of exercise, and the bracing quality of my native 
air; so that I have the utmost reason to fear an irreparable 
injury to my constitution, if I do not obtain a little relaxa- 
tion. The fatigues of war are much less destructive to health 
than the painful, laborious, attention to debates, and to wri- 
ting, which drinks up the spirits and consumes the strength. 

Iam, &c. 


RICHARD ELLIS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[July 17, 1776, referred to the Board of War.] 
Bohemia, Md., July 11, 1776. 

Honovurep Gentiemen: The present critical and alarm- 
ing season, the vengeful hand of tyranny, now ready to 
snatch from the subjects of our free and independent States 
all that is dear and sacred to them, to wit: their lives and 
liberties, make it necessary that each subject on the Conti- 
nent should now, with a manly fortitude, assert their nights 
to the free donations of God and Nature. I presume that 
prudence will dictate to every American the necessity they 
are under of defending those inalienable rights, at the ex- 
pense of their blood and treasure. It cannot be bought or 
purchased too dear, since life, liberty, and happiness, are 
thereby secured to the combatants and their posterity, on a 
happy conquest. 

All that I can say for myself, as an individual, is, that a 
sense of the insult offered to my threatened, bleeding coun- 
try, has begat in me an ardent desire to risk my life in its 
defence, and afford every aid in my power to its service and 
interest. 

I hereby beg leave to inform the honourable Congress, 
that there are a number of likely men inlisted under my 
command already. They are to serve during the war 
between the American States and their enemies, or to the 
dismission of Congress. ‘To this number of men already 
engaged, can be added as many more as will make it a 
full company in three days. My officers are, Hezekiah 
Foard, Nicholas Vanhorn, and Thomas Bouldoin. If your 
Honours should think it meet and necessary to grant us 
commissions, we shall be ready to march in a few days from 
the date of our commissions, with a full company of healthy, 
stout, brave men, whose affection for each other are so inter- 
woven, that it would be cruel to part them, as they are nearly 
all from our neighbourhood. , Being fully assured your 
Honours will do every matter that may be productive of 
good to the States, with humble submission I wait the event 
of your answer. , 

In the interim, I am, gentlemen, with much respect, your 
Honours’ obedient and very humble servant, 

Ricuarp Extis. 


To the Honourable Continental Congress, Philadelphia. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 11, 1776. 

Sir: Ido myself the honour to inform you that your 
several letters to this time have been duly received, in the 
order of their dates. 

I now enclose sundry resolves, to which I must beg leave 
to request your attention. 

Agreeable to the resolve herewith transmitted, I have 
enclosed Mr. Anderson’s letter to you, and wrote you on 
the subject. He will present you with the letter himself. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


186 


The Postmaster having established a double post, in obe- 
dience to the resolve of Congress, a post will, after Monday 
next, leave New-York every morning, subject, however, to 
be detained or hastened whenever you think the publick 
service requires it. 

It is with the greatest pleasure I inform you that the 
Militia of this Colony are in motion from one end to the 
other. Several companies marched yesterday, and a much 
greater number, I expect, will now march every day, until 
the whole are gone. A most laudable spirit seems to have 
taken place, and I am persuaded our exertions will exceed 
what I originally apprehended. 

To that great and good Being who “ poureth contempt 
on princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty,” I 
beg leave most ardently to recommend you, and the cause 
you are intrusted to defend. 

I have the honour to be, with much esteem, sir, your most 
obedient, humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO GENERAL WASH- 
INGTON. 
In Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, July 11, 1776. 

Sir: Your Excellency’s letter of the 8th instant is re- 
ceived, but the Committee, having previously determined on 
the appointment of the four Captains of the German bat- 
talion, think themselves very unfortunate in not having it 
in their power to show the proper respect to the recom- 
mendation of Lieutenant Wilpert; the letter is, however, 
sent forward to the Convention of Maryland, who probably 
have not yet filled up the appointments committed to them 
by Congress. 

The Committee, understanding that fire-vessels and rafts 
are preparing at New-York, and being told that the com- 
bustibles are managed there in a method different from ours, 
they are induced to send Captain Hazelwood to your Ex- 
cellency, to offer his services in this business. ‘They have 
the highest confidence in his skill and abilities, having given 
him the command of all their vessels and rafts. He has 
sent forward a quantity of useful materials, which he is told 
do not make any part of the composition at New-York. 

The Committee do not mean he shall obtrude his opinion 
or advice upon those to whom your Excellency may have 
committed the direction of this species of defence ; but they 
thought, on the comparison of different modes, some real 
improvements might be struck out. He takes with him 
Mr. Bedford, who has assisted in the construction of some 
of our fire-rafts. 

Ihave the honour to be your most obedient, humble 
servant. 

By order of the Board: 


Grorce Criymer, Chairman. 


To His Excellency General Washington, New-York. 


PETITION OF FRANCIS MENTGES TO BE APPOINTED MAJOR OF 
THE GERMAN BATTALION. 


Ordered to lie. Referred to the Delegates of Pennsyl- 
vania and Maryland.] 


To the Honourable the Delegates of the Thirteen UnirEep 


States or America, in Congress met: 
The Petition of Francis Mentees, humbly showeth: 


That your petitioner was lately appointed by the honour- 
able Assembly of the Province of Pennsylvania to the post. 
of Adjutant of the battalion of Musketeers lately raised for 
the defence of said Province, and has continued since his 
said appointment in the faithful discharge of the duty of said 
office. That being a native of Germany, and hearing your 
Honours were about to raise a battalion composed of Ger- 
mans only, in the Continental service, and humbly appre- 
hending that he hath knowledge, ability, and experience 
equal to the duties of the post of Major, he humbly solicits 
from your Honours the appointment of your petitioner to 
the post of Major in the said battalion. 

And, as in duty bound, &c. 

Francis Menrees, 
Adjutant in Pennsyluana Battalion of Musketeers. 
July 11, 1776, 


[Read July 12. 


187 


I do hereby certify, that the above gentleman, Mr. Francis 
Mentges, has acted as Adjutant in the battalion of Musket- 
eers in the pay and service of the Province of Pennsylvania, 
under my command, with reputation. I therefore recom- 
mend him to the particular notice of the honourable the Con- 
tinental Congress in the appointment of the officers for the 
German battalion to be raised for the service of the United 
Colonies. SamueL T. ATLEE, 


Colonel of Pennsylvania Musketeers. 
July 11, 1776. 


I approve of the above recommendation. 
Caves Parry, Lieut. Col. 


The petitioner is very capable of performing the duty of 
Major. Samueu Mixes, 
Colonel of Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment. 
Witiram Wit, 
Captain First Battalion. 
Francis C. Haseniniovs, 
Captain First Battalon. 
Freperick Kunt, 
Isaac Metcuior, 
Jacos Barce, 
CuristorraL Lupwicx, 
Joun Kepreve. 


The Committee to whom it was referred to consider of 
proper Field-Officers for the German battalion to be raised in 
Pennsylvania and Maryland, beg leave to recommend Nicho- 
las Hauseigger for Colonel, George Stricker for Lieutenant- 
Colonel, and Lodowick Welper for Major, of the said bat- 
talion. 


The bearer, Captain George Stricker, of the Light-Infantry, 
in the First Battalion of Maryland Regulars, under my com- 
mand, has served some time in the said corps, during which 
his conduct as a vigilant, good officer has gained my good 
opinion, and merited my approbation, which induces me to 
recommend him as a person qualified and disposed to form 
a good officer. 

Given under my hand, this 9th day of July, 1776. 
W. SmatLwoop. 


Annapolis, July 8, 1776. 

Sir: If it should be the pleasure of Congress to appoint a 
Lieutenant-Colonel and Major of the German battalion from 
this Colony, I would beg leave to recommend to their notice 
Captain George Stricker and Mr. Lodowick Welper. Both 
these gentlemen are Germans, have been in actual service, 
and are much esteemed by all who know them. They have 
a considerable influence with their countrymen, speaking 
good English, and would greatly facilitate the raising of the 
men. 

Captain Stricker commands a company of our regulars, 
and is capable of discharging the duty of Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel. Mr. Welper will make an active and _ intelligent 
Major. 

I remain, sir, with every sentiment of regard and respect 
to yourself and the Congress, your most obedient servant, 

SaMUEL CHasr. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress. 


ACQUITTAL OF CAPTAINS SALTONSTALL AND WHIPPLE. 
In Congress, July 11, 1776. 
The Marine Committee, in pursuance of the order of Con- 
gress, reported that they have called before them divers of 
the inferior officers belonging to the ships Alfred and Colum- 
bus ; and having heard their complaints against the Captains 
Saltonstall and Whipple, in their presence, are of opinion 
that the charges against Captain Saltonstall do not appear 
to be well founded, and that the charges against Captain 
Whipple amount to nothing more than a rough, indelicate 
mode of behaviour to his marine officers. Whereupon, 
Resolved, That the Marine Committee be directed to 
order the Captains Saltonstall and Whipple to repair to their 
respective commands, and that it be recommended to Cap- 
tain Whipple to cultivate harmony with the officers. 
By order of Congress : 
Joun Hancock, President. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


188 


LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE. 


At a meeting of the Committee of Inspection, Observa- 
tion, and Correspondence, at the house of Adam Reigart, 
July 11, 1776: 

Present: George Ross, Matthias Slough, William Atlee, 
Lodwick Lowman, Christopher Crawford, Jacob Krug, 
William Bowsman, George Moore, Andrew Graff. 


Grorce Ross, Esq., in the Chair. 


Resolved, That one hundred and fifty men of the Asso- 
ciators be left as a guard in the Borough of Lancaster. 

Resolved, That the said one hundred and fifty men be 
taken from among the Associators in the Borough of Lan- 
caster. 


On motion, Resolved, That Christopher Heyne, John 
Feltman, Michael Diffenderfer, and Nicholas Job, be re- 
quested to collect and purchase from the inhabitants of this 
town all the tin Camp-kettles they can procure, and for 
such prices as they think reasonable, for the use of the Mili- 
tia now preparing to march by order of Congress. 


Colonel Bartram Galbraith, Lieutenant-Colonel Alex- 
ander Lowrey, and Major James Cunningham, of the Sixth 
Battalion of Associators in Lancaster County, do certify, 
that the company of volunteers from their battalion to form 
a part of the six thousand Militia for the Flying-Camp, have 
chosen William Hay for their Captain, Robert Clark their 
First Lieutenant, Patrick Hays their Second Lieutenant, 
and William Patterson their Third Lieutenant; and the said 
Field-Officers recommending the said persons to the Commit- 
tee for their appointment, the said certificate and recom- 
mendation is approved of, and the said Wilham Hay, Ro- 
bert Clark, Patrick Hays, and Wilham Patterson, are, 
agreeable to the resolves of the conference of Committees 
of Pennsylvanta, appointed the Captain and First, Second, 
and ‘Third Lieutenants, of the said company, according to 
the choice and recommendation aforesaid. 


Resolved, That the members of the County Committee 
in the different Townships be requested to give every assist- 
ance in their power to Commanding Officers of the Battalions 
and Corps in their District in procuring wagons and other 
necessary conveyances for their march to join the Militia of 
the Province in the Jerseys, agreeable to the resolve of Com- 
mittees and recommendations of Congress. 


GEORGE ROSS TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
In Committee, Lancaster, July 11, 1776. 

GentLemMen: The Committee, to enable the Militia to 
march immediately, have been under the necessity of draw-~ 
ing moneys for the several Captains of the troops to march 
from this town; and have prevailed on Messrs, Lowman & 
Hubley, of this place, to advance to Captain John Henry 
the sum of one hundred pounds; to advance to Captain 
George Musser the sum of one hundred pounds; and to 
Captain Paul Zantzinger the like sum of one hundred 
pounds; amounting to three hundred pounds. And have 
prevailed on Mr. Christian Wirtz to advance to Captain 
Samuel Boyd the sum of one hundred pounds, and to Captain 
Peter Hoofnagle the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds ; 
amounting to two hundred and twenty pounds. The whole 
sum advanced by these gentlemen being five hundred and 
twenty pounds. For whith sums the receipts will be sent 
down to the honourable the Continental Congress. 

These Captains and the troops commanded by them are 
of the First Battalion of Associators, in Lancaster County, 
commanded by Colonel George Ross. 

The Committee hope their conduct will meet the appro- 
bation of the honourable the Congress, and that those gen- 
tlemen who have advanced these moneys will have it re- 
placed on application. 

We are, gentlemen, with much respect, your most obe- 
dient humble servants. 

By order of the Committee. 

Gerorce Ross, Chairman. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 14, 1776.] 
New-York, July 11, 1776. 
Sir: I was honoured with your favour of the 8th instant 
by yesterday morning’s post, with the several resolves to 


189 


which you referred my attention. I shall duly regard them, 
and attempt their execution as far as I am able. 

By virtue of the discretionary power that Congress were 

leased to invest me with, and by advice of such of my Gene- 
ral Officers as I have had an opportunity of consulting, I have 
ordered the two remaining regiments in the Massachusetts- 
Bay to march immediately for the defence of this place, in 
full confidence that nothing hostile will be attempted against 
that State in the present campaign. I have written to the 
General Court of Massachusetts-Bay, and transmitted a copy 
of the resolve for employing the Eastern Indians ; entreating 
their good offices in this instance, and their exertions to have 
them forthwith engaged and marched to join this Army. I 
have desired five or six hundred of them to be inlisted for 
two or three years, if they will consent to it; subject to an 
earlier discharge, if it shall be thought necessary, and upon 
the same terms of the Continental troops, if better cannot 
be had, though I am hopeful they may. 

In my letter of yesterday, | mentioned the arrival of part 
of the Connecticut Lighthorse, to assist in the defence of this 
place, and my objection to their horses being kept. Four 
or five hundred of them are now come in; and, in justice to 
their zeal and laudable attachment to the cause of their 
country, I am to inform you they have consented to stay as 
long as occasion may require ; though they should be at the 
expense of maintaining their horses themselves. ‘They have 
pastured them out about the neighbourhood of King’s Bridge, 
(being unwilling to send them away,) at the rate of half a 
dollar per week each, meaning to leave it entirely with Con- 
gress either to allow or refuse it, as they shall judge proper. 
I promised to make this representation, and thought it my 
duty; and will only observe, the motives which induced 
them at first to set out were good and praiseworthy, and 
were to afford the most speedy and early succour, which they 
apprehended would be wanted before the Militia arrived; 
their services may be extremely important, being most of 
them, if not all, men of reputation and property. 

The subject of the enclosed copy of a letter from Gover- 
nour Trumbull, I beg leave to submit to the consideration 
of Congress; they will perceive from his representations, the 
disquieting apprehensions that have seized on the minds of 
the people since the retreat of the northern Army, and how 
exposed the northern frontiers of New-York and New- 
Hampshire are to the ravages and incursions of the Indians. 
How far it may be expedient to raise the battalion he con- 
ceives necessary to prevent the calamities and distresses he 
points out, they will determine upon what he has said, and 
the necessity that may appear to them for the measure ; 
what I have done being only meant to lay the matter before 
them, in compliance with his wishes. I have also enclosed 
a memorial from the Surgeon’s Mates, setting forth the inad- 
equacy of their pay to their services and maintenance, and 
praying that it may be increased. I shall observe that they 
have a long time complained in this instance, and that some 
additional allowance may not be unnecessary. 

As I am truly sensible the time of Congress is much taken 
up with a variety of important matters, it is with unwilling- 
ness and pain I ever repeat a request after having once made 
it, or take the liberty of enforcing any opinion of mine after 
it is once given; but as the establishing of some office for 
auditing accounts is a matter of exceeding importance to the 
publick interest, | would beg leave once more to call the 
attention of Congress to an appointment competent to the 
purpose. ‘T'wo motives induce me to urge the matter: first, 
a conviction of the utility of the measure ; secondly, that I 
may stand exculpated if hereafter it should appear that 
money has been improperly expended, and necessaries for 
the Army obtained upon unreasonable terms. For me, 
whose time is employed from the hour of my rising till I 
retire to bed again, to go into an examination of the accounts 
of such an Army as this, with any degree of precision and 
exactness, without neglecting other matters of equal impor- 
tance, is utterly impracticable. All that I have been able 
to do—and that, in fact, was doing nothing—was, when the 
Commissary, and Quartermaster, and Director-General of the 
Hospital (for it is to these the great advances are made) 
applied for warrants, to make them at times produce a gene- 
ral account of their expenditures. But this answers no valu- 
able purpose. It is the minutia that must be gone into; the 
propriety of each charge examined, the vouchers looked 
into; and with respect to the Commissary-General, his vic- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


190 


tualling returns and expenditures of provisions should be 
compared with his purchases, or otherwise a person in this 
department, if he was inclined to be knavish, might purchase 
large quantities with publick money, and sell one-half of it 
again for private emolument, and yet his accounts on paper 
will appear fair, and be supported with vouchers for every 
charge. 

I do not urge this matter from a suspicion of any unfair 
practices in either of the departments before mentioned ; and 
sorry should I be if this construction was put upon it, having 
a high opinion of the honour and integrity of these gentle- . 
men. But there should nevertheless be some control, as 
well upon their discretion as honesty; to which may be 
added, that accounts become perplexed and confused by 
long standing, and the errors therein not so discoverable as 
if they underwent an early revision and examination. I am 
well apprized that a Treasury Office of Accounts has been 
resolved upon, and an Auditor-General for settling all 
publick accounts; but, with all deference and submission to 
the opinion of Congress, these institutions are not calculated 
to prevent the inconveniences I have mentioned, nor can 
they be competent to the purposes, circumstanced as they 
are. 

We have intelligence from a deserter that came to us, 
that on Wednesday morning the Asia, Chatham, and G'rey- 
hound, men-of-war, weighed anchor, and, it was said, intended 
to pass up the North River above the city, to prevent the 
communication with the Jerseys. They did not attempt it, 
nor does he know what prevented them. A prisoner be- 
longing to the Tenth Regiment, taken yesterday, informed 
that they hourly expected Admiral Howe and his fleet. He 
adds that a vessel has arrived from them, and the prevail- 
ing opinion is, that an attack will be made immediately on 
their arrival. 

By a letter from General Ward, I am informed that the 
small-pox has broken out at Boston, and infected some of 
the troops. I have. written him to place the invalids under 
an officer, to remain till they are well, and to use every 
possible precaution to prevent the troops coming from thence 
bringing the infection. ‘The distresses and calamities we 
have already suffered by this disorder in one part of our 
Army, I hope will excite the utmost care that they may not 
be increased. 

I have the honour to be, with sentiments of the greatest 
esteem, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 
To the Honourable Continental Congress. 
Lebanon, July 4, 1776. 

Sir: The retreat of the northern Army, and its present 
situation, have spread a general alarm. By intelligence 
from Major General Schuyler, received last evening, I have 
reason to conclude that they are now at Crown-Point and 
Ticonderoga, in a weak state, and under the necessity of 
an immediate reinforcement to enable them to make a stand, 
and preventing the enemy from passing the lake and pene- 
trating into the country. The prevalence of the small-pox 
among them is every way unhappy; our people in general 
have not had that distemper. Fear of the infection operates 
strongly to prevent soldiers from engaging in the service; 
and the battalions ordered to be raised in this Colony fill up 
slowly. Are there no measures may be taken to remove 
the impediment? May not the Army soon be freed from 
that infection? Can the reimforcements be kept separate 
from the infected? Or may not a detachment be made from 
the troops under your command, and the Militia raising in 
the several Colonies and ordered to New-York of such men 
as have had the small-pox, to be replaced by the troops 
raising for the Northern Department? Could any expedient 
be fallen upon that would afford probable hopes that this 
infection may be avoided, I believe our battalions would 
soon join the northern Army. I shall omit nothing in my 
power to expedite them. 

The retreat of the Army from Canada exposes the north- 
ern frontiers of New-York and New-Hampshire to the 
ravages of the Indians, who will doubtless be spirited up to 
fall upon them. Some of the settlements on Onion River, 
I am informed, are breaking up and removing, and the whole 
filled with the most disquieting apprehensions. Some pow- 
der and lead, upon application, has been supplied them from 
this Colony; but the settlers there, from their infant state, 


191 


and consequent poverty, are unable to devote themselves to 
the defence of their frontiers, unless they should be enabled 
to hire labourers to carry on the business of their farms in 
their absence. I could therefore wish that your Excellency 
might think proper to recommend it to the Continental Con- 
gress to order a battalion to be raised and stationed there for 
the defence of those settlements. It would, I trust, be 
immediately filled up with a hardy race of men in that quar- 
ter, to repel the attacks of the savages, and be ready to join 
and support the northern Army upon occasion, and who at 
all times may scour the woods, and furnish intelligence of the 
enemy’s motions. 

If these settlers are driven back, besides the loss of their 
property, a much heavier expense will fall upon some of the 
Colonies for the support of their families than the charge 
arising from the raising and maintaining a battalion of Con- 
tinental troops, and we shall still have a frontier to defend. 
The anxiety of the friends and relations of many, if not most 
of those settlers who emigrated from this Colony, and the 
importance of the matter, will, I trust, be my sufficient 
apology for wishing to engage your influence with Congress 
to support the motion I judge advisable, and shall make, to 
have a battalion raised out of and stationed on these fron- 
tiers. 

By a letter from General Schuyler of the Ist instant, re- 
ceived last evening, I am advised that Generals Schuyler, 
Gates, and Arnold, were to set out on Tuesday morning. 
I trust they are by this time at the end of their journey, and 
hope their presence may have a happy effect towards affairs 
in that quarter. 

I am, with great truth and regard, sir, your most obedient 


humble servant, 
JONATHAN TRUMBULL. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


To the Honourable Brigadier-General Lord Srtruine: 


The Memorial of the Surgeons’ Mates of the several Regi- 
ments under your Honour’s command, humbly showeth : 


That your Memorialists meant to be included in a late 
Petition presented to your Honour by the gentlemen Sur- 
geons of the several regiments in the brigade under your 
Honour’s command, for an augmentation of their wages, but 
through mistake of the Mates’ signature, or by some other 
means, no notice has been taken of said Petition in their 
behalf; and your Memorialists find that, whilst employed in 
the common service of their country—which service they 
have and ever want to discharge with the greatest care and 
fidelity—their present pay will not support them in the 
character of gentlemen, even if used with the utmost frugality 
and economy. Your Memorialists, therefore, most earnestly 
request your Honour to represent their aggrieved state to his 
Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, and pray him, in their 
behalf, to lay the same before the honourable Continental 
Congress, or take such other measures as in your Honour’s 
wisdom shall be found most expedient. And your Memo- 
rialists, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. 

Danie, Menema, 
Isaac Lepyarp, 
Asa Kinespery, 
Preserve Warp. 


To the Honourable Brigadier-General Spencer: 
The Memorial of the Surgeons’ Mates of the several Regi- 


ments under your Honour’s command, humbly showeth : 


That your Memorialists meant to be included in a late 
Petition, presented to your Honour by the gentlemen Sur- 
geons in the brigade under your Honour’s command, for an 
augmentation of their wages; but, through mistake of the 
Mates’ signature, or by some other means, no notice has 
been taken of the said Petition in their behalf. And your 
Memorialists find that, whilst they are employed in the 
common service of their country—which service they have 
and always mean to discharge with the greatest care and 
fidelity—their present pay will not support them in the 
character of gentlemen, even if used with the utmost frugality 
and economy. Your Memorialists, therefore, earnestly request 
your Honour to represent their aggrieved state to his Excel- 
lency the Commander-in-Chief, and pray him, in their behalf, 
to lay the same before the honourable the Continental Con- 
gress, or take such other measures as shall, in your Honour’s 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


192 
wisdom, seem most expedient. And your Memorialists, as 
in duty bound, shall ever pray. 


Dated at New-York, June 26, 1776. 
Gersuom Bearpstey, 
Sitas Homes, 
Joun R. Wartrovs, 
ZECHARIAH Keys, 
WiuciaM PRENTICE. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-York, July 11, 1776. 

Sir: I duly received your favour of the 6th instant, and 
return you my best thanks for the attention you have shown 
at this crisis, in preparing the several regiments of Militia 
which are nearest this place to be ready for marching when 
ordered. Some of the troops have arrived, and I hope the 
rest will follow without loss of time. 

In my letter of the 9th instant I wrote you fully relative 
to the Lizhthorse, which have arrived to the number of 
between four and five hundred; and have the happiness to 
acquaint you the officers and men of that corps have mani- 
fested so firm an attachment to the cause we are engaged 
in, that they have consented to remain here till such a body 
of troops are marched from your Colony as will be a suffi- 
cient reinforcement, so as to admit of their leaving this city 
with safety. I mention this matter with greater pleasure, 
as they have the additional merit of determining to stay, 
even if they are obliged to maintain their horses at their own 
expense. | have also written you with regard to sending 
any troops from hence to the northward, to be replaced by 
the Militia from your Province, and have stated the injudi- 
ciousness of adopting such a measure. It is indeed a great 
misfortune that the small-pox is so prevalent in our northern 
Army; but I conceive it would be highly impolitick, at this 
important period, to send away troops who have been a 
considerable time in the service, and to have their places 
supplied by men of much less experience, who belong to the 
Militia. 

I have only to add, that I am, with much esteem, sir, 


ur very humble servant 
2 Ona lal ! Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Governour Trumbull, Connecticut. 


P. S. I must refer you to my letter above mentioned for 
my sentiments with respect to removing the cattle from the 
different places specified. As to the cattle on Montauk- 
Point, I can only say, some method must be devised to 
answer the purpose of preventing the inhabitants of East- 
hampton from suffering on the one hand, and the supply of 
the enemy with any stock on the other. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY. 
New-York, July 11, 1776. 
GenTLEmEN: At a crisis like the present, when our ene- 
mies are prosecuting a war with unexampled severity, when 
they have called upon foreign mercenaries, and have excited 
slaves and savages to arms against us, a regard to our own 


security and happiness calls upon us to adopt every possible 


expedient to avert the blow, and prevent the meditated ruin. 
Impressed with this sentiment, and impelled by necessity, 
the Congress have been pleased to empower me, as you 
will perceive by the enclosed copy of their resolve, which L 


have the honour of transmitting you, to call to our aid so 


many of the St. John’s, Nova Scotia, and Penobscot Indians, 
as I might judge necessary. At the same time they have 
desired that I should request the assistance of your honour- 
able body in carrying their views into execution, and to 
assure you, that whatever expenses you may necessarily 
incur in doing it, and as incident to it, they will reimburse. 
Esteeming their service of much importance, particularly 
if the enemy should attempt an impression into the interior 
parts of the country, I must entreat your kind offices upon 
this occasion, and your friendly exertions immediately to 
engage, on the best terms you can, five or six hundred men 
of these tribes, and have them accoutred with all possible 
expedition, to join the Army here. Having professed a 
strong inclination to take part with us in the present con- 
test, it is probable they may be engaged for less pay and on 
better terms than the Continental troops; but if they can- 
not, they must be allowed it. The term of their inlistment 


193 


should be for two or three years, unless sooner discharged, 
(the right of which should be reserved to us,) if they will 
engage for so long a time; if not, for such time as they will 
agree to, provided it is not too short. And it must be part 
of the treaty, and enjoined upon them, to bring, every man, 
his firelock, if it can be possibly effected. As the services 
they may render will probably depend on their early and 
timely arrival, it is unnecessary to suggest to you the neces- 
sity of the utmost despatch in the matter. 

I well know the execution of the work will be attended 
‘with some trouble and inconvenience; but a consideration of 
the benefits that may arise from employing them, and your 
zeal for the common cause, I am persuaded will surmount 
every obstacle and apologize for my requisition ; especially as 
it comes recommended and supported by authority of Con- 
gress. ; 

I have the honour to be, with sentiments of great respect, 
gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 

Go. Wasuincron. 


To the General Court, (or Committee of Safety in their 
recess,) Massachusetts-Bay. 


P. S. Since I had the honour of addressing you on the 
9th instant, I have received a resolve from Congress for 
ealling the other two Continental regiments from the Mas- 
sachusetts-Bay to join the Army here, (a copy of which I 
have enclosed ;) and by the advice of my General Officers 
have written General Ward to detach them immediatel y—the 
accounts we have all agreeing that Lord Howe is every day 
expected with one hundred and fifty transports, with at least 
fifteen thousand troops, in addition to those already here. 

In Congress, July 8, 1776. 

Resolved, That General Washington have permission to 
call forth and engage in the service of the United States so 
many Indians of the St. John’s, Nova Scotia, and Penobscot 
tribes, as he shall judge necessary, and that he be advised 
to write to the General Court of the Massachusetts-Bay, 
requesting their aid in this business, and informing them that 
Congress will reimburse such expenses as may be necessa- 
rily incurred in consequence of the foregoing resolutions. 

Per Rosert H. Harrison, Secretary. 

In Congress, July 8, 1776. 

Resolved, That General Washington be vested with dis- 
cretionary power to call to his assistance at New- York such 
of the Continental Regiments in the Massachusetts-Bay as 
have not already received orders to march to Ticonderoga, 
and that the General Court of that Province be requested to 
supply their places with Militia, if they think it expedient. 

' Roserr H. Harrison. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
New-York, July 11, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I received your favours of the Ist and 2d 
instant, and agreeable to your request transmitted Congress 
a copy of the former and of its several enclosures. The im- 
portant subject referred to them has met with their attention, 
and the letter accompanying this will inform you and Ge- 
neral Gates of the result of their deliberations. I hope that 
harmony and a good agreement will subsist between you, as 
the most likely means to advance the interest of the cause you 
both wish to promote. ‘They have determined the matter 
between Mr. Trumbull and Mr. Livingston, and decided the 
right of supplying the northern Army, and appointing per- 
sons for that purpose, to be in the former. 

I gave orders immediately on the receipt of your favour, 
for the several articles you wrote for, to be sent you, if they 
could be had. Ball and buckshot could not be spared from 
hence, and I directed a quantity of lead to be sent you, out 
of which you must attempt to have them made. 

I have not heard anything of the money mentioned by 
Mr. Duane. I imagine it has not been sent. If any acci- 
dent has befallen it, the matter would have been known ere 
now. 

Since my last, General Ffowe’s fleet from Halifax has 
arrived, in number about one hundred and thirty sail. 
His army is between nine and ten thousand, being joined by 
some of the regiments from the West-Indies, and having 
fallen in with part of the Highland troops in his passage. 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


13 


194 


He has landed his men on Staten-Island, which they mean 
to secure, and is in daily expectation of the arrival of Lord 
Howe, with one hundred and fifty ships and a large and 
powerful reinforcement. ‘This we have from four prisoners 
who fell into our hands, and some deserters, who state that 
an advice packet arrived at Halifax before they left it, 
informing that he was ready to sail when they came from 
England, to join General Howe here; in consequence of 
which he came with the present armament. They add that 
nothing will be attempted till his arrival. ‘Their intelligence, 
[have no doubt, is well founded. Indeed, the enemy having 
done nothing yet, affords proof beyond question that they are 
waiting for more troops. We are strengthening ourselves 
as much as possible, and deem their staying out so Jong a 
fortunate circumstance, as it not only gives us an opportunity 
of advancing our works, but getting some relief from the 
neighbouring Provinces. From every appearance, they 
mean to make a most vigorous push to subdue us this cam- 
paign, and, for this purpose, to possess themselves of this 
Colony, if possible, as a step leading to it. Our utmost 
exertions must be used, and [ trust, through the favour of 
divine Providence, they will be disappointed in their views. 
As having a large number of gondolas and galleys on the 
lakes’ will be of great importance, Mr. Hancock informs me, 
in his letter of the 6th instant, that fifty carpenters were 
gone from Phaladelphia, in order to build them, and that he 
had written to Governour Cooke to engage and forward the 
same complement. I am advised by Governour Trumbull, 
in a letter just received, that he has procured two companies, 
of twenty-five men each, who were about to set out. When 
they arrive they will be able, I am in hopes, to turn several 
off the stocks in a little time. 

It being evident that an attempt will be made by General 
Burgoyne to penetrate and make an impression into the 
Colonies by way of. the lakes, unless there is a sufficient 
force to oppose him, I have exercised a discretionary power, 
with which I was honoured by Congress, and ordered three 
of the fullest Continental regiments that were stationed in 
the Massachusetts Government, to march immediately on 
receiving my orders to join the northern Army. I have 
directed them to come to Norwich, and there embark for 
Albany, hoping they will arrive as expeditiously this way, 
and with much less fatigue, than if they had pursued their 
route by land altogether, at this hot uncomfortable season. 
These, with such Militia as may be furnished from the 
several Colonies required to provide them, and the troops 
that were under General Sullivan in Canada, I flatter my- 
self will be able and more than equal to repel any invasion 
that may be attempted from that quarter. It. will be some 
time before their aid can be had, having never had the 
authority of Congress to order them till within this week. 

You will perceive by the enclosed Declaration, that Con- 
gress of late have been deliberating on matters of the utmost 
importance. Impelled by necessity, and a repetition of inju- 
ries no longer sufferable, without the most distant prospect of 
relief, they have asserted the claims of the Colonies to the 
rights of humanity, absolved them from all allegiance to the 
British Crown, and declared them free and independent 
States. In obedience to their order, the same must be pro- 
claimed throughout the northern Army. 

A prisoner taken yesterday, belonging to the Tenth Re- 
giment, informs that Admiral Howe is hourly expected. 
He adds that a vessel is arrived from his fleet. 

I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 


To the Honourable Major-General Schuyler. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL WARD. 
New-York, July 11, 1776. 

Sir: Since writing to you on the 9th instant, I have been 
honoured with a letter from Congress, enclosing a resolve, 
a copy of which you have transmitted herewith, empow- 
ering me to call to the assistance of the Army here the other 
two regiments of Continental troops, now in the Massa- 
chusetts Government, and not ordered in my last to be 
detached to join the northern Army. 

I am now to request, by advice of my General Officers, 
that you will give immediate orders, not only to them, but 
to the three destined for the northward, to repair, with all 
possible despatch, to Norwich, where they will embark ; it 


195 


being the opinion of all the officers, that it will be better 
for the whole, as well the three intended for the northward 
as those to reinforce the troops here, to take this route in 
preference to any other. It may turn out the most expe- 
ditious, and it is certain the men will be eased from the 
fatigues of a long and disagreeable march at this hot and 
uncomfortable season. It will be necessary that you should 
write Mr, Huntington, at Norwich, to prepare as many 
vessels as will bring the whole of them. To the Quarter- 
master and Commissary you will give proper orders, that 
they may provide, in each of their departments, such sup- 
plies of necessaries for the route as may be wanted. 

I have just now received your favour of the 4th instant, 
with its several enclosures. It is extremely unlucky that the 
small-pox should prevail in the Army at this time; but such 
is the necessity that every possiblesuccour should be given to 
the troops here, and to those at the northward, at this critical 
period, that it is the sentiment of myself and other General 
Officers, that the whole of the regiments that are not in- 
fected with the disorder, should be instantly forwarded. ‘The 
calamities that would flow from its bemg communicated to 
the whole Army are too obvious to need mention. You 
will therefore direct the utmost care and attention to be 
used to prevent those that are well from taking the infettion, 
and for this end, that they may be kept separate and apart 
from those that have the disorder. Every precaution will 
not be more than necessary to prevent the fatal consequences 
that will attend their bringing and spreading it at this time. 
And I trust that nothing in your power to prevent it will be 
wanting. Such of the men who are down with it, and those 
you may suspect have received the infection, you will put 
under a proper officer or officers, to whom you will give orders 
to proceed with them to this place, as early as possible 
after they are well and clean of the infection. ‘The com- 
pany, or such part of the train of Artillery as are there, 
must remain, in case they should be wanted. 

I request that you will have an accurate and exact return 
made of all the military and other stores belonging to the 
Continent, that I may be enabled to transmit it to the Board 
of War and Ordnance, agreeable to their order. You will 
charge the Commissary or Conductor with the care of them, 
and that he will remain and guard them in a safe and secure 
manner. He must be active and vigilant in his duty, that 
nothing may be lost or injured. 

I ain, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Go. WasuineTon. 


To Major-General Ward, Boston. 


REV. JOHN RODGERS TO GENERAL GATES. 
New-York, July 11, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Give me leave to introduce to your acquaint- 
ance the bearer, Mr. Tennent, who is my son-in law. He 
is one of the Chaplains appointed by the Colony of Connec- 
ticut for General Waterbury’s brigade. I doubt not he will 
do his duty with fidelity and diligence, and your politeness 
and benevolence supersede the necessity of my asking your 
countenance and friendship to him, while he supports the 
dignity of his character. 

For news, I must refer to our good friend Mr. Hazard 
and the bearer; for I take it for granted Mr. Hazard writes 
to you by this conveyance. 

With every tender wish for your prosperity in your present 
important department, I am, dear sir, your most obedient, 
humble servant, Joun Ropcers. 


To General Gates. 


EBENEZER HAZARD TO GENERAL GATES. 
New-York, July 11, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I intend writing to you the news by the post 
who sets out for Albany to-morrow, and will very probably 
reach you sooner than this. My only design at present is, 
to introduce to you my very particular friend, the Reverend 
Mr. William Tennent, of Greenfield, in Connecticut. He was 
solicited by General Waterbury to accept the Chaplaincy of 
a regiment, and is now on his way to Crown-Poznt for that 
purpose. Since the commencement of the present dispute, 
he has uniformly supported the American side of it, and his 
zeal has been commendable. For further particulars, I must 
refer you to a future acquaintance with him, which will give 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


196 


you a more just idea of him than anything dictated by the 
partiality of friendship. 
I am, dear sir, yours affectionately, 
EBENEZER Hazarp. 


MEMORANDUM, 


As much depends upon the expedition with which the 
expresses travel, that matter ought to be particularly attend- 
ed to; more especially as the expresses in general have not 
outrode the stated posts. 

Private letters (2. e. not on publick business) ought not to’ 
be sent by express, as it will lessen the revenue of the Con- 
tinental Post Office, unless they are delivered to the Post- 
master, that postage may be charged on them. As letters 
from the commanding officer in Canada are carried by the 
stated posts, free of postage, General Gates will be pleased 
either to enclose his for his friends in Virginia, &c., to Mr. 
Hazard, or write his own name at the bottom of the direc- 
tion, that Mr. Hazard may be able to distinguish them. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 

Camp on Long-Island, July 11, 1776. 

Dear Sir: A report was sent in last evening from the 
outguards at the Narrows, that there were two ships, one 
brigantine, and one schooner, standing in for the Hook last 
night. 

I was mentioning, some few days past, that a putrid fever 
prevailed in my brigade, and that I thought it partly owing 
to their feeding too freely on animal food. Vegetables 
would be much more wholesome; and by your Excellency’s 
permission, they may be provided for the troops without any 
additional expense to the Continent, if the Colonels of the 
Regiments were allowed to retrench in the article of meat, 
and that they should draw its value in money, to be applied 
by the Quartermaster of the regiment to the procuring ne- 
cessary sauce, the Quartermaster to draw the money weekly 
and account to the commanding officer of the regiment 
how it is expended, and for what. ‘This method may be a 
little more troublesome to the Commissary-General and the 
Quartermasters of the regiment; butif it will remedy so great 
an evil as now prevails, I think it worthy your Excellency’s 
attention. The troops cannot complain that they are scanted 
in their allowance: leaving them at liberty to draw either 
meat or money, as the inclination of the troops or command- 
ing officer may lead them, puts it out of their power to 
complain. People often would adopt measures when left 
to their choice, that they would think a hardship to have 
imposed upon them. 

Cleanliness contributes much to the health of the troops. 
They now do, and have done, so much fatigue, that the 
allowance of soap will not keep them clean. ‘Their clothing 
gets exceedingly dirty, and they wear out twice as many 
clothes on fatigue as doing other duty. I should think it a 
piece of justice due to the troops for the extraordinary fa- 
tigue, to be allowed a double quantity of soap when they are 
employed so much on fatigue. ‘This is a grievance I have 
often heard the officers complain of, that the fatigue wore out 
the troops’ clothing faster than they could get them, and that 
they made themselves so dirty at work, that the allowance of 
soap would not clean them. ; 

I have never mentioned anything of a further allowance of 
soap to any person except the other evening at Head-Quar- 
ters. I only beg leave to propose it to your Excellency’s 
consideration, and leave it for your better judgment to deter- 
mine the propriety and utility of such an establishment. 

Believe me to be, with the greatest respect, your Excel- 
lency’s most obedient humble servant, 

NaTHANAEL GREENE. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


EXAMINATION OF DESERTERS. 


The Examination of seven Deserters from on board the 
Enemy’s Fleet, Jury 7, 1776. 


John Hogan, James Jarras, John Joseph, William Down- 
ing, John Bragg, Robert Caswell, deserters from a victual- 
ling ship of the enemy’s fleet, all taken in different vessels 
and put on board the fleet, except John Hogan, who was 
impressed at Halifax, say: That the ship they deserted from 


197 


is called the Killingworth, Thomas Poundage master; that 
they took her boat about twelve o’clock last night, and came 
to Long-Island, and went up to General Greene’s encamp- 
ment; that the fleet consists of one hundred and fifty or one 
hundred and sixty sail of all kinds—it contains one sixty- 
four, two fifty, one forty, one thirty-six, the rest sloops of 
war (about four) and some tenders—no bombships, but two 
expected from England with the fleet; the fleet expected 
every day with about fifteen thousand troops; all the troops 
now here between eight and nine thousand—healthy; no 
Horse. They intend no attempt till Lord Howe arrives. 
Sixty-six men from New-Jersey and Staten-Island joined 
them. ‘The troops and inhabitants appear friendly. One 
boy killed and six men wounded in the tender the other day. 
The Chatham, Admiral Shuldham’s ship, well manned, but 
very sickly on board; several died since they left Halifax. 
The rest of the ships of war not so well manned; the trans- 
ports badly manned; no troops but the Lighthorse left at 
HMalifax; Artillery ashore, and encamped; the troops quar- 
tered. Lord Piercy commands ashore; General Howe on 
shipboard. About five hundred Highlanders and four compa- 
nies from Antigua. 

Matthew Kelly, who deserted from on board the transport 
brig the Admiral Gayton, which took him on the Banks, 
outward bound, from Newbury to Surinam, agrees in general 
with the foregoing. Three riflemen went.on board the 
Greyhound last night was a week, and a brother-in-law 
of Captain James Ayscough. One Highlander, and another 
person, came on board the same night. Only three ships of 
war left at Halifax—the largest a frigate, the others sloops ; 
one of them to convey some victualling ships to Quebeck. 

Taken ten o’clock, July 7, 1776. 

Jno. Morin Scort, Brigadier-General. 
Examination of Epenezer Corerox, Sailor, deserter from 
the Enemy’s Fleet. 

On Monday evening, July 8th, 1776, deserted from on 
board the Amity’s Admonition, commanded by Captain John 
Noles, (it being one of the fleet now lying in our harbour,) 
a certain Ebenezer Colefox, who says: That on the 22d of 
May \ast he was taken a prisoner in the sloop Macaroni, 
commanded by Captain John Arthur, belonging to Mr. 
Nathaniel Shaw, of New-London, of which sloop he was 
mate. That he was carried into Halifax by the vessel that 
took him. That the vessel in which he was a prisoner 
arrived in Halifax on or about the 10th of June last. ‘That 
the number of the enemy is about eight thousand, who are 
all landed and billeted out in different parts of the Island, 
but that he knows not with certainty whether any of the 
General Officers are landed or not, but is certain that General 
Howe is yet on shipboard. ‘That it is currently reported 
among the enemy that a reinforcement of twenty thousand 
men is daily expected; that they have landed their heavy 
artillery, though not their field-pieces, and that they have 
not yet erected any fortifications. That it is also currently 
reported on board the fleet that no descent would be made 
by the enemy until the arrival of the reinforcement, and 
that then an attack would be made on this city. That 
two sailors, who arrived at Halifax in a transport-ship from 
England, had got on board the vessel to which the exami- 
nant belonged, and declared that Lord Howe’s fleet had 
actually embarked and sailed from England before their 
departure therefrom. ‘That four hundred of the Fifth Regi- 
ment came from Halifax in the ship to which he belonged ; 
that they were in the battle of Bunker’s Hill; that most of 
them were very averse to the service, and wished to come 
to a field action, for that they did not care whether they 
died or lived. No bombships with this fleet, but some ex- 
pected with Lord Howe. ‘The Army healthy. Never was 
ashore himself on Staten-Island. No troops left at Halifax 
but the sick. Does not know that any ship of war was left 
at Halifax, except the frigate which took him, called the 
Cerberus. In the fleet in our harbour now are the Asia; two 
ships of fifty and one of forty guns; the Greyhound frigate ; 
two sloops, commanded by Wallace and Ayscough; one small 
sloop cruising on the back of Long-Island, and a few small 
armed vessels, ‘The tender on which we fired some days 
ago much damaged, and had one man killed and eight or 
nine wounded. ‘The Army not suffered to take anything 
from the inhabitants of the Island without pay. The in- 
habitants sell them fresh provisions. ‘There are to be two 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


* 


198 


market-days in a week. He got ashore by swimming on a 
piece of plank to Long-Island ; when near the shore he called 
out, and the guards came down and received him, almost 
spent with being in the water two hours. 
Taken this 9th July, 1776. 
Jno. Morin Scorr, Brigadier-General. 


Examination of Emanuet Joseruson, of New-York, who 
made his escape from the Enemy, Jury 10, 1776. 


Emanuel Josephson, of the City of New-York, was taken 
in a boat belonging to Newark, on Tuesday, the 2d of July 
instant. He was well treated, and all his baggage returned. 
General Howe lives at Banker’s. He heard a sergeant say 
that the British forces were seven thousand only, consisting 
of the troops that left Boston, except three regiments that 
are left at Halifax, and four companies of Highlanders that 
have joined them since. No intrenchments, nor cannon, 
except two twelve-pounders, near Decker’s. ‘The men look 
very hearty, and have plenty of salt provisions and flour. 
He understood from them that they intended to remain on 
Staten-Island till the arrival of the fleet. They appeared 
rather afraid. Some of the subalterns and soldiers told him 
there was something preparing that the New- Yorkers little 
thought of. ‘They were much afraid that our people would 
set the town on fire; that in general they thought they 
would go up the North River, and land there, and another 
party would land on Long-Island, and so take the city. 
It was reported in the camp that we treated our prisoners 
very ill; and especially, that some of the Highland officers 
were drummed through the town with the rogue’s march. 
That a great number of different people from the Continent 
had joined them lately. Hesaw Messrs. Apthorp, De Lancey, 
Bayard, Barbarie, and Lawrence. He heard that Paxton, 
the barber, was there. Was treated with great politeness 
by Captain Williams, of the tender, and Captain Dickson, 
of the Greyhound. Richard Lawrence is building flat- 
bottomed boats on the Island. ‘The people are afraid, if a 
reinforcement comes, they will be starved for want of pro- 
visions on the Island. Yesterday two men came from Bergen- 
Point, with all their baggage. 


Examination of Witu1am Garpener, a Prisoner, July 
11, 1776. 


Wilham Gardener, of the Tenth Regiment, commanded 
by Major Vattes, was going to get some milk, and being in 
liquor, lost his way and was taken by our men. Men in 
good spirits. Plenty of salt provisions, and an order issued 
for fresh provisions twice a week, but he had not seen any 
yet. Noworks yet thrown up. They are only waiting for 
the fleet. After they left Halfax they were joined by the 
fleet from Glasgow, said to contain three thousand men when 
sailed. ‘They have an account that General Burgoyne is at 
Fort Edward. ‘There are on the Island General Howe, 
General Grant, Lord Piercy, Brigadiers Jones: and Smith. 
There is a brigade opposite to the Point, consisting of three 
regiments, commanded by Brigadier-General Jones. ‘They 
have two field-pieces with each regiment. Each regiment 
consists of ten companies, and forty men toacompany. He 
was told by a person who wrote for some of the officers, that 
the reason of leaving Boston was the want of provisions, but 
he thought it was time, as it was becoming very hot about 
their ears. He heard the Adjutant tell the Major that they 
had received intelligence from General Burgoyne, by land, 
that he had an army of thirty-five thousand men, regulars 
and Canadians. ‘They expect the fleet in every hour. A 
vessel has arrived from them. 'The general idea among the 
men is, that they are to attack New-York, and can easily 
pass up the river. A Sergeant Deane, of the Fifty-Second 
Regiment, taken at Bunker’s Hill or Lexington, came over 
to the Island within a few days, and was with General Howe, 
and supposes gave a particular account of what was doing. 


Examination of Evisau Steruens and Cuauncey Smiru, 
deserters from the Enemy’s Fleet, New-York, July 11, 
1776. 

On Wednesday night deserted from on board the Generous 
Friend, a transport, one of the fleet now lying in our harbour, 
Elijah Stephens and Chauncey Smith, who say: That on 
the 17th day of May they were taken prisoners in the schoo- 


199 


ner called the Leviathan, belonging to New-Haven, by the 
Cerberus man-of-war, and carried into Halifax, where they 
arrived on or about the 3d of June, and were turned over to 
the aforesaid transport. That they left Halifax on or about 
the 10th of June, where they left no troops but invalids. 
They say that the number of the enemy arrived in the fleet 
is (as nearly as they have been able to inform themselves) 
about seven thousand. That the troops were all landed on 
Staten-Island, and that they were on different parts of the 
Island. That there were a few tents, but that the troops 
were chiefly billeted out in houses. ‘That besides those who 
have. the small-pox, (of which there are fifty or sixty,) there 
are many sick among them. ‘That many of the soldiers 
seem much averse to the service, and curse their fate for 
being engaged therein. They further say, that yesterday 
morning the Asia, Chatham, and the Greyhound, weighed 
anchor, and, as the examinants were informed, intended to 
sail past the city, up Hudson’s River, and lie at some con- 
venient distance above it, to prevent communication between 
it and the country. They also say that it was reported 
among them that the inhabitants of the Island were about 
forming themselves into companies, who, together with such 
of the enemy as were unfit for actual service, were to remain 
upon the Island, to defend it when an attack should be made 
by the troops; but that no attack was to be made until the 
arrival of the reinforcement from Europe, which reinforce- 
ment, they were informed, would consist of about fifteen or 
sixteen thousand men. 
Jno. Morty Scort, Brigadier-General. 


Examination of James McFaruan, a soldier belonging to 


the Fifty-Fifth Regiment, (Colonel Mupic,) deserted 
from Sraten-lsuanp on the 4th or 5th Juty, 1776. 


The Colonel absent. ‘The regiment now commanded by 
the Major, who is General Howe’s Aid-de-Camp. He left 
Staten-Island about one or two o’clock yesterday afternoon. 
He came away in a skiff opposite the Blazing-Star Ferry. 
He left Halifax (where they went from Boston) about four 
weeks ago. Some of the Grenadiers and Light-Infantry 
landed on the Island on Tuesday night, and the battalions 
on Wednesday. ‘They consist of nine thousand—about one 
thousand sick and lame. General Grant, of the brigade to 
which the examinant belongs, is about one mile and a half 
from Blazing-Star, inland, with three battalions (of eight 
companies each) of Foot. No breastworks or other remark- 
able works raised since Grant came on the Island; the men 
so weak and feeble, and the weather so hot, that they cannot 
work, and therefore don’t intend raising any yet awhile. 
About four hundred of the inhabitants to be sworn yesterday 
to be true to carry arms, but not to go out of the country. 
He has not tasted a bit of fresh provision since he has been 
on the Island, but yesterday they began to buy. Their 
sentries are all along the shore—two together in the night- 
time. The report in the Army is, that they are waiting for 
the fleet from England. He thinks one-half of the Army 
are very easy about the dispute, and had rather let it alone; 
these are chiefly Scotch and Irish ; but the English are very 
violent. ‘They expect a reinforcement of ten or twelve 
thousand men. He thinks Admiral Shuldham commands 
the fleet. If they are to be attacked, now is the time. The 
Captain of the tender was killed on Thursday morning, as 
reported through the Army. A schooner was taken the 
other night loaded with flour, about two miles from Blazing- 
Star, supposed to be from Amboy. A great many flat- 
bottomed boats, with sixteen oars, will carry two companies ; 
but are all yet with the fleet. In general, about thirty-six 
in a company, and many not that. There was a talk at 
Halifax about a regiment of Indians, but it all went over, 
and none came. ‘The inhabitants of Staten-Island are well 
used; no soldier dare do anything against them. The other 
night the soldiers broke into a cellar belonging to a man 
who had deserted to Jersey, (supposed to be Mr. Mesereaua,) 
and knocked in the heads of some wine-casks and drank it, 
for which they were tried next day by a general court-mar- 
tial. A large man, a ship-carpenter, (Richard Lawrence,) 
came aboard them with a likely young man the first night 
after they came from Sandy-Hook, and told them there was 
nobody on the other side of the Island but a parcel of jawing 
rascals, and five hundred of such as he would drive them 


all. ‘The Army have the bloody-flux and scurvy. There 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


200 


are no Lighthorse among the Regulars; these were left at 
Halifax till they see whether they can make their landing 
good; but have riding and draught-horses. ‘The Grenadiers 
and Light-Infantry are in a brigade by themselves, in the 
middle of the Island. The reinforcement is expected every 
day. ‘The men are so weak that they cannot march twelve 
miles a day to save their lives. A great many (nearly 
twenty) boats from Long-Island came on board and helped 
them to land their men on Staten-Island ; the boats are used 
to carry grass; they had been at the light-house a fortnight. 


Examination of Abram Van Duzar, of New-York, from 
Sraten-Istanp, July 9, 1776. 


The examination of Abram Van Duzar, of New-York, 
who saith: That on Tuesday, the 2d day of July, he went 
over to Staten-Island, to bring over a horse he had some 
time before purchased ; that he could not get a passage back 
again that night; and that the next morning he was forbid 
returning, guards having been set all round the Island. The 
examinant further saith, that he attempted to come away 
three times, and was hindered the two first times, but that 
the last (being this morning) he effected his escape in a 
skiff from Decker’s Ferry; that guards are set all over the 
Island, but that no fortifications are made or intrenchments 
flung up anywhere. That on Saturday last, Governour 
Tryon called all the Militia of the Island together, and 
agreed with them that, on their taking the oath of allegiance 
to the King, he would give to them new commissions, and 
that then they were to be inlisted to serve during the war, 
and not to go off the Island; that they were to receive the 
same pay as the King’s troops; and that he heard one 
Decker (an inhabitant of the Island) say the number of men 
belonging to the Island, and fit to bear arms, consisted of 
between four and five hundred. ‘That they had raised a 
company of Horse, whose pay is one dollar per day when 
called to duty. That he saw Cortlandt Skinner on the 
Island, in high spirits, save that he laments a little the loss 
of his son. ‘That he had heard it talked among both officers 
and soldiers, that when the fleet and army (expected to 
arrive every hour under Lord Howe) should arrive to their 
assistance, they were to land at Amboy and on Long-Island, 
and so force their way to New-York; and that Carleton 
was to come from Canada; and by their talk one among 
another, were of opinion that Carleton must needs be now 
in Albany; and that they seemed well assured of success ; 
nor could they think their attempt could possibly fail. ‘That 
the troops are very healthy, and look exceedingly well, and 
are impatient to attack us. ‘That with the present fleet 
came only six men-of-war, sloops, tenders, and several bomb- 
ships. ‘That he thinks, from the best judgment he can form, 
that the number of troops, exclusive of the marines, consists 
of twelve thousand; but that they, among themselves, .give 
such different accounts of their number, that there is no kind 
of dependance on the accounts they give about it. That 
the troops are chiefly landed and scattered over the Island; 
that he thinks they are likely to want fresh provisions pretty — 
soon. ‘That he had been well informed that forty-eight men 
came and joined them from Amboy; that on Sunday evening 
last three Riflemen came over to them from Long-Island, 
and brought with them five rifles, and told the General that 
twenty-five more wanted to come over, but had no craft to 
bring them; that those three Riflemen joined the Army, and 
drew provisions and pay immediately. ‘That when the fleet 
came in through the Narrows, our guns from the battery 
killed four men and a boy. ‘That they had asked him how 
many in number our troops consisted of in New-York ; that 
he had told them not less than fifty thousand, and more 
likely one hundred thousand, ‘That they had talks of at- 
tempting the little privateer in the bay; and that he heard 
it talked among the officers, yesterday, that five men-of-war 
were to be sent up to town to-day, but that no general 
attack is to be made until they are reinforced by the fleet 
from England, with whom, they say, fifteen or twenty thou- 
sand troops will come. That they were going through with 
the people on the Island yesterday, tendering them the oath 
of allegiance; and that people in general took it cheerfully, 
without hesitation, as he was informed. 

Asram Van Duzar. 


Taken on this 9th of July, 1776, at Bergen town, by me, 
Jacos Forp, Jun., Colonel. 


201 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
White-Plains, Westchester County, R 
July 11, 1776. 

Sir: In pursuance of the resolution of your honourable 
House of the 17th of June last, we have passed a resolve to 
authorize the Commander-in-Chief to call out all or any 
part of our Militia whenever he might think it necessary, of 
which we now enclose you a copy, marked No. 1. 

We have also taken into consideration the recommenda- 
tion of the Congress relative to the providing of clothing for 
the troops, and passed the resolution of which we enclose 
you a copy, marked No. 2. ; 

As soon as we had received the resolution of Congress for 
raising a regiment in the Colony, in order to provide for 
those officers who had served in Canada, we referred it to 
a Committee, expecting from them an arrangement which 
would preserve the rank of those officers, and thereby pre- 
vent all disgusts and just grounds of resignation, it being our 
opinion that inferior officers should not be raised over their 
superiors, unless in cases of extraordinary and distinguished 
merit. And although we could not forbear observing that 
the recommendation of Mr. Dubois tended in some measure 
to impair that liberty of nomination, without which the privi- 
lege would be ineffectual, yet, as we conceived that such 
instances were not frequent, we had determined to comply 
with the request. A 

But, sir, we were much surprised and most deeply affected 
by the resolution of Congress of the 26th of June, by which 
it appears that your honourable House had taken from us 
the right of nominating, not only the Field-Officers, but also 
the Captains and Lieutenants of that regiment, a measure 
so contrary to the common usage hitherto observed and 
practised upon in all similar cases, as to raise a discrimination 
highly invidious to this State; and it is our great misfortune 
not to perceive the force of those three reasons which your 
honourable House have thought fit to assign to us. 

The first, sir, is, that the Congress were furnished with 
a list of the officers who had served in Canada, and were 
therefore enabled to appoint without our interposition. 

We shall readily admit that the Congress may in this and 
in other cases have sufficient information to enable them to 
make such appointments; yet we submit it to their superior 
wisdom,*whether the ability they may thence derive to per- 
form an act can constitute a right of doing it; and if, as 
we suppose, those appointments did (by the common usage) 
appertain to us, then how far the mere capacity of making 
them could vest the right in any other body whatsoever. 

The-second reason, sir, is, ‘that the Congress have ap- 
pointed only such officers as were originally appointed and 
recommended by us; and that we should probably have 
fixed our choice on the same persons.” 

We shall acknowledge it to be merely possible, that in 
the course of human affairs we might, by some chance, have 
fixed upon those persons which are most agreeable to your 
honourable House. And it is strictly true, that the greatest 
part of the officers were appointed and recommended by us 
the last year, although not to the same rank and commissions 
which your honourable body have thought fit to confer upon 
them ; but it is equally true, that several of them have never 
been recommended or appointed by us, and one of them, if 
not more, has never been in the service at all; and we are 
really at a loss to conceive that our nomination of officers in 
a regiment disbanded after the term of inlistment was expired, 
can, upon the raising of a new regiment, deprive us of that 
right of nomination, and vest it in the Congress. Nor can 
we be of opinion that another body ought to claim the right 
of choosing for us, from the mere conjecture that their choice 
would be similar to ours, even if that conjecture should be 
well founded; but we are sorry to observe, sir, that the 
arrangement made by your honourable House is materially 
different from that which we had prepared. 

The third reason for depriving us, in this instance, of the 
right of nomination, is, “the good of the service, and the 

‘danger of delay.” 

We are deeply impressed with the idea that your respect- 
able body are actuated by the purest intentions of serving 
this country; and we entertain so well founded an opinion 
of their wisdom and integrity, that we shall not presume to 
apologize for that plainness of speech which distinguishes 
freemen, and which can never give offence to those who, 
from the dignity of their private characters, impart lustre to 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


202 


the offices they hold. We shall observe, therefore, that 
although the necessity of the case has, in all ages and 
nations, been the fruitful source of extraordinary power, yet 
it has but too frequently sown with tares the fertile fields of 
liberty, and blasted the fairest fruits of patriotism and publick 
spirit. ‘The whole history of mankind bears testimony against 
the propriety of considering the principle as the parent of 
civil rights, and therefore a people jealous of their liberties 
must forever reprobate it. At the same time, we take leave 
to assure you, sir, that however we may be calumniated by 
individuals whose censure we consider as praise, we shall 
ever continue ready and willing, with our lives and fortunes, 
to support the cause and rights of America. 

We are extremely sorry to inform the Congress that the 
good of the service will not be promoted, nor the dangers of 
delay prevented, by the measures which they have taken, 
as many spirited and good officers have been so disgusted 
that some have resigned, and we have but too much reason 
to apprehend that others will refuse to accept of their com- 
missions. We beg, therefore, that your honourable House 
will excuse us from interfering in the further arrangement of 
this regiment, and make out the few appointments which 
remain. 

We have received from Wiliam Goforth, a brave and 
good officer, who served the last campaign in Canada, a 
letter containing his reasons for quitting the service, of 
which we enclose you a copy, marked No. 3, and also the 
copy of a letter from Colonel Fleming, on. the same subject, 
marked No. 4. 

We daily expect other resignations, and pray leave to 
observe, that we think the case of Lieutenant-Colonel Cort- 
landt is attended with singular hardship. He is a young 
gentleman of affluent circumstances, good family, and exten- 
sive connexions. He entered the service last year as a 
Lieutenant-Colonel, and served with spirit and fidelity, and 
has done the like this year. He is now inferior in rank to 
Mr. Dubois, who entered the service last year as a Captain. 
If by such neglect many respectable inhabitants among us, 
with their numerous and extensive connexions, be disgusted 
and remain inactive, we flatter ourselves that this Colony 
will not be censured for the ill consequences which may 
result from it. 

The day before yesterday we took into consideration the 
Declaration of your honourable House, proclaiming the United 
Colonies free and.independent States, and thereupon came to 
a resolution, of which we enclose you a copy, marked No. 5. 

Governour T’ryon has inlisted into the service of the King 
of Great Britain certain disaffected persons belonging to 
this Colony, New-Jersey, &c., some of whom are now in 
custody. We are really at a loss what to do with them, 
there being no laws according to which they can be tried 
and punished, and ex post facto laws are liable to many ob- 
jections. We unanimously join in requesting the favour of 
your honourable House to advise us what would be proper 
to do in this case. 

We take the liberty of suggesting to your consideration 
also, the propriety of taking some measures for expunging 
from the Book of Common Prayer such parts, and discon- 
tinuing in the congregations of all the denominations all 
such prayers as interfere with the interest of the American 
cause. It is a subject we are afraid to meddle with, the 
enemies of America having taken great pains to insinuate 
into the minds of the Episcopalians that the Church was in 
danger. We could wish the Congress would pass some 
resolve to quiet their fears, and we are confident it would 
do essential service in the cause of America, at least in this 
State. 

We have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir, 
your most obedient and most humble servants. 

By order: ‘Naruantet Woopuutu, President. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


[No. 1.] In Provincial Congress, New-York, June 21, 1776. 

Resolved unanimously, That the Commander-in-Chief of 
the Army of the United Colonies be, and he hereby is, 
authorized and empowered to impress Carriages and Water 
Craft within this Colony, when necessary for the publick ser- 
vice; and also to remove Ships and other Vessels in Hudson’s 
and the East Rivers, for the purpose of securing them from 
the enemy. 


203 


June 30.—Resolved, That the Commander-in-Chief of 
the Continental forces be, and he is hereby, authorized and 
empowered, whenever he shall judge it necessary for the 
defence of this Colony, to apply to the Brigadier-Generals 
thereof, and in case of their or either of their absence, to the 
next Commanding-Officer, for any proportion of the Militia 
under their respective commands; and that on receipt of 
such application, they be, and hereby are, directed to call 
out such part of their Militia, and march to any place or 
places within this Colony, as the said Commander-in-Chief 
shall order for its defence; and that this order shall continue 
until revoked by this or some future Congress or Legisla- 
ture of this Colony. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Rosert Benson, Secretary. 


[No. 1.] In Convention of the Representatives of the State en 


New-York, White-Plains, July 15, 1776. 

Resolved, unanimously, That if his Excellency General 
Washington should think it expedient, for the preservation 
of this State, and the general interest of America, to aban- 
don the City of New-York, and withdraw the troops to the 
north side of King’s Bridge, that this Convention will cheer- 
fully cooperate with him in every measure that may be 
necessary for that purpose. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Rosert Benson, Secretary. 


[No. 2.] In Provincial Congress, New-York, June 24, 1776. 


Resolved and Ordered, 'That Colonel Curtenius be re- 
quested to procure, without delay, on account of this Con- 
gress, and on the most reasonable terms, all the coarse wool- 
len Cloth that is for sale in and about this city, for the 
purpose of making Coats for the Troops raised and to be 
raised in the Colony for the present campaign; and if a 
sufficient quantity for that purpose cannot be procured in 
this city, that he send to the city of Albany, and the town 
of Schenectady, and elsewhere, and cause to be purchased 
as much more, in addition to the quantity purchased in this 
city, as will be sufficient to make one Coat for each soldier 
so raised and to be raised, as aforesaid. 

That Colonel Curtentus procure, without delay, at the 
place aforesaid, and elsewhere, brain dressed Deer’s Leather, 
sufficient to make each soldier as aforesaid one Waistcoat 
and one pair of Breeches, and that he employ a sufficient 
number of hands to make the said Coats, Waistcoats, and 
Breeches, with all expedition. 

That Colonel Curtenius procure one Blanket, one felt 
Hat, two Shirts, two pair of woollen Hose, and two pair of 
Shoes, for each soldier raised and to be raised as aforesaid ; 
and that he cause all the articles hereby ordered to be pro- 
cured, to be baled, invoiced, and stored in proper places, 
there to remain subject to the order of the Continental Con- 
gress, or Commander-in-Chief of the American Army. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Rosert Benson, Secretary. 
[No. 3.] New-York, July 5, 1776. 

GentLemeEN: Having, in the course of the last year, been 
called by you from private life, without any solicitation, to 
the most honourable of all services, that of my country, I 
obeyed the call, and have, to the utmost of my poor abili- 
ties, exerted myself for the general good; and having, on 
my return home, found my toils amply rewarded, inasmuch 
as I had so far fallen under your notice as to be appointed 
to a Majority, which promotion I view as great as I could 
reasonably expect, or even have desired—nevertheless, 
when [I look over the arrangement which you were pleased 
to make the last year, and call to mind that you then deter- 
mined that the First Regiment shoulll take rank of the 
Second, and find that I had the rank of fourth Captain in 
the First, and that Lewzs Dubois, Esquire, had the rank of 
fourth Captain, and Jacobus Bruyn, Esquire, that of seventh 
in the Third Regiment, I view my appointment as speaking 
two things: first, that you have found men of greater merit 
than myself, and men who are better qualified for the pub- 
lick service, of which am extremely glad; and, secondly, 
that your now appointing me to serve under two junior 
officers, is no more than taking the most genteel way of 
discharging me from the publick service as an officer. Per- 
haps it may be said that this is no time to dispute about rank ; 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


204 


if so, I would just beg leave to inform you, that when in 
Canada last winter I viewed this argument to be of great 
force; but at present conceive myself to be in the state in 
which I was when I left home, and beg leave to decline the 
service; and with the utmost deference to subscribe myself, 
as in reality I am, a true friend to the free and rising States 
of America, and at the same time, your most obedient and 
most humble servant, Witiiam Gororru. 


To the Honourable the Provincial Congress of the Colony 
of New-York. 


True copy, examined by 
Rozsert Benson, Secretary. 


[No. 4.] New-York, June 21, 1776. 

Gentiemen: I take occasion to express the high sense 
I entertain of that honourable testimony of your approbation 
which you were pleased to give by unanimously appointing 
me Deputy Adjutant-General in the Continental Army, and 
extremely regret the necessity I am now laid under of making 
a resignation of the trust committed tome. I flatter myself 
that, considering my uniform conduct, and my circumstances 
in life, you will do me the justice to believe, that in accepting 
the office I was influenced by my zeal for and attachment 
to the cause of America; not by any avidity for the emolu- 
ments which might thence arise. It is unnecessary to say I 
left ease and competency, my wife, my children, and every 
thing dear to me, to encounter, at the expense of my health, 
as well as at the risk of my life, all the rigours, difficulties, 
and dangers of a long campaign in Canada. Neither is it my 
part to determine whether my behaviour in the station I 
filled has been reprehensible or meritorious; but this much I 
will venture to assert, that however moderate my abilities, 
my assiduity and attention to the discharge of my duty were 
unremitted. What share of zeal and perseverance I may 
pretend to can easily be ascertained by the term of my con- 
tinuance in Canada, under all the discouragement of an 
excruciating disorder. At any rate, I am not conscious of 
any such neglect or desertion of my duty as may justly 
expose me to a manifest indignity; and when it is offered me 
I cannot forbear feeling it with the sensibility of a man. 

As first Deputy I naturally expected to succeed to the Ad- 
jutant Generalship when it became vacant; but, to my great 
surprise, I find the Continental Congress have thought proper 
to give the preference to another. ‘True it is, the Congress 
have adopted a resolution to reserve to themselves a right of 
dispensing preferments according to the merit of officers, and 
not the seniority of commissions; but even on that ground 
the preference they have given to another contains an im- 
plied censure on my conduct. It is a tacit declaration that 
I am not competent to the place of Adjutant-General, and 
of course that I have not acted with propriety in my former 
character; for no man capable of acquitting himself well 
in the post of Deputy Adjutant-General can be unqualified 
for that of Adjutant-General. I am, therefore, compelled to 
suppose the Continental Congress disapprove of my past 
conduct, and think me unfit for the place to which I was 
appointed ; otherwise it cannot be imagined they would step 
aside from the plain path of succession by seniority, and take 
the pains to place a gentleman not at all within the line of 
the department over my head. This would be charging them 
with a degree of partiality of which I hope they are incapable. 

I am now reduced to this dilemma, either to suppose that 
I have been much injured, and my honour as a soldier 
wounded in the tenderest part, by being excluded from a 
station without sufficient cause, to which I had a good right 
to aspire; or to close with the opinion of the Continental 
Congress, and consider myself as inadequate to the office 
you were pleased to honour me with. In either case it is 
evidently my duty to resign. In the first, justice to myself 
requires it; in the last, justice to my country. 

On whatever ground I act, be assured, gentlemen, my 
affections to this country and my zeal for the preservation 
of its rights, will always remain unimpaired. As a private 
citizen, my property, my life, shall be cheerfully hazarded 
in defence of America. 

I am, gentlemen, with the greatest respect, your most 
humble servant, Epwarp FLemine. 


To the Honourable the Provincial Congress. 


A true copy, examined by 
Rosertr Benson, Secretary. 


205 


[No. 5.] In Convention of the Representatives of the State va: 


New-York, White-Plains, July 9, 1776. 

Resolved unanimously, That the reasons assigned by the 
Continental Congress for declaring the United Colonies free 
and independent States, are cogent and conclusive ; and that 
while we lament the cruel necessity which has rendered that 
measure unavoidable, we approve the same, and will, at the 
risk of our lives and fortunes, join with the other Colonies 
in supporting it. ' 

Resolved, That a copy of the said Declaration, and the 
aforegoing Resolution, be sent to the Chairman of the Com- 
mittee of the County of Westchester, with orders to publish 
the same with beat of drum at this place on Thursday next, 
and to give directions that it be published with all con- 
venient speed in the several Districts within the said County, 
and that copies thereof be forthwith transmitted to the other 
County Committees within the State of New-York, with 
orders to cause the same to be published in the several Dis- 
tricts of their respective Counties. 

Resolved unanimously, That the Delegates of this State 
in the Continental Congress be, and they hereby are, author- 
ized to concert and adopt all such measures as they may 
deem conducive to the happiness and welfare of the United 
States of America. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Rosert Benson, Secretary. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
In Convention of the Representatives of the State of 
New-York, White-Plains, July 11, 1776. , 

Sir: Your letter of the 6th instant, enclosing a copy of 
the Declaration of Congress proclaiming the United Colonies 
free and independent States, and requesting us to proclaim 
and publish the same in this Colony, has been received. 

It gives us pleasure to inform you, that having been in- 
formed of that Declaration by our Delegates, we have antici- 
pated the request of the Congress by our resolutions of the 
9th day of July instant, a copy of which was enclosed in a 
letter we did ourselves the honour of writing to you this 
morning. 

We have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir, 

our most obedient and most humble servants. 

By order: NatHanieL WoopuuLu, President. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Conti- 


nental Congress. 


COLONEL SEYMOUR TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-York, July 11, 1776. 

Honovrep Sir: Notwithstanding the singular circum- 
stances of my family, I could not possibly avoid coming 
with the Lighthorse to this place, in the cause of our coun- 
try. We got in on Monday, and make a body of about five 
hundred as fine men, and as well spirited, as any on the 
ground. ‘The General was much rejoiced at the measure, 
and appears disposed to show us every mark of respect. 
He is something perplexed about the expense of foraging 
the horses. He fears he cannot be justified in it without the 
consent of Congress. He will write Congress upon the sub- 
ject, and use his endeavour (he assured me) to have their 
approbation ; if not, the men must rely upon the Colony for 
it. How long we shall stay, is uncertain—this. depends 
much upon the arrival of our new levies; and as the men 
are principally farmers, have left their grass, their grain, and 
other affairs much unprovided for, they hope every method 
will be taken for their speedy relief; and in this respect they 
rely much upon your Honowr’s influence. ‘The enemy are 
constantly in view, upon and at Staten-Island. Some mea- 
sures, it is thought, are in contemplation to dislodge them, 
before they are reinforced. ‘Tories grow scarce in the city, 
and I wish it may fall to the Lighthorse to purge the 
Colony of such vermin. I cannot omit mentioning to your 
Honour that the Captain of the troop at Norwalk (Belding 
by name) designedly neglected his duty, and so we have 
none of his men. 

1 am, with every sentiment of esteem, your Honour’s 


most humble servant, T. Seymour 


To the Honourable Jonathan Trumbull, Esq. 
P.S. Independency is highly approved by the Army. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


206 


COMMISSARY TRUMBULL TO JEREMIAH POWELL. 
New-York, July 11, 1776. 
Sir: I received your favour of the Ist instant, notifying 
me of the route of the troops from the Colony of Massachu- 
setts-Bay to Ticonderoga. 1 find it coincides fully with 
my wishes. Captain Farnsworth will be at No. 4, and 
every precaution is and will be taken to render the march 
of the troops as easy to them as possible, and the mileage 
paid them. As to the troops coming to this place, I will 
also take care to meet them with proper supplies at New- 
Haven. 
I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 
Josery ‘TRUMBULL. 


To Jeremiah Powell, Esq. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES. 
Fort George, July 11, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Captain Varick, my Secretary, in a letter of 
the 8th instant, from Albany, advises me that the enemy had 
landed on Staten-Island, and that their fleet anchored about 
three miles above the watering-place on Wednesday last. 

Immediately on my arrival here, I caused inquiry to be 
made for axes and intrenching tools: none of either to be 
had, except a few pickaxes, which I have ordered to be 
sent to you to-day. I will hasten up all I can procure at 
Albany. 

Captain Veeder’s company of Militia I have sent to 
Skenesborough to assist the carpenters there. Permit me 
to remind you of employing some of the Militia in bringing 
boards from the mill at Cheshire’s. 

The sick will be very comfortably accommodated at this 
place, and I hope so disposed of when they recover, as soon 
to join the Army without the danger of communicating any 
infection to it. Enclose you Colonel Alden’s complaint 
against Colonel Wayne, which I forgot to leave you. 

I am, dear sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

Puitie ScHuyLer. 
To General Gates. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL ARNOLD. 
Tyonderoga, July 11, 1776. 


Dear GeneraL: This morning I received your favour 
of yesterday, and have this moment sent General Schuyler 
a copy of Colonel Hartley’s Journal, as you desired. ‘The 
distribution of the smiths, armourers, ship and house carpen- 
ters, is made according to your recommendation. 

You give no opinion in regard to the Indzans taken by 
Colonel Hartley. ‘The neutrality of the Indians at this 
critical juncture is much to be wished, for many reasons, 
and especially for the sake of the poor frontier inhabitants ; 
it therefore requires that we should be circumspect in our 
conduct, on the one hand neither rashly entering into hosti- 
lity, nor on the other suffer ourselves to be the dupes of our 
credulity. Does it appear that the Indians taken were in 
arms and intending to take part against the United Colo- 
nies? If that is confirmed, they must be kept in confine- 
ment; if, on the contrary, they were inoffensive and peace- 
able, I think they ought to be released. After weighing 
this matter well in your mind, you will decide upon it. I 
suppose you will send the rest of the Pennsylvania troops 
here as soon as it is proper and convenient. One of the 
Captains of Artillery should come with the next cargo of 
ordnance stores ; and if you have two ordnance guns at the 
Point, one should be sent here as soon as possible. General 
Sullivan and the gentlemen here are captivated with the 
ground intended for our new post, where the water Is ex- 
cellent. We have begun to clear the ground and make 
roads. Nonews yet from New-York. You may be assured 
of my sending you an express when any arrives. 

I am, dear General, &c. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Tyonderoga, July 11, 1776. 
Sir: Enclosed is Lieutenant-Colonel Hartley’s report of 
the proceedings of the detachment under his command. 
How far he was right or wrong in taking the Indians prison- 
ers, I cannot pretend to determine, until I see Colonel 
Hartley. The neutrality of these people is to be wished 


207 


for; and if the inhabitants are not apprehensive of their 
enmity, I think it would, upon many accounts, be best to let 
them alone. General Arnold will, I suppose, resolve what 
measure to take with them; if not, I shall. By the informa- 
tion respecting the enemy contained in this Journal, you see 
how necessary it is, by every means, to expedite our naval 
armament. ‘To that end, I have made the distribution of 
the carpenters and smiths between this and Skenesborough 
that you directed. You will not fail to send your orders to 
the commanding officer there to employ them to the best 
purpose. Musket-ball, of all sorts, buckshot, lead, and car- 
tridge paper, are much wanted in this department, as are 
carpenters’, smiths’, and armourers’ tools. ‘The rest of our 


wants your own observation will inform you, and your zeal 


for the service will, I am confident, supply. No news yet 
from New-York. My compliments to Mrs. Schuyler and 
the young ladies. 
I am, dear General, your affectionate, humble servant, 
’ Horatio Gares. 


To Major-General Schuyler. 


P. S. Axes and intrenching tools, I have great hopes you 
will speedly supply. 


GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, July 10, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Colonel Hartley arrived from a tour down 
the lake last night. Enclosed is a copy of his Journal. I 
make no doubt the enemy have a number of vessels in for- 
wardness, and will exert themselves in building, to command 
the lake. 

I have made a draught of the artificers, and have sent you 
a number of each, as per the enclosed memorandum. I have 
ordered the oar-makers to go between this and Skenes- 
borough. If timber cannot be procured there, they must 
return here, where it is plenty. I believe the armourers will 
be wanted at T%conderoga, and some few of the. black- 
smiths. ‘The others will have employ at Skenesborough. 
All the house-carpenters you will doubtless want. ‘The 
ship-carpenters are divided into gangs of fifteen each, and 
will most or all of them be wanted at Skenesborough. 1 
have employed officers to command the artificers, which I 
believe will expedite the works. I have ordered to Ticon- 
deroga some boards, plank, &c. All that can be procured 
will be forwarded to you immediately. 

I am anxious to hear from New-York. You will be kind 
enough to transmit to General Schuyler a copy of Colonel 
Hartley’s Journal. 

{ am, with esteem and affection, dear General, yours, 


&c., &e., B. Arnowp. 


N. B. I sent you about four tons lead yesterday, in sheets 
and ball. I have three tons remaining on hand. None can 
be found in the fort. 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL ARNOLD. 
Crown-Point, July 10, 1776. 

In pursuance of General Sullivan’s orders, I set off from 
hence on the 5th instant, in the afternoon. We had a very 
great storm that evening, which had near destroyed several 
of our boats, and much injured our arms and ammunition. 
Against a very strong north wind, we arrived the second 
evening at Cumberland Head. Proper dispositions were 
made to provide against a surprise, or oppose an enemy, if 
any should appear. 

We, on the 7th, found a small quantity of ship-timber 
there, which we destroyed. I ordered out several parties, 
who scoured the woods for many miles around Cumberland- 
Head. I sent also a boat down the lake as far as the Isle 
Motte, early in the morning; but neither of the parties nor 
boat discovered an enemy. 

My whole detachment, consisting of about two hundred 
and fifty men, came to one William Hays’s, in Cumberland- 
Bay, on the 7th, in the evening. Hays had, within a few 
days, sent a child to St. John’s; and one Cross, his neigh- 
bour, had sent his wife there, as a place of security. Neither 
Hays nor Cross did incline to remove themselves or their 
cattle to Crown-Point. They alleged they were in no 
danger of the enemy, and that they were sure the Indians 
would not hurt them. They objected much against my 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


208 


removing their cattle. I gave positive orders. They com- 
plied; but seemed very uneasy. ‘Though General Sullivan 
had recommended that Hays should be removed, yet, as 
his wife was very ill with the small-pox, I did not inform 
Hays that I had any order relating to his person, but pro- 
posed that he should remain with his wife, and retain a 
milch cow and calf, and all his household goods. He chose 
to come up himself to advocate his cause, and has left two 
men to take care of his wife. Ihave brought him and Cross 
along with me. ‘They are here, and are very pressing to 
return. 

I found several saws, intrenching tools, &c., very neces- 
sary for the publick service, at Hays’s. I caused an inven- 
tory of them to be taken, and brought them here. 

I brought away the chief of Hays’s and Cross’s cattle. 
They are now here. ‘There is an inventory of them. 

I found a quantity of good plank and crooked timber for 
ship-building at Hays’s, which is the property of Mr. Udney 
Hay. lordered the same to be brought here in several 
batteaus, which are now at the landing. 

There was about one thousand feet of plank some miles 
from the shore, which, at this time of year, could not be 
conveyed to the boats on account of some large swamps. 
As it could not fall into the hands of the enemy till winter, 
(when, perhaps, we might procure it ourselves, if wanted,) 
I thought it improper to burn it. 

At Hays’s, we found Hays, Cross, and two other men, 
and by some address we collected the following intelligence: 
That Cross’s father-in-law had been there within a few 
days; that he had informed that Generals Carleton and 
Frazier were at St, John’s with a considerable body of 
Hanoverian and other troops; that they were repairing the 
works at St. John’s, and that one hundred men were daily 
employed in cutting wood between that place and the Isle- 
aux-Noix; that they were building three sloops and two 
schooners at St. John’s, which they expected would be soon 
finished, and that they intended immediately to proceed to 
Crown-Point; and that the enemy did not mean to injure 
any of the common people in their settlements. We also 
understood that there were several Indians at the Isle-aux- 
Noi. 

Before we came to Hays’s, we were informed that he 
kept an Indian about his house, and was determined to do 
it during the summer. At Hays’s, by gathering something 
from each of the four, (though they seemed all averse to 
communicate anything to us,) we learnt that this Indian 
had some time before gone to hunt about twelve miles dis- 
tant, and that two Indians had come up the lake within 
a few days, and he had gone to join them; since which, 
nothing of them had been seen. 

From the conduct of Hays and Cross, as well as of the 
Indians in general on these waters lately, I considered these 
Indians unfriendly, and was persuaded they would act against 
us if an opportunity should offer. We fixed a plan against 
these savages with the greatest secrecy. We were very 
lucky in having one (Sergeant Cross) who was acquainted 
with the country. I detached Lieutenant Grier, Ensign 
Haffner, Sergeant Cross, and twenty-three riflemen. ‘They 
left Hays’s about one o’clock in the morning of the 8th, in 
a boat to the mouth of the river Sable. The party divided. 
Lieutenant Grier (an excellent woodsman) with his division 
some miles up the river took the Indian tracks which had 
been made the day before. ‘Ihe enemy had ten dogs with 
them; but the division managed with such secrecy and judg- 
ment, that Lieutenant Grier surprised three Indian men and 
seven women and children, in a wigwam, just at daylight ; 
they seemed much agitated and hallooed out; the party 
seized four guns and other arms. The officer prevented 
any of them from being put to death, though the late cruel 
murder and scalping of several worthy men of the Sixth Bat- 
talion might have justified it. ‘These Indzans had a watch- 
house on the lake at the mouth of the river Sable, to watch 
what passed on the lake—they were not employed by us; 
the house or wigwam had been very lately made use of. 
They had their females in such a remote place that they . 
thought no white people could discover them, and the men 
might act occasionally. 

However these Indians may have conducted themselves 
in former times, they now appear as unfriendly persons. ‘Two 
of them, as has been observed, came up the lake within 
these ten days, and since the murders committed below. 


209 


The detachment who took them, ought to be rewarded for 
their good behaviour; they have had assurances of this sort 
from the late General. Should these Indians be discharged, 
it will damp the ardour of our troops and injure the service. 
Be pleased to take some steps that their persons may be 
properly secured ; and should you consider the property of 
the prisoners to belong to the captors, I would be exceed- 
ingly glad you would order the same to be delivered to 
Lieutenant Grier, and disposed of for the use of his detach- 
ment. 

Be pleased to direct what is to be done with the plank, 
timber, cattle, &c. 

We also brought some cattle belonging to one Gay, which 
are now at the Point. 

I am, sir, your most humble servant, 

Tuomas Hart ey, 
Lieutenant-Colonel 6th Battalion of Pennsylvanians. 


To the Honourable Brigadier-General Arnold, Commander 
at Crown-Point. 


List of Artificers sent from Crown-Pornt to TiconDEROGA 
and SkenesBoroueu, July 10, 1776. 


Captain Edward Williams, Lieutenant Solomon Bowman, 
with sixty-five blacksmiths and armourers. The former, 
with Captain Willams, to go to Skenesborough, the latter, 
with Lieutenant Bowman, to remain at Ticonderoga. 

Lieutenant Benjamin Beal with thirty-four house carpen- 
ters, Lieutenant Zhayer with thirty-four house carpenters, 
Mr. Noah Nichols with eight wheelwrights and gun-carriage 
makers. 

Richard Fittock with thirteen ship carpenters, to Skenes- 
borough. Lieutenant William Curtis with thirteen ship 
carpenters, to Ticonderoga, if wanted, otherwise to Skenes- 
borough. 

B. Arnoxp, Brigadier-General. 


GENERAL WARD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Boston, July 11, 1776. 
Sir: Enclosed are the Invoices* of the cargoes taken on 
board the Scotch transports, which I received from the 
Agents. é 
I am your Excellency’s obedient humble servant, 
Arremas Warp. 


To General Washington. 


P.S. I have just received an account from Cape Ann, 
that two ships were, on the 6th instant, sent into that harbour 
by a privateer lately fitted out from this town. The prizes 
were from the West-Indies—one had four hundred hogs- 
heads of rum for General Howe, the other was bound for 
England, with four hundred hogsheads of sugar, two hun- 
dred hogsheads of rum, cotton wool, &c., &c. 


* Inventory of Sundries taken in the Ship Lornp Howe. 


95 small-arms, 88 bayonets, 80 cartouch-boxes, 65 bags bread, 9 bags 
bread, 2 hogsheads and 1 barrel bread, 2} barrels powder, 12 barrels 
ease, part of a barrel currants, 1 tierce and an ullage vinegar, 2 hogs- 
Fence rum, 1 ullage rum, 6 barrels pork, 25 barrels beef, 13 barrels oat- 
meal, 1 barrel barley, 1 keg barley, 5 barrels flour, 1 barrel herrings, 
1 cask canteens and kettles, 54 soldiers’ blankets, 1 barrel meal, 1 box 
candles, 4 bundles iron hoops, | cask tent pins and mallets, 10 remnants 
of cordage, 6 hammocks, 6 iron spades, 3 boxes and 1] ullage bullets, 3 
pair handscrews, 2 remnants of duffils, 93 cutlasses, 110 canvass knap- 
sacks, 1 markee, 36 hatchets, 8 bags horsebeans and oats, 1 keg butter, 
1 halbert, 1 tent spear, 2 drums. 
Errors excepted. 


J. Braprorp, Agent. 
Boston, July 11, 1776. 


Inventory of Sundries taken in the Brig ANNABELLA. 


61 small-arms, 10 loaves sugar, 240 pair shoes, 23 soldiers’ tents, 8 
barrels and 3 ullages oatmeal (damaged), 3 casks pease, 7 casks pork, 
23 casks beef, 1 ullage vinegar, 4 hogsheads and 1 tierce rum, 6 iron 
spades, 2 shod shovels, 1 piece sheet lead, 1 firkin butter, 40 tent poles, 
5 pack-saddles, 3 barrels flour, 90 cartouch-boxes, 17 leather bullet- 
pouches, 42 leather bullet-pouches, 16 leather shoulder-straps, 25 gun- 
straps, 30 cutlasses, 1(drum, 1 halbert, 1 bag oatmeal, 1 keg musket 
bullets, 3 pack-saddles, 18 pieces checked and striped linen, 5 pieces 
white linen, 57 bayonets, 16 belts. 

Errors excepted. 


J. Braprorp. 
Boston, July 11, 1776. 


-—— 


Inventory of sundry Materials received out of the prize-ship GrorcE, 
Boston, June 22, 1776. 


20 fusees, 35 small-arms, 6 kegs bullets and shot, 6 bundles cartridge 
paper, part of a keg flints, 2 kegs part filled with cartridges, a cask con- 
taining a few books, 1 bundle bedding, 2 trunks and 2 portmanteaus, 1 
black trunk, 1 bundle containing a tent, 1 black canteen, 1 bed bundle, 
1 chest, 1 portmanteau, 3 casks bottled porter, 3 casks bottled wine, 1 


Firru Serres.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


14 


210 


GENERAL WARD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Boston, July 11, 1776. 
Str: Agreeable to your directions, I have forwarded all 
the arms and accoutrements fit for use that were in the 
hands of the Agents, lately taken from the Scotch prisoners. 
The Agents, without my knowledge, parted with part of the 
arms; part of them were taken by the commander of a 
Connecticut privateer, who assisted in taking the transports ; 
and some, I am told, were thrown overboard by the pri- 
soners, and others were broken; but I have not been able 
to obtain an exact return of the arms taken. 
I am, your Excellency’s obedient, humble servant, 
Artemas Warp. 
To General Washington.. 


Boston, July 11, 1776. 
Sent to Norwich, to the care of Joshua Huntington, Esq. : 
73 arms, 60 bayonets, 73 bayonet belts, 73 slings, 73 shot- 
pouches, 50 cartridge-boxes, 73 knapsacks. 
Naruanre. Banser, Jun., 


Deputy Commissary of Artillery. 


TO THE JUSTICES IN MASSACHUSETTS EMPOWERED BY THE 
COURT TO DEAL WITH THE TORIES. 


Gentriemen: Lenity is a most excellent virtue; but there 
are certain seasons when it may betray us into a fatal neglect, 
by encouraging the determined enemies of the country to 
cabal and prosecute the basest measures for the destruction 
of our liberties. We may say of Toryism as of Popery, that 
it is always the same. ‘There are worthy individuals among 
the professors of both; and a few rare instances of real con- 
verts from each, through an increase of knowledge; but the 
prevailing spirit of the parties is uniform and abiding. Ido 
not mean that either of them should therefore be knocked 
on the head for their noxious sentiments, or be deprived of 
any privileges which can be enjoyed by them without hazard 
to ourselves, unless by their behaviour they have made or 
do make a forfeiture thereof. However, we are led by the 
first law of nature, the innate principle of self-preservation, 
to prevent their having it in their power to do us a mischief, 
when we know how ready they are to give in to the basest 
methods, that they may carry their point, and to think that 
the end will sanctify the means. Are any so weak as to 
imagine that their words are to be taken, and that they will be 
peaceable and inoffensive, and will not intermeddle more in 
the present dispute, seeing that they have been so tenderly 
dealt with by the publick in general, and so cordially re- 
ceived again into favour by particular individuals: let them 
hurry to New- York, and view that horrid, infernal plot, that 
their brethren had laid for the destruction of Generals, Army, 
and the whole American cause, ata single blow. Let them 
inquire whether—though they may now hang down their 
heads through chagrin that the plot has not succeeded, not 
through shame that it was ever laid—they have not lately 
behaved rudely towards the country; showed all possible 
publick friendship for the Highland officers, and concern at 
their captive situation, and allowed our brave countrymen 
to be styled Rebels at table, without animadverting upon the 
indecency of it. Jam not for censuring a polite treatment 
to those gentlemen who, by the fortune of war, are thrown 
into our hands. No; let them see that we are not cowards, 
by our declining everything that looks like insolence and 
cask hams, 7 hogsheads and part of a hogshead rum, 361 black shoulder- 
belts, 74 bundles gun-straps, ] field-bed and 2 bundles bedding, 4 markees, 
Colonel Campbell’s camp equipage, the Quartermaster’s camp equipage, 
1 bundle, a bundle not directed, 3 field tents and materials, 6 bundles 
tent poles for markees, 12 bundles common tent poles, 7 bundles leather 
bullet pouches, 13 hair pouches, 3 cartouch-boxes, 62 camp tents, a 


remnant ticklenburg, 1 cask and 2 bundles tent pins, a cask tin canteens 
and 69 loose canteens, 10 tin pans, 23 camp kettles, 1 package tent stools, 


- 3 bayonets, 4 halberts, 1 riding saddle, 1 travelling pack-saddle, 82 can- 


vass knapsacks, 199 hair knapsacks, a bale containing 80 blankets, a bale 
containing 50 watch-coats, 1 box black plumes, 4 bundles soldiers’ 
clothing, 1 bundle stockings, 3 pairs shoes, 2 bags with belts and knap- 
sacks, 2 pieces plaid, 7 bonnets, 2 pieces and part of a piece duffils, 144 
soldiers’ blankets, 33 beds, 85 pillows, a bale brown paper, 44 hatchets, 
1 bundle twine, 1 cask sheathing nails, 2 casks fivepenny nails, 1 set 
small weights, 2 iron spades, part of a cask currants, 13 barrels pease, 
6 barrels flour, 2 barrels barley, 9 barrels pork, 27 barrels beef, 19 kegs 
butter, 15 barrels oatmeal, 2 tierces and part of a tierce vinegar, 2 barrels 
herring, 1 bag oats, 74 bags bread, 14 casks bread (damaged), 104 water 
casks, 74 dozen bottles. 
Errors excepted. 


J. Braprorp, Agent. 
Boston, July 11, 1776. 


211 


brutality; that we are brave, by being humane and generous: 
but it is not for Ministerial Addressers and Associators, and 
such as have always avowed an enmity to the cause in which 
we are engaged, to push themselves forward and caress 
them. *Tis an insult to the publick, that can be sur- 
passed only by their repairing to and visiting them, when 
they will have the opportunity of consulting what can be 
done more effectually to embarrass us and serve the friends 
of Government—that is, the tools of tyrants. 

Gentlemen, it has been wisely resolved by the Conti- 
nental Congress, “that no man in these Colonies, charged 
with being a Tory, or unfriendly to the cause of American 
liberty, be injured in his person or property, or in any man- 
ner whatever disturbed, unless the proceeding against him 
be founded on an order of this Congress, or the Assembly, 
Convention, Council or Committee of Safety of the Colo- 
ny, or Committee of Inspection of the district wherein he 
resides.” Are you desirous that this wise resolve should be 
strictly adhered to, step forth with undaunted boldness, and 
execute the trust reposed in you, without fear, favour, or 
partiality. Should you sit but seldom, suffering this, that, 
and the other, to keep you from the Bench; should you do 
little business, protracting examinations, and declining to 
give judgment; should you spare this man, because he is a 
relation to yourself or friends; that, because he is eminent 
in his profession, and a family doctor; a third, because that, 
should there be a change in affairs, his influence and connex- 
ions may be the means of saving you; should you keep up 
the appearance of designing to do something effectual, and 
after all do little or nothing,—the publick may expect that 
they are amused, cheated, and betrayed; resent it, and de- 
termine that they will have justice done them, though they 
take the execution of it into their own hands. 

Gentlemen, would you prevent confusion and disorder, 
see, then, that you do your duty. The servants of the 
people are amenable to the people, from the Council to the 
Justice ; and if the people find, upon trial, that no Govern- 
ment sufficient to the exigencies of their affairs has been 
hitherto established, they have a right to instruct their pre- 
sent or any future Representatives to adopt such a mode of 
government as they themselves shall be of opinion will best 
conduce to their own happiness in particular, and of Ame- 
rica in general. While I intend, gentlemen, in this way, to 
lay before you the sentiments of numbers, I would treat you 
with all that respect that can be reasonably desired from 

. Pian TRuru. 
July 11, 1776. 


INSTRUCTIONS FOR BENJAMIN GILES. 
Colony of New-Hampshire, 
In Committee of Safety, July 11, 1776. 
To Benjamin Giles, Esquire : 

Whereas the General Court of this Colony have been 
notified that Captain Farnsworth, of Connecticut, is appoint- 
ed by the Commissary-General of the Continental forces to 
provide for the New-Hampshire troops at Connecticut River, 
on their route to Crown-Point: but as our troops are near! 
ready to march, and that they may not be delayed at No. 
4, if anything should hinder Captain Farnsworth from 
having provision ready, you are desired to proceed with all 
possible despatch to aid No. 4, and find whether any pro- 
vision is there made” for the aforesaid men, or likely to be 
seasonably made; and if not, to purchase and transport to 

_said No. 4, with all speed, nine thousand pounds weight of 
pork, and the like quantity of bread, and deliver the several 
companies of New-Hampshire men, as they arrive there, to 
each man six days’ provisions, allowing a pound of pork and 
a pound of bread per day. You will, if no further provision 
is made, provide and have ready to deliver to the first com- 
pany that arrives, what provisions you can collect in that 
neighbourhood, while you are in the mean time collecting 
more. And for what provisions you may buy, you may 
engage the money to be paid as soon as you can send to 
Exeter therefor, which will be ready there in ten days from 
this time. Be expeditious, by all means; and when you 
have performed the said business, make return to this Com- 
mittee, unless you should have an opportunity to settle the 
same with said Captain Farnsworth. 

By order of the Committee. 

Marruew Tuornton, Chairman pro tem. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


212 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO COLONEL WYMAN. 
In Committee of Safety, July 11, 1776. 

Sir: I send you, by the bearer, your commission as 
Colonel of a regiment of our Militia in the service; also, 
thirty pounds, as two months’ advance wages. As the troops 
will be along in a few days, it is expected you will go forward 
with them to Crown-Point, and join the Army there. The 
Captains Drew, Chandler, Shepard, Dearborn, Blanchard, 
Harper, Parker, and Weatherbee, with their companies, are 
to make your regiment. As it is of great consequence that 
the men are forwarded with speed, therefore expect you will 
do what is in your power that they make no delay at No. 4. 
You will also receive thirty-two pounds, advance wages, for 
your Surgeon, Adjutant, and Quartermaster, with this, and 


_blank commissions for those officers to be appointed by you. 


Imploring the divine assistance on your endeavours to serve 
your country, and that you may return in safety, with laurels 
of victory, is the sincere desire of him who, in behalf of the 
Committee, subscribes himself your very humble servant. 


To Colonel Wyman. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN WOOD- 
WARD. 
In Committee of Safety, July 11, 1776. 
To Captain Davin Woopwarp, of Hanover : 


You are hereby authorized to inlist thirty men, to serve 
under you as soldiers for three months, unless sooner dis- 
charged, to serve as scouting parties, to explore the woods 
and watch or oppose the motions of enemies coming against 
our frontier settlements; taking orders from time to time 
directing your route, from Colonel Jacob Bayley, Colonel 
John Hurd, and Colonel Charles Johnson, or any two of 
them, a Committee appointed for that purpose. You are 
to take special care to inlist none but good able-bodied, 
effective men, fit for such service, and they shall be paid the 
same wages (viz: forty shillings per month) as the Provin- 
cial troops raised and stationed for the particular defence of 
this Colony; and you shall be paid four pounds per month 
for your service, and one subaltern under you three pounds 
ten shillings per month. You are also to provide provisions 
for your company, giving them such allowance as is de- 
livered other troops in the Army, for which you shall be 
paid on exhibiting an account. You are to appoint out of 
the number of men as above, two Sergeants, whose pay is 
forty-eight shillings each. 


Petition of the Selectmen of Portrsmoutu, Colony of New- 
HampsHIRE: 

To the Honourable Committee of Safety of said Colony, 
humbly shows : 

That the subscribers, Selectmen for said town of Ports- 
mouth, your petitioners, have been requested by a number of 
the inhabitants of the town forthwith to call a town-meeting, 
to know whether the said inhabitants will vote to have a 
Hospital opened for inoculation for the small-pox under 
necessary regulations. ‘That it is the opinion of your peti- 
tioners that there will be a very great majority of the people 
for having the said Hospital; and we beg leave to give your 
Honours this early notice thereof by express, and to request 
that this measure may have your countenance and sanction, 
as we suppose it will (from the accounts we hear) be utterly 
impossible to prevent the distemper’s spreading in the natu- 
ral way—a calamity we ought to take every method to 
guard against. We further humbly entreat that you will 
be pleased to order such rules and regulations for the good 
government of said Hospital as in your wisdom you shall 
think meet; and your petitioners shall ever pray. 

peat Sf Selectmen of 
EoRGE Kine, P 
ortsmouth. 


Grorce Gaines, 
Portsmouth, July 11, 1776. 


PROCLAMATION BY GOVERNOUR BULLOCH. 
Georgia, July 12, 1776. 
By his Excellency Ancutpatp Butiocn, Esq., President 
and Commander-in- Chief of the said Province: 
A ProcnaMATION: 
Whereas the present struggle for our invaluable rights 
and liberties in this Province makes it requisite to give every 


213 


encouragement to all such persons who are willing to enter 
into the service of their country; and our Provincial Con- 
gress at their last meeting having taken the same under con- 
sideration, and being willing and ready to promote the wel- 
fare of every friend to the American cause, have thought fit 
to resolve, “'That all persons inlisting in the service of this 
Province, who do faithfully serve in the present contest 
until a peace shall be concluded with Great Britain, or 
shall serve three years in the present war, shall be entitled 
to one hundred acres of land in this Province; and should 
any of the aforesaid men be killed in defence of this Pro- 
vince, his wife or family shall be entitled to the same:” 

I do therefore issue this my Proclamation, declaring that 
every man who shall inlist in any of the Troops of Horse, or 
Companies of Foot, raised for the defence of this Province, 
and shall serve agreeable to the terms above mentioned, 
shall be entitled to a grant of one hundred acres of land as 
aforesaid; and in case of accident, his wife and family shall 
receive and enjoy the same emolument. 

Given under my hand and seal at Savannah, the 12th 
day of July, 1776. ArcuipaLp Butiocu. 

By his Excellency’s command: 

Epwarp Laneworrsy, Secretary. 


JOHN PAGE, PRESIDENT OF VIRGINIA COUNCIL, TO GENERAL 
LEE. 
Williamsburgh, July 12, 1776. 

My pear Generat: Your kind concern for my health 
made me happy, and the high approbation you express of 
my publick conduct highly gratified my pride. I had the 
pleasure of receiving your letter, which did me so much 
honour, about the 9th of last month. I was then at Mr. 
Harrison’s, near Petersburgh, where I had gone with Mrs. 
Page for the recovery of her health. Our trip happily has 
answered our wishes, and we are once more fixed at Wil- 
liamsburgh. It is now four weeks since we have received 
any certain account of the situation of affairs in either of the 
Carolinas. Even your letter to Brigadier Lewis, counter- 
manding the march of the troops, did not arrive here till 
four weeks after it was written. The regiments had just 
begun their march; but had they not been scattered abroad 
on distant stations, and badly provided with necessaries for 
such an expedition, they would have reached the place of 
their destination before your express could have stopped 
them. It will be worth your while to examine into the 
occasion of this. I thought it a matter of so much impor- 
tance to have such orders communicated with despatch, that 
I advised the Brigadier to send an express to you imme- 
diately, to inform you of the unaccountable delay that yours 
had met with, and to recommend it to you to establish a 
post throughout your district; but he was preparing for an 
expedition against Gwin’s Island. The Brigadier set out 
last Monday on his way to our camp, attended by the 
Colonels Woodford, Stephens, Bucknor, Weedon, and some 
others, intending to examine into the strength of the enemy, 
and submit the propriety of an attack to a council of war. 

hey reached the camp that night, and the next day, find- 
ing that the Dunmore had changed stations with the other, 
and had exposed herself very prettily to the very place where 
we had been preparing a battery for the Otter, they deter- 
mined not to lose this good opportunity of beginning their 
cannonade, in which they might severely and_ principally 
chastise the noble Earl. At eight o’clock, A. M., Captain 
Arundel and Lieutenant Denny saluted the Dunmore and 
Otter with two eighteen-pounders ; the very first shot at the 
Otter, though a full mile from our battery, struck her, as it 
is supposed, between wind and water, for she did not return 
the fire, but was towed off on the careen. The Dunmore 
fired a broadside, and then was towed off, having received 
four shot through her sides. Whilst she was in tow she 
received a fifth through her stern, which raked her. Scarcely 
a shot was fired which did not do execution in some part of 
the fleet. A schooner lost one of her masts. Whilst Lieu- 
tenant Denny was firing on the fleet, their battery on the 
Island began to play on him, and a ball passed through the 
embrasure; on which he immediately turned his cannon on 
their battery, (for he had taken the precaution to have scope 
enough to take in the fleet, and that part of their battery,) 
and fired three times successively into their embrasure, which 
three rounds completely silenced that part of the battery ; 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


¥* 


214 


the other part, facing our lines on the haven, was almost as 
soon silenced by our battery erected against it with four 
nines and three six-pounders. Part of their camp was a 
little exposed to both of our batteries, which fired a few 
rounds into it. ‘This fire was as well directed as that against 
their ships, for it beat down many of their tents, and threw 
their camp into the utmost confusion. When this was dis- 
covered, the Brigadier ordered canoes to be brought down 
to enable the men to pass over into the Island ; for, unhap- 
pily, we had not a boat on the shore: these could not be 
procured till the next day, when a smart cannonade began 
between the batteries ; but as soon as our men had manned 
their boats, their fire ceased, and they retired with precipi- 
tation to their boats, and escaped safely to their ships, having 
first broken off the trunnions, &c., of their cannon. There 
were three tenders up the haven, which could not pass our 
batteries ; these they abandoned; they endeavoured to burn 
one, but our men boarded it, and extinguished the flames. 
I understand that all these tenders have their swivels in 
them; but it is reported that they had thrown the guns 
overboard. We are now in possession of the Island. The 
fleet has retired, but is in sight. ‘This might have been a 
complete affair, if proper measures had been preconcerted, 
and the whole well conducted. Our men, however, be- 
haved well; our artillery was admirably served, and we 
have disgraced and mortified our enemies. In this affair we 
lost not a man; but, most unhappily, poor Captain Arundel 
was killed by the bursting of a wooden mortar, with which 
he was endeavouring to throw shells into the fleet. His loss 
is irreparable. He behaved with great spirit and activity, 
and was so hearty in our cause, that he is universally 
lamented. 

Colonel Stephens is just returned from Gwin’s Island ; 
he says the enemy carried off all their cannon from their 
batteries, except one six-pounder, which they spiked. ‘They 
left six carriage guns in one of the tenders; several negroes 
and a few whites were taken; two negroes and one soldier 
of the Fourteenth Regiment deserted to us. The prisoners 
inform that Lord Dunmore’s mate was cut in two by a 
double-headed eighteen-pounder, which also took off one 
man’s arm and another’s leg, and drove a splinter into his 
lordship’sleg. Tom Byrd was ill of a fever, and was carted 
off to a boat just before our people landed. ‘They were 
obliged to burn two fine small vessels that day, and at night, 
in the mouth of the river, they burnt also a large ship, sup- 
posed to be the Dunmore, as she was not with the fleet next 
morning. The Fowey, it is said, was with the fleet, but did 
not choose to come within reach of our guns. The Roe- 
buck was at the mouth of the Rappahannock. ‘The Colonel 
says when he came away the whole fleet had sailed, and 
were out of sight, and it was uncertain where they are gone— 
supposes to Maryland. ‘They went off in a bad plight, 
without biscuit or water. Their works were found of ex- 
cellent construction and considerable extent ; they were pre- 
paring to build houses and a wind-mill; they had made a 
vast collection of materials for different works; their tents, 
which they moved off, except one markee, which was left 
in their hurry, and through which a cannon-ball had passed, 
were capable of containing about seven or eight hundred 
men. From many circumstances it is evident they meant 
to stay there a considerable time. 

I have been interrupted in writing, and before I could 
return to my scrawl, I had the happiness to receive your 
letter of the 3d of July. 1 most heartily congratulate you 
on your success: it was a most glorious affair—a noble de- 
fence! The British Navy has been happily checked in 
her proud career, and has received a most just and com- 
plete chastisement. What must the King think now? The 
whole Continent in arms against him, seven hundred and 
fifty of his favourite Highlanders in our possession, and his 
fleets repulsed and disgraced along our coasts for two thou- 
sand miles! I hope he will repent, and be contented to put 
up with the loss of America, or, if he does not, that he may 
meet with repeated disappointment. 

The Marylanders were roused by the resolve of our Con- 
vention, and have lectured their Representatives so well, 
that they have unanimously voted for Independence—they 
have no occasion for our Riflemen on that account. How- 
ever, I can assure you, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland 
there has been a considerable insurrection of Tories, inso- 
much that Colonel Fleming has been obliged to march with 


215 


a hundred and twenty men to quell them. We have not 
yet heard the event of that affair. 

I have just now received another letter from you, and am 
delighted with your description of the bravery of Colonel 
Moultrie and the garrison of Fort Sullivan. It is not flat- 
tery, my dear General, when I tell you that most of us here 
attribute the glorious display of bravery on that day to the 
animating presence of a commander, who, independent of 
his great military abilities and experience, appeared to be 
the evil genius of Clinton, who had followed him, and from 
whose presence he had seemed to retire and retreat along 
the coast, from Boston to Charleston. All that I could 
do, as there were not gentlemen enough in town to make a 
Council, was to desire Brigadier Lewis to send immediately 
to North-Carolina all the powder that could be spared out 
of the magazine. About four thousand pounds will be sent. 

I am, most sincerely, yours, Joun Pace. 


To Major-General Lee. 


GENERAL ORDERS. 
Camp near Gwin’s Island, July 12, 1776. 

General Lewis cannot leave camp without expressing his 
approbation of the conduct of the Officers and Soldiers at 
this station. The fatigues through which they have gone 
with cheerfulness, and the great services they have rendered 
their country, justly entitle them to his hearty thanks, which 
he would have expressed at the head of each Company by 
the Captains. 


MATTHEW TILGHMAN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Talbot County, Maryland, July 12, 1776. 

Sir: The resolution of our Convention to send up our 
recular troops as part of our quota for the Flying-Camp, has 
given some uneasiness to our commanding officer, Colonel 
Smallwood, who seems to apprehend that the Brigadier- 
General, (Mr. Dent,) who is to command the Militia sent 
from hence, may also take the command of his battalion. 
This, he justly observes, would be an indignity to him to 
which he could not in honour submit. ‘To prevent any 
evil from hence, our Militia should be considered as different 
corps. 

And what I have to request of you, sir, is, that you will 
be pleased to remind Congress of this circumstance. So, 
unless Colonel Smallwood can retain the command of his 
own battalion, (being under the control of a Continental 
superior officer only,) he will most certainly resign. He is 
a worthy man and good officer, a firm American, and much 
devoted to the cause; for which reasons, I cannot but hope 
that care will be taken to prevent the loss of such an offi- 
cer, by exempting him from the command of a person under 
whom he thinks it improper for him to act, because, in his 
own Province, he takes rank of him, 

The service requires that some attention be paid to this 
matter, and I trust you will readily excuse the trouble I have 
given you in it. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient and very hum- 
ble servant, Mar, Tireuman. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq., President of Con- 
gress, Philadelphia. 


N. RUXTON MOORE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
. Annapolis, July 12, 1776. 
HonouraBie Sirs: As there is a vacancy in Captain 
Nathaniel Smith’s company of Artillery for a Second 
Lieutenant, I should esteem it a very particular favour, if 
your honourable Board would grant me liberty to fill that 
place. My reason for being so pressing to leave Annapolis 
is, I have never enjoyed my health since I have been 
here, and am afraid, should I not be benefited by the 
Baltimore air, I shall be obliged to resign my commission, 
though very much against my inclination, as I do not ima- 
gine [ shall have my health while I remain here, and, as 
you well know, life is of little worth without health. I hope 
you will consider my case, and indulge me in my above 
request; and the obligation shall be ever gratefully acknow- 
ledged by, gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble 
servant, N. Ruxtron Moore. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


216 


JOHN WEEMS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 12, (eleven o’clock,) 1776. 
GenTLEMEN: Enclosed is a letter I just received from 
Captain Chew. If it should prove true, please to let me 
know in what manner I am to act; and am, your most 
humble servant, Joun Weems. 


To the Hon. Council of Safety, in Annapolis. 


Saturday morning, seven o’clock. 
Dear Str: I this moment received, by express, a line 
from Colonel Somerville, acquainting me that there are forty 
sail of square-rigged vessels as far up the bay as Point- 
Lookout. We have ordered the Captains of our battalion to 
call their companies together immediately, and to have their 
guns put in the best order they will admit of. Like for them 
to be ready to march at a moment’s warning. Captain 
Parran’s company is under arms. Have heard that the 
whole of the Militia of St. Mary’s is in arms. If the ves- 
sels come up farther, which I make no doubt they will, 
Barbara begs that Mrs. Chew will come down here. I am 
in great haste; then conclude, by subscribing myself your 

most obedient humble servant, JosePpH WILKINSON. 


To Captain Richard Chew. 


THOMAS SMYTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Ship-Yard, July 12, 1776. 

Gentiemen: This will be handed you by my son Thomas, 
who waits on the Council for his commission, in pursuance 
of the honourable the Convention’s order to him for inlisting 
a company of Militia. He has inlisted a company of stout, 
able young fellows, and almost all of them country-born. 
He informs me that they have very few muskets among 
them which are fit for service, and I believe it will be very 
difficult to borrow any from the inhabitants, as they do not 
know how soon they may be called on to use them. What 
guns belong to the Militia are generally very indifferent. 
Permit me, therefore, to solicit your honourable Board, that 
his company and Captain Perkins’s may be armed out of 
the arms that will be made by Winters, and those which are 
sent for to Chingoteague. I hope they will be indulged 
with having their companies well armed, as they have been 
industrious enough to enrol them so soon at this busy season 
of the year. 

As I apprehended, the Council have not been able to pro- 
vide tents for the Militia that this Province has resolved to 
send to the F'lying-Camp. I make them a tender of my 
best endeavours to get as many made as will be sufficient for 
my son’s company, and, perhaps, Captain Perkins’s, if they 
will order over one of those made at Baltimore, with the 
poles, the linen, and twine or thread to make them; the 
cruger would do much better than none; perhaps some 
of the sail-duck which is ordered up from Chingoteague 
might do better. It will certainly kill all our men, to be 
exposed to the open air in the months of August and Sep- 
tember, when such heavy dews fall. I have two or three 
men in my service that have been used to making sails, and 
a tailor, who, I think, would make, in a few days, as many 
as will be sufficient for those two companies. If the Council 
should determine to accept of my offer, the sooner they 
send everything over the better, and I dare say I can soon 
get the tents made, especially if they are to be made of 
cruger,as many women can be employed in sowing such linen. 
If the Council have not provided baggage-wagons enough, 
I can furaish them with one very suitable for the purpose 
that is almost new, and in very good order. I wrote you 
some time last week, that a Robert Blake, a saddler in 
Chestertown, would undertake to furnish the Province with a 
quantity of cartridge-boxes, gun-slings, and bayonet-belts, at 
the same price which the saddlers of Baltimore had done, 
and requested an answer; but have not heard from the 
Council on that subject. Blake waits your determination. 
A report prevails here that some of the companies of Militia 
which are ordered to be raised for the Flying-Camp are to 
be stationed in this Province. My son earnestly requests 
that he may not be one of those companies, and that he may 
be permitted to march to the camp as first intended, and I 
hope the Council will indulge him in his request. f 

You will please to remember that the hire of the wagons 
sent to Chingoteague will amount toa pretty large sum. It 
will be some time before I can attend the Council, as I am 


217 


much engaged in forwarding the building of the row-galley 
which I have undertaken, and am anxious to have her done 
very complete. Anything which the Council may have to 
do in the mean time in this quarter, they will command me. 
What has been done towards sending for the goods from 
Chingoteague, Mr. Nicholson has no doubt informed you. 
I am, gentlemen, with much respect, your most obedient 
humble servant, Tuos. Suyru. 


To the Hon. the Council of Safety, Annapolis. 


PETER CHAILLE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 12, 1776. 


Gentiemen: The bearer, Mr. Samuel Smyly, is one of the 
owners of the schooner | informed you of when at Annapolis. 
She is well fitted as a merchantman, and think she will an- 
swer your purpose. What information Mr. Smyly gives you 
of her may be relied on, as he is a gentleman of integrity. 

I am your most humble servant, Perer CualLie. 


. 


DORCHESTER COUNTY COMMITTEE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF 
SAFETY. 
In Committee of Observation for Dorchester County, 
July 12, 1776. 

Gentiemen: Basil Clarkson, of this County, was brought 
before us a few days ago, being charged with going on board 
the enemy’s tenders, and carrying some men to join Lord 
Dunmore’s party. And upon examining into the affair, we 
thought it our duty to send him over under the care of Cap- 
tain Hindman, to take his trial before your Board. John 
Rumley was the only witness produced to us against him, 
whose deposition we have taken, and now send you en- 
closed. It is said Clarkson bears a very ill character, as to 
holding a communication with and carrying men in his boat 
to the tenders; and we have just now been informed that 
one Job Slocum, Jun., of this County, will prove that he 
endeavoured to persuade him and some others to go with 
him on board the tenders and join Lord Dunmore; but as 
the guard was just setting off with the prisoner, we could not 
delay them until we sent a summons for Slocum. ‘There 
were several other persons apprehended in this County on 
suspicion of being unfriendly, and having a communication 
with the enemy; but upon our inquiring into their conduct, 
we could fix nothing criminal on them, and therefore dis- 
charged them, though some of them were under rather sus- 
picious circumstances. And indeed we are sorry to inform 
you that we have lately discovered such an unfriendly dis- 
position in many of the inhabitants about the islands in this 
County, that we are convinced that it will be productive of 
very ill consequences, unless some steps are taken imme- 
diately to keep them in proper order; and we beg leave to 
submit it to your consideration, whether it may not be ab- 
solutely necessary for the publick service that part of one of 
the Independent Companies be immediately stationed in 
that part of this County. The inhabitants there are so 
much exposed to the depredations of the enemy that we 
cannot help thinking many of them have been induced from 
that circumstance rather than from inclination to appear 
friendly towards them; and that many may be prevented 
from attempting to join the enemy could they see any forces 
stationed among them to afford them proper protection. 
Our Militia have been so long on duty, guarding our bay 
and river shores, to prevent the depredations of the enemy 
and the escape of Tories, that they have many of them lost 
considerably in their harvests, and suffered much in other 
parts of their property; and, we fear, if they are not assisted 
very soon they will be almost in a state of despair. Cap- 
tain Woolford’s company, which was originally intended for 
this County, is now taken from us, and part of it is ordered 
by Major Price to be stationed in Somerset, and the other 
part on the mouth of Nanticoke, whereby it is rendered 
almost useless to this County; and we are left in a manner 
defenceless, though as much exposed as any County in the 
Province. ‘This being the situation of our County, we 
thought it necessary to inform you thereof, and we doubt 
not but your Honours will pay proper attention thereto. 

We are, with great respect, your most humble servants, 

Signed per order: James Murray, Chairman. 


P.S. We are greatly in want of Powder, and should be 
glad to receive a supply as soon as possible. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


218 


DEPOSITION OF JOHN RUMLEY. 


John Rumley deposeth and saith: That he was taken by 
a tender’s boat on the shore of Spring’s Island; that while 
he was on board the tender he saw a boat standing out of 
Hooper's Straits, directly for the tenders in company with 
that which this deponent was on board of; that the said 
boat continued her course directly on board one of those 
tenders; and that it appeared to this deponent to be the 
voluntary act of those on board said boat to go to the ten- 
ders, as there was not a gun fired at them, or any measures 
taken by the tenders to send a boat, or use any other means 
to bring said boat to them; that said boat getting alongside 
one of the tenders, he knew it to be Basil Clarkson’s boat, 
and that said Clarkson and three others were in her, all of 
whom got on board the tender; that soon after Clarkson 
and his company boarded the tender, this deponent heard 
men on board the several tenders hail each other, and say 
that the Defence was lying off Hooper’s Island, and that 
Basil Clarkson and a certain John Baptist told them so; 
which said Baptist and two others went on board the tender 
when Clarkson came off from them in his boat, about one hour 
and a half after his going on board; and further saith not. 

Taken before the Committee of Observation for Dorches- 
ter County, this 9th day of July, anno Domini, 1776. 

Signed per order: Joun C. Harrison, Clerk. 


To the Honourable the Convention of Maryianp: 


The Petition of Basal Clarkson most humbly showeth : 
That your Petitioner now is, and hath been for a consider- 
able time past, confined in the jail of the City of Annapolis 
for a supposed crime of which your Petitioner is in no wise 
guilty. Your Petitioner also begs leave to represent to your 
Honours that he is now in almost a starving condition, oc- 
casioned by the want of, not only the common necessaries 
of life, with respect to bodily clothing, but also for the fur- 
ther want of bedding. That he is now craving your Honours 
to release your Petitioner from his confinement; and should 
your Honours deign to hear your Petitioner at the bar of your 
honourable House, your Petitioner is satisfied within his own 
mind that he shall be well acquitted. Should this Petition be 
adverted, your Petitioner, as in duty bound, will pray, &c. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO ELISHA WINTERS. 
[No. 29.] Annapolis, July 12, 1776. 

Sir: The Convention having resolved that the firelocks 
of such of the Militia who are to compose part of the Flying- 
Camp as are not effective, but might be made so by repairs, 
should be repaired at the expense of this Province, and that 
we should cause muskets found by the Militia, borrowed or 
purchased, for the Flying-Camp, to be fitted with bayonets, 
iron ramrods, worms, priming-wires, brushes, belts or scab- 
bards; and as we are apprehensive such repairs cannot be 
made or bayonets fitted on the Eastern-Shore, with that 
despatch and expedition the service may require, but at your 
shop, we desire you will immediately inform us whether you 
can engage in that business, and will undertake to repair 
and fit with bayonets such guns as shall be sent to you from 
the several Counties over the Bay for that purpose. If they 
can be done elsewhere, we shall not desire you to do them, 
as we would wish you should confine yourself as much as 
possible to the work you have in hand; but if they cannot, 
as there is an absolute necessity that the Militia should be 
immediately provided with good and substantial arms, we 
must request you will engage in that business for us. It 
cannot be expected that during the time you may be at work 
on the arms for the Flying-Camp, that you should comply 
strictly with your contract with the Province; yet it is hoped 
that you will be able to furnish some guns, as we stand in 
very great need of them. We have already belts and scab- 
bards sufficient, and have advertised for persons to make 
priming-wires and brushes, and expect to get the ramrods 
in Annapolis, so that you will not have anything to do but 
repair the guns and fit the bayonets, unless to make swivils 
to sling the guns, which must likewise be done. 

We enclose you a letter and order to Henry Hollings- 
worth for four hundred bayonets, of different sized sockets, 
for the Militia arms; if you engage for us in that business, 
you will send them by express; but if you cannot, you will 
be pleased to return them. We are, &c. 


To Mr. Elisha Winters. 


219 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH. 
[No. 30.] Annapolis, July 12, 1776. 

Sir: We have received both yours of the 11th and 14th, 
and have despatched the last vessel you sent down with the 
flour to Pocomoke. We aresorry to hear the flour on board 
Messrs. Lux and Bowly’s vessel has been so much dam- 
aged by their negligence, but no doubt they will think it but 
reasonable to make us a compensation. 

You will receive by Captain Nicholson, two hundred and 
fifty pounds, out of which you will be pleased to pay for the 
vessels that carried the soldiers from Baltimore, as also for 
those you sent down to Annapolis for that purpose. We 
are pleased with your conduct, and are obliged to you for 
the assistance you have given us. 

We request you will purchase the timber Mr. Wells may 
want for building the two gondolas, and apply the remainder 
of the money in payment for the same; what more you may 
have occasion for, shall be sent you as you want it. While 
you are employed in the publick business, we really think it 
unreasonable you should be obliged to attend at musters; it 
is our desire, therefore, that you should be exempt from that 
attendance, and desire you will signify this to your officers ; 
and we are, Xc. 


To Mr. Jesse Hollingsworth. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CHARLES RIDGELY, SEN. 

[No. 31.] Annapolis, July 12, 1776. 
Sir: The Council of Safety would be glad to see you 

immediately, on the subject of your Letter. Weare, &c. 


To Mr. Charles Ridgely, Sen. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DELEGATES IN CONGRESS, 
[No. 32.] Annapolis, July 12, 1776. 

GenTLEMEN: Mr. Hughes, the bearer of this, has been 
under contract with the Convention to supply them with 
cannon ; he has nearly complied with his contract with us, 
and has run himself and his partners to a pretty considerable 
expense to get his works into such order as may enable them 
to cast many more than we shall probably want for the use 
of this Province. ‘The cannon of his first casting did not 
stand proof, but he has his furnace now in such order that 
the cannon they cast are very good. He has been informed 
that the Congress are in want, and would willingly contract 
with them, and would yet considerably enlarge his works, 
provided the Congress would take all the cannon he and his 
partners should cast before the first day of next January 
twelvemonth. We introduce him to you asa man of credit, 
and who will, in our opinion, comply with any contract he 
may enter into with the Congress. We are, &c. 


To the Deputies in Congress. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO LANCASTER COMMITTEE. 
Philadelphia, July 12, 1776. 

Gentiemen: The enclosed resolve, which I have it in 
charge from Congress to transmit, is so extremely explicit, 
that I have only to request you will have it carried into 
immediate execution with all the despatch in your power. 

I shall write to the Committee of Reading to remove the 
prisoners in that place to your town. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient 


and very humble servant d 
y > Joun Hancock, President. 


Committee of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. 
In Congress, July 10, 1776. 

Resolved, That the Committee of Lancaster be empow- 
ered and requested to keep a guard over the Prisoners in 
the Barracks of that Borough, and to surround the said Bar- 
racks with a stockade fort. 

That the Privates who are prisoners in the Town of 
Reading, be removed to the Borough of Lancaster. 

By order of Congress: Joun Hancock, President. 


THOMAS STONE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Philadelphia, July 12, 1776. 
GentLemeEn: Yours, by Captain Stricker, was this morn- 
ing delivered to me, and I shall pay particular attention to 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


220 


its contents, though I much fear our endeavours to procure 
an Engineer to suit your purpose will not be successful. 
Every man who ever fired a cannon, or was present at 
erecting any kind of fortifications, has been taken up for the 
Continental service. 

There is no provision made here for quartering any troops 
which may pass through. Upon the first notice of Colonel 
Smallwood’s approach I made inquiry of the state of the 
city barracks, and find that there are some soldiers in them 
who have the small-pox, of which I shall acquaint Colonel 
Smallwood before he gets into town. Indeed, there is danger 
in almost every part of the city, and I shall advise him to 
halt his men in the common for a while, until some safe 
place can be provided for their reception. They will feel 
severely the want of tents, of which there are none in the 
Continental stores. I submit to your consideration if it 
would not be proper to have tents immediately made, and 
sent after the troops. They will probably be stationed ata 
place where no quarters can be had. I expect to see them 
to-morrow. Captain Stricker will, I think, be appointed a 
field-officer in the German battalion, for which I have no 
doubt but he is well qualified, from what I have heard of 
him. 

The Militia of this Province are daily marching to Trenton 
in the Jerseys, from whence they are to proceed to Amboy. 
This will be the route of our troops I presume. If Brigadier 
Dent should join the Regulars with the Militia to be raised in 
your Province, I don’t know how it will be possible to settle 
the rank of the officers. As to keeping them distinct when 
they are to compose one army, it seems to me to be imprac- 
ticable. The rank of each officer in the Army must be set- 
tled before service is entered on, or the greatest confusion 
will probably take place. 

I ordered, by Mr. Stephen Stewart, a case of instruments, 
some paper, and a gun-carriage. Be pleased to inform me 
if you received them. Mr. Alexander writes me that Dr. 
Weisenthal wants the instruments very much. 

Our affairs on the Lake are far from being so prosperous 
as I wish them, though we have heard nothing certain from 
that quarter since our Army retreated to Crown-Point. 
Considerable reinforcements are ordered, and if they arrive 
in time, I hope our enemies will receive a check. 

General Howe remains on Staten-Island, exercising his 
men, and viewing the situation of the adjacent grounds. 
The inhabitants of the Island are generally Tories, who I 
suppose will assist him all they can without taking up arms, 
which I think few of them will do. 

General Washington and the Army under him are in good 
spirits, and our strength daily increasing. We regret to hear 
of the arrival of a considerable reinforcement from Britain. 
Weare daily in expectation of a more intimate acquaintance 
between the two adverse armies. May Godsend victory to 
the arm lifted in support of righteousness, virtue, and free- 
dom, and crush even to destruction the power which wantonly 
would trample on the rights of mankind. Our Province is 
now unrepresented, though matters of the last consequence 
are coming on. I pray one of the Delegates may be desired 
to attend. Mr. Paca is out, which occasions me alone to 
address you. 

I am, gentlemen, with most sincere esteem, your faithful 
and most humble servant, Ts 

. STONE. 


To the Hon. Council of Safety of Maryland, at Annapolis. 


ALEXANDER WILCOCKS TO MARYLAND CONVENTION, 
In Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, July 12, 1776. 


GentLemen: The Committee of Safety take the liberty 
to enclose a letter from General Washington, (of July 8,) 
recommending Lieutenant Wilpert to a company in the 
German Battalion. ‘They would have been happy in an 
occasion of showing proper respect to such a recommenda- 
tion, but unfortunately it did not arrive till the appointment 
had been made. Should there be an opening left in the 
Maryland division of the battalion, they make no doubt but 
you will be pleased with an opportunity of providing for Mr. 
Wilpert, agreeable to the General’s desire. 

I am gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant. 

By order of the Board: 
AvexanpER Witcocks, Chairman. 


To the Convention of Maryland. 


221 


LANCASTER COMMITTEE, 


At a meeting of the Committee of Observation, Inspec- 
tion, and Correspondence, at the house of Adam Reigart, 
the 12th July, 1776: 

Present: Matthias Slough, William Ailee, William Bows- 
man, Lodwick Lowman, Jacob Klatz, Michael Musser, John 
Miller. 


Wituium At ee in the Chair. 


Colonel Ross laid before the Committee a Letter from 
Colonel Porter, directed to him, complaining of the ill 
behaviour of some of the Associators in his neighbourhood, 
who had seized the Arms which had been collected by his 
directions from Non-Associators and others, together with an 
answer written by him (Colonel Ross) to Colonel Porter; 
which answer, being read, is approved of, and ordered to be 
forwarded to Colonel Porter by his express. 

And it is Resolved, That it be recommended to the Mem- 
bers of Committees in the several Townships from which 
Colonel Porter’s Battalion is drawn, to give their best assist- 
ance to Colonel Porter in procuring Arms and necessaries 
for the Militia, to enable them to march. 

The Committee think it will be best and most for the 
general good for Colonel Porter to march his Militia by 
Companies, as he can arm them, immediately to Philadel- 
phia, or across the country to Trenton, where they stand the 
best chance of being supplied with camp-kettles and other 
necessaries, which are not to be procured in the country. 


It being represented by Jacob Erb that the persons who 
were chosen Collectors of Arms in the Township of War- 
wick have neglected their duty, this Committee do therefore 
appoint Christian Hollinger, Matthias Hagey, and John 
Huber, Collectors of Arms in the said Township of War- 
wick, who are to do the duty required of Collectors of Arms 
by the resolves of Assembly. 


Captain Zantzinger’s Account of Rifles purchased from 
Jacob Dickert, for the use of his Company, to enable them 
to march to the Camp in the Jerseys, to the amount of £31 
Zs. 6d., was produced to the Committee, approved of, and 
Mr. Dickert referred to the Committee of Safety or Congress 
for payment. 


Peter Bollinger, the Committee’s Messenger, being now 
about to march with Colonel Slough’s Battalion, produces 
his Account for services and expenses to this time, amounting 
to £8 16s. 4d., which being examined, is approved of and 
allowed; and it is recommended to the Commissioners of 
the County to pay the said Bollinger moneys of the County, 
as he may have immediate occasion for it to provide himself 
with necessaries for his march. 


ASSOCIATION GF INHABITANTS OF DONEGAL, LANCASTER 
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 


We, part of the inhabitants of the Township of Donegal, 
having associated into a Company, and signed an agreement 
for the regulation of the said Company, as well Officers as 
Soldiers, understanding that the Committee for this County 
is to meet in Lancaster, in order to adjust and settle griev- 
ances, we conceive the greatest grievance is, that numbers 
of people, of different persuasions, will not join in the said 
Association ; some for scruple of conscience, some for the 
Joss of time and expenses, and others being disaffected at 
the cause which we associate for. Some of the said people 
are the wealthiest and best seated in the County. We 
imagine that there should be none of the inhabitants of this 
County exempted from joining the said Association, or pay- 
ing in proportion for the finding of arms and other necessaries 

to those who are willing to do it, who are not of ability to 
provide themselves with such. We request of you that 
it be allowed that all the landholders and farmers in the 
County of Lancaster be obliged to find at least one good 
gun each, and that every other person, who is judged by the 
Committee to be of ability, likewise find a good gun, whether 
they be joined in Association or not. This will put the 
County in a state of defence. We request of you that such 
a sum as is thought reasonable by you be laid upon each and 
every person who will not join the said Association, exclu- 
sive of finding the arms aforesaid, in restitution of the time 
which the people that have joined the said Association have 
and will expend, learning exercise and other duties neces- 
sary; and that such sums of money and arms be paid and 


‘CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


222 


received into the hands of the Committee of the different 
‘Townships in the said County, or into the hands of any other 
persons which you shall appoint, to be laid for the use and 
support of the Associators of the Townships such sums and 
arms will be received in. If the said proposals be not put 
in execution by you, we, for our part, do intend to continue 
no longer in the said Association, as it will be entirely useless 
for the greatest number of our Company to continue in the 
same, who are not of ability to find themselves in arms or 
other necessaries. But, on the contrary, if no partiality is 
or will be shown by you, or indulgence to the enemies of the 
cause, but to have all persons in the said County equally 
concerned therein, according to their several abilities, we 
will, as we always have done, defend and protect the cause 
of our country, to the extremity of our power and ability. 
Signed by part, and by order of said Company, by 
J.Anderson,Jr.,1stLt. Jacob Peseler, Frederick Gilbugh, 


Philip Clugh, 2d Lt. Frederick Hufman, Abraham Eatter, 
Joseph Worth, Ens. Jacob Seller, David Cook, Jun. 


John Bayly, Christian Pesler, Thomas Anderson, 
Matthew Swan, David Scot, Thomas Clingan, 
Alexander Mitchel, Ulery Tannar, Francis Stewart, 


Williams Bauer, 
James Scott, 
James Thompson, 
Cornelius Boyle, 


Frederick Sibale, 
Nath’! Stepheson, 
John Carliel, 
Robert Ponton, 


James Mitchel, 
Nicholas Blazser, 
Philip Winand, 
John Winand, 


John Crookshanks, Frederick Yeigh, Hendry Vinegar, 
Walter Bell, George Bready, Robert Carns, 
James Willson, Hugh Hagerty, Duncan Levingston, 


William Allison, John Booth, James Mitchel, Jun. 


John Mays, Ulery Seller, John Donily, 
Samuel McChin, Conrode Hufman, George Crookshanks, 
John Tate, Jacob Vion, John Emmack, 


William Alexander, 
Robert Borland, 
David Cook, 
James Anderson, 
James Kerr, 
William Wilson, 
Hendrey Tann, 
Adam Neas, 
Daniel Dead Ys 
Enoch Hastings, 
James Cook, 
Lewis Miller, 
Patrick Hackett, 


Philip Brannar, 
Jacob Hufman, 
Philip Amant, 
Christian Seller, 
Peter Seller, 
Matthias Steer, 
Robert Caven, 
Christian Vinegar, 
John Nicholas, 
Abram Long, 
Valentine Shirelen, 
Samuel Park, 
Nicholas Peck, 


Adam Ross, 

James Alexander, 
James Levingston, 
John Brown, 
James Bayly, 
Jacob Musselman, 
Zechel Norres, 
Jacob Winan, Jun. 
Wm. W. Gomery, 
James Young, 
Jacob Minnigo, 
John Hamilton, 
Peter Dillo, 


Conrode Albrite, 
Michael Clous, 
Daniel Killman, 


Jacob Shireman, 


James Carsey, 
Samuel Cook, 


John Barber. 


YORK COUNTY (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE. 


In Committee of Inspection and Observation 
for the County of York, July 12, 1776. 


Resolved, That in case Mr. James Rankin make suitable 
concessions, (as he proposes,) and give sufficient surety for 
his good behaviour in future, he shall be restored to his liber- 
ty and the confidence of his countrymen. 


* As I have, in several instances, injured the Committee * 
of York County, by sundry publick misrepresentations, as 
well as by personal insults, thereby obstructing the publick 
measures now so necessary for the safety of our country, but 
being convinced of the bad tendency of my past conduct, 
and desirous of being restored to a good understanding and 
friendship with my countrymen, I do thus publickly ask for- 
giveness of them, and do promise, on the faith and honour of 
an honest man, that I will in future pay due regard to the 
rules and regulations of the honourable Continental Con- 
gress, and behave, in all respects, as becomes a good citizen 
of the United States of America. 


“James Rankin. 
“July 13, 1776.” 


BRITISH OFFICERS (PRISONERS) TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Yorktown, Pennsylvania, July 12, 1776. 


Sir: We have long suffered, without complaint, a series 
of ill treatment which our characters as British officers, and 
our conduct since the fate of war threw us in your power, 
has not merited. Should we continue silent under this 
usage, we might be esteemed by the world either deserving 
of it or afraid to complain, in neither of which predicaments 
would we choose to appear. 

When an order of Congress, about four months ago, sepa- 
rated us from our men, we complained of the hardships that 
would accrue from it in as decent terms as circumstances 
would admit of, but without redress. We were brought to 
this town and a parole tendered us to sign, with the alterna- 
tive of going to jail if we refused. Conscious that a compli- 
ance could not in the smallest degree be prejudicial to His 


223 


Majesty’s service, we acquiesced ; for be assured, sir, had we 
entertained the least doubt of the contrary, we should have 
blushed to have hesitated a moment in our choice. 

To enumerate the particulars of the many gross insults 
we have endured would far exceed the bounds of this letter. 
Let it suffice to declare, that outrage hath succeeded insult, 
and a violation of every law of humanity been dignified by 
the name of authority. Not content with depriving us of 
the liberty of leaving our rooms after nightfall, (contrary to 
the faith of the parole we signed,) they have now, as a fur- 
ther instance of their wishes to distress us and to render our 
situation as disagreeable as possible, taken from us our ser- 
vants, which they tell us is by order of Congress. 

We have, sir, too much generosity to conceive that that 
body would purposely issue an order to distress a few already 
too much injured individuals. Prejudice, wilfully mistaken, 
ever uses a language opposite to truth; and that the Commit- 
tee of this place are prejudiced against us must strike the 
candour of every dispassionate heart; for we dare confi- 
dently ask the loudest advocate of their party to say that in 
any one instance we have infringed the least on the parole 
we signed, or that our conduct has been in any way repre- 
hensible. 

Through you, therefore, sir, as President of the Congress, 
we apply for redress, and desire that we may be treated as 
gentlemen and prisoners of war, who yielded only to an ho- 
nourable capitulation ; at the same time beg leave to remark, 
that if we must continue liable to such treatment, a jail would 
have a preference over our present situation; and remain, 
sir, your humble servants, 

A. Gorpon, 
Captain Twenty-Sixth Regiment. 
Dante. Rosertson, 
JOHN STRONGE, 
Joun Livineston, 
Epwarp ‘l'Hompson, 
E. P. Witurneron, 
D. McDone tt, 
Rosert THomas, 
James Gorpon, 
Ropert CHase, 
Lav. Dutuounty. 


To John Hancock, Esq. 


EPHRAIM BLAINE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 18, 1776.] 
Carlisle, Cumberland County, July 12, 1776. 
Honourep Sir: I take the opportunity by Mr. Boyd of 
drawing upon you for two thousand dollars, on account of 
blankets and hose purchased by order of Congress for our 
Army at Virginia. I sent seven hundred and fifty blan- 
kets and eleven hundred pair of hose three weeks ago; 
the residue shall send m three weeks from this date. Will 
not be able to procure above fourteen or fifteen hundred 
blankets: they have risen to a very great price. ‘The peo- 
ple ask for old ones from 15s. to 22s. 6d., and for new from 
45s. to 52s. 6d. per pair. You need not expect more than 
the above number. The Militia and our quota of troops to 
form the Flying-Camp, I fear, will not be supplied without 
applying to me, though as yet have refused giving any. As 
soon as I send off the residue, shall render you my account ; 
and am, honoured sir, your most obedient and very humble 


servant , 
2 Epruraim Buaine. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
{Read in Congress, Sunday, July 14, 1776.] 
New-York, July 12, 1776. 
Sir: The design of this is to inform Congress, that at about 
half after three o’clock this evening, two of the enemy’s ships- 
of-war—one of forty and the other of twenty guns—with their 
tenders, weighed anchor in the Bay opposite Staten-Island, 
and, availing themselves of a brisk and favourable breeze, 
with a flowing tide, ran a part of our batteries up the North 
Raver, without receiving any damage that I could perceive, 
notwithstanding a heavy and incessant cannonade was kept 
up from our several batteries here, as well as from that at 
Paulus Hook. They, on their part, returned and continued 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


224 


the fire as they ran by. I despatched an express to Briga- 
dier-General Mifflin, at our encampment towards the upper 
end of the Island, but have not heard whether they got by 
or received any damage. ‘The account transmitted by this 
morning’s post, respecting the arrival of one of the fleet, 
seems to be confirmed. Several ships have come in to-day: 
among them, one this evening, with a St. George’s flag at 
her foretopmast-head, which we conclude to be Admiral 
Howe, from the circumstance of the flag, and the several 
and general salutes that were paid. It is probable they will 
all arrive in a day or two, and immediately begin their 
operations. 

As it will be extremely necessary that the Flying-Camp 
should be well provided with powder and ball, and it may 
be impracticable to send supplies from hence, on account of 
our hurry and engagements, besides, the communication may 
be uncertain, I must beg the attention of Congress to this 
matter, and request that they will forward, with all possible 
expedition, such a quantity of musket powder and lead, if 
balls’ of different sizes cannot be had, as will be sufficient 
for the Militia to compose that camp. 

By an express this minute arrived (quarter past eight, 
P. M.) from General Mifflin, the ships have passed his 
works. 

I am, in heart, with sentiments of great regard, sir, your 


most obedient servant, Gone Wasnixeron 


Minutes of a Conference of General Officers, Jury 8, 1776, 


At a Conference of General Officers and others at Head- 
Quarters, July 8, 1776: 

Present, His Excellency the General; General Putnam, 
General Heath, General Spencer, General Greene, General 
Scott, General Wadsworth, Colonel McDougall, and Messrs. 
Randolph, Green, Dennis, and Duer. 


A proposition having been made to the General to sink 
Hulks in the North-Rwver, at Tappan-Bay, in order to stop 
the enemy’s progress, it was fully discussed, and agreed that 
the same be carried into execution: Captain Grenell to sound 
the Channel, and fix the Buoy; Captain Dennis to take up 
the Vessels and Raft; Captain Lawrence and Captain 
Tudor to have them sunk in a proper manner; Captain 
Grenell to take notice of the commanding ground, so that, 
if works should be hereafter erected, they may be made in 
the most proper manner. 

The General proposed to the General Officers, what should 
be done with the Troop of Horse from Connecticut? 

Agreed, That the Men be detained until the new Levies 
arrive, but the Horses be sent home as soon as possible. 

The Congress having referred to the Generals’ determi- 
nation the propriety of marching three Regiments of the 
Continental Troops from Boston to the Northern Army, and, 
in case of need, substituting the Militia in their place, 

Unanimously Agreed, ‘That the said three Regiments be 
immediately despatched to join the Northern Army. 


Proceedings of a Council of General Officers. 


At a Council of War, held at Head-Quarters, July 12, 
1776: 

Present, His Excellency General Washington ; Major- 
General Putnam; Brig. Generals Heath, Spencer, Greene, 
Lord Stirling, Scott, Wadsworth, and Heard. 


The General proposed to the consideration of the Board 
a plan of a descent upon Staten-Island in different places, 
so as to form a general attack upon the enemy’s quarters, 
and a question was made: 

Whether, in our present situation, such a measure was 
advisable ? 

Agreed, unanimously, That it was not. 

The General then proposed a Partisan Party, with a view 
to alarm the enemy and encourage our own Troops, who 
seem generally desirous that something should be done. 

Agreed, That Major Knowlton, who is stationed at Ber- 
gen, and has reconnoitred the Island, do confer with General 
Mercer thereon ; and if they, upon consideration, shall deem 
such a surprise practicable, and that the retreat of the men 
can be secured, the General be advised to prosecute it. 
That this enterprise be accompanied with a cannonade upon 
the fleet from Bergen-Point, if the distance will admit. 


225 


GENERAL ORDERS. 

Head-Quarters, New-York, July 5, 1776. 

(Parole, Cambridge.) . (Countersign, Durham.) 
Those Regiments which have not made a Return of their 
Officers, the ranks, and dates of their commissions, agreeable 
to a former Order, are now called on to do it without delay, 
and to mention in such Returns the Colony in which such 
Regiment was raised, the time when and period in which 
they inlisted, together with the vacancies in their respective 


Regiments. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 6, 1776. 
(Parole, Essex.) (Countersign, France.) 

The Quartermaster-General to have all the empty casks 
which have been collected filled with fresh water, to be 
changed occasionally. | 

The General hopes the officers and soldiers will improve 
this opportunity to get their arms in the best order for ser- 
vice, as they cannot tell how soon, or how suddenly, they 
may be called forth. 

‘Two hundred men, properly officered, (exclusive of the 
number ordered the 3d instant,) to parade to-morrow morn- 
ing, five o’clock, at the Laboratory, with four days’ provi- 
sions. ‘They will receive tools and directions from the Chief 
Engineer. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 7, 1776. 
(Parole, Goshen.) (Countersign, Hartford.) 

A working party of one hundred and fifty men, properly 
officered, to go to King’s Bridge to-morrow, to march at 
six o’clock from the parade; they are to take two days’ 
provisions with them; after which they will draw out of the 
stores there; to take their arms and tents with them; and 
when they get there, General Mifflin will give them orders. 

As the enemy may make an attack early in the morning, 
when there may not be time for the soldiers to fill their 
canteens, the General directs that they be filled every even- 
ing; the officers to take care that it is not neglected, as it 
is a matter of much consequence at this season. 

James Johnson, a soldier in Captain Hide’s Company, 
and Colonel Wylly’s Regiment, tried at a General Court- 
Martial, whereof Colonel Reed is President, for “ desertion,” 
is found guilty, and sentenced to be whipped thirty-nine 
lashes on his naked back. Sergeant George Douglas, John 
Davis, John Cooper, Robert Sawyer, and George Clarkson, 
all of Captain Van Wyck’s Company, Colonel McDougall’s 
Regiment, tried at the same court-martial for “ mutiny and 
sedition.” Sergeant George Douglass is acquitted; the 
others severally found guilty, and sentenced, Davis to be 
whipped thirty-nine lashes; Cooper thirty lashes; Sawyer 
and Clarkson to be whipped each twenty lashes, on their 
bare backs for said offence. ‘The General approves of the 
foregoing sentences, and orders them put in execution at the 
usual time and place. 

Some persons having barbarously wounded and maimed 
some cattle belonging to Leonard Lispenard, Esq., on Fri- 
day last, the General hopes no soldier in the Army is con- 
cerned in so base and scandalous an action; but if it should 
appear otherwise, such person may depend on the severest 
punishment. Any person who can give any information in 
the matter will be well rewarded. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 8, 1776. 
(Parole, Johnston,) (Countersign, Lebanon.) 
The new levies from Connecticut and New-Jersey daily 
arriving, a report is to be made every day to the General 
of the number arriving, by the Commanding Officer of each 
corps, in order that proper arrangements may be made. 
All officers are required to be careful that their men are 
acquainted with orders, that they may not plead ignorance. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 9, 1776. 
(Parole, Manchester.) (Countersign, Norfolk.) 
John Evans, of Captain Ledyard’s Company, Colonel 
McDougall’s Regiment, Hopkins Rice, of Captain Pierce’s 
Company, Colonel Ritzema’s Regiment, having been tried 
by a General Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Reed was Pre- 
sident, and found guilty of “desertion,” were sentenced to 
receive each thirty-nine lashes. The General approves the 
sentence, and orders them to be executed at the usual time 
and place. 


Firtn Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. : 


15 


226 


Passes to go from the city are hereafter to be granted by 
John Berrien, Henry Wilmot, and John Ray, Jun., a com- 
mittee of the city appointed for that purpose. Officers of 
the guards at the ferries and wharves to be careful in making 
this regulation known to the sentries, who are to see that 
the passes are signed by one of the above persons, and to 
be careful no soldier goes over the ferry without a pass from 
a General Officer. ‘The North River guard to be removed 
to the market-house, near the ferry stairs, as soon as it is 
fitted up. 

The honourable Continental Congress having been pleased 
to allow a Chaplain to each Regiment, with the pay of thirty- 
three dollars and one-third per month, the Colonels or Com- 
manding Officers of each Regiment are directed to procure 
Chaplains accordingly; persons of good character and ex- 
emplary lives; to see that all inferior officers and soldiers 
pay them a suitable respect, and attend carefully upon reli- 
gious exercises. ‘The blessing and protection of Heaven 
are at all times necessary, but especially so in times of publick 
distress and danger. ‘The General hopes and trusts that 
every officer and man will endeavour so to live and act as 
becomes a Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and 
liberties of his country. 

The honourable the Continental Congress, impelled by the 
dictates of duty, policy, and necessity, having been pleased 
to dissolve the connexion which subsisted between this coun- 
try and Great Britain, and to declare the United Colonies 
of North-America free and independent States, the several 
Brigades are to be drawn up this evening on their respective 
parades, at six o’clock, when the Declaration of Congress, 
showing the grounds and reasons of this measure, is to be 
read with an audible voice. ‘The General hopes this im- 
portant event will serve as a fresh incentive to every officer 
and soldier to act with fidelity and courage, as knowing that 
now the peace and safety of his country depends (under 
God) solely on the success of our arms, and that he is now 
in the service of a State possessed of sufficient power to 
reward his merit, and advance him to the highest honours 
of a free country. 

The Brigade Majors are to receive, at the Adjutant- 
General’s office, several of the Declarations, to be delivered 
to the Brigadier-Generals and the Colonels of Regiments. 

The Brigade Majors are to be excused from further 
attendance at Head-Quarters, except to receive the orders 
of the day, that their time and attention may be withdrawn 
as little as possible from the duties of their respective Bri- 
gades. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 10, 1776. 
(Parole, Ogden.) (Countersign, Philadelphia.) 

A working party of one hundred and fifty men, properly 
officered, to parade to-morrow morning, with their arms, 
near the Laboratory, at six o’clock. ‘To take three days’ 
provisions. ‘The Commanding Officer to come to Head- 
Quarters for his orders. The Quartermaster-General to 
provide tents. 

General Heath’s Brigade, instead of repairing to their 
alarm posts to-morrow morning, to hold themselves in readi- 
ness to march. ‘They will receive their orders from the 
Brigadier-General on the parade, at four o’clock. The 
Brigadier will attend at Head-Quarters, this afternoon, for 
the orders. 

John Butler, of Captain Bridgham’s Company, Colonel 
Bailey’s Regiment, having been tried by a General Court- 
Martial, whereof Colonel Reed was President, is found guilty 
of “desertion,” and sentenced to receive thirty lashes. The 
General confirms the sentence, and orders it to be executed 
at the usual time and place. 

Though the General doubts not the persons who pulled 
down and mutilated the Statue in the Broadway last night, 
were actuated by zeal in the publick cause, yet it has so 
much the appearance of riot and want of order in the Army, 
that he disapproves the manner, and directs that in future 
these things shall be avoided by the soldiery, and left to be 
executed by proper authority. 


After orders.—Colonel Drake, who was ordered-in the 
orders of yesterday for picket this day, being unable to 
mount, Colonel Batley is to mount picket this day in his 
stead. Likewise, as Lieutenant-Colonel Stoutenburgh is 
sick, Lieutenant-Colonel Sheppard is to succeed in his place 
to-morrow. é 


227 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 11, 1776. 
(Parole, Quebeck.) (Countersign, Roxborough.) 

General Spencer’s Brigade, instead of repairing to their 
alarm post, to hold themselves in readiness to march to- 
morrow morning, at four o’clock. The Brigadier-General 
will attend at Head-Quarters this evening for orders, which 
he will deliver on the parade to-morrow morning to the 
Brigade. 

As the weather is very warm, there will be the greatest 
danger of the Troops growing unhealthy, unless both Officers 
and men are attentive to cleanliness in their persons and 
quarters. The Officers are required to visit the men fre- 
quently in their quarters, to impress on them the necessity 
of frequently changing their linen, cleaning their persons, 
and, wherever it can be avoided, not to cook their victuals 
in the same room where they sleep. If any of the Officers 
apprehend themselves crowded in their quarters, they are 
to represent it to the Barrack-Master, who is ordered to 
accommodate them in such a manner as to be most con- 
ducive to health and convenience. The good of the service, 
the comfort of the men, and the merit of the Officers, will 
be so much advanced, by keeping the Troops as neat and 
clean as possible, that the General hopes that there will be 
an emulation upon this head; and as a scrutiny will soon 
be made, those who shall be found negligent will be pun- 
ished, and the deserving rewarded. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 12, 1776. 
(Parole, Somerset.) (Countersign, Tunbridge.) 

Thomas Blunfield, of Captain Darrow’s Company, 
Colonel Parsons’s Regiment, tried by a General Court- 
Martial, whereof Colonel Reed was President, was found 
guilty of “desertion,” and sentenced to receive thirty-nine 
lashes. ‘The General approves the sentence, and orders it 
to be executed at the usual time and place. 

Lord Sterling’s Brigade to be on the parade at four 
o'clock to-morrow morning, with their arms and accoutre- 
ments, ready to march. ‘They will receive their orders from 
their Brigadier at the parade. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 12, 1776. 

Sir: Two ships of force, with their tenders, have sailed 
up Hudson’s River. Iam apprehensive that they design to 
seize the passes in the Highlands by land, which, I am 
informed, may be done by a small body of men. I must 
therefore request you instantly to desire General Ten Broeck 
to march down as great a force as he can collect to secure 
them, particularly the post where the road runs over An- 
thony’s Nose. 

Send off an express directly, if you please, to the west 
parts of Connecticut, desiring them to collect all their force 
at the same point, since I have the highest reason to believe 
it will be absolutely necessary, if it was only to prevent an 
insurrection of your own Tories. 

- Lam, sir, your most obedient servant, 
Go. WasuHineTon. 


To Brigadier-General George Clinton, New-Windsor. 


P.S. A return must be immediately made to me of the 
number of men you collect. 


EBENEZER HAZARD TO GENERAL GATES. 
New-York, July 12, 1776. 

Dear Sir: In my last I told you of the arrival of the 
fleet from Halifax, under General Howe. The troops 
under his command are about eight thousand in number, 
and have taken possession of Staten-Island, which has been 
peaceable hitherto, but very probably will not be so long, 
for I believe it is in contemplation to attack them before an 
expected reinforcement under Lord Howe arrives. No at- 
tempt has been made on this city or the adjacent country 
yet. Imagine General Howe will do nothing before he is 
reinforced. Desertions are frequent among them: almost 
every night some men make their escape. I do not learn 
that they bring any material intelligence. 

Enclosed is the Congress’s Declaration of Independence. 
It has been proclaimed in the State-House at Philadelphia, 
and in the Army here, and received, as might naturally be 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


228 


expected, with great joy. The King of England’s Arms 
have been burned in Philadelphia, and his statue here has 
been pulled down to make musket ball of, so that his troops 
will probably have melted Majesty fired at them. 

Our Convention now sitting at White-Plains have entered 
fully into the spirit of Independency, and have ordered it to 
be proclaimed by the Chairman of every Committee in the 
Colony within their respective districts. 

No news from Boston lately; only Gordon writes that 
the Assembly are going to make thorough work among the 
Tories; and that a servant maid of Colonel Jrwin’s has re- 
turned from Halifax with a number of letters for Tories in 
and about Boston, which, instead of delivering them as 
directed, she put into the hands of the Committee. The 
contents of them have not yet transpired, but it is expected 
they contain useful information. I have not had the plea- 
sure of a letter from you yet. Have only time to add, that 
I am yours, 


To General Gates. 


EBENEZER Hazarp. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 18, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.] 
In Convention of the Representatives of the State of 
New-York, White-Plains, July 12, 1776. 

Sir: Nothing but regard to their duty could induce the 
Convention of New-York again to call your attention to a 
subject so disagreeable as complaints against the arrangement 
of the Canada Regiment formed by your honourable House. 
They this day received certain papers relative to that busi- 
ness from a number of officers, who think themselves deeply 
affected by it, of which papers the enclosed are copies. 
From thence it appears that, besides other appointments out 
of the line of rank, three Sergeants, a Corporal, and a Lieu- 
tenant Fireworker have been raised over the heads of com- 
missioned officers. 

I have the honour to be, sir, the Congress and your most 
obedient servant. 

By order: NaruanteL Woopuutt, President. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq., President of the 


Continental Congress. 


New-York, July 8, 1776. 
We, the subscribers, do hereby resign the appointments we 
held in the regiment lately ordered to be raised and com- 

manded by Lewis Dubois, Esq., for the following reasons : 
First: We have been ungenerously superseded, which the 
old arrangement of officers made by the Provincial Congress 
will fully evince; for we assert that the youngest Lieutenant 
in the Third Regiment, to which Mr. Dubois belonged, is 
appointed a Captain over the heads of the First Lieutenants 
of the First and other regiments; likewise that Sergeants 
and Corporals, who went out in said Third Regiment, have 
superseded officers who bore commissions in the last cam- 


ion. ; 
Pals Aaron Arrson, Lieutenant. 


JONATHAN Pease, Lieutenant. 
Ricuarp Puart, Lieutenant. 
Daniext Gano, Lieutenant. 
Garret H. Van Wacener. 


To the Honourable the Provincial Congress. 


White-Plains, July 12, 1776. 


GentLtemen: Whereas we have had the honour to serve 
in the Continental Army by your appointment last year, we 
beg leave to mention to you a state of facts which we esteem 
as real grievances, and look up to you for direction or re- 
dress. 

When first the dire alarm of war was sounded in our land, 
we willingly stepped forth and offered our services to our 
bleeding country, and were much pleased with the appoint- 
ments which you honoured us with. Urged on by the same 
motives which first induced us to engage, we endured all the 
hardships of a most severe campaign, with a pleasing forti- 
tude, not doubting but whilst we were doing our duty we 
should meet with the applause of our country; that an equal 
distribution of honour would have been conferred on those 
who had not merited the reverse. But this has not been the 
case; a few have been promoted to high rank, while others, 
of equal standing and merit, are superseded or entirely 
neglected. Among the many instances of this procedure 


229 


that might be given, the most recent is the late arrangement 
of the officers of a regiment te be commanded by Lewis 
Dubois, Esquire, the injustice of which we hope will fully 
appear to your honourable House, if you will please to 
look over the copy of the arrangement itself, which we take 
the liberty of enclosing to you. 

We humbly desire you, gentlemen, to take this matter 
into consideration; and are, with due respect, (in behalf of 
the disbanded officers that served in Canada,) gentlemen, 
your most obedient humble servants, 
SAMUEL SACKET, * 
Aaron AERSON, 
Ricuarp Puarr. 


To the Honourable Convention of the State of New-York. 


A list of the Officers who served the late campaign in 
Canapa, with their proper rank according to the first 
arrangement. 

Captains. 


second, in First Regiment. 
fourth, in First Regiment. 
fourth, in Third Regiment. 
seventh, in Third Regiment. | 
tenth, in Tenth Regiment. 


Marinus Willet, 
William Goforth, 
Lewis Dubois, - 
Jacobus Bruyn, 
David Palmer, 


First Lieutenants. 


second, in First Regiment. 
second, in Third Regiment. 
second, in Fourth Regiment. 
fourth, in Third Regiment. 
fifth, in First Regiment. 
fifth, in Fourth Regiment. 
seventh, in Third Regiment. 
eighth, in First Regiment. 
ninth, in Third Regiment. 
tenth, in First Regiment. 


William Gilleylen, - 
David Dubois, - 
Samuel Sacket, - 
Elias Van Bunschoten, 
Aaron Aerson, - 
Samuel Pell, 
Thomas De Witt, - 

Jonathan Pearse, - 

Cornelius T. Jansen, 


Matthias Clarke, - 
Second Lieutenants. . 


Richard Platt, - 
James Grey, 


first, in First Regiment. 
second, in Third Regiment. 


John Houston, - - - - fifth, in First Regiment. 
Isaac Van Wert, - - - fifth, in Fourth Regiment. 
Daniel Gano, - - - - sixth, in First Regiment. 


Albert Paulding, 


- seventh,in Third Regiment. 
Garret Van Wagener, 


eighth, in First Regiment. 


Philip D. Bevier,- - - tenth, in Third Regiment. 
Wilham Mathewman, - - tenth, in Fourth Regiment. 
James Dow, appointed at St. John’s. 


Isaiah Wool, Lieutenant, fire-worker in Captain Lamb’s 
company of Artillery. 


Lewis Dusots, Esquire’s, Arrangement. 


Field - Officers. wd 
Lewis Dubois, - - - - - - Colonel. 
Jacobus Bruyn, - - - - - -  Lieutenant-Colonel. 
William Goforth, - - - - - Major, (resigned.) 


Captains. 


First Captain. 
Second Captain. 
Third Captain. 
Fourth Captain. 
Fifth Captain. 
Sixth Captain. 
Seventh Captain. 
Eighth Captain. 


First Lieutenants. 


first. 

second, resigned. 

third, resigned. 

fourth, Sergeant in 3d Regt. 
fifth, resigned. 

sixth, Corporal in 3d Regt. 
seventh, Sergeant in 3d Regt. 
eighth, Sergeant in 3d Regt. 


David Dubois, - 
Elias Van Benschoten, 
Thomas De Witt, - 
Jsaiah Wool, 
Philip D. Bevier, 
Richard Platt, - 
Albert Paulding, 
Cornelius T. Jansen, 


James Gregg, - 
Aaron Aerson, - 
Jonathan Pearse, 
Evans Wherry, - 
Garret Van Wagener, 
Henry Vandenburgh, 
Nathaniel Conklin, 
Henry Dodge, - 


Second Lieutenants. 


Daniel Gano, - - - = first, resigned. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


230 


General Monrcomery’s arrangement. 
Lewis Dubois,* appointed Major, November 25, 1775. 
Jacobus Bruyn,* appointed First Captain, Nov. 25, 1775. 
David Dubois,* appointed Captain, November 25, 1775. 
Ehas Van Bunschoten,* appointed Captain, Nov. 25, 1775. 
Thomas De Witt,* appointedCaptain, November 25, 1775. 
Samuel Sackett, appointed Captain, November 25, 1775 
Fourth Regiment. 
Isaiah Wool, of Captain Lamb’s Company of Artillery, 
appointed Captain-Lieutenant therein, Nov. 25, 1775. 


A list of the Officers of Colonel Dusots’s Regiment, who 
served last campaign in Canapa. 
Captain Elias Van Bunschoten, Lieut. Henry Dodge, 
Captain Thomas De Witt, Lieut. Henry Vandenburgh, 
Captain Cornelius T. Jansen, Lieut. Nathaniel Conklin, 
Captain James Gregg, Lieut. Evans Wherry, 
Captain Albert Paulding, Ensign Samuel English, 
Captain Charles Graham. Henry Dubois, Adjutant. 
John Coats, Surgeon. 
List of Colonel Dusois’s Officers who did not serve in Can- 
apa, but served in his Regiment during this Campaign. 
Lieutenant Thomas Brinkley, 
Lieutenant John Farman, 
Lieutenant John Bennet. 


> 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER AT NEW-YORK TO 
HIS FATHER IN SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS, DATED NEW- 
york, JuLy 12, 1776. 


The enemy are now in the harbour, although they have 
not yet ventured themselves within gunshot of the city; 
but we hourly expect to be called to action. ‘The whole 
Army is out between two and three every morning at their 
respective alarm-posts, and remain there until sunrise. This 
was something irksome to me at first, but is now very fami- 
liar and agreeable. I am morally certain that it will not be 
long before we have an engagement. God Almighty, of 
His grace, grant us courage and wisdom, and smile on our 
arms, that we may play the men valiantly for our God and 
the cities of our God. This campaign, if in our favour, I 
expect will prove decisive; hope there will be no effort 
wanting on our side to effect it. May we all be fired with 
a noble ardour and Godlike resolution, rather to die than 
submit; take for our motto, Liberty or Death, remembering 
that it is truly honourable to die for our country, and far 
better to die freemen than to live slaves. I make no doubt, 
considering the great, good cause we are fighting for, and the 
necessary preparations that are made, that, with the smiles of 
Heaven, we shall behave with becoming fortitude and con- 
duct, and be enabled to vanquish those instruments of British 
tyranny and oppression, the enemies of God and mankind. 

I most heartily congratulate you on the Declaration of 
Independence—a Declaration which happily dissolves our 
connexions with a Kingdom where the name of a King is 
synonymous to that of tyrant, and the name of subject to 
that of slavery. Our trade is courted by all nations, who 
would gladly enter into alliance with us for the sake of it; 
but in that respect we may do as we please, for our internal 
resources are great, and will, in a short time, be sufficient to 
supply our necessity; and what success may we not hope for 
and expect, under God, from the united efforts of this vast 
extended Continent. 

July 14.—Just as I had finished the foregoing, we were 
alarmed by some of the men-of-war getting under sail and 
making for the city. We immediately repaired to our alarm- 
posts, which are at such a distance from the river that we 
had not a chance to fire a gun, but had a beautiful pros- 
pect of the whole engagement. We saw them pass by 
ten of our batteries. ‘They all kept an incessant fire upon 


‘them until out of reach, but had not so much success as I 


* 


could wish, though they were all hulled several times, and 
much damaged in their rigging; but wind and tide being in 
their favour, and a very brisk breeze, they soon got by. 
They poured their broadsides upon our batteries, and the 
town as fast as possible, but without doing any damage. 
They kept their way up the river until they came near 
King’s Bridge; and not knowing there was any battery there, 
they dropped anchor near the shore, when our people opened 


* Officers of Third Regiment of New- Yorkers that were first promoted. 


231 


a battery of four twelve-pounders, six six-pounders, and two 
three-pounders, which did great execution. They weighed 
anchor with all possible expedition, and proceeded farther 
up the river, where they lie peaceably at present. ‘Their 
rigging and hulls were very much damaged, so that they are 
obliged to keep continually pumping. One of the tenders 
was so much damaged, that the people all went on board 
of the large ships, and took her in tow; and by deserters 
from the Phenix, of forty-four guns, the largest ship that 
went by, it appears that they lost, from that ship alone, 
twenty-four men killed and thirteen wounded, and that she 
had sprung a leak which they could not discover, that kept 
them continually pumping. We lost six men killed, and 
three or four wounded, by notspunging a gun. Mr. Conant, 
the bearer of this, is one of the wounded, who behaved with 
courage and activity. I expect we shall, in a few days, 
prevent those ships from returning, and any more getting to 
them. Which concludes me, after proper respect to all 
friends, your dutiful son. 


New-York, Monday, July 15, 1776. 

Last Friday morning, it was reported in town that Lord 
Howe was arrived at Sandy-Hook, with a large fleet from 
England. Between one and two o'clock, P. M., two ships 
hove in sight, and joined the fleet at the Watering-Place. 
About an hour after, a ship, supposed to be the Phenix, of 
forty-four guns, a frigate of twenty-eight, and three tenders, 
got under way at Staten-Island, and stood up for this city. 
The Army soon took the alarm, and in a few minutes every 
man was at his station, well provided with all necessaries for 
a-vigorous defence; but as soon as the ships came near 
Bedlow’s Island, they inclined towards the Jersey shore, to 
avoid our batteries, that then began to play upon’them from 
every quarter, on both sides of the river; and, notwithstand- 
ing they must have received considerable damage, they stood 
their course up Hudson’s River, firmg several broadsides as 
they went along, without either killing or wounding any of 
our people, who, on the occasion, behaved with uncommon 
bravery. A strong southerly wind, and the tide of flood, 
facilitated the ships getting above the batteries near the 
town; but we hear they were roughly handled about twelve 
miles up the river, from whence they have not yet attempted 
to return, but we hear laid at Tarrytown, about thirty 
miles up the river, on Saturday evening. 

Several shot went through different houses in the town; 
two into the house of Mr. Verdice Elsworth, at Paulus- 
Hook ; three into Captain Clarke’s house, at Greenwich— 
one of them went through the front, and lodged in a brick 
wall, at the head of Miss Clarke’s bed, in her chamber; a 
second went through the house, and the third destroyed 
several trees before the door, and took its course into the 
woods. A ball also struck the house of Mr. Daniel Phe- 
nix, and from that took its course to the new dwelling of Mr. 
Christopher Smith, in the opposite side of the street. Soon 
after these ships passed the town, a great number of salutation 
guns were heard in the fleet below, which, we are since told, 
was on the arrival of Lord Howe, with a few more ships. 

On Sunday afternoon, a barge from the fleet appeared in 
our bay, with a white flag, which was there met by the 
General’s barge, with several gentlemen of the Army on 
board. The flag was sent by Lord Howe, with a letter to 
his Excellency General Washington; but as the letter was 
improperly directed, it was not received. 

Lord Howe came over possessed of unlimited power, and 
was much concerned he had not arrived a few days sooner, 
which would have effected a reconciliation, &c. However, 
it seems his unlimited power did not extend to the neces- 
sary preliminaries of a negotiation—an acknowledgment of 
the right of the persons, to whom he came, to treat with 
him. Indeed, the idea of coming over to propose a plan of 
reconciliation is, in every view, absurd and ridiculous. For, 
as the Colonies never invaded the rights of Britain, and 
only defended their own, there was no occasion at all for 
negotiation. The moment Great Britain receded from her 
unjust claims, the war was at an end. The very proposi- 
tion, therefore, of a negotiation was a proof that Great 
Britain persisted in her encroachments on the rights of the 
Colonies, and was in itself an act of a hostile nature. 

On Tuesday, another flag from the fleet appeared, and 
was met as before, when a letter was again offered, but, for 
the same reason as the former, rejected. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


232 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
e Albany, July 12, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I am just returned from Crown-Point, to 
which place I accompanied General Gates. On our wa 
to that place we stopped at Ticonderoga, and left Colonel 
Trumbull to take a view of the grounds opposite to it, and 
on the east side of Lake Champlain. In the evening of the 
Sth we arrived at Crown-Point, and on the 6th Colonel 
Trumbull arrived, who made so favourable a report of the 
ground he had been to view, that, in a Council of all the 
Géneral Officers, held on the 7th, it was unanimously re- 
solved to take post there, as your Excellency will see by 
the enclosed paper, (No. 1.) On the 8th we returned to 
Ticonderoga, and on the 9th we went over the ground for 
the intended post on the east side, which we found so 
remarkably strong as to require little labour to make it ten- 
able against a vast superiority of force, and fully to answer 
the purpose of preventing the enemy from penetrating into 
the country to the south of it. On the evening of the same 
day, I received a remonstrance by the hands of General 
Sullivan, copy whereof, (No. 2,) with copy of my answer, 
(No. 3,) I also enclose. 

The most descriptive pen cannot describe the condition 
of our Army: sickness, disorder, and discord, reign triumph- 
ant—the latter occasioned by an illiberal and destructive 
jealousy, which unhappily subsists between the troops raised 
in different Colonies. 

General Sullivan is on his way down, the occasion of it 
your Excellency will see in his letter to me, copy of which 
(No. 4) is enclosed, together with copy of my answer, (No. 
5;) the former General Gates saw soon after I received it, 
and the latter (of which he approved) before it was sent. 

By the advice of the General Officers, I have ordered all 
the sick to Fort George. ‘T'wo houses, capable of contain- 
ing about three hundred and fifty, are ready for their recep- 
tion, and a sufficient quantity of boards is collected, under 
which to shelter the remainder comfortably until hospitals 
can be erected. 

The waste that has been made of provision is incredible. 
Flour we have in plenty; but of pork not more than six 
hundred barrels, and fresh beef extremely difficult to be pro- 
cured. 1 hope the Commissary-General will send up pork. 

Intrenching tools of every kind are wanted; no one can 
tell what is become of them, nor can we find above fifty of 
the vast number of axes that have been sent up. I expect- 
ed to find a scarcity of both, and before I left this gave 
orders for collecting all that could be got. In procuring the 
former, we have had no suecess; of the latter, something 
better than three hundred are to be forwarded to-morrow. 
Perhaps the scarcity of intrenching tools at New-York no 
longer subsists; if so, be pleased to order all that can be 
spared. Axes I am in hopes to procure. 

Your Excellency will please to press Congress for their 
pleasure on the resolution (No. 6) for raising six companies 
toeguard the frontiers, which we conceived could be much 
better done by the inhabitants themselves than by others. 
None of the Militia from the eastern Colonies are yet arrived ; 
they are extremely apprehensive of being infected with the 
small-pox, and not without reason, as it proves fatal to many 
of them. 

The excessive high price which the troops are to pay for 
the clothing bought for them will give great disgust, and be 
attended with the most disagreeable consequences. I wish 
Congress could see fit to order an abatement on the first cost 
so considerable as that the soldiers might see the attention 
paid them. 

I am informed that there is a resolution of Congress that no 
officer should hold double commissions. There are several 
such appointed in Canada by the Generals that commanded 
there. I have made one here, by giving my Aid-de-Camp, 
Captain Van Rensselaer, a company in Van Schaick’s, that 
became vacant by the death of Captain Mills. If such a 
resolution exists, I wish to know it, with your orders for my 
conduct in regard to those already appointed. 

We have reason to believe that the Indians will be very 
numerous at the ensuing treaty. I set out to-morrow to 
meet them. We have had no intelligence from Canada 
since that contained in General Sullivan’s letters, which 
passed me on my way to Crown-Poit. 

No carpenters are yet arrived from New-England. Those 
from Connecticut were to leave Hartford some day this week. 


233 


Please to order up the sundry articles mentioned in the 
enclosed list of naval stores, (No. 7.) 

Lead is an article we stand in great need of; if any can 
be spared, your Excellency will be so good as to order it to 
be sent up. 

July 13th. The lead is just arrived, but the anchors and 
cables I fear are by some mistake landed at Poughkeepsie. 
Be so good as to order Mr. Hughes to make inquiry into 
the matter. 


wee LS Se ee ee 
unanimously agreed that I should write to the different Gov- 
ernments from whence troops had been sent, entreating the 
Governours and Commanders-in-Chief to issue their procla- 
mations promising pardon to all such as should return by a 
limited time, to be fixed by such Governours, &c.; and to 
require all officers, civil and military, in their respective 
Governments, to apprehend all such deserters as should not 
comply with the terms offered, which I hope will meet with 
your approbation. 

I am, dear sir,,with the most unfeigned esteem and respect, 
your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant, 

Puitie SCHUYLER. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


[No. 1.] 
MINUTES OF A COUNCIL OF WAR. 


At a Council of War held at Crown-Point, July 7th, 
1776, the Honourable Major-General Schuyler, President ; 
Honourable Major-General Gates, Brigadier-General Sulh- 
van, Brigadier-General Arnold, and Brigadier-General De 
Woedtke, Members: 

Resolved, That under our present circumstances the Post 
of Crown-Point is not tenable; and that, with our present 
force, or one greatly superior to what we may reasonably 
expect, it is not capable of being made so this summer. 

Resolved, therefore, ‘That it is prudent to retire immedi- 
ately to the strong ground on the east side of the Lake, 
opposite to Ticonderoga, with all the healthy and uninfected 
troops; and that the sick and infected with the small-pox 
be removed to Fort George; it appearing clearly to the 
Council that the post opposite to Ticonderoga will the most 
effectually secure the country, and removing the infected 
with the small-pox obviate every objection that may at 
present retard the Militia (ordered by Congress) from joining 
the Army. 

Resolved, That the most effectual measures be taken to 
secure our superiority on Lake Champlain, by a naval arma- 
ment of gondolas, row-galleys, armed batteaus, &c. . 

Resolved, 'That one or more Surveyors be immediately 
employed to trace out a road between the high ground 
opposite to Ticonderoga and the road leading from Skenes- 
borough to the Northern settlements. 

PHILIP SCHUYLER, 
Horatio Gares, 
JOHN SULLIVAN, 


{No. 2.] 
REMONSTRANCE OF COLONEL STARK AND OTHER FIELD OF- 
FICERS TO MAJOR-GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
; Crown-Point, July 8, 1776. 

May ir PLease your Excetuency: We, whose names 
are hereto subscribed, Field-Officers of the several regiments 
in the Continental service now at this place, beg leave, with 
the utmost respect, to acquaint your Excellency, that when 
we have been heretofore called upon in a council of war 
to give our opinion respecting the propriety of a retreat from 
Canada, we were informed by the then commanding officer 
in chief, that the positive orders of the Continental Congress 
were, “to dispute every inch of the ground in Canada.” 

That order we have complied with, so long as we or our 
General (in council) thought would be most conducive to 
the publick weal. And at the last council of war to which 
we were called, it was almost (if not quite) unanimously 
resolved to retreat to this place, and here make a stand 
against the Ministerial Army. 

Since our arrival at this place we have been informed by 
your Excellency that the honourable Continental Congress 
have ordered and directed the superiority of the lakes to be 
maintained. Also, that the Army are to be removed to 
Ticonderoga. 


B. Arnon, 
B. De WoeprkeE. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, W&c., JULY, 1776. 


234 


We would not pretend to dictate to you, sir, or to the 
other Generals, what orders you should issue; neither will 
we ever decline obeying them; but at the same time beg 
leave to remonstrate to your Excellency that the order for 
our removal to Ticonderoga appears to us to militate with 
both the foregoing orders of Congress, in the spirit (if not in 
the letter) of them, for the reasons following, viz: 

Ist. We cannot but judge from our own observation of 
the ground here, that we can maintain it against any forces 
our enemy can send against us. 

2d. That this post appears to us to be the only one 
where we can maintain a naval superiority upon the lakes. 

3d. That whenever we quit this post, we give our enemy 
an opportunity of taking possession of it, with all the advan- 
tages already made by former works, which it will be im- 
possible for us ever to retake from them without an amazing 
expense of blood and treasure. 

4th. By admitting the enemy to get the possession of 
this place, it not only entirely destroys the communication 
with the lower parts of the lakes, but opens a plain and easy 
passage for them into the heart of the four New-England 
Governments and frontiers of New- York. 

5th. Our retreat from this place to Ticonderoga must 
occasion the retiring of hundreds of families from their farms, 
and quitting their crops of grain, which would be much more 
than sufficient to maintain themselves, and drive them upon 
other towns, which must occasion a consumption of whatever 
could be spared for the publick service, if not a famine 
amongst them. 

6th. That this place will afford an asylum for the savages, 
from which they may much easier make excursions upon the 
frontier settlements and secure their retreat. 

7th. That the place to which we are ordered to remove, 
has ever proved extremely unhealthy, and will tend to 
increase the distresses our Army have laboured under by 
reason of sickness. 

These, sir, are some of the many reasons which we beg 
leave to offer to your Excellency’s consideration why we 
are not entirely easy with the determination of the General 
Officers respecting our removal, and hope our zeal for the 
publick good, which induces us to make these observations, 
will be a sufficient apology for this interruption upon your 
publick business, and that your Excellency will pay such 
regard hereto as the importance of the affair demands. 

We are, with great esteem, your Excellency’s most obe- 
dient humble servants, 

Joun Srark, Colonel, 
Enocu Poor, 
WiriramM MaxweE tu, 
ExisHa Porter, 
James Reap, 
Wix.1am Bonn, 
JosepH CiLey, 
Joun McDurree, 
IsRAEL SHREVE, 
Setu Reep, 
JoserpH VosE, 


To His Excellency General Schuyler. 


Joram Lorine, 
TxHomas Poor, 
Joun Moor, 

Davip Rusa, 
Natuan Furr, 
ABNER Morean, 
Cuarves Burret, 
Natuan Hatt, 
IsraEL Gruman, 
Joun Greaton. 


{No. 3.] 
Ticonderoga, July 9, 1776, nine P. M. 

GentTLeMEN: Your remonstrance of yesterday’s date was 
delivered me at eight o’clock this.evening by General Sulli- 
van. Previous to any observations on it, give me leave to 
remind you of a mistake you have made in supposing that I 
informed you that Congress had directed me “ that the Army 
was to be removed to Ticonderoga.” My expression was 
exactly in these words: “That it be recommended to Gene- 
ral Schuyler to form a strong camp in the vicinity of TYcon- 
deroga or Crown-Point.” 1 observed, that as I quoted from 
memory, and had not the resolution with me, I could not 
repeat the very words of it. I rather wish to impute your 
mistake to misapprehension, than to any intentional false 
repetition of what I said, which I cannot suppose any gen- 
tleman can be guilty of 

The reasons which induced the council of General Offi- 
cers unanimously to give their opinion to remove the main 
body of the Army from Crown-Point, I cannot conceive 
myself at liberty to give without their consent. For myself, 
I declare with that frankness which I wish always to cha- 


235 


racterize me, that the measure seemed not only prudent, but 
indispensably necessary, for a variety of reasons, against 
which those you have given do not, in my opinion, bear a 
sufficient weight to alter it—some of which are evidently 
nugatory, and all of which might be contrasted with much 
more cogent ones in support of the resolution. I assure you 
at the same time, that if I were convinced of the impro- 
priety of the measure, I should not be in the least tenacious 
of supporting my opinion, but immediately give way to con- 
viction, and rescind the resolution so far as it depended on 
me to do it. 

I am happy, gentlemen, that you declare your readiness 
to obey the resolution of the General Officers, although it 
does not meet your approbation—a sentiment which every 
good officer ought not only to entertain, but to inculcate on 
others, as a principle on which the preservation of every 
army, ina very great measure, depends. Such a sentiment 
will always induce me, and, I dare say, every other General 
Officer, to receive with patience and pleasure the advice of 
his officers, and act accordingly, where I or they are con- 
vinced. 

I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your most obedient 


le servant 
humble s ? Puitie SCHUYLER. 


To Colonel Stark and the other gentlemen who signed the 
remonstrance to General Schuyler, dated the 9th July. 


[No. 4.] 
Crown-Point, July 6, 1776. 

Dear Genera: The command of the Army in Canada 
having unexpectedly devolved on me, I with reluctance 
accepted the arduous task; and however unsuccessful I may 
have been in my attempts, yet I may venture to say that 
the ill success never happened by my rashness, imprudence, 
or cowardice. I must beg leave further to add, that I am 
not conscious, in any one instance since I was honoured with 
a commission from Congress, that I have neglected or re- 
fused to do my duty; for the truth of which I appeal to the 
candour of those officers with whom I have had the pleasure 
to serve. I readily confess that I ever was desirous of some 
officer of superior rank to relieve me from the disagreeable 
command, and should with pleasure have remained in the 
Army and served under him; but Congress having thought 
proper to supersede me by appointing General Gates, (who 
had not, by the rank they were pleased formerly to confer 
on us, the same pretensions as myself,) I can construe this 
in no other light but by supposing Congress was apprehen- 
sive that I was not equal to the trust they were pleased to 
repose in me. If this be the case, I am bound in justice to 
my country to relinquish a command to which I am not 
equal. If this was not the foundation, and they had not 
such an opinion of me, surely my honour calls upon me to 
leave the service after a person is put over me without any 
impeachment of my conduct. I should not have the least 
objection to being commanded by General Grates, as I have 
no personal objections to him, and would willingly have 
served under him, had he in the first instance held a com- 
mission superior to the one Congress was pleased to honour 
me with. But this not being the case, and the procedure 


so strong an implication against my conduct or abilities, I 


must beg leave to quit this department, with my family and 
baggage, as I cannot with honour act in future, and shall, as 
soon as possible, repair to Congress, and petition for leave to 
resign my commission. 
This indulgence, dear General, shall ever be acknow- 
ledged by your most obedient servant, 
JOHN SULLIVAN, 


To the Hon. Major-General Schuyler. 


— 


[No. 5.] 
Crown-Point, July 7, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Your letter of yesterday’s date was delivered 
me this morning. 

The merits of the reasons which induce you to ask leave 
of absence from the Army, I would not by any means wish 
to enter into. It is, however, a justice I owe you to declare, 
that your conduct since the command of the Army in Canada 
devolved on you, has been perfectly agreeable to me, and 
that every manceuvre of yours, as far as they have come to 
my knowledge, and I am capable of judging, has been con- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


236 


ducted with a prudence and discernment that leave your 
character as an officer unimpeached. 

Although I most sincerely wish you to remain with the 
Army, yet as I wish to evince the utmost tenderness to the 
feelings of every gentleman who conceives himself injured, 
I cannot withhold my consent to your waiting on the Com- 
mander-in-Chief, with such gentlemen of your suite as you 
choose should follow you. Iam, &c., 

Puitip SCHUYLER. 


To General Sullivan. 


[No. 6.] 
Minutes of a Council of General Officers. 


At a Council of General Officers, held at Crown-Point, 
July 8, 1776: 

Present: Major-General Schuyler, Major-General Gates, 
Brigadier-General Sudlivan, Brigadier-General Arnold. 

The inhabitants residing on the east side of Lake Cham- 
plain having, by Colonel Warner, and several other gentle- 
men, represented the distressed situation of the inhabitants, 
and that they will be under the necessity of quitting their 
habitations, unless a body of men is stationed on the east 
side of Lake Champlain, and to the northward of the settle- 
ments, to prevent the incursions of the savages, and that 
they were willing to raise a body of men for the purpose on 
the Continental pay, Major-General Schuyler informed the 
Court that he was not empowered by Congress to raise any 
men for that or any other purpose, and therefore requested 
the opinion of the Court on the following questions : 

Whether, the weak state of the Army considered, and the 
fatal consequences that may result from the inhabitants’ 
above alluded to quitting their habitations, and thereby alarm- 
ing and creating terror in the more southern inhabitants, it 
would not be advisable to raise a body of men for the pur- 
poses above mentioned from among said inhabitants? 

Resolved, That it is advisable to raise out of the said 
inhabitants six Companies, to consist of one Captain, two 
Lieutenants, three Sergeants, three Corporals, and fifty 
Privates; and that General Schuyler, or officer command- 
ing, issue warrants for the purpose. 

Resolved, That General Schuyler immediately transmit a 
copy of this Resolution to Congress, praying to be imme- 
diately informed if they should disapprove of this measure. 

Puiuip ScuuyLter, Horatio Gates, 
JoHN SULLIVAN, B. ARNOLD. 


[No. 7.] 
List of Articles wanted for Gondolas, armed Vessels, and 
Batteries, viz: 
30 Anchors for Gondolas, 200 Ibs. to 250 Ibs. 


40 do. do. 100 lbs. to 150 Ibs. 
30 Hawsers, 44 to 5} inches, 50 or 60 fathoms. 


40 do. 4 to4$ do. 50 to 100 fathoms. 
1 coil 6-inch Rope, 60 fathoms. 

1 do. 5-inch do. 60 do. 

1 do. 4-inch do. 60 = do. 

2 do. 31-inch do. 60 do. 

2 do. 38-inch do. 60 do. 

3 do. 23-inch do. 120 do, 

4 do. 2-inch do. 120 do. 

4 do. 13-inch do. 120 do. 

4 do. 13-inch do. 120 do. 

4 do. Ratline stuff. 4 sets Tackle Blocks. 


200 double Blocks, 53 to 8 inches. 
300 Single Blocks, 4 to 9 inches. 

4 coils Spun Yarn, 2 and 3 threads. 10 dozen Ham- 
line to be sent. 10 dozen Marline to be sent. 50 half-hour 
Glasses. 10 Spy Glasses. 200 Buckets. 

40 small Colours, (Continental,) some red and blue, for 
signals. 

60 iron Pots, 4 to 6 gallons each. 4 dozen Lead Lines. 

1 dozen Lines for Pendants and Ensign Halyards. 

6 dozen deep wooden Bowls. 

Pistols and Cutlasses. Small Tacks and Pump Nails. 

Linseed Oil, Blacking, and White Lead. 

1 dozen hand Speaking Trumpets. 

6 dozen Sail Needles. 

4 dozen Bolt-rope Needles; 4 dozen Marline Needles, 

1 side Pump Leather. 6 Fishing Nets with Ropes. 

60 coils Slow Match for the Artillery. 


237 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Albany, July 12, 1776. 


Str: On my way to Crown-Point, I was honoured with 
your letter of the 2d instant, an answer to which I could not 
conveniently send from thence. This day at two I returned 
here, and about four received your favour of the 9th, by Mr. 
Brown. I am extremely happy to learn that I may soon 
expect the carpenters. The allowance your Honour recom- 
mends shall be complied with; and if any account of 
disbursements, paid or ordered by you, be transmitted to 
the Deputy Paymaster-General here, he will immediately 
discharge it. On our way to Crown-Point, we left your 
amiable son, Colonel Trumbull, to reconnoitre the grounds 
opposite to Ticonderoga. His report was favourable, and 
accompanied with such judicious remarks that they confirmed 
me in my opinion that it was the properest place effectually 
to prevent the enemy from penetrating into the Colonies ; 
and I had the pleasure to. find that it was unanimously 
embraced by the other General Officers. Copy of their 
resolutions I enclose. On our return from Crown-Point, 
General Gates, the Chief Engineer, your son, and several 
other officers, again minutely surveyed the ground, and found 
it capable, with little labour, to be made tenable against a 
vastly superior force. On this spot we propose to encamp, 
and employ the Militia; and here they will be separated 
from the others by the lake, which is at this place about half 
a mile wide. The sick and infected with the small-pox are 
all ordered to Fort George, where hospitals are built and build- 
ing for their reception. I believe the last of these unhappy 
people will be there this evening or to-morrow at farthest. 

It gave me great pleasure to meet my much esteemed 
friend General Waterbury this morning at Saratoga. His 
vigilance will second my wishes, and I dare say we shall 
prevent the unhappy malady, which has so greatly distressed 
us, from reaching the troops now marching up to our support. 

The enemy, from the last accounts, were fortifying at 
St. John’s. From the number of tents there, they do not 
exceed one thousand, at St. Therese about one hundred and 
fifty, and as many at Chambly. What further numbers they 
may have we know not. 

We are greatly distressed for felling axes. All I shall 
be able to procure here will be vastly short of what we 
shall want. Your Honour’s goodness, and the despatch 
with which everything comes from you, will expose you 
to much trouble and many applications; but as | know 
where your consolation lies, I do not hesitate to beg your 
assistance on this occasion. I flatter myself that a great 
many axes may be procured from what the inhabitants of 
your Colony may have for their own use, and wish your 
Honour to appoint some person to do it, and to deliver them 
at Albany, for which he will be paid whatever consideration 
you shall be pleased to promise, together with every attend- 
ant expense. I do not know how conveniently to transmit 
the money to pay for the axes; perhaps it may be furnished 
out of your Treasury, to be replaced immediately by the first 
safe conveyance. [ wish to have as many (under one thou- 
sand) as can be procured. 

When I was at Crown-Point, I proposed to a council of 
officers an expedient to procure the return of the deserters 
from the northern Army; and it was unanimously agreed 
that I should write to the different Governments from whence 
troops had been sent, entreating the Governours and Com- 
manders-in-Chief to issue their Proclamations, promising 
pardon to all such as should return by a limited time, to be 
fixed by such Governours, &c., and to require all officers, 
civil and military, in their respective Governments to appre- 
hend all such deserters as should not comply with the terms 
offered. May I be permitted to entreat your Honour to 
issue such Proclamation in your Colony. 

We expect a very numerous meeting of the Indians at the 
German Flats. My colleague Commissioners set out with 
me to-morrow for that place. 

I am, with perfect esteem and respect, sir, your most obe- 
dient humble servant, 

Puimip ScHUYLER. 


To the Honourable J. Trumbull, Esq. 


GENERAL GATES TO MOSES MORSE. 
Ticonderoga, July 12, 1776. 
Srr: I this moment received your letter of the 9th instant, 
and entirely approve of the establishment of a post between 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


238 


Watertown and the northern Army. I am sorry for the 
unhappy account you give of the sickness in Boston, and 
wish the same pestilential disease had not for some months 
sorely afflicted our troops in this department. ‘Three thou- 
sand of the Army are now in hospitals, and others daily 
falling sick; so that, what with the losses sustained at Que- 
beck, the Three-Rivers, and the Cedars, and the consequent 
retreat from Canada, together with the death and desertion 
that has happened since the Ist of April, our Army is dimi- 
hished upwards of five thousand men, exclusive of the sick 
above mentioned. ‘This miserable situation of our affairs, 
and other circumstances considered, induced the council of 
war, which General Schuyler held a few days ago, unani- 
mously to resolve, that the Army should immediately retire 
from Crown-Point to Ticonderoga, where, upon the strong 
ground on the eastern side of the lake, directly opposite to 
the east point of Ticonderoga, an encampment is marked 
out for the Army. The sick and infected are removing to 
the fort at the south end of Lake George, where the general 
hospital is fixed. Our naval force upon the lake is, in the 
mean time, refitting with the utmost diligence; but the loss 
of, all the field-cannon in Canada, with many carriages and 
artillery stores, very much retards this business, as carriages 
are to be made here, where our conveniences for doing it 
are very scanty. Brigadier-General Arnold is at Crown- 
Point, forwarding the troops, artillery, stores, and provisions, 
to Ticonderoga; as fast as these arrive, I shall endeavour 
to place them in a situation to maintain their post; but 
should the enemy gain a naval superiority upon the lake 
before this Army is augmented by at least six thousand 
men, I think our possession of any ground upon the naviga- 
ble part of these lakes exceedingly doubtful. 

By intelligence received yesterday from St. John’s, the 
enemy are very busy constructing three sloops and two 
schooners. General Carleton and General Frazer are said 
to be at that post, with a large body of troops. General 
Schuyler has ordered a number of gondolas to be built at 
Skenesborough ; three are already finished, but the providing 
them with artillery and rigging will be a work I am appre- 
hensive will take more time than we have to spare. 

As I would not detain the express, I have only given you 
a general description of the state of affairs here. General 
Schuyler, who commands in this department, assured me he 
would write particularly to the Eastern Governments; he 
left Ticonderoga the day before yesterday, to go to an Indian 
treaty that is to be held the 15th instant at the German- 
Flats, upon the Mohawk River. 

I am exceedingly anxious to know the true state of affairs 
at New-York, from whence I have not heard a syllable that 
can be depended upon since the Ist instant. 

The Almighty may chastise us for a time, but he surely 
will not suffer our righteous cause to perish. That the 
peace and freedom of America may, in his good time, be 
established, is the fervent prayer of, sir, your most obedient 
humble servant, Higa Cee! 

P. S. I desire the Militia sent to our assistance may come 
complete in arms and ammunition. . 


GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, July 12, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Enclosed is a list of officers and seamen, 
which I have sent you under the care of Captain Mayhew. 
I have engaged them the same wages as the seamen now 
on board the fleet. They will all be wanted to fix the ves- 
sels and gondolas; after which, I think it will be best to 
divide them into gangs of twelve or fifteen men for the gon- 
dolas now building. Captain Mayhew has in charge thirteen 
Indians, taken by Colonel Hartley and Major De Hart, 
who it will, perhaps, be best to send to Albany, and retain 
as hostages for the good conduct of their tribe. Enclosed 
is a letter I have written General Schuyler on the subject, 
which I beg the favour of you to forward. 

All the artillery and stores will go off this day: one 
company of the Train are ordered to Ticonderoga, to receive 
and take charge of the same, and the others will go off to- 
morrow. The whole Army may leave this place on Sunday, 
unless you think proper for part of them to remain here until 
barracks can be built at the new camp, as many of them 
are destitute of tents. I should be glad of your instructions 


239 


by return of the first boats. I have not had the pleasure of 
hearing from you since you left us. I am very anxious to 
know how matters go at New-York, and surprised we have 
no intelligence. 

I am, with respect and affection, dear sir, your obedient 
humble servant, 


To Major-General Gates. 


P. S. Dear General: Since writing the foregoing, I have 
received yours of yesterday. ‘The gin I have ordered down. 
I am greatly at a loss to know what to judge of the Indzans. 
It is a matter of so much importance, I would not choose to 
decide on it myself. ‘They have an interpreter with them. 
I could wish you would be at the trouble of examining them 
yourself. 

I am, with great respect and esteem, dear General, most 
sincerely yours, B. Arnoup. 


B. Arnon. 


GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES. 
. Crown-Point, July 12, 1776. 
Dear GeneraL: The bearer (Mr. William Hay) and 
Henry Cross were taken from their farms at Salmon River, 
about fifty miles down the lake, on the west side; the former 
has left his wife behind, in the small-pox, and three children ; 
the latter has sent his wife to St. John’s. Part of the cattle 
of both are brought up here. They are suspected of being 
inimical to us; and having it in their power to give intelli- 
gence to the enemy, were ordered here by General Sullivan. 
There is a number of families under the same predicament. 
These people appear inoffensive. It will answer no purpose 
to remove a part, except the whole are removed ; in which 
case provision must be made for them. I have referred 
them to you for decision; and am, dear General, your most 
humble servant, 


To Major General Gates. 


B. Arnoup. 


COLONEL BEDEL TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, July 12, 1776. 

Sir: Iam now under confinement these forty days or 
more, for a crime I am sensible I am innocent of, and which 
I hope your Honour will find. I am under a court of in- 
quiry—only wait the decision of the affair. Shall be glad 
your Honour will let me have the liberty to repair to Ticon- 
deroga, and have it determined. The President and part 
of the members are there; shall be glad the rest might be 
ordered to attend. ‘The present situation of my regiment— 
I not being in a capacity to look after them—renders it very 
disagreeable; also my private affairs at home, in regard to 
my family and interest, which lies upon one of the frontier 
towns which is most liable to be exposed to the rage of the 
savages; and the news | might receive from that part, that 
they are all destroyed, would be no more than might be 
expected, when their situation is considered, as we may 
suppose the savages have penetrated that way. Colonel 
St. Clair, who is President of the court of inquiry, will be 
able to inform your Honour into the affair. I cannot help 
repeating a desire to have the affair settled as soon as possi- 
ble, so that I may have a final determination, according to 
my deserts. 

I am your Honour’s most obedient humble servant, 

Timotuy Breve. 


To Major-General Gates. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Lebanon, July 12, 1776. 

Sir: The bearer hereof, Captain Jonathan Lester, of 
Norwich, in this Colony, an approved builder, has under- 
taken and raised a company of carpenters, in consequence 
of your requisitions, and entered into the articles of contract 
by you proposed, but in haste has inadvertently omitted 
taking a duplicate of the contract properly executed by his 
whole company, which may yet be done, as his men will be 
with him on the spot. From this hint you will perceive 
what will be needful to be done in that respect. You will 
find Captain Lester to be a gentleman of honour and probity, 
industrious and skilful in his profession, and one that governs 
his men with prudence and good example. From the 
knowledge I have of him, I can heartily recommend him to 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


240 


be worthy of trust and favourable notice. His men are on 
their march, and will probably arrive to receive your parti- 
cular orders as soon as possible. 

I am, most respectfully, sir, your obedient, humble ser- 


van 
ant, JoNATHAN TRUMBULL. 


To the Hon. Major-General Schuyler. 


CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of 
Connecticut, at Hartford, Friday, July 5th, 1776: 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Eliphalet Dyar, 
Jabez Huntington, William Williams, Titus Hosmer, Jede- 
diah Elderkin, and Nathaniel Wales, Esquires. 


Governour Franklin, of New-Jersey, was brought hither 
last evening, having been taken up by the Convention of 
his Province as a virulent enemy to the United Colonies, 
and to be confined in such place and manner as the Conti- 
nental Congress shall direct; and they have directed him to 
be sent to Governour Trumbull, with the following Re- 
solve, viz: 

‘‘In Congress, June 24, 1776. 

“Whereas the Convention of New-Jersey has declared 
Wilham Franklin, Esq., to be a virulent enemy to this 
country, and a person that may prove dangerous, and that 
the said William Franklin be confined in such place and 
manner as the Continental Congress shall direct : 

“Resolved, That William Franklin, Esq., be sent under 
guard to Governour Trumbull, who is desired to take his 
parole; and if Mr. William Franklin refuse to give his parole, 
that Governour Trumbull be desired to treat him agreeable 
to the resolutions of Congress respecting prisoners.” 


Letter and Resolve brought in last evening by Thomas 
Kenny, Esq., officer of the guard of escort, and this morn- 
ing he applied for direction; and a parole was prepared; and 
said Franklin, moved by letter, for alteration, and liberty to 
return on his parole, &c., and answer made, &c., in writing, 
&c., took up most of the forenoon. 


The subject of answering, and manner how, of many 
Letters from Congress, &c., considered, and good deal dis- 
coursed, &c. 

Finding he could not be returned to Jersey, &c., moved 
by the officer to have leave to go to Stratford, and was told 
by officer he might go to Wallingford. 

Message was returned in writing, &c., that Governour 
Trumbull might do as he pleased with him, &c. 

Colonels Dyar and Willams waited on him, by desire, 
&c., and finally he consented to go there, and signed his 
parole accordingly. 


Mr. Job Winslow, builder of the Galley Crane, laid in 
his Bill and Accounts, and the same were examined, adjusted, 
and allowed, being in the whole £1013 6s. 10d.; he having 
received, by two drafts, £700, the balance, being £313 
6s. 10d., is ordered to be drawn for; and orders given 
accordingly. (Delivered to said Winslow.) 


Letters partly prepared for Congress, and many weighty 
matters, &c. 
Adjourned till to-morrow morning. 


—= 


: ‘ Saturday, July 6, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 
Present, as yesterday: His Honour the Governour, Eli- 
phalet Dyar, Jabez Huntington, William Williams, Titus 
Hosmer, Jedediah Elderkin, and Nathaniel Wales, Esqrs. 


Congress Letters received, and considerations about an 
answer, &c. : 


Colonel Mott came in, moving about his affairs, &c. 


Captain Niles moving for Instructions, &c. ; on consider- 
ation, voted the following Instructions: 


“To Captain Robert Niles, of the Colony armed Schooner 
Spy, greeting : 

“You are hereby instructed carefully and diligently to 
attend the duty of your station and department; to keep a 
careful watch and lookout for any and every hostile ship or 
vessel which may be hovering about our coasts, take any 
that you can, give every signal and intelligence of and con- 
cerning them in your power; and for the advantage of the 
trade and friends of the couatry, you are also to take care 


241 


and prevent, as far as lies in your power, any smuggling 
trade and clandestine management, contrary to the laws and 
embargo of this Colony, and any prohibitions of the honour- 
able Continental Congress; for which, and every faithful 
exertion for the good of the Colonies and the support of 
the laws, this shall be your sufficient warrant. 

‘¢ Given, &c,”’ . é 

Signed by the Governour, and copy delivered Captain 
Niles. 

Instructions to Doctor John Ely, to visit the Army at the 
Northward, infected with the small-pox, &c., viz: 


“By the Governour and Council of Safety for the Colony 
of ConnecTIcurT: 

«Whereas two Battalions are raising in this Colony to re- 
inforce the Northern Army, in pursuance of the recommenta- 
tion of the Continental Congress; and as very few of the 
people of this Colony have passed through the small-pox, 
now prevalent in that Army, recruiting for that service is 
likely to be greatly retarded, as there is a high probability 
of that infectious distemper spreading among the new troops 
as fast as they arrive, which more effectually retards enter- 
ing into the service than any other prospect of danger, or 
fear of the enemy: 

«This Board are of the opinion, therefore, that it is highly 
proper to remove that impediment as far and as soon as 
possible, and do, therefore, as an expedient for that purpose, 
appoint, empower, and direct Major John Ely, Physician 
and Surgeon, and as a gentleman who has had great expe- 
rience in that disease, to repair forthwith to the Army in the 
Northern Department, wait on the General and proper 
officers, and find and learn the true state of said Army with 
respect to that infectious disease ; advise and consult with the 
General, &c., concerning the most proper methods to cleanse 
and remove said infection from the Army, and prevent the 
further spreading thereof, if it should be found practicable 
and expedient; and afford his best advice and assistance for 
those purposes, and in general of whatever may contribute 
to the health of said Army, as far as may be proper and 
suitable in his character, with the allowance and approba- 
tion of the General. _ And he, the said Doctor Ely, is hereby 
recommended to. the said General, in the character and for 

‘the purposes aforesaid ; and the said Doctor is to transmit an 
account and report of his proceedings to his Honour the 
Governour, and of the circumstances of said Army, relating 
to the premises, as soon as may be, and from time to time, 
until he shall return.” ‘ 


On application of Colonel Dyar, &c., 

Voted, That the Selectmen of Westmoreland may receive 
at Messrs, Elderkin and Wales’s Mill not exceeding two 
hundred pounds of Gunpowder, they to account to the - 
Colony therefor, at the price of 5s. 4d. per pound, or in 
‘such manner as shall be ordered by this Board, or the Gene- 
ral Assembly, giving their receipt accordingly. 

(Copy given, delivered to Colonel Dyar.) 

About ten o’clock, adjourned to Tuesday next. 

Tuesday, July 9, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Eliphalet Dyar, 
Jabez Huntington, William Williams, Richard Law, Jede- 
diah Elderkin, Beryjamin Huntington, William Hillhouse, 
and Nathaniel Wales, Esquires. 


The Governour laid before us many things done since last 
meeting. 


Colonel Mott, present, laid in a paper, &c., amounting 
to a declining or resigning of his Colonelcy of a northern 
Regiment, in the room of Colonel Douglass, &c. 

Voted, ‘That the Committee of Pay-Table be desired to 
settle and adjust and pay Captain Edward Mott’s Account 
and Pay-Roll of his Company, raised by resolve of this 
Board, according to the regulations thereof, which may 
appear by the orders he has for that purpose, and according 
to any rule of the General Assembly, he having received 
£250, to be accounted for in said settlement. 


Voted, That an Order be drawn on the Pay-Table, for 
Jesse Brown, the Governour’s Postrider to the Northward, 
for the sum of £10, towards his expenses for riding, &c., to 
be accounted for on settlement of his account for said service. 

(Order drawn, and delivered to said Brown.) 


Firra Series.—Vot. I. 16 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


242 


Voted, That an Order be drawn on the Committee of 
Pay-Table, for Major John Ely, for the sum of £60, to be 
improved towards payment of his Company, wages and 
billeting, and to be accounted for on settlement of his account. 


(Order drawn, and delivered to said Ely.) 


On motion of Doctor Ely, allowed that he may carry 
with him to the northern Army, where he is going, &c., by 
order, &c., to take care about the small-pox, &c. viz: one 
Peter Granger, a French neutral, much used with him to 
nurse the small-pox, &c.; to be improved for such purposes 
as he shall find necessary and convenient. 


Captain Nathaniel Saltonstall, of a Company of Matrosses, 
is here, and much to be done about regulating the Com- 
pany, &c.; and it is considered and 

Voted, That said Companies consist of forty Men each, 
exclusive of Officers; that there be one Captain and three 
Lieutenants for each; that there be eight Gunners to each 
Company; that their Pay be £2 4s. per month. 


Voted, That Captain Niles be allowed one-and-a-half 
per cent. on his purchases and payments of his Crew, &c., 
on board the Schooner Spy. 


Colonel Wolcott was present this day, and many persons 
on various applications, which took up a good deal of time. 
Colonel Mott also, and much to do about settling the affair 
of his going in his command to the northward, he having 
almost resigned, &c., &c.; but finally accepted. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning. 


e 
Wednesday, July 10, 1776. 


Met according to adjournment. 

Present: the same as yesterday, and also Tvtus Hosmer, 
Esq. ’ 

Colonel Ward was present; a good deal to say about his 
affairs, and orders to receive, given, and many to converse 
about, with him, &c., &c.; stayed till noon. 


Jonathan Chester, of Groton, owner of the land where 
the Fort is built at Groton, is here, pressing about an allow- 
ance for land taken up by said Fort, and damages done him, 
&c., and finally came to the following agreement, viz: 

“Whereas Governour Trumbull and Committee of Safety, 
agreeable to directions from the General Assembly, have 
ordered a Fort to be erected in the Town of Groton, on 
land belonging to Captain Jonathan Chester; and ‘said Ches- 
ter having applied to this Board to pay for the land so used, 
and as the value of said land is not known to this Board, 
and said Chester offering to submit the appraisal of the same 
to indifferent men, mutually chosen, to say what sum the 
Colony shall give for what land they have already taken, 
or shall have occasion to take, for the use of said Fort, with 
the damages done his lands not so taken: 

“Tt is now agreed between Governour Trumbull and the 
Committee of Safety, on one part, and the said Jonathan 
Chester, of Groton, on the other part, that Luke Perkins, 
of Groton, Wilham Witter, of Preston, and William Man- 
warring, of New-London, Esquires, shall appraise the land 
that is already taken up, or shall necessarily be wanted for 
the use of said Fort, and the said damages; and thereupon 
said Chester doth hereby agree and oblige himself to give a 
proper deed of conveyance of the land so appraised to the 
Colony, and a discharge of the damages done; upon which 
the said Chester shall receive an order on the Treasury for 
his money, according to appraisal; and said Chester doth 
hereby acknowledge the receipt of £10, lawful money, in 
part payment thereof. Dated this 10th day of July, A. D. 
1776. JONATHAN CHESTER. 


“ Signed in behalf of said Governour and Committee of 
Safety: Wo. Witurams, Clerk.” 

Original delivered to Mr. Law and Mr. Hillhouse. 

Voted, That an Order be drawn on the Pay-Table, for 
said Chester, for the sum of £10, to be accounted for on 
settlement of his account. (Order drawn accordingly.) 

This Board do appoint Mr. Royal Flint, of Windham, to 
be Paymaster of Colonel Ward’s Regiment. 

Voted, That Richard Law and William Hillhouse, 
Esquires, either, or both of them, be a Committee to apply 
to and procure the gentlemen agreed on by the Governour 
and Committee of Safety, and by Captain Jonathan Chester, 
of Groton, to appraise the value of the lands taken up, used, 


2435 


and wanted for the Forts and works of defence built on his 
land at said Groton, and to move them to proceed to the 
place, and attend on said business, according to the agree- 
ment made this day between said parties, and to lay the 
matters before said appraisers, and appear in behalf of, and 
represent the Colony in said appraisement; that they apply 
to the Colonel of the Regiment at New-London, and the 
Engineers, for their advice and directions as to the quantity 
of land wanted for the use of said Fort and its necessary 
accommodations, which is to be the quantity appraised and 
purchased ; and said Committee are to take a good authentick 
deed, well executed, of the same, to the Governour and 
Company; giving their receipts therefor, and engaging said 
Chester an order of said Governour and Committee of 
Safety for the sum of which the same shall be appraised, 
deducting £10 which he has already received ; and make 
report of their doings to this Board. 


Captain Tinker, of the Row-Galley Crane, present, 
applies for directions about many things; and thereupon 

Voted and Resolved, That Captain Tinker, of the Galley 
Crane, take two three-pounders at the old Fort at New- 
London for said Galley, to be delivered him by the keeper 
thereof: that he receive eight Swivel Guns as soon as they 
can be obtained: that he receive ten Muskets, to be deliver- 
ed him by Colonel Williams, which he procured of Jonathan 
Goodwin: that he receive of Mr. N. Shaw, Junior, such 
Powder, Ball, and Military Stores as he, said Shaw, shall 
judge necessary: that he receive, from time to time, a sup- 
ply of salted Beef, Pork, Bread, Flour, suffigient for the 
support of the Officers, Sailors, and Marines, on board said 
Galley, of Captain John Deshon, who is directed to deliver 
the same; and that the said Tinker provide all other neces- 
sary provision for them, and take order that the same be 
dealt out prudently, without spoil or waste, with such fresh 
Fish as they may take; and that he keep a just and true 
account of the purchase and expenditure of such Provisions, 
and the same render to his Honour the Governour, at the end 
of two months, for his consideration and further orders in 
the premises; and that the place of his general rendezvous 
be for the present at New-London, and to cruise from 
Stonington to the mouth of Connecticut River, and south- 
ward as far as Montauk-Point, with proper precaution and 
prudence; that he, his Officers and Men, and all others in 
the sea service, be under the rules and laws of the Con- 
tinental Fleet, as far as they are applicable, and until more 
particular or further rules can be made. 

Captain McCleave, of the Galley Whiting, also applies 
for directions, &c.; and 

Voted and Resolved, That Captain Mc Cleave may receive 


of Captain John Deshon such supplies of salted Beef, Pork, - 


Bread, and Flour, sufficient for the support of the Officers, 
Sailors, and Men, on board his Galley, who is directed to 
deliver the same; and that said McCleave provide all other 
necessary Provisions for them, and take care that the same 
be dealt out prudently, without spoil or waste, with such 
fresh Fish as they may take; and that he keep a just and 
true account of the purchases and expenditures of such 
Provisions, and the same render to his Honour the Gover- 
nour, at the end of two months, for his consideration and 
further *orders in the premises: that he receive necessary 
Powder, Ball, and Military stores, of Mr. N. Shaw, Junior, 
at his (said Shaw’s) discretion; and that he shall receive 
eight Swivels, as soon as they can be obtained: that he 
may receive five Muskets of Captain Mott, or the proper 
officer of his late Company; he having reported that he had 
a surplus in his hands, having received fifteen before: that 
he rendezvous for the present at New-London; and to cruise 
from Stonington to New-Haven, and southward as far as 
Montauk-Point, with proper prudence and caution: that 
he, his Officers and Men, and all others in the sea service, 
be under the rules and laws of the Continental Fleet, as far 
as they are applicable, and until more particular or further 
rules can be made. 

Voted, That an Order be drawn on the Committee of 
Pay-Table, in favour of Capt. Robert Niles, of the Schooner 
Spy, for the sum of £477 6s. 9d., the balance of said 
Schooner’s accounts to the 8th June, (he having received 
£400,) and also for £200 more for the use of said Schooner 
from that time forward; and to render his account. 


Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Junior, of New-London, is ap- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


244 


pointed Agent for the Colony, for the purpose of Naval 
Supplies, and for taking of such sick seamen as may be 
sent on shore to his care. (Copy given, sent by Gaptain 
Harding.) 

Voted, That Letters be sent to the Purchasers of Pork, 
by order of Assembly, as soon as possible; inform the 
Governour of what they have obtained, at what price, and 
where stored ; and wrote accordingly. 


Ordered, That Colonel Jabez Huntington send what 
Cannon-Powder he has received, per Colonels Elderkin 
and Wales, to Mr. Shaw, taking his receipt. 


Voted, That Orders be drawn on the Treasurer, in favour 
of Captains McCleave and Tinker, for the sum of £100 
each, to be improved to purchase necessaries for the use 
of their Crews, and to render their accounts thereof; and 
order given on paper, delivered them, present. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning. 


Thursday July 11, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Ehiphalet Dyar, 
Jabez Huntington, William Wilhams, Richard Law, Titus 
Hosmer, Jedediah Elderkin, Benjamin Huntington, Na- 
thaniel Wales, and William Hillhouse, Esquires. 


Voted, That twenty-five Arms, Bayonets, &c., which 
had been fixed up by Mr. David Trumbull, of Lebanon, 
of barrels brought from Crown-Point, &c., now in the hands 
of John Leffingwell, be delivered to Captain Joshua Hun- 
tington, for the use of his Company, to be returned for the 
use of the Colony. (Order given, and delivered Colonel 
Huntington.) 


On recommendation of the Captains, appointed William 
Latham, Junior, Captain-Lieutenant of Captain Ledyard’s 
Company of Artillery or Matrosses ; Jonathan Leeds to be 
Lieutenant of ditto; Archas Sheffield to be Second Lieuten- 
ant of ditto: commissioned. And for Captain Saltonstall’s 
Company, Nathaniel Coit, Jun., to be Captain-Lieutenant; 
Daniel Starr, Lieutenant ; Samuel Champlain, Jun., Second 
Lieutenant: commissions given. 


Captain Coit came in moving for an appointment. ) 
Congress Declaration of Independency received in a letter 
from Colonel Trumbull to me. 


Colonel Oliver Wolcott having lately returned home from 
the Continental Congress, by reason of ill health; and it 
being the opinion of this Board, that it is of importance that 
the Colony should have a full representation at Congress, 
and that it is also the opinion of the Assembly, that their 
full number of Delegates should be present, &c.; and by a 
letter from Colonel Wolcott, expressing also his desire that 
another member should attend, &c.; this Board, having at 
turns discoursed on the subject, at several days and times, 
do conclude, that William Williams, Esq., do, as soon as 
may be, repair to and attend said Congress, as one of the 
Delegates appointed by the General Assembly —Mr. Hos- 
mer and he having discoursed, and partly agreed, on which 
should attend, &c. 


The matter of appointing Officers for the Colony Ship, 
building at Saybrook, taken up and discoursed of largely, 
and of persons for the Officers. Question was put, whether 
we will at this time proceed to appoint a Captain and two 
Lieutenants for said Ship? And resolved in the affirmative. 
And on further consideration, and the question being put, 
William Coit is appointed Captain of said Ship, T%mothy 
Parker appointed First Lieutenant of ditto, and David 
Hawley appointed Second Lieutenant of ditto. 


Voted, That the date of the above Officers’ Commissions 
be referred to the further consideration of this Board, and 
their Pay to commence from the date of the same. That 
Letters be written, informing said Hawley of his appoint- 
ment; the others being near, &c. Captain Coit (in town) 
was called in, and the Governour gave him orders, instruc- 
tions, and admonitions as to his conduct, &c. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning. 
Friday, July 12, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 
Present: His Honour the Governour, Eliphalet Dyar, 
Jabez Huntington, William Williams, Richard Law, Titus 


245 


Hosmer, Jedediah Elderkin, Benjamin Huntington, Wil- 
liam Hillhouse, and Nathaniel Wales, Esquires. 


A Letter from Colonel W. Pitkin, expressing his great 
apprehensions of danger of his Powder-Mills being destroyed 
by enemies, there having been much threatening about them, 
&c., from Prisoners, &c., which occasioned much consulta- 
tion about guarding or securing them, and how, &c. After 
much discourse, nin 

Voted, That Guards be allowed at Colonel Pitkin’s and 
also at Colonel Elderkin and Wales’s Powder-Mills, and 
that the respective owners be allowed 4s. per night for each 
night they shall keep such Guard until this Board shall take 
other or further order concerning them. 


Letters from the Congress of the 6th instant came in, by 
express, containing information of their late Declaration of 
Independence, and a copy of it, requesting the same to be 
duly published, &c. 

Two Letters also from General Washington, of the 7th 
and 9th instant, about the situation of affairs, and advice that 
Lord Howe with fifteen thousand men are on their passage, 
&c., and about our Regiments of Horse, much approving 
the measure, but expressing the difficulties of keeping horses, 
Xe. 

The matter and manner of publishing the Independency 
as recommended by Congress largely discoursed, and many 
things given out relative to the matter, &c., and concluded 
to lay by for the present. 


On representation of Dr. Usher, of the New-London Regi- 
ment, and Letter from Colonel Wolcott for that purpose : 

Voted, That he have liberty to purchase and take up 
Medicines for the use of said Regiment, of Doctor Lothrop 
or Doctor Dyar, to the amount of £10, for which the 
Colony will be accountable, and substance of the vote given 
said Dr. Usher. 

Sundry Accounts of Willam Williams, Esq., and Na- 
thaniel Wales, Esq., examined and settled, &c., viz: Mr. 
Wales’s account for services, July, 1775; journey and 
expenses to New-Haven, &c., by order, with William Wil- 
liams, to look out an armed vessel, and journey and expenses 
to Philadelphia in September, 1775, after money, &c.; jour- 
ney and expenses to New-London with Colonel Dyar, to 
see about Forts, &c.; journey and expenses to Cambridge 
in October, to meet Committee of Congress, &c.; in whole 
£51 17s. 3d. Allowed, and order to be drawn for. 

An Account of William Williams, June, 1775, for sending 
Powder, with Grain, Barrels, &c., to the Army near Boston; 
July, journey and expenses on the sea-coast about armed 
vessels, &c., with Esquire Wales; cash for many Companies ; 
eash for supporting the Cognowaga Indians in January, 1776, 
&c.; total, - - £18 19 3 
September, 1775. Journey and expenses to 

Philadelphia with Esquire Wales, by or- 

der of the Governour and Committee of 

Safety, for money, - - - - - - 
May, 1776. Journey to New-Haven, New- 

York, and Philadelphia, on various servi- 

ces, with Colonel Dyar, brought £50,000, 

&c., cash paid more than £20, - - 


29 15 9 


41 65 
SOOT NALS 


Adjourned to Monday next, 15th instant. 


CONVENTION OF COMMITTEES IN PETERSHAM. 


At a Convention of Committees of Safety, &c., of the 
Towns of Hutchinson, Templeton, Athol, and Petersham, at 
the house of Kenelm Winslow, in Petersham, on the 12th day 
of July, 1776, the following Votes and Resolves were passed : 

The question being put, Whether those persons called 
Tories, in said Petersham, were liberated from the restric- 
tions they were laid under by a former Convention of Com- 
mittees, and the people assembled at the same place? And 
it passed in the negative. 

The question being put, Whether it is the sense of this 
body that the House erected in the Town of Petersham for 
Publick Worship, was the place intended and meant in the 
restrictions the abovesaid persons were laid under by the 
former Convention? And it passed in the affirmative. 

The question being put, Whether the aforesaid persons 
should be indulged to meet for Publick Worship at any 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


* 


246 


other place than at the House erected by said Town for 
Publick Worship? And it passed in the negative. 

Resolved, 'That if such persons, or any of them, should 
presume to violate any of such restrictions in future, and 
more especially at such a critical day as the present, that 
this body will use their utmost influence that they or any of 
them so offending, after previous notice being given to them 
of these Resolves, shall be committed to close confinement, 
and there be continued until our political troubles are at an 
end. 

And whereas Mr. Aaron Whitney hath publickly declared 
that he will keep open doors for the assembling such persons, 
in violation of such restrictions, which were read to him; 
therefore, 

Resolved, As the opinion of this body, that such declara- 
tion and practice is an insult on the Committee, and against 
the peace, good order, and safety of the United Colonies, 
and ought not by any means to be suffered or continued, but 
that he be deemed as inveterate and as incorrigible as any 
who have been so restricted, and ought to be brought im- 
mediately to condign punishment. 


The aforesaid restrictions are as follow, viz: 


“That they should deliver all their Arms and Implements 
of war, immediately, into the hands of the Selectmen of 
Petersham, and that they should not go out of the Town of 
Petersham without a pass, signed by the major part of the 
Committee of Correspondence of said Town. 

“'That no more than two should assemble together at 
any place, except publick worship, legal town meetings, or 
funerals.” 


The reasons given by the Committees for laying on the 
restrictions aforesaid are as follow: 


“ At a meeting of the Committees of Correspondence of 
the several Towns of Hardwick, Templeton, Rutland Dis- 
trict, Hubbardston, Westminster, Petersham, New-Salem, 
Athol, Greenwich, Winchendon, and Royalston, at said 
Petersham, February 25th, 1775, at the request of the 
Committee of Petersham, on account of the riotous assem- 
bling of Joshua Willard, William Barron, Esqs., Ebenezer 
Bragg, and others, did, on examination, find that the said 
persons, with their associates, had entered into a covenant or 
combination utterly subversive of our natural and chartered 
rights, and tending to strengthen and assist the enemies of 
our Constitution in their arbitrary attempts to introduce the 
late unconstitutional acts of the British Parliament, and like- 
wise to assist each other, in opposition to all such persons 
who are friends to our liberties and rights. In consequence 
of which combination, they did actually assemble at the 
house of David Stone, with firearms, and did actually insult 
and threaten the lives of several persons who went to inquire 
into the occasion of their so assembling. By all which, it 
appears to us, the Committees of the above mentioned 
Towns, and the people assembled,” &c. 


The names of the persons thus restricted are as follow: 
Joshua Willard, William Barron, Ebenezer Bragg, Thomas 
Beeman, Joseph Stevens, Benjamin Furness, David Stone, 
Ephraim Whitney, James Jackson, Luke Lincoln, William 
Martindale, Seth Hapgood, Benjamin Chandler, Joseph 
Smith, Nathaniel Munroe, David Allin, Samuel £rizzel, 
Isaac Hastings, David Stone, Jun., Nathaniel Lincoln, and 
Ebenezer Ayres; with some others, whose names are not 
here mentioned, as they have made their peace with the 
Town of Petersham and the Committee of Correspondence, 
and manifested a friendly disposition towards American liber- 
ty; which persons, the present body are of opinion, ought 
not to suffer any inconvenience by the effect of the present 
Resolves. 

And further Voted, Thatif any of such persons who have 
not been restored as aforesaid, should in future, or until our 
political troubles are ended, be found with Firearms, Ammu- 
nition, or other implements of war, that in such case they 
ought immediately to be taken from them. 

Per order: Erxraim Doouirtie. 
July 12, 1776. 

At a meeting of the Committee of Safety, &c., for the 
Town of Petersham, July 16th, 1776: 

Whereas the Town of Petersham, since the above restric- 
tions were laid on said persons, have, in a full town meeting 
assembled, voted: that Robert Goddard, Ensign Man, and 


2AT 


John Chandler, Esq., have been so far guilty and inimical 
with those whose names are inserted above, and accordingly 
restricted them, the said Robert, Ensign, and John, in like 
manner; and whereas some of the above persons, thus re- 
stricted, have by some means or other obtained general passes 
from the Committee of Petersham for passing out of said 
Town, and as they have not manifested such a friendly dis- 
position in the present struggle as to be entitled to confidence: 
The Committee adjudge that no notice ought to be taken 
of such passes, but such persons ought to be held to their 
restrictions. 


Per order: Samue.L Gates. 


BARNARDSTON. (MAS SAC HUSETTS) COMMITTEE, 
Barnardston, Massachusetts Bay, July 12, 1776. 


Whereas complaint hath this day been made to us, the 
Committee of Safety, &c., of the abovesaid Barnardston, 
by Nahum Ward, of Leveret, against Jacob Orcut, of this 
Town, for atrociously paying him a Sixpenny bill or note, 
New-Hampshire money, which had been counterfeited or 
altered from six Pence to six Pounds, paying of it to him 
for six Pounds: 'The matter of the complaint having been 
sufficiently proved, and he, the said Orcut, having confessed 
his paying the abovesaid counterfeited or altered bill for good 
money, and also confessed his being privy to and knowing 
of its being altered, after the most serious deliberation, we 
determined, 

That he, the said Jacob Orcut, shall pay Nahum Ward 
all his damages. Which he accordingly did. 

That he should be whipped thirty-and-six stripes on the 
naked body. Which was accordingly executed upon him. 

That he shall be confined in the Town of Barnardston, 
with liberty to go north from his house one mile in Guilford, 
and a mile east and a mile west in G'uzlford, from a north 
line from his house; to be confined in Barnardston from 
this time for the space of one year and a half, except he 
obtains liberty of the Committee of Safety of this Town, in 
writing, to go out. 

That if he knowingly puts off counterfeit money for the 
future, or goeth beyond his limits without liberty of the Com- 
mittee of Safety, he shall be sent to the Court, notwithstanding 
this punishment, for his trial, for putting off the abovesaid 
counterfeit money. 

That he shall pay the Committee, Constable, and attend- 
ants, for their trouble. 

That the putting off said counterfeit money, with the 
doings of the Committee, and the said Orcut’s punishment, 
be published in the Hartford paper, upon his cost. 

Signed per order: Exisua Burnuam, 

Chairman of said Committee. 


COMMITTEE OF BOSTON TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 

Colony of the Massacuusetts Bay: 

To the Honourable the Council of said Colony, met at 
Warertown, July 12, 1776: 

The Committee of Correspondence, Inspection, and Safety, 
for the ‘Town of Boston, being truly alarmed at the danger 
this country is exposed to from such information as might be 
carriedgto the British Fleet and Army, beg leave to repre- 
sent to your honourable Board, that at a time when a fleet 
of the enemy’s ships appeared for several days on our coast, 
a complaint was lodged with the Committee that a certain 
Captain Holmes, and a number of persons with him, all of 
them taken in the actual service of our foes, were about 
departing for the British West-Indies, in a schooner pur- 
chased of said Holmes for that purpose. In consequence of 
which, this Committee did order her sails into custody, and 
have ever since detained them. And although the said 
fleet hath since disappeared, yet the probability that the 
foreign troops are now near, and the very evident danger 
that might arise from the enemy’s being acquainted with the 
present melancholy situation of this town, when so many 
of its inhabitants, our friends from the country, and of our 
Army, are under inoculation for the small-pox; knowing 
that one person in the same predicament with Captain 
Holmes, did depart, and in violation of the fairest profes- 
sions and most solemn engagements, went directly to our 
enemy’s Head-Quarters, and there delivered them all possi- 
ble information, and even the private letters that had been 
intrusted to his honour; and though this Committee is 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


248 


disposed to entertain the most favourable opinion of Captain 
Holmes’s integrity, and do most sincerely compassionate his 
very unhappy situation, yet as they know of no satisfactory 
security he can give that he will not go and do likewise, we 
do earnestly request of your Honours a revocation of your 
order in Council for his departure, or at least that it may be 
suspended till a happier situation of this town shall make 
it less dangerous to the publick safety for him to leave it. 
By order of the Committee: 
Joun Browne, Chairman. 


WILLIAM SEVER TO JAMES BOWDOIN. 
Kingston, July 12, 1776. 

Sir: I have at length obtained cannon for the brigantine 
at Plymouth. I purchased them in Connecticut. They are 
now at Taunton, and I expect they will be at Plymouth by 
Sunday next—ten four-pounders and four six-pounders, all 
double fortified. Captain Samson has given me a memo- 
randum of sundry articles which are wanting for his complete 
equipments. As I don’t know whether the Commissary- 
General is authorized to deliver from the Colonial store any 
articles necessary for the armed Colonial vessels, I take the 
liberty of addressing your Honour on the subject, desiring 
that such measures may be taken as may be thought proper 
for the supply of said stores, or such of them as may be 
thought necessary, as I suppose the brigantine will be ready 
to go to sea immediately. I had designed to be at Water- 
town, but am informed that the small-pox has such a spread 
in Boston and the towns around, as to make it very unsafe 
for a person who has not had the distemper. This con- 


- sideration has prevented my attendance. 


I am, with respect, sir, your very humble servant, 

W. Sever. 

To the Hon. James Bowdoin, Esq. 

Memorandum of sundries wanting for the equipment of the 
armed Brigantine at Puymouru, Simeon Samson, Cap- 
tain, viz: 

Forty fire-arms; 40 cartouch-boxes; 40 cutlass-belts; 
half a ton of powder; 6 reams of cartridge paper; 10 reams 
double-headed cartridge paper; 3 cwt. grapeshot; 350 
four-pound shot ; 200 six-pound shot; 100 hand grenades ; 
400 pounds of musket balls, 14, 16, 18, 22 toa pound ; 50 
pounds of buckshot ; 400 flints; 1 cwt. match-rope. 


COLONEL GILMAN TO THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF 
SAFETY. 


Gentiemen: That part of my regiment at New-Castle 
being reduced to a small number by reason of recruits being 
taken out for Canada and elsewhere, obliged me to order a 
detachment of one commissioned officer and thirty privates 
from Captain Daniel’s company to assist in building a fort 
at New-Castle. ‘The soldiers in a few days mutinied, and 
refused to obey my orders. After repeated insults of that 
nature, I ordered a general court-martial, and upon trial they 
plead they only inlisted to do duty in Fort Sulliwan. The 
inlistments being produced, it appeared to be a fact, a copy 
of which I here enclose. How men came to be so inlisted I 
cannot tell. You may easily see by their inlistments that 
they are not subject to inferior or superior officers, neither to 
the regulations in the Army. You may easily see what may 
be the cruel consequences of keeping men in pay under such 
inlistments. But how the matter will be remedied, or what 
is best to be done, you, gentlemen, are the best judges. _ 

I am, gentlemen, with esteem, your most obedient, hum- 


ble servant, P. Gitman 


To the Honourable Committee of Safety for the Colony of 
New-Hampshire. . 
P. S. The men have promised to obey orders; but how 
long before their minds will alter I can’t tell, as they are 
sensible they are under no obligation by their inlistment. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO THE SELECTMEN 
OF NEW-MARKET. ; 
In Committee of Safety, July 12, 1776. 
GentLemen: The Committee feel the greatest anxiety, 
and are-strongly depressed with the accounts from New- 


249 


Market, that any internal broil should in the Jeast obstruct 
the forwarding those things so absolutely necessary for the 
preservation of all that is dear tous. Probably a neglect 
of speedily reinforcing our northern Army may occasion the 
slaughter of our bosom friends and innocent offspring, while 
we are mingled in the common carnage. ‘The truly forward 
and patriotick disposition often shown by the inhabitants of 
New-Markcet in the common cause convince the Committee 
that they will not now attend to any particular difficulty, and 
neglect the main object, while their neighbours are nobly 
exerting themselves at this important time. ‘Therefore, they 
desire you will, with all possible speed, call a meeting of all 
the inhabitants of your town, and proceed to raise the men 
proportioned to you, in Colonel Gilman’s regiment, at which 
time Colonel Gilman will attend, and lend you all the assist- 
ance in his power to accomplish so noble and so necessary 
a purpose. 
To the Selectmen of New-Market. 


COMMITTEE OF KITTERY TO COMMITTEE OF PORTSMOUTH, 
NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 
Kittery, July 12, 1776. 

GentLemeN: The Committee of Correspondence for this 
town have received a letter from the Committee of Corre- 
spondence for Boston of the following import, viz: that they 
have information and reason sufficient to induce them to 
believe that a communication has been kept up between the 
enemy’s ships and some of our small boats, and that they 
have thought it necessary for the common safety to order 
that no vessel or boats be suffered in future to leave the town 
without special permission, and that they have confined the 
fishing-boats within the limits of one league from the shore. 
We therefore think it expedient to advise you of this mea- 
sure recommended to us, as without your coming into a simi- 
lar one it will be of no effect; wherefore we shall be much 
obliged to you for your opinion hereupon, and what method 
you propose to take respecting this matter; and are, with 
respect, your most humble servants. 

In the same and in behalf of the Committee : 

Joun J. P. Bartyuetrr, Chairman. 


CAPTAIN WICKES TO THE SECRET COMMITTEE OF CONGRESS. 
On board the Reprisal, July 13, 1776. 
GentLemen: This will inform of a small addition to our 
good fortune in the prize way. We this day took Captain 
Muckelno in the schooner Peter, of Liverpool, from St. Vin- 
cent, bound to Liverpool, in Britain, loaded with rum, sugar, 
coffee, cocoa, and cotton. We also took Captain Mackey, 
in the ship Friendship, from Granada, bound to London, 
which I have written you of before, and send a copy of that 
letter. ‘This schooner is ordered into one or either of the 
Egg Harbours, if she can get in there; if not, into any 
other port on the coast. Ihave given orders to Mr. Jere- 
miah Holden to send this letter and the proper papers and 
letters to you by express on his arrival in America. We 
had very little wind this two or three days past, and are but 
little farther on our way than when I wrote you last. 
From, gentlemen, your most obliged and humble servant, 
Lampert Wickes. 


To the Committee of Secret Correspondence, Philadelphia. 


WILLIAM FALCONER TO THE HON, ANTHONY FALCONER. 
Camp Long-Island, July 13, 1776. 

Dear Brorner: With the greatest difficulty I have 
procured this small piece of paper to inform you of my being 
very well, notwithstanding the miserable situation we are 
in. We have been encamped on this Island for this month 
past, and have lived upon nothing else but salt pork and 
pease. We sleep upon the sea-shore, nothing to shelter us 
from the violent rains but our coats and miserable paltry 
blankets. ‘There is nothing that grows upon this Island, it 
being a mere sand-bank, and a few bushes which harbour 
millions of moschitoes—a greater plague than there can be 
in Hell itself. 

By this sloop-of-war you will have an account of an 
action which happened on the 28th of June, between the 
ships and the fort on Sullivan’s Island. 'The cannonade 
continued for about nine hours, and was perhaps one of the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


250 


briskest known in the annals of war. We had two fifty- 
gun ships and five frigates, from twenty-four to thirty guns, 
playing on the fort, I may say without success, for they did 
the battery no manner of damage, and killed fifteen and 
wounded betwixt forty and fifty. Our ships are in the most 
mangled situation you can conceive. The Acteon, a thirty- 
gun frigate, run aground during the action, and as it was 
impossible to get her off, we were obliged to burn and blow 
her up. Our killed and wounded amounts to betwixt two 
and three hundred. Numbers die daily of their wounds. 
The Commodore is wounded in two different places. His 
Captain lost his left arm and right hand, and was wounded 
in different parts of his body—he lived but two days after 
the action. Captain Scott, of the Experiment, of fifty guns, 
died of his wounds, and numbers of the other officers. 

If the ships could have silenced the battery, the Army 
was to have made an attack on the back of the Island, 
where they had about one thousand men intrenched up to 
their eyes, besides a small battery of four guns, one eighteen- 
pounder and three four-pounders, all loaded with grape-shot, 
so that they would have killed half of us before we could 
have made our landing good. 

We are now expecting to embark for New-York, to join 
General Howe with the grand Army. My anxiety to in- 
form you of bad news had wellnigh made me forget to 
mention our passage to Cape-Fear, where we arrived safely 
the first of May, after a voyage of three months. Though 
it was long, yet it was not disagreeable after we got out of 
the bay of Biscay, where we met with the worst weather 
ever known at sea, and continued in that situation for six- 
teen days; after that time we had very fine weather all 
along ; sometimes we were becalmed for four or five days 
together, not going above ten knots a day. Upon our arri- 
val in Cape-Fear we disembarked, and were encamped in 
the woods until the 27th of May, when we went on board 
again, and sailed for this infernal place. The oldest of the 
officers do not remember of ever undergoing such hardships 
as we have done since our arrival here. 

I hope you will be so good as to watch every opportunity 
to let me hear from you and Mrs. Falconer, and at the same 
time to inform me how I shall do in case I shall be obliged 
to purchase my Lieutenancy. I beg you will make my 
excuse to my dear sister for not writing to her at this time ; 
it is not owing to want of affection, but to the want of proper 
materials. J am obliged to write on the ground. You will 
be so good as to let Captain Falconer know the same thing. 
I shall write again from New- York. 

I am, dear sir, your most affectionate brother, 

Wiuwiam F'auconer. 


To the Hon. Anthony Falconer, at Montrose, Scotland. 


The foregoing Letter was found on Long-Island, South-Carolina, and 
forwarded to Congress, and is now made publick by order of Congress. 


Joun Hancock, President. 
August 29, 1776. 


JOHN PAGE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Williamsburgh, July 13, 1776. 

Sir: As the enemy’s fleet has been driven from their 
station, and their forces obliged to abandon G'win’s Island, 
and we are informed they will endeavour to possess them- 
selves of some place on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, we 
have thought it prudent to give you the earliest intima- 
tion thereof. A battery of two eighteen-pounders played 
on their ships, and a few rounds forced them to retire. Four 
nine-pounders silenced their batteries, raked their camp, and 
threw them into the greatest confusion; on which our men, 
as soon as boats could be procured, passed over to the Island, 
which the enemy abandoned with precipitation, carrying with 
them all their cannon, except one; two of their tenders fell 
into our hands. The ship Dunmore was so much damaged, 
that it is said she was burnt the night after the cannonade, 
They were obliged to destroy two other vessels. We con- 
gratulate you on the success of the American arms in South- 
Carolina. By this express you will be fully informed of 
Sir Peter Parker’s repulse. 

I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 


Joun Pacer, Pt. Council. 


To the Honourable President of the Council of Safety of 
Maryland, Annapolis. 


251 


CALEB C. GOUGH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, July 13, 1776. 


GentLemen: Agreeable to my last, Mr. Jacobs waits on 
you respecting the tents. Mr. Jesse Hollingsworth received 
your favour per Captain Nicholson, and thanks you for the 
draft therein enclosed, which he will apply to the pur- 
poses you direct, and render you an account of the charges 
of unloading the brigs and removing the soldiery, as soon as 
the amount can be ascertained. 

He desires me to assure you that he will give all the 
assistance he can to George Wells, in procuring the timber 
for the gondolas, and will always be glad of such commis- 
sions from you as it may be in his power to execute. 

I am, gentlemen, for Mr. J. Hollingsworth, your obedient 


BoeaD Ss Cates C. Goucu. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland, at An- 
napolis. 


JOHN HANSON, JUN., AND OTHERS, TO MARYLAND COUNCIL 
OF SAFETY. 
Fredericktown, July 13, 1776. 
GentLemeN: In consequence of a resolve of the Conven- 
tion, we, the Deputies from the several’: Committees of the 
Districts of this County, met and proceeded to the recom- 
mending of Officers for the two German Companies, and 
Lieutenants for the Rifle Company, whose names, together 
with a transcript of our proceedings, we here enclose you. 
As we have not heard from Captain Barrett, and have 
some reason to believe that he will not accept of his ap- 
pointment, from the emergency of the occasion, we beg 
leave, in case of his refusal, to recommend to your notice 
Mr. Thomas Beall, son of Colonel Samuel Beall, as a gen- 
tleman well qualified to fill that station, and one who, we 
are informed, would be able, in a very short time, to raise 
his company. 
We are, with respect, gentlemen, your obedient servants, 
Joun Hanson, Jun., 
H. Grirriru, 
Apam FiscuHer, 
Micuaer F'aLKner. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


Fredericktown, July 12, 1776. 

At a meeting of Deputies from the several Districts of 
this County, for the purpose of recommending Officers to 
the Council of Safety, for the command of two G'erman 
Companies, and Lieutenants to one Rifle Company, to be 
raised in this County : 

Were present, Messrs. John Hanson, Jr., Samuel Beall, 
Michael Falkner, and Adam Fischer. 

Resolved, That the following persons be recommended 
as Officers to the two German Companies: 

Wilkam Heiser, Captain; Jacob Cotz, First Lieutenant ; 
Adam Smith, Second Lieutenant; and Paul Christian, 
Ensign. 

Henry Fisher, Captain; Charles Balsall, First Lieuten- 
ant; Michael Barger, Second Lieutenant; and Jacob Crum- 
mitt, Ensign. . 

Adjourned till six o’clock to-morrow morning. 


July 13th, 1776. Same gentlemen present as yesterday. 
Resolved, ‘That the Lieutenants to the Rifle Company 
be recommended as follows : 
Peter Hanson, First Lieutenant; James Lingan, Second 
Lieutenant; and Richard Dorsey, Third Lieutenant. 
Ricuarp Ports, Clerk. 


JAMES HINDMAN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Oxford, July 13, 1776. 

GentLtemen: When I was in Somerset the Committee 
of Safety delivered me three prisoners to bring up as far as 
Talbot, there to be delivered to the Militia to send over to 
Annapolis. When I came to Cambridge I delivered them 
to a guard of Militia there, who had some men to send over. 
The Committee there, thinking I had no right to leave them 
there, have sent them over here to me, with a prisoner they 
had in custody, in expectation of my calling at Annapolis 
on my way to the head of Elk. As it may be a means of 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


252 


stopping us some time by calling, I have hired the boat to 
carry the prisoners over, whom you will please to pay, and 
take charge of the prisoners. I shall set off to-morrow 
morning early for the head of Elk, and shall make the. best 
of my way to Philadelphia as fast as possible. 
I am, gentlemen, your humble servant, 
James Hinpman. 


To the Hon. the Council of Safety, Annapolis. 


COLONEL BARNES TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
St. Inigoes, July 13, 1776. 

Gentvemen: I received information on Friday, the 12th 
of July, that there was a considerable number of ships and 
small vessels between Smith’s Point and Point Lookout, on 
which I ordered five companies of Militia to repair there as 
fast as possible, and immediately set out to the Point myself, 
in order to get further information. On my arrival there, I 
found about forty sail of vessels; they were then about 
twenty-five miles off the Point, in the Bay, where they con- 
tinued till in the night. In the morning about fifty-eight 
sail were discovered opposite Smzth’s Creek in Potomack, 
and eight in the Bay, on which I gave orders to call the 
companies of my battalion immediately to march to Poto- 
mack, in order to prevent their landing in the district of the 
Twenty-first Battalion. We have had two small vessels 
driven on shore from the fleet; on board of one of them were 
three whites and two negroes, three of whom now have the 
small-pox on them. One of the white men informed us the 
fleet was Dunmore’s, and that Governour Eden was on board 
the Fowey, and that he heard it surmised that they intended 
to take possession of St. George’s Island; since which the 
Frowey and her tender have come to in St. Mary’s River; 
and I don’t doubt but the greatest part, if not all of the fleet, 
will be there in the morning. We have between two and 
three hundred of our Militia stationed in different places, and 
I have just sent off an express to Colonel Jordan to supply 
me with one or two hundred men of his battalion, if pos- 
sible. 

From the above affair, I think it would be proper Captain 
Beall’s company from Drum Point should be ordered here, 
and their place there supplied with the Militia of the County. 
I should be glad of your advice and assistance. I should 
have written you more particularly, but have been marching 
from place to place, from the morning tll now, which is 
twelve o’clock in the night, and am much tired. 

Mr. Hugh Hopewell has promised me to hire an express 
in Calvert to carry this to you, should therefore be glad you 
would pay him. 

I remain, gentlemen, your humble servant, 

Ricuarp Baryes. 


To the Hon. the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


JOHN WESTON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Kingsbury Furnace, July 13, 1776. 
GentTLeMEN: I received your favour 8th current, and 
sorry it is out of my power to serve the Province with guns, 
as both our furnaces are out of blast, nor can we blow till 
late this fall for want of water. Captain Charles Ridgely’s 
furnace is in blast, and likely to continue for some time. 
I am, gentlemen, your humble servant, TNO oor 


To the Hon. the Council of Safety, Annapolis. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COMMITTEES OF THE 
LOWER COUNTIES. 
[No. 33.] Annapolis, July 13, 1776. 
GentLemen: The bearer hereof (Colonel Ewing) will 
have occasion to spend some little time in your County, in 
forwarding the raising the men for the Flying-Camp, pur- 
chasing arms and blankets for them, and promoting in other 
respects the publick service. As he is pretty much a stranger 
in your part of the Province, he may be at a loss, perhaps, 
unless he receives some assistance from you; we therefore 
take the liberty of introducing him to you, and shall be 
obliged for any assistance you may give him, or any favours 
you may show him. We are, &c. 


To the Committees of the four lower Counties. 


253 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 13, 1776. 


Sir: I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of 
the 10th instant, and to acquaint you that it is now under 
the consideration of Congress. 

The enclosed resolves I do myself the honour to transmit, 
as necessary for your information. I have written to Gene- 
ral Schuyler and the Commissioners for Indian Affairs re- 
specting the same. 

In obedience to the commands of Congress, I have en- 
closed you two copies of sundry resolves they have passed 
relative to the treatment of our prisoners by Captain Forster 
in Canada. Iam to request you will take the proper steps 
to send one of them to General Howe and the other to 
General Burgoyne. I transmit, also, a third copy for your 
own use. 

Should the United States of America give their sanction 
to the Jesuitical and villanous distinction which Captain 
Forster adopts to justify his conduct, there would be no end 
to butchering our prisoners. They have therefore very 
properly reprobated it; and, in the genuine spirit of freedom, 
resolved, that such cruelty as shall be inflicted on prisoners 
in their possession, by savages or foreigners taken into pay 
by the King of Great Britain, shall be considered as done 
by his orders, and recourse be immediately had to retalia- 
tion. It is to be hoped their determination will have the 
desired effect, and that for the future such barbarous scenes 
will never be acted under the eye and approbation of a 
British officer; for there is the greatest reason to believe 
that Captain Forster engaged the Indians to join him, on 
the express condition of giving up to them all such prisoners 
as might fall into his hands. His subsequent conduct, 
indeed, renders this conjecture more than probable. 

I have the honour to be, with perfect esteem, sir, your 
most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 
To General Washington. 

One o'clock, P. M. This moment your favour per post 
of the 11th instant came to hand. I shall lay it before 
Congress on Monday morning. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Philadelphia, July 13, 1776. 
Sir: I am so extremely hurried at present that I must 
beg leave to refer your attention to the enclosed resolves ; 
and, indeed, this is all I have time to do. 
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir, 
your most obedient and very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To General Schuyler. 


PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE. 
Philadelphia County Committee, July 13, 1776. 

Resolved, That this Committee, in consequence of a Letter 
from the honourable Continental Congress, as well as from 
a recommendation of the Provincial Conference, do proceed 
to raise our part of the F'lying-Camp, and that the following 
gentlemen be appointed as Officers: Colonel, Robert Lewis ; 
Lieutenant-Colonel, Isaac Hughes; Major, John Moore, 
Esq.; Surgeon, Enoch Edwards ; Quartermaster, Marshall 
Edwards ; Adjutant, Solomon Bush. Captains: Archibald 
Thompson, George Smith, Henry Derringer, Jacob Laugh- 
lin, Rudolph Neff, Aaron Levering, Christian Shnyder, 
Henry Pawling, Joseph Jones. First Lieutenants: Marshall 
Edwards, Solomon Bush, Samuel Swift, William Wilson, 
Casper Doll, Samuel Hainds, Graudus Schlatter, Mordecai 
Morgan, David Schrach, Stephen Porter, Thomas Ros- 
setter. Second Lieutenants: William Armstrong, Leonard 
Dall, James Hazlet, George Bringhurst, Matthew Holgate, 
Jesse Roberts, Alexander Hall, Peacock Major. Ensigns: 
Andrew Barge, William North, William Nox, Abraham 
Duffield, Nathaniel Childs, Alewander Wright, James Potts, 
Rees Nanna. 

Extract from the minutes: Enocu Epwarps. 


The Officers appointed by the Committee of this County 
to compose the F'lying-Camp are requested to meet at the 
Conestoga Wagon, in Philadelphia, on Saturday, the 20th 
instant, at nine o’clock in the morning. 

Rosert Lewis. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


' 254 


JOHN COX TO JASPER YEATES. 
Philadelphia, July 13, 1776. 

My pear Frrenp: The enclosed letter came to hand a 
day or two after you left Philadelphia. My young man, 
not knowing but that.you intended returning home this way, 
kept it till I came home. 

Our Militia are all in motion, except three companies that 
are ordered to stay to guard the frigates, &c. he last of 
the Second Battalion will march off this afternoon, and I 
shall follow them this evening or to-morrow morning as their 
Lieutenant-Colonel. Where we shall go, or how long we 
shall continue in the service, God only knows. Our first 
encampment will be at Trenton, where I suppose we shall 
continue a few days, and advance towards the enemy. I 
am told the Militia of your County turn out with great 
cheerfulness. I make no doubt of our being able to muster 
twenty thousand men by the last of next week; if so, I take 
it there will be two to one in favour of our being ordered to 
dislodge the enemy, now at Staten-Island ; if so, 1 hope and 
pray we may distinguish ourselves as men fighting for every- 
thing that is valuable and dear. 

We have got one of the most gentlemanly fighting fellows 
you ever knew to command our privateer; and hope it will 
not be long before we shall be in possession of half a dozen 
rich sugar and dry-goods ships. 

Whenever you find it convenient, you will remit to my 
brother William two hundred pounds, which will be some- 
where about the amount of your share of the vessel. Should 
anything extraordinary turn up on the present campaign, 
you may expect to hear from me. I hope you reached 
home without any accident, and that you are all the better 
for your jaunt. 

I shall be much obliged by your settling the matter with 
Captain Patterson as soon as possible, as God only knows 
whether I ever shall return; and I should like matters so 
settled as to give those who come after me as little trouble as 
possible. 

God bless and protect you and yours, and believe me to 
be, with unfeigned sincerity, your affectionate and humble 


servant 
’ Joun Cox. 


To Jasper Yeates, Esq. 


P. S. The packet mentioned above has been delivered to 
Colonel Ross, by his particular request. 


HENRY HALLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Reading, July 13, 1776. 

Sir: We have received your letter, containing a resolve 
of Congress for the removal of the privates who are prisoners 
in this town, to Lancaster, which we shall carry into exe- 
cution with all the despatch in our power. 

We received a letter from the honourable the Delegates 
of this Province, mentioning that we should be informed by 
express, or by the gentlemen from our County then at Lan- 
caster, that all the Militia that could possibly be equipped 
and armed should be ealled forth. We also received a letter 
from the Committee of Lancaster, enclosing copies of letters 
from a Committee of Congress, and from the Committee of 
the City of Philadelphia; in the former of which it is men- 
tioned that the forces from the several Counties should be 
collected and marched to Brunswick ; in the latter it is men- 
tioned that only the four thousand five hundred men ordered 
to be raised in the Province, as part of the Flying-Camp, 
were meant by the letter of the Committee of Congress. 
We, therefore, continued our plan of raising our quota for 
the Flying-Camp, and, indeed, added a company more, to 
complete the battalion, hoping for the approbation of Con- 
gress in so doing; since which we have seen in the publick 
prints the proceedings of the Conference of the Delegates of 
the several Counties, and of the Committee of Safety of the 
City and Liberties. But as we had nearly raised several 
companies to compose the Flying-Camp, (the place of which 
this Militia is intended to supply,) and the others were pro- 
ceeding with great success, considering the great scarcity of 
every kind of tolerable arms among the people to arm such 
a multitude, we hope our completing the original plan 
will be approved of, as the men will be more quickly raised 
and better equipped than if we were to take down the whole 
Militia. 

Our conduct is dictated by the warmest attachment to the 


255 


cause of our country, and we trust it will be considered in 
that light by the honourable Congress. 
We are, with great respect, sir, your most obedient and 
very humble servants, : 
Henry Hatwer, 
Epwarp Burp, 
Joun Wurman, Jun., 
Paut Kerser, 
Coxiuinson Reap, 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


Committee of 
Correspondence 


for Berks. 


WILLIAM H. ATLEE TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 16, 1776.] 
In Committee, Lancaster, July 13, 1776. 

GentLemen: The Committee were this afternoon hon- 
oured with your instructions of the 12th instant, with the 
resolve of Congress empowering and requesting the Com- 
mittee to keep a guard over the prisoners in the Barracks in 
this place, and to surround the Barracks with a stockade fort. 
The Committee will give the strictest attention to the 
matters recommended to their notice by Congress, and will 
have these resolves carried into execution with all the des- 
patch in their power. ‘They have sent off an express to 
General Irving, requesting his presence to direct the form 
and manner of the stockade, and hope on Monday morning 
to begin this necessary work, and flatter themselves they will 
then have the opportunity of consulting with him as to the 
proper guard and necessary workmen, and materials to be 
employed and used in this business. 

We have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient 
and very humble servants. 

By order of the Committee: 

Wituiam H. Atire, Chairman. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COMMITTEE OF NEW-YORK CON- 
VENTION. 
Head-Quarters, July 13, 1776. 

GentLemen: A multiplicity of engagements, and a con- 
tinual pressure of other concerns, have prevented our pro- 
ceeding in the case of the soldiers confined for treasonable 
practices ; but as soon as time will admit, a proper attention 
will be paid to it. In the mean time, I beg leave to sug- 
gest the propriety of the authority of the Province taking 
some steps with regard to those persons confined by them for 
the same offences. ‘They certainly are to be deemed the 
principals; and justice to the inferior agents, while the others 
pass unnoticed, [ observe, only excites compassion and cen- 
sure. I am very sensible it is a case full of difficulty and 
perplexity, and well deserving your most serious deliberation ; 
nor do I entertain a doubt but the result will be such as will 
conduce to the publick good. 

I have, some time ago, mentioned to the body of which 
you are a Committee, the. necessity of falling upon some 
measure to remove from the city and its environs persons 
of known disaffection and enmity to the cause of America. 
The safety of the Army, the success of every enterprise, and 
the security of all, depend so much on adopting the most 
speedy and effectual steps for the purpose, that I beg leave 
again to repeat it, and do most earnestly entreat you to fall 
upon some plan for this purpose, or to give me your assistance 
doing it, so as to remove those disquieting and discouraging 


apprehensions which pervade the whole Army on this sub- ’ 


ject. A suspicion that there are many Ministerial agents 
among us would justly alarm soldiers of more experience and 
discipline than ours; and I foresee very dangerous conse- 
quences in many respects, if a remedy to the evil is not soon 
and efficaciously applied. 

The removal of the Tory prisoners, confined in the jail 
of this city, is a matter to which I would solicit your atten- 
tion. In every view, it appears dangerous and important. 
In case of an attack and alarm, there can be no doubt what 
part they would take, and none can tell what influence they 
might have. 

You will, gentlemen, do me the justice to believe, that 
nothing but the importance and necessity of the case could 
induce me thus to urge these matters, in which you have 
also an immediate and ‘common interest. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


256 


The gentlemen appointed to give passes to persons leaving 
the city, I am informed, decline acting. Great inconvenience 
will ensue to the citizens, if this business should be commit- 
ted to officers of the Army, who, from their ignorance of the 
inhabitants, as well as other reasons, are wholly improper 
for the management of it. I should be glad if your Com- 
mittee will take this matter also into their consideration, 

I am, gentlemen, with great respect and regard, your most 
obedient and very humble servant, 

Go. Wasuineron. 


To the Committee of the Honourable the Convention of the 
State of New-York. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO EGBERT BENSON. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 13, 1776. 
Sir: Two ships of force with their tenders have sailed 
up Hudson's River. I am apprehensive that they design 
to seize the passes in the Highlands by land, which I am 
informed may be done by a small body of men. I must 
therefore request you instantly to desire General Ten Broeck 
to march down as great a force as he can collect to secure 
them, particularly the post where the road runs over An- 
thony’s Nose. Send off an express directly (if you please) 
to the west parts of Connecticut, desiring them to collect all 
their force at the same point, since I have the highest reason 
to believe it will be absolutely necessary, if it were only to 
prevent an insurrection of your own ‘Tories. 
I am, sir, yours, &c., Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Egbert Benson, Esq., Chairman of the Committee of 
Dutchess County. 


P.S. A return must be immediately made to me of the 
number of men you collect. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO CAPTAIN DENNIS. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 13, 1776. 

Sir: Mr. Duer informs me that there are two or three 
vessels lying at the dock of Mr. Beverly Robinson, in the 
Highlands. As it is probable the men-of-war which sailed 
up the river yesterday may have anchored to the northward 
of these ships, I think it absolutely necessary that an at- 
tempt should be made to secure these vessels for future 
service. I have therefore to desire the favour of you to 
procure proper persons to bring these vessels down the 
river, and to anchor them under the fort where General 
Mifflin commands. It is absolutely necessary that this 
matter should be conducted with the utmost secrecy and 
despatch; and as I am of opinion that you possess these 
requisites, | have thought proper to apply to you for your 
services in this matter. 

I an, sir, &c., 


To Captain Dennis. 


Go. WAsHINGTON. 


INSTRUCTIONS TO SUPERINTEND 
lsT NEW-YORK. 


TO CAPTAIN JOHN JOHNSON. 
THE NORTH RIVER FERRY. 


It is General Washington’s orders that Captain Johnson, 
of Colonel McDougall’s. Regiment, do daily attend from 
sunrise to dark in the evening at the North-River Ferry 
wharves, leading both to Powles-Hook and Hoghbook, at 
which, or between which places, all boats coming to the 
west side of the town, are to land, where he in the first 
place is to examine all passengers going from the town, and 
to see that they have genuine passes from the Committee 
or one of the General Officers. In the next place, he is 
particularly to be attentive to the passengers who arrive in 
town. If they are travellers, such as he can have no sus- 
picion of, he is only to require their names and the places 
where they intend to lodge, and report them to the General 
at noon and in the evening. If they are in any manner of 
suspicious characters, he is to detain them at some conve- 
nient house, to be appointed for that purpose in the neigh- 
bourhood, till he can send his report (which is to be done 
immediately) to Head-Quarters, and the General’s determi- 
nation be had thereon. He is also to examine the passen- 
gers of all other boats (besides the ferry boats) which may 
arrive, and report in like manner, 

And in order the better to enable Captain Johnson to 
carry these instructions into execution, the commanding 


257 


officer of the North-River guard is to give him every 
necessary aid in his power. Captain Johnson is to commu- 
nicate these instructions to the Committee appointed to give 
passes. 

By the General’s order at Head-Quarters, this 13th of 
July, 1776. 


STIRLING. 


NEW-YORK COMMITTEE. 
Committee Chamber, New-York, July 13, 1776. 
Resolved, That in the opinion of this Committee, the 
Members of the different Fire-Engine Companies that re- 
main in this City ought not to be called out on any military 
duty which the common Militia of this City and County 
are subject to; and that it be recommended to the different 
Captains of the said Firemen, to engage as many able 
citizens as are sufficient to fill up the vacancies of such Fire- 
men as are entered in the Continental service, or have 
removed out of town; and that they pay strict attention to 
the state of the Engine and publick buckets; and that the 
Captains aforesaid return a list of all such Firemen as soon 
as possible to this Committee. 
Extract from the Minutes. 
Published by order of the Committee: 
Joserpu Winter, Secretary. 


JOHN McKESSON TO ROBERT BENSON. 
Saturday, A. M., 10 o’clock. 

Dear Broruer Bos: I received yours of Thursday. 
The city has been a scene of confusion, but begins to be 
more settled. Many of the Jersey Militia are gone to the 
Kills and Bergen-Point. 'They are the best Militia, and 
with better arms and accoutrements, than any other Militia 
I have ever seen. ‘There are some exchanges of cannon 
about the Narrows and Kills every day. Yesterday after- 
noon, either two or three tenders went up the Kills succes- 
sively, and fired at our troops, who returned the fire so briskly 
that the tenders soon returned. ‘The first tender soon re- 
turned to the fleet, when a second was sent. She was, or 
appeared to be, larger, but did not tarry long after the firing 
between them began. 

I send you a parcel of papers to put in the chest, and a 
few letters for the President and Members. 

Pray let me know whether the order for issuing commis- 
sions extended to Colonels Ritzema’s and Clinton’s regi- 
ments, or either. Ifso, please to send me a bundle or two 
of commissions. I had only forty-two left here. All the 
officers are vastly impatient, and some of them seem unwil- 
ling to think of coming to any action without commissions. 
T have ventured to issue the commissions for Captain Beau- 
man’s company, as he, though the youngest Captain in the 
Artillery corps, is assigned to the first place of danger. I hope 
the gentlemen will approve my conduct in this instance. 

I find I am of some use here, which, together with my 
expectation, as well from publick report as your letter, of 
your change of plan, has prevented my joining you. If 
you are likely to tarry at the Plains, or if you do not send 
me some blank commissions, I shall attend you without 
delay. 

My best compliments to the gentlemen of Congress, and 
Mr. Bancker. 

It is said that Westchester men are much alarmed at the 
great consumption of their sunfish, and that a considerable 
share of that waste is charged to Mr. Alderman Brasher 
and a few other gentlemen. 

I have got cartridges for your fusee, and will bring both 
whenever [ can be certain where to join you. 


I am, sincerely yours, Jou McKrssow. 


To Robert Benson, Esq. 


P.S. The Mayor’s Court stands adjourned to next Tues- 
day. ‘The Mayor refuses to appoint a Deputy. Some of 
the Magistrates fear the loss of the City charter; and Mr. 
Alderman Bayard writes by this conveyance to the Record- 
er to come to town, and open and adjourn the Court. 


ELECTION OF OFFICERS IN QUEEN’S COUNTY, NEW-YORK,. 


By orders of the Queen’s County Committee, July 13, 
1776, we, the subscribers, were appointed a sub-Com- 


Firry Serres.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


258 


mittee to regulate the districts of Captain Peter Nostrant, 
on the south side of Hempstead, that four Companies had 
been thrown into one. Accordingly, we have made the 
district of the late Captain John Birdsall’s Company for 
one Company, and accordingly notified the people on this 
day to meet and choose their military officers. There met 
a number of men, and made choice of Richard Jackson for 
their Captain, Zebulon Seaman for First-Lieutenant, John 
Lewis for Second-Lieutenant, and Smith Brush Ensign ; to 
which we beg the favour of the honourable Provincial Con- 
gress to grant them their commissions. 
Gentlemen, we are your very humble servants, 

Joun Witutams, 

Joun Brepsaty, 

Bensamin Brrosawu, 

Three of the County Committee. 


JOHN COE TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER AT PAULUS-HOOK. 
Haverstraw, July 13, 1776. 


Sir: The regiment of this County is now, and has been, 
under arms all night, occasioned by the appearance of several 
ships-of-war of the Ministerial fleet, now lying in Tappan 
Bay. We have heard that another part of the same fleet 
attacked the city of New-York last evening; but what has 
been the event, or whether they have been able to pass the 
forts on the river, we are not able to learn. As we would 
endeavour to ease the County as much as is consistent with 
the publick service, at this busy season of the year, we have 
despatched the bearer, Mr. Reselvert Van Houter, express 
to you, and beg you would give him the necessary informa- 
tion relative to the action of yesterday, and your advice on 
the necessary steps to be taken by us to prevent the enemy 
from making inroads and depredations on the west side of 
Hudson’s River. 

We are, sir, your humble servants. 
By order of the County Committee for Orange County: 
Joun Cor, Dep. Chairman. 


To the Commanding Officer of the Continental Forces at 
Paulus-Hook, or on the west side of Hudson’s River. 


NATHANIEL WOODHULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State of } 
New-York, White-Plains, July 13, 1776. § 

Sir: On being informed yesterday afternoon that two 
ships-of-war had gone into the North River, and passed by 
all the fortifications on York-Island, the Convention imme- 
diately sent an express to the commanding officer of the fort 
at the Highlands, advising him thereof. 

Last evening, advice arrived that two frigates and two or 
three tenders were at anchor at Tarrytown; whereupon, 
the Convention sent the inhabitants a supply of powder and 
ball, and took immediate measures for reinforcing the inhabi- 
tants along that shore. ‘This morning, the Convention were 
informed that the frigates and tenders still lay there at 
anchor, and that several barges were busy in sounding the 
river. Another detachment of the Militia has been directed 
to guard the stores in that neighbourhood, in which are sundry 
effects belonging to the publick. 

The Convention will endeavour to prevent their making 
incursions into the country; and beg leave to suggest to your 
Excellency the propriety of keeping a strong guard at King’s 
Bridge, the destruction of which they apprehend to be an 
object with the enemy. 

I have the honour to be, your Excellency’s most obedient, 
humble servant, 

By order: NaruanteL Woopuuty, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington, at Head-Quarters, 
New- York. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO COLONEL HAMMOND. 
White-Plains, July 13, 1776. 


Sir: We last evening ordered Colonel Thomas to send 
you a reinforcement of forty or fifty men, together with one 
hundred pounds of lead, and two quarter-casks of powder, 
all of which we hope you have received. 

There is no great reason to apprehend that any considera- 
ble incursions into the country will be made by parties from 
the ships in the river; and we are therefore of opinion that it 


17 


259 


would not be expedient for great numbers of the Militia to 
leave their farms at this busy season of the year. 

Great attention should be paid to the conduct of the dis- 
affected among us, and care taken to prevent any unusual 
gatherings of them; and let all such of them be appre- 
hended and secured as may give any aid to the enemy, or 
threaten to give us any molestation. 

Colonel Drake will give the necessary orders for provi- 
sions, and we hope the Whigs of this County will distinguish 
themselves by their zeal and alacrity on this occasion. 

We are, sir, your very humble servants. 


To Lieutenant-Colonel Hammond. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO COLONEL VAN CORTLANDT. 
White-Plains, July 13, 1776. 


Sir: Be pleased to order such a number of your regi- 
ment to guard the stores in which provisions and other effects 
belonging to the publick are lodged, at and near Peekskill, 
as you may think necessary. Colonel Drake will afford 
them the necessary supplies of bread and pork. 

As it would not be prudent, on every little alarm, to call 
great numbers of the inhabitants from their farms, we hope 
the detachments you may order on service will not be greater 
than the exigency of affairs may require. 

Weare, sir, your most obedient servants. 


To Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt. 


COLONEL JAMES CLINTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 
Fort Constitution, July 13, 1776. 


May if PLEASE Your ExceLiency: Your express of the 
12th I just now received, and will endeavour to comply with 
the contents. 

We had a most unfortunate accident happen here yes- 
terday. As Lieutenant Bryant and one Nicoll, both of 
the Artillery, were scaling out a couple of cannon which we 
had just mounted, before having flashed a little powder out 
of one of them, and not spunging her properly, when the 
Lieutenant was putting in the wad, the cannon went off, 
shot off his hand, and blew Nicoll several yards, as he was 
standing by to ram down the charge. Nicoll was mortally 
wounded ; the Lieutenant had his right arm cut off. 

We want more officers of the Artillery here very much, 
as Lieutenant Bryant is a great loss to us. We are scarce 
of gun-flints and good arms. 

l am, your Excelleney’s most obedient, humble servant, 

James Curnron, Colonel. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO JOHN LANGDON. 
Albany, July 13, 1776. 

Sir: By Captain Wentworth I was favoured with yours 
of the 2d instant, who also delivered me £806 Qs. 6d., 
lawful money, for which I have given him duplicate receipts. 

Captain Wentworth’s immediate return puts it out of my 
power to pay him that attention which your recommendation, 
and, I dare say his merit, would entitle him to. I have 
pressed him, but in vain, to accompany me to a treaty, to 
be held with the Stx Nations, at the German-Flats. 

General Sullivan is on his way down. He thinksa slight 
has been put on him, by appointing General Gates to the 
command of the troops that were then supposed to be in 
Canada, and talks of quitting the Army. I should be sorry 
if he did, because I have reason to believe him a good officer. 
His retreat from Canada, where he could not possibly have 
remained with an Army so miserably broken as that he com- 
manded, has been judiciously made, and reflects honour on 
him. 

Adieu, and believe me, with respect, sir, your most obedi- 


ent, humble servant, Pu. Scuvy er 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO JEREMIAH POWELL. 
Albany, July 13, 1776. 

Sir: Your letters of the 29th ultimo, and Ist instant, I 
had the honour to receive at Ticonderoga a few days ago. 
I deferred answering them until I should be able to give you 
some account of the measures taken to prevent that dreadful 
malady, which has so greatly reduced our Army, from infect- 
ing the Militia intended to reinforce it. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


260 


The main body of the Army is removing to Ticonderoga, 
when they will be immediately employed in constructing 
such fortifications on the west side of Lake Champlain as 
may be necessary to prevent the enemy from drawing over 
their boats into Lake George, should they obtain a naval 
superiority; which, however, I have not the least apprehen- 
sion that they will be able to effect this campaign. On 
the east side of Lake Champlain, and opposite to Ticon- 
deroga, the grounds are remarkably strong; and it is con- 
cluded to be the place for a fortified camp, to be occupied 
by the Militia to prevent the enemy penetrating the Colonies 
in that quarter; and by means of our batteaus, both bodies 
may reciprocally support each other, as the distance from 
shore to shore is only half a mile. This disposition will 
effectually prevent the small-pox from being conveyed to 
the Militia by the now infected Army; and we hope that in 
a few weeks both bodies may join without danger, should 
there be occasion, as all the sick and infected are removing 
to Fort George, to which place every one hereafter seized 
with the small-pox will be sent, and there kept until they 
are perfectly cleansed. : 

Our Army is much recovered since their return to Crown- 
Point, and I hope in a little time to find it healthy and fit 
to give the enemy a warm reception, should they be able to 
cross the Lake and attempt an attack. 

I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

Puitie SCHUYLER. 


To the Hon. Jeremiah Powell, Esq., President of the Colony 
of Massachusetts-Bay, &c. 


P.S. When I was at Crown-Point, I proposed to a 
council of officers an expedient to procure the return of 
the deserters from the northern Army; and it was unani- 
mously agreed that I should write to the different Govern- 
ments from whence troops had been sent, entreating the 
Governours and Commanders-in-Chief to issue their Procla- 
mations promising pardon to all such as should return by a 
limited time, to be fixed by such Governours, &c.; and to 
require all officers, civil and military, in their respective 
Governments, to apprehend all such deserters as. should 
not comply with the terms offered. May I be permitted 
to entreat your Honour to issue such Proclamation in your 


Colony. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES. 
Albany, July 13, 1776. 

Dear Genera: J arrived here at two yesterday after- 
noon. The latest accounts from New-York are of Tuesday 
last. The enemy were landed on Staten-Island to the num- 
ber of about seven thousand, and, it is thought, were waiting 
for reinforcements. A body of them also debarked on Long- 
Island, but did not remain long, being apprehensive of an 
attack from some of our troops who were on their march to- 
ward them. A small tender of theirs, in going up the Kells 
between Bergen-Point and Staten-Island, has beén sunk, 
either by our batteries or some craft we had there. 

The Mayor of New-York, Forbes, and the other conspir- 
ators, are still confined. J cannot learn what is to be their 
fate. 

I have this morning sent you three hundred and forty-eight 
felling axes and fifty spades, and have written to Connecticut 
and the western towns of the Massachusetts, to collect and 
immediately forward whatever they can. All the blacksmiths 
are at work in this place and in Schenectady, and I hope to 
collect some in the country, having given orders for that 
purpose. 

On the 2d instant, Congress declared the American Colo- 
nies free and independent States; and it is said that there 
was not one dissenting Colony. 

No lead is yet arrived here. I have again requested 
General Washington to send whatever he can spare. I have 
repeated my orders for a full supply of fresh provisions to be 
immediately sent; pray let the pork be husbanded as much 
as possible, as I fear we shall not be able to procure much 
more. Permit me to remind you to order all the brick from 
Crown-Point, as well those wrought up into chimnies as 
the others. 

The bearer, Major Ely, is sent by the Colony of Connec- 
tecut to give his assistance as a physician who has had much 
experience in the fatal malady which so greatly distresses 
us. Permit me to recommend him to your attention. 


261 

I have written Governour Tyumbull and President Powell, 
and pointed out the disposition we have made of the Army, 
and observed on the good prospect we have of eradicating 
the small-pox and preventing its seizing the Militia. 

A quantity of lead is just arrived and shall be forwarded 
to you without delay. 

We are this moment informed by Mr. Wray, who left 
New-York on Tuesday, that a fleet of seventeen French 
men-of-war was arrived at Rhode-Island, with Mr. Deane 
on board. The account has been repeated to him on his 
way up. I hope for the pleasure of a confirmation of this 
account. 

I shall desire the Postmaster here to send you all the 
letters for the Army, with a blank commission for a Post- 
master, to be filled up by you. 

Pay my respects to General Arnold. 

_I am, dear sir, with great truth and sincerity, your most 
obedient humble servant, 
Puitie ScHUYLER. 
To the Hon. General Gates. 


P. VAN RENSSELAER TO GENERAL GATES. 
Albany, July 13, 1776. 
Sir: General Schuyler desired me to acquaint you that I 
have sent two sets of carpenter’s tools and two of black- 
smith’s tools to Fort George, and to be forwarded to Ticon- 
deroga. 1 also sent this day three hundred and fifty-one 
axes, fifty-one spades, eight boxes of musket ball, containing 
eleven hundred and thirty-five pounds, and two tuns of bar 
lead. Eight tuns remain in store. 
I am, sir, with respect, your most humble servant, 
P. V. RenssELAER. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates, Ticonderoga. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL ARNOLD. 
Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga, July 13, 1776. 
Dear Sir: I am anxious to have you here as soon as 
possible, as maintaining our naval superiority is of the last 
importance. I labour continually to get the Commodore to 
Crown-Point with the vessels, but am baffled by the lazi- 
ness of the artificers, or the neglect of those whose duty it 
is to see them diligent at their work. I hourly expect one 
or two more gondolas from Skenesborough, and shall labour 
all in my power to get them rigged and armed. I am certain 
you will not lose a moment in forwarding the troops and stores 
from the Point. We shall be happy or miserable, as we 
are or are not prepared to receive the enemy. 
I am your affectionate humble servant, 
Horatio Gates. 


To Brigadier-General Arnold. 


COLONEL BEDEL TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, July 13, 1776. 

Sir: I have just received intelligence by letter from the 
frontier towns on Connecticut River, viz: Cohos, that the 
inhabitants there are, in general, in great terrour on account 
of the savages, and a great number of them have left their 
farms with their families ; some remain, making stockade forts 
round their houses to defend themselves. And as the savages 
from St. Frangots, &c., are the only ones near them at 
present, | am, in a great measure, inclined to think that I 
could in a short time raise such a number of them as would 
be able to defend that part, as the savages from other parts 
would never venture that way when they found friend] 
savages protecting us. The savage who comes with this 
will be able to inform your Honour more particularly relating 
to the disposition and nature of savages in such cases. 

I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Tivoruy Bepet. 


To Major-General Gates. 


EE 


Providence, Rhode-Island, July 13, 1776. 
Since the 6th instant some Officers of the British Fleet, 
who had broken their parole of honour by going beyond the 
limits prescribed by the General Congress, were brought to 
town and secured in Jail. 7 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


262 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Lebanon, July 13, 1776. 

Sir: In conformity to a resolve of Congress of the 27th 
ultimo, I sent to Mr. Shaw for an account of the cannon 
left at New-London by Commodore Hopkins—their num- 
ber, size, bore, and weight; and also an account of the 
other cannon there. Enclosed is a copy of his return made 
me, by which it appears, that if the fourteen heaviest cannon 
had been sent to Philadelphia, there would not have been 
one twenty-four-pounder in our,fort, and only one eighteen 
of those left by the Commodore. ‘The ten of nine are old. 
We have been necessitated to make use of them for the 
present: one of them unfit for use. 

The plan sent, and other representations, show the situ- 
ation and advantages of the harbour of New-London. 
Hitherto the Sound has not been invested by the enemy. 

Yesterday I received your letter of the 6th instant, en- 
closing the Declaration of the United States of America. 
I shall have it proclaimed in the Colony in such a manner 
that the people may be universally informed of it. 

I am, with great truth and regard, sir, your most obedient 


humble servant, 
JonaTHAN TRUMBULL. 


To the Honourable President Hancock. 


Cannon received from Commodore Horxins, and to whom 


delivered. 
Cwt. qrs. Ibs. 
1 Cannon....35 2 18 Twelve. 
Vi CONG ee ae chy ale! do. 
i) COseue: os SY ee do. 
Ie ogee ste of ON LE do. je . 
Odes thee igh ’ j Cwl. grs. tbs. 
; a ae re 3 = yk ¢392 2 17, Groton Fort. 
le Wipieaeee 50 1 4 Twenty-four. 
Li dostiae Sta) |) # do. 
ek d Os sratcie 52410 16 do. 
10 Ja dO, cfu. [Sa Seos Ning: 
6 Cannon, twenty-fours..........+0+++..308 0 6, Philadelphia. 
LR dow terre. 51 2 3 Twenty-four. ) 
1 doy sce. Some Oeeen dO. 
UM OSs cceiey Sie ele 19 do. 
LUG ae 40 0 5 Eighteen. ‘ 
Lepe’'d Oxf. atarets 3925-20 do. 373 2 14, Mamecock Ft. 
IW dito. en 34 3 25 Twelve. | ’ 
T—l “docens- Belew iho ts: do. 1 
LPdos Pare: Bon 2 4 do.* 

nak Gtavefotore SOmOmEt, do.* 

25 [ Shark. 
Ae AO. gs <= 75 0,20 Nine ) Row Galley 
Bag Oe 75 0 20 do +169 0 17. do. Crane. 

Qe dOse ce ctate lS shies do. j My Wharf. 

34 Cannon. Weight, 1,243 1 26 

* Mounted on travelling carriages. 
Account of Colony Cannon at New-Lonpon. 
Cwt. qrs. lbs. 
1 Cannon....34 2 0 Twelve. ) 
i oe ‘ ‘ ; ; a 3 4 Pighien, | Mounted on ship car- 
Bi’ dolseey 2 ee PST | Hae: 
Wb CO svecetorsis = P=) =) Four: 
7—2  do...... oF hows LOTR. Mounted on field carriages. 
Account of Colony Cannon at Groron. 
Cut. grs. lhs. 
1 Cannon....40 1 10 Eighteen. 
TE LOS aer AR) 8} ali! do. 
Pe done: crete 34 3 10 Twelve. Mounted. 
ir Osta tar oo leno do. 


2  do...old,nomark. Six. 
Lesanon, July 13, 1776. 
True copy from Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Jun. 


Account per JONATHAN TRUMBULL. 


JOHN KEIGHLEY TO THE COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
Boston Jail, July 13, 1776. 


May rr pLease your Honours: I am extremely sorry 
I have occasion to be so troublesome, but this distressed 
situation obliges me—health of body and peace of mind 
being so much impaired; and with humble submission, I 
cannot conceive any crime I have committed that could 
deserve three months’ close confinement in the room of a 
prison designed for felons. I have acted in no way preju- 
dicial to this country. If any accuse me of it, I beg to face 
them, that I may acquit myself to the satisfaction of all. I 
know it is not in the power of man to prove me, directly or 
indirectly, concerned in taking away the property of any 
person whatever, and desire to acquit myself of any charge 
of that kind also. 


263 


Honourable gentlemen, my case is truly bard, in being 
obliged to suffer so long in the miseries of a common jail, 
without having it in my power to prove (by being brought 
to examination and duly heard) that I do not merit it, unless 
in attempting to take my property to another part of the 
world is a crime that deserves such rigorous treatment. 
Therefore, I humbly beg your Honours that if any accusa- 
tion has been laid against me I may have an opportunity to 
clear myself, and induce your Honours to release me out of 
this unhappy, miserable situation. 

And am, with respect, your Honours’ most obedient 


humble servant 
, Epwarp KerigHLey. 


To the Honourable Council at Watertown. 


JOSEPH HAWLEY TO THE COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
Northampton, July 13, 1776. 
May iT pease your Honours: The levies for rein- 
forcing the northern Army are making in the County of 
Hampshire as expeditiously, and more so, than could be 
expected. But in the town of Northampton, where its full 
quota is complete, (and [ am informed in some other towns,) 
there is a vehement desire to take small-pox by inoculation 
before they march. ‘The delay which will unavoidably be 
occasioned by such a step will be so great that I dare not 
give the least countenance to the proposal; besides, the 
Army is retreated to Crown-Point, and thereby the practi- 
cability or possibility of suppressing that distemper in the 
Army appears to me very probable; and it is also very 
probable, in my humble opinion, that the service of that 
Army, through the season, will be much more by detached 
bodies than it would have been if they had continued in 
Canada, and perhaps in parts where there will be but very 
little danger of the small-pox. From these considerations, 
I have great doubt whether your Honours will give leave 
for such a delay. If it be granted to any, the indulgence 
must be general ; and what destruction may befall that Army, 
in the mean time, for want of recruits, none can foresee ; per- 
haps a total defeat and dispersion of them. But it is insisted 
that I should ‘write to your Honours on this head, and I must 
beg an answer as soon as possible. I beg your Honours to 
pardon me if I suggest the absolute necessity of some person 
or persons being at No. 4, prepared to pay the men their 
mileage, and to deliver them their rations for their further 
march, as soon as any troops may arrive there; otherwise, 
it is easy to foresee that the greatest confusion will take 
place there. Sufficient care had not been taken in this 
most important particular when I left Court, and I can hear 
nothing of the matter since. ‘There is no advice here that any 
person has arrived at No. 4 as yet for that purpose. The 
Committee for Hampshire have not so much as received the 
resolve directing what route the troops shall take. I pray 
that it may be sent by the bearer, (Mr. Clark,) as also, if 
your Honours so please, your directions respecting inocu- 
lation. : 
I am, with most humble respects, your Honours’ most 
obedient humble servant, JosepH Hawtey. 


To the Honourable the Council of Massachusetts-Bay, in 
New-England. 


COLONEL J. HURD TO GENERAL SULLIVAN, 
Haverhill, (Cohos,) July 13, 1776. 

Sir: The bearer of this (Captain Samuel Paine) having 
made a voluntary offer of his services to go on a scout 
towards Canada, for the good of the common cause, I em- 
brace the opportunity of paying my respects to you from 
this part of the country, and to acquaint you something of 
our present critical situation. ; 

I was at Exeter about ten days ago, attending the publick 
business, where we were alarmed with repeated accounts of 
the ill success of our forces in Canada; that the Army under 
your command, having dismantled the fortress St. John, had 
retreated to Isle-aux-Noix, and from thence were going over 
the lake with all expedition to Crown-Point, which of course 
left the northwest parts of the New-Hampshire Colony open 
to the incursions of the enemy, and defenceless. This news, 
with the exaggerated accounts of the numerous Ministerial 
Army lately arrived at Quebeck, struck such a consternation 
and panick into our people settled along upon Connecticut 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


264 


River, that they immediately began to pluck up stakes and 
remove with their effects and live stock from the Upper and 
Lower Cohos to the interior country. Those who determined 
to remain here set about building fortifications of some sort 
for the defence of their women and children, and a consider- 
able number of families live now in garrison, having quitted 
their plantations and risked the loss of the near harvest, 
though the finest appearance of crops, to their great damage. 
My own family (the better part) I met half way on the road 
as I was returning here, where I left them, and came on to 
encourage the people in this quarter what | could. 

Our Assembly have, in consequence of very pressing letters 
from the Continental Congress, resolved upon raising two 
battalions, of seven hundred and fifty men each, to march 
into Canada for your reinforcement; and have, for greater 
expedition, determined to draught the men proportionally 
from the several regiments of Militia, giving, at the same time, 
a bounty of £7 18s., besides a month’s advance wages, for 
encouragement. They have also determined upon raising 
two hundred men, particularly for the defence of this part 
of the Colony, to be kept on ranging duty between Connec- 
ticut River and Lake Champlain, and towards the head of 
Connecticut River, in which quarter we are most exposed 
while your Army is stationed at Crown-Point. .'This, sir, 
you must be so sensible of, that I need but hint it. You are 
also acquainted of the new road which was opening under 
care of Colonel Bayley, from Cohkos, on a northwest course, 
to Missisque Bay, and thence to St. John’s, by particular 
direction from General Washington; on which road there 
were upwards of fifty persons employed, and had got nearly 
thirty miles through when this news reached here; upon 
which Colonel Bayley desisted, and called off his workmen. 
I take the liberty to enclose you a sketch of this road, from 
a plan first draughted by Mr. Metcalf, which, if you have not 
seen; I thought might be of some service; and, if otherwise, 
your politeness, I trust, will excuse the trouble. You will 
please to give Captain Paine such advice and directions 
respecting his scout as you may think best. We shall be 
anxiously expecting his return, that we may know better 
what we have to depend upon; and if the multiplicity of 
your affairs will admit of a few minutes’ time, I shall think 
myself much honoured by a line from you. 

Wishing the hand of a kind Providence may cover you 
in every danger, preserve your valuable life and health, I 
am, with great esteem and respect, sir, your most obedient 
humble servant, Joun Hurp. 


To the Hon. Major-General Sullivan. 


P.S. I have had the pleasure to see a copy of your 
letter from Crown-Point, of 3d instant, to Colonel Hoising- 
ton, and to observe, though your Army was much weakened 
with sickness, you were not apprehensive of any immediate 
danger from the enemy, they having no vessels of force on 
the lake, nor boats in readiness for transporting. Our greatest 
danger, we fear, at present, is from small skulking parties 
of Canadians or Indians, should they take up the hatchet 
against us. Yet we have this good circumstance in our 
favour: the St. Francois tribe and Caughnawaga have still 
some of their children at Dartmouth College, under Doctor 
Wheelock’s tuition, which one would think they would cer- 
tainly remove before they begin hostilities. 

July 14.—Since writing the above, I have seen a letter 
from Captain Ira Allen, on Onion River, by one of our 
scouts, in which he writes that Colonel Waite, by your 
orders, was stationed there with two hundred men, and that 
he expected there would be a line of block forts from that 
river to Connecticut River. This may answer a good pur- 
pose, but will not be sufficient. ‘The northern parts of our 
Colony will still be exposed, our settlements extending 
seventy miles on this river above the Lower Cohos; and it 
appears to us here that nothing but the enemy’s ignorance 
of the country and our weak situation, or their want of men, 
prevents them from forcing their way into these parts ; the 
consequence of which, (should such a plan take place as 
recommended by the notorious Mr. Brush) you can easily 
conjecture. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN EAMES. 
In Committee of Safety, July 13, 1776. 

You are hereby authorized to inlist fifty good, able-bodied, 

and effective men, officers included, to serve as soldiers under 


265 


you for three months, (unless sooner discharged,) as scouting 
parties, to make their Head-Quarters at Great Cohos; not 
taking more than ten of the inhabitants of said Great Cohos 
in the number. And you are to make return, as often as 
you can conveniently, of your routes, discoveries, &c., &c., 
to Colonels Bayley, Hurd, and Charles Johnson, at Lower 
Cohos, and take their instructions from time to time for your 
future conduct. 

The men you inlist are to be paid thirty shillings as a 
bounty, and assure them they shall receive forty shillings 
per month when your roll is made up. And the Company 
are to choose a Lieutenant, Ensign, and two Sergeants. 
You, as Captain, shall receive £6, your Lieutenant £4, and 
Ensign £3, each Sergeant 48s. per month. ‘The Captain, 
Lieutenant, and Ensign, to receive no bounty. 


To Captain Jeremiah Eames. 


CAPTAIN ROBERT PARKER TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE 
OF SAFETY. 
Lee, July 13, 1776. 
GentiEmMEN: I am to inform you that I have just received 
a letter from Peter Bigerat, Esq., merchant in Martinico, 
who informs me that there has been a great scarcity of pro- 
visions there, owing to a number of vessels being detained 
in France on account of contrary winds. On the 6th of May 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


266 


was the first arrival for a long time ; and since, unto the 14th 
of the above month, fourteen sail have arrived, and brought 
one hundred thousand weight of gunpowder, a great many 
chests of firearms, and great quantities of coarse woollen 
cloths. ‘There are likewise twelve sail expected hourly, with 
ten thousand or twelve thousand weight of powder in each 
vessel. He further adds, there is not a board or codfish in 
the Island, and you may have immediate despatch and a 
great price for the above articles ; therefore, if your Honours 
think fit to send a vessel with fish and lumber, I think there 
is a great prospect of making a good voyage, and little or no 
danger of being taken, as there are no cruisers on this coast, 
they being chiefly traced up in the West-Indies on account 
of the hurricane months. If your Honours see fit to hire a 
vessel and send it for the above purpose, I know of one that 
is a good sailer and will answer, and shall be glad to serve 
you in so good a cause if you think me worthy of being 
trusted as master. 

And am, with respect, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Roserr Parker. 


N. B. My letter was dated the 14th of May. He says 
powder was 5s. 10d., on account of our vessels waiting there 
so long, but it has since fallen a great deal, and he thinks it 
will be low. The woollen goods are cheap, and I fear they 
will be much wanted in our Army next winter. RR, P. 


RESOLVES OF MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY. 
Resolves of the General Assembly of the Colony of Massa- 


cuusetts-Bay, begun and held at Warerrown, in the 
County of MippLesex, on Wepyespay, the twenty-ninth 


day of May, being the last Wepnespay in said month, 
Anno Domini, 1776. 


Resolve for supplying the Town of GLoucesterR with Can- 
non, &c., passed May 31, 1776. 


Whereas the Committee for fortifying the Harbour of 
Boston are doubtful whether the safety of the Colony will 
admit of Peter Coffin, Esq., being supplied by the Commis- 
sary-General with two pieces of Cannon, eighteen-pounders, 
agreeable to a Resolve of Court of the 8th instant: Therefore, 

Resolved, That said Commissary be directed to deliver 
to the said Peter Coffin, Esq., either two pieces of Cannon, 
eighteen-pounders, or two other Cannon, such as said Com- 
mittee may judge may be best spared, consistent with the 
safety of the Colony, agreeable to the spirit and intention of 
said Resolve of the 8th instant ; together with the Carriages, 
Spunges, and all other appurtenances, and one hundred 
Balls for each Cannon, suitable for the same. 


Resolve for filling up the four Companies at DorcuesteR, 
passed JuNE 3, 1776. 


Whereas an Order passed the late General Court, direct- 
ing that the four Companies which had done duty at Dor- 
chester, Braintree, Weymouth, and Hingham, should be 
immediately filled up, and commissionated by the Council, 
and should be upon the sea-coast establishment; but no 
Inlisting Orders were delivered out; for want of which, and 
from the apprehension of their services being required with- 
out the limits of said Towns, the Order of Court has not 
been complied with: Therefore, 

Resolved, That Inlisting Orders, agreeable hereto, be im- 
mediately delivered out, and signed by the Honourable Joseph 
Palmer, Esq., and that said Companies, when full, or nearly 
full, shall have their Officers commissionated by the Coun- 
cil; and if they should be required to do duty out of said 
‘Towns, in other parts of this Colony, they shall, during the 
time of their so doing duty, be entitled to the same pay that 
other ‘Troops employed in said service may be entitled to. 


Resolve for paying Colonels Marsnati and Wuitney one 
month’s advance Wages, &c.; passed June 3, 1776. 

Resolved, That David Jeffries, Esq., be, and he hereby 
is, ordered and directed to pay to each Non-Commissioned 
Officer and Private Soldier (or his order) in the Regiments 
under the command of Colonel Marshall and Colonel Whit- 
ney, and in the seven Companies of Matrosses commanded 
by Lieutenant-Colonel Crafts, on their passing muster, one 


month’s advance wages, and 13s. 4d. in lieu of a blanket, 
together with one penny per mile from his usual place of 
abode to Boston: Provided, 'That the Captains of the 
several Companies shall exhibit to said Paymaster a roll, on 
oath, expressing each man’s name, the town wherein he has 
been last a resident, and the number of miles from thence to 
Boston; and that there be paid out of the publick ‘Treasury 
of this Colony to the said David Jeffries, the sum of £2000, 
for the purposes aforesaid—he to be accountable to this 
Court for the same. poi 

Resolve to supply Captain WiceLeswortu with seven Fire- 

Arms; passed June 3, 1776. 


Resolved, 'That the Commissary-General be, and he 
hereby is, directed to deliver unto Captain John Wiggles- 
worth, commander of a Vessel fixed out by this Colony, to 
cruise to observe the motions of the enemy’s ships, the num- 
ber of seven Smallarms and appurtenances, for those men 
that are not able to procure them themselves—the said 
Wigglesworth giving his receipt to be accountable to this 
Court for the same. 

And it is further resolved, That the Honourable the 
Council be, and they hereby are, desired to give the said 
Wigglesworth a commission as Captain of said vessel, to 
cruise against the enemy’s ships. 


— 


Resolve appointing a Committee to purchase Cannon for the 
armed Vessels; passed June 3, 1776. 


Resolved, That Captain Batchelor, Mr. Durfee, and 
Brigadier Palmer, be a Committee, with the Commissary- 
General of this Colony, to purchase and provide what Can- 
non are necessary for the armed Vessels of this Colony, with 
all expedition. es 
Resolve on the Account of Jacoz BoarpMan; passed June 

3, 1776. 


On the Account of Jacob Boardman, for fitting out the 
Schooner Britannia: 

Resolved, That there be paid to him, out of the publick 
Treasury, the sum of £11, in full of his Account. 


Resolve to erect a F ortification at PuymourH; passed JUNE 
4, 1776. 


Resolved, That a Fortification be erected on the Gurnet, 
at the entrance of the Harbour of Plymouth, and a number 
of men posted there, to secure that Harbour against the 
enemy’s ships going in to land men there, or securing them- 
selves against the danger of the sea, and for securing a place 
of rendezvous for the Continental and Colonial vessels, and 
a retreat for their prizes when they cannot get into the 
northern Harbours. 


267 


Resolve for adjourning Worcester Court; passed June 4, 
1776. 


Whereas the Court of General Sessions of the Peace and 
Inferior Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of 
Worcester, is by law to be holden at Worcester, in said 
County, on Tuesday, the eleventh of June, instant; and 
whereas many people are called away by the unbappy war 
that this Continent is engaged in, whose business cannot 
be acted on at that time; and by reason that many persons 
who are members of the General Court must give their 
attendance, if the Court should sit as by law appointed: 
Therefore, : 

Resolved, That the said Courts be, and hereby are, 
adjourned to the first Tuesday of September next, being the 
time at which the Court of General Sessions of the Peace 
and Inferior Court of Common Pleas, are by law to be 
holden at Worcester, within and for said County of Worces- 
ter; and that all Pleas, Processes, Writs, Actions, Suits, 
issued or to be issued, Complaints, Precepts, Recognisances, 
and all other matters and things, returnable and having day, 
and that should have had day in the said Courts, if the same 
were holden on Tuesday the eleventh of June, instant, shall 
be returnable and have day in the said Courts on the first 
Tuesday of September next, and shall abide and continue 
unto that time, and shall then be proceeded on, heard, and 
determined, to all intents and purposes, as effectually as if 
said Courts were held on the day by law appointed as 
aforesaid. 


Committee to correspond with Congress, appointed June 4, 
1776. 

Resolved, That Brigadier Palmer, Mr. Appleton, and 
Mr. Pitts, with such as the honourable Board shall join, be 
a standing Committee of Correspondence, whose duty it 
shall be to transmit to our Delegates at the honourable Con- 
gress, the Journals of the House of Representatives, and the 
Acts and Laws that may from time to time be enacted by 
the General Assembly, together with such other interesting 
intelligence as may any way affect this or any of the United 
Colonies. 

Report of the Committee of both Houses, appointed to repair 
to the Town of Menvon, to hear a number of Petitioners 
relatwe to some uneasiness subsisting in the Regiment 
there; accepted by both Houses, June 4, 1776. 


Notice being given to the Petitioners, and all others con- 
cerned in said Regiment, of our appointment, and the Order 
of Court respecting the same, two Committees from the 
Company in the Town of Uxbridge, and a Committee from 
each of the other seven Companies in said Regiment, were 
present before your Committee, and were severally fully 
heard; after which, it appeared to your Committee that six 
of said Companies, and at least one-half of the Company in 
Uxbridge, appeared much dissatisfied with the appointment 
of Mr. Joseph Chapin for Lieutenant-Colonel, and Mr. Caleb 
Whiting for Second Major, in said Regiment, who were 
recommended without the knowledge, and contrary to the 
inclination of said Regiment, the Officers of which had met 
and agreed to recommend Captain Nathan Tyler for Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel, and Ezra Whiting, Esq., for Second Major, 
which they appeared to be highly in favour of. The other 
part of the Company in Uxbridge appeared well pleased 
with the appointment of Messrs. Chapin and Whiting, and 
doubtless will be uneasy should their appointment be super- 
seded. ‘The remaining eighth Company, being the south 
Company in Douglass, it appeared to your Committee that 
they were somewhat divided, but not strenuous. ‘This being 
the state of facts, as near as your Committee has been able 
to collect, and there being more than seven to one dissatis- 
fied with the present appointment of Lieutenant-Colonel and 
Second Major, your Committee are humbly of opinion, that 
the most likely method to restore harmony to said Regi- 
ment, will be to indulge the Petitioners with a new appoint- 
ment of Lieutenant-Colonel and Second Major, agreeable 
to their request; and in case that part of the Company in 
Uxbridge, who are against a new appointment, should renew 
their request to be joined to the Reviment to which Sutton 
belongs, that they also be indulged in their request, and be 
joimed accordingly. All which is humbly submitted. 

Jasez Fisuer, per order. 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


268 
Establishment for Gunners on board armed Vessels, &c.; 
passed June 4, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Gunners in the service of this Colony, ' 
on board the armed Vessels thereof, be allowed and paid 
£3 per month; and in the distribution of the Prize Money 
have the same number of shares as are, by the establishment 
of this Colony, allowed to the Carpenter; the former estab- 
lishment of this Colony notwithstanding. 

Resolved, That the Commanders of said Vessels be al- 
lowed to inlist men to the last of December next, who may 
not incline to inlist for the time proposed by the last estab- 
lishment. 


Adjutant for Third Regiment in Surrouk, chosen, June 4, 
1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of Enoch Leonard, as 
Adjutant to the Third Regiment of Militia, in the County 
of Suffolk. 


Concurred in Council same day. 


Joun Crouston appointed to command the Sloop Frre- 
pom, June 4, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of Captain John 
Clouston to command the armed Sloop building at Swanzy, 
called the freedom. 

Concurred in Council same day. 


Jacos Mituer appointed Major, June 5, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of Jacob Miller as 
Major of Colonel Josiah Whitney’s Regiment. 
Concurred by Council same day. 


Adjutant for Fourth Regiment Worcesrex, appointed, 
JuNE 5, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of Ebenezer Foster, 
of Oakham, as Adjutant to the Fourth Regiment of Militia, 
in the County of Worcester. 

Concurred by Council same day. 


Adjutant for Second Regiment Hampsuire, appointed, 
June 5, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of James Sheppard, 
of Northampton, as Adjutant to the Second Regiment of 
Militia, in the County of Hampshire. 

Concurred by Council same day. 


Adjutant for Seventh Regiment in Worcester appointed. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of Wilam Clark as 
Adjutant of the Seventh Regiment of Militia, in the County 
of Worcester. 

Concurred in Council, June 5, 1776. 


Resolve to suspend sinking Hulks in the Harbour of Bos- 
Ton; passed June 5, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Hulks which have been prepared by 
order of the General Court to be sunk in the Harbour of 
Boston, be in every respect fitted for that purpose, and an- 
chored as near as may be, with convenience and safety, to 
the places where it is proposed they should be sunk; and 
that the sinking said Hulks as aforesaid be suspended until 
the further order of this Court; any order or resolve to the 
contrary notwithstanding: Provided, nevertheless, That if 
the Committee for fortifying the Harbour of Boston shall, 
upon any sudden alarm or appearance of danger, judge it 
necessary that the said Hulks should be then sunk imme- 
diately, before any order of this Court can be taken there- 
upon, the said Committee be, and hereby are, fully empow- 
ered to cause the said Hulks to be sunk aecordingly. 


Resolve to supply the Town of Beverty with Shot; passed 
June 5, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he is 
hereby, directed to deliver to the Selectmen of the ‘Town of 
Beverly, or order, sixty eighteen-pound Shot, and one bundred 
and twenty nine-pound Shot, to be by them applied for the 
use of said Town; they to be accountable to the General 
Court for the same. 


269 


Resolve appointing a Committee on Accounts; passed June 
6, 1776. 


Whereas a necessary attention to the more important 
affairs of the Government, in the present extraordinary times 
of difficulty and distress, renders it impracticable to receive, 
examine, and pass upon the numerous Accounts now daily 
exhibited against the Government, agreeable to the mode 
heretofore usually practised, and the payment thereof has 
been greatly delayed, to the detriment of individuals, as well 
as to the injury of the credit of the Government: Therefore, 

Resolved, That Abraham Watson, Thomas Plympton, 
Jonathan Webster, Thomas Durfee, Aaron Wood, John 
Bliss, and Isaac Lothrop, Esqs., with such as the honour- 
able Board shall join, be, and they hereby are, appointed a 
Committee, until the further order of the Great and General 
Court or Assembly of this Colony, to receive, examine, and 
finally to pass upon all Accounts, not otherwise committed, 
which shall be presented to them for payment of services 
done and articles supplied by order of the late Provincial 
Congress, or of the General Court, and properly vouched ; 
and the doings of said Committee shall be considered as 
valid as any vote or resolve of the General Court, touching 
said Accounts, as well in the recess of the Court as during 
any session of the same; and said Committee, or any six of 
them, who are hereby appointed a quorum, are hereby 
directed to assign an office, and advertise the publick there- 
of, and of this resolve, that the business may be constantly 
attended and effectually performed; and that a true copy of 
all such Accounts which shall be passed upon and allowed 
by them, shall, after payment thereof, be kept in a book, 
with an alphabet thereto, which shall be laid before either 
House for perusal and inspection, once or oftener in each 
session, as they shall severally order; and that the said 
Committee be, and are hereby, authorized to appoint some 
suitable person or persons for that purpose. 

Also, Resolved, ‘That the Secretary be, and he hereby is, 
directed to keep such Accounts as shall be passed by said 
Committee; and in consequence thereof, ordered to be paid 
by the honourable Board, in separate files. And, in order 
to prevent any delay in the payment of such of said Ac- 
counts as shall be passed upon and allowed by said Com- 
mittee, , 

Be it Resolved, That the honourable Board be, and they 
are hereby authorized, from time to time, to issue their War- 
rants, requiring the Treasurer of this Colony to pay into the 
hands of said Committee such sum or sums of money as the 
honourable Board shall judge proper, for the purpose of dis- 
charging and paying such Accounts, the said Committee 
to be accountable therefor: Provided always, 'That the fore- 
going method of passing upon and allowing said Accounts 
shall be taken to be adopted, merely from the necessity of 
the present times, and not considered as a precedent for the 
future. 


Resolve empowermg Timoruy Epwarps, Esq., to receive 
Seventeen Hundred Pounds of Marx Hopkins, Esquire, 
and to pay the same to General ScnuyLer; passed JuNE 
6, 1776. 

Resolved, That Timothy Edwards, of Stockbridge, be, 
and hereby is empowered, to receive the sum of £1,700, 
lawful money, in Silver and Gold, of Mark Hopkins, Esq., 
being so much left in said Hopkins’s care by Eldad Taylor, 
Esq., to whom it was committed by the Council, in order to 
be transmitted to General Schuyler for the use of the Army 
in Canada. And the said Mark Hopkins, Esq., is hereby 
directed to pay the said sum of £1,700 into the hands of 
Timothy Edwards, Esquire, accordingly, who, as soon as he 
shall have received the same, is hereby empowered and 
directed to convey and pay the sum before mentioned into 
the hands of General Schuyler, as soon as may be, for the 
purpose aforesaid; for which he is directed to take duplicate 
receipts of General Schuyler, and return one of them into 
the Secretary’s Office. And he is further directed to take 
such a guard with him as he shall deem necessary. 


Resolve for further fortifying the Harbour of Boston; 
passed June 6, 1776. 

As the fortifying the upper part of the Harbour of Boston 

is now nearly completed, and it 1s necessary that other 

places in the lower parts thereof should also be fortified for 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


270 


the security of the Town of Boston, and other Towns in 
the vicinity thereof: It is therefore, 

Resolved, ‘That a Redoubt be immediately raised upon a 
place called Moon-Island, in the said Harbour, near the 
main, in order to keep open our communication with Long- 
Island, and that four pieces of Cannon, nine-pounders, or such 
others as can be obtained, be placed therein; and that such 
Ammunition, Ordnance Stores, and Spears, be provided as 
shall be necessary. And that a Redoubt be also immediate- 
ly raised upon Hoff’s Neck, in said Harbour, to keep open 
our communication with Pettick’s Island ; and that the like 
number of Cannon, Ammunition, &c., be provided for the 
same. And that the four Independent Companies stationed 
at Dorchester, Braintree, Weymouth, and Hingham, be em- 
ployed in this service, under the direction of the Committee 
for fortifying the Harbour of Boston. 

It. is also Resolved, That a Redoubt on the east head of 
Long-Island, another on the east head of Pettick’s Island, 
and one on Nantasket Hill, with such outworks as the safety 
of those posts may require, be erected as soon as the Com- 
mittee for fortifying the Harbour of Boston shall judge 
expedient; and that three pieces of Cannon, of eighteen or 
twenty-four-pounders, be placed in each of the three Fortifi- 
cations last mentioned, and that such Apparatus, Ammuni- 
tion, Spears, and Intrenching ‘Tools, be provided as shall be 
necessary. 

It is further Resolved, That the Committee aforesaid be 
directed to apply to General Ward, or his successor in com- 
mand of the Continental Troops left in this Colony, for 
Cannon, and the apparatus necessary, with Ammunition, 
Spears, and a sufficient number of Intrenching Tools; and 
that the Commissary-General of this Colony be, and he is 
hereby, directed to supply the said Committee with such 
articles aforesaid as cannot be obtained from the said Com- 
mander. 


Resolve for supplying the Committee for procuring Salt- 
petre with Money to pay for the same; passed June 6, 
1776. 


Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury 
of the Colony the sum of £5,000 to Tristram Dalton, Esq., 
to be by him delivered to Messrs. Sayer and Tufts, to en- 
able them to pay for such Saltpetre as has been tendered to 
them agreeable to the Resolves of the General Assembly ; 
and also that there be paid out of the publick Treasury the 
sum of £2,800 to Mr. Samuel Phillips, Jun., to be by him 
delivered to Mr. Zebediah Abbot, of Andover, to enable him 
to pay for such Saltpetre as has been tendered, agreeable to 
the Resolves of the General Assembly ; he, the said Addot, 
together with the aforementioned Sayer and T'ujfts, to be 
severally accountable to this Court for the expenditure of 
those sums they shall receive. 

Also Resolved, 'That there be paid out of the said Trea- 
sury to Thomas Crane, Esq., the sum of £4,000, to enable 
him to pay for such Saltpetre as has been or may be tendered 
to him, agreeable to the Resolves of the General Assembly, 
he, the said Crane, to be accountable to the General Court 
for the same. 


Resolve to explain the Resolve of Court with respect to the 
price of a bounty on Saltpetre; passed June 6, 1776. 
Whereas it is represented that divers persons have manu- 

factured Saltpetre within this Colony before the Ist day of 

June instant, and have the same ready to be delivered to 

the Commissary-General of this Colony, or to such other 

person or persons as were appointed by the Great and Ge- 
neral Court to receive the same: And whereas doubts have 
arisen in the minds of many persons whether the bounty of 
4s. a pound for Saltpetre manufactured but not delivered 
before the Ist day of June instant, ought to be now paid: 

It is 
Resolved, That for all Saltpetre manufactured within this 

Colony before the 1st day of June instant, and which shall 

be delivered on or before the 30th day of June instant to the 

Commissary-General, or such other person or persons as 

are or may be appointed to receive the same, there shall be 

paid the sum of 4s. a pound as a bounty: Provided, That 
the person or persons bringing and presenting the same, to be 
delivered as aforesaid, before he entitles himself by this Re- 
solve to receive the said bounty, shall, before the said Com- 


271 


missary-General, or such other person or persons as are or 
may be appointed to receive the same, take an oath in the 
words following, viz: 


« You, , do solemnly swear, that the whole 
process of the manufacture of the Saltpetre now presented by 
you was begun, carried on, and finished within the limits of 
this Colony before the Ist day of June instant, and that no 
foreign Saltpetre, or Saltpetre manufactured since the said 
ist day of June instant, is intermixed therewith.” 


Or otherwise shall produce a certificate from a Justice of 
the Peace in the County where the manufacturer is an inha- 
bitant or resident, that he hath taken a like oath before the 
said Justice; in which case the person presenting the Salt- 
petre to be delivered as aforesaid shall, before he receives 
the said bounty of 4s. per pound on the same, make oath 
before the receiver thereof that he took the same Saltpetre 
into his possession in presence of said Justice, and that the 
whole thereof is the same Saltpetre referred to in such cer- 
tificate ; which certificate shall be lodged with the person 
or persons who are or may be appointed to receive the same, 
who are hereby severally authorized and directed to adminis- 
ter the said oaths. 

And whereas doubts and difficulties may arise upon a 
Resolve of the Great and General Court, made and passed 
the 3d day of May last past, in the words following, viz: 
“That there be allowed and paid out of the Treasury of 
this Colony the sum of 5s. (inclusive of the 3s. before en- 
gagéd) a pound for every pound of good and merchantable 
Saltpetre that shall be manufactured in this Colony from 
and after the Ist day of June next until the Ist day of Oc- 
tober next, and delivered to such persons as the General 
Court shall appoint to receive the same:” ‘To prevent 
which, it is further 

Resolved, That said sum of 5s. per pound shall not be 
paid for any Saltpetre manufactured in this Colony between 
the said Ist day of June instant and the said Ist day of 
October next, unless the same Saltpetre shall be actually 
delivered before the said 1st day of October next, to such 
person or persons as are or may be appointed to receive 
the same. 


Commissary directed to deliver sixteen bolts of Duck to Ricu- 
arD Dersy, Esq.; passed June 7, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he is 
hereby, directed to deliver sixteen bolts of Jussta Duck to 
the Hon. Richard Derby, Esq., or order, to be by him ap- 
plied for the use of the armed Brigantine now building at 
Salisbury for the service of this Colony. 


Officers for the Company at GLoucrster, appointed, June 
parse 


The House made choice, by ballot, of William Ellery 
Captain, and Beryamin Somes First Lieutenant, of the Com- 
pany of Matrosses to be raised and stationed at Gloucester. 


Resolve for raising a Company of Matrosses, to be stationed 
at Faumourn; passed June 8, 1776. 


Resolved, 'That a Company of Matrosses, to consist of 
fifty men, including Officers, be raised and placed at Fal- 
mouth, to be under the command of Colonel Jonathan Mitch- 
ell, and to be upon the same pay and regulations as the 
Company of Matrosses stationed at Marblehead, said Com- 
pany to be inlisted to serve till the last of December next, 
unless sooner disbanded by this Court. 

And it is further Resolved, That the Commissary-Gene- 
ral be, and he hereby is, directed to deliver to Brigadier 
Preble, for the use of the men stationed at Malmouth, nine 
hundred pounds of Gunpowder, three hundred weight of 
leaden Balls, and one thousand Flints, he, the said Preble, 
to be accountable to this Court for the same. 

It is further Resolved, That Dr. Russell be directed to 
deliver to the said Preble, for the use of the men aforesaid, 
fifty F'ire-Arms that were delivered to him by order of the last 
General Court, he, the said Preble, to be accountable to this 
Court for the same, and that such of the men stationed there 
as shall receive and use these Arms have deducted from their 
wages, for the use of this Colony, at the making up of the 
Muster-Roll, 6s. for each Fire-Arm; and the several Cap- 
tains are hereby directed to observe this order. 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


272 


Resolve to remove the Apparatus, &c., of Harvarn College, 
from Concorp to Campringe ; passed June 8, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Committee appointed by this Court 
April 24, 1776, to estimate the damages sustained by Har- 
vard College for the accommodation of the Continental 
Army, and by means of the British forces, and to make 
such repairs immediately as may be necessary for the com- 
fortable accommodation of the members of said College, be 
further empowered to estimate the damage sustained by the 
loss of the kitchen utensils belonging to the said College, 
which were taken for the use of the Army, and replace the 
same immediately, and do such other things as are neces- 
sary for reéstablishing the College in its former situation ; 
and that the governours of the College have power to 
remove the Apparatus, and such part of the Library as they 
think necessary, to Cambridge as soon as they shall judge the 
College buildings prepared for a removal from Concord, and 
lay the accounts before this Court. 


Resolve for supplying Captain Jorpan, bound to F'au- 
mMoUTH, with a Guard; passed June 10, 1776. 


Resolved, That Colonel Whitney be, and he hereby is, 
directed forthwith to order.a Sergeant and ten men of his 
Regiment, properly equipped, to embark on board the sloop 
Betsey, Israel Jordan, Master, bound to Falmouth, in Casco 
Bay, as a Guard, he having on board six Cannon and other 
warlike stores for the defence of that Harbour, and to direct the 
said Sergeant and men to return to Boston, after their arrival 
at Falmouth, without delay; and the said Colonel Whitney 
is hereby directed to furnish the said men with sufficient 
Provisions for their passage to Falmouth and their return to 
Boston as aforesaid. 


Resolve relative to building a Powder-Mill in Sutton ; 
passed June 10, 1776. 


Resolved, That one person be joined to the Committee 
appointed for erecting a Powder-Mill in Sutton, and that 
Colonel Jonathan Holman be appointed for that purpose. 

Also Resolved, That the sum of £200 be paid out of 
the Colony Treasury to said Committee for forwarding said 
Mill, they being accountable to this Court for said sum. 


Resolve on the Petition from the Committee of Kirrery; 
passed June 10, 1776. 


On the Petition of the Committee of Correspondence and 
Inspection of the Town of Kittery : 

Resolved, That there be allowed and paid out of the 
Treasury of this Colony to Edward Cutt, Msq., the sum of 
£43 11s. 5d., for the use of the Committee of Correspond- 
ence and Inspection for the Town of Kittery, by whom said 
Petition was presented, in full discharge of their account in 
building Carriages for two Cannon (twelve-pounders) be- 
longing to this Colony, which are placed in the Battery at 
Kittery Point. 

Also Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and 
he is hereby, directed to deliver to the Committee of Corre- 
spondence, Safety and Inspection, of Kettery aforesaid, five 
hundred pounds weight of Gunpowder, and eighty Shot, 
suitable for twelve-pounders, and eighty ditto, suitable for 
nine-pounders, to supply the Cannon in the Battery afore- 
said, for which the said Committee or Town of Kittery shall 
be accountable to the General Court. 


— 


Resolve appointing a Committee of Fortification; passed 
June 11, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Honourable Benjamin Lincoln, Esq., 
the Honourable Joseph Palmer, Esq., the Honourable Moses 
Gill, Esq., the Honourable Ebenezer Thayer, Jun., Esq., 
Solomon Lovell, Esq., John Brown, Esq., and Major John 
Batcheler, be a Committee of Fortification, whose duty it 
shall be to lay out and constantly superintend and direct the 
erecting and perfecting all the Fortifications necessary for 
the defence of the Town and Port of Boston, at such places 
as have been, or shall be, ordered by the General Court. 
To inspect and direct all such Colonial Troops as are or 
may be ordered by the General Court, as well as such Con- 
tinental Troops as are or may be ordered by the Comman- 
der of the Continental Troops resident at Boston, upon this 


273 


service, while so employed. And to employ all such Arti- 
ficers, for effecting said works, as they may judge necessary. 
And to erect, repair, and perfect all such other Works and 
Buildings as have been or may be ordered by the Court. 
And to give orders to the Commissary-General for the de- 
livery of all such Cannon, with their Apparatus and Am- 
munition, and all such Intrenching ‘Tools and implements as 
said Committee may judge necessary for the erecting and 
finishing the Works Yond and for the effectual defence 


of the same. 


oe 


Resolve for supplying the Town of GioucesteR with Can- 
non; passed June 11, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Town of Gloucester be supplied with 
the following pieces of Cannon, viz: four twenty-four-poun- 
ders, four nine-pounders; and out of those that have one or 
both trunnions off, four six-pounders, properly stocked, with 
the necessary apparatus for each Cannon; also with forty 
rounds of Shot, ten of which to be double-headed, for each 
Cannon, and likewise with ten barrels of Gunpowder; and 
that the Commissary-General be, and he hereby is, directed 
to deliver the same to Peter Coffin and John Low, Esqg., 
they giving a receipt to be accountable to this Court for the 
same. 

And it is further resolved, That a Company of Ma- 
trosses, to consist of fifty men, including Officers, be raised 
to manage the Cannon stationed there, to be under the com- 
mand of Colonel Foster, and on the same pay and regula- 
tions as the Company of Matrosses stationed at Marble- 
head; said Company to be inlisted to serve till the last day 
of December next, if not sooner disbanded by this Court. 
Resolve to pay the Committee for procuring Wood, two 

hundred Pounds ; passed June 11, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Committee appointed to assist the 
Quartermaster-General to procure Wood for the Continental 
Army, be allowed to receive out of the Treasury of this 
Colony the sum of £200, to enable them to discharge the 
debt of said Committee, they to be accountable to this Court 
for the same. fe 
Resolve on the Petetion of Epwarp Barser; passed June 

11, 1776. 


On the Petition of Edward Barber, 

Resolved, 'That Thomas Cook, Esq., be appointed by 
this Court to appraise the four Cannon and Carriages 
ordered to be removed from -Trure to the Elizabeth Islands, 
and to make returns to this Court as soon as may be; and 
that the Petitioner have liberty to appoint one person on his 
part (if he thinks proper) to join with the above Thomas 
Cook, Esq., in appraising said Cannon and Carriages, and 
in case of disagreement in judgment, they to choose a third 
person. ye 
Resolve on the Petition of Bensamty Surry; passed June 

12, 1776. 

Whereas it appears that certain persons were concerned 
in taking and bringing into this Colony the Ship mentioned 
in said Petition, a number of whom were of a Sea-Coast 
Company, in the pay of the Colony; and it further appear- 
ing that the Vessel which attacked and took the said Ship was 
procured by, and was at the risk of, the said Petitioner: 

It is Resolved, 'That after the charges of trial and con- 
demnation are deducted from the gross produce of the said 
Ship, her cargo and appurtenances, and the shares of the 
other captors have been assigned them, the Colony shall 
receive one-third part, and the said Sea-Coast Men, two- 
third parts of the residue. 


Resolve on the Petition of Trimoruy Epwarps and Samven 
Brown, Jun. ; passed June 11, 1776. 
; On the Petition of Timothy Edwards and Samuel Brown, 
un., 

Resolved, That each Non-Commissioned Officer and Sol- 
dier that were regularly inlisted into the service, in Colonel 
James Easton’s Regiment, and were regularly discharged 
before the 25th of October last, be paid the sum of 25s., in 
lieu of a Coat; and that said Edwards or Brown be hereby 
directed to pay the same, and make return to this Court, and 
settle their Accounts as soon as may be. 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


274 


Resolve to supply Ricuarv Dersy, Jun., Esq., with Can- 
non; passed June 12, 1776. 

Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he is 
hereby, directed to deliver to the Honourable Richard Derby, 
Jun., Esquire, one of the Committee for fixing out armed 
Vessels fitted out by this Colony, two pieces of Cannon, six- 
pounders, made use of by Colonel Crafts in Boston; and 
that the said Richard Derby, Esq., be also furnished by the 
said Commissary with eight more six or four-pounders, out of 
the Cannon now at Boston, with one or both trunnions on, 
for the use of the Sloop Tyrannicide. 

Resolve on the Petition of Reusen Hicerns; passed June 
12, 1776. 

On the Petition of Reuben Higgins, 

Resolved, 'That there be allowed and paid out of the 
publick Treasury of this Colony, to the said Reuben Hig- 
gins, the sum of £25, to enable him to procure and pay 
for the Powder and Ball therein mentioned, for the use of 
‘the said Town of Truro—he, the said Higgins, to be 
accountable to this Court for the same. 

Resolve on the Petition of Wituiam Wurtney, of Weston ; 
passed JuNE 12, 1776. 

On the Petition of Wiliam Whitney, of Weston, 

Resolved, 'That there be paid out of the Colony Treasury 
unto Braddyl Smith, Esq., the sum of £2, for the use of 
William Whitney, in full for his boarding and nursing Caleb 


Chadwick, a wounded Soldier in Colonel Patterson’s Regi- 


ment. a 4 
Officers for the Company at Fatmourn; appointed June 
13, 1776. 

The House made choice, by ballot, of the following gen- 
tlemen, Officers for the Company of Matrosses, to be raised 
and stationed at Falmouth, viz: John Preble Captain, Levi 
Loring First-Lieutenant, Isaac Battle Second-Lieutenant. 

Concurred by Council. 


Resolve on the Petition of Sreruen Hatt and Priee 
Crocker; passed June 13, 1776. 

On the Petition of Stephen Hall and Peleg Crocker, 

Resolved, That the Prayer of the Petition be granted, and 
that the Sloop Nancy be accordingly released to the Owners, 
on their paying the charges that have arisen thereon. 
Resolve for placing Cannon on the Gurnet, and for raising 

one hundred Men, to be stationed there; passed June 

13, 1776. 

Resolved, That there be placed upon the Gurnet, at the 
entrance of the Harbour of Plymouth, which was, by this 
Court, ordered to be fortified, six pieces of Cannon, two of 
twelve, and four of six-pounders, properly fixed, with the 
necessary apparatus; and that a Company of a hundred 
men be raised, and that a Captain and two Lieutenants be 
appointed by this Court, one half of which number to be 
Matrosses, to be under the same pay, and on the same 
establishment, in all respects, with other forces stationed on 
the sea-coast, and continued in the service till the last day 
of December next, unless sooner discharged by order of this 
Court; said Company to be under the direction of the Com- 
mittee of Correspondence, &c., for the Town of Plymouth, 
and to serve and do duty on the said Gurnet. And that 
the Commissary-General be, and he hereby is, directed to 
deliver to the Honourable James Warren, Esq., the: Guns 
aforesaid, four barrels of Powder, and forty rounds of Shot 
for each Gun, he to be accountable to this Court for the same. 
Committee appointed to make inquiry relative to casting 

Cannon; passed June 13, 1776. 


Resolved, That Mr. Durfee, Colonel Mitchell, and Mr. 
Orr, be a Committee, whose business it shall be imme- 
diately to repair to those places where they imagine the best 
information may be obtained relative to the business of cast- 
ing Cannon, and the materials necessary for that purpose, 
together with a place most convenient for carrying on that 
business ; and that they prepare an estimate of the expenses 
of erecting, or otherwise procuring, a Furnace convenient for 
casting said Cannon, and make a report to this Court as soon 
as may be. 


18 


275 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


Resolves to pay for Losses at Bunxer-Hiux, &c.; passed 
June 14, 1776. 


Resolved, That the following Sums be paid to the per- 
sons whose names follow, in discharge of the Account’ 
exhibited to this Court, for losses sustained in Battle, on and 
since the nineteenth of April, one thousand seven hundred 
to— 


and seventy-five, viz: 


Joseph Bread, - 
Daniel Hardy, - 
Jonathan Stickney, 
for Mary Easty, 4 
Lieut. John Mosher, 2 
Samuel Cory, - 
Josiah Haynes, - 
Eliphalet Hardy, - 
Joshua Haynes, - 
Paul Hardy, - - 
John Hoyt, - - 
Executors of John 
Bacon,- - 
Aaron Haynes, - 
Lieutenant Brewer, 
John Maynard, - 
Isaac Moor, - - 
Peter Cuddy, - 
Levi Hosman, - 
Samuel Hill, -  - 
Josiah Danforth, - 
William Whittier, 
Elizabeth Moor, for 
Willard Moor’s 
loss, - - - 
Joseph Adams, - 
Moses Pike, - - 
John Smith, - - 
Benjamin Merrill, 
Samuel Carr,-  - 
John Stevens, Jr., 
William Hackett, 
Aaron Chandler, - 
Robert Merrill, - 
Richard Osgood, - 
Jonathan Wingate, 
Jacob Bayly Cumer, 1 
Benjamin Stevens, 0O 
Jonathan Greely, 0 
Jacob Currier, - O 
John Barker, 3d,- 0 
Jonathan Stevens, 1 
Spafford Ames, - 0 
Stephen Farrington, 0 
Samuel Phillips, for 
Stephen Chandler, 
Nathaniel Wade, 
Aaron Perkins, - 
Nathaniel Baker, 
Philip Lord, - - 
Joseph Wise,- - 
Isaac Giddings, - 
Benjamin Ross, ,- 
John Fowler,- - 
Thomas Farmer, - 
Nathaniel Choat, 
Abraham Knowlton, 0 
Samuel Hayward, 2 
Zaccheus Wright, for 
the use of the heirs 
of Cesar Baron, 
deceased, - - 4 
Captain Oliver Par- 


ker, for the use of 


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Joseph Whittemore, 2 
Samuel Foster, - 0 
Thomas Weskom, 0 
John Braizer,- - 1 


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Jabez Carter,- - 
Jonathan Frost, - 
Jonathan Beard, - 
Heirs of Jacob Frost, 
Daniel Wood, - 
Ezekiel Nutting, - 
Samuel Lovejoy, - 
Ezekiel Spaulding, 
Simeon Williams, 
David Wetherbee, 
Simeon Green, - 
Joel Porter, - - 
John Hasen, - - 
Solomon Gilson, - 
Jonathan Lewis, - 
John Ribburn, - 
Heirs of John Meeds, 
Jonathan Evans, - 
Stephen Temple, 
Heirs of Corneny 
Fairbank, - - 1 
Eliphalet Wharf,- 2 4 
Alexander Panan, 0 4 
Daniel Collins, - 1 4 
Andrew Bray, - 1 18 
Jonathan Woodman,O 6 
Lary Tregay, - O 4 


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Nathan Glover, - 0 12 
Capt. Nath’l Gage, 2 12 
Annis Merrill, - O 5 
Oliver Goodridge, O 6 
Heirs of Amos Mills, 
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John Beeten,- - 018 
Peter Page, - - 2 O 


Aaron Wood,- - 3 4 
Deborah Mills, - 4 2 
Barnabas Richard- 
son,- - - - 
Nathaniel Warner, 
Heirs of Ebenezer 
Laughton, - - 
James Davis,- - 
Nathaniel Monroe, 
Rachel McIntosh, 
Samuel Farrar, - 
Samuel Bailey, - 
William Davis, - 
William Foster, - 
Thomas ‘Thompson, 0 1 
Ebenezer Wytham, 0 1 
Joshua Row,- - 01 
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Francis Lane, - 0 
Samuel Sprake, - 0 
Benjamin Ames, - 3 
Capt. John Nutting, 2 
Nathaniel Lakin,- 0 
John McFulsom, 0 
Aaron Davis,- - 1 
Philip Johnson, - 0 
Patrick Harrington, 2 
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Samuel Wyatt, - 
William Eliot,  - 
William Page, - 
Jonathan Norton’s 
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Benjamin Read, - 
Waldron Stone, - 
Wells Chace,- - 
William Whiting, 
Capt. Joseph Moore 


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276 
& Ss. d. £ 8. d 

Timothy Dutton,- 0 136 John Hadley,- - 5 9 
John Welsh, - - 01811 Heirsof Philip Fow- 
Eliphalet Manning, 0 12 0 ler, "=" = Paeboae rey 
David Bailey, - 0136 Cyrus Marble, - 2 5 
John Adams,- -: 2 20 Elisha Marsh, - 3 4 
Joseph Baker, - 3 30 Ezekiel Biggelow, 1 12 
Samuel Bailey, - 1 06 Jotham Blanchard, 1 14 
Malachi Allen, - 1 60 Josiah Wright, - 1 8 
Joseph Phelps, - O 16 Isaac Pierce,- - 1 8 
John Hall, - - 0 76 Daniel Davis, - 1 10 
Eliakim Walker,- 0 18 6 Spafford Ames, - 2 4 
John Flint, - - 0 120 Thomas Kenny and 
Heirs of Ph. Fowler, 4 10 0 others, - - - 118 
Obadiah Wetherell, 2 00 Josiah Burk,- - 0 3 
Oliver Patch,- - 1 14 6 Joseph Howard,- 1 4 
Levi Parker,- - 0 60 John Burnham, - 0 3 
Benjamin Peirce, 0 120 Amos Poor, - - 0 16 
Jonathan Stevens, O 60 Benjamin Carr, - 0 5 
Lemuel Blood, - 2 80 James Mosely, - 0 12 
Nehemiah Parker, 1 70 William Linnihan, 1 5 
Joseph Tarbell, - O 5 0. Eleazer Johnson, for 
Jacob Williams, - 0 3 0 useofSarah Flint,2 6 
David Prescott, - 0100 Francis Mitchell,- 5 2 
Daniel Shed,- - 115 0 Bartholomew Rich- 
Joseph Shed,- - 1 150 ardson,- - - O 12 
Benjamin Farnum, 3 13 0 Peter Sergeant, - 4 15 
John Eaton, - - 3 90 Joshua Haynes, - 3 O 
Heirs of Simeon Col. James Bricket, 4 18 

Pike, - - - 5 92 William Hudson Bal- 
Thomas Townsend, lard, = 3 13 


adm. of Daniel Bledzer Butterfield, 1 


eooooooonneo Oo eceoooqoooovuoo oo°oco Qo ooooqoooceo eoooocorRPF O- 


Townsend, - -2 14 0 David Parks,- - 2 16 
Moses Harrington, 2 20 Daniel-Sharwin,- 2 14 
Heirsof Benj.Smith,4 4 0 Daniel Barker, - 2 2 
Daniel Coolghan’s William Hastings, O 6 

heirs, - - - 5 40 Jonathan Row, - O 12 
Nymphas Stacey, 2 00 Henry Parsons, -- 0 12 
Nathaniel Bennet, 1 4 0 Joseph Parsons, - 0 12 
John Dunken, - 2120 Joseph Dresser, - 2 8 
Sarah Hill, for her Thomas Dresser,- 0 15 

late husband’s loss,4 OO Heirs of Francis 
Simeon Senter, - 2 84 Pool, Jr...) 0) 195 
Joseph Osgood, - O 16 Heirs of Wm. Par- 
Josiah Blood, - 0 16 sons, deceased, 4 3 
Jacob Ames,- - 0136 Jonathan Minot,- 5 10 
John Bayly, - - 0136 Timothy Johnson, 1 14 
James Bayly, - 0136 Isaac Abbott,- - 2 8 
David Putnam, - 111 0 John Hemmenway, 2 1 
Thomas Treadwell, 0 18 0 Daniel Kidder, - 1 14 
David Walker, - 1 86 William Danforth, 1 16 
HezekiahThorndike,2 5 0 John Jacques, - 1 16 
Josiah Kidder, - 0 13 6 MosesGray,- - 1 14 
Heirs of Josiah Timothy Carlton, 2 16 

Breed, - - - 4 80 Jonathan Stephens, 2 10 


Resolve establishing a form of Beating Orders and Inlist- 
ment for raising three Companies of Matrosses; passed 
June 14, 1776. 


Resolved, 'That the form of the Beating Orders and Inlist- 
ment of three Companies of Matrosses, to be stationed at 
Gloucester, Falmouth, and the Gurnet in Plymouth, be as 
follows, viz: 

Beating Orders. 


“'To , Gentleman, greeting: 


“Str: You are hereby empowered immediately to inlist 
a Company of Matrosses, to consist of able-bodied and 
effective men, including Non-Commissioned Officers and 
Privates, and cause them to pass muster before as soon 
as possible; which Company of Matrosses, when inlisted 
and mustered, are to obey you as their Captain, and agree- 
able to a Resolve of this Court, the of June instant, are 
to be stationed at for the defence and security of 
the same.” 

Inlistment. 


“We, the subscribers, do hereby engage to inlist ourselves 
as Matrosses in the service of the Massachusetts Colony, 
from the day of our inlistment to the last of December next, 
on the Sea-Coast establishment, unless the said service shall 


277 


admit of a discharge of a part or the whole sooner, which is 
to be determined by the General Court of said Colony. And 
we do hereby oblige ourselves to submit to all orders and 
regulations of the Army, and faithfully to observe and obey 
all such orders as we shall from time to time receive from 
our superior Officers.” 


Resolve for supplying the Companies of Matrosses at Guov- 
cester and Faumoutu; passed June 14, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Commissaries appointed to supply 
the men stationed at Gloucester and Falmouth, are hereby 
severally empowered and directed to supply the Companies 
of Artillery lately ordered to be raised for the defence of 
those towns, in the same manner as the sea-coast men, station- 
ed in those places; and that the honourable Board grant their 
Warrant on the Treasurer for money to enable them so to do. 


Mustermasters appointed, June 14, 1776. 


Ordered, That Colonel Peter Coffin muster the Com- 
pany of Matrosses to be stationed at Gloucester ; that Cap- 
tain Joseph Noyes muster those to be stationed at Falmouth ; 
and that Isaac Lothrop, Esq., muster those to be stationed 
on the Gurnet at Plymouth: also, that Major Whittemore sign 
the Beating Orders for raising the three Companies aforesaid. 


Resolve on the Petition of Tuomas Coox, Esq.; passed 
JunE 14, 1776. 


On the Petition of Thomas Cook, 

Resolved, That there be allowed and paid out of the 
publick Treasury of this Colony, the sum of £31 6s. to the 
‘Town of Edgartown, on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard, 
for their expenses in victualling large numbers of men, who 
at sundry times, between the 19th of April and the Ist of 
October, 1775, appeared on alarms to defend said Town and 
Island against the hostilities wherewith they were threatened 
by British men-of-war. 


Resolve empowering Wiitu1am Wurrine, Esq., to receive a 
sum of Money of Marx Horxtiys, Esq., and to pay the 


same to General Scuuyier; passed June 14, 1776. 


Whereas Timothy Edwards, Esq., of Stockbridge, was, 
on the 6th instant, by a Resolve of this Court, empowered 
to receive the sum of £1700, in Silver and Gold, of Mark 
Hopkins, Esq., in whose hands it was lodged by Eldad 
Taylor, Esq.; and was further empowered to convey and 
deliver the same to General Schuyler, for the use of the 
Army in Canada: And it having been represented to this 
Court, that the said Timothy Edwards is now out of the 
Colony, on a journey to Philadelphia ; and it being of great 
importance that the money aforesaid should be forwarded to 
Canada as soon as possible: Therefore, 

Resolved, That William Whiting, Esquire, of Great 
Barrington, be, and he hereby is, empowered to receive 
the money above referred to, of Mark Hopkins, Esquire, 
who is hereby empowered and directed to deliver him the 
same; and the said William Whiting, Esq., is further em- 
powered and directed to convey and pay into the hands of 
General Schuyler the sum before mentioned as soon as may 
be, for the purpose aforesaid ; and the said William Whiting 
is also empowered to receive of Henry Gardner, Esq., the 
Receiver-General of this Colony, the sum of £75, in Silver 
and Gold, and to convey and pay the same also into the 
hands of General Schuyler, for the purpose before mentioned ; 
for which, together with the sum first mentioned, (which, 
added together, amount to the sum of £1775 lawful money,) 
he is directed to take duplicate receipts of General Schuyler, 
and return one of them into the Secretary’s Office; and he 
is further directed to take such a Guard with him as he shall 
deem necessary. 

A 


Resolve on the Petition of Luwis Aue, in behalf of his 
brother Jouuey ALLEN; passed June 14, 1776. 


Resolved, ‘That the prayer of the Petitioner be so far 
granted that he have liberty to take the seven children of 
the said Jolley Allen, for which he shall be paid out of the 
proceeds of the sales of the goods and effects of the said 
Jolley Allen £36 8s., lawful money, for the maintenance 
and support of the same: the Petitioner to give bonds in 
the sum of £100, that they shall not become chargeable to 

* 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


278 


the community for any further support or maintenance ; and 
that he shall receive and support the said Jolley Allen; and 
that he shall not depart the County of Worcester, of hold 
correspondence with any persons, knowing them to be ene- 
mies to the liberties of America, till the further order of this 
Court. 

That Mr. Nye, Mr. Kendell, and Mr. Thomas, be a Com- 
mittee to receive all the goods and effects of the said Jolley 
Allen that can be found, and deliver the Petitioner, at Bos- 
ton, the children’s four feather-beds and bedding, and the 
wearing apparel of the children and late wife of the said 
Jolley Allen, also his own wearing apparel ; and the remain- 
der of said goods and effects to be disposed of by said Com- 
mittee, at publick auction; who are to pay the above sum 
of £36 8s. to the said Lewzs Allen; also all necessary 
charges that have arisen or may arise in collecting and trans- 
porting said goods and effects; also the charges for support- 
ing the said Jolley Allen and family at Provincetown, and 
to be accountable to the General Court for the same. 


—— 


Resolve for adding an Ensign to, and supplying the Men 
stationed on the Gurnet in Puymoutu; passed June 15, 
1776. 


Whereas the Company ordered by a Resolve of this Court 
to be raised and stationed on the Gurnet consists of one 
hundred men, and one-half of them are to be Matrosses, 
and but three commissioned Officers are appointed to said 
Company, which are not sufficient ; and whereas no provision 
is made for the support of said Company: 

It 1s Resolved, That there be one Ensign added to the 
other Officers, whose pay shall be the same as that of the 
Second Lieutenant on the sea-coast establishment. And 
that the Commissary appointed to supply the sea-coast 
Company, now at Plymouth, be empowered and directed, 
in the same manner, to supply the Company to be stationed 
on the Gurnet. And that the Council be desired to issue 
blank commissions to the Hon. James Warren, Esq., Isaac 
Lothrop, Esq., and George Partridge, Esq., to be given to 
such persons, for Officers, as in their discretion they, or the 
major part of them, shall judge most suitable. 


Commissary-General directed to secure the Colony’s Stores; 
passed June 15, 1776. 


Whereas sundry Stores and Implements belonging to the 
late Light-House, having been left by the British Troops on 
the Island upon which the said Light-House was erected : 

Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he here- 
by is, directed immediately to take some effectual measures 
to secure the Stores and Implements before mentioned, as 
also any other Stores belonging to the Colony that may 
have been left by the enemy on any other Island in the Har- 
bour of Boston. 


Commissary-General and others appointed to receive and 
pay for Saltpetre; passed June 15, 1776. 


Resolved, 'That the Commissary-General, at his Store, 
and Zebediah Abbot, at the Powder-Mill at Andover, and 
Thomas Crane, Esq., at the Powder-Mill at Stoughton, be, 
and they hereby are, appointed and empowered, in behalf of 
this Colony, to receive, examine, and pay for all good and 
merchantable Saltpetre that shall be brought and actually 
delivered to them, respectively, before the 1st day of Octo- 
ber next, with such evidence as is required by a Resolve of 
the General Court, of the 6th instant, that the same was 
manufactured within this Colony. And that there be paid 
to each of the above mentioned persons, out of the ‘Treasury 
of this Colony, the sum of £1000, and the Treasurer is 
directed to pay the same accordingly, to enable them to pay 
for the same; they to be respectively accountable to this 
Court for the same. 


Resolve for bringing forward all Causes which were pending 
at the Superior Court, &c.; passed June 15, 1776. 


Whereas, by reason of the difficulties raised in this Colony 
through the wicked designs of the enemies of our liberties, 
an interruption took place in the administration of civil dis- 
tributive justice in this Colony, and, by a necessary act of 
the General Court for the removal of all officers from their 
offices, many civil suits, which have been before commenced 


279 


in the several Counties of this Colony, and were pending 
at the Superior Court, and other actions which had been 
appealed from the respective Inferior Courts in the several 
Counties, have not been prosecuted to final judgment, and 
much injury will happen if an adequate remedy is not 
provided : 

It is Resolved, That all causes which were pending at 
the Superior Court in,any of said Counties, and on which 
judgment has not been given, shall be brought forward at 
the next term of the said Court for each respective County, 
and the same proceedings had thereon as though such causes 
had been regularly continued to such term, from the term 
where the same were pending when such interruption took 
place. And in any causes appealed from any Inferior Court, 
and not entered at the Superior Court, by reason of said 
interruption, the Appellants may have liberty, if they see 
cause, to enter their said appeal at the next term of the 
Superior Court, to be holden in each respective County, 
as though the appeal had been originally to the same term. 
And if any Appellants shall neglect to enter their appeals, 
as aforesaid, the Appellees in such case may, if they see 
cause, enter their complaints, and the judgments of the Infe- 
rior Court shall be affirmed thereon, as though said com- 
plaints had been entered in due time: Provided, always, 
That no Execution or Writ of Possession shall issue on any 
judgment given in any of the cases aforesaid, until three 
months after such judgment; and where any causes were 
tried by a Jury, the Justices of said Superior Court, in such 
causes, shall, and in all others where it shall appear to them 
to be expedient, may continue the same, and cause the absent 
parties to be notified of the suits against them; and where 
any of the party shall be out of the County, and in the Con- 
tinental or Colonial service, they shall have liberty to bring 
forward their suits at the next Superior Court held in said 
County after their return, and no action or complaint shall 
be entered against them while such person continues in said 
service, any law, usage, or custom, to the contrary notwith- 
standing. 

Resolve on the Petition of Wiu1am Tupper, respecting 
Captures; passed June 17, 1776. 


Whereas it is provided, by a certain Act of the General 
Assembly of this Colony, that every person who shall make 
capture of any Vessel, shall, within twenty days from the 
15th of April last, or within twenty days after the capture 
and bringing in of said Vessel, either by himself, his agent, 
or attorney, file a bill before the Judge appointed to try the 
justice of such capture, giving a full and ample account of 
the time, manner, and cause of the taking of such Vessel : 
And whereas captures of several Vessels have been made 
within the Eastern District of this Colony, or may have been 
made at sea and brought to any port within the Eastern 
District of this Colony, which could not be proceeded with 
agreeable to the requisition in said Act: Wherefore, 

Resolved, That bills of the captures of all Vessels, their 
apparatus and cargoes, which captures have been already 
made within the Eastern District of this Colony, or made 
at sea and brought to any port within the Eastern District 
of this Colony, hitherto not filed before the Judge appointed 
to try the justice of such captures, may and shall be filed 
before said Judge, on any day preceding the first day of 
August next, anything in the aforesaid Act, made for the 
trial of the justice of such captures, notwithstanding. 


Resolve to supply the Town of Hincuam with Powder, &c.; 
passed June 17, 1776. 


Whereas there is a Cannon provided at Hingham, at the 
charge of the Town, for the defence of the Harbour: 

Resolved, That two half-barrels of Powder and twenty 
Shot—viz: six-pounders—be delivered to the Committee of 
Correspondence of the ‘Town of Hingham by the Commis- 
sary-General, said Committee to give a receipt to the Com- 
missary, to be accountable for the same. 
Resolve on the Petition of Issac Metoon; passed June 18, 

1776. 

On the Petition of Isaac Meloon, 

Resolved, That there be paid to him, out of the publick 
Treasury, the sum of £2 8s., in full for the loss of his Gun 
in the Bunker-Hill fight, as mentioned in his Petition. 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


280 
Resolve for procuring two Decoy Ships, &c.; passed June 
18, 1776. 


> 

On the Report of the Committee for, fortifying the Har- 
bour of Boston, 

Resolved, ‘That the said Committee be, and they hereby 
are, empowered to procure, on the best terms, two Ships at 
the expense of this Colony, and man and fix them in such 
way and place them at such station, as may appear to the 
said Committee best calculated to serve as a decoy to the 
enemy’s Ships and Vessels that may at any time be coming 
into the Harbour of Boston. And the aforesaid Committee 
are further empowered and directed to erect such Lights, 
where the Light-House stood, without erecting a Light-House, 
as may serve further to decoy and bring into the Harbour of 
Boston Ships and Vessels of the enemy aforesaid. And the 
Commissary-General of this Colony is hereby directed to 
supply the said Committee with those articles that may be 
necessary for the above purposes. And the Committee on 
the Report of the Committee for fortifying the Harbour of 
Boston have leave to sit again. 

Instructions to the Committee on the Abstracts; passed June 
19, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Committee on the Abstracts are 
hereby directed not to allow to any Commissioned or Staff 
Officer, of whatever rank, more than three days’ pay as an 
Officer, from the time of their engaging to the time of their 
marching; and that there be allowed to each Non-commis- 
sioned Officer and Private Soldier pay from the time of inlist- 
ment till they marched for the Camp. 


Honourable James Warren, Esq., appointed Second Major- 
General; June 19, 1776. 


The House, according to the Order of the Day, made 
choice, by ballot, of the Honourable James Warren, Esq., as 
Second Major-General of the Militia of this Colony. 

Concurred by Council, June 19, 1776. 


JonatHan Parmenter appointed Second Major of the 
Fourth Regiment in Mipp.esex; June 19, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of Jonathan Par- 
menter as Second Major of the Fourth Regiment of Militia, 
in the County of Middlesex, in the room of Major Joseph 
Smith, who declines serving. 

Concurred by Council the same day. 


Resolve for payment of Colonel Joun Roserrson’s Ab- 
stract ; passed June 19, 1776. 


Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick ‘Treasury 
of this Colony, unto Colonel John Robertson, for himself and 
Staff and Field Officers mentioned in his Abstract, the sum 
of £11 6s.; also, for Captain John Ford the sum of £47 1s.; 
and for Captain John Lemont the sum of £26 3s. 7d.; and 
for Captain Asahel Wheeler the sum of £51 5s.; and Cap- 
tain Benjamin Edgell the sum of £15 138s. 94d. 


Resolve to prevent the exportation of Provisions till the 10th 
November next ; passed June 19, L776. 


Whereas many inconveniences and dangerous conse~ 
quences may, and in all probability will, accrue to this 
Colony in the course of its defence against its unnatural 
enemies, if a speedy and effectual prohibition of the exporta- 
tion of Provisions from each and every Port, Harbour, and 

lace within the same, to any other Harbour or place without 
ee limits of the said Colony, is not immediately effected: 
Wherefore, it is 

Resolved, That from and after the 21st day of this instant 
June, no person or persons whatsoever presume to lade on 
board any ship or vessel within this Colony any kinds or 
articles of Provisions, except Jamaica and Pickled Fish, 
with intent to convey the same out of this Colony by water, 
until the 10th day of November next, unless the same be 
laden on board such ship or vessel with intent to supply the 
fleets and armies of the United Colonies, or the inhabitants 
of some other part or parts of this Colony: Provided, always, 
That any person or persons who have, agreeably to, and 
in consequence of, a resolve of the American Congress for 
encouraging the importation of warlike stores into the United 
Colonies, imported any such stores, and have not already 


281 


exported Provisions or other Merchandise to the amount 
thereof, or may hereafter import such stores, such person or 
persons may lade on board any ship or vessel, and convey 
and send out of this Colony to any other place, except to 
the dominions of Great Britain, any kind of Provisions to 
the amount or value of such warlike stores, imported as 
aforesaid: Provided, also, That nothing in this resolve shall 
be construed to extend to the preventing so much Provisions 
as in the judgment of the Committee of Safety, &c., may be 
sufficient for the persons on board for the intended voyage, 
being put on board any ship or other vessel arriving at, 
trading with, or sailing from, any port, harbour, or other 
place in this Colony, such voyage not being prohibited by 
any resolve of Congress, or law or resolve of this Colony. 
And the Committees of Safety, &c., in the several ‘Towns 
and other places within this Colony are hereby ordered and 
directed to see that this resolve be effectually carried into 
execution. AMS 

Resolve on the Petition of Girpertr Harrison; passed JuNE 

19, 1776. 


On the Petition of Gilbert Harrison, showing his right to 
claim the property of certain goods on board the Schooner 
Volante, lately condemned in the Maritime Court held at 
Plymouth, and the impossibility of making that claim in the 
time by law prescribed: 

Resolved, That the Judge in said Court and the captors 
stay all further proceedings on said condemnation, and that 
the said Gilbert Harrison be allowed to file his claim on the 
goods aforesaid, before the said Judge, within five days after 
the passing this resolve ; and that thereupon the said Judge 
notify the trial of said claim in like manner as original trials 
of captures are by law to be notified, and that the said Judge 
be served with a copy of this resolve. 

Adjutant for the First Regiment in Hamesuire, chosen ; 
June 19, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of Solomon Brewer, 
as an Adjutant to the First Regiment of Militia, in the 
County of Hampshire. 

Concurred by Council the same day. 

Adjutant for the First Regiment in Prymourn, chosen ; 
June 19, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of John Torrey, Jun., 
as an Adjutant to the First Regiment of Militia, in the 
County of Plymouth. 

Concurred by Council the same day. 


Resolve on the Petitionof Naruan Surry; passed June 20, 
1776. 

On the Petition of Nathan Smnith : 

Whereas it appears to this Court that certain persons 
were concerned in taking and bringing into this Colony a 
certain Schooner, mentioned in said Petition, a number of 
whom were of a sea-coast company in the pay of this Colony; 
and it further appearing that the Vessels or Boats which 
attacked and took the said Schooner were procured by and 
at the risk of the captors: Therefore, it is 

Resolved, That after the charges of trial and condemna- 
tion are deducted from the gross produce of the said Vessel, 
cargo, and appurtenances, and the shares of the other captors 
have been assigned, the Colony shall receive one-third part, 
and the sea-coast men two-thirds part of the residue. 
Resolve on the Account of Jeremtan Putnam; passed June 

20, 1776. 


On an Account of Jeremiah Putnam, for losses of his 
brother Perly Putnam, in battle on the 19th April, 1775, 

Resolved, ‘That there be paid out of the Treasury of this 
Colony to Samuel Epes, the sum of £5 10s., for the use 
of the heirs of Perly Putnam, in full of said Account. 


Adjutant for the Eighth Regiment in Worcester chosen; 
‘ June 20, 1776. 

The House made choice, by ballot, of Mr. Ebenezer Co- 
nant, Jun., as an Adjutant to the Eighth Regiment of 
Militia in the County of Worcester. 

Concurred by Council the same day. 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


282 


Resolve for supplying Colonels Marswauy’s, Wurrney’s, 
and Crart’s Regiments with Medicines; passed June 
20, 1776. 

Whereas application has been made to this Court request- 
ing that the three Regiments now in the service of this 
Colony, viz: Marshall's, Whitney’s, and Crafts, be sup- 
plied from time to time with such Medicines as may be 
necessary for the sick and wounded: Therefore, 

Resolved, That Dr. John Greenleaf, of Boston, be re- 
quested to supply the chief Surgeon of such Regiments 
respectively, with such Medicines as may be necessary for 
the sick and wounded aforesaid, during the continuance of 
said Regiments in or near Boston; that he be directed to 
take the Surgeons’ receipts for all such Medicines as he may 
deliver, and that he exhibit his Accounts to this Court for 
payment. And the said Surgeons, before they shall be 
empowered to receive of the said Greenleaf any such Medi- 
cines as aforesaid, shall take an oath before some Justice of 
the Peace, that all the Medicines that he shall receive of the 
said Greenleaf, for the purposes aforesaid, shall be used for 
the sick and wounded persons in the Regiment to which he 
is Surgeon, and that he will account with the General Court 
of this Colony for all such Medicines as shall remain in his 
hands, after his being discharged as Surgeon of said Regi- 
ment ; and the said Surgeons are required to produce a cer- 
tificate from a Justice of the Peace of their being sworn to 
the faithful discharge of the aforesaid trust, before the said 
Greenleaf shall be empowered to deliver them any such 
Medicines as aforesaid. 


Commissary-General directed to receive all the Powder due 
from the Continent ; June 21, 1776. 


Resolved, 'That the Commissary-General of this Colony 
be, and he hereby is, directed to receive all such Powder 
as is due to this Colony from the Continent, and to give his 
discharge therefor in behalf of this Colony. 


Resolve for supplying the several Towns with Powder ; 
passed June 21, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and hereby 
is, directed to deliver out of the Colony Store to each of 
those Towns that have lent Powder to the Colony, such 
quantity as may to them respectively remain due, and to 
pay reasonable charges for transportation of the same; and 
that there be paid to said Commissary, out of the publick 
Treasury of this Colony, the sum of £20 for that purpose, 
he to account therefor with this Court; the Selectmen of 
such Towns leaving with the said Commissary those receipts 
whereby they support their claim to such Powder, and 
also certifying that they have not received recompense 
therefor. 

It ts further Resolved, That each Town and unincorpo- 
rated Plantation in this Colony, not having such a quantity 
of Powder in their publick stock as will furnish the men borne 
on the ‘Training-Band and Alarm-Lists with half a pound to 
each man, be allowed to purchase, at either of the Powdet- 
Mills in this Colony, so much Powder as will make up the 
quantity aforesaid, which shall be sold to the Selectmen of 
said ‘owns, or Committees of unincorporated Plantations, 
(as fast as it can be spared,) at 5s. per pound; said Select- 
men and Committees respectively certifying to the keeper 
of such Powder-Mill the number of men borne on the Lists 
aforesaid, together with the whole Powder they have in 
stock—preference being given to Sea-Coast Towns and 
unincorporated Plantations adjoining the Sea, when more 


apply than can be supplied. 


Resolve relative to delinquent Collectors ; passed June 21, 
Lii0. 


Resolved, That the Treasurer of this Colony be, and he 
hereby is, directed immediately to give notice in the publick 
Prints, that all Collectors of ‘Taxes or Constables that are 
delinquent in paying the several sums committed to them to 
collect from the year 1769 to the year 1774, inclusively, 
pay him the several sums due from them immediately; and 
that he issue out his Execution against all such Collectors 
or Constables as shall neglect to pay the same after the last 
day of August next. 


283 


Resolve relative to Dr. Stocxsrince and others, and Per- 
sons who, having fled to Hauirax, &c., shall return to 
this Colony; passed June 21, 1776. 


Resolved, That Dr. Benjamin Stockbridge, John Tilden: 
Ephraim Little, John Baker, Elisha Ford, Sylvanus Whate, 


and Cornelius White, remain under confinement in Plymouth’ 


Jail, at their own cost and charge, until the further order of 
this Court; and that Nathaniel Garnet, Warren White, Ste- 
phen Tilden, and Joseph Tilden, be put under the care of 
the Committees of Correspondence for the Towns of Scit- 
uate, Pembroke, and Marblehead, to be by them put out to 
labour to some proper person or persons, who live remote 
from the sea-coast, and there to remain within the limits of 
such Towns where they shall be placed, until they shall be 
discharged by order of this Court, or to inlist on board some 
armed Vessel fitted out by this Colony or Continent, for the 
defence of the same; and that Joseph Younk, a minor, be 
ordered by the aforesaid Committee to return to his father 
in the Town of Scituate, his said father giving them bonds 
for his said son’s future good behaviour. 

And it is further Resolved, That those persons who have 
been inimical to the liberties of this Colony and the Conti- 
nent of America, and have fled to Halifax, or elsewhere, in 
order to join the British Army, that on their arrival into 
any Port or Town within this Colony, the Committee of 
Correspondence in the Town or Towns where they shall 
so come, be, and they are hereby, directed and empowered 
to take them up and confine them immediately in any Jail 
within the same County; and the keeper or under-keepers 
of any of the Jails within this Colony are directed to 
receive them by orders from the Committees of Correspon- 
dence where they are taken up, and them safely keep tll 
further orders of this Court; and the said Committee or 
Committees are directed to inform this Court of their pro- 
ceedings. 


Resolve on the Petition of Joun Stepman; passed June 
21, 1776. 


On the Petition of John Stedman, 

Resolved, That there be paid to John Stedman, out of 
the Colony Treasury, the sum of £4, in full of the extraor- 
dinary expenses he was at in his sickness while belonging 
to the Army in Roxbury, and after his return, for doctoring 
and other extra charges home. 


Mr, AuexanpeR Suepparp directed to receive Saltpetre ; 
JuNE 21, 1776. 


Ordered, That Mr. Alexander Sheppard, Jun., be, and 
he hereby is, directed to receive Saltpetre into the Commis- 
sary-General’s Store, he observing the Resolves of this 
Court relative to receiving in that article. 


Resolve on the Petition of the Committee of Brunswick ; 
passed JUNE 22, 1776. 


On the Petition of the Committee of the Town of Bruns- 
wick, 

Resolved, 'That the Commissary-General of this Colony 
be, and he hereby is, directed to deliver to Mr. Samuel 
Stanwood one barrel of Gunpowder, for the use of the inha- 
bitants of the Town of Brunswick, he paying him after the 
rate of 5s. per pound for the same. 


Resolve for supplying the Brig Ristne Empire with Can- 
non, &c.; passed June 22, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he 
hereby is, directed to deliver to Thomas Durfee, Esq., out 
of the Colony Stores now at Dartmouth, in the care of Mr. 
Lemuel Wilhams, 4 Cannon, (four-pounders,) 14 Swivel- 
Guns, 12 Blunderbusses, 80 Cutlasses, 2,000 pounds of 
Gunpowder, one ton and a half of four-pound Shot, 600 
Swivel-Gun Shot, 70 Hand-Grenades, 60 Small-Arms, and 
700 pounds of Sheet-Lead, for the use of the Brig called the 
Rising Empire. 

Resolve on the Return made to the Court by Major Bara- 
cHiaH Basser; passed June 22, 1776. 


} T ie . . . 
Whereas the four Cannon mentioned in said Return are 
proper for the sea service, and the armed Brig belonging to 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


284 


this Colony at Dartmouth is in want of the same, and with 
them can proceed on a cruise: Therefore, 

Resolved, That Thomas Durfee, Esq., one of the Com- 
mittee for fitting out the said Brig, be, and he hereby is, 
empowered and directed to cause the said Cannon forthwith 
to be removed and put on board said Brig, and the said 
Committee are also directed to get the said Brig in readi- 
ness for a cruise as soon as may be. 

Also Resolved, That in lieu of the said four Cannon, there 
be placed at Tarpaulin-Cove Harbour two pieces of Can- 
non, (nine-pounders;) and the Commissary-General is hereby 
directed to deliver the same to Mr. Durfee, or his order, to 
be conveyed to Major Basset; and also to deliver one hun- 
dred and nine pounds weight of Shot, together with Ladles 
and the necessary apparatus for the said two Cannon, and 
that the said Basset cause the same to be fitted and mounted 
as soon as may be for the defence of said Harbour. 

And it is also Resolved, That the Hon. Walter Spooner, 
Esq., be, and hereby is, directed and empowered to provide 
ten old Whale-Boats, that are fit to be used for the protec- 
tion of the neighbouring Islands and the shipping coming in 
and going out, and also purchase twelve Shovels, six Spades, 
and four Pick-Axes, the same to be for the use of said Basset 
and men under his command in the services aforesaid ; and 
the said Walter Spooner, Esq., is directed to lay his account 
before this Court for payment thereof. 


Additional Resolve relatiwe to supplying the three Colonial 
Regiments with Medicines ; passed June 22, 1776. 


Whereas, by a Resolve of this Court of the 19th current, 
directing how several Regiments raised by this Colony shall 
be supplied with Medicines, among other things it is resolved 
that all the Medicines that shall be received by the Surgeons 
of said Regiments shall be used for the sick and wounded 
persons in the Regiment to which he is Surgeon, which 
may be attended with some inconvenience in cases of neces- 
sity, and put said Surgeons to unnecessary trouble: 'There- 
fore, 

Resolved, That when it shall so happen that any of the 
aforesaid Surgeons shall be called to give his assistance or 
advice for any sick or wounded person or persons in either 
of said Regiments, and he should find it necessary to make 
use of some of the Medicines delivered for the Regiment to 
which he is Surgeon, in such case he is directed to make 
use of such Medicines as are necessary, in the same manner 
he could if the sick or wounded person or persons belonged to 
the Regiment to which he is Surgeon; and in case it should 
at any time appear necessary to either of said Surgeons to 
make use of any Medicines for immediate relief of any per- 
son belonging to the Continental Army, he is directed to 
make use of the same, he keeping an account of all such 
Medicines as he shall make use of for the sick and wounded 
in said Army. 

And it is further Resolved, That instead of the oath 
required to be taken by the Resolve afore recited, the Sur- 
geon of each Regiment shall make oath before some Justice 
of the Peace that the Medicines he shall receive of Doctor 
Greenleaf shall be applied agreeable to the Resolves of this 
Court. 

Resolve on the Abstract of Colonel Isaac Surry; passed 
JunE 22, 1776. 


Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury 
of this Colony unto Colonel Isaac Smith the sum of £9 
12s. Sd., for himself and Field and Staff Officers borne on 
his Abstract ; also for Captain Robert Dodge and Company 
the sum of £42 17s. 11d.; also for Captain Daniel Litile- 
field and Company the sum of £67 Os. 4d.; and for Captain 
William Rogers and Company £81 6s. 11d.; and for Cap- 
tain Henry Merrill and Company the sum of £38 19s. 43d. ; 
and for Captain Benjamin Farnum and Company the sum 
of £42 6s. 84d.; and for Captain Timothy Johnson and 
Company £16 15s. 5d.; and for Captain Beryamin Epes 
and Company £40 16s. 6d. 


Treasurer directed to receive two boxes of Money of Mr. 
Georce Sprices; passed June 24, 1776. 

Resolved, That the Treasurer and Receiver-General of 

this Colony be, and he is hereby, directed to receive of Mr. 


George Spriggs two boxes of Money, marked “Massachu- 


285 


setts,” brought by said Spriggs from Philadelphia, with 
directions to deliver the same to the order of the General 
Assembly of this Colony, and that the Treasurer and Re- 
ceiver-General give the said Spriggs a receipt therefor. 


Resolve on the Petition of Georce Lanerorn; passed 
June 24, 1776. 


On the Petition of George Langford, 

Resolved, That there be paid to him out of the publick 
Treasury of this Colony the sum of 15s., in full for the 
damage done to his Gun by a cannon ball fired from the 
enemy at Boston Neck on the 17th of June, 1775. . 


Order on the Complaint of Samurt Rice; passed June 
24, 1776. 


On the Complaint of Samuel Rice, of Lancaster, setting 
forth fraud in the Muster-Roll of Lieutenant Seth Heywood, 
of said Lancaster, &c.: 

Ordered, That the Secretary be, and he hereby is, 
directed to serve the said Lieutenant Seth Heywood with a 
copy of said Complaint and this Order, that he show cause, 
if any he has, on the second Wednesday of the next session 
of the General Court why he should not be prosecuted for 
fraud and perjury respecting said Roll; and that the Secre- 
tary be directed in like manner to serve the said Samuel 
Rice with a copy of his Complaint and this Order, that he 
have opportunity on the said second Wednesday of the next 
session of the General Court to support his complaint against 


said Heywood. 


Commissary for the Forces at 'Truro chosen; June 24, 
1776. 


The House made choice of Mr. John Sellew as a Com- 
missary for the Company stationed at Truro, in the room of 
Mr. Harding, excused. 

Concurred by Council same day. 


Adjutant for the Third Regiment in Yorx; chosen June 
22,1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of Mr. Theodore Ly- 
man as an Adjutant to the Third Regiment of Militia in the 
County of York. 

Concurred by Council June 24, 1776. 


Adjutant to the Second Regiment in Cumprrvann chosen; 
June 22, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of Joseph Ludden as 
an Adjutant to the Second Regiment of Militia, in the Coun- 
ty of Cumberland. 

Concurred by Council, June 24, 1776. 


Adjutant to the Third Regiment in Cumpervann chosen; 
JuNE 22, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of Gideon Meserve 
as an Adjutant to the Third Regiment of Militia, in the 
County of Cumberland. 

Concurred by Council, June 24, 1776. 


Resolve to supply Davin Jerrenties, Esquire, with fifteen 
hundred Pounds ; passed Junn 24, 1776. 


Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury 
of this Colony to David Jefferies, Esquire, Paymaster to the 
Regiments of Colonels Marshall, Whitney, and Crafts, the 
sum of £1,500, towards paying those Regiments, according 
to their establishment, so far as it respects Non-Commissioned 
Officers and Privates; said Paymaster to be accountable to 
this Court for the same. 


Resolve directing the Selectmen of the several Towns to lend 
Military Tools ; passed June 24, 1776. 


Whereas, by a late Act of the General Court, intituled 
“An Act for forming and regulating the Militia within the 
Colony, &c.,” the Selectmen of each and every Town are 
directed to provide, at the expense of the Colony, a number 
of Spades or Iron Shovels, Narrow Axes, and Pick Axes; 
and the same to deposite and keep in some safe place, for 
the use of the Militia upon an alarm: And whereas it may 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


286 


be found expedient to make use of such Tools in erecting 
Fortifications, or for other necessary purposes: Therefore, 

Resolved, That the Selectmen of each and every Town 
within this Colony be, and they hereby are, severally em- 
powered and directed, upon application being made, to 
deliver the whole, or any part of the Tools provided agree- 
ably to the Act aforesaid, to any Commissioned Officer, com- 
manding any number of Soldiers, employed in fortifying 
against the enemy, in any ‘Town in this Colony, taking their 
receipts for the same, particularly mentioning the number of 
each Tool so delivered ; and said officers are hereby directed 
to return said Tools to the said Selectmen as soon as con- 
veniently may be, after they have done using them in forti- 
fying as aforesaid, the aforesaid Act notwithstanding. 


Resolve for payment of Accounts for losses in battle, passed 
June 24, 1776. 

Resolved, That the following Sums be paid to the persons 

whose names follow, in full, for their accounts for losses in 

battle, on and since the 19th of April, 1775, viz: t 


co) 


EP RBM EL ches Sous 
Capt. Peter Coburn,5 10 0 Jonah Emmerson,- 1 0 0 
Thomas Cummings,O 9 0 Reuben Carlton, - 2 8 0 
Francis Darison, - 3 18 0 Daniel Keyes, - 1 18 0 
William Chambers, 1 18 0 William Campfield, 1 13 0 
James Spaulding, - 1 OO Isaac Green, - - 2 80 
Jedediah Thayer, - 2 14 0 Lieut. Isaac Brown,2 10 8 
Samuel Walker, - 3 3 2 Jeremiah Macho, - 1 16 0 
Eli Lewis, - - - 0160 David Adams, -0 40 
Joseph Thatcher, - 2 60 P.Dudley Sergeant,0 12 0 
Samuel Basset, - 014 0 Asahel Nim’s heirs, 4 14 0 
Maj. Stephen Cross, 2 6 0 Nathan Newell, - 0 60 
David Livestone, - 3 11 3 Lt. Benjamin West, 3 16 0 
Thomas Baker, - 2 14 3 Heirs of W. Fish,- 5 17 0 
Thomas Pike, -1 70 Edward Elsworth, 1 16 0 
Ephraim Hidden,- 0 8 0 Moses Morss, - - 1 10 0 
Stephen Palmer, - 1 16 0 Jacob Lane, - -2 8090 


Resolve making provision for the Families of such Tories as 
have left the Colony ; passed June 25, 1776. 


Whereas a Resolve passed this Court, dated the 19th of 
April, 1776, directing the Committee of Correspondence, 
&c., in this Colony, to lease out the Real Estates of 'Tories 
who have fled to the British Fleet or Army for protection, 
and to take an Inventory of their Personal Estates, &c., 
wherein no provision is made for their families which are left 
on those Estates, whereby great expenses may accrue to the 
Towns to which they respectively belong: 

It is therefore Resolved, That the Committees of Corre- 
spondence, Inspection, and Safety, in those ‘Towns in this 
Colony wherein there are Estates which, in pursuance of 
said Resolve, come under their cognisance, be, and they 
hereby are, directed to allow to the families of those enemies 
to their country, described in said resolve, so much of the 
improvement of said Estates as, in their opinion, is necessary, 
together with the industry of said families, for their comfort- 
able support, and account with this Court, as by said resolve 
is provided; and the Selectmen (or Overseers of the Poor, 
where such are appointed) are hereby empowered to bind 
out the children of such Tories, in like manner as they are 
by law empowered to bind out the Poor of their Towns. 

And it is further Resolved, That the Committees afore- 
said be, and they are hereby, empowered to dispose of any 
perishable goods belonging to said Estates, and which are 
otherwise in danger of being lost, for the most they will sell for. 
Resolve for raising one hundred Men, to be stationed at 

Marrua’s Vineyarp; passed June 25, 1776. 


Resolved, That there be raised on the Sea-Coast Estab- 
lishment, in addition to the Companies stationed at Martha’s 
Vineyard, one Company of one hundred Men, to be inlisted 
from the main, and to serve till the last day of December next, 
unless sooner discharged by order of this Court ; and that one 
piece of Cannon (a six-pounder now at Elizabeth Islands) be 
removed from thence, and placed at Martha’s Vineyard, and 
that they be supplied with two nine-pounders now at Boston ; 
and that the Commissary-General be, and he hereby is, 
directed to deliver the same to Joseph Mayhew, Esquire, or 
order, and also for the use of the Cannon and Men, station- 
ed at the Vineyard, four barrels of Powder, forty rounds of 


287 
Shot for each of said Cannon, and three hundred weight of 


Leaden Balls; he, the said Mayhew, to be accountable to 
this Court for the same. 


Resolve for raising five thousand Men, to cooperate with 
the Continental Troops at Canapa and New-York; 
passed JUNE 25, 1776. 


As the unrelenting spirit which possesses the King and 
Parliament of Britain has pushed them to leave no measures 
unessayed to accomplish our destruction, and, with infinite 
disgrace to themselves, are about to pour in upon us a num- 
ber of foreign Troops, with intent, this year, to decide the 
contest, and to enslave us forever; and as such a manly and 
brave resistance, as, with the smiles of Heaven, we are able 
to make, will, in all human probability, utterly defeat their 
haughty and unrighteous designs, and establish our liberty ; 
the Honourable American Congress have called upon this 
Colony for five thousand of its Militia, to codperate with the 
Continental Troops at Canada and New-York; and as it is 
absolutely necessary that a proper number of men should 
be reserved for the defence of the sea-coasts against the 
attacks which may be made upon them, it renders it un- 
avoidable that the levies should be made on the Towns 
least exposed to invasion from the sea; and although the 
numbers are large, yet the exertions now called for are to 
be disregarded when compared to the great and noble ob- 
jects for which we are contending: this Court, therefore, 
have the fullest assurance that their brethren, upon this 
occasion, will not confer with flesh and blood; but being 
convinced of the necessity of the measure, will, without 
hesitancy, and with the utmost alacrity and despatch, fill up 
the numbers proportioned on the respective ‘Towns, and in 
that case we shall have the highest prospect of defeating the 
bloody designs of our unjust and cruel adversaries. We 
derive the greatest confidence from the spirited and distin- 
guished part our constituents have taken upon all important 
occasions. We flatter ourselves that a noble defence this 
campaign will put an end tothe war. Everything, therefore, 
calls for their exertions on this occasion; not only the safety 
of their wives, children, and properties, but the security of the 
rights of the present and future generations: Therefore, 

Resolved, That the five thousand men from the Militia 
of this Colony, requested by Congress to be immediately 
raised and marched for reinforcing the Army in Canada 
and in New- York, be raised from the Militia on the Alarm 
and Training-Band Lists of the several Towns, and in the 
several proportions expressed in the schedule hereto an- 
nexed; and that those that are proportioned on the several 
Towns in the Counties of Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, 
Hampshire, York, and Cumberland, be destined and march 
for Canada; and that those which are proportioned on the 
several Towns in the Counties of Plymouth, Bristol, Wor- 
cester, and Berkshire, be destined and march for New- York. 
And that each man furnish himself with a good Firearm, and 
Bayonet fitted to the same, or, stead of a Bayonet, a 
Hatchet or Tomahawk, a Cartouch-Box, Knapsack, and 
Blanket; and for their encouragement readily to enter into 
the service of their country on this pressing exigency of 
affairs, there shall be paid to each non-commissioned Officer 
and private Soldier destined for Canada, at the time of his 
passing muster, £7; and to each non-commissioned Officer 
and private Soldier destined for New-York, at the time of his 
passing muster, £3—the better to enable him to furnish and 
prepare himself for the service on so sudden a call; and 6s. for 
the use of the Arms of each non-commissioned Officer and 
private Soldier destined to either of the places aforesaid, and 
12s. to purchase a Blanket, and one month’s advance pay on 
his passing muster, equipped as aforementioned. 

And it is further Resolved, 'That Jonathan Metcalf, Esq., 
Benjamin Guild, Esq., Colonel Aaron Davis, Nathaniel 
Bailey, Esq., and Mr. Daniel Perry, be a Committee to go 
into the County of Suffolk; and that Aaron Wood, Esq,., 
Major Samuel Epes, Mr. Nehemiah Abbot, Colonel Daniel 
Spafford, and Dudley Carlton, Esq., be a Committee to go 
into the County of Essex; and that Jonas Dix, Esq., Major 
Timothy Walker, Colonel Josiah Sartel, Colonel Simeon 
Spaulding, Mr. George Brigham, Captain Joseph Hosmer, 
Colonel Jonathan Reed, Colonel William Thompson, and 
Josiah Stone, Esq., be a Committee to go into the County 


of Middlesex; and that Joseph Hawley, Esq., Noah Good- 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


288 


man, Esq., Major William Pincheon, Jun., Mr. David Sax- 
ton, Mr. Luke Hitchcock, and Captain Israel Hubbard, be 
a Committee to go into the County of Hampshire; and that 
William Drew, Esq., Hugh Orr, Esq., Colonel Mitchell, 
Colonel Ebenezer White, and Captain Robert Lenthal Eels, 
be a Committee to go into the County of Plymouth; and 
that Captain John Stevens, Colonel Shubael Peck, and 
Colonel Nathaniel Leonard, be a Committee to go into the 
County of Bristol; and that Captain Seth Washburn, Cap- 
tain Nathaniel Wilson, Mr. Abner Rawson, Captain Wil- 
liam Page, Amos Singletary, Esq., Mr. John Ball, Captain 
John Haven, Captain Nicholas Dyke, and Major William 
Learned, be a Committee to go into the County of Worces- 
ter; and that Mr. Azariah Root, Major Caleb Hyde, and 
Captain Isaac Stratton, be a Committee to go into the 
County of Berkshire; and that Joseph Storer, Esq., and 
Colonel Ichabod Goodwin, be a Committee to go into the 
County of York; and that Captain Joseph Noyes be a Com- 
mittee to go into the County of Cumberland ; whose business 
it shall be to endeavour to have the inlistments of the men 
apportioned by this Resolve on the several Counties made 
without delay, to form the men into Companies, to muster 
and pay them their bounty, and for the use of their arms, 
and blanket money, and for one month’s advance pay, and 
to appoint meet persons for Captains and Subalterns of the 
Companies to be raised in their respective Counties; the 
non-commissioned Officers to be appointed by the respective 
Captains and Subalterns; no man to pass muster without 
being equipped as aforesaid. 

And it is further Resolved, 'That this Court, as soon as 
may be, proceed to the choice of two Brigadiers as recom- 
mended by Congress, and of the Field-Officers for the 
several Battalions. 

And it is further Resolved, That there be paid out of the 
Treasury of this Colony to the said Committees, to enable 
them to pay the Bounty aforesaid, and for the Blankets, 
and for the use of the Arms, and for a month’s advance 
pay, to non-commissioned Officers and private Soldiers, the 
several sums following, viz: 

To the Committee appointed to 
Suffolk, the sum of £4,190. 

To the Committee appointed to 
Essex, the sum of £4,280. 

To the Committee appointed to 
Middlesex, the sum of £10,070. 

To the Committee appointed to 
Hampshire, the sum of £7,100. 

To the Committee appointed to 
York, the sum £965. 

To the Committee appointed to 
Cumberland, the sum of £365. 

To the Committee appointed to go 
Plymouth, the sum of £2,120. 

To the Committee appointed to 
Bristol, the sum of £2,020. 

To the Committee appointed to 
Worcester, the sum of £6,380. 

To the Committee appointed to go into the County of 
Berkshire, the sum of £1,400. 

Each of said Committees to be accountable for the sum 
they shall severally receive. 

It is further Resolved, That the pay and establishment 
of these Forces shall be the same as for those in the Con- 
tinental service; that they be engaged to the first day of 
December next, unless sooner discharged by Congress; that 
their pay commence three days next preceding the day of 
their marching from home; and that they be allowed one 
penny, lawful money, a mile, in lieu of rations, for travelling 
expenses, and one day’s pay for every twenty miles between 
home and the general rendezvous, going and returning. 

Tt is further Resolved, That Edward Mitchell, Esq., 
Theophilus Cushing, Esq., and William Drew, Esq., be a 
Committee to provide suitable Camp-Kettles or Pots, and 
Canteens or Wooden Bottles, and transport them to suitable 
places, for the accommodation of the ‘Troops. 

And be it further Resolved, That the Committees to go 
into the several Counties receive Blank Commissions, to fill 
up and deliver to such Captains and Subalterns as they shall 
appoint. 

And it is further Resolved, That the men to be raised 
and destined for Canada, be formed into four Battalions, of 


go into the County of 
go into the County of 
go into the County of 
into the County of 
into the County of 
into the County of 
into the County of 
into the County of 


go into the County of 


289 


nearly seven hundred and fifty men each, including Officers, 
and each Battalion to consist of eight Companies; each 
Company of one Captain, one First Lieutenant, one Second 
Lieutenant, one Ensign, four Sergeants, four Corporals, one 
Drum, and one Fife, and as near as may be of seventy-nine 
Privates. And that the men to be raised and destined for 
New-York be formed into three Battalions, each to consist, 
as near as may be, of six hundred and sixty-six men, including 
Officers ; and also each Battalion to consist of eight Compa- 
nies, and each Company of one Captain, one First Lieute- 
nant, one Second Lieutenant, one Ensign, four Sergeants, 
four Corporals, one Drummer, one Fifer, and as near as may 
be of sixty-nine Privates. And the several Militia Officers 
in the several Counties are hereby required to afford their 
utmost aid to the said Committees in raising the men afore- 
said, by calling together the men under their command, and 
in any other way the said Committees shall request. 

And it is further Resolved, That the four Battalions 
destined to Canada shall be constituted in the manner fol- 
lowing, that is to say: The first of said Battalions of all the 
men to be raised in the County of Suffolk, and of all the 
men to be raised in the following Towns in the County of 
Middlesex, viz: Cambridge, Watertown, Charlestown, Med- 
ford, Malden, Waltham, Sherburne, Hopkington, Holliston, 
and Natick; and the second of said Battalions shall be con- 
stituted of all the men to be raised in the Counties of Essex, 
York, and Cumberland; and the third of said Battalions 
shall be constituted of all the men to be raised in the County 
of Middlesex, except the Towns in the same County joined 
with the County of Suffolk, as above expressed; and that 
the fourth of the said Battalions shall be constituted of all 
the men to be raised in the County of Hampshire. 

And it is further Resolved, ‘That the three Battalions 
destined to New-York shall be constituted in the manner 
following, that is to say: The first of the said Battalions of 
all the men to be raised in the Counties of Plymouth and 
Bristol; and the second of the said Battalions shal] be con- 
stituted of all the men to be raised in the several Towns in 
the County of Worcester, excepting the owns hereinafter 
named ; and the third of the said Battaliqns shall be consti- 
tuted of all the men to be raised in the County of Berkshire, 
and the following Towns in the County of Worcester, viz: 
Lancaster, Bolton, Harvard, Mendon, Upton, Southborough, 
Grafton, Northborough, Westborough, Shrewsbury, Lunen- 
burgh, and Leominster. . 

And it is further Resolved, That the several Battalions 
which shall be raised agreeably to, or in consequence of the 
foregoing Resolves, shall march to their respective places of 
destination by such routes as may be ordered by the General 
Assembly of this Colony; and in case no order is made for 
that purpose by the General Assembly, then by such routes 
as the Council of this Colony, or the major part of them, 
shall order and direct. 

Also Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick 
Treasury of this Colony, to the Committee appointed to 
procure Camp-Kettles, &c., the sum of £400, to enable 
them to purchase those articles, to pay for their transporta- 
tion, and any other charges that may attend their doing said 
business; and that said Committee duly account with this 
Court for the expenditure of the sum or sums which they 
may receive for the purpose before mentioned. 


Suffolk. Essex. 

Roxburyy -)- - -, 42 Danvers, - = - - 50 
Dorchester,- - - - 8 Ipswich, -  - - - 10 
Milton, - - - - - 23 Newbury, - - - - 30 
Braintree; - - - - 20 Lynn, - - - - - 10 
Weymouth,- - - - 10 Andover, - - - - 64 
Hingham, - - - - 15-Rowley, - - - - 20 
Dedham, - - © = 65° Salisbury;:-»- »-.-':18 
Medfield;""= =""=395.°26 2 Haverhill) - 3) \-4:-) 43 
Wrentham, - - -° - 65 Topsfield, -. - - - 30 
Brookline, *- .-.-- + «17 Amesbury, + *- .- -» 37 
Neediiam, =) ~ 2 G26 eRemdfordwen2! <p. = 43 
Stoughton, - - - - 40 Wenham, - - - - 6 
Stoughtonham,- - - 24 Methuen, - - - - 40 
Medway, - - - -» 26° Boxford, - - ~ - 38 
Bellingham, - - - 17 Middleton, - - - - 18 
Walpole, - - - - 22 Any 
Chelsea,- - - - - 2 Middlesex. af 

448 Cambridge,- - - - 57 


Firtu Serres. —Vot. I. 


Watertown, - 
Concord, - 
Newton, - 
Reading, - 
Marlborough, 
Billerica, = - 
Framingham, 
Lexington, - 
Chelmsford, 
Sherburne, - 
Sudbury, - 
Weston,- - 
Medford, - 
Littleton, - 
Hopkinton, - 
Westford, - 
Waltham, - 
Stow, - - 
Groton, - - 
Shirley, -  - 
Pepperell, - 
Townsend - 
Ashby, - - 
Stoneham, - 
Natick, - - 
Dracut, - - 
Bedford, — - 
Holliston, - 
Tewksbury, 


Acton, - - 


_Lincoln,- - 


Wilmington, 
Malden,- - 
Charlestown, 
Dunstable, - 
Woburn, - 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 


Hampshire. 


Springfield, - 
Brimfield, - 
Wilbraham, - 
Northampton, 
Southampton, 
Hadley, -  - 
South-Hadley, 
Amherst,  - 
Granby,- - 
Hatfield, - 
Conway, - 
Sunderland, 

Montague, - 


Northfield, - 


South-Brimfield 


Monson,. - 
Pelham, = 
Greenwich, - 
Blanford, - 
Leverett, - 
Warwick, - 
Bernardstown, 
Murrayfield, 
Charlemont, 
Worthington, 
Shutesbury, 
Chesterfield, 
Southwick, - 


West-Springfield 


Whateley, - 


Wilhiamsburgh, 


Westfield, - 
Deerfield, - 
Greenfield, - 
Shelburne, - 
Palmer, - - 
Granville, - 
New-Salem, 
Belchertown, 
Colerain, - 
Ware, - - 
Ludlow, - 
Ashfield, - 


3 


1776. 


Norwich, - 
Murrayfield, 
Ervingshire, 
Plantation No. 
Plantation No. 


1; 
5 


Plymouth. 


Plymouth, - 
Kingston, - 


Duxbury, - 


Middleborough, 


Bridgewater, 
Pembroke, - 
Halifax,- - 
Marshfield, - 
Scituate,  - 
Hanover, - 
Wareham, - 
Rochester, - 
Abington, - 
Plympton, - 


Bristol. 


Taunton, - 
Rehoboth, - 
Norton, - - 
Mansfield, - 
Attleborough, 
Dighton, - 
Easton, - - 
Swanzey, - 
Raynham, - 
Berkley, - 


Berwick, - 
Kittery, -  - 
OF, Gor lac 
Wells, - - 
Lebanon, - 


Sandford & Smi 


Arundell,  - 
Biddeford, - 


Pepperellborough, 


Buxton,- - 


th’s Co. 


Worcester. 


Worcester, - 
Lancaster, - 
Spencer, | - 
Holden, - - 
Paxton, - - 
Leicester, - 
Howard,. - 
Bolton, - - 
Princetown, 
Mendon, - 
Uxbridge, - 
Upton, - - 
Douglass, - 
Northbridge, 
Brookfield, - 
Hardwick, - 


New-Braintree, 


Weston,-  - 
Oakham, - 
Oxford, - -- 
Sutton, - - 
Sturbridge, - 
Dudley, - - 
Charlton, - 
Southborough, 
Grafiton,- - 
Northborough, 
Westborough, 
Shrewsbury, 
Lunenburg, - 
Leominster, - 
Westminster, 


Fitchburg, - 


291 
Ashburnham, - - - 11 West-Stockbridge,- - 6 
Rutland,.. - . -. ©) © pea. shittshield, - *- -) = 9h7 
Hutchinson, - - - 29 New-Marlborough, - 19 
Petersham, - - - - 26 Egremont, - - - - 9 
Athol.o.- 2 2 beet ee icomMond, a) sappy ae 
Templeton,- - - - 19 Glass-Works, Grant, & 
Royalston, - - - - 6 part of Hartwood, - 5 
Winchendon, - - - 7 Stockbridge, - - - 14 
Hubbardston, - - -. 6 Lenox, -.- - -)7- 9 
7136 Tytingham, - - - il 
Cumberland Loudoun,» <p) a5 Rie 
: Alford, = .-.y- 4 -icaee OU 
Scarborough, - - - 4 [nesborough,- - - 19 
Windham, - - - - 5 New-Ashford,- - - 8 
Gorham, - - - - 10 Sandisfield,- - - - 14 
Pearsontown, - - - 4 Plantation Hartwood,- 5 
New-Boston, - - - 2 Williamstown, - - - 13 
New-Gloucester, - - 6 Bocket,- - - - -«.6 
North-Yarmouth, - - 4 Gageborough, - - - 7 
Brunswick,- - - - 4 Partridgefield, - - - 5 
39 East-Hoosuck,- - - 9 
Berkshire. Jericho, -. -. -. i= v= 49 
geen wes ee ed, New-Providence, - - 6 
Great-Barrington, - - 16 249 
Torau— Suffolk, - - - - - - - - - 448 
Hiscer.apedic A~A ) t We h-e Pee ge 
Middlesez,--"\-.- = - «-+- 1070 
Hampshire,- - - - - - - - 7154 
Plymouth, - - - - - - - - 380 
Bristol, -)- - -. - + -)+-)% 9862 
Yorks peacwicWl-was. =~) | ee OD 
Worcester, Merwe = ke ck ie nl LOO 
Cumberlandsa - te- - -4i- em a e 
Berkshire, - -. - - - = ~ -249 
9000 


The following is the form of the Inlistment to be signed 
by those who shall engage in the service, agreeable to the 
foregoing Resolve: 


‘‘We, whose names are underwritten, do hereby severally 
inlist ourselves into the service of the United American 
Colonies, and severally promise and engage to continue in 
such service until the first day of December, 1776, unless 
sooner discharged; and to furnish ourselves, each, with a 
good effective fire-arm, and, if possible, a bayonet fitted 
thereto, or, in lieu thereof, a hatchet or tomahawk, a car- 
tridge-box, and blanket. We also, in like manner, promise 
and engage to obey all the Jawful commands of the officers 
appointed, or to be appointed, over us, pursuant to the 
resolves of the General Court of the Colony of the Massa 
chusetts- Bay; and under the direction of such officers, to 
march with the utmost despatch to , and to be sub- 
ject to all such rules and regulations, in every respect, as are 
provided for the Continental Army. June, 1776.” 


Joun Cummines, Esq., chosen Brigadier-General; Jone 
20; 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of John Cummings, 
Esq., as a Brigadier-General, to command the forces to be 
sent to Canada. 

Concurred by Council, June 26, 1776. 


Joun Fetiows, Esq., chosen Brigadier-General; June 
25, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of John Fellows, 
Esq., as a Brigadier-General, to command the forces to be 
sent to New- York. 

Concurred by Council, June 26, 1776. 


— 


Resolve on the Petition of Jacos Banker, and others, of 
Nova Scotia; passed June 26, 1776. 


Resolved, ‘That the Commissary-General be, and he 
hereby is, directed to deliver one barrel of Gunpowder, 
three hundred and fifty Flints, and two hundred and fifty 
weight of Lead, from the Colony stores, to Asa Perly and 
Asa Kimball, or their order, Agents of the Committee 
appointed by the inhabitants of the County of Sunbury, for 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


292 


the use of their constituents ; and that they, the said Perly 
and Kimball, be accountable to this Court for the same; and 
that the said Agents have liberty to purchase from such of 
the inhabitants of this Colony as shall be willing to part with 
the same, forty stand of Small-Arms, for the use of their 
constituents; and that the Committees of Correspondence, 
&c., in any of the sea-ports within this Colony, are directed 
to grant permits to the said Agents, to transport the same, or 
any other goods or merchandise that may legally be trans- 
ported from port to port within this Colony. 


Resolve on the Petition of Auexanper McLetuan; passed 
June 26, 1776. 

On the Petition of Alexander McLellan, 

Resolved, That the Commissary-General be directed to 
deliver him seventy pounds’ weight of Gunpowder, and 
twenty dozen Flints, the said Alexander paying current 
price for the same. 


Resolve relative to erecting Beacons; passed Junn 26, 
1776. 


Whereas, by a Resolve of this Court, passed the sixteenth 
of April last, it was ordered, that a Beacon should be erected 
at Cape-Ann, on the height of Governour’s Hill, so called, 
another at Marblehead, on the height of the land there, one 
at Boston, on the usual place, and another on the height of 
the Blue-Hills, in Stoughton, or Milton, and no person or 
persons were appointed to carry this Resolve into execution : 
Therefore, 

Resolved, That the Selectmen of the several ‘Towns 
where the Beacons are respectively to be erected, be, and 
hereby are, directed and empowered forthwith to erect the 
same on the places specified in the Resolve above ‘men- 
tioned, at the expense of this Colony, and make report to 
this Court as soon as they have completed the business 
respectively assigned them. ; 

And also Resolved, That Thomas Cushing, Esq., Mr. 
Whittemore, and Mr. Otis, be a Committee to form such 
regulations as may be necessary relating to said Beacons. 


Resolve on the Account of the Selectmen of HaverHite 
passed June 26, 1776. 


Resolved, That there be allowed and paid out of the 
publick Treasury of this Colony, to the Selectmen of Haver- 
hill, the sum of £57 4s. 6d., in full of their Account of 
Provisions supplied the Army at the time of Lexington 
Fight, on the 19th of April, 1775. 


Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fourth Regiment in MippiEsex 
chosen; June 26, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of Cyprian Howe, 
as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fourth Regiment of Militia in 
the County of Middlesex, in the room of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Barnes, who declines serving. 

Concurred by Council same day. 


Field- Officers of the Battalion to be raised in Essex, York, 


and CumBERLAND Chosen; JuNnE 25, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of the following gen- 
tlemen as Field-Officers for the Battalion to be raised in the 
Counties of Essex, York, and Cumberland, for the Conti- 
nental service, agreeable to a Resolve which passed the 
House this day, viz: John Whittier, Esq., Colonel ; Arche- 
laus Fuller, Lieutenant-Colonel ; James Roberts, Esquire, 
Major. 

Closed by Council June 26, 1776. 


Field- Officers of the Battalion to be raised ih Puymourn 
and Bristou chosen; June 26, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of the following gen- 
tlemen as Field-Officers for the Battalion to be raised for 
the service of the Continent, in the Counties of Plymouth 
and Bristol, agreeable toa Resolve which passed the House 
yesterday, viz: Simeon Cary, Colonel; Stephen Richard- 
son, Lieutenant-Colonel; John Paine, Major. 

Concurred by Council the same day. 


293 


Freld-Officers for the Battalion to be raised in Hampsuire 
chosen; June 25, 1776. 

The House made choice, by ballot, of the following gen- 
tlemen as Field-Officers for the Battalion to be raised in the 
County of Hampshire for the Continental service, agreeable 
to a Resolve which passed the House this day, viz: Rug- 
gles Woodbridge, Esq., Colonel; David Leonard, Esq., 
Lieutenant-Colonel ; William Stacy, Esq., Major. 

Concurred by Council June 26, 1776. 


Field- Officers for the Battalion to be raised in WorcrsTER 
chosen; JUNE 26, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of the following gen- 
tlemen as Field-Officers for the Battalion to be raised in the 
County of Worcester for the Continental service, agreeable 
to a Resolve which passed the House yesterday, viz: Jona- 
than Holman Colonel, Paul Raymond Lieutenant-Colonel, 
Barnabas Sears Major. 

Concurred by Council the same day. 


Field- Officers for the Third Battalion destined to Canapa 
chosen ; June 26, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of the following gen- 
tlemen as Field-Officers for the Third Battalion destined to 
Canada, to be raised agreeable to a Resolve which passed 
the House yesterday, viz: Jonathan Reed Colonel, Benja- 
min Brown Lieutenant-Colonel, Daniel Fletcher Major. 

Concurred by Council the same day. 

Field-Officers for the Battalion to be raised in Berxsuine, 
&c., chosen; June 26, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of the following gen- 
tlemen as Field-Officers of the Battalion to be raised for the 
service of the Continent in the County of Berkshire and 
part of the County of Worcester, agreeable to a Resolve 
which passed the House yesterday, viz: Jonathan Smith 
Colonel, Robert Longley Lieutenant-Colonel, Moses Whee- 
lock Major. 


Concurred by Council the same day. 


Resolve for. applying part of the Moneys appropriated to 
the purchase of Flour to pay for Tents; passed June 
at, Lei, 

Whereas the risk of importing Flour from the Southern 
Colonies is greatly increased: Therefore, 

Resolved, That the Committee appointed by the late 
General Court to import ten thousand barrels of Flour, &c., 
be, and they are hereby, directed so far to countermand 
their orders to Messrs. Mifflin & Barrell, for purchasing 
said ten thousand barrels of Flour, as to direct them not to 
purchase any more of that article, except the six thousand 
and sixty-one barrels already purchased. 

It is further Resolved, That the said Committee be, and 
they are hereby, directed to order that so much of the Money 
that was appropriated to pay for said Flour, &c., as will be 
sufficient to pay for one thousand Tents, (which are purchased 
at Philadelphia, on account of this Colony, by order of the 
Commissary-General,) be applied for that purpose. 


Resolue for signing Bills of publick Credit; passed Jone 
QT, 1776. 


Ordered, That Abraham Fuller, Esq., Captain Samuel 
Carlton, Stephen Hall, tertius, Esq., Mr. George Partridge, 
Jonathan Brown, Esq., John Pitts, Esq., Mr. Samuel Allyne 
Otis, Dr. Moses Gunn, Tristram Dalton, Esq., Mr. Abner 
Ellis, Joseph Nye, Esquire, of Harwick, Edward MWigeles- 
worth, Esq, Benjamin Mills, Esq., Israel Hobart, Esquire, 
* George Williams, Esq., and Caleb Davis, Esq., be a Com- 

mittee to sign and number the Bills of Credit of the present 
emission. 
Resolve for the Commissary-General to purchase Tents ; 
passed June 27, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he 
hereby is, directed to purchase the materials for five hun- 
dred ‘Tents, and have them made at the expense and for the 
use of this Colony; and the honourable Council are hereby 
empowered to grant their Warrant on the Treasury for a 
sum of money sufficient to pay for the same. 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


294 


Resolve for procuring Hard Money; passed June 27, 1776. 

Whereas repeated applications have been made by the 
honourable Congress to this Court to procure a sum of Hard 
Money to be forthwith sent into Canada for the support of 
our Army in that quarter, and have sent us Continental 
Bills to be exchanged for said Hard Money, but this Court 
have not been able as yet to procure more than £2,000 of 
the £30,000 required by Congress; and whereas it appears 
to this Court necessary to the carrying on the Canadian 
expedition with success, that our Army in that quarter be 
supplied with Hard Money without delay: Therefore, 

Resolved, That it be, and hereby is, recommended to 
the friends of America in the several ‘Towns in this Colony, 
(as they regard the success of our arms, and would prevent 
the Canadian-French and Savages from joining our more 
savage British enemy, to harass and distress our frontiers, 
and to make inroads into this and the neighbouring Colo- 
nies,) that they sign subscription papers, purporting what 
sum in Hard Money each man is willing to exchange for 
Continental Bills. And the Committees of Correspondence, 
&c., in the several Towns aforesaid, to whose patriotism and 
unwearied exertions in their country’s cause these Colonies 
are so much indebted, are hereby further called upon to 
procure subscriptions as aforesaid in their respective ‘Towns, 
without delay, and transmit such subscriptions to this Court, 
in order that the amount of said subscriptions may be sent 
to said Committees in Bills to be exchanged; and that the 
names of those worthy members of society who are disposed 
to assist their distressed country in this critical day, may be 
publickly known. 


Resolve for paying the Delegates of this Colony at Congress 
four hundred Dollars each; passed June 27, 1776. 
Resolved, That the Committee appointed by the General 

Court to purchase and import Flour and Rice, for the use 

of this Colony, be, and they hereby are, directed to order 

$400 to be paid to each of the honourable Delegates of this 

Colony at Congress, out of the money appropriated for the 

purchasing of said Flour; they to account with this Court 

for the same. 


Resolve for appointing Staff Officers for the Regiments 
destined to Canana, &c.; passed June 27, 1776. 

Resolved, That one Chaplain, Surgeon, Surgeori’s Mate, 
Adjutant and Quartermaster, be appointed for each of the 
four Regiments raising for Canada, and the three Regiments 
destined for New-York ; and that the pay and allowance to 
the officers aforesaid be agreeable to the Continental estab- 
lishment. 

Also Resolved, That the Committees of the General Court, 
appointed to give out Commissions to the Captains and Sub- 
alterns of the foregoing Regiments, be severally empowered 
and directed to deliver Commissions or Warrants to such 
persons for Staff Officers as the Field Officers of their re- 
spective Regiments shall recommend to be most suitable for 
the services aforesaid. 


Resolve for providing Canteens and Camp Kettles ; passed 
June 27, 1776. 


Resolved, 'That the Committee appointed by this House 
to provide Canteens and Kamp-Kettles for the Troops to be 
raised, destined for Canada and New-York, be and hereby 
are directed to provide one Canteen for each Soldier, and 
five hundred Tin Kettles, if to be obtained, for the use of 
the Troops destined fot Canada; and also three hundred 
and thirty-three Kettles of Tin for the Troops destined for 
New-York, if to be had; otherwise that they procure Iron 
ones; to be delivered at the following places, and in the sub- 
sequent proportions, viz: At Medfield, 75 Kettles and 448 
Canteens, for the County of Suffolk. At Haverhill, 101 
Kettles, and 601 Canteens, for Essex, York, and Cumber- 
land. At Westford, 178 Kettles, and 1070 Canteens, for 
Middlesea. At Rehoboth, 123 Kettles, and 742 Canteens, 
for Plymouth and Bristol. At Brookfield, 189 Kettles, and 
1136 Canteens, for Worcester. At Pittsfield, 44 Kettles, 
and 261 Canteens, for Berkshire. At Northampton, 67 
Kettles and 374 Canteens, and at Hadley, 67 Kettles and 
374 Canteens, for Hampshire. 

And it is further Resolved, That the above-mentioned 

* 


295 


Camp Kettles and Canteens be deposited with the under- 
named persons, to be by them delivered to the Troops, 
taking their receipts therefor, viz: 'Those for Medfield, to 
Eleazer Wheelock; those for Haverhill, to Isaac Reddington; 
those for Westford, to Captain Joseph Reed; those for Re- 
hoboth, to Mr. Ephraim Starkweather ; those for Pittsfield, 
to Captain Bush; those for Northampton, to Mr. 
Robert Brick; those for Hadley, to Major John Chester 
Williams; those for Brookfield, to David Hitchcock ; ‘and 
that those persons be accountable to this Court for the 
same. 


—— 


Resolve for paying Captain Witxiam Scorr and Men; 
passed JUNE 27, 1776. 


Whereas a Resolve passed this Court in March and April 
last, ordering the sum of £14 15s. to be paid out of the 
publick Treasury to Captain William Scott, and the Officers 
and Soldiers in his Company, for the losses sustained by said 
Company at Chelsea and Bunker Hill, to each of said Offi- 
cers and men, the several sums set to their names; and it 
appearing to this Court that the sums amount to £19 15s.: 
Therefore, 

Resolved, That there be allowed and paid out of the pub- 
lick Treasury of this Colony to Captain William Scott, for 
the use of the officers and men mentioned in the Return on 
which the said Resolve passed, the several sums set to their 
names respectively ; said sums amounting in the whole to 
£19 15s.: Provided, That he shall not be entitled to receive 
anything in consequence of this Resolve for any person who 
has received the sum intended to have been allowed him by 
the Resolve aforesaid. 


Officers for the Company at Martua’s Vineyarp chosen ; 
JuNE 27, 1776. 

The House made choice, by ballot, of the following gen- 

tlemen as Officers for the Company of one hundred men, 


to be stationed at Martha’s Vineyard: John Russell, Cap-- 


tain; Stephen Fisk, Jua., First Lieutenant; Silas Hatch, 
Jun., Second Lieutenant. 
Concurred by Council the same day. 


Resolve on the Petition of the Committee of Savem ; passed 
June 28, 1776. ‘ 


On the Petition of the Committee of Salem, relative to 
the Company stationed there, 
- Resolved, ‘That the prayer of the Petition be so far grant- 
ed, as that the Commissioned Officers of said Company con- 
sist, in future, of one Captain, one First Lieutenant, one 
Second Lieutenant, and one Ensign; and that suitable per- 
sons, to be appointed by this Court, be commissioned to 
complete the corps of Commissioned Officers in said Com- 
pany, agreeable to this Resolve; and that the pay of said 
Ensign be £3 3s. 


Officers for the Company at Sane appointed ; JuNE 28, 
1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of the following gen- 
tlemen as Officers for the Company stationed at Salem, viz: 
William Marston, First Lieutenant, in the room of Jonathan 
Haradon, who is engaged on board the Sloop Tyrannicide ; 
Benjamin Ropes, Jun., Second Lieutenant, in the room of 
William Marston, elected First Lieutenant ; and Christopher 
Babbage, Ensign. 

Concurred by Council the same day. 


Resolve for paying Captain Warner and Men; passed 
JUNE 28, 1776.: 

Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury, 

to Captain Daniel Warner, £30 2s. 4d., in full for himself 


and men borne on his Roll.. 3 


Form of Inlistment, &c., for raising one hundred Men, to 


be stationed at Marrua’s Vineyarp; passed Jun 28, 
1776, 


Resolved, That the following be the form of an Inlistment 
and Beating Orders for raising one hundred Men, to be sta- 
tioned on Martha’s Vineyard, viz: 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


296 


Form of an Inlistment. 


“We, whose names are hereto subscribed, do severally 
inlist ourselves into the service of the Colony of the Mas- 
sachusetts-Bay, on the sea-coast establishment, to continue 
in the said service until the last day of December next, unless 
sooner discharged; and we severally promise to furnish our- 
selves with a good firearm and bayonet fitted thereto, if 
possible, and also a cartouch-box and blanket; and, when 
inlisted, we promise to march to Martha’s Vineyard, for th 
defence of that Island, and be subject to the command of the 
officers which are or may be appointed over us by the 
General Court. 


“ Dated the day of rt Wi (he 


Form of Beating Orders. 


Oe , Gentleman, greeting : 

“You are hereby empowered and directed to inlist a 
Company, to consist of ninety-seven Men, including Non- 
Commissioned Officers and Privates, to serve on the Island 
of Martha’s Vineyard; and when so inlisted to cause them 
to pass muster before Major Joseph Dimmock, who is hereby 
ordered to muster them accordingly; and when mustered, 
you are to march said men immediately to said Martha’s 
Vineyard, for the defence of that Island, to be under the 
field command of Major Barachiah Basset.” 


Resolve for the delivery of Gunpowder to Witti1am Ben- 
NET; passed JuNE 28, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Commissary-General be directed, 
and he hereby is ordered, to deliver to William Bennet, one 
hundred pounds of Gunpowder, he paying for the same. 


Resolve for paying the Selectmen of Saxpwicu; passed 
June 28, 1776. 


On the Account of the Selectmen of Sandwich, for Bar- 
racks, Wood, Cartridges, Powder, and Flints, amounting to 
£4 18s. 2d., 

Resolved, That there be paid out of the Treasury of this 
Colony £2 3s. 6d., in full for the above-mentioned Account, 
to the Selectmen of Sandwich. 


Resolve on the Petition from the Town of Cuarvron ; 
passed JunE 28, 1776. 


On the Petition of the Town of Charlton, 

Resolved, That the prayer of said Petition be so far 
granted, that the Committee of Correspondence, Inspection, 
and Safety, for said Town, be, and they are hereby, em- 
powered and directed to make division, with the Honourable 
Samuel Danforth, Esq., and others, of any Lands lying in 
common, or undivided, in the Town of Charlton, where 
the said William Brown, of Salem, a Mandamus Counsellor, 
is interested, in any lawful way that they shall be able; and 
when said Brown’s interest is ascertained, they, the said 
Committee, to take care of the same, and see that no strip 
or waste is made on said Jand, until the further order of this 
Court. 


—— 


Resolve appointing Signers to Bills of Publick Credit; passed 
JUNE 28, 1776. . 
Ordered, That Mr. Warwick Palfrey, Mr. Henry Hill, 
and Colonel Samuel Thatcher, be of the Committee to sign 
the Bills of Credit in the room of Mr. Nye, Mr. Pitts, and 
Mr. Mills, excused. 


Resolve for supplying Marsienean with Cannon, &c.; 
passed JunE 28, 1776. : 


Resolved, That four forty-two-pounders and two twelve-— 
pounders be supplied for the Town and Harbour of Marble- 
head; and that the Commissary-General be, and he hereby 
is, directed to deliver the same to Mr. Joshua Orne, or his 
order, (provided they are not under improvement in any 


fortification in Boston or Nantasket Harbour,) and that 


the said Orne fix and prepare the same for use; and the 
Commissary-General is also directed to deliver to the said 
Orne forty rounds of Shot for each of said Cannon, and 
also for’ two twenty-four-pounders now at Marblehead, and 
one thousand pounds of Gunpowder—he to be accountable 
to this Court for the same. 


¥ 


297 


Resolve for supplying the Town of Savem with Cannon, 
&c.; passed June 28, 1776. 


Resolved, That two twenty-four or eighteen-pounders, 
and two nine-pounders, be supplied for the ‘Town and Har- 
bour of Salem; and that the Commissary-General be, and 
he hereby is, directed to deliver the same to Captain George 
Williams, or order, (provided they are not under improve- 
ment in any fortification in Boston or Nantasket Harbour,) 
and that he, the said Williams, fix and prepare the same for 
use; and the Commissary-General is also directed to deliver 
to the said Williams, or his order, forty rounds of Shot for 
each of said Cannon, and also for one eighteen- pounder now 
at Salem, and eight hundred weight of Gunpowder—he to 
be accountable to this Court for the same. 


Resolve for supplying the Town of Beveriy with Cannon, 
&c.; passed June 28, 1776. 


Resolved, 'That the Commissary-General be, and he 
hereby is, directed to deliver to Captain Josiah Batcheldor, 
or his order, for the use of the Town of Beverly, four pieces 
of Cannon, nine-pounders, (provided they are not under 
improvement in any fortification in Boston or .Nantasket 
Harbour,) and that he, the said Batcheldor, fix and prepare 
the same for use; and the Commissary is also directed to 
deliver to the said Batcheldor, or his order, forty rounds of 
Shot for each of said Cannon, and five hundred weight of Gun- 
powder—he to be accountable to this Court for the same. 
Resolve for supplying the Town of Newsuryrorr with 

Cannon, and for raising two Companies to be stationed 

there; passed June 28, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Town of Newburyport be supplied 
with three pieces of Cannon out of those in and about Bos- 
ton, one forty-two-pounder, and two twenty-four or eighteen- 
pounders, one found, (provided they are not under improve- 
ment in any of the fortifications in Boston or Nantasket 
Harbour,) the other with one or both trunnions off, with 
necessary apparatus, in lieu of six nine-pounders before 
granted by this Court, for the use of that Town; and that the 
Commissary-General be, and he hereby is, directed to deliver 
the same to Captain Edward Wigglesworth, or order, as also 
twenty rounds of Shot for each of said Cannon, and forty 
rounds of Shot for ten nine-pounders now at Newburyport, 
and three hundred weight of Gunpowder for the use of New- 
buryport—he to be accountable to this Court for the same. 

And it is further Resolved, That one Company of fifty 
men, including Officers, be raised on the sea-coast establish- 
ment, for the defence of said Town; and also one Company 
of Matrosses, on the same establishment, to consist of fifty 
men, including Officers, to manage the Cannon there. 


Resolve on the Petition of Enwarp Perry; passed June 
28, 1776. 

On the Petition of Edward Perry, 

Resolved, 'That the said Edward Perry be released from 
his present confinement to the Town of Sturbridge, and that 
he be permitted to return to Portsmouth, in New-Hampshire, 
at his own expense, to settle and adjust his private affairs 
there—he giving his parole of honour to the Selectmen of 
Sturbridge, that he will abide by this Resolve, and not hold 
any correspondence with any of the Officers of either the 
Fleet or Army of Great Britain, or aid, assist, or abet said 
Fleet or Army in any way or manner whatever. . And we 
would recommend to the Committee of Correspondence and 
Safety of the Town of Portsmouth, to take him under their 
inspection and direction for the future; and that the said 
Committee be furnished with a copy of this Resolve. 


Resolve for a grant of fifty Pounds, for the Committee to 
purchase Camp-Kettles ; passed June 28, 1776. 

Whereas the £400 ordered by this Court to be put into 
the hands of Colonel Mitchell and others, a Committee 
appointed to procure Camp-Kettles, &c., for the Army, 
appears to be not sufficient for that purpose: 

It is Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick 
Treasury of this Colony to the Committee aforesaid, the 
further sum of £50, to enable them to complete thebusi- 
ness of their commission—the said Committee to be account- 
able to this Court for the same. 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


298 


Resolve for paying Captain Mircne.s’s Men; passed June 
28, 1776. 
Resolved, 'That there be paid out of the publick Treasury 
to Captain Elisha Mitchell, for the use of the Men borne 
on his Roll, the sum of £36 11s. 1d., in full. 


Resolve for purchasing Cannon Ball for the Committee of 
Truro; passed June 28, 1776. 

Resolved, That there be allowed and paid out of the 
publick Treasury of this Colony to-Reuben Higgins, the sum 
of £4, for the use of the Committee of Truro, to purchase 
six hundred weight of Cannon Ball, and that the said 
Reuben Higgins be accountable to this Court for the 
same. 


Route of the Troops destined to Canapa and New-York; 
passed June 28, 1776. 


Resolved, 'That all the ‘Troops that are destined by this 
Colony for Canada march to Crown-Point, by the way of 
Number-Four, and from thence in the most direct way to 
Lake Champlain, opposite to Ticonderoga, and that they 
receive their tations at Number-Four; that the Companies 
destined to New-York (except in the County of Berkshire) 
march through the Town of New-Haven, and there receive 
their rations, and then proceed in the most direct road to 
New-York; and that all the Troops raised in*the County 
of Berkshire march in the most direct way, by land, to New- 
York, and there receive their allowance for travel; and that 
all said Troops march in Companies, as soon as they are 
ready, under the direction of their Officers; and that a letter 
be sent to General Schuyler, and also one to Commissary 
Trumbull, informing them of this Resolution. 


Resolve for supplying Tuomas Cusnine, Esq., with Lead ; 
passed June 28, 1776. / 


Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this Colony 
be, and he hereby is, directed to deliver to the Hon. Thomas 
Cushing, Esq., or order, the amount of fifteen hundred 
weight of Lead, for the use of the Continental Vessels by 
him building, he paying for the same the amount of what 
Lead now sells for. 


Resolve on the Account of Joan Brapsury, Esq., Trea- 
surer of York; passed June 28, 1776. 


Resolved, 'That John Bradbury, Esq., Treasurer of the 
County of York, be, and he hereby is, discharged of the 
sum of £50 19s. 11d., for sundry payments made, as by 
his account, and that he be accountable to the said County 
for the further sum of £67 5s. 1d., which appears to be the 
balance due from him to said County as ‘Treasurer. 


Resolve for paying the Selectmen of GLoucestER ; passed 
JuNE 28, 1776. 


Resolved, That there be paid out of the Treasury of this 
Colony unto the Selectmen of Gloucester £7 15s., in full 
of their Account. 


Resolve for paying the Selectmen of Groucester for billet- 
ing Men; passed June 28, 1776. 


Resolved, That there be paid out of the Treasury of this 
Colony to the Selectmen of Gloucester the sum of £15 2s. 
6d., in full for the Account of billeting forty-seven men nine 
days, at 5s. per week: 

Resolve for supplying the Town of Carn-ExizaBeru with 
Cannon, &§c.; passed June 28, 1776. 

Resolved, That the Town of Cape-Elizabeth be allowed 
four pieces of Cannon, now in and about Boston, with one 
or both trunnions off, viz: two of twelve-pounders and two 
of nine-pounders; and the Commissary-General of this Colo- 
ny is hereby required to deliver the same, with apparatus, to 
My. James Leach, or order, for the use of the said ‘Town, and 
also forty rounds of Shot for each of said Cannon, and four 
barrels of Gunpowder, he, the said James Leach, to be ac- 
countable to this Court for the sane. And he is desired to 
get the Cannon properly fixed, 


299 


Resolve on the Petition of Jeratumeet Bowers, Esq., and 
others; passed June 28, 1776. 


Whereas, by reason of the unhappy disputes which sub- 
sisted in the Town of Swansey, the inhabitants of that Town 
in the month of March last formed themselves into two par- 
ties, each of which assembled and chose such Town Officers 
as are by law directed to be chosen in the month of March 
annually; and as each party supposed they were acting 
agreeable to the rules of law, they did not respectively attend 
the meeting of the other party, so that such Officers must 
have been in each case partially chosen ; and as it appears 
to be conducive to the peace and welfare of said ‘Town that 
the Officers so chosen at such partial meeting should be all 
of them disqualified from acting any further under such 
choice : ‘ 

It is Resolved, That the several meetings aforesaid shall 
be considered as illegal and void, except for the purposes 
hereafter mentioned; that all Officers chosen at said meet- 
ing shall cease to exercise any powers or authorities by virtue 
of said choice, only any publication of purposes of mar- 
riage and certificate respecting the same by either of the 
Clerks then chosen, and the doings of the several Selectmen 
respecting the poor of said Town, be, and they are hereby, 
confirmed. 

And it is further Resolved, That John Turner, Esq., be, 
and he is hereby, authorized and empowered forthwith to 
issue his Warrant to either of the persons who served as 
Constables for the said Town of Swansey for the last year, 
directing him to notify the Freeholders, and other inhabitants 
of said ‘Town by law qualified to vote in Town affairs, to 
meet at the Meeting-House in said Town, near Elder Rus- 
sel’s Mansion-House, at the time mentioned in said Warrant, 
for the purpose of choosing ‘Town-Clerk, Selectmen, and 
such other Town Officers as are by law directed to be 
chosen in the month of March annually; which Officers so 
chosen shall have the same powers and authorities as if 
they had been regularly chosen in the month of March last ; 
and the said Turner shall preside as Moderator of the same 
meeting until such Officers are chosen as aforesaid; and 
the said Turner is directed in his said Warrant to order the 
said Constable to warn the Freeholders, and other -inhabi- 
tants by law qualified to elect Representatives for the Ge- 
neral Assembly, to meet at the same time and place for the 
purpose of choosing one or more Representative or Repre- 
sentatives to serve in the General Assembly for the present 
year, agreeable to the preéept which shall be issued for 
that purpose, at the choice of which Representative or Re- 
presentatives, the Selectmen which shall be chosen at the 
same meeting preside as Moderators. 

And it is further Resolved, 'That the assessment of 'Taxes 
by the Assessors of said ‘Town for the year 1775 be, and 
it hereby is, confirmed and made good, notwithstanding the 
said Assessors may not have been sworn in the manner 
directed by law; and the valuation of Real Estates by 
such Assessors is also hereby established and made good, 
as a rule to determine the right of Voters for the present 

ear. 

And it is further Resolved, That the Agents who ap- 
peared to support the Memorial against the election of a 
Representative for said ‘Town the present year, be paid their 
own charges and the charges of their Witnesses out of the 
Treasury of said Town, after their Accounts have been ex- 
amined and adjusted by the Selectmen which shall be chosen 
for said Town for the present year; and that the charges of 
the Agents and Witnesses who opposed the said Memorial, 
be paid in like manner. 


Resolve for annexing the Militia to be raised in Newton, 
for the service in Canana, to the First Battalion; passed 
JuNE 28, 1776. 


Whereas it appears that the men to be raised for the 
Canada service in the Town of Newton, in the County of 
Middlesex, were by mistake omitted in the Resolve for 
forming the First Battalion for said Canada service: There- 
fore, 

Resolved, That the said men to be raised in said Town 
of Newton be, and they are hereby, annexed to the said 
First Battalion, said former Resolve to the contrary notwith- 
standing. 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


300 


Resolve for paying Captain Briper’s Roll; 
28, 1776. 
Resolved, That there be paid out of the Colony Trea- 
sury to Captain John Bridge, for the use of the Officers and 
Soldiers borne on his Roll, the sum of £13 13s. 3d., in full.. 


_—_ 


passed JuNE 


Resolve for paying Captain Munro’s Company; passed 
June 28, 1776. 

Resolved, That there be paid out of the Colony Trea- 
sury to Captain Edmund Munro, for the use of the Officers 
and Soldiers borne on his Roll, the sum of £9 11s. 113d., 
in full. , 


Resolve for paying Captain Joun Packer’s Roll; passed 
JuNE 28, 1776. 


Resolved, That there be paid out of the Colony Trea- 
sury to Lieutenant Joseph Symonds, for the use of the Offi- 
cers and Soldiers borne on Captain John Packer’s Roll, the 
sum of £16 19s. 10d., in full. 


Resolve for paying Captain Joun Parxer’s Roll; passed 
JuNE 28, 1776. 


Resolved, That there be paid out of the Colony Trea- 
sury to Captain John Parker, for the use of the Officers and 
Soldiers borne on his Roll, £13 11s. 6d., in full. 


Resolve for supplying the Committee for raising Men with 
Money for that purpose; passed June 29, 1776. 


Resolved, That the $21,000 lately received from the 
honourable Congress for the use of two Regiments ordered 
to be raised and stationed in this Colony, and also that the 
%30,000 lately received from the said honourable Congress 
to be exchanged by this Colony for hard money, amounting 
in the whole to the sum of £15,300, be paid into the hands 
of the Committee lately appointed to raise men for the publick 
service in Canada and New-York, in the manner following, 
viz: That £1,400, part of the aforesaid sum, be paid to 
the Committee appointed to go into the County of Berk- 
shire; and that £7,100, part of the sum aforesaid received 
from Congress, be paid to the Committee appomted to go 
into the County of Hampshire to raise men; and that £365 
be paid to the Committee appointed to go into the County 
of Cumberland ; and that £965 be paid to the Committee 
appointed to go into the County of York for the purpose 
aforesaid; and that the remaining sum of £5,470 be paid 
to the Committee appointed to raise men in the County of 


Middlesex. ell 
Resolve. relative to fortifying the Gurnet; passed June 
29, 1776. 


Whereas this Court some days ago passed a Resolve that 
two pieces of Cannon, of twelve-pounders, and four of six- 
pounders, should be placed at the Gurnetf, at the entrance 
of Plymouth Harbour; and it hath been represented to this 
Court that it is necessary to have some Cannon of a larger 
size than six-pounders to defend Plymouth and other places 
adjacent: It is, therefore, 

Resolved, 'Vhat three pieces of Cannon, of nine-pounders, 
be delivered by the Commissary-General of this Colony, in 
lieu of three of the six-pounders before granted, with Powder, 
Shot, and the necessary apparatus therefor, in the same pro- 
portion as heretofore granted for the six-pounders; and that 
Major Thomas Dawes, of Boston, be employed as an-Engi- 
neer, to repair to the Gurnet and direct in raising a Fortifi- 
cation there, and placing the Guns; and that the Commander 
of the men stationed there be authorized to make use of seven 
of the Whale-boats belonging tothe Colony. 


Resolve appointing a Committee to confer with a Committee 
of the Assembly of Ruope-Isuann; passed June 29, 
1776. ' 


Whereas the honourable the General Assembly of the 
Colony of Rhode-Island, &c., at their last March Session, 
did appoint the Hon. William Bradford, Esq.; and Simeon 
Potter, Esq., a Committee to confer with the General Court 
of this Colony, upon the subject of erecting suitable Fortifi- 
cations at Bristol Ferry, and also respecting fortifying How- 
land’s Ferry, and to agree with the General Assembly of 


301 


this Colony respecting the erecting Fortifications at both the 
said places, as it is apprehended that proper Fortifications 
at the said places would be very advantageous to the inhabi- 
tants of this Colony, as well as of that Colony: ‘There- 
fore, 

Resolved, That the Hon. Walter Spooner, Esq., Mr. 
Durfee, and Captain Stearns, be a Committee in behalf of 
this Court, to confer with the honourable Committee of the 
said Assembly of Rhode-Island above named, on the subjects 
abovesaid, and (if they shall judge necessary) to view the 
places, and in any other way fully satisfy themselves of the 
advantages likely to result to this Colony from Fortifications 
at the said places, or either of them; and in case they shall 
find that such Fortifications will be for the benefit and advan- 
tage of this Colony, then further to consider what share or 
proportion of the expense of such Fortresses it would be 
reasonable for this Colony to bear; and to report to this 
Court as soon as may be. 


Resolve for the delivery of the Schooner CaTHarine ; passed 
JUNE 29, 1776. 

Resolved, That Colonel Cobb be directed to deliver the 
Schooner Catharine, Thomas Parks late master, to John 
Webb or order, owner of said Schooner, said Webb paying 
charges. 


Resolve on the Petition of Jonaruan Stickney; passed 
JuNE 29, 1776. 


On the Petition of Jonathan Stickney, 

Resolved, 'That notwithstanding the imprudent and crimi- 
nal discourse and behaviour of the Petitioner, in times past, 
whereby he has incurred the publick resentment; yet if he 
shall now freely and fully promise and engage before the 
Committee of Correspondence, Inspection, and Safety, for 
the Town of Ipswich, that for the future he will observe a 
strict decorum in his words and actions, and in nowise 
attempt anything inconsistent with the publick peace and 
safety, the keeper of the Jail in the Town of Ipswich be, 
and hereby is, directed to discharge him from his present 


confinement, he first paying the charges that have accrued 


> 


by means of his being apprehended and confined. 


es 


Resolve to supply the Committee for raising Men with more 
Money; passed June 29, 1776. 


Whereas, by a Resolve of this Court of the-25th instant, 
several sums of Money were ordered to be paid to the several 
Committees appointed to go into the several Counties in this 
Colony, to enable them to pay the Non-Commissioned Offi- 
cers and Soldiers the several sums mentioned in said Resolve ; 
and whereas, through some mistake, the several sums ordered 
to be paid said Committees fall short of the sum intended 
to be put into their hands for the purpose aforesaid: There- 
fore, 

Resolved, That there be paid out of the Treasury of this 
Colony, to the said Committees, for the purposes mentioned 
in said Resolve, the further sums following, viz: 

To the Committee appointed to go into the County of 
Suffolk, the sum of £59 8s. 

To the Committee appointed to 
Essex, the sum of £61 6s. 

To the Committee appointed to go 
Middlesex, the sum of £112. 

To the Committee appointed to 
Hampshire, the sum of £37 14s. 

To the Committee appointed to 
York, the sum of £27 8s. 

To the Committee appointed to 
Cumberland, the sum of £12 8s. 

To the Committee appointed to 
Plymouth, the sum of £123 4s. 

To the Committee appointed to 
Bristol, the sum of £101 16s. 

To the Committee appointed to 
Worcester, the sum of £86 12s. 

To the Committee appointed to 
Berkshire, the sum of £41 12s. 

KEach,of said Committees to be accountable to this Court 
for the sum they shall severally receive. 


into the County of 


into the County of 
into the County of 
into the County of 
into the County of 
go into the County of 
into the County of 
into the County of 


into the County of 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JUNE, 1776. 


302 


Resolve on the Account of ALEXANDER GRAY; passed JUNE 
29, 1776. 

Resolved, That the Treasurer of this Colony be, and*he 
is hereby, directed to pay out of the publick Treasury the 
sum of £5 5s., to Alexander Gray, in full discharge of his 
Account. 


Resolve for supplying the Town of Arunven with Powder, 
&c.; passed June 29, 1776. 

Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he here- 
by is, directed to deliver to Mr. Benjamin Durril, or order, 
one barrel of Gunpowder, and one hundred weight of Leaden 
Ball, for the use of the said Town of Arundel, he to be 
accountable to this Court for the same. 


Resolve for paying James Minor for numbering the People; 
passed June 29, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Receiver-General be, and he hereby 
is, directed to pay out of the publick Treasury to Mr. James 
Minot, or order, £6 19s. 4d., in full for his services in taking 
the number of the People on the eastern side of George’s 
River. 

Resolve for procuring Stockings for the Army; passed June 
29, 1776. 


Resolved, That Abraham Watson, Esq., of Cambridge, 
Jonathan Brown and Samuel Fisk, Esqs., of Watertown, 
Mr. John Nazro, of Worcester, Joseph Nye, Esq., of Sand- 
wich, and Mr. James Sheppard, of Northampton, be, and 
they hereby are, appointed a Committee to collect a quantity 
of Yarn Stockings, not exceeding four thousand pair; and 
that the Committee apply to the Selectmen of the several 
Towns in this Colony most likely to procure them, request- 
ing their immediate assistance in effecting the above business ; 
and the said Committee are hereby directed not to allow 
more than 5s. a pair for good Stockings. 

And it is further Resolved, That there be paid out of the 


publick Treasury of this Colony the sum of £1000, to en- 


able them to purchase said Stockings; and that the said Com- 
mittee be accountable to this Court for the same. 


Resolve for supplying the Town of Harrsweiy with Fire- 
Arms and Powder; passed Junz 29, 1776. 
Resolved, 'That twenty-five of the Firearms delivered by 
order of this Court to Doctor Edward Russell, be now de- 
livered to Lsaac Snow, or order, for the use of the said Town 
of Harpswell, he to be accountable to this Court for the 
same. And that the Commissary-General be, and he hereby 
is, directed to deliver to the said Isaac Snow, or order, one 
hundred pounds of Gunpowder and one hundred weight of 
Leaden Ball, for the use of the said Town; he, the said 
Snow, to be accountable to this Court for the same. 


Resolve for paying Bensamin Epes, Post-Rider; passed 
June 29, 1776. 

Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Trea- 
sury of this Colony to Major Samuel Epes, for the use of 
Benjamin Epes, the further sum of £4, for his service as 
Post-Rider from Falmouth to George-Town six months, in 
the year 1775. 


Resolve for paying Joseru Bernarp, Post-Rider; passed 
June 29, 1776. 


Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Trea- 
sury to Joseph Bernard, or order, the further sum of £13 4s. 
Ad., for his service as Post-Rider from Portsmouth to Fal- 
mouth, four months and five days, in the year 1775. 


Resolve for payment of losses in Battle on the 19th Aprit 
and 17th of Junr, 1775; passed June 29, 1776. 


Resolved, That the following sums be paid out of the 
publick Treasury to the persons hereafter mentioned, in full 
for their accounts for losses in Battle on the 19th of April, 
and 17th of June, 1775, viz: 'To the heirs of Jeremiah 
Shattuck, Jun., £4 19s.; to the heirs of Jonathan Jenkins, 
£5 6s. 9d, ; to Lieutenant Joseph Gilbert, £2 6s.; to Cap- 
tain Ebenezer Battle, for the use of Jemima Haven, £3 7s. 
Gd.;.to Isaac Green, £2 2s. 


303 


Officers for the Company of Matrosses at Newsuryport 
chosen; June 29, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of the following gen- 
tlemen, as Officers for the Company of Matrosses to be 
stationed at Newburyport, viz: Edward Wigglesworth, 
Captain; Michael Hodge, First Lieutenant; Joseph Whit- 
temore, Second Lieutenant. 

Concurred by Council same day. 

Officers for Sea-Coast Men at Newsuryrort chosen; June 
29, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of the following gen- 
tlemen as Officers for the Company of Sea-Coast Men, to 
be stationed at Newburyport, viz: Moses Nowell, Captain ; 
Elias Davis, First Lieutenant; Moses Greenleaf, Second 
Lieutenant. 

Concurred by Council same day. 

JosepH Mavuew, Esq., appointed to sign Beating Orders, 
&c.; June 29, 1776. 


Resolved, That Joseph Mayhew, Esquire, be, and hereby 
is, empowered and directed to sign Beating-Orders, directed 
to John Russell, Gentleman, appointed Captain of a Com- 
pany now to be raised, and to be stationed on Martha’s 
Vineyard, for the defence of that Island, empowering and 
directing said Captain Russell to inlist a Company for the 

‘ purpose before mentioned. 


Resolve for payment of the Overseers of Reaptne ; passed 
JuNE 29, 1776. © 


Resolved, That there be allowed and paid out of the 
publick Treasury of this Colony, to the Overseers of the 
Poor of the Town of Reading, the sum of £3 6s., in full 
of their Account. 


——— 


Resolve for procuring a Company of Ship-Carpenters, to 
go to ALBany; passed Juuy 1, 1776. 

Resolved, That there be a Company of fifty Ship-Car- 
penters immediately agreed with to enter into the Conti- 
nental service, and ordered to Albany, there to be under 
the direction of General Schuyler, or other Commanding 
Officer; that they provide themselves with suitable tools, at 
their own expense, and that necessary wagons be provided 


to transport their tools and baggage to Albany; and that 


£3 per man be advanced in part of his wages, to enable 
him to equip himself and march to Albany; and that those 
Carpenters who have no tools be provided therewith, deduct- 
ing the cost thereof from the wages of such deficient Car- 
penters; and that a master workman be appointed to 
command this Company, whose wages and allowance, to- 
gether with the Company, be conformable to a memorandum 
of an Agreement transmitted by General Schuyler the 25th 
instant. 


Resolve relative to procuring a Company of Ship-Carpen- 
ters to go to ALBANY ; passed Juty 1, 1776. 


Resolved, That the following form of an Inlistment or 
Agreement be the form of the Agreement with the Company 
of Ship-Carpenters this day resolved to be raised for the 
Continental service, viz: 


“An agreement made the day of , 1776, between 
the Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay of the first part, and 
of , and the several persons whose names are here- 

unto subscribed, of the second part. The several persons 
of the said second part, each for himself, do hereby agree 
that they severally will immediately repair to Albany, or to 
such other place 4s General Schuyler, or the Commander- 
in-Chief in that department for the time being, shall direct, 
and there employ themselves in constructing and building 
such and so many batteaus, other vessels, and buildings, as 
the said Commander-in-Chief, or his appointed Superintend- 
ent, shall direct, from the day of their engagement till the 
first day of December next, unless sooner discharged ; that 
they will, during the time they shall be employed, contmue 
each day at their said work and employment between the 
times following, viz: to begin their work at. sunrise, and 
continue at it till sunset, excepting one hour at breakfast, 
and one and an half hour at dinner; that each and every of 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JULY, 1776. 


304 


them shall and will find and provide themselves proper tools 
and implements for the carrying on the saidswork ; and that 
if any of the said persons of the second part shall leave the 
said work, and go from the post where he shall be employed, 
without the leave of the Commanding Officer of such post 
first had and obtained, the person so going off shall forfeit 
all the wages which otherwise would be due to him. 

“In consideration whereof, the said Colony promises and 
agrees, with each and every person of the said second part, 
that they shall severally have and receive the wages follow- 
ing, viz: the said , at and after the rate of one dollar 
and a quarter; and each and every other person of the said 
second part, at and after the rate of one dollar, for each and 
every day they shall be in actual service as aforesaid ; and 
that, over and above said sums, they shall severally receive 
one anda quarter pounds of pork or beef and one pound and a 
half of flour per day, four pints of peas per week, one pint 
of molasses per week, and half a pint of rum per day; that 
said wages shall commence on the day they shall leave their 
homes to proceed on their journey; that they shall, each of 
them, receive ten dollars advance pay, in part for their wages, 
before they march ; and shall also be allowed one day’s wages 
for each and every twenty miles travel, on their return to 
their homes; and upon their travel, both out and home, 
they shall severally be allowed, instead of their rations afore- 
said, one-third ofa dollar for every twenty miles travel, to bear 
their expenses on the road; and if any person of said second 
part should be taken sick during the time in which they shall 
be in employ as aforesaid, they shall not be entitled to any 
wages for the time they abstain from working, unless the 
Commanding Officer of the post where they shall be station- 
ed shall, on application to him made, refuse to discharge the 
persons so taken sick; in which case, they shall be entitled 
to wages, in the same manner as thouch no such application 
and refusal had taken place, or they had not been taken sick.” 

Also, Resolved, That Colonel Bagley, Mr. Webster, and 
Mr. Litile, of Newbury, be a Committee to agree with the 
Carpenters as aforesaid, and to hire Wagons to carry their 
Tools and Baggage, and to pay their advance wages as afore- 
said; and said Committee are hereby empowered to draw 
upon the Colony Treasurer for the sum of £170, for the 
purposes aforesaid; and the ‘Treasurer is hereby directed to 
pay said sum to said Committee, they being accountable for 
the expenditure of the same. 


— 


Resoive vesting certain Powers in the Council during the 
recess of the Court; passed Juty 1, 1776. 


Whereas it is necessary that in the recess of the Court 
certain Powers should be vested in the Council, or Com- 
mittee of Council, for the publick good: Therefore, 

Resolved, ‘That the honourable Council, or such part of 
them as they shall appoint, be a Committee of Safety, whose 
business it shall be, during the recess of the General Court, 
to direct the Commissary-General of this Colony respecting 
the taking in and delivering out the Warlike Stores of this 
Colony to and from the publick Magazines as they may 
think necessary; and that said Council, or Committee of 
Council, have power to appoint Agents for, and in all 
respects provide for and give out such Instructions to the 
Commanders of the armed Vessels that are or may be fitted 
out on the account of this Colony as shall be necessary for 
the defence and interest of this Colony, or of the United 
Colonies, such Instructions not being contrary to any law or 
resolve of the General Court, or the resolves of the Conti- 
nental Congress; and that the Council, or said Committee 
of Council, have power to direct the Commissary-General 
of this Colony to procure such Warlike Stores and Provi- 
sions as they may find necessary; and that they be empow- 
ered to grant Warrants on the Treasury for such sum or” 
sums of Money as there may be occasion for, for the purposes 
aforesaid, such Moneys to be accounted for by the persons 
who shall receive the same; and that the three Regiments 
of Colonel Marshall, Colonel Whitney, Colonel Crafts, and 
the four Companies that have been doing duty in Dorchester, 
Braintree, Weymouth, and Hingham, and the other Com- 
panies of sea-coast men, be under the direction of the Coun- 


‘cil, or said Committee of Council, who may, if occasion 


should require, put them under the command of such person 
or persons as they shall think proper; these powess to con- 
tinue until the next meeting of the General Assembly. 


305 


And it is further Resolved, That the Council, during the 
recess of the Court, be empowered and authorized to treat 
with any Indians that may arrive, and make such provision for 
them as the Council may think best; and that the Council be 
further authorized to appoint and commissionate such Field 
Officers as may be necessary to fill up any vacancies which 
may happen in any of the Regiments which are now raising ; 
and ifthe Council shall not be sitting, that the said Committee 
of Council have the same power in these respects. 

Resolve on the Petition of Resecca Briver and LemMuen 
Curip; passed Jury 1, 1776. 


On the Petition of Rebecca Bridge and Lemuel Child, 
Resolved, That the prayer of the Petition be granted; 
and that the Petitioners be, and hereby are, empowered to 
make sale of all the Real Estate therein mentioned, for the 
most it will fetch, and:-make and execute a good deed or 
deeds thereof, observing the rules of the law respecting 
the sales of Real Estates by Executors and Administrators, 
and giving security to the Judge of Probate for the County 
of Suffolk that the proceeds be applied as follows, viz: The 
said Widow of Edward Bridge to have the income of one- 
third part annually during her natural life; the other two- 
thirds to be appropriated to the payment of the said deceased’s 
just debts; and the remainder (if any there shall be) to be 
put to interest, for the benefit of said deceased’s heirs, to be 
paid to them, respectively, in legal proportion, when they 
shall be of age; also, that said heirs shall have and enjoy 
said Widow’s thirds, after her decease, in case the debts of 
the said Edward Bridge be all first discharged. 
Resolve empowering the Commissary to deliver out Powder, 
&c., to the Forces bound to Canava; passed Juty 1, 
1776. 


Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this Colony 
be, and he hereby is, directed to deliver fifteen hundred 
weight of Gunpowder and three thousand five hundred weight 
of leaden Musket-Balls, and nine thousand Flints, to Mr. 
Ezra Sargeant, for the use of the Forces of this Colony 
bound to Canada, and that said Sargeant procure a sufli- 
cient number of ‘Teams and Drivers for the same, to carry 
said Powder, Ball, and Flints, to Charlestown, in New- 
Hampshire Colony, to be there delivered to Mr. Samuel 
Hunt, for the use of the said Forces. 

And be it further Resolved, That Mr. Samuel Hunt be, 
and is hereby, directed to deliver, out of the said Powder, 
Balls, and F'lints, to each officer and private soldier of the 
said Forces, half a pound of Powder and twenty Balls and 
three F'lints. 

And it is further Resolved, That Mr. Ezra Sargeant be, 
and hereby is, appointed and directed to guard said Teams, 
with sixteen men, to Charlestown aforesaid. 

And it is further Resolved, That there be paid out of 
the publick Treasury of this Colony £40, to enable him to 
procure and pay for said ‘Teams and Drivers; and that he 
be accountable to this Court for the sum or sums he may 
receive for the purpose aforesaid. 

Resolve for appointing an Engineer to direct in the Works 

carryiug on at the Gurnet, &c.; passed Juty 1, 1776. 


Whereas a few days since a Resolve passed this Court 
appointing Major Thomas Dawes, for the purpose of repair- 
ing to the Gurnet, at the entrance of Plymouth Harbour, 
and to direct in the Fortifications to be there erected: and 
it was at the same time resolved, that seven of the Colonial 
Boats should be furnished for said service; but as Major 
Dawes cannot attend said service, and no Colonial Boats 
are to be had: It is, therefore, 

Resolved, That Major-General Lincoln be desired to 
procure and send forward, without loss of time, a suitable 
person to direct in the Works aforesaid; and that Major- 
General Ward be also desired to furnish seven of the Con- 
tinental Whale-Boats for said service; which Boats shall be 
returned in good order, as soon as the service will admit of it. 
Resolve relative to the Accounts of the Guardians of the 

Dunotey Inpians; passed Jury 1, 1776. 


On the Accounts of the Dudley Indians, 
Resolved, That it appears the said Accounts are rightly 
cast and well vouched; and that the said Guardians, at their 


Firtu Serres.—Vot. I. 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JULY, 1776. 


306 


last settlement, on the 24th February, 1774, were in advance 

the sum of £6 7s. 34d., and since have paid for said Indians’ 

benefit the sum of £13 14s. 9d., and that they have received 

two years’ income, at £9 per year, and that the said @uar- 

dians are in advance the sum of £2 Qs, Ohd. 

Resolve directing the Committee of Mivron to take into pos- 
session the Estates of Tuomas Hurcurnson and Henry 
Luoyp; passed Jury 1, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Committee of Correspondence, 
Safety, and Inspection, of the ‘Town of Milton, be, and they 
are hereby, empowered to take into their possession all the 
Personal Estate of Thomas Hutchinson, late of said Milton, 
which is in the possession of Colonel Taylor, in said Milton, 
or wherever it may be found, excepting such as may have 
been otherwise disposed of by order of the General Court, 
and to follow the directions of this Court respecting the 
same, as in similar cases provided. 

And further Resolved, That said Committees take into 
their care the Estate let to Captain Daniel Vose by Henry 
Lloyd, late of Boston, who fled with the Ministerial Fleet, 
observing the directions of Court with respect to the Estates 
of Refugees. “ 
Resolve relative to the Commissary’s receiving Saltpetre ; 

passed Juty 1, 1776. 


Whereas the Orders of the late General Assembly of this 
Colony, directing the Commissary-General to receive and 
pay for Saltpetre at Watertown, manufactured in the said 
Colony, is found to be very defective in this respect, that he 
is empowered to receive the said article on two days in each 
month only, which restriction is found greatly inconvenient 
for manufacturers of that commodity, and tends much to the 
discouragement of the manufacturing of that article: 

It ts therefore Resolved, ‘That the Commissary-General 
of this Colony, by himself or his Deputy, immediately 
examine such Saltpetre as has been manufactured in this 
Colony before the first of June last, and brought to Water- 
town aforesaid within the time limited by this Court for the 
delivery of the same, in all instances when the manufacturer 
or any one in his behalf is attending to deliver the same, and 
to accept and pay for such Saltpetre, if in his power, in 
case he shall find that the manufacturer or manufacturers 
are entitled to be paid for the same by any Resolve or Re- 
solves of the General Assembly now in force; and that for 
the future, until the first of October next, he, the said Com- 
missary-General, by himself or some sufficient Deputy in 
his stead, give his attendance at some proper place in Water- 
town aforesaid, at least two days in a week, for the examin- 
ing, receiving, and paying for such Saltpetre as shall be 
brought and offered to the said Commissary by such persons 
as may be entitled to be paid therefor by any Resolve or 
Resolves of the General Assembly of this Colony, which 
are now or shall be in force before the said first day of Octo- 
ber next; and that the said Commissary-General be, and he 
is hereby, directed to notify the publick of the particular days 
of the week on which he will give such attendance. 
Resolve on the Return of Estates in Wosurn; passed Juty 

Taluio, 


Resolved, That the proceedings of the Committee of 
Correspondence, Safety, and Inspection, for the Town of 
Woburn, in taking into possession and leasing out the Estate 
of Mr. Coffin, is conformable to a late Act or Resolve of the 
Great and General Court in that case made and provided, 
&c.; and the inhabitants of the Town of Woburn are hereby 
required to aid and support their Committee in their doings 
with regard to said Estate, said Committee conforming their 
proceedings to the Acts and Resolves of this Court in such 
case made and provided. 

Resolve for discharging the Schooner CuarLestown Cur- 
rer; passed Jury 2, 1776. 


Resolved, That Captain Batcheldor be directed to dis- 
charge the Schooner called the Charlestown Cutter, and her 
crew, from the service of this Colony, and deliver the said 
Schooner to her Jawful owner, and pay him the hire that 
may be due to him for her service. Also to settle the Port- 
lidge Bill, and pay the master and people that belong to 
said Schooner the wages that are due to them, and to 


20 


307 


receive and take care of all the publick stores now on board 
said Schooner that belong to this Colony, and lay his 
accounts before this Court for allowance and payment of 
the. game. 


Resolve to fit out a Vessel of Observation; passed Jury 2, 
1776. 


Resolved, That Captain Batcheldor be directed to hire 
and fit out a small Vessel, and employ a master and a suit- 
able number of men to man her, for the purpose of cruising, 
obtaining and giving intelligence of the enemy’s fleets, &c.; 
and when said Vessel is fit for the sea, the said Batcheldor 
is directed to send the master to the Council or Committee 
of Council, to receive such orders and instructions as will be 
necessary. 

It is further Resolved, That the Receiver-General be, 
and he is hereby, directed to pay out of the publick ‘Treasury 
the sum of £50 to said Batcheldor, to enable him to carry 
this Resolve into execution, he to be accountable to this 
Court for the same. 


Resolve for raising a Company of Matrosses to be stationed 
at SaLem; passed Juty 2, 1776. 


Resolved, That a Company of Matrosses, to consist of 
fifty men, including Officers, be raised and placed at Salem, 
to be under the direction of the Committee of Correspon- 
dence, Safety, and Inspection, at Salem, and to be upon the 
same pay and regulations as the Company of Matrosses 
stationed at-Marblehead—said Company to be inlisted to 
serve till the last of December next, unless sooner discharged 


by this Court. ' 


Resolve for supplying the Selectmen of Boston with eighty 
Pounds, §c.; passed Jury 2, 1776. 


Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury 
of this Colony the sum of £80, towards defraying the ex- 
penses incurred by removing persons to the Province Hos- 
pital at Boston, and supporting them while sick with the 
small-pox; and that Mr. Olver Wendell be appointed to 
receive and pay said Moneys to the Selectmen of Boston, 
and be accountable to this Court for the same. 


Committee for procuring Flour, directed not to purchase any 
more; JuLy 2, 1776. 

Resolved, That Deacon Elnathan Curtis, Gideon Whee- 
ler, Esquire, and Mr. Benedict Dewey, the Committee an- 
pointed February 20, 1776, to purchase a quantity of Flour 
in the western parts of this Colony, not exceeding two thou- 
sand barrels, (and who have given information that they 
have purchased about fifteen hundred barrels,) be, and they 
are hereby, directed not to purchase any more on account of 
this Colony, until the further order of this Court; and that 
Captain Noah Goodman and Major William Pyncheon be, 
and they are hereby, directed to pay the moneys they have 
received from this Court to the several persons that have 
supplied them with Flour, and apply to this Court for any 
further sum that may be wanting to complete said payments, 
and account with this Court for the same. 


Establishment for the Row-Galleys; passed Jury 2, 1776. 


Whereas there are two Row-Galleys now building in this 
Colony, which are nearly ready for the Sea, but no estab- 
lishment having been made for them, and a recess of this 
Court is likely soon to take place: Therefore, 

Resolved, That the establishment for the Row-Galleys 
shall be the same with that for other vessels of war belonging 
to this Colony, and that the Committee for fortifying the 
Harbour of Boston be a Committee, during the next recess 
of this Court, to recommend to the honourable Council suit- 
able persons to command said Galleys, which persons shall 
be commissionated by the honourable Council. 


Resolve relative to Leaden Window Weights; passed Jury 
We oN he ys 


Whereas it is of great importance for the defence of this 
Colony, in the present struggle with Great Britain, that a 
sufficient quantity of Leaden Balls be immediately procured: 
Therefore, : 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JULY, 1776. 


308 


Resolved, That it be recommended to the inhabitants of 
the several ‘Towns in the Colony, that they spare their 
Leaden Window Weights for that purpose, and the Com- 
missary-General is directed to receive and pay for all such 
Lead, and have it cast into Balls. 


Resolve for supplying the Town of Favmours with four ’ 
Cannon, &§c.; passed Jury 2, 1776. 


Whereas a grant of ten Cannon was made by the last 
General Court to the Town of Falmouth, for the defence 
thereof, and only six have already been provided: There 
fore, 

Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he 
hereby is, directed to deliver to Samuel Freeman, Esq., or 
his order, four pieces of Cannon, either twelve, eighteen, or 
twenty-four- pounders, or any other sizes that he thinks can 
be best spared from the Cannon now in or near Boston, 
having one or two trunnions off; the said Freeman to get 
them properly fixed at the expense of the Colony as soon 
as possible. And the said Commissary is hereby directed 
to deliver the said Freeman, or his order, forty rounds of 
Shot for each Cannon, suitable for the same. 


~ 


Resolve appointing Mr. Dantex Hopxiys a Signer of Bills; 
passed Jury 2, 1776. 


Ordered, That Mr. Daniel Hopkins be of the Commit- 
tee to sign the Bills of Credit, in the room of Mr. Dalton, 
absent. 


Captain and Lieutenants appointed for the Company of 
Matrosses at Sauem; Jury 2, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of the following gen- 
tlemen as Officers for the Company of Matrosses to be 
stationed at Salem, viz: John Symonds, Captain; Richard 
Masury, First Lieutenant ; Daniel Felt, Second Lieutenant. 

Concurred by Council the same day. 


Resolve relative to the Test Act; passed Jury 2, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Committees of Inspection and Safety 
of each and every Town and place in this Colony be, and 
they hereby are, directed to omit tendering the Declaration 
prescribed by an Act passed in the last session of the Gen- 
eral Court of this Colony, commonly called the Test Act ; 
and also to refrain from requiring the inhabitants of this 
Colony, severally, to subscribe said Declaration; and all 
proceedings against such persons as have already refused or 
neglected to sign the same Declaration, be stayed till the 
further order of this Court. \ 


Resolve relative to the Form of an Inlistment for a Company 
to be stationed at Sauem; passed Juty 2, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Form of the Beating Orders and 
Inlistment of the Company of Matresses to be stationed at 
Salem, be the same with that ordered for the like Compa- 
nies to be stationed at Gloucester, Falmouth, and the G'urnet; 
and that the person to whom said Beating Orders are or 
may be directed, cause said Company to pass muster before 
Timothy Pickering, Jun., Esq., as soon as possible after 
their inlistment. 


Resolve to encourage the manufacture of Firearms and 
Cannon; passed Jury 2, 1776. 

Whereas, notwithstanding the encouragement hitherto 

given by this Government for the manufacturing of Fire- 

arms, a sufficient number has not yet been obtained: Thére- 


fore, 


ftesolved, That for every effective and substantial Fire- 
arm which shall be manufactured in this Colony, with a 
barrel of three feet and nine inches in Jength that will carry 
an ounce ball, a good bayonet with a blade not less than 
eighteen inches in length, a steel ramrod, with a spring to 
retain the same, two loops for gun-strings, and the maker’s 
name stamped or engraved on the lock, and which shall be 
delivered at Boston or Watertown, to Richard Devens, Esq., 
Commissary, on or before the Ist day of January next, there 
shall be allowed and paid out of the publick ‘Treasury to 
the owner thereof, the sam of £3 12s.: Provided always, 
That the owner of each Firearm which shall be received for; 


309 


the Colony, shall prove the same at his own risk, by four 
inches and a half of powder, a ball, and wads on each, in 
présence of the said Commissary or some other person or 
persons appointed by him for that purpose. — 

And whereas the casting and manufacturing of Cannon, 
for the service of this Colony, bas become absolutely neces- 
sary: : 

Be it therefore further Resolved, That Dr. Lewis Sweet- 
ing be a Committee to repair to the Furnaces in Abington 
and Providence, in order to obtain all possible insight and 
knowledge in this very necessary branch of business, and 
make report to this Court as soon as may be. 


— 


Resolve for procuring Teams, &c.; passed Jury 2, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Committees appointed to go into the 
several Counties to raise men to go to Canada, be directed 
to provide suitable carriages for the conveyance of the bag- 
gage of the Officers and Soldiers from their several Towns 
to Charlestown, in New-Hampshire; said Committee to bring 
in their Accounts to this Court for payment. 

Resolved, That the Committees appointed to go into the 
several Counties to raise the men destined for New-York, be 
directed to provide suitable carriages for the conveyance of 
the baggage of the Officers and Soldiers from their several 
Towns to New-Haven, in Connecticut, excepting the troops 
to be raised in the County of Berkshire, the Committee of 
which County is hereby directed to convey the baggage of 
the troops to be raised in that County to New-York; the 
said Committees to bring in their Accounts to this Court for 
payment. 


A Mustermaster appointed for the two Companies of 
Matrosses in Newburyport; passed Juty 2, 1776. 


Resolved, That Jonathan Titcomb, Esq., be, and hereby 
is, appointed Mustermaster in the Town of Newburyport, 
to muster the two Companies of men lately ordered to be 
raised by this Court for the defence of said ‘Town. 


Resolve for procuring Coats, Blankets, Hats, &¢.; passed 
JuLy 2, 1776. 


Whereas it is of the greatest importance that the Army 
of the United Colonies should be well supplied with ne- 
cessary Clothing agreeable to the requisition of Congress : 
Therefore, 
| Resolved, That Mr. Samuel Allyn Otis, of Boston, Major 
Richard Godfrey, of Taunton, Joseph Nye, Esq.,of Harwich, 
Samuel Osgood, Esq., of Andover, Wilham Stickney, Esq., 
of Billerica, Mr. Ephraim Wright, of Northampton, William 
Drew, Esq., of Kingston, Captain Benjamin Rice, of Brook- 
field, Mr. Elnathan Curtis, of Stockbridge, and Thomas Cook, 
Esq., of Edgartown, be a Committee to procure, as soon as 
may be, as many Coats, Waistcoats, and Breeches, Blankets, 
Felt Hats, Shirts, Hose, and Shoes, as they may be able to 
procure before the Ist of December next, and cause them 
to be baled, invoiced, and stored in suitable places, to be 
delivered to the order of Congress, or the Commander-in- 
Chief of the American Army. 


Resolve on the Petition of Davin Curever, Esq.; passed 
Juty 3, 1776. 


Whereas the late Committee of Supplies did, on the 29th 
day of March, 1775, give to David Cheever, Esq., an order 
on the Colony ‘Treasurer for the sum of £350, and charged 
said Cheever for the same, which order said Cheever endorsed 
and delivered to said Treasurer, in confidence that the Town 
of Charlestown would immediately pay him the said sum, 
it being due to the said Treasurer from the Town of Charles- 
town, as Province Tax, on which the Treasurer gave credit 
to said Town for that sum; but the Town of Charlestown 
aforesaid has paid only £31 16s. 6d. of the same: There- 
fore, 

Resolved, ‘That the Colony Treasurer be, and he hereby 
is, directed to charge the Town of Charlestown with the sum 
of £318 6s. 6d., and call on the Collectors of said Town for 
that sum; and the Committee appointed to settle the Ac- 
counts remaining unsettled on the books of the late Com- 
mittee of Supplies, &c., is hereby directed to credit David 
Cheever, Esq., for that sum, on the books of the late Com- 
mittee of Supplies. 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JULY, 1776. . 


310 


Resolve lending Cannon to the Colony of New-Hamr- 
sHIRE; passed Juty 3, 1776... 

Resolved, That the Council, or Committee of Safety who 
may be appointed by Council to sit in the recess of @ourt, 
be, and hereby are, empowered to deliver to the order of the 
President of the Council of the Colony of New-Hampshire, 
for the use of said Colony, such Cannon as he may desire, 
if they, in the opinion of said Council or Committee, can 
be spared without endangering the safety of this Colony. 


Resolve for sending Prisoners from 'Truro to Boston; 
passed Juty 3, 1776. 


Resolved, That Captain Joseph Sinith, who commands 
the forces stationed at Truro, be, and hereby is, directed to 
send a master.of a vessel cast on shore in March last at 
Cape Cod, with all the men cast away as aforesaid, who are 
now there with him, in different vessels, to Boston, as soon 
as may be, to be delivered to those Justices residing in or 
about Boston, who are appointed and empowered by this 
Court to hear afd examine all persons in said Town who 
are suspected of being inimical to the rights and liberties of 
America; and the said Justices are hereby directed and 
empowered to hear, determine, and dispose of them, as they 
shall think proper. 

And it ts further Resolved, 'That the said Captain Smith 
be, and he hereby is, directed to permit the women and 
children to repair to their respective places of abode. 


Resolve desiring the Council to appoint a Day of solemn 
Humilhation and Prayer; passed Jury 3, 1776. 


It having been the laudable practice of this Government 
to recommend and appoint days for Fasting and Prayer 
upon solemn and special occasions; and as this Court ap- 
prehend that the present time is big with the most important 
events to this and the other Colonies, and that these events are 
at the disposal of the Supreme Governour of the Universe: 

Therefore, Resolved, ‘That the honourable Council be, 
and hereby are, desired to set apart Thursday, the last day 
of July instant, to be observed as a day of solemn Humilia- 
tion and Prayer, devoutly to implore of Almighty God, that 
the monitory dispensation of Providence, in the drought 
wherewith some parts of the land has been visited, and the 
humbling events which have lately taken place in Canada, 
may, accompanied with a Divine influence, produce a sin- 
cere repentance and thorough reformation of manners among 
all orders and degrees of persons; that He will command his 
blessing on our councils and arms at this important crisis 
of our publick affairs, and that this People, placing their hope 
and confidence in that G'od in whom their fathers trusted and 
were not made ashamed, may be moved and encouraged 
manfully and freely to offer themselves for the defence of 
those rights, civil and religious, upon the enjoyment of which 
the peace and happiness of the present and future generations 
absolutely depend; that He will, at a time of increased 
demand of provisions for the support of our brethren in the 
field, and when the usual foreign supplies are not to be 
obtained, be graciously pleased so to order the seasons as 
that we may have, in the course of this year, a sufficiency 
of the fruits of the earth, both for man and beast. And that 
they cause a Proclamation to be immediately issued and sent 
to the Ministers and Pastors of the several denominations of 
Christians in this Colony, for the purposes aforesaid. 

Resolve for supplying the County of Lixcoin with Gun- 
powder, &c.; passed Jury 3, 1776. 

Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this Colony 
be, and hereby is, empowered to deliver to Captain Samuel 
Nichols, of New-Castle, in the County of Lincoln, or his 
order, for the use of the inhabitants of said County, ten hun- 
dred weight of Gunpowder, twenty hundred weight of Balls, 
and thirty hundred Flints; he, the said Samuel, giving secu- 
rity to the said Commissary, for the use of said Colony, for 
the payment of the same, in twelve months from the delivery 
thereof. 


— 


Resolve relative to Men’s inlisting out of other than their 
own Towns ; passed Juy 3, 1776. 

Whereas, by a late Resolve of this Court, the number of 

five thousand men are,apportioned on, and to be raised in, 


dli 


the several Towns in this Colony, agreeable to a schedule 
thereto annexed, and as some, persons may be induced to 
inlist from other Towns than those in which they have their 
usual place of abode: Therefore, 

Resolved, That all persons who shall inlist into any of the 
Battalions destined for Canada or New-York, shall be con- 
sidered as a part of the levy on their respective Towns, until 
such time as those Towns to which they respectively belong 
have inlisted their full domplement of men, and not to those 
Towns in which they shall so inlist. 


Resolve for advancing one month’s Pay to the Officers des- 
tined to Canapa and New-York; passed Juty 4, 1776. 


Resolved, That one month’s advance pay be paid unt® 
all the Commissionated and Staff Officers of the several 
Regiments designed for the service of Canada and New- 
York. And the Council are hereby empowered to draw 
warrants on the Treasurer of this Colony for such sums as 
they shall think necessary, to be paid, for the purpose afore- 
said, into the hands of the Committees appointed to forward 
the raising of said Regiments. 


Resolve appointing a Court to try certain persons suspected 
of being inimical to the American Colonies; passed JuLy 
4, 1776. 

Resolved, That Samuel Niles, Samuel Pemberton, Joseph 
Greenleaf, Joseph Gardner, and Theophilus Cushing, Esqs., 
Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Suffolk, 
residing at or near Boston, be, and hereby are, authorized 
and empowered to cause to come before them, or any three 
of them, at such time and place in the Town of Boston, and 
by such methods as the Justices in the former Resolve were 
authorized to do, such of the said persons in the former Re- 
solve named as to them may appear expedient; and that 


they have power likewise of convening witnesses before - 


them, or any three of them, in the same manner the former 
Court of Inquiry had, and such of the said persons as, from 
their past conduct, the said Justices conceive would probably 
take and act an inimical part against this or any of the 
United Colonies if they had a convenient opportunity for 
so doing, they the said Justices, or any three of them, may 
restrain, by causing them to find good and sufficient sureties 
for their good behaviour; and in that behalf more especially 
for any term of time not exceeding twelve months; and to 
commit such persons until they find such surety. And such 
others of the said obnoxious persons, whose continuance 
under bonds in the Town of Boston, shall to them or any 
three of them, appear incompatible with the safety of this 
or the other United Colonies, they may commit to prison, or 
may order in some inland Town in this Colony, for a term 
not exceeding four months, there to remain within the limits 
of such Town, he or they finding sureties for their duly 
observing such order, as well as for their good behaviour for 
a further term not exceeding twelve months in the whole; 
such removal and continuance to be at the expense of the 
person removed, if of ability, and in want thereof, at the 
charge of this Colony; and, in default of their recognising 
with sufficient sureties as aforesaid, in reasonable sums, him 
or them to commit to prison until he or they shall find such 
sureties. And the Committee of Safety, &c., in the ‘’owns 
where such persons may be sent in consequence of this 
Resolve, are directed to receive them, to inspect their con- 
duct, and to prevent their consorting or associating with any 
prisoners of war that are or may be placed in such ‘l'own. 

And the said Justices are hereby authorized, if they or the 
major part of them, upon deliberation, think it may be done 
consistently with the publick safety, to send into some inland 
Town in this Colony such of the said five persons now con- 
fined in Boston Jail by the Justices of the former Court, 
under the restrictions aforesaid; and also to continue under 
bonds any or all the said other five persons now bound for 
their appearance before the Superior Court, for a term not 
exceeding twelve months, and them to release and discharge 
from the present recognisances. 

And the said Justices, or any three of them, are also 
directed to disarm all and every person they shall judge ex- 
pedient to restrain as aforesaid; and that all bonds taken in 
pursuance of this Resolve be to the Treasurer of this Colony. 
And the said Justices are directed to sit from day to day, or 
as often as they conveniently can, till they have discharged 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JULY, 1776, 


312 


the trust reposed in them by this Resolve; and on or before 
the last day of August next, make a particular report of 
their proceedings herein to this Court, and that a proper 
compensation be made to them, as well as to the Justices 
that constituted the former Court. 


Resolve for supplying BartHoLomew Pornam with Powder; 
passed Jury 4, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this Colony 
be, and he is hereby, directed to sell and deliver to Captain 
Bartholomew Putnam three hundred pounds weight of Gun- 
powder out of the Colony stores, and that he receive of said 
Putnam 5s. a pound for the same. 


Resolve to sell the Tories’ Chaises and other Carriages ; 
passed Jury 4, 1776. 


Resolved, That John Brown, William Cooper, John Pitts, 
Josiah Sartel, and Edward Rawson, Esqs., being a Com- 
mittee for taking Inventories, &c., of the Estates within the 
Town of Boston which have been left or deserted by sundry 
persons supposed to be inimical to the rights and liberties of 
America, be, and they hereby are, directed to make sale of all 
Chaises and other Carriages belonging to such Estates, they 
first having the same appraised by the most suitable persons, 
and then advertising the same for sale at such appraisements; 
and all that may remain unsold at a day that said Commit- 
tee may appoint, shall then be advertised to be sold at pub- 
lick vendue. All which shall be carried into effect by said 
Committee as soon as conveniently may be, they to be ac- 
countable to the General Court for the proceeds of such 
sales. 

Resolve for supplying the Company stationed at Sate; 
passed Jury 4, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Commissary appointed to furnish the 
sea-coast men stationed at Salem be, and he hereby is, 
directed to furnish the Company of Matrosses, to be raised 
and stationed at Salem, with all necessaries, agreeable to the 
sea-coast establishment. 

Also, Resolved, That the said Company, when raised, be 
under the direction of Timothy Pickering, Jun., Esq. 


Additional power given to the Court appointed to try sus- 
pected persons, Jury 4, 1776. 


Resolved, That in the stead and place of Samuel Niles 
and Theophilus Cushing, Esquires, who have not had the 
small-pox, that John Hill, Esq., and Edmund Quincy, Esq., 
be appointed Justices of the Court of Inquiry, with the same 
power the said Niles and Cushing were vested with. 

And it is also Resolved, That the Committee of Corre- 
spondence, &c., in the Town of Boston, or the major part 
thereof, be and hereby are, directed to file information or 
informations against any person or persons suspected of being 
unfriendly to the rights and liberties of America, before the 
major part of the Justices of the Court of Inquiry, which 
Justices, or any one of them, are hereby directed forthwith 
to issue his or their warrant against such person or persons 
against whom information shall be filed as aforesaid, directed 
to some Jawful officer, commanding him forthwith to appre- 
hend the body or bodies of any such person or persons, and 
secure him or them by imprisonment or good and suflicient 
bail, against the time of trial; and the said Committee, or 
the major part thereof, are hereby further directed to pro- 
duce the witnesses, and bring forward and prosecute the trial 
of every such person or persons to effect. 


Resolve appointing a Committee on Accounts; passed Jutx 


4, 1776. ; 

Whereas, a necessary attention to the more important 
affairs of the Government in the present extraordinary times 
of difficulty and distress renders it impracticable for this 
House to receive and examine the numerous Accounts now 
daily exhibited against the Government, agreeable to the 
mode heretofore usually practised, and the payment thereof 
has been greatly delayed, to the detriment of individuals, as ~ 
well as to the injury of the credit of the Government: 
Therefore, 

Resolved, That Abraham Watson, Jonathan Webster, 
Thomas Durfee, Aaron Wood, John Bliss, and Isaac Le- 


- 


313 
throp, Esqs., and Captain Woodbridge Brown, be, and they 


hereby are, appointed a Committee, until further order of 


this House, to receive, examine, and, in behalf of this House, . 


finally to pass upon all Accounts not otherwise committed 
which shall be presented to them for payment of services 
done and articles supplied by order of Congress or the 
General Court, and properly vouched ; and the doings of 
said Committee shall be considered as valid as any Vote or 
Resolve of the House touching said Accounts, as well in the 
recess of the Court as during the sitting of the same. And 
said Committee, or any four of them, who are hereby ap- 
pointed a quorum, are directed to open an office, and adver- 
tise the publick thereof and of this Resolve, that the business 
may be constantly attended and effectually performed. And 
a true copy of all Accounts which shall be passed by them 
and sent toa Committee of the Board for concurrence shall, 
after concurrence and payment, be kept in a book, with an 
alphabet thereto, which shall be laid before the House for 
perusal and inspection once or oftener in each session, as 
the House shall order ; and the Committee of the honourable 
Board are desired to employ some suitable person for that 
purpose. 

Also, Resolved, That the Secretary be, and he hereby is, 
directed to keep such Accounts as shall be passed by said 
Committee, and in consequence thereof concurred and or- 
dered to be paid by the honourable Board, in separate files. 

Also, Resolved, That the honourable Council, or such 
Committee of Council as they shall appoint, be, and they 
hereby are, empowered, both in the sitting and recess of the 
Court, to concur all such Accounts as shall have been passed 
by the Committee aforesaid ; and the payment of said Ac- 
counts, thus passed and concurred, shall be ordered in the 
manner which the Charter directs: Provided, always, That 
the foregoing method of allowing Accounts shall be taken to 
be adopted merely from the necessity of the present times, 
and not considered as a precedent for the future, anything 
in the Resolve of this Court of the 7th June last appomting 
a Committee to receive, examine, and finally pass upon all 
Accounts not otherwise committed, to the contrary notwith- 
standing. 


Resolve relative to Dr. Geiston; passed Jury 5, 1776. 


Whereas it appears that Dr. Samuel Gelston is now in 
the custody of Berachiah Basset, Esquire, at the Elizabeth 
Islands, and as he appears to have in divers instances acted 
a part inimical to the liberties of this Colony: 

Be it therefore Resolved, That the said Berachiah Basset, 
Esq., be, and he hereby is, directed to send the said Dr. 
Samuel Gelston, under a proper Guard, to the five Justices 
in the County of Suffolk, appointed a Court to inquire into 
the conduct of persons suspected to be enemies to the liber- 
ties of this Colony, who are hereby directed and empowered, 
to examine into the conduct of the said Dr. Samuel G'elston, 
and to proceed with him according to the directions of the 
Resolve appointing them a Court of Inquiry as aforesaid. 


Resolve relative to procuring Hard Money; passed Jury 
5, 1776. 


For the more effectual carrying into execution a Resolve 
of this House of the 27th of June last, relative to exchanging 
of Continental Bills for Hard Money for the use of the Con- 
tinent: 

It is Resolved, That the Treasurer of this Colony pay 
out to the several Committees of Correspondence, &c., for 
the several Towns, upon their producing a subscription for 
Hard Money, such a sum in Continental Bills as the same 
shall amount to, taking a note of two or more of the said 
Committee, including a promise that they shall return that 
sum or the amount ja Hard Money on demand; and the 
Treasurer, on their fulfilling the said promise, is directed to 
deliver up their said security. 


Resolve on the Petition of Jonaruan Caren; passed Jury 
5, 1776. 


On the Petition of Jonathan Capen, 

Resolved, That the prayer of the Petition be so far granted 
as that Jonathan Capen, Guardian to the Puncapaug In- 
dians, be, and he is hereby, empowered to sell so much of 
said Indians’ unimproved Lands, where it will be the least 
prejudicial to the whole, as to satisfy their just debts and 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JULY, 1776. 


314 


the necessary charges arising by such sale, he observing the 
rules and directions of an Act of this Colony respecting the 
sale of Lands taken by execution, and to execute good and 
lawful deed or deeds therefor, he, the said Guardian, to be 
accountable to the General Court for his doings upon the 
matter. 
Resolve for supplying Daviv Jervertes, Esq., with fifteen 
hundred Pounds; passed Jury 5, 1776. 
Resolved, That there be paid out of the publick Treasury 
to David Jefferies, Esq., or order, the sum of £1,500, for 
the purpose of discharging the advance pay of the Non- 
Commissioned Officers and Soldiers in Colonel Whitney’s, 
Colonel Marshall's, and Colonel Crafi’s Regiments, he to 
be accountable to the General Court for the same. 


James Bricxet, Esq., appointed Colonel of a Battalion to 
be raised in the Counties of Essex, &c.; passed Jury 5, 
1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of James Bricket, 
Esq., as Colonel of the Battalion to be raised in the Coun- 
ties of Essex, York, and Cumberland, for the Continental 
service, agreeable to a Resolve which passed the House 
the 25th of June last, in the room of Colonel Whittier, who 
declines serving. 


Concurred by Council. 


Resolve desiring the Council to write a Letter to General 
Wasuinaton, relative to raising Men, &¢.; passed Juty 
5, 1776. ; 


Resolved, That a Letter be immediately sent, by express, 
to His Excellency General Washington, setting forth the 
real state of this Colony respecting raising men, and recom- 
mending that he instantly order two of the fullest Regiments 
upon the Boston station to march immediately to Canada, 
and to give His Excellency the strongest assurance that this 
Colony will take effectual measures that there be a sufficient 
number from the Militia upon the Continental account 
brought in upon the Boston station to do duty in the stead 
and place of said Regiments. 

Also Resolved, That two other Regiments, upon the 
Continental establishment, be raised as soon as possible, to 
relieve the Militia that may be brought in upon the Boston 
station as aforesaid. 

And also Resolved, That the honourable Council be 
desired to order such and so many of the Militia as they 
may judge proper, to be and hold themselves in readiness 
to march upon the Boston station at an hour’s notice, to do 
duty in the stead and place of such Continental Troops as 
may be ordered from thence upon the Canada service; and 
that said Council have full power in the recess of this Court 
to do everything relative to the raising and officering the 
said Militia, and the said two Regiments to be raised, in as 
full and ample manner as might or could have been done 
had the whole Court been sitting. 

Resolved, That the Council be desired to write the Letter 
before mentioned to General Washington, and also to inform 
the honourable Congress of this Resolve. 

Resolve desiring the Council to defer ordering any Moneys 

to Captains O'Brian and Lampert; passed Jury 5, 

1776. 


Resolved, That the honourable Board be desired to defer 
ordering any Moneys to Captains O’ Brian and Lambert, and 
their Companies, that may be due to them from the Colony, 
till determination shall be had on the Petition of William 
Hazen, praying that he may be enabled to obtain satisfaction 
for waste of Goods committed on board a certain Schooner 
belonging to said Hazen and others, and for the illegal cap- 
ture and detention of the same. 


Resolve to supply Dr. Joun Greenear with fifty Pounds, 
for purchasing Medicines; passed Jury 5, 1776. 

Resolved, That a sum not exceeding £50 be paid out of 
the Colony Treasury to Dr. John Greenleaf, for the pur- 
chasing such Medicines for Colonels Whitney’s, Marshall's, 
and Craft’s Regiments as he cannot supply from his own 
stores, he being accountable for the expenditure of the 
same. 


315 


Resolve relative to a number of Masts at Grorarrown ; 
passed JuLy 5, 1776. 


Whereas it has been represented to this Court that a large . 


number of Masts, procured for the use of the British Navy, 
or some British Merchants, are now lying in Georgetown, 
in the County of Lincoln, and are in danger of being taken 
away or destroyed: 

It is therefore Resolved, That Mr. Freeman, Colonel 
Lithgow, and Colonel Cushing, be a Committee to inquire 
into the circumstances relative to said Masts, of their num- 
ber, value, for what purposes fit, and by whom they were 
procured; that they take effectual care to preserve the same, 
and in case of danger from our enemies, that they cause the 
same to be removed to some place of safety, if it can be done 
without great difficulty, otherwise to render them unfit for 
the use of our said enemies, and make report of their doings 
to this Court at its next session. 

Resolve on the Petition of Joun Couxas, and others, Pri- 
soners in SaueM Jail; passed Jury 6, 1776. 

On the Petition of John Collas, Joseph Temple, and Peter 
Larchee, 

Resolved, That the prayer of said Petitioners be so far 
granted as that the said John Collas, Joseph Temple, and 
Peter Larchee, be set at liberty from their present confine- 
ment in Salem Jail, upon any person or persons appearing 
to contract with, and shall actually hire said Prisoners, and 
engage to employ them in some inland Town in this Colony; 
and the Committee of Correspondence of the Town in which 
they may be employed are hereby ordered to inspect the 
conduct of the’ said John Collas, Joseph Temple, and Peter 
Larchee, and to take care they do not depart the limits of 
the Town they may be employed in; and the Keeper of 
the Jail in Salem is hereby ordered and directed to discharge 
said Prisoners from his custody accordingly. 

Resolve for employing two persons to ride Post to Crown- 
Point; passed Juty 6, 1776. 


Resolved, That Jonathan Brown, Esq., Dr. Moses Morse, 
Mr. Benjamin Guild, Oliver Wendell, Esquire, and Major 
Jacob Davis, be a Committee to agree with two suitable 
persons to ride Post to Crown-Point once a week, until the 
last day of November next; and that the said Posts take 
such routes as the Committee aforesaid shall think best: the 
said Post to set out from and return to Watertown, until the 
further order of this Court. 

And it is further Resolved, That some person be ap- 
pointed at Watertown, by the Committee aforesaid, to receive 
and deliver all such Letters as shall not be delivered before 
said Post’s arrival at Watertown; and that all Letters to or 
from any ‘persons in the Army be carried free of charge. 


Additional Resolve relative to paying the Officers of the 
several Regiments destined to Canapa and New-York 
one month’s advance Wages; passed Jury 6, 1776. 


Whereas by a Resolve of this Court of the 4th instant it 
is resolved that one month’s advance Pay be paid unto all 
the Commissionated and Staff Officers of the several Regi- 
ments designed for the service of Canada and New-York, 
and the Council are empowered to draw Warrants on the 
Treasurer of this Colony for such sums as they shall think 
necessary to be paid for the purpose aforesaid into the hands 
of the Committees appointed to forward the raising of said 
Regiments; but no directions are given how the said Council 
are to proceed in giving Warrants to said Committees where 
Officers are appointed for a Regiment raised partly in one 
County and partly in another, and said Officers living some 
in one County and some in another: Therefore, 

Resolved, ‘That the Council be, and they hereby are, 
empowered and directed to give Warrants to either of said 
Committees to pay any of said Officers living in either of 
the Counties, but belonging to the Regiment to which they 
were appointed, said Committees to be severally accountable 
to this Court for all such sums of money as they shall receive 
in consequence of this Resolve. 

Resolve on the Petition of Hannan Maruer; passed Jury 
8, 1776. 


On the Petition of Hannah Mather, 
Resolved, That whereas it appears that the facts set forth 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JULY, 1776. 


316 


in the Memorial of: Mrs. Hannah Mather, of Boston, with 
respect to the loss which’she and her family have sustained 
by the cruel burning of Charlestown, are true, and she 
apprehends that some balance is justly due to her from her 
brother Hutchinson’s Estate: that therefore, agreeable to the 
request of said Mrs. Mather, leave and liberty be, and hereby 
is, granted to her to take into her possession such of the 
Household goods of her brother Hutchinson as she ma 
stand in need of, now in the possession of Colonel Taylor, 
or the Committee of Correspondence of Milton, or wherever 
they may be, not disposed of by this Court; she delivering 
an inventory of the same, and the Reverend Doctor Mather 
giving sufficient security for the return of said Goods to the 
order of this Court. a 

Resolve for supplying Wiiu1am Upnam with Powder, &c.; 

passed Jury 8, 1776. 7 


On the Petition of William Upham, . 

Resolved, That the Commissary-General be directed to 
deliver the Petitioner, William Upham, or order, fifty pounds 
of Powder, thirty-five rounds of Ball, and seven dozen of 
Flints, he paying for the same. 


Resolve to adjourn the Maritime Court for the Middle Dis- 
trict; passed Jury 8, 1776. 


Whereas the Maritime Court for the Middle District of 
this Colony is advertised to be held at Boston, on the 23d 
day of July instant, for the trial of the justice of the captures 
of the Ships named the Lord Howe, George, Anne, and 
Lady Juliana, and the Brigantine named the Annabella, 
and the Judge of said Court has, in his Petition to this Court, 
shown that, since the advertisement aforesaid, he finds it 
will be inconvenient, if not impracticable, to hold his Court 
at Boston as aforesaid, and prayed this Court to enable him 
to hold the same Court at Salem, in the County of Essea, 
on the said 23d day of July: 

Resolved, ‘That the Maritime Court aforesaid, for the 
trial of the captures aforesaid, be held at Salem, in the 
County of Essex, on Tuesday, the 23d day of July instant, 
at the Meeting-House of the Reverend Messrs. Barnard and 
Dunbar. at the hour of ten in the forenoon; and that all 
proceedings at the same Court shall be valid and effectual 
in law, in ike manner as if it had been held at Boston on 
the same day, according to the original advertisement thereof, 
of which all persons concerned will take notice, and govern 
themselves accordingly. 


Resolve for furnshing Forces stationed on EvizaBeTu 
Isuanps with Powder, §c.; passed Jury 8, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this Colony 
be, and he hereby is, ordered to deliver to Mr. John Reed, 
for Major Basset, for the use of the men stationed on the 
Elizabeth Islands, and the Cannon there placed, the quan- 
tity of one hundred and fifty weight of Powder, one hundred 
and fifty weight of leaden Balls, and three hundred Flints, 
he, the said Basset, to be accountable to this Court for the 
same. tks 
Resolve for draughting Men to make up the five thousand 

to reinforce the Army in New-York and Canada; passed 

Juty 9, 1776. 


Whereas this Court have been informed that some of the 
Towns and Plantations in this Colony have not as yet raised 
the proportion assigned them of the five thousand Men for 
the reinforcement of the Continental Army in New-York 
and Canada, and it is of great importance that those rein- 
forcements should be immediately raised and sent forward: 
Therefore, , 

Resolved, That where any 'Town or Plantation shall be 
delinquent as aforesaid, the Commanding Officers, where 
there is a Field Officer, or where there is no Field Officer, 
the Commanding Officers of the Company, and where the 
Militia is not settled, the Committees of Correspondence, 
&c., of such Town or Plantation, and where no such Com- 
mittees are, the Selectmen, shall forthwith call together all 
the men borne on the Training List and Alarm List in such 
‘Town or Plantation; and if a sufficient number to complete 
their complement do not then inlist for the service aforesaid, 
the said Officers, Committees, or Selectmen, shall proceed 
to draught out so many men as shall be necessary to com=- 


317 


plete the proportion assigned to such Town or Plantation, 
in order that the men so inlisted or draughted out may 
march without delay to the places of their destination. And 
in case any person, either on the Training or the Alarm 
List, shall neglect to attend at such time as he shall be 
notified, not having sufficient reason therefor, in the judgment 
of the Officer, Committee, or Selectmen, he shall forfeit and 
pay the sum of £10. And in case any person draughted 
as aforesaid shall neglect or refuse to go upon the service 
required, either in person or by procuring some able-bodied 
effective man in his stead, he shall forfeit and pay the sum 
of £10; said forfeiture to be paid within twenty-four hours 
to the Officers, Committees, or Selectmen, aforesaid ; and 
on failure hereof, he shall forfeit and pay the further sum 
of £3, both of said forfeitures to be recovered in the same 
manner as is prescribed in an act lately passed for regulating 
the Militia of this Colony, for the recovery of fines and 
forfeitures that may be incurred by a failure of attendance 
on regimental musters therein required. And the Officers, 
Committees, or Selectmen, shall proceed in draughting, in 
manner as is before directed, till the moneys collected shall 
be sufficient to hire men to complete the number required 
of such Town or Plantation; which money the said Officers, 
Committees, or Selectmen, are hereby required to expend 
for this purpose; and if there shall be any overplus remain- 
ing, it shall be employed for the benefit of the Company to 
which such delinquent or delinquents belong, in such manner 
as said Company shall agree. 


—_— 


. Resolve for lending the Selectmen of Sarem two Field-Car- 
riages; passed Jury 10, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this Colony 
be, and he is hereby, directed to deliver, or cause to be 
delivered, to the Selectmen of the Town of Salem, two of 
the Field-Carriages belonging to the Colony, now at that 
Town, viz: one for an eighteen-pounder, one for a twelve- 
pounder, or one for a nine-pounder, to be used in said ‘Town 
for their defence till the further order of this Court, or of the 
Council, or such Committee of this Court as they may 
appoint to direct in the military concerns of this Colony in 
the recess or recesses of this Court. 

Resolve for furnishing the Colonial Regiments with neces- 
sary articles for the Sick; passed Juty 10, 1776. 


Whereas the Commissary-General of this Colony is 
directed, by a Resolve of this Court, to serve out the Rations 
to the Regiments of Colonels Whitney, Marshall, and Crafts, 

“Conformable to the proportions stated in the establishment 
for said Regiments; and whereas numbers of the men are 
now sick and daily falling sick: Therefore, 

Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he 
hereby is, authorized and permitted to furnish said Regi- 
ments with such articles as may be more suitable for the 
sick than Fresh or Salt Provisions, provided that said Sup- 
plies do not exceed the value of the Salt Provisions allowed 
in said establishment. And the Commissaries of the several 
Companies upon the sea-coast are hereby directed to furnish 
the sick of the said Companies in like manner, provided that 
the said Supplies do not exceed the value of the Salt Provi- 
sions allowed in said establishment. 

Resolve for raising every twenty-fifth Man to reinforce the 
Northern Army; passed Jury 10, 1776. 


Whereas the honourable the American Congress have 
lately made upon the Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay a 
most urgent requisition for a further reinforcement by two 
Regiments of its Militia, to support our Army in the North- 
ern or Canada department: And whereas the reinforcements 
Jately received by the enemy in that quarter render it of the 
last consequence to the safety of the United Colonies, and 
of this in particular, that the readiest compliance be made 
herewith : :; 

Resolved, That there be immediately raised two Regi- 
ments, in the following manner, viz: That the Commanding 
Officer in every Town and Plantation where there is a Field- 
Officer, or where there is no Field-Officer, that the Com- 
manding Officers of the Companies, or where the Militia is 
not settled, that the Committee of Correspondence, Inspec- 
tion and Safety, or where there is no such Committee, the 
Selectmen, cause the whole Militia of such Town or Plan- 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JULY, 1776. 


318 


tation, consisting of the Training Band and Alarm Lists, to 
be immediately mustered, and one man out of every twenty- 
five, exclusive of those already raised or ordered to be raised, 
of all the persons borne on both the aforesaid Lists, to be 
inlisted into the service of the United Colonies, to serve 
until the first day of December next, unless sooner duly 
discharged. And in case of a fraction in the number on 
the said Lists, if it amounts to more than half of twenty-five, 
an additional man shall in that case be inlisted; but if less, 
no such additional inlistment shall be made.» Each man to 
be furnished with a good Firearm and Bayonet fitted thereto, 
a Cartouch-box, Knapsack, and Blanket; or instead of a 
Bayonet, a Hatchet or ‘Tomahawk. And for their encou- 
ragement readily to enter into this important service, there 
shall be paid to each Non-Commissioned Officer and Pri- 
vate Soldier, equipped as aforesaid, on his passing muster, 
12s. to purchase a blanket, 6s. for the use of his arms, and 
one month’s advance pay. ‘Their further pay and estab- 
lishment shall be the same as is for Non-Commissioned Offi- 
cers and Soldiers in the Continental Army. Their monthly 
pay to commence three days next preceding the day of their 
marching from home. ‘They shall be allowed one penny, 
lawful money, per mile, in lieu of rations, to support them on 
their march going and returning, and one day’s pay for every 
twenty miles between their home and the general rendez- 
vous, and also from the place of their discharge back again 
to their homes. 

It is further Resolved, 'That there be appointed a Com- 
mittee for each County in the Colony, whose business it shall 
be to see the aforementioned inlistments completed without 
delay, to form the men into Companies, to muster and pay 
them for their blankets, and for the use of their arms ; also 
to pay all the Commissioned, Non-Commissioned, and Staff 


- Officers, and Privates, one month’s advance pay; and to 


appoint meet persons for Captains and Subalterns of the 
Companies to be raised in their respective Counties ; to fill 
up and deliver to said Captains and Subalterns their Com- 
missions accordingly, for which purpose they shall receive 
blanks from the honourable Council. 

It is further Resolved, That to each Regiment there 
shall be appointed and commissioned by the honourable 
Council, one Colonel, one Lieutenant-Colonel, one Major, 
and such Staff and other Officers, as are ordered for the 
other Regiments destined for Canada; that each of said 
Regiments consist of eight Companies; each of said Com- 
panies, of one Captain, one First Lieutenant, one Second 
Lieutenant, one Ensign, four Sergeants, four Corporals, one 
Drum, one Fife, and as near as may be, of seventy-seven 
Privates—the Non-Commissioned Officers in each Company 
to be appointed by the Commission Officers of the same. 

It is further Resolved, ‘That the Regiments be formed in 
the following manner, viz: Beginning at the westerly part 
of the County of Berkshire, and proceeding from west to 
east, the eight first Companies shall make one Regiment ; 
then proceeding in the same course, the eight next Compa- 
nies shall make another Regiment; each of said Regiments 
to march for the Northern or Canada Department at such 
time, in such manner, and by such routes, as the Council 
shall order; and each Non-Commissioned Officer and Private 
belonging to the said Regiments to be paid a bounty of £7 
on receiving said orders, by the Committees aforesaid. And 
in case there shall be any supernumerary men, they shall 
be forthwith marched into the Works or Forts in or near 
Boston, and shall be subject to the regulation and orders of 
Council. And notwithstanding this Court entertain a high 
confidence in the readiness of the good people of this Colony 
to comply with a request so important, yet in case there should 
be any individual who should be so far divested of regard 
for his own and country’s salvation, as to refuse to bear his 
part in its defence, this Court consider themselves under 
the hard necessity, in duty to the whole, to Resolve, and 
it is accordingly . 

Resolved, That in case the number required by the afore- 
mentioned Rule of any Town or Plantation ts not inlisted 
without delay, and every other attempt for this purpose 
prove ineffectual, the Commanding Officer in such Town or 
Plantation, if there is a Field Officer, or if there is no Field 
Officer, the Commanding Officer of each Company, or where 
the Regiment is not settled, the Committee of Correspond- 
ence, Inspection, and Safety, or where there is no such Com- 
mittee, the Selectmen, shall, within forty-eight hours after 


319 


receiving these orders, proceed to complete the number 
required of such ‘Town or Plantation by the Rule before 
mentioned, by a draught on the whole Militia of said Town 
or Plantation, consisting of the Alarm List, as well of the 
Training Band. And in order hereto, the aforesaid Officers, 
Committees, or Selectmen, respectively, shall seasonably 
cause to be warned a muster of the whole Militia of said 
Town or Plantation; and in case any person, either on the 
Training Band or Alarm Lists, shall neglect to attend agree- 
able to such warning, not having any sufficient reason there- 
for, in the judgment of the Officers, Committee, or Selectmen, 
aforesaid, he shall forfeit and pay the sum of £10; and in 
case any person draughted as aforesaid shall neglect or refuse 
to go upon the service herein required, either mm person or 
by procuring some able-bodied effective man in his stead, he 
shall forfeit and pay the sum of £10; said forfeitures to be 
paid within twenty-four hours to the Officers, Committees, 
or Selectmen, aforesaid; and on failure hereof, he shall forfeit 
and pay the further sum of £3; both of said Forfeitures to 
be recovered in the same manner as is prescribed in an Act 
lately passed for regulating the Militia of this Colony for 
the recovery of Fines and Forfeitures that may be incurred 
by a failure of attendance on Regimental musters therein 
required. And the Officers, Committee, or Selectmen, shall 
proceed in draughting in manner as is before directed, until 
the moneys forfeited shall be sufficient to complete the num- 
ber of men required of such Town; which money the said 
Officers, Committee, or Selectmen, are hereby required to 
expend for this purpose; and if there shall be any overplus 
remaining, it shall be employed for the benefit of the Com- 
pany to which such delinquent or delinquents belonged, in 
such manner as said Company shal] agree. 

It is further Resolved, That the following persons be a 


Committee for the purposes before mentioned, for the several - 


Counties hereafter named, who shall receive out of the 
Treasury of this Colony such sums as the Council shall 
order, to enable them to discharge the duty herein required 
of them, who shall be severally accountable to this Court, 
viz: Jonathan Metcalf, Esq., Benjamin Guild, Esq., Colonel 
Aaron Davis, Nathaniel Bayley, Esq., Mr. Daniel Perry, 
and Olwer Wendell, Esq., for the County of Suffolk; 
Aaron Wood, Esq., Major Samuel Epes, Mr. Nehemiah 
Abbot, Colonel Daniel Spafford, Dudley Carlton, Esq., 
Thomas Gerry, Esq., and Captain Daniel Chute, for the 
County of Essex ; Jonas Dix, Esq., Major Timothy Walker, 
Colonel Josiah Sartell, Colonel Simeon Spaulding. Mr. 
George Brigham, Captain Joseph Hosmer, Colonel William 
Thompson, Josiah Stone, Esq., and Captain Joseph Reed, 
for the County of Middlesex; Joseph Hawley, Esq., Noah 
Goodman, Esq., Major William Pyncheon, Jun., Mr. David 
Savton, Mr. Luke Hitchcock, Captain Israel Hubbard, and 
Captain Elisha Cranston, for the County of Hampshire ; 
Wiliam Drew, Esq., Hugh Orr, Esq., Colonel Edward 
Mitchell, Colonel Ebenezer White, and Captain Robert 
Lenthal Eels, for the County of Plymouth; Mr. Amos 
Knowles, Jun., and Joseph Nye, Esq., of Sandwich, for the 
County of Barnstable; Captain John Stearns, Colonel 
Shubael Peck, Colonel Nathaniel Leonard, Edward Pope, 
Esq., and Colonel Seth Pope, for the County of Bristol ; 
Joseph Storer, Esq., and Colonel Ichabod Goodwin, for the 
County of York ; Thomas Cook, Esq., for the County of 
Dukes- County; Captain Seth Washburn, Captain Nathaniel 
Wilson, Mr. Abner Rawson, Captain William Page, Amos 
Singletary, Esq., Mr. John Ball, Captain John Haven, 
Captain Nicholas Dyke, and Major William Learned, for 
the County of Worcester; Captain Joseph Noyes, Joshua 
Fabyer, Esq., and John Lewis, Esq., for the County of 
Cumberland; William Lithgow, Esq., for the County of 
Lincoln ; Mr. Azariah Root, Major Caleb Hyde, and Cap- 
tain Isaac Stratton, for the County of Berkshire; Mr. Stephen 
Hussey, for the County of Nantucket. 


Resolve for furnishing the Town of Marsuenran with 
apparatus for eaght Cannon, &c.; passed Jury 10, 1776. 


Whereas this Court have granted to be supplied for the 
Town and Harbour of Marblehead eight pieces of Cannon, 
and the Commissary-General was directed to deliver the 
same to Mr. Jonathan Orne, or order, and the Commissary- 
General declines to deliver with said Cannon the apparatus, 
as Ladles, Spunges, Match-Rope, Port-Fires, and other 
articles necessary and fit for said Cannon: 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JULY, 1776. 


: 320 


It is therefore Resolved, That the Commissary be, and 
hereby is, directed to deliver to Mr. Samuel Giles, or order, 
such articles of the apparatus necessary for said eight pieces 
of Cannon, as the said Commissary has in his possession 
belonging to this Colony and not otherwise appropriated, 
he, the said Samuel Giles, to be accountable to this Court 
for the same. 

And it is further Resolved, That Colonel Thomas Crafts 
be, and he is hereby, directed to deliver to the said Samuel 
Giles, or order, a Fieldpiece belonging to and mounted by 
the Town of Marblehead, and now in possession of said 


Colonel Crafts. 


James Bricxet, Esq., appointed a Brigadier-General, to 
command the Forces to be sent to Canava; passed Jury 
11, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of James Bricket, 
Esq.; as a Brigadier-General, to command the Forces to be 
sent to Canada, in the room of John Cummings, Esq., who 
declines serving. Concurred by Council. 


A Second Lieutenant chosen for the Company of Matrosses 
at Satem; Juny 11, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of John Berry, as 
Second Lieutenant of the Company of Matrosses, in the 
Town of Salem, in the room of David Felt, who declines 
serving. 

Concurred by Council. 


Resolve on the Petition of Natuan Puiutes; passed Jury 
11, 1776. 

On the Petition of Nathan Phillips, 

Ordered, That the Petitioner serve the Committee of 
Correspondence, &c., of Boothbay, for 1775, with a copy 
of this Petition, that they show cause, if any they have, on 
the third Wednesday of the next sitting of this Court, why 
the prayer thereof should not be granted. 


Resolve on the Petition of Jostan Kine; passed Jury 11, 
1776. 


On the Petition of Josiah King, 

Ordered, That the Petitioner serve the Committee of 
Correspondence, &c., of Boothbay, for 1775, with a copy 
of this Petition, that they show cause, if any they have, on 
the third Wednesday of the next sitting of this Court, why 
the prayer thereof should not be granted. 


a 


Resolve for paying James Oris, Esq., Interest on his Notes; 
passed Jury 11, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Receiver-General of this Colony be, 
and he hereby is, directed to pay the said James Otis, Jun., 
Esq., or order, the Interest ofany Notes or Obligations payable 
to him, which he may exhibit to said ‘Treasurer, signed by 
Harrison Gray, in behalf of this Colony, as Receiver-Gene- 
ral of the same, according to the tenor thereof: Provided, 
said Notes appear to be signed before the 19th of April, 
1775. th 
Resolve establishing the form of Inlistment for the twenty- 

fifth part of the Militia, &c. ; passed Jury 12, 1776. 

Resolved, That the form of the Inlistment for the twenty- 
fifth part of the Militia, ordered by this Court in their present 
session to be draughted from the Alarm and 'Training-Band 
Lists in this Colony, for the service of the United American 
Colonies, be as follows: 


“We, whose names are underwritten, do hereby severally 
inlist into the service of the United American Colonies, and 
severaly promise and engage to continue in such service 
until the first day of December, 1776, unless sooner dis- 
charged ; and to furnish ourselves each with a good effective 
fire-arm, and, if possible, a bayonet fitted thereto, a cartridge- 
box, and blanket, or, in lieu of a bayonet, a hatchet or 
tomahawk. We also, in like manner, promise and engage 
to obey all the lawful commands of the officers appointed, 
or to be appointed, over us, pursuant to the Resolves of the 
General Court of the Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay ; 
and, under the direction of such Officers, to march, when 
ordered, with the utmost despatch, to the Northern Depart- 


321 ° 


ment, or Canada, and to be subject to all such rules and 
regulations, in every respect, as are provided by the Conti- 
‘nental Army. July, 1776.” 


2 | 
Adjutant appointed for the Fourth Regiment of Militia, in 
the County of Lrxcoun ; Jury 12, 1776. 

The House made choice, by ballot, of Abyah Waterman, 
as an Adjutant to the Fourth Regiment of Militia, in the 
County of Lincoln, 

Concurred by Council. 

Resolve for supplying the Town of Faumourn with Spunges, 

&c., for Cannon; passed Jury 12, 1776. 

Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this Colony 

_ be, and he hereby is, directed to supply Samuel Freeman, 

Esq., or his order, with suitable Spunges, Ladles, and other 

apparatus necessary for the four Cannon which he was lately 

ordered, by a Resolve of this Court, to deliver to said Free- 
man, for the defence of the Town of Falmouth. 


Resolve on the Petition from Frysurcu and BRownsiIE Lp ; 
passed Jury 13, 1776. 


Resolved, That Mr. Samuel Phillips, Jun., of Andover, 
be, and he hereby is, directed to deliver to Mr. Richard 
Kimball, of Fryburgh, or his order, ninety pounds of Gun- 

* powder, and twenty-five pounds of Gunpowder to Benjamin 

Epes, of Brownfield ; and that the Commissary-General be, 

and he hereby is, directed to deliver to the abovesaid Rich- 

ard Kimball, or order, two hundred and seventy pounds of 

Lead, three hundred Flints, and twelve good Fire-Arms ; 

“and to the abovesaid Benjamin Epes, seventy-five pounds of 

Lead, one hundred Flints, and eight good Fire-Arms; they, 

the said Kimball and Epes, to be accountable to this Court 

therefor. 

Resolve directing that the Maritime Court for the Middle 
District should be held at Sauem, Juty 30; passed Juty 
13, 1776. 

Whereas the Maritime Court for the Middle District of 
this Colony is advertised to be held at Boston, on the 23d 
day of July instant, for the trial of the justice of the cap- 
tures of the Ships named the Lord Howe, George, Anne, 
and Lady Juliana, and the Brigantine named the Annabella; 
and the Judge of said Court presented a Petition to this 
Court, showing that since the advertisement aforesaid, he 
finds it will be inconvenient, if not impracticable, to hold his 
Court at Boston, as aforesaid, and praying this Court to 
enable him to hold the same Court at Salem, in the County 
of Essex, on the said 23d day of July; and this Court there- 
upon, by a Resolve passed the 9th day of July, instant, 
ordered the said Maritime Court to be held at Salem accord- 
ingly, but it now appearing to this Court that it will be most 
convenient that the said Maritime Court, for the trials afore- 
said, be held at Salem aforesaid, on the 30th day of July 
instant : 

Resolved, 'That the Resolve aforesaid of this Court, 
passed on the said 9th day of July, be, and hereby is, re- 
voked; and that the said Maritime Court, for the trial of 
the justice of the captures aforesaid, be held at the Court- 
House in Salem aforesaid, on Tuesday, the 30th day of July 
instant, at the hour of ten, in the forenoon; and that all 
proceedings at the same Court shall be valid and effectual in 
law, in like manner as if it had been held in Boston, accord- 
ing to the original advertisement thereof: of which all per- 
sons concerned will take notice, and govern themselves 
accordingly. 

Resolve for supplying Westminster, in the Province of 
New-York, with Powder, Lead, &c.; passed Jury 13, 
1776. 


On the Petition of the Committee of Safety, of Westmin- 
ster, in the County of Cumberland, and Province of New- 
York, representing that said ‘Town is in an exposed situation, 
and destitute of Amrounition, &c., and praying for a supply, 
&c., &c., 

Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he is 
hereby, directed to deliver to Major Abyah Lovejoy sixty 
pounds of Powder, one hundred and twenty pounds of Lead, 


Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JULY, 1776. 


322 


and one hundred Flints, he paying for the same at the stated 

price. 

Resolve on the Petition of the Committee of Safety of Cav- 
ENDISH, 7% New-York ; passed Jury 13, 1776. 

On the Petition of Phinehas Kimball, and others, Com- 
mittee of Safety of Cavendish, in the County of Cumber- 
land, in the Colony of New-York, praying for Powder and 
Lead, 

Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he is 
hereby, directed to deliver to Captain John Coffin fifteen 
pounds of Powder, thirty pounds of Lead, and thirty Flints. 


Resolve for forwarding Tents, &c., to the Army ; passed 
Juty 13, 1776. 


Resolved, 'That the Commissary-General of this Colony 
be, and he hereby is, directed, as soon as possible, to trans- 
port such Tents as he has received from Philadelphia, and 
such others as he can provide, to the amount, in the whole, 
of nine hundred, to Crown-Point, for the use of the Forces 
raised by this Colony, and destined for the Northern Depart- 
ment, or Canada, to be delivered to the Cornmissary of the 
United Colonies there, or his order. 

Further Resolved, That Edward Mitchell, Esq., Theo- 
philus Cushing, Esq., and William Drew, Esq., be a Com- 
mittee to provide fifteen hundred Canteens, and two hundred 
and fifty Camp Kettles, and Camp Equipage, for the use 
of the last fifteen hundred men to be raised agreeable to the 
last Resolve of the honourable Continental Congress, and 
that they send them forward to the several places, and in 
like proportions with those by a Resolve of this Court 
ordered for the other Forces destined to the same place. 


Resolve for supplying Mr. Tiworny Newer with three 
boxes of Tin; passed Jury 13, 1776. 

Whereas this Court is informed that some boxes of Tin 
are in the hands of the Committee of this Court for securing 
the effects belonging to the enemies of this Colony who 
have left the Town of Boston since April 19, 1775; and 
as Camp Kettles are absolutely necessary for the men now 
going on the Northern Department: Therefore, ‘ 

Resolved, That the Committee aforesaid be, and they 
hereby are, directed to deliver to Mr. Timothy Newell, three 
boxes of said Tin, or such part thereof as may be sufficient 
for completing the number of ‘Tin Kettles ordered to be 
made—he giving his receipt to them to be accountable to 
this Court for the same. 


Resolve for supplying Baxer’s Town, in the County of 
CumBeranpn, with Powder, Sc. ; passed Juty 13, 1776. 
Resolved, ‘That the Commissary-General of this Colony 

be, and he hereby is, directed to deliver to Mr. Nathaniel 

Bailey, for the use and defence of the inhabitants of a plan- 

tation called Baker’s Town, in the County of Cumberland, 

twenty-seven pounds of Gunpowder, eighty pounds of Balls, 
and one hundred FJints—the said inhabitants to be account- 
able to this Court for the same. 


Resolve for appointing Gunners to the Companies of Ma- 
trosses; passed Juty 13, 1776. 

Whereas in the Resolve of the tenth of February last, 
establishing a Company of Matrosses at Marblehead, it is 
ordered, that the establishment for said Company be the 
same as the other sea-coast Companies; and as Gunners, 
Quarter-Gunners, &c., for Companies of Matrosses appear 
more proper than Sergeants and Corporals: ‘Therefore, 

Resolved, That there be appointed by the commissioned 
Officers of every Company of Matrosses, consisting of fifty 
men, including Officers, one Gunner, whose pay shall be 
46s. per calendar month; one Gunner’s Mate, at 44s.; and 
eight Quarter-Gunners, at 42s. each. 

And whereas the above-mentioned Resolve of the tenth 
of February, for the establishment of the Company of Ma- 
trosses now stationed at Marblehead, directed that said Com- 
pany should be augmented to the number of one hundred, 
(by draughting troops to join it from the Companies of sea- 
coast men,) which makes it necessary that said Company 
should have a greater number of Officers: Therefore, 

It is further Resolved, ‘That so long as it consists of a 


21 


323 


hundred men, including Officers, there be allowed to said 

Company, one Gunner, one Gunner’s Mate, and sixteen 

Quarter-Gunners, whose pay shall be as above; and that the 

Pay-Roll exhibited by Captain Fitteplace be paid accord- 

ingly. vis 

Adjutant appointed for the Sixth Regiment of Militia, in 
the County of Lincoun, Juty 13, 1776. 


The House made choice, by ballot, of Jonas Farnsworth, 
as an Adjutant to the Sixth Regiment of Militia, in the 
County of Lincoln. 

Concurred by Council. 


Resolve on the Petition of Israut Davis; passed Jury 13, 
1776. 


On the Petition of Captain Israel Davis, 

Resolved, That the Commissary-General be, and he 
hereby is, ordered to deliver to David Reed, Commissary 
for the Company under said Davis, or his order; fifty weight 
of Powder, one hundred and fifty weight of Leaden Ball, 
one hundred Flints, and two Whale-Boats, all for the use 
of said Company—the said’ Reed to be accountable for said 
articles. 

Jt is likewise Ordered, That said Davis extend his 
guards to the east side of Boothbay Harbour; and that the 
said Reed apply to James Cargill for the Boat formerly 
belonging to Fort Pownall, who is hereby ordered to deliver 
the same to him, or his order; and if the Commissary- 
General cannot supply said Whale-Boats, the said Reed is 
hereby ordered to furnish the same, and lay his accounts 
before this Court for allowance. 


Resolve relative to the St. Joun’s and Micxmacx Inp1ans; 
passed Jury 13, 1776. 


Resolved, That Stephen Smith, the Truckmaster at Ma- 
chias, be, and hereby is, directed to trade with the St. John’s 
and the Mickmack Indians, and, in exchange for their Furs, 
_ to supply them, from time to time, with such goods as they 
may want; and the Council are desired and empowered to 
draw warrants upon the ‘Treasurer of this Colony for a sum 
not exceeding £1,000, in favour of said Stephen Smith, to 
enable him to purchase a sufficient quantity of goods for the 
purpose above mentioned. 

Resolved, That the Council be desired, and are hereby 
empowered to provide some ‘suitable person, of our own 
profession, to officiate as a Minister among them, and the 
Government will allow him a suitable compensation for his 
service. 

Resolved, That there be employed in the Continental 
service five hundred Indians out of the two Tribes above 
mentioned, which, together withytwo hundred and fifty of 
such of the English as may inlist, shall form one Regiment; 
the three Field-Officers to be English, the other commis- 
sioned Officers to be one-half English and one-half Indian, 
to be put upon such an establishment as the Court may 
order; each Indian to be allowed a Rifle Shirt, a Blanket, 
a pair of Shoes and Buckles, or Moccasins. 

“Resolved, That the honourable Council be, and hereby 
are, desired to order that a Silver Gorget, with proper devices, 
be provided; as also a Silver Heart, with proper devices 
on each side; and be presented to the Indians above men- 
tioned. ; 

Resolved, 'That the honourable Council be desired, and 
are hereby empowered, to make the same presents to the 
St. John’s and Mickmack Indians, as were the last year 
made to those Indians that represented the Penobscot Tribe; 
and that their expenses in coming up from or returning to 
their own country be also defrayed by the Council. 


Resolve to put the Companies at Saem under the direction 
of Colonel Pickerine; passed Jury 13, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Company of Sea-Coast men, and the 
Company of Matrosses stationed at Salem, be, and they 
hereby are, in future, till the further order of this Court, put 
under the order and direction of Colonel Timothy Pickering, 
Jun.; and in case of his absence from Salem, said Com- 
panies to be, during such absence, under the order and 
direction of Major Joseph Sprague ; any former Order or 
Resolve of this Court to the contrary notwithstanding. 


MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY, JULY, 1776. 


324 


Resolve on the Petition of Witt1am Tupper; passed Juty 
13, 1776. 


Whereas it appears that five separate Accounts have been © 
exhibited to this Court by Mr. William Tupper, for sundry 
necessaries supplied the Schooner Diligentiand the Sloop 
Machias Liberty, in the Colony service, and that the several 
Committees that have examined the same have reported that 
the whole thereof should be paid, and that any longer delay 
of payment would be greatly to the damage of the parties 
by whom said articles were furnished: Therefore, 

Resolved, That the sum of £286 18s. 7d. be allowed 
and paid out of the Colony Treasury to the said William 
Tupper, or his order, in full of said five Accounts—he giving 
proper receipts to the Treasurer for the same. 


Resolve for procuring Wool; passed Jury 13, 1776. 


Whereas it may be very difficult to obtain such quantities 
of Clothing as will be necessary for the supply of our Army, 
unless a quantity of Wool is procured: Therefore, _ 

Resolved, That Thomas Durfee, Esq., of Freetown; 
Joseph Mayhew, Esq., of Chilmark ; Captain John Richard- 
son, of Templeton; Mr. Lemuel Williams, of Dartmouth ; 
Thomas Cook, Esq., of Edgartown; Mr. James Robinson, 
of Dorchester; Jonathan Bass, Esq., of Braintree ; and 
Stephen Huss, Esq., of Nantucket, be a Committee, imme- 
diately to purchase, on the best terms they can, and secure 
in some safe place or places, all the Sheep’s Wool they can 
obtain; and that the Committee report to this Court the 
names of all persons whom they shall find purchasing that 
article with an intent to monopolize, or obtain an advanced 
price on the same. 

Also, Resolved, That the honourable Council be, and 
hereby are, authorized and empowered to draw Warrants 
on the Treasurer of this Colony for such sums as they may 
judge necessary to answer the purpose aforesaid. 


Resolve on the Report of the Committee appointed to dis- 
tribute twelve hundred Pounds among the Inhabitants of 
the Eastern parts of the County of Lincotn; passed 
Juty 13, 1776. ‘ 


Whereas this Court, on the 11th of April last, did lend 
to the inhabitants of the easterly part of the County of Lin- 
colen, from Camden to Machias, inclusively, the sum of 
£1200, and committed the same to the Honourable John 
Taylor, Esq., Colonel William Jones, and Mr. James Noble 
Shannon, to be distributed by them equally among said set- 
tlements; and it appears to this Court that the said Commit- 
tee have distributed the sum of £1006 13s. 8d. thereof, for 
which they have Notes from the Committees of the several 
Plantations: Therefore, 

Ordered, That Mr. Shannon deliver the said Notes to the 
Treasurer of this Colony. 

And whereas it appears that the Settlements or Plantations 
of Camden, Majorbeggaduce, Fox-Islands, and the 'Town of 
Belfast, have not received their proportion of the said loan ; 
and it being represented by Colonel Jones and Mr. Shannon, 
that they can no longer attend to the duties of that appoint- 
ment: ‘Therefore, 

Resolved, That they deliver the sum of £193 6s. 4d., now 
in their hands, unto Major James Minot, of Camden, who 
shall give his Note therefor to the ‘Treasurer, and shall be 
accountable to this Court for the distribution thereof, and 
shall deliver the same to the order of the four places above 
mentioned, or any of them, in the proportions above refer- 
red to, taking their Notes, payable to the Treasurer, as for- 
merly ordered; and his receipt, together with that of the 
Treasurer, if amounting to the sum of £1200, shall be 
deemed sufficient to acquit the said Jones and Shannon from 
any obligation heretofore given by them to the Treasurer of: 
this Colony. 

And whereas the inhabitants of Camden, Majorbeggaduce, 
Fox-Islands, and Belfast, stand in need of a quantity of 
Ammunition for their defence: Therefore, 

Resolved, That the Commissary-General of this Colony 
be, and he hereby is, directed to deliver to the said James 
Minot so much Powder, Balls, and Flints, as will amount to 
one half the sum of £193 6s. 4d., aforesaid, at the rates 
following, viz: Powder at 5s. per pound, Balls at 6d. per 


325 


pound, and Flints at 5s. per hundred: said Minot paying 
the Commissary aforesaid for the same. 

And the said Minot is hereby directed to distribute the 
same among the inhabitants of the said Towns of Camden, 
Majorbeggaduee, Fox-Islands, and Belfast, in the same 
proportion as the money, and on the same terms. 


Resolve permitting Mr. Mason Wuearton to improve an 
Estate of Tuomas Fiucxer, Esquire; passed Jury 13, 
1776. ; 
Resolved, That Mason Wheaton have leave to improve 

the Estate of Thomas Flucker, who has quitted this country, 

till the 15th day of April next, he giving the Committee on 


id 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


326 


the East side of St. George security to pay them, for the use 
of this Colony, such a sum, as rent for the same, as they 
shall judge it to be reasonably worth. 


Grant for the Travel and Attendance of the Members of the 
House ; passed Jury 13, 1776. 


In the House of Representatives: 'The Pay-Roll of the 
Members of the House, with their Travel and Attendance 
in the House, from the 29th of May last to the 13th of July 
current. Read and approved by the House. 

In Council: Read and allowed. 

Ordered, That a Warrant be drawn on the Treasury for 
£1819 15s., in full of said Roll. 


JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 
Baltimore, July 14, 1776. 

Sirs: I received your letter, and am well satisfied that I 
have so far pleased you. You mention sending two hun- 
dred and fifty pounds by Captain Nicholson. He brought 
me an order for that sum, but no cash. I have sent the 
order by Mr. Wells to receive the money. After paying 
the flour expense to the Potomack, the expense of dischar- 
ging the brigs, and the hire for the vessels for the troops to 
Elk, I shall Jay out the remainder in any way you please 
to order. As I have opened an account for you, I shall 
credit you with the money, and charge you for what I do 
and pay for you, and render you a statement of the account 
monthly; or at the end of certain jobs done. 

Mr. Wells has sundry proposals to make, but thinks it 
hard that he can’t be paid his old account, which I know is 
hard on him, as a man can have no trust here for anything, 
and his circumstances won’t admit of his laying out of his 
money so long. 

There are twenty barrels of superfine flour left with me, 
and I was at the baker’s last night; there is a good deal of 
bread baked and very good. Ifthere is any wanted for the 
brig, please let me know in time; or if flour is wanted, I 
haye a few barrels of flour I would sell at nine shillings per 
hundred, which I would send down for the brig. 

From your humble servant, 

Jesse HoLuinasworrtu. 


To the Hon. Council of Safety, at Annapolis. 


_ P.S. My flour is fresh and good, if you should want to 
send any to Chingoteague for the brig. 


JOHN HANSON, JUN., TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 

Fredericktown, July 14, 1776. 
Sir: The mode pointed out by the Convention for arming 
the men now raising for the Continental service, I am afraid 
will prove ineffectual. The people are much averse to 
parting with their arms, unless they are immediately paid 
for them; and we know of no resolve authorizing such pur- 
chase. Should there be any such, be pleased to order a 
copy to be sent; or if your honourable Board should think 
proper to order such guns as may be necessary, to be bought 
up, I think the men would soon be sufficiently armed; and 
humbly offer it as my opinion, that unless some such step 
be taken, the providing of arms here, for the men that may 
be raised in this part of the County, will be altogether 
impracticable. 

‘am, sir, your most humble servant, 

Joun Hanson, Jun. 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, President of 
the Council of Safety. 


COLONEL SOMERVILLE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Calvert County, July 14, 1776, 


Sunday, five o’clock. 

GentLemeN: About one o’clock yesterday morning, by 
express from Captain Beall, I received information that 
there were forty sail of vessels off Point Lookout, (eight of 
which were square-rigged,) and requesting some assistance 
from our Militia, and to get the other part in readiness in 
case they should proceed up the bay. Colonel Mackall not 
being in the country, I gave such orders as I thought might 
put us in the best posture of defence. The six upper com- 
panies were to hold themselves in readiness to march on the 


* 


shortest notice, and with part of the rest [ went to Druin- 
Point. About four o’clock a firing of cannon, &c., was 
heard, (supposed to be in the Potomack,) which is con- 
firmed this morning by Mr. Hugh Hopewell, Jun., who was 
down near where the firing was, and brought the enclosed 
letter from Colonel Barnes, who also requested the assist- 
ance of Captain Beall and his men. Mr. Hopewell came 
to Drum-Point this morning about nine o’clock, and Cap- 
tain Beall, with all the men he had there, set out about 
half-past ten, leaving that post in charge of our Militia, who 
are now but few in number; but I propose to get (and 
keep) there about sixty or seventy men, exclusive of officers, 
until I receive your orders, or until Captain Bealls return. 
The ships-of-war, tenders, &c., were this morning lying 
off between the S¢. Mary’s River and Point-Lookout; and 
it is reported by some deserters from them, that they intend 
to land on St. George’s Island, in the mouth of St. Mary’s 
River. Captain Beall desired me to inform you of his 
marching, and desires your orders how he shall proceed. 
Colonel Barnes could not get an express to carry his letter 
to you in St. Mary’s, and therefore sent it this way, and 
expects to receive your answer the same way, which I will 
send him as soon as it comes. I shall go to Drum-Point 
in the morning, and you may depend I will do all in my 
power to prevent their landing in this County, if they should 
alter their course so as to come up the bay or into the Pa- 
tuxent. 

This express is to be paid from Drum-Point to Annapolis, 
which is about fifty-five miles, and by which I expect your 
orders, which shall be punctually obeyed. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant, 

ALEXANDER SOMERVILLE. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


P.S. A messenger will be waiting at the late Captain 
Carroll's dwelling-house to-morrow evening to receive your 
answer to Colonel Barnes's letter. You will be pleased to 
direct what number of “Militia can be kept on duty in this 
County, and what number of officers. 


COLONEL DORSEY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 14, 1776. 
GentvLemen: Captain Riggs waits on you with a com- 
pany of Militia out of my battalion. This extremely busy 
time has prevented my sending them sooner. I hope they 
will be relieved by the Flying-Camp in a few days. If 
they are not, I purpose to relieve them by another company 
out of my battalion. 
I am, gentlemen, your most humble servant, 
Tuomas Dorsey. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety, Annapolis. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL ROBERDEAU. 

Philadelphia, Sunday, July 14, 1776. 
Sm: I have it this day in command from Congress to 
desire you will issue fresh orders and exert yourself to for- 
ward the immediate march of the whole Militia destined for 
the Jerseys from this Colony, the service requiring their 
being as soon as possible imbodied in the Jerseys, in conse- 
quence of fresh advices from General Washington by express. 

I beg to request your particular attention to this matter. 
I have the honour to be, sir, your very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To the Honourable Brigadier-General Roberdeau. 


327 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF 
SAFETY. 
Philadelphia, July 14, 1776. 

GentLeMEN: I am directed by Congress most earnestly 
to request you will supply the Flying-Camp and Militia 
inthe Jerseys with as many musket-cartridges, with balls 
therein, as you can possibly spare, and send them forward 
with the greatest despatch. The state of our affairs will not 
admit the least delay, nor need I use arguments to induce 
you to an immediate compliance with this requisition. I 
am likewise to request you will immediately order to the 
respective places of their destination all the British officers 
prisoners in this city. The ladies are not to go till the 
weather is fair. 

The Committee of Congress are instructed to replace an 
equal quantity of powder to that delivered in cartridges. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient 
ioe WT Ed al eS al Pe Hancock, President. 


To the Hon. Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL MERCER. 
Philadelphia, July 14, 1776. 


Sir: The Congress having been informed by General 
Washington, that he had given the command of the Flying 
Camp and Militia in New-Jersey, to you, and for that pur- 
pose you were stationed in the Jerseys, I have it in charge 
from Congress to empower and direct you to march such of 
the Militia and Flying-Camp to Brunswick, or other places 
in the Jerseys, as you may on ail occasions judge necessary 
and most conducive to the publick service, provided it does 
not interfere with any prior direction. from General Wash- 
ington. 

Four tons of powder were sent off to you a few days 
ago; and a large parcel of cartridges, well balled, will be 
this day forwarded to you, for the use of the troops under 
your command. Colonel Biddle, the Quartermaster-General, 
has orders to furnish all necessaries. He will wait on you, 
and follow such directions as you may judge necessary to 
give him. 

You will please to give me the earliest intelligence of 
every occurrence by express, that it may be laid before 
Congress. 

I most heartily wish success to your arms,’and have the 
honour to be, with much esteem, sir, your very humble ser- 
want, Joun Hancock, President. 


To Brigadier-General Mercer, New-Jersey. 


LETTER FROM THE COMMITTEE FOR LANCASTER, PENNSYL- 
VANIA. 
In Committee, Lancaster, July 14, 1776. 


GentLemen: The Committee have received orders from 
the Congress, to keep a guard over the prisoners at the bar- 
racks, and to have the barracks surrounded by a stockaded 
fort. One principal design in this order is, doubtless, to 
prevent the prisoners from straggling abroad, and making 
their escape. The Committee, therefore, request of you to 
have strict inquiry made throughout your township imme- 
diately, for such prisoners as may be there, and have them 
immediately sent in to the barracks in this place, under a 
proper guard ; and the officers of the Militia in the District 
are requested to give you every necessary assistance in carry- 
ing this matter into execution. 

By order of the Committee : 

Wixusam 8. Arter, Chairman. 


To the Members of the Committee in 


Township, 
and the Officers of the Militia there. 


CUMBERLAND COUNTY (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE TO THE 

. PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 

Carlisle, July 14, 1776. 

Honovurasxe Sir: In obedience to your letter, by order 
of Congress, bearing date Philadelphia, the 3d instant, now 
before us, and of the resolve of the Conference of Dele- 
gates, &c., at the State-House, the 5th instant, approved in 
Congress, we sent circular letters to each battalion in this 
County, requesting their compliance. By the intelligence 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


328 


we have already received, we think ourselves warranted to 
say, that we shall be able to send five companies, viz: one 
from each battalion, to compose part of the Flying-Camp, 
provided so many good arms can be had, and three compa- 
nies of Militia, for the present exigency—some of whom 
will march this week. . 

With pleasure we assure you that a noble spirit appears 
amongst the inhabitants here. We find great scarcity of 
cash, even amongst men of considerable property. We are, 
therefore, under thé necessity of sending the bearer hereof, 
Mr. John Boyd, express to you, with our draft, bearing date 
herewith, for £1,000, without which, we find the men can- 
not be suitably fitted out; and, therefore, we make no doubt 
you will honour our order, more especially when we inform 
you that we have taken up money already upon our own 
credit. 

The spirit of marching to the defence of our country is 
so prevalent in this town, that we shall not have men left 
sufficient to mount guard, which we think absolutely neces- 
sary for the Safety of the inhabitants and ammunition, and 
as a watch over the ten English officers, with their ten ser- 
vants, to keep their parole of honour; especially as their 
brethren lately at Lebanon, in Lancaster County, lost it. 
And as there will not be more left in town here for the above 
purpose, we shall be obliged to hire a guard of. twelve men 
from the County, which we think ought to be at the publick 
ex pense. 

Although we do not charge those gentlemen with such 
behaviour as would warrant us to confine them, yet we 
have reason to believe their conversation has influenced 
many weak and ignorant persons, as well in town as within 
the six miles around it which is the line of their confine- 
ment ; and their servants are dressed with hunting-shirts and 
trowsers, the uniform of our people, which might ‘facilitate 
their escape. 

We are, sir, your most obedient humble servants. 

Signed by order of the Committee : ‘ 

Joun Monreomery, Chairman. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


a * 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Perth Amboy, July 14, 1776. 

Sir: This morning Lord Howe sent Lieutenant Reeve, 
of the Kagle man-of-war, with a flag of truce to this post. 
He delivered me the letters which accompany this. 

Nothing worthy your attention has happened here since I 
had the honour to receive your instructions‘of the 11th inst., 
by Mr. Boss. The enemy’s guards in our vieW continue with- 
out any new movement. From their number, it is probable 
that two regiments encamp near this end of Staten Island. 
We have been able, however, to procure no certain intelli- 
gence of their situation. No person has yet come over to 
us, nor is it easy to find one of our friends duly qualified 
or ready to undertake the business of a Spy on the Island. 
About four hundred of the Pennsylvania rifle battalion have 
joined us, and another party of the same regiment is on the 
way. From this last, I have ordered one hundred men to 
take post at the ferries of Passaick and Hackensack, and 
shall relieve all the Jersey Militia as soon as reinforcements 
arrive. When the two battalions of riflemen and one of 
musketry from Pennsylvania, are posted from hence to the 
ferries towards New-York, a favourable opportunity may 
probably offer to surprise the enemy’s small posts. Boats 
may, I think, be procured ; and the riflemen would be happy 
to be so employed. Such an enterprise is not suspected by 
the enemy, nor believed to be under consideration here. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most obe- 
dient servant, H. Mercer. 


PHILIP B, BRADLEY TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 

wh Bergen, July 14, 1776. 
Honovren Sir: I flatter myself that the continual hurry 
and multiplicity of business which I have had will apologize 
for not writing you sooner, ‘The next day after my arrival 
at New-York, I was ordered, with General Wadsworth’s 
brigade, to Bergen, in the Jerseys, nearly opposite to the 

enemy, besides which I have one battalion of the Jersey 
forces under my command, ; 


The fleet, by small parties, are daily falling in. Vice- 


329 


Admiral Howe arrived Friday night last, so that we may 
expect a visit from them soon, but we hope to give them a 
warm reception, 

I would acquaint your Honour that I have appointed the 
Rev. Isaac Lewis as Chaplain, and Doctor Salua Pell as 
Surgeon, with Amos Baker as his mate. I wish they may 
meet your approbation. Their abilities in their different 
departments, | make no doubt, are equal to the task. 

And Iam, honoured sir, your obedient, humble servant, 

Puitie B. Bravuey. 


The Hon. Jonathaw Trumbull, Esq. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 16, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.] 
New-York, July 14, 17%. 

Sir: My last, of F'rzday evening, which I had the honour 
of addressing you, advised that two of the enemy’s ships 
of war and three tenders had run above our batteries here 
and the works at the upper end of the Island. I am now 
to inform you, that yesterday forenoon, receiving intelligence 
from General Mifflin that they had passed the Tappan Sea, 
and were trying to proceed higher up, by advice of R. R. 
Livingston, Esq., and other gentlemen, I despatched an 
express to General Clinton, of Ulster, and the Committee of 
Safety for Dutchess County, to take measures for securing 
the passes in the Highlands, lest they might have designs of 
seizing them, and have a force concealed for the purpose. 
I wrote the evening before to the commanding officers of 
the two garrisons there, to be vigilant, and prepared against 
any attempts they or any disaffected persons might make 
against them, and to forward expresses all the way to Albany, 
that provision and other vessels might be secured and pre- 
vented falling into their hands. ‘The information given Gen- 
eral Mifflin was rather premature, as to their having gone 
- past the sea. A letter from the Committee of Orange 
County, which came to hand this morning, says they were 
there yesterday, and that a regiment of their Militia was un- 
der arms to prevent their landing and making an incursion. 
The messenger who brought it, and to whom it refers for 
particulars, adds, that a party of them in two or three boats 
had approached the shore, but were. forced back by our 
people firing at them. Since theamanceuvre of friday there 
have been no other movements in the fleet. 

General Sullivan, in a letter of the 2d instant, informs'me 
of his arrival with the Army at Crown-Point, where he is 
fortifying and throwing up works. He adds, that he has 
secured all the stores, except three cannon left at Chambly, 
which in part is made up by taking a fine twelve-pounder out 
of the Lake. ‘The Army is sickly, many with the small-pox, 
and he is apprehensive the Militia ordered to join them will 
not escape the infection. An officer he had sent to recon- 
noitre had reported that he saw at \St. John’s about one hun- 
dred and fifty tents, twenty at St. Roy’s, and fifteen at 
Chambly, and works at the first were busily carrying on. 

I have enclosed a General Return of the Army here, which 
will show the whole of our strength; all the detached posts 
are included. 


A letter from the eastward, by last night’s post, to Mr. 


Hazard, Postmaster in this city, advises, that two ships have 
, been taken and carried into Cape Ann—one from Antigua, 
consigned to General Howe, with four hundred and thirty- 
nine puncheons of rum; the other a Jamaicaman, with four 
hundred hogsheads of sugar, two hundred puncheons of rum, 
thirty-nine bales of cotton, pimento, fustic, &c., &c.; each 
mounted two guns, six-pounders. 

About three o’clock this afternoon I was informed that a 
flag from Lord Howe was coming up, and waited with two of 
our whale-boats until directions should be given. I imme- 

diately convened such of the General Officers as were not 
upon other duty, who agreed in opinion that I ought not to 
receive any letter directed to me as a private gentleman; but 
if otherwise, and the officer desired to come up to deliver the 
letter himself, as was suggested, he should come under a safe 
conduct. Upon this, I directed Colonel Reed to go down 
and manage the affair under the above general instruction. 
On his return he informed me, that after the common civilities, 
the officer acquainted him that he hada letter from Lord Howe 
to Mr. Washington, which he showed, under a superscrip- 
tion “'To George Washington, Esq.” Colonel Reed replied, 
there was no such person in the Army, and that a letter in- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


330 


tended for the General could not be received under such a 
direction. The officer expressed great concern; said it was 
a letter of rather a civil than military nature; that Lord 
Howe regretted he had not arrived sooner; that he (Lord 
Howe) had great powers. 'The anxiety to have the letter 
received was very evident, though the officer disclaimed all 
knowledge of its contents. However, Colonel Reed’s in- 
structions being positive, they parted. After they had got 
some distance, the officer with the flag again put about, and 
asked under what direction Mr. Washington chose to be 
addressed ; to which Colonel Reed answered, his station was 
well known, and that certainly they could be at no loss how 
to direct to him. The officer said they knew and lamented 
it; and again repeated his wish that the letter could be 
received. Colonel Reed told him a proper direction would 
obviate all difficulties, and that this was no new matter, the 
subject having been fully discussed in the course of the last 
year, of which Lord Howe could not be ignorant: upon 
which they parted. . 

I would not, upon any occasion, sacrifice essentials to 
punctilio; but in this instance, the opinion of others concur- 
ring with my own, I deemed it a duty to my country and my 
appointment to insist upon that respect which in any other 
than a publick view I would willingly have waived. Nor 
do I doubt but, from the supposed nature of the message 
and the anxiety expressed, they will either repeat their flag, 
or fall upon some mode to communicate the import and con- 
sequence of it. 

I have been duly honoured with your two letters, that of 
the 10th by Mr. Anderson, and the 11th with its enclosures, 
and have directed the Quartermaster to provide him with 
everything he wants to carry his scheme into execution. It 
is an important one, and I wish it success, but I am doubtful 
that it will be better in theory than practice. 

The passage of the ships of war and tenders up the river 
is a matter of great importance, and has excited much con- 
jecture and speculation. ‘To me, two things have occurred, 
as leading them to this proceeding: first, a design to seize 
on the narrow passes on both sides the river, giving almost 
the only land communication with Albany, and, of conse- 
quence, with our northern Army, and for which purpose they 
might have troops concealed on board, which they deemed 
competent of themselves, as the defiles are narrow, or that 
they would be joined by many disaffected persons in that 
quarter ; others have added a probability of their having a 
large quantity of arms on board, to be in readiness to put 
into the hands of the Tories immediately on the arrival of 
the fleetyor rather, at the time they intend to make their 
attack. The second is, to cut off entirely all intercourse 
between this place and Albany by water, and the upper coun- 
try, and to prevent supplies of every kind going and coming. 
These matters are truly alarming, and of such importance 
that I have written to the Provincial Congress of New-York, 
and recommendec to their serious consideration the adoption 
of every possible expedient to guard against.the two first, and 
have suggested the propriety of their employing the Militia, 
or some part of them, in the Counties in which their defiles 
are, to keep the enemy from possessing them, until further 
provision can be made; and to write to the several leading 
persons on our'side, in that quarter, to be atteritive to all the 
movements of the ships and the disaffected, in order to dis- 
cover and frustrate whatever pernicious schemes they have 
in view. 

In respect to the second conjecture of my own, and which 
seems to be generally adopted, I have the pleasure to inform 
Congress, that, if their design is to keep the Armies from 
provisions, the Commissary has told me, upon inquiry, that 
he has forwarded supplies to Albany, now there and above 
it, sufficient for ten thousand men for four months; that he 
has a sufficiency here for twenty thousand men for three 
months, and an abundant quantity secured in different parts 
of the Jerseys for the Flying-Camp, besides having about four 
thousand barrels of flour in some neighbouring part of Con- 
necticut. Upon this head there is but little occasion for any 
apprehensions, at least for a considerable time. 

I have the honour to be, with sentiments of great esteem, 


ur most obedient servant 
bicoee| : Go. WasuHINGTON, 


P.S. [have sent orders to the commanding officer of the 
Pennsylvania Militia to march to Amboy, as their remaining 
at Trenton can be of no service. 


331 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 332 


General Return of the Army in the service of the Unrrep Couontes, in and near the City of New-Yorx, commanded by 
His Excellency Grorcr: Wasuineton, Esquire, General and Commander-in- Chief. 


OFFICERS PRESENT. 


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RIGLONIOL TL ANUCS eraipis'clanisioe’s nicl « 1a eS) es) Slee Gh Lesa en ts pel 9 alee eo We 1,227] 2 289) .95117 |) 358) Soe wea 
Colonel Learned’s.......2.-0-+-- =! i Ty SiS a Sh Th ed) 32) 15) eT 5a 43) 10 ieeo Tee 549 | -| 1 91}1]-|] -|1 
GoalonelsNixonisites doses ceoces cl 1) Fd) oS) 6) SSCL LAT UL Sl 115 es O yaaa TT es See 438 | -| -| 202) -| -| 1} - 
Colonel Prescott’s.. <i... 60% 02000. 1) aS Th SiG) 7a) Tae) BS eG S| 3205 ee 2G) etol esa ee 414); 1] -| 226) -;1]-]1 
Colonel Varnum’s.........+6- cee SD TBA 5) Eo MP a=") 26M 2280) DS Oa 399 -| 241, 4)]3].-] - 
Colonel Parsons’s... 2.2 ..s.cseee 1a 8) 8 Bl ea Tl 1) o< SOG 1362 ISS eerie OT ee lelmDob neat t= 45) 4|3]-]| - 
Colonel Hitchcock’s........+- a ctel Let] a} Sis) Shas) ee 1a Lia 1) S29 Ge S aS 296s S8 et OVeeaoer 389 Hise oy] 2ST | ae 
CI OLONEIMIGUELO’S se /s1a10\n\n 01 «10 0070 o'e ole 1} i} dt 8} 8) 8) Fh 1) 1) dy a= (829) 16 | 3367 42):10! 75} 463 | -| -| 177) -|1/1)]12 
WGOlONE!WREAC ices. o biec'e cis cice ow >| 1) 1) 0) Ole A eesimoh-) ELL aL i. 1) e3ls) 36>) 302) |. 80)e14\ 132i 928%] b= 0] 5 = "| S12) ea] = | 
Colonel Huntington’s.:......+++.| 1] 1}-| 8} 8| 8 8 1) 1) 1/1) 1) 32) 16] 327) 107) 4) 100) 4) 542] -| - S821 13 ee 
(COlONELEW EDDIS:< c\c0 00100 or oo cine T= eG) Geet al a LSS Tas S271 83a AeA eon bo Tm eee 83} -| -y 1) - 
Colonel Arnold’s.....-- AGO CsaibS = 2 ale SiS) (8) 58) a) SET] eS eS 8 370s) bo) aa LOli ss 541] -| 1 99} -|} 1] -| 2 
Colonel Ward’s.....5.cscccsccce eh 4 Te 8) OTe aed |) 26a T3233) eels og lr O11 et esis Wiel es 
Colonel Wyllys’s..... as eftisloin/s/sie TT) Wy Sh 6 Sle eS Pa ys 28 eta 3579) 66) eT oT 19 ye 549 | - | - 91) -| -| 1] - 
Colonel Bailey’s......s+eeeeeee-| 1] 1] 1] 6 7 6 Z- | 1) 1) 1) 1) 30 | 15) *317] 87 12) 122) - 538 fo 4D P 102 ea 
Colonel Baldwin’s.,.....2c.sc.0 QT) Tt 25th 6B Le ey aS TD 28s) 62) 6) TOT St ASB iis game) ae eo) en een eect 
9 Comp’s of Col. McDougall’s....| 1} 1} 1} 6| 6] 7 6 1) 1) 1) 1) 1) 35 | 18] 285) 75) 8 104 - AT2 (AN) = | aS oul =| eae 
Colonel Ritzema’s......++2- ge al] a =P 5) 6) Gt Uh UT 27815 7) B06)" S74) 1 Cire 449) ea OR ae ee 
Colonel Magaw’s.......++e-++e-| 1} 1} 1) 8 7 7 6 1 1 1j-}-| 31} 15) 403 | 53) 23 Al 8 | 490000 We 149 el eae 
CFOLONEL SHEA: Sesiee/cs c's ols eolelnieiele 1) 1} 1} 68) 728) <8) =) aT a A) Sls) 12-] 437 1-34) 22 2154 2500) Vs) As Sea 085 a eet 
Total.....ccceccscncecse eee (17 {19|16|1381137/130)133}14/20]19/18116) 565 292 | 6,320 |1281/202/ 1,848) 44 19,695 |13 |30 | 3,185/28 |14 |10 |27 


Return of General Scort’s Brigade, sixty-seven the establishment, rank and file, in a Company, and ten Companies 
to a Regiment. 


Colonel Lasher’s........sseeeees 1) YW I0j 10, 9] - |-] 1) 1]-|-] 30) 16) 439| 26) 43) 56 1] 565) -] 4] 105 61) -| - | - 
Colonel Malcom’s......seeeree- 11 1/1} 9} 9| 10) - | aj a} a) a}-| 97] 15| 245] wt} -| 21) 1] 9278/3) 5} 392) 9 -| - |12 
Colonel Drake’s....-..s2eeeee- i} 1| 1) 10) 9} 8} -|-| 1) 1/-|-| 28] 16] 420] 29) 3] 30) 4) 486/2/4] 184)-|-|] 3/2 
5 Com. of Lt. Col. Hardenburgh’s. 2 Ij - 8a. Bea =P ple | 15 u 212 Ae" | Raliee 256 3 bedi 79 ah Wier BOER 

POA ER es 3| 4| 3 34l gal gal - {al al al al-| 100 | 54 [1,316 | 84l 46l 131] 8 /1,585 | 5 l16 | ze0l 651 - | 3 | 14 


Return of General Hearv’s Brigade, seventy-two the establishment, rank and file, in a Company, and eight Com- 
pames in a Regiment. 


Golonel(Horman se seele ere ae tere VSS TES eS) = EE] 228) | 15 ee 459" | Sake 3) - 482 | 1]| - 944 -| -| -| - 

7 Companies of Col. Hunt’s......]-| 1) 1} 7 6) 2) 5)-| 1) 1)-|-| 20] 14 256 | Il} - - 2] 269 | 8] -} 235) 87 -| -| - 

7 Companies of Col. Martin’s.,..| 1} 1) 1} 7 7 5) 7- ALAM TRIG « 2aFk 7] 268 14 - 56) 2 340 |.1 | 4 164/252} - | -] - 

2 Companies of Col. Newcomb’s.|-|-|-}] 1 Ae Mee Bias an 6 3] 19 lm- |e =i) im 79);2/1 65] - | Yes erase [ce 

1 Comp. of Col. Van Cortlandt’s.|-|-|-| 1| 1) 1) j-|-|-|- tnd Ai ieee 30 | - pee 15) - Ada fies 27) - |-|-|- 
Point ra ke Be, a| gi al a3t asl a7] agi ai 3} 4i al al 95| 31 11,092] 44] a] 74] 41,915 119 | 51 se5'sa0] - 


Return of General Wavswortn’s Brigade, eighty-three rank and file the establishment for one Company, and eight 
Companies in a Regiment. 


7 Companies of Col. Silliman’s.. . Vii 6 4 6 4 -| 1) 1) 1) 28) 13 170 2) 2) 144 - 318| - | 1] 263} -| -| - 
7 Companies of Col. Gay’s.....- Boal} We Bho Sh Bee} Th Al ala] 328 F16)) SSN eS) aoe ee) S565 fer oesiod Cie 
6 Companies of Col. Bradley’s...| 1}-| 1) 6| 6 5| 4/-/ 1) 1)-|-| 22] 11] 161] - | -} 218} - | 379) -| -| 119) -| -| - 
3 Companies of Col. Sage’s......| 1}-|-| 3) 2 1) 3)-| 1) I/-|-| 12] 6 125; - |) 5 I = 141; - | - | 108) - | -| - 
1 Company of Col. Selden’s......)-|-|-| 1) - PAC SIPS BS het TAPS 76} - |-| - - 1G laeal he vitae hiss ieee 
7 Companies of Col. Douglass’s..| 1] 1] 1) 6; 6} 6) 7 1) 1) 1)-| 1) 22 10; 2624 5) -| 106 - 373| 6} 4] 208) -| -| - 
3 Companies of Col. Chester’s....| 1/-|-| 4) 4)- | 2-] 3) 3}-]-| UW] 5] 157) oa 15 - | aap 1) a] 7 -] -|} - 
13 Companies of Light Horse of) |_| 3] 3! 13] 13] 13| 13) -| 1) 1] 1) 1] 52} 1] 289] 25/-| 43! - | 357;/-|-| - | -|-] - 
Gol: Begmiour ss. Zulc Siecotata Ais oly WEL fo ARHONDES erated holt a SC Maye.) Dl dd Rg Oe ah | (ies | a Ae 
Total overeat crea tees 6 4| 6) 46| 40| 38] 38} 1| 7 7] 3] 4| 177 | 75 | 1,591] 38/8) 537] - | 2,174 /12 1,005| - | - | - 

The total of General Heard’s field Pallant: cel aetetial Rican cl uiee | Oech vera Pee ies Rae Se mee pa pa 
brought down.........+.. ne el ca Mala tag 0 ea Rea ls Weis: patil Gs a ae va at 5865/8 eas 
rhe UNE dE & eee 3] 4] 3] 34) 32} 32) - | 1) 4| 4/ 1)-|°100 | 54 | 1,316] 84) a6) 131) 8 | 1,585! 5 \16 | 760) 65 -| 3 
The total of thewhole established } |}7/18|16'138 137|130.133'14.20 1911816) 565 [292 6,320 1281 202 1,848} 44 | 9,695 |13 30 |3,185, 28 14) 10 
Regiments brought down.... ae a CEs ale P| ii Soy aad eat ee ee ee 
Total of the whole.......++++.++ (2829197241 /9991017'190 17134 34lasio0l 997 |45a 110,319 114471257) 2,590| 56 114,669 49° '57 |5,535'439! 14 | 23 


Head-Quarters, July 13, 1776. 


Return of the Regiment of Artillery in the service of the Unrrep States or America, commanded by Henry Knox, Esq, 


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New-York, July 13, 1776. 


333 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION, 
Head-Quarters, July 14, 1776. 


GrnrLemen: The passage of the enemy up North River 
js a point big with many consequences to the publick interest; 
one particularly occurs to me well deserving your attention, 
and to prevent which I shall gladly give every assistance in 
my power, consistent with the safety of the Army. [am 
informed there are several passes on each side of the river, 
upon which the communication with Albany depends, of so 
commanding a nature that an inconsiderable body of men 
may defend them against the largest numbers. It may be 
that on board these ships there may be troops for this pur- 
pose, who, expecting to be joined by the disaffected in that 
quarter, or confiding in their own strength, may endeavour 
to seize those defiles, in which case the intercourse between 
the two Armies, both by land and water, will be wholly cut 
off, than which a greater misfortune could hardly befall the 
service and Army. I must entreat you to take the measure 
_ into consideration, and, if possible, provide against an evil so 
much to be apprehended. I should hope the Militia of those 
Counties might be used on such an emergency, until further 
provision was made. 

I have also thought it very probable those ships may have 
carried up arms and.ammunition, to be dealt out to those 
who may favour their cause, and codperate with them at a 
prefixed time. I would, to guard against this, submit to 
your consideration the propriety of writing to the leading 
men on our side in those Counties, to be very vigilant in ob- 
serving any movements of this kind, in order that so danger- 
ous a scheme may be nipped in the bud; and for that purpose, 
to keep the utmost attention to the conduct of the principal 
Tories in those parts—any attempts of intercourse with the 
ships, and all other circumstances which may lead to a dis- 
covery of their schemes and the destruction of their measures. 

I am, gentlemen, Xc., 

Go. WasHINGTON. 


To the Convention of the State of New-York. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE 
PENNSYLVANIA TROOPS. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 14, 1776. 


Sir: From sundry accounts received of the troops you 
command, I have reason to believe they will halt at Trenton, 
and there wait further orders. As I do not see any advantage 
which can arise from your continuance there, and the hon- 
ourable Continental Congress has committed the disposition 
of them to me until the Flying-Camp is formed, you will, 
on receipt of this, proceed to Amboy, in New-Jersey, where 
General Mercer is appointed to command, and there, putting 
yourself under his direction, receive and obey such orders as 
he may give. 

I am, sir, your most humble servant, 

Go. WasuHIneTon. 


To the Commanding Officer of the Pennsylvania Troops, 
at Trenton, (or elsewhere,) New-Jersey. 


COLONEL RITZEMA TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
New-York, July 14, 1776. 

May ir PLease your Exceiiency: Conscious in my 
own mind that I never have said or done anything wittingly 
which had a tendency to disparage the Continental troops 
or service, much less to speak contumeliously of any of the 
General Officers, and, above all, of the American cause—a 
cause which I have as much at heart as any man in America, 
and in which I have frequently ventured my life the last 
campaign, and was the first man in the Province of New- 
York who ever took up arms in defence of it, a cause for 
which I am still willing to lay down my life,—it therefore 
grieves me sorely that my integrity should be called in ques- 
tion, and that secret enemies should endeavour to blast my 
character in your Excellency’s estimation. Finding that I 
have many of these, and that words which I may have 
unguardedly uttered have been construed to the worst of 
purposes, I humbly crave, to avoid further persecution, your 
Excellency’s leave to resign my commission, and to retire to 
my good and aged father in the country, not doubting but in 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


334 


a little time your Excellency and the world will be convinced 
that Iam not the man I am by some represented to be. 

I am, may it please your Excellency, your Excellency’s 
very humble servant, Rupoienus Rirzema. 


‘ GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL RITZEMA. 


Head-Quarters, July 14, 1776, 

Srr: At a period so critical as the present, when our 
unnatural enemies are in full view, and hourly expected to 
strike a blow which may be supposed in a great measure to 
decide the fate of America, I must confess I am not a little 
surprised to find an officer of your rank in the Army solicit- 
ing leave to resign his commission, more especially consider- 
ing the predicament you are now in. I should rather hope 
that, as you are so conscious of your innocence, you would 
urge an inquiry into your conduct, to convince the world 
that the complaints exhibited against you are totally ground- 
less; and that the malice of your worst enemies cannot do 
the least injury to your reputation, which, to a soldier, ought 
ever to be dearer than life. 

I don’t know how far I can, with propriety, countermand 
the order for the Court of Inquiry, as it 1s already given out 
in General Orders; however, I will think of it, and give you 
my answer to-morrow. 

I am, sir, your most humble servant, 

Go. WasuHineTon. 
To Colonel Rudolphus Ritzema. 


GOUVERNEUR MORRIS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
In Committee of the Convention of Representatives of the 

State of New-York, at the City-Hall of the City of 

New-York, July 14, 1776. 
Str: I am directed by the Committee to inform your 
Excellency that a great number of the persons now confined 
in our jail are from Queen’s County, on Long-Island, and, 
from all appearances, we are confident that they are in sen- 
timent inimical to that glorious cause in which, with your 
Excellency, we have the honour to be engaged. We have 
it in our power to confine them close prisoners, or take 
security for their future conduct. The inconvenience of 
crowding the jails throughout the County with people of this 
character, if they can safely be permitted to continue at their 
usual places of residence, is striking, as it must fill their 
minds with the sourness of opposition, and at the same time, 
by rousing and enraging all their connexions, and giving 
a just alarm to every person suspected of holding similar 
principles, raise up numerous enemies actuated by revenge 
and despair. If, on the other hand, security is taken for 
their peaceable demeanour, at the same time binding them 
to continue at their usual places of abode, the dangers I have 
just suggested to your Excellency will indeed be removed ; 
but another cause of serious apprehension will still remain, 
and we shall risk much from their correspondence with the 
enemy, while perhaps it may be difficult to prevent them 
from knowing the measures which may be taken by your 
Excellency for the publick service. In this disagreeable 
dilemma, we find ourselves under the necessity of asking 
advice, sir, from you, and such persons in your council as 
ou may think proper to consult, it being our wish that our 
conduct should conform to the sentiments of those who are 

intrusted with the important concerns of the United States. 
We have seriously pondered on the business your Excel- 
lency recommended to our attention, by the letter we were 
yesterday honoured with; and while we are alarmed at the 
dangers impending upon a neglect of what your Excellency 
hath pointed out to us, we feel ourselves much at a loss for 
measures which will be effectual. We shall suggest to your 
Excellency the propriety of removing from this Island every 
person, except the soldiery, who shall not have a permission 
from the Committee of this County to continue thereon; and 
after that period, a small degree of caution may prevent 
vagrants or spies from obtaining intelligence. But upon this 
and every other plan which may be proposed, we should be 
glad to have an opportunity of consulting with your Excel- 
lency, being extremely anxious for the adoption of the most 
speedy and efficacious measures to promote the publick service. 
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your 

Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servant, 
Gouv. Morais. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


335 


To His Excellency Grorce Wasutineton, Esquire, Com- 
mander-in- Chief of the Army of the Thirteen UnrrEeD 


Srates of Nortu America. 


The Memorial of sundry Inhabitants of the City of New- 
York, and other friends to the peace and safety of th 
Unirep Sratres of America, showeth : ; 


That your Memorialists have been vigilant in finding out 
the enemies to the American States, in order to their bemg 
removed from all such places where they have opportunity 
of doing mischief to our common cause at this critical time ; 
when the greatest precaution is necessary for the publick 
safety. 

Your Memorialists are of opinion, that suffering Tories to 
remain in this city, or near it, in Long-Island, and Shrews- 
bury, &c., will be attended with much danger. 

Zeal for the prosperity of the glorious cause in which we 
are engaged, and for the safety of your Excellency’s person, 
prompt us now to address your Excellency on this inter- 
esting affair. Give us leave at the same time to express our 
readiness to assist, as far as in our power, in every laudable 
measure that may be recommended for the publick safety. 

Your Memorialists therefore pray your Excellency, that 
orders may be given for the removal of dangerous persons 
from this city, and other places, to some distant parts in the 
country, that the minds of your Memorialists and other 
friends to our cause may be relieved from their uneasiness. 


And your Memorialists shall pray, &c. 
John McArthur, 


Richard Leaycraft, Isaac Pinto, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


John Holt, 
Jonathan Durell, 
Gershom Mott, 
William Mercier, 
Isaac Van Vleck, 
Richard Norwood, 
Viner Van Zandt, 
Malcom McEuen, 
Jeremiah Platt, 
Garret Roorback, 
Ward Hunt, 
Frederick Bassett, 
James Colvin, 

F. Lewis, 


John Burger, 
Thomas Pratt, 
John Anderson, 
Lemuel Bunce, 
John Keating, 
George Traile, 
John Gilbert, 
Ephraim Brasher, 
Richard Livingston, 
George Graham, 
John Buchanan, 
Nathan Fish, 
Alexander Fortune, 
Thomas Lawrence, 
John Keily, Abraham De Lanoy, 
Ethan Sickels, John Abeel, 
Theodorus Deforeest, Richard Sands, 
Aaron Stockholm, Benjamin Quereau, 
James Byers, Joshua Sands, 
Daniel Green, Peter Vandervoort, 
Engelbart Kemmenay, David Dickson, 
Benjamin Hoghland, Andrew Stockholm, 
Thomas Ark, Wn. S. Livingston, 
Ger. Hardenbrook, James Abeel, 

Abra. Van Gelden, William Adams, 
Adolph De Grove, | Henry Brashers, 
Anthony Glean, Walter Moffatt, 
Edward Collord, Nicholas Fish, 
John Rutter, Johs. Hardenbergh, 
Christopher Codwise, Jeremiah Wool, 
Henry Beekman, Jonathan Blake, 
Peter Sim, Edward Meeks, 
James Smith, John Hunter, 
David Currie, Aaron Gilbert, 
Isaac Sebring, John Thomas, 
Cornelius Sebring, John Hyatt, 

John Ellis, Robert Manley, 
Robert Wool, Gilbert Dean, 
Daniel Cryble, 
Marinus Willett, 
John Stout, 
Henry Sheafe, 
Robert Campbell, 
John Hamilton, 
Garret Kip, 
Joseph Carr, 


Abram 8S. Haddery, 
Samuel Fleming, 
Joshua Rogers, 
Sybert Acker, 
John Jackson, 
James Rumsey, 
Jacob Lawrance, 
Isaac Sears, Joseph Cheesman, 
Joseph Smith, William Faulkner, 
Thomas Henderson, Ebenezer Phillips, 
Benj. Lightbourn, Capt. Jas. Robison, 
James Smith, John Gillespy, 


Ephraim Lockwood, 


. Cur, 
John Fish, 
Stephen Howell, 
Cornelius J. Duboys, 
Abraham Smedes, 
Henry Sloson, 
Stephen Oakley, 
George Knox, 
Nathaniel Ketchum, 
James Black, 
Wm. Dewitt, Capt., 
Prentice Bowen, 
Daniel Shaw, 
Abrm. A.Van Wyck, 
Sebastian Bauman, 
David Dickson,Capt., 
Lewis Norris, 
John Campbell, 
Henry Wilmot, 
Wm. Willierks,Capt., 
William Goforth, 
Wynd Kettletas, 
James Bate, 
John Wiley, 
Jacob K. Duryee, 
Henry Riker, 
Cary Dunn, 
Oliver Glean, 
James Riker, 
John Riker, Jr., 
Elias Pelletreau, 
Robert Troup, 
William Tapp, 
Henry Tiebout, 
Peter Vergereau, 
Thomas Delessy, 
Wm. W. Depeyster, 
Henry D. Tripp, 
Theodosius Fowler, 
Cornelius Bicker, 
Daniel Winter, 
Caleb Hobby, 
Benjamin Jones, 
William Whetten, 
John Anthony, 
Hugh Hughes, 
Abraham P. Lott, 
Henry H. Kip, 
Ebenezer Hazard, 
Samuel Johnson, 


Malachy Treat. 


COLONEL PARKE TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
New-York Camp, July 14, 1776. 
GentLemen: I did not receive your notification till this 


morning after the time appointed. I send you herewith the 
names of the neighbours who are acquainted with Mr. Tyler’s 
character, and can best inform you of his past conduct; nor 
would he have been noticed now, had not he come into 
Colonel Wyllys’s encampment and began to display the in- 
veteracy of his heart among the soldiers, at the same time 
treating the officers with the greatest insolence. 1 hope he 
will be able to wipe this infamous stigma from his character ; 
but if not, | know your attachment to your country will 
suggest a proper mode of treatment for him. The persons 


336 


ready to give evidence against him are: Paul Green and 
wife, Pelatiah Haws, Nathaniel Peck, Mrs. Susan Hallo- 
way, Captain John Warner, Sergeant Isaac Piper and 
wife, Mrs. Sarah Wood, and Captain Ives ; besides other 
witnesses, which may be procured on oceasion. These 
persons live in the neighbourhood, and may be had by a 
summons for that purpose. 
Iam, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
Joun Parke. 


To the Committee of Safety, New-York. 


P.S. Mr. Tyler belongs to Captain Warner’s company. 
John Lowe and his brother are further evidences. 


GENERAL MIFFLIN TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Mount Washington, July 14, 1776. 

My pear GeneraL: The party opposite to us on the 
Jersey side are at work on the mountain, and will soon have 
the ground prepared for cannon. I was obliged to call the 
party of one hundred and fifty men from our point and set 
them at work on two traverses, which the enemy’s fire on 
Friday convinced me were necessary in the fort. 

I have removed the small building, which was placed 
near the bastion on the right entering the sally-port, behind 
one of the traverses; and have, through necessity, made 
use of it as a Magazine. 

When the carpenters have finished the proper Magazine, 
I will take care to settle it as low as possible, and render it 
as secure as the ground will permit. At present, we have 
no security for our powder. 

A battery on the height, above our point, of eighteen 
pounders, would render the passage of the river very diffi- 
cult, although our late experiments may have taught us that 
it is not easy to pr@vent it. The ships were obliged to pass 
very near to it: our rifles reached them. ‘The men having 
worked all Frzday night, and being much fatigued, I have 
relieved them from fatigue this day. I want much your 
Excellency’s orders respecting the places next to be secured. 
Bulwarks connected with our fort are certainly necessary; 
we are weak without them. I shall, therefore, unless other- 
wise directed, order the party of one hundred and fifty from 
Nyack, to finish the battery on the point, and then erect 
another on the rock above it; our own men to finish the 
traverses, and proceed with some outworks and a strong 
abattis. As to a ditch, it is very difficult, and will require 
much time to complete one: that I must leave until more 
essential works are completed. 

Last night I sent an alert and prudent officer to watch 
the motions of the ships and Tories. He is properly equipped 
and well qualified for the business. The ships lay in sight of 
us all yesterday, about four or five miles above Dobbs’s Ferry. 
1 have sent out to know where they are this morning; the wea- 
ther prevented our seeing them at their station yesterday. 

I beg leave to mention the necessity of securing the com- 
munications, opposite to us, with New-Jersey; a small part 
of the Flying-Camp, as the ground is strong, would answer 
the purpose. 

The heights over the bridge, and south of King’s Bridge, 
near the Three Trees, well known by your Excellency, are, 
in my opinion, of immense importance to us, especially if the 
enemy attempt an impression, or determine to throw up a 
line of contravallation against our posts on this Island, and 
try to shut us in. 

Mr. John Delany frequently passes King’s Bridge, with 
a pass from General Putnam. I have seen him twice, and 
heard of his being on the road to and from New- York, four 
times since Wednesday. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COMMITTEE OF ORANGE COUNTY, 
NEW-YORK. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 14, 1776. 


Gentiemen: Nothing can be more pleasing than, on all 
occasions, to see the people ready to fly to the protection of 
any part of the country where there is any danger from the 
enemy; but at this extremely busy season, I cannot recom- 
mend your keeping the regiment imbodied. It would be 
well to notify them all to be ready at a moment’s warning 
to assemble at any place they may be called to. Every 
precaution ought to be taken to prevent the men-of-war 


‘337 


from getting any supplies of fresh provisions, or keeping up 
any intercourse or correspondence with the disaffected inha- 
bitants. I shall be much obliged for timely information of 
every manceuvre of the ships and tenders up the river, and 
hope that every necessary step will be taken to prevent any 
of our vessels falling into their hands. 

I am, gentlemen, with esteem, your most humble servant, 

Go, WasHINGTON. 


To the Committee of Orange County, New-York. 


COLONEL HAY TO GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON. 
Sunday Evening, July 14, 1776. 

Dear Sir: On Friday afternoon three ships of war and 
four cutters of the Ministerial fleet passed the city of New- 
York; one forty and one twenty-gun ship, with the four 
cutters, anchored in the bay, opposite Nyack. On Friday 
night I called out my regiment, in order to prevent the 
enemy from landing and committing depredations on the 
west Shore, which we have hitherto done. At twelve o’clock 
yesterday a barge and cutter attempted to land; the latter 
grounded at some distance from the shore, and the barge, 
being fired upon by our guard, returned to the ships. In 
the night another barge came so near the shore that she was 
spoken to by the guard; and we are in hourly expectation 
of another attempt. My regiment, which consists of but 
four hundred men, has now been upon duty, night and day, 
since Friday evening, and are greatly fatigued with the ser- 
vice. ‘The men express great uneasiness, under apprehen- 
sion that they shall lose their harvest, as the grain is now fit 
to gather, and no persons to take it in, if they are obliged to 
guard the shore. In this situation, I thought it my duty to 
apply to you for support. As we have considerable extent of 
shore to guard, it is necessary to employ the whole regiment 
on constant duty; which, if continued, will be ruinous to 
the country, unless supported by a detachment of one hun- 
dred and fifty or two hundred men from your brigade; for 
this purpose I have despatched the bearer express. Your 
known attachment to the cause, and the zeal your people 
have shown, leaves us every reason to hope for an immediate 
support. The Militia of Bergen are drawn off towards 
Staten-Island; and the city of New-York is in hourly ex- 
pectation of being attacked ; so that we can expect no assist- 
ance from that quarter. If two or three armed boats could 
be sent down with the detachment, it would be most con- 
venient for the transportation of the men and their provision, 
and will be an essential service in keeping off the barges, 
and following them from place to place. Despatch the 
bearer as soon as possible. As I have been up two days 
and nights and am much fatigued, I hope you will excuse 

the inaccuracy of this scrawl. 
I am, dear sir, yours, in haste, 


A. Hawxes Hay. 


P. S. Should be happy to have your advice and assistance 
in this matter. 


EGBERT BENSON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Red-Hook, Dutchess County, July 14, 1776. 

Sir: This acknowledges the receipt of your Excellency’s 
letter of yesterday, which I immediately transmitted to 
General Ten Broeck, and shall without delay transmit the 
necessary expresses to Connecticut. 

As the matter may be exaggerated, I take the liberty of 
informing your Excellency that the late insurrection of the 
Tories in this County was rather an inconsiderable affair— 
no person of the least repute or importance concerned, and 
is entirely suppressed. 

I am your Excellency’s most obedient servant, 

Eeperr Benson. 
To General Washington. 


COLONEL JAMES CLINTON TO THE COMMITTEE OF DUTCHESS 
COUNTY, NEW-YORK. 
Fort Constitution, July 14, 1776. 
Gentiemen: I received yours of this day, and approve 
much of your plan for making fire-rafts, and doubt not but 
that you will carry the same into execution with the utmost 
expedition. TI think it advisable to purchase two other old 
sloops (or more if necessary) for the purpose; but let it be 
Firru Serizs.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


338 


done at the cheapest rate—the oldest and worst sloops will 
do. Let men value them; but they must be had at any 
rate. When your rafts are completed, they must be sent 
here without delay—the sooner the better. I could wish, 
if the General’s letter (a copy of which you have) will war- 
rant it, a galley or two, to carry a nine-pounder in their 
bows, as they might answer a valuable purpose; but this I 
must submit to you. I want a whale-boat exceedingly, to 
reconnoitre the enemy; if one can be had, or built, and sent 
here, without retarding the other business, it would be of 
great service. 

I am, gentlemen, with much respect, your most obedient 
servant, 

James Cuinron, Colonel. 


COMMITTEE OF POUGHKEEPSIE TO COLONEL JAMES CLINTON. 
Poughkeepsie, July 14, 1776. 
Sir: We have sent off to Esopus for the Tory sloop 
there, and the ship-carpenters are busied in making fire-rafts. 
We would ask your opinion if it would not be best to pur- 
chase two other old sloops, which lash together with chains, 
two fire-rafts between each two sloops, and, if a northerly 
wind, sail them directly down on the enemy. When the 
rafts are completed, and if the ships have not passed your 
forts, we would ask you if we must not send down the sloops 
and rafts near the forts. 
I am, sir, your most obedient and humble servant, 
Joun Battery, Chairman. 


To Colonel James Clinton. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Albany, July 14, 1776. 
Dear Sir: I had the honour to write his Excellency 
General Washington on the 12th, by express, which I then 
communicated ; [ hope you will have received it before this 
comes to hand. Captain Marquisie has begged me for a 
letter to you, and to mention that he has lost all his baggage 
in the retreat from Canada; he is the bearer of this. 
I wish you much health and happiness. I am, dear sir, 
with perfect esteem, your most obedient, humble servant, 
Puiuie SCHUYLER. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. 


P.S. Mr. Marquisie has received from me eighty dollars 
on account. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Albany, July 14, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Soon after Bennet had left me, I received a 
line from General Gates, covering a paper, copy of which I 
have the honour to enclose. 

Yesterday a discovery was made of some desperate designs 
of the Tories in this quarter. I am bound by oath not to 
divulge names or particulars. Such measures are taken that 
the danger is, | hope, over; and about one o’clock this 
morning four of the conspirators (amongst whom is a ring- 
leader) were apprehended about three miles from town. I 
have ordered two companies of Van Schazck’s immediately 
to march from Fort George to this place. 

I am, dear sir, most truly, your Excellency’s obedient 
humble servant, 

Puitie SCHUYLER 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Albany, July 14, 1776. 


Dear Sir: The bearer, Captain Marquisie, a French 
gentleman, sent by Congress as an Engineer to the Northern 
Department, is on his return to Philadelphia, and has 
entreated me to introduce him to your Excellency. I do 
not know what his abilities are as an engineer; he appears 
to be a modest and discreet man. 

I am, your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant, 

: Puitie ScHuyLer. 
To His Excellency General Washington. 


22 


339 


H. SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, July 14, 1776. 
Dear Sir: Pursuant to general orders which came to 
hand this day, I have sent a lad, who is a fifer in Captain 
Coughran’s company in one of the new regiments that Is 
now raising, which lad bas been lately to Crown-Point with 
his father, and has taken the small-pox. The father of the 
lad is named Seth Stow, and the lad’s name is Abyah. In 
my opinion, the father of this lad, as being a recruiting ser- 
geant, should be made to suffer for his contempt of general 
orders. Your Honour will best know how to act when he 
arrives at Ticonderoga. 
I am, dear sir, your very humble servant, 
Har. SCHUYLER, 
Assistant Deputy Quartermaster-General. 


To the Honourable General Gates. 


CAPTAIN VEEDERS TO GENERAL GATES. 


Skenesborough, July 14, 1776. 


Dear Sir: I am but lately arrived here with part of my 
company; expect the remainder very soon. Came hy the 
way of Ticonderoga, but by General Schuyler ordered to 
this station. And having no ammunition for my men, and 
appointed here as a guard, I thought it my duty, as soon as 
I conveniently could, to acquaint your Honour, or any other 
commanding in your room, of our want of such necessaries. 
I therefore beg your Honour will, as soon as may be, send 
what quantity you think will best suit our present situation. 
A quantity of flints, with powder and ball, will be very 
necessary. 

I am, dear sir, your very humble servant, 

Asm. Veepers, Captain. 


To the Hon. General Gates, Ticonderoga. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER AT FORT GEORGE 


TO HIS FRIEND, AN OFFICER IN NEW-YORK, DATED JULY 
14, 1776. 


I never knew the fatigues of a campaign until I arrived at 
Canada. ‘The most shocking scenes that ever appeared in 
a camp were constantly exhibited to view. When Gene- 
ral Sullivan arrived in Canada the Army was torn in pieces 
by sickness and other unaccountable occurrences. A whole 
regiment was not to be found together. General Sullivan, 
with his usual activity and alertness, collected together a 
debilitated, dispirited army, tried the strength of the enemy, 
who were at least four to our one, and performed one of the 
most remarkable retreats that was ever known. No person 
who was not present can conceive a tenth part of the diffi- 
culties attending it: the enemy at our heels; three thousand 
of our men sick of the small-pox, and those who were most 
healthy like so many walking apparitions; all our baggage, 
stores, and artillery, to be removed, officers as well as men 
all employed in hauling cannon, &c. Our batteaus loaded, 
were all moved up the rapids six miles; one hundred of 
them were towed by our poor wearied men up to their arm- 
pits in water. ‘This was performed in one day and a half, 
our sick and baggage all safely landed at St. John’s, and 
from thence at Crown-Point, with the loss of only three 
cannon, which were but poor ones. All this was accom- 
plished through the amazing exertions of General Sullivan, 
who performed what appeared to be almost impossible to 
have been done by mortal man. He is now on his way to 


New-York. 


GENERAL GATES TO LIEUTENANT GANSEVOORT. 


Tyonderoga, July 14, 1776. 


Sir: The bearer, Lieutenant Tenbrook, has the care of 
thirteen Indians, sent hither from Crown-Point with a letter 
to Major-General Schuyler. ‘The small-pox is broke out 
upon one of the young Indian lads. You will order the 
surgeons at your post to give all the assistance in their power 
to recover him. When the Indians incline to go on to 
Albany, you will send an escort with them to see them safe 
to General Schuyler. Though they are considered in the 
light of prisoners, I would recommend that their imprison- 
ment be made as easy as possible. You will order them to 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


340° 


be supplied with such refreshments and accommodations as 
your post affords. 
I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 
Horatio Garters. 


To Lieutenant C. Gansevoort, or Commanding Officer at 
Fort George. 


GENERAL GATES TO HERMANUS SCHUYLER. 
Tyonderoga, July 14, 1776. 
Sir: The iron, axes, &c., which you wrote for yesterday, 
are sent you by the conveyance. General Waterbury, who 
presents you this letter, goes to Skenesborough to wait for 
the Militia who are upon their march from Connecticut, and 
will soon be with you. He has General Schuyler’s direc- 
tions for several things to be immediately done at your post, 
which he will acquaint you with upon his arrival. You 
will act in conjunction with General Waterbury, and do your 
utmost, with his command and assistance, to forward the 
publick service. , 
I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 
Horatio Gates. 


To Mr. Hermanus Schuyler. 


GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, July 14, 1776. 

Dear Genera: I have this morning sent off Colonels 
Macwell’s and Winds’s regiments, with most of the artillery 
and stores. Want of boats prevented my sending off all the 
sick and companies of artillery. 1 have just sent off the last 
boats we had to Onion River, and other places, for boards; 
believe I can procure twenty or thirty thousand feet, and send 
you, in a few days. We shall have occasion for at least one 
hundred boats, to take up all the Army, unless part of them 
should march by land. If you think proper to order the 
Army to Ticonderoga, will it not be necessary to keep one 
regiment here? 

Enclosed is the sentence of a general court-martial, who 
have thought proper to dismiss Colone] Campbell the service. 
He is under confinement, and will be glad to know if his 
sentence is confirmed or not. Iam surprised we hear no- 
thing from New-York. 

I am, dear General, your affectionate and obedient hum- 
ble servant, 


To Major-General Gates. 


B. Arnoup. 


CAPTAIN BROWNSON TO GENERAL GATES, 
Pittsford, July 14, 1776. 

May ir pLeaseE your Honour: At seven o’clock last 
evening one Brica Dunlap, of Captain Jones’s company, of 
the First Battalion, under Colonel De Haas, of the Penn- 
sylvania forces, who I confined on the 7th of last May near 
Point de Trembles for the murder of Corporal Kelly, belong- 
ing to said company and battalion, came to this post, when 
I immediately confined him. Having sent off all my men 
scouting except a few, (and they have not had the small- 
pox,) which disenables me to send said prisoner back, I have 
sent an express, waiting your Honour’s direction respecting 
the prisoner. . 

As your Honour gave Colonel Warner orders to send a 
party of men to Sisco Bay to burn Medcalf Mills, before 
he arrived at this post | had sent off the men in scouting 
parties, so that there were not men sufficient to perform it. 
Till some come in, which I expect soon, whether it would 
not forward the business to send to Colonel Wait orders to 
do it, your Honour’s wisdom can determine. Your com- 
mand by the express will be punctually obeyed by your 
Honour’s very humble servant at command, 

Gipron Brownson, Captain. 


His Honour Major-Gen. Gates, Commander at Crown-Point. 


N. B. The express was present when the murder was 
committed. 


EBENEZER BARTRAM TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-London, July 14, 1776. 
Honovuren Sir: I take the liberty to inform your Honour 
that this day the brig Defence came from Newport, and arrived 
here; and in oar cruise, of which your Honour has had infor- 


341 


mation, in the engagement with the ship and brig, (by the 
side of the ship, and the brig lying right astern,) and not 
being in our power to fire on the brig, we had to suffer their 
fire near two hours, until both were compelled to strike, by 
the brave activity of our worthy Captain, who behaved like 
the seaman, like the gentleman, and like a man of honour. 
Therefore, honoured sir, if you have any promotions to make, 
it is my opinion that Captain Harding is as deserving a gen- 
tleman as any in the Colony of Connecticut, without excep- 
tion; and | must applaud the gallant behaviour of Lieutenant 
Smedley, and likewise the otherofficers and men, who behaved 
in the most brave manner. If any promotion to Captain 
Harding, may it please your Honour to let me know the 
gentleman whom your Honour appoints to succeed Captain 
Harding. 

With due respect, I am, your Honour’s humble servant, 

Expenezer Bartram. 


To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Lebanon. 


ANDREW HAMILTON TO JABEZ FISHER. 
Springfield, July 14, 1776. 

Sir: Major Pyncheon informed me that the honourable 
Board of Council intended taking my case into consideration. 
Should it be agreeable to them to release me from my present 
disagreeable situation, I will be ready to wait on them, and 
give them any reasonable assurances for my future beha- 
viour that they may think requisite. — 

I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 
Anprew Hamitron. 


To the Honourable Jabez Fisher, Esq. 


Sir: You may remember, when I saw you at Watertown, 
I told you I knew of nothing that could be alleged against 
Mr. Hamilton, since his stay amongst us, that would prevent 
his discharge. I am, sir, still of the same opinion. He is 
still very desirous of the same; and should the honourable 
Board see fit to do it, he is ready to give any assurances to 
them that they will require for his future conduct. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

Witutam Pyncueon, Jun. 


To the Honourable Jabez Fisher, Esq. 


COLONEL CHILD TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 
Chester, July 14, 1776. 

GentLemeN: Pursuant to my direction, I proceeded to 
Ipswich, Salem, and Marblehead, in quest of guns; purchased 
twenty-three, the price about ten dollars each; also, by 
Colonel Bayley’s advice, bought two hundred weicht of 
Jead. ‘The amount of the whole is £77. Am forwarding 
the same as fast as possible. Have received the guns you 
lodged at Mr. Webster's. The expense of buying, freight, 
&Xc., I cannot now ascertain. Will forward an account as 
soon as possible. Any commands you may have further for 
me shall be punctually complied with. 

In haste, 1 am, gentlemen, your very humble servant, 
JonaTHAN CuHiLp. 


To the Committee of Safety at Eveter. 


® 
EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM ONE OF THE COUNCIL OF SAFE- 


TY AT ANNAPOLIS TO HIS FRIEND IN BALTIMORE, DATED 
MONDAY, JuLY 15, 1776. 


The Council of*Safety have this moment received infor- 
mation, by express, from Colonel Barnes, of St. Mary’s 
County, that Lord Dunmore had been compelled by the 
Virginians to remove from G'win’s Island; that on Satur- 
day morning he made his appearance off Point Lookout, 
in the mouth of Potomack, with a fleet of fifty-five sail 
including eight square-rigged vessels ; that on Sunday morn- 
ing he had got as high up the river as sSt. George’s Island 
in the mouth of the St. Mary’s River, and that he (Colonel 
Barnes) conjectured that his intention was to take posses- 
sion of that Island; that the Militia in S¢. Mary’s were all 
in motion, and that many of them had taken stations on the 
river side, to give him a proper.reception, if he attempted 
Janding on the main, &c. ‘Two boats from the fleet, with 
five persons on board, (three whites and two blacks,) were 
either driven on shore by my Lord, or deserted, with the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


* 


342 


small-pox on them. T think the former is most likely, be- 
cause the villain would be glad to spread that horrid disease 
as much as possible, Those people informed Colonel Barnes 
that our good friend Governour Eden is in the fleet. This 
Island is a poor miserable place, it is said ; if so, Dunmore’s 
stay there will not be long; and where he will next push to 
is altogether uncertain—perhaps up the bay. 


WILLIAM LUX TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, July 15, 1776. 

Gentvemen: Captain Robert Saunders has been on board 
the Alfred, Admiral Hopkins, ever since he first fitted out. 
He went on board at first as a pilot, when the fleet was 
intended for Virginia; but after their destination was altered, 
he remained on board, and was in the action with the Glas- 
gow. He has testimonials of his good behaviour, and I 
believe will meet preferment in the*Continental service; but, 
as you are intended to fit out tenders and gondolas, if it be 
agreeable to give him the command of one, I presume it 
would be more satisfactory to him; and when you direct, I 
will write for him to return. 

‘Commodore Bouchier has sent up for Captain Moore, to 
go into the Virginia service; but as I made application to 
you in his behalf, I have prevailed on him to wait a day or 
two for your answer. I must say that I think him very 
clever in his deportment, and has, perhaps, seen more service 
than any other that will be in that employ, and should be 
sorry were he to quit the service of our Province. If, there- 
fore, you choose to keep him as Captain to one of your 
vessels, you will please to write by Mr. Yoks, who returns 
early to-morrow. 

You will want rigging for your vessels, which we shall 
hope to furnish; and, with much respect, I am, gentlemen, 
your most obedient servant, Wiuiiam Lox. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety, at Annapolis. 


COLONEL JORDAN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
St. Mary’s County, July 15, 1776. 
Gentiemen: This serves to inform you that there is now 
lying off the mouth of St. Mary’s River between seventy 
and eighty vessels. Lam now at Leonardtown, on my way 
down, with part of the Sixth Battalion under my command, 
where I received an express from Colonel Barnes, (who is 
now at St. Invgoes Neck with the lower battalion,) informing 
me that this morning ten boats full of men landed on St. 
George’s Island, and had returned for more. I expect to 
be opposite the Island some time this night, and shall en- 
deavour to get the best intelligence I can of their numbers, 
and give the earliest notice. We shall want more powder 
and lead, and also flints, if they aretobe had. Major Eden, 
by whom this goes, will inform you more fully. ‘The Com- 
mittee for this County sat this day, and have detained Captain 
Forrest's company until they hear from you. 
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
Jeremian JORDAN. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


P.S. Enclosed are Captain Forrest’s and Isieutenant 
Bond’s enrollments; the other two officers have completed 
theirs, but have not returned them to Captain Forrest. 
Captain Forrest desires me to inform you that his enroll- 
ment was completed the day before they were received by 


the Field-Officer. 


JOHN DORSEY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 


Sir: My son tells me that Captain Nathaniel Smith 
informed him that there is a vacancy in his company of a 
ThirdgLieutenancy, and as he had not an opportunity of 
being pressed into Colonel Smallwood’s battalion, I should 
be very happy in getting him with Captain Smith or Cap- 
tain Fulford. Major Price, if in town, can inform your 
Honours of his behaviour while under him. _ If these vacan- 
cies should be filled up, he will continue with Captain Smith 
till he may meet with an opportunity of preferment. I hope 
you will excuse the freedom I have taken in writing to you 
on this occasion. 

I am, with respect, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Joun Dorsey.. 


To Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., Annapolis. 


343 


WILLIAM HINDMAN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
In Committee, Talbot County, July 15, 1776. 
GentLemen: We herewith send you, under the guard 
of Messrs. Charles Troup, John Hindman, and Nathan 
Walker, three of our Militia, William Barclay Townsend, 
who was this day presented to us under an authority from 
the Committee of Worcester County, to appear before your 
Board. 
We are, gentlemen, your humble servants. 
By order of the Committee: 
Wixwuiam Hinpman, Chairman. 


To the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


SAMUEL BARRETT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Skipton, July 15, 1776. 
Str: By a resolve of our Committee I am to apply to 
you for eight hundred weight of lead to answer the powder 
received, we having no lead in this district, and therefore 
the powder is useless without the lead. 
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 
Lemuet Barrett, Chairman. 


To Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., Chairman of the 
Council of Safety, Annapolis. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL SOMERVILLE. 
[No. 34.] Annapolis, July 15, 1776. 

Sir: We received yours of the 14th, and by the same 
opportunity one from Colonel Richard Barnes, informing 
us that Lord Dunmore and the fleet were within the mouth 
of the Potomack, and, as he heard, intended to take posses- 
sion of an Island called St. George’s Island; but as their 
designs are uncertain, we think you had better give notice 
to your battalion to keep themselves in readiness to march 
to oppose any attempt they may make to land in your 
County, and likewise to assist in any neighbouring County. 

Captain Beall will have orders from us to remain in St. 
Mary’s County with Colonel Barnes, to watch the motion 
of the enemy, and to regulate his motions accordingly. He 
will move to you if there should be a necessity. We have 
written to Brigadier Dent, who will take the command of 
the Militia and regular forces in his district. You will com- 
municate this to Colonel Mackall, if he should have returned 
to your County. We are, &c. 


To Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Somerville. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN REZIN BEALL. 
[No. 35.] Annapolis, July 15, 1776. 

Sir: We expect this will find you in St. Mary’s County, 
as we hear from Colonel Somerville that you marched from 
Drum-Point on the 14th. It is impossible for us to give 
absolute and particular directions to you, as the designs of 
the enemy are not known to us. We can only instruct 
you to watch their motions, and regulate your own accord- 
ingly. You will stay in St. Mary’s County so long as you 
apprehend the enemy may have any design of landing there, 
or making any attempt to distress or plunder the inhabi- 
tants. Ifthey should move from thence to any other part 
of the Potomack, or up the bay, to land on this shore, you 
will follow them with all the despatch you can. We have 
sent instructions to Brigadier Dent, to take the command of 
the Militia and regular forces in this district; whose orders, 
when they reach you, you will obey. 

We are, &c. 


To Captain Rezin Beall. 


© 
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GENERAL DENT. 

[No. 36.] Annapolis, July 15, 1776. 

Sir: By different letters we have received from St. Ma- 
ry’s and Calvert, we are informed that the fleet under Lord 
Dunmore have appeared in the mouth of the Potomack, 
and it is apprehended they may attempt a landing on some 
part of that river in the lower Counties on this shore. We 
therefore think it expedient that you should give directions 
to the Militia of your district to have themselves in readi- 
ness to oppose the enemy in case they should attempt any 
hostilities. We think it expedient that, on this emergency, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


344 


you should yourself take the command, and remain with 
them till you hear further from us. As the Militia for the 
F lying-Camp are not in readiness, we conceive it will not 
interfere with your duty as Brigadier of those corps, and 
your presence will be much wanted at this time in your 
district. Captain Beall, with his Independent Company, 
is now at St. Mary’s County, ready to oppose the enemy. 
He and his company will likewise be subject to your com- 
mand. Weshall be glad to hear from you. Weare, &c. 


To Brigadier-General Dent. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO RICHARD BARNES. 
(No. 37.] Annapolis, July 15, 1776. 

Sm: We have yours of the 13th, and are glad you sent 
for Captain Beall’s company, who, we have the pleasure 
to hear, marched immediately to you. We would have 
that company remain with you to watch the motions of the 
enemy, and assist you in case they should attempt a Jand- 
ing. We have written to Brigadier Dent to have all the 
Militia in his district kept in readiness to march to your 
assistance, if there should be a necessity. He will also take 
on him the command of the Independent Company. You 
will, on all occasions, send us up notice of the motions of 
the enemy, and we shall order you every assistance in our 
power. We are, &c. 


To Colonel Richard Barnes. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN THOMAS. 
[No. 38.] Annapolis, July 15, 1776. 

Sir: We have just received intelligence that makes it 
necessary for us to stop your proceeding up the bay with © 
your company. We therefore desire that you will imme- 
diately return with it to Annapols. We are, &c. 


To Captain John Allen Thomas. 


8 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN HINDMAN. 
[No. 39.] Annapolis, July 15, 1776. 

Sir: We have just now received intelligence that Lord 
Dunmore, with the fleet under his command, is in motion 
about the bay; and as his designs are uncertain, we think 
it necessary, for the service of the Province, that you, and 
the company under your command, instead of proceeding 
up the bay to march to Philadelphia, should directly, with 
your company, come to Annapolis, where you may receive 
further orders. We are, &c. 


To Captain James Hindman. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GENERAL HOOPER. 
[No. 40.] Annapolis, July 15, 1776. 

Sir: We have just received information, by express, from 
St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties, of Lord Dunmore, and 
the fleet under his command, being removed from G'win’s 
Island a small distance up Potomack River, with intention, 
as we suppose, of landing at some place within that river; 
and if he should be unsuccessful in that attempt, we think it 
not improbable but he may endeavour to make a landing 
somewhere or other upon the Eastern Shore; and should that 
be the case, we have no doubt but that, upon the receipt of 
this, you will be in readiness, as soon as may be, with the 
Militia under your command, to repel every attempt that he 
may make to land within your district. * 

Should the Militia in your district be in want of powder, 
you will be pleased to apply to Brigadier Chamberlain for as 
much as may be necessary for your immediate purpose. 

Weare, &c. 


To Brigadier-General Henry Hooper. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN SMYTH. 
[No. 41.] Annapolis, July 15, 1776. 
Sir: Be pleased to send down immediately, by the tender - 
Resolution, two eighteen-pounders, with carriages, rammers, 
spunges, ladles, and worms, and a sufficient number of wads 
of all sizes, with five hundred five-pound shot. 
We are, &c. 


To Captain Nathaniel Smyth. 


- 345 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL JOHNSON. 
[No. 42.] Annapolis, July 15, 1776. 


Str: We are in want of about twenty four-pound can- 
non, twenty three-pound, and twenty two-pound, and forty 
swivels, for the use of the Province, and desire to know 
whether you will engage to furnish us with these quantities 
immediately. If you can, be pleased to favour us, as soon 
as possible, with your terms, and the time by which you 
will have them made, though it will be much more agree- 
able to us to see you upon the occasion. We shall likewise 
want two hundred iron pots, some to contain four, and others 
two gallons, with bales or handles, to supply the place of 
camp kettles; and should be glad you would advise us 
whether you could also cast them for us, and by what tme; 
likewise the price. We are, &c. 


To Colonel James Johnson. 


BALTIMORE COMMITTEE. 
At a meeting of the Committee, July 15, 1776: 


Present: Samuel Purviance, Chairman; William Lux, Vice Chairman; 
Robert Alexander, William Aisquith, Benjamin Griffith, Andrew 
Buchanan, John Cradock, Abraham Britton, John Merryman, Jun., 
James Calhoun, E. Talbot, Zachariah McCubbin, John Eager How- 
ard, John Cockey, Isaac Griest. 


Mr. Abraham Evening was imprisoned last Thursday for 
not giving security for his good behaviour as a Non-Asso- 
ciate ; applied to the Chairman of the Committee to be dis- 
charged, in consequence of the Resolve of the Convention 
of the 5th instant; and the Chairman reports that he has 
accordingly discharged him, and delivered his portmanteau, 
which was seized. 


Habakuk Holton having enrolled with Captain Gal- 
braith’s Company, the Fine imposed on him is hereby 
remitted, and a certificate given accordingly. 


A Letter from the honourable Council of Safety of the 
11th instant, respecting the building 06a Magazine not less 
than five or more than ten miles from town, was received 
and read; on which the Committee appoint Messrs. Darby 
Lux, John Cockey, Edward Talbot, and James Calhoun, 
to view the ground at or near Armstrong’s Town, to inquire 
the terms on which one acre may be purchased, and report 
the same on Monday next. 


The Committee also appoint Messrs. Benjamin Griffith 
and Isaac Griest to draw a draught, and estimate the ex- 
pense, of a house for the said Magazine, sufficient to contain 
at least four hundred barreis of Powder, and a proportionable 
quantity of Lead. 


Application was made by Captain Henry Shaafe for a 
Warrant to recover Fines from Andrew Hooke for £2 10s., 
for non-attendance in his Militia Company; which was 
granted. 


A Letter from the Council of Safety, dated June 28, 
enclosing a requisition of Congress for numbering the Inhabi- 
tants of the Colonies, was received; on which the Committee 
appomted the following persons in each Hundred of his 
County to collect the same, viz: 


Patapsco, Lower Hundred, Job Smith. 


Patapsco, Upper, - - - James Croxall. 
Back River, Upper, - - Benjamin Talbot. 
Back River, Lower, - - Job Garritson. 


Middle River, Upper, Benjamin Talbot. 


Middle River, Lower,- - William Galloway. 

Soldier's Delight, - - - William Cromwell, (of Wm.) 
Middlesex, - - - - - Henry Rutter, 

Delaware, - - - - - Robert Tivis, Jun. 

North, - - = - =~. Nich. Merryman, (of Mich’l.) 
Pipe Creck,- - - - - Barney Hooker. 
Gunpowder, Upper, - - Captain James Bosley. 

Mine Run, - - - Edmund Stansbury. 


Deptford, Baltimore, East, — wines 
and Baltimore, West, - . William Aisquith. 
Westminster, _- - - - George Welsh. 


And that each of the said persons be allowed one Dollar per 
day, whilst employed in said service, and render the accounts 
upon oath; and that printed papers, reciting the Resolve of 
Congress, per order of Committee, be delivered to each and 
every person employed as above. 


Attested: Gro. Lux, Secretary. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


346 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 15, 1776. 

Str: In perusing the enclosed resolves, which I do my- 
self the honour of transmitting, you will perceive your letters 
of the 11th and 12th instant have been received, and laid 
before Congress, and that in consequence thereof, they have 
taken such measures as are calculated to expedite the rais- 
ing the F'lying-Camp, and to furnish them with articles of 
the greatest use and necessity. 

I have written to General Mercer to march the Militia 
and Flying-Camp to Brunswick, or any other place in the 
Jerseys which he may judge best, provided it does not inter- 
fere with any prior direction from you. All the other en- 
closed resolves, I have likewise given orders to the proper 
persons to have executed. 

I expect your several letters, which are now before Con- 
gress, will receive a speedy determination, and that I shall 
have the pleasure of forwarding the result on Tuesday or 
Wednesday, at farthest. 

I have the honour to be, with every sentiment of esteem, 
sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO CONVENTION OF NEW-JERSEY. 
Philadelphia, July 15, 1776. 


GenTLEMEN: The article of lead being so essentially 
necessary for our Army, and the propriety of every Colony 
being furnished with it so evident, that the Council of Safety 
of this Colony recommended to the inhabitants to spare the 
lead weights from their windows, by which means they have 
been furnished with a considerable quantity, which has been 
run into ball; and part of which the Council of Safety here 
have willingly spared, and is now on the way to the Jerseys. 
But as, under the present exigency, that quanuty is far short 
of what is wanted for the Army in New-Jersey, and every 
method should be used to furnish it, I have it therefore in 
charge from Congress most earnestly to request you to sup- 
ply the Flying-Camp and Militia with all the lead in your 
possession, or that you can possibly procure. The exi- 
gency of our affairs will not admit the least delay; and 
I am convinced there is no necessity to use arguments to 
induce you to an instant compliance with this requisi- 
tion. 

I am to inform you, that as you have not enclosed to Con- 
gress copies of General Washington’s and Brigadier-General 
Livingston’s letters, no judgment can be formed by Congress 
concerning the contents of them, and to request copies of 
them to be sent hither. 

Measures are taking in Pennsylvania and Maryland for 
forming the F'lying-Camp; and, in the mean time, the asso- 
ciated Militia are marching in great numbers from Pennsyl- 
vania for the defence of New-Jersey. Ammunition has been 
and will be supplied by this Congress for the defence of 
New-Jersey. With regard to the pay of the Militia, I am 
to acquaint you that Congress will observe the same rule of 
conduct towards New-Jersey as towards other Colonies. 

Four tons of powder are on the way to New-Jersey; and 
a large number of musket cartridges, well balled, will this 
day be sent forward. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient 
and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To the Honourable the Convention of New-Jersey. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO DOCTOR WILLIAM SHIPPEN. 
Philadelphia, July 15, 1776. 

Str: I have it in charge from Congress to acquaint you 
that they have this day appointed you Surgeon-General and 
Director of the Hospital for the Flying-Camp and Militia in 
New-Jersey, with the pay of four dollars a day. Should 
you accept this appointment, on a signification of such 
acceptance to me, | will immediately send you your com- 
mission. 

I have the honour to be, with sentiments of esteem, sir, 
your very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To William Shippen, Jun., Esq., at Philadelphia. 


347 


SAMUEL ADAMS TO RICHARD HENRY LEE. 


Philadelphia, July 15, 1776. 


My pear Sir: I must acknowledge that, when you left 
Congress, I gave you reason to expect a letter from me before 
this time. You will not, [ am very certain, attribute my 
omission to the want of a most cordial esteem for you. The 
truth is, I hardly know how to write without saying some- 
thing about our Canadian affairs; and this is a subject so 
thoroughly mortifying to me that I could wish totally to for- 
get all that has passed in that country. Let me, however, 
just mention to you that Schuyler and Gates are to command 
the troops—the former while they are without, the latter 
while they are within, the bounds of Canada, Admitting 
these Generals to have the accomplishments of a Marl- 
borough or an Eugene, I cannot conceive that such a dispo- 
sition of them wili be attended with any good effects, unless 
harmony subsists between them, Alas, I fear this is not the 
case. Already disputes have arisen, which they have re- 
ferred to Congress; and, although they affect to treat each 

-other with a politeness becoming their rank, in my mind, 
altercations between commanders, who have pretensions so 
nearly equal, (I mean in point of command,) forebode a repe- 
tition of misfortune. I sincerely wish my apprehensions 
may prove groundless. 

General Howe, as you have heard, is arrived at New-York. 
He has brought with him from eight to ten thousand troops. 
Lord Howe arrived last week, and the whole fleet is hourly 
expected. The enemy landed on Staten-Island. Nothing 
has been done saving that last Friday, about three in the 
afternoon, a forty and a twenty-gun ship, with several tenders, 
taking the advantage of a fair and fresh gale and flowing 
tide, passed by our forts as far as King’s Bridge. General 
Mifflin, who commanded there, in a letter of the 5th instant, 
informed us that he had twenty-one cannon planted, and 
hoped, in a week, to be formidable. Reinforcements have 
arrived from New-England, and our Army are in high spirits. 
I am exceedingly pleased with the calm and determined 
spirit which our Commander-in-Chief has discovered in all 
his letters to Congress. May Heaven guide and prosper 
him. The Militia of the Jerseys, Pennsylvania, and Mary- 
land, are all in motion. General Mercer commands the 
Flying-Camp in the Jerseys. We have just now appointed 
a Committee to bring in’a plan for the reinforcement, to 
complete the number of twenty thousand men, to be posted 
in that Colony. 

Our Declaration of Independence has given vigour to the 
spirits of the people. Had this decisive measure been taken 
nine months ago, it is my opinion that Canada would by 
this time have been in our hands. But what does it avail 
to find fault with what is past? 
future. We were more fortunate than we expected, in 
having twelve of the thirteen Colonies in favour of the all- 
important question. ‘The Delegates from New-York were 
not empowered to give their voice on either side. Their 
Convention has since acceded to the Declaration, and pub- 
lished it even before they received it from Congress. So 
mighty a change in so shorta time! New-Jersey has finish- 
ed her form of Government, a copy of which I enclose. 
They have sent five new Delegates, among whom are Dr. 
Witherspoon and Judge Stockton. All of them appear zeal- 
ously attached to the American cause. A Convention is now 
meeting in this city to form a Constitution for this Colony. 
They are empowered by their constituents to appoint a new 
Committee of Safety to act for the present, and to choose 
new Delegates for Congress. I am told there will be a 
change of men, and, if so, I hope for the better. 

A plan of Confederation has been brought into Congress, 
which I hope will be speedily digested, and be made ready 
to be laid before the several States for their approbation, A 
Committee has now under consideration a plan of foreign 
alliance. It is high time for us to have Ambassadors at 
foreign Courts. I fear we have already suffered too much 
by delay. You know on whom our thoughts were turned 
when you were with us. 

I am greatly obliged to you for favouring me with the 
form of Government agreed upon by your countrymen. I 
have not yet had time to peruse it, but I dare say it will be 
a feast to our little circle. The device on your great seal 
pleases me much. 

Pray hasten your journey hither. Your country most 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


Let us do better for the, 


348 | 


pressingly solicits, or, will you allow me to say, demands 

your assistance here. I have written in great haste. 
Adieu, my dear sir, and be assured that I am, very affec- 

tionately, your friend, S. Apams. 


JOSIAH BARTLETT TO JOHN LANGDON. 
Philadelphia, July 15, 1776. 

My pear Sir: Yours of the Ist instant is now before 
me, and I am obliged to you for your intelligence. The 
affair of the agency you have heard is settled, and in your 
favour, and I hope another Delegate will be appointed to 
attend Congress, as you have resigned. 

The marine affairs I shall Jeave to brother Whipple, who 
will inform you from time to time what is to be done. 

The Congress and people here are engaged in making 
preparation for the reception of the British fleet and army 
in the neighbourhood of New-York. Lord Howe, with the 
Germans, &c., is hourly expected. I pray God we may be 
able to give a good account of them. ‘The Confederation 
is agreed to by the Committee, and is before Congress ; when 
they will finish it is uncertain. ‘Two of the frigates here 
are launched. ‘There is a report in town that General Clin- 
ton endeavoured to land his men at South-Carolina, and 
was repulsed with loss; I know not the particulars, and 
mention it only as a report. I hope you will excuse my 
not writing every week, as brother Whipple has written 
you everything of importance. 

Major Rogers was taken up by order of General Wash- 
ington, and having your letters of recommendation to us, 
the General ordered him to Congress to be examined; and 
though no absolute proof was made of his ill designs, his 
conduct appeared so very suspicious that he was ordered to 
be sent to New-Hampshire, to be disposed of by our Legis- 
lature; but before he was.sent off, he found means to make 
his escape, and has not been retaken yet. 

The Colony of New-York have fully acceded to the 
Declaration of Independence, so that it now has the sanction 
of the Thirteen United States. The unparalleled conduct 
of our enemies have united the Colonies more firmly than 
ever. 

The Convention of this Colony are to meet here this day, 
who will form a Constitution for the Colony, and take upon 
them its Government; in the mean time the Constitutions of 
Virginia and New-York are in thiscity. I shall send them 
forward, and the Constitutions of the other Colonies as they 
are formed, as possibly something may be taken from them 
to amend our own. 

Please to give my best regards to all friends, and believe 


me to be your sincere friend, &c.. yo aor 


P.S. Colonel Roberdeau is appointed a Provincial Briga- 
dier-General ; Colonel Dickinson, Colonel McKean, and 
Colonel Cadwalader, are gone with their regiments to the 

erseysy twelve hundred Maryland Militia are hourly ex- 
pected in this city to join the Army in the Jerseys; Colonel 
Miles, with one thousand Provincial riflemen, and with him 
our friend Major Patton, bave joined the Army in New- 
Jersey; in short, Maryland and Pennsylvania are all in 
motion. ‘This day an Artillery company of Militia, con- 
sisting of fifty-seven men, with two brass field-pieces, and 
every necessary accoutrement, marched for the same place. 
Mr. William Livingston, of New-Jersey, is appointed a 
Provincial Brigadier-General. Our friend, Mr. Deane, is 
appointed Captain of Marines to one of the frigates here. 
He desires to be remembered to you. A ie 61 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM JOHN ADAMS, DATED PHILA- 
DELPHIA, JULY 15, 1776. 


My very deserving friend, Mr. Gerry, sets off to-morrow 
for Boston, worn out of health by the fatigues of this station. 
He is an excellent man, and an active, able statesman. I 
hope he will soon return hither. Iam sure I should be glad 
to return with him, but I cannot; I must wait’ to have the 
guard relieved. 

There is a most amiable, laudable, and gallant spirit pre- 
vailing in these middle Colonies. ‘The Militia turn out in 
great numbers, and in high spirits, in New-Jersey, Pennsyl- 
vania, Maryland, and Delaware, so that we hope to resist 
Howe and his myrmidons. 

Independence is at last unanimously agreed to in the 


349 


New-York Convention. You will see, by the newspapers 
enclosed, what is going forward in Virginia and Maryland 
and New-Jersey. Farewell, farewell, infatuated, besotted, 
Step-dame! 


GENERAL ROBERDEAU TO RICHARD PETERS. 
Philadelphia, July 15, 1776. 
Dear Sir: I enclose you the order of last evening, and 
my Major will parade the guards at the State-House yard ; 
which is attended with so much trouble and reluctance in 
the Associators, who are more desirous of a campaign, that I 
intend to address the Convention on the subject, and to get 
distinct corps created for city guards, that the four compa- 
nies may join their corps. If Captain Peters should be one 
of the officers it would make me happy. 
I am, dear sir, your very obedient servant, 
Danret RosperpeEav. 


To Captain Richard Peters, Secretary at War. 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 
In Committee of Safety, July 15, 1776. 


Whereas the Assembly of this Province did, in a former 
session; resolve that “If any Associator, called into actual 
service, shall leave a family, not of ability to maintain 
themselves in his absence, the Overseers of the Poor, with 
the concurrence of one Justice of the Peace of the City 
or County where such Associator did reside, shall immedi- 
ately make provision, by way of out pension, for the main- 
tenance of such family; and a true and proper account being 
kept thereof, shall be returned to the Assembly, in order 
that the same may be made a Provincial expense, and paid 
accordingly :’ And as it is the opinion of this Commit- 
tee, that the funds of the said Overseers will prove greatly 
insufficient whenever any considerable number of Associa- 
tors shall be drawn into actual service, and that the admin- 
istering to the wants of such families, by the hands of the 
Overseers, will not be satisfactory to the Associators, or be 
likely to answer the good ends proposed : 

Therefore, Resolved, That this Committee will, out of 
the funds of which they have the disposition, make such 
provision as shall be thought necessary to answer the said 
purposes ; and that it be recommended to the Committee of 
Inspection and Observation of the City of Phaladelphia, 
and the several Counties in the Province, to nominate and 
appoint a proper number of judicious persons, residing in 
the said City and Counties respectively, to distribute to such 
distressed families the allowance they shall judge reason- 
able; and that the said Committee be empowered to draw, 
as they shall see occasion, on this Board for the necessary 
sums of money, to be by them lodged in the hands of the 
persons so nominated and appointed, to be applied as above 
directed. ‘The said Committees to return accounts to this 
Board of the expenditure of the same. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Wivuiam Goverr, Secretary. 


PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE. 
Philadelphia County Committee, July 15, 1776. 
Resolved, That this Committee, in consequence of a Let- 
ter from the honourable Continental Congress, as well as 
from a recommendation of the Provincial Conference, do 
proceed to raise our part of the Flying-Camp; and that the 
following gentlemen be appointed Officers: Colonel, Robert 
Lewis ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Isaac Hughes ; Major, John 
Moore, Esq.; Surgeon, Enoch Edwards ; Quartermaster, 
Marshall Edwards ; Adjutant, Solomon Bush. Captains: 
Archibald Thompson, George Smith, Henry Deringer, 
Jacob Lauchlin, Rudolph Neff, Aaron Levering, Christian 
Schnyder, Henry Pawling, Joseph Jones. First Lieutenants: 
Marshall Edwards, Solomon Bush, Samuel Swift, William 
Wilson, Casper Doll, Samuel Hainds, Graudus Schlatter, 
Mordecai Morgan, David Schrack, Stephen Porter, Thomas 
_Rossetter. Second Lieutenants: William Armstrong, Leo- 
nard Doll, James Hazlet, George Bringhurst, Matthew 
Holgate, Jesse Roberts, Alexander Hall, Peacock Major. 
Ensigns: Andrew Barge, William North, William Noa, 
| Abraham Duffield, Nathaniel Childs, Alevander Wright, 
James Potts, Rees Nanna. 


Extract from the Minutes: Enocu Epwarps. 


~ CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


350 


Philadelphia, July 16, 1776. 

Yesterday Lieutenant-Colonel Allen arrived in town from 
Crown-Point. 

The Rev. Jacob Duché is appointed Chaplain to the 
honourable Continental Congress. 

This afternoon the First Battalion of Maryland Regulars, 
commanded by Colonel Smallwood, arrived in this city, on 
their way to the Jerseys, where they are to compose a part 


of the Flying-Camp. 


CARPENTER WHARTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 17, 1776.] 
Trenton, July 15, 1776. 

Sir: I have the pleasure of acquainting you that two 
thousand of the Pennsylvania Militia have arrived here, and 
that Colonel Dickinson’s battalion have just marched for 
Woodbridge, agreeable to orders from General Mercer ; and 
the whole body of the Pennsylvania Militia, as by his in- 
structions, are immediately to proceed to Woodbridge. I 
have sapplied them with one day’s provision at this place, 
and at their arrival at Princeton they will receive two 
days’ allowance, to last them until they arrive at Wood- 
bridge. 

Agreeable to your orders, I wrote to the Commissary- 
General respecting my supplying the Flying-Camp, for 
which he had appointed two persons; therefore shall not 
continue supplying them farther than Princeton. Colonel 
Cadwalader has written to Mr. Trumbull, desiring of him to 
admit of my supplying the Pennsylvania Militia, which, if 
it is agreeable to him, I will cheerfully continue. I have just 
received one hundred and fifty head of oxen, and five hun- 
dred head of sheep, and fifteen hundred barrels of flour, 
which will last but a short time in supplying the troops in 
only passing through. 

The money I have received from Congress, I have ex- 
pended in service, which the returns will specify. I am 
now in want of fifteen thousand dollars, which I flatter 
myself you will please to order, as it will require that sum 
to provide for the Maryland and Pennsylvania troops as 
they pass through to Head-Quarters. ‘The bearer, Lieu- 
tenant Joseph Bullock, will receive and deliver me the 
money. 

Should the honourable Congress not have appointed a 
Commissary of Stores for the F'lying-Camp, I shall be happy 
in entering in that service, if I should not be continued for 
the supplying of the Militia, which I do not expect. 

I have the honour to be your obedient humble servant, 

Carpenter WuHarTOoN. 
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Conti- 


nental Congress. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, July 15, 1776. 

Sir: This will be handed to you by Mr. Griffin, who has 
also taken upon him the charge and delivery of packets con- 
taining sundry letters, which were sent to Amboy yesterday 
by a flag, and forwarded to me to-day by General Mercer. 
The letter addressed to Governour Franklin came open to 
my hands. : 

I was this morning honoured with yours of the 13th inst., 
with its important and necessary enclosures ; and, in obe- 
dience to the commands of Congress, have transmitted Gen- 
eral Howe the resolves intended for him; those for General 
Burgoyne, I enclosed and sent to General Schuyler, with 
directions immediately to forward them to him. ‘The inhuman 
treatment to the whole, and murder of part of our people, 
after their surrender and capitulation, was certainly a flagrant 
violation of that faith which ought to be held sacred by all 
civilized nations, and was founded in the most savage bar- 
barity. It highly deserved the severest reprobation ; and I 
trust the spirited measures Congress have adopted upon the 
occasion will prevent the like in future; but if they should 
not, and the claims of humanity are disregarded, justice and 
policy will require recourse to be had to the laws of retalia- 
tion, however abhorrent and disagreeable to our natures in 
cases of torture and capital punishments. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your 
most obedient servant, 

Go. WasHinerTon. 


351 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO ROBERT YATES AND OTHERS. 
Head-Quarters, July 15, 1776. 


GenTLEMEN: In answer to your favour of yesterday, I 
beg leave to acquaint you, that I have consulted with such 
of the General Officers as could be easily convened, with 
respect to the prisoners confined in the Jail of this city. We 
are all of opinion, that to enlarge them, or permit their con- 
tinuance here, is equally dangerous. No other course, 
therefore, remains than to send them to some place where 
they can be safely kept, can have no influence, and, conse- 
quently, do us no injury. If such a place could be con- 
veniently found in the Province, it would be most proper ; 
but if not, we are of opinion they should be sent to some 
other, and that without any delay. To obviate any difficulty 
which may arise from the authority of one Province sending 
its prisoners to another, I will most cheerfully codperate with 
you, so as to give the measure the weight it may derive from 
my general command. ‘The place which, in this case, has 
been proposed, is Farmington, in Connecticut. 

The multiplicity of other engagements obliges me to soli- 
cit your attention and care to these matters, which are rather 
of civil than military concern ; and I would particularly re- 
quest you to consult and determine upon some method to 
remove persons out of town, whose conduct, connexions, and 
office, afford the strongest presumption of their remaining 
here with dangerous and unfriendly views to the American 
cause. An indiscriminate order to remove all who do not be- 
long to the Army, or are connected with it, or have not taken 
up arms to defend the city, would probably involve many 
innocent and inoffensive persons in difficulty. On the other 
hand, to leave the city open to spies and emissaries from 
the enemy, and facilitate their intelligence, is totally incon- 
sistent with common prudence. I must, therefore, beg your 
advice and assistance in this delicate and difficult circum- 
stance, that while time and opportunity will admit some 
effectual measure may be taken to provide against so alarm- 
ing a danger. 

[ am, gentlemen, with great truth and regard, your most 
obedient and humble servant, 

Go. WasHINeTON. 


To the Hon. Robert Yates and others, the Committee of 
the Convention of Representatives of the State of New- 


York. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 15, 1776. 


Dear Sir: The enclosed resolve and extract of a letter, 
you will see, are of some standing. Upon considering the 
matter, I do not see how it is possible for me to carry the 
resolve into execution, with tolerable precision or certainty. 
The persons, the witnesses, and all other circumstances, are 
so totally unknown, that any inquiry made by me must 
prove delusive and unsatisfactory. J am therefore under 
the necessity of passing it wholly by, or putting it under 
your direction, that as time and circumstances will admit, 
you will have it executed in the best manner you can, to 
answer the wishes and expectations of Congress. 

Colonel Nicolson, of a regiment raised in this Province, 
requests that his conduct may be inquired into. I suppose 
he would be included in the above general inquiry, but as 
that may be long delayed, and perhaps never fully had, I 
could wish his case might be distinguished from the general 
mass. I expected to receive from the Commissioners of 
Congress who went to Canada some vouchers and proofs 
respecting him, as his conduct did not appear to them in the 
most favourable view; but none have yet come to hand. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Vister is, I understand, a material wit- 
ness against Colonel Nicolson, and will direct to such others 
as are expected to support the charge against him. 

I am very sensible the general inquiry requested by Con- 
gress must be a work of difficulty and delicacy; but as they 
seem to desire it very earnestly, I hope it is not impracti- 
cable. I should hope, upon a conference with Generals 
Gates and Arnold, some plan may be devised to comply 
with it. Iam persuaded you will leave nothing unattempt- 
ed on your part for this purpose. 

Go. Wasutneton. 


To General Schuyler. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


352 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL, 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 15, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Since my last, two of the enemy’s ships—one 
of forty, the other of twenty guns—taking advantage of a 
strong wind and tide, passed us, notwithstanding a warm 
fire from all the batteries. 'They now he in Taupan Sea, 
between twenty and thirty miles up Hudson’s River, where 
no batteries from the shore can molest them. Their views, 
no doubt, are to cut off a communication between this and 
Albany by water, which they effectually will do. If the 
gondolas, row-galleys, &c., from Connecticut and Providence 
were here, I should think of making the enemy’s station 
uncomfortable, if possible. I must request they may be sent 
on as soon as they conveniently can be. I have written 
Governour Cooke, requesting the same of him, It is but 
reasonable to suppose these ships have a number of small- 
arms on board, which are intended to be put into the hands 
of the disaffected on the North River and in the back parts 
of this Province, when a favourable opportunity may offer 
for their making use of them against us. I am sorry to say 
their numbers, by the best information I can get, are great. 
Enclosed is a letter I wrote the 11th instant, which, through 
mistake, was neglected by the Thursday’s post. We have 
one large row-galley nearly completed, and another which 
may be ready by the time those arrive from your Honour and 
Governour Cooke. The whole, when collected, will be 
sufficient to attack the two ships up the river, as the chan- 
nel they now occupy is narrow, which will prevent them 
from working their guns to advantage. 

Tam, with esteem, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Go. Wasurneron. 


To the Hon. Governour Trumbull. 


[A similar letter written Governour Cooke, of the same date.] 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
; New-York, July 15, 1776. 

Dear Str: Enclosed you will receive a letter from Con- 
gress, which came to hand this morning, with a copy of 
some resolves, to which you will pay your attention, as their 
execution will be under your direction. 

I have also enclosed a letter for General Burgoyne, which 
I request you to seal and forward to him as soon as you 
have perused the important and necessary resolves (of July 
10) it contains. ‘The spirited measures Congress have en- 
tered into, I am hopeful, will make the Britzsh troops more 
regardful of that faith which ought to be preserved inviolate 
between nations, and that the nghts of humanity may not 
be infracted in future.» 

Admiral Howe arrived on Friday last, and we hourly 
expect his fleet. ‘The same day, just before he came in, 
two ships-of-war, one of forty and the other of twenty guns, 
and three tenders, passed our batteries without any certain 
damage that I could perceive, though an incessant fire was 
kept up. ‘They availed themselves of a brisk and favour- 
able wind and tide. Our last intelligence is, that they are 
at Taupan Bay. You may readily conjecture a variety of 
bad purposes intended by this manceuvre. 

I am, dear sir, yours, &c., Go. WasuHincTon. 


To General Schuyler. 


P.S. I wrote to Fort Constitution, and directed that 
intelligence should be forwarded respecting the ships passing 
by us to Albany, that precautions might be used to prevent 
vessels falling into their hands. You will give further di- 
rections in this matter. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL HOWE. 
= New-York, July 15, 1776. 

Sir: I have it in charge from Congress to transmit the 
enclosed resolution to you. And have the honour to be, sir, 
your most obedient servant, Go. WasHIneTON. 
To Lieutenant-General Howe. 

[To General Burgoyne the same, enclosed in a Letter to General 
Schuyler this day.] “ 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM COLONEL JOSEPH REED TO 
CHARLES PETTIT, DATED NEW-YORK, JULY 15, 1776. 
After writing the above, a flag came in from Lord Howe. 

The General Officers advised the General not to receive any 


353 


letter directed to him as a private gentleman. I was sent 
down to meet the flag. A gentleman (an officer of the 
Navy) met us, and said he had a letter from Lord Howe to 
Mr. Washington. I told bim we knew no such person in 
the Army. He then took out a letter directed “'To George 
Washington, Esq.,” and offered itto me. 1 told him I could 
not receive a letter to the General under such a direction. 
Upon which he expressed much concern, and said the letter 
was rather of a civil than military nature; that Lord Howe 
regretted he had not come sooner, that he had great powers, 
and it was much to be wished the letter could be received. 
I told him I could not receive it consistently with my duty. 
Here we parted. After he had got some distance he put 
about, and we again met him. He then asked me under 
what title General— but catching himself, Mr. Washington 
chose to be addressed. I told him the General’s station in 
the Army was well known; that they could be at no loss; 
that this matter had been discussed last summer, of which I 
supposed the Admiral could not be ignorant. He then 
expressed his sorrow at the disappointment, and here we 
parted. 1 cannot help thinking but that we shall have a 
renewal of it to-day, or a communication of the business in 
some other way. For though I have no hopes that the 
letter contains any terms to which we can accede, or, in 
short, is anything more than a summons of submission, yet 
the curiosity of the people is so great, and if it is, as may be 
supposed, couched in strong and debasing terms, it would 
animate the Army exceedingly to do their duty. 


EXAMINATION OF DESERTERS FROM THE FLEET. 
New-York, July 15, 1776. 

The examination of Nathan Spicer and Mathias Iselton: 
Spicer, a Connecticut man, taken by the Cerberus frigate, 
in the Macaroni, on the 9th of last May, left the Prince 
Rupert, a transport ship, Sunday evening, the 14th July, 
says: The troops have all landed, and have consumed all 
the fresh provisions—the sailors got none. ‘The ships that 
passed us up the North-River were the Phenix and Rose. 
Said they had gone to land men to come down on our 
backs. ‘The fleet which left Spithead five days before Lord 
Howe sailed, is hourly expected. The Eagle and Asia, 
it is said, are to come up and fire on the town the first wind. 
The Jersey people killed one officer and four privates on 
Saturday night firing on the Island; this account they had 
from Lieutenant Wheeler of the Thirty-Fifth Regiment. No 
baggage yet landed from the ships. About nine thousand 
men in the Army. ‘The ships weakly manned. ‘The old 
troops seem disinclined to the service; the new, fond of it. 
Lord Howe had nine weeks’ passage from Spithead. Lord 
Howe’s fleet consisted of eighty sail of transports, two or 
three frigates, one sixty-four, and one fire-ship. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED JULY 15; 
1776. 


Yesterday Lord Howe sent up a flag with the Captain 
and Lieutenant of the Eagle man-of-war. The Adjutant- 
General met them after some little ceremony, but as their let- 
ter was directed “ For George Washington, Esq.,” he would 
not receive it. The officers insisted much on his receiving it, 
saying it was of a civil nature, his Lordship being invested 
with unlimited powers, and was sorry that he had not arrived 
a few days sooner. This morning we have accounts that 
the ships, &c., which passed the town, are thirty miles up, 
opposite Tarrytown, where the river is four miles wide, and 
where they may lie safely. It is reported that they attempted 
to land, and were beat off. We expect another flag up. 


NATHANIEL WOODHULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, 
White-Plains, July 15, 1776. 


Sir: Your letter of the 14th was read in Convention. 
They see the importance of securing the passes your Ex- 
cellency mentions, and will immediately take the measures 
you are pleased to recommend, and every other which they 
conceive will tend most to the security of this State. 

Your Excellency was informed, by our letter of the 13th, 
of the precautions we had used in order to prevent an 
intercourse between the disaffected people of our State and 


Firrx Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


23 


304 


the ships of the enemy, and to repel any attempts they 
might make to land. They see the necessity of watching 
with the utmost vigilance the steps of the Tories in this and 


‘the neighbouring Counties, and shall give your Excellency 


the earliest notice of any resolution that they may form for 
this purpose. 
I have the honour to be, your Excellency’s most obedi- 
ent, humble servant, 
Naruanren Woopuvt, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters, 
New-York. 


NATHANIEL WOODHULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, 
White-Plains, July 15, 1776. 


Sir: One or two pettiaugers have been observed going 
to and from the ships of war at Tarrytown. Had the de- 
tachment of Militia stationed there been supplied with boats, 
they would certainly have taken them. ‘The Convention, 
therefore, take the liberty of requesting your Excellency to 
send them four whale-boats, which they will take care to 
man. 

I am directed by the Convention to transmit the enclosed 
resolution to your Excellency; and have the honour to be, 
your Excellency’s most obedient servant. 

By order: NaruanieL WoopauL., President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


WESTCHESTER (NEW-YORK) COMMITTEE. 
In Committee of Safety for the County of Westchester, 
White-Plains, July 15, 1776. 

Whereas this Committee has received the fullest informa- 
tion that many persons, unfriendly to the liberties of the 
United States of America, have frequent meetings in divers 
parts of this County, with intent to frustrate the measures 
now pursuing for its safety; and as this Committee conceives 
such meetings are dangerous, and ought to be prevented: 
Therefore, 

Resolved, That if any person or persons shall, after the 
publication hereof, presume to allow or permit any persons 
(knowing or suspecting them to be unfriendly to American 
liberty) to hold any meeting or meetings at or in their re- 
spective houses, they shall be treated as enemies to their 
country. And all persons are hereby required to take up 
and commit to close confinement all such persons as shall 
act in opposition to this Resolve, and give in their names to 
the Chairman of this Committee. 

By order of the Committee: 

Joun Tuomas, Jun., D. Chairman. 


GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
“ Fort Montgomery, July 15, 1776. 

Sir: I received your favour of the 13th instant yester- 
day, at this place; previous to which, about nine o’clock on 
Saturday morning, the signal at Fort Constitution being 
given, and the masters of two sloops, which about the same 
time came to opposite my house, having informed me that 
the enemy had attacked New-York the evening before, and 
that they judged by the reports of the cannon that their 
shipping had passed by and were up the river as far as 
King’s Bridge, 1 thought it my duty to put the neighbouring 
Militia in motion, and accordingly issued orders to three 
regiments: one immediately to march into these works, 
another into Fort Constitution, and the third to rendezvous 
at Newburgh, on the bank of the river, about nine miles 
above Fort Constitution, with orders to march and reinforce 
that garrison upon the next signal given. At the same time 
I issued orders to all the regiments in my brigade to stand 
ready to march on a moment’s warning, and despatched 
expresses to all owners of sloops and boats, twenty miles up 
the west side of the river, to haul them off so as to prevent 
their grounding, that as many of them as were necessary 
might be ready to carry down the Militia to the Forts. The 
residue I ordered down to Fort Constitution, as I believe, 
by drawing a chain of them across the narrowest part of the 
river and fixing them properly to be set on fire, should the 
enemy’s shipping attempt passing by, they would answer a 
most valuable purpose. - Early in the afternoon of that day 
I marched into Fort Constitution, with about forty of my 


355 


neighbours, and in the evening came to this Fort, being 
nearer the enemy and better situated to discover their 
motions. 

Yesterday evening I was joined by Colonel Woodhull, 
with between two and three hundred of his regiment; this 
morning, early, by Lieutenant-Colonel McClaghry, with 
upwards of five hundred of his; and I hourly expect parts of 
two other regiments; when these join me, I will draught 
out of the four, six hundred men, and employ them as your 
Excellency has directed. 

I have ordered the Colonels I have called in to leave the 
frontier companies at home, to protect the country against 
the Indians, should they be troublesome; and as many men 
out of each company as will be sufficient to guard against 
any attempts that might be made by internal enemies. 

The men turn out of their harvest-fields to defend their 
country, with surprising alacrity. The absence of so many 
of them, however, at this time, when their harvests are perish- 
ing for want of the sickle, will greatly distress the country. I 
could wish, therefore, a less number might answer the pur- 
pose. I would fain hope the enemy mean, by their shipping 
in our bays, at present, only to cut off the communication 
between the country and city, and prevent our obstructing 
the channel. Many of the Militia may be called in in eight 
hours, some in a much less time, should there be occasion 
for them. 

Since writing the above, I received a letter from Colonel 
Hay, of Haverstraw, a copy of which is enclosed. I will 
send a small party down there this evening, or in the morn- 
ing, but don’t believe I shall be able to continue them long, 
as the Militia here will think it hard to be carried there. 

The bearer, Mr. Boyd, who is well acquainted with this 
country, the fortifications here, and may be confided in, will 
be able to give your Excellency any further information. 

Iam, with great esteem, your Excellency’s most obedient 


servant 
PRAT Gero. CiinTon. 


P.S. I should be glad to know whether it is best to keep 
the sloops, &c., ordered down to Fort Constitution, there, 
as it may be attended with considerable expense; which, 
however, if they can be made to answer good purpose, 
ought not, in my opinion, to be regarded. 


COLONEL HAMMAN TO GENERAL. WASHINGTON. 
Tarrytown, July 15, 1776. 
May it please your Excellency to take into consideration 
our humble petition. Whereas two of the enemy’s ships of 
war, with their barges and their tenders, are arrived up the 
North Rwer as far as Tarrytown, we suppose with a hostile 
design to distress us; with the concurrence of the Congress 
and assistance of the Committee, and by the forwardness ot 
a number of volunteers, a considerable number of people are 
collected to our assistance, most of whom are very anxious 
about their harvests, which are now fit for collection, and in 
a suffering condition for want of labourers. We therefore 
humbly petition your Excellency to send us such a number 
of troops as your Excellency shall judge proper, to rescue 
the inhabitants up and down the river from the cruel designs 
of the enemy. As to further particulars, must beg leave to 
refer your Excellency to the bearer, Captain Dutcher. 
In the name of the officers here present, I have the honour 
to subscribe myself your Excellency’s most obedient, 
James Hamman, 
Lieutenant-Colonel of the First Battalion of Militia 
in Westchester County. 


To the Hon. George Washington, Esq., &c. 


EGBERT BENSON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Red-Hook, July 15, 1776. 

GentLemen: I received a letter yesterday from General 
Washington, informing that two ships of war had sailed up 
Hudson's River, with design, as supposed, to seize the 
passes in the Highlands, and requesting that the Militia of 
this County and from the western towns in Connecticut 
might instantly march to secure those posts. The letter I 
immediately transmitted to Brigadier Ten Broeck, and de- 
spatched the necessary expresses to Connecticut. 

This general call of our Militia will be attended with 
many difficulties, which has induced me to write you on the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


306 


subject, in order that we may have the advice of the Con- 
vention, and that the peculiar circumstances of our County 
may be taken into consideration. I conceived it a matter 
of such importance that I have hired an express to convey 
this letter. 

In no part of the Colony have the resolutions of Congress 
respecting dangerous and disaffected persons been so strictly 
executed as in this County. Agreeably to those resolutions 
we have disarmed a great number of people, and the arms _ 
have been applied either to arm the companies from time to 
time raised in the County, or sent to the forts in the High- 
lands, for the use of the troops in garrison there, and conse- 
quently the County is entirely deprived of them, without a 
possibility (as there are none either manufactured or to be 
purchased) of procuring others in their stead. Not only so, 
but many of our friends have parted with their arms to the 
Continental forces, out of zeal for the cause; and very lately, 
upon a very pressing letter from Colonel Clinton, the Whigs 
in this neighbourhood spared him seventy-five muskets, con- 
ceiving that we had much better be without arms ourselves 
than that the troops, whom we were obliged daily to pay 
and subsist, and stationed in places subject to an immediate 
attack, should remain unarmed. 

The number of persons in the County who, by these 
means, are destitute of arms, must be considerable. In the 
precinct where I live, (than which I doubt whether there 
are two in the County where there is less disaffection,) the 
Militia of which consists of about four hundred men, upwards 
of one hundred have been disarmed for that cause, besides 
many who have sold their arms from the motives I men- 
tioned; and I am informed by a gentleman who attended 
the late reviews, that of some regiments the entire rear and 
great part of the centre ranks were without arms. 

To disarm people because they were supposed too dan- 
gerous to be entrusted with arms—which, indeed, was the 
case—and it being out of their power either to procure them 
again, or others in their stead, and then to call these people 
out to action, appears rather inconsistent. But even admit- 
ting we could equip them properly, it is a matter well worth 
considering, the danger of bringing a number of persons, 
(and the number will be great if our whole Militia marches,) 
actually our enemies, into the field to oppose an army which 
they are daily seeking opportunities to join. On the other 
hand, to permit them to remain at ease, without compelling 
them to bear their part of the burden, is unreasonable, and 
will be productive of clamour and dissatisfaction, if not en- 
tirely prevent others from turning out in defence of their 
country. It is true, we have always obliged the Tories to 
appear in the ranks and be subject to be draughted, because 
we knew that in most cases they would hire others to serve 
in their stead, (I mean when the draughts were intended to 
form a part of the Army;) and such as were not of sufficient 
ability for that purpose have deserted, and lurked in the 
woods, and were the occasion of the late insurrection. We 
have always thought we should be happy if we were capable 
of combating our internal foes, and leave those from without 
to be resisted in some other way. 

Our Militia, merely as a Militia, seems to be not properly 
the subject of a general call; or, in other words, considering 
how many are unarmed, and how many, from their enmity 
to our cause, should be confined at home, were they even 
disposed to march, the inhabitants of this County, collectively, 
cannot be formed into a Militia for every purpose. What 
is the proper remedy, I will not pretend to determine. 

I take the liberty of mentioning the expedient I proposed 
when last before Congress, namely, that, without depending 
upon the Militia, a certain military force or corps should be 
raised to act in its stead. If it should be deemed unreason- 
able that it should be at the expense of the Colony, let it 
be a County charge; the expense will be great, it is true, 
but it will then be an equal, whereas it is now a partial tax. 
I have no digested plan for raising this corps or body of men 
to serve in lieu of the Militia. Suppose they,were to have 
a trifling pay when at home, (for they need not always be 
imbodied,) and when in actual service the Continental allow- 
ance. I would propose that certain superintending officers 
should always be in pay, who should constantly go through 
the County and see that the men were trained, equipped, 
and furnished with ammunition. I fear that, estimating the 
strength of the Militia by the number of men in the County, 
we may rely too much on them, and be fatally deceived. 


357 


But there is another matter, which I would not choose to 
make publick, and that is, you cannot command the Militia 
throughout the County. Your Government is not firmly 
enough established for the people to yield a willing obedi- 
ence; and I think it dangerous at this critical time to put it 
to the test. A successful resistance in one instance might 
be attended with very serious consequences. I can appeal 
to some of you that I have made the Militia of the County 
the object of my attention for some time, and the result of 
my observations and reflections has been, that, as they are 
now circumstanced, we shall derive very little, if any, ad- 
vantage from them in the present conflict. _ 

Upon the whole, considering bow critical affairs are 
become with respect to us, and that by these ships sailing 
up the river the seat of war is in some measure transferred 
to our own borders, it is high time, nay, it will not admit of 
the least delay, to provide for the safety of the County in 
some way independent of the Militia. Do not let the fear 
of expense deter you. Our all is at stake, and I am not 
convinced that the least expensive mode of warfare is by 
suffering the whole body of farmers to be called out and 
harassed upon every occasion. 

I remain your very humble servant, 

Ecsert Benson. 


To the Representatives of the County of Dutchess, in the 
Convention of the State of New-York. 


N. B. The Militia from the extreme part of the County 
have marched to the southward. Should they not have 
been kept as a reserve, in case of a disaster to to the north- 
ward? 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM ALBANY, DATED JULY 15, 1776. 


Last Saturday evening a plot was discovered here, (by 
confession of two Tories,) that this week the town was to 
be set on fire in different places, and the Magazine blown 
up. Yesterday between two and three hundred men went 
out with their arms to take up those scoundrels, who, by 
information, were skulking in the woods, &c., and they have 
taken several of them. As there are no soldiers in town, 
the inhabitants watch twenty-four hours round, to guard the 


Tory Jail, Magazine, &c. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 

Skenesborough, July 15, 1776. 

Dear Sir: After suitable regards to your Excellency, I 

here send a return of the number of men, and their occupa- 
tion, now at this place, and likewise the quantity of provision 
of ali sorts as given into me. I must likewise acquaint your 
Excellency that [ think the business is going on very lively, 
according to the number of men. Colonel Schuyler and 
myself have viewed the ground east of the Mill, and we 
think it proper to have a small guard placed there, with a 
breastwork, to keep the Indians from burning the Mills, and 
I shall do it as soon as possible. I hope the men from Con- 
necticut will be in soon, as we may go on with more speed ; 
and am, with the greatest esteem, your Excellency’s most 
obedient, humble servant, 

Davin Warersury, Jun. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates, Ticonderoga. 


P.S. Colonel Schuyler desired I would mention it to 
your Excellency that he was out of rum, and that he feared 
the men would get sick by drinking this bad water without 
a little rum; therefore he would take it as a favour if some 
might be sent down for the labouring men. There is like- 
wise great want of some peas. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL ARNOLD. 
Tyonderoga, July 15, 1776. 
Dear Sir: Last night I received your favour of the 14th. 
I sent you yesterday fifty-four batteaus, under the care of a 
Captain of Colonel Wayne’s regiment. This afternoon forty 
more batteaus will go from hence to Crown-Point. I do 
not think it necessary for any of the regiments to march by 
land to Tyonderoga, as I will take care to supply batteaus 
sufficient for the conveyance of the whole. As we have so 
much work to do here, I cannot see how a regiment can be 
spared to remain at Crown-Point. The vessels will be there 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


* 


358 


as soon as possible. I hope the Commodore will sail to- 
morrow; and if our naval force cannot protect that part of 
the lake from invasion, I do not think one regiment will be 
able to do it. 

I shall not approve or disapprove of Colonel Campbell's 
court-martial; that must be left to General Schuyler, to 
whom it is referred. Colonel Hazen complains of several 
irregularities in 'the proceedings againt him, and in par- 
ticular of his not peing tried by a court composed entirely 
of Field-Officers. "Where this can be done, a Colonel has 
an undoubted right, to demand it. Colonel Hazen further 
alleges, that the mam bers of the court ordered for his trial are 
not taken from the! roll of duty, but named by his accuser. 
This (if a fact) is also very irregular. Colonel Campbell 
may be sent here, htis arrest continued. 

I am, sir, &c., '¢ 


\ 
To General Arnold. 


Horatio Gates. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL WATERBURY. 
Tyonderoga, July 15, 1776. 

Dear Sir: As the communication to Skenesborough from 
this place becomes an object of such importance, and the 
conveyance of provisions and stores by that communication 
will be so, very necessary if we make our stand at the place 
proposed, it is essential that the road from Cheshire’s to Fort 
Edward be immediately repaired and rendered easy for car- 
riages. The obstructions in Wood Creek, by the trees which 
may have fallen across, must likewise be immediately removed. 
You will be pleased to stop a part of the Militia sufficient for 
this purpose, and urge the matter with all possible despatch. 
I should think it proper that the York Militia, and such part 
of the Connecticut as are necessary, should be stopped for 
this purpose. You will likewise post three companies of a 
regiment with a fleld;officer at Cheshire’s Mill, and the other 
field-officers and rerhainder of the regiment at Skenesborough 
Mills, and let tham bbect some little works at each place for 
their defence. 'Ehq tools necessary I will, as soon as it is in 
my power, supply you with; in the mean time you will endea- 
vour to collect all thet you possibly can. General Schuyler 
has engaged to'sendj me a number of axes from Albany as 
soon as possibl i bad they cannot arrive yet. . 

J am, dear stry your very obedient servant, 

4 4 Horatio Gates. 
To Brigadier-General Waterbury. 
| 
GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, July 15, 1776. 

Dear Genera; I received your favours of the 13th and 
14th instant last evéning, also a letter this minute respecting 
the cattle. Lam heartily rejoiced at the good news from 
New-York by General Waterbury. I make no doubt the 
enemy will be baffled in all their efforts. The Paymaster 
is gone this minute for T%conderoga. Two companies of 
the train went off early this morning. Six regiments were 
ordered off; so many artillery stores, &c., were remaining, 
that only four could be supplied with batteaus. If batteaus 
arrive this evening, the whole will go off to-morrow morn- 
ing. To-morrow, I expect to have the pleasure of seeing 
you. 

We want oars for near thirty batteaus lying here, which 
are at present useless, as none can be procured. We have 
few cattle on hand; eight or ten yoke may be procured, 
which the Commissary will send to Ticonderoga. 'To- 
morrow Colonel Bedel and Major Butterfield are ordered 
up, and go off immediately. You may depend on my utmost 
exertion in forwarding our naval armament, on which I think 
much depends. 

I shall detain the inhabitants brought up from below for 
the present, and shall be obliged to leave a small party here. 
I am ata loss whether [ shall remove the families on the 
Point or not; most of them are inimical. I will forward on 
the troops as fast as possible. All that are able will be sent 
off by land. 

I am, with great esteem and affection, dear General, your 
obedient humble servant, 

B. Arnovp. 


P. S. If oars can be spared, pray send us one hundred 
and fifty. 


309 


COLONEL WINDS TO GENERAL GATES. 
Shelburne, July 15, 1776. 
Sm: I am here, by leave of General Sullivan, with 
twenty-six men, and have built a stockaded fort here for the 
safety of my men and the inhabitants. I this day heard that 
my regiment is ordered down to Ticonderoga; if so, would 
be glad to receive some orders whether to stay here or to go 
after them. I have sent a batteau for provisions, as we are 
just out. Beg the favour that the Commissary may be 
ordered to send some by the bearer, Sergeant Edwards. 
From, sir, your very humble servant, 
Wiiuiam Winps, Colonel. 


To the Commander at Crown-Point. 


THOMAS BULL TO GENERAL GATES. 
Manchester, July 15, 1776. 
May 17 PLease your Honour: The present alarming 
state of our country seems to call for every soldier to be well 
equipped with arms and ammunition. ‘Therefore the town- 
ship of Manchester, lying under difficulty about ammunition, 
would make a return to your Excellency for ammunition for 
eighty men, as we cannot draw from the County stores. 
From your humble servant. 
By order of the Committee: 
Tuomas Buti, Chairman. 


DANIEL TILLINGHAST TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Providence, July 15, 1776. 
Agreeable to a resolve of Congress of the 6th instant, I 
yesterday forwarded your Excellency three cases of fire-arms, 
(as per invoice enclosed,) to the care of Nathaniel Shaw, 
Esq., of New-London, who, | requested, immediately on 
recept of the same, to send.you without delay, and which I 
wish safe to your hands. I expect in a few days to be able 
to forward you a parcel more of the above arms, which I am 
to have from Newport, and you may depend I shall make 
no delay in doing the same. 
{ am your Excellency’s most obedient and very humble 
servant, 
Dante. Tituinenast, Continental Agent. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


F. GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Providence, July 15, 1776. 
Sir: Agreeable to the request of his Honour Governour 
Cooke, I have sent forward tothe care of Nathaniel Shaw, 
Jun., the small-arms, flints, and cutlasses, imported by 
Samuel Chase for the Continent. Wish them a safe arrival 
at New-York, and your Excellency health, and the Army 
of the United States success against our common enemies. 


Yours, with respect 
4 ns # FE. Greene. 


P.S. There are fourteen thousand five hundred flints, 
thirty cutlasses, and twenty small-arms. 


NATHANIEL SHAW, JUN., TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
New-London, July 18, 1776. 
Sie: Enclosed you have Captain Jehiel Tinker’s receipt 
for three chests of arms, and one barrel and one keg of flints, 
as per invoice enclosed. ‘The arms were sent to me by 
Daniel Tillinghast, Esq., the flints by Messrs. Clark and 
Nightingale, merchants in Providence, desiring I would for- 
ward them to you by the first opportunity. Hope they will 
come safe to hand ; andam, sir, your very humble servant, 
NaTHANIEL Suaw, Jun. 


To His Excellency George Washington, Esq., General and 
Commander-in-Chief of the Forces of the United States 
of America, in New-York. 

Providence, July 15, 1776. 
Invoice of seventeen thousand Gun-flints, sent by Wil- 
liam Brown from Clark & Nightingale, of Providence, to 

Nathaniel Shaw, Esq., at New-London, and by him to be 

forwarded to his Excellency General Washington at New- 

York, viz: No.6, a barrel, No. 7,a keg, containing seven- 

teen thousand Gun-flints. 

Errors excepted : 
Per Cuark & NIGHTINGALE. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


360 


Providence, July 15, 1776. 

Invoice of 117 Small-Arms, 89 Bayonets, 20 Broad 
Swords, and 3 Fusees, sent by Wilkam Brown’s team from 
Daniel Tillinghast, of Providence, to Nathaniel Shaw, Esq., 
at New-London, who is immediately to forward them to his 
Excellency General Washington, at New-York, viz: 

S. A. 3 cases containing Scotch Arms, taken by the An- 
drew Doria at sea, viz: 

No. 1, a case containing 36 Small-Arms, 36 Bayonets, 
2 Broad Swords. 

No. 2, a case containing 42 Small-Arms, 42 Bayonets. 

No. 3, a case containing 39 Small-Arms, 3 Fusees in cases, 
11 Bayonets, 18 Broad-Swords. 


Errors excepted: Danie, Tinuinenast, Agent. 

N.B. Nos. 6 and 7, a barrel and keg, containing 17,000 
Gun-flints, sent in the above team to Mr. Shaw’s care, by 
Clark & Nightingale, and are to be forwarded to his 
Excellency General Washington, with the above Arms, the 
first opportunity. 


New-York, July 25, 1776.—I have received the within 
mentioned Arms, &c., into Ordnance Store. 
Ezexiet Cueever, Com. Artillery. 


TORIES AT NINE-PARTNERS. 
Hartford, Connecticut, July 15, 1776. 

Last week, about one hundred and fifty Tories, in the 
Nine-Partners, and places adjacent, rose in a body, fell upon 
the Sons of Liberty there, disarmed them, and took posses- 
sion of the Committee-Chamber, but were quelled by a 
party of near three thousand men from the western parts of 
this Colony, and about twenty of their number were taken 
and confined in prison. May their ringleaders soon receive 
the punishment due to such traitors to the American 
States. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO NATHANIEL SHAW. 
Lebanon, July 15, 1776. 
Sir: I have sent you by Captain Harding your appoint- 
ment as Agent for the Colony, for the purpose therein men- 
tioned. We are informed by him that he expects a number 
on board his brig may soon be taken with the small-pox, as 
they were much exposed before he left Boston. If any 
should be taken with that infectious disease, you will take 
timely and prudent care for their being provided for, either 
at your pest-house, or at Duck-Island, whichever you may 
think most proper, or any other convenient place, where the 
utmost precaution may be taken against spreading the infec- 
tion, and by all means to prevent it getting in, or spreading 
among, our soldiery. We doubt not of your attention to 
this, as well as every other matter committed to your charge. 
And am your obedient, humble servant, 
JonaTHAN TRUMBULL. 


To Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., Esq., New-London. 


COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS TO CAPTAIN HASKELL. 
In Council, July 15, 1776. 

Sir: You being appointed Captain of the small vessel 
called the Dove, fitted out by this Colony for gaining intelli- 
gence respecting the British fleets and armies, you are, as 
soon as your vessel is ready, to sail for some part of the coast 
of Nova-Scotia, or you may cruise on the seas between Cape 
Ann and Nova-Scotia, and use your utmost endeavours for 
gaining intelligence as aforesaid; and when you shall gain 
any certain accounts of the movements of any considerable 
fleet of the enemy, and the course for which they have for 
some time steered, you are then, with all possible despatch, 
to give information to the Council of this Colony, and the 
Committee of Safety, &c., of the town where you may 
arrive, that such measures may be taken as the defence and 
security of this Colony may require; and you are to use 
all necessary precaution to prevent your vessel from falling 
into the hands of the enemy, whereby the good design of 
fixing out your vessel may be frustrated. 

Joun Avery, Dep. Secretary. 


To Captain Robert Haskell, Commander of the Dove. 


361 


COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS TO JOSEPH HAWLEY. 
Watertown, July 15, 1776. 


Str: The Board have attended to your letter of the 13th 
instant, and, upon the fullest consideration, are unanimously 
of opinion, that it may be of the most dangerous conse- 
quence to allow of such a delay in the marching of the 
troops destined for the Northern Department as must neces- 
sarily be occasioned by their being inoculated before they 
march. By the best information the Board can get, they 
apprehend there is a probability of suppressing that distem- 
per in the Army at Crown-Point; and Brigadier-General 
Bricket, who is to command the reinforcement, and has not 
had the small-pox, is so persuaded of this that he has de- 
clared he would not choose to be inoculated before the 
march. The Board therefore insist that the levies should 
be marched with all possible expedition, as any delay may 
perhaps occasion a total defeat and dispersion of the North- 
ern Army, the consequences of which must be fatal to 
every one. 

The Board rely on it that Commissary Trumbull has 
taken effectual measures to provide for paying the mileage 
to the troops till they arrive at the stores, agreeable to his 
letter of the 11th June, as the Court, in answer thereunto, 
in theirs of July Ist, informed him that they depended upon 
his doing; and they understand that Captain Farnsworth 
proceeded to make provision accordingly; but as you do not 
hear of his arrival there, shall write to Commissary Trumbull 
on that head. 

Enclosed you have a copy of the resolve directing what 
route the troops shall take. 


COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS TO JOSEPH TRUMBULL. 
. Watertown, July 15, 1776. 

Str: The foregoing is copy of what the Court wrote in an- 
swer to yours of the 11th July, to which they have received 
no answer; nor do we hear of the arrival of any person at 
Number Four, for the services mentioned in the Court’s 
letter; for which reasons, the Board have directed that you 
be furnished with a copy of their last letter, as any failure in 
that service may be of the most fatal consequences, the 
troops being now under marching orders. 

If you have not already sent a person to make pro- 
vision for this service, the Board earnestly desire that you 
would do it without delay. 


To Mr. Commissary Trumbull. 


RICHARD NEWTON TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Boston Jail, July 15, 1776. 
May ir pLEAsE your Honours: I am very sorry to 
trouble your Honours so often, but necessity now obliges me 
to do it. _ Having been closely confined for upwards of three 
months, and no allowance of any kind made me, I am redticed 
very low, having been obliged to dispose of my watch, clothes, 
&c. [am also destitute of friends that will support me without 
payment. I beg your Honours will be pleased to order me 
some subsistence, or liberty to earn it, or otherwise I shall 
certainly starve. I defy the world to prove I ever wronged 
or defrauded any person living, or ever was concerned in 


plundering the town of Boston, or in any way assisting. 


against America. I do not know yet what lam committed 
for. It can’t be for being in the King’s service, as I never 
was init. All I have to add is, I humbly beg your Honours 
will order me some relief, or inflict upon me the punishment 
I deserve, if any can be found; which is all that is wished 
for by your Honours’ most obedient and distressed servant, 
Ricnarp Newron. 
[Acted upon, and released, August 15, 1776.] 


COL. BELLOWS TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 


Walpole, July 15, 1776. 
GentLemeN: In obedience to the orders I received from 
General Folsom, of the 4th instant, I have raised seventy- 
three men out of the regiment under my command, agree- 
able to said orders. 
I am, gentlemen, your very humble servant, 
Bensamin Betvows, Jun., Colonel. 


To the Honourable the Committee of Safety for the Colony 
of New-Hampshire. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


362 


COMMITTEE OF MOULTONBOROUGH TO JONATHAN MOULTON. 
Moultonborough, July 15, 1776. 

Sir: By Daniel Beede, Esq., we understand there was 
a prospect of obtaining, on proper security, from the Trea- 
sury, a sum of money to purchase fire-arms for this almost 
defenceless town. Esquire Beede informed us you were 
so good as to tell him you would join him in security for the 
money on a day appointed, which day he was obliged to 
leave Court on express; and he agreed with Captain Josiah 
Moulton to join with you for security for the money in his 
stead, by which we flatter ourselves you may have obtained 
the money. We, together with Lieutenant James Brown, 
(who waits on you with this,) were chosen a Committee for 
this town, to purchase the guns. Lieutenant Brown goes 
on purpose to consult you on the matter, receive the money, 
if it can be had, and purchase the guns, if they are to be 
bought. Ifany difficulty should arise in your mind in taking 
his security singly, we hereby engage to indemnify you in 
Jetting him have the money, and will, with him, be answer- 
able for the payment of the same, agreeable to the tenor of 
the obligation he may give for the money. 

We beg, sir, your forwarding the matter, and you will much 
oblige the inhabitants here, as well as your most humble 
servants, Brapsury Ricuarpson, 
NaTHANIEL AMBROSE. 


To Jonathan Moulton, Esq. 


COURT-MARTIAL ON LIEUTENANT WILLIAMS. 

Williamsburgh, July 16, 1776. 
In consequence of an order from the Honourable Brigadier- 
General Lewzvs, for the trial of Lieutenant Henry Williams, 
of the Virginia forces, by a General Court-Martial, at Wil- 
liamsburgh, July 16, 1776, he, the said Lieutenant Williams, 
was found guilty of behaving in a scandalous and infamous 
manner, unbecoming the character of an officer or soldier, 
was cashiered, drummed along the line at Springfield camp, 
through Wilhamsburgh and College camp, and, as a part 
of his sentence, is now held up with infamy to the publick, 
as a person not worthy of enjoying the common blessings of 

society. James Henpricks, President. 


ST. JOSEPH DASHIELL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Worcester County, July 16, 1776. 

Dear Sir: When Captain Kelly was down, my sloop 
lay at such a distance, that we could not go to her, as they 
were in such a hurry; but I promised to send up her dimen- 
sions. He heard her character of being the fastest sailer in 
this place. Her standing rigging in good order; sails and run- 
ning rigging very indifferent; forty-six feet long on deck, 
fourteen-and-a-half feet beam, and six feet hold. I consider 
her sails and rigging as worth nothing to the Province, 
except her standing rigging, and should not have mentioned 
her only for her fast sailing. I gave £150 for her last year, 
and if better to answer the purpose cannot be got, l am 
willing to take the same for her now. 

This comes by a French gentleman, whom I have had at 
my house, and sent part of the way to Annapolis. He has 
papers which will show that he is desirous to enter into our 
service in defence of liberty, and from his experience, hope 
he will be serviceable. If you please, lay this before your 
brethren, and oblige, sir, your humble servant, 

Sr. JosepH DasHreve. 


To James Tilghman, Esq., Annapolis. 


BENNETT BRACCO TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 16, 1776. 
GentTLemMEN: I am extremely sorry that I am obliged 
once more to trouble you; but hope you will excuse it, as it 
is done through necessity. I have exhausted both money 
and credit to support the men under my command here, and 
assure you that, unless you furnish me very shortly with a 
sum of money for their subsistence, I shall be obliged to 
suffer the men to disperse, and Jet each man look out for 
himself. I expect that, in ten days from this, we shall be 
able to do duty, as the small-pox is very favourable. 
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant, 
Bennett Bracco. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


363 


RICHARD DALLAM TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Harford County, July 16, 1776. 

Sir: In answer to yours of the 10th instant, which I 
received yesterday, [ inform you I have twenty-two muskets, 
finished complete, and fifteen more ready for stocking, six 
of which will be finished this week. Harvest, and sickness 
of two of my best hands, and the bursting of twelve or thir- 
teen of my barrels in my absence, have disappointed my 
expectations. Twelve of the guns finished have been proved 
with two ounces of powder ‘and one ball, the remainder 
with one ounce of powder and _ ball; but if this proof 
will not satisfy, I will apply to the gentlemen you mention 
to prove them, though it will be attended with expense and 
trouble in taking them out of the stocks, and fitting them in 
again. What other barrels I make, I shall apply to Mr. 
James Harris to see them proved before stocked, as he lives 
handy to us, and take his certificate. I will deliver at my 
factory, or at Harford town, to your order, what arms I 
have or can have made in time, according to agreement; 
but will not deliver them at Baltemore town at my own 
risk and expense. As Colonel Hall is in this neighbour- 


hood, will not a delivery of the arms to him answer? I. 


believe I could get slings for the muskets, and scabbards for 
the bayonets, made here, if you would let me know the price 
given for them. 
I am, sir, your very humble servant, 
Ricuarp Datuam. 


To the Honourable Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Presi- 
dent of the Council of Safety. 


P.S. I have not the Jeast doubt but that my arms will 
please, and be found as good as any made in Maryland. 


R. D. 


CAPTAINS BARNES AND ELLIOTT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF 
SAFETY. 
July 16, 1776. 

‘We, the subscribers, having the command of the two 
companies of Militia on Kent Island, beg leave to inform 
you, that the people of the Island are much dispirited by 
reason of the removal of the Independent Company off the 
Island, and also of a number of young men who are gone to 
the Flying-Camp, which has weakened our Militia com- 
panies very much. And as the people are apprehensive of 
being plundered and driven off the Island very soon, unless 


reinforced, we therefore humbly desire that your Honours ° 


will immediately take the’ same under your consideration, 
and order a reinforcement to come to our assistance as soon 
as possible, or many of the people will go off; and, indeed, 
we are in some doubt that some of them will not take up 
arms, unless we have some other force to assist us; and then 
there is no doubt but that they will be very spirited, and 
will endeavour to defend the Island as long as possible. 
This request we hope your Honours will grant us, or we 
shall be in a most deplorable situation, expecting to be 
plundered, and perhaps driven off the Island, if the enemy 
appears, which we hourly expect, as it is said the Island is 
intended as a place of rendezvous for them. 
- We are, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servants, 
Tuomas Barnes, Jun. 
Tuomas Ex.iorr. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


B. JOHNSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Frederick Town, July 16, 1776. 


GentLemen: Captain Merony has been employed by me, 
and acted as Adjutant to my battalion fortwo months. You 
will be pleased to give him an order for £12. I presume 
that it will be very serviceable at present. 

Mr. Williams, I understand, declines accepting his com- 
mission in the Flying-Camp. [have not altered my opinion, 
but am ready to obey the command of my country. 

I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, 

. B. Jounson. 


To the Council of Safety of Maryland, Annapolis. 


GENERAL DENT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Charles County, July 16, 1776. 
GentTLemMeN: Your letter contains the first information I 
have had on the subject. I shall immediately set out to S¢. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


364 


Mary’ s, and take every precaution in my power to guard 
against and repel the enemy. F*rom the instructions hereto- 
fore given the Field-Officers, I expected to have had notice 
given me upon the appearance of an enemy as soon as 
possible; but no such thing have I had. 
I am, gentlemen, in haste, your most obedient servant, 
Joun Denr. 

To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


ROBERT PORTEUS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, July 16, 1776. 


Honourep Sirs: I have been told that your honourable 
House has done me the honour of promoting me to a Third 
Lieutenancy in Captain Nathaniel Smith’s Company of 
Artillery now stationed here. If what I have been told be 
true, I hope I shall merit the appointment, as my study shall 
be in every respect to discharge the trust you are so kind as 
to put in me with every mark of honour. I would most 
readily do myself the honour of waiting on you in person, 
but I ain this day ordered to mount guard to-morrow as one 
of the Militia. I coming in turn in our company, ( Balti- 
more Independents,) and being one of the first subscribers to 
that company, and having been a member ever since its | 
commencement, I make no doubt, if you have not yet ap- 
pointed a Lieutenant to Captain Smth’s Company, that you 
will think of me, which will be acknowledged as a particular 
honour conferred; and have the honour to be, gentlemen, 
your very humble and obedient servant, 

Rosert Porrevs. 


JOHN SKINNER TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, Nottingham Iron- Works, July 16, 1776. 


Str: I am favoured with yours of the 8th instant, con- 
cerning the casting some small cannon for the use of the 
Province; in answer to which I have to acquaint you that 
the Nottingham Company’s furnace under my care blowed 
out about five weeks ago. ‘The remainder of this year will 
be employed in providing stock for another blast, so that 
we shall not be able to get to work again sooner than some- 
time next January. 

Lam, with respect, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

JoHN SKINNER. 


COLONEL TYLER TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 16, 1776. 


GenTLEMEN: Agreeable to your orders, a company out 
of my battalion will be at Annapolis to-day; they are not 
quite complete, but will be made so to-morrow. The notice 
] had was so short there was not time to collect the whole 
battalion, which is the reason that some of them are badly 
armed. It was past seven o’clock on. Tuesday morning 
before I received the orders. Colonel Williams waits on 
you with this, and, if necessary, will attend the company till 
relieved. I should have waited on you myself, but have 
just recovered from a spell of sickness, and being a good deal 
fatigued by attending the battalion yesterday, tt would have 
gone hard with me. 

I am, gentlemen, your very humble servant, 

Roserr Tyuer. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THE COMMITTEES OF 
OBSERVATION. : 
[No. 43.] Annapolis, July 16, 1776. 
GentLemeN: Enclosed we send you the Declaration of 
Independence, and the Letter that accompanied it from Con- 
gress to the Convention, requesting that it should be pro- 
claimed in our Colony. We transmit the Declaration to 
you, that you may proclaim it in your County in the manner 
you judge most proper for the information of the people. 
Weare, &c. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO BENTON HARRIS. 
[No. 44.] Annapolis, July 16, 1776. 
Sir: We received your letter by Mr. Smyly, and send 
you by him the sum of £150, currency, to defray expenses, 
for which you will hereafter render us an ‘account. 


365 


We send you enclosed exact copies of the invoice that 
have been transmitted to us from Messrs. Vanbibber & Har- 
rison. There is some variation in the article of powder, a 
deficiency of two chests or packages of arms, and a very 
large deficiency in the bolts or pieces of duck. You say 
twenty-eight only are received; there ought to have been 
twenty-three bales, containing each four pieces or bolts—in 
all ninety-two bolts. ' 

We request you would exert yourself in getting our cargo 
according to invoice and bill of lading. Colonel Hooe is 
down loading his vessel. He, on application, will assist you ; 
and Captain Martin himself ought to be applied to. We 
depend on your diligence and activity; and are, with re- 
spect and esteem, yours, Xc. 

To Benton Harris, Esquire, Chairman of the Committee of 

Observation for Worcester County. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COMMITTEES ON THE 
EASTERN SHORE. é 
[No. 45.] Annapolis, July 16, 1776. 

GenTLEMEN: It is impossible for us to attend so particu- 
larly as we could wish to the execution of every part of the 
enclosed resolves, and therefore must request the favour of 
you (though we are conscious it will give you a good deal 
of trouble) to assist us, as far as the nature of the subject 
and your situation will admit of, to comply with them; par- 
ticularly in borrowing firelocks from such of the Militia as 
will lend, on the publick faith that the same shall be re- 
turned in the like good order as received, or, in case of loss, 
the value thereof, in having them valued; and also in col- 
lecting a suflicient quantity of blankets for the troops directed 
to be raised in Queen Anne’s, and, if practicable, more, to 
make up the deficiency which we are apprehensive there 
will be in some other Counties. } 

We think it best that the defective arms for the com- 
panies to be raised with you for the Flying-Camp, should 
be repaired and fitted up in your County if possible; and 
as Mr. Winters, of Chestertown, (who is the only person we 
know of on the Eastern-Shore capable of undertaking it for 
the whole battalion to be raised there,) is already engaged 
in making arms for the Province, we should be sorry to take 
him from that business, unless through absolute necessity, 
and therefore request that you will exert yourselves in your 
endeavours to have them done without applying to him; if, 
however, you cannot accomplish it, you will be pleased to 
send them up to him for that purpose as fast as you collect 
them, taking his receipt for such as you may deliver. We 
desire to know how many arms you have in your possession 
belonging to the Province, and the number delivered in by, 
or taken from, those who have not subscribed the Association 
or enrolled in the Militia; and that those belonging to the 
Province may not be given out without the orders of this 
Board. We have already a sufficient quantity of cartouch 
boxes, bayonet belts, and slings, and have advertised for per- 
sons to contract with us for making knapsacks, with haver- 
sacks, priming-wires and brushes, camp-kettles, and canteens 
or wooden bottles; but if you can recommend to us any who 
can and will engage to supply the Militia with either of these 
articles, we shall be obliged to you. Steel ramrods we pre- 
sume you can get made, but not bayonets, and therefore we 
have written Mr. Hollingsworth, of Cecil County, immediate- 
ly to procure a number, a sufficient quantity of which we will 
endeavour to supply you with as soon as possible, upon being 
informed you can have the arms repaired and fitted. No 
period can furnish a greater necessity for your warmest efforts, 
and we trust you will not leave anything unessayed upon the 
present occasion. 

We will send you, by the first opportunity, some cash to 
buy guns and blankets with, which we request you will lay 
out accordingly. We have not exceeded £4 5s. for a mus- 
ket, with a steel ramrod and bayonet, but upon this occasion 
would have you go as high as £4 10s. Guns which you 
may purchase without either, ought not to cost so much that 
the necessary repairs and providing ramrods and bayonets 
will carry them above £4 5s., unless they are very good, in 
which case we will also allow £4 10s. 

We are, &c. 


N. B. There is a person on Kent Island who has repaired 
many guns for the Militia there, particularly in. the locks, 
and we are informed is well qualified for the business. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


366 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THE COMMITTEES ON THE 
WESTERN SHORE. 
[No. 46.] Annapolis, July 16, 1776. 

GENTLEMEN: I[t will be impossible for us to attend so 
particularly as we could wish, to the execution of every part 
of the enclosed reselves, and therefore must request the 
favour of you (though we are conscious it will give you a 
good deal of trouble) to assist us, as far as the nature of the 
subject and your situation will admit of, to comply with 
them, particularly in borrowing firelocks from such of the 
Militia as will lend, on the publick faith that the same shall 
be returned in like good order as received, or, in case of loss, 
the value thereof on having them valued ; and also in collect- 
ing a sufficient quantity of blankets for the troops directed 
to be recruited in your County for the Flying-Camp, and, if 
practicable, more, to make up the deficiency which we are 
apprehensive there will be in some other Counties. We 
wish the defective arms which may be collected in your 
County for the Flying-Camp should be repaired and fitted 
there if possible, and therefore request you will exert your- 
selves in your endeavours to have them done as expeditiously 
as you can. We desire to know how many arms you have 
which have been delivered in by, or taken from, those who 
have not subscribed the Association or enrolled in the Militia. 
We have already a sufficient quantity of cartouch-boxes, 
bayonet belts, and slings, and have advertised for persons 
to contract with us for making knapsacks with haversacks, 
priming-wires and brushes. But if you can recommend to 
us any who will engage to supply the publick with either of 
those articles we shall be obliged to you. Steel ramrods, 
we presume, you will be able to get made, but are doubtful 
as to bayonets; however, if you can provide them also, we 
would have you do it. 

Mr. Hanson will deliver you this and we request you 
will lay it out in the purchase of arms and blankets. We have 
not hitherto exceeded £4 5s. for a musket with a steel ram- 
rod and bayonet, but upon this occasion would have you go 
as high as £4 10s. Guns which you may purchase with- 
out either ought not to cost so much that the necessary re- 
pairs and providing ramrods and bayonets will carry them 
above £4 5s., unless they are very good, in which case we 
will allow £4 10s. We are, &c. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO VIRGINIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Philadelphia, July 16, 1776. 

GentLtemen: Although the Council of Safety of this 
Colony, by a recommendation to the inhabitants to spare the 
lead weights from their windows, and the lead from their 
houses, have collected a considerable quantity, which has 
been run into ball, and a part of which is now on the way 
to the Jerseys; yet it is by no means sufficient in our present 
exigency. A much greater quantity is still wanted for the 
Army in New-Jersey, and every method should be taken to 
procure it; I have it therefore in charge from Congress to 
request you will send by the return wagons, which are now 
on their way to your Colony with powder, as much lead as 
you can spare, and that you will order fifteen or twenty tons 
more of lead from the mines to this city as soon as possible. 
The state of our affairs will not admit the least delay; and I 
am persuaded arguments are not necessary to induce you to 
a compliance with this requisition with the greatest despatch. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient 
and very humble servant, 

Jonn Hancock, President. 


Honourablé Council of Safety, Virginia. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO COLONEL FIELDING LEWIS. 

Philadelphia, July 16, 1776. 
Sir: The article of lead is so essentially necessary for our 
Army at this juncture, that the Council of Safety of this 
Colony have recommended to the inhabitants to spare the 
lead weights from their windows, and the lead from their 
houses, by which means they have been furnished with a 
considerable quantity, which has been run into ball, and part 
of which is now on the way to the Jerseys. But as, under 
the present exigency, that quantity is far short of what is 
wanted for the Army in the Jerseys, and every method 
should be taken to collect it, I am therefore directed to re- 
quest you will send by the wagons, which are now on their 


367 


way to your Colony with powder, all the lead you can possi- 
bly procure at Fredericksburgh. 'The state of our affairs 
will not admit of the least delay, and I am convinced there 
is no necessity for arguments to induce you to an immediate 
compliance with this requisition. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and very 
humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 
Colonel Lelding Lewis. ' 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Congress Chamber, July 16, 1776. 
Sir: I have only time to forward the foregoing resolves. 
By to-morrow’s post I hope to write you on the subject of 
all your letters which remain unanswered. 
1 have the honour to be your very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 
To General Washington. 


P.S. Your favour of the 14th just received. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO M. KIRMOVAN. 
Philadelphia, July 16, 1776. 

Srr: In consequence of the recommendation the Con- 
gress have received of you, I am to inform you they have 
this day been pleased to appoint you an Engineer in the 
Continental service, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, 
and the pay of sixty dollars per month. 

It is the order of Congress that you immediately repair to 
New-Jersey, and put yourself under the command of the 
officer commanding the Flying-Camp. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and very 


humble servant ? 
he Joun Hancock, President. 


To Monsieur Kirmovan, Philadelphia. 
P.S. Enclosed I send your commission. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY. 
Philadelphia, July 16, 1776. 

GentLemeN: Since I had the honour of addressing you 
on the 4th of June, at which time I transmitted sundry 
resolves of Congress, requesting you to call forth your Mi- 
litia, our affairs have assumed a much more serious com- 
plexion. If we turn our attention towards the Northern 
Department, we behold our Army reduced by sickness and 
obliged to flee before an enemy of vastly superior force. If 
we cast our eyes to Head-Quarters, we see the British 
Army reinforced under Lord Howe, and ready to strike a 
blow which may be attended with the most fatal conse- 
quences, if not timely resisted. ‘The situation of our coun- 
try at this season calls, therefore, for all the vigour and wisdom 
among us; and if we do not mean to desert her at this 
alarming crisis, it is high time to rouse every spark of virtue, 
and, forgetting all inferior considerations, to exert ourselves 
in a manner becoming freemen. 

The intelligence received this day from General Wash- 
ington points out the absolute, the indispensable necessity of 
sending forward all the troops that can possibly be collected, 
to strengthen both the Army in New- York and that on this 
side of Canada. Ido therefore once more, in the name and 
by the authority of Congress, request and beseech you, as 
you regard the liberties of your country and the happiness 
of posterity, and as you stand engaged by the most solemn 
ties of honour to support the common cause, to strain every 
nerve to send forward your Militia, agreeably to the former 
requisitions of Congress. ‘This is a step of such infinite 
moment, that, in all human probability, it will be the salva- 
tion of America. And as it is the only effectual step that 
can possibly be taken at this juncture, you will suffer me 
again most ardently to entreat your speedy compliance with 
it. In short, the critical period is arrived that will seal the 
fate not only of ourselves, but of posterity. Whether they 
shall arise the generous heirs of freedom, or the dastardly 
slaves of imperious task-masters, it is in your power now to 
determine; and, as freemen, I am sure you will not hesitate 
a moment about the choice. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, &c., 

Joun Hancock, President. 

[The same to Massachusetts Assembly, Connecticut Assembly, and 
Convention of New-Jersey.] 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


368 


In Congress, July 16, 1776. 
Resolved, That Letters be written to the States of Mas- 
sachusetts-Bay, Connecticut, and New-Jersey, setting forth 
the situation of our affairs in the New-York department, 
and pressing them immediately to comply with the requisi- 
tion of Congress of the 3d June. That the situation of our 
Army at New-York be stated to the State of Connecticut, 
and that it be earnestly desired of that State immediately to 
send all the Militia thereof which can be spared into New- 
York, to reinforce the Army there, and continue in service 

until the proportions requested of the several States arrive. 

Copy: Rosert H. Harrison. 


WILLIAM WHIPPLE TO JOHN LANGDON. 
Philadelphia, July 16, 1776. 

My pear Sir: Your favour of the Ist instant came duly 
to hand. ‘There can be no objection to your contracting 
for guns wherever they are to be had. I find by the back- 
wardness of the furnaces here, that they must be got some- 
where else. Governour Hopkins has written agreeable to 
what I wrote last post. However, I think it would not be 
amiss for you to contract, if they won’t spare you those 
already made, which they will, if they consider the good of 
the service, as they may make more by the time their ships 
are ready for them. You may depend the officers will be 
appointed agreeable to your recommendation; their com- 
missions not being sent, need be no hinderance to you in 
engaging petty officers and men. Provisions I wrote you 
about last post. I agree with you that these matters have 
not been properly attended to, but I by no means take any 
part of the charge of neglect to myself; for no poor devil 
ever begged for alms with more earnestness than I have to 
get these matters settled, and am still determined, if possible, 
to have everything complete before I Jeave this. Two of 
the ships were launched here last week, viz: the Randolph 
and Delaware; but when they will get to sea is uncertain, 
as they have no anchors yet. . 

Independence was proclaimed in the Army at New-York 
last Wednesday, when the leaden King in the Bowling- 
Green was dismounted, and is by this time cast into bullets 
for the destruction of his tools of tyranny. May every one 
of them be properly commissioned. 

We are daily in expectation of some grand military ope- 
rations at New-York. The Militia are all marching from 
this Colony. The Associators are mostly gone from this 
city—Colonels Dickinson, Cadwalader, &c., at the bead 
of their regiments. No doubt in a very few days twenty 
thousand men, if not more, will be imbodied at New-Jerscy, 
besides the Army at York. ‘This Declaration has had a 
glorious effect—has made these Colonies all alive: all the 
Colonies forming Governments, as you will see by the 
papers. I expect there will be some interruption in the 
communication, but hope it won’t last long. 

In very great haste, yours, Aidan eualMeeeeee 

P.S. Please to send the enclosed paper to the North 
End. have sent the play you mention to Mr. Brackett. 


JOHN ALSOP TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Philadelphia, July 16, 1776. 

GentLemen: Yesterday our President read in Congress 
a resolve of your honourable body, dated the 9th instant, in 
which you declare New-York a free and independent State. 
T cannot help saying that I was much surprised to find it 
come through that channel. The usual method hitherto 
practised has been, for the Convention of each Colony to 
give their Delegates instructions to act and vote upon all 
and any important questions. And in the last letter we 
were favoured with from your body, you told us that you 
were not competent or authorized to give us instructions on 
that grand question; nor have you been pleased to answer 
our letter of the 2d instant, any otherwise than by your said 
resolve, transmitted to the President. I think we were 
entitled to an answer. 

I am compelled, therefore, to declare, that it is against my 
judgment and inclination. As Jong as a door was left open 
for a reconciliation with Great Britain, upon honourable 
and just terms, I was willing and ready to render my coun- 
try all the service in my power, and for which purpose I was 


369 


appointed and sent to this Congress; but as you have, I 
presume, by that Declaration, closed the door of reconcili- 
ation, I must beg leave to resign my seat as a Delegate from 
New-York, and that I may be favoured with an answer and 
my dismission. 


I have the honour to be, &c. Joun Axsop. 


In Provincial Congress of New-Jersey, 
Trenton, July 16, 1776. 

Ordered, That the several Township Committees through- 
out this Colony do immediately exert themselves in procuring 
Lead for the use of the Army now engaged in our defence, as 
the demand for that article is very great and pressing; that, 
to this end, they do forthwith collect all the Leaden Weights 
from Windows and Clocks, and all the Leaden Weights of 
Shops, Stores, and Mills, of one pound weight and upwards; 
also all other Lead in and about Houses and other places; and 
that they forward all the Lead which shall by them be so 
collected to the hands of Alexander Chambers, Abraham 
Hunt, David Pinkerton, and William Tucker, of Trenton; 
Hendrick Fisher, of Somerset County; Azariah Dunham, of 
New-Brunswick ; John Ross, of Woodbridge; Isaac Wood- 
ruff, of Elizabethtown; and Dr. William Burnet, of New- 
ark, or any of them, Commissioners appointed for purcha- 
sing arms, &c. And the said Commissioners are directed 
to pay for all such Lead at the rate of six pence, Proclama- 
tion money, the pound weight, together with the reasonable 
expenses in forwarding the same. 


July 17th.—Whereas the honourable the Continental 
Congress have declared the United Colonies free and inde- 
pendent States: We, the Deputies of New-Jersey, in Pro- 
vincial Congress assembled, 

Do Resolve and Declare, That we will support the free- 
dom and independence of the said States with our lives and 
fortunes, and with the whole force of New-Jersey. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Witiiam Paterson, Secretary. 


GENERAL MERCER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Elizabethtown, New-Jersey, July 16, 1776. 

Sir: [ just now received the honour of your letter of the 
14th instant, containing the instructions of Congress relative 
to the troops which are intended to compose the Flying- 
Camp. 

Two battalions of Pennsylvania Riflemen have arrived at 
Amboy, where it is proposed to form the encampment, as 
most convenient for the protection of this part of the New- 
Jerseys, or for marching towards Philadelphia or New-York, 
should the operations of the enemy point either way. 

The British troops remain cantoned along the shores of 
Staten-Island, by all our intelligence, to the number of eight 
or nine thousand. ‘Three days ago, Lord Howe sent Lieu- 
tenant Reeve, of the Eagle man-of-war, in a flag, to Amboy, 
with letters to the late Governours from hence to Georgia, 
which were immediately conveyed to Head-Quarters in New- 
York. His Lordship left England before the fleet ; had nine 
weeks’ passage to Sandy-Hook; he touched at Halifax. I 
shall not fail to communicate every remarkable occurrence. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient, humble 


servant 
? Hueu Mercer. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Elizabethtown, July 16, 1776. 
Sir: In consequence of Colonel Reed’s letter, and the plan 
shown me by Major Knowlton, I have reconnoitred the ene- 
my’s posts, and last night had the assistance of Captain John 
Mercereau to bring some intelligence from Staten-Island. 
He undertook the service very cheerfully; told me he could 
go very secretly to his brother-in-law’s house, who, it seems, 
resides back in the woods, remote from the parties along 
shore. ‘The Captain informs that he got to the house, where 
his brother and wife were alone; that he told him there were 
soldiers in every house-near the shore—the numbers rather 
uncertain ; but on the Neck, where we propose an attack, I 


~ cannot collect, from his account and all observation, that there 


are more than six or seven hundred. Two creeks enclose this 
Neck all toa point of woods three or four hundred yards 


Firtn Series.—Vot. I. 24 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


oa 370 
i 


wide. ‘The principal posts of the enemy are three; the Bla- 
zing-Star is the lowest, where there appear to be from one 
hundred to two hundred men. The two other houses, about 
a mile or more asunder, do not appear to contain so many 
men. Some scattering houses on the Neck also have soldiers 
quartered, but, being more inconvenient and small buildings, 
cannot be supposed to contain many men. Every morning 
and evening a patrol of one hundred men passes into the 
Neck, from house to house, where guards are kept, and re- 
turns to some other post. This is the state of the enemy. 

The plan of the attack which I propose, is as follows: T'o 
ferry over, between the hours of eleven and two o’clock to- 
morrow night, from Thompson’s Creek to the woods, where 
the marsh is most practicable, fourteen hundred men—Colo- 
nel Brodhead, with four hundred Pennsylvania Riflemen, to 
pass over first and take possession of the ground, where the 
creeks form the Neck of smallest width, and there to lie in 
ambush from creek to creek; Major Knowlton to march next, 
with two hundred and fifty of his regiment, fifty Pennsylva- 
nia Riflemen, and fifty Militia, towards the Blazing-Star; 
Colonel Piper, with one hundred Riflemen and one hundred 
and fifty Militia, to take the road to the middle house in our 
view from this shore; and another Field-Officer, with a like 
number, to make towards the upper house. One hundred 
Riflemen and fifty Militia will remain for a reserve, to scour 
the Neck, and attack any scattering houses we may discover 
there. ‘I'he orders to these parties will be, to proceed, if 
possible, under cover, and to remain near the enemy till 
daybreak, and then to make a vigorous attack; those at 
the upper houses to wait till firing is heard at the Blazing- 
Star, the most distant point. If the enemy attempts to 
pass into the Neck to the relief of their guards, Colonel 
Brodhead will have orders to place his men so as to form an 
ambuscade that may give him a great adventage; his men 
are, I think, to be depended on for such service. We pro- 
pose, if successful, to retire by the Blazing-Star. For this 
purpose, not only the craft we cross over in from Thomp- 
son’s Creek, but all others that can be collected along the 
shores, will be collected there by the parties stationed at our 
different posts near that place. 

The clamour of the Militia to get to their harvest, has 
obliged me to discharge many. However, we have at 
Amboy seven hundred and fifty Riflemen; we expect two 
hundred and fifty from Paulus-Hook; and depend on four 
hundred of the Pennsylvania Light-Infantry, or Militia, to 
be at Woodbridge to-morrow; but should their march be so 
slow as to disappoint us, I shall have that number of Militia 
prepared in this quarter, without weakening too much the 
several posts we occupy on the Jersey shore. I shall en- 
deavour'to procure guides for the several parties. Your 
instructions for the improvement of the above plan will give 
great pleasure, and may ensure its success. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most obe- 


dient servant 
? Hueu Mercer. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


P.S. The parties sent to attack the posts will have orders 
to send on a few men, if possible, to seize the sentinels and 
guards before they can give an alarm, which, if executed 
properly, may save our men. ‘There are two field-pieces at 
our post, opposite the Blazing-Star, which may be employed 
to favour our retreat, if necessary. 

All the troops for this service will assemble by to-morrow 
evening at Woodbridge, excepting those from Paulus-Hook, 
which [ shall look for here by that time if your Excellency 
approves of going on with the enterprise. 

The common talk on the Island is, that they will wait for 
the fleet from England, and then attack New-York. No 
encampment, but the men scattered all over the Island—no 
considerable encampment. 

From some difficulties that occur with regard to the craft 
necessary for the enterprise, I begin to think it will be Thurs- 
day night before it can be entered upon. 

Since writing the above, I am informed that a guard of 
one hundred men takes post every night on a point of woods 
nearly opposite to the mouth of Thompson’s Creek, but not 
so near but we may possibly pass from hence along the 
Sound, and Jand lower down than was first intended; only 
we shall have a greater body of marsh to cross (said to bea 
mile) before we reach the woods; our craft is also to be taken 
round from Ehzabethtown Creek into Thompson’s Creek. 


371 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Elizabethtown, July 16, 1776. 

Sir: I have just now received a letter from the honour- 
able Mr. Hancock, containing the orders of Congress that I 
should march the troops which are to compose the Flying- 
Camp and Militia wherever the service requires, in subordi- 
nation to your instructions. 

When I formerly mentioned Brunswick as a proper place 
for that camp, my idea of the intention of raising and col- 
lecting an army here, was for the security of Philadelphia 
only; but as I find the design is equally to secure this Colony 
and Pennsylvania, or assist in the operations on the New- 
York side, 1 am well satisfied that Amboy will in every view 
best fulfil that intention. 

I have to-day from Dr. William Brown, late of Alexan- 
dria, a request to interest your Excellency in his appoint- 
ment to the charge of the Hospital for the Flying-Camp. 
Dr. Brown has served with reputation as a Regimental Sur- 
geon, with Colonel Woodford, ever since regular troops were 
raised in Virginia. He is, I am well satisfied, worthy of 
any countenance from those in authority, and every way 
equal to the execution of the trust he desires. He wishes 
for a line to Congress from your Excellency, in which 
recommendation, if my being of the same profession could 
have any weight, I would most readily join. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Hueu Mercer. 
To His Excellency General Washington. 


P. S. As the command I am honoured with necessarily 
engages me in writing more than may be consistent with 
other parts of the service, I beg to know whether the assist- 
ance of a Clerk or Secretary will not be allowed. I hope 
there will be no impropriety in appointing Mr. Ross to the 


post of Brigade-Major. 


COLONEL SEYMOUR TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
City of New-York, July 16, 1776. 

May rr PLEASE youR Exce.iency: By the positive laws 
of the Colony of Connecticut, establishing the Troops of 
Light-Horse, they are expressly exempted from staying in 
garrison, or doing duty on foot, apart from their horses. 
This being the case, of which the regiments under our com- 
mand in this place are fully sensible, we find it impossible for 
us to detain them any longer under that idea; they, more- 
over, remonstrate against it, alleging that they came out 
without the least expectation or preparation for such service. 
As your Excellency thought it inconsistent to distinguish 
these from the other troops on the ground, and as it will be 
impossible for them much longer to sustain their horses here, 
they humbly ask your Excellency’s dismission in form. 
Major Starr waits upon your Excellency for this purpose, 
and any commands for his Honour Governour Trumbull. 

We are, with every sentiment of respect, your Excellen- 
cy’s most obedient, humble servants, 
THomas Seymour, 
Witxiram Hart, 
EvisHa SHELDON, 
Daniex Starr. 


To General Washington. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL SEYMOUR. 
New-York, July 16, 1776. 
GentLemeN: In answer to yours of this date, I can only 
repeat to you what I said last night, and that is, that if your 
men think themselves exempt from the common duties of 
a soldier—will not mount guard, do garrison duty, or ser- 
vice separate from their horses—they can be no longer of 
use here, where Horse cannot be brought to action, and I do 
not care how soon they are dismissed. 
I am, gentlemen, your most humble servant, 
Go. WasnHineTon. 


To Colonel Seymour, and other Field-Officers of the Con- 
necticut Light-Horse. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, July 16, 1776. 
_ Sir: Colonel Hands reports the fleet lies much in the same 
situation as yesterday, three ships at the Hook, two tenders 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


372 


cruising in the Bay. No deserters last night. Nothing 
material has happened since yesterday. I am in hopes to 
get the works on Cobble-Hill completed in a few days: it has 
taken much more time: than I expected. I have such a 
number of guards that the fatigue party is much smaller than 
I could wish, but I cannot safely enlarge it without injuring 
the health of the people, for they are one day on and one 
day off duty now. One ship and a sloop have been under 
sail to-day, but are now come to. 

I am, with all due respect, your Excellency’s most obe- 


dient humble servant, N. Greene 


COLONEL JOSEPH REED TO MRS. REED. 
New-York, July 16, 1776. 

I make no doubt you will be agreeably surprised, as I was 
yesterday, on receiving a letter from our brother Dennis. It 
was endorsed ‘“ Per favour of Lord Howe,” and sent with 
the seal untouched. He mentions that he had seen Lord 
Howe, and is well assured that he comes as a mediator, 
rather than as an enemy, and most earnestly presses me to 
promote a conference in order to an accommodation. I have 
not time to copy it now, but will send it to you by the first 
opportunity. No one can wish more for peace, or would 
promote it more heartily, if the terms were such as to give 
us any security for those articles which all agree, both Whig 
and ‘Tory, are essentidl to our liberty and safety. These 
are, exemption from Parliamentary taxation and regulation 
of our internal government. If security was held of these 
and other articles still insisted on, I should, with a safe con- 
science, retire, and would do it. The annihilation of our 
trade, the difficulty of procuring men and supplies for another 
campaign, the misery and desolation which must ensue even 
if we should in the end be victorious, are important conside- 
rations. Besides, from some late instances, I very much 
fear many of our troops will fail in spirit, especially if taken 
by surprise. 

I do not know what prospect there is of foreign alliances. 
That would certainly turn the scale decisively in our favour, 
but at present we are playing a very unequal game. Lord 
Howe seems so anxious to negotiate, that I think we may 
lengthen out the time without intermitting our preparations, 
Nor, for my own part, do I see any inconvenience or danger 
in a conference of proper persons, to know his powers and 
propositions of peace. We can easily judge of them, per- 
haps, from his declarations, for among the papers sent on 
shore are letters to every Governour, enclosing declarations. 
In them you have the whole; and if negotiation would not 
tend to slacken our preparations, I would wish to know the 
extent of those powers which he says are so great. I think 
if only granting pardons is meant, and no concession on the 
point of taxation, it would unite all to perseverance and reso- 
lution, trusting the event to Providence. 


DENNIS DE BERDT TO MR. REED. 
London, May 3, 1776. 

Dear Reep: I am now set down to write you a letter on 
the most important subject and of the most difficult nature I 
ever yet attempted, and I scarcely know how to advance, 
nor will my mind suffer me to retreat, as my judgment is 
fully convinced the design is good, and my heart is warm in 
the cause. 

You must know, since my Lord Howe’s important ap- 
pointment as Commander-in-Chief of his Majesty’s forces in 
America, 1 have made it my business to learn his character 
as a nobleman, a statesman, and an officer. As a man, he 
has urbanity and great goodness of heart to recommend him; 
as a politician, solid sense and sound principles, with mode- 
ration ; and as a commander, ability and valor. Such quali- 
fications command esteem and respect, and it is a satisfaction 
to a feeling mind that so momentous an embassy as his 
Lordship’s is so happily placed. But as I had reason to 
believe he had expressed the most anxious solicitude to bring 
about an accommodation without bloodshed, and'to draw the 
sword with the greatest reluctance, and that these expres- 
sions were not only the language of -his lips, but the dictate 
of his heart, I had a great desire to be introduced to him, 
and this day I had the honour of a conference; when his 
Lordship’s conversation not only confirmed the report, but 
his friendly disposition towards America, and assurances of 


373 


his inclination to effect a reconciliation without force, far ex- 
ceeded my expectation; and though the assurances of great 
men are frequently without meaning or intention, I have the 
strongest belief in what he said, and the greatest faith in his 
peaceful intentions. 

Do, my dear friend, let me persuade you that Lord Howe 
goes to America as a mediator, and not as a destroyer. I 
firmly believe it, upon my honour. Were it prudent in me 
to reveal all he said, I would most cheerfully and readily 
do it. I quote not his Lordship’s authority for what I say, 
but give you my opinion, on a well-grounded belief of what 
I advance. This he has declared: he had rather meet you, 
and that immediately on his arrival, in the wide field of argu- 
ment, than in the chosen ground for battle; and I am confi- 
dent a parley on the footing of gentlemen and friends is his 
wish and desire; and it is generally believed, with his dispo- 
sition to treat, he has power to compromise and adjust. Nor 
do I think, if a conference should be brought about, anything 
unbecoming a gentleman will be desired, or unreasonable 
concessions expected. ‘These things believed, I would not 
be happy in my own mind without communicating them to 
you, and Lord Howe has promised to take charge of the let- 
ter. I beg, therefore, to recommend them to your most 
serious consideration. 

The very thought, my dear friend, of being instrumental 
in bringing about a peaceful accommodation is better felt 
than expressed, when I consider the honour lately conferred 
on me by the Province of New-Jersey. It is my duty, my 
regard for the country and people makes it my inclination, 
and my affection for you and your family draws me into it 
with the cords of love. , 

My Lord Howe is not unacquainted with your name. I 
have so high an opinion of your abilities and honour, and 
have had such repeated instances of your friendship and 
affection, that everything has been said by me that you can 
desire or expect; and | have not a doubt, if a treaty or 
parley is brought about in which you may be engaged, every 
degree of respect you can desire, or attention you can wish, 
will be shown you. If this letter, from the exigency of the 
times, should be inspected, I hope it will not be suppressed, 
but receive an immediate despatch to you. Rest assured, 
my dear friend, my motives are good, whatever may be sus- 
pected to the contrary. 

My dutiful regards attend my dear mother, and my affec- 
tion and Jove are ever with you and my sister. 

I am yours, sincerely and affectionately, 

Dennis De Berpr. 


GENERAL SPENCER TO JOHN SLOSS HOBART. 
New-York, July 16, 1776. 


Gentiemen: Henry Little and John Lewis were both 
confined by my order in the City-Hall, and each of them 
charged with the crime of drinking a health to King George 
and success to his fleet, and declaring or manifesting their 
intention of joining the said fleet or army of the enemy 
against the Continental Army; which charge was delivered 
to the officer of the guard at that place. 

On the morning of the 14th instant I received a line from 
you, desiring me to direct my evidences in the case of Lewis 
to attend upon you at nine o’clock in the morning, at the 
same morning. ‘This did-not come to my hand until some- 
thing after the time you set for the attendance of the evi- 
dences. On receiving your notice, | immediately sent to 
Lieutenant Dunham, of Colonel Ward’s regiment, (who was 
my informer relative to said prisoner,) to appear as soon as 
possible before you, to give what intelligence in the premises 
he was able to do. He since says he appeared before you 
as soon as he could, he thinks about ten o’clock in the same 
day, and that you then informed him the above-mentioned 
prisoners were both released the day before. This in- 
telligence of Dunham appeared to me so extraordinary, I 
thought it my duty to acquaint you with it, that you 
may have an opportunity to show the mistake, if there be 
any. 

[ am, gentlemen, with great truth and regard, your most 
obedient humble servant, 

JOSEPH SPENCER. 


To John Sloss Hobart, Esq., and the rest of the Committee 


of Provincial Congress, in New- York. 
* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


374A 


PASS FOR MEMBERS OF THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
New-York, July 16, 1776. 
Permit the following gentlemen: John Sloss Hobart, 
Leonard Gansevoort, Lewis Graham, Esq., and Colonel 
Henry Remsen, Members of the Convention of the State of 
New- York, and John McKesson, Esq., Secretary of the said 
Convention, to pass from New-York to the said Convention 
at the White-Plains, with a box of stamps and plates of the 
late emission of the paper currency of this State, and some 
few records, and the fusees, &c., of such of those gentlemen 
who may choose to carry them. 
Joun Ray, Jun., 
Deputy Chairman of the General Committee. 


To all whom it may concern. 


NEW-YORK COMMITTEE, 
Committee Chamber, New-York, July 16, 1776. 
To the Inhabitants of the City and Colony of New-Y orx : 


Whereas the Convention of the State of New-York did, 
on the 9th instant, unanimously resolve, that a Declaration 
of the Independence of the United States of America should 
be transmitted to the several Committees in the said State 
of New-York, with orders that it should be by them pub- 
lished with all convenient speed in their several districts: 
Therefore, é 

Resolved and Ordered, That at twelve o’clock, on Thurs- 
day, at the City-Hall, in this city, the aforesaid Declaration 
be published ; when and where it is hoped every true friend 
to the rights and liberties of this country will not fail to 
attend. 

Extract from the Minutes : 

JosepH Winter, Secretary. 


JOHN BROOME TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
White-Plains, July 16, 1776. 
Sloop Independence, seventy tons burden, ten carriage- 
guns, four-pounders: owners, Philip Bell, of Philadelphia, 
Isaac Sears, Samuel Broome, & Co., and John Broome, of 
New-York, and Adam Babcock, of New-Haven; Thomas 
Truxton, Commander; Smith Richards, Captain of Marines ; 
number of the crew, sixty; quantity of provisions, fifteen 
barrels of pork, thirty barrels of beef, five hundred weight 
of powder, with a proportion of ball, thirty muskets, twenty 
pistols, cartridges in proportion. 
I do hereby request that a commission be made out for 
the above privateer sloop. Joun Broome. 


CERTIFICATE FOR A POWDER-MILL. 
Walkill, Ulster County, July 16, 1776. 
These are to certify, that Major Moses Phillips and Henry 
Wisner, Jun., Esq., has erected a Powder-Mill upon the 
Walkill, in said County, which we look upon to be very 
well executed, and did, with a large number of other spec- 
tators, see it work on the twentieth day of last May; since 
which time, by information of the workmen, (whom we look 
upon to be men of veracity,) it has manufactured two hun- 
dred weight or more of good merchantable gunpowder in 
one day, and so successively. 
Davip Corwiy, 
JONATHAN SMITH, 
Witiiam Dern, 
James Butuer, one of the Builders. 


Members of the 
County Committee. 


JOHN COE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Haverstraw, July 16, 1776. 


Sir: In consequence of your Excellency’s desire to 
receive timely information of every manceuvre which the 
enemy on Hudson’s River may make to distress the inhabi- 
tants at this extremely busy season, we can inform your 
Excellency that this morning, between the hours of ten and 
eleven, the whole fleet, consisting of two men-of-war and 
three tenders, made sail from Nyack, and about twelve came 
into Haverstraw Bay, forty miles up the river from New- 
York, where, after the shipping came to anchor, the tenders 
continued parading the bay for half an hour. They all came 
to anchor opposite to the house of Captain Thzers, when 
four barges, fully manned, attempted to land, with a view, 


310 


as we conjecture, to take off some sheep and cattle which 
we had previously driven off. Notwithstanding, they brought 
their tenders so nigh the shore as to cover the landing 
of the men in the barges, yet (having but a few men) we 
carried a firm countenance to them, and, with a few shot, 
(being well levelled,) they thought proper to retreat, without 
doing any damage with their cannon. If your Excellency 
can possibly spare a small detachment from the Continental 
forces for a few days, until the farmers can take in their 
crops, as it is now in the height of their harvest, you will 
render us an essential service; and a few days now is of the 
utmost consequence to them. When the harvest is in, we 
shall, with the utmost cheerfulness, lend every assistance in 
our power to promote the common weal of the community. 
We shall not press this matter upon your Excellency, but 
doubt not you will see the necessity which urges this request ; 
and with due respect, remain your Excellency’s very humble 
servant. 
Per order of Committee: 


Joun Cor, Deputy Chairman. 
To His Excellency George Washington, at Head-Quarters, 


P.S. We can further inform your Excellency that the 
enemy have sounded the channel as far up as the mouth of 
the Highlands. 


COLONEL PORTER TO GENERAL FELLOWS. 
Salisbury, Connecticut, July 16, 1776. 
Sir: This instant have received a letter from the Com- 
mittee of Dutchess County, (the copy of which you will see 
within,) desiring to have the Militia raised at the western 
part of Connecticut. Hope you will be good enough to join 
us as soon as possible with what men you can raise. 
I am your humble servant, JosHua Porrer. 


To Brigadier-General Fellows, at Sheffield. 


Dutchess County, New-York, July 14, 1776. 
Gentvemen: I have this instant received an express from 
General Washington, informing that some ships of war and 
tenders had passed the city of New-York and sailed up 
Hudson’s River, with design, as is supposed, to take posses- 
sion of the posts in the Highlands, and directing me to write 
to you, requesting you to march immediately with what force 
you can collect to these posts, particularly to where the post- 
road between Albany and New-York crosses the mountain, 
called Anthony’s Nose. You will please to keep an exact 
return of the number of men you take with you. 
I am your humble servant, Ecsert Benson, 
Chairman of the General Committee. 


To the Commanding Officers of the Militia in the Western 
Towns of Connecticut. 


GENERAL GATES TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 29, 1776, referred to the Board of War.] 
Ticonderoga, July 16, 1776. 

Sir: Upon my arrival at Albany the 27th ultimo, Gene- 
ral Schuyler assumed the command of the Army in this 
department, alleging that the resolves of Congress, and 
General Washington’s instructions to me, were confined to 
Canada. As this was not to be denied, I submitted, and 
went with General Schuyler and General Arnold to Crown- 
Point, where we found the wretched remains of what was 
once a very respectable body of troops. ‘That pestilential 
disease, the small-pox, had taken so deep a root, that the 
camp had more the appearance of a general hospital than 
an army formed to oppose the invasion of a successful and 
enterprising enemy. A Council of General Officers was 
immediately held, wherein it was determined unanimously to 
retire, and take post on the strong ground opposite to the 
east point of Ticonderoga; to endeavour, by evey means in 
our power, to maintain the naval superiority of Lake Cham- 
plain, without which it is not possible, in our present circum- 
stances, to hold any ground upon this side the carrying places 
leading into that lake. In consequence of these resolves, 
I came immediately, with General Schuyler, to Ticonderoga. 
We had the ground for the new encampment thoroughly 
examined, and commanded the troops, as they arrived from 
Crown-Point, to prepare to clear the ground for their taking 
post according to the resolution of the council of war. The 
next thing was, to examine our naval force upon the lake. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


376 


The vessels, which should have been constantly armed as 
vessels of war, have hitherto been solely employed as float- 
ing wagons. Of course there was a necessity of immedi- 
ately sending them from Crown-Point hither, to be armed. 
Carriages for their cannon were even to be made here, out 
of wood taken from the stump. This is so far effected, that 
a schooner mounting ten four and six-pounders, will be 
ready to sail to-morrow; the rest must wait to be fitted; and 
as the possession of everything here depends upon keeping 
the command of the water, I shall do everything our scanty 
means will afford to forward the work. As all the Field- 
cannon, with their atraile, were lost in Canada, it takes a 
great deal of time to fix our artillery, carriages being to be 
made from wood cut here; and so must our platforms for the 
works we have to erect. : 

The gondolas General Schuyler has ordered to be built, 
as he had no model to direct him, are in nothing but in name 
like those at Philadelphia. The rigging and artillery are all 
to be fixed here, and when done, they seem to be vessels 
very unwieldy to move, and very indifferent for the purpose 
intended. ‘'T'wo are finished, and two more will be finished 
this week. If the enemy gives us time to do all this, it will be 
well; ifnot, this wretched army will probably be yet more unfor- 
tunate. lam exerting all my powers to prevent the pestilence 
getting to Skenesborough, for should the Militia ordered there 
be infected, we shall be distressed beyond example. 

General Waterbury, who arrived the day before yesterday, 
is gone to Skenesborough, to regulate the Militia when they 
arrive, and to stop them there. He has this moment sent me 
an officer infected with the small-pox, to be removed to the 
General Hospital at the south end of Lake George. Colonel 
Read’s New-Hampshire regiment is now at the carrying 
place, going to the General Hospital. ‘They have upwards 
of three hundred sick, and only just well men enough to 
row those over the lake. ‘Thus, sir, you see the melancholy 
situation to which this Army is reduced. 

I desire the bearer may not be detained a minute longer 
than to receive your despatches; and I must request, when 
any express is forwarded to me from Congress, that he be 
ordered to come the whole way, and not deliver his despatches 
to any other person to bring forward. 

Mr. Morgan Lewis, who presents you this letter, I brought 
with me from New- York, and intended, conformable to the 
resolves of Congress and General Washington’s instructions, 
to have appointed him my Deputy Quartermaster-General ; 
but General Schuyler says those resolves and instructions 
relate only to Canada. A son of Governour Trumbull, who 
remains with me, and who I intended for Deputy Adjutant- 
General, is in the same predicament. 

I am, sir, with the greatest esteem and regard, your most 
obedient humble servant, ‘Horatio Gates. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Ticonderoga, July 16, 1776. 

Sir: Enclosed is a copy of the letter with which I have 
charged Mr. Lewzs to the President of the honourable the 
Continental Congress. It is too disagreeable a tale to dwell 
on; I shall not therefore enlarge upon it. I beg the favour 
that Mr. Lewis may have your orders not to delay in New- 
York, but proceed immediately to Philadelphia. General 
Sullivan has probably, by this time, seen your Excellency; 
he will, no doubt, make a faithful representation of the wretch- 
ed state of this Army. General Schuyler assures me he 
has already done it. Since the beginning of May, the losses 
sustained by the enemy, and by death and desertion, amount 
to more than five thousand men; and to this must be added 
three thousand that are now sick. Our accounts from the 
enemy are lame and imperfect. It seems not to be doubted 
that they have a large camp at St. John’s, and are labouring 
to get a naval force upon the lake. I shall doall in my power 
to procure the best intelligence of their motions. Heaven 
grant your Excellency a prosperous campaign, such a one 
as will make ample amends for the losses of the Northern 
Army. My affectionate compliments wait upon the gentle- 
men of your family, and particularly to my old friend and 
acquaintance, Brigadier-General Mercer. 

1 am, your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant, 

Horatio Gates. 

To His Excellency General Washington. 


377 


NATHAN CLARK TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Manchester, July 16, 1776. 


May ir pLease your Honour: We enclose to you the 
proceedings of the Committees of the several towns in the 
Counties of Albany and Charlotte, on the New-Hampshire 
Grants, answerable to the demands of the Council of Gene- 
ral Officers, held at Crown-Point the 8th of July instant, in 
which you will find commission officers nominated, to raise 
the Green-Mountain Boys, to be stationed on the east side of 
the Lake Champlain, and to the north of the inhabitants. 

Likewise, we would recommend to your Honour that 
Major Samuel Safford should be called upon to take the 
command of the companies when raised, except Colonel 
Warner should be appointed to command said companies, 
as the men would not choose to be joined to any other 


corps. . 
From your very humble servants. . 
. By order: Naruan Crarx, Ch. Committee. 


To Major-General Schuyler, or the Commanding Officer in 
the Northern Department. 


N. B. A sum of money for advance pay would much 
forward the raising of men. 


A list of gentlemen elected as Commission Officers, to raise 
the men appointed to be raised by the Council of General 
Officers held at Crown-Point, July 8, viz: 


Ist Captain, Wait Hopkins; 1st Lieutenant, John Fas- 
sett; 2d Lieutenant, Joseph Safford. 

2d Captain, Samuel Herrick ; 1st Lieutenant, John Spaf- 
ford; 2d Lieutenant, James Brooking. 

3d Captain, Jonathan Fasset; 1st Lieutenant, John 
Smith ; 2d Lieutenant, Abraham Salisbury. 

Ath Captain, fra Allen; 1st Lieutenant, Jonathan 
Wright ; 2d Lieutenant, Enoch Eastman. 

5th Captain, Lemuel Clerk; 1st Lieutenant, Jesse Bel- 
Knap; 2d Lieutenant, Matthew Lyon. 

6th Captain, Thomas Ransom; Ist Lieutenant, Rufus 
Perry; 2d Lieutenant, Moses Veal. 


By order of Committee: 


Naruan Crarx, Chairman. 
July 16, 1776. 


GOVERNOUR COOKE TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 23, 1776.] 
Providence, July 16, 1776. 

Sir: I now do myself the honour to acknowledge the 
receipt of your letters of June 14th, 21st, and 25th, and of 
the 6th instant, with their several enclosures. 

The resolve of Congress prohibiting the exportation of 
salted beef and pork, hath been published and strictly at- 
tended to in the Colony. The resolutions for providing 
sufficient clothing for the soldiers of the United Colonies, 
those declaring that all persons abiding within the United 
Colonies owe allegiance to the laws, &c., and recommend- 
ing to the Legislatures to pass laws for punishing Traitors, and 
the Declaration of Independency, will all be laid before the 
General Assembly which I have called to meet on Thurs- 
day next, and which will do everything proper in those mat- 
ters. The General Assembly has already passed an act 
declaring it felony to counterfeit the Continental Bills of 
Credit, or to pass them knowing the same to be counter- 
feited. 

I have appointed Captain Barnard Eddy, a very suitable 
person, the chief carpenter. He hath already inlisted twenty 
men, who are to be well provided with tools and arms at 
the same rate at which the Marine Committee have inlisted 
those in Philadelphia. He informs me he shall be able to 
procure the whole number required of us, and to march 
with them on Monday or Tuesday next, at the farthest. He 
proposes to send off the baggage on Saturday. 

I daily expect the Treaty of Confederation and Union, 
and have no doubt but the General Assembly will give their 
hearty assent to that, and to every measure of the General 
Congress of the United States of America. 

I have the honour to be, with great esteem and respect, 
sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, 

NicHonas Cooxr. 
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esquire. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


378 


GOVERNOUR COOKE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 
Providence, July 16, 1776. 

Sir: Tam favoured with your Excellency’s letter of the 
9th instant, in consequence of which, Mr. Greene hath deli- 
vered to Colonel Tillinghast, to be immediately forwarded 
to New-York, fourteen thousand five hundred flints, twenty 
muskets, and thirty back-swords, being the whole of those 
articles that were imported by Captain Chace. All the duck 
is heavy, coarse, and stubborn, being what is called Holland 
and Russia duck. Captain Chace hath also brought in the 
brigantine four four-pounders, six three-pounders, and eight 
swivels, which are very much wanted here for privateers, 
several of which could be immediately fitted out, if cannon 
could be procured. If they can be spared from the service, 
I should be glad to have your Excellency’s permission, as 
soon as possible, that they may be made use of for that pur- 
pose, at the full value. 

On Saturday last I was honoured with the commands of 
the General Congress, to procure fifty ship-carpenters to 
build vessels for the defence of the lakes. _ I appointed a 
suitable person as Captain, who hath already inlisted twenty 
men; and k have no doubt they will set off for Albany the 
last of this, or the very beginning of next week. 

I have also received from Congress the Declaration of 
Independency, and daily expect the Treaty of Confedera- 
tion and Union, which hath induced me to call the General 
Assembly to meet on Thursday next, when, I can safely 
assure you, they will give to both a hearty assent and con- 
currence. 

I entreat your Excellency’s attention to the great proba- 
bility there is of the enemy’s paying a visit to Rthode-Island, 
in case they do not succeed to their wishes at New- York ; 
and that we are by no means in a condition to give them a 
suitable reception. 

I have the honour to be, with the greatest esteem and 
respect, sir, your Excellency’s most obedient and most hum- 
ble servant, Nicuonas Cooke. 
To His Excellency General Washington. 

« 
GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Lebanon, July 16, Anno Dom. 1776. 

Str: This will be delivered to you by the Captain of one 
of our galleys, two of which, the Whiting and the Crane, 
are ordered*to proceed to New-York forthwith, and put 
themselves under your command. ‘The third is stationed at 
Stonington, which may be exposed to suffer from the attack 
of a single ship, (several of which are now cruising near it,) 
if the galley is removed from thence. 

The great desire I have to comply with every requisition 
which concerns the defence of the American States, at this 
critical juncture, has induced me to send you these galleys, 
although I am sensible they are not furnished with such 
guns as may be necessary to render them so useful as they 
might be with heavier metal ; the guns intended for them by 
the Colony are not yet completed at Salisbury, from whence 
we hope for them soon. I have directed the Captains to 
move your Excellency for some heavier guns, while in your 
service, or until we can get such as are more suitable from 
Salisbury down the North River, if possible. 

I am sorry we cannot possibly spare you any heavy can- 
non, it being wholly out of our power; we have no more 
than are necessary, and are mounted upon our forts at New- 
London and Groton. Should any of them be taken away, 
those fortresses will become in a great measure useless, and 
the town and fort, upon an attack, might fall into the pos- 
session of the enemy, which could not happen but with the 
greatest detriment to the United States in general, as well as 
to this in particular. 

I am, with great esteem and regard, sir, your obedient 
humble servant, JONATHAN ‘TRUMBULL. 


CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 

At a meeting of the Governour and Council, Monday, 
July 15, 1776, according to adjournment: 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Eliphalet Dyar, 
Jz. Huntington, Wm. Williams, Jed. Elderkin, Benj. 
Huntington, Nath. Wales, and Titus Hosmer, Esquires. 

In the forenoon, Captain Harding came in, having just 
arrived with his Brig from Boston. Gave an account of his 


379 


cruise, taking the Ships and Brigs, &c., and his reasons for 
leaving the port without orders, &c.; and is excused and 
justified for so leaving, &c.; and wants directions about clean- 
ing, graving, and refitting, and about the men who are 
probably infected with the small-pox; and is directed to do 
the necessaries, with the advice, &c., of Mr. Shaw, who is 
Colony Agent for naval supplies, as per 15th. Many 
things to say to them; and about prizés brought into Bos- 
ton, &c. 


Post from Hartford, and Brown the Albany post arrived 
with many Letters from General Schuyler, Mr. Trumbull, 
&c.; read and attended to, &c. 


On representation of the Committee of Inspection for 
Symsbury and others, of the dangerous situation of Newgate 
Prison, and especially since a number of Tory prisoners are 
committed there, and the great uneasiness of the people 
concerning them, and that the keeper is uneasy with his 
situation, &c., and requesting liberty of a guard, &c., con- 
sidered; and 

Voted, That the Overseers of Newgate Prison be advised 
and directed, and they are hereby advised and directed, to 
procure and place a guard of two faithful men every night, 
or more if they shall judge necessary, carefully to watch and 
guard said Prison, and all the avenues thereof, in order to 
prevent the escape of any of said prisoners, and any access 
to them -by unknown or suspicious persons; and that said 
Committee be advised to examine into the true situation and 
circumstances of said affair, and inform his Honour the 
Governour as soon as may be, and of the necessity of the case, 
in order to receive further instructions in the premises. 


Many other matters of a publick nature considered, &c.; 
and adjourned till to-morrow morning. 
Tuesday, July 16, 1776. 
At a meeting, &c., adjourned from yesterday. 


Present: His Honour the Governour, Honourable Deputy- 
Governour Griswold, Eliph. Dyar, Jz. Huntington, Win. 
Williams, Titus Hosmer, Jed. Elderkin, Nath. Wales, 
Benj. Huntington, and Wm. Hillhouse, Esquires. — 


Messrs. Brown and Gardner, (sons, &c., of Mr. Brown, 
of Fisher's Island,) present, applying for pay for the stock 
lately taken from FYsker’s Island, &c. It seems the affair 
is not ripe, &c.; but the matter to be previously settled 
between him and Mr. Winthrop, as to who has a right to 


receive, &c.; and a Letter written to the Committee at 
New-London. 


Captain Mygatt, of a provision vessel, stopped by Cap- 
tain Niles, agreeable to order, moving for leave to proceed, 
&c.; but it seems not safe, the enemy so many about, and 
could not consent to it, &c. 


Engineer Waters came in. Moves to have some extra 
allowance for the Carpenters and Masons, at the works at 
New-London, above the amount of their wages. 

Voted, That the tradesmen, as Carpenters and Masons, 
who have been employed about the works at New-London, 
be allowed nine Pence per day, over and above their wages, 
for the time they have laboured, or shall labour there, under 
the direction of the Engineer, &c.—a particular account to 
be kept of the days; and that one Shilling and six Pence 
per day, above their wages, be allowed to the Master Mason, 
Master Carpenter, and Master Blower, who have laboured, 
or shall labour, as aforesaid. Account to be kept as afore- 
said. 


Said Mr. WVaters laid in his account for his services as 
Engineer, from November 23 to July 15: 
Amount, deducting for absent days, leaves four months thir- 


teen days, at £12, - - - - - - - £538 4 0 
Eighteen weeks’ board, at 12s, - - - - 1016 O 
Allowance for sundry small expenses, - - had BS Pay os | 

£65 19 3 


Voted, That an Order be drawn on the Committee of 
Lead Mine at Middletown, in favour of Joseph Webb, of 
Wethersfield, for one thousand weight of Lead, to replace 
the same quantity sent by the Selectmen of Wethersfield, by 
request, and delivered to Captain Wadsworth, of the Army, 
at Cambridge. Order delivered to Mr. Hosmer. 


On application of William Law, for cash towards his bill 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


380 


for building Carriages for the armed Vessels and Galleys, 
&c., 

Voted, That an Order be drawn on the Pay-Table, in 
favour of William Law, for the sum of £80, to be accounted 
for, on his bill for building Ship-carriages for cannon on 
board the Galleys, &c., and the cannon brought by Com- 
modore Hopkins. 


His Excellency General Washington having requested the 
loan of the Row-Galleys belonging to this Colony, to assist 
in the defence of New-York, now attacked by the enemy, 

Resolved and Voted, Row-Galleys Whiting and Crane 
proceed immediately to New-York, and there be under the 
command of his Excellency General Washington, until 
further orders. (Orders sent.) 


On application and request of Governour Franklin, now 
residing, on his parole, at Walling ford, for liberty to remove 
to Middletown; on consideration, 

Voted and Resolved, That said Governour Franklin be 
permitted to remove to, and reside at, Middletown, until 
further orders, under the obligation of the same parole he 
has signed on his being ordered to Wallingford. 


Voted and Ordered, 'That none of the Prisoners residing 
at Hartford or Wethersfield be permitted any longer to go 
into the Town of Middletown, without a special license from 
his Honour the Governour; and the Committee of Prisoners 
are to take notice hereof, and see that they be restrained 
accordingly. 

Copy delivered to Mr. Root. 

The honourable Congress having requested this Colony 
to furnish our Troops with Tents, Clothing, &c.; on con- 
sideration, 

Voted, A Committee be appointed to purchase and pro- 
cure all the ‘Vow Cloth and other suitable Cloth or materials 
for making of Tents, that can be had in the Colony. 


Captain John Deshon came in. Moves for a supply of 
Money to enable him to procure further quantities of Pro- 
visions, &c., for the Regiment at New-London, and moves 
for £2,000. On consideration, 

Voted, That an Order be drawn on the Treasurer for the 
sum of £1,500, to be improved for the purpose of procuring 
Provisions for the support of the soldiers stationed at New- 
London, and a quantity of Molasses to be distilled and 
otherwise used for said soldiers, and said sum be accounted 
for on settlement of his accounts in said service. 


Whereas General Schuyler has earnestly requested his 
Honour the Governour to furnish his Army with a number 
of felling Axes, not exceeding one thousand, &c.: 

Voted, That an Order be drawn on the Pay-Table, in 
favour of his Honour the Governour, for the sum of £150, 
to be by him put into the hands of proper persons, to pur- 
chase felling Axes for General Schuyler, according to his 
request, to be repaid by said General ; and that an Order be 
also drawn on the Pay-Table, in favour of T%tus Hosmer, 
Esq., for the same sum of £150, for the same purpose. 
(The two above sums sent for by Captain Deshon.) 


On application of the Selectmen of Lebanon, that they 
cannot obtain Firearms sufficieut for the Company under 
Captain Clark of said Town, 

Voted, That they may receive a number, not exceeding 
fifteen, of the Guns and Bayonets now in the hands of his 
Honour the Governour, which were fitted up from old bar- 
rels received from Crown-Point. And they were delivered, 
and receipt taken to the Governour. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Council Chamber, Watertown, July 16, 1776. 

Sir: Messrs. Jackson, Tracy & Tracy, merchants of 
Newburyport, are very solicitous to procure a release of the 
officers and men of their late Privateer Yankee Hero, which 
was taken, after a brave and manly resistance, by the Mil- 
ford frigate; they are now in the hands of our enemies, 
They take leave to recommend their case to your Excel- 
lency’s consideration, not doubting but you will attend to 
any application made to you on their behalf, by the gentle- 
men above named, and afford every reasonable assistance to 
accomplish their benevolent purpose; and if they should be 
happy enough to effect it, it will give us a particular pleasure, 
as those men, by their past conduct, merit our regard, and 


381 


should they be obtained, may be greatly serviceable in the 
American Army. 

We cannot neglect this opportunity of recommending to 
your Excellency’s particular consideration the case of Mr. 
James Lovell, who suffered a long and severe imprisonment 
in Boston, and was carried off in the fleet to Halifax, where 
he has remained a close prisoner ever since. His enemies 
have not been able to fix any crime upon him, and when he 
has repeatedly desired to be brought to a trial, they have 
always declined it. We are very desirous to procure his 
liberation; and if there is a possibility of effecting it, should 
esteem it a favour if your Excellency would give in exchange 
for him any prisoner you may think proper. 

In behalf, and by order of the Council, lam your Excel- 
lency’s most obedient and most humble servant, 

B. Greenurar. 
To His Excellency George Washington, General and Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the Forces of the United States of 

America, New-York. 


MESHECH WEARE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 25, 1776.] 
New-Hampshire, in Committee of Safety, at Exeter, 
July 16, 1776. 

Sir: This moment the Committee were honoured with 
the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, enclosing a 
« Declaration separating the United States of America from 
any connexion with Great Britain, and for their being 
Independent States.” It is with pleasure, I can assure you, 
that, notwithstanding a very few months since many persons 
in this Colony were greatly averse to anything that looked 
like independence of Great Britain, the late measures 
planned and executing against us have so altered their opin- 
ions that such a Declaration was what they most ardently 
wished for; and I verily believe it will be received with 
great satisfaction throughout the Colony, a very few indi- 
viduals excepted. 

The fifteen hundred men of our Militia requested to 
recruit the Army in Canada are mostly raised. One com- 
pany marched from Portsmouth yesterday; more are coming 
forward, and I believe most of them will march this week. 
No cloth fit for tents could be procured in this Colony, and 
the men must remain destitute, unless they can be supplied 
from the southward. 

That He who putteth down potentates and setteth up 
States may guard and protect the United States of America, 
is the most fervent and sincere desire of your obedient, humble 
servant, 

Mesuecu Weare. 


P. S. The General Court and Committee of Safety sit at 
Exeter, where you will please to direct in future. This 
express went thirty miles out of his way, by being directed 
to Portsmouth. 


CAPTAIN BARROW TO THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF 
SAFETY. 
Merrimack, July 16, 1776. 

GentLemMEN: In consequence of the orders I received 
from Major-General Folsom, for raising sixteen men out of 
the company under my command, in this town, for the 
service in Canada, I have raised thirteen good, effective 
men, who are all well equipped. Iam myself chosen to 
the command, which makes fourteen in the whole. Caleb 
Stevens, an inhabitant of this town, inlisted into said service 
and passed muster before the date of my orders. 

I have called upon Captain John Chamberlain and sons, 
who treated my Lieutenant (the messenger) and myself, with 
great abuse and ill-language, and refused to assist by man 
ormoney. Messrs. Charity Lund, Robert Nesmith, Samuel 
Gibson, Jun., Michael Dalton, and James Taylor, have all 
utterly refused to send any assistance. 

I have received orders from the Mustermaster to march 
my men forthwith; I shall pay strict obedience thereto. I 
wish it may be in my power t6 give a good account of the 
enemy on my return from Canada. 

1 am, gentlemen, with great respect, your most humble 


servant : 
: WiciraM Barrow. 


To the Honourable Committee of Safety. 


. CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


382 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN BOSTON FROM CAPTAIN 


JACOB DUNNELL, DATED ST. PIERRE, MARTINICO, JULY 
17, 1776. 


I sailed from Dartmouth, in the sloop Nancy, on the 9th 
day of September, 1775, bound to the coast of Africa. On 
the 4th of November, arrived at Goree, at which place I 
began to make 'my trade. From thence proceeded down to 
Montserado. On the 10th of January, 1776, while lying 
at anchor at the above-mentioned place, I was taken by the 
sloop-of-war called the Atalanta, Thomas Underwood com- 
mander; at which time they had taken a schooner called 
the Juno, belonging to the same owners, one Shockley mas- 
ter, on a whaling voyage. I had the liberty of remaining 
on board my own vessel with the prize-master, so long as [ 
behaved well ; but if any complaint should be found against 
me, the Captain told me he would put me in irons. . My 
mate and one of the people were taken on board the ship, 
and the three others remained on board the sloop. They 
then proceeded with the prizes down to Cape Coast, where 
they disposed of upwards of six thousand gallons of rum, 
some rice, and other articles, on their own account, and 
purchased slaves. ‘These goods were part of said sloop 
Nancy’s cargo. From thence they proceeded with the 
prizes down the coast, in search of the Americans, but luck- 
ily found none. ‘Then sailed over to St. Thomas, where 
we found the Pallas frigate, and the Weasel sloop-of-war. 
They had cruised the coast down, and the Pallas had taken 
one prize, a schooner, registered at New-York, one Seanett 
master. The Weasel had taken two prizes, a sloop belong- 
ing to New-York, one Darbey master, and a small schooner 
belonging to South- Carolina, which had been a long time 
on the coast ; and when at St. Tomas, there was an infor- 
mation given of a brig lying up Gzbboon River, one Marshall 
master, from London, with American papers, and belonging 
to New-York, mounting fourteen guns. The Dartmouth 
schooner, one of the prizes mentioned above, was imme- 
diately armed, and the Weasel sloop-of-war went in search 
of said brig; but I think she may have got clear, as I be- 
lieve Captain Marshall had information of their coming. On 
the Ist day of May, 1776, the Pallas, Captain Cornwall, 
and the Atalanta, with their prizes, sailed in company from 
St. Thomas, bound to Jamaica ; and on the 15th of May, 
in the latitude of 2° south, and longitude of 5° west, we 
parted with the said vessels. The 8th of June, we arrived 
at St. Vincent’s. The prize-master being on shore, we all 
agreed (eleven in number, four men-of-war men and seven 
prisoners, with myself) to run away with the sloop Nancy; 
and at the time of our making the attempt, two of the prison- 
ers, who belonged to Captain Shockley’s schooner, which 
were his mate, by the name of Beatle, his brother, and one 
of the men-of-war’s men, failed in said attempt. We then 
put them all three on shore, with their chests and clothes, 
and got said vessel under sail, about three miles from the 
land, when it became quite calm. We tarried on board 
said sloop until daybreak. We then thought the prize- 
master might be apprised of our attempt, and therefore left 
said sloop, took to our boat, and proceeded for Marti- 
nico, where, thank Almighty God, we are all safe arrived, 
but with loss of said sloop Nancy, and all my papers of 
every kind. Captain Shockley and his people were all put 
on board the Atalanta. 


COLONEL JORDAN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
St. Mary’s County, St. George’s River, July 17, 1776. 

Gentiemen: I arrived down here on the 15th instant, 
with about one hundred of the Militia, where I found Cap- 
tain Beall, with part of his company, and one company of 
Colonel Barnes’s battalion. About daybreak yesterday, 
we were visited by a row-galley, or row-gondola, carrying 
five swivels on each side, a six-pounder in her head, and 
another in her stern. They rowed alongside of our sentinel, 
and not a man to be seen, and instantly began a very heavy 
firing, which lasted about one hour, but without doing any 
execution, although their shot reached the ground on every 
spot where the men were stationed. In the evening, she 
returned again, and engaged us again for upwards of two 
hours; and at the same time the troops landed from the 
ships on St. George’s Island, to the amount of about three 
hundred, pushed down to the point opposite to us, with 
swivels and musketry, and kept up a heavy fire, from which 


383 


Captain Beall was dangerously wounded in the shoulder 
with a ball (as he says) froma rifle, which has rendered him 
incapable of duty. 

I shall endeavour to keep the post we are at present at, if 
possible ; if not, I shall retreat to the woods, about half a 
mile. From a report we had given us yesterday, they are 
constructing another vessel like the above, and that they 
intend attacking us on the Potomack side, 1 think, from 
all appearances, the fleet will continue some time; if so, 
some cannon and swivels will be absolutely necessary, to 
dislodge the men they have landed on the Island. 

With what assistance we can give in this quarter, I think 
five hundred of the Militia of the upper battalion will be full 
enough to oppose the enemy. We have now, at different 
posts, about six hundred men. 

For further particulars, I refer you to Mr, Hopewell, by 
whom this goes express. He will also mform you of the 
difficulties we labour under in getting provisions for the men, 
without money to pay for it immediately. ‘Three hundred 
pounds, I think, would be-sufficient. 

Colonel Barnes, with his battalion, is on the other side of 
the river, watching the motions of the enemy there. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 

JEREMIAH JORDAN. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


R. HOOE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 
Chingoteague, July 17, 1776. 

GentLemen: On my way to this place, I heard that two 
of our flour vessels were at Annemessick. I called to know 
their situation, and found there was no chance of escaping 
the enemy, if they attempted to get into the Potomack. 
Under these circumstances there appeared no better method 
of getting the flour here, than by carting it from Annemes- 
sick to Pocomoke, bringing it in a craft some distance up 
the river, landing it again, and carting it over to the inlet. 
For this purpose, I directly engaged carts on both sides of 
the river, and a craft in Pocomoke; but to this moment I 
have received no more than seventy-eight barrels. ‘The 
Baltimore, I am told, will be here on Monday, but from 
what I have experienced, I do not expect it so soon. 

Mr. Crocket informs me that three vessels more have come 
off with flour. I have inquired, but can get no tidings of 
them; however, I still hope they are safe in some harbour ; 
but shall not count upon them for part of this cargo. When 
I shall be able to despatch the brigantine I cannot say, this 
being the most uncertain and difficult place to do busimess 
in that ever I experienced. ‘There is no corn, but such as 
lies much scattered, at great distances, in small quantities, 
and at extravagant prices. ‘Tobacco | find very scarce, 
and lying in much the same manner; indeed, any that I have 
yet seen is ordinary, and they ask twenty and twenty-five 
shillings, Virgimza money, for it. But this article must be 
our dependance, and [ shall, as expeditiously as possible, ship 
as much of the best as I can find, as will, with the flour, put 
the brig in a light load, and send her off. 

As to the schooner John, I decline loading her for account 
of the Province ; and as soon as I can have the pleasure of 
waiting on the Council of Safety, I will give them satisfactory 
reasons why it ought not to be done. 

The muskets, powder, sulphur, and swivels, still lie in a 
very dangerous situation, in an old shattered house. I there- 
fore thought it prudent to send an express to the Worcester 
Committee, to hire carts to get it away, and they have 
accordingly got all the articles to Snow-Hill, except a few 
barrels of sulphur, that will be removed to-morrow. 

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your 
Honours’ most humble servant, RH 

. Hoor. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


CAPTAIN BARNES TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 17, 1776. 
Tn a letter written to your Honours by Captain Elliot 
and myself, praying a reinforcement to be sent to our assist- 
ance, we omitted to mention the want of powder and ball, 
which we stand in great need of, not having above one 
quarter of a pound of powder and one pound of Jead per 
man, for the Militia on the Island. And if your Honours 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


384 


think fit to order any companies to our assistance, I hope you 
will order ammunition for them, as well as for the company 
on the Island. 
I am, gentlemen, your very humble servant, 
Tuomas Barnes, Jun. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety. 


JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 
Baltimore, July 17, 1776. 
Sirs: I have not received the money for the order sent me 
by Captain Nicholson, for £250. I have sent Mr. George 
Wells, Sen., with it. If he should meet with any difficulty, 
please let Mr. Cromwell, your clerk, assist him; and if you 
have any order for me concerning bread or flour, please 
write. Ihave been these two days getting timber for the 
galleys. Please not to let him come without the cash. 


From your humble servant, 
Jesse HoLuincswortu. 


GORDON AND PATTON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, July 17, 1776. 
We, the subscribers, do propose to make knapsacks, with 
oil covers, at seven shillings each; country linen knapsacks, 
at six shillings each; and Ausisa duck knapsacks, at six 
shillings and six pence each, provided we get a quantity. 
Joun Gorpon, 
Matruew Patron, 


WILLIAM WATERS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 
Somerset County, July 17, 1776. 
Genriemen: The Militia is called into action, and have 
been for some time. The field officers say they cannot 
supply them, without being supplied with a small sum of 
money. We have dealt on credit for some time, but find it 
necessary to have a smallsum. If you can supply us with 
about £300, this Committee will be answerable for it. The 
bearer, Mr. Denwood, will bring the money safely. 
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant, 
Wiiuram Warers, Chairman Committee. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety, Annapolis. 


WILLIAM WATERS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Somerset County, July 17, 1776. 


GenTLEMEN: The enclosed is an extract of the Proceed- 
ings of our Committee against James Layfield. Have sent 
him up under guard to you. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant, 

- Winuiam Waters, Chairman. 


— 


At a meeting of the Committee of Somerset County, July 
10, 1776: 

David Mc Donald, Jun., informed the Committee, on oath, 
that he was told by his father and wife, that they heard 
James Layfield say that he wanted this deponent to join 
and take the ammunition from Lazarus Maddox, which he 
was carrying to the Guard; and that his father and wife 
told him that said Layfield told them that he would tie said 
Maddox, and carry him aboard of Dunmore. 

‘Ordered, That James Layfield appear on Tuesday next, 
before the Committee; also that David McDonald, Sen., 
and Sarah McDonald, (wife of David MeDonald,) appear 
before said Committee,» to testify against said Layfield. 


Tuesday, July 16, 1776. 
The Committee met. Present: Thomas Bruff, Thomas 
Haywood, Wilkam Waters, George Waters, John Jones, 
Daniel Dashiell, James Bounds, and Peter Waters. 


Tuomas Brourr, in the Chair. 


James Layfield appeared before the Committee. David 
McDonold and Sarak McDonald also appeared. 

The Committee proceeded to examine the witnesses, 
They depose as follows: David McDonald, Sen., of lawful 
age, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith: That, some time 
in June last, James Layfield came to this deponent’s house, 
and said, if he had had help, he would have taken the am- 


munition that Lazarus Maddox had carrying down to the 


ee 


385 
guard, and that if he (said Layfield) had been going down 


to Dunmore, he would have tied the said Maddox, and 
have put him in his canoe, and carried him to Dunmore. 
This deponent saith, that he had several times before this 
heard Layfield say that he would not muster, and that if he 
could get persons to join him, he would stand in opposition 
to mustering, and would not muster for any person. And 
further saith not. 


Sworn before Perer Waters. 


Sarah McDonald, of lawful age, being sworn, deposeth 
and saith: That, some time in June last, James Layfield 
came to her father’s, (David McDonald’s,) in company 
with John Redden and Lazarus Maddox. Layfield and 
Redden came into the house; Maddox went to tie his horse. 
Layfield asked this deponent where her husband was, and 
desired this deponent to tell her husband to come out to him. 
She answered that he was not athome. ‘This deponent saith 
that some little time afterwards, Maddox went off to the 
guard, which was at Jericho, and Layfield and Redden 
came up to the door, and Layfield told this deponent what 
he wanted with her husband; which was, that if he had been 
at home, and was as willing as he was, he would have tied 
Maddox, put him in a canoe, and carried him and his 
ammunition on board of Dunmore, for it was a bargain they 
had made, as they came along, to do so. And further 
saith not. 

True copy from the Minutes: 

Joun Dasuiexy, Clerk. 


THOMAS B. HANDS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Langsford Bay, July 17, 1776. 


Sir: My most sincere and grateful acknowledgments are 
justly due to the honourable the late Convention for their con- 
tinuance of me as a member of the Council of Safety; and 
although it gives me great pain, yet I should consider myself 
highly unworthy of the good opinion they had entertained of 
me, did I not signify to you that I find my situation such that 
I think myself bound to decline that honour. You there- 
fore, sir, will be pleased to accept of my resignation of 
the appointment of me a member of the Council of Safety; 
and believe me, with due respect to yourself and the 
other gentlemen of your Board, your most humble ser- 
vant, 

Tuomas B. Hanps. 


To Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, President of the Council 
of Safety of Maryland. 


STEPHEN STEWART TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 


Gentiemen: The bearer, Captain Ewing, has a ship to 
dispose of. She is a new vessel, and as well built a one as 
ever | saw. She is really a complete piece of work, and stout 
enough to carry eight or ten six-pounders with fifty men. 
She draws less water than any vessel of her size. She has 
new anchors, cables, and rigging; her main-sails are new, but 
not large enough for the revenue service. I would agree 
with him for her, but am in some doubts of her sailing fast 
by the wind. ‘There is no doubt of her sailing exceedingly 
fast from the wind. Captain Ewing has agreed to carry her 
to Annapolis to you. I have told him you would get Gil- 
bert Middleton to try how she sails by the wind. Gilbert 
Middleton will make proper allowance for her being badly 
sailed, If she will answer the end of sailing by the wind, 
she may be made so able that nothing but sloops can hurt 
her; and then she can run into such shoal water that they 
could not get at her. I think when she has fifty men, with 
. water and provisions and ten six-pounders, she will not draw 
more than six-and-a-half feet of water. If Mr. Middleton 
finds she will answer the end of sailing by the wind, she may 
be bought from Captain Ewing for £450 to £475, and he 
must find you a new mast, boom, and all other spars, for 
they are all too short. 

1 am your most obedient humble servant, 

STEPHEN STEWART. 
To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


P.S. I have had a good deal of business with Captain 
Ewing, and have always found him very punctual. S. S. 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


386 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN CRAWFORD. 
[No. 47.] Annapolis, July 17, 1776. 

Sir: This is to advise you that we are ordering some am- 
munition to St, Mary’s County. You are therefore desired 
to prepare a wagon, with all expedition, to be ready to 
receive it as soon as the cart sent from hence may arrive 
with you, which we think will be this evening or to-morrow 
morning, and to forward it under a guard of eight men and 
an officer to Leonardtown, in said County. We trust you 
will use all diligence, and give the greatest despatch to this 
necessary business. We are, Xc. 


To Captain David Crawford. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GENERAL DENT. 
[No. 48.] Annapolis, July 17, 1776. 

Sir: We received a letter from Colonel Jordan last night, 
advising that some of Dunmore’s party had landed on St. 
George’s, and that the boats were going off to the vessels, 
it was imagined, for more. As the further orders which we 
may give must depend in a great measure on the numbers, 
situation, and movements of the enemy, we request you will 
communicate to us by the return of the express all the in- 
formation you can collect relative to them, and be very 
particular therein. We have countermanded the orders 
given Captains Thomas and Hindman to march to Phila- 
delyhia, and expect them here to-day or to-morrow. Upon 
receiving intelligence from you, we shall be able to form an 
opinion whether it will be necessary they should be ordered 
to your assistance. Powder, lead, and flints, are sent off this 
morning to Leonardtown, and we hope will arrive there 
to-morrow night or on friday morning. We approve of the 
Committee detaining Captain Forrest’s company, and think 
it would be best, if the Militia will part with their guns, that 
that company should be armed with them, and immediately 
be subject to your orders. We are, &c. 


To Brigadier-General Dent. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THOMAS RINGGOLD AND 
OTHERS. 
[No. 49.] Annapolis, July 17, 1776. 
GentLemen: We have sent a barrel of gunpowder and 
four hundred pounds of lead, addressed to you, for the use 
of Kent Island, and doubt not your care of it. We think 
ourselves obliged, however, to tell you we have seen the 
ill effect of distributing ammunition among the Militia, and 
to desire you will lodge such a proportion of it with the Cap- 
tains of the companies only as you may think proper, and 


they upon emergencies will deliver it out to their men. 
We are, &c. 


To Messrs. Thomas Ringgold, Aquila Brown, and Dr. 
Ringgold. . 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THOMAS SMYTH. 
[No. 50.] Annapolis, July 17, 1776. 


Dear Sir: We send you by the bearer £400 currency, 
for paying off the wagons, and to answer other contingent 
expenses. We are sorry we cannot comply with other re- 
quests you have made of us relative to the two companies 
raised in Kent. Our Province is actually invaded by Lord 
Dunmore with his whole fleet, who are now come into 
Potomack, and are landing on St. George’s Island. Our 
own battalion and Independent companies are marched off 
to the eastward by order of Convention. In this distressed 
situation, every gun we can muster from Mr. Winters, and 
all other parts, must be first applied to arm the battalion and 
Independent,companies that are to stay in the Province to 
supply the place of those who are gone to New-York. As to 
tents, we will write you more fully hereafter, when we know 
certainly what canvass we have at Chingoteague. Were we 
to make the ample provision you wish for two companies in 
the Eastern--Shore battalion, and leave the others bare of 
everything, we should justly subject ourselves to the charge 
of partiality. You may depend we will do as much for 
those two companies as we possibly can, at least equal to 
others in the same battalion. We are, Xe. 


To Thomas Smyth, Esq. 


25 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAINS BARNES AND 
ELLICOTT, 
[No. 51.] Annapolis, July 17, 1776. 


GentLeMEN: We received your favour of the 16th instant 
about an hour ago, and are sorry to find the people of Kent 
Island so very uneasy from an opinion Dunmore will attack 
them. We do not apprehend, unless he should receive a 
considerable reinforcement, that he will attempt anything of 
that sort, as, from the best information we have of them, his 
party is unequal to such a measure. However, héaring of 
the apprehensions which prevailed among you, and that you 
were not sufficiently provided with ammunition by the Com- 
mittee of Observation for Queen Anne’s, who we expected 
would supply you, and being desirous of guarding against 
every possibility of danger, we had ordered, before the receipt 
of your letter, a barrel of powder and four hundred pounds 
of lead to be lodged with Messrs. Thomas Ringgold, 
Aquila Brown, and Dr. Ringgold, for the use of the Island, 
and that Captain Dean’s company of the Flying-Camp 
Militia should, as soon as they could be armed, march down 
for your protection. But as your recommendation of such 
as would answer the purpose would probably expedite the 
business, we think you had better make the proper inquiry, 
and write us. We are, &c. 


To Captains Barnes and Ellicott. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL EWING. 
[No. 52.] Annapolis, July 17, 1776. 
Sir: The Militia of the Flying-Camp are not to draw 
pay or rations until they receive orders to march. 
We are, &c. 


To Colonel Thomas Ewing. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 17, 1776. 


Sir: Your favour of the 14th instant was duly received, 
and immediately laid before Congress. In obedience to their 
commands, I do myself the honour to forward sundry resolves. 

The Congress being of opinion that a quantity of powder 
should be distributed through the several Counties of New- 
York and New-Jersey, I am to request you will give direc- 
tions to have it lodged in the hands of such persons as may 
be depended upon. 

I have delivered Monsieur Kirmovan his commission, and 
directed him to repair immediately to the Jerseys, and put 
himself under the officer who commands the Flying-Camp. 
You will please to give orders respecting the appointment 
of a Sergeant-Major, a Quartermaster-General, and Pay- 
master-General in each regiment; and likewise necessary 
directions to General Schuyler with regard to cleansing the 
Army of the small-pox. 

Mr. Humpton and Mr. Dawson have been officers in the 
British Army, and I hope will be of service in ours. They 
will be ordered to Head-Quarters as soon as possible. 

Upwards of a thousand troops from Maryland are now in 
this city, on their way to join the Flying-Camp in New-Jer- 
sey. ‘They are an exceeding fine body of men, and will 
begin their march this day. 

Agreeably to the enclosed resolves of Congress, I have writ- 
ten in the most vehement and pressing manner to the Massa- 
chusetts-Bay, Connecticut, and New-Jersey, to forward their 
Militia, anp [ have no doubt of their compliance immediately. 

With the most fervent and incessant wishes that your 
head may be covered in the day of battle, and that success 
may crown your arms, I have the honour to be, sir, your 
most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 
To His Excellency General Washington. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, 

Philadelphia, July 17, 1776. 
Gentiemen: The Congress, previous to the meeting of 
the Convention of the State of Pennsylvania, have received 
information of sucha nature as induced them to appoint a 
Cominittee, who are under an injunction of secrecy, to make 
the necessary inquiry; but as this State is mostly interested 
in the subject of the inquiry, Congress have thought proper 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


388 


that the matter should be made known to a Committee of 
your body. I have it, therefore, in charge to request that 
you will be pleased to appoint a Committee from your Con- 
vention, to be under an injunction of secrecy, to confer with 
the Committee of Congress on this important matter. Having 
the honour to be of the Committee of Congress, I should be 
glad to be informed of the names of such persons as you 
shall appoint on the Committee, that a time and place may 
be fixed on for the conference. 

I have the honour to be, with respect, gentlemen, your 
most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 

To the Convention of Pennsylvania, now sitting. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO COLONEL SMALLWOOD. 
Philadelphia, July 17, 1776. 
Sir: I have it in charge from Congress to direct that you, 
as soon ds possible, march the troops from Maryland, now 
in this city, to New-York, and there put yourself under the 
command of General Washington. The exigency of the 
service requiring as speedy a junction as possible of your 
troops with those at New-York, I recommend you to use all 
despatch in your power. 
I am, sir, your very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To Colonel William Smallwood, Philadelphia. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL MERCER. 
Philadelphia, July 17, 1776. 
Sir: I am reduced to the last minute, and have only time 
to enclose you sundry resolves of Congress for your direc- 
tion, to which I beg leave to request your attention. . 
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and very 
humble servant, 
Joun Hancocx, President. 


To Brigadier-General Mercer, New-Jersey. 


In Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, July 17, 1776. 


It being recommended to this Committee by the Conven- 
tion to take the necessary steps respecting the Guard directed 
by Congress to be kept in this City: 

Resolved, ‘That the four companies of Militia of this City 
and Liberties, detained by General Roberdeau as guards for 
this City, namely, Captain Smythers, of the First Battalion, 
Captain Peters, of the Second, Captain Wharton, of the 
Third, and the company lately commanded by Captain 
Burkhard, of the Fourth, be required to attend their duty 
regularly and punctually, under the orders and command of 
Captain Peters. And the commanding officers of the said 
companies are required to enrol into the same all such Asso- 
ciators as, from particular circumstances, cannot march with 
the Militia now calied into service for the Flying-Camp; 
and all such Associators are earnestly exhorted to enrol them- 
selves in some one of the said companies, for this necessary 
and important service, in which they are to continue during 
the absence of the companies to which they respectively 
belong. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Witu1am Goverr, Secretary. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, July 17, 1776. 
Str: Colonel Hand having informed me that he means 


to purchase regimentals for his battalion in Philadelphia, 1. 


must take the liberty to request you will have the nine thou- 
sand dollars, resolved by Congress of the 12th ultimo to be 
paid him here for that purpose, to be advanced to him or 
his order there. The state of our chest is extremely low, 
and many pressing demands against it; besides, as the clothes 
are to be paid for there, it seems unnecessary to send money 
from hence. An account of the advance may be transmit- 
ted, in order to a stoppage from the men’s pay. 
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient, 
Go. Wasuineron. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. 


389 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 


[Read July 18, 1776, and referred to the Board of War.] 
New-York, July 17, 1776. 


Sir: I was this morning honoured with yours of the 15th in- 
stant, with sundry resolves. I perceive the measures Congress 
have taken to expedite the raising of the Flying-Camp, and 
providing it with articles of the greatest use. You will see, 
by a postscript to my letter of the 14th, that I had written 
to the commanding officer of the Pennsylvania Militia, arder- 
ing them to be marched from Trenton to Amboy, as their 
remaining there could not answer the least publick good ; for, 
having consulted with many gentlemen, I am informed if 
the enemy mean to direct their views towards Pennsylvania, 
or penetrate the Jerseys, their route will be from near Amboy, 
and either by the way of Brunswick or Boundbrook, the 
lower road from South-Amboy being through a woody, sandy 
country; besides, they will be then able to throw in succour 
here, and to receive it from hence in cases of emergency. 

The Connecticut Lighthorse, mentioned in my letter of the 
11th, notwithstanding their then promise to continue here 
for the defence of this place, are now discharged, and about 
to return home, having peremptorily refused all kind of 
fatigue duty, or even to mount guard, claiming an exemption 
as Troopers. ‘Though their assistance is much needed, and 
might be of essential service in case of an attack, yet I judged 
it advisable, on their application and claim of such indul- 
gences, to discharge them; as granting them would set an 
example to others, and might produce many ill conse- 
quences. ‘The number of men included in the last return, 
by this, is lessened about five hundred. 

I last night received a letter of the 12th instant from 
General Schuyler, with several enclosures, copies of which 
T have herewith transmitted. They will give Congress every 
information I have respecting the northern Army, and the 
situation of our affairs in that quarter, to which I beg leave 
to refer their attention. I cannot but express my surprise 
at the scarcity of provision which General Schuyler men- 
tions, after what the Commissary assured me, and which 
formed a part of my letter of the 14th; he still assures me 
of the same. ‘This is a distressing circumstance, as every 
article of provision and everything necessary for that de- 
partment can have no other now than a land conveyance, 
the water communication from hence to Albany being en- 
tirely cut off. Congress will please to consider the enclo- 
sure No. 6, about raising six companies out of the inhabitants 
about the lakes, to prevent the incursions of the Indians. 
The General Officers, in their !Minutes of Council, have 
determined it to be a matter of much importance, and their 
attention to the price of goods» furnished the soldiery may be 
extremely necessary. ‘They have complained much upon this 
head. 

The retreat from Crown-Point seems to be considered 
in opposite views by the General and Field Officers: the 
former, I am satisfied, have weighed the matter well, and 
yet the reasons assigned by the latter against it appear strong 
and forcible. I hope whatever is done will be for the best. 

I was apprehensive the appointment of General Gates over 
General Sullivan would give the latter disgust. His letter, 
which I transmitted to Congress, seemed to warrant the sus- 
picion. He is not arrived yet; when he does, I shall try to 
settle the affair with him, and prevail on him to continue, as I 
think his resignation will take from the service a useful and 
good officer. 

By a letter from the Committee of Orange County, re- 
ceived this morning, the men-of-war and tenders were yes- 
terday at Haverstraw Bay, about forty miles above this. 
A number of men, in four barges from the tenders, attempted 
to land, with a view, they suppose, of taking some sheep 
and cattle that had been previously removed. A small num- 
ber of Militia who were collected obliged them to retreat, 
without their doing any damage with their cannon. They 
were sounding the water up towards the Highlands, by which 
it is probable they will attempt to pass with part of the fleet, 
if possible. 

Yesterday evening a flag came from General Howe, with 
a letter addressed “'l'o George. Washington, Esq., &c., &c., 
&c.” It was not received, on the same principle that the 
one from Lord Howe was refused. 

I have the honour to be, with great esteem, sir, your most 


obedient servant, Gor Wituikeros 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


390 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
New-York, July 17, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Yesterday evening I was favoured with yours 
of the 12th instant, with its several enclosures. 

As to the propriety or impropriety of giving up Crown- 
Point, and vacating that post, it is impossible for me to deter- 
mine. My ignorance of the country, my unacquaintance with 
its situation, and a variety of circumstances, will not permit 
me to pronounce any certain opinion upon the subject, or to 
declare whether it might or could not be maintained against 
the enemy. I doubt not the measure was duly weighed by 
the General Officers in council, and seemed to them best 
calculated to secure the Colonies and prevent the enemy 
from penetrating into them. However, I cannot but observe, 
(though I do not mean to, encourage in the smallest degree, 
or to give the least sanction to inferior officers to set up their 
opinions against the proceedings and councils of their supe- 
riors, knowing the dangerous tendency of such a practice,) 
that the reasons assigned by the officers in their remonstrance, 
appear to me forcible and of great weight: they coincide with 
my own ideas. I have ever understood Crown-Point to be 
an important post, and, from its situation, of the utmost 
consequence to us, especially if we want to keep the superi- 
ority and mastery of the Lake. If it is abandoned by us, it 
is natural to suppose the enemy will possess it. If they do, 
and my judgment does not mislead me, any vessels or galleys 
we employ upon the Lake will certainly be in their rear, and 
it will not be in our power to bring them down to T%con- 
deroga, or the post opposite to it, or from thence to have the 
least communication with them, or the means of granting 
them succours or supplies of any kind. Perhaps it is intended 
to employ the galleys only on the communication between 
the two posts, that of Crown-Point and the one now to be 
established. How far they would there answer our views, I 
cannot tell. As I said before, I have not a sufficient know- 
ledge of the several posts, or the neighbouring country, to 
form an accurate judgment upon the matter, and of conse- 
quence do not design anything I have said by way of direc- 
tion, trusting that whatever is best to advance the interest of 
the important struggle we are engaged in will be done. 

I am extremely sorry to hear such unfavourable accounts 
of the condition of the Army. Sickness of itself is sufficiently 
bad; but when discord and disorder are added, greater mis- 
fortunes cannot befall it, except that of a defeat. While 
they prevail, there is but little hope of things succeeding well. 
I must entreat your attention to these matters, and your 
exertions to introduce more discipline, and to do away the 
unhappy pernicious distinctions and jealousies between the 
troops of different Governments. Enjoin this upon the 
officers, and let them inculcate, and press home to the sol- 
diers, the necessity of order and harmony among those who 
are embarked in one common cause, and mutually contend- 
ing for all that freemen hold dear. I am persuaded, if the 
officers will but exert themselves, that these animosities and 
disorders will in a great measure subside; and nothing being 
more essential to the service than that they should, I am 
hopeful nothing on their part will be wanting to effect it. 

The scarcity of provisions which you mention surprises 
me much. I had hoped that an ample and competent sup- 
ply for a considerable time was now in store; nor can I but 
believe the most lavish and extravagant waste has been made 
of it. Not longer than three or four days ago, and just after 
the two men-of-war and tenders passed by, as mentioned in 
my last, the situation of the northern Army, in respect to this 
article, occurred to my mind, and induced an inquiry of the 
Commissary about it, being certain the water communication 
with Albany would be entirely cut off; and I was happy 
to find from him, that the supplies he had forwarded would 
be fully sufficient for ten thousand men for four months. 
This I informed Congress of as a most fortunate event. ‘To 
be told now that there is none, or next to none, is so con- 
trary to what I expected, that I am filled with wonder and 
astonishment. I have informed the Commissary of it, who 
is equally surprised; and’ must request, as our navigation is 
so circumstanced, that you will direct those whose business 
it is, to use every possible means to provide such supplies as 
may be necessary; and that proper attention be paid to the 
expenditure, or it will be impossible ever to subsist that 
Army. 

As to intrenching tools, I have from time to time forwarded 
all that can possibly be spared. I have directed the Quar- 


391 


termaster to send such things contained in your list as can 
be had and may be transported by land. The greatest part 
it would be difficult to procure, and if they could be had, 
would be attended with immense trouble and expense to 
forward them; I must therefore entreat your utmost diligence 
and inquiry to get them; and not only them, but every ne- 
cessary you want, wherever they may be had. ‘The water- 
course being now at an end, but few supplies can be ex- 
pected from hence; and I make not the least doubt, if active 
proper persons are employed, in many instances you will 
be able to obtain such articles as you stand in need of. 1 
am under the necessity of doing so here, and by much pains 
and industry have procured many necessaries. As for the 
articles wanted for the gondolas, | should suppose many of 
them may be purchased of the proprietors of craft about 
Albany, and of persons who have vessels there, by allowing 
them a good price. The communication by water being 
now stopped, they cannot employ them, and I presume may 
be prevailed on to part with most of their tackle for a good 
consideration. 

I transmitted Congress a copy of your letter and of its 
several enclosures, and recommended to their particular 
attention the resolution No. 6, for raising six companies to 
guard the frontiers, and the high price of goods furnished 
the soldier, and that some measures might be taken thereon. 

There is a resolve of Congress against officers holding 
double commissions, and of long standing. None are allow- 
ed it except Adjutants and Quartermasters; and they gene- 
rally are also First or Second Lieutenants. In this Army 
there is no instance of double officers but in the cases I 
mention. 

The carpenters from Phaladelphia unfortunately had not 
time to get their tools, &c., on board a craft here before the 
men-of-war got up. ‘They set out by land next day, and 
I suppose will be at Albany in the course of this week, as 
also two companies from Connecticut. 

I have inquired of Mr. Hughes, and find that the six 
anchors and cables were on board Captain Peter Post’s 
vessel belonging to Esopus, who, upon the first appearance of 
the fleet coming above the Narrows, went off without taking 
the necessaries brought by Captain Donn. Mr. Hughes says 
Captain Donn, who bought you the lead, had orders to get 
them. . 

I have enclosed you a list of the naval articles the Quar- 
termaster expects to obtain and send from hence, which will 
evince the necessity of your exertions to get the rest else- 
where. Many of the articles, I should suppose, may be made 
at Albany and within the neighbourhood of it. 

I am in hopes that, in consequence of your application, the 
different Governments will take some steps for apprehending 
deserters. It isa growing evil, and I wish it may be remedied, 
From the Northern Army they have been extremely numer- 
ous, from report, and should most certainly be returned if 
they can be found. How far the mode suggested by you 
may answer, the event will show; but I am doubtful whether 
many will return of themselves. 

I fancy a part of your letter was omitted to be sent. When 
you come to speak of deserters, what I learn on the subject 
begins a new sheet, and seems to suppose something pre- 
ceding about them. After requesting Mr. Hughes to be 
spoken to about the anchors, &c., the next page begins, 
“unanimously agreed that I should write,” &c. 

You will perceive by tlie enclosed resolve, that Congress 
mean to raise the garrison for Presque-Isle, &c., in the Coun- 
ties of Westmoreland and Bedford, in Pennsylvania. 

Iam, &c., 


To General Schuyler. 
P.S. July 18, 10 o’clock A. M.—I this minute spoke 


to Mr. Trumbull again about provisions, and pressed his most 
vigorous exertions. I believe he is determined to leave 
nothing undone on his part, and has already sent off some 
persons upon the business, of which I suppose he will inform 
you or Mr. Livingston. G. W. 


Go. WasHINGTON. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL JAMES CLINTON. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 17, 1776. 
Sir: Your favour of the 13th instant was duly received. 
The steps you have taken appear to me extremely proper, 
and that there may be no discouragement in the purchase 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


392 
of arms, of which we stand in great need, I have, by the 
bearer, sent you the £300 you request. You will please to 
keep a particular account of the disbursement, in order that 
it may be brought into its proper place of statement at a 
future day. 

Before this reaches you, two officers of the Artillery, whom 
I despatched last Sunday, will have arrived, to supply the 
place of those so unhappily disabled. I trust these accidents 
will, form a Jesson of prudence and calmness at such times, 
and particularly excite care and caution. It is a melancholy 
consideration, that in these cases we suffer more from our 
own artillery than the enemy. 

As the enemy weighed anchor yesterday, with a seeming 
intention to pass up the river, I trust everything is in the 
best readiness and preparation to receive them. 

The rafts, if properly constructed, and executed with 
spirit and intrepidity, are most dangerous and alarming ene-_ 
mies to shipping. Unacquainted with the river, the situation 
of the ships, and many other circumstances necessary to 
form a judgment of the probability of success, I can only say, 
that I agree in opinion with your brother, that expenses ought 
not to be regarded, if the prospect of success is any way en- 
couraging. You must, with those upon whose opinion you 
can depend, form the best judgment you can, and act ac- 
cordingly. 

I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Go. Wasuineron. 


To Col. James Clinton, Fort Constitution, 3d New-York. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 17, 1776. 


GentLemen: Your letter of the 15th instant, covering the 
resolution of the same date, was duly received, which I beg 
leave to say was noble, and does honour to your respectable 
body. It likewise adds a further proof of your determination 
to afford me all possible assistance in discharging the im- 
portant duties of my office. It is impossible to say what 
may be necessary, but I shall conduct as the exigencies of 
the case may require, and I doubt not your cheerful aid and 
assistance will be rendered whenever called for. ; 

It has been out of my power to procure more whale boats 
than are absolutely necessary for the night-guards. Doubt 
not you will be able to procure the number you want from 
the western shore of the Sound, which may be easily trans- 
ported by land, or by the way of King’s Bridge, to the 
North River. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, with respect and 
esteem, your most humble servant, 

Go. Wasuineron. 


To the Honourable the Provincial Convention of the State 
of New-York. 


COMMITTEE OF NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO GENERAL WASH- 
INGTON. 
White-Plains, July 17, 1776. 

Str: The Convention have thought it proper to appoint 
us a Secret Committee, among other things to form and ex- 
ecute any plan which we may conceive necessary for the 
defence of Hudson’s River, which unfortunately has been 
too long neglected. We wish to have your Excellency’s 
advice on this important subject, and shall think ourselves 
happy to codperate in any design you may have formed. 

The obstructing the navigation at Mount Washington we 
suppose to be an object which your Excellency has particu- 
larly in view; we shall therefore direct our attention to such 
others as we may conceive necessary. Mr. Duer is in some 
measure apprized of our designs, and will give your Excel- 
lency every information that you may require. 

Your Excellency’s commands will reach us if directed to 
Poughkeepsie. 

We remain, with the greatest respect, your Excellency’s 


most humble servants, Roserr R. Livines 
; TON, 


Roser Yates, 
Gitsert Livingston, 
CurisTOPHER TappEn, 
WitiiaM Pavutpine. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


393 


COLONEL DUBOIS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 1, 1776.] 
New-York, July 17, 1776. 

Sir: On my arrival at New-York, I applied to General 
Washington for recruiting orders for the officers of my regi- 
ment, according to appointment of the honourable Congress, 
which he granted me. I thereupon notified the several offi- 
cers of their appointments; but, to my great surprise, I found 
many of them offended, and soon after they sent me their 
resignations, with their reasons, which I now enclose you. 

I could hardly have believed that gentlemen would have 
disputed for rank they all the winter acquiesced in, and 
performed duty accordingly in the Army before Quebeck ; 
especially as the arrangement of the officers of the regiments 
to be recruited out of the four New- York regiments in Canada 
was made on the same principle, to wit: agreeable to the 
appointment by the late worthy General Montgomery. 

{ also enclose you a certificate of the rank of the officers of 
the Third Regiment, in which I served in Canada, certified by 
Colonel Weissenfels, who then acted as Brigade-Major, by 
which it will evidently appear that the gentlemen who have 
resigned assigned false reasons, and that the arrangement of 
my regiment,-as far as it respects the late officers of the 
Third Regiment, is perfectly agreeable to the rank they bore 
therein. And should there be any mistakes in respect to 
any of the officers of the other regiments, it was without any 
design in me to injure them; nor do I believe there is any, 
except in the case of Lieutenant Gano, which I offered to 
have corrected, as it might have been done, as the men in 
whose favour it was unintentionally made, resigned. It is 
true, there was one Mr. Gilliland left out of my regiment, 
who served last winter in Canada; but I hope I shall stand 
justified in not returning his name in my list of officers made 
by the Convention of this Colony to Congress last spring, 
because he is noted as unfit to serve, as is mentioned by 
that return. If 1am rightly informed, the Congress of this 
Colony decline appointing the remainder of my officers. 
This will tend so much to delay the filling my regiment, that 
I would beg to be informed by your honourable House, how 
they are to be appointed, that I may take the proper steps 
for tgat purpose. A number of good men have offered their 
services, and say they can raise their proportion of men in a 
few days. 

I am, with the profoundest respect, your most obedient 
servant, Lewis Dusors, Colonel. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Conti- 


nental Congress. 


To Lewis Dusors, Esq.: 


We, the subscribers, do hereby resign the appointments 
we held in the regiment lately ordered to be raised and com- 
manded by Lewis Dubois, Esq., for the following reasons : 

First: We have been ungenerously superseded, which the 
old arrangement of officers, made by the Provincial Congress 
will fully evince; for we assert that the youngest Lieutenant 
in the Third Regiment, to which Mr. Dubois belonged, is 
appointed a Captain over the heads of the First Lieutenant 
of the First, and other regiments; likewise, that Sergeants 
and Corporals, who went out in said Third Regiment, have 
superseded officers who bore commissions in the last cam- 


pie Aaron Arrson, Lieutenant. 
JonaTHan Pease, Lieutenant. 
Ricuarp Puarr, Lieutenant. 
Dantet Gano, Lieutenant. 

Garret Van Wacenen, Lieutenant. 


New-York, July, 1776. 


Arrangement of the Third Battalion of Yorkers. 
Returns of the Officers belonging to the Third Battalion of 


Yorkers, commanded by Colonel Cuinron, in rank, as 
they served at Canana, the last campaign, agreeable to 
General Monreomery’s appointment. 


Lewis Dubois, Major. 


Carrains.—lst, Jacobus S. Bruyn. 
2d, Robert Johnson, provided for at Canada. 
3d, David Dubois. 
4th, Elias Van Bunschoten. : 
5th, E. Cooper, provided for at Canada. 
6th, Thomas De Witt. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


394 


1st Lreurs.—I1st, Philip Dubois. 

2d, Albert Pauldings 

3d, Cornelius T. Jansen. 

Ath, James Gregg. 

5th, William Martain, provided for at Canada. 
2d Lizurs.—lst, Evens Wherry. 

2d, Henry Vandenburgh. 

3d, Nathaniel Conklin. 

Ath, Henry Docty. 


I can certify that the above gentlemen were appointed by 
General Montgomery, and did duty as such the time I was 
Brigade-Major to the Army before Quebeck. 


Frep. Weissenrets, Lieutenant- Colonel. 
July 17, 1776. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
German-Flats, July 17, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Your Excellency’s favour of the 11th instant 
was delivered me this morning, with the sundry papers 
mentioned in it. It gives me a very sincere and heartfelt 
pleasure that I can declare that the difference in opinion 
between General Gates and me has been simply such, un- 
attended with that little jealousy which would have reflected 
disgrace on both of us. Be assured, sir, that the most per- 
fect harmony subsists between us, and that I shall, by every 
attention to General Gates, strictly cultivate it, as well to 
increase my own felicity as to promote the publick service. 

You have a formidable and well-appointed Army to con- 
tend with; but I still hope that when Americans see the 
danger, nay, the ruin with which they are threatened, they 
will with alacrity support you, and put it in your power to 
give a good account of the foe. May Heaven aid and direct 
you, and make you the happy instrument of ensuring freedom 
to the Western World. 

Colonel Dayton arrived at Fort Stanwix on the 13th. I 
cannot learn that taking post there gives any umbrage to 
the Indians, of whom we have about one hundred and fifty 
here, and momently expect very large numbers. We have 
hopes, from what information we have received, that we 
shall be able to keep them neuter at least. 

I am extremely happy to hear that your Excellency has 
ordered three regiments from Boston to the Northern Army. 
I believe General Burgoyne will attempt to penetrate into 
the Colonies, but I think it will be impossible for him to 
effect it, even if he should cross the lakes, which I cannot 
conceive he will be able to do, as our naval strength greatly 
exceeds his, and as we shall certainly build as fast as he can. 

I am very much afraid that Mr. Livingston will resign 
his office, if Mr. Trumbull appoints any person to act to the 
northward independently of him. If so, I shall be under 
great apprehensions that the service will not at this critical 
time be carried on so well as I wish. Will you be so good 
as to communicate this to Mr. Trumbull. 

I shall immediately transmit the Declaration of Congress 
to General Gates, and desire him to proclaim it throughout 
the Army. 

I am, dear sir, with every affectionate wish for your health 
and happiness, and with perfect esteem, your Excellency’s 
most obedient, humble servant, Puitie SCHUYLER. 


To His Excellency General Washington, &c., &c. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 29, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.] 
German-Flats, Wednesday, July 17, 1776. 
Sir: I am honoured with your letter of the Sth instant, 
covering the resolutions of Congress of the same day. 
When gentlemen act with candour to each other, a differ- 
ence in opinion will seldom be attended with any disagree- 
able consequences. Iam happy, sir, that I can assure you 
that the most perfect good understanding subsists between 
General Gates and me, insomuch that it gave him pain that 
I was under the necessity of quitting the Army to repair 
here at this critical juncture. You will please to assure 
Congress that I am deeply impressed with the necessity of 
mutual confidence amongst all its officers, and that I shall 
never neglect any measure that may have a tendency to so 
desirable an end. 
I have seen with the deepest affliction the unhappy 
jealousy which reigned in the Northern Army, occasioned 
by Colonial distinctions—distinctions both injurious to the 


395 


cause of America, and disgraceful to the authors of them. I 
have pointed out to the several Colonels and commanding 
officers of corps, in language as pointedly as I could, the 
pernicious consequences of such a fatal dissension, and I 
hope it will soon be eradicated. 

I arrived here about ten yesterday morning, in hopes to 
have found the Six Nations here before me; but I fear the 
whole will not be here until the last of the week. Mr. Peter 
Ryckman, a trader of Albany, who has been detained at 
Niagara since last year, on a well-grounded suspicion of 
his affection to the American cause, and from apprehensions 
that his influence among the Indians would be exerted in 
our favour, has found means to make his escape, and arrived 
here last night, attended by twenty-one Seneca warriors. 
He left Niagara on the 27th ultimo, and tarried ten days 
in some of the Seneca villages. He advises that the garri- 
son consists of about two hundred men; that the fort is well 
repaired; that they were not under any apprehensions of a 
visit from us; but that in the beginning of May they were 
in great want of provision, and the soldiers wished for our 
coming; that Colonel Butler had frequently attempted to 
engage the Indians against us; that they constantly refused 
to comply, greatly commending us for recommending neu- 
trality to them, and severely reprimanding him for some 
scurrility thrown out against us; that a Seneca sachem, 
named Cajaghsoda, from some town towards the Ofzo, (a 
man of great influence and much respected by all the 
nations,) in a long speech inveighed bitterly against Butler 
for attempting to make the Jndzans parties in the war, and 
concluded with declaring that he would not interfere, but let 
the father and son (as he expressed himself) settle their 
difference between them; that this man opened the eyes of 
the Indians to their true interest; that the few Indians that 
went down to Canada had been kept drunk for some time 
before, and went contrary to the inclinations of the sachems 
of all the Six Nations; that the Council at Onondaga had 
sent a sachem of note express to Nzagara to bring away 
two sachems, whom Butler, by dint of money and ‘liquor, 
has kept about him all this spring. Ryckman understands 
and speaks the Indian language very well, and he assures 
us that he does not believe that the upper nations of the 
Six can be brought to act against us. If so, the more 
western nations will not be suffered to harass our frontiers. 
He advises that we should be liberal at this treaty. 

The goods we have brought up are neither such nor so 
many as we could wish; for although we have about seven 
hundred pounds’ worth, yet as the price of goods is so extra- 
vagantly high, they will not be considered by the Indians as 
of more value than half that sum. I have therefore des- 
patched an express this morning to General Gates for some 
Indian goods that were brought from Canada, and have 
ordered up fifteen hundred dollars in specie. If our treaty 
turns out favourable, I shall propose to my colleagues to 
publish such parts of it as will dispel the fears of the fron- 
tier inhabitants, without waiting for the determination of 
Congress, as the apprehensions of those people are very 
high. If, however, Congress should not approve of this 
measure, I believe there will be time sufficient to advise us 
of it before it can take place. 

Mr. Ryckman observes, that Cajaghsada, the Seneca sa- 
chem above mentioned, has been at Congress, and believes 
he will pay another visit, and wishes that particular atten- 
‘tion should be paid him. He lives near Pittsborough. Per- 
haps it might be well to send a message to him, thanking 
him for his conduct at Niagara, and that it was communi- 
cated by Ryckman, whose Indian name is Queder. 

I am, dear sir, with every wish for your health and hap- 
piness, and with the greatest respect, your most obedient, 
humble servant, Puitie ScHuUYLER. 


To the Hon. John Hancock. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
German-Flats, July 17, 1776. 
Dear Sir: Your favours of the 5th and 12th instant, by 
Captains Winslow and Lester, were sent me from Albany, 
and received this day. I have written to my Secretary to 
give those gentlemen the fullest assurances that your wishes 
with regard to them will be fully complied with, and that they 
will certainly receive every assistance the Hospital can afford, 
in case of sickness, in the same manner as the soldiers have ; 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


396 


so that I hope they have already marched, without any 
difficulty. ; 

I arrived here yesterday, and found very few Indians. 
This day, about one hundred and fifty Indians have come 
in, and we expect a numerous body of them in a few days. 
Mr. Ryckman, a trader from Albany, who has been detained 
at Niagara by the British officer commanding there, since 
last year, because he was a friend to our cause, and had 
influence among the savages, has found means to make his 
escape, and arrived here last night, accompanied by twenty- 
one warriors of the Seneca nation. ‘The account he brings 
of the temper of the Senecas (the nation who could distress 
us most) is very favourable; and he assures me that he has 
reason to believe the Indians will not attack our frontiers. 

Numerous and formidable as our enemies are, I cannot 
despair of success against them, provided we are unanimous. 
I mention this, because of the unhappy dissensions in the 
Northern Army, where some unfriendly or unthinking people 
have set up Colonial distinctions. I have always deprecated 
every attempt to divide us, by that or any other means; and 
when I was last at Crown-Point, I convened the command- 
ing officer of every corps, and pointed out, in the most forcible 
manner [ was capable of, the danger of such distinctions, 
and how much and how justly the enemy would exult to 
learn it.. The goodness of your heart, my dear sir, and 
your zeal for our cause, will induce you to give me all the 
assistance in your power to eradicate this evil. But whilst 
I entreat you to recommend to the troops from your Colony 
to cultivate harmony, I would not wish to be understood 
that they have been the promoters or principal supporters 
of the unhappy dissensions; on the contrary, I have reason 
to believe them as little culpable as any. 

I am, dear sir, with every friendly wish, and with great 
esteem and respect, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Pu. ScHuyLer. 
To the Honourable Governour Trumbull. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES. 
German-Flats, July 17, 1776. 


Dear Sir: I was in hopes to have found the greater part 
of the Stx Nations here, as I did not arrive until yesterday; 
but a few only, as yet, have repaired to this place. The 
meeting will, however, from all the information I have 
received, be a numerous one. 

Last evening, Mr. Peter Ryckman arrived here. He is 
a trader of Albany, and has been detained at Niagara by 
the commanding officer there, on a well-grounded suspicion 
that he was a friend to our cause. He left Niagara on the 
27th ultimo, and remained ten days with the Senecas on his 
way down, and was accompanied to this place by twenty- 
one warriors of that nation. He advises that the Senecas 
are extremely well pleased with the measure we have adopt- 
ed, in asking nothing more than a neutrality; and he does 
not believe that they can be induced to act against us, as 
the Crown agent, Colonel Butler, has several times in vain 
attempted to make them take the hatchet, and has been as 
often disappointed and even rebuked by them. | 

The few goods we have been able to collect at Albany 
are greatly inadequate to our wants. I must therefore en- 
treat you to send all the Indzan goods which General Arnold 
brought from Montreal, to this place, with all the despatch 
possible; and that they may not be delayed on the way, 
permit me to beg you to send an active and early-rising 
officer with them, to accompany them all the way here. 

I hope your endeavours to establish good order, and to 
eradicate the dangerous jealousy which has unhappily arisen 
amongst the troops, will meet with the desired success. 

The five officers, who went off from Lebanon, in Penn- 
sylvamia, were met by Mr. Ryckman, on his way from 
Niagara. 

I am, dear sir, most sincerely, your obedient, humble 
servant, Pu. ScHUYLER. 


To the Honourable General Gates. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL WATERBURY. 

r Tyonderoga, July 17, 1776. 
Dear Sir: This will be delivered to you by Dr. Ely, 
sent here by Governour Trumbull, and the authority of 
Connecticut, to concert with me the best means to prevent 


397 


the infection of the small-pox from spreading amongst the 
Militia daily expected from that Colony, and the other East- 
ern Governments. The Doctor highly approves of the 
method taken here to stop the progress of that pestilential 
disease, and goes to your post, by my direction, to give you 
his advice and assistance, to promote the salutary purpose 
of his journey to the Army. I have no doubt you will give 
him all the attention and countenance requisite to so impor- 
tant a business, and that you will continue to exert your 
utmost vigilance and power to make us once more a healthy 
Army. I send you by this conveyance a large quantity of 
provisions, five barrels of powder, two hundred and _ fifty 
weight of lead, some cartridge-paper and thread, and a set 
of bullet-moulds. You will employ proper persons, and, as 
quick as possible, have the ammunition made up into car- 
tridges. ; 

A gentleman, of credit and reputation, brings a report to 
Albany, that’a French fleet had arrived at Rhode-Island, 
with Mr. Deane on board. I am, sir, &c., &c. 

Horatio Gates. 


To General Waterbury. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL ARNOLD. 
Tyonderoga, July 17, 1776. 


Srr: As Iam entirely unacquainted with the Lake below ° 


Crown-Point, I send the Commodore, with the largest and 
best schooner, to receive his instructions from you in regard 
to the cruise he ought to make. I think, until the rest of 
the vessels are fitted, it will not be advisable to serd the 
schooner into the narrow part of the Lake below. I wish 
you were here to give directions for putting our whole squad- 
ron afloat. It seems to me they are very tardy about it; 
but I am entirely uninformed as to Marine affairs. I like 
Captain Mayhew, whom you sent here; but I think the 
Commodore seems slow, and wish he may retain all that 
prowess for which he says he was so famous last war. It 
is of the greatest consequence to our affairs to have the 
armed vessels commanded by men of firmness and approved 
courage. 
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 
Horatio Gates. 


To Brigadier-General Arnold. 


TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER AT FORT 
GEORGE. 

Head-Quarters, at Ticonderoga, July 17, 1776. 
Sr: I understand that there is a wanton waste of powder 

at your post, in firing a morning and evening gun, and in 

unnecessary salutes. It is my positive order that this practice 

be immediately discontinued, and no ammunition expended 

on any account whatever, except in opposition to the attacks 

of the enemy. I am, sir, your humble servant, 

Horatio Gates, Major-General. 


GENERAL GATES 


To the Commanding Officer at Fort George. 


GENERAL GATES TO LIEUTENANT-COLONEL GANSEVOORT., 
Tyonderoga, July 17, 1776. 


Str: On the receipt of this, you will send any spare oars 
you may have to Mr. Donn, at the Landing on this side the 
Lake. ‘The oars will be wanted here, therefore beg you’ll 
forward them as soon as possible. 

You will be very careful, sir, to prevent any desertion of 
those who are sent to the General Hospital: some villains 
may perhaps feign themselves sick, merely with the design 
of gaining an opportunity of deserting. The utmost care 
will be necessary to guard against this evil. 

Many complaints, sir, are made by the officers here, that 
their letters, both going and coming, are interrupted, and 
sometimes broke open. I beg, sir, if anything of this kind 
has happened at your post, it may for the future be prevented. 
If any person can be discovered either to open or retard any 
letters going to or from the Army, he must be immediately 
apprehended and tried, for a crime of this kind cannot be 
too severely punished. 

In fine, sir, you will in everything be very careful for the 
publick good and the security of your post. 

I am, sir, your very obedient servant, 

Horatio Garrs. 
To Lieut. Col, Gansevoort, commanding at Fort George. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


398 


CAPTAIN BROWNSON TO GENERAL GATES. 
Pittsford, July 17, 1776. 


May ir PLEASE your Honour: I sent an express to 
Crown-Point, respecting Brice Dunlap, whom I confined on 
the 13th instant, a second time, for the murder of Corporal 
Colley, of the Pennsylvania forces. Your Honour being at 
Ticonderoga, I received orders from General Arnold to send 
the prisoner to you there. I have sent Lieutenant Samuel 
Tubs, with eight men, to convey the said prisoner to 
Ticonderoga. 

These from your Honour’s very humble servant, 

Gipeon Brownson, Captain. 


His Honour Major General Gates, Commander at Ticonde- 
rogd. 


PETITION OF THE OFFICERS OF COL. BEDEL’S REGIMENT. 


To Major-General Gates: 

The petition of the Officers, &c., belonging to Colonel 
Bedel’s Regiment, inhabitants on the frontier towns of 
New-Hampshire, and the interior parts of some other Pro- 
vinces, of New-York, &c., humbly showeth: That your 
petitioners, from a true sense of liberty and an utter abhor- 
rence of slavery, engaged in the honourable cause of liberty 
under the command of Colonel Timothy Bedel, under whose 
command we have cheerfully encountered many difficul- 
ties and sustained many losses without the least reluctancy. 
Beg leave to lay before your Honour, that it is not through 
any dislike to the cause, or any part concerned therein, that 
we do now petition for liberty to take post in the frontier 
towns, but from the first principle of nature, self-pre- 
servation itself; as, at this time, by information and letters 
received from the families of chief of us, we find that their 
case is truly deplorable, being under the disagreeable neces- 
sity of abandoning their farms, leaving their grain and the 
whole of their substance behind them, for fear of the sava- 
ges coming upon them, and obliged to crowd into some of 
the lower towns for safety, where it is but meanly fortified, 
through want of men, as that part of the country was left 
bare, most part of the regiment being raised in those parts; 
and at this time it is obvious to view, from the behaviour of 
the savages, that the first incursion will be on the frontiers, 
and those parts are entirely exposed since abandoning Ca- 
nada, ‘There has, upon computation, for these several years 
past, been raised, in only two of the towns, upwards of 
ten thousand bushels of wheat for sale, more than what the 
families stood in need of, besides corn, &c., and great quan- 
tities of hay cut on said farms. ‘The inhabitants have moved 
above one hundred miles below us, into the towns further 
down, so that they are one hundred miles from all assistance, 
which has been the means of a great number of good and 
brave men leaving the service. 

Your petitioners beg leave to inform your Honour that since 
they were taken prisoners at the Cedars, (as also those at the 
retreat of Quebeck, which was made so sudden,) lost chiefly 
all they had—the officers in said regiment being stripped of 
every part of their clothing that was either comfortable or valu- 
able, and have not had, since the 19th day of May, a shirt 
to make a change, but areeobliged to put on their outside 
garments when they get their shirts washed; and are not in 
any capacity to appear among gentlemen, or even to do their 
proper tour of duty, and nothing can be purchased here to 
make us comfortable. 

Your Honour’s petitioners do not desire the liberty to take 
post in the frontier towns in any other view than that of taking 
care of their poor, distressed families, and also providing 
themselves with clothing. We are confident the men who 
have left the service would heartily and freely join the regi- 
mentagain. Those whose families are most exposed would 
be glad to go upon furlough to take care of and remove them 
to some place of defence, if it is not your Honour’s pleasure 
for the whole to go. Your petitioners are and shall always 
be most cheerfully disposed to stand firm, at the expense of 
our lives and property, to defend the cause we are engaged 
in, could we but ease the distressed situation of our poor 
families. 

Your petitioners humbly hope your Honour will take the 
matter into your consideration, (as we are sensible your 
Honour is endowed with compassion and humanity for the 
distressed,) and grant such relief as in your Honour’s wisdom 


399 


shall seem most meet ; and your petitioners, as in duty bound, 
shall ever pray, &c. 


James Osgood, Captain, 
Jason Wait, Captain, 
Edward Everett, Captain, 
Samuel Fowler, Lieutenant, 
Ephraim Stone, Lieutenant, 

. Ebenezer Chamberlain, Lieut. 
Joseph Thurbe, Lieutenant, 
John Webster, Lieutenant, 
William Campbell, Lieutenant, 


William Bradford, Ensign, 
John Greggs, Ensign, 

* Benj’n Chamberlain, Ensign, 
Charles Hill, Ensign, 
Amos Webster, Ensign, 
Frye Bayley, Ensign, 
Abner Barker, Surgeon, 
Thomas Hibbard, Adjutant. 


Ticonpgeroca, July 17,1776. 


DANIEL TILLINGHAST TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Providence, July 17, 1776. 


By yesterday’s post I wrote your Excellency, and therein 
enclosed copy of an invoice of S A, No. 1 to 3, three cases 
Scotch arms. With this you will receive, via New-London, 
to the care of Nathaniel Shaw, Esq., Nos. 8 and 9, two 
cases more Scotch arms, as per invoice herewith; and like- 
wise Nos. 4 and 5, a chest and barrel, containing arms and 
flints, from Thomas Greene, Esq., being Continental property 
in his hands, as per invoice herewith; all of which wish safe 
to your hands; and am, with the greatest respect, your Ex- 
cellency’s most obedient and very humble servant, 

Danie, Tintinenast, Continental Agent. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Commander-in- 
Chief of the American Army, at New-York. 


Providence, July 17, 1776. 

Invoice of one case and one barrel containing twenty 
small-arms, thirty cutlasses, and fourteen thousand five hun- 
dred gun-flints, sent by Joseph Bradford, from Thomas 
Greene, of Providence, to Nathaniel Shaw, Esq., at New- 
London, and by him to be forwarded his Excellency Gene- 
ral Washington, at New-York, viz: 

No. 4, a chest containing twenty small-arms and seven- 
teen cutlasses; No. 5, a chest containing fourteen thousand 
five hundred flints, in the chest and in the barrel; thirteen 
cutlasses packed in S A No 9, a case. 

Errors excepted : Per 


[have examined and received the contents of the within. 


Ezextet Cueever, Com. Artillery. 
New-York, July 27, 1776. 


Tuomas GREENE. 


Providence, July 17, 1776. 

Invoice of two cases containing seventy-five Scotch arms, 
&c., sent by Joseph Bradford, from Daniel Tillinghast, of 
Providence, to Nathaniel Shaw, Esq., at New-London, and 
by him to be forwarded to his Excellency General Wash- 
ington, at New-York, viz: 

S A Nos. 8 and 9, cases of Scotch arms, viz: No. 8, a 
case containing thirty-nine arms, thirty-nine bayonets, and 
eleven broadswords; No. 9, a case containing thirty-six arms 
and thirty-six bayonets. 

N.B. Packed in No, 9, thirteen brass-mounted hangers, 
belonging to Mr. Greene’s invoice. 

Errors excepted. Per Dantet Titimenast, 

Continental Agent. 


Ihave examined and received the within mentioned arms. 
Ezexiei Curever, Com. Artillery. 


> 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Lebanon, July 17, 1776. 

Sir: Agreeable to your request in your letter of the 12th 
instant, which I had the honour to receive by the return of 
our post, I have employed suitable persons to procure the 
felling-axes you mention, and have furnished them with 
£300 to defray the expense, and make no doubt I shall soon 
be able to send them forward. In the mean time, should 
be glad to be advised whether you would have them with 
helves and ground, or whether it will answer to send them 
forward without either. 

I have also issued a proclamation promising pardon to 
such deserters from the Northern Army as shall return to 
their Colonies by the 12th day of August next, and enjoin- 
ing all officers, civil and military, to apprehend all such 
deserters found in this Colony after said 12th August, and 
confine them in some prison, giving notice, that they may be 
returned to the respective corps to which they belong. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


400 


The scarcity of materials renders it extremely difficult, if 
not impracticable, to supply the troops now raising in this 
Colony with tents. May not temporary barracks be erected 
at a moderate expense to supply the want of them? 

I took the liberty in a former letter to inquire whether a 
considerable number of the old gun-barrels and locks taken at 
Ticonderoga and Crown-Point, were not yet on hand, and 
to propose that they might be sent and fitted for use here. 
One hundred and eighty were formerly sent me, out of which 
one hundred and seventy good arms fit for service have been 
made; which encourages me to repeat my inquiry and 
request respecting other arms under like circumstances, and 
to hope for like success with them; and the teams returning 
that carry the axes may bring them. 

I have advanced out of the Colony Treasury £50 to each 
of the head carpenters sent forward from this Colony to join 
you agreeable to your request, which it is expected will in 
proper time be replaced. 

I hope the design of Dr. Ely’s journey to the northward 
may not be mistaken, The infection of the small-pox in 
the Northern Army, accounts of which were spread by every 
traveller from thence, and represented in such a light as 
induced a belief that it was inevitable by any who should 
join that Army, greatly retarded the levies for that service, 
as scarcely one in twenty of our people have had that dis- 
temper. To prevent the bad effects of this terrour, almost 
universal, it was Judged expedient to send a person of known 
skill in that distemper, who might examine the true state of 
the matter upon the spot, in confidence that his report would 
lessen the apprehensions of danger, and facilitate the raising 
of men to join and support that Army. We meant not to 
invade your province or the business of the physicians in the 
Army, nor did we entertain the shadow of a doubt that you 
would use every prudent and practicable expedient to stop 
the progress of the infection and provide for the safety of 
the Army. To obviate the ill effects of exaggerated reports 
from weak or designing men, by which the levies for that 
service in this Colony were obstructed, was our only motive 
to send Dr. Ely to that quarter. His great skill and expe- 
rience in that distemper generally known here, as well as 
his character for candour and probity, will naturally gain 
the fullest credit to the favourable report expected from him, 
and enable us speedily to fill up the battalion destined for 
that service. It is with great satisfaction that I receive your 
information of the measures concerted for preventing the 
further progress of the infection, and hope the same may be 
effectual for that purpose. 

I am, with great truth and regard, sir, your humble ser- 
vant, 


To Major-General Schuyler. 


JonaTHAN ‘TRUMBULL. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Lebanon, July 17, 1776. 


Sir: Your favours of the 7th and 9th instant were duly 
received. It gives me pleasure to meet your approbation 
of the measure of sending our regiments of Horse to join 
you. I make no doubt they will cheerfully acquiesce in 
whatever you shall direct respecting their horses, as the gen- 
eral good of the service ought to be, and I believe is, their 
governing principle. I find our battalions are filling up fast, 
and moving to your assistance. 

The stock of horned cattle and sheep are removed from 
Fisher’s Island. Block Island lies in the Colony of Rhode- 
Island, and the Elizabeth Islands and Martha’s Vineyard 
are in the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay: I cannot, 
therefore, with propriety, give any orders for the removal of 
the fresh provisions from them. 

I am sorry it is not in my power to comply with your 
requisition for heavy cannon, without leaving our port and 
harbour of New-London in too defenceless a state. By a 
return from the overseer of our cannon-foundry at Salis- 
bury, I find they have cast fourteen six, eighteen nine, and 
eight twelve-pounders, and are proceeding to bore them out 
and fit them for use. He has my orders, when the twelve- 
pounders are finished, to deliver them to your Excellency’s 
order, to be used where they may be most wanted, without 
waiting for further orders from me. Ball for twelve-pounders 
are also to be had there. Should you have occasion, you 
will please to give orders accordingly. I expect eighteen- 


401 


pounders will be soon cast there, which is the largest size 
we can hope for from that furnace. 

I have ordered two of our row-galleys to proceed to New- 
York, and trust they will be with you at the receipt of this; 
they have no guns larger than nine-pounders. I wish it 
may be in your power to make them more useful, by placing 
heavier metal upon them, whilst they continue in your ser- 
vice. 

The Continental regiment raising in this Colony is now in 
some measure filled up, mustered, equipped, and ready to 
march; but as there seems to be much danger from the 
prevalence of the small-pox in Boston, should they march 
there, and as the whole force of the enemy on this side 
seems to be directed against you at New-York, I have 
thought it best they should suspend their march towards 
Boston till your pleasure might be known whether they 
should join the Army at New-York or proceed for Boston. 

Since the arrival of the fleet and army at the Hook, seve- 
ral frigates and ships have been stationed between Montauk 
Point and Block-Island, to intercept the trade from the 
Sound, in which they have been so successful that they have 
derived great advantage from the provision vessels they have 
taken; and by frequent advices from the Captains of our 
armed vessels, and others, it appeared highly improbable that 
any vessel going out or coming in by that passage could 
avoid falling into their hands; and as several vessels were 
prepared and preparing in sundry places to proceed to sea 
with cargoes of provision, the owners of which must be pre- 
sumed to be ignorant of the hazard they ran in getting out; 
and sensible of how great importance It is that all supplies 
of provision should be kept back from the enemy; and 
having good grounds to believe that some evil-minded persons 
had designedly carried provisions to the enemy, or thrown 
themselves in their way, as your Excellency will see by the 
enclosed copies of depositions taken and sent to Congress,—I 
have given orders to the Captains of the armed vessels in 
the service of this Colony to stop and detain all provision 
vessels coming out of any port in this Colony, or through 
the Sound, and bound to sea, for the present, and until the 
Continental Congress and the Congresses or Conventions 
of the Colonies or States to which they respectively belong, 
may be apprized of the hazards attending their proceeding 
in their voyages, and, on consideration, shall give such orders 
as they may think fit respecting the same. ‘The apparent 
necessity of this measure will, I flatter myself, justify me in 
taking it, where it is known and properly explained. To 
prevent or obviate any misrepresentation, is my motive for 
troubling your Excellency with this account. 

I am, with great esteem and regard, sir, your obedient 


humble servant, 
JoNATHAN TRUMBULL. 


19¢h.—Received your favour of the 15th instant, which 
induced me to send orders immediately to Theo. Stanton, 
Captain of our other row-galley, the Shark, to proceed with 
her forthwith to New-York, and subject himself to your 
command. Wish him safe, and serviceable to your designs. 

20th.—Colonel Ward, of the Continental battalion lately 
ordered to be raised here, and mentioned above, informs that 
his regiment is not much beyond half filled, occasioned by 
their being raised for a longer time and receiving less bounty 
than others. Since many are ordered from Boston, and this 
may be stationed on the works below or in the environs, at 
places out of danger of the infection from the small-pox, will 
it not be best this battalion should be ordered to march to 
that place, first mentioned for their destination? They are 
principally men who have not seen service. Please to give 
the earliest notice of your pleasure therein. 


Nathan Spicer, (late a hand on board the sloop Macaroni,) 
of New-London, of lawful age, testifies and says: That on 
the 22d of May last he was made a prisoner, carried to 
Halifax, and there detained on board the Ministerial fleet 
until they sailed for New-York, when he was put on board 
a transport, and removed near to Staten-Island, and from 
thence escaped on the 14th instant; that while this depo- 
nent was on board said transport, viz: on the 5th instant, 
there arrived and sailed up and near to the fleet a ship of 
about two hundred tons burden, marked and called the 
Charming Polly; that she was conducted near to the Ad- 
miral’s ship, where she lay several days, during which this 
deponent’s duty was often to row near to and by said ship; 


Fietx Serves.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


A402 


that on Sunday, about the 7th instant, this deponent, when ° 
passing said ship, saw the people on board selling fowls, &c., 
to the people of the fleet; that this deponent often heard the 
officers, and others belonging to the fleet, say that said ship 
belonged to New-York; that she was loaded with flour, live 
stock, &c., and that she came on purpose to supply the 
fleet. And this deponent further adds, that had not the fleet 
been successful in making prizes of American vessels when 
on their passage to New-York, they must have been much 
distressed for provisions, their allowance being very short 
before they had made prizes of nine vessels, chiefly loaded 
with flour. And further saith not. 
NaTHAN Spicer. 


July 17, 1776.—Copy of an affidavit taken before civil 
authority. JonaTHAN ‘TRUMBULL. 


Samuel Smedley, Second Lieutenant of the brig Defence, 
of lawful age, testifieth and saith, That on the passage from 
New-London to Boston, in said brig, by order of Captain 
Harding, commander of the said brig, having boarded sun- 
dry of the Block-Island boats on his way thither, and in 
conversation with the people belonging to said boats, this 
deponent formed in his mind the judgment that they were 
not so friendly as they ought to be to the American cause; 


and further saith not. 
SAMUEL SMEDLEY. 


July 17, 1776.—Copy of an affidavit taken before civil 
authority. JONATHAN ‘l'RUMBULL. 


Robert Niles, of lawful age, and Captain of the schooner 
Spy, testifies and says: ‘That in the beginning of the present 
month, a ship, to appearance of about one hundred and sixty 
or seventy tons burden, loaded with flour, lay at anchor in 
Fisher’s Island Sound, for the term of about one week; that 
during said term this deponent spoke with said ship, and 
advised and ordered her to make New-London harbour, 
assigning for reasons, that her situation was unsafe, being 
exposed continually to the ships of the enemy; and also that 
her remaining there was very disagreeable to the people of 
New-London, fearing that her cargo would fall into the 
hands of the enemy. However, the commander refused to 
comply with said advice and order, but remained in that 
situation until a number of small vessels came up and joined 
her, when she sailed, without waiting or attending to any 
signal of safety, as has been practised by other vessels. ‘This 
deponent further says, that when cruising on his station he 
very frequently has seen the Block-Island boats passing to 
and from; that he has good and sufficient reason to believe 
that they are much employed in furnishing the enemy’s ships 
and vessels with intelligence, supplies, and every comfort in 
their power to afford; and that the people of New-London, 
Groton, and Stonington, are generally of the same opinion, 
appear to have no doubt of the truth of that fact, and are 
much dissatisfied with that circumstance. ‘This deponent 
further says, that at the time of the Commodore’s fleet lying 
in the harbour of New-London, after his return from New- 
Providence, one Littlefield, of Block-Island, came over to 
Stonington, and there, or near there, purchased a hogshead 
of Jamaica spirits, and paid therefor about one hundred and 
twenty dollars in milled money, as it was then and ever 
since has been universally said and believed, and returned 
with it to said Island, at which time there lay watering 
at said Island one of the King’s ships; and further saith 


not. 
Rosert NIwes. 


The above is a true copy of the deposition, attested 17th 


July, 1776. Wint. Satronstatu, J. P. 


The above is a true copy, extracted from an attested copy 


. 
of the original. Examined by y,. auraw TRUMBULL. 


Ebenezer Colefox, late mate of the schooner Macaroni, 
of lawful age, testifies and says: That on the 22d of May 
last he was made a prisoner by a British ship, carried to 
Halifax, and there detained until the British fleet sailed for 
New-York, when he was put on board one of the transports, 
and removed near to Staten-Island, and from thence escaped 
on the 8th of July instant ; that while this deponent was on 
board said transport, viz: on the 5th instant, there arrived 


within the Hook, below New-York, a ship of near two hun- 


26 


A403 


. dred tons burden, loaded with flour; that she continued her 
course up until not far distant from the fleet, when the Ad- 
miral sent out a boat, which met and conducted her up near 
to the stern of the Admiral’s ship, soon after which this 
deponent heard Captain Knowles, commander of said trans- 
port, say to the people on board, that the ship then arrived 
was not a prize, but that she came from New-York on pur- 
pose to supply them, and that she was loaded with flour; 


and further saith not. Pic pen aeey 


New-London, July 17, 1776. 


Copy of an affidavit taken before civil authority: 
JONATHAN ‘TRUMBULL. 


The testimony of Matthew Thompson, of London, in the 
kingdom of Great Britain, late of the armed brigantine 
Diligence, Dodd, commander, mounting twelve carriage 
guns, belonging to the King of Great Britain, of lawful age, 
is as follows, viz: The deponent, some time in the month of 
April, deserted from said brig, when sent on shore on Block- 
Island to assist in watering said brig, when the deponent 
remained on said Island six days; the deponent applied to 
several of the boatmen for assistance to get to the main, who 
refused; and finally this deponent, together with one Thomas 
Nixon, a fellow-deserter, obtained their passage from said 
Island in acanoe. ‘The deponent further says that the livers 
on the Island, except as above said, treated him very kindly, 
excepting also one John Wright, a taverner on said Island, 
and his brother-in-law, who used their endeavours to prevail 
on this deponent and Thomas Nixon to return on board said 
brig. And the deponent further says, that he observed a 
number of cattle, sheep, and horses, on said Island, and that 
the brig Diligent and the ship Cerberus were supplied from 
said Island with calves, hogs, ducks, geese, and fowls, which 
articles this deponent assisted in transporting on board said 
vessels. And further this deponent saith, that John Little- 
field, of said Island, was very kind in using his endeavours 
to get this deponent off said Island; and further saith not. 


July 17, 1776.—Copy of an affidavit taken before civil 
authority. JONATHAN ‘T’RUMBULL. 


Thomas Kanady, master of the ship Mary, of lawful age, 
testifies and says, That some time in the beginning of the 
present month, he discovered lying at anchor at Fisher’s 
Ssland a ship of about one hundred and eighty tons burden ; 
that this deponent, when on board said ship, found her to be 
partly loaded with provisions, &c., some valuable house fur- 
niture in the cabin, &c., and on board Mr. Damune, of New- 
York, part owner, and two youths, sons of the Captain, John 
Hilton; that this deponent observed to the Captain, that he 
admired at his lying in that situation, as he must be exposed 
to be taken by the enemy’s ships, &c.; to which Captain 
Hilton replied, that he was not in the least afraid of being 
taken; and if they did take him, he was not in the least 
afraid that they would take from him any of his cabin furni- 
ture; and further saith not. Tuomas Kanapy. 


July 17, 1776.—Copy of an affidavit taken before civil 
authority. JonaTHAN ‘TRUMBULL. 


MAJOR HAWLEY TO ELBRIDGE GERRY. 
Northampton, July 17, 1776. 
Dear Sir: IJ have often said that I supposed a Declaration 
of Independence would be accompanied with a declaration 
of high treason. Most certainly it must immediately, and 
without the least delay, follow it. Can we subsist—did 
any State ever subsist, without exterminating traitors? I 
never desire to see high treason extended here further than 
it is now extended in Britain. But an act of high treason 
we must have instantly. ‘The Colonies have long suffered 
inexpressibly for want of it. No one thing made the Decla- 
ration of Independence indispensably necessary more than 
cutting off traitors. It is amazingly wonderful, that having 
no capital punishment for our intestine enemies, we have not 
been utterly ruined before now. For God’s sake, let us not 
run such risks a day longer. It appears to me, sir, that high 
treason ought to be the same in all the United States, saving 
to the Legislature of each Colony or State the right of 
attainting individuals by act or bill of attainder. The present 
times show most clearly the wisdom and sound policy of the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


404 


common law in that doctrine, or part thereof, which consists 
in attainting by an act of the whole Legislature. Our Tories 
(be sure the learned of them) knew very well the absurdity 
of punishing as high treason any acts or deeds in favour of 
the Government of the King of Great Britain, so long as 
we all allowed him to be King of the Colonies. Dear sir, 
this matter admits of no delay; and when the act declaratory 
of high treason is passed, the strongest recommendation for 
a strict execution of it, | humbly conceive, ought to accom- 
pany it. Our whole cause is every moment in amazing 
danger for want of it. The common understanding of the 
people, like unerring instinct, has long declared this; and 
from the clear discerning which they have had of it, they 
have been long in agonies about it. They expect that 
effectual care will now be taken for the general safety, and 
that all those who shall be convicted of endeavouring, by 
overt act, to destroy the State, shall be cut off from the 
earth. 

The levying an army for the war, after the Ist of January 
next, liesheavy uponme. ‘The present levies for reinforcing 
the armies, are, by order of Congress, only till the Ist of 
December next. 1t appears to me high time to set seriously 
and in the greatest earnest about it. 1 observe, sir, that you 
charge the miscarriages in Canada partly to the short time 
for which the troops were raised. You know that nothing 
will detain our people after the expiration of the term for 
which they were engaged. It will be in vain to attempt to 
inlist New-England people for a longer term than two years. 
No bounties will induce them to engage for a longer time— 
I fear for no longer time than one year. 

I have not time to add a word more. ‘Too early or ear- 
nest care cannot be taken for the providing good barracks 
and covering for our Northern Army, or Armies, against the 
cold season of the year. ‘They suffered much last campaign, 
when about Boston, for want of seasonable covering and 
firing. We are apt to delay. Let us strain every nerve. 
Don’t let us hesitate a moment at any necessary expense. 
We will conquer or die. Amen. 

If you judge anything in this confused epistle worth com- 
municating to your brethren of this Colony, to whom I 
present my sincerest respects, you are at liberty to commu- 
nicate it, 

And I am, dear sir, your true friend, and faithful humble 
servant, JosepH Haw.ey. 


To Mr. Gerry. 


GENERAL LINCOLN TO THE COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
Boston, July 17, 1776. 

How to remedy the inconveniences that may arise to this 
State from the removal of the Continental troops, and how 
we shall supply forces sufficient to garrison the works already 
thrown up, complete and garrison those that are begun, is a 
question truly important—a question that has or will call for 
the attention of the honourable Board. And as it is neces- 
sary to know the state of the several fortifications in and near 
Boston, previous to a determination what number of men 
will be necessary for the purpose aforesaid, the Committee, 
under whose eye the fortifications have been erected, thought 
it their duty to lay before your Honours the following state 
of the forts, and their idea of the number of men necessary 
to garrison them: The fort in Boston, that in Charlestown, 
one on Noddle’s Island, and one on Grovernour’s Island, are 
nearly finished. Properly to man the lines of the fort in 
Boston, it will require seven hundred men, and an equal 
number, considering the unarmed state of the inhabitants of 
Boston, as guards in the different parts of the town. As 
Charlestown and Noddle’s Island can be reinforced by the 
Militia, if at any time a reinforcement should be necessary, 
it is therefore proposed that one company only be placed in 
Charlestown and two on Noddle’s Island ; and that one com- 
pany be placed on the small redoubt on Governour’s Island, 
of seventy-five men each. 

The works on Castle Island are quite incomplete. How 
much the security of the town of Boston depends on our 
maintaining that post is too evident toneed a comment. It 
hath been thought that five hundred men at least, were 
necessary to complete the works there, and to defend them 
when completed. The two forts on Dorchester Heights 
are in the same unfinished state as are the works on Castle 
Island. Such hath been the idea of the importance of those 


A405 


posts and the post on Dorchester Point, that seven hundred 
men have been assigned as absolutely necessary to complete 
and garrison them. ‘The Committee are of opinion, as 
these posts are justly considered as a key of the town of 
Boston, that the number was not extravagant, and, indeed, 
far short of what they ought to be, was there not the highest 
probability that they could be reinforced by the Militia from 
the neighbouring towns in case of an alarm. 

Orders have been issued to us from the Court, that works 
should be erected on Long Island. Very little hath been 
done there, as we had no cover for the men. Barracks are 
now ready to receive them. Four hundred men are pro- 
posed for that post. 

The next is Nantasket. To maintain that ground, which 
commands the road, is too important to be neglected. The 

st is about half finished. It is in a state that it may be 
defended by musketry. The cannon for it are not yet 
stocked, nor are the works ready to receive them. From 
the many convenient places there are in town for an enemy 
to land, and from the situation and height of the neighbour- 
ing hills, the possession of which, if possible, must be secured, 
and from the extent of the works, it will be found that a 
large number of men will be necessary—one thousand, at 
least. We cannot promise ourselves a reinforcement from 
the Militia. 

As a further security to the several posts, the Committee 
beg leave to suggest whether it will not be necessary to 
have a small camp formed in the vicinity of Boston of one 
thousand men, to act in any part where they may be wanted 
in an emergency. 

When we mention garrisons, we suppose that a suit- 
able number of the ‘Train are to be in addition to them. 
We are also of opinion, as the Continental Train is to be 
removed, and as our number was insufficient before, that it 
will be necessary to add three companies more to Colonel 
Crafts’s regiment. ‘The number for the several garrisons, 
without the Train, amounts, as estimated, to five thousand 
three hundred. In Colonel Whitney’s and Colonel Mar- 
shall’s regiments, and in the four Independent companies 
from Weymouth, Hingham, and Braintree, if full, there are 
seventeen hundred and forty; which leaves three thousand 
five hundred and sixty, upon our estimate, to be raised. 
From a view of the services in which they must be employed, 
it is, in the opinion of the Committee, very evident that 
draughts from the Militia will by no means answer the pur- 
pose; as in that case, perhaps, men will be drawn out who 
have good estates and large families. ‘To content these for 
any considerable time from their homes, hath, by experi- 
ence, been found impossible; and the present busy season 
of the year will make it very difficult to keep them even for 
a short time. 

‘The Committee beg leave to ask whether it is possible 
to garrison properly our fortifications, &c., but by inlisting 
the men to serve a certain term; and to wish, as the cir- 
cumstances of this State are so materially altered since the 
Court was prorogued, and it being so evidently necessary 
for them to be together, that the House might be sum- 
moned to attend on this matter, for in a few days we shall 
not have men in the pay of this Colony, near its capital, for 
a proper garrison thereof. 

Bens. Lincotn, per order. 


To the Honourable Council of the State of Massachusetts- 
Bay. 


CAPTAIN FISK TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY. 
Salem, July 17, 1776. 

This may serve to acquaint your Honours that in the 
latitude 40° 26° north, longitude 65° 50’ west, I fell in with 
the armed schooner Despatch from Halifax, bound to New- 
York; and after an engagement of one-and-a-half hour, she 
struck to the American arms. I boarded her, and found on 
board eight carriage guns and twelve swivel guns, twenty 
small-arms, sixteen pistols, twenty cutlasses, some cartridge- 
boxes, and belts for bayonets, nine half-barrels powder, all 
the accoutrements for said cannon. ‘The commander and 
one man were killed, seven others wounded. The crew 
consisted of thirty men and one boy. I lost one man killed 
and two wounded, and my vessel was much shattered, which 
obliged me to return with the prize, which I have at anchor 
in Salem Harbour, and wait your Honours’ orders how to 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


* 


406 


proceed with the prisoners. 

orders were thrown overboard. 
I am your Honours’ humble servant, Joun Fisk. 

To the Honourable Council and House of Representatives of 


the Colony of Massachusetts-Bay, now sitting at Water- 
town. 


All the Captain’s papers and 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO COL. WINGATE. 
In Committee of Safety, July 17, 1776. 
You are directed to repair to Charlestown, on Connecticut 
River, and there take charge of such companies as you may 
find there, whose officers are commissionated under you; 
and take all necessary care, with the persons appointed at 
that place to supply the troops, to have the soldiers fixed 
off, taking their route for Crown-Point, or Ticonderoga, or 
the place where the Continental Army may be; and when 
you have done what appears necessary to you to do at 
Charlestown, you will proceed forward and join the Conti- 
nental Army as aforesaid, putting yourself and regiment 
under the command of the General and Commander-in-Chief 
of said Army. If no Continental officer has made provision 
at Charlestown for the soldiers, you will apply to Benjamin 
Giles, Esq., appointed by the Colony, to deliver six days’ 
provision at marching, to last the troops to Crown-Point. 
By order of the Committee: 


To Colonel Joshua Wingate. 


Mesuecu Weare. 


FRANCIS SALVADOR TO WILLIAM H. DRAYTON. 
Camp near Dewett’s Corner, July 18, 1776. 

Dear Str: You would have been surprised to have seen 
the change in this country two days after you left me. On 
Monday morning one of Captain Smith’s sons came to my 
house with two of his fingers shot off, and gave an account 
of the shocking catastrophe at his father’s. I immediately 
galloped to Major Williamson’s to inform him, but found 
another of Smith’s sons there, who had made his escape and 
alarmed the settlement. 

The whole country was flying; some to make forts, others 
as low as Orangeburgh. Williamson was employed, night 
and day, sending expresses to raise the Militia; but the panick 
was so great, that the Wednesday following, the Major and 
myself marched to the late Captain Simath’s with only forty 
men. ‘The next day we were joined by forty more, and 
have been gradually increasing ever since; though all the 
men in the country were loath to turn out till they had pro- 
cured some kind of fancied security for their families. How- 
ever, we had last night five hundred men, but have not been 
joined by any from the other side of the river.* I rode 
there last Saturday, and found Colonels Williams and Liles, 
and two companies from Colonel Richardson’s regiment, 
amounting to four hundred and thirty men. ‘They were 
attacked on Monday morning, July 15th, by Indians and 
Scophelites,t but repulsed them, taking thirteen white men 
prisoners; the Indians fled the moment day appeared. I 
will not trouble you with more particulars, as Major William- 
son will send a circumstantial account to his Excellency. 

I am afraid the burden of the war will fall on this regi- 
ment, and that the people over the river will do nothing. 
They grumble at being commanded by a Major; and I fear, 
if they join us at all, (which I doubt,) they will be very apt 
to prejudice the service by altercations about command. I 
cannot help saying, that if Williamson is fit to conduct such 
an expedition, he certainly ought to have a much higher 
rank than any of these chaps, who don’t object to his person 
but his rank. I likewise think it an omission that the Colo- 
nels on the other side the river have no written orders to put 
themselves or their men under his command. 

On the last accounts from town, that Cunningham and 
his companions were set at liberty, we were very near 
having a mutiny in camp; and it is really a measure which, 
though certainly intended for the best, is very alarming to all 
ranks of people. The ignorant look upon it as turning their 
enemies loose on their backs in the day of their distress; and 
the sensible part consider it as a dangerous exercise of a 
dispensing power, assumed contrary to the express deter- 

* Saluda River is intended when the word River is mentioned in the 
above Letter. 


t Scophelites, alluded to those who had joined the Royal cause, being 
named so after one Scophel, of infamous character, who had done so. 


A407 


mination of Congress, and a corroborating resolve of the 
succeeding House of Assembly. 

Pearis’s house having been a rendezvous for the Indians 
and Scophelites, Colonel Thomas intended to attack it on 
Monday. We are not yet informed if he did or not; but 
one of our spies was there on Twesday, and saw many of 
our spies about the place, and all the buildings in ashes. 
Whether they were burnt by friends or foes is still uncertain ; 
if by the first, I fear Pearis will injure us much. Our men 
seem spirited, and very much-exasperated against our ene- 
mies. They are all displeased with the people over the 
river for granting quarter to their prisoners, and declare they 
will grant none, either to Indians or white men who join 
them. We have just received an account that two of the 
Cherokee head warriors were killed in the late skirmish at 
Lindley’s Fort. 

July 19.— Cunningham and Pearis came here last night, 
and by the conversation of the former, I imagine he was 
much caressed in town. Here he was treated politely, but 
with reserve; the Major and myself having advised him to 
go home and mind his private business, at which he seemed 
chagrined. I am clear he had not yet given up the idea of 
being a man of consequence; but the friends of liberty in 
this part of the world are determined to have no connexion 
with him, and to consider him for the future merely as an 
individual, and not as head of any party. We have just 
heard from over the river, that the white people in general 
had quitted the Indians after the repulse at Lindley’s, and 
were delivering themselves up to Colonel Liles. He has 
sent all those to Ninety-six Jail against whom there is proof 
of having been in the action. 

I hope you will pardon the freedom with which I express 
my sentiments, but I look upon it as an advantage to men 
in power to be truly informed of the people’s situation and 
disposition. ‘This must plead my excuse; and believe me 
to be, with great respect, dear sir, your most obedient, hum- 


ble servant, 
Francis SALVADOR. 


To the Hon. Mr. Chief Justice Drayton, Charlestown. 


NORFOLK (VIRGINIA) COMMITTEE. 


At a meeting of the Committee of Norfolk County, July 
18, 1776: 

It having been made appear to the Committee for this 
County, held on the 20th of June last, that Bennet Arm- 
strong had violated the ninth article of the Continental As- 
sociation, which was then ordered to be published in the 
Gazette, and the said Armstrong this day appearing, and 
presenting a recantation, promising in future to give no just 
cause of complaint: 

Resolved, ‘That the said Bennet Armstrong, on publish- 
ing his apology in the Gazette, be recommended to the pub- 
lick as a proper object of clemency. 

Latimer Housteap, Clerk pro tempore. 


Whereas I have been so imprudent as to act contrary to 
the 9th article of the Continental Association, as well as of a 
Resolution of the Committee of Norfolk County, in the sale 
of a parcel of corn; I do now declare my sincere sorrow for 
the said offence, which proceeded entirely from my misun- 
derstanding the matter; and I promise so to conduct myself 
in future as to give no just cause of complaint, and humbly 
hope the publick will accept of this acknowledgment, by 
again receiving me into their favour and protection. 


Bennet ARMSTRONG. 
Norfolk, July 18, 1776. 


JOHN WEST TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Alexandria, July 18, 1776. 

Sir: At a meeting of the Committee for this County 
and District, a resolution was entered into to write to your 
Council of Safety, and the Committee appointed me for that 
purpose, 

I am informed that your commanding officer or officers in 
each County have it not in their power to raise the Militia 
(on any occasion) under his or their command, without 
application to your Council of Safety, and instructions from 
them for that purpose. 


Permit me to say, I apprehend many dangers may be 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


408 


avoided, many good consequences (in case of a sudden 
attack from the enemies of America) are obvious, had the 
commanding officers in each County on Potomack river 
full power to raise the Militia, and order them to march 
where there was a real occasion, either In your own Province 
or to the assistance of a sister Colony. We have been fre- 
quently alarmed with Dunmore and his banditti, with the 
vessels of war, paying us a visit; and when he lately made 
his appearance in our river, it was presumed his intention 
was to make this place an object worth his attention. His 
well known enmity to liberty, his untoward disposition 
towards this Commonwealth in particular, and his corrupt 
principles, capable of committing the most atrocious villa- 
nies, give cause to suspect his intention might be to distress 
this place, and the inhabitants of each side the river, by 
which your Province would experience the dire effects of 
the marauders. 

Should you be attacked, and our assistance necessary, we 
would cheerfully obey the summons of liberty, humanity, 
and neighbourly affection, and fly to your assistance ; we 
should be wanting in duty if we did not, because we are not 
bound up by any ordinance, nor command, but are at full 
liberty to exert ourselves in behalf of ourselves and in that 
of a sister Colony. 

I hope that you and the gentlemen of your Council of 
Safety, will excuse this remonstrance to you, and that you 
will see the necessity in the same light that we do of em- 
powering at least your commanding officers on the river 
to raise the Militia under their respective commands, in 
case of danger, and to march them where there may be a 
call for them. Iam convinced the gentlemen and soldiers 
would cheerfully do it, from a principle of humanity and 
friendship, though the danger was more remote from them, 
was this request put in execution. 

Iam, gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble 
servant, Joun West, Chairman pro tem. 


To the Honourable the President of the Council of Safety 
at Annapolis. 


COLONEL DORSEY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Elkridge, July 18, 1776. 
Sir: When the Elkridge Militia went from this place for 
Annapolis, 1 promised to send down an’ equal number on 
Sunday, the 21st, to relieve them; but as Captain Daniel 
Dorsey’s company, of the Flying-Camp, will certainly be 
down on that day, and Captain Edward Norwood’s the day 
following, I am at a loss to know whether you will stand 
in need of the Militia. Please to inform me by Mr. Larkin 
Dorsey, that I may take measures accordingly. 
I am, with respect, your most obedient servant, 
Tuomas Dorsey. 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., President 
of the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


N. B. Captain Norwood and Dorsey’s companies will 
have few or no fire-arms. 


CAPTAIN NICHOLSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 

1 Baltimore, July 18, 1776. 
GentLemen: I was favoured with your orders of the 16th. 
I shall finish heaving down the ship this evening, and expect 


to sail from this on Sunday or Monday at farthest. I have 
been detained in caulking the ship all round. This I have 


sent by the small tender to wait your further orders until the 
ship comes down. The large tender sails this morning with 
the ten nineteen-pounders, shot, wads, &c. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obliged humble servant to 
command, James NicHouson. 


To the Hon. the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER 
AT ST. MARY'S. 
[No. 53.] Annapolis, July 18, 1776. 
Sir: We have received your favour of yesterday, and 
observe the contents. Some powder and ball we despatched 
to you yesterday, and shall immediately send you four field- 
pieces, &c. You will receive by Mr. Hopewell £300, 
according to your desire. You will judge what additional 
number of the upper Militia may be necessary, and order | 


409 


them down. It gives us concern to hear that Captain Beall 
is wounded, but hope it is not dangerous ; and as we under- 
stand you have several Surgeons with you, trust he will soon 
do well. We are, &c. 

To the Commanding Officer, St. Mary’s. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL SOMERVILLE. 
[No. 54.] Annapolis, July 18, 1776. 
Sir: Your letter of yesterday we have received, and 
approve of the disposition you are making. By Mr. Hope- 
well we send you £50, We are, Nc. 
To Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Somerville. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CHARLES RIDGELY, SEN. 
{No. 55.] Annapolis, July 18, 1776. 

Sir: We are in immediate want of a number of round 
shot, of the different sizes, particularly eighteen, nine, six, 
and three; also, some grape, and request you will imme- 
diately send them down to Baltimore, and write to your 
correspondent there, as soon as he receives them, to apprise 
Captain Nathaniel Smyth of it, that he may forward them 
to Annapolis. We are, &c. 


To Mr. Charles Ridgely, Sen. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN SMYTH. 

[No. 56.] Annapolis, July 18, 1776. 

Sir: We have written to Captain Ridgely, with whom 
we have contracted to supply us with cannon-shot, imme- 
diately to send down a quantity to Baltimore; and as we 
are in immediate want of them, we desire as soon as they 
arrive there, that you will forward them to Annapolis. 

We are, &c. 
To Captain Nathaniel Smyth. 


BALTIMORE COMMITTEE. 
At a special meeting of the Committee, July 18, 1776: 


Present: Samuel Purviance, Jun., Chairman; James Calhoun, William 
Buchanan, Edward Talbot, Isaac Griest, Thomas Sollers, William 
Aisquith, John Cockey, Darby Lux, and Benjamin Griffith. 

The gentlemen appointed by the Committee at the last 
meeting, to examine a situation near Armstrong’s to build 
a Magazine, report several places which they examined 
suitable for the purpose. Qn consideration of which, it was 
agreed, that Messrs. Benjamin G'riffith, James Calhoun, 
John Cockey, and Edward Talbot, be directed-to bargain 
with Captain Charles Ridgely & Co., for one acre of Land, 
which was thought most convenient, near to the spring at 
Armstrong’s. 

Ordered, That Mr. Darby Lux, with the gentlemen 
above mentioned, be a Committee to agree with the Work- 
men for constructing the Magazine for the publick use, and 
that they make a report of their proceedings at the next 
meeting of this Committee. 

It is agreed that the dimensions of said Magazine shall be 
forty feet long, and eleven feet wide, in the clear, and arched 
over with brick or stone, and covered with a shingled roof. 

Gro. Lux, Secretary. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 18, 1776. 
Sir: Mr. Griffin delivered me your letter of the 15th, 
with the packets, which I have laid before Congress. No 
resolution is taken in consequence thereof, nor has anything 
new occurred since my last, except the enclosed resolves. 
I have the honour to be, sir, your obedient humble ser- 
vant, Joun Hancock, President. 


To General Washington. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION. 
Philadelphia, July 18, 1776. 
Gentiemen: I have it in charge from Congress to inform 
you, that they have come to a resolution of raising a bat- 
talion in the Counties of Westmoreland and Bedford, in 
Pace for the defence of the western parts of that 
tate. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


410 


I am, therefore, to request you will immediately recom- 
mend proper persons to Congress for Field-Officers of said 
battalion. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient 
and very humble, servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To the Convention of Pennsylvania, now sitting. 
? 5 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Philadelphia, July 18, 1776. 
Sir: In consequence of the resolve of Congress respect- 
ing the petition of Captain Benedict, 1 am most earnestly 
to recommend to you to give attention to the subject-matter 
of it, and to desire that the proper payments may be made, 
so far as they appear just and well supported, or that the 
objections to the adjustment of the accounts, as set forth by 
the petitioner, may be explicitly stated to Congress, to pre- 
vent any prejudice arising to the general service. 
I am, with respect, sir, your very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To General Schuyler. 


WILLIAM ALLIBONE’S REPORT ON FLINT QUARRIES. 


Memoranda. 

Tuesday, July 16, 1776.—Left Philadelphia ; arrived at 
Wrights Park. 

Wednesday, July 17.—In search of flint-stone near the 
Delaware, in Upper Makefield, Bucks County, on the 
plantation of John Knowls, in a gully made by former inun- 
dations of the Delaware, I find the black flint-stone, but 
not in an entire bed, as I supposed, but mixed with other 
stone and sand, the best of which, that had lain near the 
surface, carried away for domestic use; but find the low 
lands near the river, for two or three-miles, (which is, in 
general, stony,) to be mixed with the same kind of black 
flint-stone, but nowhere in separate quantities. I went as 
far up as Prtcock’s Creek, in the lower part of Salisbury 
township. 

Thursday, July 18.—Like for rain. Made what inquiries 
I could in the neighbourhood. 

Friday, July 19.—At John Lacey’s, in the lower part of 
Buckingham township, about three miles from Wright’s 
Town Meeting-house, from former digging in a bank, find 
the earth and other stone mixed with black and bluish flint, 
as persamples. ‘The same day find the white and the gray, 
as per sample. In a ridge of land about three-quarters of a 
mile, on the Bristol road, from a place known by the name 
of the Four Lane Ends, great quantity of the white, and a 
little gray. Find one single small piece of yellow flint, 
which | think much superior to any other in this County, 
and has been much used formerly by the natives to head 
their arrows, the heads being frequently found in the fields 
to this day; also some black and white ones. I have no doubt 
but some quantity of the yellow lies in the neighbourhood of 
the Delaware ; but cannot as yet discover where, and hope 
some more successful hand has been employed. 

Saturday, July 20.—F ind the dark flint in scattered stones 
on land of Mr. Denormandie, Bristol road, eighteen miles 
from Philadelphia ; and, fifteen miles from Philadelphia, on 
the post road, great quantities of the white; and, at sides of 
Perryfork Creek, one hundred and seven miles from Phila- 
delphia, considerable quantities of light gray flint mixed 
with other stone. 


A sample. W. Auimone. 


SAMUEL CHASE TO GENERAL GATES. 
Philadelphia, July 18, 1776. 

Dear Garns: I wrote to you from this city immediately 
on my arrival. I was obliged to return to Maryland on 
account of Mrs. Chase’s illness. Every moment of my stay 
there was engrossed by my attendance on my lady and our 
Convention. On yesterday, I came to Congress with Mr. 
Carroll. 

I am extremely concerned for the very disagreeable situa- 
tion of our affairs with you. I am apprehensive, unless some 
effectual and speedy measures are taken, we shall lose the 
command of the lakes. While we are masters of Lake 
Champlain, the enemy cannot penetrate into the Colonies. 


All 


If they become superior, I cannot conceive the propriety of 
erecting fortifications at Crown-Point. How can a garrison 
there be relieved, if the enemy can prevent supplies by 
water? I took the liberty of communicating my opinion on 
these subjects to General Arnold, by a letter from Saratoga, 
and if you think the sentiments of a gentleman not of the 
military, worthy of perusal, General Arnold will show it to 
you. 

I am very anxious to know the real state of your Army, 
and to know what you think proper to be done by the Con- 
gress. 

IT am compelled to return to Maryland on the 8th of 
August. Farewell. 

Your affectionate and obedient servant, 

SaMUEL CHASE. 


To General Gates. 


LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE TO COMMITTEE OF 
SAFETY. 
In Committee, Lancaster, July 18, 1776. 

Gent Lemen: At the time the officers absconded from 
Lebanon, they were indebted to sundry persons there, par- 
ticularly to one Matthew McHugh, for their diet, &c., about 
£100. After the confinement of Lieutenant Barrington 
in this jail, McHugh applied to him for payment of his quota 
of the debt, and obtained an order from this Committee for 
Mr. Barrington’s baggage to be brought from Lebanon to 
this place, to be delivered to him on payment of his debts. 
Upon his baggage being brought here, Mr. Barrington pro- 
posed to McHugh to pay him his whole demand against all 
the officers, if the Committee would order all their baggage 
to this place, and give it into his custody, as his security for 
what he should advance for his brother officers. The Com- 
mittee thought it best to have all their baggage secured in 
this place; therefore sent for it, and have it now deposited 
in a part of the new jail here, packed up in upwards of 
twenty trunks and boxes, besides some bales and portman- 
teaus. ‘The keys to the trunks we likewise have; but have 
not yet opened them to examine their contents, neither have 
we delivered them to Mr. Barrington, choosing to have the 
sentiments of the Committee of Safety, or Congress, on the 
propriety of that measuse. ‘The members of the Committee 
of Lebanon have sent us an account of their expenses in 
advertising, pursuing, and endeavouring to retake those gen- 
tlemen, amounting to above £30, besides carriage of the 
goods. 

Perhaps by selling a part of the goods at vendue, the 
whole moneys might be raised. The Committee of Lebanon 
are desirous to have their moneys refunded, Mr. McHugh 
mentions that he has gone to join the camp in the Jerseys, 
and wants his money to leave with his merchants in Phila- 
delphia. We therefore beg the sentiments of the Committee 
of Safety, and their directions how to proceed in this matter; 
but should the Committee think the instructions ought more 
properly to issue from Congress, as those officers were Con- 
tinental prisoners, we hope the Committee will not charge 
us with presumption in requesting the favour of them to ob- 
tain the directions of Congress for our government. 

We also beg leave to mention to you, gentlemen, that we 
have now about seven hundred men, women, and children, 
prisoners in the Barracks here, over whom, agreeable to order 
of Congress of the 10th instant, we keep a strong guard, 
and are erecting a stockade fort round the Barracks. The 
number confined there we conceive full enough, and rather 
too many, for the building to contain at this warm season. 
It is rumoured here that a large number more of prisoners 
are intended for this place. Should any more arrive, it will 
be necessary to make some additional buildings to the 
Barracks, that these poor people may not suffer by being 
crowded ; and that work might be best done at this time, when 
we have a number of tradesmen of different kinds employed 
at the place, and the whole work might be superintended 
at the same time. We beg the advice of the Committee 
of Safety therein. In placing the stockades, we shall place 
them at such a distance from the Barracks that there may be 
a free circulation of air, to keep them as healthy as possible, 
and that there may be room for additional barracks, and are 
digging wells within the stockade to supply them with 
water. 

Lieutenant Barrington now asks to be released from con- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


A12 


finement, on his parole. We beg to know if his parole may 
be taken, and he sent to the place of residence of the other 
officers of his corps; and are, gentlemen, your most obedient 
humble servants. 

By order of the Committee: R 
W. Arter, Chairman. 


COLONEL BURD TO LANCASTER COMMITTEE. 
Middlétown, July 18, 1776. 


Gentiemen: I herewith send you, by the worthy Captain 
John Reed, who commands the first draught of my battalion, 
the returns of eight companies. ‘The ninth company has 
not yet come to my hand, owing to the resignation of Cap- 
tain Robert Elder, but it shall be sent to you as soon as it comes 
tomy hand. Talsosend youa certain John W hite, prisoner, 
with what information is come to my hand from the County 
of Northumberland; and I think he is guilty of the allegation, 
but this I leave to your better judgment; and I am, with 
much esteem, gentlemen, your most obedient and humble 


servant 
’ Samue., Burp. 


To the Chairman of the Committee of the County of Lan- 
caster. 


[Endorsed: Letter and examinations relating to John White, a prisoner, 
charged with assisting the officers to escape from Lebanon. Read July 
20, 1776.] 


NEW-JERSEY ORDINANCE FOR PUNISHING TRAITORS AND 
COUNTERFEITERS. 
In Convention of the State of New-Jersey, ; 
Trenton, July 18, 1776. 

Whereas it is necessary, in these times of danger, that 
crimes should receive their due punishment, and the safety 
of the people more especially requires that all persons who 
shall be found so wicked as to devise the destruction of good 
Government, or to aid or assist the avowed enemies of the 
State, be punished with death: 

Therefore be it Resolved and Ordained by the Conven- 
tion, and it is Resolved and Ordained by the authority of 
the same, That all persons abiding within this State of New- 
Jersey, and deriving protection from the laws thereof, do 
owe allegiance to the Government of this State, as of late 
established on the authority of the people, and are to be 
deemed as members of this State; and that all persons 
passing through, visiting, or making a temporary stay in this 
State, being entitled to the protection of the law during such 
passage, visitation, or temporary stay, during the same time 
owe allegiance to this Government. 

And be it further Resolved and Ordained, That all and 
every person or persons, members of, or owing allegiance to 
this Government, as before described, who, from and after 
the date hereof, shall levy war against this State within the 
same, or be adherent to the King of Great Britain, or others, 
the enemies of this State, within the same, or to the enemies 
of the United States of North America, giving to him or them 
aid or comfort, shall be adjudged guilty of high treason, and 
suffer the pains or penalties thereof, in like manner as by the 
ancient laws of this State he or they should have suffered in 
cases of high treason. 

And be it further Resolved and Ordained, That all and 
every person or persons, who, from and after the date hereof, 
shall be found guilty of reviling the Government of this 
State, as by this Convention established, or of other seditious 
speeches or practices, shall be punished in lke manner as | 
by the former laws of this State such person or persons might 
or ought to have been punished, for such seditious speeches 
and practices against the Government then in being. 

And be it further Resolved and Ordained, That all and 
every person or persons, who, from and after the date hereof, 
shall be found guilty of counterfeiting or altering the Conti- 
nental Bills of Credit, the Bills of Credit issued by the late 
Provincial Congress of this State, or the Assemblies, Con- 
ventions, or Congresses of any of the United sStates of North 
America, or uttering the same knowing them to be counter- 
feit or altered, shall be adjudged felons, and be punished with 
death, in like manner as persons found guilty of counterfeiting 
or knowingly uttering the former Bills of Credit of this State 
might or should have been: Provided always, That no per- 
son or persons shall suffer death, or other pain or penalty, 
for any of the offences aforesaid, until he or they shall have 


413 


been first found guilty of the same offence or offences whereof 
he or they shall be charged and accused, in a due course of 
law, and by the verdict of a jury. Provided also, 'That 
nothing in this Ordinance contained shall be construed to 
divest any Committee of the power they now possess of 
examining and committing any offenders, so that they do not 
proceed to the infliction of punishments for any of the offences 
in this Ordinance contained, but leave the same to be deter- 
mined in due course of law, in manner aforesaid. 
By order of Convention: 
Samuet Tucker, President. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Elizabethtown, July 18, 1776. 


Str: If nothing unlooked for intervenes, I intend to pro- 
secute the plan mentioned in my letter by Major Putnam, 
to-night. We hope to defer the attack till break of day, but 
if discovered before that time our operations will commence 
sooner. From our being able to discover no unusual move- 
ments in the enemy’s quarter, it is presumable they have no 
hint of being surprised. Our men are drawing together near 
this place. Some guides are provided, on whom I hope we 
may depend, and doubt not but our officers and soldiers will 
with alacrity execute this service. 

Your Excellency’s most obedient, 

' Houeu Mercer. 


GENERAL MERCER TO MAJOR KNOWLTON. 
Elizabethtown, July 18, 1776. 


Sir: You are to march your party of three hundred men 
to attack the enemy’s post at New Blazing-Star. If pos- 
sible, have your men near the enemy before break of day. 
While you attempt to surprise the enemy, be careful that 
you are not discovered. Have a small guard advanced, and 
if they come unexpectedly on a sentinel, endeavour to seize 
his arms and prevent giving an alarm by firing, unless the 
enemy is prepared and formidable. Let a profound silence 
be observed during the march, and keep your men in Indian 
file, about one pace asunder. If obliged to appear openly 
against the enemy, have some of your best Riflemen on your 
flanks, with orders to gain, if possible, the flanks of the 
enemy. If they have artillery, a sudden push is necessary 
to gain possession of them. Should you be successful 
enough to take any of the Britesh troops prisoners, secure 
them well and treat them with humanity. Use the people 
on the Island with civility, unless they appear in arms. As 
soon as it is light, send out flanking parties to secure you 
from surprise. 

Lam, sir, your most humble servant, 

Huewn Mercer. 


To Major Knowlton. 


SAMUEL B. WEBB TO GENERAL WARD. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 18, 1776. 

Sir: His Excellency General Washington, having occasion 
to ride out early this morning, has dictated and ordered me to 
acknowledge and answer your two letters of the 11th instant, 
which came safe to hand by yesterday’s post. He is nota little 
displeased at the Agent’s taking the liberty of removing, or 
rather disposing of the cargoes of, the prizes, without your 
knowledge, and begs you immediately to forbid anything of 
the kind again. He is surprised that, out of upwards of four 
hundred prisoners, only seventy-three arms have been sent 
on, as he supposed every man must have had his arms with 
him. He begs your attention in collecting, from the Agents 
and others, all the arms that have been taken, and forward 
them immediately to this place, where they are much wanted. 
Enclosed is a list of articles he has taken from the invoices, 
and would have you send on as soon as may be. 

By express, yesterday, we learn of the arrival of the north- 
ern Army at Crown-Point, where those infected with the 
small-pox will be immediately sent to a distant Hospital, so 
that the troops from your State bound that way need not be 
under any apprehension of danger from that disorder. The 
enemy on Staten-Island remain as when I last wrote. 

I have the honour to be, with respect and esteem, your 
Honour’s most obedient, humble servant, 

SamuEL LB. Wess, A. D. C. 
To General Ward. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


414 


List of articles, taken in the Transports, which his Excellency 
General Washington requests General Ward to forward 
from Boston to New-York as soon as possible: 


From ship Grorce: All the fusees, small-arms, and bayo- 
nets, shoulder-straps, gun-straps, leather bullet-pouches, hair 
knapsacks, canvass knapsacks, belts, flints, markees, and 
soldiers’ tents, common tent poles, tin canteens, camp-kettles, 
blankets, watch-coats, soldiers’ clothing, stockings, black 
plumes. 

From ship Anne: All the checked and striped Hollands, 
check shirts, writing paper, thread stockings, check trowsers, 
men’s shoes, ticking trowsers, men’s hats. 

From ship Lorv Howe: All the small-arms, bayonets, 
and cartouch-boxes, part of canteens and kettles, soldiers 
blankets, cutlasses, canvass knapsacks, markees. 

From brig ANNaBELLA: All the small-arms, shoes, soldiers’ 
tents, sheet lead, pack-saddles, cartouch-boxes, leather bullet- 
pouches, shoulder-straps, gun-straps, cutlasses, bayonets, and 
belts. 

By order of His Excellency General Washington : 

SamueEL B. Wess, A. D. C. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 18, 1776. 


Sir: The General has rode out this morning, and directed 
me to acquaint your Honour, that on the arrival of the Light- 
horse, under the command of Colonel Seymour, he acquaint- 
ed them that they could not be of use as horsemen; on which 
they concluded to stay and do duty as foot, till the arrival 
of the new levies. ‘The latter part of the time they grew 
uneasy, and refused their duty as soldiers, though their 
services were much wanted, pleading, in excuse, that there 
was an express law of the Colony which exempts them from 
doing duty separate from their horses. It was only requested 
that they should mount guard, which they refused; on which 
the General was obliged to discharge them yesterday, 
although but a small proportion of the new levies had 
arrived. 

I have the honour to be, yours, &c., 

S. B. Wess, A. D. C. 


To Governour Trumbull, Connecticut. 


TO MALCOM McEWEN AND DANIEL GREEN.—INSTRUCTIONS 
TO SUPERINTEND EAST-RIVER FERRIES. 


It is General Washington’s orders, that Malcom McEwen 
and Daniel Green do daily attend, from sunrise to dark in 
the evening, at the Hast-River Ferry to Long-Island, and 
Peck’s Ship, at which, or between which places, all boats 
coming to the east of the town are to land, where they, in the 
first place, are to examine all passengers going from town, 
and to see that they have genuine passes from the Commit- 
tee, or one of the General Officers. 

In the next place, they are to be particularly attentive to 
the passengers who arrive in town. If they are travellers, 
such as they can have no suspicion of, they are only to require 
their names, and the places where they intend to lodge, 
and report them to the General at noon, and in the even- 
ing. If they are, in any manner, of suspicious characters, 
they are to detain them at some convenient house, to be 
appointed for that purpose in the neighbourhood, until they 
can send their report, which is to be done immediately, to 
Head-Quarters, and the General’s determination be had 
thereon. 

They are also to examine the passengers of all other boats, 
besides the ferry-boats, which may arrive, and report in like 
manner. 

And, in order the better to enable Malcom McEwen and 
Daniel Green to carry these instructions into execution, the 
commanding officer of the East-River Guard is to give them 
every necessary aid in his power. 

The said McEwen and Green are to communicate these 
instructions to the Committee appointed to give passes. 

By the General’s orders, at Head-Quarters : 

Sriruine, Brigadier-General. 
July 18, 1776. 

If officers or soldiers of the corps posted on Long-Island 
should come to town with passes from their commanding 
oflicer, the same are to be sufficient to pass them out of 


Ald 


town again. Artillerymen are to pass by Colonel Know’s 
order ;.and those in the Quartermaster-General’s department 
by Colonel Moylan’s, or Mr. Hughes’s, Deputy Quarter- 
master-General. 

Mr. McEwen is, by the General’s order, to be allowed 
one dollar a day, after deducting his pay in Colonel Lasher’s 
regiment. Mr. Green is to be allowed one dollar per day, 
he having no employ in the Continental service. 

By the General’s orders: 

Sririine, Brigadier-General. 
July 18, 1776. 
TO CAPTAIN JOHN JOHNSON AND LIEUTENANT ABM. MESIER. 

INSTRUCTIONS TO SUPERINTEND NORTH-RIVER FERRIES. 


Similar to the above, with directions to attend the ferries 
to Powles Hook and Hooghbook, and all the boats on that 
side. Each to have half a dollar per day, in addition to 
their regimental pay. 


COLONEL JOSEPH REED TO ROBERT MORRIS. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 18, 1776. 

Dear Sir: IJ received this letter by Lord Howe, from a 
gentleman of character in England. You will observe it 
has the appearance of a mere private letter; but from the 
contents, and some corresponding circumstances, I have 
reason to believe it was not intended merely as such. _ In this 
view, I communicated it to the General, and now forward it, 
to be made use of as your good judgment may direct. If 
it can be improved, in any respect, for the publick advan- 
tage, either to give time to discover the true powers these 
Commissioners have, or in any other way, I shall most 
cheerfully take such a post as my situation and abilities 
will admit, and as may be directed. Or if you think no 
advantage or benefit can arise from taking notice of it, you 
will please to suppress it. 

I fear the die is irrevocably cast, and that we must play 
out the game, however doubtful or desperate. My princi- 
ples have been much misunderstood, if they were supposed 
to militate against reconciliation. I had one dogma of 
political faith, to which | constantly adhered, that as united 
councils and united strength alone could enable us to support 
this contest, private opinions and those of mere local autho- 
rity should be subservient to the supreme decision of Con- 
gress. From the purity and extent of its intelligence, and 
the abilities of its members, I derived my hopes of political 
safety, and therefore beheld with concern every attempt to 
control the judgment and bind down the opinions of any of 
its members by instructions or other devices, formed, as they 
must be, on the partial intelligence of some, and the inter- 
ested or timid views of others. My private judgment led 
me to think, that if the two great cardinal points, of exemp- 
tion from British taxation, and charge of internal Govern- 
ment, could have been secured, our happiness and prosperity 
would have been best promoted by preserving the depend- 
ence. ‘The Declaration of Independence is a new and very 
strong objection to entering into any negotiation inconsistent 
with that idea. But I fancy there are numbers, and some 
of them firm in the interests of America, who would think 
an overture ought not to be rejected; and if it could be im- 
proved into a negotiation which could secure the two points 
I have mentioned above, would think the blood and trea- 
sure expended well spent. I have no idea, from anything 
I have seen or can learn, that if we should give the General 
and Admiral a full and fair hearing, the proposition would 
amount to anything short of unconditional submission; but 
it may be worth considering whether, that once known, and 
all prospect of securing American liberty in that way being 
closed, it would not have a happy effect to unite us into one 
chosen band, resolved to be free, or perish in the attempt. 
There was a time when one sentiment pervaded the whole 
country. Whig and Tory, however differing in other things, 
agreed that the claims of taxation by a British Parliament 
could never be admitted. If these Commissioners have no 
concessions to make on this point, it must be evident to the 
whole world that resistance cannot be called our choice. It 
is the only alternation left to slavery and wretchedness. 

What will become of our affairs in Canada, or rather in 
this Province, in the Northern Department? Our General 
has more trouble and concern with that department than 
his own; and yet, after every step taken, and supply sent, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


A416 


we are told of great necessities and wants, arising from 
incredible waste. If Mr. Schuyler is so good a Quarter- 
master and Commissary, why is there such incredible waste ? 
In short, my dear sir, if some speedy measure is not taken 
in this matter, in my opinion that Army will waste and 
disperse, leaving the enemy an easy passage into the heart 
of these Colonies. I trust and hope, amidst the changes 
which have been made in our Province, and in most of 
which I could not agree, the publick will not lose your 
services in Congress. I know many things must be very 
repugnant to your temper and judgment; but so it has 
proved in the struggles of all free States and countries. ‘The 
time and place will come when publick virtue will meet its 


reward— 
*¢' The firm patriot there, 
Who made the welfare of mankind his care, 
Though vex’d with envy, and by faction cross’d, 
Shall find his gen’rous labour was not lost.”’ 


Be pleased to present my respects to Mr. Wilhng ; and 
believe me, with much truth and esteem, &c., &c. 
To Robert Morris, Esq., one of the Delegates of the Pro- 
vince of Pennsylvania in the honourable Continental 
Congress. 


DR. MORGAN TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 
New-York, July 18, 1776. 


Sir: The Congress having come into a number of re- 
solves respecting the General Hospital, &c., I find that one 
of them, as it now stands, gives great uneasiness to the 
regimental Surgeons. It is that which prohibits them from 
drawing upon the Hospital of their department for any stores, 
except medicines and instruments; and orders, that when 
any sick person shall require other stores, they shall be re- 
ceived into the General Hospital, and the rations of the said 
sick persons be stopped so long as they are in the said Hos- 
pital. 

The regimental Surgeons seem to think, that if this re- 
solve should remain as it now stands, without any pallia- 
tive construction in favour of supplying the sick under their 
care with necessary articles of diet, &c., (for no provision 
is made by any of these resolves for changing the diet of 
the sick, and their rations would be very improper diet,) 
they have nothing left but immediately to order the whole 
of their sick into the General Hospital. What would be the 
consequence? Instead of about three hundred, which is 
the present number of the sick in the General Hospital, it 
would immediately amount to two thousand or upwards, and 
the number would increase every day. But where we shall 
get room for them, is the difficulty; and in case of an ac- 
tion, and many persons being wounded, that difficulty would 
increase. ‘The General Hospital would be crowded, and 
the regimental Surgeons, who profess their ardent desire of 
being usefully employed, would complain of having nothing 
to do. But what is the worst part of it, as the dysentery 
and fevers of a putrid kind now prevail, the crowding so 
many together into the General Hospital would certainly 
engender a malignant, pestilential fever, that would threaten 
the ruin of the Army. 

These difficulties, in my opinion, might, for the present, 
be got over in one of these two ways, the choice of which is 
left to your Excellency: 

The first, is by adopting a set of regulations, drawn up 
and agreed upon betwixt the regimental Surgeons and my- 
self, (if it met with your Excellency’s approbation,) and 
which I laid before your Excellency a fortnight ago for 
your consideration. 

Otherwise, let the regimental Surgeons be suffered to keep 
such men in their own Regimental Hospitals, under their own 
care, whose cases would endanger the spreading of putrid 
and infectious distempers. Let them be reported to, and 
borne on the list of patients admitted into the General Hos- 
pital, but remain with the regimental Surgeons under their 
care. Then their rations will be stopped, discounted with the 
Commissary-General, and in lieu thereof, they will receive 
supplies of such articles as the General Hospital can furnish 
them with, of wine, vinegar, molasses, meal, &c., which, I 
believe, would not far exceed the amount of those rations. 

This would answer to a plan I proposed to your Excel- 
lency last winter, and which was approved. Your Excellency 
only wished then, that some method might be taken to pre- 
vent the rations of the sick being twice drawn. I appre- 


A417 


hend that matter is fully guarded against by the method 
pointed out by the sixth resolve of Congress, of July 17, on 
the subject of the General Hospital. The first method would 
give the greatest satisfaction, not only to the regimental Sur- 
geons, but to the officers and to the men; and an experi- 
ment would be made of the real expense attending Regimen- 
tal Hospitals, and every cause, or even shadow of complaint, 
vanish. It would encourage the soldier in his duty; and if 
it is found, on trial, subject to any abuse, I imagine that 
abuse could be easily remedied by future regulations, or a 
stoppage in the men’s pay at the time of a new inlistment. 

The present increase of the sick is a serious matter, and 
requires a speedy remedy. I regret the calling for your 
Excellency’s attention (for ever so short a time) to my de- 
partment; but I flatter myself the importance of the sub- 
ject, and the advantages which may accrue to the service 
from it, will evince the necessity, and be a sufficient apology 
for it. 

I remain, your Excellency’s most obedient and very hum- 


ble servant 
: Joun Morean. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


GENERAL WADSWORTH TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-York, July 18, 1776. 
Honovrep Str: As I have the honour to command a 
brigade of Militia from the Colony of Connecticut, I think it 
my duty to give such information from time to time as may 
relate to the interest or honour of the Colony. I am there- 
fore to inform your Honour, that on the 8th instant Colonel 
Seymour arrived here, and informed the General that a body 
of about five hundred of the Troop of Horse from Connecticut 
had arrived near this city, and also showed him his instruc- 
tions. ‘The evening following, at a meeting of the General 
Officers, the matter was under consideration, when it was 
unanimously agreed that the men were much wanted here; 
but, as Troopers, could be of na service in case of an attack, 
and that those men who were not armed with carbines, or 
good fire-arms, should return to Connecticut with the horses, 
as forage for them could not be had here, and that the de- 
tachment whilst here should do duty in the brigade under my 
command. And thereupon I received the General’s com- 
mand to acquaint Colonel Seymour with said resolution next 
morning, which I accordingly did; when he informed me he 
thought it would be disagreeable to his party to leave their 
horses, but said he would return to them and sound their 
minds; when a plan of sending their horses, at their own 
expense, (or trust the Colony to reimburse them,) so far back 
as not to prejudice the foraging of the Army, was proposed, 
and, as I understood by Colonel Seymour, was approved by 
the General; and thereupon, upon the 10th instant, they 
marched into the city, were barracked, drew provision, am- 
munition, &c. Yet many of the officers objected to their 
being subjected to fatigue duty, on account of their clothing; 
but were answered, that a partial treatment of the several parts 
of the Army would create jealousy, animosity and strife, and 
would produce great mischief in the Army. Little duty 
was required of them till the 16th instant, when a number 
were warned out to mount guard, who complied; a number 
of others being ordered on fatigue duty did not go. The 
same day I received a writing, addressed to me, signed by 
Colonel Seymour and some of the principal officers of the 
‘Troop, representing, that by the laws of the Colony of Con- 
necticut, the ‘Troop were not obliged to do garrison duty, or 
on foot, yet were willing to mount guard, but could not 
consent to do fatigue duty, and unless exempted therefrom 
should presume they were at liberty to return home. Which 
writing, by reason of the General’s absence and my tour of 
duty that day, was not communicated to the General til] 
done by Colonel Seymour in the evening, when the Gene- 
ral, as Colonel Seymour informed me, said he could make 
no distinction in favour of any one part of the Army on this 
ground, but offered Colonel Seymour’s regiment liberty of 
going to Bergen Point in the Jerseys, to relieve Colonel 
Bradley’s regiment, which is there at present. ‘To this it 
was objected many of them had no blankets. The General 
replied, if they had not blankets, they could not go; and 
further added, if they would not submit to the duty in camp, 
in common with others in the Army, he did not care how 
soon they returned home. Being advised of what had 
passed, I suggested every argument I was able, to Colonel 


Firtu Serres.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


418 


Seymour and those of his officers I saw, to induce them to 
tarry; but if they were determined to return, not to do it 
without the General’s permission in writing. In consequence 
of which, application was made to the General, who wrote 
a letter to Colonel Seymour, which I have not seen, but have 
it from the Colonel that it contained in substance the decla- 
ration made to him the night before, and that he had used 
his utmost endeavours to persuade his men to stay; notwith- 
standing which they shave almost all left this city. 

The troops are almost daily arriving from Connecticut in 
small parties, which makes it difficult to ascertain the number 
every day. I hope they will soon be completed—an event 
much to be wished, under our present circumstances. 

Last Friday two ships passed all our batteries, up the 
North- River, under a heavy fire from our guns, which they 
returned without any loss on our side, except six men by 
an accident in firing one of ourcannon. What damage the 
ships sustained I cannot learn, or how far they are gone up 
the river. 

Two flags have come from the fleet, but the letters not 
being properly addressed, were not received. The officers 
in one of them were very polite, and one of them said Lord 
Howe was very unbappy that he did not arrive a few days 
sooner. 

I am, with great truth and respect, your Honour’s most 


obedient, humble servant, a etaien ae aaa 


To the Hon. Governour Trumbull. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, July 18, 1776. 


Sm: I received a line from Colonel Webd last evening, 
directing me to inquire how many ships had passed the 
Narrows. Colonel Hand reported one yesterday morning, 
which I thought was reported in my morning’s report, and 
if it is not reported there, it was an omission of mine. I 
beg your Excellency toexamineit. Colonel Hand reported 
at four o’clock in the afternoon that a brigantine had gone 
down towards the Hook; and that the ship that went through 
the Narrows in the morning, had come to, off New- Utrecht 
shore. At seven in the evening, he reported that the ship 
had gone down to the Hook, and that the enemy were 
intrenching on the heights of Staten-Island. 

The two last reports I did not come to the knowledge of 
until within night. I went over to the city at five, and did 
not return until eight. I thought it would be too late to get 
them to Head-Quarters seasonably, therefore concluded to 
report them in the morning. 

I have not received Colonel Hand’s morning report yet. 
I was down at Red-Hook about sunrise, and saw a sloop 
stretching down towards the Narrows. Nothing extraor- 
dinary has happened the last twenty-four hours. Our out- 
guards suspect that there ar® spies about the camp. The 
sentries have fired half-a-dozen times a night the three pre- 
ceding nights. 

Colonel Hand’s morning report is this moment come in; 
he mentioned everything continues in the same situation as 
last evening, except the sloop going through the Narrows, 
that I observed from Red-Hook. 

I wrote to your Excellency yesterday morning that I 
thought it would be an advisable measure to have Cobdle- 
Hill fixed upon to give notice by the fire of one, two, or 
three guns, that the enemy had landed on this Island. Colo- 
nel Cary wrote me an answer to that proposition, and said 
your Excellency had no objection. If it is to alarm the 
camp on your side, it should be mentioned in general orders, 
that the guards may govern themselves accordingly. We 
don’t want it to alarm this camp; what I proposed it for 
was, to give your Excellency earlier intelligence than could 
be done by express, and the express to follow with the 
particulars. I submit it to your Excellency’s further con- 
sideration. 

I am, with all due respect, your Excellency’s most obe- 
dient, humble servant, N. Greene. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters, 
New-York. 


New-York, Thursday, July 25, 1776. 
On Thursday last, pursuant to a resolve of the Repre- 
sentatives of the Colony of New-York, sitting in Congress, 


27 


A419 


the Proclamation issued at Philadelphia the 4th instant, by 
the Continental Congress, declaring the Thirteen United 
Colonies to be free and independent States, was read and 
published at the City-Hall, when a number of true friends 
to the rights and liberties of America attended, and signified 
their approbation by loud acclamations. After which, the 
British arms from over the seat of justice in the Court- 
House was taken down, exposed, torn to pieces, and burnt. 
Another British arms, wrought in stone, in the front of the 
pediment without, was thrown to the ground and broken to 
pieces, and the picture of King George LI, which had been 
placed in the Council-Chamber, was thrown out, broken, 
torn to pieces, and burnt, of all which the people testified 
their approbation by repeated huzzas. ‘The same day, we 
hear, the British arms fiom all the Churches in the city were 
ordered to be removed and destroyed. 


New-York, July 18, 1776. 

Under a tyrannical Government it generally happens that 
the officers in Administration, from the highest to the lowest, 
are a set of villains, who countenance and support each 
other in every species of oppression, injury, and abuse of 
the unhappy people who fall into their clutches. The laws, 
even those that were well intended, in the hands of such 
officers, are only instruments of oppression, but afford no 
protection from it. Of this, the following Narrative of Cap- 
tain Robert Campbell affords a remarkable instance, and Is 
a slight specimen of what every American might expect, if 
ever these Colonies should again fall under subjection to the 
tyrannical power of Great Britain or any other State or 
person. 


Narrative of the case of Captain Rosert Campsent, of 
New-York. 


On the 24th of October, 1775, Captain Robert Campbell, 
master of the sloop America, having on board sixty-five 
hogsheads of sugar, a mare, and a chariot, shipped by and 
belonying to inhabitants of St. Croix, sailed from that 
place, bound to New-York, where he intended to pay the 
duties, having refused other freight offered, on condition of 
his attempting to run it at New-York. Meeting with bad 
weather soon after he sailed, his vessel and rigging received 
some damage. On the 24th November, latitude 35°, longi- 
tude 68°, he was brought to by the Viper sloop-of-war, 
Captain Graves, who sent for and examined him, looked 
over his papers, and returned them, saying he would put an 
officer on board to keep the sloop by him, as he was going 
to New-York ; but soon after took the papers again, saying 
he would enclose and send them to Boston, where sugars 
bore a better price than at New-York. However, he assured 
Captain Campbell that if his vessel had no powder on board 
she should not be condemned. Some time after Captain 
Campbell was returned to his sloop, the man-of-war’s boat 
came again, with a message frém Captain Graves, demand- 
ing Captain Campbell's sword and pistols, which the officer 
having received, took of his own accord a small box, con- 
taining six bottles of castor oil and a small cup of jelly; 
meanwhile the men were not idle, but, like their officer, took 
many little things that lay in their way, and broke open a 
cask of sugar, from which they stole as much as they could 
conveniently hide from their superior thief. Captain Graves, 
as he proceeded in villany, growing more callous, now 
demanded and took away Captain Campbell’s mate and 
people, putting five of his own men on board in their stead, 
with orders to steer N.N.E. for Boston. Soon after setting 
sail, Captain Campbell perceived that neither of Graves’s 
men understood working the vessel nor taking an observa- 
tion, and told them that as they proceeded they would never 
reach Boston. On the 30th of November, all the provisions 
the Viper’s men had brought being expended, and having 
only ninety pounds of bread on board the sloop, which he 
observed the men used very lavishly, he proposed dividing 
it among them, which was done, and amounted to about ten 
pounds each man. ‘The sun not having appeared for five 
days, they now stood south, and continued so three days, to 
latitude 35° 11/; then put it to vote whether to go on the 
coast or to the nearest port. ‘The bad condition of the vessel 
and shortness of bread and water induced Captain Campbell 
to vote for the nearest port; which being agreed to, they 
sailed for Bermuda three days, but not being able to reach 
it, the officer ordered his second to sail for Antigua, where, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


420 


with Captain Campbell’s best assistance, they arrived in St. 
John’s harbour the 2lst day of December last. On the 
day of his arrival, the vessel was seized by a custom-house 
officer, on suspicion of having on board foreign rum and 
sugar, Captain Campbell then entered his. protest against 
Graves and the custom-house for all losses, &c., occasioned 
by the detention, seizure, &c. Captain Campbell perceiving 
his vessel detained, and no likelihood of any redress, applied 
for advice to a lawyer, one Philip Hicks, who, on his behalf, 
drew up and presented a petition to the Honourable Robert 
Christian, Esq., Judge of the Court of Vice Admiralty for 
the Island of Antigua, reciting the foregoing particulars, and 
setting forth the great injury he had sustained in his property, 
and the many personal insults he had suffered by oppro- 
brious language, &c.; that though Captain Graves was 
arrived, and pretended the sloop America and her cargo 
were lawful prize, yet he had instituted no process, nor taken 
any step towards her condemnation; the petition, therefore, 
prayed that the Judge would issue a monition against him 
and all other persons concerned in the seizure and detention, 
&c., citing them to appear at a certain day, and answer to 
the complaint against their conduct respecting the said sloop. 
The Judge granted the petition, and appointed the 26th 
day of January for holding a Court of Admiralty, for the 
purposes mentioned in the petition. After this monition, 
Graves found it necessary to bestir himself, in order to secure 
the plunder (which, by an act of piracy, he had violently 
taken from an innocent man, and the right owner,) from 
being wrested out of his rapacious hands. He therefore 
applies first to the officers of the custom-house, who had, 
as well as himself, seized the vessel, and as they no doubt 
agreed to share the plunder between them, they jointly 
concurred in a letter to the Attorney-General, who was also 
a Justice of the Peace and the King’s Proctor, of which 
Letter the following is the substance, viz: 


“To Thomas Warner, Esq.: 

“What can or shall we do with the vessel we have taken, 
brought into port, and seized? ‘Though her papers are 
good, and she has not broken any of the acts of trade, neither 
is there anything on board that will confiseate her, but her 
owners are in a state of rebellion against the King and his 
Parliament.” 


The Attorney had as yet come upon no terms with them, 
and therefore it was necessary he should let them know his 
importance, in order to enhance his share in the plunder. 
The following is a copy of his Answer: 


“Though you have the vessel in port, and you actually 
know that her owners are in a state of rebellion against the 
King and Parliament and his troops, yet their goods and 
effects cannot be forfeited nor confiscated before they are 
convicted or fled.” 


What secret measures were taken after this to induce the 
Attorney-General to become an accomplice in the villany, 
we know not; but that he did become an accomplice, 
appears from the part he afterwards acted in the business. 
In order to embarrass Captain Campbell, and put it out of 
his power to prosecute his suit, two of his sailors, Thomas 
Pacey and John Lawrence, were tampered with, treated, 
and intoxicated, when they were suborned to swear, on the 
23d January last, before the same most conscientious Attor- 
ney, Proctor, Justice, &c., Thomas Warner, Esq., (at least 
so he certifies,) that Captain Campbell had to each of them 
acknowledged, that since the rebellion in North America he 
had served as an artillery soldier in the Rebel Army, and 
that when he was at New-York and St. Croix he wore a 
cockade in his hat. ‘Therefore, he (the illustrious Thomas 
Warner, Esq.) issued a warrant to John Jackson, Constable, 
requiring him to take up and keep in safe custody the said 
Captain Campbell, till he should be dealt with as the law 
directs. After this warrant was served on Captain Camp- 
bell, he was not immediately put under close confinement, as 
might have been expected from the tenour of the warrant, 
but suffered to go at large for several days, no doubt to give 
him an opportunity to go off, if he chose to do so, because, 
in that case, by the new act, the vessel and cargo becomes 
forfeited. But Captain Campbell, aware of the snare, made 
no effort to go off, but, on the contrary, urged on his suit. 
Finding this plan ineffectual, it was dropped, and recourse 
had to another. He was now taken up, and closely confined 
in a jail with felons, at a short allowance of raw provisions, 


421 


which were to be dressed by the common negro hangman ; 
and under this rigorous and ignominious confinement and 
treatment he continued for eight weeks and three days, 
during which time, and afterwards, till his departure, he was 
treated with continual insults and the utmost contempt, being 
shunned by the men with whom he had been acquainted, 
who would scarcely dei¢n to speak to him; some, indeed, 
told him that they should give offence to their superiors if 
they showed him any countenance ; and one considerable 
merchant, with whom he had often done business, told him 
that he feared his coming to his house would expose him to 
censure, and be a disadvantage to him ; after which Captain 
Campbell never went near him. During this time, (on a 
combination of all the villains concerned,) there was exhi- 
bited (on the 9th of March, 1776) against the vessel and 
cargo a libel, which was designedly made a false one; that 
upon its being proved false another might immediately take 
place, upon another act, which was not in force till after the 
commencement of the first process. In the libel, the seizure 
of the vessel by the Viper, which was on the 24th Novem- 
ber, (when no act by which it could be seized was In force,) 
was set forth to be on the 6th of January, when the act for 
seizing American vessels was in force. After the (allega- 
tion or) libel above mentioned was issued, (signed by George 
William Jackson, Register in Admiralty,) Mr. Hicks, (before 
mentioned,) Captain Campbell’s attorney, acquainted him 
by note that he (Mr. Hicks) was employed to prosecute the 
claim of Mrs. Alletta Heyliger, for twenty-eight hogsheads 
of sugar, her property, (part of the sixty-five,) on board the 
America; that he was clear the vessel could not be con- 
demned, and advises Captain Campbell to put in his claim, 
and give security as the law directs. It appears by a note 
of Isaac Harvey, that he had provided security for the vessel, 
and Captain Campbell was at liberty to take every advan- 
tage on that account that the law would afford him. On 
the 3d of May came on the trial; when, after a full exami- 
nation and hearing, the judgment sets forth “the claim of 
Mrs. Heyliger, that it was allowed, and her property ordered 
to be restored; but that, no other claim being made, the 
Court, as their definitive sentence, declared the sloop Ame- 
rica, her tackle, apparel, and furniture, and the lading on 
board, (except Mrs. Heylger’s twenty-eight hogsheads of 
sugar,) to be condemned as lawful prize, for the use of the 
captors.” The night before the trial, Mr. Hicks, the law- 
yer, who appeared to be very intimate with Mr, Christan, 
the Judge, was a long time in close conversation with him. 
Mr. Hicks told Captain Campbell that he had said, if a claim 
for the vessel and remainder of the cargo should be made 
by Captain Campbell, it would have been allowed in Court, 
and the whole restored; but if it should be done, prepara- 
tions were made to exhibit another libel immediately on the 
new act, which would certainly have produced a condemna- 
tion of the vessel and cargo, at fifty or one hundred pounds 
more expense; so that, by Mr. Hicks’s advice, Captain 
Campbell thought proper to waive his claim, and acquiesce 
in the judgment. ‘The custom-house officer had thought 
proper to quit his claim on the seizure he had made of the 
vessel, which being at that time in custody of the man-of- 
war, was of no real damage to Captain Campbell, and there- 
fore he could recover no damage on that account; and of 
the Captain of the man-of-war none could be recovered, 
because, by the act, no damage shall be recovered of any 
persons seizing vessels, though it should appear on trial that 
the seizure had been illegally made, and the vessel should 
be cleared. ‘Thus every way was Captain Campbell cut off 
from any redress; and after suffering a long and cruel im- 
prisonment and innumerable insults, was obliged to acquiesce 
in the loss of vessel and cargo, without the breach of any 
law, even those oppressive and tyrannical laws of our ene- 
mies themselves. 

The following Accounts were for charges on the imprison- 
ment of his person: 


Captain Robert Campbell 
1776. To the Hon, Robert Christian, Esq., Dr. 
March 28. My fee for calling and attending a 


special Court to admit you to bail - - -£5 0 0 
March 28. For summoning three Judges and 

the Attorney-General, at 3s. 6d. each - - 014 O 
March 28. A writ of habeas corpus to produce 

your person in Court - - - - - - - 0 38 9 


* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


422 
Fee per docket - = - - = - + = ©£2:4 33 
Writing four notes to the Judges and Attorney- 

Genéral) at. Bsdd.eathi-, ~ .- -- .-' - 0 18 14 
Wut ofjhabeas corpus .=.-) - - - -,-/0 6,48 
Constable’s (Jackson) trouble for apprehending 

you for treasonable practices, and bringing 

you before Mr. Warner - - - - - - 110 4 


£10 12. 64 
A Note sent with the Constable’s account : 
“Mr. Warner sends his compliments to Captain Camp- 
bell, and if he will not pay Mr. Jackson’s account, Mr. War- 


ner may issue his warrant to compel him to do it.” 


N. WOODHULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, 
White-Plains, July 18, 1776. ; 

Sir: I have the honoar to enclose your Excellency a copy 
of a letter this moment received from Colonel Van Cort- 
landt and Captain Zephaniah Platt, who were sent from this 
Convention for the purpose of providing for and stationing 
the Militia that might come down from the country to guard 
the river, and assist the other Militia at the forts in the High- 
lands. 

I am, with the greatest respect, your Excellency’s most 
obedient servant, 


By order: 


NaruanteL Woopuutt, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington, at Head-Quarters, 
New-York. 


——- 


P, VAN CORTLANDT AND Z. PLATT TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Peekskill, July 18, 1776. 

GrentLemMeN: We proceeded, in consequence of your 
orders, up the river. When we came to Croton, found the 
ships anchored in Haverstraw Bay. We posted Colonel 
Hammond, with one hundred and forty men, on the banks 
of the river to the best advantage, and proceeded to Peeks- 
kill, rallying, as we wentalong, the people near the river, to 
keep out proper sentries along the river to watch the motions 
of the enemy. As soon as we came here, we despatched 
an express to Dutchess County to call in half of the Militia, 
and forwarded your letter to Captain Van Zandt, &c.; at 
the same time sent out for half of the Militia of Cortlandt’s 
Manor to march immediately to this place. Wednesday 
morning went over to Fort Montgomery, to confer with 
General Clinton, where, to our great joy, we found six hun- 
dred of the Militia of Orange and Ulster Counties, and great 
numbers had been sent back, all in high spirits. We then 
returned back, in order to go up to £ort Constitution, but, 
on our return, being informed that a number of troops were 
within six or eight miles of this from Connecticut, we thought 
prudent to stay until they came, in order to provide for them 
and fix their stations. About this period, one of the tenders 
hove in sight, beating up into Peekskill Bay. She beat up 
within about two miles of Fort Montgomery, and then bore 
away and stood down the river, when our people at the fort 
fired one gun at her. She*ran round the point of the Dun- 
derbergh, sent her barge ashore and plundered a poor man’s 
house and garden, stole a hog, and put off. As she went 
down between Verplanck’s Point and the west shore, our 
men galled them much with their musketry. The tender, in 
her turn, returned a heavy fire with her cannon, but did no 
damage that we have heard of. About three o’clock Major 
Gay, of Sharon, came in with two hundred and sixty men. 
Soon after, General Ten Broeck, from Dutchess, and General 
Fellows, from Massachusetts, arrived, with part of their 
brigades, and many more are on their march. We sent an 
express last evening to General Clinton, to send for Colonel 
Clinton to meet us at Fort Montgomery at ten o’clock this 
morning, to confer with us and Generals Ten Broeck and 
Fellows, in order to form a general plan of operation. ‘The 
returns are not properly made out as yet, but conclude there 
are about six hundred men now here, and expect there will 
be, by night, twelve hundred. 

From, gentlemen, your very humble servants, 

Pierre Van Cortnanpr, 
Zeru. Pruarr, 


To the Hon. the Representatives for the State of New- York 


423 


COMMITTEE OF NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO GENERAL WASH- 
INGTON. 
Fort Montgomery, July 18, 1776. 
Str: We informed your Excellency of our appointment, 
in consequence of which we took a survey of the fortresses 
in the Highlands. We are extremely sorry to say that, not- 
withstanding their importance and advantageous situation, 
they are by no means in a proper posture of defence. Part 
of the few cannon at Fort Constitution were sent away, and 
the whole number now there, and at Fort Montgomery, are 
not sufficient; this want, we suppose, your Excellency will 
be unable to supply; we have, therefore, sent for those that 
were designed for the ships that are building at Poughkeepsie; 
but if we should obtain them, they will be of little use unless 
some Matrosses can be spared from New-York, since there 
are only fourteen at both forts. If your Excellency could 
spare a few howitzers, they might be of singular use at this 
place. A skilful engineer could be at no place more ser- 
viceable than here, as many small posts which command this 
ought to be fortified. We cannot think the garrison by any 
means proportioned to the extent of the works or the impor- 
tance of the place. We know the difficulty that your Ex- 
cellency will find in supplying these wants; yet we cannot 
but suggest them, since we are satisfied that even if the 
enemy should be defeated at New-York, they might take 
such posts here as we should find it impossible to dispossess 
them of. 
We remain, with the greatest respect, your Excellency’s 

most obedient, humble servants, 

Rosert Y Ares, 

Joun Jay, 

Rosert R. Livineston, 

CHRISTOPHER T'apPEn, 

Givpert Livingston. 


To His Excellency George Washington, Esq., at New- York. 


P. 5. Since writing the above, we have been informed 
that the Salisbury furnace, at which place the cannon are 
cast, is under the direction of the Government of Connecti- 
cut; so that we have some doubt whether we can procure 
those for which we wrote, unless your Excellency will be 
pleased to lend us your assistance, by writing to Governour 
Trumbull on the subject. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES. 
German-Flats, July 18, 1776. 


Dear Sir: General Washington has enclosed me the 
Declaration of Congress of the 4th instant, declaring the 
American Colonies free and independent States; and directed 
that it should be proclaimed throughout the Northern Army; 
for which purpose I do myself the honour to enclose it to you. 

Fifty carpenters from Connecticut I hope have reached 
Skenesborough by this time, and a like number from Phzla- 
delphia are, { hope, on the point of arriving. Fifty more 
are to come from the Massachusetts, and as many from Rhode 
Island. 'Toemploy all these to advantage will require great 
exertions. I wish, therefore, that General Arnold should 
pay a visit to Skenesborough, and arrange matters there. 

General Washington has ordered three of the fullest regi- 
ments from Boston to join you; these, with the Militia, will, 
I hope, give us a superiority, and enable us to prevent the 
enemy from doing anything decisive in that quarter. 

I have ordered all the lead at Albany to be cast into balls 
of various sizes, and into buckshot. 

General Washington writes me that Congress “have de- 
termined the matter between Mr, Trumbull and Mr. Living- 
ston, and decided the right of supplying the Northern Army, 
and appointing persons for that purpose, to be in the former.” 
I mention this that you may conduct yourself accordingly 
upon any application in the Commissary-General’s branch. 

I have assured Congress and General Washington that 
the difference in opinion between you and me had not caused 
the least ill will, or interrupted that harmony which is so 
essentially necessary to subsist between their officers; and I 
have entreated them not to entertain an uneasy thought on 
that account, for that a good understanding will be carefully 
cultivated between us. 

Adieu, my dear sir; and believe me, with unfeigned regard, 
most sincerely yours, &c., &c., &c., Pu. ScHUYLER. 


To the Honourable General Gates. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


424 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, July 18, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I received your favour of the 16th, and your 
Honour may be assured I shall execute your orders as far as 
lies in my power. I would inform your Honour there are no 
troops arrived yet. I have had intelligence of their being 
on their march to this place, and hope they will soon arrive. 
I have a small party now clearing out Wood Creek, and a 
small party building a place proper to keep a guard on the 
hill east of the mill, and the rest are employed in getting 
timber for the carpenters, and mills, and on guard. I have 
not men sufficient to begin the fortification on the west side 
of the mills. Your Honour will see by the return, that there 
are but few men here; but what there are I shall endeavour 
to keep well employed ; and as soon as others come in, I shall 
do the same by them. I have picked up all the axes, and the 
blacksmiths have overhaled them. But there are but very 
few here in the whole. I shall stand in great need of tools 
at the arrival of the troops. 

Sir, I shall with pleasure receive your orders as you see 
cause to send them, and hope I shall be able to put them 
into execution, agreeable to your Honour’s expectation; and 
am, with the greatest esteem, your Honour’s most obedient, 


humble servant 
; Davin Watersury, Jun. 


P. S. Would acquaint your Honour there were thirteen 
carpenters at work at the galley, separate from Colonel 
Schuyler’s company, who were not included in the return, 
by not knowing of the same when the return was made out. 

The saw-mill is not yet got at work on account of a mis- 
take in the irons, and I was obliged to send them here to get 
them done. ‘They are now altered and returned. It is ex- 
pected the mill will soon get at work, as I have used my 
utmost endeavours to forward the thing. I have this moment 
received your favour, per Doctor Ely, and everything shall 
be complied with, so far as lies in my power. 

Still remain yours, &c. 


RESOLUTIONS FOR ARREST OF SUSPECTED PERSONS IN CON- 
NECTICUT. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Committee of Safety 
of the Colony of Connecticut, held at Lebanon, on the 18th 
day of July, A. D. 1776: 

Whereas many persons inimical to the United States of 
America, do wander from place to place, with intent to spy 
out the state of the Colonies, and give intelligence to their 
enemies, whereby confederacies may be formed and strength- 
ened, and other great inconveniences may ensue therefrom : 
Which to prevent, 

Resolved, That no person or persons unknown or sus- 
pected, whether they appear in the character of gentlemen, 
expresses, travellers, or common beggars, be permitted to 
travel or pass from town to town in this Colony, unless he 
or they can and do produce a certificate from some Con- 
gress, Committee of Safety or Inspection, some Magistrate, 
Justice of the Peace, or General, or Field-Officer in the 
Army, therein mentioning from whence and to what place 
the person producing the same is travelling, and that he is 
friendly to the liberties of the American States, unless he be 
a person well known, and friendly as aforesaid, 

And all officers, civil and military, Selectmen, Commit- 
tees of Inspection, Sheriffs, Grand Jurors, and 'Tythingmen 
in this Colony, are directed to require every person travel- 
ling as aforesaid, to produce such certificate, and to stop and 
examine such persons travelling without such certificate as 
aforesaid; and unless he or they can give full satisfaction 
that he or they are pursuing their lawful business, and are 
friendly to the liberties and interests of the United American. 
States, and has no design to hurt or injure them in his or 
their journey, that they apprehend such person or persons, 
and him or them carry before the civil authority, Selectmen, 
or Committee of Inspection of the town in which he or they 
shall be found, to be further examined and dealt with as the 
nature of the case, in his or their opinion, may require. 

And it is further recommended to the civil authority and 
Selectmen of the larger towns in this Colony, that proper 
watches and wards be kept in suitable places in said towns, 
by night, to apprehend any such persons as aforesaid, that 
may travel from place to place, and practise mischief against. 
this or the rest of the United Colonies, and bring them 


425 


before proper authority, that they may be dealt with in such 
manner as the nature of their several cases may require. 
A true copy, 


Attest: Wiitiam Witurms, Clerk. 


TIMOTHY PARKER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-London, July 18, 1776. 


Sir: I received your Honour’s favour of the 11th instant, 
wherein I am made acquainted with my appointment to the 
First Lieatenancy of the Colony ship, to be commanded by 
Captain William Coit, a gentleman | much esteem for his 
patriotick principles, as well as the bravery and valour he 
hath so often manifested in the cause of this our much in- 
jured and oppressed country. 

I have to thank your Honour and his Council for the 

good opinion they must entertain of my skill and ability in 
naval affairs, as being worthy the appointment. 

Sir, Lam diffident of my own ability in the performance 

of so great a trust; and am sorry I am under the necessity 
of declining so honourable an appointment, for reasons (to 
me of weight) already communicated to Benjamin Hun- 
tington, Esq., one of your Honour’s Council. 

lam, with the greatest esteem, your Honour’s and Coun- 
cil’s most obedient and humble servant, 

Timorny Parker. 


To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Lebanon. 


JEHIEL TINKER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-London, July 18, 1776. 


Honovurep Sir: I received yours of the 16th instant, 
ordering me to New-York. 

I shall be ready by to-morrow night, if the small-arms are 
ready, that I am to apply to Colonel Huntington for. I 
have applied for them, but Colonel Huntington was not at 
home. I could not get them. There is a postscript on the 
back of the letter your Honour sent me, informing me there 
is a letter at Lebanon to General Washington, which I shall 
wait for. I have got on board three cannon, (nine-pounders,) 
of the five that were here, which is all that will answer; 
and two three-pounders out of the old fort. I should be glad 
if your Honour would give me an order on Captain Dicker- 
son, at Saybrook, for part of a hogshead of rum that is 
there, as cider is very scarce and dear, and it is likely rum 
will be dear at New-York. 

From your most humble servant, 


To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq. 


JenqieL TINKER. 


Boston, Thursday, July 18, 1776. 

This day, pursuant to the orders of the honourable Coun- 
cil, was proclaimed, from the balcony of the State-House in 
this town, the Declaration of the American Congress, ab- 
solving the United Colonies from their allegiance to the 
British Crown, and declaring them free and independent 
States. 

There were present on the occasion, in the Council Cham- 
ber, the Committee of Council, a number of the Honourable 
House of Representatives, the Magistrates, Ministers, Se- 
lectmen, and other gentlemen of Boston and the neighbour- 
ing towns; also, the Commission Officers of the Continental 
Regiments stationed here, and other officers. Two of those 
regiments were under arms in King Street, formed into 
three lines, on the north side of the street, and into thirteen 
divisions; and a detachment from the Massachusetts regi- 
ment of Artillery, with two pieces of cannon, was on their 
right wing. At one o’clock the Declaration was proclaimed 
by Colonel Thomas Crofts, the Sheriff of the County of 
Suffolk, which was received with great joy, expressed by 
three huzzas from a great concourse of people assembled on 
the occasion; after which, on a signal given, thirteen pieces 
of cannon were fired from the fort on Fort-Hill; the forts at 
Dorchester-Neck, the Castle, Nantasket, and Point-Alder- 
ton, likewise discharged their cannon; then the detachment 
of Artillery fired their cannon thirteen times, which was fol- 
lowed by the two regiments giving their fire from the thirteen 
divisions in succession. These firings corresponded to the 
number of the American States united. The ceremony was 
closed with a proper collation to the gentlemen in the Coun- 
cil Chamber ; during which, the following Toasts were given 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


426 
by the President of the Council, and heartily pledged by 


the company, viz: 
_ Prosperity and perpetuity to the United States of Ame- 

rica. 

The American Congress. 

The General Court of the State of Massachusetts-Bay. 

General Washington, and success to the arms of the Uni- 
ted States. 

The downfall of tyrants and tyranny. 

The universal prevalence of civil and religious liberty. 

The friends of the United States in all quarters of the 
globe. 

The bells of the town were rung on the occasion, and 
undissembled festivity cheered and brightened every face. 

On the same evening, the King’s arms, and every sign 
with any resemblance of it, whether Lion and Crown, Pestle 
and Mortar and Crown, Heart and Crown, &c., together 
with every sign that belonged to a ‘Tory, was taken down, 
and made a general conflagration of in King Street. 


Watertown, Monday, July 22, 1776. 


Last Thursday, a number of the Members of the Council, 
(who were prevented attending the ceremony of proclaiming 
the Declaration of Independence at Boston, on account of 
the small-pox there,) together with those of the honourable 
House of Representatives who were in town, and a number 
of other gentlemen, assembled at the Council Chamber, in 
this town, where the said Declaration was also proclaimed 
by the Secretary from one of the windows; after which, the 
gentlemen present partook of a decent collation prepared on 
the occasion, and drank a number of constitutional toasts, and 
then retired. 

On the same day, the Tyrannicide privateer, in the ser- 
vice of this State, commanded by John Fisk, carried into 
Salem an armed schooner of eight carriage and twelve 
swivel guns, and thirty men, which he took off George’s 
Banks, about three weeks ago, after an obstinate engagement 
of three glasses. The schooner belonged to and sailed with 
the fleet which is arrived at New-York, and was one of 
those which belonged to the rear division. The Tyranni- 
cide had one man killed, and one wounded, and was much 
shattered; but is now refitting, and will soon be ready for 
another cruise. ‘The Captain of the schooner and one man 
were killed; the master lost one arm, and about ten were 
wounded, several mortally. 

The King’s arms in this town were, on Saturday last, 
defaced. 

The post for Crown-Point sets out this day (and every 
Monday) at ten o’clock, from the house of Mr. Stephen 
Harris in this town, where letters are to be sent, in order to 
be forwarded gratis. He returns on Saturdays. 


TIMOTHY PICKERING, JUN., TO RICHARD DERBY. 
Salem, July 18, 1776. 


Sir: Lam directed by the Selectmen and Committee of 
Safety of this town to inform you, that the inhabitants are 
very uneasy, and urge the erecting a gate at the entrance 
of the town to secure them against the small-pox, of which 
they think themselves in danger, by means of persons coming 
from Boston unexamined and uncleansed, which they do 
to this day, and it is feared will continue to do, unless 
the honourable Council take some effective order to prevent 
it. Captain Peele tells us that he came out of Boston yes- 
terday, without seeing any guard, or being asked a question. 
If there be a continuance of such carelessness in Boston, the 
infection may be spread far and near, and a great many 
towns put to a very great expense in erecting gates and 
providing guards. ‘The Selectmen and Committee pray you 
to use your endeavours in Council that effectual measures 
be taken to prevent such extensive mischief. ‘The Select- 
men and Committee are also desirous that the poor of Boston 
may be removed from our Hospital. ‘Their continuance 
there any longer will be attended with many disadvantages 
to the town. We have two patients already with the natural 
small-pox, and we expect many more. It is no longer 
expedient to remove them to the Neck, because, in case of 
an alarm in that quarter, the whole country would be in 
danger, if they ventured on to the Neck, and perhaps they 
would refuse to go. ‘The Court of Sessions may also order 


A427 


it to be used as a County Hospital. There are other reasons ; 
but the bearer is waiting with impatience. You are requested 
to urge this point also in Council. In haste. 


I am, yours 
70 vee Tim. Pickerine, Jun. 


To the Honourable Richard Derby, Esq. 


SELECTMEN OF NORTHFIELD TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Northfield, July 18, 1776. 


Honourep Grentiemen: These are to inform you, that 
five of the prisoners from Northampton came to us on the 
ninth day of July last, and are in want of some supply of 
money for their present subsistence. Some of them are in 
want of some clothes. Having an opportunity now to send 
to your Honours of their need, we beg the favour that you 
would be pleased to send some here by the bearer, Captain 
Hopkins King, or give order on the Town ‘Treasurer of 
Northfield, as there is some money ordered there, to be paid 
to the Treasurer of the Massachusetts-Bay, which we hope 
will be sent in soon. Doctor Samuel Mattson is now ‘Town 
Treasurer. 

We would also inform your Honours that many people 
are very uneasy. The prisoners are sent so near our frontiers, 
that they may easily make their escape, and inform our enemy 
of our poor situation to defend ourselves. ‘They can also, 
with the liberty the Congress gives, have an opportunity of 
converse with Tories every day, which has been observed 
from time to time. If your Honours, in your wisdom, shall 
think proper to remove them to some more interior part of 
the country, it would be greatly pleasing to your very hum- 


ble servants 
, Exisan Honv, 


EBENEZER JANES, 
Epwarp WrieuHt, 


Selectmen of Northfield. 
To the Hon. Council of Massachusetts-Bay. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO COLONEL JACOB 
BAYLEY. 
In Committee of Safety, July 18, 1776. 

The Committee are in expectation that you will accom- 
plish your desire of keeping in Continental pay, per order of 
General Washington, the sixty men employed by you to 
clear a road to Canada; and as you have thought fit to desist 
working on said road, that you now employ them as scouting 
parties to guard the country. But if you should be directed 
to disband them, you are hereby empowered to inlist fifty 
men, to be under the pay of this Colony, until the first of 
December next, unless sooner discharged, and see that the 
men fairly choose a Captain-Lieutenant and Ensien to com- 
mand them. Said company, if raised, to take orders, from 
time to time, from yourself, Colonel John Hurd, and Colonel 
Charles Johnson, to direct their conduct. Said men to 
receive 30s. bounty, and 40s. per month wages. 

By order of the Committee. 

I am, sir, your most humble servant, 
M. Weare, Chairman. 


To Colonel Jacob Bayley. 


—_————_ 


ORDER ON SAMUEL DYER. 
In Committee of Safety, July 18, 1776. 

Samuel Dyer, an inhabitant of Berwick, in the County 
of York, and Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay, being 
brought before the Committee, charged with being unfriendly 
to the liberties of this country; and, after hearing his defence, 
and considering the matters objected against him, the Com- 
mittee do determine that the said Samuel Dyer ought to 
confine himself to the aforesaid town of Berwick, and in 
no case to come within the limits of this Colony, under pain 
of imprisonment, unless Captain John Langdon should see 
fit to receive him aboard the Continental frigate under his 
care at Portsmouth ; in which case, he may inlist and con- 
tinue in that service. 

By order of the Committee. 


Portsmouth, New-Hampshire, July 20, 1776. 


The day before yesterday, pursuant to an order from the 
Great and General Court of this State, the Independent 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


428 


Company under Colonel Sherburne, and the Light-Infantry 
Company under Colonel Langdon, were drawn up on the 
parade, in their uniforms, when the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence from the Grand Continental Congress was read, in 
the hearing of a numerous and respectable audience. The 
pleasing countenances of the many patriots present spoke a 
hearty concurrence in the interesting measure, which was 
confirmed by three huzzas, and all was conducted in peace 
and good order. 

An express passed through this town last Thursday, who 
brought an account that Captain Mowat, in the Canceaua, 
had taken all the fishing-boats that lay within his reach, to 
the number of twenty sail, at the eastward of Casco-Bay, 
and is supposed to have carried them into Halifax. 

Last Wednesday set out on their march for our Northern 
Army, the first company of the first battalion of New-Hamp- 
shire forces, commanded by Captain James Arnold, late of 
Boston, consisting of about one hundred stout, active, enter- 
prising volunteers, who have all engaged in the service, and 
marched off with great spirit and good order, within the 
short space of ten days. Such is the ardour, such the reso- 
lution of freemen to support a cause in which their all is 
interested. 


——— 


GENERAL LEE TO A MEMBER OF CONGRESS. 
Charlestown, South-Carolina, July 19, 1776. 


My pear Frtenp: I have received yours of the 28th of 
May, and did not think it possible that anything could come 
from your hand to give me so disagreeable sensations. You 
tell me a dark, mysterious story of a certain great General, 
of whom Prince Ferdinand has declared, si lon vent un 
officier, &c. This great General in the clouds will, it seems, 
graciously condescend to serve America, on condition that 
Congress will give him assurances of stepping over the heads 
of every officer but one, and this he submits to, only on con- 
sideration of the confidence due to an American. You ask 
my opinion on this subject; but the palpable meaning of 
your letter is, to prepare me for a cession of my rank in 
favour of some impudent adventurer. Buckwith is the man, 
as you conjecture, from his known political principles and 
military abilities, which are so transcendent that I ought, for 
the publick interest, to make a second sacrifice. I am not, 
I believe, naturally proud; I do not think myself conceited 
of my talents; but to be put in competition, much more to 
be spurned aside, to make room for so despicable a character 
as Buckwith, a generally reputed coward, and a b d 
sycophant,—lI say, to be kicked out of my station for such a 
creature as this, would swell a man more humble than my- 
self into a trumpeter of his own merits. Great God! is it 
come to this? Iam not, it seems, an American; but am [ 
not (if I may so express myself) Americanior ipsis Ameri- 
canis? Have | not, such has been my zeal for your cause, 
once already waived my military claims in deference to the 
whim and partiality of some of your members? Did I not 
consent to serve under an old Churchwarden, of whom you 
had conceived a most extravagant and ridiculous opinion ? 
Your eyes were at length opened, and Deacon Ward returned 
to his proper occupation; and would you now, a second 
time, (do you think it consistent with decency, I may say 
gratitude or common honesty,) load me with a similar dis- 
grace? Have | betrayed any ignorance in my profession ? 
Have I shown a deficiency in courage? Am I slackened in 
my zeal or industry? What have I done to merit such an 
indignity? What part of my conduct can justify your har- 
bouring such an idea? Have not I staked my fortune, life, 
and reputation, in your cause? Is there a service in Europe, 
to speak proudly, (your injurious proposal forces me to it.) 
is there a service in Europe, where, with some small reputa- 
tion and my powerful friends, I might not expect the same 
rank L now hold? Have I not made myself a voluntary 
slave for the insurances of American freedom? Have I, 
sleeping or waking, employed a single thought bat for her 
welfare, glory, or advantage? 

But enough of this. You ask my opinion, and I will 
freely, explicitly, and concisely give it to you. If the Con- 
gress supersede me, I will, 1 must obey; but I hope, in 
common justice, and for their own honour, that they will 
reéstablish me, at least in part, in the easy fortune which I 
have forfeited, so as to enable me to retire from a service 
to which I am no longer thought adequate. 


429 


Before I conclude, let me once more repeat confidentially 
to you, that if Buckwith is the man in whose favour you 
meditate so gross a piece of injustice, you will make a very 
bad bargain, as he is certainly, unless fame belies him, 
neither possessed of courage, abilities, or integrity. In 
God’s name, if a real genius, or acknowledged hero, favour- 
ed by Heaven with a more than common portion of ethereal 
spirit, should present himself, (a la Lippe, or Braganza,) 
receive him with open arms, as an immediate present from 
God, aud invest him with the command of the whole. No 
man loves, respects, and reverences another, more than I 
do General Washington. 1 esteem his virtues, private and 
publick; I know him to be a man of sense, courage, and 
firmness; but if a hero should start up, endowed with the 
attributes which, according to my persuasion, reside in the 
two I have mentioned, and who would charge himself with 
the mighty task of your political salvation, General Washing- 
ton ought, and, Lam convinced, would resign the truncheon. 
But that a little, paltry, impudent adventurer should sneak- 
ingly stipulate for the second rank, when, if his motives were 
pure, he could be equally serviceable in the third, fourth, 
fifth, or sixth, it is not to be endured, it is a gross imposition 
on common understanding, and a grosser attempt to rob an 
individual. I must beg and conjure you, my dear friend, for 
such I am sure you are, to consider the delicate, perhaps you 
will say false, notions in which soldiers are bred; and that 
you will be careful of putting to so severe a trial the sensi- 
bility of one, who is, most sincerely, devotedly, and affec- 
tionately, yours, Cuarwes Lee. 
Do Eads 

P.S. Iam extremely shocked with the pallid complexion 
of your publick councils. Is it possible that such a despicable 
group as the Maryland Convention should lay an embargo 
on the great vessel of the Commonwealth! Can you be so 
weak as to hunt for the chimera Absolute Unanimity! Why 
do you not advise the aggregate of the people to enfranchise 
themselves? Your idea of quitting Canada from want of 
specie is to me inconceivable, when you can or ought to 
command plate sufficient to purchase ten Canadas. 


Williamsburgh, July 19, 1776. 

From Hampton we learn, that advice was brought there, 
from the Eastern-Shore, of a tender, mounting two carriage 
and twelve swivel guns, being driven ashore in a squall of 
wind, five or six days ago, with eighteen pirates on board, 
(among them Mr. James Parker, late of Norfolk, merchant,) 
who immediately surrendered themselves to a party of our 
troops, and begged for quarters. A boat from another tender, 
her consort, attempted to cut her out from the creek where 
she was secured, but our people, perceiving their design, laid 
in ambush for them, and, when nigh enough, rushed into the 
water and fired upon them, killing five of the crew, it was sup- 
posed, as three were seen to fall overboard, and two to drop 
down in the boat ; upon which the pirates tacked about, and 
rowed faster than they came to their tender. 

Benjamin Woodward, against whom an information was 
lodged for attempting to counterfeit the paper currency of 
the American States, was brought to town last Wednesday, 
with four other persons, suspected to be accomplices, and 
lodged in the publick jail. They were taken in Pittsylvania 
County, with types and other implements to carry on their 
wicked and destructive schemes. 


COLONEL A. SOMERVILLE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 17, 1776. 
GeytLemen: You will be informed by Mr. Hopewell 
that the enemy hath landed on S¢. George’s Island; that 
Captain Beall is wounded; that they want men in S¢. Mary’s. 
I shall proceed down to their assistance with about fifty of 
the best men that I can get, now stationed at Drum Point, 
and shall leave orders for as many more to follow, unless 
ordered otherwise by you, and shall leave a guard at Drum 
Point. 1 shall want cash to victual the men who go to 
St. Mary’s. Please send us such sum by bearer as you 
may think sufficient, which. shall be accounted for. You 
will also send orders. Major Wilkinson commands in Cal- 
vert until Colonel Marshall's return. 
Gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
Avex, SOMERVILLE. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


430 


GEORGE SCOTT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Fredericktown, July 19, 1776. 
Honovurep Sir: Some time past I purchased a parcel of 
country linen, about four hundred and twenty yards, in order 
to send into the lower Counties to get a quantity of wool for 
our factory, but on inquiry found it could not be had, there 
being a great scarcity of that necessary article. It is very 
well calculated for the troops, and I have been told that the 
Council of Safety wanted a quantity for that purpose. Should 
you incline to take it, please give me an answer by Mr. 
John Ross Key, the bearer of this, who will return in a few 
days. 
I am, honoured sir, your obedient servant, 
Grorce Scorr. 


THOMAS BOURK TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Cambridge, July 19, 1776. 


Gent iemen: I have to acquaint you that we have not 
met with the wished-for success in raising the company you 
ordered us to raise in this County. ‘The Militia having been 
discharged till after harvest, we have not had an opportunity 
of recruiting the men; add to this, that on my returning from 
Annapolis, the Cambridge Blues were ordered to march 
to the straits, where the enemy was said to have landed; 
unwilling to desert them at a time of danger, I commanded 
them on that occasion, so that it has not been in my power 
to exert myself as yet. Mr. Lynch has made up his com- 
plement; they are here, and are a likely set of men. We 
have about forty or fifty men engaged; in Somerset there 
were none willing toengage. I expect some next week from 
Worcester, I wait to know how many, which, when informed 
of, shall proceed to_Annapolis, to receive your orders whether 
[ shall continue to inlist or not. Our Militia companies will 
meet next. week, when we shall have a better opportunity 
of completing our number. Could I have engaged to 
take the men into immediate pay, the company would 
have been nearly completed. Mr. Lynch carries our watr- 
rants. 

I am, gentlemen, your obedient humble servant, 

Tuomas Bourk. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland, An- 
napolis. 


GENERAL HOOPER TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Dorchester County, July 19, 1776. 


Sir: On receipt of yours of the 15th instant, I immedi- 
ately ordered a draught of fifteen privates and proper officers 
to be made from each company of Militia of this brigade, 
and those draughted in Dorchester and Caroline Counties to 
be stationed in Dorchester, and the draughted Militia of 
Somerset and Worcester Counties to be stationed in Somerset 
County. The men so draughted are ordered to be at the 
several places of rendezvous on Wednesday, the 24th instant. 

If your Board should not approve of this disposition of the 
Militia, you will please to let me know it, and I shall make 
such alterations therein as you may direct. Although I have 
ordered out the Militia, to be in readiness to repel any at- 
tempt of the enemy to land in this district, agreeably to your 
directions, yet [ think it will be difficult to keep them to- 
gether without some money. ‘The country people here who 
have provisions to sell show a great unwillingness to part 
with it, unless paid for at the same time. I would therefore 
wish that your Board would take some order about subsist- 
ing the Militia of this district, when called out in defence of 
the Province, by directing that the Treasurer of the Eastern 
Shore should pay to the Committee of Observation for Dor- 
chester County such a sum of money as you may think neces- 
sary, to be applied for the purpose of victualling and subsisting 
the Militia of the lower district when in actual service, as 
the commanding officer of said brigade shall direct. I have 
applied to General Chamberlain for four hundred pounds of 
cunpowder and sixteen pounds of lead. If you should have 
received any further intelligence of Dunmore and his fleet, T 
should be glad to know it. 

I am, respectfully, sir, your very humble servant, 

Henry Hooper. 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenzfer, President of the 


Council of Safety. 


431 


COLONEL WILLIAM HARRISON TO THE MARYLAND COUNCIL OF 
SAFETY. 
Charles County, July 19, 1776. 
Sir: Under cover hereof you will please receive enrol- 
ments of two Militia Companies, viz: John Thomas’s and 
Richard Bennett Mitchel’ s, the former in the Twelfth and the 
latter in the Twenth-Sixth Battalion. They have been 
properly examined; and as I am in momentary expectation 
that the whole or part of the Militia here may be called to 
the aid of St. Mary’s, must request your Board to issue com- 
missions thereon, and have them transmitted me by the ear- 
liest opportunity. 
[ am, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, 
Wit. Harrison. 


GENERAL DENT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Charles River, Head-Quarters, July 19, 1776. 

GentLemen: On my arrival at this place on the 16th 
instant, I found there had been an engagement with the 
enemy, with no other loss but the misfortune of Captain 
Rezin Beall being badly wounded, though it is hoped not 
mortally. 

By four deserters who came over to us yesterday, we are 
informed the mate or Midshipman of the Roebuck was killed 
in the action. By the best information, the enemy have not 
more than fifty regulars of the Fourteenth Regiment, about 
one hundred and fifty Tories, and one hundred negroes, that 
bear arms; all of whom are landed every morning and em- 
barked in the evening, under cover of the fleet, which con- 
tinues in the mouth of the St. Mary’s river, opposite to the 
lower end of St. George’s Island. Our strength at present 
is about four hundred Militia, exclusive of the Independent 
and Captain Forrest’s company. I made bold, immediate- 
ly on my arrival (the strength of the enemy being much 
magnified) to order to our assistance three full companies of 
Militia from Colonel Hawkins’s battalion, to be selected 
from the interior part of the County, which I expect will 
arrive about to-morrow evening, when I shall discharge an 
equal number of the most necessitous of those now on duty. 
The fleet (which at first consisted of eighty sail) is now 
reduced to little more than half that number, many of the 
tenders and square-rigged vessels having gone to Virginia, 
opposite the mouth of Potomack, where a pretty constant 
cannonade has been kept up ever since I have been here. 

We are told by the deserters (two more of which have 
come over since I began to write) that the fleet intend only 
to wood and water on the Island, burn all or most of their 
small craft, and proceed to sea. 

Had we a few great guns at a place called Cherry Fields 
Point, well planted and served, we might annoy the fleet so 
as to oblige them to quit their station. Captain Forrest's 
company has relieved an equal number of the Militia, who 
readily parted with their arms, such as they were. 

I shall, as often as anything of consequence happens, com- 
municate it to you with the utmost despatch; till when, I am 
your most obedient servant, 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety. 


Jno. Denrv.. 


CUNNINGHAM’S EXAMINATION. 


Q. In what occupation did you act in Virginia? A. I 
was a book-keeper there to Messrs. Jameson & Co. 

Q. What became of Mr. Jameson? A. In the fleet. 

Q. What vessel were you on board? A. The Dolphin 
brig. 

Q. Did you continue in the same vessel, or did you land 
at Gwin’s Island? A. No. I never landed. 

Q. What time did you leave Gwin’s Island, and what 
was the cause? A. We were obliged to leave it by batte- 
ries being erected on shore. 

Q. Was any damage done to the shipping? A. To 
Dunmore’s vessel: the boatswain was killed; a man lost 
his arm. 

Q. None killed on the Island?) .A. None. 

Q. What condition were the people in on board? 
Sickly—the small pox ; the negroes had the jail fever. 

Q. What number were there? A. Not above three 
hundred in arms. 


Q. Who commands them? 
mands. 


A. 


A. Col. Bird’s son com- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


A32 
Q. How many died and were buried at G@. Island? A. 1 


think there must have been five hundred. 


Q. How were you provided with provisions? A. Salt 
beef enough for troops. 
Q. How many families on board the fleet? 4. I sup- 


pose one thousand souls. 

Q. How many did the ships bring from the Eastern 
Shore? A. One hundred and fifty; fifty belonging to the 
Fourteenth Regiment. They did not exceed three hundred 
in all. 

Q. How many did land upon St. George’s Island? A. 
I don’t know. None but soldiers. 

Q. How many marines on board? 
Fowey 25, Otter 15. 

Q. Did you know where they were going? A. No. 

Q. Did you come up, or did you drift ashore? A. I 
came up voluntarily. 

Q. Whose property was that in the vessel ? 
sold at vendue. 

Q. Were the people inoculated on board? 

Q@. Whose property was the molasses? 
part. 

Q. Was Governour Eden on board the Fowey? A. Yes, 
I have seen him walking the deck. 

Q. Did you know the Fowey was upon the Eastern 
Shore? A. Yes. The Governour was not on board. 

Q. Did they consent you should come off? .A. No. 

Q. Was it in the night that you left the fleet? 4. In 
the night; the fléet was after wood and water. 

Q. Have you plenty of bread? A. Yes. 

Q. Were there any troops armed at G. Island? A. No. 
No troops, but part of the Fourteenth Regiment. 

Q. Do the tenders ply out in the bay? A. Yes. They 
were cruising. 

Q. Do you know when Governour Eden goes home ? 
A. Yes; he goes in a store-ship. 

Q. How much stock was got upon Eastern Shore? A. 
The private families get no share of it. I saw cattle on 
decks. 

. Do the tenders go out in the bay a cruising? 
Yes; I have seen them out in the bay. 

Q. How long were they inoculated, and was it done to 
communicate it to the people on shore? .4. By no means; 
every one in the fleet inoculated that had it not. 

Q. How many men in the gondolas? A. Ten men on 
each side. As to the fleet, Captain Hammond and Lord 
Dunmore at variance. I don’t think Governour Eden has 
anything to do with the fleet. The Lively frigate at the 
Capes. Molasses at a bit; good West-India rum at 2s. 
Qd. Marines and sailors would desert, but no others. 
Not the 14th. 

Q. What distance Fowey from the shore? A. Musket- 
shot. 

. What number of vessels in the fleet ? 
two. Many small boats. 

Q. Did you not say that the fleet was going to sea? A. 
Yes; a signal given from Dunmore for masters of ships to 
come on board to receive orders, that they were going to St. 
Augustine. 

Q. Did you leave any vessels? A. Two tenders in the 
straits. ‘['wo four-pounders, two two-pounders. Dunmore 
three six-pounders fired, &c. Slipt her cables. The Otter 
upon careen with her guns out. 

Q. How long was it after the cannonade commenced 
before you left it? .A. Immediately upon the first discharge 
of cannon. 

Q. Where did you get beef? A. From Antigua: a 
brig with five hundred barrels; a store-ship with five hun- 
dred barrels. 

Q. What execution was done to your tenders on the 
Eastern Shore? .A. One man kilied, and eight or nine 
wounded. 

Q. Money plenty? .d. Yes. Commodore Hammond 
the best man in the Navy. Captain Hammond will convey 
them all out safe to sea. 

Q. Has not Lord Dunmore sent people about to commu- 
nicate the information? A. Not tomy knowledge. Captain 
Hammond not to continue on the Eastern Shore—to go to 
New-York. 

Q. How many guns has the Lively? A. Thirty or 
thirty-six, Eleven shot. The Dunmore, eighteen. 


A. Roebuck 75, 


A. It was 


A. Yes. 
A. I bought 


A. 


A. Seventy- 


433 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL DORSEY. 
[No. 57.] Annapolis, July 19, 1776. 
Sir: At present we do not desire you to send in any more 
of your Militia. Should it be necessary hereafter, we will 
inform you; and from their readiness, which we have hitherto 
experienced, doubt not their being here in proper time. 
We are, Xe. 
To Colonel Dorsey. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COUNCIL OF SAFETY OF 
VIRGINIA. 
[No. 58.] Annapolis, July 19, 1776. 

Sir: Your favour communicating the intelligence that the 
enemy’s fleet had been driven from their station, and their 
forces obliged to abandon Guin’s Island, came safe to hand, 
and demands our acknowledgments. 

They have since arrived in Potomack, and landed some 
men on St. George’s Island, at the mouth of St. Mary’s 
River, where they have thrown up intrenchments. We are 
making preparations to dislodge them as soon as possible. 

In return, we congratulate you on our success in the 
southern quarter; and we are, Xc. 


To the Hon. John Page, Esq., President of the Council of 

Virginia. 

P.S. We have ordered Mr. Hughes to send immediately 
to Georgetown two eighteen-pounders, for the use of your 
Colony, to be delivered to Messrs. Mayson and Dalton’s 
orders. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DOCTOR WEISENTHALL. 
{No. 59.] Annapolis, July 19, 1776. 

Sm: Doctor Tootle has been with us. Since his journey 
to Baltimore, he is uncertain how far you intend to act as 
physician to the Matross company now at Baltimore town, 
or any of the Militia of the Flying-Camp that may be sta- 
tioned there, in lieu of those companies of the battalion who 
are marched to New-York. We should be obliged to you 
for a line given in answer to these doubts of his, that we 
may know how to conduct ourselves in the nomination of an 
assistant to act in that department. We are, &c. 


To Doctor Charles Frederick Weisenthall. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JOHN WEST. 

[No. 60.] _ Annapolis, July 19, 1776. 

Sir: Your letter of yesterday I received, and laid it before 
our Council, who have directed me to assure you, that every 
friendly assistance in their power shall be cheerfully afforded 
our neighbours, upon every emergency that may require it. 
We derive great comfort from the competence of your powers 
and the promise you have been pleased to make, of flying to 
our assistance whenever it should be necessary. We can 
order our regular forces out of the Province; the Militia we 
cannot; but the Colonels in each County are authorized to 
call out the Militia to act in the. Province, whenever they 
see occasion to do it. Iam, &c. 


To John West, Esq., President of the Committee of Alex- 


andria. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO STEPHEN STEWART. 
[No. 61.] Annapolis, July 19, 1776. 
Sir: James Cray attends you, with a vessel that he is 
offering for sale to the Council of Safety; but as we are by 
no means judges of the value, or whether or not she will 
answer our purpose, we have referred him to you for exami- 


nation, and shall be very glad to hear from you upon that 
head. We are, &c. 


To Mr. Stephen Stewart. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THE CHARLES COUNTY 
COMMITTEE. 
[No. 62.] Annapolis, July 19, 1776. 
Gentiemen: We have sent you £200 by Charles Lans- 
dale, which we request the favour of you to apply to the 
account of subsistence of that part of Captain Beall’s com- 
pany stationed at Port-Tobacco. We are, Xc. 


To the Committee of Observation of Charles County. 


Firtu Serics.—Vot. I. 28 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


434 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DELEGATES IN CONGRESS, 
[No. 63.] Annapolis, July 19, 1776. 

GrntLemen: Enclosed we send you copies of some let- 
ters we have received from Colonel Barnes and Colonel 
Jordan, giving us an account of Lord Dunmore’s squadron 
having appeared near the mouth of S¢. Mary’s River, in a 
hostile manner, and that some of them had landed on St. 
George’s Island. In consequence of these advices, we have 
countermanded the orders to Captain Thomas and Captain 
Hindman, whom we wish to keep in the Province, to assist 
in repelling the invasion. We do not expect Dunmore will 
stay long at St. George’s Island. Expect he will move up 
Potomack, or to the Kastern-Shore; perhaps up the Bay to 
Annapolis, or Baltimore town. We shall send you further 
intellizence as soon as we receive it. 

Our Flying-Camp are coming in almost every day. But 
many a question has arisen as to their subsistence. Neither 
Congress nor Convention have made any provision for rations 
during the time the men are drawing together, nor whilst 
they remain unarmed, and unprovided with necessaries, 
which will amount to something considerable. We intend 
finding rations for the battalion that is to supply the place of 
our own regulars. We wish you to apply to the Congress, 
and let us know what is to be done about subsistence for the 
other battalions. ‘They are all coming to us to be supplied 
with almost every necessary, and you may judge our situa- 
tion is very disagreeable, not having it in our power to 
answer their demands. Our Militia, in a general way, during 
this time of invasion, cannot be persuaded to lend their arms. 
Most of those who inlist have none of their own. We take 
it for granted, it would answer very little purpose to send 
you a number of men unarmed, and unprovided with neces- 
saries, and therefore do not order them forward. 

We congratulate you on the victory that hath been obtained 
in South-Carolina by the Americans over the British fleet. 
Some of Commodore Parker’s squadron have met with a 
severe drubbing, according to the particulars we have heard, 
of which we doubt not you have more perfect information 
before this time. We send you the Maryland Gazette, in 
which are inserted some particulars of the damage sustained 
by Commodore Parker. 

We have information from below, that Lord Dunmore 
hath been beat off at Gwin’s Island; and we have too much 
reason to believe, by intelligence from a deserter, who was 
examined before us yesterday, that Governour Eden is still 
on board the Fowey. ‘They have seventy-two sail of ves- 
sels—divers of them small sharp-rigged sloops or boats. 

We have received Mr. Stone’s letter of the 12th; but 
know not what answer to give as to supplying tents, until 
we can see how our canvass holds out. Do not believe it 
will be in our power to furnish any in time. 

We are, &c. 


To the Deputies for Maryland, in Congress. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 19, 1776. 
Sir: My earnestness to convey to you, as soon as pos- 
sible, the intelligence this moment received from South- 
Carolina, on which I most ‘sincerely congratulate you, I am 
confident, will apologize for my not adding more than to 
tell you, that enclosed you will find the copy of General 
Lee’s letter, and the account from the deserters who escaped 
after the action. Iam loath to hinder the express one mo- 
ment. He is ready; and I will only say, that the enclosed 
resolves of Congress were this day passed, and to which I beg 
leave to refer you. I will write General Schuyler to-morrow. 
You will please not to print the letter, &c., received from 
General Lee, as by to-morrow’s post I shall write you again, 
and forward the account printed for the publick information. 
I have the honour to be, with great regard, sir, your most 
obedient and very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 
To His Excellency General Washington. 


N.B. I cannot detain the express to give you the par- 
ticulars of Governour Rutledge’s letter; but will print it, 
with the other parts submitted to me by Congress, and for- 
ward you by to-morrow’s post. 

God bless you, my dear sir. May you ever be under 
the Divine protection, and see a happy issue to your noble 
exertions! Yours, 


435 


Charlestown, July 2, 1776. 


Sir: I should have done myself the honour sooner of 
informing the Congress of the attack made by the enemy’s 
squadron on Sullivan’s Island, and their repulse, but conjec- 
tured that by waiting a day or twoI might probably be furnish- 
ed with the means of sending a more minute, full, and satisfac- 
tory account. My conjecture was right; for yesterday five 
seamen made their escape, one of whom is a more intelligent 
fellow than is commonly found amongst men of his level. En- 
closed is a copy of their narrative: some parts of it are 
perhaps too whimsical and trivial to merit the attention of 
Congress; but I think it my duty to present it as It Is, without 
adding or curtailing a circumstance. I think, sir, 1 may 
venture to congratulate the Congress on the event: not only 
the advantages must be considerable, but the affair reflects 
no small credit on the American arms. 

On Friday, about eleven o’clock, the Commodore, with 
his whole squadron, consisting of two line-of-battle ships and 
six frigates, the rates of which are marked in the enclosed 
narrative, anchored at less than half musket-shot from the 
Fort, and commenced one of the most furious and incessant 
fires I ever saw or heard of. Jt was manifestly their plan to 
Jand at the same time their whole Regulars at the east end 
of the Island, and of course invest the Fort by land and sea. 
As the garrison was composed entirely of raw troops, both 
men and officers, as I knew their ammunition was short, and 
as the bridge by which we could reinforce or call off the 
troops from the Island was unfinished, you may easily con- 
ceive my anxiety. It was so great that I was in suspense 
whether [ should evacuate it or not. Fortunately, whilst I 
was in this state of suspense, some ammunition arrived from 
the town, and my aid-de-camp, Mr. Byrd, returning from the 
Island with a flattering report of the garrison’s spirit, I deter- 
mined to support it at all hazards. On this principle, I 
thought it my duty to cross over to the Island, to encourage 
the garrison by my presence; but I might have saved myself 
that trouble, for I found on my arrival they had no occasion 
for any sort of encouragement—I found them determined 
and cool to the last degree; their behaviour would in fact 
have done honour to the oldest troops. I beg leave, sir, 
therefore, to recommend, in the strongest terms, to the Con- 
gress, the commanding officer Colonel Moultrie, and his whole 
garrison, as braversoldiers and excellent citizens. Nor must 
I omit at the same time mentioning Colonel Thompson, who, 
with the South-Carolina Rangers and a detachment of the 
North- Carolina Regulars, repulsed the enemy in two several 
attempts to make a lodgment at the other extremity of the 
Island. 

Our loss, considering the heat and duration of the fire, 
was inconsiderable. We had only ten men killed on the 
spot, and twenty-two wounded, seven of whom lost their 
limbs; but with their limbs they did not lose their spirits, for 
they enthusiastically encouraged their commander never to 
abandon the standard of liberty and their country. This I do 
assure you, sir, is not in the style of gasconading romance, 
usual after every successful action; but literally a fact. I 
with great pleasure mention the circumstance, as it augurs 
well to the cause of freedom. At eleven the fire ceased, 
having continued just twelve hours without the least inter- 
mission. 

What the enemy’s intentions are now, it is impossible to 
divine. I am inclined to think they will (if they can repass 
the bar) bend their course to Chesapeake or Hampton Bay. 
Perhaps shame and rage may prompt their land forces to 
some attempt before their departure. On my part, I shall 
spare no pains to discover their intentions and bafile their 
schemes. 

As Georgia is a district of the command with which you 
have honoured me, I thought it prudent to request some of 
their Members to a conference with the President of this 
Province and myself; they accepted the invitation, and gave 
us great satisfaction, from their intelligence and good sense. 
Enclosed is their deliberation. 

That Province is certainly of the last importance to the 
common cause, and the mode of protecting it pointed out by 
these gentlemen is, in my opinion, in all its parts, wise and 
necessary. ‘T’hey had conceived a notion that I had powers 
to augment their establishment. I assured them that I had 
no such powers; but both Mr. Rutledge and myself gave it 
as our opinion, that any expenses manifestly beyond their 
faculties, which they might incur in the common cause, would 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


436 


be repaid by the Congress; and in this persuasion we ven- 
tured to encourage them to augment their Cavalry without 
loss of time, and make the proposed present of cattle to the 
Indians. Indeed, sir, without a strong corps of Cavalry, 
I do not see how it is possible to protect these southern Col- 
onies; and with one thousand good Cavalry I think I could 
insure their protection. From the want of this species of 
troops, Charleston and its dependencies had certainly been 
lost, if the enemy had acted with the vigour and expedition 
we had reason to expect; but a most unaccountable languor 
and inertness on their part saved us. If the scheme I pro- 
posed in Virginia had been approved and adopted, it would 
have been not only a security, but considerable economy ; 
the forage was to have been the only expense. Now I am 
upon this subject, I cannot help mentioning that I have been 
informed that this project has been considered by some gen- 
tlemen as a sort of presumption in me arrogating such a power; 
but I fancy the affair was not properly understood: I saw 
the immediate necessity of such a corps; I knew they could 
be raised immediately by these means; and at the same time 
I was given to understand by several gentlemen of the Vir- 
ginia Convention, that, should the Continental Congress dis- 
approve of the expense, (trifling as it was,) there was little 
doubt of their Convention defraying it. But in fact, sir, the 
measure seemed necessary for the salvation of the Provinces, 
and not a day was to be lost, which I hope will fully justify 
my conduct. And I must beg leave to repeat my assertion, 
that without Cavalry these Provinces cannot be easily 
defended. 

I wish some means could be devised of reducing East 
Florida to an American Province. Had I force sufficient, 
I should, with your permission, certainly attempt it. The 
advantages would be great and manifold. The augmentation 
of the Georgia Cavalry, I sincerely hope may be approved 
of by the Congress. Enclosed is the establishment and pay 
proposed for them. I think the terms not high. 

I shall now, sir, conclude, with expressing the high satis- 
faction I have received from the zeal, activity, and publick 
spirit, of the gentlemen and inhabitants of this city and 
Province, from the President of Council down to the lowest 
order of the people; and assuring you that I have not in my 
military capacity met with the least obstruction or difficulty, 
but that we have all worked in concert and harmony for 
the common good. 

I most earnestly request you will pay my respects to the 
Congress; and be persuaded, sir, that Iam, most entirely and 


devotedly, your most obedient servant, rere a 


To the Honourable John Hancock, President of the Conti- 


nental Congress. 


P.S. As Georgia has been particularly unfortunate in their 
adventures for powder, and as my command is so extensive, 
I must conjure Congress to send an ample supply. 


Circumstantial account of the proceedings of the Bririsu 
Fleet and Army, both before and after their defeat at 
Suuiivan’s Isnanp, on the 28th of June, 1776. 


On the Ist of June, his Excellency the President received 
advices of a fleet of forty or fifty sail being at anchor about 
six leagues to the northward of Sulhvan’s Island. Accounts 
of the arrival of Sir Peter Parker’s fleet in North- Carolina, 
and that it was destined either for Virginia or this Province, 
having been received about three weeks before, put it beyond 
a doubt that this was his fleet. Next morning the alarm 
was fired, expresses having been sent, ordering the country 
Militia to town. ‘The fortifications were all visited by his 
Excellency and General Armstrong, and preparations for 
the most vigorous defence ordered. In the evening a man- 
of-war, thought to be a twenty-gun ship, beat up to wind- 
ward, and anchored off the bar; next day she was joined by 
a frigate; and on the day following, (June 4,) by upwards of 
fifty sail of men-of-war, transports, tenders, &c. We have 
since learned that the men-ol-war were the Bristol, of fifty 
guns, on board of which the Commodore had his flag; the 
Solebay, Captain Symonds, twenty-eight; Syren, Captain 
Furneaux, twenty-eight; Active, Captain Willams, twenty- 
eight; Acteon, Captain Atkins, twenty-eight; Sphinx, Cap- 
tain Hunt, twenty; Ranger sloop of eight; Thunder (bomb) 
of six guns and two mortars, one of them thirteen inches, 
and the other eleven; an armed ship, called the Friendship, 


437 


of eighteen guns, with some smaller armed vessels. . The 
same day Captain Mowat arrived from North-Carolina, 
with an express from General Lee, informing that the fleet 
had left North-Carolina, and that he would be here as 
speedily as possible, with several Continental regiments, to 
our assistance. 

A few days after the arrival of the fleet, several transports 
and small armed vessels went to Long-Island, (situated to 
the eastward of Sullivan’s Island, from which it is separated 
by a small creek called the Breach,) where they landed a 
large body of troops, who encamped there. ‘The wind and 
tide being favourable for the four following days, about thirty- 
six vessels came over the bar, and anchored at about three 
miles distance from Sudlivan’s Island. ‘Two of their trans- 
ports got aground in coming over; one got off, but the other 
went to pieces. On the 10th the Bristol came over, her 
guns being previously taken out. 

On the 7th, a boat, with a flag of truce from the enemy, 
came towards the Island, but was fired on by an ignorant 
sentinel. The boat thereupon immediately put about, and 
would not return, notwithstanding the officer who was sent 
to receive the flag waved his handkerchief, and desired them 
to come ashore. Next day Colonel Moultrie sent an officer 
to the fleet to acquaint them of the sentinel’s having fired 
without orders, and that he was ready to receive anything 
they had to send. General Clinton was satisfied with the 
apology, and said the intention of the flag’s being sent was 
only to deliver the following Proclamation, which the officer 
brought ashore: 


By Major-General Cursronx, Commander of His Majesty’s Forces in the 
Southern Provinces of NortH AMERICA: 


A ProcLAMATION. 


Whereas a most unprovoked and wicked rebellion hath for some time 

ast prevailed, and doth now exist within his Majesty’s Province of 
Warne Caroling: and the inhabitants (forgetting their allegiance to their 
Sovereign, and denying the authority of the laws and statutes of the 
Realm) have, in a succession of crimes, proceeded to the total subversion 
of all lawful authority, usurping the powers of Government, and erecting 
a tyranny in the hands of Congresses and Committees of various denomi- 
nations, utterly unknown and repugnant to the spirit of the British Con- 
stitution; and divers people, in defiance to all legal authority, are now 
actually in arms, waging unnatural war against their King; and whereas 
all attempts to reclaim the infatuated and misguided multitude to a sense 
of their error have unhappily proved ineffectual,—I have it in command 
to proceed forthwith against all such men, or bodies of men in arms, 
and against all such Congresses and Committees thus unlawfully estab- 
lished, as against open enemies to the State. But, considering it a duty 
inseparable from the principle of humanity, first of all to forewarn the 
deluded people of the miseries ever attendant upon civil war, I do most 
earnestly entreat and exhort them, as they tender their own happiness 
and that of their posterity, to appease the vengeance of an injured and 
justly incensed nation by a return to their duty to our common Sovereign, 
and to the blessings of a free Government, as established by law, hereby 
offering, in his Majesty’s name, free pardon to all such as shall lay down 
their arms and submit to the laws, excepting only from the benefit of 
such pardon Cornelius Harnett and Robert Howe. And I do hereby re- 
quire that the Provincial Congress, and all Committees of Safety, and 
other unlawful associations, be dissolved, and the Judges allowed to hold 
their Courts according to the Jaws and Constitution of this Province, of 
which all persons are required to take notice, as they will answer the 
contrary at their utmost peril. 

Given on board the Pallas transport, in Cape-Fear River, in the Pro- 
vince of North-Carolina, the 5th day of May, 1776, and in the sixteenth 


ar of his Majesty’s reign. 
Mh org = H. Cuinton. 


By command of General Clinton: R. Reave, Secretary. 

Major-General Lee, Brigadier-General Howe, Colonel 
Bullitt, Colonel Jenifer, Otway Byrd, and Lewis Morris, 
Esqs., Aids-de-camp to General Lee, with some other gen- 
tlemen, arrived at Haddrell’s Point in the morning of the 
9th. After having viewed the fortifications there and on 
Sullivan’s and James’s Islands, they came to town. Orders 
being given on the 10th for a number of buildings on the 
wharves to be pulled down, intrenchments to be thrown up 
all around the town, and barricadoes to be made in the prin- 
cipal streets, every person, without distinction, were employed 
on those works. 

On the 12th there blew a violent storm, in which an hos- 
pital ship and the Friendship, which were at anchor on the 
other side of the bar, were obliged to put out to sea, but 
returned in a few days after. A schooner having on board 
some provisions and coals, drifting a little way from the fleet, 
was taken by one of our pilot-boats, and brought totown. Her 
crew took to their boat on observing the pilot-boat’s approach. 

His Excellency the President on the 14th proposed to 
the Militia under arms an oath of fidelity, which was volun- 
tarily and readily taken by every one present excepting 
three. ‘The next morning it was proposed to the country 
Militia doing duty in town, and to the Artillery companies, 
when it met with their unanimous assent. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


438 


A sloop from the West-Indies for this port, with a cargo 
of gunpowder, arms, rum, &c., having, in the afternoon of 
the 16th, descried the fleet, attempted to make her escape ; 
but, through the ignorance of her pilot, run aground and 
bilged. Next day she was discovered by the men-of-war ; 
and a tender, with several boats full of armed men, came 
towards her. The crew, being only twenty-two men, unable 
to cope with such a force in the situation the vessel was in, 
quitted her. She was soon after boarded, set on fire, and 
blew up with great explosion. 

By some sailors who deserted from the Ranger sloop, 
lying near Long-Island, we were informed that the land 
forces were about two thousand eight hundred (some say 
three thousand three hundred) men, under the command of 
Major-General Clinton, who had under him Major-General 
Lord Cornwallis and Brigadier-General Vaughan. 

On the 2lst, our advanced party at the northeast end of 
Sullivan’s Island fired several shot at the armed schooner 
Lady Wilham, an armed sloop, and a pilot-boat, lying in 
the creek, between Long-Island and the main; several of 
which hulled them. For several mornings and evenings 
the enemy threw shells, and fired from some field-pieces on 
our advanced post, but without any effect. 

A large ship hove in sight on the 25th, in the morning. 
She was thought to be the Roebuck, but we have since 
learned she was the Experiment, Captain Scott, of fifty guns. 
Next day she came over, having her guns out. On the day 
following, the 27th, between nine and ten in the forenoon, 
as soon as the Evvperiment had her guns all in, the Commo- 
dore hoisted his topsails, fired a gun, and got under way. 
His example was followed by several others of the men-of- 
war; but a squall coming on, and the wind shifting from 
southeast to the opposite quarter, prevented their coming 
much nearer at that time. In the afternoon, the Commo- 
dore again got under way, and came about a mile nearer 
Sullivan’s Island. 

Next morning, June 28th, the following was the disposi- 
tion of the ships-of-war: The Friendship, at the distance of 
about a mile and a half from Sullivan’s Island, covering the 
Thunder (bomb); the Solebay, Sphinx, Bristol, Active, Ex- 
periment, Acteon, and Syren. About half an hour past ten 
o’clock in the forenoon, the Thunder began throwing shells 
on Fort Sullivan, and the Active, Bristol, Experiment, and 
Solebay, came boldly up to the attack, in the order their 
names are put down. A little before eleven o’clock the 
garrison fired four or five shot at the Active, while under 
sail, some of which struck her; these she did not seem to 
regard till within about three hundred and fifty yards of the 
fort, when she dropped anchor and poured in a broadside. 
Her example was in a few minutes followed by the other 
three vessels, when there ensued one of the most heavy and 
incessant cannonades perhaps ever known. The bomb ves- 
sel was at the same time throwing shells; a firing was heard 
from the advanced post at the northeast end of the Island, 
and more vessels were seen coming up. Our brave garrison, 
(consisting of the Second Regiment of Provincials, a detach- 
ment of Artillery, and some Volunteers,) under all these 
difficulties, which to the far greater part were entirely new, 
encouraged by the example of their gallant commander, 
Colonel William Moultrie, and the rest of the officers, 
behaved with the cool intrepidity of veterans. Our cannon 
were well served, and did dreadful execution. About twelve 
o'clock the Sphinx, Acteon, and Syren, got entangled with 
a shoal, called the Middle Ground. The two first ran foul 
of each other; the Sphinx got off with the loss of her bow- 
sprit, but the Acteon stuck fast. The Syren also got off. 
Much about the same time, the bomb vessel ceased firing, 
after having thrown upwards of sixty shells. We have since 
Jearned that her beds got damaged, and that it will require 
much repairing before she is fit for service again. In the 
afternoon the enemy’s fire was increased by that of the Syren 
and Friendship, which came within five hundred yards of 
the fort. 

Till near seven o’clock was the enemy’s fire kept up 
without intermission. It slackened considerably after that, 
and they only returned the garrison’s fire, but generally 
twentyfold. At half after nine, the firmg on both sides 
ceased, and at eleven, the ships slipped their cables. 

About the time the ships came up, an armed schooner 
and sloop came nearer our advanced post, in order to cover 
the landing of their troops, and every other preparation for 


439 


that purpose was made. The soldiers even got into their 
boats, and a number of shells were thrown into our intrench- 
ment, but did no other damage than wounding one soldier. 
Notwithstanding which they never once attempted to land. 
At the advanced post were stationed Colonel Thompson, with 
his Rangers, some companies of Militia, and a detachment 
of Artillery. They had one eighteen-pounder and two field- 
pieces, from which they returned the enemy’s fire. They 
were reinforced in the afternoon with Colonel Muhlenberg’s 
Virginia battalion. 

Next morning, all the men-of-war, except the Actcon, 
were retired about two miles from the Island, which they 
had quietly effected under cloud of night. The garrison 
fired several shot at the Acteon, which she returned. But 
soon after, her crew set her on fire and abandoned her, 
leaving her colours flying, guns loaded, with all her ammu- 
nition, provisions, and stores on board. ‘They had not been 
Jong gone before several boats from the Island went to her. 
Lieutenant Jacob Milligan, with some others, went on board, 
and brought off her jack, bell, some sails, and stores. While 
the flames were bur-ting out on all sides, he fired three of 
her guns at the Commodore. In less than half an hour 
after they quitted her, she blew up. 

The Bristol, against which the fire was chiefly directed, 
is very much damaged. — It is said that not less than seventy 
balls went through her. Her mizenmast was so much hurt, 
that they have since replaced it with another. ‘The main- 
mast is cut away about filteen feet below the hounds, and 
instead of her broad pendant soaring on a lofty mast, it is 
now hardly to be seen on a jury-mainmast, considerably 
lower than the foremnast. The Experiment had her mizen 
gaff shot away; the other vessels sustained little damage in 
their rigging. 

The loss in the fleet, according to the report of the de- 
serters, is about one hundred and eighty killed and wounded; 
among the former, is Captain Morrison, of the Bristol. Sir 
Peter Parker had the bind part of his breeches shot away, 
which laid his posteriors bare: his kneepan was hurt by a 
splinter. ‘There have been several funerals in the fleet since 
the engagement, and from the parade of some, it is conjec- 
tured they were of officers of rank. Some of the deserters 
say that Captain Scott, of the Experiment, is among the 
killed. 

The loss of the garrison was as follows: 

Artillery: Killed, one Matross; wounded, two Matrosses. 
Second Regiment: killed, one Sergeant, nine rank and file; 
wounded, Lieutenants Gray and fall, the Fife-major, one 
Sergeant, nineteen rank and file. 

An officer’s mulatto waiting-boy was killed. 

Total killed, twelve; wounded, twenty-three. 

Both the officers were but slightly wounded, and are now 
well. Five of the wounded privates are since dead. 

The works are very litthe damaged; but hardly.a hut or 
tree on the Island escaped the shot entirely. Many thou- 
sands of the enemy’s shot have been picked up on the 
Island. 

General Lee was at Haddrell’s Point at the beginning of 
the action, and went in a boat, through a thick fire, to the 
fort, where he staid some time. He says, in the whole 
course of his military service, he never knew men behave 
better; and cannot sufficiently praise both officers and 
soldiers for their coolness and intrepidity. The behaviour 
of two Sergeants deserves to be remembered. In the begin- 
ning of the action, the flag-staff was shot away; which being 
observed by Sergeant Jasper, of the Grenadiers, he imme- 
diately jumped from one of the embrasures upon the beach, 
took up the flag, and fixed it on a spunge-staff; with it in 
his hand, he mounted the merlon, and, notwithstanding the 
shot flew as thick as hail around him, he leisurely fixed it. 
Sergeant McDonald, of Captain Huger’s company, while 
exerting himself in a very distinguished manner, was cruelly 
shattered by a cannon-ball; in a few minutes, he expired, 
after having uttered these remarkable words: ‘My friends, 
Tam dying; but don’t let the cause of liberty expire with 
me.” His comrades felt for him; the gallant Jasper imme- 
diately removed his mangled corps from their sight, and 
called aloud, “Let us revenge that brave man’s death!” 
The day after the action, his Excellency the President pre- 
sented Sergeant Jasper with a sword, as a mark of esteem 
for his distinguished valour. 

We hear that the fort on Sullivan’s Island will be in 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


440 


future called Fort Moultrie, in honour of the gallant officer 
who commanded there on the memorable 28th of June, 
1776. 

The men-of-war dropped down several miles further from 
the Island a few daysafter. ‘The carpenters in the fleet had 
sufficient employment in repairing the vessels. Several de- 
serters came from both fleet and army, who all agreed we need 
not expect another visit at present; that it was talked, that 
the two large ships would go to English harbour, in Antigua, 
to get refitted ; the transports, with the troops, to proceed to 
New-York, under convoy of some men-of-war, to join the 
grand Army; and that two frigates would be left to cruise 
between North- Carolina and Georgia. 

On the 2d of July, General Lee sent a flag to the enemy, 
with a proposal to exchange a prisoner for Colonel Ethan 
Allen, who, it was said, was in the fleet; a present of some 
meat and vegetables was sent at the same time. General 
Clinton being at Long-Island, an answer was not received 
till two days afterwards, when he informed General Lee 
that Colonel Allen was not on board; and in return for his 
present, sent some porter, cheese, &c. Two engineers 
came in the boat; but as they were received at some dis- 
tance from the Fort, they were deprived of an opportunity 
of seeing what they were probably sent to observe. 

A sloop from the West-Indies, with gunpowder, &e., ran 
aground on the 5th, in coming into. Stono Inlet. She, a 
few days afterwards, went to pieces, the cargo having been 
previously taken out. 

A number of the enemy’s transports went to Long- 
Island, about ten days after the repulse, and took on board 
all the troops on it and Goat-Island. About the same time, 
some of their frigates and armed vessels went over the bar; 
and on the 14th, the Brzstol made an attempt to go out, in 
which she failed, having struck on the bar. She succeeded 
in another attempt four days after, and came to an anchor 
off the harbour. 

The transports, with the Solebay, Thunder, Friendship, 
and some of the small armed vessels, sailed on the 20th, 
steering a southward course. They were afterwards seen 
standing to the eastward. On the same day, a brigantine, 
having on board fifty soldiers and six sailors, got aground 
near Dewees’s Inlet. She was left unobserved by the rest, 
and. on the day afterwards was taken by an armed flat or 
floating battery, commanded by Lieutenant Pickering. The 
brigantine could not be got off, and was therefore burnt. 
She was mounted with six four-pounders. The soldiers 
threw their small-arms overboard, on seeing the approach 
of the flat. Four of the crew escaped in their boat. 

On the 25th, the Experiment went over the bar, her lower 
tier of guns being taken out. She came to anchor near the 
Commodore, Syren, and three transports, lying off the har- 
bour. A frigate, which had not been here before, came to 
the Commodore in the afternoon of the 25th. Next morn- 
ing, she sailed for the southward, and two days after, the 
Syren followed her. 

On the 2d of August, the Active, Sphinz, and a large 
transport, being all of the enemy’s vessels within the bar, 
went out, and with the Bristol, Experiment, three transports, 
and a tender, stood out to sea, steering an E.N.E. course. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO NEW-JERSEY CONVENTION, 
Philadelphia, July 19, 1776. 
GentLemen: The Congress being informed that there is 
a large quantity of stock on the sea-coast of your Colony, 
which are much exposed to the incursions of the enemy, 
and that many of the proprietors of them, actuated by mo- 
tives of interest, or disaffected to the cause of their country, 
would be glad to dispose of them to the enemy, I am ordered 
to forward to you the enclosed resolution, and earnestly 
recommend it to you to cause the stock to be removed back 
into the country toa place of safety. 
Iam, gentlemen, your most, obedient and very humble 
servant, Joun Hancock, President. 


To the Honourable Convention of New-Jersey. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO NEW-JERSEY CONVENTION. 
Philadelphia, July 19, 1776. 
Gentiemen: I have only time to acquaint you, that a 
letter from your ageut to Mr. Ainsey was read in Congress; 


441 


in eonsequence of which, I am desired to forward you the 
enclosed resolve; and enclose you copies of Lord Howe’s 
letter and declaration, which require no comment. 1 am to 
inforin you that Congress wish to know by what means that 
letter to Mr. Kinsey reached his hands, and am to desire 
you will take every method to prevent any communication 
with the enemy from your Colony. This L have in charge 
most earnestly to recommend to you, and beg your imme- 
diate attention to it. 

I most sincerely congratulate you on the agreeable intel- 
ligence just received from South-Carolina, by express. 
Have not time to be particular; can only say the enemy 
twice attempted to land, and were repulsed; their capital 
ships disabled, one blown up, and, in short, a total stop put 
to the business of the fleet for a long time; the Commodore 
wounded, one Captain killed, one Captain lost an arm, and 
many officers and men killed on board the several ships. 
General Lee writes, the officers and men on our side behaved 
as well as any old troops could. Our loss very trifling, not 
one officer killed, and not more than ten men killed, and 
twenty-two wounded. General Lee writes, he never saw 
such a fierce, incessant fire in all his life. I hope He who 
controls all events will still espouse our cause, and give such 
success to our arms in other quarters, as, from the righteous- 
ness of our cause, and our real reliance on Him, He shall 
judge fit. 

I am, with real regard, gentlemen, your very humble 


vant , 
servant, Joun Hancock, President. 


To the Honourable Convention of New-Jersey. 


N. B. Lam vastly hurried. Excuse me, I have not time 
to have it copied. 


WILLIAM GODDARD TO THE BOARD OF WAR. 
Philadelphia, July 19, 1776. 

Respectep GentLemen: Your complaisant reception 
of my application to be taken into the service of my coun- 
try, and your attention to the meritorious officers of the 
Army, in which I am desirous of serving, do equal honour 
to the benevolence and justice of your Board, and call for 
my warmest acknowledgments. As I presume the cause 
of my not being hitherto provided for arises from a want of 
information how it might be done with propriety, I beg 
leave to lay before you the following particulars, collected 
from several officers of distinction. Atthesame time, permit 
me to assure your honourable Board, that I do not wish to 
be gratified at the hazard of disobliging any worthy officer; 
neither, indeed, should I incline to serve in any corps in 
which I was not perfectly agreeable. 

In the Army under the immediate command of his Excel- 
lency General Washington, there are two regiments whose 
Colonels are removed, viz: the Fourth, late Larned’s, and 
the Twentieth, Arnold's. Lieutenant-Colonel Tyler, of 
Colonel Parsons’s regiment, is the first Lieutenant-Colonel 
in rank in the lines; and Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd, of 
the Fourth Regiment, is the second in rank. These two 
gentlemen served all the last war, and distinguished them- 
selves as brave and gallant officers, and during the present 
struggle for “ peace, liberty, and safety,” have been highly 
esteemed. It appears, therefore, to be their right to take 
the command of those regiments. -Arnold’s was raised in 
Connecticut, and Lieutenant-Colonel Tyler would, I am 
persuaded, be as acceptable to them as any man out of the 
regiment. Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd, if preferred, will 
command the regiment he now belongs to. Major Prentis, 
of Colonel Parsons’s regiment, is the first Major in rank in 
the lines, and has always approved himself an able com- 
mander. Lieutenant-Colonel Putnam, of Colonel Wyllys’s 
regiment, is chief Engineer, and does no duty in battalion; 
and as he cannot act in both capacities, and he is very skilful 
in that important profession, the good of the country, it is 
thought, might be better promoted by making an establish- 
ment for Envineers, and confirming Mr. Putnam in that 
office, with the rank of Colonel. If this should take place, 
and Major Prentis should be preferred in Colonel Wyllys’s 
regiment, there would then be a vacancy in Colonel Par- 
sons’s regiment, in which [ am assured there would be no 
objection to my appointment to the rank of Lieutenant- 
Colonel. Captain Chapman, of the same regiment, an 
oflicer of real worth, would then of course be appointed to 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


442 


the rank of Major, he being the oldest Captain in the regi- 
ment. 

In addition to what I have here recited, I am further 
informed that there is a Lieutenant-Coloneley vacant in a 
new battalion of A:tificers, commanded by Colonel Parke. 

I have mentioned these several particulars with great 
deference to your honourable Board, as well as to his Excel- 
lency the General, and hope I shall not be considered as in 
the remotest degree dictating to either. If I have gone 
further than Lought, I beg it may be imputed to my anxious 
desire of stepping forth, at this very interesting crisis, in 
defence of my country. 

I am, gentlemen, with the highest esteem, your most 
obedient humble servant, Witty tis Geena 
To the Honourable the Board of War, &c., for the United 

States of America. 


To the Honourable Commissioners, or Delegates, from the 
several AMERICAN Slates, now sitting in General Congress 
in the City of PuitapeLPHia: 


The Memorial of Wiuttam Gopparp, most respectfully 
showeth: 


That the intolerable severity of Ministerial oppression 
having exposed to innumerable hardships your memorialist, 
and other printers who manifested their zeal in defence cf 
the invaded rights of America; and the iron hand of tyranny 
having, by means of the Parliamentary Post-Office, pressed 
upon him more heavily, perhaps, than upon any other; his 
own sufferings, and an ardent desire of serving his country, 
prompted him to devise a plan for the total abolition of that 
engine of Ministerial extortion, fraud, and revenge, by sub- 
stituting to it a Post-Office on constitutional principles. 

His undertaking was countenanced by all the friends of 
American freedom, several of whom contributed largely 
towards raising a fund sufficient to prosecute his plan, which 
the artifices used by the tools of despotism to discourage it 
rendered more expensive than it might otherwise have been. 
He was, however, very near reaping the fruits of his labour, 
and reimbursing bis friends, when your most honourable 
House appointed one of your colleagues to superintend 
that important department, under your direction; but the 
worthy officer intrusted with it, not having been authorized 
to indemnify your memorialist or his friends for the expense 
incurred by establishing Postmasters, hiring riders, and 
bringing the temporary establishment, in all its parts, to that 
state where your officer found it when it was resigned with 
all those advantages, a great loss is sustained by your 
memorialist, as well as the persons who were more inti- 
mately connected with him in that voluntary service of the 
publick. : 

The Secretary and Comptrollership (the two principal 
places which the Congress instituted under the Postmaster 
General) having been disposed of, it was judged that, as 
your memorialist has repeatedly travelled through most of 
the Colonies, for the purpose of carrying on his own pro- 
jected plan, he was more capable than many others to make 
a proper choice of inferior officers, and knew many local 
eircumstances that would be essentially useful in the regula- 
tion of that department, should he be invested with the 
Surveyorship, on the present establishment. 

To serve this country, he accepted it, insufficient as the 
salary was to afford him a decent maintenance, and though 
he well knew that the greater his exertions should be, the 
sooner his office must be discontinued, all sinecures being 
inglorioys to the incumbents, and burdensome to the State. 

Having brought the Surveyorship to that period, for one 
year at least, he entreats your honourable House to favour 
him with an opportunity to serve his country in the Army, 
wherever the scene of action may be, if he be permitted 
to share in the glorious struggle in which his country is now 
engaged, and be rendered as serviceable as may be reason- 
abiy presumed from his known principles and character. 

He is informed, by officers of distinction, that there are 
three vacancies, one of which, the Mustermaster-General’s, 
being more lucrative, might indemnify him for a part of the 
pecuniary losses already mentioned; but as it is less liable 
to those personal dangers which his natural disposition im- 
pels him to encounter, he would think himself more happy 
should you honour him with a commission amongst the gen- 


AAS 


tlemen who shall be appointed Field-Officers, to supply the 
consequential vacancies occasioned by the alterations expect- 
ed to happen in two regiments, which have no Colonel. 
Your Memorialist would not presume to solicit employment 
to the prejudice of the officers in any regiment; but he is 
assured that it will give no disgust to the worthy gentlemen 
of two corps on this station, who, having honourably served 
in them, might with propriety claim such preferments. 
Now that this country is threatened with a most formida- 
ble invasion, to assist in defending, at the risk of his life, 
those sacred rights which, as a citizen, he has asserted on 
every opportunity that his humble station offered him, is the 
most fervent wish of your memorialist, who will strive to 
render himself worthy of the confidence that may be reposed 
in him by your honourable House, and to demonstrate that 
he is ever ready to sacrifice his own advantage to the publick 


good. 
New-York, June 21, 1776. 


Wicuiam Gopparb. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Elizabethtown, July 19, 1776. 


Sir: After making such preparations as our circumstances 
would admit of, I marched, about eight o’clock yesterday 
evening, to the mouth of Thompson’s Creek, with the Con- 
tinental troops under the command of Major Knowlton; the 
Rifle battalions were to follow. The wind and tide being 
against them, the boats could not be so soon brought to us 
as we expected. In the mean time the weather became too 
tempestuous to venture over the Sound in scows. We remain- 
ed on the shore, in hopes of calmer weather, till near eleven 
o'clock, but finding no probability of getting over in time to 
reach the enemy’s quarters before day, were under the ne- 
cessity of relinquishing the enterprise. It cannot be renewed 
till we have more forces here; nor would it be prudent to 
attempt any surprise for some days, as our motions are 
probably communicated to the enemy. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most obe- 
dient servant, Huey Mercer. 


A PLAN FOR ATTACKING STATEN-ISLAND. 


First. A party to attack the southeast part of the Island, 
at a landing called Pullion’s, about two miles westward 
from the Narrows, where are several scattered farm-houses, 
where it is said troops are quartered; this party to consist of 
four hundred, and to go from Long-Island. 

Second. A party to embark at Piscataway Landing, on 
Raritan River, about six miles above Amboy, to make their 
descent on the southwest side of the Island, about two miles 
east of Billop’s Point; to consist of five hundred men, to 
endeavour to surprise the rear of the camp, opposite to 
Amboy. 

Third. A party to embark from the Old Blazing-Star, 
near Woodbridge, and to make their descent on the best 
landing opposite, and to endeavour to surprise the town of 
Richmond, or Cuckold’s Town; to consist of five hundred 
men. 

Fourth. A party to embark at a place about three miles 
south from Elizabethtown Point, where there is a wood that 
will cover them to the place of embarkation; to make their 
descent on the Island on the opposite shore, where there is 
a good landing on the upland, covered with woods not far off. 
The object here is uncertain, but there are a number of good, 
large farm-houses in the neighbourhood, where it is probable 
troops are lodged without much caution; to consist of four 
hundred men. 

Fifth. A party to embark in Newark Bay, from a place 
about a mile below Brown’s Ferry, to make the descent at 
a place opposite the east end of Shutter’s Island, marked 
Mushereau; this party to consist of eight hundred men, two 
hundred of which are immediately to march westward, in 
order to cut off the guard opposite to Elizabethtown-Point; 
the remaining six hundred to march slowly, firmly, and care- 
fully, eastward, towards the church at Decker’s, with small 
parties ahead to surprise and break up the parties lodged in 
the houses along the shore. 

Sixth. A party to attempt to surprise the enemy’s guard 
on Buskirk’s Point, which is the southeast corner of Bergen 
Point; this party, or guard, doés not seem to be large, but 
itis said they are possessed of two six-pounders. The party 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


A44 


that makes the attack must not attempt to go over the cause- 
way or road over the meadow, the cannon being in all proba- 
bility pointed to command that pass, but should be provided 
with some boards, and proceed in two or three columns over 
the meadow, where they will meet with no other obstraction 
than a small creek or ditch, which they will easily pass with 
the help of the boards. If this place is carried, a cannonade 
and bombardment should, as soon as possible, commence on 
the ships, a great number of which now lie within reach of 
the place. A cannonade should also commence on Bergen 
Point, opposite the church and Decker’s, where it is said 
about six hundred men are posted; this cannonade, with 
round and grape shot, would confuse the troops in forming, 
and prevent their succouring the guard at Elizabethtown- 
Point or opposing our party who make their descent near 
Shutter’s Island. 'The cannonade should also be kept up 
on such parts of the shore of Staten-Island where any boats 
are collected or may assemble. ‘The party for these several 
matters on Bergen-Neck should be about seven hundred men, 
besides the Riflemen. 

About the time the troops make the descent, which should 
be at the beginning of the ebb, as great a number of fire- 
rafts and fire-ships as can be provided, should be towed down, 
so as to fall in with the head of the fleet. 

The commanding officer of each party to reconnoitre the 
ground where he is to embark, and where he is to make his 
descent, in the best manner he can, by the help of glasses 
or otherwise; and also to get the best information he can of 
the roads and country in general in the way to the place of 
his destination; they should also be provided with faithful, 
good guides: plenty of them are to be had in New-Jersey. 

All the boats in New-Jersey, from Raritan River to 
Powles Hook, should immediately be collected and secured 
under proper guards, as well to prevent intelligence going to 
the enemy as to serve for these embarkations. The com- 
manding officer, before he sets out, to determine whether the 
boats are to remain at the place of descent, or to meet him 
at some other place, and to direct the guards of boats accord- 
ingly. A number of spare boats should be collected in 
Elizabethtown-Creek, Newark-Bay, and towards Blazing- 
Star, to be ready to serve on any emergency. 

As the success of the attempt will depend on a proper 
timing of the different attacks, the commanding officers of 
all the parties should regulate their watches by one standard, 
and be punctually at the place of their destination at the 
time agreed on. 

Suspected persons on Bergen should be immediately re- 
moved: there are several gone from New- York. 

As the safety of the troops in these enterprises will entirely 
depend on securing a safe retreat, the utmost caution and 
attention must be paid to the having the boats ready at the 
proper places, to take off the respective parties. 

Instead of the fourth article, it is proposed to adopt a plan 
of Major Knowlton’s, which is, to march a body of about one 
thousand men to the point X, and there to embark and pro- 
ceed to the place A, and to march up the Neck into the 
country by the pricked line to the place B, and there to send 
off a party toward C, to fall upon the rear of the troops 
posted in the houses along the north side of the Island; the 
rest to proceed to D, and there to divide and proceed to the 
several places E, I’, G, and in their way to sweep the whole 
country before them, and then to embark again at the two 
last mentioned places, where the boats must be ready to 
receive them; but the guard of the boats should be cautious 
of going to those places before they are sure of our people 
being in possession of them. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 20, and referred to the Board of War.] 
. New-York, July 19, 1776. 

Str: [ have been duly honoured with your favours of the 
16th and 17th, with the several resolves they contained, to 
the execution of which, so far as shall be in my power, I 
will pay proper attention. 

In my letter of the 17th instant, I transmitted you a copy 
of one from General Schuyler, and of its several enclosures. 
I confess the determination of the council of General Officers 
on the 7th, to retreat from Crown-Point, surprised me much; 
and the more I consider it the more striking does the impro- 


445 


priety appear. The reasons assigned against it by the Field- 
Officers in their remonstrance, coincide greatly with my own 
ideas and those of the other General Officers I have had an 
opportunity of consulting with, and seem to be of considerable 
weight—I may add, conclusive. 

I am not so fully acquainted with the geography of that 
country and the situation of the posts as to pronounce a 
peremptory judgment upon the matter; but if any of my 
ideas are right, the possession of Crown-Point is essential 
to give us every superiority and mastery upon the Lake. 
That the enemy will possess it as soon as abandoned by us 
there can be no doubt; and if they do, whatever galleys 
or force we keep on the Lake will be unquestionably in 
their rear. How they are to be supported there, or what 
guccour can be drawn from them then, is beyond my 
comprehension, Perhaps it is only meant that they shall 
be employed on the communication between that and Ti- 
conderoga. If this is the case, I fear the views of Con- 
gress will not be answered, nor the salutary effects derived 
from them that were intended. I have mentioned my sur- 
prise to General Schuyler, and would, by the advice of the 
Generals here, have directed that the posts should be main- 
tained, had it not been for two causes: an apprehension 
that the works have been destroyed, and that if the Army 
should be ordered from Ticonderoga to the post opposite to 
it (where I presume they are) to repossess it, they would 
have neither one place or another secure and in a defensible 
state. The other, lest it might increase the jealousy and 
diversity of opinions which seem already too prevalent in 
that Army, and establish a precedent for the inferior officers 
to set up their judgment whenever they would in opposition 
to those of their superiors, a matter of great delicacy, and 
that might lead to fatal consequences, if countenanced ; 
though in the present instance I could wish their reasoning 
had prevailed. If the Army has not moved, what I have 
said to General Schuyler may, perhaps, bring on a recon- 
sideration of the matter, and it may not be too late to take 
measures for maintaining that post; but of this I have no 
hope. 

In consequence of the resolve of Congress for three of the 
Eastern regiments to reinforce the Northern Army, I wrote 
General Ward, and, by advice of my General Officers, directed 
them to march to Norwich, and there to embark for Albany, 
conceiving that two valuable purposes might result there- 
from: first, that they would sooner join the Army by pur- 
suing this route, and be saved from the distress and fatigue 
that must attend every long march through the country at 
this hot and uncomfortable season; and, secondly, that they 
might give succour here in case the enemy should make an 
attack about the time of their passing. But the enemy 
having now, with their ships-of-war and tenders, cut off the 
water communication from hence to Albany, I have written 
this day, and directed them to proceed by land across the 
country. If Congress disapprove the route, or wish to give 
any orders about them, you will please to certify me theréof, 
that I may take measures accordingly. 

Enclosed I have the honour to transmit you copies of a 
letter and sundry resolutions, which I received yesterday from 
the Convention of this State. By them you will perceive 
they have been acting upon matters of great importance, and 
are exerting themselves in the most vigorous manner to de- 
feat the wicked designs of the enemy, and such disaffected 
persons as may incline to assist and facilitate their views. In 
compliance with their request, and on account of the scarcity 
of money for carrying their salutary views into execution, [ 
have agreed to lend them, out of the small stock now in 
hand, (not more than sixty thousand dollars,) twenty thou- 
sand dollars, in part of what they want, which they promise 
speedily to replace. Had there been money sufficient for 
paying the whole of our troops, and not more, I could not 
have done it; but as it was otherwise, and by no means 
proper to pay a part and not the whole, I could not fore- 
see any inconveniences that would attend the loan; on the 
contrary, that might contribute in some degree to forward 
their schemes. I hope my conduct in this instance will not 
be disapproved. 

I enclosed to Governour Trumbull a copy of their letter, 
and of their several resolves, to-day, by Colonel Broome and 
Mr. Duer, two members of the Convention, who are going to 
wait on him; but I did not think myself at liberty to urge or 
request his interest in forming the camp of six thousand men, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


446 


as the levies, directed by Congress on the 3d of June to be 
furnished for the defence of this place by that Government, 
are but a little more than one-third come in; at the same time, 
the proposition I think a good one, if it could be carried into 
execution. In case the enemy should attempt to effect a 
landing above King’s Bridge, and to cut off the communi- 
cation between this city and the country, an army to hang 
on their rear would distress them exceedingly. 

I have the honour to be, with sentiments of great esteem, 
sir, your most obedient servant, 

Go. Wasuineron. 

P. S. The enclosed paper should have been sent before, 
but was omitted through hurry. 

P.S. After I had enclosed my letter I received one from 
General Ward, a copy of which is herewith transmitted. I 
have written to him to forward the two regiments now at 
Boston by the most direct road to Ticonderoga, as soon as 
they are well, with the utmost expedition. I consider their 
having had the small-pox as a fortunate circumstance. When 
the three arrive which had marched for Norwich, I shall 
immediately send one of them on, if Congress shall judge it 
expedient, of which you will please to inform me. 


[No. 1.] In Convention of the Representatives of the State ae 


New-York, White-Plains, July 16, 1776. 

Sir: We cannot but express our satisfaction at the unre- 
mitted attention which your Excellency manifests to the 
interests of this State. We see the force of your observa- 
tions, and have taken, and shall continue to take, every 
measure which we conceive most conducive to defeat the 
designs of our enemy. ‘This will in part appear from the 
enclosed resolution. 

We are extremely sorry that the state of our finances 
reduces us to the necessity of applying to your Excellency 
for a loan, which it may perhaps be inconvenient for you to 
make, but we shall take the earliest care to replace what 
nothing but urgent necessity would have induced us to bor- 
row. 

As our troops are but ill supplied with ammunition, we 
hope that your Excellency will order them an immediate 
supply, as part of them are already in motion, as well as 
direct the Commissary-General to take the necessary steps 
for their subsistence. New levies, who have never seen ser- 
vice, will, without doubt, require a commander of some expe- 
rience. Such an one, we trust, your Excellency will supply 
as soon as possible. 

Our apprehensions of an attempt on the part of our ene- 
mies to cut off the communication between the city and 
country, by landing above King’s Bridge, makes us wish to 
have some force ready to hang on their rear in case such a 
step should be taken: for which reason we have not only 
called out all the force we could possibly collect, (exclusive 
of that which may probably be wanted in the frontier Coun- 
ties,) but would take the liberty, if it should meet your 
Excellency’s approbation, to suggest the same idea to Go- 
vernour Trumbull, who, by forming a camp on Byram River 
of six thousand men, might render any design which the 
enemy may have to land above King’s Bridge extremely 
hazardous. 

We have been just informed that the ships which sailed 
this morning have anchored about ten or twelve miles below 

‘ort Montgomerie. We have great reason to believe that 
their design is to pass it, and burn our shipping at Pough- 
keepsie. 

We shall be happy to codperate with your Excellency in 
every measure which may tend to secure the liberty of Ame- 
rica, which we conceive to be nearly connected with the 
preservation of this State. 

We have this moment heard that the Phenix is aground 
in Haverstraw Bay, and have some reason to believe it. 

We remain your Excellency’s most obedient and very 
humble servants, 


By order: 


NaruHanten Woopnu Lt, President. 


[No. 2.] In Convention of the Representatives of the State nh 


New-York, White-Plains, July 16, 1776. 
Resolved, unanimously, That all persons abiding within 
the State of New-York, and deriving protection from the 
laws of the same, owe allegiance to said laws, and are mem- 
bers of the State; and that all persons passing through, visit- 
ing, or making a temporary stay in the said State, being 


2?) 


AAT 


entitled to the protection of the laws during the time of such 
passage, visitation, or temporary stay, owe during the same 
time allegiance thereto. That all persons members of, or 
owing allegiance to, this State, as before described, who shall 
levy war against the said State within the same, or be adhe- 
rent to the King of Great Britain, or others the enemies of 
the said State within the same, giving to bim or them aid 
and comfort, are guilty of treason against the State, and 
being thereof convicted, shall suffer the pains and penalties 
of death. 
Extract from the Minutes: 
Rost. Benson, Secretary. 


[No. 3.] In Convention of the Representatives of the State an 


New-York, White-Plains, July 16, 1776. 

Whereas this Convention have the strongest reason to 
believe that the British Armies in New-York and Canada 
will endeavour, by means of Hudson’s River, to effect a 
junction, and thereby cut off all intercourse between the 
Eastern and Southern States: And whereas the Counties 
contiguous to the Sound and Hudson’s River will be greatly 
exposed to the ravages and incursions of a cruel and unnatu- 
ral enemy, which, if not prevented, will render them a scene 
of ruin and desolation: And whereas, from the situation of 
said country, intersected with defiles and narrow passes, it 
will be extremely practicable to repel the hostile attempts 
of the enemy, provided the inhabitants exert themselves in 
its defence with the union, spirit, and alacrity, of men deter- 
mined to defend their rights, and transmit the blessings of 
freedom to posterity: And whereas it is the indispensable 
duty of this Convention, by every means in their power, to 
provide for the happiness and security of their constituents, 
reposing the highest confidence in their virtue and publick 
spirit: ‘Therefore, 

Resolved, 'That one-fourth part of the Militia of the Coun- 
ties of Westchester, Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange, be forth- 
with drawn out for the defence of the liberties, property, 
wives and children, of the good people of this State. 

And as at this busy season of the year the service may be 
inconvenient to many of them, 

Resolved, ‘That each man be allowed twenty dollars as 
a bounty, with Continental pay and subsistence, and be 
continued in the service until the last day of December next, 
unless sooner discharged. 

Resolved, That it be recommended to such of the inhabi- 
tants who remain at home, to give all possible assistance to 
the families of those spirited persons who stepped forth in 
defence of the rights and liberties of this invaded country; 
and that the Sub-Committees in the several Districts in those 
Counties pay particular attention to see this recommendation 
be complied with. 

Resolved, That the Brigadier-General, and the Field-Offi- 
cers of the Militia of each County, be directed to adopt the 
most equitable and expeditious mode of raising these levies, 
and of furnishing with arms those who are not supplied, (the 
price of the arms to be deducted out of each man’s pay;) 
and that they be authorized to call on the Committee of each 
County for their assistance. 

Resolved, That the levies be formed into Companies, to 
consist of one Captain, two Lieutenants, three Sergeants, 
three Corporals, one Drummer, one Fifer, and fifty Privates; 
and that the Captain and Subalterns be appointed by the 
Field-Officers of each Regiment of Militia from which the 
quotas were to be raised, and the Non-Commissioned Officers 
by the Captains of each Company. 

Resolved, That each man furnish himself with a Blanket 
and Knapsack, and every six meh with a Pot or Camp- 
Kettle. 

Resolved, That two Deputy-Commissaries be appointed 
to provide four months’ Provision for six thousand men, to 
be deposited in two Magazines, one on each side of the river, 
at such places as his Excellency General Washington shall 
think proper to appoint. 

Resolved, That all the men now raised in the Counties 
of Ulster and Orange be stationed in the Highlands, on the 
west side of the river, to guard those defiles the possession 
of which Brigadier-General Clinton shall think most condu- 
cive to the safety of the State. 

Resolved, That the men raised in the Counties of West- 
chester and Dutchess repair immediately to Peek’s Kill; and 
that General Washington be requested to appoint an Officer 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


448 


to take the command of all the levies on both sides of the 
river, to fix upon what station they shall occupy, and to 
nominate the two Deputy-Commissaries for the ‘Troops on 
each side the river. 

Resolved, That General Washington be informed of the 
measures which this Convention have taken for the safety 
of the State; and that he be requested to advance the sum 
of £20,000 in order to expedite the raising these levies, 

Resolved, That all the 'l'roops raised in the above Counties 
shall be subject to the Articles of War established by the 
Continental Congress. 

Resolved, That his Excellency General Washington be 
requested to write to Governour Trumbull, desiring bim to 
devise and carry into execution the most expeditious and 
effectual measures for keeping up the intercourse betwixt 
the Army now at New-York and the State of Connecticut ; 
and that two of the members of this Convention wait on 
Governour Trumbull, to enforce, by such arguinents as they 
shall think of most weight, the purport of General Washing- 
ton’s letter. 

Resolved, That the Brigadier-Generals and Committees 
of the respective Counties be immediately furnished with 
copies of these Resolutions. 


Extract from the Minutes: Rosr. Benson, Secretary. 


[No. 4.] Boston, July 15, 1776. 

Sir: Iam this moment favoured with your Excellency’s 
letter of the 11th instant. I have also received yours of the 
7th and 9th. I have paid, and shall pay, the utmost atten- 
tion to all your directions. ‘Two regiments will march on 
Thursday morning, one on Friday, and the other two as 
soon as they are well, which I trust will be in ten days. 

As the small-pox prevailed so much in Boston, the Legis- 
lature of this Government gave permission for the inhabitants 
to inoculate; and as so many of the troops in town had 
taken the disorder, I thought it might be most for the gene- 
ral good to permit the remainder of the two regiments in 
town to be inoculated. 

I have made a return to the Board of War and Ordnance 
of the stores in this division of the Continental Army. 

J am, sir, your Excellency’s obedient humble servant, 

Artemas Warp. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-YORK COMMITTEE. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 19, 1776. 

Gentiemen: I enclose you a copy of a resolution of the 
Provincial Convention of the State of New-York, dated the 
16th instant, recommending it to all the General and Sub- 
Conimittees, to apprehend and secure all such persons whose 
going at large, at this critical time, they may deem dangerous 
to the safety of the State. 

As this city is hourly threatened with an attack from a 
powerful enemy, and as there is too much reason to appre- 
hend, from their vicinity to this city, and from the number 
of suspicious characters still in it, that they may receive 
intelligence which may counteract all my operations for its 
defence, I strongly recommend it to you to remove for some 
time all equivocal and suspicious characters. This appears 
to me to be the spirit of the resolution of the Provincial 
Convention; and the propriety of it is founded on the law of 
sel{-preservation, and confirmed by the practice of all nations 
in a state of war. 

I esteem it my duty to add my recommendation to that 
of the Provincial Convention, that if, through an ill-timed 
lenity, my attempts to secure this Province should be baffled, 
the blame of it may not be imputed to my want of vigilance. 

I have enclosed a list of persons represented as dangerous. 
As [can only speak from information, I must rely upon your 
taking proper steps with them; unless, from your better 
knowledge, you determine them to be of a different character 
than represented. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Go. Wasurneron. 


To the Committee of the City of New-York. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO ROBERT LIVINGSTON AND OTHERS, 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 19, 1776. 

Gentiemen: I am favoured with yours of the 17th instant. 

My unacquaintedness with Hudson's River, and with every 


A449 


other circumstance necessary to form a judgment of the 
mode of defending it, will incapacitate me from giving you 
the assistance and advice you politely ask. I must entirely 
refer it to your own judgment and skill, only assuring you 
that it will give me great pleasure if anything effectual can 
be done, and that I will most readily give all the assistance 
in my power. I had some intentions of throwing obstruc- 
tions in the passage at Mount Washington, but so many dif- 
ficulties and obstacles have retarded it, that 1 much fear my 
being able to complete it. However, it is a matter so purely 
confidential, if it can be effected, that 1 must desire the most 
profound secrecy may be observed on the subject. I heart- 
ily wish you success in the measures you may adopt; and 
am, with much truth and esteem, gentlemen, your most 


obedient, humble servant, Gos Weenreron 


To Robert Livingston, Esquire, and others, Members of the 
Secret Committee of the Convention of the State of New- 


York. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 19, 1776. 


GentLemen: By Messrs. Broome and Duer I was yester- 
day favoured with your several resolves of the 16th instant. 
The spirit and decision in which they are formed will, I 
doubt not, appear in their execution; and, as far as I can 
codperate, | shall most cheerfully contribute all my aid and 
assistance. ‘The state of this Army would make it improper 
for me to send up any General Officer in the Continental 
service to take the command of the levies proposed to be 
raised; and, from the nature of the service, I should appre- 
hend a knowledge of the country and its inhabitants would 
be very necessary. General Clinton, on all accounts, ap- 
pears to me the most suitable person; and as the appoint- 
ment is made dependant on me, I shall nominate him, unless 
some objection should be made or difficulty arise, which I 
do not now know of. The Deputy-Commissaries I will take 
advice upon, and have them appointed as soon as possible, 

The state of the pay office here did not admit a full com- 
pliance with your request of the loan of £20,000, there 
not being so much in the Paymaster’s hands at this time; 
however, that so good a work might not be delayed, I im- 
mediately gave a warrant for $20,000, and .as fast as cir- 
cumstances will admit, shall make up the remainder. 

I have enclosed your resolution to Governour Trumbull, 
on the subject of forming a camp at Byram River, for the 
security of the communication with New-York, but at the 
same time I very much doubt his ability to carry it into 
execution. ‘The quota of troops to be furnished by Con- 
necticut for the assistance of this Army is not half completed, 
notwithstanding the most urgent and pressing instances on 
the subject; which affords a very dull prospect of fixing a 
new camp adequate to the intended design; and I very much 
fear the attempt would obstruct the raising the levies now 
ordered, and in the end prove ineffectual. At the same time 
I most heartily approve the measure, and should rejoice to 
see it carried into execution in the completest manner. 

Since writing the above, your favour of the 18th instant, 
enclosing Colonel Cortlandt’s and Captain Platt’s report, is 
come to hand. ‘The spirit and alacrity of the Militia in so 
readily turning out at this busy season is a very encouraging 
circumstance, and does them great honour. 

_ I observe Colonel Fellows, of Massachusetts-Bay, men- 
tioned as having marched in. If his troops compose a part 
of those destined for this Army, it is my intention that all 
under that circumstance should come immediately down and 
properly arranged; and I observe there will be the less in- 
convenience, as Messrs. Van Cortlandt and Platt observe that 
they had such a surplus of men as to enable them to dis- 
charge a number. } 

Iam, gentlemen, with the greatest respect and esteem, 
your most obedient and very humble servant, 


Go. WasHINGTON, 
To the Hon. the Convention of the State of New-York. 


P.S. With respect to ammunition, I had flattered myself 
that the Provincial stock would not only have been sufficient 
for the purposes of its immediate defence, but, in case of 
necessity, to have assisted us. I shall endeavour, under a 
late direction of Congress, to procure what is to be had from 
the adjoining mills. 


Firra Serires.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


29 


450 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-York, July 19, 1776. 

Sir: The enclosed extract from the proceedings of 
Congress, which I have the honour to transmit you, will 
discover their anxiety respecting our Army here, and their 
wishes to have it reinforced. I shall only add, that the situ- 
ation of our affairs demands the most speedy succour, and 
my request that you will use your good offices for expediting 
the new levies as fast as possible. I have also enclosed you 
a copy of a letter, and sundry resolutions, which I received 
yesterday from the Convention of this State. You will 
perceive thereby that they have been deliberating on sundry 
important measures, and are exerting themselves, in the 
most vigorous manner, to defeat the wicked designs of our 
common enemy and such disaffected persons as may attempt 
to favour their views. ‘They also contain a request that I 
should solicit you to devise some mode for keeping up a 
communication and intercourse between your State and this, 
and suggest the expediency of your forming a camp of six 
thousand men about Byram River, to codperate with those 
they are collecting, in order to hang on the rear of the enemy 
in case they land above King’s Bridge, and attempt to cut off 
the communication between the country and this city. As 
the quota of men requested by Congress for the defence of 
this place is not yet arrived, I could not conceive myself at 
liberty to ask of you to furnish such an additional number, 
although I cannot but observe that the scheme seems well 
calculated for the purposes they have in view, and might be 
productive of the most salutary consequences in case of an 
attempt of that sort. Colonel Broome and Mr. Duer, two 
members of the Convention, wait on you upon the subject, 
and will fully point out the object they have in view, and 
their ideas of the importance and expediency of the plan, 
and to them I beg leave to refer you. 

I am, sir, with great regard and esteem, your most obe- 
dient servant, Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Governour Trumbull. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL GATES. 
New-York, July 19, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I expected ere this to have heard from you; 
and I will open the correspondence, by expressing my ex- 
ceeding great concern on account of the determination of 
your Board of General Officers to retreat from Crown-Point 
to Ticonderoga, assigning (contrary to the opinion of all 
your Field-Officers) for reason, that the former place 
is not tenable with your present force, or the force ex- 
pected. 

My concern arises from information, and a firm belief, 
that your relinguishing Crown-Point is, in its consequences, 
a relinquishment of the Lakes, and all the advantages to be 
derived therefrom; for it does not admit of a doubt but that 
the enemy will possess themselves, if possible, of that pass, 
(which is a key to all these Colonies,) the moment you 
leave it, and thereby confine your vessels to the narrow part 
of the Lake in front of that post; or, by having them in the 
rear of it, cut off all kind of supplies from, and intercourse 
between, your camp and them, securing, by this means, a 
free and uninterrupted passage into the three New-England 
Governments for invasion thereof. 

Nothing but a belief that you have actually removed the 
Army from Crown-Point to Ticonderoga, and demolished 
the works at the former, and the fear of creating dissensions, 
and encouraging a spirit of remonstrating against the con- 
duct of superior officers by inferiors, have prevented me, 
by advice of the General Officers, from directing the post 
at Crown-Point to be held till Congress should decide upon 
the propriety of its evacuation. As the case stands, I can 
give no order in the matter, lest, between two opinions, 
neither of the places should be put into such a posture of 
defence as to resist an advancing enemy. | must, however, 
express my sorrow at the resolution of your council, and wish 
that it had never happened, as everybody who speaks of it 
also does, and that the measure could yet be changed with 
propriety. 

We have the enemy full in view of us; but their opera- 
tions are to be suspended till the reinforcement, (hourly 
expected,) arrives, when I suppose there will soon be pretty 
warm work. 

Lord Howe is arrived. He and the General, his bro-. 


451 


ther, are appointed Commissioners to dispense pardons to 
repenting sinners. 
My compliments to the gentlemen with you of my ac- 
quaintance. I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, 
Go. WAsHINGTON. 
To Major-General Gates, Ticonderoga. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL WARD. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 19, 1776. 

Dear Sir: In my letter ofthe 7th instant, I mentioned 
the propriety of forwarding a quantity of powder, and lodging 
it between thisand Boston. Iam now more fully convinced 
of the necessity of such a measure, and would wish you to 
forward, with all convenient speed, five hundred barrels, to 
be stored at Norwich, in Connecticut, till further orders. In 
a postscript to my letter of the 9th of June, I was of opinion 
it would be much easier for the troops bound from Boston 
to the northward to proceed this way, for the benefit of 
water-carriage ; but this being entirely cut off by the ships up 
Hudson’s River, you will speed their march by the nearest 
and most convenient route. The several articles wrote for 
in my letter of yesterday, you will please to forward to 
Norwich, with orders for them to be sent on by water, pro- 
vided the enemy’s ships should not stop the communication, 
in which case land-carriages must be procured. 

Tam, sir, Xc., Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Major-General Ward, Boston. 


P.S. In speaking of the troops marching to the northward, 
I have reference to the three regiments bound to T?conderoga. 
The other two I hope will be on their way for this place 
before this reaches you. G. W. 


P. S. Since writing the above, your letter of the 15th 
instant came to hand, If the three regiments you mention 
have marched, they may proceed to this city; if not, one of 
them to march for Ticonderoga, the two remaining (sick) 
to follow to the last-mentioned place, by divisions, as fast as 
a Field-Officer’s proportion is well enough, as they will be 
much the properest (having had the small-pox) for that 
department. Ge DY 


EPHRAIM ANDERSON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, July 19, 1776. 

HonouraBeE Sir: I have the honour now to inform you 
that I am preparing for the destruction of the British fleet 
in this harbour, and hope in a few days to be able to givea 
good account of the greatest part of them. 

I should be extremely thankful if the Congress will honour 
me with the appointment of Deputy Adjutant-General to the 
Flying-Camp. It is a department in which I am sure I can 
be of infinite service to the cause, by disciplining young 
troops, both officers and men. I will leave myself upon the 
Congress for the above, or any other appointment they may 
honour me with, &c. 

I am, honoured sir, your most obedient and most humble 
servant, Erxuraim ANDERSON. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq., President of Con- 
gress, at Philadelphia. 


JOSEPH TRUMBULL (COMMISSARY-GENERAL) TO THE PRESI- 
DENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, July 19, 1776. 

Honourep Sir: Walter Livingston, Esquire, Deputy 
Commissary-General at Albany, writes of the 15th instant, 
as he has done several times before, that large supplies of 
fresh beef, &c., are wanting in the Northern Army; that he 
has no money to procure them with; and that the chest there 
is empty. That the chest is empty, is confirmed to me 
by my brother’s letter of the same date. Mr. Livingston 
writes me that he is in debt already more than $30,000; 
and my brother, that the whole $500,000 ordered some 
time ago, $200,000 of which went by General Gates, would 
not pay their old debts. 

For fear my department should suffer for want of cash, I 
am sending an express this afternoon to Mr. Livingston, 
with $18,000, which can but illy be spared from here; but 
as eating cannot go on without cash, and they are worse off 
for it than we are at present, I thought it my duty to do it, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


452 


and at the same time to write Congress, and beg that my 
department to the northward may not suffer for the want of 
so necessary an article as cash. 
I am, honourable sir, your most humble servant, 
JosEPH TRUMBULL. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Congress 
of the United States of America, at Philadelphia. 


P.S. Mr. Gerry is here—better than when he left Phila- 
delphia. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, July 19, 1776. 

Str: Colonel Hand reports that the ship that went down 
the day before yesterday morning, still continues there at the 
Hook. An armed sloop came up last night. All the rest 
of the fleet continue as they were. Nothing extraordinary 
has happened since yesterday in this camp. 

I am, with all due respect, your Excellency’s most obe- 


dient, humble servant 
, 4 NatTHANAEL GREENE. 


To His Excellency General Washington, at Head-Quarters, 
New- York. 


COLONEL HAY TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 
Haverstraw, July 19, 1776. 

Sir: I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of 
yours, directed to the County Committee of this County. 
The enemy now lie in Haverstraw Bay, and are using every 
effort to land and destroy the property of the inhabitants. 
The great extent of shore I have to guard obliges me to 
keep the greatest part of my regiment on duty, in order to 
prevent their depredations. I have received a reinforce- 
ment from General Clinton, at Fort Montgomery, of about 
eighty men, and hope when he receives your Excellency’s 
letter he will send me further relief, as the enemy seem to 
direct their operations against the west shore. We are in 
want of powder and ball—a supply will be absolutely ne- 
cessary. IfI bad had two or three small cannon, I should 
have been able to have destroyed one of the cutters that 
grounded near Stony-Poznt, and lay there six hours. 

The enclosed examination of a deserter from Captain 
Wallace, will-give your Excellency all the information I am 
able to communicate at present. 

I am, with esteem, your most obedient servant, 

A. Hawkes Hay. 


To His Excellency General Washington, New-York. 


P. S. The bearer can bring up im his saddle-bags twenty 
weight of powder. 


The Examination of Richard Turpin, a native of the 
town of Boston, in the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay, 
who saith: That in his passage from Bedefort, in New-Hamp- 
shire, to the West-Indies, he was taken in a schooner call- 
ed the Hannah, commanded by Captain Peurly, on the 17th 
of May last, by the ship Rose, Captain Wallace, on board 
of which ship he has been ever since; that he sailed from 
Halifax with the fleet, which consisted of about one bun- 
dred and fifty sail; that from the best information he was 
able to procure, the troops consisted of about ten thousand 
men fit for service; that the ships that came from Halifax 
were, the Chatham and , each of fifty guns, the 
Rose, Greyhound, Swan, and the Tamar, each twenty guns; 
that when they arrived at Staten-Island, a man came off and 
informed Captain Wallace that there were five hundred men 
ready to join their troops, and the next morning about one 
hundred and fifty men came down and joined them, and the 
next day the rest joined them—in all about five hundred; 
that the inhabitants appeared very ready to afford them every 
necessary; that they got a number of cattle on the Island. 
That they lost no men on board the Rose, but three men 
were wounded on board the Phenix, in passing New-York; 
that the Rose received three shot in her hull, and her rigging 
was damaged; that the Phenix was also damaged in her hull 
and rigging; that the intention of the ships in coming up the 
river was, to procure stock, receive Tories, burn the ships 
building up the river, and destroy the buildings on the shore; 
that a few people (not exceeding twenty) had come on board 
in the river; that they had received no provisions since they 


453 


came up; that they have but two months’ provisions on board, 
and their water is very bad; that it is the general talk on 
board, that they will not attempt to pass the forts in the 
Highlands tll they hear from Governour Carleton. That 
there were two transports from Greenock, that had joined 
General Howe, with three hundred men; that these were 
all that were with General Howe when the examinant left 
the fleet; that it was expected that the Hessians were to 
join them at New-York. That yesterday Captain Wallace 
went up to the Highlands, with the tender, and went on 
shore and set fire to a house, and then went off with six 
poor hogs and pigs; that he heard before he left the ship 
last night, that they intended to land at Mr. Kiers’s house 
and burn the buildings; that on Wednesday the tender went 
up the river, and one gun was fired from the fort, which 
struck the tender’s stern; that there are not above four hun- 
dred men on board the ships and tenders in all; Wallace 
has about thirty negroes, which he brought from the east- 
ward, who are entered, and receive pay. ‘That a man left 
the ship on Monday last, with letters to Governour Carle- 
ton, who undertook to go by land; he appeared to be about 
twenty-eight years old; had on a short light cloth coat and 
vest, about five feet eight inches, has a blemish in his right 
eye, sandy hair, and says he is a native of Old England: 
he came on board on Sunday last from Haverstraw; he 
gave information that there was pork, rum and molasses, in 
Mr, Kiers’s store. That when the fleet came into the Hook, 
a considerable number of men joined them from Long-Island 
and Amboy, and a party of about seventeen Lighthorse from 
New-Jersey ; that the man who first came from Staten-Island 
on board Captain Wallace, he understood had the command 
of the Continental colours on the Island; he is a tall well- 
made man, with black hair and brown complexion, and is 
now employed as a Colonel of the Staten-Island men in the 


Ministerial service. nie 
Ricuarp % Turpin. 
mark. 


Haverstraw, July 19, 1776. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES. 
German-Flats, Friday, July 19, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I have this moment received the enclosed, 
from General Washington, with an order to forward it to 
General Burgoyne. You will please to appoint an officer to 
carry it to him, after having sealed it. 

The Indians come on so tardily, that I am afraid of being 
detained much longer than I expected. A scout just now 
returned from Oswego advises that all is well there, and no 
signs of an enemy approaching. 

The Honourable President Hancock informs me that Colo- 
nel Greaton, and he believes some other Colonels, before they 
left Boston, took some French horns, bassoons, and other 
instruments of musick, which he had imported for the use 
of a corps under his command, and requested that I would 
order Colonel Greaton, and such others in whose possession 
they may be, to deliver them to me, to be sent to PAzladel- 
phia. Will you be so good, my dear sir, as to order one of 
your Aids-de-Camp to make inquiry, and to cause the in- 
struments to be collected, safely packed up, and sent directly 
to me at Albany. 

I am, dear sir, most sincerely, your most obedient hum- 
ble servant, Pu. ScHUYLER. 


To the Hon. General Gates. 


GENERAL ORDERS. 
Head-Quarters, German-Flats, July 19, 1776. 
First Lieutenant Robert Hagan and Second Lieutenant 
Samuel Hazelet, both of the Third New-Jersey Regiment, 
commanded by Colonel Elias Dayton, being by sickness 
rendered incapable of doing duty in the regiment, and having 
requested leave to resign their commissions, the General has 
accepted their resignations, which causing a vacancy and 
promotion in the regiment, the General has been pleased to 
promote Second Lieutenant William Gordon to the rank of 
First Lieutenant, Ensign Joseph Anderson and Cornelius 
Kenion to the rank of Second Lieutenants, in the said regi- 
ment; he has also been pleased to appoint Messrs. Edmund 
Disney Thomas and John Kinney, volunteers in said regi- 
ment, to be Ensigns therein. 
By order of the General : 
James Van Renssetarr, Aid-de-Camp, 
* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


454 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER, 
Tyonderoga, July 19, 1776. 

Sir: [ have this morning received a letter from General 
Waterbury, at Skenesborough. He says the Militia are not 
any of them arrived from the eastward, but that he has heard 
of their being upon the march, and hopes they will soon 
arrive at that post. ‘he General has employed a party in 
clearing Wood-Creek, and another to erect a small work 
upon the hill to the eastward of the saw-mill. He complains 
for the want of tools, and partieularly felling-axes. Not one 
gondola is arrived since that which came with us, (the 4th 
instant,) from Skenesborough, and I am assured by the offi- 
cer who came from thence yesterday, that we cannot expect 
more than two by this day se’nnight. So you must be much 
deceived in expecting that Mr. Schuyler would get five finish- 
ed every week. 

Sixty carpenters are now employed at Skenesborough: 
they must be very, ill-attended to, or very ignorant of their 
business, not to do more work. At this rate our superiority 
upon the Lake will be of short continuance; and I hope you 
will not deceive yourself, or the Congress, by fancying other- 
wise. General Waterbury tells me the saw-mill at Cheshire’s 
is not yet got to work, on account of a mistake in the irons. 
They were obliged to send the irons to Skenesborough to be 
altered. ‘That is now done, and the mill expected to get 
soon to work. 

Your letter of the 17th, is just come to hand, from the 
German-Flats. I shall immediately send you all the Indian 
goods here. General Arnold will get them collected to-day, 
and send them without delay by the best person we can find 
to make despatch, to Herkimer’s. He must take his direc- 
tions in regard to the route from Lake George to the Flats, 
from the commanding officer at Fort George, as I know 
nothing of that road. 

I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

Horatio Gates. 


To General Schuyler. 


WALTER LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL GATES. 
Albany, July 19, 1776. 


Dear Genera: The King of Britain’s ships having cut 
off the communications between this and New-York by 
water, and the pork which the Commissary-General promised 
to send me not being arrived, I have written to him to send 
some from the magazine which lies above the ships, if any 
is left. My stores are entirely empty, except a few barrels 
I want here. I have sent out ten hands different ways to 
purchase cattle, and have ordered five hundred head to be 
sent up immediately, many of which I hope are arrived. I 
have ordered two hundred head to be delivered every week. 
I know not who acts as Commissary to your Army at pre- 
sent, therefore take the liberty to request that you will order 
nothing but fresh meat to be delivered out while there is any 
on the ground. I cannot get a barrel of pork, neither do I 
expect that the Commissary-General will be able to send 
me any. When, upon emergencies, pork is issued to the 
troops, I must entreat you to order the Commissary to issue 
only twelve ounces to a man per day. ‘This is the allow- 
ance of Congress; and pork is become so exceeding scarce 
that more cannot be given them, unless the Commissary- 
General can furnish me with an additional supply. 

The three kegs of sturgeon will be ready on Monday, 
when they shall be forwarded, and all other your orders 
complied with by, dear sir, your most humble servant, 

Water Livinesron. 


To Major-General Gates. 


NICHOLAS MARSELIS TO WILLIAM COBB. 
Bennington, July 19, 1776. 
Sir: I send you by the bearer, William Ferrin, thirty fat 
cattle, marked with the left ear cut off and the end of tail, 
which I have purchased by order of Walter Livingston, Esq., 
at Albany. You will please to receive them, and send your 
receipt for them. 
I am, sir, your humble servant. 
By order of Walter Livingston, Esquire: 
Nicnoxtas Marseuis. 


To William Cobb, or Commanding Officer at Ticonderoga. 


’ 


455 


PETITION OF THE INHABITANTS OF SHELBURNE, ON LAKE- 
CHAMPLAIN. 


To His Excellency General Gares, Commander-in- Chief 
of the Continental Forces at Ticonprroca and Crown- 
Point: 

The Petition of the Inhabitants of Surteurne, on LaKe- 

Cuampcain, humbly showeth: 


That we live twenty-six miles from Crown-Point, and 
twelve from Onion River. Being well attached to the 
American cause, were much alarmed when we heard of the 
retreat of our Army out of Canada to Crown-Point, and 
thought we must be forced to leave here. But when the 
Army came down, Colonel Winds not having had the small- 
pox, halted here with fourteen men, and obtained leave of 
General Sullivan to stay here some time; upon which the 
inhabitants got together, and, in conjunction with Colonel 
Winds, built a stockade fort, and have continued here since. 
We beg leave to inform your Excellency that the place 
where the fort stands is a very good harbour; and as the 
Lake is often ruffled with sudden gusts in the summer, the 
boats that pass are often wind-hound here, and sometimes out 
of provision, as hath been the case with two boats coming 
from Onion River since Colonel Winds hath been here, and 
were supplied with provision at this place. We, the inha- 
bitants, being but few in number, and having considerable 
large crops of wheat and other grain on the ground, besides 
stocks of cattle, we humbly beseech that his Excellency 
would be graciously pleased, if he thinks it consistent with 
the good of the service, to let some of the men who were 
there go back again, or some others as a small guard. And 
your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray. 

Moses Pierson, Revusen Row tee, 
Jas. Logan, Rurvus Cote, 
SamuenL Teiwer, Lopwick Porer. 
JOHN ; 
To General Gates. 
Shelburne, July 19, 1776. 


SAMUEL SQUIER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Fairfield, July 19, 1776. 


Honourep’ Sir: By yours of the 10th instant I observe 
you want to know how much pork I have procured for the 
Colony’s use, where it is stored, and the price. I have pur- 
chased three hundred barrels of pork, chiefly from the farm- 
ers. ‘There is yet about two hundred barrels of pork more 
at Newtown. ‘The owners don’t care to part with it, and 
for excuse have told me it is engaged to the Commissary- 
General, which I am since informed is not so. I expect to 
know the truth of the matter very soon, and shall act accord- 
ingly. ‘The reason why I have not procured more pork is, 
that Mr. Wadsworth, of Hartford, and Mr. Coult, of New- 
Haven, had been into this County and engaged it before I 
got home from the Assembly. As to the hunting-shirts, I 
have no other voucher than Daniel Gray’s receipt for them, 
who went with Colonel Web last summer to Cambridge to 
carry his baggage. By him I sent those shirts. Said Gray 
has taken a receipt in his own name of the Quartermaster- 
General’s clerk for them, a copy of which I sent before, and 
now you have herein enclosed the original. I made those 
shirts out of cloth which I had before purchased and charged 
the Colony with for tents. 1 therefore took an account of 
how much cloth it took for the shirts, which was three yards 
apiece. I also charged the making to the Colony, not then 
knowing there should be a separate account kept of the price 
of the tow-cloth, which, upon an average, was nearest 164d. 
I therefore formed my former account that I sent you, from 
my common account with the Colony, and kept no other 
copy, as also I have done this account, and expected to give 
the Colony credit if ever the shirt-account should be paid 
separate from the other. I have made out this account at 6s. 
per shirt, which will be very near the cost, as the cloth and 
making will be 4s, 103d. per shirt. ‘The one-and-a-half per 
cent. commissions, carting, &c., will make up the rest. 

1 am, sir, your Honour’s obedient servant, 

SAMUEL SQuIER. 


N. B. The thirty-five barrels of pork I left in the farm- 
er’s cellar, judging that to be as safe a store as I could get. 
I find there is more pork among the farmers, which [ trust 
I shall be able to procure. 5.5. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


456 


CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SATrETY, 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, by 
adjournment, July 17, 1776: 

Present: His Honour the Governour, bis Honour the 
Deputy-Governour, Eliphalet Dyar, Jz. Huntington, Win. 
Williams, Titus Hosmer, Jedh. Elderkin, Nathl. Wales, 
Benj. Huntington, William Hillhouse, Esquires. 


Voted, ‘That the Paymaster of Colonel Ward’s Regiment 
be, and he is hereby, directed to pay as a premium to the 
Soldiers who shall provide theniselves with Fire-Arms, 
&c., the sum of 6s. for each Gun so provided, and the 
sum of 4s. for each Bayonet, Belt, and Cartouch-Box, and 
Knapsack. 


Colonel Mott came in with sundry motions, &c., respect- 
ing his Regiment, &c., and many matters to consider. 


This Board do appoint Messrs. Andrew Huntington, 
Joshua Elderkin, Chancey Whitilesey, of Middletown, Jona- 
than Fitch, Samuel Squier, and Lynde Lord, a Committee 
to purchase all the suitable Tow-Cloth, and other suitable 
Cloth for Tents, to be obtained in their respective Counties, 
and cause the same to be made up into proper Tents, for the 
use of the Troops of this Colony, in the most expeditious 
manner they can, and report to his Honour of what they 
shall respectively do in the premises. 


The Continental Congress having recommended to the 
Assemblies of the United Colonies to procure a quantty of 
Clothing for the Continental Army, 

Voted and Resolved, That a quantity of home-made Cloth, 
or other if that can’t be obtained, as far as may be, of a 
brown or cloth colour, sufficient for three thousand Coats, 
and the same number of Waistcoats, and as many Blankets 
as can be obtained in the Colony; three thousand Felt 
Hats: cloth of check Flannel, or some Linen if that can’t 
be obtained, sufficient for six thousand Shirts, and also six 
thousand pair of Shoes, to be collected as soon as may be, 
and deposited in the proper stores in the several Counties ; 
and the same above-named Committee are appointed to pro- 
cure the same; and the said articles are proportioned to the 
several Counties as follows, viz: 


oe na Felt hats. | Shirts. 

Hartford County.......... 1,000 800 1,600 
New-Haven County....... 400 450 1,000 
New-London County...... 700 850 1,400 
Fairfield County... ......0.. 300 300 600 
Windham County......... 400 400 1,000 
Litchfield County.......... 200 200 400 
3,000 | 3,000 | 6,000 


And Letters to be prepared to each of said Commissaries, 
directing them accordingly ; and is done. 

On motion, &c., considered, and this Board do appoint, 
Timothy Larabee, Paymaster of Colonel Mott’s Regiment. 


On application by Colonel Mott that it is expedient his 
men should be furnished with a small quantity of Ammuni- 
tion on their march, &c., 

Resolved, That his Soldiers, supplying themselves with 
four Bullets each, Colonel William Pitkin be desired and 
directed to deliver Colonel Mott, or his order, at the rate of 
one pound of Powder to every eight men of his Regiment, 
and the same quantity to Colonel Swift, or his order, for the 
use of his Regiment. 


Being informed by Colonel Porter that eighteen nine- 
pound and other Cannon are cast at the Furnace in Salis- 
bury, which are greatly wanted, &c., on consideration, this 
Board do appoint Colonel Jonathan Pettibone a Committee 
to procure proper Teams and Carriages for transporting 
twenty nine-pound Cannon from Salisbury Furnace to 
Hartford; and he, said Colonel Pettibone, is authorized and 
appointed to take care of and procure the same, to be brought 
and transported in the cheapest and most proper manner he 
shall be able, and the same deliver to Captain William 
Tuley, at Hartford, with all convenient speed, and make 
report to his Honour the Governour. 


N. B. Ordered eight hundred pounds of Powder from 
Colonel Pitkin’s Mill, to be sent to Colonel Porter, for use 
at Salisbury Furnace. ; 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning. 


457 


Thursday, July 18, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Hon. Deputy-Gover- 
nour Griswold, Elipht. Dyar, Jz. Huntington, William Wil- 
liams, Titus Hosmer, Jedr. Elderkin, Nathl. Wales, Ben. 
Huntington, Wm. Hillhouse, Esquires. 

Letters prepared for General Schuyler, &c., and sent by 
Brown, the Albany Post, and for Colonel Porter, about the 
Cannon, and Colonel Pettibone’s appointment to procure 
Cannon to be brought to Hartford ; and copies of the ap- 
pointment of the Commissaries to procure Clothing, &c., as 
mentioned page 456. 

Mr. Root came in, and moves in the name of the Com- 
mittee of Prisoners and the County Court, to have a yard 
erected around the Jail at Hartford, to secure the Prison- 
ers, &c.; and is considered and largely discoursed, &c.; 
and it being represented to this Board by a Resolve of the 
honourable County Court of the County of Hartford that 
it is absolutely necessary that a good yard be forthwith built 
around the Jail in said County, which they judge will be 
particularly useful to secure the Prisoners of War that are 
or may be taken in, or sent into, this Colony; and, on con- 
sideration, 

Voted and Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
County Court for the County of Hartford, forthwith to 
make and construct a good and sufficient yard for said 
Jail, with pickets or plank, in the best and most prudent 
manner they can. 

And it is further Resolved, That one-half the expense 
of constructing said yard be borne and paid out of the pub- 
lick Treasury of this Colony, the residue by the County of 
Hartford aforesaid. 


Whereas the Regiment raised in this Colony for Conti- 
nental service, under the command of Colonel Andrew 
Ward, is now in great measure raised, mustered, equipped, 
and ready to march, and his Honour the Governour hath 
given orders for their march to Boston: And whereas intel- 
ligence is received that Lord Howe, with a very large body 
of troops, hath joined General Howe at New-York, and the 
whole force of the enemy seems ready to fall upon the city 
of New-York and parts adjacent, and the small-pox now 
greatly prevailing in and about Boston, and would probably 
spread in said Regiment and disable it from service should 
they march there: 

Resolved, That it will be most advisable and best, that 
the Colonel of said Regiment be ordered to suspend their 
march for the present, until further orders from the Congress 
or General Washington may be had, which, from the state 
of publick affairs, may be expected. 


The matter of publishing the Independency taken up 
again, and largely discoursed; and the manner of choosing 
the Delegates, &c., a good deal considered, &c.; and finally 
thought best to let the matter of publishing the Independency 
remain for the determination of the General Assembly at 
their next stated session. 


Whereas many persons inimical to the United States of 
America do wander from place to place, with intent to spy 
out the state of the Colonies, and give intelligence to their 
enemies, whereby confederacies may be formed and strength- 
ened, and other great inconveniences may ensue: Thereupon, 
which to prevent, 

Resolved, That no person or persons, unknown or sus- 
pected, whether they appear in the character of Gentlemen, 
Expresses, Travellers, or common Beggars, be permitted to 
pass from ‘Town to Town, in this Colony, unless he or they 
can and do produce a certificate from some Congress, Com- 
mittee of Safety or of Inspection, some Magistrate, Justice 
of the Peace, General or Field-Officer of the Army, therein 
mentioning from whence, and to what place, the person pro- 
ducing the same is travelling, and that he is friendly to the 
liberties of the American States, unless he be a person well 
known and friendly as aforesaid; and all Officers, civil and 
military, Selectmen, Committees of Inspection, Sheriffs, Con- 
stables, Grand Jurors, and Tithingmen, in this Colony, are 
directed to require every person travelling as aforesaid to 
produce such certificate, and to stop and examine such per- 
sons travelling without certificate as aforesaid; and unless 
he or they can give full satisfaction that he or they are pur- 
suing their lawful business, and are friendly to the liberties 
and interests of the United American States, and hath no 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


458 


design to hurt or injure them in his or their journey, that 
they apprehend such person or persons, and him or them 
carry before the civil authority, Selectmen, or Committee of 
Inspection of the ‘Town in which he or they shall be found, 
to be further examined and dealt with as the nature of the 
case, in his or their opinion, may require. And it is further 
recommended to the civil authority and Selectmen of the 
larger Towns in this Colony, that proper watches and wards 
be kept in suitable places in said ‘Towns by night, to appre- 
hend any such persons as aforesaid that may travel by 
night fiom place to place, and practise mischief against this 
or the rest of the United American Colonies, and bring them 
before proper authority, that they may be dealt with in such 
manner as the nature of their several cases may require. 

An attested copy delivered Mr. Root, to be printed in 
handbills. 

Adjourned to eight o’clock, to-morrow morning. 


Friday, July 19, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Honourable Deputy- 
Governour, Elipht. Dyer, Jz. Huntington, Wm. Williams, 
Titus Hosmer, Jed. Elderkin, Benj. Huntington, Nathl. 
Wales, and William Hillhouse, Esquires. 


Letters preparing for General Washington, &c., for Con- 
gress, &c. Copies made of a number; about six Depositions 
taken at New-London, of the conduct of some New-York 
Provision vessels throwing themselves into the enemy’s 
hands, &c.—in order to send General Washington. Originals 
for the Congress. 


On representation of Messrs. Elderkin and Wales, of the 
necessity of a Magazine to store the Powder wrought or to 
be wrought at their Mill, 

Voted, That Colonels Elderkin and Wales be directed 
to build a good and_ sufficient Magazine of stone, of the 
dimensions of eight feet by ten, at least; to be arched, cov- 
ered with earth, and situated in a good dry side hill, near 
their Mill and Works; and that they receive out of the pub- 
lick ‘Treasury a sum not exceeding £14, to enable them to 
perform said service, for which they engage to erect such 
Magazine, so as to well and thoroughly answer the end 
proposed, and to be, and belong to the Colony, and they to 
supply the deficiency, if any there be. 


On pressing application from Mr. Brooks, one of the 
Selectmen of Stratford, for a supply of Powder for the 
Town, 

Voted, That an Order be drawn on Messrs. Doolittle & 
Co.’s Powder-Mill, at New-Haven, for eight hundred pounds 
in favour of the Selectmen of Stratford—they to account 
for to the General Assembly, or to this Board, at the rate of 
5s. 4d. per pound, or in such manner as shall be further 
considered and ordered. (Order given; sent in letter by the 
Deputy-Governour.) 

On repeated application from General Washington, &c., 

Ordered, That Captain Stanton, of the Row-Galley 
Shark, shall, in addition to the order before, immediately 
repair to General Washington, at New- York, and subject him- 
self to the command of said General, until further orders. 


Voted and Ordered, That Captain Harding, of the Brig 
Defence, immediately cause said Brig to be fitted and 
repaired with necessary repairs, and that he cruise in the 
Sound, and in proper places and grounds, for the best advan- 
tage and interest of the Colony. 

Voted, That his Honour the Governour be, and he hereby 
is, desired to give proper Commissions to such Officers as 
shall be duly chosen and returned as Commission Officers, in 
all such Companies of men not obliged by law to bear arms 
in the Militia in this Colony, as shall associate into military 
order, and stand ready to serve the publick, under the com- 
mand of the Captain-General. 

Adjourned till Tuesday next, unless sooner called. 


MEETING OF COMMITTEE FOR SYMSBURY, CONNECTICUT. 
Ata meeting of the Civil Authority, Selectmen, and Com- 
mittee of Inspection for the ‘Town of Symsbury, on the 19th 
day of July, A. D. 1776: 
Colonel JonatHan Pertrrsone, Chairman. 
Whereas, by frequent complaints, it appears to this meet- 
ing that there is great grounds of suspicion, that inimical 


459 


combinations and correspondence are formed and carrying 
on with the enemies of the United American States, by means 
of persons travelling from one town and part of the country 
to another, under pretence of selling Indigo, Feathers, Wood- 
en Dishes, Teas, and many other goods and wares of various 
kinds: Therefore, 

Resolved, That no person or persons belonging to said 
Town of Symsbury, on any pretence whatsoever, shall carry, 
vend, or offer for sale, any of the aforesaid goods, wares, or 
merchandise, or any other goods or merchandise whatsoever, 
from house to house, or from one Town or part of the County 
to another, or purchase any such goods, wares, or merchan- 
dise, or any other merchandise whatsoever, from any such 
strolling petit chapmen, in like manner, without leave or 
license first had and obtained from some one of the Civil 
Authority or Selectmen of this Town, on penalty of being 
treated as enemies to the interest of the United States of 
North-America, and dealt with accordingly. 

Published by order of said meeting. 
Certified from the Minutes. 
Test: 


Joun Owen, Clerk. 


At a Court of Inquiry held in Symsbury, in the County 
of Hartford, upon the 19th day of July, 1776: 

Present: The Civil Authority, Selectmen, and Committee 
of Inspection for said ‘Town. 

Pursuant to a complaint of the Grand Jurors of said Syms- 
bury, John Moses and Jesse Cosset, of said Symsbury, appear- 
ed upon an arrest; and upon examination, and hearing the 
witnesses, and considering their cases, each of them were 
found guilty of inimical conduct towards the interest of the 
United States of North-America; and judgment was ren- 
dered that each of them should be immediately disarmed, 
and also each of them were bound to their peace and good 
behaviour, and to answer to said complaints before the next 
Superior Court of this Colony, to be held at Hartford, on 
the first Tuesday of September next, and be further treated 
agreeable to the statute of this Colony in such cases made 
and provided. 

Likewise, Ordered, That these proceedings be published 
in the Connecticut Courant. 

Certified from the Minutes. 

Test: . Joun Owen, Clerk of said Court. 


BENJAMIN GREENLEAF TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 


[Read July 30,1776. Referred to the Board of War.] 
Watertown, July 19, 1776. 

Sir: Your letter of the 25th of June, enclosing a reso- 
lution of Congress earnestly recommending it to this State 
to send immediately two regiments of their Militia to aug- 
ment the troops destined for the Northern or Canada Depart- 
ment, has been communicated to the General Assembly; 
and considering the disagreeable complexion of our affairs 
in that quarter, and the absolute necessity of the measure, 
they bave ordered such a proportion of the Militia of this 
Government forthwith to be draughted for that purpose as 
will be sufficient to make up the regiments requested. Since 
which, General Washington, agreeable to the power vested 
in him by the Congress on the 4th and 8th of July, has 
ordered the whole of the five regiments stationed in Massa- 
chusetts-Bay to the southward; so that our lines and fortifi- 
cations in and near Boston are left entirely destitute of 
Continental troops; for the General Court have been so 
closely engaged in taking effectual measures for furnishing the 
troops they were desired to send to New-York and Canada, 
that they have not had opportunity to raise the two regi- 
ments they were permitted to raise upon the Continental 
establishment for the defence of this Government, and as the 
General Court is now prorogued, it cannot at present be done. 
Under these circumstances, the Council have thought it abso- 
lutely necessary for the security and protection of this State 
to order such a proportion of the Militia of this Government 
to be forthwith draughted out, and to march to the lines and 
fortifications in and near Boston, to supply the place of the 
Continental troops ordered from thence to the southward ; 
and for their encouragement, have assured them that they 
will have the same pay and establishment as is allowed to 
the troops of the United Colonies. ‘They are to tarry until 
the first of December next, and to be under the same regula- 
tions as the Continental troops, and their service is confined 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


460 


to the limits of this Government. We request, therefore, 
that the honourable Congress would give orders to their 
Commissary-General to furnish these men with their rations, 
and to the Paymaster-General to furnish them with their pay 
as it may become due. 

Before we conclude, we beg leave to observe, that besides 
the six thousand five hundred men lately ordered to New- 
York and Canada, agreeable to the requisition of the hon- 
ourable Congress, nineteen regiments raised within this 
Government have been all ordered out of it, a ‘great num- 
ber of men have been taken from our sea-coast to serve on 
board the Continental Navy, and over and above these, we 
have been obliged to keep a great number of companies in 
pay for the defence of our sea-coast. All these calls have 
so greatly thinned us of men, that it has become extremely 
difficult, if not impracticable, to raise any more, or even to 
carry on our necessary husbandry business. The Courts have 
been obliged already to give a bounty of seven pounds law- 
ful money, in addition to which many of our towns have 
been obliged to give thirteen pounds more, in order to raise 
their several quotas, and the price of labour is at least double 
to what it used to be. However, we are engaged in a good 
and righteous cause, and, heavy as our burdens are, we are 
determined to exert ourselves to the utmost; but cannot 
refrain from representing our circumstances to the honour- 
able Congress, and praying their consideration of the same, 
that so they may, as soon as the general safety will permit 
it, order a number of the Continental regiments to return to 
the lines and fortifications in and about Boston, for the secu- 
rity and protection of this Government. 

In the name and by order of the Council, I am, sir, your 
most obedient and most humble servant, 

B. Greenuerar. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress. 


(To be communicated.) 


BENJAMIN AUSTIN TO THOMAS CUSHING. 
Boston, July 19, 1776. 

Str: I have looked over the Court and Council files for 
October last, and can find nothing of the order of Court for 
presents to the Penobscot Indians; I am therefore at a loss 
what to do in procuring the presents for the St. John’s and 
Mickmacks. \ beg the favour you would desire the Secre- 
tary to examine the files preceding October, and those that 
follow. 1 was told they were all in Boston; but it’s not so. 
If these articles are not to be found, I beg the favour that 
the honourable Board would let me know what articles I 
am to procure, as I shall wait in town this day for the same. 
The gorget and heart I have two men at work upon, and 
hope to have them by Tuesday. 

I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 


To the Hon. Thomas Cushing, Esq. 


B. Austin. 


GENERAL LINCOLN TO THOMAS CUSHING. 
Boston, July 19, 1776. 

My pear Sir: It is not necessary that the Council should 
give orders immediately that the Militia in the neighbour- 
hood of Point Shirley, Noddle’s Island, Charlestown, Dor- 
chester-Heights, and Nantasket, be detached, and ordered 
to hold themselves in readiness to march on an alarm to 
those posts; and that alarm posts be assigned to such Militia ; 
that signals for an alarm should be ordered; and that publick 
notice be given what they are; and, at the same time, notice 
be given that, on a certain day, the signals will be made. 
This will call up the attention of the neighbourhood; the 
people will make such remarks with regard to them as will 
probably prevent their being deceived when a real alarm is 
designed. Also, if the signals agreed on will not sound the 
alarm so generally as we could wish, further measures may 
be taken in the matter before it be too late. 

Give me leave to propose that one beacon be erected at 
Cape Ann, one at Marblehead, one at Malden, one at Bos- 
ton, one at the Blue-Hills, and one at Nantasket; that a 
sentry be constantly kept at each beacon, whose duty it 
should be to observe and report when the beacon in the 
neighbourhood is fired—(the expense of this will be small, 
as troops are stationed at each of the places, excepting 
Malden and the Blue-Hills); that an old cannon be car- 
ried to the Blue-Hills—such an one there is at Dorchester, 


461 


near the mills, with an old carriage; and one be carried to 
Malden; and that upon the approach of a fleet of more than 

sail, an alarm be made by firing the beacons, and by 
a discharge of three cannon at each place successively, at 
one minute’s distance between each discharge between the 
rising and setting of the sun, and two in the night. And 
that on an alarm being made, the detached Militia afore- 
said immediately repair to their alarm-posts, and there wait 
further orders. 

In order that people may generally know what signals 
will be given on the approach of an enemy, &c., and when 
the same signals will be given for an experiment, would it 
not be well to have it published by the Clergy in the same 
manner as the Declaration of Independency is to be made 
known? It appears to me necessary that some order should 
be taken for a general spread of an alarm through this State. 

Tam, with esteem and regard, your most humble servant, 

Bensgamin Lincoxn. 


To the Hon. Thomas Cushing. 


TRISTRAM DALTON TO ELBRIDGE GERRY. 
Newburyport, July 19, 1776. 
Dear Sir: I wish you joy on the late full Declaration— 
an event so ardently desired by your good self and the people 
you particularly represent. We are no longer to be amused 
with delusive prospects. The die is cast. All is at stake. 
The way is made plain. No one can now doubt on which 
side it is his duty toact. We have everything to hope from 
the goodness of our cause. The God of justice is omnipo- 
tent. We are not to fear what man or a multitude can do. 
We have put on the harness, and I trust it will not be put 
off until we see our land a land of security and freedom— 
the wonder of the other hemisphere—the asylum of all who 
pant for deliverance from bondage. 
Wishing every blessing to attend you, I am, dear sir, with 
great regard, your obedient servant, 
Tristram Da.ron. 


WENTWORTH TO THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF 
SAFETY. 
Portsmouth, July 19, 1776. 

Gentitemen: Mrs. Levins having informed this Commit- 
tee that she was about to apply to you for leave to depart 
this place, in order to proceed to her husband at Quebeck, 
we beg leave to acquaint you that the situation of her family 
is such as that, if she can go with safety, we should think 
it expedient. Major Meigs and Captain Dearborn inform 
us that Mr. Levins interested himself with General Carleton 
to obtain leave for them to revisit their families; and that in 
return for his kindness, they promised him to use their utmost 
endeavours to have his family sent him. If this measure 
meets with your approbation, we can see no reasonable 
objection to Mrs. Levins’s going with her family as soon as 
she can get away. 

I am, by order of the Committee of Safety, gentlemen, 
your most humble servant, 
H. Wentwortru, Chairman. 


To the Honourable the Committee of Safety at Exeter. 


H. 


H. WENTWORTH TO THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF 
SAFETY. 
Portsmouth, July 19, 1776. 

GentLeMeN: Captain Roach, in the schooner Polly, 
naving cleared from this port to the eastward, with a cargo 
consisting of two hogsheads of salt, twenty bushels of corn, 
three hundred pounds of tobacco, three barrels of rum, and 
three barrels of cider, sundry of the inhabitants of this town 
have made application to us to forbid his departure, suppo- 
sing the risk too great at this time. We have had Captain 
Roach before us, and he acquaints us that he intends to go 
to St. Peter’s, and to carry with him, exclusive of the above 
articles, cash sufficient to purchase a cargo there of such 
commodities as he supposes will be suitable for this market. 
We think it our duty to inform you of this matter, and have 
desired Captain Roach to wait on you, and request your 
opinion thereon. 

I am, by order of the Committee of Safety, gentlemen, 
your most obedient servant, 

H. Wentworth, Chairman. 


To the Honourable the Committee of Safety, at Eveter. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


A62 


JOSEPH WENTWORTH TO THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE 
OF SAFETY. 
Portsmouth, July 20, 1776. 
GentLemen: Pursuant to an order from Major-General 
Sullivan of the 3d instant, to me directed, to raise one hun- 
dred and fifteen men out of the First Regiment, I now have 
the pleasure to enclose the return of that number, who have 
voluntarily engaged in the service of their country. 
Gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
Joseph Wentwortn. 


To the Honourable the Committee of Safety for the Colony 
of New-Hampshire. 


CAPTAIN RICHARDS, OF THE LISBON PACKET, TO THE POST- 
MASTERS-GENERAL. 
Falmouth, England, July 20, 1776. 

My Lorps: Saturday, June 15, received two mails from 
Mr. Bell, for the Duke of York packet, and sailed for Lis- 
bon, in company with the Anna Theresa and Eagle packets. 
Tuesday, June 25, arrived at Lisbon with the Ege packet 
in company, and off the Bar saw a fleet of French men-of- 
war, consisting of six sail of the line, two frigates, two sloops, 
a brig, and two cutters. The 29th arrived six sail of Spa- 
nish men-of-war in the Tagus. On Monday, the 8th of 
July afterwards, we sailed in company with the Spanish 
fleet, which consisted of three sail of the line, one frigate, 
and two sloops. In the evening saw four sail more of 
Spanish ships-of-war going in—three sail of the line, and one 
frigate. The French fleet sailed to the northward. 

On the 4th of July, his most faithful Majesty of Portugal 
issued a decree prohibiting all ships and vessels belonging 
to British-America entering into any ports of the dominions 
of Portugal; and in case they should arrive, prohibiting any 
of his subjects from giving them any succour, but imme- 
diately turning them out of the ports; and for those in the 
ports, immediately after eight days from the above date; 
and, in case of disobedience, all such ships or vessels are to 
be confiscated to the use and benefit of the publick works; 
and in case of departure, a strict charge is given to the out- 
ward Consulada to search them, that they do not carry with 
them any implements of war. 

I am, my Lords, your Lordships’ obedient, humble ser- 
vant, Joun Ricwarps. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN PHILADELPHIA, DATED 
LONDON, JuLY 20, 1776. 


The Ministry seem so confident of reducing the Colonies — 
with the formidable force which they have sent for that pur- 
pose, that they are already employed in devising means for 
keeping them in subjection after they have subdued them, 
Lately, there was presented to the King a project for that 
purpose, which his Majesty approved of. ‘The proposal is, 
to keep up ten thousand troops, of which two shall be bat- 
talions of Artillery, and two of Light-Dragoons; and to esta- 
blish on the Continent two Bishopricks, the titles of which 
shall be, the Protectors of the English Church. Such are 
the brilliant chimeras which are spread by the Ministerial 
party, and which the opposite party are labouring to destroy, 
by publishing to the world that the Colonies combatting for 
liberty will not yield but to force; that the force already sent 
out by the mother country, which at present appears irre- 
sistible, will soon be reduced to nothing, if the first conse- 
quences of it should not equal the expectations of Ad- 
ministration. Dissatisfaction will soon succeed, and diffuse 
itself through all ranks of people, already much fatigued with 
civil intestine war; that in this case the consequences must 
necessarily be very fatal to England, especially if strangers, 
taking advantage of these dissensions, and in support of 
America, should attack the most remote English settlements, 
and occasion a diversion which will greatly weaken the 
power of Great Britain. 

It appears plainly already that the formidable armaments 
which they are fitting out in the ports of France and Spain, 
have no other object but war; that we may be convinced 
of this by the evasive answers given to our Ambassadors 
at the Courts of Versailles and Madrid, as we have them 
from their representations on that subject; that the distin- 
guished marks of respect with which they have received the 
Deputies of Congress in these two Courts, does not leave 


463 


the least doubt that a treaty has been already formed between 
them and the Americans, the effects of which, in all proba- 
bility, will be felt as soon as Independence shall be declared, 
a period which cannot be at a great distance, since the reso- 
lutions sent to the General Congress by every of the United 
States to that effect are already publick. It is by these 
means that Opposition seeks to weaken the specious reason- 
ings which Government employs, to warn the people of 
the melancholy consequences of the war, information which 
already begins to alarm the nation. 


LIST OF BRITISH ARMED VESSELS ON THE NORTH AMERICAN 


STATION. 
Third rates. 
Guns 
Asia, Captain George Vandeput.... 2.0. eecreeeecrseeeereeceeee 64 
Boyne, Brod. Hantwell......cees cree cece ce ee eeeetr eee teceees 70 
-Eagle, Vice Admiral Howe, H. Duncan.........+-- IO SOME opie 64 
Somerset, G. OUrry..ceecserececcsereccrerseeceetreeestreeees 64 
Fourth rates. 
Bristol, Com. Sir Peter Parker, John Morris.....+-seeeeeueeees 50 
Centurion, Richard Braithwait.....esceese eer eeee cree eeeree seo) 
Chatham, Vice Admiral Shuldham, J. Rayner........eeseeeeeee 50 
Experiment, Robert Kecler....+-e.seeeeeesceeeeeereceeerecees 50 
Jersey, (Hospital ship,) W. A. Halsted... 2... eee eeeee eer eeees 60 
Isis, C. Douglass.......-- slavelei sects eleeis oreielcoislnfele, sy] stele lsienlers ilele 50 
Preston, J. Robinson... 6.0... .ecscecces%ee vines cccccscr cence 50 
Remo wy Hs Banks.<icr oc ns sis)s.sic sctsels viveiis\sewisi== «mig siesiynler a> - 00 
Fifth rates. 
Blonde, P. Pownal.........cccccssccccrecescrccsccrccscssees 32 
HAN cobd coma O aCnnOOnO COCO OOo GdUoba 1d OCUON, I560n 32 
Pineralds BaiGald wellisiecieicissveicieie slo's 9% a\:ovjeleie elon wleloveje\e/es olele sie Be 
Niger, G. Talbot ..-.ccccseccccsscccccccccccceccccccsscccsene 32 
Orpheus, C. Hudson... .cereseceecr ee cccrcceccrceeccescenece 32 
Penis O- Elotosreietetstecistete cleels'o'e svasle els ches s/ole efosielele alv\s oie) <lalelsie 32 
P heenimcabinn Parker wo tint retedetaatetss stele’ etesiaisie’s ache ofereteeiehaleieitel taste le 44 
Roebuck, Andrew Shape Hammond.........ccccccsccescesrere 44 
SU hetistecna ce ctetste eter atetoctetstereariste telasclelerstectetetetstesieterintarterctelle 32 
Sixth rates. 
INCCONs Coe Uk Ssstererelotertotoncioies olnie len cle eialentete eiatovieeistetser Sanu” Ris 
NEtivied VWITEVY ilianiS sate sietclsateye ote sole ole fe etoile i eetetete wire miei ete te's ale 7 28 
Boreas, C. Thomson........- pieje aldbeisted| > Sis /olew clsteteieete’s eeysnte’s core 28 
Carrysfort, FANSNA Wyaineravelore se raleleie taste daetdw: otierel etaienier a) sists 28 
WEEE RUN cclotelayeb oe cioiotenistctetelseiateielet en eteleicleatsteielois eis ielectnasl=tale 28 
DealuGas tle MVWViorthin. a «te solniale is sale vleatale’sicteastieier shake bialestetetss tates 24 
Fowey, G. Montagu .. cscs cecccccecccsesceccives tion ccnceswes 24 
MO, HOCH ETING HAs ies ievoles ol sierslesle/e\e elvs.a/e\e elas lel vies se oos0).<iseie/sie/ ale 28 
Greyhound |. 00%. cccscedscevvcvevesorcesccccssscecescsecses 24 
Glascow,, Li. HOWE. 2 0 strsie oe cicero ve yehulefate gle) fae misleia ale felaifle) > ic lalate! ols 24 
Lively, 1. Bishop «.- oslec <n ele s os » ojo ajesioie. vlesieise slaie cine ns aie « 20 
i WDA Keema oehiaootith GUCOOoS SUN CUCGaOodoicas GuucebowL dae 28 
INERTIA? oe oho Uicedy BiG. d PaQOHD OGIO UNG do. O0N6 64 NAKAO OOOO de noo Us 24 
AVITFORG ReneS UiNe eteterocterele oles oid clatalomersheisinetelate titer sinistorereriste lo ote 28 
PROBE MIE VV A IIACE ate etaclels fislolete cise s cieisten atelerolelorefeieloraiaes ole oieis oie ratere 20 
Scarborough, Andrew Barclay... 00.1920 0scecsccercscccvccece 20 
PIDALIE, MeO DOY ota anc cis > pes sien s Sioir's Sten ciple Sieia\sleeicieincls 5's o's 20 
DSOlebays pl WSVAMON Sete siete a «efoto here ctatele krale ave retclte leis elesieslelsicierscte 28 
SDL Sey ee E DUE tele co dfetol orm epic] eisletecieleieis|sselereis eerels evel site inice fa «a iate 20 
FO VME Moe taE UT MOUU Kis storerelotele tele isle elon eislels olele ete eelctatetat= sjctel sta e > 28 
MDA Tt AUViste otel o:giates fol olotate nicls/shaje elere leateverots \e, cove leista| ofeloloteleteniatehts catete’ 28 
Whniton,, Keil A LUtwid Guess sis lerecte mete) wvioisls jeridp a oinles) on folotarelariate o\ai6 28 
Sloops. 
‘Atalanta... UNCER WOO Socieeatts oie isloluteretesrere: 6.0 Scieisrewisehelhclotett te 16 
Carcassahy. Dine pow or wicvcipiests alee clelsielouie oof iersteste/ ate sets ietaial tas 8 
CRUISER AH PAUIY Io. e/e~ eter selere etezerio tel cictas!eie's etariofeln olviniere tale ate tere 8 
Balcony) 2ndsey de siete wistos ctele,s selelsle © -piacioamteseiele ote eieid barerolote s 16 
Beerret, JG COONEY, 55 cieinat’ wreke ticle te saniviste has mc aisinatir beens oes 18 
RALBWAKE PLUM OODEL . serancrolareloit etc aicaislaciacls creel cecclerectetersterietceieis 10 
Bip ih ets. Geiss. Sie Serelvns y vbw bhalleen velad se eis a isterer ottelote 16 
DViarting WV.2P atersiicte cca corer cts) eters tre tials Sepia eeiat eine. aie eee 14 
BPEOTLIN y Vad SULNADY. 0 $010 9.054 winnie os MANghCa Op aw eet srins eee e 18 
INES, oO OOllINS esses csreceeeteticevestelea ciseleieiccre stele chrome es 16 
Oberg a Soule ss tials waste lela stsicdche Seisieve vio tcte lec ieee eesti ten 10 
PAVOLE WEL IOCOMEGLE. fa fates dieseree ofepals ciclo wtervate cfepeie taretate Rickeere hehe hate 8 
COL MLO yTo ek OlEMACHE Ee + irs eter siete <iesl sietoleresiehe wtetacioisbaeete tartar: 16 
SSENECAI VV eA DUCCING TON temlele <teleyaers e\tio caela ees ioe eaters ninco: 16 
SA, DepAVACOUL I pila aes iatnete lie» pie sabeleies otinlets stele cere ote =) Al 
PLAMAT Hs BU OENDOLOUL Ie fetetenvessie cite rcisiseioiehs eiaigusclseleeleletcare etertia 16 
WADELs APR Ree CE solers Varilts nicsor ts Brie alts > Sie eia's Jauv © ies aa cle ce'aieie se 10 


Armed Vessels.—Canceaux, Cherokee, Lieutenant Ferguson; Dilli- 
gence, Labrador, Magdalen, Lieutenant John Nunn; Sultana; Bomb- 
Ketch Thunder, J. Reid. 


SAMUEL CURSON TO COMFORT SANDS. 
St. Eustatia, July 20, 1776. 

Sir: My last respects were of the 80th May. I then for- 
warded you duplicate of sales of Captain Pullar’s cargo, with 
bill of lading and invoice of what J shipped in return; also 
the honourable Congress’s account current: balance due me 
£620 7s. 2d. If you find it right, I shall be much obliged 
to you to pay it to Messrs. Curson & Seton, as | owe them 
a large sum. 

Powder continues in great plenty. It has lately been sold 
as low as 30 piastres. Won’t you be in want of blankets next 
winter? they may be had here at 2 and 3 ps. apiece. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


464 


Provisions are likely to be very much wanted soon. There’s 
but little good in these Islands. If we have not larger sup- 
plies than heretofore, we may suffer much. The English 
Islands already feel the effect of America withdrawing their 
trade from them, and some begin to think with us, Great 
Britain will lose her object. 

I am, with great respect, sir, your most obedient servant, 

SamueL Corson, 


To Mr. Comfort Sands, Merchant, New- York. 


P. S. Superfine flour, 163 ps.; corn, 13a14 ps.; bread, 
163 ps.; pork, 22a24 ps.; corn, 14 ps. 


VIRGINIA COUNCIL. 
In Council, Williamsburgh, July 20, 1776. 
Ordered, That the Printers publish in their respective 
Gazettes the Declaration of Independence made by the 
honourable the Continental Congress, and that the Sheriff 
of each County in this Commonwealth proclaim the same 
at the door of his Court-House the first Court day after he 
shall have received the same. 
ArcuipaLp Buatr, Clerk. 


BATTLE NEAR THE GREAT ISLAND OF HOLSTEIN. 
Williamsburgh, August 2, 1776. 

Last Wednesday an express arrived with the following 
account of a battle fought between the Militia of Fincastle, 
and some of the Cherokee and Creek Indians near the great 
Island of Holstein, on the 20th of July last. 

On the 19th our scouts returned, and informed us that 
they had discovered where a great number of Indians were 
making into the settlement; upon which alarm, the few men 
that were stationed at Katon’s completed a breastwork suf- 
ficiently strong, with the assistance of what men were there, 
to have repelled a considerable number, sent expresses to 
the different stations, and collected all.the forces in one 
body; and the morning after, about one hundred and seventy 
turned out in seach of the enemy. We marched in two 
divisions, with flankers on each side, and scouts before. 
Our scouts discovered upwards of twenty meeting us, and 
fired on them. ‘They returned the fire, but our men rushed 
on them with such violence that they were obliged to make 
a precipitate retreat. We took ten bundles, and a good deal 
of plunder, and had great reason to think some of them were 
wounded. ‘This small skirmish happened on ground very 
disadvantageous for our men to pursue, though it was with 
the greatest difficulty our officers could restrain their men. 
A council was held, and it was thought advisable to return, 
as we imagined there was a large party not far off. We 
accordingly returned, and had not marched more than a mile 
when a number, not inferior to ours, attacked us in the rear. 
Our men sustained the attack with great bravery and intre- 
pidity, immediately formeda line. The Indians endeavoured 
to surround us, but were prevented by the uncommon forti- 
tude and vigilance of Captain James Shelby, who took pos- 
session of an eminence that prevented their design. Our 
line of battle extended about a quarter of a mile. We killed 
thirteen on the spot, whom we found, and have the greatest 
reason to believe that we could have found a great many 
more, had we had time to search for them. There were 
streams of blood every way; and it was generally thought 
there never was so much execution done in so short a time 
on the frontiers. Never did troops fight with greater calm- 
ness than ours did. ‘The Indians attacked us with the great- 
est fury imaginable, and made the most vigorous efforts to 
surround us. Our spies really deserve the greatest applause. 
We took a great deal of plunder and many guns, and had 
only four men greatly wounded. ‘The rest of the troops are 
in high spirits, and eager for another engagement. We have 
the greatest reason to believe they are pouring in great num- 
bers on us, and beg the assistance of our friends. 

James Tompson, 
James SHELBY, 
Wiiuiam Bucuanan, 
JoHN CAMPBELL, 
Witir1am Cocks, 
Tuomas Mapison. 


To Major Anthony Bledsoe; from him to be immediately 
sent to Colonel Preston. 


465 


PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL OF VIRGINIA TO THE PRESIDENT OF 
CONGRESS. 
In Council, Williamsburgh, July 20, 1776. 

Str: We had the honour to receive your letter of the 8th 
instant, enclosing the Declaration of Independence, and the 
resolve of Congress respecting the augmentation of the Rifle 
corps at New-York. We shall take care to have the De- 
claration immediately published, so as that the people may 
be universally informed of it, who, we have the pleasure to 
inform you, have been impatiently expecting it, and will 
receive it with joy. 

We are perfectly satisfied of the utility of riflemen, and 
wish it was in our power to assist in raising the number in 
our County voted by Congress for the support of New- York, 
but the Convention has adjourned, and we are vested with 
no powers which can in any manner enforce or carry into 
execution that vote. If commissions could be sent to proper 
persons, they might raise companies which would have a 
right to march to New-York, but we could not oblige them 
to do so. 

{t is with pleasure, sir, we observe that you say, in con- 
sequence of the Declaration, you are fully convinced that our 
affairs may take a more favourable turn; and we firmly rely 
on the protection and continuance of the powerful interposi- 
tion of that Being whose power no creature is able to resist. 

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir, 
your most obedient and most humble servant, 

Joun Pace, President. 


To Hon. John Hancock, President of Congress, Philadelphia. 


ELISHA WINTERS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Chestertown, July 20, 1776. 


GentLemen: Having been absent on business to Phila- 
delphia, did not receive your much esteemed favour of the 
12th instant till this day. I am willing to undertake the 
repairing the arms which may be borrowed or purchased on 
the Eastern-Shore for the Flying-Camp, with all convenient 
speed, though I am sorry to inform you there is no proba- 
bility that Colonel Hollingsworth can answer your oder in 
my favour for four hundred bayonets time enough to des- 
patch the business equal to your wishes. I will use the 
utmost industry to procure them elsewhere, the Province 
to be chargeable with the extraordinary expense I may incur, 
unless you have any other means to furnish me with them. 
Ramrods and swivels fitted I can and would choose to furnish. 

Holding in view my contract, and assuring you I will 
exert every effort for your interest, I remain, gentlemen, your 
most obedient, humble servant, Exisua WInTERS. 


CAPTAIN MARTIN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 20, 1776. 
GentLeMEN: Oxford being a place much exposed to 
danger, and from which a guard has been lately removed, 
should you think proper to place a small body of men there, 
my company is very convenient, and will engage to raise 
thirty for that purpose, under such officers as you may think 
proper, that are already officers in my company. 
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
Nicuoxtas Martin. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


GENERAL DENT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
St. George’s, Head-Quarters, July 20, 1776. 

GentLemEN: From the accounts given me by several 
deserters, that the fleet entered up Potomack River to water, 
and from the motions of the Roebuck, five other ships and a 
sloop, 1 have the greatest reason to believe they are now on 
their way for that purpose. Nanjemoy we suppose to be 
the place of their destination. I have, by letter, informed 
the Committee of Correspondence of the motions of the 
above ships, and shall endeavour to watch their motions, and 
prevent their depredations, with all my might. There was 
a brisk and severe cannonade from two or three tenders and 
a row-galley off Smth’s Creek about six o’clock this morn- 
ing, the consequence of which I have not yet heard. 

1 am, gentlemen, with much esteem, your most obedient 
servant, Joun Denr, 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 
Firra Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


“fortunately for America. 


30 


466 
MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO MAJOR SHRYOCK. 

[No. 64.] Annapolis, July 20, 1776. 

Sir: We received yours of the Ist of July, by Captain 
Reynolds, and have no particular orders to give at present, 
more than to request you would forward the Militia of the 
Flying-Camp. Use your endeavours to have the men well 
armed, furnished with blankets and all necessaries. Colonel 
Williams, we are told, has declined. You stand in the way 
of promotion; therefore exert yourself to the utmost, and 
may you be crowned with success. We wish you health, 
and are yours, &c. 


To Major Henry Shryock. 


BALTIMORE COMMITTEE. 
Ata special meeting of the Committee, July 20, 1776: 


Present : Samuel Purviance, Jr., Chairman; W. Lux, Vice Chairman; 
J. Calhoun, B. Griffith, J. Griest, T. Rutter, W. Aisquith, J. Boyd. 


A Letter from John Andrews, Esquire, Chairman of the 
Committee of Caroline County, was received by express, 
informing that they bad apprehended John Amos, who lately 
went away from Baltimore town; and, upon examining 
him, found a certificate from George Woolsey, of his having 
paid his fine of £10, asa Non-Associate, which had induced . 
them to confine hint till the further order of this Committee. 
An answer was accordingly returned, signifying that (the 
Convention having, at their last meeting, resolved that the 
Committee should not hereafter take any further cognizance 
of Non-Associators or Non-Enrollers, and the Committee 
having no other charge against Mr. Amos,) he might be 
discharged. 


Attested : Grorce Lux, Secretary. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Congress Chamber, 30’clock, A. M., July 20, 1776. 
Sir: [ have only time to inform you that this moment 
your favour of the 19th is come to hand. Enclosed is this 
morning’s paper, to which beg to refer you. 
My best wishes attend you; and am, your most obedient 
servant, Joun Hancock, President. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM JOHN ADAMS, DATED PHILA- 
DELPHIA, JULY 20, 1776. 


We had yesterday an express from General Lee, in Charles- 
town, South-Carolina, with an account of a brilliant little 
action between the armament under Clinton and Cornwallis, 
and a battery on Sudllivan’s Island, which terminated very 
I will endeavour to enclose, with 
this, a printed account of it. It has given us good spirits 
here, and will have a happy effect upon our armies at Nevw- 
York and Ticonderoga. Surely our northern soldiers will 
not suffer themselves to be outdone by their brethren so 
nearly under the sun. I don’t yet hear of any Massachusetts 
men at New-York. Our people must not flinch at this criti- 
cal moment, when their country is in more danger than it 
ever will be again, perhaps. What will they say if the 
Howes prevail against our forces at so important a post as 
New-York, for want of a few thousand men from the 
Massachusetts ? 

I will likewise send you, by this post, Lord Howe’s letter 
and Proclamation, which has let the cat out of the bag. 
These tricks deceive no longer. Gentlemen here, who 
either were, or pretended to be, deceived heretofore, now see 
or pretend to see through such artifices. I apprehend his 
Lordship is afraid of being attacked upon Staten-Island, and 
is throwing out his barrels to amuse Leviathan until his 
reinforcements shall arrive. 


MONSIEUR PELISSIER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 20, 1776, and referred to the Board of War.] 

Philadelphia, July 20, 1776. 
Honovraste Sirs: Anxious as I am to avoid giving 
trouble to this honourable House, I am, nevertheless, obliged 
to lay before you the following particulars of my situation. 
At the time the first address from Congress to the Canadians 
appeared in that country, I was among the foremost who 
sought to give it support; and, impressed with a strong 
desire to free this Western world from European tyranny, L 


A67T 


hesitated not to furnish petards for the Continental Army, 
iron, stores, and every other material in my power, on the 
credit of the officers’ notes, which money has since been 
paid me at Albany. Ihave been studious and attentive to 
the success of the cause, by giving every useful information 
in my power; which circumstance, I presume, some of this 
honourable House can testify to. I have accepted a com- 
mission of Colonel, for the District of Three Rivers, from 
General Arnold; by which act I have put the finishing 
character to what Mr. Carleton will call rebellion, which 
renders it impossible for me to appear in that country again 
with safety. ; 

In consequence of an order from General Arnold, I pre- 
pared works for casting and supplying the Army with four 
thousand shells and twenty-two thousand cannon-balls, and 
such other supplies as the Army might require of that kind; 
in doing which, I was at a very great expense; which works, 
on the retreat of the Army, | was obliged to abandon, to- 
gether with all my property, and an estate in land which 
cost fifteen thousand pounds, being six miles long and’ twenty 
acres broad. In consequence of these misfortunes, I am 
likely to suffer great inconveniences; I therefore request that 
this honourable House will take the matter into their con- 
sideration, and enable me to support myself in some decent 
character under them, until such time as affairs will permit 
me to put myself in possession of my Canadzan property; 
and, in the mean time, I beg that Congress will dispose of 
my service in any way in which I can be most useful. 

I am, honourable sirs, with great respect, your most 


humble servant, 
PELISSIER. 


To the Honourable Continental Congress. 


PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE. 
In Committee of Inspection and Observation for aA 
County of Philadelphia, July 20, 1776. 
Resolved, unanimously, That this Committee most earn- 
estly exhort the Captains of the Militia of this County to 
use their utmost abilities to complete their Companies, and 
march them, under the orders of their Commanding Officer, 
to Trenton; and that the Associators would, with becoming 
alertness, join their respective Companies, as they value the 
reputation of freemen, and wish to hold the foremost place 
in the esteem of their countrymen. 
By order of the Committee : 
Joun Buti, Chairman. 


ROBERT MORRIS TO COLONEL JOSEPH REED. 
From the Hills on Schuylkill, July 20, 1776. 


Dear Sir: I received your obliging letter of the 13th, 
yesterday, in Congress, and should have been tempted to 
have laid the enclosure immediately before Congress, had 
not a letter from the same person, on the same subject, and 
in a similar style, addressed to Mr. Kinsey, of New-Jersey, 
been read in Congress the day before. ‘The temper of the 
House was plain; and you may judge what it was, when I 
tell you that the only inquiry the letter produced was, how 
it got into Mr. Kinsey’s hands. I am sorry to say there 
are some amongst us that cannot bear the thought of recon- 
ciliation on any terms. ‘To these men, all propositions of 
the kind sound like high-treason against the State; and I 
really believe they would sooner punish a man for this crime 
than for bearing arms against us. I cannot help condemn- 
ing this disposition, as it must be founded in keen resentment, 
or on interested views ; whereas we ought to have the interest 
of our country and the good of mankind to act as the main- 
spring in all our publick conduct. I think with you, that 
if the Commissioners have any propositions to make, they 
ought to be heard; should they disclose powers different 
from what we imagine them to be vested with, and an incli- 
nation to employ those powers favourably for America, it 
is our duty to attend to such offers, weigh well the conse- 
quences of every determination we come to, and, in short, 
to lay aside all prejudices, resentments, and sanguine notions 
of our own strength, in order that reason may influence and 
wisdom guide our councils. . 

If the Admiral and General are really desirous of a con- 
ference, I think and hope they will address our General 
properly; this may be expected, if they have powers beyond 
granting pardons; if they have not, it is idle for them to 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


468 


solicit any intercourse, as no good can possibly arise to them 
or their cause from it; but, on our part, I think that good 
policy requires that we should hear all they have to say. I 
am not for making any sacrifice of dignity; but still I would 
hear them, if possible ; because, if they can offer peace on 
admissible terms, I believe the great majority of America 
would still be for accepting it. If they can only offer par- 
dons, and that is fully ascertained, it will firmly unite all 
America in their exertions to support the independence they 
have declared; and it must be obvious to everybody, that 
our united efforts will be absolutely necessary. This being 
the case, why should we fear to treat of peace, or to hear 
the Commissioners on that subject? If they can offer terms 
that are advantageous and honourable for this country, let 
us meet them; if they cannot, we are not in a situation or 
temper to ask or receive pardons; and all who do not mean 
to stoop to this ignominious submission will consequently 
take up their arms with a determination to conquer or to die. 
If they offer or desire a conference, and we reject it, those 
who are already dissatisfied will become more so, others will 
follow their example, and we may expect daily greater dis- 
union and disaffection in every part of these States; at least 
such are my apprehensions on this subject. 

I have uniformly voted against and opposed the Declara- 
tion of Independence, because, in my poor opinion, it was 
an improper time, and will neither promote the interest nor 
redound to the honour of America; for it has caused division 
when we wanted union, and will be ascribed to very different 
principles than those which ought to give rise to such an 
important measure. I did expect my conduct in this great 
question would have procured my dismission from the great 
Council, but find myself disappointed, for the Convention 
has thought proper to return me in the new delegation; and 
although my interest and inclination prompt me to decline 
the service, yet I cannot depart from one point which first 
induced me to enter the publick line: I mean an opinion, 
that it is the duty of every individual to act his part in what- 
ever station his country may call him to in times of difficulty, 
danger, and distress. Whilst I think this a duty, I must 
submit, although the councils of America have taken a dif- 
ferent course from my judgment and wishes. I think that 
the individual who declines the service of his country because 
its councils are not conformable to his ideas, makes but a 
‘bad subject; a good one will follow, if he cannot lead. 
Until the good news from Carolina raised our spirits, they 
were constantly depressed by every account we received 
from the Northern Army. Such scenes of mismanagement, 
misconduct, and ill success, as have been exhibited in that 
quarter, ever since the loss of the brave Montgomery, have 
no parallel. 

I hope you are, or will be, properly strengthened and 
supported at New-York. For my own part, I don’t like 
your situation there, but think you had better give up that 
city to the enemy than let them get behind and pen you in 
there, as they were cooped in Boston last year. However, 
I don’t pretend to any judgment in this matter, nor to have 
considered the subject. My confidence in the abilities of 
General Washington is entire. His life is the most valuable 
in America; and whenever an engagement happens, I sin- 
cerely hope he will think how much depends on it, and 
suard it accordingly. 

The publick papers will announce to you the new appoint- 
ments and changes here; and as I have not much unemployed 
time, I am always ready to spare the use of my pen. This. 
being Sunday morning, and in the country, | have spun out 
this letter to a length not common with me now-a-days. | 
beg my compliments to the General. I dmed in company 
with Mrs. Washington yesterday, at Colonel Harrison’s, and 
expect her here at dinner to-day. Remember me to General 
Mifflin, Colonels Shea and Moylan, and believe me to be, 
very sincerely, yours, 

Rosertr Morris. 


P.S. I will lay the London letter before Congress: to- 
morrow. 


SAMUEL TUCKER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 


In Convention of New-Jersey, Trenton, 
July 20, 1776. 


Sir: Before the arrival of your packet this morning we 
had received the letter from Mr. Kinsey, of which the 


469 


enclosed is a copy. We had thought the step necessary, 
which Congress have been pleased to intimate, of inquiring 
through what channel a letter had been conveyed from Loyd 
Howe. You are now possessed of the letter, which will 
speak for itself. . 

The very agreeable and important news from the southward, 
for which we had felt the anxiety of brethren for brothers in 
danger, gives us a joy we cannot name. We hope it is a 
happy presage of our own success. It will at least animate 
our people, and thus greatly contribute to our exertions. 

We shall do everything in our power respecting the cattle. 
We have such an extent of shore, (more than three hundred 
miles,) all of which is-more or less exposed, and a great part 
of it in such a situation that the owners have no places to 
which they can remove their cattle, that the task is not a 
little difficult. The Tory cattle of all kinds we shall lay our 
hands upon at every opportunity. 

We are, sir, your most humble servants, 

By order of Congress: 
Samuet Tucxer, President. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. 


July_19, 1776. 
Dear Srr: The letter you mention is marked on the back, 
“ Favoured by Lord Howe,” and came to Mrs. Reed enclosed 
in a packet from her brother. While my clerk was copy- 
ing it, my barber came in, and he told Hewlings. Hewlings 
desired a sight, which, as it was expressly desired to be com- 
municated to the Assembly, I did not think myself (though 
really inclinable to do it) at liberty to deny. He then de- 
sired he might take a copy, which copy was immediately 
I have reason to think) carried and shown to Odell; since 
which I have shown it to such as have applied to me. I 
have sent, or rather written a copy to send, to our Dele- 
gates, which I intend to forward by the first opportunity. 
This is all the information you request. 
I am, with esteem, your obedient servant, 
J. Kiysezy. 
To Samuel Tucker, Esq. 
Bridgetown, Cumberland County, May 6, 1776. 
GenTLeEMEN: As our situation on the Delaware exposes 
us to the frequent depredations of our enemies—we having - 
already had two alarms, and this day a number of our cattle 
killed and taken away, and we not having a sufficient quan- 
tity of powder and ball in store to protect our shore, and 
hourly expecting more visits from the ships that lie i the 
bay—I am directed to apply to you to solicit the Congress 
for a further supply of two hundred pounds of powder and 
one thousand pounds of lead. Your compliance will oblige 
your very humble servants. 
By order of the Committee: 
Tromas Harris, Chairman. 


To the Delegates of New-Jersey in’ the Continental Con- 
gress. 


GENERAL MERCER TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Referred to Board of War.] 


Head-Quarters, Elizabethtown, July 20, 1776. 

Str: Your favour of the 17th instant, with the resolves 
of Congress of the 16th, which I had the honour to receive 
yesterday, I shall pay all possible attention to. 

Some days ago I came to this place with a view to exe- 
cute a plan to surprise some of the enemy’s posts on Staten- 
Island, formed by consent of General Washington. From 
what we could observe, and the intelligence we received, 
there were three stations, including the New Blazing- Star, 
which, together with some few houses off from the Sound, 
contained from five to six hundred men. ‘Two creeks en- 
closed these stations all but a narrow neck of land, so as to 
prevent an easy access of reinforcements. 

It was intended to pass the Sound from the mouth of 
Thompson’s Creek, a little below this town, to Staten-Island, 
at a proper time of night, so as to be on the back of the ene- 
my’s quarters before daylight appeared. We were first to 
have secured, by a strong party, the neck of land between 
the two creeks, and then to have divided our force in such 
a manner as to have attacked all the posts at once as soon 
as it was light, then to have retired, if successful, by the ferry 

* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


470 


at the New Blazing-Star. The night before last was fixed 
for this enterprise. The first division, consisting of Conti- 
nental troops under Major Knowlton, marched with me to 
the mouth of Thompson’s Creek by nine o’clock, with design 
to pass the Sound. Immediately the two battalions of the 
Pennsylvania Riflemen, together with the first battalion of 
the Pennsylvania Militia, were to follow. The whole force 
would then have consisted of about thirteen hundred. Some 
of these troops were rendered unfit for service by having hada 
very fatiguing march from Brunswick. 'This obliged us to 
think of contracting our plan; but very tempestuous weather 
coming on, obliged us to desist altogether from the enter- 
prise, some gentlemen, being well acquainted with the pas- 
sage there, being of opinion that we should endanger the loss 
of our whole party in attempting to cross in such boats as we 
were provided with. 

I have troubled you with this narrative, partly with design 
to point out the necessity of having boats of a proper con- 
struction built for the service of this Army, either to afford 
a safe and speedy passage to the troops for the attack of the 
enemy on Staten-Island, or to move our men with expe- 
dition to New-York or Philadelphia, should the service 
require their assistance at either place. 

I have relieved with the troops sent from Pennsylvania 
all the Militia of New-Jersey, who occupied sundry posts 
from South-Amboy to Paulus Hook, to enable them to secure 
their harvest. When that is effected, they will again cheer- 
fully give their assistance. 

The command of the Flying-Camp, which the Congress 
have been pleased to honour me with, will render the assist- 
ance of an Adjutant-General and a Secretary very necessary. 
Mr. David Ross, a young gentleman of Maryland, had 
joined me in hopes of having the appointment of Brigade- 
Major. I beg leave to represent him to the honourable 
Congress as fit to perform the duty of Deputy Adjutant- 
General, or of Brigade-Major, as may be thought most ex- 
pedient. 

Give me leave to add my most hearty congratulations on 
the happy success of our arms in Souwth-Carolina, this mo- 
ment communicated to me by yours of the 19th instant. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient humble 
servant, Hueu Mercer. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, President of the Continental 
Congress. 


(Copy to be forwarded to General Washington.) 


PHILIP B. BRADLEY TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Bergen, July 20, 1776. 

May rr pLease your Excetiency: I have made strict 
inquiry, pursuant to your orders, into the conduct of Captain 
Ephraim Burr; and, upon examination, find that, by order 
of General Putnam and Colonel Moylan, he was authorized 
and empowered to secure the property and effects of all the 
Tory refugees which he could come at, and am of opinion 
that he no more than fulfilled his orders. I believe that 
some of his men, without his knowledge or approbation, did 
take some things which were the property of persons whose 
principles were not inimical; but these, together with those 
secured by himself, are safely deposited in the hands of a 
gentleman in the Jerseys, by orders which he produced from 
under the hand of Colonel Moylan. Captain Burr has 
fully satisfied the owners of the last mentioned effects as to 
his conduct, and the principles by which he was actuated. 
Upon the whole, am of opinion that Captain Burr’s conduct, 
upon the strictest scrutiny, will appear unexceptionable. 

Nothing worthy of observation hath transpired since I 
reported last to your Excellency, except that our men dis- 
covered this morning, on an eminence near the Ministerial 
shipping, that the enemy were erecting a fortification. 

I have the honour to be, with every possible mark of 
esteem and respect, your Excellency’s most humble ser- 
vant, Puitie B. Brapuey. 


To His Excellency George Washington, Esq. 


GENERAL WADSWORTH TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 


New-York, July 20, 1776. 
Honovrep Sir: Mine of the 18th instant not going by 
the conveyance [ expected, gives me an opportunity of 
enclosing a return of my brigade, mentioned yesterday, by 


A471 


which you will see that little more than half are arrived, 
an event very disagreeable under the present circumstances 
of our Army. Though I cannot undertake to ascertain its 
number with precision, having never seen a return of the 
whole, or been advised thereof minutely by the General, 
yet I have reason to believe that he most earnestly wishes 
our battalions complete, and on this ground. If the enemy 
should attack us, hope, by the blessings of ‘Heaven, to be 
able to defend ourselves, and defeat the cruel designs of the 
enemies of the independent States of America. 

Lam, with great truth and regard, your Honour’s most 


obedient, humble servant, 1 Eats Wao 


To the Honourable Governour Trumbull. 


New-York, July 22, 1776. 

On Sunday afternoon, the 14th, a barge from the fleet 
appeared in our Bay with a white flag, which was there met 
by the General’s barge, with several gentlemen of the Army 
on board. The flag was sent from Lord Howe, with a 
letter to his Excellency General Washington. But as the 
letter was improperly directed, it was not received, though 
much solicited by the officer, who, we hear, said it contained 
nothing of a hostile nature; that Lord Howe came over 
possessed of unlimited power, and was much concerned he 
had not arrived a few days sooner, which would have effected 
a reconciliation, &c. However, it seems his unlimited 
power did not extend even to the necessary preliminaries 
of a negotiation—an acknowledgment of the right of the 
persons to whom he came to treat with him. 

Indeed, the idea of coming over to propose a plan of 
reconciliation is, in every view, absurd and ridiculous; for 
as the Colonies never invaded the rights of Britain, and 
only defended their own, there was no occasion at all for 
negotiation. ‘The moment Great Britain receded from her 
unjust claims, the war was at an end. ‘The very proposi- 
tion, therefore, of a negotiation, was a proof that Great 
Britain persisted in her encroachments on the rights of 
the Colonies, and was, in itself, an act of a_ hostile 
nature. 

On Tuesday, another flag from the fleet appeared, and 
was met as above; when a letter from General Howe was 
again offered, but, for the same reason as the former, was 
rejected. 

On Friday, a third flag from the fleet appeared, which, 
we hear, brought only an open letter, directed to Miss Mar- 
garet Moncrieffe.* 

Saturday forenoon, our people discovered a fourth flag of 
truce, whereupon the Mechanick’s barge was sent to meet 
it, and conducted the officer (said to be Adjutant-General of 
the forces under the command of Lord Howe) to the dwell- 
ing of Colonel Knox, in this city, where his Excellency 
General Washington, attended by his Body-Guards, waited 
his arrival, which was a little past one o’clock. ‘The inter- 
view was short, and the particulars, we believe, are, as yet, 
not made known. We can therefore only say, that, at part- 
ing, much courtesy was seen to pass between the gentleman 
who bore the flag and those of the Continental forces who 
had the honour to be present. 


* LETTER FROM GENERAL PUTNAM TO MISS MONCRIEFFE. 


New-York, July 26, 1776. 

I should have answered your letter sooner, but had it not in my power 
to write you anything satisfactory. 

The omission of my title in Major Moncrieffe’s letter, is a matter I 
regard not in the least; nor does it, in any way, influence my conduct in 
this affair, as you seem to imagine. Any political difference alters him 
not to me in a private capacity. As an officer, he is my enemy, and 
obliged to act as such, be his private sentiments what they will. Asa 
man, [ owe him no enmity; but, far from it, will, with pleasure, do any 
kind office in my power for him or any of his connexions. 

I have, agreeably to your desire, waited on his Excellency, to endea- 
vour to obtain permission for you to go to Staten-Island. He informs 
me that Lieutenant-Colonel Patterson, who came with the last flag, said 
he was empowered to offer the exchange of for Governour 
Skene. As the Congress have reserved to themselves the right of ex- 
changing prisoners, the General has sent to know their pleasure, and 
doubts not they will give their consent. I am desired to inform you, 
that if this exchange is made, you will have liberty to pass out with 
Governour Skene; but that no flag will be sent solely for that purpose. 

Major William Livingston was lately here, and informed me that you 
had an inclination to live in this city; and that all the ladies of your 
acquaintance having left town, and Mrs. Putnam and two daughters 
being here, proposed your staying with them. If agreeable to you, be 
assured, Miss, you shall be sincerely welcome. You will here, I think, 
be ina more probable way of accomplishing the end you wish, that of 
seeing your father; and may depend upon every civility from, Miss, your 
obedient servant, IsranL Purnam. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c.,*JULY, 1776. 


AT2 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER IN THE ARMY AT 
NEW-YORK, DATED JULY 22, 1776. 


4On Saturday, the 20th instant, came up from Lord Howe 
a flag of truce, Adjutant-General of the British Army. He 
was met by Colonel Reed, our Adjutant-General, about two 
miles from the town, who took him into the General’s barge. 
He Janded near our Battery, and passed through the Life- 
Guards of General Washington. He was introduced to the 
General by Colonel Reed, and had a private conference 
with him at Colonel Knox’s, for near half an hour, the par- 
ticulars of which I am just informed by a person of distinc- 
tion. ‘The main point was, with great politeness and com- 
plaisance, to induce the General to receive a letter he had 
brought from Lord and General Howe, saying it was the 
customary mode of address even to foreign Ambassadors. 
He apologized much for General Howe’s sending a letter 
with such an address, and said that nothing was further from 
his thoughts than any failure in respect to his Excellency; 
that Lord and General Howe both lamented exceedingly 
that any misunderstanding should interrupt that frequent 
intercourse between both armies, which the course of the 
service might require. He said Lord Howe had come out 
with exceeding great powers. ‘The General replied, he had 
heard that his Lordship had come with great powers to 
pardon, but he could not apply that great power to the 
Americans, who had never offended, for where there is no 
offence, a pardon cannot be necessary. Colonel Patterson 
seemed confused, and made no reply. After many com- 
pliments and polite expressions, he departed, with saying: 
“ Has your Excellency no commands to my Lord, or Gene- 
ral Howe?” “None, sir,” replied the General, “but my 
particular compliments to both of them.” 


DUTCHESS COUNTY COMMITTEE TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 


Dutchess County, in Committee of Safety, 
July 20, 1776. 


GentLemen: With pleasure we acknowledge the receipt 
of the resolution of the Convention, directing the raising of 
two regiments in the County; and be assured we shall enter 
upon the business with the utmost alacrity. However, we 
conceive the levies will be completed with infinitely greater 
despatch if we can be furnished with money in order to pay 
the bounty immediately upon inlisting. Indeed, we con- 
ceive it will be impossible to procure a sufficient number of 
volunteers without it. We must, therefore, earnestly entreat 
that a sum necessary for that purpose may be transmitted to 
us immediately. We have authorized Mr. Paul Schenck, 
of Poughkeepsie, to receive it, and we will pledge ourselves 
that the utmost care and attention will be observed in the 
disposition of it. 

Brigadier Ten Broeck has appointed next Tuesday for 
the officers and the Committee to meet to fix the quotas of 
the several regiments. ‘The business would be greatly ex- 
pedited if we could have the money on that day, to distribute 
it, and give to each regiment its respective proportion. 

I remain (by order of the Committee) your most obedient 
servant, Eepert Benson, Chairman. 


To the Deputies of the County of Dutchess in the Conven- 
tion of the State of New-York, White-Plains. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 1, 1776.] 
German. Flats, July 20, 1776. 
Sir: I am honoured with your favour of the 13th instant, 
covering the resolutions of Congress of the 6th and 11th 
instant. I shall take the earliest opportunity of collecting 
and auditing the publick accounts of the late General Mont- 
gomery, and include his pay and table allowance, agreeable 
to the resolve. 
It is with infinite pain that I see no prospect of erecting 
a fort at Oswego, or building galleys on Ontario, during 
this campaign. With all the assistance that his Excellency 
General Washington has been able to afford us, with all 
the exertions we have been able to make to procure a suffi- 
ciency of intrenching tools for the Army to the northward, 
we still are greatly deficient of what is absolutely necessary. 
Nails, carpenters’ tools, whipsaws, and a variety of articles 
that do not now occur to me, and which are indispensably 
necessary, are not to be procured, at least not in time. 


A473 


Such of these articles as are to the northward will be wanted 
there, and even considerably more. Besides these, the great 
scarcity of pork, which cannot now be got from New-York, 
will be an insuperable obstacle; but nevertheless, as it is 
probable that a very few weeks will determine whether 
troops can be spared from New-York or the northward, I 
shall make what preparations I can to carry into execution 
the wishes of Congress. 

My long stay here must necessarily greatly retard our 
affairs to the northward, and distress General G'ates; and 1 
had proposed to return, if the Indians did not arrive in a 
day or two hence, and to leave the business to Messrs. 
Douww and Edwards. The Indians have prevented me, 
by sending a message and belt, importing that they were 
informed of my intentions to go down the country, and 
insisting that I should remain. ‘The necessity of humouring 
these people, and a deference to the opinion of my col- 
leagues, put it out of my power to comply with my wishes. 

I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient and very hum- 
ble servant, Pu. ScuuyLer. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
German-Flats, July 20, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Both of your Excellency’s favours of the 15th 
instant were delivered to me yesterday. 

The letter for General Burgoyne, and the resolution of 
Congress to accompany it, were immediately despatched to 
General Gates, with a request to forward it without delay. 

To carry into execution the resolution of Congress of the 
ist of June, respecting the mal-conduct of some of our 
officers in Canada, will be, as your Excellency very justly 
observes, “a work of difficulty and delicacy.” Congress 
was doubtless furnished with a detail of some of the offences, 
and, most probably, with the names of the offenders, pre- 
vious to their entering into the resolution. If these, however 
few they might be, were pointed out and brought to trial, 
others in the course of the examination might be impeached, 
and probably most of the offenders be discovered. Perhaps 
your Excellency may think proper to desire Congress to men- 
tion some particulars. I shall, however, as soon as I return 
to the Army, confer with Generals Gates and Arnold, and 
try to adopt such measures as will best answer the wishes 
of Congress. 

Colonel Nicolson’s case, agreeable to your orders, shall 
claim my earliest attention, and I will order a trial imme- 
diately on my return. 

It would give me great pleasure if the situation of our 
affairs would admit of my doing what Congress has recom- 
mended to me, in the resolution of the 11th instant; but 
unless a considerable body of troops and carpenters are 
moved from Ticonderoga, and the variety of articles neces- 
sary for erecting fortifications at Oswego, and building galleys 
on Ontario, can be procured, it will not be possible to carry 
that resolution into execution; and I doubt much whether 
such a movement would be prudent at this juncture, even 
if intrenching tools, materials for building, and the various 
other necessary articles, could be spared from the northward, 
or elsewhere procured. A few weeks will probably bring 
about events that will enable us to determine with more 
certainty what can be done. If these should be favourable 
to us, I will not lose a moment thereafter, but immediately 
possess ourselves of Oswego, and shall therefore take mea- 
sures accordingly, and make what preparations I can. 

The Indians have not yet arrived; the more remote ones 
have sent to apologize for their tardiness on account of the 
death of one, and the extreme illness of another sachem; 
but that they propose to be here on Thursday next. Mr. 
Ryckman, on his return from Niagara, passed through most 
of the Stx Nations, and he and his party were at every one 
of their villages entertained with the accounts brought by 
those that have lately returned from New-York and Phila- 
delplia; and such is the idea they have conceived of our 
power and resources, that the opinion that we shall be an 
overmatch for.our enemies, begins pretty generally to pre- 
vail. If this be true, (and [have noreason to doubt it,) we 
shall meet with no trouble from the savages. 

The account of the two men-of-war and three tenders 
passing New-York, as transmitted by your Aid-de-camp, 
reached Albany on Sunday last, and Colonel Van Schaick 
informs me that he has given the necessary directions to 
prevent any of our vessels falling into the enemy’s hands. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


ATA 


I am greatly apprehensive that the service will suffer in 
this quarter for the want of money; very little, if any, is 
left in the military chest, and our debts are very consider- 
able. 

The five officers, prisoners who deserted from some part 
of Pennsylvania, were met by Mr. Ryckman on his way 
from Niagara. Would it not be proper to request General 
Burgoyne to deliver these and all other prisoners in Canada 


“who have slighted their parole and joined him? 


General Arnold writes me that two or three hundred 
swivels will be wanted, with a number of hand-grenades. 
Be so good as to order up all (of both) you can spare. 

I am, dear sir, with every affectionate wish, your Excel- 
lency’s most obedient and most humble servant, 

Pu. Scuuyuer. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, July 20, 1776. 

Sir: I received yours by Doctor Ely, with the provision 
and ammunition, which came safe to hand, except the bullet- 
moulds and thread. ‘The former is not wanted, as there was 
no bar lead sent, and there were several boxes of ball; but 
the latter is much wanted, and would be glad your Honour 
would send some by the first boat. I have sent a boat to 
Cheshire’s for boards, and it has returned empty by reason 
of there being none sawed; but the mill is now got at work, 
and hope we shall soon be furnished. 

This moment there is part of a company of carpenters 
from Connecticut arrived. The remainder is at Cheshire’s, 
and I shall send a boat for them to-morrow morning. ‘The 
rain has flowed so, that they cannot pass by land. I shall 
do everything that lies in my power to forward business for 
the publick good here and at Cheshare’s. 

I am, dear sir, your Honour’s most obedient servant, 

Davin Watersoury, Jun. 


To Major-General Gates. 
P.S. Some cordage is very much wanted here. 


GENERAL GATES TO NATHAN CLARKE. 
Tyonderoga, July 20, 1776. 
Gentiemen: I received your favour by the bearer, and 
have sent you by him the eighteen commissions filled up as 
you request. [ have no authority to appoint any Field-Officer 
to command the six companies, nor do I see the necessity 
of it, as they are to act separately for the protection of the 
inhabitants in the several districts where they are posted. 
You will please to observe that the officers are to rank in 
the order you recommended. As to advancing money, I 
have no power or authority to do it; nor has it been done 
for any troops raised for the protection of the places they 
inhabit. When they are raised, and have served a month, 
they may receive a month’s pay. 
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant, 
Horatio Garrs, Major-General. 


To Nathan Clarke, Esq., Chairman of the Committee at 
Manchester. 


INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HARTLEY, GOING 
UPON COMMAND TO CROWN-POINT. 


Upon your arrival at Crown-Point, you will post the 
detachment under your command in the most secure man- 
ner, taking care to preserve a communication with your 
batteaus and the vessels stationed at the Point. 

You will constantly report all extraordinaries, and by 
every means in your power procure intelligence of the mo- 
tions of the enemy. Such as you think of consequence 
must, without delay, be sent by an express-boat to Ticon- 
deroga. ' , 

As the Indians, especially those of the Six Nations, seem 
strongly disposed to a neutrality, I would by no means com- 
mence hostilities against them. If they begin to act offen- 
sively against us, there is no doubt but we must repel force 
by force. 

As the detachment under your command is meant more 
as an advance guard than a post to be defended to the last 
extremity, you are carefully to keep your retreat open to 
your hatteaus; and when the enemy appear with a force to 


A475 


which, from all circumstances, you are convinced you and 
your detachment are unequal, and with whom it woald be 
rashness to contend, you are then to make as secure a retreat 
as possible to Tyonderoga. 
Given at Tyonderoga, this twentieth day of July, 1776. 
Horatio Gates. 


BARON DE WOEDTKE TO GENERAL GATES. 
Fort George, July 20, 1776. 


Sir: I have to inform you that I still remain in a very 
weak and low situation. I find the Canadians are gone on 
to Albany. I beg leave to advise the General to recall 
them to this place, with the person who has assumed to 
himself the title of Major, one Mr. Hare, who, when he 
arrives here, I pray may be put under an arrest, and deprived 
of that commission he has assumed to himself, which, I 
assure you, I never authorized him to take. 

I have the honour to be, your Excellency’s most obedient 
and very humble servant, 

Baron pe Woeprke. 
To Major-General Gates. 


GOVERNOUR COOKE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Newport, July 20, 1776. 
Sir: I am favoured with your Excellency’s letter of the 
15th instant, which I have communicated to the General 
Assembly now sitting here. Agreeable to your request, the 
Captains of the row-galleys are ordered to proceed imme- 
diately to New-York, there to receive your orders, and to 
govern themselves accordingly. 
I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your 
Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servant, 
Nicuoxias Cooke. 


To His Excellency George Washington, Esquire, General 
and Commander-in-Chief of the United States of America, 
New-York. 


RHODE-ISLAND ASSEMBLY. 


State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, 
In General Assembly, July Session, 1776. 


Whereas the General Congress of the United States of 
America, by their Resolution of the 4th instant, after enu- 
merating many of the various acts by which George the 
Third, King of Great Britain, hath demonstrated his inten- 
tion to establish an absolute tyranny over the said States, 
have declared that ‘<a Prince whose character is thus marked 
by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the 
ruler of a free people;” and have further declared, that the 
said States “are, and of right ought to be, free and inde- 
pendent States; that they are absolved from all allegiance 
to the British Crown; and that all political connexion 
between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought 
to be, totally dissolved: which said Resolution hath been 
approved and solemnly published by order, and in presence 
of this General Assembly: 

It is therefore Voted and Resolved, That if any person 
within this State shall, under pretence of preaching or praying, 
or in any other way and manner whatever, acknowledge 
or declare the said King to be our rightful Lord and Sove- 
reign, or shall pray for the success of his arms, or that he 
may vanquish and overcome all his enemies, shall be deemed 
euilty of a high misdemeanour, and shall therefor be pre- 
sented by the Grand Jury of the County where the offence 
shall be committed, to the Superior Court of the same 
County; and upon conviction thereof shall forfeit and pay, 
as a fine, to and for the use of this State, the sum of £100 
lawful money, and pay all costs of prosecution, and shall 
stand committed to Jail until the same be satisfied. And 
that a copy of this Act be inserted in the Newport and Pro- 
vidence newspapers. 


A truecopy. Witness: Henry Warp, Secretary. 


Newport, July 22, 1776. 
Last Saturday, the honourable the General Assembly of 
this State being then sitting at the State-House in this Town, 
at twelve o’clock, the Brigade stationed here, under the 
command of the Colonels William Richmond and Christo- 


pher Lippitt, Esquires, marched from Head-Quarters, and 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


476 


drew up in two columns on each side the parade, before 

the State-House door: his Honour the Governour and 

Members of Assembly then marched through and received 

the compliments of the Brigade; after which the Secretary 

read, atthe head of the Brigade, a Resolve of the Assem- 

bly, concurring with the Congress in the Declaration of 
Independence; the Declaration itself was then read; next, 

thirteen cannon were discharged at Fort Liberty; the 

Brigade then drew up and fired in thirteen divisions, from 

east to west, agreeable to the number and situation of the 

United States. 'The Declaration was received with joy and 

applause by all ranks. The whole was conducted with. 
great solemnity and decorum. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 29, 1776.] 
Lebanon, July 20, 1776. 

Sir: This Colony has been so unfortunate as to employ 
two brigs, one after another, both of which have proved bad 
sailers. The last of the two, being well recommended, was 
purchased by this State and fitted in the best manner; this, 
indeed, by divine favour, was successful in taking one ship . 
and brig in Nantasket Roads, near Boston, and afterwards 
assisted in taking another ship in the bay, of which you have 
received information. Captain Harding, the gallant com- 
mander of her, complains that she is a dull sailer, and not 
fit for the service. 

There is a sloop of one hundred and fifty tons, Bermudas- 
built, brought from New-Providence by Commodore Hop- 
kins, which the Captain informs might do well to be turned 
into a brig. ‘The clothing and military stores on board our 
brig Defence may be put on the sloop, and she fitted out 
in a very, short time to proceed on a cruise against our ene- 
mies. Our request is, that this State may have the sloop 
at appraisal, or on such terms as the honourable Congress 
may judge reasonable, that so she may be fitted and employ- 
ed accordingly. 

Colonel Williams, who brings this, and comes to take his 
seat in Congress, agreeable to the appointment of our Gene- 
ral Assembly, will inform fully on the subject, which renders 
it unnecessary to add, only my hope for a favourable and a 
speedy answer. - 


22d.—Your letter of the 16th instant, with its enclosure, 
is received. Our General Assembly finished its sessions on 
the 7th June. On the 10th, the resolution of Congress of 
the 3d of June came to hand, and forthwith warrants were 
sent to convene the Assembly on the 14th of same June. 

They complied with your requisition. The battalions of 
Militia were ordered to be raised, armed, and equipped for 
the service mentioned. Great diligence hath been used to 
promote the same ; and Jest they should fail arriving season- 
ably, three regiments of Lighthorse were ordered forthwith 
to New-York, to put themselves under the command of 
General Washington, tll our Militia could be raised and 
come in; also to afford further aid if needed. I gave orders 
to the commanding officers of five regiments lying next to- 
wards New-York, to march forthwith on the requisition of 
the General to strengthen our Army. Our proceedings are 
well known to, and can be fully communicated by Colonel 
Wilkams, to whom take leave to refer you. ‘The good 
people of our Government do not hesitate to do all in their 
power to be freemen while they live, and to leave their pos- 
terity the heirs of freedom and its blessings. 

Iam, with great truth and regard, sir, your most obedient, 
humble servant, Jona. TRUMBULL. 


To the Hon. President Hancock. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO NATHANIEL SHAW, JUN. 
Lebanon, July 20, 1776. 


Str: I received yours of the 17th instant per Captain 
Harding. 1am very sorry we have been so unfortunate in 
getting two brigs, one after another, that do not answer our 
designs. Am rejoiced to hear that there is a sloop that may 
probably be had that will answer our purpose. Colonel 
Wilhams sets out- for Congress to take a seat therein. [ 
shall send by him to obtain the sloop you mention. I think 
it highly probable shall have success to obtain the sloop on 
some reasonable terms. She may be soon altered and fitted 
for a cruise. In mean time think that the brig Defence be 


AT7 


used for such purpose, as she may answer without laying 
out further cost upon her. Have ordered Captain Harding 
to do only what may be barely needful, and to secure the 
navigation of the Sound as far as in his power. 
I am, with esteem and regard, sir, your humble servant, 
JontH. TRUMBULL. 


To Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., Esq. 


WILLIAM LOUD TO JOHN TAYLOR. 
Muscowgus Island, near Bristol, July 20, 1776. 


Sir: I saw a letter from Colonel William Jones, of Bris- 
tol, to Captain James Hilton, of said place, informing him 
of the capture of General Thompson, and many officers, as 
also the retreat of General Sullivan to St. John’s, and the 
doubt of his ability to support that post; as also that fifteen 
hundred Canadians and five hundred Indians were employed 
by General Burgoyne to attack our back settlements; also, 
orders for said Hilton to have his company of Militia in order 
for defence. Captain Hilton sent intelligence eastward, to 
the settlements; but, sir, in my opinion, intelligence without 
ammunition would be of little service; and I do not think 
one-teath part of the inhabitants have any, neither do I think 
it possible for them to be supplied except by the Congress, 
and are therefore at present in a woful condition if attacked. 


I doubt not, sir, that you remember Mr. Waterman Thomas,. 


of Waldoborough, who was up to the Congress the year 
past, on account of supply for many settlements, but could 
not obtain it. Now, if no speedy supply, and the enemy 
approach, you may expect dismal news from this quarter. 

As the inhabitants have been driven to great straits on 
account of not having a market for their lumber the year past, 
and the supports of life having been so dear to them, I can- 
not see how it is possible at present for them to raise cash 
for ammunition; and if some way cannot be proposed as to 
furnish for a hereafter-pay, then farewell to defence. 

I imagine it will be some time before the many settle- 
ments will be notified of the danger, and be able to meet 
. and consult measures for safety; and as there are many 
settlements and Islands that have no representatives or 
acquaintances in the Congress, I desire that you would be 
so good as to use your endeavours to have a supply for them 
on such terms as you may think proper, which will be ever 
esteemed as a favour done to your humble servant, 

Wituiam Loup. 


N. B. I believe the Islands and non-incorporated places 
are not omitted in the Province tax; and as for my part, I 
am, and ever have been, ready to pay such, and have done 
it many years. 

Sir, the favour of a line from you, to inform me what de- 
pendance may be had on account of ammunition, directed 
to myself or Waterman Thomas, Esq., of Waldoborough, 
will greatly oblige yours, &c., : 

N. B. I have four that bear arms. 


COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS TO 6ELECTMEN OF BOSTON. 
Council-Chamber, Watertown, July 20, 1776. 

GentLemen: It appears that there is a great uneasiness 
in the minds of the people, in various parts of the State, that 
no greater care has been taken to prevent the spreading of the 
small-pox; and unless such care should now be taken as may 
be reasonable and satisfactory, great mischief must certainly 
ensue, and still greater if the distemper should further prevail 
in the country towns. To prevent which, and in order that 
the town of Boston may not in a special manner be subject- 
ed to inconveniences, which they are certainly liable to, we 
request you to use every means in your power for getting 
clear of the infection of that distemper as soon as possible, 
and, in the mean time, that you use every precaution to 
prevent the communication thereof to other towns, and par- 
ticularly that you employ trusty and proper guards at the 
ferry places, and at the Neck, to prevent any persons from 
going into the country, until they are entirely cleansed from 
the infection, so as to be beyond the possibility of communi- 
cating it to others; otherwise the country towns will think 
themselves under a necessity of setting guards and preparing 
smoke-houses, &c., the great expense and trouble of which 
may be saved, if they can be ascertained that you do not fail 
of doing what is thought to be your duty to do. 


To the Selectmen of Boston. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


A478 


JONATHAN GLOVER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Marblehead, July 20, 1776. 

Honovrep Sir: I am extremely sorry to take up one 
moment of your attention, engaged as it is in concerns of the 
highest import to the United American States; but seeing, 
without your kind interposition, that I may be materially 
injured, | hope you will excuse me. . 

Your Excellency was pleased to appoint me one of the 
Agents for the Continental armed vessels; which office I 
have endeavoured to discharge with diligence and fidelity, 
and conducted, I would fain suppose, to your satisfaction. 
Among other things, when the ship Hope, laden with pow- 
der, was taken, I hastened to Pulling-Point Gut, through 
which they attempted to carry the ship to Boston; but she 
got aground; so | procured small craft, and, before night, 
got out twelve hundred barrels of powder. I procured a 
guard of one hundred and fifty men from General Ward, 
lest the enemy should take the ship by their boats in the 
night. I engaged the best pilot in Boston to carry up the 
ship; but he despaired of doing it in the night, because he 
could not see the marks, as the channel was crooked. I 
told him I did not choose to trust her there that night, and 
that she must be got up. He said it was impossible. I 
then proposed placing at anchor a number of the small ves- 
sels, with lanterns on board them, at the shallow places and 
bends of the channel; and after they were thus stationed, the 
ship fluting and the wind being fair, we made sail, and got 
her up to Boston safe at anchor off the wharf before day- 
light; and-I ceased not till, with vast labour and fatigue, the 
whole cargo was secured. On account of this business, for 
four days and three nights I did not pull off my clothes, 
and scarcely slept at all. Afterwards I libelled the ship and 
cargo, and attended the trial and condemnation. In one 
word, I have taken the whole care of them; and nothing 
now remains to be done but making sale of the ship, and a 
few articles that are not military stores—the work of a day. 
In this stage of the business, Mr. John Bradford, of Boston, 
steps in and desires to sell this ship Hope and her cargo, and 
claims a commission on some others, against which I have 
either finished or commenced prosecutions. 

I will take the liberty to fairly state his pretensions: He 
received a private letter, about six weeks since, from Mr. 
Hancock, informing him that, through his friendship, he was 
appointed Agent for all prizes brought into this Colony, and 
that his commission should be forwarded as soon as might be, 
and advising him, when he should receive it, to make known 
his appointment in the publick newspapers. This letter Mr. 
Bradford communicated to me. As I have received no 
intimation of this from your Excellency, who appointed me 
an Agent, nor from any person under the authority of Con- 
gress, and as Mr. Brad ford’s commission has not arrived, and 
perhaps never may, I thought it my duty, not only to myself, 
but to your Excellency and the Continent, to continue acting 
in that capacity as far as respected those vessels that had 
come into my hands; those that have been since brought in, 
to avoid any colour of dispute, I have not méddled with. 
Under these circumstances, I flatter myself my conduct will 
receive the approbation of your Excellency and the Congress. 
And if your Excellency shall judge it expedient, a line from 
the Marine Committee of Congress may settle this matter, as 
in justice it ought to be, which is all I wish. Mr. Bradford 
has lately received a letter from the Marine Committee, which 
considers him as Agent respecting some matters yet to be 
done. This, with Mr. Hancock’s letter, is all that give him 
any authority. 

I hope I shall be excused for thus troubling you. I was 
afraid the publick service would suffer by an altercation be- 
tween us and the captors. I shall esteem it a favour if your 
Excellency will give directions to have the military stores 
taken in the ship Hope appraised, in order that the captors 
may have their shares, as they are greatly in want of it, many 
of them. 

I am, with the utmost respect, your Excellency’s most 


obedient and most humble servant, Jouvinas Cone 


To His Excellency General Washington, Esq., Commander- 
in-Chief, in New- York. 


Exeter, New-Hampshire, July 20, 1776. 
Tuesday last Mr. Blunt, who went to the Northern Army, 
with a number of letters, returned to this town. He left 


A479 


Crown-Point the 10th instant, to which place the American 
Army had retreated, with all their artillery, baggage, sick, 
&c., and proposed to make a stand at Ticonderoga, fifteen 
miles this side; that the Ministerial Army had got down to 
St. John’s, (one hundred and twenty miles from Crown- 
Point,) which consists, as is said, of only five or six thousand 
Regulars, but how many Canadians and Indians is very un- 
certain. From this body they lately sent a few Indians, and 
took the miller at Crown-Point, and carried him to St. John’s, 
who has not since returned. This is the first visit they have 
dared to make since the retreat of the American Army. 

An express passed through Portsmouth last Thursday, 
who brought an account that Captain Mowat, in the Can- 
ceaux, had taken all the fishing-boats which lay within his 
reach, to the number of twenty sail, at the eastward of Casco- 
Bay. It is supposed he has carried them to Halifax. 


RECOMMENDATION TO THE COMMITTEE OF POPLIN RESPECT- 
ING ZACCHEUS CLOUGH. 
Colony of New-Hampshire, in Committee of Safety, t 
July 20, 1776. 

Upon considering the complaint of Zaccheus Clough, Es- 
quire, of Poplin, representing that he hath been much injured in 
his character by designing persons, who (he says) have falsely 
insinuated to the publick that he converted to his own use 
a Donation with which he was intrusted by the Parish of said 
Poplin to deliver persons properly appointed to receive the 
same, for the use of the Poor of Boston, suffering by the 
Port Bill: 

The Committee recommend that the Committee of said 
Poplin would call in to their aid the Committees of two of 
the nearest Towns or Parishes to them, jointly to sit and hear 
all accusations against said Clough, on the aforesaid affair, 
and also his defenée thereon, giving notice of the time and 
place of meeting, sufficient for his accusers to be present; 
and, after impartially hearing the matter, to declare their 
opinion thereon, that all concerned may be satisfied of the 
truth of the premises. M. Weare, Chairman. 


JOHN BELLOWS TO MESHECH WEARE. 
Walpole, July 20, 1776. 

Sir: Lieutenant Sargents hath returned from Crown- 
Point, in order to collect some soldiers who deserted at the 
time when Major Butterfield resigned himself and men to 
our foes, and also to obtain a copy of the muster-rolls for the 
four companies which I mustered. As the soldiers can draw 
no pay until the rolls are exhibited to the Paymaster, I desire 
you would send the copies by Mr. Trott, because Sargents 
must return as soon as possible. 


I am, your humble servant, Joun Bettows. 


COLONEL WAIT TO COLONEL HURD. 

. Onion River, July 20, 1776. 

Sir: [ received yours of the 14th instant. I am at pre- 
sent at this place with two hundred men; and when ordered 
here, I expected to have been stationed here till fall of the 
year, and to have built some stockades from this to Cohos ; 
but it seems it is otherwise ordered. I am ordered to join the 
Army again, which I expect to do in five or six days, but 
Colonel Warner, of the Green-Mountains, is ordered to raise 
three hundred men immediately, to proceed to these frontiers 
and to guard the same, but the particulars of his orders I 
know not. Have sent a man from hence to know whether 
he is to relieve me or not. 

I applied to General Sudhvan for this station, as soon as 
the Army retreated, that | might be a safeguard to our fron- 
tiers, which was readily granted; but he is now superseded by 
General Gates, and the scene is now changed; and what 
will be done next, [ know not; but it seems this must be our 
unhappy fate, the change of command so often, that it keeps 
our Army in continual confusion. 

You must spare a little by way of complaint. This 
- Northern Army has been treated with most cruel neglect, 
or we might have been in possession of Quebeck. Sir, when 
I arrived there, I found Generals without men, and a small 
Artillery without supplies, and Commissaries without pro- 
visions, Paymasters without money; and Quartermasters 
without stores, and Physicians without medicines, and the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


-morning. 


A480 


small-pox very brief in our Army: which has been our de- 
struction. But must beg you will excuse me, and subscribe 
myself your humble servant, 


To John Hurd, Esq. 


JosepuH Warr. 


— 


BENJAMIN GILES TO MESHECH WEARE. 
Charlestown, No. IV., July 20, 1776. 

Honovrep Sir: Would inform you I pursued, agreeable 
to instructions to be in readiness to give the troops a quick 
pass from Charlestown, arriving here last Sabbath, &c. I 
need not write the particulars of my conduct, or the cause of 
purchasing stores. Mr. Trott can inform, as he is particu- 
larly knowing to my conduct, both before and after Captain 
Farnsworth came to No. 4, whose orders are to purchase 
beef, and that only for the troops. A difficulty I am afraid 
will arise: his orders are to give provisions to a complete 
company only; and as I suppose it is next to impossible 
for complete companies to march without being notified, 1 
thought it my duty to advertise you, sir, that, if possible, the 
Captains of each company may have notice thereof. _Billet- 
ing, mileage, and some other allowances, are all to be paid 
at Ticonderoga, the money being sent forward. Captain 
Farnsworth came here last Thursday, and is gone off this 
According to direction, I have dismissed the busi- 
ness, but have some pork on hand, can’t say how much; 
Mr. Trott will inform you of the circumstance. I sent him 
to Hadley, to purchase pork. I paid his expenses, being 
17s. 9d., and have charged it. Would be glad of further 
directions respecting what I have taken in. 

I rest, sir, your real friend and very humble servant, 

Bens. Gites. 


To the Hon. Meshech Weare, Esq. 


P.S. [should have written in a different manner, but Mr. 
Trott can inform you of every partucular. 


P.S.1 borrowed forty-four dollars, which I have paid for 
wheat and pork. Would be glad if it can be sent by Mr. 
Trott. promised to pay it directly. In hurry, Mr. “Trott 
is waiting. Bens. Gites, 


Providence, July 20, 1776. 
A gentleman from No. 4 informs, that a Missionary arrived 
there a few days since from the Indzan country, and brought 
advices that the Chiefs of the Sta Nations, in a grand council, 
had determined to call in their young men immediately, and 
to remain neuter during the present conflict between Great 
Britain and the American States. 


COLONEL HURD TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 


Haverhill, July 20, 1776. 

Sir: Yesterday afternoon came in here to Cohos, a French- 
man from the river St. Francots, with whom and the Com- 
mittees of Haverhill and Newbury, I spent the evening till 
late, to obtain what intelligence we could. He tells us that 
he has been out from thence nineteen days, and undergone 
great hardship on his journey, having mistook his path from the 
head of St. Francozvs to this river; that there were seventy- 
two ships arrived at Quebeck, and the Ministerial Army made 
up ten thousand British and Canadians, under General 
Carleton. He knows nothing of Burgoyne; the Indians of 
St. Francois and Caughnawaga remain neuter, and refuse 
to take up arms on either side. He does not think there are 
any Indians out upon the scout on this quarter. He fled, as 
he says, for fear of his life, having been a Captain in the Con- 
tinental service, at the Parish of Three Rivers, and advanced 
considerable effects for our Army. He is desirous of being 
conveyed to the General and to the Continental Congress. 
His appearance to me is open and honest, though some of our 
people are jealous ofhim. Keep a guard to watch the house 
where he lodges, and intend to send him over to Crown- 
Point to the commanding officer there. 

We are anxious for Colonel Bayley’s return, to know in 
what manner the men designed for our protection are to be 
raised; and we shall look for him this evening, so that I 
hope I shall have the pleasure ofsome advices. 

{ am, very respectfully, sir, your most humble servant, 


J. Huron. 
To the Hon. Colonel Weare. 


481 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM CHARLESTOWN, SOUTH-CARO- 
LINA, DATED JULY 21, L776. 


You are undoubtedly informed before this, that that detest- 
able villain, Stewart, has prevailed upon the Cherokees to 
take up the hatchet against our countrymen. ‘This, however, 
does not in the least intimidate us. Our people march forth 
against the Savages with all the alacrity and cheerfulness 
you can conceive, and with a full determined resolution to 
extirpate the whole tribe. ‘The damage done to us by them 
is yet trifling. A number of the heads of the ‘Tories in this 
Province, when they heard of the breaking out of the Jn- 
dians, wrote to our Governour, and told bim that they never 
dreamt the King would descend to such low and diabolical 
designs; that they were now willing to do everything in their 
power to assist their brethren in America. These are men 
of influence on the frontiers, and will be very useful against 
the Indians. 

In a little brush with the Indians the other day, our peo- 
ple were successful; killed, wounded, and took prisoners, a 
considerable number. Colonel McIntosh, of Georgia, with 
a party of his regiment, went out a few days ago to recon- 
noitre the situation of the two young Wrights, who are 
posted on St. Mary’s River, which separates Florida from 
Georgia. When he came within two miles of their fort, he 
was fired on from an outpost of theirs; our Colonel returned 
the fire, killed one, and took nine prisoners; upon which the 
fort fired an alarm gun. The man-of-war below hearing this, 
immediately detached a barge with a Lieutenant and nine 
men; all these the Colonel thought proper to seize upon. 
In the brig lately taken here with Highlanders, on board was 
found about £600 sterling worth of goods. 


Williamsburgh, Virginia, August 10, 1776. 

A correspondent has favoured us with extracts of letters 
from officers of rank in Fincastle, from which we learn, that 
on Sunday, the 21st of July, a large party of Indians attacked 
the Watauga Fort, in which were one hundred and fifty 
men. ‘They fired on a great number of women, who went 
out at daybreak to milk their cows, and chased them into the 
fort, but providentially did not kill one of them. They fired 
briskly on the fort till eight o’clock, but without effect, and 
then retired, with considerable loss, as was supposed from the 
quantity of blood found; but they returned to the attack, 
and were besieging the fort six days after, as a messenger, 
who was slipped out, informed our men on Holstein. A de- 
tachment was sent to relieve the fort, and it was expected 
they would do so on Monday, the 29th. A party of one 
hundred men of the Militia fell in with a party of forty 
Cherokees, who were fifty miles on this side the Island, at 
one of the deserted plantations, and killed five, took one 
prisoner, and twenty guns. It is worthy of our observation, 
that in these several skirmishes with the Indians, in all of 
which we did more execution than in some of the principal 
actions of the last war, we lost not a man. No one can 
reflect on this, and many other circumstances which have 
attended the present war with the British tyrant, without 
acknowledging that he sees evident proofs of the Divine 
interposition in our favour. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GENERAL DENT. 
{No. 65.] Annapolis, July 21, 1776. 

Sir: Your favours of the 19th and 20th instant are before 
us. We approve of your ordering an additional number of 
Militia from Colonel Hawkins’s battalion, and don’t doubt 
your doing everything necessary to repel the invaders, 

We have ordered Major Price down, with three field- 
pieces and one nine-pounder, with Captain Thomas’s Inde- 
pendent company, which we rest satisfied are arrived with you 
by this time. ‘These will enable the Major and you to speak 
more properly with the row-galley than you hitherto could do. 

You apprehend the enemy are moving up the river: it is not 
improbable but they may be. You will (as you have done) 
continue to watch their motions, and, from time to time, 
inform us. We wish to be acquainted how many and what 
sort of deserters have come over—whether they be soldiers, 
sailors, Tories, or prisoners taken by them. 

Wishing you all success, we are, &c. 


To Brigadier-General Dent. 
P.S. Please to say in your next how Captain Beall may be. 
Firra Series.—Vot. I, 31 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


A482 


JAMES TILGHMAN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Sunday morning, July 21, 1776. 

GentLemMen: Mr. Thomas, who was to have delivered 
you the enclosed, is now with me. The company is very 
anxious to be furnished with the arms which arrived at Chin- 
goteague, but Ihave informed Mr. Thomas of the resolution 
of the Council as to them. — It will be very difficult, if not: 
impossible, to procure a sufficient quantity of guns here, the 
Militia having but few, and will not part with them, unless 
to the company which is to defend Kent-Island. They, I 
believe, will soon be supplied, from what I can learn. I 
cannot, however, speak with certainty. 

I shall meet the Committee next Thursday, and shall 
then have an opportunity of forming some judgment myself 
of the practicability of arming them. Pray write me if any- 
thing extraordinary. 

I am your obedient humble servant, Ja. Trteuman. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


B. JOHNSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Fredericktown, July 21, 1776. 


GenTLemMEN: Yesterday I received part of Captain G'ood’s 
company. Lieutenant Ghislen now waits on you for com- 
missions and orders. Captain Good informed me that it 
will be out of his power to procure arms unless you will be 
pleased to furnish him with money, and then he can get 
both arms and blankets. I submit it to your consideration 
whether it would not be best. I believe Captain G'ood to 
be a man of honour. I know him to be a man of property, 
and will, I dare say, lay the money out to the advantage of 
the publick. 

Some villain or other has propagated through this County 
that Colonel Beatty and myself have destroyed the recom- 
mendation of Field-Officers by the Committee, and the 
several petitions of the people for a further representation. 
I hope you will not think me troublesome, when I request the 
favour of you to inform me by letter, that they are in your 
possession, by Mr. Ghislen. I hope to receive your answer. 

I am, gentlemen, with respect, your obedient servant, 

B. Jounson. 


To the Council of Safety of Maryland, at Annapolis. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO COLONEL HASLETT. 
Philadelphia, Sunday morning, July 21, 1776. 
Sir: In consequence of a resolution of Congress passed 
yesterday evening, I am to direct you, immediately and 
without loss of time after the receipt of this, to march with 
the troops under your command to Philadelphia, there to do 
duty until the further orders of Congress. If the company 
ordered to Lewistown be stil] there, you are not to include that 
company in your marching orders for Philadelphia. On your 
arrival here, you will station your troops in the barracks. 
I am, with respect, sir, your most obedient servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To Colonel Haslett, or Officer commanding the Battalion 
of Continental ‘Troops in the Delaware Government. 


DR. FRANKLIN TO LORD HOWE. 
Philadelphia, July 21, 1776. 

My Lorn: I received safe the letters your Lordship so 
kindly forwarded to me, and beg you to accept my thanks. 

The official despatches to which you refer me contain 
nothing more than what we had seen in the act of Parlia- 
ment, viz: “ offers of pardon upon submission ;” which I was 
sorry to find, as it must give your Lordship pain to be sent 
so far on so hopeless a business. 

Directing pardons to be offered to the Colonies, who are 
the very parties injured, expresses, indeed, that opinion of 
our ignorance, baseness, and insensibility, which your unin- 
formed and proud nation has long been pleased to entertain 
of us; but it can have no other effect than that of increasing 
our resentments. It is impossible we should think of sub- 
mission to a Government that has, with the most wanton 
barbarity and cruelty, burned our defenceless towns in the 
midst of winter, excited the savages to massacre our peace- 
ful farmers, instigated our slaves to murder their masters, and 
is even now bringing foreign mercenaries to deluge our set- 


~ 


483 


tlements with blood. ‘These atrocious injuries have extin- 
guished every spark of affection for that parent country we 
once held so dear. But were it possible for us to forget and 
forgive them, it is not possible for you (I mean the British 
nation) to forgive the people you have so heavily injured. 
You can never confide again in those as fellow-subjects, and 
permit them to enjoy equal freedom, to whom you know 
you have given such just causes of lasting enmity; and this 
must impel you, were we again under your Government, to 
endeavour the breaking our spirit by the severest tyranny, 
and obstructing, by every means in your power, our growing 
strength and prosperity. 

But your Lordship mentions “ the King’s paternal solici- 
tude for promoting the establishment of lasting peace and 
union with the Colonies.” Ifby peace is here meant a peace 
to be entered into by distinct States now at war, and his Ma- 
jesty has given your Lordship powers to treat with us of such 
a peace, | may venture to say, though without authority, 
that I think a treaty for that purpose not quite impracticable 
before we enter into foreign alliances. But I am persuaded 
you have no such powers. Your nation, though, by punish- 
ing those American Governours who have fomented the 
discord, rebuilding our burnt towns, and repairing, as far as 
possible, the mischiefs done us, might recover a great share 
of our regard, and the greatest share of our growing com- 
merce, with all the advantages of that additional! strength to 
be derived from a friendship with us; yet I know too well 
her abounding pride and deficient wisdom to believe she will 
ever take such salutary measures. Her fondness for conquest 
as a warlike nation; her lust of dominion as an ambitious 
one; and her thirst for a gainful monopoly as a commercial 
one, (none of them legitimate causes of war,) will join to 
hide from her eyes every view of her true interest, and con- 
tinually goad her on in these ruinous distant expeditions, so 
destructive both of lives and of treasure, that they must prove 
as pernicious to her in the end as the Croisades formerly 
were to most of the nations of Europe. 

I have not the vanity, my Lord, to think of intimidating, 
by thus predicting the effects of this war; for I know it will 
in England have the fate of all my former predictions—not 
to be believed till the event shall verify it. 

Long did, I endeavour, with unfeigned and unwearied 
zeal, to preserve from breaking that fine and noble porcelain 
vase—the British empire; for 1 knew, that being once 
broken, the separate parts could not retain even their share 
of the strength and value that existed in the whole, and that 
a perfect reunion of those parts could scarce ever be hoped 
for. Your Lordship may possibly remember the tears of 
joy that wetted my cheek, when, at your good sister’s in 
London, you once gave me expectations that a reconciliation 
might soon take place. I had the misfortune to find these 
expectations disappointed, and to be treated as the cause of 
the mischief I was labouring to prevent. My consolation 
under that groundless and malevolent treatment was, that I 
retained the friendship of many wise and good men in that 
country, and, among the rest, some share in the regard of 
Lord Howe. 

The well-founded esteem and, permit me to say, affection 
which I shall always have for your Lordship, make it pain- 
ful to me to see you engaged in conducting a war, the great 
ground of which (as described in your letter) is “the neces- 
sity of preventing the American trade from passing into 
foreign channels.” ‘To me it seems that neither the obtain- 
ing or retaining any trade, how valuable soever, is an object 
for which men may justly spill each other’s blood; that the 
true and sure means of extending and securing commerce 
are the goodness and cheapness of commodities; and that 
the profits of no trade can ever be equal to the expense of 
compelling it, and holding it by fleets and armies. I con- 
sider this war against us, therefore, as both unjust and 
unwise; and I am persuaded that cool and dispassionate 
posterity will condemn to infamy those who advised it. 

I know your great motive in coming hither was the hope 
of being instramental in a reconciliation; and I believe, when 
you find that to be impossible, on any terms given you to 
propose, you will then relinquish so odious a command, and 
return to a more honourable private station. 

With the greatest and most sincere respect, I have the 
honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship’s most obedient hum- 
ble servant, B. Franxuin, 
To the Right Honourable Lord Viscount Howe. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


484 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 23, 1776, and referred to the Board of War.] 
New-York, July 21, 1776. 

Sir: I have just time to acknowledge the receipt of your 
favour of the 19th. The interesting intelligence of the suc- 
cess of our arms in the Southern Department gives me the 
highest satisfaction. Permit me to join my joy in the congratu- 
lation of Congress upon the event. ‘To-morrow, I will write 
more fully. 

Two o'clock, p. m.—I this moment had report made me, 
that ten ships were seen in the offing coming in—I suppose 
part of Admiral Hovwe’s fleet. 

I have the honour to be, with sentiments of the greatest 
respect, sir, your most obedient, 

Go. Wasnineron. 


To John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO SAMUEL TUCKER. 
New-York, July 21, 1776. 

Sir: As we have the strongest reason to believe the 
period is just at hand, or will soon be, when we shall have 
the most pressing occasions for troops successfully to oppose 
and defeat the formidable army we expect against us, I 
confess I feel myself not a little concerned for the slow 
manner in which the levies come in that were required by 
Congress, and which will be essential to counteract the 
efforts of our enemies. 

Not many more than twelve hundred of the quota to be 
furnished by your State are yet arrived; and I am apt to 
conclude that it will be a long time before the whole can be 
made up by voluntary inlistments. As the succour they are 
meant to afford, by the delay that may attend that mode of 
raising them, may be too late, and after an important stroke 
has been given us, I submit it to your consideration whether 
it may not be prudent to devise some other way by which 
they may be raised, and their aid immediately had. 

Voluntary inlistments, without doubt, are preferable to 
any other mode, if they could be effected in time, and what 
I would wish for. But as there is too much reason to fear 
they cannot, from the small progress already made, the criti- 
cal situation of our affairs requires that other means should 
be used; and in full confidence that nothing will be omitted 
on the part of your honourable body to forward the quota 
required of them by Congress, I am, with great respect, your 
and their most obedient servant, 

Go. Wasuineron. 


To Samuel Tucker, Esq. 


P. S. Ten sail of ships are just discovered in the offing, 
below Sandy Hook. What they are I know not, as yet. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO ROBERT YATES AND OTHERS. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 21, 1776. 

Genttemen: Yours of the 18th instant I duly received, 
and note the contents, and am very sorry to hear the forts 
in the Highlands are in so defenceless a situation. Through 
such variety of business, which calls my closest attention, it 
has been, and still is, impossible for me personally to recon- 
noitre all the different posts under my command; but was 
so sensible of the importance of the fortresses in the High- 
lands, that I ordered Lord Stirling to visit them, which he 
did early in the summer, and reported to me their situation 
at that time; and through his representations I continued 
two gentlemen in Continental pay, who were acting as 
Engineers, under orders from the authority of this State. I 
have repeatedly pressed Colonel Clinton to spare no pains 
to put them on the best footing possible; and, indeed, I had 
reason to suppose they were in tolerable order to receive the 
enemy. By the returns there appear to be six thirty-two- 
pounders, besides some nine, six, four, and three-pounders ; 
and enclosed is a letter for Governour Trumbull, begging 
him to assist you all in his power. We were so short of 
Matrosses that I was necessitated to draught six hundred 
from the different battalions to join the Artillery in this place. 
The fourteen with Colonel Clinton, are of the old regiment, 
and experienced; to these he may add, by draughting a 
sufficient number of stout, active men, from the other corps 
under his command, and put them immediately to exercising 
the artillery. It is not in my power to reinforce those gar- 


485 


risons with more men, as but about five thousand of the 
new levies have yet arrived in camp, out of fifteen thousand 
ordered. I will this day send up Mr. Machin, a Lieutenant 
of the Train, who has just returned from overseeing the 
works at Boston. He is as proper a person as any I can 
send, being an ingenious, faithful hand, and one that has 
had considerable experience as an Engineer. I shall enjom 
on him to attend closely to the business he is going to exe- 
cute. Rest assured, gentlemen, that every assistance in my 
power shall be most cheerfully granted; and that | am, with 
esteem, yours, &c., 
Go. WasHineTon. 


To Messrs. Yates, Jay, Livingston, Tappan, and Living- 
ston, the Secret Committee of the New- York Convention, 


at Fort Montgomery. 


[To the above was added the account of the battle of Sullivan’s Island, 
Charlestown, South-Carelina.] 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL JAMES CLINTON, 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 21, 1776. 


Sr: The bearer, Lieutenant Machin, I have sent to act 
as an Engineer in the posts under your command, and at 
such other places as may be thought necessary. He is an 
ingenious man, and has given great satisfaction as an Engi- 
neer at Boston, from which he has just returned. 

I have received from the Secret Committee a representa- 
tion of your want of Matrosses, which can be supplied in no 
other way but by draughting those that are proper from 
other corps, and exercising them to the artillery; it is what 
we have been obliged to do here. ‘The men thus draughted 
may be considered as remaining with their own regiments, 
and only doing duty with the Train on the present occa- 
sion. 

I an, sir, &c., Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Colonel Clinton, 3d N. Y., Fort Montgomery. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO LIEUTENANT MACHIN. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 21, 1776. 


Sir: You are, without delay, to proceed for Fort Montgo- 
mery or Constitution, in the Highlands, on Hudson’s River, 
and there put yourself under the command of Colonel 
James Clinton, or the Commanding Officer there, to act as 
Engineer in completing such works as are or may be laid 
out for the defence of the river and adjacent defiles on each 
side of the river. Your being steady and giving close atten- 
tion to this business is necessary. It is, therefore, expected 
and required of you that you personally attend where you 
may be most wanted to forward the works. In case of an 
attack from the enemy, or in any engagement with them, 
you are to join the Train of Artillery on that station, and act 
according to your office. 

I am, sir, your most humble servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 
To Lieutenant Machin, of Artillery. 


COMMISSARY TRUMBULL TO JAMES BOWDOIN. 


: New-York, July 21, 1776. 

Honovrep Sir: Your favour of the 19th instant, signed 
in the name and behalf of the Council of Massachusetts-Bay, 
is this day delivered me. I received that referred to from 
Mr. President Powell, and answered it per post the next 
day. A person is now at No. 4, and everything in readiness 
to receive and forward the troops from New-England, going 
to Crown-Pownt, as fast as they arrive there, agreeable to 
your expectations and my engagements. 

I most sincerely congratulate you on the success of Gene- 
ral Lee and his troops in South-Carolina, the particulars of 
which will undoubtedly be transmitted to you by General 
Washington, by your express. It appears they are disabled 
from further action this season. 

I am, with the greatest esteem and respect, your Honours’ 
and the Council’s most obedient and humble servant, 


Jos. TRumMBULL. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


486 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, July 21, 1776, two o’clock. 

Sir: Colonel Hand reports seven large ships are coming 
up from the Hook to the Narrows. 

A negro belonging to one Strickler, at Gravesend, was 
taken prisoner (as he says) last Sunday at Coney-Island. 
Yesterday he made his escape, and was taken prisoner by 
the rifle-cuard. He reports eight hundred negroes collected 
on Staten-Island, this day to be formed into a regiment. 

I am your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant, 

N. Greene. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters, 
New-York. 


ROBERT YATES TO GENERAL GATES. 
Poughkeepsie, July 21, 1776. 

Str: The enclosed copy of some late resolutions of the 
Convention of the State of New- York will inform you that 
we are a Committee of that body, and charged with the 
execution of the business mentioned in them. As the chain 
intended to obstruct the navigation of the river Sorel cannot 
now be applied to that use, and will serve to prevent the 
enemy’s ships from going beyond the forts on Hudson’s 
River, we must beg the favour of you to send the whole, or 
such parts of it as may expeditiously be had, to Poughkeepsie, 
and consign it to Messrs. Van Zandt, Lawrence, and Tudor, 
with the utmost despatch. Be pleased to inform those 
gentlemen of the length of such part of the chain you can 
send, in order that they may direct the deficiency to be sup- 
plied. 

We shall by this opportunity request of the Committee of 
Albany immediately to furnish us with one hundred and fifty 
sawed logs of the largest size, to support the chain, and we 
flatter ourselves that your attention and influence will be ex- 
tended to both these objects. 

We have the honour to be, sir, with the greatest esteem 
and respect, your most obedient and humble servant. 

By order of the Committee: 
Rosert Yates, Chatman. 
In Convention of the Representatives of the State of 
New-York, July 16, 1776. } 

Resolved, unanimously, That a Secret Committee be ap- 
pointed to devise and carry into execution such measures as 
to them shall appear most effectual for obstructing the Chan- 
nel of Hudson’s River, or annoying the enemy’s Ships in their 
navigation up the said River, and that this Convention pledge 
themselves for defraying the charges incident thereon. 

And Resolved and Ordered, That Mr. Jay, Mr. Robert 
Yates, Major Tappen, Mr. Robert R. Livingston, Mr. Gil- 
bert Livingston, and Mr. Paulding, be the said Committee. 

A true extract from the Minutes: 

Rosert Yates, 
Chairman to the Secret Committee. 


WILLIAM GILLILAND TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, July 21, 1776. 


Sir: I am very sorry to be a complainant against one of 
my own, one of my first settlers on Lake Champlain; but 
his threatenings have been so frequent and so severe against 
the Continental Officers, and against me, for the part I have 
taken on their side, that it has been thought proper to con- 
fine him. I have just now heard, with much astonishment, 
that he is gone from hence to T%conderoga, under the patron- 
age of Major Udney Hay. Should he be released without 
inquiry, adieu to American or to political virtue. I shall 
stand forth as his prosecutor, and think I have sufficient 
evidence to support me; and am, with the most profound 
respect, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 

Witi1am Giniinanp. 


N. B. The prisoner’s name is George Belton. 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, July 21, 1776. 
Honourep Sir: As soon as I arrived here yesterday 


To the Honourable James Bowdoin, Esq., President of the evening, I sent off the goods, &c., wanted for the Indians. 


Council of Massachusetts-Bay. 


* 


I presume they arrived at Ticonderoga last night. I also 


487 


yesterday evening sent an officer and seven men after 
Brown, but he is gone. Unless he is at Ticonderoga, he is 
fled to the enemy. However, I have sent in search of him 
this morning again; but have no prospect of success. 

There is no news yet from down the Lake. I wish I 
could get a couple of canoes from Head-Quarters, as we 
have not one here. We want also some cordage for ropes 
to the sails of the batteaus. 

I have laid out my encampment near the Grenadier-Re- 
doubt, The sick I will keep in the long store-house. From 
the numerous detachments and sickness, [ have not two 
hundred men now here fit for duty. Part of these are daily 
employed in the boats. 

Mr. Hops, a young gentleman from York, in Pennsylva- 
nia, was wounded in the action at Trois Riviéres, where he 
behaved with the utmost bravery. He stood far back in 
point of seniority in the regiment, so that I could have no 
prospect of advancing him soon, without giving disgust. He 
was recommended to General Arnold, and was commisston- 
ed as a Lieutenant of Marines on board the large schooner. 
He was to have twenty-five men. We would willingly fur- 
nish the whole number from our regiment, were it not for the 
losses and distresses we have suffered. At present, from 
our Jow state, it would be almost impracticable. There 
is not one day of intermission scarcely between one day 
and another. I would propose that good men should be 
draughted from the Army as marines, when we shall cheer- 
fully afford our proportion. 

The vessel will be ready to sail in a few days. I would 
wish that you would be pleased to take such steps as to have 
him the complement of twenty-five marines. He is a gentle- 
man of the greatest worth, and will prove himself deserving 
of his office. 

I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most humble 
servant, Tuomas Hart ey. * 


P.S. Brown is taken just now. I send him with Lieu- 
tenant Hops. I send also all the oars that are now ready. 
I imagine it must have been a bad place for timber where 
the oar-makers were first sent. They are changing their 
ground. gg eI 


» 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL ARNOLD. 
Crown-Point, July 21, 1776, 8 o’clock, P. M. 

Honourep Sir: I just now received your favour of this 
day. A few minutes before it came to hand, eight batteaus, 
with forty-four pieces of timber, under Captain Polliphemus, 
arrived from the mouth of Onion River. In the late storm, 
the raft broke, and the timber was scattered on the sands. 
They say there was one hundred and twenty pieces in the 
whole. Seventy-four men were employed in bringing up 
these eight boats, and I am told the timber is but of a very 
indifferent quality, and that much better can be had nearer 
Head-Quarters. The men on this party have experienced 
the greatest fatigue. They have been three weeks gone, 
and if we might calculate on the future by what is past, it 
would require three weeks for two hundred and ten men to 
bring up the rest of the timber. There are also boarsd 
collecting there. It is said they bring them fourteen miles 
overland. ‘This is certainly very bad policy, when we can 
procure boards from other saw-mills, without any land-car- 
riage. ‘The saw-mill by this place could be put in order in 
five or six days by four or five carpenters and as many 
labourers. If the carpenters of our regiment now at Ticon- 
deroga are sent down, with proper tools, it shall be done 
immediately. 

Our regiment is now very weak from sickness and the 
numerous detachments that have gone from it; so that order- 
ing.a considerable party from it, would prevent us keeping 
the necessary guards. We have not one hundred and seventy 
fit for duty on the spot. Some are coming in daily, and 
others are recovering their health. 

We have no smith nor tools here. If the:smiths of our regi- 
ment were sent here from Ticonderoga, I would make search 
for tools, though I much doubt if any good ones can be 
had, notwithstanding what Mr. Gilliland said. It will, I 
apprehend, be absolutely necessary to have some smiths 
here, . 

Captain Wilson was at Onion River with his party four 
days ago. He was within a few hours of the party of five 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


488 


which you sent off a few days before, and intended to over- 
take it, which no doubt he effected, as he had a fair wind; 
so that, from the whole, you have a right to expect success 
from our friends, It is said still, that the enemy are cutting 
timber about the Isle-auxr-Noix. If that be the case, we 
shal] soon know. 

There is, it seems, a Tory, who has a saw-mill about 
fifteen miles below the mouth of Onion River. He may, 
perhaps, supply the enemy, or do the Army here an in- 
jury. 

I enclose you a note which I have just received. Ifa party 
is to be sent down the Lake, Major Dunlop, who was down 
with me, would be a very proper person to command it, 
We shall be ready to add our proportion to those who come 
from Ticonderoga from the main Army. 

I would submit, whether a quantity more than sufficient 
for this regiment in provisions should not be here, to supply 
any parties who may accidentally stand in need. One Mr. 
Nicholl I have appointed, to take care and act for the regi- 
ment. He would be proper to do the other business, and 
I would be accountable for his conduct. 

I have collected the above facts, and I make no doubt such 
steps will be taken as the exigency of affairs requires. 

I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most humble 


servant 
? Tuomas Hartiey. 


P.S. The eight boats with timber will be up to-morrow 
at Ticonderoga. Captain Hay is gone up. Quere: Would 
he not be very proper to go down the Lake? 


S. METCALF TO COLONEL JACOB BAYLEY. 
Prattsburgh, July 21, 1776. 


Dear Str: I am sorry I had not the pleasure of seeing 
Mr. Witherspoon, &c., &c. The bearers hereof are four 
Canadian officers, late of Colonel James Lwingston’s 
regiment, who inform me that the forces in Canada are no 
ways equal to what they were at first reported; and that 
General Carleton has miscarried in the plan he had Jaid to 
make himself master of this Lake, by drawing three vessels, 
which had been previously built for the purpose, over sand, 
past the rapids of Chambly, they being entirely broke to 
pieces in the attempt, and now totally abandoned; so that 
General Sullivan will undoubtedly remain master of this 
country for the season at least, he having fortified with an 
intrenchment and cannon. Point-au-Fer, on the north 
end of. the Lake, where stands a brick house, commonly 
called the White-House, is a very advantageous situation, 
as it commands the navigation towards St. John’s, and is 
formed into a kind of an island, by a deep morass that runs 
behind it from one bay to the other. I having no boat to 
assist these people with, who are on their way to Albany, 
they were constrained to go this road; and as they speak 
very little English, you had better give them a pass to 
Albany. 

I am, dear sir, your friend and obedient humble servant, 

S. Mercatr. 


COLONEL A. WILLIAMSON TO W. H. DRAYTON. 


Camp at Baker’s Creek, South-Carolina, 
July 22, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Your favour of the 12th instant is now before 
me, giving an account of the agreeable news of your having 
beat the British fleet. I shall try my utmost endeavours 
to follow your example, and beat the Cherokees, of whose 
treachery and faithless behaviour you are well acquainted. 

I am now encamped here with about seven hundred effec- 
tive men from this regiment, which, with one hundred and 
thirty who do duty in the different forts, you will perceive 
have turned out pretty well. My numbers would soon in- 
crease if I had arms. If any can be spared from Charles- 
town, you can never do this part of the country a greater 
service than by using your endeavours to have them imme- 
diately sent here. 

Captain Tutt’s and Prince’s companies of Riflemen have 
just now joined me; they consist of ninety-three effective 
men; and to-morrow Colonel Williams (who has been at 
least fourteen days contriving a mode to cross Saluda River) 
will also join me with about two hundred men. Captain 
Hammond marched off with a detachment of one hundred 


489 


picked men on Friday morning for Pearis’s house, where, 
I am informed, a party of the enemy have been skulking 
about these some days past. I expect hourly to hear from 
him, and some agreeable news. He has my orders, if he 
can conveniently join Colonels Thomas and Neel, to act in 
concert with them, and proceed directly into the nation by 
Estatoe, while I penetrate by way of Seneca and the Sugar 
town. Thomas has acted in every respect agreeable to his 
declaration when at his house. I have written and sent him 
express upon express to no purpose; it is really disagreeable 
to have any connexion with such men; he has not written 
me a line since the Indians first commenced hostilities. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Polk, of Neel’s regiment, with three 
hundred men well armed, has joined Thomas; and I am 
told by Captain Purves, who I sent on purpose to see his 
strength, and marked out a plan to act in conjunction with 
them, that Polk is eager to join me; it is agreeable to his 
sentiments communicated by letter to me lately. Judge, 
then, what feelings such a man must be possessed of, who, 
in the place of hastening to save and revenge his country, 
can content himself with doing nothing. — 

Robert Cunningham and Pearis came to my camp; the 
former, on his arrival, declared himself our fast friend, and 
that he came to stand and fall with us. I was sorry I could 
not show him the countenance I could have wished, owing 
to the people being so much exasperated at the behaviour of 
Hugh Brown and others, who have lately joined the Indians 
against us, thirteen of whom were taken prisoners a few days 
ago, and sent to Ninety-six Jail, four of whom were painted 
as Indians. I have no doubt of Cunningham proving true 
to his declaration; but, at present, it would be improper to 
confer any publick trust on him. Mr. Salvador has been 
with me since my first taking the field. I showed him your 
postscript; he thinks of making the campaign to the nation. 
1 understood last night the Indzans struck at North- Carolina 
and Virginia the very day they commenced hostilities against 
our frontiers. If these two Colonies join heartily with us, I 
hope soon to have the pleasure of congratulating you of a 
happy issue being put to this expedition, and reduce the 
savages to such a state as to wish they had never broken 
their faith with us. 

I am, with much regard, dear sir, your most humble ser- 


vant 
’ A. Wiiuiamson. 


To the Hon. Wilkam Henry Drayton, Charlestown. 


GENERAL H. CLINTON TO GENERAL LEE. 
Off Charlestown Bar, July 22, 1776. 


Sir: On my return to the fleet I found a letter from you 
by a flag of truce, with some refreshments you were pleased 
to send me; in return for which I must beg your acceptance 
ofa cask of porter and some English cheese. 

I have made inquiries concerning the person mentioned 
in your letter, who, it seems, has occasioned this correspond- 
ence between us, but can learn nothing further about him, 
than that he is not a master of a vessel, as he has represented 
himself to you. And you will have been already informed 
by Mr. Byrd, that Ethan Allen, and those that were with 
him, are gone to the northward. 


I am, sir, your mest humble servant 
7 SH, Y y H. Cuinton. 


To Charles Lee, Esq., Major-General in the service of his 
Polish Majesty. 


PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY (VIRGINIA) COMMITTEE. 


At a Committee held for the County of Pittsylvania, at 
the Court-House, the 22d day of July, 1776: 

Present, the Chairman, and a majority of the Members. 

This Committee being informed that George Herndon, 
George Murdoch, John Mack, Samuel Callan, Zachariah 
Smeed, William Mitchell, and Archibald Smith, are suspect- 
ed to be enemies to the rights and liberties of America, they 
having appeared before this Committee agreeable to citation, 
refused to take the oath prescribed by the General Conven- 
tion: Whereupon, it is 

Ordered, ‘That the Clerk do transmit a copy of these 
proceedings to Mr. Alewander Purdie, that the same may 
be inserted in his Gazette. 


Extract from the Minutes: 
Wituram Topp, Clerk. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


490 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN PHILADELPHIA, DATED 
JULY 22, 1776. 


On Sunday last I was informed that Lord Dunmore was 
landing his troops on Thacker Washington’s plantation, a 
little below Hooe’s Ferry. About twelve o’clock the same 
night, the Major of the County came express to let me know 
that the fleet was then at Marlborough, a few miles above 
Boyd's Hole. ‘The alarm was soon spread, and in a very 
little time the shores were covered with men. I went over 
early yesterday, and discovered four ships and three tenders. 
They appeared, as near as I can guess, to be somewhere 
about Dumfries. ‘The remainder we supposed to be below, 
either coming up or attempting to land. Some few of us 
then pushed down the river, but found the Militia dispersing 
just before we got to Boyd’s Hole. ‘They had received 
information that the balance of the fleet was at anchor near 
the mouth of the river. This morning early, we returned 
up Potomack River, and saw only three ships and two ten- 
ders; and hearing very distinctly at the same time a heavy 
cannonade at or near Alexandria, we concluded the other 
ship and tender had made the town a visit, where they will 
certainly meet with a warm reception. As yet we have no 
account. I shall proceed to-morrow morning up the river 
Potomack, and continue there till the fleet goes down. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM DUMFRIES, VIRGINIA. 


On Monday, July 22, the Roebuck, Mercury, Otter, and 
an armed ship, came up Potomack, and anchored about two 
miles below Dumfries, where the river is yet quite fresh. 
On Tuesday, about twelve o’clock, they sent off two ten- 
ders, a gondola covered, and eight boats, mostly large, and 
full of men, consisting of the remains of the Fourteenth 
Regiment, Marines, &c. They landed at William Brent’s 
Esq.; where about sixty of the Stafford Militia were posted, 
without any cover. The gondola, drawing but sixteen inches 
water, run in close to the shore, and, with a nine-pounder 
and grape-shot, obliged the Militia to retreat, when about 
one hundred and fifty men landed and burnt the house, out- 
houses, hay-stacks, &c., and intended to have burnt Mr. 
Brent’s fine merchant mill, and several other houses along 
shore; but on the Roebuck’s observing that the Prince Wil- 
lam Militia were on their march to Mr. Brent’s, she hoisted 
a white flag, and their men immediately retreated, so that 
no further damage was done. The fleet having taken in 
fresh water, fell down the river the next day. I followed 
them to the Narrows, about thirty miles below this, and 
found they had done no other mischief. As I returned on 
Friday, 1 was informed that three white men and four 
negroes were found dead on the shore, two of the whites 
sewed up in hammocks and shot through the breast; they 
had fine Holland shirts, and are supposed to be of some dis- 
tinction ; and a gold-laced hat was found, with a bullet-hole 
throuch both sides of the crown. As the Riflemen had some 
fair shot at them, it is not doubted but several are killed. 
No damage was done on the side of the Militia. 


GEN. THOMAS JOHNSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 
Fredericktown, July 22, 1776. 


Gentiemen: In conversation with Mr. Ringgold, as he 
had thought, he told me that General Dent was collecting 
the Militia below to attack Lord Dunmore. I am appre- 
hensive they will want arms for the purpose, and that a good 
many of the men, notwithstanding their desire to go on the 
service, very reluctantly leave their own neighbourhoods, 
unhappily full of negroes, who might, it is likely on any 
misfortune to our Militia, become very dangerous. I have 
spoken with several here, and it seems to be a general sen- 
timent that we ought to assist; and [ believe, though our 
exertions are already as great as we can well make, that for 
a short expedition on this very interesting occasion, we might 
now collect a battalion, and borrow the arms which would 
be wanting. If you, who are acquainted with all circum- 
stances, think it necessary to have men from hence, I shall 
most gladly execute any orders you may think proper to 
give for that purpose. 

Mr. Ringgold gave me your letter for my brother. The 
furnace is not now in blast. I went out to him as soon as 
I got the letter. We have now by us a few pots of about 
the size you describe, a few kettles, and a few Dutch ovens, 


491 


of much the same contents; the covers we could lay by, and 
of all sorts make up perhaps sixty or upwards. We shall 
have bails made to them, and (unless you have an opportu- 
nity of supplying the men with others more to your satisfac- 
tion) send them to Baltimore as soon as we can; the prices 
must depend on their size, and the whole shall be so reason- 
able as to give satisfaction. But if you can be better pro- 
vided, please to advise of it. Mr. Budler is getting his 
furnace into blast with all diligence, and hopes to effect it 
within a fortnight. You may then have any number of pots 
and kettles that you please within a short time. We shall 
also attempt to cast such guns as are wanted, but cannot 
contract for them in all events, because the metal may not 
suit, though we have every reason to expect it will. If we 
succeed in making good guns, the publick may have them 
delivered at Baltamore at £40 a ton, the guns being proved 
at the works at the publick expense; the swivels at their 
convenience; but I should be glad if you would ascertain 
the length, and other descriptions, as the make of cannon 
carrying the same shot vary very much. If anybody else 
will contract for a certainty, he should be preferred, even at 
a greater price. 

Iam, gentlemen, with great respect, your very obedient 
servant, THomas JOHNSON. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


JOHN SCOTT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Monday, nine o’clock. 
GentLemen: I take the liberty to inform you that I came 
to town early this morning, and beg to know at what hour 
to-day my attendance will be expected by the Council. 
I am, gentlemen, your very humble servant, 
. Joun Scort. 


To the Honourable the President of the Council of Safety. 


JAMES MURRAY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 

Cambridge, July 22, 1776. 
GentLemen: At our last May Convention, an order was 
drawn by your Board in my favour on the Treasurer of the 
Eastern-Shore, for £7 10s., to pay wagon hire, &c., for 
carrying arins, ammunition, &c,, down to Snow-Hill, in 
Worcester County. ‘This order I have carelessly lost. If in 
this you could furnish me with a duplicate of same date, 
should be obliged to you, or signify what necessary steps I 
must take by probate or certificate, and it shall be done. 
The President may remember something of my application 

for it. Iam, with esteem, your obedient servant, 
James Murray. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


RICHARD DALLAM TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 22, 1776. 
Sir: Since my last, [ have had what guns Lhad proved by 
gentlemen appointed by the Committee of Observation, for 
which purpose they have passed twenty-three guns ready 
fitted. Ihave five more ready; and shall have as many more 
next week as will pay the sum I received; and unless you 
can raise the price to me, I must give over. By the parcel I 
have now made I shall be near £30 loser. Our Committee 
have given £4 for guns worse than mine. If you want any 
quantity of bayonets made, | will undertake to make a parcel 
at 10s. Please to let me know. 
I am, sir, your humble servant, 
Ricuarp Dauvam. 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer. 


MATTHEW TILGHMAN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 

Talbot, July 22, 1776. 
Sir: I must beg the favour of you to lay before the 
Council the enclosed petition. If I have not paid absolute 
obedience to their order, I hope they will impute it not toa 
disposition to dispute their authority, but to the real cause: 
the saving to the publick a considerable expense, or to 
myself a heavy and irreparable loss. If the Council con- 
sider the matter in the light in which I have endeavoured 
to place it, and which, in my opinion, is the true one, I am 
confident they will have no difficulty in granting my prayer. 
And I hope they will pay some attention to the hint of 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


492 


keeping an armed boat to ply for the security of this part of 
the Eastern-Shore. Be pleased to offer my petition imme- 
diately to the Board, and whatever may be their determina- 
tion, | must beg the favour of you to transmit it to me by 
the bearer, who will wait. 
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 
Mar. Titenman. 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., Charles 
Carroll, or any other of the Members of the Council of 
Safety, in Annapolis. 


THOMAS STONE AND WILLIAM PACA TO MARYLAND COUNCIL 
OF SAFETY. 
Philadelphia, July 22, 1776. 

GentLemMEN: The five hundred dollars granted by Con- 
gress for raising the four German companies in our Province, 
have been paid into our hands, and retained by us for the 
purpose of exchanging it for our Maryland Convention 
money, and by this means to give our currency credit and 
circulation here. , Had we not taken this measure, our emis- 
sions would have been useless here, and the commercial 
connexion between this and our Province would have been 
sreatly, if not totally, obstructed. We had exchanged the 
whole sum with the merchants and shopkeepers, and we 
have advanced, as per account enclosed. 

Mr. Hughes having obtained a large sum of Continental 
money, he exchanged with us as far as we had our Conven- 
tion money in our hands. ‘This gives us a fresh fund to 
keep up the credit of our money here. You will be pleased 
to advise us whether this measure of ours meets with your 
approbation ; if not, we will remit the whole immediately to 
you. 

Captain Stricker being appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of 
the German battalion, and being desirous to proceed imme- 
diately to Frederick County, to forward with all expedition 
the raising of the companies, we thought proper to advance 
him $1,520 of the sum appropriated for that purpose; and 
we also have taken the liberty of advancing Colonel Ware 
£15, and Major Gist £67 10s., which sums they request 
you will charge to their account. 

We are, gentlemen, your obedient, humble servants, 

T. Stone, 
Wm. Paca. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland, at An- 


napolis. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN PERKINS. 
[No. 66.] Annapolis, July 22, 1776. 

Sir: The Council of Safety will fix upon some day not 
far distant to issue the several commissions for the officers 
belonging to the Flying-Camp, when you may depend upon 
you and your officers receiving yours. We have no muskets 
to supply your company with, or any other belonging to the 
Eastern-Shore battalion. It at present remains doubtful 
whether or not we shall, after all our endeavours, procure 
sufficient arms to arm the battalion to be stationed upon this 
Shore, in the stead of Colonel Smallwood’s, which is marched 
to the northward. We expect to be supplied from Balti- 
more with knapsacks and haversacks, a part of which, when 
received, will be appropriated to the use of the Kastern- 
Shore battalion. At present we have no tents, nor are we 
possessed of the necessary materials to make them. When 
your company is equipped for marching, and any of the 
men at that time should prove non-effective, we think if 
others offer to supply their places, you may safely incorpo- 
rate them in your company. We are, &c. 


To Captain Perkins. 
P.S. Orders are lodged with the Eastern-Shore Trea- 


surer. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GENERAL HOOPER. 
[No. 67.] Annapolis, July 22, 1776. 

Sir: Your letter of the 19th of July was this day handed 
to the Council of Safety; and agreeable to your requisition 
we have sent you enclosed an order upon the Eastern--Shore 
Treasurer for £300, to be applied to the pay and subsisting 
of the Militia within your district when called into service. 

Your arrangement of the Militia meets with the entire 
approbation of this Board. 


493 


~ We have just received information that a part of Dun- 

more’s squadron have moved from the mouth of St. Mary’s 
River pretty far up the Potomack, with intent to wood and 
water, which they are in the greatest distress for the want 
of. When they obtain those articles, it is not improbable 
but they may think proper to visit you for fresh provision. 
Should that event happen, we have full confidence that 
every military exertion will be used to give them a proper 
reception. We are, &c. 


To Brigadier-General Hooper. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COMMITTEE OF KENT 
COUNTY. 
[No. 68.] Annapolis, July 22, 1776. 
GentLemen: We received, by Captain Berry, the fol- 
lowing articles, viz: fifty barrels of powder, four half-barrels 
ditto, fifteen chests of arms, two large and two small pieces 
of lead. We send him back again for another load, and the 
schooner Resolution is to follow her, to bring away every- 
thing she leaves. ‘The money for wagon hire and other 
contingent expenses, we have ordered into the hands of Mr. 
Thomas Smyth. Sixty barrels, or six thousand weight, of 
powder, and lead in proportion, is to be left for the Eastern- 
Shore Magazine, and five barrels for your County. We 
want the swivels, blunderbusses, &c., to fit out a small ves- 
sel immediately. Should Elisha Winters have any guns, 
please let them come down by the schooner Resolution. 
We are, &c. 


To the Committee of Observation of Kent County. 


P.S. We expect the sixty barrels for the Eastern-Shore 
Magazine were left at Talbot Court-House. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THOMAS RINGGOLD AND 
OTHERS. 

[No. 69.] Annapolis, July 22, 1776. 
GentLemeNn: You are hereby requested to deliver the 

barrel of gunpowder, and lead in proportion, lately lodged 

with you by the Council of Safety for the defence of Kent- 

Island, to Captain Thomas Barnes and Captain Thomas 

Ellicott, or their order, and take their receipt for the same. 
Per order, &c. 


To Messrs. Thomas Ringgold, Aquila Brown, and Doctor 
Jacob Ringgold. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL LEE. 
Philadelphia, July 22, 1776. 

Sir: Your favour of the 2d instant, containing the very 
agreeable intelligence of the success of the American Army 
under your command, I had the honour of receiving, and 
unmediately laid the same before Congress. 

It affords me the greatest pleasure to convey to you, by 
their order, the most valuable tribute which a free people 
can ever bestow, or a generous mind wish to receive—the 
just tribute of gratitude for rendering important services to 
an oppressed country. 

The same enlarged mind and distinguished ardour in the 
cause of freedom, that taught you to despise the prejudices 

_ which have enslaved the bulk of mankind, when you nobly 
undertook the defence of American liberty, will entitle you 
to receive from posterity the fame due to such exalted and 
disinterested conduct. 

That a handful of men, without the advantage of military 
experience, animated only with the sacred love of liberty, 
should repulse a powerful fleet and army, are circumstances 
that must excite gratitude and wonder in the friends of Ame- 
rica, and prove a source of the most mortifying disappoint- 
ment to our enemies, 

Accept, therefore, sir, the thanks of the Independent States 
of America, unanimously declared by their Delegates to be 
due to you and the brave *Officers and Troops under your 


*List of the Officers who were in Fort Movurrie on the 28th of June, 1776. 


William Moultrie, Colonel; Isaac Motte, Lieutenant-Colonel; Francis 
Marion, Major; Andrew Dellient, Adjutant. 

Captains: Peter Horry, Nicholas Eveleigh, James McDonald, Isaac 
Harleston, Charles Mott, Francis Huger, Richard Ashby, Richard 
Shubrick, William Oliphant, John Blake. 

Lieutenants: William Charnock, Thomas Lessesne, Thomas Moul- 
trie, Daniel Maryck, Jacob Shubrick, Thomas Dunbar, William Moul- 
trie, Jun., Thomas Hall, Henry Gray, Isaac Dubose, Richard B. Baker, 
Hees Proveaux, Richard Mayson, Peter Gray, Basil Jackson, Gad 

arion. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


494 


command, who repulsed with so much valour the attack 
that was made on the State of South-Carolina, on the 28th 
of June, by the Fleet and Army of his Britannick Majesty, 
and be pleased to communicate to them this distinguished 
mark of the approbation of their country. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your 
most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To Major-General Lee, Charleston, South- Carolina. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO COLONEL MOULTRIE. 
Philadelphia, July 22, 1776. 

Sir: I am extremely happy to have it in my power to 
transmit to you, by order of Congress, the thanks of the 
United States of America for your patriotick and spirited 
exertions in behalf of liberty and your country. 

This success of our arms, attended with every circum- 
stance that can add lustre to the characters of those who 
conducted it, will render your name forever estimable with 
every friend of America; and posterity will be astonished 
when they read, that on the 28th of June an inexperienced 
handful of men, under your command, repulsed with loss 
and disgrace a powerful fleet and army of veteran troops, 
headed by officers of the first rank and reputation. May 
you go on thus to merit and to receive the gratitude of your 
country; and as a reward for your military services, may 
your name be enrolled in the list of American worthies, on 
whom posterity will bestow the most grateful and unceasing 
applauses. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect and esteem, 
sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To Colonel Moultrie, Charleston. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO COLONEL THOMPSON. 
Philadelphia, July 22, 1776. 


Sir: Lam directed by Congress to convey to you the thanks 
of the United States of America, for the very distinguished 
and important part you acted on the 28th June, when the 
fleet and army of his Britannick Majesty were repulsed with 
so much valour in an attack made on the State of South- 
Carolina. 

Your own feelings must have already taught you that 
there is a conscious pleasure arising from patriotism. Be 
pleased now, sir, to accept from your country, on whose 
behalf you have exerted your patriotism, that accession of 
pleasure which it is just you should receive from their grate- 
ful approbation of your conduct. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect and esteem, 
sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To Colonel Thompson, Charlestown. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO THE GOVERNOUR OF VIRGINIA. 
Philadelphia, July 22, 1776. 


Sm: The Congress having directed General Lewis to 
order two battalions of Continental troops, in the State of 
Virginia, to march immediately to the Flying-Camp, in 
New-Jersey, under the command of General Mercer, I have 
it in charge to inform you, that should you have reason to 
apprehend an invasion of that State, and in consequence 
thereof call forth an equal number of Minute-men or Mili- 
tia, the Congress have resolved, that while in service they 
shall be in Continental pay. 

I do myself the honour of congratulating you on your 
appointment to preside over the Councils of the free and 
independent State of Virgina. 

I have the honour to be, with every sentiment of respect, 


sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, _ 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To the Hon. Patrick Henry, Governour of Virginia. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL LEWIS. 
Philadelphia, July 22, 1776. 

Sir: As it is impossible to ascertain the strength of our 

enemies, or the force destined for the attack of New-York, 


495 


it is Incumbent on us to be prepared to defend ourselves 
against any number of troops that may be ordered against 
that place. Jor this purpose, the Congress have judged it 
necessary to augment the Flying-Camp. I have it there- 
fore in command to direct, that, immediately on the receipt 
of this, you order two battalions of the Continental troops 
in the State of Virginia to march with all possible despatch 
to the Flying-Camp in New-Jersey, under the command of 
General Mercer. 

The state of our affairs, and the hourly expectation of 
the arrival of the foreign troops, render it absolutely neces- 
sary that the troops should be sent forward with the greatest 
expedition. 

Tam further to direct that you forward to South- Carolina 
the whole five tons of powder which were sent to you for 
the use of Virginia and South-Carolina. 

Should the Governour and Council of Virginia have rea- 
son to apprehend an invasion of that State, and in conse- 
quence thereof call forth two battalions of Minute-Men or 
Militia, the Congress have agreed that they shall, while in 
service, be in Continental pay. I shall write by the present 
conveyance to the Governour and Council, to inform them 
of this resolution. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and very 


humble servant : 
é Joun Hancock, President. 


To Brigadier-General Lewis, Virginia. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION. 
Philadelphia, July 22, 1776. 

GentLemen: Asit is impossible to ascertain the strength 
of our enemies, or the force destined for the attack of New- 
York, it is incumbent on us to be prepared to defend our- 
selves against any number of troops that may be ordered 
against that place. For this purpose, the Congress have come 
to a resolution to increase the Flying-Camp. I have it there- 
fore in command from Congress to request, that you will 
immediately augment your quota for the Flying-Camp with 
four battalions of Militia, in addition to those formerly desired 
by Congress, and send them with all possible despatch to 
the Flying-Camp. 

You will please to exert yourselves, as the greatest de- 
spatch is indispensably required by the situation of our 
affairs. 

I have the honour to be, with respect, gentlemen, your 
most obedient and very humble servant, 

Jonn Hancock, President. 


To the Honourable Convention of Pennsylvania. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO CONVENTION OF NEW-JERSEY. 
Philadelphia, July 22, 1776. 

GentLemen: The Congress, taking into consideration the 
strength of our enemies and the force destined for the attack 
of New-York, have come to a resolution to increase the 
Flying-Camp. For this purpose, I have it in charge to re- 
quest that you will immediately augment your quota to the 
Flying-Camp with three battalions of Militia, in addition to 
those formerly desired by Congress, and send them, with all 
possible despatch, to join the Flying-Camp. 

The battalions are to be officered, paid, and provided, 
agreeable to former resolutions of Congress for establishing 
said Camp. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient 
and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To the Honourable Convention of New-Jersey. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO COLONEL GRIFFIN. 
Philadelphia, July 22, 1776. 

Sir: The Congress, in consideration of your merit and 
uniform attachment to the liberties of the American States, 
have been pleased to appoint you Deputy Adjutant-General 
to the Flying-Camp, with the rank of Colonel. 

I enclose your commission with the greatest pleasure, 
being fully persuaded your abilities and attention will enable 
you to discharge the duties of your department with reputa- 
tion to yourself and advantage to your country. 

As it is necessary this important department should be 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


496 


immediately filled, you will please to repair for that purpose” 
to the Flying-Camp as soon as possible, and put yourself 
under the direction of the commanding officer in that 
quarter. 
I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To Col. Griffin, Dep. Adj. Gen. to the Flying-Camp. 


DR. FRANKLIN TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. . 
Philadelphia, July 22, 1776. 

Str: The bearer, Mr. Joseph Belton, some time since 
petitioned the Congress for encouragement to destroy the 
enemy’s ships of war by some contrivances of his invention, 
They came to no resolution on his petition, and, as they 
appear to have no great opinion of such proposals, it is not 
easy, in the multiplicity of business before them, to get them 
to bestow any part of their attention on his request. He is 
now desirous of trying his hand on the ships that are gone 
up the North River; and as he proposes to work entirely at 
his own expense, and only desires your countenance and 
permission, [ could not refuse his desire of a line of intro- 
duction to you, the trouble of which I beg you to excuse. 
As he appears to be a very ingenious man, | hope his pro- 
ject may be attended with success. 

With the sincerest esteem and respect, I have the honour 
to be, &c. 


B. Franxuin. 


JOSIAH BARTLETT TO JOHN LANGDON. 
Philadelphia, July 22, 1776. 

My Frienp: By yours of the 6th instant, I received 
your genteel but just reprimand for not answering your 
letters, and shall, in future, endeavour to give you the trouble 
of a line at least every week, without further excuse or 
ceremony. 

By the enclosed paper, you will see the account of Gene- 
ral Clinton’s and Sir Peter Parker’s defeat in South- Caro- 
lina. VheVirginians have likewise driven Lord Dunmore 
from G'win’s Island, with loss. These are agreeable events, 
after our repeated crosses in Canada. Some of our southern 
brethren seem much elated with their success. By alk 
accounts, the troops there behaved with incomparable 
bravery. Iam sorry I can’t say the same of our troops in 
Canada. Some of the southern gentlemen say America 
must be saved by the Southern, not the Northern troops. 
However, | hope it will yet appear that the New-England 
troops are not behind any on the Continent in point of 
bravery. 

The papers will inform you of the march of the Militia 
of this State to New-Jersey. ‘Three regiments are ordered 
from Virginia to the Jerseys. I hope soon there will be an 
army there of fifteen or twenty thousand men, besides those 
at New-York. We must, at all events, prevent their getting 
possession of New-York and Hudson’s River, which | be- 
lieve is their principal view, and by that way, open a com- 
munication with Canada. 

Lord Howe’s Proclamation has now convinced everybody 
that no offers are to be made us but absolute submission. I 
think it very happy for America that Britain has insisted 
on those terms; for had she proposed a treaty, and offered 
some concessions, there would have been danger of divisions, 
or at least of our not acting with unanimity and spirit, as I 
think will now be the case. 

The Convention here have taken on them the government 
of this Colony, and have appointed Delegates for Congress, 
men who will forward, and not hinder, spirited measures. 
In short, there is a far greater harmony in carrying on spirited 
measures in Congress than heretofore. The Conventions even 
of Maryland and New-York seem now to be in earnest. 

The Confederation is now before a Committee of the 
Whole. By reason of so much other business, it goes on 
but slowly. When it is laid before our Legislature, brother 
Whipple expects to be at home, and can inform them of 
some things they may want to be informed of concerning it. 
Our Court, I hear, is to sit again the Ist of September. 

With sincerity, I am your friend, 

Josran Barrett. 


P. S. I have omitted enclosing this day’s paper, as brother 
Whipple has sent one to you in his letter. 


497 


WILLIAM WHIPPLE TO JOHN LANGDON. 
Philadelphia, July 22, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I have your favour of the 6th instant. In 
answer to the part of it respecting the commissions, I can 
only say, I am perpetually dunning the President to send 
them. If any alteration in the wages of the commission 
officers, they will be higher; so there can be no difficulty 
with them. If any are lowered, it will be the mates, mid- 
shipmen, coopers, sailmakers, and perhaps some other of 
the petty officers, and perhaps boatswain, carpenter, and 
gunner. If the three last are altered, it will be but a trile— 
say one dollar. The number of men I sent you some time 
ago: eighty seamen, eighty landsmen, and eighty or ninety 
marines; but it is my opinion, if a greater proportion of 
seamen are entered and less landsmen, there can be no harm 
done. If the officers have boys, no doubt they must be on 
the roll. It cannot be a question whether the men are to 
have hammocks—to be sure they must. ‘The men to be 
entered for a year, and as much longer as you can get them. 
If you can get arms, the sooner the better. The Agent will 
have a commission for the business he does; therefore, I 
suppose, will employ what clerks he thinks necessary. 

I always thought you had ample powers to fit the ship 
for sea, and | believe it is so understood by the Committee. 
It is impossible to get the exact dimensions of the guns, as 
there are but few made here, and it is altogether uncertain 
whether they can be sent to you. The furnaces here have 
met with many accidents, and [ am of opinion your guns 
must come from Providence, or some other furnace eastward. 
I shall not have the pleasure of seeing you so soon as | 
hoped, as some very important matters are now on the tapis, 
which I want to hear debated; besides, I would fain have 
the marine matters settled before I leave this. I therefore 
think it will be the latter end of August before I shall be 
able to enjoy that satisfaction which I have flattered myself 
would be much earlier. 

How goes on the courtship? Have you well considered 
the matter? I would just beg leave to remind you of an 
observation of one of the first philosophers of the age: that 
a man who thinks of marrying a woman twenty years 
younger than himself, ought to consider who is to be her 
husband twenty years hence. I hope you won't think by 
this hint that 1 have any objection to the connexion. So 
far from it, you may be assured, my dear sir, that whatever 
contributes to your happiness will be an addition to mine. 

Jam in pain for the frontier settlements in our Colony; not 
that I think there is any immediate danger, but I know that 
the people must be alarmed. I think there should be scouting 
parties immediately placed on the frontiers. I wish | may have 
directions to make application to Congress for that purpose. 

Our late successes at the southward are almost a balance 
for our misfortunes in Canada, considered Continentally. 
Must refer you to the papers for news. I hope the bravery 
of the Carolinians will inspire the Yankees with new cour- 
age, and not let it be said that they have transferred the 
whole of that virtue to their southern brethren, 

This Colony and New-Jersey are all alive. The Asso- 
ciates are all gone from this city. Men of fortune don’t 
think themselves too good to march in the character of 
private soldiers, and I hope won’t be ashamed to face the 
enemy. Colonel Dickinson, and all the other Colonels, 
have marclied with their battalions. In short, the Decla- 
ration of Independence has done wonders. 

I have Mr. Hancock’s promise that the commission and 
blank warrants shall go off in a day or two by express. The 
gentlemen are appointed agreeable to your recommenda- 
tions. ‘There can be no difficulty in their acting, though 
they have not their commissions, as they will soon have them. 

{ am much obliged to you for mustering the regiment. It 
would give me great pleasure to see them in as good order 
as the battalions of this city; but that is next to impossible, 
owing to their being so much scattered, and the want of 
uniforms. However, we must do the best we can with 
them. I am, with great respect, yours, 

Witiram Wuiprpce. 

P.S. The order the Officers stand appointed: Peter Shores 
First Lieutenant, John Wheelright Second Lieutenant, 
Josiah Shackford Third Lieutenant; George Jerry Osborne 
Captain Marines, Stephen Meads First Lieutenant, Nathan- 
tel Thuing Second Lieutenant. 

Warrants will be filled up with the names you sent. 


Firtn Series.—Vot, I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


\é98 


> 


PETITION OF LEVI ALLEN. 


To the Honourable the Continental Congress: The Petition 
and Memorial of Livi Auten, humbly showeth: 


That he has the greatest reason to believe that his bro- 
ther, Colonel Ethan Allen, is now a prisoner on board the 
British fleet lying off the coast of South-Carolina; that he 
is in a low state of health, occasioned by the inhuman usage 
of barbarous enemies; that his wife and children, with his 
relations and friends, have the greatest anxiety for and desire 
to recover him from the chains of captivity, and the wretched 
state worse than death into which he hath fallen in the de- 
fence of his injured country. Your petitioner, therefore, 
moved with the highest principles of fraternal regard for a 
suffering brother, most humbly requests the honourable Con- 
gress to take this matter under their consideration, and make 
out an order for the immediate exchange of his brother, 
together with the prisoners taken with him, for such other 
prisoners, and in such way and manner, as they shall think 
proper, and that the same order may be transmitted to all the 
General Officers or Commanders-in-Chief for the time being 
in the Continental Army, as your petitioner determines to 
spare no cost or trouble until this exchange is effected, if within 
the bounds of possibility, being now on his way to South- 
Carolina, where he has no doubt of finding his brother, if the 
British fleet should not quit the coast before his arrival. 
Your petitioner has the highest assurance of the interposition 
and assistance of the honourable Congress in this particular. 
It is clear and evident that at the time of his brother’s en- 
gaging in the hazardous enterprise in which he was taken, 
the late General Montgomery assured him and Colonel 
Brown, that in case of captivity, every method should be 
taken and proposed for his or their redemption as soon as 
might be. 

And, as in duty bound, your petitioner ever prays, &c. 

Levi ALLEN. 

Philadelphia, July 22, 1776. 


To the Honourable Congress of the free and United States 


of AMERICA: 


We, whose names are undersigned, take the liberty to 
recommend Mr. Levi Allen as a person fit and proper to be 
intrusted with a flag to the fleet of the King of Great Britain, 
now within the harbour of New-York, in order to recover 
his brother, Colonel Ethan Allen, from his captivity, who is 
supposed to be on board said fleet, under such instructions 
and limitations as the honourable Continental Congress shall 


think proper. Jos. Spencer, Brigadier-General. 


G. Sevieck Sitiman, Colonel. 
Sami. Wyttiys, Colonel. 
Joun Tyter, Lieutenant- Colonel. 
Rurvus Purnam, Lieutenant- Colonel. 
Sami. H. Parsons, Colonel. 
J. Warp, Colonel. 
Jep. Hunrineton, Colonel. 
Cuartes Wess, Colonel. 
Comrort Sacer, Colonel. 
Levi Wetts, Major. 
Srreet Haru, Lieutenant- Colonel. 
THomas Seymour, Lieutenant- Colonel. 
Exisua SHetpon, Major. 
Witiiam Hart, Major. 

New-York, July 13, 1776. 


JOHN BROWN’S CERTIFICATE RESPECTING COLONEL ALLEN, 


This certifies, that at the Isle-aux-Notx, at the time when 
Colonel Allen was sent on the enterprise in which he was 
taken prisoner, Generals Schuyler and Montgomery promised 
and engaged that in case Colonel Allen should have the 
misfortune to be taken prisoner, that every proper method 
should be taken for his redemption and exchange consistent 
with the rules of war in such cases. 


July 22, 1776. 


Jno. Brown. 


COLONEL THOMPSON TO LANCASTER COMMITTEE. 
July 22, 1776. 
Genttemen: The bearers hereof, viz: Messrs. Ross, 
Johnston, and Paxton, are Captains of three companies in 
Colonel Porter’s battalion, who have more men in their 
companies willing to turn out in defence of their country 


32 


A499 


than can be fitted off in firearms. They now call upon you 
for their part of the publick guns, which I put no doubt you 
will get for them as soon as possible, as the want of guns 
is the only thing that hinders their marching according to 
orders. 
I remain, with due respect, your most humble servant, 
Rosert ‘T'Hompson. 


To the Standing Committee for Lancaster County. 


GENERAL MERCER TO JOHN HANCOCK, 
Head-Quarters, Perth-Amboy, July 22, 1776. 


Str: The declaration enclosed in the letter to Captain 
Morgan was brought to me yesterday evening. It was 
found in the fork of a road leading from South-Amboy ferry. 
We have no reason to suspect the integrity of Morgan, or 
his attachment to the American cause. He is Captain of 
Militia in South-Amboy, and a very intimate acquaintance of 
Cortlandt Skinner. Morgan, on reading the letter, told me 
he was ready, as soon as I pleased, to pass over to Staten- 
Island, with all his company, and would convince Skinner 
he had mistaken his man. 

Some ships have appeared within a few days coming in 
from sea. ‘The enemy seem a little alarmed at the number 
of troops assembled here, but have not changed their position 
along the shore of Staten-Island. Three battalions of Pro- 
vincial Regulars and three of Militia from Pennsylvania, 
together with one company of Artillery and two field-pieces, 
are now on duty here, stationed from Bergen Neck to South- 
Amboy, to the great relief of the New-Jersey Militia. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Hueu Mercer. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER IN THE 2D PHILA- 
DELPHIA BATTALION, DATED AMBOY, JULY 22, 1776. 


We arrived here Saturday morning, from Woodbridge, 
with all our battalion, except Captain Wilcock’s company, 
who are stationed at Smith’s farm, on Woodbridge Neck. 
We are now in full view of the enemy, only separated by 
the Sound, which is about as wide as Schuylkill. Our men 
are in high spirits, and longing for an opportunity to have a 
skirmish with them. 

Yesterday Colonel Atlee’s battalion came in, and marched 
along the beach. ‘They made a good appearance, and I 
think alarmed the enemy not a little. We could distinctly 
see a number of the officers observing with glasses, and their 
men, drawn up in a line, appeared greatly surprised. We 
have here Colonel Miles, Colonel Atlee, the Second Bat- 
talion, Captain Moulder’s company, and a Jersey company 
of Artillery: in all about fifteen hundred men. It is sup- 
posed the enemy have about one thousand men opposite us. 
When our numbers are a little more augmented, it is ex- 
pected we shall do something. ‘To-day our encampment 
will be marked out, and to-morrow I expect the battalion 
will pitch their tents. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 


[Read July 29, 1776, and referred to the Board of War.] 

New-York, July 22, 1776. 
Sir: Congress having been pleased to appoint Mr. Wil- 
pen to the command of a company in the German battalion 
now raising, I have directed him to repair to Philadelphia 
for their orders. From my acquaintance with him, | am 
persuaded his conduct as an officer will meet their appro- 
bation; and, thanking them for their kind attention to my 
recommendation of him, I have the honour to be, with sen- 

timents of the highest respect, their most obedient servant, 

Go. Wasuincron. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, President of Congress. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Received and read July 23, 1776.] 
New-York, July 22, 1776. 
Sir: Your favours of the 18th and 19th, with which you 
have been pleased to honour me, have been duly received, 
with the several resolves alluded to. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


500 


When the letter and declaration from Lord Howe to Mr. 
Franklin and the other late Governours come to be pub- 
lished, I should suppose the warmest advocates for depend- 
ence on the Brittsh Crown must be silent, and be convinced, 
beyond all possibility of doubt, that all that has been said 
about the Commissioners was illusory, and calculated ex- 
pressly to deceive and unguard, not only the good people 
of our own country, but those of the English nation that 
were averse to the proceedings of the King and Ministry. 
Hence we see the cause why a specification of their powers 
was not given to the Mayor and City of London on their 
address requesting it. ‘That would have been dangerous, 
because it would then have been manifest that the line of 
conduct they were to pursue would be variant from that they 
had industriously propagated and amused the publick with. 
The uniting the military and civil offices in the same per- 
sons, too, must be conclusive to every thinking one, that 
there is to be but little negotiation of the civil kind. 

I have enclosed, for the satisfaction of Congress, the 
substance of what passed between myself and Lieutenant- 
Colonel Patterson, Adjutant-General, at an interview had 
yesterday, in consequence of a request from General Howe 
the day before; to which I beg leave to refer them for par- 
ticulars. 

Colonel Knox, of the Train, having often mentioned to 
me the necessity of having a much more numerous body of 
Artillerists than what there now is, in case the present contest 
should continue longer, and knowing the deficiency in this 
instance, and their extreme usefulness, 1 desired him to 
commit his ideas upon the subject to writing, in order that 
I might transmit them to Congress for their consideration. 
Agreeable to my request, he has done it; and the propriety 
of his plan is now submitted for their decision. It is certain 
that we have not more at this time than are sufficient for 
the several extensive posts we have, including the draughts 
which he speaks of, and which, I presume, not only from 
what he has informed me, but from the nature of the thing, 
can never be qualified to render the same service as if they 
were regularly appointed and formed into a corps for that 
particular purpose. 

I beg leave to remind Congress that some time ago I laid 
before them the proposals of some persons here for forming 
a company of Lighthorse, and of the President’s answer a 
little time after, intimating that the plan seemed to’ be ap- 
proved of. As those who wanted to make up the troop are 
frequently pressing me for an answer, I could wish to be 
favoured with the decision of Congress upon the subject. 

By a letter from General Schuyler of the 14th imstant, 
dated at Albany, he informs me that the day before some 
desperate designs of the ‘Tories in that quarter had been 
discovered, the particulars of which he could not divulge, 
being under an oath of secrecy; however, that such mea- 
sures had been taken as to promise a prevention of the 
intended mischief; and that four of the conspirators, among 
them a ringleader, were apprehended about one o’clock that 
morning not far from the town. What the plot was, or who 
were concerned in it, is a matter I am ignorant of as yet. 

With my best regards to Congress, I have the honour to 
be your and their most obedient servant, 

Go. WasHtneTon. 


P. S. Congress will please to observe what was proposed 
respecting the exchange of Mr. Lovell, and signify their 
pleasure in your next. The last week’s Return is also 
enclosed. 


— 


Memorandum of what passed at the interview between His 
Excellency General Wasuineron and Colonel Parrer- 
son, Adjutant-General of the Army under General Howe, 
Jury 20, 1776. 


After usual compliments, in which, as well as through the 
whole conversation, Colonel P. addressed General Washing- 
ton by the title of Excellency, Colonel Patterson entered 
upon the business by saying: That General Howe much 
regretted the difficulties which had arisen respecting the 
address of the letters to General W.; that it was deemed 
consistent with propriety, and founded upon precedents of 
the like nature by Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries where 
disputes or difficulties of rank had arisen; that General JV. 
might recollect he had last summer addressed a letter to 


General Howe To the Hon. William Howe, Esq.; that Lord 


501 


Howe and General H. did not mean to derogate from the 
respect or rank of General W.; that they held his person 
and character in the highest esteem; that the direction with 
the addition of &c., &c., &c., implied everything that ought 
to follow. He then produced a letter, which he did not 
directly offer to General W., but observed that it was the 
same letter which had been sent, and laid it on the table 
with a superscription To George Washington, &c., &c., Xe. 
The General declined the letter, and said that a letter directed 
to a person in a publick character should have some descrip- 
tion or indication of it, otherwise it would appear a mere 
private letter; that it was true the Xe., &c., &c., implied 
everything, and they also implied anything; that the letter 
to General Howe alluded to was an answer to one received 
under a like address from him, which the officer on duty 
having taken, he did not think proper to return, but answered 
it in the same mode of address; that he should absolutely 
decline any letter directed to him as a private person when 
it related to his publick station. Colonel P. then said, that 
General Howe would not urge his delicacy farther, and re- 
peated his assertions that no failure of respect was intended, 

He then said that he would endeavour, as well as he could, 
to recollect General Howe’s sentiments on the letter and 
resolves of Congress, sent him a few days before, respecting 
the treatment of our prisoners in Canada: “That the affairs 
of Canada were in another department not subject to the con- 
trol of General Howe; but that he and Lord Howe utterly 
disapproved of every infringement of the rights of humanity.” 
Colonel P. then took a paper out of his pocket, and after 
looking it over, said he had expressed nearly the words. 
General W. then said that he had also forwarded a copy of 
the resolves to General Burgoyne. 'To which Colonel P. 
replied, he did not doubt a proper attention would be paid to 
them; and that he (General W.) was sensible that cruelty 
was not the characteristick of the British nation. 

Colonel P. then proceeded to say he had it in charge to 
mention the case of General Prescott, who, they were inform- 
ed, was treated with such rigour, that, under his age and 
infirmities, fatal consequences might be apprehended. Gene- 
ral Washington replied, that General Prescott’s treatment 
had not fallen under his notice; that all prisoners under his 
particular direction he had treated with kindness, and made 
their situation as easy and comfortable as possible; that he 
did not know where General Prescott was, but believed his 
treatment very different from their information. General 
W. then mentioned the case of Colonel Allen and the officers 
who had been confined in Boston Jail. As to the first, Colo- 
nel P. answered that General Howe had no knowledge of 
it but by information from General Washington, and that the 
Canada department was not under his direction or control. 
‘That as to the other prisoners at Boston, whenever the state 
of the Army at Boston admitted it, they were treated with 
humanity and even indulgence; that he asserted this upon his 
honour, and should be happy in an opportunity to prove it. 

General Washington then observed, that the conduct of 
several of the officers would well have warranted a different 
treatment from what they had received, some having refused 
to give any parole, and others having broken it when given, 
by escaping, or endeavouring to doso. Colonel P. answered, 
that as to the first, they misunderstood the matter very much, 
and seemed to have mistaken the line of propriety exceed- 
ingly; and as to the latter, General Howe utterly disapproved 
and condemned their conduct; that if a remonstrance was 
made, such violations of good faith would be severely pun- 
ished, but that he hoped General W. was too Just to draw 
publick inferences from the misbehaviour of some private 
individuals; that bad men were to be found in every class of 
society; that such behaviour was considered as a dishonour 
to the British Army. 

_ Colonel Patterson then proceeded to say, that the good- 
ness and benevolence of the King had induced him to ap- 
point Lord Howe and General Howe his Commissioners to 
accommodate this unhappy dispute; that they had great 
powers, and would derive the greatest pleasure from effect- 
ing an accommodation; and that he (Colonel P.) wished to 
have this visit considered as making the first advances to this 
desirable object. General W. replied, he was not vested with 
any powers on the subject by those from whom he derived 
his authority and power; but, from what had appeared or 
transpired on this head, Lord Howe and General Howe were 
only to grant pardons; that those who had committed no 


* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


502 


fault wanted no pardon; that we were only defending what 
we deemed our indisputable rights. Colonel P. said, that 
that would open a very wide field for argument. He then 
expressed his apprehensions that an adherence to forms was 
likely to obstruct business of the greatest moment and con- 
cern. He then observed that a proposal had been formerly 
made of exchanging Governour Skene for Mr. Lovell; that 
he now had authority to accede to that proposal. General 
W. replied, that the proposition had been made by the direc- 
tion of Congress, and having been then rejected, he could 
not now renew the business, or give any answer, till he had 
previously communicated it to them. 

Colonel Patterson behaved with the greatest politeness 
and attention during the whole business, and expressed strong 
acknowledgments that the usual ceremony of blinding his 
eyes had been dispensed with. At the breaking up of the 
conference, General Washington ,strongly invited him to 
partake of a small collation provided for him, which he 
politely declined, alleging his late breakfast and an impa- 
tience to return to General Howe, though he had not execu- 
ted his commission so amply as he wished. Finding he did 
not propose staying, he was introduced to the General Offi- 
cers, after which he took his leave, and was safely conducted 
to his own boat, which waited for him about four miles distant 
from the city. 


New-York, July 9, 1776. 


From a view of the present important contest with Great 
Britain, it appears that the war is but in its infancy. ‘To 
carry it on with vigour and success, a well-regulated and 
numerous body of Artillery will be necessary. ‘The present 
number of officers and men of the regiment of Artillery here, 
are not sufficient for the posts in and round about this city. 
To supply this deficiency, a number of men from the different 
regiments have been draughted into Artillery pro tempore. 
This is a present remedy; but if the service should require 
a few companies of Artillery to be sent on command, it could 
not be complied with unless many posts were left entirely 
naked. For a variety of extensive service, more officers 
and men of this profession will be wanting. If it should be 
thought proper to raise another battalion of Artillery upon 
the same plan as the present, it could be very easily effected, 
by taking the men lately draughted into the different com- 
panies and forming separate companies; or by taking some 
officers and men of experience out of the different companies, 
and incorporating them with the new, they would soon be 
fit for action. 

The number of men draughted into the different compa- 
nies would form eight companies of sixty men; Captain 
Bauman’s, lately raised, would make nine; three companies 
more would make up a battalion of twelve companies. Upon 
this plan the Continent would have eleven companies and 
sixty officers more than they now have, applying themselves 
to the particular art of gunnery, and ready for any emer- 


eevee Henry Knox, 


Colonel Regiment of Artillery. 
To His Excellency General Washington. 


GENERAL ORDERS. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 13, 1776. 
(Parole, Ulster.) (Countersign, Winchester.) 

The Guard at Fort-George to be reinforced with a Field- 
Officer, two Captains, four Subalterns, six Sergeants, six 
Corporals, and seventy Privates. 

The General was sorry to observe yesterday that many 
of the officers and a number of men, instead of attending to 
their duty at the beat of the drum, continued along the banks 
of the North- River, gazing at the ships. Such unsoldierly 
conduct must grieve every good officer, and give the enemy 
a mean opinion of the Army, as nothing shows the brave 
and good soldier more than, in case of alarms, coolly and 
calmly repairing to his post, and there waiting his orders ; 
whereas a weak curiosity at such a time makes a man look 
mean and contemptible. 

A well-dressed Orderly-Sergeant, from Generals Scott’s, 
Wadsworth’s, and Heard’s Brigades, to attend at Head- 
Quarters every day. 

The Majors of the new Brigades, and all other officers of 
those corps, are directed to look over the Orderly books 
before they come into camp, and acquaint themselves well 


503 


with former orders. -They are also to be very careful that 
the daily orders are delivered, so as that neither officer nor 
soldier may plead ignorance, as in that case they will be 
deemed answerable. 

A party of eight hundred men, properly officered, to 
parade to-morrow morning. Learned’s and Wyllys’s Regi- 
ments to receive tools for making fascines: they are to take 
their dinner with them. Ensign P’eld, of Learned’s Regi- 
ment, to attend this party. All the other regiments to 
attend at the Engineer’s store for tools and orders. ‘Three 
hours allowed for dinner, and to work till seven, and so 
continue till further orders. All who have tools belonging 
to the Engineer’s store, to return them immediately. 

If any Brigade or Regiment are exempted from fatigue at 
any time, the Brigade-Majors to inform the Engineer thereof, 
(except it be in General Crders,) that he may proportion 
what are sent accordingly. 

The safety and success of the Army depends so much 
upon having the works in all possible forwardness, that the 
General is much concerned to find the Brigade Majors 
represented as deficient in their part of the duty. Only five 
Regiments—Learned’s, Reed’s, Bailey's, Parsons’s, and 
Wyllys’s Regiments—have turned out their working parties 
this day. The General hopes this is the last time he shall 
have occasion to take notice of any such neglect. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 14, 1776. 
(Parole, Andover.) (Countersign, Bristol.) 


A Court of Inquiry to sit to-morrow morning, to examine 
into the conduct of Colonel Ratzema, who stands charged 
with practices contrary to the rules and discipline of the Army: 
Brigadier-General Heath, President; Colonels Wyllys and 
Malcolm, and Lieutenant-Colonels Johnston and Brearly. 

The Judge-Advocate General and witnesses to attend the 
Court at Mr. Montagnie’s ‘Tavern in the fields, at ten o’clock. 

The Regiment of Artificers, under command of Colonel 
Parke, to join Lord Stirling’s Brigade. ‘They will receive 
orders from the Brigadier, with respect to their alarm posts, 
arrangement and duty, in case of action. 

The Regimental Surgeons to meet on Tuesday next, at 
nine o'clock, A. M., at the Coffee-House, on business of 
importance. ‘The Adjutants of the several Regiments to 
give them special notice. 

The Majors of Brigade and Adjutants of Generals Scott’s, 
Heard’s, and Wadsworth’s Brigades, are to send into the 
Adjutant-General’s office a daily report of every Regiment 
or Company belonging to their several Brigades, as they join 
the Army, in order that proper arrangements may be made 
while time will admit. The Majors of Brigade are to be 
answerable for obedience to this order, and if the Adjutants 
refuse or neglect their duty, they are to be put in arrest 
immediately. 

A]l the Brigade-Majors and Adjutants are again reminded, 
that the Weekly Returns (as well Brigade as Regimental 
ones) are to be brought in every Saturday at Orderly time 
to the Adjutant-General’s office. And as inaccuracy and 
neglect in their Returns will create difficulties in the payment 
of their men, the Colonels, or officers commanding, should 
carefully examine the Returns, compare them with those of 
the preceding week, and have all the alterations accounted 
for. 

The General strongly recommends it to the soldiers to be 
careful of their arms and ammunition at all times, but more 
especially in rainy weather. An enterprising enemy, de- 
pending upon neglect in this article, often makes an attack, 
and too frequently with success. Officers will also be very 
attentive to this order, and see it complied with. 

John Andrews, Jeremiah Williams, and William Cary, 
late belonging to General Lee’s Guard, to join Captain 
Ford’s company of Artificers. 

The Chief Engineer was mistaken in his report yesterday 
as to Colonel Baldwin’s, Colonel Huntington’s, and Colo- 
nel Ward’s Regiments’ nevlect of fatigue, and takes the first 
opportunity to rectify it. 

THead-Quarters, New-York, July 15, 1776. 

(Parole, Chatham.) (Countersign, Darby.) 

The Pay Abstracts for the month of June are imme- 
diately to be made up carefully, examined by the Colonels, 
or officer commanding the Regiments, and then certified by 


the Brigadiers ; after which to be lodged with the Paymas- 
ter-General.. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


504 


A working party of one hundred and fifty men, with a 
Field-Officer, three Captains, six Subalterns, twelve Ser- 
geants, twelve Corporals, and three Drums and Fifes, to 
parade to-morrow on the grand parade, at six o’clock, and 
go up to King’s Bridge, to relieve the party sent up the 7th 
instant; to take their arms and two days’ provision; to apply 
to General Putnam for boats for transportation; and when 
at King’s Bridge, apply to General Mifflin for orders, 

It is intended that all detached parties to King’s Bridge 
shall be relieved once a week in future. 

General Scott’s Brigade to do duty hereafter in their own 
encampment. Sy 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 16, 1776. 

(Countersign, Fuirfaz.) 

The honourable Continental Congress have been pleased 
to increase the pay of the Regimental Surgeons to thirty- 
three dollars and one-third per month, to take place from 
the 5th of June last; and that the pay of the Troops in the 
Middle Department shall be six dollars and two-thirds per 
month, from the 10th of June last. The Pay Abstracts 
are to be made out accordingly, and care taken to prevent 
confusion or delay. 

The hurry of business often preventing particular invita- 
tion being given to officers to dine with the General, he 

resents his compliments to the Brigadiers and Field-Offi- 
cers of the day, and requests, while the camp continues 
settled in this city, they will favour him with their company 
to dinner, without any further or special invitation. 

The officers, under whose care and direction the cartridges 
are made up, having neglected to make daily returns to 
Head-Quarters, they may depend upon it, that after this 
day, any officer omitting to send a daily return of the 
number of cartridges made, will be put under an arrest for 
disobedience of orders. 

After Orders.—Colonel Reed, President of the present 
sitting General Court-Martial, being unable to attend, Colo- 
nel Webb is to succeed him as President: said Court-Martial 
to assemble to-morrow morning, nine o’clock, at the brick- 
house near Colonel McDougall’s encampment. 


(Parole, Essez.) 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 17, 1776. 
(Parole, Georgia.) (Countersign, Hartford.) 

A working party of fifty men, properly officered, to pa- 
rade to-morrow morning, six o’clock, with their arms, near 
the Laboratory. There Captain Anderson will attend, from 
whom they are to receive directions: Quartermaster-Gene- 
ral to supply such tools as they may want. 

John Berrian, Henry Wilmot, and John Ray, Jun., a 
Committee of the town, are appointed to give passes to 
citizens going over the ferries. Officers and soldiers who 
want passes over the ferries, are to apply to their own Bni- 
gadier-General. And the General desires that they will give 
no passes to officers or soldiers of another Brigade. The 
officers at the Ferry-Guards, to attend to this order particu- 
larly, and make it known to the sentries. 

The two Companies of Colonel Van Cortlandt’s Regi- 
ment at Long-Island, to join their regiment at New- York. 
Captain Kelsey’s Company, and the Company under the 
command of Lieutenant Borden, of Colonel Newcomb’s Re- 
giment, to replace them to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 

The Court of Inquiry upon Colonel Ritzema’s conduct, 
having reported that no other of the charges made against 
him was supported, except that of using disrespectful ex- 
pressions of Brigadier-General Lord Stirling, and his Lord- 
ship generously overlooking the personal affront offered him, 
the General orders that all further proceedings cease, and 
Colonel Ritzema to be discharged from his arrest. 

Yesterday the detachment of one hundred and fifty men, 
ordered for King’s Bridge, to march from the parade at six 
o’clock, did not leave it till nine, by which they lost the 
tide, and then much short of the proportion of officers, an 
evil which is every day inereasing. The Brigade-Majors 
will hereafter be deemed answerable for such neglects, unless 
they report to the Adjutant-General the same day what 
Adjutant fails in bringing on his quota of men on the parade 
in time, or put such Adjutant immediately under arrest, and 
report it at Head-Quarters. vad 

The Adjutants and Colonels of the new troops arriving, 
are to take notice that Weekly Returns of their Regiments 
are to be sent in at Orderly time every Saturday. Blank 


505 


returns will be given out at the Adjutant-General’s office to 
those who apply for them, and an Orderly book for each 
Company. 

A working party of one hundred and fifty men, properly 
officered, to parade to-morrow morning at six o'clock, with 
their arms, near the Laboratory, to take one day’s provision 
with them, to relieve the party which went up the 10th 
instant; this party to stay one week, and then to be re- 
lieved, ins 

Head-Quarters, New-York, July 18, 1776. 
(Parole, Italy.) (Countersign, Kent.) 

Although the General is very sensible that the great 
fatigue duty of this Army (which he is highly pleased to see 
the officers and men go through with so much cheerfulness 
and zeal) does not allow much time for manceuvring and 
exercising the troops; yet it is a matter of so much conse- 
quence to have them as well practised as time and circum- 
stances will admit, that he earnestly recommends it to the 
Brigadiers, Colonels, or commanding officers of Regiments, 
to take time for that purpose; and particularly, to have the 
men instructed and practise the evolutions, manceuvring, 
and as much of the manual exercise as respects loading and 
firing, not only with quickness but calmness. 

John Priest, of Captain Maxwell’s Company, Colonel 
Prescott’s Regiment, Duncan Grant, of Captain McFar- 
land’s Company, Colonel Nixon’s Regiment, Jason Kemp, 
of Captain Bolster’s Company, late Colonel.Learned’s Re- 
giment, William Baker, of Captain Waterhouse’s Company, 
Colonel Parsons’s Regiment, all tried by a General Court- 
Martial, whereof Colonel Webb was President, for “ deser- 
tion,” and found guilty, were sentenced to receive thirty-nine 
lashes each; Baker to receive bis punishment at three 
different times, thirteen lashes each time. The General 
approves the above sentences, and orders them to be exe- 
cuted at the usual time and place. 

Two guns fired from Cobble-Hill, on Long-Island, are 
to be the signal that the enemy have landed on that 
Island. 

Complaints having frequently been made that the sentries, 
especially those along the river, fire wantonly at boats and 
persons passing, officers of guards are to be careful upon this 
head, and acquaint the sentries that they are not to fire upon 
boats coming to the town, and that they are not to molest 
or interrupt the ferry-boats. 

The present number of fatigue to be augmented with one 
hundred men, properly officered; the whole to parade 
precisely at six o’clock in the morning; to continue so till 
further orders. 

Colonel Malcolm, of General Scott’s Brigade, to have the 
superintendence of the work laid out near that encampment, 
and to be excused from other duty. 

The General invites the Brigade-Major of the day to 
dine with him in course, with the other officers of the 
day. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 19, 1776. 
(Countersign, Maryland.) 

A detachment of three hundred men, properly officered, 
to parade to-morrow morning, six o’clock, on the grand 
parade, with two days’ provisions, to go in boats, by way of 
East-River, to King’s Bridge, to execute such work as shall 
be laid out for them by the Engineer. Lieutenant Champion, 
of Colonel Wyllys’s Regiment, to oversee said works. Major 
Reed to furnish this party with such tools as Colonel Putnam 
shall direct. 

A working party of fifty men, properly officered, to parade 
to-morrow morning, at six o’clock, on the grand parade, 
without their arms, to receive their orders from Captain 
Anderson, and tools from the Laboratory. 

Wilhiam Herenden, of Captain Warren’s Company, Colo- 
nel Read’s Regiment, David Ludlow, of Captain Ledyard’s 
Company, Colonel McDougall’s Regiment, both tried by a 
General Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Webb was Presi- 
dent, for desertion, and found guilty, were sentenced to 
receive, the former thirty-nine lashes, the latter twenty. 
The General approves the sentences, and orders them to be 
executed at the usual time and place. 

The Field-Officers of the Picket are directed to attend, 
on the grand parade, punctually, at a quarter after eight 
o'clock in the morning, and to continue there till the cuards 


(Parole, Lewis.) 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


506 


are marched off; for there has been great remissness lately 
of that kind. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 20, 1776. 
(Countersign, Ormond.) 


Daniel Grimes, of Captain Shaw’s Company, Colonel 
Marshalls Regiment, tried by a General Court-Martial, 
whereof Colonel Webb was President, was found guilty of 
“desertion ;” but some favourable circumstances appearing 
in the prisoner’s behalf, his punishment is remitted. The 
Provost-Marshal is ordered to deliver him to Captain Tilton, 
in’ order to be put into some Regiment, to do duty here until 


(Parole, Newington.) 


‘a good opportunity offers to send him to his own. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 21, 1776. 
(Parole, Philadelphia.) (Countersign, Quebeck.) 

William Baker, of Captain Johnson’s Company, in Colo- 
nel McDougall’s Regiment, charged with “absenting him- 
self several days from the camp without permission,” having 
been tried by a General Court-Martial, whereof Colonel 
Webb was President, and found guilty, was sentenced to 
receive twenty lashes. The General approves the sen- 
tence, and orders it to be executed at the usual time and 
place. 

Sergeant Ballard, late of General Lee’s Guard, now in 
custody for having presumed to give a pass to a person to 
cross the East River, appearing to have done it more 
through ignorance than design, the General is pleased to 
discharge him}; but if any inferior officer shall hereafter take 
such a liberty, he will be severely punished ; it being again 
declared that passes to citizens or country people are only 
to be granted by John Berrian, Henry Wilmot, and John 
Ray, Jun., or one of them; passes to officers and soldiers, 
only by a Major-General, the Brigadier-General of the 
Brigade to which the person belongs, the Adjutant-General, 
or General’s Secretary or Aids-de-Camp. 

The General has great pleasure in communicating to the 
officers and soldiers of this Army, the signal success of the 
American arms, under General Lee, at South-Carolina. 
The enemy having attempted to land at the same time that 
a most furious cannonade, for twelve hours, was made upon 
the fortifications near Charlestown, both fleet and army 
have been repulsed with great loss by a small number of 
gallant troops just raised. ‘The enemy have had one hun- 
dred and seventy-two men killed and wounded, among 
whom were several officers; two capital ships much dam- 
aged; one frigate of twenty-eight guns entirely lost, being 
abandoned and blown up by the crew; and others so hurt 
that they will want great repair before they can be fit for 
service. And all with a loss on our part of ten killed and 
twenty-two wounded. ‘The firmness, courage, and bravery 
of our troops has crowned them with immortal honour. The 
dying heroes conjured their brethren never to abandon the 
standard of liberty, and even those who had lost their limbs 
continued at their posts. Their gallantry and spirit extorted 
applause from their enemies, who, dejected and defeated, 
have retired to their former station, out of the reach of our 
troops. This glorious example of our troops, under the like 
circumstances with us, the General hopes will animate every 
officer and soldier to imitate, and even outdo them, when the 
enemy shall make the same attempton us. With such a bright 
example before us of what can be done by brave and spirited 
men fighting in defence of their country, we shall be loaded 
with a double share of shame and infamy if we do not acquit 
ourselves with courage, or a determined resolution to conquer 
or die. With this hope and confidence, and that this Army 
will have its equal share of honour and success, the General 
most earnestly exhorts every officer and soldier to pay the 
utmost attention to his arms and health, to have the former 
in the best order for action, and by cleanliness and care, to 
preserve the latter; to be exact in their discipline, obedient 
to their superiors, and vigilant in duty. With such prepa- 
ration, and a suitable spirit, there can be no doubt but, by 
the blessing of Heaven, we shall repel our cruel invaders, 
preserve our country, and gain the greatest honour. 

A working party of one hundred and fifty men, properly 
oflicered, to parade to-morrow morning on the grand parade, 
at six o’clock, with their arms and one day’s provision, to 
go up to King’s Bridge, by water, to relieve the party which 
went up the 15th instant; to apply to General Putnam for 
tents. 


507 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c:, JULY, 1776. 508 


The General is much pleased with the alacrity of the orders, the men who are to go upon fatigue shall be excused 
men in doing fatigue duty; and being resolved to ease them from turning out to their alarm posts for that day, unless in 
as much as the service will admit, directs that, until further case of real alarm. 


Return of the Army in the service of the Unrrep Srates or America, in and near the City of New-York, commanded 
by His Excellency George Wasurineton, Esquire, General and Commander-in- Chief. 


OFFICERS PRESENT. 


BPO OR RANK AND FILE. Wanting to Since last 
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Colonel Wyllys’s....eseccseoees Ted) Lh S8t Al 7 Spa Dh A) 2a | oSO STON Gin ase me - 548 | 1 | - 92) -| -|1)1 
Golonel Barley’s...2 0.55. ose wee sf BY Dy TT GT]. GP eS) ay a Td 30 | 15°) 991 | 105) 9) 133) - DOO | Lali sale kh Oeiiean al irom ae 
Coloneli Bald win’a.yccss</s ssi ele o ¢ Pa) Thad GEG pa Sy LT eed) LOA POTS eae 7) Glad SS ede | eA SS aaa EMS Sige ay eel mers 
9 Companies of Col. McDougall’s} 1)-| 1] 5) 6) 6) 6) 1) 1) 1) 1) 1) 35) 18] 271 ii Hie LOS) Laie 261 Tai rent 259103 78 1 alan ke 
COVONELFRIEZEMIAGS sce sicte «es o 6 610% Tal 2. Gh ah we TL), 20M aie Peo Goreies iol eGo! mane 45S alee S| Olea ace ice 
Colonel Magaw’s........2e0-ee2-/ 1] 1] 1} 7} 8 8 71 44d i 32) 15) 406) 51) 26 4) - 487 | -| 1] 153} -| -| 2] - 
ColoneliSheausrasyeiei<stelelsieies stele (s1> Wd) 1) Th SS ee a a BS apt. 4a8 ie 3020 AG 2 3 S00 Seas 1402 sien Bie 
PRO teal tere teveeiete sete aie Wiest e she, oie 18 17|17/124/135/131)130/14/20/19)18:18} 549 287 |5,968 14761189 2,002) 33 | 9,668 {13 |20 |3,21231 {10 129 19 


Return of General Scorv’s Brigade ; sixty-seven men, rank and file, in a Company, ten Companies to a Regiment, is 
the establishment. 


Golonel Lasher’s......1+se1ee+s] 1) 1 1) 10) 9] 10) -|-| 1) 1|-|-] 30| 17] 390, 6) 40, 91; 8] 585) -| 3) 135, 3) - |18 [10 
Colonel Malcom’ sii ieiees cies. ad Tut 1 9, TO Siew Te = |. ST V4 934 13) 21 20) 5 293 |316 STIs s| = 
Colonel Drake’a ssi, ocselsadehiccs 111 10) 6 11) - {-| 1) 1) )-] 28] 16] 395) 55 1) 38 7) 496) 2) 4) 174 10) -| - | - 
Lieutenant-Col. Hardenburgh’s....| - | 1) - 5, 3| 6 ee ae hoa ato PB Sob aK Bl 254 ee a 81 Ree 

Notales wi tcake ce cafe 3 4| 3| 34] a8i 35! - (ai 4! 4! 3i-| 100 | 66 la,e41 | 96) 69| 15a] 20 11,578 | 5 (14 | 767| 261 - |a9 111 


Return of General Hearv’s Brigade ; seventy-two men, rank and file, in a Company, eight Compames to a Regi- 
ment, is the establishment. 


Colonel/Morman’ sh ej -secisiesl sol =P) HOST Pape ea ad 30 | 15 | 400 18) - 2,10 | 430 |2)|1 146, -| -| -| - 
7 Companies of Col. Hunt’s......| - 1 1) 7 6) 65} 66) -) 1) 1-|-] 22) 13 | 257) 11) - - 1 | 269 | 6/1] 235) 4) -| -| - 
7 Companies of Col. Martin’s....| 1) 1) 1] 7 7 5) 7-| 1 1) 1) 1) 27] 10] 193 | 35) 3) 121) 3 | 355) 1)3] 149) 4 -| -| - 
3 Companies of Col. Newcomb’s.|-|-| 1) 2 1) 1) 3} 1) 1 1) 1/1, 9] 38 56 6) - 37| - OO HS oy Ltt) 20 = = 
4 Comp. of Col. Van Cortlandt’s.|-| 1) 1} 4) 3) 2) 2 -|-] 1j-|- 13 7 174 9) - - 3 186 |} 1/1 TOS41|e=0) ena 

Tytler aes ab 1] 4! 5| Qi 24! Q0l a5! a] 4| 5! 31 3| 101 | 48 11,080 | 79] 31 160! 17 |1,339 4319 | v49'69! -| - | - 


Return of General Wavswortn’s Brigade ; eighty-three rank and file to a Company, and eight Companies to a Regi- 
ment, is the establishment. 


Colonel Sillimun’av esac eanan Ti 65) 6 7:1) 4) a) 1 1) 30) 13) 952) 16 9 61; - | 351)2]3)] 313,-|-1-1- 
GoloneliGaytas.closs ear boned, 1al-| 76 sl Shalala il 24) 16} 273) 37-| sel - | 368|8}- | oed--| -|'-| - 
7 Companies of Gol. Bradley’s:..|'1l.1/ 4] :6\, 75/5]: a} Ui t\-| 22/12 |).305|, 27) =.) 931 aly 955)06) Soe QiGh daca Wins 
6 Companies of Col. Sage’s......| 1] 1] 1} 4) 4) 3) 5)-| 1 Die 20 9 L781 0 ees ee eee 943) 4 | 3) 255) -7 -) =] = 
Golonel Seldeti’st.s ote. estceeeee sl l= | @2) 3] S/S Tet ely 23 8 PAID ia 3] - 9981918 | -436) - |] -| -T-- 
Colonel Douglasa’s.:...+0-0 ees Wak beat calle carleal alotbealalwog |'43 |}. aba |. 36-1) sB6) aime deed O4e ch 
Colonel! Chester’ Sal wremactesiei-/eeiel12 Ij 1j 1) 5} 6) 6 3) -} 1) 1 ad AEP EEN eet feo KS SANT ND lees leer tage pes 

ees ee ee 6| 7 5| 39] 38) 35| 37| 4] 7| 7] 6| 6 172 | 83 | 1,819] 147] 8| 309! - | 2,983|40 23 [2,106 - | -| 1| 3 
The total of General Heard’s....| 1] 4! 5| 26 24| 20] 25] 1) 4! 5| 3) 3| 101 | 48 | 1,080| 79, 3} 160) 17 | 1,339/13 | 9 |_ 749169) - | - | - 
The total of General Scott’s......| 3| 4| 3, 34] 28] 35] - | 1] 4) 4| 3|-| 100 | 66 | 1,241] 96] 69] 159] 20 1,578| 5 {14 |_ 767, 26| - [19/11 
The old Regiments. .....+++++++«!18|17{17 124135 131[130|14'0 19[18118) 549 |g87 | 5,966|1476|189 2,009| 33 | 9,666 13 |20 |3,214| 31| 10/29/19 
Total of the whole... +++. +++ « «(28'32130 225/225'291/199120!35'35/30/97| 922 [aga [10,106 11798'269'2,623! 70 [14,866 '71 |66 | 6,836 226) 10| 49 | 33 


“Head-Quarters, July 20, 1776. 


Return of the Regiment of Artillery in the service of the Unirep Cononies, in and near the City of New-York, 
commanded by Henry Knox, Esq. 


2 w 
5 , . i) 
2 2 | 3} 9 g EM tine es 3 |. 
-16 3/8/22 )/A}sel}e] el 8°18 pcs egal oe 
Sil ihes a || Ss | se Aisles cel is | aol 5 las os rem erty, 
Sum eee lect ee set ilies Sol pate at emia tele Ps Sl ae ; 2 E/s 3 
TSRPietsa S18 | See OR ee a So ee eee tS 
OlM eto |/Ol4d | nm jou 1S le la l.O bo.! Ole abe & 
Present, fit fordutyis si. sleeve deueeleetbeiee sas 1 1 1 6 Galo no 1 1 1 1 1 L200 Avaesbelrooey lo i 174) 333 
SICK PLesEll. « «ceckis eels sce e seek emai = |) le ae = sah cael be a SPW) ol ear Be Lal elo aio 16) 25 
Sick, absent .iieecek ec he ects oe - - - ~ = - - - - - - - - - - 1 = = 5 6 
On commandiaaoses deeee ae ee - - - 4 4 6 8 - - - ~ - Loy Tas 26") 26 T1105) 253 
Totalleiiats spre ih ae 1! 11 11/10! 101! 11! 20 1! 1/1 11 11 91321331 641 64! 231 3001 577 


New-York, Head-Quarters, July 20, 1776. 


J 
; 
. 


509 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO JOHN AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON. 
New-York, July 22, 1776. 

Dear Brorner: Whether you wrote to me last, or [ to 
you, I cannot undertake to say; but as it is some tme since 
a letter has passed between us, and as [ expect every hour 
to be engaged in too busy a scene to allow time for writing 
private letters, I will take an opportunity, by this day’s post, 
to address to you a few lines, giving a brief account of the 
situation of affairs in this quarter. 

To begin, then: We have a powerful fleet within full view 
of us, distant about eight miles. We have General Howe’s 
present Army, consisting, by good report, of about eight or 
nine thousand men upon Staten-Island, covered by their 
ships. We have Lord Howe just arrived, and we have ships 
now coming in, which we suppose, but do not know, to be 
part of the fleet with the expected reinforcement. When 
this arrives, if the reports of deserters, prisoners, and Tories, 
are to be depended upon, the enemy’s numbers will amount 
at least to twenty-five thousand men; ours to about fifteen 
thousand. More, indeed, are expected; but there is no 
certainty of their arrival, as harvest and a thousand other 
excuses are urged as the reasons of delay. What kind of 
opposition we shall be able to make, time only can show. 
I can only say, that the men appear to be in good spirits ; 
and, if they will stand be me, the place shall not be car- 
ried without some loss, notwithstanding we are not yet in 
such a posture of defence as I could wish. 

Two ships (the Phenix, of forty-four guns, and the Rose, 
of twenty) ran by our batteries on the 12th, exhibiting a 
proof of what I had long most religiously believed; and that 
is, that a vessel, with a brisk wind and strong tide, cannot, 
unless by a chance shot, be stopped by a battery, unless you 
can place some obstruction in the water to impede her mo- 
tion within reach of your guns. We do not know that these 
ships received any capital injury. In their rigging they were 
somewhat damaged, and several shot went through their 
hulls; but few, if any, lives were lost. They now, with 
three tenders which accompanied them, lie up the North 
or Hudson’s River, about forty miles above this place, and 
have totally cut off all communication, by water, between 
this city and Albany, and between this Army and ours upon 
the Lakes. ‘They may have had other motives inducing 
them to run up the river, such as supplying the Tories with 
arms, and the like; but such a vigilant watch has hitherto 
been kept upon them, that I fancy they have succeeded but 
indifferently in those respects, notwithstanding this country 
abounds in disaffected persons of the most diabolical disposi- 
tions and intentions, as you may have perceived by the 
several publications in the gazettes, relative to their designs 
of' destroying this Army by treachery and bribery, which 
were providentially discovered. 

It is the general report of deserters and prisoners, and a 
prevailing opinion here, that no attempt will be made by 
General Howe till his reinforcement arrives, which, as I said 
before, is hourly expected. Our situation at present, both 
in regard to men and other matters, is such as not to make 
it advisable to attempt anything against them, surrounded as 
they are by water, and covered with ships, lest a miscarriage 
should be productive of unhappy and fatal consequences. 
It is provoking, nevertheless, to have them so near, without 
being able to give them any disturbance. ‘Their ships that 
passed us are also safely moored in a broad part of the river, 
out of reach of shot from either shore. 

Mrs. Washington is now at Philadelphia, and has thoughts 
of returning to Virginia, as there is little or no prospect of 
her being with me any part of this summer. I beg of you 
to present my love to my sister and the children, and com- 
pliments to any inquiring friends, and to do me the justice 
to believe that I am, &c., Go. WasHINGTON. 


To John Augustine Washington, Esq. 


BARON DE CALBIAC TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
New-York, July 22, 1776. 

My Generat: Though it is easy to see your Excel- 
lency, by the kind reception with which you entertain every- 
body, [ have, with a good deal of repugnancy, imposed a 
law to myself, in discontinuing to go and present to you my 
humble duty—in the first place, by the reason of the diffi- 
culty that I have to make myselfunderstood ; and, secondly, 
in the apprehension to trouble you from your business. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


510 


In the mean while, a sentiment of patriotism obliges me 
to trouble you again, being wounded by the sorrow in seeing 
my countrymen in the greatest want; and what afflicts me 
the most is, that it is no more in my power to do for them 
what I have done for the others: so that you will permit me 
to represent to your Excellency, that the good mind that led 
those gentlemen to serve under your orders, and to help this 
Continent against her enemies, has determined them to 
leave their families, their country, and to despise all sorts of 
dangers, in order to join you. You know, sir, that necessity 
has no Jaw, and you must not be surprised if some French- 
men have behaved so scandalously. I hope that you will be 
so good as to observe my representation; having the honour 
to be, of your Excellency, Mon General, the most humble 
and most obedient servant, Le Baron pe Caxpiac. 


P.S. The 6th June, 1776, four battalions of the regi- 
ment of Champagne arrived at Guadaloupe, to garrison 
that place, while the fleet and army of France go to Quebeck 
to retake Canada. ‘This account I have just received from 
that Island. 


JEDEDIAH HUNTINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Camp, New-York, July 22, 1776. 

Honourep Sir: It passes for some apology in my own 
mind, for not writing so often as at some times I think I 
ought to, that, in the first place, my letters cannot carry 
news, because, in your publick station, you have the best 
and earliest from all quarters; in the second place, that the 
urgency of the publick affairs needs all your attention. 

Since the British fleet placed themselves so near us as 
Staten-Island, the most of the principal inhabitants of the 
city have been moving away with their effects. The late ad- 
venture of the Phenix and Rose determined all the hesitating 
tofly. Ishould be willing to part with all of them, unless we 
had some skilful assayist to separate the bad from the good. 

Since the Declaration of Independence, [ have often thought 
how anxious you would be that the leaders of the present day, 
though they themselves may not reap the fruits of their labours, 
should not spare any pains to have the foundations of the 
great Continental government well laid, and as well that of 
particular States, that publick virtue and liberty, which make 
the publick happiness, may be secured and perpetuated. It 
is plain to see, from a small acquaintance with the manners 
of this people, the pernicious influence of some overgrown 
estates. The landlords, though few in number, have the 
power of disobliging their numerous dependants, and there- 
fore assume the right of dictating to them in their most 
interesting and tenderest concerns. Ought not or cannot a 
timely remedy be provided against the limitation of the descent 
of large tracts of land that carry such evil power with them? 

General Sullivan is returned to this place; he did not 
meet a very cordial reception, Lam told, fron G. W. Gen- 
eral Washington and the Adjutant-General of the British 
Army at Staten-Island had an interview at Colonel Know’s, 
near Fort George, last Saturday. The application was 
from their side, and very importunate. Our expectations 
were raised to look for something considerable ; but it proved 
to be very frivolous—a proposition to exchange Master 
Lovell for Governour Skene, which heretofore they had 
refused to us. The General told him it could not be done 
without an order of Congress. The Adjutant-General wished 
for a familiar intercourse between the two armies, and that 
all proceedings be carried on on the highest principles of 
honour and humanity. Our General treated him rather 
coolly, and they parted soon. 

A small party of the enemy landed on the Jersey side 
yesterday, under the protection of a tender. Our people 
repulsed them without firing but a few small-arms. What 
loss, or whether any, do not learn. 

My love and respects to all, as is due. I remain, your 
affectionute son, Jepu. Huntineron. 


P.S. The papers of this day do not contain the joyful 
news from South-Carolina; therefore I enclose you a hand- 


bill. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 
Camp on Long-Island, July 22, 1776. 
Sir: Colonel Hand reports this morning that the ships 
that came in yesterday have troopson board. ‘They appear 


511 


to be dressed in the Highland habit. Nothing material has 
happened in this camp since yesterday. 

I have the honour to be, your Excellency’s most obedient 
humble servant, N. Greene. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters, 
New-York. 


WILLIAM HOPKINS TO OYSTER-BAY (NEW-YORK) COMMITTEE. 
In Committee for Township of Oyster-Bay, July 22, 1776. 

GentLemeNn: By request of Captain Daniel Noorstrant, 
we do make application to your honourable House for a 
commission for Jacob Totten, First Lieutenant under above- 
said Captain, instead of Daniel Hendrickson, who absolutely 
refuses executing his commission. Reasons may be given 
sufficient for his excuse. 

N. B. The company belonging to Captain Daniel Noor- 
strant hath unanimously appeared and chosen Jacob Totten 
First Lieutenant. 

By order of the Committee: 

Wixwiam Hopkins, Chairman. 


To Chairman of County Committee, or his Deputy. 


ROBERT YATES TO WILLIAM PAWLING. 
In Committee, Poughkeepsie, July 22, 1776. 


Sir: We have, among other things, determined to fit out 
two armed sloops at Albany, in order to protect the river 
against the depredations of tenders. ‘To eftect this, we have 
written to the Committee at New-York to furnish us with 
gunners, or persons who in anywise are used to the manage- 
ment of cannon on board of ships, and a quantity of com- 
bustible matter for fire-arrows, and by all means a person 
who understands the making of them. If your business will 
possibly admit, we must entreat your attention to this matter 
also. Mr. Jay is gone to Salisbury for cannon, Messrs. 
Yates and Livingston to Albany, and Tappen and G. Liv- 
ingston remain to superintend the works here, where we 
request your attendance as soon as you conveniently can, 

We are, sir, your most humble servants. 

By order of the Committee: 
Rosert Yates, Chairman. 


To Wilkam Pawling, Esq., Member of Congress for West- 
chester County, at New-York or elsewhere. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO COLONEL DAYTON. 
German-Flats, July 22, 1776. 

Dear Sir: From the advice contained in an intercepted 
letter which was yesterday delivered me, there is reason to 
suspect that Lieutenant McDonald, of your regiment, is 
concerned in the embezzlement of the effects at Johnstown. 
You will therefore be pleased to send him immediately, 
under arrest, to this place, together with such other officers, 
if any there are, who may lay under similar suspicions, and 
all such officers and soldiers who may, by their testimony, 
elucidate a matter which reflects so much disgrace on the 
regiment. 

The Representatives of the United American States have 
lately transmitted me a resolution deprecating, in the most 
pointed terms, the abuses of a like kind committed to the 
northward, and have ordered every military offender to be 
brought to justice. You will, I doubt not, exert your best 
endeavours to convict the delinquents, and to wipe away 
that stain which now sullies the whole corps. 1 beg you 
will attend here yourself, and bring with you the orders I 
sent you previous to your leaving Albany. I have a sufti- 
ciency of officers here to hold a general court-martial. 

I am, dear sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Pu. Scuuyier. 


To Colonel Dayton. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Tyonderoga, July 22, 1776. 

Sir: This morning I received your favour of the 18th 
instant from the German-Flats. General Arnold has writ- 
ten to you, with the Indian goods he sent you, by this con- 
veyance, He is disappointed that he has not more to send 
you. The same express that brought me your letter brought 
me one from Mr, Livingston, a copy of which I send you 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


512 


enclosed. I have also ordered Mr. Commissary Avery to 
send you an exact state of his magazine here. The fresh 
provisions mentioned in Mr. Livingston’s letter is not any 
of it arrived here yet, nor do I know of any cattle being 
upon their way hither; so we must eat pork, or go without 
meat. ‘The Militia are beginning to arrive at Skenesbo- 
rough ;.so the demands upon our magazine will increase 
daily. General Arnold sets off to-day for Skenesborough, 
if possible to expedite the building the gondolas. I hope 
we shall not be too Jate with our fleet. Four gondolas are 
all that are built, and it will take a fortnight to finish those 
that are upon the stocks. This I am assured of by an offi- 
cer who left Skenesborough yesterday; he is an intelligent 
young man, is well versed in maritime affairs, and is to 
command one of the gondolas. The corps of carpenters, 
which you tell me are ordered to Skenesborough, will arrive 
late; but that, if the enemy move slow, may answer. I 
have acquainted Mr. Commissary Avery with the paragraph 
in your letter which relates to Mr. Trumbull, and have 
directed Mr. Avery to govern himself accordingly. I am 
told Colonel Gansevoort stopped my letter to the postmaster 
at Albany, and sent the messenger I ordered down with it 
back to Tyonderoga. ‘The Army here are outrageous in 
having their letters stopped at Albany, all correspondence 
with the lower country being entirely precluded. J have 
written to Colonel Gansevoort upon the subject, and will 
certainly bring him to immediate trial, if he dares, for the 
future, to stop any letters going to or from the Army that 
he is not very particularly ordered to intercept. The East- 
ern Governments have established a weekly post to the Army, 
free of all expense to the officers and soldiers. 


I am, &c. Ho. Gates. 
To General Schuyler. 

P. S. Enclosed is a return of all the provisions at this 
post. There is at Crown-Point only a bare sufficiency to 
supply one weak battalion posted there. 


JOHN TRUMBULL TO COLONEL READ. 
Head-Quarters, July 22, 1776. 


Sir: By the General’s order, I wrote you four or five 
days since, desiring you to collect all the well at Fort George 
of every corps, and return to the Army with them. Per- 
haps you have not received that letter. ‘There is now a 
still more urgent necessity of your immediate return, as you 
are appointed to the command of a brigade, with whom your 
presence is absolutely necessary. You will, therefore, sir, 
on the receipt of this, immediately collect all who are able 
to return to their duty, and repair with them to this place as 
soon as possible. 

I am, sir, your very humble servant, 

Joun TRUMBULL. 


To Colonel Read. 


CAPTAIN WILSON TO GENERAL ARNOLD. 
Three-Brothers, July 22, 1776. 


Dear Generau: We arrived at the east side of the Isle- 
au-Motte on Friday night, about one or two o’clock, con- 
cealed our boats, and kept a good look-out till about six in the 
afternoon of Saturday, when we perceived a canoe creeping 
up under the east shore of the Lake. A party was imme- 
diately detached in pursuit of her, and took her, with a 
Frenchman in her. We had no interpreter amongst us, and 
therefore found considerable difficulty in understanding him, 
Thus much we learned, that he had beento St. John’s, and had 
informed himself of the number of troops there, of the works 
they were chiefly employed at, and of the number of boats 
they had in readiness. He informed us, as we understood 
him, that he met two men in a canoe about a league on this 
side of Isle-aux-Noix, who informed him that two of our 
boats Jay at Isle-au-Motte. He says they live near Grlliland’s 
Creek, and (if we understood him properly) went down with 
information to the enemy. We hope to be able to intercept 
them on their return. o 

We have taken a certain John Davie, who, from the 
manner in which he was travelling, and the account which 
he gave of himself, appears to be a very suspicious person, 
The prisoners are sent up in charge with the bearer, Lieu- 
tenant Clark, with one batteau and partof the men, With 
those who remain here we propose to return to Isle-au-Motte 


513 


this evening. A party of four men was in readiness on Satur- 
day evening to have proceeded on the east side of the Lake 
from opposite Point-au-Fer by land to St. John’s; but upon 
learning from the Frenchman that intelligence was gone down 
of our being at Isle-au-Motte, it was thought most prudent 
not to send them. We have neither a bark canoe nora 
good pilot. 

I am, dear, sir, your Excellency’s most obedient, humble 


servant, James A. Witson, Captain. 


To His Excellency Brigadier-General Arnold. 


COLONEL SEYMOUR TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Hartford, July 22, 1776. 


Honourep Sir: As the troops of Lighthorse returned 
yesterday from New- York, I thought it my duty to give 
your Honour the earliest account of our conduct and pro- 
ceedings, with every attending circumstance. I before men- 
tioned the immediate forwarding of your Honour’s orders to 
the Majors of the several regiments named therein, as soon 
as they came to my hand. ‘The companies made so great 
despatch in their march, that most of them came on (though 
well-spirited) without the precaution of a blanket, or even a 
change of clothing. They had conceived the idea, from the 
suddenness and urgency of the orders, that they were imme- 
diately to be called to action, and soon to return, which made 
them too incautious. I must, however, in justice, say, that 
a better body of substantial yeomen never appeared on such 
an occasion. ‘They were admired and applauded for their 
spirit and zeal. 

We no sooner arrived at King’s Bridge, on Monday morn- 
ing, than the General’s letter met us, copy of which I now 
enclose. ‘This at once seemed to check and mortify. We 
had no idea of sending back our horses, especially as the men 
had left their farms and crops in the most critical situation, 
and must return as soon as possible. I ordered them, how- 
ever, to halt at the bridge, and, with Majors Starr and Shel- 
don, waited upon General Washington. He soon told us 
that forage could not be had upon the Island, (the drought 
being extreme that way,) and that he would by no means 
be justified to pay for it, if it could be found. This again 
flung us into some perplexity, for we thought at least if there 
was so great need of the men, from the danger of a sudden 
attack, as the General often expressed it, that the Continent 
ought to undergo the burden of detaining us. There was, 
however, no reasoning upon the subject. We then proposed 
finding pastures for our horses, at and this side of the bridge, 
and depend upon the Colony, and so tarry a short time, 
rather than be turned directly back, which might throw a 
discouragement upon the honest intentions and wishes of 
men forward to serve their country on any emergency. To 
this the General graciously consented ; and after much diffi- 
culty to obtain pastures for a small space, we marched into 
the city, through dust and sweat. Our numbers were soon 
trebled, and the sound of it rung through the enemy’s camp. 
‘The same day our horses were sent out, and the men were 
put into houses, with nothing but the clothes on their backs, for 
lodging. As soon as a return of our men could be made, a 
number were ordered upon guard. ‘This was something unex- 
pected, but cheerfully submitted to. Soon after, a further 
order came for mounting guard, and for eight of our men to 
go to King’s Bridge upon fatigue, there to remain one week. 
The first of these requisitions was complied with, but the last 
declined, as unreasonable for men under our circumstances. 
Colonel Silliman, as well as others, advised against submit- 
ting to fatigue; that it was counter to the laws of the Colony, 
and what your Honour had no idea of subjecting us to. 
Major Hart, with me of course, (by direction of General 
Wadsworth,) waited upon General Washington, and stated 
the case, mentioned the exemptions of our law, &c., at same 
time suggested that the men would freely furnish guards of 
every kind, and man the lines, as they had done, if they 
might only be excused from working parties, for which they 
were in no measure prepared. We were answered, that no 
distinction could be made between our men and the rest, and 
if they would not submit to these terms, they might be dis- 
missed, ‘This reply, after we had come so far, left everything 
at home in the most suffering condition, had made such de- 
spatch, and placed out our horses at so much risk and expense, 
and had done every other duty in the time of the alarm, and 


‘Firtu Series.—Vot. I, 


33 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 514 


also at other times (except that of the pick-axe, the shovel, 
and the wheelbarrow,) was indeed very humiliating. We 
could not account for such treatment, unless it was from the 
quarter of such who always viewed the existence of a body 
of Lighthorse with a jaundiced eye. It was the opinion of 
several General Officers that we ought to be excused; that 
it might be done consistently, and that we deserved thanks 
and applause instead,of the reverse. And, in short, if so 
large and respectablea body of men, scattered through the 
Colony, are to be blamed, under particular circumstances, 
for not complying with every formal round of duty in camp, 
from which they knew themselves excused, it must rather 
create disaffection than otherwise. We are, however, willing, 
if we have done amiss, to stand amenable at your Honour’s 
bar. . 

We left the city on Thursday noon last, when the most, 
if not all of our inlisted levies had arrived. About seven 
thousand of the Flying-Camp had also reached the Jersey 
shore. ‘These at least must treble our number to that of the 
enemy. Lord Howe also arrived the Friday before, without 
fleet or army (save a ship or two.) Under these circum- 
stances, no prospect of any sudden attack, our horses not to 
be kept any longer, the pressing circumstances of our affairs 
at home, and the general opinion that we could not be needed 
soon, (even General Putnam said we were not wanted,) 
together with the sudden and unexpected reply from the 
General, all induced us to return. 

I have troubled your Honour too long with a relation of 
facts, but thought it necessary, that no mistake might arise 
from differing accounts. I ought to mention one circum- 
stance further: that is, that just before I left New- York, after 
the men were all gone, Generals Spencer and Heath called 
upon me, and said there was a misunderstanding in the matter, 
and that they had just come from the General, and he meant 
to excuse us from fatigue. ‘The matter was now over, the 
men gone and irrecoverable. And besides, the General had 
othewise expressed it the evening before, when Major Hart, 
with me, waited upon him for the purpose. 

I can’t help remarking to your Honour, that it may be 
with truth said, General Washington is a gentleman of ex- 
treme care and caution; that his requisitions for men are 
fully equal to the necessity of the case; and that if more 
attention was had to the Northern Department it would be 
as well. 

It is much to be lamented that our numbers of volunteers 
are so slow and deficient. Am persuaded that detachments 
must, after all, take place, as our only remedy. 

I should have stopped here, but am this moment informed 
by Captain Hooker that Mr. Webb, General Washington’s 
Aid-de-Camp, has written your Honour something dishon- 
ourable to the Lighthorse. Whatever it may be I know not, 
but this I do know, that it is a general observation; both in 
camp and country, if the butterflies and the coxcombs were 
away from the Army, we should not be put to so much 
difficulty in obtaining men of common sense to engage in the 
defence of their country. 

Your Honour will excuse my freedom and prolixity in this, 
as it proceeds from no other motive than a sacred regard for 
the community of which I have the favour to be a member. 

I am, with every sentiment of esteem and regard, your 
Honour’s most obedient humble servant, 

Tomas Seymour. 


GENERAL WARD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Boston, July 22, 1776. 
Sir: The company of Artificers in the Continental ser- 
vice here, under the care of Captain Eayrs, your Excellency 
did not mention in your directions respecting the troops, and 
I must request your directions respecting said company. It 
is a very good company, and if such a company be wanted 
in the Continental service, I believe a better cannot be had. 
Sargent’s and Hutchinson’s regiments marched the 18th 
instant for Norwich; Glover’s marched the 20th. The two 
remaining regiments are recovering fast of the small-pox, 
and as soon as they can march with safety I shall order them 
forward. I shall use every precaution to prevent the march- 
ing regiments from communicating the small-pox, and for 
this purpose will endeavour that they shall be thoroughly 
cleansed, being sensible of the destructive consequences that 
would result from spreading this disorder in our armies, which 
are every hour liable to be called to action. 


d15 


Application was made to me some days since by the 
Government of New-Hampshire for some ammunition to 
supply the Continental regiments now on their march from 
that State to join our Army in Canada; and as they had 
none to march through the woods with, and it would be 
unsafe to go without, I furnished them with eight barrels of 
powder, two thousand pounds of musket-ball, and two thou- 
sand flints. e 

I have ordered the proper returns, that I may be able to 
make such a return to your Excellency as mentioned in 
yours of the 11th instant. : 

I am your Excellency’s obedient and very humble ser- 


vant 
: Artemas Warp. 


To General Washington. ’ 


COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS TO COLONEL FOSTER. 
In Council, July 22, 1776. 

Sir: In the list or return by you made out and signed in 
behalf of the Field-Officers of the Sixth Regiment of Militia 
in the County of Lincoln, of the Captains and subalterns 
chosen by the several companies belonging to said regiment, 
you express a desire that commissions may be made out, 
&c., except those for the third company, for the reasons for 
which exception the Council are referred to a copy of a 
petition annexed to said return, signed by Joseph Swett and 
others, which has been read; and thereupon 

It is Ordered, That the Field-Officers of the Sixth Regi- 
ment of Militia in the County of Lincoln be, and they hereby 
are, directed to make a full inquiry whether the facts set forth 
in the said petition are true, and whether any corrupt prac- 
tices were used in the choice of said officers; and they are 
directed to make return hereof to the Council as soon as 
possible. 


To Colonel Benjamin Foster. 


Worcester, Massachusetts, July 22, 1776. 

On Monday last a number of patriotick gentlemen of this 
town, animated with a love of their country, and to show 
their approbation of the measures lately taken by the Grand 
Council of America, assembled on the green near the Liberty 
Pole, where, after having displayed the colours of the Thir- 
teen Confederate Colonies of America, the bells were set 
a ringing and the drums a beating; after which the Decla- 
ration of Independency of the United States was read to a 
large and respectable body (among whom were the Select- 
men and Committee of Correspondence) assembled on the 
occasion, who testified their approbation by repeated huzzas, 
firing of musketry and cannon, bonfires, and other demon- 
strations of joy; when the arms of that tyrant in Britain, 
George I1I., of execrable memory, which in former reigns 
decorated, but of late disgraced, the Court-House in this 
town, were committed to the flames, and consumed to ashes; 
after which a select company of the sons of freedom repaired 
to the Tavern, lately known by the sign of the King’s Arms, 
which odious signature of despotism was taken down by 
order of the people, which was cheerfully complied with by 
the Innkeeper, where the following toasts were drunk, and the 
evening spent with joy, on the commencement of the happy 
era: 
1. Prosperity and Perpetuity to the United States of 
America. 
. The President of the Grand Council of America. 
. The Grand Council of America. 
. His Excellency General Washington. 
. All the Generals in the American Army. 
. Commodore Hopkins. 
. The Officers and Soldiers in the American Army. 
. The Officers and Seamen in the American Navy. 
. The Patriots of America. 
. Every Friend of America. 
. George rejected, and Liberty protected. 
. Success to the American Arms. 

13. Sore eyes to all Tories, and a chesnut burr for an eye 
stone. 

14. Perpetual itching without the benefit of scratching to 
the enemies of America. 


15. The Council and Representatives of the State of 
Massachusetts-Bay. 


wo 


—_ 
COmoMDst ND Ue 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


516 


16. The Officers and Soldiers in the Massachusetts ser- 
vice. 

17. The Memory of the brave General Warren. 

18. The Memory of the magnanimous General Montgo- 
mery. 

19, Speedy redemption to all the Officers and Soldiers 
who are now prisoners of war among our enemies, 

20. The State of Massachusetts-Bay. 

21. The Town of Boston. 

22. The Selectmen and Committees of Correspondence 
for the Town of Worcester. 

23. May the enemies of America be laid at her feet. 

24. May the Freedom and Independence of America en- 
dure till the sun grows dim with age, and this earth returns 
to chaos. 


The greatest decency and good order was observed, and, 
at a suitable time, each man returned to his respective 
home. ; 


JOSEPH PALMER TO JAMES BOWDOIN. 
Germantown, July 22, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I have sent expresses to the commanding 
officers of the several regiments in my brigade for the draught 
ordered, which I expect will be immediately complied with, 
I think it was a wise and necessary measure; but permit me 
to suggest whether it is not necessary that there should be 
an appointment to general command at Hull, and also at the 
Castle, if not at each of the other fortified posts. I shall 
always consider ourselves weak until there is a general com- 
mand appointed over all the forces when at such or such a 
station, whether they be Colonial or established regiments, 
Militia, or any others who may, upon an alarm or otherwise, 
be there. At present, it is apprehended that there is no such 
officer; for the particular commander of the Train has no 
command over Colonel Whitney’s or Marshall’s regiments; 
nor have either of them over the Militia, or others (except- 
ing their own corps) who may be at such or such a post, upon 
any alarm; nor have the Militia officers any command but 
only over their own corps. ‘The necessity and danger with- 
out it is so obvious when attended to, that I doubt not im- 
mediate provision will be made for it. I mentioned Hull 
and the Castle, because they are singly of more importance 
than some others, particularly Hull, which I consider is the 
key of the whole harbour, and therefore demanding more 
particular and immediate attention. 

Upon this occasion, as new regiments will be doubtless 
raised, I would beg leave to mention my son for a Colonel, 
which is his rank. Upon account of the connexion, I have 
not pushed him forward; it was a delicate point. I now 
mention it, not as a favour to be conferred upon him or 
myself, exclusive of right, but founded therein. He was 
early engaged on the side of liberty, and was complained of 
to Governour Hutchinson by the Commissioners as a dan- 
gerous person. ‘The tea affair witnessed his zeal, which was 
confirmed in a different way on the memorable 19th of April ; 
and Colonel Hancock, of the Cadets, gave testimony to 
General Washington of his military knowledge. His con- 
duct as the first Quartermaster-General, in the most diffi- 
cult times, has been approved of by General Ward, and his 
removal from that office was, professedly, by General Wash- 
ington, to make way for a worthy gentleman of another 
Colony, and not for any fault or incapacity; and by the Gen- 
eral’s recommendation, Mr. Mifflin offered him the deputy- 
ship in that office; but he, considering that all the blame, if 
any, would be thrown upon him, and all the praise, if any, 
would be given to another, declined an acceptance; since 
which he has been neglected, for what reason I know not. 
As a gentleman of letters, as a sufferer in the cause, having 
given up everything to it, as one whose moral character does 
honour to his religious profession, and as a person of military 
knowledge, he is, at least, equal to some who have been 
appointed. He has held himself in readiness to serve the 
publick, when he might have served his private interest 
with much greater prospect of advantage. 1 have not con- 
sulted him upon this application, nor has he seen what I 
write. He will not dance daily attendance at the levees of 
the great, humbly petitioning for that which his country 
ought to thank him for accepting. If he is neglected this 
time, we shall consider the publick as saying to him, “we 
have no occasion for your services, we have better men;” in 


517 


consequence of which he will look out for other means to 
provide for his family and serve the State; and I shall really 
suspect that I am a stranger to his true character, that the 
publick know more of him than I do, and that he is not the 
man I have taken him to be. 

I herewith enclose abstracts of the returns of the four In- 
dependent companies. They have never had any Commis- 
sary, Which has oceasioned much difficulty to them and me. 
They have not had any pay since December, as I think, and 
are now in straits for want of it, being part at Dorchester 
Heights and part at Hull, and very uneasy at their unset- 
tled and ill-provided state. If those at Dorchester should be 
returned to Hull, where they are more wanted, the Com- 
missary directed to supply them all, and they ordered to 
make up their rolls and billeting to a certain day, they may 
be kept quiet until they are regimented, or a Field Officer 
appointed over them; and when they are upon the same 
footing as others, they will cheerfully do their duty. I think 
they may be made part of the new regiments which it is 
supposed will be raised. 

I am, dear sir, your very humble servant, 

J, Paumer. 


To the Honourable James Bowdoin, Esq., President of the 
Council. 


. 


PETITION OF THE TOWN OF WARREN, 


To the Honourable Committee of Safety for the Colony of 
New-Hampsuire: 

The Petition of us, the Committee of the Town of Warren, 
humbly showeth : 


That the inhabitants are destitute of fire-arms and lead, 
and pray that your Honours will grant us a sufficient quan- 
tity of fire-arms and lead, or otherwise grant us a sum of 
money to purchase them, as you in your wisdom shall think 
proper ; for which we, the Committee of Safety for said 
Warren, will account, in hehalf of said town. 


We shall ever pray, &c., Josuua MERRILL 


Josnua Copp, 
Ozep. CLEMENT, 
Committee for the Town of Warren. 
Warren, July 22, 1776. 


COLONEL DAVID GILLMAN TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE 
OF SAFETY. 
Head-Quarters, Portsmouth, July 22, 1776. 


GentLemen: I have the pleasure to inform you that the 
works at New-Castle go on very well. If nothing extra- 
ordinary happens, I am in hopes the walls of that important 
fortress will be almost completed this week. I believe I 
may venture to say, it will be one of the most complete 
ones upon the Continent of America, when finished. I 
should have been almost ready to have mounted all the can- 
non on the fort by this time, could I have got timber to have 
laid the platforms, but am still at a loss. Should be glad to 
know how soon some might be procured for that purpose. I 
flatter myself, gentlemen, when I have got these works a 
little out of the way, shall have an opportunity to discipline 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


my men, and make them somewhat respectable, in case we. 


should be attacked. I should think it proper to have some 
person appointed to muster the men here, as the Captains are 
daily recruiting. 

I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your Honour’s most 
obedient humble servant, Davin Gittman. 


To the Committee of Safety. 


Plymouth, England, July 23, 1776. 
This day Commodore Fielding, with the last of the Hes- 
sians, Waldeckers, &c., Burgoyne’s Lighthorse, horses for 
the Artillery, &c., &¢., sailed for America. The Repulse, 
with the remainder (fifteen hundred) of the former division 
of the Hessians, sailed for America on the 25th of May. 


B. JOHNSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Fredericktown, July 23, 1776. 
GentLemen: I omitted in my letter in favour of Mr. 
Morris, to mention anything relative to equipping Captain 
Hardman’s company. I have since had conversation with 
the Captain, and he is of opinion, that if you would furnish 


* 


518 


him with money, he could get guns, blankets, &c. For my 
own part, | think, from his assiduity, he will soon do it. 
Nor do I think it will be in his power to do it without. 

I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, 


B. Jounson. 
To the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


MAJOR PRICE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 
Upper Camp, St. George’s, July 23, 1776. 

Gentvemen: I arrived at this place the 21st instant, 
with one of the four-pounders; the other two I left at Leon- 
ardtown till further orders. After inspecting this camp, 
and giving the necessary orders, I went over to the lower 
camp, commanded by Colonel Barnes, who is stationed much 
nearer to the fleet than to this camp. I think a nine-pounder 
could reach the Fowey from one of the points, though I 
doubt our doing her much damage. The rest of the fleet 
lay outside of her. ‘They are very quiet, and give us no 
disturbance. ‘The Roebuck, and three or four large ships, 
went up the river the evening before I got here, since which 
a number of cannon have been fired, as I suppose, near the 
mouth of Nanjemoy. Ihave ordered the other two pieces of 
cannon to the lower camp, and shall, as soon as the nine- 
pounder arrives, order that there; and, if intrenching tools, 
which I have sent after, can be had, throw up an intrench- 
ment as near the Fowey as possible. I find great difficulty 
in providing necessaries; it is the poorest part of the country 
I ever was in, I suppose there are not three spades and 
shovels to be had within ten miles. 

We have several deserters from the enemy, most of them 
in the small-pox. A valuable negro made his escape from us 
last night, he not being so well guarded as he ought to have 
been, owing to the people’s being afraid of the small-pox. 
The shores are full of dead bodies, chiefly negroes. I think, 
if they stay here any time, they must be ruined; for by 
deaths, desertions, and the , | think their business must 
be done completely. The officers who have been here some 
time, imagine about fifty corpses have been thrown on the 
shores. 

Upon my arrival here, I was informed that General Dent 
had ordered a flag of truce on board the Fowey, to request a 
passage for Mr. Daniel Wolstenholme to go to England with 
his property; and this was done in consequence of a pass- 
port Mr. Wolstenholme obtained from the Committee of this 
County; and that he expected a boat every day to take him 
on board; but as matters are circumstanced, I thought it 
advisable not to suffer Mr. Wolstenholme to leave the Pro- 
vince, until your knowledge and approbation could be had 
relative to this business; therefore hope for your instructions 
by the return of this express, who promises to return imme- 
diately. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 

Tuomas Price. 


To the Council of Safety for the Province of Maryland. 


P.S. The Fowey and Otter, with about fifty sail of ves- 
sels, are still here. ‘This express to be paid by your Board. 


MAJOR PRICE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Upper Camp, St. George’s, July 23, 1776. 

Genttemen: About two hours after I sent off the express 
to you, which I had promised to detain till twelve o’clock, 
and did so, to give Mr. Wolstenholme an opportunity of 
writing to your Board, I received the enclosed packet from 
Colonel Barnes. ‘The messenger told me, on delivering it, 
that it was for me, and, without looking at the direction, I 
broke the seal. A number of gentlemen were present. 
However, I discovered the mistake without knowing the 
contents, and enclosed it immediately. I hope you will 
pardon this blunder. : 

I am, gentlemen, your very humble servant, 

Tuomas Price. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland, at An- 


napolis. 


COLONEL BARNES TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
St. George’s Neck, July 23, 1776. 
GentLemeN: Enclosed you will receive the papers rela- 
tive to our permitting Mr. Wolstenholme to go on board the 


d19 


fleet here. The first application received from Mr. Wolsten- 
holme was by myself directed to the commanding officer 
of the station where I was. On perusing it, I sent a mes- 
saze by the gentleman that brought it, to inform Mr. 
Wolstenholme, that as I understood General Dent was at 
the station at the Narrows, I should consult him about it, 
and send him an answer; which answer was, that it was not 
thought proper for him to depart, as you will see by a para- 
graph in one of Mr. Wolstenholme’s letters; on receiving of 
which, he sent me his passport from the Committee of the 
County, a copy of which you have enclosed. Upon demand- 
ing of him that he would say nothing to the prejudice of 
the Province, he answered, that he defied his worst enemy 
to say that he had ever done or said anything inimical, 
or that had a tendency that way, but that he would not be 
bound to anything; but that the same principle that had 
ever been the rule of his actions would govern his future 
conduct. Well knowing, from the knowledge I had of Mr. 
Wolstenholme, that he was a man of honour, and his word 
not to be doubted, and as he had for several years been very 
anxious to go to England, and an opportunity now offered, 
which, in all probability, would not again occur for some time, 
and his passport from the Committee being unanimous, which, 
without very particular reasons, in my opinion, ought to be 
adhered to, particularly by the military, were the reasons for 
me to agree, with General Dent, that Mr. Wolstenholme 
should depart. By one of the letters written by Mr. Wol- 
stenholme to Governour Eden, with my certificate to it, 
which was sent with a flag on board one of the men-of-war, 
it was understood by all the gentlemen here, and must have 
been by the fleet, that Mr. Wolstenholme was to depart, if 
they thought proper to send for him. Whether it is con- 
sistent with the honour of the Province to detain Mr. Wol- 
stenholme after what has passed, I leave you to determine. 
But I must confess to you that I think the honour of the 
Province, together with General Dent’s and mine, are con- 
cerned in it. I am really astonished at the slight received 
from Major Price, not to have been consulted or asked how 
the affair was really conducted, before he counteracted 
General Dent’s and my conduct. I doubt not Major Price 
will inform you of our affairs here, which prevents my 
troubling you thereon. 

Reports have been spread to Mr. Wolstenholme’s preju- 
dice, relative to a conversation passed between him and a 
gondola under his bank, without any foundation, as I am 
informed by several of his family, who heard the conversa- 
tion, and were called on by him for that purpose. 

I remain, with regard, your obedient servant, 

Ricuarp Barnes. 


To the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


P.S. The substance of the letter from Mr. Wolsten- 
holme to Governour Eden was, to beg that he would use 
his endeavours to procure him a passage in a ship that was 
going to England, and that, if he could be received with 
conveniency, a flag might be sent from on board the fleet 
for him. Under which I wrote the following certificate: 


“By order of General John Dent, I do hereby certify, that 
if the above shall be approved of, and a flag should be sent 
on shore, every due respect shall be paid to it. 

“ RicHarp Barnes.” 


Papers referred to by Colonel Barnes. 
St. Mary’s, July 17, 1776. 

Sir: Doctor Keyman is so kind as to wait on you, in 
order to acquaint you of the danger my house and family 
were in this morning from a covered vessel, or galley, in 
his Majesty’s service, the commanding officer not knowing 
who was the proprietor. 

The manner in which it was prevented, and the conver- 
sation that passed between the,commanding officer and 
myself on the occasion, which I have great reason to be- 
lieve caused his immediate return, without any intention of 
doing further damage, and what happened afterwards to Mr. 
Morris’s house, as well as the action which occasioned it, I 
flatter myself you will hear from persons whose veracity 
may, in general, be less questioned than my own at so 
critical a juncture. As I mentioned the term of four days, 
and it was found convenient to be received by the flag, I 
thought it necessary to acquaint you therewith, in order that 
you might appoint a proper officer on the occasion, and that 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


520 


every due respect may be paid to it, as the Militia, who 
have returned to my house since the affair, are, I apprehend, 
very little acquainted with ceremonies of this nature. 

1 am, very respectfully. 

(Signed by Mr. Wolstenholme.) 
To the Commanding Officer of the Maryland Provincial 
Troops, at St. George’s, Maryland, St. Mary’s County. 
St. Mary’s, July 19, 1776. 

Sir: By Colonel Read, I am just now favoured with 
yours of this date, acquainting me that you have communi- 
cated my request to General Dent, “relative to sending and 
receiving a flag of truce from the fleet, and that he is against 
sending a flag on board, and permitting any one to go on 
board from this part, and that you therefore hope I will 
decline all thoughts of going at present.” 

If you will please to refer to my letter sent on the ocea- 
sion, | presume you will find that the purport of it bath 
been entirely mistaken, as I only acquainted the command- 
ing officer at St. George’s, (which I find you were at that 
time,) that I thought it necessary to inform him a flag would 
be sent for me, and desiring that a proper officer might be 
appointed on the occasion, and that every due respect might 
be paid to it, as the Militia, who bad returned to my house 
since the affair which I had mentioned in my letter, were 
very little acquainted with ceremonies of that nature. How, 
from the above request, it could be imagined that I asked 
the General’s permission to depart the Province, or to go 
on board any ship in the fleet for that purpose, I am at 
a loss to determine; as he must, no doubt, be well acquaint- 
ed with the genteel treatment I met with from the. Com- 
mittee of Observation of this County, and the unanimous 
consent they gave me to embark at any time I should judge 
most convenient to my health and private concerns. If, by 
the permission granted me, the Committee have exceeded 
the power delegated to them by the Convention, ) which it is 
my opinion they have not,) to that body only, 1 apprehend, 
they are answerable; but their determination is no way sub- 
ject to any controlling orders of the General; so that, unless 
the military power is authorized to supersede that of the civil, 
the General cannot possibly have any right to give the least 
obstruction to my intended embarkation. I therefore beg 
you will desire him to consider well the consequences of 
such a step, as well with regard to the rights which every 
freeman in this Province is entitled to, as the danger of that 
resentment which may possibly be expressed against innocent 
persons here, from a detention of an officer in his Majesty’s 
service, without the least charge of any crime whatever 
against him. Iam far from disputing the General’s autho- 
rity to receive, or not to receive, the flag; but 1 do deny 
that the military power hath any right to control that of 
the civil. If it has, the people of this Province are as com- 
plete slaves as any in Turkey. 

As a friend, therefore, to the rights and pyivileges of a 
freeman of Maryland, I do expect and demand that no 
hinderance or molestation whatever be given to my depart- 
ure for Great Britain, m any vessel I please, provided that 
it is the General’s pleasure the flag of truce should not be 
received. Doctor Keyman, who is so kind as to promise 
the delivery of this letter, will, at the same time, furnish you 
with the passport granted me by the Committee, in order to 
be shown to General Dent, which, after his perusal of it, I 
must beg you will be pleased to return to him. Should 
its authority be still disputed, I shall be under the indispu- 
table necessity of appealing to that power which, as in the 
case of his Excellency Governour Eden and Mr. Purviance, 
I flatter myself will support the rights of freemen against 
every undue invasion whatever. 

I am, very respectfully, sir, your very humble servant, 

Danitev WotsTENHOLME. 


To Colonel Richard Barnes, at St. George’s. 
} Court-House in Leonardtown, July 1, 1776. 
In Committee: 


Present: Colonel Abraham Barnes, (in the chair,) Major James Eden, 
Major Samuel Abell, Captain John Smith, Captain Edward Abell, 
Captain Everard Bond, Captain Vernon Hebb, Colonel John H. Read, 
Major Ignatius Fenwick, Mr. Wilfred Neale, Mr. William Taylor, 
Mr. Henry Tubman, Mr. Nicholas L. Sewell. 


On reading a Letter from Daniel Wolstenholme, Esq., 
Collector of his Majesty’s Customs on North Potomack, set- 
ting forth that, by advice of his Physicians, he intended to 


521 


leave this Province and return to Great Britain, his native 
country, on account of his infirm state of health, for which 
purpose he had obtained a warrant from the Right Honour- 
able the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty’s Board of 
Treasury in London; yet the peculiar circumstances of the 
times, joined to his own inability to prosecute the intended 
voyage, had unfortunately prevented him from embracing 
the opportunity within the time limited by the aforesaid 
warrant, by which means he is utterly disabled, by peculiar 
circumstances, from making a second application to their 
Lordships for a renewal of it, and hoping, under such a pre- 
dicament, to be able to justify his conduct in his proposed 
departure, finds himself under the necessity of making imme- 
diate application to this Committee for the grant of such a 
passport as may enable him to leave the Province with safety 
to himself and that security to his property which he hath 
ever hitherto enjoyed, so soon as he can, with convenience 
to the present situation of his affairs, procure a passage for 
that purpose: Thereupon, 

Resolved, unanimously, That the said Daniel Wolsten- 
holme, Esq., have leave to depart this Province (with his 
effects unmolested) to Great Britain, at any time hereafter 
as shall by him be judged most convenient for his health and 
private concerns; and that the Chairman make out a pass- 
port, to be delivered to the said Daniel Wolstenholme, Esq., 
agreeable to this resolve. 


Test: Timotuy Bowers, Clerk. 


MAJOR WILLIAMS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Fredericktown, July 23, 1776. 

GenTLEMEN: Colonel Stull informs me that at your last 
Convention, at Annapolis, you did me the very great honour 
of appointing me Colonel of the Frederick County Battalion, 
to serve the United States of America in the Flying-Camp, 
until the first day of December next. 

Ever since the commencement of the unnatural war waged 
by a wicked Ministry against this country, I have considered 
it as my indispensable duty to exert my feeble abilities in 
its defence; and entering early into the service, have had 
the good fortune to be so far recommended to the honourable 
the Continental Congress as to obtain a commission as 
Major of a battalion of Riflemen, to serve the United States 
three years; and being diffident of my abilities to discharge 
the duties of a more exalted station at present, beg leave 
to decline the very honourable appointment by which you, 
gentlemen, have conferred an obligation on me ever to be 
most gratefully remembered and acknowledged. 

I beg leave ina particular manner to profess my gratitude 
to those worthy gentlemen by whose recommendations [ 
obtained so respectable an appointment. Their favourable 
opinion I trust will always be maintained by a propriety 
of conduct in, gentlemen, your most obliged and obedient 
humble servant, O. Witutams. 


To the Honourable the Provincial Congress of Maryland. 


T. HANSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Green-Hill, July 23, 1776. 

Sir: Enclosed I send you a list of my proportion of men 
raised as part of the Flying-Camp. ‘This return I should 
have made sooner had I conceived it a necessary step. 
Officers that have made their returns taught me to believe 
that by this opportunity the end would be equally as well 
answered as if I had come up a few days sooner. I was 
unwilling, too, to leave the Province whilst I thought I might 
be of service in repelling Dunmore’s men from landing. I 
hope, therefore, I shall not be suspected of negligence or in- 
attention, as my design was for the best. 

I should thank you for any information respecting arms 
for our men; if any money is allowed the officers to pur- 
chase arms; and when the men are to march. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, T. Hanson. 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, President of the 
Council of Safety. 


JAMES MURRAY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 


In Committee of Observation, Dorchester County, 
July 23, 1776. 


GentLemen: We received yours of the 16th instant, re- 
questing our assistance in furnishing firelocks and blankets 
for the use of the Flying-Camp; which you may be assured 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


522 


we shall endeavour to comply with, as far as our situation 
will admit of; but we think we should be wanting in our 
regard for the publick cause and the safety and welfare of 
our country, if we omitted to repeat to your Honours, what 
we have on several occasions informed you of, our weak and 
defenceless state. We are satisfied at this time there are not 
more than a fourth part of the Militiamen in our County 
who have arms that can be depended on, and these only 
fowling-pieces and squirrel-guns, not fixed with bayonets. 
There are others, which are defective, some of which may be 
repaired, which we are endeavouring tohave done; buta great 
part of these can never be made fit for service. As to publick 
arms, we have none that we know of in our County, and but 
twenty-two taken from Non-Enrollers and Non- Associates. 

As to blankets, there are none that we know of in any of 
the stores here; nor is there any way we can think of by 
which there appears any probability of getting any, unless it 
be by applying to different families, some of whom may, on 
this occasion, perhaps, furnish a few, though this is uncer- 
tain, as there seems a scarcity of blankets among the people; 
however, on our receiving cash, you may be assured we shall 
endeavour by every means in our power to procure them, 

We know of no person this way that can be engaged to 
make knapsacks with haversacks, priming-wires and brushes, 
camp-kettles, canteens or wooden bottles; if we should here- 
after be informed of any such, we shall advise you of it. ° 

We are, gentlemen, your obedient and very humble 
servants. Per order of the Committee of Observation : 

James Murray, Chairman. 


To the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


P.S. We learn from Mr. Goldsborough that we are to 
receive a supply of powder and ball or lead. We should be 
glad to be furnished with it as quick as possible, being in 
great want of it. 


GENERAL DENT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Charles County, July 23, 1776. 

GentcLemen: The enclosed is the commission under which 
I have had the honour to act, and more especially by your 
late order, until the 21st instant, when an order was presented 
to me from your Honours, appointing Major Thomas Price 
to the command. 

Be pleased to take notice that I will not in future accept 
of any commission from any body of men, under whom the 
same controlling power exists that has deprived me of my 
late command. If you’have had any insinuations touching 
my conduct during the short time I have been in actual 
service, justice requires that I should be heard, when, I flatter 
myself, [ shall be able not only to justify my conduct, but in 
some measure be entitled to the thanks of every sensible and 
judicious man; which, together with the success of the 
American arms, have been and still shall be, the study and 
sincere wish of, your obedient servant, Jno. Dent. 


GENERAL JOHNSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Fredericktown, July 23, 1776. 
GentLemen: Mr. Peter Harrison, who was appointed a 
Lieutenant in Captain Hardman’s company of Militia, having 
been named by the Committee as Lieutenant of the company 
of Riflemen now raising in this County, Captain Hardman 
has had the aid of one Mr. Morris, in Harrison’s stead. 
Morris is a fine, lively young fellow, has been very serviceable 
in raising the men, and, I think, from what I hear of him, 
will make a good officer. I shall be glad that his appli- 
cation to fill Harrison’s place in Hardman’s company may 
prevail. 
I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, your most obedient 
servant, Tuo. JOHNSON. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


BALTIMORE COMMITTEE. 
At a meeting of the Committee, July 23, 1776: 


Present: Samuel Purviance, Jun., (Chairman,) J. Boyd, C. Ridgely of 
William, J. Calhoun, J. Cockey, J. Griest, J. Standeford, B. Griffith, 
T. Rutter, J. Moale, W. Buchanan, J. Gittings, E. Talbot, D. Lux, 
W. Tolly, Jun., A. Britain, T. Sollers, T. Gist. 


On application from John Hatton to be relieved part of 
his Tax on account of his poverty, and it appearing to the 
Committee that his excuse is just, he is excused. 


523 


A Letter from the Committee of York County, in Penn- 
sylvania, was read in Committee, respecting the circulation 
of Convention Money of this State in that State, requesting 
that this Committee would endeavour to promote the circula- 
tion of said Money in that State: 

The Committee resolved, that they would represent the 
matter to the Legislative authority of this State, to remedy 
the said inconvenience. 


A Letter from the Council of Safety of the 16th instant, 
on the subject of the Declaration of Independence; also a 
Letter from the Honourable President of the Congress, en- 
closed by them to our Board on the subject aforesaid, were 
read: Whereupon, it was 

Resolved, That on Monday next the Declaration of In- 
dependence, dissolving all connexion between Great Britain 
and the Thirteen United Colonies, and declaring them free 
and independent States, be proclaimed at the Court-House 
of the County. 


Ordered, That Messrs. William Smith, John Boyd, and 
Benjamin Levy, together with the General and Field-Officers 
of the Town Battalion, and of the Independent Company, 
be a Committee to form the regulation of the procession 
for the Declaration of Independency. 

The Committee acquainted Mr. Robert Christie, Jun., 
(Sheriff of this County,) of the time agreed on for the De- 
claration of Independency, and at the same time requested 
him to attend at the same time, and proclaim Independency; 
which he promised to do. 

The Committee, taking into consideration that part of the 
Letter from the Council of Safety requiring our assistance to 
furnish the Militia from this Province that are to join the 
Flying-Camp with Firearms and Blankets, were of opinion, 
that, in order the more speedily to comply with their requi- 
sition, the Committee of Safety be immediately desired to 
furnish this Committee with £1000; which sum, when ob- 
tained, is to be lodged with Messrs. James Calhoun, William 
Aisquith, and John Boyd; who are requested to use the utmost 
expedition and industry in applying to the inhabitants of this 
County, and earnestly request all those who have it in their 
power, to supply the publick with Firearms for the purposes 
aforesaid ; for the return of which in the like good order as 
when received, or, in case of loss, the value thereof, agreeable 
to an appraisement to be made by two reputable freeholders, 
the publick faith be pledged; and that they also be requested 
to purchase as many good Blankets as the inhabitants in 
the respective Hundreds in this County can spare; provided 
they do not exceed the sum of 20s. for every Blanket of 
equal quality with the best new striped Duffil Blankets, 
and not much injured by use, and so in proportion for those 
that, in their judgment, are much impaired by use, or of 
inferior quality. 

Messrs. Calhoun, Aisquith, and Boyd, are appointed to 
write, and acquaint the honourable Council of Safety of the 
measures taking by this Committee to effect the purposes 
mentioned in their Letter. They are also to give Instructions 
to the persons employed in collecting Blankets and Arms, 
and to write to Mr. David McLure, in York-Town, to know 
whether any Blankets can be procured in that place in a 
short time. 

The above-mentioned gentlemen are appointed a Com- 
mittee to prepare and get printed, sixty copies of Lists for 
taking the number of inhabitants in this County, which they 
are directed to send to the persons appointed to take the 
numbers in the respective Hundreds. 

The following persons were appointed to collect the 
Blankets and Arms in the different Hundreds in this County, 
viz: 

Darby Lux, in Back River Upper, Back River Lower, 
Middle River Upper, and Middle River Lower Hundreds. 

Captain Thomas Rutter, in Middlesex and Patapsco 
Lower Hundreds. 

Shadrach Bond, in North and Soldier’s Delight Hun- 
dreds. 

Walter Tolly, Jun., in Gunpowder Upper and Mine Run 
Hundreds. 

Charles Ridgely, of Wm.,in Patapsco Upper Hundred. 

William Lux in Delaware Hundred. 

Colonel William Buchanan in Pipe Creek Hundred. 

Mr. John Cockey Owings having by a note advised this 
Committee, that he declined acting as a Collector of the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


524 


Fines assessed on the Non-Enrollers in Back River Upper 
Hundred, Mr. Shadrach Bond was appointed in his room. 
Attest : Gro. Lux, Secretary. 


BALTIMORE COMMITTEE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, July 23, 1776. 

GentLemen: Your order of the 16th, for the purchase 
of blankets and arms, was yesterday taken into consideration 
by our Committee, by whom we are directed to inform you 
of the measures resolved on to accomplish your intentions. 
Several persons of judgment and activity, and of the most 
influence, are appointed to ride through different districts of 
the County, to use their best endeavours to prevail on the 
inhabitants to spare part of their blankets on the present 
emergency. ‘The same persons are instructed to purchase 
all muskets which are either good or capable of being made 
so. We conceived there was so little chance of borrowing 
any, that it appeared to us vain to attempt, as those who 
are well disposed to defend their country will use their own 
arms, and those who are otherwise disposed, will be more 
influenced by the money than by any other arguments. In 
order to despatch this very urgent business the more expe- 
ditiously, we have borrowed a few hundred pounds, and 
given it to several of the gentlemen appointed for the pur- 
pose, who set off to the country this day. As we have 
recommended the greatest industry to the gentlemen who 
manage this business, we shall probably be able to inform 
you against next week of their success. 

We have some information, which induces us to expect 
that a quantity of new country-made blankets may be pro- 
cured in York County; therefore shall send an express this 
day to a person in York town, who can inform us on this 
subject. 

The house-keepers in town spared all the blankets they 
could in the spring to accommodate the Regulars that were 
stationed here; so that few can be expected from them. 
Please to send the Committee £1000, to answer the in- 
tended purchase. Should we not be able to procure to that 
amount, the surplus may be returned. 

We are, with much respect, by order and in behalf of the 
Committee, gentlemen, your most obedient servants, 

Samu. Purviance, Jun., Chairman. 
Wim. AtsquiTH, 

Jno. Boyn, 

Jas. CaLyoun. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


MUSTER-ROLL OF CAPTAIN GRAYBILL’S COMPANY. 


A Roll of thirty-four men inlisted by Captain Philip Gray- 
bill, in virtue of a warrant issued by the honourable Council 
of Safety, for that purpose, and to him directed, bearing date 
the twelfth day of July, in the year of our Lord seventeen 
hundred and seventy-six. 

Wolfgone Citzenger, David Mumma, 
Christopher Begel, Jacob Myers, 
Frederick Welhelm, Jacob Hardstone, 
John Moore, Ferdinand Lorance, 
Vendell Andrews, Henry Millberger, 
Michael Kersher, William Libzinger, 
George Hyatt, Jacob Fry Miller, 
John Shlife, James Caple, 
Abraham Frantz, John Rich, 
Frederick Wage, Lorance Knery, 
Henry Hartman, Peter Baker, 

John Shafter, 


I do certify, that I have viewed and examined thirty-four 
men, answering to the above names, exhibited to me for 
that purpose by Captain Philip Graybill, and find them 
effective and fit for duty. 


Rudolph Krower, 
Adam Earbaugh, 
Roland Smith, 
Wm. Kornmelstone, 
John Shryork, 
Joseph Stritter, 
Jacob Ruturt, 
Martin Lantz, 
Philip Kautz, 
Vendell Lorance, 
Matthias Byer. 


Tuomas Jones, 
Second Major of Baltimore-Town 
Battalion of Militia. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JOHN YOST. 

[No. 70.] Annapolis, July 23, 1776. 

Sir: We are very desirous of knowing exactly what arms 
you have ready for the publick, that we may send for them. 
As soon as you get a wagon load, or such number as will be 
worth while sending for, let us know by first good opportu- 
nity, and if none offers, and your arms be ready, hire an 
express, and we will pay him. We are, &c. 


To Mr. John Yost. 


525 


AFFAIR OF THE GALLEYS NEAR SANDY-POINT, JULY 23, 1776. 


Captain Conway’s Statement. 
Alexandria, August 10, 1776. 
To the Printer of the Maryuanp GazetTe: 

Sir: No other motive than in justice to my own charac- 
ter, as well as that of my officers, could ever induce me to 
request of you to publish the following Narrative and Depo- 
sitions; more especially at this important juncture, when it 
is the duty of every individual to propagate the general har- 
mony, and to discountenance every domestick contention 
that would seem in any way tending to frustrate the general 
good. 

About five weeks ago, I had the honour to be appointed 
to the command of the Protector row-galley, belonging to 
this Commonwealth ; I went down to Yeocomico to recruit 
men; I inlisted six hands; from the capacity and good be- 
haviour, as well as the character that was given me of three 
of them, I appointed one my Second Lieutenant, and the 
other two Midshipmen. We knew that part of the enemy’s 
fleet had gone up the river Potomack before us. Instead of 
coming up in a pilot-boat as we at first intended, we came up 
with two row-boats, thinking by that means to pass the fleet 
with greater safety. What happened after we came in sight 
of the fleet will appear by the following Depositions : 


“The Deposition of Joun Tuomas, Second Lieutenant to 
Captain Roperr Conway, of the Prorector row-gal- 
ley, belonging to the Commonwealth of Vireinta. 

“Alexandria, in Fairfax County, ss. 

“This day came before me the subscriber, one of the 
Magistrates for the County aforesaid, John Thomas, Second 
Lieutenant to Captain Robert Conway, of the Protector 
row-galley, and made oath, that on Tuesday, the 23d day 
of July last, about nine or ten o’clock in the forenoon, near 
Sandy-Point, seven of us, with two boats, landed on the 
Maryland shore, within about half a mile of the enemy’s 
fleet, which consisted of four ships, two tenders, and one 
row-galley, expecting, as soon as we landed, to have been 
guarded by a party of the Maryland Militia, having no fire- 
arms ourselves, thinking to pass the fleet the following night. 
As soon as we landed we conveyed our baggage to an adja- 
cent house, when, after inquiry, we were informed the troops 
were opposite the Roebuck, to whom four of us immediately 
went; from whence we observed the fleet manning their 
boats, with intent (as we thought) to land on the Maryland 
shore, from which the Roebuck man-of-war seemed to be 
two or three hundred yards; when a gentleman they called 
Colonel Harrison, said, Come, let us march down; to which 
several replied, I can’t bear to shoot a man; others, that 
their guns were out of order, with sundry other excuses; to 
whom Colonel Harrison said, You that have not a mind to 
go, give your guns to those men that came with Captain 
Conway. I then said, Give me a gun and ammunition, and I 
will go; which one of the Militia readily did; so down we 
marched, under the command of Colonel Harrison. Soon 
after we came down to the shore, the enemy gave three loud 
huzzas, and rowed over to the Virginia side, with two ten- 
ders, one gondola, and ten row-boats; from which they 
landed and burnt Mr. Brent’s house, from whence they re- 
turned in about an hour to their respective vessels. In the 
mean time we thought ourselves very safe under the protec- 
tion of the Militia; who, by this time, as we were informed 
had increased from between thirty and forty men, to between 
three and four hundred. In justice to Colonel Harrison, I 
must not omit informing, that he seemed very active and 
resolute, encouraging his men, and telling them that nature 
could not form a more convenient place than where he pro- 
posed they should be stationed. About three or four o’clock 
in the afternoon, the enemy’s gondola and a schooner tender 
put off and made for our boats; seeing that, I said, Gentle- 
men, I hope, as we came to offer you our services, you will 
be kind enough to assist us in taking care of our boats, having 
no fire-arms ourselves ; they said one company should go with 
us; then we ran down ourselves, and hauled the smallest boat 
about thirty or forty yards into a marsh, the other, which 
had ballast in, we hauled on the beach and staved. By this 
time the company of Militia came down, but the enemy 
being close ashore where our boat was, they stopped in a 
valley about fifty or sixty yards distance from the boat on 
the beach; the enemy’s row-galley rowed several times 
towards the boat on the beach and back again; at last the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


526 


row-galley and tender fired, on which the sentinels the 
Colonel had placed, ran across a cornfield and made for the 
woods ; to whom the Colonel called, Come back; No, (says 
I) they will not come back till they get to Port-Tobacco, (at 
which he laughed.) They would peep at the enemy when 
they rowed close to our boat, but never offered to fire, ex- 
cepting it was the Colonel, who presented once, but reco- 
vered without firing. Some of them said, if the row-galley 
landed she would rake them up the valley, (which indeed 
was impossible;) at which they ran, the men first, after 
whom the Colonel retreated ; notwithstanding, I am pretty 
well assured the Colonel would have stood, had he been 
supported by his men. When the enemy saw them (from 
the Roebuck’s mast-head) running off, they hallooed at 
them, and called them sundry names; then made signs for 
the row-galley to pull ashore, which they did, and launched 
our boat off, then gave three huzzas, and fired several shot, 
both small and great, at the house where our baggage had 
been taken to; then returned to their ships with their booty, 
without having one gun fired at them. Colonel Harrison 
seemed to have that good opinion of Captain Conway as to 
say, he was assured that Conway would not be backward in 
taking a firelock. And further this deponent saith not. 
“Joun Tuomas. 
‘August 10, 1776. 
“Sworn to before me, 
“Wm. Ramsey, Justice of the Peace.” 


“The Deposition of Enywarp Cores and Curupert E..is- 
ton, Midshipmen on board the Protector row-galley, 
commanded by Captain Ropert Conway. 


“Alexandria, in Fairfax County, ss: 
“Taikewise Edward Coles and Cuthbert Elliston, two Mid- 


shipmen belonging to the Protector row-galley, came this 
day before me, the subscriber, one of the Magistrates for the 
County aforesaid, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and 
took the accustomary oaths, by virtue of which they depose 
and say: That on Tuesday, the 23d day of July last, coming 
up the river Potomack with Captain Conway, came in sight 
of the enemy’s fleet, consisting of four ships, two tenders, and 
one row-galley, when we made for the Maryland shore, and 
landed about half a mile below them, expecting to have been 
protected by the Militia on shore, the number of whom (as 
we were informed soon after our landing) was between three 
and four hundred; we were seven in number, with two 
boats. Soon after we landed, four of us went up to the 
troops. After we were with the troops about an hour and 
a half, some of the men offered to give up their firelocks to 
us, and one in particular gave his gun to Mr. Thomas, our 
Second Lieutenant. We saw the enemy’s two tenders, one 
row-galley, and some row-boats, filled with men, and making 
for the Virginia shore, (instead of coming to the Maryland 
shore, as we expected,) where they burnt Mr. Brent’s 
houses; from thence they returned to their ships. Between 
three and four o’clock in the afternoon, we observed their 
row-galley and a schooner tender making down for the place 
where our boats lay. ‘The little boat we pulled into a marsh 
out of their way, and hauled the big boat on the beach, 
which was staved by James Sorrell, by Captain Conway’s 
order, before the enemy could come nigh enough to fire at 
us with any certainty. As soon as the enemy’s row-galley 
began to fire, the Militia made a precipitate retreat, and ran 
up to the woods, after whom Colonel Harrison went up ; 
then the enemy came and took the boat from off the beach, 
without having one gun fired at them, although some of the 
Militia were within less than one hundred yards of the boat 
when they took her off, and gave three huzzas. Further 


said deponents say not. ata Corns 
bd 


‘“ CurHBert Ev.iston. 
“August 10, 1776. 


“Sworn to before me: 


Wm. Ramsay, J. P.” 


Soon after I arrived at Alexandria, my row-galley was 
ordered down to watch the motions of the enemy’s fleet, but 
at my return, to my great surprise, I found the following 
Advertisement had been stuck up at several publick places 
in this town: ; 

“ ADVERTISEMENT. 
‘Alexandria, July 31, 1776. 


“Whereas it appears, by certificates now in my posses- 
sion, under the hands of Captain John Hl. Lowe, Mr. John 


527 


M. Burgess, and Mr. George Fraser Hawkins, of Maryland, 
that Captain Robert Conway has propagated a report, much 
to the dishonour of the T'wenty-Sixth Battalion of the Militia 
of Maryland, viz: that three or four hundred of the said 
Militia betook themselves to flight as soon es the Ministerial 
row-galley began to fire: in order, therefore, to remove 
every ill impression made by the said report, I take this 
method of asserting that it is a malicious, infamous falsehood ; 
as many gentlemen who were present, as spectators, when 
Captain Conway says this scene of cowardice was acted are 


ready upon oath to testify. 
“S. Hanson, S. of Sam.” 


No man, conscious of his own integrity, would lay silent 
under such opprobrious epithets; therefore, in vindication 
of what I have already asserted, which was altogether to 
the same effect as the foregoing Depositions, I desire you 
will publish the foregoing Narrative, for the trath of which 
I appeal to every impartial spectator; and remain, sir, your 


humble servant 
? Roperr Conway. 


Certificates of Captain Joun N. Lower and Mr. Joun M. 
Bureess and Mr. Georce Fraser Hawgins. 
Prince George’s County. 

I do hereby certify to all whom it may concern, that some 
time last week I fell in company with several people, who 
were on their way, by water, to Alexandria. Amongst 
these there was one Mr. Conway, as I understood, who said 
he was just from Sandy-Point, where a party of three or 
four hundred of the Maryland Militia was stationed; that 
as soon as the row-galley began to fire, the said Militia all 
ran; that Colonel Harrison walked after them, laughing at 
them, and never attempted to rally them; that the only man 
of spirit amongst them was one Jones, as he described ; that 
the galley landed a parcel of her men and launched one of 
his boats, carrying her off, after giving three huzzas, without 
meeting with any opposition. ‘This conversation, and a great 
deal more, passed in the presence of many gentlemen. I 
would have been more particular, but being very unwell 
with a bad fever, cannot at this time recollect every par- 
ticular’ conversation that passed. 

Given under my hand this 29th day of July, 1776. 

Gro. Fraser Hawkins. 

To all whom it may concern. 


We, the subscribers, John H. Lowe and John M. Bur- 
gess, set out on Wednesday last from Mr. George Hawkins’s, 
with some other gentlemen, by water, in order to view the 
situation of the Ministerial fleet that was then lying opposite 
Sandy-Point ; and on our way down we met with Mr. Con- 
way, who said he was from Sandy-Point, where a party of 
three or four hundred of Militia were stationed, and at the 
appearance of a row-galley, which directed her course to the 
shore, and on firing, the said Militia ran off. He was asked 
whether the Colonel did not endeavour to rally the men; 
he said no, but walked after them and laughed. | He said, 
as the row-galley approached the shore, the Colonel ad- 
dressed his men in the following manner: You that will not 
fight, give your guns to those that will. On which declara- 
tion every man left the field but himself and one who we 
suppose to be one Jones. ‘The row-galley landed a parcel 
of her men, launched one of his boats, gave three cheers, 
and carried her off, without meeting with any opposition. 
There were several other matters that he spoke, the par- 
ticulars of which I do not at present remember, but all 
tended to the discredit of said Militia. 

July 29, 1776. 

Colonel Harrison’s Statement. 
Charles County, October 21, 1776. 

Mr. Green: Sir: Reports having been propagated by 
a certain Robert Conway, of the Protector row-galley, be- 
longing to the Commonwealth of Virginia, his Second Lieu- 
tenant, and two Midshipmen, with design to dishonour the 
Twenty-Sixth Battalion of Militia of this Province; which 
reports being, within my own knowledge and that of many 
other persons, entirely without foundation, [ had determined 
to treat them with contempt; but finding that they have 
carried the joke rather far, by publishing part of their story 
in the Baltemore and Virginia gazettes, and some of them 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


528 


swearing to the same, I think it high time to publish a little 
too, as a piece of justice due myself and those whom I had 
the honour to command. You will, therefore, be pleased 
to insert in your next paper the whole which Captain Con- 
way has published in the Baltimore paper of the 20th of 
August, herewith sent you; also, the certificates under the 
hands of Captain John H. Lowe and Mr. John M. Burgess 
and Mr. George Fraser Hawkins. 

The variation between Captain Conway’s own narrative 
(as certified by Messrs. Lowe, Burgess, and Hawkins) and 
the depositions of his Lieutenant and Midshipmen, and again, 
the variation in what they depose, must make every impar- 
tial reader suspect the truth of them. Captain Conway 
asserts, that as soon as the row-galley began to fire, the 
said Militia (being three or four hundred in number) all ran ; 
that as the row-galley approached the shore, every man left 
the field save two. Mr. Lieutenant swears that only one 
company out of the three or four hundred men ran. Messrs. 
Midshipmen swear that the whole three or four hundred 
made a precipitate retreat, and ran up to the woods; then 
they swear, that some of the Militia were within less than 
one hundred yards of the boat when the enemy took her 
off. 

Men who mean to wound the characters of others in the 
eyes of the publick, by inventing and circulating falsehoods, 
should be extremely circumspect in what they say or swear; 
and, as I have already observed, the variation and inconsis- 
tency in the assertions and depositions of Captain Conway 
and his party, would make every impartial man suspect their 
veracity. However, to evince to every one that they are 
founded only in malice and mischief, I have taken the 
depositions of Messrs. F%nley, Hunter, and Lawrason, of 
Alexandria, and Messrs. Matthews and Stoddart, gentlemen 
volunteers, which you will also insert, with the certificate 
under the hands of the Rev. Mr. Fendall and Mr. Warren 
Dent. 

‘¢ Alexandria, October 4, 1776. 

“On Tuesday, the 23d of July last, we, the subscribers, set 
off from this place with intention to see the enemy’s ships, 
which we were informed were proceeding up Potemack, 
and arrived opposite them at Sandy-Point, in Maryland, 
about half an hour past six o’clock in the evening, where 
we found a body of Militia stationed, who informed us there 
were more men a little lower down the river, to whom we 
immediately went, and were by them told that Colonel 
Harrison, with a detachment of twenty-five men, was gone 
down to prevent the enemy’s taking off Captain Conway’s 
boats, by means of a gondola and armed schooner, which had 
left the ships for that purpose, as was conceived. We saw the 
Roebuck under way turning down, and firing now and then 
across the field, between the detachment and main body, and 
heard other great guns, which we supposed were from the 
gondola and armed schooner. We returned to the main 
body, when we immediately heard a brisk firing of small- 
arms and swivels, which was thought to be an engage- 
ment betwixt the detachment and the enemy. We think 
about sixteen cannon were fired in the whole. The men 
appeared to be,all drawn up ready with their arms, and 
during the firing seemed in good spirits; and we heard seve- 
ral of them ask if they ought not to go to the assistance of 
the detachment. We neithersaw nor discovered anything 
like cowardice, but, on the contrary, a willing spirit seemed 


rally to prevail. 
peas a “ Joon Fintey, 


* Wittiam Hunter, 
“ James LAawrason. 


WinwuiaMm Ramsay, J. P.” 
‘‘ Charles County, October 18, 1776. 


“We, the subscribers, jomed three Companies of the 
Twenty-Sixth Battalion of Militia, under the command of 
Colonel Harrison, at Sandy-Point, on Tuesday, the 23d of 
July last, early in the morning, in the character of yolun- 
teers. About nine o’clock the ships began to man their 
tenders and small boats; when Colonel Harrison ordered the 
three companies to stand to their arms, and, after watching 
the motions of the enemy a few minutes, gave orders for 
Captain Mastin’s company, consisting of about forty-five 
men, including officers, to repair to the head of a valley which 
led down to the river nearly opposite the Roebuck, We 
fell in with this company at the head of the valley. A 
little while after, there came three or four strangers, who 


“Sworn before me, 


529 


were questioned by Colonel Harrison, and informed him 
that they had come up the river, were going to Alexandria, 
and had landed a little below in two small boats. ‘Those 
we understood to be Captain Conway, his Lieutenant, and 
two men. By this time ten row-boats, two tenders, and a 
gondola, were filled with men alongside of the Roebuck, 
which lay near four hundred yards from the Maryland shore. 
It was every moment expected the enemy would land and 
attack us. Colonel Harrison told Captain Mastin’s com- 
pany, that in case the enemy attempted to land there, he 
should instantly march down at their head and post them 
behind the beach; and after admonishing them, begged that 
if any one felt confused or under any panick, to candidly 
inform him, and turn out of the ranks; on which one of the 
privates turned out, and told him that he did not like to 
march down the hill. He was then ordered to give up his 
gun and ammunition to some other that would, and Colonel 
Harrison delivered his gun to Captain Conway’s Lieutenant, 
who said he would march down with us. About ten o’clock 
the enemy’s boats, tenders, and gondola, left the Roebuck, 
giving three cheers, and, contrary to our expectation, went 
over to Virginia, where they landed, and set fire to Mr. 
Brent’s houses. Colonel Harrison marched the company 
down to the beach, in order to show them where he intended 
‘to post them, had the enemy attempted, or in case they 
should attempt, a landing at that place. Before the enemy 
returned from Virginia, we were reinforced with about one 
hundred and twenty men under Colonel Hanson. About 
five or six o’clock in the afternoon, the enemy’s small tender 
and the gondola were observed to be manning, and in a few 
minutes left the Roebuck, and directed their course towards 
the Bay, where Captain Conway’s boats were landed. Colo- 
nel Harrison immediately ordered the men to arms, and con- 
ceiving the enemy’s design was to take off Captain Conway’s 
boats, gave Captain Mastin orders to take about twenty of 
his best armed men, and follow him down, to watch the 
motions of the tender and gondola. 'This detachment we 
joined, with two other volunteers; in the whole, we think 
it consisted of twenty-five persons. We proceeded down 
towards the Bay with all haste, and near the head of a 
valley met with Captain Conway and some of his men. 
Captain Conway went down the valley with Colonel Har- 
rison, to show where his boats lay, and we followed close 
after in Indian file, and were halted at the mouth of the 
valley. He told the Colonel that one of his boats was drawn 
over the beach into a marsh; the other was on the shore 
staved, which was about fifty yards from us, though we could 
not see her from the mouth of the valley, on account of some 
bushes which grew on the beach. ‘The tender had got in 
the Bay before we reached our post, and lay about one hun- 
dred and fifty yards off. As soon as we were halted, the 
tender fired one of her carriage-guns, which was presently 
succeeded by a discharge of grape-shot from the gondola; 
this load grounded within a few paces of us, and many of 
the shot, with several cannon-balls, were picked up the next 
day. Sundry great guns were discharged at us whilst we 
remained-at this post. ‘The gondola, after she came against 
the boat, rowed off and on, and, after a short time, seemed 
to be gradually getting more into the Bay, as if designing to 
open the valley and rake it. We heard Captain Conway 
say to Colonel Harrison that he thought she was endeavour- 
ing to rake the valley, and advised him to order a retreat, 
or words to the same purpose. The Colonel, after taking 
a view of the gondola, turned about, and, in a low tone, 
gave orders for a retreat to the head of the valley—the gon- 
dola being within seventy or eighty yards of us at the time. 
Five or six of the men who were in the rear, retreated some 
distance beyond the place intended, which we firmly believe 
proceeded from their not having heard the orders distinctly, 
as most of them returned immediately to the head of the 
valley, on being called to by some of the officers. Fyrom 
this place we observed the Roebuck had got under way and 
fallen down, and began to fire on us; also the tender, our 
situation being open to them both. ‘The Colonel returned 
to the mouth of the valley, and we and others went different 
ways, to take another view of the gondola, which we found 
lying quite still, nearly opposite the boat, with her hatches 
close shut, and nothing visible but her oars and guns, though 
Captain Conway’s Lieutenant had just before informed that 
her hatches were up and men exposed, which raised our 
hopes of getting a shoot. We recollect that, previous to 


Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


34 


530 


our leaving the mouth of the valley, Captain Conway asked 
Colonel Harrison to let the gondola be fired at, to scare her 
off from the shore, which was refused, as there was no living 
object to shoot at. A retreat was then ordered to the main 
body by Colonel Harrison, and the detachment directed to 
scatter as they retreated through the old fields, to observe 
the flash of the enemy’s cannon, and to fall down whenever 
they saw it. The fire from the Roebuck, armed schooner, 
and gondola, grew very warm, and the frequent falling down 
of the men occasioned a general laughter. We retreated to 
a fence at the edge of a wood, and lay behind it until the 
enemy’s fire ceased, then returned to the main body, with 
which we remained until the ships went down the river, and 


the troops were discharged. 
I “i “Joun Marruews, 


“ Witvtiam Sroppert.” 


‘‘ Charles County, October 18, 1776. 
“Then came Messrs. John Matthews and William Stod- 
dert, gentlemen, and made oath on the Holy Evangelists of 
Almighty God, that the above is a true state of the transac- 
tions at Sandy-Point, under Colonel William Harrison, on 
the 23d of July last. eC RP Raa? 


‘*Charles County, October 20, 1776. 

“Whereas we find, by sundry depositions published in the 
Baltimore Gazette, and by certificates under the hands of 
George Eraser Hawkins, Esq., Captain John H. Lowe, 
and Mr, John M. Burgess, that reports have been falsely 
and industriously propagated, reflecting on the courage, and 
tending to injure the character of the Twenty-Sixth Battalion 
of Maryland Militia, under the command of Colonel William 
Harrison: And whereas we think it a duty incumbent on 
us, and on every man, to rescue injured merit from unde- 
served reproach, and check any idle reports that may reflect 
disgrace on the American arms: 

“We think it but common justice to declare, that many of 
the most injurious aspersions contained in the above men- 
tioned publication and certificates, are, within our knowledge, 
totally false, and in every sense groundless. And we do 
further assert, that we attended the said Militia from the 
Monday of the enemy’s arrival at Sandy-Point until their 
departure from said place; and that said Militia appeared to 
us to assemble with cheerfulness and alacrity. And we have 
all the reason in the world to believe, that had the enemy 
attempted a landing, they would have been warmly and 
vigorously opposed; for, on two different occasions, the 
one on Monday during a thunder gust, when the men were 
obliged to take shelter in a small house, the sentries gave an 
alarm that the enemy were preparing to land, they, so far 
from exhibiting any symptoms or signs of fear, were, on the 
contrary, in our opinion, too warm and impetuous, by spring- 
ing out of the house without waiting for orders, and running 
towards the shore in an irregular manner; the alarm proved 
groundless, and their too eager behaviour drew from the 
Colonel a gentle reprimand. ‘The other instance happened 
on the Tuesday morning when the alarm was given that the 
enemy were manning their boats, and preparing to land; 
and the general opinion was, and every man expected, that 
they would attempt a landing at Sandy-Point; on which 
Colonel Harrison ordered the men to stand to their arms, 
and in a very short time after, ordered Captain Mastin’s 
company to the head of a valley which led down to the 
shore where it was expected the enemy would land. On 
this trial (and we do not believe men can be put to a greater 
or severer one) the men behaved with the most undaunted 
courage and cool intrepidity. Upon the whole, not only 
in the above particularized instances, but in the whole of 
their conduct, they appeared spirited, brave, and ready to 


engage, 
5¢5 ‘“ Henry Fenpatu, 


“Warren Dent.” 


Were it necessary, a variety of other evidence could be 
procured to invalidate these idle tales; but I firmly trust that 
the testimony now offered will fully satisfy every impartial 
and well disposed person. I would observe, that the gen- 
tlemen who depose and certify are not of the battalion— 
three of them residing in Alewandria, Virginia—and can 
have no further interest in its character than as good mem- 
bers of community. What motive induced Captain Conway 
and his officers thus to assert, and thus solemnly to depose, 
I am at a loss to say, unless it was to divert their constitu- 


5351 


ents from an inquiry into their own conduct; for, be it known 
to the publick, that Potomack River at Sandy-Point is near 
four miles wide, and they, like persons wanting sense, landed 
their boats within a small distance of the enemy’s ships, on 
the Maryland shore, when they might have evaded them at 
least three miles by passing along the Virginia side; and in 
case they had been noticed and pursued by the enemy, could 
at any rate have gone ashore, and sued for protection from 
the opposite Militia of Virginia. Had Captain Conway 
and his officers reported facts as they happened, they must 
have given the publick a favourable opinion of the Militia 
in general at Sandy-Point. A single company, armed and 
equipped as our Militia too generally are, was drawn up in 
their presence, ready to advance down to the beach, there 
to receive the attack of ten row-boats, two tenders, and a 
gondola, filled with men. On the commanding officer's 
admonishing this company, and begging that if any of them 
felt confused or afraid, to candidly inform him, one of the 
company, out of about forty-eight persons, said he did not 
like to march down the hill, and turned out of the ranks. 
Whether this be an instance of general cowardice, or not, 
the impartial publick will say. For my part, his refusal by 
no means surprised me, as the expedition appeared very 
dangerous, and was really so, though I thought it necessary. 
We were, agreeable to every one’s idea, to oppose the 
landing of at least four times our number, and could we 
not have repulsed them, must have retreated up the hill, 
exposed toa near fire from the Ioebuck, two tenders, and a 
gondola. 

The retreat of the detachment in the afternoon, which 
went down to prevent the enemy’s taking off Captain Con- 
way’s boats, was by my orders. If it was wrong, I am 
chargeable with it and not the men. However, I thought 
it prudent, and, in a similar situation, should act again in 
the same manner. I shall not, to humour Captain Conway 
or his crew, expose men to the fire of a gondola, when the 
chance of killing is only on the side of the enemy; but hope 
ever to be found ready and willing, with those whom I have 
the honour to command, to risk life whenever any valuable 
end can be answered. 

Before I conclude, I must declare that, from the trial of 
the men at Sandy-Point, I entertain the highest opinion of 
their bravery in general; and were they equipped as men 
going into battle should be, would risk my life with them as 
soon as with any men in the world. And as Mr. Lieutenant 
Thomas has, in the course of his deposition, given his opinion 
of me, I must in return give mine of him: which is, in the 
sincerity of my heart, this, that he would at any time, to 
oblige a person on whom he was the least dependant, swear 
that black is white, or white black. 

I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Witiiam Harrison. 


SAMUEL CHASE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Philadelphia, July 23, 1776. 


GrenTLEMEN: Yesterday’s post brought us yours of the 
19th instant. ‘The copies of the letters from Colonels Barnes 
and Jordan you omitted to enclose. _We hope the necessity 
of recalling Captains Thomas and Hindman will soon be 
removed, and that they will be permitted to march to the 
Flying-Camp as soon as possible. It is of the last conse- 
quence to collect a sufficient force to oppose the British 
Army, which may be hourly expected at Staten-Island. 
General Washington has not above fifteen thousand troops. 
Two battalions of the Virginia Regulars are ordered to 

few- York. Four battalions in this Province, and two 
more in New-Jersey, are ordered to reinforce the Flying- 
Camp. 

We agree with you that it will be useless to send men 
without arms. We have had no opportunity to consult 
Congress relative to subsistence of the men during the time 
they are collecting. We doubt not the expense will be 
Continental. If they should be employed upon your works, 
it would contribute to their health and defray the expense of 
provision. 

A man who professes to be an adept in the refining of 
sulphur has applied to us, and enclosed are his terms. We 
are ignorant whether any quantity of sulphur has been dis- 


covered in our Colony, and do not know whether you want 
such a man. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


532 


We have no intelligence from New-York since the 19th; 
Lord Howe’s fleet had not then arrived. We shall be obliged 
by the communication of any intelligence worthy of notice, 
and at all times ready to obey your commands. 


Your most obedient servants 
: Sami. Cuase, 


T. Srone. 
To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


LETTER FROM A MEMBER OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL LEE. 
Philadelphia, July 23, 1776. 


Dear Genera: It would take a volume to tell you how 
many clever things were said of you and the brave troops 
under your command, after hearing of your late victory. It 
has given a wonderful turn to our affairs. The loss of Can- 
ada had struck the spirits of many people, who now begin 
to think our cause is not abandoned, and that we shall yet 
triumph over our enemies. ° 

The Declaration of Independence has produced a new 
era in this part of America. The Militia of Pennsylvania 
seem to be actuated with a spirit more than Roman. Near 
two thousand citizens of Philadelphia have lately marched 


towards New-York, in order to prevent an incursion being 


made by our enemies upon the State of New-Jersey. The 
cry of them all is for battle. I think Mr. Howe will not be 
able to get a footing in New-York, and that he will end the 
present or begin the next campaign in Canada, or in some 
one of the southern Colonies—the only places in which 
America is vulnerable. We depend upon Gates in the 
North, and you oblige us to hope for great things from the 
South. 

The Tories are quiet, but very surly. Lord Howe’s Pro- 
clamation leaves them not a single filament of their cobweb- 
doctrine of reconciliation. 

The spirit of liberty reigns triumphant in Pennsylvania. 
The Proprietary gentry have retired to their country seats, 
and honest men have taken the seats they abused so much 
in the government of our State. 

The papers will inform you that I have been thrust into 
Congress. I find there is a great deal of difference between 
sporting a sentiment in a letter, or over a glass of wine upon 
politicks, and discharging properly the duty of a Senator. 
I feel myself unequal to every part of my new situation, 
except where plain integrity is required. 

My former letters to you may pass hereafter for a leaf of 
the Sibyls. ‘They are full of predictions; and what is still 
more uncommon, some of them have proved true. I shall 
go on, and add, that I think the Declaration of Independence 
will produce union and new exertions in England in the 
same ratio that they have done in this country. ‘The pre- 
sent campaign, I believe, is only designed to train us for the 
duties of next summer. 

Adieu; yours sincerely, 


To Major-General Lee. 


An oLp FRIEND. 


DR. CADWALADER’S CERTIFICATE. 
War Office, July 23, 1776. 
The bearer, James Carmichael, a Continental soldier, says 
he is so ill as not to be able to join his regiment. Any 
physician of eminence certifying this will be of service to 
the man, as he wants to remain until cured. 
Ricnarp Perers, Secretary. 
I have examined James Carmichael, and am of opinion 
that he is incapable of doing the duty of a soldier. 
Tuomas CapwaLaDER. 


Philadelphia, Thursday, July 25, 1776. 


Last Tuesday, the Convention of this Province appointed 
the following gentlemen as a Council of Safety, viz: David 
Rittenhouse, Samuel Mifflin, Jonathan B. Smith, Timothy 
Matlack, Samuel Morris, Jun., Owen Biddle, James Can- 
non, Samuel Howell, Nathaniel Falconer, Frederick Kuhl, 
Samuel Morris, Sen., Thomas Wharton, Jun., Henry Kep- 
pele, Jun., Joseph Blewer, George Gray, John Bull, Henry 
Wynkoop, Benjamin Bartholomew, John Hubley, Michael 
Swoope, Daniel Hunter, William Lyon, Peter Rhoad, David 
Epsey, John Witzel, and John Moore, Esquires. 


533 


WILLIAM MACLAY TO RICHARD PETERS. 
Sunbury, July 23, 1776. 


Sir: On notification from the War Office that flints were 
wanted, I immediately determined to examine what could 
be produced in that way in this country, my former general 
acquaintance with the country, in the practice of survey- 
ing, enabling me to prosecute such an inquiry with the 
greater advantage. The bearer, Mr. Ball, will produce you 
specimens of our success. Some of our gunsmiths, who 
have tried them in firearms, do not hesitate to pronounce 
them superior to imported flints. I will, however, be suffi- 
ciently happy, if, on general experience, they are found only 
equal. ‘The vein or quarry appears inexhaustible, situate 
along the banks of Penn’s Creek, down which and Susque- 
hannah there is a safe and expeditious navigation for boats 
and canoes great part of the year; the distance from Sunbury 
about ten miles. I will only add, that if it is thought ad- 
visable to establish a manufacture of flints at this place, I 
will cheerfully render every assistance in my power. 

And am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most obedient 
and very humble servant, Wm. Mac tay. 


To Richard Peters, Esq., Secretary of the War Office at 
Philadelphia. 


G. NOARTTS TO RICHARD PETERS. 
Sunbury, July 23, 1776. 
Dear Stir: In consequence of an advertisement put out 
of the War Office, a number of gentlemen of this County 
have taken pains to discover a quantity of flint-stone, and 
have sent Mr. Thermond Ball to you with some of it. If, 
from the specimen which will be delivered to you, it should 
be found necessary to establish any kind of manufacture of 
them, I am desired to acquaint you that the gentlemen here 
are ready to give any assistance in their power. 
I am, sir, with respect, your most humble servant, 
G. Noarrrs. 


To Richard Peters, Esq., Secretary at War, Philadelphia. 


WILLIAM ALLEN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
July 23, 1776. 


Sir: Since I had the honour of receiving a commission 
of Lieutenant-Colonel in the Army of the honourable Con- 
tinental Congress, several circumstances have intervened, 
which render it extremely inconvenient, and indeed impos- 
sible, for me any longer to execute the duties of the said 
commission ; wherefore, with the greatest sense of gratitude 
for your past favours, | humbly beg leave to resign it into 
your hands. 

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir, 
your most obedient humble servant, 


Witz. ALLEN. 
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. 


LANCASTER COMMITTEE. 


At a meeting of the Committee of Observation, Inspec- 
tion, and Correspondence, at the house of Adam Reigart, 


the 23d day of July, 1776: 


Present: William Atlee, William Bowsman, Lodwick Lowman, Jacob 
King, Henry Dehuff, Michael Mussen, Adam Reigart, Edward Ship- 
pen, John Miller, and Christopher Crawford. 


William Atlee in the chair. 


The Chairman handed the Committee two packets, received 
last night, between ten and eleven o’clock, by express; one 
containing Ordinances of Convention for disarming the Non- 
Associators; and the other containing Circular Letters from 
the Convention to the different Colonels and Commanding 
Officers of the Battalions in this County; which Circular 
Letters and Ordinances are sent off by expresses, as directed 
by the honourable the Convention. 


The Chairman read to the Committee copies of two 
Letters: one from the Committee to Richard Peters, Esq., 
Secretary of the Board of War, acknowledging the arrival 
of the Prisoners sent here under the conduct of Captain 
Sterling, from Burlington; and the other of them to the 
Honourable Beryamin Franklin, Esq., the President of the 
Convention of this Province; which being read, are approved 
of, and ordered to be transcribed and forwarded as expedi- 
tiously as possible. 


* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


534 


It ts Ordered by the Committee, That John Leggit, of 
Captain Watson’s Flying-Camp, do deliver to Captain Pac- 
ton, of Colonel Porter’s Battalion, the Gun which Captain 
Paxton sometime ago intrusted him with; and if the said 
Gun should be in the hands ofany other of Captain Watson’s 
Company, he is desired to direct the same to be delivered 
to Captain Paxton, who hath engaged, in a Company now 
forming, to join the Camp in the Jerseys. 

A number of the reputable inhabitants of Earl Township 
represent to the Committee, that the Militia in that district 
are about to march in a few days, under Colonel Peter Grubb, 
for the Camp in the Jerseys; that several families of the 
Associators who are obliged to march, will in a short time 
be in a suffering condition; and request this Committee to 
appoint such persons as may be proper to take charge of 
such as may be found not of ability to maintain themselves; 
and they, at the same time, recommend Mr. Gabriel Davis 
as a person that may be confided in. 

The Committee, taking the same into consideration, do, 
by virtue of the authority to them given by the Resolve of 
the Committee of Safety of the 15th of Judy instant, nomi- 
nate and appoint the said Gabriel Davis to take care of, and 
distribute to such distressed families in that district the allow- 
ance he shall judge reasonable; and he is requested to under- 
take this duty, and keep an account of his disbursements, 
that this Committee may draw on the Committee of Safety 
for the necessary sums of money, and return the proper 
account to that Board of his expenditures. 


Joseph Park, of the Seventh Regiment, and John Lang- 
ford, of the Seventh Regiment, are permitted to work with 
Ernest Born, Weaver—Mr. Michael Musser and Mr. Lewis 
Peters, here in Committee, engaging to be answerable for 
them, agreeable to the Resolves of this Committee. 

Wilham Craig, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is per- 
mitted to work with William Tanner, Weaver—he, here in 
Committee, engaging to be answerable for him, agreeable to 
the Resolves of this Committee. 

Robert Borreas, of the Seventh Regiment, is permitted to 
work with John Jordon—James Bickman, Esq., engaging 
for his good behaviour, &c. 

Thomas Matchin, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, and 
John Jack, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, are permitted 
to work with Jacob Curry, Weaver—he here in Committee 
engaging to be answerable for them, agreeable to the Resolves 
of this Committee. 

John Dare, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is permitted 
to work with Joseph Simons, at the Silversmith’s business— 
he here in Committee engaging to be answerable for him, 
agreeable to the Resolves of this Committee. 


WILLIAM*ATLEE TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. 
In Committee, Lancaster, July 23, 1776. 


Str: Your express arrived here last night between ten 
and eleven o’clock, with the Ordinance of Convention for 
disarming the Non-Associators, and the Circular Letters to 
the Commanding Officers of the Battalions of Associators in 
this County; and this morning, about eight o’clock, we de- 
spatched three expresses to different parts of this County, with 
a Circular Letter and Ordinance to each of the Commanding 
Officers of the Battalions, agreeably to the orders of Conven- 
tion; so that by twelve or one o’clock, to-day, we expect 
those officers will be possessed of them, and have no doubt 
will do everything in their power to forward the march of 
the Militia. 

We shall, with great cheerfulness, agreeably to the requi- 
sition of Convention, aid and assist them, as far as in our 
power, to carry the recommendation of Congress into the 
most immediate and effectual execution, by providing them 
with every necessary which we possibly can. We have as- 
sisted such Captains as have had companies ready, or nearly 
so, with cash, camp-kettles, and a few muskets and bayo- 
nets, and our gunsmiths have been busy for a few days past 
in repairing their arms. But we think it our duty to men- 
tion to the Convention that our stores are nearly exhausted. 
We have distributed our muskets and bayonets, so that we 
have hardly sufficient in good order to relieve our necessary 
guards. Our tin-workers are out of tin, so that no more camp- 
kettles can be expected from them; and we have taken up 
the chief part of the cash to be found amongst our moneyed 
men, which we have distributed amongst the officers, to 


535 


enable them to advance something to such of their people 
as stood in need of it; and beg leave to submit to the Con- 
vention, whether money should not be immediately lodged 
here in proper hands, to be paid by discretion of the Com- 
mittee to the officers that march with the Militia, for the use 
of their men, most of whom require some little necessaries, 
and many of them have families with whom they would 
choose to leave a few shillings. We should be happy to 
have it in our power to supply these or any other necessa- 
ries to our Militia as they march. ‘Their applications are to 
us; and they expect here to be equipped and assisted, and 
it gives us pain to see their disappointment. 

Our tin-workers say there is no tin to be had in Philadel- 
phia. Should there be any in the publick magazines to 
spare, we should keep our tinmen employed in making 
kettles and canteens for the troops. We shall use our best 
endeavours to keep our gunsmiths busy, and do everything 
in our power to execute the orders of the Convention, and 
promote the general interest; and are, sir, your most obedient 
humble servants. 

By order of the Committee : 


W. Atuer, Chairman. 
To the Honourable Benjamin Franklin, Esq., President of 


the Convention of Pennsylvania. 


WILLIAM ATLEE TO THE BOARD OF WAR. 
In Committee, Lancaster, July 23, 1776. 

Str: Captain Sterling arrived here on the 21st instant, 
and delivered us your letter of the 16th, mentioning his being 
appointed to conduct a number of prisoners to this town. 
The prisoners arrived here with him; and as our barracks 
were full, we have been under the necessity of taking a house 
for their accommodation til some additional buildings are 
made at the barracks; to do which we hourly expect orders 
from the Committee of Safety, Convention, or Congress. 

Captain William Goodwin, of the Artillery, before he left 
this place to proceed with Captain Sterling for Frederick- 
town, assured the Committee in writing, under his hand, 
that, upon his arrival at fredericktown, he would sign the 
parole directed by Congress. We therefore permitted John 
Brown, one of the prisoners sent to our care, to attend him, 
with directions to have him sent back under the care of 
Captain Sterling, if Captain Goodwin, upon his arrival at 
Frederick, should refuse to sign his parole, and engage for 
the good behaviour and appearance of his servant. 

As Captain Gamble experienced the like indulgence at 
Philadelphia, and had his servant from among the prisoners, 
upon his signing the parole and engaging for him, and as 
Captain Sterling assured us the Congress would have per- 
mitted all the prisoners to have had their servants had they 
not absolutely refused signing the parol, we ventured to 
favour the application of a gentleman who was represented 
tous by Captain Sterling as a worthy good man, with a 
family in a distressed situation. 

We are, sir, your very humble servants. 

By order of the Committee: 
Wituiam Attire, Chairman. 


To Richard Peters, Esq., Secretary of the Board of War, 
Philadelphia. 


PETITION OF JONATHAN ROLAND AND OTHERS. 
Earl Township, Lancaster County, July 23, 1776. 


Whereas the Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, July 15, 
1776, making a recital in the Gazette, No. 2,482, that the 
Assembly of this Province did, in a former session, resolve, 
that if any Associator called into actual service should leave 
a family not of ability to maintain themselves in his absence, 
the Overseers of the Poor, with the concurrence of one Jus- 
tice of the Peace of the City or County where such Asso- 
ciator did reside, shall immediately make provision by way 
of out-pension for the maintenance of such family; and said 
Committee considering that the funds of said Overseers will 
prove greatly insufficient whenever a considerable number 
of Associators are drawn into actual service, the said Com- 
mittee have resolved, that out of the funds of which they 
have the disposition, they will make such provision as they 
shall think necessary to answer the said purposes, and that 
it Is recommended by said Committee to the Committees of 
Inspection and Observation for the City of Philadelphia, and 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


536 


the several Counties in the Province, to nominate and appoint 
a proper number of judicious persons residing in said City and 
Counties, respectively, to distribute to such distressed families 
the allowance they shall think reasonable. 

Whereas we the petitioners, in behalf of ourselves, in this 
time of emergency, do make our address to you, gentlemen, 
who are the Committee of Inspection and Observation for 
the County of Lancaster, as we are to set out under Colonel 
Peter Grub in a few days for the Flying-Camp now in the 
Jerseys, and finding that several families belonging to such 
Associators as are obliged to march away will in a short 
time be in a suffering condition, in consideration whereof we 
the petitioners, request, gentlemen, you would nominate such 
persons as you may think proper to take the charge of such 
as may be found not of ability to maintain themselves in our 
district. 

Gentlemen, if it might not be thought impertinent in your 
petitioners to mention a person for the above purpose, we 
would be satisfied you would nominate Gabriel Davis, as he 
is a person we confide in to give us satisfaction in our ab- 
sence; and your petitioners are in duty bound to pray. 

, JonaTHAaNn Rouann, 
Gerorce Licutner, 
VaLENTINE Bauer, 
Amos SCHNEIDER, 
Peter Baker, 
Henry Perrers, 
PETER SCHEFFER, 
Henry Marke, 
Joun Licutner, 
Micuaet Brusaker, 
VaventTine Reintzer. 


CAPTAIN CREGIER TO THOMAS RANDALL. 
Cranberry Inlet, July 23, 1776. 


Sir: [received your favour about four weeks since, by 
the hands of Dr. Boyd, wherein I found you advised me to 
join Captain Rogers; but understanding Rogers was gone to 
the Sound in order to refit; and what more induced me to 
keep to the southward was my having expectation of meet- 
ing with some of the fleet, which I much expected this way, 
but have been deprived of that satisfaction. ‘There appeared 
six sail one day, and seven sail the other day; but they were 
all large ships under strong convoys, so there was no doing 
anything with them, and every day frigates cruising along 
this coast. Three days ago fell in with a ship and sloop 
tender about ten guns, the frigate being about a mile and a 
half from the sloop, and was determined to give the sloop 
battle, but could not bring her to battle. I have been assist- 
ing in bringing into this and Egg-Harbour Inlet, two prizes 
taken from the West-Indies by two different privateers. One 
of those prizes 1 had much trouble with, and in short was 
three days at work getting the other into port, who lay 
aground on the bar of Keg-Harbour, a ship of three hun- 
dred tons, laden with sugar, rum, and molasses, bound to 
Bristol. 

I am too well informed that your city is invaded by pirates 
and ruffians, whom I hope in God to hear a good account 
of, and that very shortly. 

My provisions grow short, and in a little time shall want 
a new supply, unless I fall in with some of the enemy’s store 
vessels; but as for that I cannot promise myself, but will 
discharge my duty in the search of them; and as for being 
supplied by the way of Long-Island, I believe there is no 
prospect, as I do imagine the troops intend landing on the 
said Island. My bread is but very indifferent, and does not 
keep good; although it is aired every fortnight, yet it moulds 
very fast, and believe it never was made of sound flour. You 
know I laid in only four months’ provisions, and you may 
judge how long what remains will serve me. 

My people begin to want many articles, and I would be 
glad if you will send me some cash, that I may furnish them 
with a little. I have advanced of my own cash to the offi- 
cers and men £39. The custom out of Philadelphia is to 
advance half of their wages monthly, and beg you will send 
me whatever you think proper,and charge the same to me. 

I beg your advice in every respect; and any instructions 
given me I shall gladly comply with. Myself, officers, and 
men, are willing at any time to march to your assistance, on 
the shortest notice; and I am wiiling to sacrifice both life 


537 


and everything to serve my country. Whatever instruc- 
tions you may have, let me have by the bearer, my chief 
Lieutenant. 
I remain, with due respect, your humble servant, 
Tomas Crecirr. 


To Thomas Randall, Esq., Member of the Provincial Con- 
gress in New-York, or any of the Marine Committee in 
New- York.* 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 


{Read July 24, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.] 
New-York, July 23, 1776. 

Srr: I was honoured with your favour of the 20th, by 
yesterday’s post, since which, and my letter, nothing of 
moment has occurred. 

The ships mentioned in my letter of the 21st to have been 
in the offing, got in that day, and are supposed to be part 
of the Scotch fleet, having landed some Highlanders yes- 
terday. 

Enclosed I have the honour to transmit you copies of a 
letter and sundry resolutions, which I received last night 
from the Convention of this State. ‘They will inform you 
of the computed number of inhabitants and stock upon 
Nassau-Island, and their sentiments on the impracticability 
of removing the latter, and also of the measures they think 
necessary and likely to secure them. 

I have also enclosed a letter from Mr. Faesh to Lord 
Stirling, upon the subject of a cannon furnace for the use 
of the States. Congress will see his plan and proposals, 
and determine upon them as they shall judge proper. 

I am, sir, with every sentiment of respect, your most obe- 


i ervant 
dient s > Go. WasHINGTON. 


*To the Honourable the Congress of New-Yorx, assembled at the WuITE- 
: Piains, in the State of New-York: 


The humble petition of us the subscribers showeth: That we have 
been four months in the service of the American States, on board the 
schooner General Putnam, during which time we have not been to sea 
but eleven days, all the rest of the time we have spent inactively at the 
* head of inlets, five or six miles from the mouths thereof, from whence, 
at any emergency, we could not put out without great difficulty, and 
often not atall. That we have at sundry times lain a week, sometimes 
longer, in an inlet; and in one we have lain at anchor, four or five miles 
from the mouth, a full month, without ever attempting to go out, or 
scarcely offering to send any person to look out. That numbers of ves- 
sels have passed and repassed without our endeavouring to speak them, 
notwithstanding it was the opinion of the officers we had several oppor- 
tunities very favourable. That with our commander, Thomas Cregier 
on board, we have not been out of this inlet in seven weeks. That our 
said commander hath several times insulted the officers when they have 
candidly advised him, and gave them to understand that their business 
was only to answer a question when asked, and not attempt giving advice. 
That in correcting the people fer slight or no offences, he hath used un- 
lawful weapons; once presenting a pistol to the breast of one Byrns for 
only requesting to know what his stated allowance was, and swearing 
by God he would blow a ball through him. At another time, with a 
large hickory club, striking one Bell on the head and much wounding 
him, for what, in our opinion, scarcely appeared a crime. That in no 
one thing has he complied with the resolves of the Congress, his whole 
conduct being one series of folly, vice, and inconsistencies, setting the 
most scandalous examples to the people, swearing, lying, and frequent- 
ing the company of the most contemptible of women, presenting the 
private property of others to them. Also at sundry times giving the 
ship’s and cabin stores away. We are sorry to have occasion to lay 
these charges against our commander; but, black as they are, they can 
be proved by the journals of the officers and the evidence of the most 
respectable persons in these parts. That, by these means, he hath ren- 
dered himself despicable to every man on board; has greatly dissatisfied 
every friend of the cause, and become 'the derision of its foes. That we 
cannot with honour serve any longer under the command of the said 
Thomas Cregier. ‘That it is our sincere opinion (with him as our com- 
mander) we have not done the least service to our country, and the 
season of the year being so far advanced, we humbly conceive the vessel 
unfit to be continued in the service, she being weakened, and consequently 
would endanger our lives ina gale of wind; besides, she leaks so that 
not a man in the hold can lay dry in the cabins. And, at the same time, 
we solemnly declare our ardent desire to exert our utmost abilities in 
defence of ‘our distressed country in any station where there is a pro- 
bability of doing it, and profess ourselves fully satisfied with the conduct 
of our Lieutenant, Mr. Quigley, and the officers in general. And though 
we confess it would be most agreeable to have a discharge from this 
vessel, yet, if your honourable House should think proper to continue 
us therein, (as long as the season will admit,) under the command of 
Mr. Quigley, or any other person you shall appoint, except the said 
Thomas Cregier, we ‘shall cheerfully comply; for we beg leave to assure 
you that we glory in yielding obedience to your commands; but humbly 
request, for the honour and interest of our country and ourselves, that the 
said Thomas Gregier may be cashiered. And your petitioners, as in duty 
bound, shall ever pray. 

Jno. James Boyd, Sur- John Hardy, 
Thomas Shourds, 


Benj. Woodruff, 
William Willasce, 
William Bell, 
Thomas Sulls, 
Timothy Byrns, 
Henry Basset, 


Isaac Pritchet, 
Samuel Turner, 
Ezekiel Heagen, 
Morgan Lahy, 

John Thayer, 
Nathaniel Larance, 
Mack Donol, 

Josiah Davis, Steward. 


geon. 

George Shell, Gunner. 

John Thomas, Carpen- 
ler. 

John Trail, Boatswain. 

John Prichet, 

William Radley, Cook. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


538 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, 
July 20, 1776. 

Sir: [have the honour to enclose your Excellency, by 
order of the Convention, a copy of sundry resolves which 
were yesterday agreed to, for the defence of the inhabitants 
and protection of the stock on Nassau-Island; and beg leave 
to submit to your consideration a short state of the situation 
and circumstances of that Island and its inhabitants, from 
which you will see the inutility of any attempts for a total 
removal of the stock from thence. 

It is supposed there are near one hundred thousand head 
of horned cattle, besides a much larger number of sheep and 
other stock, the removal of which would necessarily consume 
the greatest part of the campaign. But supposing the same 
could be effected in a short time, vast numbers of the stock 
must inevitably perish for want of subsistence, as it could 
not be procured within any reasonable distance. Besides, 
such a measure would reduce the inhabitants, computed from 
twenty-five to thirty thousand, to the most deplorable and 
insuperable difficulties and distresses. ‘T'hese considerations 
have induced the Convention to give over the thought of 
removing the stock from the Island, as not only impracti- 
cable, but not advancive of the publick service, especially 
as the waste and common lands in the easternmost part of 
Queen’s and Suffolk Counties are so covered with thickets 
of wood, as to render it too dangerous for foraging parties to 
attempt to penetrate. 

I trust that the Militia now to be raised, (which is ex- 
pected to form a corps of between seven hundred and nine 
hundred men,) with the troops already stationed at the east 
end of the Island, may be sufficient to remove the stock 
from those places which are most exposed, and prevent the 
depredations of small detachments. And should the enemy 
attempt, with their main Army, to fix themselves on any 
part of the Island, I doubt not but your Excellency will give 
a good account of them. 

The Convention have received information that there are 
a considerable number of fatted cattle and sheep on the 
Island. ‘They submit whether it would not be proper that 
the Commissary-General should be requested to give the 
preference in purchasing to these cattle. 

I cannot conclude without expressing my wishes that the 
detachment under Lieutenant-Colonel Livingston may be 
continued at their present post, for that part of the Island is 
so much exposed to be insulted by the enemy’s cruisers, 
that I fear the inhabitants would totally abandon the country 
should those troops be drawn off. 

I have the honour to be, most respectfully, your Excel- 
lency’s most obedient servant, 

NaruHan. Woopaut., President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, 
July 20, 1776. 

This Convention having taken into consideration the ex- 
pediency of removing the Stock from Nassau-Island : 

Resolved, 'That it will not be for the publick good, pro- 
vided it were practicable, to remove the Stock from the 
Island, except such Cattle, Sheep, and Hogs, as are fit for 
the use of the Army. 

2d. That the common Stock in Suffolk, King’s,and Queen’s 
Counties, be put in such convenient and secure places in 
each County as may be most convenient, to be guarded by 
a sufficient number of Troops, and to be driven off into the 
interior parts of Nassau-Island, whenever the Commanding 
Officer or Officers of the said Troops shall order, to prevent 
such Stock from falling into the enemy’s hands; leaving, if 
he shall judge it safe and necessary, with each large family, 
three Milch-Cows, two Cows to a middling farm, and one 
to a small family. And if the said Commanding Officer 
finds that he cannot prevent the Stock from falling into 
the enemy’s hands, he may order them to be killed or 
destroyed. 

3d. And to the intent that no person may be a loser by said 
Stock being killed or destroyed, 

Resolved, That the oath or affirmation of the owner of 
Cattle, describing their number, age, and qualities, shall be 
a direction for the valuation of such Cattle, driven from his 
possession : Provided, ‘That no person who has joined, or 
shall go over to and join the enemy, or who has been or 


539 


shall be in anywise aiding or assisting the enemy, shall, in 
consequence of this resolve, be entitled to a compensation 
for any loss he shall or may sustain. 

Ath. That the Commanding Officer of each Battalion of 
Minute-Men and Militia in Suffolk, Queen’s, and King’s 
Counties, be ordered immediately to draught out one-fourth 
part of the Minute-Men and Militia of said Counties, and 
carry these resolves into execution; and that the Field- 
Officers of the Minute and Militia Regiments in each County 
do appoint such Captains and Subalterns to command such 
draughts, out of the Militia or Minute Officers, as they shall 
judge most proper; and that the draughts be formed into 
Companies, to consist of one Captain, two Lieutenants, three 
Sergeants, three Corporals, one Drummer, one Fifer, and 
fifty Privates. And in case any draughts shall be left after 
the Companies are completed, and not sufficient to form 
another Company, Officers shall be appointed for them in 
the following proportion: one Captain and one Lieutenant, 
two Sergeants and two Corporals, for forty Privates; two 
Lieutenants, two Sergeants, two Corporals, for thirty Pri- 
vates; and one Lieutenanty one Sergeant, and one Corporal, 
for twenty Privates—each man to find bis own arms and 
accoutrements. That the Field-Officers of the said Militia, 
so to be draughted, be appointed by this Convention. The 
troops so raised to have Continental pay and rations, and to 
continue in service until the last day of December next, 
unless they shall be sooner discharged. 'That the Non- 
Commissioned Officers and Privates of the said ‘Troops, who 
shall furnish themselves with a good and sufficient Musket or 
Firelock, Cartouch-box and Belt, and Bayonet or Hatchet, 
shall be allowed ten dollars bounty to each man. 

5th. Resolved, That the Brigadier-General of Suffolk and 
Queen’s Counties be directed to order the Militia of those 
Counties to hold themselves in readiness to march into either 
of the said Counties, or any other part of Nassau-Island, on 
the shortest notice, with five days’ Provisions. And that the 
President of this Convention be, and he is hereby, directed 
to write a Letter to the Colonel of the Militia of Kzng’s 
County, ordering that he hold his Regiment in the like 
readiness, to march to any part of Nassau-Island, with five 
days’ Provisions. 

6th. Resolved, That Colonel Josiah Smith, of Suffolk 
County, be First Colonel of the Troops to be raised by 
draughts from the Militia on Nassau-Island; that Colonel 
John Sands be Second Colonel of those Troops, with the 
rank of Colonel, but with the pay of a Lieutenant-Colonel; 
and that Abraham Remsen be Major; that Colonel Benya- 
min Birdsall, at south side of Queen’s County, take the 
command of one Company of those draughts, with Chap- 
lain’s pay, saving his rank. 

7th. Resolved, That the Rations of the said Troops be 
estimated at the rate of 104d. each, which they are to 
receive in Money, in lieu of Provisions. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Joun McKesson, Secretary. 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, 
White-Plains, July 22, 1776. 

Resolved, unanimously, 'That the Colonels of each Regi- 
ment of ‘Troops to be draughted from the Militia of the 
Counties of Dutchess, Westchester, Ulster, Orange, Suffolk, 
King’s, and Queen’s, be each of them, respectively, a Mus- 
termaster of the several Regiments draughted or inlisted in 
the said Counties; and that each of said Colonels do return, 
upon oath, to this Convention, a Muster-Roll of the Regi- 
ment by him so mustered as aforesaid; and that no person 
so draughted or inlisted, receive his Bounty until he shall 
have passed muster. 

Resolved, unanimously, That the one-half of the Bounty 
to be given to the draughts from the Militia in the said 
Counties, be sent to the Committee of each County, to be 
paid unto the said Troops immediately upon and after their 
passing muster as aforesaid; and that the remainder of the 
Bounty be paid when the said ‘Troops shall be mustered by 
the Continental Mustermaster, at their respective places of 
rendezvous; and that his Excellency General Washington 
be requested to cause the said musters to be completed with 
all possible despatch. ; 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Joun McKesson, Secretary. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


540 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 25, 1776.] 
New-York, July 23, 1776. 

Sir: Since I had the pleasure of writing you, by this 
morning’s post, I was favoured with a letter from Governour 
Trumbull, a copy of which is enclosed, and to which I beg 
leave to refer you. 

In regard to the stock he mentions, I wrote to him re- 
questing that they might be removed from the Island on 
which they were, as I conceived it of great importance to 
distress the enemy as much as possible in the article of fresh 
provisions. I wish the other Governments may follow his 
example, and have it removed from the Islands belonging to 
them respectively. 

When the ships of war and tenders went up the river, it 
was thought expedient that application should be made for 
the Connecticut row-galleys and those belonging to Rhode- 
Island, in order to attempt something for their destruction. 
As soon as they arrive we shall try to employ them in some 
useful way; but in what, or how successfully, I cannot at 
present determine. 

Congress will please to observe what Mr. Trumbull says 
respecting the Continental regiment raising under Colonel 
Ward. If they incline to give any orders about their destina- 
tion, you will pleasetocommunicate them by the earliest oppor- 
tunity, as their march will be suspended till they are known. 

The orders Mr. Trumbull has given to the officers of the 
cruisers to stop provision vessels, seem to be necessary. We 
have too much reason to believe that some have gone vol- 
untarily to the enemy; and that there are many persons 
who would contrive to furnish them with large supplies; and 
however upright the intentions of others may be, it will bea 
matter of the utmost difficulty, if not an impossibility, for 
any to escape falling into their hands now, as every part of 
the coast, it is probable, will swarm with their ships of war 
and tenders. I had proposed writing to the Convention of 
this State upon the subject before I received his letter, and 
am now more persuaded of the necessity of their taking some 
steps to prevent further exportations down the Sound. In 
my next I shall inform them of the intelligence received from 
Mr. Trumbull, and recommend the matter to their attention. 

I have the honour to be, with great esteem, sir, your most 
obedient servant, Go. W asHINGTON. 


P.S. It appears absolutely necessary that the exportation 
of provisions should be stopped; our Army is large, and 
otherwise may want; nor can individuals be injured, as they 
have a ready-money market for everything they have to dis- 
pose of in that way. 


Lebanon, July 17, 1776. 

Sir: Your favours of the 7th and 9th instant are duly 
received. It gives me pleasure to meet your approbation 
of the measure of sending our regiments of Horse to join 
you. I make no doubt they will cheerfully acquiesce in 
whatever you shall direct respecting their horses, as the gen- 
eral good of the service ought to be, and I believe is, their 
governing principle. I find our battalions are filling up fast, 
and moving to your assistance. 

The stock of horned cattle and sheep are removed from 
Fisher’s Island and the Elizabeth-Islands. Block-Island 
lies in the Colony of Rhode-Island, and the Elizabeth-Islands 
and Martha’s Vineyard are in the Province of Massachusetts- 
Bay: 1 cannot, therefore, with propriety, give any orders 
for the removal of the fresh provisions from them. 

I am sorry it is not in my power to comply with your 
requisition for heavy cannon without jeaving our port or har- 
bour of New-London in too defenceless a state. By a return 
from the overseer of our cannon-foundry at Salisbury I find 
they have cast fourteen six, eighteen nine, and eight twelve- 
pounders, and are proceeding to bore them out and fit them 
for use. He has my orders, when the twelve-pounders are 
finished, to deliver them to your Excellency’s order, to be 
used where they may be most wanted, without waiting for 
further orders from me. Ball for twelve-pounders are also 
to be had there. Should you have occasion, you will please 
to give orders accordingly. I expect eighteen-pounders will 
be soon cast there, which is the largest size we can hope for 
from that furnace. 

I have ordered two of our row-galleys to proceed to New- 
York, and trust they will be with you at the receipt of this; 
they have no guns larger than nine-pounders. I wish it 


541 


may be in your power to make them more useful, by placing 
heavier metal upon them, whilst they continue in your service. 

The Continental regiment raising in this Colony is now in 
some measure filled up, mustered, equipped, and ready to 
march; but as there seems to be much danger from the 
prevalence of the small-pox in Boston, should they march 
there, and as the whole force of the enemy on this side 
seems to be directed against you at New-York, I have 
thought it best they should suspend their march towards 
Boston till your pleasure might be known whether they 
should join the Army at New- York or proceed for Boston. 

Since the arrival of the fleet and army at the Hook, seve- 
ral frigates and ships have been stationed between Montauk 
Point and Block-Island, to intercept the trade from the 
Sound, in which they have been so successful that they have 
derived great advantage from the provision vessels they have 
taken. And as, by frequent advices from the Captains of our 
armed vessels, and others, it appeared highly improbable that 
any vessel going out or coming in by that passage could 
avoid falling into their hands; and as several vessels were 
prepared and preparing in sundry places to proceed to sea 
with cargoes of provisions, the owners of which must be pre- 
sumed to be ignorant of the hazard they run in getting out ; 
and sensible of how great importance it is that all supplies 
of provisions should be kept back from the enemy; and 
having good grounds to believe that some evil-minded persons 
have designedly carried provisions to the enemy, or thrown 
themselves in their way, as your Excellency will see by the 
enclosed copies of depositions taken and sent to Congress,—I 
have given orders to the Captains of the armed vessels in 
the service of this Colony to stop and detain all provision 
vessels coming out of any port in this Colony, or through 
the Sound, and bound to sea, for the present, and until the 
Continental Congress and the Congresses or Conventions 
of the Colonies or States to which they respectively belong, 
may be apprized of the hazards attending their proceeding 
in their voyages, and, on consideration, shall give such orders 
as they may think fit respecting the same. The apparent 
necessity of the measure will, I flatter myself, justify me in 
taking it, where it is known and properly explained. ‘To 
prevent or obviate any misrepresentation, is my motive for 
troubling your Excellency with this account. 

I am, with great esteem and regard, sir, your obedient 
humble servant, Jontu. ‘TRUMBULL. 


19th.—Received your favour of the 15th instant, which 
induced me to send orders immediately to Thomas Stanton, 
Captain of our other row-galley, the Shark, to proceed with 
her forthwith to New-York, and subject himself to your 
command. Wish him safe, and serviceable to your designs. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


542 


20th.—Colonel Ward, of the Continental battalion lately 
ordered to be raised here, and mentioned above, informs me 
that his regiment is not much beyond half filled, occasioned by 
their being raised for a longer time and receiving less bounty 
than others. Since many are ordered from Boston, and this 
may be stationed on the works below or in the environs, at 
places out of danger of the infection from the small-pox, will 
it not be best this battalion should be ordered to march to 
that place, first mentioned for their destination ? They are 
principally men who have not seen service. Please to give 
the earliest notice of your pleasure therein. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO BARON DE CALBIAC. 

New-York, July 23, 1776. 
Sir: I received your favour of yesterday, and in answer 
thereto, [ am to inform you, at the same time that I com- 
mend the good intentions which you profess induced your 
countrymen to leave their families and homes, that [I have 
done the only thing in my power to favour their views. On 
their first arrival and introduction to me, I gave them a letter 
to the Continental Congress, to whom it was necessary to 
make known their wishes, and from whom any appointment 
they expect must come. ‘This, I am persuaded, you are 
sensible of, and would wish you to communicate to them. 
Their pretensions will be duly considered, and if supported 
by proper credentials, | make no doubt but suitable regard 
will be had to their merits. Your and their good sense will 
readily suggest the propriety and expediency of their furnish- 
ing some testimonial and recommendation previous to any 
appointment. ‘These would have been proper at any time, 
but the late instance of treachery and ingratitude in Monsieur 
, in deserting and taking the command of a party 
of the enemy in Canada, after he had been promoted to office 
in the service of the United Colonies, makes them indispen- 
sably necessary, though I do not entertain the least suspicion 
of the honour and integrity of the gentlemen of whom you 
write, or mean to insinuate that a conduct like Monsieur 
would frequently happen. I might further add, 
that the unacquaintance of our soldiers with any language but 
their own makes them unwilling and impatient under the com- 
mand of foreigners, unless they are men of high reputation. 
Nor will they consent thereto but on that account, and where 
they possess great military knowledge. It therefore follows, 
that any appointments these gentlemen may obtain will not 
be attended with any good purposes or satisfaction to them- 
selves, unless they are to corps of their own people, or those 
who understand their language. Iam, sir, your most obe- 

dient servant, Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Baron De Calbiac. 


¢ 


A Return of the Ammunition and other Utensils at the different Forts on Lone-Istanp, July 23, 1776. 


A a 3 3 - z - = 
seler ig | gees |e |e | oh B18 | Ble pel gle.) 8 
ae | Sis ce oS n pe ica 2 S ° s > = = 2 ° 
ot See °o PI io] oS (=) 5 oo. Cs) oO = o. | 
CUP ERMCIRCH COTE] | raul ba ces evil gam’ be Potala toni. Batlle elmate ithe Meee & 
i 6-pounders 2...) 100 | 23 | 100 | 50 - - 12 48 2 2 2 2 2 8 2 - 
Bena Ea T SERA a) hy Ppanndera Ie 480, 20001 43 es 10 | te eed 24) || 230d, Sy he Sie Seok Sy ft BtLOS Lea. bee 
12-pounders 2...) 60 | - GI: 34 > - - 3 2 2 2 2 8 2 - 
At Fort Puinam...... 6-pounders 1...| 50 8 | 48 | 30 - - 2 24 2 1 1 1 1 4 1 - 
3-pounders 2... 32 | 120 | 32] - . - 3 60 4 2 2 1 2 6 2 1 
32-pounders 3...| 122 | 124 | 124-| 20 - 50 - 4 4 4 3 4 4 16 3 - 
apres 18-pounders 2...} 50 50} S50} - - 20 - - 2 2 2 2 2 8 2 = 
At Fort Stirlings...:: Shute ae die ailing am PMR gy RD SO Nec i al ea) eT bs dS Ce a RB 
Genie Leelee ld 24 Lo) - - - 5 - 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 - 

: -pounders 2...| 175 60 | 190 | 50 38 38 3 96 3 2 2 3 3 8 2 - 
sioaneanie ones 226 eee ete eis ek | a aoe: bor Pa er) a Pn) PL 
At Redoubt at the Mill, 3-pounders 1...!_— 1 . - - - - - - 1 - 1 1 - 4 - % 

Musket Cartridges. 
GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
FortGreene. Cobble Hill. Fort 
2 om PEN Me ek A Camp on Long-Island, July 23, 1776. 
. ba 5072 .b 592 : * 
Sa aa e708 his Bele oie 2 bee aa Sir: Enclosed is a letter sent me by Colonel Varnum, 
21 2,956 21 1,000 24 2,000 relative to Captain Read. Your Excellency can best deter- 
a j pas a oe 2 = mine the force of the reasons offered for a discharge. The 
39 1,200 24 1,000 4 4 First Lieutenant of the company, perhaps, may make as 
SOS OPE ME SE CS : - good a Captain as the present acting one. 
eos 100 | - 8,808 | - 7,352 Colonel Hand reports that the enemy continues as they 
8,808 were. 
76,100 I am, with all due respect, your Excellency’s most obe- 
Total..... 42,260 dient humble servant, 


———-———————— eee 


Naru. Greene. 


543 


Red-Hook, July 22, 1776. 

Sir: As I mentioned to you before, Captain Read is 
soliciting for a discharge. ‘The reason, he is informed by 
letters which he cannot discredit, that his wife is verging to 
the close of life by means of a chronick disorder, which ap- 
pears too inveterate to yield to the efficacy of medicine. He 
cannot so far stifle the tender emotions of conjugal affection 
as to remain in absence. ‘The distance is so great that he 
cannot wish to injure the service by requesting a furlough, 
leaving a weakness in the command of his country. From 
these circumstances I am induced to request you to repre- 
sent his prayer to the Commander-in-Chief, whose exalted 
wisdom and humanity cannot fail of directing what is nght 
in so disagreeable a situation. 

I am, sir, your very humble servant, 
To General Greene. 


J. Varnum. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED HUNTINGTON, LONG-ISLAND, 
NEW-YORK, JULY 23, 1776. 


Yesterday, the freedom and independency of the Thir- 
teen United Colonies was; with beat of drum, proclaimed 
at the several places of parade, by reading the Declaration 
of the General Congress, together with the Resolutions of 
our Provincial Convention thereupon; which were approved 
and applauded by the animated shouts of the people, who 
were present from all the distant quarters of this district. 
After which, the flag which used to wave on Liberty Pole, 
having “Liberty” on one side, and “George III.” on the 
other, underwent a reform—+z. e., the Union was cut off, 
and the letters George LI. were discarded, being publickly 
ripped off; and then an efligy of the person represented 
by those letters, being hastily fabricated out of base mate- 
rials, with its face black, like Dunmore’s Virginia regiment, 
its head adorned with a wooden crown and stuck full of 
feathers, like Carleton’s and Johnson’s savages, and its body 
wrapped in the Union, instead of a blanket or robe of State, 
and lined with gunpowder, which the original seems to be 
fond of,—the whole, together with the letters above men- 
tioned, were hung on a gallows, exploded, and burnt to 
ashes. , In the evening, the Committee of this town, with 
a large number of the principal inhabitants, sat round the 
genial board, and drank thirteen patriotick toasts, among 
which were, The Free and Independent States of America ; 
The General Congress; The Conventions of the Thirteen 
States; Our principal military Commanders; and success 
and enlargement to the American Navy. Nor was the 
memory of our late brave heroes, who have gloriously lost 
their lives in the cause of liberty and their country, forgotten. 


Southampton, Suffolk County, New-York, July 23, 1776. 


Last Monday afternoon, was exhibited to view in this 
town a very agreeable prospect: the old gentlemen, grand- 
fathers, to the age of seventy years and upwards, met, 
agreeably to appointment, and formed themselves into an 
Independent company. Each man was well equipped with 
a good musket, powder, ball, cartridges, &c., and unani- 
mously made choice of Elias Pelletreau, Esq., for their 
leader, (with other suitable officers,) who made a very 
animating speech to them, on the necessity of holding them- 
selves in readiness to go into the field in time of invasion. 
They cheerfully agreed to it, and determined, at the risk of 
their lives, to defend the free and Independent States of 
America. May such a shining example stimulate every 
father on Long-Island in particular, and America in general 


. ? 
to follow their aged brethren here. 


CAPTAIN DENTON TO GENERAL WOODHULL. 
New-York, July 23, 1776. 

Sir: Some weeks ago, the Second Lieutenant of my 
company secretly deserted it; but, previous to his leaving 
me, he assigned his warrant over to Cadwalader Moore, 
one of my Sergeants, a young man every way well qualified 
to act in the capacity of an officer, and who bears an unex- 
ceptionable character, and is of good family. Upon relating 
the circumstance of my being destitute of a Second Lieu- 
tenant to my company to some of the members of the late 
Committee of Safety, they told me they would mention the 
matter in Committee ; and shortly afterwards I was informed 
by Mr. Cooper, (one of the members I had mentioned the 
affair to,) that the Committee had ordered that James Mil- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


044 


ler, my Ensign, should be Second Lieutenant, and Cadwal- 
ader Moore Ensign; and upon that, Moore went to some 
expense in purchasing regimentals, and has ever since 
appeared in the character of an officer. Lately, the com- 
missions were issued for most of the officers of the regiment, 
but Mr. Miller’s commission was detained from him, and 
no commission issued to Mr. Moore, which occasions some 
uneasiness in my company. I must therefore request the 
favour of you to lay the affair before the Convention; and 
if any further light is required on it, Mr. Strong, the bearer, 
will be able to give it. I have the only full company in the 
regiment, which makes me take the greater liberty of men- 
tioning the affair to you. 
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 
Daniet Denton, ’ 


Captain in Third Regiment New-York Forces. 
To Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq. 


REPORT ON COMMISSIONS FOR CAPTAIN DENTON’S COMPANY. 


Your Committee, appointed to take into consideration the 
letter received from Captain Daniel Denton, dated 23d 
instant, and from such information as they could collect, do 
report: 

That a commission be made out for James Miller, as a 
Second Lieutenant, bearing date the 3d day of May last; 
and another for Cadwalader Moore, as Ensign, bearing date 
the same day, both in the company commanded by Captain 
Denton, and in Colonel Ritzema’s regiment. 


COLONEL CORTLANDT AND CAPTAIN PLATT TO NEW-YORK 
CONVENTION. 
Peekskill, July 23, 1776. 

GentLemen: There was yesterday a council of war held 
at Fort Montgomery, where it was agreed that three hun- 
dred men would be a sufficient guard on the east side of 
Hudsons River, from Anthony’s Nose to Croton; but as 
all the troops belonging to this State are withdrawn, the 
whole draught has fallen on the New-England forces, who 
have agreed to stay until Saturday next, but we think it will 
be impracticable to prevail on them to stay any longer there. 
Beg the Convention would order such parts of the new 
levies as may be raised to be on the ground at that time, to 
relieve them. Colonel Cortlandt’s regiment has been called 
out, and I think there may be depended on about fifty or 
sixty of the new levies from the said regiment by Saturday. 
About three hundred of the New-England troops returned 
home this day; and by some pay-rolls delivered in, it appears 
that their subsistence money, for men and horses, will amount 
to near six hundred pounds. ‘Therefore, in order to pay said 
subsistences, and discharge sundry other accounts, request 
the Convention to give an order on the Treasurer of this 
State for six hundred pounds, to be paid to the bearer, John 
Levinus. 

No particular occurrences have happened. The ships 
remain a little below Verplanck’s Point. Have made no 
attempts to land lately. One of their barges was seen night 
before last rowing down the river by Teller’s Point. We 
have since ordered twenty men stationed at Albert Aarsen’s, 
below Croton. ‘The detachment from General Ten Broeck’s 
brigade have also left Fort Constitution and the heights 
they were ordered to occupy above Anthony’s Nose, it is 
supposed in order to raise their men. 

Remain, gentlemen, your very humble servants, 

Prerre Van Cortianpt, 
ZEPHA. Part. 
To the Honourable the Representatives of the State of 

New-York. 

P.S. This instant an officer arrived here by order of 
General Washington, in search of three French gentlemen, 
whom he found here. ‘They are suspected of being spies 
from Canada. 


GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 
Fort Montgomery, July 23, 1776. 
Sir: I am favoured with your Excellency’s commands 
of the 17th instant, and am happy to find the measures 
taken here for the reception of the enemy’s shipping ap- 
proved. Yesterday some of the carpenters from Pough- 
keepsie arrived at this place with the fire-rafis, ‘They are 


545 


constructed on the plan lately transmitted to your Excellency 
by my brother. We are busy preparing, and hope to be 
able to-morrow or next day to draw them across the river, 
though I fear we will be put to great difficulty in procuring 
anchors, cables, &c., for securing them, The combustible 


matter with which they are filled will, I apprehend, hardly | 


be quick enough, for want of spirits of turpentine and salt- 
petre. We have neither, and | don’t know where to apply 
for or how to procure these necessary articles. Should the 
enemy ever attempt to gain possession of this fortress by 
land, with equal numbers only, we are in a bad situation to 
defend it. he hill on the south side of Pooplopen’s Kill, 
and not above one-seventh of a mile distant, overlooks every 
gun almost in our battery, which lies in open view of it. It 
is accessible to the enemy from a landing that we cannot 
command with our batteries, by a road along which field- 
pieces may easily be brought up. We must, for the safety 
of these works, keep a large body of men there, should the 
enemy attempt landing, if no works are erected. If fortified, a 
less number will hold the ground, annoy the enemy’s shipping, 
and render us safe from that quarter or any attempt by land. 
Indeed, it is the spot where our first works should, in my poor 
judgment, have been made. Mr. Jay, Messrs. Livingston, 
Mr. Tappen, and Mr. Yates, a Committee of Provincial 
Congress lately at this place, are of opinion with me, that 
this fortress is by no means safe, unless that height is secured. 
General Fellows and other officers from the eastward are all 
of the same opinion. ‘They advised me to begin some small 
works there. I have laid such out, as well as I know how; 
and the Militia are employed in making fascines ‘and other 
necessary preparations which are not attended with any 
publick expense; but I can’t think of doing anything more 
than making a small breastwork for musketry, until 1 receive 
your Excellency’s orders on this head, especially as there 
may be good reasons against erecting any such works, which, 
from my want of military knowledge, don’t occur to me. 
A few cannon would serve them; and these, I think, may 
be spared from other fortifications here, where they cannot 
be so serviceable. 

I find large arrears are due to the few artificers, carters, &c., 
employed in completing these works. Since the Commis- 
sioners of Congress were dismissed, I believe there has not 
been any money furnished the commanding officer for that 
purpose. ‘They are uneasy, discontented, and, in my opin- 
ion, do not half work. We dare not drive them till able to 
pay them, and are obliged to use our own private cash and 
credit to prevent their leaving us, which they threaten, and 
we can’t as yet do without them. 

Nothing of any great importance has happened since 
my last. On the 16th instant the enemy’s shipping came 
under way, and proceeded up the river opposite the stores 
at Haverstraw, about eight miles above where they first lay, 
opposite Tarrytown. ‘They discharged a few shot at the 
houses on the west shore, without doing any damage. I 
went down there next day, caused the goods to be removed 
out of the stores, and the cattle, sheep, &c., contiguous to 
the shore, to places of safety, and ordered one hundred and 
eighty Militia, under a prudent officer, to protect that neigh- 
bourhood and prevent the enemy getting any supplies. In 
the afternoon a tender sloop made sail, and ran up within 
full view and long-shot of our battery, sounding the river 
carefully as she beat up. We gave her a thirty-two-pounder, 
which hit her; she put about, and fell down to the shipping, 
plundering a small house on her return, near the shore, before 
our people could possibly get there. 

The 17th instant, the Rose, Captain Wallace, and the 
same tender, came under sail. The tender, soon after, en- 
deavouring to cover a barge in shore at which our people 
were firing, run aground, and did not get off before evening. 
The fose proceeded up within three miles of this, plundered 
a poor man’s house, and set it on fire. Captain Wallace 
headed the party who committed this little robbery; his 
share of the plunder was a handkerchief full of salad and a 
pig so very poor that a crow would scarcely deign to eat it. 
The house stood single under a mountain, and we thought 
the poverty of the owner would be a sufficient protection, 
though we had a party not far distant, but they were not 
able to arrive time enough to prevent the mischief. Their 
being able to move from place to place so much quicker by 
water than we can by land, is much against us. However, 
I think I have my party so disposed of now as to prevent 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


546 


effectually any mischief in future. The Rose fell down in 
the evening near to where the tender run aground, and the 
next day the Phenix moved up to her; so that they now all 
lay about five or six miles below us. 

A deserter swam on shore from the Rose a few nights 
ago. I directed Colonels Nicoll and Hay to take and 
transmit to your Excellency his examination, which I hope 
you have received. He was a volunteer in our service last 
summer, was taken on board of one of ur privateers last 
winter by the Rose, is now here, and well known by our 
Artillery officer and people. 

I am very apprehensive that the enemy’s shipping (from 
their moving up so near us, and other little circumstances) 
mean, to take the advantage of a dark night, and slip by us. 
The shores are high and bold, and the navigation of course 
safe and easy. ‘To prevent this, I keep out an advanced 
guard every night on the extreme point in view, about two 
and a half miles below our works, properly prepared to kindle 
up a large light fire on the shipping’s heaving in sight; I 
have also on the shore, opposite the battery, for a con- 
siderable distance up and down the river, large piles of dry 
brushwood, mixed with leaves and the best combustible 
matter I can procure, with proper persons to set them on 
fire upon the signals being given from the first point; so 
that, by having them between us and those lights, we will 
be able to play upon them with great advantage, while our 
shore will be thereby darkened to them. 

The Militia from New-England, on the opposite shore, 
have lately applied to our Congress at White-Plains for 
leave toreturn home. ‘They referred the matter to a council 
of war to be held here, and yesterday General Fellows and 
other officers attended on that business. The result was, 
that ail should be dismissed but three hundred, who were to 
continue to defend the shore. I think that number sufficient. 

I am sorry to trouble your Excellency with so long a 
letter. Iam induced to give you so particular an account 
of the motions of the enemy here, that, by comparing them 
with their movements below, some judgment may, perhaps, 
be formed of their designs, while difidence of my own 
judgment in military operations leads me to inform your 
Excellency of every little step we have taken. ‘These con- 
siderations, I hope, will apologize for my being so prolix. 

I am, with the highest respect, your Excellency’s most 


obedient servant, fer UA giants 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


P. S. Since writing the above, Messrs. Livingston, Van 
Zandt, and Lawrence, arrived here to consult upon the most 
advisable way of fixing a chain across the river, and to view 
the shores. ‘The ship-carpenters at Poughkeepsie are making 
more rafts and other matters advised by the Committee of 
Congress. ‘The bearer may be trusted with your Excel- 
lency’s commands for this post. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED AT FORT MONTGOMERY, IN THE 
HIGHLANDS, JULY 23, 1776. 


The British piratical rovers up the river were then below 
Verplanck’s Point. ‘Their intentions were unknown; but 
it plainly appeared that their design in coming up was en- 
tirely frustrated. They were far from expecting we were 
so well prepared to receive them, especially at the Fort. 
They were well watched on both sides the river; and, on 
Friday \ast, one of their tenders having got aground, would 
have been destroyed by our people on shore, had it not been 
for want of boats. A continual fire of musketry was kept 
upon her till she was relieved by the assistance of the Rose 
man-of-war. 

Captain Wallace, the noted pirate, with about thirty men, 
landed at Haverstraw, where they set fire to the house 
of Captain Lilly, a noted Tory, who was the first and only 
one who received a specimen of the kind treatment they 
as well as others may expect from their newly-adopted 
friends. The British Act of Parliament makes no distinc- 
tion between such and the freemen of America. 

We have at this post one thousand men, well equipped; 
seven hundred at Fort Constetution; and several thousands 
at Peekskill, on both sides of the river. At General Clin- 
ton’s request, I came down here to assist in preparations for 
a proper reception of the enemy, should they deign to favour 
us with a visit. 


35 


d47 


Last Thursday, a prisoner escaped by swimming from on 
board the Rose man-of-war. He is a native of Boston, well 
known to many officers and men from thence, in the Train. 
Was last summer in the service. He was taken by the 
Rose, on his passage from Ipswich to the West-Indies; so 
that his information respecting those worse than freebooters 
may be relied on, viz: 

That by the conversation of the Rose’s crew, he found 
that they expected, on coming up, to be joined by five hun- 
dred Tories, who were to have driven down with them plenty 
of stock of all sorts; that they had been informed great 
quantities of provision and goods of all kinds were deposited 
in the stores at Peekskill, which they were to have destroyed, 
and then, proceeding through the Highlands to Poughkeep- 
sie, were there to destroy our men-of-war on the stocks ; 
that they appeared highly mortified in finding everything 
in a situation so different from what they had been made to 
expect; that the Rose had on board one hundred and ten 
men, (boys included,) and twenty marines; that in pass- 
ing New-York, the greatest damage they received was from 
the batteries at Paulus-Hook Ferry, and the Blue-Bell; 
that the cook and another man had each a leg, and another 
his thigh, taken off by a cannon-ball; that two twelve- 
pound shot lodged in the head of the foremast just below 
the hounds, one went through and through the quarter, 
one into the quarter gallery and cabin, and three were cut 
out just above her black streak. Her shrouds and rigging 
were much hurt. 

The Phenix’s damage he was unacquainted with, and, 
being a prisoner, it could not be expected they should inform 
him. He only heard, accidentally, that she had a twelve- 
pound shot in her bowsprit. 


CAPTAIN WYNKOOP TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, July 23, 1776. 


Dear Genera: I send you down one gondola, and I 
expect to send you one more the latter end of this week. 
The vessel and one gondola which are now on the stocks, 
I expect to have done next week, and will send them down 
also. » 

I have sent this day to the saw-mill concerning boards, 
and there were none sawed. But I am going to-morrow to 
the saw-mill myself, and I will have them sawed as quick 
as possible, and sent down to you. 

There are this day twenty-nine carpenters more arrived 
at this place. ‘There are none of General Waterbury’s men 
arrived yet; so that I find Iam too weak at present to sup- 
ply the saw-mills and carpenters with what they want to 
forward the business. 

I would be glad if the General would order those two 
small companies of my regiment now in the Fort here to 
help me. Then I think I would be able to forward the 
work in a proper manner. 

I find thirty men here of Colonel Van Dyke’s regiment. 
I would be glad if the General would please to order them 
over to Ticonderoga, where part of their regiment now lies; 
for as they are Militia, I find them to be under no command, 
and I am tired of being plagued with people of so many 
different corps as I have been already this year. 

I would be glad if the General would order some rum 
over here for the carpenters, for we have none at all; and 
among rum, I would be glad of one barrel of West-India. 

I find we want one set of blacksmith’s tools more, which 
I have sent for by express to General Schuyler, at Albany. 

I have no more; but conclude, dear General, with my 
compliments to you, and so remain your affectionate friend 


and humble servant, nce Wane non 


To Major-General Gates, at Ticonderoga. 


GENERAL GATES TO COLONEL HARTLEY. 
Tyonderoga, July 23, 1776. 
Sir: Your letter to me of the 2Ist instant, with that to 
General Arnold of the same date, are now beforeme. Mr. 
Brown was brought here by your party. I am much 
obliged to you for your address in securing him. The In- 
dian goods are received, and sent forward to General 
Schuyler. The raft, with the party under Captain Peramus, 
of Colonel Burrell’s regiment, arrived last night. If the 


« 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


048 


procuring the boards and timber is attended with all the 
labour and difficulty you mention, I think Colonel Wait had 
better desist, and return to his regiment; but he should first 
destroy the remainder of the raft, and such ship-timber as 
may be useful to the enemy. 

When the command down the Lake returns, you will be 
strengthened by their reinforcement. Mr. Hops is intended 
to be employed in the capacity you mention, where I wish 
his behaviour to be such as to merit further promotion. The 
service in the vessels will be the post of honour. Those 
who distinguish themselves therein may depend upon my 
protection. I will direct Lieutenant-Colonel Baldwin to 
send down the carpenters of your regiment as soon as pos- 
sible, to be employed at the saw-mill in the manner you 
recommend. I will consider whether it be proper and con- 
venient to send smiths to Crown-Point. If that is deter- 
mined, such as can be spared from hence shall be sent 
there. 

This will be delivered to you by Major Bigelow, of the 
Artillery, who goes by the positive command of General 
Washington, and the honourable the Convention of the 
United States of America, with a letter to General Bur- 
goyne. You may send your orders to Onton-River by him, 
and he should be directed to send back all the parties now 
upon the scout down the Lake. The commanding officers 
of those parties should have some private signals, that they 
may not attack or interrupt each other’s discoveries. They 
ought all to be called in, and desist from further progress, 
while the flag of truce is going up and down the Lake. 
As some more batteaus will go to Crown-Point to-morrow 
morning, I shall consider what I have further to say to you, 
and write by that opportunity. 

The oars for the gondolas should be forwarded with all 
expedition.. I am, sir, &c., 

Horatio Gares, Major-General. 


To Lieutenant-Colonel Hartley. 


GENERAL GATES TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER AT ALBANY. 
Tyonderoga, July 23, 1776. 
Sir: The prisoner (Brown) who is sent with this, has 
been a conductor of artillery stores, and is accused, among 
many acts of villany, of selling the publick stores of ammu- 
nitlon, &c. He is suspected, likewise, of attempting to 
escape to the enemy. He has, by some means, put the 
principal evidence in this case out of the way, so that, at 
present, it is not possible to proceed in his trial. For this 
reason, I send him to, you, with my orders to confine him in 
close jail, under care of a guard, in the city of Albany, till 
you receive orders from me to release him. 
[ am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 
Horatio Gares, Major-General. 


To the Commanding Officer at Albany. 


REUBEN FOSTER TO GENERAL SULLIVAN. . 
Newbury, Cohos, July 23, 1776. 

Str: The bearer of this, Monsieur Traversé, having come 
over to this part of the country from the parish of St. 
Francois, by a tedious journey, claiming our protection, as 
being in danger of suffering there by his attachment to the 
general cause of American liberty, and having served as 
Captain of Militia in the said parish, under commission of 
Captain Goforth, while commanding a party at Trots Ri- 
viéres, as appears by his papers; by which, and the account 
he gives of himself, we think him an honest man, and have 
shown him all: the civility in our power, at the same time 
taking the most prudent and cautious method of conveying 
him through the country to the Head-Quarters of our 
Northern Army, where he expressed his desire of going, 
having been known to Major-General Sullivan, and several 
officers of our American Army, that he might give the best 
intelligence he could. We hope for your approbation in 
our conduct; and, with our warmest wishes for the success 
of our Army under your command, remain, very respect- 
fully, sir, your most humble servants, 

Revusen Foster, 
SamvueEv Baytny, 


Chairmen of Committees of Newbury and Haverhill. 


To the Hon. Major-Gen. Sullivan, or the Commander-in- 
Chief of the Continental Army at Crown-Point. 


549 


GOVERNOUR OF RHODE-ISLAND TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Providence, July 23, 1776. 


Sir: On Sunday last, in the afternoon, Lieutenant Cal- 
cott, of the Merlin, came into Newport with a flag, and 
delivered me a letter from Lord Howe, with his declaration, 
I do myself the honour to enclose copies of them and of my 
letters to him. Mr. Calcott also left with me three letters 
from Lord Howe, 1 suppose of the same tenour with that to 
me, directed to the Commander-in-Chief of Massachusetts- 
Bay, Connecticut, and New-Hampshire, to be forwarded. 

The General Assembly have passed an act for the punish- 
ment of traitors, and have also appointed a Committee to 
procure clothing for the Continental troops in this State, I 
enclose a copy of the act approving the resolution of Con- 
gress declaring the United States independent of the British 
Crown. The Declaration was published on Saturday last, 
at Newport, with great solemnity, in presence of the whole 
General Assembly, the brigade being under arms, thirteen 
cannon fired, &c. It will be published here on Thursday, 
and in the several towns in the Colony at their next stated 
meetings. 

I am, with great truth and esteem, sir, your most obedient 
and most humble servant, 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


P. S. The carpenters are all inlisted. 
proceeds to-day, and they follow to-morrow. 


Nicus. Cooke. 


Their baggage 


East-Greenwich, Rhode-Island, July 26, 1776. 


On Tuesday last, the Kentish Guards, commanded by 
Colonel Richard Fry, appeared in their uniforms. About 
twelve o’clock they drew up on the parade before the State- 
House, when the Declaration of the General Congress, 
declaring these Colonies free and Independent States, was 
read; likewise a Resolve of the Assembly, concurring with the 
same, which was announced by a discharge of thirteen can- 
non at Fort Daniel. Next, the Guards fired thirteen vollies. 
This was followed by three huzzas from a numerous body 
of inhabitants. They then repaired to Arnold’s Hall, where, 
after partaking of a very decent collation, the following 
patriotick toasts were drunk: 

. The Thirteen United States of America. 
. The General Congress of the American States. 
. General Washington. 
. The American Army. 
. Augmentation of the American Navy. 
. In memory of those immortal Heroes who have fallen 
in the American cause. 
7. May a happy rule of Government be established in 
the State of Rhode-Island. 
8. American Manufactures. 
9, Free trade with all the world. 

10. May true patriotism warm the breast of every Ame- 
rican. 

11. May the Independency of the American States be 
firmly established, and a speedy peace take place. 

12. May Liberty expand her sacred wings, and, in 
glorious effort, diffuse her influence o’er and o’er the globe. 


Ao Wwe 


CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
July 23, 1776: 

Present, His Honour the Governour, Eliphalet Dyer, Jz. 
Huntington, Benj. Huntington, Jed. Elderkin, and Nathan- 
tel Wales, Esquires. 

Mr. Daniel Dee is appointed Second Lieutenant of the 
Company of Matrosses, under command of Captain Nathan- 
tel Saltonstall, at New-London, in the service of this Colony. 


Voted, That this Council do approve of an order drawn 
by his Honour the Governour, dated the 22d, on the Pay 
Table, for £200, in favour of Ephraim Bell. To render 
his account. 

Voted, That this Council do approve of an order drawn 
by his Honour the Governour on Colonel William Pitkin, 
to sell to Mr. James Phelps, of Spencer town, of the Colo- 
ny of Massachusetts, fifty pounds of the Gunpowder in said 
Colonel Pitkin’s hands, belonging to this Colony, at the 
price of 5s. 4d. per pound. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


550 


Voted, 'To draw an order on the Pay Table for £200 in 
favour of Josiah Elderkin, to enable him to purchase Tents 
and Clothing for the Continental Army; to be paid out of 
the money lodged by Mr. Sherman in the ‘Treasury, if 
lodged there for that purpose; otherwise, to be paid out of 
the proper Treasury of this Colony; and to render his ac- 
count. Order given 23d July, 1776, and delivered Colonel 
Elderkin. 


RICHARD DERBY, JUN., TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, 
[Read July 29, 1776.] 
Council Chamber, Watertown, July 23, 1776. 


Sir: Your favour of the 16th instant is now before us, 
and in answer thereto we have little to say in addition to 
what this Board wrote you in their letter of the 19th instant. 
Marching orders were issued some time ago to the com- 
manding officers of the regiments ordered to be raised for 
Canada and New-York, and we have now the pleasure to 
inform you that many of the men have already marched for 
their several destinations, and we expect the whole will be 
gone in a few days. 

The fifteen hundred men last ordered for the Northern 
Department are now raising with all possible expedition, 
and the necessary preparations are already made for their 
marching, so that we hope that Army will soon receive such 
reinforcements as will enable them to prevent the enemy from 
making any further advances upon us in that quarter. And 
we again assure you, that we will still continue to exert our- 
selves zealously for the publick good, hoping shortly to hear 
matters have taken another turn, and that our publick affairs 
will soon wear a more favourable aspect. 

In the name, and by order of the Council, I have the 
honour to be your most obedient servant, 

Ricuarp Dersy, Jun., President. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. 


REUBEN SWAIN TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Nantucket, 7 mo., 23d; 1776. 


Resprectep Frtenp: | have desired the bearer, Micajah 
Coffin, to wait on thee to request thy permission for liberty 
to make a request to Lord Howe for the liberation of a son 
of mine and two sons-in-law, that were taken about five weeks 
ago on their return from a long and tedious whale-voyage 
on the coast of Brazil. One of my sons-in-law and my 
son were in the brig Speedwell Pembroke, Obed Bunker 
master, and now supposed detained on board the Greyhound, 
ship-of-war, Captain Dexon. ‘The consideration and anxious 
concern that must attend parents and near relations, who 
have their children and near connexions placed in such dis- 
agreeable situations, [ hope will induce thee to suffer some 
mode of application for their relief; which shall be accepted 
with gratitude, as a favour done to thy respectful and assured 
friend, 

Revgen Swain. 


To George Washington, Esq., General and Commander-in- 
Chief of the Continental Army in America. 


BENJAMIN BARNARD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 


Nantucket, 7 mo., 22, 1776. 


Respecrep F'rrenp: I have desired the bearer, Micajah 
Coffin, to wait on thee to request thy permission for liberty 
to make a request to Lord Howe for the liberation of a son 
and brother of mine, who were taken on board the brigantine 
Mercury, (on their return from a Jong and_ tedious whale- 
voyage on the coast of Brazil,) George Bunker master, 
about four weeks ago, and are detained on board the Cer- 
berus frigate, Captain Symons. 'The consideration of the 
anxious concern that must attend parents and near relations 
who have their children and near connexions placed in such 
disagreeable situations, I hope will induce thee to suffer 
some mode of application for their relief; which shall be 
accepted with gratitude, as a favour done to thy respectful 
and assured friend, 

Bensamin Barnarp. 


To George Washington, Esq., General and Commander-in- 
Chief of the Continental Army in America. 
* . 


ool 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
In Council, July 23, 1776. 

Whereas Edward Mitchell, Theophilus Cushing, and 
William Drew, Esqs., were appointed a Committee to pro- 
vide fifteen hundred Canteens, and two hundred and fifty 
Camp-Kettles, and Camp Equipage, for the last fifteen hun- 
dred men to be raised agreeable to a late Resolve of the 
Continental Congress, and were directed by a Resolve of 
the General Court, of the 12th of this instant, to send them 
forward to the several places and in like proportions with 
those by a Resolve of the said Court ordered for the other 
forces destined to the same place, which, if complied with, 
will be very inconvenient, and retard the business: ‘There- 
fore, 

Resolved, That the said Committee be, and they hereby 
are, directed to provide and send forward the aforesaid arti- 
cles forthwith to Charlestown, in the Government of New- 
Hampshire, to the care of Samuel Hunt and Church, 
Esqs., or either of them, by them to be delivered, one-half 
to Colonel Samuel Brewer, or his order, and the other half 
to Colonel Aaron Willard, or his order, for the use of their 
regiments; and this order to be printed in the several News- 
papers in this State without delay. 

A true copy. 


Attest: Joun Avery, Dep. Sec. 


PETITION OF THE COMMITTEE OF BROOKFIELD. 


To the Honourable the Council of the Massacuusetts-Bay, 
im New-EnGuanp: 


Most humbly shew, the subscribers, the major part of the 
Committee of Inspection for the Town of Brookfield, that 
the inhabitants of this town have always been ready, and 
have freely exerted themselves in the common cause of 
America; that they have near one-third their men in the 
service at New-York and in the Northern Department, in- 
cluding their proportion of what are now to march for Bos- 
ton; that it is a large and ancient town, and suffered, per- 
haps, as much as any town in this State by former wars; 
that there is but one Field-Officer now belonging to the 
same in the publick service; that Captain King, a gentleman 
of reputation among us, would be glad of an appointment as 
Field-Officer at Boston station, if it would be agreeable to 
the honourable Board. 

Wherefore, we earnestly recommend him to your Honours, 
and pray that he may be appointed accordingly, and your 
petitioners will pray, &c. 

Tos. Moor, Davin Hircucock, 

Joun Warre, Japez Crossy, 

Tuxtxiy Rice, Joun Hamitton. 
Brookfield, July 23, 1776. 


I, the subscriber, who have the honour to command the 
Fourth Regiment, in the County of Worcester, do also join 
in the prayer of the foregoing Petition. 

James ConveERSsE. 

Brookfield, July 23, 1776. 


JOSEPH CUSHING TO JOHN TAYLOR. 

Hanover, July 23, 1776. 

Honovurep Sir: I have lately received the orders of 
Council for mustering the Militia and raising men to supply 
the places of the Continental regiment ordered to New- York 
and Canada. We have, through difficulty, raised our men 
for New- York, and some for Canada. I hope by the mid- 
dle of next week to complete the number required. I have 
not given out orders, as yet, for mustering the Militia and 
raising the men to supply the places of the Continental 
regiment, lest it might totally defeat getting the men for 
the Canada department, thinking it best to see the orders 
for men to reinforce the Army for Canada first complied 
with and executed. I imagine we shall soon get the men 
to supply the places of the Continental troops. 

I am informed the Field-Officers are not appointed for the 
Militia regiments that are to supply the places of the Conti- 
nental regiment. Would, therefore, beg leave to recommend 
my friend, Jeremiah Hall, who now is a Lieutenant-Colonel of 
the Second Regiment of Militia, in the County of Plymouth, 
as a suitable man for a Colonel of one of these regiments, as 
he now is an officer in the Militia, and has been out several 
campaigns heretofore, and known to be firmly attached to 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


552 


the cause of his country, and known by the people of this 
quarter. I should take it as a favour if you would use your 
influence with the members of the honourable Board for his 
appointment; and I am, with respect, your friend and ser- 
vant, Jos. Cusine. 


To the Hon. John Taylor, Esq., at Watertown. 
P. S. I purpose to be inoculated, if the weather is cooler. 


I hope my non-attendance will be excused on account of 
small-pox. Great danger is apprehended in the natural way. 


MAJOR HAWLEY TO COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Northampton, July 23, 1776. 


May ir Prease your Honours: The Councils favour 
of the 15th instant, I received by Mr. Cranson, enclosing 
an order to Brigadier Fellows, directing him to march his 
brigade by the way of No. 4 to Lake Champlain; which 
order I make bold to enclose and remit, concluding, (as the 
lawyers say,) wmprovide emanavit. -1 judge so, because I 
know that Mr. fedlows’s brigade was oriyvinally destined to 
New-York ; and although his command might be since 
varied, yet I find it expressed in the same letter, which en- 
closed the said order, that Brigadier Briskett commands the 
reinforcement destined to Crown-Point; which Mr. Cran- 
son also confirms by word of mouth. 

Your Honours have been pleased to send me orders for 
inlisting Hampshire’s quota of fifteen hundred further re- 
cruits; but as your Honours have not been pleased to send 
any money to me, or to any other of the Committee for that 
purpose, we are at some loss how to proceed without further 
instructions. 

The levies for the Hampshire battalion, in the northern part 
of the County, have succeeded beyond expectation. ‘Two 
companies proposed to march this day, and another com- 
pany of ninety-eight men, effective and well equipped, are to 
march on the morrow. I believe several of the companies 
from this County, without any express license from the Com- 
mittee, will presume to march by Bennington, and not by No. 
4, because they are informed by Mr. Farnsworth, that he is 
scarce able to provide rations at No. 4 for the troops of this 
Government, exclusive of Hampshire County men, and that 
he has great plenty of stores at Bennington. I saw the 
orders of the General Court to the Captains, but say nothing 
to divert them from their purpose; for I believe there is no 
provision to pay the men their mileage at No. 4, and very 
scanty provision for their rations. I fear there will be great 
complaints in that quarter. Besides, there is a great plenty 
of small-pox there at No. 4, and none the other way, and 
all the accounts now are that the Bennington route is much 
the most feasible. ‘The men will run the risk of going with 
but little ammunition, rather than run the risk of the small- 
pox and submit to the other inconveniences there is a pros- 
pect of in the No. 4 route. ‘The Field-Officers of this bat- 
talion being in the small-pox, the whole business is devolved 
on the Committee. 

I am your Honours’ respectful, and most obedient servant, 

JosepH Haw.ey. 
To the Honourable Council. 
Salem, July 23, 1776. 

Friday last arrived here Captain F%sk, in the privateer 
sloop called the T'yrannicide, in the service of this State, 
mounting fourteen carriage-guns and two swivels, having 
been out about twelve days on a cruise. He, on the 12th 
instant, in latitude 40° 23! fell in with the armed schooner 
Despatch, one Gutteridge commander, mounting eight car- 
riage-guns and ten swivels, having thirty-two men, in the 
service of the King of England; when a warm, obstinate, 
and well-disputed engagement ensued, and which lasted 
upwards of an hour, when the schooner struck to Captain 
Fisk, which he safely brought in with him, having in the 
engagement lost her Captain and one man killed, the Master 
and four of her sailors wounded, and a Midshipman, who 
was passenger on board, bound in this schooner to New- 
York. Captain Fisk had one man killed and three wound- 
ed, one of whom is since dead of his wounds, the other two 
likely to recover. ‘The six wounded men belonging to the 
schooner are likely to recover. ‘The schooner has on board, 
besides her guns and provisions, seventeen half-barrels of 
powder. 


553 


Sunday last was sent in here by Captain Lander, in a 
letter-of-marque schooner belonging to this place, a sloop 
from the West-Indies, bound to Halifax, laden with salt. 
She has on board some brass blunderbusses and a quantity 
of English goods ; was taken abouta fortnight ago. About the 
same time was taken, by the above letter-of-marque, a ship 
from Jamaica, bound to London, laden with three hundred 
and ninety-three hogsheads of sugar, one hundred and forty- 
four hogsheads of rum, twenty-four pipes of wine, twenty-six 
pieces of cannon, from nine to four-pounders, and fifteen 
tortoise. This ship is thought to be worth between twenty 
and thirty thousand pounds sterling. She is not yet arrived 
here. . 

Last Sunday a store-ship from Ireland, being one of those 
which were blown off our coast last fall, bound to Boston, 
not having heard that the Ministerial fleet and army had left 
it, ran close in with the Islands in the harbour, and imme- 
diately came to anchor, when the first salute she received to 
welcome her was from an American battery erected at Point 
Alderton; when, after receiving a few shot therefrom, she 
struck. 


FLAG FOR CAPT. ROACH TO CARRY MRs. LIVIUS TO QUEBECK. 


Colony of New-Hampshire, in Committee of Safety, 
July 23, 1776. 


Captain Henry Deaborn, who was of Colonel Arnold’s 
detachment, and made prisoner at the attack upon Quebeck 
on the 3lst of December last, having had liberty to come 
home on his parole, and represented to this Committee that 
the Honourable Peter Livius, Esq., at Quebeck, treated him 
and other prisoners with great humanity, and that said Mr. 
Livius was desirous that his lady and children, now at Ports- 
mouth, in this Colony, might be permitted to come to him 
at Quebeck, it is therefore determined by the Committee 
that the schooner Polly, Thomas Roach master, with James 
Stoodley, John March, and John Bowman, mariners, have 
liberty to depart from the port of Piscataqua for Quebeck, 
with provisions sufficient for the voyage, for the sole purpose 
of conveying Mrs. Livius and her children there, not doubt- 
ing but liberty will be granted for said schooner and men 
to return to this Colony as soon as may be. In witness 
whereof, we have affixed the seal of the Colony, the day 
and year above mentioned. 

By order of the Committee: 

M. Txornton, Chairman pro tem. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO L. BARRETT. 
{No. 71.] Annapolis, July 23, 1776. 
Str: We have, in consequence of yours of the 15th inst., 
sent to Fredericktown eight hundred and six pounds of Jead, 
and have desired the Committee of the Middle District to 
forward it to you. We are, &c. 


To Mr. Lemuel Barrett, Chairman of Skipton District, 
Frederick County. 


THOMAS SMYTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Chestertown, July 24, 1776. 
Sre: Your favour of the 22d instant to the Committee of 
Observation for this County, was this morning delivered to 
Mr. Ringgold and myself, and we immediately ordered all 
the powder and sailcloth in the care of the Committee on 
board Captain Barry, for which, enclosed, you will receive 
his receipt. The second escort of wagons is expected at town 
to-night, by which time I hope the schooner Resolution will 
appear, that the powder, &c., may be delivered to me out 
of the wagons. ‘The money sent to me by my son for the 
payment of the wagonage of the powder and other contin- 
gent charges, did not reach me until after the arrival of the 
wagons that brought the first load from Chingoteague; they 
have since been paid off. 
I am, with much respect, sir, your most humble servant, 
Tuos. Smyru. 
To the Honourable Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, President 
of the Council of Safety. 


JOSIAS BEALL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 
Piscataway, July 24, 1776. 
Dear Sir: I received your favour by last post. You 
have no doubt an account of our situation, from the proceed- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


554 


ings of the enemy up Potomack. I took the liberty last 
week to mention the want of more powder at Piscataway, 
&c. As you said nothing on the subject in your letter, 
permit me to mention the matter again, as there is uneasi- 
ness, from the apprehensions of the people on account of 
the small quantity we have. I hope your honourable Board 
will consider the matter, and order for the best. I have the 
satisfaction to say our people have shown a manly disposi- 
tion. On Monday last, when (from the alarm-guns from the 
Virginia vessels, fired in their way up to Alewandria) the 
enemy were expected every hour up, they marched to the 
shore with great firmness. I was with them all the day, 
and, from their behaviour, make no doubt they would have 
behaved well had the enemy appeared and tried them. I 
much wish they were provided better, if it can be done. 
Lam this morning so unwell with the cholic, that sitting to 
write is uneasy, and prevents adding further than that I am, 
with esteem for your honourable Board, dear sir, your most 


obedient servant, Jostas Breau 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq. 


GENERAL DENT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Charles County, July 24, 1776. 

GentLemen: On the evening of my return home from 
the camp at St. George’s, yours of the 22d instant.came to 
hand, wherein you say you don’t doubt of my doing every- 
thing necessary to repel the invaders, and likewise, that you 
have ordered Major Price, with three field-pieces and one 
nine-pounder, &c. ‘These, you say, will enable the Major 
and myself to speak more properly with the row-galley 
than I hitherto could do. You likewise request I will (as I 
hitherto have done) continue to watch their motions, and 
from time to time inform you thereof, with several other 
requests equally irreconcilable to me, after having, by a short 
order, given me nothing todo. I have the highest opinion 
of the Major’s abilities and attachment to the cause, and 
doubt not he is equal to the task; all that I request is to be 
informed whether you have any reason (from the disposition 
of the troops while under my command) to believe that I 
was wanting, either in military knowledge, assiduity, or per- 
sonal courage; for the first of which, | would beg leave to 
refer you to Major Price, and for the two latter, to the 
officers of the several corps while under the command of 


your most obedient servant, Jno. Dent 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


B. GRAVES TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 24, 1776. 
GENTLEMEN: Some time ago I tendered you an account 
of some repairs done to gun-locks, in consequence of instruc- 
tions from Brigadier-General Chamberlaine. I did not 
exceed my orders in any one thing, to my, knowledge, par- 
ticularly with respect to the circumstances of the persons 
for whom the repairs were done. 
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
B. Graves. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


ROBERT L. NICOLS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Talbot County, July 24, 1776. 
GentLemen: Captain Veazey’s demand upon me, due 
from the commencement of his company, renders me under 
the necessity of begging a small order on our ‘Treasurer for 
payment of the lower troops. About four hundred pounds 
will be sufficient. As the time draws near for payment, 
you will please to forward it. 
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
Ros. Luoyp Nicots. 


To the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


J. CONTEE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
July 24, 1776. 
Gentriemen: At the request of the Committee of Obser- 
vation for Prince George’s County, I am to acquaint you, 
as Chairman appointed for this day, that there is but little 


555 


probability at present of borrowing or purchasing any guns, 
well fixed, in this County, at the price of £4 10s., or of 
collecting any blankets; but if any such should hereafter be 
got, the Committee will send them to the Council as soon as 
they may be obtained. Also, I am to inform you, that the 
collectors appointed some time past to receive fire-arms from 
Non-Associates have not as yet made any return thereof. 


I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
J. ConrTeEE. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety, Annapolis. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GOVERNOUR RUTLEDGE, 
Philadelphia, July 24, 1776. 


Sir: The Congress being of opinion that the service of 
the United States will be promoted by taking into pay a 
number of troops in the State of South-Carolina, who are 
to act either as Infantry or Lighthorse, as occasion may 
require, have come to the enclosed resolves, which I do my- 
self the honour of transmitting in obedience to their com- 
mands. In consideration that these troops will go through 
more than ordinary duty, and be put to greater expense than 
others, the Congress have augmented their pay in propor- 
tion. I bave delivered blank commissions to the Delegates 
of your State. 

With most hearty and sincere wishes for your health and 
happiness, and the prosperity of the State over which you 
preside, I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your 
most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To Governour Rutledge, of South- Carolina. 


{Same to the Convention of Georgia.] 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 24, 1776. 

Sir: I do myself the honour to enclose sundry resolves, 
to which I must entreat your attention. ‘The Congress, you 
will there find, reposing the most entire confidence in your 
judgment, have left the disposition of the troops at New- 
York, the Flying-Camp, and Ticonderoga, wholly with you, 
being fully assured you will make such an arrangement as 
in your opinion will conduce most to the publick good. 

‘The Commissioners appointed to audit the accounts of the 
Army in the York department have been with me. They 
are preparing to set out as soon as possible, and I expect will 
be at New- York in a few days. 

You will observe that the Congress have empowered the 
Commander-in-Chief in each department to negotiate an 
exchange of prisoners, which you will please to conduct 
agreeably to the enclosed system. 

I have written to General Schuyler, and forwarded a copy 
of the enclosed resol ves. 

I have the honour to be, with the highest esteem and 
respect, sir, yourmost obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Philadelphia, July 24, 1776. 

Sir: The enclosed resolves, which I do myself the honour 
of transmitting, are so explicit that 1 need only refer your 
attention to them. ‘he Congress are extremely concerned 
to find there should be a necessity of recommending harmony 
to the officers and troops of different States under your com- 
mand. At a time like this, when the greatest confidence is 
so essentially required, nothing can show greater weakness 
or wickedness than to throw provincial reflections on one 
another, which must have a direct tendencyto impede the 
publick service, and to weaken the union of the American 
States. Iam, therefore, to request that you will discounte- 
nance and suppress, by every means in your power, such 
ungenerous and base practices, and promote discipline, order, 
and zeal, in the Army, as much as possible. 

The Commissioners appointed to audit the accounts of 
the Army in the Northern Department have been with me. 
They are preparing to set out immediately, and I expect 
will be in New-York in a few days. 

The Congress having empowered the Commander-in- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


556 


Chief in each department to negotiate an exchange of pri- 
soners, you will please to conduct the business agreeably to 
the enclosed system. 

In consequence of a flag from Lord Howe, with a letter 
directed “'l'o George Washington, Esq.,” which he declined 
receiving,’as an improper direction, considering his rank and 
station, the Congress came to a resolution, not only express- 
ing their approbation of his conduct, but ordering for the 
future that no Commander-in-Chief, or other the command- 
ers of the American Army, should receive any letters from 
the enemy but such as are directed to them in the characters 
they sustain. 

You will please to inquire into the complaints of the sol- 
diers as soon as possible, and give strict orders that the goods 
furnished them shall not be charged at a higher price than 
the first cost of them, and an allowance of five per cent. for 
charges, 

I have the honour to be, with every sentiment of esteem 
and respect, sir, your most obedient and very humble ser- 
TaDly Joun Hancock, President. 


To General Schuyler, Albany, or elsewhere. 


THOMAS STONE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Philadelphia, July 24, 1776. 


Gentiemen: I send you herewith forty barrels of pow- 
der and fifty-four boxes of arms, the arrival of which I 
informed you by the post. I have agreed with the wagoners 
for 30s. per day, each, going and returning. ‘They are to 
travel twenty miles per day going and twenty-five returning. 
This seems to be the usual practice, though [ think it very 
exorbitant. I have paid them £12 each, and have informed 
them they will receive the balance from you upon delivery 
of their charges, or if it be more agreeable to you, they may 
be paid here on your certificate. 1 have paid £15 2s. for 
cartage from Egg-Harbour, and shall settle the freight 
to-morrow, which, according to agreement with Harrison 
& Vanbibber, is ten per cent. on the gross sales here; and 
powder which came with ours has sold by the quantity for 
£25 per hundred weight, which, [ suppose, will ascertain the 
rule for the freight. ‘The guns came loose, and are hurt by 
it; I had them put into boxes, to prevent their being further 
damaged. Two are left out to guard the powder. Others, 
&c., will be delivered you. I have thought it advisable to 
send two men to guard the powder and arms, at 5s. per day 
each. My brother Delegates think this mode of conveying 
these very necessary articles to you right, and I hope it will 
also meet with your approbation. 

Nothing since ours by the post. 
from this day. ? 

I am, with great respect, gentlemen, your most obedient 
servant, T. Srone. 


To the Hon. Council of Safety of Maryland, at Annapolis. 


The wagons to be paid 


JOHN COVENHOVEN TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
In Convention of the State of New-Jersey, } 
Brunswick, July 24, 1776.  § 
Sir: In answer to your letter of the 21st instant, we can 
inform you that a considerable number of the levies required 
from this State by Congress are now on their march to New- 
York. We have written to General Heard to make return 
as soon as possible of the deficiencies in each County, and 
you may rest assured we shall use our utmost efforts, at this 
critical period, to complete the brigade ordered for the rein- 
forcement of the Army at New-York, and also to afford you 
all such other assistance as the weal of the United States 
shall require and the condition of this State admit of. 
We are, sir, with great respect, your obedient humble 
servants, 
By order of Convention: 
Joun Covennoven, Vice-President. 


To His Excellency General Washington, New-York. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Perth-Amboy, July 24, 1776. 
Sin: Enclosed is a return of the troops in this Colony. 
Two battalions joined yesterday. We are told of numbers 
being on the way from Philadelphia. In a few days the 


d57 


harvest will be secured, when General Livingston will have 
it in his power to call in a considerable body of Militia to 
take post along the Jersey shore. And these troops may be 
employed on such other service as you judge proper. 

Proper persons are employed to examine and secure all 
the craft, of which I shall transmit a return as soon as pos- 
sible. 

The returns of the troops are not so accurate as I could 
wish; the number of rank and file may, however, be sup- 
posed tolerably exact, making some allowance for the sick, 
of which I have been able to procure distinct lists. Of the 
troops who joined yesterday (the fourth battalion,) twenty of 
the men had no muskets. ‘hey were furnished with pikes 
about twelve feet long. 

The enemy have reinforced their guards on this part of the 
Island. Three battalions appeared on the point opposite 
this place yesterday morning, with four pieces of field-artil- 
lery. Probably this arises from their perceiving our force 
daily increasing here. + 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Hucu Mercer. 
To His Excellency General Washington. 


A General Return of the Pennsytvanta Forces in New- 
Jersey, Perru-Ampoy, July 24, 1776, under the Com- 
mand of Brigadier-General Mercer. 


OFFICERS PRESENT. 


Commission. Slaff. 
3 S| jf Elm] = 
REGIMENTS, = 5 : 2 S| 2 a fx 
ats| jal slelZiZlele@iZle! z 
sO \els| 8 |2a|s/8/5/S| Slal-s 
S/S/SE) stale ais|ele |S) 2 
el2lZlel2 isle SiSiSi5| 51/2] & 
OAIZOlA FO <Claala lal = 
Col. Miles—first bat- Tole Gleks| reel = Senet OIE 409 
talion Riflemen.... 
Col’nel Miles—second r ele 
battalion Riflemen . A tal et Wal ei chy eee 
Col. Atlee’s idionee 1 let 8 Alay sabes pa il fe 1 1] 15] 15 399 
Musketry. ni. sec 
First battalion Phila- LUT GR th io bd fam el 240121, 360 
delphia Associators 
Secend battal’n Phila- 1/1/1! 7 1614/1) 1/1/1/1] 29/14 339 
delphia Associators 
Third battalion Phila- TACO ViaLONT ek ae oR Te 305 
delphia Associators 
Fourth battal n Phila- 1 dial i TGIESH St TT aes 98 a 280 
delphia Associators 
Fifth battalion aah cs {hea bala 4 [3 lPeniear cteaits iil ¥é 94 
delphia Associators 
Col. Montgomery— Sells Is [828i 
Chester battalion. . : Se eee Mey sek bees bas vie 
TOPE ance sse soda l | Ol 94024 oT 2 16 41313 202, 93 3,528 
Artillery from New-Jersey—two companies, six pieces can- 120 
NON—Privates ......0 eee Setelon ster vetecte Cacao o me Gio ce Ps 
Artillery from Philadelphia—one company, two pieces can- 50 
non—privates......-- sea gieieie os wai ghaiste, o sialel ee « Bb ococosoe 
ANGIE 6s diene bo ao Ubou nt Cab COR C EC OC SOC ORE ULES LU De 3,698 
One Brigadier-General—the Hon. Danigt Roperpeau, Esq. 
WHERE STATIONED. 
At Newark ferries—two companies, rank and file...........00- By) 
At Newark—artillery, two pieces—Matrosses..........220---. 20 
At Elizabeth-Town and posts adjoining—rank and file.......... 500 
At Elizabeth-Town—artilery, two pieces—Matrosses.......... 20 
At Woodbridge and posts adjoining—rank and file............. 500 
At Woodbridge—artillery, 2 pieces—Matrosses........000e000: 20 
At Amboy and posts adjoining—rank and file............ Fe me 6 ley400 
At Amboy—artillery, four pieces—Matrosses............ Helelets« 110 
| 3,698 


Hueu Mercer, Brigadier-General. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
New-York, July 24, 1776. 

Sir: [ have been honoured with your favour of the 20th 
instant, with its several enclosures. | observe the sentiments 
of your honourable body on the impracticability of removing 
the stock from Nassau-Island, and the measures they have 
adopted for securing them there and protecting the inhabi- 
tants, and sincerely wish they may prove adequate. 

I have long since and frequently requested the Commissary 
to purchase all the fatted cattle and sheep from the Island 
that he possibly could, in preference to any other. He informs 
me that he has had many from thence, and that he now has 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


558 


persons employed in different parts for that purpose. The 
expediency of the measure strikes me so forcibly, that you 
may depend every means in my power will be directed to 
ts execution. 

Agreeably to your request, [ shall continue Colonel Liv- 
ingston at his present post, for the protection of the inhabi- 
tants against the insults of the enemy’s cruisers, unless 
something should happen to make his removal necessary. 

When the several regiments are raised, and I am certified 
thereof, and of the places of rendezvous, I will direct the 
Mustermaster-General to attend and complete the musters. 

Governour Trumbull having informed me by letter, yes- 
terday, that since the arrival of the fleet at the Hook, many 
of the enemy’s frigates and ships have been stationed between 
Montauk-Point and Block-Island to intercept the trade from 
the Sound, and in which they had been but too successful in 
taking several provision vessels, and of the impossibility that 
any should escape falling into their hands, he had ordered 
the armed vessels in the service of Connecticut to stop and 
detain all vessels going down the Sound with provisions, till 
the Continental Congress, or the Conventions of the States 
to which they belong, could be apprized of the hazards 
attending their proceeding in their voyage, and give orders 
thereon. I beg leave to recommend the matter to the con- 
sideration of your honourable body, and submit it to them 
whether it may not be expedient to lay a general embargo 
or prohibition upon all exports of this kind from your State, 
except such as Congress or yourselves may order. 

The propriety of keeping the enemy from supplies of this 
sort, and providing a sufficiency for our Army, is so evident 
that words are unnecessary upon the subject. However, I 
cannot but observe, as my opinion, that the former will be 
impossible to.effect, unless some general restraining regula- 
tion iscomeinto. No care, nor industry, nor honesty, on the 
part of exporters, will be able to elude the vigilance and 
activity of their almost innumerable cruisers. But when it 
is considered, that as long as a free export of any articles of 
this nature is tolerated, disaffected persons may easily fall 
into their hands with impunity, nor any means be left us to 
ascertain their guilt; when there is strong reason to believe 
that some have designedly done so, and almost incontestable 
proof, from sundry depositions of deserters and others, that a 
ship that went from hence sailed with no other view, and 
joined the enemy at the Hook,— incline to think the measure 
not only advisable, but necessary; especially as the large 
consumption of provisions by our Army affords, and will 
afford, a ready cash market for all that individuals may have 
to dispose of, and take away every objection of injury on that 
head. Were it otherwise, private advantages and emoluments 
must always give place to the publick good, when they are 
incompatible. 

The last deserters from the enemy inform us, since they 
have heard of our forming a camp at Amboy, they have 
talked much of turning their views to Long-Island, and 
regaling themselves with large supplies of provisions they 
intend to get from thence. ‘This is an additional circum- 
stance to induce the Commissary to purchase the cattle there 
before any other. 

{ have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your 
most obedient servant, Go. WasHINGTON. 


To the Hon. Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq., President, &c. 


P.S. When the ships of war, &c., ran up the river, I 
wrote to Governours Trumbull and Cooke for some of their 
row-galleys, supposing they might be of service in attempt- 
ing something against the ships. [I expect three or four every 
hour, besides the one I have. If the Secret Committee are 
forming any plan against the ships, in which they may think 
they may be usefully employed, and will let me know, I 
shall be glad to codperate with them, and furnish every 
assistance the galleys can give, if not otherwise materially 
engaged. 

I am just now informed that the ship mentioned above to 
have gone to the enemy, was fitted out by the Congress, 
under the command of a Captain Hilton, who has acted this 
base part. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-York, July 24, 1776. 
Str: I was honoured yesterday with your favour of the 
17th instant, and return you my thanks for your kind atten- 


559 


tion to, and compliance with, my request for the row-galleys. 
They are not yet arrived, that I know of. 

I wrote Congress by the return express that brought 
yours, respecting Colonel Ward’s regiment, and as the post 
comes in every day, it is probable I shall soon have their 
answer. ‘The result I will transmit you by the first oppor- 
tunity, and would recommend that the regiment be put under 
marching orders, that they may proceed without loss of time 
whatever way Congress shall direct. 

The orders you have given to your armed cruisers for 
stopping provision vessels, appear to me extremely neces- 
sary. Ihave mentioned the matter to Congress, and shall 
warmly recommend it to the consideration of the Conven- 
tion of this State. If it should be attended with inconve- 
nience to individuals, yet necessity and publick utility ought 
to be first considered, and outweigh everything else: but it 
cannot; there is nothing but what they can readily dispose of 
for the use of the Army and for ready cash; so that every 
ground of objection must be nugatory. I am, &c. 

Go. WasHINGTON. 
To Governour Trumbull. 


New-York, Wednesday, July 24, 1776. 


The men-of-war that lately went up the North-River, lie 
in Haverstraw-Bay. Their tenders cruise about, and last 
Saturday one of them went near the Fort; upon which our 
people fired a thirty-two pounder at her, which went through 
her quarter, when she tacked about and stood down the 
river. Some time after, they landed a party of their men at 
Peekskill, set fire to a wheat field, and burnt the house of 
Mr. John Lilly. A number of the Militia were soon col- 
lected, who attacked and killed seven of them, without any 
loss on our side. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, July 24, 1776. 
Sir: Colonel Hand reports nothing new; everything re- 
mains in much the same situation as they were yesterday. 
I am, your most obedient, humble servant, 
; N. GREENE. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
German-Flats, July 24, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Your Excellency’s favour of the 17th instant 
was last night delivered me by Mr. Bennet. 

If I had with me the remonstrance of the Field-Officers 
against quitting Crown-Poznt, I should attempt to point out 
the insufficiency of each of the several reasons they give 
against the removal of the Army to Ticonderoga, and which 
would at the same time show on what I founded my opinion 
of the propriety of the measure; but as the paper was left 
at Albany, I shall cursorily enter into some observations. 
The little time I have for reflecting on the subject, the con- 
stant interruptions from the Jndians, indisposition of body, 
and my inability to convey my ideas with that perspicuity 
the subject merits, I hope will plead for the inaccuracies 
which you will discover. 

Crown- Point is a peninsula which projects from the west 
side of Lake Champlain, and runs down and almost parallel 
to both sides of it. The east side of the peninsula is bounded 
by the waters of that part of the Lake which flow from 
Skenesborough and Lake George, passing by Ticonderoga 
in their way; and the northeast corner of the peninsula is 
distant from the east shore of Lake Champlain about half a 
mile, or something better, but under three-quarters of a mile. 
The northwest corner of it is nearly, if not quite, two miles 
distant from the western shore of the Lake. If the enemy 
should have a naval superiority, our armed vessels must 
retire to the southward of Crown-Point, between that and 
Ticonderoga, or take shelter under any fortifications we 
might have there. In either case the enemy may go along 
the western shore, land in the bay that forms the peninsula, 
and attack any force that may be at Crown-Point from the 
rear, or they may land on the east side of the Lake, belbw 
Crown-Point; and as the country is flat, and in some parts 
improved, they may possess themselves of the east shore, 
between Crown-Point and Ticonderoga, without any great 
difficulty, however strong any fortification on the east side, 
opposite to Crown-Point, might be; and hence all supplies 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


560 


must be cut off, unless our force at Crown-Point should 
embark in batteaus, and be sufficiently strong to land and 
repulse them. And there is little prospect that such an 
attempt would succeed, considering how infinitely> better 
they are provided than we, and what advantages they would 
receive from the works they might throw up. 

Besides the last considerations, permit me to subjoin, that 
such is the nature of the ground at Crown-Point, (the Point 
faces to the north, fronts the Lake, and is indented with 
small bays, and about one mile broad on a straight line from 
the northeastern to the northwestern point,) that the fort 
which General Amherst erected there was so exposed, from 
the grounds about it, that it required three or four strong 
redoubts to cover it—redoubts that were in themselves very 
considerable fortifications, and built at much expense on 
account of the scarcity of earth, insomuch so, that all the 
fortifications ten thousand men could make in the course of 
the campaign, would be far from formidable. 

At Ticonderoga ug, Not exposed to these dangers or 
difficulties. ‘The Lake between the fort and the intended 
‘encampment on the east side of it, does not exceed half a 
mile in breadth. Let us now suppose that the enemy are 
capable of forcing our armed vessels to seek shelter at Ticon- 
deroga: nothing then is to obstruct their coming to that 
place. Being come, let us suppose that they would land 
on the east side of the Lake: the intended camp is defended 
on the north by a large creek and sunken country, which 
effectually prevents any approaches from that quarter; they 
must therefore take a tour of several miles to head the 
sunken country, before they can get into our rear. If they 
do, are our supplies cut off? No; for we have the commu- 
nication by Lake George open. Can they drive us out of 
the strong camp on the east side? I think not. I think it 
impossible for twenty thousand men to do it, ever so well 
provided, if the camp consists of less than even a quarter of 
that number, indifferently furnished, such is the natural 
strength of the ground. But let us suppose that the enemy 
should land on the west side and attempt to drive us thence: 
here we fight on an equal footing, (except what advantages 
our lines and fortifications may give us,) and we can oppose 
nine-tenths of our Army to them; for they cannot prevent 
the junction of our troops either way, whenever they please 
to join. Let us suppose the worst: they drive us from the 
ground; we lose our cannon; but they cannot prevent such 
as do not fall in the engagement, from retiring to the strong 
camp. A bare inspection of a good map, if I had one to 
send your Excellency, would, I hope, convince you of the 
weight of these observations. 

But if we are obliged to retreat from Ticonderoga, will 
not their vessels pass our strong camp and get between that 
and Skenesborough? I think it impossible for them to pass. 
The passage is narrow; the channel more so; our vessels 
lying in line of battle on the south side of the camp; theirs 
obliged to come up by two at a time at most, exposed to 
our cannon in getting there, and when there, at once attacked 
by our vessels and our batteries within point-blank shot. 

But if the enemy have possession of Ticonderoga, will 
they not cut off our supplies? Yes, effectually, any sup- 
plies attempted to be sent by the way of Lake George, but 
not those sent by the way of Skenesborough, or through the 
towns lying in this Colony on the east side of Lake Cham- 
plain, between the camp and New-Hampshire, and the 
northern parts of the Massachusetts. 

But cannot the enemy, when in possession of Ticonde- 
roga, penetrate into this Colony by the way of Lake George, 
and leave our Army in the strong camp? Yes, provided 
they take their boats, provisions, &c., out of Lake Cham- 
plain, on the north side of Tvconderoga, and convey them 
by land into Lake George—the distance between three and 
four miles; but as they cannot do this without our know- 
ledge, we can move any part of our Army by the way of 
Skenesborough to Fert George, before they can reach it; 
but as we have no naval force on that Lake, nor any strong 
fortifications, and if they are superior, and our Army not 
reinforced by Militia, (which I should hope would not be the 
case,) we can retire from thence to some place in the vicinity 
of Fort Edward, and bring away all the carriages from the 
few inhabitants that live there; and I conceive that they 
would find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to move 
only such of their boats and necessaries as they caynot dis- 
pense with, over a fifteen-mile land-carriage, even if they 


561 


should be able to bring a considerable number of carriages 
from Canada, for it will take one hundred carriages, each 
carrying four barrels of pork or flour, (and they can bring 
no carriages that will convey more,) to transport one day’s 
provision for ten thousand men, and the carriages can only 
complete a trip m two days. 

Upon the whole, I do not only think Ticonderoga infinitely 
preferable to Crown-Point for a stand to be made, but so 
happily situated for us, that I have very little apprehension 
of General Burgoyne’s being able to succeed in that quarter, 
unless there should be too great a disparity of numbers in 
his favour. 

I had almost forgotten to observe that your Excellency, 
from the information you have had, seems to entertain an idea 
that the situation of Crown-Point ‘is of the utmost impor- 
tance, especially if we mean to keep the superiority and 
mastery of the Lake ;” and that “if itis abandoned by us, it 
is natural to suppose the enemy will possess it; and if they 
do that, then our vessels will be in their rear, and it will not 
be in our power to bring them to T%conderoga, or the post 
opposite to it.” 

Your Excellency will pardon me for a few remarks on 
that passage of your letter. 

Crown-Point lies about forty-three miles from the extreme 
south part of Lake Champlain, which is at Skenesborough, 
and about one hundred from the northern extreme, which is 
at St. John’s. The part of the Lake south of Crown-Point 
is seldom, in any place, above two miles wide. From Crown- 
Point to about eighteen miles north of it, it may be ata 
medium about three and a half miles, three and four being the 
extremes; beyond that, for about fifty-six miles, it is seldom 
Jess than six, or more than fourteen or fifteen; but a chain 
of islands, running nearly parallel to the sides of the Lake, 
lie in the broadest part, on and nearly in the middle, so that 
the width on each side is about six miles. 

Let us now suppose our Navy to be in any part of the 
Lake to the northward of, and out of the reach of the cannon 
that may be at Crown-Point, and there attacked by the 
enemy: What assistance can it receive from any fortification 
at the Point? None, surely; and, if worsted, it. must fly to 
the south side of Crown-Point for shelter, and the enemy 
have the entire mastery of the Lake. If Crown-Point was 
totally abandoned, and if the Navy was attacked and worsted 
in any part to the northward of Ticonderoga, whether in 
sight of that place, or towards the north end of the Lake, the 
consequences are exactly the same. It must retire to the 
south of where the Army is. If we abandon Crown-Point, 
that the enemy will possess themselves of it is certain, if 
they can do it; but if we suppose they can, we must not 
only suppose that they can and will pass our fleet, although 
theirs should be inferior, or that they must have a naval 
superiority. If they can pass our fleet anywhere beyond 
Crown-Point, their Army can attack ours at Crown-Point, 
if it is there, or at T%conderoga, if there: in either case our 
ships will be in their rear. 

But supposing they could and would, by some means or 

other frustrate our intentions in having a Navy in the Lake, 

(which intention appears to be to prevent any boats coming 
up,) and pass by it, although superior to theirs; is it probable 
they will do it? Will they risk the danger they may run 
if a fair wind should enable our ships to get up with them? 
Will they risk an interception of their supplies, and a pre- 
vention of retreat in case of a repulse? I think not; but if 
their Navy is superior, the keeping possession of the Lake is 
impossible; and then the question recurs, where is the best 
place to make a stand with the greatest prospect of advan- 
tage tous? I think that place to be Ticonderoga and the 
grounds opposite to it. Imay be mistaken. The only view 
J had in givmg my opinion for removing the Army to these 
places was, that | thought it would there most advance the 
interest of the cause we are engaged in. Although I do not 
recollect that in the resolution of the General Officers to 
move the Army from Crown-Point, that it is observed that 
a small post was to be kept there, from whence our vessels 
might be supplied more readily than from Ticonderoga, yet 
that was determined on. 

I have always deprecated jealousies and contentions in 
the Army. I believe the officers that have served under me 
will do me the justice to acknowledge it. I shall invariably 
continue in that line of conduct, and, if seconded by the 
inferior officers, I hope the evil will soon vanish, 


Fietu Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


562 


Your Excellency’s conclusion is too just, “that the most 
lavish and extravagant waste has been made of provisions.” 
The difficulties I experienced last campaign on this account 
are incredible; and I was in hopes that the orders I had 
issued to the officers, and the directions I had given to the 
Commissaries in the course of the winter, would have been 
effectual, and have put a stop to many infamous practices. 
On this side of Canada IJ experienced the good effects ; such 
of the Commissaries appointed by the Colonies at the be- 
ginning of the struggle as were then employed, and were 
found incompetent, were removed as soon as it could be 
done without giving umbrage to particular Colonies. This 
removal took place Jast fall, and things have been carried on 
regularly since that time. But otherwise in Canada; a return 
was asked of such as were employed; and the orders by 
which they, as well as the officers, were to govern themselves, 
were transmitted to the commanding officer in February last, 
with a request to publish them. Iam informed they were 
never made publick, nor was any return sent of who were 
employed, and the Deputy-Commissary could not tell, as 
they were appointed in Canada, and acted independent of 
him. When Mr. Price was appointed Deputy Commissary- 
General for Canada, I gave him a copy of these orders; 
copy of which, and a copy of my instructions to him, I think 
I transmitted to your Excellency. I never received a single 
line from him during the time he was in Canada; and I am 
informed by Mr. Swart, whom Mr. Livingston sent into 
Canada as his deputy, that the soldiers have been permitted 
to go to the barrels and take what they liked, and that this 
was by general orders. On my last arrival at Crown- 
Point, I found the provisions lying in parcels on different 
parts of the beach, exposed to the weather and to be stolen. 
I ordered it, and did see it, put into the stores, and then 
found much less than I had expected, although I had sup- 
posed that great waste and loss had taken place in the retreat 
from Canada. When I observed that fresh beef was not 
to be had, I conceived that it could not be immediately 
procured in sufficient quantities, as all stall-fed beef was 
expended, and the grass-fed then hardly fit for killmg; nor 
was I much mistaken, although a few days after I found 
that Mr. Livingston, by his exertions, and with borrowed 
money, had made shift to engage such a number that my 
apprehensions on that score are atan end. But Mr. Trum- 
bull was certainly ill-informed in supposing that fresh meat 
could be easily procured at the time alluded to. If Mr. 
Livingston had been less industrious than he was, we should 
have experienced a scarcity of provisions, both from the 
then scarcity of beef, and money to purchase it with. I am, 
however, still uneasy on account of pork, lest any accident 
should hereafter be occasioned by not having a sufficient 
quantity in store. 

Before General Sullivan’s brigade arrived at Albany, the 
troops were contented with the Continental allowance; and 
when only bread, pork, and peas, could be got, they had a 
pound of each of the two former, in lieu of all the other 
articles; but a regiment of his brigade refusing to draw less 
than eighteen ounces of pork, and General Sullivan assuring 
me that the additional ounces had been allowed them since 
December last, in lieu of milk, I ordered the Commissary to 
issue it, taking receipts for the quantities delivered. This 
extra-allowance has not only made the calculation I sent 
you some time ago extremely erroneous, but will greatly 
distress us. 

I am so well convinced of the difficulties you labour under 
to procure the necessary supplies of every kind for the Army, 
that I have only asked for such things as could not be pro- 
cured at Albany or in the neighbouring country, and have 
written to Committees and employed persons in every quarter 
of the County. I tried, but in vain, to procure the articles 
for the gondolas; but as the navigation is since interrupted, I 
hope to be able to get them, and shall write immediately to 
Albany of that head. 

I shall, immediately on my return, give out in orders that 
no double commissions are to be held, except by the officers 
you mention. I hope your Excellency will approve of my 
leaving it to the choice of the officers what commission to 
keep. 

I believe I forgot to mention that General Thomas and I 
concluded that it was highly necessary to have an active 
Deputy Quartermaster at St. John’s and Chambly. I men- 
tioned Lieutenant-Colonel Buell, of Burrell’s regiment as 


36 


563 


an officer whose activity and prudence I could rely on. He 
accepted the office, but with much persuasion, as he wished 
to remain with the regiment. He is now at Fort George, 
and I am really at a loss to find one to replace him, who 
will be equal to the duty he is obliged to do. 

My Secretary, who had orders to open any despatches that 
might come from you, and to transmit such parts to General 
Gates as contained orders that required more immediate de- 
spatch than the roundabout way of first sending them here 
would admit of, informs me that the omitted part of my 
letter of the 12th was, “enclose returns of the Army at 
Crown-Point, the garrison of Fort George,’ &c. “ When 
I was at Crown-Point, 1 proposed to a council of officers 
an expedient to procure the return of the deserters of the 
Northern Army, and it was” unanimously, &c. 

I am just now informed that the Pennsylvania carpenters 
arrived at Albany on the 20th instant. I left directions for 
forwarding them, and I hope they are now at work. 

I have no hope that the conference with the Indzans will 
open before the 29th, and I fear it will then last a week. 
Their delays distress nae beyond imagination. I have 
represented to them that important business required my 
attendance at Albany; they will not, however, suffer me to 
leave them; and my colleagues apprehend if I do that it will 
essentially injure us. I must, therefore, comply with their 
wishes, although my presence on the communication was 
never more wanted than at this juncture. 

Mr. Trumbull, the Deputy Paymaster-General, informs 
me that his chest is quite empty. So early as the 22d of 
May Congress voted half a million of dollars for the Northern 
Army; $200,000 have only been received. Will your 
Excellency please to represent to Congress that the service 
suffers very materially for want of money, and that the offi- 
cers in the different departments are put to inconceivable 
difficulties on that account. 

That Heaven may protect and pour its best blessings on 
you, is the unfeigned wish of your Excellency’s most obedient 


humble servant, pate: ae 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


» 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
| Skenesborough, July 24, 1776. 

Dear Sir: After my regards to your Honour, I would 
inform you that the letter received with the provision and 
ammunition mentioned five barrels of powder. ‘There were 
but two barrels powder come to hand, which was in provision 
barrels ; and whether your Honour included the five in the 
two, or whether there was a mistake, I cannot tell, and 
should be glad your Honour would inform me by the first 
opportunity. 

I should be glad your Honour would see fit to appoint 
and send some proper person here, to act as Commissary, 
which I think is very much wanted. 


I am, dear sir, respectfully, your Honour’s humble ser- 


vant 
: Davip Wartersoury, Jun. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates, at Ticonderoga. 


GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, July 24, 1776. 
Dear Genera: | arrived here last evening, and found 
three gondolas on the stocks ; two will be completed in five 
or six days, the row-galley in eight or ten days. Three 
other gondolas will be set up immediately, and may be com- 
pleted in ten days. A company of twenty-seven carpenters 
from Middletown are cutting timber for a row-galley, on the 
Spanish construction, to mount six heavy pieces of cannon. 
One hundred carpenters from Pennsylvania and Massachu- 
setts-Bay will be here this evening. I shall employ them 
on another row-galley. In two or three weeks, I*think we 
shall have a very formidable fleet. No canvass or cordage 
is yet arrived, though much wanted. Not one syllable of 
news from below. ‘There are only one hundred barrels of pork 
and two hundred of flour here. I have desired Mr. Schuyler 
to purchase beef for the troops and workmen here. A 
Commissary of Provisions is much wanted here, and will 
be more so when the Militia arrive, who are daily expected. 
If Mr. Taylor can be spared, he will be a proper person 
to send, and may purchase a considerable quantity of beef 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


humble servant, 


564 


in this neighbourhood. I hope the vessels and gondolas 
will not be retarded for want of seamen or marines, Those 
seamen who were sent from Crown-Point with Captain 
Mayhew, and afterwards joined their regiments, I would wish 
were ordered on board the vessels and gondolas. We shall 
not be able to procure a sufficient number without them. 

The mills at Cheshire’s are sawing, and will produce about 
four thousand feet of boards each day. All that can be 
sawed in a fortnight will be wanted here. I have ordered 
the next gondolas that go down to be loaded with boards, 
I think it will be best to send to Onion River for the boards 
there, and fora parcel lying between Ticonderoga and Crown- 
Point. Mr. Hay can inform where they lie. As soon as 
I can give the carpenters proper instructions, and set them 
at work, I will return to Ticonderoga. 

I am, very respectfully, dear General, your obedient and 


B. Arnoup. 
To the Honourable Major-General Gates. 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, July 24, 1776. 

Honourep Sir: Captain Wilson, it seems, has taken 
prisoners, one a Canadian, who left St. John’s within a few 
days. You will be able to make some material discoveries 
from him. I have examined him, and was much at a loss to 
know if the flag should not be stopped till we could hear 
from you; but as Major Bigelow’s orders were positive, he 
is just now gone down. It would be of consequence to take 
eight Indians and one Canadian, who have come up from 
St. John’s to spy what we are about. They have landed 
somewhere between this and Cumberland-Head. 

Hays and another on the western shore, Midkiff and 
some others in Massiskie-Bay, ought to be secured. ‘There 
is too much reason, I fear, to suspect some other persons, of 
whom Lieutenant Clark can inform you. I shall wait your 
orders. 

I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most humble 


servant 
4 Tuos. Harruey. 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, July 24, 1776. 

Sir: I have understood from several quarters that which 
inclines me to apprehend, that the supposition that Gilliland 
and some others had sent down one Edward Watson and 
another to St. John’s, had some foundation. ‘They doubtless 
carry any intelligence they have to the enemy. It has just 
been intimated to me that Gilliland and Jack Watson, with 
one Macauley, all relations, have had a hint that they are 
suspected. ‘This may induce them to send a canoe or boat, 
to warn the two men of their danger in returning, or to make 
their own escape. I have ordered. a party of about twenty- 
five men to set off in a boat towards Cumberland-Head, to 
intercept the eight Indzans and the Canadian on their way 
back to iSt. John’s, or the two rascals in the canoe, who are 
gone to St. John’s, in their return to Willsborough, and also 
to favour Captain Wilson’s retreat. Hays, and the men 
mentioned in my letter of this day, ought, in my opinion, to 
be secured. You will judge of the proper time. I hope 
my conduct will meet with your approbation. 

I am, sir, your most humble servant, 

Tuos, Hartiey. 


P.S. The party will set off to-night or to-morrow morn- 
ing early, unless countermanded. 


PETITION FROM CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW-YORK. 


To the Hon. Horatio Gares, Commander-in- Chief of the 
Forces in the Northern Department to defend the Amx- 
RICAN States, &c.: 

The Petition of the Committee of Safety for the County of 
Cumpertanp, in the Colony of New-Yorx, humbly 
showeth: 

That whereas, by resolves of our Provincial Congress, 
this County is to raise one hundred and twenty-five effective 
men to join the troops under your command, and whereas 
this County of Cumberland is a frontier, eminently exposed 
to the ravages both of British and Savage cruelty: 

We, therefore, your petitioners, humbly pray that your 


565 


Honour would be pleased to order that the said one hundred 
and twenty-five men may be employed, in actual service, 
as scouting parties, &c., to defend our frontier towns, which 
are this moment exposed to be destroyed, ravaged, and 
burnt, by a merciless and inveterate enemy, and to make 
and repair the roads from hence to Head-Quarters. 

Your petitioners humbly conceive that your Honour will 
be forward to grant us this our request, when we acquaint 
you that we have never, as yet, understood that either the 
Continental or Provincial Congress have made any provision 
for these purposes. 

Confiding in your Honour’s humanity, and not doubting 
in the least but that you will readily grant us this our peti- 
tion, we are, with respect, your most obedient, humble 
servants, &c. 

Signed by order of the County Committee: 

James Cray, Chairman. 

Westminster, Cumberland County, July 24, 1776. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE GRANTS. 


Extract of the Votes and Proceedings of a General Conven- 
tion of fifty-nine Delegates on the west side of the range 
of Green-Mountains, on the New-Hampshire Grants, held 
at Dorset, the 24th day of July, A. D. 1776: said num- 
bers represented the Inhabitants of thirty-five ‘Townships 
on said Grants. 


Captain Joseph Woodward Chairman, Doctor Jonas Fay 
Clerk, of said Convention. 

This Convention being of opinion that the business which 
occasions their meeting at this time requires the most serious 
deliberation, are disposed to pass the following Votes, viz: 

1st. That not more than one person be permitted to speak 
at a time in this Convention, and only by leave of the 
Chairman. 

Qdly. That the business of the meeting be closely adhered 
to, and that the several articles in the warrant for this meet- 
ing be considered in due order, except otherwise overruled. 

After receiving the Report from the honourable the Con- 
tinental Congress, by Captain Heman Allen, voted to pass 
over the 4th, 5th, and 6th articles of the warrant, till nine 
o'clock to-morrow, for consideration. 

Adjourned to six o’clock to-morrow morning. 


Meeting opened at time and place. 


Proceeded to the consideration of the fourth article of the 
warrant, and the same is objected to. Proceeded to the 
consideration of the fifth article of the warrant, and voted, 
that suitable application be made to form the district of 
land commonly called and known by the name of the New- 
Hampshire Grants into a separate district. Dissentient, only 
one. 

Proceeded to the consideration of the sixth article of the 
warrant, and voted to recommend it accordingly. 

Voted, 'To choose a Committee to treat with the inhabi- 
tants on the east side of the range of Green Mountains rela- 
tive to their associating with this body. 

Voted, That Captain Heman Allen, Colonel William 
Marsh, and Doctor Jonas Fay, in conjunction with Captain 
Samuel Fletcher and Mr. Joshua Fish, together with such 
other gentlemen on the east side of the range of Green Moun- 
tains on said Grants as they may hereafter appoint to join 
them, be, and are hereby, appointed a Committee for the 
above purpose. 

Adjourned one hour. 

Meeting opened at time and place. 

_ Proceeded to the consideration of the following Associa- 
tion, VIZ: : 

This Convention being fully sensible that it is the will 
and pleasure of the honourable Continental Congress that 
every honest friend to the liberties of America, in the several 
United States thereof, should subscribe an Association, bind- 
ing themselves, as members of some body or community, to 
stand in the defence of those liberties; and whereas it has 
been the usual custom of individuals to associate with the 
Colony or State which they are reputed to be members of: 
Yet, nevertheless, the long and spirited conflict which 
has for many years subsisted between the Colony or State 
of New-York and the inhabitants of that district of land 
commonly called and known by the name of New-Hamp- 
shire Grants, relative to the title of the land on said district, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


566 


renders it inconvenient in many respects to associate with 
that Colony, which has hitherto been the sole reason of our 
not subscribing an Association before this. 

The better, therefore, to convince the publick of our readi- 
ness to join in the common defence of the aforesaid liberties, 
we do publish and subscribe the following Association, viz: 


“We, the subscribers, inhabitants of that district of lands 
commonly called and known by the name of the New-Hamp- 
shire Grants, do voluntarily and solemnly engage, under all 
the ties held sacred among mankind, at the risk of our lives 
and fortunes, to defend by arms the United American Colo- 
nies against the hostile attempts of the British fleets and 
armies until the present unhappy controversy between the 
two countries shall be settled.” 


The foregoing Association being approved, is accordingly 
signed by fifty of the members of this Convention; and voted, 
that each inhabited Town on the New-Hampshire Grants be 
served with a copy thereof, and that it be, and is hereby, 
recommended to each of said inhabitants who are friends 
to their country, that they severally subscribe the same as 
soon as may be, and make return by the Delegate or Dele- 
gates which they are hereby directed to appoint to join this 
Convention at their next sitting at Dorset, the 25th day of 
September next, at eight o’clock forenoon, to which time and 
place this Convention stands adjourned. 


Per order: Jonas Fay, Clerk of said Convention. 


Extract from Minutes of General Convention of New-Hampsuire Grants, 
24th Jury, 1776. 
New-Hampshire Grants, in General Convention, 
Dorset, July 24, 1776. ; 

Resolved, That it be, and it is hereby, recommended to 
the several inhabitants on the New-Hampshire Grants who 
are friends to the liberties of the United States of America, 
that they subscribe the Association agreed on and signed by 
the several members of this Convention, and return the same 
to the Clerk thereof as soon as may be. 

Resolved, unanimously, That any person or persons, inha- 
bitants on the New-Hampshire Grants, who shall in future 
subscribe and return an Association to any of the Committee 
or Committees of Safety for either of the Counties in the 
Province of New- York or to the Provincial Congress thereof, 
otherwise than the Association contained in these records, and 
subscribed by the several Delegates of this Convention, shall 
be deemed enemies to the common cause of the New-Hamp- 
shire Grants. 

Resolved, That nine persons be chosen as a Committee 
of Appeals, who are to hear and determine such matters as 
may be properly exhibited to them in writing by any of the 
inhabitants of the New-Hampshire Grants, relative to the 
cause of American liberty, by way of proper appeal from 
either of the Committees of Safety on said Grants; any five 
of which Committee to make a quorum. 

Extract from the Minutes: Jonas Fay, Clerk. 


KILLINGWORTH COMMITTEE. 

Killingworth, July 24, 1776. 
Whereas Benjamin Griffith, of Killingworth, hath for 
some time been suspected of being unfriendly to the common 
cause, and an enemy to his country; said Griffith was cited 
to appear before the Civil Authority, Selectmen, and Com- 
mittee of Inspection of said Killingworth, for examination, 
on the 11th day of July instant, ‘and adjourned to the 15th, 
who, upon examination, pleaded not guilty. After taking 
a number of evidences in the case, this meeting, considering 
the evidences, and the late Act of this Colony in the premises, 
and question being put by the chairman of said meeting, 
whether the said Griffith was inimical to his country, or to 
these United Colonies? Voted in the affirmative by a very 
clear vote. And it was ordered by said meeting or court 
of inquiry, that said Griffith be disarmed of all fire-arms of 
what kind soever, and not allowed to keep arms any more 
in his house, until he make it appear to said meeting, or the 
major part of them, according to the late act of this Colony, 
that he is friendly to the United Colonies, and to the common 

cause. 
The doings of this meeting desired to be made publick, 
Signed by order: 
ELnatHan STEVENS, Chairman of said meeting. 


567 


TO THE INHABITANTS OF MASSACHUSETTS-BAY. 


My Countrymen: When I consider the danger attending 
this important day— Burgoyne with his Regulars, Canadians, 
and Indians, on our Northern and Western frontiers, General 
Howe with his Regulars and Naval force on our sea-coats, 
and our Northern Army in such a situation as that the enemy 
may evade their force and possibly spread devastation in 
our defenceless towns—how necessary and important is it, 
then, that every well-wisher to American liberty should be 
equipped in the best manner to oppose our enemies. In 
what a miserable situation would we be in should our fron- 
tiers be invaded with two or three thousand Canadians and 
Indians, and so many of our people without fire-arms and 
ammunition, to oppose their career. How far would they 
spread devastation before we should be able to stop them? 
Should Howe, with the help of his fleet, suddenly transport 
his Army to any of our Colonies where our Army is not 
stationed, and our home farmers be unprepared to meet them, 
in such case we must leave our houses to the devouring 
flames, and possibly our stock, our wives, our children, at 
their mercy. Pray let us realize these things, and if any are 
destitute of implements of war, let them, rather than remain 
in such a situation, “ sell their coats and buy them.” Pray 
consider that our liberties are vastly more worth than all our 
property, and that he who at such a day as this will not 
rather venture his life in battle than be a slave, shows a 
dastardly spirit, and cannot be said to stand fast in that liberty 
in which the God of nature has made us free. 

A WiatcHMan. 


Worcester, Massachusetts, July 24, 1776. 


. ——— 


COURT-MARTIAL ON LIEUTENANT MOSES BANKS. 


Ata General Court-Martial held at Boston, July 24, 1776, 
by order of the Hon. Artemas Ward, Major-General and 
Commander-in-Chief of the American Forces stationed at 
Boston, on Moses Banks, Second Lieutenant and Quarter- 
master-General in the Eighteenth Regiment of the United 
Independent States of North America, for defrauding the 
said Regiment of their pay, provisions, &c., he was found 
guilty, sentenced to be cashiered, forfeit all his pay, and 
refund £10 to the Regiment. 


JOHN BACHELLOR TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Boston, July 24, 1776. 


May iT PLease your Honours: The information which 
the Committee for fortifying the Harbour of Boston lately 
gave to your Honours, relative to Captain Obrian, they had 
from me. I then supposed the suggestion could be easily 
supported ; but from various circumstances since turned up, 
I am inclined to think that the malice of his enemies hath 
induced them to take such steps to injure his character as 
cannot be justified. 

I am, your most obedient and most humble servant, 

Jno. BacHEeLtor. 


WILLIAM SEVER TO JAMES BOWDOIN. 
Kingston, July 24, 1776. 


Dearsir: The brigantine Independence being now nearly 
ready for sea, Captain Samson waits on your Honour for his 
commission, and such instruction for his conduct as may be 
thought proper. 

As from the time which has elapsed since the evacuation 
of Boston, I apprehend we cannot expect to find British 
merchant-ships on the coast of this Colony, and British 
ships-of-war having withdrawn themselves, allow me, sir, to 
suggest the expediency, in my opinion, of giving him such 
latitude in his orders as will authorize his cruising in the path 
of the homeward-bound West-India trade, at least a part of 
the time he may be abroad. 

Captain Samson ‘does not think the half ton of powder 
which he has received is by any means sufficient. Iam in- 
formed the person who received it was told that it was as much 
as had been ordered by the brigantine at Dartmouth; but 
it is said that about half a ton of powder, which was stored 
at Dartmouth, has been received on board said brigantine, in 
addition to what was received at Watertown. If you, sir, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


568 


should be of opinion that the quantity is insufficient, I presume 
you will endeavour to have it augmented. 
I am, respectfully, sir, your very bumble servant, 
W. Sever. 
To the Hon. James Bowdoin, Esq., President of the Council, 
at Watertown. 


CUMBERLAND COUNTY COMMITTEE TO THE MASSACHUSETTS 
COUNCIL. 
Falmouth, July 24, 1776. 
May ir PLease your Honours: We desire you will give 

the bearer hereof, Mr. Jesse Partridge, an order upon the 
Treasurer for the sum of £820, to pay off the men, the 
bounty, advance pay, &c., as ordered by the honourable 
Court. We likewise desire blank commissions for one set 
of commission Officers for one company, and orders for the 
men’s marching when inlisted. 

Jostan Noyes, 

Josnua Fasyan, 

Jno. Lewis, 


Committee of the County of Cumberland. 


To the Honourable Council of the Colony of Massachusetts- 
Bay. oy 
In Council Chamber, July 27, 1776. 
Read and Ordered, That a warrant be drawn on the 
Treasurer for £251 16s., for the use of Jos. Noyes and 
others, Committee for the County of Cumberland. 
Jno. Avery, Deputy Secretary. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO BENJAMIN GILES. 
In Committee of Safety, July 24, 1776. 
Sir: We received yours by Mr. Trott. Have sent you 
by him £20, and expect you will settle with him for his 
time and expenses in the service. We hope Mr. Farns- 
worth or his deputy will supply the troops in such a way as 
will help them to proceed; and though we would by no 
means pretend to supply, or in anywise be concerned in 
the affair, unless to prevent their returning home dissatisfied, 
in which case we would desire you to do what you can in 
reason to furnish them to march forward. If the provision 
you have furnished is not wanted, you may stow it, and it 
will come to bear at some time or other, without doubt. 
By order of the Committee. 
I am, sir, your very humble servant, 
M. Tuornton, Chairman pro tem. 


To Beramin Giles, Esq. 


Williamsburgh, July 26, 1776. 


Yesterday afternoon, agreeable to an order of the honour- 
able Privy Council, the Declaration of Independence was 
solemnly proclaimed at the Capitol, the Court-House, and 
the Palace, amidst the acclamations of the people, accom- 
panied by firing of cannon and musketry, the several regi- 
ments of Continental troops having been paraded on that 
solemnity. 

Advices from Charlestown, which arrived here by express, 
say that the Cherokee Indians have committed several out- 
rages, which seem to be only a part of the capital and. 
favourite plan laid down by his most excellent and clement 
Majesty George the Third, to lay waste the Provinces, burn 
the habitations, and mix men, women, and children, in one 
common carnage, by the hands of those merciless savages. 
It is to be hoped, however, that our frontier riflemen, joined 
to those of the Carolinas, will be able before long to strike 
some blow that may intimidate numerous tribes of Indians 
from falling into the measures of the tyrant, and make a 
severe, lasting, and salutary example of the treacherous 
Cherokees. By the same express, we learn that the Army 
and squadron under Clinton and Parker have remained 
tolerably quiet since their late drubbing; but daily make 
some alteration in the disposition of the land forces from one 
Island to another, probably for the sake of water, of which, 
deserters say, they are in great want; as also, that consider- 
able sickness prevails among them, and great discontents, from 
hard duty and bad diet. ‘The deserters likewise say, that 
was not the Army on an island from which it is difficult to 
escape, two-thirds of them, they are confident, would soon 


569 


be with General Lee. An officer of distinction writes: 
« That when he considers the difficulties which the enemy’s 
Generals have to encounter, the temper and disposition of 
their troops, and the improving spirit of our people, he assures 
himself that the game in that quarter is in our hands, and 
hopes that G'od will give them more grace than to shuflle it 
away.” 


BALTIMORE COMMITTEE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, July 25, 1776. 
Gentriemen: Messrs. Gordon and Patten, saddlers in 
this town, have informed me that they had made proposals 
to you for making a quantity of knapsacks and baversacks 
for the service of the Flying-Camp; and that a recommenda- 
tion from the Committee, or some persons here well known 
to you, was necessary before a contract was made. As there 
may not be a meeting of the Committee before Monday, we 
conceive it might further the publick service to give you our 
opinion, that they are both men of character, and equal to 
the undertaking, and that we doubt not they will punctually 
fulfil any engagement of the nature in question which they 
may make. 
We are, gentlemen, your most humble servants, 
Samu. Purviance, Jun., 
Jas. CaLHoun, 
Joun Boyp. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland, 
Annapolis. 


JOHN HANSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Frederick County, Middle District, July 25, 1776. - 

GrentLemen: I am directed by the Committee of this 
District to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 16th, 
enclosing several resolves and the Declaration of Independ- 
ency, to the contents of which papers due attention will be 
paid. Persons were some time ago appointed in the dif- 
ferent Hundreds within this District, to receive the arms 
from those who had not signed the Association and enrolled 
in the Militia; but no returns have been made, by them. 
Three guns only have beén brought in, which have been 
delivered to Mantz’s company; and the Committee offer it 
as their opinion, that very few guns will be got by way of 
loan, and that there is not the least probability of arming 
the Flying-Camp from this quarter but by purchase. 

The Committee have often been applied to by the prisoners 
in the Tory Jail for an enlargement, on giving sufficient 
security not to depart the bounds which may be allotted them, 
and for their good behaviour; but they are doubtful whether 
they would be justified in complying with their request, and 
would be glad to be favoured with the opinion of your hon- 
ourable Board; and as some of these prisoners are officers, 
whether they are not entitled to their parole, agreeable to 
the resolution of Congress respecting prisoners. 

Yesterday, were brought to this place, under a guard from 
Burlington, fifteen officers, taken at St. John’s, who are 
ordered by the Board of War to be kept here. Those who 
refuse to sign the parole are ordered to be confined in Jail. 
Three of them have signed, and the other twelve who refused 
to sign were last night sent to the Tory Jail, which we 
hope will occasion them in a short time to take the advan- 
tage allowed them. It is a dreadful place (but the best we 
have) to be confined in, and so crowded at present (being 
twenty-seven) that it may be dangerous to their health. 
The officers last mentioned find themselves; but it will be 
necessary to augment the guard, which will increase the 
expense; and the money sent to defray the charges of the 
prisoners being nearly expended, the Committee request 
that a further sum be sent by the first opportunity. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 

Joun Hanson, Jun., Chairman. 


To the Hon. the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


COLONEL STRICKER TO SAMUEL CHASE. 
Fredericktown, July 25, 1776. 
Sir: I arrived here on Monday last, and have since seen 
divers of my recruiting parties, which have not been so suc- 
cessful as I could wish. The Flying-Camp and Militia’s 
turning out hurts our recruiting much, although the four 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


570 


Captains appointed in this Province have already completed 
thirty men each, I could wish we had it in our power to 
inlist the men who have engaged in the Flying-Camp, 
as there are many of them who would willingly go with 
us. 

The fifteen hundred and twenty dollars I received for the 
two Captains’ bounty money for this County, shall make 
use of for purchasing blankets and arms, if you see proper, 
as the Captains had already received the full bounty money 
for the recruiting of their companies. 1 have already ad- 
vanced fifty pounds to one of the Captains for the sub- 
sistence and expense money for raising the company, 
and I expect the others to call upon me for the same 
purpose. 

Should be glad there might one of the companies of our 
battalion be a Rifle company, as I think I could arm them in 
this Province; for muskets, I am afraid we can get but few 
that are good here. 

I shall esteem the favour of a reply, and to receive any 
further instructions you may please to favour me with, being 
the needful. 

I remain, with compliments to the gentlemen the Dele- 


gates from this Province, sir, your most obedient servant, 


GeorceE Stricker, Lt. Colonel. 


To Samuel Chase, Esq. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GENERAL JOHNSON. 
[No. 72.] Annapolis, July 25, 1776. 

Sir: We have received your favour of the 22d, and are 
very glad that the Militia of Frederick are so ready to turn 
out on the present occasion. We think their service will not 
be wanting, for although there are many of the enemy’s ships 
in Potomack, yet there are but few men in them, and those 
sickly and die fast. The Fowey and Otter, with about fifty 
sail of vessels, are still at St. George’s. The Roebuck, with 
three ships, and a few small vessels, are as high up Poto- 
mack as Mattawoman, where, it is said, they are watering. 
We have already contracted for a large number of camp- 
kettles of iron and copper, and expect to procure some of 
tin. 

If your brother’s iron is suitable for casting guns, we 
would contract with you for fifty three-pounders, fifty four- 
pounders, and seventy-five swivels to carry one-pound balls. 
Captain Nicholson informs us, that the, length of the swivels 
is not material; the three and four-pounders ought to be 
somewhat shorter than the common standard. 

Should we find it necessary, we will hereafter give orders 
for the march of a battalion from Frederick County. 

We are, with respect and esteem, yours, Xc. 


To Brigadier-General Thomas Johnson. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO MAJOR PRICE. 
[No. 73.] Annapolis, July 25, 1776. 

Sir: You will make use of all or part of the cannon, as 
you see cause, taking care not to waste powder in vain. 

Enclosed you have an order, which you will do every- 
thing in your power to enforce. 

You should be particularly cautious in taking care to secure 
deserters; some.of them, you may depend upon it, are spies. 
The negro you mention, that escaped from the guard, may 
have been sent on purpose to seduce the slaves in the neigh- 
bourhood. 

Be pleased to inform us, from time to time, of material 
occurrences, as they happen. We have paid the express; 
and are, &c. 


To Major Thomas Price. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COMMITTEES OF DOR- 
CHESTER AND SOMERSET. 

[No. 74.] Annapolis, July 25, 1776. 
Genttemen: We have ordered Captain John Gunby’s 

company to march to Cambridge, in your County, and to be 

stationed where you may direct. We hope that company 

will be sufficient to protect you against tenders who may 

attempt to plunder. We are, Nc. 


To the Committees of Observation of Dorchester and Som- 
erset Counties. 


571 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO MATTHEW TILGHMAN. 
[No. 75.] Annapolis, July 25, 1776. 

Sir: We are very apprehensive that we should incur the 
censure of the honourable Continental Congress and of the 
Islanders who have stock, should we make the order you 
request. The resolve of Congress is full and explicit, with- 
outany exception. Should we extend our powers to answer 
your request, others would expect indulgence, and we know 
not where the exceptions would stop. Our powers are 
extensive, but not large enough to control the orders of 
Congress. Your application may well lie over tll the meet- 
ing of the Convention, which will be in a short time. 

We shall take particular notice of your application for an 
armed boat, and give directions to our armed vessels as soon 
as they can be got ready. The Defence is going down the bay, 
and will be a good security against tenders, for the present. 

Perhaps it would be prudent to sell some of your cattle. 
If you want a market, our contractor will probably take off 
some of your superfluous numbers. We are, &c. 


To the Honourable Matthew Tilghman, Esq. 


? 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL BARNES. 
[No. 76.] Annapolis, July 25, 1776. 

Sir: Before your letter and papers therein enclosed came 
to hand, we had received a letter from Major Price, in which 
Mr. Wolstenholme’s affair was mentioned. ‘The Council of 
Safety thereupon passed a general order to all the Commit- 
tees of Observation and military commanders, not to suffer 
any person whatever to go out of the Province for the pre- 
sent. A copy of this order was.enclosed to Major Price and 
your Committee. 

All intercourse with the Fowey has been heretofore 
expressly forbidden by the Convention. Besides, times are 
so much altered since Mr. Wolstenholme’s passport, and the 
men-of-war have so openly invaded this Province, that we 
could not discharge our duty without passing such order; at 
least, we thought so. Mr. Wolstenholme’s case may be 
attended with particular circumstances; he must, however, 
submit to the times. 

We hope both General Dent and yourself, on reflection, 
will be of opinion that we have done right. ‘The suffering 
gentlemen to go off on board the men-of-war or tenders, or 
any other vessel that may have communication with them, 
is attended with great danger to the Colony. Every means 
of intelligence must be cut off, if possible. We are, &c. 


To Colonel Richard Barnes. 


JOHN ADAMS TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY. 
Philadelphia, July 25, 1776. 

Sir: I find myself under a necessity of applying to the 
honourable the General Court for leave to return home. I 
have attended here so long and so constantly, that I feel 
myself necessitated to ask the favour on account of my 
health, as well as on many other accounts. I beg leave to 
propose to the honourable Court an alteration in their plan 
of delegation in Congress, which, it appears to me, would 
be more agreeable to the health and convenience of the 
members, and much more conducive to the publick good, than 
the present. No gentleman can possibly attend to an inces- 
sant round of thinking, speaking, and writing, upon the most 
intricate, as well as important concerns of human society, 
from one end of the year to another, without trying both 
his mental and bodily strength. I would therefore humbly 
propose, that the honourable Court would be pleased to 
appoint nine members to attend in Congress—three or five 
at atime. In this case, four or six might be at home at a 
time, and every member might be relieved once in three or 
four months. In this way you would always have members 
in Congress who would have in their minds a complete chain 
of the proceedings here, as well as in the General Court; 
both kinds of which knowledge are necessary for a proper 
conduct here. In this way, the lives and health, and, indeed, 
the sound minds, of the delegates here, would be in less 
danger than they are at present, and, in my humble opinion, 
the publick business would be much better done. This 
proposal, however, is only submitted to the honourable body, 
whose sole right it is to judge of it. For myself, 1 must 
entreat the General Court to give me leave to resign, and 
immediately to appoint some other gentleman in my room. 
The consideration of my own health, and circumstances of 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


572 


my family and private affairs, would have little weight with 
me, if the sacrifice of these was necessary for the publick ; 
but it is nots because those parts of the business of Congress 
for which (if for any) I have my qualifications being now 
nearly completed, and the business that remains being chiefly 
military and commercial, of which I know but very little, 
there are multitudes of gentlemen in the Province much 
fitter for the publick service here than I am. 

With great respect to the General Court, I am, sir, your 
most obedient servant, Joun Apams. 


To the Deputy Secretary. 


ROBERT MORRIS TO GENERAL GATES. 
Philadelphia, July 25, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I ought to have written you a fortnight ago 
that Mrs, Gates, with your son Bod, had gone for Virginia, 
after about two weeks stay with us, during which you had 
the misfortune to lose a horse. I believe he had been too 
hard driven, at least Bob thought that was the cause of his 
death, although the servant would not allow it. Mrs. Gates 
bought another from Mr. Hancock, for which I am to pay 
him forty pounds, and shall charge it to your account. Mrs. 
Gates did not take the money she wanted at home, but is 
to draw on me for it. 

I hope you will be able to put our affairs at the Lakes on 
a more respectable footing than they have ever been since 
the days of poor Montgomery. Certainly there has been 
great mismanagement in that department, and I find some 
people attributing this to a source I never should have sus- 
pected. Is it possible for a man who writes so well, and 
expresses such an anxiety for the cause of his country, as 
General Schuyler does—I say is it possible that he can be 
sacrificing the interest of that country to his ambition or 
avarice? I sincerely hope it is not so; but such insinuations 
are dropped. 

I beg leave to recommend Major Wood to your patronage ; 
you'll find him a bold, intrepid officer; and as Lieutenant- 
Colonel Allen has resigned, I shall push for the Major to 
have that vacancy. 

You'll be pleased with Lee’s success at Carolina; the ene- 
my were mauled greatly, and I.think the repulse disgraces 
them; consequently reflects great honour on our people. 

You are no doubt well informed of what passes at New- 
York ; and as I have full employment for my whole time, 
I shall only assure you of the esteem and regard with which 
I am, dear sir, your affectionate, humble servant, 

Rosert Morris. 


LANCASTER COMMITTEE. 

At a meeting of the Committee of Inspection and Obser- 
vation, held at the house of Adam Rezgart, on the 25th July, 
1776: 


Present: Edward Shippen, William Atlee, William Bowsman, Lodwick 
Lowman, Jacob Krug, Henry Dehuff, Christopher Crawford, Michael 
Musser, Eberhart Gruber, Adam Reigart. 


William Atlee in the chair. 


John Purick, of the Seventh Regiment, is permitted to 
work with Basoran Wolf, at the Saltpetre business, he here 
in Committee engaging to be answerable for him, agreeable 
to the resolves of this Committee. 


A Letter from Colonel Philip Greenwalt, dated the 24th 
of July instant, mentions that the Ninth Battalion of this 
County is to march for Trenton, in the Jerseys, next Mon- 
day; that the men stand in need of Muskets, Cartridge- 
Boxes, Field-Kettles, Canteens, and other necessary accou- 
trements, and requests this Committee to Jet him know when 
to send for them, and how many of each; which Letter 
being read, the Chairman is desired to inform Colonel Green- 
walt that the Committee have already distributed the whole 
of the Muskets and Cartridge-Boxes which can possibly be 
spared from the guard here, and that there are neither Ket- 
tles nor Canteens to be had here, nor tin to make them of; 
and that, were it in our power, we should cheerfully comply 
with the request. 

Edward Shippen took the chair, and William Atlee, in 
behalf of Colonel Atlee, motioned that Colonel Aélee, upon 
entering into the service, had employed and hired a certain 
John Hamilton to take care of his farm; that there is no 
other man about the house or farm than the said John 
Hamilton; that Mrs. Atlee hath a number of young chil- 


573 


dren, and, without the assistance of the said hired man, 
cannot take care of her farm, but the same, with her family, 
must suffer. Upon consideration, it is the opinion of the 
Committee, that the said John Hamilton should be permit- 
ted to stay at home with Colonel Aflee’s family, and take 
care of his affairs in his absence in the service of his coun- 
try; and Captain Hare, in whose Company the said John 
Hamilton is an Associator, and the Colonel and other Field 
Officers of the Battalion, are requested not to march the said 
John Hamilton with the troops intended for the Camp, but 
to permit him, on furlough or otherwise, as he or they shall 
think most proper, to stay with Colonel Aflee’s family, to 
take care of his affairs. 

Mr. Atlee resumed the chair. 

Col. Thomas Porter, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Thomp- 
son, and Major Thomas Smith, of the Fifth Battalion of 
Associators, in Lancaster County, of Pennsylvania, do now 
report, that they have formed a Company for the Flying- 
Camp, to be assembled in the Jerseys, and, with the assent 
of the Company, have chosen Mr. James Watson as their 
Captain, Mr. William Steel as their First Lieutenant, Mr. 
Dorrington Willson as their Second Lieutenant, and Mr. 
William Nelson as their Ensign, (or, if a Rifle Company, 
their Third Lieutenant,) and do recommend the said gen- 
tlemen (who have filled superior stations in the Militia with 
reputation) to this Committee for their appointment; which 
report and recommendation being considered, are approved 
of, and the said Mr. James Watson is appointed Captain, 
Mr. William Steel is appointed First Lieutenant, Mr. Dor- 
rington Willson is appoited Second Lieutenant, and Mr. 
William Nelson is appointed Ensign, (or, if a Rifle Com- 
pany, Third Lieutenant,) of the said Flying-Camp Com- 
pany furnished by Colonel Porter’s Battalion of Associators 
aforesaid, agreeable to the resolves of the Committee of 
Conference of Pennsylvania, and are to take the charge of 
the Company accordingly. 

Colonel James Burd, of the Fourth Battalion of Asso- 
ciators in Lancaster County, in Pennsylvania, and Cornelius 
Cox, First Major of the Battalion, do now report, 
that the First Company of Volunteers of the said Battalion 
intended to serve in the Flying-Camp to be formed in the 
Jerseys, agreeable to the resolves of the honourable Conti- 
nental Congress and resolutions of the Conference of Com- 
mittees of the said Province, have unanimously chosen Mr. 
John Reed their Captain, Mr. James Collier their First 
Lieutenant, Mr. John Gillcreart their Second Lieutenant, 
and Mr. John Cochran their Ensign; which report being 
considered, is approved of, and the said Mr. John Reed is 
appointed Captain, Mr. James Collier is appointed First 
Lieutenant, Mr. John Gillereat is appointed Second Lieu- 
tenant, and Mr. John Cochran is appointed Ensign, of the 
said Flying-Camp Company furnished by Colonel Burd’s 
Battalion of Associators aforesaid, agreeable to the resolves 
of the Conference of Committees of Pennsylvania, and are 
to take charge of the said Company accordingly. 


Thomas Dickinson, of the Seventh Regiment, is permit- 
ted to work with Leonard Oaler, Wheelwright, Stephen 
Lutz here in Committee engaging to be answerable for him, 
agreeable to the resolves of this Committee. 

Samuel Eaton, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is per- 
mitted to work with Christopher Petre, Stocking Weaver, 
he here in Committee engaging to be answerable for him, 
agreeable to the resolves of this Committee. 

Daniel Allen, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is permit- 
ted to work with Michael Shirdle, Tailor, Mr. Lowman here 
in Committee engaging to be answerable for him, agreeable 
to the resolves of this Committee. 

James Vidian, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is per- 
mitted to work with Casper Eglee, Brewer, he here in Com- 
mittee engaging to be answerable for him, agreeable to the 
resolves of this Committee. 


WILLIAM ATLEE TO THE ASSOCIATORS FROM 
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 
In Committee, Lancaster, July 25, 1776. 
GentLemen: The Committee of Safety of this Province, 
by their resolve of the 14th July instant, have recommended 
it to the Committees of Inspection and Observation of the 
several Counties in the Province to nominate and appoint a 
proper number of judicious persons residing in the said Coun- 


LANCASTER 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


574 


ties respectively, to distribute to the distressed families of 
such Associators as are called into actual service and are not 
of ability to maintain themselves, the allowance which the 
persons so to be nominated shall judge reasonable, and have 
empowered the Committees to draw on that Board for the 
necessary sums of money, to be by them lodged in the 
hands of the persons so nominated and appointed, to be 
applied as above directed. It must give great satisfaction 
to such of the Associators who are called into actual service 
and leave poor families unable to maintain themselves, to 
reflect that those families are under the care of good men, 
who will be attentive to their situation, and make the neces- 
sary provision for them in their absence ; and we are anxious 
to have the resolve carried into immediate execution; but 
as we are at a loss who to appoint, not knowing but the 
man of our appointment may be the companion of the poor 
Associator in the camp, and also being desirous that the 
persons appointed to this duty may be men who are agree- 
able to the Associators, in whom they can confide, who are 
known to have leisure to attend to this duty, and goodness 
of heart to search out and relieve the distressed, we request 
the favour of you, gentlemen, to send to us the names and 
places of abode of some good men in the Townships or 
District from whence your Battalion is drawn, who continue 
at home, are willing to accept, and will be the most suitable 
for this service, that we may nominate and appoint them 
thereto without delay. 


We are, &c., Wiuuram AtLee, Chairman. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Perth-Amboy, July 25, 1776. 

Str: Enclosed is a Return of the Troops in New-Jersey. 
There was a very capital error in the Return of yesterday, 
through the carelessness of my clerk. 

The position of the enemy continues the same as when I 
wrote last. I have sent to such of the Counties here as had 
not completed the levies for the Army at New- York, to give 
all possible assistance, and forward such men as were inlisted. 
Such of those troops as have come in my way I have pushed 
on with all expedition. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most obe- 


dient servant, HoMaicce: 
To General Washington. 


A General Return of the Troops in New-Jersey, under the 
command of Brig. Gen. Mercer, July 25th, 1776. 


- n 
S N 3 | & 
A Wes - | § a | § ro 
REGIMENTS. A 5 piepicech Srleaeter| ae 
tp RES cen Pe ge Ee ee 
2{2)2|/ 2/8) 2| Pl e| § 
OIAJSl/OlA;Alalal «we 
Col. Miles’s First Rifle 
Battalioniecsreseetsess Py) dpi] 6 | 18) - | 24) 6) 409 
Col. Miles’s Second Ri- 
fle Battalion..........+. - fd jd] 6 p17) - | 20) 4)..347 
Pennsylvania Musketry..| 1 | 1 | - | 8 | 16) 15} 16) 8] 341 
First Battalion Phila- 
delphia Associators.. 1} 1) 1) 6 | 12) I) 24) 12) 360 
Second Battalion Phila- 
delphia Associators.. Ly iyi] 7 | 16) 14) 31) 15) 400 
Third Battalion Phila- 
delphia Associators.. Lp Bp oF 12) AL) 26) 16)),°310 
Fourth Battalion Phila- 
delphia Associators., 1} 1|.6 | 16) 8) 28) 11) 285 
Fifth Battalion Phila- 
delphia Associators.. sa Lites ©. 180 
Colonel Montgomery 
Chester....... = Ae y} Wea eo pce phonies eas beens 
Artilleryfrom New-Jer- Ey oe J ch Ble SS baa 
sey, Six pieces........ 
Artillery from Philadel- ay re ee sae 50 
phia, two pieces....... 


SUOLA laeataaseeteeds os 
Brigadier-General Roberdeau. 
STATIONED. 
At Newark Perry, rank and file.......+seeseeeeeeeees 122 
Artillery at Newark Ferry, 2 pieces, Matrosses........ 20 
At Elizabeth-Town and its posts, rank and file......... 500 
Artillery at Elizabeth-Town, two pieces, Matrossesis. tiene. cee 90 
At Woodbridge and its posts, rank and file... +e+seseeeereeeeeee 577 
Artillery at Woodbridge, two pieces, MAtrOBSOS ics co salts sides oc 90 
At Amboy and its posts, rank and file.....++. seers eeeee secre ee 1,723 
Artillery at Amboy, four pieces, Matrosses.....+s.++eeereeeee 110 


Hueu Mercer, Brigadier-General. 


575 


A General Return of the Forces in the Jerseys, under the 
command of Brig. Gen. Mercer, July 22, 1776. 


* Wt 3 
2 g = 
2 hue Sits tal Medel BS oO 
BNO eal eeah Salat sity. S 
BATTALIONS. eta tS le |S | bel & ben) obey 
SIsielals|a| ml aie] 
SIASSlAlalaAlaia| 2 
1 Battalion Pennsylvania 
BUREMONs 24/5 e500 J ee oad Se an 
2 Battalions of Pennsyl- eos 
vania eicten et A hea dhe A ee a4 
Battalion of Pennsylva-?| 1] 4/4/98 /15/15/15|817 283 
nia Musketry........ 
EBattalion of Pent. Malin) eee ile 1 |e | ee eel rae 380 
tia, officers included.... 
2 Battalions of Penn. Mili- Cae > [Se aleae i pet erect Be 480 
tia, officers included.... 
3 Battalions of Penn. Mili- F 9 
tia, are itehs ty aa By Res Tae i) 26 ke : ne 
PL OUAN a eteianiata’ ates 3 | 4 | 4 | 27| 62/26] 75 | 23121} 2,204 
Brigadier-General Roberdeau. 
ARTILLERY. 


From New-Jersey, 2 companies, 6 pieces of cannon, 120 Matrosses. 

From Philadelphia, 1 company, 2 pieces of cannon, 50 Matrosses. 
STATIONS. 

2 pieces at Passaick, 2 at Elizabeth Town Point, 2 at the Blazing-Star 


at Amboy. 
STATIONS OF THE TROOPS. 


Ferries of Hackensack and Passaick, 2 Captains and 122 rank and file> 


Elizabeth-Town Point, officers included..........+. 500 2 

Woodbridge, with several advanced posts.......... .600 yy 

Amboy, with advanced posts......ccsseereescrsecs 882 ee 

BGRar LANG s.c's cw w'ccs e's cvs scccesscessvevoss 100 i 
2,204 


Four tons of Powder. 


Hueu Mercer, Brigadier-General. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM THE CAMP AT ELIZABETHTOWN, 
DATED JULY 25, 1776. 

Yesterday nine of our Riflemen crossed the river in order 
to harass some Regulars who were throwing up a kind of 
breastwork on a bridge for their enemies, who kept firing 
on our men for some time, without doing any execution, till 
one of the brave fellows went within a few yards of the 
enemy and desired them to surrender. At that instant he 
received a ball through his head, which killed him on the 
spot. ‘The Colonel sent over a flag of truce to the com- 
manding officer on the Island, desiring leave to bring off 
his man, which the officer very politely agreed to, and let 
him take man, rifle, and all his accoutrements. After talk- 
ing a little, he inquired what news was stirring. On being 
told: that General Clinton had. been defeated at Carolina, he 
bore it very well; but on being acquainted that Lord Dun- 
more had been driven from Gwin’s Island, he looked very 
much confused. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 29, 1776.] 
New-York, July 25, 1776. 

Sir: Disagreeable as it is to me, and unpleasing as it may 
be to Congress, to multiply officers, I find myself under the 
unavoidable necessity of asking an increase of my Aids-de- 
Camp. ‘The augmentation of my command, the increase 
of my correspondence, the orders to give, the instructions to 
draw, cut out more business than I am able to execute in 
time with propriety. The business of so many different 
departments centring with me, and by me to be handed on 
to Congress for their information, added to the intercourse I 
am obliged to keep up with the adjacent States, and inci- 
dental occurrences, (all of which require confidential and 
not hack writers to execute,) renders it impossible, in the 
present state of things, for my family to discharge the several 
duties expected of me with that precision and despatch that I 
could wish. What will it be, then, when we come into a 
more active scene, and I am called upon from twenty differ- 
ent places perhaps at the same instant? 

Congress will do me the justice to believe, I hope, that it 
is not my inclination or wish to ran the Continent to any 
unnecessary expense; and those who better know me will 
not suspect that show and parade can have any influence on 
my mind in this instance. A conviction of the necessity of 
it for the regular discharge of the trust reposed in me is the 
governing motive for the application, and, as such, is submit- 
ted to Congress by, sir, your most obedient and most humble 
servant, Go. Wasuineron. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


576 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY. 
New-York, July 25, 1776. 

GenTLEeMEN: Congress having empowered me to appoint 
suitable places of rendezvous for the battalions raising in your 
Government for the Northern Army, and to communicate 
the same to you, also to advance them one month’s pay, 
&e., as you will perceive by the enclosed copy of their reso- 
lution which I have the honour to transmit, [ must request 
the favour of you to direct them to march by companies, as 
they are raised, to Skenesborough, and there receive orders 
and instructions for their conduct from the officer command- 
ing the Northern Army; and also to advance the month’s 
pay, and take every necessary measure for forwarding their 
march, and complying with the purport of the said resolve ; 
assuring you that whatever money may be advanced neces- 
sarily in carrying the same into execution shall be repaid to 
your order. 

Before I conclude I cannot but confess that I do not 
clearly understand what battalions Congress allude to, and 
therefore beg leave to refer you to the requisition I presume 
they made upon the subject. . 

Iam, with great respect, yours, 

Go. WasHineTon. 
To the General Court of Massachusetts-Bay. 

[Similar Letter sent to Governour Trumbull and the New-Hampshire 

Convention.] 


COLONEL REED TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 


[Read July 29, and referred to the Committee appointed to revise Articles 
of War.] 


New-York, July 25, 1776. 

Sir: The discipline of the Army falling more immediately 
within the notice of my department will, I hope, sufficiently 
apologize for recommending Mr. Tudor, the Judge-Advo- 
cate, to the attention of Congress. 

The military system of government, though much more 
complete than at first, is yet extremely defective. ‘The mild- 
ness of the punishment, even of crimes the most destructive 
to the Army, such as desertion, burglary, drink, of sleeping 
on guard, which are capital in all other parts of the world, 
not to mention mutiny and sedition, which is a growing evil, 
have rather made such crimes known to others than serve as 
examples. This Army is composed of a greater mixture 
than any which has yet. been collected, and I am sorry to 
say we have too many who would equal, if not exceed, the 
King’s troops in all kinds of disorder and irregularity. ‘To 
men of this stamp thirty-nine lashes is so contemptible a 
punishment that it is very frequent for them, in the hearing 
of their comrades, to offer to take much more for a pint of 
rum. Neither ny nature nor education would lead me to 
unnecessary severity, but I cannot, consistently with the duty 
and regard I owe the service, avoid giving my clear opinion, 
that unless some very material alterations in some articles 
take place, the publick will be greatly defrauded, military duty 
neglected, and the most dangerous consequences ensue to. 
the American cause. 

Since bounties have been introduced, a new species of 
desertion has appeared, that of leaving one corps to inlist 
into another, and we have some instances of its being done 
a second and a third time. I would humbly propose that 
some additional punishment to that for simple desertion be 
made. We have a general court-martial sitting every day, 
by which a Field-Officer and twelve Captains are kept from 
all other duty, a circumstance, perhaps, which never hap- 
pened in any army before; and yet crimes, especially deser- 
tions, increase every day. ‘The punishing desertion capitally 
I am sensible would only prevent discovery and. detection, 
and would not meet the genius of the people; but if. the 
number of lashes was increased, so as not to be less than one 
hundred, and the offender hable to double fatigue, I hope it 
would be more effectual. 

Mr. Tudor will propose several other regulations which 
appear very proper, and to which I humbly beg leave to 
solicit the attention of Congress, as a matter of no small im- 
portance. It would be extremely useful, and I may say 
necessary, that, should any alterations be made, a new edition 
of the articles should be published, as we have now many 
new regiments who cannot procure any, and offenders plead 
ignorance with great reason. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most 
obedient and very humble servant, Jos. Rep. 


577 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, July 25, 1776. 

Sir: The challenge I mentioned to your Excellency the 
other evening I find is given and accepted, and the parties 
have appointed to-morrow morning to fight. As I am made 
acquainted with the matter, I beg your Excellency’s direc- 
tion in what manner I am to conduct myself. 

This moment Colonel Hand was with me, and acquaints 
me that I have mistaken his intentions respecting promotions. 
As he is coming to Head-Quarters, I wish he may explain 
the matter to your Excellency, and the alteration be made 
on the return there, or sent back to me, and I will make the 
necessary alterations here. 

I apprehend it is necessary to have an order of Congress 
for the removal of the wheat along New-Utrecht, Graves- 
end, &c., shore, that if the enemy should land there, they 
may not have it in their power to do us any injury; for every- 
thing they destroy or carry off will be a matter of triumph. 
The wheat is almost fit to thrash, and can be speedily removed 
out of harm’s way. 

I should be exceeding glad if your Excellency would 
visit this post, when at liberty, to see if there are any altera- 
tions or further regulations necessary. 

I am, with due respect, your Excellency’s obedient 


nt 
pecyan'; Natu. GREENE. 


To His Excellency General Washington, New-York. 


N. B. The challenge mentioned in the forepart of my 
letter was given by Lieutenant Dunworth (discharged the 
other day) to Captain Talbut. I did not wish to know 
anything about it; but it was made known to me, and many 
of the officers know that I do know it. This perplexes me 
a little, knowing duelling to be against all law, both civil 
and military. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, July 25, 1776. 

Str: I have just completed a brigade return for the 
vacancies in the different regiments. My brigade is so 
dispersed that it is difficult getting returns seasonably. I 
should have made this return yesterday, but could not get 
Colonel Hand’s until last evening. 

The outguards report nothing worthy your Excellency’s 
notice this morning. 

I am so confined writing passes, &c., that it is impossible 
for me to attend to the duties of the day, which, in many 
instances, prejudices the service. Such a confined situation 
leaves one no opportunity of viewing things for themselves. 
It is recommended by one of the greatest Generals of the 
age, not only to issue orders, but to see to the execution, for 
the Army being composed of men of indolence, if the com- 
mander is not attentive to every individual in the different 
departments the machine becomes dislocated, and the pro- 
gress of business retarded. 

The science or art of war requires a freedom of thought 
and leisure to reflect upon the various incidents that daily 
occur, which cannot be had where the whole of one’s time 
is engrossed in clerical employments. The time devoted to 
this employment is not the only injury I feel, but it confines 
my thoughts as well as engrosses my time. It is like a 
merchandise of small wares. 

I must beg leave to recommend to your Excellency’s 
consideration the appointing an officer to write and sign the 
necessary passes. ‘I'he person I should wish to be appointed 
is Lieutenant Blodget. If it was put in general orders that 
passes signed by him should be deemed authentick as if 
signed by me, it would leave me at liberty to pursue the 
more important employments of my station. 

I hope your Excellency will not think this application 
results from a lazy habit, or a desire to free myself from 
business—far from it; I am never more happy than when I 
am honourably or usefully employed. If your Excellency 
thinks I can promote the service as much in this employment 
as any other, I shall cheerfully execute the business, without 
the least murmur. 

I am, with all due respect, your Excellency’s most obe- 


dient, humble servant, 
Natu, Greene. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters, 
New-York. 


Firtu Serres.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


oT 


578 


New-York, July 25, 1776. 

Our troops stationed on Bergen-Point, give the Ministe- 
rial fleet and army some uneasiness, by firing at the tenders, 
boats, &c. It so galls and provokes them, that they return 
the fire with great fury, but have not done the least damage 
to our people. 

Last Lord’s day a great many shot were heard in this 
city and at Bergen-Point. ‘The occasion was this: A barge 
from the fleet, full of men, landed on the Point, but were 
opposed and driven off with precipitation by our troops; a 
smart fire ensued from a tender for a considerable time, 
without doing any injury. By two deserters, we are in- 
formed that a Captain and two privates were killed on board 
their barge. 

We hear from New-Jersey and Connecticut that a great 
part of the men being absent on military service, and the 
time of harvest coming on, the women, assisted by the elderly 
men, whose age rendered them unfit for the Army, have so 
effectually exerted themselves, that they have generally got 
in the harvest completely, the laudable example being set 
by the ladies of the first character in each place. And we 
are credibly informed that many of them have declared that 
they will take the farming business upon themselves, so long 
as the rights and liberties of their country require the presence 
of their sons, husbands, and lovers, in the field. 


GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Greenwich, July 25, 1776. 


May ir PLEASE your Excextiency: The bearer, Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Jacobs, of Colonel Bailey’s regiment, com- 
plains that one Ensign Seth Bryant, belonging to said 
regiment, and now employed in the works, was yesterday 
afternoon, by order of my Lord Stirling, put under guard 
in a common guard-house, where he still remains, on sus- 
picion of embezzlement. A procedure so extraordinary, 
constrains me to represent the matter to your Excellency, as 
your Excellency is sensible that in all service, and in special, 
by the rules and regulations by which this Army is to be 
governed, “ whenever any officer or soldier shall commit a 
crime deserving punishment, he shall, if an officer, be put 
in arrest; if a non-commissioned officer or soldier, be im- 
prisoned.” Whether he be guilty or not, I cannot tell; the 
judgment of a general court-martial is to determine. But 
as he wears a Continental commission, his being confined 
under guard must give umbrage to every gentleman who 
sustains a commission in the Army. 

I am, with great respect, your Excellency’s most humble 
servant, W. Hearn. 


To His Excellency General Washington, present. 


REPORTS OF GENERAL AND FIELD-OFFICERS. 
Greenwich, July 25, 1776. 

In pursuance of the general order of yesterday, directing 
the Brigadier and the Colonel or Commanding Officer of 
each Regiment in his Brigade to meet and estimate the 
quantity of Paper absolutely necessary to serve a Regiment 
a month, &c., the officers of the First Brigade met this day 
for that purpose. 

Present: Brigadier-General Heath, Colonel Prescott, 
Colonel Read, Lieutenant-Colonel Sheppard, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Jacobs, Lieutenant-Colonel Wesson. 

The subject-matter being maturely considered, the officers 
are of opinion that twelve quires of Paper are absolutely 
necessary for each Regiment per month, if they are to 
provide their own books. 

W. Hearn, Brigadier-General. 


Quantity of Paper necessary for each Regiment of General 
Greene's Brigade. 


For five Morning Reports, to be made by the Corporals, of 
the state of each Company, one to each officer in the Com- 
pany, and one to the Adjutant, eight sheets per day. Also 
a Daily Report of the sick to the Surgeon of the Regiment by 
the Corporal, and of the absent men, one sheet per day. 

The Adjutant must every day make a report of the state 
of the Regiment to the Commanding Officer. 

The Sergeant of each Company to make a Provision 
Return every other day to the Quartermaster. 

The Adjutant to make three Weekly Returns—one to 


579 


Head-Quarters, one to Brigadier-General, and one to Colonel 
of Regiment. 

The Surgeons to make three Weekly Returns—one for 
Head-Quarters, one to Brigade-General, and one to Colonel 
of Regiment. He must, moreover, have Paper to dispense 
medicines and send orders for the reception of the men into 
the General Hospital. 

Daily Reports of Guards. 

Regimental Court-Martials and Orders on the Quarter- 
master-General’s Store for necessaries for the men. 

Sheet of Paper per month to each Company to make 
abstracts, and the like quantity to register them. 

Paper for Passes on necessary occasions. 

Reports of Arms and Ammunition necessary to be made 
by each Company at least twice a week. 

Paper for necessary correspondence. 

A ream per month to each Regiment thought sufficient. 

Narnanaet Greene, Brig. General. 

J. Varnum, Col. Ninth Regt. 

Danu. Hircucock, Colonel. 

Mosgs Lirrie, Colonel. 

Epwp. Hanp, Col. First Regiment. 
July 25, 1776. 

At a meeting of the Brigadier-General and the Officers 
commanding Regiments in the Second Brigade, according 
to General Orders of the 24th instant, to estimate the quan- 
tity of Paper. absolutely necessary for the use of a Regi- 
ment’s Returns and their publick use one month: 

Having considered the several uses of Paper in a Regi- 
ment, and estimated the quantity necessary for the same, 
are of opinion that ten Quires to a Regiment will be neces- 
sary, exclusive of sufficient books for orders and printed 
forms for Weekly Returns. 

Jos. Spencer, Brigadier-General. 

Saw H. Parsons, Col. 10th Regt. 
Jep. Huntineton, Col. 17th Regt. 
Jona. Warp, Col. 21st Regt. 
Sawi Wytiys, Col. 22d Regt. 

Camp, New-York, July 26, 1776. 

An Estimate of the quantity of Paper necessary to serve the 
Brigade commanded by General Hearn, for one month: 


General - - - - - - - - - 1 quire. 
UF EV el egret iat ieee Me ee? eek: USP GLE yo» 
Four Colonels, each one quire- - - 4 * 
Four Adjutants, each one quire - - 4 “ 
Thirty-two Captains “-"- - - -32 “ 
42 quires. 
Perer Gorvon, B. M. 


July 26, 1776. 

On consulting the Field-Officers of my Brigade, they are 
unanimously of opinion, that if one quire of Paper be allowed 
per month to each Company, one quire to the Adjutant, one 
quire to the Commanding Officer of each Regiment per 
month, it will be a sufficient and proper allowance. 

Stirtine, Brigadier-General. 
To His Excellency General Washington. 
July 25, 1776. 

An estimate of Paper necessary for the regiment of Artil- 

lery per month: Twenty quires, or one ream. 


Henry Knox, Colonel. 
New-York, July 26, 1776. 


The Colonels of the several Regiments in my brigade being 
convened according to orders of the 24th instant, have esti- 
mated the quantity of Paper necessary to serve a Regiment for 
Returns, and other publick uses, fora month, at ten quires. 

James Wapswortu, Brigadier-General. 
New-York, July 26, 1776. 


GENERAL MIFFLIN TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp at Mount Washington, July 25, 1776, 
eight o’clock, P. M. ; 
My pear Genera: I have this minute received a letter 
from Mr. Gerry, at Norwalk, on his way to Boston, with the 
following paragraph: 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


580 

“Twas informed at the White-Plains, by some gentle- 
men of the Convention, that a person very unfriendly to the 
American States had authentick information of the intention 
of the General in providing the chevaux-de-frise ; and that 
it was appropriated, with the ships, to stop the channel in 
the North River, and hem in the enemy’s ships.” 

The movement of the ships this morning down the river 
confirms Mr. Gerry’s information. Lieutenant Connoly says 
they came nine miles down this morning. We'keep a good 
look-out for them, as the wind and tide are favourable to 
their wishes. When they first appear I will order six alarm 
guns to be fired at a minute’s interval; and when they come 
within reach, will keep up as heavy a fire as possible. 

I am, with attachment, your Excellency’s obedient ser- 
vant, Tuo. Mirrii. 


To His Excellency General Washington, New-York. 


COLONEL HAY TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 
Haverstraw, July 25, 1776. 

Sir: [have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your 
Excellency’s letter of the 20th instant, with twenty pounds 
of powder. The approbation you are pleased to express of 
my conduct, and the regiment under my command, while it 
affords the most sensible satisfaction, cannot fail to produce 
a continuance of our exertions, until it is in your Excellen- 
cy’s power to relieve the inhabitants. 

My regiment consists of but four hundred men, one-fourth 
of whom, with eighty men sent me by General Clinton, I 
find necessary to keep on constant duty. ‘This Precinct has 
already raised two companies for the Continental service. In 
the vicinity of the mountains being poor, is thinly inhabited 
by people of small estates; this, together with the great ex- 
tent of shore we have to guard, is extremely burdensome to 
the people, and I suppose is the true reason that has induced 
Captain Parker to fix his station in Haverstraw Bay. 

Since the destruction of Halstead’s house, and the robbing 
the poor man of his hogs by Captain Wallace, nothing of a 
hostile nature has been attempted. The enemy have collected 
their force nearly opposite my house, and employ their time in 
sounding the river. ‘Their having taken down the sand bags 
from the sides of their ships, spread awnings in all their ves- 
sels, and neglecting to embrace the many fair winds and 
tides that have offered, induce me to think that Captain 
Parker has resolved to confine his operations to the south 
side of the Highlands, and to make no further progress up 
the river till the arrival of a reinforcement. As yet they 
have had no supplies from this shore, nor any addition to 
their strength except two poor wretches of infamous charac- 
ter; nor have [ any reason to think that many have resorted 
to them from the eastern shore, although a bullock was 
brought from thence, and hoisted, with great shoutings, from 
a barge into the Rose at the dawn of day on Monday last. 
My guards have since seen cabbages delivered from a canoe. © 
If there has been any other communication between the 
enemy and the County of Westchester, it must have been in 
the night, for I have observed no increase of the number of 
boats about the ships or tenders in the daytime. 

Permit me, sir, to suggest that it would tend greatly to 
obstruct the designs of the enemy if the shores above and 
below them were furnished with light whaleboats, to pursue 
their barges. ‘This would enable us not only to dismiss part 
of the guards now employed, but also to cut off any supplies, 
follow them wherever they may attempt to land, and prevent 
the disaffected from joining them, give greater safety and 
relief to the peasants, and, upon the whole, be a saving to 
the publick. I shall, in compliance with your Excellency’s 
request, give you the earliest information of every material 
event in this quarter; and am, sir, your most obedient ser- 
vant, A. Hawkes Hay. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters. 
P. S. Half after ten o’clock A.M. This moment the 


ships and tenders came under sail, fair wind and tide, and 
they are proceeding down the river. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
German-Flats, July 25, 1776. 
Sir: Iam this day honoured with your obliging favour 
of the 17th instant, and am happy to learn that we shall 


581 


soon be supplied with felling-axes. If the helving will not 
cause much delay, I could wish to have it done, and the 
axes ground, otherwise to send them on as they are, we 
being in great need of them. , 

I am happy that your Honour has so early issued the pro-, 
clamation concerning the deserters from the Army. I hope 
it will have a good effect. Before I went last to Crown- 
Point, 1 gave directions to Lieutenant-Colonel Buell to col- 
lect all the boards he possibly could for erecting hospitals 
for the sick at Fort George, and temporary barracks for the 
troops wherever they might be. He has carried into execu- 
tion my wishes with that diligence which distinguishes him, 
and a very considerable quantity of boards are collected. 
As soon as I found our Army was to retreat from Canada, I 
caused a saw-mill to be erected at the head of Wood- Creek, 
that will cut nearly three hundred boards of fourteen feet 
long in every twenty-four hours. ‘The mill began to work 
about twelve or fourteen days ago, so that I trust we shall 
have sufficient shelter for our troops. _ I believe there are not 
any old gun-barrels or locks left; if there should be, I will 
order them to be sent to you. The head carpenters will be 
charged with the money you have advanced, and I will order 
it to be replaced as soon as the Deputy Paymaster-General 
has it in his power to do it. I dare say Doctor Ely’s design 
will not be mistaken. I wrote to General Gates on the sub- 
ject, and pointed out his errand. I consider his being sent 
up on such an occasion, as an evidence of his foresight and 
attention to the good of the common cause. ‘The confer- 
ence with the Indians is not yet opened, and [I fear it will 
not be until Monday next. My long absence from the Army 
distresses me much, as the variety of business carrying 
forward on the communication, I fear, will get somewhat 
deranged. But neither my colleagues nor the Indians will 
permit me to return until the business is completed. 

I am, with perfect esteem, and every wish for your health 
and happiness, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Pu. ScHUYLER. 


To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES, 
German-Flats, July 25, 1776. 

Dear Stir: Your favour of the 13th instant, I received 
yesterday, and that of the 17th, this morning. I am per- 
fectly in sentiment with you on the subject of private sutlers. 
They are in an Army what tippling-houses are in cities: the 
receptacle of the abandoned, where mutiny, disorder and 
every vice takes rise. I shall immediately give orders for 
purchasing Arnet’s rum; but your order to the Deputy Com- 
missary-General would have been sufficient. 

Governour Trumbull, from whom I had a letter this morn- 
ing, of the 17th instant, advises me that I may soon expect 
one thousand axes. I hope they are now on the way, with 
such others as may have been collected by the other people 
employed in that business before I left Albany. 

This moment I received the enclosed. If the chain can 
be spared, I wish you would send it without delay, under the 
care of a careful officer to attend it to Poughkeepsie. 

The Indians are not yet convened; and I fear we shall 
not open the conference until Monday next. I intended to 
leave the business to my colleagues, but they were both of 
opinion that if I quitted this place before the treaty was 
held, that it would essentially prejudice our cause; and the 
Indians, too, formally addressed me on the occasion. Their 
delays greatly distress me, as I know I could be of some 
service In expediting matters. Can you procure no intelli- 
gence from Canada? 

Adieu, my dear sir; I am, with best wishes and esteem, 
your most obedient, humble servant, Px. Scuuyer. 


To the Hon. General Gates. 
P.S. If you do not send the chain, please to advise my 
Secretary, who is at Albany, of it, and direct him to de- 


spatch a messenger to Messrs. Van Zandt, Lawrence, and 
Tudor, at Poughkeepsie, to inform them of it. 


Yours, Xc., P. Scuuyier. 
GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, July 25, 1776. 


Dear Generat: I wrote you early yesterday morning, 
and delivered the letter to Colonel Wynkoop, who was to 


¥* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


582 


have set off for Ticonderoga in the morning, but was obliged 
to wait for his people, who were gone to Cheshire’s, and did 
not return till evening, when he received your order to remain 
here. I have sent carpenters to assist in fixing the 
gondolas and vessels. I should have returned this morning, 
but the boats which were sent to Cheshire’s the day before 
yesterday for the carpenters are not yet returned. It will be 
necessary for me to stay until they arrive, to give them orders 
respecting the craft they are to build. I have sent off an 
express this morning to General Schuyler for sundry articles 
wanted for the gondolas, and have requested him to send 
either to Connecticut or to General Washington for two 
or three hundred seamen, who will be absolutely necessary 
to man what craft we shall soon have completed. With- 
out a larger number of seamen than can be found in the 
Northern Army our navigation will be useless. We have 
received no advice from below lately. The first company 
of Militia arrived last evening—others are expected every 
minute. 

I am, with esteem and affection, dear General, your obe- 
dient and humble servant, 


To the Hon. General Gates. 


B. Arnoxp. 


CAPTAIN WYNKOOP TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, July 25, 1776. 

Dear Genera.: I have received yours of yesterday, and 
shall, with a great deal of pleasure, comply with all com- 
mands in said letter. J shall send you one gondola to- 
morrow, and the rest I shall forward as fast as possible, and 
send them down. 

When I came here on this ground, I found things went 
very irregular and slow. The carpenters complained to me 
that if the soldiers went into the woods to help them, they 
would sit down by the trees instead of working, and when 
they complained to their officers thereof, found no redress. 

I have been one day from here, to Cheshire’s saw-mill, 
where I saw that neither the store nor barracks was set up at 
that place, and the commanding officer at that post was gone 
to Albany; and found also that the saw-mill did not go at 
night, only by day; and no boards sawed. I have now given 
them the strictest charge to saw continually, for I found they 
had water plenty. I have employed my officers and men 
to clear the creek and fetch the boards, and expect this day 
one hundred and forty boards here from that place, which I 
will send you down to-morrow. 

The same day that General Arnold arrived here on this 
ground, he told me it was General Gates’s positive orders 
that [ should go down to Ticonderoga and join my regi- 
ment, which I thought a little strange of. As I had no men 
at home, (they being all employed in clearing the creek and 
fetching boards down,) I could not comply with his orders. 
The greater part of them arriving, I was determined to com- 
ply with his orders; but receiving your letter this morning, 
and finding nothing of that nature mentioned, induces me to 
stay till further orders from your Excellency. 

What is the reason of General Arnold’s giving such orders 
to me I know not, except that some of our commanders at 
this place see that I drive business on faster, as several have 
complained to General Arnold concerning me. 

I am, dear General, your Excellency’s humble servant, 

Cornetius Wynkoop. 
To Major-General Gates, at Ticonderoga. 


P. S. Concerning the stores, I found it went very irregu- 
lar, and have demanded the keys, and have appointed one of 
my officers to act in that station, as long as the General 
pleases to continue him therein. 


Providence, Saturday, July 27, 1776. 

Thursday last, (25th July, ) at eleven o’clock in the fore- 
noon, his Honour the Governour, attended by such Members of 
the Upper and Lower Houses of Assembly as were in town, 
and a number of the inhabitants, went in procession to the 
State-House, escorted by the Cadet and Light-Infantry Com- 
panies, where, at twelve o’clock, was read the Act of Assem- 
bly concurring with the most honourable General Congress 
in their Declaration of Independence. 'The Declaration was 
also read; at the conclusion of which, thirteen volleys were 
fired by the Cadets and Light-Infantry; the Artillery Com- 
pany next fired thirteen cannon, and a like number of new 


583 


cannon (cast at the Hope Furnace) were discharged, at the 
Great-Bridge; the ships Alfred and Columbus likewise fired 
thirteen guns each, in honour of the day. At two o’clock 
his Honour the Governour, attended and escorted as above, 
proceeded to Hacker’ s-Hall, where an elegant entertainment 
was provided on the occasion. After dinner the following 
toasts were drunk, viz: 

1. The'Thirteen Free and Independent States of America. 

2. The most Honourable the General Congress. 

3. The Army and Navy of the United States. 

4. The State of Rhode-Island and Providence Planta- 
tions. 

5. The Commerce of the United States. 

6. Liberty to those who have spirit to assert it. 

7. The friends of the United States in every part of the 
earth. 

8. General Washington. 

9. The Officers of the American Army and Navy. 

10. May the Crowns of Tyrants be crowns of thorns. 

11. The memory of the brave Officers and Men who have 
fallen in defence of American Liberty. 

12. May the Constitution of each separate State have for 
its object the preservation of the civil and religious rights of 
mankind. 

13. May the Union of the States be established in justice 
and mutual confidence, and be as permanent as the pillars 
of nature. 


The Artillery Company, and a number of other gentlemen> 
dined the same day at Lindsey’s Tavern, when the following 
toasts were drunk: 

. The Free and Independent States of America. 
. The General Congress of the American States. 
. The Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 
. His Excellency General Washington. 
. His Excellency General Lee. 
. The brave Carolineans. 
. Success to General Gates and the Northern Army. 
. May the subtilty of the American Standard destroy 
the ferocity of the Britesh Lion. 
9. The State of Rhode-Island and Providence Planta- 
tions. 

10. The Honourable Governour Cooke. 

11. May the Independent States of America for ever be 
an asylum for Liberty. 

12. The American Army and Navy. 

13. The Providence Independent Companies. 


DBDHAAUNEBWWR 


The whole was conducted with great order and decency, 
and the Declaration received with every mark of applause. 
Towards evening the King of Great Britain’s Coat of Arms 
was taken from a late publick office, as was also the sign 
from the Crown Coffee-House, and burnt. 


MAJOR MEIGS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Middletown, July 25, 1776. 

Sir: [arrived here the 22d instant, after a tedious passage 
of sixty-six days from Quebeck, on my parole of honour to 
return when called for, a copy of which, together with my 
pass from General Carleton, are enclosed, (the original is in 
the hands of General Howe.) 

I am to represent to your Excellency the situation of the 
unfortunate detachment that were made prisoners on the 31st 
December last. ‘The number now in Quebeck is about three 
hundred, including officers. ‘The officers were confined in 
the Seminary. ‘The soldiers were confined in the Jesuits’ 
College, and were served with the same rations that were 
served to the garrison after the siege was raised. The officers 
had liberty to walk in a large garden that is adjoining the 
Seminary. The officers and privates are in great want of 
money, as they cannot procure clothing without it, of which 
they are in great want; the officers are now considerably in 
debt for necessaries, exclusive of the garrison allowance. 
Generals Carleton and Howe have given their word for the 
protection of any private gentleman that may be sent with 
money, but will not admit that an officer of the Army be 
sent. The prisoners bear their confinement with becoming 
fortitude, but are anxious for an exchange of prisoners, if it 
can be obtained consistently with the interest of their country. 

I am informed that Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, of the 
Highlanders, applied to General Howe for a cartel, and that 
Major French and others are anxious for an exchange. In 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


584 


February last, the officers prisoners at Quebeck petitioned 
General Carleton for an exchange of prisoners, provided 
our country should approve of it. The General received 
the petition, read it, and told the officer that presented it, 
that he would consider of it; but returned no other answer. 
I intended to have waited on your Excellency myself, but 
was advised by the gentlemen in Hartford and this town 
not to do it without your Excellency’s advice, as it would 
be undoubtedly known to General Howe, and perhaps 
even represented that I had joined the Army, or was giving 
intelligence, for which he might immediately demand me. 
When I gave my parole to General Carleton, he told me 
Major Skene,son to Governour Skene, had arrived at Quebeck 
two days before, and that he should not employ him till he 
had the advice of the King of England. 

I have sent by the bearer a number of unsealed letters, 
which I brought from the prisoners at Quebeck. 

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your 
Excellency’s most obedient and most humble servant, 

Return Jona. Metas. 

To His Excellency General Washington, Commander-in- 

Chief of the Forces of the American States. 


JAMES BOWDOIN TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Boston, July 25, 1776. 

May ir PLease your Honours: Last Monday the Militia 
of this town were called into the field to draught the town’s 
proportion of the last’ ordered levies. After much uneasi- 
ness, between thirty and forty men, I understand, were inlist- 
ed, ona promise of extravagant bounties. Some demanded, 
and I am told were promised, one hundred dollars over and 
above the Government bounty. 

When the resolve for raising these last levies was under 
consideration of the honourable Board, it was said by several 
gentlemen, and it appeared to be the sense of the Board, 
that the men which Boston would have to furnish would not 
be called for to go either to New-York or Canada, as the 
draught of every twenty-fifth man from the whole Militia 
of the Colony would produce a much greater number than 
fifteen hundred, the number wanted, and that the overplus 
would be ordered to Boston and its neighbourhood. And 
after the receipt of General Washington’s order for all the 
Continental regiments stationed there to proceed to New- 
York, it was said at Council that it would be proper that the 
said overplus should be ordered to Nantasket, the Castle, and 
Dorchester, together with a further number, to replace those 
regiments. If this were the case, and your Honours con- 
tinue of the same mind, I beg leave to submit to your 
consideration whether it would not be proper that the men 
inlisted in Boston should be ordered here, for the defence of 
the town, or that your Honours should signify that the said 
men will not be ordered to New-York or Canada; in which 
case the payment of the said most extravagant bounties may 
be stopped, and the town, already almost ruined, in some 
measure relieved. 

If your Honours think proper to do anything in this mat- 
ter, the relief will depend on its being done immediately; 
and in that case, I beg leave to suggest whether it would not 
be proper that one or two of your honourable members 
should be desired to come to Boston, without delay, to com- 
municate your pleasure. 

Enclosed is a letter from the Honourable Mr. Sever, just 
received. It will be brought by Captain Samson, the com- 
mander of the Colony’s ship of war, who says the quantity 
of powder allowed him is too short; I believe it would be 
proper to enlarge it at least five hundred pounds. 

There is an account to the eastward that some of the ene- 
my’s small vessels are cruising on that shore, and have taken 
a number of our coasters. I submit it to your consideration 
whether Captain Samson should not be ordered to cruise 
on that shore for some time, and then proceed where it is 
most likely he may pick up some of their West-Indiamen; 
and that he be directed to Boston by the middle of Septem- 
ber, in order to proceed, with other of our vessels of war, to 
Newfoundland, to sweep the whole British fishery; and, in 
the meanwhile, our other armed vessels be ordered to be at 
Boston at that time. 

All which is submitted with great respect, by your Hon- 
ours’ most obedient, humble servant, James Bownou. 
To the Hon. Council of the State of Massachusetts-Bay. 


585 


JAMES BOWDOIN TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Boston, July 25, 1776. 

Honovraste Gentirmen: The enclosed petition, from 
Winslow, came to hand the last evening. The most effectual 
means of securing the eastern part of the Colony from an 
inland attack, and quieting the minds of the people settled 
there, I humbly apprehend, is, to engage the St. John’s, Mick- 
mack, Penobscot, and other eastern Indians, to engage heartily 
in the war, agreeably to General Washington’s request. For 
this purpose I beg leave to suggest to your Honours, whether 
it would not be proper that three or four, or more, suitable 
persons be engaged to go immediately into the Indian coun- 
try, along with the Indians that are now there, and inlist them, 
into the service without delay. I cannot but apprehend such 
a measure would be attended with success, and that General 
Washington, in that case, would in a short time have a con- 
siderable body of them; which would answer the double 
purpose of assisting him and securing our eastern frontiers, 
which otherwise may be in great danger of being broken up 
by these same Indians. 

I am, most respectfully, your Honours’ most obedient, 
humble servant, James Bowpo1n. 


To the Honourable Council of Massachusetts- Bay. 


J. PALMER TO RICHARD DEVENS. 
Germantown, July 25, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Mr. Bates has finished six pieces, and would 
have finished the other four, had he had iron. He mentions 
to me your sending one ton of the largest iron for the four 
mentioned, and for the six large ones which are to be done, 
and says he should be glad to have the wheels for the first 
ten pieces. He also says he shall want cash as soon as the 
other ten are finished, in order to keep up the spirit for doing 
the others. Perhaps when you send him the iron and the 
wheels, the same vessel may take the six pieces from thence 
for Hill. 

Pray my compliments to the Committee. I hope this will 
find them well. I very much want to see them at Hull, to 
which place I was just setting out. 

And remain ever, your very humble servant, 

J. Paumer. 


To Richard Devens, Esq., Commissary-General, Boston. 


P. S. Please send me news, or the papers; for news is 
so refined when it reaches Hull that we don’t understand it. 
The Committee want paper at Hull; J. P.has expended all 


his own, or nearly all. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO DEACON NEWELL. 


July 25, 1776. 

Sir: The Council have this minute received information 
that Colonel Reed’s regiment, in the County of Middlesea, 
are now delayed from marching towards Canada solely for 
want of camp-kettles, which were to have been delivered at 
Concord some time since. You will be pleased to inform 
the bearer whether those kettles are gone forward to Concord 
or not; if not, whether it is in your power to send them for- 
ward immediately; if that should not be the case, you will 
direct the bearer to Dr. Carling, or any other person whose 
province it is to order those matters, that the kettles may be 
sent forward with all possible despatch. I need not urge 
the necessity of sending this article immediately, as the 
soldiers are now lying on the road. 

By order of Council : Jno. Avery, D. Secretary. 
To Deacon Timothy Newell. 


GENERAL WARD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 


Boston, July 25, 1776. 

Sir: Herewith is enclosed Returns of the Stores in this 
division of the Continental Army. I shall immediately send 
to the Agents to furnish those articles mentioned in Mr. 
Webb’s letter of the 18th instant, and shall comply as far as 
is in my power with all your directions therein. 

As soon as the regiments are able to march, I shall give 
orders therefor, and immediately retire. 

Jam, your Excellency’s obedient and very humble servant, 


Artemas Warp. 
To General Washington. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


586 


A Return of Ordnance Stores. 


Round Shot: 1-pounders 11,400, 2-pounders 340, 3-pounders 800, 
6-pounders 4,100, 9-pounders 460, 12-pounders 2,800, 18-pounders 480, 
24-pounders 2,030, 32-pounders 62. 

oxes of Round Shot, with wood bottoms: 3-pounders 1, 6-pounders 
24, 12-pounders 17, 24-pounders 3. 

Boxes of Case-Shot, with wood bottoms: 2!-pounders 1, 6-pounders 9, 
12-pounders 30, 18-pounders 3, 24-pounders 15; 54-inch howitzer 4, 
8-inch howitzer 1. 

Caps and Cylinders: 6-pounders 800, 12-pounders 2,200. 

Empty Cartridges: flannel, 6-pounders 1,600, paper,12-pounders 3,000, 
hand-grenadoes 720. 

Shells: 54-inch 510, 8-inch 200, 10-inch 795, 13-inch 167. 

Mortar Beds: 8-inch 2, 10-inch 2. 

Barrels of powder 856, barrels of brimstone 2, barrels of turpentine 2. 

Weight of musket balls 9 tons 6 ct., buck-shot 10 ct., junk 13 ct., 
chalk 140 lbs., thread 70 lbs., twine 12lbs., sheet lead 5ct., slowmatch 
150 lbs. 

Carcasses: 8-inch oblong 35, 10-inch round 11, 13-inch round 37. 

Drums: serviceable 29, unserviceable 15; Fifes 18. 

Musket cartridges of all sorts 37,700, cartouch boxes 351, hand-bel- 
lows, double blast, 1 pair, budge barrels 5, pincers 2 pair, funnels 6, 
hammers 2, park pickets 2. 

Flints: Musket 11,000, carbine 2,500, wallpiece 250. 

Reams of Cartridge Paper: Cannon 36, musket 28. 

Barrows: Hand 8, wheel 31. 

Lanterns: Muscovy 5, dark 2, common 6. 

Harness: sets of men’s 60. Horse: saddles 68, bridles 40, collars 82, 
harness 22. 

Tanned hides 4, copper ladles, without staves, 6-pounders, 4. 

Spare Spunge and Ram Heads: 6-pounders 16, 24-pounders 1. 

Jars of Oil: Sweet 3, train 13. 

Coils of White Rope: 14-inch 2, 2-inch 1, 34-inch 1, 44-inch 1. 

Casks of Spikes: 7-inch 9, 8-inch 2. 

Melting ladles 5, casks of streak nails 3, sheep skins 40, brass scales 
and weights 1 pair, handspikes 30, camp-kettles, with fryingpan covers, 
66, 6 dozen of fuses fixed, 50 dozen of tubes fixed, bottoms of wood 
for 13-inch mortars 90, watch-coats 12, hand-screws 2 pair, powder- 
horns 2,890, boxes of grape-shot 16, shot-bags 1,430, unserviceable fire- 
arms 614, gun-locks 54, yards of bunting 35, sand-bags 500, priming- 
wires and brushes 3,500, fuse compound 2 boxes, 5 small coils of com- 
mon cordage, scaling-ladders 19, spare travelling carriages for 12-pound- 
ers 4, sets of iron carriage-wheels 30, cod lines 32. 


Ordnance Store, Boston, July 22, 1776. 
Per Natuanten Barser, Jun., 


Deputy Commissary of Artillery. 


N. B. Included in the above Return: At Roxbury: Powder 500 bbls.; 
shells, 13-inch 92, 10-inch 43, 8-inch 19. 

At Cambridge: Powder 232 bbls.; shells, 13-inch 75, 10-inch 371, 8-inch 
181, 53-inch 610. 


Errors excepted. 


A Return of Ordnance Stores, made to His Excellency the 
Commander-in- Chief, July 22, 1776. 


Round Shot, with wooden bottoms: 6-pounders 1,792, 12-pounders 
720, 24-pounders 136. 

Round Shot, without bottoms: 3-pounders 416, 6-pounders 720, 
9-pounders 680, 12-pounders 2,275, 18-pounders 600, 24-pounders 1,130, 
32-pounders 1,884. 

With Flannel Cartridges filled: 6-pounders 64. 

Case Shot, with wooden bottoms: 12-pounders 348, 24-pounders 71. 

Case Shot, with Flannel Cartridges filled: 3-pounders 721, 6-pounders 
890, 9-pounders 150, 12-pounders 82, 24-pounders 40, for 8-inch howit- 
zers 21, 53-inch howitzers 58. 

Carcasses: 13-inch 31, 10-inch 14, 8-inch 63. 

Grape Shot: 32-pounders 82. 

Double-headed Shot, (bar and sliding:) 18-pounders 49, 24-pounders 
21, 32-pounders 261. 

Paper Cartridges, filled: 3-pounders 416, 6-pounders 104, 9-pounders 
132, 12-pounders 115, 18-pounders 328, 24-pounders 23, 32-pounders 
555. 

Paper Cartridges, empty: 3-pounders 2,000, 6-pounders 5,000, 9-pound- 
ers 800, 12-pounders 12,000, 18-pounders 300, 24-pounders 6,010, 
32-pounders 450. 

Flannel Cartridges, empty, (light and heavy:) '6-pounders 2,400, 
12-pounders 2,100, 24-pounders 1,450. 

Caps and Cylinders: 6-pounders 1,220, 12-pounders 3,660, 24-pounders 
1,900. 

Reams of Cartridge Paper: musket 52, cannon 10. 

Fixed Fuses: 4 2-5-inch 3,000, 8-inch 188, 13-inch 59. 

Empty Fuses: 13-inch 75, 8-inch 2,000, 53-inch 2,000. 

Spunges, with Rammer Heads: 3-pounders 19, 6-pounders 36, 
12-pounders 5, 18-pounders 2, 24-pounders 3, 32-pounders 3. 

Wad Hooks: 3-pounders 13, 4-pounders 4, 6-pounders 7, 32-pound- 
ers 3. 

Copper Ladles: 3-pounders 9, 4-pounders 25, 6-pounders 43, 9-pound- 
ers 10, 12-pounders 16, 18-pounders 12, 24-pounders 1, 32-pounders 12. 

Shells: Hand-grenades 260, 43-inch 23,000, 53-inch 2,200, 8-inch 
1,900, 10-inch 300, 13-inch 27. t 

Spikes for laying Platforms: 7-inch 1,800, 8-inch 5,500. 

Sets of Harness: Men’s 100, horse 60. k 

2,800 powder-horns, 16 haversacks for Artillery, 14 sets of drag- 
ropes, 213 handspikes, 3 sets of gin-blocks, 28 portfire-stocks, 85 lin- 
stocks, 3 matchlocks, 50 dozen of port-fires, 76 cannon priming-irons, 
45 sheep-skins for spunges, 3 budge-barrels. 

Tin Tubes: Fixed 3,000. 

Pincers: For drawing tubes 48; 14 hammers. 

Weicht of slow match 23 ct., sulphur 50 lbs., saltpetre 90 lbs., musket- 
ball 3,700 lbs., buck-shot 300 lbs., thread 12 lbs., twine 63 lbs., lead 23ct., 
rosin 2 ct. 

30,000 flints, 114,000° musket-cartridges, 15,000 musket primingwires 
and brushes, 5 tanned hides, 3 handscrews, 55 wooden cases for cannon 
cartridges. 

Sand Bags: bushel, 5,000, half bushel, 5,000. 

Oil: sweet 15 gallons, Spermaceti 15 gallons. 

Lanterns: Muscovy 2, horn 2. 

20,000 spunge tacks, 500 copper nails. i 

Fire-Arms: Carbines 74, rifles 150, unserviceable 720. 


387 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


Spunges, with Rammer Heads: For swivels 18, cohorns 24, howit- 


zers Q7. 


Barrels of Powder: mealed 2:, grained 53. 


Spirits of Wine 9 gallons. 
Errors excepted. 


New-York, July 22, 1776, 


Ezex. Currver, Com. Artillery. 


A Return of Stock and Tools, belonging to the Continent, 
in the possession of Tuomas Cuasn, Assistant Quarter- 
master at Boston, July 25, 1776. 


Snow Shoes, 450 pairs. 

Snow Shovels, 1,778. 

Handbarrows, 228. 

Wheelbarrows, 205. 

Pickaxes, 678. 

Tron-shod Shovels, 312. 

Iron Spades, 125. 

Broadaxes, 42. 

Felling-axes, 6 casks and 24. 

Common Axes, 64. 

5-inch Spikes, 2 casks and 800. 

6-inch Spikes, 2 casks. 

7-inch Spikes, 1 cask and 300. 

8 and 83-inch Spikes, 1 cask. 

Hambre Lines, 19 double. 

Iron Pots and Kettles, 60. 4 

Wooden Plates, 300. 

Wooden Bowls, 50. 

Wooden Pails, 200. 

Grindstones and Troughs, 17. 

Smiths’ Hammers, 1 cask and 33. 

Anvils, 10. ' 

Smiths’ Bellows, 19 pair. 

Tron Mandril, 1. 

Nail Stakes, 11. 

Drill Stock, 1. 

Beams and Weights, 2. 

Forge Tongs, 51 pair. 

Screw-plates, 3. 

Nail Tools, 18. 

Bolt Sweges, 3 sets. 

Firmers, 1 dozen. 

Gouges, 1 dozen. 

A quantity of old tools of different 
sorts. 

4-penny Nails, 18,000. 

10-penny Nails, 92,000. 

20-penny Nails, 11,000. 

24-penny Nails, 5 casks. 

Carpenter’s Tools, 3 chests. 

Hand-saws, 78. 

Tenon-saws, 5. 


Compass-saws, 6. 

Files, different sorts, 7 dozen. 

Turning Lathe and Tools, 1. 

Bar Iron, 8 tons 1 ewt. 10 lbs. 

Old Iron, 1 ton 12 ewt. 

Nail Rods, 1 ewt. 2 qrs. 14 lbs. 

Sea Coal, 38 chaldrons. 

Fire-wood, 700 cords. 

Writing-paper, 120 reams. 

Shot-bags, 1,500. 

Steel, 270 lbs. 

Vices, 4. 

Beek Irons, 4. 

Boards, 21,000 feet. 

Oak Plank, 5,500 feet. 

Ranging Timber, 2,540 feet. 

Wheel Timber for 10 pair Wheels. 

Garrison Carriage Wheels, 2 pairs. 

Axletrees, 39. 

White-oak Logs for hubs, 16. 

Spokes, 130 dozen. 

Travelling Carriages, stuff for four 
18-pounders. 

Ash Timber, 34 feet. 

Clapboards, 700. 

Refuse Shingles, 20,000. 

Horses, 7. 

Oxen, 3 yoke. 

Whale-boats fit for use, 40. 

FJat-bottomed Boats, 30.) 

Long and Mosses Boats, 6. 

Tents, 125. 

Hammocks, 22. 

Ticklenburgh, 150 yards. 

Twine, 50 Ibs. 

25-inch Rope, 60 lbs. 

Old Canvass, 50 yards. 

Dog-fish Skins, 5. 

Large Iron Grates, 16. 

Jars of Olive Oil, containing 40 or 
50 gallons the two, 2. 

Old Chain, 1. 


Camp at Boston, July 25, 1776. 


Errors excepted. 


Tuos. Cuase, 
Assistant Quartermaster. 


JOSEPH NYE, JUN., TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 


Sandwich, July 25, 1776. 


May rr piease your Honours: Being appointed one 


of the Committee for this Colony for raising every twenty- 
fifth man for the Canada department, I have applied myself 
to the service with success, but cannot find by the resolve 
that they are to be marched from home without further 
orders from your Honours. I beg to have your direction by 
the bearer, Colonel Norton; and remain your most obedient 
humble servant, Jos. Nye, Jun. 


Boston, Thursday, July 25, 1776. 

Last Sunday, a ship of two hundred tons, commanded by 
James Arnout, was sent into this harbour by Commodore 
Hopkins, in the George ship-of-war, taken in Nantasket- 
Road. She has on board sixteen hundred barrels of pork, four 
hundred firkins of butter, some oat-meal, &c., &c. 

Last Tuesday evening, came to town from Halifax Lieu- 
tenant Scott, of Peterborough, in New-Hampshire Govern- 
ment, who was wounded and taken prisoner at the memorable 
battle of Bunker-ill, the 17th of June, 1775, and has been 
a prisoner ever since. He informs, that he, with thirteen 
others, broke jail about five weeks ago, and betook them- 
selves to the woods, where they separated; that Captain 
Martindale and his First and Second Lieutenants, John 
Brown, rifleman, Leonard Briggs, of Ware, and himself, 
arrived at Truro, at the head of Cobbecut-River, after a 
travel of three days, where they procured a boat, and got to 
the eastward; that Richard Carpenter, formerly a barber in 
this town, Philip Johnson Peack, David Kemp, of Groton, 
and Corporal Cruse, of Virginia, and two others, took the 
road to Windsor, where they were apprehended, and con- 
fined in irons; that Benjamin Wilson, of Billerica, one of 
the Bunker-Hill prisoners, died lately in jail; and that he left 
Master James Lovell, still confined, in health and high spirits. 


588 


CONVENTION OF COMMITTEES OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY, MASSA- 
CHUSETTS. 


Extracts of the doings of a Convention of the Committees 
of the Towns in the County of Hampshire, and State of the 
Massachusetts-Bay, held at the Court-House, in North- 
ampton, on Thursday and Friday, July 25 and 26, 1776. 


Present: Eighty-eight Delegates from forty 'Towns. 
Colonel John Bliss President, and Mr. Robert Breck 
Clerk. 


Resolved, That all persons that shall be convicted of being 
notoriously inimical to the cause of American Liberty, be 
disarmed as soon as may be, and that such as are more 
dangerous among them, be confined to the Town to which 
they belong, or to their farms, or kept in safe custody, or 
bound with sufficient sureties, as shall appear necessary; and 
as confederacies are judged to be formed and forming in 
many parts of the country, and may be strengthened, and 
other great inconveniences may ensue from such persons 
(who are inimical as aforesaid) collecting together in com- 
panies, that they be restrained from all such Meetings and 
Conventions, as also from holding any intercourse or corre- 
spondence with those sent into the County as prisoners. 

It is recommended to the Committee of Safety of the 
several ‘Towns in the County aforesaid, that such persons as 
are prisoners and privates in their respective ‘Towns, who 
have hired themselves out for their support, be not permitted 
to go out of the limits of such Town, till the time of their 
contract be fulfilled, nor be out of their respective places of 
abode after daylight, unless by special order of their master, 
nor after nine o’clock with his consent; that they be not 
suffered to dwell with any person who shall be judged inimi- 
cal to the American States; and that all such persons as 
shall hire such privates be strictly enjoined to return such 
privates to the Committee of such Town from whence they 
were taken at the time of their discharge; and that special 
care be taken that such prisoners as are on their parole 
strictly conform to, and abide within the limits of, such 
parole, otherwise they ought to be closely confined. Also, 
that such prisoners as are on parole be so situated as that 
their limits shall not extend to any Town where officers or 
privates are confined, and that no privates be suffered to dwell 
in any ‘Town where officers or others on parole are stationed. 

It is recommended to the Selectmen of the several ‘Towns 
in the County aforesaid, that may be defective, that they do, 
as soon as may be, procure the several proportions of a ‘Town 
stock of powder; also, a sufficient quantity of fire-arms for 
such poor persons as are not able to equip themselves, agree- 
able to the resolve of the great and General Court of this State. 

It is further recommended to the Committees of the several 
Towns in the County aforesaid, to use their utmost care in 
apprehending and securing all deserters from our Army, and 
cause that they be returned to their respective corps; also, 
that they request their several Towns that they instruct their 
Representatives to procure an order from the General Court 
of this State, that all persons travelling through the same 
should have passes, denoting their friendliness to the Ame- 
rican States, and make provision for suspected persons being 
taken up, examined, &c. 

Resolved, also, That it be earnestly recommended to all 
the good people of this County in general, and the Commit- 
tees of the several ‘Towns in particular, that they use their 
utmost influence and endeavours to discountenance and sup- 
press all mobs, riots, and tumultuous proceedings, and the 
seizing and detaining the person and property of any indi- 
vidual contrary to a late resolve of the Continental Con- 
gress; and that any person who has been, or may be, so 
seized, be immediately dismissed, and the property of any 
one so seized and detained, be immediately replaced. 

Voted, That Major Hawley, Mr. Robert Breck, and Dr. 
Levi Shephard, be a Committee to make the foregoing ex- 
tracts from the proceedings of the Convention aforesaid, and 
transmit the same to Mr. Ebenezer Watson, Printer, in Hart- 
ford, for publication, as soon as may be. 


ss 


London, July 26, 1776. 
Captain Williamson, of the Francis, arrived in London, 
from Antigua, and brings an account, viz: that a few days 
after he was on this side the Bermuda Islands, the following 
ships were taken by the Revenge and Montgomery, two 
small American privateers, viz: the brig Henry, Blyth, from 


589 


Barbadoes to Halifax, taken the 28th of May, laden with 
rum; the Rover, Hunter, from Antigua to Dublin, taken 
the 13th of June, laden with rum; the Isabella, Kirk, from 
Antigua to Dublin, taken the 13th of June, loaded with 
rum; the Harlequin, Goodwin, from Nevis to Dublin, taken 
the 2d of July, loaded with sugar and rum; the Devonshire, 
Fisher, from Antigua to Dublin, taken the Ist of July, 
loaded with sugar and rum, in latitude 34° 55/, longitude 
53° 36/. Fifty per cent. insurance was offered on some 
of the above ships; and insurance, with convoy, rose near 
thirty per cent. as 

Captain Stephenson, of the Lady Juliana, arrived in town 
this day, and gives the following account of the capture of 
his ship, the Lady Juliana, from Jamaica to London, in com- 
pany with the Reynolds, Captain Rusden, from Jamaica for 
London, and the Juno, Captain Marsden, from Jamaica for 
Bristol: On the 9th and 12th of May last, they were 
attacked by two American privateers off the Matanzas, 
bearing $.S.E., and that the Reynolds, Rusden, was taken 
by the American privateer , Captain Henry, mounting 
six three-pounders, and ten swivels, on the 9th of May; and 
Lady Juhana, Stephenson, and Juno, Marsden, were taken 
by the Chance, Captain Adams, who mounted four six- 
pounders and ten swivels, the 12th; that the Provincials 
put the Captains and passengers on board a Spanish vessel 
that was leaky, who carried them into Providence, where 
the Captains purchased a vessel, called the Baltimore, which 
is since arrived at Plymouth. 

The nine ships above mentioned were all taken with the 
greatest ease, after they had been convoyed one hundred 
and fifty leagues from the ports they respectively sailed from, 
and left by the men-of-war, under a supposition that they 
were totally out of danger. ‘The privateers which took 
them were but thinly manned, and weakly armed. Qne 
carried ten, and the other twelve guns. Several of the 
ships carried a great number, but (which is very extraordis 
nary) no powder on board, the Governours of the places 
they sailed from not allowing any to be shipped, for fear 
enough should not remain with them to defend their situa- 
tions in case of an attack, which was something more than 
probable. The Lady Juliana, Captain Stephenson, had six 
hundred hogsheads of sugar and thirty thousand hard dollars 
on*board, besides other negotiable and marketable articles. 
Her cargo, therefore, exclusive of the dollars, at a moderate 
computation, was worth twenty-five thousand pounds. She 
was boarded by Captain White, an old acquaintance of 
Captain Stephenson, who cordially shook hands with his 
captor when he set foot on deck, little thinking he was an 
enemy. Whate, out of civility and respect for old acquaint- 
anceship, promised to send Stephenson safe to England, at 
the same time told him, that he was ordered by the Congress 
to carry every prize he took to Rhode-Island, and that the 
other privateer was to carry hers to Salem, in New-Eng- 
land. 'The ship Francis, on board which Stephenson came 
to England, was suffered to sail home, as the Captains of 
the Provincial privateers did not think her valuable enough 
to be seized. ‘The amount of the cargoes of the above 
prizes, we are informed, upon the best authority, is upwards 
of £140,000 sterling. 


SILAS DEANE TO C. W. F. DUMAS. 
Paris, July 26, 1776. 

Sir: The enclosed letter from Dr. Franklin will hint at 
my business in this city, where I arrived the 7th instant, and 
should have sent forward this earlier, had I not hopes of the 
honour of presenting it to you in person. This I now find 
I cannot expect without delaying it beyond all bounds. I 
therefore forward it by the common conveyance, and inform 
you that my address in this city is to Messrs. Germany, 
Guardot & Co., bankers; that I shall tarry here till the last 
of August, when I propose going to Dunkirk, thence to 
Amsterdam and Hamburgh, in which journey I hope for the 
pleasure of seeing you. In the mean time, I shall be happy 
in a correspondence with you on the subject of the dispute 
between the Uneted Colonies and Great Britain, or any 
other that shall be agreeable to you; and I wish to be in- 
formed if I shall be in danger of any disagreeable treatment 
in my journey through Holland, ina private capacity, though 
it should be known that I was in the service of the United 
Colonies. It has been suggested to me that I might meet 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


590 


with some interruption or difficulties from the friends of the 
British Ministry, which occasions my making this inquiry. 
I have the honour to be, &e., Sizas Deane. 
P.S. I read and understand the French language tolerably 
well, though I am unable to write it. 


CAPTAIN MERONEY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Fredericktown, July 26, 1776. 
Gentiemen: I have exerted myself endeavouring to fur- 
nish my company with guns and blankets, but find it imprac- 
ticable without money. I applied to Mr. Harrison, and 
could receive but seventy pounds, insufficient to furnish one- 
tenth. Mr. Harding, the bearer, is a gentleman, and may 
be trusted with any sum. ‘Three hundred and fifty pounds 
is the sum I want to receive by the bearer. 
I am, gentlemen, with respect, your obedient servant, 
Puitie Meroney. 


To the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


GentLEeMEN: I am of opinion that a less sum than is 
mentioned in the above letter will not furnish the above 
company with arms and blankets. C. Bearry. 


To the Council of Safety. 


MAJOR PRICE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Upper Camp, Prince George’s, July 26, 1776. 

GentLemeN: If you expect frequent intelligence from 
this place, you must send down for it, it being impossible to 
get horses here. 

I have been under the necessity of sending home all the 
Militia except fifty, and it was with much difficulty I could 
keep them. Indeed, their distress seems to be very great, 
for most of them are poor people whose crops are suffering, 
and many have not any dependance but their labour. I 
received an express from General Lewis last night. ‘The 
following is a copy of my answer to him, which will give 
you as true a state of matters here as possible. 

I found it absolutely necessary to keep the wagon and 
horses brought from Annapolis, not knowing what hour it 
might be necessary to remove the cannon, and also to draw 
them back, for it will not be possible to get any here. How- 
ever, if you think it best, and will send me directions, I shall 
act accordingly. 

Iam, gentlemen, your very humble servant, 

Tuos. Price. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


MAJOR PRICE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
St. George’s Camp, July 26, 1776. 

Sir: The enemy come on St. George’s Island in the day 
time to get water and wood, and in the evening retire on 
board their ships. ‘They have no manner of fortifications on 
the Island. 

The fleet lies from the northeast side of St. George’s 
River about a mile, the depth of water, as I imagine, about 
three fathom. The Island lies from the main land about a 
hundred yards. ‘The water, at low tide, about knee-deep, 
where we threw up a small intrenchment. ‘There are three 
pieces of cannon on Cherryfield Point, (about a mile from 
the Fowey,) one a nine-pounder, one a four, the other three. 
I have another on the northwest side of the river, (the nar- 
rowest water between the land and main,) a four-pounder. 
I have about four hundred men (half of whom are well 
armed, the other half poorly) placed on each side of St. 
George’s River. I have good reason to think, with the force 
I have, I can prevent the enemy’s landing or plundering the 
inhabitants. I yesterday morning sent one hundred on the 
Island about half after two o’clock. ‘They marched silently 
through the Island till day appeared, and then lay hid ull 
they came from the ships to water. The advance party 
being rather eager, was too soon discovered, and the whole 
enemy ran to their boats, my people then pursuing them 
with all speed, and firing on them as they were getting into 
their boats, when our people say they killed three or four, 
that they saw fall, and several wounded, and one taken 
prisoner. The Fowey then fired on them, and compelled 
them to retire. After destroying their water-casks and filling 
up a well, (the best on the Island, for they have no springs,) 


591 


they returned to the main without loss. By the best advice 
I can get from the prisoners and many deserters, the whole 
fleet does not intend to stay here longer than those up the 
Potomack come down, which they expect every day. Cap- 
tain Beall, who was wounded in the first engagement, is 
recovering fast. Iam, &c., Tuos. Price. 


N. B. I yesterday sent under a small guard a prisoner to 
Annapolis, taken yesterday, and three deserters, one of them 
an officer of Dunmore’s, who made his escape with an old 
man who is very sick and not able to travel. I believe they 
are well pleased they have made their escape. One of 
them went from Annapolis, who says Caton was privy to his 
and others going on board the Fowey while she lay there. 
Please to pay this express. 


B. HOOE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Chingoteague, July 26, 1776. 

Gentriemen: I did myself the honour of writing you on 
the 19th instant by Mr. Crockett. Some days after that 
time, I purchased about one hundred hogsheads of tobacco, 
sixty of which I have actually received, and since making 
the purchase the whole of the flour has arrived. I have 
examined a good deal of it, and find it is in such a state as 
will not admit of its being stored any length of time in ex- 
pectation of a sale. 1 shall, therefore, endeavour to sell or 
ship it without delay. If I cannot do better, 1 must have 
the schooner John examined and valued and send her off with 
it, for it will soon perish here, and there is a good chance of 
selling it very high if it can be expeditiously pushed to mar- 
ket. The brig will sail in twelve days, by which time Cap- 
tain Martin has engaged to return. If he does not, I must 
send her without him, as it is not in my power to attend 
here longer. 

The two chests of arms and nine bales of sailcloth the 
Captain has delivered since the Committee of Worcester 
wrote you of the deficiency. ‘The powder yet remains, 
twelve whole barrels of shot, four and a half barrels of which 
he says was put on board for the vessel’s use. 

Captain Martin appears very anxious to be commissioned. 
Of this I can say nothing, as he is a stranger to me, except 
that ‘the men enter and act more cheerfully where they have 
a chance of sharing a prize ; but how proper it may be to grant 
commissions to vessels carrying cargoes must be submitted 
to you. 

I have the honour to be, your Honours’ most obedient 
servant, B. Hook. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


CAPTAIN DARNES TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Queen Anne’s County, July 26, 1776. 
GentLemen: Mr. Jackson waits on you with two copies 
of my muster-roll, agreeable to the resolve of the Conven- 
tion. Ican’t say but I am a good deal distressed at the 
uneasiness of our people. ‘They throw themselves out of 
business by entering into the service, and many of them 
have not holes to put their heads in, and are perpetually 
teasing me about it. They are prodigiously anxious to be 
provided for with arms. ‘They really labour under great 
disadvantages at present. If possible, I make no doubt but 
you will soon supply us. It certainly would be vastly agree- 
able to, gentlemen, your very humble servant, 
Joun Darnes. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


COLONEL BARNES TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Camp at Cherry Fields, July 26, 1776. 

GenTLemeN: I am informed that Colonel Kent, who 
was appointed by the Convention to command the Defence, 
declines the acceptance of the command. I shall therefore 
take the liberty to recommend Captain George Cooke as a 
proper person to command the Defence, knowing that Cap- 
tain Richardson’s opinion was, that neither of the gentlemen 
on board the Defence was sufficiently qualified to take the 
command. Captain George Cooke has served on board the 
English Navy for seven years, and has been in several 
engagements, and I think well qualified for the business. I 
have had an opportunity of finding him to be a man of un- 
daunted courage since I have been in these parts. As Colonel 
Plater is well acquainted with Captain George Cooke, and 
I suppose some others of the Council, I shall say no more 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


592 


about him further than that I thought it my duty to prevent 
his passing unnoticed, if in my power. 
I remain, gentlemen, your humble servant, 
Ricup. Barnes. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


B. BRACCO TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
' Port-Tobacco, July 26, 1776. 
Dear Sir: I have sent the bearer, Sergeant Smith, ex- 
press to inform you that the small-pox has broken out among 
the men under my command here, and hope you will be kind 
enough, by his return, to Jet me have instructions in what 
manner I am to act—whether immediately to inoculate the 
remainder of the men, or remove them out of the way. I 
think the latter would be of no effect, as the man who com- 
municated the infection was a day and a night in company 
with all the soldiers here. Some combed his hair, and others 
slept with him. He was a man that called himself a deserter’ 
from Lord Dunmore, and produced a pass from the Com- 
mittee of Essex County, in Virginia. I have spoken to Dr. 
Browne, who had the care of the fellow, and he says he 
thinks he was inoculated. 
I am, sir, with the greatest gratitude, your most obedient 
humble servant, B. Bracco. 


To James Tilghman, Esq., at Annapolis. 


COLONEL HAWKINS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Charles County, July 26, 1776. 

Dear Sir: On the 18th instant, I received orders from 
Brigadier-General Dent to select from the interior parts of 
my battalion three companies of Militia, to be composed of 
men out of different companies, and despatch them to\St. 
George’s River, to relieve the Militia collected there at that 
time. Agreeable to order, I set out immediately, and had 
two of the companies raised the next day, commanded by 
Captain Parnham and Captain John Harrison; the other 
was not raised till the 20th, and was commanded by Cap- 
tain McPherson. Parnham’s company, which was foremost, 
got down to St. George’s, or within a small distance of it, ' 
before great part of the fleet sailed up Potomack, and have 
been detained there ever since. ‘The other two companies 
were ordered to return and watch the motions of the enemy, 
and to prevent their landing or plundering the inhabitants. 
And I have the satisfaction of informing you that our Militia 
have prevented the enemy from landing or plundering, if 
they intended it, and that we have sustained no damage, 
except the loss of a couple of boats, and the fleet have gone 
down the river again this day. I received a line yesterday 
evening from Captain Parnham, informing that several of his 
men are sickly, and desires that others may be sent to their 
relief; but that he is willing to stay as long as it may be 
necessary. And he pressed me much to send him a small 
supply of cash, as it is a shocking place to be at, especially 
without money, and many of his company are very poor. 
I must therefore request that you will appoint some person 
to adjust the accounts of my battalion, and be pleased to 
send the cash for the payment of the companies, and the 
necessary expenses, by Mr. Henry Massey Hanson, that I 
may be able to comply with the request of Captain Parn- 
ham; and, for further particulars, must beg leave to refer you 
to Mr. Hanson. 

I am, very respectfully, dear sir, your obedient humble 
servant, J. Hawkins. 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, President of the 
Council of Safety, Annapolis. 


FREDERICK COUNTY COMMITTEE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF 
SAFETY. 


In Committee of Lower District of Frederick County, 
July 26, 1776. 


GentLemeNn: Understanding that there is a vacancy for 
a Major in the battalion for this County, we take the liberty 
to recommend Major Richard Crabb to you for that office. 
We are convinced as well of Major Crabd’s attachment to 
the cause of America, as of his economy, fortitude, and manly 
resolution, and doubt not but his own merit will fully justify 
the appointment. 

We are, gentlemen, your humble servants. 

By order: Sami. W. Macrupver, Chairman. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


593 


OF SAFETY TO WORCESTER COUNTY 
COMMITTEE. 
[No. 77.] Annapolis, July 26, 1776. 
Gentiemen: We are informed that there are a number 
of pieces of cannon in your County that have lain there 
some years, ever since the Spanish wreck on the seaboard 
side of your County. We request you would immediately 
cause those cannon to be examined, and let us hear from 
you by express what state and condition they are In, and 
how many there are, and what weight of metal they would 
carry, as also who claims any property 1n them; and if any- 
body claims, under what contract or agreement they were 
purchased, and of whom. We expect your answer as soon 
as you conveniently can. We are, &c. 


To the Committees of Observation of Worcester County. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DELEGATES IN CONGRESS. 
[No. 78.] Annapolis, July 26, 1776. 


Genriemen: The letters from Colonels Barnes and Jor- 
dan were not enclosed in our last, from inattention. We now 
send them, with copies of some other letters from below, 
from whence you will see how affairs are going on there. 

Dunmore’s fleet have separated. The Fowey and the 
Otter, with a number of vessels having the Tory families on 
board, remain in the mouth of St. Mary’s River. The 
Roebuck and six or seven other vessels have moved up the 
river Potomack, as high as Quantico in Virginia, where 
they stopped to take in water. ‘There are some flying reports 
of their having landed at Mr. William Brent’s, and burnt his 
house, which are confirmed this day by Charles Lansdale. 
He says it is feared they are landing on Colonel Small- 
wood’s estate. The last he heard of them was yesterday, 
and the report was, they were landing on the Maryland side, 
near Colonel Smallwood’s. 

We observe what you say about the Flying-Camp, and 
shall do the best we can. We shall give the necessary 
orders for finding the troops rations, in expectation that the 
subsistence-money will be reimbursed. As soon as the 
Regulars are replaced that have and are about to march to 
the northward, we shall use our endeavours to complete the 
remaining battalions with all diligence, and send them for- 
ward, either in battalions or companies, as they get ready. 
Most of those we have seen of the new-inlisted men, appear 
to be quite raw, and in great want of necessaries. Some 
pay must be advanced to put them in tolerable condition to 
appear in. 

On Tuesday last, we gave orders to Captain Thomas to 
march with his men to Philadelphia, as soon as the com- 
manding officer below thinks he can be spared. And this 
day, on receipt of your letter, we have ordered Captain 
Hindman to move forward, although we apprehend the 
Eastern- Shore will be weakened thereby, and we are doubt- 
ful that will be the next place invaded. 

We feel for the State of New-York, but cannot help 
feeling also for Maryland, and shall endeavour to conduct 
ourselves in such manner as to give every assistance in our 
power to them and to the common cause, without exposing 
ourselves to destruction. Since the march of our Regulars, 
we are truly ina defenceless state, and if powerfully invaded, 
know not what may be the consequence. However, we hope 
for the best, and are exerting ourselves to the utmost. 

We wish our powder that arrived at Egg-Harbour, to 
be sent to Baltimore. ‘The arms we desire may be left at 
Philadelphia, for the use of one of the companies of the 
Flying-Camp, who will have our order to call for them. 

We approve of what you have done as to the five thou- 
sand dollars, and would have you keep the balance to answer 
contingent expenses, and render account from time to time 
as you may see fit. 

Doctor Tootle, our Surgeon-Major, has put into our hands 
a list of chirurgical instruments, which we send you’ here- 
with, and request the favour of you to procure and send them 
down by the first opportunity. 

Wesend you also the proceedings of the last Convention. 

Thomas Jennings, Esq., is just arrived, in good health, 
after a very long passage. He left London the 29th of 


March, and brings no very particular news that we hear. 
We are, &c. 


To the Deputies for Maryland in Congress. 
Fiera Serses.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


38 


594 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JOSIAS BEALL. 
[No. 79.] Annapolis, July 26, 1776. 
Srr: Yours of the 24th instant was laid before us, and 
we observe the contents. In answer thereto we can only 
say that five quarter-barrels of powder have been sent to 
Piscataway, and that six or seven barrels are now lodged 
with the Committee of Prince George’s County. If more 
be necessary, we will order some down. It gives us sincere 
pleasure to find the people in different parts of the Colony 
so spirited, and can assure you nothing shall be wanted on 
our parts. We are, &c. 


To Josias Beall, Esq., Prince George's County. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JOHN HANSON. 

[No. 80.] Annapolis, July 26, 1776. 

Sir: The instructions from the Council of Safety (as 
you will observe) only respected muskets; but we desire 
you will purchase rifles upon the best terms you can. Be 
pleased likewise to pay for those purchased by Captain 
Mantz; and by the first opportunity we shall order and 
send you any money you may find necessary. 

We are, &c. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JAMES TILGHMAN. 
[No. 81.] Annapolis, July 26, 1776. 

Sir: The business before this Board daily becomes more 
important, and consequently requires as full a Council as 
may be. We hope, therefore, before this reaches you, that 
your line with your cousin is settled, and that it will not be 
inconvenient for you to aitend your brethren immediately. 
We are the more earnest in making this requisition, as Colo- 
nel Plater intends to St. Mary’s in a few days, and then 
we shall be left with only four members. Mr. Smith pleads 
the necessity of staying at his ship-yard about the building 
of the gondola, in excuse for his non-attendance; and Mr. 
Hamds has resigned his seat. We are, &c. 


To James Tilghman, Esq. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO BALTIMORE COMMITTEE. 
[No 82.] Annapolis, July 26, 1776. 

GentLemen: The alacrity shown by your Committee in 
exerting itself in the common cause in which we are all 
engaged, it is hoped, will be attended with the success it 
merits, and which is so exceedingly necessary at this alarm- 
ing and important juncture of time, as without arms and 
blankets little prospect of a favourable campaign can arise, 
if the troops were ever so numerous. 

Agreeable to your request, therefore, and to expedite the 
business, we have transmitted to you, by Captain Yates, the 
£1000, the disposal of which you will be pleased to render 
us an account. 

No account has yet been sent to this Board of the expen- 
diture of the £1000 advanced at the time of the alarm 
occasioned by the Otter; omitted, we suppose, through the 
hurry of business, and therefore desire you will furnish it by 
the first opportunity. Weare, &c. 


To the Committee of Observation of Baltimore County. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Friday, July 26, four o’clock, P. M. 

Sir: Congress being adjourned, I have to acknowledge 
the receipt of your favour of the 25th instant, this moment 
come to hand. The subject of it is so just, that I will 
venture to say that it will be complied with in its fullest 
latitude. 

The preamble to the resolutions for confiscating the pro- 
perty of the subjects of the King of Great Britain having 
been this day expunged, and the resolution altered, agree- 
able to the one now enclosed you, I am to request you will 
please to erase that from the resolves I enclosed you a few 
days past, and substitute the one I now transmit in its place. 

With every wish in your favour, and every sentiment of 
esteem, I am, sir, your very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


P. S. Brigadier-General Sullivan this day sent me a let- 
ter of resignation, which is ordered to lie on the table until 
Monday. I have not yet seen him. 


INSTRUCTIONS TO PENNSYLVANIA DELEGATES, 
In Convention, Friday, July 26, 1776, P. M. 


The draught of Instructions for the Delegates in Congress 
was read and unanimously approved, and is as follows, viz: 

“GentLemen: This Convention, confiding in your wis- 
dom and virtue, has, by the authority of the people, chosen 
and appointed you to represent the free State of Pennsyl- 
vania in the Congress of the United States of America, and 
authorized you, or a majority of such of you as shall at any 
time be present, to vote for and in the name of this State, 
in all and every question there to be decided. And this 
Convention apprehend it to be a duty which they owe the 
publick to give you the following general directions for your 
conduct, confident that you will at all times pay the utmost 
attention to the instructions of your constituents. 

“ The immense and irreparable injury which a free country 
may sustain by, and the very great inconveniences which 
always arise from a delay of its Councils, induce us, in the 
first place, strictly to enjoin and require you to give not only 
a constant, but a punctual attendance in Congress. 

« The present necessity of a vigorous exertion of the united 
force of the free States of America against our British ene- 
mies, is the most important object of your immediate regard, 
and points out the necessity of cultivating and strengthening, 
by every means in your power, the present happy union of 
these States, until such a just, equal, and perpetual conside- 
ration can be agreed upon, and finally effected, as will be 
‘the most likely to secure to each the perfect direction of its 
own internal police; in the forming of which Confederation, 
you are to give your utmost assistance. 

“‘We recommend to you to use your utmost power and 
influence in Congress to have a due attention paid to the 
establishing and maintaining a respectable naval force, as 
such a force is absolutely necessary to every trading nation, 
and is the least expensive or dangerous to the liberties of 
mankind. 

«With respect to the forming of treaties with foreign 
powers, it is necessary only: to say, that we strictly charge 
and enjoin you not to agree to, or enter into any treaty of 
commerce or alliance with Great Britain, or any other for- 
eign power, but (on the part of America) as free and inde- 
pendent States; and that whenever Great Britain shall 
acknowledge these States free and independent, you are 
hereby authorized, in conjunction with the Delegates of the 
United States, to treat with her concerning peace, amity, 
and commerce, on just and equal terms.” 


LANCASTER COMMITTEE. 


Ata meeting of the Committee of Inspection, Observation, 
and Correspondence, at the house of Adam Reigart, the 
26th of July, 1776: 


Present: Edward Shippen, Wm. Atlee, Lodwick Lowman, Henry 
Dehuff, Christopher Crawford, Jacob Krug, John Miller. 


William Atlee in the Chair. 


There being a number of young lads in town, to wit: 
Henry Wilson, Wilkam Furguson, William Porter, Robert 
Jockley, Michael McG'achakin, George McGighagin, James 
Ellet, Robert Jones, and Christian Newcomer, who have 
been, at the request of Colonel Hand, under the tuition of 
the Drum-Major of Colonel Slough’s Battalion, and the 
Fife-Major of Colonel Ross’s Battalion, and those teachers 
being now employed in the service in such manner that they 
cannot instruct the said lads, and Captain Ross now being 
about to march to the Camp, and agreeing that the said lads 
shall march under the care of his Sergeant: 

It is Resolved, 'That the said lads be sent, under the care 
of Captain Ross’s Sergeant, with his direction, to the Camp 
at New-York; and that the Chairman write to Colonel 
Hand by the Sergeant, informing him of this proceeding, 
and that the Committee have advanced £4 10s. to the Ser- 
geant for their subsistence by the way. 


Colonel Greene representing that near fifty of his Flying- 
Camp Company are now in this town, armed, accoutred, and 
ready to march, and that a number of the draughts of some 
of the Companies of his Battalion have not yet joined them, 
requests the sentiments of this Committee whether those 
who are shall march for the Camp under his command, and 


what method shall be taken to oblige the other draughts to 
follow: , 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


596 


Upon consideration, it is the sentiments of this Committee, 
that those who are in this place, armed and accoutred, be 
immediately marched for the Camp, where there may be 
immediate occasion for them; and that this Committee imme- 
diately write to Captain Ambrose Crean, Thomas Roppe- 
heffer, and John Rough, requiring them immediately to send 
down to this place the draughts from their respective Com- 
panies appointed or allotted to form the said Flying-Camp 
Company, that they may fallow their commanders to the 
Camp as expeditiously as possible; and if they refuse to pro- 
ceed upon being required, to march them under Guard. 


Ordered, That 7s. 6d. be paid to Edward Smith, one of 
Colonel Greene’s Company, for riding express the other day 
with Circular Letters to the Colonels. 


William Sergeant, of the Seventh Regiment, is permitted 
to work with Jacob Heffer, at the Blacksmith’s business, he 
here in Committee engaging to be answerable for him agree- 
able to the Resolves of this Committee. 


The Examination of Wiiu1am Poor, in respect to the 
Britis Officers (prisoners of war) who broke their 
Parole, and escaped from LeBANoN, PENNSYLVANIA, in 
June, 1776. 

In Committee, Lancaster, July 26, 1776. 
Says, some time last spring or summer, (he thinks: about 
three weeks before the officers went away,) he was at his 
own house by Swatara Creek, at the place belonging to 

Mr. Maddox, of Philadelphia, about sixteen or seventeen 

miles from Lebanon; was getting ready to set off to buy a 

cow; one White called at his house, and told him he was 

looking for a brother of his who had come into the country, 
and he heard worked with one Poor. He told White he 
knew of no such person. He left the house to go after the 
cow, and White accompanied him till they came to Jones’s 

Town, and there they parted after drinking some cider to- 

gether at Parker’s, in Jones’s Town, for which White paid. 

That he did not see White afterwards till White came to 

him in company with the officers. Says, that on the way 

between his house and Jones’s Town, he and White were 
met by one Thomas Edmonds, who lives over Swatara near 

John Smiley's; that Edmonds’s shirt was bloody, and he 

asked him if he had been fighting; that Edmonds answered 

no, he had been in Slter’s Town, where the soldiers wanted 
to inlist him, and struck him. ‘That Edmonds then said to 

Poor that he wanted to speak with him. Poor told him to 

speak out; that he hesitated. Poor asked him if it was a 

secret. Edmonds said it was. ‘That upon this, he went a 

little aside with him, and then told him he had been at Mc- 

Hugh's with the officers, and that the officers wanted him 

(Poor) to go away with them, ‘That he told Edmonds it 

was a dangerous thing, and he would have nothing to do 

with it. ‘Vhat White could not hear the conversation be- 
tween him and Edmonds. That Edmonds then told him 
to say nothing about it, or else the officers would be confined. 

That Edmonds left them then, and Whate and he (Poor) 

proceeded to Jones’s Town, where they drank together as 

above. ‘That White and he left Jones’s Town together, kept 
together about halfa mile, when White said he would go to 

Lebanon, and parted with Poor, who went to look for his 

cow. ‘That White and Edmonds had no conversation to- 

gether. That White and he (Poor) had no conversation 
about the officers or taking them off. ‘That he never had 
any conversation with the officers, or any of them, before 
they came to him at his house after they left Lebanon, except 
that once when at McHugh’s one of them named Cuppaidge 
asked him if he was from a particular part of Ireland, to which 
he answered in the negative. That about a week after this 
conversation between him and Edmonds, as he was riding 
out of town, one Bullman, a blue-dyer in Lebanon, called 
to him and stopped him, told him that the officer at Mc- 
Hugh's wanted to speak with him; that he then told Budl- 
man he had nothing to say to the officers. ‘That some 
time after this, (he thinks some weeks,) as he was fishing 
in Swatara, about half a mile from his house, in the after- 
noon a little before sunset, on a Saturday, several men came 
up to him, four of whom were officers, one named Rich- 
ardson, one named Cubbage, one named Hume, the other 
name he don’t know, with three servants, and the said White, 
and a man who sometimes called himself Billy Caldwell, 
and sometimes Paddy McGown’s man. ‘That some of them, 


597 


he don’t know which, told him they had escaped from Leba- 
non, and wanted to get to Wyoming, and wanted him to show 
the way. ‘That he told them he did not know the way, and 
had never been there. That Hume presented a pistol to his 
breast, and told him if he did not go with them he was a 
dead man. He then consented to go, and asked leave to go 
home and get some clothes; but they would not suffer it, and 
obliged him to go with them, That they immediately pro- 
ceeded over the hill, and travelled about six miles, where 
they stopped to rest and refresh themselves. _ That they 
rose before day, and the next morning crossed Weiser’s road, 
about a mile or two from Kuntzelman’s, and proceeded to a 
hollow place not far from Kuntzelman’s, where they stopped, 
and sent Caldwell to Kuntzelman’s to inquire the road to 
Wyoming. That Caldwell soon returned, and they pro- 
ceeded travelling the whole day over the mountains till after 
sunset. That they then encamped in a place full of old 
logs, &c. Here they made a fire, a tent was raised for the 
officers, and the servants and others made coverings of bark, 
&c. Here they eat bread and cheese, of which he (Poor) 
partook, and Jaid down to sleep, saying they thought them- 
selves safe. That towards morning he observed them all 
asleep, and made his escape, taking with him a sword which 
happened to lay near him. He left the said officers, their 
servants, Caldwell, and White, there asleep. That the offi- 
cers had guns and ammunition, and the servants pistols and 
swords. Caldwell and White had no guns, but Caldwell 
used to have one of the officer’s guns, and marched before. 
That they had a horse with them, which carried their pro- 
visions and linen for their tent—the horse a dark-coloured 
horse, don’t know any marks. That about noon of the day 
he left the officers he came to Kuntzelman’s, where he had a 
gill of ram. That Kuntzelman asked him where he had 
been; to which he answered that he had been hunting for 
beaver and their signs. He then proceeded homewards ; 
but, as he could not reach home that night, he lay in the 
woods, and arrived at home the next morning. 

Being asked why he did not then give notice of the route 
of the officers, &c., he says he was afraid, as they had sworn 
him to secrecy on some book which Hume took out of his 
pocket, on the other side of Kuntzelman’s. Says Caldwell 
was a tall young man, fair complexion, wore a blue coat. 
Says that Caldwell was at his house about nine or ten days 
before the officers went away, and told him he came from 
the West-Branch, and was going towards Tulpehocken; 
that he heard him say he had been a soldier with Lord 
Dunmore, and was a Lieutenant in the expedition against 
Wyoming. 

William Poor being again examined on the 8th Novem- 
ber, 1776, acknowledges that the officers had his mare, and 
that he left it with them. That they bargained with him for 
it for £7. ‘That the conversation about the price of the 
mare was the same morning that he left them before day. 
That they counted him down the money, and laid it down, 
but he left the money and went off presently afterwards, 
one of them (who he thinks was one of the officers) being 
sitting at the fire at the time. ‘That it was one of the ser- 
vants’ swords which he brought off with him, who was 
asleep when he took it. That his daughter told him when 
he came to his house, before they went off, that she had 
bought some whiskey for the officers; but says he did not 
send her. Says that Hume presented a pistol to his breast 
twice: the first time was the first night they set off, after 
travelling a small distance; and the second time was after 
Caldwell returned from Kuntzelman’s. ‘That his mare was 
loaded with the officers’ baggage and necessaries from the 
time they set off, and travelled with them so loaded. 


THE EXAMINATION OF JOHN WHITE. 


Says that some time in May last went up the country to 
look for a brother of his, who, he had been told by one Wil- 
liam Johnston, was come into the country, and lived up near 
Lebanon, at one Poor’s. He proceeded from Lancaster to 
Manheim, where he dined ; from there he went to Lebanon; 
got there that evening, and stopped at McHugh’s, the sign 
of the Bear; lodged there that night; next morning left 
Lebanon alone, and went to Jones’s Town; stopped there 
and took a draught of cider, and from thence went to William 
Poor’s, at Swatara Gap; got there late in the evening ; 
supped there and lodged there in the same bed with Poor; 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


598 


could hear nothing of his brother, therefore, next morning, 
determined to return. Poor told him he wanted to go to 
buy a cow, and set off with him; they travelled together to 
Jones’s Town, (Poor riding on his horse or mare;) at Jones’s 
Town they dined together, and drank some cider and beer; 
after dinner they left Jones’s Town together, and kept com- 
pany about a mile, when they separated; Poor said he was 
going to look for the cow, and he proceeded to Lebanon; 
got there that afternoon, and stopped again at McHugh’; 
stayed in the bar-room till supper time, and went to bed 
there and stayed all night, and next morning left Lebanon 
about daylight, and proceeded to Manheim, where he took a 
drink of cider, and then walked on to Lancaster, which he 
reached in the evening, and put up at George Widelay’s, 
where he worked at the shoemaker’s trade. _ Says he did not 
see or speak with any of the officers either of the times he 
was at McHugh’s, nor at any other place, at or before this 
time, nor with any of their servants. Says that on the way 
between Poor’s and Jones’s Town they met a man who 
appeared as if he had been fighting; that Poor asked the 
man if he had been killing anybody, and was answered by 
him, no, that he had been at Lebanon, that they wanted to 
list him there, and had struck him; that the man told Poor 
he had something to say to him; Poor answered, Say it then. 
Upon which the man told him it must not be heard; that 
Poor then went aside with the man, and they spoke together 
two or three minutes, while he (this examinant) held Poor’s 
horse; that the man and Poor then separated, and Poor, 
when he returned, said the man had told him some of the 
English officers wanted to speak to him, and said that he 
told the man he did not know them; says that Poor and he 
had no further conversation about the officers. That about 
two weeks after his said return, the said William Johnston 
having told him it was a good place. for the shoemaker’s 
trade at Wialusing, he agreed to accompany him there, and 
accordingly, on a Friday morning, they set off together, stop- 
ped together at Manheim, eat something there, and from 
there proceeded to Lebanon; got there that evening, and put 
up at the sign of the Swan; stayed there that night; Johnston 
stayed there with him. Next day Johnston and he stayed in 
the house all the morning. They agreed to go to Poor’s, but 
Johnston set off first, as he said he had some business by the 
way; says he set off about an hour after Johnston, and travel- 
led on to Poor’s without stopping, and there found Johnston; 
got there in the evening late; Poor was not at home; John- 
ston told him he wanted to go to some of the neighbouring 
places; upon which examinant, being fatigued, went to bed 
in Poor’s bed, and Johnston went off. In the morning 
when examinant wakened, he found Poor was come home, 
and got up and breakfasted with Poor. Sometime after they 
had breakfasted, Poor went out (as he said) to look after a 
steer he had sick, and continued out; that at about eleven 
o’clock that morning Johnston returned and came into the 
house, and told the examinant that he had met with four 
Virginia gentlemen, with their three servants, who were 
going to Wialusing to look for lands, and that it was as good 
for him (the examinant) to go along, as it was a good place 
for his business; upon this he went out with JoAnston, who led 
him to the gentlemen, who were about a quarter of a mile from 
the house, in a thicket of woods by a spring. ‘The gentlemen 
sat by the spring about two hours, and then left the spring, 
and went about half a mile or three quarters farther into the 
woods, and then stopped again and sat down till towards 
evening, having continued all together from the time that 
he came to them at the spring; as evening approached he 
asked Johnston if they did not intend to stay at Poor’s that 
night, and was answered no, the cool of the evening was 
the best time to travel. While sitting here in the evening 
William Poor came to them, leading a little mare, (he thinks 
of a lightish brown colour.) Directly after Poor came up 
he got ihto conversation with Johnston, and some other of 
the party, and was very busy with Johnston in loading the 
horse which the officers had with them, and his own mare, 
with the provisions and things which they had brought to 
the place. As soon as the loads were fixed on the horse 
and mare, the whole party set off, Poor leading his own 
mare, and one of the servants leading the horse; that Poor 
sometimes led the way, and sometimes Johnston; that after 
they had travelled about a mile and a quarter, they passed 
by a house within about twenty yards, where a dog barked 
at them very much; it was now night and dark, and the 


599 


family supposed to be in bed. After travelling about five 
miles, either Poor or Johnston (he don’t recollect which) 
mentioned that there was a swamp before them, and it would 
be better to lay by for the night, and pass it in the morning. 
The party lay by that night without making any fire, and 
proceeded early next morning. . Johnston led the way in the 
morning across the swamp, the horses next, and then the 
gentlemen and servants with this examinant. They travel- 
Jed all that day, stopping but once at a spring while they 
eat some cold ham and bread. Saw no house that day nor 
for twelve days after. Either Johnston or Poor were fore- 
most always, and constantly walked next each other. Lay by 
at dark, and next morning set off again, proceeding through 
the woods as before, and lay by at night again, Poor being 
still with them. The next morning when the examinant 
and the party got up, he (the examinant) found that Poor 
was missing, but had left his mare, having travelled and been 
with them three nights and two days. He says the officers 
showed no uneasiness at Poor’s having left them, and knows 
not whether it was with their knowledge or not. That he 
(this examinant) travelled with those gentlemen and Johnston, 
as the leader, after this, about ten or eleven days, through 
the woods, the horse and mare carrying the provision and 
some cloth, which was used as a tent, till they arrived at 
Hickman’s, about twenty-five miles (as he was told) above 
Wyoming. Says that he wanted frequently in the way to 
leave the party, but JoAnston told him he would lose himself; 
that now he determined to do it, and, getting a conveyance 
in a canoe, came down to Wyoming. Upon the way down, 
the man in the canoe with him, one Trip, told him that it 
was noised abroad that the English officers had escaped from 
Lebanon, and he supposed it was them he (this examinant) 
had been in company with at Hickman’s; that examinant 
then told him he was informed they were Virginians, and 
did not know whether they were officers or not. Trip then 
told him they were strict people at Wyoming, and if they 
should ask him about the officers, he should or had better 
say he had not seen them; that he concluded so to do; that 
when he came to Wyoming he was about engaging to work 
at the shoemaking business, and some noise being abroad of 
his arrival there, he was asked by one Carrigan if he had 
seen or been with the officers who had escaped from Led- 
anon; to which he answered, no. ‘The next morning the 
same Carrigan and another man asked him again about it, 
he told them that he had been with some gentlemen, where 
he met with them, how he had travelled with them, and 
where he left them, but did not know if they were officers 
ornot. Upon this they told him he must be examined before 
the Shamokin Committee, and ordered him down there. 
He arrived there in a few days, and was again examined 
by the Committee of Sunbury; from there he was sent 
to John Harris’s; and from thence to Lancaster. Says 
he did not know these gentlemen were officers at the time 
he first saw them in the woods at Poor’s, nor at any time 
after, either by conversation with their servants or other- 
wise. 


GENERAL MERCER TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 29, 1776.] - 
Perth-Amboy, July 26, 1776. 

Sir: There are now on duty, of the Pennsylvania Pro- 
vincial Battalions, and the Associators of the same Province, 
three thousand rank and file in all, cantoned from Bergen- 
Neck, near to Middletown, in South-Amboy; these are the 
only troops who have joined. A battalion from Maryland 
go on to New-York. Some shallops passing from Fishkill 
into Rariton Bay yesterday afternoon brought on a cannon- 
ade. Our field-pieces did little or no execution, and the 
small-arms were not used, the distance being too great. The 
enemy fired four, six, and twelve-pound shot very briskly 
for the space of an hour; we lost one man of the Militia, and 
had two wounded, not dangerously. Some-iron four or six- 
pounders might be mounted on flats or scows we have here 
to answer very well against such vessels as passed us yes- 
terday. Some have gone down to-day. I did not think it 
proper to waste ammunition with so little probability of effect. 
Some such pieces as are mentioned above are to be had at 
Philadelphia. We have shipwrights and smiths here could 
mount them. Captain Dawson is appointed assistant to the 
Engineer, who is planning some works of defence for securing 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


600 


the passage along the Sound, and at the mouth of Rariton 
River. 
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 


Hvuen Mercer. 
To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


P.S. We were of opinion that the shallops were sent 
with flour round to the fleet; but I am this moment informed 
by the officer of the guard on South-Amboy shore that 
soldiers appeared thick on their decks after getting round 
Billup’s Point into Prince’s Bay. This morning they fell 
down to Sandy-Hook. A flag was seen hoisted this morn- 
ing on the Light-House, which is an unusual thing. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Perth-Amboy, July 26, 1776. 

Sir: I find by intelligence from our guards at South-Am- 
boy, that some shallops (five in number) that passed us 
yesterday from FYshkill, were full of soldiers, who appeared 
on deck after getting round Billup’s Point into Prince’s 
Bay. As the shallops passed, our field-pieces played on 
them, but with little effect. ‘The enemy returned the can- 
nonade briskly during the space of an hour, with four, six, 
and twelve-pounders. One of our Militia was killed, and 
two wounded, but not dangerously. Two more shallops 
passed this morning, and one remains up the Sound in view. 
The Fly sloop-of-war, Captain Edgar, lies at Brunswick. 
I ordered her down yesterday upon the appearance of the 
shallops, but she is not yet fallen down the river. 

I am collecting all the craft, of which a return will be 
transmitted. General Heard is out examining the creeks, 
I would send Morgan to Head-Quarters, were his principles 
steady enough to resist the arts of Tryon and Skinner, &c., 
which I much doubt. ‘This morning a flag was seen hoisted 
on the Light-House. 

The Maryland battalion passed Woodbridge yesterday. 
Orders from hence would reach Colonel Smallwood this 
morning, to detain him at Elizabeth-Town. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your obedient servant, 


H. Mercer. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Perth-Amboy, July 26, 1776. 
Srr: When I mentioned this morning the unusual ap- 
pearance of a flag being hoisted on the Light-House, I had 
not then understood that any ships were seen in the offing ; 
but find by a person just now from South-Amboy that some 
have been seen, and now six have come into the Hook. 
I am, sir, your Excellency’s most obedient servant, 
H. Mercer. 
Perth-Amboy, July 26, 1776, two P. M. 
A deserter from the Asia, examined at Elzabeth-Town, 
says that ten ships arrived some days ago with two thousand 
Highlanders. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM THE CAMP AT PERTH-AMBOY, 
DATED JULY 26, 1776. 


Yesterday afternoon we had a smart cannonading with 
the enemy, occasioned by four or five shallops coming down 
the Sound. The General directed a smart battery, mount- 
ing two iron four-pounders, to fire on them; this brought on 
a heavy firing from the enemy’s battery, from an eminence 
that overlooked ours. 

Captain Moulder, with his two field-pieces, was ordered 
to the shore, but being encamped at some distance, before 
he could come up the shallops had all nearly passed. How- 
ever, he began a well-directed fire, and though they had got 
to a considerable distance, hulled one of them. 

When the vessels were passed, the firing ceased on both 
sides. We had the misfortune of losing one of the Second 
Battalion, and having another wounded. ‘The young man’s 
name who was killed is Owens, belonging to Captain Weed’s 
company; he was shot right through the heart; the ball, a 
four-pounder, entering his left side, and coming out of his 
breast. This morning he was buried with the honours of 
war. The other, who is wounded, is one Freeman, a Ser- 
geant in Captain Boyd’s company; his wound is not danger- 
ous, the ball having first taken the street, and rebounding 


601 


struck the upper part of his right thigh, but has not broken 
tlie bone. There was a horse killed which was standing in 
a wagon near the General’s door. The enemy appear to 
have some heavy field-pieces: they sent some twelve-pound 
shot among us. It is surprising they did not do more exe- 
cution, as there Were so many of our people on the bank 
opposite to them without the least covering. 

The enemy appear to be very strong, and are constantly 
reinforcing, as our troops come in. ‘They are throwing up 
breastworks along the shore to prevent our landing. 


LORD STIRLING TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
New-York, July 26, 1776. 


Sir: Captain Butler, of Colonel Nixon’s regiment, has 
again called on me to know your determination with regard 
to his asking leave to resign. From his appearance at 
present, I do not think he will ever be fit for active duty 
again. 

Colonel Parke has frequently mentioned to me the neces- 
sity of his having leave of absence for about a fortnight. 
He has again applied to me this morning by the enclosed 
letter. I should be glad to know your Excellency’s plea- 
sure. 

I have been obliged to take a little medicine, which obliges 
me to stay at home, or I should have been at Head-Quarters 
this morning. 

I am, most respectfully, your Excellency’s most humble 


servant, 
STIRLING. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 26, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Yours of the 23d instant is duly received, 
and [ am pleased with the timely notice of your situation, 
strength, movements, &c., &c., &c., and think time is not 
to be lost, or expense regarded, in getting yourselves in the 
best posture of defence, not knowing how soon the enemy 
may attempt to pass you. 

The fire-rafts you mention are not of the best construc- 
tion, but probably are the best that can be procured with 
the necessary despatch. Cables and anchors, I should sup- 
pose, might easily be procured from the vessels which used 
to be plying up and down the river, and are now lying 
idle; saltpetre from the manufactures in the country, as 
neither are to be had in this place. The necessity of 
the case will fully justify your taking the former wherever 
found, and the safety of the people, I should imagine, 
would induce them to assist you to the latter all in their 
power. 

I have sent up Lieutenant Machin to lay out and over- 
see such works as shall be thought necessary by the officers 
there, and from your representation of the hill which over- 
looks the fort, I think it ought to be taken possession of 
immediately. You, who are on the spot, must be a better 
judge than I possibly can be. J inust leave it with you to 
erect such works as you, with Colonel Clinton and the En- 
gineer, may think necessary. 

A proper abstract or pay-roll should be made out, of the 
wages due the artificers, examined and certified by you or 
your brother, when it may be sent here, and the money 
drawn. 

Your method of fixing fires, with advanced guards, if they 
are vigilant, must answer the purposes you intend. 

Your dismissing all the New-England men to three hun- 
dred, is a step Il approve of. I hope you may continue to 
prevent the enemy from obtaining any supplies or intelli- 
gence, and committing any ravages on the distressed peasan- 
try on and about the shores. While you are able to keep 
them in this situation below the forts, they can do little 
damage. By every conveyance I shall like to hear of your 
situation and the enemy’s manceuvres. 

I am, sir, &c., Go. WasuinerTon. 


To Brig. Gen. George Clinton, at Fort Montgomery. 


P.S. Since the above, the Quartermaster-General in- 
forms me you may be supplied with turpentine here, and 
thinks he can get saltpetre enough for the present emer- 


gency. G. W. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


602 


COLONEL M¢DOUGALL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
New-York, July 26, 1776. 

Srr: All the non-commissioned officers, rank and file, of 
my regiment, are inlisted without time, except one com- 
pany, recruited before the instructions for raising the four 
regiments issued from Congress; and I doubt not to be able 
to engage this on the same establishment. 

By the instructions to Colonel Dubois, I observe he is 
authorized to give ten dollars bounty to such soldiers as shall 
inlist for three years, or during the present troubles. I shall 
be glad to be informed from your Excellency whether I can 
be authorized to offer the same bounty; for as the harvest is 
now near in, I think it probable some recruits may be raised 
on this bounty. 

Regiments engaged without time, are more to be depended 
on for the defence of the country than those imbodied for a 
short period. I therefore submit it to the General’s con- 
sideration, whether it would not advance the service to enable 
the reginents raised for three years, or a longer time, to recruit 
out of the new levies, and those corps raised for a shorter 
duration. 

When your attention to subjects of more importance will 
permit, I shall be glad to be favoured with your orders on 
these points. 

I have the honour to be, your Excellency’s humble ser- 


vant 
? Avex. McDoueatu. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 


Camp, Long-Island, Friday, five o’clock, P. M., 
July 26, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Lieutenant-Colonel Chambers, at Gravesend, 
reports eight sail of shipping standing in for the Hook ; but 
they are at too great a distance to discover what they are 
to a degree of certainty, but they have the appearance of 
transports. 

I have the honour to be, your Excellency’s most obedient, 
humble servant, N. GREENE. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters, 
New- York. 


NATHANIEL WOODHULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, 
July 26, 1776. 


Sir: [am directed by the Convention to transmit your 
Excellency a copy of the examination of Balthazar De 
Hart, relative to the conduct of the Tories in Monmouth 
County, in New-Jersey, and to acquaint you that we have 
likewise sent duplicates to the President of the Convention 
of the State of New-Jersey, and to the Chairman of the Com- 
mittee of Monmouth, in order that measures may be taken 
for preventing the pernicious practices of such parricides to 
their country. 

I have the honour to be, your Excellency’s most obedient 
and very humble servant, 


By order: 


Natrut. Woopnutt, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington, at Head-Quarters, 
New-York. 


The Examination of Bauruazar Dre Hart, of the County 
of Orancr, Attorney-at-Law, who has been for some 
time past in Surewssury, in Monmoutu County, in 
New-JERSEY. 


He saith that when he left Shrewsbury, as he conceives, 
far the greater part of that place was inhabited, or rather 
infested, with Tories or persons disaffected to the common 
cause of America, and that he has understood, from informa- 
tion, that their disaffection has been greatly increased by a 
numbér of persons who have gone from the city of New- 
York there, and, as he has understood, secretly laboured to 
deceive the lower set of people, the higher being almost all 
disaffected; that he knows that Joseph Wardell, John Cor- 
lies, and George Allen, went the week before last, or last 
week, to General Howe’s camp, on Staten-Island, after, as 
they pretended, two negroes, who had run away from Wil- 
liam Kipping and the said John Cortes; that they stayed 
some time there; that this examinant has been informed 


603 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 604 


and indeed believes that those three persons are disaffected, 
and heard that for that very reason the negroes were deli- 
vered to them by Howe’s order; that he has heard that they 
had a long conversation with some of Howe’s officers. And 
further, he saith that he was informed by Captain Jacob 
Dennis, a Militia officer, who had been ordered to guard 
Deal shore, in that Township, that he could scarce persuade 
a man to go there with him; and that the examinant knows 
that his brother, who is another Militia officer there, could 
by no means prevail on his men to go to defend that shore— 
the Whigs telling him they expected that if they went there, 
they would be delivered by the Tories to the enemy on their 
Janding; and that he was informed by the said Captain 
Dennis, that the inhabitants along Deal shore told him 
they did by no means thank him for guarding them, and that 
they would much rather have the Regulars than the Yankees 
there; and he (this examinant) was further informed by the 
said Captain Dennis, that there were some vessels of force 
lying off Shark River, which he supposed were landing 
some men there to get provision, as he observed flat-bottomed 
boats with them. And further, this examinant saith that he 
saw some armed vessels off Deal shore last Saturday, and 
observed some boats which seemed to be going on board 
said vessels, and that he verily believes that the inhabitants 
along that shore have communication with the enemy. And 
this examinant further saith, that Isaac Low, Wilham Wal- 
ton, Anthony Van Dam, John Roome, William Kipping, 
Hulet, a dancing-master, with a number of other persons 
from New-York, are there, whose names this examinant does 
not recollect. And further this examinant saith not. 


The aforegoing is a true copy of Mr. De Hart’s examina- 
tion, as delivered into the Convention at New-York by a 
Committee appointed for that purpose. 

Examined and compared by 

Rost. Benson, Secretary. 


RICHARD VARICK TO GENERAL GATES. 
Albany, July 26, 1776. 

Dear Stir: Your letter to General Schuyler I received 
yesterday evening, and have forwarded it by express this 
morning. 

As soon as the troops arrive from the eastward, I shall 
advise you thereof by express, agreeable to General Schuy- 
ler’s orders to me, that batteaus may be furnished for them 
at Skenesborough. 

I do myself the honour to enclose you an invoice of axes 
forwarded since the 14th, including four hundred or four 
hundred and fifty which go this morning. I also send you 
a small quantity of twenty-four-penny nails and a cask of 
spikes for the carpenters at Skenesborough, and beg the 
favour of you to order them to be forwarded with all possi- 
ble expedition. 

Colonel Wynkoop has sent for a bellows and set of black- 
smith’s tools. As soon as they can be procured, I shall for- 
ward them to T'yonderoga to be sent to him. 

Ihave desired the commanding officer at Fort George to 
forward every article to you immediately on its arrival at his 
post. 

We have a report in town that General Clinton is killed, 
and that all his army are killed, wounded, or prisoners, and 
that his fleet is destroyed by General Lee, assisted by a gale 
of wind, which occasioned his landing. How much this 
account is to be depended on I know not, though it is be- 
lieved here that General Clinton has met with some disaster 
fatal to his expedition. 

I am, dear sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Ricuarp Varicx. 


To the Hon. Major-General Horatio Gates. 


COLONEL M. OGDEN TO MAJOR A. BURR. 
Ticonderoga, July 26, 1776, 

Dear Burr: I have been waiting with the greatest im- 
patience to know what is doing in York and Jersey. There 
are twenty different reports that contradict each other rela- 
tive to Howe and his fleet. It has once been generally 
beheved that a French fleet had arrived at New-York, and 
blocked up the British Army. Independence is well relished 
in this part of the world. Generalship is now dealt out to 
the Army by our worthy and well-esteemed General Gates, 


who is putting the most disordered Army that ever bore the 
name into a state of regularity and defence. If our friends 
in Canada, commanded by Burgoyne, will wait a few days, 
we shall give them a very proper reception. 

The Army are beginning to recruit fast, from the effects 
of a little fresh meat and some rum when 6n fatigue. Ten 
days ago, there were not in our regiment eighty men fit for 
duty. We have now upwards of two hundred and thirty; 
and, in a few days, they will be as rugged as New-Jersey 
is firm. 

Colonel Winds is sent home on a fool’s errand by the 
General, that he may be out of the way of doing any more 
harm to the regiment. The General assures me that I shall 
not be troubled with him again. I suppose, by that, he has 
written to have him detained below. A short history of this 
man will convince you that he ought to be nowhere but on 
his farm. He is, in the first place, a professed enemy to 
subordination, and has an utter aversion to discipline. He 
is positive, and prefers his own opinion to even the General’s, 
because he was in the service last war. He is not possessed 
of one qualification that distinguishes a gentleman, nor has 
he genius or education. His whole study is to gain the 
applause of the private soldiers, at the expense of every 
officer in the regiment. He is hated by all his own officers, 
except two, and despised by every gentleman in the Army. 

We are in great want of Brigadier-Generals—three at 
least; I mean for the men who are now here. General 
Arnold will command the water-craft on the Lake in per- 
son. ‘There are three brigades commanded by the Colonels 
Reed, Stark, and St. Clair. The last of these I sincerely 
wish was appointed a Brigadier by Congress. There is no 
better man. ‘The other two have full enough already. 

Please to forward the enclosed, with the letter to Mr. 
Spencer. My best respects to Generals Putnam, Greene, 
and Mifflin, and to Colonel Trumbull. Compliments to 
Webb. Iwait, with the greatest impatience, some important 
news from New-York. Pray write particulars relative to 
the conduct of the Jerseymen. Should any fall, mention 
their names. 


I am yours sincerely, Marr. Ogpen. 


COURT-MARTIAL ON CAPTAIN WENTWORTH. 


At a General Court-Martial held at Ticonderoga, the 
26th day of July, 1776, by order of the Honourable Major- 
General. Gates. 

Colonel Poor, President. 


Members: The four eldest Colonels, the four eldest 
Lieutenant-Colonels, and four eldest Majors, of the Northern 
Army. 

Captain Wentworth was brought before the Court, and 
accused of “ refusing to go on duty when regularly warned 
by the Adjutant of the regiment to which he belonged.” 

The Court having considered the evidences, were of 
opinion that Captain Wentworth was guilty; and sentenced 
him to be cashiered, and advertised in the publick papers as 
having wilfully neglected his duty, with a view of being dis- 
charged the service. 

Avreeable to this sentence, Jonathan. Wentworth, of 
Somersworth, in Strafford County, New-Hampshire, late 
Captain in Colonel Poor’s regiment, is published to the 
world as a scoundrel, guilty of neglecting his duty evidently 
with a design of obtaining a discharge from the service of 
his country—a crime, till this day, unheard of. 

His countrymen, it is hoped, will treat him with the con- 
tempt merited by so infamous a conduct. 

By the General’s order: 

Joun TrumpBu.y, 


Deputy Adjutant-General of the Northern Army. 


Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga, August 26, 1776. 
All printers in the United States of America are desired 
to publish the foregoing in their respective papers. J.T. 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, July 26, 1776. 
Honourep Sir: [send by a boat thirty oars and some 
boards, with the arms of our regiment, which want repair, 
and hope that you will be pleased to give directions that 
they may be immediately repaired, as many men are now 


—EE——— 


605 


at this post without guns. The arms of the sick we shall 
make go as far as possible. The oarmakers are going on 
with their business. I still keep a strong covering party 
with them. There are some batteaus here which want 
repairing. I would have them put in order, if I had some 
pitch and oakum sent here. I have also a small boat which 
would be very useful, if finished. We want the above 
materials to complete it. . 

1 am, sir, with great respect, your most humble servant, 

Tuos. Hartvey. 


To General Gates. 


GOVERNOUR COOKE TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE CONVENTION, 
Providence, July 26, 1776. 


Sir: On Sunday last Lieutenant Calcott, of the Merlin, 
came into the harbour of Newport with a flag, and brought 
a letter from Lord Howe to the Commander-in-Chief of this 
State, which I suppose to have been a circular letter exactly 
of the same tenour with that I haveethe honour to enclose 

ou. The Lieutenant delivered me two others directed for 
Connecticut and Massachusetts, with a request that I would 
forward them. 

I enclose you a copy of my letter to his Lordship, and 
beg leave to assure you that [ am, with great truth and 
esteem, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, 

Nicus. Cooke. 


To the Honourable the President of the Convention of New- 
Hampshire. 


Eagle, off the Coast of the Province of Massachusetts-Bay, 
June 20, 1776. ; 

Sir: Being appointed Commander-in-Chief of the ships 
and vessels of his Majesty’s fleet employed in North-Ame- 
rica, and having the honour to be by his Majesty constituted 
one of his Commissioners for restoring peace to his Colonies, 
and for granting pardons to such of his subjects therein as 
shall be duly solicitous to benefit by that effect of his gra- 
cious indulgence, I embrace this opportunity to inform you 
of my arrival on the American coast, where my first object 
will be an early meeting with General Howe, whom his 
Majesty hath been pleased to join with me in the said com- 
mission. 

In the mean time, I have judged it expedient to issue the 
enclosed Declaration, in order that all persons may have 
immediate information of his Majesty’s most gracious inten- 
tions; and I desire you will be pleased forthwith to cause 
the said Declaration to be promulgated, in such manner, 
and at such places within the Colony of Rhode-Island, as 
will render the same of the most publick notoriety. 

Assured of being favoured with your assistance in every 
measure for the speedy and effectual restoration of the pub- 
lick tranquillity, 1 am to request you will communicate, from 
time to time, such information as you may think will facili- 
tate the attainment of that important object in the Colony 
over which you preside. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect and consi- 
deration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Howe. 


To the Hon. Governour Wanton, &c., &c., Rhode-Island, 
or other Chief Magistrate of the Colony. 


ed 


By Ricuarp Viscount Howe, of the Kingdom of Ireuann, 
one of the King’s Commissioners for restoring peace to 
His Majesty’s Colonies and Plantations in Nortu-Ame- 


rica, ¥c., &c., &c. 


DECLARATION. 


Whereas by an act passed in the last session of Parlia- 
ment to prohibit all trade and intercourse with the Colonies 
of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Con- 
necticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the three 
lower Counties on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North- 
Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, and for other pur- 
poses therein mentioned, it is enacted that “it shall and 
may be lawful to and for any person or. persons appointed 
and authorized by his Majesty to grant a pardon or pardons 
to any number or description of persons, by Proclamation, 
im his Majesty’s name, to declare any Colony or Province, 
Colonies or Provinces, or any County, Town, Port, District, 
or place, in any Colony or Province, to be at the peace of 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


606 


his Majesty; and” that “from and after the issuing of any 
such Proclamation in any of the aforesaid Colonies or Pro- 
vinces, or if his Majesty shall be graciously pleased to sig- 
nify the same by his royal Proclamation, then, from and 
after the issuing of such Proclamation,” the said “act, with 
respect to such Colony or Province, Colonies or Provinces, 
County, Town, Port, District, or place, shall cease, deter- 
mine, and be utterly void :” 

And whereas the King, desirous to deliver all his subjects 
from the calamities of war, and other oppressions which they 
now undergo, and to restore the said Colonies to his protec- 
tion and peace as soon as the constitutional authority of 
Government therein may be replaced, hath been graciously 
pleased, by letters patent under the great seal, dated the 
sixth day of May, in the sixteenth year, of his Majesty’s 
reign, to nominate and appoint me, Richard Viscount Howe, 
of the Kingdom of Ireland, and William Howe, Esq., Gen- 
eral of his Forces in North-America, and each of us, jointly 
and severally, to be his Majesty’s Commissioner and Com- 
missioners for granting his free and general pardons to all 
those who, in the tumult and disorder of the times, may have 
deviated from their just allegiance, and who are willing, by a 
speedy return to their duty to reap the benefits of the royal 
favour; and, also, for declaring in his Majesty’s name, any 
Colony, Province, County, Town, Port, District, or place, to 
be at the peace of his Majesty: I do therefore hereby declare, 
that due consideration shall be had to the meritorious ser- 
vices of all persons who shall aid and assist in restoring the 
publick tranquillity in the said Colonies, or in any part or parts 
thereof; that pardons shall be granted, dutiful representa- 
tions received, and every suitable encouragement given, for 
promoting such measures as shall be conducive to the estab- 
lishment of legal government and peace, in pursuance of 
his Majesty’s most gracious purposes aforesaid. 

Given on board his Majesty’s ship the Eagle, off the Coasts 
of the Province of Massachusetts-Bay, the twentieth day of 
June, 1776. Howe. 


Providence, July 27, 1776. 


Lieutenant Calcott, who came last Sunday to Newport 
with a flag from on board the Merlin ship-of-war, and deli- 
vered a Letter and Declaration from Lord Viscount Howe, 
returned next morning with the following Answer from his 
Honour the Governour : 

‘*Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, 
Newport, July 21, 1776. 

“ My Lorp: I am favoured with your Lordship’s letter of 
the 20th of June last, enclosing your Declaration. I have 
communicated them to the General Assembly of this State, 
now sitting here, and at their request inform your Lordship, 
that they will transmit copies of them to the most honourable 
the General Congress of the United States of America, to 
whom every application respecting the disputes between the 
said States and Great Britain ought to be addressed, and 
must be referred. 

“T have the honour to be, with great respect and esteem, 
my Lord, your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant, 

“« NicHotas Cooke.” 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO WILLIAM WILLIAMS, 
Lebanon, July 26, 1776. 


Dear Sir: I intend to give you the state of our Army 
from Canada. Enclosed is a copy of Major Ely’s report on 
the subject of the small-pox, with which he was charged. 
From others, with some things I learn from him, I think it 
apparent that our troops went most imprudently into inoc- 
ulation near Quebeck ; and when the enemy came out upon 
them, our Army fled when there was little force to pursue ; 
that discontent, disorder, and confusion, had taken place— 
clamour for want of supplies of clothing, provisions, and 
wages—and by degrees discipline and subordination failed ; 
everything was neglected that tended toa reform. When 
General Burgoyne, with the troops under him, arrived, a 
general dispiritedness appeared ; the force at the Cedars was 
very inconsiderable—not more than thirty-seven Regulars, 
with two or three hundred Indians; that the latter were loath 
to go, and mostly tarried at Oswegatchie. Had our men 
behaved well, that defeat would not have happened; this 
was occasioned by the same causes that are just before men- 
tioned. Why they were in such manner neglected, and left 


607 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 608 


without supplies and without their wages, is matter of wonder 
and astonishment; and last spring there were ten battalions, 
amounting to about six thousand four hundred men, sent from 
New-York to join this Army, There were at the same 
time, in Canada, two battalions of Pennsylvanians, three 
from New-England, and one or two from New-Jersey; all of 
them strong, amounting at least to four thousand men more, 
which, joined with the others, made the Army upwards of 
ten thousand strong. There are now three thousand sick, 
and about three thousand well; this leaves near five thousand 
to be accounted for; of them, the enemy have cast perhaps 
one thousand—sickness another thousand; which leaves 
near three thousand; in what manner they are disposed of, is 
unknown. Among those who remain, there is neither order, 
subordination, or harmony; the officers as well as men, of one 
Colony, insulting and quarrelling with those of another. 

This wretched situation of our troops induced the General 
Officers, in a council of war, to determine on a retreat to 
Ticonderoga, and conclude on occupying a post on the east 
side of the Lakes, very advantageous; it is a height opposite 
the old works, which commands the entrance of the Lakes 
Champlain and George; it is almost inaccessible, except 
in two places, where they propose to make roads; the rest is 
surrounded by rocks and precipices. Supplies may be easily 
had from Skenesborough, at the head of Lake Champlain; 
from hence they expect easily to retire into the country. 
This, without a naval superiority on the Lakes, they will be 
obliged to do, notwithstanding the strength of their camp, 
unless very soon joined by six thousand or eight thousand 
men. How they will maintain their naval superiority, I must 
confess myself much ata loss. They build a gondola, per- 
haps, one in a week; but where are they to find rigging for 
them—where the guns? To be sure they have a great train 
of artillery, but very few of them mounted on carriages; at 
present their materials and conveniences for making them 
are very slender. They have neither places for them to work 
in, nor materials in that plenty they ought to have. ‘To 
oppose the enemy on the Lake, they have a schooner of twelve 
carriage guns, a sloop of eight guns, two small schooners to 
carry four or six guns each, and three gondolas; and the large 
schooner is now in good sailing order, and about to take a trip 
down the Lake to make discovery. The sloop is a most un- 
manageable thing; it is impossible to beat up against a head 
wind inher. ‘The two small schooners are not armed—the 
gondolas are not armed—and even the carriages of their guns 
are yetto be made. ‘The enemy are at St. John’s repairing 
the works at that place, and building three schooners and 
two sloops; they have no doubt everything ready to their 
hands—-the rigging made, the guns mounted, and only the 
wooden work to perform, in which, I fear, they will have the 
advantage. 

General Sullivan set off to New-York and Philadelphia 
in disgust at being superseded by General Gates; the latter 
was ordered to command in Canada; the Army from thence 
being retreated within the limits of New- York, the command 
devolves on General Schuyler. It is justly to be expected 


that General Gates is discontented with his situation; finding’ 


himself limited, and removed from the command, to be a 
wretched spectator of the ruin of the Army, without power 
of attempting to save them. A truly melancholy scene. 
General Schuyler has gone to the German Flats ; he writes me 
July 17th, “ Larrived here yesterday, and found very few 
Indians. ‘This day one hundred and fifty Indians have come 
in, and we expect a numerous body of them in a few days. 
Mr. Ryckman, a trader from Albany, who has been detained 
at Niagara, by the British officer commanding there, since 
last year, because he was a friend to our cause and had in- 
fluence among the savages, has found means, by the help 
of the Indians, to make his escape. He arrived here last 
night, accompanied by twenty-one warriors of the Seneca 
nation. ‘The account he brings of the temper of the Senecas 
(the nation who could distress us most) is very favourable ; 
and he assures me, that he has reason to believe the Indians 
will not attack our frontiers.” 

You are sensible the extreme busy season retards the filling 
our regiment going to New-York; and to this is added the 
dread of the small-pox to those inlisting to go into service 
in the Northern Army. Now, as business will soon admit 
men to leave it without so much loss, and the fear of that 
infection prevailing in the Northern Army is relieved in so 
great a measure, | hope the battalions from this State will 


all be filled, and march to their several destinations. Nothing 
in our power will be omitted to promote it. My fears for the 
Northern Army and frontiers are great, besides what is men- 
tioned above, and Major Ely’s report. A reform is abso- 
lutely necessary; the soldiers are ragged, dirty, and many 
lousy; clothing greatly wanted—some destitute of sufficiency 
to make themselves comfortable and decent to appear; to 
remedy this, shall send from hence, shirts, trowsers, breeches, 
shoes, stockings, and some woollen clothes, as soon as possible. 
Subordination and harmony is next to be restored; to do this, 
the officer that effects it, will meet with great trouble; and 
when done, will expect to reap the honours of it. To prevent 
uneasiness and jealousies between the Generals who were to 
have had the command in Canada and New-York, why, is 
it not best, and even just, each command the same body of 
men as expected, without respect to the place where. General 
Schuyler will have full employment at Albany, and below on 
the river, and at Tryon County, &c.; while General Gates 
commands the same Army at Ticonderoga, &c., which it 
was expected he would have had in Canada. The good 
of the general service is the great object. Doth not a regard 
to what will keep up harmony, and prevent jealousies, come 
within it? 

Captain Winslow and his party of ship-carpenters, are 
arrived, and gone to work. Captain Lester, going by water, 
did not get to New-York until the river was invested 
with the ships, and they were obliged to take to the land. 
The one thousand felling-axes requested by General Schuy- 
ler, are provided, and will be sent forward on Monday. 
Your kinsman is come to preach to us. Your family is well. 
Mr. Gerry keeps Sabbath here. Mr. Jay came here on 
Friday for the loan of cannon to use on the North River. 
The twenty nine-pound cannon for the ships are ready for use, 
bored and drilled; and we have lent bim ten twelve and ten 
six-pounders. Messrs. Hobart and John Brown were here 
yesterday, a Committee from the New- York Convention, to 
ask our assistance. ‘They found we had made provision, 
that six Western regiments, next towards New-York, might 
be called on by General Washington, if needed; this was 
one chief thing they had to ask. 

It is time to break off. This letter may be communi- 
cated, as you think fit, with my compliments, to the other 
Delegates, &c. 

With esteem and regard, dear sir, your affectionate, 

JonaTHAN ‘T'RUMBULL. 


To William Williams, Esq. 


P. S. By Friday’s post, received Lord Howe’s letter of 
the 20th of June ultimo, and his declaration of pardons to 
all those who, in the tumult and disorder of the times, 
may have deviated from their just allegiance, and who are 
willing, by speedy return to their duty, to reap the benefits of 
the royal favour; that pardons shall be granted, dutiful repre- 
sentation received, and every suitable encouragement given 
for promoting such measures as shall be conducive to the 
establishing legal government and peace, in pursuance of his 
Majesty’s most gracious purposes. In his letter he says, “I 
have judged it expedient to issue the enclosed declaration, 
in order that all persons may have immediate information of 
his Majesty’s gracious intentions.” He desires me to pro- 
mulgate it, assured of being favoured with my assistance in 
every measure to restore the publick tranquillity; and re- 
quests such information as will facilitate the attainment of 
that important object. I shall by next post forward copies 
of both to Congress; to them I shall refer him. Who began 
the war? Who withdrew his protection? Who refused to 
hearken to most dutiful and humble petitions ?- Who invaded 
our rights? Is not the appeal made to the Supreme Direc- 
tor of all events? Will not the Judge of all the earth do 
right? Doth not pardon presuppose guilt? Are we guilty 
of want of duty and allegiance? Could anything but 
tyranny, oppression, injustice, cruel war and desolation, 
have driven us to cast off our mother country ? 


TIMOTHY NEWELL TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Boston, July 26, 1776. 


GentLemen: I am directed by a letter just now received 
from the Deputy Secretary, to lay before your Honours the 
state of the order of the General Court relative to the camp- 
kettles and canteens. It has given me extreme uneasiness 
that there has happened any delay; but not in the least 


609 


occasioned through any neglect in me, as I assure your 
Honours the kettles (which was all I engaged) have been 
ready these ten days past; and the delay is wholly owing to 
the canteens not coming from Hingham. The last parcel of 
one hundred and two dozen came yesterday, upon which I 
immediately went in pursuit of a team, and after riding six 
miles out, I returned without being able to procure one, 
except accidentally one for Pittsfield, which 1 despatched 
yesterday. This morning early I prevailed for one of the 
Continental teams, which set off for Concord betwixt ten 
and twelve o’clock this forenoon, with one hundred and 
seventy-eight kettles, and one thousand and seventy can- 
teens, which completes the order of the five thousand troops 
raised for Canada and New-York. 

The last order for the two hundred and fifty kettles, for 
the fifteen hundred troops, will be ready by Monday night 
next; but unless more workmen are put upon the canteens 
supplied by Theophilus Cushing, Esq., at Hingham, I ap- 
prehend the same delay will be as heretofore. 

I am, with great respect, your Honour’s most obedient 
servant, Timo. NewE.u. 


To the Honourable Council of Massachusetts. 
=F 


ORDER TO LIEUTENANT GILMAN TO RETURN COAT-MONEY TO 
SOLDIERS. 


Colony of New-Hampshire, in Committee of Safety, 
July 26, 1776. 


To Lieutenant Joun Gruman: 

Complaints being made to this Committee that you re- 
ceived of the Colony Paymaster last year, coat-money 
belonging to several persons, soldiers in the same company 
with you, which you have not paid to them, and refuse to 
pay, therefore, that justice may be done, you are required 
to appear before this Committee, on Wednesday the seventh 
day of August next, to answer to said complaint. 

By order of the Committee : 

M. Tuornton, Chairman p. t. 


In Committee of Safety, August 6, 1776. 
The Committee having heard Lieutenant Gilman on the 
within complaint, are of opinion, that he ought, without 
delay, to pay the coat-money he has received in behalf of 
any soldier to them respectively. 
M. Weare, Chairman. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM ST. EUSTATIA, DATED JULY 
27, 1776. 


Since my last we have the agreeable news that Captain 
Wickes, in the ship Reprisal, from your place, is safe arrived 
at Martinico, after having an engagement with the Shark 
sloop of war, a ship of about equal force with himself. The 
story is related as follows: This day week, the Shark, lying 
at anchor in St. Pierre’s harbour, sawa ship beating in, which 
she took for an American, on which she slipped her cables, 
bore down on Captain Wickes, and fired two shots in order 
to bring him to; but Captain Wickes took no notice of them, 
and stood on his course till within hail of the Shark. On 
being asked by the Captain, where from, and to what State 
belonging ? he answered, from Philadelphia, and belonging 
to the honourable the Continental Congress; and at the same 
time saluted him with a broadside, which was returned in 
course by the Shark, without much damage to either that I 
can find. ‘The engagement continued very hot for fifteen or 
twenty minutes, when the Shark sheered off. Captain 
Wickes stood in, and came to in St. Pierre’s; the Shark 
followed soon after, when the Captain went on shore and de- 
manded the American Rebel pirate, as he was pleased to’term 
Captain Wickes’s vessel; but the Governour did not think 
proper to grant his moderate request, and desired he might 
not attempt to commit hostilities within the bounds of his 
Government. Captain Wickes requested protection, and 
leave to clean his ship, which was granted, and he has gone 
to some little distance from St. Pierre’s to heave down. 
It appears from every account I can learn, and by the 
letters of the French merchants at St. Pierre’s to their friends 
here, who were eyewitnesses of the engagement, that Cap- 
tain Wickes and his ship’s crew have acquired much applause 
by this affair. Captain Wickes had taken three prizes on 
his passage, bound from the West-Indies, English property, 
so that he was eighty men short of his complement. He 


Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


610 


was across another vessel, and discharged her, finding she 
was Irish property. The colours which the American show- 
ed were a field white and yellow, with thirteen stripes. 

A French frigate arrived last Sunday at Martinico, from 
old France, with despatches as late as 22d of June, to the 
Governours and Commanders of all the different French 
Islands, to put themselves in the best posture of defence, and 
to aid, assist, and protect all American vessels that might put 
into their ports, as far as possible. 

It is confidently reported from Martinico, that Spain was 
about or-had actually declared war against Portugal. 

These are good omens of a war between England and 
France. God grant it may be soon! It will be the making 
of America, by calling off the attention of the British fleet 
from the coast, and leaving the ports open for trade with all 
the world. 


JAMES CRESWELL TO W. H. DRAYTON. 
Ninety-Six, South-Carolina, July 27, 1776. 


Honovrep Str: I make no doubt that you are anxious 
to hear bow our affairs stand in this perplexed and unhappy 
district since the heathen have broke in on our frontier. 
Fame on such occasions speaks variously, nor is it easy to 
report only real facts. You may rely on the following. 

It is quite evident that the savages were made acquainted 
with the designs of the British fleet against Charlestown, and 
that there was a connected scheme between them against our 
country. Nor is it less certain that the disaffected party among 
us knew the intentions of the Indians, and were really elated 
with the prospect. ‘They made no secret of their expectations 
of safety; and when the time drew near that was appointed 
for the savages to murder, they refused to muster or obey any 
officer appointed by their country over them. ‘This insolent 
behaviour, at such a threatening time, very much alarmed us. 
At this time, it evidently appears that they were by compact 
to assist the savages to ruin the country; and had they been 
in possession of their arms, many of them would have actu- 
ally engaged in the bloody scheme. But, providentially for 
us, their arms were scarce, and the savages killed the disaf- 
fected in common, without distinction of party. ‘This greatly 
alarmed them, changed their countenance and tone, and 
made them look out for safety for their families. Others of 
them justly supposed that any of their party that were killed 
must have suffered through mistake. This now appears plain 
to us, by the Indians giving up those of them which they 
had taken as prisoners. 

The savages have spread great desolation all along the 
frontiers, and killed a great number. On the 14th, they 
attacked a part of Colonel Williams’s regiment, at Lindley’s 
Fort, but were repulsed by the loss of one lover of his coun- 
try, who, unfortunately, suffered a cruel death by them. 
This attack was made by about ninety Indians and one 
hundred and twenty white men. ‘Ten of the white Indians 
were made prisoners, nine of whom were painted. ‘They 
are now safe at Ninety-.Stx, where they will remain, unless 
released by their brethren. 

Major Williamson and the officers under him have exerted 
themselves in getting our forces together, and arming them 
as well as could be done among us. Our Army is about 
one thousand or eleven hundred strong, and has advanced 
about fifteen miles over the line. 

Ninety- Six is now a frontier. Plantations lie desolate, and 
hopeful crops are going to ruin. In short, dear sir, unless 
we get some relief, famine will overspread our beautiful coun- 
try. As our Army is now over the line, the dread of savages 
and the disaffected will deter the lovers of their country from 
looking after their affairs at home. Fences are thrown down, 
and many have already suffered great loss. Such of us as 
are in forts have neither suitable guns nor ammunition for 
the defence of our wives and little ones, as we were obliged 
to furnish our Army with our best arms. 

By every intelligence we have from Georgia, we learn 
that the New-Purchase is in great distress. Should the 
savages break through the New-Purchase, we will then be 
a frontier in that quarter. 

The release of the prisoners at Charlestown, at this criti- 
cal juncture, very much alarmed us. We really dread that 
party. [cannot express our distress. 

Your friendship on our behalf with our Governour to pro- 
cure us the Rangers, or part of them, to assist us, will be 


39 


611 


acknowledged by all with real gratitude, and by none more 
than by, honoured sir, your very humble servant, 
James CRESWELL.* 


To the Hon. Wilkam Henry Drayton, Charlestown. 


JOHN PAGE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 5, 1776.] 
Williamsburgh, July 27, 1776. 

Str: We had the honour to receive your letter of the 
16th instant, by express, enclosing two resolutions of Con- 
gress, one respecting the taking the forts and garrisons on 
our frontiers on the Continental establishment, and the other 
desiring that a quantity of lead should be sent from hence to 
Philadelphia. 'The Convention is not sitting, but we can- 
not doubt that it would highly approve of the former resolu- 
tion; as to the latter, we have sent off an express to the 
lead-mines, ordering a large number of hands to be imme- 
diately hired, to assist those already employed there. By 
this means, it will not be long before we shall be able to 
furnish the twenty tons you require; but at present we have 
had such demands for lead from North-Carolina and our 
frontiers, on account of an Indian war in which we are at 
present engaged, that it is impossible to procure any for you 
till more can be extracted from the ore. We have not in 
our publick magazines two tons of lead and ball, and our 
cruisers are not yet furnished with that article; so that it 
will not be in our power to send any from hence. However, 
sir, we hope to procure you a ton or two; but even this we 
almost doubt of, since we have reason to believe that the 
lead which our Delegates have sent to Fredericksburgh for, 
will be all given out to the cruisers on Rappahannock, or the 
Militia now out on the alarm spread by the enemy’s fleet in 
their neighbourhood. 

We have enclosed you, sir, a copy of a letter from the 
President of South-Carolina, and another from General 
Lee, with one from the President of the Committee of 
Safety of North-Carolina, enclosing a letter from Brigadier 
Rutherford, from which letters you will see how unavoid- 
ably we are engaged in an Indian war, and may judge how 
extensive it may prove, if the Creeks, and other nations bor- 
dering on the Cherokees, should join them. We did not 
hesitate a moment to adopt the plan recommended by the 
President of Carolina and General Lee, and have ordered 
twelve hundred men to be immediately raised, and marched 
into the Overhill ‘Towns; but this force is, we hear, by no 
means sufficient, if the other Indian tribes should join against 
us. We are by the Indian war daily incurring many and 
heavy expenses, which we humbly conceive must be a 
Continental charge. 

Written by order of the Council. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient, humble 
servant, JoHN Pace, President. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, President of the Con- 
gress, in Philadelphia. 
Copy of Mr. President RutLepGE’s Letter to the President of the Vircinia 


Convention. 
Charlestown, July 7, 1776. 


Sir: I am sorry to acquaint you, that notwithstanding the 
most friendly appearance is given to the Continental Com- 
missioners at the late Congress by the Cherokee Indians, 
those people have actually begun a war against the Colonies. 
The Lower towns some time ago suffered Cameron (Stuart's 
deputy in the Overhills) to leave. ‘Two men (Hamptons) 
who resided there, and were in our interest, were seized and 
carried to Cameron; but they refused to suffer any of our 
people in their towns, who were in the King’s interest, to 
be taken. They have also made several prisoners, plun- 
dered houses, and on the 30th ultimo proceeded to kill 
several people. ‘These outrages must not go unpunished, 
but be instantly checked, conceiving that the most effectual 
way of putting a stop to them, will be to march a consider- 
able force from this Colony and North-Carolina, into the 
heart of the Lower and Middle ‘Towns, and of the Valley 
Settlements; and at the same time, oras soon as may be, the 
Overhills should. be attacked from Virginia, from whence 
alone it can be done to advantage, and may with the greatest 
ease ; and General Lee (who writes to you on this subject) 


*Mr. Creswell was a respectable Preacher, residing between Saluda 
and Broad Rivers, in Ninely-Six District. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


612 


and our Council being of the same opinion, I have given 
orders to Major Williamson to proceed with what men he 
has imbodied and can raise, which I suppose may amount 
to about eleven hundred men, and march, as I presume 
he will within a very few days, against the lower Cherokees, 
and then to carry on a war against them, unless they will 
submit to reasonable terms. I have written to the President 
of the Council of North- Carolina, to order assistance from 
that Colony to Major Williamson; and I hope that, as the 
object is of the utmost importance, and there is not a mo- 
ment to be lost in taking such steps as may prevent future 
apprehensions of danger from those Indians, and others who 
may be intimidated by their fate, you will immediately 
cause a considerable force to march from Virginia, with 
the utmost expedition, and wage war with the Overhill 
Cherokees, until they shall be brought to such terms as may 
be safe and honourable for the Colonies.’ 

Enclosed you will receive an extract of a letter to Major 
Williamson. I shall be glad of your answer by the bearer, 
as soon as possible, and hope to meet with no difficulty, delay, 
or disappointment, in this matter, on the part of your Colony. 

1 am, with great regard and respect, sir, your most obe- 
dient and very humble servant, J. Rur.epece. 


P.S. You will be pleased to forward the letter herewith 
delivered to my brother as soon as possible, and to acquaint 
him what will be done by your Colony in consequence of 
my application, as I think it material that the Congress 
should be apprized of the disposition of these Indians, &c., 
as soon as may be. 


Copy of a Letter from General Lee to the Convention of Vireinta. 
Charlestown, July 7, 1776. 

Sir: Mr. Rutledge will inform you by this express of the 
outrages committed by the Cherokees, which must be con- 
strued as the commencement of a war. As it is now certain 
that a capital and favourite part of the plan laid down by 
his most excellent and clement. Majesty George the Third 
is to lay waste the Provinces, burn the habitations, and mix 
men, women, and children, in one common carnage by the 
hands of the Indians, and as this part of his plan, though of 
apiece in point of humanity, is certainly more big with 
mischievous consequences than the rest, it appears to me 
absolutely necessary to crush the evil before it arises to any 
dangerous height; indeed, if we avail ourselves of the event, it 
may prove a fortunate one; perhaps in policy we ought to 
have wished for it. We can now, with the greatest justice, 
strike a blow which is necessary to intimidate the numerous 
tribes of Indians from falling into the measures of the present 
Administration ; and as these Cherokees are not esteemed the 
most formidable warriors, we can probably do it without much 
risk orloss. I think, then, sir, without a moment’s delay a body 
of your frontier riflemen should be furnished forthwith, and 
march into the country of the Overhill Cherokees, and make a 
severe, lasting, and salutary example of them. The Caro- 
lineans propose at the same time attacking their lower towns, 
and, with the codperation of Virginia, entertain no doubt of 
success. 

Clinton’s Army and Parker’s squadron are pretty much in 
the same situation as when I wrote last. ‘They daily, in- 
deed, make some alteration in the position of their land 
troops, from one Island to another, perhaps for new air or 
water, of which the deserters say they are in great want. 
They tell us likewise, that considerable sickness prevails in 
the Army, and greater discontents from hard duty and bad 
diet. The spirit of desertion begins to show itself. Five 
soldiers came over these two last nights, who assure us that 
were they not on an Island, from which it is difficult to 
escape, two-thirds of their Army would soon be with us. I 
am myself inclined to believe them. Upon the whole, when 
I consider the difficulties which the enemy’s Generals have 
to encounter, the temper and disposition of their troops, and 
the improving spirit of ours, I assure myself that the game 
is in our hands. God give us more grace than to shuflle it 
away. Iam your most obedient, &c., 

Cuartes Ler. 
To the Hon. Edmund Pendleton, President of the Conven- 
tion of Virginia. 

P. S. I must request, sir, that any letters that I address 


to the Convention may be forwarded to the Congress when 
you think them of sufficient importance. 


613 


Copy of a Letter from the Convention of Norru-Caroxina to Governour 
P. Henry, enclosed in a Letter from the Council of Vinarnta, 27th Jury, 
1776. 

Halifax, North-Carolina, July 21, 1776. 

Sir: We have the honour to transmit your Excellency 
copies of two letters from Brigadier Rutherford, who lives 
in Rowan County, near Salisbury, the commanding officer 
on the frontiers of this Colony, directed to the Board, re- 
specting Indian affairs, to which we beg leave to refer you. 
The contents of these letters you may depend upon the trath 
of. Brigadier Rutherford has been directed by me to have 
a sufficient force immediately on the frontiers, and to act in 
conjunction with Major Williamson, who commands eleven 
hundred men, raised by the Colony of South-Carolina. It is 
intended that General Rutherford and Major Williamson 
should march into the Cherokees Lower Towns; they have 
their orders for that purpose. We are in full and certain 
expectation that your Colony will, upon this very alarming 
and dangerous situation of the frontiers of the southern 
Colonies, immediately order the commanding officer on the 
western settlements of it to imbody a sufficient number of 
men to march against the Overhill Cherokee towns, so that 
the lower and upper towns of those faithless savages may 
be attacked at one and the same time, as nearly as may be. 
It will be very necessary for your officer to give Briga- 
dier Rutherford notice from time to time of his intentions, 
in order that their future operations may go hand in hand 
together. 

This Colony is in the greatest want of lead; we have to 
request that you will order from Chiswell’s Mines a present 
supply of five tons, as the inhabitants on our frontiers have 
scarcely any, and are in the most distressed situation; and 
we have no other means of procuring that article but from 
your Colony; therefore must once more request your friendly 
and speedy assistance. 

We cannot help mentioning the suspicions many of our 
western people have with respect to a design the Indians 
have in view of cutting off the persons at Chiswell’s Mines; 
and as the savages have many white men now out with them 
(who are well acquainted with the importance of a lead mine 
in scouting parties, there may be some reason for the belief 
of such an intention. 

We congratulate your Excellency on your being appointed 
to the government of the Commonwealth of Virginia; and 
have the honour to be, &c., your most obedient, &c. 

Signed by order of the Council of Safety: 

Cornetius Harnett, President. 


To His Excellency P. Henry. 


Copy of Brigadier RuruEerrorn’s Letter to the Council of Safety of Nortu- 
Caro.ina, enclosing the Letter of the Council of Viraintia. 
July 14, 1776. 

HonovurasLe GentLemen: I am under the necessity of 
sending you by express the alarming condition this country 
isin. ‘The Indians are making great progress in destroying 
and murdering in the frontiers of this County, Thirty-seven, 
I am informed, were killed last Wednesday and Thursday, 
on the Catawba River. 1 am also informed, that Colonel 
McDowell, ten men, and one hundred and twenty women 
and children, are besieged in some kind of a fort, and the 
Indians round them; no help to them before yesterday, and 
they were surrounded on Wednesday. 1 expect, the next 
account, to hear that they are all destroyed. Colonel Back- 
man’s is the frontier of this County. Pray, gentlemen, 
consider our distress, and send us plenty of powder, and I 
hope, under God, we of Salisbury district are able to stand 
them ; but if you allow us to go to the nation, I expect you 
will order Hillsborough district to join Salisbury. Three 
of our Captains are killed, and one wounded. ‘This day I 
set out with what men I can raise for the relief of the dis- 
tressed. 

I am, gentlemen, in haste, your humble servant, 

GrirrirH RurHerrorp. 


To the Hon. the Council of Safety, North-Carolina. 


ELISHA WINTERS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Chestertown, July 27, 1776. 
Gentiemen: I gladly embrace this opportunity to inform 
you I shall have twenty-eight muskets ready to your order 
| * 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


614 


by Monday, 3d August, making up forty muskets per month, 
agreeable to my contract. 
I remain, with much respect, gentlemen, your most hum- 


ble servant 
f Exisua WINTERS. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety, Annapolis. 


CHARLES CARROLL, BARRISTER, TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF 
SAFETY, 


Mount-Clare, July 27, 1776. 


GentLemen: I do not know whether you have received 
any answer to your letter to Philadelphia to your Deputies, 
desiring them to look out for an Engineer, or whether they 
may be able to get one to come down. I therefore intro- 
duce to you Mr. Allcock, of Baltimore-Town, who, from 
the character I have of him, will be able to do you service. 
He has been, as | am informed, of great help to the gentle- 
men of Baltimore-Town in designing and erecting their 
fortifications at Whetstone. He now, at my desire, waits 
on you, and will look at all your situations. He keeps a 
school in this town, and cannot very well spare the time for 
his journey. I have, however, prevailed on him to ride 
down, on a promise of a compensation for his time and 
trouble. You will, on conversing with him, judge whether 
he can be of any assistance to you as a desigver or otherwise. 
I fancy it will be difficult to get Engineers from the north- 
ward, and we must, in my opinion, avail ourselves of the 
skill of such as we can meet with among ourselves, though 
their knowledge be not so perfect or complete. 

I was yesterday at Whetstone, and find Captain Smith 
has five eighteen-pounders to spare, four of them on high 
carriages, and the other on a low carriage. I think the 
sooner you get them down to Annapolis the better. I 
intended to come down about the middle of next week, but 
have had a touch of the fever and ague, which I believe 
will keep me up here a little longer. 

I am, very respectfully, gentlemen, your most obedient, 


humble servant 
? Cuas. Carrow. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety, at Annapolis. 


COLONEL SOMERVILLE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Calvert County, July 27, 1776. 


GentLemeEN: I received orders from Colonel. Mackall 
(who is now at St. George’s) yesterday to send a company 
of our Militia to St. Mary’s, to relieve the company now 
stationed there, which I shall do without loss of time. As 
Captain John Brooke, and his First Lieutenant and Ensign, 
have enrolled the number of men directed by Convention 
to entitle them to their commissions, I would humbly beg 
leave to ask if it would not contribute greatly to the ease of 
our Militia if they were ordered to be stationed either at 
Drum Point or down in St. Mary’s, in lieu of the compa- 
nies of Militia now at those places, until such time as your 
Honours may think proper to order them otherwise ? 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 

ALEX. SOMERVILLE. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


CHARLES RUMSEY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Cecil County, July 27, 1776. 


GentLemen: The bearer, Captain John Oglevie, finding 
Captain Alexander had not made up his company by the 
20th instant, and being zealous in the cause, proposed to 
march with his company, or with such a part of them as 
could, with convenience, leave their homes; upon which, in 
a few days time, he had the number enrolled, agreeable to 
his Return. Hope they will be accepted, as they are a 
parcel of active, stout, willing men. _ 

We are, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servants, 

Cuarves Rumsey, 
H. Hotircsworru. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


We, the subscribers, do hereby enrol ourselves to serve 


as Militia of Maryland, in the Middle Department, that is 


* 


615 


to say, from this Province to New-York, inclusive, until the 
Ist day of December next, unless sooner discharged by the 
honourable Congress, according to the resolution of the 
Convention of Maryland, held at Annapolis, the 21st day of 
June, 1776. 


Capt. John Oglevie, 
1st Lt. Jos. Tanner, 
2d Lt. Elisha Rod- David M. Guffin, 

gers, Alex. Thompson, 
Ensign James Boggs, John Sands, 
William Tilyard, 


James Connor, 
Thomas Ramsay, William Duffield, 


Samuel Bing, 
James Hasson, 


David Morrison, 
William Mullen, 
Hugh McDowell, 
James Perry, 
‘John Minor, 
Thomas King, 
Elisha Gatchell, 


Eliot Williams, John Johnson, James Hindman, 
Oliver Bing, Michael Askin, Benjamin Moody, 
William Smith, JamesClendenin, (a George Robinson, 


Benjamin McMahon, 
James McKibbin, 
John Jameson, 


lad,) drummer, 
Alex. Armstrong, 
Patrick Donnelly, 
George Glass, Matthew Morgan, 
William Strean, John Phillips, 
George Cunningham, James Wright, 
William Brisland, George Day, 
James M. Clenshey, William Bean, 
William Brison, Carbery Cuningham, 
Andrew Thompson, David Robinson, 
James Morrow, George McClelland, 


The within and above men were viewed, and are able- 
bodied and effective men. Cuarues Rumsey. 
July 25, 1776. 


Samuel Thompson, 
Alexander Simpson, 
Josiah Porterfield, 
William Jameson, 
James Stevenson, 
Thomas Newell, 
Matthew McDowell, 
Benjamin Hasson, 
William Johnson, 
James Welch. 


MAJOR PRICE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 
Upper Camp, St. George’s, July 27, 1776. 


GentLemen: The day before yesterday, in the evening, 
the Roebuck and other ships returned down the river, and 
came to about five miles from this place. At two o’clock 
yesterday morning, I received a line from Captain Nicholson, 
acquainting me that he intended to attack the fleet at day- 
break. I immediately despatched an officer, with orders, if 
possible, to speak to Captain Nicholson, and let him know 
the ships had returned down the river, and were then within 
nine or ten miles of the fleet, and that I did not think it 
prudent to attack them. Colonel Barnes had sometime 
before despatched an officer. ‘The one I sent got to his 
camp, but neither of them could come up with Captain 
Nichglson. I immediately, on the receipt of the letter, 
ordered the troops under arms, and despatched Captain 
Thomas with about forty on the Island, to alarm the enemy 
in that quarter, Major Eden with about the same number on 
the Point, with a four-pounder, and I took the remainder, 
twenty-five in number, on board of two boats and canoes, 
and went down St. George’s River as near the enemy as 
we could with safety, when I left them under the command 
of Lieutenant Adams, with orders, if there should be any 
confusion in the fleet, to push up with their boats to Cherry- 
field Point, where I would be. I then went across to the 
Point, where our people from the lower camp had been at 
work all night, and by the time the sun was rising, had 
mounted the two largest cannon. About an hour after, we 
espied the Defence making up for the fleet. The Fowey, 
which lay about a mile from the battery, did not see her, or 
seemed to take no notice of her, for more than an hour, 
when we noticed boats going ahead of her, as we supposed, 
to carry out her anchor, in order to warp her out; and in a 
short time, we observed her hauling out, when I immediately 
ordered the cannons to be fired at her. We fired four times 
from the nine-pounder, and twice from the four, one of which 

the nine, we think) hulled her; the other struck a boat 
laying at the stern, with, I believe, men in her. I saw them 
a very little time before, the Fowey all the time hauling out. 
By this time, observed the Defence put about, and stand 
down the river. I believe she must have seen the Roebuck, 
which was seen some time after standing down after her, the 
Fowey giving chase a very little while before. Upon the 
whole, the enemy appears to be a good deal alarmed, and I 
am in hopes will leave this in a short time. 

Captain Boucher came to camp last night; he left two 
row-galleys about two miles above this place. I furnished 
him with a boat and some hands to go back by water; he 
expects to be down with the galleys this evening. Iam 
collecting all the boats and cannons, to give him all the 
assistance in my power. The remainder of the Militia here 
must be discharged to-morrow night. I expected to have 
had a fresh recruit of them by this time. Shall be very 
weak—not less than twenty regulars down with fevers at 
this time. There will be great difficulty in getting the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


616 


cannon back by land; should think it best to have them 
carried by water, if vessels can be had, as soon as the enemy 
goes off. 

Enclosed you have Governour Eden’s answer to Mr. 
Wolstenholme’s letter, which was brought to Captain Forrest, 
who I ordered to that station, in place of Captain Mackall, 
whom | could not so well depend upon. You have also 
enclosed Captain Forrest’s letter to me, and Mr. Wolsten- 
holme’s answer to Governour Eden. 

This is a shocking country: everything scarce; water we 
are obliged to haul nearly three miles; no liquor but bad 
whiskey to drink; everybody fatigued and tired of the place. 
If the enemy continue here, must certainly have fresh troops. 
I had almost forgotten to tell you that the nine-pounder 
turns out extraordinarily good, perhaps none better; all here 
are much pleased with her. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 

Tuos. Price. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


Roebuck, July 20, 1776. 


Dear Sir: I received this morning your letter of the 
19th, and the annexed declaration and assurance that any 
flag sent for you and your effects shall be received with the 
respect due to it. Commodore Hammond's inclination to 
render any service in his power to any of his Majesty’s offi- 
cers in your situation, has induced him to order a flag to be 
sent on shore for you on Monday or Tuesday next; and 
you shall have as good accommodations for your passage to 
England in the victualler he has been pleased to grant to me, 
as it will afford. And I am desired to assure you that any 
flag, or vessel with a flag, that you may employ to bring off 
your effects and stock, with their provision and water, shall 
be allowed to return immediately unmolested. 

Doctor Scott and four other gentlemen, besides myself, 
take this opportunity of going to England; he desires his 
compliments to you and such of our friends as may be with 
you, in which I join, and in wishing you health and a good 
passage. 

I am, dear sir, your obedient, humble servant, 

; Roserr Epen. 


To D. Wolstenholme, Esq. 


Sir: I am much obliged to you for your very kind favour 
per Lieutenant Sandys, and beg that you'll be pleased to pay 
my most respectful compliments to Commodore Hammond, 
and acquaint him of the high sense I entertain of his 
goodness in sending for me a flag of truce, and to acquaint 
him that I have been twice stopped by the commanding 
officers at St. George’s; but the first order revoked, and 
afterwards repeated, with fresh instructions to the officers of 
the troops stationed at my house, not to permit my embark- 
ation, till the pleasure of the Council of Safety should be 
known. 

The express has returned, which, at present, puts a stop 
to my embarkation; what may happen from a second ex- 
press that was sent, and to which no answer is yet returned, 
I cannot say; though I much doubt their first resolution will 
not be rescinded. 

I think myself much obliged to your Excellency for the 
kind part you have acted on this occasion, and that you 
may rest assured that no sinister event whatever shall ever 
shake those principles of honour becoming an officer in his 
Majesty’s service. I have only now to repeat my most 
respectful compliments to Commodore Hammond, Dr. Scott, 
and all the gentlemen of my acquaintance, and to wish you a 
pleasant passage, and a happy sight of your friends in Eng- 
land ; being, very respectfully, sir, yours, &c., 

Danie, WoLsTENHOLME. 
To His Excellency Governour Eden. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO RICHARD DALLAM. 
[No. 83.] 


Sir: We received yours of the 22d of July, and are glad 
to hear that you have made as many guns as will reimburse 
the money already advanced; they may be delivered to Colo- 
nel Carville Hall, or his order. The price you ask is high 
for guns, but we want them at present, and therefore will 


Annapolis, July 27, 1776. 


617 


take any number you may make in six weeks from this time, 
and give you £4 10s. currency for them completely finished. 
We are, Xc. 


To Richard Dallam, Esq., Harford County. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GORDON AND PATTEN. 

{No. 84.] Annapolis, July 27, 1776. 

Gentiemen: Enclosed you will have a plan of a knap- 
sack and haversack in one, adopted by three Provinces, and 
which they offer to make, of the materials, dimensions, and 
in manner described, in Philadelphia, at 8s.6d. If you in- 
cline to make two thousand six hundred at that rate, we will 
agree to pay that price, provided they be made in the space 
of six weeks at farthest. 

We expect your answer immediately, that we may apply 
elsewhere in case you do not incline to furnish us. 


We are, Xc. 
To Messrs. Gordon and Patten. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GERARD HOPKINS. 
{No. 85.] Annapolis, July 27, 1776. 

Sir: Enclosed you will receive an order on the Treasurer 
for £50, to pay off the debts you have incurred on the ac- 
count of the knapsacks and haversacks, for girth and diaper 
web, and what you may want for future purchases of that 
sort. 

I have it in command from the Council to inform you that 
it is impossible for them to fix the price of making the haver- 
sacks, as they cannot be judges of the value of work they 
have never seen, and haversacks are made in various forms, 
and of course more work must be bestowed on one kind than 
another. Knapsacks and haversacks in one, are offered to 
be made in Phaladelphia, and all materials found, for 8s. 6d. 
apiece; you speak only of haversacks; it is not known if you 
mean haversacks alone, or knapsacks and haversacks together. 
As soon as the price can be fixed, the cash will be sent you. 
The Council will pay what the Committee of Baltimore 
shall fix their value at. 

It is by no means agreeable to the Council that the officers 
of the Flying-Camp should have any command over the 
stores of this Province; and they cannot look upon you as 
acting in the line of your duty, in disposing of them to any 
of them, without orders from their Board: they are to be 
in Continental pay, and no regular account can be kept 
against the Continent without such commands issuing from 
the proper place. They will, however, take the eight hun- 
dred and fifty haversacks made in consequence of Colonel 
Erving’s request to you, which you are to deliver only to 
the order of the Council of Safety. They again desire to 
know whether you mean haversacks alone, or knapsacks 
with them. 

Enclosed is a letter open, which you are desired to seal 
and deliver to Messrs. Gordon and Patten. It contains 
proposals for making a quantity of knapsacks and haversacks, 
the pattern and price, and they are requested to give an 
answer speedily. 

I am yours, &c., Gasriet Duvat.. 


To Mr. Gerard Hopkins, son of Richard. 


DELAWARE ASSEMBLY. 


In the House of Representatives for the Counties of New- 
Castle, Kent, and Sussex, upon Delaware, at New- Castle, 
Saturday, July 27, 1776, P. M.: 

The House, taking into consideration the Resolution of 
Congress of the 15th of May last, for suppressing all autho- 
rity derived from the Crown of Great Britain, and for estab- 
lishing a Government upon the authority of the People, and 
the Resolution of this House of the 15th of June last, in 
consequence of the said Resolution of Congress, directing 
all persons holding offices, civil or military, to execute the 
same in the name of this Government until a new one should 
be formed, and also the Declaration of the United States of 
America absolving from all allegiance to the British Crown, 
and dissolving all political connexion between them and 
Great Britain, lately published and adopted by this Gov- 
ernment as one of those States, are of opinion that some 
speedy measures should be taken to form a regular mode of 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


618 


civil polity; and this House, not thinking themselves autho- 
rized by their constituents to execute this important work, 

Do Resolve, That it be recommended to the good people 
of the several Counties in this Government to choose a suit- 
able number of Deputies to meet in Convention, there to 
order and declare the future form of Government for this 
State. 

Resolved, also, That it is the opinion of this House, that 
the said Convention consist of the number of thirty persons; 
that is to say, ten for the County of New-Castle, ten for the 
County of Kent, and ten for the County of Sussex; and that 
the freemen of the said Counties respectively do meet on 
Monday, the 19th day of August next, at the usual places 
of election for the County, and then and there proceed to 
elect the number of Deputies aforesaid, according to the 
directions of the several laws of this Government for regula- 
ting elections of the Members of Assembly, except as to the 
choice of Inspectors, which shall be made on the morning of 
the day of election by the electors, inhabitants of the respec- 
tive Hundreds in each County. 

Resolved, 'That every elector shall (if required by one 
or more of the Judges of the Election) take the following 
oath or affirmation, to wit: “I, A. B., will, to the utmost 
of my power, support and maintain the independence of 
this Government, as declared by the honourable Continental 
Congress.” 

Resolved, also, That it is the opinion of this House that 
the Deputies, when chosen as aforesaid, shall meet in Con- 
vention in the Town of New-Castle, on Tuesday, the 27th 
day of the same month of August, and immediately proceed 
to form a Government on the authority of the people of this 
State, in such sort as may be best adapted to their preserva- 
tion and happiness. 

Extract from the Minutes. 

Published by order: 
James Booru, Clerk of Assembly. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO JOSEPH TRUMBULL. 
Philadelphia, July 27, 1776. 
Sir: Enclosed you have a resolution of Congress for the 
supply of provisions to the frigates in the Eastern Depart- 
ment, out of the stock of provisions in that quarter; and am 
to request you will, by the next post, issue your orders to 
your Deputy there to furnish such quantities as shall be ap- 
plied for by Mr. Cushing and others who have the care of 
the ships. 
I have paid all your bills which have been presented. 
Money will soon be sent to the Paymaster. 
I wish you happy; and am, sir, your very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To Jos. Trumbull, Esq., Commissary-General, New- York. 


MARYLAND DELEGATES IN CONGRESS TO COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Philadelphia, July 27, 1776. 

GentLemeN: Colonel Smallwood, apprehending his bat- 
talion would be in want of many necessaries at the camp, 
applied to us for a sum of money, and we advanced him 
1,335, for which he is to be accountable to the Conven- 
tion of Maryland. We hope this advance will meet with 
your and their approbation, as not much can be expected 
from soldiers badly provided; and such is the discretion and 
economy of Colonel Smallwood, that we are persuaded he 
will make a very judicious application of this money. 

The Congress has allowed a regimental Paymaster to each 
battalion in the Flying-Camp, the appointment of which 
officer is left to the several States from which those battalions 
come. In the recess of our Convention, the appointment is 
in you, and we beg you may appoint one as soon as may be. 
Colonel Smallwood recommended to us for this place Mr. 
Christopher Richmond. We mention this circumstance be- 
cause we know the appointment of Mr. Richmond will be 
very agreeable to the Colonel. 

There are now lodged in Mr. Shries’s house fifty odd 
muskets, lately imported for the use of our State; they want 
repairing and cleaning. We submit it to you whether we 
shall not keep these muskets here, to arm in part one of our 
Militia companies passing through this city, on its way to 
the Flying-Camp; this will save the expense and trouble of 
sending them to Maryland. 


619 


We are informed that there are large quantities of flint- 
stones at the landings on Wye and Choptank rivers; these 
were brought by the ships as ballast, and thrown out on the 
banks. The Congress has desired us to write to you on the 
subject, and to procure some person who understands flints, 
to look after them, and to report to Congress whether they 
are good or not. 

We have nothing new from New-York: the post is not 
yet come in: we heard from General Washington yesterday: 
all was quiet. ‘The ten vessels mentioned in the papers 
appearing in the offing at New- York brought over Highland- 
ers—how many we know not. As the harvest is now over, 
we imagine the Militia will come in fast to compose the 
Flying-Camp; and we hope the Maryland Militia will march 
with all possible expedition. 

Weare, with regard, gentlemen, your most obedient, hum- 


ble servants 
d Samueu CuaseE, 


Cu. Carrout of Carrollion. 
To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland, at 
Annapolis. 


GEORGE STEVENSON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 31, 1776.] 


In Committee of Inspection and Observation of Cumberland 
County, at Carlisle, July 27, 1776. 


Sir: Agreeable to the request of Congress, recommended 
by our Convention, by their Circular Letter of the 19th 
instant, by this Committee forwarded to the Colonels or 
commanding officers of the several battalions of Militia As- 
sociators in this County, to hasten the march to New-Jersey 
of as many of their companies as can be armed, the in- 
habitants have voluntarily and very generally offered their 
service; and, by the answers which we have received from 
the officers, it appears to us that eleven companies will be 
sufficiently armed and accoutred, and the last of them march- 
ed from this place, in about a week from this time. ‘Three 
companies more are preparing, if they can get arms; and 
many more declare themselves willing to march; but we are 
well assured arms are not to be got in this County. A con- 
siderable quantity of arms were purchased in this County 
last winter, and sent to Virginia, by permission of the Com- 
mitiee of Safety; several chests of arms were sent to the 
Committee of Safety, and with them fifty-six of the new arms, 
made here by order of the Assembly; all the companies who 
have hitherto been raised in this County have been supplied 
with our arms; therefore there can be but very few arms now 
in this County. 

The money we sent for by our order of the 14th instant, 
we disposed of to the companies first raised, and we are now 
obliged to draw for £1000 more in favour of Mr. John Pol- 
lock, of this place, our express, whom we hope you will not 
detain, as it is a doubt with us whether we can borrow money 
sufficient to answer the necessary demands of the companies 
before they can march; and if that should be the case, some 
of them will be obliged to wait his return. After the men 
shall have marched, we shall render an account of the dis- 
posal of the money. 

If arms and accoutrements are to be had at Pheladelphia 
we can send more men. An answer to this and to our 
former letter, will oblige us much. 

We are, sir, your most obedient and humble servants, 

GerorcGE Stevenson, Chairman. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Perth-Amboy, July 27, 1776. 


Sir: General Heard and General Roberdeau have con- 
sidered with me the plan proposed for attacking the posts on 
Staten-Island. Two things we entirely agree in, namely, 
that the number of troops proposed are by no means equal 
to the undertaking. We cannot rationally suppose the 
enemy’s force on the Island to be less than ten thousand. 
Where these are chiefly posted we have no intelligence to 
be depended on. Several outeuards posted along the shores 
of the Island are in our view, but these we can only regard 
as necessary to the security of their main body, who may 
speedily come to the assistance of any one post. ‘The craft 
necessary to convey a suflicient body for a successful attack 
on the enemy is not, so far as I can find, to be collected 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


620 


along theshoreshere. It is true there are many small vessels, 
but the greater number ill-constructed for making a descent. 
It is, therefore, our opinion, that before any grand effort is 
made, a number of flat-bottomed boats should be constructed 
for the purpose, as well as those we have, put in the best 
repair, We have carpenters enough in the troops here ; tools, 
nails, and other materials may be had ; and we wait your orders 
to set about this part of the service. In Rariton River are 
craft of different sizes calculated to transport one thousand 
men; Rahway River three hundred. General Heard will 
be able to inform your Excellency what craft may be ready 
in Thompson’s Creek, Elizabeth-Town, and Newark. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most obe- 


dient servant 
? Hueun Mercer. 


P. S. No troops have joined since last return. 


GENERAL MERCER TO COLONEL DICKINSON. 


Sir: In consequence of your favour to-day, I have order- 
ed ammunition for the troops at Elizabeth-Town, also two 
pieces of cannon, with their arrangement of necessary 
articles. ‘They will be with you to-morrow, and I will do 
myself the pleasure of then paying you my respects. I am 
very sorry you do not find people actuated with such a 
split as you wish. General Washington, under the dread 
of leaving this part of the country naked, through the 
desertion of such numbers, has directed me to send no more 
men, after Colonel Atlee’s, to New-York. 

H. Mercer. 


To Col. John Dickinson, commanding at Elizabeth-Town. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 29, 1776.] 
New-York, July 27, 1776. 

Sir: I was yesterday morning honoured with your favour 
of the 24th instant, with its several enclosures, to which I 
shall pay the strictest attention. The confidence Congress 
are pleased to repose in my judgment demands my warmest 
acknowledgments; and they may rest assured it shall be 
invariably employed, so far as it shall be in my power, to 
promote their views and the publick weal. 

I have enclosed a letter received from Major French two 
days ago; also, one from him to his lady. Congress will 
perceive thereby what he says and thinks about his parole, 
and will be pleased to transmit to me, by the earliest oppor- 
tunity, the results of their opinion, and such orders as they 
may think necessary to be taken upon it. The letter for 
Mrs. French they will please to return me. It was only 
forwarded to show his views more explicitly than what that 
to me does. 

Since my last, nothing material has occurred. Yesterday 
evening, report was made that eight ships were seen in the 
offing, standing towards the Hook. 'The men-of-war and 
tenders are still up the river. ‘They have never attempted 
to pass the Highland fortifications; and a day or two ago 
quitted their station, and fell down the river eight or ten 
miles. The vigilance and activity of the Militia opposite 
where they were, have prevented their landing, and doing 


.much injury. One poor peasant’s cot they plundered, and 


then burnt. 

I would wish to know whether the allowance given to 
officers the 17th of January, of one-and-a-third dollars for 
every man they inlist, Congress mean to extend to the offi- 
cers who inlist for the new Army for three years. At 
first, it may appear wrong, or rather exorbitant, supposing 
that many will be recruited out of the regiments now in 
service, and under them; but the allowance will be of great 
use, as it will interest the officers, and call forth their exer- 
tions, which otherwise would be faint and languid. Indeed, 
I am fearful, from the inquiries I have made, that their 
utmost exertions will be attended with but little success. It 
is objected, that the bounty of ten dollars is too low, and 
argued, that if the States furnishing men for five or six 
months allow considerably more, why should that be accept- 
ed, and when the term of inlistment is to be for three years? 
I heartily wish a bounty in land had been, or could be, given, 
as was proposed some time ago. I think it would be attended 
with salutary consequences. 

In consequence of my application to Governour Trumbull, 


621 


he has sent me two row-galleys, and I expect another from 
him. None from Governour Cooke are yet come, nor have 
I heard from him on the subject. One is complete here. 
The fire-ships are going on under Mr. Anderson’s direction, 
but rather slowly; and I am preparing some obstructions to 
the channel nearly opposite the works at the upper end of 
this Island. When all things are ready, I intend to try, if 
it shall seem practicable, to destroy the ships and tenders 
above, and to employ the galleys, if they can be of advantage. 

The Militia for the Flying-Camp come in but slowly. 
By a return from General Mercer yesterday, they are but a 
little more than three thousand. If they were in, or can be 
there shortly, and the situation of the enemy remains the 
same, I would make some efforts to annoy them, keeping 
our posts here well guarded, and not putting too much to 
the hazard, or in any manner to the risk. 

I have the honour to be, with the utmost respect, sir, your 
most obedient servant, Go. WasHINGTON. 


- Hartford, July 22, 1776. 

Sie: A letter which I saw to Captain Delaplace, direct- 
ing his Majesty’s officers, prisoners here, to send their letters 
under cover to you, occasions my troubling you with the 
enclosed, which I request you will direct to be sent to his 
Excellency General Howe, by the first flag of truce; and as 
I am certain there must be many letters for me and the other 
gentlemen here, we shall esteem it a favour if you will direct 
inquiry to be made of the flags of trace which may be sent 
to you. I make no doubt you will grant us this small con- 
solation in our captivity, that we may have the satisfaction 
of hearing from our friends. 

When the parole which I signed to the Committee of 
Safety at Philadelphia was tendered to me, and I had read 
as far as “that I would not bear arms against the United 
Colonies for twelve months,” I refused to sign it for so long 
a time; but one of the members, (Mr. Morris,) observing 
there was an alternative, viz: “unless exchanged,” I agreed, 
and signed it; from which it is evident, that I, with Ensign 
Rotton and Mr. McDermott, who were taken with me, as 
also Mr. Goldthorpe, a private soldier in his Majesty’s 
Twenty-Second Regiment, and Alexander Allen, a private 
soldier in his Majesty’s Forty-Fifth Regiment, who came 
under the same articles, are entitled to our enlargement on 
the 12th of August next, at which period our parole expires, 
for which I beg you will give orders. I should not have 
presumed to remind you of this circumstance, which I know 
would naturally occur, but through an apprebension that the 
multiplicity of business now on your hands might occasion 
it to escape your memory. 

I am, sir, with all due respect, your most obedient, humble 
servant, Curistr. FRENCH. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, Saturday morning, July 27, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Colonel Hand reports five ships, one brig, and 
five schooners, at the Hook. One very large vessel came 
up last evening to the fleet. One other ship sailed about 
one this morning, but the Colonel don’t write whether she 
went down or up. 

I have four prisoners, inhabitants of Queen’s County, that 
were taken yesterday, attempting to make their escape to 
the enemy. I am just going to examine them. If 1 dis- 
cover anything worthy your Excellency’s notice, it shall be 
transmitted you immediately. 

I received information last evening of there being thirty 
or forty Tories on a little Island near the entrace of Jamaica- 
Bay. Three boats full of men were seen off there day 
before yesterday, but they did not land, nor speak with any 
boats, that the guards could discover. I sent a party of 
sixty men to scour the Island this morning, and to take all 
they found there prisoners. 

1 am, with all due respect, your Excellency’s very humble 
servant, Naruau. GREENE. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 
Saturday, twelve o’clock, July 27, 1776. 
Dear Sir: I have examined the prisoners, and find them 
to be a parcel of poor ignorant, cowardly fellows. ‘Two are 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


622 


tailors, named John and James Dunbar; and the other two 
are common labourers, named Isaac Petit and Will Smith. 
They candidly confess they set off with an intention of going 
to Staten-Island, but not with any intention of joining the 
enemy, but to get out of the way of fighting here, I believe 
the true reasons of their attempting to make their escape 
were, there has been a draught amongst the Militia to fill the 
new levies, and it was rumored these were a part that were 
drawn. It was also reported they were to go into the North- 
ern Ariny, and that almost all that went there died, or were 
killed. ‘The prospect was so shocking to them and to their 
grandmothers and aunts, I believe they persuaded them to 
run away. Never did I see fellows more frightened; they 
wept like a parcel of children, and appear exceeding sorrow- 
ful. One of them is in an exceeding ill state of health, very 
unfit for any fatigue. I beg your Excellency’s direction 
how to dispose of them; they don’t appear to be acquainted — 
with one publick matter; they have been Toryish, but I 
fancy not from principle, but from its being the prevailing 
sentiment in the County. 

Mrs. Grant desires to go on board the fleet to-morrow, 
and to carry the necessary provision for her passage, agree- 
able to the order or permit of Congress. Your Excellency 
will please to signify your pleasure in the matter. 

I have the honour to be, your obedient servant, 

Naru. GREENE. 


COLONEL SHEE TO GENERAL MIFFLIN. 
NA sia Mount Washington, July 27, 1776. 
Sir: I know of no vacancy in the Third Pennsylvania 
Battalion but one, occasioned by the promotion of Lieutenant 
Woelpper, who requested me not to recommend any person 
in his room, as he was not determined to leave the regiment; 
of which he promised to advise me on his arrival at Phila- 


-delphia. 


Lieutenant Knox has been a long while imprisoned at 
Philadelphia. As it is not likely that he will join the regi- 
ment, Congress may probably think proper to deprive him 
of his commission: Should there be a vacancy in conse- 
quence, as well as one on the advancement of Mr. Woelpper, 
I should, as I have already done, beg leave to recommend 
John Davis and Samuel Dewees, to fill the post of Ensigns. 

Iam, sir, your humble servant, JOHN SHEE. 


To Brigadier-General Mifflin. 


N. WOODHULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
White-Plains, July 27, 1776. 
Sir: Iam directed to transmit to your Excellency the 
enclosed Deposition, relative to William Sutton’s declaration 
after returning from on board Governour Tryon’s ship last 
fall. I bave the honour to be, your Excellency’s most obe- 


dient, humble servant 
? : Natu. Woopnutt, Pres’t, 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters, 
New-York. . 


Committee Chamber, White-Plains, July 12, 1776. 


Mr. . . . . being duly sworn on the Holy Evan- 
gelists of Almighty God, deposes and says: That some 
time after Wilkam Sutton returned home from Governour 
Tryon’s ship, he (this deponent) was informed by said Sut- 
ton, as follows: That our people were to be cut off from 
New-York, and that the King’s troops were to land about 
ten miles from Mamaroneck ; that Hudson’s River was to be 
occupied by them; that the fleet was to be drawn up in.a 
line before New-York, with intent to keep the forces there 
in action, in order to give the transports a better opportunity 
of running up the North River with intent to cut off the 
communication between the country and city; that the King’s 
standard was to be hoisted, and that the Tories would then 
have a chance. That said Sutton further informed this 
deponent that Robert Sutton, of Long-Island, would join 
the Regulars, with seven hundred men, well equipped; that 
a proclamation would be issued out by the King’s party; 
that the people would then know what they had to expect, 
and that there would be forty-five thousand troops sent over 
to America this summer. And this deponent says that he 
heard John Sutton, son of the aforesaid William, declare 
that the Regulars would land between Mamaroneck and 
Horseneck, and that he would join them. And this depo- 


623 


nent further says that he heard James Horton say that he 
was sure the Ministerial Army would conquer, and that 
matters would soon be settled; and further says not. 
By order of the Committee: 
Joun Tuomas, Jun., Chairman. 


In Committee of Safety, ye ite 4 
July 13, 1776. 

The within deponent came before this Committee and 
made oath that he saw Joshua Gedney, of Dutchess County, 
have a long list of men’s names who would join the Minis- 
terial Army; that the said list of names was delivered to 
Governour Tryon by said Gedney, in the presence of this 
deponent. And this deponent further says that he heard 
Caleb Fowler, Jun., of North- Castle, degrade the service he 
had been in, and say that if he went again, he would go like 
a man, and join the Ministerial Army. 

By order of the Committee: 

Joun Tuomas, Jun., Chairman. 


RICHARD BRUERE (PRISONER) TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 

At Mr. Jonathan Tyler’s, Bedford Township, i 

New-Purchase, July 27, 1776. 
GrentLemen: J am very sorry to trouble you so often on 
the same subject; but as I received my bills for money on 
England by the hands of one of your officers about a week 
past, and as I have no method of supplying myself with 
money, think it somewhat strange that the gentlemen of the 
Committee, if they have received directions from you, have 
not supplied us with money according to the general reso- 
lution of the Congress; but should rather, as to my own 
part, have been glad to have got money for bills on England. 
However, I will take it as a favour that you will give the 
necessary directions for the usual allowance as soon as may be. 
I am, gentlemen, your humble servant, 
Rp. Bruere, prisoner of war. 


To the Gentlemen of the Provincial Congress of New-York. 
N. B. The Committee have been applied to more than once. 


, RICHARD VARICK TO GENERAL GATES. 
Albany, July 27, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I send you this morning about twelve hun- 
dred weight of spikes, of different sizes, and four hundred 
weight of twenty-four penny nails, for the carpenters at 
Skenesborough ; as also some axes, in addition to the twelve 
hundred heretofore sent, and some spades and _pickaxes, 
which will be immediately forwarded from Fort George. 

As soon as the iron and other articles can be procured 
for the works at Skenesborough, I shall forward them. 

It is now confidently reported that General Lee has 
repulsed Clinton seven times in his attempts to land, with 
much loss of men and shipping. ‘The remainder of the fleet 
were supposed to have gone to Barbadoes to refit. If this 
be true, his business is done for this campaign. 

I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Ricu. Varicx. 


To the Hon. General Gates. a 
MARINE COMMITTEE OF RHODE-ISLAND TO THE COUNCIL OF 
MASSACHUSETTS. 


Providence, July 27, 1776. 

Gentiemen: The bearer, Captain Grannis, is appointed 
Captain of Marines on board the Continental ship Warren, 
provided he obtains a dismission from the service of the 
State of Massachusetts-Bay, in which he is now engaged. 
We think the furnishing of these ships with able officers 
and good men, is of the greatest consequence to these United 
States ; we therefore request that you would be pleased to 
dismiss the said Captain Grannis from your service, and 
give him permission to inlist a company of men within your 


territories—permitting such of your people as are willing, — 


and are now in the land service, to go on board the ship 
with him. Weare in hopes to get the ships to sea in about 
three weeks. 

We are, (for the Marine Committee here,) your Honours’ 


humble servants ; 
: Nicus. Cooxr, Chairman. 


Jasez Bowen, Secretary. 


The Hon. Council of State of Massachusetts-Bay. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


624 


CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 


Ata meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
July 27, 1776: 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Elipht. Dyer, Jz. 
Huntington, Jed. Elderkin, Nathl. Wales, Jun., and Ben. 
Huntington, Esquires. 

Voted, That the felling Axes purchased in this Colony 
be sent forthwith, without delay, by trusty wagoners, to 
Skenesborough, to the care of such persons as have a right 
to receive them, for the use of the Continental Army, as 
has been requested by General Schuyler. 

On application of Mr. Jay, from the Committee of Con- 
vention of the State of New-York, 

Voted to grant the loan of twenty Cannon, viz: ten twelve- 
pounders and ten six-pounders, now at the Furnace at Salis- 
bury, to the State of New-York ; also, a suitable proportion 
of Shot for said Cannon—said Cannon to be replaced, and 
said Shot to be replaced, or accounted for by said State, 
when requested; and the overseers of said Furnace are 
directed to cast a sufficient number, or as many as can be, 
of iron Trucks or Carriage-Wheels for said Cannon, to be 
loaned to said State, and returned or accounted for with the 
Cannon aforesaid. All to be delivered to Mr. Jay, or order, 
by said overseers, taking proper receipts for the same. 

Copy delivered to Mr. Jay, July 27, 1776. 


JOHN JAY TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 


Whereas the Convention of the State of New-York did, 
on the 16th day of July, 1776, “resolve. unanimously that 
a secret Committee be appointed to devise and carry into 
execution such measures as to them should appear most 
effectual for obstructing the Channel of Hudson’s River, or 
annoying the enemy’s ships in their navigation up the said 
river, and that the said Convention pledge themselves for 
defraying the charges incident thereon;” and whereas the 
said Convention did then resolve and order “that Mr. Jay, 
Mr. Robert Yates, Major Tappen, Mr. Robert R. Living- 
ston, Mr. Gilbert Livingston, and Mr. Paulding, be the said 
Committee;” of which said Committee, the above-men- 
tioned Mr. Robert Yates hath by them been appointed their 
Chairman. 


Poughkeepsie, July 22, 1776. 

The said Committee met, according to agreement, at the 
house of Mr. Van Kleek. Present: Mr. Robert Yates, Chair- 
man, Mr, Jay, Major Tappen, Mr. Robert R. Livingston, 
and Mr. Gilbert Livingston. 

It appearing to the said Committee that a number of 
Cannon were wanting and absolutely necessary for the 
defence of Hudson’s River, as well at the forts erected on ° 
its shores, as for the armed vessels ordered to be prepared 
for its defence, 

Resolved unanimously, That Mr. Jay forthwith repair to 
Salisbury Iron Works, and endeavour to procure there twenty 
of the heaviest Cannon that can be had there, eight Can- 
non six-pounders, and eight Cannon four-pounders; also, a 
proper quantity of Shot and Trucks for the said Cannon; 
(the whole to be sent to Colonel Hoffman’s Landing ;) and 
that he take with him Davis Hunt, a carpenter, to take the 
dimensions of the said ‘Trucks, in order that Carriages may 
be immediately made for the said Cannon. 

Resolved unanimously also, That Mr. Jay-be authorized 
to apply to Governour, Trumbull, and, in behalf of the Con- 
vention of the State of New-York, to request his aid and 
influence in the premises; and further, that Mr. Jay be, and 
he hereby is, authorized and empowered to impress Car- 
riages, ‘Teams, Sloops, and Horses, and to call out detach- 
inents of the Militia, and generally to do, or cause to be 
done, at his discretion, all such matters and things as he may 
deem necessary or expedient to forward and complete the 
aforesaid business committed to his care. - 

Rosert Yates, Chairman. 
Joun Jay, 
Rost. R. Livrneston, 
Gitsert Livineston, 
Curistr. Tapren. 

Lebanon, July 27, 1776. 

The above is a true copy of my instructions from the 
Committee therein mentioned ; and, in pursuance thereof, I 


625 


request the favour of his Excellency Governour Trumbull 
to furnish the Convention of the State of New-York with 
as many Cannon for the defence of Hudson’s River as the 
State of Connecticut can conveniently supply, not exceeding 
the number in the said instructions specified. 

Joun Jay. 


JOSEPH WARD TO JOHN BRADFORD. 

Boston, July 27, 1776. 
Pursuant to directions from the Continental Congress, 
and from his Excellency General Washington, General 
Ward requests and directs John Bradford, Esq., agent to 
the Continental Navy, to forward to his Excellency General 
Washington all the within-mentioned articles with the utmost 
expedition and despatch, as they are greatly wanted for the 

Continental Army at New-York. 
JosepH Warp, A. D. C. 


List of Articles taken in the Transports which his Excel- 
lency Gen. Wasuineton requests Gen. Warn to forward 
Jrom Boston to New-York as soon as possible. 


From Ship George: All the fusees, small-arms, and bay- 
onets, shouider straps, gun straps, leather bullet pouches, 
hair and canvass knapsacks, belts, flints, markees and sol- 
dier’s tents, common tent poles, tin canteens, camp kettles, 
blankets, watch coats, soldiers’ clothing, stockings, and 
black plumes. 

From Ship Lord Howe: All the small-arms, bayonets, 
and cartouch boxes, cask of canteens and kettles, soldiers’ 
blankets, cutlasses, canvass knapsacks, markees. 

From Brigantine Annabella: All the small-arms, shoes, 
soldiers’ tents, sheet lead, packsaddles, cartouch boxes, 
leather bullet pouches, shoulder straps, gun straps with 
lashes, bayonets and belts. 

By order of his Excellency General Washington: 

S. B. Wess, A. D. C. 


COLONEL HURD TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 
Haverhill, (Cohos,) July 27, 1776. 

Sir: I am favoured with yours of the 20th instant by 
Mr. Atkinson, and observe your several appointments to 
raise the men for the protection of this part of the country, 
which by present appearances may be sufficient; but how 
long they may continue so is very uncertain. 

I am just now informed, by a person from the College, 
that Captain Woodward has raised his men and gone out 
into the woods toa place called Royalston, I suppose about 
midway between Connecticut River and the Lake, to erect 
some stockade or fortification there, from whence they may 
keep their scouts going; but they have not thought proper 
to inform the Committee what their plan may be, or any- 
thing of their intention. We hear that Captain Jeremiah 
ames is upon the road on his way here, and wish he may 
be able to make up his quota of men, so as to be on duty 
soon, that the people at Upper Cohos may keep about their 
husbandry, and not lose the advantage of such promising 
crops as are now on the ground. Colonel Bayley will, | 
believe, inlist his fifty without difficulty, chiefly from those 
men that have been working on the new road, when he shall 
immediately employ them on necessary duty. 

One of our scouting parties came in from Onion River 
two days ago, by whom I received a letter from Colonel 
Wait, a copy of which I shall enclose, and by which you 
will observe the change of command at that station, with the 
complaints he makes. If it be so as there represented, we 
must have had some cruel enemies, snake-like, in the grass, 
that have been secretly working out our ruin all in their 
power, which, it is to be hoped, will by and by come to 
light. No wonder we have not succeeded better in that 
department. 

As to those persons in this quarter who proposed sending 
to General Burgoyne or into Canada for assistance, we have 
our eyes upon them, and watch all their motions; but at 
present, think it not prudent to make much stir. 

This afternoon, came into Newbury four Frenchmen from 
Metcalf’s, on the Lake, in six days’ travel. Bad weather 
retarded them, or they would have been here, they say, in 
three days, with a letter to Colonel Bayley from Mr. Metcalf, 
(an extract of which I have also enclosed,) by which it 


Firru Serres.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


40 


626 


appears our affairs in Canada are not so desperate as we 


might have imayined. These men give much the same 
account as the othera few days ago, and having the appear- 
ance of open, honest folks, we shall treat them with civility, 
and forward them along to the Army at Crown-Point, 
where they are desirous of going, as quick as possible, with 
a pilot and proper guard. 

There are also two or three of Bedel’s soldiers come into 
town direct from thence, who give very indifferent accounts 
of our Army there; such as, their being very sickly ; that 
many officers of Stark’s regiment, disgusted at General Sud- 
livan’s being superseded, were determined to quit the service; 
that great part of the Army were drawing offto Ticonderoga ; 
Colonel Bedel and most of his officers returning home. But 
we don’t give much credit to these stories, as they come 
from fellows we suppose to be deserters. 

I am glad to hear that your powder-mill is in such for- 
wardness, and that we are likely to have a good supply of 
arms and ammunition, which will give our people fresh 
spirits. 

Your goodness, I hope, will excuse my lengthy epistles. 
Beg my grateful respects to the gentlemen of the Commit- 
tee; and am, sir, youtymost obedient humble servant, 

# Joun Hurp. 


To the Honourable Meshech Weare, Esq., Chairman of the 
Committee of Safety. 


London, September 2, 1776. 
This day arrived Colonel Maclean, from Quebeck. This 


officer raised a body of men, chiefly Scotch emigrants, in 
Canada, who were of infinite service in the defence of Que- 
beck last winter. He had been promised establishment and 
rank for this corps, but the promise was not kept. He left 
Quebeck July 27th. 

General Carleton did not go forward with the Army; he 
was at Quebeck. General Burgoyne was at Chambly, with 
six thousand British and two thousand Brunswick troops. 
Some of the Brunswickers had deserted, and eight of them, 
retaken, had been hanged. His advanced guard, consisting 
of Light-Infantry and Grenadiers, were at Isle-aux-Noiv. 
The design of sending a party to Oswego, and down the 
Mohawk River, was laid aside. Colonel Patrick Gordon 
was killed in a scouting party that had been attacked. 

The Provincials were said to have four armed vessels on 
Lake Champlain, each carrying sixteen guns, nine-pounders. 
General Sullivan commanded the American Army, consist- 
ing of seventeen regiments, (about six thousand men,) at 
Crown-Point, which he was repairing; and it was imagined 
he would there make his stand. Many of his men are ill 
with the small-pox. He has with him Brigadier-General 
Arnold and Brigadier-General Woedike. ‘The Indians, it 
was supposed, would be neuter. 

The shipwrights at Montreal and other places were hard 
at work building eight schooners and a proper number of 
batteaus, for crossing the Lakes; but it was not expected 
that they could be ready to go upon Lake Champlain till 
the 15th of September. 

Some untoward circumstances are said to have happened, 
viz: not a good understanding among the officers; an appre- 
hension of a want of provisions, the French inhabitants not 
having sown any corn on account of the war; therefore, 
unless great quantities of provisions are sent from England, 
with allowance for casualties, it is impossible to subsist so 
large an Army there. ‘The last year’s crop was very indif- 
ferently got in, and was nearly all consumed by the Pro- 
vincial forces while in Canada. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN PHILADELPHIA, FROM 
ST. EUSTATIA, DATED JULY 28, 1776. 


I have acquainted you, by my former, from Martinique, 
of the good disposition of the French towards the Continent 
of America, and how willing they are to admit and welcome 
all vessels from thence; for which purpose they have now 
by them, and daily import, all sorts of goods in demand with 
you, particularly powder and other warlike stores, which you 
may purchase and ship without any difficulty. And it is 
more than probable that if the Congress declares its inde- 
pendency to the European States, and offers to open their 
ports to foreigners, your ports will be crowded with them 


627 


from all parts; and it seems France only waits for that event 
to assist you in your defence. 

We have at present no other news than what is brought 
by a Dutch ship, arrived here within two days from Amster- 
dam, viz: that the French, Spanish, and Portuguese, are 
making great preparations for war, by land and by sea, as 
well as the States General; that the Spaniards had marched 
an army to the frontiers of Portugal, and had sent to sea a 
fleet of sixteen sail of the line, the destination of which 
was not known, and that they had sent considerable numbers 
of troops to their Colonies. 

The States of Holland had absolutely refused to renew 
the prohibitions for the exportation of powder, We., to the 
Colonies, or to cede to the English the four Scotch regiments 
the States have in their service, and furnish them with a 
number of men-of-war which the British Court had required 
of them. ‘The vexation occasioned by this in the British 
Ministry induced them to take several Dutch ships, amongst 
which are two that sailed from this Island, which were carried 
to London, and another to St. Christopher’s. In consequence 
of this, the Dutch have armed forty ships of war, and ordered 
sixty more to be built with the greatest diligence in their 
different ports, and to raise twentyfhousand men to aug- 
ment their land forces, &c. &c.  * 


DR. DAVID MORROW TO COLONEL RUMSEY. 
Charlestown, Maryland, July 28, 1776. 


Dear Sir: You will cblige me much if you will inform 
me, by the return of the post, whether I am appointed one 
of the Surgeons for the Flying-Camp, or not; and, if I am, 
how am I to be provided with medicines, &c. I have had 
an offer from the northward, but must confess I rather choose 
to go from Maryland; I therefore refused the offer until I 
could have an answer from Annapolis. 

I some time ago enclosed to the Council of Safety a 
recommendation from Drs. Cadwalader, Bond, and Shippen, 
of Philadelphia; should be glad if you would enclose it to 
me, as it will cost me some trouble ,to obtain a second. 


I am, sir, your humble servant 
afta, ’ Davin Morrow. 


To Colonel Berxyamin Rumsey. 


GENERAL CHAMBERLAINE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Talbot County, July 28, 1776. 


GentLemen: When it was proposed to me that a ma- 
gazine should be fixed in our County, I was told that a 
detachment from the Fourth Independent Company would 
be stationed there as a guard. 

I received from three wagoners, the other day, what is 
supposed to be six thousand pounds of powder, the greatest 
part of which, I think it probable, is cannon powder, and 
such as will be useless with musketry. I send you a sample 
of it, and hope it will be found better than it looks tobe. I 
made a trial of it in a small cannon that we have, and found 
it to have equal force and quickness with some English 
powder that I had. 

I have directed a guard from our Militia, and shall con- 
tinue them till I have your directions, which shall be glad to 
have by the bearer. It is very inconvenient to those now 
on that service, and if they must continue, you will please 
to direct the number that shall compose the guard, 

Your obedient humble servant, 

Jas. Ltoyp CHAMBERLAINE. 


To the Honourable President of Council of Safety. 


CAPTAIN DEAN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Kent-Island, July 28, 1776. 
GentLemen: Agreeably to your orders, | have marched 
the company under my command to this place, and am 
sorry to find no provision made for us. You will please 
direct whoever you may think proper to find us all that is 
fit and necessary for a company of men. We expected to 
have found some pork, which we supposed was left by Cap- 
tain Harrison, but were disappointed. You will please direct 
attention immediately in this matter, as we live only on what 
we can borrow. 
I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, your very humble 
servant, Joun Dean. 


To the Honourable Committee of Safety of Maryland. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


628 


BENJAMIN MACKALL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Drum-Point, July 28, 1776. 
Gentiemen: | left the camp at St. George’s yesterday, 
and Major Price requested me to send to the Council, at- 
tended by a subaltern officer, Mr. Bratthwait, who deserted 
from the fleet Thursday night, and brought with him two 
trunks, which shall be sent up to you as soon as Mr. Mid- 
dleton’s boat returns from the mouth of Potomack, where she 
is waiting upon the Defence. 
I am, with much respect, gentlemen, your most humble 


servant 
: Bens. Macxatn, 4th. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 
P.S. Lieutenant Gray, who comes with Mr. Bratthwait, 


desires nothing more for his trouble than his expenses paid 
by the Province. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GENERAL DENT. 

[No. 86.] Annapolis, July 28, 1776. 

Sir: Enclosed you will receive your commission, omitted 
to be made out by the last Convention. The greater part 
of the companies of the Flying-Camp are enrolled, and a 
number of them arrived here. As we apprehend your 
presence would greatly contribute to expedite their being 
properly armed and disciplined, as also accelerate their 
march, we should be glad to see you as soon as possible. 


We are, &c. 
To Brigadier-General Dent. 


—f ema 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 
Camp on Long-Island, July 28, 1776. 


Sir: Colonel Hand reports that the enemy continues as 
they were. ‘They fired several guns last night different from 
any custom that has prevailed amongst them since the arrival 
of the fleet. A considerable noise and movement of the 
boats was heard after the signal guns, and the hurry and 
confusion they seemed to be in after the firing, discovered 
they were alarmed. Perhaps they have heard of the fire- 
ships. Captain Talbut, of Colonel Mitchcock’s regiment, begs 
the command of one of these vessels. He is a daring spirit, 
and I doubt not will execute the command agreeable to your 
Excellency’s wishes. As | am totally ignorant of the matter, 
I could give him no encouragement until your Excellency’s 
pleasure was known. 

I have the honour to be, your Excellency’s most obedient 


humble servant 
: N. Greene. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, Sunday, 12 o’clock, July 28, 1776. 


Colonel Hand’s morning report contained nothing mate- 
rial. Lieutenant-Colonel Chambers reports this moment that 
he saw, at ten this morning, ten sail of vessels standing in 
for the Hook, but at too great a distance to discover what 
they were. 

Mrs. Grant applies again for permission to go on board the 
fleet. Should be glad to know your Excellency’s pleasure 
in the matter. She pleads great distress, but it can amount 
only to a family matter, make the best of it. 

The new levies that come in hanker after milk and vege- 
tables. I should think it would benefit the service to allow 
all the regiments to draw one-third the value of the animal 
food in money to purchase milk, &c.; and direct, in the most 
positive terms, the Quartermasters to provide it for the men. 

I am, with all due respect, your Excellency’s most obe- 
dient, humble servant, N. GREENE. 


COLONEL RITZEMA TO COLONEL SEVEY. 
Sunday, nine o’clock, July 28, 1776. 


Dear Sir: His Excellency the General’s answer to my 
letter this morning has so much weiglit with it as to make 
me in some measure ashamed of my hasty request, to which 
I was induced by the advice of my Lieutenant-Colonel. 
You'll therefore be pleased just to request of the General, in 
my behalf, that the matter be determined to-morrow. 


I an, sir, your humble servant 
Pat se 4 Roop. Rirzema. 


. 


629 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES. 
German-Flats, Sunday, July 28, 1776. 

Sir: Your letter of the 19th instant was delivered me 
last evening. When I left Ticonderoga I made all possible 
despatch to Albany, and, immediately on my arrival, I not 
only ordered every felling axe which had been collected 
agreeable to my orders before I left Albany to be sent to you, 
which was accordingly done, but I also took every measure 
in my power to procure a speedy supply; and, if T am not 
misinformed, twelve hundred have already been sent up since 
the 12th instant, as many more are collecting as possible, 
and one thousand are daily expected from Governour Trum- 
bull, to whom I had wrote intreating his assistance in pro- 
curing this necessary tool. Of this I advised you in my 
letter of the 25th instant. 

I am astonished beyond imagination to be informed that 
not one gondola was arrived at Ticonderoga in the course of 
fifteen days—-that is, from the time we wereat Skenesborough 
to the date of your letter; especially as you cannot but re- 
collect that you, and [ believe General Arnold, and all the 
gentlemen with us when we were there, saw one on the 
stocks and considerably advanced in the timbering, and a 
stage prepared to erect another upon, a considerable quan- 
tity of plank already sawed, and the mill at work in sawing 
more. I hope, therefore, that when you saw such an impor- 
tant work so shamefully neglected, that you sent a proper 
person to inquire into the cause, and to push on the business 
with more despatch. ‘Two gondolas more at least ought to 
have been finished by the 19th, unless the weather has been 
remarkably wet. 

I very well recollect, sir, that I observed that five gondolas 
a week could be built when the carpenters | expected should 
arrive; but neither you nor any person else have ever heard 
me say that they could be built with what carpenters were 
there. If I had written so to Congress, I should most cer- 
tainly not only have deceived them, but wilfully deceived 
them; and I believe that respectable body will not, upon the 
most minute examination, find that I ever did or ever in- 
tended them so gross an insult. Congress well knows what 
carpenters I expected; and I well know that few, and I 
believe none, of these were arrived at Skenesborough when 
your letter was written ; and therefore I do repeat, that when 
they all arrive and get to work, if they are middling good 
workmen, and do not build five gondolas a week, they will 
not do their duty. 

I am sorry the blacksmith made a mistake in the iron 
work for the saw-mill. He is a man much accustomed to 
that work, and perhaps does more of it than any five others 
now in the County of Albany. 

I did not point out any particular route for the officer who 
might take charge of the Indian goods, as I know of none 
for carriages but by the way of Schenectady. 

I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Pu. ScHvuy.er. 
To the Honourable General Gates. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, July 28, 1776. 

Dear Genera: There is an immediate want of some 
rum at this place, and should be glad your Honour would 
convey some by first opportunity. 

Wood Creek is grown so very low that it is almost impos- 
sible to pass up or down with the boats; but I am deter- 
mined to keep it passable, if possible, by constantly keeping 
a party thereon to clear out the logs and obstructions that 
are in the creek. 

We are very much in want for teams; but we intend to 
get as much timber by the side of the lake and creek, and 
bring them to the place they are wanted by fatigue parties, 
as we Can. 

A number of grindstones is very much wanted, and I fear 
the business will suffer by their being so few, as the carpen- 
ters are obliged to wait for each other to grind. 

I am, with respect, dear sir, your Honour’s humble ser- 
vant, Davin Warersvry, Jun. 


To the Honourable Major-General Gates, commanding at 
Ticonderoga. 


P. S. The bullets which were sent down here are all too 
Jarge for the guns. I should take it as a favour if there 
could be a pair sent down of small-sized bullet-moulds. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


630 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, July 28, 1776. 

Honovurep Sir: The oar-makers have this day, being 
Sunday, come here. They allege they want some neces- 
sary tools, to prosecute the business with more expedition. 
They were very desirous to go to Ticonderoga, to procure 
some matters they stand in need of, and propose to return 
to-morrow. My party is ready to cover and guard them 
whilst at work. There have been spying parties of the 
enemy near them. ‘There have been several marks; but the 
place where the oars are to be cut, though eight miles off, 
is in view of Crown-Point. From a proper signal, I could, 
upon any occasion, support my party in a very short time. 

I have sent out a party some miles to the right of this 
place, to examine the country; they will return to-morrow. 
Captain Wilson is not yet come up. I hope that some of 
the loose parties of the enemy who have been attempting to 
come up this way, or the canoe with the two Tories who 
lately went down to St. John’s, may fall into his hands or 
the party which I sent to cover his retreat. 

The Lake, I presume, will be pretty well secured by our 
shipping in a short time, and I think I have taken such steps 
as to make us pretty safe on the land side. If any enemy 
appear against this place, we may expect Indians or Cana- 
dians amongst them. The rough ground on this point is so 
favourable for our Riflemen, I should not be the least afraid 
of double our numbers. The boats I have always ready, if 
it be necessary to retreat. 

I mount a guard of a subaltern, two sergeants, three cor- 
porals, forty-two privates; and a picket of a subaltern, one 
sergeant, three corporals, and thirty men, daily» One of the 
Captains acts as officer of the day. I have at least twenty- 
five sentries every night. I believe I shall not be surprised. 
I send out parties daily. The men here are recovering in 
their health fast, notwithstanding their duty. 

I am, sir, with great respect, your most humble servant, 

Tuos. Harruey. 
To Major-General Gates, at Ticonderoga. 


P.S. [send you all the oars now made. You will be 
pleased to direct Colonel Belding to deliver the oar-makers 
such tools as they want. 


Ticonderoga, July 28, 1776. 

Immediately after divine worship this day, the Declara- 
tion of Independence was read by Colonel S¢. Clair; and, 
having said ‘‘God save the free independent States of Ame- 
rica!” the Army manifested their joy with three cheers. It 
was remarkably pleasing to see the spirits of the soldiers so 
raised, after all their calamities; the language of every man’s 
countenance was, Now we are a people; we have a name 
among the States of this world. 


GENERAL LEE TO PATRICK HENRY. 
Charlestown, July 29, 1776. 

Dear Sir: [used to regret not being thrown into the 
world in the glorious third or fourth century of the Romans, 
but I am now thoroughly reconciled to my lot. ‘The reve- 
ries which have frequently, for a while, served to tickle my 
imagination, (but which, when awakened from my trance, 
as constantly I considered as mere golden castles built in 
the air,) at length bid fair for being realized. We shall 
now, most probably, see a mighty empire established of 
freemen, whose honour, property, and military glories, are 
not to be at the disposal of a sceptred tyrant, nor their 
consciences to be fettered by a proud, domineering hierarchy. 
Every faculty of the soul will be now put in motion; no 
merit can lie latent; the highest offices of the State, both 
civil and military, will now be obtained, without Court favour 
or the rascally talents of servility and obsequience, by which 
Court favour could alone be acquired. Sense, valour, and 
industry, will conduct us to the goal; every spark of ability 
which every individual possesses will now be brought forth, 
and form the common aggregate, for the advantage and 
honour of the community. ‘The operations of war will be 
directed by men qualified for war, and carried on with that 
energy natural to a young people, ‘True unartized know- 
ledge, unsophisticated learning, simple genuine eloquence 
and poetry, will be carried to the highest degree of perfec- 
tion. ‘This, to many, I am sensible, would appear rant, but 
to you, who, I think, have congenial feelings with my own, 


631 


it needs no apology. However, I shall now endeavour to 
deliver myself more like a man of this world. 

I most sincerely congratulate you on the noble conduct 
of your countrymen; and I congratulate your country on 
having citizens deserving of the high honour to which you 
are exalted ; for the being elected to the first Magistracy of a 
free people is certainly the pinnacle of human glory; and lam 
persuaded that they could not have made a happier choice. 

Will you excuse me? But I am myself so extremely 
democratical, that I think it a fault in your Constitution that 
the Governour should be eligible for three years successively. 
It appears to me that a government of three years may fur- 
nish an opportunity of acquiring a very dangerous influence. 
But this is not the worst: Tacitus says, Plura peccantur, 
dum demeremur, quam dum offendimus. A’man who is fond 
of office, and has his eye upon reélection, will be courting 
favour and popularity, at the expense of his duty. He will 
give way to the popular humours of the day, let them be ever 
so pernicious. In short, his administration will be relaxed in 
general, or partial to those whom he conceives to have the 
greatest interest; whereas, were all hopes of reélection pre- 
cluded till after the intervention of a certain number of years, 
he would endeavour to illustrate the year of his government 
by a strict, rigorous, and manly performance of his duty. 
These notions may, perhaps, be weak and foolish; but such 
as they are, I am sure you will excuse my uttering them. 

There is a barbarism crept in among us that extremely 
shocks me: I mean those tinsel epithets with which (1 come 
in for my share) we are so beplastered—his Excellency and 
his Honour, the Honourable President of the Honourable 
Congress, or,the Honourable Convention. This fulsome, 
nauseating cant, may be well enough adapted to barbarous 
Monarchies, or to gratify the adulterated pride of the mag- 
nificd in pompous Aristocracies; but in a great, free, manly, 
equal Commonwealth, it is quite abominable; for my own 
part, I would as lief they would put ratsbane in my mouth 
as the Excellency with which I am daily crammed. How 
much more true dignity was there in the simplicity of address 
amongst the Romans: Marcus Tullius Cicero, Decimo Bruto 
Imperatori, or Caio Marcello Consult, than to his Excel- 
lency, Major-General Noodle, or to the Honourable John 
Doodle. My objections are, perhaps, trivial and whimsical, 
but for my soul I cannot help starting them. If, therefore, I 
should sometimes address a letter to you without the Excel- 
lency tacked, you must not esteem it a mark of personal or 
official disrespect, but the reverse. 

The discontent of the troops, which you mention as 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. ~ 


632 


arising from the want of regular payment, might have been 
remedied by General Lewis; his warrant is undoubtedly 
sufficient for the Paymaster; however, I have written to 
that gentleman on this subject, and am in hopes that affairs 
for the future will be more satisfactorily conducted. 

An old rice-boat, which we converted the other day into 
a row-battery, has made a considerable prize—no less than 
a brig with a whole company of the Royal Highland Emi- 
grants on board, consisting of two officers and fifty men. 
Although they saw that they were inevitably our prize, they 
had the impudence to throw their arms overboard, for which 
they ought to have had their ears cut off, as it was contrary 
to all the rules of war. 

I send you enclosed the state of the enemy’s Navy. I 
think there is no doubt of their Army having steered their 
course northward. On this presumption I shall direct my 
course towards Virginia, but first must assist to regulate the 
military affairs of this Province in the best manner I can, 
though, in fact, that will be doing little; the inconveniences 
of this complex play we are acting, of Duke and no Duke, 
are numberless and great. The President is thought by 
some to be the real commander; I am thought so by others ; 
in short, there must be no troops but Continental. The 
Council is at present employed in settling a more regular 
post. We have received none these eighteen days; for my 
own part, I conclude the mail has been intercepted and 
carried on board the man-of-war. Seven tons and a half 
of powder were safely landed four days ago at Georgetown. 

Adieu, dear sir, and believe me to be, most entirely and 
sincerely, yours, Cuarves Ler. 


His Excellency P. Henry, Jun., Governour of Virginia. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER, DATED CHARLESTOWN, JULY 29, 
1776. 


Now at anchor off Charlestown bar the Bristol, of fifty 
guns, Experiment, of fifty guns, with a small sloop, supposed 
to be armed, acting as a tender, the Paliser transport ship, 
still having part of the Expertment’s cannon or stores on 
board, another transport ship, and a brigantine, which have 
discharged the Bristol’s cannon and stores they had on 
board. Within the bar at anchor, the Active, of thirty-two 
guns, Sphinx, of twenty guns, and the Pzgot hospital ship. 
Sailed from the bar on Wednesday last a frigate of twenty 
or more guns, which arrived the day before, and steered to 
the southward. The Syren, of twenty-eight guns, yester- 
day morning steered the same course. 


Monthly Return of the Forces in Souru-Carouina, for July, 1776. 


PRESENT. 


Field Commiss’d Staff’ Officers Non-Commis- Rank ond Fil pia sane 
Officers. | Officers. ‘ sioned Officers. retinmiatassit lel: 
a Elz a yi 
eS . o|o Oa | eae Co 2 
CORPS OR BATTALIONS OF |2| | 5|S/# S12 1S/= -) ie Bil g 
THE BRIGADES. © lel : 105 |-S S/Shsla oe AA : id = 
| 1s $} LaStslal | FigSi S|. iSgle| f | SL eT araEsaly sites 
slal8|.| 3] ela Sleleisl2eelelal Sissi 2] les 1s| ele] | dle 
sol lZl S/S} slcidis|slsisisis|sl2] § s/E) x uk oo alba so |. a| 2 
SISisiol Si] sl S sl SSSHMSSlSist| SEs] € le lelel S /S/El ¥ |2lsi/s] 5 
Prsislel S| S| 42S Stars SS SSR Pl slels| 2 |Slois| S$ | Ple] € 138i si]2] 2 
BjO;Aje|o|A BIAAER DO Rlaelaldld ARIA EK |Blom| a ialAl a |e jalaja 
First Battalion North-Caro- 0 Peay 2 a Te 7 a PO) ee ee eg 
ata Goutinbeiledionoe t -|1}1)1) 8}16] 7} -|-}-/1}-]-]1]1]1]-| 26/1] - |14) 278] 88)-|-| 366] 6]18} 207 1] - |68 
Sec’d Battalion North-Caro- 
sie eae 1]}1/1| 4} 6/8 |-|-]-]1]-!1]-|1]-] -| 23] -| -]15) 244] 3953)-} 336] 3] 9] 304 speeit 3 
Third Battalion North-Caro- 
Eetnabanahenlal ay, BERS Aj1}1) 8116) 7] -)-}-)1)-]-7-]1)-[-| 25) -|-] 9) 272) 55, -]-1 327) - | - | 239) - | - | - 125 
Eighth Battalion Virgini 
Rentinentaly cess eg ]-[afafa] 9/43] 5-1-1. fa]-falalata}-|sa]-|-] 5| s1o|aso| 4-| asa] afas| a47}a| 4] 45] 56 
irs ttali th-Caro- 
irae sts Be Lust ; rae 1}1}1] 9/12] -|-}-}-]1}-]1]a]-]1]1| 25/1] - '14) 257] 94] 2}-| 353] 5] 6] so7]/- | -] -| - 
’d Battalion South-Caro- 
ARG, RUE Anais are 1]1}2}10/17] -|-|-|-}1]1)1/2/2!-]-| 24) -]}- 13! 319] 49) 41-} 372] -}.-]| - |- lar} -| 2 
pin iear panponenyy | -{1}1] 9)16| -|-|-]-j1]-|1]-|1]-|-[18]-]-]-] 366] 18-}-| asa} -}-] - 1-7 4-116 
*Fourth Battalion of South- 
Carolinas cites saciecetouts sok Wendl fad ee bk ne ame WU leh can ta at) ne A ca nn PS 2 ca 29 [PS 2S S12 5) pe lpslibscler=lentesilos a 
i ttali - 
Sixth Battalion of South- 
“Carolina... ce ee ete t- lf 2] 6)2] 4] -]-}-]-1-]a}-la}-]-fant-t-| 5} 247] a6 7}-] e77] -| -| - [1] 2] 2] 8 
Third Company of North- 
Caroling Howmeias nee sp+$ (cde dieser 2.7 | | | eral Rea | Ol Pe | — | |e ie 
eins Care <4 218/8i9167 115135! 11-lilsli!zleélsls la leo7le| - le49,555 1532741 - 13,1941 15 | 461,094! 2 191 | 47 [178 


* South-Carolina Battalion of Artillery. 


Tuomas Buxuirr, Deputy Adjutant-General. 


_ N.B. These battalions were early hurried into a campaign, before several of them had time to form, therefore the Colonels cannot be so correct 
in their Returns as is necessary. They have assured me they will attend to forming and regulating their battalions, and have promised me to 


make their Returns as soon as they can get in. 


633 


PROCEEDINGS OF BRUNSWICK (VIRGINIA) COMMITTER. 
Brunswick Committee, July 29, 1776. 

The fatal consequences which must inevitably attend the 
counterfeiting the Paper currency of any of the Thirteen 
United Colonies, render it necessary that the strictest search 
and most dilizent inquiry should be made after those persons 
who are justly suspected of being guilty of that atrocious 
crime; and as those who harbour, advise, or countenance 
such offenders, are, we conceive, as great enemies to their 
country as the offenders themselves, we shall ever think it 
our duty to expose to the displeasure and contempt of the 
publick the conduct of all such persons, whenever the same 
shall be made known to us. An offence of this nature 
appearing before this Committee, is the cause of publishing 
the following facts: 

On the 23d day of June last, at one of the Churches of 
St. Andrew’s Parish, in this County, two strangers appeared, 
with letters for the Chairman of this Committee, {rom the 
Committees of Hartford and Chowan Counties, in the 
Province of North- Carolina, informing him that indubitable 
testimony had been laid before those Committees that a 
certain Henry Lightfoot had been concerned in counter- 
feiting and passing the paper currency of that Province, 
particularly the four-dollar bills, issued in pursuance of the 
resolution of the North-Carolina Congress, held at Hills- 
borough, the 21st day of August, 1775, and that they were 
informed the said Lightfoot was then in this County. ‘The 
Chairman of this Committee, being then at Church, imme- 
diately engaged Captain John Machn to proceed with the 
messengers after the said Lightfoot. The Captain, on his 
return, represented, that in a very short time after he en- 
gaged in this service, he went to the house where he was 
informed the said Lightfoot was, and made diligent search, 
but to no purpose, and from thence proceeded to a meeting, 
where he expected to find him; but when he arrived, he 
was told he had precipitately made off, and that there was 
reason to suspect a certain William Wall, of this County, 
had given him notice of the business the messengers from 
North-Carolina were upon. On the 22d of July, these 
circumstances were proved before this Committee, and the 
said Wall was, in consequence thereof, ordered to appear 
before them on the Monday following, being the 29th, to 
answer the same. Accordingly, on that day, he made his 
appearance, was charged with the fact, and confessed that 
he was the means of giving intelligence to the said Light- 
foot, which induced him to make his escape; which con- 
fession, together with the testimony of other persons relative 
to the conduct of the said William Wail in this matter, make 
it appear, to the full conviction of this Committee, that he 
ought to be exposed as an enemy to his country. And it 
is ordered, that a representation of the above proceedings 
be transmitted to the Printer, to be laid before the publick. 

By order of the Committee: D. Fisuer, Clerk. 


Baltimore, July 30, 1776. 
Yesterday, by order of the Committee of this Town, the 
Declaration of Independency of the United States of Ame- 
rica was read at the Court-House to a numerous and 
respectable body of Militia, and the company of Artillery, 
and other principal inhabitants of this Town and County, 
which was received with general applause and_ heartfelt 
satisfaction. At night, the Town was illuminated; and at 
the same time, the effigy of our late King was carted through 
the ‘Town, and committed to the flames, amidst the accla- 

mations of many hundreds—the just reward of a tyrant. 


GEORGE WOOLSEY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, July 29, 1776. 
GentLeMEN: Agreeable to your directions, I have ex- 
amined all the wharves about this place, and find on the 
most of them a few flint-stones, but I think not of the best 
quality. I am told by many people here, that there are 
quantities sunk in the wharves; therefore, if you think proper, 
I will employ people to search for them. At the same 
time, I have been informed that there is a flint quarry about 
two miles from the head of Elk. If so, no doubt the flints 
there would be more easily got. Mr. Henry Hollingsworth 
can give you information respecting it. Iam, gentlemen, 
your most obedient servant, Geo. Wootsey. 


To the Council of Safety. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


634 


CAPTAIN THOMAS TO GEORGE PLATER. 
Head-Quarters, St. George’s, July 29, 1776. 
Dear Sir: Yesterday, the Roebuck, with the fleet under 
her convoy, arrived here from their cruise up the river. 
They were watched all the way down by two row-galleys 
from Alexandria. They will be here this evening, and I 
expect to-night we shall engage the fleet. The Roebuck 
stood down the Bay, and is now out of sight. The Defence 
made her appearance yesterday morning, but on the Fowey’s 
wearing out, thought it pradent to stand down again. We 
are preparing all the boats we can get to assist in boarding 
all such vessels as are not armed, and I am in hopes we shall 
be able to give a good account of them. I most sincerely 
wish the business over. The place is exceedingly disagree- 
able. Not a drop of water but what is brought three miles, 
together with the uncomfortable tents that we have, I am 
afraid will make us all sick. Near half of mine and Cap- 
tain Beall’s company are down. The Militia do every 
duty exceeding ill, and the service is so very unknown to 
them, that the whole burden lies upon the few regulars that 
are here. Nearly half of the fleet are gone, and the rest, I 
suppose, will go in a few days. Whenever they do, I shall 
proceed to Annapolis, on my way to the northward, and 
shall be extremely obliged to you if you will have the tents, 
knapsacks, haversacks, camp-kettles, and canteens, com- 
pleted for my company, ready at Annapolis. What I want 
will certainly be finished in that time. If the tents are 
Jarge, they will hold eight men, so that, at that computation, 
T shall want fifteen tents for the whole company, with other 
things in proportion. I trust you will endeavour to procure 
them for me by the middle of next week, by which time I 
shall, I hope, be at Annapolis; but I shall necessarily be 
delayed here a few days, to get on board the cannon, and 
in providing vessels to transport us; but not one moment shall 
be lost. Be pleased to present my compliments to Mrs. 
Plater, and believe me to be, dear sir, yours affectionately, 
J. A. Tuomas. 
To the Hon. George Plater, Annapolis. 


P.S. I forgot to mention that we yesterday morning 
opened our battery, which played, as it is thought, with 
success, on the Fowey. Numbers of dead bodies come on 
shore every day, so that we are poisoned with the stench. 


ARCHIBALD BUCHANAN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 


Sir: Upon application of Mr. Sewell, by the desire of 
Mr. Cowen to him, we agreed, if it was agreeable to the 
Council cf Safety, to undertake the building of two or three 
gondolas; to begin upon them immediately with a number of 
hands, and finish as soon as possible. We have an opportu- 
nity of engaging what hands we want immediately, and will 
undertake it on the same terms as other carpenters, and will 
give any bond and security that may be required. Colo- 
nel Hall and Mr. Risteau both promised to wait upon you 
for a line, but I have not heard from them; if it is approved 
of, please to write me, and I will begin the work, and come 
down if necessary; but if my coming a few days hence to 
enter into the bond would do, it would suit me better. Iam 
at present unwell. It will be necessary for me to hear of 
your determination, and shall be much obliged to you for a line. 

I am, sir, your obedient, humble servant, 

Arcu. Bucuanan. 


To Benjamin Rumsey, Esq., Annapolis. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DELEGATES IN CONGRESS. 
[No. 87.] Annapolis, July 29, 1776. 

GentLemen: We have directed Captain Nicholson, who 
goes to Philadelphia on business of his own, to endeavour 
to procure some salted provisions for the use of the Navy. 
Should any difficulties attend the execution of his orders, we 
must request you will endeavour to remove them, and at the 
same time to advance him money to pay for what he may 
engage. We are, Nc. 


To the Deputies of Maryland in Congress. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL SOMERVILLE, 
[No. 88.] Annapolis, July 29, 1776. 

Str: We are willing and desirous to ease the Militia of 
your County all we can with safety to the Province, and 


635 


therefore have ordered Captain John Brooke to Drum- Point, 
there to remain until] Captain Beall returns, or until the 
further order of the Council of Safety. The contractor is 
to furnish rations for his men. We are, &c. 


To Colonel Alexander Somerville. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL KENT. 
[No. 89.] Annapolis, July 29, 1776. 
Sir: The Council of Safety request you will, immediately 
upon the receipt of this, attend them at Annapolis; they want 
to consult you upon matters relative to the arming, marching, 


and equipping the battalion under your command. 
We are, &c. 


To Colonel James Kent. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL DASHIEL. 
[No. 90.] Annapolis, July 29, 1776. 


Sir: We have given to your Quartermaster, Mr. Severe 
Hitch, an order on the Treasurer of the Eastern-Shore for 
the sum of £750 currency, which no doubt he will deliver 
you. This sum is intended to pay the Militia for their ser- 
vices heretofore, also something to your Quartermaster, the 
remainder to answer growing expenses of Militia, for which 
you are to render an account hereafter. 

The expense of the witnesses against Atkinson is referred 
to the Board of Accounts; they are not here at present; we 
shall Jay all the accounts before them when they meet again, 
which we expect will be in a few days. We doubt your 
account is too general, and that the Board will expect par- 
ticulars for the lumping charges: that must be left to them. 
We think the march of one-half of Captain Watkins’s com- 
pany somewhat extraordinary; expect to hear more of it. 

We have already ordered you more powtler. If it does 
not come down soon, apply to Brigadier Chamberlaine, who 
has the care of the Eastern-Shore magazine, and will deliver 
you five barrels for the use of Somerset County. 

We are, Wc. 


To Colonel George Dashiell. 


BALTIMORE COMMITTEE. 
At a Meeting of the Committee, July 29, 1776: 


Present: Samuel Purviance, (Chairman,) W. Lux, (Vice Chairman,) 
A. Buchanan, J. Cradock, T'. Gist, T. Sollers, W. Wilkinson, W. 
Tolly, Jun., D. Lux, T. Rutter, J. Merryman, J. Calhoun, D. Shaw, 
E. Talbot, C. Ridgely of William, J. Gittings, J. Smith. 

This day, agreeable to the resolve of this Committee of 
the 22d instant, the Declaration of Independency was pro- 
claimed at the Court-House by Mr. Wilham Aisquith, (Mr. 
Christie being out of ‘Town:) Captain Nathaniel Smith’s 
Company of Matrosses, Captain John Sterrett’s Company 
of Independents, Captain John Smith’s, Captain James 
Cox’s, Captain George Wells’s, and Captain William Rich- 
ardson’s Companies being drawn up under arms on the 
occasion. 


A Letter was received from the Council of Safety, direct- 
ing security to be taken of Alexander McGee for his good 
behaviour, and directing him to be confined until he gave 
said security, and paid the expense of taking him to and 
from Annapolis; which the said McGee could not comply 
with, therefore he was ordered to Prison, with the following 
Commitment to the Sheriff: 


“Baltimore County, ss: 

“ Receive from Benjamin Wood the body of Alexander 
McGee, and him in your Jail and custody safely keep, until 
he gives bond in the sum of £300 currency, with good 
security to be approved of by the Committee of Observation 
of this County, with condition that he do not in any manner 
correspond with or give intelligence to the enemies of Ame- 
rica; and further, that he obey all orders of the honourable 
Congress and Convention, agreeable to an order of the 
Council of Safety of this Province; and for your so doing 
this shall be your sufficient authority. 

“Given under our hands and seals, this 24th day of July, 
1776. 

“ S. Purviance, Jun., [L. s.] 
“James Catyoun.  [L. s.] 


“To Robert Christie, Esq., Sheriff of Baltimore County.” 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


636 


Mr. Hercules Courtenay applied to the Committee for 
their Instructions in what manner he should act as a Magis- 
trate when any person should be brought before him to give 
security fora Levy. ‘The Committee, on deliberating the 
matter and recurring to the Association, wherein we unite, 
associate, and solemnly engage ourselves to support good 
order and the publick peace, and to support the civil power 
in the due execution of the laws, so far as may be consistent 
with the present plan of opposition, are of opinion, that it be 
recommended to the Magistrates in such cases to act with 
lenity, and as they may think most conducive to the good of 
the community. 


The Fines of William Lavely and George Lavely, who 
prove to be upwards of fifty years old, are remitted. 


On the representation of Thomas Randall, the Collector 
is desired to suspend distressing his effects for payment of 
his fine till the further orders of this Committee. 


N. B. Several blank papers for taking a List of the 
Inhabitants of this County, were given to the persons em- 
ployed. 


Attest : Grorce Lux, Secretary. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 29, 1776. 


Srr: I have been honoured with your favours of 22d, 
25th, and 27th instant. I hope by to-morrow’s post to 
transmit you answers to the whole of your letters which are 
yet unanswered. ‘The exceeding warm season and the 
constant attention of Congress to business the last week, 
induced Congress to adjourn from Friday evening to this 
morning. I shall directly lay your letters before them, and 
request their immediate attention to them. 

Congress having indulged me to make a demand of money 
from Mr. Brimer, who I judge to be with Mr. Howe on 
Staten-Island, | have sent the bill to Mr. Palfrey, and de- 
sired him to apply to you, and I request you will please to 
suffer him to conduct this matter for me. 

I have the honour to be, with much esteem, sir, your very 


humble servant : 
4 Joun Hancock, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 29, 1776. 


Str: Since I sent off my letter of this morning the Con- 
gress have met, before whom I laid your letters, and I have 
the pleasure to inform you the Congress readily agreed to 
your having another Aid-de-Camp. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 
To General Washington. 


PETITION OF GEORGE NICHOLSON. 
[Referred to the Board of War. | 


To the Honourable Congress of the free and independent 
States of America: 


The humble Petition of Groner Nicuorson showeth : 


That your petitioner has had the honour of serving the 
honourable Congress as an officer since the 4th of September, 
1775, in Canada; was appointed Aid-de-Camp to General 
Wooster, the 7th of March, 1776, which office he continued 
in till the General quitted the service; and as the corps to 
which he formerly belonged is in a manner broke, (the 
men’s time being expired, and many of the officers provi- 
ded for in other regiments,) he hopes this honourable House 
will continue him in the service, and order him to be paid the 
trifle that is due to him. Ass it is the sole ambition of your 
petitioner to spend his life in the service of his country, he 
is the more anxious of being speedily placed, on account of 
the critical situation of affairs, preferring a military life to any 
other. Should your honourable House grant this request, 
your petitioner would have no objection to join any of the 
regiments either at York or Ticonderoga. And your petition- 
er, as in duty bound, will ever pray. 

Grorce NicHoison. 


637 


JOSIAH BARTLETT TO JOHN LANGDON. 
Philadelphia, July 29, 176. 


My Frrenp: Yours of the 15th instant is now before me, 
and with you I lament the selfish disposition that is but too 
prevalent among almost all orders and degrees of men ; even 
the Senate and Army are not entirely free. However, we | 
must not expect perfection in human nature, but must 
endeavour to correct it in ourselves, and to point it out and 
oppose it in others. 

The retreat of our Army to Ticonderoga has no doubt 
alarmed the western parts of our State, though IL think there 
will be no great danger at present, as there isa very powerful 
Army there, who are now getting well of the small-pox, and 
will be soon ready for action, besides the numerous Militia 
who are marching to join that Army. 

Our friend General Sullivan is disgusted at the appoint- 
ment of General Gates to be a Major-General, and being 
sent to the Northern Army. By permission of the Generals 
Schuyler and Washington, he (General Sullivan) has left the 
Army, and is now here, and has petitioned Congress for 
leave to resign his commission. What will be done in the 
case I cannot say, but hope it will be settled without his 
dismission. 

Brother Whipple is here yet, and will not set out for home 
till the Confederation is settled, which may possibly take a 
week or ten days’ time, as there is a great deal of other 
business to be done in the mean time, and the sentiments of 
the members of Congress very different on many of the 
articles. I should be glad he might hear the whole of the 
debates here, and be present in our Colony when it is laid 
before our Legislature for their concurrence, to answer any 
questions and remarks that may be made upon it. It isa 
matter of the greatest importance, but the interests and 
opinions of the several members are so various that I see it 
will not be settled agreeable to my mind. 

It is a very still time as to news here. The fleet and 
Armies at New- York and Staten-Island remain in statu quo. 
The Army in the Jerseys is increasing very fast, so that there 
will soon be a powerful body of men there. 

July 31st.—I can now inform you that the affair with 
General Sullivan is settled, and he is to return to New- York, 
to be employed by General Washington in that department; 
so hope you will not make many words about it. 

I am, sir, your friend and most obedient, humble servant, 

JostaH Barrett. 


P.S. By the enclosed you will see the resolves passed 
by Congress, and sent to Generals Howe and Burgoyne, in 
consequence of the affair at the Cedars. 

By letters yesterday from Virginia we are informed that 
Dunmore with his fleet has gone up Potomack River, has 
burnt some houses near the shores, and has endeavoured to 
burn more, but was hindered; that the Virginians had taken 
a tender with one of the most infamous ‘Tories in the Pro- 
vince on board; the number of men and guns I have forgot. 
They have also taken a vessel from Dunmore, with linens, 
&c., said to be worth twenty thousand pounds sterling. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM JOHN ADAMS, DATED PHILA- 
DELPHIA, JULY 29, 1776. 


We have no news. It is very hard that half a dozen or 
half a score of armies can’t supply us with news. We have 
a famine, a perfect dearth of this necessary article. I am, 
at this present writing, perplexed and plagued with two 
knotty problems in politicks. You love to pick a political 
bone; so I will even throw it to you. 

If a Confederation should take place, one great question 
is, how we shall vote,—whether each Colony shall count 
one; or whether each shall have a weight in proportion 
to its number, or wealth, or exports and imports, or a com- 
pound ratio of all? Another is, Whether Congress shall 
have authority to limit the dimensions of each Colony, to 
prevent those which claim, by charter, or proclamation, or 
commission, to the South Sea, from growing too great and 
powerful, so as to be dangerous to the rest? 

Shall I write you a sheet upon each of these questions ? 
When you are well enough to read, and I can find leisure 
enough to write, perhaps 1 may. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


638 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Perth-Amboy, July 29, 1776. 

Srr: A very great dissatisfaction prevails among the 
troops here, and all the several posts from hence to New- 
York, on account of the quality of the provisions and the 
great inattention paid by the Commissaries in serving the 
rations. We have here three Commissaries of equal powers 
in this service, namely: Mr. Lowrie, Mr. Dunham, and Mr. 
Ogden. The services performed by Mr. Dunham have 
fallen more immediately under my notice. By what Ihave 
seen, that gentleman is very unfit for any extensive business 
in this way, insomuch that if we .are to depend on his 
abilities and assiduity, the Army must starve. It is, in my 
opinion, absolutely necessary that one person be employed 
here as Commissary-General for the camp, who is to employ 
and be answerable for the necessary subordinate persons to 
issue provisions. Mr. Lowrie, by all accounts, would suit 
very well, and would undertake it. It is of equal conside- 
ration with me who the person is, so one has the sole direc- 
tion. I beg your Excellency will please to consider how 
essential it is that no cause of complaint be given the troops 
in our present circumstances, and that you will interpose 
your authority with Mr. Trumbull to have this put on a 
proper footing, and as speedily as possible. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most 
obedient servant, Hueu Mercer. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


GENERAL MERCER TO COLONEL DICKINSON. 
Perth-Amboy, July 29, 1776. 
Sir: We have to-day had a Court of Inquiry of the 
commanding officers of battalions, to rectify, if possible, the 
disorders in the management of the Commissary’s branch of 
business. I have written to General Washington. It will 
give me pleasure to remove the discontents. In the mean 
time take what method appears to you most likely to answer 


that purpose. H. Mercer 


To Col. John Dickinson, commanding at Elizabeth- Town. 


[Procured the troops stationed here to be satisfied with their pro- 
visions. J7D:] 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read July 30, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.] 
New-York, July 29, 1776. 

Sir: Your favour of the 24th, I received on Saturday 
evening, and agreeable to your request shall expunge the 
preamble to the resolution subjecting the property of sub- 
jects to the British Crown to forfeiture and confiscation. 

Our stock of musket powder is entirely made up in car- 
tridges. I therefore request that Congress will order four or 
five tons more of that sort to be immediately forwarded, it 
being not only necessary that we should have more for that 
purpose, but also some stock to remain in barrels. 

Yesterday evening Hutchinson’s and Sergeant’s regiments 
from Boston arrived; also two row-galleys from Rhode- 
Island. 1 am fearful the troops have not got entirely clear 
of the small-pox. I shall use every possible precaution to 
prevent the infection spreading, and for that purpose have 
ordered them to an encampment separate and detached from 
the rest. 

By Saturday’s report from Long-Island camp, five ships, 
a brig, and five schooners, had got into the Hook. By 
yesterday’s, two ships more and a sloop were standing in: 
what they are, I have not been able to learn. 

I have transmitted a General Return herewith, by which 
Congress will perceive the whole of our force at the time it 
was made, 

I have enclosed you an account of sundry prizes, which 
was transmitted to several gentlemen here by Saturday’s 
post. ‘The two last prizes I did not see mentioned in the 
letters shown me, and I fear the report of the second pro- 
vision vessel is premature. I was also this minute informed 
that Captain Biddle had taken a ship with sugars for Britain, 
and in bringing her in, unfortunately lost her on I*sher’s 
Island. 

I have the honour to be, with the greatest esteem, sir, 
your most obedient servant, Go. WasHINGTON, 


639 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 640 


Return of the Army in the service of the Unrrep Couontes, in and near the City of New-York, commanded by His 
Excellency Grorce Wasuincton, Esquire, General and Commander-in- Chief. 


OFFICERS PRESENT. ne j 
aes RANK AND FILE. phe to | Since last 
Commissioned. Staff. omeoneh complete. Return. 
a a j= z oe eS : ih © 
REGIMENTS. e e|% 2 ail es sjia| Bla G, | oo : 
2) | 15/28) lalelsty Mes bch ioc Oe a abet he: 3 

28\.(2/2/3| see] | 2) 2] 22) 2/2] 2 | 2 e/@/ 3 la] [Pls 

A BG eg | el asta |e SIS/Sl an io} 2 os a | s So F, o| ma cs} 3 .| als 

Sislso Ss as = a8 o|=]/ Cig o & oO =. a 5 ol oO é a Sis a=] nd 

Sse) S/E) Seles siblal le) 8 |e is) ale) 2 lees lelslals 

ODS/O/E|ala Dale] 2 ala Higlo lol & |jw\Al a Lelialeava 

Golone! Erand ‘sehen cmircvte e's o's 1? 1] 1}-| -4 7 G5) 1) aT =) Be pS S4S a eG he Sie iit) 16. 1.9305++.8 |} 4. 2385 Soe waa 
Late Colonel Learned’s.......... -} Ud 28P 8h 7S eT dT) (S25 be| SOR 4 aS eee eed ee 541 | - | 1 99) ceo leat = 
Golonely INiGRON Seite are oho: vis 3 ow, Di Us GA ore al hee eee 276 47) 21 87) - AS deer a 209'5} -| -| - 
Colonel Prescott sien cae» cs so Wa) Gla Sy ele ai Lek) tae ae cogil ey 296 48| 14 52) - 410 | -| - 930} - | -| 1] 2 
Colonel Varnum’s... 2 0. ce sce e oe lily oe 7 5 S-} 1-) 7) 1 26) 16 |. 282) 64.10) 41) - B97 | ahem) 24301 57 = 
Colonel, Parsons’se sc ecc cle ctee Lie pedk ST) eae Nae TL) 298 6a S07 e137) tol ee SG GMleoo Lelie=n io AG my ehele oO ale 
Colonel Hitchcock’s.......ceees Th, WS Eh Sie Shem d ls macs Relea timed bit iad (1 a NE hs 7 AT 9 43] - 386. j=) = (254 -) Pier y = 
Colonelibitite nose sics es ts os 010 6 os 1} i) 1) 67 8 8) er a Ta 1) Ba ASIA 2 B29) 1 57S ee ole 464) -| -| 176 -|1)|-] - 
Colonel RoR. oes sore e's 8 0s.k5 5 SL) SS a Sree Rene sb at et) O08 1G 245 | 108} 11) 161) - Eales LD Sheb oly Lee ea 
Colonel Huntington’s........+++- u-}| F 8 & Fay did 31) 14] 226 | 134) 25) 151; 2} 538} 1) -}] 10231] -| 3] - 
COLONEINWVED DeSis tae cic es ia. 910 be e s10 a=! DT) A Sheeley EPL Soma | eid 933° |. 110) 10) 197) 2 SoBe |e SS peat Leeds) |) Re 
Colonel Arnold's. &cccceccsosees) =| 1 Tf Sl Sto 7, Bsa Ti Te Le Sey a SS Aa Sees Giepeneg |e SEQ =e Qa © LOSI, Bal HP D 
Golonel Ward's. fosk..ove et ocwes Vee | 3b OS eS So Eee!) SG rrASee1e OUST aoe DLS Fl Ga clke aiaued Ol laa a 
Colonel Wyllys’s....-+++sssee0- Da) iT PAS Seve EL ie 2o tty 237 | 103) 6) 201) - S47 | ee G3 =n al el fe 
Colonel Bailey’s.....++++s0- She Li A GIG) tie all Tete heooe | Ooo rid All Ole 1G ieee 5388) |) = - | 102) Sean = 
Wolonel bald wWin’s.;.ree ce sees «cre =) aU ab 2 Sr Ge Sh ty UA OW TON? 18%, | SSeS ASG al WEAR Tete aol eed Sete aed ee 
7 Companies of Col. McDougall’s} 1;}-} 1} 5} 5) 5} 5) 1} 1} 1) 1) 1) 35 | 16 254 85s bd lds = 457 | 1 |2 26315 | -|5| 4 
CGlOnelIRITZeINaBirves fe ocesls cere cites] ed ell Ale Ol Alea ed aL ee ee |e cen eee oem mE rol ome 81) 3 MGT teeth al PSUS eed 
Colonel Magaw’s.....+seeseeeee Lela 8S Tess esate 401 53} 28 10) 3 495 | -| 5 345) =| =| =} 
Colonel Shee s. 2. « «+s che eleiea etn LIES) “GaSe Si BE eT eS oes.) 4 015 10 DNA. |, 2500) dy) 4a L408 Oa ce heen 
Total........c0ceecceeeec ee f 14 17117|1221127/124/123) 14/20/19)17119| 513 272 | 5,464 |1682/201| 2,284) 37 19,668 {15 25 |3,21237 |13 |17 [22 


Return of General Scort’s Brigade ; sixty-seven men, rank and file, to a Company, and ten Companies in a Regiment, 
is the establishment. 


Colonel Lasher’s....+-.000+-++4 I] I Wj 1 10 10, - [=a a-|-]) 30/15 | 462 | 4a, 8 30) 13 5551-15) iad -121- 
Colonel Malcom a (S. ooe wahoo: 1111 1| 9) 9| 9) -] 1) a} alal-| 27/16! 196] 14114] 50| 2| 2976/3141] 394 -| -|10] 3 
Eélonel Drake's! cosets. 1) 1| 1) 10| 10) 10} - | - 1 1 1 - 99/17] 359 | 57/12} 40/12] 480/1]3] 190) -| -| 815 
5 Comp. of Lt. Col. Hardenburgh’s) - nie: Wi ak ah Let 1S 9 222 22) - Gaal 25Ashean a1 81) =| -} -] - 

rial 1S. ere o 3) 4) 3} 34 34) 34! - [al al al a! -| 101 | 57 11,299 | 135] 34/ 1271 30 |1,565 | 4 13 | 790i 17/1 - 201 8 


Return of General Hearv’s Brigade ; seventy-two men, rank and file, to a Company, and eight Companies to a Regi- 
ment, is the establishment. 


Colonel) Forman’ sow oie lara oe & dele ore 1 ELL See Tie LL EE al 8 AES: 370 42) - Sip yy 452 13h 3 144, 8 -| -|6 
7 Companies of Col. Hunt’s......| - 1 1] 6 6 i 6}-) 1) 1) j-) 24) IL] 271) 23) - 4, 3} 301} 4)]3/] 203) 18 -| -|5 
7 Companies of Col. Martin’s....| 1 Wet ey 6 eel ala) superb) 2s) |i ial 281 55| 11 6 3 OO Neen 148} 4) 1] -| - 
3 Companies of Col. Newcomb’s.| 1 1 UMP eh aM al a rh ors ails ape 9 3 90 6| - 3} - Osa ne No yAt Ha ef She 
5 Comp. of Col. Van Cortlandt’s.| 1) 1; 1) 4, 4! 3) ZA hele 18 6 176 1A) zd By 200 | 2) 4 160} 14), - | - | - 

Total ere. eer ee 4\ 5! 5| 26 26 Qil 25\ 31 51 4! 5] 4! 108 | 46 [1,188 | 140] 111 30! 19 [1,388 112 fe | ral aala | - ay 


Return of General Wavswortu’s Brigade ; eighty-three rank and file to a Company, and eight Companies to a Regi- 
ment, is the establishment. 


Colonel Sillimanm’s ski. ee sais oe cies TU ety ell eae May te! YU 20)8 245) ~36f iF 2] 98 375|2|3) 289 -{ -|] -|1 
Golonel Gay'aid.s suits cieeeged iil-| e| ef si siial aja} 28/16] 216] 73 -| 115| - | 404f4]-| 260 -| 1] 2] - 
Colonel Bradley as) osbypwssce ce dl Sid) Or Bye ty Gy Apna y Ab 29 | 15 SOC Asie Geol is AT louealie= 4] e193) aeleaulle al 
Colonel Sage’Siacicc sees. oviewy ec) til) Lin Gl con op Ore edt Ue | sy ip 155| 63} 4) 79) - SLU Le rile’ sSXe3) to tee Ne ye 
Golonel Selden’ac. oe cect eh ay ApS P al tal shea] Cage aha] aepee!l Whigs pless< P acroletifoss| eu! suezige See eae 
Colonel Douglass’s...<-.ssesuses aja 6 7 7 el ai a} a) 1a) 25/13] 274] 57 -| sal - | 443) 7) 3] Qa] -| -| -] - 
Colonel Chester’s..s..sscsceee es i] 11 5| 6} 8} 4{-[ a] 1/4) 1} 26 | 14| 184) 44] -|, 196| - | 354] 6| 2} 310| - | -| -| - 

Total, wevsad at sncepts 7| 7 5! 43) 41| 421 43] 4| 7| 7| 7| 6| 197 | 90 | 1,625] 339] 8} 622] - | 2,504/34 [21 [2,054 -] 1] 1] 1 
Total of General Heard’s........ 4| 5| 5 26| 26| 21) 25] a| 5 4| 5| 4| 108 | 46 | 1,188] 140, 11] 30] 19 | 1,388/12 16 | 779 44f a | - [an 
Total of General Scott’s......... 3| 4{ 3! 3a] 34] 3a) - | a] 4! al a|-| 101 | 57 | 1,239] 135| 34| 197] 30 | 1,565] 4 |13 | 780| 17| - [20| 8 
Total of the old estab’d Regiments|14/17/17 122 127 124|123|14|20 19|17/19| 513 [272 | 5,464 {1682}201}2,284| 37 | 9,668)15 25 |3,219) 37| 13/17 | 22 
Total of the whole........ +++ + «(28133130 295]29812201191129'36 34132129! 909 l465 | 9,516 |2296'254! 3,063) 86 115,215 65 '75 16,8201 981 15/38 | 42 


Head-Quarters, July 27, 1776. 


Return of the Regiment of Artillery, commanded by Colonel Henry Knox, Esquire, in the service of the Unirep 


Co.Loniegs. 
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SL SSSI 21S) ELEIBIE| S191 Sh 212] Slebana| a 
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Present, fitifor duty .. ass ese « vere voters PED Se 6 5 TO eer 1 1 20 Issam) lo} 178) dao 
LEK PTEsehts atdatastas ells ola otter. alec tents Oh) Stott een: Ce Ot es (ae OO Me) ete (es ea oes ge 10 a6 
Sick ADSCN bs. pide ac suteckst ip saapeiventonts - - - - - - - - - - - < - - 1 - - - 5 6 
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Titel eet. ase ee eee ee 1/1! 2/10! 10! 12149] 11 11-11 1! 11321311641 63| 2| 93] 314) 588 


New-York, July 27, 1776. 


641 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE BOARD OF WAR. 
New-York, July 29, 1776. 

Gentiemen: At length I have been able to comply with 
the first part of a resolution of Congress, relative to a return 
of the vacancies in the several regiments composing that 
part of the Army under my immediate command, I thought 
to have made this return much sooner, but the dispersed situ 
ation of our troops, the constant duty they are upon, the 
difficulty of getting returns when this is the case, especially 
when those returns are (more than probable) to undergo 
several corrections, and the variety of important occurrences 
which have intervened of late to withdraw attention from 
this matter, will, I hope, be admitted as an excuse, and the 
delay not ascribed to any disinclination in me to comply 
with the order; as I shall, while I have the honour to remain 
in the service of the United States, obey, to the utmost of 
my power, and to the best of my abilities, all orders of Con- 
gress with a scrupulous exactness. 

With respect to the latter part of the aforementioned 
resolution of the 27th of June, I have to observe, that I 
have handed in the names of such persons as the Field- 
Officers of the several regiments and their Brigadiers have 
pointed out, as proper persons to fill these vacancies. I have 
neither added to nor diminished aught from their choice, 
unless the following special information, which I considered 
my indispensable duty to give, should occasion any altera- 
tions. 

For the Twentieth Regiment, then, (late Arnold’s,) there 
were two competitors, to wit: Colonel Durkee, the present 
Lieutenant-Colonel, who has had charge of the regiment 
ever since the first establishment of it, and Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Tyler, of Parsons’s regiment. ‘The pretensions of both, 
and a state of the case, I have subjoined to the list of vacan- 
cies given in by General Spencer, as I have also done in the 
case of Colonel Learned to another list exhibited by Gene- 
ral Heath. If Learned returns to the regiment, the vacan- 
cies stand right; if he should not, I presume the regiment 
will be given to the Lieutenant-Colonel, William Shepherd, 
who stands next to T'yler in rank, and not second to him in 
reputation; this change would, in its consequences, occasion 
several moves. 

There is a third matter, in which I must be more particu- 
lar, as it is unnoticed elsewhere, and that is, the Lieutenant- 
Colonel of Wyllys’s regiment, Rufus Putnam, acts here as 
a Chief Engineer, by which means the regiment is totally 
deprived of his services; and to remove him from that depart- 
ment the publick would sustain a capital injury; for although 
he is not a man of scientifick knowledge, he is indefatigable 
in business, and possesses more practical knowledge in the 
art of Engineering than any other we have in this camp or 
Army. I would humbly submit it, therefore, to Congress, 
whether it might not be best to give him (Putnam) the 
appointment of Engineer with the pay of sixty dollars per 
month; less than which I do not suppose he would accept, 
as I have been obliged, in order to encourage him to push 
the business forward in this our extreme hurry, to give him 
reasons to believe that his Lieutenant-Colonel’s pay would 
be made equal to this sum. 

If this appointment should take place, then it makes a 
vacancy in Wyllys’s regiment, which I understand he is de- 
sirous of having filled up by Major Henley, an active and 
spirited officer, now a Brigade-Major to General Heath. 

am sorry to take up so much of your time as the recital 
of particular cases and some others require; but there is no 
avoiding it, unless Congress will be pleased to appoint one 
or more persons, in whom they can confide, to visit this part 
of the Army once a month, inspect into it, and fill up the 
vacancies, as shall appear proper to them upon the spot. 
This cannot be attended with any great trouble nor much 
expense, as it is only in the part of the Army under my im- 
mediate direction that such a regulation would be necessary; 
the officers commanding in other departments having, I 
believe, this power already given them, 

I have the honour to enclose a list of the officers of the 
regiments at this place, and long ago directed the like return 
to be made from the Northern and Eastern troops, which I 
hope is complied with. I also make return of the Artillery 
according to Colonel Knoz’s report, and of the ordnance and 
stores, &c., agreeable to the Commissary’s return. 

I come now to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of 
the 20th instant, with several enclosures, relative to a propo- 


Firrn Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


41 


642 


sal of Mr. Goddard, and beg leave to give it as my opinion, 
that the introduction of that gentleman into the Army as 
Lieutenant-Colonel would be attended with endless confu- 
sion. I have spoken to Colonel Parsons (who is a very 
worthy man) upon this subject. I have done more, I have 
shown him the memorial; in answer to which he says, that 
in the conversation had between him and Mr. Goddard the 
latter was told, that unless Lieutenant-Colonel Tyler was 
provided for, the Major Prentiss advanced to a Lieutenant- 
Colonelcy in some other regiment, and his eldest Captain 
( Chapman) not deprived of his expectation of the Majority, 
his coming in there would give uneasiness; but, nevertheless, 
if it was the pleasure of Congress to make the appointment, 
he would do everything in his power to make it palatable. 

If all these contingencies were to take place before Mr. 
Goddard could get into a regiment he had been paving the 
way to, what prospect can there be of his getting into any 
other without spreading jealousies as he goes? 

With respect to the regiment of Artificers, I have only to 
observe, that the forming of them into one corps at the time 
1 did, when immediate action was expected, was only in- 
tended as a temporary expedient to draw that useful body 
of near six hundred men into the field under one head, and 
without confusion. ‘The appointment of officers, therefore, 
in this instance, was merely nominal, and unattended with 
expense. 

‘The mode of promotion, whether in a Continental, Colo- 
nial, or Regimental line, being a matter of some considera- 
tion and delicacy to determine, I thought it expedient to 
know the sentiments of the General Officers upon the conse- 
quences of each, before I offered my own to your Board; and 
I have the honour to inform you, that it is their unanimous 
opinion, as it is also mine, from observations on the temper 
and local attachments of each corps to the members thereof, 
that regimental promotions would be much the most pleasing. 
But this, it is thought, had better appear in practice, than 
come announced as a resolution, and that there ought to be 


exceptions in favour of extraordinary merit on the one hand, 


and demerit on the other—the first to be rewarded out of the 
common course of promotion, whilst the other might stand, 
and sustain no injury. It is a very difficult matter to step 
out of the regimental line now without giving much disquie- 
tude to the corps in which it happens. Were it, then, to be 
declared, as the resolution of Congress, that all promotions 
should go in this way, without some strong qualifying clauses, 
it would be almost impossible to do it without creating a 
mutiny. ‘This is the sense of my officers; as also, that the 
promotions by succession are not meant to extend to non- 
commissioned officers further than circumstances of good 
behaviour, &c., may direct. 

As the list of vacancies are returned, in consequence of 
an order of Congress, and would, I doubt not, be referred 
to your Board, I have sent no duplicate; nor have I written 
to Congress on the subject. But, that I may not appear 
inattentive to their commands, I must request the favour of 
having this letter, or the substance of it, laid before them. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, &c., 

Go. WasuineTon. 


To the Hon. Board of War, &c., John Adams, Roger Sher- 
man, B. Harrison, James Wilson, and Ed. Rutledge. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL WARD. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 29, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Yours of the 22d instant I received ‘by post, 
and note the contents. ‘The company of Artificers you 
mention are much wanted, and I would have you order them 
with all convenient despatch. If was necessary the troops, 
on their march for Ticonderoga, should be furnished with 
powder and ball. I have written several times about the 
remaining part of the arms, which you have not noticed in 
your letters. There is yet a deficiency in the carbines, which 
are not all arrived; these, with the other arms taken in differ- 
ent vessels, I wish you to send on. Iam exceedingly anxious 
to know if you have forwarded the powder I mentioned, 
what quantity, and where stored. [must beg your answer to 
these particulars in your next. ‘The pork taken from Ire- 
land the Commissary-General requests may all be secured 
for the use of the Army, and desires you will order the 
Deputy-Commissary, Mr. Miller, to secure it in store till he 
receives his orders respecting it. Colonels Hutchinson’s and 


643 


Sergeant’s regiments have arrived, with one man who has 
the small-pox, but hope to be able to prevent the spreading 
of that fatal disorder. 

The enemy’s fleet are daily arriving; it appears they 
must have been scattered on their passage, as they come in 
sometimes single, at others three, four, and so on. I hope 
our cruisers may pick up some of them. 

I am, sir, &c., Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Major-Gen. Ward, or officer commanding in Boston. 


P.S. We are in distressing want of Artillerymen. Ifyou 
can make any tolerable shift, | must urge your sending on 
Captain Burbeck with his company as soon as possible. 

Iam, &c., Go. WasHINGTON. 


ROBERT H. HARRISON TO DANIEL TILLINGHAST. 
New-York, July 29, 1776. 
Sir: I have it in command from his Excellency to inform 
you that your favours of the 15th and 17th came duly to 
hand, and that the arms, &c., contained in the invoices 
therewith transmitted, have been safely received into the 
Ordnance stores. 
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 
Rosert H. Harrison. 
To Daniel Tillinghast, Esq., Continental Agent, Provi- 
dence. 


JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, July 29, 1776. 

Sir: I am to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of 
the 27th instant, directing me to supply provisions to Mr 
Cushing and others, who have the care of the Continental 
ships in New-England. It came just in time for me to send 
the necessary orders to Mr. Charles Miller, in Boston, per 
this post, which I have done, and directed him to notice the 
several gentlemen thereof. 

The following is an extract of a letter received per post: 
from Mr. Charles Miller, in Boston, my deputy there, dated 
22d July, 1776: 

«Yesterday, a large transport came into our eelpot. The 
fort fired on her. ‘The Captain sent his boat on shore, to 
know the reason why he was fired at. Our people detained 
the boat and men, and sent a boat and men of their own on 
board, and brought her safe to town. She has on board 
fifteen hundred barrels of beef and pork, a quantity of 
butter and oatmeal, and several other articles. We have 
just received advice from Salem, that a small letter-of-marque 
sloop, fixed ovt there, and bound to the West-Indies with 
lumber, fell in with and took a large ship from Jamaica for 
London. She has on board near eight hundred hogsheads 
of sugar and rum, and twenty-seven pieces of cannon. On 
their return for Salem, they fell in with a sloop bound for 
New-York, loaded with bale goods, which she likewise took. 
After which, she fell in with and took another small sloop, 
and all are safe arrived at Salem, Massachusetts.” 

Our people seem in a good way to make up their losses, I 
have a letter likewise from Jabez Bowen, Esq., at Providence, 
informing that their Captain, (Martindale,) and part, of our 
Bunker-Hill prisoners, have made their escape from Hali- 
fax jail, and got safe home. I hope the Paymaster here 
and at Albany will both be supplied with money soon, as we 
are allbankrupt at present. 

Lam, sir, with esteem and respect, your most obedient, 
humble servant, J. TRUMBULL. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Congress 
of the United States of America, at Philadelphia. 


P.S. I have ordered Mr. Miller to secure the eatables 
on board the transport, for the Continental service; and 


General Washington has written on the subject to General 
Ward. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, July 29, 1776. 
Str: Colonel Hand reports nine ships, four brigs, and two 
sloops, at the Hook, that came in last evening. Two brigs 
came up to the Narrows, and one went down. 
_Lam, with all due respect, your Excellency’s most obe- 
dient servant, N. GREENE. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


644 
Return of the Officers’ Names, their Rank, and the dates of 


their Commissions, in 1775, in the Continental Service, 
belonging to the Fourth Regiment of Foot, raised in the 
Colony of the Massacuuserrs-Bay. 


Names. Dates of Commissions. 
Field- Officers. 
FOUMUINIRON rises ots OOLGTIEL « cc icn's 'o Coictslecie oleierm July; Tits: 
Thomas Nixon.......Lieutenant-Colonel.......- July 1, 1775. 
Andrew Colburn... .. Major ....ssscccccssecees Jan. 1, 1776. 
Dates of - D f Com- 
Namen, © | DatesotCom- [1 amen, | Daten f Com 
Captains. Second Lieutenants. 
Joseph Butler..... July 1, 1775. |\John Sawyer..... Jan. 1, 1776. 
Joseph Thompson. do. Nath’! Cretonton..| July 1, 1775. 
Adam Wheeler... do. Benj. Haywood...| Jan. 1, 1776. 
Michael Gleason .. do. Abel Holden...... do. 
Ebenezer Winship. do. Rich. Buckmaster.| July 1, 1775. 
Thomas Barnes... do. William Lemont. . do. 
Jerom Gilman..... do. John White......| Jan. 1, 1776. 
Moses McFarland. do. ( Vacant.) 
First Lieutenants Ensigns. 
Silas Walker..... July 1, 1775. ||Warham Wheeler.| Jan. 1, 1776. 
William Toogood.}| Jan. 1, 1776. ||/Ephraim Wheeler. do. 
Jonathan Hill..... Jan. 1, 1775. ||Ephraim Minot.... do. 
James Kimbell....| July 1, 1775. ||Peter Clayes...... do. 
Nathaniel Wheeler| Jan. 1, 1776. ||Mason Wattles ... do. 
Silas Bent........ July 1, 1775. |\Isaac Nichols..... do. 
Simon Sartwell ...} Mar. 28, 1776. ||William Hutchins.| March 28. 
Joseph Wood.....| Jan. 1, 1776. |\Dudley Tyler.....} January 1._ 


Names. Dates of Warrants 
Staff- Officers. 
Hezekiah Smith..........- Chaplain. 
Abel Holden... 5. .050+e-« Adjutant....ccsece.| July 1, 1775. 
OHM VVINItectewkaers cls te cinioisle Quartermaster......- July 1, 1775. 
Benjamin Putnam..........Surgeon ...+.- .».-.| March 18, 1776. 


Asa Kingsbury 


N. B. Second Lieutenant vacant in Captain McFarland’s Company. 
Ensign Dudley Tyler recommended to fill wp the vacancy in Captain 
McFarland’s Company; and Sergeant Samuel Frost recommended to be 
Ensign of that Company. 

Joun Nixon, Colonel. 


New-York, July 6, 1776. 


Return of the Officers’ Names, their Rank, and the Date of 
their Commissions in 1776, in the Continental service, 


belonging to the First Regiment of Foot raised in the 
Colony of New-York. 


Names. Dates of Commissions. 


Field Officers. 


Alexander McDougall....Colonel...... eseees| 30 June, 1775. 
Herman Zedtwitz........ Lieutenant-Colonel..| 8 March, 1776. 
Barnabas Tuttle.......... MOF Gr set ote sate tale ote he 30 June, 1775. 


Dates of Commis- 
sions or warrants. 


Date of Commis- 


Names, 
sions or warrants. 


Names. 


Second Lieutenants. 


Henry Tiebout....|24 Feb., 1776. 
Arant Van Hook. .|24 Feb., 1776. 
Peter Vergereau.. .|24 Feb., 1776. 
Cornelius Beeker. ./24 Feb., 1776. 
William Tapp... .|13 June, 1776. 
William D. Tripp .|24 April, 1776. 
Joseph De Groot. .}25 April, 1776. 
Andrew Taylor...|18 June, 1776. 
William Dunn... .|30 Mar., 1776. 


Captains. 

John Johnston... .|28 June, 1775. 
Richard Varick .. .|28 June, 1775. 
Benjamin Ledyard|28 June, 1775. 
David Lyon...... 28 June, 1775. 
124 Feb., 1776. 
oe S24 Hebe dies 
Ezekiel Hait...... 25 April, 1776. 
Cornelius Steinrod.|27 April, 1776. 
Ambrose Horton. .|28 June, 1776. 


First Lieutenants. Ensigns. 
Leonard Bleecker..|14 May, 1776. |/Theodosius Fowler|24 Feb., 1776. 
William A. Forbes}24 Feb., 1776. ||James Fairly..... 24 Feb., 1776. 
James M. Hughes.|24 Feb., 1776. ||( Vacant.) 


.|24 Feb., 1776. 
Tea 
e's eb. , 
Caleb Holby...... 95 April, 1776. 
Esade Titust. ste. 27 April, 1776. 
Thomas Le Foy.. .|28 Mar., 1776. 


James Bonnell... .|26 Feb., 1776. 
W. W. De Peyster|24 Feb., 1776. 
Samuel Young... ./24 Feb., 1776. 
Isaac Pioneer..... 25 April, 1776. 
Benjamin Jones.../27 April, 1776. 
(Vacant.) 


Dates of Commissions or 


Names. Warrants. 


Staff- Officers. 
Israel Evans ...seececececeess Chaplain. ..... 1 June, 1776. 
ANUTCW, LAV Ober cs cla ele se lebs ofale Adjutant. ..++- 18 March, 1776. 
NOSED Cart sem cial sieteneleteretar sere Quartermaster. .}| 1 May, 1776. 
Benjamin Curtis..... peraqel bol slat Surgeon...++«.| 1 March, 1776. 


Isaac Led yards jsissins ens sje peg Mate...+..++. 20 March, 1776. 


ALEexaNnpER McDoveat, Colonel. 


This Regiment is raised during the present contest, the Congress of 
the Colony having had regard in the nomination of officers to such per- 
sons as would probably be able to raise men to recruit the Regiment. 
The Colonel declines naming persons for Ensigns to fill up the two 
vacancies. 


645 


A Return of the Names and Rank of the Officers of the 
Nineteenth Regiment, Juty 29, 1776. 


The Regiment under my command was raised in the 
Colony of Connecticut, in July, 1775, to continue in service 
five months; said service ended December 6, 1775. Said 
Regiment was ranked in said Colony the Seventh Regiment 
at the end of said campaign. The Officers set down in thet 
following Roll engaged anew, and raised the Regiment now 
under my command, to continue until the 1st day of January 
next, in the Continental service, and is the Nineteenth Regi- 
ment in the said service. 


Date of Commissions. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


——A-—— | a 
Names. Rank: Colony Commis- |Continental Com- 
s10ns. missions. 
Charles Webb..... Colonel seeceeeee (July 6, 1775. (Jan. 1, 1776. 
Street Hall......-- Lieutenant-Colonel|July 6, 1775. |Jan. 1, 1776. 
John Brooks......-+ Major....eeeeeees June 6, 1775. |July 1, 1775. 
Joseph Hait....... Captain. ...+...+- July 6, 1775. |Feb. 1, 1776. 
Nathaniel Tuttle... do. do. do. 
Edward Shipman... do. do. do. 
Isaac Bostwick..... do. do. do. 
Peter Perritt....... do do. do. 
Eli Leavenworth... do. do. do. 
William Hull...... do. Ist Lieut. do. | * do 
Nathan Hale....... _ do. Ist Lieut. do. do. 
Joseph A. Wright. .,1st Lieutenant.... do. do. 
PAGatlin.. .p0csr ss do. do. do. 
John Yates..... eal do. ss do. ¢ do. 
Samuel Hurlbut.... do. } Bagvest: 0 ; do. 
Charles Pond...... do. do, do. do. 
Robert Lewis...... do. do. do. do. 
John Shumway.... do. do. do. do. 
(Vacant.) «ic .e sees (Vacant.) 
Reuben Scofield... ./2d Lieutenant..... - Jan. 1, 1776 
Jesse Grant.....ee. do. - do. 
(MET) Vaceae daa (UREN Paabe tee - do. 
Elisha Bostwick... .|2d Lieutenant..... - do. 
Samuel Sandford... do. - do. 
Charles Webb..... Do. and Adjutant... - do. 
William Clark..... do. - do. 
John Elderkin..... Do. & Q. Master.. - do. 
Stephen Betts....../Ensign.....seeee- - do. 
Amos Johnson..... do. - do. 
Selah Benton...... do. - do. 
Amos Bostwick.... do. - do. 
William Smith..... do. - do. 
AM} sy aig Br: 9) ik iA pl do. - do. 
Charles Whittlesey. do. - do. 
George Hurlbut.... do. - do. 


Cuarves Wess, Colonel. 
Camp, New-York, July 2, 1776. 


N. B. The Colonel is commander of the Ninth Regiment of Militia 
in the Colony of Connecticut. The Lieutenant-Colonel was a Captain 
last war, 1775. Major John Brooks was born in Medford, in the Province 
of Massachusetts-Bay. 


Staff Officers belonging to the Nineteenth Regiment. 


Rev. John Gano... 2cc.ccrcsencevccscccese Chaplain. 
Charles Webb, Jun..... Bfactuietelehastalevel Aiaara‘a sie) Adjutant. 

John Elderkin..... aicinrclate dcke eraielanl atel et olcere‘eiere = Quartermaster. 
Elisha Hly....sccccsccsscccccscctsccccscecs Surgeon. 
Preserve W00G.......cscsscccccsccscsscccce Surgeon’s Mate. 


Cuarxtes Wess, Colonel. 
Camp at New-York, July 29, 1776. 


PERSONS RECOMMENDED TO FILL THE VACANCIES IN LORD 
STIRLING’S BRIGADE, JULY, 1776. 


Remarks on the Officers and vacant Commissions in the 
Fourth Regiment, commanded by Col. Joun Nixon. 


There is only one vacancy in this Regiment, which is a 
Second Lieutenancy in Captain McFarland’s Company ; to 
fill up which, Ensign Dudley Tyler, of the same Company, 
is recommended; and Sergeant Samuel Frost, of Captain 
Gleason's Company, to be Ensign to Captain McFarland’s 
Company. 


Remarks on the Officers and vacant Commissions in the 
First Regiment of New-Yorxers, in the service of the 
free Unirep States or Norru America. 


Lieutenant-Colonel Herman Zedtwitz, a brave good offi- 
cer; but so disabled by a rupture, occasioned by a fall from 
a precipice in the attack of Quebeck under General Mont- 
gomery, that he is unfit for active duty. If some stationary 
duty, such as the command of some fort, could be allotted 
him, and another Field-Officer put into this Regiment, it 
would benefit the service. 

Captain Richard Varick. He is Secretary or Aid-de- 
Camp to General Schuyler, and ought to resign his com- 


646 


mission in this Regiment; in which case, William A. Forbes 
ought to succeed to his Company; Henry Tiebout, Second 
Lieutenant, should succeed him as First Lieutenant; and 
Ensign Theodosius Fowler in the room of him as Second 
Lieutenant. 

There will then be three Ensigncies vacant in this Regi- 
ment, for which the following are recommended: 

Gilbert R. Livingston, who had a warrant in this Regi- 
ment, dated February 24, 1776, went volunteer to Canada 
with Colonel Winds’s Regiment, and is now returned to 
this Regiment. 

Wiliam Munday, Sergeant in this Regiment. 

Hugh McConn, Sergeant in this Regiment. 


Remarks on the Officers and vacant Commissions in the 
Nineteenth Regiment, commanded by Colonel Cuarues 


Wess. 


In this Regiment are two vacancies of a First Lieutenancy 
in Captain Hale’s Company; to fill up which, Charles 
Webb, Second Lieutenant of Captain Leavenworth’s Com- 
pany, is recommended; and John Elderkin, Second Lieuten- 
ant of Captain Hale’s Company, to be Second Lieutenant 
of Captain Shzpman’s Company. 

Ensign Selah Benton, of Captain Shipman’s Company, 
to be Second Lieutenant of Captain Leavenworth’s Com- 
pany; and Ensign Charles Whattlesey, of Captain Hull’s 
Company, to be Second Lieutenant of Captain Hale’s Com- 
pany. ‘T'wo of these changes are made to avoid having the 
Adjutant and Quartermaster in the same Company. 

Benoni Shipman, Sergeant-Major, to be Ensign to Cap- 
tain Shipman’s Company. Thomas Updike Fosdick, Ser- 
geant, to be Ensign to Captain Hull’s Company. 


Remarks on the Officers and vacant Commissions in the 
Third Regiment of New-Yorkers, in the service of the 
free Untrep Srates or Norru America. 


Major ». vacant. : 

Captain Andrew Billings, eldest Captain in this Regi- 
ment, has done the duty of Major for several months past, 
served as a Captain last campaign with the reputation of a 
good officer, is recommended to fill this vacancy; and Adju- 
tant Benjamin Pelton, who served as a Lieutenant in the First 
Regiment last year, was at the taking of St. John’s, and in 
the attack of Quebeck under General Montgomery, returned 
from thence in May, too late for any other commission, and 
therefore accepted the Adjutancy on the promise of the first 
vacant Company,—he is recommended to succeed Captain 
Billings. 

Lieutenant Jonathan Hallet is recommended to be Adju- 
tant in the room of Benjamin Pelton. 


RECAPITULATION OF THE COMMISSIONS RECOMMENDED TO BE 
ISSUED. 


For Colonel Nrxon’s Regiment. 


Ensign Dudley Tyler to be Second Lieutenant in Cap- 
tain McFarland’s Company. 
Sergeant Samuel Frost to be Ensign in the same Com- 
any.” 
ta Colonel Wexp’s Regiment. 
Second Lieutenant Charles Webb to be First Lieutenant 
in Captain Hale’s Company. 
Second Lieutenant John Elderkin to be Second Lieuten- 
ant in Captain Shapman’s. 
Ensign Selah Benton, of Captain Shipman’s Company, 
to be Second Lieutenant of Captain Leavenworth’s Com- 
any. 
: mana Charles Whittlesey to be Second Lieutenant in 
Captain Hale’s Company. 
Sergeant-Major Benoni Shipman to be Ensign in Captain 
Shipman’s Company. 
Sergeant Thomas Updike Fosdick to be Ensign in Cap- 
tain Hull’s Company. 


Colonel McDoveatu’s Regiment. 


First Lieutenant William A. Forbes to be Captain, in the 
room of Captain Varick. 

Second Lieutenant Henry Tiebout to be First Lieutenant 
in Captain Forbes’s Company. Ensign Theodosius Fowler 
to be Second Lieutenant in ditto. 

Gilbert R. Livingston to be Ensign in Captain Johnson’s 
Company. William Munday to be Ensign in Captain 


647 


Ledyard’s Company. Hugh McConnell to be Ensign in 
Captain Horton’s Company. 


Colonel Rirzema’s Regiment. 
Captain Andrew Billings to be Major. 
Adjutant Benjamin Pelton to be Captain, in the room of 
Captain Billings, promoted. 
Lieutenant Jonathan Hallet to be Adjutant. 


The foregoing recommendations fixed with the Field- 
Officers of the respective Regiments. 
Srirvine, Brigadier-General. 
July 22, 1776. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED NEW-YORK, JULY 29, 1776. 


Yesterday one of our galleys, mounting one thirty-two 
pounder in her bow, and the other a New-London galley, 
mounting two twelve-pounders in her stern, and two eigh- 
teen in her bow, went up the North River to Spiten Devil, 
or King’s-Bridge Creek, with an intent to lay there till the 
ships come down the river. Should that be the case, I 
make no doubt we shall be able to give a good account of 
them. 

This moment arrived a sloop, Captain Hawkins, from 
Rhode-Island, which gives the disagreeable news of Captain 
Biddle’s \osing his prize, the ship Nathaniel and Elizabeth, 
Captain Hoar, from Jamaica,with three hundred hogsheads 
of sugar and one hundred hogsheads of rum, &c., at Fisher’s 
Island reef, just entering the Sound. Captain Hawkins says 
he saw the ship on the rocks last Friday, and saw one vessel 
take up an iron-bound cask, which he took to be a hogshead 
ofrum. ‘There was a great number of people on board, and 
several vessels alongside; and her masts were cutaway. He 
does not know if any of the cargo is saved or not. 


New-York, July 29, 1776. 

The fourth man in the Counties of King’s, Queen’s, and 
Suffolk, on Long-Island, and Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, 
and Ulster, were last week ordered to hold themselves in 
readiness to march at a moment’s warning; indeed, many 
of them are gone to their proper stations already. 

An old gentleman, between sixty, and seventy, now does 
duty in the Militia near Newark, in New-Jersey, is the father 
of about fifteen children now alive, nine of whom are in the 
Continental Army, from captains to privates. 

Several cannon were fired last Thursday afternoon, from 
our Battery at Amboy, at a number of boats from Staten- 
Island, bound to Sandy-Hook, supposed to join part of the 
Ministerial Fleet lying there. ‘This brought on a cannonade 
from the encampment of the Regulars near Billop’s Point, 
on the Island, which continued very hot on both sides for 
near an hour. ‘The boats got clear, but many of the regulars 
were seen to fall, and several were carried off, supposed to be 
wounded. On our side, a soldier belonging to one of the 
Philadelphia battalions was killed, and one wounded; a 
horse in a carriage had his head shot off in the street, and 
some damage was done the houses. 


General Hospital, at New-York, July 29, 1776. 

Wanted immediately in the General Hospital, a number of 
women, who can be recommended for their honesty, to act 
in the capacity of Nurses; and a number of faithful men for 
the same purpose. Any who incline entering the service in 
this way, will meet with good encouragement, by making 
application to the Quartermaster of the Hospital at King’s 
College, New-York. Wanted also for the use of said Hos- 
pital a large quantity of dry herbs, for baths, fomentations, 
&c., &c., &c., particularly balm, hyssop, wormwood, and 
mallows, for which a good price will be given; and also old 
linen for the use of the sick and’ wounded soldiery. The 
good people of the neighbouring towns, and even those 
who live more remote from this city, by carefully collecting 
and curing quantities of useful herbs, will greatly promote 
the good of the Army, and considerably benefit themselves. 
From principles of benevolence and humanity, it is presumed 
that many will attend to this matter, (which is really of con- 
sequence,) and cheerfully contribute to the relief of their sick 
and wounded brethren, though from any pecuniary conside- 
ration they might neglect, as having the appearance of small 
unportance, ‘Those who have already collected any con- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


648 


siderable parcel of herbs or rags, may find a ready sale, by 
applying at the above-mentioned place to 
‘Tuomas Carnes, 
Steward and Quartermaster to the General Hospital. 


ORANGE COUNTY (NEW-YORK) COMMITTEE. 
Clark’s Town, July 29, 1776. 


In County Committee on the South side of the Moun- 
tains, in the County of Orange: 

Whereas Dennis Snyden, Jesse Snyden, William Snyden, 
and Samuel Snyden, all living at or near a place commonly 
called Snyden’s or Dobbs’s Ferry, on the west side of Hudson’s 
River, in the County of Orange, and State of New-York, 
have refused to. sign any or either of the Associations that 
have been put forth, or recommended by our honourable 
Convention; and as the abovesaid persons are greatly sus- 
pected of carrying on a treasonable correspondence with our 
unnatural enemies, or ships-of-war, belonging to the King 
of Great Britain, lying in the abovesaid river, by the great 
opportunity afforded them in the privilege they have by keep- 
ing ferry, knowing the abovesaid persons to be inveterate 
enemies to the common States of America : 

Therefore, Resolved, That the above Dennis Snyden, 
Jesse Snyden, William Snyden, and Samuel Snyden, are 
hereby forewarned not to keep ferry, or employ any other 
person to ferry in their room, or employ a craft on the above- 
said river, upon any pretence whatsoever: and all other 
persons are hereby forewarned against having any corre- 
spondence with the abovesaid Snydens, or any other person 
or persons whatsoever, that are in any degree enemies to the 
liberties of America. 

And whereas John Snyder is advertised in the publick 
Gazette as pilot of the ships-of-war up the abovesaid river, 
greatly to the damage of the said John Snyder: Itis hereby 
requested, that the said Printer will insert Robert Snyden, 
instead of John Snyder, who has always appeared to be a 
warin friend to the common cause of America. 

Per order of the Committee : 


Joun Cor, Deputy Chairman. 


Attested : Joun Coteman, Secretary. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES. 
German-Flats, July 29, 1776. 


Sir: Lieutenant Welch has delivered me your and General 
Arnold’s letters of the 22d instant, with the Indian articles 
mentioned in a list enclosed in the latter. 

General Arnold writes me that the greater part was al- 
ready delivered to the Army before my letter came to hand. 
I know they were greatly wanted there. We shall be 
greatly distressed for a supply for the Indians; something 
more than eleven hundred are already arrived, and we this 
day expect between four and five hundred more. 

When there is no fresh or any other beef, there is no al- 
ternative left, and the pork must be used, as the Army will 
not live on bread alohe; but I should hope that you received 
a supply of beef soon after the date of your letter, from what 
Mr. Livingston observes in his to you. 

.On the subject of the gondolas I wrote you yesterday. 
If the carpenters had not arrived at Skenesborough until 
the Ist day of November, or indeed never, it would not have 
been my fault. Months are elapsed since my first applica- 
tion, and my last was made immediately after, if not before, 
the retreat of the Army from Canada, What could I do 
more? I could not create them. 

Although I remained only part of Fr¢day and Saturday 
at Albany, when I returned from Crown-Point, I neverthe- 
Jess thought of the Army letters, and requested the Postmas- 
ter to send them all up to you, with a blank commission for 
a Postmaster at Ticonderoga, to be filled up by you. This 
he promised me would be immediately done. If he has not 
fulfilled his promise, I am sorry for it. I shall remind him 
of it. If you or the Army conceive that any letters are 
stopped at Albany by my order, you are mistaken. I am not 
allowed to interfere in the post office. Colonel Gansevoort 
is not ordered to intercept any letters; at least neither he 
por any other person has such an order from me. I should 
imagine if he took your letter from the messenger that brought 
it to Fort George, it was in order to expedite it; and if he 
did do that, I cannot possibly discover any criminal intention 


649 


in it. It is his duty to forward all letters on publick business 
with all possible despatch: he has my orders so to do. If he 
should, therefore, stop any letters going to or from the Army, 
he would be culpable, and merit punishment. 
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 
Pu. ScHuyLer. 
To the Honourable Major-General Gates. p 


GENERAL GATES TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 


[Read August 8, 1776.] 
Tyonderoga, July 29, 1776. 


Sir: I am but just now honoured with the receipt of 
your letter of the 8th instant, with the resglves of Congress 
enclosed. As their resolves will ever be held sacred by me, 
they may be assured of my implicit obedience to them. I 
have this day written to General Schuyler, to assure him of 
my entire satisfaction and acquiescence in the resolves of 
Congress, and of my unalterable resolution to obey his com- 
mands. Iam confident we shall, as the Congress wish, go 
hand in hand to promote the publick service. Affairs here 
begin to wear a less gloomy aspect. ‘The carpenters‘are all 
got to Skenesborough from the different Colonies, and our 
fleet is increasing rapidly, as it ought. General Arnold, 
ever active, and anxious to serve his country, is just returned 
from Skenesborough, where he has been to give life and 
spirit to our dock-yard. 

Two schooners and a sloop will be at Crown-Poznt this 
evening, well manned and armed; four gondolas will follow 
in a day or two. When what we have finished get to Crown- 
Point, we shall have as many armed vessels there as will 
carry fifty-two pieces of cannon, with all the swivels we 
have to mount. More swivels are written for to New- York, 
and we shall collect all the heavy cannon we can from 
Albany and the posts upon the communication thither. I 
wish they may be sufficient. More should be sent could 
they be procured. The Militia begin to come to Skenesbo- 
rough, from whence I do not propose to remove them, until 
all danger of the small-pox is far removed from us. General 
Waterbury remains at Skenesborough, and has my orders to 
exert his utmost vigilance and authority to prevent that pes- 
tilence from spreading again amongst us. 

The Director of the Hospital complains heavily of a want 
of medicines. LI have, at his urgent request, ordered him to 
New-York to get a supply. 

General Arnold (who is perfectly skilled in maritime affairs) 
has most nobly undertaken to command our fleet upon the 
Lake. With infinite satisfaction, | have committed the whole 
of that department to his care, convinced he will thereby add 
to that brilliant reputation he has so deservedly acquired. 

I suppose General Sullivan, who left us the 12th instant, 
has made a report to the Congress of the state of this Army 
upon his leaving it. 

Brigadier Baron de Woedtke went, by my permission, to 

_ the General Hospital, at Lake George, about a fortnight ago. 
His health was indeed so much impaired, that I doubt his 
recovery. In the mean time, I have appointed the three eldest 
Colonels to command brigades—Colonel Stark, Colonel 
Reed, and Colonel St. Clair. Should the conduct of these 
gentlemen be such as to merit approbation, (of which I have 
not the least doubt,) I am confident the Congress will show 
them some honourable mark of esteem, 

Independence has been received by this Army with that 
applause that the great benefit America will receive thereby, 
so justly claims. 

A French gentleman is just got here from Canada, by the 
way of Cohos. He left Canada three weeks ago. He says 
General Carleton has summoned all the Canadians to be 
at St. John’s the last of August, to go with his Army of ten 
thousand men to drive the Rebels before them like sheep, 
and to meet the Grand Army at Albany. Perhaps this may 
prove a vain boast. 

Enclosed is a letter from General Washington to me, of 
the 19th instant, with my answer. I beg you, sir, and the 
gentlemen of the Congress, will believe, that if the Generals 
in this department do not act with the same ability and 
have not the same good fortune, that they will not be ex- 

-celled in zeal or military virtue by any of your officers, 
however dignified or distinguished. 

I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Horatio Gates, 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esquire. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


650 


New-York, July 19, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I expected ere this to have heard from you. 
As I have not, I will open the correspondence, by express- 
ing my exceeding great concern on account of the determi- 
nation of your Board of General Officers, to retreat from 
Crown-Point to Ticonderoga, assigning (contrary to the 
opinion of all your Field-Officers) for reason, that the former 
place is not tenable with your present force, or the force 
expected. My concern arises from information, and a firm 
belief, that your relinquishing Crown-Point is, in its conse- 
quences, a relinquishment of the Lakes, and all the advan- 
tages to be derived therefrom; for it does not admit of a 
doubt but that the enemy will possess themselves, if possi- 
ble, of that pass (which is a key to all these Colonies) the 
moment you leave it, and thereby confine your vessels to the 
narrow part of the Lake in front of that post; or, by having 
them in the rear of it, cut off all kind of supplies from, 
and intercourse between, your camp and them; securing by 
this means a free and uninterrupted passage into the three 
New-England Governments, for invasion thereof. Nothing 
but a belief that you have actually removed the Army from 
the Point to Ticonderoga and demolished the works at the 
former, and the fear of creating dissensions and encouraging 
a spirit of remonstrating against the conduct of superior offi- 
cers by inferiors, have prevented me, by advice of the Gen- 
eral Officers here, from directing the post at Crown-Point to 
be held till Congress should decide upon the propriety of its 
evacuation. As the case stands, I can give no order in the 
matter, lest between two opinions, neither of the places are 
put into such a posture of defence as to resist an advancing 
enemy. I must, however, express my sorrow at the resolu- 
tion of your Council, and wish that it had never happened, 
as everybody who speaks of it also does, and that the 
measure could yet be changed with propriety. 

We have the enemy full in view of us, but their opera- 
tions are to be suspended till the reinforcement hourly ex- 
pected arrives, when I suppose there will be pretty warm 
work. Lord Howe is arrived. He and the General, his 
brother, are appointed Commissioners to dispense pardons to 
repenting sinners. My compliments to the gentlemen with 
you of my acquaintance. 

I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, 

Go. WasHINnGTonN. 


To Major-General Gates. 


Ticonderoga, July 29, 1776. 

Srr: General Schuyler, who left us the 10th instant, pro- 
mised me to give your Excellency a very particular account 
of the state of the Northern Army; I conclude he has done 
it, but it might not have reached your hands when the post 
left New-York the 19th instant. Your Excellency’s letter 
of that date is now before me. The Board of General 
Officers mentioned by your Excellency were assembled by 
order of General Schuyler, who presided at it. ‘They were 
unanimous in adopting his sentiments; which were, in my 
opinion, founded in reason and good sense. _As to the Field- 
Officers being all of a contrary opinion, whoever gave your 
Excellency that intelligence was the author of an assertion 
contrary to fact. ‘Two Field-Officers did object to it, but 
those whose judgment and experience entitle them to be the 
best attended to, acquiesced in the opinion of the General 
Officers. Colonel St. Clair and Colonel De Haas, in par- 
ticular, men whose long service and distinguished characters 
deservedly give their opinion a preference, your Excellen- 
cy’s Council could not see, nor did not know the circum- 
stances of this Army, when they took upon them to decide 
that the General Officers here had acted reprehensibly. 
~ My letter to your Excellency of the 16th instant too 
plainly describes the deplorable state to which death, defeats, 
desertion, and disease, had most unhappily reduced the 
Northern Army. Your Excellency speaks of works to be 
destroyed at Crown-Point. ‘Time and the bad construction 
of those works had completely effected that business long 
before General Schuyler came with me to Crown-Point. 
The ramparts are tumbled down, the casemates are fallen 
in, the barracks burnt, and the whole so perfect a ruin, that 
it would take five times the number of our Army, for several 
summers, to put it in defensible repair. 

Your Excellency also mentions the troops expected to 
reinforce this Army. It would be to the last degree impro- 
per to order those troops to Crown-Point, or even hither, 


651 


until obliged by the most pressing emergency; as that would 
only be heaping one hospital upon another. ‘Those troops, 
when they arrive, are all ordered to halt at Skenesborough. 
Everything about this Army is infected with the pestilence: 
the clothes, the blankets, the air, and the ground they walk 
upon. ‘To put this evil from us, a General Hospital is esta- 
blished at Fort George, where there are now between two 
and three thousand sick, and where every infected person 
is immediately sent; but this care and caution has not yet 
effectually destroyed the disease here ; it is, notwithstanding, 
continually breaking out. 

General Schuyler assures me he has written to the Kast- 
ern Governments, and acquainted them with the precautions 
taken to purify the Army, and directed the reinforcements 
still expected to halt at Skenesborough. General Arnold 
is just returned from thence, where he has been exerting his 
utmost diligence in forwarding the vessels constructing there. 
Our little fleet already built is equipping under his direction, 
with all the industry his activity and good example can 
inspire. As fast as they are fitted, they are sent to Crown- 
Point, where the Sixth Battalion of the Pennsylvanians, 
commanded by Lieut. Colonel Hartley, is posted. ‘Three 
hundred men and officers have been draughted from the 
corps here to man the vessels: one-half seamen, the other 
to act as marines. As soon as all the vessels and gondolas 
are equipped, General Arnold has offered to go to Crown- 
Point and take the command of them. This is exceedingly 
pleasing to me, as he has a perfect knowledge in maritime 
affairs, and is, besides, a most deserving and gallant officer. 
The command of the water is of the last importance ; for, 
should the enemy ever get a naval force superior to ours 
upon the Lake, the command thereof is theirs, let who will 
possess Crown-Point. As to their penetrating the astern 
Governments, they may attempt that by Onion River, which 
empties itself into Missisgue Bay, sixty miles below Crown- 
Point. 

I must now take the liberty to animadvert a little upon 
the unprecedented behaviour of the members of your Coun- 
cil to their compeers in this department. ‘They, sir, having 
every ample supply at hand, make no allowance for the 
misfortunes and wants of this Army, nor for the delay and 
difficulty that attend the procuring everything necessary 
here. Had wea healthy Army, four times the number of 
the enemy, our magazines full, our artillery complete, stores 
of every kind in profuse abundance, with vast and populous 
Towns and Counties close at hand to supply our wants, your 
Excellency would hear no complaints from this Army; and 
the members of your Council, our brethren and compeers, 
would have as little reason then, as they have now, to cen- 
sure the conduct of those who are in nothing inferior to 
themselves. 

I an, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Horatio Gates. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


P.S. Enclosed is a letter I received this morning from 
the Director of the Hospital at Fort George. I must beg 
your Excellency will give Doctor Morgan your directions 
to relieve the pressing wants which Doctor Stringer com- 
plains of. 


Fort George, July 24, 1776. 

Sir: My daughter’s illness occasioned my being absent 
from this post a few days; and on my return yesterday eve- 
ning I found Major Stewart’s letter of the 18th, also one 
from Colonel Trumbull of the same date, requesting a return 
of the sick, &c., who I find are greatly increased, insomuch 
that we are in the utmost distress for both assistants and 
medicines; which events I foresaw might happen, and took 
the timely precaution of representing it to General Schuyler 
so early as the 25th of October last, and to General Wash- 
ington the 10th of May, together with my want of power, 
which (by the resolve of Congress, a copy whereof is here 
enclosed) is limited in so positive terms, as to render me 
incapable either to relieve or guard against them by any 
other method. Both my letters, the Generals have informed 
me, were sent to Congress; notwithstanding which, the 
matter rests as it did. 

At the same time that I wrote to General Washington, 1 
requested an augmentation of the Hospital Surgeons and 
Mates, and sent a list for such a supply of medicines as I 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


652 


thought necessary for the campaign; and, from a letter I 
received from Mr. Giles, Apothecary-General, before I de- 
parted, I expected the medicines to be forwarded immedi- 
ately; but, to my great mortification, except a few that Dr. 
Potts brought with him, none are arrived, not even a quan- 
tity that the Doctor informed me were to come from Phila- 
delphia, under the care of Mr. McHenry. What we are 
to do, under these shocking circumstances, I know not; I 
say shocking, because nothing can appear more so than our 
present situation—men dying for want of assistance that we 
are not empowered to give. Besides a want of Surgeons, 
Tam not furnished with Clerks or Stewards; one Clerk, that 
I took upon myself to appoint, with General Schuyler’s con- 
currence, is not now capable of going through the business 
he is obliged to take charge of. As our men’s lives are thus 
wasted, would it be improper (as writing answers no end) 
that I should leave ‘the care of the sick to Dr. Potts, and go 
to York myself, and see the medicines forthwith forwarded 
by land, until they can be safely conveyed by water, and 
from thence wait on Congress in person, lay our situation 
before them, and endeavour to have my powers enlarged, or 
at least get their consent to provide the number of assistants 
that are requisite? If, sir, you should approve of such a 
step, | should be much obliged to you for a letter enforcing 
the necessity of the application. I should not, at this time 
of distress, hesitate to engage Surgeons, had not General 
Schuyler received an answer in the winter to the purport of 
my letter above mentioned, which was contained in a fresh 
resolve, “that the resolve (now enclosed) was sufficient.” 

I must beg, sir, that you will not impute it to neglect that 
you have not received returns of the sick before this time, 
but let the above relation account for it. Regularity and 
a strict adherence to duty are what I much admire, and was 
uneasy when I found we were still so much backward as 
not to be able to send you a return, a thing that I know, 
from long service, ought to be done weekly. 

Mr. Potts wrote this morning respecting Mr. Mouse, or 
the gentleman sent to be examined for the Surgeoncy of the 
Navy. As he will not answer, you will readily conceive 
that it will be adding to our distresses to part with any of 
our gentlemen for that purpose; neither do I suppose that any 
place on this side of York can furnish a person properly quali- 
fied ; and as it is probable the Navy will be much augmented, 
I think a couple of Mates, at least, would be necessary. 

Doctor Potts informed me that there were twenty half- 
chests of medicines, already put up at York, to be sent off 
by the first sloop, for ten battalions in this department. I 
made at Albany the strictest inquiry about them, and find 
they are not come. Whence such a dilatoriness arises, I 
cannot account; but there certainly is a remissness some- 
where that ought to be removed, if possible. 

Just now Lieutenant Diffendorff arrived, and acquaints us 
that a large number of sick are coming, in addition to what 
we already have, (about fifteen hundred.) In the name of 
God, what shall we do with them all, my dear General ? 

Mr. Gansevoort, brother to Colonel Gansevoort, and mem- 
ber of the New-York Convention, a gentleman of noted 
character, arrived at Albany from York, on Saturday last, 
and tells me that it is beyond a doubt that a French fleet of 
fifty ships of force, and fifteen thousand troops, are actually 
on their way for Quebeck; that it was reported, that it was in 
consequence of the receipt of our Ambassador’s letter from 
France, that Independence was so suddenly declared; for 
which event’s taking place, he was obliged to pledge the faith 
and honour of the Colonies, so soon as his letter should 
arrive, or he could not have obtained the armament. How 
will George like this, and what will Burgoyne now say? 
No elbow room. ‘They are effectually to prevent succours 
from getting up, and to spare ships to secure those of our 
enemy and the country. 

The privateers Schuyler and Montgomery took a store-ship 
last week; two Jamaica-men are also taken. One hundred 
thousand horned cattle, besides a vast number of hogs and 
sheep, are driven off Long-Island. ; 

I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Sam. STRINGER. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates, Ticonderoga. 
P.S. We have upwards of fifty thousand men in and 


about York, so far as Anthony’s Nose, on both sides the 
river. I must write you something more, Lord Howe is 


653 


certainly arrived, with three ships; the rest behind. He sent 
a letter “To George Washington, Esq.,” which was not 
received. General Washington sent him the Declaration of 
Independence. The next day he received a letter directed 
to “ His Excellency, &c., &c., Commander-in-Chief of the 
United Colonies;” and it is said expressed a concern that 
Independence was so suddenly declared; that it was proba- 
ble there might have been an accommodation, his powers 
being very extensive. Only two frigates and three tenders 
are above the town as yet, and lie nearly opposite Peekskill. 
The man that piloted them was a Tory, and on board the 
Asia all winter. He landed at night, in order to go to his 
family, who lived a little distance from the river, and the 
inhabitants got knowledge of it, seized him, and tore him 
into atoms. m~ 
GENERAL ORDERS. 

Ticonderoga, July 10, 1776. 

(Countersign, New-York.) 

The boats that came with Colonel S¢. Clair’s Regiment 
to be returned to Crown-Point as soon as possible. Colonel 
St. Clair will order a proper detachment from his corps to 
execute this order. 

Colonel St. Clair’s, Colonel De Haas’s, Colonel Wayne’s, 
and Colonel Irvine’s Regiments, are to hold themselves in 
readiness to encamp upon the Heights opposite to the old 
redoubt. As soon as the Chief Engineer can get the road 
up the hill finished, those Regiments will be ordered to 
remove. 

Two Captains, six Subalterns, eight Sergeants, eight 
Corporals, two Drums, and one hundred and ninety-two 
Privates, to parade to-morrow morning, at eight o’clock, to 
go on fatigue, under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Baldwin, Chief Engineer. This party to get their break- 
fast before they come to the parade, and to take with them 
a day’s provision, ready dressed. 


(Parole, Washington.) 


Head-Quarters, July 11, 1776. 
(Countersign, Warren.) 

Captain Williams, with all the blacksmiths that came 
with him from Crown-Point, to proceed as soon as possible 
to Skenesborough. Lieutenant Bowman and the armourers 
to remain at Ticonderoga. Lieutenant Beal, with the house- 
carpenters, and Mr. Noah Nichols, with the wheelwrights, 
are to remain at Ticonderoga, under the direction of Colonel 
Baldwin, Chief Engineer. Mr. Richard Tillock, with the 
thirteen ship-carpenters under his direction, are to proceed 
immediately to Skenesborough. Lieutenant Curtis, with his 
gang of ship-carpenters, are to remain at Ticonderoga, under 
the direction of Commodore Wynkoop. 

The same fatigue party as was directed by yesterday’s 
orders, to parade to-morrow morning at the same hour, and 
under the same directions and regulation as therein expressed. 
This party to be furnished every morning by the Pennsyl- 
vania Regiments, until further orders. 

A Return of each Corps to be delivered to Colonel Trum- 
bull to-morrow morning at ten o’clock, that the duty may 
be regulated. 

‘The Commanding Officer of the Pennsylvania Regiments 
to send a scouting party of one Subaltern, one Sergeant, and 
twenty men every morning, half an hour before day, who 
are carefully to examine the ground in the front of the old 
French lines and the Isthmus between the Bridge and the 
side of the Lake to the northeast of the Fort. ‘Che officer to 
report to the General upon his return. 


(Parole, Boston.) 


Head-Quarters, July 12, 1776. 
(Parole, Philadelphia.) (Countersign, Franklin.) 


Head-Quarters, July 13, 1776. 

(Parole, Williamsburgh.) (Countersign, Virginia.) 

One woman from each Company of each of the Pennsyl- 
vania Battalions now at this post, to be draughted as soon 
as possible, and sent to the General Hospital at Fort George 
to nurse the sick. ‘They will have the customary allowance 
of provision, &c., from Doctor Stringer, Director of the 
Hospital there. 

Captain Stevens, of the Artillery, will encamp with his 
Company near the Landing on the east side of the Lake, 
where all the artillery, stores, &c., are to be landed. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


654 


When the batteaus are unloaded, Captain Stevens will 
order them all to be carefully returned, and made fast in the 
Bay, to the south of the old Fort. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Baldwin will draw provision twice a 
week for all the Artificers, and take the whole under his 
direction. 

Head-Quarters, July 14, 1776. 
(Parole, Hartford.) (Countersign, Deane.) 

Captain Mayhew to send fifty of the seamen he brought 
yesterday from Crown-Point, under proper officers, to bale 
out the batteaus, and prepare them fit to be returned to- 
morrow morning to Crown- Point. 

The Commanding Officer of the Artillery to be indefati- 
gable in landing the cannon and artillery stores at the point 
directed in yesterday’s orders, that the batteaus may be 
returned. 

The Chief Engineer to order the Artificers to get proper 
necessaries made over the rock opposite their huts, that the 
new encampment may be preserved clean against the troops’ 
arrival. 

Captain Stevens will do the same in regard to his people. 

Lieutenant John Williamson, of the Fourth Pennsylvania 
Battalion, is appointed Batteau Master, and is to be obeyed 
as such. 


Head-Quarters, July 15, 1776. 
(Parole, Maryland.) (Countersign, Annapolis.) 

The Batteau Master, Lieutenant Williamson, is to see forty 
batteaus put in proper order to be returned to Crown-Point 
as soon as possible. 

Colonel Maxwell and Colonel Ogden will each of them 
order one Captain, two Sergeants, and sixty men, to parade 
at one o’clock, to take forty batteaus to Crown-Point. 

The Pennsylvania Regiments to encamp upon the new 
ground to-morrow. Colonel S¢. Clair, with the assistance 
of Colonel Wayne, will this morning mark out the ground 
for their encampment. 

The General, anxious to preserve the new Camp perfectly 
clean and free from infection, recommends it in the strongest 
manner to the Commanding Officers of Regiments to have 
their necessaries fixed upon the brink of the precipices, or 
in such places as are least obnoxious. If there is a neces- 
sity of having any dug in the front of the Regiments, care 
must be taken to have them frequently covered, and no 
person to be suffered to ease himself in any other part of the 
encampment. 

The sick of Colonel Winds’s and Colonel Maawell’s Regi- 
ments to be immediately sent to Fort George. 


Head-Quarters, July 16, 1776. 
(Parole, Carolina.) (Countersign, Lee.) 

The Court of Inquiry that have set upon Colonel Bedel, 
to sit again as soon as possible. 

One Field-Officer, two Captains, eight Sergeants, eight 
Corporals, four Drums and Fifes, and one hundred and twenty 
Privates, to mount guard to-morrow at troop-beating. The 
Field-Officer will receive his orders from the General where 
to post his guard. 

The ammunition wanted to complete the Riflemen, will be 
ordered to be delivered as soon as the Commanding Officers 
of the Regiments make a return of the deficiency. 


Head-Quarters, July 17, 1776. 
(Parole, York.) (Countersign, Savile.) 

The Commanding Officer of Artillery is immediately to be 
provided with a proper place for a Laboratory, and another 
for casting musket-ball and buck-shot. 

The Commanding Officers of Regiments, and their Sur- 
geons, are to be answerable that the General is immediately 
acquainted with any persons who are seized with the infec- 
tion of the small-pox, that they may be immediately removed. 
to Lake George. 

The state of the men’s ammunition to be immediately 
examined, and the deficiencies reported. The troops will, 
as soon as possible, be completed to as many rounds as 
the pouches and cartridge-boxes they are possessed of will 
hold. A quantity of spare cartridges will always be ready 
in store, to furnish an immediate supply when more is 
wanted. 


655 


Tead-Quarters, July 18, 1776. 
(Countersign, Harrison.) 

Ensign Thomas Ryerson, of Colonel Maxwell’s Regiment, 
is appointed a Second Lieutenant in the said Regiment, in 
the room of Lieutenant John Higgins, deceased. 

The forty -batteaus ordered for Crown-Point to set out 
immediately. ‘The Commissary will send what flour is 
wanted for that Post. 

As Colonel Reed and some of the Members of the Gen- 
eral Court-Martial ordered at Crown-Point are absent, or 
gone with the sick to Lake George, that Court-Martial is 
dissolved. 

A General Court-Martial to sit to-morrow morning, at ten 
o’clock, for the trial of Colonel Hazen, and such prisoners as 
shall be brought before them. The Court to be composed 
of the thirteen eldest Field-Officers in this Camp: that is, 
the five eldest Colonels, the four eldest Lieutenant-Colonels, 
and the four eldest Majors. All evidences and persons con- 
cerned to attend the Court. 

Captain Crafts’s Company, of Colonel Greaton’s Regi- 
ment, to be detached to make a quantity of musket-cartridges 
in the Laboratory assigned for that purpose. The Regiment 
to be allowed in the roll of duty for this Company. 

Colonel John Trumbull is appointed Deputy Adjutant-Gen- 
eral to the Army. He is to be obeyed as such. 

For the Court-Martial: Colonel Poor, President; Mem- 
bers: Colonels: Bond, Maxwell, Paterson, De Haas; Lieu- 
tenant-Colonels: Gilman, Poor, Johnston, Shreve ; Majors: 
Cilley, Loring, Morris, Haussegger. Captain Scott to act 
as Judge Advocate. 


(Parole, Hampton.) 


Head-Quarters, July 19, 1776. 
(Parole, Wilmington.) (Countersign, Richmond.) 

The weather having been so very wet and stormy all last 
night, the Commissary is to issue one gill of rum to every 
non-commissioned officer and soldier now in camp. 

The Chief Engineer is to get all the wood-axes helved 
and ground immediately, that they may be ready for use, 
when the weather clears up. © 

As soon as the General Court-Martial now sitting have 
finished the trial of Colonel Hazen, they are to proceed to 
try Colonel Bedel and Major Butterfield. 

A Return of each Regiment to be given to the Deputy 
Adjutant-General to-morrow morning, at eleven o’clock. 
Colonel Trumbull will give two blank Returns to each Ad- 
jutant, which are to be filled up, one for the General, and the 
other for the Colonel of the Regiment. ‘The Commanding 
Officer of each Regiment, the Commanding Officer of the 
Artillery, and the Chief Engineer for the Artificers, will regu- 
larly every Saturday, at orderly time, send their Returns to 
the Deputy Adjutant-General. 


Head-Quarters, July 20, 1776. 
| (Parole, Falmouth.) (Countersign, Norfolk.) 

The men who were draughted from the several Corps at 
Crown-Point, to serve with Captain Mayhew, on board the 
Continental armed vessels, are to parade at one o'clock, by 
the General’s Quarters. 

Whereas a scandalous and most irregular custom prevails 
among the soldiery, of firing arms in and near the Camps; 
any non-commissioned officer or soldier who shall hereafter 
be detected firing, without order, must be sent to the Com- 
manding Officer of the Regiment to which such delinquent 
belongs, who is hereby ordered to have the prisoner imme- 
diately stripped, and punished with twenty lashes. 

A Return of the Names, Regiments, and Companies, of 
the Ship-Carpenters in this Army, to be delivered to the 
Deputy Adjutant-General, as soon as possible. 

The Army is to be immediately Brigaded in the following 
manner: the First Brigade, commanded by Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Arnold, to consist of Bond’s, Greaton’s, Burrell’s, and 
Porter’s Regiments; the Second Brigade, commanded by 

. Colonel Reed, to consist of Reed’s, Poor’s, Paterson’s, and 
Bedels Regiments; the Third Brigade, commanded by 
Colonel Stark, to consist of Stark’s, Maxwell's, Winds’s, and 
Wynkoop’s Regiments; the Fourth Brigade, commanded 
by Colonel St. Clair, to consist of St. Clair’s, De Haas’s, 
Wayne’s, and Irvine’s Regiments. 

Brigade-Major to the First Brigade, Stoddard ; to the 
errand Rice; to the Third, Wilkinson; to the Fourth, 

cull. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


656 


Head-Quarters, July 21, 1776. 
(Countersign, Providence.) 

As the Chief Engineer will have a sufficient number of 
felling axes ready to employ a large body of men to-morrow, 
the General desires the Commanding Officers of the three 
eldest Brigades will send as many men as can be sent from 
those off duty, to clear the ground for the encampment of 
those Brigades. 

Captain Romans’s Company will encamp with the Fourth 
Brigade, commanded by Colonel St. Clair. Major Badlam 
will order two twelve and two four-pounders from the guns 
already mounted in the fort, to be placed in the old French 
lines, under the care and command of Captain Romans. 
Colonel St. Clair will order the ground to be marked for 
Captain Romans’s Company. 

The General recommends it to Colonel Si. Clair to get 
platforms laid, as soon as possible, for the guns ordered to 
his Brigade. 

The Commanding Officer of each Brigade will be punc- 
tual in reporting, and in obliging the Colonels and Command- 
ing Officers of Regiments to report to him, the persons who 
are infected with the small-pox. 


After Orders, July 21, 1776.—The Regiment of Cana- 
dians, with all the Canadian families, now at Ticonderoga, 
to march to-morrow morning, under the command of Lieu- 


tenant-Colonel Anti, for Albany. 


(Parole, Charlestown.) 


Ticonderoga, July 22, 1776. 
(Parole, St. Eustatia.) (Countersign, Alexandria.) 
The Commissary will deliver all the soap he has in store 
in the following proportions to each Regiment: 


To Col. Reed?s\ io... 47 ounces. ‘To Col. Wynkoop’s. .226 ounces. 
Cols Starkis'sec sere Mey V nia Col. Paterson’s...303 ** 
Col. Maxwell’s...294 ‘ Col. Burreil’s..\.% -2ld a) "6 
Col. Winds’s..... S007) Cole Porter’ssy. accoon as 
Col. Bonds... <.2.294) +“ Col: Bedel?s:. «a's 254“ 
Col. Poor’s......- 3 ened The Companies of 
Col. Greaton’s....297 *s ATTITErY sols o'= ote 14a es 
Col@StaClatriscwc4 om as The Carpenters...144 ¢* 
Col. De Haas’s...555 = *¢ Ahe Smithsec cere 144 «5 
Col. Wayne’s,...709 The Armourers...144 “ 
Colmlrvine*s.piisenoiie ance 


The Chief Engineer, Colonel Baldwin, will order that 
the soap delivered to the Artificers be delivered properly 
between them. 

The three Brigades, commanded by General Arnold, 
Colonel Reed, and Colonel Stark, will encamp as soon as 
possible upon the ground allotted them upon the Heights. 

Colonel St. Clair’s Brigade to furnish a guard of a Cor- 
poral and six men daily, to guard the batteaus. ‘The Corporal 
will receive his orders from Lieutenant Williamson, Batteau 
Master. 


Head-Quarters, July 23, 1776. 
(Parole, Martinico.) (Countersign, Monckton.) 

Whereas it is of the utmost consequence that a well-re- 
gulated body of Seamen and Marines should be immediately 
draughted from the several Brigades of this Army, to the 
end that the Army of the United States may continue to 
support their naval superiority and command of the waters 
of Lake- Champlain ; and for the encouragement of such sea- 
men and marines as shall be so draughted for the important 
purpose aforesaid, the honourable the Congress of the United 
States have ordered each non-commissioned officer, seaman, 
and marine, while employed in the service aforesaid, an 
additional pay of 8s., lawful money, per month, over and 
above the pay they are entitled to receive in the corps to 
which they respectively belong. 

The following is the detail for the Non-Commissioned 
Officers, Seamen, and Marines, to be draughted from each 
Brigade. ‘They are to parade to-morrow morning at eight 
o'clock, and immediately to be delivered to the Officers 
appointed to command them. Each Officer will keep a 
roll of their names, Regiments, and Companies, that their 
pay-abstracts may be regularly made up and adjusted once 
a month. 

Detail for the Seamen and Marines. 


First Brigade..,...6 Sergeants, 4 Corporals, 4 Drummers, 64 Privates. 
Second Brigade....6........ nist vend shers cieietes Mvteietetsia ate! 9/36 OS SS 
Third Brigade..... THES SA ASH OG Desie e'stetes she 2g Sane 6035 
Fourth Brigade...10.....s...+. GAN eich Br eee eeeeee 103 ons 
Total.......28 Serg’nts, 16 Corp’rals, 16 Drum’ers, 288 Privates. 


Colonel Poor’s Regiment is immediately to be removed 


into the Third Brigade, commanded by Colonel Stark ; and 


657 


Colonel Wynkoop’s Regiment into the Second Brigade, 
commanded by Colonel Reed. 

The Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Reed was President, 
is dissolved. 

Samuel Tenners, of Captain Trow’s Company, Colonel 
Bond’s Regiment, and William Prudox, Fifer in Captain 
Egery’s Company, the same Regiment, ropemakers, are to be 
immediately sent to the Captain of the Sloop, to be employed 
by him. They will receive the same additional pay as the 
other artificers. ; 

A Court of Inquiry to sit to-morrow morning, ten o’clock, 
to inquire into the conduct of Captain Romans, of the ‘Train 
of Artillery, in a dispute between him and his Lieutenant. 

Colonel Wayne, President. Members: Lieutenant-Colonel 
Irvine and Major Fuller. 


Head-Quarters, July 24, 1776. 
(Parole, Havana.) (Countersign, Putnam.) 
The Commissary to issue one day’s fresh provisions to the 
Troops now here, to-morrow morning, at eleven o'clock. 
The Captains of the armed vessels and gondolas to send 
this evening a signed return to the Deputy Adjutant-General, 
of the ammunition and military stores wanted for each vessel 


and gondola. 


Head-Quarters, July 25, 1776. 

(Parole, The Congress.) (Countersign, Independence.) 
Mr. John Shreve is appointed.an Ensign in Captain 
Brearley’s Company, of Colonel Maxwell's Regiment. He 


is to be obeyed as such. 


Head-Quarters, July 26, 1776. 


(Parole, Lancaster.) (Countersign, Armstrong.) 


The Commissary for next week to issue four days’ fresh, 
and three days’ salt, provisions. As live cattle increase, the 
Commissary will issue five days’ fresh, and two days’ salt, 
a week. 


Head-Quarters, July 27, 1776. 
(Parole, York.) (Countersign, Bristol.) 

The Commanding Officers of Regiments, the Command- 
ing Officer of the Artillery, and the Chief Engineer, will be 
very exact in obliging their Surgeons to make an immediate 
report of every person infected with small-pox. 

Sutling has become so frequent and pernicious in this 
Camp, that it is absolutely necessary every Commanding 
Officer of a corps should exert himself to suppress it. The 
General therefore recommends it in the strongest manner 
to them, to seize all the rum and spirituous liquors from 
Sutlers who are detected making private sale thereof, and 
deliver the same to Mr. Commissary Avery, who will give 
his receipt for it. 

The twenty-five men who have been draughted from 
General Arnold’s Brigade, as shingle-makers, under En- 
sign Calkin, are to be employed in that business till further 


orders. 


Head-Quarters, July 28, 1776. 
(Parole, Durham.) (Countersign, Roxbury.) 

The Commissary will issue eight pounds of soap to every 
hundred men, per week, now in this Camp, upon a proper 
signed return being delivered to him by the Commanding 
Officer of each corps. ‘The Commanding Officer of Artil- 
lery and Chief Engineer for the Artificers to draw in pro- 
portion to their numbers. 

Captain Wentworth, of Colonel Poor’s Regiment, tried at 
a late General Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Poor was 
President, for refusing to do his duty when properly called 
on, was found guilty by the Court, sentenced to be cash- 
iered, and published in the publick papers as having wilfully 
neglected his duty with a view of being discharged from the 
service. ‘The General approves the sentence of the fore- 
going Court-Martial, and orders it to be put in execution 
accordingly. 

Lieutenant B. Miller, of Colonel St. Clair’s Regiment, 
tried at the same General Court-Martial, for possessing him- 
self of part of the hangings of Lieutenant Christie’s sword, 
and on suspicion of having secreted some effects of the late 
Captain Watson; the Court unanimously acquit him with 
honour. The General approves the sentence, and orders 
Lieutenant Miller to be immediately discharged from his 
arrest. 


Firtu Sertes.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


42 


658 


Head-Quarters, July 29, 1776. 
(Parole, Rhode~Island.) (Countersign, Newport.) 

Captain Young, of Colonel Bedel’s Regiment, tried at a 
late General Court-Martial, “ for deserting his post, at sS¢. 
Anw’s, on the Island of Montreal:” The Court, after con- 
sidering the evidence in the case, adjudge that Captain 
Young is not guilty of the charge, and do acquit him from 
his arrest. . 

Captain Newland, tried at a late General Court-Martial, of 
which Colonel Poor was President, for damning and other- 
wise abusing Colonel Stark: The Court are of opinion, 
upon examination of the evidences, that the charge Is fully 
supported, but judge, at the same time, that the satisfaction 
offered Colonel Stark at the time of the abuse was sufficient, 
and therefore acquit Captain Newland from his arrest. 

The General approves both the above sentences, and 
orders that Captain Young and Captain Newland be imme- 
diately discharged from their confinement. 

Ensign Steel, of Captain Austin’s Company, and Colonel 
Burrell’s Regiment, tried at a late General Court-Martial, 
whereof Colonel Greaton was President, for leaving the Army 
and going on to Crown-Point with a batteau and men, 
contrary to orders; the prisoner pleads guilty: The Court 
therefore adjudge Ensign Steel to be cashiered and dismissed 
the service. The General approves the sentence, and orders 
it to take place immediately. 


GENERAL GATES TO RICHARD VARICK. 
Tyonderoga, July 29, 1776. 
Sir: I send you, under the care of the bearer, the chain 
requested by General Schuyler’s letter to me of the 25th 
instant, and have enclosed Colonel Baldwin’s (the Chief- 
Engineer’s) invoice of the pieces and links that the whole 
consists of. It will be all in the boats, on the other side of 
the camping-place, this evening, and will not, I hope, be 
delayed in its passage to you. [ must desire you to assist 
the bearer in getting it forward to Poughkeepsie, as the 
Committee seems so anxious to have it there. 
Lam, sir, &c. Horatio Gates. 


To Captain Richard Varick. 


JOHN DEWITT TO GENERAL GATES. 
Ticonderoga, July 29, 1776. 


Honovrep Sir: I make bold to return your Honour my 
most grateful thanks for your goodness in granting mea 
Court of Inquiry. 

Captain Romans, in his return of the company to the 
Brigade-Major, the 26th instant, bas entirely left me out. I 
inquired of the Conductor, who draws the return, the reason 
of the omission; who told me he had positive orders from 
Captain Romans so to do. ‘This I thought my duty to in- 
form your Honour of. 

Although a stranger to your Honour, t flatter myself were 
you to know the man I had to deal with, you would not 
disapprove my conduct. He has neither honour, honesty, 
nor true valour in him. 

If I am to receive no further satisfaction for the injury 
done me, I would most ardently request your Honour’s leave 
to resign and quit the service; and that your Honour will 
order me to be paid off and give me a pass for that purpose. 

I assure your Honour I sacrificed everything that was 
pleasing to me for the sake of serving my country, and now 
would cheerfully undergo the greatest hardships for sake of 
the same, were I to be used with common decency. 

All which is most humbly submitted to your Honour by 
him, who, with the greatest respect, begs leave to subscribe 
himself, honoured sir, your Honour’s most obedient, humble 
servant, 


To Major-General Gates. 


Joun Dewitt. 


COMMITTEE OF POULTENEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Poulteney, July 29, 1776. 
To His Excellency General Gates: 

We understand that several of the frontier towns have 
applied to the Continental store for powder and lead; we, 
being one of the frontier towns, do now apply to his Honour, 
by Lieutenant Joszah Grant, for fifty weight of powder and 
one hundred and fifty weight of lead, fora town stock. We 


659 


are upwards of fifty, able to bear arms when called for. 
We are for liberty in general, and don’t know that there is 
one dam’d ‘Tory in this town. Your compliance will much 
oblige us, the Committee of Safety. 
This from us, true Sons of Liberty, 
Nenemian How, 
Witxiam Warp, 
Heser ALLEN, 


Committee of Safety. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM TICONDEROGA, DATED JULY 
29, 1776. 


We are hard at work every day repairing the old French 
lines, that have once already been very fatal to the Bratesh 
Army; and if they will but let us alone for two weeks, I 
think they will meet with as warm a reception here as ever 
they did. We have a General that is at once the soldier 
and the gentleman, and a parcel of men that are determined 
to defend this place; so that let the enemy come when they 
will, they will get what they little expect. 


GOVERNOUR COOKE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Providence, July 29, 1776. 

Sir: I have the honour to acquaint your Excellency that 
last evening Captain Bucklin, in a privateer from this place, 
returned from a successful cruise, in which he took five valu- 
able prizes, bound from the British Islands in the West- 
Indies to Great Britain. He informs me that on the 25th 
instant, in latitude 40° 20', S.S.E. from Nantucket Shoals, 
upon the clearing up of a fog, he found himself in the midst 
of twenty-six sail of ships, two of which appeared very large, 
and were all standing about west. He also tells me that on 
the 27th of June, in latitude 35°, longitude 52°, he spoke 
with the ship Morris in the Continental service, Captain 
Thomas Bell, from Havre-de-Grace for Philadelphia, with 
a lading of duck, powder, lead, &c. Captain Bell informed 
him that the Portuguese had seized all the American vessels 
in their ports. 

A prize which arrived here this day, on Thursday last 
spoke with two schooners from the eastward, bound on a 
cruise, who, the day before, had taken a large ship laden 
with provisions for the enemy’s Army at New-York. 

Lam, with great esteem and respect, sir, your Excellency’s 
most obedient and most humble servant, 

Nicus. Cooke. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


Newport, July 29, 1776. 

The Jamaica ship lately taken by the brig Andrew Doria, 
Captain Biddle, was last Friday chased ashore near Watch- 
Hill, by the Cerberus, Captain Symons, who had almost 
got within gunshot of her, but being afraid to risk his ship 
any nearer, was obliged to stand off again and leave her. 
The prize, we hear, is a little bilged, but by the assistance 
of the Cabot and Connecticut brig, and a number of small 
craft, the cargo is likely to be nearly all saved, and it is 
thought the vessel may be got off. 

Yesterday the privateer Montgomery, Captain Bucklin, 
of Providence, went in at the east side of this Island, and 
carried with him a fine large snow, Captain Gooding, from 
Antigua, loaded with three hundred hogsheads of sugar, and 
one hundred hogsheads of rum. And we hear Captain 
Bucklin, in company with another privateer, has taken five 
other considerable prizes, viz: three ships, one snow, and 
one brig, which were but about one day’s sail behind him, 
two of which, with the other privateer, were to make some 
port to the eastward. 

Last Saturday night, as the Cerberus was lying about 
three miles from Block-Island, Frank Gould, a mustee Jad, 
of this place, swam from the ship to the Island, where he 
got a cedar boat with two sails, in which he came off, alone 
and naked, and landed at the fort on Brenton’s Point yester- 
day in the afternoon. He is one of the hands Captain 
Biddle put on board one of the Scotch transports some time 
past, and which was retaken by the Cerberus, and again 
taken by a New-York privateer. He says Mr. James Jo- 
stah, Captain Biddle’s former Lieutenant, who was prize- 
master on board the transport, is treated very ill on board 
the Cerberus, as are some others, for refusing to act against 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


660 


their country; that there are about forty Americans on board 
said ship, her whole number of men being now about one 
hundred and sixty; she has taken on this station eighteen 
vessels, mostly small sloops and schooners, sixteen of which 
have been burnt; and that about a week ago they spoke 
with seven sail of transports, with Scotch troops on board, 
bound to New-York, who had been in Boston Bay. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL GATES. 
Lebanon, July 29, 1776. 

Sir: I have not received any of your letters. On the 
return of Major Ely, I am informed of the care taken to 
prevent the spread of the infection of the small-pox, which 
I hope will succeed. 

From other intelligence I am become acquainted with the 
wretched condition of the Army retreated from Canada, 
where you were to have commanded them. I wrote fully 
to Congress by last post, which goes from Hartford this 
day, what I had heard concerning that Army, ‘their sick, 
ragged, and dirty condition; that they were in want of 
clothing, shirts, trowsers, stockings, and shoes; that there 
would be some quantities sent from hence soon; and next, 
subordination and harmony are to be restored. 'To do this, 
the officer that effects it, will meet with great trouble, and 
when done, will expect to reap the honours of it. I have 
mentioned to them, that to prevent uneasiness and jealousies 
between the Generals who were to have had the command 
in Canada and in New-York, why is it not best, and even 
just, that each command the same body of men as expected, 
without respect to the place where? General Schuyler will 
have full employment at Albany, and below on the river, and 
at Tryon County, &c.; while General Gates commands the 
same Army at Ticonderoga, &c., which it is expected he 
would have had in Canada. The good of the general ser- 
vice is the great object. Doth not a regard to what will 
keep up harmony and prevent jealousies, come within it?” 
I wish fo cast in my mite for that end. 

General Schuyler wrote to me to send a number, not 
exceeding one thousand, felling axes to Albany, for the use 
of the Army. On advice, I have sent them the same route 
the soldiers march, by Bennington, and so on to Skenesbo- 
rough, that the same may be in use sooner than they would 
be if sent by Albany. 1 have written to Brigadier-General 
Waterbury, or in his absence, to Colonel Sw2ft, to see them 
properly delivered, and receipts given for them. ‘The ac- 
counts of numbers, &c., come with each parcel. 

I wish for direction, when clothing is forwarded, which 
way it is best to send it, and to whose care, as I know not 
your Quartermaster, or the proper channel in which it is to 
pass. 

Since Major Ely’s report, I have reason to hope our two 
battalions—Colonel Swift’s and Colonel Mott’s—will soon 
fill and come on. ‘The former, I conclude, is got to Skenes- 
borough ; the latter, one company marched last Thursday ; 
the rest will march to-morrow. I learn about seventy men 
in a company; leaving subalterns to recruit, which I trust 
will fill soon. 

I am, with great regard and esteem, sir, your obedient, 


humble servant, 
Jontu. TRUMBULL. 


To the Hon. Major General Gates. 


P.S. August 1, 1776.—Srr: This serves to confirm the 
foregoing, sent by. Mr. Hyde, the wagoner, and to inform 
that there is fresh intelligence of four thousand Hessians 
near on our coast. 


I am, ut supra, Jontu. TRUMBULL. 


STEPHEN BUCKLAND TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Hartford, July 29, 1776. 


May ir PLease your Honour: On the 14th of the 
current month, I left Crown-Point, where Captain John 
Bigelow’s company, of the Train of Artillery, then was, 
consisting of about thirty-six privates, which was much less 
than any other company of the Train in the Northern De- 
partment; and it has been proposed by General Arnold to 
augment that company to the number of sixty, by new 
recruits, if possible; and as L was Captain-Lieutenant of the 
company, and about to come home for the purpose of regain- 
ing my health, which had been much impaired, I was 


661 


directed by General Arnold to call, in my way, upon Gene- 
ral Schuyler, who was then supposed to be at Albany, and 
request his orders and directions how, and in what manner, 
to effect the inlisting a number of recruits, sufficient to fill 
the company; but when I arrived at Albany, I found Gene- 
ral Schuyler was absent, on a journey to the German-Flats ; 
so have obtained neither orders nor directions in the matter. 
Would therefore beg the favour of your Honour’s advice and 
direction with respect to the same. 
I am, your Honour’s most obedient, humble servant, 
SrerpHEeN Bucxianp. 


To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq. 


Hartford, July 29, 1776. 

The following is a true state of the situation of the North- 
ern Army, with respect to the small-pox, given by a gen- 
tleman sent by the Governour and Council of this Colony 
to make inquiry into the state of said Army, viz: 

“All infected with said disorder are removed to Fort 
George. The main body of the Army are at Ticonderoga, 
at which place a stand is to be made. The greatest care 
js taken to prevent the further spreading of that fatal dis- 
order, as the Generals have taken every precaution necessary, 
and have left no infected person with the main body, which, 
together with the stations assigned for the two battalions 
now raised in this Colony for the Northern Army, viz: at 
Skenesborough and the east side of Ticonderoga, will 

effectually render the campaign safe as to the above dis- 
order.” 


N. B. The health of the Army is much recruiting. Pro- 


visions are now plenty, both fresh and salt. 


JAMES BOWDOIN TO GOVERNOUR COOKE, 
Boston, July 29, 1776. 
Sm: I had the honour of your letter per the post, 
enclosing Lord Howe’s Circular Letter and Declaration to 
this Government, together with a copy of your answer toa 
like letter from his Lordship. I shall immediately transmit 
them to the Council at Watertown. Your answer to Lord 
Howe expresses the mind, I believe, of every one of the 
United States. I amtsure it does of this. If he has no 
further powers than appears by these papers, he is probably, 
before this time, convinced that his commission is very inade- 
quate to the effecting the business he proposes to have come 
upon—the reéstablishment of peace between these States 
and Great Britain. 
I have the honour to be, with most perfect regard, your 
Honour’s most obedient and humble servant, 
James Bowporn. 


To the Hon. Nicholas Cooke, Esq., Governour of Rhode- 
Island, at Providence. 


JAMES BOWDOIN TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 

Boston, July 29, 1776, 1 o’clock, P. M. 

Sir: The enclosed declaration is this moment sent to me 
by the Sheriff, which I thought necessary to be communi- 
cated to your Excellency. 

The ship Peggy, mentioned in it, was taken by two of the 
Continental cruisers, and sent into Marblehead. The pas- 
sengers on board, who fled from Boston last March, came to 
town this morning, and are now in jail here, who, I understand, 
have been, or will be, examined by General Ward. It is 
probable you will have, by this post, the result of that 
examination ; but if you should not, the enclosed may give 
you some necessary information. 

I cannot be more particular, as the post is just setting out. 
I have the honour to be, with the most perfect regard, sir, 
your Excellency’s most obedient servant, 

James Bowporn. 
To His Excellency General Washington. 


Examination of Captain James Kennepy, Master of the 
Ship Peaey, taken by two Privateers. 
Boston Jail, July 29, 1776. 

I, James Kennedy, Master of the ship Peggy, in the 
merchant service, declare that I Jeft Halifax about the first 
instant, under convoy of the Renown, of fifty guns, with a 

* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


662 


fleet of sixteen transports, containing the Forty-Second and 
Seventy-First Scotch Regiments, and Frazer's new-raised 
regiment, about three thousand in all, and three large ships 
with Hessian troops on board, about six hundred in all, and 
one ship with five companies of English Foot-Guards, and 
four victualling ships—the whole fleet bound for New-York. 
Off Nantucket-Shoals, we fell in with the Flora frigate, of 
thirty guns, and four transports, with Highland troops. These 
had been in Boston-Bay, where they got information from a 
fisherman that the town was evacuated, on which they stood 
for Halifax, until they met with us. They then joined our 
fleet for New-York. The Scotch troops were all to be of 
Colonel Campbell’s division of the grand Army in America, 
the whole of which Army, I was informed, would, by the 
last of July, amount to fifty thousand. The Hessian troops 
left England about the 12th of May. Some of the officers 
informed me that they came out with three hundred and 
four sail, under the command of Commodore Hotham, on 
board of which were ten thousand foreign troops, and some 
English troops, number unknown. Last Friday night, in 
a gale of wind and thick weather, I lost the fleet, and on 
Monday, I fell in with two armed schooners, Captains 
Skinner and Tucker, to whom I surrendered, after a short 
engagement, in which I had only one man wounded. The 
day after the fleet left Halifax I saw from my deck forty 
sail of ships standing in for that harbour, and which I sup- 
pose to be part of the fleet under Commodore Hotham. 


GENERAL WARD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 

Boston, July 29, 1776. 

Sir: Yesterday the armed schooners Franklin and Han- 
cock, commanded by Captains Skinner and Tucker, sent 
into Marblehead a ship from Halifax, bound to New-York, 
with refugee Tories and Tory goods on board. ‘The invoices 
which Mr. Glover, the agent, sent me, I have enclosed. The 
same day Captain Burk, in the armed schooner Lee, came 
into Marblehead to refit, having a few days since engaged a 
ship and a schooner, (supposed to be transports,) and was 
likely to have taken them both, but, by some unhappy acci- 
dent, a quantity of powder took fire and blew up part of his 
quarter-deck, killed two men and wounded several more, by 
which accident he was obliged to leave the vessels he had 
engaged, and come into port to refit. 

All the articles your Excellency wrote for which I could 
procure of the Agents, I have forwarded to Norwich. In- 
voices of them, which I received from Mr. Bradford and 
Mr. Glover, are enclosed. Mr. Glover informs me he let 
Colonel Glover have the arms taken in the ship Anne, for 
the use of his regiment; and he being at New-York can 
give an account of them. 

Mr. Bradford informs me he has a prospect of collecting 
the most of the arms he parted with, which, if he accom- 
plishes, I will have them forwarded immediately. 

The agent for the Connecticut brig Defence, which assisted 
in taking three of the Scotch ships, protested against sending 
the articles written for until the decision of the Court of Ad- 
miralty was obtained and a division made; but I thought, in 
the present circumstances, I should be justified in ordering 
them to be immediately forwarded. 

I am your Excellency’s obedient, humble servant, 

Artemas Warp. 


To General Washington. 


P.S. I have enclosed a Halifax newspaper, which was 
found on board the prize. 
Boston, July 29, 1776. 

Yesterday was carried into Marblehead, taken by the 
privateers Hancock, Captain Tucker, and the Franklin, Cap- 
tain Skinner, the ship Peggy, commanded by James Kennedy, 
mounts six three and two two-pounders, bound from Halifax 
for New-York. She is one of the fleet of twenty-four sail 
which came out with transports, under convoy of two men-of- 
war, the Renown of fifty and the Flora of twenty guns, 
having on board a number of troops. ‘The cargo consists of 
seventy-five dozen hose, one hundred and eighty yards of 
Trish sheeting, two boxes cord, seventy-four dozen porter, 
eighty-three dozen strong beer, three hundred and eleven 
tierces salted beef, six barrels herring, twenty-four camp- 
kettles, five dozen canteens, two dozen kettles with covers, 


665 


candlesticks and spoons, two thousand six hundred and 
forty-eight mutton hams, forty dozen rappee snuff, one hun- 
dred gallons of rum, three thousand eight hundred and 
eighty-four yards osnaburghs, twelve dozen claret, four barrels 
flour, two kegs barley, two hundred and thirty dozen red 
port wine, fifty dozen sherry, fifty-three dozen white port 
wine, sixteen dozen strong white beer, amounting to £1,509 
1s. 9d. sterling, and some cash. Also the following ‘Tory 
gentlemen and ladies, viz: Patrick Reed, Thomas Frazier, 
Robert Semple and wife, Elizabeth Burns, John Burns, 
Abigail Pecit, Thomas Semple, and the pious Benjamin 
Davis, and son Benjamin Davis, Thomas Pamp, and John 
Witehead. 

The privateer Warren, Captain Burk, engaged with an- 
other of the fleet, and was near taking her, when, by some 
accident, she had three of her men blown up and seven 
wounded, which obliged them to put into port. 

Tuesday, 2d of July, put into Halifax a transport-ship, 
having on board a number of the Hessian troops. 

The above Tories were brought to town in a Marblehead 
schooner early this morning, and escorted up to jail. They 
say they left Halifax near a month ago; that three transports, 
with Hesstan troops, sailed in company with them, bound to 
New-York, and that the day they lelt Halifax they saw a 
fleet of forty sail, which they supposed to be transports with 
Hessian troops. 


GENERAL WARNER TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
State of Massachusetts-Bay, July 29, 1776. 


May rr PLEASE your Honours: I have been directed by 
Major-General Warren to muster the Militia in my brigade, 
and draught from them every twenty-fifth man, agreeable to 
orders issued by your Honours; whereupon I immediately 
ordered the several Colonels under my command to make 
such draught in their respective regiments, and meet me, 
together with all the other Field-Officers, at Worcester, with 
the number and names of the men thus draughted, for the 
purpose of forming them into companies, and choosing 
Captains and subaltern officers, agreeable to your Honours’ 
divection ; who met me accordingly. And the amount of all 
the returns from the several regiments is two hundred and 
sixty-four men, which js sufficient to form three companies ; 
and accordingly the Iield-Officers proceeded, and chose for 
Captain Ezekiel Knowlton, First Lieutenant Barrister Wil- 
liam Tafts, Second Lieutenant Ensign David Mc Clalland, 
for one Company; and Benjamin Richardson Captain, Samuel 
Baldwin First Lieutenant, Robert Kelly Second Lieutenant, 
and Jonathan Mason Ensign for another; Manasseh Sawyer 
Captain, Moses Harrington First Lieutenant, Samuel Sawin 
Second Lieutenant, and Jostah Carter Ensign. But the said 
Field-Officers, on finding that your Honours had so far super- 
seded their command in the Militia as to appoint others not 
now in actual commission to take the field command of their 
men thus draughted when they arrive at Dorchester Heights, 
unanimously agreed to hold the names of the men thus 
draughted in their own hands, until a proportionable part of 
the men from among themselves should be called upon to 
take such field command. ‘They say it seldom or never 
was known that there was a detachment from any army, 
brigade, or regiment, without a proper proportion of officers 
out of them tocommand the same. ‘They conceive that the 
Militia Act knows no new creation of officers for any such 
detachment of Militia. 

I am, your Honours’ humble servant, 

t Jona. Warner, 
To the Honourable Council. 

In Committee oF CounciL, July 31,1776: Read, and ordered that the 

within Officers be commissioned agreeable to their respective ranks. 
Joun Avery, Deputy Secretary. 


RICHARD DERBY TO JAMES BOWDOIN. 
Salem, July 29, 1776—eight o’clock, Evening. 
Srr: I sent the Captain of the Colony brig Massachusetts 
to Boston, to endeavour to purchase twelve pieces of their 
duck for making small sails for said vessel, and he informs 
me that he very luckily met with that quantity on board the 
French vessel lately arrived there, and which the Commis- 
sary-General has purchased, and only waits to see orders 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


664 


from the Board to deliver it. The bearer of this waits on you 
for that purpose ; and as thé duck is much wanted, I hope he 
will not be detained. 

A master of a vessel of mine, who had been taken and 
carried to Halifax, is just arrived from thence, which place 
he left about fifteen days ago. He informs that thirty sail of 
transports, with the Hessians, had arrived there and sailed 
again for New-York; and as he came out he saw another 
considerable number of ships, which he supposes were the 
remainder of the fleet, which, they told him, consisted in the 
whole of seventy sail. He was on board the man-of-war at 
the time when the Yankee-Hero was taken: one man only 
was wounded. He was also on board, and in Nantasket, 
when the boats attacked Captain Mugford: they went in 
five boats; the Admiral’s Lieutenant was killed, and seven 
men, and nine wounded. The people in Nova-Scotia in 
general wish well to our cause, &c., &c. 

I find great difficulty with Obrian’s crew, and am ap- 
prehensive I shall not be able to prevail on them to go to 
sea; they want their wages, which I shall not give them, 
and without them I think they will not go. His other mat- 
ters I could have delivered him this day; but until matters are 
made easy with the crew, it is not worth while to expend 
anything on the vessel. 

The Court of Captures sits here on the morrow, when the 
justice of the capture of some vessels are to be tried in which 
the Colony is concerned. I think it best I should attend, 
and therefore shall not be at Council till Friday morning, 
when I hope to attend. In the mean time 1 am your 
Honours’ most obedient servant, 

Ricuarp Dersy, Jun. 


To the Hon. the President of the Council in Watertown. 


MARITIME COURT FOR CAPTURED VESSELS. 


Massacuusetts-Bay, Middle District, ss: 

To all whom it may concern: Notice is hereby given, that 
the Maritime Court for the Middle District of the Massa- 
chusetts-Bay will be held at the Court-House in Salem, on 
Monday, the 19th day of August, 1776, at the hour of ten 
in the forenoon, to try the justice of the capture of the ship 
named the Queen of England, of about two hundred tons 
burden, (lately commanded by Jangs Arnot,) and of her 
cargo and appurtenances ; against which a libel is filed before 
me (the said ship having been taken and brought into the 
Middle District aforesaid) by Caleb Hopkins, commander 
of the armed ship called the George, in behalf of the Offi- 
cers, Mariners, and Marines on board the same ship, the 
owner or hirers thereof, and of himself. Aud the owners of 
the said ship Queen of England, or any persons concerned, 
may appear and show cause, if any they have, why the 
same ship and her cargo and appurtenances should not be 
condemned. 

Timorny Picxerine, Judge of said Court. 


Colony of the Massacuusetts-Bay, Lincoty, ss: 

Libels are filed before me against the sloop Nancy, burden 
about eighty tons, commanded by Peleg Crooker; against 
the sloop Betsey, burden about eighty tons, commanded by 
Jonathan Blodget; against the sloop Endeavour, burden 
about thirty tons, commanded by James Tattersall; against 
the sloop Beaver, burden about seventy tons, commanded 
by Nathan Phillips; and against the schooner Dolphin, 
burden about fifty tons, commanded by Jonathan Carleton ; 
which vessels are said to be improved in carrying supplies to 
the Fleet and Army employed against the United Colonies, 
and taken and brought into the Counties of Cumberland and 
Lincoln; and the Court erected to try and condemn all 
vessels that shall be found infesting the sea-coast of America, 
and brought into either of the Counties of York, Cumber- 
land, or Lincoln, will be held at the Meeting-House ‘in the 
East Precinct of Pownalborough, on Tuesday, the third day 
of September, 1776, at the hour of ten in the forenoon, to 
try the justice of said captures; of which this notice is given 
pursuant to the laws of this Colony, that all persons claim- 
ing in said vessels or cargoes, or are any way concerned 
therein, may appear and show cause (if any they have) why 
the said vessels, or either of them, with their appurtenances 
and cargoes should not be condemned, 

Timoruy Lanepon, Judge of said Court. 


665 


TURBUTT WRIGHT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
In Committee of Observation, July 30, 1776. 

GentLemen: We take the liberty to inform you that 
Captain Dean's company are armed, and have marched 
to Kent Island agreeable to their orders; and that Captain 
Darnes’s company is full, but we are clearly of opinion that 
arms cannot be got for them in this County. We believe 
between twenty and thirty firelocks may be had on Kent 
Island, on loan, for the defence of any part of this County, 
but the people will not part with them to go out of the 
County; and, indeed, these are the terms upon which the chief 
of the arms lent to Captain Dean’s company have been pro- 
cured. We thought it necessary to give you this information 
relative to Captain Darnes’s company, that you may take 
such steps as may be in your power to furnish them with 
arms. 

Captain Darnes is in a very disagreeable situation with 
his men, who are continually complaining to him of the want 
of employment, and of the necessity they have been under 
of boarding themselves out until they receive orders to 
march. 

By order of the Committee. I am your obedient servant, 

Tursutr Wricut, Chairman. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


GENERAL HOOPER TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Head-Quarters at Cambridge, July 30, 1776. 


HonouraBe Sirs: Since my last I have received from 
Major Fallen, who is stationed at Hooper’s Straits, an ac- 
count of the guard there under his command having taken 
a small schooner belonging to the enemy, in a creek making 
out of Holland’s Straits: Major Fallen having received 
intelligence of the schooner being in the creek, sent a detach- 
ment of thirty men, who took her and the cargo, consisting 
of a hogshead and a half of rum, thirty barrels of salt, the 
sails and rigging of a sloop, a large quantity of old iron, a 
few guns, swords, and cartridge boxes. The schooner had 
four men, three of whom were just out of the small-pox, and 
are now sent you by the Committee of this County, to be dealt 
with in such manner as your Board may judge proper. 

I informed you a few days since of the draughts I had 
ordered to be made out of the several battalions in my bri- 
gade, which I have since ordered to be stationed at the fol- 
lowing places: Colonel Richardson, with one hundred and 
twenty-five privates of his battalion, at this place; ninety 
privates of Colonel Fddiman’s battalion, together with thirty 
privates of Colonel Ennall’s battalion, at Cooke’s Point, 
under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Stainton; Cap- 
tains Robson and Stephen Woolford, with fifteen privates 
each, at Taylor's and James’s Islands ; Captain Keene, with 
a party of filteen privates, at Meekin’s Neck; Captain Tra- 
vers, witha party of fifteen privates, at Hooper’s Island; Cap- 
tain Wheatley, with a party of fifteen privates, on Ascom’s 
Island; Lieutenant-Colonel John Ennalls, with a party of 
forty-five privates, at Hungar River; Colonel Murray with 
a party of one bundred and thirty privates of his battalion, 
and Major Fallen with thirty privates of Travers’s corps, at 
Hooper's Straits. The draughts from Colonel Dashiell’s 
and Colonel Hayward’s battalions, consisting of two hundred 
and seventy privates, are stationed at Nanticoke-Point, 
Dammed Quarter, and Animessex. 

The Colonels of the several battalions in Somerset and 
Worcester Counties having consulted together, were of opi- 
nion that the Militia of Somerset County would at present be 
sufficient for the defence of that County, and requested per- 
mission for the Worcester Militia, who had marched to Prin- 
cess Anne, to return home; which I have granted them, upon 
the assurance of the officers that they will hold their men in 
readiness to march on the shortest notice, if occasion should 
require it. I cannot, in justice to the brigade, omit to inform 
your Board of the alacrity with which the officers and privates 
have stepped forth on this occasion. We have scarcely in a 
single instance been obliged to draught to make up our num- 
bers, and in several companies there has been no small con- 
tention for the privilege of being permitted to march; and 
indeed the spirit and alacrity shown by the whole brigade 
has been such as does them great honour, and has given me 
great pleasure. Yo induce the privates to enter cheerfully 
into the service, I ordered the Colonels to direct a Captain, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


666 


Ensign, Sergeant, and two Corporals, to march with the 
draughts of each company; and though the number of offi- 
cers was greater than I deemed necessary, yet I incline to 
think the men would not have marched with the same 
alacrity had they not been accompanied by their Captains. 
After the troops had arrived at their several places of ren- 
dezvous, I discharged the supernumerary officers in every 
instance when I could do it without breeding great discon- 
tent among the troops, both officers and privates being in 
general averse to the measure. 

I have further to inform your Board, that I have taken 
such steps as will put it in the power of every officer and 
private now on duty to attend and give their votes at the 
ensuing elections without leaving our coast exposed to the 
attacks of the enemy, which it is not at all improbable they 
will make, under an idea that our people are taken off to 
attend the elections. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, your most 


obedient servant, Lia tiecees 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, President of 
the Council of Safety. 


JOSEPH W. HARRISON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Port-Tobacco, July 30, 1776. 
Genttemen: I have the happiness to inform you that 
the Molly, Captain Thomas Conway, is once more safely 
arrived in Great Wicomico, Virginia, with a fine cargo of 
arms and ammunition. ‘The enclosed papers will furnish 
you with particulars. Captain Conway will remain at Port- 
Tobacco till the ex press returns, waiting for your orders. M 
brother adventured in this vessel to the amount of £211 7s. 
6s., Maryland currency. He writes the customary freight 
is ten percent. If so, the amount shall be remitted by the 
first safe conveyance. ‘The goods consist of twenty bolts of 
osnaburgh, nine barrels of powder, and seven small swords. 
I am, very respectfully, gentlemen, your most obedient, 


humble servant 
4 Jos. W. Harrison. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 
N. B. Captain Conway had a passage of fourteen days. 


GERRARD HOPKINS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, July 30, 1776. 

Sir: I received yours of the 27th instant, wherein you 
enclosed me an order on the Treasurer for £50, which Il am 
much obliged to you for. 

You desire me to inform you whether I have the knap- 
sacks and haversacks made in one. When Colonel Ware 
requested me to have the five hundred made, he desired I 
would have haversacks made, and did not mention knap- 
sacks. I also showed him a pattern before they were made. 
Colonel Ewing’s are made without knapsacks also. I think 
they cannot cost altogether, finished off, more than 3s. apiece. 
They are made out of cruder out of the magazine. I have 
advanced myself, as the women were in want of cash, as far 
as 9d. apiece; which, 1 make no doubt, is within bounds. 
They think, as they found thread, they ought to be allowed 
1s. apiece. I shall pay all attention to what you say in 
regard to the delivery of the stores. You desire to know 

I can inform you I have not yet 
received any, but make no doubt but that I shall receive it 
soon. 

I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Gerrarp Hopxins, son of Rd. 


To Gabriel Duvall, Esq., Annapolis. 
P. S. Ihave received the linen sent by Alexander Brown, 


and delivered it to Mr. Johnson, who will make the tents as 
soon as possible. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COL. HOLLINGSWORTH. 
[No. 91.] Annapolis, July 30, 1776. 


Str: We should be obliged to you, if you would inform 
us by letter how soon you can comply with the enclosed 


resolve. 
We are, &c. 


To Colonel Henry Hollingsworth. 


667 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO ARCHIBALD BUCHANAN. 
[No. 92.] Annapolis, July 30, 1776. 

Sir: Enclosed you have a copy of the agreement made 
between the Council of Safety and Messrs. Galloway and 
Stewart. 

Two galleys are not yet contracted for; and as a favour- 
able representation has been made of the skill and diligence 
of the workmen in your yard, and we place great confidence 
in you, if you can contract to build them by the 15th day 
of November next at farthest, and will enter into a similar 
engagement with the enclosed, we are inclined to give you 
a preference. ; 

You are desired to attend the Council, to enter into a 
contract and receive a draught of the row-galleys, as soon as 
possible. Weare, &c, 


To Mr. Archibald Buchanan. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JACOB SCHLEY. 

[No. 93.] Annapolis, July 30, 1776. 

Sir: The publick service requires that you should send 
to this place, with all the expedition you can, the rifles by 
you made for the use of the Province; also, the ten large 
rifles contracted by you to be made and delivered on the 
first day of August next. We therefore earnestly request 
you will comply with your engagements ; and are yours, Xc. 


To Mr. Jacob Schley. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GUN-LOCK COMMISSIONERS. 
[No. 94.] Annapolis, July 30, 1776. 


GenTLEMEN: As a considerable time has elapsed since 
your erecting your gun-lock manufactory, we are in great 
hopes you have made a number for the use of this Province. 
The Province is in great distress for arms. Few of the 
troops raised for the F'lying-Camp are supplied with them, 
and the Militia will not lend theirs. ‘There is an absolute 
necessity, therefore, that you immediately send down what 
locks you have. We expect fire-locks from John Yost. 
They may come from thence, if you continue them there. 
We desire also to know how many locks you make per 
week. We have barrels enough here and in Kent for the 
locks you can make. We are, &c. 


To the Commissioners of Gun-Lock Manufactory. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO MAJOR PRICE. 
[No. 95.] Annapolis, July 30, 1776. 

Sir: We have given orders to Captain Mantz to march 
down to St. Mary’s, to take the place of Captain John Allen 
Thomas’s company, until further orders. You will be pleased 
to station him in such manner as may be most for the publick 
service. And we request that Captain Thomas’s company 
may immediately march to the northward, according to the 
order of Convention. 

The cannon that were sent down, will be wanted here. 
Should the men-of-war be gone off, which we expect either 
is or soon will be the case, we request you would order the 
cannon to the mouth of the Patuxent, and let them be 
‘brought up here by water, if the passage appear safe, other- 
wise you are to order them up by land. 

Nothing new from New-York, only that the Highlanders 
not taken by our eruisers, are arrived. 

When all is quiet below, we expect to have the pleasure 
of seeing you here. And are yours, &c. 


‘To Major Thomas Price. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GENERAL CHAMBERLAIN. 
[No. 96.] Annapolis, July 30, 1776. 

Sir: We shall esteem it a particular favour if you will 
have an examination made of the powder in your magazine, 
and give us an account as well of the number of barrels of 
cannon as musket; and when we receive the account, we 
shall take care to make such regulation as will leave a suffi- 
cient quantity of each kind to answer every purpose. 

You must continue your Militia guards over the powder 
until the place of Captain Hindman’s company is supplied 
by a Flying-Camp company. When they will be raised, 
armed and equipped for that or any other purpose, you can 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


668 


ascertain full as well, if not better, than we can. As to the 
number of men requisite for a guard, you must certainly be 
a more competent judge than we are. We are, &c. 


To Brigadier-General Chamberlain. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAINS BARNES AND 
ELLIOTT. 

[No. 97.] Annapolis, July 30, 1776. 
GentLemen: You are requested to furnish Captain Dean 

with as much ammunition and flints as will be necessary for 

his company, while it continues upon that Island, out of the 

powder, lead and flints, delivered to you by the Council of 

Safety. We are, &c. 


‘To Captains Barnes and Elliott. 


’ 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO ISAAC GRIEST. 
[No. 98.] Annapolis, July 30, 1776. 
Sir: We received the several patterns of wooden bottles, 
alias kegs. We should be much obliged to you to bespeak 
two thousand of them, of the sort marked at 2s. 7d. We 
approve of it, and imagine you can engage a quantity much 
cheaper than a single one. We desire you will bespeak 
them immediately. We are, &c. 


To Mr. Isaac Griest. 


BALTIMORE COMMITTEE, 


Ata Meeting of the Committee, July 30, 1776: 

Present : William Lux, (Chairman,) J. Merryman, B. Griffith, J. T. 
Chase, W. Aisquith, J. Calhoun, J. Cockey, J. Boyd. 

A Plan of a Magazine was offered by Mr. Benjamin Grif- 
Jith, of forty feet long, twenty-six feet wide, divided in the 
middle, so as to make two rooms of thirty-two feet by six 
and a half wide, and sufficient to hold five hundred barrels 
of powder; which the Committee agrees to adopt, instead 
of the one exhibited the 18th instant, that being, on calcula- 
tion, too small. They accordingly agreed with Mr. John 
Cockey to furnish the scantling, at 13s. 6d. per hundred, 
delivered on the spot; the inch-plank at 8s., and the one- 
and-a-quarter-inch at 9s., also delivered on the spot. 

Ordered, 'That advertisements be put up, desiring any 
person willing to contract for the Carpenter’s work of the 
said building, to apply, on Wednesday next, the 7th August, 
to Mr. Benjamin Griffith, and leave their Proposals, in 
writing, with him. 

The Chairman is directed to answer the Letters from the 
honourable Council of Safety relative to building the said 
Magazine. 


The Chairman being informed by Mr. Robert Christie, 
Sheriff of this County, that he had reason to be apprehen- 
sive of violence being offered to him, the said Sheriff, on 
account of his not attending to read the Declaration of In- 
dependence on Monday last, agreeable to the desire of the 
Committee; and that from these apprehensions, he would 
be under the disagreeable necessity of retiring to the coun- 
try, and withdrawing himself from the publick service; 
whereupon, 

Resolved, That the Committee do declare their utter 
disapprobation of all threats and violence being offered to 
any persons whatever, as contrary to the Resolves of Con- 
gress, and the sense of the Convention of this Province; 
that they conceive themselves bound to protect (as far as is 
in their power) the Civil Officers in the discharge of their 
duty; that they do expect of, and call upon every good 
citizen and friend to his country to assist them in their 
endeavours to preserve the peace and good order of society, 
and to prevent all riots and tumults, and personal abuse or 
violence to individuals; that the good people of Baltimore, 
having hitherto been so respectfully attentive to the Resolves 
of this Committee on all occasions, they flatter themselves 
that due regard will be paid to this recommendation. 

Attest : Geo. Lux, Secretary. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 30, 1776. 
Sir: I do myself the pleasure to enclose, at this time, 
sundry resolves of Congress, relating principally to new 
appointments and promotions in the Army. 


669. 


The return of Colonet Elmore’s Regiment (which you will 
please to give orders to join you) I now transmit, together 
with blank commissions, to be filled up with the names of 
such officers as appear with their respective companies in 
the regiment. I shall deliver commissions agreeably to the 
enclosed resolves, as soon as possible, and order the gentle- 
men to repair to their respective departments. 

The regiment raised in Connecticut, under Colonel Ward, 
you will order wherever the service, in your judgment, shall 
require it. 

L have the honour to be, with sentiments of the highest 
esteem, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


P. S. I return you the letter from Mrs. French. Your 
favour of the 29th this moment came to hand. I shall send 
the blank commissions this evening, by Fessenden. Several 
resolutions are passed in consequence of your letters. I 
will send by Fessenden, and not longer detain the post. 
$500,000 will be on the way to you to-morrow; $60,000 
also to the Flying-Camp. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 30, 1776, 

Sir: Monsieur S¢. Martins having been recommended to 
Congress as a gentleman conversant with the Engineering 
branch, they have been pleased to appoint him in that 
department with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. I have 
delivered him his commission, and directed him to repair to 
you, at New-York, to receive orders, and you will employ 
him where you judge the service will be best promoted. 

I have the honour to be, with much esteem, sir, your 


very humble servant, Joun Hancock, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO CAPTAIN MORRIS. 
Philadelphia, July 30, 1776. 


Sir: In consequence of an application from General 
Mercer for six Lighthorse to be sent to him at the Flying- 
Camp in New-Jersey, as soon as possible, I am to request, 
by order of Congress, you will give the necessary orders to 
Mr. Randolph, and the party who are engaged with him in 
that service, to repair to the Flying-Camp immediately. 
You will please to lose no time in complying with this 
requisition. 

I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 
To Captain Samuel Morris, commanding the Lighthorse, 


Philadelphia. 


SAMUEL CHASE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Philadelphia, July 30, 1776. 

GentLemen: I this moment received the enclosed letter 
from Colonel Stricker, and send it to you for your orders to 
him. 

If you think proper to grant him the liberty of inlisting 
into the German battalion from the companies raised for the 
F lying-Camp, it might promote the service, as the former 
are inlisted for three years, and the latter only till December. 
I am sensible difficulties will occur. 

Arms and blankets are as necessary as men; but an 
account should be transmitted to your Board. Unless you 
give orders as to the quantity and mode of subsistence, I am 
afraid great extravagance will happen. No news from New- 
York, except that a sail, supposed part of Lord Howe’s 
fleet, arrived at the Hook the 27th. 

I am, gentlemen, with respect, your obedient servant, 

Samu. CHAse. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


THOMAS STONE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Philadelphia, July 30, 1776. 
GentLemen: We shall endeavour to procure the instru- 
ments desired by yours of the 25th; but they are not easily 
procured, the demand for the Continental Army being very 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


670 


great, and many of the cutlers of this city having gone to 
Jersey with the Militia. 

The powder and arms were sent some days ago to Anna- 
polis, which we hope will be attended with no inconvenience. 
We have not the least doubt but everything in your power 
will be done in the best manner for the publick service, and 
the preservation of every part of the United States. Mary- 
land, to be sure, must be a principal object of your attention ; 
and we hope, considering the spirit and alacrity which all 
ranks of men have shown, whenever occasion required their 
services, that our coast will be secure against the ravages of 
Dunmore and his rascally gang of Pirates. 

We have nothing lately from Ticonderoga. The enemy 
do not stir from Staten-Island. Eight ships arrived there a 
few days ago; but whether they brought men or not, we 
have not heard. General Washington has now a consider- 
able strength at New-York ; but there are only three thou- 
sand men in Jersey, where there ought to be at least ten 
thousand. Colonel Smallwood is at New-York. We have 
no doubt but the subsistence money will be readily paid, 
and we wish every necessary which can be had may be 
furnished the Militia before they march. Money will be 
advanced to them now if they need it. Hunting-shirts will 
be a convenient and good uniform, if they can be had. We 
shall at all times give you the earliest information of all im- 
portant occurrences, and shall with pleasure execute your 
commands. 

And have the honour to be, your most obedient servant, 

T. Srone. 
To the Hon. Council of Safety of Maryland. 


P.S. My brothers are engaged in other business, and the 
post is going, so that their signatures must be dispensed 


with. TSe 


MARINE COMMITTEE TO JOHN BRADFORD. 
Philadelphia, July 30, 1776. 

Sir: We take the liberty to enclose herein some despatches 
for Messrs. Samuel and J. H. Delap, merchants in Bordeaux, 
which you will please to deliver into Captain Cleveland’s 
own hands, with a strict charge to take the utmost care of 
them, and follow the orders also enclosed herein directed to 
him, which you will be pleased to deliver, and enjoin his 
punctual obedience, on which will depend his future employ- 
ment and advancement in the publick service. Mr. Morris 
informs us of the alacrity with which you have executed his 
commission in the purchase of the brigantine Despatch ; and 
anything further of this kind offers, this Committee will 
claim the liberty of troubling you again ; being very respect- 
fully, sir, your obedient servants. 


To John Bradford, Esq. 


MARINE COMMITTEE TO CAPTAIN CLEVELAND. 
Philadelphia, July 30, 1776. 

Sir: We have been regularly informed by John Brad- 
ford, Esq., of his purchasing, loading, and fitting the brigantine 
Despatch, in consequence of our orders; and we approve of 
his having appointed you to the command of that brigantine, 
in the Continental service, as he gives you an extremely good 
character, of which we hope and expect to find you very 
deserving. ‘The honourable Continental Congress, of which 
we are members, authorized us, as a Committee, to purchase 
the brigantine, and to order her on such voyage as would best 
answer certain purposes to the States of America. You will 
receive this by the hands of John Philip Merkle, Esq., and 
are to be governed by the following instructions during the 
present voyage, or until you receive others from Congress, 
or from this or some other Committee of Congress : 

Mr. Bradford will require bills of lading from you for the 
entire cargo on board the Despatch, consigned to the above- 
mentioned John Philip Merkle, Esq., (who is to go passenger 
in the brigantine,) at her discharging port in Europe. Such 
bills of lading you are to sign; receive Mr. Merkle on board ; 
assist him in providing sea-stores ; and then proceed with the 
utmost diligence to the.coast of France, avoiding most care- 
fully all vessels at sea, and put into the first convenient port 
you can make in that Kingdom, (Nantz or Bordeaux, per- 
haps, may be the safest,) and you must there deliver to Mr. 
Merkle any part of the cargo he may find it convenient to 
sell, or the whole if he chooses it. We enclose to Mr. 


671 


Bradford, by this conveyance, a packet directed for Messrs. 
Samuel and J. H. Delap, merchants in Bordeaux. Mr. 
Bradford will deliver that packet to you, and we require 
your utmost care of it. Should you have the misfortune to 
be taken, you must throw it overboard slung with a weight 
that will sink it, for on no account must this fall into the 
hands of our enemies. On the contrary, if you get safe into 
Bordeaux, deliver it yourself to Messrs. Samuel and J. H. 
Delap, merchants, there. If you go into any other port, 
forward it to them by post or special messenger, as you may 
be advised is safest and best. You must also advise these 
gentlemen what other ports or places Mr. Merkle intends to 
order you for, and for this purpose inquire of him, and desire 
them to write you a few lines telling you how to direct let- 
ters to Silas Deane, Esq., so that they will certainly fall 
into his hands. We expect Mr. Merkle will direct you to 
proceed from France to Amsterdam, and you must obey his 
orders, delivering to him the rest of the cargo at any port or 
ports he may desire. He is not to pay any freight; but will 
supply you with all things necessary for the brigantine, and 
money to pay charges. For all you receive in money, stores, 
outfit, &c., you will grant him proper receipts; and when you 
have discharged entirely the present cargo, you are to receive 
from him all such goods, merchandise, arms, and ammuni- 
tion, as he may think proper to ship, granting him bills of 
lading for what he puts on board. We also give you liberty 
to arm the brigantine in the most complete manner, with as 
many four-pounder cannon, swivels, blunderbusses, muskets, 
cutlasses, &c., as may be proper for sucha vessel. You may 
also ship as many good seamen as you can conveniently 
accommodate, obtaining them on the best terms in your 
power; lay in a suitable stock of provisions, a sufficient 
quantity of ammunition, &c.; the cost and charges of all 
which, Mr. Merkle will defray, taking your receipts. 
Whilst this business is transacting, you will write, imme- 
diately after your arrival at the port where it is to be done, 
to Messrs. Samuel and J. H. Delap, of Bordeaux, and also 
to Silas Deane, Esq., if you obtain from them in time his 
address. ‘Tell them how to direct letters to you, and when 


you expect to sail, and we expect you will receive back from 


them letters and packets for us. 
must be taken of them. 


If you do, the utmost care 
Don’t let them be seen by any 
person whatever. Sling them with a weight ready for sink- 
ing; and if taken, be sure to let them go overboard in time. 
But we hope you will have better fortune, and bring them 
safe. When your vessel is completely fitted, the cargo on 
board, and you have received your despatches from Mr. 
Merkle, you are then to put out to sea, and make the best 
of your way back to America. We think it best not to fix 
on any particular port for you to aim at; but leave you at 
liberty to push into the first safe harbour you can make in 
any of the United States of America; and on your arrival, 
apply to the Continental Agent, if there be one at or near 
that place; if not, to the persons in authority there, desiring 
their advice and assistance to forward, with the utmost ex- 
pedition, to us all the letters, packets, &c., you bring. You 
will also write us the state and condition of your vessel, and 
we shall return orders for your proceedings. We send you 
herewith a commission, a book of regulations respecting cap- 
tures, &c., and a list of the Continental Agents, for your 
government, if you should take any prizes. But you are 
to remember prizes are not your object; we wish you to 
make an expeditious and safe voyage, and for this reason 
desire you will make all possible despatch, both at sea and 
in port. We expect you will be careful of the brigantine, 
her stores and materials. Allow your people plenty of good 
provisions ; but suffer no waste, and be as frugal as is con- 
sistent with true economy in your expenses and charges. 
These things duly observed will recommend you to the 
governing powers in America, and in time your utmost am- 
bition may be gratified, provided merit leads the way to 
promotion. If any American masters or mates of ships, or 
seamen, want passages, you may accommodate them free of 
any charge or expenses. Probably Mr. Merkle may find 
it proper to make your vessel a French or Dutch bottom, 
and clear you out for the /Vest-Indies. In such case, you 
will do what is needful on your part to answer his views; 
and we hope you will be attentive to accommodate and 
please him during this voyage. 
We are, sir, your humble servants. 


To Captain Stephen Cleveland. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


672 


MARINE COMMITTEE TO MESSRS. DELAP. 
Philadelphia, July 30, 1776. 

Genttemen: We must frequently give you the trouble 
to receive and forward our despatches to Stlas Deane, Esq. 
As you will be possessed of his address, and from the na- 
ture of his business, which requires him to move from place 
to place, we cannot, you will therefore hold us excusable, 
and he will pay any charge that arises by postage or other- 
wise. We send this by Captain Cleveland, of the brigan- 
tine Despatch, which will put into some port in France. If 
it should happep to be yours, he will deliver these despatches 
himself; if any other, he will forward them by post or special 
messenger, as may be thought best by those he consults. 
A John Philip Merkle, Esq., goes passenger, and to him this 
vessel. and cargo is addressed. If they call at Bordeauz, 
we beg to recommend Mr. Merkle to your attention. 

We have desired Captain Cleveland to inform you, either 
in person or by letter, where he is to land his cargo, when 
he expects to sail from thence, and how you can direct to 
him with a certainty of your letters reaching his hands. 
We also desired him to ask of you Mr. Deane’s address; 
for as we have a good opinion of this proving a safe convey- 
ance, we wish to hear from you and Mr. Deane by Captain 
Cleveland, who will take particular care of the letters, and 
you will gratify us very much by transmitting us all the 
publick news, newspapers, commercial intelligence, &c., that 
you think can be any ways useful. 

We are, sirs, yours, &c. 


To Messrs. Samuel § J. H. Delap. 


SAMUEL CHASE TO RICHARD HENRY LEE. 
Philadelphia, July 30, 1776. 

My pear Sir: Your letter of the 14th instant followed 
me to this city, and your other favour, of the 2lst, was 
delivered by yesterday’s post. I hurried to Congress, to 
give my little assistance to the framing a Confederacy, and 
a plan for a foreign alliance—both of them subjects of the 
utmost importance, and which, in my judgment, demand 
immediate despatch. ‘The Confederacy has engaged our 
close attention for a week. ‘Three great difficulties occur: 
Representation, the mode of voting, and the claims to the 
South-Sea. The whole might, in my opinion, be settled, 
if candour, justice, and the real interests of America were 
attended to. We do not all see the importance, nay, the 
necessity, of a Confederacy. We shall remain weak, dis- 
tracted, and divided in our councils; our strength will 
decrease; we shall be open to all the arts of the insidious 
Court of Britain, and no foreign Court will attend to our 
applications for assistance before we are confederated. What 
contract will a foreign State make with us, when we cannot 
agree among ourselves? 

Our Army at Ticonderoga consists of six thousand men, 
of which three thousand are in the Hospital, from the small- 
pox and other camp disorders. Our Army at New-York 
contains fourteen thousand, of which only ten thousand are 
effective. Our Flying-Camp in the Jerseys has but between 
three and four thousand troops. No news from General 
Washington. He writes, 27th, that eight sail, supposed to 
be part of Lord Howe’s fleet, arrived at the Hook that day. 
I shall always be glad to hear from you; and am, with great 
esteem, your affectionate friend and obedient servant, 


SAMUEL CuAsE. 
To the Hon. Richard Henry Lee, Esq. 


LANCASTER COMMITTEE. 


At a meeting of the Committee of Observation, Inspec- 
tion, and Correspondence, at the house of ddam Reigart, 
30th July, 1776: 

Present: Edward Shippen, William Atlee, William Bowman, Lod- 


wick Lowman, Henry Dehuff, Jacob Krug, Christopher Crawford, John 
Miller, Adam Reigart: 


William Atlee in the Chair. 


It is the sentiment of the Committee, that Christian Wer- 
ger, of Leacock Township, Gunsmith, and his Apprentice, 
Martin Micksell, ought to continue at home at that business, 
and ought not to be marched with Captain Bare’s or Cap- 
tain Roland’s Company into the Camp in the Jerseys, it 
being contrary to the Resolves of the Congress and Commit- 
tee of Safety to march tradesmen of that kind with the 


673 


troops; and those officers, and the Field-Officers of the 
Battalion to which those Companies belong, are requested 
to leave those persons at home, at the said trade, agreeable 
to the said Resolves. 


The Chairman is directed, by a line to Captain Scott, of 
Colonel Crawford’s Battalion, to request he will not march 
Robert Knox with his Company to the Camp in the Jerseys, 
his foot being in a condition which renders him unfit for duty 
as a soldier, his brother having lately, by accident, hurt 
himself so as to render him incapable of labour, and two 
of his sisters now lying in the small-pox, and no person 
remaining about the house or farm but himself who can in 
any manner assist them. 

Jacob, a Mulatto, belonging to Mr. Thomas Douglass, 
Peter, a Negro, belonging to John Hopkins, Trey, a Negro, 
belonging to Lionel Ellmaker, suspected and charged with 
intending to injure the inhabitants in the absence of the 
Associators, are brought to Town by Mr. Isaac McCammont, 
a member of the Committee for Salisbury Township, and 
ordered to be confined in Jail for examination, &c. 


Hugh Knox, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is permitted 
to work with Hann, Tailor, he here, in Committee, engaging 
to be answerable for him, agreeable to the Resolves of the 
Committee. 

Wiliam Sutherland, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is 
permitted to work with Michael Shindel, Tailor, Mr. Lod- 
wick Lowman, here in Committee, engaging to be answer- 
able for him, agreeable to the Resolves of this Committee. 

The Committee requests Colonel Slough will order Wil- 
liam Waggoner, a journeyman Hatter, in the employ of 
Captain Klatz, and an Associator in Captain Klatz’s Com- 
pany, to attend constantly to his business, and excuse him 
from guard duty, that he may the better attend Captain 
Klatz’s business in his absence. 

Nathan Wood, of the Seventh Regiment, is permitted to 
work with Nicholas Messersmith, 'Tailor, he here, in Com- 
mittee, engaging to be answerable for him, agreeable to the 
Resolves of this Committee. 


CAPTAINS MARTIN AND ADAMS TO LANCASTER COMMITTEE. 
Hinckel-Town, July 30, 1776. 


GeNTLEMEN: Since there have been two companies 
marched to this place yesterday, and they are not willing to 
march from here until they receive the month’s pay accord- 
ing as the Committee hath promised, we would be glad if 
you would send down money sufficient to pay off the men; 
after which they will be ready to march whenever the 
Colonel sees proper to march the battalion, which he thinks 
to do as soon as the battalion is all together. 

We are, gentlemen, your most humble, obedient, 

ALEXANDER Martin, eg eyih 
Isaac Apams ‘ Tha 
? 


GENERAL MERCER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Perth-Amboy, July 30, 1776. 
Sir: Within these two days, we have observed sixteen 
ships pass from Sandy-Hook to the Narrows, but no new 
movement of the enemy on Staten-Island. Some more shal- 
lops have come down the Sound, from Fishkill, into Prince’s 
Bay. ‘To give us the entire command of the Sound, as 
well as to prevent the approach of tenders or armed sloops 
to this place, permit me to recommend to the honourable 
Congress, that some row-galleys be built in Rariton River, 
to mount eighteen-pounders, or any heavier metal. The 
cannon, I am told, may be sent from Philadelphia, and our 
artificers in the Army would construct the vessels at no great 
expense. I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient 
servant, Hueu Mercer. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress. 


P. S. I have this moment heard from the Blazing-Star, 
that our field-pieces have obliged one of the shallops to return 


into the Kill. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Perth-Amboy, July 30, 1776. 
Sir: Tam this moment favoured with yours of yesterday, 
and shall set about preparing boats with all possible expe- 
dition. Your favours by Major Ross were extremely accept- 


Firta Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


43 


674 


able. Since his arrival Colonel Griffin has joined me, very 
much to my satisfaction. Only four companies, intended 
for the Flying-Camp, have arrived since my last, and a 
battalion of Associators, consisting of three hundred and 
fity. These last 1 have sent on to Newark and Elizabeth- 
Town, for the purpose of relieving such of the troops as 
are to form the F'lying-Camp, that we may have our men 
who are to remain in service brought into proper order as 
soon as possible. It will contribute greatly to this end, if, 
now the harvest is secured, General Livingston were desired 
to call out into service such a number of the New-Jersey 
Militia as would guard the different posts from Bergen, 
along the Jersey shore. Not less than two thousand would 
be required for this purpose. His Excellency the General 
will please to consider how far such a measure is necessary. 
I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant, 
Hueu Mercer. 


GENERAL MERCER TO COLONEL DICKINSON, 
~ Perth-Amboy, July 30, 1776. 


Sir: I enclose you a copy of what the officers deter- 
mined on yesterday, relative to the rations. I have this 
morning received instructions from Head-Quarters, to have 
proper boats built for the purpose of transporting troops with 
safety and expedition. Iam told that Captain Manuel Eyres, 
of your regiment, would be a proper person to direct this 
business. We should have at least twenty of them pre- 
pared. ‘The service requires that we should as speedily as 
possible set about this matter. After consulting with Cap- 
tain Eyres, you will be able to furnish me with such hints 
as may greatly expedite the service. 

I am, sir, your most respectful, and your obedient servant, 

Huex Mercer. 


To Col. John Dickinson, commanding at Elizabeth- Town, 


[Thus endorsed by me:—July 30, 1776, I took all the necessary steps 
on this letter—collected a dozen of the most proper persons—conferred 
with General Livingston and them—procured all the information I could, 
and sent Captain Eyres and Mr. Joshua Mercereau, July 31st, to General 
Mercer for his final orders; wrote so to himat large, with some material 
intelligence I had received concerning the weak guard on Newark-Bay; 
sent him the best map of Staten-Island that has yet been made, which I 
procured Mr. Mercereau to make. 


[The design was an attack on Staten-Island. it D.] 


GENERAL ROBERDEAU TO PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Amboy, July 30, 1776. 

Honovrep Sirs: Within these few days past the enemy 
have been collecting shallops and small craft, which makes 
me apprehensive they are planning a descent somewhere, 
probably in this place, as the present condition. of it seems 
to afford such an opportunity. 

Amboy is parted from Staten-Island by a Sound about 
four hundred yards wide. The river Rarzéon is on the south 
side of the town, from which, to a marsh on the north side, 
the bank is high, and I conceive easily defended. The marsh 
is in some places impassable; where it is not so, guards are 
planted ; but as the enemy have the command of the water, 
they have it in their power to go up the Rariton, and, by 
landing their men some miles above us, to attempt at least 
to intercept the communication between this place, which 
is on a point of land, and the country; in which case we 
should soon be distressed, as we have no magazine of pro- 
visions, and the small circle we should be enclosed in, not 
sufficiently stored to supply any considerable number of 
men any length of time. ‘This appears to me the most pro- 
bable scheme they can attempt here, while, from the best 
observations I can make, I am of opinion that a few row- 
galleys in the river Rariton would be the best means either 
to prevent their landing, or to destroy their craft after they 
had landed, and by that means retaliate their scheme, by 
cutting off their retreat. 

I observed while at Philadelphia, several pieces of can- 
non, in several parts of the city, which, though not suffi- 
ciently sightly for a man-of-war, would be serviceable in this 
case, and might, with a few carriages, be easily conveyed 
here, as the land carriage would be but thirty miles from 
Trenton to Brunswick. Here are some scows, and a large 
kind of flat-bottomed boats, called Wild-Cats, which might 
be expeditiously fitted up for temporary galleys, until others 
can be supplied, as we have several carpenters and ship-car- 
penters, but are in want of tools. 


675 


I can see many advantages we shall receive from the 
service of a few armed boats, the want of which distresses 
us greatly, our cannon on the bank being too light to give 
the enemy any material obstruction on the water; who, not- 
withstanding our fire, have passed from day to day through 
the Sound without receiving much injury. 

I am, honourable sirs, your most obedient and very hum- 


T 
ble servant, DanreL RoperpDEAv. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 1, 1776.] 
New-York, July 39, 1776. 

Sir: I was this morning honoured with your two favours 
of yesterday’s date; and agreeable to your request have given 
Mr. Palfrey liberty to negotiate your claim with Mr. Brimer, 
and wish it may be satisfied agreeably to you. 

I last night received a letter from General Schuyler, [dated 
German-Flats, July 24,] a copy of which I do myself the 
honour to transmit to you. You will thereby perceive his 
reasons for leaving Crown-Point and preferring the post 
the Council of Officers determined to take opposite to 
Ticonderoga. 1am totally unacquainted with these seve- 
ral posts and the country about there, and therefore cannot 
determine on the validity of his observations, or think 
myself at liberty to give any direction in the matter. 
Congress will please to observe what he says of their 
distress for money. From hence he can have no relief, 
there being only about three or four thousand dollars in the 
Paymaster’s hands, according to his return this morning, and 
all but two months’ pay due the Army, besides many other 
demands. I could wish that proper supplies of money 
could be always kept: the want may occasion consequences 
of an alarming nature. By a letter from him of a prior 
date to the copy enclosed, he tells me that a Mr. Ryckman, 
who had just returned through the country of the Six Na- 
tions, reports that the Indzans who were at Philadelphia, 
had gone home with very favourable ideas of our strength 
and resources. ‘This he heard in many of their villages. A 
lucky circumstance, if it will gain either their friendship or 
seture their neutrality. 

In my letter of the 27th, I informed Congress of my 
views and wishes to attempt something against the troops on 
Staten-Island. I am now to acquaint them, that by the 
advice of General Mercer and other officers at Amboy, it 
will be impracticable to do anything upon a large scale for 
want of craft; and as the enemy have the entire command 
of the water all round the Island, I have desired General 
Mercer to have nine or ten flat-bottomed boats at Newark- 
Bay and Elizabeth- Town, with a design principally to keep 
up the communication across Hackinsack and Passaick 
Rivers, which 1 deem a matter of great importance and ex- 
tremely necessary to be attended to. 

Since I wrote you yesterday, eleven ships more, four 
brigs, and two sloops, have come into the Hook. [have not 
yet received intelligence what any of the late arrivals are, but 
I suppose we shall not long remain in a state of uncertainty. 

Having reason to believe that Lord Howe will readily 
come into an exchange of such prisoners as may be more 
immediately under his command, and that something will be 
offered on this subject within a day or two, or rather come 
in answer to the propositions | have made General Howe, I 
shall be glad to have Congress’s interpretation of the re- 
solve of the 22d instant, empowering the Commanders to 
exchange, &c., whether by the word “sailor,” they mean 
sailors generally, as well those taken in the vessels of pri- 
vate adventurers by the enemy, as those belonging to the 
Continental cruisers or vessels in the Continental employ, 
or whether they only design to extend the exchange to the 
latter, those in their particular employ. I would also ob- 
serve, that heretofore sailors belonging to merchant ships 
that have fallen into our hands, and those employed merely 
as transports, have not generally been considered as prisoners. 
I submit it to Congress, whether it may not be now neces- 
sary to pass a resolve declaring their sentiments on this sub- 
ject, and in general who are to be treated as prisoners of war 
that are taken on board vessels belonging to the subjects of 
the British Crown, &c. The result of their opinion upon 
the first question proposed you will be pleased to transmit me 
by the earliest opportunity. 

{ have enclosed for the consideration of Congress a me- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


676 
morial and petition by Captain Aldridge, praying to be 


relieved against the loss of money stolen from him, not con- 
ceiving myself authorized to grant his request. ‘The certi- 
ficate which attends it proves him to be a man of character, 
and his loss is hard on his state of it. Whether making the loss 
good may not open a door to others, and give rise to appli- 
cations not so just as his may be, I cannot determine. ‘That 
seems to be the only objection to relieving him. 

I am informed by General Putnam that there are some 
of the Stockbridge Indians here, (I have not seen them 
myself,) who express great uneasiness at their not being 
employed by us, and have come to inquire into the cause. 
I am sensible Congress had them not in contemplation when 
they resolved that Indians might be engaged in our service. 
However, as they seem so anxious, as they were led to expect 
it from General Schuyler and the other Commissioners, as we 
are under difficulties in getting men, and there may be danger 
of their, or some of them, taking an unfavourable part, I beg 
leave to submit it as my opinion, under all these circumstances, 
that they had better be employed. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 


GENERAL ORDERS. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 22, 1776. 
(Parole, Richmond.) ,(Countersign, Savoy.) 

The Orderly Sergeants who attend at Head-Quarters, are 
hereafter to bring their dinners, and wait till they are regu- 
larly relieved. 

As it is much to be feared the state of the necessary 
houses in the city may endanger the health of the Troops 
quartered there, it is recommended to the officers and men 
to guard against it as much as possible; and if any method 
can be fallen on to remove or lessen the inconvenience, to 
apply to the Barrackmaster for that purpose. The General 
has noticed with pleasure the care of the Troops in the 
encampments, on this subject. He hopes they will continue 
it for the sake of their own health, and the credit of the Army. 

It being represented to the General that many Regiments 
would at this season choose to lessen their rations of Meat, 
and supply it with Vegetables, if they could be permitted; 
his concern for the health of the Troops, and desire to gratify 
them in every reasonable request, induces him to direct that 
the Colonels of such Regiments as choose to adopt this plan, 
signify it to the Commissary-General, and in two days after- 
wards the Quartermaster of such Regiment be allowed to 
draw one-quarter part of the usual Rations in money, to be 
laid out in Vegetables for his Regiment. 

Passes from Colonel Know for the Officers and Soldiers of 
the Artillery only, to be sufficient to pass the Ferries. 

Head-Quarters, New-York, July 23, 1776. 
(Parole, Trenton.) (Countersign, Upton.) 

Lieutenant Fuller, of Captain Keyes’s Company, Twen- 
tieth Regiment, tried by a General Court-Martial, of which 
Lieutenant-Colonel Hobby was President, for “inoculating, 
and disobedience of orders,” is honourably acquitted and 
discharged from his arrest. 

It is with great astonishment and surprise the General 
hears that soldiers inlist from one corps to another, and 
frequently receive a bounty, and that some officers have 
knowingly received such men. So glaring a fraud upon the 
publick, and injury to the service, will be punished in the 
most exemplary manner; and the General most earnestly 
requests and expects of every good officer who loves his 
country not only to oppose such practices, but to make the 
offenders known, that they may be brought to justice. 

Head-Quarters, New-York, July 24, 1776. 
(Parole, Virginia.) (Countersign, Wales.) 

Each Brigadier, with the Colonet and Commanding Offi- 
cer of the several Regiments in his Brigade, are to meet and 
estimate the quantity of Paper absolutely necessary to serve 
a Regiment for Returns, and other publick uses, for a month, 
and make report thereof to the General at Orderly time on 
Friday next, that the Quartermaster-General may be directed 
to provide and deliver the same monthly to the Colonels for 
the use of their respective Regiments. 

The General being sensible of the difficulty and expense 
of providing Clothes, of almost any kind, for the Troops, feels 
an unwillingness to recommend, much more to order, any 


677 


kind of uniform; but as it is absolutely necessary that men 
should have Clothes, and appear decent and tight, he ear- 
nestly encourages the use of Hunting-Shirts, with long 
breeches made of the same cloth, gaiter-fashion about the 
legs, to all those yet unprovided. No dress can be had 
cheaper or more convenient, as the wearer may be cool in 
warm weather, and warm in cool weather, by putting on 
under-clothes, which will not change the outward dress, 
winter or summer; besides, it is a dress justly supposed to 
carry no small terror to the enemy, who think every such 
person a complete marksman. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 25, 1776. 
(Parole, Abingdon.) (Countersign, Bedford.) 

Care to be taken in future, that the Provost Marshal’s 
Guard be properly officered, there having been a complaint 
made on that head. 

Henry Davis, tried for “ Desertion,” is sentenced to re- 
ceive twenty lashes. Patrick Lyons, for “ Drunkenness, 
and sleeping on his post,” thirty lashes. 

It is with inexpressible concern the General sees soldiers, 
fighting in the cause of liberty and their country, committing 
crimes most destructive to the Army, and which in all other 
Armies are punished with death. What ashame and re- 
proach will it be, if soldiers, fighting to enslave us for two 
pence or three pence a day, should be more regular, watch- 
ful and sober than men who are contending for everything 
that is dear and valuable in life. 

The honourable Continental Congress, in consideration 
of the Sergeant-Majors, Quartermaster Sergeants, Drum and 
Fife Majors not having pay adequate to their service, and 
hoping it will excite them to vigilance and industry, have 
been pleased to increase the pay of them—officers having 
no other appointment, one dollar per month, to commence the 
16th instant. 

Those soldiers who have entered on board the row-galley 
commanded by Cook, are to repair immediately on 
board; and the officer of the regiment to which they re- 
spectively belong, are to forward them as much as possible, 
as the service is of the most important kind. 

Peter Gusten, Esquire, is appointed Major of Brigade to 
Brigadier-General Heard, and is to be obeyed and respected 
as such. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 26, 1776. 
(Parole, Cambridge.) (Countersign, Darby.) 

The General Court-Martial to sit to-morrow for the trial 
of Ensign Bryant, now under arrest for ‘sending some 
soldiers to take away old iron, and other materials, from the 
ships now fitting for publick use.” 

A guard at Harrison’s Brewery, to be mounted, consisting 
of one Subaltern, one Sergeant, one Corporal, and twenty- 
four Privates, every evening, and sentries to be posted at 
proper distances from the Air Furnace, along the shore, till 
they come opposite to Colonel Baldwin’s Quarters. 

General Greene being particularly engaged at present, 
passes signed by Lieutenant Blodgett are to be allowed 
sufficient to enable persons to cross the Ferries. 

Complaints having been made that some of the soldiers ill 
treat the country-people who come to market, the Gene- 
ral most positively forbids such behaviour, and hopes the 
officers will exert themselves to prevent it. Good policy, 
as well as justice, demands that they should have all possible 
encouragement, as the health of the soldiers much depends 
upon supplies of vegetables. Those who have been guilty 
of such practices will do well to consider what will be our 
situation, at this season, if we drive off the country-people, 
and break up the market: the healthy will soon be sick, 
and the sick must perish for want of necessaries. No favour 
will be shown to any offenders hereafter. 


’ 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 27, 1776. 
(Countersign, +) 
Complaints are made, that officers who are to attend the 
men upon fatigue and other duty grow remiss. The Gene- 
ral hopes they will consider what the effects of so bad an 
example might be to the men; and as he believes it pro- 
ceeds rather from inattention than design, flatters himself 
there will be no occasion to remind them of their duty 
hereafter. 


| (Parole, Effingham.) 


* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


678 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 28, 1776. 
(Countersign, Hungary.) 

Wiliam Peek, Esq., who has for some time past done 
the duty of Brigade-Major to General Spencer, is appointed 
to that office, and to be obeyed and respected accordingly. 

Some of the Adjutants have, of late, been very remiss 
in making up their returns by eleven o’clock, on Saturday, 
not sending their detachments properly officered, or relieving 
their Orderly-Sergeants at Head-Quarters. These gentle- 
men will, in future, be pointed out in the General Orders, and 
after that put under arrest, if they are not more attentive. 

The General, finding the number of sick to increase, and 
being desirous to have them as well accommodated as possible, 
directs that the Barrack-Master, under the direction of the 
Colonel or Commanding Officer of each regiment, fix on some 
house convenient to the regiment, to be improved as an 
Hospital for the reception of patients just taken down, or 
whose disorder does not require any special assistance beyond 
that of their own Regimental Surgeon. One of the Surgeons 
of the Hospital will occasionally visit these Hospitals, and 
determine when the nature of the case requires the patient 
to be removed to the General Hospital, which will hereafter 
be kept in different houses contiguous to each brigade. ‘The 
Regimental Surgeons are to receive directions from, and be 
responsible to, the Director-General, so far as respects the 
furnishing their Regimental Hospitals with conveniences for 
their sick. The Regimental Surgeons are also to keep a 
register of their sick, and make a weekly return to the 
Director and Commissary-General, severally, of the sick in 
their respective Regiments. 

As the rations issued for men in health are very improper 
for those who are sick, the following regulations are to take 
place: Whenever a person is taken sick, he is not to be 
borne on the provision return; but the value of his rations be 
obtained in suitable supplies from the General Hospital, to 
be drawn by the Surgeon of the Regiment, who is to conform 
to the rules of diet established in the General Hospitals, and 
to account with the Director-General. 

The Quartermaster of each Regiment to apply for neces- 
saries at the Quartermaster-General’s, for the sick. Guards 
to be on the parade every morning before eight o’clock. 


(Parole, Gravesend.) 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 29, 1776. 
(Countersign, Kingwood.) 

The Quartermaster-General is directed to furnish twelve 
quires of Paper to each Regiment, per month, viz: one quire 
to the Commanding Officer of the Regiment, one to each 
Company, and one to the Adjutant; the remaining two quires 
to be kept by the Colonel, as a reserve for special occasions, 
exclusive of Orderly books and blank Returns. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 30, 1776. 

(Countersign, Medford.) 

The Quartermaster-General is to provide canteens as soon 
as possible, and to have the water in the several works, in 
casks, examined, that there may be a fresh supply, if neces- 
sary. 

It is represented to the General, that the pump-water in 
the city is very unhealthy. ‘The Troops are therefore cau- 
tioned against the use of it; and the Quartermaster and 
Commissary Generals are to consult together, and fix upon 
some mode of supply of fresh water for the ‘Troops in the 
city. 


(Parole, Jersey.) 


(Parole, Lancaster.) 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 31, 1776. 
(Parole, Norwalk.) : (Countersign, Oxford.) 

Ensign Bryant, charged with “embezzling publick pro- 
perty,”’ having been tried by a General Court-Martial, 
whereof Colonel Webb is President, is acquitted of any 
fraudulent intention, but censured by the Court for indiscre- 
tion, in permitting some of the soldiers taking away old iron 
from the shipping. The General approves of the sentence, 
and orders him to be discharged from arrest. 

It is with astonishment and concern the General finds that 
the precautions used to prevent the countersign being made 
known to any not entitled to it, are defeated by the ignorance 
or misconduct of those to whom it isintrusted. In order that 
none may plead ignorance hereafter, the officers and soldiers 
are to know that the following rule is established: 

The Adjutant General, at six o’clock, P. M., will deliver 


679 


the parole and countersign to the Majors of Brigade and 
Adjutant of Artillery; they, at Retreat-beating, and not be- 
fore, are to deliver them to the Adjutants of their respective 
Brigades. The Adjutants are to deliver them to the Field- 
Officers of their respective Brigades, if required ; then to the 
officers of the advanced guards; then to the officer of every 
other guard in and about the city orcamp. And the General 
flatters himself, that when the importance and necessity of 
secrecy upon this head is considered, every officer and soldier 
will pride himself in his fidelity, prudence, and discipline. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL HOWE. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, July 30, 1776. 

Sir: Lieutenant-Colonel Patterson, Adjutant-General of 
the Army under your command, at the interview between 
us, having proposed an exchange of Mr. Lovell for Gov- 
ernour Skene, I am authorized to inform you, that the 
Congress have not only approved of this proposition, but, 
judging that a general exchange of prisoners will be at- 
tended with mutual convenience and pleasure to both par- 
ties, have empowered their commanders in each department 
to negotiate one, in the following manner: “ Continental offi- 
cers for those of equal rank either in the land or sea service, 
soldier for soldier, sailor for sailor, and citizen for citizen.” 
They have also particularly mentioned the exchange of 
Colonel Ethan Allen for any officer of the same or inferior 
rank. 

You will be pleased to signify the time and place for that 
of Mr. Lovell and Governour Skene, that I may give direc- 
tion for the latter to be ready, who is now at Hartford, 
about one hundred and twenty miles from hence; also, to 
favour me with your sentiments, as well on the proposition 
respecting Colonel Allen, as on the subject of a general 
exchange. 

I have the honour to be, with due respect, sir, your most 


obedient servant, Gn twieateartk 


To Lieutenant-General Howe. 


» BARON DE CALBIAC TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
New-York, July 30, 1776. 

My Generac: I cannot express to you how humiliating 
it is to a man who thinks that his sentiments are of the 
purest kind, to be the sport of evil-minded men, who, I am 
informed, have said many things to my prejudice to your 
Excellency. To convince you of the purity of my inten- 
tions, and to give you a just idea of my views in coming to 
this country, | have enclosed you the copies of letters which 
I have written to the Minister in France, having sent a dupli- 
cate to Colonel McKean, having also communicated it to 
General Mifflin. 

I also enclose you my second commission, which I have 
found among my papers. I desire to be favoured with one 
minute of your Excellency’s precious time. 

Assuring your Excellency of my most respectful attach- 
ment to you and the glorious cause in which you fight, 

I am your Excellency’s most obedient, 

Le Baron ve Carsiac. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, July 30, 1776. 

Dear Generat: Since my last, there are several compa- 
nies arrived, and I intend immediately to post one company 
at Cheshire’s, to clear the roads as fast as possible. I here 
send you a few peas, which is all I could get at present. I 
sent three or four miles round to get some butter to send to 
your Honour, but could not get one pound on any account 
whatever. Every man here is employed to the best advan- 
tage for the publick good; the chief of our men are obliged 
constantly to be on fatigue in assisting the carpenters. 

I hope your Honour will excuse the gondola not coming 
sooner. ‘The reason was they had much more to do than 
they expected to complete the platform for the mortar. 

Axes and spades are very much wanted here, but shall 
endeavour to do with what we have until a supply comes, 

I am, sir, with respect, your Honour’s humble servant, 

Davin Wartersury, Jun. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates, Ticonderoga. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


680 


CAPTAIN WYNKOOP TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, July 30, 1776. 


Dear Genera: I have sent you one gondola more down, 
which the carpenters have named after me. I hope you 
will send a good officer.on board of her. I have had her 
made as strong as she could be made, which you will see 
by the work done in her. I also send you one sailor out of 
my regiment down. I would be glad you would order him 
on board immediately, or I am afraid he will run off and 
leave you. I will get one gondola and the row-galley 
finished this week, and send them down to you. As for 
boards, the General allows the soldiers and carpenters to 
use them as fast as I can possibly get them down as 
yet. 


I am, dear General, your Excellency’s most obedient, 


humble servant 
? Cornevius Wynkoop. 


To Major-General Gates, at Ticonderoga. 


GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 


Ticonderoga, July 30, 1776. 


Dear GeneraL: Your favour of the 20th instant, I re- 
ceived last night. Iam sorry to hear your treaty with the 
Indians is so long retarded. You must have an infinite deal 
of trouble with them, which I am fearful will prejudice 
your health; and your presence is much wanted both at 
Skenesborough and this place. I wrote to you from the 
foriner place, the 25th instant, at which time only two com- 
panies of carpenters were arrived—one from Philadelphia 
and the other from Connecticut; since which, the whole 
have arrived, to the number of two hundred. I left them 
such directions as I thought necessary, and orders to begin 
four row-galleys, nearly of the construction of those built in 
Philadelphia, to carry four pieces heavy and two pieces 
light cannon each. 

The two largest schooners are at Crown-Point. The 
sloop goes this morning, and four gondolas will follow in 
two or three days. I intend to visit Skenesborough on 
Monday next. I shall be happy to accelerate the busi- 
ness all in my power, and to take as much trouble from off 
your hands as possible, as I am sensible you have more than 
your share of it. 

A Frenchman, who arrived here in fifteen days from St. 
Frangots, confirms the intelligence respecting the Indians, 
and adds, that all the tribes in Canada were determined on 
a neutrality; that the troops were busy in building batteaus 
and several large vessels at St. John’s; that General Carle- 
ton has given the French inhabitants notice of his intention 
of crossing Lake Champlain the last of August or beginning 
of September, and that he should depend on their joining 
him. If we were supplied with the articles [ have written 
for, we shall soon be in a condition to give bim a proper 
reception. 

Enclosed is a return of the ordnance stores, shot, &c., 
&c., by which you will observe there are many articles 
wanting to complete the same; as also a great deficiency of 
shot, in particular grape, double-headed, chain, and round, 
which will be very serviceable among vessels and batteaus. 
More heavy cannon will be wanted for the row-galleys; the 
four now building will carry eight twenty-fours and eight 
eighteens; four others will be set up soon, and will require 
an equal number of guns. ‘To supply the row-galleys and 
lines, we have only eleven pieces and ten twelve-pounders, 
which may answer, though not so well as heavier guns. If 
they are substituted, eleven pieces will still be wanting, with 
shot, &c., which I wish may be sent up, if they ean possi- 
bly be procured. With the approbation of General Gates, 
I sent to Connecticut for three hundred seamen. The ex- 
press had orders to call on you (if returned) and take your 
instructions in the matter. As it was uncertain if you were 
returned, I wrote Captain Varick, desiring him to give the 
express a warrant on the Paymaster-General for £1,000 to 
pay the bounty of the seamen. As the treasury was empty, 
he has proceeded on to General Washington. We are in- 
formed, that of the four regiments coming from Boston, there 
is a very considerable number of seamen, who are daily 
expected. 


Lam, &c., B. Arnon. 


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: NADNOoOAHOA 
XN uouurg jo suaqueg | SAAS | 


N.B. The above Return includes all at or near this place, except what 
are on board the sloop or schooners; a number of carriages not fitting 
any of the cannon on the ground; two 13-inch mortars, with beds; forty 
13-inch shells; one 43-inch cohorn; a number of 8-inch and other size 
shells, which exact number cannot at present be ascertained. 

A large quantity of sheet copper and tin will be necessary to complete 
the above; also, one hundred sheep-skins dressed for spunges, thirty 
pounds of spunge tacks, five pounds of copper nails,and a good tinman, 
for the Laboratory. 


N. B. Ten grape and ten double-headed or chain shot, wanted for all 
the cannon above 6-pounders, and a few for the 4-pounders. 


B. Arnoxp. 
One mortar is since burst on trying it in a row-galley. No hurt done 


wr R. V. 


ISAAC PEIRCE TO COLONEL BUELL. 
Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga, July 30, 1776. 
Srr: You are immediately, upon receipt of this, to set 
out for this place, in order to join your regiment. 
By the General’s command : 
Isaac Perrce, Aid-de-Camp. 


To Lieutenant-Colonel Buell. 


PETITION OF LIEUTENANT FOWLER AND OTHERS. 


The humble Petition of Lieutenant Samuri Fow er, Lieu- 
tenant Joun Wesster, Lieutenant Naruanirer Wa rs, 
and Ensign Frye Baytey, of Colonel Bepvex’s Regi- 
ment, humbly showeth : 


That your petitioners’ families, as also their whole sub- 
stance at home, being in a very deplorable state on account 
of the present troubles, beg the liberty to resign our com- 
missions, not through any dislike to the Army, or that we 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


682 


are not willing to serve and defend our country; but self- 
preservation, the first law of nature, calling for our assistance 
to take care of our families, is the reason for petitioning for 
a resignation. If there should be any call, we shall be 
willing to return, after our securing our families; as also 
use our endeavours to collect and bring what men we can 
belonging to the service. 
Ticonderoga, July 30, 1776. 
Sami. Fowrer, Lieutenant. 
Joun Wessrer, Lieutenant. 
Natruy. Waues, Lieutenant. 
Frye Bayuey, Ensign. 


To Major-General Gates. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM TICONDEROGA, DATED JULY 
30, 1776. 


We have no certain accounts of the strength of the enemy, 
who are at St. John’s, building boats and vessels, in order to 
take the Lake. 

A number of ship-carpenters from Philadelphia have 
arrived at Skenesborough, where they are building galleys, 
so that in a short time we shall have a strong force on the 
Lake. Some companies of Militia from New-England have 
also arrived there. 

We are impatiently expecting the return of a flag, sent 
by General Gates to Carleton, with the Declaration of Inde- 
pendency; also a requisition for the delivery of Forster and 
his party, that they may receive such punishment as their 
conduct merits, in suffering the savages inhumanly to butcher 
the captives, in direct violation of the capitulation entered 
into by General Arnold at the Cedars. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM INDEPENDENT-POINT, DATED 
sJuLy 30, 1776. 


Three schooners are gone down the Lake, and a sloop 
and six or eight gondolas will follow in a few days. Two 
hundred carpenters are employed in building more after the 
Delaware mould. We have plenty of large guns, and hope 
soon to have a formidable fleet upon Lake Champlain. 
Carleton and Burgoyne are at St. John’s, likewise busy in 
preparing a fleet. 

A Canadian, a friend of ours, and an officer in the Militia, 
arrived yesterday from St. Francois, twelve miles below 
Sorel, his property being seized by Carleton. He says 
that Carleton and Burgoyne have not yet ordered the Cana- 
dians to arms, but have notified them to be ready in Sep- 
tember to come with them over the Lakes, as they intend to 
drive the Rebels out of the country, and winter in Albany. 
This may be their intention, but I am certain they will find 
it impracticable. ‘They will have to pass, in the first place, 
the gondolas; secondly, Crown-Point ; and thirdly, the Nar- 
rows below Independent-Point and Ticonderoga. Our for- 
tifications are much stronger than when the French had this 
post, when, with only three thousand French and Canadians, 
they made such a terrible havock of the British Army in 
1758. Good living here at present, having plenty of fresh 
beef and excellent bread. 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, July 30, 1776. 

Honovurep Sir: Ensign Hughes, who had set off from 
here on the night of the 24th instant, returned here on the 
evening of the 20th. He went down as far as tht Isle 
Motte ; he expected to have met Captain Wilson there, but 
he was gone fiom thence. He imagined he might have 
returned home by the east side of the Lake. Mr. Hughes 
carefully examined all round the Isle Motte, but discovered 
no eneiny; nor did he see anything of the two men who had 
gone to St. John’s in a canoe. He surrounded Hays’s 
house in the night, but found no strangers. He went several 
miles up the river Sable, in expectation of intercepting some 
Indians and a Canadian, but discovered no marks of them. 
Major Bigelow passed the Island while the Ensign was there. 
He could not speak to him. I sent orders to Captain Wil- 
son, by Major Bigelow, to return. He probably saw him, 
There is (I believe) no enemy on this side of the White- 
House on the Lake. 


When Marines were spoken of by General Arnold, I 


683 


thought of Mr. Hops as a fit person for First Lieutenant 
among them. He was commissioned. I had not an oppor- 
tunity of consulting him first. He has, upon consideration, 
thought proper to make his resignation. He apprehends the 
Jand service will suit him best, especially as he cannot have 
the men he could wish with him. He holds an Ensigney 
in the Sixth Battalion, which he prefers for the present. 
His wound is not cured yet: salt provision might be injurious 
to it. He hopes his conduct will not give offence. 

Mr. Calderwood, an officer in this battalion, who is a 
scholar, and has been three years and a half in the sea 
service, part of which as a Midshipman on board a man-of- 
war, is desirous of serving as an officer of Marines on this 
Lake. He is a person of courage, and will show himself 
worthy of an appointment. I beg leave to recommend 
him to your Honour to be appointed a First Lieutenant of 
Marines on board the schooner Royal Savage, in the room 
of Mr. Hops. I would be very glad that his commission 
should bear the same date with that to Mr. Hops. 

Mr. Calderwood is a good draughtsman, and may be 
useful in this particular also on the Lake. 

I am afraid my writing so often may give you offence, 
but I shall not be so troublesome for the future. 

I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your humble servant, 

Tuos. Hart ey. 


To Major-General Gates. 


CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
July 30, 1776: 

Present: His Honour the Governour; Elipht. Dyer, Jz. 
Huntington, Richd, Law, Titus Hosmer, Jed. Elderkin, Wm. 
Hillhouse, Nathl. Wales, and Benj. Huntington, Esqs. 

Voted and allowed to Prosper Wetmore, Esq., Sheriff of 
the County of New-London, the sun of £12 2s. 10d., for 
his expense and trouble in supporting and guarding twenty- 
two Continental prisoners, taken by Commodore Hopkins, 
and transporting them, with their baggage, to Windham 
Jail, as per bill. 

Also voted and allowed to said Wetmore the sum of £11 
As., for transporting Dr. Church, by order of Congress, from 
Norwich to Boston, and from thence to Watertown, as per 
bill. 

Also voted and allowed to said Wetmore the sum of £9 
5s., for his trouble and expense with Dr. Church whilst a 
prisoner in his care, from November 1775, until the 27th of 
May, 1776, and for his trouble in waiting on Dr. Church 
abroad for his health, at sundry times, during his imprison- 
ment, as was ordered by Congress; amounting, in the whole, 
to £32 11s. 10d., lawful money. 

(Order drawn and delivered Mr. Wetmore.) 


Voted and allowed to Ebenezer Backus, Jun., of Nor- 
wich, the sum of £12 2s. 8d., for victualling nineteen 
prisoners and their guards five days, as per bill 80th July, 
1776. 

(Order drawn on the back of the bill, and delivered Mr. 
Wetmore.) 


Voted to draw an order on the Pay-Table for a £1000, 
in favour of Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., for the Colony use, 
and to render account. 

(Order drawn 30th July, and delivered to Colonel Hun- 
tington.) 

Voted the following Instructions to his Honour Colonel 
Huntington, from his Honour the Governour and Council of 
Safety: 

You are directed to proceed to New-London, with all 
possible despatch, and there, in behalf and for the use of the 
Colony, in conjunction with your son Mr. Andrew Hun- 
tington, to purchase necessary clothing for the Troops of 
this Colony, as you can procure upon the most reasonable 
terms. You are also to treat with the owner of the Ber- 
mudian sloop, brought into said port by the Continental 
fleet, for the purchase thereof, and to find out his terms, 
conditions, &c., and report make; and in the mean time to 
lay an injunction against the said sloop’s leaving said port 
till further orders from this Board be had thereon. And 
you, with your son, are to purchase all the swivel-guns and 
the shot belonging ‘to them, one-third of the cannon and 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


684 


shot, and also one hundred stand of arms, and all the lead- 
shot lately brought into said port by a French sloop. 


Memoradndum.—There is a quantity of timber, plank, 
&c., at Hayden’s Yard in Saybrook, which belongs to the 
Colony, and must, at some seasonable time, be taken care 


of. 


WORCESTER (MASSACHUSETTS) COMMITTEE. 
Worcester, July 30, 1776. 

Avreeably to a Resolve of the Continental Congress, the 
Committee of the Town of Worcester having liberated Alex- 
ander Gardner and John Thornhill, two prisoners of war, 
that they might support themselves by their labour; and on 
the 28th day of July instant they went from this town to- 
gether, and have not since returned. Gardner had on, when 
he went away, a red coat lappelled with buff, buttons marked 
10; he has been a drummer in the Twenty-Third Regiment 
of Fusiliers. Thornhill has been a sailor, had on a sailor’s 
blue jacket, speaks something slow, pretty tall. Whoever 
will take up and return the said prisoners to the Committee 
of Safety, &c., for the Town of Worcester, shall receive four 
dollars reward, and all reasonable charges, or two dollars for 


either of them. : 
Naruan Batpwin, Chairman. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO THEOPHILUS CUSHING. 
In Council, July 30, 1776. 

Sir: Lam directed by the Committee of Council to inform 
you that there are many complaints from different parts of 
this State for want of camp-kettles, canteens, &c., which 
you, as one of the Committee, were to provide. I need not 
press the necessity of forwarding them immediately, when I 
inform you that the men are now waiting on the road for 
those articles, and are very uneasy, to the great detriment of 
this State; therefore the Committee of Council earnestly 
request that you forward them without further delay. 


By order of Council: Joun Avery, Dep. Secretary. 


To Theophilus Cushing, Esq. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO JOSEPH NYE, JUN. 
In Council Chamber, July 30, 1776. 
Sir: In answer to your request of the 26th instant, we 
would have you proceed to muster and form your men into 
companies, agreeable to the resolve of Court for raising the 
men, and make return thereof to Council as soon as possible; 
upon which you will receive further orders. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM DOVER, IN ENGLAND, DATED 
JuLy 31, 1776. 


The Zachary Bayley, from Jamaica for London, and the 
Creighton, from Antigua, with rum for the Army, were 
taken by the Yankee privateer, Captain Johnson, carrying 
nine four-pounders, sixteen swivels, and forty-three men. 
The prizes were sent to New-England, and the masters, 
together with a Midshipman of the Experiment, man-of-war, 
who was a passenger, and eleven seamen, were taken on 
board the privateer. On the 3d of July they seized the 
privateer without bloodshed, and have brought her to Dover. 
They were chased by two sloops, whom they imagined to 
be American privateers, but durst not engage them because 
of the number of prisoners they had on board. 

Captain Johnson (the American commander of the pri- 
vateer) complained of the illiberal treatment he received, 
by being insulted frequently while at sea, calling him by 
the most. opprobrious names, and threatening him with the 
cruellest and most savage punishments; and also for suffer- ¢ 
ing many people to come on board after the privateer arrived 
in the river to insult him in the grossest terms, though he 
was then a prisoner. And when his brother came to see 
him, after a three years’ absence, they were not permitted to 
talk together one minute in private. 

The prisoners on board the Yankee privateer having peti- 
tioned not to be closely confined, but that they might be put 
to some employment, upon which it was agreed that they 
should be placed on board the guardships. The vessel was 
afterwards ordered to be sold, and the money to be given to 
the captors. 


685 


To His Excellency General Lex, Commander-in- Chief, &c.: 
The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Parish of Sr. 
Georee, and Sr. Pau, including the ceded lands in the 
Province of Georeta, most humbly showeth: 


That your petitioners, living on the frontiers of the western 
parts of the Province of Georgia aforesaid, are much exposed 
to the barbarous attacks of the Creek Indians, and more 
especially from the intercourse which necessarily must sub- 
sist between them and the Indian traders, whilst an Indian 
trade is carried on, as it tends to bring those savages down 
into the settlements, and they seldom return without either 
committing murder or robbery, and generally both, upon the 
white people. ‘That this trade is of the utmost prejudice to 
your petitioners, and the rest of the Province, excepting only 
a few men immediately concerned in it. And we would 
further represent to your Excellency, that at the treaty held 
between Sir James Wright, Bart., and John Stuart, Esq., 
on behalf of George the Third, and the Headmen and 
Warriors of the same nation, in the year 1774, the Indzan 
traders, from self-interested views, then recommended it to 
the said Sir James Wright and John Stuart to reject a certain 
offer made to them by the said Headmen and Warriors of 
a most valuable cession of a tract of land lying or being 
on Oconee River, being a fork of the Alatamaha, and by 
nature formed for the benefit and advantage of the inhabi- 
tants, in giving them an opportunity of sending and export- 
ing their produce to market. And your petitioners can with 
truth assure your Excellency, that if the Indian trade was 
banished, it would be not only the means of restoring peace 
and tranquillity to this back country, but likewise would 
encourage people to come and settle therein. ‘That your 
petitioners submit to your Excellency’s wise consideration 
how far prudent it might be to make an attempt to exter- 
minate and rout those savages out of their nation, as it ap- 
pears to your petitioners that a sufficient force might (with 
your Excellency’s assistance) now be raised against them ; 
and in such case your petitioners will be ready, at the hazard 
of their lives and fortunes, to unite together for so desirable 
a purpose. May it, therefore, please your Excellency to 
take the premises into mature deliberation, and to grant such 
relief to your petitioners as your Excellency may think most 
proper. And your petitioners will ever pray. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM CHARLESTOWN, SOUTH-CARO- 
LINA, DATED JULY 31, 1776. 


We are just setting out for the burning sands of Georgia. 
An expedition is planned against part of Kast-Florida, ‘Two 
brothers of Governour Wright, with many others, are in- 
trenched on St. Mary’s River, which divides Florida from 
Georgia. Besides the great number of negroes they have 
of their own, others flock to them. Colonel Somers’s regi- 
ment from North-Carolina, and Major White, of North- 
Carolina, with two companies of volunteers, have marched; 
and Colonel Muhlenberg’s regiment only waits for wagons 
to transport their baggage. 


GENERAL HOOPER TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Dorchester County, July 31, 1776. 
Sir: The conduct of Lieutenant Levt Willen and Ensign 
Job Todd, both of Captain Lake’s company of Militia, has 
of late been such as to give great reason to suspect their 
principles are unfriendly to American liberty, and which I 
think renders them unfit to hold their commissions. [I there- 
fore make this representation of them to your honourable 
Board, that you may take such order therein as you think 
necessary. 
I am, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient servant, 
Henry Hooper. 
To Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, President of the Council 
of Safety. 


CAPTAIN SMITH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 


Fort at Whetstone, July 31, 1776. 
GentLemen: There is a soldier belonging to Captain 
Bowie's company (formerly Colonel Ewing’s) who deserted, 
and was taken up two days ago, and put into the prison in 
Baltimore. Colonel Ewing desired I would send his men 
to join their company as soon as I had an opportunity. I 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


686 


should be glad you would let me know, as soon as convenient, 
whether the Sheriff must be allowed what is common for 
taking up servants, and the prison fees. You will observe 
he is committed by the name of Samuel Johnson; his name 
is John Montgomery. 

I should be glad to know who I am to apply to as doctor 
in Mr. Weisenthal’s absence. If it would be agreeable to 
you, would apply to Doctor Coulter, who I think the most 
skilful in this place, and will do it as cheap as any one. 

I am, gentlemen, your most humble servant, 

Naru. Smirn. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


DORCHESTER COUNTY COMMITTEE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF 
SAFETY. 


In Committee of Observation, Dorchester County, 
July 31, 1776. 


GentLemen: We herewith send, under a guard to your 
Board, Joseph Wheeland, Junior, John Evans, and Robert 
Howith, who were lately taken in Hooper’s Straits, in the 
service of Lord Dunmore, by a party of Major Fallen’s men, 
and sent by the Major to us, as by his letter, which we have 
enclosed for your perusal, will appear. ‘The depositions of 
Joseph Mareman, and Moses Yell, which are mentioned in 
the enclosed letter, we have since received from Captain 
Eccleston, the Magistrate who took them, which we have 
also enclosed. We have not seen Captain Eccleston since 
he took the depositions, but are informed Mareman and Yell 
have returned home, on a promise that they will attend your 
Board on notice. We apprehend the prisoners will not 
deny their being in the service of Dunmore; but if they should, 
and any further evidence should be necessary to prove that 
fact, on your informing us of it we believe such may be 
easily had. 

Wheeland is the man who, the last Convention (as we are 
told) were informed, served as pilot to Dunmore’s vessels up 
to Nanticoke Point, and he confesses to us he was with the 
party who took cattle from Hopkins’s Island. 

We are, gentlemen, your obedient servants. 

Signed per order of Committee : 
Epwarp Noe, Chairman. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety, Annapolis. 


Joseph Mareman, being sworn on the Holy Evangels of 
Almighty God, deposeth and saith: That about the 15th day 
of this instant, he, with Moses Yell, left the mouth of Hungar- 
River, in a vessel bound to Potomack, loaded with plank and 
tar; but being a hard gale and a large swell, they were 
obliged to put back; but on their attempting to put back, the 
tide headed them. They afterwards hove about, and stood 
for the mouth of Potomack again; and about daybreak 
they espied Lord Dunmore’s fleet, at the distance of about 
a mile. ‘They then hove about, and stood for Smyth’s 
Island, and there came to anchor. ‘They staid there about 
two or three hours. ‘The wind moderated. ‘This deponent 
went ashore to Smyth’s Island, in order to buy some fish, 
and to seek for a canoe he had lost the night before, and to 
inquire if there was no inlet there to make a better harbour, 
and to get some fire to cook with. Before he got ashore, 
he saw two men in a canoe, making towards him, which he 
understood afterwards were Joseph Wheeland, Jun., and one 
Lazarus, a Mulatto; and by the time he got ashore, they 
came up with him. ‘This deponent says, they then asked 
him from whence he came, and what he had in. His answer 
was, they had plank and tar; that they were from Potomack, 
loaded in Hungar-River, and bound to Potomack again. 
Wheeland then asked this deponent if he did not belong to 
the fleet? This deponent asked, what fleet? They answer- 
ed, the English fleet. This deponent answered, he did not. 
He then asked, who he was for, either the country or the 
King? This deponent told him, he did not choose to 
intermeddle with either side. He then asked him, how 
many men he had on board? ‘This deponent told him, 
there was but one person besides himself. He then asked 
him, (this deponent,) if he was a Tory or not? He then told 
him he could not tell. The said Joseph Wheeland then told 
him he belonged to the English fleet, and he must go along 
with him. He then asked him if he was willing to stay 
with the fleet. He then told him, (the said Wheeland,) no; 
for he had a wife and children, and wanted to get home as 


687 


soon as possible. The said Wheeland said he would not 
detain any person that had a family against their will; but 
if they had no family, they should go. He then asked him 
for some victuals, for he was very hungry. He then ordered 
him to get into the canoe with the Mulatto fellow, Lazarus, 
and go up to the three schooners that Jay.in the creek, and 
tell some person to give him some victuals; and while he 
was giving orders, there came two other persons in a canoe, 
with a case of gin and rum, and gave hima dram. He 
then got out of his canoe, and sent one of the other persons 
with him, and he, the said Wheeland, and one of the persons 
in the other canoe, proceeded on board Captain Yell. We 
went some part of the way in the canoe, till they came to 
an anchor. ‘They then took it in, and ordered him to keep 
along shore. As this deponent was going along, he met 
with one of the Islanders, and had some conversation with 
him, till the said Joseph Wheeland came up with the said 
Captain Yell, and then took him aboard said canoe, and 
carried him, the said deponent, with the said Yell, on board the 
schooners that lay in the creek’s mouth aforesaid, in Smyth’s 
Island, where there was likewise a sloop dismasted, as they 
understood, which belonged to one White, up Nanticoke ; 
and when they came aboard, they saw about twenty persons 
sharing of plunder, and as they understood were all county 
born, except one. This deponent, with Captain Yell, re- 
quested the said Joseph Wheeland to go on shore. He then 
told them they might, but that Yel2 must leave his clothes 
on board. ‘They then went on shore, and got some victuals 
at Richard Evans’s. After some time, Marmaduke Mister, 
and sundry persons, came to the said house, and took supper. 
Some time after supper, Marmaduke Mister told this depo- 
nent and Captain Yell that they must go aboard, for they 
could not keep guard aboard and on shore too. ‘They then 
ordered them on board. As they were going along. he said, 
God damn you! do you go before the guard? John Evans’ 
said it would make no difference. He, the said Mister, said, 
they should not go before the guard. When they got on 
board, they ordered them down into the cabin, where they 
remained all night. ‘There were several on the guard, viz: 
Joseph Wheeland, John Evans, John Price, Robert Howith, 
and one Dial, and several others that he did not know, 
which said persons, as mentioned above, are under guard at 
Hooper’s Straits, except the said Dial. ‘The next morn- 
ing, Joseph Wheeland ordered three hands to bring up the 
vessel, They informed, when they returned, that she was 
between two bars, and they could not get her off. John 
Evans then persuaded the said Joseph Wheeland to let the 
men have the vessel again, as she would not be of any use 
to them. Wheeland then told this deponent, that Captain 
Yell might have the vessel if they would get her off. This 
deponentand Yel then went down to the vessel ; and when 
the said deponent and Yell returned, the said Yedl told the 
said Wheeland that he could get her off, and wanted his said 
clothes and money. He then refused him his clothes and 
vessel, and said he must have the tar; but if he would wait 
till he was gone to the fleet, he might have the residue of 
his cargo and vessel. The said deponent and Yell went to 
unloading the said vessel, and took out six barrels of tar, and 
put them on board Richard Evans’s boat, and told the said 
Wheeland that he should have the residue as soon as he 
could come at it. Wheeland told the said deponent that he 
had just received orders to come immediately to the fleet, 
and to burn that vessel that was understood to be White’s. 
The said Yell then asked him for his clothes and money. 
He then gave him part of his clothes, and told him some 
person had stolen his money, and that he might have his 
vessel and all his load. ‘This deponent says that he heard 
the said Joseph Wheeland tell the said Marmaduke Mister, 
that if he would see the aforesaid sloop that belonged to 
White burnt, he might have the iron of said vessel; upon 
which, said vessel was burnt; that the said Joseph Wheeland 
went off immediately. ; 

The said Yell and this deponent hired hands, and got off 
their vessel, and carried her to the creek aforesaid, in order 
to take in the remainder of her load; and before he had got 
her loaded, two tenders came in with the Island, and the 
said deponent and Captain Yedl went on shore; and as soon 
as they got on shore, two persons came down the creek, and 
went on board the said vessel, and carried her over to the 
fleet. One of the persons, as this deponent was informed, 
was Isaac Summers, from Little Annamésick, the other a lad 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


688 


unknown. The aforesaid Joseph Wheeland was, as this 

deponent understood, esteemed the commanding officer of 

the said vessel ; and further saith not. 
Sworn before 


Joseph Mareman lives in St. Mary’s County, near Leon- 
ard- Town, on Breton’s Bay. 


Hueu Eccresron. 


Moses Yell, being sworn on the Holy Evangels of Al- 
mighty God, deposeth and saith: That some time about the 
15th instant, this deponent was going in a vessel to Poto- 
mack River with tar and plank; but on seeing Dunmore’s 
fleet, this deponent returned, and anchored under Smith’s 
Island. About two or three hours after he had anchored, 
Joseph Wheeland, with one other man unknown to this 
deponent, came on board the vessel this deponent was in. 
Joseph Wheeland asked this deponent if he saw the fleet. 
This deponent answered that he had seen the fleet, and 
returned in consequence of it. Joseph Wheeland then asked 
this deponent whence he came, and where he was bound, 
and who he was for. This deponent answered, he had not 
a design to kill any person, but was a friend to his country. 
Joseph Wheeland then asked this deponent who he thought 
was right—the King, or the Shirtmen. This deponent 
answered that he thought the Americans were right. Joseph 
Wheeland then told this deponent he was for the fleet, and 
had orders from Lord Dunmore to take any vessel belong- 
ing to the Rebels, and destroy such as he thought proper, 
and carry the rest to the fleet. The said Wheeland then 
demanded a sight of this deponent’s papers, which this de- 
ponent gave him. The said Wheeland then took the papers, 
a pocket-book, about forty shillings cash, and all the clothes 
belonging to this deponent that were in the vessel, except 
what he had on, and carried this deponent, together with 
the clothes and money, on board a tender which he informed 
this deponent he had the command of; and likewise the said 
Wheeland informed him he had the command of the other 
two vessels that were with the one this deponent was put 
on board of. . 

This deponent saith, the said Wheeland told him he had 
taken a vessel belonging to White, in Nanticoke, and that 
he (Wheeland) intended to fit her out with four four-pounders 
and twelve swivels to guard the Islands, and keep the Shirt- 
men from going on to abuse the inhabitants. The aforesaid 
Wheeland told him he must take out the mast from his ves- 
sel, (Yell’s,) and put it in the vessel he had taken from 
White, which was then driven aground, and had lost her 
mast; but before he had got her over the bar, he (Yell) 
understood from an old man on board the tender, that 
Wheeland had received an express from the fleet ordering 
him to come up to Potomack, to assist the fleet in getting 
water, as quickly as possible, as orders were come to the 
fleet to go out as soon as they could—part to Martinico, to 
fight the F'rench, (as they expected a war there,) and a part 
to New-York or Halifax. Wheeland soon after ordered 
fire set to White’s vessel, and one other which he had not 
got over the bar; and put this deponent on shore, gave him 
part of his clothes, and told him he might take his boat 
again. This deponent saith that Marmaduke Mister was 
one of the persons that kept guard over him one night while 
he was on board the tender. The aforesaid Mister asked 
this deponent who he was for, whether King or county, 
This deponent answered, he was friend to every person that 
behaved well. The aforesaid Mister then commanded, in 
the King’s name, to tell him the truth. This deponent then 
told him he was born in this country, and had a right to 
defend his liberty. Mister then said, what them damned 
Rebels call liberty, I call slavery, and so the people will find 
it. This deponent further saith, that Marmaduke Mister 
set fire to one of the vessels that was burnt, and was to have 
the iron for doing it. ‘This deponent saith that John Evans, 
Robert Howith, and one Price, were likewise on board the 
same tender, under the command of the aforesaid Joseph 
Wheeland, (he supposes,) as he often heard them call him 
Captain. ‘This deponent saith he heard John Evans say he 
was determined to have several of the principal people on 
the Islands, either dead or alive, or get some of their negroes, 
This deponent saith he has seen Joseph Wheeland, John 
Evans, Robert Howith, and Price, the four persons above 
mentioned, since they have been under guard at the Straits, 
and that they are the same persons that he saw on board of 


689 


the tender above mentioned. This deponent further saith, 
on his asking Joseph Wheeland for his clothes, Wheeland 
threatened to put him in irons in the vessel’s hole. ‘This 
deponent likewise saith, that John Evans told him not to be 
uneasy about his clothes and money, for that Wheeland 
would give them to him after he was ready to go from the 
Island, for the paper money would be of no more use to him 
than blank paper. 


Sworn before Hueu Eccursron. 


July 27, 1776. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO MAJOR PRICE, 
[No. 99.] Annapolis, July 31, 1776. 

Sir: Captain Mantz, who commands a company of the 
Frederick battalion, well armed and accoutred, this day 
marches to relieve Captain Thomas and his company, whom 
you may thereupon order up to this place in his way to the 
camp to the northward. He may leave his pots to Captain 
Mantz’s company to cook with, and may be supplied here 
with camp-kettles or pots more portable than those he has 
now in possession. Captain Mantz will occupy the posts 
and places where Captain Thomas’s company were station- 
ed, until further orders. 

The officers despatched by you to give Captain Nicholson 
notice, not being able to overtake him, had very nearly occa- 
sioned a loss of the Defence. She was becalmed, and obli- 
ged to come to an anchor, tide against her. The English 
fleet had a wind, which brought them down Potomack within 
three miles of her, where she lay becalmed, when fortunately 
a breeze sprung up, which enabled her to escape. ‘They 
heard no firing at your camp. 

Weare glad to hear the cannon proves good, as it will be 
advantageous to the Province, and a greater encouragement 
to those who use them in time of engagement, as they will 
put the more confidence in the rest. We are also well 
pleased on the account of Mr. Hughes’s succeeding in the 
way to satisfaction. 

We received copies of Mr. Eden’s, Mr. Wolstenholme’s, 
and Mr. Forrest’s letters, and still retain the opinion com- 
municated to you in our last, and of which we informed 
Colonel Barnes, in answer to his packet, that it is unsafe, 
at this period of time, to permit Mr. Wolstenholme to depart 
this Province, and the more especially as he would not en- 
gage secrecy with respect to our movements and present 
situation; and his letter to Mr. Eden, of the 20th July, so 
far from removing, has impressed it more forcibly on our 
minds. 

We are sorry for the fatigue and hard fare you have met 
with, and would alleviate it as much as lies in our power; 
it is only the fortune de la guerre. Another time, we hope 
you will have quarters more agreeable. We doubt not your 
humanity will interest you so far in favour of the sick as to 
have all the care taken of them you can. We have here- 
tofore written you about the cannon coming up by water, 
after the departure of the enemy. 

Weare, &c. 


To Major Thomas Price. 


P.S. We have some powder and small-arms arrived at 
Wicomico, in Virginia, as you will see by the enclosed 
receipt, and should be glad of your opinion how we could 
contrive it across in the safest manner to the Maryland side 
of Potomack. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THOMAS JONES. 
{No. 100.] Annapolis, July 31, 1776. 
Sir: We thank your Committee for the care they have 
and intend to take of the Molly’s cargo belonging to our 
Province. We are not yet certain whether we shall order 
wagons from Alexandria, or send a vessel to the mouth of 
Potomack for it. ‘This will depend upon the information 
we may receive from Major Price, who has the command 
of our troops stationed on St. Mary’s River. Should he 
think that it may be transported across the river without 
risk, either above or below St. Mary’s, it is probable we 


shall adopt what he may recommend. 
Weare, &c. 


To Thomas Jones, Esq., Chairman of Committee of Obser- 
vation for Northumberland County. 


Firru Serres.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


690 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN CONWAY. 
{[No. 101.] Annapolis, July 31, 1776. 

Sir: Our Council would be very glad to see you imme- 
diately at Annapolis, to consult you about another voyage 
for the Molly, and also to be informed of the particulars that 
have happened relative to her last. We are, &c. 


To Captain Thomas Conway. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JOSEPH GILPIN. 
[No. 102.] Annapolis, July 31, 1776. 

Sir: Mr. Woolsey, of Baltimore-Town, informs us that he 
has heard there is a good flint quarry about two miles from 
the head of Elk, and of course, we are told, must be near 
your house, on your land. 

The Congress, foreseeing the necessity of having gun-flints 
manufactured among us, have requested the strictest search 
to be made after, and earliest intelligence given them of the 
discovery of any such quarry in any of the Independent 
States. We request you will make inquiry, and acquaint 
us of the success of the inquiry with all the speed in your 
power. We are, &c. 

To Joseph Gilpin, Esq. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO ALEXANDER McFADON. 
[No. 103.] Annapolis, July 31, 1776. 
Sir: There is an immediate demand for tenting and shirt- 
ing linen for the troops raised by this Colony in the Conti- 
nental service. It would be extremely serviceable to the 
publick, and agreeable to us, that you would exert yourself 
all in your power to furnish this Province with what quanti- 


ties you can, and send it directly to this place. 
We are, & 


To Mr. Alexander McFadon, Georgetown. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO THE PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL 
OF SAFETY. 
Philadelphia, July 31, 1776. 
GenTLEMEN: The service at the Flying-Camp requiring 
some pieces of artillery, I have it in charge from Congress 
to request you will immediately send to General Mercer ten 
six-pounders, and an equal number of four-pounders. If 
you cannot furnish them out of the stores of the State of 
Pennsylvania, 1 am to request you will procure them with 
all possible despatch, and forward them to Amboy in New- 
Jersey. Whatever number you can spare, you will please 
to forward immediately, and procure the remainder as soon 
as possible. Your ardour and zeal in the cause of your 
country will, I am persuaded, supersede the necessity of 
arguments to induce you to an immediate compliance with 
this requisition. 
I have the honour to be, with respect, gentlemen, your 
most obedient, and very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Pennsylvania. 


Ry 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, July 31, 1776. 

Str: The enclosed resolves, which I do myself the honour 
of transmitting, are so explicit that I need only refer your 
attention to them. 

You will please to give such orders with regard to build- 
ing boats for the service of the Flying-Camp as you shall 
judge necessary. A copy of General Mercer’s letter to Con- 
gress on this subject you have enclosed. 

I have written to the Council of Safety of this State to 
forward to General Mercer ten six-pounders and an equal 
number of four-pounders, with the greatest expedition. Your 
favour of the 29th came safe to hand, and was immediately 
laid before Congress. I have forwarded to Generals Schuy- 
ler and Mercer a copy of the enclosed resolves, as far as 
they relate to their respective departments. 

I have the honour to be, with sentiments of the greatest 
respect and esteem, sir, your most obedient, and very humble 
servant, Joun Hancock, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 
P.S, Upon conversing with General Sudlivan, and stating 


44 


691 


to him the reasons of Congress’s promoting General Gates 
over him, he desired me to move for leave to withdraw his 
application to resign, in which the Congress have acquiesced. 
He has now orders to repair to New-York, where you will 
please to assign him such post of duty as you shall-think 
proper. 

A Continental ship arrived at Chester with three hundred 
and sixty-six pigs of lead, fifty-four boxes musket balls, one 
thousand stand of arms with bayonets, one barrel flints, one 
hundred and ninety-three whole barrels powder. 


[Endorsed on cover of Letter by J. H., Esq.: 

Also, a privateer has brought in a West-Indiaman bound to London, 
having on board, besides produce, eleven hundred johannes, seven hun- 
dred guineas, &c.] 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO BENJAMIN FLOWER. 
Philadelphia, July 31, 1776. 
Sir: The enclosed commission of Commissary of Military 
Stores for the Flying-Camp has been ready for you ever 
since the date of it. I should have forwarded it sooner if I 
had known where to send it. It was not till yesterday [ heard 
you were with Colonel Dickinson at the Flying-Camp. 
I am, sir, your most humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To Benjamin Flower, New-Jersey. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL MERCER. 
Philadelphia, July 31, 1776. 

Sir: I do myself the honour of transmitting the enclosed 
resolves, by which you will perceive that your application 
to Congress relative to building boats for the use of the 
Flying-Camp, is referred to General Washington, to whom 
I have written on the subject, by this conveyance, to give 
such directions as he shall judge necessary. I have also 
written to the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania, to forward 
to you immediately ten six-pounders, and an equal number 
of four-pounders. The Congress have allowed you a 
Secretary as long as you shall continue to act in a separate 


command. ‘The sixty thousand dollars for the use of the 


Flying-Camp will be sent as soon as possible. 
I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your 
most obedient and very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To Brigadier-General Mercer, New-Jersey. 


P. S. The appointment of a Brigade-Major resting 
entirely with yourself, you are authorized to nominate one 
as soon as ever you shall think proper. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Philadelphia, July 31, 1776. 


Sir: I am so extremely hurried that I have only time to 
forward the enclosed resolves of Congress, which are indeed 
so explicit, that there is not the least occasion to enlarge. 
I must therefore request your attention to them, and beg 
leave to conclude, by assuring you that I am, with sentiments 
of real respect and esteem, sir, your most obedient and very 


umble servan , 
SNES bli Joun Hancock, President. 


To General Schuyler, Albany, or elsewhere. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO JOSEPH TRUMBULL. 

Philadelphia, July 31, 1776. 
Sir: The Continental troops being ordered from Boston 
to New-York, and the Massachusetts-Bay left to depend 
entirely on their Militia, Tam to inform you, that should the 
Assembly of that State think proper to call any of them 
into the field, you will in that case take care that they are 
supplied with rations, making the enclosed resolve of Con- 

gress the rule of your conduct. 
I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To Joseph Trumbull, Esq., Com’y General, at New-York. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Perth-Amboy, July 31, 1776. 
Sir: This morning two Negroes were brought to me who 
made their escape last night from Staten-Island, and were 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


692 


taken up by our guards at South-Amboy. Their examina- 
tion contains nothing new, but is sent enclosed for your 
perusal. 

By the report of the commanding officer at the above 
mentioned post, it appears that thirty-nine sail of square- 
rigged vessels, three of them men-of-war, have come in from 
sea within these three days. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most obe- 


dient servant 
’ Hueu Mercer. 


Examination of two Negroes, Deserters from Staren-Istanp, Jury 31, 
1776. 


The Examination of Joshua, a Negro slave, belonging to 
Peter Peleyon, of Richmond County, on sStaten-Island, 
taken at Perth-Amboy, July 31st, 1776, before Hugh 
Mercer, Esq., Brigadier-General. 


Saith he hath lived on the south side of Staten-Island, in 
Richmond County aforesaid, for the space of nine years; that 
having gone to see the fleet on Sunday last, his master threat- 
ened him with a beating; that at the Watering Place there 
is a large encampment with many soldiers. He has heard 
of no other large encampment on the Island, except at the 
post at Billop’s Point. He has overheard discourses among 
the enemy, of attacking New-York, when Lord Howe’s fleet 
shall arrive, before which time they should not have a suf- 
ficient number of men to pursue their design with ; that the 
troops on the Island are almost all frish and Scotch; that 
the English regiments are to come over with Lord Howe’s 
fleet; that said fleet was to consist of two hundred sail ; 
that the enemy have yet a plenty of provisions. ‘This exa- 
minant overheard an officer threaten to come over to the 
Jerseys, for stock, by-and-by. The Tories are well treated by 
the British troops; Governour Tryon has set a price on pro- 
visions; the soldiers are divided among the plantations within 
his knowledge on the east side of the Island. 


Lawrence, another Negro slave, belonging to the above 
mentioned Peter Peleyon, being examined, in like manner 
as the above named Joshua, saith: He has lived with Peleyon 
eight years; that an officer and fourteen soldiers live at his 
master’s house. He believes the greatest number of soldiers. 
to be on the shore near the place where the fleet lies. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 5, 1776.] 
New-York, July 31, 1776. 
Sir: This will be handed you by Captain Marquesie, 
with whom I have no other acquaintance than what is derived 
from the enclosed letter from General Schuyler. He says 
he has lost his baggage and all he had in our service. I 
have advanced him twenty dollars, and he is now going to 
wait on Congress, to whom I suppose he means to make his 
pretensions known. 
I have the Honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 
Go. WasHINeTON. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress. 


EPHRAIM ANDERSON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, July 31, 1776. 
Sir: I beg leave just to inform you that I have been for 
some time past very assiduous in the preparation of fire ships. 
Two are already complete and hauled off in the stream; two 
more will be off to-morrow, and the residue in a very short 
time. In my next I hope to give you a particular account 
of a general conflagration, as everything in my power shall 
be exerted in the demolition of the enemy’s fleet. I expect 
to take an active part, and be an instrument for that purpose. 
I am determined (God willing) to make a conspicuous figure 
among them, by being a “burning and shining light,” and 
thereby serve my country, and have the honour of meeting 
the approbation of Congress. 
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient, and very 


humble servant, Epnraim ANDERSON. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, President of the Honourable 
Continental Congress, Philadelphia. 


P. S. The bearer, Captain Marquesie, Engineer, I have 
been acquainted with, in our service in Canada, and recom- 
mend him as a deserving officer. 


693 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
New-York, July 31, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Your favours of the 14th, 17th, 20th, and 
24th, have been duly received, and I am extremely happy 
to find that you have discovered and apprehended some of 
the ringleaders of a dangerous plot you say was forming in 
the neighbourhood of Albany; nor do I hear with little plea- 
sure of the harmony and good agreement between you and 
General Gates, knowing how essential they are to the ser- 
vice. ' 

Agreeable to your request, I communicated to Mr. Trum- 
bull that part of your letter respecting Mr. Livingston, and 
your apprehensions of his resigning in case any person should 
be appointed to act independently of him in the business he 
usually managed. Upon this occasion T must observe, that 
as Mr. Trumbull has the supreme direction given him by 
Congress of supplying the Northern Army, and is the person 
that is to be accountable if it is not done in a proper manner, 
his appointment should and must be regarded, or things in 
this instance will never proceed in a regular channel, and 
fatal consequences will otherwise ensue. Mr. Trumbull, | 
believe, has written to Mr. Livingston on the subject, and I 
imagine has mentioned in what manner he would have him 
to act; and also given necessary instructions to his deputies. 

It gives me great satisfaction to hear that taking post at 
Fort Stanwix has not given umbrage to the Indians ; and 
also that those who were at Philadelphia and this place, 
have returned to their several nations with such favourable 
ideas of our strength and resources. *rom this circumstance 
I am hopeful you will be able to engage them in our interest, 
and, with the assistance of the reward allowed by Congress, 
to excite their efforts to make prisoners of our enemies. I 
would have you press the matter strongly in both instances ; 
and though you should not succeed, I flatter myself you will 
secure their neutrality. That will be an important point to 
gain. 

I conceive it will not only be proper, but absolutely neces- 
sary, to request General Howe to deliver up the officers, who, 
regardless of their paroles, have escaped from Pennsylvania, 
and all other that have acted in the same manner, pointing 
out the impropriety of such conduct, and the difficulty it 
lays us under as to the line of treatment to be observed to 
others. In a conversation with the Adjutant-General of the 
King’s Army, I touched upon this subject, and he assured 
me all complaints of this nature would be strictly attended 
to by General Howe, and those who gave rise to them be 
handled with severity. Lord Howe, too, I am confidently 
informed, has expressed his great disapprobation of such 
behaviour, and said that those who were guilty of it should 
be severely noticed if they came into his hands. Every 
thinking and sensible person must see the impropriety of it, 
and the consequences that must attend it. I should suppose 
the requisition will claim General Burgoyne’s attention, and 
be readily complied with. 

The swivels you mention cannot be had; but if the ex- 
periments of a person who has undertaken to cast some three- 
pounders should succeed, perhaps after some time you may 
be furnished in part with a quantity of these. Colonel Knox 
seems to think they will be far superior to swivels. ‘The 
man supposes that after he begins he will be able to complete 
twenty every week. Neither are there any hand-grenades. 
We have a large number of 43-inch shells, which might be a 
good substitute. But Ido not know how things of this sort 
can be forwarded to you, as the water communication with 
Albany is entirely cut off. ‘The difficulty will be great if not 
almost insuperable. 

I observe your reasons for quitting Crown- Point, and pre- 
ferring Ticonderoga. My knowledge of the importance of 
the former was not properly my own; it arose from the infor- 
mation I had from gentlemen and persons who were, or said 
they were, well acquainted with it, and the situation of the 
country about it. Being founded on that, I cannot say any- 
thing myself upon the subject. Your representation of it 
most certainly lessens its consequence in a capital degree. 
However, I am fearful the observation of the Field-Officers, 
“that the New-England Governments, &c., will be thereby 
exposed to the incursions of our cruel and savage enemies,” 
will be but too well verified. If that post could not have 
been maintained, this evil, with others greater, must have 


happened. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


694 


In respect to the privilege you have given the officers who 
hold double commissions to retain which they choose, I can- 
not object, if the authority giving them was the same, and 
such as was exercised usually and approved. I see no cause 
for it, and suppose the officers have that right. As to Lieute- 
nant-Colonel Buell’s case, 1 cannot give any direction about 
it, not having authority to appoint officers generally. 

It is not in my power to spare you any money from hence. 
Our chest is all but empty. Congress would be informed 
by your letters of your situation, doubtless; 1 mentioned it 
in mine; and have suggested, as I often have, the expediency, 
nay the necessity, of keeping regular supplies. 

Nothing of moment has occurred here lately. The enemy 
are growing stronger. For some time past ships, &c., have 
been coming in to them more or less. All the eastward ac- 
counts say that three or four captures have been made lately, 
among them a provision vessel from Ireland, which of herself 
came into Boston harbour. In the Southern Department 
we have been still more lucky: Sir Peter Parker and his fleet 
got a severe drubbing in an attack against our works-on 
Sullivan’s Island, just by Charlestown, South-Carolina. A 
part of their troops at the same time attempting to land were 
repulsed. ‘The papers, I presume, have reached you an- 
nouncing this fortunate event, where you will see the par- 
ticulars transmitted by General Lee to Congress. 

Iam, &c., Go. WasHINGTON. 


To General Schuyler. 


MEMORIAL OF THE REGIMENTAL SURGEONS TO CONGRESS, 
JuLy, 1776. 


To the Honourable the Representatives of the United Free 
and Independent States of America: 
The Memorial of the Regimental Surgeons in the Army 
commanded by his Excellency General W asuineton, most 
respectfully showeth: 


That, immediately after the battles of Lexington and of 
Bunker’s Hill, the 19th April and 17th June, 1775, the 
inhabitants of the country rising in defence of their lives, 
liberty, and property, an Army was suddenly collected in the 
Province of Massachusetts-Bay, from that and the neigh- 
bouring Colonies: that Surgeons and Mates were appointed 
to take charge of the several regiments, and furnished at that 
time with such supplies of Medicines, Bandages, and Chirur- 
gical Instruments, as could be procured on that emergency 
from the respective Colonies in which the regiments were 
raised, for the use of the sick and wounded in the several 
regiments to which they belonged: that the honourable Con- 
tinental Congress, having afterwards appointed a Director- 
General and Physician-in-Chief, with power and instructions 
to establish a General Hospital for the reception of the sick 
and wounded, under certain regulations, agreed and fixed 
upon by the Congress, with Surgeons, Mates, and other officers 
to take care of them, no mention was then made of, or any 
orders given for, the regulation of the Regimental Surgeons 
and Mates, or allowance of Regimental Hospitals, which are 
thought necessary in regular Armies. ‘That the said Regi- 
mental Surgeons and Mates were thus left destitute of 
necessaries and conveniences for taking care of their sick, 
not knowing where to apply for them in any regularly estab- 
lished method, to the great injury of their patients; some of 
whose cases not requiring them to be sent to the General 
Hospital, if they could be supplied with a few refreshments 
under their proper Regimental Surgeons, and the cases of 
others rendering them unfit patients for a General Hospital, 
as patients labouring under dysenteries, the itch, hectical 
patients, and those having fevers likely to be rendered infec- 
tious by crowding many of them together, with other sick 
patients, into one large Hospital. ‘That the Regimental 
Surgeons have no means of providing the sick with wine, 
cordial, or any variety of refreshments in the dietetick way, 
as in the General Hospital: that they never have been 
provided with medicines (except from the General Hospital) 
since the first supplies from the Colonies were expended: 
that they are wholly destitute of Surgeons’ Instruments, 
except a very few, which are private property, and have 
never had any allowance made them whereby to enable them 
to provide themselves with the necessary bandages and im- 
plements of Surgery, by which they are left to depend on 
the General Hospital for those articles, contrary to all mili- 
tary rules; nor does it appear that the General Hospital can 


695 


furnish instruments to the Regimental Surgeons, even if they 
had an allowed right todemand them. ‘That on application 
to the Colonels of these regiments for a supply of what they 
want for these purposes, they are constantly told they have 
no orders to furnish them; and no assurance, if they were 
to advance money for these regimental purposes, that they 
should be repaid. ‘That, in consequence of this unsettled 
state of affairs, they have applied to the Director-General of 
the Hospital, and, at a conference on the subject, have agreed 
with him upon certain pro tempore regulations, if approved 
of by the Commander-in-Chief, (a copy of which are an- 
nexed,) for the occasional establishment of Regimental 
Hospitals, the direction of Regimental Surgeons and Mates, 
and settling the proper subordination of them to the Direc- 
tor-General, and ascertaining the dependance they are to 
have on the General Hospital for supplies of necessary re- 
freshments; and, by his advice, have thus represented their 
situation to Congress, "praying that the honourable Represen- 
tatives will take their case into consideration, and appoint 
in what method they would in future have them apply for 
Medicines, Instruments, and other implements of Surgery; 
and in case further necessaries and refreshments may here- 
after be wanted, over and above what is already settled by 
the foregoing rules, for the recovery or preservation of the 
men, whether the expenses will be allowed by Congress, 
and who is to defray the same; or whether the Congress may 
think fit, on any future regulation of the Army, to subject 
the soldiery to such small stoppages in their pay as may 
answer that purpose, according to the usage and custom 
observed in the British and other Armies, for the support 
of the General and Regimental Hospitals, (it being only an 
appropriation of part of their pay, by their own consent, at 
inlistment, and for their own good, where no other fund is 
provided.) And lastly, that as the Regimental Surgeons 
are wholly destitute of Chirurgical Instruments for the im- 
mediate assistance of the wounded of their corps, in case of 
action, and they cannot leave camp to procure them, they 
are constrained to entreat that the honourable Congress will 
be pleased to give some immediate directions for furnishing 
them with the necessary articles and implements of Surgery; 
and that, in all cases in which there are no orders given 
them for the government of themselves and the sick under 
their care, the usages and customs observed in the British 
and other European Armies may be allowed to direct them, 
till more perfect rules of conduct are established by the 
authority of Congress. And your memorialists, as in duty 
bound, shall ever pray, &c. 


MEMORIAL OF THE REGIMENTAL SURGEONS. 


To His Excellency Grorce W asnineron, Esq., Commander- 
in- Chief of the Army of the United Free and Independent 
States of AMERICA: 


The Regimental Surgeons of the Army, stationed at 
New-York, commanded by your Excellency, considering 
themselves aggrieved by the Regulations issued by your 
Excellency on the 28th of July, and having the strongest 
assurances that your ear is ever open to the just complaints, 
and that you are ever ready to redress the injuries, of those 
under your command, beg leave, with the utmost respect, 
to remonstrate: ‘That by those orders the sole right of judging 
and determining of the fitness of removing a patient from the 
Regimental to the General Hospital, is vested in the Surgeon 
of the Hospital, to the exclusion of the Regimental Surgeon, 
who must be supposed to be under equal, if not superior 
advantages to determine with regard to his own patient, of 
the propriety of doing it. ‘That we conceive the orders are 
expressed in such terms, and are in fact so understood by 
the oflicers of the respective regiments to which we belong, 
as represent your remonstrants in a very contemptible light, 
and their services of Tess importance in the Army than we 
humbly conceive they deserve. While your remonstrants 
reflect on their assiduity and constant attendance on the sick, 
the great numbers they have had under their care, in pro- 
portion to those admitted into the General Hospital, and the 
almost inconceivable disadvantages which they have labour- 
ed under till the present period, being almost wholly destitute 
of suitable supplies, they cannot, on the present occasion, see 
themselves considered by th® publick, and especially by your 
Excellency, in so disagreeable a point of light, without feel- 
ing it in the most sensible manner, While we complain to 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


696 


your Excellency on a very tender point, (a point in which 
we think our usefulness and honour are deeply concerned,) 
we beg leave to inform you, that we shall, with the greatest 
cheerfulness, submit ourselves, our Hospitals, and the whole 
of our conduct, as it respects the good of the Army, to the 
inspection and regulation of the Director-General. 

Confiding in your justice and equity for a redress of our 
grievances, we willingly leave it to your Excellency to 
remedy our complaints; and your remonstrants, as in duty 
bound, shall ever pray. 


James Coggswell, 
Percival Hall, 
Elisha Story, 
Jared Potter, 


John Hart, 
David Jones, 
Lemuel Cushing, 
John Condict, 
Thomas Ewing, John Crocker, jr. 
Gibbons Jewell, Josiah Hart, 
Benjamin Putnam, John Waldo, 


New-York, July 31, 1776. 


Samuel Richards, 
William Adams, 
Samuel Tenny, 
John Crocker, 
Elisha Eley, 
Ithur’] Pell. 


WILLIAM PALFREY TO FRANCIS LEWIS. 
New-York, July 31, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Agreeable to your directions I presented to 
Messrs. Murry & Sanson the two drafts for £100 sterling 
each, for which I received one thousand dollars in payment; 
which sum I shall apply to the publick service, and credit 
the United States of America accordingly. 

Any other commands that you may have, either publick 
or private, shall be executed with the greatest pleasure by, 
sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 

Wm. Paurrey. 


To Francis Lewis, Esq., Member of Congress. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, July 31, 1776. 


Sir: Colonel Hand reports two ships that came in late 
last evening at the Hook. Nothing material has occurred 
in this camp since yesterday. 

I have the honour to be, your Excellency’s most obedient 
servant, NATHANAEL GREENE. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters, 
New-York. 


COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
; $ Long-Island, July, 1776. 

Sir: The enclosed is a true state of the three detached 
companies of Colonel Clinton’s regiment, stationed at the east 
end of Long-Island. We have two field-pieces mounted on 
field-carriages, but no ammunition for them. If we-had a 
supply of that article, also ladles, rammers, and worms, for 
them, I fancy they would be of service to us, if the enemy 
should ever take it in their beads to visit us. The Com- 
mittee have fitted up these two pieces, and requested me to 
write to your Excellency for a supply of ammunition for 
them. I have with much difficulty prevailed on them to 
remove the cattle from some of the Islands, and to prepare 
boats to remove them from Shelter-Island as soon as a fleet 
shall appear in sight. ‘They have furnished us with five 
whale-boats since my arrival, and promise to procure a suffi- 
ciency for us, which will be a great advantage to us, as the 
companies can much more expeditiously assist each other 
by water than by land. ‘There are a prodigious number of 
cattle here, more than three companies can possibly protect. 
Montauk-Point or Neck, about eighteen miles in length and 
two in breadth, contains sixteen hundred head of horned 
cattle, five hundred horses, and ten thousand sheep. Should 
the communication be cut off between this neck and the 
country, it would be a fine supply for our enemies. 

LT remain your Excellency’s most obedient, humble ser- 
vant, Henry B. Livineston. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 

P. S. One of the companies is stationed on Montauk- 
Point, another on Shelter-Island, about twenty miles from 
Montauk, another at Oyster-Pond Point, about seven miles 
from Shelter-Island, and twenty-four miles from Montauk. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
German-Flats, July 31, 1776. 
Dear Sir: Indeed I give you much trouble, but I cannot 
avoid it, I am this moment informed that only seventy 


697 


sailors can be procured out of our Northern Army, and that 
we shall want two or three hundred more, and that they 
may possibly be procured in Connecticut ; and it is con- 
jectured that Captains Samuel Chew and Francis Brown, 
of New- Haven, Captain Amos Green, of Stamford, Captain 
Whittlesey, of Saybrook, and Captain Seth Warner, of 
Haddam, would, if not employed, be willing to engage as 
Captains to command vessels on Lake Champlain. Tam 
a stranger to all these gentlemen; permit me, therefore, to 
beg the favour of you to send them, or such others as you 
may think proper, to engage forty men apiece, and to make 
the best contracts you can with them for the men’s monthly 
wages and allowances, which will be strictly complied with. 

Tam greatly chagrined at the tedious delay of the Indians, 
as well on account of the very heavy expense in sending them, 
as that lam kept from the Army. Our misfortunes in Canada 
have made them somewhat assuming; but I have great hopes 
that they will not engage against us, although very little, ifany, 
except the Oneida nation, will take an active part with us. 

I am, sir, most sincerely and respectfully, your obedient, 
humble servant, Pu. ScHUYLER. 


To the Honourable Governour Trumbull. 


COLONEL GANSEVOORT TO JOHN McKESSON. 
Fort George, July 31, 1776. 
Sir: I have only time to acknowledge the receipt of your 
favour of the 13th instant, which came to hand this morning; 
and in answer thereto, inform you that the companies of 
Colonel Wynkoop’s regiment which were here, are gone, 
some to Ticonderoga and some to Skenesborough. 
I am, sir, your humble servant, 
Peter GansEvoort, 
Lieutenant- Colonel, commanding Fort George. 


To John McKesson, Esq. 


COLONEL GREATON TO GENERAL HEATH. 
Ticonderoga, July 31, 1776. 

Dear Generac: I received your kind letter of the 13th 
June, which gave me great pleasure to think you had not 
forgotten your friend, though at a distance. You inform me 
you had not received a line from me since I left New-York. 
I have written to you but once, which I am very sorry you 
did not receive. [had not time, hardly, to write to my family 
when I was in Canada. 

Our fatigues and hardships have been very great; they 
are too tedious to enumerate at this time, but [ hope I shall 
have an opportunity some winter’s evening to inform you of 
what we have undergone. We have got out of Canada very 
well, considering the situation we were in, but happy would 
it have been for us if we had retreated three weeks sooner 
than we did; we should have saved three hundred men by 
it, and got to Crown-Point soon enough to have fortified 
there, and not have come to this sickly place. We are 
fortifying here as fast as we can. ‘The men are in very 
low spirits. You would hardly know my regiment now, 
they are so altered in every shape. 

We have various accounts from St. John’s. The best 
intelligence we can get here is, that they are building vessels, 
batteaus, &c., as fast as they can. ‘They have seven thou- 
sand Regulars, and about five thousand Canadians, dressed 
in Regular clothing and armed by the Regulars. They 
expect to be ready to cross the Lake the last of next month. 
The above news we have from a French Captain of Militia, 
who left his family for fear of being hanged, and came across 
the woods to this place. 

I hope we shall have the start of them. We have three 
schooners and one sloop ready to sail, and in a week or ten 
days we shall have fourteen row-galleys and gondolas ready, 
which will mount three cannon apiece, from twelve to 
twenty-four-pounders. 

General, | should take it as a great favour if you would 
let me hear from you, every opportunity you can, how affairs 
are in York. You wrote me about Major Sherburne’s get- 
ting great honour to himself amongst you; it is not so here; 
you will hear more about it. I would have written you more 
particularly, but the post is waiting, and I am in great haste. 

I subscribe myself your Honour’s sincere friend and obe- 
dient servant, Jno. Grearon. 


To the Hon, Brigadier-General Heath, at New-York. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


698 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL WATERBURY. 
Tyonderoga, July 31, 1776. 

Dear Str: I am glad to hear that the Militia begin to 
arrive at Skenesborough. You must be careful to prevent 
their straggling to camp, as there will be the utmost danger 
of their carrying the small-pox back with them. 

Let me hear by every opportunity the state of your post, 
and what number of the Militia arrives there, and every 
Saturday send me an exact return. That of the 28th ts 
now before me—I am much obliged to you for it. 

I thank you for the peas. Vegetables and butter would 
be extremely welcome, as there are scarce any to be had in 
this part of the country. 

General Arnold has my directions to write to you; his 
letter goes by this conveyance. I am, &c. 

Horatio Gates. 


To Brigadier-General Waterbury. 


P.S. Let me know the state of your provisions and rum. 
Do the Militia bring ammunition? What shall you want? 
I am told a number of cattle are ordered to Skenesborough? 
Do any arrive? 


JOHN TRUMBULL TO LIEUTENANT-COLONEL GANSEVOORT. 
Ticonderoga, July 31, 1776. 

Sir: The bearer, Major Hubly, late Major of Brigade to 
General Woedtke, comes to take an inventory and appraise- 
ment of the late Baron Woedtke’s goods. This you will 
permit him to do, and to bring such goods, &c., as he shall 
think proper, with the will, to this place, where Colonel 
D? Haas proposes to administer on the estate. 

It has been told the General that some officers at your 
post (not yourself) have presumed to give furloughs to the 
sick, when discharged from the Hospital. You will inquire 
into this, and let any gentleman who may have done it here- 
tofore know, that if he is found guilty of a conduct so unpre- 
cedented and so prejudicial to the service, he will be imme- 
diately put in arrest, and tried for his presumption and breach 
of orders by a general court-martial. 

You will assist Ensign Hallenbach in forwarding the chain 
he has in charge to Albany. 

I am, sir, your very obedient servant, 


J. Trumpuut, Dep. Adj. Gen. 


To Lieutenant-Colonel Gansevoort. 


PETITION OF CAPTAIN YOUNG. 


The Petition of Samuet Y oune, Captain in Colonel BevEw’s 
Regiment, humbly showeth : 


That your Honour’s petitioner, from a true zeal for the 
American cause, and an utter abhorrence to slavery and 
oppression, engaged in the honourable Continental cause, 
on the earliest notice of the unhappy disturbance, for the 
defence of an injured country, in which I have endeavoured 
to do all in my power to serve the publick cause, and have 
left my interests at home under great disadvantages for the 
same. My last command in said service being at Fort St. 
Ann’s, my conduct in the same being called in question, 
General Arnold put me under arrest. As for my behaviour 
at said Fort, I declare on honour, if I did anything worthy of 
confinement or punishment, it was done ignorantly, and not 
for want of zeal in the cause, as at that time I looked upon 
myself to be in a defenceless posture. Of my proceedings 
I presume your Honour is acquainted, as I had a legal trial 
by a Court-Martial at Crown-Point, on the 13th instant. 

I would humbly observe to your Honour the situation of 
my company. My First Lieutenant did not join me till 
lately, and has been on command great part.of his time 
since, and at this time is on scout, from which he is not 
expected to return soon. My Second Lieutenant has like- 
wise been on command, and sick the whole of his time, and 
now remains sick; so that I have no officer except the 
Ensign to take care of the company, and he frequently on 
command. ‘That the company suffers much for the want of 
an officer; which company is the largest in said regiment, 
and has chiefly been under these disadvantages during my 
confinement, which is now fifty-nine days. 

I humbly beg your Honour may take the same into con- 
sideration, and order that the determination of the Court- 
Martial may be known, and that | may know my destiny; 


699 


if to command the company, I shall do it with the greatest 
pleasure, and exert every faculty in order for the publick 
good ; if otherwise, I shall submit to the honourable Court's 
decision, and, as in duty bound, ever pray, &c. 

SamueL Youne. 


To Major-General Gates. 


New-Haven, July 31, 1776. 
A few days since Captain Packwood arrived at New- 
London, in nine days from Cape Francois, and has brought 
fourteen tons of powder, some blankets, arms, &c., on 
account of the States. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Lebanon, July 31, 1776. 

Sir: Your favour of the 17th instant was duly received, 
and I am now to thank you for your attention to Winslow 
and Lester, and our carpenters, and also for the intelligence 
you give me concerning the state and temper of the Indians, 
more especially the Senecas, who could most distress us. It 
gives me great concern to hear that dissensions prevail in 
the Northern Army, and that they are inflamed and kept up 
by Colonial distinctions. I have, agreeable to your request, 
recommended to the troops from this Government to culti- 
vate harmony and a good understanding with the troops from 
other States as well as among themselves, and have pressed 
it upon them with all the earnestness the nature and impor- 
tance of the subject requires. I shall be very happy to find 
anything I have done, or can do, may contribute towards 
eradicating this evil. 

The felling axes are mostly provided. About three quar- 
ters of the number requested are on their way to the Army. 
The residue will be sent forward very soon. Being persuaded 
they might be sent to Skenesborough at a cheaper rate than 
they could by the way of Albany, and thinking they might 
come sooner to the use of the Army by that route, I have 
ordered them by Bennington to Skenesborough, and have 
written to Brigadier-General Waterbury to receive and for- 
ward them where they may be wanted, agreeable to such 
oiders as you may give, or he may receive from the Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the Army in your absence. 

Not long since, I received a resolve of Congress directing 
that clothing for the Continental Army should be procured 
in this Government, and proper persons are employed for 
that purpose, who are using their best endeavours to procure 
a sufficient quantity; and as I am informed that our troops 
from Canada are now in great want of that article, I shall 
send what can be immediately procured to the Quartermas- 
ter-General for that department, without waiting for further 
orders, as soon as may be, and wish to be advised by what 
route it will be best to forward it, and who is the Quarter- 
master-General to whom the same must be consigned. Per- 
sons are likewise employed to procure materials for tents, 
which will be made up and forwarded as soon as may be. 

I am, with great truth and regard, sir, your most obedient 


humble servant, 
Jona. ‘TRUMBULL. 


To the Hon. Major-General Schuyler. 


CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
July 31, 1776: Present: His Honour the Governour; Eli- 
phalet Dyer, Richard Law, Titus Hosmer, Jed. Elderkin, 
Wm. Hillhouse, Nathaniel Wales, Benjamin Huntington, 
Esquires. 

William Nichols, of Hartford, is appointed Paymaster of 
Colonel Heman Swift’s Regiment. 

Nehemiah Hubbard, Jun., of Middletown, is appointed 
Paymaster of Colonel Charles Burrell’s Battalion. 

Samuel Champlain, Jun., of New-London, is appointed 
Third Lieutenant on board the Colony ship, under Captain 
Cort. 

Azariah Whittlesey, of Saybrook, is appointed Master of 
the Colony ship, under command of Captain Coit. 

Voted, 'To draw an order on the Pay-Table for £250, in 
favour of Captain William Coit, to enable him to inlist his 
men, and advance their first month’s pay; and that said Cap- 
tain Cort lodge a bond, with surety, with the Pay-Table, in 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


700 


common form, for his faithful performance of the trust of 
Paymaster. 
Order drawn 31st, and delivered Captain Coit. 


‘oted, That Mr. Law is desired to compile a code of 
Laws for the Naval service of this Colony, as much in con- 
formity to the Laws of the Naval service of the United 
Colonies as may consist with the service of this Colony, 
and lay the same before this Committee at their next meet- 
ing, for their consideration. 


Voted, That Captain Coit be ordered to bring the Colony 
ship round to New-London as soon as possible. 


Voted, That Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Junior, is desired to 
provide supplies of Provisions, Arms, Hammocks, Cabouses, 
Rigging, and every other needful article, to furnish the Co- 
lony ship fit for the seas as soon as possible. 


Eliphalet Roberts, of Hartford, is appointed Captain of 
Marines, on board the Colony ship under command of Cap- 
tain William Coit. 

John Prentice, 2d, of New-London, is appointed First 
Lieutenant of Marines, on board the Colony ship under 
command of Captain Coit. 

, of New-London, is appointed Second Lieu- 
tenant of Marines, on board the Colony ship under com- 
mand of Captain Coit. 


Voted, That six Midshipmen shall be allowed on board 
the Colony ship under command of Captain Coit. 

Voted, 'That Captain Cozt’s men on board the Colony 
ship shall be inlisted to be held in service until the first day 
of May, 1777, unless sooner discharged. 


Received Gurdon Saltonstall, Esq.’s, Account of sundry 
expenses in building the Fort in New-London, examined 
the same, and allowed a balance of £176 12s. 10d. due 
thereon, as per account on file, and voted to draw an order 
on the Pay-Table for the same. 

Order drawn and delivered Colonel Saltonstall. 


Voted, 'To direct Joshua Elderkin to purchase what 
Raven’s Duck is now to be had at Providence, at as reason- 
able a rate as he can, for the Colony use. Copy delivered. 


Voted, ‘To draw on the Pay-Table, in favour of Jedediah 
Elderkin and Nathaniel Wales, Jun., Esqs., for £250, to be 
on account for their making Gunpowder for this Colony. 

Order drawn and delivered Colonel Elderkin. 


Received, examined, and allowed the Account of Asa 
Spafford, of Windham, for £2 4s. 11d., for repairing sundry 
arms of soldiers in the service of the United States of Ame- 
rica, as per bill, and voted to draw on the Pay-T'able for the 
same. 


Order drawn and delivered Colonel Elderkin. 


MAJOR HAWLEY TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Northampton, July 31, 1776. 
May ir PLEASE your Honours: In these parts we have 
not been able to learn in what state the act called the Test 
Act at present is. But the general voice here is, that a re- 
solve, or order, very similar to what is passed lately by the 
Governour and Committee of Safety of Connecticut, respect- 
ing travellers, is absolutely necessary for this Government. 
There are, most certainly, extraordinary and unaccountable 
communications carried on and upheld between the disaffect- 
ed in this County and the County of Worcester, and the 
people of the same character on Hudson’s River, and so up 
this river, with the people in the new County in the Colony 
of New-York. As there is now a recess of our General 
Assembly, we are generally looking and wishing that some 
such order or resolve might without delay issue from your 
Honours, as the great Committee of Safety of this State in 
“the recess of its Assembly. Such a measure will be more 
favourable to government, and in that view I consider it of 
importance. It will be more likely to be temperate; but if 
some effectual order, in great part like that of Connecticut, 
is not issued by the Council, the people hereabouts will not 
run the risk of waiting till our Assembly meets, but every 
town will take their own plan; and in some places they are 
so incensed, that I believe they will proceed with a very 
high hand. They insist on it, that we cannot be safe till 
some of the big Tories are hung. Your Honours’ resolve 
might steer them a milder course. 
The day before yesterday (by some strange mistake) all 


701 


the kettles and canteens used for the Berkshire men were 
brought and delivered at my house, which ought this moment 
to be at New-York. The Berkshire men all marched about 
the middle of last week, very uneasy, and complaining that 
they were not supplied with those articles. The Quarter- 
master of the battalion was here last Sunday in quest of the 
articles, but as [ could not give any account of them, he 
went on to seek them; and as they came here by the way 
of Brimfield, I find that he has missed them, and suppose 
that he will go on to Boston, Alas! the ruinous fashion of 
leaving business to execute itself. 

I have the honour to be your Honours’ most obedient 


servant, Josepu Haw ey. 


To the Honourable Council. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO THE GOVERNOUR OF RHODE- 
ISLAND. 


In Committee of Council, July 31, 1776. 


Sr: I am directed by the Committee of Council to 
acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated 27th July, 
and to acquaint you that the Committee would have wil- 
lingly complied with your request relative to Captain John 
Grannis, but think themselves not sufficiently authorized 
as acting in the capacity of a Committee of Council ; there- 
fore must defer this matter till the General Court meets, 
which will be soon. 

In the name and per order of the Committee, 

Jno. Avery, Deputy Secretary. 


To Nicholas Cooke, Esq., Providence. 


GENERAL PALMER TO BENJAMIN LINCOLN. 
Hull, July 31, 1776. 


Dear Str: I am just returned from the Armourer’s ; he 
has but little iron, no steel, and no files, and but little coal. 
Very little work can be done without tools and materials. 
There is another forge, but no bellows to it; and as a black- 
smith is much wanted for sharpening pick-axes, making 
spikes, mending wheelbarrows, &c., which is not in the 
Armourer’s way, I would advise that a pair of bellows be 
sent, and, if agreeable, I will endeavour to obtain a black- 
smith from Weymouth. 

Mr. Knoz is just arrived; by him received the well rope, 
paper, and a letter with news; thank you; I shall attend to 
contents. Here are two hogsheads of lime, the hogsheads 
are bursting ; pray send a mason to make it up into mortar. 
Candles are wanted. Colonel Johnson says there are none 
in the store. 

The Colonel wants one set of rules, &c., for the Army. 
At Dorchester, 1 observed some chevaux-de-frise used as 
common fence. May we not have them, if suitable, for our 
embrasures? I regret the loss of poor Robinson. I hope 
that all our other friends are past danger. 

Adieu, and believe me to be yours and the Committee’s 


friend and humble servant, Ry rarer 


To the Hon. Benjamin Lincoln, Esq., Chairman of the 
' Committee of Fortifications, Boston. 


{Endorsed: Mr. Devens, or Mr. Chase, will supply the bellows and the 
coal. B. Lincoxy. ] 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO RICHARD DERBY. 
Watertown, July 31, 1776. 


Sir: The Committee of Council have directed me to 
write to your Honour, that you would, as soon as possible, 
procure a carriage at Salem, that will carry the four Indians, 
and the person whom the Board sends to accompany them, 
to General Washington, at New-York; and that you will be 
pleased to agree for the said carriage and drivers at the 
lowest rate, and order them here immediately. You will 
please to observe the owner of the carriage who brought 
the Indians here from Salem, mentioned, when here, his in- 
clination to carry them to New-York. 

Iam, &c. 


To the Hon. Richard Derby, Esq., or, in his absence, to the 
Hon. Daniel Hopkins, Esq., Salem. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. "02 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO ABSENT MEMBERS. 
Council Chamber, July 31, 1776. 
Sir: The Committee of Council that now sit, being fully 
convinced from every intelligence from Boston that the small- 
pox is very infectious, and as most of them have not had the 
distemper, they are apprehensive that they are in very great 
danger, and are fearful of tarrying any longer; and as they 
are necessitated to Jeave some business that may very essen- 
tially affect the interest and safety of this State unfinished, 
have sent the bearer to request your immediate attendance, 
and they earnestly desire you would not fail. 
In the name and per order of the Committee: 
Joun Avery, Deputy Secretary. 


To the several absent Members of Council. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
In Committee of Council, July 31, 1776. 

Whereas repeated applications have been made to the 
Council of this State, by Committees of Safety, &c., in 
several towns, for direction and assistance, respecting such 
persons as are called ‘Tories: 

Therefore, Ordered, That all Magistrates, Sheriffs, Com- 
mittees of Safety, and all other officers within this State, do 
exert themselves with vigour in carrying the laws and orders 
of said State into execution, so that the good people of the 
United States of America may not be exposed to such ini- 
mical persons. A true copy: 

Attest: Joun Avery, Deputy Secretary. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 


In Committee of Council, State of Massachusetts-Bay, 
Watertown, July 31, 1776. 


Sir: The bearer, Mr. William Shaw, waits on your Ex- 
cellency, with four Indians of the Mickmack and St. John’s 
tribes, who have agreed to join you in the war. The Hon- 
ourable Mr. Bowdoin (President of the Council) has, or will 
soon write to your Excellency particularly on Indzan affairs, 
enclosing the conference with the Indians, and the treaty 
made with them, to which we refer you. 

In the name, and behalf of said Committee, I have the 
honour to be, your Excellency’s most obedient, humble 
servant, Joun Wintrurop, Chairman. 


To His Excellency General Washington, &c., New-York. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Watertown, July 31, 1776. 
May ir PLease your Excetiency: The bearer hereof, 
Newell Wallis, one of the St. John’s tribe of Indians, has 
applied to the Council for a commission, as he says he has 
had one under the French commander; but have referred 
him to your Excellency, to grant him such commission as 
you may think proper. 
Per order of the Council : 
Joun Avery, Deputy Secretary. 


To His Excellency George Washington, Esq. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO JAMES BOWDOIN. 
Watertown, July 25, 1776. 
Sir: [am directed by the honourable Board to transmit 
to you copies of the Talks with the Chiefs of the Penobscot 
Tribe, and the concluding Answer of the Board to their 
requests; and the Board desire that you would send to Gen- 
eral Washington copies of such parts of these papers as you 
judge proper. Joun Avery. 


To Honourable James Bowdoin. 


Memorandum of sundries received by order of the Honour- 
able Council. 


From the Honourable ‘Tuomas Cusuine, Esq. 


Fifteen m. wampum, ten wampum belts, and ten shell gorgets, for the 
Truck House at Machias. 


From the Committee’s stores at Boston, viz: 


Nine hats, and yards Jace, for St. John’s Indians, Mickmack. 

Two hats, and 3§ yards lace, for Penobscot Indians. 

One piece pink tammy, No. 2, and six yards white bunting, to make 
their flags. 


Received by order: 
Watertown, July 25, 1776. 


Fra. Suaw, Jun. 


703 


STEPHEN SMITH TO THE COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS-BAY. 
Machias, June 22, 1776. 

HonovraBLe GentLemen: When your Honours were 
pleased to appoint me Truckmaster for the Indians, I was 
not apprized of the task I had to perform; the numbers of 
them far exceed my expectations; and the offers they have 
from the factors of Nova-Scotia cause them to be very 
troublesome. 

The sum of £400, lawful money, granted by your 
Honours, to supply at least one thousand men, exclusive of 
their families, is but small. Your Honours can’t expect | 
can satisfy them and keep friends with that sum, as I was 
obliged to credit near £200 for their spring hunt, which 
they have not yet paid. The news of the defeat at Quebeck 
has reached them. That, with the advice of General Wash- 
ington, obliges me to put up with many insults. 

I have given the bearer, Major Francis Shaw, Jun., a 
power of attorney to receive any further sum your Honours 
may be pleased to grant, with directions to purchase such 
articles as are most wanted. As soon as they come in from 
their spring hunts, I shall send the fur up. In the mean time, 
I am in much want for articles for them. 

With Major Shaw come up ten chiefs of the different 
tribes. Knowing the trouble and expense they would beat, 
we endeavoured, with all our art, to detain them, without effect. 
As they had letters from your Honours and his Excellency 
General Washington, they were determined either to pro- 
ceed, or rely on the assistance of Nova-Scotia. Of the two 
evils, I have endeavoured to choose the least, and have accord- 
ingly prevailed on Major Shaw to take the charge of them, 
which I hope will meet your Honours’ approbation. 

The Indians that were at Court last winter have received 
a supply, and one has since refused to pay, as he says his 
Excellency General Washington told them they should be 
paid for coming up, as well as carrying letters to the Mick- 
mack tribe. 

I am likewise much troubled with the inhabitants supply- 
ing them with rum, &c., as it makes them very troublesome 
and quarrelsome. I should be glad your Honours would 
give some orders that they may not have liberty to sell or 
give, as they take their furs for much less than their value, 
and detain them longer than needful. 

I have hitherto given eight shillings for beaver, to hinder 
them from trading with Nova-Scotia, and shall do it until I 
hear from your Honours. ‘This I do, as [am sensible, from 
the best accounts from Nova-Scotia, that they take every 
measure to defeat your Honours’ plans, and to bring them 
against the New-England settlements in this country. 

As Major Shaw has been here, and witness to their pro- 
ceedings, I refer your Honours to him for any further intel- 
ligence; and remain, with much respect, your Honours’ 
much obliged, humble servant, 

STEPHEN SMITH. 


To the Honourable Council and House of Representatives 
for the Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay. 


To the Honourable Provincial Congress or General Assem- 
bly of the Massacuuserts-Bay: 


The Petition of Jacos Barker, Isract Peruey, Puineas 
Nevens, Dantet Parmer, Mosrs Pickarp, Epwarp 
Coyr, Tuomas Hartt, IsratL Kenney, Asa Kimpat, 
Asa Pertey, Huan Quinton, and Otiver Peruey, a 
Committee chosen in behalf of the Inhabitants of the River 
Sr. Joun’s, in Nova-Scortia, humbly showeth: 


That we, your petitioners, have for some time past beheld 
with grief, the calamity brought on this nation and land by 
a ruinous and destructive civil war. Our situation being 
somewhat remote from the seat of these troubles, and our 
land producing most of the necessaries of life, we have not 
been so immediately affected as many parts on the Conti- 
nent, and therefore have taken no part in the present 
unnatural quarrel, but have quietly suffered a suspension of 
trade, hoping that God, in his Providence, would point out 
a way for the amicable settlement of these unhappy dis- 
putes; but our hopes have hitherto proved abortive, and 
troubles are rather increased. Our Governour hath thought 
proper effectually to prevent our being supplied with arms 
and ammunition, by ordering a large penalty. Many of 
those articles being shipped (or water-borne) in the Province, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., JULY, 1776. 


704 


at the same time requires us to asseroble in military array, 
and by force of arms to repel all invaders. Martial law is 
published throughout the Province, and civil authority made 
subordinate. Exorbitant taxes are required of us to sup- 
port the war against you. Under these circumstances we 
find it is impracticable for us to continue as neutrals, and to 
subsist without commerce. 

We now, in behalf of the inhabitants, openly declare, 
that we could never see any shadow of justice in that exten- 
sive claim of the British Parliament, viz: the right of enact- 
ing laws binding on the Colonies in all cases whatsoever. 
This system, if once established, (we conceive,) hath a direct 
tendency to sap the foundation not only of liberty, that 
dearest of names, but of property, that best of subjects. 
And as tyranny ought to be resisted in its first attempts, we 
are convinced that the United Provinces are just in their 
proceedings in this regard. The inhabitants of this place, 
after mature consideration, have thought fit to submit them- 
selves to your government, and desire your protection, and 
that you would esteem the river St. John’s as a part of your 
Province, which would add thereto a valuable extent of 
territory, though at present but few inhabitants. And we 
promise, in behalf of the inhabitants, to adopt such measures 
as you shall propose for our future conduct; and we are 
ready, with our lives and fortunes, to share with you the 
event of the present strugele for liberty, however God, in 
his Providence, may order it. 

We, therefore, humbly ask your protection as a defence- 
less people, and that you would grant us such relief and 
assistance as you in your wisdom shall think proper, hoping 
that you will not tamely see us butchered or plundered for 
showing ourselves friendly to your’cause. 

That God would speedily restore peace to America, and 
that you will be led to such measures as will be most to His 
glory and the good of His people, is the earnest desire of 
your humble petitioners. 

Maugerville, on the River St. John’s, May 21, 1776. 


Jacosp Barker, IsraEL Kenney, 
Puineas Nevens, Huenu Quinton, 
Dante, Pater, OL iver Pertey, 
Epwarp Coye, IsrarEL PERLEy, 
Asa Pertry, Moses Picxarp. 
Tuomas Hartt, 


Letter of Agency. 

Whereas the inhabitants on the River St. John’s, in the 
County of Sunbury, and Province of Nova-Scotia, being 
regularly assembled at Maugerville, in said County, on the 
14th day of May, 1776, did then and there make choice of 
us, Jacob Barker, Phineas Nevens, Israel Perley, Daniel 
Palmer, Moses Pickard, Edward Coye, Thomas Hart, Israel 
Kenney, Asa Kimball, Asa Perley, and Hugh Quinton, a 
Committee in behalf of the inhabitants of said County, to 
make immediate application to the Congress or General 
Assembly of the Massachusetts-Bay, for relief under their 
present distressed circumstances : 

Now know ye, That we, the Committee above named, 
have, by these presents, constituted and appointed two of 
said Committee, viz: Messrs. Asa Perley and Asa Kimball, 
to act as Agents for the body of said Committee, to go per- 
sonally to the said Congress or General Assembly, and there 
present our petition; also to act and transact, determine, 
accomplish, and finish all matters touching the premises, as 
fully, finally, and effectually as the body of said Committee 
might or could do; and we do, in behalf of the inhabitants 
of said County, allow, ratify, and confirm whatsoever our said 
Agents shall do or cause to be done in and about this matter. 

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and 
seals, at Maugerville, in said County, this 20th day of May, 
1776. 

IsraEL Peruey, 
Tuomas Hart, 

IsraEL Kenney, 
Ouiver Pertey, [L. 
Hueu Quinton, [L. 
Jacop Barker, [L. s.] 
Puineas Nevers, [L. 
Dante Paumer, [L. 
Moses Picxarp, [t. 
Epwarp Coys,  [L. 


705 


All officers, civil or military, in the United Provinces, and 
all others, are desired not to molest or binder the within Asa 
Perley and Asa Kimball, in their progress ; on the contrary, 
to encourage and assist them, as they would merit the 
esteem of all lovers of their country’s liberty, and the thanks 
of this Committee. 


Copy of Resolves. 


The inhabitants of the County of Sunbury, in the Pro- 
vince of Nova-Scotia, being regularly assembled at the 
Meeting-House in Maugerville, in said County, on Tuesday, 
the 14th day of May, 1776, to consult on some measures 
necessary to be taken for the safety of the inhabitants : 

Istly. Chose Jacob Barker, Esq., Chairman. 

Qdly. Chose Jacob Barker, Israel Perley, Phineas Nev- 
ers, Esquires, and Messrs. Daniel Palmer, Moses Pickard, 
Edward Coye, Thomas Hart, Israel Kenney, Asa Kimball, 
Asa Perley, Oliver Perley, and Hugh Quinton, a Commit- 
tee to prepare a draught proper for the proceedings of the 
Assembly. 

The meeting then adjourned till three of the clock in the 
afternoon. 


Being again met, the Committee reported the following 
Resolves, which were read; and after a second reading, the 
Resolves were severally put, and passed in the affirmative, 
unanimously : 

Ist. Resolved, That we can see no shadow of justice in 
that extensive claim of the British Parliament, viz: the 
right of making laws binding on the Colonies in all cases 
whatsoever. ‘This system, if once established, we conceive, 
hath a direct tendency to sap the foundation not only of 
liberty, that dearest of names, but of property, that best of 
subjects. 

2Qdly. Resolved, That as tyranny ought to be resisted in 
its first appearances, we are convinced that the United Pro- 
vinces are just in their proceedings in this regard. 

3dly. Resolved, That it is our minds and desire to sub- 
mit ourselves to the Government of the Massachusetts-Bay, 
and that we are ready, with our lives and fortunes, to share 
with them the event of our present struggle for liberty, how- 
ever God in his Providence may order it. 

Athly. Resolved, That a Committee be chosen, to consist 
of twelve men, who shall immediately make application to 
the Massachusetts Congress or General Assembly for relief; 
and that said Committee, or the major part of them, shall 
conduct all matters, civil or military, in this County, till 
further regulation be made. 

Sthly. Resolved, That we, and each of us, will most 
strictly adhere to all such measures as our said Committee, 
or the major part of them, from time to time prescribe for 
our conduct; and that we will support and defend them in 
this matter at the expense of our lives and fortunes, if called 
thereto. 

6thly. Resolved, That we will immediately put ourselves 
in the best posture of defence in our power. That to this end, 
we will prevent all unnecessary use of Gunpowder, or other 
Ammunition in our custody. 

Tthly. Resolved, That if any of us shall hereafter know 
of any person or persons that shall, by any ways or means, 
endeavour to prevent or counteract this our design, we will 
immediately give notice thereof to the Committee, that 
proper measures may be taken for our safety. 

Sthly. Resolved, That we, and each of us, will pay our 
proportion of all such sums of money as may be necessary 
for carrying these matters into execution ; and finally, that 
we will share in, and submit to, the event of this underta- 
king, however it may terminate, to the true performance of 
all which we bind and obligate ourselves firmly each to the 
other, on penalty of being esteemed enemies and traitors 
to our country, and submitting ourselves to popular resent- 
ment. 


The whole Assembly subscribed to the foregoing Re- 
solves. 

The Body then voted: 

Istly, That the above-named Committee shall be a Stand- 
ing Committee; to make application to the Massachusetts 
Congress; also, to conduct all matters, Civil or Military, 
in the County, till further regulations be made. 

Voted, That we will have no dealings or connexions with 

Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


45 


706 


any person or persons for the future that shall refuse to enter 
into the foregoing, or similar regulations. 
A true copy from the Minutes: 
IsraeL Perey, Clerk. 


Dated at Maugerville, on the River St. John’s, May 21, 
1776. fics 

Memoranpum.—By desire of the Committee, represent the 
conduct of the Indians; that General Washington’s letter 
had set them on fire, and they are plundering all people they 
think are Tories ; and when that is done, perhaps the others 
may share the same fate. We think it necessary that some 
persons of consequence be sent among them. 

If it be asked what lands are granted on the River, it 
may be answered, that there are four towns and a half granted 
to sixty-eight gentlemen, mostly officers in the Army. The 
towns are a hundred thousand acres each. There are several 
other large tracts of land granted to particular gentlemen. 
Those townships and other lands have but few settlers on 
them. 

If it be asked, what proportion of the people signed the 
Resolutions, it may be answered, there are one hundred and 
twenty-five signed, and about twelve or thirteen that have 
not, nine of whom are at the River’s mouth. 


PORTSMOUTH (NEW-HAMPSHIRE) INSTRUCTIONS. 
Portsmouth, July 31, 1776. 

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and others, inhabitants 
of said Portsmouth, per adjournment, among other things, 

Voted, That the Representatives of this Town at the 
General Assembly be instructed for the following purposes, 
viz: 

Ist. That they do their utmost endeavours to procure the 
enactment of a law, that, from and after the dissolution of 
this present Assembly, no Member of any future Assem- 
bly hold any place in Government than his seat in said 
Assembly; and that when any such shall be chosen, and 
accept of a place, his seat shall become vacant, and a new 
writ issued to his Constituents for a new choice. 

2d. That they do not consent that any person should hold 
more than one place in Government at the same time. 

3d. That they do, in the most effectual manner, secure to 
the people of this State their inherent right of being judged 
and governed in the least prejudicial manner. 

Ath. That they, nor any future Representative, in future 
shall consent to any aleration, innovation, or abridgment of 
the constitutional form that may be adopted, without first 
consulting their Constituents, in a matter of so much impor- 
tance to their safety. 

A true copy. Attest: 

Joun Pennatiow, Town- Clerk. 


EXTRACT OF 4 LETTER FROM ST. PIERRE, DATED August 1, 
1776. 


Captain Wickes has added much glory to the American 
flag, when entering this harbour. He fell in with the British 
ship Shark, Captain Chapman, a fine new vessel of equal 
force, that was despatched, we hear, for the express pur- 
pose of intercepting him. An engagement immediately 
commenced with spirit on both sides for about thirty minutes, 
when it terminated in the disgraceful and precipitate flight 
of the latter. Wickes then triumphantly entered this port, 
and landed amidst the acclamations and caresses of a multi- 
tude of people, who had been anxious spectators of the com- 
bat. There was not a man killed, in this action, on our 
side. On the other, we know not what damage was sus- 
tained. The very friendly and polite treatment Captain 
Wickes experienced from the Governour, will, I doubt not, 
be highly pleasing to the Congress. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM PENSACOLA, IN WEST-FLORIDA, 
DATED AuGusT 1, 1776. 


Our Governour (as well as Governour Tonyn, of East 
Florida) has published a proclamation, offering an asylum 
to such who, from the present distracted situation of affairs in 
America, may choose to come and settle in this Province, 
with an offer of one hundred acres of land for the master, 
and the same for the mistress of every family, and fifty acres 


707 


for every child and servant, and free of quitrent for a certain 
number of years, and even more land than the above, provided 
it shall appear that they are able to cultivate it. He has 
offered to any person, gratis, to cut down timber from his 
Majesty’s woods, for the making of lumber for the service of 
the West-India Islands, provided that security be given that 
it really and bona fide is intended only for their service. 
Every other encouragement is offered by the Governour to 
such settlers, and those who may think proper to furnish our 
Islands with lumber; and indeed here is enough in conscience, 
if we had but ships to transport it. Some vessels from 
Jamaica have been here; but our want of hands to prepare 
it is a great hinderance to that business. Being but an infant 
colony, we are in want of people. However, even this 
might be remedied if a trade was carried on, as we should 
soon get slaves if we had customers to take off the lumber 
when made. This country is much more healthy than I 
had been informed, and, instead of being a desert, has some 
good pasturage, and grows European corn of several sorts. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN WOOLSEY. 
[No. 104.] Annapolis, August 1, 1776. 

Sir: The vessel you and company have on the stocks, 
the Council of Safety are now desirous of purchasing, pro- 
vided they can have her on reasonable terms. Let us know, 
therefore, whether your company will sell, and what price 
they ask. We expect your answer as soon as possible, 
when Mr. Stewart, our agent, will attend to complete the 
contract, and give directions. We are, &c. 


To Mr. George Woolsey. 


GENERAL DENT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Charles County, August 1, 1776. 

GeENTLEMEN: Enclosed you have my commission as 
Brigadier for the Flying-Camp, which I return for the same 
reason as that I don’t doubt you have received ere this, viz: 
that you have a controlling power therein, under which I 
am resolved never more to act. 

Iam, gentlemen, with due respect, your humble servant, 
&c., Jno. Dent. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety. 


THOMAS SMYTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Chester-Town, August 1, 1776. 

Gentiemen: My son waits on the Council for his and 
his officers’ commissions, and for such orders as they may 
think necessary to give him. I am afraid the Companies 
raised in this County will be delayed a good deal for want of 
arms. ‘Those that are tolerably good are very difficult to get. 
Most people that have guns will rather sell than lend, and 
are very pressing for their money. It will be necessary to 
send some money to the Committee, to pay for guns and 
blankets. The latter, I believe, will be furnished without 
much difficulty. 

The Committee, in pursuance of your Honours’ request, 
have employed a cooper in making wooden bottles, a sample 
whereof you will receive by the bearer. The price is 2s. 6d. 
each. You will please to say how many you will have 
made, and the time when they must be finished. 

Tam, with much respect, you most humble servant, 

Tuo. Suyru. 
To the Honourable the Council of Safety. 


JOHN YOST TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Georgetown, August 1, 1776. 
GENTLEMEN OF THE CounciL: I have received your let- 
ter dated the 23d of July, and finding you desirous to know 
what complement of arms I had ready for the publick, I 
have them all ready of the first contract, including the 
bayonets, which I expect this day with an express which I 
have sent for them. Ihave also been much detained in the 
last contract, by repairing old arms for the Militia, the Colonel 
finding it very necessary. If I am not deceived in receiving 
the bayonets, I hope I can despatch all by the latter end of 
this week. 
I am, gentlemen, in duty bound, Joun Yost. 


To the Hon. Council of Safety of the Western-Shore. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


708 


PETITION OF MARY GIDDINS. 


To the Honourable the Marine Committee: The Petition 
of Mary Gippins humbly showeth: 


That your petitioner is the widow of John Giddins, late 
Boatswain’s Yeoman on board the Alfred, who was killed 
on board said ship in her action with the Glasgow, as ap- 
pears by a regular certificate which she now produces to 
your Honours. That your petitioner is in very distressed cir- 
cumstances, and having confidence in the publick faith, has 
applied to the honourable the Navy Board for the bounty 
of two hundred dollars promised by Congress to the widows 
or children of seamen who fall in the defence of America ; 
that the honourable the Navy Board do not think them- 
selves authorized to pay this bounty without an order from 
your Honours, declaring that the fund out of whieh the 
bounty is directed to be paid is not in their hands. That 
your petitioner doubts not but that your Honours will con- 
sider the irreparable loss she has met with, and order her 
that temporary relief for which the Congress have pledged 
the sacred faith of the Continent, and not suffer their good 
intentions to be frustrated on account of any little irregu- 
larities of office, which it is not in the power of your peti- 
tioner to remedy. ‘The whole is submitted to the justice 
and humanity of your honourable Board; and in hopes of 
the interposition of your power in her behalf, 

She will, as in duty bound, ever pray. 

Mary Grpopins. 


GentLemeN: Were it in my power to support myself and 
family I should not have troubled this honourable House so 
often as I have done; necessity is the motive that compels 
me to this my first Petition, and all the rest of my returns 
before so honourable a body. I know it is the multiplicity 
of business that causes me to be thus neglected, but | hope 
that these lines will again bring the widow and family of 
him who died in the cause of liberty once more afresh in 
your memory, and order her a part of the dowry that your 
bountiful clemency has set apart for the poor widows and 
fatherless ; and in so doing, your poor petitioner, as in duty 


bound, will ever pray. Mary Grppins 


To the Honourable Continental Congress. 


This is to certify whom it may concern, that John Giddins, 
Boatswain’s Yeoman on board the ship Alfred, was killed 
on board said ship in the engagement with the Glasgow the 
7th day of April, 1776. 

By order of Esek Hopkins, Esq., Commander-in-Chief. 


Samu. Lyon, Secretary. 
Philadelphia, August 1, 1776. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM PHILADELPHIA, DATED AUGUST 
1, 1776. 

Last night arrived an account of the capture of the brig 
Richmond by the sloop Congress, (fitted out of this place ;) 
she was bound from London and Nevis for Halifax, and 
had on board the following articles, viz: one thousand and 
seventy-eight joes, six hundred and seventy-two guineas, 
fifteen moidores, forty-one hogsheads rum, six hogsheads 
five tierces and five barrels sugar, one hogshead loaf-sugar, 
twenty-four hogsheads prize molasses, three cases drugs, and 
a trunk of Irish linen. The brig is safe arrived at Egg- 
Harbour ; the gold they had in the water-cask. The cash 
and several London passengers are on board the privateer, 
which was left in chase of a three-decker. They took 
several London letters directed for people in New-York ; 
also some newspapers—one of the 23d of April, which is 
the only one we have not seen before; it contains very 
little, except advices from Jamaiea, by which they seem 
alarmed at the arrival of the French troops at Hispaniola, 
and that some of the merchants had forbid their orders for 
goods, expecting a visit from them. ‘That seven ships, one 
of them the Hancock and Adams, with wheat, had arrived 
at Lisbon from Philadelphia, and that two tobacco and one 
wheat loaded ships were arrived in France. 

Mr. Gibbs’s ship, Captain Robinson, is below, from Mar- 
sevlles, with eleven hundred arms, thirty-seven tons of lead, 
fifteen tons of powder, flints, &c. I have just seen the 
supercargo, who tells me they are seven weeks out; that 
they could not procure a newspaper, although he offered a 
guinea for one; but saw one as late as the 25th of May. 


709 


He says the first embarkation of troops sailed with Lord 
Howe about the 12th of May; that the second detachment 
of foreigners had not left Holland, and that it was reported 
that they had refused sailing till a cartel was established ; 
that France had two formidable fleets at sea, which were to 
join of Cape St. Vincent; that the Duke De Chartres was 
to command the whole, and was cruising off that Cape, 
where he had retaken an American vessel from an Englsh 
mah-of-war; that the carpenters in the French ship-yards 
were kept close at work, Sundays and holydays not except- 
ed; that all the naval and military stores were engaged for 
the King’s use; that all the seamen were ordered immedi- 
ately to be registered, and everything bore the appearance 
of war; that the Spaniards had marched a large body of 
troops to the environs of Portugal; that the English Par- 
liament and the Jrish were dissolved, and that a ship and 
brig from New-York were arrived at Marseilles. 


PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION. : 


In Convention for the State of Pennsylvania, 
Tuesday, August 1, 1776, A. M. ; 

The Committee appointed to consider the Petition and 
Memorial from Northumberland County, reported that the 
facts therein set forth are well supported by evidence; and 
therefore recommend the immediate consideration thereof to 
this Convention. 

And the House having deliberated thereon, it was 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Convention that 
the inhabitants of the said County and of the County of 
Northampton are greatly exposed to Indian incursions, 
without being able to make a proper defence, on account of 
the scattered situation of the inhabitants, they being settled 
in such a manner as to be unable to afford each other neces- 
sary assistance. 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Convention that 
it will be proper to raise and keep up a body of troops for 
the defence of the frontiers, not only of the County of 
Northumberland, but also of the County of Northampton, 
the latter County being equally exposed to Indzan incur- 
sions. 

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Convention that 
the defenceless situation of those parts of our frontiers be 
made known to the Congress by the Delegates of this State, 
and that they further inform them that the Battalion ordered 
to be raised for defence of the western frontier can afford 
no assistance to those two Counties, and that the quota of 
Militia of Northampton first required for the Flying-Camp, 
is already marched, and the residue of the Militia is about 
to march, agreeable to the late request of Congress; by 
which means they will be without the least defence, and 
request Congress to take these matters into their considera- 
tion. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Joun Morris, Jun., Chairman. 


An Ordinance for securing the Arms of the Non-Associators 
of the State of Pennsyivania. 


Whereas the Non-Associators in this State have either 
refused or neglected to deliver up their Arms according to 
the Resolves of the honourable Continental Congress and 
the Assembly of Pennsylvania ; and effective measures have 
not been yet taken to carry the said Resolves into execu- 
tion : 

Be it therefore ordained by the authority of this Con- 
vention, ‘That the Colonel or next officer in command of 
every Battalion of Militia in this State is hereby authorized, 
empowered, and required, to collect, receive, and take, all 
the Arms in his District or Township nearest to such officer 
which are in the hands of Non-Associators, in the most 
expeditious and effectual manner in his power, and shall 
give to the owners receipts for such Arms, and the amount 
of the appraisement ; and such as can be repaired shall with 
all possible despatch be rendered fit for service, and the 
value, according to appraisement, of all such Arms, together 
with the repairs and transportation, shall be paid to the offi- 
cer by the ‘Treasurer, on the order of the Council of Safety, 
for the use of the owners. 

And be it further ordained, 'That the same Arms shall 
be appraised by any three reputable freeholders appointed 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


* 


710 


by the Commanding Officer. But if the owner of any Arms 
shall neglect or refuse to apply for such money within six 
months, the same shall be applied towards the repairs of the 
Arms. And the Colonels are hereby authorized to draw for 
the necessary sums of money, for the purposes aforesaid, on 
the Council of Safety. 

And it is further ordained, 'That the Colonels aforesaid 
shall arm the Associators with the said Arms, and keep an 
account to whom they are delivered, and return the same to 
the Council of Safety. And every Associator shall be an- 
swerable for such Arms or the value, unless lost or destroyed 
by some unavoidable accident, or in actual service. 

And be it further ordained, 'That in case any Arms so 
collected shall not be worth repairing, the same shall be laid 
by until such time as may be thought proper by the Com- 
mittee of the County to return them to the owner. 

A true extract from the Minutes: 

Joun Morats, Jun., Secretary, 


An Ordinance to prevent the Counterfeiting the Paper Money 
issued by the honourable the Continental Congress, or by 
this, or any other of the Unrrep AMERICAN States. 


Whereas great mischiefs may arise to the United States of 
America, and the property of the good people, inhabitants 
thereof, rendered precarious and insecure, by wicked and 
designing persons counterfeiting the paper Bills of Credit 
issued by the honourable the Continental Congress, or by any 
of the United States of America: 

For remedy whereof— 

Be it Ordained and Declared, and it is hereby Ordained 
and Declared, by the Representatives of the Freemen of the 
State of Pennsyivania, in General Convention met, ‘That 
if any person or persons shall presume to counterfeit any 
of the Bills of Credit issued, or hereafter to be issued, by the 
honourable the Continental Congress, or by and under any 
laws or resolves of the Assembly of Pennsylvania, or by 
the Legislatures, or Conventions, or Assemblies, of this or 
any other of the United States, by printing, or procuring the 
same to be printed, in the likeness of the said genuine Bills 
of Credit, and also, if any person or persons shall forge 
the name or names of the signers of the true Bills of Credit 
to such Counterfeit Bills, whether the counterfeiting of 
the bills or names be done within this State or elsewhere, 
or shall utter such bills, knowing the same to be so coun- 
terfeited as aforesaid, and being thereof legally convicted, 
by confession, standing mute, or by verdict of twelve men, 
in any Court of Oyer and Terminer hereafter to be erect- 
ed within this State, he, she, or they, shall suffer death. 
And the discoverer or informer shall have, as an encourage- 
ment for his or her discovery, the sum of fifty pounds, to be 
levied out of the goods and chattels, lands and tenements 
of the person convicted; and if no such goods or chattels, 
lands or tenements, can be found, a reward of twenty 
pounds shall be paid out of the publick treasury. And if 
any person or persons shall counterfeit any of the said Bills 
of Credit, by altering the denomination of the said bills, with 
design to increase the value of such bills, or shall utter such 
bills, knowing them to be so counterfeited or altered as afore- 
said, and shall be thereof legally convicted in‘any Court of 
Record hereafter to be established in this State, such person 
or persons shall be sentenced to the pillory, and have both 
his or her ears cut off and nailed to the pillory, and be pub- 
lickly whipped, on his or her bare back, with thirty-one lashes, 
well laid on; and, moreover, every such offender shall forfeit 
the sum of one hundred pounds, to be levied on his lands 
and tenements, goods and chattels, the one-half to the use 
of the State, and the other half to the use of the discoverer; 
and the offender shall pay the party double the value of the 
damages thereby sustained, together with the costs and 
charges of prosecution: and in case the offender hath not 
suflicient to satisfy the discoverer for his or her damages and 
charges, and pay the forfeiture aforesaid, in such case the 
offender shall, by order of the Court where he or she shall 
be convicted, be sold for any term not exceeding seven years, 
for satisfaction; and in such case the Treasurer of this State 
shall reward the discoverer of such insolvent offender to the 
value of five pounds, out of the publick moneys in his hands. 
And every such counterfeit bill shall be delivered to the said 
Treasurer, to be burnt and destroyed. 


And be it further Ordained and Declared, That the proper 


711 


Bills of Credit issued by the honourable the Continental Con- 
gress, or under the late laws, or by the resolves of the late 
Assembly of Pennsylvania, shall b@legal tender in all cases 
whatsoever within this State. 
By order of the Convention: 
Grorce Ross, Vice President. 
Passed August 1, 1776. 
Attest: Joun Morais, Jun., Secretary. 


PHILADELPHIA COUNTY COMMITTEE. 
August 1, 1776. 

In consequence of a Resolve of the Committee of Safety 
for proper persons to be appointed to distribute Money for 
the support of poor women and children, who are left des- 
titute by means of their husbands and fathers being now in 
actual service, 

Resolved, That the following gentlemen be appointed to 
that service, and that they be requested to draw upon the 
Treasurer, Mr. Joseph Mather, for such sums as they may 
think necessary for their different districts, viz: Philip Price, 
James Jones, John Price, Lindsay Coates, Isaiah Worrell, 
James Dungan, William Tiller, Peter Rush, John Collin, 
John Wilson, Peter Evans, Edward Burke, James Brookes, 
Alexander McMichael, Jeremiah Jordan, David Shottz, 
Henry Hise, George Hertzel, John Yost, Sen., John Roz, 
Joseph Ferree, Augustine Neiser, Nathan Levering, Wil- 
liam Wilson, Jonathan Robinson, Richard Bisbing, James 
Stroud, John Chain, John Bean, Israel Jacobs, John Weigel, 
Alexander Major. 


Extract from the Minutes: Enocu Epwarps. 


GABRIEL DAVIS TO LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE. 
August 1, 1776. 

Sir: We, Committee-men of Earltown, having received 
orders from Colonel Peter Grub to collect wagon cloths and 
to have them at Hinkletown against Monday night, it was 
done. As there was no regular order from the Committee 
for these proceedings, George Rine sent me word this morn- 
ing that he went yesterday to Colonel Grub and Captain 
Martin, and demanded a receipt for the wagon cloths which 
were delivered to them, which they refused. 

Sir, I would take it as a particular favour if you would lay 
this matter before the Committee, and let me know, by a 
few lines from you, whether or no they will assist in getting 
money for the payment of these wagon cloths. You have, 
likewise, enclosed, a copy of a certain resolve which I hap- 
pened to stumble over. 

Sir, your humble servant, GasriEL Davis. 


To Mr. William Atlee, Chairman, Lancaster. 


GENERAL HOWE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Head-Quarters, Staten-Island, August 1, 1776. 

Sir: I have received the favour of your letter of the 
30th of July, and shall accordingly direct that Mr. Lovell, 
who is now at Halifax, be brought to this post, of which I 
shall have the honour of advising you, that the proposed 
exchange between him and Governour Skene may take 
place. 

The extent of my command having no relation to Canada, 
it is not in my power to give you the satisfaction I could 
wish respecting the enlargement of Colonel Allen; it must 
therefore depend upon General Carleton’s determination. But 
wishing sincerely to give relief to the distresses of all pri- 
soners, I shall readily consent to the mode of exchange you 
are pleased to propose, viz: officers for those of equal rank, 
soldier for soldier, citizen for citizen; the choice to be made 
by the respective commanders for their own officers and 
men. You must be sensible deserters cannot be included 
in this arrangement; and for the mode of exchange in the 
naval line, I beg leave to refer you to the Admiral. 

I cannot close this letter without expressing the deepest 
concern that the unhappy state of the Colonies, so different 
from what I had the honour of experiencing in the course of 
the last war, deprives me of the pleasure I should other- 
wise have had in a more personal communication. 

I am, with due respect, sir, your most obedient servant, 


W. Howe. 
To General Washington, &c., &c. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


712 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-York, August 1, 1776. 

Sir: Congress having been pleased to empower me to 
order Colonel Ward’s regiment wherever I might think it 
necessary, I take the liberty of requesting you to direct him 
to march it immediately to this place, where I am of opinion 
the service requires it, and their aid may be extremely ma- 
terial, especially as the levies come in very slowly. : 

Since my last, nothing of importance has occurred, or 
that is worthy of notice, except an augmentation of about 
twenty-nine ships and brigs, with seven or eight smaller 
vessels, to the enemy’s fleet. I have not learned certainly 
what they bring; however, some troops were seen landing 
yesterday, which the gentlemen who observed them took to 
be Artillerymen. It is not improbable that they were some 
of the guards, whose dress is pretty much like that of the 
Artillery. 

I have the honour, &c., 


To Governour Trumbull. 


Go. WasHINGTON. 


P.S. The three galleys which you were kind enough to 
order, are safely arrived; as are two from Rhode-Island. 
With these, and one that we have finished here, we propose 
attempting something against the ships above, and are pre- 
paring for it. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-York, August 1, 1776. 

Sir: Having just received from Congress a return of Colo- 
nel Elmore’s regiment, now in your State, with directions 
that it shall join this Army, I request the favour of you to 
order him to march immediately to this place. They have 
appointed John Brown, Esq., Lieutenant-Colonel of it, and 
Robert Cochran, Esq., Major. Commissions for such offi- 
cers as appear with their respective companies, | am to fill 
up. 


Lam, &c., Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Governour Trumbull, Connecticut. 


P. S. Half-past twelve o’clock.—I this moment received 


intelligence that thirty ships more were coming into the 
Hook. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL ELMORE. 
New-York, August 1, 1776. 
Sir: Having just received from Congress a return of your 
regiment, now in the State of Connecticut, with directions 
that it shall jom this Army, I request the favour of you to 
march immediately to this place. ‘They have appointed 
John Brown, Esq., Lieutenant-Colonel of it, and Robert 
Cochran, Esq., Major. Commissions for such officers as 
appear with their respective companies, I am to fill up. 
Tam, &c., Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Colonel Samuel Elmore, in Connecticut. 


GENERAL WADSWORTH TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-York, August 1, 1776. 
Honovrep Sir: In consequence of your orders received 
the 23d June last, I immediately issued orders to the Colo- 
nels commanding the several regiments in my brigade, for 
raising and for sending those men, when mustered and equip- 
ped, agreeable to my instructions. On the 29th of June 
last, I received a letter from General Washington, requesting, 
in the most pressing manner, not to lose a moment’s time in 
sending forward the regiments designed for New-York; with 
which I immediately acquainted the Colonels, and directed 
them to give all possible attention in carrying the same into 
execution; and on the 3d of July last, in New-York, I re- 
ceived it in command from the General to send an express 
immediately to Connecticut, to forward the regiments design- 
ed for this department, the British fleet being then in sight 
of this city. In this situation of affairs, many of the men 
marched (as I am informed since my last) without being 
first mustered; a circumstance which I mentioned to the 
General on my first knowledge of it, who then informed me 
that they must be mustered here by the Mustermaster; but no 
order has been issued for that purpose. Must, therefore, beg 
your Honour’s directions, whether to have the men mustered 
by a Mustermaster appointed here, or by one from Connec- 


713 


ticut, or any other mode of procedure which you shall think 
proper. By the last returns, it appears that about three 
thousand of the troops from Connecticut have arrived, in- 
cluding officers, more than three hundred of whom are re- 
turned sick. Colonel Bradley’s regiment is at Bergen-Point, 
in the Jerseys, and Colonel Gray’s going to Long-Island. 
Many of the Connecticut officers have not yet joined: three 
Captains of Colonel Selden’s regiment only are present. I 
sincerely wish all, except those who have leave from their 
Colonels to recruit, were present, as we have reason to be- 
lieve some of the foreign troops are arrived. ‘The post is 
just now setting out. 

I am, with great truth and regard, your Honour’s most 


obedient, humble servant, rey nocnerielin 
9 . 


To Hon. Governour Trumbull. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, August 1, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Colonel Hand reports thirty sail of ships 
standing in for the Hook. Perhaps this may be part of the 
foreign troops. 

I detached for the galleys between forty and fifty men 
yesterday. Two companies that have been with Colonel 
Foreman’s regiment are gone from this post to join their regi- 
ment under General Heard. The woops in general are 
exceeding sickly, great numbers taken down every day. If 
the state of the Army will admit of a reinforcement at this 
post, perhaps it may be prudent. If it does not, I will do 
the best I can with what I have got. 

I am, all with due respect, your Excellency’s most obe- 


dient servant, NECute 


To General Washington. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long esa Bs EE , 

Dear Sir: The fleet reported coming in this morning 
consists of about forty sail, tenders and all. ‘They are now 
off New-Utrecht shore. Pilots have gone down to bring 
them up. 

The dispute subsisting between an officer in Colonel Lit- 
tle’s regiment and Colonel Varnum’s, I hope is in a fair way 
to be accommodated. 

In to day’s orders a regiment of General Wadsworth’s 
brigade is ordered on this Island. If they can have tents, it 
will be much the best. 

I am, with all due respect, your Excellency’s most obe- 


dient servant, N. GREENE 


To His Excellency General Washington, New- York, Head- 
Quarters. 


SYLVESTER SALISBURY TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Kingston, August 1, 1776. 


GentLemEeN: According to a resolve of Congress, the 
Militia in this County are to raise a regiment of men to be 
stationed on the west side of the North River, in order to 
prevent the enemy from penetrating into the country. Pur- 
suant to that resolve the Militia was called together,.as was 
also my company of Horse. The quotas of the different 
companies of Foot were soon raised according to your direc- 
tions. My company of Horse was also called upon to raise 
their quota of men, but unanimously objected to their turning 
out as footmen. They think it is not the intent and meaning 
of Congress that horsemen shall be turned into footmen: 
that after having properly equipped themselves as horsemen 
they should now again be obliged to equip themselves as 
footmen. 

I did all in my power to persuade them to comply with 
the request of the Colonel, though at the same time did not 
think it your intent and meaning. ‘The bearer of this letter 
can more fully inform you about my company, if required. 
I should be glad to know your sentiments concerning this 
matter; that is, whether we are obliged to turn out as horse- 
men or footmen. ‘They say they are willing to turn out as 
horsemen at any time when called upon. You will much 
oblige me if you will give me your opinion by the bearer of 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


714 


this letter, as soon as possible, because Colonel Pawling is 
to march with his regiment from here the beginning of next 
week. 

If we are obliged to turn out as footmen, my company of 
Horse will be dissolved immediately, because they think it 
very unjust that they should serve both as horsemen and 
footmen, and then, of course, [ shall resign my commis- 
sion. 

I am, gentlemen, with the greatest respect, your most 


obedient, humble servant, SYLVESTER SALISBURY 
RY. 


To the President of the Convention of the State of New- 
York. 


COLONEL SNYDER TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Kingston, August 1, 1776. 

GentLemen: Whereas by virtue of a resolve of Congress 
it is ordered to raise the one-fourth of the Militia of the seve- 
ral Counties therein mentioned, to guard Hudson’s River on 
both sides; and whereas I have the honour to command the 
First Regiment in Ulster County,—I have, in compliance 
with said resolve, ordered the Militia under my command to 
turn out the fourth man of each company, as well the troop 
of Horse as the rest of the Militia, to go into immediate 
service under the command of Colonel Levt Pawling. And 
whereas I find the Militia all ready and willing to go in said 
service except the troop of Horse, and as I have just under- 
stood that the Captain of the troop of Horse will appeal to 
your honourable Board for advice whether he is to deliver his 
quota of men or not, and if so, he will resign his commission 
and dissolve the company; and whereas I conceive that it isa 
matter of no doubt but it was the sense of Congress, in plain 
terms, by the resolve of Congress passed the 22d day of 
August, 1775, to regulate the Militia, that the troop of Horse 
should be subject to commands and duties the same as the 
rest of the Militia: Now if they should be exempted from 
doing duty equal with the rest of the Militia, it will effect 
a mutiny among us; reason, because it has been the general 
rule, as long as the troop has been known in our County, 
they have always delivered their quota of men as the rest of 
the Militia; and if they now should be excused, particularly 
in these critical times when all and all is at stake, we might 
rather have no troop at all, for the troop are chiefly the prin- 
cipal people, and ought of course to step forth to defend 
their liberties as well as any of the Militia. So, gentlemen, 
I shall rest the matter to your consideration; and remain your 


most obedient humble servant, Few ees 


To the President of the Convention of the State of New- 
York. 


P.S. Gentlemen, favour me with an answer by the bearer, 
that a mutiny may be prevented. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 8, 1776.] 
German-Flats, August 1, 1776. 

Smr: Yesterday afternoon I had the honour to receive 
your favour of the 24th July, with the resolutions of Con- 
gress it enclosed, which shall claim the most immediate 
attention I can possibly give them; but as I may not be so 
soon with the Army as I could wish, I shall transmit a copy 
to General Gates, and recommend the execution of them. 

The pain I experienced in finding that so much unbeco- 
ming and dangerous jealousy prevailed in the Army is not 
easily described. What little [ could do in my short stay 
at Crown-Point, towards eradicating an evil which strikes 
at the very existence of an Army, I did; and I doubt not 
but General G‘ates has directed much of his attention to so 
capital an object, and that in a little time we shall in a great 
measure be purged of the evil. 

I do not recollect that any complaints have been made 
that the persons intrusted with the disposal of the publick 
stores have made overcharges against the soldiers, as the 
resolution of the 19th ultimo intimates. ‘The idea I meant 
to convey in one of my letters to Congress, or to his Excel- 
lency General Washington, (L forget which, as I have not 
the copies here,) was, that the soldiers complained of the 
very high price of all kinds of necessaries, and that they 
were not on a footing with those in the more interior parts of 


715 


the country, who could purchase at much easier rates, and 
therefore wished an abatement on the first cost. 

Yesterday some of the Cayugas arrived, and the remain- 
der are expected to-day. The Senecas, it is said, will be 
here to-morrow; if so, the conference will begin on the next 
day. I sincerely wish it was ended. The consumption 
of provision and rum is incredible; it equals that of an 
Army of three thousand men, although the Jndzans here 
are not above twelve hundred, including men, women, and 
children. 

Two trusty Oneidas, whom we sent last week to Cayuga 
and the Senecas to inquire the reasons of their delay, in- 
formed us on their return that Colonel Butler had called 
another meeting at Magara, and that the consideration of 
the answer to his message had occasioned the delay. ‘They 
also advise us that they heard from Indians returned from 
Canada, that the British troops are making a strong fortifi- 
cation at St. John’s, but could say nothing of their numbers. 
Our emissaries amongst the Indzans advise us that an ac- 
count of our misfortunes in Canada has been industriously 
propagated amongst them; that our conduct in demanding 
a neutrality only, in all the former treaties, has been greatly 
applauded at all their councils; that they believe a devia- 
tion from that line of conduct will terminate greatly to our 
disadvantage. We are still at a loss what to do, and wait 
for further information. At any rate we are resolved in our 
first speech to point out, in the strongest terms, the faith- 
less conduct of some of them, and to threaten them with 
revenging the insults we have received. 

General Arnold, in a letter of the 24th ultimo, from Ti- 
conderoga, advises me that only seventy sailors could be 
draughted out of the Army, and that three hundred would 
be wanting, and entreated that measures should be taken to 
procure them. I have accordingly written to Governour 
Trumbull on the subject; and as General Arnold suggested 
that they could not be got for the wages allowed seamen 
by Congress, (as these would have no prospect of making 
prizes,) I have therefore ventured to entreat the Governour 
to engage them on the best terms he can, as Congress will 
perceive by the following extract of my letter of yesterday’s 
date: 

“JT am this moment informed that only seventy sailors 
can be procured out of our Northern Army, and that we 
shall want two or three hundred more, and that they may 
possibly be procured in Connecticut ; and it is conjectured 
that Captains Samuel Chew and Francis Brown of New- 
Haven, Captain Amos Green of Stamford, Captain Whittle- 
sey of Saybrook, and Captain Seth Warner of Haddam, 
would, if not employed, be willing to engage as Captains 
to command vessels on Lake Champlain. 1 am a stranger 
to all these gentlemen. Permit me to beg the favour of you 
to send them, or such others as you may think proper, to 
engage forty men apiece, and to make the best contract you 
can with them for theirs and their men’s monthly wages and 
allowances, which will be strictly complied with.” 

I hope this measure will meet the approbation of Congress, 
as the necessity of having sailors is evident, and as there can 
be no doubt but that Governour Trumbull will make the most 
favourable contract for the publick that he can. 

Since writing and despatching my letter, I am informed by 
my Secretary, who is at Albany, that Captain Bacon was 
sent on this service by General G‘ates, with orders to call on 
my Secretary for £1000 lawful; but the Paymaster having 
no money, he was disappointed, and has proceeded to New- 
York. Every department suffers greatly for want of a sup- 
ply of cash. I hope, however, that a little time will remove 
the difficulties we labour under on this account. 

I am, sir, with sincere esteem and respect, your most 
obedient, humble servant, 


To the Honourable John Hancock. 


Pu. Scuuyuer. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES. 
German-Flats, August 1, 1776. 


Str: Yesterday I received despatches from Congress 
enclosing, amongst other papers, certain resolutions; copy 
of which Ll enclose you. I dare say that whatever you can 
do in the premises, will be effected. 

In consequence of General Arnold’s letter of the 24th 
ultimo, I despatched an express to Governour Trumbull, to 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


716 


procure five companies of sailors, of forty men each. Un- 
certain on what terms they might be procured, I entreated 
him to engage them on the best he could, and that his 
contract with them would be punctually fulfilled. Since 
which, Captain Varick advises me that you have sent Cap- 
tain Bacon on the same errand. Iam happy that you have 
done it, as by the joint exertions of the Governour and him, | 
it is probable the business will be much expedited. It was 
unfortunate that the Paymaster had no money to furnish 
Captain Bacon. Why we are so long left without a supply 
of that necessary article, [ cannot conjecture. My applica- 
tions have been frequently repeated. 

By an express whom I despatched yesterday with Gov- 
ernour T’rumbull’s letter, I also directed that a proper person 
should be instantly sent to Connecticut for the said cloth and 
cordage mentioned in General Arnold’s letter. 

As I fear that the pitch some time since written for from 
New-York may not be sent, I have directed tar-makers to 
be sent to St. George, and there employed in procuring a 
quantity of it, which is easily reduced to pitch. 

Congress has, I believe, mistaken the idea I meant to 
convey about the price of goods for the soldiers. I have 
explained the matter in a letter of this date. 

All the fatigues I have endured at the opening of the 
campaign cannot equal what I suffer from the uninterrupted 
importunity of the Indians. ‘They now exceed twelve hun- 
dred, and all the Cayugas are not yet arrived, and very few 
of the Senecas. 

It is reported that some Indians from Canada say that the 
British troops are making a large fortification at St. John’s. 
I cannot learn anything of vessels, although they are doubt- 
less building. 

I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Pu. Scuuyier. 
To the Honourable General Gates. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
German-Flats, August 1, 1776. 


Dear Sir: General Arnold, in a letter of the 24th 
ultimo, from Tyonderoga, advises me of the necessity of 
sending ten or twelve gunners, and as many gunners’ mates, 
for our armed vessels, as none can be spared from the Artil- 
lery. They are not to be had at Albany or its vicinity, and 
I know not of any place nearer than New-York where they 
can be procured. Will your Excellency be so good as to 
order them up with all possible despatch ? 

1 have written to Governour Trumbull for seamen, as 
only seventy are to be got out of the Army, and three hun- 
dred are wanted. As it will not be possible to procure them 
on the Continental allowance for seamen, there being no 
prospect of making prizes, I have ventured to desire the 
Governour to engage them on the best terms he can. I 
hope this will meet with your Excellency’s approbation. 

Part of the Cayuga Indians arrived yesterday; the re- 
mainder are expected to-day, and the Senecas to-morrow, 
and we are in hopes of opening the treaty on the next day. 
We have advice by Indians returned from Canada, that the 
enemy are employed in erecting a large and strong fortifica- 
tion at St. John’s. I can learn nothing from them about 
any vessels building there. 

Fort Stanwix is repairing, and is already so far advanced 
as to be defensible against light artillery. It would already 
have been furnished with six months’ provisions, if the 
necessary supply of the Indians had not prevented. These 
people consume an amazing quantity of provisions—at least 
better than twice as much as so many troops. ‘They now 
consist of about twelve hundred, including women and chil- 
dren. 

I am, dear sir, with the greatest respect and esteem, your 
Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant, 

Pu. Scuuy.er. 


To His Excellency General Washington, &c., &c. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 1, 1776. 


Dear Genera: Since my last, there are four companies 
of the Connecticut troops arrived; and instead of sending 
one company, as I wrote in my last, I yesterday sent off 
two to be posted at Cheshire’s; and gave orders to the com- 


717 


manding officer to use his utmost endeavours to forward the 
repairing the roads, and in lending his assistance in getting 
logs for the saw-mill, and hope I shall not be disappointed 
in his fulfilling his orders. 

We are constantly sending boats for boards, but cannot 
get them half so fast as they are wanted. ‘The troops suffer 
much by not being covered from the weather; but I shall 
use my utmost endeavours to cover them as fast as I can. 

I must once more trouble your Honour about a set of 
bullet-moulds, which is much wanted. ‘The bullets are all 
too large, and for that reason have not made up any car- 
tridges, but have dealt out a little, in case they should want 
it, to every company. 

There are so many oars sent off with the gondolas, and 
none sent back, that we can scarcely furnish out any boats. 
In case we should, we would be glad there might be some 
returned, 

We have great success in getting our timber by the creek 
side, and in getting it in by rafts, that it saves team-work 
greatly. And I hope the carpenters will make considerable 
show soon in their building, as they seem to be spirited in 
their undertaking. 

And am, in haste, your Honour’s most obedient, humble 


ervant 
a? Davin Wartersoury, Jun. 


HARMANUS SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 1, 1776. 

Dear Genera: We are entirely out of oakum, and I 
have sent two expresses to Albany, and have none as yet. 
I would be very glad, if there is any oakum or iron at Ticon- 
deroga, that your Excellency would please to send it by 
the boat that brings you this letter. 

We are also in want of several other articles, such as 
spades, axes, and ropes, which, if the General pleases to 
send, will be of great use. 

We have our third express to Albany now for all those 
articles, and are as yet destitute. 

Iam, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Harmanus ScHuyLER, 
A. D. Q. M. General. 
To Major-General Gates. 


GENERAL GATES TO CUMBERLAND COUNTY (NEW-YORK) COM- 
MITTEE. 
Tyonderoga, August 1, 1776. 

GentLemen: Your petition of the 24th ultimo I was 

favoured with yesterday by Colonel Barret. 

The Congress have ordered a regiment to be immediately 
raised under the command of Colonel Warner, for the de- 
fence of the frontier most exposed to the enemy, in which 
your County is comprehended. I therefore think the one 
hundred and twenty-five men you mention, can be more 
usefully employed for the publick service in building a bridge 
over Otter Creek, and cutting and repairing the road from 
Number-Four to the foot of Mount Independence. Colonel 
Barret has the necessary information upon this head, and 
would, in my opinion, be a proper person to superintend the 
work. 

I beg your Committee will give all possible discourage- 
ment to the scandalous desertion that has prevailed in this 
Army, by seizing and sending under a proper guard all 
stragglers, and persons who are not supplied with a written 
pass under my hand or the hand of some publick officer 
authorized by me. I must likewise entreat you, gentlemen, 
to acquaint all officers commanding regiments and compa- 
nies, who have directions to march to this post, that it is my 
positive orders not to loiter upon the way, but to march 
without delay to the place of their destination. 


NATHANIEL SHAW, JUN., TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
New-London, August 1, 1776. 
Sir: The bearer, Dr. Wolcott, will deliver you a turtle, 
which was taken in a ship bound from Jamaica to London, 
by Captain Biddle, in the brig Andrew Doria, and was sent 
into this port, but unfortunately was lost on the rocks off 
Fisher’s Island, being chased by a man-of-war. We saved 
about ninety puncheons of rum; the sugar, two hundred and 
fifty hogsheads, all lost, and the ship; and as the turtle was 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


718 


intended for the support of our enemies, we thought best to 
send him to Head-Quarters, to be dealt with. 
I am, sir, your very humble servant, 
Naru. Suaw, Jun. 
To His Excellency General Washington, Commander of all 
the Forces of the United States, in New-York. 


Per Dr. Wolcott, with a turtle. 


THOMAS MUMFORD TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Groton, August 1, 1776. 

Honovurep Sir: I have, per last post, received a letter 
from Congress, requesting me to deliver to your order the 
quantity of powder lent General Washington, as you will 
see by a quotation from their letter below: (“We request 
you will apply to Governour Trumbull for an account of the 
powder lent by your Colony to General Washington when 
before Boston. We don’t know exactly the quantity, but 
believe it was about four tons. ‘The Governour, or some 
officer of your Government, have a receipt or certificate, 
either from the General or Commissary, which you will 
please to take up, paying the powder, and transmitting the 
same to us, with a receipt for the powder you so repay;’) 
in which they desire me to take your receipt for the said 
powder, and also to take up General Washington’s or the 
Commissary’s receipt, which they gave when said powder 
was delivered belonging to this Colony. I have three tons 
and upwards of their powder now here, which I conclude 
is as much as was delivered here. The remainder is at 
Providence, where some part that you lent General Wash- 
ington was received. I am ready to deliver to your order the 
quantity of powder at Norwich, which was received in this 
Colony, and the remainder I will give orders to be delivered 
at Providence when you please, but shall expect the receipts 
as directed by Congress in their letter to me as above. I 
shall be glad to have duplicates of your receipts, as I want: 
one to send to Congress and the other to keep, to warrant 
my charging them with said powder. 

I am, with much esteem and respect, your Honour’s most 


obedient, humble servant, Tar oeueMonenc an) 


P.S. I have twenty tons of powder lately arrived in seve- 
ral bottoms. 


ENOS STONE TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY. 


Whereas a complaint is carried in against us the subscri- 
bers by the Committee of the town of Lexington in said 
State, respecting our conduct with one John McAlpine; and 
whereas the said complaint is set forth in a colour most 
odious, we, in justice to ourselves, and in our own defence, 
beg leave to set forth the whole proceedings to your Honours 
in a fair point of light, which is as follows: —* 

Some time in January last past, the above said Mc Alpine 
was found at one Smith’s, in Stockbridge, in this State, a 
house for some time suspected to harbour unfriendly persons ; 
whereupon several of us immediately went to said Smth’s, 
and apprehended said McAlpine; and some of the captors 
being the Committee of Lenox, thought proper to consult 
with the Committee of Stockbridge, and, on a close exami- 
nation, judged the said McAlpine inimical to the United 
States, and in their wisdom thought prudent to send him to 
the Committee of Salisbury, in the State of Connecticut; upon 
which the prisoner was delivered into our care, with directions 
to the Salsbury Committee, and accordingly we delivered the 
prisoner with our directions to Salisbury Committee, and from 
them we received orders to proceed with said McAlpine to 
the Committee in the Little Nine Partners, with which orders 
we complied, and, on our arrival there, but two of the Com- 
mittee were to be found. We presented the prisoner, with the 
writiug we had received from the two former Committees ; 
but they declined receiving the said McAlpine till the whole 
of the Committee was present; and by this time the evening 
was far spent; we resolved to keep a good watch over the 
prisoner; and about eleven o’clock at night, the Committee 
not being met, there entered the house by surprise about 
thirty Tories, and with a retinue without, and to appearance 
seemed determined to retaliate and revenge for said Mc- 
Alpine’s suffering, and all in confusion, cried Kill, kill the 
Rebels, and then demanded the surrendering of our arms, 
and, crowding upon us in a savage manner, extorted from us a 


719 


very valuable cutlass and two pistols, and sundry writings of 
value, which never were returned, and immediately after bound 
us both; and after they had insulted and abused us, to the 
satisfying of their savage dispositions, demanded McAlpine’s 
money; but I was determined to divest myself of and secrete 
the money, let the consequence be what it might: accordingly, 
I did, at the time they were seeking of me; but they, finding 
the money was not about me, concluded we had left it back 
about ten miles. They then threatened our lives, and solemn- 


ly declared, if we would not promise to return the money of’ 


said McAlpine to his brother and sister, after we had satis- 
faction for our damage and expense, (if there was any left,) 
they would sacrifice us there; accordingly we promised the 
money should be returned, and upon that they relieved us 
from our confinement, also exchanged horses with me, but 
my horse made his escape from them, and returned the next 
morning to my quarters, so I have both horses in custody. 
At my return the captor demanded an equal right in the 
plunder, but we refused, and submitted it to the judgment of 
men, and they were only to have their expenses paid for 
assisting in apprehending the said McAlpine; but said cap- 
tors demanded said moneys, that they might make an equal 
distribution, not that the publick should be benefited thereby. 
I myself being one of the Committee of the town, supposed 
that I had a right to keep it until I should have directions 
from the honourable House of Assembly or elsewhere, that 
I might be secure. Must beg that I may not be condemned 
without a proper hearing; and I am, gentlemen, your most 


obedient, humble servant, be gah ids cr 


To the Honourable General Court of Massachusetts State. 


Amherst, August 1, 1776. 

State of New-Hampsuire, County of Hitusporovue : 

Pursuant to orders from the Committee of Safety for said 
State, to the Sheriff of said County, requiring him to proclaim 
Independency in Amherst, the shire-town of said County, 
the Sheriff, attended by the Militia, a great part of the 
Magistrates of the County, and several hundreds of other 
spectators, met at the Meeting-House in said Town, and, after 
attending prayers, were formed into a circle on the parade, 
the Sheriff in the centre, on horseback, with a drawn sword 
in his hand. ‘The Declaration was read from an eminence 
on the parade; after that was done three cheers were given, 
colours flying and drums beating. The Militia fired in 
thirteen divisions, attended with universal acclamations. The 
whole was performed with the greatest decorum. 


Charlestown, South-Carolina, August 2, 1776. 

We hear that about three weeks ago two armed vessels 
from \St. Augustine cut a sloop and schooner, loaded with 
rice, out of Ogeechee River, in Georgia. A party from the 
same place have been employed in building a fort at St. 
Mary's. A boat belonging to them, with Captain Peter 
Bachop and seven others on board, was taken about a fort- 
night since, after some shot being exchanged. Three of 
them were killed, and Captain Bachop, with the other four, 
brought prisoners to Savannah. 


GENERAL LEE TO RICHARD PETERS. 
Charlestown, August 2, 1776. 

Sir: I wish I had been informed how I am to address 
myself in writing to the Board of War—whether to the 
Board in general, to the first members on the list, or to the 
Secretary. Ihave ventured on the last mode: if it is wrong, 
I hope I shall be excused and corrected. 

The irregularity and tardiness of the post are now become 
a matter of my serious concern. We never receive a letter 
from Philadelphia in less than six or seven weeks. That 
from the members of the Board of War and Ordnance is only 
just now arrived, though dated the 12th of June. I have 
been pressed, sir, by several members of the Convention of 
Virginia, to establish a post for this district; but 1 am ap- 
prehensive that it might interfere with the Continental post. 
However, the consequences arising from the irregularity of 
the post are so very serious, that all other considerations 
must be waived. In the mean time, I am constrained to the 
necessity of putting the Continent to the expense of an ex- 
press on almost every occasion. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776, 


720 


I am extremely rejoiced at the establishment of a Board 
of War; for the business of Congress was so complex and 
heterogeneous, that it was impossible they should give the 
necessary attention to the affairs of any one distinct depart- 
ment. Their regulations, with respect to returns, &c., shall 
be punctually observed. I have ordered General Armstrong 
to collect the returns from different corps, to digest them into 
one, and transmit them immediately to the Congress. 

I am myself busied in arranging matters for an expedition 
into East-Florida. It is much to be lamented, that these 
Southern Colonies suffered the whole of last winter to pass 
over their heads without preparing the means either of 
offence or defence. Not a single row-galley or armed boat 
was furnished by Virginia, North or South-Carolina. Were 
we provided with a moderate fleet of these sort of vessels, 
I think I could ensure the reduction of East-Florida; an 
object, though not equal with Canada, is certainly of very 
great importance. Here the measures of the Southern In- 
dians are concerted and planned, their treaties negotiated 
and concluded; here they receive their bribes, for their 
murderous operations, and from hence they are supplied 
with all the means and instruments of war. From hence they 
have lately made some alarming incursions into Georgza, 
carried off a considerable number of negroes, and not less 
than two thousand head of cattle. They have likewise 
thrown up a post on the river St. Mary’s, which, if suffered 
to remain, may prove extremely troublesome to Georgia, 
by affording a ready asylum to negro deserters. 

From these considerations, although I cannot think of 
laying siege to Augustine, having neither boats, horses, 
wagons, nor any other means of conveying cannon, ammu- 
nition, or provision for the purpose, I think it both a 
prudent and necessary measure to attempt breaking up the 
whole Province of East-Florida. It will be a security to 
Georgia, occasion infinite distress to the garrison of S¢. 
Augustine, but, above all, make a salutary impression upon 
the minds of the Creeks, who are now thought to stand 
wavering. They profess a good disposition towards the 
American cause; but if, by a strong predatory expedition 
into the province of the enemy, we give an idea of our 
prowess and superior strength, they will be riveted in our 
interest. If I were sure Mr. Clinton and his Army had 
steered their course to New-York, as the deserters all agree, 
and a letter which was left in Long-Island confirms, (a copy 
of which is here enclosed,) I should, as I have nothing 
immediately else to do in my district, march in person with 
this party; but the bare possibility of his being gone to Vir- 
ginia will detain me. Every ship of the enemy has now 
repassed the bar. It appears by this same enclosed letter, 
that they were more roughly handled than even the deserters 
represented. 

The Congress, I make no doubt, have been informed of 
the incursions made, and the ravages committed, by the 
Upper and Lower Cherokees. An expedition, I understand, 
is furnished forth by Virginia against the Upper Nations; 
another, by this Province, against the Lower. ‘The success 
or miscarriage is of the last consequence. I am therefore 
desirous of forming a second line, or corps de reserve, and 
detaching, for this purpose, a regiment of Regulars, but have 
not, as yet, been able to procure wagons sufficient for two 
companies. It will be necessary that Congress should make 
some regular establishment for wagons. 1 should think one 
wagon, at least, if not two, should be purchased and ap- 
pointed to each company of the whole Army, and regiments 
made responsible for theirs respectively. We should then 
be able to march when occasion requires expedition. At 
present, it is sometimes as much impossible to march an 
hundred miles, although the fate of a Province depended 
upon it, as if the soldiers wanted legs. 

I hope the Congress and Board of War will excuse my 
giving an opinion on a subject on which it has not been 
asked ; but [ conceive it to be my duty not to remain silent 
on any affairs of such a moment. 

I find, sir, that representations have been made that many 
inconveniences would arise from putting the troops of this 
Province on the Continental establishment. I can assure 
the Congress, that it is almost impossible to carry on the 
service if they remain on the Colonial establishment. The 
difference of the laws, the distinction of rank, occasion so 
much confusion, and the ridiculous farce of Duke and no_ 
Duke we are playing, the officers not always comprehending 


721 


who is their proper commander, whether the President or the 
Continental General, occasions very dangerous distractions. 
But there are other matters, of more serious consideration, 
of which I shall not trouble you with a detail. Nor do I 
find that the officers of this Province object to a Continental 
establishment; on the contrary, all those I have conversed 
with seem desirous of it. Upon the whole, I think it abso- 
lutely essential to the publick service that these regiments 
should immediately be put on the same footing, and be 
governed by the same laws, with the rest. Nor am I singu- 
lar in opinion. ‘The two brigades, all the officers of every 
rank, and the greater part of the gentlemen of the country, 
concur with me. 

Colonel Muhlenberg, of the Eighth Battalion of Virgin- 
zians, has been made very uneasy by some letters he has lately 
received, with respect to the rank of his regiment. These 
letters intimate that it was never the intention of the Congress 
to consider the Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Battalions of 
the Virginzans on the Continental establishment, until they 
were entirely complete ; that his regiment never was entirely 
complete; and that, consequently, after having so long 
thought himself on the Continental establishment, and, on 
this presumption, having marched five hundred miles from 
his own Province, under the command of a Continental 
General, he now, at last, finds himself only a Provincial 
officer. 

I have ventured to assure him, and his officers, who are 
equally uneasy, that there must be some mistake in this 
affair. In fact, the hardship would be so great, that I can- 
not believe their apprehensions are well founded. It was, 
if | remember right, notified in April, by the Committee of 
Safety in Virginia, that they were then taken upon the 
Continental establishment, and, though in this I may be 
mistaken, without the proviso of their being complete. 

It happened at this time, though not complete to a man, 
(for no regiment is ever complete to a man,) that Muhlen- 
berg’s regiment was not only the most complete of the 
Province, but I believe of the whole Continent. It was 
not only the most complete in numbers, but the best armed, 
clothed, and equipped, in all respects, for immediate service. 
I must repeat, that I cannot conceive that it was ever the 
intention of Congress that the establishment should be filled 
to a man; but that they should be competent to service, in 
or out of their Province. In most services, when new levies 
are raised, one-half of the proposed complement entitles 
them to establishment. Muhlenberg’s regiment wanted only 
forty at most. It was the strength and good condition of 
the regiment that induced me to order it out of its own 
Province in preference to any other. I certainly consi- 
dered them at that time as Continental troops; otherwise, 
I could have had no authority to order them out of the 
Province. 

I must now submit it to the consideration of the Congress, 
if it would not really be the greatest cruelty that their strength 
and good condition should be turned against them. It was 
their strength and good condition which carried them out of 
their Province, where, had they remained and known that it 
was a necessary condition of their establishment to be com- 
plete to a man, they certainly could have accomplished it in 
three days. I do, therefore, most sincerely hope, and con- 
fidently persuade myself, that MuAlenberg’s regiment will 
at least date their rank from the day | ordered them to 
march out of their Province. Not only justice, but policy 
requires it, for you will otherwise lose a most excellent regi- 
ment. 

_ [often represented to Congress how difficult or impossible 
it would be to engage, or retain after they were engaged, 
any engineers of tolerable qualification on the wretched pay 
established. The two appointed to my district have, as I 
expected, quitted the service. It was, indeed, impossible 
for them to exist. Stadler, I hear, has entered into the 
service of Virgina. Massenbaugh is retained by this Pro- 
vince at fifty-four dollars per month, a servant, rations, and 
his travelling expenses. He formerly begged his dismission 
from me, assuring me, and I believe sincerely, he was zeal- 
ous in the cause of America; that he would willingly, if I 
chose it, inlist as a common soldier; but that to ride about 
the Continent from North to South, find horses, and appear 
like a gentleman, was impossible. I could, not, in con- 
science, force him to starve; so consented to his engaging 
in this service. I am now without a single Engineer, and 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


46 


122 


really know not how to carry on the business, I hope the 
Board will consider the necessity of supplying me. 
I shall now, sir, conclude, with assuring them that I am, 
with_great respect, their obedient, most humble servant, 
Cuarves Lee. 


To Richard Peters, Esq., Secretary to the Board of War 
and Ordnance. 


TURBUTT WRIGHT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 

In Committee of Observation, Queen Anne’s County, 
August 2, 1776. 

GentLemen: Complaint has been made to us by Lieu- 
tenant Hawkins, that Captain Dean’s company, stationed 
on Kent-Island, are greatly in want of water at their station, 
and informed that a sufficient quantity may be had at Blunt’s 
Warehouse, on the said Island, or at Captain Thomas 
Marsh’s plantation, adjoining their station ; and further com- 
plained, that Mr. Cummins, the Commissary, has neglected 
to make the necessary provision for the company, and that 
the company are in want of a physician. 

We have applied to Captain Marsh for his permission to 
Captain Dean to station his company, or a part thereof, on 
his plantation, and have received his absolute refusal; in 
consequence of which we have ventured to advise Captain 
Dean to remove his company, or such part thereof as he may 
judge necessary, from the present station to Blunt’s Ware- 
house, and to fix such and so many guards, and at such 
places, as he may think proper, to promote in the best man- 
ner the service in which he is engaged, until he shall receive 
the further orders of your Board. 

By order of the Committee. 

I am your obedient servant, 
Toursutt Wricut, Chairman. 


To the Hon. the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


CAPTAIN GRAYBILL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, August 2, 1776. 
Gentiemen: Please to pay unto Captain George Keepot 
£400, to be applied for purchasing arms and blankets for 
my company of German troops, and you will very much 
oblige your most obedient humble servant, 
Puitip GRayBILL. 
To the Honourable the Council of Safety. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GENERAL HOOPER. 
{No. 105.] Annapolis, August 2, 1776. 

Sir: Since our last, we have had advice from Major Price, 
our commanding officer in St. Mary’s, that the British fleet 
lay near the mouth of Smith’s Creek, in Potomack ; that 
they were very weak in land forces, not exceeding three 
hundred men; that they were so sickly that fifty dead bodies 
had appeared on the shore, chiefly negroes; and that having 
gone up the river Potomack to take in water, and returned, 
he imagined they would soon sail from that quarter. 

Their forces appear so inconsiderable and contemptible 
to him, that he has dismissed all the Militia, and keeps only 
two Independent companies to oppose them, one of which, 
Captain Thomas, we have this day ordered to march to the 
northward, and Captain Mantz, of the Frederick battalion, 
marches to supply his place. 

Captain Dean’s company 1s stationed at Kent-Island, 
and Captain Goldsborough’s is to supply the place of Cap- 
tain Hindman’s, if the latter can get arms, which we cannot 
doubt the Militia will lend them for their defence, until the 
Province can supply them. These, with the two Indepen- 
dent companies, will make a company of near five hundred 
men. We therefore think that three-fourths of the Militia 
under your command may return to their habitations, and 
keep themselves in readiness to march in case of an attack, 
as the above force will be more than sufficient to repel an 
invasion from the fleet. We do not expect, from their weak 
state, that any attempt will be made, except to plunder; and 
we think the five hundred regular troops, together with the 
two hundred Militia, a sufficient force to protect your shore 
until the fleet sails, which we daily expect to hear of; and 
if some of them go to sea, and only a few remain at our 
Capes, and in Virgina, to destroy our trade, as it is sug- 
gested to us will be the case, the remainder of the Militia 
also may be discharged. 


723 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 724 


If the schooner you have taken would answer to make an 
armed boat or vessel for the defence of this Colony, we 
should be glad you would send her over, that she may be 
put in repair, and fitted ‘for the service, if she is unfit. An 
account of her size, value, and stores, will be agreeable to us. 
We are of opinion that a Court-Martial ought to be held on 
the conduct and opinions of the two military gentlemen you 
mention, and a representation made from it to our Board, as 
a foundation for their being deprived of their commissions. 

The spirit and order with which your brigade has acted 
on this occasion has been exceedingly agreeable to us, and 
we are possessed of the pleasing prospect that they will con- 
tinue to distinguish themselves on every future occasion by 
an animated affection to their country, leading them to brave 
every fatigue and peril to preserve her liberties inviolate. 

We are, Xe. 


To Brigadier-General Hooper. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COMMITTEE OF DORCHES- 
TER COUNTY. 
[No. 106.] Annapolis, August 2, 1776. 
Gentiemen: The prisoners sent up by you we have not, by 
reason of the great deal of business now before us, been able to 
examine; but shall, when we do, apply to you to send up the 
witnesses, if they deny the facts with which they are charged. 
We send you a couple of barrels of musket gunpowder, 
and weight of lead. The cannon powder may remain 
with you. We rely upon you for taking especial care that 
they shall not be wasted, as you know our safety depends 
upo:. our economy in this point, We are, &c. 


To the Committee of Dorchester County. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DELEGATES IN CONGRESS. 
[No. 107.] Annapolis, August 2, 1776. 
GenTLeMEN: We have received yours of the 27th July, 
many parts of which are already answered, as you will per- 
ceive by recurring to ourlast. The advance of $1,335 to 
Colonel Smallwood we approve of, upon presumption he 
had occasion for that sum, and that he will lay it out in pro- 
viding necessaries for himself and battalion with economy 
and discretion. We enclose you Mr. Christopher Rich- 


mond’s appointment to be Paymaster of the battalion, accord- 


ing to Colonel Smallwood’s desire and your recommendation. 
We have set on foot inquiries in several places with regard 
to flints, and shall hereafter let you know whether any stone 
can be found for manufacturing them here. Since our last, 
we have received two letters from Major Price, copies of 
which are enclosed. From them you will hear the situation 
of the enemy below. Our pilot-boat came up last night, 
and informs they are not yet gone off. Several vessels are 
dismasted, and on shore at the point of St. George’s Island, 
with intention to burn them. Middleton thinks they are 
going off down the Bay, and we hope soon to be able to 
write you to that effect, although we apprehend a visit to the 
Eastern-Shore, and are preparing accordingly. We have 
the satisfaction to inform you that the report of a landing at 
Colonel Smallwood’s was not true. Mr. Brent’s houses 
were burnt, and a good deal of damage done. We hear of 
no particulars of any other mischief up above. 

We send you also, enclosed, a copy of aletter from Cap- 
tain Deakins, as a sample of the many applications we have 
from almost all the Captains in the Flying-Camp. They are 
in want, not only of guns, but of almost everything else. 
We expect to be able soon to arm a number equal to that 
of the Regulars who have marched to the camp, and that 
we shall be able to send forward some companies (perhaps 
a battalion or more) by the middle of this month. To enable 
us to do this, we shall be obliged to advance more than the 
£5,000 given by the Convention to purchase arms. Few or 
none can be borrowed. ‘The companies, many of them, not 
yet complete. 

We expect the Convention will approve our advancing 
a further sum to furnish arms for the Flying-Camp. Without 
so doing, they would not have been in condition to march 
at all. We think it advisable to purchase for all the com- 
panies, rather than suffer them to remain here on expense, 
or be disbanded, which must have been the case. 

We have ordered Captain Mantz down to St. Mary’s, 
and given Captain Thomas positive orders to march, so that 


we hope he will soon be with you on his way to New- York. 
We congratulate you on the safe arrival of the Molly, Cap- 
tain Conway, in Great Wicomico, Virginia, with twenty- 
one thousand weight of gunpowder, and two hundred and 
seventy stand of small-arms, for the use of this Province. 
We shall get the cargo up here as soon as we can with 
safety. We send you a letter for the commander for the 
North American troops, which came by Conway, which 
please to forward to General Washington. 

One of the wagons that came with powder from Phila- 
delphia met with an accidént that is likely to prove fatal to 
a Sergeant of Captain Cox’s guard. Coming down the road, 
not far from J. Hammonda’s, a bridge over a deep gutter 
that runs through his old field gave way, and wounded two 
of the people, shattered the wagon, and stove some of the 
powder. ‘The loss of one barrel of powder is trifling to the 
life of the Sergeant. He is not dead as yet, but it is appre- 
hended cannot live. Another man slipped his shoulder, but 
is got better. ‘The powder and arms are safe at the maga- 
zine, except part of two barrels, making, in all, about one 
barrel lost. We cannot but admire at what you say, that 
there are only three thousand Militia in Jersey. Permit us 
to ask, what are become of all the Militia that we read in the 
papers are marched from Pennsylvania, Jersey, &c.? Be 
pleased to explain how it has happened that no more have 
as yet marched to their station in that Province. 

By the southern post, we have intelligence that the Chero- 
kees have committed some outrages on the borders of Caro- 
lina; that the squadron of Parker and Clinton are moving 
frequently from Island to Island, and are growing sickly. 

Yesterday, our election for this County began, and is 
not yet ended. We are sorry to inform you that Messrs. 
Johnson and Paca and Carroll of Carrollton, from present 
appearances, will not be elected. Worthington, Carroll, 
(barrister,) Chase, and R. Hammond, are greatly beyond 


any others on the poll. Very few people from Elk-Ridge, 


or the lower part of the County, have as yet attended. 
We are, &c. 


To the Deputies for Maryland in Congress. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GENERAL DENT. 
[No. 108.] Annapolis, August 2, 1776. 

Sir: At the time we wrote you first to take the com- 
mand, Major Price was on the Eastern-Shore. We knew 
your attention must be engaged with the Flying-Camp. 
Had he been here, we should not have troubled you at all, 
but sent the Major immediately down to take the command. 
Upon his return, and understanding that the enemy were 
landing at St. George’s Island, and that cannon would be 
necessary to repel them; hearing also that some of the fleet 
were preparing to move up the river, we came to the resolu- 
tion of sending Major Price down to St. George’s, expecting 
you might be usefully employed higher up the river, and 
occasionally with the Flying-Camp.. These were the mo- 
tives for sending Major Price, and not any intention of giving 
you offence. We tell you candidly that we have no reason 
to believe that you were not equal to the task, or that you 
were deficient either in military knowledge, assiduity, or 
personal courage, and that we are surprised you should 
entertain any such idea. 

We had never any insinuation to your prejudice; there- 
fore, there could be no foundation for appointing any hear- 
ing. We thought it would be of advantage to the publick 
cause to send down Major Price. The service was likely 
to be extensive, and a commander wanted in more places 
than one. We know you must be called off soon to the 
F lying-Camp, and accordingly wrote you the 28th, enclo- 
sing your commission, and requesting to see you. We now 
repeat that request, and are convinced that we are able, by 
personal conference, to satisfy you that we intended no 
affront or indignity to you, unless you think the Convention 
have acted improperly in adjusting the rank between the 
Regulars and the Militia. 

We wish to stand fair with yourself and all other worthy 
men; and whatever you may determine upon, be assured 
that we had nothing to allege against your conduct, and that 
we were actuated by no other views than those of service to 
the publick, and taking effectual measures to repel the com- 
mon enemy. We are, &c. 


To Brigadier-General Dent. 


725 


CHRISTOPHER PELISSIER TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Philadelphia, August 2, 1776. 
Honouraste Sir: I have received the commission [of 
Engineer, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel] which the 
honourable Continental Congress has been pleased to point 
out for me; and shall take it as a very particular favour if 
the honourable House will order me two months’ pay ad- 
vanced, to equip myself for the service. 
Lam, with great respect, sir, your very obedient, humble 
servant, 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


PELISSIER. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, August 2, 1776. 

Sir: [am particularly instructed by Congress to answer 
that part of your letter of 29th ultimo, directed to the Board 
of War, which relates to the filling up vacancies in the Army. 
The Congress are concerned to find that an opinion is enter- 
tained that greater confidence has.been placed in, and larger 
powers given to, other commanders in that respect, than to 
yourself. They have in no instance, except in the late ap- 
pointment of General Gates to the command in Canada, 
parted with the power of filling up vacancies. The great 
confusion and many disorders prevalent in that Army, and 
its distance, induced Congress to lodge such a power in that 
General, for the limited space of three months, and only 
during his continuance in Canada. Should Congress ever 
empower its Generals to fill up the vacancies in the Army, 
they know of no one in whom they would so soon repose a 
trust of such importance as in yourself; but future Generals 
may make a bad use of it. The danger of the precedent, 
not any suspicion of their present Commander-in-Chief, 
prompts them to retain a power, that, by you, sir, might be 
exercised with the greatest publick advantage. 

I do myself the honour to enclose sundry resolves, and to 
request your attention to them. They relate principally, as 
you will perceive, to some new regulations with regard to 
Paymasters, Commissaries, and Quartermasters, in the Ame- 
rican Army, and are intended to prevent confusion and dis- 
order in those several departments. 

The Congress approve of your employing in the service 
of the States the Stockbridge Indians, if you think proper. 

The enclosed resolve, for taking into the pay of the States 
such of the seamen as may fall into our hands on board of 
prizes, will, I trust, be attended with the good effects Con- 
gress had in view when they passed it. 

I have the honour to be, with perfect respect and esteem, 
sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


N. B. Your favour of 5th instant, just come to hand, will 
be replied to by to-morrow’s post. 


GEORGE MEASAM’S PETITION. 
[Read August 7, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.] 
To the Honourable Members of the Continental Congress, 
&c., &c., &e. 
The Memorial of Grorce Measam, late of Monrreat, in 
Canapa, humbly showeth: 


That your memorialist was well known by the late Bri- 
gadier-General Montgomery to be a true friend to the Ame- 
rican cause by sundry circumstances, both before and after 
the capitulation of Montreal, and in consequence thereof the 
General thought proper to recommend your memorialist as 
a person in whom confidence could be put to repose the trust 
and care of the Post-Office for that Province; and he was 
honoured with a commission from the Postmaster-General for 
that purpose, and did direct the same, and support it with 
his own proper moneys, until the American Army was obliged 
to retreat from thence. 

And further, the General was pleased to desire your me- 
morialist, with Major Lockwood, to superintend the landing 
of the stores taken by Colonel Easton, commencing the 20th 
of November, 1775; and on the 10th of December following, 
your memorialist was put in publick orders to superintend all 
the stores, except Artillery stores; and he has a small account 
of disbursements unsettled, contracted by order of the com- 

* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


726 


manding officer at Montreal. That no rate, rank, or salary, 
hath been stipulated to the said office; and that your memo- 
rialist humbly conceives it highly necessary an officer should 
be appointed to superintend the issues of the publick stores 
of the Northern camp at and about Ticonderoga. 

That your memorialist had entered into the Indian trade 
pretty largely at four different posts above Montreal, and was 
possessed of other property, land, trade, and dealings, in that 
country; all which your memorialist has been obliced to 
abandon upon the retreat of the American Army from thence. 

Therefore, your memorialist prays your Honours will be 
pleased to confirm his appointment, and extend it to the 
Northern Army, or elsewhere, with such rate, rank, or salary, 
as your Honours shall judge proper; and your memorialist 
shall pray, &c. 


Philadelphia, August 2, 1776. 


Geo. Measam. 


Sir: The bearer, Mr. Measam, was a merchant of good 
reputation at Montreal; but having engaged warmly in the 
American cause, has been obliged to abandon that country 
to the great detriment of his affairs. 

He was appointed by General Wooster a Commissary of 
Stores there, and apprehending such an officer to be at this 
time necessary in our Northern Army, he has applied to 
Congress for a continuance in that office. I understand that 
his memorial is referred to the Board of War. As I have 
had occasion to know Mr. Measam as a good accountant, a 
man of method, and very correct in business, I cannot but 
think that if such an officer is wanting, he is extremely well 
qualified for the employ, and as such beg leave to recom- 
mend him to the favour of the Board. 

With great respect, I have the honour to be, sir, your 
most obedient, humble servant, 


To the Hon. John Adams, Esq. 


B. FRanxuin. 


JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Perth-Amboy, August 2, 1776. 
Honovrep Sir: This serves to notice you, that I have this 
day drawn on you for $20,000, at four days’ sight, in favour 
of Mr. Azariah Dunham, to be improved in supplying the 
Continental troops in New-Jersey with provisions. 
I am, most respectfully, dear sir, your most humble ser- 


vant 
’ Jos. TRUMBULL. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Con- 
gress of the United States of America, at Philadelphia. 


ESTATES OF NEW-JERSEY REFUGEES. 
In Convention of the State of New-Jersey, 
Brunswick, August 2, 1776. 

Resolved, That the several County Committees within 
this State do cause Inventories and Appraisements to be 
made of the Estates, real as well as personal, of all such per- 
sons within their respective bounds as have, or shall have 
absconded from their homes, and joined themselves to the 
enemies of this State; causing all perishable articles to be 
sold, and the moneys arising therefrom, and all other the 
goods and estates of such persons, that they keep in safe 
and secure custody, until the further order of this Conven- 
tion, or the determination of other proper judicature: Pro- 
vided, That the said Committees be empowered to leave any 
part of the said Estate in the hands of the relations or friends 
of such absconding persons, taking such security as they may 
think proper for the return thereof, or of the value. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 5, 1776.] 
New-York, August 2, 1776. 

Sir: Your favour of the 30th ultimo, with its several en- 
closures, I was honoured with by Wednesday’s post. 

Congress having been pleased to leave with me the direc- 
tion of Colonel Ward’s regiment, I have written to Governour 
Trumbull, and requested him to order their march to this 
place, being fully satisfied that the enemy mean to make 
their grand push in this quarter, and that the good of the 
service requires every aid here that can be obtained. I have 
also written to Colonel Elmore, and directed him to repair 
hither with his regiment. When it comes, IJ shall fill up 


727 


commissions for such officers as appear with their respective 
companies. 

Colonel Holman, with a regiment from the Massachusetts 
State, is arrived. Colonel Cary from thence is also here, 
waiting the arrival of his regiment, which he hourly expects. 
He adds, when he left New-London he heard that the Third 
Regiment from the Massachusetts was almost ready, and 
would soon be in motion. 

The enemy’s force is daily augmenting, and becoming 
stronger by new arrivals. Yesterday, General Greene reports, 
about forty sail, including tenders, came into the Hook. 
What they are, or what those have brought that have lately 
got in, I remain uninformed. However, I think it probable 
they are part of Lord Howe’s fleet with the Hessian troops. 
It is time to look for them. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most 
obedient servant, Go. WasHINGTON. 

P. S. I am extremely sorry to inform Congress our troops 
are very sickly. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS- 
BAY. 
Head-Quarters, August 2, 1776. 

Sir: Your letter of the 16th ultimo, in behalf of the 
Council of Massachusetts-Bay, is duly received. ‘The con- 
tents have been attended to; and I have the pleasure to in- 
form you there is a prospect of an early exchange of the 
prisoners taken in the Yankee Hero privateer. As Mr. 
Tracy negotiated this matter, and had an interview with Lord 
Howe on board the Eagle man-of-war, I must refer you to 
him for particulars. Congress authorized me to comply with 
General Howe’s request of giving Governour Skene for Mr. 
Lovell. 1 have written informing General Howe thereof, 
and expect soon to have Mr. Lovell sent to some part of the 
Continent. 

Assure the members of your honourable body, it gives me 
particular pleasure that 1 have it in my power to relieve one 
of their citizens from a long and tedious imprisonment, and 
shall esteem myself happy in complying with any request 
they may make consistent with the important duties of my 
office. 

I have the honour to be, with great esteem, their and 
your most obedient, humble servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 


To the Hon. Benjamin Greenleaf, Esq., Boston. 


August 5th.—P. 5S. On the 11th ultimo, I wrote your 
honourable body, respecting the St. John’s, Nova-Scotia, 
and Penobscot Indians. Since which, I have heard nothing 
from them. It is a matter of the greatest consequence. 
Must therefore beg an answer, acquainting me what steps 
they have taken, by the first post. 

Since the above, I have a letter from General Howe, 
acquainting me he has sent for Mr. Lovell for the proposed 


exchange. Iam, &c., Go. WasHIneron 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, August 2, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Colonel Hand reports nothing worthy your 
Excellency’s notice this morning. 

I was at the Narrows last evening, and find the fleet that 
came in yesterday consisted of thirty-six ships, four brigs, 
and five sloops: one ship and a sloop still at the Hook. I 
could not learn with any degree of certainty who they are; 
but I believe, from their uniforms, they must be the Guards 
and Artillery. If your Excellency has leisure, perhaps it 
may be worth while to pay a visit to the Narrows, to recon- 
noitre and view the fleet. 

With respect to the tents I wrote about yesterday, I can 
easily dispense with them, if there are barracks to be got 
for the regiment. I wrote to the Quartermaster-General to 
send over his Barrackmaster, to look up quarters for the regi- 
ment this morning. Shall notify your Excellency the result 
of the Barrackmaster’s inquiry. 

I have the honour to be, your Excellency’s obedient ser- 


vant 
d NatHaNnAaEL GREENE. 


To His Excellency General Washington, New-York. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


728 


NEW-YORK COMMITTER. 
Committee-Chamber, New-York, August 2, 1776. 
Resolved, That no Lambs be killed and exposed to sale in 
any Market of this City and County, (of which all Butchers 
and other inhabitants are desired to take particular notice,) 
until further orders from the Convention of this State or this 
Committee. 
Extract from the Minutes : 
Josepu Winter, Secretary. 


GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Fort Montgomery, August 2, 1776. 


Dear Str: I take this opportunity by my brother (now 
on his way to New-York to settle some affairs of his regi- 
ment) to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s 
favour of the 26th ultimo, and of informing you of our pre- 
sent situation, and that of the enemy. On Thursday last 
the shipping and tenders fell down to the mouth of Croton’s 
River, where they have since continued at anchor near the 
east shore; since which, they have made one atteimpt to 
land on this side the river, with their barge, but were re- 
pulsed by our Militia. On Saturday last, the three hundred 
New-England Militia left Peek’s Kill, &c., and returned 
home without giving me the least notice of it, though I be- 
lieve they had the consent of the Committee of Congress, 
who expected in the new levies from West-Chester and 
Dutchess: Counties to supply their place. They did not 
arrive. ‘The shore, of course, was unguarded, and the very 
same evening the enemy came up the river in their barges, 
above six miles from where their shipping lay, went upwards 
of a mile in the country and took off a yoke of oxen, a steer, 
a cow, and ten sheep, from the farm of one Bazly, a noted 
Tory, who, itis said, is on board the Phenix, and I suppose 
was their guide. 

On receiving this account, I thought it was my duty to 
send a part of our men to protect that shore, until the new 
levies in those Counties can be raised to relieve them, and 
have done so accordingly, though contrary to the resolves 
of the Provincial Congress, which fixes their station on this 
side the river; but trust the necessity of the case will justify 
my conduct in this; for to leave that side without protection 
would in a great degree render our care on this useless and 
idle. I have taken possession of the hill mentioned in m 
last, and the proper works are laid out there by Mr. Machin, 
and which shall be executed with the greatest despatch and 
economy. , 

The fire-rafts are not yet completed. The difficulty of 
procuring the necessary materials has occasioned much de- 
lay. ‘They are, however, in such forwardness as to be used 
to some advantage, should the shipping attempt passing us. 

The gentleman from Philadelphia to assist our Secret 
Committee, was here yesterday, and is gone forward to 
Poughkeepsie. ‘Think it not best to proceed on the rafts 
until he returns here, as he don’t altogether approve the 
method we have taken of fixing the combustible matter in 
them. The mode directed by your Excellency for drawing 
the Artificers’ pay, &c., (with which I was entirely unac- 
quainted,) will prevent any future uneasiness on their ac- 
count, and answer better than money here. 

1 am, with the highest esteem, your most obedient servant, 

Geo. Cuinton. 


To His Excellency General Washington, New-York. 


COLONEL HAY TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Haverstraw, August 2, 1776. 


Sir: I find my own apprehensions that the banks of 
Hudson’s River would become the chief theatre of the war, 
confirmed by the opinion of the Congress; and I feel there- 
fore vast satisfaction in the provision they are making for a 
proper defence on this great line of communication, as well 
as in the report that your Excellency is at the same time 
concerting measures totally to obstruct the navigation below 
the capital. 

The vessels under Captain Parker’s command, on their 
departure from our Bay, brought to in an hour after my last 
letter was despatched, between Tellers’s Point and the 
Werdlinge Hook, where they still continue, and have, since 
they changed their ground, received some supplies from the 


729 


West-Chester shore. On this side our watch is so strictly 
kept up that they have had nothing from us since the day 
on which they destroyed Halsted’s house. 

By the late act of our Congress for establishing river 
guards, I observe that the appointment of the Deputy Com- 
missaries is left to your Excellency; and if the burden of the 
service will not fall too heavily upon the undertaker, I stand 
ready to perform it on this side of the river; and being con- 
veniently situated, and having an extensive acquaintance in 
the surrounding country for the facilitating the necessary 
supplies, I now offer myself for that trust, with hopes of your 
favour and approbation. ‘The bearer will wait for your Ex- 
cellency’s answer; for I propose, upon his return, and your 
acceptance of my services, instantly to wait upon you for 
your further commands. The obstruction of all intercourse 
by water between the Highland forts and Head-Quarters, 
renders it so difficult to give and procure intelligence which 
may be of the utmost moment to the inhabitants on the bor- 
ders of the river, that I beg leave, in compliance with their 
wishes, to entreat your E:xcellency’s attention to the proposal 
of setting up a post to ride once or twice in a week between 
these stages. I think I could procure a rider at thirty or 
forty shillings a trip, and that the letters and carriage of small 
articles wanted from the capital, all along the road, and now 
not to be obtained by water, would pay, if not overbalance 
the expense. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most obe- 
dient, humble servant, iil Tefen sal asi 


P. VAN CORTLANDT AND Z, PLATT TO NEW-YORK CONVEN- 
TION. 
Head-Quarters, mouth of Croton, August 2, 1776. 


GentLemen: The enemy’s ships lie off here, and their 
barges row up and down the river o’nights; and notwithstand- 
ing our utmost exertions, some infamous rascal must have 
given them information that the New-England troops went 
off on Saturday last; and not-a sufficient number coming in 
to guard the shore, they landed at one Bailey’s, on Sunday 
night, and went back half.a mile and drove off one pair of 
oxen, two cows, one calf, one heifer, and eleven sheep. No 
doubt had the assistance of some Tories on shore. We have 
since got some assistance from General Clinton’s brigade, and 
several companies have come in, and more are hourly expect- 
ed, that we are in hopes soon to have such an arrangement as 
willeffectually cut offall kind ofcommunication. Hope there 
may be soon some discreet smart officer appointed to take 
the command, and a proper Commissary, that the business 
may be conducted with spirit and regularity. We must 
confess, gentlemen, that as yet things have not been so 
well regulated as we should have been glad to have seen; 
but the many difficulties and disadvantages we had to en- 
counter only must apologize. We considered our appoint- 
ment as only pro tempore, and, cautious of assuming too 
much authority to ourselves lest it might give disquiet to 
some of the military corps, and having such an extensive 
shore and frequent movements, were obliged to deal out pro- 
visions in different places; and not being able to give any 
man assurance that he should continue any considerable time 
in office, has made it difficult to get proper persons to act in 
different departments. Added to this, having to deal with 
new raw troops every few days, by reason of their frequent 
changes, (and sorry to see many of them very refractory,) 
that on the whole our station has not been the most desirable ; 
however, are willing to serve in any department that may 
be for the good of our country. 

Remain, gentlemen, your very humble servants, 

Prerre Van Cortianprt, 
ZepPua. Puarr. 


To the Representatives of the Convention of the State of 
New-York. 


ISAAC NICOLL TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Haverstraw, August 2, 1776. 
Str: I am appointed by General Clinton to take the com- 
mand at this place; we have now three companies, and 
expect daily a reinforcement of one or two more companies. 
We are without a Commissary to provide for the troops, and 
have no store of provisions, powder, and ball. I must, there- 
fore, request that the Congress will give orders that we may 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


730 


be speedily supplied. 
regiment I have the 
also appointed. 


Iam, sir, with great respect, your most obedient, humble 
servant, 


It will also be very agreeable to the 
honour to command if a Surgeon was 


TouNchacisehelie Isaac Nicout. 
0 Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq., President of th : 
of the State of New- Barker oP he on sent watt 


WILLIAM BEDLOW TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Fort Constitution, August 2, 1776. 
Sir: I wrote you last week by Captain Cook, in which 
I enclosed the accounts of this post, from my last settlement 
to the time of my dismission as a Commissioner under the 
Provincial Congress, requesting you would be so kind as to 
lay them before the Committee of Accounts for their inspec- 
tion. I have now to desire the favour of the honourable the: 
Congress of the State of New-York to order the amount of 
those accounts to be paid to Colonel James Clinton, who will 
bring it up to this post with him, by which means I shall be 
enabled to settle with the artificers and others, who are con- 
tinually pestering me for their money. 
Tam, sir, with respect, your humble servant, 
WituM Bepiow. 


To Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES. 
German-Flats, August 2, 1776. 

Dear Sr: Your favour of the 29th ultimo was delivered 
me within this half hour. As I wish that to Congress should 
reach them the soonest possible, I will not detain an express 
that 1s already at the door to carry it to Albany any longer 
than to assure you that I experience the finest feelings from 
your friendly declaration. You will never, my dear sir, 
outdo me in acts of friendship. There I will always vie 
with you. ‘To-morrow I will write you more at large, and 
enclose you copy of a letter from General Washington, 
(though I believe you have it before this, for I ordered Cap- 
tain Varick to send you copies of all letters that concerned 
our affairs to the northward,) on the same subject with that 
of his to you, and with copy of my answer, which I wish 
may meet your approbation. 

Adieu until then; and believe me, dear sir, your most 
faithful and obedient, humble servant, 

Pu. ScHuyLer. 

To Hon. Major-General Gates. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 2, 1776. 

Dear Genera: I received your favour of the 31st ultimo, 
and your Honour may depend upon my compliance with every 
order, as far as lies in my power. I have done but very little 
at the fort as yet, the call has been so great from the car- 
penters for the men. I have ordered, some part of the time, 
one gill of rum per man for fatigue-men, but our growing 
short, I give half a gill. The carpenters will insist upon 
having their full complement of rum; there are but two and 
a half barrels, and should be glad your Honour would send 
me a supply soon. 

I herewith send some peas, and have sent out after butter, 
and have encouragement of having some the beginning of 
the week, which I shall send as soon as I can get; and am, 
with the greatest esteem, your Honour’s humble servant, 

Davin Watersury, Jun. 


To Major-General Gates. 


SAMUEL SQUIER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Fairfield, August 2, 1776. 


Sir: According to the request per your letter of the 17th 
of last month, I have made inquiry, and find I can procure 
the greater part of the clothing, &c. I have agreed for all 
the hats and shoes, and I expect I shall be able to procure 
the shirting; but as our people are but now spinning the 
wool, I don’t expect it will be ready before the first of Octo- 
ber; and as to the tow-cloth, | have purchased some and am 
making it into tents, although at a vastly higher price than 
last year. I imagine the tents are now wanted, so that I 


731 


shall get them ready as soon as possible. I hope to get 
cloth enough for about fifty tents, and could have procured 
enough for two hundred if I bad had orders but a little 
sooner. As to the cloth for the coats and waistcoats, I find 
some difficulty. I shall get a part of homespun cloth, but I 
suppose not enough, and hope to make up the complement 
in coarse cloth, which I find to be sold amongst us at a reason- 
able rate. The blankets I find still more difficult, but have 
procured some, and shall endeavour to procure the rest, if 
possible. If the shirts and other clothing are to be made up 
here, I desire you will let me know it, and I will have it 
done as fast as I collect the cloth. 

I find it will be very necessary to have money to pay for 
those articles whenever they are brought in. You will there- 
fore please to inform me where I may draw the money for 
that purpose. 

Iam your Honour’s most obedient, humble servant, 

SAMUEL SQUIER. 


To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., at Lebanon. 


CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety of 
Connecticut, August 1st, 1776: 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Eliphalet Dyer, Jz. 
Huntington, Richard Law, Titus Hosmer, Jed. Elderkin, 
Nathaniel Wales, Jun., Bery. Huntington, Esquires. 


Voted, (upon application of the Selectmen of Windham,) 
That Lieutenant Wales have twelve Guns, and Bayonets 
and Belts, to be delivered him by Mr. David Trumbull, for 


the use of Captain Stedman’s company. 


Sent Circular Letters to all the respective Towns in the 
Colony, urging the necessity of forwarding the Inlistments, 
oF 


Sundry Letters from the Convention of New-York, by 
Mr. Depuyster, relative to the Prisoners sent from thence to 
Litchfield Jail, read, taken up, and considered, and there- 
upon, 

, Voted, That the Mayor of New-York be brought down 
to Hartford, and there confined; two of said Prisoners, viz: 
Gilbert Forbes and William Forbes, to be confined at Litch- 
field Jail, and the other ten to be brought down to Norwich 
Jail; and warrants thereon granted, directed to the respective 
Jailers. 


Voted, ‘That an order be drawn on the Pay-Table for 
£600, in favour of Mr. Andrew Huntington, for the pur- 
chase of Clothing, Tents, &c., for the Continental Army, to 
be paid out of the money lodged in the Colony Treasury by 
Mr. Sherman, if lodged for said purpose, otherwise to be out 
of the proper Treasury of the Colony, and to render his 
account therefor. 

Order given Ist August; delivered Colonel Huntington. 

Adjourned till to-morrow morning. 

Friday, August 2, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 


Present : His Honour the Governour, Eliphalet Dyer, Jz. 
Huntington, Richard Law, Titus Hosmer, Jed. Elderkin, 
Nathl. Wales, Bery. Huntington, Esquires. 


Colonel Pettibone applied to this Board for direction and 
instruction relative to bringing down the Cannon, &c., from 
Salisbury Furnace. 


Voted, ‘That an order be given to Colonel Pettibone, on 
Colonel J. Porter, to deliver to him, for the use of this 
Colony, forty tons of pig Iron, also one or two tons of nine- 
pound Shot, to be by him transported to Connecticut River. 

Order given, &c. 

Whereas the Continental Congress did order Clothing to 
be provided in this State for the use of the Continental 
Army, and proper persons are employed for that purpose; 
and whereas this Board have been advised of the great and 
pressing necessity of the Army at Crown-Point and Ticon- 
deroga, for an immediate supply of the Clothing, which will 
admit no delay: 

Resolved, 'That the necessity of the Northern Army for 
an immediate supply of Clothing is so great, that such part 
of what articles is procured in this State, in pursuance of such 
order of Congress, ought to be forwarded to said Army, with- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


732 


out waiting for particular orders to that purpose. And his 
Honour the Governour is desired to give orders to have the 
same forwarded to said Army accordingly. 


Resolved and Ordered, That Captain John Deshon and 
Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., be, and they are, instructed to 
purchase the New-Providence Sloop belonging to Mr. Charles 
Walker, now lying at New-London, for the use of this Go- 
vernment, to be fitted as an armed vessel, at the easiest and 
cheapest rate in their power, and to execute proper contracts 
on the part of this Colony for that purpose, and receive suit- 
able writings of conveyance to pass the property of the same 
to this State; and that thereupon Captain Seth Harding do 
immediately proceed to alter and fit up said Sloop as an armed 
Brigantine, with the greatest despatch; and that he make 
use of the masts, sails, rigging, guns, and other implements 
of furniture of the Brigantine Defence, now under his com- 
mand, for that purpose, and that he employ the officers, 
sailors, and marines, of said Brigantine Defence, in fitting 
said Sloop as aforesaid. And said Mr. Shaw is directed to 
furnish Captain Harding with what shall be necessary for 
that purpose. 


Resolved and Ordered, That the Hon. Eliphalet Dyer 
and Richard Law, Esqs., immediately repair to New-York, 
and there confer with his Excellency General Washington 
upon further measures proper and necessary to be pursued 
by this State, for the defence and security of this and the rest 
of the United States, and to frustrate the designs of our 
enemies against them. 


Voted, To draw an order on the Pay-Table for £200, 
in favour of Dr. Joshua Elderkin, to enable him to purchase 
Tents and Clothing for the Continental Army, to be paid 
out of the money lodged by Mr, Sherman in the Treasury, 
if lodged there for that purpose, otherwise to be paid out of 
the proper Treasury of this Colony, and to render his 
account. 


Order drawn this day; delivered W. Wales, Jun., Esq. 


August 5, 1776. 
The Governour drew an Order on the Pay-Table for 
£1000, in favour of Mr. Chauncey Whittlesey, to enable 
him to go on in purchasing Tents and Clothing for the Con- 
tinental Army, to be paid out of the money Jodged in the 
Treasury by Mr. Sherman, if sent for that purpose, other- 
wise out of the proper Treasury of this State; and said 
*Whattlesey to render his accounts. 
The above order was approved by a vote of the Governour 
and Council of Safety, at their meeting, dugust 15, 1776. 
Attest: Bensamin Huntineron, Clerk, P.T. 


MIDDLETOWN (CONNECTICUT) COMMITTEE. 


In Committee of Inspection, Middletown, 
August 2, 1776. 


It was resolved by this Committee that no Sheep be killed 
in this town; that is to say, Ewes under five, nor other Sheep 
under four years old. 

Mr. John Birdsey was cited before this Committee on a 
charge of depreciating the Continental Paper Currency, and 
also Mr. Gershom Birdsey was cited to appear for the same 
offence; but the said Gershom showed contempt in refusing 
to appear, and the charge appearing very probable, it was 
resolved by this Committee that the said John and Gershom 
Birdsey are guilty of a breach of a late Jaw of the honour- 
alle Continental Congress. ‘Therefore, 

Resolved, That they be advertised in the Hartford Cou- 
rant, as enemies to their country, and excluded from all 
trade and intercourse with the inhabitants of the United 
States of America. 

Mr. Elijah Burr was brought before this Committee upon 
a charge of selling Bohea Tea for more than three-fourths 
of a dollar per pound; which he confessed, and offered the 
following confession, viz: 

“‘ Whereas I, the subscriber, was brought before the Com- 
mittee of Inspection for Middletown, upon a charge of selling 
Bohea Tea at a higher rate than three-fourths of a dollar per 
pound, and found guilty: Iam sorry for my offence, and will 
restore to all persons from whom I have taken more the over- 
plus, if they will appear to demand the same within one 
month from this date, and for the future will demean myself 


733 


in all things, agreeable to the resolutions of the honourable 
the Continental Congress. Witness my hand in Middle- 
town, the 2d day of August, 1776. 

“ Exizau Burr.” 


Which was voted satisfactory, and the said Burr recom- 
mended to the favour of the publick. 


Extract from the Minutes of the Committee. 
Test: Bensamin Hensuaw, Clerk. 


PITTSFIELD (MASSACHUSETTS) COMMITTEE, 


As it appears in the present struggle between Great 
Britain and America that every man is by this time fixed 
and acts from principle, so it becomes every true friend to 
his country to discover himself on the side of liberty, not 

only in opposing the Britzsh Administration, but also in 
opposing internal enemies among ourselves. 

From these principles the Committee of the Town of 
Pittsfield, in the County of Berkshire, have acted, in setting 
forth to publick view the conduct of Captain Charles Good- 
rich, of said Pittsfield. Said Goodrich, in the beginning of 
our contest with Great Britain, appeared friendly, and spoke 
highly in favour of Committees; but as soon as an opportu- 
nity presented, he procured to himself a commission in the 
King’s name to exercise authority over the people as a Jus- 
tice of the Peace; and because the people were not willing 
to submit to British authority, said Goodrich rose up in a 
rage, plead the legality of his commission, threatened the 
Town and County to bring the Militia upon them. He op- 
posed the Committee, saying “he would as soon be judged 
by a pack of Pirates,” refusing to comply with any of their 
orders. He violated his former contracts by force and arms, 
and horsewhipped a man for not tamely submitting to the 
wanton exercise of his power. He has fully joined himself 
with the most ancient Tories and implacable enemies among 
us, taking their counsel and advice, and with all his power 
set himself against the ‘Town and County, and the cause of 
his country; and in the prosecution of his infernal designs, 
remonstrated to the General Court against the Town, Coun- 
ty, and Committee, but missed his aim, the Court paying no 
regard to his remonstrance. Moreover, when the General 
Court, in July last, ordered the raising two regiments for 
the Canada service by a bounty and draught on the Train 
Band and Alarm List, said Goodrich, being draughted, re- 
fused to comply with the order of Court in any way or 
manner, showing his most implacable hatred and envy to the 
union of the people and defence of the country. 

The Committee of Safety, therefore, after much labour 
and great patience, Resolved, ‘That it is the opinion of this 
Committee, that said Charles Goodrich is an enemy to his 
country, and that he, with his conduct, be published as such 
in the publick newspapers, and that all connexions and com- 
mercial intercourse be withdrawn from said Goodrich till he 
give satisfaction for his unfriendly conduct. 

Signed by order of the Committee: 


VavLenTINE Rarusoun, Chairman. 
Pittsfield, August 2, 1776. 


RICHARD DERBY, JUN., TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Council Chamber, Watertown, August 2, 1776. 
Sir: The enclosed letter I have this day laid béfore the 
Council of this State; who have directed me to enclose it to 
your Excellency, desiring, (if you think proper,) when a 
convenient opportunity offers, it may be forwarded agreeable 
to its directions. 


I have the honour to be your Honour’s most obedient 


humble servant 
: Ricuarp Drersy, Jun. 


. COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS TO DELEGATES IN CONGRESS, 


In Committee of Council, Watertown, 
August 2, 1776. ; 


Gentiemen: The bearer hereof, Captain Jonathan Edy, 
has brought us a Petition from the town of Onslow, in Nova- 
S@tia, representing their distressed situation, and praying 
relief, either by sending them forces, or vessels to bring them 
away. Weare truly concerned for their unhappy condition, 
and should be glad to afford them assistance were it in our 
power; but as the General Court is not sitting, we conceive 
that we are not authorized to. do anything in the matter; 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


734 


we must therefore refer Captain Edy to you. He will give 
you a particular account of the circumstances of that Pro- 
vince, and what he thinks may be done for their relief and 


the service of the es cause. We leave it with you, 
e 


gentlemen, to tak h steps in the affair as you may judge 
best. 


By order of the Committee: 
Joun Winrnrop, Chairman. 


To the Hon. Delegates of the State of Massachusetts-Bay, 
in Congress. 


S. McCLINTOCK TO WILLIAM WHIPPLE. 
Greenland, New-Hampshire, August 2, 1776. 

Sir: The only consideration which has restrained me 
from writing you before now, is the weighty and important 
business in which you are engaged. Perhaps no body of 
men, in any period of time, ever had objects of greater 
magnitude, or more various and complicated, to engage their 
attention than the grand American Congress have at the 
present day; and I believe I speak the sentiments of people 
in general, when Ladd, never did men act with more wisdom, 
prudence, and fidelity, than they have hitherto done in the 
discharge of the great trust committed to them by their 
country. I rejoice that we have such able politicians and 
true patriots at the helm in this convulsed, critical, alarming 
state of our publick affairs. The wisdom, the justice, and 
publick spirit discovered in all their resolves and proceedings, 
have acquired them the entire confidence of the people, 
excepting a few restless, disappointed, malignant Tories, or 
venal wretches, bought with British gold, or the hope of 
making themselves great on the ruin of their country, who 
are not inactive in propagating falsehoods and slanders to 
discourage people and prejudice the common cause. But 
I believe they are so few that their influence is like the drop 
of the bucket to the ocean. I will not say what a gentle- 
man in conversation with me the other day said, with some 
warmth, that people have a greater veneration for the resolves 
of the Congress than for the laws of the Almighty; but I 
will say, from my observation, that their resolves are observed 
by people in general with as much reverence as ever were 
the laws of Solon and Lycurgus by the Athenians and 
Spartans, and much better than laws enforced by Royal 
authority. People in general will be quiet and obedient so 
long as they see that their Rulers are pursuing the true end 
of Government, the good of the governed. 

While some few among us are showing their enmity to 
the country in every way they dare, it is merry to observe 
the conduct of some others who seem to be in a state of sus- 
pense, waiting to see which side is like to prevail—are half 
Whigs one day and half Tories the next, according as the 
events that turn up are for or against us. ‘They are not 
governed by a regard to the justice of the cause, but by a 
regard to consequences—in other words, by selfishness. 
Their conduct puts me in mind of the old Scotchwoman in 
the time of a competition between a Popish and Protestant 
Prince for the Throne, who used to say her prayers both in 
Latin and Scotch; being asked the reason, she answered, 
“‘T dinna ken which side [ shall gang to at last, and let the 
Lord tak which he wull.” Sorry I am that there are any 
among us, who drew their vital breath in America, and have 
all their connexions here, so totally void of that noble and 
divine virtue, the love of their country, as to be unfriendly 
to the common cause. But I promise myself that the wis- 
dom, justice, moderation, and firmness of the honourable 
Congress in their proceedings, will finally silence all opposi- 
tion. The eyes of all America are looking up to them, 
under God, as the guardians of the Commonwealth, and 
reposing the greatest confidence in them that they will frame 
such regulations as effectually to secure her liberties against 
the future encroachment of tyrants, and place them on a 
permanent basis. f ' 

It is said virtue is the basis of a Republick, and some 
express their fears that there is not publick virtue enough in 
the country for such a form of Government; or if there is at 
present, it will not long be the case—that we shall soon 
become so corrupt that anarchy and confusion will take 
place, and we shall be in a worse state than if we had re- 
mained as we were, or submitted to absolute power. I hope 
not; as the abilities, virtue, and publick spirit of the gentle- 
men who compose our Congress are unquestionable, so they 


739 


have the advantage in framing a Constitution for America 
of the experience of past ages. They know the rocks on 
which other States have been shipwrecked, and I trust, like 
good pilots, will steer clear of them. Gan no regulation be 
made to guard more effectually against Mat corruption which 
has proved the ruin of all States that ever have existed, and 
to counteract the tendency of vice, andin some measure to 
supply the want of publick virtue? To oblige people to 
preserve and retain their liberties ? 

What do you think of the Agrarian law to prevent subjects 
from engrossing too much property, and of consequence 
acquiring too much power and influence, dangerous to the 
liberties of the people? What of a Rotation act, to oblige 
those who make laws, in their turn to experience the opera- 
tion of them? Would it be a wise measure to oblige the 
elected to clear themselves by a solemn oath when chosen, 
from having, directly or indirectly, used any influence to ob- 
tain their election, and to make outlawry and an incapacity 


ever to serve their country afterwards in any publick post,’ 


the punishment of perjury in such cases? Would it prevent 
the abuse of that power by which the Britzsh Parliament 
made themselves Septennial to make it an express rule of 
the Constitutions, that Representatives shall be considered as 
reduced to private station at the expiration of the term for 
which they shall be chosen; and that if they should presume 
to make any laws after the constitutional term of their exist- 
ence, such laws shall have no binding force on the people 
in any case whatsoever, and that such an attempt shall dis- 
qualify them for being reélected? Can no method be found 
out to restrain and counteract that spirit of domination, which 
in all ages has spread desolation and misery in the Kast, and 
drenched it in human blood? Above all, I trust that Spiritual 
tyranny, the worst sort of tyranny, will be guarded against. 
Civil power in the hands of domineering Priests, of every 
denomination, ever hath been, and while human nature re- 
mains what it is, ever will be a source of infinite mischief. 
In my apprehension, it is clearly inconsistent with the nature 
of Christ’s Kingdom for his Ministers to have any share in 
the civil power, and with the idea of religious liberty, the 
natural nghts of mankind, and the design of Government, 
for the civil power to be employed to propagate or establish 
any particular persuasion in opposition to others. As all 
men have an equal right to think and judge for themselves 
in matters of religion, and to worship G'od in that way that 
is agreeable to their own consciences, and cannot be amena- 
ble for their religious opinions to any earthly tribunal, I could 
heartily wish, that in framing a Constitution for America, 
care might be taken to secure these rights inviolate to all, 
without exception, and to lay an effectual bar against perse- 
cution for conscience sake; that there might be no civil 
establishment of any particular persuasion, but that all de- 
nominations might enjoy equal liberty and protection so long 
as they behave in a manner becoming good and loyal sub- 
jects, and that the line between civil and religious power 
drawn by that wise, judicious, and upright Magistrate, Galio, 
might be carefully observed» But perhaps | have need to 
ask pardon for offering these hints on a subject which I con- 
fess does not belong to my province. However, I persuade 
myself your candour and friendship will not impute it to a 
conceit of my ability to afford you any assistance, but rather 
to a warm and honest zeal for the common cause. 

That you and the respectable gentlemen, whom I regard 
with veneration and gratitude, as, under God, the guardians 
of our inestimable privileges and the saviours of their coun- 
try, may have a double portion of the Spirit of Wisdom to 
guide you in your deliberations, and may enjoy the reward 
of your fidelity and patriotism in the applause of your grate- 
ful country, the approbation of your own conscience, and of 
your Supreme Judge, is the ardent wish of, sir, your most 


obedient servant, SuMeChinaoce 
sf ? 


NORTH-CAROLINA COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
North-Carolina, in the Council of Safety, 
August 3, 1776. , 
Whereas this Board, anxious to detect all persons con- 
cerned in counterfeiting the Currency of this State, and 
influenced by reports injurious to Mr. Wilham Edwards’s 
character, and, by misinformation, ordered Mr. Edwards to 
be brought before us for examination, and he was brought 
and examined accordingly: We, in justice to injured inno- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


736 


cence, and to prevent that imputation of guilt which might 
arise from the circumstance of apprehending Mr. Edwards, 
do, with infinite pleasure, declare, that, after the strictest 
scrutiny into his conduct, the charge was found totally 
groundless, and he was most honourably acquitted. 

By, order Corneuius Harnert, President. 
James Green, Secretary. 


. JOHN PAGE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 12, 1776.] 
Williamsburgh, in Council, August 3, 1776. 

Sir: We have your letter of the 22d ultimo before us, 
written to his Excellency the Governour, informing him of 
a resolution of Congress directing General Lewis to order 
two battalions from Virginia to join the Flying-Camp under 
Brigadier Mercer, in New-Jersey, and that the Congress had 
resolved to take an equal number of Minute-men, or Militia, 
on Continental pay, should an invasion be apprehended. 
We must observe, sir, that from the dispersed situation of 
our troops, the number of navigable rivers, exposing our 
country to the ravages of the enemy’s fleet, the great de- 
mand of men and arms on our frontiers, on account of the 
Indian war, and from the present state of General Clinton’s 
Army near Charlestown, which we conceive might be em- 
ployed to greater advantage here, we have reason to appre- 
hend an invasion, and have therefore ordered a number of 
Minute-men and Militia into duty, to supply the want of our 
two regiments ordered to the Jerseys. We look upon them, 
however, as very inadequate to that purpose, and beg leave 
to refer you to a Jetter written on this subject to our Dele- 
gates. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient, humble 
servant, Joun Page, President. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


GENERAL LEWIS TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 12, 1776.] 
Williamsburgh, August 3, 1776. 

Sir: By yesterday’s post I was honoured with the order 
of Congress, by which I ain to send to the Flying-Camp in 
New-Jersey two battalions of the Continental troops in this 
State. This shall be done as expeditiously as in my power, 
though, from the dispersed condition of the troops in affording 
a general protection, it cannot be so soon as I could wish. 
Should this State be attacked by a large body of the enemy 
in the absence of those two battalions, I shall not be able 
to give them the reception I could wish. With our whole 
force, (as it now stands,) it would be difficult, considering 
the many rivers that give them entrance to any or as many 
parts of this country as they could wish. Another circum- 
stance, too, will (I doubt) weaken us: the First and Second 
Battalions were inlisted for no more than twelye months, 
which is nearly expired, and they have as yet refused to 
inlist for a longer time. I shall use my best endeavours to 
have them inlisted on Continental establishment. I shall do 
myself the honour to write you more fully the next post. 

I am, honourable sir, your most obedient and very hum- 


ble servant : ‘ 
? Anpw. Lewis, Bricadier-General. 
? oO 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., &c. 


COURT-MARTIAL ON LIEUTENANT JONES. 


At a General Court-Martial held at Camp at Springfield, 
the 3d day of August, 1776, by order of the Honourable 
Brigadier-General Lewis, for the trial of Lieutenant Peter 
Jones, of the Sixth Regiment, arrested by Colonel Buckner 
for neglect of duty and insolent behaviour : 

Major Hennricxs, President. 

Members: Captain Davis, Captain Towles, Captain Fox, 
Captain Johnson, Captain Crochan, Lieutenant Pettus, Lieu- 
tenant Curd, Lieutenant Crump, Lieutenant Clayton, Lieu- 
tenant Murray, Ensign Burnet, Ensign Smith. " 


The Court being duly sworn, Lieutenant Jones appeared, 
and was made acquainted with the charge. Colonel Buck- 
ner also appeared, and said, that between nine and ten 
o’clock in the evening of Saturday last, he was going home 
to his tent; that he was stopped by a sentinel who had the 


———— 


737 


wrong countersign; that he sent for Lieutenant Jones, who 
was officer of the Guard, and inquired of him the reason of 
it, who said, that he had given the sentinel the countersign 
himself, which was of his own make; that he asked the said 
Lieutenant why he did not wait on the commanding officer 
for the countersign, and was answered that he did not know 
it was his duty to do so, as the officer he had relieved had 
given a countersign, and he thought he might do it as well 
as other officers. Colonel Buckner told the Lieutenant that 
it was owing either to neglect or contempt, and was answered 
it was intended as neither. 

Lieutenant Rose was sworn a witness; said, that when 
he was officer of the Guard, he had no countersign given 
him, but made one himself; that he was applied to by 
Lieutenant Jones to know how he (Jones) could get the 
countersign, and that he informed him that when he was 
on guard, he made the countersign himself. 

Lieutenant Jones, in his defence, says that he received 
no countersign from the officer of the day, and did not know 
it to be his duty to wait on the commanding officer for it, 
as he had been informed by the officer whom he relieved, 
that the officer had made the countersign; that he did not 
intend the least insult or insolence to Colonel Buckner in 
what he said to him on Saturday evening. 

The Court having considered the case, are of opinion, 
that Lieutenant Jones is not guilty either of neglect of duty 
or insolent behaviour, and that he be therefore released from 
bis anea Major Henpricks, President. 

Brigadier-General Lewis agrees with the Court so far as 
to release Lieutenant Peter Jones, but begs Lieutenant Jones 
to make himself more acquainted with his duty as an officer, 
that in future he may not be guilty of such mistakes. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THOMAS SMYTH AND 
THOMAS RINGGOLD. 
{No. 109.] Annapolis, August 3, 1776. 

Gentiemen: We have received your separate favours 
of the Ist instant, by Captain Smyth, and transmit by him, 
for the Committee, the sum of £500, for the. purchase of 
blankets and arms. The Continental money which Mr. 
Ringgold has, we would have sent to us by the first safe 
conveyance. We should be fond of permitting Captain 
Smyth to go beyond £4 10s. for extraordinary guns, was it 
not that we are apprehensive of dangerous consequences 
from such license. As soon as a price is offered for any- 
thing above what is customarily given, there is no purchasing 
at the price which was before usually allowed, though the 
particular article bought in reality was worth considerably 
more; and therefore we cannot accord to his request, but 
hope, as the number of arms which are wanting are very 
few, that they may be collected at not more than £4 10s., 
by the time other necessaries can be procured for their 
marching. Rifles we will allow £5 for. 

We shall give orders to the Colonel of the Eastern-Shore 
Battalion of Flying-Camp Militia to march his men in com- 
panies to the northward, when they are ready. As soon, 
therefore, as Captains Smyth and Perkins are prepared, they 
will apply to him for orders; but we shall be obliged to 
you if you will procure proper carriages for their baggage, 
and afford them other assistance which may be wanting. 

We have sent by Captain Smyth twenty pieces of cruder, 
and request you will engage proper persons to make them 
into tents immediately. A sample shall be furnished from 
Baltimore. 

Your Committee will be pleased to have five hundred 
wooden bottles made as soon as possible for the use of the 
Province, agreeable to the sample delivered Captain Sinyth. 
We also send to your Committee thirty camp-kettles for 
the use of the Flying-Camp. Knapsacks with haversacks 
are already contracted for, and we expect will be completed 
in a very little time. Captain Smyth has our orders to take 
with him from Baltimore four hundred cartouch-boxes and 
slings, six hundred and eighty-eight bayonet-belts, and six 
hundred and eighty-eight gun-slings, which are to be lodged 
with your Committee. We request they may be delivered 
by them, with the wooden bottles, to the Flying-Camp 
Militia on the Eastern--Shore, when armed. 

The Council are very glad to hear Mr. Smyth’s business 
is so circumstanced as to admit his coming over; the earlier 


Firtu Serizs.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


738 


in the week the better, as we are much thronged with busi- 
ness, and some of our Board are anxious to see their families 
before the meeting of Convention. 


We are, &c. 
To Thomas Smyth and Thomas Ringgold, Esqs. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GEORGE scorr. 

[No. 110.] Annapolis, August 3, 1776. 

Sir: Linen fit for shirting or tents is wanted—seven or 
eight hundred—and tow linen. You have not informed us 
of either the quality or price of yours. Our manufacturers 
bring us in linen of the first kind at 3s, 6d., and of the latter 
at 2s. 3d. If you can let yours go at that rate, and it is 
good in quality, you may send it down to this place. 

We are, &c. 


To Mr. George Scott. 


RICHARD THOMPSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Georgetown, August 3, 1776. 
May iT PLease your Honours: Not having known of 
my appointment by the honourable Convention as Quarter- 
master to the regiment now raising in Frederick County for 
the Flying-Camp before the Ist of this instant, renders it 
impossible for me to enter on that service on so short a 
notice, although my inclination leads me to it. I know not 
who can, or whether any one ought to be blamed, for ne- 
glecting to afford me timely intelligence, but I can assure 
your Honours it will always give me the highest pleasure to 
act in any situation wherein my poor, though willing, ser- 
vices can be of use in the common cause of the United 
States of America. I have only to lament its being out of 
my power, for the reasons afore-mentioned, to accept the 
appointment allotted me, and to request you will tender my 
acknowledgments to the Convention, in any manner the 
most acceptable, for the honour intended me. 
I am, may it please your Honours, with great respect and 
esteem, your most obedient and humble servant, 
Ricuarp Tompson. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


JOS. EARLE TO J. NICHOLSON. 
August 3, 1776. 

Sir: I yesterday received a commission from the honour- 
able the Council of Safety contrary to my expectation. I 
had repeatedly said I had resigned my commission, and was 
determined not to accept it, as I was solicited by many 
respectable people in this County to resign, and offer myself 
as a candidate, for the reasons set forth in the application. 
I am truly sensible of the honour intended by the Conven- 
tion ; and am, with the greatest respect to your honourable 
Board, sir, your most obedient servant, 


To the Hon. J. Nicholson, Esq. 


Jos. Earue. 


MEMORIAL OF WILLIAM STONE. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of the State of 
MaryLanp: 
The Memorial of Wii1am Stone, of Bavrimore-Town, 
humbly showeth : 


That your memorialist, some time in the month of Janu- 
ary last past, requested Mr. Hercules Courtenay to endea- 
vour to obtain license of the honourable Council of Safety 
to load your memorialist’s brigantine with Indian com, to 
be exported for the purpose of importing salt; but the said 
Mr. Hercules Courtenay not being able to procure such 
license, did charter the said vessel to the Council on account 
of the said State; that the said vessel was valued at £1,000, 
when in truth she cost your memorialist £1,500; that your 
memorialist left instructions with Mr. Courtenay to have the 
further sum of £500 insured on the said vessel at Phila- 
delphia, to indemnify your memorialist in case of loss. 

Your memorialist further showeth, that after the delivery 
of your cargo, Captain Martin proceeded in the said brig to 
St. Eustatza, in order to receive the net proceeds of two 
cargoes shipped by your memorialist last October, when she 
was attached by Mr. Richard Jennings for a debt of £300, 
or thereabouts, due from your memorialist to him; that the 


47 


739 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 740 


said Richard Jennings rendered your memorialist no account 
of the sale of the brig, and retained the sum of £450 in his 
own hands; that Mr. Harrison loaded the said vessel, and 
called on Mr. Jennings for a bill of sale, who refused to give 
one; that Captain Martin (who was not authorized by me 
to make any sale or transfer of said vessel) was induced and 
prevailed on to give a bill of sale for said vessel to Mr. 
Harrison, in consideration of the sum of £900, and to 
accept an order drawn by Mr. Harrison on the honourable 
Council of Safety for the sum of £450; that the vessel was 
sold for much less than her real value, she being worth 
£1,500. Your memorialist further showeth, that at the 
time his vessel was attached, he was possessed of property 
in S¢. Eustatia and St. Kitts sufficient to discharge the debt 
due to the said Mr. Jennings ; that the said Mr. Jennings, 
being displeased with your memorialist for not consigning 
the vessel to him last October, acted in the manner above 
shown, to injure and oppress your memorialist. 

Your memorialist, esteeming the actings and doings of 
the said Mr. Richard Jennings and Captain Martin unjust, 
illegal, and oppressive, beg your Honours will take his case 
into consideration, and not suffer any advantage to be taken 
of him by the sale of the said vessel to Mr. Harrison, your 
agent, but allow your memorialist to have the vessel, on 
paying the money advanced by your agent to Richard Jen- 
ning’. 

And your memorialist will ever pray, &c. 

WiLiaM STONE. 
August 3, 1776. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO OFFICER COMMANDING COL. 
HASLETT’S BATTALION. 
Philadelphia, August 3, 1776. 
Sir: You are hereby directed to order the company of 
your battalion posted at Lew?s-Town as soon as possible to 
march to Philadelphia and join their battalion now stationed 
at the barracks in this city. 
I am, sir, your very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To the Officer commanding the Battalion of Continental 
Troops now in this city, Colonel Has/lett’s Battalion. 


JOHN ADAMS TO GENERAL HEATH. 
Philadelphia, August 3, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Yours of the 20th ultimo is before me. I 
am much obliged to you for it, and most heartily wish for a 
more free and intimate communication of sentiments upon 
the state both of our Councils and arms. I should be happy 
in a few hours’ conversation; but as this cannot be, I must 
be content with a letter. 

We have now a nation to protect and defend; and I can 
easily see the propriety of the observations you quote from 
the Prussian Hero, that the prosperity of a State depends 
upon the discipline of its Army. ‘This discipline reared the 
Roman empire and the British; and the American will 
stand or fall, in my opinion, as it adheres to or deviates from 
the same discipline. If there is not wisdom and vigour 
enough in the civil Government to support the military offi- 
cers in introducing and establishing such a discipline, it must 
be owing to the advantages of soil and climate and our ex- 
treme distance from our enemies, not to our own strength, 
virtue, or wisdom, if we do not fail. 

The Army must be well officered, armed, disciplined, fed, 
clothed, covered, and paid; in these respects, we do as well 
as we can. ‘Time, I hope, will assist us; and every officer 
of the Army would do well to suggest to his friends and 
correspondents in Congress and in the Legislatures of the 
several States every defect and every improvement in those 
particulars which occurs to him. I am in more anxiety for 
clothes and tents than anything, because the health as well 
as the discipline of the Army depends much upon them. 

We shall never do well until we get a regular Army; and 
this will never be until men are inlisted for a longer dura- 
tion; and that will never be effected until we are more 
generous in our encouragement to men. But I am con- 
vinced that time alone will persuade us to this measure ; and 
in the mean time, we shall very indiscreetly waste a much 
greater expense than would be necessary for this great pur- 
pose, in temporary calls upon Militia, besides risking the 
loss of many lives and much reputation. 


Congress has not determined to have no regard to the 
line of succession in, promotions, but only that this line shall 
not be an invariable rule; ceteris paribus, the line will be 
pursued ; but they mean to reserve a right of distinguishing 
extraordinary merit or demerit. ‘This rule may be abused ; 
but is it not necessary? All good things are liable to abuse, 
I am afraid, nay, I know it will be abused in’ particular 
instances ; but if we make the succession an invariable rule, 
will not the abuse be greater? Is it not common in the 
British Army to promote junior officers over the heads of 
their superiors—nay, even officers in the same regiment, 
and on the same command? I have been told of several 
instances; this, however, is wrong. 

Your opinions of men and things I wish I knew in more 
detail, because I have a good opinion of your judgment of 
both; and I fear, situated as I am, many things relating to 
both may not have come to my knowledge that I ought to 
know. As the first officer in the Massachusetts service, you 
have in some sort the patronage of all the officers. I hope 
you will recommend the best men for promotion. I confess 
myself very ignorant of the military characters from that 
State. 

By some expressions in the clause of your letter, I con- 
clude you were not perfectly satisfied with a late promotion. 
Be assured, sir, if that was raising an inferior officer over the 
head of any superior, it was not considered in that light by 
the gentlemen who did it; the person promoted was thought 
to be the ablest Brigadier, and intituled to advancement by 
the line of succession ; and it is my opinion he would have 
been made a Major-General much sooner, if his experience 
had not been thought indispensable in the Adjutant-Gene- 
ral’s department. 

I am, sir, with great respect, your affectionate servant, 

Joun Apams. 


To General Heath. 


CESAR RODNEY TO THOMAS RODNEY. 
Philadelphia, August 3, 1776. 

Str: I received yours of the 30th July, and shall endea- 
vour to answer it. Captain Gordon might have had the place 
you mentioned, but, on talking with me, he very prudently 
declined it. ‘The history of your mancuvres, procession, 
&c., pleased me, and the more so, as I heard of the choice, 
without knowing the principle on which it was made. 

With respect to the return made me by the Field-Officers, 
they have neglected to send me the dates of their commis- 
sions or appointments in the Militia; I have therefore written 
to them to return me dates, before commissions can be made 
out. As to the subalterns, their being placed with an older 
or younger Captain does not affect their rank, as that will 
be preserved by the commission made out for them; and as 
that will be the case, it is better that they should be fixed 


in such companies as best please them. 1 showed Captain 


Gordon the return made me by the Field-Officers, showing 
the order in which they choose to be placed with respect to 
the companies, which Mr. Gordon said was agreeable to 
their desire, so far as he had knowledge in it; that he was 
sure it was right as to Caldwell’s company. 

With respect to the choice of a Convention, I would 
leave it to you and your friends, whether, when you have 
fixed on such ticket as meets your approbation, it would not 
be better to pursue, and endeavour to impress the utility of 
such choice being made by the people, (especially at a time 
when the establishing their rights and privileges as freemen 
depends on such choice,) upon your former plan, I mean of 
true Whigism—true patriotism. This plan, if pursued with 
diligence, and such cool argument and reasoning as the case 
will point out and justify, I think must carry with it per- 
suasion and conviction. It certainly will with all such as are 
not governed by a party spirit. If any person or persons 
be proposed in opposition to your ticket, who have hereto- 
fore been unfriendly to the cause, point out to the people 
their former conduct, and submit to them the propriety of 
trusting to such men at such an important crisis. Your 
scheme ought to hold out more of the patriot than party- 
man. I will again submit, as before, whether the inquiry 
and examination proposed to be had before the Committee 
will not tend so to irritate, as to occasion many people, by 
taking sides in that matter, to lose sight of the cause—their 
true interest; for jf they are led to believe that you and your 


7Al 


friends are governed more by a party spirit than by the true 
interests of America, they will hold you in the light of all 
other party men, and deal with you accordingly. You say 
the Committee are about to make this inquiry: Are there 
a sufficient number of patriots in that Committee to answer 
your expectation? i 
them that’wish the inquiry should be had? Will they, if 
matters turn out as you expect, publish their opinions to the 
County, so that the friends of liberty may benefit by it? It 
is an inquiry that ought to have been made; but it is an 
inquiry that ought to be made by men of understanding 
only. Do such make a majority of the Committee—the 
good men? By what authority do they take it up? Are 
not many of the members principals in the matter of inquiry? 
All these things I submit to the prudence and good sense 
of you and your friends, though you seem to have deter- 
mined on the measure, by your letter, before my opinion 
was asked. In short, it is difficult to give an opinion in this 
case, as | am a stranger to the present complexion of the 
Committee. However, as this Convention is undoubtedly 
the most important Assembly that ever was chosen in that 
Government, would advise the avoiding every kind of vio- 
lence; and, on the other hand, the utmost diligence and 
persuasion, to procure as many friends to liberty on the return 
as possible. By this means, men who have heretofore been 
unfriendly to liberty, if properly pointed out, cannot prevail. 
The people, when uninitiated, generally hearken to reason, 
and make prudent choices. But you may be able to let me 
know about these things by the next post. 

Yesterday came to town a ship belonging to the Congress, 
from France, with ten drums of powder, about forty drums 
of lead, one thousand stand of arms, &c., &c., and the same 
day an armed vessel taken by Captain Barry at sea. I 
have put your thread in the hands of a weaver. 

I am, with love to all, yours, &c., 

Casar Ropney. 


To Captain Thomas Rodney, Dover. 


CHSAR RODNEY TO THOMAS RODNEY. 
Philadelphia, August 3, 1776. 


Str: Since I finished my other letter, have been up at 
Congress, where we received intelligence, by letter from 
Captain Wickes, in the Congress ship the Reprisal, that he 
has, at sea, on the 13th of July, taken two prizes, a ship 
and a’schooner, bound for Liverpool, loaded with cotton, 
sugar, rum, &c. ‘The letters came by the prize schooner, 
which arrived in an inlet near Keg-Harbour; and the ship 
prize has been seen off the Cape of Delaware, and supposed 
by this time got in. 

This day’s post is not yet come in from New-York. It 
is past its usual time of coming, and therefore imagine there 
will be something important, which delayed him. I wish 
it may be good. ‘The Delaware battalion came to town this 
morning, and there passed an order of Congress yesterday 
morning for Captain Darby and his company, now at Lewvs, 
to come up and join the battalion, or at least to follow them; 
for as the Congress has now got arms, I imagine they will 
not stay long here. Let not the contents of my other letter 
be seen by any, unless a friend in whom you can confide. 

I believe I shall never be able to get that scoundrel to 
make Betsey’s and \Sally’s shoes. I have not time to say 
anything about my plantation affairs; but hope you will have 
an eye to them, that they may not suffer. Without the least 
expectation of being gratified, I have a strong desire to be at 
home once more. 


I am yours, &c., Cxsar Ropney. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM PHILADELPHIA, DATED AUGUST 
3, 1776. 


Since my last we have arrived a sloop from North-Caro- 
lina, with naval stores, and a sloop of eight four-pounders. 
She belongs to the Goodriches, of Virginia, and was com- 
manded by one of them; was out three days from Bermuda, 
when he discovered and gave chase to the brig Lexington, 
Captain Barry; but finding his mistake, put back too late; 
for in about an hour and a half, Barry run alongside, when 
she struck. She had eight negroes on board. All, or most 
of the men, to the amount of twenty-five, entered on board 
of Barry. Goodrich is a prisoner on board of the brig. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


Are there a considerable majority of’ 


742 

This morning we have an express from a schooner taken 
by Captain Wickes, in the Continental ship Reprisal. She 
was bound from St. Vincent’s to Liverpool, with upwards of 
one hundred hogsheads of rum, and is safe in _Absecomb- 
Inlet. They bring an account of his having taken a ship 
of four or five hundred tons burden, from Grenada for Lon- 
don. She was quite full, and by the captors said to be 
worth £35,000. A ship was seen last Wednesday, to the 
southward of our Cape, by the North-Carolina man, which 
we hope is the prize. 

Captain Fowler, in a sloop belonging to your city, is 
arrived at Eeg-Harbour, with £4,000 worth of indigo, in 
twelve or thirteen days from Charlestown. She passed the 
fleet in a thunder-storm. By him we learn, that two desert- 
ers from the fleet confirm the account which General Lee 
received from the five deserters already published here, and 
further add, that the brig that had the Captain of the Com- 
modore on board for London, had returned off Spencer’s 
Inlet. 'The said Captain soon died after he got on board, 
and was buried on Long-Island, the 3d of July; that the 
men began to grow sickly, and they are dissatisfied with 
General Clinton’s conduct; they suspect he keeps a private 
correspondence with General Lee; that there was some 
talk of his being under an arrest; that the last rumour among 
them was, of their embarkation for Long-Island, in New- 
York Government. ‘The Commodore’s ship is much shat- 
tered; it will take them some time to refit. ‘The 4th of 
July, he hoisted his pendant on board the Experiment. One 
shot from the fort took off three Midshipmen’s heads, who 
happened to stand in a range, one of whom isa nobleman’s 
son. 

A few days before Captain Fowler sailed, the whole fleet 
was in mourning, supposed for the death of Sir Peter Parker, 
who was wounded, and lost part of his breeches in the late 
engagement. Captain Fowler thinks the two large ships 
will not be able to go over the bar so as to get out. 


NEW-JERSEY CONVENTION TO DELEGATES IN CONGRESS. 


In Convention of the State of New-Jersey, 
New-Brunswick, August 3, 1776. : 

Gentiemen: As it is of great importance that the com- 
munication between New- York, this, and the Southern Colo- 
nies, be preserved, and no adequate provision, that we know 
of, having been made to keep open the ferries over Passaick 
and Hackensack Rivers, between Newark and Powles Hook, 
which, in their present situation, may not only be easily 
obstructed by a single armed vessel of the enemy lying near 
them, but the ferry boats may be seized, and the passing and 
repassing of our troops on emergent occasions thereby for 
a considerable time impeded; and as, from the exposed and 
unguarded situation of the settlements up said rivers, the 
creeks, and country adjacent to Newark Bay, the enemy 
may receive supplies of provisions either by plunder or from 
disaffected persons; and the making provision for the above 
purposes (as they intimately concern all the United States) 
belonging to your honourable House, we must desire you to 
propose at first opportunity in Congress, that the most speedy 
and effectual measures may be adopted to obtain these salutary 
ends. We conceive there are but two practicable methods, 
viz: by batteries at the several ferries, or by armed vessels. 
The ground on each side of the ferries, being low salt marsh, 
will not, without very great expenses, admit of being fortified ; 
but if this had not been the case, a larger number of heavy 
cannon would be necessary to answer our purposes than 
perhaps can be procured, or if procurable, than would be 
necessary, if employed on board one or more vessels of the 
row-galley or gondola construction. Protection by armed 
vessels have a further advantage over fortifications at the 
ferries: the fortifications must have great strength, a conside- 
rable number of cannon, and a large body of men stationed 
there, or a descent of the enemy might take cannon and men 
together, as the cannon could not be retreated with, and the 
distance of the ferries from succour too great to expect sup- 
plies in time. On the contrary, an armed vessel stationed 
at or near each ferry of the row-galley or gondola kind, carry- 
ing only an eighteen-pounder each, with swivels, cohorns or 
blunderbusses, may be sufficient, and their forces may be 
occasionally united ; for, being so contiguous, they may readily 
act in concert, and, by being made to draw but little water 
and to row swiltly, may, if they find the forces attacking 


743 


them too powerful, secure a safe retreat where the enemy’s 
tenders cannot pursue them. But perhaps heavy cannon 
may be spared for one gondola, and not more; in such case 
a vessel of the cat-schooner kind might be usefully employed 
for the other vessel. We are informed there are two in 
Passaick River, well built and almost new, and that either 
of them may be hired for a small consideration, provided the 
owners are assured of their being returned in as good order 
as when delivered, or of being paid the value in case they 
should be irreparably damaged. ‘Their dimensions are about 
forty-five feet in length, fourteen feet breadth, four-and-a- 
half feet depth, draw but little water, and one of them sails 
remarkably swift. 

Although gondolas may not so advantageously attack 
ships of war, yet their tenders, or vessels of such size as can 
approach the ferries, will not choose to come in the way of 
an eighteen or twenty-four-pounder. 

If not a single cannon of this weight can be spared, per- 
haps both of the above-mentioned cat-schooners may be 
usefully employed in this service. ‘They will probably 
carry either two six-pounders on each side, and a six or nine- 
pounder in the bow, or three four-pounders on each side, 
and a six-pounder in the bow, besides swivels, cohorns, and 
blunderbusses, (as they may be procurable,) spears, and 
small-arms. 

We were so perfectly convinced of the importance and 
utility of making provision for the above purposes, that had 
the state of our funds permitted it, as much depends on 
despatch, we might probably have gone into the measures 
necessary to that end, not doubting but Congress, when 
convinced of their general utility to the United States, 
would have ordered a reimbursement of the expenses, 
&c. 

Two other armed vessels might be advantageously sta- 
tioned at proper places between the ferries above-mentioned 
and the mouth of Rariton River. 'They might codperate 
occasionally either for the purposes aforesaid or for annoying 
the enemy, or be employed to protect the ferry from South 
to Perth-Amboy and the navigation of Rariton River, 
which protection would be a great saving either in troops 
crossing the ferry to Amboy, or in transporting provisions, 
baggage, &c., from Brunswick, by water, to the camp at 
Amboy. 

As it is important that no time be lost in making the afore- 
said provision, and as, from the multiplicity of interesting 
business before Congress, this may be delayed,—if Congress 
will provide for the expense, and request it, we shall be wil- 
ling to give a helping hand towards carrying their resolutions 
on this subject into effect. 

We are, gentlemen, your very humble servants. 

By order of the Convention: 
Joun Covennoven, Vice-President. 


To the Delegates representing the State of New-Jersey in 
Continental Congress. 


RESOLVES OF NEW-JERSEY CONVENTION, 


In Convention of the State of New-Jersey, 
Brunswick, August 3, 1776. 


Whereas, by the arrival of the enemy in the neighbourhood 
of this State, the burden is become much greater to the Militia 
thereof, numbers being obliged to leave their families, and to 
march to the defence of their country, so that former Ordi- 
nances for regulating the Militia are become inadequate, it 
being highly just and equitable, proportionally to increase 
the sums formerly directed to be paid by those who refuse 
to bear arms for the protection of the State; and also to 
inflict greater punishments on those who, although they have 
associated, or been directed to be enrolled for the defence of 
their country, yet neglect to attend on days appointed for 
mustering, and are unwilling, at this time of great danger, to 
step forth with their countrymen to oppose the enemies of 
freedom: It is, therefore, 

Resolved and Ordained, That all able-bodied persons, 
between the ages of sixteen and fifty years, who, on any ac- 
count, refuse to bear arms, do pay, as an equivalent for their 
actual service, the sum of 20s. Proclamation money, monthly, 
and every month, during the present alarming time, and until 
proper measures shali be taken by the future Legislature to 
render the burden and expense equal to the inhabitants of 
this State; and that all persons directed to be enrolled by 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST;(1776. 


744 


former Ordinances, both Officers and Privates, who neglect to 
attend on days of muster, do pay double the sums directed 
by an Ordinance of the late Congress, bearing date the 28th 
day of October, 1775; all which sums shall be recovered 
and applied by the Officers of the Militia, in such manner as 


‘ the aforesaid Ordinance directs with respect to the fines in- 


flicted on Officers and Privates of the Militia, without regard 
to religious denominations, anything in said Ordinance to the 
contrary notwithstanding. 

Resolved further, That all persons between the ages of 
sixteen and fifty years, directed to be enrolled as aforesaid, 
who shall neglect to attend when called upon at the time of 
an alarm, or, when ordered to meet, in consequence of a 
requisition of the Deputies, Commander-in-Chief, or any of 
the Brigadier-Generals of this State, for the purpose of rais- 
ing levies for the Army, or detaching part of the Militia for 
the defence of the States, or who shall refuse to march when 
detached in their proper turn, or to provide persons to march 
in their stead, do pay, if a Colonel, £20, a Lieutenant- 
Colonel £15, a Major £12, a Captain £8, a Lieutenant 
and Ensign £6, Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates 
£3, for every such neglect, to be recovered in manner afore- 
said, and to be applied as follows: The fines of Field-Offi- 
cers to be equally divided among the Non-Commissioned 
Officers and Privates of the detachment which marches from 
the Battalion, and the fines of Captains, Subalterns, Non- 
Commissioned Officers and Privates, to be equally divided 
among the Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates of the 
detachment which marches from the Company to which the 
delinquents respectively belong. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Wm. Paterson, Secretary. 


GENERAL MERCER TO COLONEL DICKINSON. 
Woodbridge, August 3, 1776. 


Sir: The account you gave me of the disposition of 
Battalion hath appeared, the more I think of it, the more 
alarming. ‘That no inconsiderate step may be taken, I have 
had the opinion of the Field-Officers, and others here, on 
the occasion; they join unanimously in opinion with me that 
the orders issued last week relative to such of the Associa- 
tors as should presume to desert the service of their country 
at this critical time, ought to be enforced. yy Mone 


To Col. John Dickinson, commanding at Elizabeth-Town. 


RICHARD VARICK TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Albany, August 3, 1776. 


May iT PLEASE Your Excenuency: Agreeable to Gen- 
eral Schuyler’s orders, I do myself the honour to enclose you 
three lists of articles wanted for the publick service on Lake- 
Champlain, contained in the paper marked A; and do also 
enclose your Excellency another paper, marked B, contain- 
ing a true account of such articles of these lists as cannot 
possibly be procured at this place. 

An express is sent from this place to Connecticut, with 
instructions to purchase the sailcloth and cordage, which 
General Arnold says is to be had in that Colony; and an 
express is also sent to the forges and furnaces at Livingston’s 
Manor and Salisbury, to procure the swivels and grape, 
double-headed and chain shot, if to be had there. None of 
the other articles are to be had nearer than New-York. 
And I am directed by the General to request your Excel- 
lency, in his name, to order the several articles which are 
wanting to be sent up with all possible despatch to this 
place. With the assistance of the publick Store-Keeper, I 
have procured from the proprietors of vessels, and the mer- 
chants of this place and Schenectady, all the anchors, cables, 
and cordage, that was to be had from them, for which I 
have made a full allowance. 

I am, with respect and esteem, your Excellency’s most 
obedient and very humble servant, 

Ricup. VaRIck, 


Secretary to Major-General Schuyler. 
To His Excellency General Washington, &c. &c. 
P.S. The articles in B, marked with the letter C, are 


sent for to Connecticut, but not certain of being procured 
there. Rev; 


745 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 746 


A, No. 1. 


List of Articles wanted for the Gondolas, armed Vessels, 


Fotere) 


hm phe te te OD DD Le 
a 
° 


and Batteaus, viz: 


30 Anchors for Gondolas, 200 a 300 pounds. 
40 Anchors, 100 a 150 pounds. 
30 Hawsers, 4} a 54 inches, 50 a 60 fathoms. 
40 Hawsers, 4 a 4} inches, 50 a 100 fathoms. 
1 coil, 6-inch Rope, 60 fathoms. 
do. 5-inch do. 60 do. 
do. 4-inch do. 60 do. 
do. 34-inch do. 60 do. 
do. 3-inch do. 60 do. 
. 2t-inch do. 120 do. 
do, 2-inch do. 120 do. 
do. 13-inch do. 120 do. 
do. 1f-inch do. 120 do. 
do. Ratlin, stiff. 
4 sets Tackle Blocks. 
200 double Blocks, 54 to 8 inches. 
300 single Blocks, 43 a 9 inches. 
4 Coils Spun Yarn, 2 and 3 threads. 
10 dozen Hamline. 
10 dozen Marline. 
50 Half-hour Glasses. 
10 Spyglasses. 
200 Buckets. 
40 small Colours, (Continental, ) some red, blue, for signals. 
60 Iron Pots, 4 a 6 gallons. 
+ dozen Lead Lines. 
1 dozen Lines for Pennant and Ensign Halliards. 
6 dozen deep Wooden Bowls. 
Pistols and Cutlasses. 
Small Tacks and Pump Nails. 
Linseed Oil, Blacking, and White Lead. 
1 dozen Hand Speaking Trumpets. 
6 dozen Sail Needles. 
4 dozen Bolt-Rope Needles. 
+ dozen Marline Needles. 
1 side Pump Leather. 
60 coils Slow Match, for the Artillery. 
6 Fishing Nets with Ropes. 


A true copy: Ricup. Varicx. 


A, No. 2. 


Articles wanted immediately for the Vessels and Gondolas 


on Laxe Cuampcain, July 20, 1776. 


20 Hawsers, 5 a 53 inches, 40 to 120 fathoms long. 
20 Anchors, 100 a 250 pounds weight. 
40 small Graplins, about 20 to 40 weight. 
5 coils Cordage, 4 inches, 120 fathoms. 
5 do. do. do. 120 do. 

5 do. do. 23 do. 120 do. 

10 do. doe 00.0120 m0. 

10 do. dove U2) 00. 120) Go: 

10 do. do. 1% do. 120 do. 

5 do. 12-thread Ratlin. 

5 do. 9-thread Ratlin. 

10 pounds 2 and 3-thread Spun Yarn. 
200 double Blocks, 5 to 7 inches. 

400 single Blocks, 4 to 7 inches, sorted. 
100 single Blocks, 7 to 12 inches, sorted. 
3 dozen Lanterns, horn or tin. 

2 dozen Dark Lanterns. 

1 barrel Brimstone. 

500 pounds Chalk. 

2,000 Pump Nails. 

4 sides Sole Leather. ‘ 

2 dozen Frying Pans. 

4 dozen small Lines for Halliards. 

20 Speaking Trumpets. 

10 dozen Sail Needles. 

2 dozen Bolt-Rope Needles. 

10 Spyglasses. 

20 pounds Sewing Twine. 

2 Fish Nets, large. 

10 sets Colours. 


Ticonperoaa, July 20, 1776. 


A true copy. 


B. Arnon. 


Ricup. Varicx. 


A, No. 3. 


List of Articles wanted for the Vessels on the Lake 


Cuampcain, July 24, 1776, viz: 


70 bolts thick Sailcloth. 

30 bolts light Sail Towcloth, or Osnaburghs. 
20 cwt. Spun Yarn. 

20 cwt. 24-inch Rope. 

20 ewt. 5-inch Shroud Hawsers. 

100 pounds Sewing Twine. 

6 dozen Sail, Bolt-Rope, and Marline Needles. 
1 dozen Palms. 

1 barrel Linseed Oil. 

4 cwt. Chalk. 

2 cwt. White Lead. 

} cwt. Red Lead. 

Sheet Lead for Aprons of Guns. 

1 dozen kegs Lampblack. 

6 dozen Powderhorns. 

Quick Match and Port Fire. 

4 dozen Paint and Tar Brushes, assorted. 

3 barrels Tar. 


4 dozen Cod Lines. 

10 dozen small Lines, sorted. 

Colours for the Vessels, Galleys, and Gondoloes. (Hughes 
only says Colours.) 

One White Flag. 

10 sides Sole Leather. 

* ‘i Pune Nails, different sizes. 
in Tubes. : 

Stow Match. Very little here. 

200 Swivel Guns, (wrote for before.) 

A few sheets of Copper for Gun Ladles. 

5 dozen Sheepskins for Spunges. 

Grape, Canister, Double-headed and Chain Shot, for 9, 12, 18, 
and 24-Pounders. Very few here. 

1 dozen Half-hour Glasses. 

Cartridge Paper. 

Flannel Cartridges. 


A true copy. B. ARNOLD. 


Ricup. Varick. 


B, No. 1. 


Return of Articles wanted for the Publick Service on Laxr 
Cuamp.ain, which cannot be procured at ALBANY, or at 
any place between this and New-York, except as per 


N. B. at the bottom. 


15 Anchors for Gondolas, 200 a 300 pounds. 
10 Anchors, 100 a 150 pounds. 
15 Hawsers, 44 and 53 inches, 50 a 60 fathoms. 
10 Hawsers, 4 and 44 inches, 50 a 100 fathoms. 
1 coil, 6-inch Rope, 60 fathoms. 
1 do. 5-inch do. 60 do. 
do. 4-inch do. 60 do. 
do. 34-inch do. 60 do. 
do. 3-inch do. 60 do. 
do. 2t-inch do. 120 do. 
. 2-inch do. 120. do. 
do. 18-inch do. 120 do. 
do. 14-inch do. 120. do. 
do. Ratlin, stiff. 
do. Spun Yarn, 2 and 3 threads. 
40 small Colours, (Continental,) some red, blue, for Signals. 
Pistols and Cutlasses. 


Axsany, August 3, 1776. 
A true extract. 


AAAQANAAAGLAALA 
tet He He DD He et 0 WD 
59 


Ricup. Varick. 


B, No. 2. 
General Arnoup’s first Requisition. 


Articles wanted immediately for the Vessels and Gondolas 
on Lake Cuampcain, July 20, 1776. 


C. 20 Hawsers, 5 and 53 inches, 40 to 120 fathoms long. 
20 Anchors, 100 to 250 weight. 
40 Graplins, about 20 to 40 weight. 
C.5 coils Cordage, 4 inches, 120 fathoms. 
; do. 3 


C.5 do. dO 20 Os 
€.5 do. dO.) 22 d0s0n 20 1 do: 
C.10do. do. 2 dos 120 ‘de: 
C.10 do. do. 12 do. 120 do. 
C. 10 do. do. 13 do. 120 do. 
G.5 do. do. 12-thread Ratlin. 

Cr arido, do. 9-thread Ratlin. 


2 dozen Dark Lanterns. 

200 pounds Brimstone. 

20 Speaking Trumpets. 

6 Spyglasses. 

2 Fish Nets, large, with Ropes. 
10 sets Colours. 


N. B. Expresses are sent to Connecticut for the sailcloth and cordage, 
and to Livingston’s Manor and Salisbury Forges and Furnaces for the 
anchors, graplins, grape, double-headed and chain shot, mentioned in 
the preceding requisition. 


Ricup. Varick. 


B, No. 3. 
General Arnoun’s second Requisition. 


A list of Articles wanted for the Vessels on Laxe Cuam- 
PLAIN, July 24, 1776. 


C. 50 bolts thick Sailcloth. 
C. 20 bolts light Towcloth or Osnaburghs. 
C. 20 cwt. Spun Yarn. 
C. 16 cwt. 2;-inch Rope. 
C. 20 ewt. 5-inch Shroud Hawser. 
6 dozen Sail, Bolt-Rope, and Marline Needles. 
Sheet Lead for Aprons of Guns. 
Quick Match and Port Fire. 
Colours for the Vessels, Galleys, and Gondolas. 
One White Flag. 
Tin Tubes. 
200 Swivel Guns.—Written for before. 
A few sheets Copper for Gun Ladles. 
Grape, Canister, Double-headed and Chain Shot, for 9, 12, 
18, and 24-Pounders. (Very few here.) 
1 dozen Half-hour Glasses. 
Flannel Cartridges. 


A true extract. Ricup. Varick. 


TAT 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES. 
German-Flats, August 3, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Agreeable to my promise of yesterday, I now 
enclose you an extract of General Washington’s letter to 
me on the subject of removing the Army from Crown-Point, 
with an extract of so much of my letter as contained an 
answer to that part of his. 

If gentlemen knew with how much reluctance I quitted 
the serene pleasures of a rural life, if they knew how con- 
scious | am of the mediocrity of my talents, and how far I 
believe myself from being equal to the task which my coun- 
try has imposed upon me, they would not envy me. ‘They 
would know that I am not dazzled with the honour of office; 
that I never wished to be—what every man in publick life 
must be—the object of envy, and exposed to the insults occa- 
sioned by both the weakness and wickedness of men. Sick, 
heartily sick of command at the conclusion of last campaign, 
I begged leave of Congress to retire; and in confidence com- 
municated to General Washington my more immediate rea- 
sons for it. ‘Time and experience have convinced me (and 
I believe General Washington too) that my reasons were too 
well founded; but both Congress and he urged my contin- 
uance in the command, in such a manner that I suffered 
myself to be prevailed on to remain in it. The implication 
contained in General Washington’s letter of the 19th ultimo 
to you, is so very disadvantageous to us, that I very sincerely 
repent having deviated from my resolution to retire. But 
the opinion of his Council that we had acted reprehensibly, 
without being informed what were the reasons on which we 
had founded our opinion of the propriety of the measure in 
question, is so insulting that I cannot sit patiently under it; 
and I therefore not only reflect with pleasure on the spirited 
and proper manner in which you have resented it to Con- 
gress and General Washington, but shall give to both my 
sentiments on the impropriety and injustice of convening 
one council of officers to determine on the measures of 
another, at the distance of near three hundred miles, without 
calling for such information as we could have given them. 
It is incumbent on us, my dear sir, to do justice to our in- 
jured reputations; and as it is our duty to go hand in hand 
in opposing the enemies of the publick, so we ought heartily 
to join in defeating the insidious foes who so basely aim at 
the destruction of our character. We shall discover who 
he or they are, and [I trust will be able to cover them with 
confusion. 

I am extremely happy that General Arnold has under- 
taken to command the fleet. It has relieved me from very 
great anxiety under which I laboured on that account. 

I have written to Captain Varick to lose not a moment’s 
time in forwarding whatever he can procure to you, and I 
am in hopes we shall be able to give a tolerable good account 
of Carleton whenever he shall venture an attempt to cross 
the Lakes. 

Yesterday I received information that the enemy intend- 
ed to possess themselves of Oswego, and to march a body 
of troops to destroy the settlements on this river. I can 
hardly imagine that they will venture to leave Fort Stanwix 
in the rear, which is already in such a condition as to be 
tenable against small-arms, and even light artillery. 

Adieu, and be assured that I shall omit nothing in my 
power to cultivate mutual harmony, good understanding, 
and friendship. . 

I am, my dear sir, your most sincere and obedient humble 
servant, 


To Hon. Major-General Gates. 


Pu. Scnuuyer. 


COLONEL BEDEL TO GENERAL GATES. 
August 3, 1776. 

Sir: This being my twelfth campaign, in which I always 
had the esteem of my superiors, I was the first who turned 
out with my regiment last year from New-Hampshire for 
Canada, where I arrived, in eight days after my departure, 
on the north of St, John’s, having a small skirmish with the 
enemy. ‘The command of that post was delivered to me by 
General Montgomery, which I kept until the surrender of 
that fort, and had always his esteem in regard to my pro- 
ceedings, so that he gave me the command of a party to go 
down the river St. Lawrence to seize and take the vessels 
there, which order I complied with, and took eleven sail. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


748 


His orders for that purpose I have now with me, but being 
now led into difficulty by not understanding the meaning of 
General Arnold’s instructions, or they being otherwise un- 
derstood by other gentlemen, | am broke and ordered home. 
Shall take it as a favour if your Honour would let me have 
the liberty of three or four men to assist me on the road, as 
itis bad. This affair being laid to my charge, I hope your 
Honour will not look upon it as wilful, the fault being in my 
head, and not my heart; and while I live under the protec- 
tion of the United States, 1 hope I shall ever have the esteem 
of my countrymen, as this was the first crime I was ever 
charged with. 7 
I wish the whole Army good success, and beg leave to 
subscribe myself, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 
Timo. Bepet. 


To General Gates. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED TICONDEROGA, AUGUST 3, 
1776. , 


Colonel Bedel and Major Butterfield, for their bad con- 
duct, are cashiered, and rendered incapable of bearing a 
commission in the Army of the United States. Captain 
Wentworth is cashiered for disobedience of orders. 

We came from Crown-Point the 17th of July; left one 
regiment there. ‘Three brigades are encamped on a hill 
southeast from Ticonderoga Fort, called Mount Indepen- 
dence, where we are raising some batteries to great advan- 
tage. One brigade is encamped on the hill near the old 
French lines, where they have fortified very strong. 

We have now on the Lake two schooners which mount 
twelve guns each, two sloops and five gondolas ; the gondo- 
las mount four guns each; and five gondolas more are almost 
finished. I hope we shall be able to give our enemies a 
warm reception if they should dare to come. 


LETTER FROM AARON HOBART. 
Abington, August 3, 1776. 

Sir: [have no time to come myself to see your Honour. 
I want you to get me all the broken cannon and pig iron 
you can, and I will send for them. Iam disappointed by . 
the brown six-pounders for pig iron, and the pig the Pro- 
vince got for me will not do for cannon, but is very good 
for the forge, and I want it for that use. 1 have cast eight 
cannon for the brig of Dartmouth, for Thomas Durfee, and 
have two six-pounders for the ships at Swansey, and hope 
to get them ready inamonth. As to the Province guns, I 
hope they will be ready before there is a call for them. I 
want fifty weight of steel, of the best quality, to use in drill- 
ing and boring out cannon. I have one bar left at the Long 
Wharf; please to send it and them to Weymouth, by the first 
opportunity, or by land. As to cash, I have wanted it very: 
much for the shot and’ pots, but cannot come if the small- 
pox prevents. Sir, I have got some shot made, but you must 
not expect them all very soon. 

I remain your humble servant, &c., 

Aaron Hosart. 


COLONEL HURD TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 
Haverhill, August 3, 1776. 

Sir: Since I wrote last, Captain Lames has been with us, 
and proceeded to Upper Cohos, with about thirty men, not 
doubting he should be able soon to make up his whole 
number. 

The Committee have written to Captain Woodard, de- 
siring he would come to Haverhill, to consult with us 
respecting the scouts. 

Captain Payne, of Lebanon, who went on a scout, a 
volunteer, is just now returned. He tells he has been to 
Ticonderoga, where he waited on General Gates. Found 
the principal part of the Army there, having quitted Crown- 
Point, as too infectious a place for the reinforcements, till it 
can be thoroughly cleansed. ‘That a large number of car- 
penters were employed in building batteaus, with a design, 
as supposed, to go over the Lakeagain. From Ticonderoga 
he went to Crown-Point, where was only one regiment; 
made a short tarry there, and then down the Lake to Onion 
River; he saw Colonel Wait there, took his advice, and 
proceeded to the river a Moelle, and so back to Cohos, 
striking the new road. Metno enemy on the way. Brought 


749 


the same report as mentioned by the Frenchman, that a fleet 
was in the river St. Lawrence, supposed to be French, and 
the Regulars retreating from St. John’s to Sorel. 

I have a letter from the Committee, of the 25th July, 
forwarded by Mr. Joseph Whipple, desiring me to send two 
several guns to Upper Cohos, for the use of Captain Eames’s 
party, which shall be done as soon as we receive the others 
from Canterbury, but we have only two yet come to hand. _ 

Colonel Bayley has not yet been able to embody his 
working party of men into a regular company, under the 
orders of us, as a Committee, agreeable to your directions; 
and unless they will consent to form themselves as such, the 
Committee will proceed to inlist others for the purpose. We 
defer this a few days till we see how they agree among 
themselves, when I shall advise you further. In the mean 
time remain, with my best respects to you and the gentle- 
men of the Committee, sir, your most obedient, humble 
servant, 


To the Hon. Meshech Weare, Esq. 


Joun Hurp. 


COLONEL A, WILLIAMSON TO GOVERNOUR RUTLEDGE. 
Camp two miles below Keowee, August 4, 1776. 
Sir: I received your Excellency’s favours of the 26th 
and 27th ultimo, by express. In my last letter to your 
Excellency, of the 31st ultimo, I informed you of my spies 
being returned with two white prisoners, who gave an 


account of Cameron’s being arrived from over the hills with > 


twelve white men, and that he, with the Seneca and other 
Indians, was encamped at Ocnore Creek, about thirty miles 
distant from Twenty-three Mile Creek, where I then lay 
encamped. ‘This intelligence induced me to march imme- 
diately to attack their camp before they could receive any 
information of my being so far advanced. 

[ accordingly marched, about six o’clock in the evening, 
with three hundred and thirty men on horseback, (taking 
the two prisoners with me to show where the enemy were 
encamped, and told them, before I set out, if I found they 
deceived me I would order them instantly to be put to death,) 
intending to surround their camp by daybreak, and to leave 
our horses about two miles behind, with a party of men to 
guard them. The river Keowee lying in our route, and only 
passable at a ford at Seneca, obliged me (though much 
against my inclination) to take that road. The enemy, 
either having discovered my march or laid themselves in 
ambush with a design to cut off any spies or party I had 
sent out, had taken possession of the first house in Seneca, 
and posted themselves behind a long fence, on an eminence 
close to the road where we were to march, and to prevent 
being discovered, had filled up the openings betwixt the 
rails with twigs of trees and corn-blades. ‘Chey suffered the 
guides and advanced guard to pass, when a gun from the house 
was, discharged, meant, as I suppose, for a signal for those 
placed behind the fence, who a few seconds after poured in a 
heavy fire upon my men, which, being unexpected, stagger- 
ed my advanced party. Here Mr. Salvador received three 
wounds, and fell by my side. My horse was shot down 
under me, but I received no hurt. Lieutenant Farar, of 
Captain Prince’s company, immediately supplied me with 
his horse. I desired him to take care of Mr. Salvador, but 
before he could find him in the dark the enemy unfortunately 
got his scalp, which was the only one taken. Captain 
Smith, son of the late Captain Aaron Smith, saw the Indian, 
but thought it was his servant taking care of his master, 
or could have prevented it. He died about half after two 
o'clock in the morning, forty-five minutes after he received 
the wound, sensible to the last. When | came up to him, 
after dislodging the enemy, and speaking to him, he asked 
whether | had beat the enemy. I told him yes. He said 
he was glad of it, and shook me by the hand, and bade me 
farewell, and said he would die in a few minutes. [women 
died in the morning, and six more who were badly wounded 
I have since sent down to the settlements, and given direc- 
tions to Doctors Delahowe and Russell to attend them. 

I remained on the ground till daybreak, and burnt the 
houses on this side the river, and afterwards crossed the river, 
the same day, and reduced Seneca entirely to ashes. Know- 
ing that the Indians would carry immediate intelligence of 
my strength to the place where Cameron lay encamped, who 
would directly move from thence; and having ordered the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


750 


detachment from Colonels Neel and Thomas’s regiments to 
attack and destroy Estatoe, Qualhatchie, and Toxaway, and 
join me this day at Sugar-Town, obliged me to march that 
way; which, this day, a strong detachment, consisting of four 
hundred men, has totally reduced to ashes. An old Indian 
was found there, who said the enemy had deserted the town 
four days ago, on hearing, by a white man, that an army was 
advancing against them. 

Lam, respectfully, your Excellency’s most obedient servant, 

A. Wituiamson. 


“To His Excellency John Rutledge, President of South- 


Carolina, Charlestown. 


GENERAL MERCER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 6, 1776.] 
Perth-Amboy, August 4, 1776. 

Sir: Your favour of July 31st, enclosing resolves of 
Congress, I had the honour to receive yesterday, and shall 
pay all possible attention to. 

Some of the Militia from Pennsylvania, not duly informed 
of the length of time their services here might be required, 
have become much dissatisfied. It is with difficulty the 
officers in some of the battalions prevent a desertion, not of 
men singly, but by companies. Some speedy and effectual 
measures will be necessary, that the quotas for the Flying- 
Camp be made up, to relieve the Associators as soon as 
possible. 

1 enclose such a return as is in my power to make out. 
By this it appears that only two hundred and seventy-four, 
rank and file, properly belonging to the Flying-Camp, have 
yet joined. Colonel Smallwood’s battalion, from Maryland, 
remains at Elizabeth-Town, but expect daily to have orders 
to proceed to New- York. 

Last night thirteen sail of ships arrived at Sandy-Hook; 
these, together with what have come in since Thursday last, 
make upwards of sixty sail. On Staten-Island we discover 
no late movements of the enemy. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Hueu Mercer. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. 


JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 

New-York, August 4, 1776. 
Sir: I received your favour of 31st ultimo, last night, on 
my return from Perth-Amboy, from whence I wrote you. I 
observe your directions therein for supplying any number 
of Militia the State of Massachusetts-Bay may direct to be 
called into service, with provisions. I will give the neces- 
sary orders therein to Mr. Charles Miller, my issuing store- 
keeper in Boston, by the post to-morrow morning, and you 
may rely on it that your directions shall be fully complied 

with. 

Lam, sir, with respect and esteem, your most humble servant, 

JoseEPH TRUMBULL. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Congress 
of Delegates from the United States of America, at 
Philadelphia. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, August 4, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Colonel Hand reports twenty-one sail seen 
off last evening, eight arrived at the Hook this morning, and 
thirteen coming in. ; 

The enemy’s guard-boats patrolled much higher up the 
bay than usual last night. 

[I apprehend a couple of guard-boats are necessary to 
patrol from Red to Yellow Hook, across the Bay, leading to 
Rapalye’s Mills, provided there are boats to spare. 

Enclosed is a return of the officers of Colonel Hand’s Rifle 
regiment. As the return made me by Colonel Hand is not 
as intelligible as I could wish, I shall send and get another 
as soon as may be. I must beg your Excellency’s pardon 
for suffering the return to escape my memory, and neglecting 
making it agreeable to your orders some days past. 

I shall send in a list of the names, in a few hours, of the 
persons proper to be taken up on this Island. _ 

Lam, with respect, your Excellency’s most obedient servant, 
NatHu. GREENE. 


751 


New-York, Thursday, August 8, 1776. 


The Phenix, of forty-four guns, Captain Parker, and the 
Rose, of twenty guns, Capt. Wallace, two notorious Pirates 
belonging to Great Britain, having, for some time past, 
infested the North River, to the great interruption of our 
trade and navigation thereon, last Friday six of our row- 
galleys, hastily collected, though of force greatly inferior to 
these ships, went up the river to find them out, and annoy 
them in their station. Next day the galleys proceeded to 
Tarrytown, where the two Pirate sbips lay, attacked and 
engaged them for two hours. 
the morning after by a gentleman who was a volunteer on 
board one of the galleys, gives the most particular account 
of the engagement that has as yet come to hand, viz: 

“Tarrytown, (Sunday Morning,) August 4. 


“Sir: I have just opportunity to inform you that yester- 
day at one o’clock, P. M., the galleys attacked the Phenix 
and the Rose off Tarrytown. 'The Lady Washington fired 
the first gun on our side, in answer to one received from the 
Phenix ; this first shot from us entered the Phenix. ‘The 
Washington galley, on board of which the Commodore’s 
flac was hoisted, then came up within grape-shot of the 
ships, and singly sustained their whole fire for above a quar- 
ter of an hour before any other of our vessels took a shot 
from her, (the tide wasting them more than the pilots ex- 
pected to the eastern shore, and the Lady Washington fall- 
ing back to take her station in the line, according to orders.) 
The Spitfire advanced in a line with the Washington, and 
with her behaved well. We had as hot a fire as perhaps 
was ever known for an hour anda half. The Washington, 
which I was on board during the whole engagement, had 
the ledgings of her bow guns knocked away, which pre- 
vented our working them, and was otherwise considerably 
damaged, being thirteen times hulled, had three shot in the 
waist, many of her oars carried away, &c. The Lady 
Washington, after hulling the Phenzz six times, had her bow, 
and only gun, a thirty-two pounder, on which we placed 
much dependance, split seven inches, and her gun tackles 
and breechings carried away. The Spitfire was hulled seve- 
ral times, and received one shot between wind and water, 
which, not being quickly discovered, occasioned her making 
much water. ‘The rest of the galleys received conside- 
rable damage in their rigging, sails, and oars. Under these 
circumstances, our Commodore, Colonel Tupper, thought 
it prudent to give the signal for our little fleet to withdraw, 
after manfully fighting a much superior force for two hours. 
Never did men behave with more firm, determined spirits, 
than our little crews; one of our tars, being mortally wound- 
ed, cried to his messmate, ‘I am a dying man; revenge my 
blood, my boys, and carry me alongside my gun, that I may 
die there.’ We were so preserved by a gracious Providence, 
that in all our gaileys (which consisted of six) we had but 
two men killed and fourteen wounded, two of which are 
thought dangerous. We hope to have another touch at 
these Pirates before they leave our river, which God pros- 

er. 

«P.S. The following are the particulars of the galleys, 
with their killed and wounded, viz: the Washington, Capt. 
Fill, four wounded; Whiting, McClave, one killed, four 
wounded; Spitfire, Grimes, one killed, three wounded; 
Crane, Tincker, one wounded; on board a whaleboat, two 
wounded.” 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED August 4, 
1776. 


Friday, the 2d instant, the ships that passed up North 
River were, from eleven o’clock to one, engaged by six of 
our row-galleys, who sustained the fire of the Phenix, of 
forty-four guns, and the Rose, of twenty-eight guns. For 
two hours, their broadsides poured in as fast as they could 
discharge them. Finally, for want of a proper tide or from 
prudence, Colonel Tupper, who commanded the galleys, 
threw out a signal for the galleys to retire. The Lady 
Washington is returned to the city; she alone commenced 
the attack against both the ships, who were previously pre- 
pared, and had got springs on their cables, and sustained for 
more than a quarter of an hour the fire of both those ships ; 
she received thirteen shot in her hull, and one of her two- 
and-thirty pounders cracked for a considerable length. They 
have, however, handled the ships very roughly. Colonel 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


The following letter, written’ 


752 


Tupper writes the General that a great many splinters and 
pieces of the ship, soon after the action, passed by the gal- 
leys, who are preparing for a second attack. 

Last night four ships, chained and boomed, with a number 
of amazing large chevaux-de-frise, were sunk close by the 
fort, under the command of General Mifflin, which fort 
mounts thirty pieces of heavy cannon. We are thoroughly 
sanguine that they never will be able to join the British 
fleet, nor assistance from the fleet be afforded to them; so 
that we set them down as our own. The British Army 


‘still remain at Staten-Island and the fleet at the Narrows. 


Last Thursday forty sail of ships arrived to the British fleet, 
and yesterday twenty more, and forty more were in sight, 
supposed to be foreign troops. This day we have a report 
circulating that the foreign troops refuse fighting, unless a 
cartel for the exchange of prisoners is previously settled. 
Mr. Tracy, who went with the flag to Lord Howe, was 
treated with great politeness; by all accounts, his Lordship 
is as good a man for the errand on which he is sent as the 
British nation could possibly fix upon; he is a gentleman 
of very great abilities, master of chicanery and deception, 
and believes it is in his power, either by persuasion or threats, 
to bring about a reconciliation. The event of things will 
prove how greatly he is mistaken. 

I congratulate you on the capture made by one of the 
armed vessels in the service of the United American States, 
on board of which, I understand, is that infamous villain, 
Ben. Davis; I hope you will hang him. In the late 
‘engagement between the galleys and the enemy’s ships, 
there were on board the galleys three killed, two mortally 
wounded, and fourteen others slightly wounded ; what loss 
the enemy sustained, we are not yet able to ascertain. We 
expect, as the enemy have received a considerable rein- 
forcement, that they will soon make an attack. From the 
amazing spirit of the Army, which, from the best informa- 
tion I can get, amounts to at least forty thousand men, we 
shall give them such a reception as will oblige them, in spite 
of their prejudice to the contrary, to acknowledge the Ame- 
ricans to be the bravest people they ever contended with. 


RICHARD VARICK TO GENERAL GATES. 
Albany, August 4, 1776, six o’clock, A. M. 

Dear Generax: I do myself the honour of informing 
you that, exclusive of the quantity of rope mentioned in the 
invoice already sent you, I have procured about twenty-five 
hundred weight, from two-and-a-half-inch downwards, &c., 
which was, in a great measure, sent up two days since from 
Schenectady. I have also procured four new cables of four 
inch by sixty fathoms, at that place; and we have still here 
seven or eight good anchors and cables, to be forwarded as 
soon as wagons can be procured; the owners of which, for 
want of ready cash, cannot be enticed to leave their harvest. 
I hope to have no reason to complain of this in future. 

The sail cloth and cordage is sent for to Connecticut ; and 
an invoice of such other articles as are not to be had here, is 
sent to his Excellency General Washington, with a request 
to send them with all possible despatch. 

The blocks will be finished in about ten days. By the 
General’s orders I have sent an officer with two batteaus to 
Poughkeepsie for such of them as are finished, and for sixty 
coils of slow match, and one hundred pounds of twine, which 
are to be had there. 

An express is sent to Governour Trumbull and the Salis- 
bury lron-Works for the swivels, and to Colonel Robert 
Livingston for the different kinds of cannon and grape-shot, 
as also for the anchors and cabels which are wanting. 

A skipper is sent down the river to purchase all the 
anchors, cables, sails, and rigging, that are to be procured 
from the proprietors of vessels between this pec and Pough- 
keepsie. ‘The six anchors and cables lately sent from New- 
York, I hope, will arrive by the first southerly wind, As 
soon as any of these articles arrive, I shall forward them to 
Tyonderoga without delay, as far as lies in my power. 

I am directed by General Schuyler to procure three tar- 
burners, and send them to Fort George. As soon as I can 
procure persons that understand it, I shall send them to Fort 
George, with the proper orders to the commanding officer. 

All the articles mentioned in Colonel Trumbull’s requisi- 
tion of the 29th, with an additional quantity of blacking, 
are purchased, and shall be sent as soon as possible. 


753 


I think that in my letter of the 31st, I informed you that 
I could not furnish Captain Bacon with money, for want of 
that article in the Paymaster’s hands. If I have not, I am 
directed by the General to do it now. 

I am, dear sir, with every sentiment of respect, your most 


obedient, humble servant, einen Vanice 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES, 
Skenesborough, August 4, 1776. 


Dear Generav: I received your Honour’s favour of the 
Ist instant, and, according to order, I immediately sent off 
two messengers from this place to go on the most publick 
roads to New-England, to hasten the troops according to 
your Honour’s orders, and sent such men as I think will be 
faithful in the execution of the same. 

I must acquaint your Honour that I fear, do the best I 
can, that the carpenters will wait for plank, as the water 
fails at this place much. The carpenters want plank to- 
morrow. I am going to set the saw-mill at Cheshire’s to 
sawing oak plank, as the carpenters must want, so I can 
fetch them down by water. 

I am very anxious to get the galleys forward, as we can 
well, with the rest of our shipping, command the Lake, 
being well manned and conducted. If it is disagreeable to 
your Honour’s mind for the mill at Cheshire’s to saw plank, 
1 should be glad to be informed, as I would not act anything 
disagreeable to your Honour’s mind. 

I have this day sent an express to Albany, to General 
Schuyler, desiring him to forward iron and other necessaries 
for building the shipping. 

The troops come entirely destitute of ammunition, and 
should be glad your Honour would send us a supply of 
bullets; and am, with the greatest esteem, your Honour’s 
humble servant, Davin Wartersury, Jun. 

P.S. This moment arrived a company of Boston troops, 
which I shall forward immediately. 


GENERAL WARD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 


Boston, August 4, 1776. 

Sir: I have the honour of your letter of the 29th July. 
IT am much surprised to hear that the carbines are not all 
yet arrived at New-York. 1 forwarded them all agreeable 
to your directions, and the last two hundred went from this 
place the 4th of July, for Norwich, to the care of Mr. Hun- 
tington, to whom I wrote, every time I sent arms or other 
articles which were ordered to New-York, to forward them 
with the greatest expedition. 

With regard to the arms taken in the Scotch ships, [ wrote 
your Excellency the 11th and 29th of July, and it has not 
yet been in my power to send any more than those I have 
forwarded. 

Agreeable to your directions of the 7th of July, to forward 
from three to four hundred barrels of powder to Norwich, I 
sent off four hundred barrels the 13th of July, to the care of 
Mr. Huntington, to be stored there in some safe place until 
he should receive your orders respecting thesame. It would 
have been sent sooner, had not the interruption of business 
by the small-pox prevented. I shall forward as soon as 
possible one hundred barrels of powder more to Norwich, 
to complete the five hundred, agreeable to your directions 
of the 19th of July. This letter I did not receive until the 
31st of July. 

The Deputy-Commissary, Mr. Miller, informs me he has 

articular directions from the Commissary-General to secure 
all the salt provisions he can for the use of the Army; and 
I have given him directions respecting the pork brought in 
here from Ireland, agreeable to your orders. 

Your Excellency mentions your want of more Artillery- 
men, and that Captain Burbeck, with his company, must be 
sent to New- York, if we could, by any means, spare him. 
I do not, at present, conceive how he can be spared, as the 
Continental armed vessels depend on his company to pre- 
pare and fix ammunition for them—new supplies of which 
they frequently want. ‘They are also wanted to prepare 
ammunition for the forts, and for many other important pur- 
poses. But if your Excellency should judge the want of 


Firrn Serres.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


48 


754 


Artillerymen at New-York is so great as to outweigh these 
considerations, I will send the company forward as soon as 
your pleasure shall be known. 

The two regiments here are generally recovered of the 
small-pox. I shall take the utmost care to have them 
thoroughly cleansed, and agreeable to your orders of the 
19th of July, shall order them to march this week for Ticon- 
deroga. 

I am informed by the Council of this State, that they are 
bringing in between two and three thousand men to defend 
these lines, in the room of the Continental regiments ordered 
from hence. ‘The Council expect, agreeable to the resolve 
of Congress, that these troops will be supplied with provisions 
and ammunition, and paid by the Continent; but there being 
no Continental officer when I retire (which I intend to do 
very soon) to take the direction and oversight of these and 
many other matters interesting to the United States, such as 
commanding the men in Continental pay, giving orders to 
the Assistant Quartermaster-General, Deputy-Commissary 
of Artillery, and Commissary of Provisions, making returns 
of the stores and men in the Continental pay, and giving 
warrants for the payment of the men in the service of the 
United States, supplying the armed vessels, &c., I con- 
ceive the publick must greatly suffer, unless these matters 
are committed to the care and direction of some person who 
is well acquainted with them. 

Iam your Excellency’s obedient and very humble ser- 
vant, Artemas Warp. 


To General Washington. 


P. S. I have sent for Captain Eayrs, who has the care 
of the company of Artificers, and acquainted him with your 
Excellency’s orders respecting his company. He informs 
me that his men cannot go to New-York, unless their pay 
is increased to six pounds per month, and that he informed 
your Excellency of this before the Army left Cambridge last 
spring, and that he expected their pay would have been 
thus established before he was sent for; that he is willing to 
march immediately, but as his men are not engaged for any 
particular time, he cannot induce them to march until the 
establishment is made. If your Excellency should think 
proper to make such an establishment, and order them to 
New-York, Captain Eayrs desires that he may receive 
directions whether he is to carry his tools with him. ‘The 
company in the mean time will be fully employed in making 
carriages and other necessary work; and if they were not 
wanted at New-York, they might be still employed here to 
great advantage. 

I am your Excellency’s obedient, humble servant, 

Artemas Warp. 


London, August 5, 1776. 
To tue Lorp Mayor. 


My Lorn: I was last week on board the American pri- 
vateer called the Yankee, commanded by Captain Johnson, 
and lately brought into this port by Captain Ross, who com- 
manded one of the West-India sugar ships, taken by the 
privateer in July last; and, as an Englishman, I wish your 
Lordship, who is so happily placed at the head of this great 
city, (justly famed for its great humanity even to its enemies,) 
would be pleased to go likewise, or send proper persons, to 
see the truly shocking, and, I may say, barbarous and mise- 
rable condition of the unfortunate American prisoners, who, 
however criminal they may be thought to have been, are 
deserving of pity, and entitled to common humanity. 

They are twenty-five in number, and all inhumanly shut 
close down, like wild beasts, in a small stinking apartment 
in the hold of a sloop, about seventy tons burden, without a 
breath of air, in this sultry season, but what they receive 
through a small grating over head, the openings in which are 
not more than two inches square in any part, and through 
which the sun beats intensely hot all day; only two or three 
being permitted to come on deck at a time; and then they 
are exposed in the open sun, which is reflected from the 
decks and water like a burning glass. 

I do not at all exaggerate, my Lord: I speak the truth; 
and the resemblance that this barbarity bears to the memo- 
rable black-hole, at Calcutta, as a gentleman present on 
Saturday observed, strikes every one at the sight. All 
England ought to know that the same game is now acting 
upon the Thames on board this privateer, that all the world 


750 


cried out against and shuddered at the mention of in India, 
some years ago, as practised on Captain Hallowell and other 
of the King’s good subjects. 

The putrid streams Issuing from the hole are so hot and 
offensive, that one cannot, without the utmost danger, breathe 
over it; and I should not be at all surprised if it should 
cause a plague to spread. The miserable wretches below 
look like persons in a hot bath, panting, sweating, and faint- 
ing for want of air; and the Surgeon declares that they must 
all soon perish in that situation, especially as they are almost 
all in a sickly state with bilious disorders. 

The Captain and Surgeon, it is true, have the liberty of 
the cabin, (if it deserves the name of a cabin,) and make 
no complaints on their own account; they are both sensible, 
well-behaved young men, and can give a very good account 
of themselves, having no signs of fear, and being supported 
by a consciousness of the justice of their cause. ‘They are 
men of character, of good families in New-England, and 
highly respected in their different occupations; but being 
stripped of their all by the burning of towns and other de- 
structive measures of the present unnatural war, were forced 
to take the disagreeable method of making reprisals, to main- 
tain themselves and their children, rather than starve. 

Numbers of gentlemen, and friends of Government, who 
were on board at the same time, will confirm the truth of 
this my representation, being very sensibly touched them- 
selves at the horrid sight. 

English prisoners taken by the Americans have been 
treated with the most remarkable tenderness and generosity, 
as numbers who are safely returned to England most freely 
confess, to the honour of our brethren in the Colonies. And 
it is a fact, which can be well attested in London, that this 
very Surgeon on board the privateer, after the battle of Lev- 
mgton, April 10,1775, for many days voluntarily and gen- 
erously, without fee or reward, employed himself in dressing 
the King’s wounded soldiers, (who but an hour before would 
have shot him, if they could have come at him,) and in making 
a collection for their refreshment, of wine, linen, money, &c., 
in the town where he lived. This is a real fact, of which the 
most ample testimony may be had. 

The capture of the privateer was solely owing to the ill- 
judged Jenity and brotherly kindness of Captain Johnson, 
who, not considering his English prisoners in the same light 
that he would Frenchmen or Spaniards, put them under no 
sort of confinement, but permitted them to walk the decks 
as freely as his own people, at all times.* Taking advantage 
of this indulgence, the prisoners one day, watching their 
opportunity when most of the privateer’s people were below 
and asleep, shut down the hatches, and making all fast, 
had immediate possession of the vessel without using any 
force. 

I shall conclude with saying, that though this letter is 
addressed to your Lordship, I hope that all who may read 
it, and have any influence, will do all in their power to gain 
the necessary relief; and it is humbly apprehended that the 

* Lonpon, August 6, 1776.—Captain Johnson, of the Yankee privateer, 
and Ross and Hodges, (Captains of the two West-Indiamen taken by the 
above privateer,) were sitting together in Johnson’s cabin, a few days 
after they were taken, when Johnson having inadvertently laid down his 
cutlass, Ross and Hodges took advantage of it, by throwing him on his 
back, and seized the cutlass. 

The guard stationed on the quarter-deck having also laid down his 
cutlass, in order to go forward, one of Ross or Hodge’s people, who had 
been let into the secret, immediately seized it, and gave the alarm; on 
which the men belonging to the Yankee, and those of the merchantmen 
(who ought to have been confined) ran up, and one of the Americans 
having caught up a scrubbing brush, and advancing in a threatening 
posture, was told by the man who held the cutlass, that if he advanced 
a step further he would take his head off, and ordered him and the rest 
of the men belonging to the privateer, to go forward; Ross and Hodges 
in the mean time having broken open the arm chest. 

Captain Johnson and his crew were removed from the Yankee about 
two o’clock on Sunday morning, and it is said are now on board the 
Conquestadore man-of-war. 

Captain Johnson complains of Captain Ross’s illiberal behaviour, in 
suffering several people to come on board since he arrived, and insult 
him in the most cruel and gross terms, though a prisoner; and when his 
brother came to see him, after three years absence, Captain Ross would 
not permit them to talk a moment in private. 

If Captain Ross has secreted his prisoners, is it not worthy the inter- 
position of the civil power to compel him to produce them, that no foul 
play may be offered them, till they have taken their trials? 

Captain Johnson, of the Yankee privateer, lately taken and brought into 
the river, is a native of New-England. Previous to the present unhappy 


differences between this country and America, he lived as a merchant 


in great repute, at Portsmouth, in New-Hampshire. Last winter he had 
the misfortune to have his house burnt down at the time when the 
» greatest part of Portsmouth was destroyed by the Swan, and other ships 
of war, at which time he lost the whole of his property. The Restrain- 


ing Act taking place, and depriving him from carrying on his trade, he 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


756 


well disposed, who are blessed with affluence, could not 
better bestow their bounty than upon those poor objects. 
Vegetables and ripe fruits of all kinds, with porter, &c., 
must be very useful, as well as the means to procure other 
necessaries.» ‘The privateer lies opposite to Ratcliffe- Cross, 
a mile and a half below the Tower, and by asking for Cap- 
tain Johnson admittance may be obtained. 
Homaniras. 


We have been informed, since the receipt of the above 
letter, that the crew of the American privateer the Yankee, 
were yesterday morning, at half-past three o’clock, conveyed 
on board a vessel, and carried down the river, to be secured 
in Dover Castle. 

We hear that a petition will be presented to the Secretary 
of State for the American Department, by the merchants, to 
cause the Captain of the Yankee privateer to be kept in 
custody to answer to them for the property he has illegally 
taken, he being the sole owner of the privateer, and the 
prizes of course will be sold in America for his account and 
emolument. 


By His Excellency Joun Rutiever, Esq., President and 
Commander-in- Chief of Souru-Carouina: 
A Prociamation. 

Whereas it appears to me necessary for the publick service . 
to call the General Assembly and Legislative Council before 
the time to which they stand adjourned: I have therefore 
thought fit to issue this Proclamation, requiring them, and 
they are hereby required, to meet at Charlestown, on 
Tuesday, the 17th day of September next, then and there 
to sit for the despatch of divers weighty and important 
affairs. 

Given under my hand and the seal of South-Carolina, 
at Charlestown, this 5th day of August, in the year of our 
Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six. 

Joun Ruriepee. 

By His Excellency’s command: 

Joun Hucer, Secretary. 


Williamsburgh, Virginia, August 10, 1776. 

On Monday last, the 5th instant, being Court day, the 
Declaration of Independence was publickly proclaimed in 
the Town of Rzchmond, before a large concourse of respect- 
able freeholders of Henrico County, and upwards of two hun- 
dred of the Militia who assembled on that grand occasion. 
It was received with universal shouts of joy, and reéchoed 
by three volleys of small-arms. ‘The same evening the town 
was illuminated, and the members of the Committee held a 
club, when many patriotick toasts were drunk. Although 
there were near one thousand people present, the whole was 
conducted with the utmost decorum; and the satisfaction 
visible in every countenance sufficiently evinces their deter- 
mination to support it with their lives and fortunes. 


resolved to go to sea in a privateer, and accordingly hired the Yankee for 
that purpose. 


Lonvon, August 10, 1776.—The method by which the Yankee priva- 
teer was taken was as follows: Captain Johnson, (of the Yankee,) Hodges 
and Ross, were sitting together in the cabin, when Johnson having inad- 
vertently laid down his cutlass, Ross and Hodges took the advantage of 
it, and one coming behind Captain Johnson, seized and threw him down, 
while the other got possession of the cutlass. The guard stationed on 
the quarter-deck having at the same time laid down his cutlass to go 
forward, one of Ross’s or Hodges’s people, who had been let into the 
conspiracy, immediately seized it, and gave the alarm; on which either 
Ross or Hodges ran upon the quarter-deck, and got possession of the arm- 
chest before the privateer’s men and those of the merchantmen, who 
were at large and unconfined, though then down in the hold, could get 
upon the main deck. One of the .4mericans took up a scrubbing-brush, 
and advanced to the quarter-deck; he was told by the man possessed of 
the cutlass, that if he came a step farther, his head should be cut off. 
The privateer’s men thus finding the quarter-deck and their arms all in 
possession of their adversaries, and their Captain a prisoner in the cabin, 
submitted without further resistance, being promised good treatment, 
and to be landed as soon as possible in some part of America, and then 
be at liberty to go where they pleased. So far from this promise being 
complied with, the men were put in irons, and closely confined in the 
hold of the privateer, and all of them brought into the river Thames. 
Since which they were, in the night of Saturday last, hurried into a man 
of war’s tender, and smuggled to some place of confinement, but where, 
is not yet certainly known. ‘yf 

Captain Johnson complained heavily of the illiberal behaviour and 
cruel usage he suffered, by being insulted frequently at sea, calling him 
by the most opprobrious names, and threatening him with the cruelest 
and most savage punishments, and also for suffering many people to 
come on board after they arrived in the river, to insult him in nies basest 
and grossest terms, though he was then a prisoner; and when his brother 
came to see him after a three years’ absence, they would not permit them 
to talk together one minute in private. 


s 


757 


GENERAL DENT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Charles County, August 5, 1776. 
Gentiemen: Your favour of the 2d instant I have received, 
wherein you not only account for ordering me to St. George’s 
Island, (whither I should most undoubtedly have gone with- 
out orders, so soon as I was apprized of the arrival of the 
enemy,) but also for. sending Major Price to take the com- 
mand. I never entertained the most distant thought that you 
had any intention of giving me offence, and am happy to 
find you have had no insinuations to my prejudice. What I 
complain of is, your very concise order, whereby I was super- 
seded, without a line from your Honours signifying what part 
I was to act, or whether I was to remain there a cipher, 
where I stayed with impatience twenty-four hours, expect- 
ing further orders. I never attended to the rank between 
officers of the Militia and Regulars, as adjusted by the Con- 
vention, or should not have accepted of the commission I 
held; for that, and the reason already given, did enclose you 
my commission for the Flying-Camp. Having tendered my 
service to the publick in a different line of duty, (viz: the 
civil department,) which, requiring my presence till my 
offer is accepted or rejected, prevents my complying with 
your repeated request of giving you a personal conference 
until Monday next, when I have reason to believe I shall 
have the pleasure of conferring with your Honours on the 
subject. 
1 am, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant, 
Jno. Denr. 
To the Honourable the Council of Safety. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN TOOTELL. 
{No. 113.] Annapolis, August 5, 1776. 

Sir: The Guard at the Magazine complain of not having 
a sufficient quantity of provision delivered them for three 
meals per day. We think it is necessary they should have 
it, and that it may be furnished for 103 per week, and there- 
fore desire it may be allowed. We are, &c. 


To Captain James Tootell. 


CAPTAIN BROOKE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Calvert County, August 5, 1776. 
Honourasite Gentiemen: Agreeable to your orders I 
marched such of my men as were raised to Drum Point, 
and there continued until yesterday, when Captain Beall’s 
men returned. As there was no conveniency for myself and 
company to stay there any longer, I thought it proper to 
move up the country as far as Hunting- Town, (about twenty 
miles,) at which place we are now stationed and waiting for 
further orders. 
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
Joun Brooke, Jun. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


JOHN HANSON, JUN., TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Frederick-Town, August 5, 1776. 
Sir: The money sent to purchase arms, &c., is nearly 
expended. Many receipts for guns and blankets are yet to 
come in. The two German companies and the Rifle com- 
pany are, I believe, altogether unprovided. It will be, 
therefore, necessary to send us more cash, and the present 
will be a good opportunity. 
I am, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient servant, 
Joun Hanson, Jun. 
To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, President of 
the Council of Safety. 


COLONEL EWING TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, August 5, 1776. 
Honovuren Sirs: I have this day delivered your order to 
the Committee of Observation for this County, for eighty- 
four guns; they have returned me for answer, that they have 
not as many, but expect soon to let me have that quantity. 
I have sent off a gentleman to F’rederick-Town, who is like- 
wise to go to Shepherd’s Town, in Virginia, where I ain in 
hopes he will be able to procure a quantity of guns and 
rifles. If agreeable to you, J propose making one of my 
* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


758 


companies a Rifle company, as a Light-Infantry company 
to the battalion. I shall be much obliged to you for an 
order on the Committee here for a quantity of blankets for my 
soldiers, which are to be embarked on Thursday or Friday 
next. As there is a quantity of arms arrived at Philadel- 
phia since I had the pleasure of seeing you, and as they 
are indebted to you some arms, I shall be much obliged by 
your giving me an order on them for some guns, and allow- 
ing me to march some of my soldiers to Philadelphia with- 
out guns. You know I am very desirous of getting to 
station; therefore, shall esteem it a particular favour and 
indulgence. Upon inquiry, Mr. Hopkins has about four 
hundred hunting-shirts, which I would be glad you would 
allow me to take for the use of the troops, and for which 
they shall pay. As I purpose sending off more than two 
companies, I shall be obliged to you for an order for more 
guns when received, for camp-kettles, canteens or wooden 
bottles, cartouch-boxes and belts, bayonet scabbards and 
belts, with gun slings. If your Honours thought proper to 
give me an unlimited order for completing my battalion with 
such, I shall take nothing but what the Captains shall give a 
receipt for, and shall observe to them that they are account- 
able for everything. 

I shall be much obliged for your answer; and am, with 
due respect, honoured sirs, your most obedient servant, 

Tuos. Ewrna. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland, now 
at Annapolis. 


DOCTOR WEISENTHALL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore-Town, August 5, 1776. 

Gentiemen: [ take the liberty to inform you of my return 
from the camp, where I went, according to my promise to 
you, in order to see the regiment properly taken care of. 
Doctor Shippen is appointed Surgeon-General to the Flying- 
Camp, with whom I had a conference, and received a letter 
from him to General Mercer, as Commander-in-Chief of the 
Flying-Camp, in order to concert measures for the forming 
proper hospitals, which was done. I left our Maryland 
troops in a good condition at Ehzabeth-Town, and shall 
take an opportunity of giving a fuller account when I arrive 
at Annapolis. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient, 


humble servant 
? C. WEISENTHALL. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


BALTIMORE COUNTY COMMITTEE. 


At a meeting of the Committee August 5, 1776: 


Present : Samuel Purviance, Chairman; William Lux, Vice Chairman; 
W. Buchanan, B. Griffith, A. Britain, T. Sollers, J. Smith, J. Griest, 
T. Gist, J. Boyd. 


The following persons, viz: Thomas Harriman, Josias 
Harriman, Chas. Harriman, John Cotterell, Thos. Graves, 
and John Graves, having enrolled in Captain Mercer’s Com- 
pany, their fines, as Non-Enrollers, are remitted. 


Captain Richard Owings is summoned to attend this 
Committee, on Monday next, to answer a charge exhibited 


against him by Mr. John Messver. 
Captain Gist Vaughan returned his Enrolment. 
Richard Taylor (of Baltimore West) produced a Certifi- 


cate of his having enrolled in Captain William Richardson’s 
Company; on which his fine was remitted. 


Ordered, That the Chairman advertise for those who have 
Arms to dispose of to bring them to the Committee, who 
will pay for the same. 


Attest: Geo. Lux, Secretary. 


JOSIAH BARTLETT TO JOHN LANGDON. 
Philadelphia, August 5, 1776. 

Sir: Since my last, a vessel, fitted out by the Secret 
Committee, has arrived here from Marseilles, in France, 
which place she left the 8th of June. She has brought, for 
the use of the American States, one thousand good muskets, 
about ten tons of powder, and about forty tons of lead, &c. 
A small privateer from this city, called the Congress, has 
taken a vessel bound. from the West-Indies to Halifax, and 
sent her safe into port; besides a cargo of West-India goods, 


759 


there was found on board her one thousand and seventy- 
eight joes, six hundred and seventy-two guineas, and some 
other gold coin. Captain Barry, in the Lexington, one of 
the Continental vessels, has taken and sent in here a priva- 
teer of six carriage-guns, commanded by another of those 
infamous Goodriches, of Virginia. Captain Wickes, in the 
Reprisal, another Continental vessel, has taken and sent in 
a sloop bound from the West-Indies to Liverpool; he has 
also taken a ship from Grenada to London, which is not 
yet arrived—both loaded with West-India goods. 

Since the Declaration of Independence, your friend John 
Alsop has written to the Convention of New-York to resign 
his seat in Congress, and made some reflections on the Con- 
vention for their agreeing so unanimously to that Declara- 
tion. The Convention, in return, voted cheerfully and 
unanimously to accept of his resignation, with some severe 
and cutting reflections on him for his conduct; which were 
all sent to Congress. I believe his boarding with our friend 
Wharton has been no advantage to him; possibly, he was 
obliged to resign his seat as a previous condition to his taking 
full possession of the lady. 

As [had no letter from you last post, (for I look on the 
cover to Colonel Whipple’s letters to be nothing,) I hope 
you will consider this as bringing you one letter in debt, or 
at least that it be put to my credit, to make up former defi- 
ciencies; which will be but justice to your most obedient, 

JosiaH Barrier. 


P. S. August 6.—Yesterday arrived here two prizes, 
taken by Captain Wickes—one, the ship before mentioned, 
having on board, it is said, five hundred hogsheads of sugar, 
the other a brig, bound from the West-Indies to Ireland, 
taken since the ship and sloop; the particulars of her cargo 
I have not heard. ‘This is the best way of supplying our- 
selves with necessaries, since Britain will not suffer us to 
procure them by trade; and I expect another year we shall 
be well supplied this way. 


Yours, &c., AG 


LANCASTER (P ENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE. 


Ata meeting of the Committee of Observation, Inspec- 
tion, and Correspondence, at the house of Adam Reigart, 
the 5th August, 1776: 


Present: Edward Shippen, Mathias Slough, William Atlee, Adam Rei- 
gart, Jacob Krug, Christopher Crawford, William Bowsman, Michael 
Musser, Henry Dehuff, John Miller, Casper Shaffner. 


William Atlee in the chair. 


On Saturday, the 3d instant, a report being circulated 
through this town, that a company intended for the Camp 
in the Jerseys, from Cumberland County, had, in their pas- 
sage through Carlisle, wantonly fired upon and wounded 
some of the prisoners of war there, and had particularly at- 
tacked the house wherein Lieutenant Andre resided, fired 
several shot through his windows, and had wounded him, 
and had otherwise behaved to the officers, prisoners there, 
in a cruel and ungenerous manner, and that the said com- 
pany might be expected in Lancaster that evening,—the 
Committee recollecting that many of those persons who 
were lately so barbarously butchered and ill-treated after 
their surrender to Captain Forster, of the British troops, in 
Canada, had been inhabitants of Cumberland County, and 
much respected there, and not knowing the officer who 
commanded this company, nor the character of himself and 
men, were induced to give some credit to the report, and 
therefore gave directions that the prisoners of war here should 
confine themselves to their rooms, or at least to the walls of 
their barracks, from the hour of five in the afternoon until 
the next morning, and that they should before five o’clock 
aforesaid, bring into the barracks water and other necessa- 
ries to Jast them that time, being determined to draw out the 
town companies and defend them from any attack which 
might be made on them to the utmost of their power. Orders 
of this kind alarmed the prisoners at the barracks; they had, 
by some means or other, found out the reason of them, and 
were arming themselves with clubs from the cordwood. In- 
telligence of this being brought to the Committee, a member 
was sent up to inform them that every method should be 
used for their safety, and to desire they would keep them- 
selves quiet. About eight o’clock in the evening, the Com- 
mittee had notice that the company was in the woods near 
the town, and immediately sent out two officers to meet 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


760 


them, with directions to inform the commander of the party 
of the report, and to request that no injury might be offered 
to the prisoners here. In about half an hour the officers 
returned, with an account that the officers and men of the 
company were very uneasy at the charge against them, and 
assured them it was false. This answer was directly circu- 
lated to quiet the minds of the inhabitants; and about nine 
o'clock the company marched in under command of Captain 
Thomas Clark, of the Fourth Battalion of Associators in 
Cumberland County, in great good order, without offering 
injury to any one, and quietly retired with their billets to the 
places assigned them. Upon Captain Clark’s request, the 
person who had propagated a report so injurious to himself 
and company, was sought for and placed in the guard-house 
for examination, where he was continued until this morning, 
that, by the delay, we might have an opportunity of hearing 
from Carlisle. Agreeable to expectation, Captain George 
Hubley (a gentleman who is a native of this place, and well 
known to the Committee) arrived here yesterday evening, 
and now being introduced to the Committee, declares, upon 
oath, that he left Carlisle yesterday morning ; that he arrived 
there from the westward on Saturday morning last about ten 
o'clock, and staid there the remainder of the day. That he 
saw the officers prisoners of war there, very cheerful at din- 
ner, at Mr. Polk’s, with their servants attending them; that 
some of them spoke to him ; that he was in conversation with 
different companies in the town that day; that he heard 
Captain Clark, with his Company, had passed through the 
town the day before, and heard not a word of any disturb- 
ance or ill-treatment to any of the prisoners. And the said 
informant (George Huber) being also brought into Commit- 
tee, saith, that at Carlisle, on Wednesday evening last, he 
did see two men discharge their pieces down the street, but 
whether they belonged to Captain Clark’s Company or not, 
or whether they intended injury to any one, he don’t know; 
and that as to the remainder of the report, he had it from a 
woman who washed in the house occupied by the officers’ 
servants, and others. 

The Committee, therefore, do now, in justice to Captain 
Clark, and at the request of himself, his officers, and Com- 
pany, (who have been basely charged with an action which, 
if true, must have reflected great dishonour upon them,) with 
great cheerfulness certify the foregoing narrative to be true ; 
that the said charge against the said Captain Clark and his 
Company, upon the evidence adduced to them, is false and 
groundless, and that the behaviour of his Company, during 
their stay in Lancaster, and on leaving it, hath been remark- 
ably decent and orderly. 


Doctor John Sensinney having certified to this Committee 
that John Freeser, of Captain Andrew Bare’s Company of 
Associators in Lancaster County, is unfit for service as a 
soldier, and Captain Bare being satisfied that the Committee 
shall direct him to continue at home with his family, the 
Committee do therefore agree that the said John Freeser 
continue at home with his family, he here in Committee 
engaging to afford to the families of such Associators as are 
gone into service from his neighbourhood every assistance in 
his power. 


Ordered, That the Chairman write to Captain Harris 
informing him that it is the sentiments of the Committee 
that Jonas Keeler, an apprentice of Isaac Hains, be kept at 
the Gunsmith’s business with his master, and be not obliged 
to do duty as a soldier. 

Ordered, That Peter Dillen, an apprentice to Isaac Hains, 
Gunsmith, now an Associator, and doing duty in Captain 
Hoofnagle’s Company, go home with his said master, and 
continue at that work with him. 

John Okely, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is permitted 
to work with Christean Bough, Tailor, he here in Committee 
engaging to be answerable for him, agreeable to the resolves 
of the Committee. 

Richard Savory, of the Seventh Regiment, is permitted 
to work with Casper Singer, Farmer, he here in Committee 
engaging to be answerable for him agreeable to the resolves 
of the Committee. 


Examination of PETER Suecxer, on oath. 
In Committee, August 2, 1776. 
Says that he and Joseph Jones, John Musser, and some 
others, hearing that a prisoner was at Mr. Holmes’s, who 


761 


before had been sent to Lancaster, went to Mr. Holmes’s, 
and told Mr. Holmes that they would be much obliged to 
him if he would send the prisoner back again. 'That he 
understood Mr. Holmes, that he said he had bailed him for 
£500; after that, he told him then he was there; he would 
not send him off; and that they might do what they pleased. 
And further saith not. 
Sunday morning, August 4, 1776. 
Sir: My negro boy is confined in jail through the ambition 
of one of our neighbours; and as all the men are marched 
to the camp, belonging to my family, and my sons and com- 
panies of men must be entertained in publick houses, we are 
in a great need of the negro if he could be released and 
sent home. I would be willing to go under any obligations 
that could in justice be required for his good behaviour. But 
the bearer, Mr. Douglass, one of our Committee, will inform 
you of the matter more fully. 
I am, with respect, sir, your humble servant, 
Saran Hopkins. 


To William Atlee, Esq., Chairman of the Committee. 
Sir: Will your Honour be so kind as to permit me to 
go to the Upper Barracks to day? 
ANTHONY SHADFORD. 


Committee Gentiemen: I earnestly beg and do desire, 
gentlemen, that your Honours would be so kind as to permit 
me to go up to the Barracks, and there remain. My reason 
for going up is because I have a comrade there, and I have 
a desire to be with him. I hope, gentlemen, you will not 
think it too much to do that for me. Pardon me, gentle- 
men, for making so bold. 

I remain, gentlemen, yours, &c., 

Lancaster, August 5, 1776. 


JONATHAN PILLING. 


LIEUTENANT BARRINGTON (PRISONER) TO THE LANCASTER 
COMMITTEE. 
Lancaster Jail, August 5, 1776. 

Sir: L applied to the President of the Committee some 
time ago that my baggage might be allowed me, to which 
I received no answer, but received some wearing apparel. 
I understand that by my baggage being hurried 
away from Lebanon, and not being allowed either to bring it 
with me or pack it properly up. As I suppose the Commit- 
tee can have no claim or reason for keeping my own private 
goods, whatever right they may allege for keeping those of the 
officers who are escaped, I, therefore, would be obliged to the 
Committee if they would order it to be restored me. 

As I am in want of a bed, bedstead, and curtains, should 
be glad if the Committee would allow me the use of one 
of those which are in jail, belonging to the other officers. 
There are also amongst those goods a small trunk full of 
books and a case of liquors, and a few other things which 
belong to me, among the things below in this place—the 
Committee will oblige me by allowing me to have them. 

I beg also to mention my parole to the Committee. Should 
be glad to have an answer, whether or not I am to be obliged 
so far as to be allowed to go out on that condition, (as the 
Committee have had full time to have an answer from Con- 
gress,) or be obliged to remain locked up in a jail for the 
remainder of the war. 

I am, sir, with due respect, yours and the Committee’s 
humble servant, 

W. Barrineton, Lieut. in Royal Fusileers. 


To Wm. Atlee, President of the Committee of Lancaster. 


P. S.. If the Committee have received an answer from 
Congress, refusing to allow me my parole, I think it might be 
allowed me to have the liberty to walk at large about the 


jail. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Elizabeth-Town, August 5, 1776. 


Sm: In consequence of your letter of the Ist instant, : 


which [ did not receive till the evening of the 3d, I came 
here yesterday to have an interview with General Living- 
ston and Colonel Dickinson. 

By the return of the troops on duty here, your Excel- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


762 


lency will see that the whole force of the Flying-Camp is 
as yet only two hundred and seventy-four rank and file. 

I understood that the Pennsylvania Militia were to remain 
on duty here until troops had assembled to form the Flying- 
Camp, but of late they have become (many of them) cla- 
morous to return home. 

Colonel Matlack is gone to Philadelphia, to represent the 
temper of the Associators to the Convention, that some 
speedy method, by bounty or otherwise, may be adopted, to 
facilitate the recruiting business. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most obe- 


dient servant 
’ Hueu Mercer. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 6, 1776.] 
New-York, August 5, 1776. 

Sir: I was honoured with your favour of the 31st ultimo 

on Friday, with its several enclosures, and return you my 
thanks for the agreeable intelligence you were pleased to 
communicate, of the arrival of one of our ships with such 
valuable articles as arms and ammunition; also of the cap- 
ture made by a privateer. 
_ The mode for the exchange of prisoners resolved on by 
Congress, is acceded to by General Howe, so far as it comes 
within his command. <A copy of my letter, and his answer 
upon the subject, I have the honour to enclose you, and to 
which I beg leave to refer Congress. 

The enclosed copy of a letter from Colonel Tupper, who 
had the general command of the galleys here, will inform 
Congress of the engagement between them and the ships of 
war up the North Rwer, on Saturday evening, and of the 
damage we sustained. What injury was done to the ships,‘1 
cannot ascertain; it is said they were hulled several times 
by our shot. All accounts agree that our officers and men, 
during the whole of the affair, behaved with great spirit and 
bravery. ‘The damage done to the galleys shows beyond 
question that they had a warm time of it. The ships still 
remain up the river; and before anything further can be 
attempted against them, should it be thought advisable, the 
galleys must be repaired. . 

I have also transmitted to Congress a copy of a letter I 
received by Saturday’s post from Governour Cooke, to 
which I refer them for the intelligence it contains. The 
seizure of our vessels by the Portuguese is, I fear, an event 
too true. Their dependance upon the British Crown for 
aid against the Spaniards, must force them to comply with 
everything required of them. I wish the Morris may be 
got in safe with her cargo. As to the ships Captain Buck- 
lin saw on the 25th ultimo, they are probably arrived, for 
yesterday twenty-five sail came into the Hook. 

By a letter from General Ward, of the 29th ultimo, he 
informs me that two of our armed vessels the day before 
had brought into Marblehead a ship bound from Halifax to 
Staten-Island. She had in about £1509 cost of British 
goods, besides a good many belonging to Tories. A Hali- 
fax paper found on board of her, I have enclosed, as also 
an account sent me by Mr. Hazard, transmitted him by 
some of his friends, as given by the ‘Tories taken in her. 
Their intelligence I dare say is true respecting the arrival 
of part of the Hesszan troops. General Ward, in his letter, 
mentions, that the day this prize was taken, Captain Burk, 
in another of our armed vessels, had an engagement with a 
ship and a schooner, which he thought were transports, and 
would have taken them, had it not been for an unlucky 
accident in having his quarter-deck blown up; two of his 
men were killed, and several more were wounded. 

The hulks and chevaux-de-frise that have been preparing 
to obstruct the channel, have got up to the place they are 
intended for, and will be sunk as soon as possible. 

I have transmitted Congress a General Return of the Army 
in and about this place, on the 3d instant, by which they 
will perceive the amount of our force. 

Before I conclude I would beg leave to remind Congress 
of the necessity there is of having some Major-Generals 
appointed for this Army, the duties of | ch are great, 
extensive, and impossible to be discharged as they ought 
to be and the good of the service requires, without a compe- 
tent number of officers of this rank. I mean to write more 
fully upon the subject; and, as things are drawing fast to an 
issue, and it is necessary to make every proper disposition 


763 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. "64 


and arrangement that we possibly can, I pray that this mat- tunity I shall take the liberty of giving you my sentiments 
ter may be taken into consideration, and claim their early more at large upon the propriety and necessity of the measure. 


attention. I well know what has prevented appointments of I have the honour to be, with every sentiment of respect, 
this.sort for some time past; but the situation of our affairs will sir, your most obedient servant, 
not justify longer delays in thisinstance. By the first oppor- Go. Wasnineron. 


Return of the Army in the service of the Unrrep Srares or America, in and near the City of New-Yorx, commanded 
by His Excellency Groner Wasuineton, General and Commander-in- Chief. 


OFFICERS PRESENT. 


RANK AND FILE. Wanting to | Since last 
Commissioned. Staff. ee complete. |~ Return. 
3 a |= 2 bed 3 Sls 
REGIMENTS. = S 3 ~ Fy Ss = ~~ P=] ot i= —_ 

= 2 4 ilies 3B r, =} ae 2 a oS ap .|o ica + a 

a8) J¢/8 4 a llZlejg| | 21s )/S518 12] 2 |S Zisi Zils] | Pls 

Si (2/-s/A|slsisisiSisial a | 2}]enq | 18] o | & ae ee 8 lS |. le hie 

Sissi) S ios, 1a 20 IS. ae) o € o . ” oO = o;¢€ id eilcog |Sle 
S8e|S|2/8| 2 sssieig| Pl E18 | Sls) ele] 2 |Plel s |S/Bl2 (2 

SUS lalelaSsieae| B|Ala jala|/So|6] & |élal a lelalala 
Colonel Hand's. .ceescccoesvoe 1} 1i-| 3 TT 6 SH UA) AS; Is] Bas] 2610 1) 14 319) 8) 4) 32015 fF 1] - | - 
Late Colonel Learned’s......----}-| 1] 1}. 8| 8} 7 8 1) 1) 1) 1) 1) 32) 15] 230) 67) 7 236) - 540 Rae ee OO ene las) a 
Colonel Nixon’s..... Sone sydeis Sole Lio Eee Cho DOA GIS eet ODS sl 6a ool Otc lie AST) Lal ~ W209 |n D4 Bah tow 
Colonel Prescott’s.....-ese+ LUC LH G} ait) BeGherwdnes ML Le dlaL (eden. or ed Daler Sepia 4) ames EWA 1° Mh 3g Weg rice ell ee 
@olone!l Varnuim'S.> aves + cise 6 1 Tete ieee G6) -5( ste Tete SSP Gale oby 86} 9) 36] - 393) = =) | Ae Laem | tm] eas 
Colonel Parsons’s..... Abaonica ges PUT ee SST Sve LT) il) MSOePG sie 265 e951. Giel 1G 7, 589} - | - See | dake | 
Colonel Hitchcock’s...0.cssesee-] 1} 1) 1) 7 7 TF 7-| U1) hy 1 21) 15] 239) 53) 6 83) - 381) - | -| 259. -|1/2)1 
Colonel Little’s....escseeesesees yy 5 FF SF YUU Yds 2} 14} 290) 62 9 103) - 464) - | -| 176) -| -|- | - 
Colonel Read’s....ceesscecceress lily 8 6 4.8 -] 1 1y-f 1) 29:] 16) 251 | 131) 10; 128) - 520} 2) -| 120) -|1]2/2 
Colonel Sergeant’sS......+s0++e0s -| 1) 1) 7 3} 6 4)-| -]-}-] 20] 7] 331 | 23/187) 17) 1 559} \=11 P= 81} -| -4 -] - 
Colonel Huntington’s......++++-| 1] 1}-| 8 7 6 8) 1)-/ 1) 1) 1) 31) 16} 214] 184) 1) 133) 1 533} 1} - | 107) -|1}|3] - 
Colonel Webb’s.... . . Ty Vpd) 4h 2) SSP Th eT) Abbie y 2245) AIS! Li 193ia 3 549} - | 2 91) -|; 1] 2] - 
Colonel Arnold’s.....ee+.++---+-f-| I] 1} 8 8} 7 8 -| 11 1} 30/15] 268 | 126) 6 133) - 533} - | 1 | 107) -| - | -] - 
Colonel Ward’s...... tele seeecees 1}-} 1) 4 8 8 6 1) 1) 1 -| 1) 27] 12) 91] 157) 1 161; 2 12 = SATB 22) Pe 
Colonel Wyllys’s....sesseeeeee-) 1)-| 1) 7 4) 6 8) 1) 1) 1) 4) 1) 25) 14] 264) 117) 5) 158) - 544) 1 | - 96, -| -| 2] 1 
Colonel Bailey’s......scececoces -| 1; 1) 6 6 6 4-} 1) 1) 1) 1} 22] 8] 234) 148) 8 141) - 531} - | - | 109) -| 7] - |] - 
Colonel Baldwin’s......... eooeel/-{| 1} 1 5} 5) 6 4) 1) 1 1) 1) 1) 23] 138} 283) 110) 10); 81) - 484) -| 1| 156 -|-| 2/1 
Colonel Hutchingon’s........... Yij-] 5} 4 5) 6 -]-} 1)-|-| 16] 14] 342| 20; 38) 102) 2 504, -| 1] 136) -| -] -] - 
Colonel McDougall’s.....-2.....| 1}-{| 1) 4) 4) 6 4) 1) 1/1) 1) 1) 29 16} 253} 81) 3] 114 - 451) 2} 2] 269 3}-/1/18 
Colonel Ritzema’s.....eseeeeees Iji-| 6 SF 5 3 1y-] Ud 19) 10} 243 | 127) 12) 72) 1 455) - | 1} 185) 3} -| 21/5 
Colonel Magaw’s...+.eeeeescee of 1 1 8 TF 8 TI i i-7 1) 32) 11) 391 | 56) 32) 1 3 493) -| 5] 147) -| 1/1] - 
Colonel Shee’s.......00+> do cccee yy 8 6 YF S-;} U1 11 32) 12; 424] 62 10 2, 5 503, - | 4] 1373] -1 -} - 
Colonel Holman’s..... ee ecerces | 1 1 1 yy Fy W-}1 d- | -| 28 | 14 | 526 3/122) - - 651] - | - -|-|-]-|- 
pal i EDA LONER DTA ER ae [ee ns PE ERC ee aS S| 

THA esky st sodte ad RAN Sue 18 201191145 13711481140/12119121!17 19| 567 '307 |6,486 |20951537/2,200| 39 |11,357116 l24 |3,45431 19 | Q0l18 

Return of General Scort’s Brigade ; sixty-seven rank and file to a Company. 

Colonel Lasher’s.......... eevee 1) 1 1 10 10) 10) - |-| 1) 1) t)-| 30) 17) 399] 53) 16, 56) 8) 532) -| 3) 138] 1] - j1L {13 
Colonel Malcom’s .....--seeese- Ti 2) Bs Dien 9) 29) eet! 281 17 i. 198) LS eo Ooh OO tl eas esl eae tee 
Colonel Drake’s....-....s-+e --| 1} 1; 1) 10; 10) 9) - |-| 1) 11) 1) 28) 18} 307] 86 21; 49) 18|; 481} 1) 1] 199 -| -}| -|2 
5 Comp. of Lt. Col. Hardenburgh’s} -| 1}-| 5) 5) 5) -j}-| 1) 1) 1-| I} 8] 183] 55) - 15} 4] 257] -| - 78} 4, -| -j}1 


ms | ffs | ce | | | cs ee ge ee ee ct | ee | ce ee | cere | cae | ee | ee | eee | ae — 3 


8 Companies of Colonel Forman’s| 1j 1, 1} 4| 6 6| 7-j| 1) 1) 1) 1) 28{ 14{ 312] 34 25) -| 11 | 382) 2|2) 176 4/1) -| - 
7 Companies of Col. Hunt’s......)-|-| 1) 7 ; 5} 6F-| I lj aj-| 25) 12) 255) 22 - -| 4] 281} 3)2) 223) -| 1) 5 {14 
8 Companies of Col. Martin’s....| 1) 1) 1) 7 5) 6 6 1) 1) 1) 1)-| 26) 12) 258) 88 7 9} 5 | 367 | 6] 4 | 209) 23) - |} - {12 
6 Companies of Col. Newcomb’s.} 1} 1) 1} 6 3; 4) 5) 1) 1) 1) 1) 1) 23] 6 | 193} 23) 4 4, - | 224/116) 208126 -|1| - 
5 Comp. of Col. Van Cortlandt’s.| 1} 1} 1} 5} 5) 4) 4)-| 1) 1} 1} 1) 18} 6 | 71 | 21) - 6} 6} 204/214) 156 4) -| -] - 

Total..ssesseeeesseeseeee 4| 4l 5] 29] 25) 251 28] 21 5| 5l 5/31 120 | 50 [1,189 | 188] 36 19] 26 [1,458 ‘14 18 | g72l57l 2 | 6 be 


a 


Return of General Wapswortu’s Brigade ; eighty-three rank and file to a Company. 


Glodel Sillmman'a CIGGIC Gale A PIP 1S BI TO) ASDITOLIMIAT)  31 af, 45250 VBL Si Sidi = de 400 dda ae SSRIs 
Chlouel. Geyi'ale -iMiwhd Gass cow's iii sl 7s} ai ilidalal 28/16] 194} 134 1 911 - | 42014] -| 244! del -| 11 - 
Golonel Saze's.s cs... ce cA A at dl 7 el S| <b ll dl Ue i} ‘maeaaeir 493.1 Bh het eo| eee | eegag hale ou a 1s) agen 
Golohel’ Belden arse, 2 REET Pago ‘gheigie gelghod hahaa! 198 | 1240 9194) 56) <dio baembie sop) aalaghhl BAN Bohne 
Colonel Douglass’s...<....+ee0e.| 1/ 1} 6} 7} 7] 7a) a} a) a} a) 93] 15] 258] 84) -| 109] - | 444}9] 1] 220] a1] -| - 
Caronclihentagia sth cs 1alqai si si st 7i-laiaialal 30.1151 244] 65|-| aol - | 49/2/11 245| 8517] -| - 
Colonel Bradley’s...+-s«-ce+«. ‘}a} afa}_s}_st_8| 7] a} 1/1} a]-| 98} 15]. 396] 68) 9 37] - | 503} 4] 1] 161] 92} - | - | - 

EA amine aod 7| 7| 6| 48] 49| 48| 49) | 7| 7| 7] 6| 196 {101 | 1752] 544| 10] 555] - | 2,861/98 |11 |1,787988) 3 | 2| - 
Ttal of Getieval Heard aig... -4| 4[ 5! 29| 25] 25) 28] 2) 5| 5| 5,3] 120 | 50 | 1,189] 1881 36 19| 26 | 1458/14 [18 | 972157| 2 | 6 {96 
Total of General Scott's. .s.-4. +< al 4] 3/34] 34) 33] - | a] 4| 4l 4 1/ 101 | 60 | 1,087 219| 46 179| 32 | 1,549] 3] 7| 816 8| - j11li6 
Total of the 22 Regiments... ... « 18/20/19 145]137|148)1.40 12/19 21|17|19| 567 |307 | 6,486 |2095'537|2,200, 99 |11 357/16 24 |3,454, 31| 19/90 | 18 
Total of the whole...... ++. «+++ 13235133 256124512541217119/35'37/33129| 984 [518 110,514 |3039'62919,946| 97 [17,225 61 |60 |5,4291484| 24| 39 | 60 


Head-Quarters, August 3, 1776. 


Return of the Regiment of Artillery, in the service of the Unirep Srares, commanded by Henry Knox, Esquire. 


= Z| ic & a ogo | 8 mg 
> " 2 S 2 ~ | = , a 
Piet tela | 2 lo ie a le Le slsle|el& mite . 
eee ait’ js | SiS.) S| et Sot. Sel Seles eee 2s lors 
So ies | al a] SS | & |: etl dive cl RO Recraie entire see ee eee 8 
Ci Seeu sales ALS | So) aor eS | RRO eee Se om | momheo mime lls ° 
ed fe 1 OM OD 1d | cad On ft cee le | coal tO eee ey | |) Et 
Present, dit ford UCY ow prices a -cra9 «ciple ein viele 1 1 Dre flue Sats 5 9 1 ] tk 1 1 1119 | 47):27 ) 307 15 | 160)" 300 
NICK, PLCSEN Us asiocctelociclectccts tot etee onteias - - - Di aie - 3 ee - - - - - TE ge Ans) = pas sat 
Dick" AUHENT RES Soe et aceice Cotes Sere = co ial oo aaa hae - Pea Aliera dh) wile te yee aime | L |. 7 9 
Onieommandss .20s6. tece abaieicn ble) oh. ct tee - - Wa PSU 6.7 NB ee - = - - 1|13|)16/] 30; 30} 8] 115) 236 
On FUMIOU CHE A eisleae s seials ee ee ee ed = - = = air =, -. < - - - - = - wed i = = 9 4 
Totals. cnsvht a aGteurcsackions ails 1/1! 1/10! 10111! 901 11 1! a! 11 11 2133133 | 62 | 641 23 | 3091 585 


New-York, August 3, 1776. 


765 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


766 


A Return of the Regiment under the command of Colonel Jonaruan Brewer, Lieutenant-Colonel Joun Parke, and 


Major Wu 


L1aM Bacon, (ordered, in case of alarm, to join Lord Srrauine’s Brigade. ) 


| Captains’ Names, or Military Com- | War- eee No. of | Subalterns pro- | Rank in | Second Lieuten- | Rank in 
Master Workmen. When engaged. missions. rants. Occupation. Men. | posed Ist Liewts. | the Army. ants proposed, | the Army. 
Benjamin Pollard ....} 28 April, 1775 |.....2+seeees W.C. | Carpenter Samuel Kenney..} Adjutant. \James Hitchings.|/Sergeant. 
Phinehas Ford.......| 2 May, 1775 |......++ eooeee| W.C., | Carpenter Loved Eddy.....| Sergeant. |Abraham Howe. .|Ensign. 
ohn Chedwick......| 19 May, 1775 | 2d and Ist Lt. | W. C. | Carpenter Oliver Dewey....| Sergeant. |Pelatiah Russell.. Sergeant. 
Job Bryant.......0.- May, 1775 | Serg. and Ens.|........ Carpenter Joel Smith......| Sergeant. |J. Chamberlain. .|Sergeant. 
Winthrop Sargent....| 14 May, 1775 | Ord. Sergeant | W. Lt.| Smith.... John Mutter.....|..-.seeee- Jonathan Brown.|Ist Lt. Mil. 
Eli Gaile. s:2chise ----| 23 April, 1776 | Ist Lieutenant|........ Biitiversres Moses Hoit Sergeant. |Amos Hitchings..|Sergeant. 
ohn Herd. «sansa 1 March, 1776 | Private... 04. .0see0. Smith.... John Whitney. .:|-.--sccccs Robert Carter. 

Caleb Bruin........--| 17 Mar., 1776 | Captain.....-.J....0. ..| Carpenter Jeremiah) PritiNielct|sie disse « ois Robert Nichols. 

Anthony Piostinteti cis stabs ON. or L 0a Or REEL VAte,.cle.s.0\0 W.C. | Carpenter Jacob Brown....!.. PO AP HenryN. Carmer. 

Benjamin Eayrs..... May, 1776 |0. . oe cece senee W.C. | Sh. Carp’r And. Donaldson..|.....+.... Abijah Rogers. 

Prince Studson ...... 14 June, 1776 | Ist Lieutenant}........ Carpenter Jonathan Vernum) Ord. Serg. |Enos Smith......|Sergeant. 


Samuel Kenney....... + «Adjutant. 
Phineas Ward.........-Sergeant-Major. 


STAFF. 


Joseph Beaman. ... + - Quartermaster. 
Quartermaster Sergeant. 


Surgeon. 


The Companies in the Regiment of Artificers are to be arranged, and the Officers posted to them, in the following 


order, viz: 


A Return of the Officers of the Regiment of Artificers, and of the Companies, as they are to be posted till further order, 


commanded by Colonel Jonasruan Brewer, Lieutenant-Colonel Joun Parke, and Major Wiuttam Bacon. 


Companies. Captains’ Names. First Lieutenants. Second Lieutenants. No. of Men. 

Woirath, cn nae eaten aisle acaba Benjamin Pollard.............. ‘Samuel Kenny........++0:-0s00| James Hitchings. 0... asec, see 54 
Second......- eprelefecueale Sie.'e.6 Anthony Post... .0..cscecces Jacob Brown....... Sele pe cisies esi Hensy) Ny Carther divs. sedebyie 53 
RUD Heind cle) avai stechelatolelele, obs wie nei @alehs Brainiac cieiadeli-l «satel io) PeremiahpPrultise sferatelelectesianseusisl| EUODGLNINICDOIS, vais claim on e1s)0< 5,010 40 
Lm Noe aoe PEP ant een ee OF AT eC HG 39 Seomenie er 46 REE IWEO SES ETO lire ane oie vote oieteuseis’s|e.e%s PATON MERIC IITO'N er etelelaistreistcctesic 55 
PTs cisiecsie.eleree'sisie'e meres VV IRtNrOp. Saxena cee sce cis ols S| VONTICIN Ute ris: qalmerstere vicotite clstarels Jonathan Brown.....esesecees 55 
Se HICSS AD OASIS See ens Pohn eiilliard ).-c'ed's- lee aA John Whitney. .. 2.0. cere cscs Ro berteGarter: seclteremtcts sie Teistele 55 
Seventh...... \coodobpuocode Benjamin Eayrs....-ee.see.00- Andrew Donaldson........++++ Abijah Rogers. . «..6 +s. Sistile 59 
Eighth .....-eseceececves -| Phinehas Ford. ........0 -e-+| Loved Eddy. ...2.-00- er once «{ EDPANAM TLOWE.. 66 sce a0 one.c ee 45 
Ninth ...cecrcccccrccceess John Chedwick.........+s.00. Oliver Dewey... ocsssecseseee Pelatiah Russell...... ore neceee 43 
"Perithss siete acters ON i das cat Job Bryant......... NS. 5 Joel Smith...... on Nav ouapeug atelier .-| Joshua Chamberlain... .....<. 61 
Eleventh. ..0.cccccessccece ACI CPB LUCSOD saccseieio sin) «chasse eloue Jonathan Vernum........:.eees HMOS CmLtheaieeieieerai sc clatrerecie's 26 
Twelfth......c.e aoteteleielaiele James Cleveland........ sielata' oi totale sie leelelotalelsiceieteleisle s slajoeiela miatoldcveleielerseletots '¢ eactsinteract./ ele reisisn ayes 38 

ELOtal eters ete ececes 584 


Samuel Kenny, Adjutant; Joseph Beaman, Quartermaster; Phinehas Ward, Sergeant-Major. 


The officers thus posted are to understand, that the rank here assigned to them is merely Regimental, and is not to 
affect the rank or pay that any of them hold or enjoy in the Army. 

Such of the officers and privates as belong to any other corps in the Army, are to continue to receive their pay in 
their respective Regiments as usual, and all the others are to receive their pay as heretofore. 


[A copy of this was given in to the Officers. Go. Wasuineron.] 


Head-Quarters, New-York, July 30, 1776. 

Sir: Lieutenant-Colonel Patterson, Adjutant-General of 
the Army under your command, at the interview between 
us, having proposed an exchange of Mr. Lovell for Govern- 
our Skene, { am authorized to inform you that the Congress 
have not only approved of this proposition, but, judging that 
a general exchange of prisoners will be attended with mutual 
convenience and pleasure to both parties, have empowered 
their Commanders in each department to negotiate one, in 
the following manner: “Continental officers for those of 
equal rank either in the land or sea service, soldier for 
soldier, sailor for sailor, and citizen for citizen.” ‘They have 
also particularly mentioned the exchange of Colonel Ethan 
Allen for any officer of the same or inferior rank. : 

You will be pleased to signify the time and place for that 
of Mr. Lovell and Governour Skene, that I may give direc- 
tion for the latter to be ready, who is now at Hartford, about 
one hundred and twenty miles from hence ; also, to favour me 
with your sentiments as well on the proposition respecting 
Colonel Allen, as on the subject of a general exchange. 

{ have the honour to be, with due respect, sir, your most 
obedient servant, Go. WasHInGTON. 


To His Excellency General Howe. 


Head-Quarters, Staten-Island, August 1, 1776. 


Sir: I have received the favour of your letter of the 30th 
July, and shall accordingly direct that Mr. Lovell, who is 
now at Halifax, be brought to this post, of which I shall 
have the honour of advising you, that the proposed exchange 
between him and Governour Skene may take place. 

The extent of my command having no relation to Canada, 
it is not in my power to give you the satisfaction I could 
wish respecting the enlargement of Colonel Allen; it must, 


therefore, depend upon General Carleton’s determination. 
But wishing sincerely to give relief to the distresses of all 
prisoners, I shall readily consent to the mode of exchange 
you are pleased to propose, viz: officers for those of equal 
rank, soldier for soldier, citizen for citizen; the choice to 
be made by the respective commanders for their own officers 
and men. You must be sensible deserters cannot be inclu- 
ded in this arrangement. And for the mode of exchange in 
the naval line, I beg leave to refer you to the Admiral. 

I cannot close this letter without expressing the deepest 
concern that the unhappy state of the Colonies, so different 
from what I had the honour of experiencing in the course of 
the last war, deprives me of the pleasure I should otherwise 
have had in a more personal communication. 

I am, with due respect, sir, your most obedient servant, 

W. Howe. 
To General Washington, &c., &c. 


Dobbs’s Ferry, August 3, 1776, five afternoon. 

I am now to inform your Excellency that, my flag being 
hoisted on board of the Washington, I came up with the 
ships, and attacked them at a quarter past one this after- 
noon. The Phenix fired the first gun, which was returned 
by the Lady Washington, whose shot went through the 
Phenix. Upon my orders, the Lady Washington put about 
to form a line; the tide was such that the Washington and 
Spitfire were exposed to the broadsides of the ships for half 
an hour, without suffering much damage. We engaged 
them an hour and a half, and then we thought to retreat to 
Dobbs’s Ferry, about four miles below the ships. The 
damages we sustained are as follows, viz: Washington, four 
slightly wounded, sail and rigging much damaged, thirteen 
shot in her hull. Lady Washington cracked her thirty-two- 
pounder; no other damage. Spitfire, one killed, two badly 


7167 


wounded, hull and rigging much damaged. Shark, none 
killed or wounded, hulled four times. The Whiting, one 
man lost both legs, and four more wounded, rigging much 
damaged, two men wounded, one of them mortally. It is 
thought of, but not yet determined, whether we shall retreat 
to Spiten Devil, or not. We wish to give them another 
drubbing. We saw many splinters drifting down. 
I am your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant, 
Bens. Tuprer, 
Lieutenant-Colonel and Commander. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 
Providence, July 29, 1776. 

Sir: [have the honour to acquaint your Excellency that 
last evening Captain Bucklin, in a privateer from this place, 
returned from a successful cruise, in which he took five valu- 
able prizes, bound from the British Islands in the West- 
Indies to Great Britain. He informs me that on the 25th 
instant, in latitude 40° 20', S.S.E. from Nantucket Shoals, 
upon the clearing up of a fog, he found himself in the midst 
of twenty-six sail of ships, two of which appeared very large, 
and were all standing about west. He also tells me, that 
on the 27th of June, in latitude 35° longitude 52°, he spoke 
with the ship Morris, in the Continental service, Captain 
Thomas Bell, from Havre-de-Grace for Philadelphia, with 
a lading of duck, powder, lead, &c. Captain Bell informed 
him that the Portuguese had seized all the American vessels 
in their ports. 

A prize which arrived here this day, on Thursday last 
spoke with two schooners from the eastward, bound on a 
cruise, who the day before had taken a large ship laden with 
provisions for the enemy’s Army at New-York. 

I am, with great esteem and respect, sir, your Excel- 
lency’s most obedient and most humble servant, 

Nicu. Cooxe. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


Thirteen Tory gentlemen and ladies were taken in the 
ship Peggy, James Kennedy Master, and carried into Mar- 
blenead. Report: That the 2d of July, a transport, with a 
number of Hesszans, put into Halifax ; that three transports, 
with Hessians, sailed in company with them for New-York; 
and that the day they left Halifax, they saw about forty 
sail, supposed to be transports with Hesszans. 


GENERAL ORDERS. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 1, 1776. 
(Countersign, Reading.) 
It is with great concern the General understands that 
jealousies, &c., are arisen among the troops from the dif- 
ferent Provinces, out of reflections‘ frequently thrown out, 
which can only tend to irritate each other, and injure the 
noble cause in which we are engaged, and which we ought 
to support with one hand and one heart. ‘The General most 
earnestly entreats the officers and soldiers to consider the 
consequences—that they can no way assist our cruel ene- 
mies more effectually than making division among ourselves; 
that the honour and success of the Army and the safety 
of our bleeding country, depend upon harmony and good 
agreement with each other; that the Provinces are all united 
to oppose the common enemy, and all distinctions sunk in 
the name of an American. ‘To make this honourable, and 
preserve the liberty of our country, ought to be our only 
emulation; and he will be the best soldier and the best 
patriot who contributes most to this glorious work, whatever 
his station, or from whatever part of the Continent he may 
come. Let all distinctions of nations, countries, and Pro- 
vinces, therefore, be lost in the generous contest—who shall 
behave with the most courage against the enemy, and the 
most kindness and good humour to each other. If there 
are any officers or soldiers so lost to virtue and a love of 
their country as to continue in such practices after this order, 
the General assures them, and is directed by Congress to de- 
clare to the whole Army, that such persons shall be severely 
punished and dismissed the service with disgrace. 


(Parole, Paris.) 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 2, 1776. 
(Countersign, Taunton.) 
The Colonels of the several Regiments are to be parti- 
cularly careful that the damaged Cartridges are preserved, 


(Parole, Salem.) 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


768 


and sent in to Commissary Cheever, at the Laboratory, as it 
will be a great publick saving. 

The Court-Martials are often detained by non-attendance 
of witnesses. All officers and soldiers notified to attend as 
witnesses on any Court-Martial, are to be punctual; and in 
future any neglect of this kind will be punished as disobe- 
dience of orders. 

Notwithstanding the great abuses of Regimental Hospitals 
last year, the General has, out of indulgence and kindness 
to the troops who seem to like them, permitted them to be 
again opened, with a full persuasion that the Regimental 
Surgeons will fully conform to the rules and orders which 
have been made, and particularly that they act with the 
strictest honour and candour in their drafts upon the several 
stores, and accounting with the Director-General of the 
Hospital when required, making him regular reports of the 
sick, and applying what they receive to the patients only. 
The Colonels and Field-Officers of the several Regiments 
would do well to visit their Regimental Hospitals frequently, 
and see these regulations observed; and in all cases, except 
slight or putrid disorders, have the sick removed to the 
General Hospital, near the Brigade; or the General must, 
in justice to the publick, break them up again. 

Richard Lawrence, of Captain Gilbert’s Company and 
Colonel Prescott’s Regiment, having been tried by a Gene- 
ral Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Webb was President, 
and convicted of “ desertion,’ was sentenced to receive 
thirty-nine lashes. ‘The General approves the sentence, and 
orders it to be executed at the usual time and place. 

The new Troops coming in are upon their arrival to apply 
to Captain Tilton, at the Quartermaster-General’s store in 
the Broadway, who will give them all necessary directions. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 3, 1776. 

(Countersign, Virginia.) 

That the troops may have an opportunity of attending 
publick worship as well as take some rest after the great 
fatigue they have gone through, the General in future ex- 
cuses, them from fatigue duty on Sundays (except at the 
ship yards, or special occasions) until further orders. 

The General is sorry to be informed that the foolish and 
wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing (a vice 
heretofore little known in an American Army) is growing 
into fashion; he hopes the officers will, by example as well 
as influence, endeavour to check it, and that both they and 
the men will reflect that we can have little hopes of the bless- 
ing of Heaven on our arms, if we insult it by our impiety and 
folly; added to this, it is a vice so mean and low, without any 
temptation, that every man of sense and character detests and 
despises it. 

Clarkson and Chace, under confinement for desertion and 
reinlistment into the Artillery from another corps, to return 
to Captain Bauman’s Company, until Colonel Elmore’s Re- 
giment, which claims them, comes into camp. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 4, 1776. 


(Countersign, Yarmouth.) 


(Parole, Uxbridge.) 


(Parole, Weston.) 

Passes signed by the Quartermaster-General, or his Assist- 

ant, Mr. Hughes, for persons in that department, to cross the 
Ferries, to be admitted as sufficient. 

Thomas Herbert, of Captain Wyllys’s Company, Colonel 
Sargent’s Regiment, tried by a Regimental Court-Martial, 
and convicted of theft, was sentenced to receive thirty-nine 
lashes; but having appealed to a General Court-Martial, 
whereof Colonel Webb was President, the sentence-of the 
Regimental Court was revised, and the prisoner acquitted. 
‘The General approves the acquittal, and orders him to be 
discharged. 

Daniel McGuire, of Captain Scott’s Company, Colonel 
Sargent’s Regiment; Samuel Weaver, of Captain Farring- 
ton’s Company, same Regiment, both tried by the same 
Court-Martial, and convicteda—McGuire of desertion and 
inlisting into another Company, taking a second bounty, 
sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes; Weaver of desertion 
only, sentenced to receive thirty lashes. : 

William Mellvaine, of Captain Wyllys’s Company, and 
the above Regiment, tried by the same Court-Martial, and 
convicted of desertion, and sentenced to receive thirty lashes. 

William Diggs, of Captain Wood’s Company, Colonel 
Baldwin’s Regiment, tried by the same Court-Martial, and 
convicted of desertion, sentenced to receive twenty lashes. 


769 


The General approves each of the above sentences, and 
orders them to be put in execution at the usual time and 
place. 

_ The Court-Martial to sit to-morrow for the trial of Lieu- 

tenant Hobby, of Colonel McDougall’s Regiment, now 
under arrest for ‘Misconduct in leaving the vessels under 
his care on the East River on Friday evening.” Witnesses 
to attend. 

All persons are strictly forbid meddling with the flat-bot- 
tomed boats without leave from General Putnam, or unless 
sent upon some special service; and those parties who have 
any of them, are to be careful in returning them safely. ‘The 
Guards at the wharves to attend to this order. 

Head-Quarters, New-York, August 5, 1776. 

(Parole, Amboy.) (Countersign, Bradford.) 

The General has nothing more at heart than the health 
of the Troops, and as the change of encampment has been 
found very salutary by such Regiments as have shifted their 
ground, it is recommended to the several Brigadier-Generals 
to have it more generally adopted. And the General once 
more calls upon the officers and men who are quartered in 
houses, to have them kept clean and wholesome. 

Brigadier-General Scott having informed the General that 
some dissatisfaction has arisen in his Brigade on account of 
the First Battalion, who had received some assurances from 
the Committee of the Convention of this State, that they 
should not be removed out of town unless the Army moved 
generally, the General at the same time being of opinion that, 
from their knowledge of the city, they can be more service- 
able than any other equal number of men who are strangers, 
orders that on Wednesday General Scott’s Brigade move 
into the city, and General Fellows, with his Brigade, take 
their places. He also directs that no officers or soldiers 
of General Fellows’s Brigade take up their quarters in the 
dwelling-houses in or near their encampment, except they 
are placed there by the Quartermaster-General. 

The General cannot dismiss this matter without assuring 
the First Battalion of General Scott’s Brigade, that he will 
have the grounds of their claim particularly inquired into of 
the Provincial Congress of the State of New-York, as well 
because they may rest assured that at the same time publick 
faith is preserved with them, he expects, and will require, 
that they observe their engagement to the publick. 

The arrival of new Troops requiring some change in the 
arrangement, and particularly with respect to the Alarm 
Posts, Major-General Putnam, with the several Brigadiers, 
are desired to meet to-morrow, at ten o’clock, at the City 
Hall, to consider thereof, and make report to the General. 
The Adjutant-General will attend at the same time. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR COOKE. 
New-York, August 5, 1776. 

Sir: I have been duly honoured with your two favours 
of the 20th and 29th ultyno, and wish your acceptance of 
my thanks for your kind and ready compliance with my 
requisition for the galleys, and the matters of intelligence 
transmitted in the last. 

The account given Captain Bucklin (on whose success 
I congratulate you) by Captain Bell, of the Portuguese 
seizing our vessels, I fear is too true; their dependance on 
the British Crown for protection and aid against their Spa- 
nish neighbours, obliges them to comply with everything 
required of them. Captain Bucklin’s information of the 
fleet he saw, I dare say is not to be doubted. It is proba- 
ble they arrived yesterday, for twenty-five ships then came 
into the Hook ; these make from ninety to one hundred that 
have come in since Thursday se’nnight. 

Our galleys on Saturday evening had a smart engagement 
with the ships up the river. ‘The enclosed copy of a letter 
from Colonel Tupper, under whose general command they 
were, will give you the particulars. ‘Though they did not 
take the ships, nor is it certain what damage they sustained, 
I have the pleasure to inform you our officers and men 
behaved with the greatest spirit and resolution. The injury 
their little fleet sustained testifies their courage. It is said 
the ships were several times hulled by our shot. They still 
remain up the river. The galleys must be a little repaired 
before anything further can be attempted, provided it should 
be thought advisable. 


Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


770 


By a letter from Colonel Hancock, of the 31st ultimo, I 
am authorized to say that a Continental ship had arrived at 
Chester, not far below Philadelphia, with three hundred 
and sixty-six pigs of lead, fifty-four boxes of musket-ball, 
one thousand stand of arms with bayonets, one barrel flints, 
and one hundred and ninety-three whole barrels of gun- 
powder. He also adds, that a privateer had sent in a West- 
Indiaman, having on board, besides produce, eleven hundred 
johannes and seven hundred guineas. I wish the ship Cap- 
tain Bucklin saw may get in safe, 

I have the honour to be, &c., 

Go. WasuHIneTon. 
To the Honourable Governour Cooke. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO NATHANIEL SHAW, JUN. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 5, 1776. 

Sir: This will be accompanied by four French gentle- 
men from the Island of Guadaloupe, who arrived from thence 
at Newburyport, with a view of engaging in the Continental 
service. ‘hey came to this place about six weeks since, 
and delivered me a letter from General Ward at Boston, 
which I enclosed to the President of the Congress, intending 
to forward it by them, that it might serve as some sort of 
introduction; but it seems that, for want of proper creden- 
tials, added to the unsuccessfulness of some of their coun- 
trymen on that same account, they declined applying to 
Congress; and as it appears they are quite destitute of 
money, I am obliged to pay their expenses here, and to send 
them to New-London, to enable them to procure a passage 
home. I have therefore addressed them to your care, re- 
questing you will assist in providing them a passage as soon 
as possible. I suppose it will not be long before an oppor- 
tunity offers, as 1 understand there are vessels with you 
bound to the West-Indies. You will please to furnish them 
with convenient and cheap lodgings when they get to New- 
London, and I will reimburse you what you may be in 
advance therefor. You are to observe, though, that I do 
not mean to be at the expense of supporting them in your 
place more than eight or ten days at farthest; neither do I 
mean to be at the expense of their passages home. ‘They 
must make the best terms for themselves they can with the 
master of the vessel, as I don’t determine to burden the 
Continent any more on their account, or any of their coun- 
trymen. 

I am, with due regard, sir, your very humble servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., Esq., New-London. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO JOHN BRADFORD. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 5, 1776. 

Sir: Yours of the 29th ultimo is duly received. For 
the future, I must desire all warlike stores and necessaries 
for an army, taken by the armed vessels in publick service, 
may be safely stored under care of the different agents till 
they receive orders from proper authority. You will please 
to enjoin it upon the different Commanders of the Conti- 
nental cruisers, to be particularly careful no embezzlement 
is made by their crews or others. 

I am, sir, yours, &c., Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Mr. John Bradford, one of the Continental Agents at 
Boston. 


GENERAL SULLIVAN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, August 5, 1776. 


Mucn estEeEeMep Sir: My sincere regard to my country 
will, I hope, apologize for my troubling Congress with an 
account of our situation at New-York. We have at this 
place, Long-Island, Grovernour’s Island, and King’s Bridge, 
(including the lame, the halt, and blind,) between sixteen 
and seventeen thousand men; on the New-Jersey shore they 
have between three and four thousand. Within two or 
three days have arrived about one hundred of the enemy’s 
ships with troops, which we have seen march up and en- 
camp on Staten-Island. Doubtless the remainder will be 
here in a few days, when, I suppose, they will have at least 
twenty thousand, perhaps twenty-five. ‘Two thousand of 
Horse, with some of their shipping, will be sufficient to guard 
their baggage, and with eighteen thousand they may make 


49 


771 


an attack: if on Long-Island, we have only six broken 
regiments to oppose them; if at King’s Bridge, a much less 
‘ number; if they attempt the city, we can meet them with 
little more than one-third of their number, as our Army is 
very sickly, which must reduce our numbers some thousands, 
at least two or three. Those of Governour’s Island and 
Long- Island can’t leave their post to come to our assistance ; 
and should Long-Island be attacked, (which, indeed, I think 
most probable,) there will be much difficulty and delay in 
affording them seasonable relief, on account of our great 
want of proper boats and the time which will be taken up 
in embarking and disembarking such a number of troops as 
may be found necessary. The troops at King’s Bridge 
will be at fourteen miles distance from the place of action, 
and cannot possibly be at either of those posts till the action 
is over; and from New-Jersey no relief can be expected, as 
boats are wanting to transport their men across the water; 
and even if they had boats, the ships will doubtless be posted 
in such a manner as to intercept their passage; and even if 
that was not the case, most of those troops are nearly a 
day’s march from us, and cannot possibly be here in season 
to give us any assistance. From this state of the matter, it 
must appear that we can at no point meet them with much 
more than a third of their numbers—too great a disparity of 
numbers to risk the fate of America upon. I am far from 
being anxious for my own safety; I well know that numbers 
will be no protection to my person; but numbers may save 
the country. I know Congress has ordered men, but they 
are not arrived, or likely to arrive; I therefore most heartily 
recommend to Congress to fall upon some method of sending 
a number of men immediately to this place, sufficient to meet 
the enemy upon more equal terms, and give at once the 
decisive blow. This, I apprehend, will be a means of short- 
ening the war in every success, and will doubtless prove 
cheapest inthe end. I have not yet any post assigned me 
or brigade to command; the General says he will do it as 
soon as possible. 

I hope Congress will excuse this freedom, as I think it 
necessary to give them every informatign that appears of 
importance; and did not this appear to me in that light, I 
should not have given them the trouble. 

Dear sir, believe me to be, with the most unfeigned re- 
respect, your most obedient servant, 

Joun SuLLivan. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


P.S. I know Congress are not pleased with complaining 
letters, and I am far from being pleased with writing them; 
but when our all is at stake, I think it will admit of some 
excuse, if nothing more is done than barely to give a true 
state of facts, in order that they may provide in season a 
remedy for each defect. It must be allowed that nothing 
is more true than that he who would make a good defence 
must provide himself in season with every necessary for that 
purpose. 

Mr. Livingston has just informed us of the death of the 
Prussian General Woedtke. Our six galleys have made 
an attack upon the Phenix and Rose. The engagement 
lasted near two hours. The batteries having fired away 
their ammunition, returned to King’s Bridge. We have 
about four killed and some few wounded. We can’t learn 
what damage the ships sustained; several shots went through 
them. One of our batteries was hulled thirteen times; 
another five or six. The damage is inconsiderable. 

Yours, as above, J.S. 


JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO THE BOARD OF WAR. 
New-York, August 5, 1776. 


Gentiemen: Mr. Carpenter Wharton, of Philadelphia, 
who was appointed by Congress to supply the Pennsylvania 
Militia with provisions, &c., has joined with the gentlemen 
of New-Jersey, Messrs. Ogden, Lowrey, and Dunham, in 
supplying the Continental troops in Pennsylvania and New- 
Jersey with provisions, agreeable to the resolves of Congress, 
and under my care and direction. 

There have been some great complaints, by Colonel 
Smallwood’s battalion and some others, against a person 
appointed to issue provisions in Philadelphia, that he has 
not done them justice; and it has even been laid to Mr. 
Wharton’s charge, supposing that person acting under him; 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


772 


which Mr. W. tells me was not the case. But as complaints 
have arisen, and as it is best that all these matters should 
be under some one direction and governance, I hope you 
will support Mr. Wharton, who I have desired to look after 
the matter and set the complaints right, and continue the 
person under due regulation for the future, or appoint another, 
as may best serve the general cause. 

I am, gentlemen, with esteem and respect, your most 


humble servant 
? Jos. TRuMBULL. 


To the Hon. John Adams, Esq., Member of Congress, 
Philadelphia, Committee of the War Office. 


New-York, August 5, 1776. 
The publick are desired to take notice that no person 
whatever, either male or female, above the age of fourteen 
years, will be permitted to pass any of the Ferries in the 
State of New-Jersey, without a proper Pass from the place 
they leave. 


COLONEL DUBOIS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Poughkeepsie, August 5, 1776. 


May ir PLease your Exceniency: Weare as industri- 
ous as possible recruiting men for my regiment, but we find 
it very difficult inlisting men now, as the one-fourth part of 
the Militia is to turn out, and such large bounty given for 
about four or five months, though we come as good speed 
as I could expect. I would have sent a return of the men 
already inlisted by my brother, only I have been very un- 
well for some time, but am now getting better, and as soon 
as Iam able to ride I intend going down to New-York, 
when I shall bring a return of them with me. 

We are purchasing arms for those we inlist, and would 
be glad to know where to send them as fast as we raise 
them. 

As my regiment is to be inlisted during the war, perhaps 
your Excellency may allow me to raise men out of the 
Militia ; if so, I think I could soon fill my regiment, and go 
into immediate service, which would be very agreeable to 
me. I would be glad if your Excellency would send by 
my brother, the bearer, some money for recruiting, as with- 
out that we can do but little. 

Your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant, 

Lewis Dusoys, Colonel. 


RICHARD VARICK TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 
Albany, August 5, 1776. 


Sir: I have directions from General Schuyler, in order to 
prevent delays in forwarding the stores and other necessaries 
for the Army, in his absence to open any letters that shall 
be directed to him from the General Officers and command- 
ers of posts in this department, and to comply with their 
requisitions, in procuring and forwarding such articles as may 
be wanted and can be procured by me, and to send for such 
articles as cannot be had at this place, to New- York, or such 
other place as they may be had in, without waiting his orders 
at the great distance he is from this place. I therefore do 
myself the honour to enclose your Excellency copy of a 
letter from General Arnold to General Schuyler, received 
this day, with the copy of a return of ordnance and ordnance 
stores wanted for the publick service. 

Of the many articles wanted, handspikes, round shot, 
rammers, spunges, worms, priming-horns, priming-wires, and 
tube-boxes, are the only ones that can possibly be procured 
or made at or near this place; and no copper, lead, or tin, is 
to be had between this place and New-York. I must there- 
fore request your Excellency, in General Schuyler’s name, 
to order the several articles which are wanted and not to be 
procured here to be sent to this place without the least 
delay. 

In mine of the 3d, by the express, I forgot to inform your 
Excellency that I had sent for the anchors to Colonel Robert 
Livingston. 

I am your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble 


servant, Ricu. Varick, 


Secretary to Major-General Schuyler. 
To His Excellency General Washington, &c., &c. 


773 


RICHARD VARICK TO GENERAL GATES. 
Albany, August 5, 1776. 

Dear Genera: I was just this moment honoured with 
your favour of the 29th ultimo. 

You may be assured, my dear sir, that I shall give all as- 
sistance in my power to forward the chain to Poughkeepste, 
as soon as it arriveshere. Ido myself the honour to enclose 
you, per favour of Major Sherburne, a letter from General 
Schuyler, which I received at eleven last night, and some 
others from New-York, for yourself and the gentlemen of 
your family, which I received per express this morning. I 
do also enclose a return of such articles as have been this 
day forwarded to Fort George, with an invoice of the paints, 
&c., | have purchased, and also a return of articles forwarded 
to Cheshire’s for the works at Skenesborough, with a return 
of such things as are to be sent there to-morrow or next day 
in consequence of requisitions from that quarter. 

A large quantity of spikes were sent to Fort George, to 
be forwarded to Tyonderoga, about fourteen days since, for 
our works at Skenesborough, which I fear are not arrived 
there, as General Waterbury, in a letter of the 3d to General 
Schuyler, which arrived this morning, requests that spikes 
may be made here. I wish that if they are not forwarded, 
it may be done, and that I may be informed about the mat- 
ter; for as I did not dare to rely on the supposition that they 
were delayed, I have desired Mr. Rensselaer to have them 
made here immediately. 

In consequence of General Schuyler’s orders to me, to 
prevent delay, I shall this day, by post, transmit a copy of 
the Return of Artillery and Stores, sent down for General 
Schuyler by General Arnold, to his Excellency General 
Washington, with an account of such articles as may be had 
and made here, that those that are wanting may be im- 
mediately sent up from New- York. 

Some of the shot, powder, and thread, mentioned in Co- 
jonel Trumbull’s letter, shall be sent forward to-morrow, if 
wagons are to be had. ‘I'he wagoners (many of whom are 
poor and want fodder for their horses) are weary of riding 
for the publick without cash. The Sutlers have hitherto 
got them, when the publick officers could not, merely on this 
account. I have this morning obtained an order from 
Colonel Van Schack, prohibiting any Sutlers to go up with- 
out his pass, and have entreated the Storekeeper to borrow 
money to pay the wagoners for every load they ride. This 
is a disagreeable expedient, but we are not likely to have 
any from Congress soon enough to make this unnecessary. 

[ am, dear sir, yours most respectfully, 

Ricuarp Varick. 
To the Honourable Major-General Gates. 


P.S. More axes, spades, pickaxes, &c., will soon be sent 
up to Fort George. ‘The anchors and cables sent this day 
are almost new. 


COLONEL GANSEVOORT TO GENERAL GATES. 
Fort George, August 5, 1776. 

Sir: I received yours of the 3d instant, yesterday, in 
which you write me that you are informed that there are 
three thousand barrels of flour at this post. 

I am apprehensive that your Honour is frequently troubled 
with false representations of the state of this garrison and our 
proceedings. By the enclosed return you will see what 
provision we have in store at this post. 

My brother writes me from Ticonderoga, that you had 
received but one week’s return from this post, at which I am 


much surprised. 1 can prove I have sent a return each week 
since I received your orders. 


I am, your humble servant, 
Prrer Gansevoort, Lieutenant-Colonel. 


To the Honourable Major-General Gates. 


GENERAL GATES TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 


Tyonderoga, August 5, 1776. 
Sm: Iam honoured with the receipt of your letter by 
Messieurs Gansevoort and Cuyler, and 1 beg you will assure 
the gentlemen of the Convention of the State of New-York 
of my readiness, at all times, to obey their commands. 
Enclosed I have sent you a general return of the Army in 
this department, together with a copy of my letter of ‘this 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


774 


date to the President of the Continental Congress. 1 have 
also put into the hands of Messieurs Gansevoort and Cuyler 
a list of the principal articles wanted for this Army; these, 
together, will answer almost every question demanded by 
your Convention. 

Your Delegates, that they might have every necessary 
information, took their route hither by Lake George, and 
return from hence by Skenesborough, and up Wood Creek 
to Fort Edward. By this sensible tour, they will see every- 
thing that is done and doing, at every post upon both com- 
munications, our dock-yard at Skenesborough included. 

I also enclose you a list of our fleet already built. The 
bearers will fully inform you of the diligence with which 
we are endeavouring to increase it. Messieurs Gansevoort 
and Cuyler have also been at Crown-Point, where they 
have seen the naval force now on float, and can give you 
the best intelligence how that most important part of our 
defence is likely to be conducted. ‘The strength, situation, 
and works carrying on at this post, will likewise be described 
to you by those gentlemen; and if I can get a plan there- 
of finished in time, you shall have it in this packet. 

As to provisions, the Army is now well supplied. Six 
days’ fresh meat, and one day’s salt, is the weekly allowance 
issued by the Commissary. 

Very extraordinary intelligence was last night received of 
the enemy’s motions. Your Ambassadors wait until to-mor- 
row, to have it better confirmed, as we expect this night, or 
to-morrow morning, to receive further confirmation on that 
head. 

I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Horatio Gates. 


To the Honourable Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq., President of 
the Convention of the State of New- York. 


GENERAL GATES TO COLONELS BAYLEY AND HURD. 
Tyonderoga, August 5, 1776. 
Gentiemen: I received your favour by Mr. Atkinson, 
with two of the Canadian officers mentioned therein. The 
other two Canadian officers are not yet arrived. Their 
information may be true; but to put entire confidence in it, 
before it is better confirmed, would be imprudent. Should the 
facts be as they relate, it will not be long before we shall 
have them authenticated in a manner not to be doubted. I 
am much obliged to you, gentlemen, for your informa- 
tion, and for the pains you take to serve the publick 
cause, 
I am, sirs, your most obedient, humble servant, 
Horatio Gares. 
To Colonels Bayley and Hurd, of Committee of Newbury 
and Haverhill. 


COLONEL PHILIP CORTLANDT TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Ticonderoga, August 5, 1776, 

GentLEmMEN: This acknowledges the receipt of a letter 
from Mr. John McKesson, dated New- York, July 14th last, 
relative to Colonel Wynkoop’s regiment. 

When I was at Albany, I had not time to procure the 
dates of all the officers’ warrants; the Committee promised 
to have the matter settled. 

I have paid the billet of six companies; the two raised in 
Tryon County I have not settled with, but borrowed money 
on account of the Paymaster for them. Shortly after which 
I was ordered to this place by General Schuyler; since which 
I have not had it in my power to make a return, the regi- 
ment being in such a divided state, but shall make out one 
as soon as possible. I have enclosed your letter to Colonel 
Wynkoop, who is at Skeensburgh. 

Permit me, gentlemen, by this opportunity, to transmit 
to you a few observations on my present situation, being 
confident that nothing is wanting on your part to promote 
the welfare of the United States, or to do justice to those 
who have risked their all for its defence. Many of you, 
gentlemen, I have the honour to be personally acquainted 
with, which emboldens me to appeal to you for my character 
in private life, for my behaviour as an officer. ‘The Gene- 
rals under whom I served the preceding and present cam- 
paign, can testify it was not for ease, or to have an exalted 
commission, that brought me to the field. On the contrary, 
numbers of you, gentlemen, I flatter myself, know that I 


775 


lived in affluence at home, and consequently I was not in- 
duced into the service with a view to the pay, as you must 
all be satisfied that it is not an object for a gentleman. 
When that respectable body with which I had the honour 
of serving in representing this State, offered me a commis- 
sion from the Continental Congress last summer, I with 
reluctance accepted, not from a want of zeal to do my injured 
country all the service I was capable of, but a diffidence in 
my own mind of my abilities to fill such an important office 
as that of Lieutenant-Colonel ofa regiment. 1am at present 
the First Lieutenant-Colonel in this Army, as I am informed, 
and I believe may safely add, in the service of the United 
States. Notwithstanding, must do my country justice and 
not myself, and bear the mortification to see several officers 
promoted to the command of regiments in the Continental 
Army, which I commanded last campaign. Justice to those 
gentlemen of our State who entered into the service and 
have undergone the fatigue of last winter’s campaign in 
Canada, superior in rank, and who have been distinguished 
throughout the Army for their bravery and honour, are also 
superseded by the late appointments of officers for Colonel 
Dubois’s regiment, &c. This must be evident when the 
rank-roll of last year is examined as to the characters of the 
officers. I cannot conclude without suggesting to you, that 
I was, by an ill state of health, prevented from going into 
Canada, and there joining the Army then in that quarter. 
My honour as a gentleman I conceive hurt and injured by 
being thus neglected and superseded; and lest you might 
think that I was ignorant thereof, I have taken this method 
of informing you of it. But the same principle of honour 
which tells me I am disregarded, assures me also that it 
would be most shameful for me to resign at present, when 
the enemy of the States have attacked the State of which 
Tam a citizen, at both extremities. I must, however, ob- 
serve to you, that I shall be obliged, in justice to myself, to 
resign my commission after the cloud which now hangs over 
us in this part is dispelled; and I shall do it with the more 
cheerfulness, as. I conceive it will be agreeable to those from 
whom I have received it, or they would not have given me 
the private intimation by superseding. 

Be assured, gentlemen, however, that if ever it lies in my 
power to render any service to my country, or to the cause 
of liberty and mankind, no man will be more ready in doing 
it. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, with respect, your 
most obedient and very humble servant, 

Puitie Cortuanpt. 


To the President and Gentlemen convened, representing 


the State of New- York. 


COLONEL STARK TO GENERAL GATES, 


August 5, 1776. 
Honourep Sir: The Field-Officers in the Continental 
Army at this place have met with Mr. Commissary Jauncey, 
to consult with him upon the value of the rations due to the 
officers whilst in the Northern Army; and upon an exact 
and careful calculation made by the Commissary, it was 
found that the ration could not be purchased at this place 
under one shilling, lawful money of New-England, per 
day; which sum, they hope your Honour will order them 
to be paid by the Commissary for each ration due to 
them. 
In behalf of the whole of the Field-Officers: 
Joun Srarx, Colonel. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM TICONDEROGA, DATED AUGUST 
5, 1776. 


I came over here from Royalton to conduct a Canadian 
from St. Francois to Head-Quarters. He assures me that 
the Indians in general have resolved not to join in the war. 
Things here begin to wear a different face. The greatest 
harmony reigns among the General Officers. Order is taking 
place in the Army, and the men are in high spirits. Great 
numbers are coming in from New-England to Skenesbo- 
rough. It is reported that General Carleton has used the 
Canadians who favoured us very barbarously, which has 
provoked them very much. Some deserters are come over, 


and some of the foreign troops are said to be desirous of 
deserting. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


776 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM TICONDEROGA, DATED AUGUST 
5, 1776. 

I have the pleasure to inform you that the greatest har- 
mony subsists between the General Officers in this depart- 
ment, as well as the Field-Officers in general. We have 
three thousand five hundred effective men here, and the 
Militia coming in fast, all under pretty good discipline. The 
sick, about one thousand five hundred, are at Fort George, 
and recruiting fast; near two months’ salt provisions, and 
fresh arrives in great plenty. 

Our naval force consists of two vessels, carrying twelve 
carriage and as many swivel guns each, two schooners, eight 
carriage and eight swivels each, a row-galley, six carriage 
and ten swivels, five gondolas, carrying three nine and 
twelve-pounders and eight swivels each; five other gondolas 
will be completed in ten days, and four row-galleys in two 
or three weeks, each of the latter to carry four eighteen 
and twenty four-pounders. ‘The fleet when completed will 
be superior to anything the enemy can bring againt us. T'wo 
days since, two French Captains of Colonel Livingston’s 
regiment arived here, by the way of Cohos, in sixteen days 
from St. John’s, who say that a French fleet is arrived before 
Quebeck ; and that General Carleton, with all the troops, 
except two hundred left at St. John’s, are gone to Quebeck. 
We expect soon to know the certainty of the matter by our 
reconnoitring parties, who are daily expected in. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Lebanon, August 5, 1776. 

Sir: I have received your two favours of the 24th and 
25th of July last. Have put Colonel Ward’s regiment 
under marching orders to proceed without loss of time what- 
ever way Congress shall direct. The troops from this State 
destined to the northward, are marched to Bennington, and 
from thence to Skenesborough. At the request of General 
Schuyler for one thousand felling axes, have sent eight hun- 
dred, ground and with helves, to go the same route. They 
went from hence the 29th last. The residue will go, with 
clothing preparing for that Army, next Monday. ‘Thought 
it not best to wait for orders, as we were very well assured 
of their necessity. ‘ 

Notwithstanding our enemies are so numerous and power- 
ful, and have hired mercenaries into their service, yet know- 
ing our cause righteous, and trusting Heaven will support 
and defend us, I do not greatly dread what they can do 
against us. Our internal malignants may be permitted to do 
many injurious and insidious things. ‘They are therefore to 
be watched with care and diligence, to prevent such hypo- 
critical and designing men carrying on and perpetrating their 
wicked purposes. No doubt there are many such, the per- 
sons and characters unknown to me, and not convenient to 
mention in a letter the notices given me of any. 

Last week I sent circular letters addressed to the Civil 
Authority, Selectmen, Committees of Inspection, and mili- 
tary officers, in all the towns in this State, to promote and 
facilitate the filling the several battalions ordered to be raised 
here, and to send them forward to the places of their desti- 
nation. Recruiting officers for the companies not filled are 
necessary, and conclude are left for the purpose. The peo- 
ple have in some measure got through the hurry of harvest, 
&c. Hope that they will cheerfully inlist and go on. 

Colonel Eliphalet Dyer and Richard Law, Esquires, are 
directed to repair to New-York, to confer with your Excel- 
lency on every subject needful for our direction and for your 
information; you know our readiness to afford every assist- 
ance for our common defence. 

I am, with great esteem and regard, sir, your most obe- 
dient, humble servant, Jona. TRUMBULL. 


To His Excellency George Washington, Esq., General and 
Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the United States 
of America, at New-York. 

Six o'clock, A. M.—P.S. Just received your two favours 
of the Ist instant. Orders are gone to Colonel Elmore, and 
express to carry those to Colonel Ward expected in soon. 
The orders are ready. 


WILLIAM PITKIN TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Hartford, August 5, 1776. 
Honovurep Sir: In consequence of your Honour’s cir- 
cular of the Ist instant, the Civil Authority, &c., convened 


777 


this day. ‘They view it of the utmost importance to encour- 
age the inlistments within our respective spheres and in- 
fluence of connexion, and to forward the same with all pos- 
sible expedition. It appears, upon the strictest scrutiny, that 
the proportion of men due from this town to the several 
officers appointed to the service here, are very nearly, if not 
quite furnished and completed. ‘The gentlemen of the town 
have exerted themselves much upon this occasion, and also 
very generously contributed towards increasing the encour- 
agements; which had its effect. 

We have no doubt what has been done here will meet 
your Honour’s approbation, and in some degree be thought 
anticipating your Honour’s requisition. We shall, however, 
continue our exertions, and lend every aid in our power to 
ease your Honour’s burden, and furnish the numbers so 
much called for from this State. 

With great regard, we are your Honour’s most obedient, 


humble servants. Per order: Wie Percne 


To the Hon. Governour Trumbull. 


SELECTMEN OF FAIRFIELD TO CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF 
SAFETY. 
Fairfield, August 5, 1776. 
GentLemEN: We the subscribers, Selectmen of the town 
of Fairfield, pray that you would please to give orders for 
the delivery of the cannon and ball allotted to the town of 
Fairfield, for the Battery at Black Rock, commanded by 
Lieutenant Mills, and you will greatly oblige your very 


humble servants 
? Joun ALLEN, 


Esenezer Banks, 
JosepH WakeEMAN, 
Danie, ANDREws, 


To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governour of the Colony 
of Connecticut, and the Council of Safety. 


Selectmen. 


N. B. Lieutenant Mills could not be spared to be sent to 
New-York, although he was very forward with his party to 
proceed. As danger of the enemy is attending, he is much 
wanted for the defence of this town. We desire Lieutenant 
Mills would speak to his Honour about the cost of transport- 
ing the cannon and ball. Lieutenant Mills has paid some 
sick bills, and is in want of money for his party; and further- 
more, if his Honour will please to grant, twelve men more. 


MAJOR FRENCH TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Hartford, August 5, 1776. 

Sir: Notwithstanding I claimed my release, in a letter I 
did myself the honour to write you a fortnight past, as con- 
sonant with the tenour of my parole, yet I shall waive the 
pretensions arising from that circumstance in favour of Major 
Meigs, who, I am informed, is desirous to be exchanged for 
me. As it will mutually serve us, 1 hope you will have no 
objection, should General Howe, on his part, agree, since in 
restoring him to his family, it would also procure me the 
satisfaction to see my son. Colonel Allen is also mentioned 
in the papers to be designed for exchange for any Colonel 
or officer of inferior rank; should, therefore, the proposed one 
with Major Meigs prove abortive, I flatter myself you will 
not object to my being exchanged for him, as I have been 
longer a prisoner ‘than any of his Majesty’s officers of my 
rank; so that I think I stand in priority of claim. But should 
not either of these take place, from any unforeseen circum- 
stances, I assure myself you will grant me the same indul- 
gence given by General Carleton to Major Meigs, when I 
shall readily sign a parole similar to his. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient, humble 


servant, Curis. Frencu. 
JOHN AVERY TO COLONEL WILLARD. 
Council Chamber, August 5, 1776. 
Sir: I am directed by the honourable Committee of 


Council to request that you give them information what 
Counties and ‘Towns are included to make up eight com- 
panies in your regiment, and how far eastward they will 
extend, and to make a return thereof as soon as possible. 
In the name and by order of the Committee of Council, 
Joun Avery, Deputy Secretary. 
To Colonel Aaron Willard. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


778 


JOHN AVERY TO SHERIFF GREENLEAF. 
Council Chamber, August 5, 1776. 
Str: I am directed by the honourable Committee of 
Council to acquaint you that the printed Declarations of 
Independency are on their table, and they expect that you 
will take proper care that they be distributed through this 
State as soon as may be, that every town may have them 
publickly read in each religious assembly. 
In the name and by order of the Committee of Council. 
I am, sir, your most humble servant, 
Joun Avery, Deputy Secretary. 
To Sheriff Greenleaf. 


CAPTAIN CLARK TO JAMES WARREN. 
Chelsea, August 5, 1776. 

Honourep Sir: I received your commands of July 25, 
to have the Militia in this town at a minute’s notice, &c., 
and should have obeyed them with the greatest cheerfulness 
had it been in my power ; but for the want of your commis- 
sions, we are quite unable to do anything in the military way; 
and since unwearied pains have hitherto been unsuccessful, 
I must beg your Honour’s influence to procure a settlement 
of our Militia. The town instructed their Representative to 
make it the first object of his endeavour in the late session of 
our Assembly. I much solicited one of the Field Officers of 
the Boston regiment, to which we formerly belonged, to pre- 
side at the meeting when officers were chosen, but could not 
prevail with one to do it; the town therefore chose a Justice of 
the Peace for their Moderator, and were unanimous in their 
choice, since which repeated applications have been made 
to the honourable Council, but we are refused commissions, 
because a Field Officer did not preside at the meeting, and 
it was quite out of our power to obtain one. It seems as if 
some strange fatality attended the thing. Your Honour, I 
trust, will procure our settlement, when you will ever find 
me most obedient to yourcommands. Upon this representa- 
tion of facts, [ doubt not you will excuse my utter incapacity 
to obey. Permit me to add, the company is far from being 
inconsiderable, and desirous of being on a footing with their 
neighbours. A regard to the publick safety, I doubt not, will 
induce your Honour to procure for us a speedy settlement 
and our commissions, when your Honour’s commands shall 
be obeyed with the greatest precision and alacrity, by, sir, 
your most obedient, humble servant, 


To the Hon. James Warren, Esq. 


P.S. The town unanimously chose, at a very full meeting, 
Samuel Clark Captain, Jonathan Williams Lieutenant, James 
Storer Ensign. 


SamuenL Cuark. 


TIMOTHY PICKERING, JUN., TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Salem, August 5, 1776. 

May iT PLEASE your Honours: I have acquainted the 
Captains of the Salem Militia with the Brigadier’s orders to 
raise every twenty-fifth man to march to Dorchester-Heights, 
and considered of the means of raising them; but it is their 
opinion, that the execution of those orders here will be im- 
practicable. * There are so few men left in town (and there 
is a demand of such numbers to man the four or five priva- 
teers, besides the brig belonging to this State now fitting) 
that we are sure no volunteers will present. Even our own 
sea-coast company remains incomplete, the vacancies made 
by inlistments into the sea service of this and the United 
States not being supplied; and many others of that com- 
pany are daily pressing to be discharged, that they may 
obtain more lucrative employments which court their accept- 
ance. And should the orders be strictly pursued, and every 
twenty-fifth man draughted, the Captains, who know the 
sentiments of their towns, say they are certain the men so 
draughted would not go, and that the effect will be a publick 
open contempt of authority, (there being no penalty in case 
of disobedience); and this they apprehend would do more 
hurt to Government than the proposed levy, were it to be 
made, would do good. ‘They therefore request me to lay 
the matter before your Honours, and pray that they may be 
excused furnishing their quota to this levy; at the same time 
desiring me to assure your Honours that they stand ready 
to march, in case of need, to the assistance of the capital 
with much greater numbers than the present levy would 


779 


amount to. If, notwithstanding, the attempt must be made, 
I shall begin it as soon as | am made acquainted with your 
Honours’ determination. 

I am, with due respect, your Honours’ most obedient ser- 


ant Tim. Picxertne, Jun. 


To the Hon. the Council of the Massachusetts-Bay. 


MAJOR HAWLEY TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Northampton, August 5, 1776. 

May ir pease your Honours: As the major part of 
the Committee for the raising seven hundred and fifty-four 
men in the County of Hampshire, as its part of the three 
thousand destined to the northward, are now together, they 
conceive it to be their duty to acquaint your Honours with 
the success they have had in the execution of their commis- 
sion. And to be brief, two companies, consisting of ninety- 
seven men each, inclusive of their officers, marched on the 
24th of July last, the one by the way of No. 4, and the other 
by Bennington; a third company, of eighty-five, marched 
on the 29th of the same July, by the way of Bennington; a 
fourth company, of ninety-two, began their march on the 
30th; and all the companies marched from Northfield on 
the Ist of August by the way of No. 4. Another company 
of eighty-three, begin their march this day, by the way of 
Bennington. Some disappointment has taken place with 
regard to Murraysfield quota, too long to relate, which has 
occasioned a defect in the last-mentioned company. We 
are informed that the Lieutenent-Colonel has ordered the 
three other companies to march next Friday, by the way 
of Bennington. Two of the three companies will be very 
full, the other very deficient by reason that the Granville men 
and the Blanford men who have inlisted, are, without any 
orders, gone into inoculation. Lieutenant-Colonel Leonard 
and Major Stacy have been out of inoculation about a week, 
who have applied themselves faithfully to their duty since 
their return. Colonel Woodbridge, who has had a severe 
drench of it, is expected home this day. 

Your Committee are not furnished with any blankets for 
the Staff Officers, and pray your Honours to furnish them by 
Major Pyncheon. As to the Hampshire quota of the fifteen 
hundred to go to the northward, we have attempted nothing, 
by reason of a misapprehension concerning the inclination of 
your Honours; but as the matter is this day explained to us 
by Colonel Brewer, we shall enter upon the business as soon 
as Major Pyncheon shall return with the money and blankets. 
The service has not suffered by the Committee not having 
entered on the business sooner, for the attempt to have raised 
these men would have retarded the completing and marching 
of others; and now we have but little prospect of success till 
after the harvest. 

As to the penalties in the resolve, they are well calculated 
for this meridian, but we have hopes to inlist them all as 
volunteers. 

We have the honour to be, with great respect, your 
Honours’ most obedient servants, 

Per order of Committee. Josepu Haw ey. 


To the Honourable the Council of Massachusetts-Bay. 


e 


FRANCIS ABBOTT TO RICHARD DEVENS. 
Charlestown, No. 4, August 5, 1776. 
Dear Sir: I came to town after more trouble than is 
possible to express. This day the teams arrived, and de- 
livered their loads in good order, for which I have given a 
receipt, and hope justice will be done them, for they have 
had a troublesome voyage from Winchendon to this place. I 
could not get the teams I have with the utmost trouble ob- 
tained round this woody place, at 28s. per day. They 
stood strong for 30s.. Was obliged to press them, Iam told 
it is impossible to get to Ticonderoga, the roads are so bad; 
but have obtained four hundred men to mend the way, after 
finding them rum and axes and shovels, which the Committee 
must pay, or ought to. pay, or the men would perish. The 
expense is more than you or all the Court did think, or the 
teams would not have come this way. I have got twelve 
teams, which will come to more than £15 a team, and have 
promised them pay at Ticonderoga, if they stop there: but 
am afraid the troops, before I can get to them, will be gone 
to Crown-Point. We have an express from General Gates, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


780 


for the troops to march with all speed. We have three thou- 
sand men in town. You must send by the post five hundred 
dollars, or I shall not be able to complete the business. ‘The 
credit of the Colony will not do. , I had all the assistance 
of the gentlemen in town, and tried to obtain the teams 
cheaper, but could not. We can’t get hardly anything to 
-eat: have no pork, and many of the troops sick on the 
march; rum 12s. per gallon, New-England. When I shall 
be at home, God only can tell; but I wish [had never come 
out. If I had had orders to buy teams, the Colony would 
have saved half the expense; but I will do the best, and 
through the tents shall go if I have my life spared. Your 
compliance and further orders will much oblige your dis- 
tressed friend, and much worn-out humble servant, 
Francis Apporrt. 


Richard Devens Esq., Commissary-General. 


P.S. Ihave had hardly any pens or paper, and am in 


haste. Give my love to Nat and all friends. Send to me at 
Captain Walker’s. I must tarry in town till the money 
comes. 


Boston, August 5, 1776. 

By an express from Falmouth, we are informed that Cap- 
tain White the day before, in a privateer, had arrived there, 
having forty men on board, with the particulars of the fol- 
lowing prizes he had taken, viz: the brig Fanny, 130 hogs- 
heads rum from Antigua; sloop Betsey, 150 hogsheads rum, 
and a brig from Antigua, for Liverpool, with 230 hogsheads 
rum; brig Harlequin, from Nevis for London, 273 hogsheads 
sugar and 63 hogsheads rum; ship Polly, from Antigua, 
450 hogsheads rum, 12 hogsheads sugar; ship Anna Maria, 
495 hogsheads sugar, and 52 pipes wine, and some bales 
of cotton, carried into Falmouth. ‘The Captain also took a 
seventh vessel, which he gave the prisoners. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM THE CAMP TWO MILES. BELOW 


KEOWEE, IN THE CHEROKEE COUNTRY, DATED avueustT 6, 
1776. 


On the 31st of July, some of Colonel Williamson’s scouts 
took two white men prisoners, who had been sent to get 
cattle for the enemy. They informed the Colonel that 
Cameron had come over the Hills a few days before with 
twelve white men; and that he, with the Seneca and some 
other Indians, in all about one hundred and fifty, were then 
encamped at Cowanaross, about twenty miles from Twenty- 
three Mile Creek, where our Army then lay encamped ; 
and that their women and children had all retired from the 
towns to the neighbourhood of the same place. This intel- 
ligence determined the Colonel to march that evening at 
the head of three hundred and thirty horsemen, taking the 
two prisoners with him. His intention was to leave the 
horses two miles behind, with a party to guard them, and- 
surround the enemy’s camp by daybreak. ‘The river Keowee 
lying in his route, and being only passable at a ford at 
Seneca, obliged him to take that road. About one o’clock 
in the morning, he arrived at the outskirts of that town, 
which he had received accounts of being entirely abandoned, 
and therefore little expected to meet with any opposition 
there. ‘The enemy, however, having received some intima- 
tion of his march, had taken possession of the first houses, 
and posted themselves behind a long fence, stuffed with twigs 
and corn blades, on an eminence close to the road where 
the party was to pass. ‘They allowed the guides and ad- 
vanced guard to come almost up to the houses, when they 
fired five or six guns, but without doing any other damage 
than killing one of the guide’s horses. ‘They immediately 
afterwards began a very heavy fire on our advanced guard 
and main body, by which Mr. Francis Salvador was shot 
in three different places, Colonel Williamson had his horse 
shot under him, and eight men were badly wounded, and 
two slightly. Mr. Salvador falling among the bushes, it 
being dark, and both parties mixed, they unluckily got his 
scalp. The Indian was seen by Captain Smith, who would 
have prevented his accomplishing his cruel purpose, had he 
not thought it was Mr. Salvador’s servant taking care of his 
master. He died about three-quarters of an hour after. 
The whole Army regretted his Joss, as he was universally 
beloved and esteemed by them. ‘Two of the wounded died 
next morning. 


781 


Our party soon recovering from their surprise, kept up a 
brisk fire on the places where the flashes of the enemy’s 
guns were seen, and soon drove them from their fences and 
houses. Their loss is not known; but from the number of 
blankets, shirts, tomahawks, &c., left besmeared with blood, 
and the bloody tracks which marked their retreat, it is sup- 
posed to be considerable. Colonel Williamson remained on 
the ground till daybreak, and burnt all the houses on both 
sides of the river, and destroyed their corn, &c. Judging 
that the party he had defeated would immediately proceed 
to their camp and apprize them of his approach, and having 
made an appointment to meet Colonels Need and Thomas 
at Sugar-T'own, the Colonel, after leaving a party to bury 
the dead and take care of the wounded, returned to his 
camp. Next day, in consequence of this appointment, the 
whole Army proceeded to the neighbourhood of Keowee, 
where they encamped ; and on the 4th, a party of four hun- 
dred men was sent to burn that town and Sugar-Town, 
which they effected. They found only an old lame Indzan, 
who informed them that the others had left the towns four 
days before, on a white man’s telling them a large Army 
was at Paris’s, which probably may be the Colonels Neel 
and Thomas’s party. He would not tell where the Indians 
were gone to. 

On the 6th, the Colonel marched at the head of six hun- 
dred and fifty men after the enemy, being fully determined 
to carry fire and sword throughout their country. 


FRANCIS SANDERSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
August 6, 1776. 

GenTLemEN: The time I made application to furnish you 
with camp-kettles, | only agreed with the Council for three 
hundred—one hundred and fifty against the Ist of August, 
and one hundred and fifty against the Ist of September. » I 
have these contracts ready. Should be glad to furnish the 
Council with more if they want. I have employed more 
hands for that purpose, as I furnished them with only half 
the number they wanted to contract with me for. 

I am, gentlemen, the Council’s most obedient humble 
servant, Francis SANDERSON. 
To the Right Hon. the Council of Safety, sitting at the 

City of Annapolis. 


JOHN VEAZEY, JUN., TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
In Committee, Cecil County, August 6, 1776. 


GentLemeN: We received, by the hands of Captain 
Alexander, £500 from your Board, for the purchasing arms, 
&c., for the use of the troops raised in our County. We 
find it will be in our power very speedily to collect a sufii- 
cient number of blankets for the use of those men raised 
here, and perhaps more than what they want. We will 
also do everything we can for procuring muskets; but are 
very doubtful whether we shall be able to procure enough 
of them. There is a gunsmith here that will undertake to 
repair any number of guns that we may get. Steel ramrods 
can be had here. We cannot as yet find that there are more 
than three or four publick arms in this County, and we have 
not received any guns worth anything from the Non-Asso- 
ciates or Non-Enrollers. 

We beg leave, gentlemen, to inform you, that the com- 
panies here are completed, and that the men, from being 
thrown out of all kind of employment, express great un- 
easiness at their situation, especially as many of them are 
daily at expense for their support, and are to receive no pay 
until they march. ‘To mitigate their uneasiness, and pre- 
vent their deserting the service, we have ordered the Cap- 
tains to call all their men together, and then to quarter them 
at the expense of the Continent, until we can have your 
advice how to proceed ; and for their support, we have been 
obliged to advance part of the money sent us by your Board 
to the officers. We have been very sorry to take this step 
without your orders; but in our opinion the publick service 
must have greatly suffered unless something of the kind had 
been done; indeed, the men think they ought to be under 
immediate pay. We request, gentlemen, that you will, as 
soon as possible, inform us whether it is agreeable to you 
to keep these troops in quarters, and whether we may assure 
them that they shall be under pay from the time they in- 
listed into the service. Should this be refused, we fear the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


782 


service will be discouraged, and that it will be very difficult 
to recruit men in future. We have procured thirty camp 
kettles. The money we have will not be sufficient to answer 
all the purposes. If you think proper to send us any more, 
we shall take care to dispose of it to the best advantage for 
the publick service. 

As ‘cartouch boxes, belts and slings, knapsacks with 
haversacks, priming-wires and brushes, are not to be had 
here, the sending them by the first opportunity will expedite 
the company’s marching. 

I am, in behalf of the Committee, gentlemen, your most 
obedient humble servant, 

Joun Veazey, Jun., Chairman. 


To the Hon. the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH. 
[No. 111.] Annapolis, August 6, 1776. 

Sir: You are requested by the Council of Safety to pur- 
chase, for the use of the publick, one good scow, proper for 
transporting heavy cannon; also, let us know whether you 
can purchase any flat-bottomed boats, with eight or ten oars, 
that would carry fifty men each, or any barges or whale- 
boats. Please to let us hear from you, and the price at 
which they may be got; if there be none to be had, whether 
you would undertake to have some built this fall. 

We are, &c. 


To Mr. Jesse Hollingsworth. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO MESSRS. VANBIBBER AND 
HARRISON. 
[No. 112.] Annapolis, August 6, 1776. 

GrentLtemeNn: We have received by Captain Martin all 
the goods you sent us, according to invoice and bill of lading, 
except ten barrels of gunpowder, which he says is @ mis- 
take, and that they were never put on board. If there be 
any mistake, you must rectify it; if no mistake, charge the 
Captain with the powder. 

Captain Stone has presented us a memorial, claiming the 
brig Friendship as his property, copy of which we send you 
enclosed, and to which we shall be glad hereafter of having 
your answer. We shall endeavour to make you remittances 
by every opportunity. We do not know the cargo of the 
brig Friendship. Colonel Hooe is down at Chingoteague, 
and will write you fally of the cargo put on board—some 
tobacco, bread, and flour, are the chief articles. You will 
do the best you can for us, and send by first good opportu- 
nity the following articles, viz: guns with bayonets, coarse 
woollens, coarse linens, gun-flints, lead, powder, and salt- 
petre. We have heretofore written you by Captain Handy, 
a duplicate whereof is now enclosed. When the fall and 
winter comes on, we shall do better, we hope. Dunmore’s 
fleet is gone off from the mouth of Potomack, very sickly 
and in great distress. Perhaps our Bay will be clearer of 
ships of war than it has been; if so, we shall remit you fully; 
in the mean time, draw on us, if you are in want of cash, 
payable either in Maryland or Pennsylvania, and we shall 
pay due honour to your drafts. Captain Conway is safe 
arrived in Great Wicomico, in Virgima. We shall get his 
cargo up soon, and despatch him as quick as possible. 

We are, with due regard, yours, &c. 


To Messrs. Vanbibber and Harrison. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO EDWARD PARKER. 
[No. 114.] Annapolis, August 6, 1776. 

Sir: Please to send us by the first opportunity ten pounds 
of coarse sewing-thread. We wrote you some time ago that 
we had a demand for linen for the Flying-Camp; we are 
very desirous you would let us have what you can get with 
all expedition. We are, Xc. 


To Mr. Edward Parker. 


SAFETY TO MESSRS. HARRIS AND 

ARCHER, 

[No. 115.] Annapolis, August 6, 1776. 
Gentiemen: We hear you have got a quantity of linen 

ready for us, which we wait with impatience to receive, for 

the use of this Province. We should be obliged to you if 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF 


783 


you would send it down immediately, and five pounds of 
coarse osnaburgh thread therewith. We are, &c. 


To Messrs. Harris & Archer. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL EWING. 
[No. 116.] Annapolis, August 6, 1776. 
Str: We have ordered Captain Young’s company up to 
Baltimore County, to be subject to your command, and we 
have advanced him the sum of one hundred and twenty-five 
pounds currency, to purchase necessaries. You'll be pleased 
to apply to the Committee for blankets, with the enclosed 
order. Were you to march one of your companies unarmed 
to Philadelphia, we doubt no arms can be got; we have 
not more due to us than will arm one company; we have 
applied several times by our Deputies, and cannot get them. 
If you can satisfy us that we stand any chance of succeed- 
ing in our application, we will cheerfully give an order. ‘To 
do it would only expose you and ourselves. ‘The hunting- 
shirts you cannot have; we want them for that part of the 
Flying-Camp that is to supply the place of Colonel Small- 
wood’s battalion. As your companies march forward, they 
shall be supplied with everything we can spare; but an un- 
limited order cannot be given. We are, &c. 


To Colonel Thomas Ewing. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO ISAAC GRIEST. 
[No. 117.] Annapolis, August 6, 1776. 
Sir: Two tent-makers are engaged to make tents at 
Baltimore, to wit, Jacobs and Johnson; one is employed in 
Kent, and one in this County; if any others are at Baltimore 
willing to engage in that way, you'll inform us of it, and 
we will give you directions toemploy them. ‘Tent-poles are 
necessary to be made. We suppose the tent-makers procure 
them; if not, you must get them made. As soon as you 
inform us another tent-maker can be found, we will order 
him the cloth necessary. We are, &c. 


To Mr. Isaac Griest. 


R. POTTS TO LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE. 
Frederick-Town, August 6, 1776. 
GrentLemeN: I am directed by the Committee of this 
town to inform you that the several officers sent to this place 
have subscribed the parole pointed out by the Congress, and 
that they have given security for the good behaviour and 
appearances of their servants. This Committee, under an 
expectation that their servants will be ordered here by your 
body after this notice of their having complied with the 
terms directed by the Congress, have encouraged the officers 
to send to your town for them. A list of the servants for 
whom security is given is herewith enclosed. 
I am, on behalf of the Committee, gentlemen, your most 
obedient servant, R. Ports, Clerk. 


To the Committee of Lancaster. 
OFFICERS WHO HAVE SUBSCRIBED THEIR PAROLE, AND THEIR 
SERVANTS. 


Major Sroprorn’s: John Smith, Ed. Nankirritt; Royal 
Fusileers.—Pass granted 17 August, 1776. 

Major Dunsar: John Pilling; Royal Fusileers.—Pass 
granted 17 August, 1776. 

Captain Stewart: Thos. Battersby; Twenty-Sixth Regi- 
ment.—Pass granted 17 August, 1776. 

Captain CamppeLL: William Ennis; Royal Emigrants.— 
Pass granted 16 August, 1776. 

Lieutenant Harrison: either Wm. Evidert or John Row- 
land; Royal Fusileers—Pass granted to Rowland 16 
August, 1776. 

Lieutenant SHurrLewortH: John Smith; Royal Fusileers. 
Pass granted 17 August, 1776. 

Lieutenant Leste: Sylvester Conlaer; Twenty-Sixtli Re- 
giment.—Pass granted 17 August, 1776. 

Captain Atere: Edward Forrestall; Navy.—Pass grant- 
ed 17 August, 1776. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO THE OFFICER COMMANDING 
COL. HASLETT’S BATTALION. 
Philadelphia, August 6, 1776. 
_ Sir: The Congress having instructed their Committee 
immediately to deliver as many arms as are necessary for 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


784 


your battalion, Robert Morris, Esq., will give the orders for 
the delivery. And & have it in charge from the Congress 
to direct, that as soon as the arms are received, you do, with- 
out loss of time, march your battalion to Amboy, New-Jer- 
sey, and acquaint General Washington of your arrival there, 
and follow such orders as you shall receive from him. 
I am, sir, your very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To the Officer commanding the Battalion of Continental 
Troops at the Barracks, Philadelphia, Colonel Haslett’s 
Battalion. 


RICHARD PETERS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
{Circular Letter. ] 
War Office, Philadelphia, August 6, 1776. 
GrnTLEMEN: By a resolve of Congress on the subject 
of Prisoners, it is determined “that a list of the prisoners in 
each Colony be made out by the Committees of the Coun- 
ties, Towns, or Districts, where they reside, and transmitted 
to the Assembly, Convention, or Council or Committee of 
Safety of such Colony respectively.” The Board of War, 
who have, by direction of Congress, the care of all prisoners, 
are much obstructed in that business by the resolution before 
quoted not having been complied with. I am therefore to 
press you by all means to prevail on the several Committees 
in your State to enable you immediately to transmit an accu- 
rate list of all prisoners of war now in your State to the 
Board, that this matter, which has heretofore been in confu- 
sion, may be reduced to proper order. 
I have the honour to be your most obedient humble ser- 


vant 
“ Ricwarp Perers, Secretary. 


To the Honourable Convention or Committee of Safety of 
Maryland. 


P. S. Please to send also a list of all officers, their ranks, 
and dates of commissions of any Continental troops raised in 
your Staté, and the time for which they were inlisted. 


MARINE COMMITTEE TO CAPTAIN JONES. 
In Marine Committee, Philadelphia, 
August 6, 1776. 

Sir: We have ordered the provisions and stores you 
requested, to be sent on board the sloop Providence, which 
you command under authority of the United States of Ame- 
rica; so that the said sloop being now ready for sea, you are 
to proceed immediately on a cruise against our enemies; and 
we think in or about the latitude of Bermuda may prove the 
most favourable ground for your purpose. 

Herewith we deliver you an extract from the Journals of 
Congress respecting the Navy prizes, &c., by which you will 
know with precision what vessels can be made prizes and 
which not. You have also herewith a list of the Continen- 
tal Agents in each State, and to some of them your prizes 
must be addressed according to the port they arrive in. 
Your cruise may be for six weeks, two or three months, just 
as provisions, water, and other circumstances point out to 
be best. If you gain any material intelligence, you must 
put into the nearest port of the Continent, and despatch an 
express to us with the same. 

You must, by all opportunities, transmit us an account of 
your proceedings and of such occurrences as you meet with. 
You are to be particularly attentive to protect, aid, and assist 
all vessels and property belonging to these States or the 
subjects thereof. It is equally your duty to seize, take, 
sink, burn, or destroy that of our enemies. Be careful of 
the sloop, her stores and materials; use your people well, 
thereby recommending the American naval service to all 
who engage in it. And we also recommend humane, kind 
treatment of your prisoners. These things, duly observed, 
will recommend you to the attention and regard of this 
Committee. 

We are, sir, your humble servants, 

Joun Hancock, Grorce Reap, 
Francis Hopkinson, Gero. Watton, 
Wituiam Wuirete, Arruur Mippieton, 
Rost. Morris, Francis Lewis. 
JosepH Hewes, 


To John Paul Jones, Esq., Commander of the Sloop Pro- 
vidence. 


785 


ABRAM CLARK TO COLONEL DAYTON. 
Philadelphia, August 6, 1776. 

My pear Frrenn: Your favour of the 25th of Ju/y, and 
Mr. Caldwell’s of the 26th, from the German-Flats, I re- 
ceived a few days ago, which I answered in a letter to Mr. 
Caldwell, having the day before written to you by a Doctor 
going through Albany to the Army at Ticonderoga. Yours 
of the 20th July, from Fort Stanwix, I received yesterday. 
I have frequently informed you of the situation of our Army 
in the Jerseys, watching that under General Howe on Staten- 
Island. Could I believe any letters would come safe to you, 
my pleasure in writing would be equal to that you express 
in receiving them. 

The King’s Army remain on the Island, fortifying every 
pass; their numbers unknown, but we with reason believe 
they are daily receiving reinforcements. Forty vessels, great 
and small, arrived a few days ago. The number of our forces 
in Jersey, I am not able to inform you of; they are to 
consist of at least sixteen thousand when completed. ‘The 
greater part of the Militia of Pennsylvania Colony are either 
there or going, who are to stay till the Army is completed. 
They form a chain from Amboy to Elizabeth-Town Point, 
where strong works are erected at an amazing expense of 
labour, chiefly effected by our Militia, before the Pennsyl- 
vanians arrived to their assistance. The Jersey Militia, upon 
the arrival of other forces, returned home to get in their 
harvest; since which, they are again taking the field. 

What works are thrown up at Amboy, Blazing- Star, &c., 
I am not able to say. I know nothing of any design to 
attack the King’s forces on the Island; it rather seems an 
attack from them is waited for; and it is said such an attack 
is soon expected to be made above New-York, near King’s 
Bridge, to which place the ships that went up the river, I 
hear, are returned. Elzabeth-Town was in great conster- 
nation upon General Howe’s taking possession of the Island; 
but at present I believe they are very easy. 1 formerly 
informed you that Mrs. Dayton had sent the chief of her 
goods into Springfield. Many that moved away from 
Elizabeth-Town have since returned. 

You have no doubt been informed by the papers of the 
flags sent by Lord Howe to General Washington, with let- 
ters. He refused to receive them, as they were only directed 
“To George Washington, &c.” You have also, | suppose, 
seen the printed Narrative of what passed in conversation 
between General Washington and Colonel Patterson, who 
came with a flag from Lord Howe. We lately sent a flag 
to his Lordship to settle an exchange of prisoners. He 
received the officer with great politeness; manifested a deep 
concern that he had not arrived before Independency was 
declared; professed a great regard for America, especially 
the Massachusetts-Bay, that had so signally honoured his 
family. He gave General Washington the title of General, 
and called us The United States. He consented to the 
exchange of prisoners; proposed immediately to set all his 
prisoners at liberty, relying upon the honour of the American 
States to return him an equal number when in their power. 
By a flag to General Howe an exchange of prisoners was 
also agreed upon, so faras fell within his department, Canada 
being, he said, out of it. 

An Indian war hath broken out to the southward. The 
Overhill Cherokees have commenced hostilities in the back 
part of Carolina, killed thirty or forty in one settlement, and 
had about one hundred and twenty besieged in a fortress, 
which it is thought must surrender before succours could 
arrive. Forces were marching against the Indzans. Gene- 
ral Clinton’s fleet remain inactive below Charlestown since 
his defeat: his forces sickly. No news from Lord Dunmore 
since he left Gwin’s Island and went up Potomack River. 

Last Saturday our gondolas attacked the King’s ships near 
Dobbs’s Ferry; they fought about an hour and a half, hulled 
the men-of-war several times, and were served in the same 
manner themselves. ‘They lost but four men, several wound- 
ed, and, I believe, came off the second best, though the 
Commander writes that he hopes soon to give the King’s 
ships another drubbing. 

This day’s post, since I begun this letter, brings accounts 
of more of the enemy arriving in the Narrows—an addition 
to what I have mentioned of at least twenty transports. 
And by the last accounts brought this day, I find our forces 
in the Jerseys are by no means equal to what I supposed 
from former information as above mentioned. 


Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


50 


786 


I spoke to our President for the commissions you desire 
may be sent. He tells me you must apply to General 
Schuyler, who hath got spare commissions, and can supply 
your regiment. I dare say you have a good regiment, and 
hear their commendation with pleasure; but had you seen 
a regiment, that went near two weeks ago to New-York, 
raised in Maryland, and another paraded this day in the 
State-House yard, from the Delaware Government, you 
would have altered your opinion; they were all shirtmen, 
mostly of an age and size. ‘The two battalions above men- 
tioned were the finest I ever saw. 

[lately mentioned to you that a ship belonging to Congress 
arrived at this town from France, with one thousand stand 
of arms, ten tons of powder, and blankets; since which, I 
find she brought thirty or forty tons of lead or more, salt- 
petre, &c., &c. Several valuable prizes, this day’s post 
advises, were lately brought in to the eastward. Weare also 
informed that the Portuguese have declared war against us 
by seizing our vessels in their ports. 

Our election for Council and Assembly, Sheriffs, &c., 
comes on next Tuesday in all the Counties of New-Jersey. 
I now feel the want of you in Elizabeth-Town. I sat down 
to consider to whom I might venture to write on politicks, 
and have none that I dare speak plainly to. Had you, or 
my much esteemed friend Mr. Caldwell, been there, I should 
have been at no loss. I have none like-minded. I have 
friends, it is true, but none there now that I dare speak with 
freedom to. I have written to several, and desire they will 
not keep my letters secret, so that I hope I shall not be 
charged with secret practices. 

As to my title, | know not yet whether it will be honour- 
able or dishonourable: the issue of the war must settle it. 
Perhaps our Congress will be exalted on a high gallows. 
We were truly brought to the case of the three lepers: If 
we continued in the state we were in, it was evident we 
must perish; if we declared Independence, we might be 
saved,—we could but perish. I assure you, sir, | see—I 
feel, the danger we are in. I am far from exulting in our 
imaginary happiness; nothing short of the almighty power 
of God can save us. It is not in our numbers, our union, 
our valour, I dare trust. I think an interposing Providence 
hath been evident in all the events that necessarily led us 
to what we are—I mean independent States; but for what 
purpose, whether to make us a great empire, or to make our 
ruin more complete, the issue only can determine. 

You and Mr. Caldwell, it seems, diverted yourselves with 
the power given in his commission. I find it was useful, 
however; for in his last he informs me of his commanding a 
garrison. 

General Schuyler makes the same complaint as you do 
for want of cash. His letter came to Congress the same 
day with yours and Mr. Caldwell’s from the German-Flats. 
Two hundred thousand dollars were immediately sent to the 
Paymaster-General, being part of five hundred thousand 
dollars ordered to be sent. ‘The Congress, or rather some 
of the Members, tell me, that if your regiment is near three 
months in arrear of pay, it is not a neglect of Congress, 
but a neglect somewhere else, as they have sent seasonable 
supplies. 

I am glad to hear a person so high in my esteem as Mr. 
Barber, so honourably spoken of by you. I never doubted 
but he would do honour to his appointment. He is young, 
and in the bloom of life, and a large field for promotion is 
open before him; and I can’t help but look upon him as 
designed in Providence for some important station. 

I most gratefully accept your congratulation on account 
of my appointment. Believe me, my dear friend, I am not 
in a place of my own choosing. I had much rather take 
an active part in our own State; I think I could have been 
more useful to my country there, where I had a sufficient 
share of influence, and where I could have served my friends 
much better than here. Besides, I have found my health 
much interrupted, pent up in a close town, deprived of air 
and exercise, and excessive heat from the reflection of the 
sun on the buildings and pavements. Excepting my health, 
I am as agreeably situated as I could expect. Dr. Wither- 
spoon, Mr. Hart, and myself, quarter together, and endeavour 
to make our lives as agreeable as possible. 

What you say respecting your regiment returning in the 
fall, will be attended to in a proper time. 

Remember, sir, (what I frequently mention,) that when I 


787 


write to you or Mr. Caldwell, 1 mean always to address you 
both; but, with regard to your families, | can say no more 
than that I have not heard of their being unwell. 
I am, my dear friend, your sincere and humble servant, 
Apram CuiarK. 


P. S. You'll please to accept this on plain paper; our 
dignity don’t afford gilt, and our pay scarcely any. Richard 
Lawrence, on Staten-Island, is Colonel of a regiment under 
the Crown, and commands the forces there, joined with some 
Regulars. 


In Council of Safety, Philadelphia, August 6, 1776. 


In consequence of a request of this Board to the Com- 
mittees of Inspection and Observation of the different Coun- 
ties, to appoint suitable persons to hear the complaints of the 
families of those Associators that have gone to camp, and to 
supply them with such necessaries as they may stand in need 
of, the Committee of Inspection and Observation of this City 
and Liberties have recommended the following gentlemen 
for that purpose, viz: 

For the First Battalion: Isaac Coates, William Moulder, 

Jacob Schreiner. 
For the Second Battalion: Moses Bartram, Gasper Guyer, 
Ephraim Bonham. 

For the Third Battalion: George Meade, Richard Den- 

nis, Robert Barly. 

For the Fourth Battalion: George Graeme, Frederick 

Dushon, Peter Knight. 
For the Fifth Battalion: John Hart, John Tittamary, 
Wiliam Drury. 

Resolved, therefore, ‘That they be and are hereby appoint- 

ed accordingly. 

Extract from the Minutes : 

Jacos S. Howe xt, Secretary. 


PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE. 
In Committee Chamber, Philadelphia, August 6, 1776. 


Resolved unanimously, That the following Resolve of the 
Provincial Conference be published in all the Newspapers in 
English and German. 

‘*Tn Provincial Conference, June 25. 


“Resolved, 'That it be recommended to every County 
and District Committee in this Province, to pay the strictest 
attention to the examination of all strangers or persons 
travelling through the City or Counties, and permit no per- 
sons travelling through the City or Counties to remain 
therein, unless they produce a pass or certificate from the 
City, County, or District Committee from whence they last 
came; and it is further recommended to all Committees, to 
furnish proper passes to all friends to American liberty upon 
their application therefor.” 

NatHanieL Donne.x, Secretary pro tem. 


A General Muster-Roll of five Artillery Companies under 
the command of Colonel Mirrxin, now lying at the Ar- 
tellery Park, near Ampoy, &c., &c., in East-Jersey. 


ARTILLERY PARK FRONTING CONGRESS STREET, NEAR AMBOY. 


Muster-Roll of the First Company of Artillery Associators of PHILADELPHIA, 
commanded by Major Bensamin Lox.ey. 


1 Colonel, a 
1 Major, 
1 Captain-Lieutenant, 
1 First Lieutenant, 
1 Second Lieutenant, 
1 Ensign, 
3 Lieutenant Fire-Workers, one of which on furlough, one 
stopped by Council of Safety. 
; Cuan ; Warrant Officers. 
4 Sergeants. 
4 Corporals, one sick, one lame left behind. 
8 Bombardiers, one on furlough, one lame left behind. 
18 Gunners. 
11 Matrosses. 
1 Drum. 
1 Fife. 
11 Wagon-Drivers, including the Wagonmaster. 
Colonel’s servants: 2 Negroes, who do duty without pay. 
Major’s servant: 1 Negro, who does duty without pay. 


N. B. Twenty-six Privates of this Company at sea or at publick work. 


Commissioned Officers. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


788 


Muster- Roll of Capt. Huge’s First Company of Artillery of West-Jensey. 


1 abs 
1 Captain-Lieutenant, sie 
1 Finest Lieutenant, (lle ea Officers. 
1 Second Lieutenant, J 
1 Lieutenant Fire-Worker. 
4 Sergeants. 
4 Corporals. 
1 Bombardier. 
48 Matrosses. 
1 Drum. 
1 Fife. 


Muster- Roll of the Third Company of Artillery Associators of PamapE.- 


PHIA, commanded by Captain Joseru STILes. 


1 Captain, 
1 Captain-Lieutenant, 
1 First Lieutenant, 
1 Second Lieutenant, 
1 Ensign, 
2 Lieutenant Fire-Workers. 
: Co note Warrant Officers. 
4 Sergeants. 
4 Corporals. 
6 Bombardiers. 
24 Matrosses. 
1 Drum. 
1 Fife. 
11 Wagon-Drivers, including the Wagonmaster. 


N. B. Eight of the above Matrosses at publick work. 


Commissioned Officers. 


Muster-Roll of the Second Company of Artillery Associators of PamavEL- 


PHIA, commanded by Captain Josu. Mou.per. 
1 Captain, 
1 Captain-Lieutenant, 
1 First Lieutenant, 
1 Second Lieutenant, 
3 Sergeants. 
3 Corporals. 
3 Bombardiers. 
5 Gunners. 
38 Privates. 
1 Drum. 
7 Wagoners. 


Commissioned Officers. 


Muster-Roll of Captain Neau’s Company of Artillery. 
1 Captain, 
1 Captain-Lieutenant, 
1 First Lieutenant, 
1 Second Lieutenant, 
1 Third Lieutenant, 
4 Sergeants. 
4 Corporals. 
4 Bombardiers. 
45 Matrosses. 
1 Drum. 
1 Fife. 
Samuet Mirruin, Colonel of Artillery. 


Amboy, August 6, 1776. 


Commissioned Officers. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM GEN. HOWE TO LORD GEORGE 
GERMAINE, DATED HEAD-QUARTERS, STATEN-ISLAND, AU- 
cust 6, 1776. 


Judging your Lordship will be anxious for information, 
and having two packets on this side, I despatch the Sand- 
wich, without waiting for further tidings of Commodore 
Hotham and the part of his fleet not yet arrived, but which, 
from late reports, may with reason be hourly expected. 

The troops that have arrived to this day are expressed in 
my returns to the Secretary at War and Adjutant-General, 
whereby your Lordship will observe that we are in force 
sufficient to enter upon offensive operations; but I am de- 
tained by the want of camp-equipage, particularly kettles 
and canteens, so essential in the field, and without which 
too much is to be apprehended on the score of health, at a 
time when sickness among the British troops was never 
more to be dreaded, from a due consideration of their im- 
portance in the prosecution of this distant war, and esteeming 
the Army present as the stock upon which the national force 
in America must in future be grafted. However, if the camp- 
equipage should not arrive with Commodore Hotham, we 
must use every means to provide against those wants, and 
the Army will immediately begin to act. 

Your Lordship’s despatches of the 3d, 12th, and 13th of 
May, with the duplicates of others since the 22d October, 
1775, were received by the Sandwich packet, on the 27th, 
and by Lord Hyde on the 29th July. His Majesty’s most 
gracious approbation of my withdrawing the troops from 
Boston, under the circumstances, as described in my de- 
spatch of 2lst of March, and the flattering terms wherein 
it was conveyed by your Lordship, does me the highest 
honour, 


789 


Having communicated my reasons, in a former letter, for 
ordering the Guards and Hessians to this post, previous to 
any attempts upon Rhode-Island, 1 am since confirmed in 
the propriety of such measure, by finding, as I expected, 
the principal force of the Rebels assembled at New-York, 
from whence to dislodge them, it will require our collected 
strength, before any other operation can take place. In 
this I shall now be most essentially assisted by Lieutenant- 
General Clinton and Lord Cornwallis, who arrived here 
from South-Carolina on the Ist instant. The Southern 
transactions have been sent to your Lordship by General 
Clinton; and duplicates of his letters going by this opportu- 
nity, I need not touch upon that subject. 

The Phenix, of forty guns, and the Rose, of twenty, 
passed the enemy’s batteries up the North River, on the 
12th of July, in mid-day. We have not received any direct 
intelligence from them since they went upon this service, 
but by private means I learn they did not suffer the least 
damage from the enemy’s batteries, and that they were in 
safety, at the upper end of the Tappan Sea, a few days 
past. 

The Commander-in-Chief of the Rebel Armies sent me 
the enclosed letter and narrative of some past transactions 
in Canada, which I thought proper to answer in general 
terms, directed “To George Washington, Esq., &c., &c.,” 
as the most unexceptionable mode of address. ‘The officer 
sent to meet the flag would not receive my letter, as it did 
not express his general titles; in consequence of which, 
I sent Lieutenant-Colonel Patterson, Adjutant-General, a 
few days afterwards, to remonstrate upon this, and other 
circumstances, relative to the usage of General Prescott and 
several officers in the enemy’s possession, and to mention an 
exchange of prisoners. ‘This interview was more polite than 
interesting; however, it induced me to change my super- 
scription for the attainment of an end so desirable; and in 
this view, I flatter myself it will not be disapproved. ‘The 
letters, though unimportant, are all enclosed for your Lord- 
ship’s satisfaction. 

The report concerning the Seventy-First Regiment, as 
mentioned in my last, proves to be true by later accounts, 
directly from Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell; who is a prison- 
er at Boston, and it is confirmed that Major Menzzes was 
killed in the action. This unfortunate accident makes a 
considerable addition to their number of prisoners, and in- 
creases my anxiety for their relief; for which end I shall use 
every means in my power to improve and avail myself of 
this agreement for the exchange of prisoners. 

Major Rogers, having escaped to us from Philadelphia, 
is empowered to raise a battalion of Rangers, which, I hope, 
may be useful in the course of the campaign. 

it is with much satisfaction I am to inform your Lordship 
that the troops which came with me, and those since arrived, 
are in perfect good health. 


COLONEL DRAKE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp at Greenwich, New-York, August 6, 1776. 


May tr PLease your Excettency: It is with reluctance 
we presume to approach your Excellency with complaints, 
at this critical period; nevertheless, our duty to the men 
under our care and command compels us to that measure. 
We observe with much concern the order of yesterday for 
the march of our Brigade into the city; but we have much 
reason to believe that misinformation, as well as misrepre- 
sentations made to your Excellency, have occasioned that 
order; which order (if consistent with the good of the ser- 
vice) we would wish to have suspended—at the same time 
we assure your Excellency that we always mean to obey 
your orders with cheerfulness—from a tender regard to the 
health of the troops under our command, and the inconve- 
nience it will subject them to, by being again crowded into 
houses in town, which we are sensible has been very preju- 
dicial to their health. Your Excellency must be sensible 
that when we marched to this encampment we found it in 
exceeding bad order, but, by the industry of the men, they 
have now provided comfortable quarters for the season, are 
satisfied with their situation, and the sick are daily turning 
out from the Hospital, for duty. However, as they have 
entirely devoted themselves to the cause of their country, 
they are resolved to submit, unless your Excellency shall 
think proper to suspend the order with regard to the two 

* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


790 


regiments, (which are entirely composed of people from the 
country,) if it be consistent, that we may be continued on 
the ground, and our places supplied by some other regi- 
ments, now in quarters in town; which we shall ever esteem 
a favour conferred on your Excellency’s most obedient and 
very humble servants, (in behalf of the officers,) 

Samu. Drake, Colonel. 

Jous. Harpensuren, Lit. Col. 


COLONEL DRAKE TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
New-Rochelle, August 6, 1776. 

Sr: When I some time ago delivered in to General 
Morris a resignation of my military appointment, I had not 
time to commit to writing my reasons for so doing, and there- 
fore beg leave now to offer them. 

On the 19th ultimo I received General Morris’s orders to 
call together the regiment under my command, in order to 
draught one-fourth of the men for immediate service. The 
General at the same time requested me to meet him at the 
White-Plains, previous to the calling together the regiment. 
I accordingly waited on him at the Plains, and was much 
surprised to find that I was not to have the command of 
the new levies, (which, as first Colonel I considered my 
right,) but that the command was given to the second Colo- 
nel in the County. I expressed to the General my disincli- 
nation to continue in the service, as I considered myself 
aggrieved by such a preference given to my inferior officer. 
But he, notwithstanding, prevailed on me to call out and 
meet the regiment for the aforesaid purpose, which I accord- 
ingly did, and solicited the officers to turn out voluntarily 
in order to encourage the private men; but they excused 
themselves unless they were commanded by me. I told 
them the command was already given to the second Colonel. 
To him they particularly objected, and positively refused 
going. 

After this, [informed the General of the steps I had taken, 
and the result, and told him, that should I a second time be 
ordered to call out the regiment for the purpose of draught- 
ing, I had so little prospect of success that I begged leave 
to resign my commission. Upon this declaration, the Gene- 
ral signified to me that he would procure an order of the 
Convention to leave my regiment as it was at present, but 
that they should be held in readiness to march at the short- 
est notice on anemergency. With this I was well satisfied. 
But on the 31st of last month I again received orders to call 
them out, for the purpose of raising every fourth man to go 
under the command of Colonel Thomas, whereupon I took 
the liberty to deliver up my commission. 

I hope the above reasons will prove satisfactory to you, 
and dare say you will do me the justice to believe that | 
had no other motive for resigning, 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most 
humble servant, 


To the Hon. Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq. 


JoserpH Drake. 


GENERAL MIFFLIN TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Mount Washington, August 6, 1776. 


My pear Generac: Agreeable to your order by Colonel 
Reed’s letter, I have directed Colonel Holden to march with 
his three companies, this evening, to King’s Bridge. 

I shall, in consequence of that order, be under the neces- 
sity of totally neglecting the Point battery until men are 
sent up to work on it; our two battalions being employed 
in raising part of our parapet, covering the large magazine, 
cutting and forming the abatis, digging wells, &c. That 
magazine will be prepared to receive the powder this eve- 
ning. The magazine within the fort will be completed in 
twodays. We have so many sick and on guard, that I have 
been obliged to give up the outworks for the present. 

As I had no orders respecting the chevaux-de-frise, and 
as the artists appeared willing to take their own way, I did 
not presume to interfere. In future I will watch and direct 
their movements. But as Colonel Putnam is absent with 
the soundings, and as the vessels are sent up without persons 
who are acquainted with the depth of water for which they 
were calculated, I shall be at a loss to sink them. The 
sloops which came up this morning being small, must, in my 
opinion, be sunk to the westward of the brigs. If Colonel 


791 


Putnam had another destination for them, I beg to be favour- 
ed with directions where to place them. 

In future it will be best to send up single vessels, it being 
the most abstruse problem in hydraulics to determine of what 
size the several ports or holes should be in vessels of differ- 
ent tonnage and construction, in order to their sinking at the 
same time. If one sinks before the other, we risk as yes- 
terday. I believe that vessels above ninety tons, without 
frise-work, will answer very well. No ship will attempt to 
pass over them, even if they were eighteen feet below the 
surface. If five or six vessels of one hundred tons each 
could be sent up, I shall apprehend no danger of the ships 
of war passing them. It will be the most expeditious and 
most frugal scheme. 

The Colossus is now at anchor a little to the westward of 
her post. The buoy fixed by Colonel Putnam appears to 
be too distant from the shore; possibly it may have been 
carried there by the wind and current. She shall be re- 
moved this night if possible, the brigs this afternoon. 

The enemy may probably attempt to weigh some of the 
vessels; it will therefore be necessary to fix some guns on 
the battery. If I can obtain no heavy, I will send down 
our four twelve-pounders and the howitzer, and fight them 
en barbette. 

I am, with zeal and attachment, your Excellency’s obe- 


dient servant, Tro. Mirruiin. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


P. S. Detachments do us no service—I cannot manage 
them. Those sent up formerly I was obliged to chase from 
tree to tree to prevent their lounging. 


COLONEL THOMAS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Tarrytown, August 6, 1776. 

May rr PLEASE your Excetuency: From the situation 
of the men-of-war and tenders, now opposite this place in 
Hudson’s River, think it my duty, as commanding officer 
here, to inform your Excellency of the advantageous situation 
of the ground here for placing some cannon to play upon 
the shipping whilst attacked by our galleys. ‘The cannon 
may be placed upon an eminence within near half a mile of 
the shipping; and if your Excellency should think the above 
plan expedient, an Engineer might be necessary to form a 
breastwork for three or four pieces of cannon, which I beg 
your Excellency in that case will order up, with the neces- 
sary apparatus and intrenching tools. I conceive shall be 
able to collect a sufficient number of men, with those already 
under my command here, to throw up a breastwork in a very 
short time in an evening after planned by an Engineer. 

Should your Excellency think this advisable, it may be 
necessary to order the Commodore of the galleys to post- 
pone an attack upon the shipping until a proper breastwork 
is thrown up, in case his orders should oblige an attack 
sooner. I don’t pretend to dictate to your Excellency, but 
only take the liberty of stating the above for your Excel- 
lency’s consideration, with which I would wish your Excel- 
lency’s indulgence. 

Captain Townsend, who brings this, will be able to inform 
you of the true state of the ground, from a view thereof. 

I shall wait orders; and am your Excellency’s most obe- 


dient humble servant 
, Tuomas THoMas. 


ULSTER COUNTY COMMITTEE TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 


In Committee for the County of Ulster, 
New-Paltz, August 6,.1776. 


GentLemen: This day Mr. Colden made application to 
the Committee for his enlargement. 'The Committee, out 
of compassion to his son, Cadwalader, (who appears to be a 
decent young man,) consented to liberate him to the bounds 
of his own farm, on his giving sureties and obligation for 
£2,000 that he would not depart the same until he received 
full liberty from the honourable Convention of this State. 
This being done, he desired a copy of the Minutes of this 
Committee the time he was committed. ‘The Committee, 
thinking they were under no obligations to gratify Mr. Colden 
in this particular, informed him they would transmit a copy 
of them to the honourable Convention, which would answer 
the necessary purpose for him, which, gentlemen, this Com- 
mittee gives you preceding this, and beg leave to inform 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


792 


the honourable Convention of the motives that influenced 
their conduct toward Mr. Colden, which he so loudly com- 
plains of as arbitrary and cruel. 

Some of the members of the Newburgh and New-Windsor 
Committees being present at the time Mr. Colden was tried 
and committed, did then inform this Committee that the 
reasons why they took notice of Mr. Colden (he being some 
distance without the bounds of their districts, although more 
contiguous to them than he is to the greater part of the Pre- 
cinct where he lives) were that the times grew very alarming; 
Tories were extremely impudent; a most infernal plot just 
discovered in New-York, which was supposed to extend to 
most parts of the Province; several persons in this country 
strongly suspected as being concerned therein, and some of 
them sent for to New-York. They further knew that orders 
had been issued by this Committee to every Precinet Com- 
mittee in this County for disarming all suspected persons, of 
whom they freely thought Mr. Colden one. After waiting 
some time, they perceived that the Committee of the Precinct 
of Hanover, in which Mr. Colden lives, took no notice of 
him, agreeable to the aforesaid order; from which they were 
induced to believe the common report to be too true, 2. e. 
that the Committee of the Precinct of Hanover were afraid 
to treat Mr. Colden as he deserved, for there was a general 
report in the country, which they believed could be fully 
proved, that, after Mr. Colden had signed the General Asso- 
ciation, he broke the same, by either giving or selling a book 
or books to a certain person in this County, which contained 
poisonous doctrines, directly opposite to the efforts which 
the United Colonies are making for the preservation of their 
invaded rights. This the aforesaid Committee passed over 
without doing anything material in it. They, considering 
these things, concluded themselves under obligations to act 
for the publick safety, being equally concerned in the con- 
sequences with their neighbours, whom they could not avoid 
thinking rather remiss in their duty in this particular, because 
nothing could be inferred or learned from Mr. Colden’s whole 
conduct that would serve for a sufficient reason why he might 
not be engaged in plots and conspiracies against the liberties 
of his country; for although Mr. Colden did sign the General 
Association, it is*evident he only meant it as a sanctuary for 
his person and property, never having acted in the smallest 
degree agreeable to the spirit of it, or in his heart bid it God 
speed. A few considerations will clearly demonstrate the 
truth of this. At the very juncture of time the Association 
made its appearance Mr. Colden was intently engaged in 
procuring subscribers to his favourite Protest, (a copy of 
which we here enclose the honourable Convention for their 
perusal,) which he alludes to in his letter directed to the Joint 
Committees of Ulster County, where he says: “I said that 
I had made no secret of my principles and opinions on these 
matters, while I thought they might in the least contribute 
to ward off those calamities I foresaw must attend the publick 
measures then adopted, and which is now too unhappily 
come to pass. ‘hat when I found I could do no good in 
that way, I had entirely avoided interfering in any shape in 
publick affairs.” And nothing appears as yet, either from 
Mr. Colden’s actions, words, or writing, by which it can be 
fairly construed that his political principles are one jot altered 
from what is expressed in the Protest, so that it will not re- 
quire a spirit of divination to disclose the principle on which 
Mr. Colden signed the Association. These gentlemen further 
informed this Committee that they considered this Protest 
as the evil seed sown in this County, from which the whole 
of the fruits of Toryism sprung; for, to their knowledge, 
upwards of sixty persons in the Precinct of Newburgh had 
subscribed it, numbers of whom indeed were rather to be 
ranked among the lower class of mankind, but appeared to 
be possessed of more common honesty than Mr. Colden, for, 
after they had signed the Protest, they stoutly defended their 
conduct, by refusing to sign the Association; which caused 
great expense and trouble to the good people of this County, 
every shilling of which is justly chargeable to Mr. Colden’s 
account, who retracted and left them in the lurch. Further, 
they conceived that the end and design of the Association 
was not to be a state of neutrality, (Mr. Colden freely con- 
fesses he had observed,) but a firm bond of union for mutual 
defence, which required activity; also an obligation to obey 
the rules and resolutions of the Congresses. How far Mr. 
Colden hath obeyed relative to the disposition of the Militia 
is easily known, by the enclosed depositions of Messrs. Pal- 


793 


mer and Logan, one broken gun in his house, which, (to use 
his own words,) “in these times, he did not think worth while 
to have it mended.” ' 

It would be trespassing on the time and patience of this 
honourable Convention to enumerate every minute circum- 
stance relative to this man’s conduct. Therefore, will only 
add, that, after considering the reasons given by the gentle- 
men of the Newburgh and New-Windsor Committees for 
dealing with Mr. Colden, this Committee was of opinion 
they did no more than what was right at this critical period. 
Also, that Mr. Colden appeared (all things considered) to be 
a person dangerous to the welfare of the United States of 
America, at this alarming crisis; therefore committed him to 
jail, and have since given him the privilege of his own farm, 
as before recited, until fully discharged by the honourable 
Convention of this State. 

We have the honour, gentlemen, to be, with the highest 
esteem, your most obedient, humble servants. 

By order of the Committee : 

Rosert Boyp, Jun., Chairman: 


To the Honourable the Representatives in Convention of 
the State of New-York. 


P. S. The honourable Convention will please to note 
the great difference between Mr. Colden’s representation of 
matters and the Minutes of the Committee.- Also this Com- 
mittee would inform the honourable Convention of the mo- 
tive that induced them to propose the addition Mr. Colden 
so much complains of, although no more in fact than what 
is contained in the Association. Mr, Colden being upwards 
of fifty years old, of course an exempt by the Militia laws, 
and found destitute of arms, the Committee was of opinion 
Mr. Colden should be somewhat explicit on that particular. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
German-Flats, August 6, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Your Excellency’s favour of the 31st of July 
I had the pleasure to receive this morning. 

I am well aware that every person in the Commissary- 
General’s department should strictly abide by and obey his 
orders; and that more than one head to any department 
must be introductory to confusion. ‘This sentiment I have 
strongly held up to Congress in some of my letters in the 
course of last campaign; and as soon as Mr. Trumbull 
arrived in the Northern Department, I conceived that he 
became the principal of the Commissary Department, and 
have accordingly always directed Mr. Livingston to obey 
his orders, in terms which, I trust, will do me honour as a 
soldier and a citizen, whose first wish is the the weal of the 
cause he is engaged in. Nor do I know of an instance in 
which Mr. Trumbull’s appointments have not been regarded. 
The case of Mr. Avery is surely not one; he was particu- 
larly appointed for Canada, soon after that country was put 
into a separate military department, and his appointment, 
therefore, did no more extend to this department than it did 
to South-Carolina. But as the Army was returned from 
Canada, and as more Commissaries were wanted than what 
were then employed, I made a temporary appointment of 
Mr. Avery to superintend the issues, for which business he 
was designed in Canada, as your Excellency will perceive 
by calling for the orders Mr. Trumbull gave him. 

Our emissaries amongst the Indians all agree that it would 
be extremely imprudent to request the Indians to take an 
active part with us, as they think it would effectually mili- 
tate the contrary way. ‘he conferences begin to-morrow. 
From their answer to our first speech, we shall, I hope, be 
able to discover their temper and intentions; and should we 
have a prospect of engaging them in our favour, we will 
improve it in the best manner we can. ‘Their number now 
here, including their women and children, is seventeen hun- 
dred and eighteen. 

As your Excellency conceives it will be proper, and even 
necessary, to request General Burgoyne to deliver the offi- 
cers who have slighted their paroles, and are now with him, 
I will write to General Gates, and desire him to send a flag 
for the purpose. 

I have sent to Salisbury Furnace to get swivels cast for 
the Navy. ‘The difficulty of procuring the articles neces- 
sary for the Navy are almost insuperable; persons are gone 
express to every quarter of the country, and some as far as 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


794 


New-London, to purchase whatever can be got, but I still 
fear we shall fall short in many articles. 

In mine of the 24th, I pointed out the situation of Crown- 
Point, with respect to the distance from the southern and 
northern extremes of the Lake. It is evident that it cannot 
command an inch of country north of the fort further than 
cannon-shot will reach; and that if a General has a mind 
to land an army on any part of the banks of Lake Cham- 
plain north of Crown-Point, nothing but a superior naval 
force can prevent him—perhaps not even that. If, then, 
an attempt was made to penetrate into the New-England 
Colonies from any place between two miles beyond Crown- 
Point and the north end of the Lake, what will be the differ- 
ence in bringing our Army to oppose them? Why, fifteen 
miles, and no more, by land or by water, as we may choose 
to go; but I really have no idea of the possibility of an 
Army penetrating into the well-inhabited part of any of 
the New-England Colonies. If I commanded an army at 
Crown-Point, and was certain that, by removing it from 
thence, the enemy would undertake to march across the 
Green Mountains (for that is the only route when they are 
not suffered to go by the way of T%conderoga) into the New- 
England Colonies, [ would immediately remove the obsta- 
cle; nor would I attempt to follow them until they had got 
at least twenty-five miles from the Lake—conscious that if, 
indeed, they were not followed at all, and a body of light 
troops only sent to harass them on their arrival in the Green 
Mountains, very few would ever return, and none penetrate. 
General Arnold, with all his activity, with picked men, 
with a small body, suffered greatly before he got a hundred 
miles from his batteaus. What would an army, so numer- 
ous as to be capable of effecting anything of consequence 
if they did penetrate, suffer in such a march, and through 
mountains hardly passable for a carriage with the best of 
drivers and a good team? How an army at Crown-Point 
could prevent savages from penetrating into the country 
east of Lake Champlain, I cannot possibly conceive. Can 
an army at New-York prevent a man going into a batteau 
at New-London, crossing the Sound to the east end of Long- 
Island, or to any other part of it between New-York and 
the east end, landing there, crossing the Island, and com- 
mitting a depredation on the south side? Surely not; and 
yet the case is nearly similar, and would be quite so, if the 
north side of Long-Island was as thinly inhabited as the 
east shore of Lake Champlain. 

Enclose you an extract of a letter dated the 4th instant, 
from Captain Varick, my Secretary at Albany. You will 
perceive what difficulties we have to encounter for want of 
mogey. I can easily foresee, that unless a supply is soon 
sent, it will be impossible to keep the Army where it is; for 
without carriages, it cannot be supplied, and your Excel- 
lency is informed how many are daily wanted for provisions 
only, when a full number of batteaus are employed, and 
carriages can no longer be procured without money. 

Since your Excellency’s arrival in New-York, I have not 
written to Congress on military affairs, otherwise than in 
answer to letters received from them, (in some of these, I 
have urged the necessity of a supply of cash,) supposing 
that whatever information I might give, and which might be 
necessary for Congress to know, would be, as I doubt not it 
has been, communicated to them. 

I am informed that a Council of Officers, convened at New- 
York, (whether of their own accord or by your Excellency’s 
order I am not advised,) had decided that the Council of 
General Officers lately held at Crown-Point had acted 
reprehensibly. In justice to myself and the other General 
Officers who composed that Council, I cannot pass by this 
extraordinary mode of proceeding without animadverting on 
it; for although I should grant that every officer that com- 
posed the Council at New-York had the most perfect know- 
ledge of the country, that they were separately endowed with 
abilities vastly superior to those of the Generals in this quar- 
ter taken in the aggregate, yet to assume a power of cen- 
suring us, even if we were their inferiors in rank, if convened 
as a court-martial, for the purpose of trying us, without hear- 
ing what we could say in support of our decision, is so inju- 
rious, so unjust, so extra-judicial, that [ have not the least 
doubt but that every man of candour will join us in depre- 
cating the outrage. For although every individual in the 
community has a right to give his opinion on the conduct of 
the servants of the publick, and although a superior officer 


795 


has a right, nay, ought to direct a change of measures when 
he believes those adopted will be attended with dangerous 
consequences, and although a council may give their opinion 
on the propriety or impropriety of a measure referred to them 
for consideration, yet the superior officer, in directing a 
change of measures, or a council in deciding that a measure 
was improper, ought not to convey an idea which supposes 
guilt until guilt is proved, and not even then, unless dey 
had been constituted a tribunal for the purpose of deciding 
on the guilt or innocence of the party to be tried, and that 
the party supposed guilty had had an opportunity given him 
of being heard in his own defence. This we have not had, 
and yet our conduct is said to be reprehensible. I feel my- 
self so deeply chagrined at this conduct, that if my informa- 
tion is true, (which your Excellency can determine, and 
which I entreat you to do the soonest possible,) I cannot, 
consistent with my honour, remain in the Army, unless the 
Council at New-York are censured for the assertion by Con- 
gress or by your Excellency, or unless, conscious of the im- 
propriety of their conduct towards us, they make a candid and 
full acknowledgment thereof. And permit me to beg you 
to lay a copy of this letter, with copy of mine of the 24th, 
before Congress, that they may see on what I founded my 
opinion for the removal of the Army to Ticonderoga, and 
what idea I have of the injury the General Officers who 
composed the Council at Crown-Point have sustained. 

The account of General Lee’s success reached us a few 
days ago, as also that of the captures to the eastward. May 
we soon hear that the enemy meets with other checks so 
decisive as to cause them to forbear any further attempts this 
campaign. It has several times been reported by the Indzans, 
that part of Burgoyne’s Army, jomed by a body of Indians, 
will attempt to penetrate by the way of Oswego. Should 
this information be true, as I believe it to be, a greater force 
will be necessary in this quarter. I think it will be prudent 
to post Colonel Nicolson’s regiment, which consists, by his 
own account, of about one hundred and fifty privates, on some 
part of the Mohawk River ; but if time will permit, I shall wait 
your Excellency’s order before I make this movement. 

I am, dear sir, most respectfully, your Excellency’s most 
obedient, humble servant, Pu. ScHUYLER. 


To His Excellency General Washington, &c., &c. 
Extract of a Letter from Captain Varicx to General Scnuyier, dated 
ABany, August 4, 1776. 

The wagoners will not ride, unless they can have prompt 
payment. It is shameful that publick officers are obliged to 
give their notes for money on interest to carry on the ser- 
vice. A number of wagoners had come down to this place 
this morning to carry sutlers’ stores. I applied to Colonel 
Van Schaick for his order to prohibit sutlers’ stores going 
up without his pass, which | begged him not to give. But 
the wagoners would sooner return home than ride for the 
publick. They say the publick is largely indebted to them, 


and they can get no money. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 6, 1776. 

Dear Generau: We have sent off so many gondolas, and 
there are none of the oars returned, that we are left almost 
destitute; and we shall be very much troubled to furnish the 
boats to forward the troops as they shall arrive; and should be 
glad your Honour would order some by the return of this boat. 

I herewith send your Honour a few pounds of butter, 
which is all I could procure at present. 

I should be glad to be informed whether I am to forward 
the Hampshire troops to Ticonderoga, or employ them here 
to the best advantage. A considerable number arrived last 
evening, but have not had their returns yet. Our galleys 
go on extremely fast, but fear we shall have to wait for iron 
and other articles. 

I am, your Honour’s most obedient, humble servant, 

Davin Watersory, Jun. 


GENERAL GATES TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Tyonderoga, August 6, 1776. 
Sir: In this packet, I have the honour to send you the 
proceedings of the General Court-Martial, held for the trial 
of Colonel Bedel and Major Butterfield. Immediately 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


796 


upon the President’s delivering the proceedings into my 
hands, I ordered the sentences to be inserted in the General 
Orders, and hope the disgraceful example made of the offen- 
ders will deter others from committing so flagrant a crime. 
Perhaps a little more severity in the Court-Martial would 
have effected this in a stronger manner; but severity is not 
the characteristick of our military courts, any more than it 
is of our military law. 

I have at last been able to send you something like a 
general return of this Army. It is also accompanied by 
the particular return of each corps. These, though as cor- 
rect as our present circumstances will admit, are not so 
exactly so as I wish to have them, nor as I am resolved 
in future to have them; but time works wonders. Gen- 
eral Waterbury’s return from Skenesborough is also in the 
packet. I am daily informed of the Militia that crowd 
the roads, coming from the eastward. When I have a 
proper authority to say they are arrived, then I shall imme- 
diately declare it. You will likewise find in the packet a 
pretty correct return of the ordnance and military stores at 
this post. As, for want of store-room, we are obliged to place 
things much confounded, and stores for different purposes 
and services too much intermixed, it renders it impossible, 
as yet, to give Congress so distinct an idea of the ordnance 
branch as I am earnest they should know. 

Some proper officer ought, without delay, to go and take 
an exact account of all the New-York reciments. Iam 
confident, when that affair is properly examined, they will 
be found scandalously deficient. Regiments should not, 
without the most urgent necessity, be scattered and broken 
in bits, as some of those are. ‘The service of the United 
States demands it, only in a few instances. When that is 
unavoidably the case, the duty should be done by detach- 
ment. As far as Il can command it, the error shall be corrected. 

Enclosed, you will find a list of the fleet upon the Lake, 
I mean what is actually equipped and sailed for Crown- 
Point. I hope it will soon be powerfully increased. Four 
row-galleys and as many gondolas will, I am assured, be 
added to it in a fortnight. Cannon, rigging, and powder, 
are, as things stand, more likely to be in request than the 
vessels to be armed; but General Schuyler wrote long since 
to New-York, to demand what was wanted, and sent a par- 
ticular account of the whole. Perhaps it is so busy a time 
there, it prevents our affairs being attended to. Messrs. 
Cuyler and Gansevoort have been here some days, deputed 
by the Congress of the State of New-York to examine our 
real circumstances, and know our wants. They are fully 
informed of both; and, no doubt, what that Congress can- 
not supply, yours will be loudly called upon to furnish. 

The whole of the field artillery, with all the attirail, 
being lost in Canada, it is necessary it should be replaced 
in the best manner possible. Six six-pounders, six twelve, | 
four eight-inch howitzers, and six cohorn mortars, all brass, 
should be provided for the Army in this department. Shells 
for the mortars may be had here and at New-York. There 
are eight-inch shells here sufficient for the howitzers of that 
caliber. This Army cannot advance again into Canada 
without a field train; and I hope our good fortune will one 
day return. An army should in no circumstance be left 
without field artillery. When you order the above to be 
provided, carriages, and everything to complete them, must 
be provided also. 

In a week, our fleet will, I am told, be in a condition to 
make sail down the Lake. General Arnold proposes to 
post them so as to command some narrow pass, opening into 
a broad part of the Lake, either near the Spht Rock, or 
Isle-au-Motte ; but of this you will, in time, be particularly 
informed. 

Brigadier-General Baron de Woedtke died at Lake George 
the beginning of last week. He was buried with the hon- 
ours due to his rank. 

Enclosed is the examination of two Canadians, Captains 
in Colonel Livingston’s regiment, sent here by the Commit- 
tee of Safety of Newbury, (Cohos.) It may be true; the 
men seem sincere, and are well known to many officers in 
this camp. I shall send immediately for the four German 
deserters at Metcalf’s. 

The flag of truce sent from hence fourteen days ago by 
Major Bigelow, has not yet returned. As the reason for his 
delay can only be founded upon conjecture, I leave the 
Congress to make theirs. 


797 


The Militia begin to come up. This moment, about six 
hundred are arrived from New-Hampshire. I am told a 
large body will be at Skenesborough this week. Colonel 
Woodbridge, Lieutenant-Colonel Leonard, and Major Stacy, 
all from the County of Hampshire, in Massachusetts, left 
their regiment upon the march, and went home to be ino- 
culated. An example so shameful in officers of their rank 
must be taken notice of. I shall bring them to a Court- 
Martial the instant they arrive in camp. 

I have added to the packet a plan of the very important 
post at present occupied by this Army. ‘The works are laid 
down in it so as to give Congress a general idea of the situa- 
tion of this Army. 

Our fleet flourishes amazingly; and by letters this moment 
received from General Schuyler, I find we shall be very 
speedily supplied with everything demanded for the rigging, 
arming, and fitting of the whole for action. 

I beg, sir, you will assure Congress, that the utmost har- 
mony prevails between the General Officers in this depart- 
ment, and that unanimity and good fellowship are taking 
place with the troops of different States. When the upper 
officers in an army are industrious to promote friendship, 
and by their example discountenance and discourage all 
illiberal animosity, there is no danger can happen from 
foolish dissensions. 

With the greatest respect, I request you believe me, dear 
sir, your much obliged and most faithful humble servant, 

Horatio Gates. 


To the Hon. John Hancock. 


Extract of a Letter from General Warersury, dated SKENESBOROUGH, 
August 6, 1776. 

You desired to know of me the names of those who had 
been inoculated. They are as follows, viz: Colonel Joshua 
Wingate, Chaplain Porter and Doctor Wigglesworth. The 
above gentlemen were inoculated at Number-Four last Satur- 
day se’nnight. Captain Wethersby’s company were quar- 
tered at Number-Four, and, as I am informed, were to march 
for this place directly after coming out of the Hospital last 
Saturday. The names of the three Field-Officers from 
Massachusetts that were inoculated, I am not able to give. 


N. B. The Colonel from Massachusetts is Woodbridge, 
who served at Cambridge, with so much credit the last cam- 
paign. 

General Waterbury has sent orders to Captain Wethersbee 
not to march on any account till he has particular orders. 


To Major-General Gates. 


List of Continental Armed Vessels on Lake Cuamp.ain, 
August 5, 1776. 


er eee 
= S |S 
NAMES OF VESSELS AND (5| & ([é/|5 
CAPTAINS. SS Sl] 
RS) R S| eS 
s A e!4 
Schooner Royal Savage... Wynkoop.|12 4-Ibs.}10} 50) ) 
Sloop Enterprise........Dickson.../12 4-lbs.|10} 50, \ Sailed. 
h ee = ae 4 4-lbs 
Schooner Revenge Seaman...| 8 4 2-Ibs {20} 35) J 
Schooner Liberty....... Primmer.| 8 33 tlie 8! 35 Almost rigged. 
e aw lDS 
Gondola New-Haven....Mansfield,| 3) : ate 8) 45 | 
Gondola Providence. ....Simmons.| 3) 9-lbs.| 8) 45) ¢ Sailed. 
Gondola Boston.........Sumner..| 3 i i Aa 8} 45 j 
; -lbs 
Gondola Spitfire........ Ulmer...| 3 9-lbs.| 8) 45 Almost rigged. 
A Gondola not rigged, 
A Spanish-built Row-Galley not 
rigged. 
Tothlss. sy eee ne rere 5 {70l350 


Newbury, Cohos, July 29, 1776. 

Sir: We had the honour to write you a few days ago by 
one Monsieur Traverse, a Frenchman from the Parish of 
St. Frangois, who came this way for protection and a safe 
conduct to the Army, whom we forwarded along under the 
care of Mr, Witherspoon, with a guard of four men, via 
Onion River ; and now trouble you again by the bearers, 
four Canadian officers of Colonel James Livingston’s regi- 
ment, as mentioned in Mr. Metcalf’s letter they brought us, 
copy of which you have enclosed, and to which beg to refer 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


798 


for particulars. The purport or true intent of this letter; 
you will be better able to judge of than we are, being stran- 
gers to Mr, Metcalf. We trust the Frenchmen will prove 
to be honest men, as they appear to us by their story, and 
hope their information of affairs in Canada may be of pub- 
lick service. We have accordingly showed them all civility 
in our power, as we shall any others that may come into 
our part of the country, friends to the American cause, not 
doubting of your approbation. And, with great respect, 
remain, sir, your most obedient, humble servants, 

Jacos Baytey, 

James Bayuey, 


Chairmen of the Committees of Newbury and Haverhill. 


To the Hon. General Gates, or the Commander-in-Chief at 
Crown-Point. 


P. 5S. Names of these Frenchmen, viz: Messrs, Loseau, 
Allin, Basadé, Menarere. 

We intrust this letter to the care of Mr. S. Atkinson, 
who engages to see those men along to Head-Quarters; and 
as he will return directly here, shall be glad of a few lines 
for our further direction, should any more Frenchmen come 
across the country. 


Copy of a Letter from Mr. 8. Mercatr to Colonel Jacos Bayxey, dated 
PrartspureH, July 21, 1776. 

Dear Sir: [ am sorry I had not the pleasure of seeing 
Mr. Witherspoon. 1 make no doubt but you know or have 
heard of a set of sad dogs that have settled at Onion River, 
where I imprudently went to purchase some cows, a pair of 
oxen, and some seed wheat, during which the news of the 
Army’s leaving St. John’s unexpectedly arrived, which put 
the whole settlement in a violent commotion. They all 
determined to abandon the settlement immediately, and took 
me prisoner, and conveyed me to Crown-Point, after robbing 
me of my cows, oxen, money, boats, &c., &c., together with 
my people; but as they could prove no crime against me, I 
was immediately released. But the rascals made off with all 
my effects to the amount of upwards of two hundred 
and what they did with my people, I could never yet learn. 

My apprentice, Thomas Thompson, went to York and 
Philadelphia six weeks ago on my business, and has orders 
to return by Cohos with a quantity of horned cattle and 
sheep; and as the boy is a stranger in your country, I hope 
you will be so kind as to assist him, and forward him on his 
way. I did imagine you would have been out with the road 
here before this. 

The bearers hereof are four Canadian officers, late of 
Colonel James Livingston's regiment, who inform me that 
the forces in Canada are no ways equal to what they were 
at first reported, and that General Carleton has miscarried 
in the plan he had laid to make himself master of this Lake, 
by drawing three vessels, which had been previously built 
for the purpose, over land, past the Rapids of Chambly, 
they being entirely broken to pieces in the attempt, and now 
totally abandoned; so that General Sudlivan will undoubtedly 
remain master of this country for this season at least; he 
having fortified, with an intrenchment and cannon, Point-au- 
Fer, on the north end of the Lake, where stands a brick house 
commonly called the White-House. This is a very advan- 
tageous situation, as it commands the navigation towards 
St. John’s, and is formed into a kind of an Island by a deep 
morass that runs behind it from one bay to the other. 

I having no boat to assist these people with who are on 
their way to Albany, they were constrained to go this road; 
and as they speak very little English, you had better give 
them a pass to Albany. 

I am desirous of having my boy home, that should you 
hear of him below, please to write or send him word to 
return with all possible expedition with the cattle. 

I am, dear sir, your friend and obedient humble servant, 

S. Mercatr. 


> 


The following particulars were collected from the verbal examination 
and the conversation of two Canadian Captains (Captain L’ Oiseau and 
Captain lain) of Colonel James Livingston’s Regiment of Canadians, 
who, having fled from the neighbourhood of St. John’s, arrived on 
Sunday morning at Tyonderoga, and, after having been examined by 
Major-General Gates, were sent to Albany. 


The enemy did not fortify any of the places we aban- 
doned ; but they cut a new road, or repaired the old, from 


799 


Isle-aux-Noix to Chambly. They had two thousand Germans 
at Isle-aux-Noix, under General Frazer; the like number 
at St. John’s, under Governour Carleton; and likewise at 
Montreal, under the command of a General, whose name 
the Canadian officers did not know, but we suppose it was 
Burgoyne. No more than two hundred and fifty men were 
left at Quebeck. No English national regiment had arrived; 
but it was reported that four thousand English troops, who 
were intended as a part of that Army, had perished at sea, 
or fallen into the hands of the American privateers, which 
gave inexpressible uneasiness to Governour Carleton. ‘The 
English fleet brought over from Europe, timber, &c., for 
no more than fifty boats, which they attempted to transport 
by land, from the mouth of the river Sorel to St. John’s; 
but the carriages employed on that service having been 
ruined, Carleton employed Canadians in building others at 
St. John’s, on the plan of our batteaus. ‘That Governour 
has, very luckily for us, rendered himself odious to the ‘Tory 
Canadians themselves, by exacting fifty head of cattle from 
every Parish, for the payment of which his Commissaries or 
other agents gave to the owners notes payable to the bearer. 
He exhibited to his Army a diversion which may cost his 
master very dear, as it awoke the sensibility of the Cana- 
dians, without the least necessity. ‘The Militia officers who 
had served under the Congress were forced to burn their 
commissions, to the very minutest particle—an operation 
which, as was expected by the beholders, singed the fingers 
of such of the criminals who were not very dexterous in dis- 
appointing that most humane General. ‘The officers who 
have accepted commissions in the corps raised under the 
sanction of the Congress underwent the same punishment; 
but immediately after this farcical execution, were confined 
on board men-of-war, to be carried to the West-Indies; and 
his Excellency confiscated the estates of all the Canadians 
who followed our Army, or who remain concealed in the 
country. The Indians have refused to fight against the 
United States. 

Great numbers of the Germans desert daily, and are very 
zealously secreted by the inhabitants. Seventy Brunswickers 
made off together, four of whom are at Mr. Metcalf’s, about 
twenty miles this side of St. John’s. Their officers are so 
afraid of bushfight and ambushes, that they durst not head 
any party to pursue the runaways; but then, the common 
soldiers being checked by the same fears, deserters were 
but few to what it might have been, could our fleet have 
cruised on the Lake, and afforded them protection. 

Between the 22d and 24th ultimo, Carleton and the other 
Generals abandoned all their posts on this side of the river 
Sorel, St. John’s excepted, with the same precipitation that 
we did. They carried with them their artillery and provi- 
sions, without paying the inhabitants for the last article. It 
was reported that this unexpected motion was occasioned 
by the arrival and mysterious manceuvres of a fleet at Que- 
beck, supposed to consist of French ships, which now and 
then puzzled the garrison, by hoisting different flags, and 
fired at tenders sent from the town to know who were 
those guests. Two hundred men have been left at the 
Isle-aux-Noix, to send early intelligence of our operations ; 
and if we return to Canada, which all the inhabitants seem 
to wish most devoutly, that garrison will immediately pro- 
ceed down the river. The Canadian officers who delivered 
this intelligence last Sunday, the 4th instant, are men of good 
characters, and well known to several of our principal offi- 
cers. They likewise say, that some time ago, Carleton, 
having heard that we were returning with a considerable 
reinforcement, was so terrified, that he would immediately 
have retired, had he not been informed by his spies of the 
deplorable condition to which the small-pox had reduced 
our Army. The names of the two Canadian Captains are 
Allain and L’ Oiseau, who, with Captain Mesnard of the 
same regiment, fled from those parts at the same time. 
Captain Mesnard is hourly expected to arrive at this camp, 
where he is held in great estimation. 

August 7, 1776.—Captain Mesnard arrived yesterday. 
Says he left Chambly the 14th ultimo, and, on the evening of 
that day, met with L’ Oiseau and Allain, who told him they 
had left their homes about eight days before, and, as they 
were retiring from Canada, proposed to travel in company to 
the American Army, which was unanimously consented to. 
Captain Mesnard says there were about four thousand men 


at Chambly, St. John’s, and on the Sorel, all English ; and 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


800 


that the Germans were quartered at La Prairie and Mon- 
treal, one of whom had deserted, and was harboured in a 
house near the place, where he (Mesnard) met L’ Oiseau. 
Told him that sixty of his comrades had deserted together 
on the same day. ‘That deserter proceeded with them as far 
as Mr. Metcalf’s, where they left him, he being over-fatigued. 
There was no other deserter at Metcalf’s. The English 
Generals ordered artillery to be transported to and from 
St. John’s, Chambly, &c. Mesnard confirms what L’ Oiseau 
says respecting the commissions given to the Canadians 
under the authority of the Congress, and every other par- 
ticular which is not contradicted by this examination of 
Mesnard, and therefore now omitted. 
GENERAL ORDERS. 
Head Quarters, July 30, 1776. 

(Countersign, Ooventry.) 

The General is exceedingly astonished and concerned 
to find such a supineness and indolence prevailing in the 
three Brigades stationed upon Mount Independence, as if it 
was a time of profound peace, and no enemy to contend 
with. He is therefore obliged to represent to Brigadier- 
General Arnold, to the Colonels commanding Brigades, and 
to every Commanding Officer ofa Regiment belonging to those 
Brigades, how necessary it is, in the present emergency, for 
them, by their authority and example, to-inspire all under 
them with a spirit of emulation in forwarding the works, 
clearing the ground, and preparing to receive the enemy. 
The Troops upon the Mount should be convinced, by their 
last year’s campaign at Cambridge, of the utility of good 
works. ‘The General trusts they will lose no time in raising 
them. Colonel Baldwin will this day acquaint the Com- 
manding Officer of each Brigade with the work expected to 
be done by that Brigade; and the General is confident a 
spirit of emulation will animate each Brigade to finish the 
task assigned them. 

The Commissary having just received a supply of 1,008 
pairs of shoes, 177 pairs of moccasins, and 454 shirts, they 
are ready to be delivered to the order of the Commanding 
Officers of Corps, in the following proportion, they being 
exactly calculated according to the number fit for duty 
reckoned by each Corps: 
First Brigade— 


(Parole, Winchester.) 


Shoes. Moc. Shirts. Shoes. Moc. Shirts. 


GYreatony Sic aisielecietatsatellerisincsisis Biein5 cil) 
(BOnd ?airereisiniestete eieletia oreieteistotare’s Dilietel WereeeO 
Burrellesccsietewieis aslo esntereiores D5 Sesame 
Portenssiiasicwiectecrc cetsic crete elon: DilipesLUewieG 
Total first Brigade. ....scssces eee ata 197...35..-90 
Second Brigade— 
tars jc cyeteteioc (co sisttoletectevsle eters > BPE Awelieacn YI 
SVVINNB’Scs ele crssie ole loloeietalee's  llare Gite ase OU 
Maxwellidiciicwiechecirateieaeinisters 59 Seed dere di 
POOLS teueteec eee esesie erainietteteleiotate (Mages Oas) 
Total second Brigade. ......csccccssesce  » -230...42..106 
Third Brigade— 
Reedisteers wtslereeds excels stele wore sielsipdUeveete GeremiL ay 
Patterson’ s:crte seve sfoceieeheves siareieve Hie Big Ce ces 
Wrynkoop’s..ccceecesseevces 30... 0.2.16 
Bedeél’sveet cvte ove ence sist ve elenete Romo venice if 
Total third Brigade ....000.0.0s00 veo eee 01 48...26...79 
Fow'th Brigade— 
SU WCISIT Wscstcctes cleiersien ieee sce Lorre, 
De Hlaasiseeste stectanivests sere Sleeps igen) 
Way Nese lee leicl oats siecle e sloleristels M23 eee Late 
Irvine?sek sats: ia eles efo e'eleelees LOR elite 42 
otal fourth (Brigade. 2. ics. + ose cece ssn cne SHB Io elie ol Lars 
ATUMCE Ys sui vince oes a sce sera sc ete cecisenias chance sys 40....8...16 
EL Otaluirs <hisleistesisie seme aicjelateserais aMenini see sterals 1008 177 454 


Udney Hay, Esq., is appointed Assistant Deputy Quar- 
termaster-General, and is to be obeyed as such. 

A mistake was made in the return of the articles of cloth- 
ing ordered to be delivered this morning to the Troops. The 
number of shirts being 1,008, and the shoes 454, the Com- 
manding Officers will draw accordingly. 

The fatigue parties for the future are to begin work at 
six o’clock, and have their breakfast before they begin. 
They will be dismissed at twelve o’clock for dinner till one ; 
then to work till seven. 

Head-Quarters, July 31, 1776. 
(Parole, St. Domingo.) (Countersign, Berlin.) 

Fishing in batteaus being prejudicial to the men’s health, 
to the service, and to the batteaus, it is positively prohibited. 
The Batteaumaster will order those batteaus which are not 
wanted for immediate service to be drawn up and put in 
proper repair. ‘I'wo batteaus are to be delivered to the 


S01 


order of the Commanding Officer of each Regiment for the 
use of each Regiment. He is to be answerable for them. 
The rest of the batteaus are immediately to be collected and 
placed under the care of the Batteau-Guard; and the Bat- 
teaumaster is positively forbidden to part with any batteaus 
from the Landing, without a signed order from Head-Quar- 
ters, 

Colonel St. Clair, Colonel Wayne, and Mr. Avery, the 
Deputy Commissary-General, to sit this afternoon, at four 
o’clock, as a Court of Inquiry, to examine into certain de- 
mands made upon the United States by Mr. Gilliland and 
Major Udney Hay, A.D.Q.M.G. ‘They will certify such 
as they think just and reasonable, that the demands of the 
claimants may be settled and adjusted. 

Lieutenant William Augustus Patterson, of Colonel Pat- 
terson’s Regiment, is appointed an Assistant Engineer to 
Colonel Baldwin, and is to be obeyed as such. 


Head-Quarters, August 1, 1776. 
(Parole, Lee.) (Countersign, Carolina.) 

Two men from each Regiment, who understand making 
small-arm cartridges, to be sent to Head-Quarters to-morrow 
morning, at seven o’clock. 

The Regiments of the Fourth Brigade are-to apply imme- 
diately at Head-Quarters for an order on the Conductor of 
Stores for the cartridges wanted to complete them. 

At a late General Court-Martial, of which Colonel Poor 
was President, a charge was exhibited against Colonel Bedel 
“for quitting his post at the Cedars,” in May last. ‘The 
Court, after having examined and maturely considered the 
evidences and the defence, do find Colonel Bedel guilty, and 
sentence him to be cashiered. 

Major Butterfield tried at the same General Court-Martial 
for surrendering the post at the Cedars, in May last, is found 
guilty, and sentenced to be cashiered, and incapacitated 
forever hereafter to hold a commission in the Army of the 
United States. 

The General approves the above proceedings of the 
General Court-Martial, and orders the sentences to take 
place immediately. 

Whenever a Regiment receives new ammunition, they 
are to deliver in their old and damaged cartridges to the 
Conductor. 

Mr. Bedel and Mr. Butterfield are immediately to adjust 
and discharge whatever accounts they may have open with 
the Regiment to which they lately belonged; after which, 
they are directly to depart the camp. 


Head-Quarters, August 2, 1776. 


(Parole, Amboy.) (Countersign, Mercer.) 


The Majors of Brigades will take care that the Weekly 
Returns of the Regiments are given in, seasonably and 
correct, to-morrow. Blanks may be had at the Deputy 
Adjutant-General’s. ‘The Colonels and Commanding Offi- 
cers are desired to note, at the foot of their Returns, 
the time to which their corps are raised, and from what 
Colony. 


Head-Quarters, August 3, 1776. 
(Countersign, Paris.) 

The Commissary to issue sixteen pounds of soap to every 
hundred men in this camp; for the next week afterwards, he 
is to issue the usual Continental allowance. Until further 
orders, he is to issue six days’ fresh and one day’s salt pro- 
visions every week. 

The following promotions are ordered to take place in the 
Twenty-F ourth Regiment, commanded by Colonel Greaton, 
VIZ: 

Isaiah Bussey, First Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant Paine, 
deceased. 

Benjamin Talbott, Second Lieutenant, vice Adjutant Rice, 
promoted. 

Wilham Kilpatrick, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant 
Bussey, advanced. 

Peter Crane, Adjutant and Ensign. 

John Pratt, Ensign, vice Ensign Talbott, promoted. 

David Doty, Lieutenant of Colonel Burrell’s Regiment, 
is appointed Wagonmaster-General to this Army, and is to 
be regarded as such. 


Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


(Parole, Bath.) 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


802 


Head-Quarters, August 4, 1776. 


(Parole, Cambridge.) (Countersign, New-York.) 


Head-Quarters, August 5, 1776. 
(Countersign, Pitt.) 

The Commissary has received five hundred shirts from 
Albany; they are ready to be delivered to the order of the 
Commanding Officer of Regiments and Corps, according to 
the proper proportion for each. 

The Troops are to receive one pound of flour, and one 
and a half of beef or one pound of pork per man a day, till 
further orders. ‘The Quartermasters are ordered to apply 
to the Commissary, Mr. Yauncey, for forms of Returns for 
Provisions, which they are strictly to adhere to, that the 
Army may be served more expeditiously and regularly. 

Colonel Winds’s Regiment is to join St. Clair’s Brigade; 
and the New-Hampshire Militia, just arrived, are to join 
Colonel Stark’s. 


Parole, Niagara. 
’ 5 


GENERAL POOR TO GENERAL GATES, 
Ticonderoga, August 6, 1776. 


Sir: We do not make a doubt of your having heard that 
this Court has taken umbrage at some part of General Ar- 
nold’s behaviour in the course of his prosecution of Colonel 
Hazen. 

Weare sensible men of rank should be treated with deli- 
cacy. We are also sensible that it is our duty to maintain 
the dignity and authority of the Court-Martial; and that an 
attempt to lessen the one, or render the other contemptible, 
is proportionally a greater offence as the person who makes 
the attempt js in station more elevated, and that passing over 
such attempts must have the worst effects on the discipline 
of the Army. 

We know we have power to compel parties before us to 
decent behaviour, and to punish insults offered to us. It is 
a power incident to courts, and without which they would 
be ridiculous and nugatory. It is a power, however, we 
wish not to exercise in the case of General Arnold espe- 
cially; a power, however, we must use in his case, unless 
he gives this court the satisfaction they have demanded. 
Justice to the Army and to our country require it of us. 
The case is shortly this: 

A witness was offered to the court to support the charge 
brought by General Arnold against Colonel Hazen, to whom 
exception was taken that he was interested in the event of 
the trial, and therefore not admissible. The court, after 
hearing the allegations of both parties, adjudged that he was 
interested, and rejected him. Other witnesses were called, 
and the trial went on; after some time, General Arnold again 
pressed for the admission of the above witness, at the same 
time observing to the court, that he would enter a protest 
on their minutes, unless his request should be granted. He 
was refused. He then offered his protest against our pro- 
ceedings, couched, as we think, in indecent terms, and 
directly impeaching the justice of the court. If he thought 
by his protest to stop the proceedings, he certainly has not 
considered how far that practice would lead. If either party 
has a right to stop the proceedings by protest, both parties 
must have the right, and there then needs nothing more to 
secure every offender from punishment. And on the other 
hand, it would expose a person who might have the mis- 
fortune to be obnoxious to his superior officer to perpetual 
persecution. However conscious of his innocence, in vain 
would he expect redress from a General Court-Martial, for 
in the very moment of a well-founded expectation of an 
honourable acquittal, a protest appears and blasts it all, and 
sends him back to his room a melancholy prisoner. But on 
the contrary, if his design was no more than by an entry of 
his protest upon the minutes, to operate against the justice 
and equity of our proceedings, we must and do consider our- 
selves as an improper conveyance to our superiors of that 
protest, which was so replete with crimination and abuse. 
We could add that the illiberal sentiments of the protest 
were not the only injury offered us. The whole of the 
General’s conduct during the course of the trial was marked 
with contempt and disrespect towards the court; and by his 
extraordinary answer, has added insult to injury. 

We mention these things that you may know what were 
our motives in this matter. And our principal design is 
this, that through you General Arnold may know the light 
in which we have seen this matter, which we flatter our- 

. 


51 


803 


selves you will readily see the propriety of. And from the 
regard you have for the honour, the discipline, and subordi- 
nation of the Army, you will not by a sudden dissolution, 
put it out of our power to obtain that satisfaction we are 
entitled to. 
By order of the Court-Martial : 
Enocu Poor, President. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


To His Excellency General Garzs, Commander-in- Chief 
of the Continental Troops at 'TiconpERoGa and Crown- 
Point : 


The Petition of the Inhabitants of Suevsurne, on Lake 
Cuamp.atn, humbly showeth: 


That we are in great distress at this place, as Lodowick 
Potter, one of our neighbours, and one that petitioned to 
your Excellency by Mr. Logan, was carried away, with his 
wife and children, some time last week; and we expect the 
inhabitants of Onion River are also carried off, but are not 
certain, as the men we sent there are not returned, and we 
dare not wait longer. As we, the inhabitants, are well attach- 
ed to the American cause, and had encouragement from your 
Excellency that if any alarm happened you would be so 
gracious as to send us relief, and as we have just begun our 
harvest, which is considerably large, we humbly pray your 
Excellency will be graciously pleased to send us relief by 
so large a guard as your Excellency’s wisdom shall in our 
condition think proper. 

As one of the men we send was one of the first that dis- 
covered the mischief done, your Excellency can further 
satisfy yourself by examining him. Pray consider us in our 
distress, and your humble petitioners, as in duty bound, will 


ever pray. 
use Moses Pierson, 


Jas. Logan, 
Derick Wess, 
JOHN j 
Samu. Finer, 


Shelburne, August 6, 1776. 


Kever TRowsRIDGE, 
Jacos SMITH, 
James Hitt, 
Rurus Cote, 
Wituram Buancuarp. 


Onion River, August 6, 1776. 
To the Commander General in chief at TiconprRoGa: 
Sir: We, the inhabitants of this place, being in distress 
by the enemy, would beg your Honour’s assistance with a 
guard, so that we may secure our crops, that are now ripe, 
which are very valuable, or to help us away with our families. 
Colonel Warner is not come to us, as we expected. We 
have made some discovery of the enemy here; one family 
taken, in which are two men, one woman, two children. 
We leave to your Honour’s pleasure to secure our crops, or 
to help us away. 
We are, sir, your friends and humble servants. 
Signed by the inhabitants of this place. 
AzariaH Roop, Aaron Minurr, 
Esenezer Lyman, Parisu Copurn, 
JosePpH Browne, JonaTu. Ciason, 
Samui. CuamBeruin, Levi Miner, 
JoserH Trrway, Sizas Roop. 
NatHanieL Brown, 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WADSWORTH. 
Lebanon, August 6, 1776. 

Sir: Yours of the 18th and 20th of July last, with the 
return of your brigade of the 19th last month, and the other 
letter of the 1st August instant, are all duly come to hand. 
Last week circular letters were sent to the Civil Authority, 
Selectmen, and Committees of Inspection, and all military 
officers, in the several towns, of this State, to facilitate and 
promote inlistments in the several regiments raised here. 
Trust that the hurry of harvest being in a good measure 
over, and our common cause pressing, men will incline to 
inlist for its service. Recruiting officers are necessary, and 
suppose are left for the purpose. Shall be glad to know 
how they are filled, and for your brigade wish to have another 
return thereof. As to the mustering such as were not here, 
you will adopt the easiest mode for it. 

This you will receive by Eliphalet Dyer and Richard 
Law, Esquires, who will inform what is needful, Shall at 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


804 


all times be pleased with the intelligence you can find time 
to communicate. 

I am, with esteem and regard, sir, your obedient, humble 
servant, Jona. TRUMBULL. 


To the Hon. Brigadier-General Wadsworth. 


NORWALK (CONNECTICUT) COMMITTEE. 
Norwalk, August 6, 1776. 

Whereas Cornelius Dyckman, of Norwalk, has been com- 
plained of to this Committee, for endeavouring to depreciate 
the Continental currency, emitted by the honourable Conti- 
nental Congress; this Committee gave the said Dyckman 
the usual notice of six days, previous to their meeting this 
day, to answer to the charge, but the said Dyckman did not 
appear; whereupon this Committee proceeded to examine 
the evidence, by whom it appeared that the said Dyckman 
openly, and in a concourse of people, declared and offered to 
give one hundred dollars in Continental currency for ninety 
dollars in silver; this he did repeatedly in the course of his 
conversation, and at different times, adding reproachful re- 
flections on the institutions of Committees of Observation. 
Whereupon this Committee, considering the high importance 
of supporting the credit of the Continental currency, by which 
the expense of our military operations are in a great measure 
defrayed, are of opinion that the said Dyckman did it with 
a design to depreciate the said currency, and thereby injure 
the cause of liberty, and oppose and counteract the opera- 
tions of the United States in support of their invaded rights. 
Therefore, this Committee 

Resolve, That it is evident to them that the said Dyck- 
man is an open and malicious enemy to the proceedings of 
the United States in the noble stand they have made in 
defending their rights and repelling their enemies; and as 
such they publish him, requesting all persons to refrain all 
dealings and intercourse with said Dyckman. 

By order of the Committee. 


Attest : Tuappeus Betts, Clerk. 


JAMES WARREN TO THOMAS CUSHING. 
Boston, August 6, 1776. 
Sir: The bearer of this is Captain Samson, of the brigan- 
tine Independence, who arrived here this afternoon, and waits 
for his commission, &c. ‘The Council have as yet ordered 
him but twelve-and-a-half hundred weight of powder, which 
is a quantity really too little for his cruise. I therefore could 
wish you to aid him in getting an order for two-and-a-half 
hundred weight more. You may depend on his economy 
and care. I think it not good policy to be too parsimonious, 
especially when it has a tendency to dampen the ardour and 
spirit of our men, as in this case, and when all that is desired 
is so trifling. [I could also wish it may be agreeable to the 
Council to enlarge his orders, so as to give him a better 
chance for a rich prize or two. 
Your attention to this mattter will serve the publick and 
oblige your humble servant, J. Warren. 


To Thomas Cushing, Esq. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO COLONEL DIKE. 
In Committee of Council, Watertown, August 6, 1776. 


You are hereby directed and commanded to order the 
several companies that may be raised in the Counties of 
Hampshire, Worcester, Middlesex, Plymouth, and Barnsta- 
ble, as soon as they are formed, immediately to march to the 
Heights of Dorchester, where, as soon as the troops are 
collected, they will be formed into regiments. And you are 
further commanded to observe and follow such order and 
instructions as you from time to time shall receive from 
Major-General Ward, or his successor, to whom you are 
directed to apply to furnish your men with their quarters, 
with their subsistence and pay, as also such ammunition as 
the men under your command may from time to time stand 
in need of. 


To Colonel Nicholas Dike. 


FRANCIS SHAW, JUN., TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Marblehead, August 6, 1776. 
Enclosed you have memorandum of sundries I received 
by your Honours’ orders. 


805 


Captain Lambert is now ready to sail with a fair wind. 
He informs me that he has paid Mr. Perkins and Mr. Clark, 
two of his officers, one month’s pay; since which he has not 
seenthem. He thinks it possible that the same gentlemen, in 
his absence, will apply to your Honours for what wages may 
be due to them on the former voyage, and desired me to 
inform your Honours of their late conduct, for your govern- 
ment. 

I am, with due respect, gentlemen, your most humble 


servant, Frep. SuHaw, Jun. 


To the Hon. Council of the State of Massachusetts-Bay. 


W. SEVER TO JAMES BOWDOIN. 
Kingston, August 6, 1776. 
Dear Sir: Captain Samson is apprehensive that the 
limits to which he is confined by his orders will not admit 
of his crossing the line of the trade between the West-India 
Islands and Europe, as he tells me he finds, from inquiry, 
that from an apprehension of danger northward, ships pass 
more southerly than they usually have done. If this be fact, 
and it be the design of the Council that his orders should 
not admit of his cruising on that trade, perhaps it might 
be thought expedient to enlarge his orders. I have been 
informed that Captain £%sk, in one of the Colonial armed 
sloops, is at liberty to proceed as far south as 35°. Your 
Honour knows whether it be so or not. Captain Samson 
informs me that he is restricted to 37°. 
I mention these things for consideration; and am, respect- 
fully, your very humble servant, aye eee 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO MESSRS. LOVE- 
WELL, PATTEN, AND BLANCHARD. 
In Committee of Safety, August 6, 1776. 

GentLemeNn: By Captain Dow we received your letter 
relative to your suspicions of many persons being concerned 
in altering, and thereby passing the Bills of Credit emitted 
by the Colonies at higher rates than they are originally set at. 
We are amazed any persons in this time of difficulty and dis- 
tress should be so wicked as to endeavour to destroy the very 
sinews of defence against our very potent enemy; are also 
much obliged to you and the other gentlemen in the County 
of Hillsborough for their care in discovering the persons 
concerned in so vile a cheat, and almost treason against 
the States. The Act is not printed, but is in the press, and 
will be finished in a few days, when they will be distributed. 
In the mean time send you an attested copy thereof in man- 
uscript, and advise that the Magistrates exert themselves in 
examining all suspected persons; and those they think guilty, 
to oblige them to recognise in large sums, and sufficient 
sureties, to appear at the Supreme Court, but on failure, to 
commit them. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM CHARLESTOWN, S. C., DATED 
august 7, 1776. 


Not less than two thousand five hundred men have gone 
against the Cherokee Indians, who have Alexander Cameron 
at their head. An express last night from Major Williamson 
says our people are anxious to be amongst them. Generals 
Lee and Howe set off this morning for the southward; they 
have about fifteen hundred men. It is said they are going 
to St. Augustine, where they are to make reprisals for the 
emolument of each lucky and bold fellow. This will cer- 
tainly be the means of keeping Georgia quiet; for the thieves 
of St. Augustine have committed some outrages on the back 
part of that Province. 

Our people are taking up the Acteon’s guns; three fine 
nine-pounders and a parcel of swivels, were landed in town 
yesterday. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DELEGATES IN CONGRESS. 
(No. 118.] Annapolis, August 7, 1776. 
GentLemen: This will be delivered you by Captain 
Thomas, who commands one of the Independent companies 
that was ordered up to Philadelphia by the late Convention. 
As Colonel Smallwood will not be at Philadelphia, we 
apprehend Captain Thomas may be at a loss who to apply 
* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


806 


to for orders; we therefore request you will give him any 
direction or assistance in your power, We are, &c. 


To the Deputies for Maryland in Congress. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL HOLLINGSWORTH. 
[No. 119.] Annapolis, August 7, 1776. 

Sir: If there should not be any provision laid in for the 
Flying-Camp Militia at the head of the Bay, as they arrive 
there on their march to the northward, or baggage-wagons 
provided, we request you will give them the necessary assist- 
ance. Weare, Nc. 


To Colonel Henry Hollingsworth. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN BROOKE. 
[No. 120.] Annapolis, August 7, 1776. 

Sir: We have no particular orders to give you, further 
than to let you know that we have given general orders to 
your Colonel; and as soon as your company is complete 


and well armed, you are to march immediately to the north- 
ward. We are, &c. 


To Captain John Brooke. 


——— 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DELEGATES IN CONGRESS, 
[No. 121.] Annapolis, August 7, 1776. 

' Gentiemen: We have been informed Lieutenant Stew- 
art, of Captain Thomas’s company, has lately accepted a 
commission from Congress in the Marine service. If the fact 
is so, it must supersede the commission he holds under us. 
And, upon a presumption of the truth of it, we have filled 
up the vacancy occasioned by the removal, and promoted 
the other officers, and enclose the commissions to you, to be 
delivered the several officers, if Mr. Stewart is removed, or 
return to us if he is not. We are, &c. 


To the Deputies for Maryland in Congress. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN NICHOLSON. 
[No. 122.] Annapolis, August 7, 1776. 


Sir: We have some powder and small-arms arrived at 
Great Wicomico, in Virginia. We want your small tender 
to go up that river for them, and the ship Defence to go 
down below the mouth of Potomack to protect her; come 
down, therefore, as soon as you can, and call on us for a 
letter to the person who has the military stores under his 
care. Weare, &c. 


To Captain James Nicholson. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DANIEL HUGHES. 
[No. 123.] Annapolis, August 7, 1776. 


GentLemen: We are now much in want of the cannon 
you contracted to supply us with. We must, therefore, 
request you will, with all expedition, send down all you have 
ready, and that you will not delay, as quickly as you possi- 
bly can, complying with the whole of your contract. 

e are, &c. 


To Damel & Samuel Hughes. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN TILLARD. 
[No. 124.] Annapolis, August 7, 1776. 


Sir: We are informed by Mr. Chase, that the privates of 
your company are very uneasy on account of their not being 
taken into barracks and provided with subsistence. By the 
resolves of Congress, the Militia of the Flying-Camp are 
not to be allowed any pay or rations until they are properly 
armed and accoutred, and march to the northward; and as 
our Convention did not give any particular directions to 
the Council of Safety about them, we have not thought it 
proper to order them to be taken into barracks or subsisted ; 
however, as your company may be very serviceable here, 
provided they will assist in working on the fortifications in 
and about this city, which we presume they will not object 
to, we will take them into barracks and give them all the 
assistance we can in getting arms. We are, &c. 


To Captain Edward Tillard. 


S07 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GEORGE SCOTT. 
[No. 125.] Annapolis, August 7, 1776. 
Sir: Colonel Griffith wants some linen for his battalion ; 
if you and he can agree about price, we are willing he 
should have it. We are, &c. 


To George Scott, Esq. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO MR. NICHOLS. 

[No. 126.] Annapolis, August 7, 1776. 

Sir: Being informed there is a large quantity of flint- 
stones on the wharf at Emerson’s Warehouse, we request 
you will, immediately on receipt of this, favour us with your 
answer, advising whether there are any such there or not; 
and if there should be, we request you will endeavour to 
get them into a situation to be removed from thence to some 
place where they may be manufactured into flints. Any ex- 
penses which you may incur in this business we will cheer- 
fully allow you; also a reasonable price for the stones to the 
proprietor of them. We are, &c. 


To Mr. Nichols, at Emerson’s Warehouse, Talbot County. 


P. S. If it can be conveniently done, we would choose 
to have them manufactured on the spot. 


A. BARNES TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
In Committee, St. Mary’s County, Leonard-Town, 
August 7, 1776. 

GentLemen: Captain Mantz, with his company, is ar- 
rived here, we presume to assist in repelling the enemy from 
this quarter, as well as to supply the place of the Indepen- 
dent company ordered from hence to the northward. We 
beg leave to observe to you, that as the principal cause 
(that of the enemy) is now happily removed, by the fleet 
having left Potomack and passed down the Bay, there may 
not be so great a necessity for that company now as existed 
and appeared to your Board at the time you ordered Cap- 
tain Mantz to march to our assistance. We would further 
observe to you, that we find the strongest dissatisfaction 
prevailing in these men at being stationed in this part of the 
country, proceeding from a representation of some persons 
that it is unhealthy; and from the difference of situation, 
disease and ill health must be expected as a certain conse- 
quence, especially to those who have been born and bred 
in a more healthy climate. Add to this their licentious 
behaviour since they have been at this place, in killing and 
destroying people’s property, and threatening to disband and 
return, should any of their company fall sick; and being, as 
we perceive and observe, under no control or command of 
their officers, we fear they will rather prove a disadvantage 
than service to the people of this County. Under these 
circumstances, and for these reasons, we have taken the 
liberty to remonstrate to you, and entreat their removal from 
hence, hoping that this act (which we conceive to be the 
good of the whole) cannot meet with your censure or dis- 
approbation. That it is right, agreeable to a resolve of 
Convention, to station some troops in the lower part of this 
County, we agree; and beg you will order that part of 
Captain Beall’s company now stationed at Port Tobacco to 
move down, or any other you may think more proper. This 
we are of opinion will answer the purpose better. Upon 
this principle we have acted, without any intention to coun- 
teract your proceedings; and in that point of light we hope 
and trust you will kindly view it. 

Signed by order: 

A. Barnes, Chairman. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety. 


COLONEL SIM TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Prince George’s County, August 7, 1776. 

GENTLEMEN: On the late alarm of Lord Dunmore’s fleet 
coming up the river Potomack, it was thought necessary that 
the neighbouring Militia should be called out for the defence 
of the inbabitants; and as I was at that time absent in Frede- 
rick, an application was made to Major 7. Sim Lee, who, 
as you will observe by the letter enclosed, ordered Captain 
Marbury’s, Captain Wheeler’s, Captain Bayne’s, Captain 
Wade’s, and Captain Leran’s companies to march, which 
they did, and continued on the banks of Potomack till dis- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


808 


charged. You have, enclosed, Captain Bayne’s account 
for the time his company was in the service, and he now 
waits on you for the payment of his account. 

By the appointment of Captain John Addison, as Lieute- 
nant-Colonel to the Flying-Camp, Captain Bayne succeeds 
to the command of his company as First-Lieutenant; he 
therefore would be glad to receive his commission, together 
with commissions for his several officers, who rise of course. 

I am, gentlemen, with great regard, your most obedient 


servant, JosEPH Sim. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland, at 

Annapolis. 

P.S. Captain Wade also waits on you with his account, 
and will receive the money for Captain Bayne, who declines 
going up, and will likewise receive the commissions for Cap- 
tain Bayne’s officers. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 

JosePH Sim. 


CHARLES GRAHAME TO THOMAS HARWOOD, JUN. 
Lower Marlborough, August 7, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Enclosed is Captain J. A. Thomas’s certifi- 
cate of an agreement made with John Dawid for the hire of 
his schooner to carry his company to Annapolis, and John 
David’s account of the time he was on that service proved. 
You will please apply to the Council of Safety for an order 
on the Treasury for the money, and I will take it when I 
come up next week. 

Our people have put it upon me to serve them once more, 
and I must accordingly give my attendance at the next Con- 
vention. My colleagues are Benjamin Mackall, of Hallow- 
ing-Point, Colonel Fitzhugh, and John Mackall. Iam 
sorry to hear that Mr. JoAnson is dropped by Anne Arundel 
County—it would have given me pleasure to have served 
with him; and as I have heard nothing of the city election, 
am still in hopes of his being elected for that. 

I am, respectfully, dear str, your very humble servant, 

CuarLes GRAHAME, 


To Mr. Thomas Harwood, Jun., Annapolis. 


July 13, 1776. 

GentLemen: I agreed to pay to Captain John David 
thirty shillings a day for his vessel, to convey my company 
to Annapolis. J. A. Tuomas. 


To the Hon. the Council of Safety. 


JAMES KENT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY 
Queen Anne’s County, August 7, 1776. 

Genttemen: Your letter of the 29th July, with my com- 
mission enclosed, has been received. 

I observe you request my attendance at your Board to 
consult on matters relative to the Flying-Camp. It would 
have given me pleasure to have received this request earlier, 
for at an election in this County for Delegates to serve in 
Convention, I have been very unexpectedly polled, and now 
stand second on the polls. This distinguished mark of the 
approbation of the freemen of this County forbids my leaving 
them at this time; and could I be permitted to hold both 
posts, do think I should be wrong in attempting it; therefore 
take the earliest opportunity of resigning my commission into 
the hands of the honourable body that honoured me with it. 
Although I am well convinced, when I consider the two 
departments, that my abilities in the military must excel any 
I have for the legislative, yet I must submit this to the choice 
of the freemen of my County. 

I have the honour to be, with much esteem and respect, 
gentlemen, your obedient, humble servant, 

James Kenr. 


To the Hon. Council of Safety of Maryland. 


JOHN CROCKETT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, August 7, 1776. 
Sie: I shall be much obliged to you to let me know if 
the Council intend sending anything from Carolina. Ihave 
some thoughts of going out to St. Eustatia, in case I do not 
go to Carolina to do the business for you. I shall also be 
much obliged to you if you will, per this opportunity, (Capt. 


809 


Martin,) inform Mr. Vanbibber of what he may expect, and 
whether or no you intend sending anything from Carolina, 
as [have mentioned it to him, though he could not positively 
say whether you would send anything from there or not. 
You will please excuse my taking the liberty of writing 
you on this matter, as it is a requisition by Mr. Vanbibber 
of me. 
Your humble servant, Joun Crocker. 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer. 


GEORGE WOOLSEY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, August 7, 1776. 

Gentiemen: I received your esteemed favour of the Ist 
instant, and delayed answering it until now on account of 
not being able to see all the owners of the vessel you write 
about sooner. ‘They seem pretty generally to be against 
parting with her, as they still have large expectations from 
her, not doubting but she will answer their purpose. 

I wrote you a few lines the 29th of last month, by Captain 
Thomas Yates, concerning flints, which you formerly spoke 
to me about, but have not any answer to it from you. 

I intend going up to Philadelphia, and perhaps to New- 
York, soon; if there is anything there I can do for you, you 
may command me with the greatest pleasure to me. 

I am, gentlemen, your most humble servant, 

Gro. Woo.sey. 


To the Hon. Council of Safety, Annapolis. 


P. S. I should be glad to know when you think you will 
want me for the service of the Province, as I would not wish 
to be out of the way. G. W. 


COLONEL EWING TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, August 7, 1776. 

Honovurep Sirs: The bearer, Mr. Chew, a Lieutenant 
in Captain Tillard’s company in my battalion, has applied, 
he says, by your order, for orders to put his company into 
barracks until such time as guns and blankets can be got for 
them. 

It is my opinion, from what I saw when down the coun- 
try, that numbers of the poor soldiers were very badly off 
for want of subsistence. I therefore think it would much 
forward the good of the service, to put the soldiers, as raised, 
into barracks. I would be glad you would give me leave 
to issue such orders. 

Mr. Chew tells me he thinks he could procure a quantity 
of guns and blankets, provided he had money. I should be 
glad you would let him have some. 

I am, with respect, honoured sirs, your most obedient 


servant 
; Tuos. Ewine. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


Baltimore, August 7, 1776. 

Captain John Campbell, commander of the Enterprise 
privateer, from this place, has taken and sent into Chingo- 
teague a brig loaded with molasses; and a ship from Bar- 
badoes to England, was sent into Sinepuxent on the 24th 
ultimo. When the brig left Captain Campbell, he was in 
chase of a ship, deeply laden, and expected to be in pos- 
session of her in a few hours. The prize ship which has 
safely arrived in Sinepuxent, is said to have on board a great 
quantity of Spanish dollars, &c., &c., and was taken by 
Captain Campbell the 18th ultimo. 


SECRET COMMITTEE TO SILAS DEANE. 
Philadelphia, August 7, 1776. 

Dear Sir: The above is a copy of our last, [of July 8,] 
which went by the Despatch, Captain Parker. 

The Congress have since taken into consideration the 
heads of a treaty to be proposed to France; but as they are 
not yet concluded upon, we cannot say more of them by 
this conveyance. 

You will see by the newspapers which accompany this, 
that the expedition against South-Carolina is foiled by the 
gallant resistance made there. The enemy, much dimin- 
ished by sickness, it is thought will attempt nothing further 
in those parts. The people of North-Carolina, who at first 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


810 


had taken up their bridges and broken the roads fo prevent 
the enemy from penetrating their country, have since, being 
ready to receive him, repaired the roads and bridges, and 
wish him to attempt making use of them. 

General Howe is posted now on Staten-Island, near New- 
York, with the troops he carried to Halifax when he was 
driven out of Boston. Lord Howe is also arrived there with 
some regiments, and more are expected, as the great push 
seems intended to be made in that Province. General 
Washington's Army is in possession of the town, about 
which many intrenchments are thrown up, so as to give an 
opportunity of disputing the possession with Howe, if he 
should attempt it, and of making it cost him something ; but 
it is not so regularly fortified as to stand a siege. We have 
also a Flying-Camp in the Jerseys, to harass the enemy if 
he should attempt to penetrate through that Province to 
Philadelphia. In the different Colonies we have now near 
eighty thousand men in the pay of Congress. 

The Declaration of Independence meets with universal 
approbation, and the people everywhere seem more animated 
by it in defence of their country. 

Most of our frigates are launched in the different Pro- 
vinces, and are fitting for sea with all the expedition in our 
power. ‘They are fine ships, and will be capable of good 
service. Our small privateers and Continental armed ves- 
sels have already had great success, as the papers will show 
you; and by abstaining from trade ourselves, while we dis- 
tress that of our enemies, we expect to make their men-of- 
war weary of their unprofitable and hopeless cruises, and 
their merchants sick of a contest in which so much is risked 
and nothing gained. ‘The forming a Navy is a capital object 
with us, and the Marine Committee is ordered to bring ina 
plan for increasing it very considerably. 

The armed boats for the defence of our rivers and bays 
grow more and more in repute; they venture to attack large 
men-of-war, and are very troublesome to them. ‘The papers 
will give you several instances of their success. 

We hope by this time you are in Paris, and that Mr. 
Morris has joined you, whom we recommend to you warmly, 
and desire you: may mutually codperate in the publick ser- 
vice. With great esteem we are, &c. 


To Silas Deane, Esq. 


SAMUEL CHASE TO GENERAL ARNOLD. 
Philadelphia, August 7, 1776. 

My pear Sir: I wrote you immediately on my return to 
this city, (about the 18th of July,) and acknowledged the 
receipt of your letter dated from Montreal the 11th June. 
In that you admit the receipt of my letter of the 31st May 
and Ist and 3d June. The last post brought me your favour 
of the 12th July, from Crown-Point. I have received no 
other letters from you than the above. As you do not 
inform me of the receipt of my long letter from Saratoga 
of 6th June, I presume it miscarried. 

There are, in all, about one hundred and twenty sail of 
our enemy’s fleet arrived at Staten-Island. Our Army at 
New- York consists of about eighteen thousand men, of which 
three thousand six hundred are sick; our Flying-Camp, in 
the Jerseys, of about five thousand. Seven battalions from 
Boston and two from Virginia are ordered to New-York. 
A battalion from the Delaware State passed through this 
city yesterday, and the Militia are coming in every hour. 
Our vessels are very successful in taking prizes. 

I beg you will from time to time communicate, with your 
usual candour, and without any reserve, the numbers and 
condition of our Army, and such observations as you think 
will explain the subject to me, both of men and measures. 
No more will be disclosed than you desire. 

I am distressed to hear so many reports injurious to your 
character about the goods seized at Montreal. I cannot 
but request all persons to suspend their opinion, and to give 
you an opportunity of being heard. Your best friends are 
not your countrymen. 

Mr. Carroll requests his compliments to you. Make me 
remembered to General Gates. ‘Tell him I saw his letter 
to Mr. J. Adams; that I cannot understand his message 
to me, and shall, if I can get the letter, write to him; if 
not, I wish he would explain fully and explicitly what he 
means. I take his letter unkind; think he ought to have 
written to me, or at least to have written so as to be under- 


811 


stood by Mr. Adams or myself, which is not the case. He 
knows my esteem and friendship for him. Adieu. 
Your affectionate and obedient servant, 


Sami. CHASE. 


To Brigadier-General Arnold. 
P. S. In what condition is our N avy on the Lakes? 


ABRAHAM CLARK TO REY. JAMES CALDWELL. 
Philadelphia, August 7, 1776. 

My pear Frienp: Your favour of the 26th July, from 
the German-Flats, I received, and the next day after wrote 
you by post; at the same time received a letter from Colo- 
nel Dayton, of the 25th, and since that I received one the 
Colonel wrote the 20th from Fort Stanwix, to which I wrote 
a long answer yesterday, which I have yet by me, as the 
President will write this day to General Schuyler, and hath 
engaged to send it in his packet, in which I purpose to get 
this a place. If this should find you at the German-Flats, 
and the Colonel is at Fort Stanwix, | hereby authorize you 
to open and read his letter, and then forward it to him, as 
I intend my letters to either of you will be considered as 
intended for both. 

We have no news to-day. ‘This morning one of our large 
frigates was launched; two others, of twenty-four and twenty- 
siX guns, were some time ago launched, and are rigging. 

I regret my being moved to this Congress, 1 think I 
should have been of more service in our own Province than 
here. I remember what Cesar said in passing the Alps: 
“That he had rather be the first in a small village in the 
Alps, than the second in Rome.” This will not exactly 
apply to myself, as I did not esteem myself the first in the 
Jersey Convention, and I am sure I am far below the second 
here. It is in some degree applicable. 

In your letter you tell me of our feasting here. Indeed 
we have plenty; but I dare say you have the best feast: 
my want of health will not suffer me to relish delicacies. 

News, as far as my present station will permit, I have 
given in the letter to the Colonel. More 1 might in confi- 
dence say, were either of you present; but I dare not risk 
more in a letter. I think I informed you in my last, that 
money to pay your regiment was sent forward, and the 
matter relative to your regiment’s returning to the Jerseys 
in the fall, was not proper to mention yet, from the uncer- 
tain issue of the war to the northward. 

I am, dear sir, most affectionately yours, 

Apra. CLarK. 


To the Rev. James Caldwell, Chaplain of a Battalion at 
German-Flats or Fort Stanwix. 


P. S. I don’t recollect the death of any of your hearers 
since you left us, but Thomas Williams, who died two weeks 
ago, or something more. ALG. 


CUMBERLAND COUNTY (NEW-JERSEY) COMMITTEE. 


On Wednesday, the 7th instant, the Committee of Inspec- 
tion for the County of Cumberland, in the State of New- 
Jersey, the Officers of the Militia, and a great number of 
other inhabitants, having met at Bridgetown, went in pro- 
cession to the Court- House, where the Declaration of Inde- 
pendency, the Constitution of New-Jersey, and the Treason 
Ordinance, were publickly read, and unanimously approved 
of. ‘These were followed with a spirited Address by Dr. 
Elmer, Chairman of the Committee; after which the Peate 
Officers’ staves, on which were depicted the King’s Coat of 
Arms, with other ensigns of royalty, were burnt in the street. 
The whole was conducted with the greatest decency and 
regularity. 

The following, being the substance of the before men- 
tioned Address, is published at the particular request of the 
Committee and all who were present: 


“Gentlemen of the Committee, Officers of the Militia, and 


Gentlemen spectators : 


“ F'rom what has now been read, you see the long wished- 
for, but much dreaded period has arrived, in which the 
connexion between Great Britain and America is totally 
dissolved, and these Colonies declared Free and Independent 
States. As this is an event of the greatest importance, it 
must afford satisfaction to every intelligent person to reflect, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


812 


that it was brought about by unavoidable necessity on our 
part, and has been conducted with a prudence and modera- 
tion becoming the wisest and best of men. 

“With the Independency of the American States a new era 
in politicks has commenced. Every consideration respecting 
the propriety or impropriety of a separation from Britain, 
is now entirely out of the question ; and we have now no 
more to do with the King and people of England, than we 
have with the King and people of France or Spain. No 
people under Heaven were ever favoured with a fairer op- 
portunity of laying a sure foundation for future grandeur and 
happiness than we. 'The plan of Government established 
in most States and Kingdoms of the world, has been the 
effect of chance or necessity: ours of sober reason and cool 
deliberation. Our future happiness or misery, therefore, as a 
people, will depend entirely upon ourselves. If, actuated 
by principles of virtue and genuine patriotism, we make the 
welfare of our country the sole aim of all our actions; if 
we intrust none but persons of abilities and integrity with 
the management of our publick affairs; if we carefully guard 
against corruption and undue influence in the several depart- 
ments of Government; if we are steady and zealous in put- 
ting the laws in strict execution ;—the spirit and principles of 
our new Constitution, which we have just now heard read, 
may be preserved for a long time. But if faction and party 
spirit, the destruction of popular Governments, take place, 
anarchy and confusion will soon ensue, and we shall either 
fall an easy prey to a foreign enemy, or some factious and 
aspiring demagogue, possessed of popular talents and shi- 
ning qualities—a Julius Cesar or an Oliver Cromwell—will 
spring up among ourselves, who, taking advantage of our 
political animosities, will lay violent hands on the Govern- 
ment, and sacrifice the liberties of his country to his own 
ambitious and domineering humour. God grant that neither 
of these may ever be the unhappy fate of this or any of the 
United States. 'To prevent which, while we are striving to 
defend ourselves against the unjust encroachments of a 
foreign and unnatural enemy, let us not neglect to keep a 
strict and jealous eye over our own internal police and 
Constitution. Let the fate of Greece, Rome, Carthage, 
and Great Britain, warn us of our danger; and the loss of 
liberty in all those States, for want of timely guarding against 
the introduction of tyranny and usurpation, be a standing 
admonition to us, to avoid the rock on which they have all 
been shipwrecked. 

‘Let us, as honest citizens and sincere lovers of our coun- 
try, exert ourselves in the defence of our State and in support 
of our new Constitution ; but while we strive to vindicate 
the glorious cause of liberty on the one hand, let us, on the 
other hand, carefully guard against running into the contrary 
extreme of disorder and licentiousness. 

“Tn our present situation, engaged in a bloody and dan- 
gerous war with the power of Great Britain, for the defence 
of our lives, our liberties, our property, and everything that 
is dear and valuable, every member of this State who enjoys 
the benefits of its civil government, is absolutely bound, by 
the immutable law of self-preservation, the laws of God and 
of society, to assist in protecting and defending it. ‘This is 
so plain and self-evident a proposition, that | am persuaded 
every person here present makes it the rule of his conduct 
on all occasions ; and consequently, in a time of such im- 
minent danger, will be extremely careful, at our ensuing 
election, not to intrust any one with the management of our 
publick affairs who has not, by his vigilance and activity in 
the cause of liberty, proved himself to be a true friend to 
his country. ‘The success, gentlemen, of our present glorious 
struggle wholly depends upon this single circumstance. For 
though the situation and extent of the United States of 
America and our numberless internal resources, are sufficient 
to enable us to bid defiance to all Europe, yet should we 
be so careless about our own safety as to intrust the affairs 
of our State, while the bayonet is pointed at our breasts, to 
persons whose conduct discovers them to be enemies to their 
country, or whose religious principles will not suffer them to 
lift a hand for our defence, our ruin will inevitably follow. 

“As it is impossible for any one possessed of the spirit of 
a man, who is a friend to the United States, and whose con- 
science does not furnish him with an excuse to stand by, an 
idle spectator, while his country is struggling and bleeding 
in her own necessary defence, all such inactive persons ought 
therefore to be shunned as enemies or despised as cowards. 


813 


And as I have reason to believe that many who plead con- 
science as an excuse are sincere in their pretensions, and as 
every man’s conscience “ought to be free from compulsion, 
this single consideration should restrain us from forcing such 
into any of the departments of Government. For to put 
such persons, at this time, in places of publick trust, ts 
actually to deprive them of liberty of conscience; for we 
thereby compel them either to betray the trust reposed in 
them, or to act contrary to the dictates of their own con- 
sciences ; a dilemma in which, act as they will, their con- 
duct must be criminal. Besides, if we consulted only our 
own safety, it is plain, that to intrust the affairs of our Gov- 
ernment, at this juncture, to such people, is as dangerous as 
to intrust the management of a ship in a violent storm to an 
infant or an idiot. 

“Asa friend to my country and a lover of liberty, I thought 
it my duty to address you on this occasion; and having now, 
as a faithful member of society, discharged my duty, I shall 
leave you to the exercise 6f your own judgment, and con- 
clude with a request, that you would conduct yourself this 
day in such a manner as to convince the publick that your 
abhorrence of the cruel and bloody Nero of Britain, and 
his despicable minions of tyranny and oppression, arises, not 
from the mere impulse of blind passion and prejudice, but 
from sober reason and reflection; and while we rejoice in 
being formally emancipated from our haughty and imperious 
task-masters, let us remember that the final termination of 
this grand event is not likely to be brought about without 
shedding the blood of many of our dear friends and country- 
men.” 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Perth-Amboy, August 7, 1776, seven P. M. 

Sir: Enclosed is some intelligence from a deserter, who 
swam over to us. His account that the heavy baggage of 
the troops was ordered on board shows an intended move- 
ment of the troops from Staten-Island. By his information, 
no foreign troops have yet arrived. I will endeavour to 
procure some intelligence to-night. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most 


obedient servant, eee geet 


To General Washington. 


Examination of Ricnarp Suea, a Deserter. 


Inlisted in Waterford twenty-two months ago; an Irish- 
man; of the Fortieth Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant- 
Colonel James Grant; in Captain John Adlum’s company; 
was clerk to the regiment. He has been six weeks on Staten- 
Island. Was at Boston last year from July to the 17th 
March. Went from there to Halifax, Remained there 
on ship, except now and then on shore to exercise. There 
are in the Fortieth Regiment three hundred and thirty-six 
rank and file. Supposed to have fourteen thousand on the 
Island. ‘I'wo new Highland regiments very sickly. The 
Forty-Second Regiment of Highlanders. Expect some 
Hessians, but none come. The Fortieth Regiment oppo- 
site the Blazing-Star, in barns. Stretch two miles and a 
quarter on the right and left of the Old Blazing-Star. Had 
no leave to go one-quarter of a mile from quarters. If any 
soldier left quarters, severely punished. His reason for de- 
serting was, he had £4 due for pay, and £10 as clerk, 
which he asked for, and was refused by the Paymaster. The 
officers are much afraid of the Riflemen; the soldiers in spirits; 
two thousand men sick—small-pox, the Highlanders with 
fluxes—poxes; not more than four thousand of the fourteen 
thousand clever soldiers. The Lighthorse and Marines re- 
mained at Halifax; also old men and others unfit for ser- 
vice. 

Five days ago, ordered the officers’ heavy baggage, and 
women of the Army, on board the fleet. As far as he 
heard, he believes they will not attack New-York, unless 
reinforced by the foreigners. He has seen in orders for 
working party at Billop’s Point, where they are numerous, 
and have thrown up intrenchments. No works near the 
Blazing-Star. One company at the Old Blazing-Star. 
Don’t know who is at the New Blazing-Star. 

Two days’ fresh provisions in a week. No vegetables in 
the week. Each company of the Fortieth Regiment have 
a guard in front—three men in daytime, six at night; no main 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


814 


guard. 'The inhabitants are sworn by the commanding 
officer. 

There is on the Island Major-General James Grant, who 
was formerly Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fortieth Regiment ; 
and the Lieutenant-Colonel James Grant, who is also there, 
was Major in the regiment. 

He heard there were forty transports arrived last Thursday, 
chiefly store-ships; some few Highlanders. Heard Clinton 
was defeated, and he was expected to join them. 


‘ 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM ELIZABETH-TOWN POINT, NEW- 
JERSEY, DATED AUGUST 7, 1776. 


I was ordered by Colonel Chevalier to. wait on two gen- 
tlemen, Mr. Maddison and Mr. Johnson, one of whom is a 
clergyman, and both natives of Augusta County, Virginia, 
who arrived in the Lord Hyde packet from Falmouth, at 
Staten-Island, the 29th of July, and have brought papers 
from London to the 23d of May, which are now here, and 
kept for the use of General Washington, who, it is said, will 
be in town to-morrow. A copy of the King of England's 
speech is enclosed. ‘The above-mentioned gentlemen left 
the Island this morning with Lord Howe’s approbation, and 
inform that Lord Cornwallis and General Clinton, with all 
the troops, arrived there on Thursday last from Carolina, 
as a reinforcement, preparatory to the attack on New- York, 
which, these gentlemen say, would, in their opinion, be made 
in less than a week, without waiting for the arrival of the 
remainder of the foreigners, who were hourly looked for, 
having sailed three days before this ship; that the troops 
now on the Island amount to about twelve thousand, and 
those expected will make the enemy twenty thousand 
strong. 

The current opinion of the British Generals is, that they 
will find no difficulty in taking possession of New-York ; 
but are much afraid that the Rebels (as they call us) will 
destroy it, as they speak most contemptuously of us, looking 
upon us as an undisciplined rabble ; and that they are con- 
fident of effecting a junction with Burgoyne from Canada, 
and thereby facilitate the subjection of this country. The 
gentlemen add, that the enemy are much distressed for want 
of fresh provisions. 

The English papers inform that the Minerva, Wining, 
from Philadelphia, was arrived at Londonderry, in five 
weeks, loaded with three hundred and twenty hogsheads of 
flaxseed, and that she was immediately made a prize of, 
being American property. An article mentions, that on the 
question for Independence in Congress, the Pennsylvania 
Delegates voted against it, and in consequence thereof, the 
other Colonies kept a jealous eye over them. The papers 
contain many other matters, but I cannot keep them any 
longer to transcribe particulars. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, 
[Read August 8, 1776.] 
New-York, August 7, 1776. 

Sir: In my letter of the 5th, which I had the honour of 
addressing you, I begged leave to recall the attention of 
Congress to the absolute necessity there is for appointing 
more General Officers, promising, at the same time, by the 
first opportunity, to give my sentiments more at large upon 
the subject. 

Confident I am that the postponing this measure has not 
proceeded from motives of frugality, otherwise I should take 
the liberty of attempting to prove that we put too much to 
the hazard by such a saving. I am but too well apprized 
of the difficulties that occur in the choice. They are, I 
acknowledge, great; but at the same time it must be allowed 
that they are of such a nature as to present themselves when- 
ever the subject is thought of. ‘Time, on the one hand, does 
not remove them; on the other, delays may be productive 
of fatal consequences. 

This Army, though far short as yet of the numbers in- 
tended by Congress, is by much too unwieldy for the com- 
mand of any one man, without several Major-Generals to 
assist. For it is to be observed, that a Brigadier-General 
at the head of his brigade is no more than a Colonel at the 
head of a regiment, except that he acts upon a larger scale. 
Officers of more general command are at all times wanted 
for the good order and government of an army, especially 


815 


when the army is composed chiefly of raw troops; but in an 
action, they are indispensably necessary. At present there 
is but one Major-General for this whole department and the 
Flying-Camp; whereas, at this place alone, less than three 
cannot discharge the duties with that regularity there ought 
to be. 

If these Major-Generals are appointed, as undoubtedly 
they will, out of the present Brigadiers, you will want for this 
place three Brigadiers at least. The Northern Department 
will require one, if not two, (as General Thompson is a pris- 
oner, and the Baron Woedtke reported to be dead, or in a 
state not much better,) there being at present only one Brig- 
adier (Arnold) in all that department. For the Eastern 
Governments there ought to be one, or a Major-General, to 
superintend the regiments there, and to prevent impositions 
that might otherwise be practised. ‘These make the number 
wanted to be six or seven; and who are to be appointed, 
Congress can best judge. ‘To make Brigadiers of the oldest 
Colonels would be the least exceptionable way; but it is 
much to be questioned whether by that mode the ablest men 
would be appointed to office. And I would observe, though 
the rank of the Colonels of the Eastern Governments was 
settled at Cambridge last year, it only respected themselves, 
and is still open as to officers of other Governments. ‘To 
pick a Colonel here and a Colonel there through the Army, 
according to the opinion entertained of their abilities, would 
no doubt be the means of making a better choice, and nomi- 
nating the fittest persons ; but then their senior officers would 
get disgusted, and more than probable, with their connexions, 
quit the service. That might prove fatal at this time. 

To appoint gentlemen as Brigadiers that had not served 
in the Army, (in this part of it at least,) would not wound 
any one in particular, but hurt the whole equally, and must 
be considered in a very discouraging light to every officer of 
merit. View the matter, therefore, in any point of light, 
~ you will see there are inconveniences on the one hand, and 
difficulties on the other, which ought to be avoided. Would 
they be remedied by appointing the oldest Colonels from 
each State? If this mode should be thought expedient, the 
enclosed list gives the names of the Colonels from New- 
Hampshire to Pennsylvania inclusive, specifying those who 
rank first, as I am told, in the several Colony lists. 

[have transmitted a copy of a letter from Mr. John Glover, 
setting forth the nature and grounds of a dispute between 
him and a Mr. Bradford, respecting their agency. Not 
conceiving myself authorized, nor having the smallest in- 
clination, to interfere in any degree in the matter, it is referred 
to Congress, who will determine, and give direction upon it 
in such manner as they shall judge best. I will only observe, 
that Mr. Glover was recommended to me as a proper person 
for an Agent when we first fitted out armed vessels, and was 
accordingly appointed one, and, so far as | know, discharged 
his office with fidelity and industry. 

I received, yesterday evening, a letter from General 
Schuyler, containing Lieutenant McMichael’s report, who 
had been sent a scout to Oswego. A copy of the report I 
have enclosed for the information of Congress, lest General 
Schuyler should have omitted it in his letter which accom- 
panies this. He was at the German Flats when he wrote, 
which was the 2d instant, and the treaty with the Indians 
not begun, nor had the whole expected then arrived; but 
of these things he will have advised you more fully, I make 
no doubt. 

The Paymaster informs me he received a supply of money 
yesterday. It came very seasonably, for the application 
and clamours of the troops had become incessant and dis- 
tressing beyond measure. ‘There is now two months’ pay 
due them. 

I have the honour to be, with great esteem, your most 
obedient servant, 


To the Hon. John Hancock, &c. 


Go. WasHINGTON. 


German Flats, August 2, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Lieutenant McMichael, who has been on a 
scout to Oswego, has just now delivered me a paper, of 
which the enclosed is a copy. _ If the intelligence it contains 
should be true, a reinforcement would be necessary in this 
quarter. I dare give no orders about the removal of the old 
Sergeant at Oswego, until the treaty is over. I have ordered 
scouts to be continually kept towards Oswego, and shall try 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


816 


to procure some of the best-affected Indians to make further 
inquiry into the matter, and give your Excellency the earliest 
advice. 

I am, dear sir, most respectfully, your Excellency’s most 


obedient, humble servant, Pu. ScHuYLeR 


To His Excellency General Washington, &c., &c. 


Intelligence brought from Osweco by Lieutenant McMicnaer. 

Was informed at Oswego that three regiments of Minis- 
terial troops had arrived at Oswegatchie, at which place 
they were joined by a number of Tories and Indians under 
the command of Colonel Johnson, and were to embark imme- 
diately on board two armed vessels, batteaus, and canoes, and 
proceed to Oswego, at which place they were to be joined 
by Colonel Butler with all the Indians under his command, 
and likewise by Colonel Caldwell with what Regulars could 
be spared from Niagara. They intend repairing Oswego 
Fort as quick as possible, in order that they might hold a 
treaty with the Indians, and be able to defend themselves 
against any attack. Immediately after the treaty, they are 
to march with all their force against Fort Stanwix and the 
German Flats, at the latter of which places they intend to 
fortify, (if they proceed); they are likewise to fortify at 
Johnstown, and to secure all the provisions they can. 

Was likewise informed that the main Army, under the 
command of General Burgoyne, was marching to Crown- 
Point and Tyonderoga, to besiege those places. Was 
further informed that an Indian man, named Thomas Davis, 
was sent from Niagara by Colonel Butler, as a spy, to the 
German Flats, and he is to inform said Butler of the particu- 
lars that pass at the German Flats during the treaty. 

This intelligence came from a person who resides at 
Oswego, who was a Sergeant in the Regulars last war, and 
likewise from a party of Indians who I conversed with that 
had left Colonel Johnson four days before, and had come as 


Sind 
sples Epwp. McMicwaeu. 


Albany, June 10, 1776. 


Dear Sir: At nine this morning I arrived from Fort- 
George, having left that place yesterday in consequence of the 
information contained in a letter and paper sent me by the 
Committee of this City and County, copies of which I do 
myself the honour to enclose you. I was apprehensive that 
something of this kind would happen, as your Excellency 
will perceive by recurring to some of my former letters. I 
shall do everything in my power to prevent the savages from 
succeeding; and if Dayton’s regiment and the Militia of 
Tryon and this County drive them off, as I hope they will, 
I propose to take post at Fort Stanwix, as soon as I shall 
be in a condition to do it by the arrival of cannon, ammuni- 
tion, and intrenching tools, having none of either here. 

I am informed that Captain Forster’s troops and the Indi- 
ans that joined him, retired on General Arnold’s approach ; 
failing of success, their necessity will oblige them to turn else- 
where in search of subsistence, probably the Mohawk River. 

Your Excellency’s favour of the 7th instant I have this 
moment received. I am happy that Captain Wilkinson’s 
conjectures were not realized. 

I assure you, my dear sir, that I do all in my power to 
forward and arrange matters. Such a variety of business 
crowds upon me, that I hardly know which to take in hand 
first; a steady perseverance will, however, I hope, carry me 
through; and if I can find time, I will repair to Canada, 
though I hope and believe General Sulhvan will put our 
affairs in good order, seconded by Generals Arnold and 
Thompson, who are also indefatigable. General Thomas 
died the 2d instant. 

So far from having been able to procure two thousand 
Indians to join us, I shall be extremely happy if we can 
prevent them from acting against us; and I believe nothing 
will do it but the spirited measure I proposed in my last, of 
the Sth instant, to Congress, and the taking post at Fort 
Stanwix. If any Militia should come up, I shall certainly 
employ them on the communication, and send on the troops. I 
have already ordered three companies of Van Schaick’s from 
Ticonderoga, as the exchanged prisoners were to be employ- 
ed there; but if the Militia should take it in their heads to 
leave Fort George, Ticonderoga, &c., it will be difficult to 
carry on the provisions for the Army. 


817 


Yesterday morning upwards of an hundred barrels of flour 
left Fort George; I suppose thrice that quantity left it to- 
day, and Saturday next I expect fifteen hundred barrels 
will be sent, together with three hundred barrels of pork 
lately arrived here; after which none will be left, unless a 
fresh supply comes from New-York, which I hope will be 
the soonest possible. 

I do not wish that Lady Johnson should be permitted to 
go to any place where she may escape, as her detention may 
induce her husband to seek an accommodation. 

I am, dear sir, with every sentiment of esteem and respect, 
your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant, 

Pu. ScHUuYLER. 
To His Excellency General Washington. 


P. S. I believe I shall be under the necessity of going to 
Tryon County myself. 


Extract of a Letter from Colonel Freprerick PELLENGER, of the GERMAN- 
Friars, June 7, 1776. 

Gentiemen: This minute an express came from one of 
the best Indians, with the news that a great number of the 
far Indians had arrived at Oneida, being on their march 
down; so we sent an express yesterday to the Commanding 
Officer at Johnstown with the news which we got yester- 
day from Fort Stanwix, but could get no assistance; so there- 
fore the necessity requires that you will come up with your 
regiment immediately, to meet them without delay, or we 
shall be slaughtered; and send the orders to the next regi- 
ment with speed. 

Gentlemen, I am your most humble servant, 

Freperick PELLENGER. 


Albany Committee-Chamber, June 8, 1776. 


Honovrep Sir: We have this moment received from 
the Mohawk River an account of an intended attack of the 
Upper Indians against our western frontiers, a copy of which 
information we herewith enclose you. We immediately wrote 
to the Provincial Congress for a further supply of ammu- 
nition. Upon so alarming an occasion we find it necessary 
to apply to you for advice and assistance. We beg of you, 
in the most earnest manner, to give us both; together with 
such directions for our conduct as you may conceive will 
best answer the purpose of opposing the attempts of the 
savages and their more savage instigators. 

We are, honoured sir, with the greatest respect, your most 
obedient, humble servants. 

By order: Asem. Yates, Jun., Chairman. 
Marblehead, July 20, 1776. 

Honovrep Sir: I am extremely sorry to take up one 
moment of your attention, engaged as it is in concerns of the 
highest importance to the United American States ; but see- 
ing, without your kind interposition, that I may be materially 
injured, I hope you will excuse me. 

Your Excellency was pleased to appoint me one of the 
Agents for the Continental armed vessels; which office I 
have endeavoured to discharge with diligence and fidelity, 
and conducted, | would fain suppose, to your satisfaction. 
Among other things, when the ship Hope, laden with pow- 
der, was taken, I hastened to Pulling-Point Gut, through 
which they attempted to carry the ship to Boston; but she 
got aground; so I procured small craft, and, before night, 
got out twelve hundred barrels of powder. I procured a 
guard of one hundred and fifty men from General Ward, 
lest the enemy should take the ship by their boats in the 
night. I engaged the best pilot in Boston to carry up the 
ship, but he despaired of doing it in the night, because he 
could not see the marks, as the channel was crooked. I 
told him I did not choose to trust her there that night, and 
that she must be got up. He said it was impossible. I 
then proposed placing at anchor a number of the small ves- 
sels, with lanterns on board them, at the shallow places and 
bends of the channel ; and after they were thus stationed, the 
ship fluting and the wind being fair, we made sail, and got 
her up to Boston safe at anchor off the wharf before day- 
light; and I ceased not till, with vast labour and fatigue, the 
whole cargo was secured. On account of this business, for 
four days and three nights I did not pull off my clothes, 
and scarcely slept at all. Afterwards I libelled the ship and 
cargo, and attended the trial and condemnation. In one 


Firtrs Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


52 


818 


word, I have taken the whole care of them; and nothing 
now remains to be done but making sale of the ship, and a 
few articles that are not military stores—the work of a day. 
In this stage of the business, Mr. John Bradford, of Boston, 
steps in and desires to sell this ship Hope and her cargo, and 
claims a commission on some others, against which I have 
either finished or commenced prosecutions, 

I will take the liberty to fairly state his pretensions: He 
received a private letter, about six weeks since, from Mr. 


. Hancock, informing him that, through his friendship, he was 


appointed Agent for all prizes brought into this Colony, and 
that his commission should be forwarded as soon as might be, 
and advising him, when he should receive it, to make known 
his appointment in the publick newspapers. This letter Mr. 
Bradford communicated to me. As I have received no 
intimation of this from your Excellency, who appointed me 
an Agent, nor from any person under the authority of Con- 
gress, and as Mr. Bradford’s commission has not arrived, and 
perhaps never may, I thought it my duty, not only to myself, 
but to your Excellency and the Continent, to continue acting 
in that capacity as far as respected those vessels that had 
come into my hands; those that have since been brought in, 
to avoid any colour of dispute, I have not meddled with. 
Under these circumstances, I flatter myself my conduct will 
receive the approbation of your Excellency and the Congress. 
And if your Excellency shall judge it expedient, a line from 
the Marine Committee of Congress may settle this matter as 
in justice it ought to be, which is alll wish. Mr. Bradford 
has lately received a letter from the Marine Committee, which 
considers him as Agent respecting some matters yet to be 
done. This, with Mr. Hancock’s letter, is all that gives him 
any authority. 

{ hope I shall be excused for thus troubling you. I was 
afraid the publick service would suffer by an altercation be- 
tween us, and the captors. I shall esteem it a favour if your 
Excellency will give directions to have the military stores 
taken in the ship Hope appraised, in order that the captors 
may have their shares, as they are greatly in want of it, many 
of them. 

I am, with the utmost respect, your Excellency’s most 
obedient and most humble servant, 

JonaTHAN GLovER. 
To General Washington. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 8, 1776.] 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 7, 1776, ; 
1 o’clock, P. M. 

Sir: Since closing the letter which I had the honour to 
write you this morning, two deserters have come in, who left 
the Solebay man-of-war last evening. One of them is a 
native of New-York. Their account is, that they were in 
the engagement with Colonel Moultrie, at Sullivan’s Island, 
on the 9th July. ‘The particulars they give nearly corre- 
spond with the narrative sent by General Lee. ‘That they 
left Carolina three weeks ago as a convoy to forty-five trans- 
ports, having on board General Clinton, Lord Cornwallis, and 
the whole Southern Army, consisting of about three thou- 
sand men, all of whom were landed last week on Staten- 
Island, in tolerable health. That on Sunday, thirteen 
transports, part of Lord Howe’s fleet, and having on board 
Hessians and Highlanders, came to Staten-Island. That 
the remainder of the fleet, which was reported to have in the 
whole twelve thousand men, had parted with these troops 
off the Banks of Newfoundland, and were expected to come 
in every moment. ‘That they were getting the heavy car- 
riages and cannon on board; had launched eight gondolas 
with flat bottoms, and two rafts or straps, to carry cannon. 
These men understand that the attack will soon be made, 
if the other troops arrive. That they give’ out they will 
lay the Jersey waste, with fire and sword. ‘The computed 
strength of their Army will be thirty thousand men. ‘They 
further add, that when they left Carolina, one transport got 
on shore, so that they were not able to give her relief; upon 
which she surrendered, with five companies of Highlanders, 
to General Lee, who, after taking everything valuable out of 
her, burnt her. That the Admiral turned General Clinton 
out of his ship after the engagement, with a great deal of 
abuse; great differences between the principal naval and 
military gentlemen. ‘That the ships left in Carolina are 


819 


now in such a weakly, distressed condition, they would fall 
an easy prey. 
Tam, sir, with great respect and regard, your most obedi- 
ery humble serv 
ent and very servant, GocWitumwerna 
P.S. The ships are changing their position, and the men- 
of-war forming into a line, but I still think they will wait the 
arrival of the remaining Hessians before any general attack 


will be made. Monday’s return will show our strength 
here. G. W. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-JERSEY CONVENTION. 
New-York, August 7, 1776." 

Sir: I have received repeated informations that a number 
of persons known to be inimical to the cause of the American 
States, or of a suspicious character, have lately removed 
from this and other places into the County of Monmouth, in 
New-Jersey, with intent, no doubt, from its situation, of 
communicating with and aiding our enemies. All those of 
similar character on Long-Island, and the other Counties 
adjacent to this place, will be secured by to-morrow morn- 
ing; and I must urge the necessity of your Congress adopting 
the same measure in all those parts of your Province which 
are most contiguous to the enemy. There are some also of 
very dangerous character, who, | am informed, are lurking 
in the neighbourhood of Hackensack, and what they call the 
English neighbourhood, particularly Benjamin Hugget and 
Frederick Rhinelander. This measure is now become the 
more necessary, as, from the intelligence I have this day 
received, there is the greatest reason to believe that the 
enemy intend to begin their operations in a very few days, 
and that with a very powerful force; for not only a consider- 
able part of the foreign troops, the British Guards, and an 
additional number of Scotch troops, are lately arrived at 
Staten-Island, but the Army from the southward, under 
General Clinton, also joined them last Thursday, and the 
remainder of the foreign troops have been spoken with on 
the coast, and are momently expected. ‘T’his must also 
urge the absolute necessity of your Congress instantly adopt- 
ing some effectual measures for completing the troops voted, 
and for affording every other reinforcement to this place that 
is in their power, by detaching a considerable body of the 
Militia, or in such other manner as will be more effectual. 
Of the three thousand three hundred voted by your State, we 
have but fourteen hundred and fifty, and in the same propor- 
tion from the other Colonies; so that you will easily conceive 
what an alarming situation we are in. As the harvest is 
now over, and the Militia engaged most cheerfully to return, 
if necessary, I persuade myself they will readily turn out 
upon a representation being made to them of the necessity. 
What from a deficiency of the old regiments, sickness, and 
the failure of new levies, we are in danger of being outnum- 
bered by the enemy at least double, if not more. The conse- 
quences may be fatal, unless prevented by the spirit of the 
country. J have despatched expresses to Connecticut to 
call in their Militia immediately, with their arms, blankets, 
and what ammunition they have, as the supply here, to suit 
their guns, is attended with much difficulty and delay. I 
must beg your attention to the same circumstance, as far as 
the situation of things will admit, but so as not to hinder 
from marching those who cannot come so provided. 


Tam, &c. 
’ ’ Go. WasuHINnGTON. 


To the Hon. Samuel Tucker, Esq., President, &c. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 9, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Yours of the 2d instant is duly received. 
Enclosed you have a resolution of the Provincial Conven- 
tion, which came to hand last evening, by which you will 
please to regulate your conduct. I must beg you to inform 
me as soon as possible what number your brigade now con- 
sists of, and what number it will contain when a fourth part 
of the Militia are draughted agreeable to order of Provincial 
Congress. 

By intelligence received and movements observed of the 
enemy, we have the greatest reason to believe a general 
attack will be made in the course of a few days. Our num- 
bers are much short of the enemy. I hope no time will be 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


820 


lost in marching the reinforcements expected to our assistance 
from different quarters, with all possible despatch. 
I am, sir, your most humble servant, 
Go. Wasuineron. 


To Brigadier-General George Clinton. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL ELMORE. 
, Head-Quarters, New-York, August 7, 1776. 

Sir: On the Ist instant I wrote you, and directed you 
to march immediately with your regiment to join the Army 
here. When I gave this order, I supposed you and your 
regiment to be in Connecticut; but understanding that you 
have got to Albany with it, or near that place, I have thought 
proper to countermand the orders then given, and desire that 
you will put yourself under the command of General Schuy- 
ler, and comply with such directions as you may receive from 
him, being satisfied that you cannot be here in time to give 
the least assistance. 

I am, sir, your humble servant, 


To Colonel Samuel Elmore, Albany. 


Go. WasHInerTon. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
New-York, August 7, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Before this, I presume you have received a 
letter from Congress enclosing sundry resolutions of the 22d, 
23d, and 24th ultimo; among which was one empowering 
their Commanders-in-Chief in every department to negotiate 
an exchange of prisoners upon the plan therein pointed out. 
There were two others, mentioning the case of Colonel 
Allen and the persons taken with him. That the views of 
Congress might be carried into execution in those instances 
as far as they could in this department, and for the enlarge- 
ment of Mr. Lovell, whose case they have since mentioned, 
I wrote to General Howe, who has acceded to the several 
propositions I made him, as far as they came within the ex- 
tent of his command. A copy of my letter and his answer, 
I have enclosed. By the latter, you will perceive prisoners 
made in Canada are subject to General Carleton’s determi- 
nation and pleasure. It is probable you have already writ- 
ten him upon the subject of an exchange; but if you have 
not, I think you should propose it immediately both to him 
and General Burgoyne, and try to obtain General Thomp- 
son for General Prescott, and also one for the other officers 
and men who are prisoners in their hands. Justice, and a 
regard to the merit and bravery of the officers and privates 
who were taken when General Montgomery unfortunately 
fell, require that your exertions should be directed to relieve 
their sufferings, and procure their enlargement among the 
first. It may not be improper to inform these two gentlemen 
of what has passed between General Howe and myself. 
Perhaps the copies of our letters will contribute in some 
measure to facilitate the work. 

I was yesterday evening favoured with your letters of the 
Ist and 2d; also with one from Mr. Varick. It is impos- 
sible to spare any gunners or mates from hence, our posts 
being so extensive that we are obliged to draught upwards of 
six hundred men from different regiments to assist the artil- 
lery. Colonel Know informs me you have four companies 
of gunners and matrosses at the Lakes as good as any here, 
which is a much greater proportion than we have. You 
must draw what are necessary from those and other parts of 
the Army. As to seamen, they are extremely difticult to 
procure, and [ wish they may be got. As it is almost cer- 
tain they would not engage in the service you mention 
upon the terms usually allowed here, there seems to have 
been a necessity for employing them on the best that can be 
had. 

From Lieutenant McMichael’s report, our enemies seem 
determined to push us on all quarters. It is nothing but what 
we may expect. Your utmost activity and exertions must 
be employed to counteract their designs, and prevent their 
penetrating the country. I hope Fort Stanwix ere long 
will be complete, and defensible against any attack they can 
make, if they have any such views. The garrison should 
by all means have a proper supply of provision in case it 
should be invested. 

In respect to the articles in the list marked B, in Mr. 
Varick’s letter, all that can be procured here are those set 
down in the list subscribed by the Quartermaster-General. 


821 


As to the cordage, lest a supply may not be got in Connecti- 
cut, Mr. Ivers has undertaken, and will immediately set out 
for Poughkeepsie, in order to manufacture six or eight tons 
of hemp. He has there an assortment of it, which will be 
forwarded to Albany with all possible despatch from thence. 
I hope the other necessaries will be got by the person sent 
to Connecticut, and the anchors, &c., at the forges Mr. 
Varick mentions. Captain Bacon, sent in pursuit of sea- 
men, &c., by General Arnold, is gone to Connecticut, to see 
what he can procure. I advanced him £500, lawful, all 
the money that was in the Paymaster’s hands. 

Having represented to Congress the expediency of em- 
ploying the Stockbridge Indians, as they are desirous of it, 
they have authorized me to do it, as you will see by the 
enclosed copy of their resolution passed the 2d instant. If 
Mr. Edwards is at the treaty you are now holding, show 
him the resolve, and please to inform him that it is my re- 
quest he should adopt the most expeditious mode of raising 
them; giving such of them that choose it, liberty to join the 
Northern Army, and those that prefer coming here, leave to 
do it, in case they incline to divide. If they do not, the 
whole may go to which of the armies they please. Lest 
Mr. Edwards should not be at the treaty, I will try to write 
him by another opportunity to the same effect. Congress, 
I see, too, have ordered $500,000 to be sent Mr. Trumbull 
for the Northern Army. Iam hopeful they will be atten- 
tive to the necessary supplies of money in future. 

By two deserters, we are informed General Clinton, with 
his whole Army from the southward, except three companies, 
has arrived. ‘They also add, that about one thousand of the 
Hessians have got in. The remainder of the foreign troops 
they expect (about eleven thousand) will be in every day, 
those that have arrived having parted with them in a gale 
of wind off the Banks of Newfoundland. 

Congress having resolved that Colonel Elmore’s regiment 
should reinforce this Army, on the Ist instant I wrote him 
(supposing him in Connecticut with his regiment) to repair 
here with all possible expedition; but being informed that 
he is at Albany with it, or a great part of it, ere now, and 
fully convinced that he cannot be here in time to afford any 
succour, I request that you will retain him, and direct his 
regiment to such service as you may think necessary. I 
wrote him by this opportunity, countermanding my former 
orders. 

1 am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Major-General Schuyler, Northern Department. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Head-Quarters, August 7, 1776. 

Sir: By two deserters this day, we have the following 
intelligence, viz: ‘That General Clinton and Lord Cornwallis, 
with the whole Southern Army, have arrived and landed on 
Staten-Island, from South- Carolina, in number about three 
or four thousand; that the fleet which came in a few days 
since are Hessians and Scotch Highlanders, part of twelve 
thousand who were left off Newfoundland, in the whole 
making about thirty thousand men; and it is said by officers 
of the Army and Navy, they are to attack New-York, 
Long-Island, &c., in the course of a week. The uncom- 
mon movements of the fleet this day, together with the above 
intelligence, convince us that, in all human probability, there 
can but a very few days pass before a general engagement 
takes place. When I consider the weakness of our Army 
by sickness, the great extent of ground we have to defend, 
and the amazing slowness with which the levies come for- 
ward, I think.it absolutely necessary the neighbouring Militia 
should be immediately sent in to our assistance; and, agree- 
able to your letter of the 6th July, I have ordered the 
Colonels » with their 
regiments, to march with all convenient speed to this place. 
The disgrace of the British arms to the southward, and the 
season being far advanced, will make them exert every 
nerve against us in this quarter. 'To trust altogether in the 
justice of our cause, without our own utmost exertions, would 
be tempting Providence; and that you may judge of our 
situation, I give you the present state of our Army. 

Copy from the General Return of the Army of the United 
States of America, now on New-York, Governour’s, and 
Long Islands, and at Powles-Hook, August 3, 1776, viz: 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


* 


822 


Present fit for duty, 10,514; sick present, 3,039; sick 
absent, 629; on command, 2,946; on furlough, 97: Total, 
17,225. By this, you will see we are to oppose an army 
of 30,000 experienced veterans with about one-third the 
number of raw troops, and these scattered some fifteen miles 
apart. 

This will be handed you by Mr. Root. To him I must 
refer you for further particulars; and have the pleasure to 
be, your Honour’s most obedient servant, 

Go. Wasuineron. 


To Governour Trumbull, Connecticut. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL FITCH. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 7, 1776. 

Sir: The spirit and zeal which the Colony of Connecti- 
cut has ever shown in the cause of America, make it only 
necessary to acquaint you with our situation, in order to 
ensure your assistance. General Clinton has brought his 
whole body of troops from South-Carolina; the foreign 
troops are every day arriving; and we have the most authen- 
tick accounts that in a little time our enemy’s Army will 
amount to thirty thousand men. With these a decisive attack 
will be made upon the Army, which, in its present situation 
from sickness, the deficiency of regiments, and other causes, 
is far short of its intended complement. Under these cir- 
cumstances, [ am persuaded I need only remind you of the 
power given by the laws of the Colony to the Colonels of 
regiments, upon an alarm, invasion, or appearance of an 
enemy, by sea or land, to call out their respective regiments 
into service. Since the settlement of these Colonies, there 
has never been such just occasion of alarm, or such an ap- 
pearance of an enemy, both by sea and land. I am there- 
fore to request you to call forth your regiment without delay, 
and have them equipped with blankets, arms, and ammuni- 
tion, if possible, and march them immediately to this place, 
agreeably to the power given by your Constitution, as ex- 
plained by his Honour Governour Trumbull, in his letter to 
the honourable Continental Congress, dated the 6th July 
last. I can only add, that the greater the expedition used, 
the more essential and honourable the service will probably 
be. Jam, &c., 

Go. WasuHtnerTon. 

To Colonel Fitch, New-Haven. 

[The same to Colonel Ichabod Sears, Stratford; to Colonel John Mead, 
Greenwich; to Colonel Edward Hinman, Woodbury; and to Colonel Jo- 
seph Platt Cooke, Danbury.] 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO JESSE ROOT. 

Head-Quarters, New-York, August 7, 1776. 
Sir: [have the most authentick intelligence that General 
Clinton, with his whole Southern Army, one thousand Hes- 
stans, and a number of Highlanders, have, within these few 
days, joined General Howe; and that ten thousand more 
foreign troops are hourly expected, having been left on the 
Banks of Newfoundland a few days ago. An attack is now, 
therefore, to be expected, which will probably decide the fate 
of America. 'The levies from New-Jersey, New-York, and 
Connecticut, are not completed within one-half of their es- 
tablishment, and my whole Army much short of its comple- 
ment. Under these circumstances, sir, | must desire you to 
apply to the several Committees, or other authority of Con- 
necticut, to hasten down, as fast as possible, the Militia ; 
and I cannot doubt but a sense of publick duty and the 
imminent danger to which everything that is dear to us is 
exposed, will induce every true friend and lover of his coun- 

try to exert his utmost powers for its salvation and defence. 

I am, sir, your obedient, humble servant, 
Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Jesse Root, Esq. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO TIMOTHY EDWARDS. 
New-York, August 7, 1776. 
Sir: The enclosed copy of a resolution of Congress, 
entered into the 2d instant, will discover to you their senti- 
ments on the subject of employing the Stockbridge Indians 
in the service of the United States. It is certain they differ- 
ed some time ago from the Commissioners of Indian Affairs, 
and put a stop to their proceedings in this instance; but 


823 


finding that our enemies are prosecuting the war with unex- 
ampled severity and industry, and that these Indians are 
anxious to take a part in our favour, they have instructed 
me to employ in the service of the American States as many 
of them as I may think proper. I therefore take the liberty 
to request your friendly exertions on this occasion, and that 
you will engage in the service as great a number of them as 
you possibly can. I would wish you to give the whole of 
them, or any part that may choose it, the liberty of joining 
either this Army or that in the Northern Department under 
General Schuyler. I do not think it will be proper, as they 
are desirous of becoming a part of the Army, to oblige them 
to join where they have not an inclination to go; and there- 
fore recommend that they should be indulged in whatever 
way their fancy may lead, as to joining either the one or 
the other Army, partially or wholly. The situation of our 
affairs will readily suggest to you the necessity of despatch ; 
at the same time that it will point out the expediency of 
engaging as many of them as you can. The business may 
be attended with a degree of trouble, which I could wish 
not to happen; but yet I am persuaded will be undertaken 
with alacrity. 
I am, &c., Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Timothy Edwards, Esq., Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 
Northern Department, at Stockbridge. 


TO THE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY OF 
HARTFORD. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 7, 1776. 

GentLemen: I am to acquaint you that I lately received 
a letter from Major French, who is a prisoner in your place, 
signifying that his parole would be out the 12th instant, and 
that he had no intentions of renewing it. This conduct, I 
‘must confess, appears very extraordinary, as he cannot be 
ignorant that he has been hitherto considered as a prisoner 
of war, and that accepting his parole at first was an indul- 
gence granted, solely to make his situation more easy and 
comfortable, and to prevent his experiencing the disagree- 
able effects of a close confinement. I have expressed my 
sentiments to him freely on the subject in my answer, which 
I enclose unsealed for your perusal. I doubt not you will 
pursue such measures as are most proper on this occasion. 
You will please to seal and deliver the letter enclosed 
without delay, to avoid any trouble that may arise on 
account of not delivering it previous to the date before 
mentioned. 

I am, with due respect and regard, gentlemen, your very 
humble servant, 


GENERAL WASHINGTON 


Go. WASHINGTON. 


To the Committee of Safety of Hartford. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MAJOR FRENCH. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 7, 1776. 


Sir: Lam to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of 
the 22d July, intimating your expectations of release on the 
12th of this month. 

I have considered your parole, advised with those whose 
knowledge and experience gives weight to their opinion, and 
otherwise endeavoured to inform myself bow far your con- 
struction of it is founded upon justice, reason, or usage. I 
do not find it warranted by either; my duty therefore obliges 
me to overrule your claim as a matter of right. As a mat- 
ter of favour, indulgence is not in my power, even if your 
general line of conduct as a prisoner had been unexcep- 
tionable. I have therefore written to the Committee of 
Hartford, and sent them a copy of this letter, and hope 
you will, without difficulty, conform to the regulations 
already made with respect to prisoners by the General 
Congress. 

It is probable a general exchange of prisoners will soon 
take place; it will then be a pleasing part of my duty to 
facilitate your return to your friends and connexions, as, I 
assure you, it is now a painful one to disappoint you in an 
expectation which you seem to have formed, in a full per- 
suasion of being right, and in which, on mature deliberation, 
I am so unhappy as totally to differ with you. 

I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 


Go. WasHINGTON. 
- To Major French. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


824 


JOHN BERRIEN TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
New-York, August 7, 1776. 

Sir: In consequence of the resolution of the Convention, 
enclosed to us, we took the first opportunity of applying to 
the Reverend Mr. Ingliss, the only Governour of the Col- 
lege in town, who readily consented to the delivery of the 
telescope for the use of his Excellency General Washington, 
on which we produced him the resolution marked No. 2. 

The General must have been anxious for the receipt of it, 
for before it could be come at, from the number of boxes, 
&c., stowed in the small room it was put into at the City- 
Hall, his Aid-de-camp, Colonel Web, with some men, were 
ready to receive it, and it was delivered to him. 

We have procured all the books and papers you required 
from the Custom-House, which we now forward you by 
Lieutenant Thomas Lawrence, with a guard, as they are in 
our opinion of great value, and of much consequence. Mr. 
Moran assures us these are all the papers and books belong- 
ing to the Receiver-General’s office, and that he is certain 
there is not any cash. 

We are, with much esteem and respect, sir, your most 


obedient and very humble servants, Jdtiettionk ea 
? 


Henry Wiumor. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 


Long-Island, Wednesday Evening, August 7, 
nine o’clock. 


Dear Sir: Colonel Varnum reports from Red-Hook, 
about sunset and after, as many as one hundred boats were 
seen coming from Staten-Island to the ships, full of men. 
Three ships went towards the Narrows; previous to which 
about thirty boats with soldiers went on board them. From 
the best observations made by Captain Foster and others, 
there is a general embarkation. 

I have enclosed a report from an officer of one of Colo- 
nel Hand’s out-guards, sent by express this evening. 

Your Excellency will pay the attention the intelligence 
deserves. 

Iam, your Excellency’s most obedient servant, 

Natu. GREENE. 


WALTER LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Albany, August 7, 1776. 

Str: [am greatly distressed for money to purchase pro- 
visions for the use of the Army. I am indebted very large 
sums for flour, transportation of stores, &c., to the amount 
of about $50,000. 

The military chest belonging to this part of the Army is 
empty. I have written to the Commissary-General, inform- 
ing him of the necessity there was of sending me money. 
He has it not, or Iam persuaded he would have relieved me. 

I have extended my own credit, and that of my friends. 
I have borrowed moneys on interest, that the service might 
not be impeded. I am apprehensive it will be impractica- 
ble for me to support the Army much longer, unless that 
sum is sent to discharge my debts, and I could wish a further 
sum might be advanced to enable me to furnish a future 
supply. I cannot procure cattle unless I have cash; they 
are bought in States where my credit does not extend. 

I think it is a duty incumbent on me, in General Schuy- 
ler’s absence, to give your Excellency this information by 
express, requesting if money can be obtained, that it may be 
delivered to Captain Teunis V. Vechten. 

Hoping your Excellency will excuse this application, I 
remain your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant, 

Watrter Livineston, 
Deputy Commissary-General. 


To His Excellency Major-General George Washington. 


P.S. August 9.—By letters last night from Ticonderoga, 
we are informed that forty sail of French ships are within 
four leagues of Quebeck, and that General Burgoyne had 
retreated to the mouth of the Sorel. This account was 
brought by two French gentlemen in our service. 


RICHARD VARICK TO GENERAL GATES. 
Albany, August 7, 1776. 


Dear Generat: I have only time to enclose you a re- 
turn of such articles as have been forwarded since mine of 


825 


the Ist instant. ‘To-morrow I shall do myself the honour to 
enclose you a general return of all the articles that have been 
forwarded to Fort George and Wood Creek since General 
Schuyler’s return from Tyonderoga; and after this day you 
may weekly expect a general return of everything that shall 
be forwarded from hence. All these articles are sent by 
General Arnold’s and General Schuyler’s directions to me, 
and on Colonel Tyumbull’s, Colonel Wynkoop’s, and General 
Schuyler’s requisitions. : 

The powder will leave this place on Friday morning, 
under a Captain’s guard; and the shot will be forwarded as 
soon as the whole is finished; before which time I shall not 
have it in my power to furnish the moulds requested by 
Colonel Trumbull. Twelve of the anchors, in the enclosed 
return, arrived this morning, by the direction of Captain 
Bacon. 

The cannon-shot will be sent as soon as Colonel Living- 
ston shall furnish me with this article, which he promises to 
do as soon as they can possibly be cast. 

I am, dear sir, yours, most respectfully, 

Ricuarp VarRIck. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WATERBURY. 
German-Flats, August 7, 1776. 


Dear Generat: Your favour of the 3d instant, from 
Skenesborough, is come to hand. I thank you for your at- 
tention and the information you gave. 

Apprehensive that iron and a variety of other articles 
would be wanted, I have repeatedly ordered every article 
that could be procured to be sent up. The iron and black- 
smith’s tools and bellows, I hope you received soon after the 
date of your letter, as I find they left Albany on the Ist instant. 
All the spikes that could be procured were sent, and the 
blacksmiths at Albany are employed in making more, which 
will be sent as fast as any quantity worth sending are made. 
A considerable number of axes are already forwarded; more 
are going up, and as many spades as can be procured. 

My long stay here very much distresses me. It is, how- 
ever, a great alleviation of my anxiety that you are at Skenes- 
borough, as 1 am confident that you will expedite the work 
as much as possible. 

I am, dear General, sincerely your most obedient, humble 
servant, 


To General Waterbury. 


Pu. ScHuyLer. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
German-Flats, August 7, 1776. 

Sir: I am honoured with your favour of the 31st July. 
A variety of business claiming my attention when I en- 
treated you to aid me in procuring axes for the Army, I 
forgot to point out the route by which I wished them, and 
every article from your Colony, to be sent to the Army; and 
although I could not have been particular, I might have ob- 
served that the most direct road to Skenesborough would 
not only be the speediest, but cheapest; and that way I wish 
things to be sent in future. Colonel Campbell, I am informed, 
has left the Army. Who acts as Deputy Quartermaster- 
General now, I am not yet advised of. If any article you 
send is directed to the Deputy Quartermaster-General, the 
person acting as such will pass his receipts for what may be 
delivered to him. 

I am this moment going to open the conference with the 
Indians, who are collected from all the Stx Nations, and 
some Delawares and Mohegans. The number, including 
women and children, now here, is seventeen hundred and 
eighteen, and one hundred and sixty more are expected to- 
day. 

I am, with great respect, sir, your most obedient, humble 
servant, 


To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq. 


Pu. Scuuyter. 


GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 7, 1776. 
Dear Generat: I found on my arrival here last evening 
the galleys much more forward than I expected. Three will 
be launched in a fortnight, if not sooner, and timber is cut 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


826 


for three or four others. 'The carpenters are very industrious 
and spirited. Nothing will retard the building but want of 
plank and iron. I have written Captain Varick to hurry on 
the latter, and have ordered the carpenters to omit building 
more gondolas than those on the stocks; as they take a large 
quantity of plank, and retard the building of the galleys, 
which are of more consequence. One gondola will be 
launched to-morrow, and the eighth and last in a few days. 
The seamen will be draughted this afternoon, and to-mor- 
row I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you at Ticonde- 
roga. 

[ am, with sentiments of esteem and respect, dear General, 


your obedient, humble servant, B Aaxdip 


To the Hon. General Gates. 


P. S. Militia come in fast. 


Nothing new at Albany the 
4th instant. 


B.A. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL WATERBURY+ 
Tyonderoga, August 7, 1776. 
Dear Genera: This will be delivered to you by Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Connor, of Colonel Wingate’s regiment of 
New-Hampshire Militia. I send him with a number of 
batteaus to bring the rest of Colonel Wingate’s regiment and 
the rest of Colonel Wyman’s regiment to this post, where 
ground is marked out and a station appointed for those two 
regiments. I will be much obliged to you to acquaint me 
what Militia regiments that arrive at your post are supplied 
with tents, and what not. When more are ordered to this 
place, you will send those first who are supplied with tents. 
General Arnold, who went to Skenesborough this day, 
will apply to you for all the seamen that can be supplied 
from your post. 
I an, sir, Xc., 


To General Waterbury. 


Horatio Gates., 


Orders and Instructions for the Hon. Benevict Arnotp, 
Esq., Brigadier-General in the Army of the Unirep 


States or AMERICA. 
Upon your arrival at Crown-Potnt, you will proceed, with 


‘the Fleet of the United States under your command, down 


Lake Champlain, to the narrow pass of the Lake made by 
the Split Rock, or to the other narrow approach down the 
Lake, made by Isle-aux-Tétes and the opposite shore. You 
will station the fleet in the best manner to maintain the pos- 
session of those passes, according as your judgment shall 
determine, cautiously avoiding to place the vessels in a man- 
ner which might unnecessarily expose them to the enemy’s 
heavy artillery from the shore. You will most religiously 
observe that it is my positive order that you do not com- 
mand the fleet to sail below the pass of the Isle-aux-Tétes, 
above mentioned, incessantly reflecting, that the preventing 
the enemy’s invasion of our country is the ultimate end of 
the important command with which you are now intrusted. 
It is a defensive war we are carrying on, therefore no wan- 
ton risk or unnecessary display of the power of the fleet is 
at any time to influence your conduct. Should the enemy 
come up the Lake, and attempt to force their way through 
the pass you are stationed to defend, in that case you will 
act with such cool, determined valour, as will give them 
reason to repent their temerity. But if, contrary to my hope 
and expectation, their fleet should have so increased as to 
force an entrance into the upper part of the Lake, then, 
after you shall have discovered the insufficiency of every 
effort to retard their progress, you will, in the best manner 
you can, retire with your squadron to Ticonderoga. Every 
vessel in the fleet being furnished with a batteau, you will 
have it in your power to keep out scout-boats at night, and 
occasionally to annoy the enemy’s small craft. In the day- 
time your boats can act, when opportunity offers, under 
cover of the cannon of your fleet. 

As the most honourable the Congress of the United States 
rest a great dependance on your wise and prudent conduct 
in the management of this fleet, you will on no account 
detach yourself from it, upon the lesser services above men- 
tioned. A resolute but judicious defence of the northern 
entrance into this side of the Continent, is the momentous 
part which is committed to your courage and abilities. I 
doubt not you will secure it from further invasion. 


827 


As I am entirely unacquainted with Marine affairs, I shall 
not presume to give any directions respecting the duty and 
discipline of the seamen and marines on board the fleet. 

I have traced the great outline of that service which your 
country expects from the rank and character you have 
acquired. I have, as is my duty, fixed the limits beyond 
which you are not to go. But you must communicate that 
restriction to nobody. I wish, on the contrary, that words 
occasionally dropped from you, with that prudence which 
excludes every sort of affectation, and which, | believe, you 
possess, may, together with all your motions, induce our 
own people to conclude it is our real intention to invade the 
enemy, which, after all, may happen. It will keep up their 
spirits without affecting your reputation, whatever may be 
the event. 

It only remains for me to recommend you to the protec- 
tion of that Power upon whose mercy we place our hopes 
of freedom here, and of happiness hereafter. You will fre- 
quently report the state and situation of your fleet, and of 
every interesting occurrence. 

Given at Ticonderoga, this 7th day of August, 1776. 

Horatio Gates, Major-General. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 
Tyonderoga, August 7, 1776. 


Sir: Enclosed I have the honour to transmit to your 
Excellency a general return of the troops immediately under 
my command. It is as perfect as the circumstances will 
admit; but the numbers at the General Hospital at Lake 
George, and upon both communications, where correctness 
is not attended to with that diligence required by good dis- 
cipline, obliges me to send it somewhat imperfect to your 
Excellency. The very great desertion from this Army has, 
I believe, been principally occasioned by the dread of the 
small-pox; but many have also been induced to desert by 
the vast bounty given for substitutes in the Militia: fifty 
dollars a man have, in many instances, been given to men 
who inlisted in the Militia from New-Hampshire. 'This 
aggravates and disgusts the Continental regiments so much, 
that I am apprehensive it will be extremely difficult to retain 
them for another campaign. ‘This, as it well deserves the 
attention of your Excellency and the Congress, will, I dare 
say, be duly regarded. 

In the packet your Excellency will find the examinations 
of four French Captains of Colonel Livingston’s Canadian 


regiment. The two latter differ materially from the two 
former. My Secretary, who is an Old France gentleman, 


and perfectly skilled in the language, interpreted the facts 
contained in it. Upon the same sheet is the examination of 
Lieutenant Whitcomb of Colonel Burrell’s Connecticut regi- 
ment, which corresponds in some degree with the informa- 
tion of Captain Mesnard and his associate. 

Your Excellency will also find enclosed a copy of my 
letter of yesterday to the President of the honourable the 
Continental Congress. General Schuyler will doubtless by 
the same conveyance send his report of what has been doing 
upon the Mohawk River, and of the state of the troops 
there, and upon the communication from the great Oneida 
carrying-place to Albany. 

Last night General Waterbury sent the enclosed report 
from Skenesborough. I believe your Excellency will think 
with me how justly Captain Wethersbee deserves to be 
punished. ‘These men get an enormous bounty from their 
countrymen, are highly paid by the Continent, and then, 
rather than march where they are commanded, they get 
inoculated, by which a month of the short time they are 
engaged for elapses, and perhaps the health of the whole 
Army is endangered. I have sent a state of this scandalous 
affair to Governour Trumbull and Major Hawley. ‘They, I 
think, will find some method to punish the delinquents ; to 
bring them here, in our circumstances, would be ruin. 

Colonel Stark, in the name of the Field-Officers of this 
Army, delivered me yesterday the enclosed paper. I think 
it beyond me to determine upon it, and shall wait your 
Excellency’s commands thereupon. 

The campaign in Canada has been, beyond a doubt, 
exceedingly severe; the retreat from thence distressful, and 
attended with a variety of calamitous circumstances. Iam 
sure it is the wish of your Excellency and this Congress to 
reward the deserving officer. Some small soulagement to 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


accomplish. 


828 


these troops would not be misplaced, to soften the rigours 
they have endured. 

Major Pierce being extremely ill of a fever, leaves me 
and my Secretary more writing to do than we can possibly 
The Congress, your Excellency, and General 
Schuyler, with all the necessary business of this Army, cause 
more writing than two hands can well perform, 

With my most respectful compliments to your Excellency, 
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Horario Gates. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


—_— 


Report of Captain AntHony Mesnarv’s Examination. 


Captain Mesnard, who arrived here the 6th instant, was 
at Chambly the 14th ultimo, and on the evening of the same 
day accidentally met in the woods, about three leagues from 
that place, with L’ Ovseau and Allain, who had left their 
homes about a week before, whose intelligence, therefore, 
could not be so fresh, and, moreover, was to have been sup- 
ported by Captain Mesnard’s. He confirms, indeed, what 
the others said relative to the commissions burnt by the 
Militia, and other officers, employed by Congress; but he 
denies the confiscation of any estate belonging to those who 
have retreated with our Army. He says there was a secret 
report of a fleet being down the river, but could not learn 
any of the motions mentioned by L’ Oiseau and Allain. 
He affirms there were about four thousand men at Chambly, 
St. John’s, and on the Sorel, all English, and that about 
two thousand, and no more, Germans were at Montreal and 
La Prairie ; that one deserter, and no more, of these Ger- 
mans, was at Mr. Metcalf’s. This deserter, who travelled 
along with them from near Chambly to Mr. Metcalf’s, where 
he was left, being over-fatigued, had been kindly entertained 
and concealed in a house near the place where Mesnard met 
with L’ Oiseau and Allain; and he told them that sixty 
(not seventy) of his comrades had deserted together on the 
same day. 

Mesnard reports likewise, that Governour Carleton trans- 
ported his artillery to and from Isle-aux-Noix, Chambly, and 
St. John’s, but does not know the reason of that manceuvre. 
His report is nearly the same as theirs respecting the enemy’s 
batteaus, but then, he declares, that when the Committee 
of Newbury examined them, he upbraided L’ Oiseau and 
Allain for giving false intelligence; but that they had the 
advantage of him, as Allain, who is an Acadian and speaks 
good English, could tell the Committee what he pleased to 
tell them. It is very necessary here to observe, that when 
Allain was examined in the presence of General Grates, he 
pretended he could hardly speak English, and therefore 
was questioned in F’rench only by the General’s Secretary. 
The other parts of the intelligence given by Allain and 
I? Oiseau are nearly similar to that of Mesnard, excepting 
the few particulars which are not mentioned in this, and not 
evidently contradicted by it. 

Lieutenant Whitcomb’s report, which shall be added to 
this as soon as delivered by him, in writing, seems to con- 
firm Captain Mesnard’s. 

August 7, 1776. 


N. B. Lieutenant Whitcomb has on this day, the 9th in- 
stant, delivered a Journal, sent herewith by the General. 


A Journal of a scout from Crown-Pornt to Sr. Jounn’s, 
Cuams.y, &c., &c., by Lieutenant Bensamin Wurrcomy 
and four men, as follows, viz: 


July 14th, set out from Crown-Point, went seven miles 
that night; the wind being very high, we could go no farther. 
Fifteenth day we got to Onion River at dark; the wind and 
rain being severe, we could go no farther. Sixteenth day 
was obliged to lay by, the weather being very tempestuous. 
Seventeenth, in the evening, we set out, and went twenty 
miles. Ejighteenth the wind and rain being so severe, we 
could not move from our present station. Nineteenth, at 
night, we set out and arrived at the head of Masisque-Bay 
at break of day. Twentieth day we travelled till we came 
opposite St. John’s. The two Frenchmen being uneasy 
and not willing to go near St. John’s, I told them to take a 
Frenchman and examine him and return home; upon which 
we left them, and went towards St. John’s. In the evening 
we came within about five miles of St. John’s, heard the 


829 


drum beat, &c. Twenty-first, the day being cloudy and 
rainy, we got to the river about noon; we lay there all day 
in hopes of taking a prisoner, but none appeared. ‘T'wenty- 
second, at day-break, we went down to the river side, staid 
there till the sun was half an hour high, counted thirty bat- 
teaus in the water all finished, nine on the stocks; there were 
also six saws employed by hand to saw boards, all appear- 
ing to work with great life and activity; staying there all 
day till night, and finding none except the guard, they keep- 
ing close, we imagined it difficult to get a prisoner there. 
We then set out to go to Chambly, and on the way saw four 
batteaus laden with barrels; we then proceeded to a French 
house, where we found a canoe, and crossed the river at the 
lower end of the Island, where we saw a large number of 
lights, and supposed them to be a party of Regulars con- 
sisting of about one hundred. We supposed there were at 
St. John’s, of Regulars, between two and three thousand. 
Then going into the road leading into Montreal, we soon 
perceived we were discovered by the enemy; returned from 
the road a small distance, and then went forward about a 
mile and came into the road again. Immediately a file of 
men passed, upon which I concealed myself, and after they 
had passed me, returned again into the road and followed 
them a small distance, where I perceived them sitting, who 
discovered us again, upon which we concealed ourselves a 
second time. Coming again near the road, we made obser- 
vations on the road and passengers; observed seventeen carts 
Jaden with barrels going towards St. John’s ; also seven armed 
Indians. ‘That evening went in search of provisions, at 
which time the man who was in company left me. Twenty- 
third, early in the morning, I returned to my former place of 
abode, staid there the whole day, saw twenty-three carts 
laden with barrels and tents going to St. John’s. 'Twenty- 
fourth, staid at the same place till about twelve o’clock, 
then fired on an officer,* and moved immediately into Cham- 
bly road; being discovered, retreated back into the woods, 
and staid till night; then taking the road and passing the 
guards till I came below Chambly, finding myself discovered, 
was obliged to conceal myself in the brush till dark. The 
25th instant, on which I made my escape by the guards, I 
saw upwards of forty carts preparing to go to St. John’s, and 
I judge there were lying at that place and on the road about 
one full regiment of Regulars. ‘Twenty-sixth, on my march 
towards Montreal road, I saw a party of Regulars coming 
towards me, upon which I made my escape as fast as possi- 
ble, by the way promising myself some provisions. Came 
to the aforesaid road again; saw twenty-seven armed Indians 
passing towards St. John’s, and a considerable number of 
empty carts returning towards Montreal; at the same time 
heard thirty-four platoons fired towards Montreal, and heard 
near the same number fired every evening and morning from 
the same parts during the whole of my stay in those parts. 
Twenty-seventh, setting out for home, on the west side of 
the Lake, nothing remarkable happened, only detained by 
bad weather, and under great disadvantages in travelling for 
want of a compass. Arrived at this place on the 6th of 


August. : 
5 Bensamin Wuitcomep, Lieutenant. 


* (General Gordon. |] 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO NATHANIEL SHAW, JUN. 
Lebanon, August 7, 1776. 

Sir: I received yours of yesterday per Captain Richard 
Deshon. The sloop purchased from Captain Walker I trust 
will be got ready for service with all possible diligence and 
despatch. Captain Leonard Van Buren brings letters from 
General Schuyler. He will show you the invoice of articles 
to be purchased for the use of the United States. Be so 
good as to give him your best advice. If there is anything 
wherein you can furnish him, please to do it, and signify it 
tome. Mention is made as though Mr. Mumford is able 
to afford assistance in the matter: please to let Mr. Van 
Buren know concerning it, and direct him to apply to Mr. 
Mumford, if probable. It requires despatch. Gen. Schuyler 
writes for five Captains to command vessels on Lake Cham- 
plain, to engage and carry with them forty men apiece. 
Please to advise me on this head. I expect Mr. Van 
Buren’s return to-morrow. 

{ am, sir, your obedient, humble servant, 

Jona. TRUMBULL. 


To Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., Esq. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


830 


COLONEL WARD TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 

Guilford, August 7, 1776. 
Honovrep Str: I received your order dated the Ist of 
August, which I prosecuted with as much despatch as pos- 
sible; last evening, those bearing date the 5th. Shall send 
orders to the several Captains with as much speed as I can, 
and hope soon to have the regiment on their march. Wish 
it might be as agreeable to the officers and men as to my- 
self. I have received a line from Captains Cutler, Stedman, 
and Dennie, in which they express their fears that it will 
be very disagreeable to their soldiers to march anywhere but 
to Boston, which I was sorry to hear. Make no doubt your 
Honour will do all in your power to make them easy with 
their destination, should they be otherwise. From what 
returns I have had the regiment is not full—Captain Prior 
sixty-one, Dana eighty, Cutler forty-one, Stedman forty, 
and Captain Meigs forty, are all the returns I have received. 
Captain Prior told me he believed Phelps and Pettibone 
had more inlisted than he. The Field-Officers’ commis- 
sions I have not heard whether they have arrived from Con- 
gress. We had a report in town last night by Colonel 
Walcott, that one of our row-galleys had returned to New- 
York, having split her gun; the others were playing on the 
ships up the nver. I shall do all in my power to join the 

Army as soon as possible. 
I am, sir, your Honour’s most obedient, humble servant, 
Anprew Warp, Jun. 
To Governour Trumbull. 


GENERAL WARD TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Boston, August 7, 1776. 
Sir: I beg leave to recommend to your notice Mr. Na- 
thaniel Barber, Jun., Deputy Commissary of Artillery in 
this department; he has ever appeared to me to be a faith- 
ful, active officer, and very well calculated for the depart- 
ment in which he has acted; he has no establishment, and 
therefore applied to me to write to Congress that one might 
be made. I conceive that as it is an important office, and 
the duties attending it are not small, the establishment ought 
to be equal to a Captain’s pay; however, of this Congress 
is the judge; and I should not have given any opinion re- 
specting it, but from an apprehension that you might incline 
to have some information with regard to the duties of such 
an office in this department. 
I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 
Artemas Warp. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 


State of Massachusetts-Bay, in Committee of Council, 
Watertown, August 7, 1776. 


May iT PLEASE your Exceiuency: Your letter of the 
25th ultimo, enclosing a resolve of the honourable Congress 
of the 8th of July, respecting the place of rendezvous for the 
battalions raising in this State for Canada, has been consi- 
dered by us, and it is with pleasure we can inform your Ex- 
cellency that we apprehend everything that is necessary has 
been done respecting the matter, agreeable to the resolve of 
Congress, and that General Schuyler and Commissary Trum- 
bull have been made fully acquainted with the route the 
troops were to take, and that they approve of the same, and 
have given directions for their being supplied accordingly. 

In the name and by order of the Committee, | have the 
honour to be, your Excellency’s most obedient, humble ser- 
vant, Joun Winrurop, Chairman. 


To His Excellency George Washington, Esq., Commander- 
in-Chief of the Forces of the United States of America, 
at New-York. 


JOHN AVERY TO ABSENT MEMBERS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS 
COUNCIL. . 
In Committee of Council, Boston, August 7, 1776. 
Sir: I am directed by the Committee of Council to ac- 
quaint you that there are many important matters now before 
them, which require the presence of the major part of the 
Council ; therefore it is requested that your Honour would, 
without fail, give your attendance at the Board on Tuesday 
next, ten o’clock in the forenoon. 
In the name and per order of the Committee of Council: 


Joun Avery, Dep, Sec. 


831 


LORD GEORGE GERMAINE TO WILLIAM HEY. 
Whitehall, August 8, 1776. 

Sir: His Majesty’s Province of Quebeck being cleared 
of the Rebels, it becomes highly necessary that the Courts 
of Justice should be forthwith opened, and publick business 
carried on in the usual form. I must, therefore, beg the 
favour of you to acquaint me, for his Majesty’s information, 
by what time you can be ready to embark for that Pro- 
vince. Iam, &c. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JOHN HANSON. 
[No. 127.] 


GenTLEMEN: We send you the sum of £300 currency, 
for purchase of arms and blankets, in consequence of a let- 
ter of the 5th instant received from Mr. Hanson, your 
Chairman; but you will be pleased to observe that the rifle- 
men find their own guns, which, by order of Congress, are 
to be appraised and paid for by the United Colonies. The 
German companies we have nothing further to do with, but 
to pay their bounty money, which we have already done. 
What arms or blankets you may purchase more than sufh- 
cient for the Flying-Camp, in your County, be pleased to 
send down to us under guard. Major Price alleges he con- 
tracted for a number of rifles, which have been given out 
without his directions. You will set this matter right, and 
will soon have an opportunity of doing so, as Major Price is 
coming up to Frederick-Town. 

We are, &c. 


To John Hanson, Esq., Chairman of Committee of Middle 
District of Frederick County. 


Annapolis, August 8, 1776. 


MATTHEW TILGHMAN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Talbot County, August 8, 1776. 


GentLemen: Upon the resignation of Mr. Thomas as 
Quartermaster of the Fourth Battalion, Mr. William Perry 
is desirous of being placed in his stead. I therefore beg 
leave to recommend him to your favour, as a person who, in 
my opinion, will not fail to execute the office properly, and 
whose appointment will give satisfaction. 

Iam, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 

Mar. TiLeHman. 


To the Hon. Council of Safety of Maryland, at Annapolis. 
August 8, 1776. 
GENTLEMEN: Enclosed you have my commission of 
Quartermaster, which I resign, and earnestly request you to 
appoint Mr. Wiliam Perry in my stead. His being appoint- 
ed I think will give general satisfaction. 
I am, gentlemen, your very obedient servant, 
Nic. 'THomas. 


To the Hon. Council of Safety of Maryland. 


CAPTAIN MANTZ TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Leonardtown, August 8, 1776. 


GeNTLEMEN: | am sorry to inform you of the disappoint- 
ment | and my company have met with; and am really sorry 
to say, that I believe I shall not have one-third of my men 
able to do duty, if we should continue here for ten or fifteen 
days. People here are unprovided with provisions, which 
I believe are not to be had at any rates. The greater part of 
my men have been obliged to live forty-eight hours without 
the least bit of bread or meat, by which means some of them 
were obliged to act disagreeably and dissatisfactorily to me, 
although I could not by any means prevent them. The 
water and climate here are very unhealthy to those people 
especially who came from my quarter. Although, gentle- 
men, if.jt is not in your power, or cannot be obtained by us 
to return to a place more healthy and agreeable to my men, 
and where they may perhaps be of more service to their 
country, I am willing to comply with your orders, and die 
in the cause. Iam at present out of cash, and would be 
glad if you would furnish me as soon as possible, as nothing 
here is to be had without. 

I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, 

Perer Manvz. 
To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


832 


ISAAC GRIEST TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore-Town, August 8, 1776. 


GentLemen: Agreeable to your instructions of the 6th, 
I have made inquiry for tent-makers, but could find none in 
this place, except those employed by the Council of Safety, 
and they tell me that they will engage to deliver between 
fifty and sixty tents every week, provided they are supplied 
with stuff to make them with. ‘They say they have about 
twenty made, or will be by the last of this week, and have 
wrought up all the stuff they have. I shall have tent-polls 
made for each tent. Colonel Thomas Ewing has applied 
to me for a number of canteens, and them to be hie 
Pray shall I have them slung, and let him have them? The 
slinging of them will be one shilling each. Should be glad 
of your orders in the matter. I have all the coopers that I 
can get employed at the canteens, but they come on but 
slowly as yet. Most people most approve of the oak ones. 

All from yours to command, 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer. 


J. Griest. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, August 8, 1776. 


Str: Your letters of the 7th, with the papers enclosed, 
are received and now under consideration of Congress. 

Enclosed I send you a resolution passed respecting Lieu- 
tenant Josiah. He was first Lieutenant of Captain Nicholas 
Biddle, and was taken in a ship Captain Biddle had made 
prize of, by the Cerberus frigate. By a letter which he 
found means to convey, he informs, that “he is used worse 
than he ever thought one Englishman could use another; 
that he was sent before the mast with the rest, but upon 
refusing to do duty was given under the charge of three 
boatswain’s mates, and expects the gangway soon, as he is 
daily threatened.” 

An order is this moment passed for calling General Lee 
from the southward, and to-morrow is appointed for electing 
a number of Major-Generals and Brigadier-Generals. 

I am, sir, your very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


P. S. ‘You will please to mention the matter of Lieu- 
tenant Josiah as real information, but not discover that it 
was by letter, as it may prove injurious in case he is not 
exchanged. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL LEE. 
Philadelphia, August 8, 1776. 


Sir: The Congress having this day received a letter from 
General Washington, containing very important information, 
I do myself the honour to enclose you a copy of the same. 
You will there perceive that General Clinton, with the troops 
under his command, has joined General Howe at Staten- 
Island, having left South-Carolina soon after the defeat he 
and Commodore Parker sustained at Sullivan’s Island. In 
consequence of this intelligence the Congress are convinced 
that the enemy, by collecting their whole force into a point, 
are determined to make a most vigorous exertion at New- 
York; and, in order to ensure success in that quarter, are 
disposed for the present to overlook every other object. The 
getting possession of that city, and the junction of the two 
Armies under Generals Howe and Burgoyne, seem to be the 
grand objects they have in view, to the attainment of which 
they give up every inferior consideration. 

In this situation of our affairs, the Congress being of 
opinion your services in the Middle Department will be 
necessary, I have it in command to direct that you repair as 
soon as possible to the City of Phzladelphia, there to receive 
such orders as they may think proper to give you. The 
attack at New-York being hourly expected, and the event 
of it uncertain, [am to request you will use the greatest 
expedition on the way. 

With the best wishes for your health and prosperity, I 
have the honour to be, with the utmost respect, sir, your 
most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To General Lee, South- Carolina. 


833 


CESAR RODNEY TO THOMAS RODNEY. 
Philadelphia, August 8, 1776. 

Sir: As I have received no letter from you by the last 
post, and have little or no intelligence except what you will 
find in the papers, am at loss what to write you. 

The Delaware battalion is under marching orders for Am- 
boy, subject to General Washington’s further orders. ‘They 
are completely armed—as fine guns as you could wish to see. 

Having a few idle moments, I have enclosed you a paper 
containing a few queries, and submit to you whether that, or 
something like it, taken and copied in an unknown hand, 
and secretly distributed, so as to become publick at this time, 
might not be of use, by drawing the serious attention of the 
people at this important crisis. But as I know but very little, 
or rather nothing, of the present politicks or the disposition 
of the people at this time, wholly submit the matter to you, 
and wish the people may consider their true interest. 

Mr. McKean is still in the Jerseys, and not likely soon to 
return. ‘The terms of Confederation now before the Con- 
gress, and our Colony not represented without Read and me 
both, therefore cannot expect to see you in Kent very soon. 

Iam yours, &c., Czsar Ropney. 


War Office, Philadelphia, August 8, 1776. 
The Congress having resolved “That the Commanding 
Officers of the several Battalions of Militia now in this city 
be ordered instantly to march to Amboy, in New-Jersey, and 
that in case any of the Militia want arms, that they be left 
under a proper officer until they can be provided with arms, 
and those that have arms march without any further delay ; 
and that the Board of War be directed to see this resolution 
carried into immediate execution:” I have it in direction 
from the Board of War to notify all the Officers command- 
ing Battalions or detached Companies, now in this city, of 
the said resolve of Congress, and they are hereby required 

to pay immediate obedience thereto. 
Ricuarp Peters, Secretary. 


Philadelphia, August 8, 1776. 


The Commanding Officer of the Detachment of Associa- 
tors left for the defence of the city, for the last time gives 
notice to the persons who have entered into the several com- 
panies and do not attend their duty, that they will be severely 
dealt with unless they immediately alter their conduct. It 
is extremely hard upon their fellow-citizens, some of whom 
are obliged to do double duty, owing to the negligence of 
others in not attending roll-calling, and thereby escaping 
being put upon guard. ‘Those who have entered their names, 
as many seem to have done, to save appearances, will not 
be surprised if they see a catalogue of delinquents published, 
besides feeling the inconveniences of a rigid execution of the 
articles by which we are bound. ‘The example of one is 
constantly an argument for the delinquency of another, and 
therefore every individual neglecting his duty does a double 
injury. Calling upon people, over whom command should 
be exercised, in this way, may, perhaps, be unsoldierly, but 
as they are his fellow-citizens, who from hard necessity have 
become soldiers, it will relieve the Officer from the least 
anxiety, after the Associators being thus reminded of their 
duty, when (with the concurrence and assistance of the other 
Officers and Privates, who have virtue enough to attend to 
the service and support authority) he executes his, as he 
ever has, and means in future to do, without distinction of 
persons. It is too late now to talk of those who, let their 
motives be inability, cowardice, or an aversion to our cause, 
have refused to enter into the service of their country. Leave 
them to be properly dealt with, as they certainly will be, by 
our Convention or Legislature. ‘Those who refuse their duty 
on this account, afford consequence to people who deserve 
none, and give their tardiness or baseness double force. 
Every one has it in his election whether or not he will be- 
come a soldier. If he does not, he subjects himself to the 
disgrace and penalties attending his situation; but when he 
has engaged in that capacity, he is bound to an adherence 
to discipline. 


TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE DETACHMENT OF 
ASSOCIATORS LEFT FOR THE DEFENCE OF THE CITY. 


A private Associator, who has lately been a delinquent at 
roll-calling, having seen your publication of the 8th instant, 


Firrn Serires.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


834 


desires to inform, that his absence has been entirely owing 
to the partial and unjust conduct exercised over those who 
had entered to do the necessary duty of the city. He should 
not think himself justified in neglecting of duty, had he not 
frequently desired the officers to exercise their authority, 
and enrol all Associators who had not joined their respect- 
ive companies at the camp agreeable to the resolve of the 
Committee of Safety of the 17th ultimo. This would oblige 
you to compel some of rank and fortune, who have had the 
credit of associating, but never experienced any of the fatigue 
or duty attending it. ‘Those, sir, you still seem inclinable 
not to notice, as persons of no consequence. There can be 
but little expectation of those persons being properly dealt 
with, who, from inability, cowardice, or an aversion to our 
cause, have refused to enter into the service of their coun- 
try, if officers have not resolution enough to execute the 
Resolves of Convention or Committee of Safety, without 
respect of persons. 

He knows of no authority any commanding officer has to 
publish delinquents without a trial, yet is by no means sur- 
prised at this stretch of prerogative, as it is far short of what 
has been already exercised over those who have already 
submitted to your partial command; and should his name as 
a delinquent appear in publick, he shall expect it to follow 
those who never attended, nor have given any reasonable 
excuse for their neglects. If so, he shall think it his duty 
to return to his company; but if otherwise, he shall rest 
satisfied with the stigma of having dared to exercise the 
right of a freeman, knowing that his offence consists in refu- 
sing to crouch to the arbitrary designs and impositions of a 
few rich men. For his part, he knows no reason why any 
one Associator should enjoy privileges distinct from another 
of equal rank and degree. When this equality becomes the 
rule of conduct for our officers, he shall esteem it his great- 
est. glory to serve under them. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Elizabeth-Town, August 8, 1776. 
Sir: [received your favour this morning, and am very glad 
to find Mr. Maddison and Mr. Johnston here, who ere inmme- 
diately from Staten-Island. ‘They intend to pay their respects 
to your Excellency. It will, therefore, be improper to take 
up your time with relating what you will hear from these 
gentlemen. ‘That some attempt will speedily be made with 
the greater part of the enemy’s force, is confirmed by all ac- 
counts. I shall endeavour to have the troops in this quarter in 
as good preparation as I can, and will with great alacrity give 
my assistance in such way as you are pleased to point out. 
The Militia are brought into somewhat better temper. 
Their well or ill-founded complaints have given me a great 
deal of concern; but it has given me more anxiety to find, 
by a letter from Colonel Reed, that constructing lines of de- 
fence was expected here, when it was difficult to keep the 
troops from deserting the posts. 
It will always give me pleasure to receive and obey your 
commands. 
I am, your Excellency’s most obedient servant, 
Hueu Mercer. 


P.S. Generals Roberdeau and Ewing accompanied me 
here in hopes of having the pleasure of meeting your Ex- 
cellency. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 12,1776. Referred to the Board of War.] 
New-York, August 8, 1776. 


Sir: By yesterday morning’s post, I was honoured with 
your favour of the 2d instant, with sundry resolutions of 
Congress, to which I shall pay strict attention. As the pro- 
position for employing the Stockbridge Indians has been 
approved, I have written to Mr. Edwards, one of the Com- 
missioners, and who lives among them, requesting him to 
engage them, or such as are willing to enter the service. I 
have directed him to indulge them with liberty to join this or 
the Northern Army, or both, as their inclination may lead. 

I wish the salutary consequences may result from the regu- 
lation respecting seamen taken, that Congress have in view. 
From the nature of this kind of people, and the privileges 
granted on their entermg into our service, I should suppose 
many of them will do it. We want them much. 


53 


835 


I yesterday transmitted the intelligence I received from 
the deserters from the Solebay man-of-war. The enclosed 
copy of a letter by last night’s post, from the Honourable 
Mr. Bowdoin, with the information of a Captain Kennedy, 
lately taken, corroborate their accounts respecting the Hes- 
sian troops. Indeed, his report makes the fleet and arma- 
ment to be employed against us greater than what we have 
heard they would be; however, there remains no doubt of 
their being large and formidable, and such as will require 
our most vigorous exertions to oppose them. Persuaded of 
this, and knowing how much inferior our numbers are and 
will be to theirs when the whole of their troops arrive, and of 
the important consequences that may and will flow from the 
appeal that will soon be made, I have written to Connecta- 
cut and New-Jersey for all the succour they can afford, and 
also to the Convention of this State. What I may receive 
and in what time, the event must determine. But I would 
fain hope the situation, the exigency of our affairs, will 
call forth the most strenuous efforts and early assistance of 
those who are friends to the cause. I confess there is but too 
much occasion for their exertions. I confidently trust they 
will not be withheld. 

I have enclosed a copy of a letter from Mr. Bowdoin, 
respecting the Eastern Indians. Congress will thereby per- 
ceive that they profess themselves to be well attached to 
our interest, and the summary of the measures taken to en- 
gage them in our service. I have the treaty at large between 
the honourable Council of the Massachusetts, on behalf of 
the United States, with the Delegates of the St. John’s and 
the Mickmack Tribes. The probability of a copy’s being sent 
already, and its great length, prevent one coming herewith. 
If Congress have not had it forwarded to them, I will send 
a copy by the first opportunity after notice that it has not 
been received. 

August 9th.—By a report received from General Greene 
last night, at sunset and a little after about a hundred boats 
were seen bringing troops from Staten-Island to the ships; 
three of which had fallen down towards the Narrows, having 
taken in soldiers from thirty of the boats. He adds, that by 
the best observations of several of the officers, there appear- 
ed to be a general embarkation. 

I have written to General Mercer for two thousand men 
from the Flying-Camp. Colonel Smallwood’s battalion, as 
part of them, | expect this forenoon; but where the rest are to 
come from, I know not, as, by the General’s last return, not 
more than three or four hundred of the new levies had got in. 

In my letter of the 5th, I enclosed a general return of the 
Army under my immediate command, but I imagine the fol- 
lowing state will give Congress a more perfect idea, though 
not a more agreeable one, of our situation: For the several 
posts on New-York, Long, and Governour’s Islands, and 
Paulus Hook, we have fit for duty 10,514, sick present 
3,039, sick absent 629, on command 2,946, on furlough 97: 
Total 17,225. In addition to these, we are only certain of 
Colonel Smallwood’s battalion in case of an immediate attack. 
Our posts, too, are much divided, having waters between 
many of them, and some distant from others fifteen miles. 
These circumstances, sufficiently distressing of themselves, 
are much aggravated by the sickness that prevails through 
the Army. Every day more or less are taken down, so that 
the proportion of men that may come in cannot be consi- 
dered as a real and serviceable augmentation in the whole. 
These things are melancholy, but they are nevertheless true. 
I hope for better. Under every disadvantage my utmost 
exertions shall be employed to bring about the great end we 
have in view; and so far as I can judge from the professions 
and apparent disposition of my troops, I shall have their 
support. ‘The superiority of the enemy and the expected 
attack, do not seem to have depressed their spirits. ‘These 
considerations lead me to think, that though the appeal may 
not terminate so happily in our favour as I could wish, that 
yet they will not succeed in their views, without consider- 
able loss. Any advantage they may get, | trust, will cost 
them dear. 

Eight o'clock, A. M.—By the Rev. Mr. Maddison and 
a Mr. Johnston, two gentlemen of Virginia, who came from 
Staten-Island yesterday, and where they arrived the day 
before in the packet with Colonel Guy Johnson, I am in- 
formed that nothing material had taken place in England 
when they left it; that there had been a change in the 
French Ministry, which many people thought foreboded a 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


836 


war; that it seemed to be believed by many that Con- 
gress would attempt to buy off the foreign troops, and that 
it might be effected without great difficulty. Their accounts 
from Staten-Island nearly correspond with what we had 
before. They say that every preparation is making for an 
attack; that the force now upon the Island is about fifteen 
thousand; that they appear very impatient for the arrival 
of the foreign troops, but a very small part having got in, 
Whether they would attempt anything before they came, 
they are uncertain; but they are sure they will as soon as 
they arrive, if not before. They say, from what they could 
collect from the conversation of officers, &c., they mean to 
hem us in by getting above us and cutting off all communi- 
cation with the country. That this is their plan seems to 
be corroborated and confirmed by the circumstance of some 
ships-of-war going out at different times within a few days 
past, and other vessels. It is probable that a part are to go 
round and come up the Sound. 

Mr. Maddison says Lord Howe’s powers were not known 
when he left England; that General Conway moved, be- 
fore his departure, that they might be laid before the Com- 
mons, and had his motion rejected by a large majority. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most 
obedient servant, Go. Wasuineron. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, President of the Continental 
Congress. 


Boston, July 29, 1776. 
Sir: The enclosed declaration is this moment sent to me 
by the Sheriff, which 1 thought necessary to be communi- 
cated to your Excellency. The ship Peggy, mentioned in 
it, was taken by two of the Continental cruisers, and sent 
into Marblehead. ‘The passengers on board, who fled from 
Boston last March, came to town this morning, and are now 
in jail here, who, I understand, have been, or will be, exa- 
mined by General Ward. It is probable you will have by 
this post the result of that examination; but if you should 
not, the enclosed may give you some necessary information. 
I cannot be more particular, as the post is just setting out. 
I have the honour to be, with the most perfect regard, 
your Excellency’s most obedient, &c., 
James Bowpo1n. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


Boston Jail, July 29, 1776. 

I, James Kennedy, Master of the ship Peggy, in the mer- 
chant service, declare, that [left Halifax about the Ist instant, 
under convoy of the Renown, of fifty guns, with a fleet of 
sixteen transports, containing the Forty-Second and Seventy- 
First Regiments, and Frazer’s new-raised regiment, about 
three thousand in all, and three large ships with Hesszan troops 
on board, about six hundred in all, and one ship with five 
companies of English Foot Guards, and four victualling ships, 
the whole fleet bound to New- York. Off Nantucket Shoals 
we fell in with the Flora frigate, of thirty guns, and four 
transports, with the land troops, that had been in Boston 
Bay, where they got information from a fisherman that the 
town was evacuated, on which they stood for Halifax, until 
they met with us; they then joined our fleet for New-York. 
The Scotch troops were all to be of Colonel Campbell’s 
division of the grand Army in America, (the whole of which 
Army, I was informed, would, by the last of July, amount 
to fifty thousand men.) ‘The Hesszan troops left England 
about the 12th of May. Some of the officers informed 
me that they came out with three hundred and four sail, 
under the command of Commodore Hotham, on board of 
whom were ten thousand foreign troops, and some English 
troops, (number unknown.) Last Freday se’nnight, in a gale 
of wind and thick weather, Jost the fleet, and on Monday 
I fell in with two armed schooners, Captains Skinner and 
Tucker, to whom I surrendered after a short engagement, 
in which I had only one man wounded. The day after the 
fleet left Halifax, I saw from my deck forty sail of ships 
standing in for that harbour, and which I suppose to be part 
of the fleet under Commodore Hotham. 


—— et 


Boston, July 30, 1776. 
Sir: At the time your Excellency’s letter was received, 
requesting the aid of this Government in procuring a body 
of the Eastern Indians for the service of the United States, 


—T 


837 


it happened very fortunately that a number of them were 
here as delegates from the S¢. John’s and Mickmack tribes, 
in Nova-Scotia. They came on a visit to you, in conse- 
quence of your letter to them, which they produced; and 
soon after a couple of chiefs arrived here from the Penobscot 
tribe. At the conference held with the former, there ap- 
peared in them a very good disposition towards the United 
States, and the General Court having resolved that a regiment 
should be raised for the service of the State, to consist of 
five hundred Indians and two hundred and fifty English, 
it was strongly urged upon them to join with us in the war; 
and accordingly they have engaged to do it, and have signed 
a treaty for that purpose. By what they said at the confer- 
ence, it appeared the six villages they represented could 
furnish about one hundred and twenty men; but as those 
villages are at a great distance from each other, their men 
dispersed in hunting, and they proposed to call the whole 
together, they said they should not be able, and they could 
not engage to come until next spring. The St. John’s 
delegates, however, on being told they lived near, and could 
be soon here again, promised to return early in the fall, with 
about thirty of their tribe. ‘There are six other nations of 
Mickmacks, who fad not been informed of your letter, and 
had not therefore sent delegates, but are equally well dis- 
posed, and have about the same number of men belonging to 
them. ‘These, therefore, probably will furnish for the service 
a like number of men with the other. With regard to the 
Penobscots, they appeared well disposed. They said that 
when General Washington sent his Army to Canada, five 
of their people went with them, and were at the siege of 
Quebeck, two of whom were wounded, and three taken 
prisoners, who had since returned; that they had been 
promised an allowance should be made to those who went 
with Colonel Arnold, the support of whose families in their 
absence had been a great burden to them; and that they had 
had no recompense for their services. ‘They were told this 
matter would be represented to General Washington, and 
that what was right and just he would order to be done. They 
said further, they looked upon themselves to be one people 
with us, and that whatever Government we Were under they 
were willing to subject themselves to; that they had no doubt 
their tribe would be willing to join General Washington, and 
that when they got home they would call the tribe together 
and consult them for that purpose. 

This good disposition appearing in all the Indians, the 
Council thought it best, in consequence of your letter, to send 
with the Indians into their own country the most suitable 
persons that could be had, in order to procure, with the 
utmost expedition, the number of Indians you desire may be 
engaged in the service of the States, or as many as can be 
procured. An armed vessel is accordingly engaged to carry 
these Indians to Penobscot and St. John’s, where those tribes 
will be respectively assembled, and all that can be persuaded 
to it inlisted into the service immediately. Mr. &letcher, who 
came with the Penobscots, is engaged in this business with 
regard to that tribe, and Major Shaw employed with regard 
to the St. John’s and their neighbours at Passamaquoddy. 
It being expected a considerable number might be had from 
these tribes in a short time, the said vessel was engaged to 
bring them hither as soon as may be. One Mr. Gilman is 
also employed to go to the St. Francois Indians, and engage 
as many of them as he can. On the conference with the 
St. John’s and Mickmacks, (a copy of which is enclosed, 
together with a copy of the treaty,) three of them offered 
themselves to join the Army at New-York immediately, 
and their offer was accepted, as it might not only secure the 
fidelity of the tribes to which they belonged, but induce many 
others of them to engage in the service. Another has since 
joined them. Accordingly, these four (one of whom can 
speak French) will immediately set off for New-York, under 
the conduct of Mr. William Shaw, who is ordered to wait 
upon you with them. 

The Council hope these measures will be effectual for the 
purpose they were ordered. In their name and behalf, I 
have the honour to be, with every sentiment of respect, your 
Excellency’s most obedient, &c., James Bowporn. 
To His Excellency General Washington, &c. 

P.S. The names of the four Indtans abovementioned, viz: 
Joseph Denaquara, of Windsor, who speaks French and 
English; Peter André, of Le Heve; Sebattis Netobcobwit, 
of Gaspee ; Francis, of St. John’s. 


* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


838 


A Conference held at Warerrown, in the Colony of Mas- 
sacHuSETTS-Bay, between the Honourable the Council o 
the said Colony in behalf of the said Colony and of all 

the Unirep Cotontrs, on the one part, and the Delegates 

of the Sr. Joun’s and Micxmac Tribes of INDIANS in 

Nova-Scorta, on the other part. 


In Council, Wednesday, July 10, 1776. 

The honourable Board being informed that Major Shaw 
was desirous of speaking to them on business of importance, 
he was admitted into the Council Chamber; when he ac- 
quainted their Honours that a number of Indians of the St. 
John’s and Mickmac Tribes, in Nova-Scotia, were come to 
town to see and talk with the Council and General Wash- 
ington, from both of whom they had received letters; and 
that at the earnest request of the said Indians he had accom- 
panied them, having brought them in his sloop from Machias 
to Salem, from whence they rode hither in carriages which 
were provided for them, 

Major Shaw was desired to introduce them; which he did. 
After salutations, and they being seated and welcomed, the 
Honourable James Bowdoin, Esq., as President of the Coun- 
cil, was desired to manage the Conferences with them. 


Presipent. What Tribes do you belong to and repre- 
sent? 
Inpians. The St. John’s and Mickmac. 


Present. We should be glad to know your names, 
and to what villages you belong ? 

Inptans. We will answer, each one for himself: 

AmprosE Var, Neweti Watts, Francis: Of St. John’s 
River. 

JosepH Denaquara, Cuartes: Of Windsor Mickmacs. 

Marranu Onrrane, Nicuonas: Of Merimichiand Rech- 
bucto Mickmacs. 

Joun Barris: Of Beausejour, in Cumberland, a Mick- 
mac. 

Perer Anpre: Of Le Heve, a Mickmac. 


Sesartis Neroscoswir: Of G'aspee, a Mickmac. 


Presipent. What number of men is there in your seve- 
ral villages? Let each answer with respect to his own 
village only. 

Ambrose Var. 
St. John’s Tribe. 

JosepH. ‘There are sixty at my village, Windsor. 

Marranv. In my village are eighty men. 

Joun Barris. In the village at Cumberland are forty 
men. 

Peter Anpre. There are fifty men at Le Heve. 

Sepattis. At Gaspee are fifty strong men. 


Are there any more villages of Indians in 


There are sixty men belonging to the 


PruEsIDENT. 
Nova-Scotia? 

Inprans. There are six more villages of Mickmacs, but 
we do not know what number of men they have. 

Presipent. As you want refreshment, we will defer 
hearing what you have to say to us; and we will let you 
know when we are ready to hear you. We have ordered 
good lodgings and entertainment to be provided for you; 
and Major Shaw will take care that the order be complied 
with. 

Wine being brought, the President drank their health, 
and the health of the S¢. John’s and Mickmac Tribes ; which 
was returned by the Jndians drinking the health of the 
Council. 


They then retired with Major Shaw. 


In Council, Friday, A. M., July 12, 1776. 

A Message went from the Board to the honourable House 
of Representatives, then sitting in the Meeting-House, to 
inform them that certain Indians from the St. John’s and 
Mickmac Tribes were in town, with whom the Board pur- 
posed to hold a Conference at eleven o'clock, and to invite 
the honourable House to be present at it; and to propose 
to them that it should be held in the Meeting-House, 

A Message was received from the House in answer, that 
they would attend the Conference at the Meeting-House, 
which should be at the service of the honourable Board for 
that purpose. 

The Council then proceeded to the Meeting-House, into 
which they were introduced by the Speaker. Being seated, 
and the Indians also come and seated, the Conference was 
renewed. 


839 


Presipent. Brothers of the St. John’s and Mickmac 
Tribes: We are glad to see you to-day, and hope you are 
all well. 

Amprose. We thank you. 

Presipent. As some of you speak French, we have 
desired Mr. Job Prince, who speaks French also, to inter- 
pret what shall be said at this Conference. And we have 
appointed Mr. John Avery as Clerk to take Minutes of it. 
They will be each sworn to the faithful discharge of their 
office respectively. 

[They were sworn by the President accordingly, and 
Colonel Lithgow, who understands the Indian language, 
was desired to assist as Interpreter.] 

Amprose. We like it well. 

Presipent. At our first interview you told us that you 
came from and represented the St. John’s and Mickmac 
Tribes. What evidence do you give us of this? 

Amprose. Ambrose hereupon rose, and delivered to the 
President a large parchment, containing a Treaty made be- 
tween those Tribes and the Government of Nova-Scotia in 
1760. Also, a letter to them from General Washington, 
dated in February last, and a letter to them from the Gene- 
ral Court of Massachusetts-Bay, dated in October last; and 
said that those letters were the occasion of their coming 
hither to see General Washington. 

Presipent. We are now ready to hear what you have 
to say to us, and shall give great attention to it. 


Amprose. The St. John’s and Mickmac Tribes are all 
one people, and of one tongue and one heart. 

We are very thankful to the Almighty to see all the 
Council; the Almighty has given the Enghsh and Indians 
one heart. 

General Washington sent us something (the letters afore- 
said) last fall and this spring, and that is the reason of our 
coming here now to speak. 

The Captains that are come up with me, and all our 
people, are all one as Boston; our eyes and our ears will 
not turn to the other side of the water to see or hear what 
they do. 

We want a Father or a French Priest. 

Jesus we pray to, and we shall not hear any prayers that 
come from England. 

We shall have nothing to do with Old England, and all 
that we shall worship or obey will be Jesus Christ and 
General Washington. 

[Here Ambrose delivered to the President a silver gorget 
and heart, with the King’s Arms and the busts of the King 
and Queen engraved on them.|] 

General Washington advised us to pray to Jesus for aid 
and assistance, and to be thankful for the lands that God 
had given us. All our old men and women pray that the 
Almighty would enable us to walk in the right way. Gene- 
ral Washington wrote us a letter desiring us to pray for him, 
and assist him all in our power. All our Captains and 
Chiefs do pray that he and his brothers may be masters of 
this country. We are both one country. We are of their 
country and they are of our country. 

There are Boston people down with us, and we esteem 
them there as our own people, and treat them as such. 

There are a number of £rench people upon our land, who 
disturb us in hunting, and we want to remove them a little 
further from us, near the sea-coast. 

[ Here Ambrose presented and delivered a sword and pistol, 
which he said had been offered to them by one Anderson, 
and which they afterwards took from him; and he then 
proceeded—] 

Mr. Anderson told us if we would be for England, as he 
intended to be, we might have that sword and pistol. He 
told us that if we lost any money by the Boston people, the 
King in Old England would make it up. 

After we received letters from General Washington, we 
took the sword from Anderson, and told him we would have 
nothing to do with him, and set him up as a mark, and 
despised him. 

We told Anderson when we took the sword from him, we 
would deliver it up to General Washington, if he would 
receive it. 

We have now said what we had to say concerning this 
matter; and would again mention, that we want a 'Truck- 
House and a Priest. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


840 


Presipent. You mentioned there were some French- 
men in your country whom you wanted to have removed : 
Are they in opposition to the interest of this country? 

Amprose. They are all for you. 

Presipent. For what purpose did Anderson give you 
the sword ? 

Inprans. As Mr. Anderson would not be for the people 
of Boston, we took it from him. 

Presipent. Did Mr. Anderson appear as an Agent for 
the Government of Nova-Scotta, or only as a private indi- 
vidual ? 

Inptans. Anderson told us in the winter and in the 
spring not to go to Boston, but to Halifax. He said it 
would not signify to go to Boston, but if we could go to the 
Governour of Halifax, we should have a hat-full of money 
given to us by the Governour. 

Inpians. We did not want money, but we wanted to 
lay our hearts open to the people of Boston. 

Presipent. Was Andersona publick agent, or employ- 
ed by the Governour of Halifax? 

Inpians. We believe he was. 

Presmpent. What is the disposition of the English 
people in Nova-Scotia with regard to thé disputes between 
England and America? 

Inprans. We do not know. 

Presipent. What is the disposition of the Mickmac 
and St. John’s Tribes in general? Would they all enter 
heartily and witheresolution into the war on our side? 

Inpians. Both the Mickmac or Cape-Sable Indians and 
the St. John’s Indians are all for helping Boston; we know 
their hearts, for we had a talk with them. 


The President then delivered a Speech to them, which 
was as follows: 

Prestipent: Brothers: What you have said, we like 
well. It makes a strong impression on our hearts, and at 
our next Conference with you, we will give you a full and 
particular answer. We will now open our minds to you. 
You have heard that the English people beyond the great 
water have taken up the hatchet, and made war against the 
United Colonies in America. We once looked upon them 
as our brothers, as children of the same family with our- 
selves, and not only loved them as brothers, but loved and 
respected them as our elder brothers. But they have grown 
old and covetous; many of their great men have wasted 
and squandered not only their own money, but the money 
of the publick; and because they cannot obtain in their own 
country a sufficiency to support their excessive luxury and 
satiate their avarice, they want to take from us our money 
and our lands for those purposes; and at the same time to 
deprive us of our liberties and make us slaves. ‘They have 
already taken away a great deal of our money and many of 
our privileges, and we have borne it with patience, having 
only told them that their doing so was unbrotherly and un- 
kind, and most earnestly prayed them again and again to 
desist from their unfriendly and cruel treatment of us. But 
all our petitions have been disregarded, and they have trod- 
den them as waste paper under their feet. After this ill 
usage and repeated insults, we have refused to part with 
any more of our money and privileges; and this refusal has 
brought upon us the war in which we are engaged. Our 
enemies, before they openly declared themselves to be such, 
we received as friends, and admitted them into our towns 
and sea-ports. ‘Taking advantage of this peaceable dispo- 
sition of ours, they sent ships and troops and took possession 
of Boston, and strongly fortified it, expecting we should per- 
mit them to do the same with other places, till they had 
secured the whole country. But they found themselves 
mistaken ; for when a large body of them went from Boston 
secretly by night into our country in the month of April the 
last year, and killed some of our people, burnt or damaged 
many of their houses, stole and destroyed much of their 
property, and committed other acts of cruelty, a number of 
our warriors assembled and drove them back, and killed a 
great many of them; and a little while after killed a much 
greater number of them at Charlestown, with comparatively 
little loss of lives on our side. The war being thus 
begun, all the Colonies on the Continent, from New-Hamp- 
shire to Georgia, (including them,) determined in a great 
Council, held by some of their wise men at Philadelphia, 
to unite together for their mutual defence; and their Army, 
under the command of that great warrior, General Wash- 


841 


ington, have lately driven away the British Army from 
Boston, where for many months they were held as prison- 
ers, not daring to march out of the town to fight General 
Washington. And we doubt not, through the favour of 
Divine Providence, that, although the British troops have 
gained some advantages in Canada, the armies of the United 
Colonies will be able to drive them out of all other parts of 
America within the limits of the said Colonies; and out of 
Canada also.if the Canadians are not blind with regard to 
their own interest and liberty. ; 

We have given you this information, that you might know 
the true state of things. And we would inform you further, 
that as we and the St. John’s and Mickmac tribes of In- 
dians are countrymen, and not very distant from each other, 
we ought to be, and it is our interest to be mutual friends, 
and as brothers. And we are glad to find by what you have 
now said, that you are of the same mind. Accordingly, we, 
the governours of the Colony of Massachusetts-Bay, in behalf 
of this Colony and of all the United Colonies in North 
America, receive you to our friendship. Your acceptance 
of it entitles you to be considered by us as brothers; and 
your enemies we shall deem our enemies, and will do all in 
our power to protect you from them. We do not, however, 
ask you to join with us in the war, unless it is your free 
choice to do so. If you choose to join with the United 
Colonies in the war, and shall tell us so clearly, we will 
immediately take the matter into consideration, and let you 
know our minds at the next Conference. In the mean time 
we are glad to see you do not intend to join our enemies 
against us. It is probable that the Governour of Nova- 
Scotia, the Governour of Canada, and other enemies of 
these Colonies, will endeavour to deceive you, and by pre- 
sents and threats try to make you join with them against the 
United Colonies. But be not deceived by them. Our love 
for you obliges us to forewarn you of their arts, and earnestly 
to caution you against being deceived. If they should en- 
gage you in the war against us, you will be undone, and 
will be a ruined people. We do not mention this, as sup- 
posing you will join them, but only as a friendly caution to 
you, that you do not suffer them to deceive you to your own 
ruin. 

When you have considered what we have now said, and 
are ready to give an answer to it, we will hear you. 


Amprose. We will consider it, and speak to you again. 


Preswwent. You told us the sword and pistol you took 
from Anderson was at our disposal. We thank you, and 
now return them to you, in confidence that they will be 
employed by you only against your own enemies and our 
enemies. 

[The silver gorget and heart, with the King’s Arms and 
bust engraven on them, were delivered to the Interpreter to 
be returned to the Indians. He presented them to their 
Speaker, but with great vehemence and displeasure he re- 
fused to take them, saying they had nothing to do with King 
George and England. Whereupon the President told them 
they should have a new gorget and heart, with the bust of 
General Washington, and proper devices to represent the 
United Colonies. | 

The Conference was then adjourned to to-morrow, after 
drinking mutual healths. 

In Council, Saturday, July 13, 1776. 

A Message went from the honourable Board to inform 
the honourable House that the Conference with the Indians 
would be renewed at three o’clock, P. M., to which the 
House returned an answer that they would then attend. 

Accordingly, at three o’clock, the Council proceeded to 
the Meeting-House, and the Indians being come, the Con- 
ference was renewed. 


Presipent. Brothers of the St. John’s and Mickmac 
Tribes: It gives us pleasure to see you to-day in health. 
We hope you have been well entertained at your lodgings, 
agreeable to our order. 

We shall now give an answer to what you said to us 
yesterday. You told us you prayed to our Saviour Jesus, 
and wanted a French Priest to assist you in your prayers. 
We are glad you have such a regard for religion, and are 
ready to furnish you with a Priest to assist you in your 
prayers, and teach you the true religion; but we do not 
know that we can get a French Priest; if one of our Priests 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


842 


would be agreeable to you, we will endeavour to get you 
one, and will take care he be a good man. 

You told us you wanted a Truck-House. According to 
your desire last year, we sent to our Truckmaster at Penob- 
scot money to purchase ammunition, provision, and goods, 
as much of each as we thought sufficient to supply you the 
last winter, and we wrote you so in our letter to you last 
October. We hope the 'Truckmaster supplied you accord- 
ing to our order, which was, to supply you with what you 
wanted, and take your skins and furs in payment; and that 
you might be the better accommodated, we also sent a 
quantity of the same articles to Machias, with orders to our 
Truckmaster there to supply you. We shall send a further 
quantity, and order him to let you have the things you want 
at the same rate they cost us, and allow you for your skins 
and furs the same price they will fetch in Boston. We hope 
this will be satisfactory to you. 

With respect to the war, we told you yesterday how it 
began, and mentioned to you some of the cruelties our enemies 
committed on our people. We shall now mention some 
more of those cruelties. After the Britzsh ships and troops 
were admitted into Boston as friends, they stopped all the 
trade of the town, and would not suffer our vessels to come 
in or go out to supply the town and country as usual. They 
then, fearing the people of Boston, after such provocation, 
would rise upon them, told them that if they would deliver 
up their arms, the inhabitants should be all safe, and no 
injury offered to them or their property; and that such as 
inclined to go out of the town should have free liberty to go 
with all their effects. The town, knowing themselves to 
be in the power of the troops, and being cut off from all 
communication with the country, agreed to the proposal, 
and accordingly delivered up their arms, relying on the pro- 
mise of the British General, Mr. Gage, that he would per- 
form his part of the agreement; but as soon as he had got 
their arms he broke his faith, and would permit only a part 
of the people to go, and would not suffer them to take their 
effects with them. Those that were obliged to remain in 
the town were insulted and abused by the soldiers, who 
burnt and destroyed many of their houses, stole a great quan- 
tity of their goods, and subjected them to great difficulties 
and hardships—all directly contrary to the plighted faith of 
the British Gereral. And afterwards, when the British 
troops found that General Washington was determined to 
drive them out of the town, they broke open dwelling-houses 
and store-houses and took away and destroyed a prodigious 
quantity of goods, and then, with great precipitation, re- 
treated to their sbips, and quitted the town. 

Some time before this, they burnt the large town of Charles- 
town, consisting of several hundred houses, taking away 
everything valuable they could find there; and several of 
their ships-of-war went and destroyed a great part of the 
town of Falmouth, in Casco Bay, burning near two hundred 
houses there, with many things of value in them. Much 
other damage they have done, and many other cruelties they 
have committed. This unjust, inhuman, and cruel treat- 
ment has compelled us to take up arms in our defence, and 
in earnest to engage in a war with them; and all the Colonies 
on the Continent, through fifteen hundred miles in extent, 
have joined with us in the war, and are determined to carry 
it on till we can obtain a peace on just and honourable 
terms. 

We know our cause to be just: we can therefore place 
our confidence in that Being who is the great Dispenser of 
Justice, and who will not suffer such inhumanity and breach 
of faith to go unpunished. We trust that, by His favour, 
we shall be able to defend ourselves; and we do not desire 
you, as we told you yesterday, to enter into the war unless 
you choose it. You then expressed a disposition to engage 
in it; but we desired you to weigh and consider the matter 
well before you engaged, and to let us know your mind 
about it, fully and plainly, after you had so considered it. 
We shall now attend to what you have to say on this head, 
and to everything else you have to say. 

Amprose. We have the same to say to-day that we said 
yesterday—that we are your friends and brothers, and will 
join in the war on your side. You may depend upon it that 
we will not break our words; we will not lie; all that are 
here present hear us, and the God of Heaven hears us; and 
we will engage in the war, for we are brothers. We would 
not lie to save our right hands. We pledge our faith that 


843 


we will do what we promise. We love Boston. It gives 
us a great deal of concern they were so ill used. We should 
have been glad to have had the arms of Boston to keep. 
If we had had the Boston arms, we should have been able 
to defend ourselves. In case the people of England should 
come to drive us out of our country, we will give you infor- 
mation of it immediately. We shall be very glad to have 
proper goods for our furs and skins, and we want them up 
St. John’s River. We are not capable of writing. We 
can’t convey our mind as we would wish to do. We will 
pledge our right hands in faith of what we have promised. 
‘There are some of us here that are willing to go to war now, 
and would go to General Washington immediately. 

[Upon this, three of them went from their seats into the 
aisle, and manifested a great desire to go. 

These three are Chiefs of different villages, and are willing 
to go together. ] 

Presipent. We thank them, and will let them know 
our minds. By what you said yesterday, and what you say 
now, it appears to be your disposition and intention to join 
in the war with us. Do we understand you right?) Do you 
mean to join with us in the war? 

Amprose. Yes; we are with our hearts ready to join 
you. 

Presipent. You mean not only yourselves particularly, 
but your Tribes in general. 

Amerose. It is not in our power to answer now for the 
whole of our Tribes; but when we go home, we will call 
together all the young men, and see how many will go to 
war, 

Presipent. How many do your Tribes consist of? 

AmprosE. It is not in our power to tell. 

Presiwent. You, Ambrose, are of St. John’s. 
many men are there in your Tribe? 

AmproseE. Sixty men that are able to do duty. 

Prestpent. How many of your men would be willing 
to engage in the war? 

Amprose. It is impossible to tell certainly till we go home 
and call our men together. 

Preswwent. Do you think that thirty would engage? 

Amprose. We can get thirty men to go, and three 
Captains for certain. ‘This man that is next to me will make 
one of the thirty that will go with me. 

Francis, (of the same Tribe.) I can go and fetch from 
St. John’s twenty men myself. I will return, and bring 
twenty men with me. 

Presipent. How many men, Joseph, would go from 
your village, and how many does it consist of? 

JosepH Denaquara. ‘T'wenty-five would go, and there 
are fifty in the whole. 

Presipent. How many men in your village, Mattahu, 
and how many would go? 

Marrauu. I can bring ten men, and could bring more, 
if I wasn’t afraid of the English coming to attack our vil- 
lace while we were gone. We have eighty men. 

Preswwent. How many men in your village, and how 
many would go, Battis? 

Joun Barris. Wecan produce fourteen, but must have 
some to take care of the women and children. We have 
forty men in our village. 

Presipentr. I want to know how many men there are 
in your village, Peter? 

Perer Anpré. Sixty men. 

Presipent. How many men can your village furnish? 

Peter. It is not in my power to answer with certainty, 
as I am going myself to General Washington directly. 


How 


Presipent. Do you think twenty? 

Perer Anpre. Thirty. 

Presipent. How many are there in your village, Se- 
battis ? 

Sesattis Netoscosurr. Fifty men. 

Presipent. How many would go to war? 

Sesattis Neroscosuir. ‘Twenty-five. 

Presipent. How many villages are there of the Mick- 


macs not represented here ? 
[Here several of them consulted together, and then the 
answer was given. ] 


AmproseE. Six. 

Presipent. How many villages are there represented 
here? 

AmBrosr. Six, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


844 


Presipent. Are the other villages as big as those six? 

AmpBroseE. Some much bigger. 

Presipent. What is the reason that the other six vil- 
lages did not send delegates as well as those that have 
sent? 

Amprose. The reason is, that General Washington’s 
letter had not reached them. Some of our people went after 
them, but we have not heard from them. 

Presipent. Do you think that the other villages have 
as friendly’a disposition toward us as you have? 

Amprose. ‘The same. We are all brothers and cousins. 
We are of the same flesh and blood, and can’t make war 
or be attacked separately. 

Presipent. Would your warriors form a body in con- 
junction with a number of our people ? 

Amprose. Yes; we are brothers now, and for that rea- 
son we would join our hands with yours. 

Presipent. From what you now say, we depend that 
you are hearty to enter into the war with us. 

AmBrose. Yes, we are. 

[Hereupon all the Indians came from their seats, and 
shook hands with the President, in token of their heartiness 
and sincerity. | 

Presipent. We look upon this as an expression of your 
readiness to join with us in the war, and, accordingly, I shall 
immediately consult my brothers of both Houses here present, 
and let you know presently what our determination 1s. 


After consultation with the Council, and with the Speaker 
and gentlemen of the House of Representatives, the Presi- 
dent then proceeded: 

Preswwent. Brothers: I would now inform you what 
the General Court have agreed to upon your having signified 
your readiness to enter with us into the war. ‘They have 
agreed that a regiment be employed in the Continental ser- 
vice, under the command of General Washington, to consist 
of five hundred of the Mickmac and St. John’s Tribes, and 
two hundred and fifty of our people with them. These are 
to form one regiment, to act together. ‘The Field Officers or 
the chief officers are to be English. The other officers of 
the regiment to be one-half English, and the other half 
Indians. With respect to the pay of the officers, it will be 
determined the next time the Court meets. With respect 
to the soldiers, both Indzan and English, they will have the 
like pay, viz: forty shillings per month, equal to six dollars 
and two-thirds; and each of the Indians is to be allowed a 
rifle shirt, such as the Riflemen have, a blanket, shoes and 
buckles, or moccasins. You will also have provisions sup- 
plied you while in the service. 

Presipent. Do you understand perfectly what has been 
said? 

Amprose. We understood it exceedingly well. 

Presipent. Do you approve of the establishment of 
such a regiment, consisting of Englsh and Indians? 

Amprose. We are very glad of it, and we repeat it 
again, we are very well contented and pleased with it. 

Presipent. Brothers, are you well equipped with guns, 
and all things necessary belonging to a gun? 

Amprose. We have few or none; nor can we find any 
knives to buy. 

Presipent. How do you hunt without guns? 

Amprose. We have got cuns, but reserve them for our 
children to hunt with in our absence from home. 

Presipent. Those that engage in the service must bring 
their guns with them. Have you anything further to say 
at this time? 

Amprose. We have nothing further to say. All we 
have said we consider as an oath. 

Presipent. The next time we meet together, we will 
let you know how the regiments are to be regulated. 


Then the President drank prosperity to the Indians of 
the Mickmac and St. John’s Tribes, and wished that the 
friendship now established might continue as long as the sun 
and moon shall endure, which was pledged by the Indians. 

Presiwent. We will bid you farewell to night, and will 
see you again next Tuesday. 

In the Meeting-House, Tuesday, July 16, 1776, P. M. 
The Conference was continued, 

Preswent. Brothers, we hope we now see you well. 

At our last meeting, you desired that the goods we should 


845 


send to the Truck-House at Machias might be such as you 
most wanted. We should be glad you would now inform 
us what goods you want most, and like best, and we will 
endeavour the ‘Truck-House shall be supplied with them, 
being desirous to accommodate you in the best manner in 
our power. 

Amprose. We want strouds and blankets for winter and 
summer. Our children and families are always in want of 
those articles. We want powder, shot, flints, knives, and 
combs, hatchets, small axes of two different sizes, paint, 
some steel-traps to catch beaver, and we want guns, too, to 
go a-hunting with. 

Presipent. Major Shaw has delivered us a memoran- 
dum of a number of articles. We will order our Commis- 
sary to supply the Truck-House with them, if they can be 
procured, 

Amsrose. We are much obliged to you. 

Presment. One of you desired yesterday that a Truck- 
master, with goods, might be sent to St. John’s. 

Amprose. There is one Adderton, who lives a league 
from our village, who we should be glad might be appointed. 

Presmwwent. We should be glad to send a ‘Truckmaster 
there; but as St. John’s is not within the bounds of this 
Colony, we have no right to do it. 

Amprose. We are much obliged to you. 

Presipent. Since we last talked together, we have 
received letters from General Washington, in which he men- 
tions his brothers the St. John’s and Mickmac Indians. As 
he thinks you are strong men and his good friends, and as 
you have expressed a great inclination to take part with him 
in the war, he desires you to come and join him at New- 
York, with all possible expedition. He wants five or six 
hundred of you; but if you cannot spare so many, desires 
you to speak to your brothers of Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, 
and other places, to come along with you, so as to make up 
that number in the whole. ‘The pay and encouragement 
will be the same we mentioned to you last Saturday. We 
now desire your answer, that we may write it to General 
Washington. 

Amprose. My brothers, it is not in our power to tell 
how many men we can raise. We will get as many as we 
can. We cannotsay anything further. We will endeavour 
to furnish all we can. 

Preswent. You all promise to use your endeavours to 
engage all the warriors you can. ‘They are to come here, 
and then go to New-York to join General Washington. 

Amprose. Yes, we have said it already, that we will 
go and get all that we can. 

Presipent. You told us the other day how many you 
thought your several villages would furnish. We should 
be glad if you would mention the number again, according 
to the best of your judgment, that General Washington may 
know what to depend on. 

Amprose. St. John’s consists of sixty men, and will 
furnish thirty. 

Josepu and Cuarues. Windsor consists of fifty men, and 
will furnish twenty or twenty-five. 

Marranu. Miramichi and Rechibucto consist of eighty 
men, and will furnish ten. 

Joun Barris. Cumberland Beausejour consists of for- 
ty men, and will furnish fifteen, perhaps twenty-five. 

Perer Anpre. Lehéve consists of sixty men, and will 
furnish fifteen. 

Sesattis Neroscosurr. Gaspee consists of fifty men, 
and will furnish twenty-five or thirty men. 


Presipent. How many can the other six villages fur- 
nish? 
Amprose. We cannot tell. We would let you know 


it is not in our power to come this fall, except three, who 
are willing to go now. The rest say, they cannot come 
this fall. 

Prestpent. If you cannot come yourselves this fall, 
perhaps some others of your ‘Tribes can. 

Amprose. When we go home, we will get all our peo- 
ple together, and advise with them, and we will certainly 
come in the spring. 

Presmpent. General Washington writes he wants them 
now, as they are strong men, and his good brothers. 

Amprose. We will endeavour to get them, and if it is 
possible, we will come this fall. We will get our men to- 
gether, and come up, if it is possible. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


846 


PRESIDENT. 
men? 

Amprose. We are so far distant from each other, that it 
would bring it to Christmas before we could get together. 

Prestpent. How long would it be before. your people 
could get together? 

Amprose. Weare certain that we can all be here in the 
spring. It will be late before we can all get home, and it 
will be winter before our people will be able to get together. 

Presipent. Captain Shaw can carry you to Machias 
or St. John’s quick, and you can be in your own country 
in a few days after. 

Amprose. Some of us, after we get to St. John’s River, 
have a great way to go, near two hundred leagues. 

Preswwent. Those of the St. John’s Tribe are near; 
they come in a short time. 

Amprose. When we came from home, our Captain of 
the St. John’s Tribe was gone to Quebeck to hear what 
news. He went to see the Boston people, not the King’s 
troops. Perhaps when we get home, our Captain may be 
returned, and may bring the same tidings we get here. If 
not, as soon as he does return, we will endeavour to get the 
men here as quick as possible. 

Presrpent. Do you think your neighbours, the Passa- 
maquoddy Indians, can furnish any men? ‘They are near. 

Amprose. We will send people to inform them, and 
endeavour to get as many of them as we can. 


Would the other six villages furnish any 


Prestpent. Do you think the Cape Sable Indians can 
furnish any men? 

Amprose. ‘They are too far off to send to from St. 
John’s. 


Presipent. Not if you can go across the Bay of Fundy 
to Cape Sable. 

Amprose. We keep along the coast,.except when we 
come across the rivers that are not too wide. 

Presipent. General Washington will depend on thirty 
men from St. John’s to come up soon. 


AmproseE. Yes, all we can get. 
Presipent. Who lives next to St. John’s? 
Amprose, The Mickmacs are the nearest; they can’t 


come this fall, for want of provisions for their families, who 
will starve if they come away. 

Presipent. ‘Tell Ambrose that we thank him for his 
readiness to engage his people to come here as soon as they 
can; and we should be glad the rest of them would get their 
people together as soon as may be, and come to Boston with 
as many as they can get. 

Inpians. We will do all that we can. 

Presipent. When you get home, inform your Tribes 
and the other Indian Tribes what has been agreed between 
us. Such of the Indian warriors as incline to engage must 
come to this place; and General Washington says they 
must bring their own guns with them. Remember to tell 
them they must not fail to bring their guns, as General 
Washington depends upon it. 

Amprose. ‘Those that have two guns will bring one with 
them, and those that have but one gun must leave it at 
home. 

Presipent. JBesides their wages, they will have a dol- 
lar for the use of each gun; and if their guns should be lost 
in the service, they will be paid for them. Everything else 
that’s necessary will be supplied them when they come here. 
They must be very expeditious in coming. General Wash- 
ington wants them immediately. Now you know what will 
be paid for your guns, you must prevail with your people 
to bring guns with them. 

Amprose. Yes, we will all bring our guns, all that have 


any. We have all got guns, but they are not in very good 
order. 
Presipent. Bring the best you have got; you must 


come as quick as you can. We shall desire Major Shaw 
to procure you a passage up to Boston from Machias. 

Amprose. If there was a vessel at St. John’s we could 
come much quicker. We want to know who will carry us 
to St. John’s now, for the sooner we can get home the sooner 
we can get together. 

Presipent. We shall desire Major Shaw to carry you 
to Machias certain; and if he can carry you to St. John’s 
he will. When Major Shaw carries you to Machias, you 
must let him know when he must go there again to bring 
you up. 


847 


Amprose. We will let him know. 

Presipent. Your pay will commence on the day you 
sail from Machias to come up to Boston; our Commissary 
will send provisions for your passage up. ‘The companies 
will be formed when you come here. You must engage 
and inlist for so long a time as General Washington shall 
want you, not exceeding two or three years, unless General 
Washington and you agree for a longer time; and from 
hence you will proceed to General Washington. 

Amprose. We are willing. 

Presipent. Several of you, viz: Joseph Donaquara, 

sabattis Netobcobius, and Peter André, oftered themselves 
to engage in the war immediately; we thank them; we are 
much pleased they show so hearty a disposition to engage. 
We accept of their offer, and, according to their desire, will 
send them to General Washington, who will inform them 
what todo. The St. John’s and Mickmac Tribes are now 
our brothers, and are become one people with the United 
Colonies. 'Those Colonies have lately, by their great Coun- 
cil at Philadelphia, declared themselves free and indepen- 
dent States, by the name of the United States of America. 
The certain news of it, and the Declaration itself, are just 
come to us; and we are glad of this opportunity to inform 
you, our brothers, of it. ‘The said great Council, the “Re- 
presentatives of the United States of America in General 
Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the 
world for the rectitude of their intentions, do, in the name 
and by the authority of the good people of these Colonies, 
solemnly publish and declare that these United Colonies are, 
and of right ought to be, free and independent States; that 
they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, 
and that all political connexion between them and the State 
of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and 
that, as free and independent States, they have full power 
to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish 
commerce, and to do all other acts and things which inde- 
pendent States may of right do: and for the support of this 
Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine 
Providence, they mutually pledge to each other their lives, 
their fortunes, and their sacred honour.” 

[Here the printed Declaration at large was produced to 
the Indians, and the Interpreter, Mr. Prince, fully explained 
it to them.] 


Amprose. We like it well. 
Presiwent. Thisis the Declaration of the United States 
of America. You and we, therefore, have now nothing to 


do with Great Britain; we are wholly separated from her, 
and all the former friendship and connexion with her are now 
dissolved. The United States now form a long and strong 
chain; and it is made longer and stronger by our brethren 
of the St. John’s and Mickmac Tribes joining with us. And 
may Almighty God never suffer this chain to be broken. 
In pursuance and in full confirmation of what has, in these 
conferences, been agreed upon between us, we now lay 
before you certain Articles of Alliance and Friendship which, 
if you approve of them, we propose should be mutually 
sisned, viz: by you, in behalf of the St. John’s and Mickmac 
Tribes on the one part, and by us, in behalf of the United 
States of America on the other part. 


The Presinent then, holding out to them the Treaty, said, 
This is the Treaty to be read to you; if you approve of it, 
it will be fairly written and broucht here again to be signed 
by you and us. I shall desire one of my brothers to read it 
to you, being obliged myself to go to Boston. Upon which 
the President, after shaking hands with the Indzans, and 
bidding them farewell, retired. 


The Honourable Bensamin GREENLEAF, Esq., then read 
the Treaty to the Indians, which was fully and clearly inter- 
preted to them, and of which they expressed their entire 
approbation, and said they were ready to sign it. After 
mutual healths were drunk, the Conference was adjourned 
to the next day. 


Wednesday, July 17, 1776. 
The Council and the Indian Delegates being met, dupli- 
cates of the Treaty, fairly written, were produced and signed 
and exchanged. 
Then the Hon. Benjamin Greenleaf, Esq., told them that 
the presents ordered them by the Government would be 
delivered to them as soon as they were ready. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


848 


The Conference being now ended, the Indians took leave 
of the Council and departed. 


The following is a copy of the Treaty above referred to, viz: 


A Treaty of Alliance and Friendship entered intoand con- 
cluded by and between the governours of the State of Mas- 
sacuuserts-Bay and the Delegates of the Sr. Jonn’s 
and Micxmac Tribes of Inp1ans. 


Whereas the United States of America, in General Con- 
gress assembled, have, in the name and by the authority of 
the good people of these Colonies, solemnly published and 
declared that these United Colonies are, and of right ought 
to be, free and independent States; that they are absolved 
from all allegiance to the British Crown; and that all politi- 
cal connexion between them and the State of Great Britain 
is, and ought to be, dissolved; and that, as free and inde- 
pendent States, they have full power to levy war, conclude 
peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all 
other acts and things which independent States may of right 
do: We, the governours of the State of Massachusetts, do, 
by virtue thereof, and by the powers vested in us, enter into 
and conclude the following Treaty of Friendship and Alli- 
ance, VIZ: 

Ist. We, the governours of the said State of Massachu- 
setts-Bay, in behalf of said State and the other United States 
of America on the one part, and Ambrius Var, Newell 
Wallis, and Francis, Delegates of the St. John’s Tribe, 
Joseph Denaquara, Charles, Mattahu Ontrane, Nicholas, 
John Battis, Peter André, and Sebattis Netobcobwit, Dele- 
gates of the Mickmac Tribe of Indians, inhabiting within the 
Province of Nova-Scotia, for themselves and in behalf of 
the said Tribes on the other part, do solemnly agree, that 
the people of the said State of Massachusetts-Bay and of 
the other United States of America, and of the said ‘Tribes 
of Indians, shall henceforth be at peace with each other, and 
be considered as friends and brothers, united and allied to- 
gether for their mutual defence, safety, and happiness. 

2d. That each party to this Treaty shall and will con- 
sider the enemies of the other as enemies to themselves; 
and do hereby solemnly promise and engage to and with 
each other, that when called upon for that purpose, they 
shall and will, to the utmost of their abilities, aid and assist 
each other against their publick enemies; and particularly 
that the people of the said Tribes of Indians shall and will 
afford and give to the people of said State of Massachusetts- 
Bay and the people of the other United States of America, 
during their present war with the King of Great Britain, 
all the aid and assistance in their power; and that they, the 
people of the said Tribes of Indzans, shall not and will not, 
directly or indirectly, give any aid or assistance to the troops 
or subjects of the said King of Great Britain, or others 
adhering to him, or hold any correspondence, or carry on 
any commerce with them during the present war. 

3d. That if any robbery or outrage happens to be com- 
mitted by any of the subjects of said State of Massachusetts- 
Bay, or of any other of the United States of America, upon 
any of the people of said Tribes, the said State shall, upon 
proper application being made, cause satisfaction and resti- 
tution speedily to be made to the party injured. 

Ath. That if any robbery or outrage happens to be com- 
mitted by any of the said Tribes of Indians upon any of the 
subjects of said State, or of any other of the United States 
of America, the Tribe to which the offender or offenders 
shall belong shall, upon proper application being made, 
cause satisfaction and restitution speedily to be made to the 
party injured. 

5th. That in case any misunderstanding, quarrel, or inju- 
ry, shall happen between the said State of Massachusetts- 
Bay, or any other of the United States of America, and the 
said ‘T'ribes of Indians, or either of them, no private revenge 
shall be taken, but a peaceable application shall be made 
for redress. 

6th. That the said Tribes of Indzans shall and will furnish 
and supply six hundred strong men out of the said Tribes, 
or as many as may be, who shall, without delay, proceed 
from their several homes up to the town of Boston, within 
this State, and from thence shall march to join the Army of 
the United States of America, now at New-York, under the 
immediate command of his Excellency General Washing- 
ton, there to take his orders. 


849 


7th. That each of the Indians who shall, by their respec- 
tive ‘Tribes, be appointed to join the Army of the United 
States of America, shall bring with him a good gun, and 
shall be allowed one dollar for the use of it; and in case the 
gun should be lost in the service, shall be paid the value of 
it; and the pay of each man shall begin from the time they 
sail from Machias for Boston, and they shall be supplied 
with provisions and a vessel or vessels for their passage up 
to Boston. Each private man shall receive the like pay 
as is given to our own private men. ‘The Indians shall be 
formed into companies when they arrive at Boston, and shall 
engage or inlist for so long a time as General Washington 
shall want them, not exceeding the term of three years, 
unless General Washington and they shall agree for a longer 
time. And as Joseph Denaquara, Peter André, and Se- 
battis Netobcobwit, have man{ully and generously offered to 
enter immediately into the war, they shall be sent, as soon 
as may be, to General Washington, to join the Army, and 
shall be considered as entering into our pay at the time of 
their arrival at New-York. 

8th. The delegates above named who may return to their 
homes, do promise and engage to use their uifmost influence 
with the Passamaquoddy and other neighbouring Tribes of 
Indians to persuade them to furnish and supply, for the said 
service, as many strong men of their respective ‘Tribes as 
possible; and that they come along with those of the Tribes 
of St. John’s and Mickmac. And the said governours of 


JAMES BOWDOIN, 
B. GREENLEAF, 
CALEB CUSHING, 
RICHD. DERBY, Jun., 
JOHN WINTHROP, 
THOMAS CUSHING, 
JOHN WHETCOMB, 
ELDAD TAYLOR, 
SAML. HOLTEN, 
MOSES GILL, 

JOHN TAYLOR, 
BENJM. WHITE, 


EBEN. THAYER, Jun., 


HENRY GARDNER, 
DANIEL HOPKINS, 
DANIEL DAVIS, 
JABEZ FISHER. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


850 


the said State of Massachusetts-Bay do hereby engage to 
give such of the said Passamaquoddy or other neighbouring 
Indians who shall enter into the service of the United States 
of America the same pay and encouragement, in every par- 
ticular, as is above agreed to be given to the St. John’s or 
Mickmac Indians, and to consider them as our friends and 
brothers. 

9th. That the said State of Massachusetts-Bay shall any 
will furnish their Truckmaster at Machias, as soon as mad be, 
with proper articles for the purpose of supplying the Indians 
of said ‘l'ribes with the necessaries and conveniences of life. 

10th. And the said delegates do hereby annul and make 
void all former Treaties by them, or by others in behalf of 
their respective ‘T'ribes, made with any other Power, State, 
or person, so far forth as the same shall be repugnant to any 
of the Articles contained in this Treaty. 

In faith and testimony whereof, we, the said governours 
of the said State of Massachusetts-Bay, have signed these 
presents, and caused the seal of the said State to be hereunto 
affixed; and the said Ombrius Var, Newell Wallis, and 
Francis, delegates of the St. John’s Tribe, Joseph Dena- 
quara, Charles, Mattahu Ontrane, Nicholas, John Battis, 
Peter André, and Sebattis Netobcobwit, delegates of the 
Mickmac Tribe of Indians, have hereunto put their marks 
and seals in the Council Chamber at Watertown, in the 
State aforesaid, the nineteenth day of July, in the year of 
our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six. 

his 


OMBRIUS VAR & Seal. 


mark. 


his 
NEWELL QH*— WALLIS & Seal. 


mark. 
his 
FRANCIS & Seal. 


mark. 
his 


MATTAHU A/\~ onTRANE & Seal. 


mark. 
his 


NICHOLAS "i ) & Seal. 


mark. 
his 


JOHN A BATTIS & Seal. 


mark. 
his 


CHARLES A & Seal. 


mark. 
his 
PETER ANDRE & Seal. 


mark. 
his 
JOSEPH DENAQUARA & Seal. 


mark. 
his 


SEBATTIS 026-2 NETOBCOBWIT. 


mark. 


[Colony Seal appended.]} 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATORS. 
Head-Quarters, August 8, 1776. 

GenrLemen: [had fully resolved to pay you a visit in 
New-Jersey, if the movements of the enemy, and some 
late intelligence, indicating an early attack, had not induced 
me to-suspend it. Allow me, therefore, to address you in 
this mode, as fellow-citizens and fellow-soldiers engaged in 
the sdme glorious cause; to represent to you that the fate of 
your country depends, in all human probability, on the exer- 
tion of a few weeks; that it is of the utmost importance to 


Firru Serres.—Vot. I, 


54 


keep up a respectable force for that time; and there can be 
no doubt that success will crown our efforts, if we firmly and 
resolutely determine to conquer or die. I have placed so 
much confidence in the spirit and zeal of the Associated 
Troops of Pennsylvania, that | cannot persuade myself an 
impatience to return home, or a Jess honourable motive, will 
defeat my well-grounded expectation that they will do their 
country essential service at this critical time, when the powers 
of despotism are all combined against it, and ready to strike 
their most decisive stroke. If I could allow myself to doubt 


851 


your spirit and perseverance, I should represent the ruinous 
consequences of your leaving the service, by setting before 
you the discouragement it would give the Army, the confu- 
sion and shame of our friends, and the still more galling 
triumph of our enemies; but as I have no such doubts, 1 
shall only thank you for the spirit and ardour you have 
shown in so readily marching to meet the enemy, and am 
most confident you will crown it by a glorious perseverance. 
The honour and safety of our bleeding country, and every 
other motive that can influence the brave and heroick patriot, 
call loudly upon us to acquit ourselves with spirit. In short, 
we must now determine to be enslaved or free. If we make 
freedom our choice, we must obtain it by the blessing of 
Heaven on our united and vigorous efforts. 

I salute you, gentlemen, most affectionately, and beg leave 
to remind you that liberty, honour, and safety, are all at 
stake; and I trust Providence will smile upon our efforts, 
and establish us once more the inhabitants of a free and 
happy country. 

I am, gentlemen, your most humble servant, 

Go. WasHincTon. 


To the Officers and Soldiers of the Pennsylvania Association. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL LIVINGSTON. 
New-York, August 8, 1776. 

Sir: Before this reaches you, you will undoubtedly have 
heard of the unexpected arrival of the Carolina Army on 
Staten-Island, which, added to the Hessians and foreign 
troops under Lord Howe, exhibits a force justly alarming. 
When I compare it with that which we have to oppose them, 
I cannot help feeling every anxious apprehension. The new 
levies are so incomplete, the old regiments deficient in their 
complement, and so much sickness, that we must have an 
immediate supply of men. I have therefore written to Con- 
necticut and to the Convention of your Province to call out 
the Militia immediately; but as it may take some time, and 
the necessity admits of no delay, | have thought it proper 
to apply to you also, under the resolution of Congress of 
last June, (copy of which was sent you when Lord Howe’s 
fleet first arrived,) to beg you would use your utmost exer- 
tions to forward this most necessary measure. The conse- 
quences to the American interest of any failure here, are so 
obvious, that I need not enlarge upon them. Your own 
good judgment will suggest everything proper. 

It would be a great saving of time and expense, if the 
Militia, when they come, would always equip themselves 
with arms, ammunition, blankets, canteens, and kettles, as 
far as they can. And in any order given on the present 
occasion, I would wish you to notice it specially. 

Tam, with much truth and regard, sir, your most obedi- 


ent and very humble servant, Chm Wien ane 


To Brig. Gen. William Livingston, New-Jersey Militia. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL MERCER. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 8, 1776. 
Sir: The account given you by a deserter, as brought 
me by Mr, Tilghman, is confirmed by two sailors who came 
off the night before last from the enemy—that General Clin- 
ton is arrived with his Army from South- Carolina, and that 
preparations are making for an early and vigorous attack. 
They further add, that last Sunday one thousand Hessians 
landed—part of twelve thousand, the remainder being left off 
the Banks of Newfoundland, that may be expected every 
hour. Under these circumstances, and considering how much 
deficient this Army is, from the not filling up the new levies, 
and sickness, I must desire you to send over one of the Rifle 
regiments, as we have not one corps of that kind on this 
Island. I leave it to you to fix upon that which you think 
will come with the most cheerfulness and are best appointed, 
but would not have any time lost. The Quartermaster may 
set out immediately to prepare for them. From all accounts, 
the grand attack will be made here and at Long-Island. 1 
cannot find anything meditated against New-Jersey at pre- 
sent. I have written to the Convention of Jersey and to 
Connecticut to send on the Militia with all expedition. 


Tam, sir, with much regard, your most obedient, humble 
servant 
; Go. Wasuineron. 
To General Mercer, New-Jersey. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


852 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
New-York, August 8, 1776. 


Sir: By this I mean to communicate to your honourable 
body the substance of the intelligence I received yesterday, 
from two deserters that came the evening before from the 
Solebay man-of-war. 

They inform that they were in the engagement at Sulli- 
van’s Island, and give nearly the same account as that trans- 
mitted by General Lee, which you would see published by 
Congress. ‘They add, that they left South-Carolina about 
three weeks ago, with General Clinton and his whole Army, 
who are now arrived and landed on Staten-Island. ‘They 
also say that part of Lord Howe’s fleet, with Hesszan and 
Eighland troops on board, have got in, and that the remain- 
der, with a considerable body, is hourly expected, which 
those that have come in parted from in a gale of wind off 
the Banks of Newfoundland. 

As the accounts given by these men are direct and cir- 
cumstantial, and their authenticity corroborated by many 
other things that have occurred, it is not to be doubted but 
the number of the enemy’s Army will greatly exceed ours. 
Their force it Was generally expected would be considerable 
of itself, and the unexpected augmentation of General Clin- 
ton’s Army makes it more so. On the other hand, ours does 
not come up to the intended establishment. 

Under these circumstances, and as we may expect the 
period just at hand when they will make their vigorous push, 
I submit it to the consideration of your honourable body 
whether it may not be necessary for your exertions to be 
employed in calling, in the most expeditious manner, such 
reinforcements as you can obtain, to the aid of this Army. 


I have the honour to be, &c. 
Go. WasHINGTON. 


To the Hon. Nathaniel Woodhull, President, &c. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION, 
New-York, August 8, 1776. 


Str: I have been favoured with your letter of the 6th 
instant, and am happy to find the nomination I made of 
General Clinton, in consequence of your request to appoint 
an officer to the command of the levies on both sides Hud- 
son’s River, has met the approbation of your honourable 
body. His acquaintance with the country, abilities, and zeal 
for the cause, are the motives that induced me to make choice 
of him. However, I am led to conclude, from that part of 
your letter which desires me to transmit him his appoint- 
ment, with the resolution subjecting the levies on both sides 
of the river to his command, that your honourable body en- 
tertain ideas of the matter somewhat different from what I 
do, or ever did. hy 

When I was honoured with your letter of the 16th ultimo, 
with the resolves of Convention upon this subject, the state 
of the Army under my command would not allow me to 
send a General Officer in the Continental service to com- 
mand the levies you then proposed to raise, supposing I had 
been authorized to do it. But considering myself without 
power in this instance, and the levies altogether of a Provin- 
cial nature, to be raised by you, and subject to your direc- 
tion, I esteemed the nomination of a General Officer over 
them, intrusted to my choice, a matter of favour and of com- 
pliment, and as such I gratefully filled it. I am persuaded, 
that I expressed myself in this manner to the gentlemen who 
were pleased to attend me upon the occasion, and that they 
had the same ideas. Under the influence of this opinion, 
all I expected was, that an appointment would be made in 
conformity to my nomination, if there was no objection to the 
gentleman I proposed; conceiving then, as I do now, that if 
he was approved by Convention, he would be their officer, 
and derive his appointment and authority from them. In this 
light I presume General Clinton must be viewed, and his 
powers over the levies you allude to, flow from you. Lest 
accident may have mislaid the letter I wrote you on the 
subject, I have enclosed an extract of it, so far as it had 
relation to it. 

It is not in my power to send an experienced officer at 
this time to the post you mention. I trust that Colonel Clhin- 
ton will be equal to the command of both the Highland for- 
tifications. ‘They are under his direction at present. 

In respect to the two Commissaries, I thought the matter 
had been fixed; but as it is not, | have requested Mr. Trum- 


853 


bull, who has the charge of this, to wait upon and agree 
with the Convention, on proper persons to conduct the busi- 
ness, and in such a way that their purchases and his may 
not clash; to him, therefore, I beg leave to refer you upon 
this subject. 

I am extremely obliged by the order for the telescope. I 
have obtained it, and will try to employ it for the valuable 
purposes you designed it. 

I shall pay proper attention to your members, and persons 
employed in their service, and give it in General Orders that 
they be permitted to pass our guards without interruption. 

Before FE conclude, I cannot but express my fears lest the 
enemy’s Army, so largely augmented, should possess them- 
selves of the whole stock on Long-Island. When the fur- 
ther reinforcement arrives, which they hourly expect, they 
may do it without a possibility on our part of preventing 
them. I wish the Convention may not see cause to regret 
that they were not removed. 

I have the honour to be, &c., Go. WasHINGTON. 


To the Hon. Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq., President, &c. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 8; 1776. 

Dear Sir: Yours of the 2d instant is duly received. 
Enclosed you have a resolution of the Provincial Conven- 
tion, which came to hand last evening, by which you will 
please to regulate your conduct. I must beg you to inform 
me, as soon as possible, what number your brigade now con- 
sists of, and what number it will contain when a fourth part 
of the Militia are draughted, agreeable to order of the Pro- 
vincial Congress. 

By intelligence received and movements observed of the 
enemy, we have the greatest reason to believe a general 
attack will be made in the course of a few days. Our num- 
bers are much short of the enemy. I hope no time will be 
lost in marching the reinforcements expected, to our assist- 
ance, from different quarters, with all possible despatch. 

I am, sir, your most humble servant, 

Go. Wasuineron. 


To Brigadier-General George Clinton, New-York Militia. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MAJOR FRENCH. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 8, 1776. 
Sir: I was unwilling to determine, hastily, upon your 


claim of a release, founded upon your parole; and therefore 


delayed the acknowledgment of your favour of the 22d of 
July, until I should fully inform myself. I had accordingly 
written to you yesterday, that I was so unhappy as to differ 
from you in the construction you had put upon it, but as 
there was reason to believe a general exchange of prisoners 
might soon take place, I should cheerfully facilitate your 
return to your friends. 

Last night I received your favour of the 5th of August, 
waiving your claim of a release, which makes any further 
discussion of that matter unnecessary. Your other proposal, 
of being exchanged for Major Meigs or Colonel Allen, will 
meet with no objection from me. Should you write to Gene- 
ral Howe on the subject, the letter shall be cheerfully for- 
warded, and his answer returned. 

Should any difficulty arise in the exchange, I am doubt- 
ful how far I should be authorized, without consulting the 
Congress, to grant you an indulgence similar to that of 
Major Meigs, which I have been informed was allowed in 
consequence of his saving the life of a British officer either 
nearly connected with, or much esteemed by, General Carle- 
ton. However, you may assure yourself, sir, that both duty 
and inclination lead me to relieve the unfortunate, and that I 
agree with you, that your long and early captivity, gives you 
a very just claim to special notice; and I shall be happy in 
furthering your wishes, as far as my station will admit. 

Tam, sir, your most obedient, and very humble servant, 


Go. WasHINGTON. 
To Major French. 


DANIEL GOLDSMITH TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION, 
New Jail, New-York, August 8, 1776. 
Gentlemen: On Tuesday last Mr. Alderman Blagge 
sent for me, and showed me a petition he had received from 
* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


854 


the enclosed petitioner, and informed me he never had any 
proof appeared against him; therefore he saw no just cause 
for detaining him any longer, and advised a discharge of the 
petitioner. I replied, that be was now an immediate prisoner 
under your honourable House, and of consequence not in 
my power to discharge him without your approbation; which 
the Alderman acquiesced in, and told me he would wait on 
you concerning it; but if he did not, advised me to wait upon 
some gentleman in the Congress, which I have done, and 
was by him advised to write to the whole House, 

Your petitioner appears to me to be very friendly to the 
cause, and I have been informed by several officers that he 
is one of the most complete fuglemen upon the Continent, 
and has proved himself very useful in disciplining the Jersey 
forces. He seems very desirous to enter the service if dis- 
charged. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obliged and most humble 


servant 
’ Daniet GoupsmitH. 


To the Honourable the Provincial Congress for the Province 
of New-York, sitting at Harlem. 


— 


PETITION OF JOHN ANDREWS. 


To the Honourable Provincial Congress for the Province of 


New-York: 


The humble Petition of Joun Anprews, of PouGuKerp- 
siz, in the Province of New-Yorx, most humbly show- 


eth: 


That your petitioner about seventeen weeks ago was com- 
mitted to the new Jail, in the city of New-York, by Alder- 
man Blagge, on suspicion of theft; and no witnesses having 
appeared against me, I took the liberty of petitioning the 
above Alderman for a trial and discharge, who advised Mr. 
Goldsmith, Continental Jailor, to petition your honourable 
House, from whom, he informed me, I might expect impar- 
tial justice and mercy in this my deplorable situation. 1am 
willing to swear on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, 
that | am entirely innocent of the crime for which I am con- 
fined. 

If you will be favourably pleased to take my unhappy 
case into your serious consideration, I shall, in gratitude, be 
in duty bound ever to pray, &c. 


New Jail, August 8, 1776. 


JoHn ANDREWS. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, 
Harlem, August 8, 1776. 


Sir: I am directed by the Convention of the State of 
New-York to enclose to your Excellency sundry resolutions 
which they have entered into in consequence of part of your 
letter of this date. 

The Convention have further measures in contemplation 
for the security of this State, which they conceive of the 
utmost importance to the general cause of America. So 
soon as they are determined on, I shall give your Excellency 
immediate notice, and at the same time answer your two 
Jetters of this date ‘In a more particular manner than the 
hurry of business will at present admit of. 

I have the honour to be, respectfully, sir, your most obe- 
dient, humble servant, 

Natw’t Woopuutt, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, 
Harlem, August 8, 1776. 


Resolved, That Colonel Josiah Smith be, and he hereby 
is, ordered immediately to march all his new levies to the 
western end of Nassau Island, and within two miles of Brig- 
adier-General Greene’s encampment ; and that he obey such 
orders as he may receive from time to time from Brigadier- 
General Greene. 

Resolved unanimously, That Brigadier-General Clinton 
be, and he hereby is, appointed to the command of all the 
levies raised and to be raised in the Counties of Ulster, 
Orange, Dutchess, and West- Chester, agreeable to the reso- 
lution of this Convention of the 16th day of July last. 

Resolved, That General Clinton be informed of this ap- 
pointment, and directed immediately to send expresses to 
the Counties of Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, and West- Chester, 


855 


and order them to hasten their levies, and march them down 
to the fort now erected on the north side of King’s Bridge, 
leaving two hundred men under the command of a brave 
and alert officer, to take possession of, and throw up works 
at, the pass at Anthony’s Nose. 

Resolved, ‘That General Clinton be requested to order the 
Troops of Horse belonging to the Counties of Ulster, Orange, 
and West- Chester, immediately to march to such posts as he 
may think proper that they should occupy, in order to watch 
the motions of the enemy’s ships of war now in Hudson’s 
River. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Joun McKesson, Secretary. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A GENTLEMAN TO HIS FRIEND 
IN NEW-YORK, DATED OFF FORT-WASHINGTON, AUGUST 8, 
1776. 

On the morning of the 4th instant I gave you a short ac- 
count of our brush with the Phenix and Rose, men-of-war, 
off Tarrytown, on Saturday last. Give me now leave to 
add thereto the following remarks : 

The force with which we were to attack these ships being 
entirely inferior to theirs, our dependance, under Providence, 
was to find them, or to force them into such a situation as 
they could not bring their broadsides to bear upon our galleys; 
and indeed in this situation the Phenix was about twelve 
hours before we got up to her, being at that time fast aground; 
but before we could reach them, both ships were entirely 
clear, with springs upon their cables, and their broadsides 
ready to engage us. Let me observe here, that this was not 
at any time the case with the frigates that were attacked by 
our gondolas at Philadelphia, which makes all odds. For 
had the tide or the channel prevented the Phenix and the 
Ros e bringing springs upon their cables, and their broadsides 
to bear, our galleys would no doubt have managed them in 
our river without much difficulty. But our gallant command- 
er was determined to exchange a few shots with them at 
all events. ‘The enterprise was worthy of a people con- 
tending for their dearest rights. For it is a fact that the 
ground-tier of even one side of the Phenix was equal to all 
the force of our galleys put together. Judge then—let the 
world, let our enemies judge—if the sons of Connecticut and 
Rhode-Island, from which States our galleys were almost 
wholly officered and manned, did not behave with a spirit 
and intrepidity becoming the descendants of such noble an- 
cestors, in fighting, for two hours, an enemy of at least four 
times their force. Oh! ye despicable Ministerial bawlers! 
it could only have entered into such servilely dastard souls 
as your own to believe that the brave Americans were 
cowards. 


COLONEL THOMAS TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Tarrytown, August 8, 1776. 

Str: Yesterday was brought before me Joshua Ferris, 
whom I send by the bearer, and whose examination is en- 
closed. He is an old offender, has been sought for long 
since by the Committee of this County to answer for his 
repeated offences, particularly in being in arms against this 
country. He was also suspected of being guilty of spiking 
up our cannon near the bridge. I therefore refer him to the 
honourable Convention of this State for trial. 

I am, sir, your humble servant, 


Tuomas THomas. 


To the Hon. Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq., President of the 
Convention of the State of New-York, at Harlem. 


P.S. Philip Scureman and Frederick Secore, who came 
on shore with the prisoner, having then made their escape, 
were immediately pursued by Captain J. Vermilyea’s com- 
pany of the Militia, who apprehended the prisoner. 


EXAMINATION OF JOSHUA FERRIS. 


Joshua Ferris, son of Caleb Ferris, being this 7th day of 
August, 1776, examined, saith, That he went on board of 
the Phenix last Friday week, (being the 26th day of July 
last,) and returned on shore the next day; that after having 
staid on shore until the Wednesday after, he returned on 
board again in the canoe, he put off in from Benamin 
Lefigy’s; that he saw on board of the Phenix one Bailey, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


856 


Philip Scureman, and Frederick Secore, both of whom came 
on shore with this examinant last evening; that he saw also 
‘on board one Lewis Purdy, from Croton River. That he 
was on board when the ships were attacked last Saturday by 
our galleys, when, as he was informed, one man was killed 


and two wounded on board of the Rose. 


EXAMINATION OF JOSHUA FERRIS. 


Joshua Ferris, being examined, says, That on Friday, the 
26th July, he went on board the Phenix in the night, and 
returned on shore the next day, and after staying on shore 
till the Wednesday following, then returned on board the 
said ship; that he saw one Barley on board the said ship ; 
that he saw two persons on board the ship who came from 
New-York, while he was on shore, one of them with a laced 
hat and one eye, but does not know their names. Philip 
Scureman and Frederick Secore went on board the ship and 
returned with him, That he also saw Lewis Purdy, of 
Croton, on board. That when the ship was aground, she 
ran about one-half of her lower-deck guns forward to lighten 
her. That he was on board at the time of the engagement, 
and understood there was one man killed and two wounded 
on board the Rose, but there were none hurt on board the 


Phenix. JosHua Ferris. 


Taken at Harlem, the 10th August, 1776, before us, 
Lewis Granam, 
Jno. Stoss Hosarr. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
German-Flats, August 8, 1776. 


Sir: Last night I was honoured with yours of the 18th 
July, with copy of the petition of Captain Benedict, of the 
11th July, to Congress, and the resolution of Congress of the 
16th thereon. 

Captain Benedict’s pay was stopped in consequence of 
an order from the honourable Commissioners of Congress, 
before whom, it seems, he had been charged with some mal- 
practices in Canada. What were the particular charges 
against him I cannot determine; I was only ordered to stop 
paying until further orders. tn 

Yesterday afternoon the conference with the Sex Nateons 
was opened in form, previous to which two of their Sachems 
requested that we should publickly condole the death of one 
of their Sachems who fell at the Cedars, or in Major Sher- 
burne’s rencounter. We instantly rejected the proposal with 
indignation, deprecating the insult and their want of faith, 
and they waived the matter. ‘This morning our speech is to 
be delivered to them. By their answer I hope we shall be 
enabled to judge whether it will be prudent to offer them the 
hatchet. Our emissaries unanimously think it will not, and 
that it will greatly prejudice our interests, as the friends we 
have amongst them have used it as an argument of our suffi- 
ciency to cope with the enemy without their aid, as we have 
never asked it. Whatever the result of this meeting may 
be—whether they engage to take an active part with us, 
whether they promise to remain neuter, or give evident marks 
of an unfriendly disposition—it will be incumbent upon us 
to prepare for the worst, as their promises are not to be 
relied upon however solemnly made. 

That an ignorant multitude, instigated not only by my 
own enemies, but by those of the country, should have been 
instigated to traduce my character, is not very surprising, 
and I had already made myself easy on that score; but a late 
transaction of a Council of Officers held at New-York is so 
injurious, that I have found it necessary to resent it in a letter 
to General Washington, copy of which I have requested his 
Excellency to lay before Congress. 

Of the half million of dollars which Congress ordered on 
the 22d of May last, only two hundred thousand have 
reached the military chest in this department. Half was sent 
to the Army, and the remainder paid out as fast as the war- 
rants could be drawn, much more than that sum being due 
when it arrived. And since that time the service has been 
carried on upon credit; but that, too, is exhausted, and we 
are driven to the necessity of borrowing money at interest, or 
leaving undone what is indispensably necessary to be done. 
But as no individual’s estate is equal to the expense of 
supporting an Army, that mode will soon fail; and what 

*the consequences will be is easily foreseen. Permit me, 


857 


therefore, to entreat the attention of Congress to this capital 
article, 

I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient, humble ser- 
vant, Pu. ScHuyter. 


To the Hon. John Hancock. 


CAPTAIN WYNKOOP TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 8, 1776. 
Dear Generat: I find the saw-mill here could not sup- 
ply the carpenters here with white-oak boards, which occa- 
sioned me to go to Cheshire’s, where they told me there were 
no-oak trees; upon which I took a party into the woods, 
and have got thirty saw logs at the mill, which I had floated 
down the creek; so that now we will be supplied witb four 
batteau loads every day. I have also been to take a view 
of the road from Cheshire’s, near Fort Edward, and have 
marked the road out for the party there; so that in a short 
time I expect we will have a considerably good road from 
there to Fort Edward, for they are now hard engaged. Our 
carpenters go on very smart here; so that we expect in a 
short time to finish three galleys. 
I would be exceedingly glad if your Excellency could pos- 
~ sibly spare my two companies which are now in the fort, as I 
have four companies of my regiment stationed at the Mohawk 
River, and have never seen officers or men, and have writ- 
ten several letters to them, and also to the Committees of 
the different places for a return of the officers’ names, and 
have as yet had none. Whether my letters are miscarried, 
or whether they neglect to answer them, is unknown to me; 
so that if those two companies could join me here, | would 
choose to let Colonel Cortlandt go and inquire into the state 
of the warrants and names of the officers there. I have 
received a letter from the Convention of the State of New- 
York, stating that they never had a return from the Com- 
mittees, and for that reason can’t send up the commissions. 
I am, dear General, your Excellency’s most obedient, 
humble servant, Cornetius Wynkoop. 


DOCTOR POTTS TO GENERAL GATES. 

Fort George, August 8, 1776. 
Honourep Sir: The return of the sick remaining in 
the General Hospital, which you were pleased to order to 
be made weekly, will be delivered you by Captain Crazg. 
I hope you will not attribute its late appearance at this time 
to any neglect on my part, as I can with truth assure your 
Honour nothing is left undone in my power to reduce every 
matter relative to the Hospital into order. The number of 
the sick being great, they employ our whole time; and 
having but one clerk, who has to enter the names of every 
person admitted, discharged, died, or deserted, as well as to 
superintend to issuing of provisions, makes it almost impos- 
sible to comply with your order so punctually as I could wish. 
IT am your Honour’s most obedient and very humble ser- 

vant, Jona. Ports. 
Return of the Sick of the General Hospital at Fort George, 

from the 12th to the 26th July, 1776, inclusive. 


ads &o 

= | & 313 

REGIMENTS. led td lsat veal > 

SMS Vie fas nis 

SiS ialale 

Colonel Batiersoniascjinie culoeeteenenne «4 73 | 26 8} - 39 
Coloneiburreliisueceressits cost t. 164 | 69 8 2 85 
ColonePBond'svecmectcetcre cle 116 | 31 Be he 82 
ATUIMEr yee tercrtotererastecetete te teats sehr ere he 56 | 24] - : 32 
Colonel: De Elaasias Cost...) a iccevy oats te 118 | 22 1 95 
Colonel Bedel’s ...... COSC Ser ee 21 Tein - 950 
Colonel Reed's. ca 0 «ecatieee ut ee 127 | 40 BM ce 84 
Colonel, Maxwellian issn cee: Le OSH on lie 84 
Colonel. Porter’sivi cae sein acta cat ates 13 Jee FP as a ee 47 
Colonel Greatonia’.5. ceed. ree tee oe ASN 1S jer= - 28 
Colonelswinds's* cones. ce ete ee eee ee 129 | 35 5] - 89 
@olone); Stark’s\ <3). ssisiee teheceteetnc ee. 105 CHE ja 96 
SBtLGAUMIEN ¢« eis: o = wic.ciayesioie siento GAC Oy = - - p. 
INTEINCETS sc o'c 0 sso oo cde oc ort ee TTT 12) - - - 12 
Colonel Van Schaick’s.. ¢ 0... 0s sde coe: LIS PSS! 1 rorlr 53 
Molonelaw ynkoop a. .<\.'> «ads seldarmen 18 ee es * 11 
OCIOMGL NV BURG Ho as. Selcic'v« c's ave ne eivadis 6 4] = = 9 
Colonel Van Dyke’s aveleet apse atatele wetiints 4 ie = an 
Poloneleses.Clanis-s esas eis's s see nneen 83 | 13 6 lh 64 
Colometalrvaine sited. ccc :«,sc0 v's. aoa sears oe 31 2 ut 1 Q7 
CMONOME DOL Reema cass tes. « os ole ese ete 49 | - - - 49 
1497 |439 | 51 | 3 {1004 

Mens for INUrsedac teste ines ove wcce ace Wh eck ceca! 106 
FL GUAL Mais cee tcl eale eT Tees. oc ads See ee a ae 1110 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


858 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL GATES. 
Lebanon, August 8, 1776. 

Sir: Captain Thacher came to me last evening, and 
showed me his orders. I apprehend the companies ordered to 
be raised are not filled. Those who are inlisted are marched. 
I sent out Circular Letters to the Civil Authority, Select- 
men, Committees of Inspection, and all military officers in 
the respective towns in this State, to promote and facilitate 
further inlistments to complete the companies. It will be 
needful that officers to recruit be here till they find what can 
be done. The hurry of harvest will be soon over, and trust 
men will engage for the service. 

The infection from the small-pox hath been matter of 
discouragement. It seemed to be removed in good meas- 
ure on Major Ely’s return. By the practice that is now 
carrying on by some companies from the Massachusetts and 
carpenters from Providence, in stopping on the way to inocu- 
late, I fear a new spread of that infection. Men who have 
taken it by inoculation can’t be fit for service and fatigue in 
less than three or four months. They are relaxed, liable to 
colds, &c.; so that it will be more for the benefit of the Army 
to have them return back than to join it; yea, they ought to 
meet some mark of displeasure. 1 wish this may be attended 
to. I have sent forward felling-axes, which hope are come 
to hand. Shall send clothing soon, and same route. 

The matter of Chaplain, I supposed you would advise 
Colonel Swift of your intentions. Had heard of no mistake 
on that head till now; have enclosed a blank warrant, to be 
used as there may be occasion, and prevent uneasiness. No 
attention of mine shall be wanting to promote the service in 
your department. Regular returns will be necessary to 
show your numbers and condition. Shall send a post soon 
to Skenesborough and Ticonderoga by him. Shall expect 
all needful intelligence. 

I am, with esteem and regard, sir, your obedient, humble 


servant 
Jona. TRUMBULL. 


To the Hon. Brigadier-General Waterbury. 


ANDREW WARD, JUN., TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Guilford, August 8, 1776. 
Honourep Sir: On receiving your Circular Letter yes- 
terday afternoon, the Authority, Selectmen, Committee of 
Inspection, and Militia officers, immediately met, to consult 
what they could do more than they had already done towards 
promoting further inlistments, and were of opinion that there 
were but two methods which would effect their purpose: one 
by a subscription of money in addition to their premium; the 
other, if thirty or forty men would appear to join Captain 
Meigs’s company for a short term of three or four months, 
on the encouragement the State had offered to others in the 
same regiment. I told them I did not know but that would 
procure the men, But Captain Meigs’s orders were to 
inlist for one or two years; and whether it would be ap- 
proved of by Governour Trumbull or Congress I know not. 
They desired I would request your Honour (if you thought 
it worth taking notice of) to give them your opinion. They 
further proposed the inlisting an Independent company, to 
go and join and do duty in any regiment thought best, as 
matters seemed so pressing at this critical tme. They are 
warm in the glorious cause of liberty and their country, and 
will do everything in their power in compliance with your 
requisition. 
[ am, with the greatest respect, your Honour’s most obe- 


i serva 
dient, humble servant, ANBREW Winn, Jun, 


To Governour Trumbull. 


THOMAS MUMFORD TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Groton, August 8, 1776. 


Honourasce Sir: As one of the Selectmen and Civil 
Authority of this town, yours of the Ist instant was delivered 
to me, requesting our influence and exertion in forwarding 
the inlisting of the troops lately ordered by this Colony. I 
have shown it to such of the Authority and Selectmen as [ 
have seen, a number of whom desired I would inform your 
Honour what methods we had previously taken to encourage 
and forward the raising said troops. 

I therefore take the liberty to inform you that a number of 
us advanced: to the amount of fifteen dollars to each volun- 


859 


teer that would immediately inlist, besides which, I engaged 
myself to supply the families of any such needy volunteers 
with provisions during their absence; and if, when they 
returned, they were unable to pay, I would freely give what 
[had so advanced. ‘This is all the encouragement we could 
think of offering. 

The number that have inlisted into our fort, and what 
have gone otherwise into the service, has left us very bare of 
men. Scarce any are to be hired now for common neces- 
sary service. 

I am, with great esteem and respect, your Honour’s most 
obedient and very humble servant, 

Tuos. Mumrorp. 


To the Hon. Jona. Trumbull, Esq. 


TOWN OF WOODSTOCK TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Woodstock, August 8, 1776. 


Honovurep Sir: We take the earliest opportunity to in- 
form your Honour, that in compliance with your Honour’s 
requisition, in your letter of the Ist instant, we immediately, 
on receipt thereof, convened together; and having examined 
the state of our standing Militia, and the numbers gone forth 
from this town into the publick service, we find that seventy 
men have inlisted in and are gone from this town into the 
publick service since the last act of Assembly for raising 
troops for the three departments, viz: Canada, New- York, 
and Boston; which is near one-half the Militia in this town, 
as will appear to your Honour by your inspecting the return 
lately made to you of the Militia in the Colony, which is a 
much greater number than our proportion. But, notwith- 
standing our exertions have already exceeded our proportion, 
we are still ready, and ever shall be, to do everything in our 
power to advantage the publick cause at this critical day, as 
to forwarding inlistments, and every other way; and can 
assure your Honour that we ever shall be ready to cooperate 
with your Honour in promoting and encouraging any matter 
which you shall recommend for the defence of our cause, 
which your Honour so justly styles the ‘all-important 
cause;’’ and are, with the utmost respect and esteem, your 
Honour’s most obedient and very humble servants. 

Per order of the Civil Authority, Selectmen, Committee 
of Inspection, and Military Officers of the Town of Wood- 


stock, Craries Cuurcu CHANDLER. 


To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq. 


WILLIAM WATSON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Plymouth, August 8, 1776. 


Sir: Captain Martindale, the bearer of this, will inform 
your Excellency that he, when he was about to sail in 
the Continental armed brigantine the Washington, was ob- 
liged to draw on the Agent for sundry articles in the clothing 
way, (for the use of his people, who were almost naked, and 
without which they could not go to sea,) amounting to £80, 
lawful money; which were delivered, and by Captain Mar- 
tindale charged to such persons as received them. 

Captain Martindale had taken from him his books and all 
the papers which related to this matter, and cannot tell to 
whom, or in what proportion, the said goods were delivered. 

I have conducted as Agent with integrity, and with a 
view to the publick good, and flatter myself that my services 
have been approved, and that your Excellency will not 
let me suffer by this unexpected event, and that your Excel- 
lency will please to direct in what manner I shall be reim- 
bursed. 

I am, with great respect, your Excellency’s most obedient, 


uch obliced humble servant 
Lai an ae , Wivuram Warson, 


To His Excellency George Washington, Esq. 


RICHARD DERBY, JUN., TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Watertown, Council Chamber, August 8, 1776. 


Sir: We are informed that Major-General Ward, having 
leave from Congress, designs in a few days to retire from 
his military department. ‘The troops at the lines in and 
about Boston will therefore soon be destitute of any General 
Officer. Such an officer is absolutely necessary to take the 
command of these troops, to. give the necessary orders for 


“CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


860 


their pay and subsistence, as well as their being supplied 
with what ammunition they stand in need of, and also from 
time to time to make to the Congress the necessary returns 
of the state of the Continental Army in these parts. We 
thought it necessary to acquaint the Congress with this 
matter, that a General Officer may be directed to take the 
command of the troops here as soon as possible. 

In the name and by order of the Committee of Council, 
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Ricuarp Dersy, Jun., Chairman. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 


In Committee of Safety, New-Hampshire, Exeter, 
August 8, 1776. 


Sir: Having been encouraged by your honourable House 
of Representatives to expect the loan of a few large cannon 
to defend the extensive works at the entrance of our har- 
bour, (which we cannot possibly obtain elsewhere,) if upon 
examination you could possibly spare them, we have directed 
Pierce Long, Esq., one of our body, to wait on you, and if 
you can do us so great a favour as to part with them, it will 
be esteemed a very particular kindness to the Colony; in ° 
whose behalf, as well as this Committee, I subscribe myself 
your humble servant, 

Mesnecu Weare, Chairman. 


To the Chairman of the Committee of War in the Massa- 
chusetts-Bay. 


ETHAN ALLEN TO CONNECTICUT ASSEMBLY. 
Halifax, Nova-Scotia, August 8, 1776. 

Gentuiemen: I have been prohibited from writing to 
friends during the course of my imprisonment, but hope 
these lines may find a channel to reach you. If they fall 
into the enemy’s hand, it can do me no harm, as I ever have 
talked the same language to the King’s officers. ‘The fear 
of retaliation has been the sole cause of preserving me from 
an ignominious death. I have suffered everything short of 
it. Imagination is insufficient to paint the evils, nor shall 
[here attempt it. ‘The heavy leg irons and handcuffs so be- 
numbed my limbs that I expected to have lost their use; but 
on the 8th of January last, having been released of them, 
I have recovered my health and suppleness. of limbs, and 
ardently desire to be with you, as I am fired with adequate in- 
dignation to revenge both my own and my country’s wrongs. 
1 am experimentally certain I have fortitude sufficient to 
face the invaders of America in the place of danger spread 
with all the horrors of war. Jam apprehensive that Gov- 
ernour Tryon and sundry of my old land-jobbing combatants 
from New-York, exercise their influence to detain me a 
prisoner, hoping a conquest of America may in future put 
it into the power of the English Government to proceed 
against me as a criminal for taking the fortresses on Lake 
Champlain. You are sensible my confidence in presuming 
upon those achievements was predicated on the good faith 
of Connecticut. I have never repented that I did it; and 
inasmuch as this is the Colony in which I received my first 
breath, and in which most of my acquaintance and connex- 
ions are, have addressed these lines to your Honours, and 
further assure you, provided you can hit upon some mea- 
sures to procure my liberty, I will appropriate my remaining 
days, and freely hazard my life, in the service of the Colony 
and in maintaining the American empire. I thought to 
have enrolled my name in the list of illustrious American 
heroes, but was nipped in the bud. News has been kept 
as close as possible from me. I have nothing more to 
inform than that the King’s officers express less assurance 
of the conquest of America than they did some time ago. 
I have great confidence in the unity, bravery and strength 
of the Colonies, as everything worth living for is apparently 
at stake. Never had any people upon earth greater induce- 
ment to fight, and play the man. You cannot—nay, you 
must not, give over the cause, though you have to wade 
through seas of blood. 

The 5th instant I was landed, and the prisoners that have 
been with me, and put into the common jail in Halifax. 
We have the liberty of the yard in the daytime. In this 
prison I found the wise and patriotick Mr. James Lovell, 
from Boston, who has greatly contributed to conversable 


S61 


happiness, and supplied me with the comforts of life. Tam 
out of money, but am well supplied with clothes—a present 
from some gentleman in Ireland. I know nothing how long 
my confinement may continue, but if money could be com- 
municated to me, it would put me out of the sovereignty of 
imperious officers. I cannot reconcile it to my feelings that 
the King’s officers taken in America are treated as gentle- 
men, while I have but little, and, great part of the time, no 
distinction made between me and illiterate private persons. 
My compliments to my family and brethren, whom I have 
not heard from since I was taken, and to all my friends in 
America. 
I subscribe myself your Honours’ humble servant, 
Eruan ALLEN. 


To the Honourable the General Assembly of the Colony of 
Connecticut, or to the worthy Council of War, for that 


Colony. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN LONDON FROM 
‘HIS CORRESPONDENT AT THE HAGUE, DATED AUGUST 9; 
1776. 


The differences between Spain and Portugal become 
daily of more importance; and we now plainly see that the 
war between Great Britain and America has a great influ- 
ence over the above affairs. It is true that the Court of 
France pretends to be peaceably inclined; the Court of 
Spain pretends to be of the same inclination; but the whole 
Spanish nation (most undoubtedly led on by the nobles and 
grandees) all cry out fora war, insinuating that whilst Great 
Britain is so deeply engaged in a civil war, it will be impos- 
sible for her to defend Portugal. The whole Continent of 
America must then take part with the Spaniards; so that 
at any rate success is almost sure. The British Minister at 
Madrid openly declared that his Britannick Majesty would 
not leave his allies on account of the present civil war, Mi- 
norca and Gbraltar being well fortified, and battles by land 
and sea should be fought for the Portuguese, in case Spain 
insisted upon a war. 

By the last advices from Madrid, dated the 11th ultimo, 
they were rather apprehensive that it would end in an open 
war. According to these advices, an army of forty thousand 
men were ordered to march towards the Portuguese territo- 
ries, commanded by Count Aranda, the Duke of Gaillon, 
and Don Pedro Cevallos ; and that the Portuguese Minister 
was just preparing to return to Lisbon when these advices 
came away. About ten thousand men were ordered to 
embark for Buenos-Ayres, notwithstanding it being almost 
too late in the season for that undertaking; nay, the intelli- 
gence from that quarter concerning the insolent behaviour 
of the Portuguese, is very alarming. On the other hand, 
we are astonished to find the obstinacy of the Court of Lis- 
bon. In short, we may assert that several Courts of Europe 
are concerned in the affair; and though this dispute may 
appear trifling to many, yet it is the very beginning of a 
general war, in which many mighty empires may fall, and 
little ones grow opulent and powerful. 


TO THE PRINTER OF THE PUBLICK LEDGER. 
London, August 9, 1776. 

Sir: The arrival of Mr. St. Paul from the Court of 
Versailles was unexpected at this critical juncture. You 
may assure the publick that he is charged with despatches 
from Lord Stormont, the delivery of which will much em- 
barrass Administration. 

Mr. St. Paul is a man of vigilance. He possesses that 
kind of penetration which renders it a very difficult matter 
to deceive him. During the absence of Lord Stormont he 
watched the motions of the Court of France with such suc- 
cess, that he traced the duplicity of that Court through all 
its different windings. He perceived that France intended 
secretly to afford America that assistance which she openly 
disavowed. He detected the Agents of the Cabinet in the 
very act of affording succours to the Colonies, and of giving 
every assurance of protection to the American leaders. 
Intelligence of this was communicated to Lord Stormont 
whilst his Lordship was in England. He was despatched 
in haste to Versazlles, with instructions to remonstrate, in 
spirited terms, on the insult thus offered to the Court of 
London. Lord Stormont obeyed his instructions. He 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


862 


pressed for a categorical answer. The reply was couched 
in the most ambiguous terms. The affair was dropped. 
The Court of Versailles was more narrowly watched than 
ever. Enough was discovered to convince Lord Stormont 
of the intentions of that Court. Mr. St. Paul is now sent 
over to assure our Ministry of the resolution of the Cabinet 
of Versailles, which is simply this: That if the declaration 
of the Congress, setting forth the independency of America, 
shall be generally relished by the people throughout the 
different Colonies, then France, in conjunction with Spain, 
will hazard a rupture with Great Britain, by openly assist- 
ing the Colonists on terms highly advantageous to the com- 
merce of France and Spain. 

I do not pretend to specify every particular; but this I 
will venture to affirm is the substance of that intelligence 
which Mr. St. Paul is sent over to communicate to Admin- 
istration. ‘The publick will from hence perceive that it is 
entire madness to place any reliance on the pacifick assu- 
rances of France and Spain. They will not wantonly plunge 
into war; but no person can expect that they will forego 
national advantages out of compliment to the English Min- 
istry.. The idea is chimerical. Mr. St. Paul hath by this 
time told Administration thus much. The publick have 
only to expect what hath been repeatedly foretold: that the 
rupture with our Colonies will end in the loss of America, 
and a war with France and Spain. If these are eligible 
events, the people are very right in supporting those plans 
which must produce them. If the loss of America (which 
implies the total ruin of our commerce) is not a thing to be 
desired, then are the people blind to their own interests in 
not ceasing to protect Ministers who have long ceased to pay 
any regard to the commercial welfare of their country. 

MartrTer oF Fact. 


Williamsburgh, August 9, 1776. 


By advices from Hampton, we learn that last Wednesday 
morning the Right Honourable the Earl of Dunmore, Vis- 
count Fincastle, and Baron Murray of Blair, Mouilli and 
Tilhmet, after dividing his fleet and burning ten or a dozen 
vessels, took leave of the Capes of Virginia, where he has, 
for more than a twelvemonth past, perpetrated crimes that 
would even have disgraced the noted pirate Black Beard. 
One part of the fleet was seen to stand to the southward, it 
is imagined for South-Carolina, the other to the northward, 
supposed for New-York. Their strength, from the informa- 
tion of two negro deserters who came up to Hampton in the 
evening, amounts to near four hundred—Regulars, Negroes, 
and ‘Tories; that they were now tolerably healthy, and had 
lately got a supply of provisions, which they took from a 
Rhode-Island vessel. So respectable a band will no doubt 
be a most valuable acquisition to the Generals Howe and 
Clinton. 

We have just got a supply of 290 half-barrels of gunpow- 
der and 90 stand of arms; and 436 barrels, with 18 chests 
of arms, arrived safe some little time ago. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COMMITTEE OF ST. MARY’S 
COUNTY. 
[No. 128.] Annapolis, August 9, 1776. 
GentLemen: Captain Mantz’s company being completely 
armed, as well as good marksmen, were the causes that in- 
duced us to send him to occupy Captain T’homas’s station, 
whom we thought it our duty to order to the Flying-Camp 
so soon as the enemy left Potomack River. But as you are 
of opinion that this company will not answer the end for 
which it was sent, we have ordered Captain Mantz to march 
immediately to Annapolis, and have sent Captain Barry in 
a boat to the mouth of Patuxent to take in his baggage. 
We cannot, without contravening a resolution of the Con- 
vention, order that part of Captain Beall’s company sta- 
tioned at Port-Tobacco to Saint Mary’s, but have ordered 
Captain Forrest to take Captain Thomas’s station, and we 
must depend upon the Militia lending Captain Forrest's 
company arms until we can supply them, which will be 
soon, expecting some arms from Virgina that we have 
lately imported. We are, &c. 


To the Committee of Observation for Saint Mary’s County. 


P.S. We have received information by one of our boats 
that the enemy’s fleet had anchored in Hampton Roads. 


863 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DELEGATES IN CONGRESS. 
[No. 129.] 
Grenriemen: We have the pleasure to inform you that 
the enemy’s fleet left Potomack River on Friday last, and 
is gone off down the Bay.- They had collected a number of 
small vessels, which they had dismasted, and left on the 
point of St. George’s Island, with intention to set fire to 
them, but a high tide floated them off, and they were driven 
on shore near our guard, who have taken possession of them, 
and have found sundry goods and other effects on board to 
the value of three or four hundred pounds currency. Some 
of the hulks may be repaired, and made fit for service. 
They burnt some other small vessels, and from appearances 
expect they are gone down to the Capes. Our pilot boat 
is just returned yesterday evening, and says he heard at 
Pyanketank that the men-of-war had stopped in Hampton 
Roads and were making demands of fresh provisions and 
water, and promised, on being supplied, to leave the Bay. 
The deserters, of whom many have come over to us, inform 
that the Tory families are going, some to the West-Indies, 
others to Halifax, and the Roebuck to New-York. : 
The Flying-Camp are beginning to move. Captain 
Good’s company from Frederick will be with you by the 
time this comes to hand, and Colonel Charles Greenbury 
Griffith, with the battalion, with the remainder of the 
Frederick battalion, will follow him in a few days. Colo- 
nel Griffith appears to be active and spirited, and we beg 
leave to recommend him to your notice. Some little coun- 
tenance from you might be of service to him. Captain 
Mantz’s company were ordered to St. Mary’s, but we have 
this day given an order for their moving to the northward. 
Captain Thomas is on the way to Philadelphia. Colonel 
Ewing’s battalion is also under marching orders. ‘Two or 
three companies of his battalion are nearly ready, and we are 
doing all we can to forward the others. ‘They want every- 
thing. We have arms for one-half the battalion we keep, 
besides two hundred and seventy lately imported, not yet 
come to hand; these, with what we expect from the manu- 
facturers, will enable us to complete Colonel Carroll Hall's 
battalion, which we propose to keep. Colonel Kent has 
resigned, and so we hear has Colonel Earle, both endea- 
vouring to obtain a seat in Convention. ‘T'wo or three East- 
ern-Shore companies will be ready to march next week. 


Annapolis, August 9, 1776. 


Two other companies have borrowed arms, and are to sup-: 


ply the place of Captain Veazey and Captain Hindman; the 
rest will be very slow we fear in getting arms. Brigadier 
Dent hath also resigned, and is elected for Charles County. 
Under all these difficulties, arising from the want of arms 
and necessaries, and also from resignations, we are exerting 
ourselves to the utmost. Money has flowed out of the 
Treasury very freely upon this important occasion. We hope 
for the approbation of the honourable Congress and Conven- 
tion. 

We shall say nothing particular about the elections, more 
than what relates to yourselves. 4S. Chase is in for Anne 
Arundel, Wm. P. and Carrollton Carroll for Annapolis. 
T. J. and S. S.are left out, and there is a very great change 
in the members in all Counties. According to the intelli- 
gence we have, Mr. Stone will have a list sent to him of all 
the Counties that we know, or have heard anything about, 
to which we refer you. There will be disputed elections 
we expect, particularly Queen Ann’s, Prince George’s, and 
Anne Arundel. We are, &c. 


To the Deputies for Maryland in Congress. 


LIEUTENANT POWNALL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
August 9, 1776. 
Honourep Sirs: On the appointment of Edward Tillard 
toa Captaingy in the Flying-Camp from a Captaincy of a 
company of Militia in the Third Battalion of this Province, 
the Militia company, on Edward Tillard’s completing his 
inlisting warrant for the Flying-Camp, wished to have a 
Captain. Accordingly a majority of the company met, and 
Mr. Benjamin Galloway was unanimously chosen. I having 
been appointed to a first Lieutenancy in the third company, 
and a commission conferred by the honourable Council of 
Safety at the time being, now beg leave to resign the same, 
(being enclosed,) having a daily expectation of a Marine 
commission from the honourable Continental Congress. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776 


864 


In the interim, am and shall ever remain a strenuous 
advocate for the welfare of America ; and beg Jeave to sub- 
scribe myself, honoured sirs, your most obedient and obliged 


rvant “ 
humble se ) Tuomas Pownauu. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


SAMUEL CHASE TO GENERAL GATES. 
Philadelphia, August 9, 1776. 


Dear Str: Mr. S. Adams showed me your letter to him 
from Tyonderoga, of the 17th of July, wherein you write : 
“I desire, if Chase is returned to Congress, he may know 
how much I have been deceived and disappointed in being 
removed from a place where I might have done the publick 
service, and fixed in a situation where it is exceedingly 
doubtful if it will be in my power to be more than the 
wretched spectator of a ruined army.” “Mr. Chase passed 
too speedily through this country; he saw superficially, and, 
like a sanguine man, drew conclusions from the consequence, 
not the cause. ‘Tell him if he and I meet, he must expect 
to be called to a serious account upon this matter. I know 
he is my sincere friend; but I also know he has decewed 
himself and his friend. Jam not angry: I am only vexed 
with him.” After this recital of so unkind, so unfriendly, 
so injurious a letter, permit me to ask you a few serious 
questions: Why not write to me, if you considered your- 
self injured or deceived? How have you been deceived and 
disappointed by your removal from New-York to the com- 
mand in Canada, in what particular, and by whom? Did 
I ever make a profession, or communicate an opinion, or 
relate a fact, in which I was not sincere and faithful? When 
did I pass too speedily through the country in going or 
returning from Canada? and to what does this relate? What 
things did I see superficially? Deal in particulars, and 
point out when I was mistaken as to men, things, or cir- 
cumstances. I admit that I am constitutionally warm and 
sanguine; but be pleased to name the instances in which I 
drew conclusions from the consequences, and not the cause? 
If ever you and I should meet, I will, with candour and 
integrity, and as a friend, answer you in all your inquiries, or 
I will with pleasure, by letter, give you full satisfaction. I 
will now only ask you one more question: In what instance 
have I deceived myself or you? 

I will not be angry with you; but Iam not only vexed, 
but mortified, chagrined, and exceedingly hurt by your sus- 
picious and very unfriendly expressions. You have held 
up your friend as a man who had deceived and disappointed 
you, as a superficial observer, and of so warm and weak a 
constitution as to draw conclusions from the consequence, 
and not the cause. An imputation on my understanding I 
can forgive; a charge that I have disappointed and deceived 
you, from want of knowledge and without design, I can for- 
get. 1 will add no more, but that I always was, and still 
am, with sincerity, your affectionate and obedient servant, 

Samu. CHASE. 


To General Gates. 


IN CONVENTION FOR THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
Friday, August 9, 1776. 


Whereas the time for which the Committee of Inspection 
and Observation for the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, 
as well as the times for which the Committees of several 
Counties of this State were elected into that office, are near 
expiring; and whereas the Associators of the said City and 
Counties, who compose a great majority of the electors, are 
or may be, at such expiration, absent in the service of their 
country, and it would be highly inexpedient that the said 
City or Counties should either be without such Committees, 
or that they should be partially elected : 

Resolved, therefore, That the present Committees of the 
said City and Counties respectively shall continue to exe- 
cute the duty of their said offices, until the Militia of such 
City and Counties respectively shall return, and other Com- 
mittees be regularly chosen; excepting from this Resolve 
the Committees of the Counties of Cumberland, Bedford, 
Northumberland, and Westmoreland. 

Resolved, That no Tavern-keepers or others take out any 
Licenses from the officers of the late Government of this 
State. 


865 


On motion, Ordered, That two thousand copies of the 
particulars of the Rations allowed for the Flying-Camp be 
printed and distributed among the men. 


Pay of a Battalion in the Continental service. 


R7G1ONEl.. ae skis sen Ghee aeaiee .+....50 dollars per calendar month. 
Lieutenant-Colonel......0e0.eeee0 «oe 640 = a bs 
MAN.» «0 vaac'cns am naee eae 333 fe iy fs 
Captain.....sceduns hase bee Mesene tans 263 Li & = 
Lieutenant.. ods cescesndsdctoavtbeds 18 3 aS ae 
ENsigiic.s ois ba Ficicclelbins/Wieinelerenets ebie'si6.41= 135 ss os Ht 
Adjutant .....ccccccceccceccccscceees 18; bh dy és 
QuartermMaster..s .cicscccisccdcccesss 18g es “6 és 
Surgeon... ..cccceccracs seco dba dieses 25, raised to 334, June 5, 1776. 
Mat atc o.cicicn sic oo eaieisien eie:ole wueieinis.es «nie 18 dollars per calendar month. 
Chaplain. ...csscccscseceses eoeeeeee QU, raised to 334, July 5. 
Sergeant......-++ Soo bweviense eigiesl ais Bis} % 8 dollars per calendar month. 
Corporal, Drummer, and Fifer, each..... 74 es ss 6 
Private... .ceccecccscceee Sleds Suess 6%. Light-Infantry the same. 
Artillery. 
Captain... ..e.eeeereeccceeeeeeeeeees 263 dollars per calendar month. 
Captain-Lieutenant....s..seeceseseee- 20 ‘ a we 
First and Second Lieutenant........... 184 < os ce 
Lieutenant Fireworker..............0. 133 ot x sé 
SI UMEAT Vatetevelelctaiciaielcvalcie seis! <, siaje'y.e\c\eleve ee 85 ob ce = 
Corporal ces eciccice « gttectle hed e cle uv ts 74 Oe ss Be 
PROTMORDEICTS Heleys niccte « Suse nian ¢ clalea ove, ores 7 6s 6 “ 
UMVRLORS wiotarelaer,cieiereie's esislol's/ shes’ s iste.’ oils 012 65-6 ‘* “ & 
Dermeant-lVMajOnswasciae ce siaecis sce cee se 9 <4 ss 0, 
Quartermaster-Sergeant........eeeeee 9 . 4 th 
BEAL AIOP spce oN ec cnk's ata Sion deade ukviaie Se ee os es 
PMIEIEOIGEI OSE wu nace aby as a ans ops ante 83 =¢ s ue 
Regimental Paymaster. ........0sec00. 262 & “6 & 


The Ration for each man, as copied from the Minutes of the 
Honourable the Continental Congress, is as follows : 


One pound of beef, or three-quarters of a pound of pork, 
or one pound of salt fish, per day. One pound of bread or 
flour per day. Three pints of peas or beans per week, or 
vegetables equivalent, at one dollar per bushel for peas or 
beans. One pint of milk per man per day, or at the rate of 
1-72 of a dollar. One half-pint of rice, or one pint of 
Indian meal per man per week. One quart of spruce beer, 
or cider, per man per day, or nine gallons of molasses per 
company of one hundred men per week. Three pounds of 
candles to one hundred men per week, for guards. Twenty- 
four pounds of soft, or eight pounds of hard, soap for one 
hundred men per week. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Perth-Amboy, August 9, 1776. 

Sir: In consequence of your Excellency’s letter, Colo- 
nel Miles will march with all his Riflemen. The two batta- 
lions will make about seven hundred. As we have numbers 
of Riflemen lately arrived, it seemed to me more for the 
service to order the Second Battalion, and it will be more 
agreeable to the men. I hope they will be in time to ren- 
der you essential service. 

A cowardly infamous spirit of desertion prevails here too 
much. Your letter will be read to each corps, and must 
have good effects. 

Some wagons have been discovered going from Billop’s 
Point to-day, which confirms your former intelligence, and 
the enemy do not appear so numerous. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most obe- 
dient servant, Hueu Mercer. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Commander-in- 


Chief. 


COLONEL GUY JOHNSON TO LORD GEORGE GERMAINE. 
Staten-Island, August 9, 1776. 
My Lorn: I have the honour to acquaint your Lordship 
that I arrived here the 29th ultimo, after a long passage, and 
much molestation from the Rebel vessels for the last three 
weeks, one of which attacked us near Bermudas, but was, 
after a pretty close engagement of an hour and a half, beat 
off with much loss, though she damaged our masts and rig- 
ging so much that we could not pursue her. My Surgeon 
is shot through the leg, and five others slightly wounded—a 
trifle, considering her great superiority, for she had more than 
double our complement of men, and carried fourteen six- 
pounders, and swivels, against our twelve three-pounders. 
My officers and the Indians behaved very well, and were 
very useful at small-arms. 
The General had been arrived here some time with the 
troops from Halifax, and from him your Lordship will doubt- 
Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


866 


less receive an account of affairs here. I, however, think it 
necessary to enclose your Lordship a copy of the best and 
latest intelligence I could procure respecting the back coun- 
try and the Indians, and I have good hopes that my officers 
there have discharged their duty, and conducted the Indians 
agreeable to my instructions and the promises of the latter. 
At present everything awaits the grand operation, and on its 
issue our future measures must depend. I think the pros- 
pect is favourable, and that the declaration for an indepen- 
dency must totally silence any advocates they had in Eng- 
land. At all events, I flatter myself I shall discharge my 
duties as far as time and circumstances will admit; in good 
hope that I shall soon be enabled to meet our friends to the 
northward, when I shall endeavour to merit his Majesty’s 
favour and your Lordship’s patronage, by a zealous atten- 
tion to the trust reposed in me. ‘This moment an inhabitant 
of the Mohock River has found means to reach our camp, 
and informs that he had heard that Sir John Johnson had 
reached General Burgoyne ; that a Colonel Dayton, with six 
hundred men, was repairing Fort Stanwix; and that Gene- 
ral Schuyler had opened a Congress at the German Flats, 
but that only some of the Oneidas and Oughquagys attend- 
ed it; and adds, that the Rebels had carried off my negroes, 
&c., and demolished everything on my estate. The Indians 
that attended Schuyler have been long under the influence 
of New-England missionaries, and I found some difficulty 
with them last year. 

I beg to be honoured with your Lordshbip’s commands; and 
Tam, with very great respect, my Lord, your Lordship’s most 
obedient and most humble servant, G. Jounson. 


To the Right Honourable Lord George Germazne. 


Declaration of Mr. Tuomas GumerRsAL1, Deputy Assistant to the Commis- 
' sary-General of Stores and Provisions, born at LrEeps, in YoRKSHIRE. 
That he left the Mohock River about the beginning of 
June, of the present year, and had been for several weeks in 
that country, where he was acquainted. ‘That Sir John 
Johnson, through intelligence he had received, partly by 
means of Mr. Gumersall, found it necessary to leave his 
home and withdraw to Canada; to effect which he procured 
three Indians from the adjacent village, as guides through 
the woods, and was accompanied by about one hundred and 
thirty Highlanders, and near one hundred and twenty other 
inhabitants of the country, attached to Government, with 
whom he proceeded from the house of Mr. Mc Donnell, called 
Callaghy, on or about the 13th of May last, for Oswegatchie, 
in Canada. ‘That the said Mr. Gumersall, who was instru- 
mental to him on the occasion, accompanied him a few miles 
further on his route, and then took his leave; after which, 
with much difficulty, after secreting himself and marching by 
night about five weeks, he arrived at Staten-Island (where 
his Majesty’s troops were) on the 19th of July, and was by 
General Howe’s favour (through the accommodation of John 
Small, Esq., Major of Brigade) appointed to his present 
office, in consideration of his sufferings and service, having 
been obliged to abandon a very advantageous branch of trade 
in which he was largely concerned. Mr. Gumersall further 
declares that he was credibly informed that John Butler, 
Esq., who was left at Niagara by Colonel Johnson Super- 
intendent of Indian Affairs, with other officers, to encourage 
the Indians to join his Majesty’s troops, this season received 
several letters from Mr. Schuyler, a Rebel General, inviting 
him down, and promising him protection, &c.; but at the 
same time employed the messenger, (an Indian,) in case he 
refused, to bring his scalp, for which he was to have a reward 
of one hundred dollars. That about three days after Sir John’s 
departure, Lady Johnson received a letter from John Butler, 
Esq., addressed to Sir John, acquainting him that he had, 
agreeable to Colonel JoAnson’s instructions, assembled a con- 
siderable body of Indians ready to go on service, and only 
waited to receive news from Colonel Johnson, or orders to 
proceed; and Mr. G'umersall believes, and has heard, that 
the Indians had proceeded agreeable thereto, and that Lieu- 
tenant Gray, late of the Forty-Second, and Mr. Gumersall, 
helped to raise the men who accompanied Sir John, and Mr. 
Gumersall advanced them money on that occasion. 
Tos, GuMERSALL. 
Signed at Staten-Island, the 6th August, 1776, in pre- 
sence of Joun Dease, 
Gitsert Tice, 
Josery, Indian Chief. 


55 


867 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 868 


Copy of a Letter intercepted from 8. Kinxianp, a New-Eneranp Mission- 
ary among the Onewas, to Mr. Scuuyter, a Rebel General and manager 
of their affairs. 

Oneida, May 22, 1776. 

Broruer Governour: We, the Oneida Chiefs, think 
proper to acquaint you with the result of the meeting at 
Niagara with Colonel Butler. This we do at our own 
option, without being desired by the other parts of the Con- 
federacy, though it has been reported among them that 
General Schuyler ought to be informed. We sent two 
Oneidas to hear what should pass at Niagara. ‘They return- 
ed the night before last, and bring the following account: 

The Representatives of the Six Nations delivered the 
answer to Colonel Butler’s belts, that was formed and agreed 
upon in full council at Onondaga, of which we suppose you 
have been made acquainted. The purport of our answer 
was, that the Six Nations, with the Caughnawagas, and the 
Seven Tribes in that vicinity, had all united and resolved to 
maintain peace, both with the King and the Bostonzans, 
and receive no axe from either. 

Colonel Butler replies: 

« Brothers: Lam glad to hear you are all united, but I am sur- 
prised to find you talk of maintaining peace with the Americans, 
and at the same time support the King’s peace or Government. 

“ Brothers, your resolutions are very surprising. Where 
is there any one or body of men to be compared to the King? 
As for General Schuyler, (and the other Commissioners,) of 
whom you boast so much, what is he? He was born but 
yesterday; just now, as it were, started up out of the ground, 
and to-morrow will return into the earth whence he came. 
It will not be the space of a month before you hear him cry. 
He has no men, guns, cannon and ammunition, or clothing ; 
and should he survive the summer, he must perish by the 
cold next winter for want of blankets. But the King wants 
neither men nor money; there is no computing his numbers. 
As to the Caughnawagas claiming seven tribes as under 
their jurisdiction, it is false; they tell a lie. The Caughna- 
wagas are by themselves alone, and they are become Bos- 
tontans. But the other six tribes in that vicinity, with all 
the back nations, are at the King’s command and will take 
his side. And as for Canada, they are.all (except twelve 
pérsons) returned to the King’s side. 

“Brothers, you had better recall your resolutions, and 
determine to keep the King’s peace, and the King will then 
be glad to hear from you. What a wretched situation must 
you be in when the King attacks all the seaports of America, 
and comes in earnest to sweep off the Americans, if he finds 
you supporting the Americans!” 

To this the Sachems made an immediate reply : 

‘ Brothers, we will support the King’s peace or Govern- 
ment, and we now speak from our very inside, and don’t 
think it proceeds only from our lips.” 


For this, Colonel Butler returned thanks, and expressed 
creat joy. 

Then the commanding officer of Niagara (whom the 
Indians call Oguhaenjes) addressed the Indians as follows: 

“ Brothers: The King of England is very great and wise; 
he was never yet conquered. He has subdued both France 
and Spain. Pray, what can this handful in America do with 
sucha King? ‘The King is very subtle, he has deceived the 
Bostonians with a witness. He ordered his forces to con- 
tinue at Boston till the Bostonians had collected all the 
cannon that could be found, from Philadelphia, New-York, 
and even from Virginia, and brought them to that place. 
The Bostonians, having all their force and cannon collected, 
were about to destroy the town; but the King’s officer com- 
manding there forbade them, telling them he would leave it 
in a peaceable manner, as the purpose of his coming there 
was now answered. And now, brothers, you will soon hear 
that the King’s ships have laid waste all their seaports, as 
they can make no resistance, having sent all their cannon 
and stores to Boston. Virginia has had all already. 

‘ Brothers: I shall not give up this post (Niagara) to the 
Bostonians without a strugglé. My men must fall first be- 
fore the Bostonians shall take possession.” 

After this Colonel Butler proceeds, addressing himself to 
the Sachems: 

‘‘ Brothers : I propose to your consideration that a number 
of your warriors should go in quest of Colonel Johnson. 
Here is a large vessel ready for sailing; let them embark 


who desire a speedy interview with Colonel Johnson. He 
must at this time be at Quebeck or in the rivers; and upon 
my hearing of his actual arrival, I shall immediately pursue, 
and will certainly see him. If the Bostonians should be 
betwixt me and Colonel Johnson, I will turn out of the road 
and pass by them. I have also another vessel prepared for 
the back nations, as soon as they come.” 


The Sachems reply : 

“We shall not consider the matter, for we know it is 
already settled, and they are now embarking. Did we know 
that Colonel Johnson was actually arrived at any particular 
place, we would consider the affair.” 


Brother General Schuyler: We now inform that Colonel 
Butler prevailed, and upwards of fifty of the Six Nations 
have embarked, twelve days ago, in quest of Colonel JoAn- 
son, and a number of the back nations, the whole amounting 
to one hundred. 

Brother, we dread the consequence. We this day send 
off four of our young men to acquaint you, and then proceed 
to Caughnawaga to inform them. The one from Oriske is 
a chief man, and one of the two sent to Niagara, and will 
give you particulars. ‘The next, called Kanaghwidiga, is 
a young Sachem of great influence in this nation. ‘The third, 
Sewajis, is chosen to a Sachemship. We, the Sachems of 
Oneida, send our love to you, and wish you success. 

From your faithful Brothers, SUGHNAGEVRAT, 

JIMMEY, 
AGHSHINHARE, 
Tigawl, 
"'TEKEONGO, 

K AGHNEGHLORIES. 


To the Hon. Philip Schuyler, Esq.,. Commissioner, &c. 
From the Oneida Chiefs. 


[Enclosed in a letter from Colonel Guy Johnson to Lord George Ger- 
maine, dated New-York, November 25, 1776.] 


Intercepted by S. Kirkland, and who hopes to write to 
his Honour very soon, if a safe conveyance presents. 
A true copy from the original, compared by 


Jos. Cuew, Secr’y of Indian Affairs. 
New-York, November 25, 1776. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL DUBOIS. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 9, 1776. 

Sr: Your letter of the 5th, by your brother, is received. 
By him, I forward you eight hundred dollars. Would have 
you order your regiment to march for this place as fast as an 
officer’s party are inlisted. You will make a return to me 
immediately of the number of men already imbodied, and 
continue to make your returns, by which you may call for 
money as wanted. I conceive that taking men from the 
four or five months’ Militia will not answer our present 
necessity, as it will not add to the number in service; but 
of the Militia which is only ordered in for a few days or 
weeks, you have an undoubted right to take such as have a 
mind to inlist with you. Previous to your men arriving in 
this city, you will order a Field-Officer here, to take charge 
of them as they come in. 


I am, sir, yours, &c., Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Colonel Lewis Dubois, Poughkeepsie. 


COLONEL HARDENBURGH TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. - 

New-York, August 9, 1776. 
Sir: As I am at New-York, with four companies of 
Militia from Ulster County and one company from Liv- 
ingston’s Manor, and as some of them have not got guns, 
cartridge-boxes, or any accoutrements of war, I think it very 
hard that men are taken away from their places and business, 
and brought down to defend their country without arms. I 
here enclose you a true state of the deficiencies of the five 
companies, by which you may see how the matter is. I 
have done all that lies in my power to get a supply for them 
while I have been in town, but cannot perform. I there- 
fore once more, gentlemen, supplicate to your House, 
whether you cannot put me in some way to get a supply for 
these men. They are willing to allow for it out of their pay. 

I am, with regard, sir, your very humble servant, 
Jous. Harpensureu, Lieut. Col. 


To Nathaniel Woodhull, President of the Congress of the 
State of New-York. 


869 


HUGH WALLACE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
New-York, August 9, 1776. 

May ir ptease your Exceniency: Lord Stirling has 
acquainted the prisoners brought from Long-Island, that 
they are to attend your Excellency’s orders to-morrow morn- 
ing, at nine o’clock, and to be then ready to be sent out of 
the Province. 

I beg to let your Excellency know the unfortunate situa- 
tion my brother and partner and I are under. Our books, 
papers, &c., are at the house at Jamaica chiefly, where they 
are very unsafe, only women to take care of the house and 
them; that we have also many valuable papers, &c., here, 
which we must leave behind. In short, this affair may 
probably ruin us. 

Could your Excellency, in compassion to our distress, 
allow my brother to stay with his: small helpless family, 
he could take care of our widely-scattered affairs, and he 
is satisfied to give security to remain on his farm. As for 
me, though in a very infirm and disagreeable situation, I 
must be content. 

If your Excellency cannot indulge us in this request, will 
you be so good as to allow one of us to go to Jamaica this 
day, to bring clothes and necessaries for our journey, and to 
secure our books and papers there in the best way we can, 
engaging, by all that’s sacred and honourable, to be here by 
nine o’clock to-morrow, to receive your Excellency’s com- 
mands. ‘The other gentlemen will also beg to have clothes, 
&c., sent for. Iam sorry thus to trouble your Excellency ; 
hope my situation will be my excuse. 

{ am, respectfully, your Excellency’s most obedient, 


humble servant, Hoenn. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


COLONEL McDOUGALL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Friday, August 9, 1776. 
Srr: I have seen, in the hands of Mr. Palfrey, a copy 
of a resolution of the Continental Congress, resolving that a 
Paymaster be appointed to each regiment. If the appoint- 
ment is in your Excellency, I should be glad Mr. John 
Lawrence (a person who has had some trouble with the 
papers respecting the payment of my regiment) may be 
appointed. I will engage for his faithful discharge of that 
duty. 
1 am your Excellency’s obedient servant, 
Avex. McDoveatu. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


EBENEZER HAZARD TO GENERAL GATES. 
New-York, August 9, 1776. 

Dear Sir: This is at least the fifth letter I have written 
you since you left New-York, and I have not yet received 
one from you. As you remained silent so long, I began to 
suspect you considered me a troublesome correspondent, and 
intended to get rid of me by absolute neglect: the natural 
consequence of this, you know, was a determination not to 
be troublesome any longer; and I was just about concluding 
upon it, when our friend Trumbull told me you had com- 
plained of receiving no letters since you reached Ticonderoga. 
This absolutely astonished me, as I could not account for it 
without supposing some person or other guilty of -villanous 
practices, which I was unwilling to do, but am forced upon 
the conclusion. ‘The letters must have been stopped some- 
where between Albany and Ticonderoga. 

We have very little among us at present that is material. 
Clinton and Sir Peter Parker have fled from the southward, 
after being beaten by Lee, and have arrived at Staten-Island 
with the remnant of their fleet and army. About one thou- 
sand Hessians have arrived there, too; and in consequence 
of information received by two persons who left the enemy, 
and two gentlemen lately from London, by way of Staten- 
Island, we are in daily expectation of an attack. Howe 
musters now about thirteen thousand men in all, and affects 
to hold the “ Rebel Army” in contempt. One would have 
thought experience had taught him better. The Vicar of 
Roxbury inquires very often after you, and wishes for a let- 
ter. Don’t disappoint his wishes and mine. I send you 
some of the latest newspapers ; and am yours, affectionately, 

Exsen. Hazarp. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


870 


JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, August 9, 1776. 

Sir: [ am informed that there is a quantity of salt at 
Norwich, in the Colony of Connecticut, and its neighbour- 
hood, in care of some person or persons to me unknown: I 
suppose in the hands of Mr. Shaw or Mr. Stamford, &c., 
which belongs to the Continent, and has been imported on 
their account, and has lately been offered for sale. I would 
humbly suggest to Congress the necessity of a large quantity 
of that article being secured by the Congress for salting pro- 
visions for the Army the next season, and wish that orders 
may be given Congress agents for that purpose. 

I am, sir, with esteem and respect, your most obedient, 


humble servant, 
JosepH TRUMBULL. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq., President of the 
Congress of Delegates from the United States of America, 
Philadelphia. 


New-York, August 8, 1776. 


Yesterday two deserters came from the fleet, who say that 
Lord Howe is preparing for an attack; that the field-pieces 
were put on board a vessel, and it was supposed the forces 
would land on Long-Island, while the ships attacked the 
city. 

We hear from Elizabeth-Town that on a late alarm there, 
when an immediate attack of the regulars was expected, and 
every man capable of bearing arms was summoned to defend 
it, there were three or four young men, brothers, going out 
from one house; when an elderly lady, mother or grand- 
mother to the young men, (who, without betraying the least 
signs of timidity, had, with a resolute calmness, encouraged 
and assisted them to arm,) when they were ready to go, and 
just setting out, addressed them thus: ‘My children, I have 
a few words to say to you: you are going out, in a just 
cause, to fight for the rights and liberties of your country; 
you have my blessing, and prayers that God will protect and 
assist you; but if you fall, His will be done. Let me beg of 
you, my children, that if you fall it may be like men, and 
that your wounds may not be in your backs.” 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, August 9, 1776. 


Dear Generau: Colonel Hand reports the three ships 
mentioned in my last evening’s Report gone down the Nar- 
rows, are at anchor in and a little below the Narrows. I 
was at Red Hook this morning about three o’clock, but 
nothing further had been discovered, neither has there since, 
that has come to my knowledge. 

General Heard gives furloughs to the troops of Colonel 
Foreman’s regiment. I conceive it to be capitally wrong, 
and very injurious to me and Colonel Foreman both, as 
neither can know what to depend upon if the troops are 
furloughed without our knowledge or consent. ‘This is not 
the only evil; for if the troops are refused the indulgence 
here they request, and get it elsewhere, it will naturally lead 
them to form an opinion that we are tyrannical. I must 
beg your Excellency to put a stop to it immediately. 

I am, with all due respect, your Excellency’s most obe- 


dient, humble servant, NY Gaerne 


To His Excellency General Washington, Esquire, Head- 
Quarters, New-York. 


ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Harlem, August 9, 1776. 

Sir: It is with peculiar pleasure that I acknowledge the 
receipt of your Excellency’s favour of yesterday, since | 
cannot but consider it as an additional mark of that confi- 
dence with which your Excellency has hitherto honoured 
me. I have made the proper use of it, and imparted it in 
confidence to those members of the Convention on whose 
secrecy I thought I could most safely rely, and from whose 
influence I hoped to draw the most effectual assistance. 

I early foresaw what has since happened, and therefore 
made it my endeavour to enforce the drawing out as much 
of the strength of this State as could possibly be collected. 
I cannot but hope that the good effect of this measure will 
very shortly appear. A considerable body of troops will, 


¥* 


871 


as we suppose, begin their march for King’s Bridge to-mor- 
row, and I flatter myself that in five or six days their number 
will be increased to sixteen or eighteen hundred men. Such 
is my idea of the importance of this post that I could wish 
your Excellency to count as little as possible upon the raw 
troops we send there, but to send thither all you originally 
designed for that station. Your Excellency is best able to 
judge whether it can be rendered tenable without some can- 
non, gunners, and Matrosses, and how far it is prudent to 
supply that want under which it now labours, by sending 
them from some other place. 

Since I am upon this subject, I will take the liberty to 
hint what may possibly have escaped your Excellency’s 
attention in the multiplicity of business in which you are 
involved; I mean the possibility of the enemy’s destroying 
the bridge (if their fleet should get above the town) by 
means of a body of troops sent up the creek in boats, before 
any assistance could come in, unless some small work was 
thrown up for its defence, which the situation renders very 
practicable. 

The troops raised on Long-Island, and which we have 
subjected to your Excellency’s command, and ordered to 
join General Grreene’s brigade, may amount to about eight 
hundred men; but as part of them are very remote, they 
may possibly not all arrive at their stations in less than eight 
days. 

We shall this morning endeavour to raise some more of 
our Militia, to occupy the passes in the Highlands, and that 
of the northern Counties which have hitherto been reserved 
in case of any misfortunes happening to the Army at ‘Ticon- 
deroga. I fear they will not come in time to assist your 
Excellency at New-York, if the enemy should be speedy 
in their attack, as they are very remote and but ill-armed. 
Perhaps we may be able to send some of the neighbouring 
Militia to General Greene, to be dismissed when the Long- 
Island levies are all come in. 

Your Excellency may be assured that the little influence 
I have shall be exerted to forward any operations which 
your Excellency may form, since I am fully satisfied that 
they will always be directed by that spirit of patriotism 
which has so deservedly secured to you the esteem of this 
Continent, and shall therefore think it a happiness to be 
honoured with your commands. 

I have the honour to be, with the greatest esteem and 
respect, your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant, 

Rost. R. Livinesron, 


To His Excellency General Washington, Esquire, Head- 
Quarters, New-York. 


JOHN SCHENCK TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
In Committee, Poughkeepsie, August 9, 1776. 

Sirs: From the present situation of publick affairs, the 
Committee of Poughkeepsie labour under many difficulties 
for the want of cash, as well to answer publick accounts 
already due, which they have become bound for, as to an- 
swer emergencies of which the following are instances: 
Colonel Clinton wrote us to send him-a number of boards 
down to Fort Constitution, to make shelter for the troops 
then ordered there, which the barracks would not contain. 
On his request we purchased a quantity of Mr. Child, and 
sent them down. On return of the sloop, Mr. Child received 
an order on us for the money, which we could not pay; in 
consequence of which he returned the order to Colonel 
Clinton, which we are informed remains yet unpaid. Colo- 
nel Clinton also drew on us to pay the freight of the above 
boards. 

Major-General Schuyler sent down a party of men for 
stores from the shipyards. ‘These men called upon us to 
provide them provisions. We have to request the honour- 
able the Convention of the State of New-York would intrust 
the Committee of Poughkeepsie with a sum of money as a 
bank, to answer publick emergencies, for which they will 
give any security that it shall be expended for the use and 
to the satisfaction of the State. We have herewith sent in 
our account against this State, which we request the Con- 
vention will order paid unto the bearer, Robert North. 


Signed by order of the Committee, by, gentlemen, your 
most obedient, 
Joun Scuenck, Secretary, 


To the Hon. the Convention of the State of New-York. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


872 


RICHARD VARICK TO GENERAL GATES, 
-Albany, August 9, 1776. 

Dear Generat: Agreeable to my promise and duty, I 
do myself the honour to inclose you a return of the stores 
forwarded for Tyonderoga and Skenesborough. I am sorry 
to disappoint you in not sending the powder as soon as it 
might be expected by you; but it is not a neglect in me. I 
have endeavoured to procure wagons, but cannot get them 
now, in harvest, even for cash. ‘The farmers complain that 
their wheat is blasted, and must be attended to. However, 
I expect that the whole, or at least the greater part, will be 
moved from hence on Monday. I shall try every means to 
effect it. Be assured, my dear sir, that I do not withhold 
either my time or attention from the publick interest. Some 
of the shot and of the blocks I do expect next week. I 
shall forward them as fast as possible. Some of the swivels 
will be sent as soon as Governour T’rumbull’s order can be 
obtained for sending them from Salisbury to this place. ‘The 
anchors and cables sent from New-York are not yet arrived. 
I expect them, with some others, in three days. ‘The 
handspikes and rammers, with sponges, will be finished next 
week, and forwarded, as also some powderhorns and _pri- 
ming-wires. 

My respects to the gentlemen of your family. I remain, 
with every good wish, your most obedient and very humble 


servant 
? Ricup. Varick. 


To the Honourable Major-General Gates. 


COLONEL DAYTON TO INDIAN CHIEFS. 
Fort Schuyler, August 9, 1776. 

Sir: Yours of yesterday was just handed me. I observe 
the contents. By the bearer I send two barrels of powder. 
Lead, I have deferred sending any more for the present. 
As there is a probability of an attack being made here, can- 
not tell what we may have occasion for, and especially as I 
have understood our brothers at the Castle are not in much 
want of that article at present. 

Three of the Oneida Indians are gone to Oswego for 
intelligence, which I hope will answer as well as though 
some of my people had gone with them. As I place the 
greatest confidence in the Onezdas, shall listen to what they 
say at all times. 

I thank the great men very sincerely for their kind wishes 
respecting my health, and pray that the great and good 
Spirit may ever continue his protection to us all. 


I am, sir, your obedient servant 
DEY : Eras Dayton. 


P. S. We have a report here that a battle has lately been 
fought near New-York, and that General Washington has 
killed a great number of the Regulars; but for the truth of 
it, cannot positively say. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES, 
‘ Skenesborough, August 9, 1776. 
Dear Genera: I received your Honour’s favour of the 
Tih instant, by Lieutenant-Colonel Conner, and have com- 
plied with your Honour’s orders as to forwarding Colonel 
Wingate’s and Colonel Wyman’s regiments to Ticonderoga. 
The Militia that are still to come who have tents, shall be sent 
forward as fast as they shall arrive, by the orders that I shall 
receive. ‘There are none of the troops who have tents, ex- 
cept the small parties of the New-York regiments. 
Davin Warereury, Jun. 


To the Honourable Major-General Gates. 


GENERAL GATES TO CAPTAIN RICHARD VARICK. 
Ticonderoga, August 9, 1776. 
Dear Sir: This morning I was favoured with yours 
by Mr. Hughes, with the invoices enclosed. I am much 
obliged to you for your diligence and attention in forwarding 
to this post, and with such despatch, the articles of which 
we stand so much in need. Spades, and cartridge paper for 
muskets, are the things at present most in request. Flour 
will become scarce soon. I am told there are three thou- 
sand barrels at Fort Edward. Surely the harvest is now 
over, and the teamsters ready to serve the publick. As to 
money, I can have no idea that that can long be wanted; 
nor ought fellows who get so much from the United States 


873 


to hesitate at this time. They know they are sure of their 
pay. In case the enclosed packet gets early enough to 
Albany to go by the post on Monday, send it by that con- 
veyance; if not, you will despatch a special express with it 
to General Washington. 1 fancy General Schuyler cannot 
have yet returned to Albany; so defer writing to him until 
to-morrow or Sunday, when perhaps I may have something 
material tosay. There is nothing new since Messrs. Cuyler 
and Gansevoort left us. Yours, 


To Captain Richard Varick. 


Horatio Gares. 


OBADIAH JOHNSON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Canterbury, August 9, 1776. 
Honovuren Sir: I have concluded to have the Reverend 
Ephraim Judson, Chaplain to Colonel Ward’s regiment, if 
agreeable to your Honour, &c. And if your Honour pleases 
to send warrants for Chaplain and Surgeon’s Mate, or what- 
ever commands, the bearer will convey them to me. ‘The 
Surgeon’s Mate agreed upon is Dr. Thomas Shaw. 
I am, sir, your Honour’s most obedient, humble servant, 
OxsapiauH JOHNSON. 


To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull. 


COLONEL COOKE TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Danbury, August 9, 1776. 

HonourasLe Sir: Upon receipt of orders from your 
Honour of the 6th of July last, requiring that upon notice 
given me by General Washington, or the Commander-in- 
Chief of the Army of the United Colonies, of the necessity 
of assistance, I should call forth and march with all expedi- 
tion so many of the able-bodied effective men of my regi- 
ment as might be necessary and convenient for the defence 
of the Colonies,—I immediately sent my orders to the com- 
manding officers of the several companies in my regiment to 
have them properly equipped and hold them in readiness to 
march at the shortest warning; which I trust have been 
generally executed agreeable to your Honour’s direction. 

I would now acquaint your Honour that I this day re- 
ceived a letter from General Washington, dated 7th instant, 
informing me that General Clinton had brought his whole 
body of troops from South- Carolina ; that the foreign troops 
are every day arriving; that he hath the most authentick 
intelligence that the enemy’s Army in a little time will 
amount to thirty thousand men; and that a decisive attack 
will be made upon our Army, which, in its present situation, 
from sickness, the deficiency of regiments and other causes, 
is far short of its intended complement. His Excellency 
therefore requests me to call forth my regiment without 
delay, and have them equipped with blankets, arms, and 
ammunition, if possible, and march them immediately to 
New-York. Which orders I am carrying into execution 
with the utmost despatch, and expect to march in a very 
short time. I hope your Honour will order some small 
supply of money, without which it will be difficult to pro- 
ceed, as many of the men will probably have none of their 
own; but I mean not to wait for that. 

As the General says nothing about the time the Militia 
may be detained, I would beg leave to observe that the 
present season of the year is a very important season, espe- 
cially to this part of the Colony, where large crops of wheat 
are raised, this being the usual time when the ground is 
prepared for seed, and about three or four weeks hence will 
be the proper seed time, upon which the hopes of a future 
harvest altogether depend ; so that, should the whole Militia 
be detained much beyond that time, it would present a 
melancholy prospect for the ensuing year, especially when 
joined to a very scanty harvest the present year. 

These, sir, are thoughts which very forcibly strike the 
minds of people, and would very much damp their zeal 
upon the present emergency, was it not for the expectation 
of being soon dismissed. I therefore bope your Honour 
will represent the matter to the General in such a manner 
that they may not be detained longer than absolute necessity 
requires. 

i am, sir, with all.due respect, your Honour’s most obe- 


dient and very humble servant, Josern P. Coax 


To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


S74 


COLONEL CRAFTS TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Boston, August 9, 1776. 
Gent_emen: The bearer hereof, Lieutenant Raney, in 
the battalion under my command, has an inclination to serve 
his country in the sea department. As I am doubtful of my 
power to discharge him, have referred him to your Honours. 
I am, with all due respect, your Honours’. most obedient, 


humble servant 
’ Tos. Crarts. 


To the Board of Council of the State of Massachusetts- 
Bay. 


TIMOTHY LANGDON TO JOHN AVERY. 
August 9, 1776. 
Srr: I should take it as a favour if you would look over 
the records of Council for August and September, 1775, 
and inform me if Lieutenant Nathan Smith delivered any 
paper relating to the schooner Susannah, Gammon or Phil- 
lips Master. If there are any such papers, you will send 
me a pass from Admiral Graves that is amongst them, or a 
copy of it; you shall be satisfied for your trouble. 
I am, sir, your humble servant, 
Tivo. Lanepon. 


To Mr. John Avery. 


COLONEL MITCHELL TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Falmouth, August 9, 1776. 

May ir PLEASE your Honours: As I have some par- 
ticular business of a private nature which renders my being 
personally at Boston about the middle of September, of very 
great importance to me, I therefore take the liberty to ask 
your Honours’ permission for leave of absence to go thither 
at that time, which (should you think proper to grant) I 
shall esteem a particular favour. 

I can, with the greater freedom, solicit your indulgence 
herein, as we shall soon be ina tolerable state of defence at 
this place, and I hope as well prepared for the reception of 
the enemy as our number of men and cannon will permit. 
I wish to tarry no longer time than what is absolutely neces- 
sary for the accomplishing my business. 

I am, with profound respect, your Honours’ humble ser- 


ant 
es kt Jona. Mircue.u. 


To the Honourable the Council of the State of the Massa- 
chusetts-Bay. 


In Committee of Council, August 14, 1776. 
Ordered, 'That the prayer of the within Petition be grant- 
ed, and that he, the said Colonel Mitchell, have a parole of 
absence to go to Boston and attend his own private busi- 
ness about the middle of September next, agreeable to his 
request, and to return to his duty as soon as he can. 


Jno. Avery, Deputy Secretary. 


Watertown, August 12, 1776. 


We hear that on Wednesday last was sent into Ports- 
mouth, by the Hancock privateer of Philadelphia, a large 
ship (formerly a twenty-gun ship) now mounting fourteen 
guns, bound from Jamaica for London, having on board 
seven hundred hogsheads of sugar, two hundred of rum, 
besides other valuables; a fine prize. We hear she was 
taken by the following stratagem, viz: Just before dusk in 
the evening the Hancock came across her; the Captain of 
the prize taking the Hancock to be one of the tyrant’s 
pilferers, was very much rejoiced to fall in with her, and 
doubtless vice versa; when the Hancock at night threw out 
a light for a signal as a pilot. At daylight the next morn- 
ing, the vessels being near together, the Captain of the ship 
invited the Captain of the Hancock to come on board and 
take a breakfast; who replied, his hands were so few and 
sick, that he had not enough to man his boat and work the 
vessel, and in his turn invited the Captain of the ship to 
come on board him, which he readily complied with, by 
ordering his boat out, when he and about a dozen of his 
hands went on board the Hancock, and were taken as good 
care of as men in such circumstances could allow. ‘The 
Hancock then sent an equal number of her own hands on 
board the ship, when, alas! she fell into the hands of the 
United States of America. 


875 


COLONEL GALE TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 


State of New-Hampshire, East Kingston, ; 
August 9, 1776. 

Pursuant to orders from Nathaniel Folsom, Esq., Major 

General, &c., requiring me forthwith to raise and see equip- 

ped one hundred and eleven men out of the regiment under 

my command, to be ready to march and reinforce the North- 

ern Army, in consequence of which orders, the number of 

the soldiers raised, equipped, and marched the 20th of July, 
are as followeth, viz: 

1 Captain, 4 Subalterns, 5 Sergeants, 5 Corporals, 

1 Drummer, 1 Fifer. - - - - - - - - 

90 Privates, 2 privates marched the 25th, - - - 

1 Jonathan Carlton inlisted from Newtown under 

Captain Johnson for the Massachusetts State in 

the same expedition,- - - - - - - - - 1 


MTotalnumberiof mens acu eee-ae deee e LD 


The above Return from Colonel Jostah Bartlett's regi- 
ment, exhibited by 


17 
92 


Jacos Gare, Lieutenant- Colonel. 
To the Honourable Committee of Safety of said State. 


CHARLES W. F. DUMAS TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET COR- 
RESPONDENCE, AuGusT 10, 1776. 


M. A. L., par sa lettre du 11° Juin, m’apprennoit, que 


“ Story goes from hence directly to America. A French 
Onn yeti ay =] aome7 : 
gentleman, named 613. 2. 17. 15. 19. 4. 5. 414. 207. 
Dy ea Ve see Tes. Sin O00 Oa dal ote oi 
494.969.016.014 104-01 109. 16... 13).300 Olo.el. 
Deer sist eee ep iy On ctowte wa) tye 
Q7. 238. 34. 50.51.24. 476, 67, 52.. 582 75. 57. 26. 
{WeoOs aT te tb sae Ae Onn neo TO a le 
22. 94.25. Gl. 424, 29. 28. 9. 54. 561. 46. 32. 12. 


= 


3 Z 
39. 226, I have given him your address.” 


La veille de mon départ d’ Utrecht, j’écrivis ce qui suit 
a la personne que vous savez, Messieurs: 
21¢ Juin, 
“M.: Dans lespérance que vous avez bien voulu me 
faire concevoir, que je pourrai quelque jour vous étre utile, 
je crois devoir vous prévenir que je partirai demain de cette 
ville, pour aller passer l’été a une campagne a moitié chemin 


dici a J’y recevrai en toute stireté vos ordres, si vous 
envoyez vos lettres chez, &c. Je me propose d’ailleurs de 
passer a le plutét que je pourrai, uniquement pour 


profiter de la permission que vous m’avez donnée de vous 
rendre mes devoirs de temps en temps. Sans avoir du 
nouveau a vous faire voir, ’ouvrage ébauché a besoin des 
vos bonnes directions pour le temps ot vous ne résideriez 
plus a ; et je serois bien faché de manquer ’honneur 
de vous entretenir au moins une fois encore avant votre 
départ, s'il étoit proche.” 


REPONSE. 
23¢ Juin. 

“M.: J’ai recu la lettre que vous m’avez fait ’honneur 
de m’écrire le 21° de ce mois. Vous me flattez de l’espé- 
rance de vous voir a , dont vous rapproche le séjour 
que vous allez faire pendant l’été a une campagne. Cette 
proximité vous donnera la facilité de faire des voyages, dont 
je profiterai avec grand plaisir. Je sens l’estime qui vous 
est due, et l’avantage de mériter|’amitié d’un homme instruit 
tel que vous, réunissant la littérature aux devoirs de la so- 
ciété. Je vous entendrai toujours avec une grande envie 
de profiter, et cela sur toutes les matieres qui ont intéressé la 
sagesse de vos réflexions. Je ne sai pas encore le temps que 
Je resterai a . Peut-étre sera-t-il assez long pour jouir 
plusieurs fois de ’honneur de vous recevoir; cela dépend des 
ordres qu’on me donnera de la cour ; et rien ne paroit jusqu’ici 
devoir les accélérer. Nous sommes dans la saison la moins 
active, ou la plus dissipée. Les affaires ne reverdissent guére 
qu’a la chute des feuilles, ou méme ne s’échaufent qu’au 
retour des glaces. Je parle du vieux monde: car je ne 
veux pas trop généraliser le tableau. Avez vous, Monsieur, 
des nouvelles du Docteur et de ses amis? Je vous serois 
tres obligé de soigner a cet égard mon instruction. Je ferois 
volontiers les fraix d’un exprés que vous m’enverriez quand 
vous le jugeriez a-propos; sinon, la poste tout uniment. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


876 


S’il m’arrivoit 4 moi-méme de voyager, j’aurois ’honneur de 
vous marquer mes stations et mon addresse. Je ne saurois 
trop vous exprimer, Monsieur, le desir que j’ai de vous ser- 
vir, et de mériter une part dans vos sentiments,” &c. 

Environ 15 jours apres, j’écrivis ce qui suit au méme: 

Juillet, 1776. 

“‘ M.: La lettre dont vous m’avez honoré en date du 23° 
Juin, m’a donné la sécurité qu’il falloit, pour me consoler 
des contre-temps qui m’ont retenu ici. Peut-étre serai-je a 
Lahaie Dimanche matin. Soyez persuade, M., que s’il me 
parvient quelque chose qui mérite votre attention, vous 
en serez instruit sur le champ. Je n’ai pas de raison pour 
m’attendre a recevoir sit6t des nouvelles directement. J’ai 
écrit deux lettres par deux différents vaisseaux partis d’ Amst. 
pour St. E.; et yattends qu’un autre vaisseau parte pour 
leur en dépécher une troisieme. Avant que j’aie réponse, il 
se passera bien du temps, et dans ce temps bien des choses. 
Il y a cependant un homme chargé de quelque commission 
de leur part, a qui l’on a donné a ZL. mon addresse; et j’al 
recu deux lettres de cette ville, ?une du 21° Mai, l’autre du 
11° Juan, ou on me prie de lui rendre service. Voila tout 
ce que j’en sal; car cet homme n’a pas encore paru. 

“Plus je suis favorisé de vos lettres, M., et plus j’ambi- 
tionne de mériter avec le temps que vous ayiez bonne opinion 
de moi. En attendant je dois me tenir en garde contre trop 
de présomption, et penser combien il est naturel de faire un 
accueil gracieux au serviteur pour l’amour du maitre. Je 
vous avouerai, M., qu’en rendant compte au Docteur et a 
ses amis de notre correspondance, j’ai cru devoir les prévenir 
la-dessus, non que je doutasse de leur penetration, mais de 
peur qu’ils ne soupconnassent le geai de vouloir se parer des 
plumes du paon. Ils seront instruits de lobligeant intérét 
avec lequel vous me demandes de leurs nouvelles. J’ espere 
que le temps viendra ou vous pourrez me permettre de ne 
plus leur faire un secret de votre nom. 

“ Apres y avoir longtemps et bien pensé, il me semble 
que pour répondre complettement a leur intention, je dois 

meri p rari) CPys erin iti -ematan agro eee 


16..'5., 60.9192" 24) 110.713.1415, 26.5 29.419 ooalee. 
Ce Wet tee bh ba ree ts eure ENT i 8D, 
39..16. 69.4. 74. 424. 2. 33. 29. 18. 20. 183. 32. 
Sorep ink & ins.ear ay. pio (4 vee 
44, 172. 75. 104. 27. 35. 207. 185. 9. 10. 46. 40. 
6l.F TUE OAC fess: Wal pie. 5 eee 
286. 34. 65. 38. 58. 21. 202. 186. 37. 41. 235. 48. 


Dy Hb uy Cypero: niga Ole Co 20 m m e 
51.7.52.)/28.° 50. 542156. 42.49. 67; 287. 871.155. 

Cluish (Gan Te Reva 
115. 613. 85. 78. 238. 77. d'une telle commission, m’ou- 
vrir par-la les voies de servir mes commettants a l’avenir dans 
diverses occasions qui peuvent se présenter d’un moment a 
autre, et ne pas encourir le blame, qui pourroit réjaillir 

ulin we 

jusque sur ces messieurs, d’avoir négligé 45. 63. 59. 295. 
6). Vite. d 


ly Al Cishe Fay utiennC e 
81:. 58.0874290, 1120,.,.68.2124. 862 = 934 G65q7 1279: 
gy, Nin gh) Chea ees Sujaiiy, ado wreveeliete 
476. 86. 72. 147. 96. 101. 110. 98. 84. 82. 47. 89. 
Wires Ca oan f i a n c e 
106. 91. 186. 94. 100. 22. 108. 155. 128. 181. 108. 
& r e Cc h e r Cc h e 


PALO Lv ie 4e4., PLAS L195. 615s Lb: 
Au reste je ne ferai ni ne dirai rien a cet égard, qu’apres avoir 
eu ’honneur de vous voir, M.; et je vous supplie de croire, 
que jobserverai scrupuleusement la conduite et Ja discrétion 
que vous aurez eu la bonté de me prescrire ]a-dessus.” 

En conséquence je m’abouchai avec lui; nous convinmes 
de tout ce que nous dirions chacun; il alla diner a cette 
méme maison, dit que j’avois été chez lui, et que je lui avois 
dit que jirois aussi a l'autre maison le lendemain a 11 
heures. J’y fus effectivement. On me recut téte-a-téte, 
en grande cérémonie, dans la salle d’audience. J’exposai 
brievement mon sujet, et tiral un mémoire pour le lui lire. 
Il me dit qu’il ne pouvoit pas m’écouter sans ordre de son 
maitre. Je lus pourtant, et il ne boucha pas ses oreilles, 
Je le priai de recevoir et garder le mémoire. II refusa, 
alléguant toujours qu’il ne pouvoit rien sans ordre. Je tirai 
alors mes originaux, et lui montrai mes trois signatures, qu’il 
regarda avidement. En vous séparant je le priai de taire mon 
nom a ; il me dit qu’il le tairoit partout. Il me 
demanda pourtant si c’étoit mon vrainom, Je l’en assurai. 


877 


Il me dit quelques gracieus etés personnelles: nous nous quit- 
tames ; et je sus des le lendemain par un autre canal, qu'il 
avoit pourtant rendu compte a son maitre de cette visite; 
ce qui me suffit, car je n’al proprement besoin, pour ce que 
vous savez, que d’une de ces bonnes maisons. J’y suis tou- 
jours bien poliment regu, et en ami; c’est tout ce que je 
demande. Je n’y multiplie pas trop mes apparitions; mais 
pour les rendre toujours desirables, je n’y parois jamais sans 
avoir quelque chose d’intéressant a dire; et pour cet effet, 
les lettres de mon cher et digne correspondant de Londres 
me sont fort utiles. Ce dernier m’a addressé dernierement 
quelqu’un, dont la conversation, jointe 4 ce que me disoit la 
lettre dont il etoit porteur, m’a servi a la composition d’un 
memoire qu’on a goiute, et j’ai lieu de croire qu’on I’a envoyé. 

Ce quelqu’un m/a fait vous écrire une lettre, datée du 4° 
Aovit, par voie de Bourdeaux a St. Domingue, sous envel- 
oppe de M. Caton, marchand au Port St. Nicholas, dans 
cette Isle, d’ont voici l’extrait : 

“A gentleman belonging to Jamaica, a particular friend 
of Dr. B. Fr., and very well known to him, m’a chargé de 
lui écrire, pour Passurer de bonne part de l’estime singuliere 
qu’a pour lui et ses amis ce qu’il y a de plus sensé en Angle- 
terre; quils ne doivent pas croire, and that he prays him to 
let them know it, que la voix du Parlement actuel soit la voix 
du peuple Anglois ; qu'il existe et se renforce a great body, 
qui, ala vérité, n’est pas le plus fort, mais qui regarde la cause 
des Américains comme la sienne propre, leur salut et leur 
liberté comme la sienne, qui préfereroit de les voir indépen- 
dants plutot que subjugués, et qui fera a la future rentrée du 
Parlement les plus grands efforts en leur faveur; que la base 
de ce parti est déja de 40 pairs, et de 160 membres des 
communes. 

“Ce gentilhomme m’a avoué qu'il étoit un des plus actifs 
dans ce parti, qui seroit bien aise qu’il y eat en H. un homme 
de confiance, un agent de la part du Congres. La lettre 
que ce gentilhomme m/’avoit apportée débutoit ainsi: 

“Dear Sir: This will be delivered to you by ,a 
friend of Dr. F'r., of liberty, and of America. He is a philo- 
sopher, very well instructed on the subject of America, and 
* I trust will be both an agreeable and useful acquaintance 
while he remains near you.” 

“Cela me rassurant, je lui découvris que j’étois l'homme 
qu’il cherchoit, muni de créances et ordres suffisants du Con- 
gres, pour faire passer par mes mains tous les bons offices que 
voudroient lui rendreses amis. La-dessus je Jui montrai ma 
créance; il en fut satisfait; nous nous donnames nos addresses; 
il me promit de m’écrire quand il en seroit temps; et nous nous 
separames satisfaits ’un de lautre,” &c. 

Enfin ma dépeche C vous portoit aussi copie de deux 
lettres d’un officier fort habile dans la petite guerre, et des 
conditions aux quelles il passeroit au service des Colonies 
Unies. Un guerrier tres expérimenté me l’avoit recom- 
mande non seulement comme excellent officier pour le com- 
mandement en chef, mais aussi comme trés versé dans le 
génie. Mais lui-méme m’écrit qu’ayant négligé depuis 
longtemps cette partie de l’art militaire, il ne s’engageroit 
jamais comme ingenieur, mais pour la conduite d’un corps de 
troupes en chef, surtout pour la petite guerre, qu’il a étudiée 
a fond; et que’en cette qualité il consacrera avec plaisir et 
zele sa capacité et son zele en faveur de peuples qu’il admire, 
et avec lesquels il voudroit, lui et 6 enfants qu’il a, passer le 
reste de sa vie, aux conditions suivantes: 

1°. Que le Congres lui paiera au moins 1O0Of., (c’est-a- 
dire, a peu pres 100 livres sterling,) tant pour l’arrangement 
de ses affaires, que pour se pourvoir des choses nécessaires 
dans une pareille situation et pour le voyage, sans étre obligé 
a rembourser cet argent. 

2°. Que le Congrés lui donnera des assurances, qu’au 
cas qu’on ne lui procure pas un établissement solide, et 
équivalent a son emploi militaire, dans ce pays-la, a la paix, 
on lui paiera 1000 ducats, (environ 500 livres sterlings,) pour 
dédommagement de ses peines et risques, et pour s’en 
retourner dans ses foyers. 

3°. Qu’on sera payer par quelque négociant de ce pays-ci, 
pendant 2 années, a ses enfants, la pension qu’il tire actuelle- 
ment, et quil perdra, du moment qu’il quittera |’ Europe, 
savoir, 600f. environ GO livres sterlings par an, de 6 en 6 
mois, chaque fois 300f., ou 30 livres sterlings. Cet article 
il le remboursera s’il reste en vie: mais s’il mouroit en route, 
ou sil étoit pris par les Anglois, le Congres continueroit 
cette pension pendant 6 ans. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


878 


4°, On lui confiera le commandement d’un corps de troupes 
légeres, avec un grade proportionné, et la disposition de toutes 
les places d’ofliciers, et la liberté d’engager ici en Europe de 
bons sujets, d’une bonne conduite et capacité. Pour cet 
effet on lui fournira les pouvoirs et les moyens pour leur 
transport en Amérique. Cet article pourra étre éclairci en 
son temps. 

5°. Ses gages doivent étre au moins de 125 dollars par 
mois courant. 

Il est bon d’ajouter a ceci, que M. le Marquis d’ Enge- 
nelli, en 1756, et apres lui le Général Wunsch en 1758, lui 
ont offert une compagnie dans leurs régiments ; ce dernier 
avec la majorité au service du Roi de Prusse. La méme 
année M. Van Hellen, alors ministre de ce Roi a Lahaie, le fit 
venir chez lui par M. le Colonnel de Courvoisier, lui offrit le 
commandement d’une troupe avec 200 ducats pour le voyage, 
et les postes franches du Roi. Mais n’ayant pu obtenir des 
stiretés pour sa capitulation, cette raison, et l’instabilité de 
ce service, l’ont empéché d’accepter ces offres. 

J’ajouterai, Messieurs, a ce que vous venez de lire, que cet 
officier, qui est veuf, avec 6 enfants, Suisse, bon républicain, 
voudroit rester avec eux en Amérique apres l’avoirservie. Sil 
est vrai ce qu’on dit, et ce que vos amis-mémes me marquent 
de Londres, que vous n’avez pas assez d’officiers command- 
ants en chef pour l’etendue vaste de vos operations, je crois 
qu'il seroit bon que vous prissiez celui-la pour la cam- 
pagne prochaine; il me semble que ces demandes ne sont pas 
déraisonnables: et comme il n’est pas apparent que vos enne- 
mis quittent la partie sitét, je crois qu'il pourra vous étre fort 
utile. 


— 


{ Translation. ] 


CHARLES W. F. DUMAS TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET COR- 
RESPONDENCE. 
August 10, 1776. 

GentLemen: Mr. Arthur Lee, in his letter of the 11th 
of June, observes, that “ Mr. Story goes from hence directly 
to America. A French gentleman named Hortalez having 
something to negotiate for the Congress, I have given him 
your address.” On the eve of my departure from Utrecht, 
on the 21st of June, I wrote as follows to the person whom 
you know: 

“‘Sir: In the hope that you have consented to make me 
understand that I shall be one day useful to you, I think it 
my duty to advise you, that I shall depart to-morrow from 
this city, to pass the summer at a country house half way 
from here to . Ishall receive there in all safety 
your orders, if you send your letters to, &c. 

“T propose, also, to pass to as soon as I can, 
merely to profit by the permission you have given me to ren- 
der you my services from time to time. Without having any 
new plan to propose, the work already marked out has need 
of your good directions, for the time which you will no 
longer reside at ; and I shall be very sorry to fail 
of the honour of an interview with you at least once more 
before your departure, if it is near.” 


To this I received the following answer, dated June 23: 

“Sir: I have received the letter you did me the honour 
to write me the 2lst of this month. You flatter me with 
the hope of seeing you at , to which you are brought 
near by the residence you intend to make during the sum- 
mer at a country house. ‘This proximity will afford you 
opportunity to make journeys, by which I shall profit with 
much pleasure. I am sensible of the esteem which is your 
due, and of the advantage of meriting the friendship of an 
experienced man like yourself, uniting literature to the 
duties of society. I shall listen to you always with an eager 
desire of profiting by your counsels, and this on all subjects 
that have engaged your thoughts. Ido not yet know the 
time that I shall remain at . Perhaps it will be 
sufficiently long to enjoy often the honour of receiving you. 
This depends on the orders of my Court, and nothing has 
as yet appeared which will hurry them. We are in the 
least active, or most dissipated season. Business will not 
flourish much till the fall of the leaves, or even not get warm 
till the return of snow. I speak of the Old World; for I 
wish not to extend the picture too much. . 

«Have you any news of the Doctor and his friends? I 
shall be obliged to you to follow my instructions in this 
respect. I will bear willingly the charge of an express, 


879 


whom you may send to me when you shall judge proper; 
otherwise write uniformly by the post. Should [I be on a 
journey, I shall have the honour to inform you of my resi- 
dence and address. I do not know how to express to you 
sufficiently, sir, the desire I have to serve you and to deserve 
a place in your thoughts.” 


About fifteen days after, I replied to this letter as follows : 

“Sir: The letter with which you honoured me, dated 
23d of June, has given me the assurance which was needed 
to console me for the disappointments that have detained me 
here. Perhaps I shall be at the Hague on Sunday morn- 
ing. Be assured, sir, that if anything comes to my know- 
ledge worthy of your attention, you shall be informed of it 
immediately. I have no reason to expect soon to receive 
news directly. I have written two letters by two’ different 
vessels, that have sailed from Amsterdam for St. Eustatia ; 
and I expect, when another vessel departs, to despatch a 
third. Before I have an answer much time will pass, and 
in this time many events. There is, however, a man 
charged with some commission on their part, to whom they 
have given my address at Leyden; and I have received two 
letters from that city, the one of the 21st of May, the other 
of the 11th of June, in which they pray me to render him 
service. This is all that I know of him, for the man has not 
yet appeared. 

“The more I am favoured with your letters, sir, the more 
I wish to deserve your good opinion. In the meantime, I 
ought to be on my guard against too much presumption, and 
to think how natural it is to give a gracious reception to the 
servant for the love of the master. I own to you, sir, that 
in giving an account to the Doctor and his friends of our 
correspondence, I have thought proper to forewarn them 
thereon; not that I doubt their penetration, but from fear 
that they might suspect the jay of a desire to appear in the 
feathers of the peacock. ‘They will be informed of the 
obliging interest with which you ask news of them. I hope 
that the time will come when you will be able to permit 
me to reveal your name to them. 

“After having thought long and much, it seems to me, 
that in order to answer completely their intention, I ought to 
present myself also to the Hotel d’ Espagne, to be known 
there simply as charged with such a commission, to open to 
myself thereby ways of serving my constituents on diverse 
occasions, which may present themselves at one moment or 
another, and not*incur the blame, which may be reflected 
even on these gentlemen, of having neglected a power so 
worthy of their confidence and notice. For the rest, I shall 
not do or say anything in this respect till I have had the 
honour of seeing you, sir; and I pray you to believe that I 
shall observe scrupulously the conduct and the discretion 
that you have had the goodness to prescribe to me.” 

In consequence, I have again conferred with this gen- 
tleman. We agreed upon all that each of us should say. 
He went to dine at that same house, said that 1 had been 
with him, and that I told him I would go also to the other 
house the next day at eleven o’clock. 1 went in fact, and 
was received téte-d-téte with great ceremony in the hall of 
audience. I opened briefly my business, and drew out a 
memoir to read to him. He told me that he could not hear 
me without the order of his master. I read notwithstanding, 
and he did not stop his ears. I prayed him to receive and 
keep the memoir. He refused, alleging continually that he 
could do nothing without orders. I drew out then my origi- 
nals, and showed him my three signatures, which he looked 
at eagerly. In separating, 1 asked him to keep my name 
concealed at ; he said to me that he would keep it 
secret everywhere. He asked me, however, if that was my 
true name. I assured him it was; he paid me some personal 
compliments, and we parted. I learned on the next day, 
by another channel, that he had, notwithstanding, given an 
account to his master of this visit; which suffices me, for I 
have need, as you know, of only one of these good houses. 
I am always very politely received, and as a friend. This 
is all that I ask. I do not multiply too much my visits; but 
to render them always desirable, I never appear there with- 
out having something interesting to say; and to this end 
the letters of my worthy correspondent at London are very 
useful to me. ‘This last has addressed to me lately a person 
whose conversation, joined to the contents of the letter of 
which he was bearer, has served me in the composition of a 
memoir which they approve, and I have reason to think they 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


880 


have sent. This person has induced me to write a letter to 
you, dated the 4th of August, by way of Bordeaux to St. 
Domingo, under an envelope of Mr. Caton, merchant at 
Port St. Nicholas in that Island, of which here is an ex- 
tract: 

“ A gentleman belonging to Jamaica, a particular friend 
of Dr. Franklin, and very well known to him, has charged 
me to write to him, to assure him, on good authority, of the 
singular esteem that there is for him and_his friends among 
the more judicious in England; that they ought not to think, 
and that he prays him to let them know it, that the present 
voice of Parliament is the voice of the English people; 
that there exists, and gathers strength, a great body, which, 
in truth, is not the strongest, but which regards the cause 
of the Americans as its own, their safety and liberty as its 
own, which would prefer to see them independent rather 
than subjugated, and which will make, at the future meet- 
ing of Parliament, the greatest efforts in their favour; that 
the basis of this party is already forty Peers and one hundred 
and sixty members of the Commons. 

“'This gentleman owned to me that he was one-of the 
most active in that party, who would be very glad that there 
was in H. a man who could be confided in, an agent on the 
part of Congress. 

“The letter which this gentleman brought me began thus: 
‘This will be delivered to you by Mr. Ellis, a friend of 
Dr. Franklin, of liberty, and of America. He is a philoso- 
pher, very well instructed on the subject of America, and, 
I trust, will be both an agreeable and useful acquaintance 
while he remains near you.’ This assuring me, I discovered 
to him that I was the man whom he was seeking, provided 
with credentials and orders from Congress sufficient to do all 
the good offices that his friends could wish to render ; there- 
upon I showed him my credentials; he was satisfied with 
them, and we exchanged addresses. He promised to write 
me when he had time; and we separated satisfied with each 
other,” &c. 

Finally, my despatch C carried to you also copies of two 
letters of an able partisan officer, and the conditions upon 
which he will enter the service of the United Colonies. An 
experienced soldier had recommended him to me, not only 
as an excellent superior officer, but also as well versed in 
engineering. But he has himself written to me that, having 
for a long time neglected that branch of military science, 
he would not engage as an Engineer, but as commander of 
a corps, especially for partisan service, which he has studied 
thoroughly ; and that in that capacity he will, with plea- 
sure and zeal, devote his ability and energy, in the service 
of a people whom he admires, and among whom, with his 
six children, he would wish to spend the rest of his life, on 
the following conditions: 

Ist. That the Congress shall pay him at least one thou- 
sand francs, (that is, nearly one hundred pounds sterling,) 
to enable him to arrange his affairs, and procure articles 
necessary for his situation, and for the voyage, without having 
to reimburse the money. 

2d. That the Congress shall give him assurances that, in 
case they should not obtain for him a permanent situation, 
and equivalent to his military rank in this country, on the 
conclusion of peace, they shall pay him one thousand ducats, 
(about five hundred pounds sterling,) to remunerate him for 
his trouble and risk, and to enable him to return home. 

3d. That they will pay, through some merchant in this 
country, for two years, to his children, the pension which he 
actually draws, and which he will lose the moment he leaves 
Europe, to wit: six hundred francs (about sixty pounds ster- 
ling) per year, every six months three hundred francs, or 
thirty pounds sterling. This he will reimburse if he lives; 
but if he should die on the way, or be taken by the English, 
the Congress shall continue the pension six years. 

4th. ‘They shall give him command of a corps of light 
troops, with a proportionate rank, and the arrangement of 
all the officers, and liberty to engage recruits in Lurope, of 
good conduct and capacity. For this purpose, they shall 
furnish him with power and means for their passage to Ame- 
rica. ‘This article can be explained at a proper time. 

5th. His pay shall be at least one hundred and twenty- 
five dollars per current month. 

It is well to add to this, that the Marquis d’Engenelli, in 
1756, and after him General Wunsch, in 1758, offered him 
a company in their regiments, the latter with the rank of 


881 


Major in the service of the King of Prussia, The same 
year, Mr. Van Hellen, then Minister of that King at the 
Hague, caused him to be brought to him by Colonel Cour- 
voisier, and offered him the command of a troop, with two 
hundred ducats for the journey, and the posts of the King 
free; but having been unable to obtain sureties for his agree- 
ment, this reason, and the instability of the service, pre- 
vented his accepting these offers. 

I will add, gentlemen, to what you have just read, that 
this officer, who is a widower, with six children, a Swiss, a 
good Republican, wishes to remain with them in America, 
after having served it. If it is true, as has been said, and 
as your own friends inform me from London, that you have 
not sufficient commanding officers for the wide extent of 
your operations, [ think it would be well to engage him for 
the next campaign. It seems to me his conditions are not 
unreasonable; and as it does not appear that your enemies 
will give up the contest soon, I think he could be very useful. 


I have the honour to be, &c., Dumas 


ARTHUR LEE TO C. W. F. DUMAS. 
London, July 6, 1776. 

Dear Sir: This will be delivered to you by Mr. Elks, 
a friend of Dr. Franklin, of liberty, and of America. He 
is a philosopher, very well instructed on the subject of Ame- 
rica, and I trust will be both an agreeable and useful ac- 
quaintance while he remains near you. 

I thank you for your favour of the 21st of last month. By 
the last advices from America, General Howe was prepared 
to sail from Halifax, and, it is imagined, to land at New- York, 
where he will certainly be strongly opposed. He numbers 
ten thousand regulars, and it will be fortunate for us if he 
makes attempt before he is joined by the Germans, who 
sailed the 6th of May. The Americans have taken post 
upon the river Richelieu and the lakes. General Lee is in 
Virginia, with ten thousand men, expecting Lord Cornwal- 
lis and General Clinton. General Washington commands 
at New-York, and General Ward in Boston. 

The strange timidity de la Cour Francaise requires great 
patience and management; but I think it will at last be 
brought to act an avowed and decided part. When that 
happens, Angleterre must submit to whatever terms they 
please to impose, for she is totally incapable of sustaining a 
war with France. 


Adieu, Artuour Lex. 


SILAS DEANE TO C. W. F. DUMAS. 
Paris, July 26, 1776. 

Sir: The enclosed letter from Doctor Franklin will hint 
at my business in this city, where I arrived the 7th instant, 
and I should have sent forward this earlier had I not had 
hopes of having the honour of presenting it to you in person. 
This I now find I cannot expect, without delaying it beyond 
all bounds. I therefore forward it by the common convey- 
ance, and inform you that my address in this city is to Messrs. 
Germany, Guardot, & Co., Bankers ; that I shall tarry here 
till the last of August, when I propose going to Dunkirk, 
thence to Amsterdam and Hamburgh, in which journey I 
hope for the pleasure of seeing you. In the mean time I 
shall be happy in a correspondence with you on the subject 
of the dispute between the United Colonies and Great Bri- 
tain, or any other that shall be agreeable to you; and I wish 
to be informed if I shall be in danger of any disagreeable 
treatment in my journey through Holland, in a private 
capacity, though it should be known that I was in the ser- 
vice of the United Colonies. It has been suggested to me 
that I might meet with some interruption or difficulties from 
the friends of the British Ministry, which occasions my 
making this inquiry. 


I have the honour to be, &c., Sivas Deane. 


P.S. I read and understand the French language tolera- 
bly well, though I am unable to write it. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN PHILADELPHIA, 
DATED CAPE FRANCOIS, aucusT 10, 1776. 
Although our Government appears here in a profound 
tranquillity, letters of undoubted authority, just arrived from 
France, inform us that an armament is now fitting out at 


Firru Serites.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


56 


882 


Brest, of twenty sail of the line, twelve frigates, and four- 
teen thousand land forces, whose destination, it is presumed, 
is for this place. I think this armament will occasion no 
uneasiness to your Continent, as France has from the begin- 
ning shown such a partiality in favour of your cause, and 
now does ina more open manner. You have none but 
zealous friends in this Island, and if there be any ‘Tories, 
they are from your parts. The American vessels have our 
ports open to them, and they will be protected. 


Savannah, (in Georgia,) August 10, 1776. 

A Declaration being received from the Honourable John 
Hancock, Esq., by which it appeared that the Continental 
Congress, in the name and by the authority of their consti- 
tuents, had declared that the United Colonies of North 
America are, and of right ought to be, free and independent 
States, and absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, 
his Excellency the President, and the honourable the Coun- 
cil, met in the Council Chamber, and read the Declaration. 
They then proceeded to the square before the Assembly 
House, and read it likewise before a great concourse of people, 
when the Grenadier and Light-Infantry Companies fired a 
general volley. After this they proceeded, in the following 
procession, to the Liberty Pole: The Grenadiers in front; 
the Provost Marshal on horseback, with his sword drawn; 
the Secretary with the Declaration; his Excellency the Pre- 
sident ; the honourable the Council and gentlemen attending; 
then the Light Infantry and the rest of the Militia of the 
town and district of Savannah. At the Liberty Pole they 
were met by the Georgia Battalion, who, after reading of 
the Declaration, discharged their field-pieces and fired in 
platoons. Upon this they proceeded to the Battery, at the 
Trustees Gardens, where the Declaration was read for the 
last time, and cannon of the Battery discharged. His Ex- 
cellency and Council, Colonel Lachlan McIntosh, and other 
gentlemen, with the Militia, dined under the Cedar Trees, 
and cheerfully drank to the United, Free, and Independent 
States of America. In the evening the town was illumi- 
nated, and there was exhibited a very solemn funeral pro- 
cession, attended by the Grenadier and Licht-Infantry Com- 
panies, and other Militia, with their drums muffled, and fifes, 
and a greater number of people than ever appeared on any 
occasion before in this Province, when George the Third was 
interred before the Court-House, in the following manner : 

Forasmuch as George the Third, of Great Britain, hath 
most flagrantly violated his coronation oath, and trampled 
upon the Constitution of our country, and the sacred rights 
of mankind, we therefore commit his political existence to 
the ground, corruption to corruption, tyranny to the grave, 
and oppression to eternal infamy, in sure and certain hope 
that he will never obtain a resurrection to rule again over 
these United States of America. But my friends and fel- 
low-citizens, let us not be sorry as men without hope for 
tyrants that thus depart; rather let us remember America is 
free and independent; that she is, and will be, with the 
blessing of the Almighty, great among the nations of the earth. 
Let this encourage us in well-doing, to fight for our rights 
and privileges, for our wives and children, for all that is near 
and dear unto us. May God give us his blessing, and let all 
the people say, Amen. 


HUGH LYON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 

Prince George’s County, August 10, 1776. 
GentLemen: To comply with your request for purchasing 
arms and blankets, the Committee of Observation for the 
County aforesaid find it necessary to have a sum of money, 
not exceeding £50, for that purpose. If you think proper, 
they would be glad to receive that sum by the first safe hand ; 
and am, for and on behalf of the Committee, gentlemen, your 

most humble servant, Hueu Lyon. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


ARCHER AND HARRIS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Harford County, August 10, 1776. 
Gentiemen: Enclosed you have a bill of what the hemp 
linen delivered to the Commissary of Stores cost us per 
yard, as near as we can make it out at this time, as we have 
not got all the materials which we purchased manufactured; 
when we have, shall cheerfully submit a just and true account 


883 


thereof to you, agreeable to our proposals. At this time we 
have as much thread spun as would answer our contract 
with the Convention, if we could get it wove; but there is 
great difficulty in procuring weavers, as great numbers in 
our parts have inlisted in the Flying-Camp, and those that 
remain have advanced their prices. 

We have now delivered to the Commissary of Stores two 
hundred and sixty-nine yards of hemp linen, as per receipt, 
and hope in a short time to deliver a quantity more. 

Weare, gentlemen, with great respect, your most obliged 


and very humble servants 
y ? Arcuer & Harris. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, August 10, 1776. 
Str: Conceiving it highly necessary that you should be 
informed as soon as possible of the promotions the Congress 
were pleased to make in the Army ofthe American States, I do 
myself the honour to enclose you a list of the same by express. 
The Continental battalion commanded by Colonel Haslet 
will begin their march this day for the Jerseys, where, on 
their arrival at Amboy, the Colonel has orders to acquaint 
you of the same. 
I have the honour to be, with the greatest esteem and 
respect, sir, your most humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To General Washington, New-York. 


P. S. The enclosed letters please to order to be delivered. 
The commissions enclosed in each. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL HEATH. 
Philadelphia, August 10, 1776. 

Sir: The Congress having yesterday been pleased to 
appoint you a Major-General in the Army of the American 
States, | do myself the pleasure to enclose your commission. 
Confident of your zeal and attachment to the liberties of 
America, | am persuaded you will do everything to merit 
the honour your country has now conferred on you. 

With the warmest wishes for your health and prosperity, 
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and very 


humble servant : 
; Joun Hancock, President. 


To Major-General William Heath. 


Same to Major-General Joseph Spencer; to Major-General John Sulli- 
van; and to Major-General Nathanael Greene. 

N. B. They are to take rank according to the order in which they 
stand. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL JAMES READ. 
Philadelphia, August 10, 1776. 
Sir: The Congress having yesterday been pleased to 
promote you to the rank of Brigadier-General in the Army 
of the American States, I do myself the pleasure to enclose 
your commission, and wish you happy. 
I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To Brigadier-General James Read. 


Same to Brigadier-General John Nixon; to Brigadier-General Arthur 
St. Clair; to Brigadier-General Alexander McDougall; to Brigadier-Ge- 
neral Samuel Holden Parsons; and to Brigadier-General James Clinton. 

N.B. The said Brigadier-Generals are to take rank according to the 
order in which they stand. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO WILLIAM TUDOR. 
Philadelphia, August 10, 1776. 


Sir: I have it in charge from Congress to inform you 
that they have this day been pleased to give you the rank 
of Lieutenant-Colonel in the Army of the American States. 
It is their order that you repair, as soon as possible, to Head- 
Quarters, there to attend the execution of your office as 
Judge-Advocate-General. I have written to General Wash- 
mgton to acquaint him of your appointment, and that you 
will set out immediately for New-York. 

Sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To William Tudor, Esq., Judge-Advocate-General. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


884 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, August 10, 1776, six o’clock, P. M. 


Str: I am this minute honoured with your favour of the 
Sth and 9th instant, per post. Having sent off an express 
this morning, at which time I forwarded commissions for the 
General Officers appointed yesterday by Congress, I shall 
not detain the post to send the commissions ordered by the 
enclosed resolves. In the mean time, you will please to 
direct the persons to do such duty as you shall think proper. 
Their commissions shall be transmitted by the first opportu- 
nity. I will lay your letter before Congress on Monday 
morning, and immediately inform you of the result. 

I have the honour to be, with every sentiment of respect, 
sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 


To General Washington, New-York. 


LETTER FROM WILLIAM FLOYD, OF NEW-YORK. 
Philadelphia, August 10, 1776. 

Sir: The situation of our Province or State is truly alarm- 
ing; and it gives me concern that I cannot hear more par- 
ticularly what its true state and circumstances are. I beg 
you would favour me with a few lines on that subject as 
often as your time will permit. Be pleased to let me know 
what you hear of the situation of our friends on the eastern 
part of Long-Island. What is become of General Wood- 
hull, Mr. Hobart, Tredwell, Mr. Smith, and others? Have 
you heard anything from my family? Have any of our 
friends got off the Island with their families, or what must 
they submit to? Despotism or destruction, I fear, is their 
fate. We have nothing new here; all important news is 
with you. Is our Convention sitting? Are they forming 
Government? Where are the two armies? What are their 
probable intentions? Is New-York to be evacuated, as well 
as Long-Island, without fighting? Or will our Army, like 
the Romans of old, consider the invaluable prize for which 
they are contending, and, with their fortitude, attack the 
enemy wherever they can find them, knowing that death is 
rather to be chosen than life upon the terms our enemies will 
suffer us to hold it? If our Convention is not sitting, please 
to inform me who I can draw upon for money to pay my 
expenses; and you will very much oblige, sir, your very 
humble servant, Wau. F 

M. F'Loyp. 


IN CONVENTION FOR THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
Saturday, August 10, 1776. 


Resolved, 1, That the Commanding Officers of the seve- 
ral Battalions in the respective Counties of this State imme- 
diately march into Jersey with their whole Battalions. 

Resolved, 2, That the Associators of the Counties of 
Bedford, Northumberland, Northampton, and Westmore- 
land, and the Guards of the City of Phzladelphia retained by 
the Council of Safety, and two Companies of Colonel Ross’s 
Battalion, and two Companies of Colonel Slough’s Battalion, 
of about fifty men each, left to guard the prisoners, and about 
sixty carpenters and workmen retained by the Committee of 
Lancaster, be excepted out of the foregoing Resolve. 

Resolved, 3, That a bounty of £3 be paid to every 
Associator who. has entered, or will enter, into the service of 
the Flying-Camp, to continue until the first day of January 
next, if not sooner discharged, unless such as have already 
received a bounty. 

Resolved, 4, ‘That such Battalions as have, or shall fur- 
nish their quotas for the Flying-Camp, and have been in 
actual service six weeks, shall be permitted to return home, 
if the Generals and Field-Officers shall judge it consistent 
with the publick safety; and where the whole cannot be 
permitted to return, furloughs are to be granted in cases of 
particular necessity. 

Resolved, 5, That three Commissioners be appointed to 
go to Head-Quarters in Jersey, to form the Flying-Camp. 

Resolved, 6, That the Commissioners, with the Field-Offi- 
cers of the Counties respectively, shall nominate the Officers 
for the Flying-Camp, where they are not already nominated. 

Resolved, 7, That money be put into the hands of the 
Commissioners for the purpose of paying the bounty. 

Extract from the Minutes. 

Joun Morris, Jun., Secretary. 


885 


LANCASTER COMMITTEE, 


_ Ata meeting of the Committee of Observation, Inspec- 
tion, and Correspondence, at the house of Adam Reigart, 
the 10th August; 1776: 


Present: Mathias Slough, William Atlee, William Bowsman, Chris- 
topher Crawford, Henry Dehuff, Casper Shaftner, Daniel Elliot, Michael 
Musser, William Bowsman, John Miller., 


William Atlee in the chair. 


Resolved, That Englehart Holtzinger, an Associator in 
Captain Morgan’s Company of Militia, being a Gunstock 
Smith, now at work with Mr. Jacob Graeff, ought not to 
be marched to the Camp with the Militia, but be continued 
at that work. 

Resolved, That the men in Town of Captains Pedan’s 
and McKee’s Companies, amounting to about sixty, or be- 
tween that and seventy men, of Militia of Colonel Galbreath’s 
Battalion, ought to be marched for the Camp, and not be 
kept on billets in this Town; and if neither of their Com- 
panies receive additions by to-morrow at two o’clock suffi- 
cient to make up a full Company, that they be joined and 
marched together under the eldest Captain of those two 
gentlemen ; being first mustered, and their advance paid them 
on the junction. 


IN CONVENTION OF THE STATE OF NEW-JERSEY. 
Brunswick, August 10, 1776. 

Resolved, ‘That to prevent Desertion, no person or per- 
sons belonging to, or coming from, the Army in the State of 
New-Jersey, be permitted to go over any of the Ferries in, 
or travel through, said State, without a pass, signed either 
by General Mercer, General Dickerson, General Living- 
ston, Colonel Griffin, or Colonel Biddle. And all persons 
in general, and in particular the members of Committees, 
Militia Officers, and owners or keepers of Ferries, are strictly 
enjoined to carry this Resolution into effect, by apprehending 
and securing every person belonging to, or coming from, said 
Army, who shall not have a pass signed as above directed, 
until he can be conducted to the Army aforesaid. 

That no Troops in service of the United States, or of 
any of them, nor their Baggage, Ammunition, or their other 
Wagons or Carriages, shall pay for passing any of the Ferries 
within this State more than one-third part of the ferriage 
paid by such as are not in said service. And to prevent a 
misconstruction of this Resolve, it is hereby declared that 
Commissaries and other persons supplying the Army with 
Provisions, Stores, &c., are not intended to be included in said 
Resolve, so as to receive any private benefit from the same. 

Extract from the Minutes. 

Wm. Paterson, Secretary. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Perth-Amboy, August 10, 1776, ten o’clock, A. M. 

Sr: I received the favour of two letters from your Ex- 
cellency this forenoon. 

In consequence of these, I shall push forward to New- York 
as many of the troops as I can prevail ontomarch. Colonel 
Atlee’s battalion of Musketry will march this afternoon. Col. 
Miles’s two battalions of Riflemen set out this morning. 

A tender, of ten carriage guns, came up this morning to 
Billop’s Point ; was under sail about an hour ago, seem- 
ingly with a view to pass up the Sound; the wind failed, 
and she is come to. ‘The distance is too great to fire on her 
as yet; we are prepared when she comes near enough. As 
the enemy probably draw off from this end of Staten-Island, 
the tender may be sent to prevent our passing over. 

Your letter [ hoped would have had good effects on the 
Militia ; but fear nothing will do. None have gone off from 
hence last night; but some battalions are in very ill-humour, 
and very abusive to their officers. Colonel Dickinson writes 
me that thirty of his men have gone off with their arms this 
morning. I have written to the Congress to take some 
measures to stop this infamous desertion, and to the Con- 
vention of New-Jersey to raise their Militia to take up the 
deserters, and to supply proper guards for these posts. I 
have ordered one company of General Dickerson’s brigade 
to be stationed at Trenton, one at Princeton, and one at 
Brunswick, to stop all deserters. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most 
obedient servant, Hueu Mercer. 


To General Washington. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


886 


RICHARD H. HARRISON TO GENERAL MIFFLIN. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 10, 1776. 


Str: [have it in command from his Excellency to request 
in his name your particular attention to the works erecting 
on the other side of King’s Bridge. He conceives them to 
be of great consequence, and therefore is desirous that they 
should be carried on with every degree of diligence that the 
situation of affairs will admit of. As they are of such 
importance, and to make them more tenable against any 
attempt that may be made by the enemy to possess them, 
he desires that you will send five or six cannon from your 
post as can best be spared, and have them mounted imme- 
diately. 

Apprehensive that the enemy, if they go up the North 
River, may attempt to go down the creek in their boats and 
destroy King’s Bridge, his Excellency judges it necessary that 
you should direct Colonel Putnam and Monsieur Wiebert to 
mark out some convenient spot where a small work proper 
for its defence and security must be thrown up as speedily 
as may be. 

His Excellency wishes you to sink as fast as possible the 
vessels, &c., for obstructing the channel; and should you want 
more, that you will certify General Putnam of the same. 

Having set down the things given me in charge, and 
being in haste, I have only to add, Iam, &c. 

R. H. Harrison. 
To General Mifflin. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO COLONEL HAY. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 10, 1776. 


Sir: Your favours of the 2d and 7th instant, are duly 
received. ‘I‘he Commissary-General, to whom I had refer- 
red the matter of your appointment, was to have written and 
desired you to undertake the business. Since which, it is 
determined that those troops under General Clinton are to 
march to King’s Bridge, and of consequence will receive 
their supplies from the general store there. It cannot be long 
before matters may take a capital turn this way. The issue 
will determine whether a post from your part of the country 
is necessary or otherwise. Any movements of the enemy, 
which you think may be of consequence, I shall be obliged 
if you will transmit me. 

I am, sir, your most humble servant, 

Go. Wasuineron. 


To Colonel Ann Hawkes Hay, Haverstraw. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO RICHARD VARICK. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 10, 1776. 


Sir: Your letter of the 5th instant, with its several enclo- 
sures, is come safe to hand; and I now enclose you a list from 
the Colonel of Artillery and Quartermaster-General of what 
is, and will be, forwarded from this place; which is all that 
can be procured. ‘There was some duck arrived at Provi- 
dence, out of which I have requested Governour Cooke to 
supply the Northern Army, provided it is not otherwise 
disposed of. ‘The water communication being yet stopped, 
makes it exceedingly difficult to: transport these articles to 
Albany. 


Iam, sir, &c., Go. WasHineTon. 


To Richard Varick, Esq., Secretary to General Schuyler. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO TIMOTHY EDWARDS. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 10, 1776. 


Sir: This will be delivered to you by Samuel and John, 
two of our friends of the Stockbridge Indians, who have been 
here, and expressed the desire of their people to become 
part of the Army of the United States. Having written to 
you fully on the 7th instant, and transmitted a copy of the 
resolution of Congress upon this subject, (which I presume 
will have reached you before this comes to hand,) I have 
referred them to you for information, in the instance of their 
application, and have only to request the favour of your 
early attention to what I then recommended to your care 
and direction. 

Iam, &c., Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Timothy Edwards, Esq., Commissioner of Indian Affairs. 


887 


AARON BURR TO TIMOTHY EDWARDS. 
New-York, August 10, 1776. 


Dear Unctie: I have received your letters from Stock- 
bridge, with my watch, for which I thank you. Our six 
galleys which went up the North River attacked the British 
ships. They behaved well, but were driven off with the 
loss of three killed and twelve or thirteen wounded. A 
second attack is proposed. Vessels and chevaux-de-frise 
are sunk in the North River. The channel is said to be 
effectually stopped. We are endeavouring the same in the 
East River. The British fleet have been largely reinforced 
at different times. ‘They are now said to be upwards of two 
hundred sail within the Narrows. ‘They have drawn up 
seven of their heaviest ships in a line, nearly two miles ad- 
vanced of the rest. 

By two Virginia gentlemen who went to England to 
take the gown, who returned in a packet and landed on 
Staten-Island, where they tarried several days, and were 
permitted to cross to Elizabethtown on Thursday last, we 
have some intelligence of the enemy. Clinton has arrived 
with his shattered fleet and about three thousand six hun- 
dred men. By this it appears that he has either fallen in 
with part of Dunmore’s fleet, or picked up the remainder of 
his own, which had been separated, and were not in the 
action near Charlestown. Of the Hesstans only thirteen or 
fourteen hundred have arrived. ‘The remainder, about nine 
thousand, are daily expected. ‘They were left near the 
Banks of Newfoundland. ‘Those already here are not much 
esteemed as soldiers. 

The King’s land Army is at present about fifteen or six- 
teen thousand strong. ‘They expect very soon to exceed 
twenty-five thousand. ‘They have taken on board all their 
heavy cannon from Staten-Island, and have called in several 
of their outposts. ‘Thirty transports have sailed under con- 
voy of three frigates. They are to come through the Sound, 
and thus invest us by the North and East Rivers. They are 
then to land on both sides of the Island, join their forces, and 
draw a line across, which will hem us in and totally cut off 
all communication ; after which they will have their own 
fun. 

These Virginia gentlemen lodged in a house with several 
King’s officers. ‘They hold us in the utmost contempt. 
Talk of forcing all our lines without firmg a gun. The 
bayonet is their pride. They have forgot Bunker's Hull. 

Your nephew, A. Burr. 


To T. Edwards. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, August 10, 1776. 


Sir: Colonel Hand reports three ships at the Hook. A 
large schooner sailed from the watering-place late yesterday 
in the afternoon. She seems to direct her course towards 
Amboy this morning. From the firing heard at sea last 
evening, it is supposed the remainder of the Hessian fleet is 
at hand. Everything at the watering-place remains quiet. 

Nothing remarkable has happened in this camp since 
yesterday’s report. 

I sent over nine suspected Tories this morning to the 
City Hall, under the care of Lieutenant Randal. _ I report- 
ed their names to Colonel Harrison. There is one Ben- 
jamin Hevlet, that liveson the Northside, who does not appear 
to be an object worth sending away. 

There appears several insignificant characters amongst 
these last. How extensive their influence may be, I can’t 
pretend to divine; but from their appearance, they don’t 
look like doing much mischief. 

Lieutenant Skinner is as industrious as possible in appre- 
hending the disaffected. By what he writes to me, many 
have gone off. He says the Tories had an account amongst 
them that they were to be taken for several days before the 
attempt was made. I wonder whether anything of this sort 
has been in contemplation by the Provincial Congress. It 
is surprising to me how it could be known. ‘They expected 
it was an order from Congress. 

I am, dear sir, with the greatest respect, your Excel- 
lency’s most obedient, humble servant, 

N. GREENE. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters, 
New-York. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


888 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, August 10, 1776, five o’clock P. M. 

Honovrep Sir: I congratulate you on the safe return of 
Major Bigelow, though his embassy may have proved abor- 
tive In some measure. A 

We hear the disagreeable truth that Captain Wilson and 
his party of near thirty men of our regiment, are taken 
prisoners, one killed. We also understand that the Cana- 
dian Indians are against us, and that sons of Britain will 
avow that they were present at the cruel murder and scalp- 
ing at the Isle-aux-Noiz. 

The fleet, if of any use, ought to be lower down. The 
enemy might land on the eastern shore, fifteen miles from 
this, and could make such a lodgment in a short time as 
might prevent our vessels from going down. 

We had an instance to-day of a false alarm from the 
Navy. The Regulars were said to have landed about nine 
miles off, and were intrenching. Was there a good look- 
out on the vessels lower down this could not happen. 

In consequence of your orders to me, on the flag’s going 
down, I have sent but few parties on the Lake. 

I fear the orders from General Arnold were so positive 
that he (Captain Wilson) could not return before he was 
taken, without an apparent disobedience. Captain Wilson 
had notice that he was discovered by two scoundrels that 
went down in a canoe: the one is a step-brother and the 
other a tenant of Glliland’s. A point of honour, or some- 
thing else, must have prevented him from returning back as 
soon as was prudent. 

You will find that the enemy are coming up the Lake, 
but not in large bodies. ‘This induced Major Bigelow to 
advise a party of seven to return from near Gilliland’s, who 
were going down to Cumberland-Bay on the business I 
mentioned to you. 

I have three men down toward St. John’s, who do not 
appear yet to have been discovered. I have some hopes 
from them; and had the party not been so great under Cap- 
tain Wilson, he might have returned, and our regiment not 
so materially injured. However, the treachery of the two 
men who were in the canoe ruined the scheme. 

The important matter submitted by you to me is ad- 
vancing fast towards maturity. A number of suspected men 
are hourly waiting onthem. I have given them an additional 
pass, and all things seem to stand fair on their side. Should 
they have gone on, it would have been the worst policy in 
the world. ‘The youth has been watching all our motions 
to-day. He shows much sagacity. ‘T’o-morrow I shall be 
able to tell you of some matters of consequence, if I am 
not much mistaken. 

I am, honoured sir, with the greatest respect, your most 
humble servant, Tuos. Hartuey. 


To the Honourable Major-General Gates. 


COLONEL RICHMOND TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. . 


Head-Quarters, Aereate August 10, 1776, 
en o’clock, evening. 


Sir: This moment arrived Captain Harris, who brings 
us the following intelligence: That Thursday last he fell in 
with a fleet, and distinctly counted one hundred and eight 
sail, seventeen of which he took to be ships-of-war, the rest 
transports, about fifteen leagues, S.E. by S. from Nantucket- 
Shoals, their course W.N.W., close to the wind, about the 
latitude of Sandy-Hook. The next morning, ten o’clock, 
saw nine sail, supposed to be part of the same fleet. 

I thought it to be my indispensable duty to give your 
Excellency the earliest intelligence, by express, of so impor- 
tant a piece of news, as without doubt they are destined for 
New-York. 

I am, with respect, your Excellency’s most obedient, 
humble servant, 

Wiuuiram Ricumonp, Col. Commandant. 


To His Excellency George Washington, Esq. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Lebanon, August 10, 1776. 
GentLemEN: Enclosed is copy of a letter from the Com- 
mittee at Albany, by Ensign John Fisk, who escorted under 
guard, from Albany, twenty-three prisoners, represented. to 
be inimical to the rights of these States, to be secured and 


889 


taken care of. The Jails here are so filled that it is difficult 
to find a proper place of security for this additional number. 
For the present they are ordered to the Jail in New-London, 
and shall expect soon a resolution from your Convention In 
what manner you would have them treated, and how or by 
what means supported. rye 

The Mayor of Albany, and five others sent with him by 
the Committee of that city some time ago, are at Hartford. 
Those sent by your body under the care of Mr. Depeyster 
are imprisoned at Hartford, Norwich, and Litchfield. 

The present necessity, attention to the service of the 

Inited States, and real affection to our sister State of New- 
York under the present calamities of a siege and invasion, 
induce us to receive such troublesome and inimical men into 
our care and custody. We wish to have them removed, 
and to be released from the trouble they occasion, as early 
as is convenient. 

I am, with great truth and regard, gentlemen, your most 
obedient and very humble servant, 

Jona. TRUMBULL. 


To the Honourable Convention of the State of New- York. 


Albany Committee, August 2, 1776. 


Sir: Agreeable to a resolve of this Committee we take 
the liberty to send to the care of your Honour the persons 
named on the within list, and have affixed.to their names 
the crimes which they have committed. 

We are of opinion that Alexander Campbell, William 
Pemberton, Henry Van Schaack, Joseph Anderson, and 
John Munro, and Samuel Anderson, are to be maintained 
at their own expense; and that Frederick Williams, John 
Duzenberry, Walter Scott, John Scott, Samuel S. Gardi- 
nier, Benjamin Greenman, Dugald Campbell, Henry West- 
ernhouser, Thomas Sword, Jacob Zimmerman, Nicholas 
Weaver, Owen Conner, Ralph Walton, and William Mc- 
Mullen, are to be maintained at the expense of the publick. 

The situation of this County as a frontier induces us to 
be particularly careful in lessening the number of our inter- 
nal enemies, besides the great number of disaffected amongst 
us. Their constant meetings, plots, and conspiracies, oblige 
us to consult every method for placing them in a situation 
where they can do no injury to the general cause, by joining 
with the forces of the British King, assisting his army, or 
by opposing and preventing the support and preservation of 
our forces to the northward and westward. The influence 
of these men, if exerted, would, we conceive from their 
avowed principles, have been used against the American 
States. 

The places of confinement here are full; and since the 
retreat of our Army from Canada, and the arrival of the 
regular troops at New-York, disaffected persons, whose 
principles before were concealed, are daily appearing in 
every part of the country; and by reason of the great num- 
bers of men drawn from us for the publick service, we 
are unable to apprehend and guard with security all such 
persons as we are convinced, from the fullest proof, are 
inimical to the rights of America. 

We would recommend it to your Excellency to separate 
them as far distant from one another as they conveniently 
can be, and to prevent any communication between the 
persons now sent from this County to your Honour’s care 
and those formerly transmitted, as some of the persons now 
sent are particularly dangerous, though their abilities, their 
address and insinuation, may place them in a different point 
of light. 

We are your Honour’s most obedient servants. 

By order of the Committee: 
Joun Barciay, Chairman pro tem. 


To His Honour Governour Trumbull. 
Albany Committee Chamber, August 10, 1776. 

GentLemeN: In obedience to your resolve of the 26th 
day of June last, requesting this Committee to lay before 
your honourable Board the proceedings had against Abra- 
ham C. Cuyler, Henry Cuyler, Stephen DeLancey, John 
Duncan, Benjamin Hilton, and John Monier, inhabitants 
of this City and County, sent to Hartford in the Colony of 
Connecticut, and the misdemeanors with which they stand 
charged, this Committee beg leave to acquaint your honour- 
able Board that the representation respecting Henry Cuyler 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


890 


is groundless; and as to the others, we refer you to the mat- 
ters contained in the paper herewith sent, distinguished by 
No. 1, which sets forth the conduct of some of them previous 
to this Committee’s proceedings against them. 

At a meeting of this Committee on the 9th day of May 
last, the said Abraham C. Cuyler, Stephen DeLancey, and 
John Monier, among other persons of this city, were judged 
to be notoriously disaffected to the American cause ; where- 
upon it was resolved, that the said disaffected persons should 
be cited to appear before this Board, and that the Associa- 
tion made by your honourable Board the 27th day of March 
last should be tendered to them. ‘They were cited accord- 
ingly, and appeared before this Committee on the 11th day 
of May last, which Association they refused to sign; upon 
which it was resolved that the said persons should be dis- 
armed, as will appear by a certified copy of the Minutes of 
this Board, herewith sent, marked No. 2. 

Respecting Benjamin Hilton, we refer you to Nos. 3 and 1. 

The morning of the 4th of June was ushered in with the 
firing of guns, pistols, &c., by boys, negroes, &c., a circum- 
stance not agreeable to the inhabitants of this city, knowing 
the scarcity of powder. We were no longer at a loss to 
guess from whence this untimely liberality proceeded than 
the evening following, when a number of unfriendly persons 
assembled at the house of Richard Cartwright in order to 
celebrate that anniversary. ‘The Mayor was conducted to 
this noble banquet by Thomas Barret, a cooper, and Charles 
Folliott, a carpenter, supported by them under each arm. 
The unusual noise on this occasion alarmed many of the 
inhabitants of this city, who went to Cartwright’s, to inform 
themselves of the occasion of this indecent meeting, when, 
to their astonishment, they found Abraham C. Cuyler, Ste- 
phen DeLancey, and John Momer, with a number of the 
lower sort of people, carousing, and singing God save the 
King, &c. Their former conduct having so exasperated the 
good people of this city that they could no longer refrain 
taking notice of this daring insult, upon which they rushed 
in, seized Stephen DeLancey and John Monier, among 
others, and committed them to the Tory Jail. The next 
day the petition No. 4 was presented to this Committee by 
a number of respectable inhabitants of this city. Shortly 
after, a verbal request was made to this Board by the said 
petitioners, praying that the said Abraham C. Cuyler, Henry 
Cuyler, Stephen DeLancey, John Monier, John Duncan, 
and Benjamin Hilton, might be removed out of this city. 
Whereupon this Committee, on the 13th day of June last, 
on motion, resolved that the said six persons above named, 
and Lieutenant Angus McDonald, should be removed un- 
der guard to Hartford in Connecticut. See the Resolve 
No. 5. 

During the residence of these men in this place, our ene- 
mies were daily increasing in number and insolence, boast- 
ing that they were to make returns of their proceedings to 
some of the greatest men in the country. We plainly fore- 
saw that nothing could be done with the rabble who were 
influenced by them till they were removed; and indeed the 
conduct of the Committee of Albany was freely and loudly 
censured by the good people of this County in all parts. 
Complaints were made that the most atrocious offenders 
were screened in Albany, while every poor low fellow was 
immediately prosecuted for only lisping out things which 
those people uttered daily in the most daring language. 
Since the removal of those leading enemies to our freedom 
and repose, this place has enjoyed much more tranquillity 
than heretofore. Many iniquitous plans have since been 
discovered, and their execution prevented; for they now, 
being destitute of council and support, when taken some of 
them have made full and free confession. We may also 
observe, that during the stay of these gentlemen in this place 
complaints have been made by the officers of almost every 
regiment that passed through here, that the minds of their 
men were immediately poisoned on their arrival, and many 
who had marched in the most peaceable manner from Phila- 
delphia had deserted from here, and others turned almost 
ungovernable; which complaints have, since their removal, 
entirely subsided. 

We are, gentlemen, your most obedient servants. 

By order of the Committee: 
Joun Barcuay, Chairman pro tem. 


To the President of the Convention of the State of New- 
York. 


891 


COLONEL FITCH TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-Haven, August 10, 1776. 
Honovurep Sir: I received a letter from General Wash- 
ington yesterday in the afternoon, requiring me to call forth 
and march my regiment forthwith to New-York, to the 
assistance of the Army there. I have accordingly drawn 
my orders to each Captain in the regiment. I sent to Colo- 
nel Thompson to march with the regiment, but he being 
sick as well as myself, I now hold the orders in my hands, 
as I cannot inform the Captains who will take the command 
of them. I desire that your Honour would order some field- 
officer in the Colony to take the command of the regiment, 
and let me know who it is, so that I may give out the orders, 
&c. Isend, with the bearer, General Washington’s letter 
to me, for your Honour to peruse, &c. 
I beg leave to subscribe myself your Honour’s most hum- 
ble servant, JonaTHAN FircH. 


To His Honour Governour Trumbull. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO MAJOR HAWLEY. 
In Committee of Council, August 10, 1776. 

Sir: Your letters of the 31st ultimo and 5th instant are 
now before us, and we have thought proper to enclose you a 
copy of a resolve, passed the last session of the General Court, 
respecting the Test Act; and we apprehend your Honour 
has seen the last order of this Committee, calling upon all 
Magistrates, Sheriffs, Committees, &c., to be vigilant in 
causing the Jaws and orders of this State to be put into exe- 
cution, to prevent the good people from being exposed by 
persons inimical; which we think is all that is necessary for 
us to do in the recess of the Court. As to passing a resolve 
similar to that passed by the Governour and Committee of 
Safety of Connecticut, itis not in our power. We have never 
seen it, and you have not furnished us with a copy of it. 

We are sorry to hear of the mistake respecting the kettles 
and canteens; but as there is a Committee appointed by the 
Court to take particular care of this matter, and we have 
written to them not long since respecting the same, we can- 
not but think they will take effectual care about it. 

We did not expect to raise and march the men without 
money, but we expected the Committee of Hampshire 
County would, agreeable to what the rest of the Committees 
have done, apply to us for a warrant on the ‘Treasurer for 
the same, which we should readily have granted, it being to 
be made payable to them only. We should also have sup- 
plied them with blank commissions. Please to send down 
one of your Committee for these purposes. 

We have not the pleasure of knowing Mr. Cranson, whom 
your Honour mentions, and we are at a loss to know how 
he could understand that we were not in haste to have the 
fifteen hundred men raised. We are sure we did not employ 
him to construe the resolve of the Court. 

Weare sorry to hear it is so difficult to raise men in your 
County to support the Northern Army; but we hope it will 
be otherwise when the harvest is over ; and it gives me some 
satisfaction that they inlist to support the lines at Boston, 
notwithstanding you are now in the midst of your harvest. 

We do not pretend to say that the resolve for raising the 
men was the best that could have been formed, but look upon 
it as our duty to comply with every resolve of the Court, so 
far as it is in our power. 

We are.concerned to hear of any apprehensions of de- 
ficiencies of supplies at No. 4, and that you are assured that 
there will be no mileage paid there. We apprehend you 
have been misinformed with respect to this matter. Every- 
thing has been done agreeable to the resolves of Court. 
Everything in our power has been done to prevent any 
deficiencies of supplies at No. 4, and Commissary Trumbull 
has engaged to take proper care respecting the same; in 
answer to one of theirs upon this subject, he writes the Council 
the 21st of July, “that a person is at No. 4, and everything 
in readiness to receive and forward the troops from New- 
England going to Crown-Point, as fast as they arrive there, 
agreeable to your expectations and my engagements.” We 
hope, therefore, the Committee will cause the men to march 
to Ticonderoga with all possible despatch. 

In the name and by order of the Committee, I am, with 
great respect, your most humble servant, 


Tuos. Cusuina. 
To Major Hawley. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


892 


COLONEL STEPHEN TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF 
VIRGINIA. 
August 11, 1776. 

Sir: The bearer is a native of Hesse, has seen a great 
deal of service, and seems to have a good military turn. He 
is lately arrived from Eustatia. If he cannot be employed 
here, I should think it advisable to send him to Congress. 
He might probably be useful in seducing the Hessians, as 
he is acquainted with their natural disposition, and seems to 
have a good deal.of address. Please to introduce him to 
General Lewis. 

I have the honour to be, with great esteem, sir, your most 
obedient, humble servant, 


To the Honourable John Page. 


ApamM STEPHEN. 


COLONEL EWING TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, August 11, 1776. 

Honourep Sirs: I did myself the pleasure of writing to 
you the 7th instant per Lieutenant Chew, to which beg leave 
to refer. Since which have been honoured with yours of 
the 6th current, accompanied by Captain Young and his 
company. I observe you have given him £125, which he 
has laid out in shoes, stockings, hunting and body shirts, for 
his soldiers; he has laid out more, and has applied to me for. 
more money. I would be glad if you would send him £60, 
or allow me to give it to him, as it will be for the good of 
his company, and of course of the service. ‘The Committee 
cannot procure the quantity of guns ordered. Mr. John 
Smith, son of Captain Young’s Lieutenant, tells me the 
Committee of Harford had thirty stand, and that Mr. Rich- 
ard Dallam had thirty stand more completed. I shall be 
much obliged for an order for them to complete Captain 
Young’s company, so as to send them off. You omitted 
enclosing me an order for necessaries to complete Captain 
Young’s company, which please send me with the order 
you mention for the blankets. You will please likewise 
give me an order for the tents now made, or what you allow 
1 should take with me. With respect to arms, I do not 
doubt but if I was to march all my battalion without arms 
to the camp at the Jerseys, there would enough of the gen- 
tlemen Militia be very glad to lend them arms, on account 
of being relieved by us. I understand some of the Militia 
are grumbling very much, and want to be relieved; and I 
am convinced Generals would rather have those whom they 
can with more propriety command. The Captains here 
have come to a resolution of buying linen and having hunt- 
ing-shirts made for all their soldiers. Captain Posey, with 
his company, arrived here the 9th, and I expect Captain 
Forrest this day or to-morrow. You will please send an 
order for things to equip Captain Forrest out. Capt. Posey 
will write you for some money, which please send. The 
gunsmith wraught all night and works all this day. I amas 
industrious as I can be, but can do but little without your 
assistance. For God’s sake, if any way possible, let me 
have some arms. ‘The gentleman I sent to Frederick and 
Virginia has brought none, which is a great disappointment 
to me. He tells me they give £4 5s. in Virginia, for 
muskets, that currency. 

The present accompanies Captain John Hawkins’s son, 
who goes down to settle his account. I don’t expect to 
be able to get his or any of the companies from this before 
Wednesday next. ‘There will be a quantity of haver and 
knapsacks made together. You will please send me an 
order for a sufficiency to supply four companies, and I will 
not lift the others. I shall esteem it a favour your not de- 
taining Captain Lowe, as he will be wanted here. 

I am, with due respect, honoured sirs, your most obedient 


humble servant, Tuos. Ewrna. 


To the Hon. Council of Safety of Maryland, Annapolis. 


CAPTAIN THOMAS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Head of Elk, August 11, 1776. 
GentLemen: After a tedious passage of almost four days, 
I arrived here this morning; the other boats are all in sight. 
On my arrival here I applied to Colonel Hollingsworth for 
provisions, and was informed by him that he had no orders 
from you for that purpose. However, I have procured what 
beef and bread I want for the present, and propose to start 
from here early on the morrow. Colonel Hollingsworth 


893 . 


informs me that if you would give him a general order to 
supply the troops that come here with provisions and bag- 
gage-wagons, he would take care to have all these necessa- 
ries on the shortest notice; but without such an order, he 
thinks it would be wrong in him to do it. I have therefore 
mentioned it to you, submitting whether such an order would 
not be proper. One thing, also, give me leave to mention: 
the victualler at Annapolis will find the troops coming by 
water but little salt provision. I drew two days’ provision, 
chiefly fresh; all the fresh was totally spoiled on the second 
day, so that we could not use a morsel of it; it must happen 
so to others, and I submit it whether it would not be better 
to direct him to furnish the troops going by water princi- 
ally with salt provisions while the hot weather continues. 
For want of salt provisions, I have been obliged to buy on 
the passage at extravagant prices. I hope the freedom I 
have taken will be excused, by, gentlemen, your most obe- 
dient, humble servant, J. A. THomas. 


To the Hon. the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


JAMES GIBSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
August 11, 1776. 
GrentLEMEN: Whereas it does appear that Mr. Nicholas 
Thomas has resigned up his late warrant of Quartermaster 
in the Fourth Battalion of Militia: We therefore are in hopes 
this honourable Board will issue their warrant to a worthy 
gentleman who now applies, and also is recommended by us, 
the officers of the Wye company, William Perry, Esq., who 
offers his services as Quartermaster. He is well known by 
every man in the County. He ever appeared to be hearty 
‘in the cause of the liberty of America. He stepped forth 
early in the present cause, and his integrity seems to be 
supported with zeal and earnestness to the present cause. 
Your compliance, I make no doubt, will give great satisfac- 
tion to the people in general. 
We are, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servants, 
Jas. GiBson, 
Rost. Hat, 
Rost. Dureers. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland, at An- 


napolis, now sitting. 


JOSIAH BARTLETT TO JOHN LANGDON. 
Philadelphia, August 11, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Yours of the 28th ultimo is come to hand, 
and I congratulate you on your late appointment. Colonel 
Whipple sets off to-morrow morning for Portsmouth, and 
takes with him your commission as Continental Agent, and 
will be able to inform you of everything relative to it. He 
will be likely to make a little stop at New-York, and will 
go by the way of Providence, and, if possible, procure the 
guns for your ship, &c., which stops may prevent his being 
with you as soon as this may reach you, but will no doubt 
in a few days after. He takes with him $60,000 for the 
account of New-Hampshire. 

By the publick prints you will see there is a new emission 
of Brigadier-Generals, and four of the former Brigadiers pro- 
moted to Major-Generals. We find some difficulty to give 
satisfaction in the appointment of officers; and, on the whole, 
it was thought the appointing the first Continental Colonel 
in the respective States to the rank of Brigadiers was the 
least liable to objection. 

You have no doubt heard that Clinton and Cornwallis, 
since their defeat at South-Carolina, have joined General 
Howe. Governour Dunmore and his ragamuffins, it is said, 
have left Virginia, and are supposed to be going to join 
General Howe. I think we may expect that some impor- 
tant event will soon take place at or near New-York. God 
grant it may be favourable to the United American States. 

August 13. Colonel Whipple left us for New-Hampshire 
yesterday at two o'clock. 


1 am your most obedient, JostaH Bartuett. 


STEPHEN PARKER TO JONATHAN SMITH. 
Philadelphia, Saturday, August 11, 1776. 
Str: I am about returning to Machias, and your com- 
mands that way shall be proud to receive. My coming here 
has not been attended with such success as the deplorable 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


894 


circumstances of that people constrain me warmly to wish. 
Conscious of the extreme disadvantages I labour under, 
unaided by purse, and unknown in person, I have thereby 
been prevented from making effectual applications in their 
behalf. Iam not insensible how much complaints increase, 
and how indelicate it is to appear on that list, nor uninformed 
that imposture and knavery patrol this Continent, deceiving 
the Christian, benevolent, and honest. Since my arrival, I 
have taken all pains to engage lumber, but find the price 
here will scarcely more than pay freight, and already anti- 
cipate the distress our people will be thrown in when on 
return [ inform them they can obtain no relief from hence. 
Money the inhabitants have not, what little was among them 
being sent away for provision long before my coming; and 
when I left, there were only two hundred bushels of Indian 
corn, one hundred of rye, a tierce or two of rice, with a 
small quantity of pork and flour, for one hundred and twelve 
families, besides a number of single men—families industri- 
ous, and many of them frugal, but wholly employed in the 
lumber way, and dependant thereon for support. Every 
avenue to New-England, the centre of our usual intercourse, 
is stopped, so that from thence we can receive nothing. 

Our people, ambitious to pay an implicit obedience to. the 
resolves of the honourable American Congress, and zealous 
to enthusiasm of exerting themselves in defence of invaded 
liberty, by securing Captain Jones, preventing his trade, 
seizing the tender, and arming a sloop to annoy the trans- 
ports loading at Nova-Scotia for the use of the Crown Army, 
have thrown themselves into the arms of immediate want; 
and, to heighten the distress, a long winter is approaching 
on us, attended with all the horrors of famine. Oh, sir, 
though extreme modesty has hitherto prevented my men- 
tioning these things fully to you, lest I should prove too 
impertinent by being troublesome, I beg leave to epitomise 
them here; painful the idea, but how heightened to such as 
are assured of exchanging sympathy, for suffering sensibility 
preponderates against the scale of selfishness, and makes our 
interest one. I find a willingness to sacrifice the trifle | own 
for their support; but could I negotiate it, it would be but 
small. Gratitude, powerful gratitude, would constrain all 
as one every way to exert themselves to make the speediest 
and justest returns, could they be so happy as to obtain 
credit, while the most indelible characters of thankfulness 
imprinted themselves on their hearts. With respect to my- 
self, [can only say, were I influenced by the most. aban- 
doned principles that ever stood opposed to truth and justice, 
a regard for my interest, and a more tender one for my 
family, would constrain me to do everything for the welfare 
of that place, which only can thrive on the foundations of 
honour, honesty, and virtue. Were any gentlemen within 
the circuity of your acquaintance, in commisseration of our 
distress, pleased to afford us relief by crediting us with pro- 
visions, every assurance in my power shall be given them 
for the speediest payment possible; but can this not be, 
God only knows what will become of us. May I beg the 
honour of receiving your advice in these matters, your par- 
don for the intrusion on your moments, the absolute result of 
lively distress, and permission to subscribe myself, most re- 
spectfully, sir, your obedient, humble servant, 

STEPHEN ParkeER. 


To Jonathan Smith, Esq., Philadelphia. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Perth-Amboy, August 11, 1776. 

Sir: About twelve hundred spears are sent off, agreeable 
to your orders, by Mr. Tilghman. I shall push on as many 
of the Flying-Camp and volunteers as possible, but cannot, 
as yet, ascertain the number. Every assistance we can 
procure will be given to facilitate the passage of the troops 
at all the ferries. 

The tender I mentioned yesterday keeps the same station 
as hitherto. We perceive no remarkable alteration in the 
numbers of the enemy on Billop’s Point or Staten-Island. 
The Pennsylvania Associators continue to desert by bodies. 
Seventeen went off from the Fourth Battalion last night, and 
am just now informed of another party who have left camp. 
I hear of several companies about to join, and hope still to 
keep up a formidable appearance. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most 
humble servant, Hueu Mercer. 


GENERAL MERCER TO COLONEL DICKINSON. 
Perth-Amboy, August 11, 1776. 


Sir: I received your favour by Mr. Brown, and in con- 
sequence of your intelligence have sent off an express with 
letters, one to the Convention of New-Jersey, acquainting 
them of the desertion of numbers of the Pennsylvania 
Militia, and desiring them to order out their Militia, to guard 
the ferries and take other effectual steps to secure the desert- 
ers; the other to Congress, advising them of the unhappy 
condition of the Militia, and desiring them to take 
such steps as might seem necessary on the occasion, as these 
parts were like to be left exposed to the enemy. In conse- 
quence of a requisition from General Washington, | have 
ordered a number of troops to New-York. Colonel Miles, 
with about seven hundred riflemen, marches this day. Colo- 
nel Atlee, with his battalion, and a number more, will march 
to-morrow. ‘To facilitate their march, I have thought some 
might be passed over in boats from Crane’s Ferry to Brown's 
Ferry, on Hackensack. Therefore, all the boats that can 


be had up the river should be collected. 
H. Mercer. 


To Colonel John Dickinson, commanding at Elizabeth- 
Town. 


[Thus endorsed by me: ‘‘ This letter was received on the 10th of 
August, 1776, therefore dated wrong. Consulted the Committee on the 
measure proposed, who disapproved it. Acquainted General Mercer 
JD] 


with the reasons.”’ 


GENERAL MERCER TO COLONEL DICKINSON. 
Perth-Amboy, August 11, 1776. 


Sir: I had intended to order Colonel Grub’s battalion, 
of Lancaster County, to New-York ; but I have ordered 
him to Elizabeth-Town. You will use your utmost address 
to induce the Militia to perform their duty at this critical 
time, when the fate of America is so near being deter- 
mined. Colonel Grub is very willing to go anywhere. I 
have desired him to consult with you on the defence of the 
Jersey shore. Be so good as to point out to him the neces- 
sity of strong guards on Bergen Neck. 

H. Mercer. 


To Colonel John Dickinson, commanding at Elizabeth- 
Town. 


GENERAL MERCER TO COLONEL DICKINSON. 
Perth-Amboy, August 11, 1776. 


Sir: I wrote to you a few hours ago that Colonel Grub 
would march with his battalion for Elizabeth- Town to-morrow 
morning, which I hope will be time enough to reinforce your 
post. ‘This morning I wrote to your brother, the General, 
to take the most effectual measures to codperate with us. 


H. Mercer. 


To Colonel John Dickinson, commanding at Elhzabeth- 
Town. 


LETTER FROM AN OFFICER TO COLONEL DICKINSON. 


Str: The company seem determined to go off to- 
morrow morning. Their going will, in my opinion, be follow- 
ed by the First Battalion and the rest. ‘The present is a 
matter of infinite consequence. If Colonel Dickinson will 
give his sentiments to the battalion this afternoon, I am 
convinced it would be effectual in quieting the present dis- 
turbance. 


VICE ADMIRAL LORD VISCOUNT HOWE TO LORD GEORGE 
GERMAINE. 


Eagle, off Staten-Island, August 11, 1776. 


My Lorp: Conceiving it of the utmost importance, in 
pursuit of the objects of the special commission with which 
{had the honour to be charged by his Majesty, that the 
Colonies in rebellion should have the earliest information of 
his Majesty’s most gracious intentions with respect to the 
restoration of peace, and the granting of pardons to such of 
his Majesty’s subjects as, by a speedy return to their alle- 
giance, might deserve the Royal mercy, I thought proper in 
the course of my voyage to prepare a Declaration to that 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


896 


effect, together with a Circular Letter addressed to the Gov- 
ernours, or, in their absence, the Lieutenant-Governours or 
Chief Magistrates of the respective Colonies ; copies of which 
I have the honour to enclose to your Lordship, No. 1 and 2. 
[Letter and Declaration, dated June 20, 1776.] 

I had little expectation that these Letters and Declaration 
would reach the hands of his Majesty’s Governours. My 
object was, that they should be circulated as much as possi- 
ble throughout the Provinces; and I hoped to have found 
an opportunity of landing them soon after the time of their 
date by means of some vessel I might meet with upon the 
coasts; but no opportunity offered tll I arrived off the har- 
bour of New-York on the 12th of last month, when I de- 
spatched the First Lieutenant of the Eagle to Amboy, with 
those intended for the Colonies to the southward of New- 
York, directing bim to deliver them to any person who 
might appear in authority, and to desire they might be for- 
warded by the post. 

The enclosed printed paper, No. 3, which came acciden- 
tally to my hands, will inform your Lordship of the resolu- 
tion of the General Congress, [of July 19, 1776,] upon their 
receipt of the above-mentioned packets, which it seems were 
transmitted by Mr. (called General) Mercer, the command- 
ing officer at Amboy, to Mr. Washington, at New- York, and 
by him to the Congress. 

Captain Burnaby, in the Merlin sloop, was charged with 
the packets for the Colonies of Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode- 
Island, Connecticut, and New-Hampshire, and directed to 
land them at Rhode-Island. On the 28th of last month he 
returned, with a letter to me from Mr. Cooke, acknowledg- 
ing the receipt of my Letter and Declaration, and acquaint- 
ing me that he had communicated them to “the General 
Assembly of that State,” then sitting at Newport, who would 
transmit copies of them to “the most honourable the General 
Congress of the United States of America, to whom every 
application ought to be addressed, and must be referred.” A 
copy of Mr. Cooke’s letter to me is enclosed, No. 4, [dated 
Newport, July 21, 1776.] 

As the issuing the above-mentioned Letters and Declara- 
tion is the only measure I judged necessary to take before I 
could have a conference with General Howe, I have nothing 
further to add in this separate despatch, but my hopes of 
being informed by your Lordship that my conduct is hon- 
oured with his Majesty’s approbation. 


I have the honour to be, &c., Howe. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE COMMITTEE OF QUEEN’S 
COUNTY, NEW-YORK. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 11, 1776. 


GentLemen: The publick exigencies having required my 
apprehending a number of suspected persons in your County, 
and sending them into another Colony for a short time, they 
have expressed some apprehensions that, in their absence, 
their property may be exposed to injury, and their families 
deprived of the support they would otherwise derive fron it. 
I therefore beg leave to acquaint you that a temporary re- 
straint of their. persons is all that is intended by the present 
measure; and that it would give me much pain if it should 
be construed to extend to any depredation of property, that 
matter resting entirely within the jurisdiction of the civil au- 
thority of the Province. Until, therefore, some orders are 
received from them to that effect, I shall be happy in be- 
lieving you will exert your whole power and influence to 
prevent the mischief which these gentlemen seem to appre- 
hend. 

I am, with respect, gentlemen, your most obedient, hum- 


ble servant 
z Go. WasHINGTON. 


To the Committee of Queen’s County, Long-Island. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
New-York, August 11, 1776. 


Gentiemen: In answer to your favour of the 9th, with 
which I have been honoured, I beg leave to inform you that 
I neither wish nor expect anything more than that the levies 
raised by you will be in Continental pay from the time they 
were Called into service. ‘That troops employed in a gene- 
ral cause should be supported at the general expense, is so 
evidently just that I cannot see any objection to it. 


897 


It is trae when the proceedings of your honourable body 
for raising these levies were first communicated to me, and 
it was mentioned by the Committee who brought them that 
it was expected they would be paid by the States, I did not 
think myself authorized to take into service so large a num- 
ber of men, and therefore could not say the States would pay 
them; but the situation of our affairs being much changed, 
and requiring their service, 1 cannot but consider them as 
much entitled to Continental pay as any troops in this Army. 
In this light I am persuaded Congress will view them. It 
is so obvious and so equitable, that no application from me 
can be necessary. The bounty, I imagine, as you your- 
selves do, will be the expense of the State, for which indem- 
nification will not be made by the publick. My letter of 
the 8th was not meant to comprehend this subject. It was 
particularly designed to explain my ideas of the authority 
from whence General Clinton’s powers were derived. 

I have requested Mr. Trumbull to take the direction of the 
Commissaries, and to see that the levies are properly sup- 
plied with provisions. I am extremely concerned that the 
quotas of men to be furnished by the neighbouring States 
have proved so deficient. The busy season and harvest, to 
which it has been ascribed, being now over in a great 
degree, I flatter myself, from the zeal they have heretofore 
manifested, they will afford every possible assistance. ‘They 
are well apprized of the importance of this State in the pre- 
sent contest, and the necessity of maintaining it against the 
attempts of the enemy. 

In respect to the Militia of Albany County, as you are 
pleased, in your proceedings of the 10th instant, to submit 
the propriety of calling them out to my determination, I 
would advise that they should not, unless the necessity for 
bringing them here should be extremely great; they other- 
wise should remain in their County, to afford succour to the 
frontier parts of the Government, if it should be necessary. 
I have enclosed a copy of Lieutenant McMichael’s report, 
transmitted me by General Schuyler, from whence it will 
appear, if the intelligence contained in it be true, that their 
aid may be required there. 

I have desired General Greene, on the application of the 
Gommittee sent to King’s County, to afford them every 
assistance he conveniently can, for executing the business 
they are upon. 

Before I conclude, I would observe, the letter of the 9th, 
which I have acknowledged to have received, is without 
any signature. I presume it has been omitted through the 
hurry of business. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, gentlemen, 


our most obedient servant 
y 2 Go. WasHINGTON. 


To the Hon. Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq., President, &c. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-York, August 11, 1776. 


Sir: Necessity obliges me to trouble your Honour with 
some more suspected persons, whose characters are such as 
to make it unsafe for them to remain at their usual places of 
abode on Long-Island; and there is no retreat in this Pro- 
vince where they may not do some mischief, or be less secure 
than our safety requires. As they are apprehended merely on 
suspicion, arising from a general line of conduct unfriendly 
to the American cause, I have given them reason to expect 
from you every indulgence which your good judgment will 
admit you to allow them, consistent with the publick safety. 
There are few of them who will not defray their own ex- 
penses, and those few their companions of better circum- 
stances will assist, if convenience will admit their being 
together in the same place, which will be a saving to the 
publick. If there are any quite destitute, I presume they 
must be put on the footing of other prisoners in like circum- 
stances. ‘They express a very earnest desire to be permitted 
to choose their own lodging and accommodations, to which 
I see no objection. But as I have referred them entirely to 
you, I do not choose to enter into any engagements on this 
or any other point, only adding generally, that I could wish 
they might have every accommodation and indulgence, 
having a respect to their rank and education, which may be 
deemed consistent with safety; and they are given to under- 
stand that your humanity and politeness will most effectually 
prevent their being liable to any unnecessary hardships. 


Firra Sertes.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


898 


I am, with much respect and esteem, your Honour’s most 


obedient and humble servant, Go. WAsHINGTON 


To Governour Trumbull. 


P.S. 1am just informed that Judge Jones has obtained 
some letters of recommendation to Connecticut, from which 
he expects to be permitted to stay at New-Haven. Unless 
very particular circumstances should require it, I cannot but 
think you will agree with me that these prisoners should be 
removed from seaport and post towns, as the intention of 
removal from hence is not fully answered, while they have 
opportunities of carrying on correspondence. 


JEDEDIAH HUNTINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Camp, New-York, August 11, 1776. 


Honovurep Sir: Judge Jones being taken up and ordered 
to Connecticut, has applied to me for letters to my friends. 
I am a stranger to any particulars of his political character, 
except that he lately held a place under the Crown of Eng- 
land. His character as a gentleman I believe unexception- 
able. He has shown me some civilities. I think I can 
assure him that he will be secure from any insult or abuse, 
and that he will experience from my friends and others every 
civility compatible with his situation. 

I am, most affectionately, your son, 

Jep’u Hontineron. 
To Governour Trumbull. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp on Long-Island, August 11, 1776. 


Dear Genera: There is no proper establishment for 
the supplying the Regimental Hospital with proper utensils 
for the sick. They suffer, therefore, for want of proper ac- 
commodation. ‘There is repeated complaint upon this head. 
The Regimental Hospitals are and ever will be rendered 
useless, nay, grievous, unless there is some proper fund to 
provide the necessary conveniences. ‘The General Hospital 
cannot receive all the sick, and those that are in the Regi- 
mental Hospitals are in a suffering condition. If this evil 
continues, it must greatly injure the service, as it will greatly 
dispirit the well to see the sick suffer, and prevent their 
engaging again upon any conditions whatever. Great 
humanity should be exercised towards those indisposed. 
Kindness on one hand leaves a favourable and lasting im- 
pression; neglect and suffering on the other, is never for- 
gotten. 

I am sensible there has formerly been great abuses in the 
Regimental Hospitals; but I am in hopes in general men of 
better principles are elected to those places, and that the. 
same evils will not happen again. But the Continent had 
better suffer a little extraordinary expense than the sick 
should be left to suffer for want of those conveniences that 
may easily be provided. 

I would beg leave to propose that the Colonels of regi- 
ments be allowed to draw moneys to provide the Regimental 
Hospitals with proper utensils; an account of the disburse- 
ments weekly or monthly to be rendered. This will pre- 
vent abuse and remedy the evil. Something is necessary 
to be done speedily, as many sick are in a suffering condi- 
tion. 

I am your Excellency’s most obedient servant, 

Natu. GREENE. 


To His Excellency General Washington, New-York. 
N. B. The General Hospital is well provided with every 


thing, and the sick very comfortable. I wish it was exten- 
sive enough to receive the whole, but it 1s not. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 


Camp on Long-Island, August 11, 1776, 
Sunday, 11 o’clock. 
Dear Sir: Enclosed is a list of the principal Tories in 
the different towns, given before Mr. Skinner, a young 
gentleman bred to the practice of the law, and perfectly 
acquainted with almost all the political characters in the 
Province. Your Excellency will please to examine it, and 
if it meets your approbation, signify the time you will have: 


57 


899 


the execution take place, by giving your orders on the back 
of the list. 
I have the honour to be your obedient servant, 
N. GREENE. 


LIST OF TORIES. 


William Thorn, Great Neck. 

Justice Kissam. 

Benjamin Hewlet. 

Richard Townsend, (North side.) 

Justice Clowes, Hempstead, (should 
be secured.) 

David Beaty. 

Doctor Seabury. 

Benjamin Lester. 

Samuel Langdon. 

George Hewlett, Hempstead. 

Stephen Hewlett. 

John Miller. 

James Coggeshall, (should be se- 
cured.) 

Richard Hewlett, Rockaway. 

Doctor Martin. 

Charles Hicks. 

Whitehead Cornell. 

Justice John Hewlett, East Woods. 


ABR’M SKINNER. 


Hugh Wallace, Jamaica. 
Alexander Wallace. 
Doctor Ardin, 
Mr. Bethune, (should be secured.) 
Nathaniel Mills. 
Jos’h French, (should be secured, ) 
Capt. Benjamin Whitehead. 
Richard Betts, 
John Troup. 
Van Brunt, (at the Mill.) 
Robert Ross Waddle. 
Thomas Willett, Esq., Sheriff 

of Flushing. 
Edward Willett. 
David Colden. 
Judge Willett. 
Joseph Field. 
Charles Willett. 
Jos. Griswold, (at the Plains.) 
Justice Isaac Smith. 


GENERAL GATES TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Tyonderoga, August 11, 1776. 

Sir: I must entreat your Excellency to pardon my so 
long delaying to send you a particular state of the Army of 
the United States in this department. 

Upon my first joining the troops (or rather the Hospital) 
at Crown-Point, all was in the utmost disorder—the pes- 
tilence raging, not a cannon mounted, the vessels lumbered 
with stores, the men dispirited with defeat and fatigue, and, 
in short, the whole a scene variegated with every distress 
and disappointment that could conspire to ruin an army. 
In this miserable state, the first thing to be done was, if 
possible, to remove the pestilence. Accordingly the Gene- 
ral Officers unanimously resolved to send all the sick and 
infected to the General Hospital at the south end of Lake 
George ; to remove the main body of the Army to the im- 
portant pass of T'yonderoga; to send the vessels with the 
utmost despatch to be refitted at Skenesborough; and to 
begin to erect strong works upon the ground described in 
the enclosed plan. ‘These measures—thank the Giver of 
all victory—the enemy either have not had the means or 
the wisdom to prevent. 

Our fleet, since the arrival of the reinforcement of car- 
penters, grows daily more and more powerful. Enclosed is 
a list of those manned, armed, and ready for action at Crown- 
Point. A schooner, a row-galley, and three gondolas, are 
rigging here, and will this week join those at Crown-Point, 
when General Arnold will sail with the whole down the 
Lake. Three fine row-galleys will be finished in a fortnight 
at Skenesborough, and will directly join the rest of the fleet 
under General Arnold. This is a naval force, when col- 
lected, that promises to secure the command of Lake Cham- 
plain. 

I ordered Colonel Trumbull to send your Excellency a 
general return of the Army soon after our return hither, and 
desired him to write your Excellency an account of the then 
state of our affairs. Happy am I in saying they are so much 
altered for the better. 

In the packet you will find a copy of my last letter to the 
most honourable the Continental Congress; also the report 
of Major Bigelow, who returned last night with his flag of 
truce, which he carried from hence the 23d ultimo with the 
resolves of Congress relative to the capitulation of the Ce- 
dars and the exchange of prisoners engaged for by General 
Arnold. General Carleton’s orders issued in consequence of 
the despatch sent by the flag of truce, you will find enclosed. 
They astonish me; for with their prosperity, the Generals 
of the British Army seem to have lost their good understand- 
ing. 
Enclosed is copy of a letter this moment sent off express 
to Major Hawley at Northampton. 1 must beg your Ex- 
cellency’s authority may be exerted to bring these delin- 
quents to justice. If that cannot be had, Jet them feel all 
the shame and disgrace they so richly deserve from their 
injured country. 

_A Captain and thirty-nine carpenters from Rhode-Island, 
hired by the United States at prodigious wages, General 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


900 


Waterbury writes me word, are inoculated at Williamstown. 
I beg you, sir, to write to Governour Cooke to dismiss them 
immediately. Pay, they do not deserve a penny; they 
should on no account be permitted to come to Skenesbo- 
rough. Lam confidently assured we can do without them. 
The Massachusetts Militia, | am told by Brigadier-General 
Brickett, who arrived here last night, are all near at hand, 
and have all tents and camp equipages with them. Lam 
sorry to be informed that my respectable friends from Con- 
necticut are coming without these necessary articles, __New- 
Hampshire have sent their Militia equally deficient. Colonel 
Wingate’s and Colonel Wymar’s regiments from that Colony 
are now in this camp. 

I am harassed to death with writing. The Congress, 
General Washington, General Schuyler, I am obliged con- 
stantly to correspond with; the whole business of this Army 
to direct, with all the variety of writing demanded thereby; 
and to make the load the heavier, my principal copyist is 
sick. Your son, who is very industrious, does all he can to 
aid me, but his own duty is enough for any one man. ‘This, 
sir, must be my apology for all imperfections. 

With the greatest respect, 1 am, sir, your Excellency’s 
most faithful and most obedient, humble servant, 

Horatio Gates. 
To Governour Trumbull. 


P. S. Your Excellency will please to communicate all, 
or any part of this intelligence, to the President of the Mas- 
sachusetts-Bay. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL PUTNAM. 
Tyonderoga, August 11, 1776. 


Dear Por: Every fond mother dotes upon her booby, 
be his imperfections ever so glaring, and his good qualities 
ever so few. Crown-Point was not indeed your own im- 
mediate offspring, but you had a capital hand in rearing the 
baby. You cut all the logs, which are now rotten as dirt, 
and tumbled in the dust. No matter forthat. Why should 
not you be fond of Crown-Point? If [ live to be as old as 
you, I shall be as fond of Tyonderoga. I can assure you, 
I fancy already that my booby is a great deal handsomer 
than yours, and has a thousand excellences more than 
yours ever possessed. But don’t be uneasy, the absurdities 
of your booby time will very soon obliterate; but mine will 
live for some future great engineer, like myself, to laugh at 
and despise. Joking apart: Have you blown up Staten 
Island? Have you burnt the enemy’s fleet? Have you 
sent the two brothers to Hartford? What have you and 
what have you not done? Sense, courage, honour, and 
abilities, you know to be the great.outlines of a General. 
My friend Tom Mifflin has an uncommon share of all four. 
Present my affectionate compliments to him. I shall pre- 
serve your letter for a winter evening’s subject, when we 
three meet again. 

Remember me affectionately, as you ought, and believe 
me, veteran, your sincere well-wisher and most obedient, 
humble servant, Horatio Gates. 


To General Putnam. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL WATERBURY. 
Tyonderoga, August 11, 1776. 


Dear Genera: The enclosed letter to Major Hawley, 
I desire you will forward immediately by express, and order 
the express to wait for the Major’s answer, and then return 
immediately to Skenesborough. You will send it directly 
to me. 

General Brickett arrived here yesterday evening. He 
says the whole of the Massachusetts Militia have tents. 
The carts that carry them he thinks will be obliged to go 
by Skenesborough. As soon as they arrive there, you will 
send them under the care of proper ofticers to Tyonderoga. 

The naval stores wanted at your post shall be sent to 
Skenesborough as fast as it comes to hand. 

I would have the whole of the Massachusetts Militia sent 
here as soon as their tents come forward. If the carts with 
their tents get here by the road General Brickett came, I 
will let you know itimmediately. Yours, &c., 

Horatio Gates. 
To General Waterbury. 


901 


GENERAL GATES TO MAJOR HAWLEY. 
Tyonderoga, August 10, 1776. 


Dear Sir: A villain of a Surgeon (or what is commonly 
called a Doctor) is inoculating the Militia as fast as they 
arrive at Number Four. Such a slave to private gain, who 
would sacrifice this Army for the sake of obtaining a few 
dollars to himself, deserves to be immediately brought to 
condign punishment. Were he within my reach, it would 
not be many minutes before he should feel the weight of 
my resentment. ‘That not being the case, I must apply to 
you, to beg you would write to the Chairman of the Com- 
mittee of Number Four, directing him to exert his utmost 
power to stop this most pernicious practice, and, if possible, 
to send the doctor instantly to jail. As fine an Army as 
ever marched into Canada has this year been entirely ruined 
by the small-poxg If the Militia, which ought long ago to 
have been here, are once infected, this country will infallibly 
be exposed to the invasion of the enemy. Such officers as 
have stayed upon the way to be inoculated, shall, they may 
depend upon it, be brought to a General Court-Martial as 
soon as they arrive at Skenesborough. ‘The country is at an 
enormous expense for these troops. Individuals receive vast 
sums to go as substitutes in the Militia. The provisions 
and carriages are also provided at an amazing charge; and 
all this, that these men, rather than march where they are 
commanded, may get inoculated, by which a month of the 
short time they are engaged for elapses, and perhaps the 
health of the whole Army is endangered. 

Our fleet flourishes to my wish; and all would be well in 
this quarter could the Militia be marched up immediately, 
and the pestilence kept from us. Our camp here and at 
Skenesborough have long been perfectly purged of it. 

I am, dear sir, your affectionate humble servant, 

Horatio Gates. 


To Major Hawley, at Northampton. 


COLONEL M. OGDEN TO AARON BURR. 
Ticonderoga, August 11, 1776. 


Dear Burr: I yesterday received yours of July 29th 
and August 2d. ‘The others | made mention of in the 
letter to Mrs. Ogden that I sent to you unsealed. In my 
Jast, you had a very particular account of the numbers, force, 
names, &c., of our Navy on the Lake. As to our leaving 
Crown-Point for this place, the Field-Officers knew nothing 
of it till it was concluded on by the Generals Schuyler, 
Gates, and Arnold. 

General Arnold is taking a very active part—I mean in 
the command of the fleet. He will sail himself in a few 
days. He says he will pay a visit to St. John’s. I wish 
he may be as prudent as he is brave. Well, now have at 
you for news. Last evening the flag of truce returned, 
bringing a letter directed to George Washington, Esq., and 
a truly ridiculous copy of a general order, which you will 
see at General Washington’s by the time you receive this. 
But there is one part of it in which I think they in some 
measure accuse us justly: I mean that of assassinating, as 
they term it with too much truth, Brigadier-General Gordon. 
He was shot by the Whitcomb I mentioned in my last, who 
had been sent there asa spy. The act, though villanous, 
was brave, and a peculiar kind of bravery that I believe 
Whitcomb alone is possessed of. He shot Gordon near by 
their advanced sentinel; and, notwithstanding a most diligent 
search was made, he avoided them by mere dint of skulking. 

I shall have the honour to command the New-Jersey 
redoubt, which am now building, with the Regiment alone. 

‘It is situated on the right of the whole, by the water’s edge. 
It is to mount two eighteen-pounders, two twelve, and four 
nine-pounders. In this I expect to do honour to New-Jersey. 

I yesterday received a letter from Colonel Dayton, dated 
the 28th of July, at the German-Flats. He informs me 
that he is to take the command at Fort Stanwix. 

Should there be anything to be had in New-York in the 
clothing way, I should be glad if you will lay some aside, 
no matter what—either small-clothes, shirts, stockings, or 
anything of the kind. My best compliments to General 
Putnam. If you will let Robert or Sawyer have the peru- 
sal of this, they would learn the news of this Army. Paper 
is so scarce, that one letter must serve both, unless some- 
thing particular. 


Yours sincerel Marr. Ogpen. 
E 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


902 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, August 11, 1776. 

Honovrep Sir: The young man Thomson, who is clerk 
to Mr. Midkiff, and the Frenchman, Anthony Gerchard, 
arrived here the night before last. A canoe was imme- 
diately provided, and Thomson said they would set off in the 
morning. I gave him an additional pass, and fixed upon a 
proper person to seize them as soon as they were on board. 
Yesterday they staid all day; several suspicious persons 
were seen with them; and I expected we should have been 
able to have made some material discoveries. Just at dusk, 
yesterday, they got in their canoe, when they were seized, 
stripped, and their clothes and packs examined. We found 
some private papers, but no letters besides those which I now 
send by the bearer: they also, it seems, are of a private nature. 

I fear there must have been a plan laid to have taken 
in the letters somewhere lower down on the Lake. <A 
person might have gone from Ticonderoga, crossed above 
this, and went down on the east side to any particular place. 

The lad had not a single letter to Mr. Midkiff. This 
seems very odd, as he had so much business to transact, 
that there should not be an answer from a correspondent. 

Thomson possesses much knowledge and sagacity for his 
years. He is capable of conveying many verbal messages 
from the disaffected to the enemy. He has been in such 
places where we know there are numerous Tories. 

He has been at Philadelphia, New-York, and Albany. 
He knows well the situation of our affairs, as well as the 
state of the Army and Navy in this department. In short, 
he is capable of giving our enemies almost every information 
they could wish. 

In my opinion, it would be very wrong to Jet him or the 
Frenchman go down. They might be sent back to Albany, 
where they would be secure till such times as it were pru- 
dent to let them go home. Ihave the Frenchman under 
a guard. ‘Thompson J have confined to Mr. Lewis’s house. 
His money, amounting to upwards of $500, is deposited as 
a security with Mr. Lewis. The sooner they are removed 
from hence the better. Midkiff’s mill has been burnt; he 
lives within five leagues of St. John’s; he is undoubtedly 
against us at present. 

As great part of my original orders here fall within the 
Department of the Navy, I have now only one party of 
three men down the Lake. Should anything more in that 
way be expected, I will cheerfully send out small parties 
in canoes or small boats. If we had a few whale-boats or 
barges, they would be very useful, as I understand the 
enemy have large bark canoes, which will hold between 
twelve and twenty men, and run very fast. The enemy had 
some of those canoes when Wilson was taken, and he had 
a clumsy batteau. 

I have sent up some more oars. I have still a party with 
the oarmakers. 

If anything more is to be done before I am ordered away, 
I shall be happy in executing your commands. 

I am, sir, with great respect, your most humble servant, 

Tuos. Hartiey. 


To Major-General Gates. 


MAJOR FRENCH TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Hartford, August 11, 1776. 

Str: I was yesterday honoured with your letter, agreeing 
to my being exchanged for Colonel Allen or Major Meigs ; 
in consequence of which I take the liberty of troubling you 
with a letter to General Howe on that subject; and though 
from my long having been honoured with his acquaintance, 
having frequently served under his command during the last 
war, | have not the least reason to apprehend a negative 
from him, yet I hope, should it prove otherwise, that you 
will get the consent of Congress to my being allowed the 
same privilege granted to Major Meigs. 

Allow me, sir, to return you thanks for your attention to 
my situation, and to assure you that I am, sir, your most 


obedient and most humble servant, Ona Paieee 


THOMAS CUSHING TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Referred to Committee for Indian Affairs. ] 
Watertown, August, 1776. 


Sir: I have been desired by the Commissioners appoint- 


ed by the Society in London for propagating the Gospel 


903 


among the Indians in New-England and the parts adjacent, 
to inform you that Mr, Samuel Kirkland has been employed 
by them as a Missionary among the Indians at Oneida, 
with a salary of £130 sterling per annum; more has been 
allowed him for a catechist; that Mr. Crosby bas been em- 
ployed as a Missionary among the Indians at Onaquagh, 
with a salary of £130 sterling per annum; and that Mr. 
John Sargeant, the bearer of this, has been employed as a 
Missionary among the Indians at Stockbridge, with a salary 
of £60 sterling per annum. These several salaries have 
been paid out of the moneys remitted from London by the 
Society, who have established a fund for these purposes. 
No remittances have been made from the Society to the 
Commissioners for the year past, and have been suspended by 
means of the cruel war commenced by Great Britain against 
these Colonies, so that the Commissioners are now without any 
fund to pay these Missionaries their salaries. ‘Their residence 
among the Indzans is certainly of great importance, and has 
been very useful and very serviceable to the common cause. 
The Indians are very desirous of their continuance; but as 
they are now destitute of a support, they will, unless speedily 
relieved, be obliged to quit this important service, so neces- 
sary to keep the Indians in the interest of the United States 
of America and from joining our enemies. It is therefore 
humbly submitted to the honourable Congress whether it 
would not be of great advantage to all the United States of 
America, for the reasons before mentioned, for the Congress 
to allow them, out of the Continental treasury, their usual 
salaries; and in case any remittances should be made from 
the Society in London for this purpose hereafter, the Com- 
missioners have directed me to assure you that any sum the 
Continent may advance upon this occasion will be by them 
cheerfully refunded. ‘The Commissioners request that your 
Honours would represent this matter to the honourable Con- 
gress, that they may take such order respecting the same as 
they may judge proper. 

I am, with great respect, your most obedient, humble 
servant, THomas CusHinea. 


CASE OF STOCKBRIDGE INDIANS, AS RELATED BY MR. SAR- 
GEANT. 


Indians at Stockbridge, in the State of Massachusetts- 
Bay, are of the Mohekon tribe, and now number somewhat 
more than two hundred; the rest of the nation dispersed, 
residing chiefly in the State of New-York, and supposed to 
be about five hundred; consider Stockbridge as their capital; 
formerly, as their tribe was numerous and powerful, hath 
been held in great veneration by Delawares and Shawanese, 
especially the latter, with whom it hath long had alliances, 
offensive and defensive, and whom it hath several times 
assisted against their enemies; still keep up a correspondence 
with those two nations, as well as the Canadian Indians. 
This people have at all times been friendly to the Ameri- 
cans ; generally attend the treaties between the Commission- 
ers and the Stw Nations. At Albany, in August, last year, 
declared they would join with the United States, and assist 
them against Great Britain, although the Six Nations should 
be neuter, or confederate with the other side; and some of 
them, for that purpose, went to the camp at Cambridge. 
Sent a message to the Shawanese this fall, inviting them to 
engage in the war with the United States. Mr. Sargeant, 
(father of the present Missionary to the Mohekons,) the first 
person employed in that function after the establishment of 
the Society for propagating the Gospel among the Indians, 
settled at Stockbridge about forty years ago, as it is supposed. 
The gentleman who succeeded him hath received no part of 
his stipend for twelve months past and upwards. 

The Mohekons, in a speech to the Commissioners at 
Albany last year, after mentioning a dispute concerning their 
lands, declared their desire to have teachers and instructors 
among them, which the Commissioners promised, in their 
answer, to report to Congress. 


z London, September 26, 1776. 
Advices have been received from Canada, dated August 
12, which say that General Burgoyne’s Army have found it 
impracticable to get across the Lakes this season; that the 
naval force of the Provincials upon the Lakes is too great 
for them to contend with at present; that they must build 
larger vessels for this purpose, and that these vessels cannot 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


904 


be ready before next summer. The Army will therefore be 
obliged to winter in Canada, about Montreal, St. John’s, 
&c., and they will be in want of provisions, unless supplied 
from England. General Carleton has requested that a 
sufficient quantity of provisions may be sent. ‘The design 
was, that the two Armies, commanded by the Generals 
Howe and Burgoyne, should codperate ; that they should 
both be on the Hudson’s River at the same time; and that 
they should join about Albany, and thereby cut off all com- 
munication between the Northern and Southern Colonies. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM CAPE NICHOLA MOLE, DATED 
aucust 12, 1776. 


From the best authority, I am informed that four French 
frigates are ordered to cruise about this Island to protect the 
American trade, and two Spanish ships are to do the same 
about Porto Rico, for the like purpose. ‘There are about 
eight or ten thousand troops in this Island. ‘Twenty-nine 
ships of the line are getting ready at Brest, and fourteen at 
Toulon, and twenty thousand land forces, to put to sea, but 
where bound is not known. Twelve Spanish ships of the 
line and six frigates, with many land forces, went by here 
some weeks past for the Havana, but for what end is a 
secret. 


GENERAL ARMSTRONG TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read September 13, 1776.] 
Charlestown, August 12, 1776. 


Dear Sir: In the beginning of May last I wrote the 
honourable the Continental Congress the state in which I 
found the troops here, as being entirely upon the establish- 
ment of this Colony, and in no other respect Continental 
than that of the uniformity of their purposes to codperate in 
the great Continental design. In that situation, and being 
without Continental troops, I did not debate for a dubious 
command, which, had it even been offered me, (as it was 
not,) I could not with propriety accept, but begged to be 
favoured with the further orders of Congress; and being 
candidly asked by the President and others to wait the event, 
I preferred the disagreeable situation of long suspense to a 
precipitate departure, for reasons I conceived to be pruden- 
tial and rather tending to the publick tranquillity; determined 
at the same time to repair to any neighbouring Colony where 
the enemy should make their first impressions; but have not 
yet been so happy as to know whether my letter was received. 
In some weeks the English fleet appeared, when the town 
began to barricade such places as we supposed would most 
favour the enemy’s landing. In these and various other cases 
I contributed any advice I could give to the President of the 
Colony for their defence, who joined me in urging the march 
of General Lee with Continental troops ; to whom, when he 
came, the President resigned the command, notifying this to 
the Provincials and Militia of the Colony in writing. Briga- 
dier Howe also came with General Lee. 

At this time the enemy took possession of Long-Island, 
some eight or nine miles from Charlestown, whereby it was 
evident the town was not their immediate object. Upon this 
unexpected manceuvre, General Lee ordered me to encamp 
at Haddrell’s Point, on the main, separated from the town by 
a bay of five miles over, with the command of the main, and 
the neighbouring Island of Suddivan, which is also divided 
from Haddrell by an arm of the bay, which, even with the 
benefit of an unstable bridge, prevents the communication 
betwixt these two important posts but at low water only—a 
secret, this, to General Clinton, as was the paucity of our’ 
numbers, otherwise, no doubt, his conduct would have been 
different from what it was. 

In this command, at first small, afterwards about two thou- 
sand, complicated as it was by different corps, and as many 
different regulations for their government, I have only to 
inform you, sir, that these troops, crude as they were in point 
of discipline, discovered a laudable disposition to have met 
the enemy; and as long as their health served, were generally 
so far subordinate that we were tolerably harmonious amongst 
ourselves, and favoured with an exemption from any degree 
of surprise or insult from the enemy, who lay partly on the 
rear of Sullivan and flank of the camp on Haddrell, and 
whose approaches we waited near six weeks, as certain at 
one post or the other’; more especially at Haddrell’s, which 


905 


if gained, Sullivan must have fallen of course, without the 
risk of tarnish to the splendid walls of England, unequally 
arranged with indignant brow in battle’s noisy line, against 
the feeble, the simple cabbage-stalk, but by secret and patri- 
otic texture, the irrefragable palmetto. 

General Clinton, probably misled by magnified reports of 
our numbers, cautiously declined the expected visit, and we, 
in the attitude of resistance, were too rigid to make the first 
bow, and unwilling to expose the young dancers to some 
awkward scrape on his slippery parade. In short, he was 
so surrounded by shipping, water, and impassable marsh, 
that we had no practicable access to him without a great 
many boats, and as these were collecting, he thought proper 
to decamp, and the last division of the fleet is now sailed 
from this bar about a week. I shall only add, the anxiety of 
many here to have eased your arms to the northward of the 
additional burden of these three thousand, that are now like 
to fall upon them. 

The enemy being now far removed, and their return un- 
certain, | hope the honourable Congress will not consider 
me as regardless of their service when I beg leave to express 
my wishes to be recalled, conscious as I am that my consti- 
tution is too far run down by time to answer in any tolerable 
degree the designs of that appointment with which they have 
honoured me, in this very warm climate. The health [ have 
enjoyed, and now do, depends, I am persuaded, on the 
benefit of the salts where I am situated, and of which I have 
no future certainty. Little, indeed, can I now promise my 
country in any situation, but still less here. On this con- 
sideration, General Lee has as good as promised my liberty 
from hence as soon as the season will admit me to travel ; 
nor can there be any necessity of my stay at present, the 
troops being chiefly dispersed, except the town Militia and 
a few Colonial troops in the sundry forts; and should any- 
thing happen in the winter, which I must question, there 
are gentlemen at hand whose services cannot be inferior to 
mine, and to whom the climate is more familiar. And to 
these principal reasons of this request, collateral ones, not 
inconsistent with the duty of any man, might easily be added, 
which, if admitted, will serve to increase the obligation of 
your Honours’ most obedient and most humble servant, 

Joun ARMSTRONG. 


To the Honourable John Hancock. 


P.S. Brigade-Major Conner has been very serviceable to 
the publick and tome. His commission not come to hand. 


Charlestown, August 6, 1776. 

His Excellency Major-General Lee, having thought proper 
to take the sense of Brigadiers-General Armstrong and Howe, 
and the Field Officers of the First, Second, Fourth, and.Fifth 
Regiments of the South-Carolina forces, on a difference of 
opinion between his Excellency the President and General 
Lee, on the construction of a resolve of Congress, with respect 
to the above Regiments being in the Continental establish- 
ment, the following are the opinions of the above gentle- 
men on the subject : 

Brigadiers-General Armstrong and Howe are clearly of 
opinion, from the face of the resolves of Congress, that the 
above Regiments are on the Continental establishment. 

The other officers, being called upon, were as follows: 

Colonels Gadsden and Moultrie, Continental. . 

Lieutenant-Colonel Sumpter, Continental. 

Majors Cathell and Elliot, Continental. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Pinckney, not Continental. 

Lieutenant-Colonels Motte and Robertson, not Conti- 
nental. 

Major Henderson, not Continental. 


ADDRESS OF BAPTIST CHURCHES IN VIRGINIA TO THE 
GOVERNOUR. 


To His Excellency Patrick Henry, Jun., Esq., Governour 
of the Commonwealth of Virani: 


The humble Address of the Ministers and Delegates of the 
Baptist Churches met in Association in Louisa, August 
12, 1776, in behalf of their brethren: i 
May rr piease your Excenvency: As your advance- 

ment to the honourable and important station as Governour 

of this Commonwealth affords us unspéakable pleasure, we 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


906 


beg leave to present your Excellency with our most cordial 
congratulations. 

_ Your publick virtues are such that we are under no tempta- 
tion to flatter you. Virginia has done honour to her judg- 
ment in appointing your Excellency to hold the reins of 
Government at this truly critical conjuncture, as you have 
always distinguished yourself by your zeal and activity for 
her welfare, in whatever department has been assigned you. 

As a religious community we have nothing to request of 
you. Your constant attachment to the glorious cause of 
liberty and the rights of conscience, leaves us no room to 
doubt of your Excellency’s favourable regards while we 
worthily demean ourselves. 

May God Almighty continue you long, very long, a pub- 
lick blessing to this your native country, and, after a life of 
usefulness here, crown you with immortal felicity in the world 
to come. 

Signed by order: JeremianH Waxrker, Moderator. 
Joun WiiutaMs, Clerk, 


ANSWER, 


To the Ministers and Delegates of the Baptist Churches 
and the Members of that Communion: 


Gent Lemen: I am exceedingly obliged to you for your very 
kind Address, and the favourable sentiments you are pleased 
to entertain respecting my conduct and the principles which 
have directed it. My constant endeavour shall be to guard 
the rights of all my fellow-citizens from every encroachment. 

I am happy to find a catholick spirit prevailing in our 
country, and that those religious distinctions which formerly 
produced some heats are now forgotten. Happy must every 
friend to virtue and America feel himself to perceive that the 
only contest among us, at this most critical and important 
period, is, who shall be foremost to preserve our religious 
and civil liberties. 

My most earnest wish is, that Christian charity, forbear- 
ance, and love, may unite all our different persuasions, as 
brethren who must perish or triumph together; and I trust 
that the time is not far distant when we shall greet each 
other as the peaceable possessors of that just and equal sys- 
tem of liberty adopted by the last Convention, and in sup- 
port of which may God crown our arms with success. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble 


servant, P. Henry, Jun. 
August 13, 1776. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL EWING. 

[No. 130.] Annapolis, August 12, 1776. 

Sir: We send you an order on the Commissary of Stores 
for camp-kettles, knapsacks with haversacks, and wooden 
bottles, for Captain Young’s company. ‘Tents, gun-slings, 
cartouch-boxes, and bayonet-belts, you will be pleased to 
get, if you have not already done it, for the three companies, 
viz: Posey’s, Lowe’s, and Young’s. Captain Forrest we 
have ordered to remain in St. Mary’s County, to supply the 
place of Thomas’s Independent Company; he will be obliged 
to borrow arms from the Militia. We wish to forward you 
all in our power, but cannot agree to spare the arms in the 
hands of the Harford Committee, or in Dallam’s possession. 
The companies of the battalion we propose to keep are not 
half armed. You must depend on your former order to the 
Committee. We have advanced the sum of £125 currency 
each to Captains Posey and Lowe. You are to account 
with Captain Lowe for £200 which he says you have already 
furnished him with. We expect to have the pleasure of 
seeing you in Annapolis before you go, when you have sent 
off the three companies. We are obliged to transmit our 
accounts to Congress, and therefore request you to come 
prepared to settle your whole account. We are, &c. 


To Colonel Thomas Ewing. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GERARD HOPKINS. 
[No. 131.] Annapolis, August 12, 1776. 


Str: We have heretofore given Colonel Charles G'reen- 
bury Griffith an order for sundries for his battalion; but 
Captain Burgess’s company is coming this way, and being 
more forward than the rest of the battalion, we request you 
would deliver him eighty-six gun-slings, eighty-six bayonet- 


907 


belts, fifteen camp-kettles, ninety cartouch-boxes, and ninety 
brushes and priming-wires, and deduct so many of each from 
the former order. We are, &c. 


To Gerard Hopkins, Deputy Commissary. 


JAMES CUNNINGHAM TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Annapolis, August 12, 1776. 

GentLemen: When I waslast before you, you were pleased 
to allow me a few days to consider on what I had best do 
to get a living for myself. I think, as this is the County 
in which I expect to live and spend my days, I cannot do 
better than enter into the service of this country. ‘Though 
it may appear a little odd that I should be so ready to enter 
into the service of the States of America after being so long 
with Lord Dunmore, yet I am in hopes that it will not ap- 
pear so when [I tell you that I was, long before I left the 
fleet, looked upon as what they call a Rebel. Ihave been, 
by order of his Lordship, tried for such, and with great 
difficulty could get clear. I had a commission, which I was 
prevailed upon to accept by my friends, which [ gave up in 
a very few days, since which | never took up arms against 
America. His Lordship, after that, endeavoured to distress 
me by every means. At last I formed the scheme of throw- 
ing myself upon the country which I once injured, to get 
clear of the most despotick wretch. Hoping, gentlemen, 
you will take my case into consideration, | remain your 
humble and obliged servant, James CUNNINGHAM. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


BALTIMORE COUNTY COMMITTEE. 


At a meeting of the Committee, dugust 12, 1776: 


Present: William Lux, Chairman; A. Buchanan, C. Ridgely, (of 
Wm.,) W. Wilkinson, J. Standeford, W. Tolley, Jun., J. Calhoun, B. 
Griffith, W. Aisquith, A. Britain, G. Vaughan, T. Sollers, J. Moale, 
D. Shaw. 


Hergy Carback having enrolled in Captain Job Garrit- 
son’s Company, an order was given to Captain John Tully 
Young to redeliver his Gun in the same order in which it 
was received. 

Mr. Ridgely brought in three Muskets which he purchased 
at £12, and two Matchcoats at 30s. 

The Fines imposed on Robert Evans and William Sin- 
clair, as Non-enrollers, are remitted, they having enrolled in 
Captain Vaughan’s Company. Benjamin Riston’s fine is 
remitted, he having enrolled with Captain Shaw. Robert 
Cowell’s fine is remitted, he being upwards of fifty years of age. 

Messrs. Wilham Lux, William Aisquith, and James Cal- 
houn, are appointed a Committee to settle all Accounts 
against the publick, and exhibit them to the Committee on 
Monday next. . 

Mr. Caleb Merryman delivered ten Matchcoats and three 
Firelocks, which he purchased. 

Captain James Bosley delivered two Guns, which were 
appraised on oath by Job Garritson and William Raven, 
viz: one the property of William Gad, 15s; one the pro- 
perty of Benkid Willson, £1 10s. 


Attest: Geo. Lux, Secretary. 


JOHN ADAMS TO MRS, ADAMS. 
Philadelphia, August 12, 1776. 

Mr. A.* sets off to-day, if the rain should not prevent 
him, with Colonel Whipple of Portsmouth, a brother of the 
celebrated Miss Hannah Whipple, a sensible and worthy 
man. By him [have sent you two bundles of letters, which 
I hope you will be careful of. I thought I should not be 
likely to find a safer opportunity. By them you will see 
that my private correspondence alone is business enough for 
alazy man. I think | have answered all but a few of those 
large bundles. 

A French vessel, a pretty large brigantine, deeply laden, 
arrived here yesterday, from Martinique. She had fifty 
barrels of limes, which are all sold, already, at such prices 
that the amount of them will be sufficient to load the brig 
with flour. A trade, we see, even now, in the midst of 
summer, is not totally interrupted by all the efforts of our 
enemies. Prizes are taken in no small numbers. A gen- 
tleman told me a few days ago that he had summed up the 


[* Samuel Adams. ] 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


908 


sugar which has been taken, and it amounted to three thou- 
sand hogsheads; since which two other ships have been taken 
and carried into Maryland. Thousands of schemes for pri- 
vateering are afloat in American imaginations. Some are 
for taking the Hull ships, with woollens for Amsterdam and 
Rotterdam; some are for the tin ships; some for the Irish 
linen ships; some for outward bound, and others for inward 
bound Indiamen; some for the Hudson’s Bay ships; and 
many for West-India sugar ships. Out of these specula- 
tions many fruitless and some profitable projects will grow. 

We have no news from New-York. All is quiet as yet. 
Our expectations are raised. ‘The eyes of the world are 
upon Washington and Howe and their armies. ‘The wishes 
and prayers of the virtuous part of it, I hope will be an- 
swered; if not, yet virtues grow out of affliction. I repeat 
my request that you would ask some of the members of the 
General Court if they can send me horses; and if they can- 
not, that you would send them. I can live no longer with- 
out a servant and a horse. 


JOHN ADAMS TO MRS. ADAMS. 
Philadelphia, August 12, 1776. 

Mr. A. and Colonel Whipple are at length gone. Colonel 
Tudor went off with them. ‘They went away about three 
o'clock this afternoon. I wrote by A. and Colonel Whipple 
too. By the latter I sent two large bundles, which he pro- 
mised to deliver to you. ‘T'hese middle States begin to taste 
the sweets of war. ‘Ten thousand difficulties and wants 
occur which they had no conception of before. ‘Their Mili- 
tia are as clamorous and impatient of discipline and mutinous 
as ours, and more so. ‘There has been seldom less than four 
thousand men in this city at a time, for a fortnight past, on 
their march to New-Jersey. Here they wait, until we grow 
very angry about them, for canteens, camp-kettles, blankets, 
tents, shoes, hose, arms, flints, and other dittoes, while we 
are under a very critical solicitude for our Army at New- 
York, on account of the insufficiency of men. 

I want to be informed of the state of things with you; 
whether there is a scarcity of provisions of any kind, of West- 
India articles, of clothing? Whether any trade is carried 
on, any fishery?) Whether any vessels arrive from abroad, 
or whether any go to sea upon foreign voyages? I wish to 
know, likewise, what posture of defence you are in? What 
fortifications are at Nantasket, at Long-Island, Pettick’s 
Island, &c., and what men and officers there are to garrison 
them? We hear nothing from the Massachusetts lately, in 
comparison of what we did when the Army was before 
Boston. 

I must not conclude, without repeating my request, that 
you would ask some of the members of the General Court 
to send me horses, and if they cannot, to send them your- 
self. 


GENERAL MERCER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 13, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.] 
Woodbridge, August 12, 1776, 

Sir: Since break of day this morning, upwards of eighty 
sail of ships have been seen standing in from sea towards 
New-York. At the requisition of General Washington, 
Coionel Miles’s two battalions of Riflemen have gone on to 
reinforce his Excellency’s Army, also Colonel Atlee’s batta- 
lion of Musketry. About four hundred set off from Amboy 
this afternoon, and as many of the Flying-Camp and volun- 
teers as will make up two thousand I shall have ready at 
Newark and Bergen, to assist in the defence of New-York, 
if required. 

Notwithstanding the desertion of many of the Associators, 
we shall have a respectable force here. The Militia of this 
State are to be arranged universally; and the greatest number 
by far of the Pennsylvania gentlemen are actuated by the 
most laudable spirit, and voluntarily engage to serve their 
country wherever they are required to go. 

Colonel Griffin will transmit a return of the force collected 
here by to-morrow. We require the indulgence of Congress 
on this head; but really such has been the various move- 
ments and dispersed situation of the troops, that regular 
reports could not be obtained. Among the variety of mili- 
tary arrangements that appear in this camp, some are incon- 
sistent with regular duty. Colonels Miles and Atlee will not 
serve under the orders of Brigadiers Roberdeau and Ewing. 


909 


The Commissioner appointed by the Convention will have 
it in his power to regulate the rank to the satisfaction of all 
parties, by doing justice to the merit of the Colonels, who 
have long ago served with fidelity and honour. I beg the 
interposition of Congress on this matter; and have the honous 
to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Huexu Mercer. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. 


P. S. [am this moment informed that since I left Amboy 
the number of the enemy’s ships at Sandy-Hook is upwards 
of one hundred. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Woodbridge, August 12, 1776. 

Sir: Give me leave to introduce to your Excellency’s 
notice Colonel Atlee, of the Pennsylvania troops. His ex- 
perience and attention to every part of the service intrusted 
to his direction will, I am persuaded, secure to him your 
regard. Colonel Burd will march this afternoon with about 
three handred men of the Flying-Camp, including one com- 
pany of Riflemen, volunteers from Cumberland, command- 
ed by Captain Steel. 

I intend to have ready at New-York, as speedily as pos- 
sible, two thousand men to reinforce the Army at New- York, 
if you think their services there necessary. 

I received your letter of yesterday, written probably under 
the apprehension that these posts were in danger of being 
abandoned. In consequence of the postscript, signifying 
your desire that no more troops, after Colonel Atlee’s, should 
be sent to New-York from hence, I shall not send any more 
over the ferries till | hear from Head-Quarters. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most obe- 
dient servant, Hueu Mercer. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER IN THE SECOND 
BATTALION OF PHILADELPHIA, DATED AMBOY, AUGUST 12, 
NINE O'CLOCK A. M. 


We have now in sight upwards of sixty sail of topsail 
vessels coming into Sandy-Hook. I suppose many more 
will appear, for every quarter of an hour they make their 
appearance round the Highlands. I suppose this is their 
grand fleet, Our battalion is ordered for New-York. Sa- 
turday Colonel Miles’s two battalions, and this morning 
Colonel Aflee’s battalion, and part of the Jersey Militia, 
marched for New-York; and in a few days most of the 
troops that are here will march for the same place, where 
they are in great want of men. 

P.S. Half-after ten o'clock, ninety sail in sight. 


WILLIAM LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Elizabeth-Town, August 12, 1776. 

May Ir PLEASE your Exce.iency: Your letter of the 
Sth instant I received on a journey to Brunswick on Friday 
last, when I had an opportunity of conferring with our Con- 
vention, and urging your Excellency’s requisition relating to 
the Militia, the propriety of which is so obvious. I returned 
on Saturday evening, and delayed answering your favour in 
hopes of receiving the resolution of Convention thereon. I 
have just been favoured with a rough draught of their ordi- 
nance, which I shall send you as soon as I get a correct 
copy. 

The outlines are, that the one-half of the whole Militia, 
without exception, be immediately called out, and join the 
Flying-Camp. That every person refusing his attendance 
be fined £3. That they be formed into thirteen battalions, 
and to remain on service one month, and then to be relieved 
by the other half. 

There being no mention made of any number to be for- 
warded to New-York, I take it for granted the whole are 
to be under your Excellency’s direction as to their station, 
Xe. 

The two thousand men for the Flying-Camp, under Gen- 
eral Dickerson are in great forwardness, and (although very 
little acquainted with their duty)-might answer a valuable 
purpose in New-York on the present emergency, especiall 
as their places will be so soon filled by the half of the 
Militia now to be raised. A considerable body of the 
Militia must be kept here to supply the place of the Penn- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


910 


sylvania Associators, who are deserting their post in conside- 
rable numbers, notwithstanding the most spirited exertions 
of their officers, and particularly their Colonel, whose be- 
haviour does honour to his Province in particular and Ame- 
rica in general. We have taken such measures as I hope 
will put a stop to any further behaviour of this kind. This 
corps, since our Militia were dismissed, have not carried on 
any of the works at the Point, which, as soon as they are 
relieved by any men under my command, I shall order to 
be prosecuted with all possible vigour, as it is more than 
probable the enemy will attempt an incursion into this Pro- 
vince, to which its present defenceless state in this part seems 
strongly to invite them. 

Lam, with much truth and regard, your Excellency’s most 


obedient and humble servant, Wircslrviecerna 


To His Excellency General Washington, New-York. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 14, 1776.] 
New-York, August 12, 1776. 

Str: I have been duly honoured with your favours of 
the 8th and 10th instant, with their several enclosures. 

I shall pay attention to the resolution respecting Lieu- 
tenant Joszah, and attempt to relieve him from his rigorous 
usage. Your letters to such of the gentlemen as were here, 
have been delivered; the rest will be sent by the first. op- 
portunity. 

Since my last of the 8th and 9th, the enemy have made 
no movements of consequence. ‘They remain nearly in the 
same state. Nor have we any further intelligence of their 
designs. They have not been yet joined by the remainder 
of the fleet with the Hesszan troops. 

Colonel Smallwood and his: battalion got in on Friday; 
and Colonel Miles is also here, with two battalions more of 
Pennsylvania Riflemen. 

The Convention of this State have been exerting them- 
selves to call forth a portion of their Militia to an encamp- 
ment forming above King’s Bridge, to remain in service 
for the space of one month after their arrival there; and also 
half of those in King’s and Queen’s Counties, to reinforce 
the troops on Long-Island ull the first of September, unless 
sooner discharged. General Morris too is to take post with 
his brigade on the Sound and Hudson’s River for ten days, 
to annoy the enemy in case they attempt to land; and others 
of their Militia are directed to be in readiness in case their 
aid should be required. Upon the whole, from the infor- 
mation I have from the Convention, the Militia ordered are 
now in motion, or will be in a little time, and will amount to 
about three thousand or more. From Connecticut I am not 
certain what succours are coming. By one or two gentle- 
men who have come from hence, I am told some of the 
Militia were assembling, and from the intelligence they had, 
would march this week. 

By a letter from Governour Trumbull, of the 5th, I am 
advised that the troops from that State, destined for the 
Northern Army, had marched for Skenesborough. General 
Ward too, by a letter of the 4th instant, informs me that 
the two regiments would march from Boston last week, 
having been cleansed and generally recovered from the 
small-pox. I have also countermanded my orders to Colo- 
nel Elmore, and directed him to join the Northern Army, 
having heard, after my orders to Connecticut for his marching 
hither, that he and most of his regiment were at Albany or 
within its vicinity. General Ward mentions that the Coun- 
cil of the Massachusetts State will have in from two to three 
thousand of their Militia to defend their lines and different 
posts, in lieu of the regiments ordered from thence agreeable 
to the resolution of Congress. 

The enclosed copy of a resolution of this State, passed 
the 10th instant, will discover the apprehension they are 
under of the defection of the inhabitants of King’s County 
from the common cause, and of the measures they have 
taken thereupon. I have directed General Grreene to give 
the Committee such assistance as he can, and they may 
require, in the execution of their commissions; though, at 
the same time, I wish the information the Convention have 
received upon the subject may prove groundless. 

I would beg leave to mention to Congress, that in a letter 
I received from General Lee, he mentioned the valuable con- 


911 


sequences that would result from a number of Cavalry being 
employed in the Southern Department. Without them, to 
use his own expressions, he can answer for nothing; with 
one thousand, he’ would ensure the safety of those States. 
I should have done myself the honour of submitting this 
matter to Congress before, at his particular request, had it 
not escaped my mind. From his acquaintance with that 
country, and the nature of the grounds, I doubt not he has 
weighed the matter well, and presume he has fully repre- 
sented the advantages that would arise from the establish- 
ment of such a corps. All I mean is, in compliance with 
his requisition, to mention the matter, that such consideration 
may be had upon it, if not already determined, that it may 
be deserving of. 

I have transmitted a general return, whereby Congress 
will perceive the whole of our strength, except the two bat- 
talions under Colonel Miles, which coming in since it was 
made out, are not included. 

I have enclosed a letter just come to hand from Martz- 
nique. Congress will please to consider of the purport, 
favouring me with their answer and a return of the letter. 

This moment (ten o’clock) report is made by General 
Greene that a man-of-war came in yesterday, and that sixty 
sail of ships are now standing in. No doubt they are a 
further part of the Hessian troops. 

I have the honour to be, with all possible respect, your 


most obedient servant, es Mie nccnan 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State of 
New-York, at Harlem, August 10, 1776. 


Whereas this Convention has received information that 
the inhabitants of King’s County have determined not to 
oppose the enemy: 

Resolved unanimously, That a Committee be appointed 
to repair forthwith to the said County, and inquire concern- 
ing the authenticity of such report; and in case they find it 
well founded, that they be empowered to disarm and secure 
the disaffected inhabitants; to remove or destroy the stock 
of grain; and, if necessary, to lay the whole country waste; 
and for the execution of these purposes they be directed to 
apply to General Greene, or the Commander of the Conti- 
nental troops in that County, for such assistance as they 
shall want; and ordered that Mr. Duer, Colonel Remsen, 
Mr. Hobart, and Colonel De Witt, be the said Committee. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Rosert Benson, Secretary. 


ae 


GENERAL ORDERS. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 6, 1776. 
(Parole, Canterbury.) (Countersign, Durham.) 

One hundred and fifty men, with a Field-Officer, three 
Captains, six Subalterns, six Sergeants, six Corporals, and 
six Drums and Fifes, to proceed to Burdett’s Ferry, oppo- 
site Mount Washington, to relieve the party now there. 
For this purpose to parade to-morrow with arms, on the 
grand parade, at seven o’clock, apply to General Putnam 
for boats, and attend to the tide. 

Every Commanding Officer of a Regiment or Corps in 
future is to account, on the back or at the bottom of his 
Return, for all the officers and men returned to be on com- 
mand, expressing the place and service in which they are 
engaged. 

Notwithstanding the orders issued, and the interest the 
troops have in it, complaints are made of the bad behaviour 
of the troops to people at market, taking and destroying 
their things. The General declares, for the last time, that 
he will punish such offenders most severely; and in order 
that they may be detected, an officer from each of the 
guards nearest to those markets where the country-people 
are, to attend from sunrise till twelve o’clock; and he is 
strictly enjoined to prevent any abuses of this kind, to seize 
any offender and send him immediately to the Guard-House, 
reporting him also at Head-Quarters. ‘The officers of 
guards in future will be answerable if there are any more 
complaints, unless they apprehend the offender. A copy 
of this order to be put up in every Guard-House in the 
cily. 

James McCormick, of Captain Harrington’s Company, 
Colonel Sergeant’s Regiment; Thomas Williams, of Captain 
Barnes’s Company, and the same Regiment; Peter Burke, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


912 


of Captain Ledyard’s Company, John Green, of Captain 
Johnson’s Company, both of Colonel McDougall’s Regi- 
ment, all tried by a General Court-Martial, of which Colonel 
Webb was President, and convicted of “ desertion,” were 
sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes each. The General 
approves the sentences, and orders them to be put in exe- 
cution at the usual times and places. 

Hugh Lacey, of Captain Stewart’s Company of Highland- 
ers, tried by the same Court-Martial, and found guilty of 
“‘impudence and disobedience to the orders of his Captain,” 
was sentenced to receive twenty lashes. The General is 
pleased to pardon him, on condition that he makes a suitable 
acknowledgment of his fault to his Captain. 

Hendrick Lent, Jacob Lent, Elias Lent, Peter Brewer, 
Jeremiah Hewson, Oronimus Ackerman, all of Captain Hy- 
att’s Company, and Colonel McDougall’s Regiment, having 
been confined some time for ‘ desertion,” and no evidence 
appearing against them, they are ordered to be discharged 
for want of prosecution. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 7, 1776. 
(Parole, Essez.) * (Countersign, Fairfield.) 

The order of the 28th of July, respecting the removal 
of the sick from the Regimental to the General Hospital, 
having been misunderstood by some, the General directs that 
it be taken with the following explanation: The Regimen- 
tal Surgeons are to send at any time, with the usual ticket, 
any patient to the General Hospital, whose case requires it, 
(putrid and infectious disorders always excepted.) _When- 
ever the Director-General, or any Surgeon of the Hospital, 
by his direction, visits the Regimental Hospitals, they are to 
direct what patients are proper to be removed. But it is 
expected that when any Surgeon visits the Regimental Sur- 
geon, and if they should differ in opinion, they will refer it 
to the Director-General, who has, by the resolutions of Con- 
gress, a superintendency over the whole. ‘The General 
most earnestly recommends to the gentlemen in both de- 
partments to cultivate harmony and good agreement with 
each other, as conducive to their own honour and the good 
of the service. 

A subaltern and twenty men to be placed at Hoebuck 
Ferry for examination of passengers: the officer to receive 
his orders from the Adjutant-General at Head-Quarters. 

The Paymaster having received a supply of cash, the 
Colonels or commanding officers of Regiments are to apply 
for their June pay, and make up Pay-Rolls for July, and 
deliver them to their respective Brigadiers for examination. 

As many soldiers discharge their pieces under pretence 
of ignorance of General Orders, and others having leave to 
do so from their officers because they cannot draw the 
charge, the General directs that the Colonel of the Regi- 
ment or commanding officer cause a daily inspection to be 
made of the state of the arms; and when any are found 
loaded which cannot be drawn, they are to cause such men 
to assemble on the Regimental parade, or some other con- 
venient place, but at the same time, viz: retreat beating, 
and then discharge those pieces. No alarm will then be 
given, and the officers will see there is no unnecessary 
firing. It is the duty of the Colonel, and the reputation of 
his Regiment so much depends upon the good order of the 
arins, that the General hopes he, as well as every other 
officer and the men, will pay a special attention to it. 

John Palsgrave Wyllys, Esquire, is appointed Brigade- 
Major to General Wadsworth, and Mark Hopkins, Esq., to 
General Fellows. ‘They are to be obeyed and respected 
accordingly. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 8, 1776. 


(Parole, Greenwich.) (Countersign, Kensington.) 


Passes signed by the President of the Convention of New- 
York are to be deemed authentick, and noticed as such by 
officers attending at the ferries. 

As the movements of the enemy, and intelligence by 
deserters, give the utmost reason to believe that the great 
struggle in which we are contending for everything dear to 
us, and our posterity, is near at hand, the General most 
earnestly recommends the closest attention to the state of 
the men’s arms, ammunition, and flints; that if we should 
be. suddenly called to action, nothing of this kind may be to 
provide; and he does most anxiously exhort both officers 


913 


and soldiers, not to be out of their quarters or encampments, 
especially early in the morning, or upon the tide of flood. 

A flag in the daytime, or a light at night, in the fort on 
Bayard’s Hill, with three guns from the same place, fired 
quick but distinct, is to be considered as a signal for the 
troops to repair to their alarm posts, and prepare for action. 
And that the alarm may be more effectually given, the 
drums are immediately to beat to arms upon the signal being 
given from Bayard’s Hill. This order is not to be consi- 
dered as countermanding the firing two guns at ort George 
as formerly ordered. That is also to be done upon an alarm, 
but the flag will not be hoisted at the old Head-Quarters in 
the Broadway. 

Colonel Parson’s, Colonel Reed, Colonel Huntington, 
Colonel Webb, Colonel Wyllys, Colonel Bailey, Colonel 
Baldwin, Colonel McDougall, Colonel Ritzema, and Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Sheppard, to attend at Head-Quarters, this 
evening, at six o’clock. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 9, 1776. 


(Parole, Lexington.) (Countersign, Maryland.) 


Captain-Lieutenant Sergeant, of the Artillery, with two 
field-pieces, to attach himself to General Heath’s Brigade, 
with the ammunition-carts, as ordered by Colonel Knox, 
while time will permit. He must manceuvre with the Regi- 
ments of the Brigade, and practise as much as possible. 
The horses not to be taken away from the carts, but kept 
with the driver, in some convenient place contiguous to the 
Brigade, so as to be ready at a moment’s warning. 

Captain-Lieutenant Carpenter to do the same with Lord 
Stirling’s Brigade. Captain-Lieutenant Johnson to do the 
same with General Spencer’s Brigade. Captain-Lieutenant 
Crane to do the same with General Fedlows’s Brigade. 

An ammunition-cart is provided for each Regiment, with 
spare cartridges. These carts are immediately to join the 
several Regiments to which they belong, and keep with 
them in some safe place, near the Regiment. 

The Quartermaster-General to have the water-casks re- 
plenished. 

The Commissary-General to deliver to the Colonel of 
each Regiment, rum in the proportion of half a pint toa 
man. ‘The Colonel to make a return of the number of his 
men, for this purpose, and see that it is properly dealt out, by 
putting it under the care of a very discreet officer. 

As there are some Regiments yet deficient in arms, the 
General directs that the Colonels, or Commanders of Regi- 
ments, see what good arms there are belonging to the sick, 
and put them into the hands of those who are well. If there 
should still be a deficiency, they are then to apply to the 
Adjutant-General. 

‘The General Officers to be at Head-Quarters this even- 
ing, at six o'clock precisely. 

The General exhorts every man, both officer and soldier, 
to be prepared for action; to have his arms in the best order; 
not to wander from his encampment or quarters; to remem- 
ber what their country expects of them; what a few brave 
men have lately done in South- Carolina, against a powerful 
fleet and army; to acquit themselves like men; and, with 
the blessing of Heaven on so just a cause, we cannot doubt 
of success. 

Nicholas Fish, Esq., is appointed Brigade-Major to Gene- 
ral Scott. He is to be obeyed and respected accordingly. 

Colonel Glover's and Colonel Smallwood’s Regiments are 
to be under the immediate direction of Brigadier-General 
Sullivan, till some further arrangement is made of the Bri- 
gades. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 10, 1776. 
(Countersign, Onslow.) 
Great complaints are made of the soldiers taking away 
the flat-bottomed boats, which may now be wanted for the 
most important purposes: The General absolutely forbids 
any person meddling with them at the place where they are 
stationed, but by order of General Putnam, in writing, or by 
one of his Aids-de-Camp ; and the officer of the main guard 
is to detach a subaltern and thirty men, who are to mount 
guard over them, taking further orders from General Put- 
nam. ‘The General will be much obliged to every officer 
or soldier, who, seeing them out of their places, will bring 
them to their station. 


Firrnu Series.—Vot. I. 


(Parole, Newcastle.) 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


58 


914 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 11, 1776. 
(Countersign, Roxbury.) 

No furlough or discharges are after this day to be grant- 
ed to officers or soldiers, without the knowledge and con- 
sent of the Commander-in-Chief. When an action is hourly 
expected, a case must be very extraordinary which can war- 
rant an application of this kind; but if such should happen, 
the Colonels are to satisfy their Brigadiers in it first; the 
Brigadiers, if they concur in it, are then to apply to Head- 
Quarters, from whence only furloughs are to be issued till 
further orders. 

The honourable the Continental Congress having been 
pleased to allow a Paymaster to each of the established 
Regiments, and directed the General to appoint them, he 
desires the Field-Officers of each Regiment to recommend 
to him suitable persons; they are to be persons of good in- 
tegrity and fidelity, and good accountants and fair writers. 
The pay is twenty-six dollars and two-thirds per calendar 
month. 

When a prisoner is put under guard, the officer sending him 
is not only to put down the crime he stands charged with, but 
the Regiment and Company to which he belongs; and he 
should also note the witnesses’ names to prove the charge. 

The Court-Martial to sit to-morrow as a Court of Inquiry, 
upon Lieutenant Mester, of Colonel Lasher’s Regiment, for 
misbehaviour to his superior officer. 

Joseph Martin, of Captain Hurd’s Company, Colonel « 
Silliman’s Regiment, tried by a General Court-Martial, of 
which Colonel Wyllys was President, for “ abusing and rob- 
bing a woman in the market,” acquitted for want of evidence. 

Hugh Cahaggan (a transient person) and Richard Ketf, 
belonging to Colonel Nicolson’s Regiment, convicted by 
the same Court-Martial of “stealing a coat and several fire- 
locks from Captain Dickson’s Company,” were sentenced 
to receive thirty-nine stripes each. ‘The General approves 
the above sentences; orders Martin to be discharged, and 
the sentences upon Cahaggan and Keif to be executed 
to-morrow morning at guard mounting. A drummer from 
each Regiment inGeneral Wadsworth’s Brigade to attend the 
executing the sentence upon Cahaggan, and then he is to be 
turned out of the camp, and taken up if ever found in it again. 

The practice of sentries sitting down while on their post 
is so unsoldierly, that the General is ashamed to see it pre- 
vail so much in the Army; at night, especially, it is of the 
most dangerous consequences, as it occasions a sentinel 
sleeping on his post, when otherwise he would be watchful. 
The General requests the officers, especially those of guards 
and visiting rounds, to caution the soldiers against it, and 
have all conveniences for that purpose removed, 

Officers and soldiers will be very careful in case of damp 
weather to have their arms kept dry, and fit for action. 


(Parole, Portsmouth.) 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 12, 1776. 
(Parole, Stowe.) (Countersign, Temple.) 

The business of granting passes proving burdensome to 
Messrs. Berrien, Ray, and Wilmot, three others are added 
to them, viz: William Goforth, John Campbell, and Samuel 
Cowperthwaite. Any passes signed by either of them are to 
be allowed. 

The honourable the Continental Congress have been 
pleased to appoint the following gentlemen Major-Generals 
of the Army of the United States, viz: Wiliam Heath, 
Esq., Joseph Spencer, Esq., John Sullivan, Esq., Nathan- 
ael Greene, Esq. And the following gentlemen Brigadier- 
Generals: James Read, Esq., Colonel John Nixon, Colonel 
Arthur St. Clair, Colonel Alexander McDougall, Colonel 
Samuel Holden Parsons, Colonel James Clinton. 'They 
are to be obeyed and respected accordingly. 

Jacob Jones, in Captain Stewart’s Company, late Colonel 
McDougall’s Regiment, tried by a Court-Martial, whereof 
Colonel Wyllys was President, and convicted of “sleeping 
on his post,” sentenced to receive thirty stripes. ‘The Gene- 
ral approves the sentence, and orders it to be executed at 
the usual time and place. 

A quantity of spears being arrived, the General Officers 
commanding posts where they may be wanted, are to make 
report and draw for them through the Adjutant-General. 

After Orders.—That as little shifting of Regiments, and 
change of alarm posts may take place as possible, at a time 
when an attack may be hourly expected, the General orders 
and directs that the following arrangement of the Army, 


915 


in consequence of the late promotions, shall take place, till 
some new disposition can be made, viz: Glover's, Small- 
wood’s, Miles’s, and Atlee’s Regiments, to compose one 
Brigade, and to be under the command of Brigadier Lord 
Stirling. 

Late Nixon’s, Prescott’s, Varnum’s, Little’s, and Hand’s 
Regiments, to form another Brigade, and be commanded by 
Brigadier-General Nixon. 

Late McDougall’s, Ritzema’s, and Webb’s Regiments, 
and the Artificers, to be another Brigade, under the com- 
mand of General McDougall. 

Late Parsons’s, Huntington’s, Ward's, Wyllys’s, and 
Durkee’s Regiments, to compose another Brigade, under 
the command of General Parsons. 

Late Clinton’s, Read’s, Bailey’s, Baldwin’s, and Lear- 
ned’s Regiments, to be another Brigade, commanded by 
Brigadier-General James Clinton. 

Sergeant’s, Hutchinson’s, and Hitchcock’s Regiments, to 
be added to General Mifflin’s Brigade. 

General Heard’s whole Brigade is to move over to Long- 
Island. Colonel Gay’s Regiment is to join his Brigade in 
the City of New-York. Colonel Hitchcock’s Regiment is 
to relieve the detachment at Burdett’s Ferry, where it is to 
remain, and receive orders from Brigadier Mifflin. Lord 
Stirling, and the Colonels of the Regiments in his Brigade, 
are to fix upon a Brigade parade, convenient to the several 
‘ encampments thereof. General McDougall is to do the 
same with his Colonels. All the other Brigades, parades, 
and alarm-posts, are to be as last settled. 

The Brigadier-Generals James Clinton, Scott, and Fel- 
lows, are to be under the immediate command of Major- 
General Putnam. The Brigadiers Mifflin and George 
Clinton’s Brigades, to be commanded by Major-General 
Heath. Brigadiers Parsons’s and Wadsworth’s Brigades to 
be under the command of Major-General Spencer. Briga- 
diers Nixon’s and Hearad’s Brigades, to be commanded by 
Major-General Greene. Till General James Clinton can join 
his Brigade at this place, Colonel Reed is to command it. 
Under this disposition, formed as well as times will allow, 
the united efforts of the officers of every rank, and the sol- 
diers, with the smiles of Providence, the General hopes 
to render a favourable account to his country and posterity 
of the enemy, whenever they choose to make the appeal to 
the great Arbiter of the Universe. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Tyler is appointed Colonel of the 
Regiment late Parsons’s, and Major Prentice Lieutenant- 
Colonel thereof. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Durkee is appointed Colonel of the 
Regiment late Arnold’s, and Major Knowlton Lieutenant- 
Colonel of said Regiment. 

The Congress have likewise been pleased to appoint 
Rufus Putnam, Esq., an Engineer, and have given him the 
rank of Colonel in the Army. 

Major Henly (for the present) is to do duty as Brigade- 
Major in General James Clinton’s Brigade; Major Bow in 
General Nixon’s ; Major Livingston in Lord Stirling’s; and 
Major Peek in General Parsons’s ; and Richard Platt, Esq., 
is to do the duty of Brigade-Major in General Mc Dougall’s. 
All of which are to be considered and obeyed as such. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, August 12, 1776. 


Str: This will be handed you by Colonel Campbell, from 
the Northern Army, whom the enclosed letter and proceed- 
ings of a General Court-Martial will show to have been in 
arrest, and tried for sundry matters charged against him. As 
the Court-Martial was by order of the commander in that 
department, the acts committed there, the trial there, I am 
much at a loss to know why the proceedings were referred 
to me to approve or disapprove. As my interfering in the 
matter would carry much impropriety with it, and show a 
want of regard to the rules and practice in such instances, 
and as Colonel Campbell is going to Philadelphia, I have 
submitted the whole of the proceedings to the consideration 
of Congress for their decision upon his case, perfectly con- 
vinced that such determination will be had therein as will 
be right and just. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Go. WasuHineron. 


To John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


916 


Tyonderoga, July 21, 1776. 

Str: Upon my arrival at Crown-Point with General 
Schuyler, I found Colonel Campbell, the Quartermaster- 
General in this department, in arrest by order of Brigadier- 
General Sullivan. The day I left Crown-Point, a Court- 
Martial was ordered for the trial of Colonel Campbell, which 
General Arnold has transmitted me, and which I have now 
the honour to enclose to your Excellency. General Schuyler 
being at the German-Flats, upon the Mohawk River, at an 
Indian treaty, and Colonel Campbell being ordered down 
the country to settle his accounts with the Congress, I 
thought it best to send your Excellency the Court Martial, 
it not being in my power to approve or disapprove the pro- 
ceedings. General Sullivan, who is probably at New-York, 
knows the circumstances, and the reasons that induced him 
to confine Colonel Campbell, to whom I beg leave to refer 
your Excellency. I shall write to your Excellency this 
day, or to-morrow, upon the state of affairs here. As it is 
uncertain when Colonel Campbell may get to New-York, 
I think it better to send my despatches by express. 

1 am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Horatio Gates. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL LEE, 
New-York, August 12, 1776. 


My pear Ler: Notwithstanding I shall probably feel the 
effect, I do most cordially and sincerely congratulate you 
on your victory over Clinton and the British squadron at 
Sullivan’s Island. A victory undoubtedly it is, when an 
enemy are drubbed and driven from a country they were sent 
to conquer. Such is the case of Clinton and Sir Peter 
Parker, who are now with the fleet and army at Staten- 
Island, where General Howe and the troops from Halifax 
have been ever since the last day of June, and Lord Howe 
since the 12th of July. Some Hessians and pretty many 
of the Scottish laddies have got in, and the residue of the 
fleet parted with off the Banks of Newfoundland hourly 
expected. When the whole arrive, matters will soon come 
to a decision, everything being prepared on both sides for the 
appeal; and, on ours, I hope it will be obstinate, if not suc- 
cessful. The latter it is not in the power of mortals to com- 
mand ; but they may endeavour to deserve it; and this, Tam 
persuaded, our troops will more than ever aim at, as I have 
impressed upon their minds the gallant behaviour of the 
brave few who defended Sullivan’s Island. 

At present, the enemy can bring more men to a point than 
we can, and, when reinforced by the Hesszans (unless the 
Militia, faster than heretofore, come to our aid) their numbers, 
when the Hessians arrive, cannot, by the best intelligence we 
can get, fall short of twenty-five thousand men; ours are un- 
der twenty, very sickly, and posted on Governour’s Island, 
Long Island, at Powles Hook, Horn’s Hook, and at the pass 
near King’s Bridge. More Militia are expected; but whether 
they will be in time, time only can tell, as also where the point 
of attack will be. An opinion prevails, countenanced by hints 
from some of the principal Tories, and corroborated by intelli- 
gence from Staten Island, that part of the enemy’s fleet and 
army will go into the Sound, whilst another part of it runs 
up the North River, thereby cutting off all communication 
by water with this place, whilst their troops form a chain 
across the Neck, and stop an intercourse with Connecticut 
by land. Others think they will not leave an army in their 
rear, whilst they have the country in their front, getting, by 
that means, between two fires, unless it is intended as a feint 
to withdraw our troops from the city, that they may slip in and 
possess themselves of it. All this is but a field of conjecture. 

Our affairs in the North have been growing from bad to 
worse, till | hope they will mend, as one great source of evil 
is in a way of being removed—I mean the small-pox. But 
the Army have retreated from place to place, till they are 
now got to Ttconderoga, opposite to which, on the east side 
of Lake Champlain, they are about to establish a post, which, 
they say, will be invulnerable. But whether it may not be 
somewhat like the man who built a mill on account of a 
beautiful fall, and then had to consider whether it was prac- 
ticable to bring water to it, remains in some measure to be 
determined, as it is the opinion of some (I know nothing of 
the country myself) that the enemy may pass this post and 
get into Lake George without receiving the least annoyance 


917 


from this work. Whether they would choose to leave a post 
in their rear, without establishing one themselves sufficient to 
keep it in awe, is the point in question. 

It gives me a very singular pleasure to hear of the gallant 
behaviour of your young Aids, and Mr. Jenifer; as also of 
Colonels Moultrie and Thompson. 'To be the means at any 
time of rewarding merit will add greatly to my happiness ; 
and whenever you can point out a mode that can be adopted 
consistently, you shall find me very ready. But you know 
the temper of the troops in this quarter as well as I do, and 
how impracticable it is to bring in a person, let his merit be 
ever so great, without throwing a whole corps into confusion. 
This will also apply to Captain Bullitt, What vacancies 
there may be in your department that he has his eye to, and 
could be appointed to with propriety, you must know better 
than I. That there is none here I can undertake to say. 
I have no doubt but that Congress would annex the rank of 
Colonel to his office of Adjutant. I believe they have done 
it in the instance of G'riffin, who is appointed Deputy-Adju- 
tant to the Flying-Camp. If this would add anything to his 
satisfaction, | should have no objection to the mention of it. 

With every wish for your prosperity and success, | remain, 
with sincere regard, your most affectionate and obedient, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 


To General Lee. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 12, 1776. 


GentLemen: As the time is certainly near at hand, and 
may be hourly expected, which is to decide the fate of this 
city and the issue of this campaign, I thought it highly im- 
proper that persons of suspected character should remain in 
places where their opportunities of doing mischief were much 
greater than in the enemy’s camp. I therefore have caused 
a number of them to be apprehended, and removed to some 
distance, there to remain until this crisis is passed. Having 
formerly mentioned this subject to your honourable body, I 
would not again trouble them in a business which former 
connexions, obligations, and interests, must make very un- 
pleasant, and which, Lapprehend, must have been in danger 
of failing in the execution, unless done with all possible 
secrecy and despatch. I postponed this most disagreeable 
duty till the last moment; but the claims of the Army upon 
me, and an application from a number of well-affected inhabi- 
tants concurring with my own opinion, obliged me to enter 
upon it while time and circumstances would admit. I have 
ordered a very strict attention to be paid to the necessities 
of the gentlemen apprehended, and to their comfortable ac- 
commodations in every respect, both here and at the places 
of their destination. I have also written to the Committee 
of Queen’s County, that this step is not to be construed as 
making their property liable to any injury or appropriation, 
unless they should receive directions from your honourable 
body, to whom I have referred them on this subject; being 
resolved in all cases, where the most absolute necessity does 
not require it, to confine myself wholly to that line which 
shall exclude every idea of interfering with the authority of 
the State. Some of these gentlemen have expressed doubts 
and raised difficulties, from engagements they lie under to 
your honourable body, or to some Committees. ‘They do not 
appear to me to deserve much attention, as they cannot, with 
any propriety, be charged with a breach of any parole under 
their present circumstances; but I beg leave to submit to 
your consideration the propriety of removing the pretence. 

I am, gentlemen, with great respect and regard, your most 


obedient, humble 
, servant, Go. WasHINGTON. 


To the Hon. the Convention of the State of New-York. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL WARD. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 12, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Your letter of the 4th instant is safe to hand. 
An answer to the several particulars it contains will be given 
soon. ‘Time will but allow me to request your forwarding, 
with all possible despatch, two thirteen-inch sea mortars, of 
the best in Boston, to this place, with their beds and every 

thing complete. 
I am, sir, yours, &c., 


To Major-General Ward. 


Go. WasuHINcTOoN. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


918 


COLONEL McDOUGALL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 
New-York, August 12, 1776. 
Str: Agreeable to your Excellency’s favour of the 9th, 
I take the liberty to enclose you a recommendation of Mr. 
John Lawrence as a Paymaster to the regiment, signed by 
the Field-Officers of it, and all the Captains then in camp. 
I pledge myself that he will discharge the office to the satis- 
faction of the General and the corps. 
I have the honour to be, your very humble servant, 
Avex. McDoveauu. 
To His Excellency General Washington. 


New-York, August 9, 1776. 
We the subscribers, Field-Officers and Captains in the 
First Regiment of the New-York troops, in the service of 
the United States of America, do hereby recommend Mr. 
John Lawrence as a fit person to be appointed as a Pay- 
master to the said Regiment. 
AuexanpER McDoveatu, Colonel. 
H. Zeprwirz, Lieutenant- Colonel. 
Bar. Turuitt, Major. 
Joun Jounson, Captain. 
Bens. Lepyarp, Captain. 
Davin Lyon, Captain. 
Asm. A. Van Wyck, Captain. 
Joun Wixey, Captain. 
Ezexiet Hyarr, Captain. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


RECOMMENDATION OF ROBERT PROVOOST. 
New-York, August 12, 1776. 


We the subscribers, Field-Officers of the Third Regiment. 
of New-York troops, well knowing the integrity and fidelity 
of Mr. Robert Provoost, Quartermaster in said regiment, do, 
agreeably to General Orders of yesterday, recommend the 
said Provoost to his Excellency the General, as a proper 
person for a Regimental Paymaster, he also being a fair 
writer and a good accountant. We shall be happy, there- 
fore, in his being appointed to that office. 

Rup. Rrrzema, Colonel. 
Frep. Wersenrets, Lieut. Col. 


LIST OF OFFICERS OF COLONEL LASHER’S REGIMENT, 


Colonel, John Lasher. 
Lieut. Col., Andrew Stockholm. 
Major, William Smith Livingston. 


Ist Capt., James Abeel.......... } 


Quartermaster, Matthew Davis. 
Adjutant, Jeronemus Hoogland. 


Ist Lieut., John Banker; 
2d Lieut., Thomas Beekman. 
Ist Lieut., John Anthony; 
2d Lieut., Henry Breevoort. 
Ist Lieut., John Harbeck; 
2d Lieut., Oliver Meldeberger. 
Ist Lieut., Ethan Sickels; 
2d Lieut., Thomas Lawrence. 
Ist Lieut., Joseph Fortin; 
2d Lieut., Robert Troup. 

a4 F Ist Lieut., Ralph Thurman; 
6th Capt., William Willcocks.... } Bit aie Rawat Donacumhe 


: Ist Lieut., Abm. Mesier; 
7th Capt., Charles Dickenson.... eH Lient., Thowasly ames 


2d Capt., Abrabam Van Dyck... 
3d Capt., William Leonard...... 
4th Capt., Theophilus Beekman.. 
5th Capt., David Dickson........ 


ae Ist Lieut., Jefrey Hicks; 
Sih Capt., Jacob Wright........ es a Thee Bente eek: 
: 1st Lieut., George Carpenter; 
9th Capt., Jaques Repalje....... 2d Lieut., John ‘Vredenburgh. 


: Ist Lieut., Frederick Stymets; 
10th Capes | NIRGEAV Bir Zanatisei es Lieut., Samuel Johnson. 
August 12, 1776.—The above is a true Return, made out by Colonel 
Lasher, and desired by him to be by me this day delivered to Congress, 
in order to procure, as soon as possible, the several commissions. 
Wm. Livineston. 


LIST OF OFFICERS OF VAN SCHAICK’S, NICOLSON’S, AND WYN- 
KOOP’S REGIMENTS. 


VAN SCHAICK’S REGIMENT. 


Goose Van Schaick, Colonel. Peter B. Tears, Adjutant. 
Peter Gansevoort, Jr., Lieut. Col. Budd, Surgeon. 
* Eleazer Curtis, Major. 


Captains. 


Joseph McCracken, 
tJames Van Rensselaer, 
Andrew Fink, 
Benjamin Hicks, 

Job Wright, 

David Van Ness, 
Robert Edmonston, 
Moses Martin. 


First Lieutenants. 
Guy Young, 
John Barnes, 
Henry Deffendorf, 
Charles Parsons, 
Ebenezer Hill, 
Holtham Dunham, 
Peter J. Vosburgh, 
Michael Ryan. 


* Belongs to Connecticut. t Resigned. 


Second Lieutenants. Ensigns. 
Job Cook, Luther Bissel, 
Tobias Van Veghten, Thomas Hoit, 


James Clark, 

William Moulton, 
Manning V. Der Heyden, 
George Lythes, 

John J. Van Ness, 

Philip Conyne. 


John McClung, 

John Denny, 

Jonathan Brown, 
George Palmer, 
Nicholas Kettle, 

John Perkins Wendell. 


NICOLSON’S 


John Nicolson, Colonel. 
John Visscher, Lieut. Colonel. 
, Major. 


REGIMENT. 

John Brogdon, Adjutant. 
Israel Evans, Chaplain. 
Joseph Marvin, Surgeon. 


First Lieutenants. 
Digby Odum, 
John G. Lansing, 
William Martin, 
Timothy Hughes, 
Isaac Hubbell, 
John Brogdon. 


Captains. 


Gershom Mott, 
Elisha Benedict, 
John Graham, 
Robert Johnston, 
Ezekiel Cooper, 
Benjamin Evans, 
Dirck Hanson, 
John Copp. 

Second Lieutenants. 


Isaac Nichols, 
Nathaniel Henry, 
Francis Brendly, 
Thomas Nicholson, 
William Belknap, 
Thomas McClallen, 
Isaac Guion, 

John Blackney. 


Ensigns. 
Charles F. Van Weisenfels, 


Francis Shaw, 

Asa Holmes, 

Peter Hartan, 
Thomas Lennington, 
Samuel Prebble, 
John Blackney, 
Thomas Lagan. 


WYNKOOP’S 


Cornelius D. Wynkoop, Colonel. - , Major. 
Philip Cortlandt, Lieut. Colonel. Thomas Williams, Quartermaster. 


REGIMENT. 


First Liewtenants. 


Barent S. Van Salsbury, 
John Ten Broeck, 
Solomon Pendleton, 
Abner French, 


Captains. 
Cornelius Van Santvoort, 
John H. Wendell, 
Samuel Van Veghten, 
Horman Vosburgh, 


Gerrit Veeder, Abraham Becker, 
Henry O’Hara, Jacob House, 
Robert McKean, John Hoghkerk, 
Jacob Seeber. Abdiel Sherwood. 
Second Lieutenants. Ensigns. 


John Ostrander, 
Abraham Hardenburgh, 
Ephraim Snow, 

Samuel Wilson, 

David Becker, 

John Dunn, 


Isaac Bogert, 

John Welch, 

David Bates, 

Albert Van Der Werken, 
Obadiah Vaughan, 

John Seeber, 

John Ball, Daniel Everitt, 
Levi Stockwell. William Scudder. 


The above is a List of the Officers in the three above-mentioned Regi- 
ments. Those of Van Schaick’s and Nicolson’s are placed in the order 
in which they rank in their respective regiments. The order of rank 
of those of Wynkoop’s, I am informed, is not ascertained. 


A Return made, New-Y orx, Aucust 12, 1776, to his Ex- 
cellency Grorce Wasuineron, Esq., General and Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the Forces of the Unrrep Staves oF 
America, by order of Colonel SrepHen Moytan, Esq., 
Quartermaster-General, of sundry articles, delwered in 
good order, by Hucu Hucues, Assistant Quartermaster- 
General, to CuristopHerR Harr, who engages to convey 
them in the like condition to the *Hon. Major-General 
Scuvuyier, or his order, at Aupany, the danger of the 
road excepted. 


For 24-pounders: 300 empty Paper 
Cartridges, 300 empty Flannel 
Cartridges. 

For 12-pounders: 400 empty Paper 
Cartridges, 600 empty. Flannel 
Cartridges, 200 Fixed Tubes. 

For 6-pounders: 400 empty Paper 
Cartridges, 600 empty Flannel 
Cartridges, 500 Fixed Tubes. 

For 3-pounders: 250 empty Paper 
Cartridges. 

400 pounds Slow Match. 

5 dozen Port Fires. 
1 pair Callipers. 
12 reams Cartridge Paper. 


2 Spy Glasses. 
5 Speaking Trumpets. 
8 reams Writing Paper. 
200 Quills. 
57; pounds Sheet Copper. 
1 barrel Brimstone—weight 3 
ewt. 0 qr. 6 lbs. 
6 dozen Bolt-Rope Needles. 
1 piece Blue Bunting, 
2 Ensign Colours. 
2 boxes Tin. 
10 Tinman’s Bick-Iron. 
10 dozen Gimlets. 
7 boxes Grape Shot—18 ewt. 3 
qrs. 19 lbs., net. 


STEPHEN Moyzan, Q. M. G. 


The above articles packed in five hogsheads, one barrel, 
and fourteen boxes, marked G,. S. 


DOCTOR MORGAN TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, August 12, 1776. 
Str: Sensible of the value of your time, I should not now 
encroach upon it, were not some further regulations of Con- 
*It was intended at first to send these articles all the way by land, but 


since concluded to ship them at Poughkeepsie, or the most convenient 
landing above the men-of-war, &c. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


920 


gress necessary, or at least some explication of those already 
formed, respecting the appointment and subordination of 
officers in the General Hospital. 

On my return from Cambridge to New-York, 1 found a 
number of sick had been sent here to the General Hospital 
from the Northern Department. Various applications were 
made to me from thence, as Director-General, by different 
officers in the service, and some of them in the Hospital there, 
in behalf of the sick. Large quantities of medicines were 
sent for by the Commissary and others, and by Dr. Stringer 
himself, Director in that district, which seemed to imply a 
full persuasion of a claim to and dependance on my care; 
but as I had not then received any regular information of 
the nature of Dr. Stringer’s or Dr. Potts’s appointments, I 
at first doubted whether those gentlemen had a right to 
depend on me for assistance, and accordingly wrote so to 
Dr. Stringer. I afterwards was informed, from what I con- 
ceived to be good authority, that the Congress had deter- 
mined to assemble the various parts of the Hospital under the 
Director-General. This answering the idea I ever had of 
the nature of a General Hospital, readily obtained credit 
with me; yet not having received any instructions on that 
head, I thought it my duty to ask leave to visit Philadel- 
hia, to learn the intentions of Congress, and to confer upon 
the necessary regulations for the better government of the 
Hospital, that I might not incur blame either for neglect of 
my supposed duty, or for intermeddling in matters not com- 
mitted to my charge. After three days’ conference with 
the Doctors’ committee, and having made every necessary 
inquiry, L returned here with a full persuasion of there being 
but one General Hospital, (in the Northern Department,) 
though consisting of divisions, each under a separate Direct- 
or, all united under one head, viz: the Director-General. 
As to Dr. Stringer and Dr. Potts, I learned that neither of 
those gentlemen had a power of appointing Surgeons to act 
under them, and Dr. Potts applied to me, as though he had 
been commanded to do it, for advice and assistance; yet, 
till I knew what would be the result of the Congress’s deter- 
mination, I forbore to give any order, but sent a quantity of 
medicine with him at his setting out for Lake George. As 
I was the person who proposed an au&mentation of Surgeons 
in the General Hospital, on the same footing as the first 
appomtment, and an allowance of other necessary officers, 
which was adopted by Congress, I had no doubt but the 
appointment of those additional Surgeons was intended by 
Congress to be intrusted with me; especially as it did not 
appear by any vote of Congress that the power of making 
that appointinent was reserved to itself, and no other person 
but myself could be supposed to enjoy it. At the same 
time there being above three thousand sick reported to me 
in the Northern Department, I should have deemed myself 
culpable indeed if I had not sent the quantity of medicines 
sufficient for six more regimental chests, and more, named a 
Surgeon to assist in the care of the sick, and an Apothecary 
to despense those medicines, since from the late regulations 
the Regimental Surgeons were authorized to draw upon the 
Hospital in their department for medicines. At the same 
time, the appearance of an approaching siege at New-York, 
requiring further chirurgical assistance, and there being no 
time to be lost in preparing for it, I was happy to have it 
in my power to nominate an additional Surgeon, one of my 
own choice, Dr. James Armstrong, who was luckily on the 
spot, (son of General Armstrong, a gentleman of liberal edu- 
cation, tried abilities, and established character in his profes- 
sion,) for the Hospital at New-York. It was not till some 
time after I had settled those appointments, that I received 
a recommendation from Congress in favour of Dr. Senter. 
Wishing to employ him, I proposed his going as Surgeon of 
the Hospital to the northward, where the great number of 
sick and few Surgeons seemed to call more loudly for his 
assistance. In the meanwhile, Dr. McHenry, whom I had 
sent to Philadelphia for medicines for the northern Army, 
returned, and told me he had received information, as coming 
from you, that those gentlemen who were appointed for the 
northward by any other authority than of the Congress, 
(immediately,) might look for their pay where they could 
get it. I do not presume on any right to transgress the 
known orders of Congress, or pretend to know all the regu- 
lations it may have come into; but alter I had been to Phi- 
ladelphia on’ purpose to inquire, and from all I could then 
learn, as well as from anything I can yet discover in the 


921 


resolutions of Congress of July 17th, I thought it was clearly 
and indispensably my duty to make the appointments I did, 
in which I was actuated by no other motive than what I 
conceived to be for the good of the service; and should have 
deemed myself answerable to and reprehensible by Congress, 
had I neglected or deferred it. I have, indeed, been since 
told, that at the appointment of Dr. Stringer, it was evi- 
dently the intention of Congress to give him the same power 
in bis department as the Director-General enjoyed in his: 
thus that a power was given him of appointing Surgeons and 
Nurses, &c. But I know that to be a mistake; for by the 
resolves of Congress of September 14, at which time he was 
appointed, no more power was given to him than is allowed 
to every Surgeon chosen by the Director-General, of choos- 
ing his own Mates. Seeing, then, if we may judge from 
the past, the Congress only reserved to itself the nomination 
of the Director-General and Directors, granting to the Di- 
rector-General, and, as far as I know, to him only, the choice 
of Surgeons, allowing the Surgeons to choose their Mates, 
it does not appear from anything made publick that the 
Congress have resumed the power already granted. 

I still flatter myself, from the manner in which I have 
discharged the duties of my station ever since I joined the 
Army, that Congress does not intend, unless the good of the 
service makes it necessary, to abridge the Director-General, 
in my person, of that authority which was deemed so proper 
in the person of my predecessor; and yet I fear in later ap- 
pointments, for want of keeping up that idea of subordina- 
tion so necessary in an Army, or want of attention to explain 
properly the nature and extent of those appointments, so as 
not to interfere with those which are prior, some resolves 
of Congress have been incautiously entered into, (1 speak 
with reverence,) or titles of rank and distinction given, which 
have a tendency to interfere with mine. If you would wish 
to be further informed hereof, [ would beg leave to refer you 
to what I have written on this subject to my worthy friend 
the Honourable Thomas Hayward. Dr. Stringer’s senti- 
ments on this subject, who is now gone to Philadelphia to 
lay his claims before Congress, may. throw further light on 
the insufficiency of the present regulations respecting the 
rank and subordination of the different officers in the Gene- 
ral Hospital department. 

After all I have said, I cheerfully submit the propriety of 
my conduct in making the before-mentioned appointments 
in the General Hospital, and am desirous of conforming 
strictly to my instructions. If I have exceeded my com- 
mission, it has been, for want of knowing the designs and 
resolves of Congress, or their being misunderstood. Should 
the Congress, on that footing, annul my appointments and 
make others, I must at least stand acquitted of intentionally 
going beyond the line of duty; and it will behoove Congress 
to be more explicit in respect to its intentions; for if the 
Congress does not suppose the appointment of any new Sur- 
geon rests with me, of what use is it to recommend one to 
me for my approbation? I must pay an implicit obedience 
to their simple recommendation. In that case, I do not 
imagine there will be the same security for harmony, or for 
having the business of the Hospital so well executed, as 
where the choice of the Surgeons is left to the Director- 
General, which is an additional incentive to industry and an 
obliging behaviour in the Surgeon thus freely elected, to 
approve himself worthy of the choice. Be that as it may, 
wherever the path of duty is plain, { shall endeavour to walk 
steadily in it, having no design or inclination to exceed those 
bounds which the good of the service or the wisdom of Con- 
gress may prescribe to me. 

I entreat your excuse for this long letter, and beg permis- 
sion to subscribe myself, with the greatest respect, sir, your 
most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Morgan, 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Camp at Brookland, August 12, 1776. 
Dear Genera: Colonel Hand reports this morning a 
twenty-gun ship that came in last evening, fired as she passed 
through the Narrows, and was answered by the Admiral. 
Four ships went through the Narrows yesterday; they are 
at anchor along New-Utrecht shore. ‘Twenty-five sail of 
ships are seen at a great distance at sea, coming in. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


922 


If your Excellency thinks Colonel Varnum deserving 
promotion, and another Brigadier is to be appointed, I wish 
he may be appointed. 

Iam your Excellency’s most obedient servant, 

N. Greene. 


LAST ORDER ISSUED TO GENERAL HEATH’S BRIGADE. 
August 13, 1776. 

The honourable Continental Congress having thought fit 
to promote Brigadier-General Heath to the rank of Major- 
General in the Army of the United States of America, and 
the Commander-in-Chief having thought fit to appoint him 
to the command of the division of the Army at King’s Bridge, 
the Major-General most heartily thanks the officers and 
soldiers of his late Brigade for their soldier-like and orderly 
behaviour during the time he had the command of them, 
and for the great cheerfulness with which they have so 
remarkably performed the great and necessary fatigue of the 
campaign thus far. He laments the present sickly state of 
the Brigade, and implores the Great Physician of body (as 
well as soul) soon to send to them help. The day seems 
nigh at hand when they will be called to face the enemy in 
defence of everything dear in life, and he is confident that 
they will nobly distinguish themselves in their country’s cause. 
And may the Lord of Hosts crown them with success. 
Should it ever be in the power of the Major-General to serve 
the officers or soldiers of his late Brigade, he will do it with 
the greatest pleasure. 


RICHARD VARICK TO GENERAL GATES. 
Albany, August 12, 1776. 

Dear Genera: Your favour of the 9th was delivered 
me last evening. Since the date of your letter, one hundred 
and eleven axes and one hundred and eighty-seven spades 
have been forwarded to Fort George, and | shall continue 
forwarding them as fast as I can. Musket cartridge-paper, 
or any other, it is out of my power to furnish you with. I 
have written this day to New-York for thirty reams of that 
article and the bullet-moulds. ‘Three barrels of tar and 
eighty-one bars of iron have been sent to S'kenesborough on 
Saturday and this day. 

Iam happy in informing you that five hundred and thir- 
teen thousand dollars are arrived this morning, and the har- 
vest is almost over. We shall not again experience the 
want of carriages or difficulty of transportation, except from 
the badness of the roads. 

I am weary of importuning tradesmen and others for the 
publick, who are almost too lazy to earn their bread, when 
money is offered to the wagoners, who are backward when 
most wanted. I wish a Quartermaster were appointed here, 
that I may no longer do that extra duty, when others have 
the merit and can receive no blame. 

Yours to his Excellency General Washington goes by 
this day’s post. I had detained L’ Oiseau and Allaine, and 
sent your letter forward to the General. Agreeable to your 
directions by Mr. Clajon, I shall take care of them till the 
General’s return, who is positively to leave the German- 
Flats to-morrow. 

In consequence of Mr. Egbert’s requisition, by your order, 
three dozen broadaxes shall be sent by the first conveyance. 
The grubbing-hoes are making, and the scales and beams 
will be sent, if to be had, at least part of them. The weights 
I have ordered him to send for to Livingston’s Manor. 
Small cartridge paper will be sent as soon as it arrives. 
Thread is sent, and the bar lead is now casting into musket 
balls of various sizes and buckshot. ‘The boxes are num- 
bered, beginning with the smallest size. Part is sent up; 
the remainder will be sent as soon as finished ; as also two 
hundred buckets, axes, nails, and packages, now in store. 

I have received large iron, which I sent for to Livingston’s 
Manor, and the grapplings are begun here this day. 

I have this day procured a sufficient quantity of sheet lead, 
(for aprons of guns,) which came from the country, in ex- 
change for bar lead. I could not get it on any other terms, 
and it will be easier to procure cast than sheet lead for balls. 
I will order it up immediately. Some handspikes are now 
making here. 1 believe it will be easier to have them made 
there. I have sent nails, and will send some dressed skin 
for spunges to-morrow or next day. No tin or tinman is yet 
to be had here, nor have I yet got the copper. 


923 


I do myself the honour to enclose you copy of an invoice 
of such articles as General Washington has ordered from 
New-York to this place. In this list copper is mentioned. 
I am at a loss what to do now; I do not think that enough 
will be sent up from New-York. 

This day I have procured three new sails, which were 
ordered to be made for the schooner Liberty, on Lake Cham- 
plain, by Governour Skene, before the commencement of 
his misfortunes. I shall send them up as a cover over the 
powder, instead of oil cloths. 'The powder would have gone 
off this day, but the bad weather has prevented it. ‘The 
blocks and slow-match are momentarily expected from 
Poughkeepste. 

1 am, with compliments to Colonel Trumbull and the gen- 
tlemen of your family, dear sir, yours, with every sentiment 
of esteem and respect, 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


P. S. LTenclose copy of a return of cannon and grape- 
shot which I have ordered from Livingston's Manor, in con- 
sequence of General Arnold’s requisitions. 

Were my services not done to the benefit of my country, 
I should be much mortified, for [have frequently good reason 
to conclude, with the Latin poet— 

‘« Hos ego versiculos feci, tulit alter honores;”’ 


though I shall cheerfully do all in my power to advance the 
publick interest. Tony: 

I enclose you last Monday’s paper. The attack is every 
day expected, and foreign troops coming in. 


Ricuarp VaRick. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED ALBANY, AUGUST 12, 1776. 


General Schuyler has returned from the Congress at the 
German-Flats, where he had to satisfy near two thousand 
Indians. They promise a strict neutrality. Some scalps 
have been taken near Oneida Lake. <A scouting party of 
ours were attacked by a party of Indzans, three killed and 
scalped, two wounded and escaped, who fell in with some 
of the Indians that had been at the treaty, who brought 
them safe to Fort Stanwix. A report of a large body of 
troops from Canada at Fort Ontario, and that Clause and 
Butler are there. 

You will see Carleton’s orders of the 14th of August, that 
were brought by Major Bzgelow, who went with a flag of 
truce to carry the Declaration of Independency and the 
resolutions of Congress relative to the affairs of the Cedars. 
An officer of ours, who went to reconnoitre St. John’s and 
Chambly, fell in with a regular officer on horseback, alone, 
on the road between La Prairie and St. John’s, summoned 
him to surrender himself prisoner, but, clapping spurs to his 
horse, he rode off. Our officer fired at and shot him. It 
turns out to be a General Gordon. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM ALBANY, DATED AuGusT 12, 
1776. 


I find the more thinking sort of people do not credit the 
news of the French fleet being in St. Lawrence River. They 
rather think it is a story given out by Burgoyne to put our 
people off their guard. ‘This day we have advice that there 
are two thousand Indians with General Schuyler; that he 
began the conference with them last Tuesday. 

Mr. returned from the Lake, who was ordered 
there by Congress to inspect into the state of our Army. 
He says that our Army consists of five thousand effective 
men, hearty and in high spirits; that they have built com- 
plete fortifications; have sixty pieces of cannon, from nine 
to eighteen-pounders, mounted; that in a fortnight they will 
have upwards of one hundred pieces mounted; they have 
now in the Lake nine gondolas, two row-galleys, and three 
schooners, all complete and fit for service; that we shall have 
twenty-five or twenty-eight of those vessels in the Lakes, 
which will carry sixty pieces of cannon, one hundred and 
seventeen swivel-guns, and about five hundred men, That 
there were two officers sent out as spies some time since, one 
of whom returned while he was there, who reports that the 
enemy had about two thousand men at St. Jodn’s, one 
thousand at the Isle-aux-Noix, and one thousand or fifteen 
hundred at Chambly; that they had about thirty batteaus 
in the Lake, and no other vessels, nor any preparation for 
building more; that it appeared very clear to him that the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


924 


enemy did not mean to attack us, but expected to be attacked, 
for that they are only preparing for defence by enlarging 
their forts and erecting new ones. General Grates says it 
would not give him the least concern if the enemy were to 
come with twenty thousand men. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES, 
Skenesborough, August 12, 1776. 


Dear Generat: The weekly returns not being made 
out and forwarded by this boat was by reason of the great 
rain yesterday, which detained the boats bringing the returns 
from Cheshire’s, but shall be forwarded with all possible de- 
spatch, with the true state of every corps. 

His Honour the Governour’s letter came this moment to 
hand, and I thought it of the utmost importance to be for- 
warded, and not wait for the return. 

Tam, dear General, your Honour’s most obedient, humble 


servant 
: Davin Warersury, Jun. 


To Hon. Major-General Gates. 


GENERAL GATES TO DOCTOR POTTS. 
Ticonderoga, August 12, 1776. 

Sir: I am informed that the Baron De Woedtke, some 
time before his death, made a solemn declaration to you of 
matter that highly concerns the interest of the United States. 
You will please forthwith to communicate to me the sub- 
stance of the Baron’s declaration. ‘The bearer, Mr. Lucas, 
has my orders to wait for your letter, and return with it im- 
mediately to me. | 

I would not wish to give unnecessary trouble; once a 
fortnight is full often enough to make a general return of the 
Hospital. 

I desire Dr. Stringer may come here as soon as he arrives 
at Fort George, and bring with him a good Surgeon, properly 
provided, for the service of the fleet. 

lan, &c., 


To Dr. Potts, at Fort George. 


Horatio Gares. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Lebanon, August 12, 1776. 

Sir: I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your letters 
of the 25th and 31st ultimo, and that of your Secretary, Mr. 
Varick, of the 3d instant; and have the pleasure to inform 
you that Captain Van Buren has succeeded so far as to 
purchase all the sail cloth, and part of the cordage it is 
expected he will be able to procure at Middletown. What- 
ever number of swivels can be had at Salisbury, will be 
spared for your use as requested. At present it is not in 
my power to inform you how many you may depend upon, 
or when it will be most convenient to deliver them, but 
shall take the earliest opportunity to advise you of both. 

Such of the sea Captains you mention as are in this 
Colony I have written to, and expect their answer soon. 
Two of them, to wit: Francis Brown and , are 
abroad. 1 shall inquire after, and endeavour to engage some 
suitable persons, and advise you what you may expect, as 
soon as possible. 

The residue of one thousand felling axes, with so much 
clothing as to make up two loads with the axes, I have sent 
forward to Skenesborough, and have written to General 
Gates, requesting him to give orders to some proper officer 
or other person to receive them. 

I have received advices from Governour Cooke, of Rhode- 
Island, that one hundred and twelve sail of ships, seventeen 
of them men-of-war, the rest transports, were seen the 8th 
instant, fifteen Jeagues southeast by south from Nantucket 
Shoals, standing to the westward. Probably they are Hes- 
stans and Highlanders, bound to New-York, and arrived 
there before this time. 

The bearer, Brown, our postrider, goes directly to Ticon- 
deroga, and will send off an express to Albany from that 
part of his route nearest to it. I shall hope in future you 
will procure a post to meet him and change packets at such 
place as you think proper, and advise me of the time and 
place when and where such exchange will most conve- 
niently be made. Iam, &c., &c., 

Jona. 'TRumBULL. 
To the Hon. Major-General Schuyler. 


925 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL GATES. 
Lebanon, August 12, 1776. 

Sin: I enclose you the copy of a letter to Brigadier- 
General Waterbury, of the Sth instant, and desire your atten- 
tion to the matter of the infection of the small-pox therein 
mentioned. I flatter myself the measures taken for com- 
pleting the regiments destined to join your Army will prove 
effectual, unless that distemper should again break out in it; 
but should that be the case, recruits would be procured in 
this State with the utmost difficulty. 

The residue of the felling axes to make up one thousand 
are gone forward, with two loads of clothing for the use of 
the Army, (the axes included in them.) ‘They are ordered 
to Skenesborough by the way of Bennington, where | hope 
they will meet your orders for their delivery to the proper 
officer, or such person as you shall appoint. 

By a letter from his Excellency General Washington, of 
the 7th instant, | have intelligence that General Clinton and 
Lord Cornwallis, with the southern Army, have arrived from 
South- Carolina, and are landed at Staten-Island, in number 
between three and four thousand; that a fleet which came 
in a few days since are Hessians and Scotch Highlanders, 
part of twelve thousand who were left off Newfoundland, 
and that an attack upon some of our posts at or in the 
neighbourhood of New-York, may be very soon expected ; 
that the enemy are moving all their heavy cannon and most 
of their field-pieces on board their ships, and had launched 
eight gondolas, and, in general, seemed preparing for an 
attack. In consequence of which, I have ordered the Mili- 
tia of this State, of fourteen regiments, to march with all 
expedition and join General Washington, and hope they will 
arrive in season to take part in the defence of those impor- 
tant stations. 

The controversy with Great Britain seems now approach- 
ing fast to a crisis. May the Great Ruler of all grant that 
the event may correspond with the justice of our cause. 

I am, with great truth and regard, sir, your obedient, 


humble servant 
Jona. TRUMBULL. 


To the Hon. General Gates. 


REV. WILLIAM GORDON TO GENERAL GATES. 
[Roxbury, August 12, 1776.] 

Frienp Gates: These American dog-days almost de- 
molish me; they lay me under a universal lassitude of body 
and mind, so that I am neither fit for walking, nor talking, 
nor writing; but finding by your Adjutant’s letter to Julia 
that a word from this civilized quarter revives the inhabit- 
ants of Ticonderoga, I must send you a few, as an expres- 
sion of my desire to lessen the uncomfortableness of your 
dreary situation. From the account he has transmitted, I 
am convinced that you have had enough to exercise your 
patience; but you know it is one excellence of a good sol- 
dier to command his temper as well as his troops. By-the- 
by, as it comes in apropos, the Howes have been juggling 
together to learn his Excellency’s temper, and, to their great 
mortification, have discovered that it is to be resolutely steady 
andimmoveable. ‘This is my interpretation of their proceed- 
ing in continuing to urge his acceptance of the letter. I 
suspect that your antagonist will not be so much for hurrying 
the war to a close, as for securing the present opportunity 
for the purpose of recruiting his broken fortunes. LI still 
expect that we shall be saved by Providence, and not by 
luck; and am more than ever convinced, that if we are 
saved, it will be by Providence. The dilatoriness with 
which the reinforcements have been procured and sent on 
to the different camps, would have been the ruin of our 
affairs, had not the interposition of Heaven prevented. We 
have scarce any but west and southwest winds, chiefly the 
Jatter, which have retarded the ships amazingly. 

I consider the southern expedition of the enemy as de- 
molished, and give you joy upon it. Whether there will 
be hot work or no work at New-York, and the summer be 
spent in watching and skirmishing, must be left to futurity 
to discover. But you certainly have the post of honour, 
for you have the care of the weakest quarter, and are the 
most ill provided; a fine field for glory; the more difficul- 
ties, the more a man’s abilities in surmounting them; the 
fewer and worse his tools, the more his dexterity and genius 
in finishing the work after a masterly manner. ‘These 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


926 


reflections have so often occurred to you, that they are quite 
stale; but they may suit well enough for your little man of 
an Adjutant: I would not say your little Adjutant, because 
that might have been thought a designed affront by a person 
whose heart is somewhat captivated by that bauble—alias 
bubble—honour, 

Pray, have you any preaching among you? Ifso, does 
your Adjutant attend? If he attends, is he not taught not 
to seek honour from men, and to propose a better, lest he 
should have no other reward? Now the Parson shows 
himself. Well, and what if he does? What hurt of that? 
Every one ought to be consistent, and not ashamed of his 
commission. And if I have a commission from one that 
was crucified, but zs now exalted above all, he would de- 
spise me, were I afraid to own or to act up to it. Well, 
then, that matter is settled ; and I may go on to beseech that 
care may be taken of the soldiers’ morals; that these may be 
good, as well as their quarters. Let not any future historian 
have to remark, as Lieutenant Biggs did, referring to the 
Old England troops: that the best in the world were most 
given to cursing and swearing. Put a stop to these unpro- 
fitable practices, that so, if I come to the camp, I may not 
be affronted and disgusted, and I promise you—health and 
strength permitting—lI will endeavour to visit you before the 
campaign is over. Am plotting to set off the beginning of 
September for both camps. Doubt not but I shall meet 
with a hearty welcome from both his Honour and _ his 
Excellency; and I shall be greatly delighted to see them 
in the happy character of glorious conquerors, loved and 
admired by all about them for having been instrumental in 
saving the liberties as well as the necks of the Americans. 

We get in a few West-India ships by way of a prize, to 
sweeten the sourness of the times and keep up our spirits. 
Great Britain will be all in a flame either at the Ministry 
or at us. I had rather at the former, as that may be best 
for our native country; but I am not afraid of the latter. 
The Powers of Europe will not always sleep. ’Tis likely 
that France and Spain have been only sleeping cat’s sleep, 
and that they will suddenly jump upon their prey, when 
they see it is within their reach, and there is no danger of 
missing it. 

I bave not received your answer to my long letter, de- 
signed for you before you left New-York, but that friend 
Hazard sent after you. By whom or which way do you 
send it? Or have you not yet finished writing it? 

The above was written the beginning of last week. Since 
this have been to Providence. Am now got to Monday, 
the 12th of August. Having heard no bad news from your 
quarter, am in hopes that Mr. Burgoyne’s complaisance 
has given you an opportunity of preparing to receive him 
warmly whenever he shall advance on you. 

The old forty-gun ship, with a thousand hogsheads of sugar, 
rum, and madeira, besides cotton, with some iron nine-pound- 
ers, and brass six-pounders, from Tortola, carried into Ports- 
mouth last week. Arrived at Boston last Saturday, sent in 
by a couple of Yorkers, a ship from the Granadas, with four 
hundred bags of cotton, an article much wanted, and three 
hundred hogsheads of sugar. ‘The merchants will certainly 
clamour. 

Julia sends respects, as does Mrs. Gordon; take your own 
share of mine, and then proportion the remainder among 
friends. Wishing you protection and success, not only in 
stopping, but driving the enemy, I am your very sincere and 


affectionate friend, Rn ars nee 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


GENERAL WARD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Boston, August 12, 1776. 


Sir: This day I have forwarded one hundred barrels of 
powder for Norwich, there to be deposited agreeable to your 
directions. I have also forwarded a chest of arms to the 
care of Messieurs Huntington, to be by them sent to New- 
York; an invoice of them is here enclosed. 

Whetcomb’s regiment marched the 8th instant, and Phin- 
ney’s the 9th, for Ticonderoga. 

Last week Mr. Glover, the Agent, was in town, and in- 
formed me that he could not find the trowsers mentioned in 
the invoice of the cargo, and which your Excellency wrote 
for, and says they were not on board, unless they are in some 


927 


of the packages that are forwarded to New-York, which he 
did not open. 
I am your Excellency’s obedient, humble servant, 
Artemas Warp. 


To General Washington. 


Received from John Bradford, Esq., 27 Firearms, with- 
out Bayonets; 10 Cartridge Boxes; 2 Shot Bags; 2 Hair 
Knapsacks; 71 Canvass Knapsacks; 7 Slings. 

Naruu. Barser, Jun. 

Boston, August 9, 1776. 


JOHN BRADFORD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 
Boston, August 12, 1776. 


Sir: I am honoured with your Excellency’s signature, 
under the 5th instant, directing me to take the necessary 
care of all the warlike stores and necessaries for an Army, 
till I receive orders from proper authority. Your Excellency 
may rely on the strictest punctuality in complying with any 
future orders I may receive. 

I have not omitted, since I have been in this department, 
giving a particular caution to each commander to prevent 
any embezzlements, and have furnished them with the 
resolve of Congress on that head; but it signifies little, for 
great complaints are made by those who came in the last 
prize, that they acted more like pirates than men who were 
so honourably employed. I am taking every measure to 
efface that notion of their being privateers; for while they 
continue in it they will act like such. Great need there is 
of a reform in our little Navy, which I hope in time may 
be effected. 

I have the honour to be, with great truth, your Excel- 
lency’s most obedient and very humble servant, 

Jno. Braprorp. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO MAJOR HAWLEY. 
Watertown, August 12, 1776. 

Sir: The Committee of Council have received your 
letter of the 5th instant, by Major Pyncheon. We are 
glad to hear that five companies of the men you were to 
raise for the Northern Department have already marched. 
We hope the other three marched by the time you men- 
tion. We trust that the Committee will forward those who 
have inlisted, and are now under inoculation, to their place 
of destination as soon as they have recovered their health. 
We have, agreeably to your desire, forwarded the blanks for 
the Staff-Officers by Major Pyncheon, and have furnished 
him with the necessary commissions for the officers that may 
be appointed to command your part of the fifteen hundred 
men destined to Ticonderoga, as also with the money for 
the bounty, advance pay, and for the blankets and guns, 

We must entreat you would use your utmost exertions to 
raise and march these men to Ticonderoga as soon as pos- 
sible, as they are much wanted there. The lower Counties’ 
proportion of the fifteen hundred men were raised fifteen 
days ago, and are waiting to know what number we raised 
in the County of Hampshire, in order to determine into what 
regiment they shall be imbodied. It is desired you would 
make a return to the Council as soon as these men are raised. 

In the name and by the order of the Committee of 
Council. 

I am, with great respect, your most humble servant. 


To Major Hawley. 


COLONEL HURD TO MESHECH WEARE. 
Haverhill, August 12, 1776. 


Sir: The intention of the Committee was to have got 
Colonel Porter off this morning; but he says he has tried 
every step in his power to prevent being sent to Exeter. He 
has petitioned the Committee of this town, and been solicit- 
ing several persons of the other Committee, for a new hearing, 
under pretence that he has not had opportunity to vindicate 
himself, nor to procure such evidence in his favour as he 
can do, if more time was allowed; but the truth is, I am 
persuaded, that he thinks and has brought over Mr. James 
Bayley, Chairman of the Haverhill Committee, and two 
or three other persons, to be of the same opinion, that he 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


928 


ought not to be sent out of the County for trial; that as this 
district is not represented, and has remonstrated against our 
form of Government, the Colony Committee of Safety have 
no authority to order him to Exeter. I have therefore been 
obliged to exert myself in this matter, as Captain Wood- 
ward can inform you, and have had a hard struggle to obtain 
the point—some objecting, too, that we ought not to send 
Porter away, unless we send the whole number; but it is 
the general opinion, besides ours of the Committee, that he 
is a dangerous person to tarry among us. For my own part, 
I shall not be easy to have him remain here longer, as I can 
more particularly hereafter inform you, and my reasons. In 
the mean time, [ trust your Committee will order Colonel 
Porter to be properly taken care of. I would not recom- 
mend a close imprisonment, but that he is well secured. 

If you think proper to allow him a hearing before the 
General Court should meet, you will please to inform us by 
Captain Woodward’s return, that the evidences may be sent 
down to confront him, which we shall look upon as abso- 
lutely necessary, especially Mr. Daniel Hall, and whether 
it be advisable to send the others who belong to New- York 
Government. 

We have had much trouble in this business, as you may 
well think, and I am sorry to give you so large a share by 
my long letters, which I beg you will excuse; and am, re- 
spectfully, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 


J. Hurp. 


To the Honourable Meshech Weare, Esq., Chairman of the 
Committee of Safety. 


ETHAN ALLEN TO CONNECTICUT ASSEMBLY. 
Halifax Jail, August 12, 1776. 

HonovrasLe GentLemen: In addition to my letter of 
the 8th instant, I have to inform, that intelligence was yes- 
terday received in this place that General Clinton had failed 
in an attempt to take Charlestown by water; that a fifty- 
gun ship and two frigates were almost destroyed; that a 
third was burnt by the Americans, and that two or three 
more were so surrounded by batteries and shivered to pieces, 
that they were unable to get out to sea; and that Clinton 
was returned to Head-Quarters, Staten-Island, New-York, 
where the King’s Army were encamped, and that no action | 
of moment had happened at New-York. 

1 greatly rejoice to hear that the States of America have 
declared for independency. Jam the more confirmed in its 
importance, in consequence of many political arguments from 
aFrench gentleman. He assures, that on a supposition of that 
declaration, the French and Spaniards will assist, and come 
into alliance with America; and [assure you that the English 
rascally treatment to me has wholly erased my former feelings 
of parent State, mother country, and, in fine, all kindred and 
friendly connexion with them. I have never asked better 
treatment than what the laws of arms give to prisoners between 
foreign nations; but instead of that, have been crowded into 
the most filthy apartments of ships, among privates, where I 
have, almost the whole of my time since taken, been covered 
with lice; and though I have genteel clothes, could not, for 
this reason, wear them till since I have been confined in 
the common jail of Halifax, which is about a week. The 
prisoners have the liberty of the yard; but there is no dis- 
tinction between gentlemen and others. If I must suffer 
the vengeance and ignominy of tyrants, it would be more 
graceful from Turks, Moors, and barbarians. The names 
of the prisoners that were taken with me are as follows, 
namely: Roger Moor, Peter Noble, (who made his escape 
from a man-of-war at Cape-Fear,) Levi Barnem, Barnabas 
Cane, Preston Denton, John Gray, Zachariah Brimsmaid, 
William Drinkwater, Jonathan Maho, Levi Mearson, 
Samuel Lewis, William Gray, David Goss, Amos Green, 
John James Burque, Ithuriel Flower, Charles Stuad, Ebe- 
nezer Mack, and Adonyah Maxam. Thirteen Canadians 
were taken with me: one is dead since, the other twelve are 
at work in the King’s yard. Sundry are sick with the 
scurvy, but are getting better. 

[ remain your humble servant, Eruan Auuen,. 


To the Honourable the General Assembly of the Colony of 
Connecticut, or to the Council of War of the same Co- 
lony. 

N. B. We know not the cause why we are not yet ex- 
changed, as it seems the King’s troops might be compelled 


929 


to it, inasmuch as you have so many prisoners in your 
hands, more especially as you have many of the King’s 
officers. I will lay my life on it; were you to treat them 
as they have me, they would willingly have exchanged us 
before. Now, we are destitute of cash, friends, &c., every- 
thing desirable. E. A. 


ARTHUR LEE TO C. W. F. DUMAS. 
London, August 13, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I answered your last letter immediately. I 
now enclose you several pamphlets, which contain such an 
authentick state of facts, and such arguments on the Amert- 
can question, as will enable its advocates with you to main- 
tain their ground against the pensioner of this Court. I beg 
particularly that you will send some of them to the gentle- 
man who has answered Pinto, the pensioner of this Court. 

The pampblet entitled the Rights of Great Britain, &c., 
is full of the grossest falsehoods. A very material one is, 
exposed by the enclosed extracts from the acts of Parlia- 
ment granting bounties upon American produce, which 
proves by their own words, that those bounties were given 
for their own interests only. Yet that pamphlet has given 
a long list of the amount of those bounties, and charged it 
to the Colonies. The fact is as Dr. Smith, a Scotchman, 
and an enemy to American rights, has stated it, in his late 
laboured and long-expected book on the Wealth of Nations. 
“Whatever expense,” says he, “ Great Britain has hitherto 
laid out in maintaining this dependancy, has really been laid 
out in order to support their monopoly.” Speaking of the 
debt incurred last war, he says: ‘This whole expense is in 
reality a bounty, which has been given in order to support 
amonopoly. ‘The pretended purpose of it was to encourage 
the manufactures, and to increase the commerce of G'reat 
Britain.” The operation of this monopoly against the 
Colony he states thus : “The monopoly of the Colony trade, 
therefore, like all the other mean and malignant expedients 
of the mercantile system, depresses the industry of all other 
countries, but chiefly that of the Colonies.” 

When you write to the Congress it would be well, I think, 
to mention that as all the evils have been produced by Scotch 
counsel, and those people prosecute the business with more 
rancour and enmity, a distinction ought to be made between 
the treatment of them and other people, when made prisoners. 

We expect every day some decisive news from New- York. 
The last Gazette gives us no reason to fear anything but the 
chance of war, against which no prudence can provide. We 
have certain intelligence from Canada, that it will be the 
last of August before the boats will be ready upon Lake 
Champlain for the Ministerial Army; so that there is no 
possibility of their joining Howe. They are putting eleven 
ships of the line in commission here, which is kept very 
secret, or it would shake the stocks exceedingly. 

Adieu, Arruur Lek. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL HYDE. 
[No. 132.] Annapolis, August 13, 1776. 
Sir: As we are very desirous of having the troops sta- 
tioned at Baltimore under your command armed as speedily 
as possible, and as we are informed the Committee of Ob- 
servation of Harford County have about sixty stand belong- 
ing to this Province, we request you will immediately send 
up for them, and deliver them, on receipt, to your companies. 
Enclosed you have an order on the Committee for them. 
We are, &c. 


To Colonel William Hyde. 


JOSEPH RICHARDSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Dorchester County, August 13, 1776. 
GeytLemen: We herewith send you, under guard, John 
Price, who was taken in the service of Dunmore, with 
Wheeland, Evans, and Howith, whom we sent you some 
time since. Price was in the small-pox when the others 
were sent, which occasioned the delay of sending him with 
them. The charge against him will appear in the deposi- 
tions of Yell and Mareman, already transmitted to you. 
We are, gentlemen, your very humble servants. 
Signed by order of the Committee. 
Jos. Ricuarpson, Chairman. 


To the Hon. Council of Safety of Maryland, at Annapolis. 
Firru Serres.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


59 


930 


FRANCIS BAKER TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
_ Talbot County, August 13, 1776. 
GentLemeEN: I herewith have the honour to return you 
my commission, it not laying in my power to discharge the 
trust under the present resolves of Convention. 
I am, gentlemen, your Honours’ most obedient humble 
servant, F'rs. Baker. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


ROBERT CHRISTIE, JUN., TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, August 13, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I wrote you some time ago acquainting that 

I had two schooners which were sunk at the mouth of this 
harbour, by order of the Committee, for upwards of three 
months. An allowance has been made me to put the ves- 
sels into as good order as when they were taken away; but 
I am told an application must be made to the Council of 
Safety for payment of the damages. I should be glad to 
now when it would be proper to apply, and what vouchers 
the Council will require, to ascertain the time the vessels 
were out of my possession. If necessary, I can make it 
appear that I have paid considerable sums for freight of other 
vessels during the time my own were sunk. I| hope you 
will excuse my being troublesome to you. I do not want 
to come down to Annapolis until I am prepared with the ne- 
cessary vouchers to complete the business. You will oblige 
me very much by giving me an answer at your convenience. 

I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, 
Rost. Curistiz, Jun. 


To the Honourable Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer. 


THOMAS STONE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Philadelphia, August 13, 1776. 

GentLemeN: I am very glad to be informed that Lord 
Dunmore and his fleet have quitted the Bay, and am hope- 
ful this circumstance will induce your Militia to lend assist- 
ance to their neighbours with more alacrity than could have 
been expected while an enemy was hovering on their coast. 
You may be assured they are much wanted in the Jerseys 
and at New-York, where an attack is daily expected, and 
at both which places our strength is by no means sufficient to 
oppose the enemy with that certainty of success which every 
man who considers the importance of the event must wish. 

Captain Thomas is arrived with his company. I shall 
rejoice to see Colonel Griffith with his troops, and shall 
with pleasure afford him and all other officers and troops 
from Maryland any assistance in my power. I shall show 
particular attention to Colonel Griffith, your recommenda- 
tion entitling him to particular notice. 

The difficulties you have experienced in raising your 
quota of the Flying-Camp I am convinced have been dis- 
tressing; but I hope they are now pretty well over. You 
may have any money you want from Congress, upon appli- 
cation. ‘The enemy’s strength at Staten-Island is fifteen 
thousand men. The Hessians are daily expected: by the 
last accounts, they were shipping their men, and making all 
necessary preparations for an attack. General Washington 
is not so strong as he could wish. Upon these movements 
of the enemy, he ordered a reinforcement of two thousand 
from Jersey to York. The Maryland battalion was imme- 
diately sent to him; but I believe the camps in Jersey were 
too weak to spare any more. I observe many of the Militia 
of this State in motion ; but many are leaving the camp, and 
are not to be kept there by threats or persuasions. I intend 
to leave this city on this day week, till which I shall be 
ready to execute your orders; being, gentlemen, your most 
obedient servant, T. Srone. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Congress Chamber, August 13, 1776. 
Sir: I have nothing in charge from Congress to com- 
municate to you. Had not the honour of a letter by the 
post. I judge the return express is on the road, by whom 
wish to have an agreeable account of the state of the Army, 
I am, with perfect esteem, sir, your most obedient ser- 
vant, Joun Hancock, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


931 


MEASE AND CALDWELL TO RICHARD PETERS. 
Philadelphia, August 13, 1776. 


Sir: The honourable Congress having been pleased to 
direct us to provide a large quantity of necessary clothing for 
the use of the Continental Army, of which felt hats and 
coarse yarn stockings are very material articles, and in order 
to secure the quantity requisite in proper time, they must 
be engaged now from the manufacturers, as we find that 
private speculations are beginning to engross them; we 
have therefore to request you will lay this before the Board 
of War, in order that application be made to General Mercer 
for the discharge of Joseph Kerr, hatter, of Captain Wills’s 
company, in the first battalion; and Philip Mause, stocking- 
weaver, of Captain Kling’s company, in the fourth battalion 
of Philadelphia Militia ; as these two men will be exceed- 
ingly useful to us in providing those essential articles, having 
found them so last fall, when they assisted us with great 
address and fidelity. If we did not know how usefully we 
could employ them in procuring the above articles, and how 
necessary it is they should be immediately engaged, we 
should by no means wish for their discharge from the Army 
at this juncture. 

We are, sir, your very humble servants, 

Mease & CaLpweELL. 


To Richard Peters, Esq., Secretary at War. 


At a Board of War, August 13, 1776, P. M., agreed to 
report to Congress: 

That Monsieur Weibert, now serving in the Continental 
Army at New-York as an Engineer, be appointed Assistant 
Engineer, with the rank and pay of Lieutenant-Colonel ; 
and that his pay commence from the time of his engaging in 
the service. 

That General Mercer be directed to discharge or grant 
furloughs to Joseph Kerr, Hatter, a private of Capt. Wills’s 
company, in the First Battalion, and to Philip Mause, a 
Stocking Weaver, a private in Captain Kling’s company 
of the Fourth Battalion of Philadelphia Militia, these two 
persons being applied for by Messrs. Mease & Caldwell, 
Commissaries, to whom their services are indispensably ne- 
cessary in making and providing clothing for the Army. 

That the Council of the Massachusetts-Bay be requested 
to appoint one of the General Officers of their Militia to 
command the Troops which that State has ordered for its 
defence in the room of the Continental Regiments lately or- 
dered from Boston to New-York and Ticonderoga, which 
General Officer shall be invested with the same powers and 
subject to the same duties within that State, and be upon the 
same establishment with the Continental General Officers, 
during the continuance of the said troops in the Continental 
service. 


JOHN HUBLEY TO WILLIAM ATLEE. 
Philadelphia, August 13, 1776, three o’clock, P. M. 


Sir: I have received your favour, with the money and 
letter enclosed for Mr. Cox, which I delivered to him imme- 
diately, and now enclose you a receipt. Mr. William Cox 
tells me that your privateer is almost finished and already 
manned; that his brother has been offered five-and-twenty 
per cent. profit on his shares. When I received yours I had 
just come from Convention, and by the way heard that our 
Militia were marching from Amboy to New-York; that one 
hundred and four vessels were just arrived, which it was 
supposed contained the foreign troops; but I went immedi- 
ately to do your business, and have not time at present to 
inquire into the truth of the report, as the Convention meets 
again at four o’clock. By my brother I have sent for your 
Committee some resolves. I had not time to pack up and 
direct them properly; you will be kind enough to excuse 
the manner in which they come. Mr. Ross, with two other 
Commissioners, set out this day from Convention to form the 
Flying-Camp. 

I am, sir, your very humble servant, 

Joun Husrey. 


To William Atlee, Esq., Lancaster. 


P. S. 14th.—I refer you for particulars to Mr. Lan- 
man. ; 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


932 


CHESTER COUNTY (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE. 


In Committee of Inspection and Observation 
for Chester County, August 13, 1776. ; 


Pursuant to several resolves of the honourable Committee 
of Safety, recommending the respective Committees of In- 
spection, &c., of this Province to appoint suitable persons 
to provide for the distressed families of Associators when they 
are in actual service: Therefore, 

Resolved, That the following persons be, and are hereby, 
appointed for that purpose, viz: 

Robert Witherow, 


Jonathan Pugh, David John, 


Caleb Way, John Pugh, David Davis, Charles- 
William Kenedy, Paul McKnight, town. 

John Smith, John Gruber, Jenkin Davies, 
Richard Cheyney, Israel Longacre, David Davis, Tredyf- 
Samuel Holliday, William Worral, fryn, 


Francis Alexander, 
William Irwin, 
Jeffrey Bentley, 
Thomas Trueman, 
Thomas Evans, 
Joseph Treago, 


James Davis, 
Benj. Bartholomew, 
David Cloyd, 


Lewis Davis, 
Adam Grubb, 
Thomas Hinkson, 
Robert Pennell, William ‘Trimble, 
James Lindsey, George Thomas, 
Richard Reyley, Esq., William Hunter, 


Francis Gardner, Mordecai Cloud, John Steel, 
Robert Ralston, Robert Finney, Joshua Evans, 
Henry Acre, David Wherry, Griffith Jones, 


John Robinson, 
David Thomas, 
John Lloyd, 
Theophilus Reese, 
John Wagoner, 


By order of the Committee : 
Wiuuram Evans, Chairman. 


Samuel Futhy, 
Samuel Ramsey, 
John Glascow, 
Robert Wilkin, 
John Fulton, 


Edward Jones, 
Samuel Brookes, 
John Morris, 
Isaac Davis, Esq., 


Henry Hayes. 


GENERAL HOWE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Head-Quarters, Staten-Island, August 13, 1776. 
General Howe desires to know if General Washington 
has any objection to Mr. Robert Temple’s being landed at 
New-York, and going from thence to his family in the Go- 
vernment of Massachusetts-Bay. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, August 13, 1776. 


Sir: As there is reason to believe that but little time will 
elapse before the enemy make their attack, I have thought 
it advisable to remove all the papers in my hands respecting 
the affairs of the States from this place. I hope the event 
will show the precaution was unnecessary, but yet prudence 
required that it should be done, lest by any accident they 
might fall into their hands. ‘They are all contained in a 
large box, nailed up, and committed to the care of Lieute- 
nant-Colonel Reed, brother to the Adjutant-General, to be 
delivered to Congress, in whose custody I would beg leave 
to deposite them until our affairs shall be so circumstanced 
as to admit of their return. 

The enemy, since my letter of yesterday, have received 
a further augmentation of thirty-six ships to their fleet, 
making the whole that have arrived since yesterday morn- 
ing ninety-six. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most 
obedient servant, 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. 


P. S. I would observe, that I have sent off the box pri- 
vately, that it might raise no disagreeable ideas, and have 


enjoined Colonel Reed to secrecy. G. W. 


Go. WasHINGTON. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
New-York, August 13, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Your letter of the 6th instant I received this 
morning by Bennet. The reports made by the emissaries, 
who have been among the Indian nations, appear not so 
promising as I could wish. However, | trust as so many 
have come to the treaty, their views are friendly, and though 
they may not consent to take an active part, that they will 
not arm against us. 

The difficulties attending the vessels fitting for the Lakes 
I am well apprized of. My late letters will inform you that 
I have taken every measure in my power to facilitate the 
work. Before this comes to hand the Paymaster, I expect, 
will have received a supply of money. ‘The extract of Mr. 
Varick’s \etter shows it was much wanted. I have not 
failed in any instance to communicate your wants of this 


933 


article to Congress when they have been mentioned to me; 
urging, at the same time, not only the expediency, but neces- 
sity of keeping the military chests constantly furnished. It 
will be well for you always to give them early notice of what 
you may have occasion for, that their remittances may be 
adequate. In future I presume they will have the fullest 
information upon that subject, having, by some late resolves, 
enjoined their commanders in every department to transmit 
them monthly a list of the warrants they grant, the Paymas- 
ters to return a weekly state of their military chests, and the 
Commissaries and Quartermasters of what they receive. I 
have not these regulations by me, but if my memory serves, 
they were passed the 2d instant, and have been forwarded 
to you. I have always laid beforé Congress copies of your 
letters and their enclosures, when they were of a publick 
nature, or contained intelligence in any way material, except 
when advised that you had done it yourself. I shall here 
take occasion to request, that whenever you write to them 
and me of the same things, you certify me thereof, to prevent 
me transmitting useless information. 

In respect to Colonel Nicolson’s regiment and the places 
where it should be stationed, you certainly can determine 
better than I, having more in your power intelligence of the 
enemy’s movements and designs. 

I would observe, in answer to that part of your letter which 
mentions that a Council of Officers or a Court-Martial had 
been convened and held here to decide upon the Council of 
those who had sat at Crown-Point, that your information is 
wrong. No Council, no Court of Inquiry, nor Court-Martial, 
upon that subject, sir, was ever convened by my order or their 
own accord. When intelligence was first received here that 
Crown- Point was abandoned, it was the cause of a general 
alarm, and filled the minds of most who heard it with no 
small degree of anxiety; some judging from the commonly 
accepted opinion, and others from their knowledge and ac- 
quaintance with it and the country round about it, that it was 
of the last importance to us to possess it, to give us, in con- 
junction with the vessels we were about to build, the superi- 
ority of the Lake, and to prevent the enemy from penetrating 
into this and the Eastern States. Among others, some of 
the General Officers, from their own knowledge, and the rest 
from the ideas they had formed as the matter was occasion- 
ally mentioned, delivered their sentiments to this effect, as 
did every person I heard speak of it at the time the account 
first came. From the universal chagrin that took place, the 
regret that every person expressed upon the occasion, the 
Remonstrance of the Officers which you transmitted, and 
which appeared to contain many weighty reasons, I felt 
myself much concerned, as everybody else did, and wished, 
according to my information and opinion at that time, the 
post had been maintained. I do not wish to dwell longer 
upon the subject, and therefore shall only add that your 
letter of the 24th ultimo (or at least a copy of it) was trans- 
mitted to Congress as soon as it was received; nor shall I 
have any objection to sending a copy of the one before me 
now, when | have an opportunity to make it out, if it shall 
be your inclination and request. 

I have no news of any importance to communicate, unless 
that the enemy are daily becoming stronger. On Monday 
they received an augmentation of ninety-eight ships to their 
fleet, with a further part of the foreign troops it is probable. 
They seem to be making great preparations, and we have 
reason to expect they are upon the point of making an attack. 
The letters which accompany this you will be pleased to 
deliver to Generals Gates, Reed, and St. Clair; they came 
to hand on Sunday. And wishing you, and the Army 
under your command, health, and the smiles of a kind Provi- 


dence on all your efforts, 1 am, dear sir, your most obedient’ 


servant 
? Go. WasHINGTON. 


To Major-General Schuyler, Northern Department. 


GENERAL HEARD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
New-York, August 13, 1776. 
Sir: Please to grant an order on the Paymaster Gene- 
ral for the payment of my brigade to the Ist of this instant, 
as the greatest part of them are under the necessity of receiv- 
ing their wages before they move; which granted will oblige 
your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant, 
Naruanien Hearn. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


a. 


934 


JOSEPH REED TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 13, 1776. 
Sir: The critical situation of the Army at this time re- 
quired the removal of all persons of suspected characters. 
Among others, the two gentlemen who will have the honour 
of waiting upon you with this have been apprehended and 
brought to this place. As there were no specifick charges 
against them, but the measure was merely cautionary, his 
Excellency indulged them on their parole with personal 
liberty; and though he removed the others to Connecticut, 
for some special reasons, and a confidence which he reposed 
in Captain Hamilton and Mr. Young, he permitted them to 
go to Philadelphia, there to be subject to the orders of the 
honourable Congress; for which purpose they now wait on 
ou. 
I have the honour to be, most respectfully, sir, your obe- 
dient and very humble servant, Jos. Reep. 


STEPHEN MOYLAN TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, August 13, 1776. 

Str: His Excellency the General sent me yesterday copy 
of a resolve of Congress, passed the 2d instant. In com- 
pliance therewith, I have the honour to enclose you an 
account of all moneys I have received from the Paymaster- 
General since my appointment to the Quartermaster-Gene- 
ral’s office, until this day. I shall henceforward send weekly 
returns thereof; and as soon as possible transmit returns of 
the stores under mine and the assistants’ directions, with the 
distribution of them. 

I have the honour to be, with very great respect, sir, 


your most obedient, humble servant, PEN ety es ah 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


BARON DE CALBIAC TO RICHARD PETERS. 
New-York, August 13, 1776. 
Str: I received from you, through the hands of General 
Washington, part of some papers I left with Colonel Mc- 
Kean. ‘There are other very material ones, which I left at the 
same time, which have not been transmitted tome. I should 
suppose Colonel McKean sent to your office the whole of 
the papers together. 1 have written to him on the subject; 
but in case you may not hear from him soon, should esteem 
it a great favour that you would examine in the office if 
there are no other papers of mine, which have been over- 
looked. ‘The papers which are wanting are my passport from 
France, and two letters of service from the French Court. 
You will excuse the trouble I give you, from your most 
obedient, very humble servant, 
Le Baron pe Caxsiac. 


GENERAL SCOTT TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
New-York, August 13, 1776. 

Sir: Mr. Willet Taylor is a prisoner. He is an infirm 
man, his father-in-law, Mr. Bogart, a staunch Whig. No 
difficulty can arise from the interposition of the Congress in 
his affair. I am sure the General will not be displeased 
with it. Iam told Mr. Taylor is willing to give assurances 
on oath; and very probably his father-in-law will under- 
take for him. For the sake of his family, and particularly 
his wife, who is far gone in her pregnancy, I could wish the 
Convention of the State of New-York would do something 
in the case. If he is left to me, I must of course order him 
to Connecticut. 

If Congress will interfere in the affair, I will answer for 
it to the General. I should be glad to know their determi- 
nation on the subject. 

I am, sir, with all imaginable respect, their and your most 
obedient servant, Jno. Morin Scort. 


To the Honourable the President of the Convention of the 
State of New-York. 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State of 
New-York, Harlem, August 13, 1776. 


Resolved, That General Scott be empowered, with the 
permission of his Excellency General Washington, to dis- 
pose of Willet Taylor, Esq., within this State. 

A true copy from the Minutes: 

Joun McKesson, Secretary. 


935 


SAMUEL LOUDON TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
New-York, August 13, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I have been informed that there is another 
sum of money to be soon printed by order of Congress. If 
I am honoured with their command to print it, there will be 
absolute necessity to remove my press to some place of 
safety and convenience for the purpose. 

I have thoughts of taking down my press to-morrow, but 
where to remove it I know not. ‘The situation here at pre- 
sent is dangerous. J mean to continue my newspaper, and 
remove to such place as the posts may meet, which, I sup- 
pose, will not be far from the city. If I can be serviceable 
to the honourable Congress of this State, | am ready to obey 
pic order, by removing to such place as they may think 

t. 

I shall be glad of your answer and advice on this subject ; 
and am, dear sir, your most humble servant, 

S. Loupon. 


To John McKesson, Esq. 


GENERAL WADSWORTH TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-York, August 13, 1776. 


Honourep Sir: Received yours of the 6th instant to 
Colonel Dyer; and having been previously informed that 
circular letters had been issued by your Honour to the civil 
authorities, &c., to promote enlistments into the several regi- 
ments in my brigade to complete the same, had sent recruiting 
officers into Connecticut to facilitate the inlistment; which 
I did as soon as I judged the pressing necessity for labour 
was so far over as to afford the least prospect of success. 
Am informed Major St. John is coming down with the 
Militia. If so, I think it would be best he should muster 
the troops here, unless some more eligible mode may be 
suggested. I herewith transmit a copy of the last brigade 
return, by which it appears Colonel Gay’s regiment is at 
Long-Island, but has now orders to return into the city. In 
the present hurry of business, must beg leave to refer your 
Honour to Colonel Dyer and Mr. Law for intelligence. 

I am, with great esteem and regard, your Honour’s most 


obedient, humble servant, Terre Nia Neelam 
» o e 


To the Hon. Governour Trumbull. 


ROBERT YATES TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Poughkeepsie, August 13, 1776. 

Sir: Your Excellency’s letter of the 21st ultimo arrived 
here at a time when this Committee was dispersed, and the 
members gone different ways on different business. It was, 
however, sent by express to Mr. Jay, who was then in Con- 
necticut, endeavouring to procure cannon for the defence of 
Hudsons River; and we have the pleasure of informing your 
Excellency that we have obtained ten twelve, and ten six- 
pounders, with fifty rounds of shot for each cannon; four of 
the twelve are now at Fort Montgomery. 

We have paid a second visit to the forts, and were pleased 
to find the fortifications at the West-Point, opposite to Fort 
Montgomery, going on with spirit. We think it a most im- 
portant post, and are confident that if it be well fortified and 
defended, it will, together with Fort Montgomery, effectually 
secure that important pass. The attention General Clinton 
has paid to that work, as well as other objects of publick 
concern, merits approbation. Several of the garrison have 
been put to exercising the artillery, and we hope a number 
of good matrosses will in that way be made. 

The chain intended for the Sorel is arrived, and will 
form a quarter part of the one designed for Hudson’s River. 
The iron for the remainder is come to hand, and the smiths 
begin this day to forge it. We have agreed to fix one end 
of it at Fort Montgomery, and the other at the foot of a 
mountain called Anthony’s Nose. It will cross the river 
obliquely, and for that reason be less exposed to the force 
of the tide, and less liable to injury from the ships of the 
enemy. The length of the chain will, at least, be twenty- 
one hundred feet. 

We have purchased and are now fitting out two sloops, 
each of sufficient force to manage a tender, and have appoint- 
ed Captain Benson (who will be the bearer of this letter) 
commander of the one, and Captain Castel of the other. 

The late levies have so far drained the country of men, that 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


936 


we fear it will be impracticable to man these vessels unless 
the officers be permitted to inlist them from among the levies. 
Between fifty and sixty men for each vessel will be sufficient. 
Should this expedient meet your Excellency’s approbation, 
we flatter ourselves the vessels would in a very short time 
be fit for service. 

We are much obliged to your Excellency for communi- 
cating to us the agreeable intelligence of the success attend- 
ing the bravery of our Carolina friends, as well as for your 
constant and unwearied attention to the safety and defence 
of this State. 

We have the honour to be, with the greatest respect and 
esteem, your Excellency’s most obedient and very humble 
servants. By order of the Committee: 

Rosertr Yates, Chairman. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


CAPTAIN SMITH (PRISONER) TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Esopus, August 13, 1776. 

GentLemeN: When Captain Biddle, of the Congress 
armed vessel the Andrew Doria, on the 29th May last, took 
the Oxford transport, on board of which was a company of 
his Britannick Majesty’s Forty-Second Regiment of Foot, 
Captain Biddle, upon taking the officers out of the Oxford, 
only allowed them to take their bedding and a few shirts 
with them, and told them that by orders of the Continental 
Congress all that was the private property of the prisoners 
that were taken, should be allowed them, and that he would 
return the officers their swords upon coming on shore. 

My reason for troubling you with this, gentlemen, is, that 
you mentioned that when any prisoners had business of any 
kind, they were to apply to you. Now I, and the rest of 
the officers of my company, who were taken on board 
the Oxford, will be glad to be informed whether or not we 
will be allowed our baggage, and what was our private pro- 
perty, that was on board at the time we were taken. All 
my clothes and other baggage, and about sixty guineas in 
cash, were on board; as likewise Lieutenant Frankhn’s, who 
is prisoner with me here, and Lieutenant Monroe’s and En- 
sign Campbells, whom Captain Biddle carried to Rhode- 
Island with him. Captain Biddle gave the command of the 
Oxford to one of his Lieutenants, a Mr. McDougall, and a 
Mr. Tribbet. 

I should be very much obliged to you, gentlemen, if you 
will be so kind as to let me have an answer to this as soon 
as it is convenient. 

I am, with respect, gentlemen, your most obedient, hum- 


ble servant, Joun Smirn, Captain in 


Eis Britannick Majesty's 42d Reg’ t. 


To Jno. Brown, Esq., and the other gentlemen appointed 
by Congress for the disposition of Continental prisoners. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Lebanon, August 13, 1776. 


Sir: Your favour of the 7th instant, by Mr. Root, and 
the intelligence it contains, have given me great concern 
and anxiety. ‘The soon expected strength of the enemy, 
and the weakness of your Army, were equally unforeseen 
and surprising. Though I never gave credit to the publick 
accounts of your numbers, yet I could not suspect they fell 
so much short of the numbers proposed as | find they do. 

Immediately upon receipt of your letter I summoned my 
Council of Safety, and ordered nine regiments of our Militia, 
in addition to the five Western regiments, (fourteen in the 
whole,) to march without loss of time and join you, under the 
command of Oliver Wolcott, Esq., Colonel of the regi- 
ment, as their Brigadier-General, who is appointed and com- 
missioned to that office. ‘These orders are accompanied 
with the most pressing recommendation of speedily carrying 
them into execution, enforced by communicating as much of 
the intelligence you was pleased to favour me with, of your 
situation and danger, as I thought prudent and necessary. 

I have likewise proposed that companies of volunteers, 
consisting of able-bodied men not in the Militia, should asso- 
ciate and march to your assistance, under officers they should 
choose, and have promised them like wages and allowance 
of provisions, &c., as the Continental Army receive. Some 
such companies are formed, and I expect more will be. 


937 


Whatever their numbers may be, they will be ordered to 
join some one of our Militia regiments, and submit themselves 
to the command of their field officers while they continue in 
service. Colonel Ward's regiment is on their march to join. 

I am far from trusting merely in the justice of our cause. 
I consider that as a just ground to hope for the smiles of 
Heaven on our exertions, which ought to be the greatest in 
our power. 

These fourteen regiments, sent on the present emergency, 
consist of substantial farmers, whose business requires their 
return when the necessity of their further stay in the Army 
is over; and doubt not your attention thereto, and that you 
will dismiss them in whole or in part as soon as you think 
safe and convenient. 

Captain Bacon has not been with me, though I have 
heard of him, and that he is returned without going to Rhode- 
Island. Captain Van Buren has been here upon the same 
errand, and has procured all the sail-cloth that was wanted, 
and part of the cordage, and has a prospect of obtaining the 
rest of the cordage in this Colony. I have, notwithstanding, 
forwarded your letter to Governour Cooke, and likewise 
given him the intelligence I received from you, agreeable to 
your request. 

I am, with esteem and regard, sir, your obedient, humble 


ervant 
oy ? Jona. TRUMBULL. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Lebanon, August 13, 1776. 

Sir: I wrote you yesterday, since which Captain Seth 
Warren, one of the sea Captains you mention, came to me, and 
hath consented to undertake and raise a company of seamen 
for the Lake service. He informs me that he can soon procure 
twenty seamen here, and as many more out of the companies 
in Colonel Mott’s regiment, which went from his neigh- 
bourhood, and are at or on their march to Skenesborough. 
I have conferred with him, and, on consideration, offered 
the following encouragement to such able-bodied seamen as 
shall inlist into the service, to wit: Bounty, ($20,) £6; 
premium for blanket, 12s.; premium for gun, 6s.; cartouch- 
box, belt, and knapsack, 2s.; wages per month, £2 8s.: 
they to be held in service from the day of their inlistment 
until the 25th day of December next, unless sooner dis- 
charged, and to have the same allowance and marching 
money as the other troops in Continental service. ‘The pre- 
mia and first month’s wages to be paid before they begin 
their march. 

I shall, per next opportunity, send you an account of the 
cost of the felling-axes and advance pay to the carpenters, 
and an estimate of the sums necessary to be advanced for 
premia and first month’s wages for the seamen now to be 
raised, which I shall hope to receive. The other Captains 
I expect here soon, and trust they will undertake the ser- 
vice. 

I am, sir, with great truth and regard, your obedient and 
humble servant, Jona. TRUMBULL. 


To the Hon. Major-General Schuyler. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL GATES. 
Lebanon, August 13, 1776. 

Sir: This day Mr. Daniel Strong, a wagoner from this 
place, set out with a load of axes and clothing for your Army. 
Enclosed is account of packages, with an invoice of sundry 
articles of clothing. At Farmington he is to fall into com- 
pany with an ox-team which brings on more clothing. On 
their arrival, they will need your directions for the delivery. 
Another team will set out from Windham on Thursday or 
Friday next with more clothing, and will meet your direc- 
tions. 

A post-rider will pass in course from this place to Ticon- 
deroga or Skenesborough, as may be thought necessary, as 
frequently as that stage can be performed. I have desired 
General Schuyler to order another to meet him and exchange 
mails at the nearest place to Albany. 

Every intelligence you may think proper to give me will 
be acceptable to, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Jona. TRumBuLL. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


938 


HENRY BROMFIELD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Boston, August 13, 1776. 

Sir: [ am honoured with your Excellency’s favour of 
24th June, which came to hand at a time when I was absent 
on a journey in the country. This, with a great uncertainty 
whether to undertake the task assigned me therein, has been 
the reason that I have not returned an earlier answer; at 
length, however, upon the consideration of the delay a refusal 
must occasion, and that the excuse I might allege in my favour 
might be pleaded by others who most probably must have 
been in the same situation, viz: an unacquaintedness with 
the value of the various articles to be appraised, has deter- 
mined me to undertake the trouble, in conjunction with Mr. 
Wiliam Davis, merchant of this town, on behalf of Captain 
Manley and his crew. We have spared no pains to ascertain 
the value of the different articles, in order to which we have 
applied to all the traders and mechanicks most conversant 
therein, and have, from the information received from them, 
and others most capable of giving it, endeavoured to make 
an estimation as near to truth as might be, which, however 
it may deviate, [ am conscious on my own part cannot be 
attributed to inattention or neglect, and hope will be such as 
to meet the approbation of your Excellency and the honour- 
able Congress. 

I have the honour to be, with the greatest esteem and 
respect, your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant, . 

Henry Bromrievp. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Esq. 


COLONEL FITCH TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-Haven, August 13, 1776. 


Honovrep Sir: I think it my duty to acquaint your 
Honour of the condition and circumstances of the soldiers in 
my regiment, as they are now all ordered off to New- York. 
Their complaints are without number, I will mention a 
few. In some parishes but one or two are left; some have 
got ten or twelve loads of hay cut, and not a man left to 
take it up; some five or six, under the same circumstances; 
some have got a great quantity of grass to cut; some have 
not finished hoeing corn; some, if not all, have got all their 
ploughing to do, for sowing their winter grain; some have 
all their families sick, and not a person left to take care of 
them. I could mention as many more excuses as would fill 
up a sheet of paper which they have made to me, &c. 

I would, with submission, beg of your Honour to inform 
his Excellency General Washington of the condition of this 
regiment, so that they may be released as soon as they pos- 
sibly can be, consistent with the safety of the Army. It is 
enough to make a man’s heart ache to hear the complaints 
of some of them. 

1 would ask your Honour whether it is safe to have all 
the Militia taken from the sea-shore at this time, when we 
expect two or three men-of-war in our Sound. Colonel Jabez 
Thompson has undertaken to command the regiment at last, 
and is now gone to New-York. He desired me to mention 
to your Honour that he thinks, as he has been in the service 
so long, he ought to rank with a Colonel, and, if it can be 
done, desires you to give him such appointment, &c. 

I beg leave to subscribe myself your Honour’s most obe- 
dient, humble servant, 


To His Honour Governour Trumbull. 


N. B. I beg your Honour to sign the enclosed letter, and 
send it to me. 


Jona. Fircu. 


JACOB BAYLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Newbury, August 13, 1776. 

Sir: I was employed by his Excellency General Wash- 
ington to cut a road from this to St. John’s. 1 had pro- 
ceeded thirty miles, when I had news of General Sullivan’s 
retreat. I then brought in my party, and held them in 
readiness. I informed his Excellency, and wait for further 
orders. The whole way is well marked, and cattle may be 
easily driven to St. John’s, if wanted there by our Army. 
On the shortest notice, I will proceed on the road to com- 
plete it. I know it is of the greatest importance. I was 
lately at Watertown and Exeter. Gentlemen of the first 
character say they will immediately turn out volunteers to 


939 


assist in Canada, if wanted. I believe four or five thousand 
may be had at JSt. John’s fifteen days after notice. 

The bearer, Thomas McKeach, soldier in Colonel Bedel’s 
regiment, doubtless was enticed from his duty, as the next 
day after he came to me, and was ready to return. I advised 
him to stay a little for some of the Cedar men, who now are 
returning with him. Must beg, sir, you will pardon him. 
His character is good with us, and the people of his country 
with us are friendly to our cause. 

I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Jacos Bayuey. 


P. S. Ihave sent for the Hessian deserter at Mr. Met- 
calf’s, and shall leave one of our men in his room, to watch 
the motions of Regulars, &c. 


Halifax, Nova-Scotia, August 13, 1776. 

We have undoubted authority that two thousand High- 
landers, under the convoy of three frigates and three armed 
schooners, on a new construction for drawing the least quan- 
tity of water, have been despatched by Lord Howe up the 
Bay of Funday, to penetrate by that side into the New- 
Hampshire Government; and that Colonel McLane, with 
three thousand of the lower country Militia of Canada, and 
six hundred Indzans, are on their full march to join that body 
of Highlanders at the head of the river St. John’s, and 
to codperate with them. 

Saturday night last arrived below, and Sunday morning 
came up to town, his Majesty’s frigate Liverpool, from 
Head-Quarters, and brought in with her a Jamaica ship 
and Antigua brig, retaken; also, a Philadelphia sloop, 
bound to some port of New-England. 

We hear that a Spanish vessel, with a large quantity of 
cash on board, was taken going up the Delaware river to 
Philadelphia, by one of his Majesty’s ships-of-war cruising 
off there; and that a ship from Hamburgh, laden with 
woollen cloth and all sorts of linen, &c., was likewise taken, 
bound for the above port. 

On the 2d instant arrived his Majesty’s frigate Milford, 
Captain Burr, from a cruise, and brought in a prize schoo- 
ner, loaded with fish and lumber for the West-India market; 
also, the Princess Royal, a homeward Jamaica ship, loaded 
with rum, sugar, and other valuable articles, which, having 
parted her convoy, fell in, off the Bermuda Islands, with a 
letter-of-marque schooner, in the American service, of six 
guns and some swivels, bound to Santa Croix, who took 
her and put an officer and twelve men on board. But after 
they had her in possession sixteen days, he fell in with the 
Milford, in Boston Bay, who retook her, but the prize- 
master and his men took to their boat, and got on shore 


before the Milford came up. 


An authentick List of the Naval and Military Force in the 
Province of Nova-Scotta, August 13, 1776, collected 
from the best authorities in the Province. 


In the Harbour of Halifax: The Milford and Liverpool 
frigates, of 28 guns; the brig Hope, of 12 guns; the new 
sloop of war, fitting out, called the Albany, (late the Ritten- 
house, belonging to Phaladelphia,) to carry 16 guns, Mowatt 
Commander. 

August 16.—Since writing this List, the Milford and 
Liwerpool frigates sailed; and the 17th, (to-morrow,) the 
brig Hope will sail for Loutsburgh. 

In the Town of Halifax: Two battalions of Marines, the 
whole nine hundred rank and file; near two hundred inva- 
lids; twelve Artillery men; one company of the Fourteenth 
Regiment of Infantry, forty-seven rank and file; one com- 
pany of the Royal Highland Emigrants, thirty-nine rank 
and file, six brass field-pieces, six and three-pounders. 

Fortifications in the Town and Suburbs: A five-sided 
redoubt, about one hundred paces west of the dock-yard; 
a redoubt on a hill called Padley’s Hill, about one and a 
half mile northwest of the dock-yards: a redoubt, four sides, 
about five hundred paces southwest of the dock-yard; a 
small breastwork on a hill called Still-House Hill, about 
forty paces north of the dock-yard, small block-houses to be 
built in each of the above redoubts; a block-house, twenty 
feet by thirty, at the northwest corner of the dock-yard, and 
another of the same dimensions at the southwest corner; a 
small block-house, fifteen feet by eight, each side of the dock- 
yard gate. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


940 


The foregoing works had no cannon mounted when I left 
Halifax, August 16th. 

A large square breastwork for cannon, almost finished, 
on the top of Citadel Hill, mounting twelve twenty-four 
pounders, three each way, viz: north, east, south, west. 
The eastern side fronts the harbour. A block-house, forty 
feet by sixty, erecting in said works, 

In the County of King’s County: Part of the Royal 
Highland Emigrants, consisting of two hundred and thirty- 
seven rank and file. 

In the County of Cumberland: The regiment of Royal 
Fencible Americans, commanded by Colonel Gorham, con- 
sisting of two hundred and seventy-two rank and file when 
the last accounts came away; but frequent desertions lessen 
their numbers. 

The dock-yard is situate upon low land, about one mile 
north by west of the middle of the town of Halifax, sur- 
rounded with a stone wall, ten feet high, but is not strong 
enough to resist the enchantment of a three-pound ball. 


JOHN HANSON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read October 7, 1776.] 
St. Croix, August 14, 1776. 

GentLEMeN: To say anything in recommendation of my- 
self will be presumption; to promise much will be idle; for 
events depend on the Almighty. I foresee an Independency 
must of necessity be declared. Iam a friend, and ever have 
been, to the righteous cause of America; and as such I offer 
you my heart and hand. If I can be of service at this critical 
moment, and if my service is accepted, please to inform me 
time enough to settle my affairs here, and send a fast-sailing 
frigate to conduct myself and family to America. If she is of 
force, I may probably bring one of King George’s frigates 
with me. 

I am, with hearty wishes for your success, gentlemen, 
your most obedient, humble servant, 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


Joun Hanson. 


COLONEL THOMPSON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
: Charlestown, South-Carolina, August 14, 1776. 

Sir: As no greater honour can be conferred on a faithful 
servant of the publick, so next to a consciousness of having 
done his duty, nothing can afford so much pleasure to such 
servant as the thanks of the people. I must confess, sir, I 
had not entertained the smallest expectation of such distin- 
guished notice as the Congress have been pleased to take of 
my endeavours to assist in repelling the attempts of the fleet 
and army upon this State on the 28th of June last. I was 
conscious of having acted honestly in the cause, according 
to the best of my poor abilities, and there my ideas rested. 
However, sir, | am not insensible of the very great honour 
which, for barely having done my duty, I have now received 
from the Congress; and I beg leave to return you my par- 
ticular thanks for the very polite manner in which you have 
transmitted their resolution of the 20th Judy in your favour 
of the 22d, which I have communicated to the officers and 
soldiers of my regiment. 

Permit me to request, sir, you will be pleased to present 
my humble respects and assurances to the Congress that my 
life and fortune are devoted to the cause of the thirteen 
United States of America, and to the general propagation of 
liberty, and that while my health and strength will permit 
me, I shall hold myself at the command of my country. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most 


obedient and most humble servant, lke ore 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq., President of the 
Honourable the Representatives of the Thirteen United 
States of America, in Congress, at Philadelphia. 


Charlestown, South-Carolina, August 14, 1776. 

His Excellency General Lee and Brigadier-General Howe 
have set out for Georgia. 'Ten very fine double-fortified 
nine-pounders, lately belonging to the Acteon frigate, and 
several anchors, spars, &c., which the men-of war thought 
prudent to leave behind them on the night of the 28th June, 
have been taken up and brought to town. The search is 
still continued, and it is expected most of the guns will be 
got up. 


941 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A FIELD-OFFICER OF SOUTH- 
CAROLINA, DATED CAMP AT KEOWEE, AUGUST 14, 1776. 


On the 6th instant I marched from my camp, about two 
miles below this place, with about seven hundred chosen 
men, to surprise Cameron and the Indians, who were said 
to be encamped at Oconousel. When J arrived there, I found 
the camp deserted. 1 destroyed the houses and corn that 
were there. I then proceeded towards Toogola, where, 
when I arrived, I found the houses all burnt down on the 
other side of the river, but the corn and all the houses on 
this side standing, which I entirely cut down and destroyed, 
and detached one hundred men on horseback, who destroyed 
another place, and the corn, &c., about six miles distance, 
and took about three hundred raw deerskins. The 9th I 
marched for and destroyed the corn at Estatoe, having before 
sent off Captains Anderson and Pickens to reconnoitre the 
mountains near the river, who returned and informed me 
that they had seen several Indians on the hills on each side 
the river. I marched at five o’clock next morning, and in 
fording the river about a mile above where I encamped, the 
front, being advanced about half way over, was fired upon 
by a considerable body of white men and Indians, who had 
taken the advantage of the ground along the river side, 
and on a high hill, which commanded the ford and landing 
place; being but a few men, they retreated to the bank, 
where they returned the fire with spirit. A general fire now 
ensued on both sides the river, which is here about forty 
yards wide; being betwixt the two parties, I ordered out a 
party to proceed up the river about half a mile, in order to 
endeavour to cross there and take them behind, but found it 
impracticable, the enemy having secured every part. I 
then ordered a strong party on a hill which commanded an 
open field and part of the hill on the other side, and had the 
Indian canoes brought over the river, in which about two 
hundred and twenty men crossed it, about two in the after- 
noon; which the enemy perceiving, quitted the ground, and 
left me in possession thereof, where I found nothing but 
some marks of blood. I do not know the number of killed 
and wounded of the enemy; on my side one Lieutenant and 
four privates are wounded, but none of them dangerously. 
I had the houses and corn here also burnt and destroyed, 
and encamped on a convenient spot till the next morning, 
the 11th, when I marched, burnt and destroyed the houses 
and corn on Brass-Town Creek. Herel encamped. The 
12th I proceeded about twelve miles to Tomisie, where I 
found a large quantity of corn, and detached Captain Pickens 
with sixty men to reconnoitre the hills, where, about three 
in the afternoon, they discovered a spy from the enemy, on 
whom they fired and followed ; and after running some small 
distance, about thirty-five of them engaged a large number 
of the enemy. On hearing of the firing at Tomisie, I im- 
mediately hurried to their assistance, with about one hundred 
and fifty men, and came upon their back about a mile from 
Tomisie, when a sharp firing ensued, which lasted about an 
hour and a quarter, when the enemy gave way with con- 
siderable loss, fifteen dead bodies being found in about the 
space of one hundred and fifty yards, whom our people 
scalped. They were so nearly engaged, that three of the 
Indians were killed by our people with their own knives and 
tomahawks. From apparent circumstances, 1 cannot think 
there could be less than sixty Indians killed and wounded 
in this affair. We had one man killed and fifteen wounded, 
three of which have since died, and the rest are in a fair 
way to do well. Here I encamped for the night, and the 
next day, 13th, reached this camp late in the evening. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO NORTHUMBERLAND COUN- 
TY (VIRGINIA) COMMITTEE. 


[No. 133.] Annapolis, August 14, 1776. 


GentLEemeN: You will be pleased to deliver to Captain 
James Nicholson, or order, the powder, arms, and osna- 
burghs, imported in the Molly, Captain Conway, and which 
you were so obliging as to land in a place of security. We 
shall be happy in having it in our power to render you the 
like good offices, and will most cheerfully repay you every 


expense that you have been put to on account of this im- 
portation. We are, &c. 


To the Committee of Observation for Northwnberland 
County, in Virginia. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


942 


JOHN DALTON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Alexandria, August 14, 1776. 
Sir: By an account received from Messrs. Daniel and 
Samuel Hughes, this Commonwealth became indebted to 
your Province for the expense of powder, &c., expended in 
proving the two eighteen-pounders for the galleys. En- 
closed is an order for the amount from the bonourable Privy 
Council, £28 2s.; on the receipt of which, you will be 
pleased to have a receipt directed to me. 
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
Joun Darton. 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, 
President of the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


SAMUEL NICHOLLS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Wye River, August 14, 1776. 
Sir: I received yours bearing date the 9th instant, in 
regard to the flint-stones at Emmerson’s Landing. believe 
there are two tons at least that are very readily got at. 
I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 
Samuet NIcHoL.s. 


To the Honourable Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer. 


DOCTOR WEISENTHALL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Annapolis, August 14, 1776. 

GentLemMeN: When I was before the Council the time 
before I set out for New-York, I was desired to furnish the 
Council a memorandum concerning the direction of physical 
matters of the military in the Province, and that it was un- 
avoidable, the nature of the circumstances requiring it; which 
memorandum you intended to lay before the Convention; 
but as, immediately after, Doctor Tootell was appointed for 
the present battalion, and acting at the same time as direc- 
tor, it gives me room to suppose myself superseded, and con- 
sequently discharged from any Provincial employment. My 
commission being Surgeon to the battalion of Colonel Small- 
wood, I never looked upon to be what I intended, but ac- 
cepted it merely since the other was not as yet established. 
Should my suggestions of my discharge be your intention, be 
then pleased to give Dr. Tootell, or anybody else, an order 
for the delivery of the remaining medicines of the Province 
now under my care; and as there will be a balance coming 
to me, both for the battalion, as well as the attendance at 
Baltimore Town and Fort, you will please to issue your 
order for that purpose. 

I have the honour to be, with due respect, gentlemen, 
you most obedient and humble servant, 

C. WEISENTHALL. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


CAPTAIN LOWE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, August 14, 1776. 

GentLemeN: As I had unfortunately engaged the hunt- 
ing-shirts for my company before I waited on you, not 
doubting but that your Honours would have furnished me 
with cash to have paid for them; and as you did not, I was 
under the necessity of paying for them with the money you 
furnished me with to carry the said company to Philadelphia; 
that, together with sheaths for a parcel of bayonets, shoes, 
hats, and body shirts, (which articles the said company could 
not march without,) bas taken the most of the money you 
gave me for the purpose of carrying the company to Phila- 
delphia. Lam, therefore, under the necessity of begging 
your Honours to grant me a further supply by the return of 
Colonel Ewing, or an order on him to supply me with what 
will be necessary for that purpose, as it is impracticable for 
me to pretend to march my company without. I have no 
way without to furnish them with necessaries of life. 

I am, gentlemen, your Honours’ most obedient humble 
servant, Jno. Hawkins Lowe. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


COLONEL HOLLINGSWORTH TO THE MARYLAND COUNCIL OF 
SAFETY. 
Head of Elk, August 14, 1776. 
GentLtemen: Your several letters relative to forwarding 
the troops I have received. Ihave given every assistance in 


943 


my power; but having found much difficulty in some cases 
to give that despatch I could have wished for, (on account 
of our wagons being taken on to Philadelphia, so that the 
next troops were obliged to wait till their return,) it hath 
from necessity induced me to form the plan which I flatter 
myself will be approved of by your Honours: 

The troops as they arrive are to be provided with wagons 
at Elk, to carry the baggage, &c., to Christeen, where shal- 
lops are provided ; or if not there, at Newport or Wilming- 
ton, where, at furthest, our wagons are to be relieved, where 
there are barracks provided for a battalion, and where 
I have, by the advice and recommendation of Brigadier- 
General McKinley, appointed Mr. Jonathan Rumford to 
provide provisions, shallops, and wagons, as occasion may 
require, to forward them to Chester; where there are good 
well-furnished barracks for a thousand men, and where, by 
the General’s recommendation, I applied to David Copeland 
to provide provisions, open the barracks, &c. &c. So that 
by this method of proceeding the troops will make the march 
from Elk to Philadelphia in three days, (one day of eighteen 
and two of fifteen miles,) and may have good barracks and 
fresh provisions at each stage; by which means the tents and 
three-fourths the baggage may go by the shallops, as also 
the sick or ailing; and in some cases, where there is room, 
a company or two may go. In this, gentlemen, I have far 
surpassed my orders. Captain Allen Thomas was with me, 
who highly approved the mode of proceeding. By him I 
acquainted the honourable members of Congress for this 
Province. As this matter appears to me most comfortable 
to the troops, the cheapest, and liable to the least delay, I 
flatter myself of your Honours’ and their approbation. As 
these things are attended with considerable expense, for 
which (with some arms I am completing here for Captain 
Alexander’s company) I have advanced freely, I submit it 
whether some person, being appointed in this County to pay 
the several expenses, may not be conducive to the service ; 
and am your Honours’ most obedient humble servant, 

H. Hotiinesworru. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


ROBERT MORRIS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, August 14, 1776. 
Srr: You have annexed, an extract of a letter we have 
just received from Messrs. Clarke & Nightingale, merchants 
in Providence, Rhode-Island. ‘This letter was laid before 
Congress, who ordered this Committee to inform your Ex- 
cellency of the powder therein mentioned, and to desire you 
would take possession of it, granting a receipt for the same 
to those who have it in keeping, in order that we may account 
hereafter for the value of such part as may be adjudged to 
the privateer that retook it. 
By order and on behalf of the Secret Committee, I have 
the honour to be your Excellency’s most obedient servant, 
Rost. Morris, Chairman. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 
Extract of the Letter from Messrs. CuarKxe & NIGHTINGALE. 

A few days ago we received intelligence that the sloop 
Nancy was retaken by the Schuyler privateer, Captain Pond, 
and carried into Fury Inlet Bay on Long-Island. We there- 
fore despatched Captain Potter immediately to make inquiry 
whether the report was true; he has returned, and confirms 
it, and further says she was in possession of the enemy but 
five or six days, and that she is pillaged of almost everything. 
Out of all the arms she had, there are but three muskets and 
fifteen pair of pistols left. ‘They have got two cutlasses and 
the four swivels on board the privateer. Seventy-one kegs of 
powder and one bag saltpetre, they have stored in Hunting- 
ton ; also one large case of linens, cotton stockings, and two 
or three pieces cambrick. ‘The case of flints, containing ten 
thousand, are sent forward to New- York, to his Excellency 
General Washington. One half cask of powder, containing 
fifty weight, they have put into store at the south side of 
Long-Island. ‘This is all that remains of the cargo. 


JOHN ADAMS TO MRS. ADAMS. 
Philadelphia, August 14, 1776. 
This is the anniversary of a memorable day in the history 
of America: a day when the principle of American resist- 
© 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


944 


ance and independence was first asserted and carried into 
action—the stamp-office fell before the rising spirit of our 
countrymen. It is not impossible that the two grateful bro- 
thers may make their grand attack this very day. If they 
should, it is possible it may be more glorious for this country 
than ever: it is certain it will become more memorable. 

Your favours of August 1st and 5th came by yesterday’s 
post. I congratulate you all upon your agreeable prospects. 
Even my pathetick little hero Charles, I hope, will have the 
distemper finely. It is very odd that the Doctor cannot put 
infection enough into his veins; nay, it is unaccountable to 
me, that he has not taken it the natural way before now. 
I am under little apprehension, prepared as he is, if he should. 
I am concerned about you much more. So many persons 
about you sick, the children troublesome, your mind per- 
plexed, yourself weak and relaxed. The situation must be 
disagreeable. ‘The country air and exercise, however, will 
refresh you. 

I am put upon a Committee to prepare a device for a 
golden medal, to commemorate the surrender of Boston to 
the American arms, and upon another, to prepare devices 
for a great seal for the confederated States. ‘There is a gen- 
tleman here of French extraction, whose name is du Simi- 
tere, a painter by profession, whose designs are very inge- 
nious, and his drawings well executed. He has been applied 
to for his advice. I waited on him yesterday, and saw his 
sketches. or the medal he proposes, Liberty, with her 
spear and pileus, leaning on General Washington; the Bri- 
tish fleet in Boston harbour with all their sterns towards 
the town, the American troops marching in. For the seal, 
he proposes, The arms of the several nations from whence 
America has been peopled, as English, Scotch, Irish, Dutch, 
German, &c., each in a shield. On one side of them, Li- 
berty with her pileus ; on the other, a Rifler in his uniform, 
with his rifle-gun in one hand, and his tomahawk in the other: 
this dress, and these troops, with this kind of armour, being 
peculiar to America, unless the dress was known to the Ro- 
mans. Dr. Franklin showed me yesterday a book, contain- 
ing an account of the dresses of all the Roman soldiers, one 
of which appeared exactly like it. This M. du Stmitiere is 
a very curious man. He has begun a collection of materials 
for a history of this Revolution. He begins with the first 
advices of the tea ships. He cuts out of the newspapers 
every scrap of intelligence, and every piece of speculation, 
and pastes it upon clean paper, arranging them under the 
head of that State to which they belong, and intends to bind 
them up in volumes. He has a list of every speculation and 
pamphlet concerning independence, and another of those 
concerning forms of Government. 

Doctor Franklin proposes a device for a seal: Moses 
lifting up his wand, and dividing the Red Sea, and Pharaoh 
in his chariot overwhelmed with the waters. This motto, 
“Rebellion to Tyrants is obedience to God.” 

Mr. Jefferson proposed, The children of Jsrael in the wil- 
derness, led by a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night; 
and on the other side, Hengist and Horsa, the Saxon Chiefs, 
from whom we claim the honour of being descended, and 
whose political principles and form of Government we have 
assumed. 

I proposed, The choice of Hercules, as engraved by Gri- 
belin, in some editions of Lord Shaftesbury’s works. 'The 
hero resting on his club; Virtue pointing to her rugged 
mountain on one hand, and persuading him to ascend; 
Sloth, glancing at her flowery paths of pleasure, wantonly 
reclining on the ground, displaying the charms both of her 
eloquence and person, to seduce him into vice. But this istoo 
complicated a group for a seal or medal, and it is not original. 

I shall conclude by repeating my request for horses and a 
servant. Let the horses be good ones. I can’t ride a bad 
horse so many hundred miles. If our affairs had not been 
in so critical a state at New-York, I should have run away 
before now. But I am determined, now, to stay until some 
gentleman is sent here in my room, and until my horses 
come. But the time will be very tedious. 

The whole force is arrived at Staten-Island. 


CHSAR RODNEY TO THOMAS RODNEY. 
Philadelphia, August 14, 1776. 
Sir: I sent by Mr. Robinson (without having time to 
write) the thread you committed to my charge, converted 


945 


into stockings; but whether the weaver has discovered as 
much care and ingenuity as the spinner, on that occasion, I 
cannot say, as I had but little time to inspect them. I wrote 
to you by young Mr. Loockerman, who promised you should 
have the letter as soon as he got home, but I do not recol- 
lect when he left home, but imagined you ought to have 
received it before you wrote to me, and yet do not find it 
mentioned. 

Agreeable to promise, I sent some time ago to Mr. Killon, 
by Matthew Henry’s vessel, in the care of Richard Lock- 
wood, Esq., a quire of post paper. I have not heard yet 
whether it got safe to hand, and had not when I sent it 
time to write to him about it. 

By your letter, I stand informed as to the names of your 
antagonists in the ensuing election; and am pleased to find 
you hope to succeed. But are you not too sanguine in your 
expectation? I wish your ticket may be supported by the 
freemen of the County, because I believe those men wish 
to have the great work in which we are now engaged finish- 
ed in such a manner as to afford to the community at large 
that personal safety, security of property, free enjoyment 
of religious persuasion, and that equal and easy distribution 
of justice, which they have a right to expect, and without 
which they cannot be happy. 

I did not expect to be carried in the other ticket, because 
I see some names there who | believe are too far gone in 
personal prejudice and private emolument to do justice to 
merit, or to consider the rights and privileges of the people 
at large their interest. But if the people cannot or will not 
see these things, though glaring, they must and will suffer. 

The time is now big with importance, as to Continental 
as well as Governmental matters. The armies at New- York 
are like to come to blows in a few days. One hundred and 
some odd transports, with Hesszans, arrived at the Hook the 
day before yesterday. ‘The English Army is supposed to be 
upwards of twenty thousand strong; ours better than thirty 
thousand, in high spirits, and eager for action, &c. I shall 
be able perhaps to write you more on that head in a few 
days. 

I am, with much love to all friends, yours, 

Casar Ropney. 


To Thomas Rodney, Esq., Dover. 


FRANCIS LEWIS TO MRS. GATES. 
Philadelphia, August 13, 1776. 

Dear Manpam: I was favoured with your letter of the 
6th instant, which gave me the greater pleasure as it was 
delivered me by your son. He set off this morning for 
Princeton in order to settle some matters with Mr. Wither- 
spoon. In my conversation with Bod upon the present state 
of the college, I found his inclination was to return home. I 
advised him to the contrary, but that he should consult Dr. 
Witherspoon, and be governed by his advice, and as I ex- 
pect the Doctor in town this day, shall advise with him. Iam 
under no apprehension of any personal danger at Princeton ; 
at present I think it safer than in this city. 

I perceive by your letter that you are alarmed at my son 
Morgan’s coming down express to Congress. He brought 
nothing material, more than the then state of the Army at 
Ticonderoga, much reduced by the small-pox and other dis- 
orders, but since their removal from Isle-aux-Noix they were 
recovering daily, and reinforcements arriving, so that when 
he left Ticonderoga they were thought sufficient to oppose 
General Burgoyne on that quarter, who is, on his part, for- 
tifying St. John’s, and building boats, &c., in order to cross 
the Lake. The principal reason for Morgan’s coming down 
was briefly this: General Gates, when appointed to the 
command of the Army in Canada, was empowered to ap- 
point such officers as he thought proper. In consequence 
thereof he nominated Morgan Deputy Quartermaster-Gene- 
ral. When General Gates got to Albany the troops under 
Sullivan had evacuated Canada, therefore General Schuyler 
claimed the command of that Army whilst in the Colony of 
New-York, as senior officer, and of course General Glates’s 
appointments for Canada were null. This brought Mor- 
gan down to solicit redress from the Congress, as he had 
been put to a considerable expense in equipping himself for 
the appointment. General Sullivan also was so disgusted at 
General Gates being appointed to that command, that he 
requested to resign; however, that he has withdrawn. 


Firra Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


60 


946 


At present our greatest anxiety is for the fate of New- 
York, which I greatly fear is devoted to destruction. The 
Ministerial Army on Staten-Island are said to be thirteen 
thousand strong, with a considerable naval force, and we 
hourly expect to hear the city is attacked. If so, there is, 
in my opinion, little probability of its being saved. 

I can assure you that General Gates and the Army under 
his command were by their last letters in high spirits, and 
under no apprehension of danger from that quarter this cam- 
paign. Whatever material may happen I shall advise you. 

I am, dear madam, sincerely, your very humble servant, 

Frans. Lewis. 


REGULATIONS FOR THE SALE OF SALT. 
In Convention for the State of Pennsylvania, 
Saturday, August 14, 1776. ; 

Whereas it appears to this Convention, upon due inquiry 
and information of the circumstances, that the Salt now in 
this city has been imported at low prices, and under mode- 
rate insurance; and whereas divers persons, in contempt of 
the just and wholesome regulations of the Committee, &c., 
of Philadelphia, under directions of Congress, have con- 
tinued to dispose of their Salt at most exorbitant prices, to 
the great grievance and distress of their fellow-subjects of 
this State : 

It is therefore Resolved, That the said regulations be 
hereby confirmed, and all persons whatever are hereby 
strictly enjoined to pay due obedience thereto. And the 
said Committees are authorized and directed to seize and 
take into their possession the Salt belonging to such persons 
as have refused, or shall refuse, conformity to the regulations 
so established, or shall altogether withhold or refuse to sell 
their Salt during the continuance of such regulations, allow- 
ing to the said persons, upon the sale thereof, the fixed and 
settled prices, first deducting the expenses incurred upon the 
sale. 

And whereas it is but reasonable that every part of this 
extensive State should be accommodated as nearly as may 
be with their proportion of this article, so justly esteemed a 
necessary of life: 

Be it Resolved, That the Committee of Philadelphia are 
hereby further directed to distribute the Salt that may as 
aforesaid come into their possession in equal quantities in the 
several Counties, having regard to the reputed number of 
inhabitants contained in the said Counties. 

Extract from the Minutes : 

Joun Morais, Jun., Secretary. 


Philadelphia, August 14, 1776. 

Last Wednesday was launched the third Continental fri- 
gate built here, called the Washington. 

Monday last arrived here the brig Polly, Captain Mer- 
mahue, in twenty-four days from Martinico, who has brought 
a quantity of powder, sulphur, some arms, coffee, &c. In 
latitude 19° longitude 64° he spoke the brig Mermazd, Cap- 
tain Sawyer, from New-York, out twenty-two days. None 
of the enemy’s ships were at the Capes when the above 
vessel came in. 


LANCASTER COMMITTEE. 


At a meeting of the Committee of Observation, Inspec- 
tion, and Correspondence, at the house of Adam Reigart, 
the 14th August, 1776: 


Present: William Atlee, Matthias Slough, Ludwick Lowman, Henry 
Dehuff, Christ. Crawford, John Miller, Casper Shaffner, Jacob Krug. 


William Atlee in the chair. 


It being represented that a number of troublesome and 
dangerous persons are strolling about the country near the 
town of Lebanon, and that they threaten the inhabitants ; 
and it appearing that Colonel Curtis Grubb hath Jeft John 
Sweitzer, Michael Winter, and some others of his battalion, 
with orders to guard and assist the inhabitants in the absence 
of the Associators who have marched to the camp, and the 
said Michael Winter requesting some Ammunition from the 
Magazine, 

It is Agreed and Ordered, That Mr. Bowsman deliver to 
said Michael Winter three pounds of Powder and twelve 
pounds of Lead, for the use of the Guard for the purpose 
aforesaid. 


947 


Lieutenant Christopher Crawford, of a detachment of As- 
sociators who have acted as guard in the town, exhibited a 
Pay-Bill for the Troops under his command, amounting to 
£223 8s. 2d., which, being examined, is allowed and passed 
in Committee, and ordered to be paid by William Ailee, 
Esq., the Committee ‘Treasurer and Paymaster. 

And as it appears there are a number of persons included 
in the said Pay-Bill who have joined his detachment and 
have really done duty, but have not signed the Association 
in any Company or Battalion, and are therefore subject to 
being marched from here, Mr. Crawford is directed to ten- 
der to.them the Association, to be signed by them as mem- 
bers of some particular Company here, and those who refuse 
are to be discharged. And Mr. Crawford is directed to dis- 
charge from his detachment the following persons, who ap- 
pear to the Committee unfit for duty, and therefore think 
they ought not to receive pay, viz: Frederick Bauder, above 
fifty years of age, and very infirm; Henry Lindeman, above 
fifty years of age, lame and infirm; Adam F'roult, above 
fifty years, and a Non-Associator ; Jacob Steigleman, above 
fifty, and a Non-Associator; John Gouter, a lad of about 
fourteen years of age, and a Gunsmith’s apprentice. 


Lieutenant Casper Shaffner, of Captain Klatz’s Company 
of Militia, doing duty in Lancaster, exhibited a Pay-Bill for 
the Company now under his command, (Captain Klatz 
being absent,) amounting to £230 16s. 5d., which, being 
examined, is allowed and approved in Committee, and or- 
dered to be paid by William Atlee, the Committee ‘Trea- 
surer and Paymaster. 

Lieutenant Christian Petre, of Captain Yeates’s Com- 
pany of Militia, of Colonel Slough’s Battalion, now doing 
duty in Lancaster, exhibited a Pay-Bill for that Company, 
now under his command, (Captain Yeates being absent,) 
amounting to £237 6s. 2d., which, being examined, is 
allowed and approved in Committee, and ordered to be paid 
by William Atlee, the Committee’s Treasurer and Pay- 
master. 

Captain John Henry, of Colonel Ross’s Battalion of Mili- 
tia, now doing duty in Lancaster, exhibited a Pay-Bill for 
that Company, now under his command, amounting to 
£272 18s..8d., which, being examined, is allowed and ap- 
proved in Committee, and ordered to be paid by William 
Atlee, the Committee Treasurer and Paymaster, deducting 
£100 heretofore advanced to Captain Henry by Mr. Low- 
man, and repaid to Mr, Lowman by the Paymaster in Phila- 
delphia, so that the sum of £172 18s. 8d. is to be paid to 
Captain Henry. 

Captain Peter Hoofnagle, of Colonel George Ross’s Bat- 
talion of Militia, now doing duty in Lancaster, exhibited 
a Pay-Bill for that Company, now under his command, 
amounting to £282 16s. 10d., which, being examined, is 
allowed and approved of in Committee, and ordered to be 
paid by William Atlee, the Committee’s Treasurer and Pay- 
master, he deducting £120 heretofore advanced to Captain 
Hoofnagle by Mr. Christopher Wirtz, and repaid to Mr. 
Wirtz by the Paymaster in Philadelphia, so that the sum 
of £162 16s. 10d. is to be paid to Captain Hoofnagle. 


August 16, 1776. 
The same Members present as on the 13th. 


William Atlee in the chair. 


Resolved, That the following persons, to wit: Marcus 
Nagle, Nicholas Scove, Thomas Nabury, Peter McMullen, 
John Jones, (Stocktaker,) in the service of Colonel Peter 
Grubb, at his forge in the manufacture of Gun-scalps, &c., 
be left in that employ, and be not marched with the Militia. 

George Sand, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, servant to 
Ensign Gordon, and John Willson, are permitted to go to 
York, and continue there under the directions of the Com- 
mittee there, that Committee having agreed to it, and these 
people have before been permitted to be at York as servants 
with the officers, and were lately sent by that Committee 
from thence. 

Daniel Campbell, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is per- 
mitted to work with John Lightner at the Weaving business, 

John Farnell, of the Seventh Regiment, is permitted to 
work with Cornelius Taylor, Shoemaker, he here in Com- 
mittee engaging to be answerable for him, agreeable to the 
resolves of the Committee. 


Daniel Campbell, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is per- 


‘CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


948 


mitted to work with John Lightner at the Weaving business, 
he here in Committee engaging to be answerable for him, 
agreeable to the resolves of Committee. 


Committee Chamber, in Paxtown, 14th of August, at 
Mr. George Fries’s, in Middletown, 1776: 

On motion, Resolved unanimously, That this Committee 
make application to the County Committee for one hundred 
and thirty-five pounds of Gunpowder, for the use of this 
Township, as we do not know the day or hour we may be 
attacked by a frontier enemy; thirty-five pounds of which 
Powder and one hundred and fifty-pounds of Lead and Shot 
lies in Mr. John Harris’s ; and five hundred pounds of Lead 
which lies at the house of Mr. Carrous; and as we look up 
to you in all cases of emergency, we hope you will consider 
our distressed situation, and that you will direct under whose 
hands said Ammunition shall be lodged. 

Also, on motion, Resolved unanimously, That all the 
Gunsmiths of our Township be set to repair all Arms in said 
Township that are not fit for service, at the expense of the 
publick, and that your honourable Board will empower this 
Committee to oblige all the Gunsmiths in that Township to 
fall to work at said Guns immediately. 

By order of Committee : 

Anprew Berryuaii, Chairman. 


To the Chairman of Upper-Paxtown Township Commit- 
tee, when sitting, at the request of Captain Divlar and a 
number of others then present, and also I send you a copy 
of our resolve in regard of putting in our fall crops: 

Resolved, That it is the advice and opinion of this Com- 
mittee that there shall be four men chosen in each company 
or district, and are hereby appointed, to give their assistance 
and advice to the utmost of their power and abilities to take 
care and have the fall crops of each man in each district 
that is gone abroad in defence of his country, put in in pro- 
per time and season, as far as in them lies, and according to 
the choice of the members of the Committee in each dis- 
trict. The following men were chosen for the said purpose, 
by order of Committee: 

August 13, 1776. Anprew BerryHiLi, Chairman. 


Mr. JounGarsper: You are desired to send this paper to 

the Committee of Upper-Paxton, or to Captain Devilar. 
Paxton, August 27, 1776. 

Mr. Berryhill has been wrongly informed respecting the 
quantity of powder in John Harris’s possession, (of his own,) 
which said Harris informed Mr. Bowman, of Lancaster, by 
letter, was one-quarter cask, to wit: twenty-five pounds of 
gunpowder, which should be procured, if wanted, for the 
common defence of American liberty, though not included 
in the military stores of Lancaster County, nor any lead. 
Witness the return made when the military stores were in- 
spected into by the said Harris and others, appointed by 
the Committee of said County. 

And whereas it is reported that several evil-disposed per- 
sons in the frontiers of Upper-Paxton township and Hanover 
township, above the Kvttatinney Mountains, are robbing 
houses, frightening women and children, &c., the said Har- 
ris thinks it very proper that the bearer, Ludwick Gratz, 
appointed by the township of Upper Paxton, to apply for 
one-quarter cask of gunpowder at the magazine of Lancaster, 
and an order for about sixty or seventy pounds of lead, be 
delivered said Gratz by Mr. Carson, to save the trouble of 
carriage from Lancaster of said lead within mentioned, on 
condition that the said Gratz give security that said ammu- 
nition shall be detained in said Upper Paxton township to 
oppose all enemies, Tories, robbers, &c., when needful. 
And the said John Harris chooses to keep his own ammu- 
nition in store until wanted for said purposes within men- 
tioned. Joun Harris. 
To the Committee of Correspondence and Observation, &c., 

of Lancaster County. 


CLEMENT BIDDLE TO RICHARD PETERS. 
Perth-Amboy, August 14, 1776. 
Sir: Since my arrival here, I have from time to time 
written to Mr. Gustavus Risberg, at Philadelphia, to procure 
such articles as were necessary for furnishing the Flying-Camp 


949 


and Militia as were in service here, and to apply, if need, at 
your office. Indeed I found they wanted everything; and 
I have proceeded with as much caution and economy as was 
in my power, in providing and supplying them, consistently 
with the good of the service. However, I find it will be 
necessary to have some method established by which the dif- 
ferent regiments of Militia and Flying-Camp are to account 
for necessaries and accoutrements furnished them, and beg 
you will lay before the honourable Board of War the state of 
this affair for their determination. 

I was empowered by the honourable Continental Con- 
gress to name one Assistant Quartermaster General, and 
accordingly named John Shaw, Esq., who remains at Tren- 
ton. I wrote to Colonel Moylan on this subject, and he 
informs me I must employ as many trusty persons as are 
necessary to forward the service. It is essentially necessary 
that some person be appointed Assistant Quartermaster 
General at Philadelphia; and as Mr. Risberg is fully ac- 
quainted with the business, and has the whole of my affairs 
under his care there, with proper assistance in providing 
necessaries for the Army, I wish him to be confirmed therein, 
the office to give weight to his acting therein; and that any 
application to your Board may come through him. I can’t 
possibly do without one (or more occasionally) here, with 
storekeeper, clerk, &c.; and I shall proceed in the expensive 
department under my care with caution and attention to 
saving as much as the service will allow. I beg you will 
Jay this also before the Board, and favour me with any 
directions herein or relative to my office that may be thought 
necessary. 

I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 


Criement Bivpte, D. Q. M. Gen. 
To Richard Peters, Esq., Secretary of War, Philadelphia. 


GOVERNOUR TRYON TO LORD GEORGE GERMAINE. 


Ship Dutchess of Gordon, off Staten-Island, 
August 14, 1776. 


My Lorn: I have been honoured with your Lordship’s 
several despatches by the Sandwich, Lord Hyde, and Hah- 
fax, packet boats, to No. 4 inclusive. I am happy to learn 
my endeavours to promote the interest of the present great 
national cause has been so well accepted by his Majesty. 
I wish the strength of my constitution could keep pace with 
my inclinations to serve my Prince; broken and impaired as 
the former is, 1 am nevertheless not without the hope of 
having a share in the restoration of the publick tranquillity. 

The confederated Colonies have declared themselves inde- 
pendent States. Enclosed is a printed copy of their Decla- 
ration of Independency, which was published through the 
streets of New-York the middle of last month, where the 
King’s statue has been demolished, as well as the King’s 
arms in the City Hall, the established churches shut up, and 
every vestige of Royalty, as far as has been in the power of 
the Rebels, done away; the persons of the Mayors of the 
cities of New-York and Albany, Judges, Counsellors, Magis- 
trates, and principal gentlemen of the country, that are not in 
rebellion, seized and secured, and even down to the meanest 
planter, persecuted and tyrannized over. 

The whole armament destined for this part of America, 
except the last division of the Hessians, being now assembled 
here, I expect, by the courage and strength of this noble Army, 
tyranny will be crushed and legal Government restored. 

As the military and naval operations do not lie within my 
department, I shall leave the relations of them to those gen- 
tlemen who have the honour to guide them. 

I am, with all possible respect, my Lord, your Lordship’s 
most obedient servant, Wm. Tryon. 


To Lord George Germaine. 
P. S. August 15, 1776. Yesterday evening Sir Peter 
Parker brought into the Hook a fleet of twenty-five sail 


from the southward. Lord Dunmore and Lord Win. Camp- 
bell are on board that fleet. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 15, 1776.] 
New-York, August 14, 1776. 
Sir: Since I had the honour of addressing you on Mon- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


950 


the enemy have received an augmentation to their fleet of 
ninety-six ships; some reports make them more. In a letter 
I wrote you yesterday by Lieutenant-Colonel Reed, I ad- 
vised you of this; but presuming it may not reach you so 
soon as this will, L have thought proper to mention the intelli- 
gence again. 

Enclosed I have the honour to transmit a copy of the 
examination of a deserter, sent me this morning by General 
Mercer, to which I beg leave to refer Congress for the latest 
accounts I have from the enemy. Whether the intelligence 
he has given is literally true I cannot determine, but as to 
the attack we daily expect it. 

Your favour of the 10th, with its enclosures, was duly 
received, and I have instructed the several officers who were 
promoted to act in their stations, as you requested, though 
their commissions were not sent. 

As we are in extreme want of tents and covering for this 
Army, (a great part of them are outposts, having nothing to 
shelter, nor houses to go in,) I submit it to Congress whether 
it may not be prudent to remand those that were sent to 
Boston lately, where there are no troops at present; and if 
there were, the necessity for them would not be great, as 
the town and barracks at several of the posts would be suffi- 
cient to receive them. . 

The enclosed letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Henshaw 
will discover to Congress his views and wishes, which they 
will consider and determine on, in whatever they may think 
right and conducive to the publick good, meaning only to lay 
his letter before them. 

I take the liberty of mentioning that Colonel Varnum, of 
Rhode-Island, has been with me this morning, to resign his 
commission, conceiving himself to be greatly injured in not 
having been noticed in the late arrangements and promotions 
of General Officers. I remonstrated against the impropriety 
of the measure at this time, and he has consented to stay till 
affairs wear a different aspect than what they do at present. 

Eleven o’clock.—By a report just come to hand from 
General Greene, seventy ships more are coming in. 

I have the honour to be, with sentiments of the highest 
respect, sir, your most obedient servant, 

* Go. WasHINGTON. 


Camp Long-Island, July 6, 1776. 


Sir: Upon a recommendation from General Ward to 
your Excellency in my favour, you were pleased to say I 
deserved a regiment; but as so many regiments were ordered 
to be reduced at the end of last campaign, I could not have 
one then without doing injustice to some others who were 
deserving; which I did not then, nor do now, desire. Your 
Excellency will please to note | commanded a regiment in 
the country where I dwell when at home, before this unnatu- 
ral war broke out, and marched with it to Cambridge at the 
battle of Lexington, and continued in the service five or six 
weeks; my business at home being in such a situation at 
that time as required my presence, I requested a discharge 
from the Army, which was granted; soon after was desired 
to engage in the service again as Adjutant-General, which 
I did, and continued therein until superseded by General 
Gates. In the present campaign I was appointed a Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel under Colonel Little, which reduced the rank 
I formerly held in the service, and exposes me to be com- 
manded by many who have been on command under me; 
which your Excellency is sensible must be disagreeable to 
every person who has any feelings, and which nothing but 
the noble cause we are engaged in could have induced me 
to submit to. I have no doubts in my mind, sir, but that 
you will take my case into consideration, and grant me the 
rank I have heretofore held, when you can without injuring 
the service or doing injustice to others. Happy shall I es- 
teem myself when I can retire from the service without 
injuring the cause or dishonouring myself. 

I am, with the greatest respect, your Excellency’s most 
obedient and very humble servant, 

Wituiam Hensuaw. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


The Examination of Tuomas Givens, a Private of the Sixty-Fourth Regi- 
ment, who deserted from StaTeN-IsLanp by swimming over to Amboy, 
August 13, 1776, at nine o’clock. 


He informs, that six companies are quartered near Billop’s 


day, nothing of importance has occurred here, except that farm, and two at the house above. That General Agnew 


* 


951 


is quartered at Billop’s house.* ‘That all the troops expect- 
ed are arrived. ‘That about five hundred Hessians and six 
marching regiments arrived yesterday, which, having been 
refreshed at Halifax, are not to be landed at Staten-Island, 
but to continue on board till the attack is made. ‘That 
five thousand Hesstans had arrived before. That it is sup- 
posed the whole force consists of about twenty-six thousand 
men. ‘That he heard of no intention of attacking Amboy, 
but that they expected soon to attack Long-Island and New- 
York. That three brigades are to stay on the Island when 
the attack at New-York and Long-Island is made, viz: one 
opposite Amboy, another at the Narrows, and the third at 
Ehzabethtown Point. The soldiers are healthy, but have 
no fresh provisions. That there were about nine thousand 
effective men when they left Boston, and that three thou- 
sand unfit for duty were left behind at Halifax. That about 
five nights ago, two men from Amboy came over to the 
Island, being inhabitants of this place, (Amboy,) but cannot 
remember their names; that the sentries had orders to let 
them pass and repass at pleasure. That there are four brass 
pieces (two twelve and two three-pounders) opposite Amboy, 
which are all that belong to the brigade. That there are 
eight companies to a regiment, besides Grenadiers and In- 
fantry, and each company consists of thirty-six privates, and 
each brigade of three regiments. A subaltern and sixteen 
men mount guard in the day, and at night they are reinforced 
with a Captain and twenty-eight men, who mount at the 
tent near the Point. ‘That General Clinton and the troops 
from Carolina had arrived, and that the Fiftieth Regiment 
were almost cut off at Sullivan’s Island. ‘That it is in the 
orders of this day (13th) that the men be immediately 
furnished with three days’ provision, ready cooked, and be 
ready at a moment’s warning. ‘That they have gondolas and 
floating batteries. ‘The gondolas carry two guns and thirty 
oars each, and one designed to cover the men when they land. 
That at reveille beating the men are under arms an hour. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, August 14, 1776. 


Sir: This will be delivered you by’ Captain Mocballe, a 
Dutch gentleman from Surinam, who has come to the Con- 
tinent with a view of entering into the service of the States, 
as you will perceive by the enclosed letters from Mr. Brown, 
of Providence, and General Greene. What other letters 
and credentials he has, I know not, but at his request have 
given him this line to Congress, to whom he wishes to be in- 
troduced, and where he will make his pretensions known. 

I have ordered the Quartermaster immediately to write to 
Mr. Brown for the Russia duck he mentions, with directions 
to have it instantly made into tents there, being in great dis- 
tress for want of a sufficient number to cover our troops. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL JAMES CLINTON. 
Head-Quarters, August 14, 1776. 
Str: [have the pleasure of forwarding you by this oppor- 
tunity a letter from Congress enclosing your commission for 
a Brigadier in the Continental Army ; on which appointment 
please to accept my hearty congratulations. As the post 
you are now at is an object of great importance, and I am 
acquainted with the officers under you, must request you 
will remain there till you hear further from me. 
I am, sir, your very humble servant, 
Go. WasHineTon. 


To Brig. Gen. James Clinton, Fort Montgomery. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL GATES. 
New-York, August 14, 1776. 


Dear Sir: I yesterday morning received your letter of 
the 29th ultimo, by Bennet, the express, and am extremely 
sorry to find that the Army is still in a sickly and melancholy 
state. The precaution taken to halt the reinforcements at 
Skenesborough, which are destined for your succour, is cer- 
tainly prudent. They should not be exposed or made liable 
to the calamities already too prevalent, unless in cases of 
extreme necessity. Dr. Stringer has been here with Dr. 


* Billop’s house is opposite Amboy. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


952 


Morgan, and is now at Philadelphia. I trust he will obtain 
some necessary supplies of medicines, which will enable him, 
under the smiles of Providence, to relieve your distresses in 
some degree. By a letter from General Ward, two regi- 
ments (Whitcomb’s and Phinney’s) were to march to your aid 
last week. They have happily had the small-pox, and wil] not 
be subject to the fatal consequences attending that disorder. 

I am glad to hear the vessels for the Lakes are going on 
with such industry. Maintaining the superiority over the 
water is certainly of infinite importance. I trust neither 
courage nor activity will be wanting in those to whom the 
business is committed. If assigned to General Arnold, none 
will doubt of his exertions. 

In answer to those parts of your letter which so highly 
resent the conduct of the General Officers here, I would 
observe, sir, that you are under a mistake when you suppose 
a Council of Officers had sat upon those who composed the 
board at Crown-Point. When intelligence was first brought 
that that post was evacuated, it spread a general alarm, and 
occasioned much anxiety to all who heard it; it being almost 
universally believed that it was a post of the last importance, 
and the only one to give us, in conjunction with our naval 
force, a superiority over the Lake, and for preventing the 
enemy’s penetrating into this and the Eastern Governments. 
As this matter was occasionally mentioned, the General Offi- 
cers (some from their own knowledge, and others from the 
opinion they had formed) expressed themselves to that effect, 
as did all I heard speak upon the subject. Added to this, 
the remonstrance of the officers, transmitted by General 
Schuyler, at the same time the account was brought, did 
not contribute a little to authorize the opinion which was 
generally entertained. ‘They surely seemed to have some 
reasons in their support, though it was not meant to give the 
least encouragement or sanction to proceedings of such a 
nature. Upon the whole, no event that I have been informed 
of for a long time produced a more general chagrin and con- 
sternation. But yet there was no Council called upon the 
occasion, nor Court of Inquiry, nor Court-Martial, as has been 
suggested by some. I will not take up more time upon the 
subject, or make it a matter of further discussion, not doubt- 
ing but those who determined that the post ought to be 
abandoned, conceived it would promote the interest of the 
great cause we are engaged in, though others. have differed 
from them. By-the-by, I wish your description perfectly 
corresponded with the real circumstances of this Army. 

You will have heard, before this comes to hand most 
probably, of the arrival of Clinton and his Army from the 
southward. They are now at Staten-Island, as are the whole 
or the greatest part of the Hesszan and foreign troops. Since 
Monday, ninety -six ships came in, which we are informed is 
the last division of Lord Howe’s fleet which touched at Hali- 
fax, and (by a deserter) are not to land their troops. We 
are in daily expectation that they will make their attack; 
all their movements, and the advices we have, indicating 
that they are on the point of it. 

I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, 

Go. WasHineron. 


To Major-General Gates, Ticonderoga. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO JAMES BOWDOIN. 
-Head-Quarters, New-York, August 14, 1776. 

Sir: Your favour of the 30th ultimo, in behalf of the 
honourable Council of the Massachusetts State, is duly re- 
ceived. Through you, I beg their acceptance of my most 
hearty thanks for their readiness in undertaking the late 
treaty. I likewise congratulate them on the success with 
which it was attended, and wish an early arrival of such of 
their tribes as intend joining us in the present controversy. 
The four under care of Mr. Shaw have arrived, and promise 
to take an active part. with us. : 

By intelligence received this morning from Staten-Island, 
we have the greatest reason to suppose a very few days will 
determine the fate of this city. A deserter mentions the 
arrival of their whole force, and that it was the orders of 
yesterday to have three days’ provisions ready cooked, and 
be ready at a moment’s warning; he mentions their num- 
bers to be twenty-six thousand, and in general very healthy. 
The Army under my command (which amounts to little 
more than half the number of effective men) are in good 
spirits, and will, I hope, act becoming men fighting for every- 


953 


thing worth fighting for, everything worth living for. In 
this case, with the smiles of Providence, I have not a doubt 
but that we may render a good account to our country and 
posterity of these mercenaries. 

With particular compliments to the several members of 
your honourable body, I am, sir, with sentiments of esteem, 
your most obedient and very humble servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 


To the Honourable James Bowdoin, Esq. 


GENERAL SCOTT TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS. 
New-York, August 13, Evening, 1776. 

My pear Str: While I confess | am much honoured by 
the respectable Convention of the State of New-York, in 
trusting Willet Taylor to my discretion, | am reduced to 
much difficulty to determine how to dispose of him. I ad- 
vised his father-in-law, Mr. Bogart, whom I know to be a 
staunch friend to liberty, to send for him home, and require 
him to submit to the orders of the Convention. It is, I sup- 
pose, in consequence of that advice that he has returned to 
Harlem. Mr. Bogart told me Taylor would bind himself 
by oath neither to speak, write, or act against the American 
cause. His oath the Convention can take, but I cannot do 
it. If further security should be necessary, by Mr. Bogart’s 
entering into recognizance with him, the Convention can take 
it, but I cannot. If, nevertheless, it should still be their 
opinion that I am to deal with him, I shall obey their com- 
mands, for I shall ever think it an honour to me, both as a 
member of their body and as a military officer of their ap- 
pointment, implicitly to execute their orders. Be pleased to 
commend me to them, and assure them that nothing but the 
expectation of an attack prevents my having the honour of 
being with them. I am, sir, your humble servant, 

Jno. Morin Scorr. 


To John McKesson, Esq. 


P.S. The messenger had just left me when Major Fesh 
informed me that the officers of my brigade will not receive 
their commissions, because, being dated yesterday, the date 
will render them juniors to many. ‘They entered into the 
service the 14th June. Be pleased, sir, to get a new set of 
that date. Major Fish thinks it hard to be left without a 
commission. ‘The entry in the records respecting him will 
show when his commission is to be dated. 


A Roll of the Commissioned Officers, Non- Commissioned 
Officers, and Privates, of the Troop of Horse of Kine’s 
County, which were upon duty in order to drive off the 
stock. Commenced Avueust 14, 1776. 


Upon duty and came over from Lone- 


Upon duty, but remained upon Lone- 
IsLAND. 


IsLanp. 
Lambert Suydam, Captain. 
Peter Wyckoff, Quartermaster. 
Hendrick Suydam, Clerk. 
John Nostrant, do. 


Daniel Rappelye, 1st Lieutenant. 
Jacob Bloom, BTN Gel 
Peter Vandervoot, Ensign. 
Hendrick Johnson, Sergeant. 


John Blanco, Trumpeter. Jacob Suydam, _— Private. 
Reyner Suydam, Private. Isaac Snediker, do. 
John Vanderveer, do. Isaac Boerum, do. 
John Rierson, do. 
Rutgers Van Brunt, do. 
Charles De Bevort, do. 
Benjamin Seaman, do. 
Roelof Turhume, do. 
Andrew Casper, do. 
Thomas Betts, do. 
Martin Kershaw, do. 
Peter Miller, do 


Hendrick Wyckoff, do. 
Dante. Rapretye, Lieutenant. 


A Roll of the Commissioned Officers, Non- Commissioned 
Officers, and Privates, of the Troop of Light-Horse of 
Queren’s County, which were upon duty in order to drive 
off the Stock. Commenced Aueusr 14, 1776. 


Upon duty, and came over from off Upon duty, but remained upon Lone- 
Lone-IsLanp. IsLanp. 


William Boerum, Ist Lieutenant. Thomas Everit, 2d Lieutenant. 


Jacob Sebring, Ensign. Joseph Smith, Private. 
Isaac Sebring, Private. William Everit, do. 
Joseph Sebring, do. Abraham Rappelye, do. 


John Hicks, do. 
George Powels, do. 
William Ellsworth, do. 


Stephen Schenck, — do. 
Robert Galbreath, do. 
Samuel Etherington, do. 


Jeremiah Brower, do. Nicholas Van Dam, do. 
James Casper, do. 
William Boerum, do. 


AdoJphus Brower, do. 
Witiram Boerum, Lieutenant. 


» 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


954 


JOHN BROOME TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Harlem, August 14, 1776. 

Owners of the privateer sloop Harlequin, Daniel Shaw 
commander, viz: Samuel Broome & Co., John Broome, 
John Woodward, John Livingston, Daniel Shaw, Thomas 
Crab, Abraham P. Lott, Stockholm & Dickson, and Abra- 
ham & E. Lott. 

The above privateer sloop is about seventy tons burden, 
mounts fourteen double fortified four-pounders, navigated and 
manned with ninety men; provisions, forty barrels of beef 
and pork; arms and ammunition, one thousand pounds of 
powder, fifty small-arms. 

The subscriber being one of the forementioned owners, 
requests from the Convention of the State of New-York a 


commission for the above vessel. 
Jno. Broome. 


Know all men by these presents, That we, Daniel Shaw, 
John Broome, and Thomas Crab, of the City of New-York, 
in the sum of six thousand dollars are held and firmly bound 
to the Honourable John Hancock, President of the Congress 
of the United Colonies of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts- 
Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, the Counties of New- Castle, Kent, and Sussex, 
on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North- Carolina, South- 
Carolina, and Georgia, to be paid to the said John Han- 
cock, or his certain attorney, executors, administrators, or 
assigns, in trust for the use of the said United Colonies: To 
which payment well and truly to be done, we do bind our- 
selves, our heirs, executors, and administrators, jointly and 
severally, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals, 
dated the sixteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord 
1776. 

The condition of this obligation is such, That if the above 
bounden Daniel Shaw, who is commander of the sloop called 
the Harlequin, belonging to John Broome, Samuel Broome 
& Co., of New-York, in the Colony of New-York, mount- 
ing fourteen carriage guns, and navigated by ninety men, 
and who hath applied for a commission or letters of marque 
and reprisal, to arm, equip, and set forth to sea, the said 
sloop as a private ship of war, and to make captures of Bri- 
tish vessels and cargoes, shall not exceed, or transgress the 
powers and authorities which shall be contained in the said 
commission, but shall in all things observe and conduct him- 
self and govern his crew by and according to the same, and 
certain instructions therewith to be delivered, and such other 
instructions as may hereafter be given to him, and shall 
make reparation for all damages sustained by any miscon- 
duct or unwarrantable proceedings of himself or the officers 
or crew of the said sloop, then this obligation shall be void, 


or else remain in force. 
Dante. SHaw, 


Jno. Broome, 
THomas Cras. 
Sealed and delivered in the presence of, 
Daniet Puenrx, 
Witness to Captain Shaw and John Broome. 


ROBERT YATES TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Poughkeepsie, August 14, 1776. 

Sir: As we are informed that the little powder belong- 
ing to the State is dispersed through the Counties for the use 
of the Militia, we find ourselves under the necessity of re- 
questing an order from your Excellency to Captain Benson, 
on Mr. John R. Livingston, for as much powder as may be 
necessary for our two armed vessels. 

We ‘have directed him to procure a proper number of 
hand-grenades. ‘There is reason to expect he may be able 
to purchase them. Should he fail in this, and the publick 
stores admit of such a supply, we also beg of your Excel- 
lency to give him the necessary orders for that purpose. 

We have the honour to be, with the greatest respect and 
esteem, your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servants. 

By order of the Committee: 

, Rosert Yares, Chairman. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 14, 1776. 
Dear Generac: I would inform your Honour that the 
three galleys are planked, but we have had such a flood of 


955 


water for two days, that the mill at this place has not been 
able to go, which has been some set-back to our getting 
plank; but we expect her to go this day. The road proving 
very bad between Cheshire’s and Fort George road, I would 
send more help to that post, if it be agreeable to your Hon- 
our. We are not provided with deck nails: if there be 
any at Ticonderoga, I should take it as a favour to have 
them forwarded, as they will soon be wanted. And am, with 
the greatest esteem, your Honour’s most obedient, humble 


rvant 
PR ; Davin Waterbury, Jun. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL WATERBURY. 
Tyonderoga, August 14, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I desire you will immediately send to T'yon- 
deroga all the troops belonging to Massachusetts-Bay and 
New-Hampshire, now at Skenesborough, and as fast as 
more arrive from those Provinces, you will, without delay, 
send them also forward to this post. Such of the tents be- 
longing to the Bay forces as are come to Skenesborough, 
you will forward with the troops. When the three galleys 
and gondolas now building are launched, and fitted with all 
that is requisite to be done to them at Skenesborough, you 
will yourself, with one regiment of the Connecticut troops, 
embark on board of them, and proceed to Tyonderoga, 
leaving Colonel Wynkoop in command at Skenesborough. 

Governour Trumbull writes me word that he sent one thou- 
sand felling-axes to Skenesborough: five hundred of them 
may be sent forward under proper care to me, the rest to be 
left at Skenesborough, under the care of Colonel Wynkoop. 
All the spades not wanted at your post should be sent here 
directly. Let me have an immediate answer to this letter, 
with as good an account as you can give so suddenly, of the 
number of the Militia now at your post. Are any of the 
Continental regiments from Boston come, or, as you hear, 
coming ? 

I am, sir, &c., Horatio Gates. 
To Brigadier-General Waterbury. 


GENERAL GATES TO COLONEL GANSEVOORT. 
Tyonderoga, August 14, 1776. 

Str: Many things which I have lately written for to 
Captain Varick, and which he acquaints me with having 
sent forward, are not arrived here, particularly cartridge- 
paper. I desire you will immediately oblige the Conductor 
at Fort George to give you a signed return of everything 
at present under his care, and let me know what cartridge- 
paper, musket-balls, buckshot, and flints, are in his hands 
now; all which I desire you will see immediately forwarded 
by a careful officer tome. I beg you will keep a watch- 
ful eye over this Conductor, and see that no stores of 
any kind are delayed at Fort George in their passage 
hither. 

Be sure you acquaint the Director of the Hospital that 
all persons recovered of the small-pox must be perfectly 
cleansed from all infection before they are sent hither: their 
clothes, blankets, &c., well washed. ‘Too much care can- 
not be taken in this business. Iam, sir, &c. 

Horatio Gates. 
To Lieutenant-Colonel Gansevoort. 


P. S. Spades are much wanted here. 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, August 14, 1776. 

Honovurep Srr: I congratulate you on the safe arrival 
of the three men whom [ sent to St. John’s. They bring 
most. perfect intelligence from that quarter. You may de- 
pend upon the truth of what they allege. 

You will have an exact account of the boats and vessels 
at that place, as well asa pretty near estimate of the troops 
there, and a state of the works, &c. From-the whole, I 
understand that they have only one vessel of force, and that 
not finished: no more on the stocks. ‘They seem to be draw- 
ing their strength towards the Isle-aux-Noix, and I presume 
mean to pay us a visit. ‘These men have behaved with 
great address, not only in saving themselves, but in procu- 
ring the intelligence. ‘They are brave men, yet cautious. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


956 


Had the taking away a life or two been of any use, they 
would have effected it easily. Their canoe was too small 
to carry a prisoner, could they have taken one. 

I am happy in this regiment having rendered any service 
to the publick: we would wish to be more useful. Mr. 
Thomas McCoy, one of the men, formerly held an Ensigney 
in the Pennsylvania service. I promised him an Ensigney 
in this regiment, in case he behaved well. I mentioned 
this to your Honour; you were pleased to say you approved 
of my engagement. ‘There is a vacancy now in this regi- 
ment; you will therefore be pleased to grant him an 
Ensigncy in it. General Arnold engaged that they should 
have a pecuniary reward in case they made any discoveries. 
You also mentioned that you would reward merit in that 
way on proper occasions. I hope you will consider this as 
one, and give Gilbert McCoy and Power such a reward as 
their services deserve. 

I am forming an intrenchment round my camp, which 
will effectually serve us against any attempt of the savages, 
Canadians, or the light troops of the enemy. We have 
made a considerable progress in it. 

It will always give me satisfaction to find that in the 
above, or any other part of my conduct, I meet with your 
approbation. 

I am, sir, with the greatest respect, your most humble 


and obedient servant, TREatl cee 


P.S. Thomas Mc Coy, Gilbert McCoy, and James Power, 
I send up with this letter. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL GATES. 
Lebanon, August 14, 1776. 


Str: Dr. Russell, Surgeon of Colonel Swzft’s regiment, 
now at Skenesborough, came to me this morning for a supply 
of medicine for the use of his regiment. I concluded what 
was necessary would be furnished from the Continental Hos- 
pital stores; but as Dr. Russell informs me he had applied 
to you for an order on Dr. Stringer, and received for an 
answer that he could not be supplied there, I have ordered 
him a small supply from hence for the present, until the 
Continental stores are replenished. 

The distressed, broken and dejected state of the Army 
which retreated out of Canada, has given pain and anxiety 
to every friend to this country, especially to the inhabitants 
of these Northern Colonies. I am happy to hear that they 
begin to emerge from their state of distress and dejection, 
and that there is reason to hope we may yet, in the course 
of this campaign, see them upon a respectable footing and 
in condition to act with vigour and spirit in defence of their 
country. 

The friends of those soldiers from this State who are and 
have been sick in Hospital at Fort George, are particularly 
anxious on their account. I apprehend they will naturally 
divide into three classes: such as recover and become fit for 
duty; such as will at length recover their full health and 
strength; and such as will probably never regain their health 
so as to be fit for duty, or at least not till their term of ser- 
vice is expired. May I not be permitted to suggest to your 
consideration, as the two last classes are at present worse 
than useless to the Army, whether it would not be expedient 
that those of the last class should be discharged, and some 
of the convalescent officers employed to supply their places 
with fresh recruits, and that those of the second class might 
be permitted to return home on furlough for a short time, 
that their health may be fully reéstablished? In this way 
I flatter myself that some lives may be saved, and at the 
same time the real strength of the Army not diminished. 
Should any be permitted to return, I trust care will be taken 
that they may not bring the infection of the small-pox, and 
scatter it in the country. 

A report prevails here, and gains some credit, that Gene- 
ral Burgoyne has retreated to Montreal and Quebeck. Should 
this report prove true, and the new levied troops go on to 
join you, as is expected, we shall hope not ‘only to see you 
strong enough to resume and fortify the strong post at Crown- 
Point, but also St. John’s and Montreal. 

i am, sir, with sentiments of the highest respect, your 


obedient, humble servant, Tonks Tee 
L . ° 


Zo the Hon, Major-General Gate 


. * 


\ 


957 


NORWALK (CONNECTICUT) COMMITTEE. 


Whereas the Committee of Inspection of the Town of 
Norwalk, on the 28th day of February last past, for good 
causes them thereunto moving, resolved that no article of 
any kind be exported by land or water out of this Town, 
without first obtaining a permit from a Sub-Committee then 
appointed by them for that purpose: 

Notwithstanding the above resolution, one Captain Tho- 
mas Grenel, and his son Thomas G'renel, both now resident 
in said Norwallc, without desiring such permit, and in open 
defiance and contempt of this Committee, conveyed two 
boxes of Tea, under arms, on board a boat to be transported 
abroad. And also the said G'renel, before the conveyance 
aforesaid, had declared his spite and contempt against said 
Committee, by saying “Damn the Committee,” and swore by 
the Almighty, that if any man or men opposed him in the 
delivery of said Tea, he would send him or them to the other 
world, or words to that effect. Whereupon, on the 8th day 
of August, 1776, this Committee resolved that the said 
Thomas Grenel, and his son Thomas Grrenel, are dangerous 
persons, and ought to be disarmed. 

And moreover, the said Thomas G'renel, by citation, ap- 
peared before this Committee, with regard to his price in 
selling Bohea Tea; to whom he replied, owned, and declared, 
that he had sold quantities of Tea for a greater price than was 
set by the Continental Congress, (although this Committee 
were informed that the said Mr. Grenel was one who made 
application to the honourable Continental Congress for the 
sale of such Teas.) Which complicated iniquities have a 
dangerous tendency to draw the incautious into many snares 
and troubles; which to prevent, and also that our constitu- 
ents should not be imposed on in any such wicked practices, 

Resolved, That the said Thomas Genel is a staunch op- 
poser of the proceedings and resolutions of the honourable 
Continental Congress, and also of this Committee and their 
constituents, and appears to this Committee to be a haughty, 
disaffected, unfriendly person to the United States. And all 
persons are requested to have no further dealings, intercourse, 
connexions, or correspondence with said Thomas Grenel ; 
and that the same be published. 

By order of the Committee: 

Attest: 


Norwalk, August 14, 1776. 


Jesse Raymonn, Clerk. 


COLONEL HINMAN TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Woodbury, August 14, 1776. 


Sie: I received your Honour’s orders of the 6th July 
last, requiring me (on notice given by General Washington, 
or the Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the United 
Colonies, of the necessity of assistance) to call forth and 
march with expedition so many of the able-bodied and 
effective men of my regiment as would be necessary, &c., to 
be under the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, and give 
immediate notice thereof to your Honour. 

In obedience to said orders, I would hereby inform your 
Honour, that, on the 10th instant, [ received (per express) 
a letter from General Washington, dated New-York, the 
7th instant, informing of the necessity of assistance, request- 
ing me to call forth my regiment without delay, and have 
them equipped with blankets, arms, and ammunition, and 
march them immediately to New-York; upon the receipt 
of which, | without delay gave orders to all my Captains 
to call forth their respective companies, have them equipped 
according to the above request, and march them immediately 
to New-York. A number of said companies have marched, 
others are now going off, and to-morrow the whole will be 
on the way. Major Canfield, 1 am informed, went off 
yesterday. 1 am now going off myself, with Lieutenant- 
Colonel Mosely, and expect in two or three days to be in 
New-York with my regiment. We must be deficient in 
numbers, notwithstanding we take almost every man. I 
shall transmit to your Honour a return of those of my regi- 
ment which are in said service as soon’ as it comes in my 
power. 

1 am, sir, your Honour’s most obedient humble servant, 

Bensamin Hinman, 


To the Honourable Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Governour 
and Captain-General of the Colony of Connecticut, at 
Lebanon. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


958 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM CAPTAIN HENRY BARNES, OF 
THE EAGLE, BELONGING TO WHITEHAVEN, ENGLAND, TO 
HIS OWNERS, DATED RHODE-ISLAND, AuGusT 14, 1776. 


I sailed from Barbadoes the 21st of June. On the 12th 
of July, made a sail astern: she soon came up with us, 
though we little imagined her to be an American privateer, 
being then in latitude 32° 25/, longitude 52°. At half-past 
eight in the night, she fired a gun to leeward, from which 
we concluded she was an English cruiser; but were too 
soon convinced to the contrary. When we first made the 
sloop, she appeared large from the crowd of sail she carried ; 
but, on a.nearer survey, we found her to be very small, 
painted black, with ten guns, fifty men, and every necessary 
for acruise. She is called the Montgomery, Captain Buck- 
lin. ‘They took out all the Eagle’s people but myself, the 
boatswain, and a boy, and convoyed us to this place. 

My people are all well. We are supported at present at 
the expense of the owner of the privateer, and indulged with 
the liberty of going about where we please, and are, in every 
respect, treated with the greatest kindness and civility. We 
are the seventh West-Indiaman taken by this privateer. 
Numbers of vessels have been taken coming from the West- 


India Islands. 


MAJOR HAWLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Northampton, August 14, 1776. 
Genera Gates: | this minute received your favour of 
the 10th instant, and carefully mark the contents, and shall, 
dear sir, do everything in my power as soon as possible to 
effect what you have been pleased to ask. Your Honour 
will please to be informed that Number Four is upwards of 
seventy miles from this place. It is directly counter to the 
orders of the Council of this Government that a man should 
tarry to inoculate. I have been so happy as to effect the 
march of about seven hundred good men from this County, 
without any delay for inoculation. 
I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your 
Honour’s most obedient, humble servant, 
JosepH Hawtey. 


MAJOR HAWLEY TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Northampton, August 14, 1776. 

May rr PLEASE your Honours: I conceive it to be my 
duty to acquaint you that this day [saw a young man sent 
by Mr. Farnsworth to inform the three Continental regiments 
and Colonel Willard’s regiment, (if he could find them, ) that 
it was impossible to provide rations for them or any of them 
at Number Four. 

Your Honours will determine what orders are proper to 
give on this occasion. He also declared that they would 
make good provision for them all at Bennington. 

I am, with great respect, the Council’s servant, 

JoserpH Hawtey. 


BENJAMIN GREENLEAF TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Newburyport, August 14, 1776. 
GenTLemEN: I have this moment received the enclosed 
letter by a gentleman from New-York, and take the first 
opportunity to forward it to you. As soon as I have de- 
spatched a piece of business now in hand, and which it is 
necessary | should attend to, I shall do myself the honour 
of waiting on you at Watertown; as, in the interim, I am, 
with the greatest respect, gentlemen, your most obedient 


and most humble servant, DR renraie 


To the Honourable Council of Massachusetts State. 

P.S. Captain Wingate Newman is just arrived at the 
entrance of this river with a prize-ship, nearly four hundred 
hogsheads of sugar, and nearly one hundred hogsheads of 
rum. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO COMMITTEE AT SALEM. 
In Committee of Council, August 14, 1776. 
GentLemeN: The Committee of Council have duly con- 
sidered your memorial respecting Messrs. Daitt and Lawless 
having taken their passage for Erance on board a vessel 
fitted out by the United States, under the command of 
Captain Cleaveland. 'Thecharacter you suppose these gen- 


959 


tlemen sustain makes it very important for them to embark 
for any part of Europe at this time. You are therefore 
directed to use your utmost endeavours to prevent these 
gentlemen from sailing in the vessel aforesaid, or in any 
other, until the further order of the Council. 


To the Committee of Safety, &c., Salem. 


JACOB EMERSON TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Reading, August 14, 1776. 
Colonel Campbell, stationed at Reading, has dismissed 
four of his servants, Charles McArthur, Archibald Bacter, 
John Nicholson, and Robert Hill. Hill has contracted for 
the present with one of his trade, a cordwainer in this town, 
for his support. The other three are on charge exceeding the 
rations of American soldiers. A person by the name of 
Munroe, boarding with Quartermaster Ogilvie and Surgeon’s 
Mate Burns, according to appearance, passes and repasses 
as far as a sea-port. 
By order of Committee: 
Jacos Emerson, Chairman. 


To the Honourable Council of the Massachusetts State. 


Worcester, August 14, 1776. 


Last week Richard Green, late of Boston, merchant, a 
noted Tory, went through this town into exile, agreeable to 
his sentence. 


WARWICK (MASSACHUSETTS) COMMITTEE. 
Warwick, Massachusetts-Bay, August 14, 1776. 


The Committee of Correspondence, Inspection, and 
Safety, of the town of Warwick, having had many com- 
plaints of the inimical temper and disposition of Mr. Lemuel 
Hedge, of said Warwick, towards the grand struggle for the 
liberties of the American States, and the said Mr. Lemuel 
Hedge showed contempt in refusing to appear, it is therefore, 

Resolved, That Mr. Lemuel Hedge, in speaking con- 
temptuously of the honourable Continental Congress, and 
also setting forth how the Province of the Massachusetts- 
Bay had trampled on the King’s laws and his officers, and 
also many other unfriendly speeches; it is therefore the 
opinion of this Committee, that the said Mr. Lemuel Hedge 
is inimical to these American States, and that he ought to be 
dealt with accordingly. It is therefore, 

Resolved, That the said Mr. Lemuel Hedge be disarmed, 
and confined to the limits of his farm, unless by a permit 
from the Committee of said ‘Town. 

Voted, 'That the foregoing proceedings with regard to 
Mr. Lemuel Hedge, be inserted in the Hartford paper. 

By order of said Committee: 

JosraH Pomeroy, Chairman. 


Secretary’s Office, Halifax. 
A ProcLamarion. 


Whereas discovery has been made that some disaffected 
persons have endeavoured, by promises and other arts, to 
seduce Seamen from his Majesty’s service, and engage them 
in the cause of rebellion, with assurance, in further prosecu- 
tion of the said design, to convey them out of this harbour 
by means to be provided for that purpose: This is there- 
fore to give notice, that the master of any ship, boat, or 
vessel, who shall take on board any person or persons to 
carry or convey them from hence, without having first ob- 
tained from this office a pass for the departure of such person 
or persons, will be liable for the penalty of fifty pounds for 
every such person so conveyed away, and such master shall 
be prosecuted for the same as the law directs, 

By command of the Lieutenant-Governour: 

Ricnarp Bu.kevey, Secretary. 


Williamsburgh, Virginia, September 13, 1776. 

General Lee writes from Purysburgh, of August 15, that 
he is going to break up Kast Florida. President Rutledge, 
in a letter to the Council, writes that the South- Carolinians 
had destroyed five Indian towns in the lower settlements, and 
laid waste their fields of corn. ‘They have had two skirmishes, 
in both of which the Carolinians have been successful. They 
supposed they killed between sixty and seventy men. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


960 
By letters from Cape Nichola Mole, of the 28th ultimo, 


we learn that two frigates had lately arrived at St. Domingo 
from France, completely manned, in order to cruise off that 
Island and protect all American vessels within their limits. 
Two more frigates were daily expected for the same pur- 
pose. These four frigates are to act in conjunction with 
two Spanish frigates, which are stationed at Porto Rico for 
the protection of all North American vessels. ‘The Spanish 
Captains are to pay equal attention to the General of S¢, 
Domingo’s orders as to those of the Commander at Porto 
Rico. There is every appearance of a speedy rupture 
between France, Spain, and Great Britain, as Spain and 
Portugal are absolutely now at war. 


Williamsburgh, August 15, 1776. 

All persons who have bought goods at the sale of Lord 
Dunmore’s Estate, and have not already given bond in those 
instances where credit was allowed, or paid the money where 
prompt payment was requirable, are desired to comply with 
the terms of the sale, without further delay. The Com- 
missioners will attend for that purpose at the house of the 
Attorney-General on Saturday, the 24th of this month. 
Such of the purchasers as live too remote to comply with 
this request are earnestly desired to save the Commissioners 
all further trouble, by sending their bonds as soon as possible. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COL. HOLLINGSWORTH. 
[No. 134.] Annapolis, August 15, 1776. 

Sir: We request you will provide provision and baggage 
wagons at the head of Elk for our troops as they arrive 
there on their march to Philadelphia, and from time to time 
transmit us your accounts. We are, &c. 


To Colonel Henry Hollingsworth. 


MAJOR BROOKE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Lower District, Frederick County, August 15, 1776. 


Sir: Finding my enemies have been so far successful in 
poisoning the minds of the Twenty-Ninth Battalion of Militia 
that a majority are against my acting as Major, I therefore 
take the liberty of enclosing you my commission. I would 
not have it understood by this resignation that I have de- 
serted the common cause; no, sir, I will most cheerfully, 
when necessary, hazard my life and fortune in defence of 
the rights and liberties of America. Impressed with the 
deepest concern, and warmed with resentment of the mea- 
sures pursued by a venal and corrupt Parliament, I stepped 
forth with the foremost of my countrymen in opposition to 
the tyrannical encroachments of Great Britain. Appealing 
to that Divine Being who searches the heart, I can safely 
declare I have been actuated by no other motive than the 
publick good; and I flatter myself that every impartial per- 
son who takes a retrospective view of my conduct will find 
it uniform. If I have erred, it has been the fault of my 
head, and not of my heart. 

With the most ardent wishes for the happiness and pros- 
perity of the United States of America, I am, sir, your most 


obedient, humble servant, Riseunrebnacue 


To the Honourable Matthew Tilghman, Esq., President of 
the Convention of Maryland. 


JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, August 15, 1776. 

Sirs: Iam going on about the timber and other things for 
the gondolas, which I shall purchase and bring into the yard 
as fast as possible, but have made no bargain with you about 
it. I shall charge the same for my time as when I super- 
intended the frigate business, which was 22s. 6d. per day, 
and I had the liberty of furnishing her with all the bar iron 
delivered at the place, at £26 per ton—I mean Mr. Wells’s 
shop; and the pitch, tar, and turpentine, at the market price 
in Baltimore, and paid all my bills for money advanced for 
all kinds of necessaries, such as she wants. Sirs, you may 
at first look on this as too much; but I have a good deal of 
my own business to do, and a great amount of other people’s. 
I have myself and two as good clerks as any in Baltimore, 
and we are early and late at our business. I am on horse- 
back from morning till night, driving amongst the people; 


961 


have another riding after teams, getting necessaries, and two 
horses are not enough sometimes, nor two clerks, with my- 
self at the head of them. I shall be from home in Patapsco 
the next two weeks, getting timber, with twenty hands from 
home day and night, and two or three teams, up to my 
middle or neck in water, rafting, and fretting myself, and a 
thousand disappointments that you know nothing of. I shall 
be as reasonable as possible in my charges, and do your busi- 
ness as well as I possibly can, and make the best bargains 
I can for you; but I declare if any person will do it on better 
terms, I should be pleased. The timber is purchased ready, 
and most of it down, and I will hire them my carriages (as 
there is no other) at a moderate rate, if any person will now 
bring it into the yard on better terms than the proposals I 
make. We shall lay one of the keels this day, and the other 
next week, I hope, but expect a line from you on the before 
mentioned matters. I have furnished the yard with rum 
at market prices, and my charges of every kind have been 
thoughtweasonable ; and they beg of me to be ready for them 
again with all my teams, carriages, and hands. 

Be pleased, gentlemen, to write me, and if the rum is to 
be furnished for the yard, two drinks of grog a day, and no 
more; the carters and people rafting and getting timber must 
have rum; in that I want neither more nor less than I had 
with the frigate, but thought it my duty to explain my bar- 
gain to you, that you might know the matter. 

I have bought a scow that will carry six hundred bushels, 
for £28, a very good one: please send for her. I have sent 
some coffee, tea, and nails, to Annapolis, and some pots to 
Captain Veazey, at Newtown. I never heard if they were 
received. Please let me know about the bales I wrote by 
Mr. Hawkins. Excuse this long letter. Please answer it. 

From your humble servant, 

Jesse Hotiineswortu. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


JOHN VEAZEY TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
In Committee, Cecil County, August 15, 1776. 

GentLemen: We wrote you on the 6th instant, inform- 
ing you of our proceedings respecting the two companies 
raised in this County for the Flying-Camp; and lest it 
should have miscarried on its way, we now send you a du- 
plicate of that letter, as we have not as yet received any 
answer to it. We now inform you that the different officers 
are collecting arms as expeditiously as possible. Captain 
Alexander has got fourteen guns in the neighbourhood, which 
he paid for, and Colonel Hollingsworth is to supply him 
with twenty more, which is to be charged to your Board. 
We fear, from Captain Alexander’s report, that he will not 
be able to procure more than twenty others. He will get a 
sufficient number of blankets. Captain George has got fifty 
guns, which are paid for, and will be able to procure a suffi- 
cient number for his company. He has also got fifty-four 
blankets, which are paid for, and will get the remainder that 
his company may want. We have followed your instruc- 
tions in the purchase of guns. We have been obliged to 
give such prices for blankets as they could be purchased for. 
The cash in our hands is expended; and if you wish us to 
proceed any further, a supply will be necessary, as these 
necessary accoutrements cannot be had without it. We 
further desire to know whether these troops are to be con- 
tinued in quarters. If cartouch boxes are difficult to be 
procured with you, they may be had here at the same price 
as in Philadelphia. We have purchased six canteens, at 
4s. 6d. each, fearing you might want them. 

I am, in behalf of the Committee, gentlemen, your most 
obedient, Joun Veazey, Jun., Chairman. 


To the Hon. Council of Safety of Maryland. 


WILLIAM COX TO RICHARD PETERS, 
Philadelphia, August 15, 1776. 

Sir: The bearer, Mr. William Strong, a person I have 
been acquainted with for several years past, is from New- 
York, with a letter of recommendation to Mr. Hancock and 
Mr, Ellery, Delegate from Rhode-Island, soliciting employ 
in some publick office as a clerk; but those gentlemen’s 
thoughts having been taken up about matters of far greater 
consequence, nothing as yet hath been done for him; and 
he greatly disliking an idle life, hath prevailed upon me to 


Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


962 


recommend him to you as a person well qualified in business, 
he having been chiefly employed in publick offices; there- 
fore, should you be in want of such a one, or know of any 
gentleman that is, [ doubt not but he will make it his study 
to please. I dare say he can produce reasonable proof of his 
being a friend to the American States, and says he is willing, 
upon a prospect of staying here, to become an Associator, 
and in that respect would be glad to serve under you. 
I am, sir, your humble servant, Wm. Cox. 


To Richard Peters, Esq., Secretary of War, in Philadelphia. 


THE PETITION OF RETURN JONATHAN MEIGS, IN BEHALF OF 
HIMSELF AND OTHERS. 


[Read August 15, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.] 


To the Honourable the Congress of the Unirep States oF 
AMERICA: 

The Petition of Rerurn Jonaruan Mrtes, in behalf of 

the Officers and Soldiers taken prisoners on the 31st day 

of DecemBer last, at the storming of QueBecK, hum- 


bly showeth: 


That your Petitioner, with many officers and soldiers in 
the Continental service, were unhappily made prisoners of 
war in the attempt upon Quebeck. ‘That the officers and 
soldiers now confined in the said garrison have it not in their 
power to negotiate bills or obtain sufficient credit in their 
present situation, so as to enable them to live with decency; 
and as they have expended what they could obtain upon 
credit, they must, without assistance, live in great want of 
many of the comforts of life, not being looked upon by their 
captors as prisoners of war. ‘That your Petitioner, the other 
officers and soldiers, prisoners as aforesaid, humbly hope and 
anxiously wish that this honourable House will, in as short 
time as possible, settle a cartel for exchange of prisoners. 

Your Petitioner, therefore, humbly hopes that your 
Honours will take the premises into consideration, and grant 
such relief to the sufferers as in your wisdom shall seem 
meet; and they will pray. 


Philadelphia, August 15, 1776. 


Return Jona. Mees. 


PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
In Council of Safety, August 15, 1776. 
Resolved, That the Commanding Officer of each Bat- 
talion or Company of Associators belonging to this State be 
required forthwith to return to the Council of Safety a list 
of the names of the Associators who have deserted from 
their respective corps, that they may be dealt with accord- 
ing to their deserts. 
Ordered, That the above Resolve be published in all 
the publick papers of this city. 
Extract from the Minutes: 
Jacos S. Howett, Secretary. 


READING (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE, 
Reading, Berks County, August 15, 1776. 

In pursuance of a Resolve of the late Committee of 
Safety “for making provision for distressed families whose 
husbands are now in actual service, and appointing a num- 
ber of judicious persons to distribute the same,” the Com- 
mittee of this County, agreeable to the recommendation of 
the Council of Safety, have appointed the following persons 
for that purpose, who are requested to inform this Committee 
what moneys will be necessary in their several ‘Townships 
for this charitable and necessary work: 


Reading—Henry Hawn, Peter Feather. 
Alsace—Deiter Beidelman, Christopher Spingler. 
Amity—Henry Vanreed, John Griner. 
Albany—Michael Hagenback, Henry Reichelsdorffer. 
Bern—Samuel Philbert, Valentine Epler. 
Brunswick—Jacob Sheffer, Michael Diver. 
Brecknock—John Pennybecker, Henry Brindle. 
Bethel— William Krickbaum, Christian Poffenberger. 
Cumry—Michael Ruth, William Hottenstein. 
Colebrookdale—Jucob Mechlin, Mathias Roth, Sen. 
Caernarvan—David Jones, Aaron Rutue, Sen. 
Douglass—Peter Yocum, Valentine Kethle. 
Exeter—James Boone, Jacob Bechtel. 
Greenwich—Frederick Kruner, Michael Lesher. 


61 


963 


Heidelberg—F'rederick Gerhart, John Moyer. 
Hereford— Christopher Schultz, Christopher Meschter. 
Long-Swamp—Nicholas Schwartz, Martin Kercher. 
Maxatawny—Andrew Sassamunshausen, Nich. Schweyer. 
Maiden Creek—George Gernant, John Reeser. 
Oley—Jacob Schneider, Casper Griesemer. 

Pine Grove—George Guthman, Philip Lorentz. 
Richmond—George Merckel, Peter Biehl. 

Ruscomb Manor—Adam Schmehl, Jost Wagner. 
Rockland—Peter Keiffer, Peter Loback. 

Robeson— Valentine Hahn, Herman Unmsted. 
Tulpehocken— Christian Laner, Jacob Fisher. 
Union—John Godfrey, Jacob Ratche. 

Eastern District—Nicholas Imbody, Conrad Keun. 
Western District—George Klaufer, Daniel East. 
Windsor—Michael Kreischer, Conrad Kirschner. 


By order of the Committee: 
Cotumson Reap, Secretary. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


964 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Powles Hook, August 15, 1776. 


Sir: I was at Elizabeth-Town when your letters of the 
13th and 14th reached me. ‘The men who had been pre- 
pared to join the Army at New-York lay at Newark. 
The posts along the Jersey shore opposite to Staten-Island 
are sufficiently guarded, and more troops are daily arriving. 
If you approve of it, a body of four hundred men, well 
accoutred, from the Delaware Counties, may be stationed 
at Powles Hook, and four hundred of the Jersey men for 
the Flying-Camp at Bergen-Town, besides what we may 
spare to be ready in case of emergency at Newark. Eight 
hundred men will cross to-day to join you. If more are 
necessary, please to inform me. I shall be to-night at New- 
ark. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most 
obedient servant, HM 

. Mercer. 


A General Return of the Army in New-Jersry, under the Command of the Honourable Hueu Mercer, Brigadier- 
General in the Continental service; Perru-Ampoy, August 14, 1776. 


Commissioned Officers 


Non-Com’d ; 
present. Staff Officers. Offi na Rank and File. 
° A : n 
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Colonel Dickinson Aree cctete caves ee eee ote aielers hace) clinitele's! ale sfarctiets Ras IM RN mks Ty fr i et PSS pt Vel es Lal Wig PIE NG hag 5) 963 8 | 94 999 
Second Battalion, Colonel Bayard. ...+sseceeeeseeseeesees Lidl? a) Sul See Sse A etait 10 hehe) 10) Soca Eate309 
Third Battalion, Colonel Cadwalader... .-.2seeeeeeeeeeeers Tl ae? hy eee Sa) Lis, Ta el el ee eS aia! 339 ap EB 357 
Fourth Battalion, Colonel McKean........ccceccceccccecs Tate Oth” Gi ya, | ome te ita leo eee ate Te 162 | 11 % 173 
Fifth Battalion, Colonel Clymer... ...ccceececcccceccceces EPPA SHED 1°90) 8 es oe) Poe ata Sree len gamreT a: 6 96 | 13 6 115 
Major McVain, ....csseeeececcccercccecreceereeecereees Sse) An MTZ MEN arta eo le Se et es I a ieee 43) 138 | - = 138 
Colonel Montgomery.......ceeceeceecceccccercccsvececes Tesh ye eee En a reel a BT shel h SE eee Ti) oe: 7 388 5 1 193 
First Battalion of @umberland’ cee cusis cletelesictsipclelataie a site sein =|) DaleON ONE Oh fam) Means tt tee 8| 4 THEY val = 122 
Colomel Pedi e acrersietetsieotets ote¥elalm oslelotevetectelolarstonleleiael-siateleiels Sl ORME i Lavelle aa OFles loi ail alli dle he 153 Loe 154 
Colonel Dill, Fifth Battalion York County......-..eseeeee be Ne Re eS OO TT, al ch ale 6 ~ 635 are 5 63 
Colonel Guyger...cseccecccscccccsccccccsssrsccecescoes ES Re eee NTS OME oe [Peco (eles IP be 12| 6 104: |2 = E. 104 
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Colonel MVGOreics aie loieicoveisheceisesetelslsteaiole vin lecletstelsin sieterccieteatate 13) 1719 See Gule Gla Aad aed oe Lead leat 90 6 191 | 10 9 903 
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Troops sent to New-York... ....srccseccesscercccceeccces ONFA ES 139 1483711 25)) 2!) e4 Asia els! SOue.075 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters, New- York. 


GENERAL HOWE TO LORD GEORGE GERMAINE. 
Head-Quarters, Staten-Island, August 15, 1776. 

My Lorp: I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt 
of your Lordship’s despatches of the 11th and 12th of June, 
by the Halifax packet, arriving here the 11th instant. 

On the 12th the two fleets, under convoy of Commodore 
Hotham and the Repulse, met off this harbour, and came in 
together. ‘The Guards and Hessians on board are reported 
to be very healthy. ‘The camp equipage is also come, and 
no time will be lost in proceeding upon the operations of the 
campaign. 

Lord Dunmore and Lord William Campbell arrived yes- 
terday from the southward, with Sir Peter Parker. Being 
anxious to send off this packet, I defer being more particular 
until the next departure. 


I have the honour to be, &c., WorrsiblGwiet 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, August 15, 1776. 

Sre: As the situation of the two Armies must engage the 
attention of Congress, and lead them to expect that each 
returning day will produce some important events, this is 
meant to inform them that nothing of moment has yet cast 
up. 

In the evening of yesterday, there were great movements 
among their boats, and from the number that appeared to 
be passing and repassing about the Narrows, we were induced 
to believe that they intended to land a part of their force upon 


Long-Island ; but having no report from General Greene, I 
presume they have not done it. 
I have the honour to be, with my duties to Congress, 
your and their most obedient servant, 
Go. WasuHINeTon. 


P.S. Your favour of the 13th was received by yester- 
day’s post. I wrote on Monday by the return express, as 
you supposed. Go. WasHINGTON. 


GENERAL ORDERS. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 13, 1776. 
(Countersign, York.) 

Thomas Hendly and Israel Keith, Esquires, are appointed 
Aids-de-Camp to Major-General Heath. They are to be 
respected and obeyed accordingly. 

The Court-Martial to sit to-morrow, for the trial of Lieu- 
tenant Holcomb, of Captain Anderson’s Company, Colonel 
Johnson's Regiment, under arrest for “assuming the rank of 
a Captain, and mounting guard as such.” : 

The Colonels of the several Regiments, or Commanding 
Officers, are to send their Quartermasters to the Laboratory 
for the ammunition cart to be attached to each regiment, 
with spare ammunition; to have it posted in some safe and 
proper place near the regiment, so as to be ready at a mo- 
ment’s warning: the horse and driver to be also kept near 
the regiment. It is the Quartermaster’s duty to attend to 
this, and in case of action to see the cartridges delivered as 
they are wanted. 

‘The enemy’s whole reinforcement is now arrived, so that 


(Parole, Weymouth.) 


965 


an attack must and will soon be made. The General there- 
fore again repeats his earnest request that every officer and 
soldier will have his arms and ammunition in good order; 
keep within their quarters and encampment, as much as 
possible; be ready for action at a moment’s call; and when 
called to it, remember that liberty, property, life, and honour, 
are all at stake; that upon their courage and conduct rest the 
hopes of their bleeding and insulted country; that their wives, 
children, and parents, expect safety from them only; and 
that we have every reason to expect Heaven will crown 
with success so just a cause. The enemy will endeavour 
to intimidate by show and appearance, but remember how 
they have been repulsed on various occasions by a few brave 
Americans. Their cause is bad; their men are conscious of 
it; and if opposed with firmness and coolness at their first 
onset, with our advantage of works and knowledge of the 
ground, victory is most assuredly ours. Every good soldier 
will be silent and attentive, wait for orders, and reserve his 
fire till he is sure of doing execution. ‘The officers to be 
particularly careful of this. The Colonels, or Commanding 
Officers of Regiments, are to see their supernumerary officers 
so posted as to keep the men to their duty; and it may not be 
amiss for the troops to know that if any infamous rascal, in 
time of action, shall attempt to skulk, hide himself, or retreat 
from the enemy without orders of his Commanding Officer, 
he will instantly be shot down as an example of cowardice. 
On the other hand the General promises that he will reward 
those who shall distinguish themselves by brave and noble 
actions: and he desires every officer to be attentive to this 
particular, that such men may afterwards be suitably no- 
ticed. 

General Greene to send for ten of the flat-bottomed boats, 
which are to be kept under guard at Long-Island. No 
person to meddle with them but by his special order. 

Thirty-seven men (sailors) are wanted for the galleys. 

Eighty men, properly officered and used to the sea, are 
wanted to go up to King’s Bridge with the ships and rafts. 
They are to be furnished immediately, and parade with 
blankets and provisions, but without arms, at General Put- 
nam’s, at two o’clock, and take orders from him. 

John Gardiner, of Captain Trowbridge’s Company, Col- 
onel Huntington’s Regiment, tried by a General Court- 
Martial, whereof Colonel Wyllys was President, and con- 
victed of “desertion,” ordered to receive thirty-nine lashes. 

John Morgan, of Captain Johnson’s Company, Colonel 
Mc Dougall’s Regiment, tried by the same Court-Martial and 
convicted of “sleeping on his post,” sentenced to receive 
thirty lashes. 

Francis Claudge, of Captain Speakman’s Company, Col. 
Glover's Regiment, tried by the same Court-Martial, and 
convicted of “desertion and reinlistment,’ sentenced to 
receive thirty-nine lashes, thirteen each day successively. 

The General approves each of the above sentences, and 
orders them to be executed at the usual times and places. 

The Court of Inquiry having reported that Lieutenant 
Mesier had behaved unbecoming an officer, to one of supe- 
rior rank, the Court directed a Court-Martial, unless he ask 
pardon of the officer he affronted; but that officer having 
represented to the General that he is willing to pass it over, 
the General, at his request, orders Lieutenant Mester to be 
discharged. 


After Orders.—Colonel Miles’s and Colonel Brodhead’s 
regiments of Riflemen to discharge and clean their rifles 
to-morrow, at troop-beating, under the inspection of their 
officers. Colonel Smallwood’s and Colonel Atlee’s Batta- 
lions of Musketry to fire at the same time with loose powder 


and ball. ; 


ae 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 14, 1776. 
- (Countersign, Liberty.) 

Alexander Scammell and Lewis Morris, Esqs., are ap- 
pointed Aids-de-Camp to Major-General Sullivan. They are 
to be obeyed and respected accordingly. 

The divisions of the Army under Major-Generals Putnam 
and Sullivan having undertaken some special works, are to 
be omitted out of the general detail of guards and fatigue 
for the present. 

The General orders three days’ provision to be cooked 
immediately, that the soldiers have their canteens filled, and 
be ready to meet the enemy on a short notice. 


(Parole, America.) 


* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


966 


Such Colonels of Regiments as have not sent for their 
ammunition carts, or drawn for rum for the refreshment of 
their men in time of action, as per order of the 9th instant, 
are to do it immediately, and the Quartermaster must take 
care that it be used properly; the allowance is half a pint 
per man. 

The Brigadier-Generals will please to recollect that there 
are a number of spears at the Laboratory, which will be of 
great use at the posts, and are waiting to be distributed. 

In case of alarm, the men are immediately to repair to 
their usual parade, where the roll is to be called, and then 
march, join in battalion, and march to their respective alarm 
posts; absentees will be considered as cowards, and treated 
as such. 

The General flatters himself that every man’s mind and 
arms are now prepared for the glorious contest upon which 
so much depends. ‘The time is too precious, nor does the 
General think it necessary to spend it in exhorting his brave 
countrymen and fellow-soldiers to behave like men, fighting 
for everything that can be dear to freemen. We must re- 
solve to conquer or die; with this resolution and the blessing 
of Heaven, victory and success certainly will attend us. 
There will, then, be a glorious issue to this campaign ; and 
the General will reward his brave fellow-soldiers with every 
indulgence in his power. 

The whole line to turn out to-morrow morning and march 
to their several alarm posts, in all points ready for action, 
and continue until nine o’clock, or further orders. 

William Peek and Charles Whiting, Esqs., appointed 
Aids-de-Camp to Major-General Spencer. ‘They are to be 
respected and obeyed accordingly. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 15, 1776. 


(Parole, Charlestown.) (Countersign, Boston.) 


Witham S. Smith, Esq., appointed to act as Aid-de- 
Camp to General Sulhvan during the absence of Major 
Scammell, and to be obeyed and respected accordingly. 

Henry Williams, of Captain Parke’s Company, Colonel 
Shepard’s Regiment, convicted by a General Court-Martial, 
whereof Colonel Wyllys was President, of ‘ desertion,” sen- 
tenced to receive thirty-nine lashes. ‘The General approves 
the sentence, and orders it to be executed at the usual time 
and’ place. 

Lieutenant Holcomb, of Captain Anderson’s Company, 
and Colonel Johnson’s Regiment, tried by the same Court- 
Martial for “assuming the rank of a Captain, wearing a 
yellow cockade, and mounting guard in that capacity,” it 
appearing to be done through misinformation and want of 
experience, the Court are of opinion he should be cautioned 
by his Colonel to make himself acquainted with his duty, 
and that he be released from his arrest. ‘The General ap- 
proves thereof, and orders that he be discharged. 

Mr. William Caldwell is appointed Paymaster to Colonel 
Baldwiv’s Regiment; Mr. John Lawrence to the Regiment 
late McDougall’s. 

The General directs and requests that every officer will 
see the men’s arms and ammunition put in order as soon as 
it clears up; and for that purpose have them paraded and 
carefully inspected; an enemy often presumes upon neglect 
at such time to make an attack. 

Mr. Robert Prevost, Jun., is appointed Paymaster to Co- 
lonel Ritzema’s Regiment. 

Colonel Glover’s Regiment to move to-morrow to G'reen- 
wich, and join General Fellows’s Brigade. 

General Putnam’s Division to be put into the general 
detail of duty as before. 

Captain James Chapman to do the duty of Major to Colonel 
Tyler’s Regiment (late General Parsons’s) till further orders. 
Captain James Mellen to do the same in Colonel Ward’s 
Regiment. 

Captain Thomas Dyer to do the duty of Brigade-Major 
to General Parsons’s Brigade till further orders. 


JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, August 15, 1776, 
Sir: This serves only to advise you that I have this day 
drawn on you in favour of Colonel Thomas Lowrey, of New- 
Jersey, on account of a quantity of pork supplied to the 
Army by him some time since, for six thousand twenty-nine 


967 


and one-third dollars, which you will please to pay, and 
charge to my account accordingly. 
I am, sir, your most humble servant, 
Jos. TRUMBULL. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq., President of the 
Congress of Delegates from the States of America, at 


Sag hiladelphia. 


P. S. Since writing the above, I have drawn another list 
of bills on you, in favour of Colonel Lowrey, for twenty thou- 
sand dollars, for supplying the Continental troops in New- 
Jersey, which you will please to pay, and charge accord- 
ingly. If the communication should be cut off by the enemy 
between us here and the troops in New-Jersey, 1 hope the 
Congress will from time to time supply him with money, as 
occasion may require in that department, and charge the 
same to me, taking his receipts to account to me or them- 
selves for the expenditure thereof. 

Yours, ut supra. 


GENERAL GREENE TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Long-Island, August 15, 1776. 


Sir: It having appeared in orders that Colonel Hitch- 
cock’s regiment is to take possession of the post opposite 
to Fort Washington, I beg leave to acquaint you that their 
peculiar attachment to the old regiments that ‘are here, their 
thorough knowledge of the ground, their discipline, and the 
good order in which they are respecting arms, make me 
desirous of their remaining here, if it can possibly be dis- 
pensed with, and absolute necessity does not require their 
removal. ‘The most of the troops that come over here are 
strangers to the ground, undisciplined, and badly furnished 
with arms. They will not be so apt to support each 
other in time of action as those who have long been 
acquainted, and who are not only attached to each other 
but to the place. I have made this application in con- 
sequence of my own observations; and to evince the pro- 
priety of it, send you enclosed the arrangement for your 
inspection. 

Colonel Hand, about eight o’clock yesterday evening, re- 
ported that the Hesszans were landing on Staten-Island to a 
considerable number; that after their landing they paraded 
upon the beach, and marched up the hill towards the flag- 
staff. I have received no report from him this morning, 
owing, as I suppose, to the inclemency of the weather. 
Should he not send one speedily, I shall despatch an express 
to inquire the cause. 

I have made choice of Mr. William Blodget and Major 
William Livingston for my Aids-de-Camp. Should it meet 
with your approbation, you will please to signify it in orders. 

I have the pleasure to inform you that the troops appear 
to be in exceeding good spirits; and make no doubt that if 
the enemy should make their attack here, we shall be able 
to render a very good account of them. 

I am carrying into execution the late resolve of Congress 
respecting the removal of the cattle, dismantling of the mills, 
removing the grain already thrashed, and having that which 
is still in sheaf so stacked and disposed of, that in case of an 
attack it may easily be destroyed. . 

The Militia of the County that were ordered here have 
not as yet made their appearance, notwithstanding the pro- 
mise I received from the Lieutenant-Colonel that they should 
be here last night. Should they delay coming in any longer 
than this day, | am determined not to be trifled with, and 
shall let them feel my resentment by vigorous and spirited 
exertions of military discipline and those powers with which 
I am invested. A part of the Militia, from the east end 
of the Island, under the command of Colonel Smith, are 
arrived. 

Tam very sorry that I am under the necessity of acquaint- 
ing you that I am confined to my bed with a raging fever. 
The critical situation of affairs makes me the more anxious, 
but I hope, through the assistance of Providence, to be able 
to ride before the presence of the enemy may make it abso- 
lutely necessary. 

I am, with respect, your most obedient, humble servant, 

NaTHANAEL GREENE. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters, 
New- York. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &e,, AUGUST, 1776. 


968 


RICHARD VARICK TO GENERAL GATES. 
Albany, August 15, 1776. 

Dear Genera: I do myself the honour to enclose you 
a return of stores forwarded since the 8th instant. As the 
General is momentarily expected, I have hitherto detained 
your despatches, and shall deliver them as soon as he comes. 
{had prepared copies to enclose to his Excellency, but being 
informed that he will certainly be here in a few hours, [ 
must beg your pardon for the detention. I am confident 
the General will have some observations to make on the 
orders of Carleton, as they militate with resolves of Congress 
I sent him on the 10th, in the evening. 

Some of the stores are arrived at Poughkeepsie ; some 
blocks, three coils 43 and 44-inch cordage, and some small 
cordage, with several old sails, and a few anchors and cables. 
More 44-inch cordage is to be had at Poughkeepsie. 1 think 
we had better send for it to supply the three-inch cordage 
ordered by the requisition. Above four hundred pounds of 
slow-match is arrived ; this, together with fifty dressed skins, 
some powder-horns, one hundred pounds of twine, two fish- 
ing nets, grubbing hoes, and intrenching tools, will be sent 
by the first wagons. 

I shall soon send you some grapplings. From their size, 
I supposed them to be in lieu of small anchors, and have 
ordered them to be made so. Spikes are making, and I 
have sent for iron, in consequence of General Arnold’s requi- 
sitions from Skenesborough. 

When my General arrives, I shall consider myself in some 
measure discharged from the extra offices his absence has 
imposed on me; but shall at leisure see to it that the requi- 
sitions are complied with as soon as possible. 

I am, my dear sir, with every sentiment of respect, and 
the most profound esteem, your obedient and very humble 
servant, Ricup. Varick. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


TL? Oiseau and Allain are confined in the Tory Jail; the 
others not yet arrived. ‘They had no papers, and from their 
examination, appear almost incapable of deception. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 15, 1776. 

Dear Genera: [I received your favour of the 14th in- 
stant, and am now sending off the troops according to order. 
Your Honour’s letter of the 11th directed me to send the 
troops down to Ticonderoga when the tents should arrive. 
As the tents did not arrive, I thought it to be my orders not 
to send the troops, till your Honour’s letter of the 14th 
came to hand. I hear the tents are likely to come to this 
place to-morrow, and if they should, I shall send them imme- 
diately down to T¥conderoga, without loss of time. 

As to the Continental regiments that your Honour desired 
me to acquaint you with, there is not one arrived at this 
place, neither can I get any intelligence where they are. 
As tothe Militia, they come in very slowly, and what is the 
reason I cannot tell. 

Your Honour may depend I shall do all in my power to 
get the galleys ready as soon as possible, and embark on board 
of them, according to orders. We are kept back by the mill 
being put out of order by the great flood of water; but I hope 
we shall soon get her agoing. I fear we shall want for oakum 
and deck nails. I hope we shall not be kept back for want 
of anything, for I think our shipping must be a great terror 
to our enemy. 

As to the axes that Governour Trumbull wrote about, they 
have not arrived, but as soon as they arrive I shall attend to 
the orders, in sending one-half down to Ticonderoga. 

Weare behindhand on account of plank for sealing, by 
the mill being out of order. The carpenters could not all 
work at the three on the stocks, and so went to work at 
others, and have two almost ready to raise; but I will keep 
as many as possible at work to get those three off the stocks. 

I can spare fifty spades, and the rest | have on hand [ 
think I can employ to good advantage. ‘Those fifty 1 send 
to Ticonderoga are new, and are not helved. ‘Those that I 
received from Ticonderoga are but little worth; they are old, 
and bend when used. 

I am, with the greatest esteem, your Honour’s most obe- 
dient, humble servant, Davin Warereury, Jun. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


969 


P. S! [hear that the Militia from Connecticut that have 
not yet arrived are near at hand. 


COLONEL GANSEVOORT TO GENERAL GATES. 
Fort George, August 15, 1776. 
Honourep Sir: The enclosed letter, directed to your 
Honour, with the return, signed by Mr. Rensselaer, was 
delivered to me just now by Mr. McElhenny, who informed 
me that the enclosed letter, with the return, was left in his 
markee by Mr. Shepherd, Conductor at this place. Iimme- 
diately sent for Mr. Shepherd, and inquired from him where 
he had got the enclosed letter with the return. He informed 
me that he had seen the aforesaid letter with the return, in 
this condition, in the possession of Mr. Beames, who left here 
this morning for Ticonderoga. 1 examined Mr. Shepherds 
receipts, and find them to agree with Mr. Rensselaer’s return, 
except fifty papers of blacking: he can only account for 
twenty-eight, and does not account for any pencils. 
I am, sir, your humble servant, 
P. Gansevoort, Lieut. Colonel. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


GENERAL GATES TO COLONEL HARTLEY. 
Tyonderoga, August 15, 1776. 
Sir: I received your favour of yesterday by Mr. McCoy, 
and have at your request appointed him Ensign in the Sixth 
Battalion of Pennsylvanians. 1 at the same time offered a 
pecuniary reward to his two companions, but they absolutely 
refused taking any, saying their sole motive was to serve their 
country. I meet with very few such truly publick-spirited 
men. General Arnold, who gives you this letter, will im- 
mediately make a cruise down the Lake. It will be, there- 
fore, proper for you to remain at your present post. I highly 
approve of your intrenching your people and keeping a good 
lookout. You will send forward, with all possible despatch, 
the letters or reports from General Arnold. 
Horatio Gates. 


To Lieutenant-Colonel Hartley, Crown-Point. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM TICONDEROGA, DATED AUGUST 
15, 1776. 


I came over here to conduct a Canadian from St. Fran- 
cois to Head-Quarters. He assures me that the Indians in 
general have resolved not to join in the war. ‘Things here 
begin to wear a different face. ‘The greatest harmony reigns 
among the General Officers. Order is taking place in the 
Army, and the men are in high spirits. Great numbers are 
coming in from New-England to Skenesborough. General 
Carleton has barbarously used the Canadians who favoured 
us. General Burgoyne has endeavoured to persuade some 
tribes of Canadian Indians to join the British Army, but 
they absolutely refused to take any part, adding, that if Great 
Britain and America should become reconciled, they should 
be the greatest sufferers, and therefore were determined to 
be neuter. We have received a large supply of fresh beef, 
which has been of great service in the recovery of the 
sick. Our maritime force consists of eight gondolas and four 
schooners. We are going from here down the Lake, in 
order to retake St. John’s, which General Burgoyne has 
possession of at present. As we have numbers, and our 


Army are determined, I do not entertain the least doubt of 
success. 


Ticonderoga, August 15, 1776. 

Our fleet on Lake Champlain consists of the Royal Sa- 
vage, Captain Wynkoop, twelve carriage nine, six, and four- 
pounders, ten swivels, and fifty men; Enterprise, Dixon, 
twelve carriage guns, nine, six, and four-pounders, ten swi- 
vels, and fifty men; Revenge, Laman, ten carriage guns, 
four and two-pounders, ten swivels, and thirty-five men; 
Liberty, Primer, ten carriage guns, four and two-pounders, 
eight swivels, and forty-five men; four gondolas, Captains 
Mansfield, Simmons, Sumner, and Ustins. Each gondola 
carries three guns, one twelve and two nine-pounders, 
eight swivels, and forty-five men. ‘Three row-galleys, just 


ready to launch, and ten more’ gondolas, will soon’ be 
ready. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


970 


GEORGE PITKIN TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Hartford, August 15, 1776. 

May ir pLeAsE your Honour: The importance of Chap- 
Jains in an army I need only suggest to your Honour; there- 
fore wait on your Honour by this to know your Honour’s 
pleasure in allowing and appointing one to the Nineteenth 
Regiment of Militia, ordered to New-York. In conversa- 
tion with the Rev. Mr. Perry, of East- Windsor, he mani- 
fested his willingness to undertake in that character, who I 
can recommend, and am very desirous of having appointed. 
A doctor likewise is very necessary to a regiment. Your 
Honour’s directions for filling up vacancies of officers, if there 
should be any, is strongly desired. 

If it were possible, after seeing the regiment arrived at 
New- York, for me to retire, leaving the command to Major 
Terry, (my constitution and state of health at present being 
such that I cannot undergo the duty of a camp,) I submit to 
your Honour. May Almighty God deliver this land from 
its present dire calamities. 

With submission, I subscribe myself, with the highest 
esteem, your Honour’s most obedient servant, 

GeorcGe Pirin. 


To the Hon. Governour Trumbull. 


N. B. The bearer will wait an answer. 


OLIVER WOLCOTT TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Litchfield, August 15, 1776. 

Honovurenp Sir: I have just now received your Honour’s 
favour of the 12th instant, and am thereby acquainted with 
the honour done me in appointing me to the command of 
the Militia lately ordered to New-York. I shall most cheer- 
fully render my country every service in my power, and am 
sorry my health is not better to go through the duties of a 
military life, and more so that my inexperience and want 
of knowledge in this service are so very considerable. Butas 
this is well known, candour will not require what it has no 
reason toexpect. All I can engage is, an upright endeavour 
to discharge the duties of my appointment, in humble trust 
of the Divine guidance and protection. 

Iam, with great esteem, your Honour’s most obedient, 


humble servant 
’ Outver Wo corr. 


COLONEL LEWIS TO. GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Stratford, August 15, 1776. 

Honourep Sir: These inform that I received your orders 
dated the 6th July, directing me, “on notice given by his 
Excellency General Washington, to call forth and march 
with all expedition so many able-bodied and effective men 
of the regiment under my command as are necessary and 
convenient for the defence of the Colonies, to be’under the 
Commander-in-Chief of the Army;’ whereupon I gave 
orders to the commanding officers of the several companies 
in my regiment to draught every able-bodied man in their 
companies, and see that they were well equipped, and to 
hold themselves in readiness to march on the shortest notice, 
and make returns, &c. 

On the 9th instant I received a letter from his Excellency 
General Washington, bearing date August 7, requesting me 
to call forth my regiment without delay, and to march them 
immediately to New- York, with which request I have endea- 
voured to comply without loss of time. I gave orders im- 
mediately to the several Captains and officers commanding 


the several companies in the regiment to call forth their 


companies, see them well equipped, and march them, and 
meet me at Fairfield on Tuesday, the 13th instant, where 
they might expect orders to march to New-York; at which 
time and place the Captains with their companies generally 
attended. 

I would inform your Honour that Captain Daniel Hill, 
of Redding, and his company, did not appear nor comply 
with my orders, and gave no attendance; that Captain 
Cooley, of Northfield, did not attend. Lieutenant Squier, of 
Captain Cooley’s company, attended, and informed me that 
Captain Cooley had never read any orders to his company that 
I had sent him, and utterly refused to take up arms against the 
King’s forces. Whereupon I gave orders to Lieutenant Squier 
to call out the company, and march them, and join the regi- 
ment without delay. Captain Henry Swnmers, of North-Fair- 


971 


field, attended at Fairfield with seven men. His Lieutenant 
is bound over to the Superior Court to answer for a misde- 
meanour. His Ensign is in the Army. He informs that 
his company are chiefly Tories, and refuse to obey him. I 
admitted Captain Summers to return home, and desired those 
privates (which were only three) to join some other com- 
pany. Some of the companies in the regiment had one or 
more of their commissioned officers in the service, and a 
considerable part of the companies have joined two toge- 
ther, by their consent, where it was convenient and agreeable 
to them, so that these companies are now full; and others, 
where it was not so convenient and agreeable, remained 
as they were, and the regiment marched for New-York from 
Fairfield yesterday, in number about four hundred and 
twenty. Lieutenant Squier, of Northfield, had not then 
joined the regiment with his men. Captains that marched: 
Dimon, Coe, Tomlinson, Wheeler, Andrus, Bennett. Sub- 
alterns that commanded companies, their Captains absent or 
otherwise: Lieutenants Davis, Lyon, and Penfield, and 
Ensign Silliman. 

This, honoured sir, is the number and state of my regi- 
ment, as nearly as I can give it at present. Myself and the 
Major set out for New-York to-morrow morning. 

From your Honour’s most obedient, humble servant, 

Icuasop Lewis. 


To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Captain-General. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO COLONEL HERRICK. 
Council Chamber, August 15, 1776. 
Sir: You are hereby directed and commanded to cause 
the second company in your regiment, together with the 
alarm-list within the limits of the same, to be duly notified 
to assemble together at some convenient place within such 
limits, and at such time as you shall appoint, and require 
them to make choice by ballot of one Captain and two Lieu- 
tenants, in the room of Captain Samuel Flint, Messrs. Daniel 
Putnam and Joseph Putnam, Jun., who have declined ac- 
cepting commissions to command said company; and you are 
requested to be present at said meeting, and to preside as 
Moderator; which choice you are immediately to certify to 
the Secretary of this State. 
In the name and by order of the Council : 
JeremiaH Powetu, President. 


To Colonel Henry Herrick. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO THE COMMITTEE OF READING. 
Watertown, August 15, 1776. 

GentLemen: The Board have received your letter of the 
14th instant, informing that Colonel Campbell has dismissed 
four of his servants, one of whom has let himself out to work 
for his living; the rest havedeclined. ‘The Board therefore 
order, that the three soldiers before mentioned be immediately 
sent to the Sheriff of the County of Middlesex, who is hereby 
directed to confine them in the jail of said County, provided 
the Committee should find they still refuse to go to work for 
their support. As to Munro, the Council think you have 
full power to take proper care of him if he prove an enemy 
ioe Mee Jeremiau Powe xt, President. 


To Jacob Emerson, Chairman to the Committee of Reading. 


JAMES BOWDOIN TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Boston, August 15, 1776. 
Gentuemen: Mr. Adams, of Taunton, carries on a con- 
siderable deal of business as a nailer and cutler, and he wants 
a couple of men (prisoners) who are now at Worcester, 
named Francis Hall and Thomas Taft, acquainted with 
manufacturing in that way. ‘The men are willing to engage 
with Mr. Adams, and his son (the bearer) waits upon you 
to desire the favour that those men may be allowed to go 
with him to Taunton, to be employed at his manufactory, 
which I think would be of publick utility, and therefore 
suppose your Honours will be inclined to grant his re- 
quest. 
Lam, respectfully, your Honour’s most obedient servant, 


James Bowpoin. 
To the Honourable Council. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


972 


In Council, August 16, 1776. 
Ordered, That the Sheriff of the County of Worcester 
deliver the above two persons, Francis Hall and Thomas 
Taft, to the above Mr. John Adams, if they are not already 
engaged, or under contract with any other person or persons, 
provided the said two men are willing to go with him, 
In the name and by the order of Council : 
Jer. Powe, President. 


es 


Boston, August 15, 1776. 

Last Lord’s day the Declaration of Independence was 
published in the several Churches in this town, agreeable to 
an order of the honourable Council of this State. 

Last Sunday was sent in here by the brig Enterprise and 
sloop Beaver, two letters of marque vessels belonging to 
New-York and bound for St. Eustatia, a ship from Grenada 
bound for London, laden with sugar, rum, cotton, &c. 

Yesterday being the Anniversary of the 14th of August, 
1765, the Sons of Liberty, with a number of their friends, 
met at Liberty Hall, and erected a pole on the stump of 
Liberty Tree, (the body of which was cut down by our 
worse than savage myrmidons the last winter,) where they 
hoisted the red flag, or flag of defiance. At twelve o’clock 
a number of patriotick toasts were drank, which came too 
late for this day’s paper. 

A select number likewise met at the Bunch of Grapes, 
in King street, where flags were also displayed ; and at one 
o'clock a company of the ‘Train was paraded in King street, 
with two field-pieces, which were discharged thirteen times; 
after which a number of patriotick toasts were drank, and 
three cheers given. 

We hear that on Wednesday last was sent into Ports- 
mouth, by the privateer Hancock, of Philadelphia, the Re- 
ward, of six hundred tons, a large ship (formerly a twenty- 
gun ship) now mounting fourteen guns, bound from Tortola 
for London, having on board seven hundred and fifty hogs- 
heads of sugar, two hundred hogsheads of rum, five thousand 
weight of cotton, and a number of pieces of cannon. We 
hear she was taken by the following stratagem, viz: Just 
before dusk the evening the Hancock came across her, the 
Captain of the prize taking the Hancock to be one of the 
tyrant’s pilferers, very much rejoiced to fall in with her, and 
doubtless vice versa, when the Hancock at night threw out 
a light fora pilot. At daylight the next morning, the ves- 
sels being near together, the Captain of the ship invited the 
Captain of the Hancock to come on board and take a break- 
fast; who replied, his hands were so few and sick, that he 
had not enough to man his boat and work the vessel; and 
in his turn, invited the Captain of the ship to come on board 
him, which he readily complied with by ordering his boat 
out, when he and about a dozen of his hands went on board 
the Hancock, and were taken as good care of as men in 
such circumstances could be. ‘The Hancock then sent an 
equal nufmber of her own hands on board the ship, when 
alas! she fell into the hands of the United States of America. 
The letters by her inform us that every sort of provision was 
very high; flour, scarce a barrel to be had at any price; 
butter at £6 12s. currency per firkin;—all wishing the 
dispute settled with America, and in great expectation that 
matters would be accommodated by the discretionary powers 
of Lord Howe. This ship was taken in latitude 28° north, 
longitude 62°. The prize-master, Mr. Barton, informs us 
that the Hancock had taken a brigantine from the West- 
Indies just before this ship, and sent her to Egg-Harbour, 
and was in chase of a ship, supposed to be a Jamaicaman, 
and almost within gunshot, when he left her. 

By a person from Charlestown, Number Four, we hear that 
the report there was, that a great number of boats full of 
troops had been sent in the Lakes; so it is very likely we 
shall soon hear of some business from that quarter. 

The Tyrannicide privateer, Captain Fisk, belonging to, 
and in the service of this State, has sent into Salem the 
brigantine JSt. John, with a cargo of one hundred and twenty 
hovsheads of molasses, eighty-one casks of rum, fifty-two 
casks of coffee, fourteen hogsheads of sugar, and eight casks 
of cocoa; and into Dartmouth, the schooner Three Bro- 
thers, Captain Smith, from Dominico for Nova-Scotia, with 
a cargo of fifty hogsheads of rum, eighty-six casks of mo- 
lasses, forty barrels of flour, ten barrels of pork, and £420 
lawful money in cash. 


973 


Thursday last a fine prize ship from St. Augustine for 
London, laden with dried skins and indigo, was sent into 
Salem by a privateer commanded by Captain Skimmer. 

The same day arrived at Newburyport a prize schooner, 
laden with rum, &c. We have not heard by whom she 
was taken. 

Last week the Warren privateer, of Dartmouth, carried 
in there a ship from the West Indies for Newfoundland, laden 
with sugar and molasses; she was commanded by Captain 
Cochran, of this town, and owned by Thomas Boylstone, of 
Boston. 


—_— 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM HALIFAX, DATED AUGUST 15, 
1776. 


An expedition has been formed here for landing some men 
at St. John’s Fort, on St. John’s River, in the Bay of Fundy. 
The Farmer sloop-of-war has been to convoy the transports 
thither, and is returned from that business, and brought back 
the vessels. What the design may be I am not able to 
fathom. Our dock-yard here has constant employ; scarce 
any of the King’s ports in England has more, which may 
easily be conceived from the number of ships employed on 
the Continent. 

This expedition was thus spoken of in the Halifax news- 
papers: ‘Two thousand Highlanders, under convoy of three 
frigates and three armed schooners, have been sent to the 
Bay of Fundy to penetrate that way into New-Hampshire. 


_ 


COLONEL HUGER TO JOHN LEWIS GERVAIS. 
Purysburgh, August 16, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I have this day settled with Mr. Pugh for 
fourteen days’ rations, amounting to £261 16s. 4d., including 
four bushels of rice. You will please pay Mr. Pugh £164 
16s. 4d., as I have advanced him £105 in part, for beef. 
The certificates for rice and beef on my march to this place 
shall send you in a few days. 


Am your humble servant, Isaac Hucer. 


To John Lewis Gervais, Esquire, Commissary-General, 
Charlestown. 


Fourteen days’ Rations bought of Wittosy Puen. 


Poclspounds Beetsatsl sydd... ciple es distsieieso'e'e Scop ease £258 14 
PIU DOUNCSLICena LS USsetatialasis lee cles stckesis cle bce ofesatais 3 15 0 
261 16 4 

Paid Mr. Pugh..... seks leteleleviclela'e) <shelaip ajesteiers! sc Sag0ce 105 00 
AIRINGS CUE FULN reg doce scl dsp se sits cee soho ieis'te » elak £156 16 4 


on 


Williamsburgh, August 16, 1776. 

On Tuesday, the 13th instant, the First Virginia Regi- 
ment in the Continental service marched from this city for 
New-York. From undoubted authority we can assure the 
publick that fifteen thousand weight of pure lead have been 
got from our mines in the back country, which, after being 
cast into bullets, we hope will be unerringly directed against 
our enemies. 

The last advices from the back country are, that the Che- 
rokee and Creek Indians, to the number of between six and 
seven hundred, are encamped in Carter’s valley, from whence 
they send out parties against the settlements, some of which 
had penetrated near one hundred miles on this side of the 
Big Island, carrying destruction wherever they come, by 
burning houses, fences, fields of wheat and other grain, and 
turning droves of horses into the corn-fields. Upwards of 
one thousand head of horses have been driven off, and a great 
number of cattle; the sheep and hogs they shoot down. 
They have killed and scalped eighteen men, one or two 
women, and several children ; some of the people were most 
barbarously murdered, too shocking to relate. The ruined 
settlers had collected themselves together at different places, 
and forted themselves, four hundred and upwards at Major 
Shelby’s, about the same number at Captain Campbell’s, and 
a considerable number at Amos Eaton’s. The fort at Wa- 
tauga, which was besieged by four hundred savages, are 
now relieved, the Indtans having abandoned their enterprise 
upon the approach of Colonel Russell, with about three 
hundred men. In all the skirmishes with the Indians our 
people have continually worsted them, and, in the whole, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


974 


have killed and scalped twenty-seven, and badly wounded 
many others, as was discovered by the tracks of blood. A 
man from the frontiers of Georgia had arrived in Fincastle, 
who declared upon oath, that he saw upwards of one hun- 
dred people buried in one day, who were killed by the Creek 
Indians. 

By an express from Colonel Russell, of Fincastle, we 
learn, that on his approaching the Watauga Fort with the 
men under his command, the Indians retired precipitately; 
however, not without losing one man, and baving two wound- 
ed, by a party that pursued them. ‘The fort was thus for- 
tunately relieved after a fortnight’s close siege, during the 
greater part of which time our people lived on parched corn. 
‘There were supposed to be five hundred women and chil- 
dren in this little fort, who fled there for shelter on hearing 
that the Indians were marching into that part of the coun- 
try. We lost not a man in this long affair, except four or 
five who ventured out to drive in some cows; these were 
found scalped. 

The number of Indians concerned in the different ravages 
lately committed in FYncastle amount to six or seven hun- 
dred, some say eight hundred; and yet, sudden as their attack 
was, they murdered in all their butchering parties but eigh- 
teen persons, and wounded six, whilst our men killed in the 
skirmishes with them twenty-six on the spot, (as many were 
carried off dead,) took one prisoner, and wounded at least as 
many as they killed. As the Cherokees have been so com- 
pletely checked in their career, and we understand from Fort 
Pitt that the Northern Indians are not disposed to attack us 
in that quarter, and have only engaged not to suffer us to 
march through their country against Detroit, we may hope 
that there is not much to be dreaded from the terrible com- 
bination of Indians we have been threatened with by our 
enemies. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN WATKINS. 
[No. 135.] Annapolis, August 16, 1776. 

Str: There are about thirty stand of arms belonging to 
the Province at Snow-Hill, under the care of the Commit- 
tee. We desire you will bring them up with you. En- 


closed is an order on the Committee for them. 
We are, &c. 


To Captain Watkins. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THE TENT-MAKERS. 

_ [No. 136.] Annapolis, August 16, 1776. 
Sir: As all the troops belonging to this Province are 
directed to march directly, you will get all the tents ready 


you are to make, with the greatest despatch. 
We are, &c. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN DEAN. 

[No. 137.] Annapolis, August 16, 1776. 

Sir: By order of the Convention, you are immediately 
to march to Philadelphia, where you will receive further 
orders. ‘T'he service requires the utmost expedition. You 
will go to the head of Elk by water, where provision and 
baggage-wagons will be provided for you. If those who 
have lent guns upon condition your troops continued ih Queen 
Ann’s County, insist upon having them returned, you will 
then supply the deficiency occasioned thereby out of Cap- 
tain Darnes’s company, which has a number of guns pur- 
chased by the Committee. We are, &c. 


To Captain Dean, Queen Ann’s County. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN BOURKE. 
[No. 138.] Annapolis, August 16, 1776. 

Sir: You are requested to apply to Major Fallin for the 
guns he has the care of, which were taken in a tender; and 
you are likewise to apply to the Committee of your County 
for all the guns they have by them, to arm your company 
agreeable to a resolve of Convention which you have here- 
with enclosed. ‘Those two parcels of guns, together with 
what you have otherwise procured, will completely arm 
your company; and by the order of Convention you are 
immediately to march your company to Philadelphia, and 
there you will receive further orders. We are, &c. 


To Captain Bourke. 


975 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DORCHESTER COUNTY 
COMMITTEE. 
[No. 139.] Annapolis, August 16, 1776. 
Sirs: Enclosed is a copy of an order of Convention. We 
request you will deliver to Captain Bourke (to whom we 
have written on the subject) all the arms we understand are 
in your County, and afford him all the assistance in your 
power in equipping him for his march to the northward, 
agreeable to orders already sent him. We are, &c. 


To the Committee of Observation for Dorchester County. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO EDWARD PARKER. 
[No. 140.] Annapolis, August 16, 1776. 

Str: We have received your favour of the 14th instant, 
also the thread, and request you will immediately on receipt 
of this forward all the coarse cloth and linen to Mr. Gerrard 
Hopkins, the Deputy Commissary at Baltimore-Town. 

We are, &c. 


To Mr. Edward Parker. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO LINEN MANUFACTURERS, 
[No. 141.] Annapolis, August 16, 1776. 


Sir: As all the troops belonging to this Province are 
directed to march immediately to the northward, and as they 
will be greatly distressed for tents, unless we can be supplied 
with tenting linen from you, we earnestly beg you will send 
us what you can possibly, with the utmost despatch. 

We are, &c. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH. 
[No. 142.] Annapolis, August 16, 1776. 

Sir: We are pleased to hear that you are going on with 
getting timber for the gondolas, and other necessaries. You 
may depend on being handsomely paid according to the 
trouble you have; so you may proceed and make your 
charge: if reasonable, it shall be paid. The charge for 
your teams, we take it for granted, will be moderate, there- 
fore expect you will set them to work hauling timber. Whis- 
key and Continental rum may be furnished to the workmen 
at market price, in the manner you mention. 

We wish you could hire some persons to bring the scow 
down to us, we want her much. We know not what to 
say about the boats, not having received your letter by 
Hutchings; when we do, we shall take due notice of it. 


We are, &c. 
To Jesse Hollingsworth. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO DELEGATE IN CONGRESS. 
[No. 143.] Annapolis, August 16, 1776. 


Sir: We received yours of the 13th, and have seen what 
you wrote to Major Jenifer on the state of publick affairs. 

In consequence of a resolve of the Convention, we have 
given orders to all the Independent Companies (four in num- 
ber) tomarch. Colonel Carvell Hall’s, and Colonel Ewing’s, 
and six or seven companies on the Eastern-Shore, have like 
orders to march; so that, with Griffith’s battalion, we shall 
have near four thousand men with you ina short time. This 
exceeds our proportion for the Flying-Camp, but we are 
sending all that we have that can be armed and equipped; 
and the people of New-York, for whom we have great 
affection, can have no more than our all. Enclosed you 
have a list of the several battalions and companies. 

We depend, in case of invasion, on being supported power- 
fully by our neighbours in Pennsylvania, New- York, and the 
Jerseys, besides having part of our own troops sent back. 

Our gentlemen met for the first time after the late elections 
on Wednesday, the 14th, Matthew Tilghman in the chair. 
Most of their time since meeting has been taken up in contro- 
verted elections. Queen Ann’s, Prince George’s, Worcester, 
and Lower Districtin Frederick, set aside. Themembers have 
been all discharged, upon the principle of their having broken 
the resolves of the late Convention with regard to the quali- 
fication of the voters. Charles was controverted, or rather, 
it appeared on the face of a return that they had adjourned 
the polls to a different place than that appointed by the late 
Convention. It was not set aside for that reason, the ad- 
Journment being made by consent of all the candidates and 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


976 


voters. Some other elections are talked of, but we know not 
whether there will be petitions—Anne Arundel for one. In 
Kent County they began right, and proceeded so some time, 
till interrupted by a mob. ‘The Judges broke up, and are 
ordered to finish the election according to the old plan of 
qualification. 

We shall lose a valuable correspondent, we fear, when 
you leave Philadelphia. Our wishes are that you should 
stay, but we submit to your determination and that of the 
honourable Convention. 

We are, your most obedient servants. 


P.S. These companies are not all fully armed and equip- 
ped, but we hope soon to collect enough. , 


Lust of the Troops for Maryuanp. 


Smallwood’s Battalion, nine Companies, 76 each, - 684 
Captain Veazey 100, Captain Hindman 100, Captain 


Thomas 100, - - ~ <iee| = - 300 
Captain Beall 100, Captain Gunby 100, - - - - 200 
Captain Woolford 100, Captain Watkins 100, - - 200 

1384 
Griffith’s Battalion, nine Companies, 90 meneach, - 810 
Colonel Carvel Hall’s — do. do. do. 810 
3 Companies of Colonel Ewing’s, - - - - - - 270 
7 Companies of Eastern-Shore Battalion, - - - 644 
3918 


The remaining Companies of Ewing’s and the Eastern- 
Shore Battalion must borrow arms from the Militia to do 
duty here; they can get arms on no other terms. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAINS SMYTH AND 
PERKINS. 
[No. 144.] Annapolis, August 16, 1776. 
Gentlemen: By desire of the Convention you are to 
march your companies, as soon as they are ready, to Phila- 
delphia, where you will receive further orders. ‘The service 
requires the utmost despatch, and we earnestly request you 
to exert yourselves on this occasion. We have written the 
Committee to supply you with camp kettles, gun slings, 
wooden bottles, and cartouch boxes. Messrs. Smyth and 
Ringgold, who are requested to have tents made, will sup- 
ply you with them. We are, &c. 


P. S. The knapsacks, haversacks, and priming-wires, 
shall be sent you from Baltimore. 


2 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JOHN GORDON. 
[No. 145.] Annapolis, August 16, 1776. 
Sir: As all the troops belonging to the Province are 
directed to march immediately to the northward, we beg 
you will work day and night in furnishing the knapsacks and 
haversacks you have engaged to make, as they cannot march 
without them. We are, &c. 


Mr. John Gordon, Baltimore- Town. 


CAPTAIN SMYTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 
Chestertown, August 16, 1776. 


Gentitemen: Mr. Williamson, First Lieutenant of my 
company, waits on you for my marching orders, and any 
other you may please to issue to me. My company now 
want nothing but knapsacks to equip them completely; 
which (as I suppose you have them not) I shall be glad 
you will please to order me to procure, furnishing me with 
money for that purpose. I shall be glad to receive your 
orders concerning baggage wagons; they can be either hired 
or purchased here very readily, and I believe at a very rea- 
sonable rate. 

The money you were pleased to let me have, to advance 
to the men for the purchase of necessaries, is entirely ex- 
pended, and we have and must run in debt for many things 
we cannot do without. Most of the men require a full 
month’s pay, and some more, to procure necessaries to en- 
able them to march. I hope your Honours will supply me 
with money for this and the above mentioned purposes, not 
forgetting that our travelling expenses will be considerable. 

‘The twenty pieces of linen you ordered over for our tents 


977 


are not sufficient for the purpose. They will generally hold 
out forty yards to a piece, and each tent requires thirty 
yards. Agreeable to this calculation, which is just, there will 
be one hundred and twenty yards, or three pieces, wanting. 

I am, gentlemen, with the greatest respect, your most 


obedient servant, Tomas Sueru. Jun 
a 5 . 


To the Hon. Council of Safety of Maryland. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
In Congress, Philadelphia, August 16, 1776. 
Sir: I have only time to acknowledge the receipt of 
your letter of the 15th, and to transmit the resolves passed 
since my last, which you will find enclosed. 
That the all-wise Disposer of events may crown your 
arms with success, is the hearty wish of, sir, your very hum- 


ble servant : 
: Joun Hancock, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


PHILIP LIVINGSTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Philadelphia, August 16, 1776. 

GeytLemen: Your favour, dated the 22d July, enclosing 
copy of Mr. Alsop’s letter to the Convention, and a resolve 
of your body accepting his resignation of his seat in Con- 
gress, was received, and agreeable to your directions com- 
municated the same to the Congress, and delivered a copy 
to Mr. Alsop, who had not attended for some days before, 
though we did not then know the reason of his absenting 
himself. | 

Your favours of the 7th instant, with enclosures, we re- 
ceived and communicated to Congress. The spirited be- 
haviour of your body, so very conspicuous in your resolves, 
was very pleasing indeed. 

We cannot conceive the reason that the Connecticut Mi- 
litia do not come forward at this alarming crisis. Those 
from the Massachusetts are, we suppose, now with you; 
they passed through Providence last Monday; their numbers 
we are not informed of. 

There is not the least doubt but your Rangers will be 
taken into Continental pay. The Southern Colonies are 
raising troops for the like purpose, and we intend, in con- 
junction with them, to apply to Congress on that head. 
The gentlemen representing these Colonies wish to have the 
application deferred for some time, but we are of opinion 
you ought not to defer raising the men. The people on 
the frontiers most certainly will not be easy, nor, we fear, 
safe without such security. 

We are confident Congress means to be at the expense 
incurred and to be incurred in obstructing the navigation of 
Hudson River, and will in our next acquaint you with their 
explicit answer on that head. 

Colonel James Livingston has orders to raise a regiment 
out of the people who are friendly to the United States in 
Canada, Will it not be best that Captain James Stewart's 
company should make part of that regiment? We have 
requested Colonel Livingston to confer with you on that 
subject. 

Under the greatest anxiety for what is speedily to occur 
in New-York, we remain, gentlemen, your most obedient 


servants 
‘ Puiu. Livineston. 


The Hon. Convention of New-York. 


MARINE COMMITTEE TO CAPTAINS JONES AND HALLOCK. 
Philadelphia, August 16, 1776. 
Sir: You will find enclosed herein a paper sent us by 
the Captain of a French sloop, that is now daily expected 
from Martinico, with arms and ammunition, which we are 
very anxious should be got safe in; therefore we desire you 
to keep a good look-out for her, and if you fall in with her 
make such signals as will make you known for a friend. 
She mounts twelve guns, with sixty men. You will please 
to deliver this letter and its enclosure to Captain Hallock, 
who must hire a pilot-boat, and man her with an officer and 
four or five men, to cruise about the Capes for this sloop, 
observing to make the signal desired, and give them the 
needful information to get safe in here. 
When the Wasp goes down, she will convey further 


Firru Serres.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


978 


orders respecting this matter, unless the sloop arrives safe in 
the mean time. 
We are, sir, your obedient servants, 

Joun Hancock, 
Roserr Morais, 
Francis Hopxinson, 
Francis Lewts, 
JoserpuH Hewes. 


To John Paul Jones, Esq., of Sloop Providence, and Wil- 
lam Hallock, Esq., of the Sloop Hornet. 

P.S. Flag of the Queen of Hungary: Six black bars 
and six yellow bars. ‘The Captain of the pilot-boat will put 
his flag in the foremast head of the pilot-boat. 

Carefully recommended to the care of Mr. Paul Siemen. 


PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATORS. 
In Convention for the State of Pennsylvania, 
Friday, August 16, 1776. ; 

Whereas this Convention hath received information that 
several Associators of this State have deserted the camp in 
the face of the enemy, and returned home before the forma- 
tion of the Flying-Camp, and without the leave of their 
commanding officers, to the great danger of the publick, and 
evil example to others: It is therefore, 

Resolved, First, That all such Associators as shall rejoin 
their respective corps at the camp from whence they came, 
in eight days from this date, with such arms and accoutre- 
ments as they may have brought away with them, shall be 
exempted from any punishment; and those who neglect so 
to do, shall be apprehended, and sent under a guard to the 
camp, there to be tried; and in case of absconding, or con- 
cealing their arms, that they be advertised in the publick 
newspapers, and the reward of £3 offered for apprehending 
every such person. And every Associator who shall here- 
after desert his colours, shall be treated as those already 
deserted, and neglect to rejoin their respective corps, agree- 
able to this Resolve. 

Resolved, Secondly, That the Commanding Officers of 
the Companies or Battalions of the. Militia of this State, who 
are now on their march to New-Jersey, do apprehend all 
deserters they may meet on the road, and convey them under 
a guard to the camp. 

Resolved, Thirdly, That notwithstanding the foregoing 
Resolutions, it is not the intention of this Convention to 
detain the Militia unnecessarily from home; the Associators 
are therefore assured, that as soon as the Flying-Camp is 
formed, and the publick safety will admit, they shall be per- 
mitted to return home. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Joun Morris, Jun., Secretary. 


CONVENTION OF NEW-JERSEY TO THE BOARD OF WAR. 
In Convention, New-Jersey, Brunswick, 
August 16, 1776. 

Str: Enclosed is the best list we can furnish of the offi- 
cers in the three battalions of Continental troops raised in 
this State. 

Though at present we know of no prisoners of war in 
New-Jersey, excepting Lieutenant Arthur Wadman, who is 
stationed at Bordentown, pursuant to the late order of your 
Board, we have yet directed the several Committees to 
furnish lists of the prisoners within their districts, either now 
or of late. 

The Field-Officers of the battalions will appear from the 
minutes of Congress, together with the dates of their com- 
missions. We cannot possibly give you any information 
respecting them. 

We are, sir, your most humble servants. 


By order of the Convention: 
Samugez Tucker, President. 


To the Chairman of the War and Ordnance Office. 


First Battalion of New-Jersey Troops, Lord Srrruine 


Colonel. 

Second Company. 
Captain.....Silas Howell, 
First Lieut..John Mercer, 
Sec’d Lieut..Richard Johnson, 
Ensign..... Jacob Kemper. 

November 14, 1775. 


First Company. 
Captain... ..Joseph Morris, 
First Lieut..Daniel Baldwin, 
See’d Lieut..Daniel Brown, 
Ensign .....Matt. Halsted. 

November 8, 1775. 


62 


979 


Third Company. 
Captain.....John Conway, 
First Lieut..Lewis J. Costigen, 
Sec’d Lieut..Peter Voorhees, 
Ensign .....Francis Costigen. 

November 21, 1775. 


Fourth Company. 


Captain. ....John Polhemus, 
First Lieut..John Van Anglen, 
Sec’d Lieut..Samuel Axford, 
Ensign .....William Sickyls. 
November 22, 1776. 


Fifth Company. 
Captain. ....Joseph Meeker, 
First Lieut..Yelles Mead, 
Sec’d Lieut..Archibald Dallas, 
Ensign .....George Ross, 3d. 

December 9, 1775. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


Sixth Company. 
Captain.....Andrew McMyers, 
First Lieut..Isaac Morrison, 
See’d Lieut..Alexander Clough, 
Ensign .....Jacob Piatt. 

December 15, 1775. 


Seventh Company. 


Captain. ....Daniel Piatt, 

First Lieut..Hendrick Fisher, jr., 

Sec’d Lieut..John Flahaven, 

Ensign .....John Robertson, 
Uncertain when. 

Eighth Company. 
Captain. ....Elias Longstreet, 
First Lieut.. Hortenus Schenck, 
Sec’d Lieut..John Holmes, 
Ensign.....Abraham Lane. 

Pebruary 9, 1776. 


Second Battalion of New-Jersey, Witt1am Maxweiu 


Colonel. 


First Company. 


Captain.....William Faulkner, 

First Lieut..James Dillon, 

Sec’d Lieut..Nathaniel Bowman, 

Ensign .....John Sparks, jun., 
November 11, 1775. 


Second Company. 


Captain.....Jos. Brearley, Jr., 

First Lieut.. Thomas Yard, 

Sec’d Lieut..Jonathan Phillips, 

Ensign .....Thomas Ryerson. 
November 20, 1775. 


Third Company. 


Captain.....James Laurie, 

First Lieut..John Hollingshead, 

Sec’d Lieut..James Ashmore, 

Ensign .....Samuel Hendvey. 
November 27, 1775. 


Fourth Company. 


Captain. ....William Shute, 
First Lieut..Henry Freese, 
Sec’d Lieut..Jeremiah Smith, 
Ensign ..... William Parret. 
November 28, 1775. 


Fifth Company. 


Captain.....Richard Howell, 

First Lieut..John N. Cumming, ~ 

Sec’d Lieut..Seth Bowen, 

Ensign .....Samuel Naglee. 
November 29,1775. 


Sixth Company. 


Captain.....John Budd Scott, 

First Lieut..James Maxwell, 

Sec’d Lieut..John Wiggins, 

Ensign .....Francis Du Close. 
December 9, 1775. 


Seventh Company. 


Captain.....Joseph Stout, 

First Lieut..Samuel Reading, 

Sec’d Lieut..Ephraim Anderson, 

Ensign .....Aaron Lane, Jr. 
December 18, 1775. 


Eighth Company. 


Captain.....Archibald Shaw, 
First Lieut.. Henry Luce, 
Sec’d Lieut.. William Helon, 
Ensign .....George Reynolds. 
December 25, 1775. 


Third Battalion of New-Jersey Troops, Exvias Dayton 
Colonel. 


First Company. 
Captain. ....Joseph Bloomfield, 
First Lieut..Cornelius Peck, 
Sec’d Lieut.. William Gifford, 
Ensign .....Ebenezer Elmer, 
March 3, 1776. 


Second Company. 


Captain.....Peter Dickinson, 

First Lieut..David Tuttle, 

Sec’d Lieut.. William Gordon, 

Ensign... ..Joseph Anderson. 
March 5, 1776. 


Third Company. 


Captain. ....Samuel Potter, 
First Lieut..Rynear Blanchard, 
See’d Lieut..Josiah Quimby, 
Ensign ..... 

March 8, 1776. 

Fourth Company. 
Captain..... Thomas Patterson, 
First Lieut..John Mott, 

Sec’d Lieut.. Wm. McDonald, 


Ensign .....Edward Patterson. 
March 21, 1776. 


Fifth Company. 
Captain.....Thomas Reading, 
First Lieut..John Hazen, 
Sec’d Lieut..Jeremiah Ballard, 
Ensign .....John Reading, Jr. 

April 2, 1776. 

Sixth Company. 
Captain..... John Ross, 

First Lieut..Edward McMichael, 

Sec’d Lieut..Richard Cox, Jr., 

Ensign ..... William Clark. 
March 30, 1776. 


Seventh Company. 


Captain.....Wm. E. Tomlay, 

First Lieut..Richard Loyd, 

Sec’d Lieut.. Daniel Pierson, 

Ensign .....Edgar Gallaudet. 
April 15, 1776. 


Eighth Company. 


Captain.....Anthony Shar 

First Lieut.. ewe 

Sec’d Lieut.. 

Ensign .....Nathaniel Leonard. 
May 18, 1776. 


LORD HOWE TO DR. FRANKLIN. 
Eagle, off Staten-Island, August 16, 1776. 

I am sorry, my worthy friend, that it is only on the assu- 
rances you give me of my having still preserved a place in 
your esteem that I can now found a pretension to trouble you 
with a reply to your favour of the 21st past. 

I can have no difficulty to acknowledge that the powers 


I am invested with were never calculated to negotiate a 
reunion with America under any other description than as 
subject to the Crown of Great Britain. But I do esteem 
those powers competent, not only to confer and negotiate 
with any gentleman of influence in the Colonies upon the 
terms, but also to effect a lasting peace and reunion between 
the two countries, were the temper of the Colonies such as 
professed in the last petition of the Congress to the King. 
America would have judged in the discussion how far the 
means were adequate to the end, both for engaging her con- 


980 


fidence and proving our integrity. Nor did I think it neces- 
sary to say more in my publick declaration, not conceiving 
it could be understood to refer to peace on any other condi- 
tions but those of mutual interest to both countries, which 
could alone render it permanent. But as I perceive from 
the tenour of your letter how little I am to reckon upon the 
advantage of your assistance for restoring that permanent _ 
union which has long been the object of my endeavours, and 
which, I flattered myself when I left England would be in 
the compass of my power, I will only add, that as the dis- 
honour to which you deem me exposed by my military situa- 
tion In this country has effected no change in your sentiments 
of personal regard to me, so shall no difference in political 
points alter my desire of proving how much | am your sin- 
cere and obedient humble servant, Howe. 


GENERAL HOWE TO LORD GEORGE GERMAINE. 
Head-Quarters, Staten-Island, August 16, 1776. 

My Lorn: The Provincial corps already raised, and the 
new levies which may probably be made in the progress of 
this American war, must necessarily occasion a great addi- 
tional expense, and their various establishments will of course 
require a very exact arrangement for settling accounts of 
subsistence and contingencies in such manner as to leave the 
least room for imposition or confusion. I should, therefore, 
humbly propose to separate them from ‘all other extraor- 
dinaries, by appointing a Paymaster-General to keep them 
distinct; and in this idea, I have given to Captain Robert 
Mackenzie, my present Secretary, a commission to act as 
Paymaster-General, with the same appointment as the De- 
puty Paymaster-Generals have who act under Mr. Rigby 
in America. I have-also appointed a Mustermaster, to 
certify the pay-bills from one muster to another. 

Captain Mackenzie has served his Majesty twenty-one 
years, is fully qualified to discharge the duties required, and 
I beg your Lordship will do me the honour to communicate 
his Majesty’s pleasure upon the appointment. 

I have the honour to be, &c., Wm. Howe. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
; New-York, August 16, 1776. 

Sm: I beg leave to inform you that since I had the plea- 
sure of addressing you yesterday nothing interesting between 
the two armies has happened. ‘Things remain nearly in the 
same situation as they then were. 

It is with peculiar regret and concern that I have an op- 
portunity of mentioning to Congress the sickly condition of 
our troops. In some regiments there are not any of the 
Field-Officers capable of doing duty; in others, the duty is 
extremely difficult for want of a sufficient number. I have 
been obliged to nominate some till Congress makes the ap- 
pointments of those they wish to succeed to the several 
vacancies occasioned by the late promotions. ‘This being a 
matter of some consequence, I presume will have their early 
attention, and that they will fill up the several vacancies 
also mentioned in the list I had the honour of transmitting 
some few days ago to the Board of War. 

Tam, sir, with the utmost respect, your most obedient 
servant, Go. WasHINnGTON. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE 'NEW-JERSEY CONVENTION. 
Head-Quarters, August 16, 1776. 


GenTLemEN: I am informed that, in consequence of my 
letter acquainting you that a number of persons deemed un- 
friendly to the interests of America were suspected of holding 
a correspondence with the enemy from Shrewsbury and its 
neighbourhood, Mr. Isaac Low, late of this city, has been 
apprehended, and is now detained under some kind of con- 
finement. Since that time I have received satisfaction with 
respect to this gentleman, who I find has also entered into a 
contract with the Congress for the supply of a great quantity 
of European goods. 1 should therefore be glad that any 
restraint laid upon him, merely upon my representation, 
might be removed, and he restored to his former liberty, on 
such terms and conditions as you may think proper, if any 
are necessary. 

I am, with much respect and regard, gentlemen, your 
most obedient servant, Go. WasHINGTON. 


To the Hon. Samuel Tucker, Esq., President, &c. 


981 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 16, 1776. 
Sir: IT have been obliged to trouble you with some more 
disaffected persons, whose residence here was dangerous to 
the American interest. I trust that I have now done with 
them, at least for the present, and hope you will excuse the 
disagreeable necessity I have been under of soliciting your 
care and attention to provide for them and dispose of them. 
As the case of these differs in no respect from that of those 
before sent, I presume they will be put under the same regu- 
lations, 
I am, with much respect and regard, your Honour’s most 


obedient, humble servant, Pea poets 


To Governour Trumbull, Connecticut. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO FREDERICK JAY. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 16, 1776. 
Str: In consequence of my orders, the undermentioned 
persons* have been apprehended, and are now under a guard 
at New-Rochelle or its neighbourhood. As the sending a 
guard through to Governour Trumbull with them would be 
attended with much inconvenience to the publick, and cannot 
be agreeable to the gentlemen, upon their giving you their 
word and honour to proceed to Lebanon to Governour Trum- 
bull, I am satisfied to permit them to go without any other 
escort than that of the officer who will deliver you this. I 
must beg the favour of you to take the management of this 
business, and, as soon as it is put upon a proper footing, 
dismiss the guard now there. 
I am, with due respect, sir, your most obedient servant, 
Go. WasuincTon. 


To Frederick Jay, Esq., New-Rochelle. 


* Colonel Phillips, James Jauncey and his two sons, Joseph Bull, Isaac 
Corsa, John Rodgers, Ware Branson. 


GENERAL SCOTT TO ROBERT BENSON. 
New-York, August 16, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Mr. Byvanck delivered me your letter en- 
closing Major Fish’s commission, but not the resolve of 
Convention to which you refer; 1 suppose you omitted 
covering it through mistake. From the reference you make 
to it, I flatter myself it will stimulate to noble daring. In 
this view, it must be of importance; therefore send it to 
me without delay, and I will issue it in brigade orders. 

The Major retains his commission because he may be 
called to action, the event of which must be uncertain, and 
may terminate in the necessity of having a commission to 
produce. It wants amendments to give him his rank from 
the day of his appointment, which I propose should be done 
thus: Introduce the body of the commission with a recital, 
that “‘ Whereas the Congress of the Colony of New-York, 
now the Convention of the Representatives of the State of 
New-York, on the recommendation of Brigadier-General 
Scott, appointed by the said Congress to command certain 
detachments of the Militia of the Colony, and now of the 
State of New-York, did, by an entry in their records on the 

day of last,” (here recite the substance of 
the entry.) Then go on with We reposing, &c.; and then, 
after the words Major Brigade, say, “ of the said detach- 
ments of Militia under the command of said Brigadier-General 
Scott.” Then after the words the rules and discipline of 
war, in his commission, add, “ to be in full force and effect as 
from the said ” (inserting the day on which he appears 
in the records to have been appointed.) Then, “and to 
continue in force,” &c., as in the present commission. This 
mode will give him all the benefit he could have derived 
from a commission dated on the day of his appointment, and 
will therefore remove the difficulty arising from Mr. Presi- 
dent Woodhull’s absence. 

The commissions sent down for the other officers are 
received for the present, because the event of war being 
uncertain, they would not choose to fall into the hands of 
the enemy without commissions in their pockets. They ear- 
nestly entreat that they may, as soon as possible, be pro- 
vided with others, ‘The same mode of reference back 
to the time of their entrance into the service, as I have 
pointed out with respect to Major Fish, will, I presume, 
suit their cases. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


* 


982 


Be pleased to commend me with all imaginable respect 
to the honourable Convention. Assure them that nothing 
but the hourly expectation of an attack prevents my taking 
my seat, and that as I am fully impressed with a sense 
that I am entirely at their pleasure by the nature of my 
appointment, I shall have recourse to them with pleasure, 
whenever any military service disagreeable to them, and 
which they will always have it in their power to disqualify 
me for, by a repeal of my commission, makes it neces- 
sary. 

I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Jno. Morin Scorr. 


To Robert Benson, Esq., one of the Secretaries of the hon- 
ourable Convention of the Representatives of the State 


of New-York. 


NICHOLAS FISH TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 

New-York, August 16, 1776. 
Sir: [this moment, upon my return from Head-Quar- 
ters, was presented by General Scott with my commission, 
which, though I think it exceptionable in not bearing the 
date of my appointment, I have, however, (not knowing the 
event of war,) concluded to take for the present, as it will 
secure to me such treatment as my rank entitles me to, in 
case I should unfortunately fall into the hands of the ene- 
my, though I think the difficulty arising from the Presi- 
dent’s absence from the Convention may be removed by 
adopting the mode pointed out in General Scott’s letter to 

you. 
I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 
Nicu. Fisx. 


To Robert Benson, Esq., one of the Secretaries of the Con- 
vention of the State of New - York. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED AuGuST 16, 
1776. 


The complement of men expected is pretty nearly filled 
up by the last reinforcements from New-England and Penn- 
sylvania. Everything, I can with truth assure you, has the 
most agreeable appearance. All have their proper stations. 
Posts of importance are strongly manned, while reserves are 
kept for possible contingencies. ‘The spirit of the soldiery 
promises everything. No levity or boasting in their coun- 
tenances; but all the mark of a composed, patient, and 
determined resolution, that makes me anticipate either a 
most glorious resistance, or complete victory. 


WILLIAM S. LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Long-Island, August 16, 1776. 
Sir: I am desired by General Greene to inform your 
Excellency that Colonel Hand waited upon him this morn- 
ing, and informed him that the Hesszans were landing again 
yesterday, on the east end of Staten-Island, to a considerable 
number; that there was nothing extraordinary happened; 
that, by the movements of the enemy, there did not appear 
any immediate preparation for an attack; and that three men 
of his regiment last night deserted, and took with them six 
rifles. 
I am, your Excellency’s most obedient servant, 
Wx. S. Livinesron. 


WILLIAM BLODGET TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Long-Island, five o’clock, August 16, 1776. 


Sir: I am desired to acquaint your Excellency, by the 
General’s order, that Colonel Hand reports that thirteen or 
fourteen vessels entered the Narrows from the fleet before 
in New-Utrecht Bay; that the officer of the Ferry guard 
says they were all transports; that there were some red- 
coats on board. The Colonel says he could not discover 
many on board those now below, neither have they landed 
any there to-day. That the camps at the Flag-Staff and 
Ferry are pretty extensive. He likewise reports that two 
small vessels of force went down the Narrows this after- 
noon. 

Iam, with due respect, your Excellency’s obedient ser- 


Vents Wituram Biopeer, Atd-de-Camp. 


983 


New-York, Monday, August 19, 1776. 

Friday arrived here two Companies of the Third Battalion 
of the Philadelphia Associators, commanded by Captains 
Semple and Henry, and it is said that the whole battalion 
is expected every hour to arrive. Same day two fire-ships, 
commanded by Captains Fosdyke and Thomas, (gentlemen 
volunteers of rank in the Army of the United States,) pro- 
ceeded up the North River, with intent to give a suitable 
warning to those piratical gentry that have infested it since 
the 12th of July last. The night was dark and favourable 
to the design, and the enemy did not perceive our vessels 
till they were near aboard them. Captain Fosdyke grappled 
the Phenix, but the fire not communicating so soon as was 
expected, she disentangled herself in about twenty minutes, 
after suffering considerable damage in her rigging. Captain 
Thomas fell on board one of the tenders, which was soon 
consumed; and we are truly sorry to inform the publick that 
this intrepid commander is yet missing. This gallant enter- 
prise struck so great a panick upon the enemy that they 
thought it prudent to quit their station; and yesterday, taking 
advantage of a fresh wind at southeast, attended with con- 
siderable rain, they run the gauntlet through a great number 
of well-directed shot from our batteries in and near this city, 
which undoubtedly must have damaged them much. Our 
galleys played smartly, and followed the ships a considera- 
ble distance into the Bay. The enemy’s fire seemed to be 
mostly directed upon the city, as the tops of the houses were 
crowded with spectators; but little damage was done to the 
buildings, nor any lives lost upon the occasion. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 22,1776. Referred to the Committee on the causes of 
the miscarriages in Canada. | 

Albany, August 16, 1776. 


Sir: Your favour of the 31st ultimo, covering the resolu- 
tions of Congress of the preceding day, I had the honour 
to receive at the German-Flats, on Sunday, the 11th in- 
stant. I detained the express until Tuesday, and then seeing 
no prospect that I should be allowed even so much time as 
barely to acknowledge the receipt of it, I directed him to 
return to this place, where Mr. Edwards and I arrived about 
eight last night, Mr. Douw having left us on Sunday. On 
my arrival here I found some despatches from General Gates, 
which require to be forwarded to Congress, through his Ex- 
cellency General Washington, without that delay which 
would be occasioned by transcribing the proceedings of the 
Commissioners of Indian Affairs at the late treaty. I shall, 
however, do myself the honour to transmit them in a few 
days, and shall only observe that we have reason to believe 
that the savages will commit no hostilities on our frontiers. 
It is nevertheless probable that some few of the Six Nations 
will join General Carleton. 

As my character has been so barbarously traduced, and 
the miscarriages in Canada so generally attributed to mal- 
conduct in me, it somewhat alleviates the chagrin I feel, 
that Congress has appointed a Committee “ to inquire into 
the causes of the miscarriages in Canada.” But as | am 
confident the misfortunes in Canada are to be imputed to 
more causes than those mentioned in the resolutions of the 
30th ultimo, and as I wish my conduct should undergo the 
strictest scrutiny, Congress will therefore permit me to en- 
treat them to charge the Committee above mentioned, or to 
appoint another, minutely to inquire how far, if at all, any 
of the miscarriages in Canada are to be imputed to me. If 
I am the cause of them, let me meet with the detestation of 


my fellow-citizens; if not, and others are, let the publick ~ 


resentment be transferred to the proper object. For my 
part, I am amply furnished with materials to exculpate 
myself. I shall court the most ordeal trial; nay, although 
conscious of the mediocrity of my talents, and that I am 
vastly inadequate to the important command I am honoured 
with, yet, on this occasion, I may be allowed to say that I do 
not believe that I shall be even convicted of an error in judg- 
ment. Permit me to add, with all due submission to Con- 
gress, that I conceive they too are wounded through my side; 
for, if I am not misinformed, many already wonder why an 
officer so generally charged with malconduct, is continued in 
so important a post. ‘This also makes it necessary that an 
inquiry should be made into my conduct. It is also of the 
fst importance to the publick service, whilst I continue to 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


984 


command an army, for the event of the inquiry will be a 
conviction or acquittal. If the former, I shall be dismissed, 
at least; if the latter, that confidence will be reéstablished, 
which is so indispensably necessary that an army should 
have in the General, and which I know is in a great mea- 
sure now destroyed by insidious insinuations, industriously 
propagated by a set of miscreants. 

I am informed that Colonel Bedel and Major Butterfield 
have both been tried by Courts-Martial, and that they are 
broke. Such officers as were with Major Butterfield and 
consented to the surrender will be tried. Inquiry shall be 
immediately made, and such punishment inflicted as a Court- 
Martial shall order, on any person concerned in plundering 
General Prescott’s baggage. A Court of Inquiry shall be 
ordered, agreeable to the resolution of Congress, on the peti- 
tion of Colonel Easton and Major Brown. 

No mode of ascertaining the particulars and value of the 
stores taken on board the vessels on the Sorel, and by whom, 
that has yet offered to my mind, seems so eligible as that of 
appointing a Court of Inquiry for the purpose; I shall there- 
fore order one expressly. 

Major Brown has certainly, in the course of last year, 
done extraordinary services; but it will be very difficult to 
ascertain what reward he ought to have. I shall, as nearly 
as I can, point out what the extra service was, and advise 
Congress thereof the soonest possible. Inquiry shall also 
be made into Colonel Hazen’s conduct on the complaint of 
de la Rose and la Fontaine. Every officer or soldier whose 
pay is stopped on account of any charge, shall have such 
charge determined as speedily as possible by trial. I do not 
recollect of a single instance in which there has been a delay 
of justice on that account, when it was in my power to have 
brought the party to a trial. | 

I find by letters from Mr. Trumbull, the Commissary- 
General, to Mr. Livingston, the Deputy Commissary-Gene- 
ral, that | am blamed by many officers that they have not 
had any allowance for the rations of provisions due to them. 
I have given to all those who have applied to me orders on 
the Commissaries to pay for so many rations as they declared 
upon honour, or otherwise made appear, were due to them; 
but I have constantly refused ordering what allowance to 
make for a ration. My reasons are contained in the follow- 
ing extract of a letter to Mr. Livingston, of the 25th of 
July last, from the German Flats : 

“Please to inform Mr. Trumbull that, as I must be sup- 
posed not to know the price for which provisions are bought, 
and even if I did, that it is not my business to determine 
what ought to be allowed in lieu of a ration, he or you, or 
both of you, are to furnish the Army with provisions. ‘The 
officers are to receive it from the Commissaries; if they do 
not, they are to look to the Commissaries for an equivalent, 
who must take the blame if they pay them too little, or 
abide the consequence if they allow too much. I will not 
risk incurring either the blame of the officer or the disappro- 
bation of Congress. I think I have long since written to 
Congress on the subject, and until I receive their orders or 
those of my General on the subject, I shall continue to do 
as I have hitherto done, which is, merely to give an order 
for the payment of so many rations as shall appear to be due, 
without specifying what sum is to be paid.” 

In saying that I long since wrote to Congress, I refer to 
my letter of the , in which I did myself the honour to 
enclose an estimate of the value of a ration in any one of 
the articles allowed by Congress. If that is ascertained, 
there can be no difficulty in determining what an officer 
ought to be allowed for a ration at whatever post he may 
be, for it is only adding the cost of transportation to the 
original cost of any article. 

I forgot to ask who is to appoint the Paymaster to the 
regiments, and to point out their line of duty. They are much 
wanted in this quarter. 

The commission for Colonel Wood will be forwarded. 
The letter Captain Varick has already sent to him. 

I am just now informed, by good authority, that some of 
the Militia from the eastward have inoculated themselves on 
the march to Skenesborough; that a number of carpenters 
from Rhode-Island have done the like. 1am also informed 
that all the Field-Officers of one regiment have done the 
same at Skenesborough. I shall instantly write to General 
Gates on the subject, and direct that none of them be suf- 
fered to join the Army, to prevent this terrible disorder from 


985 


again distressing us. It is a matter of so much importance, 
that if I did not labour under the intermittent fever, I would 
immediately repair to all the roads leading to Skenesborough 
to remove these wretches. I shall early to-morrow morning 
despatch an express to General Waterbury, to send the most 
trusty officer he can find to prevent if possible the ill effects 
of this wicked conduct. 

I am, sir, with the most respectful sentiments, your most 


obedient, humble servant, Wee C ericr vee 


To the Hon. John Hancock, President of Congress. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Albany, August 16, 1776. 


Dear Sir: About eight last night I returned to this 
place, after a month’s absence on a business the most dis- 
agreeable to a man accustomed to civil society that can 
possibly be conceived. 

On the 11th instant I was honoured with your Excel- 
lency’s favour of the 7th, but was unable to answer it from 
the German Flats, although I several times attempted it, 
being ever interrupted by a crowd of savages. 

Last evening I received despatches from General Gates, 
copies of which I enclose, by which you will perceive that 
General Carleton has put it out of our power to have any 
intercourse with him on the subject-matter contained in the 
resolves of the 22d ultimo, or indeed on any other. With 
what degree of justice Carleton can bestow the infamous 
epithets he has so freely dealt out in his orders of the 7th 
instant, his barbarous conduct to Colonel Allen, the infa- 
mous manner in which he engaged the savages to act against 
us last year, the murder of the officers and men lately near 
Isle-aux-Noix, in which British troops were joined with 
savages, and other actions of a like nature, can witness. 

The works at Fort Stanwix are going on with great expe- 
dition; and by the enclosed return, your Excellency will 
observe that near eighty days’ pork and flour for the garri- 
son is in store there; a considerable quantity of the latter is 
on its way up from Schenectady; and as they had on Mon- 
day last twenty-three head of fat cattle, and will receive a 
constant supply of fresh meat, I am under no apprehensions 
that the garrison will be under any difficulty in the article 
of provisions. 

The anchors for the vessels on Lake Champlain will be 
procured in this quarter, but we greatly fear to fall short in 
many of the other articles, as Captain Bacon is returned 
without being able to procure anything, and not even a 
sailor. 

Mr. Edwards returns this morning, and will engage all 
the Stockbridge Indians he can; and as you do not direct 
what pay is to be given, we have thought it expedient, and 
as what will best promote the service and raise these people 
with the greatest despatch, that they should be officered and 
paid agreeable to the former resolve of the Commissioners 
of Indian Affairs; and that such as were raised in conse- 
quence of that resolution, should have their pay continued 
from the time they were discharged, which is about a month 
ago. ‘They shall be disposed of agreeable to your orders. 

Colonels Elmore and Nicolson’s regiments are here. 
They have refused to march until they receive pay and 
necessaries. ‘The former they will now have, but where to 
procure the latter | know not. I will furnish them as well 
as I can, and keep them here until I receive the report of 
two scouts that are sent one to Oswego, and the other to- 
wards Oswegatchie. 

I shall immediately order copies of the transactions of the 
Commissioners of Indian Affairs at the late treaty to be made 
out, and transmit them to you. I believe the Six Nations 
will not fall on our frontiers, although I believe a few will 
always join the enemy in Canada. 

I have some matters that concern officers in the Army to 
communicate, but I am at present too much indisposed to 
write any, more. 

{ am, dear sir, with the greatest respect, your Excellency’s 


most obedient, humble servant, pip apc late: 


To His Excellency General Washington. 
P.S. Tam just now informed that Lieutenant McMichael, 


of Colonel Dayton’s regiment, is deserted to the enemy. I 
had information of his intentions the evening before I left 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


986 


the German Flats, and sent to have him brought before me, 

but he was supposed to have gone to the regiment, to which 

I had ordered him the day before. Yours, &c., &c., &c. 
Pu. ScHuyLer. 


Tyonderoga, August 11, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Last night, at twelve o’clock, Major Bigelow 
returned with the flag of truce from Isle-aux-Noiv. His 
journal, with a letter “To George Washington, Esq.,” and 
a copy of the general orders issued -at Chambly, the 7th 
instant, are enclosed. ‘The resolve of Congress, “that no 
letter should be received from the enemy, unless the rank 
of the officer to whom it was addressed was placed upon 
the superscription,” was not received here when Major Big- 
elow went from hence the 23d ultimo; and as that was dis- 
pensed with last yeay at Cambridge, he had no orders on 
the subject. 

You will be so obliging as to forward without delay, by 
express to New-York, the enclosed papers to his Excellency 
General Washington, and to the most honourable the Con- 
gress of the United States of America. 

All goes on well here in the naval department. General 
Arnold writes to you. He is just returned from Skenesbo- 
rough, and makes a cruise in a few days down the Lake. 

With every mark of esteem and affection, believe me, 
dear General, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Horatio Gates. 


P.S. This letter, with the enclosed to General Putnam, 
you will also be so obliging to send by the express to Gene- 
ral Washington. 


Abstract of the Journal of Major Joun Biceiow, sent by the Hon. Major- 
General Gates to transmit despatches from the most honourable Conti- 
nental Congress to General Burgoyne. 


Ticonderoga, July 23, 1776. 

I departed from this place at sunset; arrived at Crown- 
Point at eleven o’clock at night, where, after a short stay, 
I proceeded on my voyage, till, on the 28th, I met with a 
Sergeant’s guard of the British troops; and having taken 
the Sergeant into our batteau, we soon reached the Isle-aux- 
Noix. ‘There we were hailed by a sentinel, who ordered 
us to come on shore. We saw nine or ten tents on the 
Island, all in a cluster. I had no sooner Janded than I was 
blindfolded, and led up to the commanding officer’s tent. 
About dusk, he ordered me to a small Island, situated to the 
southward of the Isle-aux-Noiv. The commanding officer, 
who, I understood, was Captain Craig, questioned me con- 
cerning my business, which I told him was with General 
Burgoyne, to whom I was sent with a letter from Congress, 
delivered to me at Ticonderoga by Major-General Gates. 
He answered me, that he did not know whether he could 
receive a flag, but desired I would give him the letter, which 
he would forward to the General, then (as he said) at S¢. 
John’s. He told me that the gentleman to whom the letter 
was directed, was indeed a General, but not the command- 
ing officer in Canada. I answered, that I supposed the letter 
was directed to General Burgoyne on account of General 
Thompson’s having mentioned him as being the command- 
ing officer at Three-Rivers when he (General Thompson) 
sent up to Sored for his baggage. 

Captain Craig despatched, about nine at night, an officer 
with that and other letters to St. John’s. I remained in his 
tent, where I was civilly treated. ‘Two other officers supped 
with us, and whether from politeness or policy, or both, little 
was said upon political subjects. J asked Captain Crag 
whether there were British officers with those savages who, 
in cold blood, murdered some of our people opposite to that 
Isle? He answered in the affirmative. I could not help 
replying, that our Army could scarcely believe that such 
barbarities should have been suffered to be perpetrated where 
Britons had the command. He urged that they could not 
always govern the savages, who, said he, “will fight in their 
own way.” Mr. Craig appeared desirous to decline any 
further conversation on that subject. 

I believe Captain Craig had not been long on Isle-aux- 
Noix when I landed there. I lodged in his tent. But I 
must not omit that the drummer who landed with me said 
he observed an officer whispering to a Sergeant when the 
boat was near the shore, and overheard him ask “what he 
thought of the Congress.” 


987 


I understood that there were no more than three batteaus 
on the Island when I went on shore, one of which formerly 
belonged to our Army; the two others were newly built, 
and the number 30 was marked in large figures upon one 
of them. 

On the 29th of July, Captain Craig sent three batteaus 
and five canoes up the Lake: two of the latter were large, 
the three others small. At ten in the morning, I was blind- 
folded again, and ordered to the south part of the Island, 
where a large tent was pitched for me. It appeared to me 
that they had concerted to exhibit to me all the show of 
Indians they could. They now and then ran down to the 
point, with a guard, every time that an Indian canoe passed 
by, and pretended they were mightily afraid that the savages 
would come on shore and murder them. ‘To mortify them, 
I took no notice of this juggling; but strongly recommended 
to my men that, should they look at the Indzans, they would 
endeavour to do it with the greatest unconcern. 

On the 8th of August, I was informed that the express 
who, I was told, had been sent to Quebeck, was come back ; 
that Captain Craig presented his compliments to me, and 
desired that I would be ready to sail in the evening. 

I observed during my stay there that they paraded at 
different times their officers in an ostentatious manner, and 
with the manifest intent to lead me into the belief of their 
being very numerous; but I do not believe that I saw above 
forty of them during the whole time, and not more than sixteen 
together. ‘They displayed the very same pageantry respect- 
ing five or six batteaus, appearing exceedingly busy in car- 
rying some timber to the Isle, merely to show themselves, 
and give their preparations a formidable appearance. ‘They 
have been employed about building a very large bakehouse, 
and perhaps for the same reason. All the new batteaus I 
could see about the Island amounted to no more than twelve. 
They talk much of Hessians and Hanoverians, but 1 saw 
none. It would be too tedious minutely to relate all the 
particulars which discovered their intention to make me 
believe their strength was such as, doubtless, they would 
have been as anxious to conceal had it been real. I was 
told that their General had ordered an escort to conduct 
me to our own guards—a favour which I did not want, but 
could not refuse. At sunset Captain Craig came down, with 
fourteen officers, and dismissed me, under convoy of a birch 
canoe, commanded by Captain Alexander Frazer and Mr. 
Scott. The canoe had two officers, a Sergeant, and a Cor- 
poral of the British troops, with nine Frenchmen, on board. 

On the 9th, just at dark, we came on shore at Gilliland’s, 
and next morning, at seven o’clock, Captain Frazer and 
Mr. Scott left us and went down the Lake, after having 
showed us as much civility as could be expected from men 
whose situation sufficiently apologized for their reservedness. 

As the crew I had with me consisted of remarkably decent 
men, all natives of the United States, and of the corps of 
Artillery, as well as myself, the British officers, during my 
stay, carefully prevented their free intercourse with soldiers 
who would be glad to become again our brethren. 


Paper delivered to Major Biaeiow by Captain Craic, at 
Istx-aux-Norx, August 8, 1776. 
GENERAL ORDER. 
Chambly, August 7, 1776. 


(Countersign, Paris.) 
His Excellency General Carleton orders the commanding 
officers of corps will take special care that every one under 
their command be informed that letters or messages from 
rebels, traitors in arms against their King, rioters, disturbers 
of the publick peace, plunderers, robbers, assassins or mur- 
derers, are on no occasion to be admitted. That should 
emissaries from such lawless men again presume to approach 
the Army, whether under the name of flag-of-truce men or 
ambassadors, except when they come to implore the King’s 
mercy, their persons shall be immediately seized and com- 
mitted to close confinement, in order to be proceeded against 
as the law directs; their papers and letters, for whomsoever, 
even for the Commander-in-Chief, are to be delivered to 
the Provost Marshal, that, unread and unopened, they may 
be burned by the hands of the common hangman. At the 
same time, the Commander-in-Chief expects that the assas- 
sination of Brigadier-General Gordon, nor the late notorious 
breach of faith in resolving not to return the troops and 
Canadians taken at St. John’s, in exchange for those rebels 


(Parole, Sé. Jerome.) 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


988 


who fell into the hands of the savages at the Cedars and 
Quinze Chiens, purchased from them at a great price, and 
restored to their country on those express conditions, be im- 
puted to the Provincials at large, but to a few wicked and 
designing men, who first deceived, then, step by step, misled 
the credulous multitude to the brink of ruin, afterwards usurp- 
ed authority over them, established a despotick tyranny not 
to be borne, and now wantonly and foolishly endeavour to 
provoke the spilling the blood of our unhappy countrymen 
of this Continent, in hopes of covering their own guilt, or 
confirming their tyranny by the general destruction of their 
country. Let their crimes pursue these faithless, bloody- 
minded men, who assert that black is white and white is 
black. It belongs to Britons to distinguish themselves not 
less by their humanity than their valour. It belongs to the 
King’s troops to save the blood of his deluded subjects, 
whose greatest fault, perhaps, is having been deceived by 
such men to their own destruction. It belongs to the Crown, 
itis the duty of the faithful subjects of the Crown, to rescue 
from oppression and restore to liberty the once happy, free, 
and loyal people of this Continent. 

All prisoners from the rebellious Provinces, who choose 
to return home, are to hold themselves in readiness to em- 
bark at a short notice. ‘The Commissary, Mr. Murray, shall 
visit the transports destined for them, and see that whole- 
some provisions, necessary clothing, with all possible con- 
veniences for their passage, be prepared for these unfortunate 
men. ‘They are to look on their respective Provinces as 
their prisons, and there remain till further enlarged, or sum- 
moned to appear before the Commander-in-Chief of this 
Province, or any other Commander-in-Chief for his Majesty 
for the time being, which summons they shall obey. 

General Howe will regulate the place of landing. 


One of these papers was given to Major Bigelow, and one to each of 
his boat’s crew. Ricuarp Varick, Secretary. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM SKENESBOROUGH, DATED AU- 
cust 16, 1776. 


I wish I could write you all you want to know. I can 
at present only say that our Army is every day receiving 
reinforcements, by single companies, from the different States 
of New-England. Five companies marched from here 
yesterday morning to join the main Army; another went 
to-day, and a new one has just come in. Our Army at 
present, I think, cannot be less than five thousand strong, 
exclusive of the sick, who are more than one thousand. In 
a few days we expect a very respectable addition. We 
are at present fearless of the enemy, and are determined to 
maintain our ground at all events. ‘The new troops are in 
high spirits, and through the kindly interposing hand of 
Providence we shall do well. 

Our strength by sea is as follows: Two schooners, one 
sloop, two row-galleys, and six gondolas, all fit for action. 
At this place we have one gondola launched, and another 
just finished. We have also three row-galleys in great for- 
wardness, from sixty to seventy feet in keel and eighteen 
feet beam, which will mount each six cannon and twenty 
swivels, and are to go with thirty-six oars, besides sails. 
They will be fit for action in about three weeks. As soon 
as they are launched, General Waterbury, with the regiment 
to which I belong, are ordered on board them, and when 
rigged, &c., are to proceed up the Lake to join the fleet. 

By the last accounts from St. John’s, we learn that the 
enemy had not more than forty batteaus built, and two gal- 
leys or gondolas. If this is true, I hardly think they will ven- 
ture down the Lake this fall. We are determined, however, 
to be prepared for them. | Five other galleys are to be built 
here as soon as those which are on the stocks are Jaunched. 


GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, August 16, 1776. 
Dear Sir: I arrived here at ten o’clock Jast night much 
as I left Ticonderoga—a little feverish, but no ague fit. A 
dose of physick this afternoon, I hope, will set matters in 
order. I have applied to Doctor Sparham, who I believe 
cannot be persuaded to go with the fleet. I don’t think it 
prudent to go without a Surgeon. Lieutenant Dunn ac- 
quaints me that the Surgeon’s Mate of Colonel S¢. Clazr’s 
regiment has a good box of medicines, and will incline to 


989 


go with the fleet. I wish he could be sent here, or some 
one who will answer, to kill a man secundum artem. I can 
procure a case of capital instruments for him here. Nothing 
but the Surgeon, and some few articles I have sent a boat 
for, prevents our proceeding. I hope the carpenters will not 
be retarded for want of smith’s work. ‘They made several 
complaints before I came away. 

I am, with compliments to the gentlemen of your family, 
dear sir, your affectionate, obedient, humble servant, 

B. Arnovp. 

To Major-General Gates. 

P. S. I could wish the proceedings of the Court-Martial, 
letters, &c., might pass through General Schuyler’s hands, 
that his sentiments might be known. B. 


JACOB BAYLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 

Newbury, August 16, 1776. 
Sir: The bearer, Major Childs, waits on your Excel- 
lency, to receive your instructions relating to the road from 
this place to St. John’s. He will give all the intelligence 
relating thereto required. He is a gentleman of good char- 
acter, and may be depended upon in whatever he under- 
takes. Lamsorry to take up your time with my letters, but 

beg to be excused, as I really mean the good of the service. 

Am, sir, your most humble servant at command, 
Jacos Bayiey. 


P. S. Major Childs understands the cattle trade well. 


RICHARD LAW TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Milford, Friday, August 16, 1776. 

Honovrep Sir: Am just arrived thus far from New- 
York, and design to set out on Monday morning, and expect 
to wait on your Honour Tuesday noon. General Washing- 
ton was anxious to have the Militia forwarded, and I find 
they have gone down pretty universally from these western 
towns. All was quiet when I left New-York on Tuesday 
evening. ‘They had been expecting an attack for some 
time, but when it will be, is very uncertain. A number of 
suspected persons are apprehended, and are now on their 
way from New-York to Norwich, to the care of your Honour. 
Our conference with General Washington shall repeat to 
your Honour, and am in hopes there is not that foundation 
for jealousy as was apprehended. 

Am desired to forward the enclosed; and am, sir, your 


most obedient, humble servant, Pea vesal he: 


To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Governour of the State of 
Connecticut, Lebanon. 


Parole of Suspected Persons. 


We the subscribers, being sent from New-York to Con- 
necticut, under guard of a party commanded by Captain 
Eells, as being persons supposed not to be friendly to the 
United States of America, with orders not to be confined 
in jail, if we give our parole not to escape, until further 
directions from Governour Trumbull, as per order, signed 
per J. Reed, Adjutant-General, 

We do therefore, upon the honour, faith, and credit of 
gentlemen, each of us, severally promise for himself, to the 
Governour and Company of the State of Connecticut, faith- 
fully to abide in Norwich, in Connecticut, and within the 
limits of the parishes called the First Society and the Society 
of Chelsea, in Norwich aforesaid, until further orders can be 
had respecting us and our location from Governour Trum- 
bull and his Council of Safety; and that in the mean time, 
we, each of us, will refrain from all correspondence with any 
persons unfriendly to these States, and abide such orders and 
directions as shall be given respecting us, or any of us, by 
the Committee of Inspection in Norwich, until orders shall 
be given by the Governour and Council aforesaid. Dated 
at Norwich, the 11th day of August, 1776. 

WuirEeveaD CorneLL, Joun Rapatye, 
JosepH GriswoLp, Tuomas Jones, 
Davin Bearry, Joun Wittert, 
Joun Cuove, Apam SEABURY, 
Cuarves Hicks, Isaac SmirH, 
Cuarues Nicox., Bens. Hewrerr, 
Aug. V. Horne, Dant. Kissam, Jr., 
Davm Brooks, Witiram Torne. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


990 


Instructions for the Captain appointed to go to Connec- 
tTicuT with Prisoners. 


Sir: You are to proceed with all expedition, as wind 
and tide will permit, to New-London, or Norwich, in Con- 
necticut, there to apply to the Committee to assist you to 
dispose of the prisoners not under confinement, if they will 
give their parole not to escape, until further direction is given 
respecting them by Governour Trumbull. You will leave 
them with the Committee, and return as soon as possible. 
You may permit Hewlett to go on shore with a careful 
officer, to bring some necessaries for himself. 

On the other side is a list of the persons intrusted to your 
care. You must be careful of expense, and keep an ac- 
count, which will be paid you here. 

Given at Head-Quarters, August 12, 1776. 

J. Reep, Adjutant-General. 


Tue List. 


John Willett, 
John Rapalye, 
Adam Seabury, 
Charles Nicoll, 
Joseph Griswold, 
John Chove, 


David Beatty, 

Benj. Hewlett, 
Whitehead Cornell, 
Charles Hicks, 
Isaac Smith. 


Judge Jones, 

Daniel Kissam, Jr., 
Augustus Van Horne, 
William Thorne, 
David Brooks, 
Archibald Hamilton, 


A true copy. Attest: Enwarp Ee tts, Captain. 


JAMES BOWDOIN TO MESHECH WEARE. 
Watertown, August 16, 1776. 

Sie: It gives us the most sensible concern that it is not 
in our power to supply our sister State of New-Hampshire 
with those cannon for which they applied. By a late re- 
turn, it appears that we have now left for the defence of the 
town of Boston and the harbour thereof, but fifty-eight, from 
eighteen to forty-two-pound cannon. ‘This State have erect- 
ed eleven forts in the town and harbour aforesaid; many of 
them are a very long shot from the ship-channel. In these 
works small cannon will be of little or no service. 

From this short view of the matter, the Council flatter 
themselves that it must be evident that it is not in our power, 
consistent with our own safety, to comply with the request 
of your State. 

In the name of the Council, I have the honour to be, with 
great respect, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

James Bownorn, President. 


To the Hon. Meshech Weare, Esq., President of the Council 
of New-Hampshire. 


Newburyport, August 16, 1776. 

Yesterday Captain Wingate Newman arrived in the priva- 
teer named the Hancock, from Philadelphia. She brought 
in a prize, (which is now safely anchored before this town,) 
the ship Nancy, from Antigua, Captain Keys, bound to Lon- 
don, having on board about four hundred hogsheads of sugar, 
ninety of rum, and a few casks of Madeira wine. A lady 
and several gentlemen were passengers in the above ship. 
He likewise brought in with him the sloop Industry, Cap- 
tain William Hazen, bound to St. John’s, in Nova-Scotia, in 
ballast. 

A few days before taking the above ship, Captain New- 
man had a smart engagement with a sloop-of-war, of much 
superior force, for three glasses, but night coming on, they 
parted, both having received much damage; but on board of 
Captain Newman no lives were lost, nor any much hurt. 


THOMAS FLETCHER TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Penobscot River, August 16, 1776. 

May ir PLEASE your Honours: Agreeable to your in- 
structions delivered me in Council, dated 27th July, 1776, 
to proceed to the residence of the Penobscot Indians, to 
endeavour to inlist as many of them as I could to serve in 
the war under his Excellency General Washington—agree- 
able to my instructions, immediately on my arrival at Penob- 
scot, 1 proceeded up the river, accompanied with Colonel 
Lowden, to Mr Jeremiah Colburn’s, near Penobscot village, 
where I met with some Indians, and sent to the tribe to 
acquaint them with my business; and in answer to it, they 
appointed Tuesday, 13th of August, to meet me at Colonel 
Lowden’s, at the falls. Accordingly they met me, with 
eighteen canoes, amounting to about thirty, besides women 
and children. I read to them my instructions, and also his 


991 


Excellency General Washington’s request to inlist Indians, 
and the establishment for the pay of the Army. Their 
answer is as follows: That they don’t think any of their 
young men can be spared, for that they don’t know how 
soon they may be wanted to defend themselves against the 
English Army. They hear by the Eastern Indians that 
there are a great many English ships gone up Canada river 
with troops, and that there is a large fort built on Point 
Levi, opposite Quebeek, and by whom they don’t know; 
and there is now a strong guard of English kept at Souco- 
mick, a French settlement on Chaudiere river; which is the 
reason that their young men don’t choose to engage at 
present, for fear that the English party may induce French 
and bad Indians to come amongst them and destroy them; 
as otherwise they would immediately join General Wash- 
ington in his Army at the southward. ‘They say they shall 
keep men to make discoveries, and from time to time will 
inform us of their proceedings, for their safety and ours, as 
we are all of one family. ‘They were asked, if the Colony 
should raise a number of men as Rangers to reconnoitre the 
country to watch the motions of the enemy, whether any of 
their young men would join the party? They replied, they 
would willingly. They desired me to inform you that all 
the settlers on their lands were present at this interview, and 
that they agreed the English should remain as far up the 
river as the tide flows, and no farther; and those that were 
settled above should be removed, and the boundary line 
should be at the head of the tide, and gave the settlers leave 
to tarry on their lands until they got in their harvest. 

There were a number of the young men that were desi- 
rous to goup tothe Court. I told them, unless they inlisted 
for one or two years it would not answer the intention of the 
Colony, and therefore I would not consent to their going. 

I beg leave to subscribe myself your Honours’ most obe- 
dient, humble servant to command, 

Tuos. FLercHer. 


To the Hon. Council of the State of Massachusetts-Bay. 


INLISTING ORDERS. 


State of New-Hampshire, in Committee of Safety, 
August 16, 1776. 
To 


You are hereby authorized immediately to inlist a Com- 
pany to consist of ninety able-bodied effective men, (officers 
included,) well accoutred with arms and provided with 
blankets, to serve in a regiment, on the Continental estab- 
lishment, ordered by the Continental Congress to be raised 
in New-Hampshire, for one year from the time of their 
passing muster, unless sooner discharged. And you are 
hereby informed, that when you have inlisted said company, 
and they have passed muster, you and they will enter into 
the Continental pay and receive the same wages and rations 
as other troops in that service. And you also have liberty 
to nominate three subalterns to serve under you, giving the 
preference to the two now under you, if they incline to 
accept. And all the men when mustered are to go into 
service and be under the command of Colonel David Gill- 
man and Major Hercules Mooney, in their several stations, 
until Field-Officers are appointed by the honourable Conti- 
nental Congress, to whom application will be made by the 
General Assembly for that purpose. 

P.S. Those lately recruited, if they inlist again, must 
not expect their blanket money twice. 


WILLIAM FINNIE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Williamsburgh, August 17, 1776. 

Sir: The approach of winter, and the tattered condition 
of the troops in this quarter, make it my duty to look out as 
early as possible for necessaries suitable for the advancing 
season, every article of which we are entirely without, and 
I fear, unless we should be fortunate enough to procure an 
early supply, the want of them may prove fatal to the sol- 
diers. As the multiplicity of business in which my depart- 
ment necessarily involves me, will not admit of my absence 
to procure those articles personally, by permission of Gene- 
ral Lewis, Mr. James Hunter, a gentleman of a fair and 
patriotick character, and well versed in commercial matters, 
1s empowered to wait on your honourable body for further 
orders on this important head. 

I hope I may, without running the imputation of pre- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


992 


sumption, be bold enough to make one observation to you, 
the truth and justness of which the duties of my office have 
frequently evinced to me: I mean the expediency of allow- 
ing the officers forage. Not only the nature of the service 
in this country requires such an indulgence for the officers, 
but really I think it would be a frugal scheme, as it would 
lessen the immense expense resulting from wagons to trans- 
port their baggage when on a march; and, indeed, our troops 
here are almost continually in motion, 

Very shortly after my appointment I wrote to the Honour- 
able Brigadier-General Mifflin, who was at that time Quar- 
termaster-General, relative to the duties of my office ; but as 
I have not yet been honoured with an answer, I have en- 
closed a copy for your perusal, and shall be happy to receive 
your sentiments thereon. 

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect and 
esteem, your most obedient servant, 


Wm. Finnie, D. Q. M., S. D. 


Williamsburgh, May 2, 1776. 

Sir: My late appointment from Congress as Deputy- 
Quartermaster of the Southern District, makes it my duty to 
apply to you for such instructions as you may thihk proper 
to give, as I consider myself as acting in subordination to 
you. I shall at all times put those measures into execution, 
in discharge of my office, which you may recommend. At 
present I am much embarrassed: I have received no regu- 
lations whereby I may know what officers are entitled to 
forage, and in what quantities. I shall esteem it a favour 
if you will transmit at your leisure the necessary information 
on this point. 

I am, sir, with respect, your most obedient servant, 

WaiuuraM Finnie, 


D. Q. M., Southern District. 


To Thomas Mifflin, Quartermaster-General of the Conti- 
nental Forces. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN DEAKINS. 
[No. 146.] Annapolis, August 17, 1776. 

Str: We have yours of the 12th, and are sorry to hear 
you have not completed your company. However, we think 
it necessary you should send down directly to this city the 
men you have ready, and recruit the others that are want- 
ing, with the greatest expedition. If you will send down a 
recommendation for any person you approve of for an Ensign, 
he shall have a commission. ‘The arms that were made at 
Georgetown, were not disposed of in the manner you men- 
tion. We send you £250 to purchase the guns and blankets 
that are yet wanting, and hope you will lay it out to the 
greatest advantage. We are, Xc. 


To Captain Francis Deakins. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL HOLLINGS- 
WORTH. 
[No. 147.] Annapolis, August 17, 1776. 
Sir: It is thought by some of the Delegates from your 
County, that a sufficient quantity of cloth proper for tenting 
can be had there to make tents for your two companies of 
Flying-Camp Militia. If it can, we shall be very much 
obliged to you to purchase it, and have as many tents made 
up with the utmost despatch, agreeable to the directions of 
those made at Baltimore, as will answer. You will also be 
pleased to have the necessary poles got ready, and the tents 
completely finished. We are, &c. 


To Colonel Henry Hollingsworth. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL RICHARDSON. 
[No. 148.] Annapolis, August 17, 1776. 
Str: We have already given orders to many of your 
Captains in writing. We have now only to add, that you 
are to march all the companies in your battalion as soon as 
possible that can be armed and equipped. ‘They are to go 
to Elizabeth-Town, in the Jerseys, and-there receive further 
directions from the Commander-in-Chief. Should the hon- 
ourable Continental Congress, or those who have proper 
authority, give any subsequent orders, you are to obey. 
We are, &c. 


To Colonel William Richardson. 


993 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAINS GEORGE AND 
ALEXANDER. 
[No. 149.] Annapolis, August 17, 1776. 
GentLemen: You are to prepare, as expeditiously as 
ossible, to march to the northward. We have written to 
Colonel Hollingsworth about tents for your company. You 
will apply to him, and afford him all the assistance in your 
power in procuring them. Colonel Richardson is appointed 
Colonel to your battalion, and will be with you in a few 
days, and give the further necessary orders. Knapsacks, 
haversacks, and priming-wires, shall be sent you from Bal- 
timore, and cartouch-boxes from Kent. We are, &c. 
To Captains George and Alexander. 


DOCTOR TOOTELL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
August 17, 1776. 


Genttemen: [ am informed that the battalion in this 
city, commanded by Colonel Hall, has received orders to 
march. I had not the least idea, when I petitioned your 
Honours for a Surgeon’s commission to attend that battalion 
then quartered at Annapolis, and which I presumed was 
stationed, and there to remain for the protection of that city, 
that I should have been requested to remove. My age and 
bad health, particularly at this season of the year, would 
have been a bar against a contract of that kind, and interest 
another impediment. I could scarce think of leaving home, 
and between three and four hundred a year, arising from my 
practice of physick, and other advantages, to move into 
another Province, and leave my family, consisting of a wife, 
a daughter, and a small son, for whom I bare the most ten- 
der affection, and who in my absence must inevitably suffer, 
to embrace a Surgeon’s place, which pay would scarce de- 
fray my expenses, as I should be obliged to travel with a 
servant and horses, and perhaps be ordered by the Surgeon- 
General to what department he pleased. 

I have attended the sick soldiers with the greatest assi- 
duity and care, and I believe I have given general satis- 
faction, both to the officers and soldiers. I have had great 
fatigue and trouble with regulating the military hospital 
shop, and compounding various medicines from the gross 
materials, which was acting beyond my line of office. It 
being my duty only to prescribe for the sick, the medicines 
ought to have been delivered to me ready for prescription. 
The Hospital is now filled with sick soldiers, whom I am 
ready to attend, and likewise the train of Artillery, or any 
other troops that may be stationed in this city. 1 should be 
sorry that the battalion should suffer from my not marching 
with them, and really, as lam circumstanced at present, that 
is impracticable. No man has the prosperity of our Army 
more at heart, nor is more deeply affected with our present 
distresses, or more ardently wishes an honourable reconcilia- 
tion, than your Honour’s most obedient and humble servant, 

Ro. 'Tooretu. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


MARYLAND CONVENTION. 
In Convention, August 17, 1776. 

Agreeably to the Order of the Day, the Convention took 
into consideration the Resolution of Congress declaring 
the United Colonies free and independent States; and there- 
upon 

Resolved unanimously, That this Convention will main- 
tain the freedom and independency of the United States 
with their lives and fortunes. 


By order of Convention: G. Duvatt, Clerk. 


BALTIMORE COUNTY COMMITTEE. 


Ata special meeting of the Committee, August 17, 1776: 


Present: S. Purviance, Chairman; W. Lux, Vice Chairman; R. Alex- 
ran W. Wilkinson, B. Griffith, J. Calhoun, J. E. Howard, J. Cra- 
ock. 


Information having been given to the Committee that 
Christopher Limes and John Amos were returned to town, 
after having endeavoured to get on board Lord Dunmore 
and been disappointed, and that they intended to go away 
immediately, and (it is supposed) endeavour to join Lord 
Howe at New-York, the Committee requested Major Cra- 
dock to despatch a guard to the said Limes’s house, and take 


Firrn Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


63 


994 


him into custody, in order to secure him for examination on 
Monday next. 


Attest: Geo. Lux, Secretary. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, August 17, 1776, five o’clock, P. M. 

Sir: Your favour of the 16th instant, per post, this minute 
came to hand, and shall be laid before Congress on Mon- 
day. 

I do myself the pleasure to enclose sundry resolves for 
your information, and likewise to forward the commissions 
ordered by a resolve of Congress on the 10th instant, a copy 
of which I transmitted in my letter of that date. 

With the most ardent and sincere wishes for your health 
and prosperity, I have the honour to be, with perfect esteem, 
sir, your most humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 
To General Washington. 


P.S. This morning I received the box by Colonel Reed, 
and am directed by Congress to take care of it, which is 
done. 


COMMODORE HOPKINS TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Philadelphia, August 17, 1776. 


Sir: I received yours of the 16th, this day, together with 
the resolve of Congress.* Should be extremely obliged to 
you if you would communicate the enclosed letter to that 
honourable body, and shall wait till I know if they have 
any further commands for, sir, your Honour’s most obedient, 


humble servant zd 
, Esex Hopkins. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq., President of the 
Continental Congress. 


*In Coneress, Thursday, August 15, 1776.—Resolved, That the said 
Commodore Hopkins, during his cruise to the southward, did not pay 
due regard to the tenour of his instructions, whereby he was expressly 
directed to annoy the enemy’s ships upon the coasts of the Southern 
States; and that his reasons for not going from Providence immediately 
to the Carolinas are by no means satisfactory. 


GEORGE STEVENSON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 


In Committee of Inspection and Observation of Cumberland 
County, at Carlisle, August 17, 1776. 


Str: Enclosed you have an account of the disposal of 
the money which we have received, by Messrs. John Boyd 
and John Pollock, from Congress. The vouchers or receipts 
of officers we do not send until this scene or the season of 
sending Militia to New-Jersey shall be over. 

The twelfth company of our Militia are marched to-day, 
which companies contain in the whole eight hundred and 
thirty-three privates—with officers, nearly nine hundred 
men. Six companies more are collecting arms, and are 
preparing to march. No Commissary having been ap- 
pointed in this County to provide victuals for the men, they 
have been supplied mostly by the tavern-keepers, many of 
whom cannot well wait for their pay, especially as beef and 
mutton sell at 5d. per pound, coffee and brown sugar at 1s. 
6d. per pound, butter at 8d. per pound; and it is difficult to 
procure those articles even at these high prices without cash. 
The people say they will be losers if they are not allowed 
ls. per meal: we think they cannot afford it for much less. 
We are much pressed to pay off those victualling accounts, 
but have hitherto declined it, not from want of inclination 
to serve our country, but because we have not money nor 
directions, nor do we know how much is allowed for a meal 
of victuals. 

A number of arms are taken up, appraised, and now in 
the service, many of them repaired by mechanicks who are in 
need of their pay. Cartouch-boxes, pouches, &c., are made, 
and delivered to the Captains on credit. ‘The Field-Officers 
are absent on the publick service, and cannot attend to draw 
money and pay those necessary debts. Several of those cre- 
ditors have applied to us. We have answered them with 
our promise to lay their case before Congress. The bearer, 
Robert Simple, Esq., waits on you express with our draft, 
and bearing even date herewith, for £2,000, part of it to be 
paid in advance to the several companies now preparing to 
march to New-Jersey, and part of it to pay for their victual- 
ling and to discharge debts contracted for victualling those: 
who are already marched. If we shall send men unarmed, 


995 


are arms to be had for them at Philadelphia? Our drafts 
have been honoured, but we have not received any other 
answer to our former letters. . We earnestly request an an- 
swer. Should anything in our letters be improper to trouble 
Congress with, we hope directions will be given to those in 
whose department our business is, and that we may be ex- 
cused. 

Weare, sir, your most obedient and most humble servants. 

Signed by order of the Committee: 
Gro. Stevenson, Chairman. 

An Account of Money advanced to the Captains of the 

marching Militia and Flying-Camp Companies of Cum- 

BERLAND County, to wit: 


To Captain John Steel, per receipt ....02e.eeeeeeeetreeees £100 0 0 
To Captain Samuel Postlethwaite, per receipt. ...+...+++e6- 100 0 0 
To Captain Andrew Galbreath, per receipt. ..-+e.eeeeeeeees 200 0 0 
To Captain Samuel McCune, per receipt. ...+sseeeeeeees 220 0 0 
To Captain Thomas Turbett, per receipt. ...eeeeeeereeees 150 0 0 
To Mr. John Boyd, our first express, per receipt...+++..+- sy TG 
To Captain James McConnel, per receipt....+eseeeeeeeceee 240 0 0 
To Captain William Hustin, per receipt. ...seeeeeeeees 200 0 0 
To Captain Thomas Clark, per receipt. ...eeeseceeeeeeeees 100 0 O 
To Captain John Hatton, per receipt ...eseceecceeeeeceeee 100 0 O 
To Lieutenant-Co:onel Frederick Watt, per receipt.......-. 15 0 Q 
To Mr. John Pollock, our second express, per receipt....+. 610 0 
To Captain Robert Cuthbertson, per receipt...sseeeseeeeees 150 0 0 
To Captain Charles Leeper, per receipt. .s.ee.sscesreocers 108 0 0 
To Captain Conrad Schnider, per receipt... +. eeeeccceces 108 0 0 
To four Captains now preparing to march, with whom we 

have not yet settled..... eueie'e # bee wsielediale's Waslwia'e Simao’ 270 0 0 


August 17, 1776. 


IN CONVENTION OF THE STATE OF NEW-JERSEY. 
Brunswick, August 17, 1776. 

Resolved, unanimously, 'That the Bills of Credit emitted 
by the Honourable Continental Congress be a legal tender 
within the State of New-Jersey for all sums of money due 
and owing from one person to another. 

Whereas the difference of the several Currencies within 
this State very greatly perplexes many of the good people 
thereof, and now especially such of the people of the neigh- 
bouring States as have come hither for our defence against 
the common enemy, and gives occasion for great impositions 
and deceits: 

Resolved, unanimously, That all payments and receipts 
be made in every part of this State in Proclamation Money 
of New-Jersey, at seven shillings and six-pence the dollar, 
reckoning the difference between the usual prices heretofore 
taken in any other currency, and reducing the same to 
Proclamation. 

Extracts from the Minutes: 

Witiram Paterson, Secretary. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, 
New-York, August 17, 1776. 

Sir: The circumstances of the two Armies having under- 
gone no material alteration since I had the honour of writing 
you last, I have nothing particular or important to commu- 
nicate respecting them. 

In my letter of yesterday I forgot to mention the arrival 
of Lord Dunmore here. By the examination of Captain 
Hunter, who escaped from the enemy and came to’ Amboy 
on the 14th, transmitted me by General Roberdeau, I am 
certainly informed his Lordship arrived on the 13th. The 
examination does not say anything about the ships he brought 
with him, and only extends to his force, which it mentions 
to be weak. ‘ 

I expected before now the enemy would have made their 
attack; nor can I account for their deferring it, unless the 
intelligence given by Captain Hunter, and another person 
who escaped about the same time, is the cause, to wit: that 
they are waiting the arrival of another division of the Hes- 
stan troops, which, they say, is still out. Whether that is 
the reason of the delay, I cannot undertake to determine; 
but I should suppose things will not long remain in their 
present state. Ihave enclosed a copy of General Rober- 
deauw’s letter, and of the examination of these two persons, 
which will show Congress all the information they have 
given upon these subjects. 

1 am just now advised by Mr. Ayres, who came from 
Philadelphia to build the row-galleys, that two of our fire- 
vessels attempted to burn the enemy’s ships and tenders up 


~ 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 096 


the North River. He says that they burnt one tender, and 
one of them boarded the Phenix, and was grappled with 
her for near ten minutes, but she cleared herself. We lost 
both of the vessels. 
could wish. However, I am certain the attempt has not 
succeeded to our wishes. Ina little time, it is probable, the 
matter will be more minutely reported. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most 


obedient servant, Ga Welcemonon 


Amboy, August 15, 1776. 


Sir: In the absence of General Mercer, he being on duty 
at Elizabeth- Town or its neighbourhood, I just now received 
from one of our posts at South-Amboy two prisoners escaped 
from the English fleet. They are inhabitants of Philadel- 
phia, and well known to many of us from thence. Their 
examination, which I forward enclosed, may be depended 
on, according to their knowledge. 

I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Daniet RoperDeEav. 


To General Washington. 


— 


Examination of Captain ALEXANDER HunTER, who escaped from on board 
the Rocxineam, a Transport with Hessians, August 14, 1776. 


He informs that he was taken off the Capes of Virginia 
by a vessel of Lord Dunmore’s, on the 8th of February, 
1776; that he was sent to England, and put on board the 
Rockingham, which left St. Helen’s 26th of May, in com- 
pany with the Hessian fleet. He arrived at the Narrows 
on Monday last, and pretending to be a pilot, was allowed 
to go in a small boat towards the Hook, by which means 
he escaped. That about eight thousand Hessians are arrived, 
and five thousand more Hessians are expected in a few 
weeks; that the whole force is supposed to be about twenty- 
six or twenty-seven thousand; that Lord Dunmore arrived 
yesterday—brought but few men; that the Hessians which 
arrived on Monday, are to land on the Island to refresh, and 
the English were to embark on board to make room for 
them, and this he was informed of by a Captain of the 
Hessian fleet. That it is expected an attack will be made in 
eight or ten days, and not before; that it is believed in the 
fleet that General Washington is weak, and has not above 
fifteen thousand men in New-York and on Long-Island., 
That he believed they have no galleys or floating-batteries ; 
that they have about seven two-decked ships, and about 
thirteen of lighter metal. 


Examination of Isaac Favirr, a Pilot belonging to the Port of PuitapEL- 
pHTA, who was taken by the Viren, December 10, 1775, and escaped from 
the Enettsu Fleet, in company with Captain ALExanper Hunter, 
August 14, 1776. 


That on the 17th of April, he was put on board the Ad- 
miral’s ship at Halifax, and continued on board till he made 
his escape. He confirms the account of Captain Hunter as 
to the number of the enemy. ‘That it was believed in the 
fleet that General Washington intended making his stand at 
New-York, and was evacuating Long-Island ; that there is 
a great deal of confidence of success in the fleet; that the 
Scots troops are extremely incensed against us, and fre- 
quently say they will give no quarter; that it is expected 
that Burgoyne will in a few days be in the rear of New- 
York, and ready to make a junction whenever the troops 
land. ‘That he is certain five thousand more Hessians are 
expected, but believes the General will not wait their arrival 
before the attack; that the Brune frigate and the Centurion, 
of fifty guns, were to go up the North River, and that it is 
a principal object with them to cut off the communication 
between the city of New-York and the country. 


Examination of a Deserter from STATEN-ISLAND. ~ 

Archibald Campbell, of Philadelphia, was pressed on 
board the Roebuck, in Accomack, two months ago; came 
with Lord Dunmore to Staten-Island a week ago; brought 
the yellow-fever with them, but the Army otherwise healthy. 
Heard them talk on board that five thousand men were to 
land on Long-Island ; that they say they shall leave Staten- 
Island on Tuesday next; that he heard them say there were 
fifteen thousand foreign troops on the Island. All the troops 
were arrived which they expected. 

‘ 


His account is not so particular as I 


gen 


997 


Examination of Joun Hamonn, a soldier in the Twenty-Seventh Regiment, 
August 14, 1776. 


Left Staten-Island last night at eight o’clock; left the 
Army preparing to leave the Island; the Battalion men are 
all on board, only the Grenadiers and Light-Infantry left on 
the Island; the ships are to be sent up against the town; 
thinks all the troops will be landed on Long-Island ; that 
they hope to cut us off from the woods; their number sup- 
posed twenty-five thousand; ours they think three to one; 
that they mean to land their men under cover of gondolas, 
which have six-pounders in them, and are built high to cover 
the landing; troops in pretty good health; no fresh meat; 
Hessians are ordinary troops—old and small. They had 
orders on Monday to cook provisions for three days on board 
the ships. 


Examination of Wiru1aM Brooks, a soldier, August 15, 1776. 

William Brooks, deserter from the Fanny transport, was 
one of a new battalion of Rangers to be raised out of a 
number of loose people, under Captain Stanton; swam over 
about nine o’clock last night to Bergen-Point. ‘They are 
embarking their men, but there are a good many yet remain- 
ing on the Island, and are waiting for about fifty sail, which 
got separated from the fleet; knew nothing of the crossing 
of the boats last evening, he being at another part of the 
Island; two regiments of Light-Horse on the Island has 
had no fresh provisions since he was there; they had three 
days’ provisions delivered them ready cooked, and kept in 
their knapsacks; thinks they will come up in a day or 
two, and will attack Long-Island and this place near the 
same time; thinks they have twenty thousand men on the 


Island. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL HOWE. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 17, 1776. 


Sir: I do myself the honour to transmit the enclosed 
letter from Major French, and at the same time to inform 
you that his exchange for Major Mezgs, whose parole I am 
advised you have, will meet my approbation. 1 would take 
the liberty also to propose an exchange of any Captain you 
may choose for Captain Dearborn, whose parole I have 
heard was delivered you with Major Meigs’s. 

Give me leave to assure you, sir, that I feel myself greatly 
obliged by the polite conclusion of your letter of the Ist in- 
stant, and have a high sense of the honour and satisfaction 
I should have received from your personal acquaintance. 
The different state of the Colonies from what it was last 
war, and which has deprived me of that happiness, cannot 
be regretted by any one more than, sir, your most obedient 


servant 
, Go. WaAsHINGTON. 


To Lieutenant-General Howe. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 17, 1776. 


GentLemen: When I consider that the city of New-York 
will, in all human probability, very soon be the scene of a 
bloody conflict, I cannot but view the great number of 
women, children, and infirm persons, remaining in it, with 
the most melancholy concern, When the men-of-war passed 
up the river, the shrieks and cries of these poor creatures, 
running every way with their children, were truly distressing, 
and I fear will have an unhappy effect on the ears and 
minds of our young and inexperienced soldiery. Can no 
method be devised for their removal? Many, doubtless, are 
of ability to move themselves; but there are others in a dif- 
ferent situation. Some provision for them afterwards would 
also be a necessary consideration. It would relieve me from 
great anxiety if your honourable body would immediately 
deliberate upon it, and form and execute some plan for their 
removal and relief, in which I will coédperate and assist to 
the utmost of my power. In the mean time, I have thought it 
proper to recommend to persons under the above description, 
to convey themselves without delay to some place of safety, 
with their most valuable effects. 

I have the honour, &c. Go. Wasnineron. 


To the Honourable Abraham Yates, Jun., Esquire, Presi- 
dent, &c. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


998 


By His Excellency Georae Wasuineton, Esq., General 
and Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Unxirep 
Srates or Norru-America, 

Whereas a bombardment and attack upon the city of 
New-York, by our cruel and inveterate enemy, may be 
hourly expected; and as there are great numbers of women, 
children, and infirm persons, yet remaining in the city, whose 
continuance will rather be prejudicial than advantageous to 
the Army, and their persons exposed to great danger and 
hazard: I do therefore recommend it to all such persons, as 
they value their own safety and preservation, to remove with 
all expedition out of the said town, at this critical period, 
trusting that, with the blessing of Heaven upon the American 
arms, they may soon return to it in perfect security. And Ido 
enjoin and require all the Officers and Soldiers in the Army 
under my command to forward and assist such persons in 
their compliance with this recommendation. 

Given under my hand, at Head-Quarters, New-York, 

August 17, 1776. Go. WasHINGTON. 


COLONEL REED TO GENERAL HEATH. 
New-York, August 17, 1776. 
Srr: Monsieur Martin is in the pay of the United States 
of America, as an Engineer, with the rank of Lieutenant- 
Colonel. As he may be of some service at your post, and 
is not so immediately wanted here, his Excellency has di- 
rected me to recommend him to your notice, and to be 
eniployed in such service as may be most conducive to the 
publick interest. 
I am, sir} your most obedient, humble servant, 
Jos. Reep, Adjutant-General. 


To Major-General Heath, Mount Washington. 


COLONEL CARY TO GENERAL HEATH. 
Head-Quarters, August 17, 1776. 
Str: Lam commanded by his Excellency to return you 
his thanks for your favour of this morning. He is much 
pleased to hear of the good behaviour of the officers and men 
of the Lady Washington and Independence galleys; and de- 
sires you will inquire into the cause of the inactivity of the 
other galleys, and inform him thereof. 
Lam, with due respect, sir, your very humble servant, 
Ricup. Cary, Jun., A. D.C. 
To Major-General Heath. 


WILLIAM S. LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Long-Island, August 17, 1776. 

Sir: Colonel Hand has this morning reported to the 
General, that since yesterday evening four vessels of war 
(one of them the Solebay) have sailed from the fleet at the 
Narrows. Two brigs, a sloop, and schooner, came in from 
sea; and the man-of-war that lay off the Hook these two 
days past came in. 

The morning being very thick, he could discern nothing 
distinctly at the Hook; but that late in the evening of yes- 
terday some of the foreign troops landed at the ferry-way on 
Staten-Island. 

I am sorry toinform your Excellency that General Greene 
had a very bad night of it, and cannot be said to be any bet- 
ter this morning than he was yesterday. 

I have the honour to be your most obedient servant, 

Ws. S. Livineston. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, 
Harlem, August 17, 1776. 


Sir: Mr. Denning hath made the Convention acquainted 
with your Excellency’s sentiments upon. obstructing the 
navigation of the East River between the Grand Battery 
and Governour’s Island. We now take the liberty of en- 
closing the copy of our resolution for that purpose, which, 
together with this letter, will be handed to your Excellency 
by the gentlemen of the Committee, to whom we make no 
doubt, sir, that you will afford every assistance in your power, 

I have the honour to be, your most obedient, humble ser- 
vant, Ax’ Yares, Jun., President. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters, 
New- York. 


999 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 

In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, 

Harlem, August 17, 1776. 

Sir: I am directed to inform your Excellency that im- 
mediately upon the receipt of your favour of this morning 
respecting the women, children, and infirm persons, remaining 
in the city of New-York, the Convention appointed a Com- 
mittee for the purpose of removing and providing for such 
persons. I enclose a copy of the resolves for that purpose, 
and hope you will soon be relieved from the anxiety which 
their continuance in town has occasioned; and have the 
honour to be, with very great respect, your most obedient, 


humble servant . 
‘ Ax’m Yates, Jun., President. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters, 
New-York. 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, ; 
at Harlem, August 17, 1776. 


Resolved, That the women, children, and infirm persons, 
in the city of New-York, be immediately removed from the 
said city, agreeable to General Washington’s request of this 
House, in his letter of this date. 

Resolved, That Colonel Lott, Mr. James Beekman, Mr. 
John Berrien, (Chairman of the Committee of New- York,) 
and Mr. John Campbell, (a member of the said Committee,) 
be empowered to remove such persons to such place or places 
in this State as they shall think proper; and that this Con- 
vention will pay the expenses incident to the removal and 
maintenance of such persons as the said Committee shall 
think in such indigent circumstances as not to be able to 
remove and subsist themselves. 

Resolved, That the General Committee of New-York be 
earnestly requested to give all possible assistance to the above 
gentlemen, in carrying into execution the above Resolutions 
in the most expeditious manner possible. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Rosert Benson, Secretary. 


We, the subscribers, being appointed by the Convention 
of this State, in the above Resolutions, give this publick notice 
to all such poor persons in this city who are proper objects, 
that we will attend that business at the Exchange Room, 
every morning, from eight till twelve o’clock, to give permits 
to them, and procure vessels to remove them to proper 
places in the country, where they will be accommodated 
agreeable to the above Resolutions. 

AsrauHam P. Lott, 
James Beekman, 
Joun BERRIEN, 
Joun CaMpBELL. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES, 
Albany, August 17, 1776. 


Dear Generat: On the 15th, at night, I returned to 
this place, and found your favours of the 5th and 11th in- 
stant. 

Carleton’s conduct convinces me that he is not much read 
in the law of nations or the laws of war. Most, if not all the 
great writers have clearly laid down the line of conduct that 
is to be held by both parties in such a contest as we are now 
engaged in. 

I intended to have wrote you yesterday, but could not 
finish my letters to Congress and General Washington until 
eight at night, having been interrupted by a fit of the ague. 

I enclose you copies of sundry resolutions of Congress, 
which I received at the German-Flats, on Sunday, the 11th 
instant. You will please to carry into execution such of 
them as youcan. Lest, through the constant interruption 
of the Indians at the German-Flats, I should have omitted 
sending you some of the resolutions of Congress which I 
received when there, I now also enclose you copies of the 
whole, which you will also please to attend to. 

You will perceive by the resolutions of the 30th ultimo, 
that Congress has concurred with their Committee in assign- 
ing three causes for the miscarriages in Canada. My char- 
acter has been so infamously traduced, and the misfortunes 
in that quarter so generally imputed to me, that I have 
informed Congress that the three causes assigned are not 
the only ones. And I have entreated them to have the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1000 


strictest and most minute inquiry made into my conduct; 
that, if Lam in fault, ] may meet with the punishment and 
detestation due to me; if not, that the publick odium may 
be transferred to the proper objects. If I had continued 
any longer silent on the subject, it would have been construed 
as a tacit avowal of my guilt. 

I have also written General Washington on the subject 
of the outrage the General Officers in this department have 
sustained by the decision of the Council of Officers at New- 
York, on the removal of the Army to T%conderoga, copy of 
which I enclose you. 

Mr. Trumbull, the Paymaster, informs me that some of 
the Militia from the Eastern Colonies have had themselves 
inoculated on their march to Skenesborough ; and also a 
number of the carpenters sent from Rhode-Island. If this 
fatal distemper should again reach the Army, it will effect- 
ually ruin it. I, therefore, by this conveyance transmit an 
order to General Waterbury to send two or three trusty 
officers to stop all such as have inoculated themselves, and 
not to permit them to join the Army on any account. 

Be pleased to order a return of the Army to be sent me, 
specifying at what time the Militia of the different Colonies 
have arrived, that I may transmit it to Congress the soonest 
possible. 

I shall this day order a party from hence, to repair the 
road as far as Port Edward. Lam informed that it is almost 
impassable. 

Be so good as to order a return of the provisions with 
the Army to be sent to me as expeditiously as possible. 

I am extremely happy to learn that all goes well with 
you. I find it does so in the Naval Department ; and hope 
that it will soon be so formidable as effectually to prevent 
the enemy from even attempting to cross the Lakes. 

I enclose you copies of two letters just now received from 
Governour ‘Trumbull. You will perceive the sail-cloth and 
part of the cordage is purchased, and I suppose now on the 
way to Skenesborough. It is probable that the Hesszans 
are arrived at Staten-Island; if so, we must soon expect to 
hear of a battle. 

It is said that chevaux-de-frise are sunk about ten miles 
above New- York, and that they so effectually stop the chan- 
nel as to prevent large vessels from passing. If so, the two 
on this side now will not be able to return. 

Previous to our speech to the Stx-Nations, two of their 
chiefs called upon us, to request that we should condole with 
them on the death of a chief warrior killed at the Cedars or 
by Major Sherburne’s party. We resented the request with 
indignation, and informed them that we expected they should 
take the hatchet out of our heads and bury it. ‘They have 
done this, and made concessions for their conduct. I do 
not believe they will molest our frontier inhabitants, though 
some few may possibly join Carleton. 

As soon as I have arranged matters here, I propose to 
pay you a visit. Ido not believe that the ague will stick 
to me any time. Adieu, my dear sir. 

I am, affectionately and very sincerely, your most obe- 


dient, humble servant, Pu. Scuuy.er 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates, &c., &c., Xe. 


P. S. I enclose a commission for Lieutenant-Colonel 
Wood, which please to deliver, and be so good as to con- 
gratulate him on the promotion. 

Please to show General Arnold the extract of my letter 
of the 6th to General Washington. 


«Rey 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES. 
Albany, August 17, 1776. 

Dear Genera: Just after I had closed my letter of this 
day’s date, yours of the lst instant was delivered me by 
Mesnard. 1 have not had time to speak to Mr. Traverse. 

We have people in every part of the country trying to 
procure the necessary articles for the Army and Navy, and 
they shall be forwarded without delay. 

The General’s letter to you was enclosed in that to Con- 
gress, and a copy of it sent to me; but as I judged it was by 
mistake, I took the liberty to substitute the copy for the ori- 
ginal, and now enclose you the letter, together with yours 
to him. 

I wish you had sent to Saratoga for anything you stood 
in need of. I shall immediately order my overseer to send 


1001 


a constant supply of what he has, and order Lieutenant Van 
Vechten, who commands the party there, to send a man with 
it to St. George, and Colonel Gansevoort another to deliver 
it to you, otherwise you will receive very little of what is 
sent. 

Adieu, my dear sir, and believe me, affectionately, your 
obedient, humble servant, 


To the Hon. General Gates. 


Pu. ScHUYLER. 


H. GLEN TO WALTER LIVINGSTON. 
Schenectady, August 17, 1776. 
Dear Str: Whereas I have now two companies of bat- 
teau-men come down from Fort Stanwix, and have General 
Schuyler’s orders to load them with flour, and find that I 
will not be able to load the boats at present unless I have 
the flour you yesterday engaged from Mr. Tobias Ten Eyck, 
which he was to send to Fort George. I have been with 
him. He tells me he cannot let me have it unless I pro- 
duce an order from you. Mr. Ten Eyck tells me he will 
expect to get the very same price for the flour as the mer- 
chants get at Albany. I shall expect your answer this 
evening. 
I am, sir, your most humble servant, 


H. Guen. 
To W. Livingston, Esq., Deputy Commissary-General. 


P. S. I would be glad to know what I must give for 
peas. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER AT FORT STANWIKX, 
* DATED auGusT 17, 1776. 


Part of the Third Battalion of New-Jersey troops being 
stationed here about three weeks ago, it was thought proper 
to send a Sergeant and four men to reconnoitre towards 
Oswego; but Ensign Isaiah Younglove being desirous to go, 
went in the room of the Sergeant; and having travelled about 
sixty miles, the party was fired on early one morning by a party 
of ten Indians, but their guns being wet, (it having rained 
the preceding night,) they could not return the fire. The 
Ensign and another, after repeatedly priming, at length dis- 
charged their pieces. ‘They were then directed by the En- 
sign to fix their bayonets, who at that instant received a ball 
in his lungs and fell. Notwithstanding, he ordered his men 
to advance, and, laying on his back, loaded and shot one of 
the Indians dead. But two of his men being killed, he de- 
sired the others to flee, telling them he could not live more 
than five minutes, and that it was a pity they should expose 
their own lives. ‘The surviving two came off and gave us 
the above account. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
kenesborough, August 17, 1776. 

Genera Gates: At the time that General Arnold was 
here he informed me that he thought there was some quarter- 
deck plank seasoned, which, if they are to be had, I wish you 
may send them to this as soon as possible, which I shall take 
as a great favour. 

Am, with the greatest esteem, your Honour’s most obe- 
dient, Davin Warersoury, Jun. 

P.S. Iam informed there are no deck-nails at Ticonde- 
roga, therefore | am going to send this moment an express 
to Albany to have them forwarded with all speed. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 17, 1776. 

Dear Generau: The very last batteaus and oars are 
now going off with Captain Gray’s company and the tents, 
and if other companies should arrive it would be impossible 
to forward them to Ticonderoga. I should be extremely 
glad your Honour would order some forwarded here as soon 
as may be convenient. 

I am, dear General, your Honour’s most obedient, hum- 


ble servant 
? Davin Warersury, Jun. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


P.S. We are obliged to employ twelve boats constantly 
in Wood Creek. 
* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1002 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL WATERBURY. 
Tyonderoga, August 17, 1776. 
Sir: This is accompanied by twenty batteaus, with one 
hundred men, in order to bring forward such of the Massa- 
chusetts troops together with any tents that may be already 
arrived at Skenesborough, and must beg you will not allow 
either the above troops or tents to remain with you after their 
arrival longer than is absolutely necessary. I am sorry I 
have it not in my power to forward you any seasoned plank, 
as we have not a foot here at present, but expect some daily, 
when it shall be immediately forwarded. 
I am, sir, your very obedient, humble servant. 
By order of the General : 
Watrer Stewart, Aid-de- Camp. 


To the Hon. General Waterbury. 


GENERAL GATES TO COLONEL GANSEVOORT. 
Tyonderoga, August 17, 1776. 
Str: You will order the Commissary at your post imme- 
diately to receive into his store the rum and brandy brought 
there by the bearer, Mr. Isaac Arnott. ‘The Commissary 
will give his receipt to Mr. Arnott for the quantity and 
quality, and General Schuyler will settle the account with 
the bearer. I have by this conveyance ordered the Deputy 
Commissary-General here to write to your Commissary to 
acquaint him when it will be necessary to send more rum 
here. 
[ am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 
Horatio Gates. 
To Lieutenant-Colonel Gansevoort. 


GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES. 


Crown-Point, August 17, 1776—Saturday night, 
eight o’clock. 


Dear Genera: About two o’clock this afternoon, Col- 
onel Hartley acquainted me that a party of his men, who 
were posted seven miles down the Lake as a covering party 
to the oar makers, had made a large fire as a signal that the 
enemy were approaching. I sent Colonel Hartley, with one 
hundred men, to secure the retreat of the party, if attacked, 
and ordered the two light schooners down the Lake to cover 
them. ‘They were no sooner under weigh, than Commo- 
dore Wynkoop fired a shot, and brought them to, aud soon 
after sent me a note, (copy of which I enclose, with my 
order to the Captains of the schooners, and answer to the 
Commodore’s note.) I waited some time, expecting the 
vessels to sail; but finding they did not, went on board the 
Commodore, when he ordered them under sail. He refuses 
to be commanded by any one, and imagines his appoint- 
ment (which is by General Schuyler) cannot be superseded. 
I have shown him such parts of your instructions as I thought 
necessary, which has brought him so far to reason. He 
says, if you think proper to turn him out, he will quit the 
vessel. I have given him to understand that I shall at all 
events pursue your orders, and that if he did not incline to 
remain in the service, he would not be compelled to it. 
Colonel Hartley is not yet returned. 

I am, with sentiments of respect and esteem, dear Gen- 


eral, your obedient, humble servant, Ry Aunciy 


Crown-Point, August 17, 1776. 
Sir: You will immediately get your vessels under sail, 
and proceed down the Lake seven or eight miles. If you 
make any discovery of the enemy, you will immediately 
give me notice; if none, return as soon as possible. 
B. Arnoup, Brigadier-General. 


To Captain Seaman. 


On board the Royal Savage, August 17, 1776. 

Sir: I find, by an order you have given out, that the 
schooners are to go down the Lake. I know no orders but 
what shall be given out by me, except sailing orders from 
the Commander-in-Chief. If an enemy is approaching, I 
am to be acquainted with it, and know how to act in my 
station. Iam, sir, yours, 

Jacospus Wynxoop, 


Commander of Lake Champlain. 


1003 


Sir: I am surprised that you pretend to contradict my 
orders to the Captains of the schooners at this time, when 
we are alarmed by a signal of the approach of the enemy; 
and much more so, as I acquainted you some time since that 
the Commander-in-Chief had appointed me to take com- 
mand of the Navy on the Lake. Had I not received this 
appointment, from my rank in the Army, and as Com- 
mander-in-Chief of this post, it is your duty to obey my 
orders, which you have received and executed for some time 

ast. You surely must be out of your senses to say no orders 
shall be obeyed but yours. Do you imagine that Congress 
have given you a superior command over the Commander- 
in-Chief, or that you are not to be under his direction? If 
you do, give me leave to say you are much mistaken; and 
if you do not suffer my orders to be immediately complied 
with by sending to the Captains of the schooners to obey 
them, I shall be under the disagreeable necessity of con- 
vincing you of your error, by immediately arresting you. 

; B. Arnon, 

Brigadier-General, and Commander-in- Chief of the 

Fleet on Lake Champlain. 
To Commodore J. Wynkoop. 


COMMODORE WYNKOOP TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, August 17, 1776. 

Str: [have understood that General Arnold is to have 
the command of the Navy; and if that be so, he ought to 
have shown me his power to it; but instead of that, he sent 
an order for two of the schooners to get under weigh and 
go down the Lake, upon some information he says he had 
of the approach of the enemy. Wasit not his duty to have 
communicated it to me, and my orders to have been given 
to the vessels? I have contradicted them, till he acquainted 
me with some accounts of the enemy, and then | imme- 
diately issued out my orders for them to go down. Sir, if 
that be the case, I would be glad of my dismission from 
the service, for I accepted of this command upon these con- 
ditions. Major-General Schuyler has a letter which I brought 
up to him from Congress, that no man was to take the com- 
mand from me; and when he had read the letter, he told 
me I need not to fear, that no one should have it but me; 
and the Congress of New-York promised me that if any one 
should arrive here authorized to take the command by the 
honourable Continental Congress, I was to be dismissed the 
service, and have the command of one of the frigates building 
up the North River, for Lam resolved to go under command 
ofnoman. I will receive general orders to sail, and how far, 
and will obey the Commander-in-Chief’s orders ; but if I have 
the command, I expect to give orders to the Captains of the 
fleet when I receive them from the Commander-in-Chief. 
I refer your Honour to a copy of my warrant, a copy of 
Major-General Schuyler’s letter, and his orders, here en- 
closed. 

Sir, if you find my grievance well founded, I hope your 
Honour will be pleased to redress it. 

I am, sir, with all due respect, your Honour’s most 
obedient and very humble servant, 

Jacospus Wynkoop, Commander. 


CAPTAIN EDDY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Williamstown, August 17, 1776. 

Sir: I am requested by Captain Eddy, Commander of a 
company of ship carpenters from Rhode-Island, to inform 
that said Captain and company having been exposed to take 
the small-pox on their march from Rhode-Island, (as the 
General will see by the enclosed,) have since been inocula- 
ted, and are now sick with said disorder in said Williams- 
town; and that he (Captain Eddy) being taken with a violent 
dysentery, despairs of life; but still anxious for the welfare 
of his soldiers, desires the General to do something yor them. 
They having received but one month’s advance pay, have 
not money sufficient for their march to Skenesborough, in 
case the General, upon information, should give orders for 
said march; neither a sufficiency to return to Rhode-Island 
when discounted with their doctoring and nursing. Said 
carpenters’ utensils, being their own property, are now at 
Skenesborough, they will be out of business in case of return. 
Ten of said company having formerly had the small-pox, 
are gone forward; the remainder may safely march in eight 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1004 


days. I send enclosed the resolve of the Committee of 
Safety of Williamstown, as also a line Captain Eddy received 
from Brigadier-General Waterbury. General Gates’s orders 
per the express, Mr. Joseph Skinner, will lay a particular 
obligation on Captain Eddy and company, and much oblige 
your humble servant, Wik Pacn, 


Per order Captain Eddy. 


N. B. The General will please to inquire of the bearer for 
particulars, 


Skenesborough, August 12, 1776. 


[have received a line from General Gates concerning 
you who have been inoculated, which I will communicate 
to you: ‘The companies of ship carpenters from Rhode- 
Island, who have been inoculated at Williamstown, should 
be discharged, and not suffered to come forward.” 'The 
foregoing are the words of the General. I think as much as 
to say you are not to come in the service; we don’t intend 
to let any one come into this place that has lately had the 
small-pox, (for you know that has been the bane of our 
Northern Army,) and we have got it out of this place and 
Ticonderoga, and we are determined to use every precaution 
to keep itclear; and for men to go and inoculate, and presume 
to come here among fresh troops, we think it monstrous. 

Davin Warersury, Jr., 
Brigadier-General. 
To the Captain and Company of Carpenters at Williams- 
town. 


Williamstown, August 4, 1776. 


At a meeting of the Committee of Safety, &c., of this 
Town, 

Resolved, That whereas we are informed that Captain 
Eddy, from Providence, in the Colony of Rhode-Island, with 
thirty-nine of his men, now in the Continental service, having 
been exposed to the small-pox, and having since then taken 
it by inoculation, without our knowledge, and said men 
appearing to us to be under necessity of immediate care 
taken, and provision made for their sickness, we do hereby 
give orders that the house belonging to Ephraim Seely, which 
stands near said Seely’s saw-mill, shall be repaired and made 
convenient for their reception; and that David Noble be 
appointed to put said house in order, and to make provision 
and provide suitable diet for said company, from the time 
they go into said house till they each of them shall obtain 
certificates from their Doctors of their being sufficiently 
cleansed from said disorder. And said company to depart 
to said pest house next Wednesday morning, and not to re- 
turn into the town till after cleansing. 

And for the further preventing all inconveniences which 
may arise, 

It is Resolved, That Mr. Samuel Kellogg, and William 
Horseford, and Daniel Stratten, be a Committee to give 
their attendance at the time of each man’s cleansing, and be 
fully satisfied that they are fully and well cured and cleaned, 
and may safely depart. And this Committee strictly enjoin 
and order that no one of the aforesaid infected persons shall 
come or go within the distance of thirty rods of any dwel- 
ling-house, or town or country road. 

Given under our hands, this 4th day of August, A. D. 
1776. 


Per order: Isaac Stratton, Committee’s Clerk. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO NATHANIEL SHAW, JUN. 
Lebanon, August 17, 1776. 


Sir: [ have before me your letter of this day. Have 
advised Captain Hinman to go on a cruise. . 

The Tories who are left prisoners in the care of the Com- 
mittee of New-London, will be duly taken care off till fur- 
ther orders are given, which will be sent early next week, 
probably Wednesday or Thursday next. My Council will 
be with me‘next 'wesday noon, when that business will be 
attended to. ‘They are not to be admitted to correspond 
with our enemies. ‘The instructions sent with them to be 
observed, 

I am, with esteem and regard, sir, your most obedient, 


humble servant, TJoiicTateanuee 


To Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., New-London. 


—— 


1005 


CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 

At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
August 9, 1776: 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Jabez Huntington, 
Jed. Elderkin, Nath, Wales, Jun., Wm. Hillhouse, Benj. 
Huntington, Esquires. 

Voted, 'To draw on the Pay-Table, for two months’ 
billeting for the Forces in the Colony service at Fairfield, 
under command of Lieutenant John Mills. 

Order delivered Lieutenant Mills this day. 


Voted, That the Selectmen of the Town of Fazrfield 
have liberty, at the expense of the Town, to take two of the 
Colony’s Cannon, now at the Furnace at Salisbury, for the 
use of the Fort at Fairfield, viz: one twelve-pounder and 
one eighteen-pounder, if such may be had; if not, then two 
twelve-pounders, and also one ton of Shot suitable for the 
Cannon in said Fort, to be improved in said Fort till further 
orders of the General Assembly, or the Governour and Com- 
mittee of Safety. And that if the Assembly or Governour, 
&c., shall see fit to order said two pieces of Cannon to any 
other use during the present contest, the expense of trans- 
porting said Cannon, &c., to be paid by the Colony to said 
Town. And the Overseers of said Furnance are directed to 
deliver said Cannon and Shot accordingly. 

Copy delivered Lieutenant John Mills, 9th August, 1776. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
August 10, 1776: 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Jabez Huntington, 
Jed. Elderkin, Wm. Hillhouse, Nath. Wales, Jun., Ben. 


Huntington, Esquires. 


Ordered a number of Prisoners sent here by the Com- 
mittee of Albany, as inimical to the United States of Ame- 
rica, to be confined at the Jail in New-London, and none of 
them to go abroad, excepting under a trusty guard, and that 
by land, and to no more than one-half mile distance from 
the Jail; and gave a mittimus to the Sheriff of New-London 
County, with directions accordingly. 

Also wrote to the Convention of New-York, and to the 
Committee of Albany, on the subject of supporting and con- 
fining their Prisoners in this Colony. 

Drew an Order on the Pay-Table for £10, in favour of 
Ensign John Fisk, of Colonel Elmer’s Battalion, to enable 
him to support his party of Prisoners, sent here by him from 
the Committee of Albany, and the same to be repaid by Mr. 
Fisk, or the Committee of Albany, into the hands of Mr. 
Jonathan Trumbull, Jun. 

Order delivered to John Fisk, August 10, 1776. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
August 11, 1776: 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Jabez Huntington, 
Jed. Elderkin, Wm. Hillhouse, Nath. Wales, Jun., Benj. 
Huntington, Esquires. 

Voted and Ordered, That Messrs. Doolittle & Co., own- 
ers of the Powder-Mill in New-Haven, deliver one thousand 
pounds weight of the Colony’s Powder in their hands, to the 
Selectmen of New-Haven, as Town stock, and take their 
receipt to account for the same. (Copy delivered Mr. Sam- 
uel Thatcher, August 11, 1776.) 


His Honour the Governour, by advice of Council, gave 
orders to the Commanding Officers of the First, Second, 
Third, Fourth, Sixth, Ninth, Tenth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth, 
Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twenty- 
Second, and ‘T'wenty-Third Regiments of Militia, in this 
State, to march immediately to New-York, and there put 
themselves under command of General Washington, until 
the present exigency is over. 

Voted, That the Militiamen, who are now ordered to 
New-York to be under the command of General Washing- 
ton, shall receive 20s. per man, in advance, towards their 
wages, and the Committee of Pay-Table are directed imme- 
diately to send a Paymaster, to pay the same to each man 
accordingly. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
August 12, 1776: ) 


Present: His Honour the Governour, Jabez Huntington, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1006 


Titus Hosmer, Jed. Elderkin, Wm. Hillhouse, Nathl. Wales, 
Jun., Ber. Huntington, Esquires. 

Voted, That an Order be drawn on the Pay-Table, in 
favour of Jesse Root, Esq., for £3,600, as Paymaster of 
the advance wages of the Officers and Men of the Second, 
Fourth, Ninth, Tenth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, 
Seventeenth, and Eighteenth Regiments of Militia, in this 
Colony, now ordered on duty to New-York, to be by him 
paid out at the rate of 20s. per man, into the hands of the 
Commanding Officers of each Regiment. Also, that an Order 
be drawn on the Pay-Table, in favour of the Commanding 
Officers of the First, Sixth, Nineteenth, and Twenty-Third 
Regiments of Militia, equal to 20s. per man, that shall 
march with them to New-York, upon the application at the 
Pay-Table for the same. Also, that an Order be given to 
the Pay-Table to draw out of the Treasury £300, and 
send it by some trusty person to the Commanding Officer 
of the ['wenty-Second Regiment, with orders to pay to said 
Commanding Officer, 20s. for each man in his Regiment, 
that shall march with him to New- York. 'The above moneys 
to be accounted for by the persons who receive the same to 
pay out as aforesaid. 

Orders drawn August 12th, 1776, and delivered to Jesse 
Root, Esquire. 


Gave an Order on Captain Samuel Squire, of Fairfield, 
in favour of Captain Seth Harding, for the Brig Defence, 
for forty barrels of Pork, and forty barrels of Beef, forty 
bushels of Beans and Peas and forty bushels of Indian 
Corn, for the use of the Brig Defence. 

Order delivered Captain Harding, August 12, 1776. 


Gave an order on Captain Samuel Squire, in favour of 
Mr. Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., for sixty barrels of Pork, for the 
Colony’s use. 

Order delivered Captain Harding. 


Orders were given to Captain Harding, of the Colony’s 
Brig Defence, to cruise against the enemies of the United 
American States, as soon as fitted to sail, for the space of 
about eight weeks, and to use every precaution in his power 
and discretion, to cause any prize he may take to be brought 
into some port of the United States, and there secured and 
condemned; and after said cruise is ended, to return to his 
place of rendezvous. 


Gave an Order on the Pay-Table, in favour of Captain 
John McCall, of the Veteran Guards, of the Twentieth 
Regiment of Militia, now ordered to New-York, on publick 
service, for 20s. advance wages, for each soldier that shall 
march under his command, to be computed agreeable to the 
number of soldiers he shall certify the Company which 
marches under his command to consist of. 


Order given 12th August, 1776, and delivered to Captain 
McCall. 


Gave orders to Captain McCall, of the Veteran Guards, 
in the Twentieth Regiment, to march immediately with his 
Company, and as many more as will inlist, to the number of 
ninety-three, including Officers, to join the Nineteenth Re- 
giment, and put themselves under General Washington, until 
the present emergency is over, and until duly discharged. 


Orders delivered Captain McCall, 12th August. 


Voted, That Oliver Wolcott, Esq., be, and he is hereby 
appointed a Brigadier-General of the Militia of this State, 
now ordered to march to New- York to reinforce the Army 
under the command of General Washington; and his Honour 
the Governour is desired to commissionate him accordingly. 

A Commission given, bearing date 15th August, 1776. 


Voted, An Order of £10 on the Pay-T able, in favour of 
Daniel Strong, to bear his expenses with his ‘Team to the 
northward, with goods and warlike stores for the Conti- 
nental Army in the Northern Department. 

Order delivered Mr. Strong, 12th August. 


— 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
August 13, 1776: 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Jabez Huntington, 
Titus Hosmer, Jed. Elderkin, Wm. Hillhouse, Nath. Wales, 
Jun., Benj. Huntington, Esquires. 

Voted, That an Order be drawn on the Pay-Table for 
£180, in favour of Captain Seth Warner, of Saybrook, to 
enable him to raise a crew of forty seamen for the Naval 


1007 


service of the United States of America, on the Lakes to 
the northward. They are to receive a bounty of £6 for 
Inlisting; for finding themselves Blankets, 12s.; Guns, 6s.; 
and Cartouch-Boxes, and Belts, and Knapsacks, 2s.; and 
one month’s wages, being 48s., advanced, according to Pro- 
clamation; said Warner to lodge a bond with surety for his 
faithful use of the money. 

Order drawn 13th August, 1776, and delivered Captain 
Warner. 

A number of Letters were written and sent in answer to 
Letters from General Schuyler, General Grates, the Paymas- 
ter, &c. Sent by Brown, the post-rider. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
August 14, 1776: 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Jabez Huntington, 
Titus Hosmer, Jed. Elderkin, Nath. Wales, Benj. Hunt- 
ington, Esquires. 

His Honour the Governour appointed Mr. Young Led- 
yard a Lieutenant of Matrosses in the Company at Groton, 
under command of Captain William Ledyard, instead of 

who resigned. 


7oted and Ordered, That the pay of the Officers and 
Privates in the Companies of Matrosses in Colonel Erastus 
Wolcott’s Regiment shall be the same as the other Officers 
and Privates of the same Regiment, excepting Gunners, 
whose pay was on the 9th of Judy last determined to be 44s. 
per month. 


Voted, 'To draw an Order on the Committee of Pay-Table 
for the sum of £150, in favour of Nathaniel Miner, Esq., 
Commissary of the Company at Stonington, and to be on 
account. 

Order drawn and delivered Nathaniel Miner, Esquire, 
August 14. 


Captain John McCall, of the Company of Veteran Guards 
in Norwich, exhibited to this Board a Return of his Officers 
and men, who furnished and equipped themselves in pursu- 
ance of a Proclamation from his Honour the Governour, by 
advice of his Council of Safety, on the 6th day of May last, 
to stand ready to march at a minute’s warning to the defence 
of this and the neighbouring States; by which Return there 
appears to be due to said Company the sum of £16 15s., 
which is allowed; and voted to draw an Order on the Pay- 
Table for said sum of £16 15s. in favour of said Captain 
John Mc Call, as Paymaster to his Company, for the same. 

Order drawn and delivered Captain McCall 14th August. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
August 15, 1776: 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Titus Hosmer, Jed. 
Elderkin, Wm. Hillhouse, Nath. Wales, Jun., Benj. Hunt- 
ington, Esquires, 

The Governour gave an order to Doctor Thomas Russell, 
of Colonel Swift’s Regiment, in the words following, viz: 


‘¢ Lebanon, August 15, 1776. 

“GrntTLeMeN: As our people in the Northern Army are 
in want of proper medicines, which cannot at this time be had 
there for the use of our troops, | have judged it necessary 
to furnish Dr. Thomas Russell with a small quantity of such 
articles as are needful for the present, and desire you to fur- 
nish the Doctor with such as he shall apply for, and send 
me the invoice of the same; for which an order in your favour 
on the Treasurer will be sent to you. 

“Tam, gentlemen, your humble servant, 

“Jona. TRuMBULL. 
“To Messts. Smith & Coit, Hartford.” 

Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table for £400 in favour 
of Doctor Joshua Elderkin, to enable him to purchase ‘Tents 
and Clothing for the Continental Army in the Northern De- 
partment, to be paid out of the moneys lodged in the 'Trea- 
sury by Mr. Sherman for that purpose, if any there be, other- 
wise to be paid out of the proper Treasury of this Colony, 
and to render his account. 

Order drawn and delivered Nathaniel Wales, Jun., Au- 
gust 15, 1776. 


Voted, To allow 26s. on the account of Captain Edmund 
Badger, for hire of horse and damage done him by John 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


Captain, 


1008 


Van Aulin, an express from General Washington to Boston, 
July 3, 1776. 

Order drawn and delivered Mr. Wales, August 15, 1776. 

Voted and Resolved, That John Munro and Henry Van 
Schaick, two of the prisoners sent into this State by the 
Committee of Albany County in the State of New-York, 
under accusation, viz: said Munro of inlisting soldiers for 
the Ministerial Army and being an officer, said Van Schaick 
of being a disaffected person, corresponding with the ‘Tories 
in Connecticut, with a desire that they may be safely kept 
in this State, be sent to East Haddam, there to reside under 
their parole of honour that they will continue in the place 
or places of their residence, and not depart more than two 
miles from the same, nor cross Connecticut River if within 
two miles of the same; and that they will not, directly or 
indirectly, correspond by message, writing, or otherwise, 
with the enemies of the United States of America, or any 
person or persons within said States inimical, or reputed in- 
imical, to the liberties of the same; and that they will neither 
do nor say anything in prejudice of the interests of said 
United States, or in opposition to the Acts and Resolves of 
the Continental Congress, the General Assembly of this 
State, or any Provincial Assembly, Convention, or Congress, 
or of the measures pursued or pursuing by them or by their 
order; and that they will not associate or hold correspond- 
ence with any prisoner or prisoners of war of said United 
States, nor send or receive any letter or billet to or from any 
person or persons whatsoever without first submitting such 
letter or billet to the inspection and observation of the Com- 
mittee of Inspection of said East Haddam, or some of them, 
and receiving their approbation of such letter or billet and 
consent that the same may be sent; and that said Commit- 
tee of East Haddam be desired and directed to take the 
oversight of said Munro and Van Schaick, and observe how 
they keep their parole; and that in case they find that said 
parole is broken in any respect by said Munro and Van 
Schaick, or either of them, that they immediately arrest 
them, the said Munro and Van Schaick, and them hold in 
safe custody until they give notice thereof to his Honour the 
Governour and receive his further orders thereon. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
August 16, 1776: 
Present: His Honour the Governour, Jz. Huntington, 


Titus Hosmer, Jed. Elderkin, William Hillhouse, Nathl. 
Wales, Jun., Benj. Huntington, Esquires. 


Voted, That an Order be drawn in favour of Captain 
James Rice for £672 6s. 5d., on the Pay-Table, in bal- 
ance of his Accounts rendered to this time. 

Order drawn and delivered Captain Rice. 


Voted, To draw an Order in favour of Captain David 
Hawley for £180, to enable him to raise a crew of Seamen 
for the Naval service of the United States of America on the 
Lakes to the northward ; to which service he is appointed a 
Said money to be disposed of by him in the same 
ways and manner as was directed to Captain Warner on the 
13th instant. 

Order drawn the 16th of August, and delivered Captain 
Hawley. 


Voted, To draw an Order in favour of Captain Frederick 
Chappell, of New-Haven, for the sum of £180, to enable him 
to raise a crew of Seamen for the Naval service of the United 
States of America on the Lakes to the northward ; to which 
service he is appointed a Captain. Said money to be dis- 
posed of by him in the same ways and manner as was 
directed to Captain Warner on the 13th instant. 

Order drawn the 16th of August, and delivered Captain 
Chappell. 


Voted, 'To draw an Order on the Pay-Table for the sum 
of £50, in favour of Captain Walter Hyde, of the Indepen- 
dent Company under his command, for the advance wages 
of 20s. per man before they march. 


Whereas the enemies of these States have frequent inter- 
course with the inhabitants of Block-Island, and there is 
great danger of their giving them intelligence that may be 
prejudicial to these States: It is therefore 

Voted and Resolved, That from and after the 20th day 
of August instant, no Boat from Block-Island be permitted 
to enter into any creek, inlet, or harbour, in this State; and 


1009 


that in case any such Boat shall put into any such creek, 
inlet, or harbour, the same shall be seized and detained in 
safe custody, with the persons on board the same. And the 
Commanding Officer of the troops at the different Forts on 
the sea-coast of this State, and all the Captains and chief 
officers of any armed vessels in the service of this State, are 
ordered and required to take effectual care that this resolve 
be carried into execution; and in case of seizure, the person 
or persons making the same, are directed to give immediate 
notice to his Honour the Governour, and receive his further 
orders touching the same; and that this resolve continue in 
force until the General Assembly or this Board order other- 
wise, 

A copy was sent to the Commanding Officer of the Forts 
at New-London, August 17, 1776, by hand of N. Hun- 
tington. ' 

Voted, 'To draw on the Pay-Table for £2,168 12s. 5d., 
lawful money, in favour of Captain Charles Walker, of New- 
Providence, it being for the purchase of a large Bermudian 
built Sloop, for the use of an armed vessel. 

Order drawn and delivered Charles Walker, August 16, 
1776. 


Voted, That an Order be drawn on the Pay-Table in 
favour of Captain Adam Shapley for £63 8s., for the bounty 
and first month’s wages of his men, now inlisted into his 
Company—he lodging, or causing to be lodged, a proper 
bond, in due form, for his faithful use and accounting for 


such money as he shall draw out of the Treasury. 
Order delivered Nathaniel Richards 16th of August. 


Voted, That an Order be drawn on the Pay-Table for 
£50, in favour of Major John Ely, to be accounted for upon 
settling his Accounts with the Pay-Table. 

Order drawn and delivered Nathaniel Richards 16th of 
August. 


Voted, That Mr. Hosmer is desired to employ some suit- 
able person to apply to the Furnaces for a sufficient number 
of Pots and Receivers, of proper size and construction, for 
making Sulphur, and to take the directions of Mr. Thomas 
Bidwell therein, as far as will be needful, and to do what 
shall be prudent and proper in the procuring such Pots, &c., 
as soon as possible; and as the number and size ordered by 
the Assembly cannot be obtained, he is directed to procure 
such as can be had, and send so many as to answer the same 
purpose. 


Voted, That the Sheriff of New-London County be, and 
he is hereby, directed to suffer the Prisoners from the State 
of New- York, now confined in Norwich Jail, to take the air 
abroad one or two days in each week for their health, under 
the Sheriff’s own personal attendance and keeping, and that 
they may in the daytime have the liberty of walking in the 
Jail yard, at the discretion of the Sheriff. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
August 17, 1776: 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Jz. Huntington, 
Titus Hosmer, William Hillhouse, Nathl. Wales, Jun., Benj. 
Huntington, Esquires. 

Voted, That his Honour the Governour be desired to 
order the Pay-T'able to draw on the Treasurer, in favour of 
any one or two persons he shall approve to take charge of 
an armed vessel or vessels on the Lake, agreeable to the 
request of Major-General Schuyler, for £180, lawful money, 
each, to enable them to pay the Bounty, Premium for Guns 
and Bayonets, and first month’s pay to the Seamen they may 
inlist. 

Voted, To allow the Captains and Recruiting Officers 
now ordered to raise crews of Seamen for the service on the 
Lakes to the northward, the sum of 8s., lawful money, for 
each man they shall so inlist, for their expense in attending 
said business. 


Voted, That Henry Billings, of Norwich, be, and he is, 
appointed a ‘Third Lieutenant of the armed brig Defence, 
belonging to this State, and first Prize-Master for the cruise 
on which said brig is now ordered. His wages to cease 
on condemnation of the first Prize, or at the end of said 
>cruise. 


N. B. This was voted at a meeting of the Governour 
and Council of Safety, August 20, 1776. 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1010 


Providence, August 17, 1776. 

The following is alist of the Prizes taken by the Diamond, 
Captain William Chase, of this port, with their cargoes, viz : 

Brig Mars, Captain Hammond, from Tortola for Liver- 
pool, 195 hogsheads and 7 barrels of sugar, 13,000 weight 
of cotton, and 15 tons of fustick. Ship Jane, Captain Rome, 
‘from Dominica for Bristol, 308 hogsheads of sugar, 3,800 
gallons of oil. Snow Portland, ‘Captain Bromwell, from 
Granada for Lancaster, 71 hogsheads, 1 tierce, and 10 
barrels of sugar, 7,000 weight of cocoa, 60,000 weight of 
coffee, 3,110 gallons of rum, 133 weight of indigo, and 1,950 
weight of cotton. Ship Star and Garter, Captain Hamson, 
from St. Kitts for London, 166 hogsheads, 10 tierces, and 
16 barrels of sugar, and 4,500 gallons of rum. Ship Friend- 
ship, Captain Jones, from Granada for London, 283 hogs- 
heads of sugar, 8,600 weight of cocoa, 1,800 weight of cof- 
fee, 4,770 gallons of rum, 55 weight of indigo, and 2,100 
weight of cotton. Total of the cargoes: 1,023 hogsheads 
of sugar; 11 tierces and 33 barrels ditto; 15,600 weight of 
cocoa; 61,900 weight of coffee; 12,380 gallons of rum; 
115 weight of indigo; 17,750 weight of cocoa; 25 tons of 
fustick ; and 8,800 gallons of oil. 


JAMES BOWDOIN TO MESHECH WEARE. 
Council Chamber, Watertown, August 17, 1776. 
HonouraBie Sir: The enclosed letter came this day, 
under cover from Major Hawley, of Northampton; and as 
the matter therein alleged, if pursued, will have a tendency 
entirely to defeat the important purposes for which the North- 
ern Army is raised, and as Charlestown lies within your State, 
we have no doubt you will take such speedy and effectual 
measures for remedying the mischief complained of as your 
wisdom shall direct. 
In the name of the Council, I am, with great respect, dear 
sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 
James Bownorn, President. 


To the President of the State of New-Hampshire. 


ELEAZER RUSSELL TO MESHECH WEARE. 
Portsmouth, August 17, 1776. 

HonovraBie Sir: A subject important to me now leads 
me to address you, for which I beg your indulgence, and 
that you will please to lay the matter before the honourable 
Committee of Safety. 

On the 4th of May last, Colonel Wentworth, of the Com- 
mittee for the town of Portsmouth, brought me the Associa- 
tion to subscribe, at a time I was so ill as to be incapable of 
anything. Upon growing better, I thought largely of the 
matter, and finding my mind perplexed, wrote to him on the 
subject ; which letter, at my request, he consented to lay 
before the Committee of Safety. 

Till yesterday, I never knew but the Association paper, 
with my letter, had been in the Committee’s hands for more 
than two months, and now find myself bound by every prin- 
ciple of honour, duty, and gratitude, to enlarge upon the affair. 

It was and is merely to secure the morality of my mind 
that I was reluctant to put my name to it. Solemnly to 
bind myself to the performance of what nature and necessity 
rendered impossible, I started at the thought of. And though 
my health is mended, so wretched are my nerves that I could 
not do one hour’s military duty to save my life. ‘The article 
of shedding human blood, in me is not a humour, but a prin- 
ciple; not an evasion but a fact. It was received in early 
life, and has grown with my growth and strengthened with 
my strength. Not a partiality for British more than savage 
blood; for, all circumstances considered, I think the latter 
more innocent than the former. 

From the first injuries done America by Great Britain, my 
thoughts took fire on the subject, and have been conceived and 
uttered in one unvaried strain, to the highest personage and 
down to the lowest enemy, without hesitation or reserve, so 
that I can challenge all mankind toimpeach me to my country. 

To enlarge on the matter in my own favour would be easy, 
but might appear indelicate, and to be wholly silent in the 
case would be criminal; therefore, leaving my conduct to be 
judged of by persons of liberal sentiments and sensibility of 
mind, I am, with the greatest respect, honourable sir, your 
obliged and dutiful humble servant, E. Russew. 


To the Honourable Colonel Weare. 


64 


1011 


‘Portsmouth, New-Hampshire, August 17, 1776. 


By Captain Ladd, who arrived here in eighteen days 
from Cape Nichola Mole, we are informed that the fleet of 
sugar ships was to sail the 2d of August from Jamaica, under 
convoy of one twenty-gun ship. ‘That a French ship con- 
voyed him through the windward passage, and informed him 
France and Spain had declared war against Portugal. 


SILAS DEANE TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPOND- 
ENCE. 
Paris, August 18, 1776. 

I wrote you every material occurrence to the time of my 
leaving Bordeaux, and sent duplicates by Captains Palmer, 
Bunker, and Seaver, one of which you will undoubtedly 
have received before this comes to hand. I left that city 
on the last of June, and arrived here on the Saturday follow- 
ing, having carefully attended to everything in the manu- 
facturing or commercial towns in my way, which, indeed, 
are neither numerous nor of great consequence. I spent at 
Angouleme a day in viewing what, as to manufactures alone, 
deserves attention on the journey, the foundry for cannon, 
where the greatest part of those used in the Kingdom are 
manufactured. The cannon are cast solid, after which they 
are put as in a turner’s lathe, and bored out, and the out- 
side smoothed and turned at pleasure. They can bore and 
complete a twelve-pounder in one day in each lathe, which 
takes four men only to work. The workmen freely showed 
me every part of their furnace and foundry. 

On Monday after my arrival I waited on my bankers, and 
found that Mr. Bancroft bad arrived the same day with me, 
Mr, Thomas Morris and M. Venzonals about ten days be- 
fore. I waited on M. Dubourg, and delivered him Dr. 
Franklin’s letter, which gave the good gentleman the most 
sincere and real pleasure. 

M. Penet, on his arrival in Paris, waited on M. Dubourg, 
showed him a copy of his contract with the Committee of 
Congress, and told him he had letters from Dr. Franklin to 
him, but had left them on the road, or at Rotterdam, through 
fear of a search. He told M. Dubourg, to whom he was a 
perfect stranger, so many particular circumstances, that he 
could not doubt of his sincerity, and in consequence he em- 
barked in his affairs to a large amount. Five or six weeks 
have now passed without the arrival of the letters said to be 
left on the road. Arms, powder, &c., to a large amount 
were in readiness, when my arrival gave him confidence that 
I would take the burden off him, as he doubted not that my 
credentials would be explicit. I saw immediately the ar- 
rangement of the whole, and that M. Penet had returned to 
France (copy of the contract excepted) almost as empty- 
handed as he came to Philadelphia, yet had found means to 
collect a very considerable quantity of stores, part of which 
he had actually shipped. This circumstance gave me hopes; 
yet I found that it would now be expected I should become 
responsible for the articles, which embarrassed me much, 
since to detain them would be quite disagreeable, and to step 
out of my own line and involve myself with Messrs. Plairne 
and Penet’s contract would be equally so. 

M. Penet had somehow got intelligence of my being in 
France, and that I was expected at Paris; he therefore 
waited for me, and I saw him the next day at my hotel, 
when he complained of want of remittances, and desired me 
to pledge my credit for the stores, which I waived in the best 
manner I could, for | saw the consequences might involve 
me in many difficulties, and frustrate my greater designs. I 
therefore told him I would certify to the merchants, if ne- 
cessary, that the Congress would pay for whatever stores 
they would credit them with, and in the mean time advised 
him to proceed strictly agreeable to the letter of the con- 
tract, and I was positive that the Congress would fulfil their 
part of it. I finally satisfied both him and M. Dubourg, and 
he departed for Nantes, to ship the goods the next day. I 
must do him the justice that is his due: he has been inde- 
fatizable in the business, his heart seems to be entirely in it, 
and I believe him honest; but his connexions, either com- 
mercial or political, are not, of themselves, equal to such an 
undertaking, but the cause he was employed in had ina 
great measure, I found, supplied this deficiency, which was 
to me a favourable appearance. 

M. Dubourg told me that the Ministers would not see me, 
as they meant to be quite secret in any countenance they 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1012 


gave the United Colonies, and that my arrival in France 
was already known in London, in consequence of which 
Lord Stormont arrived express but a few days before, and 
had applied to the Court on the subject. I showed him my 
commission, and told him I was determined to apply, for 
every circumstance, in my opinion, was favourable instead 
of otherwise. On this he wrote a letter to Count de Ver- 
gennes, asking liberty to introduce me the Thursday follow- 
ing; on which day I went to Versazlles, and though the letter 
had not been delivered to his Excellency, yet he gave us 
immediate admission. Fortunately his chief Secretary spoke 
English well, by which means I had an opportunity of con- 
versing freely with him on the subject of my commission for 
two hours, and was attentively and favourably heard by him, 
and was asked many questions, which shows that the Ame- 
rican disputes had been, and still were, a principal object of 
attention. | pursued nearly the line marked out by my 
instructions, stating the importance of the American com- 
merce, and the advantages Great Britain had received from 
a monopoly of it; that all intercourse ceasing between the 
two countries, the Colonies had considered where they might 
dispose of that produce which they necessarily had so large 
a surplus of, and receive for their raw or first materials the 
various manufactures they wanted; that they first turned 
their eyes on France, as the best country in Europe for them 
to be connected with in commerce ; that I was purchasing 
a large quantity of manufactures for which I expected to pay 
the money, and that I should want a quantity of military 
stores, for which remittances would be made; that I doubted 
not the Colonies had before this declared Independency, 
and that I should soon receive instructions in consequence 
more full and explicit; that in the mean time they were 
very anxious to know how such a declaration would be re- 
ceived by the Powers in Europe, particularly by France, 
and whether in such case an Ambassador would be received 
from them, &c. ‘To which he replied, that the importance 
of the American commerce was well known, and that no 
country could so well supply the Colonies, and in return 
receive their produce, as France; it was, therefore, the inte- 
rest of both to have the most free and uninterrupted inter- 
course, for which reason the Court had ordered their ports to 
be kept open, and equally free to America as to Britain ; 
that, considering the good understanding between the two 
Courts of Versailles and London, they could not openly en- 
courage the shipping of warlike stores, but no obstruction of 
any kind would be given; if there should, as the custom- 
houses were not fully in their secrets in this matter, such 
obstructions should be removed on the first application; that 
I must consider myself perfectly free to carry on any kind 
of commerce in the kingdom which any subject of any other 
State in the world might, as the Court had resolved their 
ports should be equally free to both parties; that I was 
under his immediate protection, and should I meet with any 
difficulty, either from their police, with the rules of which 
he supposed me unacquainted, or from any other quarter, I 
had but to apply to him, and everything should be settled ; 
that as to Independency, it was an event in the womb of 
time, and it would be highly improper for him to say any- 
thing on that subject until it had actually taken place; mean- 
time he informed me that the British Ambassador knew of 
my arrival, and therefore advised me not to associate with 
Englishmen more than I was from necessity obliged, as he 
doubted not I should have many spies on my conduct. 

I then told him the precautions I had taken and should 
persevere in, in coming from Bermuda, and that I did not 
mean in publick to pass for other than a merchant from that 
Island, on speculation, during the present cessation of com- 
merce in America; but at the same time I told his Excel- 
lency that I was weil assured it was known in London that 
I was coming long before I arrived at Paris, and I doubted 
not they conjectured my errand, but at the same time I 
should take every precaution in my power; and most sincerely 
thanked him for his protection and assistance so generously 
offered, which he might depend I would never abuse. He 
was pleased with my having come by Bermuda, and pass- 
ing as an inhabitant of that Island, and said, if questioned, 
he should speak of me in that character. He then asked 
me many questions with respect to the Colonies; but what 
he seemed most to want to be assured of, was their ability 
to subsist without their fisheries, and under the interruption 
of their commerce. ‘To this I replied in this manner: that 


1013 


the fisheries were never carried on but by a part of the Co- 
lonies, and by them, not so much as a means of subsistence 
as of commerce; that the fishery failing, those formerly 
employed in them turned part to agriculture and part to 
the army and navy; that our commerce must for some time 
be in a great measure suspended, but that the greater part 
of our importations were far from being necessaries of life, 
consequently we should not suffer under the want of them, 
whilst it was not wealth or luxuries that we were contend- 
ing for; that our commerce ceasing, it would be out of the 
power of our enemies to support themselves on our plunder, 
and on the other hand, our ships, as privateers, might ha- 
rass their commerce without a possibility of their retaliating ; 
that I hoped to see a considerable marine force in the 
Colonies, and that, joined to the impossibility of Britazn’s 
guarding so extensive a coast, would preserve some of our 
commerce, until it should be thought an object deserving the 
protection of other Powers. 

After many questions on this subject, he put this, in which 
I thought he seemed interested,—whether, if the Colonies 
declare an Independency, they would not differ among them- 
selves? ‘To this I replied, that the greatest harmony had 
as yet subsisted, and I had no grounds to doubt it in future ; 
that the common danger, which first drove them into mea- 
sures which must end in such a declaration, would subsist, 
and that alone was sufficient to ensure their union. 

He then desired me to give his Secretary my address, 
and said, though he should be glad to see me often, yet, as 
matters were circumstanced, his house was too publick a 
place, but that [ might put the same confidence in his Sec- 
retary as himself, to whom I might apply for advice and 
direction, but that whenever anything of importance occurred 
I need but inform him, and he would see me; but on common 
occasions, I must address the Secretary, which would be 
every way more convenient, as he understood the English 
language well, and was a person in whom the greatest con- 
fidence could be placed. 

Having settled the mode of intercourse, I expressed the 
sense I had of his Excellency’s politeness, and the generous 
protection he had given me; and on parting said, if my com- 
mission or the mode of introducing the subject were out of 
the usual course, I must rely on his goodness to make allow- 
ances for a new-formed people, in circumstances altogether 
unprecedented, and for their agent wholly unacquainted with 
Courts. To which he replied, that the people and their 
cause were very respectable in the eyes of all disinterested 
persons, and that the interview had been agreeable. 

After this I returned to Paris with M. Dubourg, whose 
zeal for the American cause led him to draw the most fa- 
vourable consequences from this beginning. ‘The next day, 
while from home, [ was informed that Count Laureguais 
had inquired out my lodgings, immediately after which he 
asked leave to go for England, which was refused him by 
the Court. The same day I was informed that Sir Hans 
Stanley and Sir Charles Jenkinson, who I knew were at 
Bordeaux when I left it, were in France for the sole pur- 
pose of inquiring what agents were here from the Colonies, 
and what commerce or other negotiation between them and 
the Colonies were carrying on. This alarmed my friends, 
and as | had agreed for other lodgings, to which I was next 
day to remove, M. Dubourg advised me to secrete both my 
lodgings and name. I told him that the Count Laureguais’s 
conduct appeared mysterious, yet I could never think of 
keeping myself secret, for though I should not seek these 
gentlemen, nor throw myself purposely in their way, yet I 
must think it an ill compliment to Count Vergennes to sup- 
pose, after what had passed, that I was not on as good and 
safe footing in France as they or any other gentleman could 
be. However, his uneasiness made him write to the Count 
what he had advised, who returned for answer, that such a 
step was both unnecessary and impolitick, as it would only 
strengthen suspicions by giving everything an air of mystery, 
while there was not the least occasion for it. 

The next day I had a fresh conference with M. Dubourg, 
who brought me a number of memorials from officers and 
engineers offering their services in America; some of whom, 
I believe, deserve the utmost encouragement; but more of 
this hereafter. While I was casting in my mind how best 
to improve the present favourable crisis for supplying the 
Colonies, M. Beaumarchais made proposals for procuring 
whatever should be wanted, but in such a manner as was 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1014 


understood by M. Dubourg to amount to a monopoly, which 
indeed was not his only objection, for M. Beawnarchais, 
though confessedly a man of abilities, had always been a 
man of pleasure and never of business; but as he was recom- 
mended by Count Vergennes, M. Dubourg could not avoid 
noticing him, but immediately expostulated with the Count 
in a letter, which brought on embarrassments no way favour- 
able, and I saw that M. Dubourg was so far from seconding 
the views of his superior in this manceuvre, that he was, with 
the best intentions in the world, in danger of counteracting 
his own wishes, the extent of which were, to obtain the sup- 
plies of merchants and manufacturers on the credit of the 
Colonies, in which the strictest punctuality and most scru- 
pulous exactness would be necessary, and which, under the 
present difficulties of remittance, I feared would not be lived 
up to. 

As I had learned that in the late reform of the French 
Army, they had shifted their arms for those of a lighter kind, 
the heavy ones, most of which were the same as new, to the 
amount of seventy or eighty thousand, lay useless in maga- 
zines, with other military stores, in some such proportion, I 
apprehended it no way impossible to come at a supply from 
hence, through the agency of some merchant, without the 
Ministry being concerned in the matter. In such case the 
merchant would be accountable to the Ministry, and the 
Colonies to the merchant, by which means a greater time of 
payment might be given, and more allowance in case of our 
being disappointed. With this in view I went to Versailles 
on Wednesday, the 17th, and waited on M. Gerard, First 
Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and presented to him the en- 
closed memorial, which led to a very particular conversation 
on the affairs of Amertca, and which I turned finally on this 
subject; to which he would not then give me any immediate 
answer, but promised me one in a day or two. Returning 
to town I found Messrs. Dubourg and Beaumarchais had a 
misunderstanding, the latter giving out that he could effect 
everything we wished for, and the former, from the known 
circumstances of M. Beaumarchais, and his known careless- 
ness in money matters, suspecting he could procure nothing, 
and the more so as he promised so largely. They parted 
much displeased with each other, and M. Beaumarchais 
went directly to Versailles. On M. Dubourg’s coming and 
informing me what had passed, I immediately wrote to M. 
Gerard the enclosed letter, and in return was desired to 
come with M. Dubourg the next morning to Versailles. 

We went, as desired, and after explaining many things 
to M. Gerard, had a conference with his Excellency, from 
whom I had fresh assurances of the utmost freedom and pro- 
tection in their ports and on their coasts; that, in one word, 
I might rely on whatever Monsieur Beaumarchais should 
engage in the commercial way of supplies, which, indeed, 
was all I wished for, as I was on the safe side of the ques- 
tion, viz: on the receiving part. I communicated to his 
Excellency that clause of my instructions for procuring arms, 
&e., of which he asked a copy. I then informed him, that 
I considered the present as a most critical juncture of Ame- 
rican affairs, that the campaign would undoubtedly be car- 
ried far into the winter, that supplies now shipped might 
arrive very seasonably in the fall to enable the Colonies to 
hold out the present campaign. He replied, that no delay 
should be made by any obstruction of any officer, or others 
of the customs or police. He then told me that the Count 
Laureguais was, perhaps, a well meaning man, but not 
sufficiently discreet for such purposes as this; that Mr. Lee, 
(meaning Mr. Arthur Lee, of London,) had confided, he 
feared, too much in him, and wished me to caution him on 
the subject, and that if I would write to him, he would en- 
close it in a letter of his, by a courier that evening. I most 
readily embraced this safe way of corresponding, and sent a 
letter I had before written, with an addition on this subject, a 
copy of which is enclosed. I have thus given you the heads 
of my negotiation to this time, Judy 20th, and will not take 
up your time in making remarks on it, and the prospects 
before me, which are obvious; but inform you of the plan I 
mean to pursue, in the execution of my commission, and 
hint some methods, by which I think I may be enabled to 
complete every part of it to your satisfaction, and the relief of 
my country, which is all my wish, and the extent of my most 
ambitious hopes. I go on the supposition of an actual uncon- 
ditional independency, without which little can be effected 
publickly; with it, almost everything we can wish for. 


1015 


It is by no means probable that Europe will long remain 

in a state of peace; the disputes between Portugal and 
Spain are on the point of producing an open rupture; the 
former relies on England ; the latter will look to this king- 
dom, and has already applied to this Court on the subject. 
Nothing but the division of Poland has taken the King of 
Prussia’s attention off from the injustice done him by Great 
Britain at the close of the last war. He has now com- 
pleted his part of that extraordinary work, and I am well 
informed, listens with pleasure to the dispute between the 
United Colonies and Great Britain. He is ambitious of 
becoming a maritime Power, and is already in possession of 
the capital ports on the Baltick; but without commerce it 
is impossible to effect the design, and no commerce can put 
him so directly in the road as the American, ‘The consump- 
tion of coffee, sugar, and other West-India productions, in- 
creases fast in the north of Europe, and it must be his inter- 
est, at least, to supply his own dominions. In case of a war 
in Europe, France, Spain and Prussia might be brought 
into one interest, and the Emperor of Germany is too closely 
connected with his Majesty of France to take part against 
them, after which Great Britain, having her whole force 
employed in America, there could be nothing on the one 
hand to prevent Spain and France from reducing Portugal 
to a submission to the former, nor from Prussea and France 
subduing and incorporating into their own dominions Hano- 
ver, and the other little mercenary Electorates, which lie 
between them, and which for several centuries have been 
one principal cause of every war that has happened in Eu- 
rope. 
With respect to Russia, it is as closely allied to Prussia 
as to Great Britain, and may be expected to be master in 
the contest. Denmark and Sweden are a balance for each 
other, and opposites. Not to enlarge on this plan at pre- 
sent, I have only to suggest, that an application to the King 
of Prussia will do no harm, and may be attended with good 
and great consequences; the Prusstan Ambassador at this 
Court and at that of London may be sounded on the sub- 
ject. But my powers and instructions are so limited, that 
I can by no means take such a step; yet when I see Great 
Britain exerting her whole force, and that of her Allies, and 
courting every Power in Europe to aid her, I can but wish 
she may be counteracted in her own system, and by having 
employ found for her in Europe, bring her to leave America 
in peace; and I think myself bound in duty to hint at what 
to me seems the most probable means. Dr. Bancroft was 
full with me in this opinion. M. Chaumont, a very wealthy 
person, and Intendant for providing clothes, &c., &c., for 
the French Army, has offered me a credit on account of the 
Colonies, to the amount of one million of livres, which I have 
accepted. I have in treaty another credit, which, joined to 
this, will purchase the articles directed in my instructions. 
The credit will be until May next, before which I hope 
remittances will be made. I have purchased of said M. 
Chaumont a quantity of saltpetre, at ten sous, or five and 
one-fourth per cent., in order that Captain Morgan might 
not return empty. As soon as I have given the orders for 
despatching him, and settled some other matters here, I 
design for Dunkirk, to ship the Indian goods, which I hope 
may arrive in season for the winter supply; though I leave 
you to consider my situation, with only about six or seven 
thousand pounds to complete a contract of forty, and the 
bills for my private expenses being protested, obliged to sup- 
port myself out of that capital, which I labour to do with all 
the economy in my power. 

Dr. Bancroft is returned to London, and by him I wrote 
to Monsieur Garnier, and agreed on a mode of correspond- 
ence. I think your remittances in armed vessels will be 
much the best method; and I have ordered Captain Mor- 
gan’s sloop to be armed, and should she arrive safe, recom- 
mend him, as one I am confident will serve the Colonies 
with great zeal and fidelity; and I have had some expe- 
rience of the goodness of his temper and his abilities. Mr. 
Seymour, his mate, is also deserving of encouragement, as a 
good seaman and of undaunted resolution. 

I am not without hopes of obtaining liberty for the armed 
vessels of the United Colonies to dispose of their prizes in 
the ports of this Kingdom, and also for arming and fitting 
out vessels of war directly from hence, but I will not venture 
on this until I see what effect my last memoir may have; 
the substance of which is, to show the danger to France and 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1016 


Spain, if they permit Great Britain to keep so enormous a 
force in America, and to recover the dominion of the Colo- 
nies; also how fully it is in their power to prevent it, and by 
that means deprive Great Britain of the principal source of 
her wealth and force, even without hazarding a war of any 
consequence in point of danger. 

This memoir, which takes several sheets, I am unable to 
send you a copy of, as I have no one to assist me, and must 
make out several copies for the persons to whom they are 
to be delivered. I was directed to apply for arms and 
clothes for twenty-five thousand men, and for one hundred 
field-pieces, with ammunition and stores in proportion. This 
I wished to get of the Ministry direct, but they evaded it, 
and I am now in treaty for procuring them through the 
agency of M. Chawmont and M. Beaumarchais, on a credit 
of eight months, from the time of their delivery. If I effect 
this, as I undoubtedly shall, I must rely on the remittances 
being made this fall and winter without fail, or the credit 
of the Colonies must suffer. If I can get the arms out of 
the magazines, and the field-pieces here, I hope for a much 
longer credit; but if we send to Sweden for the brass cannon, 
the credit will not be lengthened beyond that. Some new 
improvements have lately been made in this branch, conse- 
quently the cannon now manufactured will be preferable to 
those of former constraction. Some Engineers here assert, 
that iron is preferable to brass, that is, wrought iron, out of 
which the pieces may be made lighter, and to a better pur- 
pose. Considering the want of these pieces, and the plenty 
of iron in America, the experiment might, I think, be made 
without delay. I am still in hopes of procuring admission 
of the article of tobacco directly from America, but the 
Farmers-General will not offer equivalent to the risk. 

Without intelligence from April to this time, leaves me 
quite uncertain and extremely anxious about the line of con- 
duct now pursuing by Congress, and consequently I cannot, 
without further intelligence and instructions, proceed in my 
negotiation either with safety or honour. The resolution of 
Congress of the 15th of May, is not considered by the 
Ministry as a Declaration of Independence, but only a pre- 
vious step, and until this decisive step is taken, I can do 
little more to any purpose. ‘This taken, I dare pledge 
myself, the United Colonies may obtain all the countenance 
and assistance they wish for, in the most open and publick 
manner, and the most unlimited credit with the merchants 
of this Kingdom; I must therefore urge this measure, if not 
already taken, and that the Declaration be in the most full 
and explicit terms. 

Merchants here would speculate deeply in the American 
trade, could they be insured at any premium within bounds. 
I wish to know if offices are already open, and I would 
suggest that if the Congress would take the insurance under 
their own direction, it would give it such a proportionably 
greater credit, that supplies would most certainly be obtained 
in plenty. I shall be able to procure a private interview 
with the Spanish Ambassador, and shall present him my 
memorial, and am in a train which I think will carry it quite 
to the fountain head. 

Thus I have in a minute, possibly a tedious, detail, men- 
tioned everything material on my mind, which has occurred 
since my arrival, and submit the whole to the wisdom and 
candour of the honourable Congress, observing that I had 
gone to the extent of my instructions; and though I have 
been successful beyond my expectations, yet I have but 
been labouring principally to set certain great wheels in mo- 
tion, which still want something more decisive on my part, 
and Iam confident of all that is wanting to set them so 
effectually moving as to roll the burden and calamities of 
war from our doors back with aggravated ruin on its authors, 
which, if I can be the means of effecting, the world may 
bestow the rest of its honours on whom it pleases; I shall 
be contented, the extent of my most ambitious hopes thus 
accomplished. 

I have now to urge a survey with respect to the contents 
of this letter. More that is said in Congress transpires and 
crosses the Atlantick than you conceive of; more than I can 
account for, without having uncharitable thoughts of indi- 
viduals, still without fixing them on any one. | have writ- 
ten a short letter to Mr. Jay on common affairs, and have 
enclosed one to M. Longueville, which I pray may be for- 
warded; the letter is from his friends here, who have heard 
of his being a prisoner somewhere in America, M. Dubourg 


1017 


has continued to render me every assistance in his power; 
to be particular would swell this letter beyond all bounds ; 
his abilities and connexions are of the first style in this 
Kingdom, and his zeal for the cause of the United Colonies 
is to be described only by saying that at times it is in danger 
of urging him beyond both; in short, lam every way deeply 
indebted to him: personally, for bringing me acquainted with 
agreeable persons of rank and character; and on account of 
my honoured constituents, for assisting me to make such a 
favourable beginning and progress in my business. I know 
not how affluent he may be, but as he has really for some 
time devoted himself to assist in this negotiation, | am con- 
fident something honourable will be thought of for him. I 
have complimented him by asking of him his portrait to be 
sent to his and my friends in America, in my private capa- 
city, mentioning our mutual friend Dr. Franklin. ‘This I 
found so agreeable, that I am confident some such distinc- 
tion would be more acceptable than more lucrative rewards. 
Dr. B. took pains to collect all the political publications of 
the last year for me and brought them with him; he was at 
considerable expense in his journey. I sent him from Bor- 
deaux a bill of thirty pounds, and paid his expenses in my 
lodgings here; at parting, I desired him to keep an account, 
and when the money was expended to inform me. This 
gentleman is certainly capable of giving as good, if not the 
best, intelligence of any man in Great Britain, as he is 
closely connected with the most respectable of the minority 
in both Houses, not particularly obnoxious to the majority, 
and for his abilities, they are too well known to Dr. Franklin 
to need any attempt to do them justice in a letter. 

I am, with the highest esteem and respect for the Hon- 
ourable Congress and their Committee of Secret Correspond- 
ence, &c., Sizas Deane. 

August 1st.—Since writing the foregoing, I have been at 

, and am of opinion that a war between Portugal 
and Spain is at the door; and I have had an interview pro- 
posed with the Ambassador of Portugal, who resides here, 
on commercial affairs, which I have most readily embraced, 
and expect to see him again on Wednesday next, after 
which I will write you further; his proposals are merely 
commercial, as is his station, but something else may be 
investigated. 

August 2d.—I should have sent this off earlier, but de- 
layed on account of hearing something more directly, if I 
might depend on certain articles for which I was in treaty; 
I am now assured I may, and the whole will be ready to 
ship in all the month of October. My next labour will be 
to obtain a convoy, which I do not despair of, though it is 
a delicate question, and I have only sounded at a distance, 
yet I have no doubt of obtaining one, at least, off the ccast 
of Europe, and the articles will be shipped as for the MWest- 
India Islands. I propose arming and well manning the 
vessels in which these articles shall be embarked, and I ad- 
vise again the sending all remittances to Europe in armed 
vessels; the probability of meeting with English merchants 
is well worth the risk. I hope that it will be considered that 
one hundred field-pieces, and arms, clothing, and accoutre- 
ments, with military stores, for twenty-five thousand men, 
is a large affair; and that although I am promised any 
credit, yet as they must be paid for, the sooner the better, 
if to be done without too great a risk. 

A considerable part of these articles are now on hand, 
and orders are issued for the others by the contractors this 
day. I prefer Bordeaux to any other port for shipping them 
from ; but the remittances must be made to several, on which 
I will give you my opinion in my next. A number of gen- 
tlemen of rank and fortune, who have seen service, and have 
good characters, are desirous of serving the United Colonies, 
and have applied. Pray let me have orders on this sub- 
ject. If it be politick to interest this Kingdom in the present 
contest, what way so effectual as to get into their debt for 
supplies, and employ persons of good family and connexions 
in it, inourservice? I have given encouragement, on which 
some are prepared to embark. One Mons. C., a celebrated 
Engineer, who was chief in that way in the Turkish Army, 
is returned, and is willing to go to America ; but the Ministry 
cannot as yet spare him, as certain regulations are making 


elsewhere ; possibly he may go out some time in the winter; 


he is a first character in his profession and otherwise. In- 
deed, this contention has set on foot such a spirit of inquiry 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1018 


in Europe into the state of America, that I am convinced 
that at the first close of this war, if, as I trust in God, it will 
close in our favour, there will be an inundation of inhabitants 
from this side of the globe. Many persons of capital fortunes 
have declared to me their resolution of moving to America 
as soon as the liberties of America shall be established, and 
that many of their friends will accompany them. 

August 15th.—I received from a friend at Amsterdam, a 
letter informing me that he would be with me on the 20th, 
and as the vessel could not be sooner ready to sail, I deter- 
mined not to risk this packet by a private hand, or by the 
publick post; he is now arrived, and takes charge of it in 
person. Were it possible, 1 would attempt to paint to you 
the heart-rending anxiety | have suffered in this time, through 
a total want of intelligence. My arrival here, my name, 
my lodgings, and many other particulars, have been reported 
to the British Administration, on which they sent orders to 
the British Ambassador to remonstrate in high terms, and, 
to enforce their remonstrances, despatched Wedderburn from 
London, and Lord Rochford from Holland, as a person of 
great interest and address, here to counteract me. They have 
been some time here, and the city swarms with Englishmen; 
and as money purchases everything in this country, | have 
had and still have a most difficult task to avoid their machina- 
tions. Nota coffee-house or theatre, or other place of publick 
diversion, but swarms with their emissaries ; but knowing the 
Ministry are my friends, I attend these places as others, but 
cautiously avoid saying a word on American affairs any- 
where, except in my own hotel, or those of my intimate 
friends. 

I have seen many more of the persons in power in this 
time, and had long conversations with them. Their inten- 
tions are good, and they appear convinced; but there is 
wanting a great and daring genius at their head, which the 
Count Maurepas is very far from being; he has even im- 
bibed a notion that no assistance Is necessary, as the Colonies 
are too powerful for Great Britain. All eyes are turned 
on the Duc de Choiseul. Iam convinced the moment he 
comes into office, an active, open, and will be 
taken. I think he will be Minister very soon; meantime I 
have nothing to complain of the ; 
Indeed they will not be altered if he takes the lead. I find 
M. Beaumarchais, as I before hinted, possesses the entire 
confidence of the Ministry; he is a man of wit and genius, 
and a considerable writer on comick and political subjects. 
All my supplies are to come through his hands, which at 
first greatly discouraged my friends, knowing him to be a 
person of no interest with the merchants; but had I been as 
doubtful as they, I could not have stepped aside from the 
path so cordially marked out for me by those I depend on. 
M. Coudray, the Engineer I before hinted at, obtained liberty 
last week to go for America with as many Engineers as he 
should choose, and was not only assured of M. Beaumarchats 
being able to procure the stores he had stipulated for, but 
received orders for them, and liberty to take two hundred 
pieces of brass cannon, lest part might be intercepted. M. 
Coudray has the character of the first Engineer in the King- 
dom, and his manners and disposition will, I am confident, 
be highly pleasing to you, as he is a plain, modest, active, 
sensible man, perfectly averse to frippery and parade. My 
friends here rejoice at the acquisition; and considering the 
character of the man, and at whose hands I in effect received 
him, I must congratulate you on it. Several young gentle- 
men of fortune, whose families are nearly connected with 
the Court, are preparing to embark for America, by each 
of whom I shall, without disguise, write you the characters 
they sustain here. I have told them that merit is the sole 
object with the Congress. The bearer can give you some 
idea of the situation Lam in, should this packet fail; and 
should he arrive with it, he may explain some part of it. I 
am confident his attention to the affairs of America here will 
be considered by the Congress. I have found him in the 
mercantile way active and intelligent. 

Mr. Carmichael is now with me from Maryland, and I find 
him a person of great merit. Respecting the Colonies, he 
is recommended as such by from whom he -has 
received a letter, but of no immediate importance; he pro- 
poses seeing me here this month, M. Dumas has written 
me two letters from the Hague, but so timid that he has not 
ventured to sign either, though he speaks in the highest 
terms of the American cause. ‘The pamphlet called Com- 


1019 


mon Sense has been translated, and has a greater run, if 
possible, here than in America. A person of distinction, 
writing to his noble friend in office, has these words: “Je 
pense comme vous, mon cher Compte, que le Common 
Sense est une excellente ouvrage, et que son auteur est un 
des plus grands legislateurs des millions d’ecrivains, que nous 
connoissions; il n’est pas douteux, que si les Americains 
suivent le beau plan, que leur compatriote Jeur a tracé, ils 
deviendront la nation Ja plus florissante et la plus heureuse, 
qui ait jamais existé.” 

Thus freely do men think and write in a country long 
since deprived of the essentials of liberty. As I was favoured 
with a sight of the letter, and permitted to make this extract, 
I thought it worth sending you as a key to the sentiments 
of some of the leading men. I must again remind you of 
my situation here; the bills designed for my use are pro- 
tested, and expenses rising fast in consequence of the busi- 
ness on my hands, which I may on no account neglect, and 
a small douceur, (though 1 have been sparing in that way,) 
is sometimes of the utmost importance. ‘The quantity of 
stores to be shipped will amount to a large sum, the very 
charge on them will be great, for which I am the only 
responsible person. Five vessels arrived from America with 
fish, which is a prohibited article, and the officers of the 
customs detained them; on which I was sent to, and informed 
that if those vessels came from the Congress to me, they 
should be permitted to unload and sell. Here was a diffi- 
culty, indeed, for the Captain had not so much as applied 
to me by letter; however, I assured the that there 
could be no doubt but they were designed for that use, and 
that the letters to me must have miscarried; on which orders 
were issued for unloading and storing those cargoes until 
further intelligence should arrive. I mention this case in 
confidence, and pray that in future some regulation may be 
made on this subject, and that vessels coming out may be 
directed to apply to me as their agent or owner at least, and 
I will procure in the different ports houses of known repu- 
tation to transact their business. This is absolutely neces- 
sary; for by this means their articles may be admitted. 
Tobacco may come in this way, and every other article. 

deeply indebted ostensibly to M. Beaumarchais, 
he can obtain the liberty for the discharge of their debts. 
M. Coudray will see that the articles of ammunition, can- 
non, &c., are provided in the best manner for the Army, 
and will embark himself by the 1st of October. 

I wrote you from Bermuda on the subject of seizing and 
fortifying that Island. I am well informed the Britesh Min- 
istry have had it in contemplation, and propose doing it next 
spring. Mr. Warder, of Philadelphia, came a few days 
since from Bordeaux to Paris, and called on me with some 
young gentlemen from New-England ; he brought letters 
from my good friends Messrs. in consequence of Jet- 
ters to them from Mr. Alsop. I received him, as I do all 
my countrymen, with real pleasure. A gentleman present 
warned him against conversing with a particular person in 
Paris, to which Mr. W. seemed to agree; yet I am told he 
went directly from my hotel to that person, and informed 
him of everything he heard mentioned, and of every person 
he saw visiting me; happily he could inform nothing of any 
consequence, for my chamber was full of a mixed company, 
and the conversation was general, and in French and in 
English. But this conduct of his, with his want of common 
complaisance in leaving the city without calling on me to 
receive any letters | might have for London, which he had 
promised to convey, has given me some uneasiness, and I 
mention the incident only as a caution how and what per- 
sons are recommended. ‘The pleasure I feel in seeing one 
of my countrymen is such, that I may be in as great danger 
from them as others—possibly much more. I should be 
unhappy if any suspicion should operate to the prejudice of 
this person without cause; but my friends here, who are 
kindly attentive to everything that is said or done which 
respects America, think very strange of his conduct. 

I rely on your indulgence for the length and incorrectness 
of this letter. , I have had much on my hands, and no one 
to assist me in Copying, &c. Visits from persons to whom 
I cannot be denied, or visiting them, with constant applica- 
tions made on various subjects, take up my mornings, and I 
have had only now and then an evening to write in. 

I have seen the prime agent, who proposed something in 
the way of supplying the Colonies with military stores frora 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1020 


Prussia. I shall confer further on the subject with him, 
and write you. I have drawn up a memorial on the com- 
merce of America and its importance to Europe, and shall 
present it to-morrow to the different personages concerned. 
I shall send a copy, if I can get one made, by this convey- 
ance. The debt of the Colonies in carrying on the war is 
a common topick for Ministerial writers ; but permit me to 
assure you at the close of this long letter, that the demand 
for land in America, if its liberties are established, will more 
than compensate the whole expense. I will in a future 
letter be more explicit on this important subject, but am well 
convinced of the certainty of this fact, “that the advance in 
the price of lands in America, if the Colonies are victorious, 
will more than reimburse the expenses of the war.” I have 
nothing material toadd. Never were a people more anxious 
for news than the people of this Kingdom are for news 
from America; and surely you will put me down as one of 
the first in the roll of American heroes, when you consider 
my situation, plunging into very important engagements, 
which I can by no means avoid, yet without funds to sup- 
port them. But I will not enlarge on this subject, and only 
say, that I have met with every possible encouragement 
from every person I have seen, whether in or out of office, 
and I believe no person in the same space of time ever 
conferred with more of both. My being known to be an 
American, and supposed to be one of the Congress, and in 
business for the United Colonies, has introduced me beyond 
what almost any other recommendation could have done, 
which I mention to convince you of the attention paid here 
to the cause of the United Colonies, and how very popular 
it has become in this country. 

I have repeatedly seen Mr. Hopkins, formerly of Mary- 
land, now advanced to be a Brigadier-General in this ser- 
vice. He talks of coming out to America. Should the Duc 
de Choiseul, who is his friend and patron, come into the 
lead of Administration, he might come out to advantage. 
Insurance from London to Jamaica is twenty per cent. If 
a few of our cruisers would venture on this coast, they might 
do very well, as they would find protection in the harbours 
of this Kingdom. Coming ostensibly for the purpose only 
of commerce or otherwise, no questions would be asked, and 
they might wait until an opportunity offered, (of which they 
might be minutely informed,) and then strike something to 
the purpose. I give this hint to individuals rather than to 
the honourable Congress as a body. The bearer, Mr. Mc- 
Creary, has obliged me by copying my memoir, which I 
send herewith. It has had a great run among the Ministers 
of this and some other Courts in a private way. M. Beau- 
marchais writes by this opportunity. - He has shown me his” 
letter, and I have agreed in general to the contents, not 
understanding any exclusive privilege for his house. Every- 
thing he says, writes, or does, is in reality the action of the 
Ministry; for that a man should but a few months since 
confine himself from his creditors, and now on this occasion 
be able to advance half a million, is so extraordinary that it 
ceases to be a mystery. M. Coudray was not in the Turkish 
service as I was informed; it was a gentleman who proposes 
accompanying him; but he is an officer of the first eminence, 
an Adjutant-General in the French service, and his prospects 
here of rising are exceeding good; but he is dissatisfied with 
an idle life. His proposals in general have been, that he 
should be General of the Artillery, and subject only to the 
orders of Congress or their Committee of War, or of their 
Commander-in-Chief of the Army where he might be. In 
the next place, that he should rank as Major-General, and 
have the same wages, &c., coming in as youngest Major- 
General for the present, and rising of course. 

Many other particulars are not yet adjusted; but consi- 
dering the importance of having two hundred pieces of brass 
cannon, with every necessary article for twenty-five thou- 
sand men, provided with an able and experienced General 
at the head of it, warranted by the Minister of this Court to 
be an able and faithful man, with a number of fine and spi- 
rited young officers in his train, and all without advancing 
one shilling, is too tempting an object for me to hesitate 
about, though I own there is a silence in my instructions. 
I therefore honestly declare I am at your mercy in this case, 
and I have no uneasiness of mind on the occasion; for should 
I be sacrificed, it will be in that cause to which I have de- 
voted my life and every init. ‘The terms of M. 
Coudray may be thought bigh; but consider a person leaving 


1021 


a certain and permanent service and his native country, to 
go he hardly knows where, and it must be supposed he will 
ask at least as good terms as he could have in his own coun- 
try; but as the terms have not been particularly considered, 
I must defer anything further on this subject for the present, 
hourly in hopes of some explicit intelligence from the hon- 
ourable Congress. You have the good wishes of every one 
here. Chevalier de Chastellier desires me this instant to 
write down his compliments to Dr. Franklin; and with 
pleasure [ say, the being known to be his friend, is one of 
the best recommendations a man can wish to have in France, 
and will introduce him when titles fail. S. D. 


SILAS DEANE TO C, W. F. DUMAS. 
Paris, August 18, 1776. 

Str: Your favour of the Sth, and one earlier, but without 
a date, are before me, and I return you my thanks for the 
attention paid to mine, and more especially for the good 
opinion you entertain of my countrymen, and your tenders 
of service. ‘The business before me is of such a nature, that 
I must be detained some time in this city. If I take a jour- 
ney to Holland, it will be my choice to make it as a private 
gentleman; as such I am in Paris, and that character | 
shall keep, unless obliged to alter it. Parade and pomp 
have no charms in the eyes of a patriot, or even a man of 
common good sense; but at the same time, I can never sub- 
mit to the changing of my name, unless I am convinced that 
so humiliating a step will promote the service of my country. 
I can pass unnoticed under that name, as well as any other, 
whilst I conduct in every other step as a private gentleman. 
I have now but little hopes of being in Holland till October, 
before which, such intelligence may arrive-from America as 
may alter my present designs. 

The declaration of Independency made by the United 
Colonies, is announced in the English papers, but I have 
received no despatches on the event, though I am in daily 
expectation of them. You ask me two questions in your 
first letter; to the former, I answer at once affirmatively, 
that I have a certain prospect of succeeding in my business ; 
but as to the latter, or second query, I cannot so readily 
reply, for I know not how far the knowledge of me and my 
concerns may have extended. I am here asa private mer- 
chant, and appear as such, whatever suspicion may circulate. 
As such, I can travel, I trust, in your country, which I most 
ardently wish to see, and the more so on account of the 
kind, simple, and engaging invitation you have given me, It 
really affected me, and brought instantaneously to view those 
happy and peaceful scenes of domestick felicity, to which I 
am at present a stranger. You have all [ can give you, a 
grateful acknowledgment of your kindness, and depend, that 
I will in person acknowledge it on my first arrival in Holland. 

It is the policy of the United Provinces of Holland to be 
neuter to every attention. ‘The United Colonies only wish 
them to keep steady to their only true system of policy in 
the present case; and give me leave to say, that a reflection 
on their former struggles must show them in what point of 
light the Americans are to be considered. The United 
Colonies ask no aid or alliances. Let Britain court every, 
even the most petty and mercenary Power in Europe, the 
United Colonies only ask for what nature surely entitles all: 
men to, a free and uninterrupted commerce and exchange of 
the superfluities of one country for those of another; and the 
first Power in Europe, which takes advantage of the present 
favourable occasion, must exceed every other in commerce. 

But Lam rambling. I pray to know in your next letter, 
what sums are due to Holland from the Government of Eng- 
land. Whether the King of Prussia is wholly inattentive 
to the present proceedings, and on which side his wishes are. 
Omnia tentanda, really hope to be at the Hague in Octo- 
ber, and promise myself great pleasure in seeing you and your 
lady, to whom, though otherwise unknown, since you have 
introduced me, you cannot refuse presenting my best respects. 

I am, with great esteem, &c. Siras Deane, 


FROM BARON DE BEAUMARCHAIS TO THE COMMITTEE OF 
SECRET CORRESPONDENCE, 


[Translation. ] 
Paris, August 18, 1776. 


Genriemen: The respectful esteem that I bear towards 
that brave people, who so well defend their liberty under 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1022 


your conduct, has induced me to form a plan concurring in 
this great work, by establishing an extensive commercial 
house, solely for the purpose of serving you in Europe, there 
to supply you witb necessaries of every sort, to furnish you 
expeditiously and certainly with all articles, clothes, linens, 
powder, ammunition, muskets, cannon, or even gold for the 
payment of your troops, and in general everything that can 
be useful for the honourable war in which you are engaged. 
Your deputies, gentlemen, will find in me a sure friend, an 
asylum in my house, money in my coffers, and every means 
of facilitating their opefations, whether of a publick or secret 
nature. I will, if possible, remove all obstacles that may 
oppose your wishes, from the politicks of Europe. 

At this very time, and without waiting for any answer from 
you, I have procured for you about two hundred pieces of 
brass cannon, four pounders, which will be sent to you by the 
nearest way; two hundred thousand pounds of cannon pow- 
der, twenty thousand excellent fusils, some brass mortars, 
bombs, cannon balls, bayonets, platines, clothes, linens, &c., 
for the clothing of your troops, and lead for musket balls. An 
oflicer of the greatest merit for artillery and genius, accom- 
panied by lieutenants, officers, artillerists, cannoniers, &c., 
whom we think necessary for the service, will go for Phila- 
delphia, even before you have received my first despatches. 
This gentleman is one of the greatest presents that my attach- 
ment can offer you. Your deputy, Mr. Deane agrees with 
me in the treatment which he thinks suitable to his office, 
and I have found the power of this deputy sufficient, that I 
should prevail with this officer to depart, under the sole 
engagement of the deputy respecting him, the terms of 
which I have not the least doubt but Congress will comply 
with. ‘The secrecy necessary in some part of the operation; 
which I have undertaken for your service, requires also, on 
your part, a formal resolution, that all the vessels and their 
demands should be constantly directed to our house alone, in 
order that there may be no idle chattering or time lost—two 
things that are the ruin of affairs. You will advise me what 
the vessels contain, which you shall send into our ports. I 
shall choose so much of their loading, in return for what I 
have sent, as shall be suitable to me, when I have not been 
able beforehand to inform you of the cargoes which I wish. 
I shall facilitate to you the loading, sale, and disposal of the 
rest. For instance, five American vessels have just arrived 
in the port of Bordeaux, laden with salt fish ; though this 
merchandise coming from strangers is prohibited in our ports, 
yet as soon as your deputy had told me that these vessels 
were sent to him by you, to raise money from the sale for 
aiding him in his purchases in Europe, I took so much care 
that 1 secretly obtained from the Farmers-General an order 
for landing it without any notice being taken of it. I could 
even, if the case had so happened, have taken upon my own 
account these cargoes of salted fish, though it is not very 
useful to me, and charged myself with its sale and disposal, 
to simplify the operation and lessen the embarrassments of 
the merchants, and of your deputy. 

I shall have a correspondent in each of our seaport towns, 
who, on the arrival of your vessels, shall wait on the Captains 
and offer every service in my power; he will receive their 
letters, bills of lading, and transmit the whole to me; even 
things which you may wish to arrive safely in any country 
in Europe, after having conferred about them with your 
deputy, I shall cause to be kept in some secure place; even 
the answers shall go with great punctuality through me, and 
this way will save much anxiety and many delays. I re- 
quest of you, gentlemen, to send me next spring, if it is 
possible for you, ten or twelve thousand hogsheads, or more 
if you can, of tobacco from Virginia, of the best quality. 

You very well understand that my commerce with you 
is carried on in Europe, that it is in the ports of Europe I 
make and take returns. However well bottomed my house 
may be, and however I may have appropriated many mil- 
lions to your trade alone, yet it would be impossible for me 
to support it, if all the dangers of the sea, of exports and 
imports, were not entirely at your risk. Whenever you 
choose to receive my goods in any of our Windward or Lee- 
ward Islands, you have only to inform me of it, and my cor- 
respondents shall be there according to your orders, and then 
you shall have no augmentation of price, but of freight and 
insurance. But the risk of being taken by your enemies, 
still remains with you, according to the declaration rendered 
incontestable by the measures I shall take by your deputy 


1023 


himself. This deputy should receive, as soon as possible, 
full power and authority to accept what I shall deliver to 
him, to receive my accounts, examine them, make payments 
thereupon, or enter into engagements, which you shall be 
bound to ratify, as the head of that brave people to whom I 
am devoted; in short, always to treat about your mterests 
immediately with me. 

Notwithstanding the open opposition which the King of 
France, his Ministers, and the agents of Administration show, 
and ought to show to everything that carries the least appear- 
ance of violating foreign treaties and the internal ordinances 
of the Kingdom, I dare promise to you, gentlemen, that my 
indefatigable zeal shall never be wanting to clear up difficul- 
ties, soften prohibitions, and, in short, facilitate all operations 
of a commerce which my advantage, much less than yours, 
has made me undertake with you. What I have just informed 
you of is only a general sketch, subject to all the augmenta- 
tions and restrictions which events may point out to us. 

One thing can never vary or diminish: it is the avowed 
and ardent desire I have of serving you to the utmost of my 
power. You will recollect my signature, that one of your 
friends in London some time ago informed you of my favour- 
able disposition towards you, and my attachment to your 
interest. Look upon my house, then, gentlemen, from 
henceforward as the chief of all useful operations to you in 
Europe, and my person as one of the most zealous partisans 
of your cause, the soul of your success, and a man most 
deeply impressed with respectful esteem, with which I have 
the honour to be, Roperrque Hortatez & Co.* 


P. S. L add here, to conclude, that every American ves- 
sel, though not immediately armed or loaded by you, will 
be entitled to my good offices in this country; but yours, 
particularly addressed to my house, will receive a particu- 
Jar preference from me. 1 ought also to inumate to you, 
gentlemen, that from the nature of my connexion, it'is to be 
wished you would use discretion, even in the accounts that 
you give to the General Congress. Taverything that passes 
in your great assemblies is known, I cannot tell how, at 
the Court of Great Britain. Some indiscreet or perfidious 
citizen sends an exact account of your proceedings to the 
Palace of St. James. In times of great exigency, Rome 
had a Dictator; and in a state of danger the more the execu- 
tive power is brought to a point, the more certain will be its 
effect, and there will be less to fear from indiscretion. It 
is to your wisdom, gentlemen, that I make this remark; if it 
seems to you just and well planned, look upon it as a new 
mark of my ardor for your rising Republic. R.H.& Co. 


* This signature was assumed by M. Beawmarchais for the purpose of 
concealment. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM THE CAMP NEAR SENECA, 
DATED AuGusT 18, 1776. 


On the 12th instant Colonel Williamson came to Tomaw- 
sey, where he saw signs of Indians very fresh; detached 
Captains Perkins and Anderson, with sixty men, to track 
them and reconnoitre, and Major Downes went out with 
twenty men. Captain Anderson, with twenty-five men, 
parted from Captain Perkins, and crossed a creek; soon 
after Captain Perkins and his thirty-five men saw two 
Indians, and fired at them; the Indians set up the war 
whoop and ran; the party followed, and were quickly met 
by a party of the enemy, supposed to be between two and 
three hundred, who engaged them very furiously. Major 
Downes fortunately came up in the rear, and Captain An- 
derson falling on the back of the enemy to the right, the 
firing was heard at the town. Colonel Williamson turned 
out with one hundred and fifty men, who, coming close on 
the back of the enemy, made them quickly give way; the 
most forward of their party, being entirely surrounded, were 
mostly cut off. Sixteen were found dead in one valley when 
the battle ended; these our men scalped, but did not look 
any further, being now near sunset they were called off by 
beat of drum. We had two killed and sixteen wounded ; 
three of the latter died next day, among whom was Captain 
Lacey, a very brave officer and a good man. 


COLONEL EWING TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore, August 18, 1776. 
Honourep Sirs: I yesterday forwarded three compa- 
nies—Captains Posey’s, Young’s, and Lowe’s—to Head of 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1024 


Elk, on their way to Philadelphia, under the command of 
Major Edin, at which place he is to receive further orders. 

I have issued orders to Captains Magruder, Hanson, and 
Brooks, to march with the officers and men under their 
command here immediately, so as to embark for their sta- 
tion. You will please give me an order for what things I 
may want out of the Commissary’s store for sending them 
off. I mean to march with these three companies myself. 
I intended ordering Captains Tillard and Bowie to march, 
but from a letter just now received from Captain Tillard, his 
and Captain Bowte’s company are stopped. I should be 
glad to know what companies your Honours intend to give 
me in place of Captains Forrest, Tillard, and Bowie. I 
should at the same time esteem it a favour to be permitted 
to have their companies with me. 

I have the honour: to be, honoured sirs, your most obe- 


dient, humble servant 
; Tuos. Ewine. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


CAPTAIN BOURK TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Cambridge, August 18, 1776. 

Sir: I have this morning received your orders, and will 
obey them with pleasure. 

I hope to set off for Annapolis on Wednesday or Thurs- | 
day at farthest, on my way to Philadelphia. 'This I take 
to be the least expensive mode of travelling. 

I believe I shall receive fifty guns from the Committee. 
There are some which want repair. I shall omit having 
them repaired till I get to Annapolis or Philadelphia. 

From some disappointments [ met with, the number of 
blankets is not completed. I wish I may be able to furnish 
myself in Annapolis; it will give new spirits to the men. 

I am, sir, with respect, your most obedient, humble ser- 


ant 
AALS Tuomas Bourk. 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, President, &c. 


MARYLAND CONVENTION TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 22, 1776.] 
Annapolis, August 18, 1776. 

Sir: I have it in command from the Convention to apply 
to Congress through you for the sum of ten thousand dol- 
Jars, on account of disbursements by this Colony for their 
quota of the Flying-Camp, and other expenses incurred on 
account of the Continent, which already amount to near 
fifteen thousand. It is hoped that Congress will not hesi- 
tate to comply with this request, when it is considered that 
this Colony have exerted in the present most critical situ- 
ation their utmost force in the common defence, having not 
only ordered the whole of their regular troops to march, but 
have also directed their Council of Safety to order our full 
quota of Militia for the Flying-Camp, now nearly ready, and 
waiting only for arms to repair immediately to the Jerseys. 

You would not have been troubled on this occasion, but 
from our apprehensions that none of our members are now 
attending in Congress. 

Accounts of these disbursements are making out, and will 
be speedily transmitted. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most 


obedient servant , 
, Maru. Tineuman, President. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress, 
at Philadelphia. 


P. S. The Council of Safety, I presume, will send a spe- 


cial messenger for the money. 


JOSIAH BARTLETT TO COLONEL WHIPPLE. 
Philadelphia, August 18, 1776. 

Sir: Since you left this city, the ship Morris is arrived 
from France. She has brought for the Congress above one 
hundred bolts of sail-cloth, which cost above £3,000 sterling. 
She has also brought for this Colony fifty-three tons of lead 
and fifteen thousand pounds of powder, &c. A ship has 
also arrived from Lisbon, which place she left the latter end 
of June. She has brought some necessaries for the Con- 
gress. The Master contradicts the report of the Portuguese 
seizing American vessels, and informs us of several of our 
vessels being at Lisbon when he left it, and had free liberty 


1025 


of trading. A French vessel from the West-Indies, and a 
Dutch vessel from St. Eustatia, have arrived, and have 
brought about ten thousand pounds of powder. 

I fear the Confederation will not be finished in time to be 
laid before our Assembly at their next sitting. Last week 
passed without looking at it. Other affairs have taken up the 
whole time. Near two days were taken up about Commo- 
dore Hopkins; and we had the pleasure to be for the greatest 
part of that time entertained by the eloquence of some of our 
Southern brethren, particularly that polite speaker, Middle- 
ton. The Congress at last found Hopkins guilty of not 
paying proper attention to his orders, and have ordered him 
to be censured. ‘Thus stands that affair at present. 

The report concerning General Wooster is at length agreed 
to. By General Gates’s letters of the 7th instant, it appears 
that our affairs in that department wear a much more favour- 
able aspect than for some time past. Six or seven hundred 
of our Militia had arrived. Colonel Bedel was cashiered; 
Butterfield cashiered, and rendered incapable to hold a com- 
mission under the Congress. 

I am, sir, your friend and humble servant, 

Jostau Barter. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM JOHN ADAMS, DATED PHILA- 
DELPHIA, aucusT 18, 1776. 


I have seen in this world but a little of that pure flame of 
patriotism which certainly burns in some breasts. ‘There is 
much of the ostentation and affectation of it. [have known 
a few who could not bear to entertain a selfish design, nor 
to be suspected by others of such a meanness ; but these are 
not the most respected by the world. A man must be 
selfish, even to acquire great popularity. He must grasp for 
himself, under specious pretences for the publick good, and 
he must attach himself to his relations, connexions, and 
friends, by becoming a champion for their interests, in order 
to form a phalanx about him for his own defence, to make 
them trumpeters of his praise, and sticklers for his fame, 
fortune, and. honour. : 

My friend Warren, the late Governour Ward, and Mr. 
Gadsden, are three characters in which I have seen the 
most generous disdain of every spice and species of such 
meanness. The two last had not great abilities, but they 
had pure hearts. Yet they had Jess influence than many 


others, who had neither’so considerable parts, nor any share » 


at all of their purity of intention. Warren has both talents 
and virtues beyond most men in this world; yet his character 
has never been in proportion. ‘Thus it always is, and has 
been, and will be. Nothing has ever given me more mor- 
tification than a suspicion that has been propagated of me, 
that I am actuated by private views, and have been aiming 
at high places. ‘The office of Chief Justice has occasioned 
this jealousy, and it never will be allayed until I resign it. 
Let me have my farm, family, and goosequill, and all the 
honours and offices this world has to bestow, may go to 
those who deserve them better and desire them more. I 
court them not. 

There are very few people in this world with whom I can 
bear to converse. I can treat all with decency and civility, 
and converse with them, when it is necessary, on points of 
business. But I am never happy in their company. This 
has made me a recluse, and will, one day, make me a her- 
mit. I had rather build stone wall upon Penn’s hill, than 
to be the first Prince in Europe, or the first General or first 
Senator in America. Our expectations are very high of 
some great affair at New-York. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, August 18, 1776. 
Sir: I have been honoured with your favour of the 16th, 
with its enclosure, and am sorry it is not in my power to 
transmit Congress a copy of the treaty as they require, having 
sent it away with the other papers that were in my hands. 
The resolution they have entered into respecting the for- 
eign troops I am persuaded would produce salutary effects, 
if it can be properly circulated among them. I fear it will 
be a matter of difficulty; however, I will take every measure 
that shall appear probable to facilitate the end. 
I have the honour to enclose, for the perusal and considera- 
tion of Congress, sundry papers, marked from No. 1 to No. 7 
F'irru Series.—Vot. I, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


65 


1026 


inclusive, the whole of which, except No. 2 and 7, (my 
answers to Lord Drummond and General Howe,) I received 
yesterday evening by a flag, and to which I beg leave to refer 
Congress. 

I am exceedingly at a loss to know the motives and causes 
inducing a proceeding of such a nature at this time, and why 
Lord Howe has not attempted some plan of negotiation be- 
fore, as he seems so desirous of it. If I may be allowed to 
conjecture and guess at the cause, it may be that part of the 
Hessians have not arrived as mentioned in the examination 
transmitted yesterday; or, that General Burgoyne has not 
made such progress as was expected to form a junction of 
their two armies; or, (what I think equally probable,) they 
mean to procrastinate their operations for some time, trusting 
that the Militia who have come to our succour will soon be- 
come tired and return home, as it is but too usual with them. 
Congress will make their observations upon these several mat- 
ters, and favour me with the result as soon as they have done. 

They will observe my answer to Lord Drummond, who 
I am pretty confident has not attended to the terms of his 
parole, but has violated it in several instances. It is with 
the rest of the papers; but if my memory serves me, he was 
not to hold any correspondence, directly or indirectly, with 
those in arms against us, or to go into any port or harbour in 
America where the enemy themselves were or had a fleet, 
or to go on board their ships. 

The treaty with the Indians is in the box which Lieute- 
nant-Colonel Reed I presume has delivered before this. If 
Congress are desirous of seeing it, they will be pleased to 
have the box opened. It contains a variety of. papers, and 
all the affairs of the Army from my first going to Cambridge 
till it was sent away. 

This morning the Phenix and Rose, men-of-war, with 
two tenders, availing themselves of a favourable and brisk 
wind, came down the river, and have joined the fleet. Our 
several batteries fired at them in their passage, but without 
any good effect that I could perceive. 

I have the honour to be, with great esteem, sir, your most 
obedient servant, Go. WasHINGTON. 


[No. 1.] 
Head-Quarters, Staten-Island, August 13, 1776. 
General Howe desires to know if General Washington 
has any objection to Mr. Robert Temple’s being landed at 
New-York, and going from thence to his family in the Gov- 
ernment of Massachusetts-Bay. 
[No. 2.] 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 17, 1776. 
General WasutneTon begs leave to acquaint Gen. Howe 
that he has not the least objection to Mr. Temple’s landing 
and proceeding to his family in the State of Massachusetts- 
Bay; on the other hand, he will meet every assistance and 
convenience for that purpose. 


To Lieutenant-General Howe. 


[No. 3.] 
August 17, 1776. 


Sir: Being deeply interested in the welfare of America, 
I think it my duty to communicate a matter of intelligence 
which I flatter myself may be rendered conducive to the 
restoration of a desirable peace; and in this view I request 
your Excellency’s permission to land at New-York, to go 
directly to Philadelphia, in order to lay the same before the 
General Congress. 

In the course of a conversation I have had with Lord 
Howe, I perceive that the powers he is invested with, as 
well as his disposition for establishing an equitable and per- 
manent peace, are altogether misunderstood by the Colonies ; 
for, in consequence of a sketch of some propositions being 
offered for his consideration, he very frankly assured me he 
was willing to confer upon those grounds with any gentle- 
men of the greatest influence in this country. As I am 
at liberty to declare his sentiments, I have the honour to 
enclose for your Excellency’s information a copy of my cor- 
respondence with his Lordship and of the propositions referred 
to in his letter, which are the motives of my present request. 

Attending in the boat to be indulged with your answer, I 
have, &c., Drummonp. 


To General Washington, &c., &c. 


1027 


[No. 4.] 
Sloop Polly, August 12, 1776. 

My Lorp: I take the liberty of sending enclosed the 

sketch of propositions referred to in my late conversation 

with your Lordship, which propositions, I have understood, 

the Colonies were disposed, not many months ago, to make 
the basis of a reconciliation with Great Britain. 

I have, &c., 


To Lord Howe. 


DruMMonp. 


[No. 5.] 
Sketch of Propositions communicated to Lord Howe the 12th August, 1776. 


Ist. That it shall be ascertained, as far as can be deter- 
mined by calculation, what supply towards the general 
exigency of the State each separate Colony can furnish, 
consistent with its ability. 

2d. When such supply is thus ascertained, that each 
Colony shall, by acts of its own Assembly, impose such 
taxes as they shall find expedient for the raising of the said 
supply. 

3d. In consideration of the fluctuating state of all young 
countries, that such States may not, in their operations, be- 
come partially or accidentally burdensome on the one hand, 
nor on the other hand gradually become deficient in produ- 
cing the aid intended by the Colonies towards the general 
exigency of the State, such articles shall be chosen as the 
objects of imposition, as they shall deem the most likely to 
keep pace with the growth or decline of the said Colonies. 

Ath. That these taxes, so imposed, shall, as in the cus- 
toms, be levied by officers of the appointment of the King, 
and that a perpetual grant of the produce of these taxes 
shall be made by the respective Assemblies to the Crown 
of Great Britain. 

5th. As the direct means of removing the fatal grounds 
of this contention, by establishing a security against the 
apprehended invasion of property by Parliament, a formal 
relinquishment shall be made, on the part of Great Britain, 
of all future claim to taxation over these her Colonies. 

6th. To remove all future suspicions from the minds of 
the Colonists, that under the appearance of regulating com- 
merce duties may be imposed for the further purposes of 
revenue, an application of the produce of all duties imposed 
on articles of trade by the Britesh Legislature shall be made 
towards defraying the expenses of collection, and the sur- 
plusses in each Colony to be paid into their separate Treasu- 
ries, and to be subject to the disposal of the respective 
Houses of Assembly. 


Drummonp. 


[No. 6.] 
Eagle, off Staten-Island, August 15, 1776. 


My Lorn: I have received the honour of your Lordship’s 
letter of the 12th, enclosing a sketch of the propositions men- 
tioned in your late conversation, which | return herewath. 
As I think they contain matter that, upon a conference and 
cool discussion, might be wrought into a plan of permanent 
union, I shall, with great satisfaction, embrace the first op- 
portunity that may offer upon those grounds to promote so 
desirable an event. 

I have, &c., 


To Right Hon. the Lord Drummond. 


[No. 7.] 


New-York, August 17, 1776. 

Sir: [have your Lordship’s favour of this day, accom- 
panied by papers on subjects of the greatest moment, and 
deserving the most deliberate consideration. 

I can allow much for your Lordship’s well-meant zeal on 
such an occasion, but [ fear it has transported you beyond 
that attention to your parole which comprehends the cha- 
racter of a man of strict honour. How your Lordship can 
reconcile your past or present conduct with your engage- 
ment, so as to satisfy your own mind, | must submit to your 
own feelings; but I find myself under the disagreeable neces- 
sity of objecting to the mode of negotiation proposed while 
your Lordship’s conduct appears so exceptionable. 

I shall, by express, forward to Congress your Lordship’s 
letter and the papers which accompanied it; the result will 
be communicated as soon as possible, 


Howe. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1028 


I am sorry to have detained your Lordship so long, but 
the unavoidable necessity must be my apology. 

Iam, my Lord, your Lordship’s most obedient and very 
humble servant, 


To Lord Drummond. 


Go. WasHINGTON. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION, 
New-York, August 18, 1776. 


Gentiemen: I have been honoured with your letter of 
the 17th, with the resolution of your honourable body for 
obstructing the channel between the Grand Battery and 
Nutten Island. Having gone into a considerable expense 
for stopping that of the North River, and such as I am not 
certain I shall be justified in, and the obstructions there being 
far from complete, it will not be in my power to engage in 
the business you propose, or undertake to advance any part 
of the money which will be necessarily expended in the 
execution. At the same time, give me leave to assure you, 
gentlemen, that I shall most readily afford you such assistance 
as may be derived from the labour of the troops here, and 
that can be spared from other service, to facilitate the design, 
which will be of great importance if it can be executed. 

I have been also honoured with your favour and resolu- 
tion of the same date, and am exceedingly obliged by the 
ready attention you have paid to my recommendation for 
the removal of the women and children and infirm persons 
from the city. 

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your 


most obedient servant, rt AAR ae 


To the Hon. Abm. Yates, Jun., Esq., President, &c. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-York, August 18, 1776. 


Sir: I have been duly honoured with your favour of the 
13th instant; and at the same time that I think you and 
your honourable Council of Safety highly deserving of the 
thanks of the States for the measures you have adopted in 
order to give the most early and speedy succour to this 
Army, give me leave to return you mine in a particular man- 
ner. When the whole of the reinforcements do arrive, I 
flatter myself we shall be competent to every exigency; and 
with the smiles of Providence upon our arms and vigorous 
exertions, we shall baffle the designs of our inveterate foes, 
formidable as they are. Our situation was truly alarming a 
little while since; but, by the kind interposition and aid of 
our friends, is much better. You may rest assured, sir, 
that due consideration shall be had to the several Militia 
regiments that have come, and are marching to our assist- 
ance, and that they shall be dismissed as soon as circum- 
stances will admit of it. I trust, as long as there is occasion 
for their services, that the same spirit and commendable zeal 
which induced them to come, will influence their continuance. 
I sincerely wish it was in my power to ascertain the particu- 
lar period when they would be needed, that they might not 
be detained one unnecessary moment from their homes and 
common pursuits; but as this cannot be done, as the ap- 
proaching contest and trial between the two armies will most 
unquestionably produce events of the utmost importance to 
the States, as the issue, if favourable, will put us on such a 
footing as to bid defiance to the utmost malice of the British 
nation and those in alliance with her, I have not a doubt but 
they will most readily consent to stay, and cheerfully undergo 
every present and temporary inconvenience, so long as they 
are necessary. 

I am happy Captain Van Buren has succeeded so well 
in the business he was upon, it being of great consequence 
for us to fit out and maintain our vessels on the Lakes. 

On the night of the 16th, two of our fire-vessels attempted 
to burn the ships of war up the river. One of these boarded 
the Phenix, of forty-four guns, and was grappled with her 
for some minutes, but unluckily she cleared herself. The 
only damage the enemy sustained was the destruction of one 
tender. It is agreed on all hands that our people engaged 
in this affair behaved with great resolution and intrepidity. 
One of the Captains, (Thomas,) it is to be feared, perished 
in the attempt, or in making his escape by swimming, as he 
has not been heard of. His bravery entitled him to a better 
fate. Though this enterprise did not succeed to our wishes, I 


1029 


incline to think it alarmed the enemy greatly; for this morn- 
ing the Phenix and Rose, with their two remaining tenders, 
taking advantage of a brisk and prosperous gale, with a 
favourable tide, quitted their stations, and have returned and 
joined the rest of the fleet. As they passed our several bat- 
teries they were fired upon, but without any damage that I 
could perceive. 

The whole of the British forces in America, except those 
employed in Canada, are now here, Clinton’s arrival being 
followed the last week by that of Lord Dunmore, who now 
forms a part of the Army we are to oppose. His coming has 
added but little to their strength. 


I have the honour to be, Xc., (eee tet Ee 


To Governour Trumbull, Connecticut, 


WILLIAM BLODGET TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Long-Island, August 18, 1776. 

Str: Colonel Hand’s report mentions no uncommon 
movements of the enemy. 

The General desires me to acquaint your Excellency that 
he finds himself considerably better this morning than he 
was yesterday, and is in hopes in a few days to be able to 
go abroad, though still very weak. 

I am, with respect, your humble servant, 

Wm. Bropeer, Ard-de- Camp. 
To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters, 
New- York. 


. 
GENERAL GREENE TO: GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Long-Island, August 18, 1776. 
Sir: I have thought proper to communicate to you cer- 
tain intelligence which I have received from my brother 
respecting Captain Grames, whose conduct (if I have been 
rightly informed) does not entitle him to that place in your 
esteem which he now holds, nor to that confidence which 
ou have thought proper to put in him. His leaving the 
galley at Rhode-Island in the time of the attack, to take con- 
voy of the prizes; the insult which he afterwards gave said 
Captain, who has ever been held in the highest esteem, 
whose character stands fair and unimpeached, and who has 
given convincing proofs of his courage and conduct, toge- 
ther with the information that was given me of his refusing 
to make the attack at the time the fire-ships went up the 
riyer, and the reluctance that was shown this morning to 
comply with the orders given him by General Putnam, 
induce me to think that he is much more fond of parade and 
show than he is desirous of signalizing himself in any action 
that may be of service to the country. Ifthe report of his 
refusal is founded in fact, and General Putnam’s orders were 
not complied with, I think he ought immediately to be put 
under an arrest, and instantly removed from his command. 
I am, your very humble servant, 
NatTHANAEL GREENE. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters. 


GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
King’s Bridge, August 18, 1776. 

Dear Generac: Early this morning the Phenix man-of- 
war, Rose frigate, and the two tenders, came to sail and 
stood down the river, keeping close under the east shore, in 
order to avoid the fire of our cannon; but notwithstanding 
this precaution, the Phenix was thrice hulled by our shot 
from Mount Washington, and one of the tenders once. The 
Rose was hulled once by a shot from Burdett’s Ferry. They 
kept their men close, otherwise some of them would have 
been picked down by a party of riflemen who were posted 
on the bank. ‘They fired grape-shot as they passed, but did 
no damage save to one tent. We hope to hear that your 
batteries have done the work for some of them. 

We shall recover some swivel-guns, gun-barrels, shot, &c., 
out of the wreck of the tender, which was burnt the other 
night, the particulars of which shall be transmitted to your 
Excellency as soon as I can obtain them, 

General Clinton has about fourteen hundred men already 
come in, but their quarters are so scattered that it will be 
almost impossible to collect them suddenly, if occasion should 
require it. If there’are any spare tents, I earnestly beg for 

* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1030 


them, if it were but for one regiment. General Clinton has 
orders from the Convention of the State of New-York to 
purchase ten thousand feet of boards, for erecting sheds, 
&c., but it is uncertain when we shall have them. I shall 
to-morrow send for six or seven hundred of tools, being able 
to employ that number more than we have at present. 

The more I view this post, the more I am convinced of 
its importance. ‘The ships have now tried the practicability 
of passing our works; they have explored every part of the 
shore, as far as they have gone up the river, and sounded 
the river in almost every place. Should the ships rejoin 
the fleet without receiving much damage, I think Howe 
will be emboldened to attempt an attack somewhere above 
this place, thinking that there may be a greater probability 
of succeeding here than in the face of so many and strong 
works as have been erected in and around the city. How- 
ever, should his inclination lead him this way, nature has 
done much for us, and we shall, as fast as possible, add the 
strength of art. Our men are in good health and spirits, 
and I dare say will give them a warm reception. 

I should be glad to have the carriages for the four-pound- 
ers sent forward the moment they are done, as we have not 
as yet a single cannon mounted beyond Mount Washing- 
ton. 

I have just now received your Excellency’s commands to 
inquire into the cause of the inactivity of some of the row- 
galleys in the late attack on the enemy’s ships; but as the 
galleys have all left this post and fallen down to the city, I 
must beg your Excellency to excuse me from that service. 

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your 
Excellency’s most humble servant, W.H 

. Heatu. 


To His Excellency General Washington, at New-York. 


DAVID MATTHEWS TO JOHN McKESSON. 
White-Plains, August 18, 1776. 

Sir: [ was in hopes of being called before your Com- 
mittee when they were last in New-York, in order that I 
might have an opportunity of acquitting myself of harbour- 
ing any dangerous designs against the liberties of America. 

I would now, sir, beg the favour of being heard before the 
Congress, before they come to any final determination about 
me. I hope they won’t deny me this favour, as I should be 
extremely sorry to be sent away without having an oppor- 
tunity of endeavouring to acquit myself of those heavy 
charges that have been exhibited against me. 

I am, sir, with esteem, your very humble servant, 

D. MarrHews. 


COLONEL GILBERT DRAKE TO CAPTAIN BROWN. 
Head-Quarters, Tarrytown, August 18, 1776. 

GentLemen: You are immediately to take fifty men and 
proceed to Cortlandt’s Manor, and apprehend all such per- 
sons as you think are disaffected to the good of the States of 
America, and bring them immediately to Head-Quarters, in 
compliance with a resolve of the Convention of the Repre- 
sentatives of the State of New-York, which is in the words 
following, viz: 

“Resolved, That General Morris be ordered immediately 
to apprehend and secure the persons ordered to be appre- 
hended by this Convention on yesterday, and that he be 
furnished with a list of those persons’ names.” 

You are to act discretionary as to your orders, and the 
above resolves, and return with all convenient speed. 

Gitp’t Drake, Lieutenant- Colonel. 


To Captain Brown and Captain Osborn. 


~~ 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 26, 1776.] 
Albany, August 18, 1776. 

Sir: As I cannot possibly find time to make two copies 
of the transactions of the Jate treaty, I have enclosed one to 
General Washington for his perusal, to be transmitted to 
Congress. 

The Commissioners thought it needless to make entries 
of all the meetings we had with the Indians, on affairs of 
very little or no moment. Congress will perceive that we 
have said nothing about engaging them to take up arms for 


1031 


us, or to offer the reward for prisoners; we were unanimously 
of opinion, founded on all the information we could procure, 
that the attempt would have essentially injured us, and 
perhaps brought them to act against us, as they might, and 
probably would, have concluded that we were too weak for 
the enemy. 

~ Some of our best, and I believe real friends, the Onetdas 
and Ochquaques, complained that some Indians had been 
sent to Maryland, to invite some Nanticokes that live in 
that Province to remove into the interior part of the country, 
and that neither those that were sent were suffered to return, 
or the others who they say incline to leave their present 
habitations, permitted to do it. We promised to lay the 
matter before Congress, not doubting but that every cause 
of complaint would be removed. Please to give us some 
information on the subject. 

Part of Livingston’s, Hazen’s, and Duggan’s corps of 
Canadians are in this town, sent down by General Gates. 
They are naked, and I have ordered them a month’s pay, 
and shall employ them in repairing the road to Fort George, 
which is exceedingly worn, until I receive directions from 
Congress what to do with them, and whether they are to be 
paid up and discharged, or what. They have several women 
and children with them, who draw provisions, having not the 
means of subsistence without that aid. 

Several Canadians, not belonging to the above corps, and 
who have been obliged to quit Canada since our Army left 
it, are now in this town, naked and destitute of every neces- 
sary. As their misfortunes are occasioned by their attach- 
ment to our cause, [ cannot avoid giving them provisions ; 
and shall order each of them a small matter of money, to 
purchase such necessaries as may suffice for the present. I 
wish for the orders of Congress on this subject. 

The Committee of this place are much at a loss for the 
papers relative to the taking of Ticonderoga, &c. By the 
resolution empowering them to liquidate those accounts, they 
were led to believe that they were in my possession; but I did 
myself the honour to transmit them to Congress some time 
last winter. 

I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient, humble ser- 
vant, 


To the Hon. John Hancock. 


Pu. ScHUYLER. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Albany, August 18, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Your Excellency’s favour of the 13th instant 
was delivered me about nine last evening. 

I am very confident that you have pursued every measure 
in your power to relieve our wants in this quarter, and to 
facilitate the works going on to the northward. We have 
people in every quarter attempting to procure the variety of 
articles that are wanted; but after all, we shall fall consider- 
ably short. Nor did I ever doubt but that your Excellency 
had communicated to Congress the difficulties we laboured 
under for the want of money. I assure you that I always 
have and shall continue to advise them in time of the neces- 
sity of supplies of cash. 

The resolves you mention have not been sent me, nor any 
about raising troops for three years, except that the officers 
are to have the same allowance for recruiting. 

I cannot, upon recurring to my letter of the 6th instant, 
perceive that I intimated the least doubt of your Excellen- 
cy’s not having communicated to Congress such parts of my 
letters as were necessary for them to know. I shall strictly 
comply with your order, and advise you of any information 
which I-at the same time send you and them. 

If your Excellency will please re-peruse my letter of the 
6th instant, I believe you will find that it is in no part sug- 
gested that a Court of Inquiry or Court-Martial was convened 
at New-York, upon the subject alluded to. 1 was informed 
that a Council of Officers had convened at New- York; Iwas 
advised of what was their decision; I was chagrined; and had 
the information been true, as I thought it, I believe your 
Excellency will do me the justice to think that I should have 
had too much reason to be so. : 

As the movement of the Army from Crown-Point to 
Ticonderoga was so generally condemned at New-York, it 
is more than probable that Congress must have heard it, and 
I therefore wish that everything I have said on the subject 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1032 


should be communicated to them. I frankly confess that I 
first moved the matter, and that were the question to be again 
agitated, I should still continue of the same sentiments, 
unless better reasons could be given against it than those I 
have adduced in support of my opinion, and then I should 
have most readily acquiesced ; or if your Excellency, without 
having given any reasons for it, had ordered me to move 
the Army back to Crown-Point, I should have obeyed 
without hesitation or a murmur, well knowing that the 
orders of my superior officer are on no account to be con- 
tested. 

I assure you, my dear sir, that I very reluctantly entered 
on a command in which I foresaw as many difficulties as I 
have experienced. I easily conceived, that a people whom 
it had been necessary to inspire with jealousy of the men in 
power in Great Britain, and those employed by them in 
this injured country, would also be easily induced, by artful 
and designing men, to transfer part of that jealousy to the 
servants of the publick here. My conjectures were well 
founded, for suspicion and envy have followed me from the 
moment I came to the command. .I have experienced the 
most illiberal abuse in many of the Colonies, and even in 
the Army I commanded; and if any accident should happen 
to the northward, the same spirit that has imputed the mis- 
fortunes in Canada to me, will impute that also to me. I 
have entreated Congress to cause a minute ‘inquiry to be 
made into my conduct, and I trust if it is done, that I shall 
not only be honourably acquitted, but that judicious men will 
discover in me the honest man and the faithful American. 
But as envy, even in that case, will not cease, nor male- 
volence withhold its slander, i am determined to quit the 
Army as soon as my conduct has been inquired into, and 
evince myself in private life, what I have strove to do in 
publick, the friend of my injured country. 

Soon after Colonel Dayton’s regiment marched to John- 
son-Hall, some of the officers broke open the doors and car- 
ried away a very considerable quantity of effects, contrary to 
mine and Colonel Dayton’s orders. Soon after my arrival 
at the German-F'lats, | was informed of this by some of the 
officers, who wished an inquiry, that the innocent might not 
share the scandal with the guilty. [ordered a Court-Martial 
on Lieutenant McDonald, witnesses with respect to his con- 
duct being on the spot. He was tried and broke. In the 
course of his trial it appeared that a number of others were 
concerned; and I ordered Lieutenant-Colonel White and 
Captains Ross and Patterson down from Fort Stanwiz. 
The two Captains delivered me the paper No. 1, in answer 
to which I advised them candidly to narrate the whole trans- 
action. No. 2 is their narrative; and No. 3 contains an 
account of what they took; No. 4, with the paper enclosed 
in it, is what Colonel White delivered me. As I was appre- 
hensive that a publick conviction of so many officers would 
reflect too much disgrace on our troops, I chose to defer 
any further proceedings until I should advise with your 
Excellency. Permit me, therefore, to entreat your opinion, 
whether it will be prudent for me to accept of the conces- 
sions they offer to make at the head of the regiment, and 
thus to bury the affair, or whether I ought to have them 
tried. Please to return the papers above alluded to, as I 
have not time to make copies of them. 

Enclose your Excellency copy of a letter from Colonel 
Dayton, with copy of a paper enclosed in it. He has 
changed the name of Fort Stanwiv. The Messesaga In- 
dians mentioned in the paper, live on the west side of Lake 
Ontario, and of those the savages who made our people 
prisoners at the Cedars, were chiefly composed. 

Only five quires of cartridge-paper could be procured, 
which I have sent Colonel Dayton. We are greatly in want 
of that article. Captain Varick informs me that he has 
written to your Excellency for it. _ It is not to be had any- 
where nearer than New-York. General Gates also presses. 
me, in a letter of the 16th instant, for that article. Please 
to order it to be sent with all expedition. I also enclose a 
copy of a letter from General Arnold. 

As I cannot possibly find time to make two copies of the 
transactions at the late treaty, 1 have mentioned to Congress 
that I had sent.one to you, to be transmitted, after perusal, 
to them. Also enclose copy of a letter from General Arnold, 
which gives me a state of our naval force on Lake Cham- 
plain. 

Your Excellency’s letter of the 10th instant to Captain 


1033 


Varick, has just come to hand, but not any of the articles 
mentioned in the return are as yet arrived. 
I am, dear sir, with unfeigned esteem and respect, your 
Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant, 
Pu. ScHuyLer. 


To His Excellency General Washington, &c. 


Skenesborough, August 8, 1776. © 


Dear GeneraL: Your favour of the 31st ultimo was 
delivered to me on the 4th instant. I feel very sensibly for 
you in your disagreeable situation. I wish the fatigue and 
anxiety you undergo may not impair your health; and that 
you may succeed in your expectation with the savages, and 
soon give us the pleasure of seeing you here. 

Captain Varick has been very active and industrious in 
procuring the articles for the Navy. Many are arrived at 
Ticonderoga, and proper steps taken to procure the others. 
The carpenters go on with great spirit. Eight gondolas will 
be completed in a few days. One row-galley is gone to T%- 
conderoga, and will soon be fitted and armed. Three others 
will be launched in ten days ora fortnight. Four others will 
be set up in a few days, great part of the timber being cut. 
Iron, sails, cordage, and anchors, will be wanted in a few 
days. About two tons of the former is here, and six tons 
will be wanted to complete the galleys in hand; twelve or 
fifteen tons will be necessary for the galleys to be set up. It 
will expedite the building if six or eight tons can be sent up 
in spikes, from five to seven inches long, chiefly about six 
inches. 

General Gates transmitted you last week the testimony of 
two French Captains, lately from Canada, which is contra- 
dicted by a Lieutenant B. Whitcomb, who was lately sent 
from Crown-Point to St. John’s, which place he left the 31st 
ultimo. He went down on the east side, as far as Chambly, 
and returned on the west. Says he observed about forty bat- 
teaus at St. John’s, and some others building, but no large 
vessels; believes there were about two thousand men there, 
and one thousand between St. John’s and Chambly. 

This afternoon I return to Ticonderoga, and in a few days 
propose to go down the Lake with the vessels completed, 
about ten sail. . 

The Militia come in very slowly: not more than fifteen 
hundred have arrived. Our work at Ticonderoga goes on 
briskly; the line will be completed in ten days or a fortnight. 

I am, with every sentiment of friendship and esteem, dear 


General, your obedient, humble servant, ear eae 


To the Hon. Major-General Schuyler. 


Fort Schuyler, August 15, 1776. 


Dear Generac: At six o’clock last evening, I received 
an express from Major Barber, giving me information respect- 
ing a hellish plan laid by Lieutenant McMichael and others, 
to go over to the enemy. Upon inquiry, I soon found Lieu- 
tenant Edward McMichael, one Smith, (who called himself 
a volunteer in my regiment,) and one Ridley, clerk to Major 
Fonda, had been gone from our camp about six hours. In 
a very short time I had two parties marching in quest of them: 
one took the road to the Oneida Castle, the other to the 
Oneida Lake. I gave them express orders to take the vil- 
Jains if possible, dead or alive. ‘The party that went to the 
Lake, are this moment returned. At one o’clock this after- 
noon, they saw McMichael and his party just got into the 
Oneida Lake in an oe canoe. ‘They fired a number of 
shot after him, some of which went beyond the canoe, but 
he kept on and never returned their fire. I sent-an express 
this afternoon to the Oneida Castle, ordering Captain Read- 
ing, who commanded the party I sent that road, to march 
his party to the Lake, and, if possible, to get some of the 
Oneidas to go to the west end of the Lake, in order to in- 
tercept them there, should they be in time, so that I have 
yet some hopes they may be taken. 

Enclosed I send the examination of two of the party that 
I sent on a scout to Oswego this day se’nnight. By their 
account, it is probable Sergeant Younglove, Sergeant Ahen, 
and James McGennis, all of my regiment,-are either ktlled 
or taken by the Messagauga Indians. The guide says, he 
is sure, by their language, the Indians were of that nation. 
Two of the Onandagas are now with me, that brought the 
two men that escaped from the other side of the Lake. I 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1034 


shall pay them to their satisfaction for this friendly act of 
theirs. 

McMichael, who is gone to the enemy, knows our situa- 
tion respecting ammunition, which he will most certainly 
discover to them. We have now only two thousand one 
hundred and sixty musket cartridges, and no paper and 
thread to make any more. 

I hope cash will very soon be sent to us, as I wish neither 
officers or soldiers should have any cause to complain, as 
they both do at present, having near four months’ pay due. 
If a small matter of hard cash could be spared, so that each 
officer might have a little, I know it would be very accept- 
able; and to please them at this time, in my opinion, would 
not be amiss. 

I am not sure we have got yet to the bottom of this cursed 
rebellion against the States. Could wish Captain Bloom- 
Jield and Dickerson’s companies were ordered here; they 
have officers I can depend upon. 

I have not heard anything of Onetda Indians for scouters. 
Without them, I fear difficulty in getting intelligence from 
Oswego in future. Iam, dear General, your most humble 
servant, Exi1as Dayton. 


To General Schuyler. 


Information given by Ricuarp Bexy and Samuet FREEMAN, concerning 
the Scout which went from Forr Scuuyier to OsweGo, consisting of two 
Sergeants, two men, and a guide. 


The scout left Fort Schuyler August the 7th, and the 15th 
instant one man and the guide returned. Nothing material 
happened on their march, until they arrived at Oswego, when 
they saw a bark canoe and a small hut, about three hundred 
yards from the fort; from which hut they saw an Indian run 
towards the fort, and meet another Indian near the gate. 
They stood, as the scout imagined, about a minute, when 
they both ran into the fort, occasioned, as they thought, by 
the Indian who ran fiom the hut having seen them. The 
scout discovered no troops nor vessels at Oswego—not even 
a white person; but seeing the Indians run, imagined they 
intended hiding themselves; upon which, Sergeant Young- 
love, who commanded the party, determined to march back 
as far as the place where they had tarried the night before, 
(in order to rest themselves and clean their guns, which were 
much out of order by reason of the rain,) which was about 
six miles from Oswego. They went on without any kind 
of molestation, until they came within about half a mile of 
the place where they intended to halt, when they were fired 
upon all on a sudden by about ten Indians, as they imagined ; 
upon which Sergeant Younglove ordered each man to take 
atree. ‘They quickly obeyed, and made ready to engage; 
but unluckily their guns were so wet that they could by no 
means fire them. Sergeant Younglove’s gun burnt priming 
about ten times; the other guns flashed several times; one 
of the men’s guns went off, but supposed did no execution, 
as the powder was much damaged, though the Indian he 
fired at bawled out. The Indians fired about two rounds, 
when Sergeant Ahen dropped his gun and cried out that he 
was a dead man; and at the same time he was heard to say, 
Do not run boys, but fix your bayonets if they come near you. 
When he had uttered those words, Mr. Bell, the guide, as 
he thought, saw him roll down the bank. Upon that, Mr. 
Bell called to Sergeant Younglove, and Maginnes, a soldier 
next him, to come down the bank, then they could stand 
them. Sergeant Younglove made him no answer, but still 
continued clearing the touchhole, in order to fire his gun. 
Upon that Mr. Bell went down the bank himself, upon which 
Freeman, a soldier, immediately followed. When they had 
got out. of sight, they heard two guns fire; after which they 
heard nothing more. Then Mr. Bell, and Freeman, the 
soldier who followed him down the bank, and had received 
wounds, one in his head and another in his shoulder, imme- 
diately made off in the woods about six miles, then returned 
to the river, where they found the enemy’s track still in 
pursuit of them. ‘They repeated it three times, and every 
time still found the footsteps of the enemy in the mud and 
grass. They then left the river and marched about eighteen 
miles, when they fell in with two friendly Onondaga Indians, 
who conducted them about twenty miles, where they met 
with two other Indians of the same nation, who conducted 
them on until they fell in with another scouting party sent 
out to meet them; after which they were all safely con- 
ducted to Fort Schuyler. What became of Sergeant Young- 


1035 


love, and Maginnes, the soldier who Mr. Bell called to come 
down the bank with him, he can give no account of, but 
supposed killed when the two last guns went off. 


The reader will please to take notice, that the Indians who fired upon 
this scout were of the nation called the Musasaugans. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER’S CONFERENCE WITH THE INDIANS OF 
THE SIX NATIONS, 1776. 


German-Flats, Thursday, August 8, 1776. 


Speech of the Commissioners to the Sachems and Warriors 
of the Six Nations. 


Brothers, Sachems and Warriors of the Six Nations: With 
this string we open your ears, that you may plainly hear what 
the Independent States of America have to say to their breth- 
ren of the Six Nations. With it we wipe away all mists that 
may interrupt your sight, and let it clear your hearts from 
every obstruction, and incline them to receive our words 
with brotherly love. . 

Brothers: We thank God that he has been pleased to 
suffer us to meet you in health. May sickness never enter 
into your country, but may health and happiness dwell in 
your habitations, and may the Six Nations be a great and 
happy people.—(A string.) 

The Council-fire which is now burning at this place, has 
been kindled by a spark taken from the great Council-fire 
at Albany. We have brought it here in our bosoms. We 
have lighted it up here, because we were afraid that the 
small-pox might infect our brethren of the Stx Nations if 
they went farther down the river, and that some of them 
might go home with heavy hearts for the loss of their rela- 
tions; and we hope this conduct of the Commissioners meets 
with your approbation.—(A belt.) 

Brothers, Sachems and Warriors of the Six Nations: The 
United Colonies have always been in hopes that a reconci- 
liation would take place between us and the King. To 
that end they have frequently petitioned the King for redress 
of the grievances they laboured under; but he would not 
listen to their petitions. He was deaf, and would not give 
ear to their complaints; and instigated by his evil counsel- 
lors, he forgot that we were his children; he wanted to make 
us his slaves. ‘T’o accomplish this unjust and cruel purpose, 
he has sent his armies and fleets to try to destroy and dis- 
tress us; and therefore the United Colonies—when they found 
that he had become a cruel and oppressive father that hated 
them, and that he had not only given the hatchet to the 
English on the other side of the water, but had also sent it 
to the few friends he had amongst us, ordering them to put 
it into the hands of our negroes, and whoever would accept 
it, to strike us—have unanimously left his house, and now no 
longer consider him as their father and King, and have 
accordingly proclaimed to all the world that they will never 
hereafter acknowledge him, or any of his family, to be their 
King, but that they will always be and remain a free and 
independent people; and therefore have called themselves 
the Independent States of America, and solemnly agreed 
always to remain firmly united. We must, for the future, 
be called the Commissioners of the United and Independent 
States of America; and that you may remember this great 
event, we now deliver you this belt.—(A belt. 

Brothers, Sachems and Warriors of the Stix Nations: Now 
open your ears, and listen attentively to what the Independent 
States of America have further to say to you, for in their 
names we speak. Our speech will be plain, as it always 
has been; for as we have never been, we scorn to be double- 
minded. It will be the speech of freemen who will candid- 
ly tell you your faults. You shall know all that is in our 
hearts. We will hide nothing from you, that you may know 
our intentions clearly and fully. 

Brothers: You-will remember, that soon after the King’s 
warriors had begun to spill the blood of the inhabitants of 
this great Island, the United Colonies called you together 
at Albany. They there rekindled the ancient Council-fire, 
and brightened up the covenant chain that had bound your 
ancestors and ours together in bands of the purest love and 
sincerest friendship. It was last summer that we, the Com- 
missioners, met you there on that pleasing business. We 
then gave you a full, a fair, and a candid account of the 
cause of the quarrel between us and the King; we did not 
do it in a dark corner, as those that mean evil, but in the 
presence of all that would come to see and hear, that they 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1036 


might witness the truth of what we said. When we had 
related this, we informed you, that as we were unhappily 
engaged in a family quarrel, in which the Six Nations were 
not in the least concerned, either one way or the other, we 
desired and expected that you should not assist the one or 
the other, but remain quietly and peaceably at home, and 
mind your own business. We confirmed our words with a 
large belt. 

Brothers: The answer you made was delivered by Abra- 
ham, the Mohawk Sachem, whom you had chosen as your 
speaker. These were his words: We shall repeat them ex- 
actly: “ Now, therefore, attend, and apply your ears closely. 
We have fully considered this matter. The resolutions of the 
Six Nations are not to be broken or altered. When they 
resolve, the matter is fixed. ‘This, then, is the determina- 
tion of the Six Nations: Not to take any part, but, as it is 
a family quarrel, to sit still and see you fight it out. It isa 
long time since we came to this resolution. It is the result 
of mature deliberation. It was our declaration to Colonel 
Johnson. We told him we would take no part in the quar- 
rel, and hoped neither side would desire it. _Whoever ap- 
plies first, we shall think is in the wrong. ‘The resolutions 
of the Six Natzons are not to be shaken.” 

Brothers: These words and these resolutions pleased us 
well, because what you declared was what we requested— 
that you should take no part in the quarrel, but sit still and 
see us fight it out; and because we believed that you were 
sincere, and that you said nothing with your tongue but what 
you had in your hearts. Your speech was delivered in full 
Council and in the presence of a number of people. We 
had therefore the highest reason to expect that you would 
strictly have abode by your resolutions. But, brothers, we 
now ask you, whether you have abode by these wise words, 
and adhered to these prudent resolutions? It grieves us to 
say that you have not; that you have acted directly con- 
trary to your solemn engagements, and broken that faith 
which you plighted and which we depended upon, as we 
shall now plainly make appear, by repeating a number of 
facts which are known to you all, and which you cannot 
contradict or deny. 

First. When our Army went to St. John’s last year, 
your people interfered in the quarrel, by joming with our 
enemies in attacking our warriors; and thus the resolutions 
of the Six Nations were broken and altered, although you 
had said they were not to be broken or altered. 

Secondly. When our Great Council at Philadelphia was 
informed that Sir John Johnson was inlisting men, and that 
he and the Highlanders who lived about Johnstown were 
preparing. to murder our friends, they sent some warriors 
to disarm them, and then you again interfered in the quarrel. 
You were very troublesome, and threatened us, although 
we had sent you word that no harm was intended*you, for 
that we had no quarrel with the Indzans; and thus the reso- 
lutions of the Six Nations were again broken and altered. 

Thirdly. When our Great Council, in the month of May 
last, had received certain intelligence that Sir John Johnson 
was inlisting men, and preparing to join the enemy, they 
ordered up a body of warriors; but lest you should be 
alarmed, Mr. Douw went up to the east end of the house 
to inform you that no evil was intended you; yet you never- 
theless interfered in the quarrel; Mr. Douww was insulted 
with abusive language, and Mr. Bleecker, the Interpreter, 
was threatened and seized by the breast, contrary to the 
custom of all nations, (for the person of an ambassador and 
a messenger of peace is always held sacred;) and thus the 
resolutions of the Stx Nations were a third time broken and 
altered. 

Fourthly. Although you knew that Sir John Johnson 
was inlisting men, and preparing to go to the enemy, con- 
trary to the most solemn agreement with us, yet you not 
only assisted him in going to the enemy, but even threatened 


to kill our warriors, and actually appeared in arms for that 


hostile purpose; and thus you again interfered in the quar- 
rel, and a fourth time broke and altered your resolutions. 
Fifthly.. Contrary to your resolutions, you have opened 
your ears, and given ear to the voice of our enemies, and 
complied with their desires. Butler has prevailed upon you 
to go into Canada, and fight against us (at Taghtagh Quin- 
eagie.) As we had no quarrel with any Indians, as we had 
even released those that we had taken prisoners in battle, 
we were surprised to find any Indians fighting against us; 


1037 


but when we were told that some of the Six Nations were 
there, and had joined our enemies; that they had struck the 
axe in our heads, and covered the ground with the bones 
of our warriors, and defiled the earth with their blood, after 
having but a little time before promised to remain neutral, 
we could hardly believe it at first; but upon inquiry, we 
found it was true: your axe still sticks in our heads; and 
thus you again interfered in the quarrel, and a fifth time 
broke and altered your resolutions. 

Stxthly. You have also lately, upon this river, in the midst 
of the inhabitants, wickedly and wilfully fired on, attacked, 
and destroyed a batteau loaded with flour, which was coming 
up here for the use of our warriors, and to feed you at this 
treaty; and thereby you have again insulted us, and inter- 
fered in the quarrel, and a sixth time broken and altered the 
resolutions of the Six Nations. 

Thus, brothers, we have mentioned six instances in which 
the resolutions of the Six Nations have been contravened, 
although you told us, in full council at Albany, that they 
were not to be broken or altered, and that when you have 
resolved, the matter was fixed; and thus, also, instead of 
sitting still, and seeing us fight it out, as you also told us you 
would do, you have actually assisted our enemies, and taken 
an active part in the quarrel against us; thereby opening 
your ears to, and listening to the advice of our enemies, by 
complying with their request, although you expressly said 
that whoever applied first, you should think was in the 
wrong. 

Now, brothers, tell us, if you can, when we have asked 
you to interfere in the quarrel? When and where have we 
desired your assistance? Have we given you a blood belt? 
Have we offered you the axe? Have we roasted an English- 
man, and desired you to drink his blood? You cannot say 
that we have ever done any of these things, and yet our 
enemies have done all this. You have told us so yourselves, 
and you cannot deny it. We have always said that we 
were not afraid of our enemies; we say so still. We have 
never asked you to fight for us, and some of you have fought 
for them. Wasthis well done? God, who knows all things, 
knows that it was not. You yourselves know that it was 
not. We know it was not. And although you have thus 
unjustly taken up arms against us, and although we felt the 
blows, and although the axe still sticks in our heads, yet we 
have forborne to take revenge, because your ancestors and 
ours always had a great affection and friendship for each 
other, and faithfully kept the covenant they made with each 
other in such a manner that both were happy, both were 
pleased, and peace dwelt in their habitations, and because 
we had resolved to make our complaint in full council, and 
lay our grievances before the whole Stix Nations, as we now 
do, expecting that you will speak as plain as we do, and 
remove all cause of complaint for the future. 

Brothers: Again attend to the voice of all the white people 
on this great Island. ‘They say that they have not injured 
you. ‘They say that they wish to live in friendship with all 
Indians, and in particular with the Six Nations, who are their 
near neighbours, and with whom their ancestors have always 
lived in peace and friendship. ‘They say that you have un- 
justly injured and insulted them. ‘They say that, as they 
are freemen, as free as you are, and now fighting to preserve 
that freedom, they will not suffer themselves to be aftronted, 
injured, and insulted with impunity by you or any men on 
earth. ‘They will do as you have formerly done, as you 
still do, and as you have a right to do, that is, to guard 
themselves against any enemy whatsoever by any just means 
in their power. 

Brothers: We know that many of you are honest men, 
faithful to your engagements, holding sacred the faith you 
have plighted, and bearing a brotherly affection to the in- 
habitants of this great Island. These we love, respect, and 
honour; and we call God to witness that we will do them 
every kindness in our power, and never give them the least 


cause of complaint. We also know who are our enemies,’ 


although we do not know why; we have given them no 
cause to be such. 

Brothers, Sachems and Warriors of the Six Nations: We 
have spoken plainly ; we will, if possible, speak more plainly ; 
open, therefore, your ears, that you may clearly hear and 
understand the declaration of the Independent States of 
America, It is this: that they mean to live in friendship, 
and cultivate a good understanding, and maintain a friendly 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1038 


intercourse with all Indians; and that, in answer to this, they 
do require that all Indians should declare their intentions; 
and therefore ask the Six Nations now convened around 
this Council-fire of peace, what their intentions are? If they 
mean to live in friendship, to cultivate a good understand- 
ing, and maintain a friendly intercourse with us, we require 
that they take the hatchet out of our heads, and that none 
of them will again assist our enemies; in which case, we do 
most solemnly promise that we will love and cherish them, 
and treat them with the greatest kindness and affection, and 
that we will forever hereafter rather die than wrong them, 
or suffer others to do it. But if any amongst you should so 
far forget their own interest as now to become or continue 
our enemies, after all the kindness and forbearance we have 
shown, let them say so, that all the white people of this 
great Island may know what they have to depend upon. No 
person shall molest them here or on their way, for it shall 
never be said we injured or insulted people with whom we 
were in treaty, although they intended to be our enemies. 

Brothers: We have done our duty; we have spoken plain- 
ly; we request you will do the same; we shall become open 
enemies, or warm and inviolable friends. We wish for your 
friendship, not out of fear, but out of love, and that a good 
understanding may prevail between the white inhabitants of 
this great Island and the Six Nations, until the sun should 
grow dim with age; and it will be your fault if we do not 
part as good friends with the Six Nations, and remain so 
hereafter, as your ancestors and ours were in the time of 
Queder, when they fought side by side against the common 
enemy. 

Brothers: We have now spoken our minds fully; you can- 
not charge us with deceit. Our conduct has been invariably 
the same from the time we first met in Albany to this day. 
We have not said one thing and done another, as our enemies 
have done; and, as you now know all that is in our hearts, 
we desire you to think seriously of it, and to speak your 
thoughts fairly and fully, and not be double-hearted. Do 
not say one thing and think another, for that is shameful in 
a private man, and in private affairs; but scandalous in 
publick bodies, and in publick business. " 

This belt, on which our wishes are described, and which . 
denotes what.we hope will take place, that is, a firm union 
between the Stax Nations and the Thirteen United States of 
America,—this belt, we say, confirms our words.—(The 


large belt.) 


— 


Friday, August 9, 1776. 
Present: The Hon. Major-General Schuyler, Timothy 
Edwards, and Volkert P. Douw, Esquires, Commissioners, 
&c.; Colonel Van Dyck, Major Barber, and several other 
officers and gentlemen from the Counties of Albany and 
Tryon, and the Sachems and Warriors of the Six Nations, 
the Mohegans, and Delawares. 


Apranam, the Mohawk Sachem, delivered the following 
Answer to the Commissioner’s Speech: 


Brothers: We are this day convened at the place ap- 
pointed for the meeting. You informed us, when you parted, 
that you had delivered your whole mind to us. We have 
had your words under consideration. We hope you will 
excuse us our not answering before, as you desired us to 
speak our minds fully and freely without dissimulation. We 
are determined to do it, and you may depend that what the 
Stax Nations now say does not come only from their lips. 

Brothers: We hope you will excuse us if, in our reply, we 
do not mention everything that was delivered to us. We 
will endeavour only to mention the principal things. You 
informed us that the Council-fire which you had kindled at 
this place, was kindled from a spark brought from the Great 
Council-fire anciently kindled by our ancestors at Albany. 
You informed us, likewise, that the reason of your kindling 
it here was, that we might not in our way down be infected 
with the small-pox ; and that you hoped that, by your kin- 
dling it here, you and your brethren of the Six Nations 
might part with your minds at ease, and not grieved for the 
loss of any of their friends. 

Brothers: We thank you for your prudence in kindling 
the Council-fire at this place, and the whole Six Nations 
return you their thanks.—(A_ belt of seven rows, four dia- 
gonal bars, and a square.) 

Brothers: You informed us that since the difficulties had 
arisen between you and the great King, you had made 


1039 


frequent applications for redress of your grievances; that the 
King, instead of complying with your requests, had (as it 
were) shut his ears to your complaints ; that you had there- 
fore given up all hopes of redress. You then informed us, 
that in consequence of that, you had declared yourselves 
to be free and independent of the great King; that there 
were thirteen Provinces united in this resolution, and that 
you had determined to be forever free and independent; and 
by this belt (holding up the belt we had given them in his 
hand) you made us acquainted with this determination. 

Brothers: The whole Stx Nations take this opportunity 
to thank you that you have acquainted us with your deter- 
mination in so publick a manner; and we shall for the future 
consider you as thirteen independent States.—(A white belt, 
eight rows.) 

Brothers, the Commissioners of the Independent States, 
attend: We are this day called together to speak of peace. 
You see, brothers, that the day is ended. Our ancestors 
have forbid us from treating of matters of peace in the eve- 
ning. We would therefore propose it to your considera- 
tion whether it would not be best to defer it till to-morrow 
morning ? 

Deferred till to-morrow. 


Saturday, August 10, 1776. 
Present as before. 
The Oneida Sachem spoke as follows: 


Brothers, the Commissioners, attend: We have again 
brought our pipes together at this place of publick meeting. 
When you spoke to us, you informed us that you spoke to 
us in the name of the Thirteen United Provinces. We hope 
you will excuse us if we do not repeat all you have said, as 
you have it all committed to writing; it is not, indeed, very 
necessary. You informed us, brethren, in your speech, that 
when the warriors of the great King had begun to spill the 
blood of the people on this great Island, that the Thirteen 
United Colonies then rekindled the ancient Council-fire which 
was formerly kept burning at Albany. You also informed 
us that the quarrel between you and the great King was a 
family quarrel, in which we were not concerned; you there- 

- fore desired that the Stx Nations would remain quiet at 
home, and mind nothing but peace. You likewise told us 
that we had returned this for answer: that we had firmly 
agreed not to take any part in the quarrel; but that as it 
was a family quarrel, we would remain at home and mind 
nothing but peace. ‘These you said were the resolutions 
we had then taken, and which we delivered in the most 
publick manner; and that you had all the reason in the world 
to think us sincere. 

Brothers: Attend. We take this opportunity to thank 
you for speaking plainly, and telling us our faults; the whole 
Six Nations thank you for it. We will, agreeably to your 
desire, also speak clearly and plainly.—(A belt of nine rows, 
Jive squares connected with a path.) 


Asranam, the Mohawk Sachem, then spoke as follows: 


Brothers, the Commissioners appointed by the Thirteen 
United Colonies, attend: You have desired us to speak our 
minds with the greatest plainness, which we will now ac- 
cordingly do. 

Brothers: It is your desire that we should speak in par- 
ticular to every article charged against us. I shall relate 
how we who live at the east end of the house have been 
guilty of a fault in this affair. 

Brothers: At the Council-fire which was rekindled from 
the ancient Council-fire which had been kindled by our 
ancestors at Albany, and at which we renewed the former 
covenant which had been made between our forefathers and 
the Twelve United Colonies, you opened the path of peace to 
all the Six Nations to Albany. You had before told us that 
you would pursue your enemies wherever you could find them, 
and that you would, if they could not be reclaimed, kill all 
disaffected persons wherever you could come across them. 
The Six Nations then thanked you for what you had done; 
that you had opened the path of peace and renewed the 
Council-fire at Albany. At the same time, they desired 
that, as there were many persons along this road who were 
attached to the King, you would not defile the newly-opened 
path of peace with their blood, but suffer them to remain in 
peace. 


Brothers: You will attend particularly to what I am 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1040 


going to relate, as we will speak plain, as you desired us to 
do. The Six Nations, at the treaty held at Albany last 
summer, had agreed to be perfectly neutral, and to mind 
nothing but peace on both sides. Last winter, brothers, you 
sent up a message to inform us that you were coming up 
with two thousand men, to inquire of and take care of the 
people called Tories. You desired us to possess our minds 
in peace, as no evil was intended us, and desired that your 
message might be sent forward to this house. We then 
considered the matter; and as it was represented to us that 
these men came up only to inquire into the truth of matters, 
we thought two or three men might have done that business 
without molestation, as it would be beneath men to injure so 
small a number sent on such a design. We then sent down 
to meet the party that was coming up; I myself was one of 
those who went down on the occasion to desire that the 
main body might stop, and that a small part might be sent 
to make the inquiry. ‘The General informed us that the 
main body could not be stopped; that he had his orders for 
what he did, and that he was under a necessity of proceed- 
ing. He likewise told us that no blood would be spilt on 
the occasion, if the people whom he was sent to would com- 
ply with certain terms which he had directions to propose. 
It is not necessary, brothers, to repeat over the whole of this 
affair very circumstantially; but for the satisfaction of the 
Council, I will mention the principal transactions. After 
this interview at Schenectady, you stopped short of Major 
Fonda’s, where we came over in the evening to see you, 
but you were not there. Some time late at night, you sent 
for us to come down to you; accordingly, I and one more 
went; and in passing by Colonel Claus’s, a gun was dis- 
charged at us, and there I had almost been killed in pur- 
suing peace. After we arrived at your lodging, Sir John, it 
seems, had just left you, and you informed us of the conver- 
sation that had passed between you, and the proposals you 
had made to him. You then let us know that we might go 
to Sir John, and inform ourselves whether such proposals 
had been made to him; and upon our going out to him, we 
were convinced of the truth of your information, and we 
desired Sir John to comply with the proposals that had been 
made to him, as he could not possibly resist the body of men 
that were coming out against him. We desired Sir John to 
go in person to see you. He said he would consider of it; 
but finally he sent one in his name. At last things were 
so settled as to prevent the shedding of blood. We were 
induced to be thus active in the affair from a desire of pre- 
venting the shedding of blood on both sides; and this, bro- 
thers, is the conduct which you accuse us for, and which we 
think excusable on account of our intention. Our cousins 
of the Upper Castle were with those of the Lower at the 
time. 

Brothers: Before the arrival of Colonel Dayton, the whole 
Stx Nations had a Council at Onondaga, wherein they had 
agreed that they would mind nothing but peace. Immedi- 
ately after this Council at Onondaga, a party of the Six 
Nations went down to Albany, and another to Niagara, as 
they had agreed to:cultivate peace. The Oequagues and 
Caughnawagas were at Albany at the time, when they re- 
peated the agreement which they had made at the Council 
at Onondaga. ‘They then requested, and you promised, 
that there should be no fighting near our house, as both par- 
ties were strong, and they might injure the Indians in the 
struggle, and that you would confine yourselves to the sea- 
coasts. When our party that went to Albany returned 
home, and very soon after they had repeated their transac- 
tions at Albany, Mr. Douww came up to inform them that 
there was a party coming up to Sir John’s. Mr. Douw, 
when he came up, desired us to possess our minds in peace, 
as the party coming up was not designed against us. You 
say that Mr. Doww was used in an abusive manner, and _ 
Bleecker threatened, which we confess; for while they were 
there, one of our young warriors came in diunk, and used 
him in the manner you mention. We desired the warriors 
to remain quiet; but some of them took their arms, and, 
contrary to the inclinations of the Sachems, went down, 
while those that were obedient remained with the great men 
who take care of the news. Upon our arrival at Johns- 
town, we found a number of our warriors who had had a 
meeting with Colonel Dayton to inquire his business there. 
Colonel Dayton told them that he had no designs against 
the Indians; that though he was not afraid of them, he was 


1041 


unwilling to shed their blood; and requested that they would 
be quiet. He spoke much more in a friendly manner, which 
it is unnecessary to repeat. Our warriors then returned 
home, and the Sachems reproved them for their conduct. 
They acknowledged their fault, and promised not to be 
guilty of the like misconduct for the future, informing them 
that the person who had been the cause of it was now gone, 
though he had gone off without their assistance. As I have 
authority to speak for the warriors, I now declare that they 
are sorry for their misconduct, and that they will for the 
future obey their uncles the Sachems, who take care of the 
news.—(A belt of eleven rows, with four diagonal bars.) 


SoscoHoLaana, a Sachem of the Mohawks, then delivered 
the following Speech: 


One of the articles of accusation is pointed at me. I was 
conscious of guilt at the time it was mentioned, but sat still, 
as it was an improper time for me to speak. I waited to 
confess it in the most publick manner in a meeting of the 
whole Six Nations. ‘The accusation against me is just. I 
have destroyed a batteau load of provisions while it was 
coming up; and I may, perhaps, be the means of the Svx 
Nations being in want of provisions while at this Council- 
fire. The warriors are frequently passing and repassing to 
and from their hunting-ground; and when they return from 
hunting, it is usual for them to get liquor. I, with a party, 
was just then returning, and we had procured some liquor, 
and destroyed the flour as you mention. Some of our people 
went down the next day and found the flour destroyed, but 
the persons who had done it were gone again into the woods 
hunting. The generality of our warriors are now together; 
and a day or two ago we every one declared our sentiments 
separately, and all agreed not to be guilty of like excesses 
for the future, but that they would behave themselves regu- 
larly and orderly. What I have now said does not come only 
from my lips, but from my heart.—(A belt of seven rows, 
with three variegated squares, two in the middle, the other 
at one of the ends.) 

Taycuanu. Brothers, the Commissioners, attend: I like- 
wise desire the attention of the elder part of the Confe- 
deracy. 1 who now speak am a Sachem. I speak in the 
name of the Sachems of the Oneida, Tuscarora, and Cayuga 
Tribes. Our nephews the warriors are not included. You 
have desired us, in your speech, to speak plainly, whether 
we are for peace, or for having our minds separated from our 
brethren of the United Provinces. We, therefore, the Sa- 
chems of the Oneida and Tuscarora Tribes, declare that we 
are for peace ; that we have not the least inclination to be 
divided from our ancient brethren the Dutch. We deter- 
mine to maintain it forever; and hope that our women, our 
children, and warriors, may always remain in peace. God, 
who knows and hears what we say, and who disapproves of 
those who break their covenants, we hope will enable us to 
persevere in the resolution which we now make. We now 
strengthen and renew our former covenant. If, brothers, 
you are the least apprehensive that there is any deceit in 
us, we desire that you will declare it; and if it has appeared 
either in the actions of us the Sachems, or in those of our 
warriors, we desire that you will tell us. I speak for the 
Sachems of the whole Tribes of the Onezdas and T'uscaroras, 
with our nephews the Delawares. 'This is all I have to 
say.—(Two belts, one of ten rows and three squares on it, 
the other with six rows, with seven diagonal bars.) 


Monday, August 12, 1776. 
Present: The Hon. Major-General Schuyler, Timothy 
Edwards, Esq., and several officers and gentlemen from the 
Counties of Albany and Tryon. 
The Commissioners proceeded to deliver their Reply in 
answer to the Str Nations, as follows: 


Brothers, Sachems and Warriors of the Six Nations: 
Our ears have been open, and we have attentively listened 
to the answers which you have jointly and severally made 
to our speech. We have fully considered what you have 
said. Give ear, and attend to our reply. You began your 
answer with the belt now in our hands. You declared that 
you would speak your minds fully and freely, and that the 
Independent States of America might depend upon what the 
Six Nations should say. You then approved the reasons 
we gave for lighting the Council-fire at this place. 

Brothers: ‘The assurance you give us, that you would be 


Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


66 


1042 


sincere in what you said, pleases us well; because both you 
and we should never dissemble or deceive each other, as 
such conduct would be unworthy our characters as free 
nations. 

Brothers:. With this belt you answered the Declaration 
of the Thirteen United Colonies, that they had become States 
independent of the King of Great Britain. You thanked 
us for having acquainted you with this event, and that you 
would henceforth consider them as such. Brothers, it is well. 

Brothers: With this belt you recapitulated the first part 
of our speech, with the large belt, and you thanked us for 
reminding you of the promise and resolutions of the Siz 
Nations at Albany, and for the justness of our observations 
upon them; and you concluded with declaring that, agree- 
able to our request, you would speak clearly and plainly. 
Brothers, we commend that declaration, and we hope both 
of us will ever hereafter speak plainly, that the sentiments 
of our hearts may be known to each other, for that will make 
our friendship lasting. 

Brothers: The Mohawks then proceeded to answer some 
of the six particulars in which we had charged you of inter- 
fering in the quarrel between the King of Great Britain 
and the white inhabitants of this Island. As the Mohawks 
spoke first, we shall answer them first, and after them, all 
the other Nations in the order in which they spoke. 

Brothers, Sachems and Warriors of the Mohawk, attend: 
With the belt now in our hands, you spoke to some of the 
six charges we have made in our speech to the Six Nations. 
Your answer to the second charge we are not pleased with. 
It is not satisfactory, because you did not state the facts 
truly as they happened. As you related the matter, we 
should have had no reason to complain. Your memories 
fail you, as we shall make appear by informing you before 
the whole Six Nations of what passed on that occasion. 
It is this: We sent you a message last winter from Albany, 
advising you that we had intelligence that several persons 
in and about Johnstown were inlisting men to cut our 
throats, and were making other hostile preparations against 
us; that we intended to march our warriors up, to inquire 
into the trath of the report, and act thereupon as we should 
judge needful; that no harm was intended you or any In- 
dians. In your answer to this, you desired that the troops 
might not come up; “that if they did, it would create un- 
easiness in your minds, as you and Sir John were of one 
blood.” You also refused to send our message immediately 
to the end of the house. We therefore thought it neces- 
sary to send another message to the Stx Nations, to convince 
them that we had no intention to break the covenant or 
defile the path of peace with blood; but that we were 
resolved to follow our enemies wherever they went. Bro- 
thers, although Sir John was of your blood, although he 
had been a Mohawk, we should have been justified in pre- 
venting him from cutting our throats. His conduct since 
has sufficiently convinced all the world of his evil intentions, 
for he has now joined our enemy. 

Brothers, at Schenectady you told us that Sir John John- 
son was not making any hostile preparations; that he had no 
cannon; that you would have known it if he had; and yet 
we found cannon there, well charged and mounted upon car- 
riages newly made on purpose for them. This you cannot 
deny, for you saw us bring them away. Brothers, you also 
told us if we carried matters to extremity that your war- 
riors would not be restrained, and you would not be answer- 
able for their conduct; and as a proof that you knew that 
your warriors meant to fight, you asked what treatment 
those that remained at home might expect. In our answer, 
we told you that we were not going to shut the path of 
peace, but to open it. We assured you that none of our 
warriors should set their feet on your lands unless our 
enemy took shelter there; for that we were resolved to 
follow them wherever they went, and we desired you to 
inform your warriors that if they joined our enemies that 
we would do as we had done at St. John’s, and repel force 
with force; and this we surely have a right to do, and will 
always do. 

Brothers, as to our people’s firing last winter, you ought 
to be ashamed to mention it. You very well know that a 
sled full of white people were passing just at the time you 
did, and that the sentry challenged, and they would not stop, 
upon which he fired. He did his duty; and you know very 
well that no harm was intended to you. 


1043 


Brothers, we might say a great deal more to convince the 
Six Nations that we had the greatest reason to complain of 
your conduct; and we could clearly demonstrate that the 
people who are the cause of your misconduct, have never 
been your real friends; and neither they nor their ancestors 
ever consulted your true interest, and this your children 
will be convinced of. But, brothers, as the hatchet which 
stuck in our heads is taken out and buried, we will also bury 
all animosities. But that our friendship may be lasting, it is 
necessary that your people should strictly abide by the cove- 
nant you have now made with us, which you say you are 
empowered to do by all the warriors, as well as the Sa- 
chems, and that they should know that we have a right to 
follow our enemies wherever they go; that we will do it; 
and that we will consider all such as join them to be our 
enemies, and will treat them as such, and revenge every 
injury after your own manner. This belt confirms our 
words.—(A belt.) 

Brothers, Sachems and Warriors of the Upper Mohawk 
Castle : The candid confession you made with this belt of the 
charge that was particularly pointed at you, we will for this 
time take as a sufficient satisfaction ; but you must not here- 
after plead drunkenness as an excuse for such crimes, nor 
will we be satisfied, if you again so highly injure us, with a 
few wampum and fair promises. Having told you our 
minds, we are made perfectly easy by your honest confes- 
sion. ‘This belt confirms our words.—(A_ belt.) 

Brothers, Sachems and Warriors of the Onondaga and 
Seneca Nations: Our ears have opened to your speech; we 
have paid due attention to its contents, we have considered 
it well. We shall make remarks on such parts as more 
immediately concern the great business which we have con- 
vened you for. You say your warriors went into Canada 
by the persuasion of a chief warrior, who is entirely averse 
to peace. Brothers, we have now made peace together, 
and we hope everything is amicably settled; but if again 
broken, you must remember that we will not be put off with 
barely saying that you are sorry for it, and giving a belt to 
confirm your words. We shall expect some better satisfac- 
tion—a satisfaction equal to the injury done; for what would 
you say if some of our warriors were to go, under a pretence 
of fetching news and talking of peace, into your country, 
and when they were there assisted your enemies in destroy- 
ing you and knocking you on the head? If you complained 
to us, would you be contented if we said there was a wicked 
man who was their Captain and who prevailed on them to 
do it? We know that you would not; you would not even 
complain; but you would take revenge on the first of us 
which you met, and even upon our women and children. 
However, as you are sorry for what is done, we shall bury 
and forget it. But remember, that as we treat with you as 
nations, we expect that the treaty shall be fully complied 
with; for it is your duty to consult the interest of your na- 
tion, and to punish those that are the cause of a quarrel that 
may involve you in ruin, by setting you at variance with 
your best friends; and as this is our resolution, and as we 
mean to live in peace and friendship with you, we were glad 
to hear that the sachems and chief warriors of eleven of the 
Seneca Castles met and resolved for the future to restrain 
their warriors, and that the Onondagas had done the same, 
and that they would be at peace with us. These are wise 
reasons, tending as much to your happiness as to ours. This 
belt confirms our words.—(A belt. 

Brothers, Sachems of the Oneida and Tuscarora Nations: 
The belt now in our hands is that with which you addressed 
us; with which you declared your friendly intentions; with 
which you renewed the covenant of peace that has so long 
existed between our ancestors and yours. ‘The tree of peace 
which you planted so long ago has greatly flourished of late. 
It has spread a pleasing shade far and near. Its boughs 
have grown strong and its leaves broad. It has not been 
shaken by any of the storms that have lately blown with so 
much violence. Nota leaf has dropped from it. It is per- 
fect, and be assured that it will yield fruits which will nourish 
you and your posterity and make you grow. We are happy, 
brothers, that your nephews, the Delawares, have taken 
shelter under its shade. ‘They will also recgive the benefit 
and the comforts of it. 

Brothers: We never thought that you made use of any 
deceit. We have never thought that you intended to break 
the covenant you have made with us. We heartily join 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1044 


with you in hoping that God will enable you to persevere 
in your good resolutions. We promise on our parts, by the 
blessing-of that Being, that you shall never have cause to 
complain of us; that you will find us warm and true friends. 
This belt confirms our words.—(A belt.) 

Brothers, Sachems and Warriors of the Cayuga Nation: 
In our speech we did not particularly point at the Cayugas. 
Our speech was general, and calculated for the whole. ‘The 
method you have taken to answer separately has put it in 
your power to justify yourselves as far as youcan. We are 
glad to hear that by your advice the misconduct of the Six 
Nations is usually rectified. If the people residing in 
Virginia have at any time injured you, we are sorry for it. 
If they have done it since the quarrel begun between the 
King of Great Britain and us, you shall have the fullest 
satisfaction given you whenever you shall make it appear. 
If before that time, and you have not had satisfaction, it was 
the fault of the King of England’s Governours, and_ his 
Governours are not ours. ‘They generally attended to his 
interests only. It is not our fault, brothers, that traders have 
not gone amongst you. We had given leave to traders to 
go to Niagara, and others were making ready to go amongst 
the Six Nations; but as soon as we were informed that 
Butler had prevailed upon some of the Srv Nations to go 
to Canada, they (the traders) were stopped, and would not 
go on lest they should be knocked on the head. 

Brothers: You say that when the covenants made in the 
time of Queder recurred to your minds, in which it was 
agreed that if any difference should arise between us and 
you it should be immediately settled, that this composed your 
minds. Brothers, that good old custom we wish to abide by, 
and we now give an instance of it by settling all the differ- 
ences between us and you; and we hear with great satisfac- 
tion that both the sachems and the warriors of the Cayugas, 
and their younger brothers, the Tototoes, are strongly dis- 
posed to peace, and that it has never entered your minds to 
separate from us, or break the connexion which has so long 
bound us together in friendship. 

Brothers: We are not behindhand with you in these friend- 
ly sentiments. Brothers, we are glad that you have given 
charge to the Tajaghguendy to bring away your warriors 
from Canada. We hope they are by this time returned to 
their Castles; and we hope, that when you inform them of 
what has been passed here, they will possess their minds in 
peace, and remain quietly at home.—(A. belt.) 

Brothers, Warriors of the Oneidas, Oghquagas, Tusca- 
roras, and those of Canassadaga: You have heard the 
declaration we have made to your Sachems. As you have 
acted upon the same just and peaceable principles, what we 
said to them is applicable to you too, and we entreat you to 
consider it as such We are greatly pleased that you avow 
that what was said in our first speech is true, and that we 
need not be ashamed of it. We know, brothers, that you 
are not to blame; but as we were to speak to the Six Na- 
tions, it was necessary that the charges should be general, 
leaving it to those who had been in the fault to take it to 
themselves, and to those who were innocent to say so. This 
you have done. It rejoices us that you declare, that as we 
only desire peace and have given no offence, you equally 
desire peace, and that, as we are born and bred together in 
this place, we ought to love each other. These are good 
sentiments. ‘They are sentiments which show wisdom and 
a friendly disposition. You desire us to tell you if anything 
grieves us; that you will immediately give satisfaction. We 
say you have done nothing to grieve us, and we have the 
fullest confidence in your perseverance. The youngest of 
your warriors we hope will not go astray, as we imagine 
they will not act contrary to the advice of the Sachems and 
the elder warriors. You say, brothers, that if anything fatal 
should happen, and any one should strike a hatchet into 
your heads, that you expect it shall immediately be removed. 
Be assured, brothers, that we shall take care that no injury 
shall be committed by any of our people. If any should, 
we will not only immediately punish the offenders, but give 
you the fullest satisfaction. Ifany one else should injure you, 
we shall, immediately upon your request, assist you to take 
revenge, for we are always ready to assist the injured.— 
(A belt.) 

Brothers, Sachems and Warriors of the Stx Nations: 
With these belts in our hands you have taken hold of the 
covenant of peace. You have repented of your misconduct 


1045 


towards us in the articles we havegmentioned. You have 
told us, that although the hatchet stuck in our heads, it 
was not in consequence of any resolutions entered into by 
the Confederacy, but that it was done by those of unsteady 
minds, and that the Six Nations have taken out the hatchet 
which they have stuck in our heads. Brothers, with this 
belt, you say you have so deeply buried the axe that none 
of your posterity will be able to find it again. Brothers, it 
gives us pleasure that you have received the covenant of 
peace with us. It is your duty, as well as ours, that it 
should be most strictly kept. ‘This cannot be done unless the 
warriors of all the nations keep fast hold of the tree of peace 
with our brothers the warriors of Oneida, Oghquaga, Tusca- 
rora, and Canassadaga. If any of the Six Nations join the 
enemy and fight against us, the peace will again be broken. 
It will be foolish again and again to enter into treaty with 
all of you, for we shall only have the same promises made, 
and they will be broken in like manner. In short, as we 
began by speaking plain, we will end so. Should the 
hatchet of any of the nations who have heretofore broke 
the covenant, after this solemn treaty, be stuck in our heads, 
words and wampum only will not be able to remove it. 
Brothers: As we have, like honest men, disburdened our 
minds and spoke freely; as you have given us satisfaction 
for the injuries we have sustained; as you have taken the 
hatchet out of our heads; as you have buried it deep in the 
earth; as you have renewed the covenant of peace; and as 
we now possess our minds in peace, fully relying on every- 
thing you have said, we shall bury all animosities, we shall 
forget all injuries, and we shall proclaim that peace and 
good understanding prevails between the Independent States 
of America, the Six Nations, their nephews the Delawares, 
and other their dependants. ‘This belt confirms my words.— 


(A belt.) 


Tuesday, August 13, 1776. 

Perer, the Chief Warrior of the Oneida Nation, made 
the following Speech in behalf of the Warriors of the Oneida 
and Tuscarora Nations: 

Brothers: You will excuse me from making remarks on 
some passages of your speech in reply to that of the Sux 
Nations. You told us, brothers, after assuring us of your 
peaceable intentions, that if any difference should arise be- 
tween you and us, and we should again strike the hatchet 
in your heads, you would not again be satisfied with fair 
promises and a few wampum. This declaration, brothers, 
is not connected with the covenants of peace anciently made 
between our ancestors at Albany. When our ancestors 
first met, they agreed that they should take each other by 
the hand, and that no storms, nor even thunder, should be 
able to break their union. By this covenant, our ancestors 
agreed that no private quarrels should be deemed an infrac- 
tion of it, but that such disputes should be amicably settled 
between them. The eyes of all the neighbouring tribes 
are turned to this Council-fire, and as matters may be repre- 
sented wrong, it would grieve us if any difference should now 
arise. 

He then addressed himself to the elder part of the Con- 
federacy, recommending moderation, and that they should 
not suffer little matters to ruffle their minds. 

The Commissioners then answered: 

Brothers, Warriors of the Onetda and Tuscarora Nations: 
We have deliberated coolly; we have spoken plainly to you 
yesterday. We have no quarrel with the Indians. We 
would be glad to cultivate peace with the Six Nations, and 
our conduct shows that we have no evil intentions against 
them. And we would also be glad to preserve our lives 
and liberties. You say, when our ancestors first met, they 
agreed to take each other by the hand so firmly that no 
storms or even thunder should be able to break their union. 
Brothers, we mean to abide by the covenant of our ances- 
cestors. 

Asranam, the Mohawk Sachem, made the following 
Speech: 

Brothers, the Commissioners appointed by the Thirteen 
United Provinces, attend: The whole Confederacy, consist- 
ing of the Six Nations, have this day taken hold of the cove- 
nant of peace. ‘They have repented of their misconduct in 
the articles with which you have charged them. Our ances- 
tors, when they settled the Confederacy, ordained that if any 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1046 


of their people should, without the consent of the Sachems, 
stick the hatchet in the heads of any of their neighbours, 
that those who take care of the news should make up the 
matter, 

Brothers: Respecting the injury that the Six Nations 
have offered you: they have stuck the hatchet into your 
heads, but, brothers, it was not in consequence of any pub- 
lick resolution entered into, but it was done by those of 
unsteady minds. Now, therefore, brothers, we, the Six 
Nations, take out the hatchet which we have stuck in your 
heads. —(Two belts, eight rows each, one with thirteen 
rhombusses, the other five crosses.) 

Brothers: Our ancestors likewise further directed, in order 
to bury the hatchet effectually, that a pine tree should be 
pulled up by the roots and that the hatchet should be flung 
into the hole. We, therefore, the Six Nations, according to 
the directions of our ancestors, pull up a pine tree, and drop 
the hatchet in the hole, under which runs a strong stream of 
water, which will carry the hatchet forever from the sight of 
our posterity. Now, therefore, brothers, the whole Six Na- 
tions, in order to cover the hole, bring a very large rock, 
which they lay on the mouth of it, to cover it so effectually 
that posterity will never be able to find the hole in which 
the hatchet was cast.—(A belt, seven rows, six squares, and 
one diagonal bar on it.) 


The Speech of the Onondaga Sachem OnwasewineuTE, 
on behalf of his and the Seneca Tribe : 


Brothers, the Commissioners appointed by the Thirteen 
United Colonies, attend: Our brothers, the Mohawks, have 
finished what they had to say respecting the articles of ac- 
cusation which you had against them. I shall begin with 
what was transacted at the Council at Oswego. After the 
business was over, Colonel Johnson desired the Six Nations 
to send a deputation of two or three of each tribe with him 
to Caughnawaga, where he was to kindle up a Council-fire, 
that they might hear what he had to deliver, because they 
might otherwise think that he had delivered a speech differ- 
ent from the one he had delivered at Oswego. When they 
had done it he thanked them, but at the same time told them 
he would rather wish to have twenty of each tribe to attend 
him. ‘Thus it happened that some of our warriors and some 
of our uncles, the Sachems, went with him, without inform- 
ing our people that were left at home of it. After this, 
brothers, a party of us went down to Albany to inform you, 
our brethren, of what had been transacted at Oswego. At 
this place we met Colonel Francis and Mr. Douw, and 
informed them of it, but told them we were unacquainted 
with the conduct of our people then in Canada, though we 
supposed that they only attended the Council-fire of peace. 
When the Sachems and Warriors who went down to attend 
at Johnson’s Council-fire returned, the Sachem brought with 
him the hatchet—a thing entirely unexpected, as we had 
given him no directions to do so, if Johnson should change 
his mind and make the offer. We therefore immediately 
considered the matter, and sent the axe down to Albany. 

Brothers: When those Sachems and Warriors returned, as 
we have before related, they left some of their party still in 
Canada, and those that remained there, brothers, are the 
persons who have involved us in the difficulty under which 
we now labour. 

Brothers: After the affair at Niagara, Colonel Johnson, 
when he went away, sent Colonel Butler to Niagara, at 
which place Colonel Butler called us together, and desired 
some of our people to go in a vessel to Oswegatchie, that they 
might whenever any intelligence arrived convey it to him; 
particularly if they should hear of Colonel Johnson’s arrival 
at Quebeck, which he desired they would acquaint him with 
as soon as possible. He then treated them very plentifully, 
and a large number of them went aboard; in which party 
went a certain Onondaga chief warrior, whose disposition 
was such that he was entirely averse to anything of a peace- 
able nature. Upon his arrival at Oswegatchie, he, together 
with the principal warriors of the Mohawks and Senecas, 
prevailed on the younger warriors to change their minds, 
though Colonel Butler had strictly enjoined them on their 
departure that they should not make him ashamed of their 
behaviour by any misconduct of theirs, and that they should 
mind nothing but peace. <A certain Indian, called Aboy- 
derroy, was the principal cause of our warriors going in such 
numbers. A part of those who went to Oswegatchie, being 


1047 


disgusted at the proceedings of their chief warriors, returned 
to the Six Nations. As soon as the Senecas were acquainted 
with the transactions of their warriors in Canada, they kin- 
dled a Council-fire, at which the sachems and principal war- 
riors of eleven of their Castles attended; in which Council 
it was unanimously agreed that they would for the future 
restrain the warriors of their nation from committing hostilities 
against the Bostonians. ; 

Brothers: We likewise, the Onondagas, have had a Coun- 
cil on the same occasion, wherein it was determined to restrain 
our warriors, the principal of whom solemnly declared that 
they would not for the future interfere in your dispute, and 
promised that they would be directed by those who ‘take 
care of the news. “And as we have taken the same resolu- 
tion with our brothers, the Senecas, we now speak as well 
in their as in our own names. 

Brothers, the Commissioners appointed by the Thirteen 
United Provinces, attend: The principal tribes of the Con- 
federacy, the Mohawks and Oneidas, assigned a very difficult 
task to us, which is, to take care of the Council-fire kindled 
by our ancestors at Onondaga, where the minds of the whole 
Confederacy and their allies are concentrated. The minds, 
also, of the Great King and those of the white people of 
this great Island are there. We have, therefore, a difficult 
task. We have your words at Onondaga. You told us that 
if any difficulties should arise between us and our brothers 
of the Colonies, measures would be mutually adopted to 
remove these difficulties. 

Brothers: We, to whose care the Council-fire is committed, 
will always pursue and cultivate peace between you and us; 
and we are determined, as long as we shall remain a nation, 
to maintain peace. This the Thirteen United Colonies may 
depend upon. 

Brothers: You desired us to declare our sentiments and 
intentions freely, which we have now done. We are sorry 
we cannot give you information what success Tunauquage 
has had, who Is gone to take the hatchet from our disobe- 
dient warriors. We shall be extremely glad to see them 
return home with him, which, if they do, we shall endeavour 
to incline their minds to peace. 

Brothers: The Nantuckets, Cayugas, and Delawares, and 
the people who live in the fields, have deposited their minds 
with us, and declared that they will abide by our determina- 
tions and pursue our directions. ‘This, brothers, is all we 
have to say.—(T'wo belts, one of ten rows, with the repre- 
sentation of a man at each end, a hexagon in the middle ; 
the other eight rows, the two middlemost white.) 


Osacuat, a Cayuga Sachem, spoke as follows: 


Brothers, the Commissioners appointed by the Thirteen 
States, attend: I speak in the names of the Warriors as well 
as Sachems, as their minds are the same, as likewise in the 
name of our younger brothers the Totodoes. 

Brothers: I rose from my seat with the same sentiments 
as the Onondagas and Senecas. They had agreed to restrain 
their warriors; we had done the same. Our chief warriors 
severally declared that they would for the future conform to 
the directions of those who take care of the peace. 

Brothers: Carefully attend to what I am about to say. 
You have laid our faults before us; you have desired us to 
declare our sentiments fully and freely. 

Brothers: We acknowledge we have been culpable, with 
all the Stx Nations; though the Cayuga Tribe have never 
acted so as to incur the displeasure of our brothers of the 
United States. We cannot look upon ourselves as so much 
to blame as you represent, for it was but yesterday (as it 
were) that we had a Council-fire at Albany, and the agree- 
ments there made [ still retain fresh in my memory. ‘The 
Six Nations know that we are not usually guilty of ill con- 
duct. We ever used to rectify the errors and misconduct 
of the Stx Nations. 

Brothers: I think we do not usually offend our brethren, 
and that our minds are still disposed to peace, as they ever 
have been. In our wars with the Southern Indians, when 
we had occasion to travel through the territories of the Great 
Knife, we have been surprised to see his hatchet stick in 
our heads, and our dead warriors covering the ground; but 
yet, brothers, when we recurred to mind the covenants made 
by our ancestors with Queder, at Albany, in which it was 
agreed if any difference should arise between us and you, it 
should be immediately settled, we composed our minds. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1048 


Brothers: Our being in fault is not so much owing to 
ourselves as to the Onondaga Kaquatanawji, who induced 
our giddy and foolish people to go, by promising that they 
should have large presents if they went. But the sensible 
part of our warriors could not be seduced by his promises, 
and rejected his solicitations. 

Brothers: We apprehend that our people were rather 
induced by the hopes of procuring clothing for themselves, 
than any malicious motives, as they had been informed that 
the Bostonians were unable to furnish them with any neces- 
saries, not even a charge of powder. We think that it would 
not have happened if traders had been sent up as usual}, with 
goods and ammunition, to supply our wants. 

Brothers: You shall now know our minds. Both our 
Sachems and Warriors are fully and strongly disposed to 
peace. It is farthest from our intentions to break the peace, 
as our minds, together with all our Confederacy to the west- 
ward, are united at our Central Council-fire at Onondaga. 
We have been anciently intimately acquainted, and it has 
never entered into our minds that we should separate from 
you, or break that connexion. 

Brothers: Our people who went down on the occasion 
which you have mentioned, are now returned home. ‘They 
were not personally concerned in those transactions, but only 
looked on. ‘They would have returned back before they 
reached the place of action, had not the Onondaga chief 
persuaded them to stay, and called them Bostonians. When 
the party of our warriors who went into Canada returned, 
they left five of their party employed in making a canoe to 
come off. Apprehensive, however, that Aquatanaey would 
again change their minds, they desired Tehagagwangey, the 
Onandaga Sachem, to use his influence in bringing them 
back, which he promised to do. We shall communicate to 
you any intelligence we may receive from them, and let you 
know if they return. As the Six Nations always inform 
you of every material occurrence that happens, so they will 
still continue to do. The Onondaga Sachem has a belt 
from our female governesses, in charge, with directions that 
if every other measure should fail, he should address our 
warriors in their names, requesting them to return. 

Brothers: This is all we have to say. You may depend 
that our minds shall never be divided from yours. Both our 
Sachems and Warriors are fully resolved to cultivate peace 
and harmony with our brethren of the Provinces.—(A belt 
of fourteen rows, with several diagonal bars and small 
pyramidical figures.) 


Perer, Chief Warrior of the Onezdas, made the following 
Speech: 


Brothers, Commissioners of the Thirteen United Colonies, 
attend: As the Chiefs and Warriors of the Six Nations and 
their dependencies are met together at this time, we thought 
it a very good opportunity to speak. We, the Chiefs of the 
Warriors of the Oneidas, address the Commissioners, as also 
the Oohkaugis, and their brethren the Tuscaroras, and like- 
wise the inhabitants of Kounosorago. ‘The Warriors of those 
places now speak. 

Brothers, Commissioners: We have given good attention 
to what you have said at this place, and receive it in our 
hearts, as real truth. 

Brothers: We think it very right what you have said, and 
need not be ashamed of. You have told us all our faults 
very freely, but we can tell you that we are not to blame in 
any of the things which the Stx Nations are accused of. 
Whoever has done mischief will endeavour to exculpate 
himself. We need not. 

Brothers: You have declared that you desire nothing but 
peace with the Six Nations. As you have given us no 
offence, why should we not equally desire peace with you? 
Say. There are some amongst us who regard you, and some 
who do not. As we are born and bred together on this 
great Island, why should we not love each other? Our 
ancestors made a covenant of peace for us. 

Brothers: ‘This speech comes from our hearts, not from 
our lips only. We speak once for all. We fear God, who 
looks upon us and knows our promises, and if we do amiss, 
we are willing immediately to make satisfaction. If we do 
anything that grieves you, of which we are insensible, we 
desire that you will tell us. We look to our chiefs; we do 
not choose to make them ashamed. We warriors never say 
much, we speak our minds at once. Our chiefs speak a 


1049 


great deal; they are acquainted with and often quote the in- 
stitutions of the ancients. We desired our chiefs to speak 
for themselves only, and that we would speak for ourselves; 
that if anything should be done contrary to what we pro- 
mise, the chiefs may not be the liars, but we will be obliged 
to take the blame on ourselves. 

Brothers: We have restricted our young warriors from 
saying anything but what tends to peace, because you de- 
sired us to mind nothing but the affairs of peace; and if any 
of our young warriors should, contrary to the advice we have 
given them, interfere in your quarrel and fall, it will not dis- 
turb our minds; neither will we regard it, nor will it break the 
friendship that now subsists between us. We will not desire 
you to take the axe out of the heads of those that fall; for our 
young warriors know the danger of going to war, and if they 
fall, it is a thing not uncommon; what they have to expect, 
and what often happens. We shall think our young war- 
riors are instigated by the devil if they intermeddle in your 
dispute, as they are all sensible of our agreements with you, 
and the friendship that subsists between us. As we have 
agreed to mind nothing but peace, we shall think it strange 
if any one injures our warriors while they remain in peace. 
But if anything fatal should happen, and any one should 
strike a hatchet into their heads, we expect that it shall be 
immediately removed. 

Brothers: Possess your minds in peace with regard to us, 
as we do with regard to you. This is all we warriors have 
got to say.—(A belt of erght rows, with transverse lines 
throughout the whole.) 


Apam, an Oequaga Sachem’s Speech to the Commissioners. 


Brothers: The treaty that was held at Fort Stanwix, when 
the line was settled between the Indians and the white people, 
we supposed was held as well in the names of the people of 
these Provinces, as in the name of the King, as they were 
then all of one mind. In this treaty it was promised us that 
if we would covenant to settle the line, none of the white 
people would be permitted to encroach upon our lands; and 
that if any should encroach upon us by passing the line, he 
should be punished with death. This, brothers, is the pro- 
mise made to us at the time of the settlement of the line; but, 
brothers, some of your people have of late made encroach- 
ments upon our lands, by surveying our hunting-grounds 
close up to our habitations. 

Brothers: We beg you will consider of it, and hope you 
will give us redress.—(Four strings.) 


The CommissIoNERs answered : 


Brothers: We have taken into consideration the informa- 
tion you gave us with this string. 

Brothers: Attend to our answer, and let all the Nations 
attend thereto. You say that you suppose the treaty held 
at Fort Stanwix was as well in the names of the white peo- 
ple of these Provinces as in the name of the King. 

Brothers: We must inform you that for upwards of thirty 
years past all lands that have been purchased have been 
purchased in the name of the King, and after they were pur- 
chased the King sold them again to the white people. The 
greater, the much greater part of the lands bought of you 
in that time were for the great men on the other side of the 
water. The inhabitants born on this great Island have very 
little of it. 

Brothers: You may remember that you seldom have held 
a treaty in which you were not asked to sell some of your 
lands. Since we have had the management of your affairs, 
we have never desired you to sell any. 

Brothers: As you do not know who the people are that 
have surveyed your lands beyond the line, we shall give you 
a letter to the Minister, that he may inform you, and you 
may be assured that our great Council at Philadelphia will 
effectually put a stop to such wicked practices, and- punish 
every person that shall offend against their orders. If any 
person should come on your lands, we desire that you will 
bring them immediately to the Minister, that he may write 
down their names, and inform us of it, and then we shall 
immediately proceed against them. 

Brothers: You may all rest assured that no white people 
will be suffered to pass the line settled at Fort Stanwix; for 
although that agreement was made with the King, yet as 
you are satisfied with it, we shall take care that it is com- 


plied with. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1050 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES, 
Albany, August 18, 1776. 

Dear Generat: Last night about nine o’clock I received 
some despatches from General Washington, enclosing a letter 
for you, and those I now send you. I opened your letter 
by mistake, in the presence of the express, my Aid-de-Camp, 
Mr. Livingston, and Mr. Taylor, but finding the mistake, 
immediately closed it. 

I enclose you an extract of the General’s letter to me, in 
answer to some animadversions I made on what I supposed 
had been done at New- York. 

Captain Varick has this moment received yours of the 
16th. Only five quires of cartridge-paper now to be found 
on a search I had yesterday made, and that was sent to 
Colonel Dayton at Fort Stanwix. A considerable quantity 
has some time ago been written for to New-York. I have 
again mentioned to General Washington the necessity of 
expediting it to this place. 

Yesterday Dr. Barker delivered me the Adjutant-Gene- 
ral’s letter of the Ist instant, directed to the commanding 
officer here. He is in custody. Pray order down the wit- 
nesses, that he may be tried. 

Lieutenant McMichael, of Colonel Dayton’s regiment, a 
volunteer of the name of Smith, and one Ridley, (a clerk 
to Major Fonda,) are deserted to the enemy. ‘They were 
pursued to Oneida Lake, and had just got into a boat when 
the party pursuing arrived at the Lake. 

Three men out of five who went on a scout to Oswego 
were either killed or taken by the Mississaga Indians within 
six miles of Oswego. The other two, who were both wound- 
ed, are returned to Fort Stanwix, conducted by some of the 
Six Nations, who fell in with them in the woods. 

Adieu. I am ever most sincerely and affectionately your 
most obedient humble servant, 


To the Hon. General Gates. 


P.S. A letter from the General, just received, advises 
me that the articles in the enclosed list left New-York on 
the 10th instant. 


Pu. ScHuyier. 


A. Return, made New-York, Juty 8, 1776, to His Excel- 
lency Grorce Wasuineton, Esq., General and Com- 
mander-in- Chief of the Forces of the Untrep Cotonies, 
of sundry articles shipped for ALBANY, in good order, by 
Hvueu Huveues, Assistant Quartermaster-General, on 
board the Sloop Generat Wotr, Anprew Down Mas- 
ter, and to be delwered to the Hon. Major-General 
ScHUYLER, or his order. 


8 boxes of Musket-ball, one thousand one hundred and 
thirty-five pounds weight. 
5 tons of Lead. 
20 reams of Cartridge-paper. 


6 Saws. Anprew Down. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES, 
Skenesborough, August 18, 1776. 


Dear Generac: [ received yours of the 17th, with nine- 
teen batteaus, which came safe to hand. The Massachu- 
setts troops and tents were all sent forward before the arrival 
of the boats, but since the boats came to hand a number 
more tents have arrived, which I immediately forward by 
this conveyance. 

Your Honour may depend I shall immediately forward 
the Bay troops and tents as fast as they arrive, according to 
orders; and am your Honour’s most obedient, humble ser- 


Moz Davin Watersury, Jun. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Tyonderoga, August 18, 1776. 

Dear Generau: The enclosed will satisfy you as far as 

I am satisfied in respect to Mr. Traverse. It may not be 

amiss to detain him if an enemy, or to maintain him if a 
friend. Your better judgment will decide the matter. 

Last night another gondola arrived from Skenesborough, 

and Colonel Wynkoop writes me word that a row-galley 

and another gondola will be finished by Sunday. As the 


1051 - 


carpentry goes on so brisk, I dare say you will take care our 
fleet meets with no delay for want of the other requisites. 

General Arnold assures me he has from time to time in- 
formed you of all his demands. More artillery and more 
powder will be wanted, if our vessels continue to increase 
thus rapidly. 

I désire you will send me my letter to the General, with 
his to me, which were both enclosed to you in my last. I 
have no copy of them, therefore would be glad you would 
not disappoint me in sending them. 

I hope your treaty has concluded to your satisfaction. 
My respectful compliments to Mrs. Schuyler. I wish we 
had some of your good butter and vegetables, for a cabbage 
or a turnip has not been seen here since I came. 

J am, dear General, your affectionate, humble servant, 

Ho. Gares. 
To General Schuyler. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL ARNOLD. 
Tyonderoga, August 18, 1776. 


Sir: I have this moment received your letter from Crown- 
Point of yesterday evening. It is my orders you instantly 
put Commodore Wynkoop in arrest, and send him prisoner 
to Head-Quarters at Tyonderoga. You will at the same 
time acquaint the officers of the fleet that such of them as 
do not pay an implicit obedience to your commands are 
instantly to be confined and sent to me for trial. 

I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

. Ho. Gates. 
To General Arnold. 


COLONEL STEWART TO GENERAL WATERBURY. 
Ticonderoga, August 18, 1776. 

Sir: General Gates is exceedingly surprised to learn from 
a person arrived here that the tent-poles, after being brought 
such a great distance from home, should be left within about 
ten or fifteen miles of Skenesborough ; he therefore begs you 
will immediately send the empty wagons back for them, and 
by no means give the wagoners certificates, or put them in 
any way of getting paid, until they again return to you with 
the poles. 

I send you by the bearer the two thousand feet of sea- 
soned plank which you requested in your former letter, and 
am, Xe. 


By order of the General : W. Stewart, A. D.C. 


To Brigadier-General Waterbury. 


GEORGE PITKIN TO BENJAMIN PAYNE. 
Hartford, August 18, 1776. 

Dear Sir: George Burnham desires me to write to Go- 
vernour Trumbull to get him released, that he may prosecute 
his business as a gunsmith. Am sensible of the necessity of 
it, but for me to write only on his request, cannot do it in 
character. Captain Pitkin came from his Honour yester- 
day, and his Honour is of the opinion that the publick 
should not too much suffer in some important matters; and 
has promised all the workmen and procurer of materials for 
the powder mill to stop, and one tanner in Captain Pitkin’s 
company to stop and take care of two tan-yards. I give it 
as my individual opinion that it is necessary he should stay 
to prosecute his business, but the necessity you best under- 
stand. Likewise understand that Major Newbury gave mar- 
tial orders for him to stay till further orders; if so, there will 
be no need to apply to the Governour. 

I am, with esteem, your very humble servant, 

Groree Pirkin. 

To Benjamin Payne, Esq. 


MESHECH WEARE TO JAMES BOWDOIN. 
Hampton Falls, August 18, 1776. 

Sir: I have received your favours of the 16th and 17th 
instant. I am extremely sorry at the delay our troops meet 
with by the villanous practice of the Doctor at Number Four. 
The Committee here will take the most speedy care respect- 
ing that matter. We are greatly obliged to you for your 
readiness to assist us with cannon were it in your power; 
It Is an article we extremely want, and have no doubt 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1052 


should have received from you could you have done it with 
safety. ' 
I am, with great regard, sir, your most obedient humble 


servant, Mesnecu Wears, President. 


To the Hon. James Bowdoin, Esq. 


GEORGIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Tuesday, August 19, 1776. 


General Lee waited on the Board, and proposed the fol- 
lowing questions for their consideration : 

Ist. Whether, as the post on St. Mary’s is now abandoned, 
and the whole country between that river and the St. John’s 
broke up, and as there is no possibility of transporting cannon, 
ammunition, provisions, or collecting a sufficient number of 
men for the siege and reduction of Augustine, an irruption 
into East-Florida can be productive of so great and im- 
portant advantages to the general cause, or to this State of 
Georgia in particular, as to compensate for the trouble and 
expense, and what these advantages are? What are the 
means of certainly supplying the troops with grain and meat? 
how their baggage is to be transported? whether it can be 
safely transported by water? if it cannot, whether wagons 
can pass? if the road is practicable only to horses, how pack- 
saddles are to be provided ? 

Ordered, That Messrs. Jonathan Bryan and Nathan 
Bronson be a Committee to answer the questions proposed 


by General Lee. 


Sir: The Council having taken into consideration your 
Excellency’s questions this day laid before them, are clearly 
of opinion that an irruption into the Province of East Florida 
will be attended with the most salutary consequences to this 
Province, and. of course render service to the whole Conti- 
nent. 

The reasons which weigh with them are as follow: 

Ist. That they conceive the reduction of Augustine to be 
a very considerable object with the Continent in general, but 
this Province in particular. 

2d. They are led to hope, that if the whole country around 
is ravaged, the cattle on the east side of St. John’s driven off, 
and the inhabitants obliged to evacuate their plantations and 
fly into the Castle, the scarcity of provisions and the want 
of fresh supplies of many articles from the country, will of 
itself oblige the garrison to submit to our arms. 

3d. That supposing this last consequence not to happen, 
yet the driving our enemies so far from our country will be 
of infinite advantage in this, that it will be a means of pre- 
venting the loss of negroes, either by desertion or otherwise 
by land. 

4th. That the country being in our possession, will not 
only, from principles of dread, attach the Indians to our inte- 
rest, but also put it in our power to prevent our enemies from 
holding any intercourse with these savages, or having any 
opportunity to tamper with them, or supply or stir them up 
against us. And we conceive that after the Province shall 
be so broke up, a single troop of Horse, appointed to range 
on the west side of the river St. JoAn’s, will be quite sufficient 
to cut off all communication between the Creek Indians and 
the people of East-Florida. 

5th. By carrying distress and war into the country, we 
incline to think the inhabitants of East-Florida will find 
themselves so much engaged at home as not to be able to 
fit out privateers against this Province till we are better 
prepared for them. ‘This Province has been harassed, and 
they expect to be much more so, with privateers, in case 
some vigorous blow is not struck against Kast-Florida; and 
we are inclined to think the plunder which will fall into the 
hands of the soldiers will compensate them for the difficulty 
and toil. attending their march. 

As to the other question, viz: What are the means of cer- 
tainly supplying the troops with grain and meat? how is 
the baggage to be transported safely by water?’—we are of 
opinion, that while the troops remain on this side of the 
river Alatamaha, there will be no occasion to do more than 
send a commissary ahead to provide rice and beef at different 
stages, as the troops advance, the country all along abound- 
ing with provisions, after they pass this river. We think it 
will be necessary to send a quantity of rice in boats, with 
directions to meet the troops at different places; and we are 


1053 


informed that these boats may go with great safety, there 
being an excellent inland passage to a place called Picalatto 
Creek, less than twenty miles from St. Augustine. We 
imagine these boats must be procured in or about Savannah 
or Sunbury, and therefore we would recommend that the 
troops send such of their baggage as they can’t conveniently 
carry in these boats. Some horses will certainly be neces- 
sary for troops upon their march, which, together with pack 
horses, we think may be got in this place. Wagons will be 
useless, as they cannot proceed above fifty miles from this town. 


GENERAL LEWIS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 22, 1776.] 
Williamsburgh, August, 1776. 

Sir: I have ordered the First and Third Battalions to 
march with all speed to the Flying-Camp in the Jerseys. 
The Third being stationed on Potomack at the time they 
received their marching orders, may be expected before the 
other; and for another reason too, the time for which the first 
battalion was raised being nearly expired, it took several 
days to reinlist them on Continental establishment. ‘The 
numbers at present are not complete, but I hope a few days 
will make it nearly so, if not quite. ‘The officers of. that 
battalion have shown a noble spirit in exerting themselves 
to the utmost in engaging the men on this occasion. ‘They 
are anxiously forward in joining the battalions to the north- 
ward, hoping they will have an opportunity of distinguishing 
themselves. ‘They will march next Monday. 

In a letter I wrote the honourable Congress by General 
Mercer, addressed to you, I begged particular instructions 
respecting the filling up such vacancies as had or might 
happen in the line of officers in this State; to which I have 
received no answer. Many vacancies there are at present, 
which make me once more beg particular instructions on 
this head. It is absolutely necessary for the good of the 
service that it should be known whether promotion by a 
regular succession of the nine battalions of this State is to 
take place, or whether it be confined to the particular bat- 
talions in which such vacancies happen. ‘To me the former 
method is most clear of exception, and bids fairest to give 
seniority the preference; which I conceive to be a rule in all 
armies, where merit did not on particular occasions make it 
necessary to overlook this rule. 

Since | wrote by General Mercer, Colonel Wilham 
Christian, who commanded the First Battalion, and Colonel 
Wilham Dangerfield, who commanded the Seventh, have 
resigned. We have at present four battalions without 
commissioned Colonels to command them, to wit: the First 
and Third, which go to the northward, and the Fifth and 
Seventh. General Mercer wrote me that Colonel Charles 
Scott’s commission, (who we supposed would have the com- 
mand of the Fifth, by the resignation of Colonel Peachy,) 
and other commissions, had been sent from Philadelphia. 
They have never come to hand. Colonel George Weedon 
has for the present the command of the ‘Third; Lieutenant- 
Colonel fsaac Read appointed to the First; Lieutenant- 
Colonel William Crawford to the Seventh, they being the 
oldest Lieutenant-Colonels. In this way they will act until 
the pleasure of Congress be known. 

To the general list, signed by the President of the Com- 
mittee of Safety, mentioning the names, ranks, and dates of 
commissions, and sent by General Mercer, I refer you, by 
which you will be able to give promotion in any method the 
Congress may be pleased to adopt. At present the officers 
of inferior rank to Lieutenant-Colonels, where vacancies have 
happened, have risen by seniority in their respective regi- 
ments, and will continue so to act until the pleasure of Con- 
gress be known, which I wish to be soon, that all differences 
of opinion with regard to rank may be settled. 

Dunmore, with his whole fleet, sailed last Wednesday out 
of our Capes; one part of the fleet turned to the north, and 
the other steered southwardly. 

1 am, honourable sir, your most obedient and very hum- 


ble servant + ae 
, Anprew Lewis, Brigadier-General. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. 


P.S. I enclose a list from the Second and Sixth Batta- 
lions, which may be of service in filling up the vacancies. 
The First and Third Battalions will produce such list when 
they reach Philadelphia. As soon as J am prepared with 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1054 


such lists from the other battalions, which are now at distant 
stations, shall send them. Lewis. 


INSTRUCTIONS TO DELEGATES OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, 
IN MARYLAND CONVENTION, 


To Caries Carroui, Barrister, Samven Coase, Rezin 
Hammonp, and Brice Tuomas Beat Worruieron, 
Esquires, Representatives of Anne Arunnew County: 


Gentiremen: We the subscribers, freemen of Anne Arun- 
del County, taking into our most serious consideration the 
important business you are to meet upon, the 12th of this 
instant, think it our indispensable duty to give you the fol- 
lowing Instructions: ' 

It is with the utmost concern and displeasure we find that 
the last Convention excluded all such of our countrymen 
who did not possess fifty acres of land, or a visible estate of 
£40 sterling, in the election of Representatives; thereby 
unjustly depriving near half of the free inhabitants of this 
State of the inestimable right of free suffrage, nevertheless 
subjecting them to all the pains and burdens of Government. 
This glaring injustice, hateful distinction, and apparent im- 
policy, we are determined to use our utmost efforts to get 
redressed ; and that our free, honest, well-affected brethren, 
as they proportionably bear with us every burden and brave 
every danger, shall equally share every privilege. We there- 
fore direct and instruct you to move for, and use your utmost 
endeavours to establish, in the new Government: That all 
freemen, natives of this State, above twenty-one years of 
age, and well-affected to the present glorious cause in which 
we are engaged, shall have the right of a free vote in the 
election of all officers who are to be chosen by the people, 
provided such persons shall have resided one year next pre- 
ceding the election in the County, District, City, or Town, 
where he shall offer to vote; also, that every foreigner above 
twenty-one years of age, well-affected to the present glorious 
cause, having a visible estate of £30 currency, or a freehold 
of fifty acres of land, and who has resided as a freeman two 
years next preceding the election in the County, District, 
City, or Town, where he shall offer to vote, shall have the 
free suffrage in the election of all officers who are to be 
chosen by the people; also, that all elections be free, and 
made viva voce, in the manner heretofore used in this State; 
also, that Annapolis be represented, but that the inhabitants 
thereof be not allowed to vote for the Representatives for 
this County; that there be chosen by the people an Upper 
and Lower House annually—these two Houses to be distinct 
and independent of each other, and to form the Legislative 
power; and also that the persons appointed to hold the 
Executive power, have no share or negative in the Legisla- 
ture; also, that no person shall be eligible to sit in either 
House, or Legislature, or Congress, who holds any office of 
profit, or any pension, or any part of the profit thereof, either 
directly or indirectly, or who holds any office in the regular 
military service, or mafine service, either Continental or Pro- 
vincial; that the trial by Jury be held and kept sacred, and 
the habeas corpus preserved; also, that Justices of the Peace, 
Sheriffs, Clerks of Counties, and Surveyors, be chosen by 
the people, annually, of each County; that a well-reculated 
Militia be established in this State, as being the best secu- 
rity for the preservation of the lives, liberties, and properties 
of the people; that every Militia company choose its own 
officers, and battalions their Field-Officers; that Adjutants, 
drummers, and fifers, with drums, fifes, colours, and cartouch- 
boxes, be provided at the publick expense for the different 
battalions of Militia, and guns for such unarmed men who 
are not able to purchase the same, and that the Colonels of 
each battalion be empowered to contract for the above, pro- 
cure the same, and draw on the Treasurer for the amount; 
that all moneys to be raised on the people be by a fair and 
equal assessment, in proportion to every person’s estate, and 
that the unjust mode of taxation by the poll, heretofore used, 
be abolished, and that Assessors be chosen by the people of 
each district in each County, annually; also, that the votes 
and proceedings of the Assembly be published, except such 
parts as relate to military operations and measures taken 
to procure arms and ammunition, and that they sit open, 
except when particular business requires their being private; 
also that the votes and proceedings of Congress be pub- 
lished, except as aforesaid. 

(Signed by eight hundred and eighty-five Freemen.) 


1055 


To the Electors of Anne Arunpew County: 


Grentitemen: We were honoured on Saturday afternoon 
with Instructions from a considerable number of the inha- 
bitants of this County, on points of very great importance, 
relative to the formation of a new Government for this State. 
As your Delegates, we esteem ourselves bound by your 
instructions, though ever so contrary to our opinions. We 
conceive several of your last instructions, if carried into exe- 
cution, destructive of a free Government. We are reduced 
to this alternative: we must either endeavour to establish a 
Government withouta proper security for liberty or property, 
or surrender the trust we have received from you. We sub- 
mit to you the propriety of reconsidering your instructions. 
We would with pleasure wait on you at the most convenient 
places in the County, to explain our reasons against the 
restrictions you are pleased to impose on us; but we are 
prevented by our necessary attendance on the publick busi- 
ness. If you could make it convenient to meet at the city 
of Annapolis, on Monday, the 26th instant, we will attend 
you. We are now ready (as we ever have been) to serve 
our country at every hazard; but we cannot submit to be 
instruments for its destruction. 

We are, gentlemen, with sincere respect and esteem, your 


obedient servants, Ceres 
? 


Brice T. B. Wortuineron, 


SAMUEL CHasE. 
Annapolis, August 19, 1776. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COL. HOLLINGSWORTH. 
[No. 150.] Annapolis, August 19, 1776. 


Sir: We received yours of the 14th of August, and are 
of opinion your plan for forwarding the troops is a very good 
one, and therefore we approve of it. Any expenses that 
may be incurred you will be pleased to pay, and send down 
the accounts properly authenticated, and you shall be reim- 
bursed, besides satisfaction for your trouble. When you 
want cash, apply with the order enclosed to the Eastern- 
Shore Treasurer, and he will let you have £300. What 
further may be expended, let us know, and you shall be 
paid. We would have you apply with all diligence to 
making bayonets, and also barrels of every kind, more espe- 
cially the large ones contracted for. We are, &c. 


To Colonel Henry Hollingsworth. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO KENT COUNTY COMMITTEE. 
[No. 151.] Annapolis, August 19, 1776. 


GenttemeN: The Council of Safety request you will 
buy up what wooden bottles you can, not exceeding three 
hundred, for the use of the Province. The order of Conven- 
tion for the marching of our troops was rather unexpected, 
and our workmen cannot supply the bottles so expeditiously 
as the service requires. We are, &c. 


To the Committee of Observation, Kent County. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL EWING. 


[No. 151.] Annapolis, August 19, 1776. 


Sir: We received yours of the 18th, and observed your 
complaint, which arises not from us, but a very different 
cause: we mean, your companies’ not being armed. The 
order of Convention is, that all the companies are to march 
that can be armed and equipped. Captain Forrest and 
Captain Brooks have no arms but what they have borrowed 
or can borrow of the Militia. We have therefore ordered 
them to their stations in Calvert and St. Mary’s, to supply 
the place of Captain Beall and Captain Thomas. Captain 
Hanson’s company we have ordered to march to this city, 
and also Captains Bowie and Tillard, on their way to the 
camp, when they can get armed and equipped. When that 
can be done, we shall give you the proper orders on the 
Commissary of Stores. We are sorry to have occasion so 
often to repeat what we had before told you, that your com- 
panies are not to march unarmed. As soon as they get 
arms, we shall order them to march immediately. 

We are, &c. 


To Colonel Thomas Ewing. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1056 


ISAAC GRIEST TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
: Baltimore-Town, August 19, 1776. 

Gentiemen: I have been with the tent-makers, and find 
Mr. Johnson has made up all the tent-cloth he had. Mr. 
Jacobs has two boys at work, and has stuff by him to make 
upwards of twenty tents, and has sailmakers at work on 
old sails. He says he has orders to get more tent-cloth 
from Elk-Ridge; but lam certain Johnson will do them much 
sooner, as he has now four or five hands idle. No tent- 
cloth came from Parker. No brushes or priming-wires, save 
one hundred and fifty, to be had here in less than two weeks. 
The knap and haversacks for the two companies are painted 
this day, and to-morrow, if possible, shall send them over 
the Bay. Shall send down the cartouch-boxes, &c., by the 
first opportunity. I can find no cloth in town at less than 
25s. per yard, and it will take more than two yards to make 
a blanket. Colonel Ewing has taken almost all the canteens 
that are made, but I have been with the coopers and directed 
them to work night and day, and not take time to muster 
ull they had served the Flying-Camp, for which I hope you 
will excuse me. 

I have delivered cartouch-boxes and gun-slings to the 
Captains of the three companies here and twelve blankets, 
which were all in the magazine. 

I don’t know what will be done for blankets. All our 
guns are in bad order, and very few bayonets. The smiths 
are all at work on them. I shall do all in my power to 
obey your orders. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 

I. Grirst. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


BALTIMORE COUNTY COMMITTEE. 
At a meeting of the Committee, August 19, 1776: 


Present: S. Purviance, Chairman; W. Lux, Vice-Chairman; J. Mer- 
ryman, A. Buchanan, R. Alexander, C. Ridgely, (of Wm.,) W. Ais- 
quith, J. Calhoun, J. Cradock, B. Griffith, W. Tolley, Jun., A. Britton, 
T. Sollers, J. Sterrett, E. Talbot, J. Cockey, D. Lux, T. Gist. ; 

Mr. George Lumley having produced a certificate from 
Dr. Weisenthall of his being ineffective, the fine of 40s. im- 


posed on him as a Non-Enroller was remitted. 


Complaints being exhibited by Jacob Kitsmiller, Isaac 
Sell, and Isaac Sell, Jun., to this Committee, that Mr. James 
Clarke, of this town, had refused to sell them Salt at the 
price stipulated by this Committee; whereupon the said 
James Clarke, upon summons, appeared, and confessed that 
he had taken a higher price than was allowed, and alleged 
in excuse for his conduct that his Salt was much better in 
quality than what others in town were selling for, and im- 
agined that the Committee would not censure him for a 
breach against their Resolve regulating the price of Salt, 
when, in his judgment, the purchaser was benefited by the 
extraordinary advance, and agreed to give it to him. 

Mr. Clarke then produced a concession, which was judged 
insufficient; and the following question was proposed and put 
by the Chairman: Whether any concession whatever from 
Mr. Clarke be accepted or not? 

Resolved in the negative. 


For the Negative.—Messrs. Sollers, Britton, Gist, Talbot, Sterrett, 
Aisquith, Ridgely, Cockey. 

For the Affirmative.—Messrs. Lux, Merryman, Tolley, Griffith, Cal- 
houn. 


Whereupon it was Resolved, That Mr. James Clarke be 
published as an enemy to his country. 


The fines assessed on John G. Williams and John Dim- 
mett are remitted, the former having enrolled with Captain 
Garritson, and the latter with Captain Foster. 


A Warrant was given to Captain Garritson to distress the 
goods of Samuel Fendall, Jun., Joseph Carter, and William 
Huffman, in the sum of 40s. each, for non-attendance at 
eight several meetings of his Company. 

A Warrant was also given to Captain Phillips against two 
of his Company, for 16s. each, on account of absence at 
four several meetings of said Company. 


The complaint exhibited against Mr. Christopher Limes, 
on Monday last, of his having attempted to join Lord Dun- 
more without success, and declaring that he would join Lord 
Howe; but no proper evidence being produced to support 
the charge, the said Limes was reprimanded, discharged, and 
advised to behave himself better in future. 


1057 


Mr. John Crosier exhibited a complaint against Mr, Jesse 
Hollingsworth for offering to sell Tea at an exorbitant price, 
which is referred for consideration to the next meeting of the 
Committee on Monday next. 

Mr. Jesse Hollingsworth appeared, in consequence of the 
summons of this Committee, and acknowledged the truth of 
Mr. Crosier’s allegation against him. 


It having been represented to this Committee that Robert 
Alexander, Esq., had uttered several reprehensible expres- 
sions in a speech made to the people at the close of the polls 
for Delegates for Baltimore County in the Provincial Con- 
vention, this Committee think it their duty to take notice of 
the matter, and summon Dr. Robert Lemmon, Messrs. Charles 
Ridgely, (of Jno.,) George Lux, Beryamin Levy, and James 
Cox, to give in their evidence relating to it. 

Attest: Gero. Lux, Secretary. 


AN ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE OPENING OF THE ELECTION 
IN DOVER FOR THE CHOICE OF MEMBERS OF CONVENTION, 
aucust 19, 1776. 


CounTRYMEN, FRIENDS oF Liperty: Having a few things 
to mention to you previous to your entering upon the prin- 
cipal business of the day, without making any formal apology 
for so doing, which you would deem unnecessary, for I know 
your candour, I only request your favourable attention a little 
while. Where measures relating to the publick are founded 
on pure, liberal, and upright principles, they who take an 
active part in them, being properly qualified for the task, 
cannot but possess a conscious firmness, a noble self-com- 
placency; while they who, in the more retired walks of life, 
observe and feel the salutary effects of those measures, have 
little more to do than give their approbation, and to sit down 
in quiet: they earnestly wish and hope for their country’s 
safety, should that remain yet doubtful, and will heartily 
rejoice therein, when it becomes established. Of this lat- 
ter number I account myself. With many others, peaceably 
yet very ardently, am I looking for the complete propitious 
issue of American defensive efforts; and though there be 
manifold dangers still to excite apprehension, and difficulties 
not a few to be encountered, yet have we cause to thank a 
gracious Providence that thus far our affairs are tolerably 
successful. Publick men and publick operations, throughout 
these rising States, will, with very few exceptions, I really be- 
lieve, shed on the American name conspicuous, lasting honour. 

In the course of human events, there happen in every 
country, at one period or another, certain distinguished oc- 
currences, upon which a great deal depends with respect to 
the subsequent fortune of the people. ‘The resolutions taken 
on these capital occasions and the plans adopted, do usually 
produce effects, either wholesome or malignant, that must 
require considerable time, perhaps some ages, before their 
strength can be exhausted and their influence spent. A 
very signal era in the political affairs of this Continent we 
are likely to see fixed in our day. 

The English colonists, who from their earliest settlement 
till the present year, invariably acknowledged their depend- 
ance upon the parent State, and boasted of it as their pro- 
tection and glory, have a good while past found that British 
claims are growing so exorbitant, an unconstitutional domi- 
nation of both King and Parliament is gaining ground so 
rapidly upon them, enforced by all the fury and desolation 
of war, that in order to save themselves and their posterity 
from impending ruin, they could not but dissolve the bond of 
their ancient union, and become henceforth independent. 

This their Delegates, vested with competent authority, 
exercising all the precaution, wisdom, and sagacity which 
the magnitude of the case demanded, have finally resolved 
on and declared in General Congress. 

In perfect consistency with this great plan, that honour- 
able body have recommended to the several States the form- 
ing such Constitutions, and new-modelling their internal 
police, in such manner as may best suit the genius and 
circumstances of each respectively, and conduce most to 
make the people happy, being strictly attentive withal to 
the important interests of the Continental Union. 

On the present day, therefore, in consequence of regular 
appointment, the Freemen of the Delaware State have 
assembled to elect their Representatives for the express 
purpose of establishing a system or charter of Government, 
deriving its spirit and virtue from the people’s authority. 


Firtx Serres.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1058 


It may be laid down, indeed, as a first principle, (and I 
presume we have the best writers on Government to support 
us,) that all power resides originally in the people. Some 
have talked, and written too, of a Divine right, upon a very 
different principle: but never yet could they render their 
positions even plausible. It appears much more reasonable 
to suppose that the Ruler of the Universe hath lodged the 
Divine right in the hands of the governed. 

By whomsoever the reins of Government are held— 
whether its forms be simple or compound—whether the 
departments be few or many in the State—it is the people’s 
authority that is deposited with each; and to them the con- 
stituted powers are, beyond a doubt, accountable. 

The general welfare—the people’s happiness—being the 
end or main object of all, they are to judge; for they can 
discern and feel how far that end is answered, and, in their 
collective capacity, to act as exigencies may require, but ever 
through the medium of prudence and sound discretion. 

Had not the rulers of Great Britain, to whom we so 
long with pleasure acknowledged ourselves subordinate, in- 
fringed upon our liberties, and broke down the barriers of 
publick security; had they not made light of the most sacred 
compacts, and given repeated wounds to the good old Con- 
stitution, at least as far as America is concerned, we would 
by no means have taken those steps that of necessity we 
must now pursue. A fondness for innovation we have never 
shown. Opposition to Constitutional authority we have 
never given. All we have been asking for, and all we now 
wish to attain, is “peace, liberty, and safety;” and if we 
cannot enjoy these blessings in one system, we must try 
another. ‘This is the footing on which we stand; here is the 
ground on which we proceed; and we trust in God it is firm 
enough to bear us. 

You must be sensible, then, my respected countrymen, of 
the high privilege long since clearly recognised, fully ascer- 
tained to you: the privilege, the right of governing yourselves ; 
a circumstance absolutely essential to civil liberty. But as 
this can only be effected by delegation, it being utterly 
inconvenient and impracticable for the whole people per- 
sonally (for instance, in such a body as attends here to-day, 
or one a vast deal larger) to be present at the passing of 
every ordinance and law, it is incumbent on them to be 
exceeding careful who they appoint to act in their behalf. 
Want of proper circumspection in this particular is highly 
culpable; I scarce know anything that can excuse it. And 
whether such infidelity to themselves and to their country 
proceeds from people’s indolence of temper; from a supine 
indifference about the matter—who or what kind of men are 
appointed; or whether it springs from venal corrupt views; 
or, lastly, from faction and the manceuvres of party business, 
the evils accruing to society are much the same; the conse- 
quences in the end may prove fatal. 

Now, brethren convened on this occasion, you are well 
acquainted with the purpose of your meeting; you know the 
importance of it. ‘There never was, perhaps, an election 
held in this County, or this Government, half so interesting 
as the present. Be very cautious, be rational, be dispassion- 
ate, be prudent, be just to yourselves and to your children. 

What you have to do is, to choose suitable men; men who 
have skill and integrity equal to the business you are sending 
them upon. ‘The Congress hath pronounced you indepen- - 
dent and free; it will rest with your Convention, by their 
judicious management, to secure to you the happiness and 
safety that may result from that declaration. For a State 
may be free and independent with respect to the impositions 
of any foreizn Power; and nevertheless, through the vices of 
its own policy, or the arbitrary disposition of its own Rulers, 
the people of it be slaves, or at best, have a very precarious 
security, and a defective enjoyment of their privileges. 

Bare good meaning in your Representatives, without capa- 
city, is insufficient; so is capacity without an honest heart. 
You can find men among you possessed of both; men, I trust, 
unbiased by prejudice, not warped by passion, above the 
narrowness and illiberality of injuring the general welfare 
out of private resentment, or for private interest. ‘They also, 
in particular, who have already conducted themselves well 
in the sphere of publick usefulness ought not to be over- 
looked now by a grateful sagacious people. 

Be upon your guard against a party spirit, or you will be 
misled. Beware of those who would increase subsisting 
jealousies, and exasperate you against each other. Though 


67 


1059 


such supporters of the common cause, be they of what dis- 
tinction or side they please, it matters not, do assume a 
patriotick semblance, or may address you under signatures 
no less than of Roman dignity, listen not to their story with 
attention over-credulous; think for yourselves; judge for your- 
selves. ‘They zealously affect you, but not well.” ‘Their 
ways and means are quite incompetent to beneficial ends. 
The spirit of patriotism is no headlong noisy effervescence, 
nor angry ebullition of the mind; it delights not in tumult, 
revenge, or outrage. It is a pure manly flame, superior to 
the mists of faction, regarding no party names, exalting the 
soul to deeds of diffusive virtue. It is allied so close to the 
spirit of Christianity as to claim these as its predominant 
qualities: an undismayed firmness, a generous expansive 
benevolence, with zeal, wisdom, and clearness of understand- 
ing; for it, too, is “a spirit of power, and of love, and of a 
sound mind.” 

Permit me, then, to charge you with an affectionate solici- 
tude—to entreat you, as a brother and fellow-inhabitant, 
whose hopes and interests are one with yours, to lay divisions 
and animosities entirely aside; they will, unless relinquished, 
distract our councils, enervate, retard, and disfigure our 
most useful proceedings at home, and utterly discredit us 
abroad. Let us be united and at peace, by all means, 
among ourselves. If ever unanimity was a virtue, it must 
be one at the present juncture, and a pre€minent virtue it is 
in a worthy cause. 

It is more than probable that in the process of this day 
there will be diversity of opinions amongst you, and a con- 
trariety of endeavours; there will be planning, no doubt, and 
counter-planning. This may arise from the nature of the 
business, for aught I know, and possibly, in itself, may not 
be censurable in the least, or hurtful to the bond of peace, 
provided men act from an upright motive, conducting their 
plans or their opposition, if they must oppose one another, 
with humanity, good sense, and decency. But “bitterness, 
and wrath, and clamour, and evil speaking, and malice,” — 
O fy! fy on them! they are to be classed with things most 
“frank and foul in nature.” _ 

At an election it is implied that certain persons, either 
upon their own motion or proposed by some or other of the 
electors, do stand candidates for an appointment, whatever 
itis. Here, then, the electors or constituents have a right 
to exercise their own judgment; and people will differ some- 
times in opinion. ‘They have the privilege of choosing for 
themselves, and they may differ in their choice. But still, 
it is every one’s indispensable duty to inform his judgment 
as well as possible, and to use his privilege so as not to 
abuse it. ‘The sure way is, to conduct yourselves clear of 
prejudice and undue influence. 

I step not forward as an advocate for tests, on occasions 
of this sort especially; yet, perhaps, if every one who sets 
up at an election, and every voter, laying his hand upon his 
heart, were virtually to put some such test to himself as the 
following: Do I solemnly think that I am a suitable person 
for the place or trust I am soliciting? or, do I solemnly 
believe that the person or persons I vote for, and whose 
interest I am pushing, are duly qualified? and is my oppo- 
sition to others grounded on principle?—it would tend to 
preserve both civil and moral liberty. 

The mention of this test brings to my mind another: I 
mean that which the honourable House of Assembly have 
empowered the Judges of this election to put, as they may 
think fit, to all or any of the voters. What I would observe 
on it (and I do it with great deference) is no more than this: 
If it was only meant as a restraint upon those who may be 
disaffected to the American cause, it was meant well; but 
if it should prove a bar to any tender or scrupulous con- 
sciences, so that a considerable class of men, otherwise good 
friends to their country, are withheld from their right, it is a 
pity. However, you, gentlemen, Inspectors and Judges, 
have a discretionary power in the matter, I apprehend; and 
we need not doubt your exercising it in a manner delicate 
and unexceptionable. 

Now I conclude, wishing this County success in the event 
of this interesting day, and desiring for the sister Counties a 
similar felicity. May we and they always have a succes- 
sion of able, good men, to manage our political concerns, 
incorruptible guardians of the rights of freemen, the honest 
Representatives of an honest people. 

Like another Sparta, may this little State be wise, and 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1060 


brave, and great; great in strength, but greater still in virtue ; 
holding its rank with unimpaired dignity in the scale of 
American empire. 


JOSIAH BARTLETT TO JOHN LANGDON. 
Philadelphia, August 19, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Your favour of the 5th instant has come to 
hand, and am much pleased to hear of the success of the 
New-England privateers in capturing British ships. May 
they go on to distress the Britzsh trade, till they are taught 
wisdom by misfortune, since nothing else will effect it. I 
opened your letter to Colonel Whipple, agreeable to your 
order, in which I find you want information about the agency 
and marine affairs; but as Colonel Whipple will be able to 
satisfy you as to those matters, (who will be with you before 
this,) I shall say nothing about them. 

Since Colonel Whipple left us the ship Morris arrived 
here from Havre-de-Grace, in France. She has brought on 
Continental account above one hundred bolts of sail cloth, 
amounting to between fifty and sixty thousand yards. She 
has also brought for this Colony fifty-three tons of lead, and 
seven and a half tons of powder, &c., &c. 

A ship has likewise arrived from Lisbon, with necessaries 
for the Continent, but cannot give the particulars. She left 
Lisbon the latter end of June, and left several other of our 
vessels there, who were permitted to trade freely, notwith- 
standing the report which lately prevailed, that the Portu- 
guese had seized all American ships in their harbours. 

One vessel from ’.Statia, and one vessel from the French 
West- Indies, have also arrived, and have brought in about 
five tons of powder, &c. By a letter from ’Statia, dated 
28th July, we are told that the Dutch have refused to renew 
the prohibition for sending out arms and ammunition ; that 
the English have seized two of their ships, and sent them 
into England, under pretence of their supplying us with 
arms, &c.; that in consequence, the Dutch had ordered sixty 
ships of war to be fitted out, and to raise twenty thousand 
additional land forces, and had refused to lend England the 
Scotch regiments, as they had before agreed to. What de- 
pendence is to be placed in this intelligence, I can’t certainly 
say, but believe some part of it, at least, is true, I hope all. 
By sundry letters, it appears that both the French and Dutch 
are very fond of our trade, and have sent and are sending to 
the West-Indies large quantities of arms, and every other 
article that we are like to want. 

The insolence of the commanders of the British men-of- 
war in the West-Indies, is become intolerable. It seems 
that one of them some time since went into the harbour at 
 Statia, and after waiting some days, attempted to take pos- 
session of some American vessels there, but was prevented 
by the Dutch. She then left the harbour, and the next day 
seized a ship bound from ’Statza to Amsterdam, and carried 
her into one of the English Islands, and there he detains her. 
This has so exasperated the Dutch, that the Governour of 
’ Statia has (it is said) ordered the Captains of the ports to 
fire on any English man-of-war that comes within reach of 
their guns. + This looks like kicking up a dust. 

I am, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Jostan Barrett. 


To Mr. John Langdon. 


P.S. August 20th.—Yesterday a vessel arrived at Egg- 
Harbour, that was sent to the West-Indies on the account of 
the Congress. It is said she has brought six hundred stand 
of arms and ten tons of powder. ‘The particulars of the 
fire-ships attempting the men-of-war, and burning a tender, 
and of the men-of-war getting down by New-York, you will 
hear before this reaches you. ~ Ut sup. J. B. 


GENERAL WOOSTER TO THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. 
Philadelphia, August 19, 1776. 
GentvLemen : Having the pleasure and satisfaction of your 
approbation of my past conduct in the Army, beg leave to 
acquaint your Honours, that I am still ready and willing to 
serve in my proper rank in the Army, and attend your further 
orders. 
I am, with due respect, your Honours’ most obedient, 


humble servant 
’ Davin Wooster. 


To the Honourable Continental Congress. 


1061 


WILLIAM COX TO WILLIAM ATLEE. 
Philadelphia, August 19, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Your agreeable letter of the 8th instant came 
safe to hand a few days ago, by John Hubley, Esq., enclo- 
sing £175, for which I am extremely obliged to you. May 
you get ten thousand per cent. interest fpr this advance. 
She is a fine brig, and mounts twelve six and four pounders, 
with swivels, cohorns, howitzers, muskets, blunderbusses, 
pistols, &c., with provisions and other necessaries for a four 
months’ cruise. She carries ninety men, and is commanded 
by one of the most agreeable Captains that perhaps ever 
sailed out of this port, a seaman and warrior every inch of 
him: his name is Hamilton. I expect he will sail in a few 
days. My brother has been offered twenty-five per cent. 
advance for the half of his half, and would not take it. 
Enclosed is a letter for Mrs. Atlee, to whom be pleased to 
give my compliments; and am, your very humble servant, 


Wm. Cox. 


PHILADELPHIA COUNTY COMMITTEE. 
Philadelphia, August 19, 1776. 

Whereas the Militia of this County have bravely, at this 
emergency, stepped forth and pledged their all in contend- 
ing for our most sacred and invaluable rights, which are 
inalienably derived from the laws of God and nature; and 
whereas many of those persons have left families, who are 
destitute of every means of acquiring an honest living: 

Resolved, therefore, ‘That those poor families, at this un- 
happy situation of affairs, ought to become the objects of 
publick compassion, and that they cannot be treated with 
too much lenity, as a recompense for the inestimable ser- 
vices that may be done by their husbands, who are now 
subjecting themselves to the hardships and dangers of war, 
while others enjoy perfect tranquillity, with every happiness 
that their domestick repose can suggest. 


As there are gentlemen appointed in every Township to 
distribute such sums of money to the families of the poor 
Associatots, now in actual service, as their several necessi- 
ties may require, 

Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to those gen- 
tlemen to be actuated purely from principles of humanity, 
and that they make an equitable and frugal distribution of the 
money deposited in their hands, by paying proper attention 
to the distressed, at the same time avoiding the imposition 
of impostors; and upon the whole, that they discharge the 
trust reposed in them with great care and fidelity, as they 
will be accountable to the Treasurer of this Committee how 
they have distributed their several sums. 


This day appeared before the Committee a certain James 
Thomson, of the Township of Oxford, and voluntarily made 
the following acknowledgment: 

‘Whereas I have at sundry times been guilty of saying 
many imprudent things, inimical to the natural rights and 
liberties of America, and have threatened violence both to 
my neighbours’ properties and families during their absence 
in the Militia: 1 do hereby, from a sense of my fault, most 
humbly beg the pardon of all those whom I have offended 
by my misconduct, and promise before this Committee that 
I will for the future conduct myself as an orderly well dis- 
posed person. James ‘THomson.” 


The above named Thomson declaring that he is afraid to 
return home to his lawful employment without this Commit- 
tee will interfere with their protection: 

Resolved, therefore, That it be recommended to the inha- 
bitants of the Township of Oxford, and all others, that they 
would forgive the said Thomson, and suffer him to return 
home unmolested, as he does, with every mark of conviction 
becoming a penitent, solemnly promise and declare, that he 
will ever hereafter behave himself with becoming decency 
and respect to all ranks of people. 

Signed by order of the Committee: 

Enocu Epwarps, Secretary. 


GENERAL ORDERS. 
Head-Quarters, Elizabeth-Town, August 19, 1776. 
Gen. Mercer desires his most grateful acknowledgments 
may be signified to the gentlemen Associators of Pennsyl- 
vania, for the great attention they have paid to every part 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


* 


1062 


of military duty while under his command. He is happy to 
have it in his power to relieve them, agreeable to order of 
Convention, and hopes the quota of men to be furnished by 
such battalions will be speedily made up, in proportion to 
the numbers on duty here, that no delay may be given to 
the most honourable dismission of the remainder. 


LANCASTER COUNTY (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE. 


At a meeting of the Committee of Inspection and Obser- 
vation, at the house of Adam Reigart, the 19th August, 
1776: 


Present: Mathias Slough, William Atlee, Henry Dehuff, Lodwick 
Lowman, John Miller, Eberhart Gruber, Christopher Crawford. 


William Atlee in the chair. 


Resolved by the Committee, That John Bruce, an Asso- 
ciator in Captain Withers’s Company of Militia, in Colonel 
Ferree’s Battalion, be not marched with the Militia, he 
being a Gunbarrel-maker, and it being contrary to the Re- 
solves of Congress to march tradesmen of that kind. And it 
is the opinion of the Committee, that Alexander Hunter, a 
Fuller, also in Captain Withers’s Company, ought to remain 
at home to pursue his business, he being the only Fuller in 
that neighbourhood. 

William Frenniman, of the Seventh Regiment, is per- 
mitted to work with Doctor Christian Voght, at the Salt- 
petre making business, he here in Committee engaging to be 
answerable for him agreeable to the Resolves of the Com- 
mittee. 

Cuthbert Harcope, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is 
permitted to work with Henry Musser, at the Nailer’s busi- 
ness, he here in Committee engaging to be answerable for 
him, agreeable to the Resolves of the Committee. 


GENERAL ROBERDEAU’S ADDRESS. 
The following Address of General Roberdeau to the Pennsylvania 
Associators at Amboy, is published by an order of the Convention of 
Pennsylvania, of August 19, 1776. 


Joun Morris, Jun., Secretary. 


GentLemen: As it hath pleased Providence, for the 
exercise of our patience, and for the defence of that free- 
dom which we inherit from the great Giver of all things, 
to call us from our families to the field; and as I have the 
honour of being your General officer, I trust you will take it 
well in me to endeavour to point out to you whatever ap- 
pears necessary, either for your own particular good, or the 
more noble object—the good of all. 

It is our unavoidable lot to live in the day of trial; and, 
for my own part, as | am persuaded, from the haughty dis- 
position of the English nabobs towards us, that a day of 
bloody separation must one time or other have happened; 
on that account, I say, I think it my duty to rejoice, and to 
reckon it among the number of my felicities in this world, 
that it hath happened at a time when I can bear my part 
therein. If wecan leave peace and freedom to our children 
and posterity, we leave them a fortune more valuable than 
gold. 

As to our present condition as soldiers in camp, I would 
advise you to reflect, that a young Army, so suddenly col- 
lected, and having everything to learn and to provide, will 
unavoidably be put to many inconveniences, especially at 
first. It is a new life to us all, and young beginners in every 
state must expect trouble; but as we have taken up the 
sword, so likewise must we take up the cross of a soldier, 
and go through the difficulties as well as the dangers of the 
field. Hardship is the soldier’s fate, and there is as much 
true honour in bearing it with a manly fortitude as in facing 
the cannon of an enemy. Patience under difficulties is one 
of the first virtues in a military character, and without which, 
no man, however brave, will ever be a soldier. 

A number of complaints have been very justly made 
respecting the provision delivered out by the Commissaries, 
and I assure you that no care or duty has been or shall be 
wanting in me, in concurrence with my senior in command, 
General Mercer, to have the provisions good, and the quan- 
tities justly given out; yet, after all, we must not expect to 
have things about us with that order and economy with 
which we had them at home. In times like these, some 
sacrifice of conveniency must always be made to necessity. 


1063 


And if any man among us is so lost to all sense of virtue in 
this important struggle for life, liberty, and property, and 
the conservation of them to posterity—who cannot, for a 
short time, put up with a soldier’s fare, that he may afford 
his country that service she calls for, and which is greater 
than, in all probability, will ever be in his power, through his 
whole life, to render again—such a man is beneath mine 
and every honest -American’s respect or notice. Your 
reasonable complaints will be remedied, and until that can 
be accomplished, I recommend it to you to show your good 
sense by your good nature, and put up with things as well 
as your can. 

But I find myself under the unpleasant necessity of taking 
notice of a dissatisfied spirit which, somehow or other, has 
crept in among some of us. Of your valour I have no 
doubt, and I warn you, as friends and fellow-soldiers, that 
you listen not to those (should there be such among us) who 
would stir up discontent and uneasiness. ‘Let us go home,” 
has been the cry of some. What! my friends; turn your 
backs on your enemies in three or four weeks’ time? Is it 
worth putting the Continent to the expense of equipping 
and marching a body of men for the service only for a few 
days, and half that time spent in going and coming? Besides, 
can you expect anything less than that the enemy will fol- 
low you to your homes, joined by a large body of Tories, 
that will flock to them the moment you leave this spot? 
“But we have wives and families,” you will say, “and our 
business is at stake.”” The more reason, then, you have to 
stay. You are the very men whose duty it is not to go. 
Here is the spot to make your defence. If you have a mind 
to keep the enemy from ravaging your country, fight them 
on the sea-shore. If you would preserve your property and 
families in peace, then let not those who would destroy the 
one, and distress the other, set their foot upon your shores. 
And if any of you have wives, connexions, friends, or rela- 
tions, who urge you to return, they may just as well invite 
the enemy to come along with you. There is no difference, 
in effect, between retreating and being defeated. Consider 
it well, gentlemen; think for your country’s good; look but 
across the water, and for your honour’s sake, never let it be 
said that an army of sixpenny soldiers, picked up from 
prisons and dungeons, freed from transportation, the whip- 
ping post, and the gallows, fighting in the worst of causes, 
and for the worst of Kings, bore the fatigue of war with 
stouter hearts than you. 

That we have left a number of disaffected men behind us, 
who have contributed nothing or no just proportion to the 
service of the country which gave them bread, and which 
has raised them from poverty to plenty, is true, and too 
true; and that there are others who are meanly seeking to 
enrich themselves by your absence, is equally true; but let 
not their vices be our example. If they have failed in duty, 
it is no reason we should. And I have the pleasure of 
informing you, that the Convention has taken that matter 
under consideration, as appears by the following extract from 
their proceedings : 

“‘In Convention, July 23. 

‘“‘ Whereas the Associators of this State, on the requisi- 
tion of the honourable Continental Congress, have freely 
and bravely gone into the field for the defence of the com- 
mon liberties of America, while the Non-Associators remain 
at home in peace and security, without affording, by per- 
sonal service or otherwise, that just and necessary assistance 
they owe to the State for their protection : 

“ Therefore, Resolved, That this Convention will take the 
most effectual measures to render the burden and expense 
of the inhabitants of this State just and equal.” 

1 have now, gentlemen, to remind you of the condition on’ 
which you marched and engaged in the present service, which 
was, to continue therein “until the Flying-Camp of ten thou- 
sand men could be collected to relieve you, unless you should 
be sooner discharged by Congress.” 

These, gentlemen, are the express words. I have written 
to the Convention to hasten the completion of the F'lying- 
Camp, and I need not point out to you the ruin and destruc- 
tion that would follow were any of you to quit your station 
before you are relieved. ‘The enemy, in that case, would 
be encouraged to attack, either those who were brave enough 
to remain, or the Army at New-York, and perhaps a thou- 
sand of your brethren may fall for every hundred of you 
which at this time should withdraw from duty, a circum- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1064 


stance, gentlemen, you would never through life be able to 
reconcile to your consciences, especially as it is possible 
that, by our formidable numbers and unanimous spirit, the 
enemy may be disheartened from attacking us. 

I am desirous, gentlemen, of having the matter plainly 
understood among you all, and I should be deficient in duty 
both to you and the publick, were I to speak a language that 
might tend to amuse or deceive you. I have no interest. 
distinct from yours to make my entreaties necessary; the 
cause is as much yours as mine; you have the same at stake 
which I have. 1 am ready at any time to go with you 
through every necessary difficulty or danger, and I expect 
from you the same disposition. Only consider the duty 
you owe to yourselves, to your families, and to your country, 
and you need no other inducements. When you forget 
these, which I think it impossible you should, every other 
will be in vain. And, as a necessary companion to your 
bravery, [ would recommend to you, gentlemen, a strict 
observance of the discipline and duty of a soldier; a true 
spirit of liberty is a spirit of order; there can be no liberty 
preserved without order. The English Army derive all 
their strength from a close attention to discipline; with them, 
it supplies the want of virtue. In short, gentlemen, though 
our cause is the most noble that man ever fought to defend, 
yet bravery, without order, will not be sufficient for the work 
we have to do. As we abound in the first, let us add _to it 
the advantages of the last; and with those united, under the 
smiles of Heaven, we have no reason to fear a glorious 
issue to our righteous cause. 


GENERAL MERCER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Newark, August 19, 1776. 

Sir: This will be delivered at Head-Quarters by Mr. 
Ludwick, whom I sent for to Amboy, in consequence of 
your Excellency’s letter of yesterday. Enclosed is some 
intelligence that may be of consequence. I am pushing on 
troops to Bergen to the amount of one thousand. I hear 
the Third Virginza Regiment is on the march to join the 
Army. Please to signify your intentions as to the disposi- 
tion of such Virginia troops as may arrive—whether they 
are to proceed on to New-York or remain in the Flying- 
Camp. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your Excellency’s most 
obedient servant, TEN eeeer 


To General Washington. 


Jonathan Woodman, Isaac Osborne, and Robert Peas, 
say, that on the 2d of June they were taken in the schooner 
Wilhiam, belonging to Salem, in her passage from St. Mar- 
tin’s, by the Cerberus frigate; that they were carried into 
Halifax and shipped on board the Peggy transport, from 
which they escaped last night. They further say, that the 
Phenix man-of-war was grappled by one of our fire-ships, 
and narrowly escaped being burnt; that the ships, in their 
passage down, received some shots, and the Phenix had one 
man killed; that on Thursday night last, a boat came from 
the Phenix down to the fleet, a Lieutenant in which re- 
ceived a cannon-ball through his thigh from one of our bat- 
teries. ‘The accounts as to the number of the enemy’s 
troops are various; that the Army is sickly, especially Lord 
Dunmore’s, who brought but one hundred and six, black and 
white, with him; that General Clinton’s conduct at Charles- 
town is much blamed—he is accused of cowardice, and some 
say he will be hanged; that before nine o’clock, boats are 
suffered to pass through the fleet without interruption; that 
they have built about twenty new flat-bottom boats, every 
ship, besides, having one; that last week several bodies of 
troops were embarked—some yesterday, and the ships that 
received them all unmoored; that the Hessian troops appear 
old and indifferent; that the Highlanders seem very desirous 
of deserting, three of whom have been lately taken in the 
attempt and hanged, and one shot. 


The Examination of Captain Brirron, who landed from on board a brig 
bound to Nantucket, belonging to the whale fishery, which had been dis- 
charged by Lord Howe. 


Captain Britton sailed from Halifax with four hundred 
Light-Horse. From the best intelligence that he could col- 
lect, there are about seven hundred Light-Horse on Staten- 


10655 


Island. It is thought there are about twenty-five thousand 
effective men, eleven thousand of whom are Hessians. The 
general report was, that they intended to attack Long-Island 
first, and, if possible, to storm the fort opposite the city, in 
order to prevent their shipping being annoyed when the 
attack is made on New-York. The Hessians were landing 
on Staten-Island as fast as possible when he left it; and, 
from a conversation he had with several Hessian officers, he 
has no doubt, from proper encouragement and opportunity, 
they would join the Americans; that Captain Talbot, of 
the Niger, with two other frigates, had received orders 
to go round the east end of Long-Island into the Sound, in 
order to cut off the communication between Long-Island 
and the main; that it is generally thought they mean to 
attack Long-Island with their Grenadiers and Light-Infantry, 
and at the same time to send the remainder of their Army 
up the North Rwer, and land above the town, by which 
means they expect to secure General Washington and the 
Army without firing a shot. That Captain Britton believes 
the attack is only delayed until a favourable wind and tide 
offers, as they intended it on Saturday morning last; that 
they are certain of success, as they are of opinion our men 
will not stand more than one fire; that the mode of attack 
is, to give one fire, and then rush on with fixed bayonets. 
That a number of boats from Long-Island came over with 
fresh provisions and intelligence during his confinement; and 
that a negro from Staten-Island goes over to the Jersey shore 
every night to receive letters lodged in some private place; 
and that he believes they have daily intelligence of all our 
movements. A negro escaped from Staten-Island this mor- 
ning, who says that all the troops from this quarter were to 
march on Wednesday next, and to be replaced by Hessians. 
Head-Quarters at Amboy, August 18, 1776, one o’clock. 


GENERAL ROBERDEAU TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Newark, August 19, 1776, half-past eleven o’clock, A. M. 
Sir: The post-rider just passed through here, with a very 
incredible story, which he told with great confidence, viz: 
that you had received a flag from Lord Howe, “ proposing 
to retire with the fleet and army, and that he was willing to 
settle the present dispute on any terms you should ask ;” for 
which he quoted the authority of an officer in your Army, 
who told him he might spread the news without the least 
reserve, for that the officer offered to swear to the truth, for 
that he had it from you. As this intelligence might have a 
tendency to lull the inhabitants, I thought it my duty to 
make it the subject of an express, without counselling 
General Mercer, who is gone forward towards Amboy. 
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 
Daniet Roperpeav. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Commander-in- 


Chief, Head-Quarters, New-York. 


P.S. The intelligencer further informed that the reason 
of this hasty move from Lord Howe was news from England 
of a rumpus with France. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 20, 1776.] 
New-York, August 19, 1776. 

Sir: I have nothing of moment to communicate to Con- 
gress, as things are in the situation they were when I had 
last the honour of addressing them. 

By a letter from General Ward of the 12th, I find that 
Whetcomb’s regiment, on the 8th, and Phinney’s, on the 9th, 
marched from Boston for Ticonderoga. Governour Trum- 
bull, also, in a letter of the 13th, advises me that Ward’s 
regiment, in the service of the States, was on the march 
to this Army, and that he and his Council of Safety had 
in the whole ordered fourteen Militia regiments to reinforce 
us. ‘Three of them have arrived, and amount to about one 
thousand and twenty men. When the whole come, we 
shall be on a much more respectable footing than what we 
have been; but I greatly fear, if the enemy defer their attack 
for any considerable time, they will be extremely impatient 
to return home; and if they should, we shall be reduced to 
distress again. He also adds, that Captain Van Buren, 
who had been sent for that purpose, had procured a suffi- 
cient supply of sail-cloth for the vessels to be employed in 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1066 


the Lake, and a part of the cordage in that State, and a 
prospect of getting the remainder. 

As there will be a difficulty, in all probability, to circulate 
the papers designed for the foreign troops, and many mis- 
carriages may happen before it can be effected, it may be 
proper to furnish me with a larger quantity than what I 
already have. 

Enclosed [ have the honour to transmit you a general 
return of our whole force at this time, in which are com- 
prehended the three regiments of Militia above mentioned. 
I am sorry it should be so much weakened by sickness. 
The return will show you how it distresses us. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, your most 


obedient 
’ Go. Wasuincron. 


P.S. The post just now arrived has brought a further 
supply of papers for the Hessians, which makes my requisi- 
tion unnecessary. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL ROBERDEAU. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 19, 1776. 

Sir: I received your favour of this date, and thank you 
for the intelligence thereby communicated. 

The report propagated by the post-rider is totally desti- 
tute of truth in every instance; and as it may have the fatal 
tendency you seem but too justly to apprehend, I beg, sir, 
that you will take such steps to contradict and suppress it 
as you shall think most likely to effect it. Iam, &c. 

Go. Wasuineron. 


To Brig. Gen. Daniel Roberdeau, Pennsylvania Militia. 


QUARTERMASTER HUGHES TO GENERAL GATES. 
New-York, August 19, 1776. 

Sir: By order of his Excellency General Washington, I 

have the honour to enclose you a return of sundry articles 

shipped on board the schooner Union, Captain Sanford, 
which I wish safe to hand. 

Iam, with great respect, your Honour’s most obedient 
and very humble servant, 


Hueu Hueurs, A. Q. MG. 
To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


A Return made, New-Yorx, Avucust 19, 1776, to His 
Excellency Georce Wasuineton, Esquire, General and 
,Commander-in- Chief of the Forces of the Unrrep States 
or America, by order of Colonel Sterpuen Moyuan, Esq., 

Quartermaster-General, of the following articles, shipped 

for AuBany, in good order, by Huau Huaues, Assistant 
Quartermaster-General, on board the Schooner Unton, 
Puito Sanrorp, Master, and to be delivered to the Hon. 
Major-General Gates, or his order. 


Double-headed Shot: For 18-pounders, 60; for 12-pound- 
ers, 80; for 9-pounders, 80; for 6-pounders, 100. 
30 reams of Musket Cartridge-paper. 
9 Bullet-moulds. 
33 cwt. 1 qr. and 4 lbs. of Grape-shot. 
PuiLo Sanrorp. 


StepHeN Moyxan, Q. M. G. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED AvuGusT 19, 
1776. 


Yesterday morning being cloudy and rainy, the Phenix 
and Rose took the advantage, and weighed anchor, but kept 
on the eastern shore, which prevented General Mifflin from 
bringing a gun to bear upon them. ‘They passed through 
a passage which we had left open, and which was to be 
stopped in a day or two. About a quarter after six they 
appeared at Greenwich, on which our batteries and galleys 
prepared to attack. They passed all our fortifications (it is 
thought) without much damage. Coming directly opposite 
the city they fired several broadsides, but with little or no 
execution. They had on board a deserter, who helped to 
stop the place, and who showed them the way through which 
they passed. ‘They have joined their fleet, with the loss of 
one of their tenders, which was burnt the other night by the 
fire-ships, and the Phenix narrowly escaped. 

We have this day one whole regiment employed to load 


1067 


a number of vessels with stones to sink between the Grand 
Battery and Governour’s Island, which they will effect in a 
day or two. 

A deserter from the enemy yesterday says, that five thou- 
sand men are to attack Long-Island, and the rest New- York 
on Tuesday next. 

The brig Enterprise, Captain Joseph De White, and sloop 
Beaver, Captain Stewart Dean, two letters of marque, be- 
longing to this port, after an engagement of two glasses, have 
taken two ships, viz: the Earl of Errol, a new vessel, two 
hundred and seventy tons burden, Captain John Bartlett, 
from G'renada, bound to London, mounting six two-pound- 
ers, laden with two hundred and twenty-two hogsheads of 
sugar, four hundred and fifty-nine bags of cotton, twenty- 
nine hogsheads of coffee, and one pipe of Madeira wine, 
valued at £25,000, has safely arrived in Boston harbour; 
and the ship Nevis, Captain Coffin, laden with five hundred 
hogsheads of sugar and seventy hogsheads of rum, supposed 
to be arrived at Casco Bay; both taken the 22d of July. 
Yesterday arrived thirty sail from Connecticut, with troops 
on board. The brig Sea Flower, Captain Savage, men- 
tioned in my last to be taken by the enemy, is now in the 
Sound, and expected down next tide, laden with salt and 
medicines. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED avucusT 19, 
1776. 


A flag of truce came up on Saturday to get liberty for 
Lord Drummond and three others to come on shore. Some 
will be allowed, but not his Lordship; he broke his parole. 
He wants to go to Congress to treat about reconciliation. 
The General sent word, that if Lord Howe would send a 
man of honour to Congress, he would give him a passport. 


COLONEL HITCHCOCK TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Long-Island, August 19, 1776. 

May IT PLEASE Your ExceLiency: It gives me pain to 
trouble your Excellency at this time, when concerns the 
most important that ever filled the human breast must lie with 
weight upon your mind; but when I see promotions all around 
me, and am told that your Excellency has also assured Colo- 
nel Varnum that he shall be promoted, your Excellency will 
not think it strange that it should sensibly touch me. Colo- 
nel Varnum and myself are the only two Colonels that at the 
beginning of the war came out from the Colony of Rhode- 
Island. Both left the bar there together, and were then upon 
a par. Ambition, then, must prompt us both to wish at least 
to rise alike, because in that Colony there will and must of 
course be a stigma fixed indellibly on the character of him 
who should be so unhappy as not to be promoted. It is 
true, in the settlement of ranks he was made senior Colonel ; 
Though while we lay at Roxbury, by General G'reene’s orders, 
(for we came from the Colony without any rank settled,) we 
cast lots for seniority, which I then obtained. However, 
your Excellency, in your late orders, has been pleased to as- 
sure us that seniority shall not determine promotions. What, 
then, should entitle him more than myself to preferment I 
can’t conceive. If I have not attended to the cares of my 
regiment, if I have not conducted my regiment with as much 
prudence, if I have not executed every order and command 
with as much punctuality, or if my moral as well as military 
conduct since | have entered the service under your Excel- 
lency has not been as exemplary and as distinguished as 
Colonel Varnum’s, I wish not to be promoted with him. For 
the determination of this, I will appeal to General Greene, 
who intimately knows us both. Did my state of health per- 
mit, I should bave waited on your Excellency in person; 
but as yet it does not, though, thank God, I am much better, 
and intend in a few days to help drub those mercenary 
sons of tyranny. 

I wish not to detract from the character of any officer, or 
to do an act to prevent any from promotion—I know it is 
the pride and ambition of every military person; but [ must, 
with great submission, say, that if I am so unhappy as to fall 
so far short of your Excellency’s esteem and regard as not 
to be recommended to Congress equally with Colonel Var- 
num, in justice to my character, (which must suffer from 
whence I came,) that moment that he shall receive prefer- 
ment and myself unnoticed, I shall beg leave of your Excel- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1068 


lency to resign my commission and go home, and at the end 
of the campaign my whole regiment, both officers and sol- 
diers, will follow me. I don’t mention this as hinting that I 
will ever be instrumental in it, because God forbid I should 
ever thus injure my country, which constantly engages my 
whole attention; but such has been and such is now the am- 
bition that runs through the regiment, because the regiment 
which I command came from a senior County than that which 
Colonel Varnum commands, and they always thought they 
ought to have been the oldest regiment, so that I am certain 
all the persuasion that can be used will not then prevent 
their quitting the service. 

With the greatest esteem, and a readiness to execute all 
commands, i am your Excellency’s most obedient and most 


humble servant, Die hee 


To His Excellency General Washington, Commander-in- 
Chief of all the Forces of the American States, New-York. 


COLONEL McDOUGALL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Tuesday, one o’clock. 


Sir: The substance of the examination of the woman 
which your Excellency directed me to take, is as follows, 
viz: ‘That her name is Mary Debeau; that she lived with 
Mr. John Livingston about eighteen months ago, and resided 
two weeks in New-York before she went to Staten-Island 
the day the man-of-war passed up the river; that she em- 
barked with seven men, good livers in appearance, and eight 
or nine women and ten children, landed to the right of the 
fleet and Army, and that no person questioned her or her com- 
panions there about her or their business, or any other sub- 
ject; that her errand there was to see her husband’s mother. 
She can give no account of the state of the Army on the 
Island, nor precisely where she stayed. That she left that on 
Sunday last, in the afternoon, in company with ten or eleven 
men and women, and passed the fleet on her left, and landed 
at the foot of Leary’s Street, (where the ferries to Powles- 
Hook are kept,) between seven and eight last night, and 
that the boat was not examined in crossing the bay, nor any 
of the passengers questioned when they landed; that her 
husband, John Debeau, is in our service, (she thinks in the 
First Battalion of Militia; that she knows not the name of 
any of her companions who went down or came up with her, 
except one Cassens, who said he lived lately near the Ex- 
change; that from what she could collect, the business of 
her companions down was to secure a place of retreat, and 
those who came up to take their families out of town. 

She answers so evasively, that I am at a loss to determine 
her true character. I have, however, had her searched by 
matrons for papers, but found none. From her appearance 
and deportment, I am inclined to conclude she is a follower 
of the enemy’s Army. And as the Committee of the town 
is composed of persons from every quarter of the town, I 
submit it to your Excellency whether they will not be most 
likely to search this matter to the bottom, and discover her 
fellow passengers, if her story be true. 

I have the honour to be, your Excellency’s very humble 


servant 
2 Auex. McDoveauu. 


To His Excellency General Washington, Head-Quarters. 


CAPTAIN SUYDAM’S REPORT. 
Camp, Long-Island, August 19, 1776. 


I, the subscriber, went down to Rockaway, just at day- 
break, with my company of Light-Horse, pursuant to an order 
from Brigadier-General Heard, to take care of some boats. 
At the house of Van Brockel I discovered a number 
of men issue out of the door and run, some of them partly 
dressed, and some of them in their shirts only. Immediately 
I ordered my men to pursue them, and presently overtook 
three. of the number and took them prisoners. Two of them 
got to the woods and hid under the bushes. On finding 
them I ordered them to surrender. One of them did; the 
other absolutely refused, although one of my men had his 
gun presented to his breast; on which my men alighted and 
took him. ‘The prisoners’ names are as follow: James Dick- 
erson, Peter Mills, Richard Lewis, Person Langdon, and 
Wilham Newton. After I had taken the above prisoners, 
I examined the beach, and found a boat and four oars and a 


1069 


paddle. In the boat were three sheep, four ducks, and a 
large bottle with water. 
Lampertu Suypam, Captain of the Troop. 


William Newton being examined, declares, that he stood 
his draught at New-York, and that he had found a man in bis 
stead, and accordingly produced a certificate from Captain 
Steel, in Colonel Remsen’s beat, in New- York, certifying the 
same; and further declares, that on account of the difficult 
times in New-York he left the city, with his family, about 
three weeks ago; that he had, since he came here, expressed 
his desire of getting off, to keep out of the way; that a per- 
son (whom he did not know) told him there would be an 
opportunity in two or three days; that, accordingly, an op- 
portunity offered, and he and five others (whose names he 
did not know) embarked, but would not confess where they 
were bound for; that they landed at the beach between ten 
and eleven o’clock last night, and went to the house of Mr. 
Van Brockel, between one and two o’clock; that he knew 
not who put the sheep and ducks on board. Being asked 
whether the prisoners in the house were with him, he thought 
it was not a question which he was bound to answer, but 
intimated they were ; and at his withdrawing, desired it might 
not be discovered that he had intimated it. 

Mr. Van Brockel, who lives on the beach at Rockaway, 
declares, that very late last night two men came and knocked 
at his door, and after he had let them in, they told him there 
were four more out of doors, and he asked them why they 
kept out in the rain. Declares that after they had been at 
his house between two and three hours our men came on 
them; that he does not know where they came from, nor 
where they were going; that he knew none of them but 
Pearson Langdon. 

Pearson Langdon examined, at first said he did not know 
where the boat was taken from, nor where it was; but after- 
wards confessed it belonged to one Isaac Denton; that they 
came out of Mott’s Creek; that there were six in the boat; 
that he meant only to keep out of the way while they were 
draughting men, and did not intend to go further than the 
beach where he was taken; he does not know who put the 
sheep and ducks aboard. Being asked if the prisoners then 
in the house were in the boat, he said they were, and that 
the person who made his escape from the Troop was one 
Jonathan Smith. 


Abraham Probasket being examined, declares, that yester- 
day afternoon he went with Mr. Van Brockel from Jamaica 
to the beach at the house of Van Brockel; that late at night 
some men came and knocked at the door, and were let in; 
that he knew none of them but Peter Mills; that this morn- 
ing, when the T'roop came up, he counted the men that were 
in the house—that there were six. 


James Dickerson being examined, saith, that he belongs 
to Dutchess County, in Phillips’s Patent, a trader there ; that 
last winter he came to New-York to settle some accounts 
with the merchants; that while he was in York the river 
froze up so that he could not return; that as he had relations 
at Oyster Bay, he came up and spent two or three months 
with them; that at his return into Dutchess County it was 
there reported he had been on board the man-of-war, and 
that there was a person who had been on board of the man- 
of-war, who would swear it; that he was threatened with 
being sent a prisoner to the fort at the Highlands, there to 
be obliged to roll gravel, and that they pushed their bayo- 
nets into his guts to make him do it; that he went to the 
person who it was said could swear to his being on board 
the man-of-war; that he carried him to the Committee, and 
he declared before the Committee on oath that it was a lie— 
that he had never said Mr. Dickerson had been on board 
of the man-of-war; that this summer, while he was in New- 
York, a person told him of a person he had seen on Long- 
Island who had been obliged to leave his home with a wife 
and eight children ; that he inquired who the person was, and 
being told, he knew him, and determined to come over, find 
the man out, and carry bim to the Committee of his County 
to make up the matter, so that the man might stay in peace 
with his family; that he has been on the Island ever since. 
Being asked where he was going in the boat, and whether 
he put the sheep and ducks on board, he said he knew 
nothing of the boat, and ducks and sheep that were aboard; 
and if we had anything to charge him about the boat, we 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1070 


must prove it. Upon being told that he knew he did not 
speak the truth, for we could prove by the confession of 
one or two of the prisoners that he was one that was in the 
boat, he seemed struck with confusion. Being offered his 
bundle with clothes, if he would tell which bundle it was, 
he refused to own that he had any clothes; but after two or 
three hours, when he found it did not avail him anything, he 
then owned one of the bundles. 


Peter Mills, of Jamaica, being examined, saith, that hear- 
ing that one-half of the Militia was to be draughted, he 
intended to stand his draught, and go himself if draughted, 
but that his mother would not let him, and persuaded him 
to keep out of the way; that the reason of his being on the 
beach was, that Mr. Lewis had a desire to see the beach, 
which he had not seen for a great many years; that he went 
with said Lewis; denied his going in the boat with the others, 
or that he knew anything of the sheep or ducks; said that 
he had no other clothes with him but what he had on his 
body; but he likewise afterwards owned one of the bundles. 


Mr. Lewis being examined, saith, that he lives in West- 
chester; that he came over here after a legacy that was left 
him by his grandfather; that he met with Mills at his uncle 
Mott’s ; that they two went alone to the beach; walked it 
afoot; first said it was about eleven at night, but being asked 
if he saw anything of the boat at the beach, he said yes, 
that he saw them when they first got to the beach in the 
evening. Being told how he had contradicted himself about 
the time of night he arrived at the beach, and that it did 
not avail his denying being aboard of the boat, for that we 
had positive proof he was, he said he heard we could prove 
it, confessed they were all equally concerned in the boat. 

The above examinations taken at the Widow Fosster’s, at 


Rockaway, August 18, 1776, before the Captain of the 


Troop and the subscriber. 
JoserH Rosinson. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO COLONEL SETH REED. 
Head-Quarters, Albany, August 19, 1776. 
It having been represented to General Schuyler that Colo- 
nel Seth Reed is much indisposed, and that it is probable a 
change of air would conduce to the reéstablishment of his 
health, the General grants him leave to absent himself from 
his regiment until such time as his health shall be so far re- 
stored as to enable him to discharge the duties of his station. 
By order of the General: 
Joun Lansine, Jun., A. Sec’y. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM ALBANY, DATED aucGusT 19, 
1776. 


General Schuyler is returned from the German-Flats, 
where he had to feed and satisfy nearly fifteen hundred 
Indians. 'They promise a strict neutrality. Some scalps 
have been taken near Oneida Lake. A scouting party of 
ours were attacked by a party of Indians, three killed and 
scalped, two wounded and escaped, and fell in with some 
of the Indians that had been at the treaty, who brought them 
safe to Fort Stanwix. A report of a large body of troops 
from Canada at Fort Ontario, and that Claus and Butler 
are there. You will see Carleton’s orders of the 7th of 
August, which were brought by Major Bigelow, who went 
with a flag of truce to carry the Declaration of Independency 
and the resolutions of Congress relative to the affair at the 
Cedars. An officer who went on a reconnoitre at St. John’s 
and Chambly, fell in with a regular officer on horseback, 
alone, on the road between La Prairie and St. John’s, sum- 
moned him to surrender himself prisoner, but he, clapping 
spurs to his horse, rode off; our officer fired at and shot him. 
He appears to have been a Brigadier-General, of the narne 


of Gordon. 


H. GLEN TO WALTER LIVINGSTON. 
Schenectady, August 19, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I wrote you on Saturday concerning Mr. 
Ten Eyck’s flour, and had expected your answer the same 
day, as I have sixty batteaumen here waiting for a loading, 
and unless I have Mr. Ten Eyck’s flour, I cannot load them. 
I now send my negro boy express, and expect he won’t be 
detained long. Mr. Ten Eyck will expect the price you 
give the merchants in Albany. 


1071 


I would be glad to know what I must give for peas. 
Here are some peas to be got. And should there be any 
hard soap in store, Colonel Dayton’s regiment is much in 
want of it. Pray order some over early in the morning, that 
it may go off in the boats I am going to send. 

Mr. Abraham Fonda was with me, and tells me he has a 
number of barrels he has made to send off to the West- 
Indies, but they are larger than common—cost him 2s. 6d., 
and if I will give that price, he will pack them with flour. 

Your answer by this express I hope will be, that I may 
satisfy all the flour merchants here. ‘They seem all to have 
some complaint in regard to the flour casks. I shall have 
occasion for all their four before fall. 

Mr. Ten Eyck is very particular in having as much now 
and at any other time as the Albany merchants; and don’t 
forget to send me an order that I must have his one hundred 
barrels his son had engaged to send to Fort George. 

Yours, &c., H. Guen. 


To Walter Livingston, Esq., Dep. Com’y General. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
. Skenesborough, August 19, 1776. 

Sir: This day Colonel Woodbridge and his Major arrived 
at the suburbs of our encampment, and were stopped by a 
sentinel which I had placed there, because they had been 
lately inoculated. I have ordered them to remove to some 
distance back in the country, and to keep themselves pri- 
vate from those who may be on their march to this place, 
till further orders. ‘They have been cleansed a little more 
than a week. I should be glad of particular advice from 
your Honour in this case, and it shall be strictly observed. 

With respect to the tent-poles you mention in your last, 
I have just seen the Commissary of Massachusetts State, 
and he informs me that five hundred sets of tent-poles were 
brought from Watertown within seventy miles of this place, 
two hundred of which will be delivered at Ticonderoga, and 
the remainder are left at the distance above mentioned, on 
account of the badness of the roads, and cannot be brought 
on without an immense expense. ‘This is the report of the 
Commissary, Mr. Abbot, to me. He further says that he 
has desired the Captains to take off the irons, and order the 
soldiers to bring them on in their packs. He says the re- 
mainder of the tents will certainly be here to-morrow night, 
and they shall be forwarded to you with all expedition. 

I am, dear General, your most obedient and very humble 


servant 
‘ Davin Wartersury, Jun. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


P. S. Colonel Mott arrived here yesterday, and upon in- 
quiry I find he has been diligent in preparing his regiment 
for their march to this place, the greater part of which are 
on the ground. ‘The only company behind will be in in a 
day or two. He has just received the melancholy news of 
his wife’s death, and is in great affliction, as he has left three 
young children behind him, without anybody to take care of 
them but the servants. On this account, as well as because 
a number of valuable papers were left only under the care 
of his wife, which require the immediate protection of some 
faithful person, he applied to me for leave to go home, and 
to be absent about three weeks. I thought proper to refer 
him to your Honour on this head, not doubting but that you 
will readily comply with his request. I would acquaint 
your Honour that I have met with a bad wound in my leg, 
which at present confines me, but hope to be about in a day 
or two. 

This moment I have received a letter from General Schuy- 
ier, fully justifying my conduct in my late orders respecting 
the officers referred to in this, who are just come out of 
inoculation. 


COLONEL MOTT TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 19, 1776. 
Honourep Str: I arrived here yesterday from Connecti- 
cut, my Lieutenant-Colonel and some other officers of my 
regiment with me. I should have been here long ago, but 
could not possibly get my regiment equipped. It was with 
the utmost difficulty, in that part of Connecticut where my 
regiment was raised, that I got the men armed. I have lost 
no time in arming and equipping the regiment, and pro- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1072 


viding some tents, which I have procured, and they are 
coming within twenty miles of this place. I had one com- 
pany come in this morning, and another will be in this 
evening or to-morrow morning, who are yet destitute of any 
camp-kettles ; otherwise, I believe, the regiment will be pretty 
well equipped for service. 

I have now to inform your Honour, that about thirty 
miles back on the road, I received a letter forwarded by his 
Honour Governour Trumbull, by which I am informed that 
my wife, who I left in a perfect state of health, died the sixth 
day after I came from home. I lost one child a few weeks 
before I came from home, and an infant child since, by which 
my family is reduced to only three small children, the oldest 
under nine years, and no other person belonging to the 
family. I left my keys and all my papers in the care of no 
other persons but her who is now taken away. I have 
papers of the utmost consequence, and notes of hand, Xc., 
to the amount of near £1,000, lawful money; and God only 
knows what will become of either my three small motherless 
children or my interest, unless I have liberty for about fifteen 
or twenty days to go and take a little care of them. I have 
been hitherto wholly devoted to the service of the country, 
and have been steady in the business since the war began ; 
but I have still remaining some feelings for those tender con- 
nexions of wife and children; of the former, according to the 
Divine decree, [am deprived; and unless I can have liberty 
to go for a few days and attend to the latter, I fear my present 
state of mind will not admit of my being of any service 
here. General Waterbury thought I had better write to your 
Honour, not doubting my obtaining permission. If I thought 
it were for the good of the service that I should resign the 
regiment, or if your Honour should be of that opinion, I shall 
readily do it, rather than be deprived of seeing and taking a 
few days’ care of the remaining small children I have left. 
The gentleman who waits on your Honour with this is the 
Lieutenant-Colonel of my regiment, whom I beg leave to 
recommend to your favour and notice, who will also be able 
to inform your Honour more particularly. 

I am, sir, with great respect, your Honour’s most obedient 


and humble servant, eee The 


To the Honourable General Gates. 


FIELD-OFFICERS AT TICONDEROGA TO THE PRESIDENT OF 
CONGRESS. 
Ticonderoga, August 19, 1776. 


Sir: We have taken the liberty to enclose to you some 
papers, containing part of the proceedings of a General 
Court-Martial lately held here, which we beg you will lay 
before Congress. We are sorry to take up any part of your 
time with them, but we have been forced to it by General 
Arnold’s appeal; an appeal, however, which we believe is 
heretofore unheard-of, as it is from the sentence of a Gene- 
ral Court-Martial. We have sent an account of the trans- 
actions as they happened, naked and unadorned, for we are 
under no apprehensions of censure, conscious that we had 
nothing but the good of our country and the discipline of the 
Army in view. If we deserve censure at all, we conceive 
it to be for not having exercised that power we were cer- 
tainly invested with, but which we declined upon motives 
of consideration for the General, in hopes he might thereby 
have become sensible of the impropriety of bis conduct, and 
saved us a very disagreeable alternative. That it had not that 
effect was not our fault. We will detain you but one minute 
longer whilst we make this remark, viz: there must be in 
the Army (as in every other society) some supreme court 
of dernier resort; whether a General Court-Martial be that 
court or not lies with Congress to determine. 

We have the honour of subscribing ourselves your Hon- 
our’s most obedient, humble servants, &c., 

Enocu Poor, IsraEL SHREVE, 
Wm. Maxwett, ‘Tnuos. Poor, 
Wituram Bonp, Joruam Lorine, 
Z.P. Dr Haas, Anrtuo. J. Morris, 
Exisua Porter, Nicus. Hausseceer, 
Francis JOHNSTON, JOHN SEDGWICK. 


To the Hon. John Hancock. “ 


N. B. The members of the Court-Martial whose names 
are not subscribed are on command. 


1073 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL ARNOLD. 
Tyonderoga, August 19, 1776. 
Dear Sir: Enclosed is an exact copy of the orders and 
letters I sent you yesterday morning at six o’clock, which I 
am surprised not to find complied with by the arrival of Mr. 
Wynkoop at this post. I desire that matter may be no 
longer delayed, and that he be sent, as I have already or- 
dered, immediately, under arrest, to me at Tyonderoga. 
I am, sir, &c., Horatio Gates, 


To General Arnold. 


GENERAL GATES TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Tyonderoga, August 19, 1776. 

Sir: Last night I was honoured with the receipt of your 
Excellency’s letter of the 12th instant. Mine of the 11th 
must, before this, have reached Lebanon. Enclosed I send 
your Excellency a list of the fleet of the United States now 
at Crown-Point, under the immediate command of Briga- 
dier-General Arnold. As soon as the three row-galleys, 
now almost completed at Skenesborough, are finished, I shall 
despatch them, with those equipping here, under the com- 
mand of Brigadier Waterbury, to reinforce the squadron now 
with General Arnold. These two gentlemen are intimately 
acquainted with maritime affairs, and being also men of un- 
doubted character and honour, I have the greatest reason to 
hope for success from the united endeavours of such expe- 
rienced officers. ‘This Army, in particular, and the Con- 
tinent in general, are under the greatest obligations to your 
Excellency for the care and attention you so constantly exert 
to serve them. The small-pox is the enemy I now dread 
the most, and am straining every nerve to annihilate the 
infection. In this I fear 1 am counteracted by some atro- 
cious villains; but that Providence which governs and directs 
all things, will, I trust, preserve this Army, and finally rescue 
America from the tyranny with which it is threatened. 

Lam, sir, &c. Horatio Gates. 


To His Excellency Jonathan Trumbull. 


GENERAL GATES TO REV. MR. OLCOTT. 
Tyonderoga, August 19, 1776. 

Reverenp Sir: Being entirely unacquainted at Number 
Four, my respect for your character induces me to send you 
enclosed a copy of my letter of the 11th instant to Major 
Hawley, and to request you will prevail upon the Chairman 
of your Committee of Safety instantly to assemble the Com- 
mittee, and call before them a certain Dr. Stevens, whom I 
would have sworn as to the number of the officers and sol- 
diers of the Army that he has inoculated as they passed 
through Charlestown upon their march hither. When that 
is done, I desire the Doctor, with his poison, may be sent to 
close confinement in some place remote from the route taken 
by the troops in their march to Tyonderoga. I must further 
entreat you, sir, to recommend it to the Committee to give 
strict orders to have every officer and soldier who has had 
the disease to be perfectly cleansed before they are permit- 
ted to march to Tyonderoga. 

You will most eminently serve your country by comply- 
ing with this request, and lay a lasting obligation upon, 
reverend sir, your most obedient, 

Horatio Gates. 


To Rev. Mr. Olcott, Charlestown, Number Four. 


GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, August 19, 1776. 

Dear Genera: J received yours of yesterday, and have 
ordered Commodore Wynkoop to Head-Quarters. No other 
person in the fleet has disrespected my orders. I believe 
the Commodore was really of opinion that neither of us had 
authority to command him. He now seems convinced to 
the contrary, and is sorry for his disobedience of orders. If 
it can be done with propriety, I wish he may be permitted 
to return home without being cashiered. 

I am, very respectfully, dear General, your obedient, 


humble servant 
4 B. Arno.p. 


To Major-General Gates, 
Firru Series.—Voct. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1074 


COMMISSARY GILBERT TO GENERAL GATES. 

Charlestown, No. 4, August 19, 1776. 
Sir: I would inform your Excellency of my proceedings 
here, and likewise of the proceedings of others. I have used 
my utmost endeavours to forward the troops through this 
place, with provisions for their march to Ticonderoga. By 
the order from the Commissary-General, I have met with 
great difficulty in getting provisions for the Army, on the 
account of the country being not well stocked with provi- 
sions and the shortness of time that I had in getting them. 
Sir, I would inform your Excellency that I have had a suffi- 
ciency to supply any number that is come to this town since 
I arrived here. The gentlemen may say they have been de- 
tained for the want of provisions, but I can make it appear, 
by all the gentlemen in this place, that that is not the thing 
that detained them. Some companies were here seven, 
eight, and nine days, and would not march, for the reason 
that their Field-Officers were not come up. One company, 
(Captain Howard’s, belonging to Colonel Brewer’s,) would 
not march forward, on account of his people suffering in the 
woods for the want of kettles and canteens, much fearful of 
cooking his provision on the road. I told him that I would 
let him have a barrel of pork in his company, in case he 
could not cook on the road. Colonel Brewer sent discre- 
tionary orders for him to go forward, if he could get provi- 
sions here for his march; and in case he could not, to return 
back by the way of Bennington, where they have proceeded, 
Sir, [ have got enough to supply any number that will come 

this way this season, bound to the Army at Ticonderoga. 

From your most humble servant, 
Josepu Gitgert, Dep. Commissary. 


COLONEL SEYMOUR TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Hartford, August 19, 1776. 

Honourep Sir: The general (and perhaps too severe) 
method adopted by the Militia here, that none would go, 
unless all went, to New-York, has stripped us so much of 
men and arms, that the inhabitants feel themselves under 
some apprehensions, considering the number of prisoners 
here and the guard we are obliged to keep every night; in 
short, our guard has failed already, principally for want of 
sufficient arms, which, with some repairing, might answer 
the present purpose. One George Burnham, of this place, 
one of the Militia, has been detained, by advice of the gen- 
tlemen of the town, till this time, who is our only armourer 
left. He must join his company this week, unless your 
Honour can give orders for his detention. He can scarcely 
be called an able-bodied man. It will undoubtedly be more 
for the publick safety and advantage to keep him here, than let 
him go, especially as he is likely to be constantly employed 
in repairing arms. Must beg your Honour’s answer as soon 
as may be upon this subject. 

I am, most respectfully, your Honour’s obedient, humble 


servant 
? Tuos. Seymour. 


To the Honourable Governour Trumbull, at Lebanon. 
P.S. Major Newbery thought he might be excused, but 


the company he belonged to was so strenuous, that nothing 
would satisfy them—all must go or none. However, they 
are gone, with expectation he will join, unless excused by 
your Honour. 


REV. WILLIAM GORDON TO GENERAL GATES. 
Jamaica Plains, August 19, 1776. 


Frrenp Gares: I am suspicious lest we have some low- 
lived fellows at Watertown who open letters from T%conde- 
roga; but as I can scarcely believe they will venture to look 
into one directed for your Honour, have therefore written 
to you instead of Colonel Trumbull. Miss Tyler expected 
to hear from him on Saturday, but there was no packet ; 
however, she learned from Edes, the printer, that there was 
a paper, giving an account of Carleton’s approach, to the 
Congress, letter, &c., which he designed to publish to-day, 
some things in it excepted, which he said ought not to be 
published. How the paper came, and who had it, when he 
was inquired of about it, he could not tell. I am jealous 
that paper was the Colonel’s, and was designed for Miss 
Tyler. You will examine into that circumstance, and let 
me know. Have desired one of the Council to inquire of 


68 


1075 


Edes, that the affair may be discovered if possible, mention- 
ing what fatal consequences may arise if letters are opened 
after that manner. 

Learn that the week before last our friends at New-York 
were much in the same state as at the beginning of last 
January. If our dilatorimess does not ruin us, we shall be 
indebted to a special Providence. A vessel from Portugal 
brings word that the Empress of Russia is dead, and that 
the Portuguese expect to be attacked by the Spaniards, 
unless a match should prevent it; but should Portugal and 
its appendages become annexed to Spain by marriage, that 
will destroy the political balance of Europe as fully as though 
effected by conquest. ‘This way we have a deal of rain, 
but are healthy, and have the prospect of great plenty. 
Could I get somebody to preach for me a few Lord’s days, 
would, Heaven permitting, visit you and our friends at New- 
York; but the difficulty of procuring supplies makes my 
coming somewhat uncertain. We go on taking vessels with 
rum and sugar. Not having had any flying reports of the 
enemy’s attacking New-York, infer there was nothing of 
that kind on Thursday morning. Wish to have the cam- 
paign wear away without their doing anything, unless I could 
be assured that they would be beaten; but that must be left 
with infinite Wisdom. We are poor judges what will be best 
for the whole family of God—I mean all created intelligen- 
ces. We must therefore leave everything with Him who 
will execute his own wise purposes. My respects to Colonel 
Trumbull and others. 

Your affectionate friend, 


To General Gates, at Ticonderoga. 


Wiuuiam Gorpon. 


GENERAL WARD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Boston, August 19, 1776. 

Sir: Your letter of the 12th instant I received on Saturday 
evening. I gave immediate attention to your orders, and as 
it was judged extremely difficult, if not impracticable, to con- 
vey the mortars by land, I gave orders to the proper persons 
to prepare everything necessary for conveying them by 
water, and to work day and night until they were completed. 
This day they will go on board of lighters to Sandwich, 
from which place they are to be conveyed over the narrow 
neck of land to a place called Buzzard’s Bay, where they 
will be put on board two lighters, and conveyed to Rhode- 
Island, from thence, keeping near the land, to New-York. 
I ordered they should be put on board two vessels for the 
greater safety, that if one should meet with any misfortune, 
the other might perhaps go safe. I have given Mr. Davis, 
Deputy Barrack master, the care of them, as he was well 
acquainted with the coast, and have directed him to make all 
possible despatch in conveying the mortars with their appur- 
tenances to New- York. 

An invoice of them is as follows: 2 Sea-Mortars, with 
upper and under beds; 1 Truck-Carriage; 1 dozen Hand- 
spikes ; 4 Iron Crows; 2 Spruce Poles, for a pair of Shears; 
2 Hoisting-Tackles; 3 Guis; 2 pair of Slings; 4 Luff 
Tackles; 2 coils of small Cordage. 

I have ordered Ensign Gould with his party (who were 
going to New-York by land) to go on board the vessels as 
a guard, lest the enemy should send their boats from some 
of their cruisers and attack the lighters. 

Great is our solicitude for you and the Army under your 
command at New-York, as we are in constant expectation 
of the enemy’s making a violent attack. May the God of 
armies give you success. 

I am, your Excellency’s obedient, humble servant, 

Artemas Warp. 
To General Washington. 


THOMAS W. WALDRON TO MESHECH WEARE. 
Dover, N. H., August 19, 1776. 

Honovuraste Str: This is intended by Stephen Evans, 
Esq., who goes to Exeter on Mr. Mitchell’s affair, with an 
inventory of the goods in his store at Dover the 9th of July 
last. It was thought best that the new manceuvre should 
be attended by the major part of our Committee. With re- 
luctance I attended to make it a majority, and shuddered to 
think the first governmental act I was concerned in after a 
Declaration of Independency appeared oppressive. I de- 
clined signing the inventory as Chairman, at the same time 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1076 


saying, if it was necessary it should have such a signature. I 
was ready to join in appointing another, the rather as I did 
not mean any court should have my name to an affair that 
appeared to me no better supported. 

If the present struggle is to preserve the undelegated 
rights of Americans for themselves, posterity, and such as 
have or shall emigrate hither, and the McMasters (a set of 
Scotch pedlars, such as are to be found from end to end of 
the Continent where a boat from the sea can be waterborne,) 
are not friends to our endeavours for freedom, does it comport 
with any ideas of the liberty contended for, or the rectitude, 
Justice, and honour intended by our liberation from island 
lords, to take from them or others, on slight evidence, their 
books, papers, and effects, without shadow of trial, and con- 
trary to the practice of any but despotick States? and won’t 
it sound harsh in the ears of those we have or may invite to 
a connexion with us? 

I suppose the act excluding the Stuart family was dis- 
agreeable to one-third at least of the people, yet I don’t 
remember to have heard of any coercive steps taken but 
against those who were in actual opposition to the Hanover 
succession ; so if some few or many do not think our oppo- 
sition to Ministerial mandates just, and keep within the line 
of their own affairs, how can it be avoided, seeing men have 
it no more in their power to think than look alike? (while the 
Colonies have reason to joy in unparalleled unanimity.) But 
these things apart, I suppose no step could have been taken 
so agreeable to the Company as that ordered by the Colony 
Committee; hence they will avail themselves by saying their 
goods are confiscated, and they thereby disenabled doing their 
creditors justice. Such ideas I realized and communicated 
to most of our Committee before the order about the goods 
was sent from Exeter hither. 

As there are men at this day (and clothed with power, 
too) who smell treason in everything beyond their ken, as 
well as in ideas different from their own, (sublime ones,) 
these free thoughts are sent you, in full confidence that they 
will be kept from the eyes of such pests to everything valu- 
able from the cradle to their coffin. 

Wishing politeness, justice, and lenity among the shining 
characteristicks of the American States, and that the guides 
through present difficulties may have Divine direction, I am, 
honourable and dear sir, your most respectful, humble ser- 
vant, THos. W. Watpron. 


Hon. Meshech Weare, Esq., at Hampton Falls, or Exeter. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A GENTLEMAN IN LONDON, DATED 
ST. AUGUSTINE, AUGUST 20, 1776. 


The smallest degree of sense or prudence must have shown 
any person the necessity of keeping this weak, infant Pro- 
vince as much as possible in a state of neutrality; instead of 
which our rulers have been spiriting up the Creek and 
Cherokee Indians to fall upon the frontiers of Georgia and 
Carolina. The Creeks have been prudent enough to re- 
main quiet, but the unfortunate Cherokees have been the 
dupes of such advice. They have murdered many women 
and children on the borders of Carolina, but they are now 
suffering very severely for it. 

Not content with this Indian business, Messrs. Moore and 
Clarke, at the head of a body of plunderers, have been sent 
into the Province of Georgia. These freebooters, in the 
most cruel and wanton manner, destroyed the crops, broke 
up the plantations, drove off the cattle, and carried away the 
negroes belonging to several of the Georgia planters. The 
Militia of that Province assembled under Colonel Mackin- 
tosh, and have retaliated on the miserable Colony of East- 
Florida. Every settlement to the northward of St. John’s 
River is broken up, particularly Lord Egmont’s, and the 
planters thrown in the greatest distress. ‘The party of troops 
stationed at the new fort on St. Mary’s River are made pri- 
soners, as are also Sir James Wright’s two brothers, Charles 
and Jermyn. We have not yet learned what Colonel Mack- 
tntosh intends further—whether he means to come here or 
return into Georgia. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JESSE HOLLINGSWORTH. 
[No. 152.] Annapolis, August 20, 1776. 
Str: There is a quantity of flint-stone at Emerson’s ware 
house, on Wye River. We want a person that understands 
the manufacturing of flints. If any such person is to be had 


1077 


in Baltimore, send him to the Council of Safety immediately, 
and he will meet with proper encouragement. We are, Xc. 


To Mr. Jesse Hollingsworth. 


CAPTAIN DARNES TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Queen Anne’s County, August 20, 1776. 

Sir: It is with pleasure I acquaint you that my company 
is really armed, and vastly anxious to receive their marcbing 
orders. We are still unprovided with camp equipage. We 
have, I suppose, twenty blankets, and expect some brought 
in to-day to our Committee. 

There has a report prevailed among us, though not much 
credited, that the arms in our hands were to be put into the 
hands of Captain Dean’s company. Such an order, I verily 
believe, would give general dissatisfaction to the company, 
as there has been a great deal of pains taken by many in 
the company to procure arms. Am not under the least 
doubt but if camp equipage can be provided, we shall be 
ready to march the first of next week. We are much in want 
of linen, therefore shall stand in need of your assistance: [am 
told the Council have a quantity by them. Shall be glad of 
an order from you for two bolts of osnaburgs, and the camp 
equipage necessary for my company, as soon as possible. 


am, sir, your very humble servant 
‘Gaaes y > Joun Darnes. 


To Wilham Richardson, Esq., Caroline County. 


ISAAC GRIEST TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore-Town, August 20, 1776, twelve o’clock, P. M. 

GentLeMEN: I have just delivered the knap and haver- 
sacks to Mr. Hurtt for the two companies, with one hun- 
dred and fifty brushes and priming-wires, which is all we 
have in Baltimore, and these are but this hour made ready. 
Mr. Hurtt is going off this afternoon. He can get no more 
brushes till they come from Lancaster. Pray is the Flying- 
Camp to be furnished with bayonet-belts out of the maga- 
zine? Colonel Hall wants them slung. Pray let me know 
by Mr. Johnson. 


Yours to command, 
To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


N. B. I wrote you by Mr. Johnson on yesterday, but he 
did not get away till this day. J. G. 


I. Grirst. 


Philadelphia, August 20, 1776. 

We are informed by the Captain of a vessel belonging to 
this city, who escaped a few days ago from Staten-Island, 
that the German troops lately arrived from Halifax are 
landed on the Island, where it is said they are to wait the 
arrival of another reinforcement (which is hourly expected) 
before the attack will be made on New-York. He adds, 
that the British troops speak with great contempt of Gene- 
ral Washington's Army, and are assured that they will have 
the pleasure of soon meeting and spending the winter with 
General Burgoyne and his troops in New-York. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER RECEIVED IN WILLIAMSBURGH, VIR- 
GINIA, DATED PHILADELPHIA, AUGUST 20, 1776. 


We have been in hourly expectation of the great decision 
at New-York, but it has not yet happened. About three 
nights ago, an attempt was made to burn the two ships which 
had gone up the river. One of the two fire-rafts prepared 
for that purpose grappled the Phenix ten minutes, but was 
cleared away at last. A tender, however, was burnt. The 
two ships came down on Sunday evening, and passed all 
our batteries again with impunity. Lord Dunmore is at 
Staten-Island; his sick he sent to Halifax; his effective men 
he carried to Staten-Island; and the blacks he shipped off 
to the West-Indies, as a recompense for their services. ‘Two 
gentlemen, who had been taken prisoners by the enemy, 
have made their escape. They say they are now twenty 
thousand, and that another division of five thousand foreign- 
ers is still expected. They think that Lord Howe will not 
attack these ten days, but that he does not wait for his last 
division, being confident of victory without. One of these 
informants was a Captain of a Continental vessel going for 
ammunition, whose mate and crew rose and took her, and, 
falling in with the division of the Hessians which accom- 
panied their General, were brought to. The General, learn- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1078 


ing from the dethroned Captain what had happened, im- 
mediately threw the piratical mate in irons, and had the 
Captain to dine with him every day till they got to Halifax, 
where he delivered him, vessel, &c., over to the English. 

‘A gentleman who lived some time in this city, but since 
last winter has become a resident of St. Eustatia, writes, 
that by a Dutch ship from Amsterdam, they have advice 
that the States of Eolland had refused to renew the pro- 
hibition on the exportation of powder to the Colonies, or to 
cede to the English the Scotch brigade in their service, as 
also to furnish some men-of-war asked of them by the British 
Court. ‘This refusal so piqued the Ministry, that they had 
been induced to take several Dutch ships; amongst them, 
two that sailed from St. Eustatia, which were carried to 
London, and another to St. Kitts; in consequence whereof, 
the Dutch have armed forty ships-of-war, ordered sixty more 
to be built, and are raising twenty thousand land forces. 

The Governour-in-chief of the French West-Indies has 
not only refused to permit the Captain of an English man- 
of-war to make prize of our vessels in their ports, but forbid 
him to come within gunshot of them; and the enemy’s armed 
vessels being withdrawn from our whole coast to New- York, 
shows us the good effects of their absence, by daily arrivals 
of ammunition, &c. 

The Canadians who had been Captains in our Canadian 
regiment, and whom General Grates writes are known in the 
Army to be worthy of good credit, made their escape from St. 
John’s, and came over to our Army from Ticonderoga. They 
give the following intelligence, viz: ‘That the enemy did not 
fortify any place we abandoned; that they had two thousand 
men at Isle-aux-Noix, under General Frazer, two thousand 
at St. John’s, under Carleton, and some at Montreal—two 
hundred and fifty only being left at Quebeck. It was re- 
ported that four thousand English troops, which were to 
have been a part of that Army, had perished at sea, which 
gave great uneasiness. ‘The fleet brought over timber, &c., 
for fifty boats, which they attempted to transport by land 
from the mouth of the Sorel to St. John’s; but could not 
for want of carriages, and had therefore been destroyed. 
Carleton, to make amends for this, had employed Canadians 
to build batteaus at St. John’s; but he has rendered him- 
self very odious to those people, by levying contributions on 
them in general, and confiscating the estates of all those who 
followed our Army, or who absconded. 

Great numbers of the Germans desert daily, and are anx- 
iously concealed by the inhabitants; seventy Brunswickers 
disappeared in one day. ‘Their officers are so much afraid 
of bushfighting and ambushes, that they will not head any 
parties to pursue the runaways. ‘The men have the same 
fears, which prevent them from deserting in so great num- 
bers as it is supposed they will, when once our fleet shall 
appear cruising on the Lake to receive and protect them. 

Between the 22d and 24th ultimo, Carleton and the other 
Generals abandoned all their posts on this side the Sorel, 
except St. John’s, with as great precipitation as our poor 
sick Army had done, carrying with them their artillery and 
provisions. ‘This was occasioned by the arrival and mys- 
terious manceuvres of a fleet at Quebeck, supposed to be 
French, who hoisted different colours, and fired at tenders 
sent from the town to inquire who they were. ‘The enemy 
left at Isle-aux-Noix two hundred men to send intelligence 
of our operations, and it is said they will go down the river 
if we return into Canada. For this event, the Canadians 
are offering up prayers at the shrines of all their saints. 
Carleton, some time ago, hearing that we were returning 
with a considerable reinforcement, was so terrified that he 
would have retired immediately, had not some of his spies 
come in and informed him of the deplorable situation to 
which the small-pox had reduced our Army. ‘They are 
now, however, recovering health and spirits. 

General Gates writes, that he had accounts of the roads 
being crowded with Militia coming to his assistance; six 
hundred from New-Hampshire came in while he was writing 
his letter, being the first. His fleet had sailed from Ticon- 
deroga to Crown-Point, consisting of the following vessels, 
viz: one schooner and a sloop, of twelve four-pounders, ten 
swivels, and fifty men; one schooner, of four four-pounders, 
four two-pounders, ten swivels, and thirty-five men; one 
schooner, of two four-pounders, six two-pounders, eight 
swivels, and thirty-five men; two galleys, mounting each 
one twelve and two nine-pounders, eight swivels, and forty- 


1079 


five men; two galleys, of three nine-pounders each, eight 
swivels, and forty-five men; besides two others that are not 
quite rigged. Eight more galleys would be ready to join 
them in a fortnight, when they were to proceed down the 
Lake; and General Arnold, who is said to be a good sailor, 
had undertaken the command. We have two hundred fine 
ship-carpenters, mostly sent from hence, at work, with whose 
assistance, I hope, such a fleet will soon be exhibited on 
that Lake as it never yet bore. 

The Indians have absolutely refused Carleton in Canada, 
and Butler at Niagara, to have anything to do in this 
quarrel, and applaud, in the highest terms, our wisdom and 
candour for not requiring them to meddle. Some of the 
most sensible speeches I ever saw of theirs are on this head; 
not spoken to us, but behind our backs, in the Councils of 
our enemies. From very good intelligence, the Indians of 


the Middle Department will be quiet; that treaty is put off 
till October. 


SAMUEL GRIFFIN (DEPUTY ADJUTANT-GENERAL) TO THE 
BOARD OF WAR. 
Head-Quarters, Perth-Amboy, August 20, 1776. 
HonouraBce Sir: I have an apology to make to your 
honourable Board for having delayed transmitting to you a 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1080 


general return of the Army (under General Mercer) so long; 
but have confidence to hope you will readily excuse me 
when I inform you, that by the General’s orders I was 
obliged to attend all the last week at Newark and Povwles- 
Hook, to forward the troops sent to reinforce General Wash- 
ington. Mr. Peters sent us a copy of a return which he 
informed was such as you would wish to have. I am sorry 
he was at that trouble, as we have (exclusive of blanks and 
lines) a great number of blank returns of that sort by us, 
which, though very proper for Regular troops, are by no 
means so for Militia, at least for the Pennsylvania Associa- 
tors, who have no fixed number of either officers or men 
for any one battalion. I of course cannot tell what they 
want to complete the different posts; they have never had 
any fixed number of men stationed at them, but have been 
reinforced and reduced twice or thrice a week, as the Gen- 
eral thought necessary. Whenever a sufficient number shall 
arrive, the General proposes to fix a certain number of bat- 
talions at each post, which will enable me to put the Army 
on a regular footing, and to make the returns regular, and, I 
hope, agreeable to your honourable Board. 
I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 
SamMuEL GRIFFIN. 


To the Hon. the Chairman of the War Committee. 


A General Return of the Army in New-Jersny, under the command of the Hon. Hucu Mercer, Esq., Brigadier- 
General, in the service of the American States, Pertu-Ampoy. 


OFFICERS PRESENT, 


Commissioned Non- RANK AND FILE. 
Officers. tag) cers: Com’. 
B\e at 3 
as s/s a eis a 
REGIMENTS. 3 a a s ; re so ie n WHERE STA- FROM WHAT STATES 
S 2 s a. s 2 ‘ a & ep So . TIONED. AND WHAT TROOPS. 
als! | #88! [2/Ziel2l4) |2)s]s élu| lee 
SIO |4|-8 A SlelelslelS\.-| 3] a|% Ele Os 
Selo SlelplSerslslElSi8)/S|el2 cls d lek 
Sierra ala salaslL2ia PD) | o0 > | 
6 |.2 |Z 2 \.5(SislarolSizisls BIE |-e |S lelS] 6 loom 
OIAS1O lin iIlOldie@alnalstialiala lalolale ia 
Colonel Shipman’s........... | 1} 1) 1) 5) 5] 3) 5) -| 1) 1}-] -|-]| 21) 8] 158) 4)-|-]| 162) 214] South-Amboy..../ Jersey Militia. 
Colonel Patterson’s........-- 1} 1) 1; 8 8 8 8/1} 1) 1/1) 1)1} 32) 15) 309) 89) -| -; 398} - | Perth-Amboy....| Delaware Flying-Camp. 
Colonel Deane’s.. ..-scsca0 .-| 1} -| 1} 6) 6} 3} Q)-| 1) 1-7) 1)-| 14) 6) 138) 6] 5) -| 149) - Ditto. Jersey Militia. 
Colonel Somers’s......++++<- (2) -| 1] 3] 3| 1] 3] - 1 1} -|_1)- | 22 5| 741 6 -}-{ 80] - Ditto. Ditto. 

Total at Amboy........ 3/1) 3! 17/17/12!13) 1) 3| 3] 1| 3 1| 68) 26, 521/101) 5) - | 627] 799 a 
Colonel Chambers’s..........| 1/-| 1) 4! 4) af al-[ a] a/-| a)-{ 17] 61 207| 4! 3|-| 214] - | Woodbridge.....| Jersey Militia. 
Colonel Dick’s......ceesees- La) eS Shot Slot Vi the oie Lies. Od Geol LOG ere Ditto. Ditto. 

Colonel Seeley’s.....-....00- V1) 1}_&| 6 3] 5) -| 1] 1] -| 1) -} 18] 8} 145) 12] 2 -| 159) - Ditto. Ditto. 

Total at Woodbridge. ...| 3\ 1] 3| 15)13| 4/14] -| 3| 3 -| 2! - | 52) 19] 446 22] 5] -| 473) 605) 

Lieut. Colonel Lawrence’s....|-|-|-| 3 3| 3| 2 i PG “ye 9 3 gg ~ |- pe 98) - Elizabeth-Town.. Penn. Flying-Camp. 
Colonel Thomas’s.....++..-- TD) ed) She See Gi 1) ec tl 1130) "SoG5| 1 ates | 265) = Ditto. Jersey Militia. 
Colonel Ford’s.........se0e- re fee | ie J fees ey ee -| 1) 1| 25] 19] 978] - |-}\-| 278) - Ditto Ditto. 
Colonel Beaver’s.-..c%s.cecee Sapa 1 A SS at EE Sy 5) BP DAS) saab = eal L450 = Ditto Ditto. 

Total at Elizabeth-Town..| 3| 2 3, 22/24) 3,18) 1] 3) 3] - | 3) 2] 79) 30] 786) - | -| -| 786) 982 

Colonetiittore’s. onc times 1} 1] 4] 6) 6 6 4/1) 2 a/-| al-| 17 91 157] 26| alae] 209) 264] Newark......... Penn’a. Flying-Camp. 
Colonel’ Clotzaiis. as ss eee 1} 1) 1} 7 7 7 6|-|-|-|-|-|-] 25} 7] 314) 28) 2] 4] 348) - | Fort Lee........ Ditto. 
Colonel Swope’s...eesseeees 1} 1) 1) 8 7 7 7 -| 1) 1) -{ 1/1] 29) 13] 310) 47) 1) -| 358) - Ditto. Ditto. 
Golonel. \Weatts:sme cies scccsescie & 1} 1] 1] 8 8} 8} 8} 1] 1) 1) -| 1/1] 32) 9} 369/101) 2) -| 465). - Ditto. Ditto. 
Colonel Montgomery’s.... ++. 1] 1} 1| 7 5] 6 4}-| 1] 1|-|-|-| 23] 6} 244] 35|-|-| 279) - Ditto. Ditto. 
Colonel McAllister’s.........| 1| 1] 1/6] 5| 6| 6|-| 1/ 1/-| 11-| 231 7] 301! 40) 4] 3] 348) - Ditto. Ditto. 
Colonel Baxter’s.....s.e00. 1}-|-|_ 5) 7) 7] 3/1) 1) 1)-] 1]-| 25! 5} 289) 36) 8/10] 343) - MEL Ditto. 

Total at Fort Lee.....+.| 6 5| 5, 41/39\41/34)2| 5! 5) - | 4) 2/157) 47/1820 287,17|17/2141 2534 

Total of Troops. .!1711!16 106 97|69\88 5 1616 1 13 5 394 139.3888 440,39139| 4398 5398 Total Flying-Camp Militia. 


N. B. There are four companies of Maryland inlisted Militia just come in that are not in the returns. They are 


to stay until the first of December. 


LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE. 
In Committee, August 20, 1776: 


Present: Wm. Atlee, Chairman; Wm. Bowsman, Lodwick Lowman, 
Wm. Brown, Casper Shaffner, Henry Dehuff, John McMullen, and 
Wm. Clark. 


Ordered, That Jacob Winter, Jacob Winter, Jr., Philip 
Winter, James McElwain, and Henry Hare, give good free- 
hold security in £1,000 each, for their good behaviour to 
all people, particularly to Thomas Smith and his family. 


Jacob Winter, bond £1,000, and John Messencope, 
bond £1,000, to the State of Pennsylvania; conditions 
for the good behaviour of the said Jacob Winter to all the 
Subjects and Inhabitants of this State, and particularly to 
and towards the family and estate of Thomas Smith. 

Acknowledged in Committee, August 20, 1776. 


Henry Hare, bond £1,000, and John Messencope, bond 
£1,000, to the State of Pennsylvania; conditions for the 


good behaviour of Henry Hare towards all the Subjects and 
Inhabitants of the State, and particularly towards the family 
and estate of Thomas Smith. 

Acknowledged in Committee, August 20, 1776. 

Philip Winter, bond £1,000, and John Hoover, bond 
£1,000, to the State of Pennsylvania; conditions for the 
good behaviour of the said Philip Winter towards all the 
Inhabitants of the State, and particularly towards the family 
and estate of Thomas Smith. 

Jacob Winter, Jr., bond £1,000, and Daniel Rinport, 
bond £1,000, to the State of Pennsylvanza; conditions for 
the good behaviour of the said Jacob Winter, Jr., towards 
all the Subjects of the State, and particularly to and towards 
the family and estate of Thomas Smith. 


Samuel Elliot, on oath, says, that in mowing-time last, he 


was in company with Jacob Winter, Jacob Rees, Samuel 
Winter, and James McElwaine; and speaking of the Militia, 


1081 


one of them (he thinks McEtwaine) said that if any officer 
insisted upon his going with the Militia, he would shoot him 
if ever they came to a battle the first man; and if he insisted 
hard upon him, he would shoot him before he marched ; 
that they all (to wit: the said four persons) agreed to the 
same, and swore they would put their resolves in execution, 


James Steel, on oath, says, that he was mowing at the 
same time with Samuel Elliot, and heard the above Jacob 
Winter, Jacob Rees, Samuel Winter, and James McElwaine, 
say, if any officer asked or insisted upon their marching with 
the Militia, they would blow a ball through him, and swore 
to it most heartily. 


William Steel, on oath, says, that he was also mowing at 
the same time with Elliot and Steel, and heard the above 
four persons say and swear that the first man who insisted 
upon their going with the Militia should be the first man 
they would shoot. 


James Brooks says he was raking at the time of mowing 
above mentioned, and heard from the same four persons, or 
some of them, expressions the same as above. 


Patrick Kelby, on oath, says, that on Sunday was two 
weeks, he was going from his home to one Mahaffy’s. On 
the road, he met Jacob Winter, Jr., and Samuel Winter; 
that they insisted upon his alighting from his horse, which 
he did, and entered into conversation with them about the 
present war; and the said Jacob Winter and Samuel Winter 
both said that if Major Smzth insisted upon their going to the 
Camp, he would be a dead man; whether he went, or stayed 
at home, he would be a dead man. ‘The examinant told 
them it was dangerous for them to destroy him; to which 
they answered, it was all one; if they went to the war, they 
might be killed, and they might as well die at home as 
abroad; that the said Jacob Winter said that the Major had 
insisted upon his going, and he was determined not to go. 


Christopher Linn says, that about a week before Major 
Smith was shot at, he heard Jane Cunningham, the wife of 
Robert Cunningham, say that she had heard there were 
three rifles loaded to shoot Major Smith. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
{Read August 22,1776. Referred to the Board of War.] 
New-York, August 20, 1776. 

Sir: [ was yesterday morning favoured with yours of the 
17th, accompanied by several resolutions of Congress, and 
commissions for officers appointed to the late vacancies in 
this Army. 

I wrote some days ago to General Schuyler, to propose to 
Generals Carleton and Burgoyne an exchange of prisoners, 
in consequence of a former resolve of Congress authorizing 
their commanders in each department to negotiate one. 
That of Major Meigs for Major French, and Captain Dear- 
born for any officer of equal rank, I submitted to General 
Howe’s consideration by letter on the 17th, understanding 
their paroles had been sent to him by General Carleton ; but 
have not yet received his answer upon the subject. 

In respect to the exchange of the prisoners in Canada, if a 
proposition on that head has not already been made, (and I 
believe it has not,) the enclosed copy of General Carleton’s 
orders (transmitted me under seal by Major Bigelow, who 
was sent with a flag to General Burgoyne from Ticonderoga, 
with the proceedings of Congress on the breach of capitula- 
tion at the Cedars, and the inhuman treatment of our people 
afterwards) will show it is unnecessary, as he has determined 
to send them to their own Provinces, there to remain as pri- 
soners; interdicting at the same time all kind of intercourse 
between us and his Army, except such as may be for the 
purpose of imploring the King’s mercy. The assassination 
which he mentions, of Brigadier-General Gordon, is a fact 
entirely new to me, and what I never heard of before. I shall 
not trouble Congress with my strictures upon this indecent, 
illiberal, and scurrilous performance, so highly unbecoming 
the character of a soldier and a gentleman, only observing 
that its design is somewhat artful, and that each boatman 
with Major Bigelow was furnished with a copy. I have also 
transmitted Congress a copy of the Major’s journal, to which 
I beg leave to refer them for the intelligence reported by 
him on his return from the truce. 

By a letter from General Greene yesterday evening, he 
informed me that he had received an express from Hog- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1082 


Island Inlet, advising that five of the enemy’s small vessels 
had appeared at the mouth of the creek with some troops 
on board; also, that he had heard two pettiaugers were off 
Oyster Bay, the whole supposed to be after live stock ; and 
to prevent their getting it, he had detached a party of Horse 
and two hundred and twenty men, among them twenty 


Riflemen. I have not received further intelligence upon the 
it aie 
am also advised by the examination of a Captain Britton, 


master of a vessel that had been taken, transmitted me by 
General Mercer, that the general report among the enemy’s 
troops was, when he came off, that they were to attack 
Long-Island, and to secure our works there if possible, at the 
same time that another part of their Army was to land above 
this city. This information is corroborated by many other 
accounts, and is probably true. Nor will it be possible to 
prevent their landing on the Island, as its great extent affords 
a variety of places favourable for that purpose, and the whole 
of our works on it are at the end opposite to the city. How- 
ever, we shall attempt to harass them as much as possible, 
which will be all that we can do. 

I have the honour to be, with sentiments of the greatest 
respect, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Go. Wasuineron. 


COMMISSARY TRUMBULL TO COLONEL CHESTER. 
New-York, August 20, 1776. 


Commissary Trumbull presents his compliments to Colo- 
nel Chester, and is necessitated to apply to him to release 
Captain Isham from doing duty in Colonel C.’s regiment, to 
take Mr. Champion’s place, who supplies the whole Army 
with fresh beef, and is unhappily taken sick. Captain Isham 
is acquainted with the business, and no person that I can 
conceive of can do the business but he, and it is of the last 
importance that it should be done. also request Colonel C. 
to recommend, or at least consent, to the Adjutant-General 
that Captain Isham be excused duty till Champion recovers. 

Your humble servant, Jos. ‘TRUMBULL. 


To Colonel Chester. 


COMMISSARY TRUMBULL TO COLONEL CHESTER. 
New-York, August 20, 1776. 


Dear Sir: My beef man is sick; there is not another but 
Captain Isham within my knowledge who can supply his 
place. It is of the utmost importance that your regiment, as 
well as the rest of the Army, should eat, which they cannot 
do without him. The alternative is put: justly now judge, 
Whether it is best for one man to fight only, or twenty thou- 
sand men to starve? 

Your humble servant, 


To Colonel Chester. 


Jos. TRUMBULL. 


GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
King’s Bridge, August 20, 1776. 

May rr PLease your Excetuency: I have the pleasure 
to inform you that we have taken out of the wreck of the 
tender lately burnt up the North River the following cannon, 
viz : one six-pounder, two three-pounders, one two-pounder, 
and ten swivels; one caboose and apron, two cutlasses, two 
gun-barrels, one crow-bar, and four grapplings and chains. 
Lieutenant Loudon, of Colonel Nicoll’s regiment, with two 
of the company to which he belongs, went off, and towed 
the wreck on shore, under the fire of the cannon of the 
ships, a cannon ball passing within a few inches of his head. 
He is an undaunted officer, and with great fatigue has taken 
these cannon out of the water. I therefore beg leave to 
recommend this service in particular to your Excellency’s 
notice, and if you should think some reward proper to be 
given, it will be gratefully received by the adventurers, and 
perhaps prompt others to daring actions. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, your Excel- 
lency’s most humble servant, W. Hearn. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


COLONEL DUBOIS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
New-Windsor, August 20, 1776. 

May iT pLease your Excetcency: | received your Ex- 

cellency’s letter of the 9th of August, and, agreeable to your 


1083 


order, have procured returns of all the officers of the regiment 
under my command of the men inlisted by them, except 
three Captains, who are at present in New-York. The 
number which, as yet, they have been able to inlist consists 
of thirty men; twenty-three of whom are well armed, and 
will be ready to march on Saturday next, agreeable to your 
Excellency’s order. 

Ata meeting of the officers this day they requested me to 
petition your Excellency that you would be pleased to order 
them into immediate service at New-York, or wherever your 
Excellency may think fit. As the country is very much 
drained of men, every man that can any way be spared being 
already in the service, they think if they were in present 
service they might not only have an opportunity of exerting 
themselves to the utmost of their power, but might also 
complete their companies out of the Militia whenever it is 
thought expedient to grant them that liberty. They all ex- 
press the most ardent zeal for the service, and are unwilling 
to be idle at this important crisis. 

Iam your Excellency’s most obedient and humble servant, 

Lewis Dusots. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES. 
Albany, August 20, 1776. 

Dear Generat: Your favour of the 18th instant is just 
now come to hand. A strange infatuation seems to prevail 
in people. How Wynkoop should imagine that he was 
not to obey General Arnold’s orders, he being the oldest 
officer then on the spot, I cannot imagine. As you are on 
the spot, it is more in your power to judge of the propriety 
of sending Wynkoop down than in mine. If he comes down, 
I shall order him to remain here until the pleasure of Con- 
gress is known, by whom (and not by me) he was appointed, 
and therefore | cannot venture upon a dismission. I am 
extremely happy that General Waterbury is to join General 
Arnold. I know him to be a good man, as well as a good 
officer. 

The sail-cloth and good part of the cordage procured in 
New-England is on the way to Skenesborough, but none of 
the artillery articles, said to have left New-York on the 10th 
instant, are yet arrived. 

It is impossible for me to judge of what provisions, &c., 
may be wanted with the Army and at the different posts, 
without returns from the Commissaries, &c. These must 
come to me through the proper channel. Mr. Livingston 
is the Deputy Commissary-General in this department; and 
in the absence of ‘Mr. Trumbull, the Commissary-General, 
he is to furnish me with a general return, made out of the 
returns of the Commissaries at the different posts. This he 
cannot do, unless the Commissaries at those posts send him 
the returns. Be pleased to order Mr. Avery immediately 
and weekly to make returns to Mr. Livingston, that 1 may 
know how the Army is supplied with provisions. If he 
should refuse this, you will be pleased immediately to advise 
me thereof, that 1 may take proper steps to enforce a com- 
pliance with my orders. 

I wait with impatience for news from New-York. A 
deserter, it is said, advises that the enemy had ordered three 
days’ victuals to be dressed. It is certain that an attack is 
daily expected. 

I am preparing to remove Elmore and Nicolson’s regi- 
ments to the westward together; they will not exceed five 
hundred effectives. I fear to be under the necessity of 
further reinforcements in that quarter; and where to procure 
them, unless from the northward, I know not. The enemy will 
make every push they possibly can; but if we can hold our 
ground this campaign, all will be well. Adieu. 

I am, most sincerely, dear General, your obedient, humble 


servant 
, Pu. Scuuyuer. 


To the Honourable General Gates. 

P. S. August 21.—All the stores are arrived from New- 
York, and leave this place in teams to-day. But there is 
not quite a ton of grape-shot, and only one piece of blue 
bunting for colours. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Albany, August 20, 1776. 
Str: I am honoured with your favours of the 12th and 
13th instant, and beg leave to return my thanks for the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1084 


advices contained in them. Although I hope soon to be at 
Ticonderoga, yet as despatches will be constantly going 
from hence to your Colony, it will be necessary that a post- 
rider should go from hence and exchange packets with Mr. 
Brown; but as I do not know what road he rides, will you 
be so good as to advise the Deputy Paymaster-General of 
it, and desire Mr. Brown to forward your letters to him by 
express, with a line from such part of the road as he may 
find, on inquiry, nearest to this place, signifying on what 
days it will be proper for the rider from hence to meet him 
there on his way to and return from Ticonderoga. 

I returned here on the 15th, at night, from the German- 
Flats. The Indians have promised to remain neutral ; and 
as the Onetdas, Tuscaroras, and Ooghquagas, are, I believe, 
real friends, and the Delawares more immediately dependant 
upon them, I have great hopes that no depredations will be 
committed on the frontier inhabitants. I have given Mr. 
Trumbull the proceedings at the late treaty, to make such 
extracts as he pleases for your Honour. 

I have some reason to believe that an attack on Fort 
Stanwix and the Mohawk River is meditated by the enemy 
from Oswegatchie. Colonel Dayton’s regiment, two com- 
panies of Colonel Wynkoop’s, and a company of inlisted 
Militia, are now in that quarter, and I am preparing to move 
Colonel Elmore’s and Colonel Nicolson’s to the German- 
Flats; the latter is very weak, not exceeding one hundred 
privates. The bounty, premium, and pay, which you have 
promised the seamen, shall be fully complied with. ‘The 
terms are more reasonable than we had reason to expect at 
this time, when seamen are so scarce. I have desired Mr. 
Trumbull to refund the money you have advanced for axes, 
&c.; and as his chest is now pretty well stocked, he will 
pay off what is still due to the troops from your State. 

We are in daily expectation to hear of a battle at New- 
York. May the God of armies strengthen and support ours 
on this very important occasion, and confound our enemies. 

Tam informed that the forces that went from hence to Con- 
necticut are doing all in their power to increase the jealousies 
that so unjustly prevail against me in different parts of the 
country. Conscious of the rectitude of my conduct, I should 
pass by in silent contempt every infamous traduction, did I 
not apprehend that silence would be construed a tacit avowal 
of my guilt. I have therefore entreated Congress for a mi- 
nute inquiry into my conduct. If the misfortunes in Canada 
are occasioned by malconduct in me, or any other charges 
of a criminal nature can be supported against me, I shall 
deserve and ought to be held up to publick detestation at 
least. If not, if I clearly exculpate myself, as I have it in 
my power to do, the odium ought to be transferred to those 
who are in fault, and justice done to my much-injured cha- 
racter. 

I have sent such orders to General Waterbury as I hope 
will prevent any evil consequences that might be occasioned 
by the imprudence of those soldiers who have inoculated 
for the small-pox on the route from the Eastern Colonies to 
Skenesborough. 

I am, with every friendly wish and sincere esteem and 
regard, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Pu. ScHuyLer. 


To the Honourable Jonathan Trumbull, Esq. 


ALBANY COMMITTEE TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Albany Committee Chamber, August 20, 1776. 

Honourep Sir: A representation has been duly laid 
before this Board, setting forth that Stephen De Lancey, 
Abraham C. Cuyler, John Monier, Benjamin Hilton, and 
John Duncan, prisoners formerly sent from this city to Con- 
necticut, have endeavoured, by false reports, to depreciate 
the character of his Honour General Schuyler in the opinion 
of the good people of Connecticut, and by artful insinuations 
to aggravate and foment jealousies and prejudices, which may 
tend to injure the general cause; we have therefore thought 
proper to transmit your Honour an account of the crimes of 
those gentlemen, that their former and present conduct being 
considered together, they may be treated in such a manner 
as the publick safety at this interesting crisis demands. We 
would, with submission, mention to your Honour that a 
separation at least would be proper. Your Honour’s wisdom 
and prudence will dictate such other steps as may be neces- 
sary. We are also informed, that Lieutenant Angus Mc- 


1085 


Donald has the privilege of the town of Hartford and six 
miles around it; and we doubt not that thereby a corre- 
spondence is carried on between the officers confined at 
Weathersfield and the prisoners from this city at Hartford, 
and from thence probably over the whole Continent. We 
think it would, therefore, be advisable, if your Honour coin- 
cides in opinion with us, to restrain the liberty now enjoyed 
by Mr. McDonald, so far as may prevent the possibility of 
his injuring us. 
We are, honoured sir, your most obedient servants, 
Joun Barciay, Chairman pro tem. 


To the Honourable Governour Trumbull. 


H. GLEN TO WALTER LIVINGSTON, COMMISSARY-GENERAL. 
Schenectady, August 20, 1776. 
Dear Sie: Yours of the 18th and 19th I have now 
before me, and have noted the contents. I have been with 
Mr. Ten Eyck, and delivered him his letter, and showed 
him mine. He tells me he cannot agree to take 16s.; but 
the flour I can have, on these conditions: that should flour 
be more between this and the 10th day of September next, 
at Albany, he will expect to have it; and if it is not more 
than 16s. at that time, then he will take 16s.; and that is 
the case with the rest of the gentlemen. I must beg the 
favour of you to let me know by the bearer, immediately, 
whether 1 must make the bargain as above, or what I must 
do in this case. The batteaus are all ready, and the people 
victualled to go; and Mr. Ten Eyck’s flour I must have, as 
I cannot load the boats without his, being a large quantity. 
I am, dear sir, yours, He Grins: 


To W. Livingston, Esq., Dep. Com. General. 


COLONELS PETTIBONE AND CHAPMAN TO GOV. TRUMBULL. 
New-Haven, August 20, 1776. 

May 1T pLease your Honour: We are here upon our 
march to New-York, according to orders received. As we 
had no Chaplain or Surgeon appointed for either of our 
regiments, and were credibly informed that it was expected 
we should make this necessary provision at the expense of 
the publick, we have engaged the Rev. Joseph. Strong, 
of Simsbury, to go with us as our Chaplain, (who is now 
with us here,) and Dr. Jonathan Bird, of the same town, to 
be our Surgeon and Physician. We therefore request, if it 
be agreeable to your Honour, that these two gentlemen may 
be favoured with the usual warrants for serving our regi- 
ments (viz: the Eighteenth and Twenty-Second) in their 
respective characters, and that the warrants may be for- 
warded to one of us at New-York. 

We are, with all respect and duty, your Honour’s most 
obedient, humble servants, 

Jona. Perrrpone, Colonel. 
Samu. Cuapman, Colonel. 


To the Honourable Jonathan Trumbull, Esq. 


DAVID MATTHEWS TO JOHN MCKESSON. 
Hartford, August 20, 1776. 

Sir: I have made so many fruitless applications lately 
that [ am almost discouraged from putting pen to paper 
again. Is it not very hard, Mr. McKesson, that the Con- 
vention ‘will not furnish me with some resolve or certificate, 
in order to enable me to contradict a most hellish report that 
has been propagated, and is verily believed throughout this 
Colony, that I was concerned in a plot to assassinate General 
Washington, and to blow up the Magazine in New-York. 
The Convention well know that such a report prevails ; they 
also know that it is as false as hell is false. Solely owing to 
this report I have been obliged to decamp from Litchfield, 
where I was stationed, and where the Committee thought 
my life in imminent danger. 

I arrived here yesterday, and find that the same infernal 
report has been industriously propagated here, and that I am 
shunned as much as Lucifer would be, and am only waiting 
here for some further directions from Governour Trumbull, 
to whom a person is gone for that purpose. Surely, my old 
friend John, if my life was to be made a sacrifice, there was 
a more gentlemanlike way of doing it than of being sent into 
a country to be fired at from behind a barn or stone fence. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1086 


Could any person that ever knew me suppose that it would 
fall to my lot to say, that there is not a place for me to rest 
the sole of my foot on. Hard times; but so it is. I some- 
times would willingly hope that the letters which I have 
heretofore written have not come to hand, or something 
would have been done to contradict this infamous charge. 
In short, I was fully persuaded that I would have an oppor- 
tunity of showing to the world that every charge brought 
against me was false. I am now tossed about to and fro, and 
no one to deliver me. May this never be the lot of any of 
my countrymen, 

I should be glad to hear from you, whether I have any- 
thing to expect, by which my person may be safe or not. I 
should not have wasted so much paper and ink were it not 
that the very existence of a wife and ten children depends 
on my life, and who are rendered more distressed by such 
villanous reports as have been propagated. 

{ wish you health and happiness; and am, sir, you hum- 


ble servant 
’ D. Marruews. 


To John McKesson, Esq., Secretary to the Convention of 
the State of New- York. 


P. S. 22d.—I am now on my march back to Litchfield 
again, as I could not be suffered to remain here unless con- 
fined in jail. What horrid treatment is this! Governour 
Trumbull would willingly have done everything to accom- 
modate me here, but our Convention say I must be confined. 
It is too much for mortal man to bear. IJ am now to stand 
fire at Litchfield. May God only spare my life to meet 


my enemies face to face. 


JOHN MACKAY TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 


Greenwich, in the State of Connecticut, 
August 20, 1776. 


Sir: The Authority, Selectmen, and Committee of this 
town, have yesterday received from his Honour the Gover- 
nour of said State a requisition, dated the 12th instant, to 
imbody all the householders not obliged to do duty in any 
training band, in order to march forthwith to New-York, to 
join the Army under your Excellency’s command. We 
thereupon warned all the able-bodied men in the town to 
assemble at six o’clock this morning; but as the Militia is 
already gone into the service, and this town hath been pretty 
much drained of men in the progress of the war, we find 
there are now but few fit to go, and these few badly equip- 
ped. The householders have been at different times stripped 
of their fire-arms to supply those who turned out in defence 
of their country; all which being maturely considered by the 
said authority, &c., it was judged most proper to advise your 
Excellency of our difficulties, in order to know from your 
Excellency whether the service requires the whole of the 
few men remaining in this town to be raised immediately; 
and if so, whether they can be supplied with arms on their 
arrival at New-York. 

As the bearer, Doctor Mead, a member of the Committee, 
will deliver this, we think it superfluous to add any more, 
further than that we are, with the greatest esteem, your Ex- 
cellency’s obedient, humble servants. 

Per order of the Authority, &c.: 

Joun Mackay, Chairman pro tem. 


To His Excellency General Washington, New- York. 


MAJOR HAWLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Northampton, August 20, 1776. 

May rr pLEAsE your Honour: As it is proper that you 
should be made acquainted with the terms upon which all 
the men under your command have engaged in the service, 
and as it may have happened that our Council, through the 
multiplicity of their business, may have neglected to transmit 
to you the resolve of the General Assembly upon which our 
first recruits for your Army were raised, your Honour will 
not consider me as officious in sending to you that resolve. 
You will observe, sir, that the non-commissioned officers, as 
well as the privates, are entitled to a month’s advance pay; 
and I beg leave to inform you, that as in some companies 
which went from the County of Hampshire the non-com- 
missioned officers were not appointed when they marched, 
they have not received any more advance pay than that of 
private soldiers. That was the case in Captain Lyman’s 


1087 


company, and I take it to have been so in Captain Gray’s. 
Pursuant to an after-resolve, (of which I am not possessed,) 
the commission officers were to have a month’s advance pay, 
which those from this County have generally received. 

I have many things on my mind which I want to suggest, 
but shall defer them to another opportunity. 

I most heartily wish your Honour health, victory, and, on 
every account, a happy campaign; and have the honour to 
be, with the greatest respect, your most obedient and most 


humble servant, 
JosepH Haw_ey. 


To General Gates. 


P.S. According to your desire, sir, I have done every- 
thing in my power to suppress the pernicious and iniquitous 
practice of delaying the march of officers and soldiers for the 
sake of taking the small-pox. Yours, J. H. 


PETER PENNIMAN TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Minden, August 20, 1776. 


Str: Soon after the arrival of the Scotch officers at this 
town, pursuant to the order of the honourable Board, we 
wrote a few lines to your Honour, requesting a solution of 
certain questions relative to the manner of conducting our- 
selves with regard to said officers and their servants. One 
of the Selectmen was ordered to sign said letter in the name 
of the rest, but it seems inadvertently omitted it, which we 
suppose might be the reason of our not being favoured with 
an answer; and, by way of excuse, we must say, that we 
were not apprized of the above-mentioned omission (at least 
most of us) till a few hours ago. And as the same difficul- 
ties still remain on our minds, we are under a necessity of 
troubling your Honour with another epistle on the subject. 

As we observed in our former letter, two large roads pass 
through this town, one of which leads from Worcester to 
Providence, Rhode-Island, and the other from New-York 
and Connecticut to Boston. ‘The latter of these has for 
many years been called the Middle Post Road. Now, these 
officers (at least some of them) are desirous of boarding in 
the centre of the town, where these great roads intersect each 
other; the Selectmen are not willing to gratify them in this 
respect, thinking it would not be altogether agreeable to the 
spirit of the resolves of Congress. ‘The officers take it as an 
abridgement of the liberty granted them, and insist that they 
have a right to board where they like in any part of the 
town. We beg to be instructed in this matter. 

Another difficulty has arisen with regard to these officers’ 
servants or waiters; they have brought five men servants and 
two women, wives, they say, of two of the men servants. 
The resolve of Congress makes no provision for servants ; 
nor did your Honour mention anything concerning them in 
your letter to the Selectmen. ‘The officers refuse to pay 
for their board; and we cannot find any one willing to trust 
to any pay. A difference having arisen between one of said 
officers and his servant, the officer has left the house where 
he used to board, and he left his servant behind, refusing to 
pay his board ; the entertainer, to secure his pay, detains the 
officer’s trunk and part of his clothing. We must entreat 
your Honour to explain our duty to us in these matters. 

We are, with great respect, your Honour’s most obedient, 
humble servants. 

In the name and by the order of the Selectmen of the 


Town of Minden: 


Pretrer Penniman. 


COMMITTEE OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS. 


Ata meeting of the Committee of Correspondence, Inspec- 
tion, and Safety, for the several Towns in the County of 
Middlesex, assembled at Concord, in said County, August 
20, 1776: Present the Committees of thirty-two ‘Towns, and 
about one hundred Members. 

Voted, and chose the Honourable James Prescott, Esq., 
Chairman. 


Chose Oliver Prescott, Esq., Clerk. 


Then passed the following Resolves unanimously: 

Whereas confederacies are judged to be formed or forming 
in many parts of the country, and may be strengthened, and 
many other great inconveniences ensue from such persons 
Who are inimical to the cause of American liberty collecting 
together: Therefore, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1088 


Resolved, That we will use our best endeavours to prevent 
such persons assembling together for such purposes, and 
restrain them from all intercourse with each other, or with 
the officers or privates sent into this County, or any of these 
States, as prisoners, by confining them to their towns or farms, 
or laying them under bonds, or by committing them to close 
custody, or otherwise, as may be judged proper, agreeable 
to the orders of this State; and that all such as are noto- 
riously inimical, (whatever their pretensions may be,) shall 
be disarmed and confined to the limits of their towns or 
farms, until properly released from said confinement by said 
Committee. 


And whereas divers wicked persons, intending to defraud 
the inhabitants of these States, and for the sake of base and 
unlawful gain, have forged, altered, and uttered divers Notes 
and Bills of this and the other Amerzcan States, and have 
also used divers artifices and much low cunning to depreciate 
the value of our Paper currency, to the great damage of the 
good people of these States, &c.: Therefore, 

Resolved, That we will use our utmost efforts in discover- 
ing all such frauds, and bringing to condign punishment all 
such wicked persons as aforesaid, agreeable to the laws of 
this State. 


It is recommended to the Committees of Safety for the 
several towns in the County aforesaid, that such persons as 
are prisoners, and have hired themselves out for their support, 
be not permitted to go out of the limits of such towns, until 
the time of their contract be fulfilled, unless some other 
person go with them, at the order of the Committee of such 
town where they reside; that their respective masters see 
that they keep good hours, and conduct themselves well in 
their families; that the said prisoners be not allowed to 
frequent publick houses, and have no spirituous liquors on 
the Sabbath, on any pretence whatsoever; and that they be 
not permitted to dwell with any person judged to be inimical 
to the American States. 

It is also recommended to the several towns in the County 
aforesaid that may be defective, that they procure, as soon 
as may be, their town-stock of powder, and furnish such of 
the poor in their several towns with fire-arms, as are not able 
to equip themselves agreeable to the order of this State. 


And whereas there are divers persons in tliese States now 
on parole, who frequently visit the officers and privates who 
are prisoners in the several towns, to the great danger and 
disquietude of the good people of this State: ‘Therefore, 

Resolved, That the Committee of Reading be desired to 
acquaint the honourable Board therewith, and desire that all 
such towns as have officers quartered in them may be ex- 
cepted from said parole, that so all such intercourse may be 
prevented for the future. 


It is also recommended that the Committees of the several 
Towns in this County desire their Representatives to use 
their utmost influence in the General Court to procure an 
order of this State, that all persons travelling through the 
same shall have passes, denoting their friendliness to the 
American States, and make provision for the taking up and 
examining all suspected persons. 

And we do hereby bear testimony against all mobs, riots, 
and disorderly proceedings; and will endeavour to suppress 
all vice, immorality, and profaneness. 


Voted, That a Committee be appointed to call County 
meetings for the future, if occasion requires, and that they 
write to the Committees of the several ‘Towns, and inform 
them in said notification for what purpose said meeting is 
called. 

Then chose Ephraim Wood, Esq., Jonas Haywood, Esq., 
and James Barrett, Esq., a Committee for that purpose. 

Voted, That the Clerk be desired to transmit an extract 
from the Minutes to the publisher of the Monday and Thurs- 
day paper. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Otiver Prescort, Clerk. 


ORDERS IN COUNCIL. 


At the Court at St. James’s, the 21st day of August, 1776. 
Present: The King’s Most Excellent Majesty in Council. 

Whereas the time limited by his Majesty’s Order in Coun- 
cil of the 17th of May last for prohibiting the exporting out 
of this Kingdom, or carrying coastwise, Gunpowder, Salt- 


1089 


petre, or any sort of Arms or Ammunition, will expire on 
the 23d of this instant, August; and whereas it is judged 
expedient that the said prohibition should be continued for 
some time longer, except in those cases where (for the 
benefit and advantage of trade, and for the use and defence 
of ships trading to foreign parts, and of the transports and 
victualling vessels employed in his Majesty’s service) his 
Majesty, by his several Orders in Council of the 13th and 
27th of October, and of the 6th and 22d of November 1775, 
and of the 5th and 19th of February last, has thought 
proper to permit and allow the exportation of and carrying 
coastwise Gunpowder, Saltpetre, Arms, and Ammunition, 
under certain conditions and restrictions mentioned in the 
said Orders: His Majesty doth therefore, by and with the 
advice of his Privy Council, hereby order, require, prohibit, 
and command, that no person or persons whomsoever (ex- 
cept the Master-General, Lieutenant-General, or principal 
Officers of the Ordnance, for his Majesty’s service) do, at any 
time during the space of three months, to commence from 
the said 23d day of this instant, August, presume to trans- 
port into any parts out of this Kingdom, or carry coastwise, 
any Gunpowder, Saltpetre, or any sort of Arms or Ammu- 
nition, or ship or lade any Gunpowder, Saltpetre, or any 
sort of Arms or Ammunition, on board any ship or vessel, 
in order to transporting the same beyond the seas, or carry- 
ing the same coastwise, except in the cases comprised within 
the aforementioned Orders in Council of the 13th and 27th 
of October, and the 6th and 22d of November, 1775, and of 
the 5th and 19th of February last, without leave or permis- 
sion in that behalf first obtained from his Majesty or his 
Privy Council, upon pain of incurring and suffering the 
respective forfeitures and penalties inflicted by an act passed 
in the twenty-ninth year of his late Majesty’s reign, intituled 
‘An act to empower his Majesty to prohibit the exportation 
of Saltpetre, and to enforce the law for empowering his 
Majesty to prohibit the exportation of Gunpowder, or any 
sort of Arms and Ammunition; and also to empower his 
Majesty to restrain the carrying coastwise of Saltpetre, Gun- 
powder, or any sort of Arms or Ammunition.” And the 
Lords Commissioners of his Majesty’s ‘Treasury, the Com- 
missioners for executing the office of Lord High Admiral of 
Great Britain, the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, the 
Master-General of the Ordnance, and his Majesty’s Secre- 
tary at War, are to give the necessary directions herein, as 
to them may respectively appertain. 
Srepu. Corrre.t. 


At the Court at St. James’s, the 21st day of August, 1776. 
Present: The King’s Most Excellent Majesty in Council. 

Whereas his Majesty was graciously pleased, by his Royal 
Proclamation, bearing date the 22d day of March last, to 
promise and declare that the bounties of £3 for every Able 
Seaman, and of £2 for every Ordinary Seaman, fit for his 
Majesty’s service, should be paid in the manner thereby 
directed to every such Able and Ordinary Seaman, not above 
the age of fifty, nor under the age of eighteen years, who 
should, on or before the 30th day of April then following, 
enter themselves to serve in his Majesty’s Royal Navy, 
either with the Captains or Lieutenants of his Majesty’s 
ships, or the chief officers on board such tenders as should 
- be employed for raising men for the service of the Royal 
Navy: And whereas the time thereby limited was, by 
Orders in Council, prolonged and extended from the said 
30th day of April to the 3ist day of this instant, August; 
and it being judged expedient for his Majesty’s service that 
the said bounties should be continued to be paid for some 
longer time: his Majesty, with the advice of his Privy Coun- 
cil, doth therefore order, and it is hereby accordingly ordered, 
that the time limited for payment of the said bounties be 
prolonged and extended from the said 31st day of this in- 
stant, August, to the 3lst day of October next, inclusive; 
whereof all persons concerned are to take notice and govern 
themselves accordingly. 

SrepuH. Corrre.t. 


THOMAS JONES TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Virginia, Northumberland County, August 21, 1776. 
GentLemen: [ have delivered to Mr. Thomas Walker, 
at the request of Captain Nicholson, four hundred and thirty- 
two half barrels of gunpowder, eighteen chests of arms, 


Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1090 


loose muskets, and twenty pieces ofosnaburgs. Mr. Walker 
tells me he received only four hundred and thirty-one half 
barrels of powder. The persons I intrusted to deliver it are 
certain they delivered the whole quantity. I hope it will be 
found right. 

As soon as I was informed by Captain Conway of his 
arrival, and that the powder, &c., was landed and stored not 
more than two miles from navigation, in the lower end of the 
County, I thought it by no means a safe place for so valuable 
a cargo, especially as Lord Dunmore’s fleet was lying at no 
great distance from it; therefore I directed it to be carted 
about twelve or fourteen miles higher up the country, where 
it might be more immediately under my inspection. This, 
together with the necessity of having a constant guard, has 
occasioned a considerable expense, but not more, I hope, 
than will be thought requisite. ‘The several accounts were 
laid before the Committee, who regulated them as they 
thought proper, except some few which I made a particular 
agreement for. 

You may be assured, gentlemen, that I have acted as 
if it had been upon my own account, and the trouble I have 
been at you are exceedingly welcome to. I think myself 
happy in having had it in my power to serve the Province 
of Maryland, particularly upon so interesting an occasion. 
There is still a balance due to the Colony of Virginia, of 
£3 18s. 2d., which Captain Walker has promised to pay. 

Lam, with regard, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 

Tuos. Jones. 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, President of the 
Council of Safety of Maryland. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CECIL COUNTY COMMITTEE. 
[No. 153.] Annapolis, August 21, 1776. 

GenrLemMen: We approve very much of what you have 
done, and send you five hundred pounds currency by Cap- 
tain George. You will be pleased to purchase all the guns 
and blankets you can for the use of the Province. ‘There 
are not enough to be had here, and are greatly wanting. 
Cartouch-boxes, bayonets, belts, and gun-slings, are sent up 
to Chester- Town for the Eastern-shore companies, and Co- 
lonel Richardson has orders to distribute them among his 
battalion. Canteens are high. We have a number of 
workmen engaged in making wooden bottles at 2s., a few at 
Qs. Td., and hope to supply you from Kent. 

Enclosed is an order of Convention relative to the pay 
and rations of the Flying-Camp Militia. Knapsacks and 
haversacks are making at Baltimore-Town, and shall be sent 
up for the companies, and priming-wires and brushes, if our 
contractors furnish them in time, which we expect they will 
do. Weare, &c. 


To the Committee of Observation for Ceci] County. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO ISAAC GRIEST. 

[No. 154.] Annapolis, August 21, 1776. 

Sir: We have received your favours of the 19th and 20th 
instant. If Jacobs will not set all his hands to work on the 
tents, and give the utmost despatch in his power in having 
them completed, he must deliver the linen to Johnson, as 
the troops must not be detained on their march to the north- 
ward. Cloth at twenty-five shillings is abundantly too high 
for blankets. We think the bottle-makers should be exempt 
from mustering while they are engaged in the service of the 
publick, and don’t doubt that their Captains will excuse them 
for not attending. ‘They must work day and night. Bay- 
onet-belts must be supplied the Flying-Camp out of the 
magazine. We shall want six hundred more knapsacks and 
haversacks, and desire they may be immediately made as 
soon as the linen arrives from Parker, which will be in a 
day or two at farthest. Deliver it to Johnson to be made up 
into tents. We are, &c. 


To Mr. Isaac Griest, Quartermaster. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[No. 155.] Annapolis, Maryland, August 21, 1776. 
Sir: The President informs us that, by the order of the 
Convention, he wrote to you for £10,000, for money ad- 
vanced by this Province on account of this Congre:s. If the 


69 


1091 


requisition in that letter is complied with, we shall be obliged 
if you will order the money to be paid into the hands of Sée- 
phen Stewart, who will convey it safely to us. 
We are, with great respect, sir, your most obedient, hum- 
ble servants. By order: 
Dant. or Sr. Tuos, Jenirer, President. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Hon- 
ourable Congress, at Philadelphia. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO SAMUEL DORSEY. 
[No. 156.] Annapolis, August 21, 1776. 

Sir: We approve your patterns for a tent, but cannot give 
the price you ask. One of the Baltimore tentmakers was 
here, and says he will make them with a round seam for two 
dollars. If you would make them with such seams on your 
model, we would have you proceed; otherwise, be pleased 
to make some agreeable to the Baltimore pattern, at twelve 
shillings. If you do not care to make them on those terms, 
send the linen you have to Baltimore-Town to William 
Johnson, who has agreed to make at those prices. 

The tent-poles we will pay you for according to the price 
given at Baltimore, which we cannot now ascertain. We 
wish to hear-more fully about the bayonets. 

We are, &c. 


To Mr. Samuel Dorsey, Anne-Arunde! County. 


CAPTAIN DARNES TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Queen-Anne’s County, August 21, 1776. 


GentLemen: Yesterday Captain Dean produced an order 
from your Board, ordering the arms out of the hands of my 
company into that of Captain Dean’s, which I think exceed- 
ing hard, as I myself, the rest of the officers, and many of 
the privates, have taken very uncommon pains to collect 
arms for the use of this company. 

I suppose the situation of my company may have been 
misrepresented to you. Mr. Joseph Nicholson, one of your 
Board, informs me it has; that is, that there was not a pro- 
bability of arming my company. I can venture to assure 
you that by Saturday next we shall be well armed. I make 
not the least doubt, gentlemen, but in that case you would 
prohibit the culling of my arms. 

My men are exceedingly distressed for want of linen; it 
is not to be had here. ‘Therefore shall be much obliged by 
two bolts of linen. Please despatch it immediately, as we 
are daily expecting orders to march. 

Am, gentlemen, your very ready, humble servant, 

Joun Darnes. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


DOCTOR WEISENTHALL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Baltimore-Town, August 21, 1776. 


Gentiemen: The bearer, Dr. Finley, is one of the can- 
didates that has offered himself several times for a Surgeon’s 
place in one of the battalions of Militia. He is well known 
to Colonel Hall, of whom probably best inquiry may be 
made concerning his fitness for the service. Mr. John Dor- 
sey, of Frederick County, likewise has applied, of whom I 
had opportunity to speak the last time I was in Annapolis. 
Mr. John Johnson has been long willing to accept a Mate’s 
station, who is at present in Frederick-Town. As I have 
not received your particular directions concerning Surgeons 
of the Militia, I have taken the liberty to mention only the 
above, as Dr. F%nley intended to go down personally. 

Colonel Ewing’s battalion marched away without any 
Surgeon, though I furnished them with some trifling medi- 
cines, especially to Captain Posey, who had the most sick, 
as well as Captain Young’s company. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient, 


humble servant 
; C. WEISENTHALL. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


AMOS GARRETT TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Hartford County, August 21, 1776. 
Srrs: I received by the hands of Colonel Aquila Hall 
the sum of £50, to be applied towards the Saltpetre Works 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1092 


under my care. The same is continued carrying on, but— 
what is the reason I can’t say—we can’t produce the quan- 
tity | have heard made at some places. We are assiduous 
at the business, and lose no time from the work, except when 
employed in collecting the stock. The exact quantity made 
I can’t justly say, having not weighed off for some time. I 
expect some odds of two hundred weight. We daily in- 
crease the same something. 

I have sent down by this conveyance seventeen bayonets 
and seven muskets fixed with bayonets. ‘The muskets and 
bayonets were to have been presented to the Committee of 
this County for the use of the publick; but this opportunity 
offering immediately to Annapolis, and Mr. John Hall, 
Lieutenant in Captain Paca’s company, informing of their 
being immediately wanted, I thought it advisable to send 
them down, and trust your Honours will have them valued, 
and allow me what they may be valued at, and pay the 
same, and of the bayonets, as per account enclosed, to Mr. 
Hall, who will receive and transmit it to me. 

‘There is also in the box a gun our Committee agreed to 
give a man forty-five shillings for, which I paid him. Some 
small repair I did to the lock, and is charged in the account, 
as also two bayonets put to two guns Colonel Carvell Hall 
put into my bands to repair, and some charges for the re- 
pairs. I also send in the box a gun sent by Mr. Gabriel 
Christie, and one other Mr. John Hall got from some other 
person, all which hope will get safe to hand. I will con- 
tinue to make the bayonets; but the fitting these muskets 
and repairing some other old guns from our neighbours has 
kept my man, who is but slow, employed. 

I am your Honours’ most humble servant, 

Amos GarreTr, 


To the Hon. the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


The Province of Maryland, to Amos Garrett, Dr. 
£ s.d. 

To 17 bayonets, at 7s. Gd.....cceereccocescors b wialan abe, ef6ye 6 36 

To cash paid James Brown fora gun bought by the Committee 

of Harford, and directed me to pay for and repair........ 2 50 
Repairing the ScrewS. ..eecescecssecees ccc cne ees eecece Opets0 
To 2 bayonets on 2 muskets Colonel Hall gave me to repair, 0 15 0 
Repairing the locks .:1.0 2. +000 0 sspies os cerccsanenceccsisie 0 50 
"TORS MuUSketyNOm Luts stuete sit eles laretcentert stake piacverekeisivers sie ote iy) 
"Eo, b musket, NOs 2: iccte ave sie cestsielstclcterelots stelolsiaataitetets one ere 3150 
Toul inaslcetHNob B22 crejelscis orelolelstoitisa ofsiale cota atuy otek stetetetots ake) 
‘To: Iimuskets Nov din. cite tisscs ciels: scio nie s[hslelers alesse sae torels 3e1b10 
Hos lemusket UNO’ os cjeleeis's. «elelele’= titasteatalsiters aieleleisiserstaletore SeLUne 
TO imuasketANno. Guiisuscccmtoslameatticeteccisecicioe section ay We 
Flo Liisket Non 7a i ec cresererete e-scvern esl atel eis eter oteetetelebiiy terete Ay se 
To a box and carting the guns to the vessel..........+504. 0 76 
To Gabriel Christie 1 un... wiey sles + 10 = a0» ni ersye estate sits 3 00 
To Colonel Hall 2 guns......... SOIL OIRDIEIS arb 006 Bde EHS 6 00 
To John Hall Deuns sep. ccee » sptpinsie ss oe sec es Bicleleciels ciate 4 50 
€47 11 6 


Received 24th Jugust, 1776, for Mr. Amos Garrett, the above and in 
full. 


Epwp. Hatu. 


CESAR RODNEY TO THOMAS RODNEY. 
Philadelphia, August 21, 1776. 

Last night, by the post, I received an account of your 
defeat in the election, and in which I was not disappointed; 
being convinced you continued to be sanguine in your ex- 
pectations without taking the necessary steps to carry a 
point of that sort; added to all the rest of your bad policy, 
you suffered Caldwell’s company to march away just before 
the election, when there was no necessity for it, as the other 
companies were not half full in any of the Counties. Parke 
tells me the conduct of your Light-Infantry heretofore had 
drawn down the resentment of the people, which put it in 
the power of that party who were opposed to you to make 
this use of it. 

As to the orders which Hodgson has on me, he can’t 
stand in need of the money; for, knowing that I could not be 
down, and that Mr. McWilliam had not the wherewithal to 
satisfy his order, the Delegates procured of Congress three 
thousand dollars for the purpose of advancing a month’s pay 
to the soldiers and contingent expenses, fifteen hundred of 
which have been sent down to Colonel Patterson. How- 
ever, as you have paid him forty odd pounds in part, it is so 
far well. I hope you have taken his receipt, but cannot 
tell how you ascertained Hume’s debt, as you had not the 
bond. 

As Mr, Read will go to the Convention, and our Colony 


10935 


requires two Delegates to make a representation, I shall 
come home next week if possible; but if I should not be 
down time enough, pray attend to the Orphan’s Court. ‘The 
present Convention is solely for the purpose of framing 
Government, and will not be allowed to go out of that line, 
except it be so far as is necessary to supply the Flying- 
Camp with such things as may be heretofore omitted. The 
people may perhaps think better of this matter the next time 
they choose. I am yours, &c., Casar Ropney. 


To Mr. Thomas Rodney. 


P. S. One Woodcock, at Wilmington, has been speaking 
to me about a privateer he was applied to to build by Cap- 
tain Pope. He says he has a parcel of carpenters sent to 
him and cannot go on for want of the iron-work, rum, &c. 
Some person among you ought to go immediately and enter 
into a contract with him and find the means of supplying 
him. 


PETITION OF THE OFFICERS OF THE FIRST AND 
REGIMENTS OF VIRGINIA. 


Presented 21st August, 1776, and agreed to be explained and sent to the 
Delegates in Congress. 


[Referred to the Board of War.] 
To the Honourable the Lieutenant-Governour and Council 
of State of the Commonwealth of Virainta: 


The Petition of the Captains and Subalterns of the two 
Oxp Vireinta Regiments humbly showeth: 


That your petitioners, actuated by the love of their coun- 
try, were forward to enter into military duty, and promised 
to themselves those advantages of rank to which their early 
services would of right entitle them. That although they 
were, many of them, actually imbodied and encamped near 
Wilhamsburgh before the two first regiments of North-Caro- 
lina Continentals were even directed to be raised, as your 
petitioners are informed, yet your petitioners, holding at that 
time only Colonial commissions, having the highest respect 
for the authority of the Congress, cheerfully submitted to the 
precedence given the North-Carolinians, although younger 
in the service than themselves, and then employed in the 
Colony of Virginia, to which your petitioners belonged. 
That the same temper, which prompted your petitioners to 
submit in the instance above specified, does also dispose 
them to insist upon that rank to which they are entitled. 
That your petitioners are well informed that the two first 
regiments are upon the Continental establishment from the 
first of November; they are therefore much at a loss to ac- 
count for the present date of their commissions, which are 
brought down as late as the middle and last of January, by 
which your petitioners will lose their just rank in the Con- 
tinental line, an inconvenience which will be particularly 
felt by the First Regiment in their junction with the troops 
to the northward, as the dates of commissions will be the 
only criterion by which to ascertain the right of command. 
Your petitioners are also of opinion that the Congress proba- 
bly intended to give rank to the two first regiments by taking 
them upon their establishment so early in the last fall. Your 
petitioners are informed, and have good reason to believe, that 
their present commissions were dated without a particular 
attention to the consequences, which will so materially affect 
your petitioners, especially if succession should be taken 
through the whole Continental line. Your petitioners there- 
fore look up to your honourable Board for redress in the 
premises, and trust that, if necessary, your honourable Board 
will make such representation to the Congress upon the 
subject of this address as shall give it success. 

And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &c. 


Rank to commence from the day they were taken into Continental 
pay 


SECOND 


MEMORIAL OF PREUDHOME LA JEUNESSE. 
[August 21, 1776, referred to the Board of War.] 
To the Hon. Joun Hancock, Esq., President: 


The Memorial of Prevpuome La Jeunesse, of Monrreat, 
in Canapa, humbly showeth: 


That by his great zeal for the American cause in the late 
expedition of Canada, he was much distinguished by the 
commanding officers of the Continental Army; but after 
their retreat he could not be of further use, and was directed 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1094 


to offer his services to the honourable the Continental Con- 
gress. ‘That he has been in Philadelphia upwards of six 
weeks, inactive, and much desirous to enter into the Conti- 
nental service, daily pressed upon by his own countrymen 
and other Frenchmen, or persons who understand French, 
wishing to be employed under your memorialist, of whom 
he might have fifty or more, if he had a commission to inlist 
them, and who will certainly disperse if they have not soon 
an answer, ‘That his said countrymen, and more especially 
your memorialist, can never return to their homes whilst a 
King’s Governour is in full possession thereof; but whenever 
it should be thought proper for the Continental Army to 
reénter Canada, your memorialist thinks that a corps of 
Canadians, Frenchmen, and others who speak French, might 
be of great use in that service. Your memorialist once 
more prayeth that his case may be considered, and that the 
honourable the Congress would be pleased to grant him a 
commission of Captain of a corps of Canadians, Acadians, 
French, and others who speak French. 
And your memorialist, as in duty bound, &c., 
PREUDHOME LA JEUNESSE. 
Philadelphia, August 21, 1776. 


——= 


Ata Board of War, August 21, 1776. 
Agreed to report to Congress, That the Petition of Preud- 
home la Jeunesse be granted, and a Commission be given 
him to be Captain of a Company of Canadians, Acadians, 
and French, to belong to Colonel Livingston’s Regiment, 
and to join the Army at Ticonderoga as soon as may be. 


PASS FOR SERGEANT SUTHERLAND. 
In Committee, Lancaster, August 21, 1776. 
Sergeant Sutherland, of the Seventh Regiment of Royal 
Fusileers, prisoner-of-war at Lancaster, in Pennsylvania, 
hath permission to go from Lancaster to Reading, with letters 
from Captain Kinnear, and accounts relative to that regi- 
ment, to be presented to General Prescott, and is to return 
to Lancaster on or before the 24th day of August instant, 
and deliver up this passport. 
By order of the Committee: 
Wiuuram Atier, Chairman. 


—— 


Sergeant Sutherland, on his arrival at Reading, produced 
the above passport, and is now on his return, in which none 
will molest him. 

August 22, 1776. j 

James Reav, Chairman of Committee of Berks. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read August 23, 1776.] 
New-York, August 21, 1776. 

Sir: Enclosed I have the honour to transmit you a copy 
of my letter to Lord Howe, as well on the subject of a gene- 
ral exchange of prisoners in the Naval line, as that of Lieut. 
Josiah in particular, and of his Lordship’s answer, which, 
from its matter and manner, is very different from General 
Carleton’s orders which were forwarded yesterday. 

The situation of the armies being the same as when I had 
the pleasure of addressing you last, I have nothing special 
to communicate on that head, nor more to add, than that I 
am, with all possible respect, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 


ee 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 17, 1776. 


My Lorn: Being authorized by Congress, as their com- 
manders in every department are, to negotiate an exchange 
of prisoners; and presuming, as well from the nature of your 
Lordship’s command as the information General Howe has 
been pleased to honour me with, that the exchange in the 
Naval line will be subject to your Lordship’s directions, I 
beg leave to propose the following mode of exchange for 
your Lordship’s consideration, viz: “Officers for those of 
equal rank, and sailors for sailors.” 

If the above proposal should be agreeable to your Lord- 
ship, I am charged in a particular manner to exchange any 
officer belonging to the British Navy in our hands and of 
equal rank, for Lieutenant Josiah, who was lately made 
prisoner in a ship retaken by the Cerberus frigate. The 


* 


1095 


reason, my Lord, of my being charged to propose the ex- 
change of Lieutenant Joszah in preference to that of any 
other officer is, that authentick intelligence has been received 
that, regardless of his rank as an officer, he has not only 
been subjected to the duties of a common seaman, but has 
experienced many other marks of indignity. As a different 
line of conduct, my Lord, has been ever observed towards 
the officers of your Navy who have fallen into our hands, it 
becomes not only a matter of right but of duty to mention 
this to your Lordship, to the end that an inquiry may be 
made into the case above referred to. 

From your Lordship’s character for humanity, I am led 
to presume the hardships imposed on Lieutenant Josiah are 
without either your knowledge or concurrence, and therefore 
most readily hope that upon this representation your Lord- 
ship will enjoin all officers under your command to pay such 
regard to the treatment of those that may fall into their hands 
as their different ranks and situations require, and such as 
your Lordship would wish to see continued by us to those 
who are already in our power, or who may hereafter, by the 
chance of war, be subjected to it. 

I have the honour to be, my Lord, with great respect, 
your Lordship’s most obedient servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 


To the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Howe, Admiral and 
Commander-in-Chief of the British Navy in America. 


Eagle, off Staten-Island, August 19, 1776. 

Str: Concurring with the proposition you have been 
pleased to make in your favour of the 17th, for an exchange 
of prisoners in my department, viz: ‘ Officers for those of 
equal rank, and sailors for sailors,” I will take the liberty to 
propose an officer of the same rank with Lieutenant Josiah 
when he arrives. The Cerberus being absent, I have no 
other information respecting the situation of Mr. Josiah, 
than what is communicated in your letter; but the matter, 
you may be assured, shall be inquired into, and every atten- 
tion paid to the rules of propriety, as well as the dictates of 
humanity, on all such occasions. 

Principles and conduct form the true distinction of rank 
amongst men; yet, without a competent habit in the manners 
of the world, they are too liable to meet with unmerited dis- 
regard. But insult and indignities to persons of whatever 
rank, who are become parties in these unhappy disputes, 
cannot be justified, and are, I persuade myself, as much dis- 
approved of by every officer under my command, as they 
can never cease to be by me. 

I am, with great personal respect, sir, your most humble 


servant 
a Howe. 


To General George Washington. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
New-York, August 21, 1776. 

Dear Sir: On Monday I received your favour of the 
16th instant, with its several enclosures. The time you 
were in treaty I can readily conceive was very irksome and 
disagreeable; however, if the good consequences you in- 
tended are produced, you will think it well spent. 

General Carleton’s orders, for their indecent, illiberal scur- 
rility, are equal, if not superior, to anything I have seen, and 
are such as I could not have expected from a person of his 
high rank. He holds forth a language very different from 
General Howe, as you would perceive by the copy of his 
letter I transmitted you. The assassination of General Gor- 
don is a matter entirely new, having never heard of it before. 
The paper made up as a letter, and directed to me, which 
Major Bigelow brought with him, only contained a copy of 
the orders. 

Iam glad the works at Fort Stanwiz are going on so well, 
and that they have so much provision in store. In a little 
time I hope they will be strong and complete. 

By a letter from Governour Trumbull I am informed that 
a Captain Van Buren had procured a sufficient quantity of 
sail-cloth and part of the cordage wanted for the galleys in 
Connecticut, and that the rest would be probably obtained 
there. Upon the whole, I hope necessaries to fit them out 
will be obtained one way or another. 

The enclosed letter from Colonel Stark was transmitted 
and referred to me by General Gates, in order that I might 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1096 


determine upon the subject of it. I should suppose the value 
of rations ought to be settled with the Commissary, or sub- 
mitted to Congress for their decision. 1 do not conceive it is 
with me to direct in this instance, and therefore think it right 
to give notice of it by this opportunity. 

Since my last of the 13th nothing worthy of mention has 
occurred in this quarter, unless the ships-of-war having left 
their stations up the North River and joined the fleet again, 
is considered as such. On Sunday morning they came 
down with their remaining tenders. It is more than pioba- 
ble that an attempt by two of our fire-vessels to destroy them 
a night or two before contributed to their departure. The 
enterprise, though conducted with spirit and resolution, did 
not succeed to our wishes, only one tender having been 
bumt. The Phenix was grappled for some time, but cleared 
herself without damage. 

Sige, Go. WasHineron. 
To Major-General Schuyler, Northern Department. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER ON BOARD THE 
ROYAL SAVAGE, IN LAKE CHAMPLAIN, DATED AUGUST 21, 
1776. 


To-morrow, wind and weather permitting, we sail to- 
wards St. John’s, where we may soon expect to come to 
action. Our fleet consists of one sloop, three schooners, four 
galleys, and sewen gondolas, the whole well officered and 
manned, and under command of General Arnold. If we 
meet with the enemy, doubt not but we shall support our 
charge. 


RICHARD BRUERE AND OTHERS TO THE NEW-YORK CONVEN- 
TION. 
At the White-Plains, by order of the General Committee ; 
for the County, August 21, 1776. 

GentLEemeN: On the 6th day of July last past, having 
given our parole to you at this place, under the consideration 
of being allowed a sum of money barely sufficient to pay our 
board and for the common necessaries of life, and that the 
said sum was to be repaid by ourselves or friends before our 
departure from the country, and as one of us has written 
without the receipt of any answer or money to pay our way, 
we think it somewhat extraordinary, and you must have 
given the necessary orders for our being supplied, which have 
been neglected by some other of your officers. We have 
also been informed that some of your officers imagined the 
whole allowance of two dollars per week was to be paid for 
our board and washing, little considering what other neces- 
saries are wanting on these occasions; and as the small sum 
before mentioned, which we are to repay, we humbly con- 
ceive to be our own, and that the Committee having billeted 
us to such houses as may be most expedient for your con- 
venience, we are left at liberty to bargain for ourselves. We 
are at present six weeks in arrear to our landlord; and must 
beg, gentlemen, that you will give us some answer. 

From, gentlemen, your humble servants, 

Ricup. Bruere, 
Tuos. R. Harris, 


- Samu. Cox. 


To the Gentlemen of the Provincial Congress of New- York, 
at Harlem. 


DUTCHESS COUNTY (NEW-YORK) COMMITTEE. 
In Committee, Dutchess County, August 21, 1776. 


Resolved, That persons be appointed to inspect and take 
an account of all the Salt in this County, except what may 
be intended for the private use of families; and that no 
person presume to sell any Salt in, or remove it out of the 
County till the further order of this Committee; and that 
the persons so to be appointed be authorized to send for 
any persons, and examine them under oath, touching the 
premises. 

Resolved, That Mr. Thomas Storm, a member of this 
Committee, be authorized to wait upon the Convention of 
this State, and inform them that there is a quantity of Salt 
in this County, but supposed to be not more than sufficient 
to supply the inhabitants of the County, at one bushel for 
each family, and that it is exceedingly wanted; and pray 
the advice of the Convention, whether the Salt may be sold 


1097 


and distributed, or whether, notwithstanding the wants of the 
County, it ought to be reserved for the use of the Army; 
and if the latter, which will be the most prudent and eligible 
mode of keeping and reserving it. 
By order of the Committee : 
Easertr Benson, Chairman. 


PETITION OF CADWALADER COLDEN, JUN. 


To the Honourable the Representatives of the State of New- 
York, in Convention: 
The Petition of Canwataper Coxpen, Jun., of ULster 


County, Esq., humbly showeth: 


That your petitioner, impressed with the most painful ap- 
prehensions of the calamities that would flow from a separa- 
tion of the American Colonies from the Government of G'reat 
Britain, did, in the beginning of the present most unhappy 
disputes, appear opposed to such measures as, he imagined, 
would involve his country in distress; in consequence of 
which, he was stigmatized by those from whom he differed 
in sentiment, with the odious appellation of an enemy to his 
country, and thereby became the object of invective, slan- 
der, and malevolence, and was often insulted and frequently 
threatened with destruction of his person and property. This 
notwithstanding your petitioner’s: attachment to the rights of 
private judgment, and although he conceived the freedom of 
disquisition and debate, on topicks which affected the pub- 
lick weal, to be the birthright of Englishmen, and a privilege 
which particularly distinguish the freeman from the slave. 
Nevertheless your petitioner, willing to avoid the giving the 
least cause of offence, determined no longer in vain to op- 
pose the prevailing current opinion, of which, bis determina- 
tion, he, by letter, acquainted some of the Committee in the 
County so long since as the 3d of May last was a twelve- 
month, and in a few days after was among the first that 
signed the General Association. Since which time, your 
petitioner doth aver, that he hath in no way whatsoever 
opposed or obstructed any publick measures, nor hath he, 
in any one instance, either persuaded or dissuaded any man 
from pursuing the propensity of his own inclinations. In 
testimony whereof your petitioner hath publickly called 
upon his accusers and persecutors to adduce any proof to 
the contrary. Notwithstanding which, and without the least 
cause, your petitioner’s house was surrounded -by an armed 
body of men, commanded by Colonel Palmer, in the dead 
of the night of the 24th of June last, and on being granted 
admission, he, the said Palmer, and divers others, proceeded 
to search every part of the house of your petitioner for arms 
and ammunition, &c., and also examined his desk and chest 
of papers; and though said Palmer declared himself per- 
fectly satisfied that your petitioner was destitute of all offen- 
sive weapons, &c., he nevertheless seized on the person of 
your petitioner, and sent him under strong guard to New- 
Windsor, and the next day he was conveyed as a prisoner to 
Newburgh ; whereupon, being called before the Commit- 
tee, he excepted to their jurisdiction, alleging its locality to 
their own Precinct, and that he lived in the Precinct of 
Hanover, and if guilty of any offence, the Committee of 
said Precinct was of competent authority to take cognizance 
thereof, and therefore desired that any matter he might 
stand charged with might be referred to the Committee of 
Hanover. But this being overruled, your petitioner ap- 
pealed to the County Committee or Convention. Upon 
which, he was then discharged, giving his parole to appear 
before them when notified by a letter from the Chairman of 
that Board. That the next day your petitioner heard that 
Colonel Palmer, and some of the party who had surrounded 
his house in the night, had in the neighbourhood pretended 
to be in pursuit of a man said to be come from on board the 
man-of-war; that at the house of one Mary Knap they had 
actually overtaken and seized a man, (one of their own 
party,) who was made to confess or say, that he had made 
his escape out of your petitioner’s house when he heard the 
party coming to it in the night; and that he had delivered to 
your petitioner letters or messages from on board the man- 
of-war, and had also brought a letter to said Mary Knap 
from her husband, who was on board the man-of-war. That, 
considering the temper of the times, your petitioner thought 
such a report, if believed in his neighbourhood, might be of 
dangerous consequence to him, therefore immediately wrote 
a letter to the Chairman of the County Committee, (not 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1098 


knowing him to be one of the Committee he had already 
seen before,) acquainting him of the circumstances of this 
affair, and desiring a hearing before the County Committee. 
But before this letter got to the hands of the Chairman, the 
Committee had sat, and ordered your petitioner to appear 
before them on the 9th day of July, to answer the charges 
that then might appear against him touching his being an 
enemy to the American cause. A copy of which order was 
served on your petitioner. ‘That accordingly, on the 9th 
day of July, your petitioner appeared before the County 
Committee; and that though no charge was even adduced 
against your petitioner, much less supported, of his acting 
inimical to the liberties of his country, or that he in any 
manner whatsoever opposed, obstructed, or counteracted 
publick measures, and that the story concerning the man 
from on board the man-of-war escaping out of your petition- 
er’s house was acknowledged by Colonel Palmer and some 
of his party to be only a piece of fun, (as he called it,) or 
contrivance formed to impose on the said Mary Knap; yet, 
to the surprise of your petitioner and the astonishment of 
the County, your petitioner was ordered to the common Jail 
of the County, in close confinement, under every circum- 
stance of indignity and disrespect. Irom whence your peti- 
tioner took the liberty to inform your honourable Board of 
his grievances, and to pray for relief. 

And your petitioner further showeth, that though the Pre- 
sident of your honourable Board was pleased to answer his 
letter the 16th of July, in which he informed him that your 
Board was pleased to refer the matter back to the County 
Committee, yet he did not receive the letter till the 31st; 
neither did the Chairman of the County Committee give 
notice to your petitioner of the matter being referred back 
to the Committee, nor send him the President’s letter, till 
applied to for it. That your petitioner, upon the receipt of 
said letter, hearing that the County Committee was to meet 
the 6th instant, and not knowing whether they would please 
to call him before them, wrote a letter to the Committee, and 
also made application to them through his friends, desiring 
their reconsideration of the rigorous treatment he had received 
by a close confinement in a Jail, for near five weeks, without 
any charge against him, (as has been already shown,) and 
soliciting his discharge. Notwithstanding which, all the in- 
dulgence your petitioner was able to procure has been a 
release from the common Jail, upon giving security in the 
exorbitant sum of £2,000, not to go off his farm until fully 
discharged by your honourable Board. 

Your petitioner, therefore, relying on the equity and hu- 
manity of your honourable Board, doubts not but that, as 
you are the advocates of freedom, you will show yourselves 
equally the patrons and protectors of the innocent and op- 
pressed, and speedily grant him an ample release from the 
unmerited and arbitrary restraint he at present labours under. 
And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. 

CapwaLaDER Cotpen, Jun. 

Coldenham, August 21, 1776. 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL SULLIVAN, 
Crown-Point, August 21, 1776. 


Dear Genera: When I parted with you to go on com- 
mand to Cumberland Head, | little expected you would so 
soon leave us. My surprise was great on my return to find 
you were gone. Part of the troops marched away, and the 
rest were ordered to Ticonderoga. I have always consider- 
ed this as a post of great importance. ‘The works were in 
ruins, but they might have been repaired before this. Five 
thousand men, in my opinion, would have manned them, 
and stopped the enemy here bad they attempted to advance. 
Wiser councils have fixed on Ticonderoga. That place is 
made very strong. Great attention has been paid to the 
fleet. It is now truly respectable. It goes down the Lake 
to-morrow under General Arnold. I make no doubt it will 
prevent the enemy from coming up this year, unless some 
extraordinary disaster should happen to it. 

There is a considerable number of Indians and Canadians 
with the Regulars at the Isle-aux-Noix. I expect some of 
them will be paying me a visit here in a few days. Iam 
preparing to entertaim them. 

The Sixth Battalion has always remained here. We ex- 
pected almost every day to go up to Ticonderoga. As the 
whole Army was to be removed there, I did not throw up 


1099 


any works till a few days ago. I thought it very necessary 
that my camp should be secured. I fixed on an eminence 
on the east side of the Point, and have made some strong 
intrenchments on the land side, and shall throw up some 
works on the side next the water, which will secure us 
against surprise; and a few pieces of artillery, if I can find 
them, would cover our retreat, should the main body of the 
enemy approach. The General has been pleased to approve 
of my intrenching, and directed me to stay here. My men 
have got in good spirits, and seem very well contented at 
their present station. 

I should apprehend that some troops should be continued 
on this Point till spring, when the place should be fortified 
strongly. Should the enemy get possession of it, very bad 
consequences will follow. A regiment of the Eastern troops 
might come here when my regiment leaves it. 

General Gates is reforming the Army, and is very suc- 
cessful. He pursues the same plan I have heard you speak 
of to keep off the small-pox. Should anything extraordi- 
nary happen in this quarter you may expect that I shall 
trouble you, now and then, unless I find it disagreeable to 
you, 

I am, honoured, sir, with the greatest respect, your most 


humble and obedient servant, Toe Hite ee 


CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
August 20, 1776: 


Present: His Honour the Governour, Jabez Huntington, 
Wm. Hilthouse, Jed. Elderkin, Nathaniel Wales, and Ben- 
jamin Huntington, Esquires. 


Voted, To draw an Order on the Pay-Table in favour of 
Captain James Chamberlain, for Advance-Wages of 20s. per 
man for his Company, now ordered to New-York. 

Order delivered Captain Chamberlain 20th August. 


Voted, That his Honour the Governour is authorized and 
desired to furnish Captain McCall and Lieutenant Jacob 
Dewit of Norwich with as many Fire-Arms and Bayonets 
as they shall want to supply their men, out of the Colony 
Arms, in the hands of Mr. David Trumbull. 


A Return of Officers for a Company, formed out of the 
Gentlemen of the Horse, under the command of Captain 
James Chamberlain, being made to his Honour the Gover- 
nour and his Council of Safety, by which it appears that 
said Company have chosen James Chamberlain for their 
Captain, Noah Chapin, Jun., their Lieutenant, and Simeon 
Chapman for their Ensign, which is approved; and it is 
thereupon 

Voted, 'To accept and approve said Officers; and they 
are hereby established in their several Offices to which they 
are chosen, to serve in said Company, as a Foot Company 
of Militia in defence of these States, until the present exi- 
gency is over; and his Honour is desired to commissionate 
them. 

Commissions granted August 20, 1776. 

At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
August 21, 1776: 

Present: His Honour the Governour, Jabez Huntington, 
Richard Law, Titus Hosmer, Jed. Elderkin, Wm. Hill- 


house, Nathaniel Wales, Jun., and Benjamin Huntington, 
Esquires. 


An Account exhibited by Mr. John Leffingwell, of Nor- 
wich, for sundry repairs of Fire-Arms and stocking six Guns, 
amounting to £12 11s. 11d.; said Gun-Stocks were charged 
at 12s. each, out of which, 2s..on each Gun-Stock is deduct- 
ed, which amounts to 12s. out of said sum of £12 11s. 11d., 
which leaves the sum of £11 19s. 11d., which is granted to 
said Mr. John Leffingwell on said Account, and an Order 
is to be drawn for the same accordingly. 

Order drawn 21st August, delivered Colonel Hunting- 
ton. 


Mr. Jepson, of Hartford, applied to this Board for the 
purchase of four Cannon, six-pounders, at the Furnace at 
Salisbury, for the use of a Privateer; which being consi- 
dered, and the question put, whether this Board will at 
present admit the sale of said Cannon, and passed in the 
negative. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1100 


Voted, That a Lieutenant, one Sergeant, and fifteen 
Privates, be detached from the Company under command of 
Captain Thompson, at Black-Rock, in New-Haven, and go 
to Milford, and there assist the inhabitants in building a 
Fortification at the Harbour in that place. And that the 
Selectmen of Milford have liberty, at the expense of said 
Town, to take four of the Colony Cannon from the Fur- 
nace at Salisbury, (viz: three nine-pounders and one twelve- 
pounder, if such are on hand, or as soon as they can be 
obtained,) and also one ton of Shot, suitable for said Cannon, 
to be used in the Fort, till further orders from the General 
Assembly, or the Governour and this Council. And if the 
General Assembly, or Governour and Council aforesaid, 
shall order said four Cannon to any other place during the 
present contest, the expense of transporting said Cannon, 
Xc., to be repaid to said Town by the Colony. And the 
Overseers of said Furnace are hereby directed to deliver said 
Cannon and Shot accordingly. 

Copy delivered Mr. John Harpin, August 21, 1776. 


Voted and Ordered, That Isaac Doolittle § Co., owners 
of the Powder-Mill at New-Haven, deliver three hundred 
weight of Powder into the hands of the Selectmen of Mil- 
ford, taking their receipt to account with the Colony for the 


same. 
Order delivered John Harpin, August 21, 1776. 


Voted, To draw an order on Colonel William Pitkin, for 
three hundred weight of Gunpowder, in favour of the Select- 
men of Chatham, taking their receipt to account for the 


same. 
Order delivered Mr. Hosmer, August 21, 1776. 


Voted, To draw an order on Colonel William Pitkin, for 
five hundred weight of Gunpowder, in favour of the Select- 
men of Middletown, taking their receipt to account for the 


same. 
Order delivered Mr. Hosmer, August 21, 1776. 


Voted, To draw an Order on Colonel William Pitkin; 
for three hundred weight of Gunpowder, in favour of Jabez 
Hamlin and Titus Hosmer, Esquires, and the rest of the 
Committee, for overseeing the Lead Works at Middletown, 
&c., keeping a proper account thereof. 


Order delivered Mr. Hosmer, August 21, 1776. 
Voted, To appoint Mr. Bela Elderkin, of Windham, and 


he is hereby appointed, Second Lieutenant of Marines on 
board the ship-of-war belonging to this State. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Lebanon, August 21, 1776. 


Srr: I do myself the honour to enclose the copy of a 
letter from the Hon. Major-General Gates, [of August 11,] 
with General Carleton’s orders, and the letter to Major 
Hawley therein mentioned. 

Permit me to add, that the practice of inoculating for the 
small-pox, which has been fallen into by the troops from 
your State, (as well Captain Ferguson’s company at Gilas- 
gow, as others at Number Four,) every way hurts the publick 
service, and exposes the other troops anew to that infection, 
which has already rendered abortive the hopes of the Army, 
proved fatal to many, ruined the health of more, and exposed 
the whole to destruction. I have full confidence that this 
practice will appear in the same dangerous point of view to 
you as it does to General Gates, and that you will use such 
measures as your wisdom shall dictate to prevent any ill 
consequence from the past, and any future practice of the 
like nature. At the same time, I beg leave to assure you 
that every precaution will be taken in this State to prevent 
that fatal infection from being carried into the Army by the 
troops or others going from hence. 

I am, sir, with great truth and regard, your obedient, 


humble servant, Jona. TRUMBULL. 


To the Hon. President of the Council of the State of Mas- 
sachusetts-Bay. 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 

In Council, August 21, 1776. 
Ordered, That the Committees of Correspondence, In- 
spection, and Safety, of the several Towns and Plantations in 
this State be, and they are hereby, empowered and directed to 


1101 


take effectual care to keep within the limits of their respective 
Towns and Plantations all Prisoners of War who now are 
or shall hereafter be committed to their care, and agreeable 
to an order of Congress, the 21st May, to superintend their 
conduct; and in cases of gross misbehaviour, or refusing to 
labour for their support, (excepting such Officers as are on 
parole,) to confine them in the County Jail. And the Sheriff 
of the said County is hereby ordered and directed to receive 
into his custody any such Prisoners as the Committee or 
Committees may send them for their misbehaviour, And 
the said Committees are herey directed to report their doings 
to the Council as soon as may be. And further, any Pri- 
soners of War strolling from the ‘Town to which they have 
been destined to other Towns, be by the Committee of said 
Town sent to the common Jail. And the Secretary is directed 
immediately to publish this order in the several News- 
papers. 

A true copy. Attest: Joun Avery, Dep. Sec. 
In Council, August 22, 1776. 

Ordered, That the Committee of Correspondence, &c., 
in the several Towns in this State, do forthwith transmit to 
the Sheriff of the County whereunto they respectively be- 
long, an accurate list of all Prisoners of War in their respec- 
tive Towns, expressing their names, and to what Company 
or Corps they did belong; to the end that the several Sheriffs 
may be able to make a true return thereof to this Board as 
soon as may be, and, as the Congress have requested, an 
immediate Return of all Prisoners of War within this State 
be made to them. 


A true copy. Attest: Joun Avery, Dep. Sec. 


Sher In Council, August 22, 1776. 
Ordered, That the Sheriffs of the several Counties within 
this State do make a Return of the names of all the Prison- 
ers of War that shall be returned to them by the several 
Committees in their respective Counties, together with such 
as may be confined in the several Jails within their respec- 
tive Precincts, to the Council, that a Return thereof may be 
made to Congress as soon as may be. 
A true copy. Attest: Joun Avery, Dep. Sec. 


Council Chamber, Watertown, August 21, 1776. 
Ordered, That the several Committees appointed by a 
Resolve of the Great and General Court, on June 25, 1776, 
to inlist five thousand of the Militia in their respective 
Counties for the reinforcement of the Continental Army in 
Canada and New-York, do forthwith make Returns to the 
Council of the number of men inlisted in each County, and 
what Companies have actually marched to each of those 
departments, with the number of men there is in each Com- 
pany, and when they marched, and, in general, of all their 
proceedings relative to the said inlistment; and that the 
Committees appointed by a Resolve of July 10, 1776, to 
raise two other Regiments for the Northern or Canada De- 
partment, do forthwith make the like Return; and that the 
foregoing Orders be published in the Boston and Watertown 
Newspapers. 
By order of the major part of the Council: 
Joun Avery, Dep. Sec. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO MAJOR GAINS. 


State of New-Hampshire, in Committee of Safety, 
August 21, 1776. 


Srr: You are hereby appointed Mustermaster, to muster 
the following companies of soldiers, raising for the Conti- 
nental service, under the command of Captains Hodgdon, 
Calfe, Brown, Clements, and Dearing, passing ninety in 
each company, officers included, receiving none but good 
able-bodied, effective men, well equipped; and make return 
of muster-rolls as soon as may be. 

Mesuecu Weare. 


To Major George Gains. 


LORD GEORGE GERMAINE TO GENERAL HOWE. 
Whitehall, August 22, 1776. 
Sir: In answer to the favour of your letter of the 3d of 
June, relative to the embarrassment and confusion which 
had been occasioned in the Army by vacancies having been 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1102 


filled up here and also by you, I am to inform you that the 
Secretary of War, having taken his Majesty’s pleasure there- 
upon, and written to you fully on that head, I flatter myself 
all those difficulties are removed, and that for the future you 
will have none of the like nature to complain of. 


I am, &c. Gro. GERMAINE. 


LORD GEORGE GERMAINE TO GENERAL HOWE. 
Whitehall, August 22, 1776. 
Str: I have the favour of your letter of the 4th of June 
last, with two enclosures; the one, a state of the goods 
removed from Boston, and the other, a plan on which the 
corps of Loyal Nova-Scotia Volunteers was then formed; and 
as your plan holds forth encouragement to those who have 
success in recruiting, I trust the officers, by their activity 
and attention, may be able soon to complete the corps. 
Tam, &c., Gro. Germaine. 


LORD GEORGE GERMAINE TO GENERAL HOWE. 
Whitehall, August 22, 1776. 

Sir: Your letters of the 7th and 8th July, from Staten- 
Island, were delivered to me by Lieutenant-Colonel Blunt, 
of the Fourth Regiment, and I had the honour of laying 
them before the King. His Majesty entirely approves of your 
prudence in waiting for the arrival of one of the expected 
reinforcements; nor is this, your discretion, the sole object 
of his royal approbation; it has been graciously extended to 
the whole of your conduct and plan; in both of which you 
have exhibited such wisdom, zeal, and attention to the ser- 
vice, as deservedly reflects the highest honour upon you, and 
must contribute most effectually to the support and advance- 
ment of the honour of Government. 

As his Majesty had reason to imagine that Vice-Admiral 
Lord Shuldham had stationed a proper number of ships off 
the harbour of Boston, in order to thwart all designs which 
the Rebels might have of seizing any of the succours which 
might be sent to you, he has been much hurt and surprised _ 
to find that so many of the Highland corps have had the 
misfortune to fall into the hands of the enemy. And I am 
to inform you that orders will be sent to Lord Howe to make 
inquiries into that matter. 

His Majesty expressed great satisfaction at the account 
which you ¢'ve of the coming in of so many of his subjects. 
Such a step, whilst it proves that they are impressed with a 
grateful sense of their situation, in obeying the mildest and 
best of Kings, will, it is to be hoped, when they find them- 
selves sure of receiving protection, induce others to give 
similar proofs of their loyalty and zeal for Government. 

I have sent to the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty’s 
Treasury the particulars of your request respecting an early 
supply of woollens, linen, and shoes, for the Provincial 
troops, and have no doubt but a due and speedy attention 
will be paid to it. 

The behaviour of Captains Reynor and Curtis, in their 
respective commands, has given the King great satisfaction. 

iam, &c., Geo. GERMAINE. 


LORD GEORGE GERMAINE TO GENERAL HOWE. 
Whitehall, August 22, 1776. 

Sir: I had the honour of receiving and laying before his 
Majesty your letter, dated Halifax, June 7, 1776, wherein 
you acknowledge the receipt of my despatches of the Ist 
and 7th February and 28th March. 

Sensible as you were that the interests of your King and 
country required your presence in the neighbourhood of 
New- York, I am not at all surprised at the lively mortifica- 
tion which you suffered on account of your tedious detention 
at Halifax, and in being so long prevented from executing 
those plans which your zeal and wisdom had projected, and 
to which the high order of the troops was likely to ensure 
success. It must at that time have been some alleviation 
of your uneasiness, to know that the delay was not occa- 
sioned by any neglect; and it will afford you no small degree 
of present satisfaction to be informed that the King, having 
read and considered the reasons which you assign for your 


‘detention at Halifax, is of opinion that an earlier removal 


from there was impracticable. His Majesty was also pleased 
to express his entire approbation of your idea respecting the 
intended motions and employment of the Army. 


1103 


I herewith transmit you a copy of a despatch sent to 
General Sir Guy Carleton, which I think makes it unneces- 
sary for me to enter into a discussion of that part of your 
letter which relates to the difficulties that might arise upon 
a junction of your respective armies. A duplicate of this 
despatch is sent herewith, which, for fear any accident should 
happen to the original, you will transmit to Sir Guy Carleton 
by the first opportunity. And as Lord Howe has the com- 
mand of the fleet, and there happily subsists the most perfect 
harmony between you, I flatter myself that there is no occa- 
sion for me to say anything about the disposal of the trans- 
ports. With regard to the Forty-Seventh Regiment, I must 
beg leave to refer you to my former letter of the 2lst of 
June. 

The loss of the ordnance store-ship in Boston Bay is an 
unlucky and very mortifying circumstance; and I am to 
acquaint you that orders are given for a strict inquiry to be 
made into that affair. 


Iam, &c., Gro. GERMAINE. 


‘ 


LORD GEORGE GERMAINE TO GOVERNOUR TRYON. 
Whitehall August 22, 1776. 


Sir: I am very glad to find by your letters of the 8th of 
July, which I received by Lieutenant-Colonel Blunt, that 
your information of the disposition of the inhabitants of the 
Province continues to give you ground to expect that when 
the presence of the Rebel force is removed, and protection 
held forth by the King’s troops, they will in general give 
testimony of their fidelity to his Majesty and attachment to 
the Constitution. 

The steady loyalty of the people of Staten-Island cannot 
be too much commended, and their affectionate reception of 
the troops under General Howe cannot fail to recommend 
them to the particular favour of Government; and I have the 
pleasure to acquaint you that it is his Majesty’s command 
that you do signify to them, in the most publick manner, 
his Majesty’s very great satisfaction in their conduct, and in 
the proofs they have given of their loyalty and affection, 
ind to assure them of his Majesty’s paternal regard and con- 
stant protection. 

The next advices we receive from General Howe will, I 
trust, make it necessary for me to give you some instruc- 
tions respecting your government. In the mean time I have 
the satisfaction to repeat the assurances I have been before 
authorized to give you, that your perseverance in the line of 
conduct you have adopted, upon such laudable motives, is 
very much approved by the King. 

Lam, &c., 


To Governour Tryon. 


Gro. GERMAINE. 


P.S. Mr. Knox having, by my directions, transmitted to 
the War Office that part of your letter, No. 7, respecting 
Lieutenants Grant and Campbell, enclosed I send you a copy 
of the answer thereto. 


LORD GEORGE GERMAINE TO GOVERNOUR CARLETON. 
Whitehall, August 22, 1776. 

Sir: [have had the honour of laying before the King 
your letter, dated Montreal, 20th June, 1776, wherein you 
transmitted to me the agreeable news of the repulse of the 
Rebels at Trois Rivieres, and of the precipitate manner in 
which they bad evacuated Canada; and I have the satis- 
faction to inform you that his Majesty much approves of 
your conduct, and that of the officers and forces under your 
command. 

The zeal manifested by his Majesty’s national and for- 
eign troops is very commendable; and although the hasty 
retreat of the enemy deprived them of an opportunity of dis- 
tinguishing themselves in action, | am thoroughly persuaded 
that the high opinion which you entertain of them is well 
founded, and that you will upon no occasion find yourself 
disappointed in depending upon their fidelity and valour. 

The very particular and disagreeable situation that you 
have, in your letter of the 2d June, described Captain Fors- 
ter to have been in, made it necessary for him to enter into 
the agreement concerning his prisoners that you have sent 


me a copy of; the reasons he has given for his conduct are © 


solid, and show the humane feelings of a brave officer. 
It is hoped that the prisoners you will have been able to 
take, will be the means of procuring the release of such of 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


. Army beyond the limits of your own Government. 


1104 


his Majesty’s officers and loyal subjects as are in the dis- 
graceful situation of being prisoners to the Rebels; for 
although it cannot be that you should enter into any agree- 
ment or treaty with Rebels for a regular cartel for the ex- 
change of prisoners, yet I doubt not but your own discretion 
will suggest to you the means of effecting such exchange, 
without the King’s dignity and honour being committed, or 
his Majesty’s name used in any negotiation for that purpose; 
and | am the more strongly urged to point out to you the 
expediency of such a measure, on account of the possible 
difficulties which may otherwise occur in the case of foreign 
troops serving in North-America. 

I have had the pleasure of finding Captain Le Maitre (who 
brought your despatches) a very intelligent person, and I had 
a particular satisfaction in recommending him to his Majes- 
ty’s favour, as an officer of merit, and one for whom you 
interest yourself. 


Tam, &c., Gro. GERMAINE. 


LORD GEORGE GERMAINE TO GOVERNOUR CARLETON. 
Whitehall, August 22, 1776. 

Sir: I had the honour to lay before the King your letter 
of the 22d of June, wherein you acquaint me that you had 
formed the Army under your command into four Brigades, 
and given the command of them to Lieutenant-Colonel 
Nesbitt of the Forty-Seventh Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Frazer of the 24th Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Powel 
of the Fifty-Third, and Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon of the 
Twenty-Ninth; and his Majasty was pleased to observe 
thereupon, that those officers might continue to act as Briga- 
diers until part of your Army should be ordered to join the 
troops under the command of General Howe, and that then 
their rank of Brigadiers must cease, in order to prevent the 
impropriety of their having higher rank and pay than several 
of the Lieutenant-Colonels who are their seniors in that 
Army. 

You will here permit me to inform you that the King, 
upon reading that part of your letter of the 20th June, where 
you take notice of the troops under the command of Major- 
General Phillips, was pleased to observe, that although offi- 
cers of Artillery, when ordered on duty, certainly command 
according to their rank and the dates of their commissions, 
yet that it never has been the custom of the British service, 
nor, as it is apprehended, of any other in Europe, that either 
General officers or others of Artillery, should roll in duty 
with the officers of the line; and that Major-General PAil- 
lips having acted under you in that predicament, must not 
in future be considered as a precedent. 


Tam, &c., &c., Gro. GERMAINE. 


LORD GEORGE GERMAINE TO GOVERNOUR CARLETON. 
Whitehall, August 22, 1776. 

Str: The rapid success of bis Majesty’s arms in driving 
the Rebels out of Canada does great honour to your conduct, 
and I hope soon to hear that you have been able to pursue 
them across the Lakes, and to possess those posts upon the 
frontiers which may more effectually secure your Province 
from any future insult. 

His Majesty, in appointing you Commander-in-Chief of 
his forces in Canada, was pleased to extend your commis- 
sion to the frontiers of his Provinces bordering thereupon, 
wisely foreseeing that it might be necessary for the com- 
pleting your plan of operations, that you should march your 
I trust 
before this letter reaches you that you will, by your spirit 
and activity, have cleared the frontiers of Canada of all the 
Rebel forces, and will have taken the proper measures for 
keeping possession of the Lakes. ‘That service being per- 
formed, his Majesty commands me to acquaint you that 
there still remains another part of your duty to be under- 
taken, which will require all your abilities and the strictest 
application—the restoring peace, and the establishing good 
order and legal Government in Canada. It is an object of 
the greatest importance to this country; the difficulties 
attending it are immense; but his Majesty depends upon 
your zeal and upon your experience for carrying it into exe- 
cution. The rewarding those who have preserved their 
loyalty, and the punishing those who have forsaken their 
allegiance, will tend to the future safety of your Province, 


1105 


by convincing the inhabitants that the laws can be executed 
for the protection of the innocent and the punishment of 
delinquents. His Majesty, ever anxious for the happiness 
of his subjects, commands me to inform you that no time 
should be lost in beginning so important a work, and that 
you do therefore return to Quebeck, detaching Lieutenant- 
General Burgoyne, or such other officer as you shall think 
most proper, with that part of your forces which can be 
spared from the immediate defence of your Province, to 
carry on such operations as shall be most conducive to the 
success of the Army acting on the side of New-York; and 
that you direct the officer so detached to communicate with, 
and put himself as soon as possible under the command of, 
General Howe. You will order such artillery as you will 
judge necessary to proceed with this detachment. And as 
a great quantity of heavy cannon and military stores were 
sent, upon the supposition that Quebeck might have been 
in the hands of the Rebels, you will, upon requisition from 
General Howe, supply him with such cannon and stores as 
may not be wanted for the protection of Canada. 

I cannot finish this despatch without repeating to you the 
confidence which his Majesty places in your duty, your zeal, 
and your attachment to his service; and that you cannot 
more effectually recommend yourself to his loyal approba- 
tion and favour than by exerting yourself as successfully in 
your civil capacity as you have already done in your mili- 
tary command. 


Iam, &c., &c., Gro. GERMAINE. 


LORD GEORGE GERMAINE TO GOVERNOUR CARLETON, 
Whitehall, August 22, 1776. 


Sir: The proofs which many of the Indzans have already 
given of their zeal and fidelity, and the manifest utility which 
large parties of them must be of to the Army, leaves no 
room to doubt but you will have exerted every means in 
your power to induce them to a general declaration in our 
favour; and the better to enable you to prevail on them to 
do so, a considerable supply of goods, suitable for presents 
to them, has been provided; the greatest part of which is 
sent out on board the Lord Shuldham, armed victualler, 
now at Cork, in her way to Quebeck, and the remainder 
will be sent by one of the victuallers which are to sail from 
hence. 

Mr. Hey not choosing to return to Quebeck, his Majesty 
has been pleased to promote Mr. Livius to the office of 
Chief Justice of the Province in his room. Mr. Southouse, 
who had lately been appointed Attorney-General, is made 
a Judge of the Common Pleas for the District of Montreal, 
and Mr. Monck, Solicitor-General of Nova-Scotia, succeeds 
Mr. outhouse as Attorney-General. 

A mistake appearing to have been made in Mr. Owen’s 
warrant, by appointing him a Judge for the District of De- 
troit instead of Montreal, a new warrant has been made out 
which rectifies that mistake, and the Receiver-General will 
have orders from the ‘Treasury to pay him the salary for the 
past year, according to his present appointment. 

Enclosed I send you two intercepted letters of Benefield 
& Company, merchants at Montreal, which will inform you 
of their connexion with the Rebels, and the service which they 
proposed rendering them if they had been suffered to con- 
tinue in the possession of the Province. 


Iam, &c., &c., Gero. GERMAINE. 


SILAS DEANE TO COUNT VERGENNES, 
Paris, August 22, 1776. 


Sir: I was this morning informed of the arrival of Mr. 
Arthur Lee, and that he would be in Paris to-morrow. 
This was surprising to me, as I knew of no particular affair 
that might call him here; and considering the extreme jeal- 
ousy of the British Ministry at this time, and that Mr. Lee 
was the agent of the United Colonies in Great Britain, and 
known to be such, I could wish, unless he had received some 
particular intelligence from the United Colonies, that he had 
suspended his visit, as I know not otherwise how he can 
serve me or my affairs, now (with the most grateful sense [ 
mention it) in as favourable a course as the situation of the 
times will admit. 

I have the honour to be, &c., 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


Sitas Deane. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1106 


C. STEVENSON TO DOCTOR FRANKLIN. 
St. Eustatia, August 22, 1776. 


Str: I received some days past a packet from Amsterdam, 
to my address, for you, which I forwarded by Mr. Russell 
via Virginia, whose confidence and care I could safely rely 
on. 

Yesterday [ received a second, (marked B,) which will 
be handed you by Mr. Forbes, bound for Philadelphia. I 
have his assurance of his particular attention, and hope it 
will be received in safety. 

I shall at all times be ready to render you my services 
of this or any other kind without reserve. 

And am, with every respectful attention, sir, your most 


obedient, humble servant, Corns. Srey 
. STEVENSON. 


To Doctor Beryamin Franklin. 


MARINE COMMITTEE TO COMMODORE HOPKINS. 
In Marine Committee, Philadelphia, August 22, 1776. 


Str: As you are now about to return to Ihode-Island, 
where we understand the Alfred and Cabot remain inactive, 
we think proper you should exert your utmost endeavours, 
in conjunction with the commanders of those vessels, to get 
them equipped and manned with all possible expedition for 
a six months’ cruise. 

We think a most important service may be performed by 
the Alfred, Columbus, Cabot, and Hampden, by despatching 
them for Newfoundland, with orders to destroy the British 
fishery there. ‘They must make prize of every British ship 
or vessel they meet with; they must seize and destroy their 
fishing boats and stages, and make prisoners of all their fisher- 
men, or such of them as will not freely enter into our service. 
And as it Is highly probable they may take more prizes than 
they can conveniently spare men to bring into port, it may 
be proper in such case to destroy them. ‘The season is now 
come when the Newfoundland men begin to load their fish 
cargoes, consequently no time must be lost; and if the Co- 
lumbus is not in port when you reach Rhode-Island, you'll 
despatch the Alfred, Cabot, and Hampden, immediately, ap- 
pointing such place of rendezvous and such signals as will 
enable them to meet again in case of separation, and also 
enable the Columbus to follow and join them; and whenever 
she returns from her present cruise, you must order her on 
this service, giving the commander of her a copy of the 
instructions, signals, &c. We doubt not there are some 
British ships of war on the Newfoundland station to protect 
their fishery, and of course our Commanders may act with 
such caution as to avoid being taken themselves; but we 
hope this will not prevent a spirited and resolute conduct in 
the execution of this expedition, which we flatter ourselves 
will in the event prove highly detrimental to our enemies— 
honourable and beneficial to the United States of America. 
These being the objects we have in view, we desire that 
your orders to the Commanders may be adapted in the best 
manner your knowledge and experience can devise to obtain 
the ends proposed. 

When this small squadron have done the enemy as much 

mischief as they can in that quarter, they must proceed into 
the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and there take cruising ground as 
may be most likely to intercept the supplies of Indian goods 
and other stores that we suppose will be sent from England 
for Canada when they know that our troops have evacuated 
that country. 
« There is another object well worthy of their attention, but 
we fear the acquisition of it is too uncertain to found a cruise 
upon—we mean the capture of Hudson Bay ships, which, 
in their return, must be very valuable. If the Captains 
should be of opinion that by dividing their force they can 
accomplish both these services, we would submit that point 
to your and their determination. We have no doubt but 
they will take valuable prizes in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 
if the cruising ground is well chosen; and they must send 
their prizes for such of our ports as they will be most likely 
to reach with safety. 

We deliver you herewith some of the Marine books, list 
of Continental Agents in every State, and several of the 
printed Declarations of Independence. ‘They may do well 
to notify the inhabitants of the French Islands of St. Pierre 
and Miquelon of this Declaration, and sound how the inhabi- 


70 


1107 


tants stand affected towards us, assuring them the French 
Government favour our cause, and will probably become 
our allies by treaty. Perhaps our ships may find shelter and 
protection in these Islands, if the enemy have ships in that 
quarter too strong for us. 

Should this fleet take any prizes whose cargoes might be 
particularly useful to the inhabitants of these States, they 
may do well to convoy such into port; and if they gain any 
intelligence that the Commanders think important, they must 
despatch one of the small vessels with the account to us, 
putting into the first port, and sending an express with it to 
the General or to us. 

You will instruct the Commander of each vessel to write 
us, by all opportunities, of their proceedings, and of the 
occurrences they meet with. They must make us monthly 
returns of their crews, of the supplies made to them, of the 
provisions, and make copies of their log-books and journals, 
to be transmitted to us at theirreturn. They must be care- 
ful of their ships’ stores and materials; use their officers and 
men in such a manner as will recommend the service, and 
at the same time preserve strict discipline. ‘They will no 
doubt, from principles of humanity and generosity, treat their 
prisoners with all kindness and attention their respective 
situations and circumstances will admit of ; and we hope their 
conduct will in all things be such as to merit the continuance 
of our confidence. 

You will direct the Commanders of each vessel to be very 
exact in keeping a list of all persons on board that are 
entitled to prize-money, mentioning their names, stations, 
and shares, copies of which they must furnish the Agent 
or Agents, that receive the prizes, in order that just and 
equitable distribution of prize-money may in due time be 
made, ' 

We also wish to have a full and just valuation of all the 
cannon, stores, &c., which you brought from Providence that 
have been appropriated to publick use, or that remain for that 
purpose ; and we desire you would have the vessels you took 
and the property in them libelled and tried, in order that 
such part as is condemned may be sold, the accounts settled, 
and distribution of the prize-money made. 

We are, sir, your very humble servants, 

Joun Hancock, Gero. Watron, 
Rosr. Morris, Samu. Huntineron, 
Strep. Hopkins, Fra. Lewis, 
JosepH Hewes, Geo. Reap. 


To Esek Hopkins, Esq., Commodore Continental service. 


MARINE COMMITTEE TO CAPTAIN HACKER. 
Philadelphia, August 22, 1776. 


Sir: Since the dates of those orders we have already 
addressed to John Paul Jones and you, as Commanders of 
the Brigantine Hampden, we have, in consultation with 
Commodore Hopkins, altered your destination, as you will 
learn from him, You are, therefore, to receive fresh orders 
from the Commodore, and obey them as if from, sir, your 
very humble servants. 


To Hoysted Hacker, Esq. 


MARINE COMMITTEE TO NATHANIEL SHAW, JUN. 
Philadelphia, August 22, 1776. 


Sir: Commodore Hopkins recommends the purchase of 
the armed schooner his fleet lately carried into New-London 
as an advisable measure for this Committee to adopt; and 
in hopes to promote the publick service thereby, we now 
request you will purchase said schooner on the best terms in 
your power, and assist the Commodore to fit, equip and man 
her with all possible expedition as a Continental cruiser. 
He is ordered to offer the command to Captain Chew, of 
New-London, and we hope he may accept it, as he is so 
well recommended by your Committee. You will supply 
this vessel with all necessary provisions and stores for a six 
months’ cruise, providing the whole on the best terms, and 
in due time rendering us an account thereof. 

If you have not money sufficient for his purpose, your 
draught on us will be duly honoured, by, sir, your very hum- 
ble servants. 


To Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., Esq. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1108 
MARINE COMMITTEE TO NATHANIEL SHAW, JUN. 
Philadelphia, August 22, 1776. 

Sir: The Secret Committee have directed Mr. Barnabas 
Deane, of Whethersfield, Connecticut, to deliver you sundry 
articles he has imported on Continental account, which you 
are to receive for use of the American Navy, granting 
Mr. Deane a receipt for the whole, in order to answer the 
accounts of the said Secret Committee; but as Mr. Deane is 
in want of some of those very articles, as well as others, for 
the frigate built under his direction, you are to supply any 
of these, and assist him in procuring any other articles wanted 
for that ship, charging the same to his account, or to the 
ship’s, as you shall judge most proper. 

You are hereafter to render us an account of the expen- 
diture of all stores you receive or buy on account of the 
Continent. 

The salt you will keep for the purpose of putting up pork 
the ensuing season for the use of the Navy. 

We are, sir, your humble servants. 


To Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., Esq. 


MEMORIAL OF REDMOND BURKE, 


[Read August 22,1776. Referred to the Board of War. 
for further consideration. ] 
To His Excellency the President and the Honourable Mem- 


bers of Congress: 
The Memorial of Repmonn Burke: 


GentLemMeN: Your memorialist having set forth in a for- 
mer memorial to his Excellency the President, which he 
begs leave to refer to, that on account of his health and 
other motives, not necessary to mention, he had obtained 
leave from General Lincoln to withdraw from the Army in 
the Southern Department, in order to serve in a more favour- 
able clime, is sorry now to be under the disagreeable neces- 
sity to declare some of these motives, which, for very obvious 
reasons, besides trespassing on your time, might far better 
be buried in oblivion. ‘They were gross indignities, added 
to flagrant injuries. A considerable part of the pay and 
rations granted by Congress being withheld from him for 
above a year, during the Presidency of Rawlins Lowndes, 
Esquire, in South-Carolina, and the command of General 
Howe, notwithstanding repeated applications to his Colonel 
and these two gentlemen, as will appear from indubitable 
vouchers; and having applied to General Lincoln* for redress 
some time after the fall of Savannah, the defeat of Briar 
Creek, and the loss of our galleys at Purisburgh, your me- 
morialist was first desired to attest his claim before a magis- 
trate, though ’twas sufficiently evident, from the date of his 
commission and the resolve of Congress, together with the 
certificates of the Paymasters and Commissaries, which were 
adduced; and having accordingly attested his claim, was then 
required to get a certificate from his Colonel, then in camp, 
that he believed the oath to be true. Your memorialist was 
then at length induced to do what nothing but the vicinity 
of the enemy could have prevented his doing long before, 
namely, to gratify his Colonel’s ardent desire, which he had 
often evinced, by withdrawing from the Army in that depart- 
ment, in order to try the service elsewhere. ‘The Colonel 
being in other respects a man of worth, and for a long time 
particularly friendly to your memorialist, and being since 
killed in action, ’twould be a painful task to unfold the 
motives of his pique, or enumerate the many little injustices 
that proceeded from it; suffice it to say, that to put an end 
to animosity, he obtained the General’s leave at Purisburgh 
to withdraw, and informed him of his intention of serving to 
the northward. And now, gentlemen, he begs to refer you 
again to his former memorial, which was presented to his 
Excellency the President of Congress, and which he desired 
should be laid before the Board of War. ‘The Board have 
determined upon it in a manner that, ’tis hoped, will appear 
very injurious and unworthy that fidelity and perseverance 
with which your memorialist flatters himself he has acted in 
struggling through innumerable difficulties to rejoin those 
whom he esteemed his friends, in rejecting overtures made 
to him both on the Continent and in the Isles, in neglecting 
very flattering opportunities of comfortably settling amongst 


Postponed 


* The memorialist does not mean, in enumerating losses, to reflect on 
General Lincoln, who is well known to be a brave and faithful servant 
of the publick. 


1109 


opulent relations in Jamaica, to say nothing of his service 
since the very commencement of hostilities, and his having 
lost, in General Provost’s ravage of South-Carolina, what- 
ever little property he had by his own industry acquired, his 
house being pillaged and burned at that time, nor of what 
is of far greater consequence to him, his having forfeited by 
his attachment to the American interest whatever claims he 
might have in the British dominions. He has only further 
to relate, that since his arrival here, while waiting for the 
determination of the Board of War, his necessaries were 
seized on for diet and lodging, and to the liberality of the 
Freemasons only ’tis owing that he is not now languishing 
in a prison for debt. ‘The memorialist submits the premises 
to the candour, justice, and humanity of Congress. 


Philadelphia, August 22, 1776. 


On Monday last Captain Alexander Hunter came to town, 
who was taken last January by Lord Dunmore, and returned 
to Great Britain, from whence he got a passage in one of 
the fleet which brought out the second division of Hessians, 
from which he made his escape in a boat yesterday week. 
By him we Jearn that the first division of foreign troops sailed 
the beginning of May; and the second, consisting of twenty- 
seven sail, the 26th; that they fell in with each other off 
Sandy-Hook, and came in together on Monday, the 12th 
instant; that made up about one hundred and ten sail, and 
contained eight thousand Hesszans and Waldeckers, and one 
hundred of the English Guards. They were in general 
healthy, except a little of the scurvy and itch. The Eng- 
lish troops on Staten-Island were embarking when he left 
the fleet, and the foreigners were disembarking to encamp 
on Staten-Island. He also informs that there were five 
thousand foreigners more to follow in a third division. 

From the best accounts, we find the force at Staten-Island 
to be—- 


General Howe, from Halifax, with - - - - - 8,000 
The Scotch, who embarked at Glasgow for Boston, 
3,400, out of which 850 were taken by our 
cruisers, - - - - = = - = = = = = 2,350 
The defeated troops under Cornwallis and Clinton 
from South-Carolina, supposed not more than - 2,500 
The two divisions of Hesstans, Waldeckers, and 
English Guards, which arrived on Monday, the 
12th instant,- - - + - - - - - = = 9,000 
Lord Dunmore’s scrubby fleet, about fifty fighting 
men, but with negroes, Tories, &c., - - - - 150 
Total, - - - - - - 22,000 


Number of Marines unknown. 

Ships Asia and Eagle, of sixty-four guns, the Roebuck and 
Phenix, of forty-four, one bomb, and about twenty frigates 
and sloops-of-war. ‘They have also about three hundred 
sail of transports, store-ships and prizes. 

Some persons, in calculating the above, add fifteen hun- 
dred, as part of the Army destined for Carolina, of whose 
arrival we have not had any account, either at South-Caro- 
lina or Staten-Island. 


BERKS COUNTY (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE. 


In Committee of Inspection and Observation for Berks 
County, at Reading, August 22, 1776. 


Mr. Berie Hertel de Rouville, and his son Mr. Jean Bap- 
tiste de Rouville, having represented to this Committee that 
they are in great want of money for their support during 
their stay at Reading, and that if one of them could go to 
the city of Philadelphia, he could negotiate business with 
Monsieur Picotte de Bellestre, in Bucks County, and procure 
from him a necessary supply of money for the support of 
them, the said Messieurs de Rouville, and therefore praying 
the permission of this Committee for one of them to go to 
Philadelphia on the business aforesaid, the Committee grant 
permission to the said Mr. Jean Baptiste de Rowville to go 
directly to the said city of Philadelphia, and to be absent 
on the business aforesaid for the space of ten days from his 
departure to-morrow evening, under an engagement to pre- 
sent himself to the honourable the Council of Safety of Penn- 
sylvania, and to exhibit to them this passport immediately 
on his arrival in the city. 

By order of the said Committee: 

James Reap, Chairman. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1110 


In Committee of Safety, August 26, 1776. 


Allowed to pass to Bristol for the purpose above-men- 


tioned. i 
Samu. Morris, Chairman. 


COLONEL WILSON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 


[Read August 26, 1776. Referred to Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Franklin, Mr. 
J. Adams.] 


Amboy, August 22, 1776. 

Sir: A number of copies of the resolutions of Congress 
offering rewards to the foreign troops who will desert the 
service of Great Britain, have been transmitted here. Per- 
mit me to express my surprise that no distinction is made 
between officers and privates. Several other gentlemen— 
one of them a German, well acquainted with the manner 
and disposition of his countrymen—have signified their con- 
cern on this account. I am informed that a Colonel in the 
Hessian Army has given intimations that he would willingly 
listen to overtures. Perhaps it is not yet too late to offer 
additional rewards to officers in proportion to their rank and 
pay. 

Iam, with much esteem, sir, your very humble servant, 

James Wixson. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Con- 


gress. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
{Read August 26, 1776.] 
New-York, August 22, 1776. 

Sir: I do myself the honour to transmit Congress a copy 
of a letter I received yesterday evening by express from 
General Livingston ; also, copies of three reports from Co- 
lonel Hand. 

Though the intelligence reported by the spy on his return 
to General Livingston has not been confirmed by the event 
he mentions, (an attack last night,) there is every reason to 
believe that one is shortly designed. The falling down of 
several ships yesterday evening to the Narrows, crowded 
with men, those succeeded by many more this morning, and 
a great number of boats parading around them, as I was just 
now informed, with troops, are all circumstances indicating 
an attack, and it is not improbable it will be made to-day. 
It could not have happened last night, by reason of a most 
violent gust. We are making every preparation to receive 
them; and [I trust, under the smiles of Providence, with 
our own exertions, that my next, if they do attack, will 
transmit an account that will be pleasing to every friend of 
America and to the rights of humanity. 

I have the honour to be, with all possible respect, sir, 


your most obedient servant, GHRW satikiorow 


Elizabeth-Town, August 21, 1776. 


May iT PLEASE your Excetvency: In the utmost haste 
I must inform you, that very providentially I sent a spy last 
night on Staten-Island to obtain intelligence of the move- 
ments of the enemy, as many things, apparently new, were 
seen from our lines. He has this moment returned in safety. 
The substance of his information I must give you in short. 
He went on the Island about midnight, and got, undiscovered, 
to the house of the person to whom he was sent, who in- 
formed him that the whole force of the enemy, of every kind, 
was thirty-five thousand men, fifteen thousand of whom were 
left on the Island, but all the rest embarked; that they ex- 
pected to attack every hour, he thinks this night at farthest. 
It was to be on Long-Island and up the North Rwer. That 
the fifteen thousand men were to land and attack at Bergen 
Point, Elizabeth-Town Point, and at Amboy. He has 
heard the orders read, and heard the Generals talk of it. 
The wagons are all laid out and ready; that they appear 
very determined, and will put all to the sword. ‘They are 
in great want of provisions; pork tolerably good, but flour 
exceedingly bad. ‘They have eat up all the cattle, and 
are now killing and barrelling up all the horses they meet 
with. All the field-pieces are taken on board except two. 
The informant may be depended on, being employed by the 
General, and carries his baggage. He has been employed 
in purchasing cattle; he has given ten pounds for a cow, and 
ten dollars fora sheep. ‘That the Tories on the Island are 
very illy treated lately, so that the inhabitants, who at first 


1111 


were so pleased, would now be willing to poison them all ; 
they take from them everything they choose, and no one 
has anything they can call their own. 

I am, with great respect, your Excellency’s most humble 


ant 
sha Spe Witt. Livineston. 


To His Excellency General Washington, at New-York. 


The Bearer is to pass all ferries and posts, and to be 


hastened with all speed. Wut. Livingston. 


Narrows, August 21, 1776. 


Sir: Twelve small vessels and two men-of-war came in 
from sea late yesterday evening. The small craft and one 
of the men-of-war joined the fleet at the watering place. 
Some of the blue-coated gentry embarked yesterday after- 
noon below the Narrows, and then moved up. The Admi- 
ral had a large company on board in the evening; his ship 
was ornamented by displaying a variety of colours on the 
occasion. 

I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Epwo. Hanp. 
To General Nixon. 


Narrows, August 21, 1776, nine o’clock. 


Sir: Since I reported this morning, nineteen transports 
have been filled with men, and they still continue to em- 
bark. 


I am, sir, yours, &c., 


To General Nixon. 


Epwp. Hanp. 


Narrows, August 21, 1776, five o’clock, P. M. 


Sir: There are at least fourteen sail of transports, some 
of them crowded with men, now under sail; and more, from 
the noise, are hoisting anchor. Those under sail move down 
as fast as they get from among the fleet. 

I am, sir, yours, &c., 


To General Nixon. 


Epwp. Hanp. 


LORD STIRLING TO COLONEL NIXON. 
August, 1776. 
Dear Sir: I have taken the earliest opportunity of com- 
municating your letter of this day, with the paper enclosed, 
to the General. He has ordered me to tell you, that while 
one regiment only was on Governour’s Island, he never had 
an application of the like kind; that since he has reinforced 
it with another regiment, several of those applications have 
been made; that in our present situation Governour’s Island 
is more strong and better guarded than any other post of the 
Army; that when the expected reinforcements arrive, your 
post will have a proportional reinforcement; and that in the 
mean time it is your duty to make the best defence you can 
with the force under your command, ever relying that the 
General will pay the highest attention to every post, and 
particularly to so important a one as that which is under 
your immediate command. 
I have the honour to be, &c., 
Sriruing, Brigadier-General. 


To Colonel John Nixon. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED AUGUST 
22, 1776. 


This night we have reason to expect the grand attack 
from our barbarian enemies; the reasons why, follow: The 
night before last, a lad went over to Staten-Island, supped 
there with a friend, and got safe back again undiscovered ; 
soon after he went to General Washington, and upon good 
authority reported, that the English Army, amounting to 
fifteen or twenty thousand, had embarked, and were in readi- 
ness for an engagement; that seven ships of the line, and a 
number of other vessels of war, were to surround this city, 
and cover their landing; that the Hessians, being fifteen 
thousand, were to remain on the Island, and attack Perth- 
Amboy, Elizabeth-Town Point, and Bergen, while the main 
body were doing their best here; that the Highlanders ex- 
pected America was already conquered, and that they were 
only to come over and settle on our lands, for which reason 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1112 


they had brought their churns, ploughs, &c.; being deceived, 


they had refused fighting, upon which account General Howe 


had shot one, hung five or six, and flogged many. 

Last evening, in a violent thunder-storm, Mr. (a 
very intelligent person) ventured over. He brings much the 
same account as the above lad, with this addition, that all. 
the horses on the Island were, by Howe’s orders, killed, bar- 
relled up, and put on board, the wretches thinking that they 
could get no landing here, and of consequence be soon out 
of provision. ‘That the Tories were used cruelly, and with 
the Highlanders were compelled to go on board the ships to 
fight in the character of common soldiers against us. ‘The 
British Army are prodigiously incensed against the Tories, 
and curse them as the instruments of the war now raging. 
Mr. further informs, that last night the fleet were to 
come up, but that the thunder-storm prevented. ‘The truth 
of this appears, from the circumstance of about three thou- 
sand red-coats landing at ten o’clock this morning on Long- 
Island, where, by this time, it is supposed our people are 
hard at it. There is an abundance of smoke to-day on 
Long-Island, our folks having set fire to stacks of hay, &c., 
to prevent the enemy’s being benefited in case they get any 
advantage against us. All the troops in the city are in high 
spirits, and have been under arms most of the day, as the 
fleet have been in motion, and are now, as is generally 
thought, only waiting for a change of tide. Forty-eight 
hours or Jess, I believe, will determine it as to New- York, 
one way or the other. 

The thunder-storm of last evening was one of the most 
dreadful I ever heard; it lasted from seven to ten o'clock. 
Several claps struck in and about the city; many houses 
damaged; several lives lost. Three officers, a Captain and 
two Lieutenants, belonging to Colonel McDougall’s regi- 
ment, encamped opposite to us, were struck instantly dead, 
the points of their swords for several inches melted, with a 
few silver dollars they had in their pockets; they (the per- 
sons) were seemingly roasted. A dog in the same tent was 
also killed; a soldier near it struck blind, deaf, and dumb. 
One in the main street was killed, as likewise ten on Long- 
Island; two or three were much burnt and greatly hurt. 
When God speaks, who can but fear? 


PETITION OF ABEL NOBLE AND PETER TOWNSEND. 


To the Honourable House of Convention of the Represen- 
tatives of the State of New-York: 


The Petition of Apex Nosue and Peter Townsenp, Pro- 
prietors of Srirtine Iron Works, humbly showeth : 


That your petitioners having contracted to make about 
sixteen tons of large anchors, eighteen tons of bar iron, and 
five tons of steel, for the Continental service, have, for the 
making the said anchors, constructed a new anchor work, 
as the bellows and cranes of the old works were not sufficient 
for the wroughting cf anchors of twenty-seven and _ thirty 
hundred weight; but forasmuch as the artificers and labour- 
ers have been and still are liable to be draughted out of the 
Militia, your petitioners will not be able to perform their con- 
tract unless the said artificers and labourers are protected 
from serving in the said Militia: Your petitioners therefore 
most humbly pray that your Honours will be pleased to 
grant a protection to so many artificers and labourers as are 
mentioned in the schedule hereto annexed, from serving in 
the said Militia, until the said contract shall be performed, 
and also to the number of hands mentioned in the said 
schedule for carrying on the furnace, which is now under 
blast, and which must unavoidably stop unless such protec- 
tion be granted. And your petitioners shall ever pray, Xc. 

Ase Noste, 
Perer Townsenp. 


SCHEDULE. 
For the Anchor Work. 


5 Firemen, thatis, one to each fire, 2 Tenders, with coal and other 


10 Sledgemen, needfuls. 
For the Steel Works—Six Fires. 

6 Firemen, 1 Smith, 

6 Assistants, 2 Colliers, 


1 Stock taker, 
1 Carpenter, 
1 Clerk for the above steel, 


10 Colliers’ hands, 
4 Coal carters, 
Likewise 1 Carpenter. 


1113 


Forge for making Anchor and Bar Iron, 


5 Firemen, to work at the fires, 3 Head colliers, 


5 do, Assistants, 15 hands, labourers for the colliers, 
1 Stock taker, 6 Coal carters, for the forge and 
1 Carpenter, anchor work, 


1 Blacksmith, 1 Clerk, for the forge and anchor 


1 Teamsman, to cart pigs from the work, 
furnace to the forge, 1 Overseer, for the forge and anchor 
1 Turner, work, 
1 Founder, 1 Smith, 
1 Keeper, 4 Miners, 


2 Mine carters, 
10 Coal carters, 
5 Master colliers, 
* 95 Colliers’ labourers, 
1 Furnace clerk, 
1 Overseer or chief manager. 


2 Fillers of the farnace, 

2 Pounders of ore, 

1 Mine burner, 

1 Stock taker, 

1 Gutterman, 

2 Carpenters, 

1 Wagon-maker and mender. 
Ase. Nosie, 


Prerer TownseEnD. 


GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL MIFFLIN. 
King’s Bridge, August 22, 1776. 
Dear Str: As his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief 
has thought fit to appoint a Court to inquire into the conduct 
of the Captain of the row-galleys in the late action up the 
river, and seems desirous that all the information possible 
should be obtained from home, and that you, in particular, 
should attend, if you could be spared—if nothing extraordi- 
nary should happen in the morning, I would have you ride 
to the city and attend the Court, which is to sit at ten o’clock. 
I think it would be best also to take two or three gentlemen 
with you who seem to be best acquainted with the affair. 
I am, dear sir, your humble servant, 
W. Hearn. 
To General Mifflin. 


CADWALLADER COLDEN, JUN., TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 


Coldenham, August 22, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Your favour of the 16th of July I had not 
the honour to receive till the evening of the 31st, and am 
sorry that I am still under the necessity of troubling you again 
on the same subject, though not from the same disagreeable 
place. Upon the receipt of your letter, I wrote to the 
County Committee, which I heard was to sit the 6th of Au- 
gust, desiring them to reconsider my case, and also got some 
of my friends to attend their meeting, who inform me that 
the Committee was about coming to a resolve that, as I had 
appealed to the Congress, (now the Convention of the Re- 
presentatives of the State of New-York,) I should remain in 
jail till discharged by them; but, with much difficulty, my 
friends prevailed with them to accept of security for my 
abiding on my own farm until fully discharged by your 
honourable Board; upon which I was sent for, and gave 
security accordingly. 1 then desired to have a copy of the 
proceedings of the County Committee in my case, in order 
to lay before your Board, which was refused; but they 
resolved to send a copy to you. I sent to the Chairman, ten 
days ago, to know if he had sent them, and informed him 
that | wanted to apply to your Board for my discharge, and 
that it was necessary you should be furnished with what the 
Committee had to allege against me, and the minutes of their 
proceedings thereon. He said he could not get ready the 
copy of those papers in less than eight days. Yesterday | 
sent to him again, and the papers were not yet made out, 
but Mr. Boyd said they should be ready by this morning. 

I think it hard that I am not allowed a sight of those pa- 
pers. However, am confident, if they have the least regard 
to decency and truth, they can’t contradict one assertion 
contained in my petition to your honourable Board. Per- 
haps they may not send a copy of my last letter to the Com- 
mittee ; therefore shall send a copy of it by the bearer, for 
your perusal, as it contains an explanation of a sentence 
that passed from me when before the Committee the first 


time, which I have not touched upon in my petition, but . 


they may perhaps have made use of it against me. 

Since 1 wrote that letter, it has occurred to me that 
perhaps the reason of my being disappointed in meeting 
with that relief I so confidently expected from your Board, 
was owing to the mode of application, which I did not advert 
to when I first applied to you. _ I hope the enclosed petition 
will be more unexceptionable, and that you will please to 
lay it before the honourable Convention, and use your good 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1114 


offices that the prayer thereof may be granted, to, sir, your 
most obedient, most humble servant, 
Canp’r Cotpen, Jun. 
To Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq., President of the Convention 
of the Representatives of the State of New-York. 


P. S. One great reason that I am so solicitous to have 
my discharge is, that I want to be at liberty to go to see my 
honoured ancient father once more, who, I am sure, must 
be overwhelmed with grief and anxiety, at this critical mo- 
ment, for the fate of a country in which he must soon leave 
all that is dear to him. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 22, 1776. 

Dear Generat: You may rely upon my diligence in for- 
warding the galleys as fast as possible. ‘The business has been 
much retarded by so many of the carpenters being sick, and 
the misfortune I met with in hurting my leg, which for some 
days has rendered me incapable of attending upon the busi- 
ness ; but my leg is growing better fast, and shall endeavour 
to forward the business with all possible despatch. I have 
been very uneasy myself that the galleys are not completed 
before now. 

I sent an express to Albany some days ago for deck nails 
and other necessaries, for the galleys, which will be here to- 
morrow, without fail. In compliance with the General’s 
request, I shall send to Albany to General Schuyler for what 
necessaries we shall want for the shipping. 

Instead of a thousand axes his Honour Governour Trum- 
bull mentioned in his letter, there was but eight hundred and 
two came to hand. I shall send the remainder by this con- 
veyance. 

I am, dear General, your Honour’s most obedient, hum- 
ble servant, 


To General Gates. 


Davin Wartersory, Jun. 


GENERAL GATES TO EGBERT BENSON. 
r Tyonderoga, August 22, 1776. 

Dear Sir: The 29th ultimo I granted Doctor Stringer, 
at his earnest request, a permission to go to New-York with 
all expedition, to procure medicines for the General Hospital 
and Army in this department. He made me a solemn pro- 
mise he would not delay an instant in returning to his duty, 
with the medicinal stores so much wanted, and which the 
troops here are almost ready to mutiny to obtain. I am this 
day informed that Doctor Stringer, instead of fulfilling bis 
promises and returning with all imaginable despatch to his 
duty, is gone a preferment hunting to the Congress at Phila- 
delphia, while the troops here are suffering inexpressible 
distress for want of medicines. I entreat, sir, you will 
instantly lay this letter before General Washington, and re- 
ceive his commands for sending a supply of medicines to 
Doctor Potts, at Lake George. Not one of the ten chests 
of medicines, which you told me at New-York were sent to 
the ten regiments that marched in the spring from thence, 
have ever been received by either of those regiments; there- 
fore be sure you send the supply now demanded by some 
person whose particular duty it will be to see it delivered to 
Doctor Potts. Many of the Regimental Surgeons here have 
not any medicines, nor do I believe there is a pound of bark 
in the whole camp. I cannot be long answerable for the 
consequences of the shameful neglect of the Army in this 
department. The United States expect the same good ser- 
vice from their troops here as everywhere else. ‘This they 
cannot have, unless they command the same attention to be 
paid the health of their soldiers here as elsewhere. 

I am, dear sir, your affectionate humble servant, 

Ho. Gates. 
[Copy to Dr. John Morgan, Director-General of the Hospitals. ] 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, August 22, 1776. 


Honouren Sir: A small reconnoitring party which I sent 
down towards Gilliland’s is just now returned. ‘The Cor- 
poral tells me all is very quiet there; that Gilliland and the 
few other inhabitants there had informed him that there had 
been no appearance of an enemy since the flag of truce 
came up; that Gilliland seemed very friendly, and was very 


1115 


anxious to know our operations, but received very little satis- 
faction from the party. 

Gilliland also mentioned, that Captain Frazier had told 
him that there were no parties of Regulars out, but forty 
Indians had, contrary to the desire of the officers at the 
Isle-aux-Noix, passed the sentries and insisted upon going to 
war; and that that party of Indians were out when Frazier 
was at McCauley’s. The Indians may have returned back, 
but it is possible they still may be up this way. ‘The scout- 
ing parties ought to be very careful, 

I am, sir, your most humble and obedient servant, 

Tuos. Hartey. 


Newport, August 22, 1776. 


By a gentleman from Dartmouth we are assured that a 
privateer belonging to Fair-Haven had taken a very large 
Jamaica ship, with seven hundred hogsheads of sugar, two 
hundred hogsheads of rum, and a large quantity of cotton. 
This ship was so valuable that the Captain of the privateer, 
who was the best pilot for the Eastern-Shore of any on 
board, went on board the ship to carry her in, and was 
parted with by the privateer last Sunday week. The pri- 
vateer is arrived with more prisoners than men belonging 
to her. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Lebanon, August 22, 1776. 


Sir: Yesterday I received your favour of the 7th instant, 
and make no doubt you have received mine of the 12th and 
13th instant, to which I beg leave to refer. I find, by my 
son’s letter of the 17th, you have returned to Albany, and 
was so full of business you had not time to write me. Shall 
be obliged to you for such particulars of the treaty with the 
Indians as may be communicated, when your leisure will 
permit. 

The axes and clothing are already sent by the same 
route you direct in your last to Skenesborough. 1 am in- 
formed the last ten or fifteen miles of that road are difficult 
to pass; and as a ready communigation with the Army is of 
importance, | hope it may be mended and made passable. 
IT now enclose you an account of the cost of the axes and 
estimate of the cost of transportation, also an account of the 
sums advanced to the head carpenters, and also to the sea 
Captains, to enable them to raise men for the Lake service. 

Since my last, Captain David Hawley, of Fairfield, and 
Captain Frederick Chappel, of New-Haven, have been with 
me, and have undertaken, each of them, to raise a company 
of seamen, and proceed to Ticonderoga with all expedition. 
I have recommended them to General Washington, and 
requested him to permit them to inlist seamen out of our 
Militia now at New-York. I have advanced to each of 
them £100, being the same sum advanced Captain Warner 
before, making £540 in the whole. It is agreed to allow 
said Captains six shillings for each seaman they shall inlist, 
for their trouble and expenses. 

I likewise enclose you invoices of clothing already sent 
forward for the use of the Northern Army; more is providing 
and will be forwarded as soon as possible, with tents for our 
troops serving there, of which I have to request you to advise 
Congress, before whom I shall lay the accounts for pay- 
ment. I send the clothing to you without their particular 
orders for that purpose, but not without thinking it absolutely 
necessary. 

Our furnace at Salisbury continues in blast. I have given 
the overseer orders to prepare the swivels you request as fast 
as can be done conveniently without putting a stop to cast- 
ing cannon. Six, nine, and twelve-pounders are cast there. 
Should any of them be wanted at the northward, shall be 
willing to supply you as far as in our power. ‘The bearer 
will stop at the furnace, and procure a more full and particu- 
lar account when the swivels will be ready, and inform you. 
Would you have them sent out by the way of Skenesborough, 
or to the North River as before proposed ? 

Inoculation for the small-pox, I find, has been practised 
by troops on their march to join your Army. I hope a 
practice so pernicious in every respect will be discouraged. 
I have taken the liberty to suggest my fears and sentiments 
to General Gates on this subject. Indeed, sir, if it is not 
timely restrained, it appears to me it must prove fatal to all 
our operations, and may ruin the country. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1116 


In obedience to orders from Congress, I have appointed 
the Regimental Paymasters to the regiments from this Co- 
Jony. I think the measure a good one, but am told that 
Congress has never marked out their duty, nor given any 
instructions on that head. 

I flatter myself it is now in your power to discharge the 
balance due to us on last year’s account. With that hope, 
the bearer, one of our Committee of Pay-Table, waits on 
you, and by him shall likewise hope to receive the sums 
due on the account for axes and cash advanced to carpenters 
and seamen, now enclosed to you. 


Yours, &c., &c., 
To Major-General Schuyler. 


J. TrumBuw.. 


Boston, August 22, 1776. 
Last Thursday was sent into Marblehead, by the Franklin 


vessel-of-war, Captain Skimmer, and on Saturday last was 
conveyed round to this harbour, a brig from St. Augustine, 
bound for Bristol, with five thousand raw and half-dressed 
deer skins, and about two tons of indigo. There were on 
board of said brig a Lieutenant, a Sergeant, and a Drummer, 
of the Fourteenth Regiment, going on the recruiting service. 

Monday last arrived at Portsmouth a vessel from Holland, 
laden with dry goods, drugs, spices, &c. 


GENERAL WARD TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Boston, August 22, 1776. 

Sir: Your Excellency’s letter of the 13th instant came 
to hand last evening, and, agreeable to your directions, I 
shall order Captain Burbeck, with bis company of Artillery 
and the company of Artificers, to march as soon as possible 
for Norwich, and from thence to go by water to Norwalk 
and New-York. 

I am your Exceliency’s most obedient, humble servant, 
Artemas Warp. 
To General Washington. . 


P.S. Major Wadsworth was appointed Major of Brigade 
to this division of the Army the 22d day of April; and when 
the Continental regiments were ordered to New-York and 
Ticonderoga, as the brigade was divided, I directed him to 
do duty as Brigade-Major to the regiments that are ordered 
in to take the place of the Continental regiments, until further 
orders. 


THOMAS RICE TO JAMES WARREN, 
Pownalborough, August 22, 1776. 


Srr: In obedience to the recommendations of the General 
Court, I have obtained what subscriptions I could in the east 
Precinct in said town for the exchanging hard money for 
Continental bills, and herewith transmit the same. I found 
in general a ready mind amongst the people, but they had 
not ability. Our means of getting money, not only in this 
town but County, is at an end; and what little the people 
had, they were obliged to part with for the necessaries of life. 
Everything the people have in their power to do for the 
publick weal they are in general ready to perform, and hope 
impossibilities are not expected. 

I am, in behalf of the Committee of Correspondence, &c., 
your Honour’s most obedient, humble servant, 

Tuos. Rice. 
To Hon. James Warren, Esq. 


We whose names are hereunto subscribed, not only in 
obedience to the recommendation of the General Court, but 
from an earnest and sincere desire to promote the liberty 
and happiness of America, do voluntarily offer to exchange 
hard money for Continental bills, when called upon therefor, 
to the amount of the number of dollars affixed to cur respec- 
tive names, to be applied to carrying on the war in Canada. 


Ebenezer Whittier...........840 John Barber......$30 
John Langdon, Jun......... 35 Thos. Rvce....... ee | 


MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL TO PETER PENNIMAN, 
In Council, August 23, 1776. 
GentLemen: The Council have received yours of the 
20th instant, and have ordered the Sheriff of the County of 


1117 


Worcester to remove all the prisoners in the town of Mendon 
to the town of Grafton. Every officer that has had a ser- 
vant allowed him is to support his servant so long as he 
retains as such; and if any officer refuses to do it, he is not 
to be allowed any servant for the future. And that the 
servant who has been dismissed be sent to the Sheriff of the 
County of Worcester, to be by him confined in jail, unless 
he will consent to go to labour for his support in such town, 
and to continue within the limits thereof as you shall appoint 
him. 


To the Committee of Correspondence in the Town of Men- 
don. 


NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO ELIJAH GROUT 
AND SELECTMEN OF CHARLESTOWN, NO, 4; 
In Committee of Safety, August 22, 1776. 


GenttemMeNn: A letter from General Gates complains 
loudly of the conduct of some persons acting as physicians 
in your town, inoculating soldiers for the small-pox, thereby 
hindering them from joining the Army where there is no 
danger of the infection; and that he fears by their means the 
disorder will be spread in the new Army. We are of opi- 
nion, that there is great danger that the small-pox may be 
carried from Number Four to the Army, which, if it should 
happen, will be of the most destructive consequence; there- 
fore recommend it to you to put an immediate stop to inocu- 
lation in your town, and take the most strict care to have 
all infection cleansed, which will ease the minds of our bre- 
thren in the Army, and probably prevent much damage to 
them. 


To Elijah Grout, Esq., and Selectmen of Charlestown. 


BENJAMIN HARRISON, JUN., TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Virginia, Williamsburgh, August 23, 1776. 

Honourasce Sir: Ido myself the honour to transmit you 
an account of the state of my office at this day. Balance 
on hand, $140,856§. The 20th instant is pay-day again 
to the whole Army, and after the warrants are discharged, 
I shall send another account, that the honourable Congress 
may judge when I shall want money again. 

I have the honour to be, your very obedient servant, 

Bens. Harrison, Jun., 


Deputy Paymaster-General. 
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN DARNES. 

[No. 155.] Annapolis, August 23, 1776. 

Str: It was represented to our Board that your company 
had but about forty muskets, those very indifferent, and that 
there was not any probability of your getting a sufficient 
number to make up the deficiency. Upon this information, 
as the Convention has directed us to despatch all the compa- 
nies of Flying-Camp Militia that could be armed with the 
utmost despatch, and as Captain Deans wanted but a. few 
effective arms to complete his company, we issued the orders, 
which we should not have done had we been truly informed 
of your circumstances. Advise us of the number you have 
delivered to Captain Deans, and we will replace them as 
soon as possible, that your company may march. We have 
not.any linen. We are, &c. 


To Captain Darnes. 
* 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO EDWARD PARKER. 
[No. 156.] Annapolis, August 23, 1776. 

Sir: We will take the blankets you told Captain Nor- 
wood you could procure for the publick, fifty for his com- 
pany, and the remainder you will keep till further orders. 
Be pleased to have them valued by two gentlemen who may 
be indifferent, and the price shall be paid to you or your 
order, on transmitting the account. We are, &c. 


To Mr. Edward Parker. 


J. NICHOLSON, JUN., TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Queen Anne’s County, August 23, 1776. 
Sir: Captain Darnes has been exceedingly active in 
endeavouring to arm his company of the Flying-Camp, to 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1118 


march to the northward. He has nearly got them equipped 
for that purpose. He only wants thirty fire-locks, which he 
can procure from Winters, provided he can obtain the con- 
sent of the Council of Safety; without which, he will not 
spare them, as he looks upon them to belong to the publick, 
in consequence of his contract. Captain Darnes has been 
encouraged by me to make application to you for them, upon 
a supposition that that part of the Flying-Camp which be- 
longs to the Western Shore will be armed there. Indeed, if 
Captain Darnes obtains the consent of the Council to get 
Winters’s arms, it will be the means of getting off Captain 
Fiddiman’s company likewise, because Captain Darnes will 
then be able to spare some guns from his company, which 
are inferior to Winters’s arms, but at the same time are so 
much superior to any Fiddiman is likely to procure for his 
company, that he will gladly accept of them, and march off 
early next week. 

I shall do myself the pleasure of waiting upon the Council 
next week, as soon as Mr. Johnson is elected for Caroline, 
which will immediately be the case, without opposition. I 
speak thus, from assurances made me by every man of in- 
terest and note in the County, every one of whom I have 
had personal interviews with. I congratulate you on the 
favourable turn our affairs are likely to take in Canada. 

I ain, with much respect, sir, your very humble servant, 

J. Nicuouson, Jun. 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, President, &c. 


APPOINTMENT OF JAMES WHITE AS DEPUTY-COMMISSARY OF 
THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


Philadelphia, August 23, 1776. 


To all whom it may concern: Be it known, that Colonel 
Joseph Trumbull, Commissary-General, has thought proper 
to appoint me Commissary for the States of New-Jersey and 
Pennsylvania; and in consequence thereof, I have thought 
proper to appoint James White Deputy-Commissary for the 
Province of Pennsylvania. 

The allowance for the troops marching through to Head- 
Quarters, is one pound of beef per man per day, one pound 
of bread per man per day, and one gill of rum per man per 
day, or three pence in lieu thereof, six pounds of candles per 
week for one hundred men for guards, and eight pounds of 
soap for one hundred men per week. 

I do certify, that the above allowance is issued at Amboy 
and the other posts in New-Jersey, agreeable to my instruc- 
tions from Colonel Trumbull, Commissary-General. 

CarpPENTER WHaRTON. 


MARINE COMMITTEE TO LIEUTENANT BALDWIN. 
Philadelphia, August 23, 1776. 


Sir: The Continental schooner Wasp, under your com- 
mand, being now thoroughly repaired, well fitted, equipped, 
and manned, you are immediately to proceed in said schooner 
on a cruise against the enemies of these States. We deliver 
you herewith a Marine book, by which you will know who 
are our enemies, and also how to conduct yourself in con- 
formity to the Continental Rules and Regulations. You 
have likewise a list of the Agents in the several States, to 
some of whom you must address the prizes you take. 

We deliver you herewith a letter for a gentleman in Ber- 
muda, which is of much consequence to America. You are 
therefore to proceed with the utmost expedition to Port 
Ellis, at the east end of that Island, and deliver the said 
letter as quickly as possible; receive from him any others he 
may send ‘in return; and as you will then be near the best 
cruising ground for West-India ships, you may make a cruise 
about that latitude, for such length of time as your provi- 
sions will enable you to keep the sea, unless success should 
tempt you to return much sooner with a good prize. 

Use your people well, but preserve strict discipline ; treat 
prisoners, if any you make, with humanity, and in all things 
be duly attentive to the honour and interests of America. If 
you can get any seamen at Bermuda, ship as many as you 
can accommodate, and bring us the best account you can 
obtain of the state and condition of that Island with respect 
to provisions, number of inhabitants, what cannon, arms, 


&c., they have there, and inquire particularly after any 


British men-of-war that have been there, that are there, or 


1119 


that are expected. Should you be unfortunately taken, 
either going to or after you leave Bermuda, be sure to 
destroy all letters you may have for us from that Island. 
Should you gain any intelligence you may think important, 
you must quit all other pursuits to inform us thereof as soon 
as possible. 

Wishing you success, we are, sir, your humble servants. 


To Lieutenant John Baldwin, commanding the Schooner 


Wasp. 


PHILADELPHIA COMMITTEE, 


“In Committee of Inspection and Observation for the City 
and Liberties of Philadelphia, June 1, 1776: 

“‘ Whereas the Honourable Continental Congress, by their 
Resolve of the 30th of May, empowered the said Commit- 
tee to regulate the price of Salt: 

Therefore, Resolved, That the said article of Salt shall 
not exceed the following prices, viz: coarse Salt, 7s. 6d. 
per bushel, 3s. 9d. the half bushel, and 2s. per peck; fine 
Salt, 8s. per bushel, 4s. the half bushel, and 2s. 2d. per 
peck.” 


And whereas Stephen Shewell and Joseph Shewell, in- 
habitants of this City, have knowingly counteracted said 
Resolution of the Ist of June, by selling coarse Salt at 12s. 
per bushel, and 1s. 6d. the half peck, and fine Salt at 2s. 
the half peck; and being charged with a breach of said Re- 
solve before this Committee, Joseph Shewell, being present, 
acknowledged the charge to be just: 

Therefore this Committee, in discharge of the duty they 
owe to the publick, and in order to show to the world their 
resolution to support their limitations, which they are of 
opinion are founded on just and generous principles, after 
giving them previous notice, do declare and hold up to the 
world the aforesaid Stephen Shewell and Joseph Shewell as 
enemies to their country, and preclude them from all trade 
or intercourse with the inhabitants of these States. 

Committee-Chamber, August 23, 1776. 


NatTHANIEL DonneELL, Sec. pro tempore. 


ORDERS. 
Head-Quarters, Woodbridge, August 23, 1776. 


The Battalions of Associators from the City of Philadel- 
hia having completed six weeks’ military service for the 
defence of the Colony of New-Jersey, are hereby, agreeable 
to orders of Convention, relieved from further duty on this 
station, and directed to proceed to Philadelphia as soon as 
the necessary accommodations for their march can be pro- 
cured. General Mercer takes this opportunity to return his 
hearty thanks to those gentlemen for the readiness with which 
they have, on every occasion, executed such parts of the 
military service as their stations required. 


H. Mercer, Brig. Gen. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED ELIZABETH-TOWN, AUGUST 
23, 1776. 

Last week I left the Army upon the Mohawk River, at 
the breaking up of the treaty with the Indians. We had 
present nineteen hundred and sixty-six, including men, wo- 
men, and children, of the Indians, who have solemnly 
engaged for a strict neutrality. Both the passes into Canada 
are now so well fortified that I think we have no reason to 
apprehend the enemy will enter that way. 

The fort on the pass from the Mohawk River to Wood 
Creek, called Fort Stanwix, has been repaired by Colonel 
Dayton’s regiment, by the order of General Schuyler. It 
is a very important station, and I believe, without exception, 
the strongest fort on the Continent. A wide ditch is sunk 
round it, about ten feet deep, the glaces on the outside are 
raised six feet above the surface, and the wall of the fort 
within the ditch ten feet, and that is picketed upon the top. 
We have several pieces of cannon, from six to twelve- 
pounders, and the passes up Wood Creek can be stopped 
in a few hours, so that no artillery or baggage can be brought 
from the Lakes, and small-arms cannot hurt us. This fort 
upon the 5th instant we honoured with the name of our 
worthy General—Fort Schuyler. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1120 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, 
[Read August 26, 1776.] 


New-York, August 23, 1776. 


Sir: I beg leave to inform Congress, that yesterday 
morning, and in the course of the preceding right, a con- 
siderable body of the enemy, amounting by report to eight 
or nine thousand, and these all British, landed from the 
transport ships mentioned in my last, at Gravesend-Bay, on 
Long-Island, and have approached within three miles of 
our lines, having marched across the low cleared grounds 
near the woods at Flatbush, where they are halted, from my 
last intelligence. 

I have detached from hence six battalions, as a reinforce- 
ment to our troops there, which are all that I can spare at 
this time, not knowing but the fleet may move up with the 
remainder of their Army, and make an attack here, on the 
next flood tide. If they do not, I shall send a further rein- 
forcement, should it be necessary, and have ordered five 
battalions more to be in readiness for that purpose. I have 
no doubt but a little time will produce some important events. 
I hope they will be happy. ‘The reinforcement detached 
yesterday went off in high spirits; and I have the pleasure 
to inform you, that the whole of the Army, that are effective 
and capable of duty, discover the same, and great cheerful- 
ness. I have been obliged to appoint Major-General Sullivan 
to the command on the Island, owing to General G'reene’s 
indisposition. He has been extremely ill for several days, 
and still continues bad. 

By yesterday evening’s post I received a letter from Ge- 
neral Ward, enclosing a copy of the invoice of ordnance 
stores taken by Captain Manley, with the appraisement of 
the same, made in pursuance of my direction founded on the 
order of Congress, which I do myself the honour of trans- 
mitting. 

You will also receive the treaty between the Commis- 
sioners and the Indians of the Six Nations and others at 
the German-Flats, which General Schuyler requested me 
to forward, by his letter of the 18th instant. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most 


obedient servant, Gu AMLsesare 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL HEATH. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 23, 1776. 

Sir: Yesterday morning the enemy landed at G'ravesend 
Bay, upon Long-Island, from the best information I can 
obtain, to the number of about eight thousand. Colonel 
Hand retreated before them, burning, as he came along, seve- 
ral parcels of wheat, and such other matters as he judged 
would fall into the enemy’s hands. Our first accounts were, 
that they intended, by a forced march, to surprise General 
Sullivan’s (who commands during the illness of General 
Greene) lines; whereupon I immediately reinforced that post 
with six regiments. But they halted last night at Flatbush. 
If they should attack General Sullivan this day, and should 
show no disposition to attack me likewise, at the making of 
the next flood, I shall send such reinforcements to Long- 
Island as 1 may judge expedient, not choosing to weaken 
this post too much, before I am certain that the enemy are 
not making a feint upon Long-Island, to draw our force to 
that quarter, when their real design may perhaps be upon 
this. 

I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON, 


To the Hon. Major-General Heath, at King’s Bridge. 


P.S. The flood tide will begin to make about eleven 
o’clock, at which time, if the detachment ordered yesterday 
were to move to the high and open grounds about Mr. O. De 
Lancey’s and Bloomingdale, they would be ready to come 
forward, or return back, as occasion should require; it will 
give them a little exercise, and show them wherein they are 
wanting in any matter. 


COLONEL COOKE TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-York, August 23, 1776. 


Honovurep Sir: Upon the recommendation of your Ho- 
nour of the 12th instant, a number of able-bodied effective 


_ men, not obliged to do duty in any train-band, with sundry 


gentlemen of the Horse, within the limits of my regiment, 


1121 


amounting in all to fifty-two men, among which are a very 
considerable number of old commission officers, voluntarily 
engaged in the publick service for this present important 
emergency, and yesterday I here led them to the choice of 
officers; and by a major vote they nominated the following 
persons, viz: Joseph Smith, Jun., for their Captain; John 
Trowbridge, Jun., Lieutenant; and Eleazer Hubbee, En- 
sign; and have joined themselves to my regiment as a 
distinct company. I therefore desire your Honour to send 
them commissions. With them came Major Starr, of the 
Light-Horse, who was very active in procuring them to en- 
gage in this service; and as both my Field-Officers were in 
the service, I desired him to officiate as Major of my regi- 
ment, which he cheerfully accepted of, and which I doubt 
not will meet with your Honour’s approbation. 

As the Militia regiments from the County of Fairfield 
were destitute of any Chaplains, the Rev. Ebenezer Baldwin 
generously offered his services, and is now here officiating in 
that capacity for my regiment and for the Fourth; and if it 
be agreeable to your Honour, I desire he may have a warrant 
for that purpose. And as my regiment came also without 
any Doctor, and several of the men were taken ill soon after 
our arrival, and help of that kind very difficult to be obtained 
here, I desired Dr. Charles Peck (who has been improved 
many years as a Physician, and who came down with the 
company above mentioned) to officiate in that character, 
and trust he will be of great service; and would therefore 
desire that he also may have a warrant, either for a Surgeon 
or a Surgeon’s Mate. 

I am, sir, with all due respect, your Honour’s most obe- 
dient, humble servant, JosepH P. Cooke. 


A Proc LAMATION. 


By His Excellency the Honourable Witt1am Howe, Grene- 
ral and Commander-in- Chief of all His Majesty’s Forces 
within the Colonies lying on the Aruantick Ocean from 
Nova-Scorra to West-Foripa, inclusive, &c., &c., &c. 


Whereas it is represented that many of the loyal inhabit- 
ants of this Island have been compelled by the leaders in 
rebellion to take up arms against his Majesty’s Government: 
Notice is hereby given to all persons so forced into rebellion, 
that on delivering themselves at Head-Quarters of the Army, 
they will be received as faithful subjects, have permits to 
return peacefully to their respective dwellings, and meet 
with full protection for their persons and property. All 
those who choose to take up arms for the restoration of order 
and good government within this Island, shall be disposed of 
in the best manner, and have every encouragement that can 
be expected. 

Given under my hand, at Head-Quarters on Long-Island, 
this 23d day of August, 1776. Wm. Howe. 


By his Excellency’s command: 
Roserr Mackenzir, Secretary. 


GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
King’s Bridge, half-past one o’clock, P. M., 
August 23, 1776. 

Dear Generat: Lam so unhappy as not to have received 
your letter until this moment, having been all this forenoon 
with the Engineers, viewing the ground and laying out the 
works; but upon sight of your letter, I have ordered the 
detachment here to parade and march for Mount Washing- 
ton as soon as possible, and the detachment at that place, 
which consists of near eight hundred, to march forward 
agreeable to your Excellency’s direction. 

I hope soon to hear good news from Long-Island. I 
have never been afraid of the force of the enemy: [ am 
more so of their arts. ‘They must be well watched. They, 
like the Frenchman, look one way and row the other. How- 
ever, | trust they will not find Americans deficient either in 
fortitude or policy. 

A floating bridge, or number of boats, seems to be highly 
necessary for a communication on Harlem River. I submit 
to your Excellency’s consideration, whether some of the fire 
rafis (as they are called) might not be employed to advan- 
tage for this purpose. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, your Excel- 
lency’s humble servant, W. Hearn. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 
Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


~ 


4 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


5) 


~~ 


1122 


GENERAL HEATH TO COLONEL NICOLL. 
King’s Bridge, August 23, 1776. 

Cotonet Nicotn: You are forthwith to march with the 
detachment lately put under your command to [ort Wash- 
ington, where you are to halt (unless there should be an 
alarm) until evening, and then return here; but if there 
should be an alarm, you are to march on towards Blooming- 
dale and join General Mifflin, who is gone forward, and under 
whose command you'll be. 

I am, sir, your humble servant, 


W. Hearn, M.G. 

P.S. As soon as two companies are paraded, you will 
march them forward, leaving an officer to order the others 
after you, as fast as they come on the parade. 


GENERAL HEATH TO COMMISSARY OF PROVISIONS. 
King’s Bridge, August 23, 1776. 

Sir: A number of Militia belonging to Captains Pztkin, 
Lomas, Cheney, Forbes, and Grant, of Colonel Wolcott's 
regiment, on their march from Connecticut to New-York, are 
destitute of provisions, and cannot obtain any at the publick 
houses; their number is something short of two hundred. 
Upon their application to you, you are to supply them with 
one day’s provisions to carry them to the city. 


I an, sir, yours, &c., Wm. Hearn, M. G. 


To the Assistant Commissary of Provisions at Mount Wash- 
ington. 


GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL MIFFLIN. 
King’s Bridge, August 23, 1776—two o’clock P. M. 
Dear Sir: Being out with the Engineer I did not receive 
the enclosed until just now. I have ordered the detachment 
here to parade immediately, and march as far down as your 
post. You will immediately march the detachment at your 
post forward as far as you may think proper, agreeable to 
his Excellency’s direction. Colonel Nicoll, who commands 
the detachment here, will halt at your post unless there 
should be an alarm, when he will follow as fast as possible. 
If all should be quiet he is to return before evening. 
I am, dear sir, your humble servant, Wcktlot act 


To General Mifflin. 


GENERAL TEN BROECK TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
August 23, 1776. 

Srr: As the necessities of the service at this present time 
require all the regiments to be completely filled with their 
proper officers, [ must acquaint you the North Regiment, 
which was Colonel Graham’s, is deficient of two Colonels, 
and of several other officers, who are gone in the service. 
I beg you lay this before the Convention, and pray the 
following persons may be promoted as Field-Officers in the 
reciment: Robert G. Livingston, Jun., Colonel; Major Stmon 
Westfield, to be Lieutenant-Colonel; Major Landon, to be 
the first Major; and Captain David Van Ness to be second 
Major. Staff Officers: Henry Van Howenberg, Adjutant; 
Cornelius Schormerhorn, Quartermaster. As for the Cap- 
tains and subalterns, I cannot make a proper arrangement. 
If they must be elected in by the companies, as has been 
customary, the precedent is bad, and we get unfit persons 
for officers, who have no command over the men. I shall 
wait your directions to me in the same, and act accordingly. 
Ask only for blank commissions for three companies, and 
shall fill them as you direct. 

1 am, your very humble and obedient servant, 

Perrus Tren Broecx. 


To the President of the Convention of the State of New- 
York. 


COLONEL CORTLANDT TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 23, 1776. 
Dear Generac: I have received your favour of yester- 
day, and have made the contents known to General Water- 
bury, Colonel Wynkoop being absent. He left this in order 
to recover his health, which was greatly impaired. I found 
him very unwell on my arrival. Hope his departure may 
be agreeable, as he desired me to acquaint the General that 
he would return as soon as his health would permit. 


1 


1123 


General Waterbury was thinking to have sent me up to 
Cheshire’s, but is now resolved that I shall stay. I am in- 
formed the road from Cheshire’s to Fort Edward is still very 
bad, and Wood-Creek wants more clearing out. 

Many of the carpenters are sick, so that the carpenters 
go on but slowly. ‘There are several carpenters among the 
troops, I am informed, and have advised General Waterbury 
to draught them for that purpose. Give me leave, dear sir, 
to assure you that nothing shall be wanting on my part to 
execute whatever commands the General thinks proper to 
order, and will do my endeavours to forward on the works, 
which go on better for being well looked to. ‘The General 
will please further to advise me; who am, with respect, your 


obedient, humble servant, Py ets oer na 


GENERAL GATES TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
{Read September 2, 1776.] 
Tyonderoga, August 23, 1776. 

Sir: Having an opportunity by a safe hand going imme- 
diately to Philadelphia, I do myself the honour to enclose 
your Excellency a list of the Naval force of the United States 
now at Crown-Point, under the immediate command of Bri- 
gadier-General Arnold. J also transmit your Excellency my 
orders and instructions to General Arnold, which | earnestly 
wish to merit the approbation of Congress. I have lately 
reported all extraordinary occurrences in this department to 
General Schuyler, and doubt not but he has constantly for- 
warded them to your Excellency. Saturday se’nnight, I 
expect the whole of the Militia of the different States, with 
the two established regiments from Boston, will be arrived 
here. I shall thereupon send your Excellency a general 
return of this Army. I have that confidence in Congress, 
that | am persuaded no supplies wanted in this Army will be 
withheld from it longer than the time that it is absolutely 
necessary to prepare and send them. 

The enclosed letter, signed by myself, and in the name of 
all the officers of the regiments from Jersey and Pennsylva- 
nia, I beg leave to present to your Excellency, and to entreat 
your recommendation of their request to Congress. 

With great respect, I am, sir, your Excellency’s most 
faithful and obedient, humble servant, 

Horatio Gates. 


To His Excellency John Hancock, Esq. 


List of Armed Vessels on Lake Cuampnain, August 22, 


1776. 
: se 
S : RS 
NAMES OF VESSELS AND COMMANDERS. 

%S Size of Guns. > |S 

z 5) Paes 

= 21% 

Sloop Enterprise............ Dickson......) | 12} 4-lbs............ 10| 50 
Schr. Royal Savage, Hon. Gen. Arnold. 12/4 6-lbs. 8 4-lbs.} 10} 50 
Schooner Revenge......... Seaman...... 8|4 4-lbs. 42-Ibs.| 10] 35 
Schooner Liberty.......... Premier...... .| 8/2 4-lbs. 62-Ibs.| 8} 35 
\Gondola New-Haven.....Mansfield .... ee 3|112-1b. 29-Ibs.| 8) 45 
Gondola Providence....... Simmonds.... fz] 3 Ditto. 8] 45 
Gondola Boston............ Sumner... 3 Ditto. 8} 45 
Gondola Spitfire............ Ulver acon cee 3 Ditto. 8} 45 
Gondola Philadelphia.....Rwe ....0006 3 Ditto. 8) 45 
Gondola Connecticut...... Grant coscaske b PO ie Ditto. 8} 45 
Gondola Jersey............+ Grimes....... <n 3 Ditto. 8} 45 
MAME Yo ALEC. ccs bas onto seaas Davis ...4.2000 2 |_6 |112, 19, 44-Ibs.| 10} 50 
dye a MMW Uae es Gliese neds 104/535 


The two last will sail in three days for Crown-Point. 
Three large row-galleys, and one more gondola will be finish- 
ed in ten days at Skenesborough, and J think will, under 
the command of General Waterbury, join the fleet under 
General Arnold in a fortnight from this day. 

Horatio Gates, Major-General. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, &c., &c. 


Ticonderoga, August 22, 1776. 

Sir: In justice to our country and ourselves, we cannot 
help informing you, that attempts have been made (and 
nearly effected) to intercept all intelligence to and from the 
gentlemen of the Army. Not only letters of a publick 
nature, as well to General Officers as others, have been 
opened and detained, but even letters of private and domes- 
tick concern exposed to the malevolent eye of men evidently 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1124 


inimical to our cause. Under these circumstances, we can- 
not possibly be possessed of that intelligence our situation 
and the importance of our cause require. The Eastern 
troops receive letters free of postage twice every week, from 
their respective Provinces, in consequence of resolves passed 
by their Conventions, whereby no less than two post-riders 
are constantly employed. The same respect and indulgence 
we conceive ourselves equally entitled to; as gentlemen and 
as officers we expect it. We would, therefore, wish to see 
a regular post established upon the same principles, who 
should constantly ride between Philadelphia and this place. 
Unless this scheme be immediately adopted, we shall con- 
ceive ourselves slighted; in short, we shall consider it a mani- 
fest injury to our country, as the enemy will still continue to 
receive information of all our motions, and we remain totally 
ignorant of theirs. However, your known zeal in the cause, 
as well as your regard for the Southern troops, will, we trust, 
induce you to use every necessary precaution in conveying 
intelligence to us. We write to you as President of the Con- 
gress, therefore beg you will lay this letter before them. 
We have the honour to subscribe ourselves your most 

obedient, humble servants, 

Horatio Gates, Major-General. 

A. Sr. Cratr, Colonel. 

Marr. Oanen, Lieutenant- Colonel. 

James Irvine, Lieutenant- Colonel. 

Antuy. Jas. Morris, Major. 

IsraEL Sureve, Lieutenant-Colonel. 

Antuy. Wayne, Colonel. 

J. P. De Haas, Colonel. 

Wm. De Harr, Mayor. 

Francis Jonnston, Lieut. Colonel. 

Nicu. Hausseccer, Major. 

Wa. Maxwe nt, Colonel. 


Davip Ruea, Major. 


GENERAL ORDERS—BY GENERAL GATES. 
Head-Quarters, (Ticonderoga,) August 6, 1776. 
(Countersign, Dresden.) 

The following promotions are ordered to take place in 
Colonel De Haas’s Battalion, viz: Ensign Robert Allison, 
Second Lieutenant, vice Christopher Staddle, promoted; 
George Archer, Third Lieutenant, vice R. McCullum re- 
signed; John P. De Haas, Jun., Ensign, vice John Low, 
deceased; Jacob Shallus, Ensign, vice Benjamin Ricey pro- 
moted. 


(Parole, London.) 


Head-Quarters, August 7, 1776. 
(Countersign, Camden.) 
Colonel Moses Hazen, tried at a General Court-Martial, 
of which Colonel Poor is President, and charged with 
neglect of duty in general, and in particular for refusing to 
receive into the store the goods General Arnold sent to 
Chamblee by Major Scott, and not placing proper guards, 
and suffering them to be plundered. ‘The Court having deli- 
berately weighed and considered the charge against Colonel 
Hazen, are clearly of opinion it is without foundation; they 
do therefore adjudge him ‘not guilty,’ and unanimously 
acquit him with honour. ‘The General confirms the sen- 
tence of the General Court-Martial, and orders Colonel 
Hazen to be released from his arrest. 


Head-Quarters, August 8, 1776. 


(Countersign, Berne.) 


(Parole, Amsterdam.) 


(Parole, Switzerland.) 


Head-Quarters, August 9, 1776. 
(Parole, Uxbridge.) (Countersign, Bergen.) 
Captain Carlisle, of Colonel Bedel’s Regiment, tried by 
the General Court-Martial of which Colonel Poor is Presi- 
dent, for behaving unbecoming to the character of an officer, 
in attempting to fire upon Lieutenant-Colonel Wait, and 
abusing him. Upon due consideration of the evidence, the 
Court unanimously find the prisoner guilty, and sentence 
him to be cashiered. ‘The General approves the sentence, 
and orders Mr. Carlisle to adjust what accounts he may have 
in camp, and then immediately to leave the Army. 


—_ 


Head-Quarters, August 10, 1776. 


(Parole, Portsmouth.) (Countersign, Salem.) 
Lieutenant-Colonel Cortlandt, with the officers and sol- 


diers of Colonel Wynkoop’s Regiment, and the Companies 


1125 


of New-York Militia, to go in batteaus to-morrow morning, 
early, to Skenesborough. They are to take as many boats 
as possible. ‘The Batteau-Master to deliver them the boats 
this morning. 

The Batteau-Master is immediately to send to the differ- 
ent encampments, and collect all the oars. Neither officer 
nor soldier is for the’ future to use any of the oars for any 
other purpose than that they were designed for. Proper 
poles must be cut, to carry provisions and baggage. 

Colonel Wingate’s and Colonel Wyman’s Regiments to 
furnish twelve Subalterns, twelve Sergeants, twelve Corpo- 
rals, five Drums, and two hundred and fifty-nine Privates, to 
assist in manning the Fleet. ‘They must be sent to Briga- 
dier-General Arnold, at Head-Quarters, at six o’clock this 
evening. They will have the same extra allowance as the 
other troops serving in the Fleet. The General desires that 
as many seamen as those corps can furnish may be sent 
with the above command. 

Lieutenant Brown, of Colonel Winds’s Regiment, tried by 
the General Court-Martial of which Colonel Poor is Presi- 
dent, for ungentlemanlike behaviour in general, disobedience 
of orders in not coming on from New-York with the regi- 
ment, for discharging soldiers from the Continental service, 
and receiving money from the soldiers for their dismission. 
The Court having considered the evidence in this cause, do 
adjudge Lieutenant Brown is not guilty, and do acquit him. 

Ensign Ross, tried at a General Court-Martial, of which 
Colonel Poor is President, for leaving the Army, and going 
on to Crown-Point with a batteau and men, contrary to 
orders. ‘The Court, considering the evidence on this charge, 
find him guilty; but, from the peculiar circumstances of his 
case, and the apparent necessity of his proceeding to Crown- 
Point, do therefore adjudge him only to be reprimanded by 
the Commanding Officer of the Regiment. 

The General approves both the above sentences, and 
orders Lieutenant Brown to be released from his arrest, 
and the sentence on Ensign Ross to be executed immedi- 
ately. 

One Field-Officer, three Captains, six Subalterns, six 
Sergeants, six Corporals, two Drums, and one hundred and 
forty-four Privates, to march to-morrow morning at daybreak 
to the landing, to take thirty batteaus across to fort George. 
The Field-Officer will return with his party directly upon 
his delivering the boats at the Fort, and halt for that evening 
at some miles distant to the northward, and proceed the 
next morning at daylight to the landing at the end of the 
Lake. ‘This command to be furnished entirely from the 
Fourth Brigade. 


Head-Quarters, August 11, 1776. 
(Countersign, Philadelphia.) 

The Guard in the Fort, formerly kept by Colonel Wyn- 
koop, is to be relieved by the Fourth Brigade. 

Colonel Wingate’s and Colonel Wyman’s Regiments, of 
the New-Hampshire Militia, are to be considered as part of 
Colonel Stark’s Brigade, and to obey his orders. 

Colonel Patterson is to take the command of the Second 
Brigade during the absence of Colonel Reed. 


(Parole, Dickinson.) 


Head-Quarters, August 12, 1776. 
(Countersign, Willson.) 
Inquiry to be made if there are any Blockmakers in any 
of the Corps. Their names, regiments, and companies, to 
be reported to the Deputy Adjutant-General this evening. 
When the weather clears up, the General hopes the troops 
will turn out in a spirited manner to finish the works. The 
honour of the Army, and the preservation of the liberties of 
America, depend upon their animated exertions this cam- 
paign; that happily finished, freedom will be restored to 
America, and every inhabitant, under his own vine and fig 
tree, may enjoy the inestimable blessings thereof. 


After Orders.—The Court-Martial, of which Colonel 


Poor was President, is dissolved. 


(Parole, Adams.) 


Head-Quarters, August 13, 1776. 

(Parole, Willson.) (Countersign, Hurrison.) 
The Brigade of the Massachusetts Militia commanded 
by Brigadier-General Bricket is to encamp upon the high 
. ground to the westward of the old fort of Ticonderoga. 
* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1126 


General Bricket and Colonel St. Clair will agree upon the 
spot, and mark out the camp accordingly. 

The General observes that cooking in the streets of some 
of the encampments has been permitted. The Officers com- 
manding Brigades will in their Brigade Orders positively 
forbid such an unsoldierlike and pernicious custom to be con- 
tinued. If the Commanding Officers of Corps are at any 
time remiss in their duty, the Commandants of Brigades will, 
without reserve, take notice of it. 

Mr. William McCalla, tried by the late General Court- 
Martial of which Colonel Poor was President, for selling a 
batteau, the sails and part of the rigging of a schooner, and 
four barrels of pork, belonging to the Continent, at Chamblee. 

The Court, on examination, do adjudge Mr. Mc Calla guilty ; 
but, from the appearance of the testimony, are of opinion 
that it is rather on account of great imprudence than fraud. 
They do therefore adjudge him to be publickly and severely 
reprimanded at the head of Colonel S¢. Clair’s Brigade. 

The General confirms this sentence of the General Court- 
Martial, and orders the execution immediately. 

The Majors of Brigades are to attend punctually at eleven 
o’clock for orders. ‘Those who are at a distance may send 
an Adjutant in bad weather, but the orders will at no time 
be given to a Sergeant. 

Lieutenant Robert Pearsly, of Colonel Wingate’s Regi- 
ment, is appointed Wagonmaster-General, in the room of 
Lieutenant Doty, who has resigned on account of sickness. 


Head-Quarters, August 14, 1776. 
(Countersign, Morris.) 

Two Captains, six Subalterns, eight Sergeants, eight Cor- 
porals, four Drums and Fifes, and one hundred and fifty 
Privates, are to be draughted from the Brigade of Massa- 
chusetts ‘Troops commanded by Brigadier-General Bricket, 
to join and do duty with the Corps of Artillery. General 
Bricket will direct that the Corps furnish only active, able- 
bodied men for this service. 

The following promotions are ordered to take place in 
Colonel Stark’s Regiment: 

Ensign C. Stark, Second Lieutenant, Adjutant, vice Lieu- 
tenant Chandler, deceased. 

Ensign Timothy Blake, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieu- 
tenant Battin, deceased. 

Ensign Thomas Pritchard, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieu- 
tenant Carr, deceased. 

Mr. Patrick Cogan, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant 
Pritchard, promoted. 

Mr. Al. Center, Ensign, vice Lieutenant Stark, advanced. 

The Commanding Officers of Corps are directed to see 
that all the sails belonging to the publick, which have been 
used as tents, be immediately delivered in to Mr. Lane, as 
Conductor of Naval Stores. A number of oilcloths belong- 
ing to the Artillery have been used as covers of tents; 
these are likewise to be immediately delivered to Major Bad- 
lam, Commanding Officer of Artillery. 


(Parole, Johnston.) 


Head-Quarters, August 15, 1776. 
(Countersign, Mi/flin.) 

All persons possessed of any whited brown or white paper 
may have ready money for it at Head-Quarters, or the like 
quantity and quality immediately returned upon its arrival 
from Lake George. 

The Commanding Officers of Brigades will, Regiment by 
Regiment, examine the men’s arms and ammunition, and 
report all deficiencies to the General. 

A return of the powder-horns and shot-bags now in each 
Corps to be sent to-morrow, at orderly time, to the Adju- 
tant-General. 

When more salt arrives from Albany, the Commissary is 
to issue weekly eight quarts to one hundred men until further 
orders. 

Thomas McCoy is appointed an Ensign in the Sixth Bat- 
talion of the Pennsylvanians; he is to be obeyed as such. 


After Orders.—A General Court-Martial, taken from the 
Regiments in the First Brigade, consisting of one Colonel, 
one Lieutenant-Colonel, one Major, and ten Captains, to sit 
to-morrow morning, at ten o'clock, at or near the President’s 
tent, to try such prisoners as shall be brought before them; 
all evidences and persons concerned to attend the Court. 


Colonel Greaton President. 


(Parole, Allen.) 


1127 


Head-Quarters, August 16, 1776. 
(Parole, Gerry-) (Countersign, Rush.) 
All the brass blunderbusses in camp belonging to the 
ublick or taken from the enemy are to be delivered in im- 
mediately to Mr. Lane, Conductor of Naval Stores. 

The Majors of Brigades are to see that the weekly returns 
are delivered in correct and punctually at orderly time to- 
morrow. 

The Chief Engineer to see all the spades and axes in 
store helved, and a party are to be constantly kept grinding 
axes. When men are brought to the parade of a morning 
for work, the General expects their tools to be ready for 
them. 

The Massachusetts Brigade to furnish three hundred men, 
with officers in proportion, for fatigue to-morrow. 

Strayed yesterday from Head-Quarters a fat sheep belong- 
ing to the General. He has that opinion of the soldiers 
under his command that they will return him his sheep 
whenever they find it. 


Head-Quarters, August 17, 1776. 
(Parole, Brazton.) (Countersign, Wythe.) 

The First, Second, and Third Brigades, to mount the two 
following Guards for the security of the encampment upon 
Mount Independence: one main Guard at the Isthmus, con- 
sisting of one Field-Officer, two Captains, six Subalterns, 
six Sergeants, six Corporals, four Drums and Fifes, and one 
hundred and twenty Privates. ‘The other Guard is to mount 
upon the hill above the lines upon the west point, where the 
redoubt is marked out, and is to consist of one Captain, three 
Subalterns, three Sergeants, three Corporals, two Drums, and 
sixty Privates. Colonel Wayne, who surveyed the mount, 
with the officers commanding Brigades, will station the 
Guard at the Isthmus. ‘The Guard in the rear of the re- 
doubt above the lines will be stationed by the Adjutant- 
General, the Chief Engineer, and the Commanding Officer 
of the Artillery. 

The Chief Engineer to deliver fifteen axes to the Field- 
Officer of the main Guard, and ten to the Captain of the 
redoubt Guard, to-morrow morning at guard mounting. ‘They 
are to be answerable for these axes to the Officers who 
relieve them, and those Guards are not to be relieved until 
the axes are in good order delivered to the relieving Officers. 

One Captain, three Subalterns, three Sergeants, three Cor- 
porals, two Drums, and one hundred Privates, from the Bri- 
gade commanded by General Bricket, to parade at Head- 
Quarters at twelve o’clock, to take twenty batteaus to 
Skenesborough. Captain Wilhamson will deliver the bat- 
teaus to the Commanding Officer of the party. 

Forty Seamen from the same Brigade, to be draughted 
and paraded at Head-Quarters to-morrow morning at seven 
o'clock, to go on board the fleet at Crown-Point. ‘They 
will go down in two batteaus. The Officer commanding 
them will apply to General Arnold for his orders. 

Colonel Greaton is to take the command of the First Bri- 
gade during the absence of General Arnold. 

Head-Quarters, August 18, 1776. 
(Parole, Jefferson.) (Countersign, Lee.) 

In every duty, whether guard, detachment, or fatigue, the 
Officers are to be proportioned to the number of men, accord- 
ing to the establishment of the Army. A Field-Officer is to 
command any number above two hundred. 

A General Court-Martial, taken from the Regiments of 
the Fourth Brigade, consisting of one Lieutenant-Colonel, 
two Majors, and ten Captains, to sit to-morrow morning at 
nine o’clock, to try such prisoners as may be brought before 
them. All evidences and persons concerned, are to attend 
the Court. Lieutenant-Colonel Ogden, President; Captain 
Joseph Morris to attend the Court as Judge Advocate. 

Head-Quarters, August 19, 1776. 
(Countersign, Deane.) 

The Commanding Officers of Regiments and Corps are 
to be answerable that every officer, non-commissioned offi- 
cer and soldier, who shall hereafter be infected with the 
small-pox, be immediately sent to the General Hospital at 
Lake George; but previous to their being sent they are to 
make oath as follows: 

1, A. B., do solemnly swear, by the ever-living G'od, that 
I have not received the infection of the small-pox by inocu- 


(Parole, Rutledge.) 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1128 


lation, or by any application internal or external, but have 
taken the same in a manner entirely unknown to me, and 
as I firmly believe, by the oath I now take, in the natural 
way, and no other. So help me God. 

In case any man refuses to take the above oath, his con- 
science accusing him that it would be perjury so to do, he is 
to declare the name of the person whe inoculated him, and 
the place where it was done, that the perpetrators of so vil- 
Janous an act may be instantly brought to condign punish- 
ment. 


After Orders.—A General Court-Martial in the Second 
Brigade, consisting of three Field-Officers and ten Captains, 
to sit to-morrow morning, at nine o’clock, at the President’s 
tent, to try such prisoners as shall be brought before them. 


Head-Quarters, August 20, 1776. 
(Countersign, Gerry.) 
Edmund Monro is appointed Quartermaster of Colonel 
Rteed’s Regiment, of Brigadier-General Bricket’s Brigade, 
in the room of Mr. Brett. 
The General Court-Martial, of which Colonel Greaton is 
President, is dissolved. 


(Parole, Williams.) 


Head-Quarters, August 21, 1776. 
(Countersign, Carroll.) 

Marauding is become so frequent that the General ex- 
pects every officer will in a spirited manner exert himself to 
prevent it, and bring the perpetrators to exemplary punish- 
ment. Last night a poor inhabitant was robbed of all him- 
self and distressed family had to depend upon for their winter 
support, by certain villains, who said they belonged to the 
Jersey Regiment. There are more villains that wear blue, 
than those suspected in the Jersey Regiment. ‘The Gene- 
ral recommends it to the Commanding Officer of the Fourth 
Brigade to endeavour by every means in his power to dis- 
cover and bring to justice all persons suspected of pillaging 
and marauding. ‘The Army is paid to protect, not pilfer the 
inhabitants. 

The Colonels of the Regiments of Militia are forthwith 
to bring in their demands for mileage and billeting, that they 
may be discharged without delay. 

Mr. Ryan, Adjutant of Colonel Wayne’s Battalion, of 
Pennsylvania, tried at a General Court-Martial, of which 
Lieutenant-Colonel Ogden was President, on an accusation 
of assaulting and abusing Major Haussegger, is found guilty 
by the Court, and sentenced to be severely reprimanded by 
Colonel St. Clair, at the head of the Fourth Brigade. 

The General approves the sentence, and orders it to be 
put in execution, at such time and place as Colonel St. Clair 
shall think proper. 

The General Court-Martial, of which Lieutenant-Colonel 
Ogden was President, is dissolved. 


Head-Quarters, August 22, 1776. 
(Countersign, Camden.) 

The following Resolves of the most honourable the Con- 
gress of the United States of America, are to be strictly 
observed by the Surgeons and Surgeons’ Mates of this 
Army: 

“Resolved, That the several Regimental Chests of Me- 
dicines and Surgical Instruments, which now are or shall 
hereafter be in the possession of the Regimental Surgeons, 
be subject to the inspection and inquiry of the respective 
Directors of Hospitals, and the Director-General ; and that 
the Regimental Surgeons shall, from time to time, when 
thereto required, render account of the said Medicines and 
Instruments, to the said Director, and if there be no Direc- 
tor in any particular departments, to the Director-General. 
The said accounts to be transmitted to the Director-General, 
and by him to the Congress, and the Medicines and Instru- 
ments not used by any Regimental Surgeon, to be returned 
when the Regiment is reduced, to the respective Directors, 
and an account thereof by them rendered to the Director- 
General, and by him to the Congress. 

“That the Regimental and Hospital Surgeons in the 
several departments make Weekly Returns of their sick to 
their respective Directors in the said departments. 

“That all extra expenses for bandages, old linen, and 
other articles necessary for this service, incurred by any Re- 
gimental Surgeons, be paid by the Director of the depart- 
ment, with the approbation of the commander thereof.” 


(Parole, Henry.) 


(Parole, Richmond.) 


1129 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL ARNOLD. 
Tyonderoga, August 23, 1776. 

Dear Generav: This will be delivered to you by Doc- 
tor M‘Crea, whom, at the recommendation of Doctor Potts, 
I have appointed First Surgeon to the fleet under your 
command; he has instruments and medicines, two things 
much in request with you. Mr. Francis Hagan accom- 
panies Mr. M‘Crea as his Assistant Surgeon. 1 cannot 
procure any instruments for him here, but wish you could 
hire Doctor Sptram’s for the voyage. You are, I am told, 
acquainted with Doctor M‘Crea. 1 am assured his abilities 
are their own recommendation. Another gondola sails from 
hence this morning, and the row-galley will sail to-morrow. 
Yesterday Mr. Titcomb, master-carpenter from Skenesbo- 
rough, returned thither from hence; he got a good recruit 
of ship-carpenters, twelve of his gang being now sick; he is 
a fine-looking fellow, and seems desirous to command the 
row-galley he has just finished; he professes himself a sea- 
man. From the sense and manly appearance of Mr. Tit- 
comb, I think you would do well to appoint him; but I shall 
not interfere further than to recommend him. I wrote yes- 
terday to General Waterbury, to spur him up to reinforce you 
with all speed with the row-galleys. I am confident he will 
exert himself to join you as expeditiously as possible. 

The rumour we heard of an action at New-York proves 
premature. ‘The enemy had embarked from Staten-Island, 
but not landed again, when the last accounts came from 
thence. It is positively asserted that the Hesstan General 
had sent to General Washington to know what treatment 
the prisoners of that Principality were to expect, and was 
answered that they must expect to be treated as hirelings. 
May health, honour, and success attend you. 

I am, dear General, your affectionate, humble servant, 

Horatio Gates. 


To Brigadier-General Arnold. 
P.S. Captain Thatcher, of Colonel Swift's regiment, is 
just come from Governour Trumbull, where I sent him 


express. He says you had consented to his commanding a 
row-galley. He seems very fit to do it. 


CAPTAIN NELSON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
{Read September 2, 1776.] 
Ticonderoga, August 23, 1776. 

Honourep Sir: I beg leave to acquaint you of my having 
received information that a number of troops are raised 
and still raising in Westmoreland County, and being myself 
desirous of serving my country in that quarter, if approved 
of by your Honour, where I might be of service to the pub- 
lick and my family; at the same time, I do not mean by 
this to insinuate that I am tired of the service to the north- 
ward, as | am ready and willing at all times to march where- 
ever ordered; but having, agreeable to resolve of Congress, 
joined a regiment (Colonel De Haas’s) by order of General 
Arnold, in Canada, which in all probability will march home 
in the fall, was the reason of my making this request. Your 
Honour, I hope, will consider my request, and, if approved 
of, permit me to march my company to the westward when 
the regiment arrives in Philadelphia. 

I have the honour to be, your Honour’s most humhle ser- 


vant 
: Joun Netson, 


Captain of the Rifle Company. 
To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. 


GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, August 23, 1776. 
Dear Genera: I have this minute received yours by 
Doctor McCrea, and am very happy at his arrival, as I was 
determined to have sailed the first fair wind, even without 
a Surgeon. I believe him to be a very good one. I have 
borrowed Doctor Sparham’s instruments. I am glad to 
hear the gondola and galley are likely to join me so soon. 
I have not the least objection to Captain Titcomb’s com- 
manding one of the galleys. I think he had better take the 
second he is building, as taking him from his gang before 
she is finished will retard the business, 
Thatcher a very good officer, and could wish he might take 
the command of one of the galleys which is done. General 
Washington’s answer to the Hessian General, I hope, will 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


I believe Captain | 


1130 


have the desired effect. I think it very proper. I thank 
you for your good wishes, and am, with every sentiment of 


friendship and esteem, dear General, your obedient, humble 
servant, 


To General Gates. 


B. Arnovp. 


COLONEL BREWER TO GENERAL GATES. 
Bennington, August 23, 1776. 

Honourep Sir: [ am now on my march from this place 
with part of my regiment or battalion. The Council of this 
State, or the Committee appointed to provide my regi- 
ment with camp utensils, have not yet sent them, by reason 
of which my men are entirely destitute. My marching orders 
are urgent from them; likewise I find the same from you 
to the Commissary here. I am determined to push as far as 
I can find any kind of pot or kettle to look in. Have sent 
my Adjutant with this to your Honour, begging your advice 
and instructions in that matter; also, where you would have 
me repair to with my regiment. ‘The other part of my 
regiment will be on their march next week; by them I 
expect thecamp utensils will come, as I have sent two 
expresses to Number Four, and one to Watertown, now after 
them. Upon seeing a letter from you to Major Hawley 
relative to the conduct of inoculation at Number Four, I 
find that a damn’d puppy of a quack has carried on the 
diabolical practice at Williamstown, about twelve miles from 
this. I have made bold to send your sentiment in that 
matter to the Committee of that town this morning, and 
make no doubt they will either do him justice, or send 
him to you to receive his reward. 

I am, sir, your Honour’s most obedient and very humble 
servant, 


To General Gates. 


Samu. Brewer, Colonel. 


New-London, August 23, 1776. 

Last Saturday a French sloop arrived here from the West- 
Indies, loaded with sugar, molasses, and coffee, and a few 
articles of European goods. 

Three vessels have arrived here from New-York with 
Tories, collected from that city and Long-Island, who are 
sent into the country towns. 

By means of the great number of prizes carried into dif- 
ferent ports at the eastward, Jamaica rum is sold at 4s. 4d. 
per gallon by the hogshead, and sugar at five dollars per 
one hundred weight in Boston. 

Three of our people (soldiers) who were prisoners at 
Quebeck have made their escape, and arrived at Rhode- 
Island. They report that the officers who are prisoners in 
Quebeck meet with hard usage. 


JOHN AVERY TO RICHARD PETERS. 


State of Massachusetts-Bay, Council Chamber, 
August 23, 1776. 


Sir: Yours of the 6th instant has been received, and such 
steps are taken as ’tis presumed will enable the Council 
speedily to furnish you with a particular list of prisoners in 
this State. In the mean time they would observe that there 
have been upwards of four hundred privates and twenty-one 
officers, being Highlanders, but lately dispersed into different 
towns in this State, besides twenty-one other officers and 
many more privates. Many, and perhaps the largest part 
of the privates, are, by their own consent, at labour for their 
subsistence. 

The list of officers of the troops raised here, the date of 
their commissions, &c., will be forwarded as soon as the 
Council can have the proper returns made to them. 

By order of the Council : 

Joun Avery, Deputy Secretary. 


To Richard Peters, Esq., Secretary Board of War. 


GENERAL LEE TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
Savannah, August 24, 1776. 
Sir: Your letter with the thanks of the Congress reach: d 
me at Purisburgh. The approbation of the freely-chosen 
Delegates of a free and uncorrupt people is certainly the 
highest honour that a man of.any sentiment can be ambi- 
tious of, and I shall consider it as a fresh stimulus to excite 


1131 


my zeal and ardour in the glorious cause in which I am 
engaged. May the God of righteousness prosper your arms 
in every part of the empire in proportion to the justice with 
which they were taken up! Once more, Jet me express the 
high satisfaction and happiness I feel in this honourable testi- 
mony, and, once more, let me assure the United States of 
America that they cannot meet with a servant (whatever 
may be his abilities) animated with a greater degree of ardour 
and enthusiasm for their safety, prosperity, and glory. 

The present state of this Province, its strength and weak- 
ness, I shall transmit to the Board of War, according to the 
directions I have received. 

Be persuaded, sir, that I am, with the greatest respect, 
your most obedient, humble servant, 

Cuarues Lee. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, President of the Continental 
Congress. 


GENERAL LEE TO BOARD OF WAR AND ORDNANCE. 
Savannah, August 24, 1776. 

GentLemen: Any irregularity of returns of the forces 
under my command will not, I hope, be imputed to me; the 
extensive business of superintending the safety of so vast a 
territory as that which the Congress have committed to my 
charge, renders it impossible for me to attend to the detail of 
the regiments, or, in any reasonable time, to collect and digest 
the various returns; but I have given orders to the Brigadiers 
to be as accurate as possible on this subject in their respec- 
tive districts, and have no reason, from my knowledge of the 
men, to think they will be deficient. As a thorough know- 
ledge of the present condition of this Colony, of its strength 
and weakness, is certainly a matter of very serious considera- 
tion, I shall lay before the Board the best and most accurate 
information I am able. 

Georgia is a State of much greater importance to the 
empire of America than is generally supposed, at least than 
what I myself imagined before I visited it. The variety of 
navigable rivers, commodious harbours, and fine inlets; the 
prodigious quantities of rice, and immense stocks of cattle, 
both on the islands and on the main; but, above all, the 
gentleness and salubrity of the winter seasons, with the con- 
veniency of its situation for commerce with the West-India 
Islands, would render it a most valuable possession to the 
enemy. ‘The Altamaha, a very noble river, already fur- 
nishes a considerable quantity, and may, in time, furnish 
any quantity of lumber. The garrison of St. Augustine, 
and, indeed, the whole Province of East-Florida, draw their 
subsistence from Georgia; and if all intercourse with her 
were cut off, that nest of robbers and pirates would probably 
fall to the ground, and of course the empire of the United 
States become more round and entire. These circumstances, 
summed up together, must evince the importance of keeping 
Georgia, or any part of it, out of the hands of the enemy. 
The means of doing it demands the utmost attention. I have 
turned my thoughts to the subject, and shall beg leave to 
submit the result to the consideration of the Congress. The 
present state of the strength of this Colony consists of 
Colonel McIntosh’s battalion, (a return of which is here 
enclosed,) a company of independent Artillery, consisting of 
three officers and twenty-three privates, with about twenty- 
five hundred Militia of all sorts; but in a very great part of 
these (as I learn from the authority of their own Captains) 
very little confidence can be placed, their principles being 
extremely contaminated by a most pernicious banditti of 
enemies to the common liberty. McIntosh’s battalion is 
really a very fine one, (one of the best, I think, on the Con- 
tinent;) but as, perhaps, it might appear a hard task to insist 
on this battalion’s acting with the necessary rigour against 
some of their nearest connexions and relations, accused of 
being concerned in treasonable practices, it is my intention 
to remove them either into South or North- Carolina, where 
they can be more serviceable, and have an opportunity of 
completing themselves, which, in this State, from the dearth 
of men, is impossible, and replace them with an equal or 
greater number from South-Carolina. 

Such is the present condition of the strength of Georgia; 
very far from being adequate to its defence. My scheme 
for its security is, as row-galleys and armed boats are so 
well calculated for what is called the inland navigation as to 
give them an infinite advantage over vessels merely sailing, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1132 


(which, in these strait, confined waters, have no room for 
manceuvring,) todepend upon them ; they willsecure therivers 
against the predatory incursions of the enemy, prevent the de- 
sertion of negroes, sweep the coasts clear of tenders; but, above 
all, facilitate the means of the different States mutually assist- 
ing each other with troops, cannon, provision, and other requi- 
sites, which is now effected with difficulties, slowness, and 
monstrous expense. ‘Three galleys are already on the stocks 
in this port, and we have armed and equipped several boats 
with swivels, and one gun on the bow of each; the least of 
them capable of containing thirty men, and rowed with 
fourteen oars. Sailors, of whom we find so great a scarcity, 
are not necessary for this species of vessels; the soldiers are 
competent to the business. Besides the equipment of these 
galleys and boats, I proposed establishing little forts or 
redoubts in certain situations on the rivers St. Mary’s, Sa- 
tilla, Sapello, and Altamaha, which may enable us to make 
incursions from time to time, when circumstances require it, 
into Kast-Florida, and render it dangerous for them to make 
attempts of a similar nature into Georgia. ‘These redoubts 
or little forts will likewise serve as places of rendezvous, 
refreshment, and retreat, for bodies of horse rangers, which 
ought continually to be patrolling on the frontier. Such are 
the best methods, after having consulted the most intelligent 
people, which, in my opinion, can be devised for the defence 
and security of this State, unless, indeed, we could prevail 
on the Province to contract their frontier, by breaking up 
all their settlements on the other side of the Altamaha, 
which, to me, I confess, appears a wiser and more economi- 
cal measure; but this, 1 am afraid, is not to be accom- 
plished. 

I must now beg leave to lay before the Board a matter 
of the highest concern, and which certainly demands the 
most serious attention of Congress, as, unless remedied, it 
may not only distress the circumstances of the publick, but 
bring a disgrace on the American character—I mean the 
unconscionable advantages which individuals, merchants, 
mechanicks, farmers, and planters, are suffered to take of 
the publick necessities. If boats, wagons, horses, drugs, 
clothing, skins, necessaries, even little refreshments, such as 
fruit or garden stuff, are wanting for the soldiers, no price 
being regulated, the extortion is monstrous; the expenses 
of the war must not only be prodigiously swelled by this 
want of regulation, but the officers and soldiers are disgusted 
to the service by the toleration of such. impositions; for 
instance, the Virginians and North- Carolinians are so much 
out of temper with Charlestown on this head, that should it 
again be attacked, and the assistance of these troops again 
be requisite, I am afraid we shall find a dangerous repug- 
nance in them to march, when ordered. I most devoutly 
wish, therefore, that Congress will make it an object to 
remedy this evil, Might they not recommend or enjoin 
the Legislatures of the different States to appoint a Com- 
mittee of Assessors from their respective bodies to fix the 
prices of the different articles in their Provinces? Whether 
this method is or is not proper, I cannot pretend to say; but 
something, 1 must repeat, should be done. 

The waste, difficulty, and expense arising from a want of 
method in provisioning the troops, when assembled in any 
particular spot, upon an emergency, are so great, that maga- 
zines ought to be established in every Province, more par- 
ticularly in those which have the greatest probability of 
being attacked; by these means, the troops will not only be 
better fed, but be an immense saving to the Continent; for 
the contractors, not being pressed for time, can, at their 
leisure, purchase every species of necessaries in these parts, 
where they are best and cheapest; but, when a great and 
sudden demand is made, either for cattle, corn, spirits, &c., 
they are under a necessity of taking that which is next at 
hand, and giving the sellers their own price. On this con- 
sideration, in concurrence with the President and Council 
of South-Carolina, I have thought it expedient to establish 
some magazines, in South= Carolina, of pork, beef, corn, &c., 
besides straw and whiskey, which, in these low, damp 
countries, are absolutely necessary; at all events, this esta- 
blishment can be no loss to the Continent, as the beef and 
pork, at least, can always with advantage be exported to 
the West-Indies. Were I at a less distance from the Con- 
gress, I should not take the liberty of laying out a single 
dollar without having obtained their approbation; but, at 
this distance, I must assume such a power, or let the publick 


1133 


affairs go to wreck, and of course prove myself totally un- 

worthy of the great trust the Congress have reposed in me, 
I am, gentlemen, with the greatest respect, your most 

obedient and very humble servant, 


To the Board of War and Ordnance. 


Crarues Lee. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, 
(No. 156.] In Council of Safety, Annapolis, August 24, 1776. 

Sir: This letter will be handed to your Excellency by 
Mons. Pelietrson D’hugé, who came passenger in an 
armed brig, purchased for the Province of Maryland by 
Messrs. Vanbibber and Harrison, our Agents in ’Statia and 
Martinique, who inform that he was warmly recommended 
to them asa “ gentleman of character and experience in the 
management of artillery.” We should have employed him 
in our Province, had he been desirous of entering into its 
service. 

For, and on behalf of the Council, I have the honour to 
be, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Dan. or St. Tuos. Jentrer, President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN DARNES. 
[No. 157.] Annapolis, August 24, 1776. 


Sir: We wrote you yesterday the reason of our ordering 
the deficiency of arms in Captain Dean’s company to be 
supplied out of yours. Enclosed is an order on Winters for 
forty muskets fitted. You will be furnished with cartouch- 
boxes, knapsacks with haversacks, bayonet-belts, gun-slings, 
and wooden bottles, at Chestertown. Colonel Richardson 
will give you marching orders. A small quantity of osna- 
burgs arrived this morning, and we send you two pieces for 
the use of your company. We are, &c. 


To Captain Darnes. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO BALTIMORE COUNTY COM- 
MITTEE. 
[No. 158.] Annapolis, August 24, 1776. 
Gentiemen: We send up by Captain Walker a quantity 
of powder imported in Captain Conway. Our Commissary 
has orders to receive and have the same stored in or near 
Baltimore-Town, until the magazine building under your 
directions can be completed. We should be obliged to you 
for your assistance in seeing the powder landed and pro- 
perly secured, and should be glad to hear the magazine is 
finished, so that it may be removed there for greater safety. 
We are, Nc. 


To the Committee of Observation, Baltimore County. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO STEPHEN STEWARD. 
[No. 159.] Annapolis, August 24, 1776. 

Sir: We request the favour of you to purchase the ne- 
cessaries for the Military Hospital in Annapolis, according 
to the enclosed memorandum given in by Dr. Tootell. 

We are, &c. 


To Mr. Stephen Steward, Anne Arundel County. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO GERARD HOPKINS. 
[No. 160.] Annapolis, August 24, 1776. 

Sir: We send you up by Captain Walker, who com- 
mands the small tender belonging to the Defence, some 
powder he has brought up from Virginia. The quantity 
you will be pleased to take a particular account of, and give 
Captain Walker a receipt for. ‘The powder is to be stored 
in some convenient place in or near Baltimore-Town, until 
the magazine can be completed. You are to send down 
forty half-barrels of musket powder by the schooner Reso- 
lution; also send by her whatever has been heretofore ordered 
to be sent, and not already complied with. 

We desire you would apply to Captain Nathaniel Smyth, 
and inquire whether there be any cannon at Whetstone Point 
not mounted, that can be spared. If there should be, send 
them down here by the schooner Resolution ; also the scow 
purchased by Jesse Hollingsworth. We are informed there 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1134 


are some nine and eighteen-pounders not mounted, lately 
brought down. We are, &e. 


To Mr. Gerard Hopkins, Commissary of Stores, Baltimore. 
P. S. Send also any shot that may be ready. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO COLONEL RICHARDSON. 
[No. 161.] Annapolis, August 24, 1776. 

Sir: Captain Darnes has an order on Mr. Winters for 
forty muskets, which will completely furnish his company, 
and enable him to supply Captain Dean with some. Cap- 
tain Bourke’s company is now here, but will leave us for 
the head of Elk this afternoon. 

We have appointed Mr. Potter Surgeon Assistant, and 
we enclose you his warrant. Medicines must be furnished 
at Philadelphia by the Congress. 

We approve of your having the arms repaired in Phila- 
delphia, and desire you will give the necessary orders for 
that purpose to your companies as they march. 

Tents, we are informed, may be had at New- York; they 
cannot be got here; perhaps they may be got at Philadel- 
phia; if they can, you will get what will be necessary for 
your battalion. ‘This Province must defray the expense in 


the first instance, but the charge will be Continental. 
We are, &c. 


To Colonel William Richardson. 


JOHN HANSON, JUN., TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Frederick-Town, August 24, 1776. 


Sir: By direction of the Committee, 1 wrote you a few 
days ago, acquainting you that the money sent here for the 
support of the prisoners was all expended, and to request 
you would be pleased to order more to be sent up, which I 
now repeat. ‘That you may know what sum may be neces- 
sary, have enclosed you an account of the expenses attend- 
ing the prisoners per week; and am, sir, your most obedient, 


humble servant L 
: Joun Hanson, Jun., Chairman. 


To the Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, President of 
the Council of Safety. 


€ s.d. 

15 prisoners in the Tory jail, prisoners per week........-- 6 26 
15 officers from Savannah, at 15s. allowed by Congress..... 11 50 
20 soldiers, their servants, at 83d. a day....-.ssesecccses ss Al 
A guard of 12 men, at 3s. day and night, finding themselves 12 12 0 
Captain of the guard, at 6s. LO jaaveratet stems elsieiola’= 2 2°90 
Sergeant of the guard, at 4s. 6d. (hile ARBAB Sciod 1 11 6 
£38 15 1 


N. B. The expense will be increased in the winter, on 
account of firing, &c. 


COL. HOLLINGSWORTH TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 

Head of Elk, August 24, 1776. 
GentLeMEN: Captain Alexander, of the Flying-Camp, 
having had his company completed for a considerable time 
past, and hearing nothing from his Field-Officers, hath re- 
quested me to inform your Honours that he only waits your 
orders to march. ‘The guns, bayonets, and cartouch-boxes, 
are ready, as also the blankets. Cloth might have been had 
for tents, but as no orders were received on that head, there 
is no one prepared here. ‘There are about twenty canteens 
prepared, and I believe the rest may be had here if thought 
necessary. If anything further is wanted please to command, 

gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant, 
H. Hotuineswortn. 


To the Hon. Council of Safety, at Annapolis. 


P. S. My bayonet-forgers have been two of them sick for 
some time, but yesterday began to work again. 


CAPTAIN DEAN TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Head of Elk, August 24, 1776, 
GentLemMEN: Just arrived at the head of Elk, and ex- 
pected to have been furnished with bayonets and knapsacks 
and canteens, but find there is nothing provided for me here, 
nor a Field-Officer to direct me. I purpose continuing my 
march to Philadelphia, where I hope your Honours will have 
me provided for. As I am anxious to serve my country, I 
hope those necessaries may not be forgot. I engaged Mr. 


1135 


Price’s boats for £10, who wouia not go under that sum, 
but think it was rather much. 
I am, in haste, gentlemen, your humble servant, 
Jno. Dean. 


To the Hon. Council of Safety of Maryland. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Philadelphia, August 24, 1776. 

Sir: The late conduct of Lord Drummond is as extra- 
ordinary as his motives are dark and mysterious. ‘To judge 
the most favourably of his intentions, it should seem that an 
overweening vanity has betrayed him into a criminal breach 
of honour. But whether his views were upright, or in- 
tended only to mislead and deceive, cannot at present be a 
matter of any importance. In the mean time I have the 
pleasure to acquaint you that Congress highly approve of 
the manner in which you have checked the officious and 
intemperate zeal of his Lordship. Whether his designs were 
hostile or friendly, he equally merited the reproof you have 
given him; and I hope for the future he will be convinced 
that it is highly imprudent to attract the attention of the 
publick to a character which will only pass without censure 
when it passes without notice. 

The Congress having considered the matter thoroughly, 
are of opinion to decline taking any publick or further notice 
of his Lordship or his letters, and particularly as you have 
so fully expressed their sentiments on the subject in your 
Jetter to him. It was the consideration of this point that 
induced Congress to detain the express till now. 

I have the honour to be, with perfect esteem and regard, 
sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 

Joun Hancock, President. 
To General Washington. 


LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE. 


Ata meeting of the Committee of Observation and In- 
spection, at the house of Adam Reagart, the 24th August, 
1776: 

Present: William Atlee, Lodwick Lowman, William Bowsman, Cas- 
per Shaffner, Christopher Crawford, Eberhart Gruber, John Miller. 


William Atlee in the chair. 


Thomas Bridges, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, is per- 
mitted to work with Henry Rankin, Caleb Johnson, here in 
Committee, agreeing to be answerable for him agreeable to 
the resolves of the Committee. 


Resolved, That an addition is necessary to be immedi- 
ately made to the Barracks; and the Congress and Conven- 
tion having left it to the Committee to make such addition as 
we shall judge necessary, it is agreed that the addition be 
made of brick, by extending the wings so as to have four 
rooms in length on each side added, whereby there will be 
twelve rooms on each side more than at present. 

William Henry, Esq., is requested to assist the Committee 
in superintending and directing this work; and Mr. George 
Burkhart and Frederick Mann it is agreed shall be em- 
ployed as the Carpenters, and are desired to furnish the bills 
for scantling, &c., for the building with all expedition. 


JOHN FRASER TO DOCTOR FRANKLIN, 
Reading, August 24, 1776. 


Sir: I took the liberty of addressing some lines to you 
about two months ago. As I never was favoured with an 
answer, perhaps they did not reach you; even if they had, 
I am not surprised that matters of importance should prevent 
any attention to them; however, as it was about business 
of the utmost consequence to myself and the peace of my 
family, I hope you will excuse me if I intrude once more. 
When I'll have tried every possible chance, Ill have no 
neglect to reproach myself with. From such considera- 
tions, I have wrote sundry letters to Mr. Clinton, whom | 
personally knew at Esopus; I even wrote about four weeks 
ago to Messrs. McKean and Samuel Adams, but without so 
much as an answer. I write this, however, with confidence, 
yet would be extremely sorry to be deemed troublesome. 
I will certainly not be so after this, even if unsuccessful now, 
but quietly trust to fate. The cause of my writing the first 
time was from my receiving a letter from Montreal, dated 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1136 


the 6th of May, wherein I was informed that you were so 
good as to agree to my return to Canada; the letter, how- 
ever, had scarcely come to hand, when I learned that you 
were come back from Montreal, and was on your way to 
Philadelphia. 1 therefore begged you would let me know 
whether I had been misinformed or not; if I was not, I 
willingly hoped there was no impropriety in my getting even 
then my passport. In my first letter I said very little about 
my case; I will say as little now, because I must suppose 
you acquainted with the merits thereof. I will only observe, 
that I was treated with such rigour in Canada, that it was 
with pleasure I learned the order for Albany, although at 
the very worst and most inclement time of the winter season. 
I looked on the cause of my apprehension to be so trivial and 
insufficient, that I never entertained the least doubt of pro- 
curing liberty to return to Canada as soon as | would be 
heard here. ‘To demand papers that chanced to be in my 
custody in a publick and judicial capacity, and which papers 
related to transactions prior to any footing in Canada, I thought 
there was no right to ask, therefore the greatest impropriety 
to grant; and | have had the satisfaction of never meeting 
with any, whatever his politicks, that has differed with me in 
opinion. As to the papers, in themselves they are not of 
the smallest consequence; they relate to private persons ; 
and were these papers in ashes, there would be just the same 
hold of the persons concerned had they remained in Canada. 
These papers, however, are the cause of my being now 
eight long months torn from my family—sufferings, to be 
sure, of a private nature, and nothing in the scales of pub- 
lick matters; but for that very reason I would fain expect 
not to be made to suffer any longer for a supposed private 
injury, but be redressed and let go by the gentlemen who 
are at the head of publick affairs. Iam really sensible this 
is perhaps the worst time for an individual to expect any 
attention; but, sir, | have already given my reasons, and [| 
hope you will easily forgive my being so full of my own 
personal affairs. The obligation would be greater than I 
can express, would you procure relief, were it even to go to 
Canada on my parole, to return when required, or at least 
to get leave to go to Philadelphia. 1 beg pardon for being 
so troublesome. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most humble and obe- 
dient servant, 


To Beryamin Franklin, Esq. 


JoHN FRASER. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 


[Read August 26, 1776.] 
New-York, August 24, 1776. 


Sir: The irregularity of the posts prevents your receiving 
the early and constant intelligence it is my wish to commu- 
nicate. This is the third Jetter which you will probably 
receive from me by the same post. The first was of little 
or no consequence, but that of yesterday gave you the best 
information I had been able to obtain of the enemy’s land- 
ing and movements upon Long-Island. Having occasion 
to vo over thither yesterday, I sent my letter to the post 
office at the usual hour, (being informed that the rider was 
expected every moment, and would go out again directly,) 
but in the evening, when I sent to inquire, none had come 
in. 

I now enclose you a report made to me by General Sul- 
livan after Lleft Long-Island yesterday. I do not conceive 
that the enemy’s whole force was in motion, but a detached 
party rather. I have sent over four more regiments, with 
boats, to be ready either to reinforce the troops under Ge- 
neral Sullivan, or to return to this place if the remainder of 
the fleet at the watering place should push up to the city, 
which hitherto (I mean since the landing upon Long-Island) 
they have not had in their power to do, on account of the 
wind, which has either been ahead, or too small, when the 
tide has served. I have nothing further to trouble the Con- 
gress with at present, than that I am their and your most 


obedient, humble servant, PE orion 


Long-Island, August 23, 1776. 
Dear Generat: This afternoon the enemy formed, and 
attempted to pass the road by Bedford. A smart fire be- 
tween them and the Riflemen ensued. ‘The officer sent off 


1137 


for a reinforcement, which I ordered immediately. A num- 
ber of Musketry came up to the assistance of the Riflemen, 
whose fire, with that of our field-pieces, caused a retreat of 
the enemy. Our men followed them to the house of Judge 
Lefferts, (where a number of them had taken lodgings,) drove 
them out, and burnt the house and a number of other build- 
ings contiguous, They think they killed a number; and, 
as evidence of it, they produce three officers’ hangers, a 
carbine, and one dead body, with a considerable sum of 
money in pocket. I have ordered a party out for prisoners 
to-night. We have driven them half a mile from their 
former station. These things argue well for us, and I hope 
are so many preludes to a general victory. 

Dear General, I am, with much esteem, your very humble 
servant, Jno. SULLIVAN. 


To General Washington. 
GENERAL ORDERS, 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 16, 1776. 
(Parole, Byfield.) (Countersign, Danvers.) 

In recommending Paymasters, it is to be observed that no 
officer can be appointed unless he resigns his former com- 
mission, which he is to do in person at Head-Quarters. 

Major Livingston and William Blodget are appointed 
Aids-de-Camp to Major-General Greene; they are to be 
obeyed and respected accordingly. , 

David Astin, of Colonel Si/iman’s Regiment, and Cap- 
tain Mead’s Company, convicted by a General Court- 
Martial, whereof Colonel Wyllys was President, of “ breaking 
open a store and stealing rum, molasses, and fish;” sentenced 
to receive thirty-nine lashes. 

John McAlpine and John Hopper, of Captain Sinith’s 
Company, Colonel Malcolm’s Regiment, convicted by the 
same Court-Martial of “being drunk on their posts ;” sen- 
tenced to receive thirty lashes each. 

The General approves the above sentences, and orders 
them to be put in execution at the usual times and places. 

‘The Orders of the 6th instant, respecting soldiers abusing 
people at market, and taking their things, not being known 
to the troops who have come in since, it is now repeated 
that the General will punish such offenders severely; and he 
requires of the officers who visit the Guards to see whether 
the former order is put up in each Guard-house, and whether 
an officer attends at the market agreeable to former orders, 
and report thereon to their Brigadiers, 

Captain Andrew Billings to do duty as Major to Colonel 
Ritzema’s Regiment till further orders. 

Unless orders are attended to and executed, they are of 
no consequence, and the greatest disorders will ensue; the 
General therefore requests that the officers would be very 
careful not only that the orders be made known to the men, 
but that they see themselves that they are executed. If 
every one in his own department would exert himself for 
this purpose, it would have the most happy effect. 

The badness of the weather has undoubtedly prevented 
an attack, as the enemy’s troops have been embarked some 
time. ‘The General therefore directs that two days’ victuals 
be kept ready dressed by the troops, and their canteens 
filled with water, so that the men may be prepared; other- 
wise, in case of an attack, they will suffer very much. 

All tents to be struck immediately on the alarm being 
given, viz: two guns at Fort George, three from Bayard’s or 
Bunker's Hill, with a flag in the day, and a light at night. 

The divisions of the Army, or Brigades doing separate 
duty, proving very inconvenient, the whole are to be brought 
into the general detail to-morrow. The Brigade-Majors are 
to be at Head-Quarters at six o’clock to settle the detail, 
and the Major and Brigadier Generals are requested to send 
at the same time a note of the number of men each may 
want for fatigue, or direct the Engineer having the care of 
their works respectively so to do. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 17, 1776. 


(Parole, Falmouth.) (Countersign, Essex.) 

Benjamin Durant, of Captain Wadsworth’s Company, and 
Colonel Bailey's Regiment, convicted by a General Court- 
Martial, whereof Colonel 
drunk on Guard ;” sentenced to receive thirty lashes. 

Patrick Lion, of Captain Curtis’s Company, Regiment 
late Learned’s, convicted by the same Court of “sleeping 
on his post ;” sentenced to receive twenty-five lashes. 


Fier Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


Wyllys was President, of “ getting 


1138 


Benjamin Wallace, of Captain Stewart's Independent 
Company of New- York Forces, convicted by the same Court 
of “desertion, and inlisting into another Company ;” sen- 
tenced to receive thirty-nine lashes. 

The General approves the above sentences, and orders 
them to be executed at the usual time and place. 

The General recommends to all Commanding Officers of 
Divisions, Brigades, and Regiments, in issuing their several 
orders, to be careful they do not interfere with General Orders 
which have been, or may be issued; and those gentlemen 
who have not had an opportunity, from their late arrival in 
camp, to know what have been issued, will do well to inform 
themselves, and more especially before any special order is 
issued which may have a general effect. 

The Guard ordered to mount at Lispenard’s Brewery in 
the evening, to mount in the day also, and march off the 
parade with the other Guards. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 18, 1776. 
(Parole, Grantham.) (Countersign, Fuirfield.) 

As nothing contributes so much to the good order and 
government of troops as an exactness in discipline and a 
strict observance of orders, and as the Army is now arranged 
into different Divisions, those divisions formed into Brigades, 
and the Brigades composed of Regiments, the General hopes 
and expects that the several duties of the Army will go on 
with regularity, cheerfulness, and alacrity. As one means 
of accomplishing this, he desires that no Regiment, Brigade, 
or Division, will interfere with the duties of another, but 
walk in their own proper line, the Colonels taking care not 
to contravene the orders of their Brigadiers, the Brigadiers 
of their Major-Generals, and that the whole pay due atten- 
tion to the General Orders; which can only be set aside or 
be dispensed with by orders of equal dignity. The Army, 
under such a regulation, will soon become respectable in 
itself and formidable to the foe. It is an incumbent duty, 
therefore, upon every officer of every rank to be alert and 
attentive in the discharge of the several duties annexed to his 
office; his honour, his own personal safety, and, for aught he 
knows, the salvation of his country and its dearest privileges, 
may depend upon his exertions. Particular causes may, and 
doubtless will happen, to render it necessary (for the good 
of the service) that a change of officers, &c., should be made 
from one Brigade to another; but whenever there appears 
cause for this, it will be notified by general or special 
orders. 

The General cannot quit the subject, as this may possibly 
be the last opportunity previous to an attack, without ad- 
dressing the private men, and exhorting the troops in gene- 
ral, to be profoundly silent, and strictly obedient to orders, 
before they come to, and also while they are in, action, as 
nothing can contribute more to their success than a cool and 
deliberate behaviour, nor nothing add more to the discou- 
ragement of the enemy than to find new troops calm and 
determined in their manner. The General has no doubt 
but that every good soldier and all the officers are sufli- 
ciently impressed with the necessity of examining the state 
and condition of their arms; but his own anxiety on this 
head impels him to remind them of it after every spell of 
wet weather, lest we should at any time be caught with 
arms unfit for immediate use. 

The Regiments of Militia from Connecticut are to be 
formed into a Brigade, under the command of Brigadier- 
General Wolcott, who is hourly expected, and in the mean- 
time to be under the command of Colonel Hinman, the eldest 
Colonel of the Militia. 

Though the fire-ships which went up the North River 
last Friday evening were not so successful as to destroy 
either of the men-of-war, yet the General thanks the offi- 
cers and men for the spirit and resolution which they showed 
in grappling the vessels before they quitted the fire-ships. 
And as a reward of their merit, presents each of those who 
stayed last, and were somewhat burnt, fifty dollars, and forty 
to each of the others. And had the enterprise succeeded, so 
as to have destroyed either of the ships-of-war, the General 
could have been generous in proportion to the service. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 19, 1776. 
(Parole, Georgia.) (Countersign, Hartford.) 
John Green, of Captain Johnson’s Company, and late 


Colonel McDougall’s Regiment, convicted by a General 


72 


1139 


Court-Martial, whereof Colonel Wyllys is President, of 
“breaking out of his quarter-guard and being absent two 
days ;” ordered to receive thirty-nine lashes. The General 
approves the sentence, and orders it to be executed at the 
usual time and place, and the prisoner to be then returned 
to his quarter-guard. 

The Court-Martial to sit to-morrow, for the trial of Lieu- 
tenant Hubbel, of the Regiment late Colonel McDougall’s. 
The Judge Advocate will be informed of the witnesses by 
General Putnam. 

A Subaltern’s Guard to go over to-morrow, to relieve the 
Guard at Hoebuck Ferry. 

Colonel Hitchcock’s Regiment to move to-morrow to Bur- 
deti’s Ferry, and relieve the party now there; they are to 
join General Mifflin’s Brigade, and receive orders from 
Major-General Heath, agreeable to General Orders of the 
12th instant. General Putnam will order boats. 

The Adjutants of such Regiments as have lately come, to 
apply at the Adjutant-General’s Office for blank returns, 
which they are to fill up and bring in at Orderly time, viz: 
eleven o’clock every Saturday. 

After this day, a Major to mount at the main guard, at 
the Grand Battery, instead of a Lieutenant-Colonel. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 20, 1776. 
(Parole, Hampton.) « 


(Countersign, Gates.) 

Nathaniel Mun, of Captain Peters’s Company, Colonel 
Read’s Regiment, convicted by a General Court-Martial, 
whereof Colonel Wyllys is President, of ‘desertion and 
reinlistment into another corps.” 

James Mumford, of Captain Ledyard’s Company, Regi- 
ment late Colonel McDougall’s, convicted by the same 
Court-Martial of the same crime. 

Alexander Moore, Sergeant in Captain Conway’s Com- 
pany, Colonel Winds’s Battalion, convicted by the same 
Court-Martial, of “desertion.” 

Christopher Harper, of the same Company and Battalion, 
convicted by the same Court-Martial of the same crime. 

Each of the above prisoners were sentenced to receive 
thirty-nine lashes. The General approves the sentences, 
and orders them to be executed at guard-mounting to-mor- 
row morning, at the usual place. 

The troops lately arrived are informed, that it is contrary 
to General Orders to fire in camp. Such fire-locks as are 
loaded, and the charges cannot be drawn, are to be dis- 
charged at retreat-beating, in a valley, under the inspection 
of an officer. The officers of such troops are desired and 
required to prevent all the firing in the camp, as it tends to 
great disorder. 

The Regiments of Militia, now under the command of 
Colonel Hinman, from Connecticut, are, in case of an alarm, 
to parade on the grand parade, and there wait for orders. 

The officers who have Jately come into camp are also 
informed that it has been found necessary, amidst such fre- 
quent changes of troops, to introduce some distinctions by 
which their several ranks may be known, viz: Field-Officers 
wear a pink or red cockade; Captains, white or buff; Subal- 
terns, green. The General flatters himself every gentleman 
will conform to a regulation which he has found essentially 
necessary to prevent mistakes and confusion. 

The trial of Lieutenant Hubbel is postponed till to-morrow. 

The General Court-Martial to sit on Thursday, as a Court 
of Inquiry into the conduct of Adjutant Brice, of Colonel 
Smallwood’s Battalion, charged with “ disobedience of orders 
and disrespectful behaviour to his Commanding Officer.” 

The General being informed, to his great surprise, that a 
report prevails, and is industriously spread far and wide, that 
Lord Howe has made propositions of peace, calculated by 
designing persons more probably to lull us into a fatal security, 
his duty obliges him to declare that no such offer has been 
made by Lord Howe; but, on the contrary, from the best 
intelligence he can procure, the Army may expect an attack 
as soon as the wind and tide shall prove favourable. He 
hopes, therefore, every man’s mind and arms will be pre- 
pared for action, and when called to it, show our enemies 
and the whole world that freemen contending on their own 
land are superior to any mercenaries on earth. 

The Brigadiers are to see the spears in the different works 
under their command kept greased and clean. 

General Sullivan is to take the command upon Long- 
Island till General Greene’s state of health will permit him 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1140 


to resume it, and Brigadier Lord Stirling is to take charge 
of General Sulhvan’s division till he returns to it again. 

Edward Tilghman, Esq.,is appointed as an Assistant Bri- 
gade-Major to Lord Stirling, the duty of the whole division 
being too great for one officer. He is to be respected and 
obeyed accordingly. 


_Head-Quarters, New-York, August 21, 1776. 


(Parole, King’s Bridge.) (Countersign, Jersey.) 

Adjutant Taylor to do the duty of Brigade-Major to Gene- 
ral MeDougall’s Brigade during Major Platt’s illness. He 
is to be obeyed and respected accordingly. 

Lieutenant Hobbie, of Captain Hyatt’s Company, Regi- 
ment late General McDougall’s, tried by a General Court- 
Martial, whereof Colonel Wyllys was President, for misbe- 
haviour in leaving one of the hulks in the North River, was 
acquitted, and the complaint reported groundless. Ordered 
that he be discharged from his arrest. 

A Court of Inquiry to sit on Friday at Mrs. Montagnie’s 
upon Captains McCleave, Stanton, and Tinker, charged 
with backwardness in duty up the North River last week, 
and misbehaviour on Sunday last when the men-of-war came 
down the river. Court to consist of the following persons, 
and to meet at ten o’clock: General McDougall, President; 
Colonel Malcolm, Lieutenant-Colonel Wesson, Captain Pe- 
ters, Lieutenant-Colonel Shepard, Major Brooks, Captain 
Van Dyck, Members. The Judge-Advocate to attend, and 
all witnesses. 

Fifty men, properly officered, to parade every morning, 
at six o’clock, at General Putnam’s, there to take orders from 
him. Not to bring arms. These to be continued every 
day till further orders. 

Fifty men, also for fatigue, to parade to-morrow morning, 
properly officered, on the grand parade, without arms. 
Take orders from Captain Post. 

Ten men, with one subaltern, who have been used to 
the sea, to parade at General Putnam’s this afternoon, two 
o'clock, to proceed to King’s Bridge, up the North River. 
Take three days’ provisions. The like number, for the same 
service, to parade to-morrow morning, six o’clock, at General 
Putnam’s quarters; take three days’ provision. Both parties 
to parade without arms. 

Twenty men, with a subaltern, to parade for fatigue to- 
morrow morning, without arms, on the grand parade, to 
proceed to Bayard’s Hill, and work upon the well. ‘Take 
orders from the person who has the direction of digging the 
well. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 22, 1776. 


(Parole, Johnstown.) (Countersign, Kingston.) 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 23, 1776. 


(Parole, Charlestown.) (Countersign, Lee.) 

The Commissary-General is directed to have five days’ 
bread baked and ready to be delivered. If the Commissary 
should apply to the commanding officers of regiments for 
any bakers, they are to furnish them without waiting for a 
special order. 

The General was sorry yesterday to find that when some 
troops were ordered to march, they had no provisions, not- 
withstanding the orders that have been issued. ‘The men 
must march if the service requires it, and will suffer very 
much if not provided. ‘The General therefore directs all 
the troops to have two days’ hard bread and pork ready by 
them, and desires the officers will go through the encamp- 
ment and quarters to see that it be got and kept. 

The General would be obliged to any officer to recom- 
mend to him a careful, sober person, who understands taking 
care of horses and waiting occasionally. Such person being 
a soldier, will have his pay continued, and receive additional 
wages of twenty shillings per month. He must be neat 
in his person, and to be depended on for his honesty and 
sobriety. 

The officers of the Militia are informed that twenty-four 
rounds are allowed to a man, and two flints; that the Cap- 
tains of each company should see that the cartridges fit the 
bore of the gun. They then are to be put up in small 
bundles all the cartridges except six, writing each man’s 
name on his bundle, and keep them safely till the alarm is 
given, then deliver to each man his bundle—the other six 
to be kept for common use, In drawing for ammunition, 


1141 


the commanding officers should, upon the regimental parade, 
examine the state of their regiments, and then draw for 
cartridges and flints, agreeable to the above regulation. Cap- 
tain Tilton will assist them in their business, and, unless in 
case of alarm, they are desired not to draw for every small 
number of men who may be coming in. 


The enemy have now landed on Long-Jsland, and the 
hour is fast approaching on which the honour and success 


of this Army and the safety of our bleeding country depend. 
Remember, officers and soldiers, that you are freemen, fight- 
ing for the blessings of liberty; that slavery will be your 
portion and that of your posterity if you do not acquit 
yourselves like men. Remember how your courage and 
spirit have been despised and traduced by your cruel inva- 
ders, though they have found by dear experience at Boston, 
Charlestown, and other places, what a few brave men, con- 
tending in their own land and in the best of causes, can do 
against base hirelings and mercenaries. Be cool, but deter- 
mined. Do not fire at a distance, but wait for orders from 
your officers. It is the General’s express orders, that if any 
man attempt to skulk, lay down, or retreat, without orders, 
he be instantly shot down as an example. He hopes no 
such scoundrel will be found in this Army; but, on the con- 
trary, every one for himself resolving to conquer or die, and, 
trusting to the smiles of Heaven upon so just a cause, will 
behave with bravery and resolution. ‘Those who are dis- 
tinguished for their gallantry and good conduct may depend 
upon being honourably noticed and suitably rewarded. 
And if this Army will but emulate and imitate their brave 
countrymen in other parts of America, he has no doubt they 
will, by a glorious victory, save their country, and acquire 
to themselves immortal honour. 

The Brigade-Majors are immediately to relieve the Guards 
out of the Regiments ordered to Long-Island from other 
Regiments of the Brigade, and forward such Guards to the 
Regiments. 

Major Newbury’s, Colonel Hinman’s, Major Smith’s, Colo- 
nel Cook’s, Colonel Talcot’s, Colonel Baldwin’s, and Major 
Strong’s Regiments of Connecticut Militia to parade this 
evening, precisely at five o’clock, on the grand parade. 
Major Henly will attend, and show them their alarm posts, 
and direct them in manning the lines. 

When any of the Field-Officers for picket or main guard 
are sick, or otherwise incapable of the duty, they are imme- 
diately to signify it to their Brigade-Major. But the Ge- 
neral hopes that trifling excuses will not be made, as there 
is too much reason to believe has been the case. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 24, 1776. 


(Parole, Jumzaica.) ; (Countersign, London.) 

All the intrenching tools are to be collected and delivered 
in to the store. Officers who have given receipts will be 
called upon, as they are answerable for them, if there should 
be any deficiency. 

The General has appointed William Grayson, Esq., one 
of his Aids-de-Camp; he is to be obeyed and respected 
accordingly. 

In case of action, any orders delivered by Colonel Moy- 
lan, Quartermaster-General, as from the General, to be 
considered as coming from him, or as delivered by an Aid- 
de-Camp. 

The Adjutants of the Connecticut Militia are directed to 
make themselves acquainted with parapet firing; and the 
other officers of those corps would do well to attend to it 
and practise their men every day. Their honour and safety 
will much depend upon their avoiding any confusion in man- 
ning the lines. 

The Court-Martial of which Colonel Wyllys was Presi- 
dent, is dissolved. ‘The Brigade-Majors, in forming the new 
one, to be careful to have it full, and officers who can attend. 

The Court-Martial to proceed, at their first sitting, to the 
trial of Adjutant Brice, of Colonel Smallwood’s Battalion, 
charged with ‘ disobedience of orders.” 

The changing of the Regiments occasioning some diffi- 
culties in the duty, the Brigade-Majors are to send by the 
Orderly Sergeant every morning a duty return of the officers 
and men in their respective Brigades. 

The passage of the Kast River being obstructed in such 
a manner, with chevaux-de-frise, &c., as to render it danger- 
ous for any vessels to attempt to pass; the sentinels along 
the river contiguous to where the obstructions are placed 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


* 


1142 


are to hail and prevent any vessels attempting to pass, other- 
wise than between the Albany pier and a mast in the river 
which appears above water nearly opposite. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SCHUYLER, 
New-York, August 24, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I received your favour of the 18th, with its 
several enclosures, on Thursday, by Mr. Allen. 

My letter of the 13th does not, nor was it meant to con- 
tain the most distant hint, of your entertaining doubts or 
suspicions of my not having communicated to Congress such 
parts of your letters as were material. It was only designed 
to answer yours, where you say, since my arrival here you 
had not written to them on military affairs, supposing what- 
ever information you might give, and which was necessary 
for them to know, would be communicated by me. My 
request to be advised of the information you might give Con- 
gress of any matters of which you wrote me at the same 
time, was to prevent my sending them unnecessary intelli- 
gence, and the trouble of having needless copies and extracts 
made out. 

I am in hopes the articles mentioned in the letter to Cap- 
tain Varick will have come to hand before this; also those 
contained in the enclosed list, shipped on board the schooner 
Union, Philip Sandford, master, the 19th instant, as the 
Quartermaster-General has reported to me. 

The treaty witlt the Indians, agreeable to your request, I 
have transmitted Congress. 

It gives me pleasure to find the vessels for the Lakes are 
in such forwardness, and going on with so much industry. 
I yet hope we shall have a Navy there equal to every exi- 
gency, and that will be superior to those the enemy can 
build. 

Captains Hanly and Chappel are now here, with permis- 
sion from Governour Trumbull and myself to inlist, if they 
can, two hundred seamen out of the Militia just sent from 
the State of Connecticut. How they will succeed, I cannot 
determine. 

I wish you had proceeded as your own judgment and 
inclination led in the case referred to me for my advice, 
respecting Colonel Dayton’s officers. 1 am sorry that per- 
sons of their rank and of their connexions should have given 
in to such dishonourable and disgraceful practices; and I feel 
myself much concerned for themselves and friends. But as 
the matter is with me to determine; as their making conces- 
sions at the head of the regiment would not answer any 
purpose but that of rendering them objects of ridicule and 
contempt; as they could never after claim and support that 
authority over their inferiors that is necessary to good go- 
vernment and discipline; as publick justice and a regard to 
our military character require that matters of such a nature 
should meet every possible discouragement; as my conduct 
might otherwise be deemed reprehensible ; and to deter others 
from the like conduct, which is but too prevalent, I cannot 
but advise that the several persons concerned be subjected 
to the trial of a Court-Martial. If the Court should be 
of opinion that they ought to be broke and dismissed the 
service, Colonel Dayton, his Major, and other officers, will 
recommend such as will be proper persons to fill the vacan- 
cies occasioned by their removal. 

On Wednesday night and Thursday morning a consider- 
able body of the enemy, said to be eight or nine thousand, 
landed at Gravesend Bay, on Long-Island. 'They have 
approached within about three miles of our lines; and yes- 
terday there was some skirmishing between a detachment 
of them and a party from our troops. Their detachment 
were obliged to give ground, and were pursued as far as 
where they had a post at a Judge Lefferts’s. His house 
and outhouses served as quarters for them, and were burnt 
by our people. We sustained no loss in this affair, that I 
have heard of, except having two men slightly wounded. 
Our people say the enemy met with more: they found 
one dead body, in the habit of a soldier, with a good deal 
of money in his pocket, and got three hangers and a fusee. 
They fired a shell from a howitz, which fell on and burst in 
a house where some of the enemy were; but whether they 
were injured by it, I have not learned. A firing has been 
heard this morning, but know nothing of the event. 

I am, dear sir, &c., Go. WasuIneToNn. 


To Major-General Schuyler, Northern Department. 


1143 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
New-York, August 24, 1776. 

Str: On Thursday last the enemy landed a body of 
troops, supposed to amount (from the best accounts I have 
been able to obtain) to eight or nine thousand men, at 
Gravesend Bay, on Long-Island, ten miles distance from 
our works on the Island, and immediately marched through 
the level and open lands to Flatbush, where they are now 
encamped. They are distant about three miles from our 
lines, and have woods and broken grounds to pass (which 
we have lined) before they can get to them. Some skir- 
mishing has happened between their advanced parties and 
ours, in which we have always obtained an advantage. 
What the real designs of the enemy are, I am not yet able 
to determine. My opinion of the matter is, that they mean 
to attack our works on the Island and this city at the same 
time, and that the troops at Flatbush are waiting in those 
plains till the wind and tide (which have not yet served 
together) will favour the movement of the shipping to this 
place: others think they will bend their principal force against 
our lines on the Island, which, if carried, will greatly facili- 
tate their designs upon this city. ‘This also being very pro- 
bable, I have thrown what force I can over, without leaving 
myself too much exposed here; for our whole number (if 
the intelligence we get from deserters, &c., be true) falls 
short of that of the enemy; consequently the defence of 
our own works, and the approaches to them, is all we can 
aim at. ‘This, then, in a manner, leaves the whole Island 
in possession of the enemy, and of course of the supplies it 
is capable of affording them. Under these circumstances, 
would it be practicable for your Government to throw a 
body of about one thousand or more men across the Sound, 
to harass the enemy in their rear or upon their flanks? 
This would annoy them exceedingly, at the same time that 
a valuable end, to wit, that of preventing their parties secu- 
ring the stocks of cattle, &c., would be answered by it: 
the cattle to be removed or killed. The knowledge I have 
of the extraordinary exertions of your State upon all occa- 
sions, does not permit me to require this, not knowing how 
far it is practicable; I only offer it, therefore, as a matter 
for your consideration, and of great publick utility, if it can 
be accomplished. 

The enemy, if my intelligence from Staten-Island be true, 
are at this time rather distressed on account of provisions: 
if, then, we can deprive them of what this Island affords, 
much good will follow from it. 

The foreigners are yet upon Staten-Island, the British 
troops are upon Long-Island and on ship-board. 

With great respect and esteem, I remain, sir, your most 


obedient, humble servant, Ge ARAW, Coats aro 


To Governour Trumbull, Connecticut. 


COLONEL KNOX TO GENERAL HEATH. 

New-York, August 24, 1776. 
Dear Sir: I send you Lieutenant Preston, of the Artil- 
lery, to mount the guns and get the implements and ammu- 
nition to the post at King’s Bridge. You will please to 
give him such directions as you think proper. You must 
give him men, as it is utterly impossible for us to spare one 
from this place. You must also find a boat for the carriages, 
&c., as General Putnam refuses to let one go from this. I 
wish you the greatest good fortune ; and am, dear sir, yours 

affectionately, HR eEy 


To Major-General Heath, King’s Bridge. 


JAMES LIVINGSTON TO JOHN Jay. 
New-York, August 24, 1776. 

Dear Str: I am just now informed by Captain Wright 
that he can raise a company of men in this town and suburbs. 
Should take it as a particular favour you’d mention the 
matter to the gentlemen of the Provincial Congress; and 
if approved of, beg you’ll furnish him with money for that 
purpose. He is a good recruiting officer, and I believe 
he’ll soon raise his company. I shall settle the matter 
respecting the rank of the officers with General Schuyler, 
agreeable to orders from Congress. As soon as these two 
companies of Wright and Stewart are filled, General 
Washington will order them to the northward, where I /pro- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1144 


pose going to-morrow, or next day at farthest, if not wanted 
here. . 

The enemy are at Flathbush—their numbers not known; 
though we every moment expect an attack. I shall wait 
your answer this evening. 

I am, with respect, yours, &c., Jas. Livingston. 


To the Hon. John Jay, Esq., at Harlem. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED AUGUST 24, 
1776. 


The day before yesterday a detachment of the enemy 
landed at Net-Utrecht, on Long-Island; they are said to 
be about nine thousand. ‘Two or three skirmishes happened 
yesterday between their advanced guards and ours, in each 
of which we were victorious; we lost not a man, but killed 
several of the enemy—among the rest, one British and one 
Hessian officer; the former had a good deal of gold in his 
pocket; cannot get fairly at particulars; the Hessian had a 
rifle. We have got several neat cutteaus and fusees, such 
as officers use, from which we suppose the officers were 
killed or very badly wounded, and carried off the field by 
the enemy. The enemy (the advanced guard said to be 
three thousand) attempted getting to Bedford, on the Ja- 
maica road, but were driven a mile and a half farther back 
than where they set out from. ‘There is firing on the Island 
now. 


GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
King’s Bridge, August 24, 1776. 

Dear Genera: In order to ease Head-Quarters as 
much as. possible, and on account of our distance from thence, 
General or Garrison Court-Martials have been appointed at 
this post for the trial of offenders. Brigadier-General Mifflin 
has sent me the enclosed this day, but I pause until I know 
your Excellency’s pleasure, (which I desire you would be 
pleased to signify as soon as convenient,) whether the before 
mentioned offender and all others, except in very extraordi- 
nary cases indeed, are to be tried by Court-Martials appointed 
here, or referred to those appointed from Head-Quarters, 

A very considerable quantity of sails and rigging, stripped 
off the vessels lately sunk near Mount Washington, at present 
remain there. I submit to your Excellency’s determination 
if it would not be well to send them farther up the river, 
where they might be safely stored, as it cannot be done 
here, the stores being wanted for other uses. 

On the 21st instant the body of a man was taken up at 
Burdett’s Ferry. The commanding officer there not being 
able to find any civil authority, appointed a court of inquiry 
to consider the cause of his death, who reported the enclosed. 
The body was afterwards buried, and the money and effects 
are in the hands of Colonel Ward. It since appears that 
Hardenbrook (for that was his name) was by occupation a 
carpenter, belonging to the city of New-York, who had 
been heretofore employed by Dunmore and Tryon, and for 
whom he retained an affection; that upon the day of the 
ships falling down the river, he attempted to get on board 
of them, but found a watery grave, the reward of such un- 
righteousness. I am told that he has a brother in the city, 
who is a staunch friend to American liberty, and who I sup- 
pose is as yet unacquainted with the fate of his brother. 

The detachment from the two brigades, amounting to ten 
or eleven hundred men, with surprising alertness, almost 
instantly turned out on yesterday, and marched some miles 
towards the city, and this day, upon the flood tide, formed 
upon their parade. The officers and men appeared greatly 
disappointed on yesterday, when they were told that the 


enemy were not moving, and that they might return to their ° 


quarters. ‘I'he men grow more sickly, as your Excellency 
will see by the returns. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, your Excel- 
lency’s most humble servant, W. Hearn. 


To His Excellency General Washington, at New-York. 


GENERAL MIFFLIN TO GENERAL HEATH. 


Dear Genera: I request you to appoint a General 
Court-Martial as soon as possible for the trial of Lieutenant 
Priestly, of Colonel Magaw’s battalion, Captain Beatty’s 
company, who is charged by his Captain with making use 


_ al 


1145 


of indecent, abusive, and traitorous expressions against his 
brother officers and his country. 

I have ordered the two battalions to parade at eleven 
o'clock, the time of low water, that we may be ready to 
march if necessary. Captain Horton gave the alarm yes- 
terday through misinformation. If we discover any move- 
ments of the enemy you will hear three cannon, A heavy 
firing was seen and heard from our post last night, supposed 
to have happened at Long-Island; fifty cannon, besides 
small-arms, were heard. 

Yours, affectionately, 


To Major-General Heath. 


T. Mirruin. 


GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL MIFFLIN, 
King’s Bridge, August 24, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Lieutenant Priestly being charged not only 
of making use of indecent and abusive, but also of traitorous 
expressions against his country, I think it advisable to take 
the opinion of his Excellency General Washington on the 
affair, whether he shall approve of a General Court-Martial 
to be appointed here, or that he should be tried by a General 
Court-Martial appointed by the Commander-in-Chief him- 
self: his determination I will obtain to-morrow. I much 
approve the vigilant steps you have taken this day, in order 
to be ready to aid our friends below, should there be occa- 
sion for it. Your alertness on yesterday does honour to 
yourself and corps. 

I am, dear sir, yours, affectionately, 


To General Mifflin. 


W. Hearn. 


JOHN THOMAS, JUN., TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 


In Committee of Safety for the County of Westchester, 
August 24, 1776. 


GentLEMEN: We have heretofore informed your honour- 
able House that, in consequence of your orders, we had 
caused a number of disaffected persons to be apprehended 
and confined in our jail; since which many more have been 
confined. We must acquaint your honourable House that 
these persons are chiefly considerable farmers, and this pre- 
sent season loudly calls upon them to attend the putting their 
seed in the ground, if they could be released from imprison- 
ment with safety to our country. In consideration of which, 
we are now induced to apply to your honourable House for 
your arders respecting these persons: whether (as this Com- 
mittee are very well acquainted with their respective con- 
duct, and capable of judging which of them are dangerously 
disaffected and which are not) your honourable House will 
think proper to invest this Committee with power to ex- 
amine, release, or confine those persons, as to them shall seem 
just and consistent with the good of our cause. We have 
undermentioned a list of the names of those persons for your 
further information. 

By order of the Committee : 

Joun Tuomas, Jun., Chairman. 


Tories. 


Gabriel Purdy, 
John Beasley, 
John McCord, 
Monmouth Hart, 
Edmund Ward, 
Caleb Morgan, 
John Betts, 
Joseph Gidney, 
John Gidney, 
Jos. Purdy, 


Nathan Whitney, 
Peter Huggeford, 
Jeremiah Travis, 
Isaac Hatfield, 
Peter Corney, 
Peter Drake, 
Lewis Palmer, 
Samuel Merritt, 
Jeremiah Travis, jun., 
Tunis Post, 
William Rady, 


William Barker, jun., 
William Barker, 
Gilbert Horton, 
Captain Jos. Purdy, 
Josiah and Isaac Brown, 
Bariholomew Haines, 
Joseph Haviland, 
Adam Seaman, 

John Reed, 

John McCullum. 


COLONEL SAMUEL DRAKE TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
“ New-York, August 24, 1776. 

The members of the honourable Congress of the State of 
New-York: are informed that the officers of the Third Bat- 
talion in General Scott’s brigade have made choice of Mr. 
John Eliot as Chaplain for said regiment. ‘The Congress 
is requested by their signature to establish Mr. Eliot in 
that office, in which he has served from the 7th of this 
instant. 

[ have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient, 


humble servant 
d Samu, Drake, Colonel. 


To the Members of the Congress of the State of New-York. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1146 


JOHANNES SLEGHT TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Committee Chamber, Kingston, August 24, 1776. 

Sir: The report of the Committee appointed by the Re- 
presentatives of the State of New-York, in Convention at 
Harlem, together with your letter, &c., we this day received, 
by which we find that the prisoners now at Kingston are to 
be removed to Morristown, and that the old paroles are to 
be cancelled, &c.; but we beg leave to remark, that although 
we would be very glad to be rid of these guests, we are ap- 
prehensive it will be difficult to get them removed, because 
they are not able, and we suppose not willing, to pay the 
cost of their removal. Nor can we see how it is possible 
for us to cancel their old paroles, as they never were in our 
possession; a copy of them only was sent to us, the origi- 
nals we suppose remain in Congress. Your further direc- 
tions about these matters with all possible speed will much 
oblige your most humble servants. 

By order: JOHANNES SLEGHT, Chairman. 


To Abm. Yates, Jun., President of the Provincial Congress 
of the State of New-York, at Harlem. 


DR. POTTS TO GENERAL GATES. 
Fort George, August 24, 1776. 

Honovurep Sir: Your Honour’s favour of the 23d instant, 
by Mr. Watson, I received this morning. I assure your 
Honour I have spared him from our huckster’s shop every 
article in my power. What keeps Mr. Henry with the me- 
dicines [ am at a loss to know. I sent one of ny mates three 
days since to Albany to expedite his coming, and to purchase 
if possible some articles we are wholly out of. I have also 
wrote to the Committee of Albany and to Salisbury to send 
me as soon as possible all the old linen or rags they can pro- 
cure, as well as to recommend to the farmers and others to 
cure a quantity of herbs for the use of the Hospital. It 
pains me much to think of our destitute situation, for should 
your Honour be attacked, we have not bandages or lint to 
dress fifty men. I can with confidence assure your Honour 
nothing shall be left undone in my power to procure 
every necessary for the good of the Army in my line of 
duty. 

I heartily thank your Honour for your orders respecting 
the returns of the Regimental Surgeons, as well as your ap- 
proving of my sentiments in regard to Dr. McCrea. I was 
greatly surprised in having some patients sent here in the 
small-pox from among the new levies. I have strictly ex- 
amined them. I cannot as yet find they have been inocu- 
lated. Should I discover such a thing, shall be careful to 
transmit to your Honour every matter relative to it, as well 
as effectually secure the patients. One thing I would recom- 
mend to your Honour’s notice, which I hope you will not 
think foreign to my duty: as the Army is greatly exposed to 
intermittents and bilious complaints from their situation, I 
am humbly of opinion it would conduce to their health if 
every man was allowed half a gill of bitter ram per day. It 
can be made with four pounds of gentian root and two 
pounds of orange-peel to a hogshead. If these articles are 
not to be had, the Regimental Surgeons can readily procure 
some snakeroot, centaury, or dogwood-bark, which will an- 
swer nearly as well. 

Enclosed have sent your Honour the returns of the Hos- 
pital, on which I have only to observe, that we have a greater 
number than appears from the return, owing to the names 
being struck out of the Hospital book, but I still detain them 
under the name of convalescents, who will be sent forward 
in a day or two. 

I have taken the liberty to send your Honour a tolerably 
good wether, and a cask with some beans, squashes, cucum- 
bers, and a few small melons. ‘The moment I can procure 
any good vinegar it shall be forwarded to you. 

Tam your Honour’s most obedient and very humble ser- 


vant, Jona. Ports. 


ELBRIDGE GERRY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Hartford, August 24, 1776. 
My Dear Generac: I am here on my journey to Phila- 
delphia, from which I have been absent about a month for 
health, and by a gentleman for Albany enclose you a Con- 
necticut paper. ‘The Army at New-York, by the last ad- 


1147 


vices, were in statu quo, and by a line from General Wash- 
ington, of the 6th instant, ‘the Militia from Connecticut were 
coming in fast, and they had received aid from Philadelphia 
and that Government;” also, “ the troops in health were in 
high spirits, and not at all backward in making the last 
appeal.” At Lebanon I was informed by Governour Trum- 
bull, that fourteen regiments of the Connecticut Militia, in 
addition to their levies, were on the march to join the Army, 
and would contain on an average about five hundred men 
each, and that as many more were in readiness to relieve 
these when it should be found necessary; so that I think 
New-York will be well prepared for defence. 

We have seen Carleton’s general orders. What a brute 
they discover him to be. He is angry that your reconnoi- 
tering parties have taken off one of his General Officers; but 
is it not justifiable upon the principle of retaliation? and will 
the Continent do justice to their frontier inhabitants, who are 
indiscriminately murdered by Indians in the service of his 
Britannick Majesty, unless they continue to repay them in 
their own coin? For my own part, I think that, until they 
recall their Indians, we shall be guilty of unpardonable ne- 
glect, unless we employ our scouts to take off their officers 
and men in this way, although the General himself may be 
in danger, when parading for his pleasure. 

We want very much to see you with the sole command 
in the Northern Department, but hope that you will not 
relinquish your exertions till a favourable opportunity shall 
effect it. 

At Dorchester, I saw Miss Tyler and friends: she desires 
to be remembered to General Gates and the Deputy Pay- 
master-General. I expect, and indeed hope, to see action 
at New-York; and remain, with esteem, sir, your assured 
friend and humble servant, E.G 

. GERRY. 


To Major-General Grates. 


J. TRUMBULL TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga, August 24, 1776. 

Sim: [enclose you returns of those men who have desert- 
ed from the regiments raised in the State of Massachusetts- 
Bay, now serving in the Northern Army. 

It is the earnest request of the Honourable Major-General 
Gates, that measures be taken for returning them as speedily 
as may be to the corps to which they belong. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient, humble 


servant 
? J. TRuMBULL, 


Deputy Adjutant-General. 


To the Honourable President of the Convention of Massa 
chusetts-Bay. 


COLONEL MOULTON TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF 
SAFETY. 
Hampton, August 24, 1776. 
State of New-Hampsuire, Rockincua, ss. 

Pursuant to orders directing me to raise and equip fifty- 
nine men out of the regiment under my command, in order 
to join and assist our Army at New-York at this important 
crisis, I have, with the greatest despatch in my power, caused 
said number of men to be raised and equipped, (saving two,) 
and have also mustered said men, and paid to each commis- 
sion officer one month’s pay advance, and to each non-com- 
missioned officer and private their bounty, besides £2 10s. 
to each officer and soldier for their travelling expenses from 
their homes to Head-Quarters, agreeable to the resolve of the 
Council and Assembly of said State. And having formed 
said men into a company, and appointed a Captain and 
two subalterns to the same, (a list of which is enclosed,) I 
have ordered said Captain to march off with his company, on 
Thursday, the 25th instant, and to continue the same with 
all possible despatch towards New-York, by the way of 
Hartford, in the State of Connecticut, where I have direct- 
ed him to stop, to receive directions for his further regula- 
tion. I have also furnished him with such copies and certi- 
ficates as | apprehended would be necessary that he should 
have committed to his care. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Jona. Mouton. 


To the Honourable the Committee of Safety for the State 
aforesaid. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1148 


CLAUDE CRESPIGNY TO RALPH IZARD. 
Teignmouth, Devonshire, England, August 25, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I was favoured with yours of the 12th, and 
though I have neither information nor entertainment to send 
you in return for it, I am at least bound to send you my best 
thanks; this, indeed, I should have done sooner, if I had not 
for some days past been rambling about the country; among 
other places to Mount Edgecombe, which, for its views, is, I 
think, much the finest place in England. 

Mrs. C. is much obliged to you for your good wishes. The 
benefit she receives from bathing is really wonderful. All 
the symptoms of weakness and relaxation which she brought 
with her entirely vanished within a week, and have not since 
appeared. 

We shall remain till the 13th September, when I hope to 
return to Bath. 'This place is exceedingly private, (not even 
a publick room or coffee-house,) and would, of course, be 
dull, if it were not for our own society. ‘Two of ther are 
well known to you, and send their compliments—C. Town- 
shend and Ley. 

We find all our Ministerial acquaintance very happy with 
the contents of the Gazette of the 10th. I confess I do not 
see any great cause for exultation. It seems fortunate, in- 
deed, that General Howe had attempted nothing without his 
reinforcements; but it by no means seems clear that with 
these reinforcements he will be able to act to any effectual 
purpose. From what I have heard, it is probable, that 
instead of making an attempt against New-York, as was 
intended, all his force will be bent against PAzladelphia. 

The hopes from Lord Howe’s negotiation are, I find, en- 
tirely vanished before the opening of his commission. In 
short, I believe that at St. James’s they have only now the 
wicked hopes of being able to protract the war; and this, I 
believe in my conscience, they will do, so long as fleets and 
armies can be paid for. They Jaugh at the Declaration of 
Independence; and though cool and serious people must 
think it the worst piece of intelligence that was ever com- 
municated to this country, I have no doubt but it will be 
made a matter of triumph with the Government as fulfilling 
the Ministerial prophecies of that event. In their exulta- 
tion, they will not choose to remember, that Independence 
was not predetermined in America, but is only the imme- 
diate and necessary consequence of their own acts. I can 
only say, as Lord Chatham did upon some such occasion: 
“God may perhaps forgive them, but their country never 
will.” 

By the post of to-day, we have just heard that Sir Peter 
Parker and General Clinton have been but indifferently 
received at South-Carolina. I suppose the Gazette will not 
give any particular accounts of this expedition; but if the 
experiment is lost, some notice must be taken of it. 

I have not at present a single correspondent in London, 
so that I shall be much obliged to you for any particulars 
that may arrive upon the interesting subject of America, 
especially such as are not likely to make their appearance 
in the Gazette. 

Mrs. C. unites with me in sincerest regards and wishes to 
you and Mrs. Izard. 

I am, dear sir, very heartily yours, 


aie 


Charlestown, South-Carolina, September 4, 1776. 

Advices from the camp near Seneca, of August 25th, 
inform us, that Colonel Williamson had returned from the 
expedition through the Cherokee lower settlements. He 
had an engagement on the 12th near Temawsey, with about 
three hundred of the enemy, when they were routed, leaving 
sixteen men dead on the field of battle. Our loss was, 
killed, Lieutenant Rogers and one private; wounded, Ma- 
jor Downs, Captain Lacey, Captain Andrew Neal, Lieu- 
tenant Hargrove, and ten privates. Captains Lacey and 
Neal, Lieutenant Hargrove, and one private, are since dead. 
The loss of the enemy, in killed and wounded, was thought 
to be sixty or seventy men. As desolation was spread 
throughout the lower towns, the Colonel’s next object was 
the middle settlements, where he expected to meet, about 
this time, Brigadier-General Rutherford, with two thousand 
Carolinians. Accounts were received at the camp, that Colo- 
nel Lewis was preparing to march, with a considerable body 
of men from Virginia, in order to attack the Overhill settle- 
ments, so that there is little doubt but these faithless savages 


1149 


will soon be effectually chastised. Mr. James Holmes, and 
several others who were prisoners among the Cherokees, have 
made their escape, and got to Fort James, in Georgia. They 
say the Indians despair of being able to withstand Colonel 
Williamson’s Army, and that Cameron and one Hugh Ham- 
ilton had gone over the Hills, from whence they intend to 


proceed for Mobile. 


CAPTAIN MANTZ TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
. Philadelphia, August 25, 1776. 
Gentiemen: [ arrived at this city on the 23d instant, to 
join our respective battalions, commanded by Colonel Charles 
G. Griffith, by whom I understand we are at the loss of a 
Major, and desired I should act in that capacity until further 
order from the honourable Council of Safety, whom I expect 
will give me the preference, as I raised the first company in 
this battalion, and I believe that I am one of the first in the 
Province of the Flying-Camp. If the honourable Council 
will please to commission me to act as Major, I would be 
highly obliged to you to forward iteas quick as possible ; and 
remain, with gratitude, your humble servant, 
Peter Manrz. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


TO MAJOR-GENERAL PUTNAM—ORDERS. 


Sir: It was with no small degree of concern I perceived 
yesterday a scattering, unmeaning, and wasteful fire, from our 
people at the enemy; a kind of fire that tended to disgrace 
our own men as soldiers, and to render our defence contempt- 
ible in the eyes of the enemy. No one good consequence 
can attend such irregularities, but several bad ones will in- 
evitably follow from it. Had it not been for this unsoldier- 
like and disorderly practice, we have the greatest reason 
imaginable to believe that numbers of deserters would have 
left the enemy’s Army last year; but fear prevented them 
from approaching our lines then, and must forever continue 
to operate in like manner whilst every soldier conceives him- 
self at liberty to fire when and at what he pleases. This is 
“not the only nor the greatest evil resulting from the practice: 
for, as we do not know the hour of the enemy’s approach 
to our lines, but have every reason to apprehend that it will 
be sudden and violent whenever attempted, we shall have 
our men so scattered, and, more than probable, without 
ammunition, that the consequences must prove fatal to us; 
besides this, there will be no possibility of distinguishing 
between a real and false alarm. 

I must, therefore, sir, in earnest terms, desire you to call 
the Colonels and Commanding Officers of corps, without loss 
of time, before you, and let them afterwards do the same by 
their respective officers; and charge them, in express and 
positive terms, to stop these irregularities, as they value the 
good of the service, their own honour, and the safety of the 
Army, which, under God, depends wholly upon the good 
order and government that is observed in it. 

At the same time I would have you form a proper line of 
defence round your encampment and works, on the most 
advantageous ground. Your guards which compose this, 
are to be particularly instructed in their duty; and a Brigadier 
of the day to remain constantly upon the lines, that he may 
be upon the spot to command, and see that orders are 
executed. [ield-Officers should also be appointed to go the 
rounds and report the situation of the guards. No person 
to be allowed to pass beyond the guards without special 
order in writing. 

By restraining the loose, disorderly, and unsoldier-like 
firing before mentioned, I do not mean to discourage partisan 
and scouting parties; on the contrary, I wish to see a spirit 
of this sort prevailing, under proper regulations, and officers, 
either commissioned or non-commissioned, (as cases shall 
require,) to be directed by yourself, or licensed by the Briga- 
dier of the day, upon the spot, to be sent upon this service. 
Such skirmishing as may be effected in this manner will be 
agreeable to the rules of propriety, and may be attended with 
salutary effects, inasmuch as it will inure the troops to fatigue 
and danger; will harass the enemy; may make prisoners, 
and prevent their parties from getting the horses and cattle 
from the interior parts of the Island, which are objects of 
infinite importance to us, especially the two last. 

All the men not upon duty are to be compelled to remain 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1150 


in or near their respective camps or quarters, that they may 
turn out at a moment’s warning, nothing being more probable 
than that the enemy will allow little enough time to prepare 
for the attack. 

The officers also are to exert themselves to the utmost to 
prevent every kind of abuse to private property, or to bring 
every offender to the punishment he deserves. Shameful it 
is to find that those men who have come hither in defence 
of the rights of mankind, should turn invaders of it, by de- 
stroying the substance of their friends. 

The burning of houses, where the apparent good of the 
service is not promoted by it, and the pillaging of them, at 
all times and upon all occasions, is to be discountenanced, 
and punished with the utmost severity. In short, it is to 
be hoped that men who have property of their own, and a 
regard for the rights of others, will shudder at the thought of 
rendering any man’s situation, to whose protection he had 
come, more insufferable than his open and avowed enemy 
would make it, when, by duty and every rule of humanity, 
they ought to aid, and not oppress, the distressed in their 
habitations. 

The distinction between a well-regulated army and a mob, 
is the good order and discipline of the first, and the licentious 
and disorderly behaviour of the latter. Men, therefore, who 
are not employed as mere hirelings, but have stepped forth 
in defence of everything that is dear and valuable, not only 
to themselves but to posterity, should take uncommon pains 
to conduct themselves with uncommon propriety and good 
order, as their honour, reputation, &c., call loudly upon 
them for it. 

The wood next Red-Hook should be well attended to. 
Put some of the most disorderly riflemen into it. The Militia, 
or the most indifferent troops, (those I mean least tutored 
and seen least service,) will do for the interior works; 
whilst your best men should at all hazards prevent the 
enemy’s passing the wood and approaching your works. 
The woods should be secured by abatis, &c., where neces- 
sary, to make the enemy’s approach as difficult as possible. 
Traps and ambuscades should be laid for their parties, if you 
find they are sent out after cattle, &c. 

Given under my hand, at Head-Quarters, this 25th day 


of August, 1776. Go. WasHINGTON. 


COLONEL KNOX TO GENERAL HEATH. 
New-York, August 25, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I have seen your letter to Major Henly requir- 
ing him to come to you immediately. J thought it was agreed 
upon between you and me that he was to stay till after the 
expected action, and am very sorry that you thought other- 
wise. I should be unhappy to oppose his promotion, for 
whom I have so good an opinion, and must beg the favour 
of you to appoint an Aid-de-Camp as pro tempore, and when 
the capital affair is past I shall have the pleasure to present 
you with as deserving an officer as is in the Army. 

In the interim, I am, sir, your very humble servant, 


H. Knox. 


To Major-General Heath, commanding the division of the 


Army at King’s Bridge. 


COLONEL VARNUM TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Red-Hook, August 25, 1776. 
Sir: I am very sensible the important concerns which 
engross your Excellency’s attention at this critical period 
must render particular applications very disagreeable. But 
the same benevolence and philanthropy which characterize 


‘you the father and the friend of the Army in general, will 


cause the distresses of an individual to find a place in your 
compassionate breast. Ever since I waited upon your Ex- 
cellency, the expectation of a battle hath continued me in 
my present command. New difficulties arising, I can derive 
no satisfaction from that quarter. A letter from Mr. Ellery 
(enclosed) convinces me that promotions in the Army are 
not designed for those whose principles are disinterested 
enough to serve the Continent without. My disgrace is 
unalterably fixed, by conferring the “ detur digniorv” upon 
those of inferior standing, without the least competition of 
superior merit. Was promotion in the Army a favour, my 
tongue and my pen should be silent ; but it is the just reward 


1151 


of merit and rank. I do not esteem myself obligated to the 
publick for the commission I hold, nor for the greatness of 
the pay annexed to it. They can challenge no further 
services from me, whose every effort to deserve their good 
opinion has been discountenanced. My continuance here 
can be of no possible advantage. The variety of incidents 
that may happen in an engagement will possibly demand 
my submission to the orders of a Brigadier-General, whose 
standing, till lately, hath been subordinate to mine. Dis- 
obedience at a critical moment may lose a victory which is 
courting our embrace. My pride is too great ever to bend 
to reasons of policy to the wounding of my honour. How 
cruel the alternative, to be obliged either to submit to my 
own infamy, or, by refusing, incur the penalties of death! 
However, | remember a saying of Sertorius: ‘‘ A just man 
will receive victory when it kindly offers, but will not seek 
or defend his own life upon dishonourable terms.”’ 

If my conduct hath hitherto gained your Excellency’s 
approbation, and if my complaint is well founded, how can 
you deny me, the only consolation left, your permission to 
retire from a service no longer eligible? My philosophy is 
atanend. Icanno longer command myself, much less can 
I command others. Disappointment, shame, grief, resent- 
ment, all harrow up my soul at once, and force me to adopt 
the language of Young’: 


‘The day too short for my distress; and night, 
E’en in the zenith of her dark domain, 
Is sunshine to the colour of my fate.”’ 


The enclosed answer to Mr. Ellery’s letter, with the other 
to Mr. Hancock, I could wish to send to Philadelphia as 
they are; but, while acting under a commission from the 
Congress, cannot. 

I am your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant, 

J. Varnum. 
To General Washington. 


GENERAL HEATH TO MAJOR HENLY. 
King’s Bridge, August 25, 1776. 

Dear Henty: The business of this division daily increas- 
ing, and ten regiments distantly posted frequently requiring 
orders, &c., and Major Ketth’s time almost entirely taken 
up in writing, I find myself necessitated to call upon you to 
attend your duty here. By this time, I presume, you have 
been able to afford Mr. Shaw so much assistance as to make 
him fully acquainted with everything necessary from you ; 
and, as I consented to your stay but for a week, I hope there 
will be no objections to your coming; if there should be, 
although with reluctance, I shall be constrained to name 
another Aid-de-Camp in your room, being determined to have 
my own officers, according to established practice. 


I am, dear Henly, yours, &c., W. Hearn 
To Major Henly. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 

; [Read August 31, 1776.] 

Albany, August 25, 1776. 

Sir: Yesterday I was honoured with a letter from his 
Excellency General Washington, enclosing one from Colonel 
Stark, transmitted to him by General Gates, [5th August] 
written in bebalf of all the Field-Officers in the Army, copy 
whereof I do myself the honour to enclose. 

Colonel Stark’s letter convinces me that the reasons I 
suggested for not determining what money ought to be given 
in lieu of a ration were well founded; for if I had done it, I 
should have differed in opinion with all the Field-Officers in 


the Army, and with the Commissary; for although I do not. 


presume to say, in contradiction to those gentlemen, espe- 
cially to the Commissary, (who I should suppose to be well 
informed,) that a ration does not cost the publick one shil- 
ling lawful money of New-England, yet I will venture to 
say that it ought not to cost the publick so much by at least 
fifty thousand dollars a year on ten thousand men, or five 
dollars for each man, and that it can be furnished equally 
good and equally well for that sum less, and that without 
the least impeachment of either Mr. Trumbull, Mr. Liv- 
mgston, or any other furnishing Commissary, as men of 
integrity and ability; for every man acquainted with publick 
business must allow that it cannot be carried on, for a variety 
of reasons, with that economy which prevails in private 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


affairs. Some of those reasons may be found by a retrospect 
of my letters to Congress during last campaign. ‘To save a 
sum so very considerable, is, however, well worthy of atten- 
tion, and I assure Congress that it has claimed much of mine, 
and that I have given such orders as I hoped would, in a 
great measure, remedy the evil. I am sorry to say that they 
have not had the desired effect; and I can suggest but one 
way more in which it may be done, and that is by contract; 
for although 1 am far from being a friend to contracts, on 
account of the chicane that usually attends them, yet of 
two evils it is most eligible to choose the least; and a con- 
tract well guarded appears to me such. A contract, if 
entered into, should, I think, in the first place, specify every 
article allowed for a ration. 

2dly. It should determine what ought to be given in other 
species, or in money, in lieu of such articles as it may be 
impossible for the contractor to furnish in the present situa- 
tion of affairs—such as milk, molasses, and rice. 

3dly. The contract should specify what is to be given for 
a ration at Albany, and what at Ticonderoga and Fort 
Stanwix, that from the difference between the price allowed 
at Albany and those two places, the price for any interme- 
diate post may be ascertained according to the distance from 
Albany. 

Athly. The contractor should transport the provisions to 
Ticonderoga and Fort Stanwix, and every intermediate 
post, at his own risk, excepting only what may be destroyed 
by the enemy. 

Sthly. The publick Commissaries at the different posts 
should receive it, and pass their receipts to the contractor 
for the quantity delivered, for his voucher. Here the Com- 
missary can have no inducement to give a receipt for more 
than he receives, as he must be accountable for all he re- 
ceives, as hereafter directed. 

6thly. The contractor, when he delivers any barrelled 
pork or beef, and the Commissary, before he passes a receipt 
for the same, should each take two or more barrels out of 
the parcel, and these being opened, and the meat taken out 
and weighed, the mean weight shall be allowed as the weight 
in each barrel in that parcel, and the contractor shall, if the 


1152 


pork or beef be found in good order, have his receipt there- ° 


for, and the Commissary shall stand charged therewith. 

Tthly. As flour casks have always the tare marked on 
them, the neat weight may be ascertained at the place of 
delivery by weighing them, which will always be less than 
when they left Albany, occasioned by the waste in trans- 
porting them in carriages. 

Sthly. The quantity of peas, Indian corn, rice, and the 
other articles, to be determined by measurement or weight. 

9thly. Every barrel of pork or beef, when delivered at 
any post, to be tapped, that if there should be any deficiency 
of brine the contractor may fill it up, or the pork or beef to 
remain in store until issued, at his risk. The starting of 
hoops by accident, and the tapping of barrels by wagoners 
and teamsters to lighten the load, have been the cause of great 
loss, for which it is next to impossible to provide a remedy. 

10thly. All flour to be bored, as is done at New-York 
or Philadelphia, to discover whether it is sound and mer- 
chantable. Such as is found otherwise, to be returned to the 
contractor. In case of a difference in opinion between the 
Commissary and contractor on this and the foregoing article, 
the same to be determined by two arbitrators taken by the 
parties, who may choose another if they do not agree. 

1lthly. When fresh beef is furnished, the contractor to 
have it killed at or near the post where it is to be issued, 
and the quarters weighed and delivered to the Commissary, 
the Commissary to determine the quantity he chooses to 
have killed each day, and to pass his receipts for what he 
receives. 

12thly. The contractor obliged to furnish a stipulated 
proportion of fresh and salt meat. 

13thly. The Commissary-General to charge every Com- 
missary with the provisions delivered to him by the contract- 
or, and no person employed that cannot give three thousand 
pounds good security. 

14thly. Every Commissary employed in issuing provisions 
to take receipts from the troops, not for so many rations, but 
for such a quantity of each article as may be delivered, 
thence to determine what may be due to any corps for de- 
ficiencies, if any there shall be, and whether any corps has 
at any time drawn more provisions than it ought. 


1153 


This is what has occurred to my mind on the subject. If 
it in any way tends to promote the interest of my country, 
I shall be fully satisfied. : 

The Paymaster informs me that our military chest 1s again 
so much reduced that a speedy supply will be necessary. I 
hope the ‘Treasury Board will be ordered to send a supply. 
I suppose something more than one hundred and twenty 
thousand dollars per month is expended in this department. 

On my way to the German-Flats, Mr. Duane informed 
me that Congress had ordered ten thousand dollars for the 
treaty to be held with the Indians. As the publick’s credit- 
ors on account of the Indzan department were very pressing 
for their money, I have been under the necessity of drawing 
on the Paymaster for part of what is due. I should be glad 
to know if Congress approves that I should pay off all the 
debts in that manner that are already accrued, and those 
that daily accrue. 

Colonel Nicolson’s and Colonel Elmore’s Regiments (the 
former consisting of one hundred and twenty-six present fit 
for duty, and the latter of three hundred and forty-four, 
officers included) are to march to-day into Tryon County. 
As the enemy, by our last accounts, were not constructing 
any vessels of force at St. John’s, | begin to apprehend that 
they will attempt to penetrate by the way of Oswego, as 
the Indians suggest. ‘The batteaus they build at St. John’s 
may be in order to amuse us, as they may easily convey 
them down the Sorel to the St. Lawrence, to be employed 
to the westward. I have ordered scouts to be continually 
kept out towards Oswego and Oswegatchie, and have desired 
General Gates to send others to the north end of the Lake 
St. Francois, or to any part of the river St. Lawrence above 
Montreal, that we may have the earliest intelligence possible 
of their intentions, and prepare ourselves accordingly. 

Our naval force on Champlain is increasing rapidly. Three 
stout galleys and some gondolas I believe are finished since 
the date of the enclosed return. 

If Colonel Campbell is not to return to the Army, it will be 
necessary to appoint another Deputy Quartermaster-General. 

The line of duty for the Regimental Paymasters should 
be minutely pointed out, as also that of the Muster-Masters ; 
and I should be happy to be furnished with it the soonest 
possible. 

I am, sir, with great respect and esteem, your most obe- 
dient and most humble servant, 


To the Honourable John Hancock. 


Pu. ScHuy.Ler. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES. 
Albany, August 25, 1776. 

Dear Genera: Your favour of the 20th instant was 
yesterday delivered me by Captain Wynkoop ; he is to re- 
main at this place. ‘The want of subordination and disci- 
pline in an army cannot be too much lamented; it is the 
source whence all disorder and misfortune arise. 

The sail-cloth is just arrived from New-England, and will 
be forwarded immediately. 

The Paymaster has sent Mr. Winslow one hundred thou- 
sand dollars. He could not spare more. I shall immedi- 
ately write for a further supply. 

Enclose you an extract of a letter from General Wash- 
ington, of the 21st instant, received yesterday. 

I momentarily expect to learn from Congress what money 
is to be allowed in lieu of a ration of provisions. As it was 
the Commissaries’ business, I have constantly refused to 
determine what should be allowed for a ration, certain that 
I should incur the blame of the officers or Congress, and 
therefore I have informed the latter that I never will do it, 
unless they or General Washington order me. 

Elmore’s and Nicolson’s corps march to-day to Tryon 
County. Asa few of each of these corps are to the north- 
ward, | wish you to send them down, unless they are appro- 
priated to any particular service from which you cannot 
spare them. 

As we do not learn that the enemy are building any large 
vessels at St. John’s, | begin to apprehend that there is too 
much truth in the Indian account that a large army will 
attempt to penetrate by the way of Fort Stanwix. The 
building of batteaus at St. John’s may be only done with a 
design to amuse us, as they can easily be conveyed into the 
St. Lawrence. Scouts are out constantly towards Oswego 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


73 


1154 


and Oswegatchie. 1 wish two or three trusty hands could 
be sent across to the north end of Lake St. frangois, or to 
any place above Montreal, to see if any batteaus and troops 
are passing up the St. Lawrence, that we may have the most 
early intelligence. 

If you are not properly supplied with vegetables from 
Saratoga, would it not be best to send a soldier whom you 
can depend on, every week, on purpose? I am informed 
you have no mutton at Tyonderoga: a good number of 
sheep are at Fort George, from whence you could be from 
time to time supplied. 

I find the jealousies with respect to me have not subsided 
in the country. I am informed that some Committees to 
the eastward, in this and the adjacent States, are trying me. 
I wish Congress may at last comply with my entreaties, and 
order an inquiry on the many charges made against me, that 
I may not any longer be insulted. I assure you that I am 
so sincerely tired of abuse, that I will let my enemies arrive 
at the completion of their wishes, by retiring as soon as I 
shall have been tried, and attempt to serve my 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 25, 1776. 

Sir: Captain Titcomb’s company of carpenters are all 
sick, except four, and applied for discharges. The tools 
they brought with them are private property, and they mean 
to carry them off. And I should be glad to know your 
Honour’s mind, whether I shall stop the tools or not, as we 
shall of necessity want them for the mechanicks that are 
draughted out of the companies. 

Your Honour thought I should do well to discharge the 
carpenters as they should apply; but they make such fre- 
quent applications that I don’t choose to discharge so many 
of them without further instructions, for it will entirely ruin 
our business as to the shipping. We supply the carpenters 
with all the help we can possibly get them out of the regi- 
ments. 

I am, dear General, in the utmost haste, your Honour’s 
most obedient, humble servant, 

Davin Watersory, Jun. 
To Major-General Gates. 


P. S. I have now got so well of my lameness that I am 
able to go among the workmen. 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, August 25, 1776, 7 o’clock, A. M. 

Honourep Sir: Yesterday evening the signal was given 
for sailing by the General. ‘The vessels moved a little ways 
down, but the wind was so trifling that they came to, after 
going about a mile. ‘This morning they seem under way, 
but not much wind. 

Besides our complement of marines which was ordered, 
yesterday General Arnold sent me an order for sixty men, 
besides officers, to go in batteaus along with the fleet, and in 
a few days, he informed me, he would probably send for 
more of my regiment. 

I would have understood by your last letter to me, I 


~ should remain at this post with the regiment; but if this plan 


of General Arnold’s is carried into execution, I shall have 
soon but a small number of them left here; perhaps a few 
may be thought sufficient for this place. 

The greater part of the men of this regiment would incline 
to engage in the service again after the present year, but if 
General Arnold is to make detachments upon fatiguing and 
dangerous parties from this regiment alone, I fear few would 
remain after the end of the campaign to show their attach- 
ment to the cause. The Lake is now sickly. Men in open 
batteaus will be much exposed to agues, &c. If an expe- 
dition were necessary down the Lake, my whole regiment 
would cheerfully engage in it; but to be on the Lake for any 
time, as they are no watermen, is disagreeable to them. 

I will send out (if Iam permitted) continual parties down 
towards the fleet, as well as upon land, and will be able to 
give the earliest intelligence of the approach of an enemy, 
and will maintain the works I am completing till a reinforce- 
ment can arrive, or till prudence may make it necessary to 
retreat before a very superior enemy, if I am not weakened 
by an over proportion of detachments. 

Our men are on fatigue daily, besides mounting strong 


1155 


guards, so that their duty is perhaps equal to any other regi- 
ment in the Army for the present, and are ever ready for 
any commands. I would beg leave to mention to you, as 
this duty is equal to that of any other regiment, that if men 
are to go down the Lake, the parties which should join Gen- 
eral Arnold in his cruising should be composed from the 
Army, in the usual course of detail, when my contingency 
of men will be prepared. 

Should you think it necessary upon any occasion that I 
should go down the Lake with the regiment, on an expedition, 
T will go with cheerfulness, because it would be my duty, 
and would at the same time give me and my men an oppor- 
tunity, perhaps, of revenging ourselves upon the enemy for 
part of the injuries this regiment has suffered. 

I would not be understood to reason upon the propriety 
of any order which should issue from you; nay, the execu- 
tion would be the first reasoning. It is for you to command; 
it is for your officers to obey. As I understood from your 
last orders that I was to stay here with the regiment, and as 
we were likely to suffer more than any other regiment, I 
have used the freedom to address you on the subject. 

I have nearly completed a good intrenchment round my 
camp, and am forming an interior work which will further 
add to our security. I have been searching rubbish and 
water for some pieces of artillery. We have got two good 
small guns, and expect to discover some more. I have 
wrote to Colonel Balding and Major Hay for some stuff 
for carriages; I hope it will be sent. I will endeavour to 
have the artillery properly mounted. The guns may be 
useful to the Army in future. I have had a canoe down 
below the Split Rock these two days. All is well there. 

Lam, bonoured sir, with the greatest respect, your most 
humble servant, Tuos. Hartey. 


‘To Major-General Gates. 


P.S. I have sent a party for batteaus. The fleet and 
others have carried away almost all our boats. I have sent 
up three bad ones to be repaired. 


JAMES BOWDOIN TO GOVERNOUR COOKE. 
Boston, August 25, 1776. 

Sir: One of the enemy’s ships-of-war, said to be the 
Milford, of twenty-eight guns, has, at different times within 
a month past, been cruising in our bay, and has taken seve- 
ral prizes. She now again makes her appearance, and has 
chased several vessels into port. It is a misfortune that the 
Continental ships-of-war lately built in this State could not 
be sent out for want of guns; but as it is said those built at 
Providence are provided with guns, it is probable that one 
or all of them can with some exertion be got ready in two 
or three days for our bay, and, in case of meeting with the 
Milford, give a good account of her. It is supposed that 
some of Admiral Hopkins’s ships are also at Providence, 
and that they can join the others in this service. As we 
know your Honour’s zeal and the zeal of your State to ren- 
der every possible service to the general cause, which can- 
not be better promoted than by taking the enemy’s ships- 
of-war, we doubt not that it will be exerted upon this 
occasion in a way effectual to answer the end proposed. 
We shall endeavour to procure the loan of guns, and get 
fitted one of the Continental ships at Newburyport, pierced 
for twenty-four guns; and shall order one of our armed 
brigs belonging to this State, now in this port, and several 
others of them, if within the reach of orders, to join the said 
ships as soon as they appear here. In order thereto, you 
wilk please to inform us of the signals you shall agree upon, 
by which those ships may be distinguished. This is wrote 
by the instance of several gentlemen of the Council, all of 
whom (could they have been convened) would have con- 
curred with it. 

With every sentiment of respect, I am, your Honour’s 
most obedient, humble servant, James Bowpoin. 


Hon. Nicholas Cooke, Esq., Governour of Rhode-Island. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CAPTAIN NICHOLSON. 
[No. 162.] Annapolis, August 26, 1776. 
Sir: [t will be uncertain whether we can meet with a 
vessel here to go to James River for the coal; we shall be 
glad, therefore, if you will procure for us three that will 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1156 


bring from fifteen hundred to two thousand each, and despatch 
them down to us with the greatest expedition. The Reso- 
lution must go with them for their protection. She must call 
here in her way, as we shall send a person in her, with cash, 
to contract for the coal. We are, &c. 


To Captain James Nicholson. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO SAMUEL DORSEY. 
LNo. 163.] Annapolis, August 26, 1776. 
Sir: The Council of Safety request you will immediately 
send down what tents you have made; they are much want- 
ing, as all our troops are under marching orders. 


We are, &c. 
To Mr. Samuel Dorsey. 


BALTIMORE COUNTY COMMITTEE. 


At a meeting of the Committee, August 26, 1776: 


Present: S. Purviance, Chairman; W. Lux, Vice-Chairman; R. Alex- 
ander, W. Buchanan, J. Merryman, C. Ridgely, (of Wm.,) W. Wil- 
kinson, B. Griffith, J. Calhoun, J. Cradock, W. Aisquith, A. Britton, 
J. Gittings, T. Sollers, J. Cockey, D. Shaw, T. Gist, J. Boyd. 


In Committee, Baltimore, August 26, 1776. 
GENTLEMEN OF THE CounciL or Sarety: The follow- 
ing is the list of Companies recommended by this Commit- 
tee to form a Battalion: 


1. John Cockey.e toc iv ees ate Captain ......4.. } sles } 
John Robert Holliday......- First Lieutenant.. | Containing sixty- 
Nathaniel Britain........... Second orca four Privates. 
Benjamin Talbot............ Ensign. .......-. 

2. Edward Cockey..........5- Captain ........- 5 ; 
Beale OWingsss 60 06 00 oie 00% ole First Lieutenant. . | Containing sixty- 
William Harvey......--.+. Second Lieutenant five Privates. 
William Scarf... +... 000000 Ensign. .ses+se- } 

3. Gist Vaughan. ....+...-.--- Captaltiors sc. » ls 
Thomas Moore.s.< ss ivesece First Lieutenant.. | Containing  fifty- 
Nicholas Merryman, jun.....Second Lieutenant { three Privates. 
Humphrey Chilcoat......... ENsiony ssremiesisiels 

4. Henry Howard............ Captain... orci. we 
John Wils0M.. 2c cee averse First Lieutenant.. | Containing sixty- 
William Ensor......0..¢0s Second Lieutenant nine Privates. 
Joshua VWelshiee vemthes sities EDBi2D os oieet + ots 

5. Johnehalbotscc se ccjstsrehelo eee Captain... ss..< 
John Dunnock. o6.. 5.0: s+ «00 00 First Lieutenant.. | Containing sixty 
James Worris.. 3 05 0 Soaeere, Second Lieutenant Privates. 
Joshua Anderson..........+-FMSIZN......20e- 

6. John Hall (of Joshua)...... Captainiisl. Ste 
Thomas Marshall........... First Lientenant.. | Containing forty- 
Phill puSttiteim sastee stein ole ole Second Lieutenant eight Privates. 
WialltamyDavissermstets css <'st ENSIgNs Je. © » wi 

7 Daniel Shaw... i. so.essce se COPWNtes. aves es 
John Sharps Aacbieoe siete ets First Lieutenant.. | Containing ninety- 
Abraham: Coxon sicispieeicciieis Second Lieutenant five Privates. 
John Wiley... ccsccerees Ensign. «eee... 

8. Stephen Gill, jun...-....... Capfalinyecstsitertse 
SL IVOMIASe DONC la setters. sterile on First Lieutenant. . | Containing seventy 
AquilayLiptonie sitecesrs) +f o}¢ Second Lieutenant Privates. 
Nicholas) Gill sycersrais cae EENSIP Nievarece sie eters 


The Committee resumed the consideration of the com- 
plaint exhibited against Jesse Hollingsworth for selling Tea 
above the limited price, who, being called in, confessed the 
fact; but alleged, in excuse, that he had opened the chests 
at the earnest request and solicitation of several persons, who 
voluntarily offered him the price he sold it for, which was 
offered to him for the whole chest at Philadelphia, where 
he had determined to send it; that be had not sold one-half 
of the chest at 10s. He then produced letters which proved 
that price to have been offered to him for the whole, and 
that it was selling there at 16s. by the chest. He acknow- 
ledged he had done wrong, but was sorry for it. He declared 
that he had never done any other act to contravene the 
Resolutions of Congress or Convention; but, on the con- 
trary, had on every occasion exerted his utmost for the ser- 
vice of his country; therefore he hoped that his countrymen, 
with whom he wished to live in union and harmony, would 
forgive this first offence, and he should be very careful to 
avoid any other; and that he would very willingly return to 
every person who had bought Tea of him the overplus price, 
provided he or she made an affidavit of the quantity bought 
within six weeks from this date, or would pay it to any 
charitable use that the publick may direct. 

Attest: Gro. Lux, Secretary. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO GENERAL WARD. 
Philadelphia, August 26, 1776. 
Sir: The service in the Eastern Department requiring 
an officer of rank and experience, and Colovel Whitcomb 


1157 


having declined accepting his commission, the Congress have 
been induced, both from a regard to your merit while in the 
Army, and your zeal and attention since you left it, to 
request you will, if consistent with your health, take the 
command of the forces in that quarter. As soon as Con- 
gress can fix on some officer to relieve you, they will do it, 
and only desire you in the mean time to continue in com- 
mand until such appointment. Your readiness to comply 
with the wishes of your country, gives me the strongest 
reason to believe you will not resist their application at this 
juncture. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and very 
humble servant, 


To General Ward, Boston. 


Joun Hancock, President. 


PETITION FROM GEORGE MEASAM. 
[Read August 26, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.] 
To the Honourable the Members of Congress of the Untrep 


Srates or AMERICA: 


The Memorial of Georce Measam, late of Monrreat, 
humbly showeth : 


That your memorialist was well known by the late Brig- 
adier-General Montgomery to be a true friend to the Ameri- 
can cause, by sundry circumstances, both before and after 
the capitulation of Montreal. And in consequence thereof, 
the General thought fit to recommend him as a proper per- 
son to intrust the care and management of the Post-Office 
for that Province, and was honoured with a commission from 
the Postmaster-General for that purpose, and did direct the 
same and support it with his own proper moneys until the 
American Army was obliged to retreat from thence. 

That the General was further pleased to desire your me- 
morialist (with Major Lockwood) to superintend the landing 
of the stores taken by Colonel Easton, commencing the 20th 
day of November, 1775. And on the 10th day of Decem- 
ber following, your memorialist was put in publick orders to 
superintend the publick stores at Montreal, and did super- 
intend the same, and also the Commissary of Provision’s 
Department, and flatters himself that he has been the cause 
of saving a large sum of money to the United States, by being 
a check over the Commissary, and obliging him to keep his 
accounts in such manner as to show an exact weight of all 
provisions received and issued, and not accounting for them 
by rations only, as is generally the case; for in the confused 
manner the orders were given for provisions, the Commis- 
sary’s accounts plainly prove they far exceed the quantity 
of provisions actually issued by a very large amount during 
the time there was no Commissary-General to superintend 
that department in Canada. Your memorialist now pre- 
sumes that department is quite regular, as it is under the 
care of the Commissary-General. 

That your memorialist continued to direct and superintend 
the other publick stores at Montreal, till the retreat of the 
Army from thence, and the stores were, by order of the 
Commanding Officer, issued to the Army for publick ser- 
vice. 

That hitherto your memorialist has had no rank, rate, or 
salary affixed to his said office, and has a very small account 
still unsettled. Prays to know where he is to be referred 
to for a settlement. 

That at present there is no superintendent Storekeeper of 
all the other garrison stores at Ticonderoga; and that your 
memorialist humbly conceives it is highly necessary such an 
officer should be appointed for that garrison and the Northern 
Army. 

Therefore, as your memorialist was concerned pretty large- 
ly in the Indzan trade at four different posts above Montreal, 
and was possessed of other property—land, trade, and deal- 
ings in the said Province—and has been obliged to abandon 
all upon the retreat of the Army from thence, finds himself, 
under these circumstances, necessitated to pray your Ho- 
nours will be pleased to confirm him in his appointment as 
Superintendent and Storekeeper for the Northern Army, or 
elsewhere, with such rank, rate, or salary, as your Honours 
shall judge proper. 

And your memorialist shall pray, &c. 


Geo. Measam. 
Philadelphia, August 25, 1776. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1158 


JAMES WORK TO WILLIAM ATLEE. 
Donegal, Pennsylvania, August 26, 1776. 

Str: I understand this morning that this man I here 
send you, William Davis, is one of the regular prisoners be- 
longing to the companies confined now in Lancaster. I just 
understand he has been working about this good while, and 
han’t been much in town. I understand he got in drink 
yesterday, and behaved ill; and as the most of our men are 
gone to the Army, the poor women and children are afraid 
to see such a man amongst them, and going at large these 
distressing times. So that whoever in town has the care 
and oversight of said prisoners, will take notice that this man 
by no means be permitted to come into this neighbourhood 
again, &c. 


From your humble servant, Jas. Work. 


To William Atlee, Esq., Chairman, or to whom it may con- 
cern. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, 
[Read August 28, 1776.] 
New-York, August 26, 1776. 


Sir: I have been duly honoured with your favours of the 
20th and 24th, and am happy to find my answer to Lord 
Drummond has met the approbation of Congress. What- 
ever his views were, most certainly his conduct respecting 
his parole is highly reprehensible. 

Since my letter of the 24th, almost the whole of the ene- 
my’s fleet have fallen down to the Narrows ; and from this 
circumstance, and the striking of their tents at their several 
encampments on Staten-Island from time to time previous to 
the departure of the ships from thence, we are led to think 
they mean to land the main body of their Army on Long- 
Island, and to make their grand push there. I have ordered 
over considerable reinforcements to our troops there, and shall 
continue to send more as circumstances may require. ‘There 
has been a little skirmishing and irregular firing kept up 
between their and our advanced guards, in which Colonel 
Martin, of the Jersey levies, has received a wound in his 
breast; which it is apprehended will prove mortal. A_pri- 
vate has had his leg broken by a cannon ball, and another 
has received a shot in the groin from their musketry.. This 
is all the damage they have yet done us; what they have 
sustained is not known. 

The shifting and changing the regiments have undergone 
of late, has prevented their making proper returns, and of 
course put it out of my power to transmit a general one of 
the Army. However, | believe our strength is much the 
same that it was when the last was made, with the addition 
of nine Militia regiments more from the State of Connecticut, 
averaging about three hundred and fifty men each. ‘These 
are nine of the fourteen regiments mentioned in my letter of 
19th. Our people still continue to be very sickly. 

The papers designed for the foreign troops have been put 
into several channels, in order that they might be conveyed 
to ’em; and from the information I had yesterday, | have 
reason to believe many have fallen into their hands. 

I have enclosed a copy of Lord Drummond’s second letter 
in answer to mine, which I received since I transmitted his 
first, and which I have thought necessary to lay before Con- 
gress, that they may possess the whole of the correspondence 
between us, and see how far he has exculpated himself from 
the charge alleged against him. The log-book he mentions 
to have sent Colonel Moylan, proves nothing in his favour: 
that shows he had been at Bermuda, and from thence to 
some other Island, and on his passage from which to this 
place, the vessel he was in was boarded by a pilot, who 
brought her into the Hook, where he found the British fleet, 
which his Lordship avers he did not expect were there, having 
understood their destination was to the southward. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most 


obedient servant, Go. WasHINGTON 


Sloop Polly, August 19, 1776. 
Sir: While attending in the boat on the 17th instant, I 
was favoured with yours of that date, and in answer to those 
points it seemed to allude to, I could then only return a 
verbal message by Mr. Tilghman, which I flatter myself 
would remove the suspicions you entertained. As my first 


1159 


motive for asking Lord Howe’s permission to land at New- 
York was to give me an opportunity of explaining myself 
to your Excellency on the subject of my parole in relation 
to my return to this place, so the hope I entertained of 
effecting it in this way made me perhaps too negligent in 
not saying anything on that subject in my letter to you. 
Aware, however, of the possibility of not being able to obtain 
an interview with your Excellency, I had taken the precau- 
tion to prepare a letter to Colonel Moylan on that subject, 
which L read to Mr. Tilghman on his delivering me that 
from your Excellency, but which I forbore delivering, as not 
thinking it sufficiently explicit. But should suspicions on 
any other point in the parole have arisen, I have only to beg 
that your Excellency will have the goodness to permit me 


to a personal interview, which will either afford me an op-' 


portunity of exculpating myself, or will place me in a situa- 
tion to suffer that treatment which must follow an infraction 
of parole. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and most 
humble servant, DrumMMonp. 


P.S. I enclose my letter to Colonel Moylan, which I 
have alluded to, together with the log-book. 


COURT-MARTIAL ON COLONEL ZEDTWITZ. 
Proceedings of a General Court-Martial of the Line, held at Head- Quarters, 
in the city of New-York, by order of His Excellency Gzorce W asuine- 
TON, Esq., General and Commander -in-Chief of the Forces of the UniTeD 
Srates or America, for the trial of Herman Zeprwitz, Lieutenant: 
Colonel in the Army of said States, Auaust 25, 1776. 


Brigadier-General James Wapswortu, President. 


Colonel John Bailey, 
. Colonel Smallwood, 
Colonel Haslett, 
Colonel Carey, 
Colonel Cook, Major Hayden, 
Lieut. Col. Sheppard, Major Sherman. 


Wm. Tudor, Judge-Advocate. 


The Court being duly sworn, proceeded to the trial of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Zedtwitz, brought prisoner before the 
Court, aud accused of “holding a treacherous correspond- 
ence with, and giving intelligence to, the enemies of the 
United States.” 

The prisoner being called upon to plead to said charge, 
moves the Court that he may be allowed time till to-morrow 
to plead and prepare for his defence. The Court grant the 
request of the prisoner, and the Court adjourned to Monday 
morning, 26th of August, at ten o'clock. 


Lieutenant-Colonel Johonnot, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Ware, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Bedford, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Beldin, 


August 26th.—The Court met according to adjournment, 
and proceeded to the trial of Lieutenant-Colonel Zedtwitz, 
adjourned from yesterday. 

The prisoner being arraigned on the aforementioned com- 
plaint, pleads not guilty. 

The Judge-Advocate laid before the Court the letter 
hereto annexed; which being shown to the prisoner, he 
concedes to be his handwriting; which letter is read to the 
Court, as follows:—(See the paper marked A.) 

Augustus Stein was sworn, and deposes as follows :— 
(See the Deposition marked B.) 

The evidence being gone through in support of the com- 
plaint, the prisoner is called upon to make his defence, and 
produces the paper marked C, which is read to the Court. 

The prisoner produced Brigadier Lord Strling as a witness, 
who, being sworn, deposes: 

Lord Srrrtinc. In the spring of the year, when the 
talk was of the Hessians coming out, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Zedtwitz told me that if he could be permitted to write or 
communicate with them by the authority of the General or 
the Congress, he could bring over a number of them. At 
my request he wrote a letter in Hess, which, he said, was on 
the subject, but I bad no translation of it, and no use was ever 
made of it. About a fortnight ago he said to me, well, they 
are now come, my Lord, and I will get my two thousand 
pounds which the English Government cheated him out of; 
and went on to tell me how, but I paid but little attention 
to the story. He never shew me any letter, nor pointed 
out any method he intended to take to obtain the two thou- 
sand pounds, nor have I ever exchanged a word with him 
since. | 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1160. 


The Court, being cleared, are of opinion that the prisoner . _ 


is guilty of concerting a plan, and attempting to treacherously 
correspond with, and give intelligence, to the enemy; and 
the Court sentence and adjudge that the prisoner be cashiered 
and rendered incapable, and he is hereby cashiered and 
rendered incapable of ever holding a commission in the ser- 
vice of the United American States. 

James Wapswortu, Brig. Gen., President. 


[A.] 
New-York, August the 24th, 1776. 

HonoraBte Sir: As I have not the honor to be aquainted 
with his Lordshipp, the Admiral How, I Therefore thake 
the Liberty to bag your Eccillency humly to Explain the 
contents of this broke English To the Admiral, wich I be- 
lieve will not be displeasing to his Lordshipp? By giving 
you this inteligence de World will ardenly Blame my carac- 
ter, by serving in an Armee and giving the Enemy Intelli- 
gence, but I apiel to your Eccellency, wich knows that I 
was Forced to accepd or to be a Ruined man, with my wile 
and Children, bysids this I baged your Eccellcy’s Councell 
& promised to do all in my power for his Majesty, as I luked 
on myself as a forced man of a Rebellion Mopp. 

Since I Came from Canada I should have done some Ser- 
vice ‘To your Armee, but one Forbuch and The Major was 
tharken, this Spoiled all my plans, Forbusch in his Trial said 
that your Eccellency ordered him to tell me if I will Eccute 
a certain Comission my fortune shall be made, the Cout 
asked If he has told me the Same he said no, because he 
was afraid I was to goeal a week, This Vilain had not the 
least Reson to tell any thing of, because nobody thoth of it 
and nobody asked him. from this moment I was Suspected ; 
They lucked Sharp after me, but 3 days Ego, gen. Washing- 
ton Send for me & If I would Translate a paper of great 
consequenc in god Hy german, I promised to do it, he Dic- 
tated himselff the Contents ar as follow. 

The Continental Congress promises Every men of the Hes- 
sien ‘T'rops wich Comes to this Armee 200 Akers of land and 
a Horse & a Kow, and if he has no mynd to Serve he Shall 
recieve the sam and go to thake possession of these planta- 
tions—only they must leave there Fireloks & Acoutremens 
wich will be payd For, bysieds a heape of Scourilious Ecpres- 
sions aiginst the Governement and the King & &. This paper 
was send to Philadelphia to be printed both in Englisch & 
german, and distributed in your Armee. 

The 20th of this I Found 4 Fellows at the generals House 
wich proposed to Spoil the Watering place, they brought 
along 14 Botles of Stof as Black as an Ink it was Tried and 
Found good as they. The gen: promised Every one £1000 
if it Stands 6 weeks, pleas to keep a good luk out. This is 
at present all I am abel with Truth to Write. 

The Last what I can Tell is: I found a gentelman wich 
is allways near the general and has the opportunity To See 
all the general Returns of the Strenght of the Armee, where 
and how Strong the detachments are Comanded he isa 
friend to his Majesty but an Interested one, he askd £4000 
Sterling in hard gold for delivering the Acurat state of the 
Armee as above ment: till the First of december Every week 
to me, the money must be paid before hand, and I must 
Swear an oath in case 1 Should be thaken and Even Ececu- 
ted, never to mention his name: I ‘Told him If he will accepd 
of half The sume, I will propos it, but I myself Can do 
nothing without orders, he agreed to it. I bag for an anwer 
in this case. beare of this | humbly bag to give Something, 
he is poor but ‘Truly atasched to his King, has served 9 years 
in Royale America, and Refused a Lieutenants comission. 

Trugh gen. Washington Recomendation I Ecpect every 
day my Comission as full Colonel and comander of the 3 
forts on the Nort River 65 miles from heer. this is given 
to me for a havy wound I Reiceved a the Storm of quebee, 
wich disables me from doing Field Service. 

Your Eccell: most obedient & humble Servant, 

H. Zeprwirz, Lt: 


‘oll. 


[ B. ] 

Wednesday, August 21st.—Colonel Zedtwitz came to 
the house of Captain Bawman, and, among other discourses, 
asked me whether I was engaged in theservice. I answered 
him, no. Upon which he observed, then I could go whither 
I pleased, and that he wanted much to speak to me. I 


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1161 


conjectured he had some writing to do for me with respect 
to the regiment. ) 

Thursday, 22d.—Said Zeditwitz called again, asking 
sundry questions, such as, whether I would not be glad to 
return to my native country, and what a person should com- 
mence to enrich himself. I told him I could not tell: that 
I was poor, but had always found a good living in the coun- 
try, or words to that purpose; on which he went out of the 
house in my company. Near the same he told me he should 
have liked to have communicated something to me, had 
Captain Bawnan not been in the way—asking, on my cross- 
ing the street to part with him, whether I would be silent; 
and answering him with yes, he said, for the rest let me 
alone, I shall be the making of your fortune. I answered, 
I would wait on him at his house; but received for answer, 
that would not do; and we parted. 

Friday, 23d.—He sent a man for me to wait on him in 
the camp; when, after entering the tent, he told me that he 
must divulge what he had to say shortly; which was, that 
he believed we were all lost. I answered that this was my 
opinion also. That he wanted me to go to Long-Island with 
a letter to Governour Tryon; that he had intelligence from 
him by the means of a woman; that he would strongly 
recommend me to the Governour, and that I should receive 
part of the reward at my arrival, and whether I was ready 
to set off the next day. I answered yes; and Saturday, the 
24th, he accordingly called on me, but having no opportu- 
nity, as I supposed, to deliver his letter, Captain Bauman 
being present, he looked at me, and I give him the wink, 
that I would see him in the camp, which I did, as near as 
I can guess, about one o’clock, when he delivered me the 
letter directed to Governour Tryon, now before the Court, 
and desired me to deliver it to Governour Tryon, which I 
promised to do. 


N. B. I suspected him already on Thursday, the 22d, 
which caused me to give him the foregoing answers, in order 
to discover his plan. Aveustus STEIN. 


The Deponent adds: I took the letter. I went immedi- 
ately to Captain Bowman’s house, and broke the letter open 
and read it. Soon after, Captain Bowman came in, and I 
told him I had something to communicate to the General. 
We sent to Captain Hamilton, and he went to the General’s, 
to whom the letter was delivered. 

uestion. Is the letter which has now been read the letter 
delivered you by the prisoner? 

Answer. It is the same. 


—_ 


[C.] 
Self-defence of Lieutenant-Colonel Zeptwirz. 


In the Jast war I was detached from the King of Prussta’s 
grand Army as Captain of a squadron of Light-Horse to join 
the English Cavalry. The Marquis of Granby was my 
commander. Ina short time he was so pleased with my 
behaviour, that I dined every day at table with him. In 
five months I received orders to join my regiment. When I 
parted with my Lord Granby, he said if I lived longer he 
would promote me in the English Army. I thanked him, 
and said I was unfit for the English service on-account of the 
tongue. I heard nothing more of him till when the disputes 
between England and Spain about the Falkland Islands 
began. He wrote me a letter to Germany, contracting to 
inlist one thousand Riflemen, fully equipped and fit for ser- 
vice, for which he would pay me £24 sterling per man. 
He gave immediate orders to inlist twenty of them, and trans- 
port them myself to England, and if they answered the end, 
1 should be full Colonel of the regiment, and my advance 
money should be paid immediately, and the rest of the whole 
payment should be paid at the same time in letters of credit 
in Hanover. I marched off with my recruits to London. 
They were tried and approved of. I delivered the Marquis 
my accounts, but, to my misfortune, after nine or ten days he 
died. I applied to his father the Duke of Rutland. He 
gave me an indifferent answer, and said he had no business 
with his son’s military affairs. I went to General Conway, 
who served with me in Germany as Colonel of a regiment 
of Dragoons. He went with me to Lord North for my mo- 
ney, but my Lord told us he knew well that I advanced this 
mouey, and as soon as the papers were found I should be 
paid; if not found, I must wait till next meeting of Parlia- 
ment. Isent my men, upon my own expense, home ; because 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1162 


the English had settled the difference with Spain. I then 
came with my wife and family to America. Lord North 
gave me (perhaps for my money) two good letters of recom- 
mendation, one to Quebeck to General Carleton, the other 
to Governour Tryon. This is the cruel fate to be ruined by 
an English Government for having done it all the service in 
my power. 

After two years residing here, the dispute between Eng- 
land and America began. I was one of the first that en- 
tered the service as a Major, and thought to study how to 
get my money which was robbed from me, and pay my debts 
which I was obliged to contract in this service. About three 
weeks ago I went to Lord Stirling, and told him of my loss 
in England, and told him further that I bad formed a plan 
to get it again at all events. His Lordship answered, that it 
would be a difficult matter. After this, | wrote the letter 
now in the possession of the Court, and stood it to write to 
Governour Tryon such stories as he might believe, without 
any intention on my part of performing. 

Ist. My plan and meaning when I wrote about “spoiling 
the waters,” was a mere fallacy to deceive them, as | knew 
it impossible, as the waters of the city are daily guarded. 

2d. What I wrote about Forbes, my intent was to make 
the Governour believe that he might expect great service 
from me. 

3d. For telling the Governour about sending £2,000 
sterling, my meaning was to take that money for myself as 
my property, and showing the answer to the letter to your 
Excellency, and sending a receipt back again. 

4th. I said in my letter that [ wrote a plan to draw the 
Hessians over to us. I never would have done it. That they 
(the enemy) must have been long since informed of it, and 
particularly as the orders have been given in publick to me, 
which was in a very short time all over the city. 

5th. For writing the Governour that I expected to be 
commander of the forts up the North River was done on 
purpose, because, had the Governour dined with me, instead 
of delivering him the forts, should have informed your Ex- 
cellency, and confined the Governour. 

H. Zeptwirz, Lieutenant- Colonel. 


MAJOR HENLEY TO GENERAL HEATH. 

New-York, August 26, 1776. 
Dear Sir: It would afford me the highest pleasure could 
I, consistent with my own reason for my country’s service, 
conform to your letter Major Keith has just delivered me. 
But (as Colonel Knox is pleased to do me the honour to say 
that he cannot nor will not be answerable for the conduct 
of his regiment in case I leave him before the action— 
that I should be ungenerous to him and unjust to myself,) 
I am sorry cases are so circumstanced as occasions me to 
beg you'll be pleased to appoint some person to take my 
place ; at the same time do assure you I shall ever think my- 
self under the greatest obligations to you; and am, with all 

respect, your most obliged, humble servant, 
Tuomas Henry. 


To Major-General Heath, King’s Bridge. 


P. S. I cannot seal this without praying you'll put the 
most favourable constructions on my conduct. My situation 
is exceedingly delicate. 


Yours, as above, Tuomas Henty. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED AUGUST 26, 
1776. 


Skirmishing continues, but little execution done on either 
side. A Lieutenant and four of our men were taken pri- 
soners, being deceived by the enemy’s rifle-shirts, and mis- 
taking them for our men. 

On Saturday a letter was discovered which was written 
by Lieutenant-Colonel Zedtwitz to Tryon. He says, that 
having consulted him, he had accepted a commission through 
necessity, and now commands part of the Rebel mob; that 
the discovery of Forbes and the Mayor had like to have 
ruined his scheme; that he had been at General Washing- 
ton’s, who wanted him to transcribe an advertisement, to be 
distributed among the Hessians, the purport of which was, 
that he would give each deserter among them, if they would 
join our Army, two hundred acres of land, a horse and a cow, 
and the land only if they did not join our Army; that a per- 


1165 


son at Head-Quarters could be prevailed on to give a weekly 
return of the number and state of our Army for £4,000 in 
hard money, and he was not to be discovered even if Zedt- 
witz lost his life in the scheme; that he said he did not 
think £4,000 would be given, but he would promise him 
£2,000; that he (Zedtwitz) was now Lieutenant-Colonel, 
but daily expected a full commission, when he was to go and 
have the command of the forts up the North River, &c. 
He was tried this morning, and confessed the writing; said 
he did it to deceive Tryon, and get some money which was 
due to him from the Crown for services performed in Ger- 
many. Sentence is not pronounced. 

Our people at Eizabeth-Town and the enemy on sStaten- 
Island cannonaded each other yesterday afternoon, without 
doing any damage except disturbing the congregation. 


New-York, Monday, August 26, 1776. 

Tuesday last two of our privateers, commanded by the 
Captains Rogers and Pond, fell in with three vessels from 
Halifax, and took them; the first and second loaded with 
hay and wood, a third loaded with Sutler’s stores for the 
Army at Staten-Island. They also took a fourth prize, 
loaded with oil, bound for Halifax; that are all carried 
safe into port. 

Wednesday evening last we had here as violent a thunder 
gust as has been remembered by the oldest man now living 
amongst us. The lightning struck a markee in General 
McDougall’s camp, near the Bull’s Head in the Bowery, 
and instantly killed Captain Van Wyck and his two Lieu- 
tenants, Versereauand Depyster. A soldier named Ephraim 
Bartlet was also killed in the house of Mr. Joseph Hallet, 
in Hanover Square, and several others much hurt. We 
also hear four men were killed on Long-Island, and some 
houses and barns burnt near Tappan. 

Tuesday last a number of ships, with troops on board, 
sailed from Staten-Jsland out of the Narrows; next day they 
were followed by many more, and about ten o’clock Thurs- 
day morning about ten thousand men landed between New- 
Utrecht and Gravesend, on Long-Island. Friday a party 
of them came and took possession of Yatbush, which im- 
mediately brought on a very heavy fire from our troops, who 
are advantageously posted in the woods and on every emi- 
nence round that place. j 

An advanced party of the Regulars are encamped a little 
to the northwest of flatbush Church, and have a battery 
somewhat to the westward of Mr. Jeremiah Vanderbilt’s, 
from whence they continue to fire briskly on our people, 
who often approach and discharge their rifles within two 
hundred yards of their works. We have had only four men 
wounded since the enemy landed; but we are certain many 
of them fell; one, a Hessian, was killed last Friday—seve- 
ral dollars were found in his pocket, and he had an excellent 
rifle; and many of the Regulars are in rifle dresses. 


PETITION OF GEORGE HARRIS, 


To the Honourable Convention of the State of New-York, 
now sitting at Haervem, in the County of New-York: 


The Petition of Georce Harris most humbly showeth : 


That your petitioner has lived in Rye, in the County of 
Westchester, these fourteen years last past, in the capacity 
of a schoolmaster, during which term in that toilsome occu- 
pation he acquired a small estate, between five and six hun- 
dred pounds in value, and that with the approbation of his 
employers, till the unhappy dispute commenced between 
the Colonies and Great Britain. The cause of the former 
being warmly espoused by him, and arguments in support 
of the liberties of America strenuously maintained against 
his neighbours, in hopes that their minds would be turned so 
as to set a true estimate on the great and valuable blessings 
of freedom they enjoyed in this once most happy and gene- 
rous land, that was the receptacle of the industrious poor 
emigrating from subjugated countries where slavery and 
poverty was entailed on them and their posterity—the 
people of Rye, being wholly devoted to the interest of the 
Crown, shut their eyes and ears against reason and know- 
ledge, and every day grew more and more disgusted with 
your petitioner on account of his political principles, till at 
last a scheme was set afoot to effect his ruin, which was 
thus: On the 27th day of July last past your petitioner was, 
in the night, robbed of a silver watch and four dollars in 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1164 


cash by a person whom he thinks and takes to be Izariah 
Wetmore, of Rye, whose father was competitor with your 
petitioner for the school, and did what he could to injure him 
in his business. "The next day a certain Mrs. Budd, who 
keeps a disorderly and base tavern in Rye, whose husband 
is a man of ill fame and now in arms against his country 
with the British forces near New-York, entered a complaint 
against your petitioner, saying that she found his watch near 
her bed, or in her house, and that he opened her window to 
disturb her; upon which your petitioner was committed to 
jail without being examined by any magistrate; upon which 
the people of Rye, or some of them who favoured the school- 
master, (Wetmore,) broke open the school-house that I occu- 
pied so many years, in which at that time was upwards of 
one hundred and forty-four pounds in cash, of which they 
have robbed your petitioner to the amount of more than 
twenty-six pounds, which he can get no account of. After 
a confinement of almost three weeks, your petitioner was 
enlarged, upon his verbal promise of giving security to appear 
when called upon. ‘T'wo days after your petitioner was let 
out of jail, he deposited into the hands of John Thomas, Esq., 
bonds, exceeding the sum of three hundred pounds, to appear 
as above. Now he is out of business, and the fruits of his 
long and steady labour wasting amazingly, as it hath been 
this month past, his school taken away, and the school-house 
denied him by James Wetmore, the brother of that arch-Tory 
or enemy to his country, T%mothy Wetmore, who has and 
does yet keep up the spirit of toryism in Rye, he being their 
grand Moloch whom they adore and worship, and, indeed, 
who justly has deserved to have been removed before now to 
some distant place, where his influence would not reach or 
be able to debase the people with his pernicious doctrines 
which he is so fond of inculcating daily, though he now 
might spare himself the trouble of further preaching, as he 
has so well grounded the whole neighhourhood in_princi- 
ples most inimical to American freedom and liberty. Your 
petitioner having given a true and faithful narrative of his 
grievous and unfortunate case, and he being very near-sight- 
ed, and now in years advanced, having for a series of years 
served to the utmost of his power that base people of Rye, 
who after his services seek his ruin unmerited, prays you, in 
your wisdom, tenderness, and compassion, to take his deplo- 
rable case into your consideration, and grant him relief, as 
his destruction is sought by persons that are as great enemies 
to the State of New-York as the forces under the command 
of Lord Howe, and as he alone is the person who is a real 
friend to America in the foolish and simple town of Rye. 
The relief your petitioner prays 1s, that your Honours will 
grant him a line to John Thomas, Esq., ordering that his 
bonds and watch may be delivered to him, which would 
enable him to prosecute those that have robbed him and 
recover his money. Should your Honours think proper at 
any time to call upon your petitioner to answer the charge 
of that vile woman Mrs. Budd, (whose house is only fre- 
quented by persons that discourse about the hanging the 
leading gentlemen that stand gloriously for their country, 
and the straggling or strolling persons that fall in her way, 
who can be entertained till debauched to the last degree,) 
he will directly obey and attend, as well as he did perform 
his promise to Mr. Thomas two days after being out of pri- 
son, when he might go away with his substance where he 
pleased ; but his character being so well established for pro- 
bity, and his innocence such that he could not harbour the 
most distant thought of running away, which, were he to do, 
his enemies would be the most rejoiced. The said Timothy 
Wetmore purposes to prosecute your petitioner as soon as 
the day is carried by Great Britain, which he thinks is now 
at the eve, for being, as he supposes, the author of a letter 
written against him and his principles, and publickly read at 
the White Plains last spring in the midst of a concourse of 
people. These are the causes of malice and rancour against 
your petitioner, who hopes to be relieved by your honourable 
House; and, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c. 


Georce Harris. 
Haerlem, August 26, 1776. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Albany, August 26, 1776. 
Dear Sir: [am honoured with your Excellency’s favour 
of the 21st instant, enclosing Colonel Stark’s letter to Gene- 
ral Gates. 


1165 


On the 16th instant I wrote to Congress, desiring that the 
money to be allowed for rations in this department might be 
determined; that I had refused to do it until ordered by your 
Excellency or by Congress, and gave my reasons for it. I 
have not yet been honoured with their answer. I was per- 
fectly right in my conjecture that if I did it I should either 
incur the censure of Congress or the blame of the Army. 
The latter would have happened, for I should not have esti- 

-mated a ration so high as the Field-Officers and the Com- 
missary have done, conceiving that it may be furnished at a 
rate considerably less. 

The sail-cloth and part of the cordage from Connecticut 
passed this yesterday, on its way to Tyconderoga. Colonel 
Nicolson’s and Colonel Elmore’s regiments (copies of whose 
returns [ enclose) are to march to-day into Tryon County. 

As by our latest accounts the enemy are not constructing 
any vessels of force at St. John’s, I begin to apprehend that 
they build batteaus merely to amuse us, as they can easily 
convey them into the St. Lawrence to transport troops, &c., 
to the westward, and that they will attempt, as the Indians 
suggest, to penetrate by the way of Oswego. I have order- 
ed scouts to be kept out continually towards that place, and 
also towards Oswegatchie, and have desired General Gates 
to send others to that part of the St. Lawrence above Mon- 
treal, that we may have the earliest intelligence if any troops 
should be filing off to the westward. 

We are greatly distressed for musket ball and cartridge 
paper, that lately come up being all for cannon cartridges. 
Please to order up what can be spared from your quarter, 
as also forty horn-lanterns, and what bullet-moulds can be 
procured. 

Euclose your Excellency copy of a return of our Naval 
force, which, since the date of that return, is, I believe, aug- 
mented with three stout galleys, of seventy-three feet keel, 
and one or more gondolas. 

General Gates has promised me a return of the Army, 
and in the mean time has sent me the Commissary’s return 
of issues, copy of which I enclose. General Gates advises 
me, that since the 13th about three hundred Massachusetts 
Militia have joined, and that there are between twelve and 
fifteen hundred Connecticut Militia at Skenesborough, and 
the Sixth Battalion of Pennsylvanians at Crown-Point ; and 
that those are not included in the return. 

I am, dear sir, with every respectful sentiment, your Ex- 
cellency’s most obedient, humble servant, 

Pu. ScHUYLER. 
To His Excellency General Washington. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Tyonderoga, August 26, 1776. 
Dear Generat: Enclosed you will find some letters that 
were brought to me yesterday by three inhabitants from Mr. 
Gilliland’s, thirty-four miles north from Crown-Point, upon 
the west side of the Lake. An inhabitant, with his family, 
who were taken from their plantation by the Indians about 
a month ago, and carried to St. John’s, was released from 
thence by order of General Carleton, and had a canoe given 
him to return home, and the within letters put into his hands ; 
he delivered them to the men who brought them to me, as 
they were going into New-England to fetch their families, 


and he wanted to go home with his, to look after his cattle 


and plantation. He told Gilliland that he had it in com- 
mand from General Burgoyne to assure the inhabitants upon 
- both sides of the Lake that they should not for the future be 
molested; that they might all continue to live peaceably upon 
their farms, and recommended it to all those who had fled 
to return, 

The enclosed letters are all (General Thompson’s ex- 
cepted) wrote in so extraordinary a style and manner, that 
TY think the authors must be either suborned by the enemy, 
or the letters themselves a forgery; for I can no other way 
account for officers writing such letters. They ought to be 
sent without delay to Congress, which no doubt you will 
immediately do. When I inquired of the messengers what the 
inhabitant who brought the letters to Gilliland’s said of the 
strenuth and proceedings of the enemy, they informed me he 
had told them that the enemy were straining every nerve to 
come and attack us; that they had large boats, or gondolas, 
which carried each a brass twenty-four-pounder, and that 
they made no doubt of being an overmatch for us upon the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1166 


Lake. 'The messengers were to all appearances very undis~ 
cerning, ignorant men, and could give me no further intelli- 
gence worth communicating. They seemed happy at being 
assured the inhabitants were not to be molested, and anxious 
to set off to fetch their wives and family, and to replace them 
upon their farms. They say it will be more than a fort- 
night before they can get back here in their way home. By 
that time [ may know the determination of Congress about 
them. 

I am astonished at not receiving the musket-cartridge 
paper, which I wrote for so repeatedly and so long ago. I 
desire you will spare neither pains nor cost to send it here. 
Grindstones are also excessively in request; we have not 
one left fit to grind an axe. One hundred reams of musket 
cartridge paper is as little as should be sent immediately. 
By a letter this moment received from General Waterbury, 
I am informed that the ship-carpenters fall sick so fast at 
Skenesborough that the vessels are much retarded. I shall 
pick up all I can from the troops here, and send them with- 
out delay to Skenesborough. ‘The day before yesterday I 
despatched twelve. General Arnold sailed with ten of the 
fleet yesterday morning from Crown-Point. <A sloop and a 
gondola will follow from hence to-morrow. In ny last I 
enclosed you a victualling return and the Commissary’s 
return of provisions at this post; those from Lake George 
and Skenesborough should be every week sent you from 
those posts. I cannot think there will be any attack made 
upon the side of the Mohawk River, as your Indian intelli- 
gence declares. Depend upon it, the blow, when it falls, 
will fall here. Very few of the Militia have arrived here 
since my last. I understand two of the Continental regi- 
ments from Boston are between Number Four and Skenes- 
borough. 'T'wo of the Connecticut regiments of Militia are 
got to that post, and the last two regiments of Massachusetts 
Militia are, | am told, upon their march up. A very cor- 
rect general return is preparing, but cannot be finished to go 
by this conveyance. | am just now told that the two Con- 
tinental regiments are stopped by your order on their march 
from Number Four hither. As I am assured by the autho- 
rity of the Massachusetts Government that they were per- 
fectly cleansed at Boston from all infection, after inoculation, 
I have ordered them to march here without delay; for not- 
withstanding the number victualled, we want men. More 
than one-half that eat do not act. The sick, the lame, and 
lazy, you well know, make an unreasonable proportion in 
our Army. 

August 27th.—The excessive bad weather yesterday 
obliged me to delay this despatch until this morning, which 
has given time to send you the enclosed general return. As 
I have not frequently a convenient opportunity to forward 
letters to his Excellency General Washington and the most 
honourable the Congress, I take it for granted you imme- 
diately send all those with the returns I send you, or exact 
copies thereof, to the General, who, [ am certain, will directly 
transmit them to Mr. Hancock. 

The bearer and his companion are sent from Dartmouth 
College upon business that materially concerns that Semi- 
nary. You will give them your attention, and such answer 
to their requests as you shall think for the publick interest. 


J am, dear General, &c. 
? 2 ’ Horatio Gates. 


Quebeck Harbour, August 5, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Through the great humanity of his Excel- 
lency General Carleton, all the prisoners in Canada are 
allowed to return to the Colonies on their parole, and will 
embark for New-York this day or to-morrow. If you can 
obtain leave of the commanding officer, I would be glad you 
would meet me at New-York, with my papers, that I may 
get all my accounts settled on my arrival there. You'll 
please to take the first opportunity of writing to Mr. Biddle, 
and inform him of our having obtained liberty to return home ; 
and request him to acquaint our friends at Carlisle, by _ 
express, if the post does not immediately set out after the 
receipt of your letter. If you cannot be permitted to go 
down to New- York, please to send my horses by some careful 
person, and give him directions to take Dr. McKenzie’s horse 
from Captain Van Buren’s. The Doctor will pay the keeping 
of him to any person Van Buren sends his account to, at 
New- York. 

The gentlemen with me are all well. My best compli- 


1167 


ments wait on my friends at your camp; and am, dear Major, 


‘our affectionate, humble servant 
J ‘ ? y Wa. TxHompson. 


Montreal August 14th, 1776. 

Dear Sir. I am permitted by his Excellency which I 
did not expect to optain to inform you that I am well as 
are the other hostages that are with me. 

I am much surprised to hear that the Congress instead of 
redeeming us according to the cartail have not only refused 
to do it but have demanded Captain Forster to be delivered 
up to answer his conduct in what they are pleased to term 
the massacree of the Ceadars. I would fain flatter myself that 
the Congress would, never have thought of such unheard of 
proceedings, had they not had a false representation of the 
matter. Do not think Iam under any constraint when I 
say and call that God who must judge of the truth to wit- 
ness that not a man living could have used more humanity 
than Capt. Forster did after the surrender of the party I 
belonged to, and whoever says to the contrary, let his station 
in life be what it will he’s an enemy to peace and a fala- 
cious disturber of mankind. 

What reason they can give for not redeeming us I can not 
conceive if they are wrongly informed that the affair of 
the Ceadars was a massacree why dont they rather fulfill the 
cartail than let their hostages remain in the hands of a mer- 
ciless enemy ; or do they regard their troops only while the 
Heavens make them victorious. Were we in the hands of a 
rigorous power (as they would intemate) have they not 
every colour of justice, after so enormious a breach of faith 
loadened with chains, to cast us into some horred place and 
tell us to languish out our days under a sentance past by our 
own people. If they say there is some hidden reason in the 
system of politics, why we should not be redeemed, I 
answer that it is a hidden reason far beyond the reach of 
policy to find out. For could they suppose it policy to 
distress his Majesty’s troops by retaining such a number of 
men, from them it would not only be the breach of their 
faith that would threaten them for consider the number of 
prisoners already in the bands of the British Army, and also 
consider the chance of war that may yet throw greater 
numbers into their hands; and will people rest content 
when they find their own rulers willing to let them remain 
prisoners in the hands of what themselves term (tho’ 
unjustly) a merciless people? or will they not, fired with 
resentment for such inhumane treatment, take arms to sup- 
press the power that regards them no longer than while their 
blood is spilling in their service. If this which appears too 
probable should happen, consider whether those persons 
will not be followed by a number of their friends. which must 
naturelly make a great devision in the Colonies then take a 
view of Great Britain and her allies pouring on you and 
let the most sanguine expecter of America then judge how 
long the Colonies then divided can stand the fury of the 
combat. I know your influence has been great and for that 
reason have wrote that you may if possiable yet prevent 
America from being branded with the name of injustice. 

If you suspect I write this for the sake of getting my own 
liberty your suspicion wrongs me ’tis not my own confine- 
ment but the breach of a treaty (which even Savages have 
ever held sacred) that causes me to write. 

You'll be so kind as to convey the enclosed to my wife 
and if ever I had so much of your love as to demand any 
favor of you let this be the time that I may implore your 
assistance for my distressed wife & helpless orphan’s, may 
God grant that | may once more see them, till when, I am 


our aftectionate brother 
y ? EBEN. SULLIVAN. 


The Hon. General John Sullivan at Dover, Colony of New- 


Hampshire, near Portsmouth. 


Montreal August 14th, 1776. 


Dear Sir, I am permitted by General Burgoine once 
more to writ, & I embrace it with a worde or two to a 
friend, not to me only, but to y® whole world of mankind, 
and as such and as a brother let me writ, we y* are 
hostages here for y® fulfilling of a cartail made y® 28th of 
May between Captain Foster & Genll Arnold, have 
heard yt y® Congress are determind in no wise to fulfill; 
y® reasons they have for not doing it; is known perhaps 
to none but God and themselves, Perhaps they say Cap- 
tain foster has broak it on his side, as I have heard our 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1168 


people were fired upon by y® Savages, & y‘ those people 
were plundered y‘ surrendered (by y® Savages) contrary 
to y® capitulation made by Capt. Foster & Major Butter- 
field; allowing it to be; was it in Capt. Foster's power 
with about 20 men of his own to stop or in y® least to hinder 
y® outrages of above three hundred Savages; No! neither 
do I conceive with what propriety that they have made a 
demand of Capt. Foster & his com"’, ‘They may as well 
demand y®sun from y° firmament; it is not my friend and 
brother because I am here a prisoner, & am keapt from 
my family & friends y' I write thus; no such thing, | am 
with a humain, kind benevolent people. But where oh, 
where is y® justness of the case, as I said before, unless 
they have some reasons in the cystem of pollicy unknown 
to all worlds except God & themselves; none knows y® for- 
tune of war; We have now a large number of prisoners in 
their hands; methinks I foresee nothing but misery & de- 
struction attending such a people who pay no more respect 
to sacred contracts; in y® most heathenest parts of y® globe 
have they not been most punctually fullfilled; & shall we 
who call ourselves Christians be less careful; forbid it Hea- 
ven; your influence over the people at Concord as well as 
elswhere I know is great, I therefore as a prisoner earnestly 
desire you would use your utmost endeavours towards y® ex- 
change of prisoners; if the Congress exchanges prisoners it 
may go well; if not it may prove their fatal overthrow ; who- 
ver supposes Capt. Foster to be blameworthy & not to have 
done his utmost to rescue all y! fell into the hands of the 
Savages; their suppossitions are groundless, & he blameless. 
For I know not how soon I may be called out of time into 
eternity, he behaved as an officer, as a Christian. I must 
leave you dear sir, not doubting but you have been for a 
long time in y® armes of his love before whom we must shortly 
appear, & to whom I earnestly beg your prayers for me & my 
dear family, y' we may each one of us be found att his coming 
not haveing on our own but his righteousness. | am your 


friend & brother. Turo. Buss. 


To the Revd. William Emerson, att Concord, near Boston. 


P. S. Duty & love where due. All communication be- 
tween armes this way is stopt, so to here from you at present, 
I can’t expect. Excuse y® freedom of this; a gentleman 
from Quebeck tells me our brother & family are all well & 
have had the small-pox. Tie 


Montreal August 14th 1776. 


To Col. Israel Morey, at Orford, New-Hampshire, in the 
County of Grafton. 


Dear Sir: I have leave by his Exelency to right to my 
friends, which I take as a grate favor, to inform you that I 
am at present well and have ben yused so ever since I have 
ben a prisnor. I am informd that the Congrass dus Refuse 
to Fulfil the Cartail Made Betwene Capt. Foster and Gen. 
Arnel, which I was left as one of hostedgges of that preform- 
mence, are sold to our Enemies and Lie intieley to thair 


' marcy, to deel with me so and the orther 3 gentelmen as 


thay think propper, the Congrass make a handel, I hear, 
that Capt. Foster aloude the Indeim to masacree after thay 
had taken us; But he Did Not, he saved nombers of lives 
to my sartain knowledge, and the Indein carred of 13 men 
to thare homes. Capt. Foster bought ten at 16 Dollers 
apece not long sence. I cant form a idee which shuld the 
reson the Congrass can give, why thay did not fulfil the 
Cartail, they cant but know that twas a seacred thing made . 
by one of thare Genl. Officers. and think all Nation must 
condem it, for in old times, the hethen loock on Cartail to be 
biden. The Colonys cant expect that the kings troops will 
lay aney constrant on the Indein aney longer, when thay 
wont fulful sacret contrats. But I resine not without resent- 
ment, to my hard fate as Joseph did when his brotheren sold 
him into Kgypt. When I shall return god only knows: 
remember me to all frends fairwell. 
Exsep Greene. 


N. B. My complement to Mrs. Rogers and his family. 
and Majr Child and family. EK. G. 
PAROLE OF AMERICAN PRISONERS TO GENERAL CARLETON. 
We, whose names are underwritten, do hereby solemnly 
promise and engage to his Excellency General Carleton not 
to say or to do anything against his Majesty’s person and 


1169 


Government, and to repair, whenever required so to do, 
wherever his Excellency, or any other his Majesty’s Com- 
mander-in-Chief in America, shall please to direct. 
timony whereof, we have hereunto set our names, at Quebeck, 


this 9th day of A 


Men’s names. 


Matthew Butler..... 


Judiah Marsh 
Asa Ladd 
Samuel Merry 
John James..... br 
Daniel Warner 
Daniel Romack 
Moses Head 
Samuel Lowell ..... 
John Bigford..... oe 
Daniel Beeman 
Ezekiel Johnston ... 
David Valleau...... 
George Farrell...... 
Jacob Edmonds 
Jacob Bennet 


John White 


William King...... 
John Lloyd 
Peter Gossper 
Thomas Hamilton .. 
Isaac Doat 

John Castie 
Frederick Bamston.. 
Samuel Burke 
William Vaughan... 
Thomas Howell 
Hugh Thompson 
Francis Harbison 
Robert Creghead.... 
Benj. Bartholomew. . 
Andrew Byers 


John Clendinin 


Benjamin Flach..... 
Edward Cottor...... 
Moses McCurdy.... 
Jacob Lambert 
Belen LAOS ann ons og 
Abraham Chapman.. 


Samuel Wood 


John Johnston 
Casper Driver 
George Taylor...... 
John Hoffenberger .. 
Thomas Nilson 
George Miller 
Samuel Overhulsur.. 
Christopher Whoe.. 


Edward Pritchard... 


see eee 
ee eee ew eee 


see eens 


ee 


eee er eee 
eeeeee 


eeeeer 


weeee 


eeeee 


Richard Simpson.... 
Joseph Smith 
Solomon Isaacs..... 
Robert Quill........ 
William Westwood . 
John Wilkes 


eee eeee 


James Henderson... 
Peter Haus......... 
John Wickhanham.. 
Michael Williams... 
Pierre Millere 


seeee 


Richard Branin 
John Davison 
John Reil 


sees 
see eees 
ween ewww 
sewer eee 


eee eae 


Patrick McGlaughlin 
Isaac Martin........ 
Samuel Hughes 
. John Motong....... 
Thomas Curren..... 
George Hudson..... 
Felix McElhenan.... 
Lowry Mealy...... 
Abraham Boyd...... 
Robert Agnew...... 
John Connolly...... 
Robert dsee’. «sede « 
Merory eco... 22. on 
Patrick Lamb 
Thomas Pratt 
John Curren........ 
Robert Hazlett 
Weal'Harlin <. 4.55... 
Edward Demy 
John Hogseed...... 
James Dixon........ 
Terrey Dawson..... 
William Docherty... 
Hugh McClean..... 


Thomas Johnston... 


see ewes 


eee ewe 


eee eee 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1 


ugust, 1776. 


In tes- 


Men’s names. 


Thomas Davis...... 


Thomas Haron... 
Patrick Dyer...... 


John Cooe 


-Connaught... 


John Somervell......|..0+.- 0s dxeb 
var Daviseere ced ls clve'e.. Obs. < «1's 
Thomas Mitchell....|,..... COewtaete 
Matthew Lamont...|Kentire, Scotl’d 
John Burns.........|Munster....... 
William Wilson... ./Ulster......... 
John Armagh......./...... ' Cara 
James Kennedy.....|..++«> dO ssteni> « 
Ohanles Kane; «cininsloadlsena.e Oe gave ae 
William Campbell...|...... do. ..6e. 
Patrick Doyle.......|.. dole sAOs\e bios 
Michael McConnell..|...... Ob swe « 
John Grimes........ Connaught... 

Patt Hays........../Munster...... 
Adan Rex....... --.|Mass. Bay..... 
John Penton........|West Jersey... 


Henry Moses 


George Kilpatrick... 


George Butler 
Francis Paine 


Samuel Hubbard.... 


John Farrow... 
Samuel Seaban 
Jabez Rogers 
Jos. Martin 


Henry Weaver..... 


Felix Mellon........ 
William Haleddy.... 


John Dagley........ 


Sam Finharty 
Jonn Brannan 


eevee 


Daniel McCornall... 
Michael Whelon.... 


Hugh Sweney 
William Boyd 
Samuel Heslet 


Simon Hynn........ 


Michael Barker 
John Doore 


eoee 


ee eeeseoe 


Humph. Richardson. 
Leonard Metcalfe... . 
Alexander Thomas. . 


cece 
Benjamin Wiggins .. 


Thomas Foster...... 


William McQuown.. 


see eer eee 


Ephraim Damely.... 


Pennsylvania .. 
Ulster.cs sisenles 
Old England... 
Mass. Bay..... 


eee ee UOe ec eeae 


Connecticut.... 
Old England.. 


Rhode-Island..|Bristol........ 
York ie8asos0. New Salem.... 
East Jersey....|Morris Town.. 
Pennsylvania ..|Lancaster ..... 
ataleterare Ae ec seoONERIC gee c's 
SO ADE do......|Philadelphia... 
ae Ger AO sicieteiy + RUOLK cre) thon sts: « 
UWlsterca tempers | VGONE sss letsicgs « 
IG OG t Ow aetetete| LICLIYs series 2 < 
Munster....... Waterford... 
Teinsters. + sfau.e Kildare 

ae He OES | Queens cs 
Ulletersatstecies. Cawvaltysiisrae clots 
TeGMmSteraeicre/<e.s Queen’s....e.. 
Wilstercerdetenta sna WOCTUV seta ets stores 
Se doles CulA ntemse0 cia 
bShos: Wlhgoaee Denys os ics fer 
AVLUTISGOI ve scoters «| COT «cies eiee <i 
Ulster..... ..../Monaghan..... 
Munster....... Waterford..... 


.|Middlesex..... 


776. 
Province. County. 
Ulaters os'as's 4 Downii e455 
-|Munster....... Waterford..... 
sLIiyr ss caeeia als Sligo. 
Grayboure; left 

Down... +49. al Cunebeuie 
Farmanagh. .. .|Enniskillen. 

yrone .,.....|Cookstown. 
CITY .cxceeee Hurryfree. 
tte ee ee ceeeees Left at Quebeck. 
Limerick...... Rickale. 
OUIN ws ag st « Ballimanagh. 
Donegal....... Blanket Neck. 
Armagh....... Acton. 
ARIEL 5 0.6 sssiein Ballamoney. 
Londonderry . .|Macrath. 
Down.........|Loughindoin. 
Doneégal,.:<. > Raphoe. 

7 Galway; left at 
Galway..... Quchuck, 
Corti. 28 205% Cork. 

Boston svar optwas Boston. 
Gloucester... . .|Swedesborough. 
Lancaster... .. .|Heidleburgh. 
Down.........|Ballinahinch,. 
HSB OX tals reid « Walthamston. 
Worcester..... Worcester. 
Berkshire......|Landon. 


Lincolnt:sise -% 
Worcester 


Wyndham.... 


Pennsylvania . 


.'Cumberland.... 


-|Bellymoney. 


-|Broad Bay. 


..|Minnout. 


Town. 


Capoquin. 


Spencer Town. 
Bristol. 
Ritchfield. 
Morris Town. 
Hanover. 
West Bradford. 
Upper Marrain. 
Germany. 
Glaslough. 
McKaskie. 
Waterford; left 
at Quebeck. 


Stradbally. 
Bailieborough. 
Mountrath. 
Derry. 
Ballimenagh. 
Derry. 

Cork. 
Tidavenny. 
Tallagh. 
Coventry. 
'Wapping. 


Carlisle. 


N.B. Five of the foregoing were left at Quebeck. 


REV. MR. OLCOTT TO GENERAL GATES. 
Charlestown, No. 4, August 26, 1776. 
Sir: I received the favour of yours of the 19th instant, 
and agreeable to your Honour’s directions immediately notified 
the Chairman of our Committee of Safety, who immediately 
summonsed the Committee, and took under consideration the 


conduct of Doctor Stevens in inoculating the troops. 


As the 


Doctor’s conduct, on examination, appeared to them much 
less aggravated than was represented, they thought it suffi- 
cient for the present absolutely to forbid the Doctor’s inocu- 
lating any more, either the marching troops or others, till 
further orders, and to take all possible precautions that no 
infection be communicated from any here to the Army. 
Death has saved Colonel Fuller the trouble of a Court- 
Martial, and another of his company is, I hear, at the point 
of death; so that they are like to pay dear for their impru- 
dence and breach of orders. 
Your Honour’s zeal and activity for the health and safety 
of the Army is highly commendable, and very pleasing to us 


all. 


We all very sincerely and ardently wish you success, 


and, particularly, any commands which shall be conducive 
to the publick service shall be readily and cheerfully per- 
formed by your Honour’s unknown friend and very humble 


servant, 


To the Hon. Horatio Gates. 


Buxixuey Ovcort. 


SAMUEL HUNT TO GENERAL GATES. 
Charlestown, No. 4, August 26, 1776. 
Sir: We have received the favour of your Honour’s 
request of the 19th instant, directed to the Committee of 
Safety for the town of Charlestown, and communicated to 
us through the hands of the Reverend Mr. Olcott, desiring of 
us to examine into the conduct of Doctor Stevens, in inocu- 
lating the troops on their march through this place to Ticon- 


Province. County. Town. 
Mass. Bay....|/Hampshire....|Conway. 
euieled AO. oo sels eee 0 00.60.) New-Salem. 

i tai d do......|Essex.........|/ Haverhill. 

eee ateiere do......|Berkshire .....|Pittsfield. 

N. Hampshire.|Portsmouth....)/ Dover. 

ay totals do......|Cheshire......| Westmoreland. 

AAAS: do...... Rockingham...| New-Market. 

erica do....../Strafford....../Tamworth. 

Rsk do.....-| Hillsborough . .| Hollis. 

crate afieka do......|Strafford....../Rochester. 

Connecticut....|Litchfield...... Kent. 

INGV AX OLMGs aleelstele te cco ccc cele New-Windsor. 

wteces do....../New-York ..../New-York city. |, 

West N. Jersey| Burlington ..../Springfield. 

Merdieiere do......|/Hunterdon....|Maidenhead. 

Pe ale one do......|Bergen........|/New-Barbadoes. 

eatots ote do......|Hunterdon.. New-German- 

town. 

Bicisi siers do......|Somerset....../Princeton, 

S50 Oc do,.....|Salem.........|Pilesgrove. 

East N. Jersey|Somerset...... Milstone. 

West N. Jersey|Gloucester..... Woodbury. 

East N. Jersey|Somerset...... Brunswick. 

West N. Jersey| Hunterdon... .|Maidenhead. 

= Wefdiers do......|Salem........./Salem. 

PROAD do......|Sussex........|Greenwich. 

Pennsylvania ..|Philadelphia.. ./Philadelphia. 

forthe do......|New-Castle..,.| Wilmington. 

ae Bc do,.....|Philadelphia.. .|Philadelphia. 

“ognyed do,...../Chester.......|Londonderry. 

sey rete do......|Cumberland .. .|Peters. 

batten do,.....|Philadelphia.. .|Philadelphia. 

eh eres do......|Chester.......|/Nottingham. 
Brandywine 

Sele td do......|/New-Castle.. Hundred, 

OP ya. dikoe par) 8 Bucks. ais. os Maxfield. 

Re ot atets do,.....|Philadelphia.. .|Philadelphia. 

ot Saat do,.....|Cumberland .../Allen. 

ets afoiess LOntae ie a4 Chester. sds) Edgemont. 

veces do......|Philadelphia...|Nordon. 

a fPiatehete do......|Chester......./Goshen. 

seiete/asll Vials sce ait New-Castle.. piendy a ite 

Riatel stele Oia ale s'ele ois GOW Fete ee Milltown. 

Oe oe. bie Lancaster .....| Monaghan. 
aie bate do,.....|Philadelphia.. .|Philadelphia. 
pfeeha tate dase <.c} ese GOur eee sas do. 
ws © sare do,.....|Chester......./Londonderry. 
ates « do......|Philadelphia., .| Rockhill. 
ede do......|-.--do........|Philadelphia, 
Maryland..... Frederick ..... Frederick. 
Flintshi New-Market, 

PALS IPOS. ee) alkete sod oe ee. 4.0 left at Quebeck. 
Nova-Scotia ...|Salem.........|Salem. 
Pennsylvania..|York ......... Barnes. 

Old England...) Yorkshire..... Naisborough. 
Siem ore do......|Norfolk.......|Norwich. 
OC) ae London....... Tower-Hill. 
Bi apts hh eanec Somerset...... Froome. 
wae do,.....|Bedfordshire.. .|Risely. 

b ehcvote do......|Gloucestershire | Uptown. 
Ireland ... BO Hs s:eocn Drumore. 
Scotland ...... Glasgow...... Glasgow. 
High Germany}s 23.20.00 d's 0 als Pinger. 

Le ec Os ma teidle te segtehin coats 5 Diepmond. 
eae at DOcelava slot reels acs see poWitzenDuren. 
Bordeaux ..... La Gaine...... Bordeaux. 
Peeniarkatscmril's «siren core fee Copenhagen, 
Linster, Ireland|Meed ...|Kallan. 
Ulster.........|/Monaghan .., .|Glentobury. 
Bie chara do......|/Fermanagh... .|Enniskillen. 
Bie elerels Gos nsaie.|d toadlouite elaky do. 
SAgpid do....../Antrim. .| Billy. 

anor do......|Derry.........|Moneymore. 
IGS Le GES sels seeds e.2ke | Lushen} 
Connaught ....|Sligo.......... Carrickkeel 

IStEN tenet cs, Antrim ec Bulbine 

Leinster....... Kilkenny...... Durrow. 
Bi tiasetors do......| West Meed....| Mullingar. 
ee do....../Longford......|Granard. 
PRIN: feet Dublin........ City of Dublin. 
Ulster.........|Derry .|Fermananagh. 
weds si do......|Donegal.,.....|Raphoe. 
Rive ate do....../Antrim......../Glenarm. 
Senet Se do......|....d0.....+..|MKilwater. 
Connaught ..../Galway....... Galway. 
Ulster...» s0006/Tyrone.wesees a aha 
psa e eo oat Antrim........|Bellemena. 
‘Leinster....... Warne sr ess, City of Dublin. 
Munster COR Ge Cork seis]: Youghal. 
Leinster....... Longford...... Granard. 
IOldters! sweats DICIIN, Jelemies ci aliCuauys 
seirres AGA eters eee eon eae Geek Penden der 
aisbestare AOuicre mete Donegal.......|Rathmelton. 
ah avs at Gy s.vista cls ae Ou Tubaugh. 
Br eiete dO. seis s | DOWN eee. - Loughbrickland, 
Munster....... Corks seecker ve Clanakilty. 
Ulster........./Donegal....... Killygordon. 
Bale isiate dO. «6.00 ols .0sdDs e052 es.) ballimasa, 
teeece do...... Tyrone........|Ballindary. 

«+++ Derry.....+++.'Lammimore. 


Firru Series.—YV ox, I. 


deroga. 


74 


As we may presume to say we have the publick 


1171 


service of the Army, and the deliverance, freedom, and safety 
of our country, as truly at heart as any can pretend to, so 
we cannot but join with your Honour in condemning a prac- 
tice that must have the most pernicious effects in regard to 
the health and success of the Army; and had your Honour’s 
information respecting Doctor Stevens’s conduct, “that he 
has inoculated the Militia as fast as they arrived at Number 
Four,” been founded on the truth of fact, we truly acknow- 
ledge it would justly have merited the high resentment your 
Honour has expressed. 

Pursuant to your Honour’s request, we have called Doctor 
Stevens before us, and had him under examination. We 
are sorry to observe that we are under the necessity and dis- 
advantage of examining the Doctor without his being under 
the solemnity of an oath, by reason that no qualified Magis- 
trate could be obtained to administer it; yet the Doctor has 
made such solemn declarations before us, which, together with 
collateral evidence from other quarters, is to us satisfactory as 
to the true state of the matter relative to his conduct in inocu- 
lating. Indeed, sir, we cannot pretend, after due examination, 
wholly to exculpate the Doctor; all that we think necessary 
to take upon us at present is, to give your Honour an exact 
account of what we find to be the true state of the Doctor’s 
conduct, and our doings relative thereto, and then your 
Honour will be capable of judging how far the Doctor is 
culpable, and whether or not we have done the duty that 
might be expected of us in the case. 

When Captain Wetherbee began toinlist his company, the 
small-pox was brief in the Army at Crown-Point. Some 
who had intended to inlist, and others who had inlisted, in 
the whole to the number of about twenty-five, applied to 
Doctor Stevens, and were by him inoculated. ‘Three or four 
weeks after this, Colonel Wingate, with a number of other 
officers on their march to Ticonderoga, applied to Doctor 
Stevens to be inoculated, and were by him refused, and on 
this ground, that he had lately understood it was contrary to 
general orders that any of the marching troops should be 
inoculated. A short time after this, being applied to by 
Colonel Fuller and Doctor Merriam, partly through their 
importunity, and partly through their signifying that they 
had applied to a General Officer for liberty, who had not 
forbidden them, Doctor Stevens was prevailed upon to inocu- 
late them and their servants and Lieutenant Mooney, to the 
number of five. And this is the whole number of the march- 
ing troops that Doctor Stevens has inoculated, though great 
numbers have applied to him and been refused. We trust, 
your Honour, from this representation, will view the matter 
in something of a different light from what it seems your in- 
formant has exhibited. 

We only beg leave further to assure your Honour that we 
will take all possible care that no other of the troops shall 
be inoculated here, and that all, whether officers or others, 
now under inoculation here, shall be perfectly cleansed be- 
fore they march to join the Army at Ticonderoga. We 
conclude by assuring your Honour that we shall be ever 
ready to serve you and the Army in this or any other busi- 
ness that may come before us. 

Samueut Hunt, Chairman 


of the Committee of Safety for Charlestown. 
To the Hon. Horatio Gates. 


DOCTOR STEVENS TO GENERAL GATES. 
Charlestown, No. 4, August 26, 1776. 

May IT PLEASE your Honour: I was on the 23d instant 
summoned before the Committee of this town, in consequence 
of a letter addressed by your Honour to the Rev. Mr. Olcott; 
which letter, together with the copy of one to Major Haw- 
ley, enclosed in it, were read to me. The proceedings of 
the Committee, and an account of my conduct, so far as it 
respects the crime whereof I have been accused, will be by 
them communicated. I should not, therefore, at this time 
trouble you in this manner, were it not the undoubted right, 
and I think I may add, the duty of every individual, when 
injured in his character or property, to speak in his own de- 
fence, that the offending party may be brought to justice. 
You are pleased to say, in your letter to Major Hawley, 
that “a villain of a Surgeon (or what is commonly called a 
Doctor) is inoculating the Militia as fast as they arrive at 
Number Four.” As I know of no person who answers your 
description, [ must think you have been grossly deceived 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


, 


1172 


and imposed on by some ill-minded person, from sinister 
views. You are pleased to add further, that “were he” 
(viz: the Surgeon) “ within my reach, it would not be many 
minutes before he should feel the weight of my resentment.” 
I can therefore make no doubt but some part, at least, 
of that resentment will be felt by the person who hath so 
greatly discomposed you by his false information. I think 
I have a right to expect (I had almost said, to demand) that 
the informer be pointed out to me, that I may know where 
to seek a reparation of the injury done me, which can’t 
be considered as trifling, since it has, for a time (at least) 
brought on me the displeasure of a person of your rank. I 
can say, with truth, that the bad effects of the small-pox in 
the Army is an evil which I feel in common with my coun- 
trymen, and no one has better wishes for the prosperity of 
your Honour and the Army under your command than 


_your Honour’s most obedient, humble servant, 


PHINEAS STEVENS. 


To General Gates. 


GOVERNOUR COOKE TO JAMES BOWDOIN. 
Providence, August 26, 1776. 

Sir: IT am favoured with yours of yesterday, and most 
sincerely wish it was in my power to comply with your 
request. Of the two Continental ships built here, neither 
can be got ready in anything like the time you mention; 
one of them having such damage in her masts as hath dis- 
abled them, and the other not having a Captain appointed for 
her. 

The Alfred is now in the river, but not a quarter part 
manned, nor hath she any orders for sailing; so that no 
assistance can be depended upon from this quarter. 

I am, with great esteem and regard, sir, your most obe- 
dient, humble servant, 


To the Hon. James Bowdoin, Esq. 


Nicus. Cooke. 


Hartford, Monday, August 26, 1776. 

Last Saturday, a number of gentlemen were brought to 
this town from New-York, where they were lately taken up 
on suspicion of entertaining sentiments unfriendly to the 
American States. We hear they are soon to set out for 
Norwich, where (for the present) they are desired to re- 
main. 

Last Monday, David Matthews, Esq., Mayor of the City 
of New-York, was brought to this town from Litchfield, 
and on F'rzday returned, having obtained liberty to remain 
there, under the care of Captain Moses Seymour. 


Watertown, August 26, 1776. 

The Selectmen of Boston, in the last Thursday’s Paper, 
have advertised the publick “ that only seventy-eight per- 
sons are now under the distemper of the small-pox in that 
town ;” so that, in all probability, the town will be clear of 
that infection in the course of a fortnight, or three weeks at 
farthest. 

The Hon. Samuel Adams, Esq., one of the Delegates for 
this State, and Colonel William Tudor, set off from Phila- 
delphia for Boston the 12th instant. 

Last week arrived at Newbury a ship of about three 
hundred and fifty tons burden, taken by Captain Newman. 
She was bound from Antigua for Liverpool. Her cargo 
consists of four hundred and fifty hogsheads of sugar, fifty 
hogsheads of rum, &c. 

Last Wednesday arrived at Portsmouth a prize ship of 
about two hundred tons burden, mounting twenty guns, 
twelve of which were wood; she was bound from the Bay 
of Honduras for London, laden with mahogany and log- 
wood, and taken by the Hancock and Franklhn privateers. 

By the Eastern post, we are informed that on Monday 
last arrived at Portsmouth, New-Hampshire, a vessel from 
Holland, with dry-goods, drugs, spices, &c. 

The post from Number Four informs us of a gondola, 
with about twenty-five men, being taken by the enemy in 
Lake Champlain. 

Yesterday morning arrived safe in Marblehead a prize 
ship from Jamaica, laden with sugar, cotton, &c. She was 
chased in by the Milford frigate and another cruiser, so 
near, that one of their forts hulled one of the enemy’s ves- 
sels. We have not heard by whom she was taken. 


1173 


AMHERST (MASSAC HUSETTS) COMMITTEE. 


In Committee of Safety, Amherst, ge pase eer amp 
August 26, 1776. 


Whereas Isaac Chauncey, of said Amherst, convicted of 
being notoriously inimical to the American States, and con- 
fined within certain limits, hath, in defiance of authority, 
disregarded the injunctions laid on him, and clandestinely 
departed (’tis supposed) to some part of Connecticut, on no 
good design: 

This is therefore to desire the good people of that State, or 
of other States where he may be found, to secure him in such 
manner that he may not haveit in his power to injure America. 

Also, whereas Lieutenant Robert Boltwood, of said Am- 
herst, convicted and confined as aforesaid, having obtained 
liberty to journey to New-Haven on account of his health, 
hath absented himself much longer than was expected: 

It is therefore desired that he may be carefully inspected 
where he is, or be sent to his own home. 

Per order: Natuaniet Dickinson, Jun. 


J. WENTWORTH TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Portsmouth, August 26, 1776. 

Sir: I have the pleasure to advise the arrival at this port 
of a prize ship, named the Nelly Frigate, Lyonel Bradstreet, 
master, from the Bay of Honduras, for London, laden with 
a cargo of one hundred and twenty thousand feet mahogany 
logs, and forty tons chipped and unchipped logwood, sent in 
by the Hancock, Captain Tucker, and the Franklin, Captain 
Skimmer, in the service of the United Colonies; the vessel 
and cargo the property of inhabitants of Great Britain. I 
have libelled her, and shall pursue to trial, &c. 

The trial on the recapture of the brig Elizabeth, taken by 
Commodore Manley and others, in the service of the Conti- 
nent, and bound for Halifax, ended the 22d instant. The 
Jury acquitted her and cargo, which appearing so directly 
contrary to the resolves of Congress and the law of this 
Colony, that I conceived it my duty to appeal, in justice to 
the Continent and captors; which I hope your Excellency 
will approbate. Part of the claimants (notwithstanding the 
verdict is in their favour) are desirous of compromising with 
the captors, and offer them their full quota of salvage, which 
is the one-third of half the value of the vessel and cargo, we 
having established that the enemy were in possession more 
than ninety-six hours; but the flagrant error in the Jury for- 
bid my conceding to any compromise for the captors, as in 
that case I must have surrendered the just claim of the 
Continent. Added to which, there was taken with the said 
brigantine a Mr. Jackson, a Mr. Keighley, and a Mr. Newton, 
passengers, with their effects; and those effects are intended, 
as the resolves of Congress express, to supply the enemy, 
and become forfeited. Yet they were released with the rest 
of the cargo. Each claim is separate. Should your Excel- 
lency recommend my compromising with those claimants, 
who are esteemed friendly, I shall comport with it; but as 
your last favour desired my pursuing the line of duty pointed 
out by the laws of the Continent, I shall steadily attend to 
them, unless otherwise directed. From a principle of hu- 
manity I could wish the suffering claimants could be relieved; 
but I think it out of the line of my duty to help them. In 
a few days I shall forward the appeal to the Secretary of 
Congress, and fully advise him thereon; and should he think 
it necessary, shall attend the trial at Philadelphia, or else- 
where that may be appointed. 

The Nelly Frigate is a ship of three hundred and five tons, 
mounts two three-pounders and four two-pounders. 

This Eastern country are anxiously concerned for your 
Excellency’s success in the important battle expected to 
have taken place ere this; which God grant has terminated 
in favour of this distressed country. 

Remaining with due respect your Excellency’s most obe- 


dient and very humble servant, 
Josu. WentTworrtH. 


P. S. [should not have troubled your Excellency with 
this business, could I divine where my friend Mr. Moylan’s 
residence is; until which your Excellency will excuse me. 


GENERAL BEALL TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Annapolis, August 27, 1776. 
GentLemEN: In case the Independent companies are 
incorporated into a battalion, or any more Regular troops 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1174 


raised in this Province, I beg leave to recommend to your 
notice Major Daniel J. Adams, who, as an officer under me, 
has always discharged his duty with the greatest alacrity and 
spirit, both in and out of action. ' 

I am, gentlemen, with respect, your most obedient, hum- 
ble servant, , Rezin Beat. 


To the Hon. Council of Safety of Maryland, at Annapolis. 


CAPTAIN PERKINS TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Kent County, Maryland, August 27, 1776. 
Sir: Please to send me as much money as will defray 
the expenses of the company under my command to New- 
York. The bearer, Mr. Joseph Earle, will receive it for 
me. Your compliance will oblige yours, &c., 
Isaac Perkins. 


MOSES CHAILLE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Worcester County, August 27, 1776. 

Gentiemen: The enclosed commission the honourable 
Convention were pleased to honour me with in January last. 
I have since that time altered my situation in life, which 
makes it inconvenient for me to keep the same. I hope the 
above reason will be satisfactory for my resigning. 

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your obliged, humble 
servant, . Moses CHAILLE. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety of Maryland. 


E. JOHNSON TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
In Committee of Observation, August 27, 1776. 
GeNtLemen: We have received your letter requesting 
our furnishing Captain Brooke’s company with arms. We 
are to inform you that, agreeable to your order of 16th July 
last, we have purchased a few arms, which, together with 
those taken from the Non-Associators, were delivered to 
such of the Militia as went to St. Mary’s, but shall now be 
called in, and we will procure all the arms we can, but are 
in doubt it will not be in our power to get a sufficient quan- 
tity for Captain Brooke’s company. You'll please to send 
some cash to pay for them, and also the sum of £20 10s. 
current money, to pay the constables of the different Hun- 
dreds for their collecting the number of inhabitants in the 
County, agreeable to your order, which are to be returned on 
Monday next, and shall be sent to you per next post. 
Signed per order: E. Jounson, Clerk. 


To the Honourable Council of Safety. 


DELAWARE CONVENTION. 


In Convention at New-Castie, for the DeLaware State, 
begun the 27th day of Aueusr, 1776, and continued by 
adjournment to the 21st day of SerremBer following: 


The Oath and Affirmation, with the Declaration taken, 
made and subscribed by the Members respectively: 


Lets eos ees en sav illy tO the: Ulmost Of my. power, 
support and maintain the independence of this State, as 
declared by the honourable the Continental Congress; and 
I will, to the utmost of my ability, endeavour to form such 
a system of Government for the people of this State as, in 
my opinion, may be best adapted to promote their happiness, 
and secure to them the enjoyment of their natural, civil, and 
religious rights and privileges. 

(eh . . , do profess faith in God the Father, 
and in Jesus Christ his only Son, and in the Holy Ghost, one 
God blessed forevermore; and I do acknowledge the Holy 
Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by 
Divine inspiration. 


The Constitution or system of Government agreed to and 
resolved upon by the Representatives in full Convention 
of the Detaware State, formerly styled the Government 
of the Counties of New-Castie, Kenr, and Sussex, 
upon Deiaware, the said Representatives being chosen by 
the Freemen of the said State for that express purpose. 


ArricLe 1. The Government of the Counties of New- 
Castle, Kent, and Sussex, upon Delaware, shall hereafter, in 
all publick and other writings, be called The Delaware 
State. 

* 


1175 


2. The Legislature shall be formed of two distinct branches; 
they shall meet once or oftener in every year, and shall be 
called The General Assembly of Delaware. 

3. One of the branches of the Legislature shall be called 
The House of Assembly, and shall consist of seven Repre- 
sentatives to be chosen for each County annually, of such 
persons as are freeholders of the same. 

4. The other branch shall be called The Council, and con- 
sist of nine members, three to be chosen for each County at 
the time of the first election of the Assembly, who shall be 
freeholders of the County for which they are chosen, and be 
upwards of twenty-five years of age. At the end of one 
year after the genera: election, the Counsellor who had the 
smallest number of votes in each County shall be displaced, 
and the vacancies thereby occasioned supplied by the free- 
men of each County choosing the same or another person at 
a new election in manner aforesaid. At the end of two 
years after the first general election, the Counsellor who 
stood second in number of votes in each County shall be 
displaced, and the vacancies thereby occasioned supplied by 
a new election in manner aforesaid. And at the end of three 
years from the first general election, the Counsellor who had 
the greatest number of-votes in each County shall be dis- 
placed, and the vacancies thereby occasioned supplied by a 
new election in manner aforesaid. And this rotation of a 
Counsellor being displaced at the end of three years in each 
County, and his office supplied by a new choice, shall be 
continued afterwards in due order annually forever, whereby, 
after the first general election, a Counsellor will remain in 
trust for three years from the time of his being elected, and 
a Counsellor will be displaced and the same or another 
chosen in each County at every election. 

5. The right of suffrage in the election of members for 
both Houses shall remain as exercised by law at present; 
and each House shall choose its own Speaker, appoint its 
own officers, judge of the qualifications and elections of its 
own members, settle its own rule of proceedings, and direct 
writs of election for supplying intermediate vacancies. ‘They 
may also severally expel any of their own members for 
misbehaviour, but not a second time in the same Sessions for 
the same offence, if reélected; and they shall have all other 
powers necessary for the Legislature of a free and indepen- 
dent State. 

6. All money bills for the support of Government shall 
originate in the House of Assembly, and may be altered, 
amended, or rejected by the Legislative Council. All other 
bills and ordinances may take rise in the House of Assembly 
or Legislative Council, and may be altered, amended, or 
rejected by either. 

7. A President or Chief Magistrate shall be chosen by 
joint ballot of both Houses, to be taken in the House of 
Assembly, and the box examined by the Speakers of each 
House, in the presence of the other members. And in case 
the numbers for the two highest in votes should be equal, 
then the Speaker of the Council shall have an additional 
casting voice; and the appointment of the person who has 
the majority of votes shall be entered at large on the Minutes 
and Journals of each House, and a copy thereof on parch- 
ment, certified and signed by the Speakers respectively, and 
sealed with the great seal of the State, which they are hereby 
authorized to affix, shall be delivered to the person so chosen 
President, who shall continue in that office three years, and 
until the sitting of the next General Assembly, and no longer, 
nor be eligible until the expiration of three years after he 
shall have been out of that office. An adequate but mode- 
rate salary shall be settled on him during his continuance in 
office. He may draw for such sums of money as shall be 
appropriated by the General Assembly, and be accountable 
to them for the same. He may, by and with the advice of 
the Privy Council, lay embargoes, or prohibit the exportation 
of any commodity for any time not exceeding thirty days, 
in the recess of the General Assembly. He shall have the 
power of granting pardons or reprieves, except where the 
prosecution shall be carried on by the House of Assembly, 
or the law shall otherwise direct, in which cases no pardon 
or reprieve shall be granted but by aresolve of the House of 
Assembly; and may exercise all the other Executive powers 
of Government, limited and restrained as by this Constitution 
is mentioned, and according to the laws of the State. And 
on his death, inability, or absence from the State, the Speaker 
of the Legislative Council for the time being shall be Vice 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1176 


President ; and in case of his death, inability, or absence from 
the State, the Speaker of the House of Assembly shall have 
the powers of a President, until a new nomination is made 
by the General Assembly. 

8. A Privy Council, consisting of four members, shall be 
chosen by ballot, two by the Legislative Council, and two 
by the House of Assembly: Provided, ‘That no regular offi- 
cer of the Army or Navy in the service and pay of the Con- 
tinent or of this or of any other State shall be eligible. And 
a member of the Legislative Council or of the House of 
Assembly being chosen of the Privy Council, and accepting 
thereof, shall thereby lose his seat. ‘Three members shall 
be a quorum, and their advice and proceedings shall be en- 
tered on record and signed by the members present, (to any 
part of which any member may enter his dissent,) to be laid 
before the General Assembly when called for by them. ‘Two 
members shall be removed by ballot, one by the Legislative 
Council and one by the House of Assembly, at the end of 
two years, and those who remain the next year after, who 
shall severally be ineligible for the three next years. These 
vacancies, as well as those occasioned by death or incapa- 
city, shall be supplied by new elections in the same manner. 
And this rotation of a Privy Counsellor shall be continued 
afterwards in due order annually forever. ‘The President 
may by summons convene the Privy Council at any time 
when the publick exigencies may require, and at such place 
as he shall think most convenient, when and where they are 
to attend accordingly. 

9. The President, with the advice and consent of the 
Privy Council, may imbody the Militia, and act as Captain- 
General and Commander-in-Chief of them and the other 
military force of this State, under the laws of the same. 

10. Either House of the Genera] Assembly may adjourn 
themselves respectively. ‘The President shall not prorogue, 
adjourn, or dissolve the General Assembly, but he may, with 
the advice of the Privy Council, or on the application of a 
majority of either House, call them before the time they shall 
stand adjourned, and the two Houses shall always sit at the 
same time and place; for which purpose, immediately after 
every adjournment the Speaker of the House of Assembly 
shall give notice to the Speaker of the other House of the 
time to which the House of Assembly stands adjourned. 

11. The Delegates for Delaware to the Congress of the 
United States of America shall be chosen annually, or su- 
perseded in the mean time by joint ballot of both Houses in 
the General Assembly. 

12. The President and General Assembly shall by joint 
ballot appoint three Justices of the Supreme Court for the 
State, one of whom shall be Chief Justice, and a Judge of 
Admiralty, and also four Justices of the Courts of Common 
Pleas and Orphans’ Courts for each County, one of whom 
in each Court shall be styled Chief Justice, (and in case of 
division on the ballot the President shall have an additional 
casting voice,) to be commissioned by the President under 
the great seal, who shall continue in office during good 
behaviour; and during the time the Justices of the said Su- 
preme Court and Courts of Common Pleas remain in office 
they shall hold none other except in the Militia. Any one 
of the Justices of either of said Courts shall have power, in 
case of the non-coming of his brethren, to open and adjourn 
the Court. An adequate fixed but moderate salary shall be 
settled on them during their continuance in office. The 
President and Privy Council shall appoint the Secretary, 
the Attorney-General, Registers for the Probate of Wills 
and granting Letters of Administration, Registers in Chan- 
cery, Clerks of the Courts of Common Pleas and Orphans’ 
Courts, and Clerks of the Peace, who shall be commissioned 
as aforesaid, and remain in office during five years, if they 
behave themselves well; during which time the said Regis- 
ters in Chancery and Clerks shall not be Justices of either 
of the said Courts of which they are officers, but they shall 
have authority to sign all writs by them issued, and take 
recognizances of bail. ‘The Justices of the Peace shall be 
nominated by the House of Assembly, that is to say, they 
shall name twenty-four persons for each County, of whom 
the President, with the approbation of the Privy Council, 
shall appoint twelve, who shall be commissioned as afore- 
said, and continue in office during seven years, if they behave 
themselves well; and in case of vacancies, or if the Legis- 
lature shall think proper to increase the number, they shall 
be nominated and appointed in like manner. The mem- 


1177 


bers of the Legislative and Privy Council shall be Justices 
of the Peace for the whole State during their continuance 
in trust; and the Justices of the Courts of Common Pleas 
shall be conservators of the peace in their respective Coun- 
ties. 

13. The Justices of the Courts of Common Pleas and 
Orphans’ Courts shall have the power of holding inferior 
Courts of Chancery, as heretofore, unless the Legislature 
shall otherwise direct. 

14. The Clerks of the Supreme Court shall be appointed 
by the Chief Justice thereof, and the Recorders of Deeds 
by the Justices of the Courts of Common Pleas for each 
County severally, and commissioned by the President under 
the great seal, and continue in office five years, if they 
behave themselves well. 

15. The Sheriffs and Coroners of the respective Counties 
shall be chosen annually as heretofore; and any person 
having served three years as Sheriff shall be ineligible for 
three years after; and the President and Privy Council shall 
have the appointment of such of the two candidates returned 
for said offices of Sheriff and Coroner as they shall think best 
qualified, in the same manner that the Governour heretofore 
enjoyed this power. 

16. The General Assembly, by joint ballot, shall appoint 
the Generals and Field-Officers, and all other officers in the 
Army or Navy of this State. And the President may ap- 
point during pleasure, until otherwise directed by the Legis- 
lature, all necessary civil officers not hereinbefore men- 
tioned, 

17. There shall be an appeal from the Supreme Court of 
Delaware in matters of law and equity to a Court of seven 
persons, to consist of the President for the time being, who 
shall preside therein, and six others, to be appointed, three 
by the Legislative Council, and three by the House of As- 
sembly, who shall continue in office during good behaviour, 
and be commissioned by the President under the great seal; 
which Court shall be styled The Court of Appeals, and have 
all the authority and powers heretofore given by law in the 
last resort to the King in Council under the old Govern- 
ment. The Secretary shall be the Clerk of this Court, and 
vacancies therein occasioned by death or incapacity shall be 
supplied by new elections in manner aforesaid. 

18. The Justices of the Supreme Court and Courts of 
Common Pleas, the Members of the Privy Council, the Se- 
cretary, the Trustees of the Loan Office, and Clerks of the 
Courts of Common Pleas, during their continuance in office, 
and all persons concerned in any army or navy contracts, 
shall be ineligible to either House of Assembly; and any 
member of either House accepting of any other of the offices 
hereinbefore mentioned (excepting the office of a Justice of 
the Peace) shall have his seat thereby vacated, and a new 
election shall be ordered. 

19. The Legislative Council and Assembly shall have 
the power of making the great seal of this State, which shall 
be kept by the President, or in his absence by the Vice- 
President, to be used by them as occasion may require. It 
shall be called The Great Seal of the Delaware State, and 
shall be affixed to all laws and commissions. 

20. Commissions shall run in the name of The Delaware 
State, and bear test by the President. Writs shall run in 
the same manner, and bear test in the name of the Chief 
Justices or Justice first named in the commissions for the 
several Courts, and be sealed with the publick seals of such 
Courts. Indictments shall conclude, against the peace and 
dignity of the State. 

21. In case of vacancy of the offices above directed to 
be filled by the President and General Assembly, the Pre- 
sident and Privy Council may appoint others in their stead 
until there shall be a new election. 

22. Every person who shall be chosen a member of either 
House, or appointed to any office or place of trust, before 
taking shis seat, or entering upon the execution of his office, 
shall take the following oath, or affirmation if conscientiously 
scrupulous of taking an oath, to wit: 

“J, A B, will bear true allegiance to the Delaware State, 
submit to its Constitution and Jaws, and do no act wittingly 
whereby the freedom thereof may be prejudiced.” 

And also make and subscribe the following Declaration, 
to wit: 

“JY, A B, do profess faith in God the Father, and in 
Jesus Christ, His only Son, and in the Holy Ghost—one 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1178 


God blessed forevermore; and I do acknowledge the Holy 
Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by 
Divine inspiration.” 

And all officers shall also take an oath of office. 

23. ‘The President, when he is out of office, and within 
eighteen months after, and all others offending against the 
State, either by mal-administration, corruption, or other 
means, by which the safety of the Commonwealth may be 
endangered, within eighteen months after the offence com- 
mitted, shall be impeachable by the House of Assembly 
before the Legislative Council; such impeachment to be 
prosecuted by the Attorney-General, or such other person 
or persons as the House of Assembly may appoint, accord- 
ing to the laws of the land. If found guilty, he or they 
shall be either forever disabled to hold any office under 
Government, or removed from office pro tempore, or sub- 
jected to such pains and penalties as the laws shall direct. 
And all officers shall be removed on conviction of misbe- 
haviour at common law, or on impeachment, or upon the 
address of the General Assembly. 

24. All Acts of Assembly in force in this State on the 
15th day of May last, and not hereby altered, or contrary 
to the Resolutions of Congress, or of the late House of 
Assembly of this State, shall so continue until altered or 
repealed by the Legislature of this State, unless where 
they are temporary, in which case they shall expire at the 
times respectively limited for their duration. 

25. ‘The common law of England, as well as so much 
of the statute law as have been heretofore adopted in prac- 
tice in this State, shall remain in force, unless they shall be 
altered by a future law of the Legislature; such parts only 
excepted as are repugnant to the rights and privileges con- 
tained in this Constitution and the Declaration of Rights, 
&c., agreed to by this Convention. 

26. No person hereafter imported into this State from 
Africa ought to be held in slavery on any pretence what- 
ever; and no Negro, Indian, or Mulatto slave ought to be 
brought into this State, for sale, from any part of the world. 

27. The first election for the General Assembly of this 
State shall be held on the 25th day of October next, at the 
Court-Houses in the several Counties, in the manner here- 
tofore used in the election of the Assembly, except as to 
the choice of Inspectors and Assessors, where Assessors 
have not been chosen on the 16th day of September instant, 
which shall be made on the morning of the day of election 
by the electors, inhabitants of the respective Hundreds in 
each County; at which time the Sheriffs and Coroners for 
the said Counties respectively are to’be elected. And the 
present Sheriffs of the Counties of New-Castle and Kent 
may be rechosen to that office until the first day of October, 
in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and 
seventy-nine; and the present Sheriff for the County of 
Sussex may be rechosen to that office until the 1st day of 
October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hun- 
dred and seventy-eight, provided the freemen think proper to 
reélect them at every general election; and the present Sheriffs 
and Coroners respectively shall continue*to exercise their 
offices as heretofore until the Sheriffs and Coroners to be 
elected on the said 21st day of October shall be commis- 
sioned and sworn into office. ‘The members of the Le- 
gislative Council and Assembly shall meet for transacting 
the business of the State on the 28th day of October next, 
and continue in office until the lst day of October, which 
will be in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy- 
seven; on which day, and on the Ist day of October in 
each year forever after, the Legislative Council, Assembly, 
Sheriffs, and Coroners, shall be chosen by ballot in manner 


. directed by the several laws of this State for regulating 


elections of members of Assembly and Sheriffs and Coro- 
ners, and the General Assembly shall meet on the 20th 
day of the same month for the transacting the business of 
the State; and if any of the said Ist and 20th days of Oc- 
tober should be Sunday, then, and in such case, the elections 
shall be held, and the General Assembly meet the next day 
following. 

28. To prevent any violence or force being used at the 
said elections, no person shall come armed to any of them, 
and no muster of the Militia shall be made on that day, 
nor shall any battalion or company give in their votes 
immediately succeeding each other, if any other voter who 
offers to vote objects thereto; nor shall any battalion or 


1179 


company in the pay of the Continent, or of this or any 
other State, be suffered to remain at the time and place of 
holding the said elections, or within one mile of the said 
places respectively for twenty-four hours before the opening 
said elections, nor within twenty-four bours after the same 
are closed, so as in any manner to impede the freely and 
conveniently carrying on the said election. Provided 
always, That every elector may, in a peaceable and order- 
ly manner, give in his vote on the said day of election. 

29, There shall be no establishment of any one religious 
sect in this State in preference to another; and no clergy- 
man or preacher of the Gospel, of any denomination, shall 
be capable of holding any civil office in this State, or of 
being a member of either of the branches of the Legisla- 
ture, while they continue in the exercise of the pastoral 
function. 

30. No Article of the Declaration of Rights and funda- 
mental rules of this State, agreed to by this Convention, 
nor the first, second, fifth, (except that part thereof that 
relates to the right of suffrage,) twenty-sixth, and twenty- 
ninth Articles of this Constitution ought ever to be violated, 
on any pretence whatever. No other parts of this Consti- 
tution shall be altered, changed, or diminished, without the 
consent of five parts in seven of the Assembly, and seven 
members of the Legislative Council. 

Grorce Reap, President. 

Attest: 

James Booru, Clerk. 


Extract from the Journals. 


JOSIAH BARTLETT TO COLONEL WHIPPLE. 
Philadelphia, August 27, 1776. 


Dear Sir: Last week the Articles of Confederation were 
finished by the Committee of the Whole House. They 
are again printed as now amended by the Committee, and 
are delivered to the members in the same manner as before, 
and are to undergo one operation through Congress more 
before they are sent to the several States for confirmation. 
What alterations will be made in them I know not; but am 
afraid none for the better. ‘This will occasion such a delay 
that there is no probability it will be sent in time to be laid 
before our Assembly before your return here: so I would 
not have you wait for it, but return as soon as convenient. 
The new Articles of War bave passed Congress. The 
plan of a treaty of foreign alliance has passed in the Com- 
mittee of the Whole. 

By the leave of Lord Howe, the famous Lord Drum- 
mond has, by a flag to General Washington, proposed 
sundry articles as the basis of a negotiation or conference, 
(they are nearly the same as those proposed by Lord 
North, called Lord North’s Conciliatory Propositions) 
and he requested leave of General Washington for him- 
self and one or two more to repair to this city to propose 
those terms, which he had the impudence to say would 
have been accepted by the Colonies a few months ago. 
The General did not think proper to give him leave to come 
here, but in his answer told him he should send the papers 
to the Congress and wait their answer. He severely repri- 
manded Lord Drummond for his officiousness in meddling 
with the business, but especially for his going to the Army 
under General Howe, contrary to his parole of honour 
which he gave when he was permitted to leave the Conti- 
nent. I need not tell you the Congress have not accepted 
the proposed conference with his Lordship. 

Lord Howe has wrote an answer to Dr. Franklin’s letter 
to him which you saw. It is full of professions of friend- 
ship for America, and of esteem and regard for the Doctor— 
very polite, but very artful. 

By a letter from the Agent who was sent in the Reprisal, 
Captain Wicks, to Martinico, he informs us that the Go- 
vernour (or General, as they call him) told him that he had 
lately received orders by a frigate from France to give all 
possible assistance and protection to the American vessels, 
and that he was ordered to send out some ships of war to 
cruise round the Island for their defence, and that the same 
orders had been sent to the other French Islands. He also 
told the Agent, that if the American cruisers should bring 
any prizes into the ports of Martinico, he should not prevent 
their selling or disposing of them as they should think pro- 
per. This is in confidence. 

We have just received the account of the enemy landing 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1180 


on Long-Island. By the General’s account, our men are 
in good spirits, seem firm and ready for action. From this 
and from some other circumstances, I hope I shall soon hear 
of the enemy’s defeat and quitting the country, never more 
to return as enemies; which will give the greatest pleasure 
and satisfaction to your friend and humble servant, 

Jostan Barrverr. 


P. S. Mr. William Barril is sick with a fever. Dr. 
Rush says he is very dangerous. Please to give my regards 
to our friend Colonel Langdon, as I have not time to write 
to him. ‘Tell him I have not received his letter last week 
as usual. I have received yours of the 20th from Milford’s. 
Yours, ut sup., J.B. 


\ 


FRANCIS LEWIS TO MRS. GATES. 
Philadelphia, August 27, 1776. 

Dear Mapam: I was yesterday honoured with your let- 
ter dated the 20th instant, and happy to find you enjoyed 
your health. 

Your son, after a few days’ stay in this city, went to 
Princetown, where he is at present, and in as perfect health 
as ever he enjoyed. I conversed with Dr. Witherspoon 
yesterday, who informed me that your son applied closely to 
his books, and. highly extolled his abilities; this he spoke 
sincerely, and without flattery. As I purpose ina few days 
going to Elizabeth-Town, shall have the pleasure of seeing 
Bob, and, at my return, shall advise you. 

I can assure you that General Gates and the Army under 
his command at Ticonderoga are well and in high spirits. 
We have frequent advices from that quarter through the 
medium of General Washington. 'There is little expecta- 
tion of seeing enemies upon the Lakes this summer, what- 
ever may happen the next. General Gates commands at 
Ticonderoga. General Schuyler is treating with the Indians 
at the German-Flats. ‘They will always be on separate 
commands. But we are in pain for New-York. I fear that 
city is devoted to destruction. Lord and General Howe, 
Cornwallis, Clinton, and Dunmore, upon Staten-Island, 
with about twenty-six thousand troops, of which they landed 
eight or nine thousand last £rzday, and, by what we can 
learn, intend in a day or two attacking New-York. I feel 
for the distress of my family, who are still at White Stone, 
except Morgan, who, the next day after his return home, 
set off for Tzconderoga. His mother could not restrain him. 
We have about twenty thousand troops (say Militia) lining 
the coast of East-Jersey from Powles Hook to Amboy, and 
upwards of thirty thousand on York and Long-Island. ‘The 
fate of this campaign a few days must determine. 

I have not time at present to say more than that I am, 
and ever shall be, dear Madam, your sincere friend and very 
humble servant, E.L 

. Lewts. 


P.S. It is said that General Carleton has drawn off the 
major part of his Army from the neighbourhood of the Lakes, 
and are filed off for Quebeck; from which it is conjectured 
they are to be brought round to reinforce General Howe, as 
General Burgoyne cannot penetrate the upper country by 
the Lakes. 


RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 
In Council of Safety, Philadelphia, August 27, 1776. 

Resolved, That Captain Peters be requested to appoint 
double guards of the Associators this night, as a number of 
the Militia in the Barracks have been very riotous this day; 
and if they should discover any persons together in a disor- 
derly manner, that they be confined until morning, and that 
a report be made of them to this Board by the Commanding 
Officer to-morrow morning. 

By order of Council: 


Davin Rrrrennovse, Vice President. 


MEMORIAL OF THE CHEVALIER SAURALLE. 
_ [Read August 27, 1776. Referred to the Board of War.] 
To the Honourable the Delegates of the Unirep States 
or America, in Congress assembled : 
The Memorial of the Chevalier Savrau.e, humbly showeth : 


That your memorialist is a young officer, who, after 
serving two years as a volunteer in the Artillery at S¢. 


1181 


Domingo, obtained the rank of Lieutenant in that corps, to 
which he has preferred offering his services to the honour- 
able Congress, as a letter from Mr. De la Valletiere, Gov- 
ernour of St. Nichola Mole, shows; which letter, intended for 
the honourable Congress or General Washington, is without a 
direction, owing to the Governour’s being unacquainted with 
the proper form of address. Which is humbly submitted to 


the honourable Congress. La CHEVALIER SAURALLE 


MARINE COMMITTEE TO CAPTAIN STONE. 
Philadelphia, August 27, 1776. 

Str: The Marine Committee have directed me to inform 
you that the Hornet sloop is now returned from her cruise, 
during which she has been extremely leaky, as Captain 
Hallock, the bearer hereof, will inform you. 

The Committee have come to a resolution either to pur- 
chase the sloop or deliver her up to you, as they will not any 
longer hire her; but as the greatest part of the materials she 
now has on board belong to the publick, they would prefer 
buying her at the valuation, to stripping her; and when you 
consider that she will be a mere wreck when so stripped, 
and that the hull is old and shattered, I should imagine you 
would readily see that it is more your interest to sell than to 
receive her back in such bad condition, as you will have the 
hire to this time, in addition to the price. You will, upon 
the whole, receive a great sum for her. 

I am, sir, your humble servant, Roserr Morais. 


To Captain William Stone, owner of the Sloop Hornet. 


P.S. If you will not sell, pray appoint some person to 
receive her. 


Philadelphia, August 27, 1776. 
Since the departure of the able-bodied men from the 
forks of Brandywine, in Chester County, on the service of 
their country, the patriotick young women, to prevent the 
evil that would follow the neglect of putting in the fall crop 
in season, have joined the ploughs, and are preparing the 
fallows for the seed; and should their fathers, brothers and 
lovers be detained abroad in defence of the liberties of these 
States, they are determined to put in the crop themselves— 

a very laudable example, and highly worthy of imitation. 
The Colonels Ross, Matlack, and Schlegel, are appoint- 
ed by the Convention of this State, Commissioners for form- 


ing the Flying-Camp in New-Jersey. 


JOHN HARRIS TO LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE. 
Paxton, August 27, 1776. 
GentTLemeN: The bearer, Mr. Bratts, and Lieutenant 
John Houfman, a First Lieutenant in Paxton township, 
did last week apply to me for ammunition to be in order 
to suppress ‘Tory riots, &c., that might bappen in their neigh- 
bourhood, which they have great reason to apprehend, from 
some evil-disposed persons lately appearing among them, 
who rob spring-houses and other houses, (it’s said,) fright- 
ening women, children, &c., in said township, and Hanover 
township, above the mountains, as their men are, in general, 
gone in the service. I think one quarter-cask of the gun- 
powder at Lancaster, with about sixty pounds of the lead at 
Mr. William Carson’s, to save carriage, might be ordered, and 
delivered said Bratts by our Committee, (the demand is not 
greater, and may be of service,) said Bratts or the Commit- 
tee or military officers of said township, being accountable 
for said ammunition, and that it may not be expended or 
wasted, but applied to the use given. For the small quan- 
tity of powder and lead of my own, I shall at any time our 
frontiers may appear to be in danger assist them with it, on 
application. As I know of not any powder but mine here, 
do not intend to send it to Lancaster till we have a prospect 
of better times. The Indians to the northward, southward, 
and westward, are for war against us, as I am informed by a 
letter from Northumberland County, by their post, two days 
ago. The Susquehannah Indians are, only, for peace with 
us. About twenty Indians, (enemies,) men, women and 
children, have been many days past at Sunbury, and make 
said report. Iam, gentlemen, your very humble servant, 
Joun Harris. 


To the Chairman of the Committee of Observation and 
Correspondence, in Lancaster. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1182 


LIST OF PRISONERS, AUGUST 27, 1776. 


Thomas Deason, brought to Jail with Mr. Barrington, 
and now confined, since the 17th of June; discharged. 

James Campbell, sent by the Committee; discharged. 

Philip Stone, sent by the Committee; discharged. 

James Ford, sent by the Committee. 

William Poor, sent by the Committee, suspected of assist- 
ing the officers in their escape from Lebanon. 

Thomas Redmund and John White, accused of the same. 

Jemmy the Rover, sent by the Committee, accused of 
threatening women. 

James Mansfield, sent by Squire Gruber, and has since 
attempted to break Jail. 

Peggy King, brought by Captain Henry; discharged. 

John Allen, Corporal Kate and Stemple, sent by the Com- 
mittee; discharged. 

John Vincent, sent by the Committee; discharged. 

John Fitzgerald, sent by the Committee as a deserter 
from the Continental forces. 

John Tiffidale, sent by the Committee for threatening the 
inhabitants. 

Mary Mitchell, Mambo, a Negro, Dinah, a Negro wench, 
sent by the Committee for conspiring the death of Clenden- 
in’s wife. 

Joseph Boon, discharged by order of the Convention, 
inlisted the next day, and after receiving 40s., deserted and 
stole a piece of cloth, for which he has since been con- 
fined. 

Jacob Rese, a deserter from Captain Peter Grubb’s Com- 


any. 
fede Mcllvain, sent by the Committee, with Philip and 
Jacob Winter; discharged on bail. 
Nancy Brown, brought by the guard for stealing. 
Richard, a Negro, brought by the guard; says he is free. 
Robert Ritchie, sent by Squire Gruber as a regular pri- 
soner of war; says he belongs to Captain Doyle’s Com- 
any. 


John Dead, kept in Jail by John Kelly. 


ROBERT G. LIVINGSTON TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Newark, August 27, 1776. 

GentLemen: At this moment, so important to the gene- 
ral welfare of America, it becomes every well-wisher of his 
country to discourage everything that has a tendency to 
weaken our present struggles; and as nothing can more 
effectually injure us in that way than a depreciation of the 
Continental currency, I was greatly surprised at the conduct 
of a gentleman of New-York in refusing a sum of money 
in that currency. The circumstances are these: I was 
bound with Mr. Samuel Hake to Captain Anthony Rutgers 
in a bond of £900. The last Saturday I sent the princi- 
pal and interest due upon that bond by Robert Hyslop to 
Mr. Rutgers to discharge the same, but he absolutely 
refused to receive the money offered him, which was in 
Continental money. 

I thought it my duty to inform you of this matter, as it 
may be attended with the most dangerous consequences to 
the publick interest; for if such a person as Mr. Rutgers 
may refuse it, who may not do the same, and where will it 
end? For my part, I have received lately very large sums 
in that money, with as great a readiness as I would gold or 
silver. But if I cannot pass it again, it will be dead and 
useless to me, and I must of course refuse it from my debt- 
ors, which must inevitably introduce the greatest confusion 
in the country, and which no friend of his country can 
think of without trembling. 

I lay this matter before you, gentlemen, as being thorough- 
ly convinced you will do everything in your power to put a 
stop to such practices. 

I am, with great esteem, gentlemen, your most humble 


servant, Rosert G. Livineston. 


To the Chairman of the Committee of the City and Coun- 
ty of New-York. 


JOSEPH TRUMBULL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, August 27, 1776. 
Sie: I have drawn on you this day in favour of Colonel 
Thomas Lowrey for thirty thousand dollars, to be improved 


1183 


in supplying the troops of the United States in Pennsylva- 
nia and New-Jersey with provisions. You'll please to pay 
the same, and charge them to my account accordingly. 

I am, most respectfully, sir, your most obedient, humble 
servant, Jos. T’RUMBULL. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Congress. 


COLONEL HARRISON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
New-York, August 27, 1776, eight o’clock, P. M. 

Sir: I this minute returned from our lines on Long-Island, 
where I left his Excellency the General. From him I have 
it in command to inform Congress that yesterday he went 
there, and continued till evening, when, from the enemy’s 
having landed a considerable part of their forces and many 
of their movements, there was reason to apprehend they 
would make, in a little time, a general attack. As they 
would have a wood to pass through before they could ap- 
proach the lines, it was thought expedient to place a num- 
ber of men there, on the different roads leading from whence 
they were stationed, in order to harass and annoy them in 
their march. ‘This being done, early this morning a smart 
engagement ensued between the enemy and our detach- 
ments, which being unequal to the force they had to contend 
with, have sustained a pretty considerable loss: at least 
many of our men are missing. Among those that have not 
returned, are General Suliivan and Lord Stirling. The 
enemy’s loss is not known certainly; but we are told by such 
of our troops that were in the engagement and that have 
come in, that they had many killed and wounded. Our 
party brought off a Lieutenant, Sergeant, and Corporal, with 
twenty privates, prisoners. While these detachments were 
engaged, a column of the enemy descended from the woods 
and marched towards the centre of our lines, with a design 
to make an impression, but were repulsed. This evening 
they appeared very numerous about the skirts of the woods, 
where they have pitched several tents; and his Excellency 
inclines to think they mean to attack and force us from our 
lines by way of regular approaches, rather than in any other 
manner. 

To-day five ships of the line came up towards the town, 
where they seemed desirous of getting, as they turned a long 
time against an unfavourable wind. And on my return this 
evening, I found a deserter from the Twenty-Third Regi- 
ment, who informed me that they design, as soon as the wind 
will permit ’em to come up, to give us a severe cannonade 
and to silence our batteries, if possible. 

I have the honour to be, in great haste, sir, your most 
obedient, Ros. H. Harrison. 

[Same to General Mercer.] 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER IN COL. ATLEE’S 
BATTALION, OF PENNSYLVANIA, DATED NEW-YORK, AUGUST 
21, 1T76. 

Yesterday about one hundred and twenty of our men went 
as a guard to a place called Red Lion, on Long-Island. 
About eleven o’clock at night the sentries descried two men 
coming up a watermelon patch, upon which our men fired 
upon them; the enemy then retreated, and about one o’clock 
advanced with about two or three hundred men, and en- 
deavoured to surround our guard; but they being watchful, 
gave them two or three fires, and retreated to alarm the 
remainder of the battalion, except one Lieutenant and about 
fifteen men, who have not been heard of as yet. About 
four o’clock this morning the alarm was given by beating to 
arms, when the remainder of our battalion, accompanied by 
the Delaware and Maryland battalions, went to the place 
where our men retreated from. About a quarter of a mile 
on this side, we saw the enemy when we got into the woods 
(our battalion being the advance guard) amidst the incessant 
fire of their field-pieces, loaded with grape-shot, which con- 
tinued till ten o’clock. The Marylanders on their left flank, 
and we on their right, kept up a constant fire amidst all their 
cannon, and saw several of them fall; but they being too 
many for us, we retreated a little, and then made a stand. 
Our Lieutenant-Colonel, Parry, was shot through the head, 
and I was under the necessity of retreating with him to this 
place, in order to secure his effects. Since which I have 
heard the enemy are within six hundred yards of our lines; 
which I think will cost them some number of men before 
they gain them. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1184 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED AUGUST 
27, 1776. 

I sit down, in the midst of confusion, to tell you that our 
people have been engaged with the enemy on Long- Island 
all this morning, and are at it yet. We cannot get at par- 
ticulars. ‘Those who have come over say the enemy have 
lost the most men. Lieutenant-Colonel Parry, of one of the 
Pennsylvania battalions, is killed; he died heroically, urging 
his men on against the enemy. Your kinsman, Hermanus 
Rutgers, was killed yesterday. Several of the enemy’s ships 
have attempted coming up this morning, but both wind and 
tide are ahead, and they are hitherto baffled. Our men on 
the Island behave bravely. Heaven send them victory. 

Thirty-five minutes past twelve, P. M.—Firing still con- 
tinues, with intermissions, A man-of-war coming up, said 
to be the Roebuck, has just lost, by a flaw, all she gained 
last tack. Several fires have been kindled on the Island. 
I believe our people set fire to hay, grain, &c., to prevent 
the enemy’s getting possession of them. Captain Farmer, of 
Colonel Miles’s Regiment, is slightly wounded, and brought 
tothiscity. Ithink some men-of-war will be up next tide. 


P.S. The First Battalion of New- York, Colonel Lasher, 
and the Pennsylvania and Maryland battalions, behaved with 
the greatest bravery, even to a fault. ‘They were command- 
ed by Lord Stirling. I fear some of the bravest officers 
from the southward are among the slain. We forced the 
enemy into their lines. Parry is killed, and Major Adeel, 


of New-York, killed. 


GENERAL WOODHULL TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
West end of Queen’s County, August 27, 1776. 


GenTLeEMEN: Enclosed I send you a copy of a letter from 
Colonel Potter, who left me yesterday at eleven o’clock, after 
bringing about one hundred men to me at Jamaica. Major 
Smith has, 1 expect, all the rest that were to come from 
Suffolk County. There have about forty of the Militia 
joined me from the regiments in Queen’s County, and about 
fifty of the troops belonging to Queen’s and King’s Counties, 
which are near all I expect. 

I have got all the cattle southward of the hills in King’s 
County driven to the eastward of the cross-road between 
the two Counties, and have placed guards and sentries from 
the north road to the south side of the Island, in order to 
prevent the cattle’s going back, and to prevent the commu- 
nication of the Tories with the enemy. I am within about 
six miles of the enemy’s camp. ‘Their Light-Horse have 
been within two miles; and unless I have more men, our 
stay here will answer no purpose. We shall soon want to 
be supplied with provision, if we tarry here. 

IT am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Narui. WoopHuL.. 


To the Honourable the Convention of the State of New- 
York, at Harlem. 


Huntington, August 26, 1776. 


Sir: [had not arrived at my house half an hour before I 
received by express from Captain Thomson, of Brookhaven, 
that two ships, one brig, and three tenders, had landed a 
number of Regular troops in a place between the Old Man’s 
and Wading River; and that at one of the clock they were 
shooting the cattle. Major Smzth has ordered the detach- 
ment designed for your party, to the eastward; and as our 
men are gone, and the wind fresh to the eastward, well 
know they cannot lie there. I expect them in our bay 
before morning, the only harbour in the Sound. Have not 
ordered any men from here as yet, but am mustering them, 
to make as good opposition as possible. We must have help 
here. Everything possible for me, shall be done, I think 
General Washington should be acquainted. Our women 
are in great tumult. 

In great haste, I am, sir, your very humble servant, 

Gitpert Porter. 


To Brigadier-General Woodhull. 


GENERAL HEATH TO GENERAL MIFFLIN. 
King’s Bridge, August 27, 1776. 
Dear Sir: By express this moment I am informed that 
three ships have just come to Anchor Point, above Frog 
Point. Ihave detached a regiment to prevent their land- 


1185 


ing to pillage or burn. You will immediately order two of 
the brass field-pieces, with ammunition, &c., complete, to 
this post. Three or four Artillerists at least must attend 
them. 

I have applied to General Washington for the fire-rafts, 
for the purpose of constructing a floating-bridge over Harlem 
River. He approves of it if they will answer the purpose. 
I should be glad of your opinion per the bearer. 

You will please to send the express to General Washing- 
ton immediately. We have nota single horse here. I have 
written to the General for two or three. _ 

I shall appoint a Court-Martial for the trial of Lieutenant 
Priestly this day. 

I am, dear sir, yours affectionately, 


To General Mifflin. 


W. Hearu. 


GENERAL HEATH TO COLONEL GRAHAM. 
King’s Bridge, August 27, 1776. 

Sir: By express this moment I am informed that three 
ships are just come to anchor above Frog Point, near the 
New City; you will, therefore, without the least delay, march 
your regiment to that neighbourhood, and prevent their land- 
ing or pillaging the stock. You will post your regiment in 
such manner as most effectually to answer the purpose of 
defeating the designs of the enemy. 

I am, sir, yours, Xc., 


To Colonel Morris Graham. 


P.S. You will send me intelligence as often as anything 
of importance transpires. 


W. Hearn, M. G. 


PETITION OF COMMODORE WYNKOOP TO THE CONGRESS, 


To the Honourable the Untrep States of AMERICA in 
Congress assembled : 


The Memorial of Jacopus Wynkoop showeth: 


That your memorialist has been employed and served in 
the Continental service, and in the service of the United 
States of America, from the 28th day of June, 1775, until 
the 18th day of August, instant. That your memorialist, 
by his first appointment was a Captain in the Eighth Com- 
pany and Fourth Regiment of Continental forces, raised 
in the Province of New-York. That his Honour Major- 
General Schuyler, Commander-in-Chief in the Northern 
Department, did, some time after the appointment of your 
memorialist to the Captaincy aforesaid, offer to your me- 
morialist the command of the vessels on Lake Champlain, 
and signified to your memorialist that his Honour would 
recommend your memorialist to the honourable Continental 
Congress as a person fit for the said station. ‘That your 
~memorialist being at Fort George, did, in the month of Jan- 
uary, in the present year, receive a letter from his Honour 
Major-General Schuyler, informing your memorialist that his 
Honour expected momently to hear from Congress on the 
subject of his appointment. That in the month of April 
Jast, your memorialist, at the city of New-York, did receive 
from the honourable the Provincial Congress for the Pro- 
vince of New-York a certified copy of a letter written by his 
Honour Major-General Schuyler to the President of the said 
Provincial Congress, which is in the words following: 


‘¢ Albany, March 8, 1776. 
‘Sir: Tam honoured with yours of the 4th instant. The 
Continental Congress have resolved that Captain Wynkoop 
should be employed upon the Lakes, under Commodore 
Douglass. Whether the latter gentleman means to engage 
in that service I do not know; of this, Congress can very 
speedily inform itself, as he resides near New-York. Should 
he not engage, there is no person I would more willingly 
have to command the vessels than Captain Wynkoop. At 
any rate, I wish you to send him up the soonest possible, 
with a sufficient number of sailors for the two schooners and 

sloop. 

‘I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 

“Pu. SCHUYLER. 


“To Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq.” 


“The foregoing is a true copy of the original, examined 
and compared by Rosert Benson.” 


Your memorialist received at the same time an extract 
Firru Serres.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1186 


from the Minutes of the Committee of Safety for New- York 
aforesaid, a copy of which follows: 
‘**In Committee of Safety, New-York, April 13, 1776. 
“Ordered, 'That Captain Jacobus Wynkoop do inlist the 
number of Mariners desired by Major-General Schuyler, for 
the service at the Lakes, with all possible despatch. That 
Captain Wynkoop proceed to Albany with the said Mariners 
to General Schuyler, and take his directions as to the Vessels 
on the Lakes, until the honourable the Continental Congress 
shall have appointed him to that command, or some other 
gentleman shall arrive at the Lake authorized to take the 
command, 
“ Extract from the Minutes: 
“ Joun McKesson, Secretary.” 


That in consequence of the aforesaid letter and order, 
your memorialist immediately inlisted a number of sailors, 
and proceeded up to Fort George, when he received from 
the Honourable Major-General Schuyler an order, in the 
words following : 

‘Fort George, May 7, 1776. 

“Str: You are immediately to repair to Tyonderoga, and 
take command of all the vessels on Lake Champlain, which 
you will with the greatest expedition put in the best condition 
possible for immediate service. 

“‘T am, sir, your humble servant, 

“Py. SCHUYLER. 
“To Captain Wynkoop.” 

That your memorialist, expecting the appointment of 
Commodore of the Lakes, and not being willing to act in a 
subordinate capacity, did, agreeable to the said order, take 
upon him the command of the vessels on the Lakes afore- 
said, and has since continued in that department, in the ser- 
vice of the said Continental Congress and of these United 
States, acting and exerting his abilities for the publick ad- 
vantage. ‘That on the 17th day of August, instant, your 
memorialist, being on his station, was alarmed by the report 
of a swivel from one of the schooners under his command, 
which was succeeded by a similar signal from another of the 
said schooners, which were making ready to get under sail; 
and conceiving that they ought not to move without his imme- 
diate orders, (unless in cases of alarm, when a boat should 
be instantly despatched to inform him of the occasion,) and 
fearing that some design had been formed by the Captains 
of the said schooners or their crews to go over to the enemy, 
by the command of your memorialist a swivel was fired to 
bring to the said schooners. That upon firing of the said 
swivel, they came to an anchor again, and your memorialist 
ordered the Mate to go in a boat and bring the Captains on 
board the Commodore’s schooner. All preparations for sail- 
ing were stopped, and Captain Premier, commander of one 
of the said schooners, (the other Captain being on shore,) 
came on board the Royal Savage, then under your memori- 
alist’s immediate command. ‘That your memorialist then 
desired to know from the said Captain for what reason those 
guns were fired and preparations made for sailing, who in- 
formed your memorialist that he had received from his 
Honour Brigadier-General Arnold orders to get his schooner 
immediately under way, and beat down the Lake about 
eight or ten miles, and if he made any discovery of the ene- 
my, to send a boat and acquaint him of the particulars. 
That your memorialist, not having received any intimation 
of being superseded in the command aforesaid, and con- 
ceiving that any orders even from the Commander-in-Chief 
of the Army in the Northern Department, or the command- 


‘ing officer at Lake George or Tyonderoga, respecting the 


vessels on the Lakes, should be directed and first commu- 
nicated to your memorialist, and to be given out by him to 
the respective Captains under his command, your memo- 
rialist also being better acquainted with the state and con- 
dition of the said vessels, your memorialist did transmit to 
his Honour the said Brigadier-General Arnold a letter, in 
the words following : 
‘©On board the Royal Savage, August 17, 1776. 

“Srr: I find by an order you have given out that the 
schooners are to go down the Lake. I know no orders but 
what shall be given out by me, except sailing orders from 
the Commander-in-Chief. If an enemy is approaching, I am 
to be acquainted with it, and know how to act in my station, 

“Tam, sir, yours, Jacosus Wynxoop, 


“Commander of Lake Champlain,” 


75 


1187 


That your memorialist soon after received a letter from 
his Honour the said Brigadier-General Arnold, informing 
your memorialist of the approach of the enemy, and inti- 
mating that the Commander-in-Chief had appointed him to 
take the command of the Navy on the Lake, and threaten- 
ing your memorialist with an arrest. That your memorialist 
having thus received information of the approach of the 
enemy, that the service might not suffer by the dispute of 
the officers, issued out an order to the Captains of the said 
schooners, in the words following : 

‘*On board the Royal Savage, August 17, 1776. 

“GentLemen: You will immediately get under way and 
go down the Lake about eight or ten miles. If you make 
any discovery of the enemy, send a boat to acquaint me of 
the particulars. If none of the enemy appear, you are 
directly to return. 

“ Yours, Jacopus Wynkoop, Commander. 


“To Captain Seaman and Captain Premier.” 


That immediately after your memorialist had received the 
letter aforesaid from his Honour the said Brigadier-General 
Arnold, his Honour the said Brigadier-General Arnold came 
on board the Royal Savage, and asked your memorialist how 
he dared to countermand his orders, and acquainted your 
memorialist that he had power to take the command of the 
fleet, and showed a paper containing written orders from his 
Honour Major-General Gates to that purport. ‘That your 
memorialist, conceiving that no officer could be placed over 
him in the naval department unless by appointment from 
the United States in Congress assembled, or the Provincial 
Congress for the Province of New-York, except in causes 
of misdemeanour, and your memorialist being conscious of 
having done his duty, did acquaint the said Brigadier-Gene- 
ral Arnold that he would receive no orders from him as a 
naval officer, under his present appointment, and that all 
orders from the commanders of the several posts on the Lake 
ought regularly to be first communicated to your memorial- 
ist. ‘That his Honour the said Brigadier-General Arnold 
then despatched a letter to his Honour Major-General Gates, 
acquainting him with the above particulars, and on the 18th 
day of August, instant, your memorialist received a letter from 
the said Brigadier-General Arnold, in the words following: 

“* Crown-Point, August 18, 1776. 

“Sir: The following is a paragraph of a letter and orders 
I have just received from the Honourable Major-General 
Gates, viz: 

“ ¢<Tt is my orders you immediately put Commodore Wyn- 
‘koop in arrest, and send him prisoner to Head-Quarters at 
‘ Tyonderoga. Horatio Gates.’ 


“In consequence of the above order, I do hereby put you 
in arrest, of which you will take notice and govern yourself 
accordingly. A boat and hands shall be ordered this eve- 
ning or to-morrow morning to attend you to Tyonderoga. 
Please to let me know what time will be most agreeable. 

*‘] am your humble servant, 


“ B. Arnoip, Brigadier-General.” 


That agreeable to the above order your memorialist im- 
mediately repaired to Tyonderoga, and was ordered from 
thence by his Honour Major-General Gates to the honour- 
able Major-General Philip Schuyler, and was informed by 
his Honour the said Major-General Gates that he had sent 
his crime forward. 

That your memorialist humbly imagines if he had suffered 
the said schooners to go off unmolested, and the design of the 
Captains or crews of the said schooners had been to go over 
to the enemy, and such design carried into execution, that 
your memorialist would not have been suffered to escape 
with impunity; and that therefore it was his duty, when 
signals and preparations were made by them for sailing, to 
know their destination and issue out the necessary orders. 

Your memorialist therefore humbly requests these United 
States in Congress assembled to take this memorial into their 
wise consideration, and grant him such relief as he is in jus- 
tice entitled to. Jacopus Wynkoop. 

Albany, August 27, 1776., 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 27, 1776. 

Drar Generac: In answer to your favour of yesterday, 

with this I transmit you the original letter I received from 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1188 


General Schuyler relative to the small-pox, by the hands of 
Captain Thatcher, who now goes down to receive the rig- 
ging, &c., for the galleys, and you will oblige me to return 
it by him. In consequence of the above letter, I immedi- 
ately despatched several officers, and gave each of them a 
copy of it, certifying that the above mentioned officers were 
sent by me to see that the orders of General Schuyler were 
faithfully to be executed. You will readily see that the 
general design of his Honour’s letter was to prevent the in- 
fection of the small-pox from coming among us from any 
quarter, and it may be that the Continental Regiments, in 
consequence of the declaration of said letter, have stopped. 
Lest this should be the case, I shall send off immediately to 
meet them and hasten them on. 

As the seamen were draughted from here to go with Ge- 
neral Arnold, I shall be glad, sir, if you would give Captain 
Thatcher the liberty of bringing with him a few from your 
place, if any there be, to help rig the galleys. You cannot 
be more anxious than I am to have them completed. The 
business is pushed on with all might, and nothing shall be 
wanting to fit them for action. We are remarkably kept 
back by sickness, but I think it will be a great advantage to 
rig them while the carpenter work is doing. Diligent search 
shall be made for the fellows mentioned in Colonel Trum- 
bull’s letter, and if they are found I shall send them to Ticon- 
deroga. 

I would mention to your Honour that there are some of 
Captain Wetherbee’s company that were inoculated, that were 
ordered to keep back, came to this place before I knew of 
their being in. I have sent them back a little distance, and 
shall wait your Honour’s orders concerning the matter. And 
am, dear General, with the greatest esteem, your most obe- 


dient, humble servant 
4 a Davin Watersury, Jun. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 
P. S. The rain ha§ been so great at this place, and the 


land so overflowed, there is hardly any passing from this to 
any part of the inhabitants or country. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM CROWN-POINT, DATED AUGUST 
QT, 1776. 


Our fleet, consisting of three schooners, one large sloop, 
four gondolas, and four galleys, now lie in Lake Champlain, 
near Crown-Point, and expect to sail in three days and lay 
in a narrow passage of the Lake to prevent the enemy from 
passing. We have information that the enemy are on their 
way to this place from S¢. John’s—they have no other 
craft than batteaus. If they come, I trust we shall give 
them a warm reception, as our fleet is well fitted and man- 
ned. We have now at Ticonderoga about three thousand 
five hundred effective men, and more coming in daily. The 
Fort, and every height and point about it, is well fortified; 
besides we have the command of the Lakes. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL GATES. 
Lebanon, August 27, 1776. 

Sir: Your favour of the 19th, as also that of the 11th 
instant, have been duly received, and it gives me much satis- 
faction to learn that our affairs under your department begin 
to wear so favourable an aspect, and that there is so great a 
prospect of our being able to preserve our superiority on the 
Lakes. Your attention and assiduity to prevent the spreading 
of that contagious disease, which has proved the bane of our 
Northern Army heretofore, I can’t but think most season- 
able, judicious, and salutary. 

Am obliged for the kind mention you are pleased to make 
of my exertions, which shall not be wanting, and ‘shall 
esteem myself happy if any endeavours of mine can serve 
the just and glorious cause in which we are engaged. 

The tents and clothing are forwarding with all expedition. 
We expected medicine chests and everything necessary 
would have been provided by the Continent; however, we 
have sent one chest of medicines forward, and whatever is 
further wanted should be glad to have the earliest intimation 
of, that we may afford all the needful supplies in our power. 
And am, sir, with esteem, your most obedient, humble ser- 
vant, 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


Jona. TRUMBULL. 


1189 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO JAMES BOWDOIN. 
Lebanon, August 27, 1776. 

Sir: Yours of the 25th instant have just received, and 
in answer thereto, can only say that I wish it was in our 
power to afford you that assistance you request. But our 
armed vessel, as also the Continental brig which lay in 
our port, are all gone out on a cruise; they sailed last 
Sunday. 

Two ships and two brigs have gone up our Sound to the 
westward, in order, as is supposed, to block the communi- 
cation. ‘Two are also cruising off Block-Island and Mon- 
tauge Point. 

The last intelligence from our Army at New- York is, that 
the enemy have landed about ten or twelve thousand troops 
on Long-Island, and sundry skirmishes have ensued, in all 
which we have had the better. They still continue under 
the protection of their ships. When the last express came 
away, Saturday last, two o’clock, P. M., they were then 
engaged. May God grant us success. 

From, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Jona. TRUMBULL. 


To the Hon. James Bowdoin, Esq. 


CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
August 27, 1776: 

Present, His Honour the Governour, Jabez Huntington, 
Richard Law, Jed. Elderkin, William Hillhouse, Nathan- 
iel Wales, Jun., Beryamin Huntington, Esquires. 

James Jauncey, Esq., of New-York, being in this State 
by order of General Washington, and on his parole to con- 
tinue in Middletown, applies for liberty to repair to West- 
chester, in the State of New-York, and from thence to 
bring his and his son’s families to Middletown. Where- 
upon it is 

Voted, That the said James Jauncey, Esq., has liberty 
to take with him such person or persons as shal] be advised 
to by Jabez Hamlin, Esq., and repair to Westchester, and 
from thence bring his wife and family, and also the wife and 
family of James Jauncey, Jun., Esq., to Middletown afore- 
said, making as little stay in the State of New-York as may 
be, in doing the business aforesaid. 


Voted, To draw an Order on the Pay-Table for £110 
14s., in favour of Isaac Doolittle and Jeremiah Atwater, of 
New-Haven, owners of the Powder-Mill there, for making 
Gunpowder for this State, and to be in account, they stand- 
ing accountable for what Powder they have made, which 
they say is forty-one hundred weight, as well as for what they 
shall hereafter make. 

Order given August 27, 1776 ; delivered Isaac Doolittle. 


Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table for £300, in favour 
of Colonel Jonathan Fitch, of New-Haven, to enable him 
to purchase Clothing and Tents for the Northern Army, 
and to render his account, to be paid in Continental Bills, 
lodged in the Treasury by Mr. Sherman, if any such in the 
Treasury, or otherwise out of the proper Treasury. 

Order drawn 27th August, and delivered Mr. Doolittle. 

Voted, That Captain Michael Melally be, and he is here- 
by, appointed First Lieutenant of the armed Ship Oliver 
Cromwell, belonging to this State, and that his Honour the 
Governour be desired to commissionate him accordingly. 

Commission sent him per Thomas Winthrop. 

Voted, That John Smith, of East-Hartford be, and he 
is hereby, appointed ‘Third Lieutenant of the armed Ship 
Oliver Cromwell, and his Honour the Governour is desired 
to commissionate him accordingly. 

Commission sent per Thomas Winthrop. 

Memorandum: Orders to be given to forward Camp-Ket- 
tles to the Northward, as they are much wanted. 


At a meeting of the Governour and Council of Safety, 
August 28, 1776: 
- Present, His Honour the Governour, Jabez Huntington, 


Richard Law, Jed. Elderkin, William Hillhouse, Nathan-« in Frederick-Town. 


iel Wales, Jun., Benjamin Huntington, Esquires. 
Voted, To draw an Order on the Pay-Table for £1000, 
in favour of Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq., Commissary of the 
. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1190 


Troops of the Fort in Groton, for Supplies and Buildings 
at that place, and to be in account. 

Order drawn August 28, 1776, and delivered Ebenezer 
Ledyard, Esq. ' 

Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table for £625 4s., in favour 
of Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., for Money advanced by him to 
Captain Harding, of the Brig Defence, in finishing and 
fixing said Brig for a cruise, to be in account for Brig De- 
Jence. 

Order drawn 28th August, and delivered E. Ledyard, 
Esq. 

Voted, 'To draw an Order on the Pay-Table for the sum 
of £600, in favour of Andrew Huntington, to enable him 
to purchase Tents and Clothing for the Northern Army, to 
be paid in Continental Money, lodged by Mr. Sherman, and 
to be in account. 

Order given 28th August, 1776; delivered Ebenezer 
Ledyard, Esq. 

Voted, To draw an Order on the Pay-Table for £500, in 
favour of Josiah Elderkin, for supplies of ‘Tents and Cloth- 
ing for the Northern Army, to be paid out of money lodged 
by Mr. Sherman, if any such, otherwise to be paid in the 
proper money of this State, and to be in account. 

Order given 28th August, 1776; delivered to E. Led- 
yard, Esq. 

Voted, To order the Sheriff of New-London County to 
transport all the Prisoners from Albany, now confined in 
New-London Jail, to Preston, there to be delivered into the 
care of the Committee of Inspection of Preston, and to be 
kept on their parole, viz: William Pemberton, Alexander 
Campbell, Thomas Swords, Samuel Anderson, to be sup- 
ported at their own expense, and Walter Scott, John Scott, 
Jacob Zimmerman, Nicholas Weaver, Ralph Watson, John 
Duzenbury, Frederick Wilhams, Henry Wytenhouse, Du- 
gal Campbell, Benjamin Grinman, Owen Conner, William 
McMullen, Israel Osborne, and Samuel Messenger, to be 
allowed to labour for their support, under the inspection of , 
the Committee of Preston. 

Order given to the Sheriff and to the Committee August 
28, 1776. 


Memorandum: August 31, 1776, Colonel Huntington, 
Colonel Elderkin, Major Hillhouse, and Mr. Wales, attend- 


ed on business with his Honour the Governour. 


COLONEL BAYLEY TO THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF 
SAFETY. 
Newbury, August 27, 1776. 

Genttemen: According to your desire the Continental 
men under my inspection have tarried, and about twenty- 
five have inlisted to tarry until the Ist of December, to be 
under the command of Samuel Atkinson, Captain, Jonathan 
Robbins, Lieutenant, and Peter Dustin, Ensign, and will 
wait upon you for the bounty, marching money, and further 
orders, as | did not think best to inlist the inhabitants, and 
have sent Mr. Atkinson and the other two to inlist the re- 
mainder. The men will certainly be wanted. If our Army 
should proceed over the Lake, we shall employ them in 
that service, to make the road, drive the cattle, &c.; if not, 
the enemy will certainly come to us. I have sent to Gene- 
ral Gates, and doubtless shall in two days know the cer- 
tainty, and shall transmit to you. Colonel Hand will inform 
of other matters. 

I am, gentlemen, with the greatest regard, your most 


humble servant, TeeGn ivror 


To the Honourable Committee of Safety. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO JOHN HANSON, 


[No. 164.] 


Sir: In consequence of your requests contained in your 
letter of the 24th instant, we have ordered the ‘Treasurer of 
the Western-Shore to pay to Mr. Edelin £250, to be ap- 
plied by the Committee towards the support of the prisoners 
When this sum is nearly expended, 
you will be pleased to inform the Council of Safety thereof, 
that a further supply may be ordered. We are, Xe. 


To John Hanson, Esq. 


Annapolis, August 28, 1776. 


1191 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO CHARLES COUNTY COMMIT- 
TEE. 
[No. 165.] Annapolis, August 28, 1776. 
GentLemen: Captain Conwy is just ready to sail, and 
wants one hundred and fifty pounds of cannon powder. Be 
pleased to let him have it, and we will cause it to be 
replaced. We are, &c. 


To the Committee of Observation of Charles County. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO ROBERT BERRY. 

[No. 166.] Annapolis, August 28, 1776. 
Str: You are to proceed from hence to the coal mine in 

Virginia, and there endeavour to purchase five or six thou- 

‘sand bushels of coal. If you can hire vessels to bring the 

same up, the freight, as also the value of the vessels, if taken 

by the enemy, will be paid by the State of Maryland. 
Weare, &c. 


To Mr. Robert Berry. 


CAPTAIN DARNES TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Chesiertown, Kent County, August 28, 1776. 


Gent LemMen: I take this opportunity, by Mr. Smath, to 
inform you my company is now on their march. Have 
received knapsacks, haversacks, cartouch-boxes, bayonet- 
belts, and gun-slings; but are at a loss for camp-kettles, 
tent-cloth, and blankets, not having more than about forty 
blankets: the men complain for the want of them. If we 
could be furnished with cloth, we could now have tents 
made here. Captains Smith’s and Perkins’s companies are 
exceedingly well fitted with tents. It seems, from the num- 
ber of troops that have marched for the northward, it would 
be almost impossible to be supplied there. 

Gentlemen, if your Board should think proper to supply 
me with tent-cloth, camp-kettles, and more blankets, shall 
think myself infinitely obliged. ‘The things might be put on 
_ board a Rockhall boat, where we may get them very hand- 
ily. 

aL have had no cash for the support of my company, which 
I am much in want of. 

Mr. Winters has not returned from Annapolis, therefore 
have not got our arms from him yet. 

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient and humble servant, 

Joun Darnes. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland. 


PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS TO COMMANDING OFFICER OF VIR- 
GINIA BATTALION. 
Philadelphia, August 28, 1776. 
Sir: The Congress being informed that you are on your 
march to New-Jersey, with intention to pass through York- 
town and Philadelphia, I have it in charge to direct that 
you continue your march from Yorktown by the nearest 
route to New-Jersey, (avoiding Philadelphia on account of 
the small-pox,) where, on your arrival, you will execute 
such orders as General Washington shall think proper to 
give you. 
I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 
Joun Hancock, President. 


To Colonel , Commanding Officer of one of the 
Virginia Battalions. 


PETITION OF JEAN LAUGEAY, ARTIFICIAL FIREWORKER. 
[August 28, 1776, read and referred to the Board of War. ] 
To the Honourable the Continental Congress : 


Honovuraste Sirs: Your petitioner, Jean Laugeay, 
Frenchman, has been brought up to the art of artificial fire- 
works in France, an art so necessary to make signals and 
render lights, both to the navies and armies in camp, at the 
time of night, as to be looked upon by most nations in Europe 
as a considerable branch of the art of war; the importance 
whereof being so little known in this part of the world, has 
induced the petitioner to offer his service to the honourable 
the Continental Congress of America to be employed by 
them in the art of fireworks, and in such a station as they 
may, On inquiring into his character and abilities, judge him 
most capable of. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


«thinks they would willingly be at. 


1192 


Should this honourable House think proper to employ the 
petitioner in their service, he shall by every means in his 
power endeavour to discharge the duty intrusted to him with 
every mark of honesty and fidelity. 

I am, honourable sirs, with the utmost duty and respect, 
your most obedient and most humble servant, 

Jean Lavuceay. 


PETITION OF PAUL FOOKS. 
{Referred to the Board of War, 1776.] 
To the Honourable the Continental Congress, &c.: 
The humble Petition of Paut Fooxs respectfully showeth: 


That your petitioner, having served under the former, and 
having been continued under the present Government of this 
State, in the office of Notary Publick and Interpreter of the 
French and Spanish languages, and being zealous to serve 
the righteous cause of American liberty to the utmost of his 
abilities, he presumes to offer his services to this honourable 
House as their Interpreter for the said languages. If he has 
the honour to be employed in this station, he flatters himself 
he may be useful, as many foreigners who daily arrive here 
are at a loss for such assistance. 

And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. 

Paut Fooxs. 


War Office, Philadelphia, August 28, 1776. 
As there is the most pressing necessity for all the troops, 
without exception, who are now in Philadelphia on their 
way to the camp, to march to Amboy, in the State of New- 
Jersey, it is hereby most earnestly requested that they do 
immediately proceed, without waiting for further supplies of 
arms or any other matter or thing, as care will be taken to 

furnish them when they arrive at camp. 
Ricuarp Peters, Secretary. 


CHSAR RODNEY TO THOMAS RODNEY. 
Philadelphia, August 28, 1776. 


Sir: [have at last got from the shoemaker and sent down 
by the post Betsy’s and Sally’s shoes. 1 don’t know which 
pair is Betsy’s or which is Sally’s; this they must find out 
themselves, if they ever come safe to hand. However, L 
know they are very dear, to wit: 14s. 6d. a pair. 

I intended to come down, but have been prevailed on by 
the other Delegates to stay and attend Congress during their 
absence, the business in Congress being important to each 
Colony, especially ours. ‘They proposed that the Conven- 
tion should give the power of voting for the Colony to one 
Delegate, to prevent our Colony suffering while they were 
engaged in other business. ‘This I consented to, being 
determined that the folly and ingratitude of the people 
shall not divert my attention from the publick good. I 
have seen Independence declared, and when I see this 
campaign well ended, (as I hope it will,) and regular 
Government established, then I intend to leave the publick 
and take the private paths of life. Future generations 
will honour these names, that are neglected by the present 
race. 

As soon as I received the accounts from Kent and New-Cas- 
tle of the elections, I wrote to Mr. McKean at Amboy, and de- 
sired he would give immediate attendance at the Convention. 
He got my letter, and in consequence thereof came to Phila- 
delphia on Sunday night last, and set out yesterday morning 
very early to New-Castle. While he was here I mentioned 
to him the circumstance of vesting the power of voting (in 
Congress) in one Delegate. He liked much to have the 
power in one, but was so averse to, and determined against, 
the Convention taking upon them or concerning with the 
least iota, except the barely framing a plan of Government, 
that he was of opinion he should never consent to their ap- 
pointing Delegates, or even altering their power, lest they 
should afterwards be inclined to hold it out as a precedent for 
their taking upon themselves some other matters which he 
He says, for his part he 
is tired of attending the Congress, but is determined they 
shall turn him nor no one else out; that if they are deter- 
mined to do those things by the strength of their majority, 


1193 


he will try the strength of the country with them, even at 
the risk of the Court-House. ' 

In the opinion of many people, the Convention of this 
Province are making such strides as will effectually knock 
up both them and their plan. When our Delegates return, 
I am to go home for the remainder of the fall. I am by pro- 
mise to hear by every opportunity how they go on at New- 
Castle. 

About ten thousand of the enemy are landed on Long- 
Island. They have been skirmishing every day since, and 
we are constantly looking for something important. Wash- 
ington is in high spirits; says they have overstayed their 
time, and that he is now ready for them; the sooner the 
better. 

Putnam commands on Long-Island, and has with him 
Major-General Sullivan, Brigadier-General Lord Stirling, 
and three other Brigadiers. Remember me kindly to my 
relations and friends. 

I am yours, &c., 


To Thomas Rodney. 


P. S. I wrote to Colonel Haslet since the battalion went 
to New-York, but have not yet got an answer; therefore 
don’t know how they are there. 


Cxwsar Ropney. 


DOCTOR FRANKLIN TO GENERAL GATES. 
Philadelphia, August 28, 1776. 


Dear Sir: The Congress being advised that there was 
a probability that the Hessians might be induced to quit the 
British service by offers of land, came to two resolves for 
this purpose, which, being translated into German and 
printed, are sent to Staten-Island, to be distributed, if prac- 
ticable, among those people. Some of them have tobacco 
marks on the back, that so tobacco being put up in them in 
small quantities, as the tobacconists use, and suffered to fall 
into the hands of these people, they might divide the papers 
as plunder before their officers could come to the knowledge 
of the contents, and prevent their being read by the men. 
That was the first resolve. A second has since been made 
for the officers themselves. I am desired to send some of 
both sorts to you, that, if you find it practicable, you may 
convey them among the Germans that shall come against 

ou. 

The Congress continue firmly united, and we begin to 
distress the enemy’s trade very much, many valuable prizes 
being continually brought in. Arms and ammunition are also 
continually arriving, the French having resolved to permit 
the exportation to us, as they heartily wish us success; so 
that in another year we shall be well provided. 

As you may not have seen Dr. Price’s excellent pamphlet, 
for writing which the city of London presented him - 
dom in a gold box of fifty pounds’ value, I send vou der 
them. 

My last advices from England say that the Ministry have 
done tlieir utmost in fitting out this armament; and that, if 
it fails, they cannot find means next year to go on with the 
war. While I am writing comes an account that the armies 
were engaged on Long-Island, the event unknown, which 
throws us into anxious suspense. God grant success. 

Lam, &c., B. Franky, 


To Horatio Gates. 


GENERAL MERCER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 

[Read August 29, 1776.] 

Newark, August 28, 1776, five o’clock A. M. 

Sir: General Washington had wrote me that some re- 

inforcements would be necessary at New-York-and Powles 
Hook; such troops as composed or were inlisted for the 
Flying-Camp were ordered to proceed immediately for this 
place. On the way yesterday evening, General Wooster’s 
Aid-de-Camp met me, with a few lines from the General, 
signifying it was General Washington’s orders that I should 
march, with all our Army under my command, immediately 
to Powles Hook. The necessary orders were sent to Amboy, 
Woodbridge, atid Elizabeth- Town, last night, and I hope to 
have on Bergen, ready to pass over to New- York, if required, 
from three to four thousand men. Our whole force, including 


the New-Jersey Militia, from Powles Hook to Shrewsbury, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1194 


amounts to eight thousand and three hundred, [have directed 
fifteen hundred to be left at Amboy, four hundred at Wood- 
bridge, and five hundred at Elizabeth-Town. Many of the 
Pennsylvanians have joined us with arms unfit for service, 
and some have refused to march on. What [ can collect 
of the operations of yesterday is, that early in the morning 
the enemy advanced within forty yards of our lines; they 
received so well-directed fire of cannon and musketry, which 
obliged them to retreat, that a considerable body from our 
works sallied out and attacked them, but were repulsed, and 
obliged to give way to superior numbers, 

Some men-of-war tried to get up to New-York, but the 
tide failed them; one was as high as Red Hook. It was 
believed that next tide, which makes early this morning, 
would bring them up. General Washington, with the greater 
part of the Army, was on Long-Island yesterday; and the 
action continued at two o’clock, when the note from General 
Wooster was sent off. Considerable firing has been heard 
this morning, which still continues. What troops are here 
I am pushing on to Bergen, and shall be with them imme- 
diately. 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 

Hueu Mercer. 


To the Honourable John Hancock, Esq. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED AUGUST 28, 
1776. 


Yesterday morning the enemy stole through the woods I 
mentioned to you in my last our men were posted in; it is 
so extensive we could not sufficiently guard it. They have 
gained a little ground, but have bought it almost as dear as 
they did Bunker’s Hill. Our Army, at least the small part 
that was engaged, behaved most manfully; they, as it were, 
surrounded our people, and we were obliged to fight our way 
through them. Colonel Smallwood’s battalion has gained 
immortal honour. He was not with it himself; Lord Starling 
commanded it, and the Delaware battalion, as part of his 
brigade. ‘They fought the enemy, treble in number, in open 
field, several hours, till at last, surrounded on the side of a 
small creek, they were obliged to make the best retreat they 
cotld. Most of them swam the creek. Lord Stirling, at the 
head of three companies, attempted to force his way through 
the enemy. Captains Bowie, Veazey, Lieutenants Sterret, 
Wright, Coursey, Dent, Butler, Praul, Ensigns Furnandes, 
Courts, are missing, and about one hundred and fifty men of 
Smallwood’s battalion. ‘The officers gave Lord Stirling the 
character of as brave a man as ever lived. We are very 
sorry for his loss, and are fearful that he is killed, from the 
danger he was seen in. General Sullivan is likewise miss- 
ing, and many other officers, with about three hundred men ; 
however, we are still in hopes of seeing many of them, as 
they are constantly coming in, having got round through the 
country; General Parsons has come in in the same way, after 
being out all this morning. I assure you there has been 
severe work on both sides.. Our people who have come in 
say the fields and woods are covered with dead bodies ; and 
a deserter informs the enemy have lost near six hundred 
men. I have the pleasure to inform you among their slain 
is General Grant, lately Colonel Grant, of the House of 
Commons, who gave the Americans the character of cow- 
ards. General Parsons saw his body; but the soldier who 
killed him and got his papers, &c., is missing. ‘The enemy 
once attempted to force our lines, but were repulsed, and 
are now encamped about a mile from us. 

Colonel Smallwood and Colonel Ware were necessarily 
detained here on a Court-Martial for the trial of Colonel 
Zedtwitz, who is sentenced to be broke, and rendered inca- 
pable of ever holding any military office. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED AUGUST 
28, 1776. 


We yesterday had a severe engagement with the enemy 
on Long-Island ; they came through a wood where we were 
posted, in order to come to our lines; they did make an 
attempt to force them, but were repulsed; they gained a 
little ground, but at as great a price almost as they did 
Bunker’s Hill. We have missing on our part General 
Sullivan, and about three hundred others. ‘The Island is 
so extensive, and the enemy having got round our people, 


1195 


that many of our men made their way through into the 
country, and are constantly coming in; General Parsons was 
missing in the same way, but came in this morning. From 
our people who have come in, we learn the enemy have lost 
great numbers; a deserter informs near six hundred. 


EXTRACT OF A-LETTER DATED HEAD-QUARTERS, LONG- 
ISLAND, AUGUST 28, 1776. 


Yesterday General Washington and his suite came over 
to this place upon receiving intelligence that Generals Howe 
and Clinton had landed with all the troops, except a few to 
guard Staten-Island. Immediately on our arrival we heard 
the noise of a very smart engagement with musketry and 
field-pieces; it proved to be Lord Stirling’s brigade, con- 
sisting of Smallwood’s regiment from Maryland, the Dela- 
ware regiment commanded by Haslet, and Pennsylvania 
regiment commanded by Atlee, besides some others, who 
behaved like heroes. ‘They were surrounded by the enemy, 
who received constant and large reinforcements, whilst our 
brave men could not get the least assistance from their 
friends, as there were not men sufficient to fill our lines, and 
we expected an attack every minute. ‘There were several 
other smart and pitched battles till evening, when Lord 
Stirling’s men began to retreat. We have about five hun- 
dred and fifty missing at present. This morning General 
Parsons came in with a few men; he brings an account that 
the enemy have lost five hundred men, and a hat, with two 
bullet holes, marked Colonel Grant, and his watch. I wish 
it was General Grant, but their great officers don’t like ven- 
turing. In the evening the enemy had a number of tents 
pitched about a mile distance. ‘This morning about four 
o'clock I accompanied the General around the works, and 
we saw very large encampments; by these appearances, and 
information, the enemy are twenty thousand strong. Our 
sentries are very near theirs, who are about a quarter of a 
mile distance. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER IN THE MARYLAND 
BATTALION, DATED LONG-ISLAND, WEDNESDAY MORNING, 
DAYBREAK, AUGUST 28, 1776. 


I have the pleasure to inform you I have survived a very 
warm engagement yesterday. Our battalion has suffered 
much; a great number of both officers and men are killed 
and missing. We retreated through a very heavy fire, and 
escaped by swimming over a river, or creek rather. My 
height was of use to me, as I touched almost all the way. 
A number of men got drowned. I have lost no officers and 
but few men. 
early in the engagement. We are now all safe in our lines 
and forts. 

The affair yesterday was only a skirmish on the Island, 
about three miles from our works. ‘The particulars I can- 
not now give you, but we were deceived, and at one time 
surrounded with, I am convinced, ten thousand men. Our 
General, Lord Stirling, is missing. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM LONG-ISLAND, DATED AUGUST 
28, 1776. 


Yesterday’s occurrences, no doubt, will be described to 
you in various ways. I embrace this leisure moment to give 
as satisfactory an account as Iam able. A large body of 
the enemy that landed some time since on Long-Island, at 
the end of a beautiful plain, had extended their troops about 
six miles from the place of their first landing. ‘There were 
at this time eleven regiments of our troops posted in differ- 
ent parts of the woods, between our lines and the enemy, 
through which they must pass if they attempted anything 
against us. 

Early in the morning our scouting parties discovered a 
large body of the enemy, both horse and foot, advancing on 
the Jamaica road towards us. I was despatched to Gene- 
ral Putnam to inform him of it. On my way back I dis- 
covered, as I thought, our battalion on a hill coming in, 
dressed in hunting-shirts, and was going on to join them, but 
was stopped by a number of our soldiers, who told me they 
were the enemy in our dress; on this I prevailed on a.Ser- 
geant and two men to halt and fire on them, which produced 
a shower of bullets, and we were obliged to retire. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


Captain Veazey and Lieutenant Butler fell ' 


1196 


In the mean time the enemy, with a large body, penetra- 
ted through the woods on our right and centre, or front, and 
about nine o’clock landed another body on their right, the 
whole stretching across the fields and woods between our 
works and our troops, and sending out parties accompanied 
with Light-Horse, which harassed our surrounded and sur- 
prised new troops, who, however, sold their lives dear. Our 
forces then made towards our lines, but the enemy had taken 
possession of the ground before them by stolen marches. 
Our men broke through parties after parties, but still found 
the enemy’s thousands before them. Colonel Smallwood’s, 
Atlee’s, and Haslet’s battalions, with General Stirling at 
their head, had collected on an eminence and made a good 
stand, but the enemy fired a field-piece on them, and being 
greatly superior in number, obliged them to retreat into a 
marsh, and finding it out of their power to withstand about 
six thousand men, they waded through the mud and water 
to a mill opposite them. Their retreat was covered by the 
Second Battalion which had got into our lines. Colonel 
Lutz’s and the New-England regiments after this made 
some resistance in the woods, but were obliged by superior 
numbers to retire. 

Colonel Miles’s and Colonel Broadhead’s battalions, 
finding themselves surrounded, determined to fight and run; 
they did so, and broke through English, Hessians, &c., and 
dispersed Horse, and at last came in with considerable Joss. 
Colonel Parry was early in the day shot through the head, 
encouraging his men. Eighty of our battalion came in this 
morning, having forced their way through the enemy’s rear, 
and came round by way of Hell-Gate ; and we expect more, 
who are missing, will come in the same way. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State wk 
New-York, at Haerlem, August 28, 1776. 


Sir: Iam commanded by the Convention to enclose to 
your Excellency the copy of a letter they received last eve- 
ning from General Woodhull. 

The Convention are of opinion that the enemy may be 
prevented from getting the stock and grain on Long-Island, 
if the regiments under the command of Colonel Smith and 
Colonel Remsen be sent to join General Woodhull. ‘That 
this junction may be effected, and how, Major Lawrence 
(who is a member of this Convention and the bearer hereof ) 
will inform your Excellency. 

I have the honour to be your Excellency’s most obedi- 
ent and most humble servant, 

By order: Asm. Yares, Jun., President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


eo CONVENTION TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State of 
New-York, at Haerlem, August 28, 1776. 


Sir: Enclosed you have a copy of a letter which the 
Convention of this State have directed to several of the Com- 
mittees of your State, requesting their assistance in removing 
the inhabitants and stock from Long-Island. The Con- 
vention are sensible that the first application should have been 
to your Excellency, but necessity has obliged them to dis- 
pense with form, which they doubt not you will consider a 
sufficient apology. 

The Militia of Long-Island are for the most part shut up. 
within the lines, so that nothing can be done for its defence 
without your assistance. The Convention therefore find 
themselves under a necessity of applying to your Excellency 
for one thousand men, or any greater force which can speed- 
ily be obtained, who they conceive may greatly contribute 
to the security of the Island, and at the same time, in some 
measure, codperate with our Army in the lines, or at least 
greatly weaken the attack of the enemy. __ 

I have the honour to be your Excellency’s most obedient 
and most humble servant, 

By order: Asm. Yares, Jun., President. 


To His Excellency Governour Trumbull. 


In Convention of the Representatives of the State of ) 
New-York, at Haerlem, August 28, 1776. 


GentLemen: The Convention of the State of New-York 
are under the melancholy necessity of calling again upon 


1197 


their sister States for their assistance, in a matter in which not 
only they but the whole Continent are interested. ‘The ene- 
my, who have landed upon Long-Island, will, we fear, have 
it in their power shortly to possess themselves of the whole 
stock, which amounts to between eighty and one hundred 
thousand head of cattle and as many sheep, as our forces 
are confined to their lines. These articles will doubtless 
be of the greatest use to the enemy: for the want of some 
of them we know they are already distressed. We must 
therefore request you immediately to afford all the assist- 
ance in your power to forward the removal of the stock 
from the Island, and to provide for them in your State till 
some further directions can be given with respect to them, 
and to lend your aid to such of the inhabitants as may wish 
to remove. 

The importance of these objects need not be enlarged upon, 
nor need any arguments be urged to induce you to every 
necessary exertion. ‘The readiness and publick spirit which 
the Committees in Connecticut have ever shown in carrying 
into execution all measures of publick utility, leave us no 
room to doubt but that they will exert themselves on this 
occasion, which is of the utmost importance to the general 
cause of America. 

We are, gentlemen, &c. 


To the Chairmen of the Committees of Horseneck, Stamford, Norwalk, 
Fairfield, Stratford, Milford, New-Haven, Guilford, Seabrook, Lyme, 
Groton, New-London, and Stonington, in Connecticut. 


GENERAL GATES TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Tyonderoga, August 28, 1776. 


Sir: Yesterday I had the honour to receive your Excel- 
lency’s letter of the 14th instant, which is all | have been 
favoured with since that of the 19th of July. 

I have at length the satisfaction to send a pretty correct 
General Return of the Army in this part of the northern 
district of America. A copy of my last letter to General 
Schuyler, which is in the packet, will explain the return to 
your Excellency. I also enclose my Orders and Instruc- 
tions to Lieutenant Whitcomb, who went from hence the 20th 
instant, upon a scout towards St. John’s, Chamblee, &c. 
The report of his last scout, which General Sullivan sent him 
upon, has already been sent to General Schuyler, who has 
doubtless transmitted it to your Excellency. 

As the small-pox is now perfectly removed from the Army, 
I shall, in consequence of the intelligence received of the 
motions of the enemy, immediately assemble my principal 
strength to maintain this important pass, and hope General 
Waterbury, in a week at farthest, will be able to come with 
the three row-galleys to Tyonderoga, and proceed, the in- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1198 


stant they arrive and are fitted, to join General Arnold upon 
the Lake. In the mean time, we are exerting our utmost in- 
dustry to fortify this post, a plan of which is enclosed. The 
weather of late has been so uncommonly wet and stormy for 
the season, that we are much retarded in our works. As 
the enemy feel alike the inclemency of the season, I hope 
we shall be prepared for them when they come. 

My orders to Brigadier-General Arnold your Excellency 
will find in the packet. He read and entirely approved 
them before he left Tyonderoga. I hope they are the sen- 
timents of your Excellency and the most honourable the 
Congress upon that momentous command. 

As the New-Hampshire and Connecticut Militia have come 
without tents, much time is lost by those regiments in cover- 
ing themselves. It happens very fortunately that Mount 
Independence affords an ample supply of materials for huts, 
otherwise those corps must soon have felt great distress. 
The Massachusetts Militia are arrived, well supplied with 
excellent tents and a sufficiency of good camp utensils. 
This, in our present circumstances, is a great help to us, and 
does that Province much honour. 

Governour Trumbull acquaints me he has forwarded one 
thousand felling axes and two loads of clothing. His Ex- 
cellency has, from the beginning of the misfortunes of this 
Army, done everything in his power to reéstablish it in health 
and power. ‘T’oo much cannot be said in his praise. 

Your Excellency must long ere this have received from 
General Schuyler the report of Major Bigelow, who returned 
with the flag of truce from Isle-aux-Noix. As I constantly 
report every extraordinary occurrence to General Schuyler, 
I take it for granted there is no delay with him in forward- 
ing them to your Excellency and the Congress. I have 
ordered Commissary Avery to forward to Colonel Trumbull 
the returns and reports that are proper to be made in his 
department, and Doctor Morgan has before this shown your 
Excellency my letter to him of the 22d instant. 

I am pleased at the account General Schuyler gives me 
of five hundred and thirteen thousand dollars being arrived 
at Albany, from Philadelphia; it is much wanted, both there 
and here, as the Militia were promised their mileage and 
billeting money at Number Four; but no money was sent 
there to pay them. ‘This neglect caused much murmuring 
amongst them, and was very near stopping their march from 
thence. I wish good care was taken not to make any pro- 
mises to troops but such as are punctually performed. I 
apprehend this promise was made by the Legislature at 
Watertown. 

I have the honour to be your Excellency’s most obedient, 


humble servant 
Horatio Gates. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


Return of the Regiment of Foot, in the service of the Unrrep Cotontes, commanded by Colonel Samuei Exyore. 


OFFICERS PRESENT. ; : Alterations 
4 ; Wonr| RANK AND Fite. | Wanting to! since last 
Commissioned. Staff. Com’d complete. return. | 

2) ae : 

COMPANIES. 3 @ |= 5 EM Jsl.]s le _ 
=8| |#/2{o] a lejziclel| |2/Sissi8/2) 6 8) lft aii Bs 
Slofel-S lA lel elsisisis|.| 2/2 /ssi/2)e] 6 15] _.]s]2! 2 fS].is| 2 
S\ES Ela] Stale sises| | Ele |zel/41O BS | mE] € legis] s 
OS Merah tner fist ctircs| ties Ss | tas, | Seales BT acetate | Pore cas ead Shae [enue Ke fac 
OWA|O|E |2 IA PleCMie|nAIA lA jaln]O O/B jn ia} a Faas A 
Captain Theodore Woodbridge...............- eel Pal bshall Ted seen ea ONuaQ leo cantue On 4 [cA | etl sul. ce fs file]. e = 
Oantain perl CMapmisniartadacre olsatciasale s/sc-sicle Seed ales she mt otilbealred eal A Me OUnAT te Qt Ate 13rr =e 60a|eaer lis | = peated 
Captain Robert Walker...... Acaeagiwe SG55pce eel ee ste tenis teal oth 4 1 SASS sfuaB] ete De boa Galette) = he Dag 
Captain Frederick Parmelee.... .....0s...c0es ea eate tee alee tae suelo Ole ON As Qi A et a | 7A tee ah alee |p Waste LS 
Captain David Smiths. 0. 6.0 es ss ccc aces eas Sree Ete oT eter cole tela Our age! carl Tol 7a =e Go4 eM] mee fom mut anl oe 
Captain Israel Spencer........sseceessseeeeecs Sian on Tere Tene ee oO as Sic AE Ag = yay aS ah ag 
Captain William Satterlee..........+eseeeeeeeef-]-|-] 1] 1] 1] 1]-/-]-|-|-| 4] 2] 24] 6] 2] 25/4] 71} -]-} - |-{1]-] 1 
Captain Joel Dickenson... 66 s00es0 50 sees esses a een eon meee eT EOE TT | 3.[ mold Tot <l- GOal cancel) cel |suem ge 
Total.y.oessessocerersecccssecesesseef 11-11] 5] 81 6] 31-111] -|-126| 161277 |27| 11] 112/9]504| -}-| - |-|6l-| 37 
Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, absent; Mr. Elisha Rexford, Chaplain, and | Privates on command at Fort George....+seesseeeevceeceeecenees 95 
Samuel Cook, Surgeon, absent. . Privates on command at Hartford... ....ccceeccececcccecccsseece . 16 
Captain Albert Chapman, absent, and Lieutenant Gorham. Privates on command at Skenesborough.....++ Mt abicrd fearabtalcve aivere ee Ate dl 
Ensign Hubbell absent. Tie 
bia erael Bpencer, absent. Privates not joined the Regiment...+++seeeeeeees rererry Treat 24 


Captain Joel Dickenson and one Lieutenant, and Ensign Andrews and 
Ensign Dean, on command at Fort George. 

Ensign John Fish, gone with Prisoners to Hartford. 

Ensign Chapman, absent. 

Four Sergeants on command at Fort George. 

Two Sergeants on command at Harlford. 


N.B. One of the above Deserters, belonging to Captain Chapman’s 
Company, inlisted with Captain Thatcher’s Company, in Colonel Swift’s 
Regiment, at Skenesborough. ‘Two of Captain Parmelee’s Company, 
returned Deserters, inlisted with Captain John Tillman, in the Batteau 
service. Four Deserters, belonging to the said Company, listed in New- 
York, in Regiments unknown. 


Samui. Exmore, Colonel. 


' 


1199 CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 1200 


A Return of the state of Colonel Joun Nicnouson’s Regiment, in the service of the Unrrep Srares or America, | 
Aupany, August 26, 1776. 


Commissioned Officers. Staff Officers. Rank and File. 
; z 3 Es g S 
e n e . 
2 Fae 5 s(8/& flslelslse |. 
COMPANIES. 3 n 2 | R S\e sexo [Sa] 
3| |alelsllelelsl /2iSlelgghcleigisrere siecle 
Sle lSL2@/Si/Ssl/Slsei8|/slislselslEHlsislelslele2ieeieie : 
elgis|s s/Mialslel/Slel|sleleeldolsizisis ilEiS|S| a 
e/s/S/eiFlAlalFl3lae| ela) o)/ mls (eC sie (5/918) S 
TO | Sh ces lee oes 2G lames h ern rege | easelhig FlelPieielje S|O| ole} oO 
OAS IOlSIRA|AlO/4/Sl HH lHIAIA |AIOMald jOMAa! & 
Captain Mott........ Wolelosteleh oveeha otis bla ve fete 2's nf SR Re ee tM Ae MIM nore nae] Ue YRS Moh ED | Sm ae 
Captain Benedict... «saccvccepeecacevccsesce Saori te Ge ReMi ee cal ea Sa ep EON Ris ica reise ce gery eatresiy | kt, 
Captain Graham.......... eccccscccccccsvece| =] -| -| 1/1} 1]-]-] -|-] -| =} -] 3] 2 [14 Uli-|-] - [-]|-|llp-] 27 
Captain Johnstons ticesreoewsccusscseeces ens] - |=] - |] 1.1 =<) | = femdom | a) ete he tet ee te Teghe t=) =] = | =t—4 Ore 
Captain Gooper. ...2sccccssccces occ ececenee 24 ePID ED po Saar eee ee | ieee ere or t= f= 4 =) LY =) 1 Gee 
Captain Evans......... ale/ntemn =sjen be bes eines -}-]-]} 272} 2] -]-]e]-)-]-]-] 1] - |12)89)-]4)-] - |-]-| 412) 61 
Captain ElansOn cer eis slesiels co's cle ciess'e'e lec Scie -{-]-}1)-[]-]1) <<) -]-] -]-]-] 2] - | 2) Ve[-]-| -7]-]-] 1- 4 
Captain Copp.......+-- SoDooaGoE IS a nsor ot ate PT | a a eae aos tage ape a pee |) >|. 0] bee 
Wit poping’ eh nh teen aa 1{1/-15{/5/5}/2/-{al-1-l1]-l3] 3 jegealai{4l/a] 1 [4] -|51) 9] 243 
Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Weisenfels, appointed to the Third Regi- ; Lieutenant Thomas Nicholson, 
ment of Yorkers. | Ensign Rattaw, pa command at Haverstraw. 
Captain Gershom Mott, recruiting at New-York. Ensign Thomas Lenanton, taken prisoner at Quebeck, 7th May. 
Lieutenant Benjamin Pelton, joined Colonel Ritzema, New-York. Captain Benjamin Evans, On command at Ticonderoga, with thirty- 
Ensign Charles Ivan Weisenfels, recruiting at New-York. Ensign Samuel Pribble, nine men. 
Ensign Francis Shaw, sick in Trenton, in the Jerseys. Lieut. William Tapp, joined Colonel McDougall’s Regiment, New-York. 
Lieutenant John G. Lansing, absent, with leave, at Schenectady. Captain John Copp, recruiting at New-York. 
Ensign Holmes, on command at Ticonderoga. Lieutenant Isaac Guion, recruiting at New-York. 
Lieutenant William Martin, on command at Haverstraw. Lieutenant William Calbrath, gone on command to Poughkeepsie. 
* The six Prisoners taken at Quebeck and Staten-Island. {t The two Prisoners taken at Staten-Island. 


Jno. Brogpen, Adjutant. 


General Return of the Forces of the Unrrep Srates or America, serving in the Northern Department, under the com- 
mand of the Hon. Major-General Gates, 'Ticonprroca, August 24, 1776. 


OFFICERS PRESENT. 


EFFECTIVE RANK AND | Wanting | Since last 


Commissioned. Staff. Pic a FILE. tocomplete.| Return. 
n t . 
CORPS. e a/é g ap cin Weis Ripa ob aS 
SC 2\3 » | ote eiS |S (eye |e | & ; 
Jl ois ls alalel. ;ie/% | a/s|e]s Gl) = ale 
1S h | 1 Sa el ell ale eS Sips ee pie S Al 3 = I | eps 
Sees are leisici«| Slel Filia lee Le Fla} & fo| 15/2 
Elsie} S\s MIS/Ze/ 2/3] $ gL oie seen ees sds Q) (Siz 
ZS al BIS |e ls 2s] 42 S/F) e@ | a ls|O |e | Ss |&l8l 8 larsrsls 
o}-2 SEIS elsrssisiS|s 2) 2 18 |S] e lel S (BIE| s Els12/3 
OR) Ra /A Oa Claeia lala |e la]o |o\e aia|e saa 
[Greaton’s..ccceeeseeeceseccceeeceeee! I-| 1] 3) 4) 4] 2]-] 1}-} 1 1) 11} 9} 115) 69) 20) 125] - | 329) -| -| 311} -| 5) 1) - 
Fish: Bond sakds tomeann se bea pomns aie picks» esi 1}-| 1} 2) 2} 2] 2]1]-/-| 11) 7 7 78} 90) 79} 144] - | 391] 1) 3| 249) -| 7101 - 
isda a ial Sikes DOI OCOTIOCO BOOS ASD Oc 1j-| 1) 3) 4; 1] -|-] J} 1) -|-] 14} 12} 121) 83} 61) 143) 7 415] 2} 3} 208) -| 9/718) - 
POLteNS cilels sles s ovis Slojone wine enelsts!scle\s }-| 1) 6] 44 5] 2)-]-]-] 1) 1) 20) 7 93) 111) 28) 114 348) 3) 6} 212)3! 4) 1) 5 
See ond { Reed’s .. ELAS e olole sos cierce atone neler -| 1} 1) 6| 4] 4] 5}-| a} 1] 1) 1) 93] 11] 195] 54] 57] 4a} - | 34ai-| 3] 299/-| 3] 8 7 
Brivkdé { Paterson’Ss+esereserersseeeeeeerecs Y-| 1) 2] 5] 5) 4-1} Y-] 1} 1) 20] 8 150) 74) 65) 79) 14) 382) 3) 4) 258) -| 3] 4 3 
sade. | Lieutenant-Colonel Wait’s........+.. -| 1}-| 3} 5) 5] 4/1} 1) 1)-|- | 20) 6} 138; 49) 19] 52)160} 418] 1) 4) 221] - | 6} 9) - 
([Stark’s ..ccceccceccccccueeee -| 11) 1) 7) 6} 7) 5}1] 1) 1 1) 1) 24) 9) 188) 79] 57) 29) 1) 354) 1) 5} 286/1 /10) - | - 
Third Poor’s... A GOS RGOE BOSH AL ASC GOL BOOT 1) 1) 1) 5} 6) 7| 7]1} I 1) J 1) 27 11) 157) 189) 63) 77) 1} 487) -| 5) 153) -| 4] 3) - 
iscadl Maxweill’s...seceeeeeceseeeeeeeceees 11) 1) 7] 5] 6} 4}-] 1) 1] 1} 1 23) 9) 234) 50)116) 16) - | 416] 3) 7 224) -| 3] 1) - 
SL WOAGERRG Heys siv'eicey ae Sie eRE erties ae -| 1} 1) 8| 7) 9) 8)-| 1) 1)-| 1 82) 12) 425) 76) 14) 112) - | 627) -| 3) 124|-| qI-] - 
| Wyman’s Seael sisie, eo tse 1e1s (else ela cleVict este state -| 1) 1) 97 7) 6! 6]-1{ 3} 1) -|-] 36) 17) 381) 81) 49) 77) - | 588i-|-| 164) -| 3)-| 9 
SteClairisictete se setae abe ccle nesta ciecarteets Ij-|-| 7} 5] 5] 5S}-] 1) 1-1 -] 23) 8) 232) 87) 74) 36) - | 429) 1] 4] 211) -| 4} 4 - 
Pourth De Haas’s Yoiciatoknis ctotcie tan, clei /eieieten ste, siere Yj ij 7) 6} 8} 7}-} 1) 1) 1) 1} 26) 5] 274) 74] 83} 24) - | 455) 4110) 185) -| 9) - | - 
Bread. UWandSyaiteets stele cates tielctastete ciate sterol -| 1} 1) 7] 5] 8] 6|-| 1)-] 1/-] 31) 13) 225; 97] 55) 31] - | 408] -| 2} 232] -| 6) 1) - 
SOME | Wayne's «ose nes ootam sons seees yee Y 1) 4) 8). 7) 7] 7\-| 1 2) 1 -| 3} 14) 344) 139) 16) 23) - | 522)-} 2 119)-|-|-|- 
| Nelson’s Independent ........-seeeees mM ies eT NCAT | od. licemlmeathes eed ieenn| ke lees 49 g| - Slee BOtra mT oie cates ee 
f Reed’s..... ss cece cesses ec ecereeecees IPA ey By 8 PS) = peah WOL 132) T6474) 639), 20). 95) kt GOS). 11 ee a ce 
Fifth’) Wiggleswortlps «.-05s ocho trees =| 1) 8} 8} 8] 841] 1 J) 2) - |. 26) 13) 291) 12) 21) 118) - | 449!a}-|.- |o}-)-)- 
Brigade. | Wheelock*s....++.sseeeetreeeeeeeeee Tia LS eros a Onl eOalti eld im tale D5) tO DOA OO Tle at ays 3 ect ory | een eed een es 
(Wondbridee’s seerelalecdtens's i eicoie exereie ateler Shida joO hed | 8) oi le paeoO R16 S11) 39) 11) 18) - | 579) -|-| 72)-|-|-| 2 
“DOtal sisiw,slescte areveieciecelw sieis avers 14)12)17|117|108'118 104) 5 18115|13112|476 215 4899/1514/913/1646 185/9157|19/62:3543' 6 60.5213 
Corps on command at different Posts. 
ITVinOlss ce eieecne we ee cies cine (at Crown Point)...}-|1]2] 5 | 5} 6} 8}-|1/1/1/1]| 28/14] 297] 97|40} 68] - | 502) 4/2] 1398|-|4]1/1 
Pt. Vi Schaick’s, 22)<% cc. 0 is « (at Fort George)...|-|1/-| 3] 6/5 | 2/-/1]1/1]-| 23/10} 183} 45) 2] 51] 7| 2881/2! 165] -|2/7/- 
Pt. V. Dyck’s....esreseeeee (at Fort George)...}-|1]/-/ 3) 2/3 ]1]-|1]1/1]-| 10} 4] 93) 23] - | 26] - | 142}2/4] 162|-|-|-]- 
Pt. Swift’s....2..cccce=secne (at Skenesborough)/ 1} 1/1] 7 | 7] 7 | 4}1)1}1/1}1] 27/16] 355} 45| 9| 32] 4) 445/5/1| 213/8]-|-|- 
Pt. Mott’s....... Gisieore e steveei (at Skenesborough)}1|-|1| 6 | 4/3] 4 {-|-|-|-|- | 20/11] 245} 30} 3] 4] - | 28911/1] 176/-|-|-|5 
Pt. Wynkoop’s....-+eeeeee- (at Skenesborough) 1} 1/-| 2) 3/3) 3{-/-/1/1/1] 11) 3] 78} 35/12] 16] 4| 145'-|-] s9]-/1]/4/2 
Pt. V. Dyck’s.......eeeeee- (at Skenesborough)| -| -|-| 2]2)2|- |-1-]-[-l-} 7] 1] 55} 10] 6] 7] =| 78l-{/1]. ga|-]-/-|- 
ATEIEICOLS. sctote'a Biaieie bast eieie ae (at Skenesborough), - | - | - Sey WpesalPel |S Ve Se oi = SS nkey Ue aye S pl CORO a eetiee eso pea ee ewe es 
TT Otaaleie ars sheo.alspstelee scaterctke tetas 315] 4) 37 | 29] 29 | 22/1] 4|5| 5} 31128) 59 |1500) 341 | 72| 204 | 17 2134/13111/1025| 8 7|12l8 


N. B. The above Returns of Corps on command (except those from Fort George) are copied from the Returns of the last week, the Returns 
from Skenesborough and Crown-Point not having arrrived this week. 


Horatio Gates, Major-General. 


OFFICERS PRESENT, FOR DUTY. 


cr MATROSSES. 
Commissioned. Staff. Non- Commissioned. 
CORPS OF ARTILLERY COMMANDED BY 3] ee a a & |#/zei\s i 
S. BADLAM, ESQ. Of) See (is) 6 sts ajal= |sttls ls ei ht oe 
Sif ie) 512 /26\ 8) 2S] 2] Bie |S eleeieeeeees fe 
ai ela) 2ialése/3/818)318 lesiee =) | 8 ial. 
alale/4]/F(/Ssi 2] P| | 2) =e] 8 Ee 25) a) |/O || s 
Pl Pac ad ye a a OP eS Oe oo ed eed oe ee dc ee 
GVlOlelRI[Ole [ODO Janalnalol;HAIG A fw |walaldolélea 
Totilas ve sa evsonawitd enor oa dines oon bom ami eaene se? | 1111 1 leet 6 aes clan ee 1) 19 Uhiaa dee 


Joun TRumBuu., Deputy Adjutant-General. : 


1201 


A Return of Provisions now on hand at SkENESBOROUGH, 
as given to me by the Commissary. 
70 barrels of Pork. 
103 barrels of Flour 
14 barrels of Rum. 
3 barrels of Molasses. 


1} box of Chocolate. 
240 head of Cattle. 


Skenesborough, August 19, 1776. 
Davin Warersoury, Jun., Brigadier-General. 


To the Hon. Major-General Schuyler. 


— 
/ 


A Return of the number of Men who drew Provisions on 
the 12th and 13th August, 1776. 


Effective.| Sick. 
Colonel Poor....++.-<- Boa oPcravoatd o'a.u w cle waht ckeieid crete 405 
GHETTO fare lerelevic cleielesne oiceis ocsia.co sectaevseice s 430 
Colonel Wayne... oeececccccsssceccceeccsccsscees 544 39 
Colonel Porter..... Aca aie FD COTE ODA EOC: 260 81 
Dolonel Greatons oo oc 0s osc ccc ccc cisccccicsenncccines 292 24, 
TEGO TPSTRCTIOINS sictacieicicw:<cfele’ os :0'e 0 ai 4s-d/ cialis, 6 svacteigie 343 
Colonel Bond.....eeeeeere satlawtasal Guin. cs ojexs qateieteletavete 255 
MOC el  AINICR RRCOUiclc clare cevclels ¢ss.e deve Wace celeste 279 13 
REPT EIPERUILTO Lata: aw 0 6c) eicbeisi ois. alee lciwinge, dco ote-svegeiewosiers 263 
SPOUT BX WE ll ccc) o.c1e #13 a(cusessle lela, ceiernete elesualnie sieve 361 
MOlGNE!) PALETSON 6.0 o,c.c veleia aialoclele atime eure sii ig'eloe)eie « 325 
ROO IETIOL VV Albince cies ciclee ctetalaisaretnte elects clavclersielovelccisle.« 188 61 
Colonel De Haas........-. aia dane lebaye, ofa eb (a) S Nakete cteTere 463 
ROGPONEL STATI ere = diels bye creuiele as cette 4'cee aise cheihs.crere© 313 
Captain Romans’s Artillery.....++-. heyorsheia. © 46 
Captain Ulmer, gondola....+..+++-- Majetete iets stabsieieies 40 
Captain Grant, gondola......+eesseeeeeeeererceees 42 
Captain Rice, gondola......... Rereia’a ejele potest -isrestelais 17 
Captain Davis, row-galley ....esseeeeseecsreeerees 8 
Artillery... ce ccec cece sec cce cece ereccensssecceees 110 
RUA COT SUA Aotsce sc aichese: ste cise .cke. ss'idiei eis) seyesemier si ecee 6.ens 284 
Colonel Wigglesworth’s Militia........ssseeeeeees 547 
Colonel Wyman’s Militia..... Ras ORE BOT seit) GUG 
Colonel Wingate’s Militia. ........ccceeeeseeeeecs 629 
Colonel Jonathan Reed’s Militia...... FOCHSAHITO GG.O 152 
7,202 218 


Exisua Avery, Deputy Commissary. 


Provisions, &c., in the Magazine at TyonpEroGa, August 
13, 1776. 


~ 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


. 1202 


A Return of the number of Men who drew Provisions on 
24th August, 1776, at Ticonperoaa, agreeable to the 
several Provision Returns. 


. | Sick. 


Well 
COLO EMRY VI NUS TE RCO LINEN Ce aan: «5 stein daica's ea anted «sie are 404 
Colonel DeHaas’s Regiment.) . 0c col. sees cdeccscs 494 
Colonel Wayne's Regiment... ctssesscsccsssaccss 560 
Colonel Woodbridge’s Militia. ......cccccccccecccce 637 
COLGHOLURO AIC trs tie dices devs cfc cinta: coc sicca eae 371 
Colonel Paterson’s........ Alva veicte ele-dele cle chte ceclae 294 46 
ColanelavV ueelOcle Me VULIUA  sieven sie: ccreeeidoclec ac ccede 583 
CalonelaRorvar: Gansta « <olaln sl ales oleic eveccsidis  oe.c cecie'e.c a's 207 | 104 
WPOLGHEL BOHOL tatatetelee cieielaile </ajees oveved ieiceaineceteece ot 268 
Colonel Wingate’s Militia. 0... cccccscccsecce weea al DOG 
GOT GlESCATIC 8 sie erule wollalele’ acavers(e,aien'e. 0.6/8 ae 0/0 ecs6.0 eeiers 353 
Colonel Wigglesworth’s Militia.........sssecceccees 430 
CONONEWIVIGR WELL Miciete aalalsiveldicisleleste <,deic\e-ce'e clleinjere ee 368 
Colonel Burrell’s....... Si tale dhatiatecelsie’s aisle telcacaien 270 
COlONEIEE OOP: Sic cale siaiuate els atestely pie taseaia.s D daidialsiaaisioverens 463 
Colonel James Reed’s......eseesees a. eatere tates © © ACMA iy: 
CGlONE! GrredtON Wr ctlete! oiamtels c.¢ oe) alsien ele eles « alaieelg ee.es 959 
Colonel Jonathan Reed’s Militia. .......eeeecereeees 729 
Colonel Wyman’s Militia... 00... c cece cc cccccvecees 582 
Cartridge makers..... a sbidiclatel aittsierse 3 slere) sislo\e/s| aria'e\ sie'e 36 
Captain Davis, gondola Lee.........seeeeeeecseeees 47 
ArtifiGerstimatiatniee alcipntel cis: Sreaiere sisise's Dyatutaaetelsrseiclele, els 321 
Artillery... S22 5s declelccccccncoccerscceasevessusers 166 
Gondola Jersey.....-+eeeee ccc cceenccereces a 20 
8,765 | 150 
FL Otaber. cretrecteetstere Mnrnia of usiorelershoe erate dels selererovehs 8,915 


Colonel Hartley’s Regiment at Crown-Point about 500. 

On board armed vessels down the Lake, who are supplied with three 
weeks’ provisions, 475. 

in Skenesborough, as per return of Mr. Taylor, between 1,000 and 
1,500. 


Exisua Avery, Deputy Commissary. 


Provisions on hand in the Magazine at Ticonperoaa, 
August 23, 1776. 


300 pounds Coffee. 

800 pounds Chocolate. 

300 pounds Loaf Sugar. 
7 boxes mould Candles. 

50 bushels Salt. 
5 tierces Indian Meal. 
4 barrels soft Soap. 
1 barrel Pearlash, and a pot- 
ash Kettle, cracked. 


565 barrels Pork. 
30 barrels Sugar. 
6 tierces Peas. 
46 barrels Molasses. 
60 barrels Rum. 
10 hogsheads Rum. 
50 barrels Spirits, of different 
kinds. 
509 barrels Flour. 


50 barrels Flour. 
400 pounds Coffee. 
300 pounds Loaf Sugar. 
900 pounds Coffee. 
7 boxes mould Candles. 
5 boxes common Candles. 
400 pounds Soap. 
100 bushels Salt. 


650 barrels Pork. 
20 barrels Sugar. 
35 bushels Wheat. 
3 tierces Peas. 
32 barrels and 2 hogsheads 
Molasses. 
80 barrels Rum. 
55 barrels Spirits, of different 
kinds. 


Exisua Avery, Deputy-Commissary. 


Since the above, have received 300 barrels Flour; at Tyonderoga about 
150 head of Cattle; at Skenesborough about 150 head of Cattle. 


List of Continental Armed Vessels on Laxe Cuampain, 
August 18, 1776. 


NAMES OF VESSELS AND COMMANDERS. S Size of Guns 5 = 
> "Ts| 3 
Ss) s S 
4 ae 
Sloop Enterprise.............. Dickson....|12| 4-Ibs. .......008 10| 50 
Schooner Royal Savage.... Wynkoop ..| 12|4 6-lbs. 8 4-lbs.} 10 | 50 
Schooner Revenge........... Seaman....| 8]4 4-lbs. 42-lbs.} 10} 35 
Schooner Liberty ............ Premier....| 8|2 4-lbs. 62-lbs.| 8} 35 
Gondola New-Haven....... Mansfield... 3}112-lb. 29-lbs.| 8] 45 | < 
Gondola Providence......... Simmons... 3 Ditto 8] 45 fs 
Gondola Boston ....sceeeeee Sumner...:| 3 Ditto | g| 45|a 
Gondola Spitfire............0. Ulmer...... 3 Ditto 8| 45 
Gondola Philadelphia....... Rice ..s.:0». 3 Ditto 8| 45 
Gondola Connecticut........ Grant...... 3 Ditto 8| 45} 
MT ONHU)A...saccscdasoreseudetdeas Graham 3 Ditto 8] 45 
Row-Galley Lee, Spanish : |. 
Construction... ae Deacons Davis....... 61 12, 19, 4 4-lbs. He 45 
TOtaliith cscs. nateectseseretees OL lneccsncatbeticiecentcs 94 | 485 


* Not entirely rigged. 
Horatio Gates, 
N. B. The first nine are fit for action, and now under the 
command of Brigadier-General Arnold, at Crown-Point. 
The last three will sail in a few days, and the row-galleys 
and one more gondola will be down from Skenesborough in 
a week. 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 76 


Cattle don’t come in quite so fast as they are wanted from day to day. 
One-and-a-half pound of beef is issued per man per day six days ina 
week, and one pound of flour per man per 


day. 
Extsua Avery, Deputy Commissary. 


Instructions for Lieutenant Wurrcoms, going on a party 
of Observation into CanaDa. 


From the verbal instructions which you have received 
you know, sir, the design of the enterprise on which you 
are sent. It is to gain intelligence of the present situation 
and intended future movements of the enemy in Canada. 
This is the important errand on which you are sent. To 
effect this, you will immediately proceed, with the party 
committed to your care, to the posts occupied by the troops 
of the British King in that country. You will view with 
the utmost attention the posts which you may approach; and 
if it can be effected, you will take some prisoner, an oflicer 
if possible, and if of rank, the more valuable. 

You are not restricted as to the particular posts which 
you may visit. As far as your courage will lead, as far as 
your conduct and prudence will permit you to follow, so far 
you may advance into the enemy’s country—always keep- 
ing in view the design with which you are sent, and avoiding 
any conduct by which you may be exposed to be discovered 
by the outposts, the parties, or sentries of the camps which 
you may think proper to reconnoitre. 

You are positively forbid to fire upon, to kill, to wound, 
to scalp, or in any way to injure the life or person of any 
one engaged in the service of the enemy, except in your 
own defence, and where the preservation of your own per- 
son or party may require it. *Tis not by sacrificing a few 
unhappy victims who may fall into our hands that the im- 
portant controversy between Great Britain and this country 
istobesettled. Regard particularly this part of your orders, 
and of all things avoid a conduct which can be of no service 
to us, and will only put us on a level with our enemies, who 
have not been content with permitting, but have even en- 
couraged, this practice, so repugnant to humanity and sound. 


1203 


policy. In this only you are restricted. or the rest, an 
entire confidence is reposed on your prudence and experience. 

I expect that when you have accomplished the design on 
which you are sent, you will return as speedily as may be 
to Head-Quarters, and report the success of your enterprise. 
The Commissary has my orders to supply you with every- 
thing necessary for you on your expedition. 

Wishing you success in your enterprise, and a safe return, 
and recommending you to the care of Heaven, I am your 


affectionate, &c. . 
ah Horatio Gates, Major-General. 


Tyonderoga, August 19, 1776. 


— 


Extract of a Letter from the Hon. Major-General Scuuyier to the Hon. 
Brigadier-General Warersury, dated ALBANY, August 17, 1776. 

Yesterday Mr. Trumbull informed me that he was advised, 
from good authority, that some of the Militia had caused 
themselves to be inoculated on their march to Skenesborough, 
as had also a number of Rhode-Island carpenters. A con- 
duct so wicked, and so evidently destructive to the Army, 
merits the severest animadversions, and the utmost exertions 
to prevent the dangerous. consequences. You will therefore 
please to despatch three or four trusty officers to the different 
roads which the Militia take in their way to Skenesborough, 
with positive orders to remove all officers and soldiers infect- 
ed with the small-pox to a distance from the roads; no ex- 
cuse is to be taken; no plea of danger to the infected is to 
be attended to. The life of individuals is not to be put into 
competition with that of the States. If any of the inhabi- 
tants are infected, the officers now may, and are to apply 
to the Committees or Selectmen of the town to have them 
removed to such places that the troops may not be endangered 
in their march. ‘Those officers are also to take the name of 
every officer and soldier that has been inoculated on the 
march to or at Skenesborough, specifying to what corps they 
belong. They are also strictly to forbid any officer or soldier, 
or any other person whatsoever, that has lately had the small- 
pox, from joining the Army, unless such person can produce 
a certificate from some surgeon or physician, countersigned 
by the Committee or Magistracy of the town in which 
such surgeon or physician resides, and sworn to by the 
party himself, that there is no danger of communicating the 
infection. 

This is a matter of so much importance, that if I was not 
indisposed I would hasten to the Eastern country and try to 
put away this worst of evils. 


A true copy, per Henry B. Livineston. 


GENERAL GATES TO COLONEL HARTLEY. 
Tyonderoga, August 28, 1776. 

Sir: I received your favour by the bearer. I apprehend, 
by the extreme bad weather and contrary wind, that General 
Arnold bas not got far from Crown-Point. I did not 
apprehend he would think it necessary to take any of your 
men with him down the Lake, as the vessels had all their 
full complement of men from hence. As he has done it, I 
suppose he will acquaint me by the first boat with his inten- 
tion in so doing. In the mean time, if you think you are in 
want of a reinforcement, I will, as soon as the Continental 
regiments arrive, send a detachment from them. ‘They are 
expected in a day or two. I recommend it to you to be 
exceedingly vigilant and alert during the absence of the 
fleet, and that you will constantly send an express boat with 
intelligence of every extraordinary circumstance that comes 
to your knowledge. 

There is no news from New-York since I wrote to you 
last. 

I am, dear sir, your affectionate humble servant, 

Hor. Gares. 

To Lieutenant-Colonel Hartley. 


P. S. A sloop and a gondola will be with you this even- 
ing or to-morrow morning. 


COLONEL MAXWELL TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, 
[Read September 6, 1776.] 
Ticonderoga, August 28, 1776. 
Sir: The honourable station you fill at present gives me 
reason to believe you have ever been a lover of justice; and, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1204 


if it is possible, I make no doubt you will now be more so. 
I therefore thought proper to enclose you the within Memo- 
rial, and beg you will present it to your honourable House 
for their perusal; and you will much oblige, sir, your most 


obedient, humble servant, Wor Miemene 


To the Honourable John Hancock, President of the Conti- 
nental Congress. 


eS 


To the Honourable the Continental Congress: the Memorial 
of Colonel Wittram Maxwe.i humbly showeth: 


That your memorialist, in October Jast, was, by the una- 
nimous vote of the Provincial Congress, chosen and recom- 
mended to your honourable House to be a Colonel in the 
Continental service, which you were pleased to approve of. 
He has, since that time, served his country to the utmost of 
his power, and hopes with some good effect, which he can 
make appear if requisite; notwithstanding, he finds himself 
much aggrieved by having a younger officer, viz: Colonel 
St. Clair, promoted over him. He presumes that Colonel 
St. Clair’s friends will not pretend to say he has served his 
country with more zeal than your memorialist has done. But 
what will the Continent think, where a younger officer is pre- 
ferred, but that the older is not fit for it? Your memorialist 
has served under five Generals this campaign in Canada, viz: 
Arnold, Wooster, Thomas, Thompson, and Sullivan, and 
hopes to their satisfaction ; and does not doubt but he might 
have had, or could have still, as good recommendations as 
any officer there, but did not think he needed it, as he could 
not suspect a younger officer would be put over him without 
some fault; and he thought he had a tolerable right to be 
acquainted with his duty, from a constant service in the 
Army of fifteen years since the spring of 1758. 

Gentlemen, he assures you he would have quitted the 
service immediately, but that the present alarming state of 
his country requires his presence in the field; therefore he 
takes this method to inform you wherein he thinks himself 
aggrieved, that your honourable House may redress it if you 
find his complaint well founded. 

He is, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Tue Memortauist. 


COLONEL PHINNEY TO GENERAL GATES, 
Rutland, August 28, 1776. 

Sir: I this minute received yours, and shall make the 
best of my way to T%conderoga the way you have directed. 
I was stopped in consequence of orders from General Schuyler, 
three miles this side the river, but took such steps to forward 
my, regiment, without disobedience of orders, as | imagine 
you will approve of when I acquaint you with them, having 
my orders from Number Four in writing. 

From your Honour’s humble servant, 


Eu. Puinney. 
To Major-General Gates. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL SCHUYLER. 
Lebanon, August 28, 1776. 

Sir: Your agreeable favour of the 20th instant came duly 
to hand, and is before me. Your assiduous attention to the 
great concerns of the publick at this important period is, in 
the minds of the considerate, a most undissembled declaration 
of your hearty attachment to the interest of the United States 
of America, Whatever reports may have been spread by the 
disaffected, or opinions had by the mistaken or ill-informed, 
I hope neither your character nor the cause of our country will 
eventually suffer thereby. Your painful industry and substan- 
tial services to the publick, cannot fail to remove all jealousy 
from the well-affected. As to ‘Tories, no very good offices to 
one in your place can be expected from them. | flatter myself 
that no misrepresentations of theirs will have credit enough 
in this State greatly to wound your character or prevent 
your usefulness. It requires the wisdom of a Solomon and 
the patience of a Job to endure traduction, or regard a slan- 
der with the contempt it deserves. I heartily wish the in- 
jury may not give too much anxiety to a mind possessed of 
a conscious rectitude of intention. 

Your account of Indian affairs affords some pleasing hopes 
that the frontiers will remain without depredations from them, 
though little dependance ought to be had on Indian faith. 


1205 


I have ordered Mr. Brown to find the place on his road 
from whence the most direct conveyance may be had to 
Albany, and from thence to send some trusty person to carry 
the letters directed there and return with the answers. ‘The 
cash for axes, &c., as well as what was advanced to the 
troops, will be very acceptable. A suitable person will wait 
on the Paymaster with the accounts in order for the balance. 

About ten thousand of the enemy’s troops were landed 
on the west end of Long-Island on Thursday and Friday 
last. Several skirmishes have happened between parties 
from the different armies, and the event hitherto in our favour, 
but no general engagement had come on before Saturday, 
when the last intelligence came from thence. May the ex- 
ertion of these injured States, under the apparent smiles and 
protection of Heaven, be sufficient to retort the blow on the 
heads of those who give it, and the justice of a Divine Pro- 
vidence be magnified in the sight of all nations. 

I have great confidence that the utmost care will be taken 
to prevent the spreading of the small-pox; that the impru- 
dence of such as have promoted inoculation will be duly 
noticed. 

I am, with sentiments of esteem and regard, sir, your most 


obedient servant, CRs 


To the Hon. Major-General Schuyler. 


New-Haven, August 28, 1776. 

Last Monday passed our harbour, standing to the west- 
ward, two frigates—the Niger, of thirty-two guns, Captain 
Talbot, the other is said to carry twenty-eight guns; also a 
large brig of sixteen or eighteen guns, who had in company 
two small vessels supposed to be prizes. ‘They left the 
English fleet near New-York last Friday sevennight, and it 
is probable will remain in the Sound to interrupt our com- 
munication with the Army at New-York. 


COL. STICKNEY TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 
Concord, August 28, 1776. 
GenTLeEMEN: Pursuant to orders received from Major- 
General Folsom, dated the 3d of July last, requiring me 
forthwith to raise and equip one hundred and sixteen men 
out of the regiment under my command, in order to rein- 
force the Army under General Sullivan, supposed to be at 
Crown-Point, and to make return of my doings thereon to 
you, I immediately issued my orders to the several Cap- 
tains in my regiment to forthwith raise their respective quo- 
tas. And by the returns they have made me of their doings 
therein, it appears that the whole number of said men are 
raised, equipped, and marched to the place of their desti- 
nation. 
I am your most humble servant, 
Tuomas STICKNEY, 
Colonel of the 13th Regiment of the 
Colony of New-Hampshire. 


To the Hon. the Committee of Safety for the Colony of 
New-Hampshire. 


——— 


MAJOR DANIEL ILSLEY S$ COMPLAINT AGAINST COL. MITCHELL. 
Falmouth, August 28, 1776. 

GentLemen: I am sorry to trouble you with an account 
of the disagreeable situation of our troops under the command 
of Colonel Mitchell. ‘The Colonel has all along shown him- 
self more unlike a soldier or a gentleman than anything else. 
The task is disagreeable to show to the publick the deserts 
of a superior. 1am sensible of the disadvantage 1 am under 
when speaking of such. If it was only the personal ill treat- 
ment received myself, knowing my obligation to my superior, 
I might have borne with such usage. When the Colonel 
took the command, it was my greatest ambition (knowing 
him utterly unacquainted with the business he had engaged 
in) to inform him, as far as my small abilities would admit of. 
It was‘by the Colonel’s desire I kept the Orderly Book in 
the same manner as whilst | commanded. He never, in 
the least, controlled me. All he had to do with the matter 
was, to sign his name to the orders. Yet Iwas often abused 
in other matters. As to his giving any instructions concern- 
ing the lines, forts, batteries, or preparing tools, timber, plank, 
wood, or iron, for gun-carriages, he did not choose to con- 

* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1206 


cern himself with. The reason, I suppose, is, there was a 


possibility of marking the latter, provided the General Court * 


should disapprove such proceedings. By this time the 

new arrangement came to Falmouth for ranking the Cap- 

tains; at which time I requested the Colonel to give gene- 
ral orders to the regiment in his own name, that they might 

know their alarm-post and their duty in case of an alarm, 

and the duty of guards, and to establish the rank of Cap- 

tains. The Colonel refused giving any orders of the kind 

to anybody, except Captains Morton and Lowell; which 

the Colonel asked me to write. I declined, telling him I 
could not think it proper to give orders to two Captains 

only, when the whole regiment was neglected. I then de- 
sired the Colonel to call the regiment together, and let them 
know their ranks. ‘The Colonel replied, he should not med- 
dle with the matter. I told him I was informed the Coun- 
cil had ranked the regiment. He said it was the first he 
had heard of it. I told him I was well informed: there was 
an order of Council in Falmouth for ranking the Captains. 
He replied, it was the first he had heard of it; the matter 
was entirely new to him. I replied the third time in these 
words: Colonel, 1 am well informed that an order of Coun- 
cil has been delivered into your hand for that purpose, and 
I am surprised to hear you say you never heard of it. The 
Colonel, in passion, said, if the Council had done any such 
thing, it was the most astonishing proceeding he ever heard 
of; the Council had taken that upon them that did not 
belong to them; that he did not believe the Council con- 
cerned with it, for he had no letters with it; and talked with 
Colonel Powell, and Colonel Powell said he had never heard 
a word of it, and did not believe the Council ever concerned 
with ranking the Captains; and if he (Colonel Mitchell) 
executed that order, Captains Hooper and Lithgow would 
leave the service; that the rank was only the Falmouth 
Representatives, without his desire; that he only asked them 
to get Captain Morton ranked. I told the Colonel that was 
not the case, for | was present; that he would be glad to 
have them ranked, and made no dissensions who should be 
put on last in rank; and the Colonel well knew that the 
regiment was at that time without rank, from the day that 
he first mentioned them, which was on the 19th of May. 
As to the two companies leaving the service, I am sorry 
such things should be mentioned. We have six companies: 
five of them are agreed to a man, if I am not deceived. I 
am sorry it should be said by the Colonel that Captain Lith- 
gow would leave for such reasons. It is far from it. He 
is a gentleman well attached to the cause of his country, 
studies for the peace of the regiment, and is willing to con- 
tinue in Falmouth, or march into any part of America, if 
called upon. Colonel Mitchell has not reviewed the regi- 
ment since the 19th of May, or ordered them together since 
the 29th. I have often plead with the Colonel, and urged 
the necessity of the regiment being well disciplined. I have 
attempted to call the regiment together for exercise and re- 
view, and the Colonel has forbade any such thing more than 
once or twice to myself; and he has forbade Captains Lith 

gow, Lord, and Lowell, of meeting together at the parade, 
or exercising together, and told them it was contrary to his 
orders for any regimental parade whatever, and he would 
allow of no such thing. If he would permit as many com- 
panies as have a desire of exercising together, they should 
take it as a favour, But the Colonel refused them, as they 
informed me, saying it might be considered as a regimental 
parade, which he did not allow of. The four Captains have 
been reprimanded for marching to the Meeting-House with 
four companies together on the Sabbath, though agreeable 
to his own orders of August 11th and 18th; yet so contrary 
to his mind, that he sent a new order for all the Captains to 
march separate, dated at twelve o’clock. The enclosed is 
acopy. Is it possible for officers and soldiers, who are well 
attached to the cause of their country, to bear this from a 
man who has not the least idea of a soldier or his duty? 
Neither will he be advised by his officers, but compels his 
regiment to live in the neglect of their duty. I see no part 
of his conduct as a soldier but what is arbitrary, and depend- 
ing entirely upon his own will. That man who will be 
compelled to live in the neglect of his duty, is unworthy the 
name of a soldier. You will find by the Colonel’s orders 
of August 11th and 18th, that I am ordered to see them 
complied with; that the regiment go to meeting in order; 
the drums give the time of day as they march. 


I know of 


os 


* 


1207 


no order but the drums and companies going together. The 
Colonel was so displeased to see four companies march agree- 
able to his own orders, though not to his mind, that he sent 
out the new order, dated August 18, twelve o’clock, which 
you have enclosed. ‘The officers were surprised; some of 
whom appealed to me to know my mind concerning the 
orders. I told them it was the Sabbath; I was loth to 
advise; but as I had the Colonel’s order for the duty of 
the day, I should be on the parade ‘at the usual times; if the 
companies were there, I should lead them to the Meeting- 
House, which was accordingly done. ‘The Colonel, it seems, 
was very angry to see that the regiment were like to be uni- 
ted. The officers were reprimanded for disobeying orders. 
The Colonel will not talk with me, on the subject, but a 
great deal about me. It is true the soldiers have done a 
great deal of work in fortifying, and with cheerfulness, which 
is not common amongst soldiers; and could we be permitted 
to qualify ourselves for their defence, it might be the means, 
under God, of saving part of the country from the ravages of 
our enemies. I would not be understood that I am clear of 
all blame. Neither do I contend on my own account. It 
cost me many a wearisome hour, when I might be at rest, 
could I be content to live in the neglect of my duty. The 
post we hold is of the greatest importance to this State; and 
should the enemy attack us, whilst Colonel Mitchell will not 
suffer the regiment to be reviewed, regulated, or exercised, 
or give any orders for that purpose, the consequence must 
be shocking. The Militia that would probably come to our 
assistance, might expect to see us in some order. I wish it 
might prove so. 

I shall take it as a favour if you will lay my letter before 
the honourable Court, or before the honourable Council for 
this State, as soon as it conveniently can be done. I think 
it is a duty which has too long been neglected. 

I am, gentlemen, with respect, your dutiful servant at 


command 
4 DanieEv Itstey. 


.To the Gentlemen Representatives for the Town of Fal- 


mouth. 


We, the subscribers, commissioned officers of five compa- 
nies stationed at Falmouth, do hereby certify to all whom it 
may concern, that Major Daniel Ilsley, second in command 
at this place, has invariably discovered a disposition to sup- 
port the order and promote the discipline of the corps in this 
regiment, a laudable zeal in planning and forwarding the 
fortifications carrying on here, and we believe always aimed 
at preserving union and establishing harmony among the 
troops, and it is our opinion deserves the approbation of the 
officers as a gentleman and a soldier. 

Wituram Crocker, 
Wiuram Lirueow, Jun. 
Tosias Lorn, 
Briant Morten, 
ABNER LowELL, 
Ricup. Harnpen, 
Exsenezer Mort, 
Falmouth, October 4, 1776. 


Grorce Wuire, 
Joun Goopwin, 
Isaac Batrie, 
Naru. Cousons, 
JostaH Davis, 
JOHN SKILLIN, 
Amos ANDREWs. 


DANIEL ILSLEY’S PETITION. 


To the Honourable Council for the State of MassacuusErts- 
Bay: the Petition of Danrex Instey humbly showeth: 


That your petitioner being appointed by your Honours’ 
commission second in command at Falmouth, which office 
he has endeavoured to honour by a faithful discharge of the 
obligation J was under for the honour done me in my ap- 
pointment; but being prevented by Colonel Mitchell, my 
superior in command, whose conduct, as an officer, has been 
laid before your Honours by a letter or petition from the 
Committees of the several towns for the County of Cumber- 
land, who must be better acquainted with the Colonel’s pro- 
ceedings as a soldier than others who are only acquainted 
with the Colonel’s character as a private gentleman. ‘The 
principal officers in the regiment being present at the time 
the Colonel was with the County Committee, their proceed- 
ings must be impartial, and their account of the Colonel’s 
neglect is undoubtedly true. But the Colonel, on his return 
from Watertown, shew myself and the Captains an order 
from your Honours, laying aside all regimental parade, 
and rank of the regiment unknown; which has alarmed 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1208 


the officers of the companies with a suspicion that we have 
been represented to your Honours as being disloyal—that 
our meeting together for exercise was attended with evils 
such as endangered the State. Your petitioner is of opinion, 
that should the enemy attack the sea-coast men whilst in 
such an unsettled state, many good soldiers must fall a sacri- 
fice, or abandon their post with shame. Therefore pray your 
Honours would appoint a Committee from the honourable 
Board to examine the papers which have come to your 
Honours’ knowledge concerning the neglect of Colonel 
Jonathan Mitchell. 
And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. 


Daniew IusLey. 
Watertown, October 11, 1776. 


In Council, October 11, 1776. 
Read, and committed to John Whitcomb, Esq., to take 
the said Petition into consideration, and report. 
Joun Avery, Deputy Secretary. 


FRANCIS SHAW, JUN., TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Machias, August 28, 1776. 

HonourasLe GentLemen: After removing many diffi- 
culties started by the crew of the Diligent, and laying wind- 
bound several days, we sailed from Piscataqua the 14th 
instant, and arrived here the 25th, after being confined in 
Gouldsborough six days by the Viper man-of-war, who took 
sloops from this place within about five miles of us, as we 
run into Gouldsborough, and lay off and on that harbour most 
of the time. As we had not more than half our complement 
of men, and them but very indifferent, Captain Lambert 
thought proper to let the ship remove before we should pro- 
ceed. By persons that have been taken and released, we 
find that she has but ten carriage-guns, eighteen swivels, 
and about one hundred men—one half of them disaffected, 
and only want an opportunity of being properly engaged to 
rise on their officers. Her present station is between Grand 
Menan and Seguin. Should she fall in with two of your 
Honours’ sloops-of-war, I dare say they would clear this 
coast of the greatest scourge they have had since the com- 
mencement of the present war. Should I succeed in getting 
a number of Indians, it would be impossible to get them to 
the westward unless the Viper is removed from her station ; 
add to that the distress this country must be in, as they get 
no provision from the westward past her, and the advantage 
our enemy has by supplying the British West-India Islands 
with lumber and fish they take. I would further add, that 
one or more ships are loading at Annapolis; that the inhabi- 
tants of Nova-Scotza come to Passamaquoddy for lumber for 
them; and as several of them have been taken and after- 
wards cleared by your Honours, our armed vessels are 
entirely discouraged from taking them; and unless some stop 
is put to that trade, and the Viper removed, the acts of the 
honourable Continental Congress against the English Islands 
being supplied will be frustrated, and the country ruined. 

Captain Smith informs me that the Indians that have been 
in lately are very desirous of going to Cumberland ; that some 
have offered to bring the Field-Officers of that regiment 
away; and from letters lately received from there, the gen- 
tlemen agree in opinion that the conquest of that Fort may 
be easily effected by our friends there and a few Indians. 
However, as your Honours would not give me liberty to 
go there, I shall not presume to do it, unless the prospect 
be so clear that I should think it a neglect of duty not to 
attempt it. 

August 30th. Since I wrote you the foregoing, Mr. Gard- 
ner and several others taken in the sloops from this place, 
have arrived here. As Mr. Gardner takes passage in the 
Diligent, he can inform you that they have received accounts 
of my coming down, and both ships being sent to St. John’s 
after us. Concluding it would not be prudent for the Dil- 
gent to proceed to St. John’s, we have thought best for her 
to return to your Honours. 

I shall just mention that the schooner’s people complained 
of not being paid for past services, and were afraid it might 
be the same for this trip; therefore I was obliged to promise 
them that this muster roll would be paid them immediately 
on their return; and they now expect that your Honours will 
make my promise good. 

Several bales of goods broke open on board the schooner, 


1209 


and one piece of linen and several small articles are missing ; 
no doubt the Captain is accountable, for I often cautioned 
him against leaving the cabin door open when absent. 

If the Diligent should be sold, the Captain has expressed 
a desire to serve your Honours in any other vessel that may 
be sent this way. As I can’t pretend to be a suitable judge 
of. the qualifications necessary for a commander, [ shan’t 
pretend to say than that he has brought us thus far safe, and I 
suppose would have gone farther if I had thought it prudent. 

I met Mr. Preble at Piscataqua, and engaged him as In- 
terpreter, which was very lucky, as the person I expected to 
get here is absent. 

The reason I did not let the Diligent lay here, it was so 
uncertain when I should return, and the expense would have 
been much greater than proceeding in two boats with our 
provisions. 

I have been two days waiting a fair wind; I shall embrace 
the first, and make all possible despatch, informing you of 
my proceedings by every favourable opportunity. 

I remain, with much esteem, gentlemen, your most obe- 
dient, humble servant, Fras. SHaw, Jun. 


To the Honourable the Council and the Honourable House 
of Assembly of Massachusetts-Bay. 


P.S. If I don’t meet any vessel to take the Indians, I 
shall be moving westward in boats and canoes as far as 
Gouldsborough ; there and at this place they may hear from 
me. 


Halifax, August 28, 1776. 


To secure us from any attacks that might be made by the 
Provincials, ten block-houses have been built, which mount 
sixteen guns each, and the troops in garrison here amount to 
about fifteen hundred; they consist of Marines, part of the 
Fourteenth Regiment, the Royal Emigrants, Nova-Scotia 
Volunteers, and Goreham’s corps; we have also our Militia, 
and that of the dock-yard. 

Some time since the dock-yard was set on fire, but happily 
extinguished without much damage; a like accident has since 
happened, and the Governour offered a reward of five hun- 
dred Spanish dollars to find out the persons concerned in 
setting fire to the same, as it was supposed to be wilfully 
done. Tis believed that the Provincials, by their spies, 
were at the bottpm of it; some suspected persons were taken 
up, but discharged after examination, as no proof could be 
produced. 

We hear that the Rebels have forbid, on pain of death, 
any person or persons holding correspondence or trading 
with the people of this Colony. 

The troops that went from hence under convoy of the 
Tamar sloop-of-war, up the Bay of Fundy, were landed at 
Fort St. John’s, where they are to do duty in case of any 
attack on that side. 


MEMORIAL OF THE CHEVALIER SAURALLE, 
[Read August 29, 1776.] 
To the Honourable the Delegates of the Unitrep Srares oF 
America in Congress assembled : 


The Memorial of the Chevalier Sauraue humbly showeth : 


That your memorialist is a young officer, who, after serving 
two years as a volunteer in the Artillery at St. Domingo, 
obtained the rank of Lieutenant of that corps; to which he 
has preferred offering his services to the honourable Con- 
gress, as a letter from Mr. De la Valletiere, Governour of 
St. Nicholas Mole, shows; which letter, intended for the 
honourable Congress or General Washington, is without a 
direction, owing to the Governour’s being unacquainted with 
the proper form of address; which is humbly submitted to 
the honourable Congress. Le Cuev. Sauraue. 

August 29, 1776. 

Monsreur: Un jeune homme bien né, dont le frere est 
Officier Major dans ma Dépendance, désire de préférence a 
une place d’officier dans Je quartier d’aller servir sous vos or- 
dres. Son activité et son intelligence me font présumer que 
vous l’emploirez avec plaisir. J’espére que vous en serez 
satisfait. Je m’intéresse a ce qu’il réussisse. 

Je suis, avec un respectueuse attachement, votre tres hum- 
ble et trés obeissant serviteur, 


Mole ce 12 Juillet, 1776. 


Jacs. ALTIERE, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1210 


ORDINANCE PROPOSED FOR CONSIDERATION, BY THE CON- 
VENTION OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


A proposed Ordinance of the State of PeNNsyLvanta, 
declaring what shall be Treason, and for punishing the 
same and other crimes and practices against the State. 


Whereas it ought at all times to be the particular care of 
Government to take the most effectual measures for the 
safety and security of thé State, Be it therefore Ordained 
and Declared, and it is hereby Ordained and Declared by 
the Representatives of the Freemen of the State of Pennsyu- 
vanta in General Convention met, That all and every person 
and persons (except prisoners of war) now inhabiting or resi- 
ding within the limits of the State of Pennsylvania, or that 
shall voluntarily come into the same hereafter to inhabit or 
sojourn, do, and shall, owe and pay allegiance to the State 
of Pennsylvania. 

And be it further Ordained, by the authority aforesaid, 
That all and every such person and persons so owing alle- 
giance to the State of Pennsylvania, who, from and after 
the publication hereof, shall levy war against this State, or 
be adherent to the King of Great Britain, or others the 
enemies of this State, or to the enemies of the United States 
of America, by giving him or them aid or assistance within 
the limits of this State, or elsewhere, and shall be thereof 
duly convicted in any Court of Oyer and Terminer hereafter 
to be erected, according to law, shall be judged guilty of 
high treason, and suffer death, and forfeit one moiety or half 
part of his lands, tenements, goods, and chattels, to the use 
of the State. 

And be it further Ordained and Declared by the autho- 
rity aforesaid, ‘That any person or persons (except as before 
excepted) residing, inhabiting, or sojourning in this State, 
who shall hereafter know of such treason and conceal the 
same, or that shall receive or assist such traitor, knowing 
him to be such, and shall be thereof duly convicted as afore- 
said, shall be adjudged guilty of misprision of treason, and 
suffer the forfeiture of two-thirds of his goods, lands, chat- 
tels, and tenements, to the use of the State, and be impri- 
soned any term not exceeding one year. 


Published by order of Convention: 
Joun Morris, Jun., Secretary. 


WILLIAM LIVINGSTON TO WILLIAM HOOPER. 
Camp at Elizabethtown Point, August 29, 1776. 


Dear Sir: I received yours of yesterday’s date just after 
I had got into my new habitation, which is a markee tent 
in our encampment here. You would really be astonished 
to see how grand [I look, while at the same time I can assure 
you [ was never more sensible (to use a New-England 
phrase) of my own nothingness in military affairs. I re- 
inoved my quarters from the town hither, to be with the 
men, and to enure them to discipline, which, by my distance 
from the camp before, considering what scurvy subaltern 
officers we are like ever to have while they are in the ap- 
pointment of the mobility, I found it impossible to introduce. 
And the worst men (was there a degree above the superla- 
tive) would be still pejorated, by having been fellow soldiers 
with that discipline-hating, good-living loving, “ to eternal 
fame damned,” coxcombical crew we lately had here from 
Philadelphia. 

My ancient corporeal fabrick is almost tottering under 
the fatigue I have lately undergone: constantly rising at 
two o’clock in the morning to examine our lines, which are 

and very extensive, till daybreak, and from that 
time perpetually till eleven in giving orders, sending de- 
spatches, and doing the proper business of Quartermasters, 
Colonels, Commissaries, and I know not what. 

I have not been able to learn the particulars of Colonel 
Zedtwitz’s crime. ‘The report here is, that he was bribed 
by Governour Tryon to poison the well in the fortress he 
commanded, and that the letters were intercepted, and the 
poison was actually found in his chest; but it is folly to de- 
pend upon reports. When I can learn the particulars in a 
manner authentick, I shall be happy in finding an excuse 
for troubling my friend with another letter from your most 
hurnble servant, Wu. Livineston. 
To William Hooper, in Congress. 


1211 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, 
[Read September 30, 1776.] 


Long-Island, August 29, 1776, half-after-four 
o’clock, A. M. 


Str: I was last night honoured with your favour of the 
27th, accompanied by sundry resolutions of Congress. 
Those respecting the officers, &c., that may be wounded in 
the service of the States, are fougded much in justice, and 
I should hope may be productive of many salutary conse- 
quences; as to the encouragement to the Hessian officers, 
I wish it may have the desired effect. Perhaps it might 
have been better had the offer been sooner made. 

Before this, you will probably have received a letter from 
Mr. Harrison, of the 27th, advising of the engagement be- 
tween a detachment of our men and the enemy on that day. 
I am sorry to inform Congress that I have not yet heard 
either of General Sullivan or Lord Stirling, who, they would 
observe, were amongst the missing after the engagement; 
nor can I ascertain our loss. I am hopeful part of our men 
will yet get in: several did yesterday morning. ‘That of 
the enemy is also uncertain: the accounts are various. I 
incline to think they suffered a good deal; some deserters 
say five hundred men were killed and wounded. ‘There 
was some skirmishing the greatest part of yesterday between 
parties from the enemy and our people. In the evening it 
was pretty smart. ‘The event I have not yet learned. 

The weather of Jate has been extremely wet. Yesterday 
it rained severely the whole afternoon, which distressed our 
people much, not having a sufficiency of tents to cover them; 
and what we have, not got over yet. 1 am in hopes they 
will all be got to-day, and that they will be more comfort- 
ably provided, though the great scarcity of these articles dis- 
tresses us beyond measure, not having anything like a suffi- 
cient number to protect our people from the inclemency of 
the weather, and which has occasioned much sickness, and 
the men to be almost broke down. 

I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most 
obedient servant, 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. 


Go. WasHINGTON. 


GENERAL MIFFLIN TO GENERAL HEATH. 

Long-Island, August 29, 1776. 
Drar GeneraL: We have many battalions from New- 
Jersey, which are coming over this evening to relieve others 
here. You will please, therefore, to order every flat-bot- 
tomed boat and other craft, at your ports, fit for transporting 
troops, down to New-York as soon as possible. They must 
be manned by some of Colonel Hutchinson’s men, and sent 

without the least delay. I write by order of the General. 

I am affectionately yours, OM int 


To Major-General Heath. 


COLONEL JOSIAH SMITH TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Camp at Brookland, August 29, 1776. 

I just now received orders from the General to march my 
regiment over to New-York, and there to receive orders from 
the Convention of New-York, which I desire you to send 
me by the bearer, Colonel Phineas Fanning. 

Jostau Smitu, Colonel, 


To the President of the Convention. 


GENERAL ERSKINE TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE COUNTY OF 
SUFFOLK. 
Head-Quarters, in Queen’s County, August 29, 1776. 

His Excellency General Howe having appointed me 
commanding officer for the eastern part of this Island, I do 
hereby strictly order and enjoin all persons whatsoever in 
your County of Suffolk, upon their peril, to use their utmost 
efforts to preserve the peace of said County; that all 
Committee-men, and others acting under the authority of the 
Rebels, immediately to cease and remain at their respective 
homes; that every man in arms lay them down forthwith, 
and surrender themselves, on pain of being treated as Rebels. 
And I hereby exhort all persons to be aiding and assisting 
his Majesty’s forces, by furnishing them with whatever lays 
in their power; in particular, that they bring in their cattle 
(excepting milch cows and calves) for their supply, and 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1212 


their wagons and horses for transporting their baggage, &c., 
for all which they shall be fully paid, his Majesty having 
sent his Army not for the oppression, but for the protection 
of the inhabitants. But I must also signify, that unless they 
show a dutiful submission in all respects, and an immediate 
compliance with these orders respecting the cattle and wagons, 
I shall be under the necessity of marching the forces under 
my command without delay into the country, and laying 
waste the property of the disobedient, as persons unworthy 
his Majesty’s clemency. 
Wituam Erskine, Brigadier-General. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER IN COLONEL ATLEE’S 
BATTALION, DATED NEW-YORK, AUGUST 29, 1776. 


I have just now come over to this place about some busi- 
ness, and embrace the opportunity of letting you know that 
I wrote you on the 27th instant, giving you some particulars 
of our engagement. I now have to acquaint you that the 
enemy, endeavouring to force our lines, met with a warmer 
reception than they thought of; for the batteries began to 
play, and mowed them down like grass, when they retreated, 
and our Army cried out, the day is our own; but am sorry 
to inform you that Generals Sullivan and Stirling are taken 
prisoners, and that we have missing (which I apprehend are 
also taken) Colonel Atlee, Captain Howell, Captain Her- 
bert, Captain Murray, and Captain Nice, Lieutenant Finney, 
Ensign Hustin, and Dr. Davis, with eighty privates; so you 
may judge what a miserable battalion we must have. There 
is also missing from the Rifle battalion Colonel Miles and 
Colonel Piper, with several other officers, whose names I 
have not as yet heard, and a number of privates. The 
enemy, by accounts which we have received, have lost 
(killed, wounded, and taken prisoners) about eight hundred 
men, among whom is General Grant killed. We expect 
every hour a second engagement, which I pray God may 
be more prosperous on our side than the last; for besides 
what I have mentioned, the Delaware and Maryland bat- 
talions suffered much. 


New-York, Thursday, August 29, 1776. 

On Monday, by express, and by several other messengers 
since, we hear an armed brig of the enemy, with two sloops 
and some smaller vessels, are in the Sound, near White- 
Stone, a little above Hell-Gate. 

Wednesday, in the afternoon, a great hail and rain storm 
came on, attended with thunder and lightning; at which 
time the Ministerial Army attacked our lines on Long-Iland, 
at three different places, with their utmost force; but the 
intrepidity of the soldiers of the United States, joined with 
that vigour becoming a free people, repulsed them; that 
they were obliged immediately to retreat precipitately, with 
great loss, the particulars of which we have not as yet been 
able to learn. At the same time, some of the British men- 
of-war made an attempt to come up to the city, as they 
also did the day before, but the wind at both times entirely 
obstructed them; all their attempts we hope Heaven will 
still continue to render abortive. 

The great, the important day, big with the fate of America 
and liberty, seems to draw near. The British troops began 
to land on Long-Island last Thursday, nearly their whole 
force, supposed to be more than twenty thousand British and 
foreign troops. ‘They marched through the small town of 
New- Utrecht, in their way to Flatbush, another town about 
five miles from this city, near which they encamped, but were 
much harassed by our Riflemen. Scouting parties were sent 
from our Army to the adjoining woods, but were rather 
scanty in their numbers, considering the extent of ground 
they had to guard. The British forces, in three divisions, 
taking three different roads, and the advantage of the night, 
almost surrounded the whole of our out-parties, who, though 
encircled with more than treble their number, bravely fought 
their way through the enemy, killing great numbers of them, 
and brought off some prisoners. The New-York First Bat- 
talion behaved with great bravery. Lord Stirling’s brigade 
sustained the hottest of the enemy’s fire; it consisted of 
Colonel Miles’s two battalions, Colonel Atlee’s, Colonel 
Smallwood’s, and Colonel Hatch’s regiments ; they were all 
surrounded by the enemy, and had to fight their way through 
the blaze of their fire. They fought and fell like Romans. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Parry, of the Pennsylvania Musketry, 


1213 


was shot through the head as he was giving orders to and 
animating his men. 'The major part of Colonel Atlee’s and 
Colonel Piper’s regiments are missing. Dr. Davis and his 
Mate were both taken prisoners as they were dressing a 
wounded person in the woods. Colonel Miles is missing, 
(a truly amiable character,) and supposed to be slain. 
Generals Stirling and Sullivan are thought to be killed. 
General Parsons, with seven men, came in yesterday morn- 
ing, much fatigued, being for ten hours in the utmost danger 
of falling into the enemy’s hands. Our killed, wounded, 
and missing, are imagined to be about one thousand; but, 
for our encouragement, the missing are hourly coming in. 
General Grant, of the Britesh troops, from good intelligence, 
is among the killed; his hat, with his name on it, was found 
lying near the dead body; the bullet had gone through the 
hat, and carried some of his grey hairs with it. Thus fell 
the hero who boasted in the British House of Commons he 
would march through America with five thousand men, 
having only marched five miles on Long-Island, with an 
Army of more than four times the number. Our out-guards 
have retreated to the main body of the Army within the 
lines. The British Army have two encampments about a 
mile from our lines; and, by their manceuvres, ’tis plain they 
mean to attack us by surprise, and storm our intrenchments. 
Our men show the greatest bravery, and wish them to come 
to action. ‘The firing continued yesterday all the day. 

On Tuesday twenty-two prisoners of the Regulars, among 
whom is a Captain, a Lieutenant, and an Ensign, were 
brought over; yesterday another, and the same day thirty- 
seven prisoners more were taken by one of our detached 
parties. On Tuesday five or six ships stood almost within 
reach of our grand battery, but came to an anchor, and 
yesterday morning dropped down again to the fleet. 

The alarm was so great last Tuesday, (occasioned by the 
attack of the British troops,) the day appointed for fasting, 
humiliation, and prayer, in this State, for imploring Divine 
assistance in forming the new Government, that the churches 
were not operfed, nor publick worship performed. 


New-York, August 29, 1776. 

On Tuesday, August 20, a number of ships, with troops 
on board, sailed from the British fleet at Staten-Island, 
through the Narrows, and next day were followed by many 
more. Next morning, (the 22d,) a number of troops, sup- 
posed to be about ten thousand men, landed between New- 
Utrecht and Gravesend, on Long-Island. On Friday, an 
advanced party took possession of Flatbush, where our 
people, having possession of the surrounding heights, kept a 
continual, though irregular, fire upon them, but at too great 
a distance to do much execution; however, some were killed 
and wounded on both sides; the enemy keeping up an almost 
constant fire upon our people from their mortars and field- 
pieces, loaded with grape-shot, &c. On Sunday, some of 
their men-of-war and transports got under sail, and it was 
supposed, were coming up; but it soon appeared they only 
went to cover the landing of more of their men on Long- 
Island, when great numbers of our men went over to 
strengthen our posts, and oppose the enemy. On Monday, 
it was observed that a large body of them, supposed to be 
near four thousand, were marching from their main body 
to their advanced posts. That night our people began to 
throw up intrenchments on the highest hill near Flatbush, 
which would have commanded the town; but the enemy 
having the same night formed a design to gain possession of 
the hill, it is said, both parties met, and a smart engagement 
between them began about four in the morning, and con- 
tinued, together with severe skirmishes between many de- 
tached parties, all Tuesday and Wednesday, during which 
many were killed, wounded, and taken prisoners on both 
sides, and several are missing. Who kept possession of the 
hill at Flatbush, where the flag is still flying, we have not 
heard, nor which party has upon the whole the advantage. 
Many of our wounded people have been brought over. On 
Tuesday, twenty-two prisoners of the Regulars, among 
whom is a Captain, a Lieutenant, and an Ensign, were 
brought over; yesterday another, and the same day fifty- 
seven prisoners more were taken by one of our detached 
parties. The enemy attempted several times to force our 
lines, but were always repulsed with considerable slaughter, 
notwithstanding their superiority in point of discipline, and 
an extended front. On Tuesday, five or six ships stood 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1214 


almost within reach of our grand battery, but came to an 
anchor, and yesterday morning dropped down again to the 
fleet. 

From the best accounts, we learn that the force of the 
Ministerial Army at Staten and Long Islands is about 
twenty-three thousand five hundred men; marines unknown. 
The fleet consists of the following: Ships Asia and Eagle, 
of sixty-four guns, the Roebuck and Phenia, of forty-four, 
one bomb, and about twenty frigates and sloops-of-war. 
They have also about three hundred sail of transports, store- 
ships, and prizes. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER DATED NEW-YORK, AUGUST 29, 1776, 
FIVE O'CLOCK, P. M. 


I am told the Court-Martial divided about Zedtwatz, and 
have sentenced him to be broke, and rendered forever in- 
capable of holding any military office; but I do not learn 
that the sentence has been confirmed by the General. It 
is a hard matter to get general intelligence from Long- 
Island. Every man’s attention seems confined solely to his 
own regiment. I havea line from Head-Quarters this morn- 
ing, informing me that nothing of moment has turned up. 
There was a constant firing all yesterday afternoon, and till 
I went to bed last night; it appeared to be platoon firing, 
and now and then a field-piece. 


EBENEZER HAZARD TO ROBERT LIVINGSTON. 
New-York, August 29, 1776. 
Sir: If it is possible, do keep a corps de reserve of the 
Congress’s order for us. Mr. Samuel Broome is to go to 
Connecticut this week for the purpose of procuring saltpetre; 
but if none can be had, we shall want your friendly assist- 
ance. Perhaps a letter from you to Congress mentioning 
the state of the case, would procure an order for the twelve 
hundred weight of powder, which would answer the same 
end. Nothing new this morning. Mr. Schenck carried a 
letter for you to Harlem. 
In haste, your very humble servant, 
Even. Hazarp. 
To Robert Livingston, Esq., at Harlem. 


COMFORT SANDS TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
New-Rochelle, August 29, 1776. 


Sir: The bearer, Mr. Daniel Redfield, was taken last 
Monday morning in the Sound by the ships of war, and has 
been detained on board till yesterday. He has just come 
to my house, and has given me such information as | thought 
proper for you to know. I have immediately despatched 
him to you, that you might take the information from his own 
mouth. As he wants much to get home, I beg you will take 
his examination as soon as possible, and discharge him. What 
information he gives you may be depended on, as I have 
known him a number of years, and know him to be a very 
honest man. You will please also to give him a permit, so 
that he can pass the bridge without being detained. 


I am, sir, your humble servant 
» AY : Comrort Sanps. 


To Abraham Yates, Esq., President of the Convention of 
New-York, at Harlem. 


JOSEPH DRAKE TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
New-Rochelle, August 29, 1776. 
Sir: The bearer hereof, Mr. Redfield, of Killingsworth, 
in the State of Connecticut, having, on the 26th instant, had 
the misfortune to fall into the hands of our cruel enemies, 
who burnt his sloop and made him prisoner, with one Ste- 
vens, his partner, until yesterday, when he was discharged 
and sent on shore by himself; the Committee for the district 
of New-Rochelle, where he came on shore, has had him in 
examination, who thought he might give some little informa- 
tion of the enemy’s intercourse with the people in Queen’s 
County, has sent him to you for his further examination. He 
is a man of good character. 
By order of the Committee: 
JosepH Drake, Chairman. 


To the President of the Committee of Safety for the State 
of New- York. 


1215 


4] 
In Committee of Safety for the State of New-York, ; 
August 29, 1776. 


Daniel Redfield, of Killingsworth, in Connecticut, being 
duly examined, says: That about four o’clock on Monday 
morning last, he was taken in a sloop going from New- York, 
by the brig Halifax, belonging to the King of Great Brit- 
ain, mounting ten four-pounders, Quarme commander. 
That about twelve o’clock the same day they burnt the hull 
of his vessel, after having secured the rigging, cable, an- 
chors, &c. That there were two frigates in company, viz: 
Le Brun and the Niger, both of thirty-six guns. ‘That 
the pilot’s name was Reed, a man who formerly lived at 
New-York, a notorious Tory. That from this man’s con- 
versation he understood that these vessels were to anchor in 
Flushing Bay, and that the enemy’s design was to land part 
of their forces from Long-Island, and that some ships of war, 
&c., were to run up the North River, and to land another 
body of men at or near King’s Bridge. That they intended 
to make a junction of their forces, and did not doubt by these 
means to cut off all communication with our Army both by 
land and water, and oblige them to surrender for want of 
provisions. ‘That the said Reed said “he wished all the 
damn’d Rebels on the Continent were there, for that they 
would be taken in a net.” And the said Redfield further 
says, that he understood they did not intend to make an 
attack upon the city. That those vessels had plundered 
Hart and City-Island, in the Sound, from whence he thinks 
they procured about twelve or fourteen head of cattle, be- 
sides sheep, &c. That whilst he was on board several 
persons came on board from Queen’s County, Long-Island, 
who, as he understood, brought intelligence from General 
Howe’s Army. That on Tuesday a man came on board 
who said that we had lost thirteen hundred men in an en- 
gagement,and that the English Army had gained the ground. 
That his partner, Stephens, they detained aboard as a hos- 
tage, but that they released him, being an old man, and that 
he might inquire for the mate of the Niger, who had been 
taken on board a prize by the sloop Beverly, and sent into 
Amboy. That they promised to exchange his partner for 
this man, whose name they gave him in writing. He says 
he was not used ill on board, but that the ship’s crew were 
very inveterate against us. 

The said Daniel Redfield produced to the Committee 
of Safety undoubted testimonials of his veracity and good 
character. 

The above examination taken in the Committee of Safety, 
and transmitted by order. Weipces 


GENERAL HEATH TO FAIRFIELD (CONNECTICUT) COMMITTEE. 
King’s Bridge, August 29, 1776. 


GentLemeEN: I send to your care and safe keeping the 
following prisoners of war, taken on Long-Island on the 27th 
instant, viz: Lieutenant John Ragg, of the Marines, Ser- 
geant David Wallace, Corporal Thomas Pike, and Edward 
Gibbon, Wilham Smith, Isaac Hughs, Thomas Haraman, 
John Woodard, Edward Cavil, William Williams, William 
Coortney, Stephen Weber, John Smith, Samuel Morral, 
Thomas Sarral, Joseph Distant, Benjamin Jones, Wiliam 
Jones, William Pearce, John Hopkins, Henry Weston, Evan 
Evans, and John Morten, Privates. 

You will please to secure them in such manner as to pre- 
vent their escape, observing the order of Congress in this 
respect. 

I am, gentlemen, with esteem, your humble servant, 


W. Hearn, Major-General. 
To the Committee of the Town of Fairfield. 


GENERAL HEATH TO LIEUTENANT UMSTEAD. 
King’s Bridge, August 29, 1776. 


Sir: With the detachment under your command, taking 
into your custody and safe keeping the following prisoners of 
war, viz: Lieutenant John Ragg, of the Marines, Sergeant 
David Wallace, Corporal Thomas Pike, and Edward Gib- 
bon, William Smith, Isaac Hughs, Thomas Haraman, John 
Woodard, Edward Cavil, William Williams, Wm. Coortney, 
Stephen Weber, John Smith, Sumuel Morral, Thomas Sorral, 
Joseph Distant, Benjamin Jones, William Jones, William 
Pearce, John Hopkins, Henry Weston, Evan Evans, and 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1216 


John Mortan, Privates,—you are to escort them with all pos- 
sible expedition to Fairfield, in the Colony of Connecticut, 
where you are to deliver them to the Committee of that 
place, and then without delay return to this post. 


Tam, sir, yours, &e., 1 yy Heatu, Major-General. 
To Lieutenant Nathan Umstead. 


We, the subscribers, of the Committee of Inspection for 
the town of Fairfield, hereby certify that Lieutenant Nathan 
Umstead hath delivered to us the within named prisoners. 


Tuan. Burr, i Committee. 


J. SrurGEs, 
Fairfield, September 1, 1776. 


COLONEL GRAHAM TO GENERAL HEATH. 
August 29, 1776. 

Str: This comes by a gentleman who has fled from Long- 
Island, where, he says, General Howe’s Light-Horse are pil- 
laging the inhabitants. He thinks that about one hundred 
men would be sufficient to repulse them. 

My regiment has full employ, as the enemy’s ships are 
this instant mooring the brig moved down to Hunt’s Point 
about two hours ago; the rest are now under sail. If it 
should be thought expedient that any of my regiment should 
go on to Long-Island, I would think it highly necessary 
that some other force should be sent here, as there are many 
points to guard that we are now hardly able to defend with- 
out distributing our men too much. However, we are ready 
to obey. 

I am, your very humble servant, 

Morris Granam, Colonel. 


To Major-General Heath, at King’s Bridge. 


COUNCIL OF WAR. , 
King’s Bridge, August 29, 1776. 

Information being brought that the enemy’s Light-Horse, 
to the number of about one hundred, are pillaging at FVush- 
ing, on Long-Island, and that there is a great probability 
that if one hundred men should be sent over this night, they 
may be surprised and taken: Upon which, Council being 
called: Present: Major-General Heath, Brigadier-General 
Clinton, Colonel Pawling, and Colonel Thomas: 

The question being put, Whether the measure be advis- 
able? Colonel Thomas, yea ; Colonel Pawling, yea; General 


Clinton, yea. IsraeL Kerrn, A. D. C. 


GENERAL HEATH TO COLONEL GRAHAM. 
King’s Bridge, August 29, 1776. 
Sir: Information has just been given that a number of 
the enemy’s Light-Horse are pillaging at Flushing, and that 
a party of about one hundred men would disperse them. If, 
therefore, upon receipt hereof, and conference with Messrs. 
Eagle and Penfold, two of the Committee of that place, 
you should be satisfied that the number of the enemy are 
not more than one hundred, and that you can convey that 
number of men over this night, and get them back by to- 
morrow morning, I would have you make the attempt, and 
surprise the enemy, if possible. You are strictly to forbid 
the party pursuing Tories, except in arms, or in any case to 
burn any buildings. I am, sir, yours, Xc., 
W. Heat, M. G. 
To Colonel Morris Graham. 


ABRAHAM KING -TO PETER LIVINGSTON. 
The Manor of Cortlandt, August 29, 1776. 

I beg the favour of you, sir, that you will be so good as 
to send me an order to James Clinton, Brigadier-General 
at the Fort Montgomery for my ferry-boat belonging to 
me; want of this, a great damage to the country. A great 
calling for the ferry-boat ; without this, great damage to our 
troops. We are detained very much for the want of the 
ferry-boat for to go across the ferry. There will be no fear; 
there is guard kept at my house. 


To Mr. Peter Livingston, President. 


Asprauam Kine. 


1217 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
{Read September 6, 1776. November 6, 1776, referred to the Board of 
Treasury. ] 

Albany, August 29, 1776. 

Sir: I had the honour to have your letter of the 16th 
instant, enclosing the resolutions of Congress of the 10th, 
delivered to me this morning by Mr. Price. The resolutions 
mention, “to pay all the specie General Gates or I may 
have in hands belonging to the American States.” I have 
construed this to mean any specig that the Paymaster in 
this department might have in the military chest, and have 
accordingly given my warrant in favour of Mr. Price for 
twenty-four thousand dollars, leaving the remainder for exi- 
gencies here. Congress will see, by the enclosed account 
from Mr. Trumbull, that I have drawn seven thousand five 
hundred dollars in specie, which was to replace what I had 
borrowed and transmitted to Canada last fall and winter. 
There are about two thousand dollars which are still due to 
me on that account, but as paper money equally serves my 
purpose, I shall draw for no more specie. I believe there 
are about six thousand dollars more with the Army. 

Captain Wynkoop, who has been sent down to me by 
General Gates, has this morning delivered me the enclosed 
memorial, with a request that I should transmit it to Con- 
gress. As I cannot refuse complying with his request, I 
have thought it incumbent on me to let it be accompanied 
with General Gates’s and General Arnold’s letters on the 
subject. Although I believed Wynkoop to be brave and 
industrious, and equal to the command of what vessels we 
had when I recommended him, yet I was so far from being 
sufficiently acquainted whether he was equal to the com- 
mand of such a number of vessels as we have now there, 
that I learned General Arnold’s appointment with great 
satisfaction, and very much approved of it. 

From the resolution of Congress of the 30th ultimo, allow- 
ing one and one-third dollar per man to the officers who are 
to inlist men for three years, | am led to believe that recruit- 
ing officers are already appointed. As it is of the utmost 
importance that a body of troops should be engaged béfore the 
time of those now serving is expired, | beg leave to suggest 
to Congress if it would not be proper to appoint recruiting 
officers for every regiment in the Army, to recruit imme- 
diately out of the Army in general. Many that will now 
engage to serve three years longer, provided any bounty 
Congress may have ordered is immediately paid, will not do 
it when their time of service is expired, or nearly so, nor 
even about the middle of October, for then that terrible dis- 
order the home-sickness begins to prevail, and, increasing as 
the winter season advances, becomes so stubborn and uncon- 
querable, that every consideration must yield to its superior 
influence. ‘The men thus engaged might be left with the 
corps they now belong to until towards the end of the cam- 
paign, and then formed into different corps. 

In obedience to the orders of Congress, I directed Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Brown to lay before me an account of his 
extra services, copy of which I do myself the honour to 
enclose you. It is impossible for me to ascertain what allow- 
ance ought to be made him. 

Our carpenters sicken very fast. Captain Titcomb, of 
the Massachusetts-Bay, had only ten at work on the 25th, 
out of fifty, and many of the other companies were also down. 
We are, however, so much ahead of the enemy in our naval 
force, that I do not apprehend they will be able to equal 
our strength this campaign, notwithstanding the indisposition 
of our carpenters. I have ordered a physician to Skenes- 
borough, to examine the sick carpenters, that such might be 
discharged as are not likely to be of future service, the 
expense being very high. 

If the enemy should find themselves unable to make an 
attempt to penetrate into the Colonies this campaign, it is 
more than probable that they will assiduously employ them- 
selves in the course of next winter to procure materials for 
building as large vessels as the Lake will bear, in order to 
get a superiority next campaign; and although I am under 
no apprehensions that they will ever be able to penetrate into 
the Colonies from the northward, as there is such a variety 
of difficulties to be surmounted before they can reach any 
part where they can be subsisted, yet, if they should obtain 
a superiority on the Lake, they might in another campaign 
possess themselves of Ticonderoga, and thus complete part 
of their plan by surrounding us with a chain of forts, and 


Firru Series.—Vor. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


77 


1218 


greatly harass our frontiers; would it not, therefore, be pru- 
dent to provide every material this fall and winter for the 
construction of as large vessels as any that can be borne on 
the Lake? 

Mr. Taylor, whom I have employed to purchase clothing 
for the Army, has collected near if not quite to the value of 
fifty thousand dollars ; very little of which has been expended, 
(except what was fit for shirts and what was given to the 
Indians,) the remainder, especially the woollens, I have 
ordered to be kept in this place, that we may have some- 
thing for the winter service. Would it not be well to try to 
get them made up? 

I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient and most hum- 


ble servant 
? Pu. Scuuyuer. 


From General Gates to Major-General Scuvyier. 
Ticonderoga, August 18, 1776. 

Dear Generat: Thursday Gen. Arnold went to Crown- 
Point to take the command of the fleet collected there. 
Enclosed is a copy of my orders to him, which he read and 
much approved before his departure from hence. Late last 
night I received the within letter from the General, with 
an extract of what passed between him and Mr. Wynkoop, 
which you will also find in the packet, together with my 
letter. At daylight this morning, in consequence of General 
Arnold’s letter to me, I shall send Mr. Wynkoop to Albany 
immediately on his arrival here, and I dare say you will with- 
out scruple forthwith dismiss him the service. He ought 
upon no account to be again employed. Many officers of 
rank in this department say he is totally unfit to command 
a single vessel at this important hour of business. I would 
not submit this affair to a General Court-Martial here, lest 
they should have doubts how to decide upon it, as the Con- 
tinental Articles of War make no provision for so extraordi- 
nary a circumstance. ‘The times will not admit of trifling ; 
decision alone must govern on these occasions. 

] expect General Waterbury by Saturday night with the 
row-galleys. As he is an able seaman and a brave oflicer, 
I intend he shall join General Arnold with the rest of the 
squadron the instant they can be armed and equipped. As 
General Arnold and he are upon the best terms, I am satis- 
fied no dispute about command or want of confidence in 
each other will retard the publick service. 

I am, dear General, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Horatio Gares. 


From Lieutenant-Colonel Brown to General Scuuyier. 
Albany, August 27, 1776. 

Sir: Agreeable to your order, I send you a memorandum 
of extra service done by me during the last summer cam- 
paign in Canada. 

Soon after my arrival at Crown-Point, I was despatched 
with Captain Cochran and a small scout, with orders to 
penetrate Canada, and, if possible, to search out the situa- 
tion of that country, the disposition of the Canadians in case 
our Army should advance into that Province, the numbers 
of King’s troops, the strength of St. John’s and vessels then 
fitting out at that place, the disposition and designs of the 
Savages, &c. ‘This tour was made in seventeen days, partly 
by water and partly land, with the loss of two men taken 
prisoners. [ returned by land from some miles below 
Chamblee, by the Bay of Missisque, being pursued to that 
place by the Savages. I established a correspondence with 
Mr. Livingston, (who I found at Chamblee at this time,) of 
whom I obtained all necessary intelligence respecting the 
state of Canada. Mr. Livingston, in consequence of this, 
sent several messengers to our Army with further intelligence. 
The second scout was to the Isle-aux-Noix, at which time 
I had the command of the Lake; from thence I sent messen- 
gers to Mr. Livingston, and had return. ‘The two next tours 
into Canada were made from the Isle-aux-Noiz, the last of 
which was with one hundred men, half of which I left at 
Chamblee, and with the remainder cut off the communication 
between St. John’s and the country, where I took several 
prisoners and a number of teams with stores, &c. The 
next week I surprised La Prairie, and took it, with a num- 
ber of prisoners and a quantity of stores. Soon after I took 
Chamblee, passing by St. John’s myself in a boat, with can- 
non, &c., for the purpose. I was then ordered to contract 
for beef and flour for the Army, which I did for a short time, 


1219 


and was then ordered down the river Sorel to meet Colonel 
MeClin, &c. Indeed there was not a day during the whole 
campaign but I was on fatigue, and most of the time by 
night as well as day. 

All which is humbly submitted by your most obedient, 


humble servant 
" J. Brown. 


Officers’ Certificate. 

This certifies, that during the last year’s campaign in 
Canada, Captain John Brown was the most active man in 
the Army, being employed in the beginning of the campaign 
in long tedious scouts from Ticonderoga into Canada, and 
the latter part before the Army with a detachment. Colonel 
Brown was scarcely off duty, day or night, during the cam- 
paign. 

James Livineston, Colonel. 

Gersuom Mort, Captain. 

Roserr Cocuran, Major. 

Wo. Sarrervee, Captain. 

Tim. Bepet, Colonel. 
Albany, October 11, 1776. 


In Congress, July 30, 1776. 


Resolved, That so much of Major Brown’s Petition as 
prays an allowance for extraordinary services be referred to 
General Schuyler, who is desired to certify Congress whether 
any and what reward may with justice be demanded by 
him. 

That Major Brown’s Accounts be settled by the Com- 
missioners appointed to adjust Accounts in the Northern 
Department. 

Extract from the Minutes: 

Cuas. Tuomson, Secretary. 


Captain Brown’s Petition. 


[Referred to the Committee appointed to inquire into the causes of the 
miscarriages in Canada. | 


To the Honourable Continental Congress : 


The Petition and Memorial of Joun Brown, Lieutenant- 
Colonel of the Regiment where Samuet Exner, Esq., is 
Colonel, humbly showeth : 


That whereas, by a proclamation made by General Mont- 
gomery at Montreal, at the commencement of the last winter 
campaign in Canada, it was promised and engaged that all 
the troops who should reéngage in service and go forward to 
Quebeck, should be entitled to one complete suit of clothes, 
as may fully appear by said proclamation: And whereas 
your petitioner, at time and place aforesaid, was appointed 
by General Montgomery to take the command of a regiment 
which should reéngage as aforesaid, which regiment did 
actually reengage, and went forward to Quebeck, and then 
at the publick expense were clothed as well as might be 
agreeable to said proclamation: Your petitioner further 
showeth, that long after the time for which the troops afore- 
said engaged was expired, the Paymaster-General, or his 
Deputy for the Northern Department, being applied to for 
payment, informed your petitioner that he had strict orders 
to allow to each man engaged as aforesaid, officers excepted, 
the sum of four pounds, lawful money, and no more, which 
renders it absolutely impossible for the Captains or com- 
manding officers of companies raised as aforesaid to settle 
with their men: Your petitioner therefore prays that an 
order may be immediately made out confirming the procla- 
mation made as aforesaid, with such other instructions as 
may be thought proper, that the regiment may be immedi- 
ately settled with; which your petitioner humbly conceives 
may greatly benefit the service. Your petitioner further 
showeth, that he was appointed to take the command of the 
regiment aforesaid, with the rank of full Colonel, by the 
express order of General Montgomery, as he will fully 
demonstrate and prove from the best evidence and authority; 
yet after the death of General Montgomery he was denied 
his rank, and put to the necessity of serving in an inferior 
rank, or deserting the service at a time when nothing could 
Justify such a measure, although the indignity was too great 
to be suffered by a man of spirit or an officer of the Conti- 
nental Army, and that which nothing could justify in him 
but absolute and strict necessity, in point of keeping up the 
blockade at Quebeck. And many other abuses did your peti- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1220 


tioner then and there suffer; all which he prays may be 
examined into, and justice done concerning the premises. 
Your petitioner further begs leave to observe, that he has 
been intrusted with the disposition of a considerable sum of 
publick moneys in Canada, for which he stands ready to 
account; but that he is informed that there is no proper 
Board established yet for that purpose; he therefore prays 
that he may be directed where and to whom he is to account, 
as his accounts are of such a nature as ’tis impossible (in his 
opinion) for any man exeept himself to settle and properly 
adjust the same. Your petitioner further showeth, that, 
exclusive of the duty by him done during the last summer 
campaign as a Major and second in command in Colonel 
Easton’s regiment, he was almost constantly employed by 
Generals Schuyler and Montgomery in long, tedious, hazard- 
ous scouts or marches from Ticonderoga into Canada, to 
discover the motions and intentions of the enemy, as also to 
engage the Canadians and Savages in the interest of the 
Colonies, which was effected during the last year’s campaign, 
by which means only the Continental Army was able to 
penetrate into Canada. The returns made to Congress by 
Generals Schuyler and Montgomery will fully evince the 
truths of these facts. Your petitioner therefore humbly con- 
ceives, that for these and other extraordinary services done 
in Canada, he ought to be considered, and prays to be heard 
on the subject. Your petitioner, being this minute possessed 
of a report of a Committee of Congress of the 26th of April 
last, on a petition before that time to Congress, prepared by 
Colonel James Easton, in which, among other things, it is 
observed, that Brigadier-General Arnold, in his letter of the 
Ist of February last, alleged that your petitioner and Colonel 
James Easton had been publickly accused of plundering the 
officers’ baggage taken at Sorel, contrary to the articles of 
capitulation; to which your petitioner answers, that he 
knows no man more the author of this charge than General 
Arnold and his adherents; and that it is false, scandalous, 
and malicious; and your petitioner desires men and angels, 
as well as the informer, to prove any part of it. Your peti- 
tioner, at the time of his first hearing of said accusation at 

uebeck, challenged General Arnold to prove it, and de- 
manded, which was his right, a Court of Inquiry, to be called 
immediately, which was peremptorily refused by General 
Arnold. He did the same of General Wooster, at his arrival 
at Quebeck, who likewise refused. He did the same of the 
honourable Committee sent to Canada from the Congress, 
who refused. He did the same of General Schuyler, at Fort 
George, but the General thought it inexpedient. He now 
appeals to Congress for satisfaction, with the highest assu- 
rance of obtaining the same, conceiving that he has been 
injured in the highest manner and in the nicest point of 
honour. 

And as in duty bound shall pray. 


June 26, 1776. 


Jno. Brown. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Albany, August 29, 1776. 

Dear Str: Yesterday I was honoured with your Excel- 
lency’s favour of the 24th instant. 

The articles mentioned in your letter to Captain Varick, 
are arrived and forwarded to T'yonderoga. ‘hose sent by 
Phil. Sandford, are not yet arrived, detained J suppose by 
northerly winds, which have prevailed for some days. 

Our carpenters at Skenesborough sicken very fast. Cap- 
tain Titcomb’s company from the Massachusetts-Bay, con- 
sisting of fifty, had only ten at work on the 25th instant, and 
many of the others were also incapable of duty. We have, 
however, got so far ahead of the enemy in our naval force, 
that | hope they will not be able to equal it this campaign, 
notwithstanding the indisposition of our carpenters. 

The reasons your Excellency assigns for proceedings 
against the officers of Colonel Dayton’s regiment by Court- 
Martial are incontrovertible. 

I am happy to learn that our troops had the advantage in 
the skirmish on Long-Island. Indecisive as these little ren- 
counters are, they are, however, attended with good conse- 
quences. The express advises us that before he left New- 
York, and after he had received the letter for me, accounts 
arrived that we had killed and taken sixty of the enemy, with 
six field-pieces. I hope it may be confirmed. 

Congress have ordered me to make inquiry of, and bring 


1221 


to trial the persons concerned in the plunder of General Pres- 
coit’s and Captain Anstruther’s baggage. 1 am informed 
by Lieutenant-Colonel Brown that Lieutenant Johnson, last 
year of Captain Lamb’s artillery company, and now in some 
corps at New-York, was principally concerned in taking 
Anstruther’s. As the evidences are in this quarter, your 
Excellency will judge of the propriety of sending Johnson 
up, or ordering the witnesses down. 

Most of the Stockbridge Indians inclined to go to New- 
York. I ordered them provisions, and I believe they are 
now on their passage. 

The Committee of this place did not choose to send the 
boards Mr. Hughes wrote for on their risk. ‘They informed 
me of this, and I did not hesitate to assure them that they 
would be considered as shipped on the publick account. 
This day they informed me that not more than ten thousand 
boards were as yet gone, and that they could not prevail on 
any more masters of sloops to carry them farther than Peek’s 
Kill. Apprehensive that you would be greatly distressed for 
shelter for the men, I have requested them, if they cannot 
do otherwise, to send them to Peek’s Kill, and to advise 
Colonel Moylan of the number that will be landed there, by 
this express. 

I perceive that Congress has resolved on inlisting men 
to serve three years. I fear very few recruits will be ob- 
tained in the country at this time, and very few out of the 
Army, if the inlistments are not attempted until the time of 
those now engaged is nearly expired. Would it not be well 
immediately to appoint recruiting officers in every corps, to 
inlist those for three years who are now engaged until the 
fall or winter only? In the course of three months an alert 
officer will have it in his power, with the bounty he may be 
authorized to give, to engage a good number. The home- 
sickness begins to prevail about the middle of October, and 
when that unconquerable distemper once takes place every 
consideration gives way to it. I shall communicate my ideas 
on this subject to Congress in a letter I have occasion to 
write them to-day. 

I am, dear sir, with every affectionate wish, your Excel- 


: : 
lency’s most obedient, humble servant, aes Scrraly hot 


To His Excellency General Washington, &c., &c., &c. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL GATES, 
Albany, August 29, 1776. 

Dear Genera: Yesterday I was honoured with a line 
from General Washington, of the 24th instant, of which the 
following is an extract: “On Wednesday and Thursday 
morning a considerable body of the enemy, said to be eight 
or nine thousand, landed at Gravesend-Bay on Long-Island. 
They have approached within about three miles of our lines, 
and yesterday there was some skirmishing between a detach- 
ment from them and a party from our troops. Their detach- 
ment were obliged to give ground, and were pursued as far 
as where they had a post at Judge Lefferts’s. His house 
and outhouses served as quarters for them, and were burnt 
by our people. We sustained no loss in this affair that I 
have heard of, except. having two men slightly wounded. 
Our people say the enemy met with more. ‘They found 
one dead body in the habit of a soldier, with a good deal of 
money in his pockets, and got three hangers and a fusee. 
Our party threw a shell from a howitz, which fell on and 
bursted in a house where several of them were. Whether 
they were injured by it, we have not learned. A firing has 
been heard this morning, but know nothing of the event.” 
The express who brought me the General’s letter reports, 
that after he had received it, intelligence was brought that 
in the rencounter on Saturday morning, our people killed 
and took sixty of the enemy, and six field-pieces. If so, it 
will be soon confirmed. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, who will deliver you this, is 
the officer alluded to in some of the resolutions of Congress 
of the 30th ultimo. He wishes for a Court of Inquiry on the 
charge against him of being concerned in the plundering of 
General Prescott’s baggage. You will please to order one. 

Captain Wynkoop has presented me a memorial to Con- 
gress, with a request to have it forwarded to them, copy of 
which I enclose. When I recommended him to the com- 
mand of the vessels on Lake Champlain, they were few and 
the Army in Canada; and although I believe him brave, yet 

* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1222 


[ do not think him equal to the command of such a fleet as 
we now have there. His appointment by the New-York 
Congress you will perceive is only temporary, until another 
should be appointed; he could, therefore, have no reason 
to complain, even if an officer of inferior rank to General 
Arnold had been ordered to take the command. 

General Washington has ordered up a few more military 
stores, as per enclosed list. They are not yet arrived here; 
shall be forwarded the moment they do, except part of the 
cartridge paper, which must go to Fort Stanwiv. 

The Stockbridge Indians inlisted in our service had it at 
their option, by General Washington’s orders, to go to New- 
York or to the northward. ‘They have chosen the former, 
and are gone down. 

Mr. Schuyler, the Assistant Deputy Quartermaster-Gene- 
ral at Skenesborough, writes me that the carpenters sicken 
so fast that Captain Titcomb had but ten men out of fifty 
at work on the 25th, and that Captains Winslow and Eas- 
dorp had also a great many sick. I wish you could send a 
physician to report such as are not likely to be of any further 
service, that they may be discharged, and the expense of 
their wages saved to the publick. 

General Lee was daily expected at Philadelphia on the 
18th instant. The express from New-York advises that he 
arrived there on Saturday, after General Washington’s let- 
ter to me was delivered. 

Two Captains are now engaging two hundred seamen out 
of the Army at New-York, for the northern service. 

I am, dear General, with every friendly wish, your most 


obedient, humble servant, Pp igu seein i 


To the Hon. General Gates. 


CAPTAIN FASSETT TO GENERAL GATES. 
Jerico, Onion River, August 29, 1776. 


May ir PLEASE your Honour: As I came here, expect- 
ing with my company to assist the inhabitants (what is left 
of them) in moving off; as I cannot think so small a party 
can be safe in guarding so remote a situation from our Army; 
as signs of the enemy have been frequently seen, and some 
of the scouting parties have seen the enemy on the river,— 
therefore desire that Deacon Reede may be assisted by your 
Honour with boats to carry off these families now on the 
river. 

I have discoursed with a large number of the Committee 
and some of the officers of this detachment, and the whole 
I have discoursed with think best to make Head-Quarters 
about fifteen miles northeast from Crown Point, at a place 
called Middleborough Falls, on Otter Creek, under the 
present situation, and to keep scouting parties out to the 
north, as far as our strength shall permit. ‘These from your 
obedient and very humble servant, 

Jona. Fasserr, Captain. 


To the Hon. Horatio Gates, Major-General. 


P. §. I determine all that can be done in saving crops, 
shall be done. I pray your Honour to send by the bearer, 
Deacon Reede, for my company, seven guns, light and 
handy, if can be. I pray your Honour to send by Deacon 
Reede one barrel of flour. 


GOVERNOUR COOKE TO MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL. 
Providence, August 29, 1776. 


GentLemMEN: The Naval Committee here some little time 
agone informed your Honours that they had appointed Mr, 
John Grannis Captain of Marines for the Continental ship 
Warren, fitting here; and as he has a commission under the 
authority of your State, we request that he may be dismissed 
from that service; also, that he may be permitted to inlist a 
complement of Marines out of the troops now in your pay. 
As we look on the sending out these ships of the greatest 
consequence to these United States, we doubt not but you 
will grant us the favour we ask. 

I am, in behalf of the Committee, your Honours’ most 


humble servant, Nicus. Cooke, 


Chairman of the Marine Committee, at Providence. 


To the Honourable the Council of the State of the Massa- 
chusetts-Bay. 


1223 


MESSAGES FROM THE COUNCIL OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
Message to the House, August 29, 1776. 


GentTLemMen or THE House or Representatives: The 
important period has at length arrived. The honourable 
Congress have declared the United American Colones free 
and independent States. This declaration we have ordered 
to be made publick, agreeable to the request of Congress, 
through every part of the Massachusetts-Bay, and we shall 
readily concur with you in expressing our approbation of the 
measure, and readiness to risk our lives and fortunes in 
defence and support of it. 

Since the prorogation of the Court, the treaty of alliance 
with the St. John’s and Mickmack Tribes of Indians, wherein 
they have engaged to take an active part in the present war 
against our unnatural enemies, has been duly ratified. Four 
of the Chiefs that were here have actually arrived at New- 
York, and the residue have sailed to the river St. John’s, 
under the direction of Major Shaw, to procure a number of 
companies from those tribes to join the Continental Army 
under his Excellency General Washington, agreeable to his 
request; and we have reason to expect that a body of them 
will speedily arrive here on the service; and we are also 
persuaded, from their friendly professions while here, and 
the good temper they departed with, there will be no dan- 
ger from them to our eastern settlements. We have like- 
wise had a conference with two of the Sachems of the Pe- 
nobscot Indians, in which they request a French priest to 
dwell among them, such a regulation of the French trade 
as to prevent its being exposed to abuses, and that a bound- 
ary line between such lands as are left for their use and 
other lands, may be fixed, and steps taken to prevent en- 
croachment. We did not conceive ourselves authorized 
fully to adjust these matters without your aid; and we have 
promised to lay their requests before the General Court at 
this session. 

General Washington having, by the direction of Congress, 
ordered the Continental Regiments in this State to join the 
Continental Army, which, though a necessary measure for 
the general service, has left the fortresses here in a manner 
defenceless, we have, for our common safety, given orders 
for every twenty-fifth man of the Alarm and Train Band 
Lists in the several Counties (except Berkshire, Lincoln, 
Nantucket, and Duke’s County) to march to the Heights 
at Dorchester. 'This detachment, we conceive, will make 
between two and three regiments; and we have the assu- 
rance of Congress they are to be in the Continental pay and 
establishment. A great part of the men are already arrived, 
and do now receive rations from the Continental Commis- 
sary-General. ‘They are to be retained in service till the 
first day of December next, unless sooner discharged. The 
mileage usual on such occasions, we expect, will be paid by 
the Continent, together with their wages. 

The troops levied for the Northern and Southern Depart- 
ments, it is probable, are by this time principally at their 
respective places of destination. Whether the regiments are 
so full as intended or expected, we cannot as yet determine, 
for want of proper returns being made, which we may soon 
expect, as orders for them have been given. 

The moneys expended in these and other exigencies of 
the State, we are sorry to acquaint you, have quite or near 
exhausted the ‘Treasury. You will therefore, gentlemen, 
take this matter early in the session into your consideration ; 
and as we apprehend there may be upwards of £100,000 
due to this State from the Continent, for services done and 
moneys advanced, if proper accounts thereof were forthwith 
transmitted to Congress, the Treasury might be supplied 
from thence as soon as in any other way. The complaint 
against the last emission of bills of credit, on account of the 
ungraceful appearance they make, and the danger and dis- 
grace the Government suffers therefrom, induces the Coun- 
cil seriously to recommend the speedy redemption thereof; 
and although we are sensible it is exceeding the line of our 
proper department, yet we have taken some steps towards 
the cutting elegant copper plates, which, in case the honour- 
able House should think proper, might be speedily executed 
for that purpose; or the plates might serve for a future 
emission, whenever the House should judge it necessary. 

From a representation of the Treasurer, there will be 
£75,000, or thereabouts, besides the interest thereof, due 
from the State in June next, exclusive of £50,000, for 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1224 


which the moneys due from the Continent before the last 
session were mortgaged as a fund. You will doubtless be 
convinced that a tax for the whole, or the greater part of 
this will be necessary to be assessed during this session. 

One of our Members of Congress has requested a dismis- 
sion from that important service, and proposes the appoint- 
ing a larger number of Delegates, who may attend alter- 
nately; the expediency of which you will doubtless pay due 
attention unto. The several papers referred to in this Mes- 
sage we shall direct the Secretary to lay before you. 

Gentlemen, there are several other matters which will be 
laid before you during the session. You may depend upon 
our concurrence in every measure conducive to the safety, 
peace, and happiness of this State. 


James Bowporn, 

W ALTER SPOONER, 
Cates CusuHine, 
Joun Winrurop, 
Bens. CHapBourn, 
Tuomas CusHIne, 
Joun WHeETCOMB, 
Bensamin Linco, 
Samu. Houten, 
Jabez FIsHEer, 


Council Chamber, August 28, 1776. 


Ricup. Dersy, Jr., 
Moses Gitu, 

JouNn T'ayLor, 
Benn. Wuire, 
Wo. PuItuies, 
Bensn. Austin, 
Jos. Cusuine, 
Davin Sewe LL, 

D. Hopkins. 


Message from the major part of the Council. 


GenTLeMeN or THE House or Representatives: The 
inhabitants of the town of Hull were, in July, A. D. 1775, 
removed by orders from General Ward, and a guard placed 
at the entrance of the beach leading to that town, to pre- 
vent the enemy being supplied and a correspondence kept 
up between them and the few disaffected people among us. 
Some of the Connecticut troops were on this command. 
The time for which they inlisted expired in December last, 
and they retired to their homes. Upon the passage way 
being left unguarded, and several persons seen to pass the 
town of Hull, but none observed to return, information 
thereof was given to Colonel Lincoln, who thereupon order- 
ed a guard of the Militia to take that post, and continue on 
it till further orders, and immediately laid the matter before 
the Council, who sent a message to his Excellency General 
Washington, requesting that be would place a guard there 
and relieve the Militia. The General gave encouragement 
that he would order one; but such was the state of the Army 
soon after, as to put it out of his power to comply with the 
request of Council, of which they had notice, and advised 
to keep up the guard, and laid the whole matter before the 
honourable House, but no order was by them taken in the 
matter; and the Militia guard, consisting of one Subaltern, 
one Sergeant, one Corporal, and sixteen privates, were con- 
tinued till the spring. We recommend that provision be 
made for their pay and billeting as the sea-coast men are 
paid and billeted. Their roll the Secretary will lay on your 
table. 

Among the Continental troops lately ordered from this 
State by Congress were a number of the regiment of Artil- 
lery. ‘Troops have been called in to supply the place of 
the battalion men, but the deficiency caused by the removal 
of the Train hath not been provided for. Six men to a can- 
non, aided by some of the battalion, are the number gene- 
rally assigned. At present, we have not half that proportion ; 
and such is the state of our fortifications that we cannot de- 
pend upon reinforcing any one of them by detachments of 
the Train from another. You will therefore, gentlemen, 
immediately take this into consideration, and adopt some 
measures for augmenting the regiment of Artillery in this 
State. 

The three regiments in the pay of this State, when raised, 
were promised their wages at the end of July. Although 
no provision was made for this before the close of the last 
session, the men have been quieted, from an expectation that 
on the first meeting of the Court they should be relieved in 
that respect. This engagement to them demands your 
attention. 

The Militia in the vicinity of Boston and elsewhere have, 
since March last, at different times, been called to do duty 
at the lines and as guards to the sea-coast. No provision 
hath been made for the payment of them. You will give 
this matter the attention it deserves. 


1225 


We thought it necessary to appoint a General Officer to 
take the command of troops in the pay of this State doing 
duty at and about the Harbour of Boston, and to command 
them during the recess of the General Court. His autho- 
rity is now expired. The expense attending this appoint- 
ment, and the expediency of renewing it, you will deter- 
mine upon. 

During the recess a packet was transmitted hither by 
Governour Cooke, of Rhode-Island, containing a letter from 
Lord Howe, directed to Thomas Oliver, Esq., Lieutenant- 
Governour, or, in his absence, to the Chief Magistrate of 
the Massachusetts-Bay, enclosing a declaration made by 
his Lordship. Governour Cooke also sent a copy of his 
letter in answer to a similar letter and declaration which he 
had received. These several papers the Secretary will lay 
before you. 

Samu. Ho.ren, 
Jabez Fisuer, 
Moses Git, 
Joun Tayior, 
Benga. Wuire, 
Benga. Austin, 
Jos. CusHine, 
Davip SEwALt. 


James Bowpo1n, 
W. Spooner, 
Cates CusHIna, 
J. WintHrop, 
B. Cuappourn, 
Tuomas CusHIne, 
Joun WHETCOMB, 
Bensa. Lincoxn, 
Council-Chamber, August 29, 1776. 


Answer to the Message of the Honourable a major part of 
the Council. 


The Honourable the major part of the Council 


of the Massacuuserts-Bay: 


May ir PLEASE your Honours: The House of Repre- 
sentatives have given all due attention to the Message from 
your Honours of the 28th instant, and are desirous of ex- 
pressing, with manly fortitude, their entire satisfaction in the 
Declaration of Independence made by the honourable Con- 
gress, and published by your Honours’ order in this State. 
They with great cheerfulness congratulate the honourable 
Board on the very general approbation that measure has 
met with through all ranks of people in the United States 
of America, and are ready to pledge their fortunes, lives, 
and sacred honour, to support it. 

This House cannot but rejoice that our brethren of the 
eastern frontiers have so much reason to expect security 
in the enjoyment of their possessions, and that the neigh- 
bouring Indians appear so friendly in this and all the 
United States; and the House highly approves of the treaty 
of alliance made with the St. John’s and Mickmack Tribes. 
With respect to the Penobscot Indians, this House is very 
desirous of cultivating their friendship, and ready to afford 
all the aid in their power towards gratifying them in their 
reasonable requests. ‘The House will endeavour to prevent 
any abuses in the truck trade, and apprehend a boundary 
line may be established and encroachments prevented, so 
as to give satisfaction to that tribe; and no steps shall be 
wanting on the part of the House for accomplishing those 
desirable purposes. 

The honourable Board, we trust, will always be pleased 
when they find the House careful to preserve their own and 
their constituents’ rights and liberties. 

The House recognises the right of the honourable Board 
to raise, at their discretion, such part of the Militia as they 
shall judge necessary for the defence of this State, and are 
sensible, by the withdrawal of the Continental regiments by 
his Excellency General Washington’s order, the State was 
left very defenceless, and some considerable force was neces- 
sary for its safety. But still, this House apprehends the 
draughting every twenty-fifth man of the Alarm and Train 
Band List, and forming them into detachments, appointing 
and commissionating officers for the same, separate and dis- 
tinct from the common Militia of the State, is the exercise of 
a power in the Council without precedent, and unconstitu- 
tional. It is with regret, and merely from fidelity to their 
constituents, that this House have taken notice of that mea- 
sure, and they assure the honourable Board that they will 
cheerfully establish those proceedings. 

The state of the publick Treasury, and the furnishing of 
it at this juncture with supplies adequate to the publick exi- 
gencies, is a matter that this House is very sensible claims 
its earliest and most diligent attention. And the House 
will, to the utmost of its power, endeavour to support the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1226 


credit of the State by a sufficient and respectable cur- 
rency. 

It would have given this House great satisfaction to have 
heard that our proportion of the levies for the Northern and 
Southern Departments had been complete and had arrived 
at their respective places of destination, and the House must 
be very anxious for the publick safety until that matter is 
properly ascertained to them. 

This House with regret receives the information that one 
of the worthy and respectable members of Congress of this 
State finds himself under the necessity of asking a dismis- 
sion from that important service. This House will consider 
of his request with a proper degree of tenderness for his 
person. And if any other mode of delegation in Congress 
can be devised for the ease and benefit of those respectable 
persons attending that duty, consistent with the publick 
service, the House will very readily adopt it. 

All other matters that shall by your Honours’ order be 
laid before the House during this session shall be fully con- 
sidered. 

Your Honours’ constant and diligent application to the 
publick business, your unremitted exertions for the safety 
and preservation of this State, since the prorogation of the 
General Court, merits the grateful acknowledgments of this 
House and all their constituents. : 


Boston, August 29, 1776. 


Yesterday the Honourable Samuel Adams, one of the Dele- 
gates from this State to the Continental Congress, arrived in 
town from Philadelphia. 

Last Saturday afternoon was chased into Marblehead, by 
the Milford frigate, the prize ship Isaac, from Tortola, bound 
to London, three hundred and fifty tons burden, commanded 
by Captain Ashburn, laden with five hundred hogsheads of 
sugar, forty-four puncheons of rum, one hundred and fifty 
bags of cotton, a considerable quantity of old copper, and a 
number of turtle. She was taken by the privateer sloop 
Warren, commanded by Captain Phillips; and had it not 
been for the fort at Marblehead, which fired at the Milford 
several times, she would have been inevitably retaken. And 
on Sunday the above frigate took, off Cape Ann, a prize 
brigantine coming into port, said to be one of Captain What's, 
of Salem, laden with rum, from Grenada; also a large 
sloop, which our informant could not tell where from, nor 
who commanded her. 

The privateer sloop Broome, Captain William Nott com- 
mander, belonging to New-Haven, arrived at Dartmouth on 
Monday last, from a cruise, and has taken the four following 
valuable prizes, viz: On the 3d of August, in latitude 32° 
25! and longitude 59° 46/, the ship Charming Sally, John 
Stell commander, bound to Europe from Dominica. She 
had on board four hundred and sixty-five hogsheads of sugar, 
thirty-one tierces ditto, thirty-five barrels ditto, and twenty- 
five tons of fustick. On the 4th of August, in latitude 32° 
25! and longitude 59° 46’, the snow Ann, John Bowes Cap- 
tain, from Tobago, bound to Lancaster, and had on board 
one hundred and sixty-nine hogsheads of sugar, twenty 
tierces ditto, twenty-six barrels ditto, forty bags of ginger, 
and one hundred and eighteen bales of cotton. On the 5th 
of August, in latitude 33° 37! and longitude 60° 16/, the 
brig Carolina Packet, Mark Towell Captain, bound from 
Antigua to London; had on board one hundred and fifty- 
one hogsheads of sugar, twelve tierces ditto, ten barrels 
ditto, two hogsheads of rum, and fourteen tons of lignum vite 
and fustick. On the 7th of August, in latitude 34° 25! and 
longitude 60° 18/, the brig John, Captain Daniel McKay, 
bound from Grenada to Dublin; had on board ninety hogs- 
heads and two tierces of rum. 

Yesterday the General Assembly of this State convened 
at Watertown, agreeable to adjournment. 


DR. BRACKETT TO NEW-HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 
Portsmouth, August 29, 1776. 

Gentiemen: The ship Prince George, commanded by 
Captain Emms, had her trial last week. ‘The jury brought 
in their verdict and condemned three-quarters of ship and 
cargo to the use of the Colony, the other quarter to the 
Matross company stationed at Fort Washington, to be equally 
divided between officers and privates; though both the re- 


1227 


solves of Congress and law of the Colony say the captors 
shall have one-third and the Colony two.’ There was also 
a trial of the masts, &c., which were claimed by Mr. Perry; 
the jury thought the claim was not good, and condemned 
them to the use of the Colony likewise, I shall, in a day 
or two, decree according to the jury’s verdict, and issue a 
precept to the Sheriff to sell and make distribution according 
to said verdicts, and should be glad you would appoint Pierce 
Long, Esq., agent for the Colony, that there may be some- 
body here to take care of its interest, &c. 
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant, 
J. Brackett. 


To the Hon. Meshech Weare, Esq., Chairman of the Com- 
mittee of Safety at Exeter. 


GENERAL LEE TO THE GOVERNOUR OF CAPE FRANCOIS. 
Savannah, August 30, 1776. 


Sir: It will be necessary, in addressing a letter of this 
nature so abruptly to your Excellency, that I should inform 
you who the writer is. I have served as Lieutenant-Colonel 
in the English service, Colonel in the Portuguese, after- 
wards as Aid-de-Camp to his Polish Majesty, with the rank 
of Major-General. Having purchased a small estate in 
America, I had determined to retire for the remainder of my 
days toa peaceful asylum. When the tyranny of the Min- 
istry and Court of Great Britain forced this Continent to 
arins for the preservation of their liberties, I was called by the 
voice of the people to the rank of second in command. 

I make no doubt of this letter’s being kindly received by 
your Excellency, both in the character of a good Frenchman 
and friend to humanity. The present conjuncture of affairs 
renders the interest of France and of this Continent one and 
the same thing. Every observation drawn from history must 
evince that it was the exclusive commerce of these Colonies 
which enabled Great Britain to cope with France, gave to 
her a decided superiority in marine, and of course enabled 
her, in the frequent wars betwixt the two nations, to reduce 
her rival to the last extremity. This was the case so pecu- 
liarly in the last war, that had the British Ministry perse- 
vered, Heaven knows what would have been the fate of 
France. It follows, that if France can obtain the monopoly, 
or the greater part of this commerce, her opulence, strength, 
and prosperity, must grow to a prodigious height; and nothing 
can be more certain than that if America is enabled to pre- 
serve the independence she has now declared, the greater 
part of this commerce, if not the monopoly, must fall to the 
share of France. 

The imaginary plans of conquest of Louzs the Fourteenth, 
had they been realized, would not have established the power 
of that Monarchy on so solid and permanent a basis as the 
simple assistance, or rather friendly intercourse, with this 
Continent, will inevitably give. Without injustice, or the 
colour of injustice, but, on the contrary, only assuming the 
patronage of the rights of mankind, France has now in her 
power to become not only the greatest, but the most truly 
glorious Monarchy which has appeared on the stage of the 
world. In the first place, her possessions in the Islands will 
be secured against all possibility of attack, the royal reve- 
nues immensely increased, her people eased of their present 
burdens, an eternal incitement be presented to their indus- 
try, and the means of increase, by the facility of providing 
sustenance for their families, multiplied. In short, there is 
no saying what degree of eminence, happiness, and glory, 
she may derive from the independence of this Continent. 
Some visionary writers have indeed asserted, that could this 
country once shake off her European trammels, it would soon 
become more formidable alone, from the virtue and energy 
natural toa young people, than Great Britain with her Colo- 
nies united in a stateof dependency. But the men who have 
built such hypotheses must be utter strangers to the manners, 
genius, disposition, turn of mind, and circumstances, of the 
Continent. Their disposition is manifestly to agriculture and 
the simple life of shepherds. As long as vast tracts of land 
remain unoccupied, to which they can send colonies (if I 
may so express it) of their offspring, they will never enter- 
tain a thought of marine or manufactures. Their ideas are 
solely confined to labour and to planting, for those nations 
who can, on the cheapest terms, furnish them with the 
necessary utensils for labouring and planting and clothes for 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1228 


their families; and till the whole vast extent of continent is 
fully stocked with people, they will never entertain another 
idea. ‘This cannot be effected for ages, and what then may 
happen it is out of the line of politicians to lay any stress 
upon ; most probably they will be employed in wars amongst 
themselves before they aim at foreign conquests. In short, 
the apprehension is too remote to rouse the jealousy of any 
reasonable citizen of a foreign State. 

On the other hand, it is worthy your Excellency’s atten- 
tion to consider what will be the consequences should G'reat 
Britain succeed in the present contest. -America, it is true, 
will be wretched and enslaved; but a number of slaves may 
compose a formidable army and fleet. ‘The proximity of 
situation, with so great a force, entirely at the disposal of 
Great Britain, will put it in her power to take possession of 
your Islands on the first rupture. Without pretending to 
the spirit of prophecy, such, I can assert, will be the event 
of the next war. 

Upon the whole, I must repeat, that it is for the interest 
as well as glory of France, to furnish us with every means of 
supporting our liberties, to effect which we only demand a 
constant, systematick supply of the necessaries of war. We 
do not require any aid of men; we have numbers, and J 
believe courage, sufficient to carry us triumphantly through 
the struggle. We require small-arms, powder, field-pieces, 
woollen and linen to clothe our troops; also drugs, particu- 
Jarly bark. In return for which, every necessary provision 
for your Islands may be expected, as rice, corn, lumber, &c. 
If, indeed, you could spare us a few able Engineers and 
Artillery officers, they may depend upon an honourable 
reception and comfortable establishment. 

The Sieur De la Plain, one of your countrymen, now 
engaged in the cause of the United States of America, will 
have the honour of delivering this letter to your Excellency. 
I have no doubt of his being received with that politeness 
and kindness to be expected from a gentleman of your rank 
and character. 

I am, with the highest respect, your Excellency’s most 
obedient servant, Cuarwes Ler. 


To His Excellency the Governour of Cape Francois. 


Williamsburgh, August 30, 1776. 


By Mr. Wilham Harrison, in nine days from Fort Pitt, 
we have advice that Captain John Hingston, with a number 
of settlers, arrived from Licking Creek, near the Kentucky, 
the very day he left home. Captain Hingston gave the fol- 
lowing account: that one James Cooper and another person, 
a Dutchman, being on their way to a buffalo-lick, were fired 
upon by a couple of Indians, who shot down Cooper, and 
frightened the Dutchman’s horse so that he flung him. His 
foot hanging in the stirrup, one of the Indians made up to 
him to tomahawk him; but, although in that disadvantageous 
situation, he found means to aim his gun so well (which he 
never quitted) as to shoot the Savage dead on the spot, and 
seeing the other Indian making up to him, he disengaged 
himself from his own horse, mounted Cooper’s, and got clear 
off to the inhabitants. Upon his arrival, many of the Ken- 
tucky settlers immediately went about forting themselves at 
Boonsborough and Harwood’s Town, and numbers agreed 
to come into the neighbourhood of Fort Pitt with Captain 
Hingston. 

Mr. Harrison likewise informs, that Mr. Jacob Hite, who 
lately removed from Berkeley County to the neighbourhood 
of the Cherokee country with his family and a large parcel 
of negroes, was murdered at his own house by those Savages, 
with most of his slaves, and his wife and children carried off 
prisoners; his son, who was in the Cherokee country, was 
likewise murdered. The Shawanese, Delawares, and Min- 
goes, had not met our Commissioners, although two expresses 
had been sent to them for that purpose, and returned with- 
out any answer. A third express was sent off, but had not 
returned. 


THOMAS RODNEY TO CHSAR RODNEY. 
Dover, August 30, 1776. 


Sir: I received your letters by last post, and the one 
preceding, and one mentioned in that. I am pleased with 
your resolution mentioned in your last, as I should be sorry 
to hear that the unsteady passions which govern the peo- 


1229 


ple should at any time give the least shock to that virtue 
which hath so long and necessarily supported American 
liberty. Though the people in a popular Government often 
put away good men for bad ones, and though such a change 
could not be more dangerous at any time than the present, 
yet I look on the present change with us as an example 
which favours liberty. If the people will not continually 
support those men who have served them faithfully at all 
hazards, it cannot be supposed that they will long support 
those men who, in opposition to the publick weal, have pur- 
sued their own private interest only. These men, by a 
violent exertion of the influence of the Magistracy, and de- 
scending to assert the most base, low, and infamous false- 
hoods, have succeeded for once, because the people were 
blinded that they could not see their true interest. But 
be assured they that set them up will pull them down 
again. 

After devoting ten years to the service of your country 
and publick business, to the great prejudice of your own pri- 
vate interest, you certainly deserve to enjoy the sweets of 
retirement, which is the happiest life in this state; and you 
will have this reflection, that after the time you mention, that 
you have accomplished the establishment of American liberty, 
and that you could not do anything that would add to the 
honour already acquired: but I believe the people will not 
let you execute this desigzn—they will soon be tired of those 
whom they have now set up—and will begin to call again 
upon those men whose virtue hath been proved to the utmost. 
When the great matters which you mention are completed, 
I shall be content, nor shall desire to have any hand in 
politicks, unless at any time liberty be encroached upon. 
Nothing but the great cause of liberty which we have been 
embarked in could have induced me (who have an increasing 
family and so little for them) to have spent so much of my 
time and money in publick services. 

Tuomas Ropney. 


To the Hon. Cesar Rodney, in Congress. 


ADMIRALTY COURT, PHILADELPHIA. 


Port of Putwapeiputia, PENNsyLvanIa, ss: 

To all whom it may concern: Notice is hereby given, that 
a Court of Admiralty for taking cognizance of and trying 
the justice of captures of Vessels made pursuant to the re- 
solves of the honourable Continental Congress, and brought 
into this Port of Philadelphia, will be held at the Court- 
House, in the City of Philadelphia, on Wednesday, the 18th 
day of September next, at ten o’clock in the forenoon of 
the same day, then and there to try the truth of the facts 
alleged in the bill of James Campbell, commander of the 
schooner-of-war called the Enterprise, (who as well, &c.,) 
against the ship or vessel called Black River, burden about 
one hundred and eighty tons, with her tackle, apparel, fur- 
niture, and cargo, lately commanded by George Corrie: to 
the end and intent that the owner or owners of the said 
ship and her cargo, or any person concerned therein, may 
appear and show cause, if any they have, why the same 
should not be condemned according to the prayer of the said 
bill. 

By order of the Judge: 


Anprew Roseson, Register. 
August 30, 1776. 


COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO THE ASSOCIATORS OF THE STATE OF 
PENNSYLVANIA. 
In Council of Safety for the State of Pennsylvania, 
Philadelphia, August 30, 1776. ; 

Whereas some designing, ill-disposed persons have spread 
false reports that the number of troops now in New-Jersey 
is too great, that many are in consequence discharged by the 
Generals, and that there is not any occasion to forward the 
troops who have not yet been at camp: the Council, 
therefore, to frustrate the designs of such persons, and to 
hasten the march of the Associators to the camp in Jersey, 
make known, that there is an immediate necessity for the 
Associators to hasten their march to the said camp with all 
expedition, and pay no regard to any reports which do not 
come from this Council or other proper authority. 


By order of the Council : 
SamueL Morris, Chairman. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1230 


LANCASTER (PENNSYLVANIA) COMMITTEE TO THE PRESIDENT 
OF CONGRESS. 
Lancaster, August 30, 1776. 

Sir: Your express, with the letters directed to the officers 
commanding the Virginia battalion of Continental troops 
on their march on the road between Philadelphia and Lan- 
caster, arrived here yesterday evening. As those troops 
were not arrived among us, nor any officer or other person 
from them, and the Committee had received no intelligence 
from them, (except some flying reports a few days past, that 
some troops were intended to march this way from Virginia,) 
we thought best to detain the express until the arrival of the 
Yorktown post this morning, in hopes by him to have some 
account of them. As we hear nothing of them by the York 
post, I have some reason to think, from expressions of gen- 
tlemen who met your express, that those troops have taken 
the lower road through Baltimore; have directed the express 
to return to Philadelphia with the letters, especially as there 
were no orders to him or the Committee for his proceeding 
farther westward. The Committee hope they have not 
acted improperly, : 

I have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient humble 
servant. By order of the Committee: 

Winuiam Atier, Chairman. 


To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq. 


CAPTAIN LOWE TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 

Trent Town, August 30, 1776. 
GentLeMeN: We understand that there are two battalions 
of Regulars to be raised in Maryland for the Continental 
service; and as we are now in the Flying-Camp in said ser- 
vice, the whole of our people as well as ourselves have a 
desire of standing as Regulars in the aforesaid service. We 
therefore beg your Honours to have said company constitu- 
ted Regulars, or give us an equal chance to raise a company 
for that purpose; which will much oblige your obedient, 

humble servants, Joun Hawkins Lowe, 

Joun M. Burcess. 


To the Honourable the Council of Safety. 


Horatio Clagett will thankfully accept a Lieutenant’s 


commission, and no other. geese penal pare 


N. B. I should be glad Mr. Clagett could be continued 
in my company. J. H. L. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
New-York, August 30, 1776. 

Sir: Your favour of this date is just come to hand. Cir- 
cumstanced as this Army was, in respect to situation, strength, 
&c., it was the unanimous advice of a council of General 
Officers to give up Long-Island, and not, by dividing our 
force, be unable to resist the enemy in any one point of 
attack. This reason, added to some others, particularly the 
fear of having our communication cut off from the main, (of 
which there seemed to be no small probability,) and the 
extreme fatigue our troops were laid under in guarding such 
extensive lines without proper shelter from the weather, 
induced the above resolution. 

It is the most intricate thing in the world, sir, to know in 
what manner to conduct one’s self with respect to the Mili- 
tia: if you do not begin many days before they are wanted, 
to raise them, you cannot have them in time; if you do, 
they get tired and return, besides being under but very little 
order or government whilst in service. However, if the 
enemy have a design of serving us at this place as we ap- 
prehend they meant to do on Long-Island, it might not be 
improper to have a body in readiness to prevent or retard a 
landing of them, on the east of Harlem River, if need be. 

In haste, and not a little fatigued, [ remain, with great 
respect and esteem, sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

Go. WasHINGTON. 


To the Hon. Abm. Yates, Jun., Esq., President, &c. 


COLONEL REED TO GENERAL HEATH. 
New-York, August 30, 1776. 
Sir: The General desires you will detain the powder you 
have received till further orders at King’s Bridge, except 


1231 


one ton to be sent down—the remainder to be produced 
occasionally. 

The report of the evacuation of Long-Island last night is 
true; it was a measure founded on the fullest necessity, after 
the surprise of our troops last Twesday [27th,] by which the 
flower of our Army and some of our best officers were lost; 
add to this, that the constant rains upon troops without cover 
has so spoiled the ammunition and enfeebled the men, that 
had the enemy attempted to force our lines, they must have 
done it with great ease. The ships have also been trying to 
get up the whole week, which, if they could effect, our 
communication would have been cut off, and the whole 
Army must have surrendered at discretion. Under these 
circumstances the remaining General Officers were unani- 
mously of opinion, that it was absolutely necessary to retreat, 
which was done so as to bring off all our ammunition and 
artillery, except the heavy pieces, and most of our provi- 
sions. Our situation is in all respects critical. Lord Stir- 
ling and General Sullivan are both prisoners; the latter was 
permitted to come out this morning on his parole with a 
message from Lord Howe. 'This is the substance of what 
has passed in this important week. 

I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Jos. Reep. 


To Major-General Heath. 


COLONEL REED TO GENERAL WILLIAM LIVINGSTON. 
New-York, August 30, 1776. 

Dear Sir: Though I am much fatigued, not having had 
my clothes off since Monday evening, and no sleep for two 
nights, I sit down cheerfully to comply with your request. 
On General G'reene’s being sick, Sullivan took the command, 
who was wholly unacquainted with the ground or country. 
Some movements being made which the General did not 
approve entirely, and finding a great force going to Long- 
Island, he sent over Putnam, who had been over occasionally; 
this gave some disgust, so that Putnam was directed to soothe 
and soften as much as possible. In this condition things 
were, and growing more critical. Jord Stirling went over; 
some regiments were also sent; they were ordered to lay in 
a wood near Flatbush, but the road from Jamaica having 
been neglected, they were surprised on Tuesday morning. 
The picket of eight hundred men, I fear, mostly ran off at 
the first fire, but several regiments being ordered out, and 
ignorant of the Jamaica rout, as soon as they engaged they 
found themselves surrounded, so that they were obliged to 
cut their way through. Many of them behaved well, and 
have suffered accordingly. Our loss I compute at seven 
hundred men, two General Officers, (Sullivan and Stirling,) 
nine Colonels and Lieutenant-Colonels, two or three Majors, 
and several other officers. The two first are prisoners, and 
well used. We had a letter from Sullivan yesterday. Colo- 
nels killed and missing are Atlee, Miles, Piper, Parry, 
(killed;) Lieutenant-Colonel Johnson, Lutz, Kacklin, Clark, 
Major Burd, and one or two I don’t 

The principal loss has fallen on First Pennsylvania Bat- 
talion, Atlee, Smaliwood, Huntington, and Haslett’s; all 
of whom behaved so as to command the admiration of all 
those who beheld the engagement. My Lord, who loved 
discipline, made a mistake, which probably affected us a great 
deal; he would not suffer his regiments to break, but kept 
them in Jines and on open ground. ‘The enemy, on the other 
hand, possessed themselves of the woods, fences, &c., and 
having the advantage of numbers, perhaps ten to one, our 
troops lost everything but honour. His personal bravery 
was very conspicuous. As this wood made a capital part 
of the Long-Island defence, and Lord Howe was every 
day attempting, with the wind ahead, to get up to town, it 
became a serious consideration whether we ought to risk the 
fate of the Army, and perhaps America, on defending the 
circle of about three miles, fortified with a few strong redoubts, 
but chiefly open lines. When the heavy rains came on not 
half of the men had tents; they lay out in the lines, their 
arms, ammunition, &c., all got wet; they began to sink under 
the fatigues and hardships. The enemy at the same time 
possessed themselves of a piece of ground very advantageous, 
and of which they had We were therefore 
reduced to the alternative of retiring to this place, or going 
out with to drive them off; it was unanimously 
agreed to retire, and measures taken to execute it, which was 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1232 


done in the face of their Army, so effectually that between 
sunset and sunrise our men, ammunition, all our artillery, 
(except five pieces of heavy cannon,) the greatest part of 
our prisoners, were got off undiscovered and safely landed 
here. We shall now therefore have our whole strength col- 
lected together, and govern ourselves accordingly. We took 
thirty prisoners and one officer from the enemy, and have 
reason to think their loss also considerable. In General 
Sullivan’s note, he says Lord Stirling will be exchanged 
for either of their Brigadiers, from which we suppose two 
are killed, as they are not in our hands. A Sergeant brought 
in a laced hat, shot through, and the name of Colonel Grant 
wrote in it, from which we suppose he is certainly killed, and 
may be General Grant since promoted. 

I have given you the substance, and I believe it is pretty 
exact. 

I am, with great truth and esteem, &c., your most obe- 


dient, humble servant 
’ 3 Jos. Reep. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A MARYLANDER, DATED NEW- 
YORK, aucusT 30, 1776. 


I have just time to give you a short account of our late 
engagement at Long-Island. On Tuesday we received in- 
telligence that the enemy had landed their troops about five 
miles below our lines ; in consequence of which, General 
Stirling was ordered to march to the right and General Par- 
sons to the left, with the Brigades under their commands, to 
take possession of some rising grounds, in order to flank the 
enemy and retard their march, until a sufficient reinforce- 
ment should be sent from this place to man the lines. 

We began our march to the right, at three o’clock in the 
morning, with about thirteen hundred men, and about sun- 
rise, on our near approach to the ground, discovered the 
enemy making up to it, and in a few minutes our advanced 
parties began the attack; we immediately advanced, and 
took possession of the ground and formed the line of battle, 
when our parties retreated to the main body and formed in 
a line with us. In the mean time they began a warm fire 
with their Artillery and Light Infantry, from their left, while 
the main body was forming in columns to attack us in front. 
Our men behaved well, and maintained their ground until 
ten o’clock, when the enemy retreated about two hundred 
yards and halted, and the firing on each side ceased, at which 
time we heard Generals Sullivan and Parsons engaged on 
our left. About eleven an express came to his Lordship, on 
which one battalion of Riflemen was immediately despatch- 
ed to their assistance, which left us with no more than nine 
hundred and fifty men. We soon heard the fire continue 
round on our left, and in a short time discovered part of the 
enemy in our rear, going on to our lines, in order to cut off 
the communication between us. Being thus surrounded, and 
no probability of a reinforcement, his Lordship ordered me 
to retreat with the remaining part of our men, and force our 
way through to our camp. We soon fell in with a party 
of the enemy, who clubbed their firelocks, and waved their 
hats to us, as if they meant to surrender as prisoners; but on 
our advancing within sixty yards, they presented their pieces 
and fired, which we returned with so much warmth that 
they soon quitted their post and retired to a large body that 
was lying in ambuscade. During this interval the main 
part of our force retreated from the left through a marsh, 
with twenty-three prisoners, and got in safe, with the loss 
of one man killed and three drowned crossing the creek. 
We were then left with only five companies of our batta- 
lion, when the enemy returned, and after a warm and close 
engagement for near ten minutes, our little line became so 
disordered we were under the necessity of retreating to a 
piece of woods on our right, where we formed and made a 
second attack, but being overpowered with numbers, and 
surrounded on all sides, by at least twenty thousand men, 
we were drove with much precipitation and confusion. 
General Stirling on this retreat was missing, whose brave 
example had encouraged and animated our young soldiers 
with almost invincible resolution. 

The impracticability of forcing through such a formidable 
body of troops, rendered it the height of rashness and im- 
prudence to risk the lives of our remaining party in a third | 
attempt, and it became necessary for us to endeavour to 
effect our escape in the best manner we possibly could. A 


1233 


party immediately retreated to the right through the woods, 
and Captain Ford and myself, with twenty others, to the 
left, through a marsh; nine only of whom got safe in. The 
principal loss sustained in our battalion fell on Captains 
Veazey, Adams, Lucas, Ford, and Bowie’s companies. The 
killed, wounded, and missing amount to two hundred and 
fifty-nine; our whole loss that day supposed to be near one 
thousand, chief part of whom are prisoners, among whom 
are Generals» Sullivan and Stirling. The above is as cir- 
cumstantial an account as the hurry and want of time will 
admit of, 

A list of the killed and missing in the Maryland Batta- 
lion: Captain Veazey, killed; Lieutenant Butler, said to be 
killed; Ensign Fernandes, Lieutenant Dent, Captain Bowie, 
missing; Lieutenant Sterret, Coursey, and Wright, Ensign 
Ridge, thirteen Sergeants, and two hundred and thirty-five 
privates. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED FRIDAY 
MORNING, auGusT 30, 1776. 


*On Monday we were ordered here, and next morning 
were sent over to Long-Island, where our battalion occupied 
the lines opposite the left of the enemy; the works we had 
were very weak, and but few cannon to defend them. The 
General Officers held a Council yesterday afternoon, and 
thought it necessary to abandon the Island, for fear of the 
men-of-war getting into the East River, and cutting off the 
communication with this place, which they would have done 
the first fair wind that served. Our battalion, with the other 
Pennsylvania troops and the Maryland Regiment, were 
ordered to cover the retreat of our Army, which must have 
consisted of ten thousand men. Our Army began to em- 
bark in boats about ten o’clock, and continued till daylight. 
We received orders to quit our station about two o’clock 
this morning, and had made our retreat almost to the ferry, 
when General Washington ordered us back to that part of 
the lines we were first at, which was reckoned to be the 
most dangerous post. We got back undiscovered by the 
enemy, and continued there until daylight. Providentially 
for us, a great fog arose, which prevented the enemy from 
seeing our retreat from their works, which was not more 
than musket-shot from us. Had we been discovered, we 
must have been unavoidably cut off, as we were on a neck 
of land which could have been taken possession of by them 
before we could have got out. We have got all our regi- 
ment over safe, except our sentinels, which we were obliged 
to leave; but gave them notice to retreat in time; therefore 
expect they will all get safe over. The first fair wind, it is 
expected the men-of-war will come up and bombard the 
town, and from the heights on Long-Island it may easily 
be done. It is the general opinion we cannot be able to 
keep it; therefore expect we shall be obliged to retreat to 
Mount Washingion and King’s Bridge. Since I have been 
on Long-Island, | have had no sleep, nor anything to eat 
but what I plundered; therefore travelled very ight when 
we were obliged to scamper off this morning. By a flag 
received yesterday from the enemy, we are informed Lord 
Stirling and General Sullivan were made prisoners. 


JOHN SLOSS HOBART TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Huntington, August 30, 1776. 
Gentiemen: To our unspeakable mortification, we found, 
when we arrived in Queen’s County, that the Militia had 
dispersed, and General Woodhull had fallen into the hands 
of the enemy. We then proceeded with all despatch to 
this town, as the only place where we could have any 
prospect of making an effectual stand, as the enemy were 
in full possession of the western parts of that County as far 
as Jamaica, and the disaffected from east were gone in to 
them. ‘Tho’ we were not authorized for the purpose by 
Convention, we have taken upon ourselves to order out the 
Militia of the County, to rendezvous here, and have wrote to 
Colonel Mulford, at Easthampton, to come up and take the 
command, as he is now the senior officer in the brigade. 
We shall direct the Commissary to furnish the Militia 
with provisions. If we should succeed in collecting a con- 
siderable body of men together, money for their subsistence 
will be wanting. We have borrowed, on the publick credit, 
from the County Treasurer of Queen’s County, £320, 


Fier Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1234 


which will answer for the present. We hope the Conven- 
tion will order a further sum for the Commissary. We find 
the people determined to make a resolute stand; and should 
any marauders attempt to penetrate this County, we trust 
they will pay for their temerity. 

Nothing but the necessity of the case can be urged as an 
excuse for the power we have assumed; and being sensible 
that our conduct cannot be strictly justified, we humbly 
submit whether it will not be proper for the Convention to 
send us an indemnification, and such further powers as may 
be sufficient to enable us to exert the whole force of this 
brigade to oppose the enemy. As General Woodhull’s 
papers have very probably been taken by the enemy, we 
beg we may have copies from the minutes of such resolves 
as are necessary for carrying on the operations in this part. 
We are informed that there are one hundred stand of arms 
in a prize lately brought in by Captain Rogers. We pur- 
pose to take and distribute them among the Militia. We 


must urge to the Convention the necessity of sending rein- 


forcement, or we may not perhaps be able to make an 
effectual stand. We beg leave to submit to Convention 
the propriety of appointing an officer of activity and discre- 
tion to command in the room of General Woodhull; and are, 
with the greatest respect, your most obedient, humble ser- 


vants, Joun Stoss Hosart, 


James ‘TOWNSEND. 


EBENEZER DAYTON’S NARRATIVE. 

A Narrative of the Proceedings of the Officers and Men of part of the 
First Regiment in Suffolk County, required of Ebenezer Dayton, Quar- 
termaster of the Minute Regiment, by Mr. John Sloss Hobart, Esq., of 
their Proceeding of the 30th August, 1776, at Brookhaven and Smith- 
town. 

On the 29th August, Major Jeffrey Smith sent an order 
to Philip Roe, Adjutant, to order the four companies in 
Brookhaven to march immediately to Platt Carls, in Hunt- 
ington, and there wait further orders. ‘The said Adjutant 
gave orders to the four Captains of said companies without 
loss of time, and there appeared a very high spirit among 
the men in general, insomuch that, about the middle of the 
day following, (August 30,) thfee of those companies arrived 
to the house of Epenetus Smith, at Smithtown, and the other 
(being Captain Nicholas Rose’s company) was coming up. 
It was reported at said Smith’s that the Major was gone to 
Huntington, to see Messrs. Hubbard and Townsend, and 
desired these companies to wait there until his return, which 
was not until in the dusk of the evening, during which time 
there was great uneasiness among the men that they should 
be prevented from marching westward, and were very eager 
to march to Hempstead Plains to bring off the stock, and 
make a stand in the woods to the east of said Plains; but 
at evening Major Jeffrey Smith came to them from Hunting- 
ton, and called the officers into a room, and told them that 
he thought it dangerous to march farther west, as their forces 
would not be sufficient to oppose the enemy, and that, for his 
part, he very much gave up the Island, and that he saw no 
way but that we must fall into the enemy’s hands, and that it 
would not be good policy to incense a cruel enemy by being 
taken under arms, and that he supposed, if remained quiet at 
home, we should fare the better, and that he was so dis- 
couraged that he intended to resign his commission. He said 
Col. Potter was gone off, and left him alone, and that Major 
Brush had judged it unsafe to proceed with what forces we 
could raise in this County against the enemy, unless a large 
reinforcement should arrive very speedily, which he judged 
improbable; and Captain Thompson appeared in a panick, 
and was for rushing out of the room, saying he would give 
orders for his company to return home immediately, and 
would go himself also, and would not be prevailed upon to 
let his men stay until the morning, and also refused to be 
prevailed upon to conceal the motives for dismissing them. 
Major Smith said he would not give any orders, as he de- 
signed to decline his commission ; but, as an individual, he 
would advise them to continue there until they could have 
orders from Messrs. Hubbard and Townsend, and did advise 
the officers to send off immediately to them for orders; but 
Captain Thompson rushed out of the room amongst the men, 
and expressed his fears, and dismissed his company, and 
hurried homewards; upon which the men, who before were 
in high spirits and eager to press forward, were in a panick 


78 


1235 


of fear, and saw that if their officers ran away, and declined 
their offices, and feared to command them, they thought 
proper also to return home, but not without a clamour 
against their officers, &c., &c. The men returned home 
accordingly. In the whole affair, Adjutant Roe discovered 
firmness, and urged the officers to exert themselves, and so 
did a number of subalterns. Ebenezer Dayton was much 
censured for urging a speedy march, accusing him of want- 
ing to sacrifice the troops without a chance of doing good, 


Vv robability of success. 
or even a probability of succ EBENEZER Dayton. 


Sworn this 31st August, before us: 
Jno. Stross Hopart, 
James ‘l’owNSEND. 


COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Sag-Harbour, August 30, 1776. 

May ir PLease your Excetvency: On Thursday last 
I received an express from Captain Davis, stationed at Mon- 
tauk-Point, notifying me that he had discovered three sail 
of the enemy making for the Point; that they had hoisted 
out their boats to the number of ten or twelve, he supposed 
with design to land and carry off stock. After giving the 
orders I thought necessary to Captains Roe and Griffin, I 
set out for the Point. On my arrival in the evening at 
Captain Davis’s station, I found three vessels, which | took 
to be frigates from twenty to thirty guns, a brig we imagined 
to be a prize, and a small sloop, close in with the land. At 
seven o’clock in the evening, one of the frigates, the brig, 
and the sloop, made for the continent southwest of New- 
London, where they anchored under the shore; the other 
two ships bore away for Block-Island. On Saturday morn- 
ing the three vessels under the eastern shore, taking advan- 
tage of the tide of flood and a fair wind, sailed up the 
Sound as far as Huntington, about sixty miles from hence. 
The tide and wind making against them, they were obliged 
to come to an anchor; how far they have since proceeded 
is uncertain, but suppose the communication by water be- 
tween this and New-York is now cut off. The ships off 
Block-Island still continue to cruise there. We imagine by 
their movements that they wait the arrival of a fleet. 

I have just received an acgount of my Colonel’s promo- 
tion to the rank of Brigadier-General. As next in rank to 
him in the regiment, I should have transmitted your Excel- 
lency a general return of the whole; but my remote distance 
from the major part of the regiment, together with the un- 
certainty whether it is your Excellency’s intention I should 
succeed him, has prevented me. 

The enclosed is a true state of the detachment your Excel- 
lency was pleased to honour me with the command of. 

My respects wait on Mrs. Washington, I remain, sir, 
your Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant, 

Henry B. Livineston. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


P. S$. Any command your Excellency pleases to honour 
me with will be forwarded by the bearer, Lieutenant Smith, 
of Captain Roe’s company. 

My dear General, I have just received an account, by 
express, that the communication between us and New-York 
is cut off, and that your Excellency’s attempts to dislodge 
the enemy have hitherto been successless. I have despatched 
an account of this matter to his Excellency Governour Trum- 
bull, of Connecticut. If it meets with your Excellency’s 
approbation, I should think, notwithstanding the ships in the 
Sound, we shall be able in a few days to get a body of men 
from Connecticut, whose attack on the back of our enemies 
from this way may be a means of distressing ‘them much. 
They have now possession of Jamaica and Hempstead Plains, 
consequently this country is exposed to their ravages. The 
communication at Hell-Gate is not yet cut off. 1 wait with 
impatience for your Excellency’s commands. The publick 
spirit of this County has reduced its Militia to nothing. 

Yours, affectionately, Henry B. Livineston. 


To His Excellency General Washington, commanding in 


the United States of America, New- York. 


COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Sag-Harbour, August 30, 1776. 
May rr PLease your Exceniency: I have just received 
an account of our cruel and unnatural enemy, the English, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1236 


having possessed themselves of so much of Long-Island as 
to destroy the communication between this end of it and the 
city of New-York. Iam honoured by General Washington 
with the command of a detachment of two hundred men, 
for the protection of the inhabitants, stocks, &c. 'This 
detachment I think in danger, also insufficient for the pur- 
poses mentioned; but am resolved, notwithstanding, to keep 
our reputations clear and unsullied, and with our feeble force 
to endeavour to distress our enemies all in our power. 

I have prevailed upon the Rev. Mr. Buell to transcribe 
the account he received from the express relative to the 
communication being cut off, and to direct it to your Excel- 
lency, that, if you should think it advisable, you might order 
a number of men to cross the Sound at night, which I con- 
ceive they might do without danger from the shipping sta- 
tioned there. I have endeavoured to transmit his Excellency 
General Washington an account of my having wrote to your 
Honour concerning this matter, and sent him my returns, a 
duplicate of which I transmit to your Honour, that if mine 
should miscarry, this should not. 

I am, with all imaginable respect, your Excellency’s most 
obedient, humble servant, . 


Henry B. Livinesron, Lt. Col. and Com. Officer. 
To His Excellency Governour Trumbull. 


REV. S. BUELL TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Sag-Harbour, August 30, 1776. 

May rir PLEASE your Excexiency: I have this hour 
direct intelligence from the west end of this Island, by a 
post, that the Ministerial Army (supposed to be about six- 
teen thousand) are on this side our Army upon the Island; 
have lined across the Island, from the Sound to the south 
side, so that we on the east end can have no access to our 
Army. Upon Tuesday last General Washington came over 
from New-York upon this Island with six thousand men. 
There have been several engagements; four or five thousand, 
it is supposed, have fallen, inclusive of both armies. ‘The 
armies are within half a mile of each other. A constant 
fire is kept up; ’tis supposed the grand battle will be to- 
morrow or next day. We have lost, killed and taken, as 
the post says, near three hundred Riflemen. The enemy 
have two hundred Horse; their riders were to dine the day 
before yesterday at Hempstead. 'They have command of the 
west end of the Island entirely. The post relates, that upon 
Tuesday about five thousand Regulars attempted to land a 
little below York ferry. Our people met them, and the 
post says killed about two thousand, and drove the residue 
back. We learn by the post the Hesszans fight terribly. 
I am now, sir, present with Colonel Livingston, who advises 
to write, in conjunction with himself, to your Honour, as 
proposing and submitting of it to your Honour’s wisdom to 
determine whether it will not be conducive to the general 
good and for the preservation of this end of the Island, to 
throw a number of troops over to our assistance at the pre- 
sent time. 

Confiding in your Excellency’s patriotick spirit and supe- 
rior wisdom, in all possible haste, I am, with great esteem, 
your Excellency’s most humble, most obedient, friend and 


servant 
: Sou. BuEewu. 


To Governour Trumbull. 


WILLIAM DUER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
In Convention of Safety, Harlem, August 30, 1776. 

Sir: By order of the Committee of Safety of this State, 
I transmit to your Excellency the examination of Daniel 
Redfield, in order that such measures may be pursued for 
baffling the enemy’s operations as your prudence shall dic- 
tate. I have likewise to inform your Excellency, that on 
yesterday morning one Lounsbery, in Westchester County, 
who had headed a body of about fourteen Tories, was killed 
by an officer named Flood, on his refusal to surrender him- 
self prisoner; that in his pocket-book was found a com- 
mission signed by General Howe to Major Rogers, empow- 
ering him to raise a battalion of Rangers, with the rank of 
Lieutenant-Colonel commandant; that annexed to this was 
a warrant to this Lounsberry, signed by Major Rogers, 
appointing him a Captain of one of these companies, as like- 
wise a muster-roll of the men already inlisted. "The Com- 


1237 


mittee of Safety will transmit to your Excellency certified 
copies of all these papers as early as possible. 
I am, sir, by order, your most obedient humble servant, 
Wm. Douek. 
To His Excellency General Washington. 


ABRAHAM YATES, JUN., TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
In Committee of Safety, at King’s Bridge, 
August 30, 1776. ; 
Sim: In our way to Fishkill, agreeable to an adjournment 
of the Convention, we are informed that the Army is re- 
moved from Long-Island to the city of New-York. An 
anxiety to know the fact, as well as to be informed whether 
you think any measures necessary for us to take, induces us 
to trouble your Excellency at this time for an answer hereto. 
We have ordered last night all the Militia of the Counties 
of Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, and Westchester, to be ready 
at a minute’s warning, with five days’ provisions. 
We shall wait the return of our messenger at this place; 
and are, sir, your most obedient and very humble servants, 
Apo. Yates, Jun., President. 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


PETITION OF JONATHAN PURDY, JUN. 
To the Honourable the President and Members of the Pro- 
vincial Congress of New-Yorx: 

The Petition of Jonaruan Purpy, Jun., of WestTcHESTER 

. County, humbly showeth : 

That your petitioner hath been confined in this place for 
a considerable time merely on suspicion of being an enemy 
to the country, when your petitioner was inlisted into his 
Majesty’s service, and received his bounty, upwards of six 
months ago, before there was any thought or even the least 
suspicion of an alteration of Government. And as your peti- 
tioner humbly conceives that he acted agreeable to the dic- 
tates of conscience in the affair, as he can see no reason 
offered that can invalidate his oath of allegiance, he humbly 
begs of your Honours to consider his case, and to allow him 
the same privileges as other prisoners of war in the service 
of his Majesty, by being allowed his liberty on parole to 
any certain boundary your Honours may think proper; and 
your petitioner hereby promises and engages never to inter- 
fere on one part or the other during the present unhappy 
troubles, but will behave himself as becomes a faithful sub- 
ject and prisoner belonging to his Majesty, till such time as 
there may be an exchange of prisoners or that matters may 
be otherwise settled. Your petitioner humbly: submits his 
case to this honourable House, and begs that they would 
consider your petitioner’s unhappy case, and order him such 
relief as to this honourable House shall seem meet; and your 
petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. 


JonaTHAN Pourpy, Jun. 
White Plains Jail, August 30, 1776. 


GENERAL HEATH TO THE COMMISSARY OF PROVISIONS. 
King’s Bridge, August 30, 1776. 

Sir: Lieutenant Umstead, with twenty-two men besides 
himself, are ordered as a guard to conduct to Fairfield, in 
Connecticut, Lieutenant John Ragg, and twenty-two other 
prisoners of war, taken the 27th instant on Long-Island. 
You will immediately furnish the Lieutenant of the guard 
with provisions sufficient for the journey and return, or the 
value thereof in money agreeable to the establishment of the 
Continental rations. 

I am, sir, yours, &c., 


To the Commissary of Provisions. 


P. S. You will also deliver for the guard the daily allow- 
ance of rum as when fatiguing. 


Wm. Hearn. 


GENERAL HEATH TO CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD. 
King’s Bridge, August 30, 1776, almost 
ten o’clock at night. ; 

Spr: In consequence of orders this moment received from 
his Excellency General Washington, you are to stop all 
soldiers coming from the city, except such as have proper 
discharges; you are to post two sentries on the bridge, that 
none may escape. 

I am, sir, yours, &c., 
To the Captain of the main Guard. 


W. Hearn, M. G. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1238 


JAMES W. PAYNE TO GENERAL HEATH. 
Frog Point, August 30, 1776. 
Str: In obedience to your Honour’s request, I herewith 
send you an account of the enemy’s Light-Horse, who are 
pillaging the country in parties of eight and ten all along on 
the opposite shore. As it was impossible to convey the 
troops over last night in the rain, they have found no oppo- 
sition, which may induce them to continue their route. Had 
there been one hundred good men on Long-Island last night, 
I am of opinion we could have taken them all. I am this 
instant going over; if they are yet there, I shall immediately 
inform your Honour of every particular. 
From your Honour’s most obedient humble servant, 
James Wm. Payne. 


To the Hon. General Heath, at King’s Bridge. 


P.S. [have just heard that Major Bowne was seen bound 
in the possession of the Light-Horse. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 30, 1776. 
Sir: I find there are a few carpenters in Colonel Whitcomb’s 
regiment, and I thought it best to stop a few of them, in 
order to get off the valleys as soon as possible. I never saw 
so much fever and ague in my life as there 1s at this post. 
There are but very few carpenters at this place fit for duty, 
and it makes me very uneasy.» I cannot get the galleys off 
according to your Honour’s expectation; there is one to be 
launched to-morrow, and I hope the others will soon be in 
the water. I hope I shall soon be on the Jake with the 
galleys, as it would be very agreeable tome. If it should not 
be disagreeable to your Honour my stopping the carpenters 
out of the above regiment, I should be glad to do it, as I may 
send them forward; and am, with the greatest esteem, your 
Honour’s most obedient humble servant, 
Davin Waterbury. 


To Major-General Gates. 


COLONEL FRASER TO GENERAL GATES. 
Skenesborough, August 30, 1776. 
Sir: I arrived at this place last evening with Colonel 
Whitcomb’s regiment from Boston, and expect to embark 
this afternoon or to-morrow morning early for Ticonderoga. 
The roads, or rather woods, that we marched through were 
so exceeding bad, occasioned by the vast quantity of rain 
that we have had lately, retarded our march much. We 
had rafts to build to cross the rivers with eur baggage, &c., 
and swam across several creeks. ‘This, with the worst 
ground I ever travelled over, detained us a little. I have 
lost not one minute of time, or staid at anything. Our 
baggage was a little in the rear, but will be all up to-day. 
Colonel Phinney with his regiment will be here to-morrow. 
I am, sir, your humble servant, 
Jno. G. Fraser. 


COLONEL HARTLEY TO GENERAL GATES. 
Crown-Point, August 30, 1776. 

Honovrep Sir: [ received your obliging letter of the 
28th instant, and am glad to understand that it is your de- 
sign rather to increase than diminish the number of troops 
at this post. Were the detachment under General Arnold 
returned to the regiment, I could then conduct my opera- 
tions here agreeable to a plan which I have laid down to 
myself. I think my party would be secure against the Sav- 
ages or light troops of the enemy, or perhaps I might say 
more; and I could always afford to have some parties in 
the woods, and a boat on the Lake, so that the main Army 
might be informed of the approach of anenemy. You will 
see by my return of this day, that we are but weak at 
present; but if you were pleased to order a subaltern and 
thirty eastern men to Raymond’s Mull, as a covering party 
to the oar-makers there, I could perhaps make out till the 
return of my men who went with General Arnold. I pro- 
pose, if you would send the covering party to the Mill to- 
morrow, to despatch to-morrow afternoon two boats down 
the Lake—one to Gilliland’s, the other to the fleet-—with 
some military stores that were sent here since the General 
sailed. At Raymond’s Mill 1 would keep a corporal and 
four woodsmen; two of them should still be out to discover 

* 


1239 


if any Indians should come up on the west side of the Lake 
near that place. 

If, from any intelligence I may receive, I should stand in 
need of a further reinforcement, I shall make application to 
you immediately. I have collected three rusty cannon from 
the ruins of the works near here. I have prepared a place 
to mount them. I would be glad of a couple of Artillery- 
men for a few days, to teach some of my men who have had 
a little experience. 

I am really convinced that this is a place of the last 
consequence, _ Should the enemy, by any accident, get pos- 
session of it this fall or next spring, they could effectually 
destroy our navigation, or render it useless. It is too late 
to think of repairing the old works this fall, perhaps; but as 
nature seems to have intended this spot to command the 
pass of this country, I presume it will not be neglected in 
the spring, as there will be no scarcity of men. ‘The forti- 
fications could be much sooner repaired, I think, than is 
generally imagined. If the occupying all the redoubts would 
require many men, only such of them should be repaired as 
were absolutely necessary, and the rest be entirely destroyed. 
You will, perhaps, think it necessary to keep troops here 
during the winter; if so, some of the barracks in the fort 
might be handily repaired, if a dozen or two carpenters were 
set to work at any time. If [ survive this campaign, it is 
probable I may not come into this quarter again; yet it 
would give me great pleasure to hear it was determined to 
fortify and maintain this point, even distinct from the pro- 
tection of the fleet. 

I have so little experience that you may consider me 
impertinent in these observations. I hope you will not, as 
they really proceed from the best of motives. 

The increase of your Army effectually secures Ticonde- 
roga against any attempts from our enemy; nay, even tho’ 
the American arms were unsuccessful at New-York. 

The fleet got down on Saturday evening, opposite Galli- 
land’s. How far they afterwards proceeded, I have not 
Jearnt, but apprehend it could have been no great distance, 
as the storm came on so soon. The party from this regi- 
ment preceded the fleet. They must have had a hard time 
of it. 

I shall carefully attend to your instructions, and shall 
always consider it as a great reward when my small services 
receive your approbation. 

J am, honoured sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

Tuos. Hartvey. 
To Major-General Grates. 


STEPHEN BADGER TO JAMES BOWDOIN. 
Natick, August 30, 1776. 

Sir: When I waited upon you at Boston last week, I 
had some conversation with your Honour relating to Colo- 
nel Jones, of Dedham, who was in the list of Justices under 
the late establishment, but has hitherto been taken no notice 
of under the present. This he is at a loss rationally to 
account for, not being conscious of having done anything to 
forfeit the confidence of the publick, or to disqualify himself 
for any employment which his talents and abilities may be 
equal to. From a particular acquaintance with him, I know 
him to be a worthy man, of a fair character, and of good 
understanding, and have reason to believe he has taken as 
much pains and been at as much expense to inform and 
furnish himself, with respect to the nature and duties of a 
Magistrate’s office, as most of those that were upon the 
bench with him. He is also a man of so much firmness 
and resolution, as well as capacity and integrity, that when 
difficulties have arisen in some of the remote parts of the 
county to which he belongs, he has divers times been called 
to officiate as a Justice, and has terminated matters in such 
a manner as derived credit to himself, dignity to his office, 
and at the same time produced beneficial effects to society; 
and, I am well informed, has been applied to for advice b 
some that have lately been appointed to office, who know 
him to be well versed in the nature and business of it. But 
it seems not a little hard that the result of that pains and 
expense he has been at, should be only made use of as a 
medium by others, and he be entirely excluded from impro- 
ving them in an immediate way himself. As to politicks, 
from the beginning he has not merely disapproved of, but 
condemned the measures of the British Administration rela- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1240 


tive to these Colonies; but he has uniformly and strenuously 
bore testimony against mobs and riot, and been a warm and 
zealous friend to order and a due subordination in the com- 
munity, and when in office exerted himself to promote them 
as occasion required, by which he incurred the censure and 
ill will of some of the baser sort, especially of those of them 
that felt the effects of his spirited but prudent decisions. 
Men of this cast, taking advantage of the temper and the 
enthusiasm of the times, and the relaxation, if not dormancy, 
of the laws, loaded him with insult and abuse without mea- 
sure, which might draw from him some expressions that had 
a personal reference only, but which might look unfavour- 
able to the cause of freedom, although they were far from 
being intended to injure what is properly such. He entirely 
concurs with the Declaration of Independency, and will exert 
himself in defence of it upon every proper occasion. As 
the temper of the people is now in a great measure subsi- 
ded, I doubt not there would be a general concurrence with 
his appointment to office, and a universal acquiescence, espe- 
cially as it is known that he has not been wanting in dona- 
tions to the distressed poor of Boston, or in contributing more 
than his proportion to raising men. for the Continental ser- 
vice, besides having a son of great hopes, who was a worthy 
officer in it, who was at Charlestown, and acquitted himself 
well in the engagement there, but who lately died of the 
small-pox in the Northern Army, to the great grief of his 
parents and friends, as well as to the loss of his country. 
These things being considered, with others that might be 
mentioned, I cannot but presume the honourable Board will 
think it expedient and proper to enable him to be further 
useful to the community, and to support his rank in life, by 
reappointing him to that department which he but lately 
filled up, with reputation to bimself and advantage to the 
publick; which is humbly submitted to your Honour, with 
the rest of the honourable Board, by your and their very 
humble servant, 


To the Hon. James Bowdoin, Esq. 


SterHEeN Bapcer. 


RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE OF SAFETY TO THE 
COMMITTEE OF POPLIN, RESPECTING ZACHEUS CLOUGH. 
State of New-Hampshire, in Committee of Safety, 
August 30, 1776. 
Whereas this Committee did, on the 20th July, recom- 
mend to the Committee of Poplin to call in to their aid the 
Committees of two of the nearest towns or parishes to them, 
jointly to sit and hear all accusations against Zacheus Clough, 
Esq., of said Poplin, relative to a donation he was intrusted 
with for the poor of Boston, it being represented to this Com- 
mittee that the Committees were not called agreeable to the 
said recommendation, it is now further recommended that all 
proceedings be stayed thereon, respecting those matters, until 
Thursday, the 5th September next, at which time the parties, 
if they see cause, may have an opportunity of being heard 
thereon before the General Assembly. 


Guy Carterton, Captain-General and Governour-in- Chief 
of the Province of Quesecx, Vice-Admiral of the same, 
Generaland Commander-in- Chief of His Majesty’s Forces 
in the said Province, and the Frontiers, &§c., &c.: 


A ProcuaMATION. 


Whereas there remains on hand a great quantity of the 
last year’s Wheat, and the crops of this year are very abun- 
dant, a considerable part of which is already got in, and it 
is conceived that it will not be detrimental to the Province, 
nor to his Majesty’s troops therein, to suffer an exportation 
thereof, I hereby make known to all his Majesty’s subjects in 
this Province, that I do allow a general exportation of Wheat. 
But inasmuch as the exportation of any Cattle or Live Stock 
out of the Province, or of Flour and Biscuit, elsewhere than 
to the Fisheries, Nova-Scotia, and the West-Indies, may at 
this time be greatly prejudicial to the Province and his 
Majesty’s troops therein, I have thought proper to order, 
and I do hereby strictly order, that no person or persons 
whatsoever, at any time after the publication hereof, and 
before the first day of December next, shall, directly or indi- 
rectly, export or cause to be exported out of this Province 
any Cattle or Live Stock to any place whatsoever, or any 


1241 


Flour or Biscuit, elsewhere than to the Fisheries, Nova-Scotia, 
or the West-Indies. 

And I do hereby forbid all the officers of his Majesty’s 
Customs, within this Province, to make any entries or clear- 
ances of any vessel or vessels which shall have on board 
any Cattle or Live Stock, or any Flourand Biscuit, other than 
for the Fisheries, Nova-Scotia, or the West-Indies; excepting 
only such and so much of the said commodities as shall be 
necessary to be carried for the sustenance, diet, and support 
of the commanders, masters, mariners, passengers, or others, 
in the same vessels, for their respective voyages. 

Given under my hand and seal of arms, at Montreal, the 
30th day of August, 1776, in the sixteenth year of the reign 
of our Sovereign Lord George the Third, by the grace of 
God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender 
of the Faith, and so forth. G 

uy CarLeron. 


By His Excellency’s command : E. Foy. 


God save the King. 


ADDRESS OF THE CITY OF MONTREAL TO GENERAL CARLE- 
TON. 


To His Excellency Guy Carterton, Captain-General and 
Governour-in- Chief of the Province of QurBeck, and 
the Territories thereon depending, General and Com- 
mander-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Forces in the said 
Province, and the Frontiers thereof, &c., &c. 


We, his Majesty’s faithful subjects of the City of Mon- 
treal, most respectfully congratulate your Excellency on the 
victory which, with a handful of his Majesty’s troops and 
seamen, aided by the brave and loyal citizens of Quebeck, 
you have so gloriously obtained over the rebellious invaders 
of this Province. How pleasing to your Excellency, how 
happy for us, to see you thus victorious, and now at the 
head of an Army arduous to distinguish themselves, not less 
by their humanity than by their valour. 

Before rebellion (the source of crimes and misery) made 
us feel its fatal effects, we were fully convinced that our hap- 
piness entirely depended on our deference to the authority 
of our King in Parliament, and we needed not the scourge 
of invading tyrants to persuade us that the welfare of a 
nation is inseparably connected with loyalty and attachment 
to the Sovereign. 

To relate the acts of injustice and cruelty committed under 
the sacred name of liberty, would be changing our congra- 
tulations and joy into lamentations and complaints: happy 
in our deliverance, and in the prospect of again flourishing 
under your Excellency’s Administration, we ardently pray 
the Divine Providence to prosper his Majesty’s arms under 
your command, and to make you the happy instrument for 
restoring peace and tranquillity between Great Britain and 
her distracted Colonies. 

We humbly pray your Excellency to make known to 
our most gracious Monarch the satisfaction we feel on being 
restored to peace and good Government, and to assure the 
best of Kings of our unshaken fidelity to his royal person, 
his family, and his Government. 


GENERAL CARLETON’S ANSWER. 


Gentiemen: I thank you for this very loyal Address, 
which shall be transmitted home in order to be laid before 
the Throne. 

It is with the greatest satisfaction I see you delivered from 
the tyranny of lawless men, and again under the protection of 
the laws and government of your Sovereign, whose strength 
is the security of his subjects, his power destined to promote 
their happiness, and guard their rights and liberties: those 
who assail it, though, under the varnish of a flattering and 
perverted use of words, they may deceive the thoughtless 
multitude, are in truth the people’s greatest enemies, would 
strip them of their sole defence upon earth, and expose them 
a prey to violence and wrong, perhaps to their own unbound- 
ed and unjust ambition. 

It would complete my satisfaction should I be fortunate 
enough to assist in restoring to the same peace and tranquillity 
you now enjoy, the distracted Provinces in our neighbour- 
hood, and to convince them without severity how strangely 
they have been led aside from their true interests. The 
. manly conduct of the citizens of Quebeck will prove a last- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776.) | 


1242 


ing monument to their honour, and it is to be hoped, the 
example of their courage and resolution will inspire the un- 
happy sufferers in the other Colonies with similar virtue now 
to rescue themselves from the miseries which their credulity 
prevented them from guarding against at the first. 

Guy Carveron. 


RALPH IZARD TO CLAUDE CRESPIGNY. 
Richmond, (England,) August 31, 1776. 
Dear Str: We are very happy to hear of ¢he favourable 
change in Mrs. Crespigny. 
They laugh, you say, at S¢. James’s at the Declaration 


of Independence. I do not know that they have much cause 
todoso. When the Duke of Braganza declared Portugal 


independent of Spain, and himself King of it, the Count- 
Duke Olivarez affected likewise to laugh. Philip the 
Fourth was persuaded to think it a very pleasant and comi- 
cal circumstance. This Minister made him believe that there 
would be such confiscations as would abundantly recompense 
him for the trouble these few factious people would give him. 
The King, however, was deceived, and the Spanish Mo- 
narchy dismembered. Perhaps some historian may find a 
parallel to this Spanish story. 

[ believe the history of Europe does not furnish so extra- 
ordinary an affair as the late defeat at Charlestown. Last 
year’s Algerine expedition is not to be compared to it. The 
Ministry must have great confidence in the passive tempers 
of the nation to impose such an account on them as appeared 
in last Saturday's Gazette. ‘There must certainly have been 
a misunderstanding between the two departments, which, 
however pleasing it may be to those who afe enemies to the 
doctrine of passive obedience and unconditional submission, 
much behooves the supporters of the measures to inquire into. 

Clinton has always borne the character of a brave and 
good officer; it is therefore the more extraordinary that he 
should have been landed on a sand bank, (Long-Island and 
Sullivan’s Island are nothing else,) from the 9th to the 28th, 
without sounding the water, and knowing that it was too 
deep to walk across. 

Sir Peter Parker tells us that he drove large parties seve- 
ral times out of the fort, which were replaced by others from 
the main. This fort was a temporary thing, built to annoy 
the shipping in their passage to the town. It was not ex- 
pected that it would have been necessary to defend it for 
upwards of ten hours against a bomb vessel and eight or nine 
men-of-war. The powder, I dare say, was very near ex- 
hausted, and the men whom Sir Peter supposes he had 
driven out might probably have been messengers for a fresh 
supply. ‘The large parties might have been small ones. 
We know that the Provincial numbers at Bunker's Hill 
were, by the Gazette, multiplied at least by five. Objects 
seen through the medium of smoke and fire are always con- 
siderably magnified. If the fort was evacuated for an hour 
and a half, as he writes, why did he not take possession of 
it? He would,I believe, have found himself mistaken if he 
had attempted it. But the fort was totally silenced: very 
likely, and for the reason just assigned. It requires a great 
quantity of powder to fire cannon. While this was bringing, 
1 cannot help thinking that my countrymen had sagacity 
enough to lie perdu behind the parapet—to defend them- 
selves against the boasted coup de main with their small- 
arms. 

The Gazette does not announce the actual departure of 
any of the ships from Charlestown harbour. ‘The want of 
water will oblige them to be as expeditious as possible. 
They may accommodate themselves with that article at 
Staten-Island, and nowhere else with safety, that I know 
of, to the southward of that. If Mrs, Crespigny will lend 
you her plan, you will see that they must pass within the 
reach of two batteries, which may give them a pretty warm 
salute at taking leave. 

Very important news may be expected every day from 
New-York. The Ministry, I hear, are fully persuaded that 
Mr. Howe will winter in Philadelphia. This is possible, 
but I have not the least idea that it will happen. 

You know my opinion on the probable event of this cruel 
and unfortunate business, I have had no reason to change 
it since I saw you. 

Pray give my compliments to Mr. Townshend and Mr. 


Ley. 


1243 


VIRGINIA COUNCIL TO THE BOARD OF WAR. 
4 Williamsburgh, August 31, 1776. 
GentLemen: We received your letter, requiring a return 
of the prisoners of war in this Commonwealth and a list of 
the officers on the Continental establishment, so late that it 
is not in our power to be so accurate as we could wish. At 
present we can only transmit a list of the prisoners, and shall 
send an accurate list of the officers by the next post; refer- 
ring you in the mean time, however, to a list which we very 
lately sent to the Virginia Delegates at Congress. 
By order ofCouncil: 
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
Joun Pace, President. 
To Richard Peters, Esquire, Secretary to the War Office, 
Philadelphia. 


GENERAL LEWIS TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 


[Read September 16, 1776.] 
Williamsburg, August 31, 1776. 


Sir: I take the liberty of enclosing you a letter to me 
directed by John Rickman, Esq., Director-General of the 
Hospital. The different articles mentioned in his list are 
much wanted, and not’to be had in this State. The num- 
ber of sick are great, as will appear by a general return made 
_to the War Office. 

I have heard nothing from General Lee since the 3d of 
this month. ‘The letter from Congress to him I sent off 
with all possible despatch. 

By a resolve of Congress, I observe that the Continental 
troops who inlist to serve three years, are to receive ten dol- 
lars each. The most of the troops raised in this State are 
to serve two years, commencing last April. I wish for the 
particular direction of Congress in this case, that I may 
know with certainty whether they would have them reinlist- 
ed to serve three years after the expiration of their present 
inlistment, or whether the reinlistment of them is to be de- 
ferred until the time for which they were engaged is nearly 
expired. By another resolve of Congress, I observe that a 
Paymaster is allowed to each regiment: by whom, and in 
what manner, are those Paymasters to be appointed ? 

I am, with great respect, honourable sir, your most obedi- 
ent and very humble servant, 

Anprew Lewis, Brigadier-General. 


To John Hancock, Esq. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM PHILADELPHIA, DATED AUGUST 
31, 1776, sarURDAY, TWO O’CLOCK, P. M. 


You will no doubt be very anxious to receive a particular 
account of the late engagement between our troops and the 
enemy on Long-Island. I wish our information enabled me 
to relieve you, but at present we are in the most painful state 
of suspense, the post not having yet arrived, by which we 
expect full intelligence. From the letters we have received, 
with what I can collect of others sent to inhabitants of this 
city, it appears that the enemy, having landed a number of 
troops on the night of the 26th, and posted them advanta- 
geously, without being discovered by our people, and having 
also posted a part of their Army in a wood, some distance 
from the main body, proceeded in a heavy column towards 
our intrenchments. Early on the morning of the 27th, a 
firing began between our advanced guard and theirs; the 
enemy, with their middle column, made a feint at our works, 
and having received a fire, retreated. A brigade of our troops, 
consisting of the First New-York Battalion, two Pennsylva- 
nia, one Delaware, and the Maryland Battalion, under the 
command of Generals Sullivan and Stirling, followed the 
enemy. A very hot fire was kept up. When the enemy had 
retreated, our troops advanced upon them some distance. 
The troops of the enemy, posted for that purpose, surrounded 
our friends, and a most savage engagement ensued; no relief 
could be given from the fort to our troops, without hazarding 
the post at Long-Island. Thus surrounded with thrice their 
numbers, galled on one side by Lignt-Horse, and torn with 
artillery in front, they bravely fought for several hours; how- 
ever, after having given the most convincing proofs of their 
bravery and skill, and having sustained considerable loss, 
they were obliged to yield to superior numbers; they were 
broken, and retreated as well as they could. Many fell by 
the bayonet, which was pushed with equal obstinacy by the 
two adverse parties. Our loss is not ascertained—some say 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1244 


five hundred, some say three. By deserters, the enemy had 
killed and wounded five hundred. Generals Stirling and 
Sullivan were both missing when we last heard from General 
Washington. Thursday morning, four o’clock, Colonels Miles 
and Adlee were also missing, when our last intelligence was 
sent. A Colonel Grant, of the enemy, was killed; who else of 
distinction, we have not heard. The enemy, upon the retreat 
of our brigade, took possession of a very advantageous wood, 
near our out intrenchment. Simallwood’s Battalion of Mary- 
landers were distinguished in the field by the most intrepid 
courage, the most regular use of the musket, and judicious 
movements of the body. All the other battalions behaved 
as became Americans and men of honour, fighting for their 
rights of freemen. When our party was overcome and 
broken, by superior numbers surrounding them on all sides, 
three companies of the Maryland broke the enemy’s lines, 
and fought their way through; the others attempted to cross 
a small creek, which proved fatal to several of them. I have 
not heard their loss, but presume it is very heavy, they being 
in a situation very much exposed, facing the enemy’s can- 
non, in the open field for a considerable time. Captain Veazey 
and Lieutenant Butler are among the honourable slain. | 
don’t hear of any other officers of that battalion being killed 
or taken. ‘There is a report in town that Lord Stirhng got 
into the camp safe, but | fear it is not true. Since this en- 
gagement, there have been frequent skirmishes between our 
troops and the enemy, the result of which we have not heard. 
Our posts are now very near to each other, and we expect 
hourly to hear of a very general engagement. 

Sarurpay, three o’clock, P. M.—By the post arrived just 
now, we are certainly informed, that our whole Army, the 
night before last, retreated from Long-Island to New-York, 
bringing away the most of their cannon, and spiking what 
was left. The enemy were taking measures to cut off the 
communication between the island and the main, and had 
also got possession of a post from which they could distress 
our camp at Long-Island. Lord Stirling and General Sul- 
livan are both prisoners. ‘The enemy it is said have lost one 
thousand men; two Generals of theirs are also killed; they 
sent’a flag to exchange Sudlivan and Stirling for two missing 
Generals of theirs, but we had them not, so that they must 
have fell. The Maryland Battalion lost two hundred men 
and twelve officers. Severe fate! It is said our whole loss 
is five or six hundred. 


GENERAL WASHINGTON TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read September 2, 1776.] 
New-York, August 31, 1776. 

Sir: Inclination as well as duty would have induced me 
to give Congress the earliest information of my removal, and 
that of the troops, from Long-Island and its dependencies to 
this city the night before last; but the extreme fatigue which 
myself and family have undergone, as much from the weather 
since as the engagement on the 27th, rendered me and them 
entirely unfit to take pen in hand. Since Monday, scarce 
any of us have been out of the lines till our passage across 
the East River was effected yesterday morning; and for 
forty-eight hours preceding that; I had hardly been off my 
horse, and never closed my eyes, so that I was quite unfit to 
write or dictate till this morning. 

Our retreat was made without any loss of men or ammu- 
nition, and in better order than I expected from the troops 
in the situation ours were. We brought off our cannon and 
stores, except a few heavy pieces, which, in the condition 
the earth was, by a long-continued rain, we found, upon trial, 
impracticable; the wheels of the carriages sinking up to the 
hubs, rendered it impossible for our whole force to drag them. 
We left but little provisions on the Island, except some 
cattle, which had been driven within our lines, and which, 
after many attempts to force across the water, we found 
impossible to effect, circumstanced as we were. 

I have enclosed.a copy of the Council of War, held pre- 
vious to the retreat, to which I beg leave to refer Congress 
for the reasons, or many of them, that led to the adoption of 
that measure. 

Yesterday evening and last night a party of our men were 
employed in bringing our horses, cannon, tents, &c., from 
Governour’s Island, which they nearly completed. Some 
of the heavy cannon remain there still, but I expect will be 
got away to-day. 


1245 


In the engagement on the 27th Generals Sullivan and 
Stirling were made prisoners; the former has been permit- 
ted, on his parole, to return for a little time. From my Lord 
Stirling [had a letter by General Sullivan, a copy of which 
[have the honour to transmit. That contains his information 
of the engagement with his brigade. It is not so full and 
certain as I could wish; he was hurried most probably, as 
his letter was unfinished. Nor have 1 been yet able to 
obtain an exact account of our loss; we suppose it from seven 
hundred to one thousand killed and taken. 

General Sullivan says Lord Howe is extremely desirous 
of seeing some of the members of Congress; for which purpose 
he was allowed to come out, and to communicate to them 
what has passed between him and his Lordship. I have 
consented to his going to Philadelphia, as 1 did not mean, 
or conceive it right, to withhold or prevent him from giving 
such information as he possesses in this instance. 

I am much hurried, and engaged in arranging and making 
new dispositions of our forces; the movement of the enemy 
requiring them to be immediately had; and therefore have 
only time to add, that I am, with my best regards to Con- 
gress, their and your most obedient, humble servant, 

Go. WasHineron. 
LORD STIRLING TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Eagle, August 29, 1776. 

My pear Generac: I have now an opportunity of in- 
forming you of what has happened to me since I had last 
the pleasure of seeing you. About three o’clock in the 
morning of the 27th I was called up, and informed by Gen- 
eral Putnam that the enemy were advancing by the road 
from Flatbush to the Red Lyon, and ordered me to march 
with the two regiments nearest at hand to meet them; these 
happened to be Haslet’s and Smallwood’s, with which I 
accordingly marched, and was on the road to the Narrows 
just as the daylight began to appear. We proceeded to within 
about half a mile of the Red Lyon, and there met Colonel 
Ailee with his regiment, who informed me that the enemy 
were in sight; indeed I then saw- their front between us and 
the Red Lyon. I desired Colonel Atlee to place his regi- 
ment on the left of the road, and to wait their coming up, 
while I went to form the two regiments I had brought with 
me, along a ridge from the road up to a piece of wood on 
the top of the hill; this was done instantly on very advan- 
tageous ground. Our opponents advanced, and were fired 
upon in the road by Aflee’s, who, after two or three rounds, 
retreated to the wood on my left, and there formed. By this 
time Kichline’s Riflemen arrived; part of them I placed along 
a hedge under the front of the hill, and the rest in the front of 
the wood. ‘The troops opposed to me were two brigades, of 
four regiments each, under the command of General Grant, 
who advanced their light troops to within one hundred and 
fifty yards of our right front, and took possession of an orchard 
there, and some hedges which extended towards our left; 
this brought on an exchange of fire between those troops and 
our Riflemen, which continued for about two hours, and then 
ceased by those light troops retiring to their main body. In 
the mean time Captain Carpenter brought up two field- 
pieces, which were placed on the side of the hill so as to 
command the road, and the only approach for some hundred 
yards. On the part of General G'rant.there were two field- 
pieces; one howitz advanced to within three hundred yards 
of the front of our right, and a like detachment of artillery 
to the front of our left, on a rising ground, at about six hun- 
dred yards distance. One of their brigades formed in two 
lines opposite to our right, and the others extended in one 
line to top of the hills in the front of our left; in this position 
we stood cannonading each other till near eleven o’clock, 
when I found that General Howe, with the main body of 
the Army, was between me and our lines, and saw that the 
only chance of escaping being all made prisoners was to pass 
the creek near the Yellow Mills; and, in order to render 
this the more practicable, [ found it absolutely necessary to 
attack a body of troops commanded by Lord Cornwallis, 
posted at the house near the Upper Mulls; this I instantly 
did, with about half of Smallwood’s, first ordering all the 
other troops to make the best of their way through the creek. 
We continued the attack a considerable time, the men having 
been rallied and the attack renewed five or six several times, 
and were on the point of driving Lord Cornwallis from his 
station, but large succours arriving rendered it impossible to 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1246 


do more than to provide for safety. I endeavoured to get in 
between that house and Fort Box, but on attempting it I 
found a considerable body of troops in my front, and several 
in pursuit of me on the right and left, and a constant firing 
on me. I immediately turned the point of a hill which 
covered me from their fire, and I was soon out of the reach 
of my pursuers. I soon found it would be in vain to attempt 
to make my escape, and therefore went to surrender myself to 
General De Heister, commander-in-chief of the Hessians. 


PROCEEDINGS OF A COUNCIL OF GENERAL OFFICERS. 


At a Council of War, held at Long-Island, August 29, 
1776: 

Present: His Excellency General Washington; Major- 
Generals: Putnam, Spencer ; Brigadier-Generals: Mifflin, 
McDougall, Parsons, Scott, Wadsworth, Fellows. 

It was submitted to the consideration of the Council, 
whether, uader all circumstances, it would not be eligible to 
leave Long-Island and its dependencies, and remove the 
Army to New-York. Unanimously agreed in the affirma- 
tive, for the following reasons: 

Ist. Because our advanced party had met with a defeat, 
and the wood was lost where we expected to make a prin- 
cipal stand. 

2d. The great loss sustained in the death or captivity of - 
several valuable officers and their battalions, or a large part 
of them, had occasioned great confusion and discouragement 
among the troops. 

3d. The heavy rains, which fell two days and nights with 
but little intermission, had injured the arms and spoiled a 
great part of the ammunition, and the soldiery being without 
cover and obliged™o lay in the lines, were worn out, and, it 
was to be feared, would not be retained in them by any 
order. 

4th. From the time the enemy moved from Flatbush, 
several large ships had attempted. to get up, as supposed, in 
the East River, to cut off our communication, by which the 
whole Army would have been destroyed, but the wind being 
northeast could not effect it. 

5th. Upon consulting with persons of knowledge of the 
harbour, they were of opinion that small ships might come 
between Long-Island and Governour’s Island, where there 
are no obstructions, and which would cut off the communi- 
cation effectually; and who were also of opinion, the hulks 
sunk between Governour’s Island and the city of New- York 
were no sufficient security for obstructing that passage. 

6th. Though our lines were fortified with some strong 
redoubts, yet a great part of them were weak, being abattied 
with brush, and affording no strong cover, so that there was 
reason to apprehend they might be forced, which would have 
put our troops in confusion, and having no retreat, they must 
have been cut to pieces or made prisoners. 

7th. The divided state of the troops render our defence 
very precarious, and the duty of defending long and exten- 
sive lines at so many different places, without proper con- 
veniencies and cover, so very fatiguing, that the troops had 
become dispirited by their incessant duty and watching. 

Sth. Because the enemy had sent several ships-of-war 
into the Sound, toa place called Flushing Bay; and from 
the information received that a part of their troops were 
moving across Long-Island that way, there was reason to 
apprehend they meant to pass over land, and form an en- 
campment above King’s Bridge, in order to cut off and pre- 
vent all communication between our Army and the country 
beyond them, to get in our rear. 


DETERMINATION OF A COUNCIL OF GENERAL OFFICERS. 


At a Council of War, held at Long-Island, August 29, 
1776: 

Present: His Excellency General Washington; Major- 
Generals: Putnam, Spencer; Brigadier-Generals: Mifflin, 
McDougall, Parsons, Scott, Wadsworth, Fellows. 

It was submitted to the consideration of the Council, 
whether, under all circumstances, it is not eligible to leave 
Long-Island and its dependencies, and remove to New- 
York. Unanimously agreed in the affirmative. 

IsraeL Putnam, Samu. H. Parsons, 

Tuos. SPENCER, Jno. Morin Scort, 
Tuos. Mirrtin, James Wapsworru. 
Avexr. McDoveatr, 


1247 


' GENERAL ORDERS. 
Head-Quarters, New-York, August 25, 1776. 
(Countersign, Newtown.) 

A special Court-Martial to sit this day, at twelve o’clock, 
at Mrs. Montagnie’s, for the trial of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Zedtwitz, charged with “carrying on a treasonable corre- 
spondence with the enemy;” to be composed of a Brigadier- 
General and twelve Field-Officers: General Wadsworth to 
preside. 

The General Order against working on Sunday is revoked, 
the time not admitting of any delay. The same number of 
fatigue-men to turn out, as yesterday, this afternoon, at three 
o’clock, as well Militia as other troops. 

Colonel Smallwood to command Lord Stirling’s Brigade 
during his absence on Long-Is/and. 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 26, 1776. 
(Countersign, Paris.) 

Six hundred men, properly officered, from General Wol- 
cott’s Brigade, to parade to-morrow morning, at six o'clock, 
on the grand parade, without arms, for fatigue: four hun- 
dred to take directions from General McDougall, and two 
hundred from Lieutenant Fish; and the same number to be 
continued till the works are completed. To leave work at 
young flood, and go on again at the ebb. 

The General is very anxious for the state of the arms and 
ammunition—the frequent rains giving too much reason to 
fear they may suffer. He therefore earnestly enjoins officers 
and men to be particularly attentive to it, and have them in 
the best order. 


(Parole, Marlborough.) 


(Parole, Newcastle.) 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 27, 1776. 


(Parole, +) (Countersign, +) 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 28, 1776. 


(Parole, Sullivan.) (Countersign, Stirling.) 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 29, 1776. 
(Countersign, +) 

One Orderly Sergeant from each regiment in General 
Wadsworth’s, General Wolcott’s, and General Fellows’s Bri- 
gades, and one from Colonel Knox’s command, to attend 
daily at Head-Quarters until further orders. 

The commanding officers of each company in the several 
regiments in this post are strictly required to attend to the 
orders that have been given by the Commander-in-Chief 
from time to time, to see that their respective rolls are looked 
over, and the orders of the day published to their whole 
company. And as it is the pleasure of the Commander-in- 
Chief of the Continental Forces that all soldiers that pass 
from Long-Island here without passes should immediately 
be sent back, all the guards especially, and all others be- 
longing to the Army in this post, are required to take up all 
soldiers coming from Long-Island without passes signed by 
a proper officer, and send them immediately back to Long- 
Island. 

The Colonels, or commanding officers of each regiment, 
must take care that the arms and ammunition of each sol- 
dier be in good order, that they be equipped and constantly 
ready for action. ‘They must be particularly attentive to 
see that the cartridges suit their pieces. 

All the guards, and also all others belonging to the Army, 
are to be vigilant in taking up and confining all persons 
guilty of disorderly firing, or firing without leave. All the 
guards supplied by general detail are to be punctually on 
the grand parade by eight o’clock in the morning; and in 
case any Brigade-Major does not punctually bring on the 
men he is to furnish, the Brigadier of the day is to report 
him immediately; and if such Brigade-Major is delayed by 
the negligence of an Adjutant, he is to put such Adjutant 
immediately ‘under an arrest. 

It is hoped that every officer and soldier in this post will 
exert himself for the good of the service to the utmost; and 
as there are many intrenchments now begun that are un- 
finished that necessity requires should be immediately com- 
pleted, it is justly expected that every brave man will exert 
himself to complete every needful fortification. 


(Parole, +) 


Head-Quarters, New-York, August 30, 1776. 
(Countersign, Huncock.) 
All commanding officers of regiments are to parade on 
their regimental parade this evening at five o’clock, examine 


(Parole, Liberty.) 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1248 


the state of their men’s ammunition and arms, and get them 
in the best order. All damaged cartridges are to be re- 
turned, and in this case fresh ones drawn without further 
orders. The returns of the regiments are to be made as 
soon and as exact as possible. No arguments can be neces- 
sary, at such a time as this, to induce all officers to a strict 
attention to this duty. 

The constant firing in the camp, notwithstanding repeated 
orders to the contrary, is very scandalous, and seldom a day 
passes but some persons are shot by their friends. 
more, therefore, the General entreats the officers to prevent 
it, and calls upon the soldiers to forbear this practice. 
Pieces that cannot be drawn are to be discharged in a vol- 
ley at retreat beating, and not otherwise, and then by com- 
mand of the officer. 

The loss of two General Officers by the late action"having 
occasioned a necessary change in the brigades, the Brigade- 
Majors are to attend at ten o’clock to-morrow, to receive a 
new arrangement. . 

As the tents are. wet, and weather unfavourable, the 
troops are to remain in the city ull further, orders; those 
not supplied with barracks to apply to Mr. Roorback, Bar- 
rack-Master. Officers and men are charged to see as little 
damage as possible done to houses where they are quar- 
tered. 

General Wadsworth to send two regiments from his bri- 
gade, to reinforce Colonel Sergeant, at Horn’s Hook, as 
soon as possible. 

In case of an alarm this evening, which may be expected, 
from the nearness of the enemy, and their expectation of 
taking advantage of the late rains and last night’s fatigue, 
the following disposition is to take place, and the regiments 
are to parade accordingly: General Mifflin’s to parade on 
the grand parade; they are then to join the regiments lately 
composing Lord Stirling’s Brigade, and the whole to parade 
on the parade lately assigned by him to them: these are to 
act under General Mifflin as a reserve corps. The regi- 
ments of General Nixon’s Brigade are to join General Spen- 
cer’s division, who will assign them their alarm posts. ‘The 
Jersey troops to join General McDougall’s Brigade, and 
parade at or near said ground. 

Head-Quarters, New-York, August 31, 1776. 
(Parole, Harlem.) (Countersign, Flushing.) 

Major Livingston, charged with having ordered a negro 
to fire on a soldier of Captain Newcomb’s Regiment, is or- 
dered to be confined and brought to trial. But the General 
is sorry to see soldiers, defending their Country, in time of 
imminent danger, rioting and attempting to do themselves 
justice. 

The plunderers of Lord \Stirling’s house are ordered to 
restore to the Quartermaster-General what they have taken ; 
in failure whereof, they will certainly be hanged. 

It is the General’s orders that the remainder of Lutz’s and 
Kachlein’s Battalions be joined to Hand’s Battalion; that 
Major Hays be also under the special command of Colonel 
Hand; that then those battalions, with Shee’s, Colonel 
Magaw’s, Colonel Hutchinson’s, Colonel Atlee’s, Colonel 
Miles’s, and Colonel Ward’s Regiments, be brigaded under 
General Mifflin, and those now here march as soon as pos- 
sible to King’s Bridge. The Quartermaster will supply 
wagons, if to be spared; if not, to apply to Lieutenant 
Achbolt, on the North River boat station, or Ensign Allen 
on the East, who will supply boats. A careful officer, with 
a small guard, to attend them. Major Lord will supply, 
from General Wolcott’s Brigade, an officer and six men to 
each boat, to bring boats back, except those that are ordered 
to stay. 

Both officers and soldiers are informed that the retreat 
from Long-Island was made by the unanimous advice of all 
the General Officers, not from any doubts of the spirit of 
the troops, but because they found the troops very much 
fatigued with hard duty, and divided into many detachments, 
while the enemy had their main body on the Island, and 
capable of receiving assistance from the shipping. In these 
circumstances it was thought unsafe to transport the whole 
of an Army on an Island, or to engage them with a part, and 
therefore unequal numbers; whereas now one whole Army 
is collected together, without water intervening, while the 
enemy can receive little assistance from their ships. Their 
Army is, and must be, divided into many bodies, and fatigued 


Once . 


— 


1249 


with keeping up a communication with their ships; whereas 
ours is connected, and can act together. ‘They must effect 
a landing under so many disadvantages, that if officers and 
soldiers are vigilant, and alert to prevent surprise, and add 
spirit when they approach, there is no doubt of our success. 

Ebenezer Gray is appointed Brigade-Major to General 
Parsons. 

The following disposition is made of the several Regi- 
ments, so as to form Brigades under the commanding ofli- 
cers respectively mentioned: 


Huntington, inane 
Prescott, Johnson, 
Gen. Parsons..... Ward, Gen. Heard....... Newcomb, 
aca ee aes 
| Tyler. artin. 
( MeDougall, ( Holman, 
| Ritzema, Gen. Fellows...... 4 Cary, 
Gen. McDougall. | See aan | Smith 
e Silliman 
Artificers, Thom pson ’ 
Lasher, Com/’dr. Siiman| Lewis, 
Gen. Scott......... Stacie { iawn 
’ call. 
{| Humphrey. Sergeant, 
. f{ Chapman, Com’dr. Sergeant} Sheldon, 
Ss ; | Talcot 
age, alcot. 
Gen. Wadsworth. 4 Selden, Douglass, 
Gay, Pettibone, 
Bradley. Com’dr. Douglass} Cook, 
( Varoum, Talcott, 
‘ : Little, | Chapman. 
Gen. Nizxon...... [Nixon AEE Se 
Nixon | Pitkin 
Bailey. . Com’dr. Chester.. 4 Baldwin, 
ares Strong, 
Gen. Clinton...... Si ee Newbury. 
| Learned. 


They are to choose out capable, active, and spirited per- 
sons to act as Brigade-Majors, who will be allowed for their 
service. 

The General hopes the several officers, both superior and 
inferior, will now exert themselves, and gloriously determine 
to conquer or die. From the justice of our cause, the situ- 
ation of the harbour, and the bravery of her sons, America 
can only expect success. Now is the time for every man 
to exert himself, and make our country glorious, or it will 
become contemptible. 

Commanding Officers of Regiments are to take care to 
have hard bread and pork for two days kept by them con- 
stantly. ‘The neglect of former orders in this respect has 
occasioned some of the hardships the troops have lately sus- 
tained. If there is any delay at the Commissary’s, good 
officers will compose and quiet their men, and mention it by 
way of letter to the General. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED AucusT 31, 
1776. 


You are no doubt surprised to hear of our sudden retreat 
from Long-Island, but it was thought absolutely essential 
from our situation. We were under a necessity of marching 
out and attacking them upon their own ground, or suffering 
ourselves to have been starved into a surrender: first, be- 
cause they were intrenching within five hundred yards of 
our lines, which were very weak, and incapable of withstand- 
ing their heavy cannon, and our men, from their situation, 
began to grow very uneasy; and, secondly, because their 
shipping might have run up the Last River, and cut off 
our resources of provision and every other necessary. The 
retreat was conducted with the greatest secrecy, and by six 
o'clock in the morning we had everything embarked. There 
never was a man that behaved better upon the occasion 
than General Washington; he was on horseback the whole 
night, and never left the ferry stairs till he had seen the 
whole of his troops embarked. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED aucust 31, 
1776. 


General Sullivan came here yesterday upon his parole, 
and informs us that Lord Stirling, himself, Colonels Miles 
and Ailee, were all taken by the enemy. Immediately 
after the engagement, the enemy b gan to throw up works 
within musket-shot of Fort Putnum; and as we had no 
heavy cannon to prevent them, we were obliged, the night 
before last, to retreat, and leave the Island. In retreating, 
we have not lost ten men at most. 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


( 
CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


79 


1250 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM NEW-YORK, DATED AUGUST 31, 
1776. 

Captain Veazey, Ensign Fernandez, Sergeant Sands, 
killed. Captain Bowie, Lieutenants Butler, Sterret, Ridge- 
ley, Dent, Ensign Coats, missing. Mr. Coursey taken 
prisoner. 

Adjutant Brice was taken prisoner by two officers of 
Light-Horse, and was delivered to a private, who told him 
he was his prisoner, which Brice denied, and immediately 
shot him and got clear. 


List of the Names of such Officers of the three Pennsyt- 


vanita Battalions as are Prisoners and Missing the 27th 
of August, after the Battle on Lonc-Isuanp. 


First Battalion of Rifle Regiment. 


Samuel Miles, Esq., Colonel Com- . Serg. Drum. Priv. 
mandant, prisoner. Farmer S.ccccccves Di ete lee euee 
James Piper, Esq., Lieut. Colonel, Brown Se ccccccees D tse elated 
prisoner. Long Ss. se = 5 sc. visi re s'ateinteiac 9 
Capt. Richard Brown.....-. pris. Albright Ssesseees 2....0... .26 
Ist Lieut. William Gray......do, | Shade’s.........- 1....0....13 
Ist Lieut. John Spear........ do, | Weitzell Seeeeeee 200-0... .15 
ist Lieut. John Davis........ do. ee Geer, 
Ist Lieut. George Wert...... do. See ES 
Qd Lieut. Joseph Triesbach...do. 
2d Lieut. Wm. McPherson...do. 
Qd Lt. Joseph Jacquet....missing. 
3d Lt. Luke Broadhead .....pris. 
Doctor John Davis .....---+. do. 
Doctor Joseph Davis.........do. 
Second Battalion of Rifle Regiment. 
Capt. Wm. Peebles...... + + pris. ’ Serg. Drum. Priv. 
Ist Lieut. Matthew Scott.....do. | Murray’s......... 0....0..... 4 
Ist Lieut. Daniel Topham. ooclO. Peebles’s ee eevcens Lo rcop herein 
2d Lieut. Jas. Carnagan. «missing. Marshall Seeesenes 0....0..... 2 
Qd Lieut. David Sloan........ do. | Erwin’s.......+.. 3 lvol. & 16 
3d Lieut. Charles Taylor..killed. | Grubb’s....... OES! Pape 4 
3d Lieut. Joseph Brownlee...pris. | Christ’s.....+....2....0.....2 
6 1 40 
Battalion of Musketry. 
. Atlee, Esq., Colonel Serg. Drum. Priv 
act Biot Atlee, 4+ > | Anderson’s...... TD rarstcUaraters ats 9 
Caleb Parry, Esq., Lieut. Colonel, Murray i is Se OPFRO0 LS 10 
killed. ler bertisan tect. Sic oeeoqcrds, 
Capt. Francis Murray.....-- pris Dehoff's se teeeeee 0....0...... 6 
Capt. Thomas Herbert ba RL do. Nice oe: alae elaelelnie Oe ere ce cere 5 9 
Capt. John Nice.....-. pars ae do. Howell’s. sig baisnit Oras Osretetatate 7 
Capt. Joseph Howell Grn eierel ater do. McClelland’s seeee 0. oe 0 eeeee 12 
Lieut. Walter Finney........ do, | Late Lloyd’s.....0....1.....14 
Lieut. Joseph Moore...... killed. 1 1 15 
Ensign W. Henderson...... pris. a pes 
Ensign Alex. Huston........ do. 
Ensign Michael App..... missing. 
Ensign Septimus Davis...... pris. 


Prisoners: 3 Colonels, 6 Captains, 11 Lieutenants, 3 Ensigns, 2 
Doctors. 

Killed and Missing: 1 Colonel, 5 Lieutenants, 1 Ensign, 16 Sergeants, 
6 Drum and Fife, 1 Volunteer, 222 Privates. 

Total: 4 Colonels, 6 Captains, 16 Lieutenants, 4 Ensigns, 2 Doctors, 
16 Sergeants, 6 Drum and Fife, 1 Volunteer, 222 Privates. 


This account is taken from a muster of the three battalions 
before mentioned, and afterwards carefully compared with 
the accounts which came by a flag of truce from the enemy 
to his Excellency General Washington, the 5th instant, by 

Lop. SPRoGELL, 
M. M. G. to the Pennsylvamia Regulars. 
Philadelphia, September 8, 1776. 


A list of the Names of such Officers as are Prisoners with 
the Enemy, and have, by a flag of truce, sent for their 
Baggage and Cash. 


Pennsytvania Rifle Battalions. 


Colonel Miles, 

Colonel Piper, 

Captain Brown, 

Captain Peebles, 
Lieutenant Scott, 
Lieutenant Gray, rn 
Lieutenant Spear, 
Lieutenant Drasbach, 
Lieutenant Macpherson, 
Lieutenant Lee, 


Lieutenant Broadhead, 
Lieutenant John Davis, 
Lieutenant Wert, 
Lieutenant Topham, 
Doctor John Davies, 
Doctor Joseph Davies, 
Colonel Lutz, 

Captain Crawl, 

Mr. David Duncan, 
Mr. Young. 


Pennsytvanta Musket Battalion. 


Colonel Atlee, 
Captain Murray, 
Captain Herbert, 
Captain Nice, 
Captain Howell, 


Lieutenant Finney, 
Ensign Davis, 
Ensign Henderson, 
Ensign Huston. 


1251 CORRESPONDENCE, 


Colonel.SMatuwoon’s Battalion. 


Mr. Wright, 

Mr. Bowie, 

Lieutenant Butler, 

Lieutenant Muse, 

Lieutenant Ridgely, I 


Lieutenant Sterrit, 
William Cort, 
James Fernandez, 
Lieutenant Dent. 


Doctor Young, Volunteer. Mr. Kearns, Delaware Batta- 


John Toms, of Col. Johnson’s lion. 
Regiment. Major Burd, 
Mr. Callender, Cadet of Ar- Captain Hurst. 

tillery. 


Colonel Kizcuvein’s Regiment. 


Captain Graf, ' 


Lieutenant Medow, 
Lieutenant Lewis, | 


Lieutenant Shoemaker. 
Colonel Lsuer’s Battalion. 


Adjutant Hoogland, 
Lieutenant Troop, 
Lieutenant Dunscomb, 


Mr. Van Waggenen,a Volun- 


teer. 
Mr. Gillilan, a Volunteer. 
Colonel Huntineton’s Regiment. 


Lieutenant Makepeace, , 
Captain Brewster, 
Ensign Lyman, 

Ensign Chapman, 
Ensign Hinsman, 
Ensign Bradford, 
Lieutenant Orentt, 
Ensign Higgins, 


New-York, September 5, 1776. 


Captain Bissell, 
Lieutenant Gillet, 
Lieutenant Gae, 
Adjutant Hopkins, 
Doctor Holmes, 
Colonel Clerk, 

Major Wells Wyllys. 


Philadelphia, September 11, 1776. 

We hear that in the late action on Long-Jsland, Colonel 
Philip Johnston, of New-Jersey, behaved with remarkable 
intrepidity and fortitude. By the well-directed fire from his 
battalion the enemy were several times repulsed, and lanes 
were made through them, until he received a ball in his 
breast, which put an end to the life of as brave an officer as 
ever commanded a battalion. General Sudlivan, who was 
close to him when he fell, says, that no man could behave 
with more firmness during the whole action. As he sacrificed 
his life in defence of the invaded rights and liberties of his 
country, his memory must be dear to every American who 
is.not insensible to the sufferings of his injured country, and 
as long as the same uncorrupted spirit of liberty which led 
him to the field shall continue to actuate the sons of freedom 
in America. 


JOURNAL OF THE TRANSACTIONS OF AUGUST 27, 1776, UPON 
LONG-ISLAND } BY COLONEL SAMUEL J. ATLEE. 
August 27, 1776. 

This morning, before day, the camp was alarmed by an 
attack made upon that part of our picket guard upon the 
Jower road leading to the Narrows, commanded by Major 
Burd, of the Pennsylvania Flying-Camp. About daylight 
a part of General Lord Stirling’s Brigade then in camp, viz: 
the Battalion of Maryland, Colonel Smallwood; the Dela- 
ware, Colonel Haslett; about one hundred and twenty of 
my battalion, Pennsylvania Musketry; and part of Lutz and 
Kiechlein’s Battalions, Pennsylvania Militia; containing in 
the whole about two thousand three hundred men, under 
the command of Major-General Sullivan, and the Brigadiers 
Stirling and Parsons, were ordered to march out and sup- 
port the picket attacked by the enemy. 

About half after seven the enemy, consisting of the Fourth 
and Sixth Brigades of the British Army, composed of the 
Seventeenth, Fortieth, Forty-Sixth, Fifty-Fifth, Twenty- 
Third, Forty-Fourth, Fifty-Seventh, Sixty-Fourth, and 
Forty-Second Regiments, were observed advancing about 
two and a half miles from our lines at Brookline in regular 
order, their field artillery in front. 

I then received orders from Lord Sterling to advance with 
my battalion, and oppose the enemy’s passing a morass or 
swamp, at the foot of a fine rising ground, upon which they 
were first discovered, and thereby give time to our brigade to 
form upon the height. ‘This order I immediately obeyed, 
notwithstanding we must be exposed, without any kind of 
cover, to the great fire of the enemy’s musketry and field- 
pieces, charged with round and grape shot, and finely situated 
upon the eminence above mentioned, having the entire com- 
mand of the ground I was ordered to occupy. My battalion, 
although new and never before having the opportunity of 
facing an enemy, sustained their fire until the brigade had 
formed ; but finding we could not possibly prevent their cross- 
ing the swamp, I ordered my detachment to file off to the 


PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1252 


left, and take post in a wood upon the left of the brigade. 
Here I looked upon myself advantageously situated, and 
might be enabled, upon the advance of the enemy, to give 
him a warm reception. In this affair I lost but one soldier, 
shot with a grape shot through his throat. I had not taken 
post in the above mentioned wood but a few minutes, when 
I received a reinforcement of two companies of the Dela- 
wares, under Captain Stedman, with orders from Lord Stir- 
ling to file off farther to the left, and prevent, if possible, a 
body of the enemy observed advancing to flank the brigade. 

The enemy’s troops by this time had passed the swamp, 
and formed in line of battle opposite ours. A heavy fire, as 
well from small-arms as artillery, ensued, with very little 
damage on our side; what the enemy sustained we could not 
judge. Upon filing off to the left, according to the orders [ 
had received, I espied at the distance of about three hundred 
yards a hill of clear ground, which I judged to be a proper 
situation to oppose the troops ordered to flank us, and which 
I determined, if possible, to gain before them. At the foot 
of this hill a few of Huntington’s Connecticut Regiment, that 
had been upon the picket, joined me. In order to gain and 
secure the hill, I ordered the troops to wheel to the right and 
march up the hill abreast. When within about forty yards 
of the summit, we very unexpectedly received a very heavy 
fire from the enemy taken post there before us, notwithstand- 
ing the forced march I made. The enemy’s situation was 
so very advantageous, the back of the hill where they had 
taken post being formed by nature into a breastwork, that 
had they directed their fire properly or been marksmen, they 
must havé cut off the greatest part of my detachment. I 
having, before I advanced the hill, posted a part of my small 
number along the skirt of a wood upon my right, and left a 
guard at the foot of the hill, to prevent my being surrounded, 
and my retreat to the brigade in case of necessity, being 
cut off, the enemy being vastly superior in numbers, their 
detachment consisting of the T'wenty-Third and Forty- 
Fourth Regiments, and part of the Seventeenth. Upon 
receiving the above heavy fire, which continued very warm 
and they secure behind the hill, a small halt was made, and 
the detachment fell back a few paces. Here Captain Sted- 
man, with all the Delawares, except the Lieutenants Stewart 
and Harney, with about sixteen privates, left me, and drew 
after them some of my own. The remainder, after recover- 
ing a little from this, their first shock, I ordered to advance, 
at the same time desiring them to preserve their fire and aim 
aright. They immediately, with the resolution of veteran 
soldiers, obeyed the order. The enemy, finding their oppo- 
nents fast advancing, and determined to dispute the ground 
with them, fled with precipitation, leaving behind them 
twelve killed upon the spot, and a Lieutenant and four pri- 
vates wounded. In this engagement I lost my worthy friend 
and Lieutenant-Colonel (Parry) shot through the head, who 
fell without a groan, fighting in defence of his much injured 
country. In the midst of the action I ordered four soldiers 
to carry him as speedily as possible within the lines at 
Brookline. 

My brave fellows, flushed with this advantage, were for 
pushing forward after the flying enemy; but perceiving at 
about sixty yards from the hill we had gained, across a hol- 
low way, a stone fence lined with wood, from behind which 
we might be greatly annoyed, and fearing an ambuscade 
might be there placed, I ordered not to advance farther, but 
to maintain the possession of the hill, where kind nature had 
formed a breastwork nearly semicircular. ‘They halted, and 
found, by a heavy fire from the fence, it was lined as I sus- 
pected. ‘The fire was as briskly returned; but the enemy 
finding it too hot, and losing a number of men, retreatéd to 
and joined the right of this wing of thefr Army. 

After this first attack, which continued from the first fire 
about half an hour, we brought from the field six wounded 
soldiers and about twenty muskets. The wounded I placed 
in my rear, under the shade of some bushes; the arms | dis- 
tributed to such of the soldiers as were most indifferently 
armed. The wounded Lieutenant I sent, with two soldiers, 
to Lord Stirling. : 

After placing some sentinels to observe the further move- 
ments of the enemy, if any should be made, I ordered my 
men, greatly fatigued, to rest themselves. In about twenty 
minutes the enemy was observed marching down to make 
a second attempt for the hill. The sentinels gave the alarm. 
Officers and men immediately flew to arms, and with re- 


1253 


markable coolness and resolution sustained and returned their 
fire for about fifteen minutes, when the enemy were obliged 
‘once more to a precipitate flight, leaving behind them killed 
Lieutenant-Colonel Grant, (a person, as I afterwards under- 
stood, much valued in the British Army,) besides a number 
of privates, and some wounded. Such of the wounded as I 
thought might be assisted I had brought in and placed with 
the rest in my rear; one slightly through the leg I sent with 
a soldier to Lord Stirling. had in this attack but one 
private wounded, with two balls through his body. 

I now sent my Adjutant, Mr. Mentgis, to his Lordship, 
with an account of the successive advantages I had gained, 
and to request a reinforcement, and such further orders as 
his Lordship should judge necessary. ‘Two companies of 
Riflemen, from Keichlien’s Flying-Camp, soon after joined 
me, but were very soon ordered to rejoin their regiment, the 
reason for which I could not imagine, as I stood in such 
need of them. Very luckily, after our second engagement 
our ammunition cart, belonging to Colonel Huntington’s 
regiment, arrived at my post, of which we stood in great 
need, having entirely emptied our cartridge-boxes, and had 
used several rounds of the enemy’s ammunition, of which I 
stripped the dead and wounded every time we had the good 
fortune to beat them off the field. The officers were ex- 
tremely alert, and from the ammunition so opportunely 
arrived, soon supplied their men with a sufficient stock to 
sustain another attack, if the enemy should think proper to 
make it. 

They did not suffer us to wait long, for in about half an 
hour we were alarmed by our sentinels of their approach the 
third time. The eagerness of the officers and soldiers to 
receive them deserve my warmest acknowledgments. ‘They 
were received as usual, and as usual fled, after another con- 
flict of about a quarter of an hour. I then was determined 
to pursue; but observing a regiment making down to sustain 
them, which proved to be the Forty-Second, or Royal High- 
landers, 1 thought best to halt and prepare to receive them, 
should they advance upon me; but the drubbing their friends 
had so repeatedly received, I believe, prevented them, and 
they seemed fully satisfied to have protected the fugitives, 
and of conducting what was left, with such of the wounded 
as could crawl to them, to the Army. In these three 
attacks Major Burd, who was then a prisoner at General 
Grant’s quarters, informed me at New-York a great num- 
ber, both officers and privates, were brought to the Hospital 
wounded. 

I fully expected, as did most of my officers, that the 
strength of the British Army was advancing in this quarter 
to our lines. But how greatly were we deceived when intel- 
ligence was received by some scattering soldiers that the 
right wing and centre of the Army, amongst whom were the 
Hessians, were advancing to surround us. ‘This we were 
soon convinced of by an exceeding heavy fire in our rear. 
No troops having been posted to oppose the march of this 
grand body of the enemy’s Army but Colonel Miles’s two 
battalions of Rifles, Colonel Wills’s battalion of Connecticut, 
and a part of Lutz and Keichlien’s battalions of the Penn- 
sylvania Flying-Camp, I once more sent my Adjutant to 
Lord Stirling, to acquaint him with the last success obtained 
by my party, and to request his further orders; but receiving 
no answer, the Adjutant not returning, and waiting near 
three-quarters of an hour for the enemy, they not approach- 
ing in front, but those in the rear drawing near, I thought it 
most prudent to join the Brigade, where | might be of more 
advantage than in my present situation. I therefore ordered 
a march, leaving upon the field killed Lieutenant-Colonel 
Grant and about fifty others, and a number wounded, and 
ten privates wounded which I had brought at sundry times 
into my rear, who I suppose were soon after found by their 
friends. What other officers were killed or wounded here 
I know not, except a Captain Kennedy, of the Forty-Fourth, 
and the Lieutenant sent to Lord Stirling. 

How great was my surprise I leave any one to judge, when, 
upon coming to the ground occupied by our troops, to find it 
evacuated and the troops gone off, without my receiving the 
least intelligence of the movement, or order what to do, 
although I had so shortly before sent my Adjutant to the 
General for that purpose. ‘The General must have known, 
that by my continuing in my post at the hill, I must, with all 
my party, inevitably fall a sacrifice to the enemy. An op- 
portunity yet afforded, with risking the lives of some of us, 

* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1254 


of getting off. But perceiving a body of the enemy ad- 
vancing, which proved to be the English Grenadiers, under 
Lieutenant-Colonel Monckton, to fall upon the rear of our 
brigade, which I could see at a distance, I ordered my party 
once more to advance and support a few brave fellows, en- 
deavouring to prevent, but without success, the destruction 
of their countrymen. The timely assistance of a number 
often tried, and as often victorious, encouraged those already 
engaged, and obliged the enemy to quit the ground they had 
gained and retire to a fence lined with trees. Here we kept 
up a close fire, until the brigade had retreated out of our 
sight, when, not being able, through the weakness of my 
party, already greatly fatigued, and once more destitute of 
ammunition, to break through the enemy, and finding my 
retreat after the brigade cut off, I filed off to the right, to 
endeavour, if possible, to escape through that quarter. Lieu- 
tenant Caldwell, in this last attack, received a slight wound 
in the hand; Lieutenant-Colonel Monckton, of the Grena- 
diers, received a wound through the body. 

After marching about half a mile to the right, fell in with 
General Parsons and a small number by him collected. In 
consultation with the General it was determined to break 
through the enemy, who were here within a little way of us, 
and endeavour to make up the Island. I then pushed off, 
with such of the officers and soldiers that were willing to 
run this hazard. What became of General Parsons I know 
not, never having seen him since. I had not gone above 
two hundred yards when a Aighlander made his appearance 
in the edge of a wood. I instantly presented, as did some 
of those with me. The fellow clubbed his firelock and 
begged for quarter. I had hardly time to assure him of it, 
when I found him to be a decoy sent from a party of High- 
landers within fifty yards of our right. I immediately jumped 
forward, ordering the party to follow, taking with me the 
HMighlander’s musket, which I had, fortunately for me, de- 
prived him of. We received in our flight the fire of this 
party, and sundry others through which we were obliged to 
run for near two miles. What of my party, or if any, in 
this flight were killed, wounded, or taken, I cannot tell, as 
it is uncertain how many, or who they were, that followed 
me. JI imagined that if I could cross the Flatbush road, I 
could then make my escape by Hell-Gate, but coming to the 
road found it everywhere strictly guarded. After trying the 
road in several places, both to the right and left, and finding 
no passage, we retired to an eminence about sixty perches 
from the road, to consult whether best to conceal ourselves 
in the adjacent swamps or divide into small parties, when we 
espied a party of Hesstans, who had discovered and were 
endeavouring to surround us. ‘The opinion we had formed 
of these troops determined us to run any risk rather than fall 
into their hands; and finding after all our struggles no pros- 
pect of escaping, we determined to throw ourselves into the 
mercy of a battalion of Highlanders posted upon an eminence 
near the Flatbush road, not far from where we had last sat. 
This we did about five o’clock in the afternoon to the num- 
ber of twenty-three, thereby escaping the pursuit of a party 
of Hessians, who came to the Highlanders immediately after 
our surrender. We had remained with this regiment above 
twenty minutes, during which time the officers and men be- 
haved very civil, when we were conducted, under a strong 
guard, through the right wing of the enemy’s Army to the 
Head-Quarters of General Howe at Bedford; receiving, as 
we passed, the most scurrilous and abusive language, both 
from the officers, soldiers, and camp ladies, every one at that 
time turning hangman, and demanding of the guard why we 
were taken, why we were not put to the bayonet, and hanged, 
&c., &c., &c., &e. 

Serenaded thus by the musical tongues of Britons, we 
arrived at Bedford, where, for sixteen beside myself, we 
were favoured with a soldier’s tent, in which we had not 
room to Jie down, and nothing allowed us for covering. ‘To 
sum up the whole, we were consigned to the care of the most 
infamous of mankind, the Provost-Marshal, one Cunning- 
ham. 

Thus ended this most unfortunate 27th of August, 1776, 
during which myself and my detachment underwent great 
fatigue, and escaped death in a variety of instances. And 
I am happy to reflect that during the whole of this perilous 
day, one and all, to the utmost of their powers, and abili- 
ties, exerted themselves in performing their several duties, 
for which I shall ever retain a grateful sense, and do, for 


1255 


and in behalf of my country, return them my sincere ac- 
knowledgments, as I flatter myself, under God, they were 
the means of twice preserving the brigade from being cut 
to pieces: first, In preventing the troops in which Grant 
bore a command from falling upon the left flank ; and lastly, 
in so truly bravely attacking the Grenadiers, where Monck- 
ton commanded, and thereby preventing the destruction of 
the rear. In the first Grant fell, in the latter was Monckton 
wounded. What followed since the 27th, I have not now 
time to insert; shall leave it till I have the pleasure of see- 


nee S. J. ATLEE. 


Of the Grenadiers, I hear there were, besides officers, 
near sixty killed and wounded. 


ApmiraLty Orrice, October 10, 1776. 
Extract of a Letter from Lord Viscount Howe, Vice-Admiral of the 
White, and Commander-in-Chief of his Majesty’s ships and vessels in 
North-America, to Mr. Stephens, dated on board the Eagle, off Bedlow’s 
Island, New-York, the 31st of August, 1776. 


On the 19th instant, Captain Parker, in the Phenia, 
with the Rose, Captain Wallace, and Tryal armed schoo- 
ner, Lieutenant Brown, taking advantage of a fresh easterly 
wind, returned from the North River, through the fire of 
the enemy’s several batteries, and joined the fleet off Sta- 
ten-Island, without any loss. ‘The spirit and perseverance 
of this small squadron will be explained to their Lordships 
by Captain Parker’s Journal. 

General Howe giving me notice of his intention to make 
a descent in Gravesend-Bay, on Long-Island, on the morn- 
ing of the 22d, the necessary disposition was made, and 
seventy-five flat-boats, with eleven batteaus and two gal- 
leys, built for the occasion, were prepared for that service. 
The command of the whole remained with Commodore 
Hotham. The Captains Walker, Wallace, and Dickson, 
in the Phenix, Rose, and Greyhound, with the Thunder 
and Carcass bombs, under the direction of Colonel James, 
were appointed to cover the landing. ‘The flat-boats, gal- 
leys, and three batteaus manned from the ships-of-war, were 
formed into divisions, commanded respectively by the Cap- 
tains Vandeput, Mason, Curtis, Caldwell, Phipps, Caul- 
field, Uppleby, and Duncan, and Lieutenant Reeve, of the 
Eagle. 'The rest of the batteaus, making a tenth division, 
manned from the transports, were under the conduct of 
Lieutenant Bristow, an assistant agent. 

Early in the morning of the 22d, the covering ships took 
their stations in Gravesend-Bay. ‘The Light-Infantry, with 
the reserve, to be first landed, forming a corps together 
of four thousand men, entered the boats at Staten-Island 
the same time. ‘The transports in which the several bri- 
gades composing the second debarkation (about five thou- 
sand men) had been before embarked, were moved down 
and suitably arranged without the covering ships by eight 
o'clock. The first debarkation not meeting with any oppo- 
sition, the second succeeded immediately after; and the other 
transports, carrying the rest of the troops, following the former 
in proper succession. ‘The whole force then destined for 
this service, consisting of about fifteen thousand men, was 
landed before noon, -On the diligence and utility of Captain 
Bourmaster, and the other agents of the transports, on that 
occasion, too much commendation cannot be bestowed. 

On the 25th, an additional corps of Hessian troops under 
General Heister, with their field artillery and baggage, were 
conveyed to Gravesend-Bay. 

Being informed the next day, by General Howe, of his 
intentions to advance with the Army that night to the ene- 
my’s lines, and of his wishes that some diversion might be 
attempted by the ships on this side, I gave direction to 
Sir Peter Parker for proceeding higher up in the channel 
towards the town of New-York next morning, with the 
Asia, Renown, Preston, (Commodore Hotham embarked 
in the Phenix, having been left to carry on the service in 
Gravesend-Bay,) Roebuck, and Repulse, and to keep those 
ships in readiness for being employed as occasion might 
require; but the wind veering to the northward soon after 
the break of day, the ships could not be moved up to the 
distance proposed ; therefore, when the troops under General 
Grant, forming the left column of the Army, were seen to 
be engaged with the enemy in the morning, the Roebuck, 
Captain Hammond, leading the detached squadron, was the 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1256 


only ship that could fetch high enough to the northward 
to exchange a few random shot with the battery on Red- 
Hook; and the ebb making strongly down the river soon 
after, I ordered the signal to be shown for the squadron to 
anchor. 

It was observed, that as soon as the centre column of the 
Army was seen to have turned the flank of the enemy’s 
line opposed to General Grant, they immediately attempt- 
ed to make their retreat within their works, but that they 
suffered great loss both in the number killed and made 
prisoners. 

On the night of the 29th the Rebels abandoned all their 
posts and works on Long-Island, and retired with great 


precipitation across the East-River to the town of New- 
York. 


GENERAL HOWE TO LORD GEORGE GERMAINE. 
Camp at Newtown, Long-Island, September 3, 1776. 

My Lorp: On the 22d of last month, in the morning, 
the British, with Colonel Donop’s corps of Chasseurs and 
Hessian Grenadiers, disembarked near Utrecht, on Long- 
Island, without opposition, the whole being landed, with 
forty pieces of cannon, in two hours and a half, under the 
direction of Commodore Hotham—Lieutenant-General Clin- 
ton commanding the first division of the troops. 

The enemy had only small parties on the coast, who, 
upon the approach of the boats, retired to the woody heights, 
commanding a principal pass on the road from Flatbush to 
their works at Brooklyn. Lord Cornwallis was immediately 
detached to Flatbush with the reserve, (two battalions of 
Light-Infantry, and Colonel Donop’s corps, with six field- 
pieces,) having orders not to risk an attack upon the pass if 
he should find it occupied; which proving to be the case, 
his Lordship took post in the village, and the Army extend- 
ed from the ferry at the Narrows, through Utrecht and 
Gravesend, to the village of Flatland. 

On the 25th, Lieutenant-General De Heister, with two 
brigades of Hessians from Staten-Island, joied the Army, 
leaving one brigade of his troops, a detachment of the 
Fourteenth Regiment from Virginia, some convalescents 
and recruits, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Dalrymple, for the security of that Island. 

On the 26th, Lieutenant-General De Heister took post at 
Flatbush, and in the evening Lord Cornwallis with the 
British drew off to Flatland. About nine o’clock the same 
night, the van of the Army, commanded by Lieutenant- 
General Clinton, consisting of the Light-Dragoons and bri- 
gade of Light-Infantry, the reserve under the command of 
Lord Cornwallis, excepting the Forty-Second Regiment, 
which was posted to the left of the Hessians, the First 
Brigade, and the Seventy-First Regiment, with fourteen 
field-pieces, began to move from Flatland across the coun- 
try through the new lots, to seize a path in the heights, ex- 
tending from east to west, along the middle of the Island, 
and about three miles from Bedford, on the road to Jamaica, 
in order to turn the enemy’s left posted at Flatbush. 

August 27.—General Clinton being arrived within half 
a mile of the pass about two hours before daybreak, halted, 
and settled his disposition for the attack. One of his patrols 
falling in with a patrol of the enemy’s officers, took them; 
and the General, learning from their information that the 
Rebels had not occupied the pass, detached a battalion of 
Light-Infantry to secure it; and advancing with his corps 
upon the first appearance of day, possessed himself of the 
heights with such a disposition as must have insured suc- 
cess, had he found the enemy in force to oppose him. 

The main body of the Army, consisting of the Guards, 
Second, Third, and Fifth Brigades, with ten field-pieces, led 
by Lord Percy, marched soon after General Clinton, and 
halted an hour before day in his rear. ‘This column (the 
country not admitting of two columns of march) was fol- 
lowed by the Forty-Ninth Regiment, with four medium 
twelve-pounders, and the baggage closed the rear with 
separate guard. 

As soon as these corps had passed the heights, they halted 
for the soldiers to take a little refreshment, after which the 
march was continued, and about half an hour past eight 
o’clock, having got to Bedford, in the rear of the enemy’s* 
left, the attack was commenced by the Light-Infantry and 
Light-Dragoons upon large bodies of the Rebels, having can- 


sa 


1257 


non, who were quitting the woody heights before mentioned 
to return to their lines, upon discovermg the march of the 
Army; instead of which they were drove back, and the 
Army still moving on to gain the enemy’s rear, the Grena- 
diers and Thirty-Third Regiment, being in front of the 
column, soon approached within musket-shot of the enemy’s 
lines at Brooklyn, from whence these battalions, without 
regarding the fire of cannon and small-arms upon them, 
pursued numbers of the Rebels that were retiring from the 
heights so close to their principal redoubt, and with such 
eagerness to attack it by storm, that it required repeated 
orders to prevail upon them to desist from the attempt. Had 
they been permitted to go on, it is my opinion they would 
have carried the redoubt; but as it was apparent the lines 
must have been ours at a very cheap rate by regular 
approaches, I would not risk the loss that might have 
been sustained in the assault, and ordered them back to a 
hollow way in the front of the works, out of the reach of 
musketry. 

Lieutenant-General De Heister began soon after daybreak 
to cannonade the enemy in the front, and, upon the approach 
of our right, ordered Colonel Donop’s corps to advance to 
the attack of the hill, following himself at the head of the 
brigades. ‘The Light-Infantry, about that time having been 
reinforced by the light company, the Grenadier company, 
and two other companies of the Guards, who joined them 
with the greatest activity and spirit, had taken three pieces 
of cannon, and were warmly engaged with very superior 
numbers in the woods, when, on the Hessians advancing, the 
enemy gave way, and was entirely routed in that quarter. 
On the left, Major-General Grant, having the Fourth and 
Sixth Brigades, the Forty-Second Regiment, and two com- 
panies of New-York Provincials, raised by Governour Tryon 
in the spring, advanced along the coast with ten pieces of 
cannon, to divert the enemy’s attention from their left. About 
midnight, he fell in with their advanced parties, and at day- 
break, with a large corps, having cannon, and advantage- 
ously posted, with whom there was skirmishing and a can- 
nonade for some hours; until, by the firing at Brooklyn, the 
Rebels, suspecting their retreat would be cut off, made a 
movement to the right, in order to secure it across a swamp 
and creek that covered the right of their works; but being 
met in their way by a part of the Second Grenadiers, who 
were soon after supported by the Seventy-First Regiment, 
and General Grant’s left coming up, they suffered consider- 
ably: numbers of them, however, did get into the morass, 
where many were suffocated or drowned. 

The force of the enemy detached from the lines where 
General Putnam commanded was not less, from the best 
accounts I have had, than ten thousand men, who were 
under the orders of Major-General Sullivan, Brigadier- 
Generals Lord Stirling and Udell. Their loss is computed 
to be about three thousand three hundred killed, wounded, 
prisoners, and drowned, with five field-pieces and one how- 
itzer taken. A return of the prisoners is enclosed. 

On the part of the King’s troops, five officers and fifty- 
six non-commissioned officers and rank and file killed; twelve 
officers and two hundred and forty-five non-commissioned 
officers and rank and file wounded; one officer and twenty 
Grenadiers of the Marines taken by mistaking the enemy for 
the Hessians. 

The Hessians had two privates killed, three officers and 
twenty-three rank and file wounded. The wounds are in 
general very slight. Lieutenant-Colonel Monckton is shot 
through the body, but there are the greatest hopes of his 
recovery. 

The behaviour of both officers and soldiers, British and 
Hessians, was highly to their honour. More determined 
courage and steadiness in troops have never been expe- 
rienced, or a greater ardour to distinguish themselves, as 
all those who had an opportunity have amply evinced by 
their actions. 

In the evening of the 27th, the Army encamped in front 
of the enemy’s works. On the 28th, at night, broke ground 
six hundred yards distant from a redoubtupon their left, and 
on the 29th, at night, the Rebels evacuated their intrench- 
ments and Red-Hook, with the utmost silence, and quitted 
Governour’s Island the following evening, leaving their can- 
‘non and a quantity of stores in all their works. At day- 
break on the 30th, their flight was discovered, the piquets 
of the line took possession, and those most advanced reached 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1258 


the shore opposite to New-York as their rear guard was going 
over, and fired some shot among them. 

The enemy is still in possession of the town and island of 
New-York, in force, and making demonstration of opposing 
us in their works on both sides of King’s Bridge. ‘The in- 
habitants of this Island, many of whom had been forced into 
rebellion, have all submitted, and are ready to take the oaths 
of allegiance. 

This despatch will be delivered to your Lordship by 
Major Cuyler, my first Aid-de-camp, who, I trust, will be 
able to give your Lordship such further information as may 
be required. 


I have the honour to be, &c., Wixi. Howe. 


P.S. I have omitted to take notice, in its proper place, 
of a movement made by the King’s ships towards the town 
on the 27th, at daybreak, with a view of drawing off the 
attention of the enemy from our real design, which, I believe, 
effectually answered the intended purpose. 


Return of the Prisoners taken on Lonc-Istanp, August 
27, 1776. 


COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 


Three Generals. 


Major-General Sullivan, 
Brigadier-General Lord Stirling, 
Brigadier-General Udell. 


Forty-three Lieutenants. 
Provincial Rifle Regiments... 11 
Pennsylvania Musketeers. ... 
Pennsylvania Militia........ 


1 
. . 6 
Three Colonels. 17th Continental Regiment... 4 


Delaware Battalion......... 

Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment. 1 | lst Battalion New York Con- 
Pennsylvania Musketeers.... 1 tinenitalssg.jn! [sisi-stm'ssoyoto'siebs o NO 
New-Jersey Militia......... 1 | 11th Battalion Continental... 1 
Four Lieutenant- Colonels. New-Jersey Militia. ....... rhe I 


Ist Battalion Maryland Inde 


Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment. 1]  pendents......s..eseeeees 2 

Pennsylvania Militia........ 2 | Long-Island Militia......... 2 

17th Continental Regiment... 1 | Train of Artillery........++ 1 
Three Majors. Maryland Provincials....... 3 

Pennsylvania Militia........ 1 Eleven Ensigns. 

17th Continental Regiment... 1 | Pennsylvania Musketeers.... 4 

22d Continental Regiment.... 1 | 17th Continental Regiment... 5 
i ’ Maryland Provincials....... 2 

Eighteen Captains. Staff. 

Pennsylvania RifleRegiment. 2 | Adjutant............ Daleistets 1 

Pennsylvania Musketeers.... 4 | Surgeons....ccceccsceseees 3 

Pennsylvania Militia........ BVGIirtt teenie atte si setale la letsrehstare 

ie Continental Regiment... 4 | Privates.........000. oceee 1006 

ram Of Artilleryse seme eigie 1 
Maryland Provincials....... 2 Uplah sewvamg ds :* et 


N. B. Nine Officers and fifty-eight Privates of the above wounded. 
Jos. Lorine, Commis. of Prisoners. 


Return of Brass and Iron Ordnance taken from the enemy 
in the engagement on the 27th of Aucust, 1776, and 
found in their different Redoubts on Lone-Istann and 
Governour’s IsLanp. 


Camp at Newrown, September 3, 1776. 
Brass Ordnance taken in the engagement 27th Aueust, 1776. 


One five and half-inch howitzer, four 6-pounders, one 3-pounder. 
Total of Brass Ordnance, 6. 


Iron Ordnance found in the different Forts on Lone-Istanp and Goverr- 
NourR’s IsLanp. 


Six 32-pounders, one 24-pounder, four 18-pounders, two 12-pounders, 
two 9-pounders, eight 6-pounders, three 3-pounders. ‘Total of Iron 
Ordnance, 26. 

A quantity of shot, shells, ammunition, intrenching tools, small-arms, 
a number of long pikes, ammunition carts, and many other articles not 


at present ascertained. 
W. Howe, Commander-in- Chief. 


Return of the Killed, Wounded, and Missing, of the follow- 
ing Corps, Aucust 27, 1776. 

First Battalion of Light-Infantry—Four Rank and File, killed; two 
Sergeants, one Drummer, twenty-one Rank and File, wounded, one 
Rank and File, missing. , 

Second Battalion of Light-Infantry.—Four Rank and File, killed; one 
Captain, two Lieutenants, one Sergeant, twenty-seven Rank and File, 
wounded. } , ; 

Third Battalion of Light-Infantry—Three Rank and File, killed; six 
Rank and File, wounded. 

First Battalion of Grenadiers.—One Rank and File, killed; four 
Rank and File, wounded. 

Second Battalion of Grenadiers.—T wo Captains, one Sergeant, nine 
Rank and File, killed; one Lieutenant-Colonel, one Captain, three 
Lieutenants, one Drummer, thirty-two Rank and File, wounded; 
one Lieutenant, one Sergeant, twenty Rank and File, missing. 

Third Battalion of Grenadiers.—One Rank and File, wounded. 

Fourth Battalion of Grenadiers. —One Rank and File, killed; one 
Sergeant, eleven Rank and File, wounded; one Rank and File, 
missing. 
33d Regiment.—Four Rank and File, wounded. 
| 42d Regiment.—One Lieutenant, nine Rank and File, wounded. 


Reserve. 


1259 CORRESPONDENCE, 


FIRST BRIGADE. 


4th Regiment.—None killed, wounded, or missing. ; 
15th Regiment.—T wo Rank and File, wounded. 
QTth Regiment.—None killed, wounded, or missing. 
45th Regiment.—None killed, wounded, or missing. 


SECOND BRIGADE. 
5th Regiment.—None killed, wounded, or missing. 


28th ditto. ditto. ditto. 
35th ditto. ditto. ditto. 
49th ditto. ditto. ditto. 


THIRD BRIGADE. 
10th Regiment.—None killed, wounded, or missing. 


37th ditto. One Rank and File, wounded. 
38th ditto. Three Rank and File, wounded. } 
52d_ ditto. One Rank and File, killed; seven Rank and File 


wounded; one Rank and File, missing. 
FOURTH BRIGADE. 


17th Regiment.—One Captain, two Rank and File, killed; one Lieute- 
nant, one Sergeant, nineteen Rank and File, wounded. f ; 

40th Regiment.—One Lieutenant-Colonel, one Rank and File, killed; 
five Rank and File, wounded. 

A6th Regiment.—F our Rank and File, wounded. . 

55th Regiment.—One Rank and File, killed; three Rank and File, 
wounded. 


FIFTH BRIGADE. 


22d Regiment.—One Rank and File, killed; one Rank and File, 
wounded. 

43d Regiment.—One Rank and File, killed. 

54th Regiment.—None killed, wounded, or missing. 

63d Regiment.—None killed, wounded, or missing. 


SIXTH BRIGADE. 


23d Regiment.—One Sergeant, six Rank and File, killed; one Captain, 
one Sergeant, twenty-six Rank and File, wounded. 

44th Regiment.—Ten Rank and File, killed; one Lieutenant, one Ser- 
geant, seventeen Rank and File, wounded. 

57th Regiment.—One Rank and File, killed. 

64th Regiment.—None killed, wounded, or missing. 


SEVENTH BRIGADE. 


71st Regiment.—Three Rank and File, killed; two Sergeants, nine 
Rank and File, wounded; six Rank and File, missing. 


New-York Companies.—Four Rank and File, killed; two Sergeants, 
one Drummer, fourteen Rank and File, wounded. 


Royal Artillery.—One Lieutenant, one Sergeant, killed; five Rank and 
File, wounded. 


Total: One Lieutenant-Colonel, three Captains, one Lieutenant, three 
Sergeants, fifty-three Rank and File, killed; one Lieutenant-Colonel, 
three Captains, eight Lieutenants, eleven Sergeants, three Drummers, 
two hundred and thirty-one Rank and File, wounded; one Lieutenant, 
one Sergeant, twenty-nine Rank and File, missing. 


Last of Officers killed, wounded, and missing. 
Killed.—Captain Sir Alexander Murray.....17th Regiment. 
‘ 


: Lieutenant-Colonel Grant........- 40th ditto. 
GC Captaimi Nelsons a asnesieieictes cle eie- 52d_— ditto. 
a Captain Logan irs. fens sc pee pore 2d Regiment Marines. 
se Second Lieutenant Lovell......... Royal Artillery. 
Wounded.—Lieutenant Morgan.....-.+.+-. 17th Regiment. 
oa Cute CrLOVGslele slareietsic ates)sieie 23d = ditto. 
2: Lieutenant Crammond......... 42d ditto. 
ss Lieutenant Mair....e0...ce00. 43d ditto. 
as Lieutenant |W €ir.iieissicte s25ci0s 5 43d ditto. 
cs Captain Brown................44th ditto. 
cs Captain Kennedy..........0+. 44th ditto. 
“ Lieutenant Brown......e.s00. 44th ditto. 
< Lieutenant-Colonel Monckton..45th ditto. 
sé Lieutenant Powell............. 49th ditto. 
ee Lieutenant Addison ........... 52d _— ditto. 
x Lieutenant Nugent............ Ist Regiment Marines. 


Missing.—Lieutenant Ragg, 2d Regiment Marines, prisoner. 
Hessian Troops.—Two Rank and File, killed; twenty-three Rank 
and File, wounded. 


Major Paoli, Captain O’Reilly, Lieutenant Donop, wounded. 
W. Howe, Commander-in- Chief. 


EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM AN OFFICER IN GENERAL FRA- 
ZIER'S BATTALION, DATED SEPTEMBER 3, 1776. 


Rejoice, my friend, that we have given the Rebels a 
d dcrush. We Janded on Long-Island the 22d ult., 
without opposition. On the 27th we had a very warm 
action, in which the Scots regiments behaved with the 
greatest bravery, and carried the day after an obstinate re- 
sistance on the Rebel side. But we flanked and overpow- 
ered them with numbers. The Hessians and our brave 
Eighlanders gave no quarters; and it was a fine sight to see 
with what alacrity they despatched the Rebels with their 
bayonets after we had surrounded them so that they could 
not resist. Multitudes were drowned and suffocated in mo- 
rasses—a proper punishment for all Rebels. Our battalion 
outmarched all the rest, and was always first up with the 
Rebel fugitives. A fellow they call Lord Stirling, one of 
their Generals, with two others, is prisoner, and a great 
many of their officers, men, artillery, and stores. It was a 
glorious achievement, my friend, and will immortalize us 


PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1260 


and crush the Rebel Colonies. Our loss was nothing. We 
took care to tell the Hessians that the Rebels had resolved 
to give no quarters to them in particular, which made them 
fight desperately, and put all to death that fell into their 
hands. You know all stratagems are lawful in war, espe- 
cially against such vile enemies to their King and country. 
The Island is all ours, and we shall soon take New-York, 
for the Rebels dare not look us in the face. I expect the 
affair will be over this campaign, and we shall all return 
covered with American laurels, and have the cream of 
American lands allotted us for our services. 

[Lest any of those persons who affect not to believe anything against 
the British soldiers, and will pretend to say that the above letter, which 
exactly tallies with their conduct as heretofore represented, is an Ameri- 
can forgery, we would inform them that the English paper from whence 
the above is taken may be seen in the hands of the printers in Hartford. 
—Mass. Spy.] 


JOHN SLOSS HOBART TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
Huntington, August 31, 1776. 

GrntLemen: Our express of yesterday not being able to 
cross the Sound at Sand’s Ferry, has returned to us, which 
gives us an opportunity to acquaint you with the present 
situation of our affairs. We have this morning received a 
letter from Major Smith, declining the office of Major, in 
which he has “heretofore acted with faithfulness,” a copy of 
which we have the honour to enclose, together with a copy 
of Ebenezer Dayton’s narrative of the transactions yesterday 
at Smith-Town. 

A number of the Militia of this town are now under arms, 
and we are in hopes that most of them will turn out; but a 
general complaint among them is, that their officers have 
deserted them, and if the enemy should find them in arms, 
they will meet with worse treatment than if they peaceably 
wait their fate. We have exerted ourselves to recover the 
people from the consternation into which they were thrown 
by the precipitate retreat of General Woodhull’s party. We 
have in some measure succeeded; and could we assure them 
of being supported, and that the Island was not abandoned 
to the enemy, we doubt not but the people might be brought 
to act with vigour; but such a total depression prevailed 
upon our arrival, that twenty horsemen would have ravaged 
the whole country. A number of the King’s County Horse- 
men have crossed the Sound from this place, leaving their 
horses to follow them in another boat. We have taken the 
liberty to stop the horses, and shall send for the men back. 
We purpose, after the party who were with General Wood- 
hull are rallied, to form the rest into companies and appoint 
the officers. As to field-officers, we shall be at a loss, as 
Colonel Floyd, who commands the regiment, is at Congress ; 
Lieutenant-Colonel Potter is gone off with himself, and First 
Major Smith has resigned; Second Major Brush is with us, 
and begins to be in spirits. Should we be able to rouse a 
considerable number of this regiment, more Field-Officers will 
be necessary. We wish the direction of Convention on the 
subject. . We beg the favour of copies of the late resolves 
respecting officers and men who refuse to do duty in time of 
an invasion. You will see that we could do nothing with- 
out assuming power not given us by Convention, and hope 
the necessity of the case will plead our excuse. We pro- 
pose, as soon as matters are regulated here, to proceed east- 
ward, and endeavour to prevent the evils that are to be 
apprehended from the indiscreet conduct of Major Smith 
and Captain Thompson. 

We have the honour to be your most obedient servants, 

Jno. Stoss Hosarrt, 
James 'TOwNsEND. 


To the Honourable Convention of New-York. 


COLONEL LIVINGSTON TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Southold, August 31, 1776. 


Mayr pLeasE your Excetuency: I have, since I wrote 
to you yesterday, received by express an account, which may 
be depended upon, that General Woodhull was taken a pri- 
soner by our enemies on Wednesday last. ‘Their Troop of 
Horse 1s considered by the inhabitants to the westward of 
Huntington as an insurmountable obstacle to their ever ob- 
taining their freedom, independent of Great Britain. Many 
have been prevailed with by the disaffected to us to solicit 


1261 


pardons from Lord Howe, and they are circulating at a great 
rate. Our communication is cut off from New-York by 
land, and there are three ships, a brig, and a sloop, that 
endeavour to intercept it by water. So many reports daily 
circulate here with respect to the strength and advantageous 
situation of our enemies, that it is very difficult to give your 
Excellency a distinct account. They are now possessed of 
Hempstead Plains; their Horse are continually employed 
in disarming the inhabitants, but do them no other injury. 
General Woodhull was taken a prisoner and treated cruelly 
by them. After he was taken he received a wound in his 
head, and much uncivil language, and finally committed close 
prisoner to Jamaica jail. 

Our enemies are plentifully supplied with fresh provisions, 
which, together with the precarious situation I am in, has 
induced me to march my detachment to the westward, in 
order to harass their foraging parties. I have endeavoured 
to prevail upon the Committees of the different towns to 
raise their Militia, and have also sent an express to Governour 
Trumbull, requesting his aid; for if some encouragement is 
not given to the country people, they will be entirely passive. 

I am your Excellency’s most obedient servant, 

Henry B. Livineston. 


To His Excellency General Washington, New-York. 
P.S. I expect to be at Huntington in about three days. 


We begin our march to-morrow morning. I hope for your 
Excellency’s approbation. 


SUFFOLK COUNTY (NEW-YORK) COMMITTEE TO GOVERNOUR 
TRUMBULL. 
Suffolk County, Southold, Augygst 31, 1776. 

Honovrep Sir: We are sorry to acquaint you that we 
have received several expresses from the middle of this 
Island, acquainting us of the Regular troops having sur- 
rounded our lines at the west end, and stopped our commu- 
nications to the Army and Provincial Congress. Their 
scouting party consists of about three hundred Light-Horse 
and four hundred Foot, together with a number of Tory 
recruits, and to all appearances are about penetrating into 
this County, as they have already marched as far as the 
western part of Hempstead Plains, where they took prison- 
er Brigadier-General Nathaniel Woodhull, Commander-in- 
Chief of the Militia of this Island. We must beg the favour 
of you to aid and assist us with men and ammunition, as our 
men are chiefly drawn off and are now in the Army, so that 
we are not able to raise more than seven hundred and fifty 
men in the whole County that are capable to bear arms. 
If you think proper to send us men, which we think we 
really need, we must beg you would send what provisions 
you think they will want, all but fresh, which we can make 
out to supply them with. By the best accounts we can learn 
of the strength of the Regular Army now landed on this 


Island, they consist of about fifteen or twenty thousand men. 


At a Committee meeting, signed per order. 
Rosert Hempsteap, Chairman. 


REV. S. BUELL TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Sag-Harbour, August 31, 1776. 
Sir: I wrote you yesterday from this place, since which 
we hear per express General Woodhull is fallen into the 
hands of the King’s troops; that two days since they drove 
fifteen hundred head of cattle from Hempstead Plain to 
their Army. The western Counties upon this Isle are 
already in their possession. With about three hundred 
Horse and a Foot company, they are about to penetrate into 
this County. I this hour came from our Committee, who 
have desired me to second their request to your Honour, that 
if possible you throw a number of troops upon this Island as 
soon as possible. We are the rather encouraged to hope 
for this favour, in our present extreme exigency and peril, 
in that your Honour sent Messrs. Huntington and Ely to us 
yesterday relative to the important design. We have three 
companies stationed here, consisting of ninety men gach, 
together with a third part of our Militia, who are ordered to 
march immediately up the Island. About fifteen miles from 
hence our people are erecting a strong breastwork, where 
that part of the Island is but about fifty rods wide, which, 
well effected, two hundred men may oppose two thousand. 
As one-half of our Militia is already in the Army, we ex- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1262 


tremely need some assistance. Without any hyperbole, there 
are ten thousand people, with all the stock in this County, 
which will probably fall into the hands of the King’s troops, 
unless we have some assistance. Your Honour will take a 
full view of such shocking consequences, and doubtless be 
assured it will greatly tend to intimidate the enemy to hear 
there is an Army marching against them from the eastward, 
and much befriend your Honour’s great confidant, the excel- 
lent General Washington. But I need not multiply words. 
Your Honour well knows all possible expedition is necessary 
in the present case. 

In utmost haste, with great esteem, I am your Honour’s 


much obliged humble friend and servant, eel a eee 


To His Excellency Governour Trumbull. 


CORNELIUS C. ROOSEVELT TO NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 
August 31, 1776. 
Gent Lemen: The twenty-six muskets of Mr. Nodle have 
received, with the contract and order; agreeable to which, 
I applied to four Gunsmiths, in order to view them, and 
advised them of the contract; upon which they examined 
said muskets, and gave the enclosed certificate. 
I am, gentlemen, in behalf of Mr. Peter T. Curtenius, 
your most obedient and very humble servant, 
Corns. C. Roosevetr. 


To the Hon. Representatives of the State of New-York. 


COLONEL HOPKINS TO GENERAL GEORGE CLINTON. 
Frog’s Neck, August 31, 1776. 


Sir: Agreeable to orders this day received from Colonel 
Graham, I herewith send you, to the care of the main guard, 
one John Wooly, who was taken by Captain Paine on Long- 
Island shore, with his boat, for having been two or three times 
on board the men-of-war in the Sound, and supplying them 
with provisions. He denies supplying them, but confesses 
he hath been on board. 

The brig of war and her tender are come back just now, 
and lay close to Francis Lewis, Esquire’s, house, and the 
people are gone ashore and driving up the cattle, &c. 

There was one Hewlet taken with Wooly, but in the hurry 
of affairs when the brig was going by, he hath escaped, but 
I know of no crime he is guilty of. ‘The people here pray 
for a reinforcement, fearing the enemy will land here from 
the Island with a large number of troops. 

I am, sir, your most humble servant, 

Roswetu Horxins, Lieutenant- Colonel. 


To General Clinton, King’s Bridge. 


GENERAL HEATH TO LIEUTENANT LANGDON. 
Mount Washington, August 31, 1776. 


Sir: You are immediately to proceed to the town of Har- 
lem, with the detachment under your command, and take 
post near the landing place. You are to post sentinels in 
the daytime, so as to prevent the soldiers of the Army who 
have not proper passes going over the ferry; and, also, both 
day and night to be very alert in discovering any movement 
or advance of the enemy, of which you are to give imme- 
diate notice to the commanding officer at this post. 


Tam, sir, yours, &c., W. Heatu, Major-General. 
To Lieutenant Langdon. 


GEN. HEATH TO OFFICER COMMANDING AT MOUNT WASHINGTON. 


King’s Bridge, August 31, 1776, half past seven 
o’clock in the evening. 


Dear Sir: I have just received information that a large 
paity of the enemy just before sunset appeared nearly oppo- 
site to Morisannia, or Hunt’s Point, where they pitched their 
tents, and it is apprehended intended to pass. I have order- 
ed the regiments here to lie on their arms this night. If the 
troops have returned from New- York, I would have Colonel 
Nicolls return with his detachment to his post, and some other 
troops held in readiness, should they be wanted—a detach- 
ment of the Artillery, with two brass three-pounders, which 
are to be well found with ammunition, &c.; one to be sent 
to this post immediately. 

I am, dear sir, yours, &c., Wm. Hearn. 


To the Commanding Officer at Mount Washington. 


1263 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1264 


A Pay-Roll of the Officers on board the Armed Galley Lavy Wasutneton, from the time of their entry to the last of 
Aveust, 1776, inclusively, according to a Resolve of Congress; and as said Officers were advanced out of the Conti- 
nental Army, a subduction is made of what they receive in the Company or Regiment to which they belong, viz : 


OFFICERS’ NAMES. 


Pay per month | Time of entry on | Time of service to |Amount of wages to| Subductionas | Total due after sub- 


in dollars. board. the last of August. | the first of August. above. - duction. 

M. D £ Mp ce L&E Bi d. £ Fas 
RODE COOK, Capitals scsi sey ace de epee emer. 32 13th July, Lo 20, 18 12 Oe 1G mele MS Chee 
Nathan Wardell, First Lieutenant............. 20 14th July, 1 18 72°16: 70 4 18 1: 7 17 10! 
Abram Godwin, Second Lieutenant............ 20 14th August, O27 Suybie4s OOIaG 54 17 4x 

Benjamin Vinal, Master........ AA oo aobee 20 26th July, 1 6 Seabee PI 6. 0 0 

Benjamin Davis, Boatswain..........- Bectostets'> 15 26th July, 1 6 ie 40 on 4a 4 0 0 

Henry Roster; Gurner.\srtsrelorie ricistoeeiciote eis - ae 15 14th July, 18 128.0 4 16 0 4 16 0 

Alexander Bebee, Carpenter. a. <cseseeccscess 15 26th July, lic nS 7 40 3 4 0 4 0 0 
Thomas Perry, Boatswain’s Mate .......---00- 103 26th July, 1 6 5 2 43 3s EU Lis 248 
William Doke, Gunner’s Mate. ..........0006- 102 14th July, eer 6 16 6: 4 16 0 2 Oe 
JOM SteDleYy, SLE WATE ce csistsleptrtoett icc c/o sie /anyele « 132 26th July, 1 6 611 23 F400 3 eT RE 
Kemp, Cook. ®nevsses + e.ck Seb teow fool 12 26th July, 1 6 De. Laps BP a) 2 11. 23 
George Bermbinerets cress cis cleive tis secs crs cle es'eis 62 5th August, Uipeoso 2 4 65} UO aL 2 4 53 
£55 15 03 

INDY (OLENLCCIOADANELLGA Lette classe ec'n siecle © oiciee cisco te sia metrics se ne cele berateratete raters pre ars terererelers SEMBOCAGS Ot Biilevtstalaieiehs 2 \cie's I, 65 
142 51-72 dollars. The footing of the right hand column, viz: £57 1s. 83d. New-York currency...... piatetelaierie ote leiavicks Salosgaae £57 1 83 


* 96s. 8d. too little. 


Rosert Coox, Captain. 


Examined for William Palfrey, Paymaster-General: 


Joun LAWRENCE. 


To William Palfrey, Esq., Paymaster-General of the Forces of the United States of America: 


Pay to Captain Robert Cook, one. hundred and forty-two dollars and fifty-one seventy-second parts of a dollar, ($142 51-72,) being in full for 
the pay of the Officers on board the armed Galley Lady Washington, to the thirty-first day of August last, agreeable to the within abstract, for which 


this shall be your warrant. 
Given under my hand at Head-Quarters, Harlem Heights, the 


By His Excellency’s command. 


day of October, A. D. 1776. 


September 29th, 4. D., 1776.—I have examined the within abstract, and can find no exceptionable error. 


Bensamin Tupper, Lieutenant-Colonel and Commander. 


To the Honourable Grorce Cuinton, Esq., Brigadier- 


General in the Untrep States or AMERICA: 


The Petition of Colonel Morris Grauam and the Officers 
of the Regiment under his command, in your Honour’s 
Brigade, humbly showeth: 


That Wilkam Forman hath been appointed a Surgeon in 
this regiment without the knowledge or recommendation of 
the Colonel of said regiment or any of the other officers; in 
which appointment your petitioners think themselves much 
imposed upon by an unskilful Physician; neither are they 
willing to trust their lives in his hands or employ him in any 
case whatever. Your petitioners would also observe to your 
Honour, that even the privates will not employ him, but seve- 
ral of them have been at considerable expense out of their 
own pockets in applying to other physicians. We would 
beg leave to recommend Doctor Abraham Teller as a suit- 
able person for a Surgeon, &c., to the said regiment, who 
would be very agreeable to it, should he be appointed as 
such. Therefore your petitioners most humbly pray your 
Honour to take our case into consideration, and order the 
said William Forman to be discharged from the service, and 
appoint the said Abraham Teller, or.some other skilful Sur- 
geon, for our regiment; and your Honour’s petitioners, in 
duty bound, shall ever pray. 


Morris Graham, Colonel. 
Roswell Hopkins, Lieut. Col. 
William Barker, Major. 

William Stewart, Captain. 

Jno. L. Hardenberg, Lieutenant. 
Reuben Hopkins, Adjutant-Liewt. 
Peter Stoutenberg, Captain. 
Ebenezer Mott, Lieutenant. 
William Denniston, Lieutenant. 
Harman J. Knykerbacker, Lieut. 
George Sharpe, Lieutenant. 


John Seton, Lieutenant. 
Andrew Hearmanse, Captain. 
John Van Steenbergh, Captain. 
Benjamin Bogardus, Lieutenant. 
Samuel Waters, Lieutenant. 
Stephen Edgert, Liewtenant. 
William Mead, Lieutenant. 
Elisha Barlow, Captain. 

Ezra St. John, Lieutenant. 
Ebenezer Carter, Lieutenant. 
James Teller, Captain. 


RETURN OF ELKANAH DAY’S COMPANY. 


A Return of the men inlisted in a Company of which Iam 
expected to take the command: 


Uriah Carpenter, GEL 
Daniel Ranny. Aug. 8,776. 
Bildad Easton, 
Abner Wright, 
John Wise. 
Joseph Willard, 
John Morse, 
Fairbank Moore, 


| 
Lemuel Cone, 
| 
| 
‘| 


James Williamson, ) 

John Johnson, + August 14. 

Fairbank Moore, jr., J 

John Smith 

Tim. Parker. f August 15. 

Elijah Parker, ] 

Nehemiah Gould, i 

Moses Gould, 

James Hickson, ] 
} 


Alugust 16. 


August 17. 


Nathaniel Ketridge, August 12. 


Daniel Hogins, 
Nathan Robinson, 
Calvin Chaffee. 
John Sternes, 
Abraham Dickerson 
Jonathan Fuller, 


John French, 
John Abby, 
Saml. Averill, 
Joseph Phippan, 
James Crefford, 
August 14. Jacob Abby. 


August 19. 


sae al. 


Exxanau Day. 


N. B. Qne of the Lieutenants has not made return. I 
understand a Sergeant has inlisted six men, but not made 
return. We have about fifty inlisted, but in this haste can’t 
ascertain their names for want of the return being made. 


E. Day. 


Muster-Roll of Captain Joseru Hartcn’s Company of 


Rangers, under the command of Major Joan Hotsineron. 


Men’s Names. | When Inlisted. £ s. d. 
Captain Joseph Hatch...........00..- August 13, 1776. 800 
Lieutenant Simeon Stevens..........6: August 13, 1776. 580 
Lieutenant Amos Chamberlain........ August 13, 1776. 580 
Sergeant Elias Stevens................| August 13, 1776. 280 
Sergeant Samuel Hadley..........24.. August 14, 1776. 280 
Sergeant Joel Chamberlain...........- August 13, 1776. 280 
Corporal Stephen Percival..........0- August 13, 1776. 240 
Corporal Jacob Page, 'ss.siess''> aheins os August 14, 1776. 240 
Jobh Hutchinson: 24.2 ost. ceases August 13, 1776. 200 
Sylvanus Owen. ......seeeees da bitiwe August 13, 1776. 200 
Dhomasva hnerastteiseciei ate aaateieicsricts August 13, 1776. 200 
Ton: BrOWiiee scm akrteers electors ieee neiterer August 13, 1776. 200 
Blijah Waterman’ ./.20 tee sec ele 50 ....| August 13, 1776. 200 
Walliam Baxter: tjcAvcnieicntiswice one « August 13, 1776. 200 
Seth Biulding...c\e 000s ses wee ke > soe w wcll August 20, 1776. 200 
TAOUIY, DAULON GW cic steren cisloleletsieie scteieieyele August 20, 1776. 2.00 
Elijah Balding... 01.020 oveversevesss August 26, 1776. 200 
Al Samuel’ Curtiss a. cnt cuaee be emt eoeee August 26, 1776. 200 
Miho masisayadiensi. ceric aeieleiniae aie clerste oie August 2, 1776. 200 
Robert Mandy cVvise..aebeeweosecvas August 21, 1776. 200 
Bidad Poasty Jun teciecctelcdectetasnais temiee August 25, 1776. 200 
PhineasParkhurst. case sae ese senate August 13, 1776. 200 
Moses Kelloyin snis sien oes tisiveueies &0als August 14, 1776. 200 
Otho; Stevenscsn seme ask rneces ees ce August 14, 1776. 200 
Janatharm Li ade yes «ee riets ce ss eles s=/6 August 14, 1776. 200 
John - Millen 5 srs tree sive 50 mreTuey oo aja wiais August 14, 1776. 200 
Benjamin Barnet. ssw es. s sisters sine's see August 14, 1776. 200 
Ashur Chamberlain..... ieieersieie sate ete ye August 14, 1776. 200 
Samuel Blatony 1s sens Sees bee aiaelereield August 15, 1776. 200 
Timothy Sergeants........+ sictafaa'sincetese August 15, 1776. 200 
TO DGrts VUE Yc iin ce snp. 6 scien aie thie os August 20, 1776. 200 
Witliatn Chipley? .3c.04. 0s osise2 esvaes August 23, 1776. 200 
Abel: Daviesysit. 4 sce\ss cmos ade » ooeee.| August 24, 1776. 200 
AOtHONY, | LON CY yao ws buen tahao eine August 27, 1776.| 200 
Ephraim Webster.........0+ a sooo ees] AMDUSL OO, LUG. Aue 
Nicholas White. sis%.UisUectcties cs August 15, 1776. 200 
James McLauton........0 we Wbee et August 30, 1776. 200 
Philip blerrimans « 2s q.0 sae pees cab con August 14, 1776. 200 
Moses Elerrimianhs oobe ces coe east p> August 7, 1776. 200 
Jesse Heath......... « etasd BS ctenhew ee August 12, 1776.; 200 
First month’s wages, £94 8 0 

Test: Josepu Harcu, Captain. 


GENERAL SCHUYLER TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Albany, August 31, 1776. 
Dear Sir: I am this moment favoured with a letter from 
General Gates, copy of which I do myself the honour to 
enclose you, together with copy of a return and sundry ori- 
ginal letters from officers of our Army prisoners in Canada. 


1265 


The musket cartridge-paper, mentioned in your Ex- 
cellency’s last, is not yet arrived. Everything that can 
be procured here, or anywhere in the country, is instantly 
sent. 

I am so accustomed to ill usage, that I am not surprised 
that General Gates should be informed that I had ordered 
the regiments he mentions, to be stopped on their march. 
This report is only a perversion of an order of mine of the 
17th instant, sent to General Waterbury, copy of which 
now enclose. The information on which it was founded 
is corroborated by a letter of the 22d August, with which 
Governour Trumbull has honoured me, and which was deli- 
vered me after I had begun this letter, in which he says: 
“Tnoculation for the small-pox, I find, has been practised 
by troops on the march to join your Army. I hope a prac- 
tice so pernicious in every respect will be discouraged. I 
have taken the liberty to suggest my fears and sentiments 
to General Gates on this subject. Indeed, sir, if it is not 
timely restrained, it appears to me it must prove fatal to all 
our operations, and may ruin the country.” 

I never neglect laying all letters and papers which I re- 
ceive from General Gates, or from any other quarter, that 
ought to be transmitted, before your Excellency or Con- 
gress. 

The two persons mentioned in General Grates’s letter to 
have come from Dartmouth College, have not yet informed 
me of their business. 

As I could not procure any regular returns of what pro- 
vision was with the Army and on the communication, and 
as it was necessary that | should be informed of it, on the 
20th instant I wrote to General Gates on the subject. Ex- 
tract of my letter your Excellency will see in the enclosed 
to Mr. Trumbull, as well as what answer has been given to 
it by Mr. Avery, and my resolutions thereon, which I trust 
will meet with your approbation. Your Excellency will 
please, after perusal, to order the letter to be sealed and 
delivered. 

In my last, I informed your Excellency that the Stock- 
bridge Indians had determined to go to New-York. Many 
of them have changed their resolutions, and arrived here 
yesterday on their way to Ticonderoga. 

I am, dear sir, most respectfully, your Excellency’s most 
obedient, humble servant, Parsdanimes: 


To His Excellency General Washington, &c. 


GENERAL WATERBURY TO GENERAL GATES, 
Skenesborough, August 31, 1776. 

Str: Colonel Woodbridge and his Major have been detain- 
ed in this neighbourhood fourteen days, in consequence their 
having lately been inoculated and not bringing certificates that 
they were properly cleansed; and they grow uneasy that 
they are kept back; and I should be glad to know whether 
your Honour intends I shall let them go forward to Ticon- 
deroga; if not, I should be glad to have some instructions 
how to act concerning them. 

I am, dear General, your Honowr’s most obedient, hum- 


ble servant 
; Davin Wartersury, Jun. 


GENERAL GATES TO COLONEL HARTLEY. 
Tyonderoga, August 31, 1776. 

Sir: I received your letter of yesterday by Lieutenant 
John Brooks, and have only a moment to acquaint you that 
I shall select a party of fifty men and officers to go to-mor- 
row morning to cover the oar-cutters, and to perform another 
piece of service in that-neighbourbood. ‘The officer will 
bring you a letter from me, and show you his orders. I 
must desire you will not fail to be very alert in acquainting 
me with even the most minute circumstance relative to the 
fleet that comes to your knowledge. A galley and a gon- 
dola will be with you to-day. 'The‘commanding officer has 
my directions to show his orders. I would not have them 
delay an hour at your post. 

I am, sir, your very humble servant, 


Horatio Gares. 
To Lieutenant-Colonel Hartley. 


P. 8. The artillery stores, &c., which you have wrote for 
shall be sent you immediately, 


Firty Series.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1266 


DR. KENNEDY AND OTHERS TO GENERAL GATES. 
Ticonderoga, August 31, 1776. 

In conformity to certain orders, given by the Honourable 
General Gates, the following Surgeons met at Head-Quar- 
ters, viz: Messrs. Barnet, Holmes, Waterman, Metcalf, Par- 
ker, Chase, Emmerson, Child, Swift, Kennedy, Wingate, 
Allison, Watson, Green, Holbrook. And having taken 
into their most serious consideration the sundry matters given 
in charge, do report: That the diseases most prevalent in 
camp at present are bilious, remitting, and intermitting 
fevers, with some of the putrid kind; dysenteries, diarrhceas, 
with rheumatick complaints; and, on examination, find the 
medical chests destitute of a number of very necessary medi- 
cines, a catalogue of which is enclosed, to which they have 
subjoined a list* of the necessary comforts, &c. They also 
beg leave to recommend to his Honour that the commanding 
officers be enjoined to keep their several regiments clean; 
that the necessary vaults be covered twice a day; that every 
infectious material which tends to putrefy the air be imme- 
diately removed from camp. a 

Signed by order of the faculty. Sam. Kennepy, 
Wm. Barner, 
Amos Hotsroox. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


* A catalogue of Medicines most necessary for the Army.—Acet. Com., 
six barrels; Alo. Hepat., lb. iij; Calomel, lb. ij; Emp. Diachyl., lb. x; 
Cantharid., lb. 1j; Gm. Guaiac., lb. j; Gm. Opil, lb. ij; Gm. Camph., lb. 
iiij; Myrrh., lb.}; Hord. Com., lb. 100; Mere. Precip. Rub., lb. ss.; Merc. 
Cor. Sublim., lb. j; Pul. Cort. Peruv., lb. xx; Pul. Ipecac., lb. iij; Pul. 
Jalap, lb. iiij; Pul. Rhei, lb. ij; Rad. Serpent. Virg., lb. iij; Sal. Epsom, 
Ib. xv; Sal. Nit., lb. v; Spirit. Sal. Ammo., lb. iiij; Tart. Emet., lb. iij; 
Ung. Diath., lb. v; Elix. Asthmat., lb. v.; Elix. Vitriol,lb. x. Six gross 
Vials and Corks; Wrapping Paper, three reams. 

A list of the necessary comforts.—Barley, Coffee, Chocolate, Ginger, 
Oatmeal, Rice, Sugar, Mutton, Baum, Sage, &c. 


COLONEL GANSEVOORT TO GENERAL GATES. 
Fort George, August 31, 1776. 
Sir: Agreeable to General Schuyler’s orders, I apply to 
your Honour for a reinforcement. ‘The following is a copy 
taken from an original letter of General Schuyler: 
“Immediately on receipt of this, you are to order Cap- 
tains McCracken and Hicks, with their respective com- 
panies, to march to this place with all possible expedition ; 
and as your garrison will be too weak unless these are re- 
placed by others, you will apply to General Gates for a 
reinforcement.” 
I beg, if your Honour thinks proper, that we may be 
reinforced as soon as possible. 
I am, sir, your most humble servant, 
P. Gansevoort, Lieutenant- Colonel. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


N. B. One Captain, one Sub, and one Ensign, arrested 
at the garrison, who age very anxious to have their trial. I 
beg your Honour will send me orders that a General Court- 
Martial may be called for their trial. P2G: 


COLONEL TRUMBULL TO JAMES BOWDOIN. 

Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga, August 31, 1776. 
Sir: Tam ordered to acquaint you that Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Reed, of Colonel Patterson’s, has left this Army without 
proper leave of absence. As he had appeared delirious 
some time before he went into the country, the General 
would willingly impute an action unjustifiable on any other 
grounds to the continuance of his disorder. You will please 
to cause inquiry to be made into the cause of his stay in the 
country, and likewise to inform Colonel Reed that the Ge- 
neral expects he will either immediately return to his duty 
with the Army, where his character suffers daily, or resign 
his commission, that the service may not suffer for the want 

of an officer in the post which he has been pleased to desert. 
I am, sir, with the highest respect, your most obedient, 
humble servant, 


Joun Trumputi, Dep. Adj. Gen. 


GENERAL ARNOLD TO GENERAL GATES. 
Button-Mould Bay, August 31, 1776. 
Dear Genera: The 24th instant I left Crown-Point ; 
the 25th at night anchored at Willsborough; the same 
night came on a violent storm at northeast; the next day, 
at two P. M., was obliged to weigh anchor and return to 


80 


1267 


this place, where the whole fleet arrived the same evening, 
except the Spitfire, Captain Ulmer, who could not clear the 
shore, and was obliged to come to an anchor again, and rode 
out the storm, though exposed to the rake of Cumberland 
Bay, fifty miles long. The hard gale made an amazing 
sea, and when J expected to hear the gondola was foun- 
dered or drove on shore, she joined us, having received no 
damage, though a light’ batteau veered astern of her was 
sunk with the sea breaking over her. The severe weather 
prevented my despatching Lieutenant Whitcomb before yes- 
terday morning. The first fair wind I will follow him. I 
should have gone this evening, but the breeze is so light 
night would have come on before we could have reached a 
safe place of anchorage. 

I have had no advice from the St. John’s or Isle-aux- 
Noix. ‘The earliest intelligence I receive shall be commu- 
nicated to you immediately. I am very anxious to hear from 
New-York, and make no doubt when you receive any mate- 
rial advices I shall soon be acquainted with it. 

Enclosed is a return of the strength of the fleet, by which 
you will observe that seVenty-four men are wanting to com- 
plete the numbers proposed for the vessels, which are barely 
sufficient when complete. J should be extremely glad they 
‘were sent to us soon. If you think proper to send them, the 
bearer, Lieutenant Calderwood, will take charge of them. 

Mr. Gilliland has the only good draught I know of Lake 
Champlain, which, he says, was delivered Captain Bush for 
you. It will be of great service to me, as I have no draught 
of the Lake. 

If a good officer can be procured to act as Captain of the 
Royal Savage, I think he might be of service in case any 
accident should happen to me. ‘The present Master is not 
fit for the command in chief, though a.good man in his pre- 
sent station. 

I suppose by this time General Schuyler has paid you a 
visit. Please to make my respectful compliments to him if 
arrived, and let him know I will write him very particularly 
as soon as I arrive at the other end of the Lake. 

I am, with real affection and esteem, dear General, your 
obedient, humble servant, B. Arnop. 


Willsborough, September 2, 1776. 

Dear Generat: I intended sending the foregoing from 
Button-Mould Bay, but waited fora boat that I had sent to 
this place fora barrel of fresh salmon, which I had designed 
for you. The late freshets have broke the dam so that none 
can be caught till it is mended. Mr. Gilliland sent you 
a few salted ones, very indifferent, which we have eat, ex- 
pecting to send you some fresh ones. 

Yesterday at noon we left Button-Mould Bay, and arrived 
here last night. Before we passed the Split-Rock we saw 
two sail astern, which we supposed were the Lee and a gon- 
dola. They have not yet joined us. We are now under 
way with a fresh southerly breeze, ahd expect to be at the 
Isle Tétes before night. I hope soon to have it in my power 
to send you a very full account of the strength of the ene- 
my, by sea and land. I hope no time will be lost in for- 
warding the three galleys. When they have joined us, I am 
very confident the enemy will not dare attempt crossing the 
Lake. 

I beg my congratulatory compliments to General St. Clair 
on his promotion. When the enemy drive us back to Ticon- 
deroga, | have some thoughts of going to Congress and beg- 
ging leave to resign. Do you think they will make mea 
Major-General ? 

Entre nous, I have received a letter from Samuel Chase, 
Esq., in which he’ mentions your letter to John Adams, Esq., 
and desires an explanation. I will send it you when I have 
time to answer it. 

I am, with every friendly wish, very respectfully, dear 


General, your obedient, humble servant, Deanery 


GENERAL GATES TO THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS. 
[Read September 16, 1776.] 
Ticonderoga, September 2, 1776. 

Sir: As I conclude my letter to Major-General Schuyler 
of the 27th, and that to his Excellency General Washington 
of the 28th of last month, have been transmitted to the most 
honourable Congress, I shall not repeat any of the contents 
of those letters to your Excellency. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1268 


General Arnold sailed Saturday, the 24th of August, with 
ten sail of the fleet of the United States under his command. 
Two gondolas, one of which is fitted as a galley, sailed from 
here yesterday to join the General. An exact return of the 
whole is enclosed. One row-galley was launched Saturda 
at Skenesborough, and the two others will, I am told, be 
launched this week. The excessive sickness of that place 
has greatly retarded the finishing of the galleys. Very few 
of the ship-carpenters your Excellency sent thither by order 
of Congress are able to work. The constant rain in that 
district has raised the waters of the Wood Creek so much, 
and so deluged the surrounding country, that the fever and 
ague rages there with unremitted violence. 

Your Excellency will find in the packet my reasons for 
removing Captain Wynkoop from the command he assumed 
over all the armed vessels employed upon this Lake. A 
little of the dictatorial power was exerted, but perhaps it 
never was more necessary than on that occasion. My letters 
to Generals Schuyler and Arnold, with that of Captain Wyn- 
koop, will, upon perusal, convince your Excellency of the 
propriety thereof. 

By this conveyance your Excellency will receive a large 
packet, containing the proceedings of a General Court-Martial 
held by my order, upon Colonel Hazen, on a complaint 
exhibited by Brig. General Arnold. The warmth of General 
Arnold’s temper might possibly lead him a little farther than 
is marked by the precise line of decorum to be observed be- 
fore and towards a Court-Martial. Seeing and knowing all 
circumstances, I am convinced, if there was a fault on one 
side, there was too much acrimony on the other. Here again 
I was obliged to act dictatorially, and dissolve the Court- 
Martial the instant they demanded General Arnold to be put 
in arrest. The United States must not be deprived of that 
excellent officer’s service at this important moment. I wish 
your Excellency would represent this affair in the most 
favourable light to Congress. Upon such occasions there is 
a way to satisfy complainants without publickly disgracing 
those complained of, especially when a General Officer of 
acknowledged merit is a party concerned. 

Enclosed is a general return of the Army of the most 
honourable the United States of America immediately under 
my command. General Schuyler will, | take for granted, 
transmit to your Excellency a return of the corps on the 
Mohawk River, and the posts and communication in that 
district, as likewise those immediately under his own eye. 
Thank Heaven, the small-pox is totally eradicated from 
amongst us, not, | can assure you, without much vigilance 
and authority being previously exerted. 

I did not receive the resolve of Congress relative to Colo- 
nel Hazen’s behaviour to the Captains Cuillet, De la Rosse, 
and De la Fontaine, until a fortnight after I had sent him, 
with his Canadians, to Albany. I suppose General Schuyler 
will see them obeyed. Mr. Bedel had also left the camp 
when I received, in the same resolve, what related to Gene- 
ral Prescott’s baggage. 

Colonel William Bond, of the Twenty-Fifth Regiment, 
in the service of the United States, died the day before yes- 
terday of a putrid fever. Brigadier-General James Reed 
remains so very ill at Fort George that he will not, I ima- 
gine, be again fit for service this campaign. 

As I have received only one short letter from your Ex- 
cellency since I left New- York, lam anxious to know whe- 
ther my endeavours to serve the United States merit the 
approbation or blame of Congress. Your Excellency may 
believe me when [ assure you, sir, that their applause will 
ever be esteemed by me as the highest honour I can_possi- 
bly receive in this world. 

With every sentiment of esteem and respect, I am, sir, 
your most obedient and most humble servant, 

; Horatio Gates. 


To His Excellency John Hancock, Esq. 


— 


GENERAL ORDERS. 
Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga, August 23, 1776. 


(Parole, Hartley.) (Countersign, Adams.) 
The Regiments to be very exact in sending in their re- 
turns at Orderly time to-morrow. The Adjutants will take 
care that there are no more returned sick present than are 
really sick. ’Tis suspected that many lazy, idle fellows, 


feign themselves sick with design to avoid duty. Blank 


1269 


returns will be delivered. The Adjutants will rule those 
which are delivered incomplete. 

After Orders.—The Commanding Officer of each Regi- 
ment is to send a subaltern officer to-morrow morning, at 
sunrise, to Fort George, to bring the arms of their dead and 
discharged of their respective Regiments to this place. 
These officers will give receipts to the Director of the Hos- 
pital at Fort George for the arms they receive, and on their 
arrival at this place deliver them to the commanding officer 
of their respective corps. 

The Court-Martial in the Second Brigade, of which Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Gilman was President, is dissolved. 

A General Court-Martial, taken from the two Brigades 
commanded by General Bricket and Colonel St. Clair, com- 
posed of a Field-Officer, (President,) four Captains, and eight 
Subalterns, to sit to-morrow morning, at the President’s tent, 
at nine o’clock, for the trial of such prisoners as may be 
brought before them. 

Four hundred and eighty-nine shirts have been received 
in store. ‘The General orders them to be delivered to-mor- 
row, in proportion to the number of men fit for duty in each 
Regiment, except the late arrived recruits. 


Head-Quarters, August 24, 1776. 


(Parole, Gordon.) (Countersign, Harrington.) 

The Chief Engineer, with Colonel S¢. Clair and Colonel 
Wayne, will, to-morrow morning at ten o’clock, take a review 
of the ground near the Saw-Mill, fix upon the proper spot 
for the encampment of two Continental Regiments, and the 
best situation for throwing up a redoubt to command the 
pass. The Deputy-Adjutant and Assistant Deputy Quar- 
termaster-General will also attend Colonel Baldwin. 

Nicholas Nock, of Colonel Reed’s Regiment, tried by the 
late General Court-Martial for desertion and inlisting into 
another Regiment, and receiving £9 18s. bounty. The 
prisoner plead guilty, ‘The Court sentence him to receive 
thirty-nine lashes on his bare back for the first offence, and 
thirty-nine for the second, then to return to his duty in Colo- 
nel Reed’s Regiment. ‘The, money to be stopped out of his 
wages and repaid to the Committee, 

Jonathan Wright, of Captain Sullivan’s Company, in 
Colonel Patterson’s Regiment, tried by the same General 
Court-Martial for desertion. ‘The prisoner pleading guilty, 
is sentenced by the Court to receive thirty-nine lashes on 
his bare back, and then to return to his duty. 

Ensign Lee, of Captain Spalding’s Company, in Colonel 
Reed’s Regiment, tried by the same General Court-Martial, 
for buying a gun belonging to Colonel Maxwell’s Regiment, 
and defacing the name, New-Jersey, and the number which 
was marked on her, plead guilty. ‘The Court sentence him 
to return the gun to Colonel Maxwell, and to be reprimanded 
by the commanding officer of his Regiment, at the head of 
his Regiment. 

Richard Roach, of Colonel Patterson's Regiment, tried 
by the same General Court-Martial, for refusing his duty 
and striking his officer. The Court find him guilty, and 
sentence him to receive thirty-nine lashes on his bare back 
for each several crime. 

Jonathan Small, of Colonel Reed’s Regiment, tried by the 
same General Court-Martial, for breach of orders, in selling 
spirituous liquors, when repeatedly forbid by the commanding 
officer of the Regiment, is found guilty, and sentenced to re- 
ceive thirty-nine lashes on his bare back, and return to his duty. 

James Carney, of Captain Osgood’s Company, in the 
Regiment commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Wart, tried 
by the same General Court-Martial, for desertion; plead 
guilty, and is sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes on his 
bare back, and to wear a withe round his neck for fourteen 
days, as a mark of ignominy, and if he is found without it 
he is to receive one hundred lashes. He is to return to his 
duty in his Battalion. 

The General approves all the above sentences, and orders 
the execution of them to-morrow morning, at guard mount- 
ing, at the head of the Regiments to which the prisoners 
severally belong. 

Mr. Samuel Shute is appointed an Ensign in Colonel 
Macxwell’s Regiment, in place of an Ensign preferred. 


Head-Quarters, August 25, 1776. 


(Parole, Lisbon.) (Countersign, Cadiz.) 
The honourable the Continental Congress have been 
pleased to appoint Colonel James Reed and Colonel Arthur 
* 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1270 


St. Clair to the rank of Brigadier-Generals in the Army of 
the United States of America. They are to be considered 
and obeyed as such, 

Colonel Morgan Lewis is appointed Deputy Quarter- 
Bee of the Northern Army, and is to be obeyed 
as such. 


; Head-Quarters, August 26, 1776. 
(Parole, Madrid.) (Countersign, Spain.) 

Beryamin Willy, of Captain Tilton’s Company, Colonel 
Poor’s Regiment; Josiah Burnham, of Captain Adams’s 
Company; William Adams, of the same Company; William 
Crown, of the same; John Powell, of the same; James Mor- 
ton, of Captain Tilton’s Company, and all of Colonel Poor’s 
Regiment, and all tried by a General Court-Martial of the 
Third Brigade, of which Lieutenant-Colonel McDuffie is 
President, for desertion, plead guilty, and are sentenced to 
be whipped, each thirty-nine lashes on the bare back. 

David Rand, from Captain Adams’s Company, Colonel 
Poor’s Regiment, for deserting from said Company, then 
inlisting with the Militia, and afterwards deserting again. 
Plead guilty, and is sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes. 

Benjamin Holt, of late Captain Wentworth’s Company, 
Colonel Poor’s Regiment, tried by the same General Court- 
Martial, for desertion, plead guilty. The Court, on account 
of several circumstances which appeared in his favour, sen- 
tence him only to be stripped at the post, as if to be whipped, 
and then severely reprimanded by the Colonel of the Regi- 
ment. 

Josiah Henderson, Corporal in Captain Bill?’s Company, 
Colonel Poor’s Regiment, tried for neglect of duty when 
Corporal of a guard, in suffering the prisoners confined in 
his guard to go at large, and permitting one Samuel Rowell, 
confined for desertion, to make his escape. The Court, 
having examined the evidences, find him guilty, and sen- 
tence him to be severely reprimanded by his Colonel, at the 
head of the Regiment, and reduced to a private. 

John Kelly, of Captain Walker's Company, Colonel 
Stark’s Regiment, tried by the same General Court-Martial 
for mutinous conduct and threatening to shoot Captain Rich- 
ards, pleads guilty. ‘The Court sentence him to receive 
thirty-nine lashes, and be reprimanded by the Colonel at the 
head of the Regiment. 

Daniel Coss, of Captain Reed’s Company, Colonel Stark’s 
Regiment, tried by the same General Court-Martial, for 
leaving his post, when placed as sentinel, before he was 
relieved, is found guilty; but, from many circumstances 
which appear in his favour, the Court only sentence him to 
be severely reprimanded by the Colonel at the head of the 
Regiment. 

As the weather Is so very wet, the Commissary is directed 
to deliver an half gill of ram to every non-commissioned offi- 
cer and soldier now fit for duty in camp. 

After Orders.—All the sentences of the Court inserted 
in the Orders of this day are approved by the General, and 
are to be put in execution at such time and place as the 
commanding officers of the respective Regiments shall direct. 

Head-Quarters, August 27, 1776. 
(Parole, Philadelphia.) (Countersign, York.) 

The weather continuing extremely cold and stormy, the 
General orders the Commissary to issue one half gill of rum 
to every non-commissioned officer and soldier now in camp. 

The Commissary has received four hundred pairs of leather 
breeches. ‘They are ready to be delivered to the different 
established Regiments, according to their number returned 
for duty. 

The General is determined not to grant discharges or fur- 
loughs, unless the commanding officers of Regiments send 
their desire in writing, setting forth the reasons why such 
furlough or discharge is requested. 


Head-Quarters, August 28, 1776. 
(Parole, Annapolis.) (Countersign, Baltimore.) 
The bad weather still continuing, the Commissary to issue 
one-half gill of rum to each non-commissioned officer and 
soldier, as before. 
During this recess from work, occasioned by the rain} the 
Chief Engineer will order as many axes to be ground as 
possible. As soon as the weather clears up, the command- 


ing officer of each Regiment may receive from Colonel 


1271 


Baldwin twenty-four axes, giving his receipt for the same. 
These axes are to be distributed to three of the most expert 
axe-men in each company, who are to keep them constantly 
in good order, and to be ready to turn out when called 
upon. 

One Captain, two Subalterns, two Sergeants, two Drum- 
mers, and fifty rank and file, from General Bricket’s Bui- 
gade, to parade as soon as possible, to take twelve batteaus 
to Skenesborough. The Captain to wait on the Adjutant- 
General for orders before he sets out. The Batteau-Master 
will provide the batteaus immediately. 

Lieutenant Nahum Powers, of Colonel Woodbridge’s 
Regiment, tried by a General Court-Martial, of which Lieut. 
Colonel Irvine is President, for stealing a blanket, is found 
not guilty; therefore acquitted. ‘The General approves the 
sentence, and orders Lieutenant Powers to be released from 
his arrest. 

The Batteau-Master is ordered to take a fatigue party, and 
proceed immediately to collect all the oars from the different 
encampments and places where they are scattered. 


—_— 


Head-Quarters, August 29, 1776. 
(Parole, Frederick.) (Countersign, Berkeley.) 

The Field Officers who command the guard upon the 
isthmus of Mount Independence, and the Captains who 
command the guard upon the redoubt above the lines, are 
to see that those under them are vigilant in finishing the two 
guard-rooms directed by former orders to be built by those 
guards. 

The Chief Engineer will order the broken handbarrows 
to be repaired, and as many new ones made as are imme- 
diately wanted. 

The Commanding Officers of the Old Corps will, at 
Orderly time, next Saturday, give in to the Deputy Adjutant- 
General, a signed return of the names, rank, and dates of 
commissions, of the Field, Commissioned, and Staff Officers, 
in their respective corps. The Majors of Brigade will 
receive the form in which these returns are to be made. 

As the weather promises to be fair, the fatigue parties are 
to make an early dinner, and parade at one o'clock for 
work. 


Head-Quarters, August 30, 1776. 
(Parole, Weathersfield.) (Countersign, Springfield.) 

Zerah Beach, Quartermaster of Colonel Burrell’s Regi- 
ment, is appointed an Ensign in the same Regiment, in 
place of Ensign Wright, discharged. 

The Majors of Brigade will be particularly careful that 
the weekly returns are correct and complete this week, as 
they are to be sent to Congress. The absencies and vacan- 
cies, &c., are to be carefully noted. Every officer in camp, 
whether sick or well, is to be returned present. This would 
not be ordered, but that some Regiments are particularly 
fond of making mistakes of this kind. 

Ensign Frothingham, of Colonel Wheelock’s Regiment, is 
appointed Adjutant of the same Regiment, in place of Adju- 
tant Allen, promoted. 

After Orders.—The Surgeons of the different Regiments 
of this Army are to meet at Head-Quarters to-morrow morn- 
ing, ten o'clock. 


Head-Quarters, August 31, 1776. 
(Countersign, Liberty.) 

The officers and soldiers may be satisfied that the General 
has left no means in his power unattempted to procure 
medicine and every comfort for the sick. 

The Director of the General Hospital in this department, 
Doctor Stringer, was sent to New-York three and thirty 
days ago, with positive orders to return the instant he had 
provided the drugs and medicines so much wanted. Since 
then, repeated letters have been wrote to New-York and 
Philadelphia, setting forth, in the strongest terms, the press- 
ing necessity of an immediate supply of these articles. 

The General is credibly informed that a Principal Sur- 
geon from the General Hospital at New-York, has been 
despatched from thence above a fortnight ago, with a supply 
of medicines, and apprehends that the badness of the weather 
and roads has alone prevented his arrival. 

it is the soldier’s duty to maintain the post he is ordered 
to defend. The same climate and season that affects us 
aflects our enemies; and the favour of the Almighty, to whom 


(Parole, America.) 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1272 


we have appealed, will, if we trust in Him, preserve us from 
slavery and death. 

The General recommends it to the Surgeons of the differ- 
ent Regiments to communicate to each other the state of 
the sick in their respective corps, the various diseases, the 
remedies principally wanted, and the comforts most in re- 
quest; for he will leave nothing unattempted in his power to 
provide whatever he can command for their recovery, 

The General also desires the Medical Gentlemen will 
consult upon and adopt the most proper measures for ob- 
taining those salutary purposes. 


Head-Quarters, September 1, 1776. 
(Countersign, Georgia.) 

A General Court-Martial to sit to-morrow morning at 
ten o’clock, at the President’s tent, upon Mount Independ- 
ence, for the trial of Colonel Wyman and such prisoners as 
shall be brought before them; all evidences and persons con- 
cerned to attend the Court. 

When there is no beef, the Commissary is to issue one- 
half pound of pork and one pound and a half of flour per 
day to each man, until further orders. 

Philip Morrell, of Captain Stow’s Company, Colonel 
Wheelock’s Regiment, tried at a General Court-Martial, of 
which Lieutenant-Colonel Irvine is President, for refusing 
to do duty, and threatening the life of a Sergeant, plead 
guilty, and is sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes on his 
bare back for refusing his duty, and thirty-nine lashes for 
threatening the life of the Sergeant. 

Allen Kissaday, of Captain Moore’s Company, in the 
Second Pennsylvania Regiment, and John Purdy, of Cap- 
tain Harmar’s Company, of the First Pennsylvania Regi- 
ment, tried for getting drunk on their post, plead guilty. 
The Court sentence them to receive each twenty lashes on 
his bare back. 

Benjamin Butterbee, of Captain Polhemus’s Company, 
in Colonel Winds’s Regiment, tried for desertion, and inlist- 
ing into another Regiment, plead guilty. Is sentenced to 
receive thirty-nine lashes for desertion, and thirty-nine lashes 
for inlisting into another Regiment, to forfeit his pay due in 
each Regiment to be appropriated to the payment of the 
bounty received at his inlistment, to be drummed out of the 
Army with a halter round his neck, and sent over Lake 
George. 

The General approves all the above sentences, except 
that part of the last of B. Butterbee’s relating to his being 
drummed out of the Army, and orders the execution of them 
at such time and place as the respective commanding offi- 
cers shall think proper. 

The General Court-Martial, of which Lieutenant-Colonel 
Irvine was President, is dissolved. 

Head-Quarters, September 2, 1776. 
(Parole, Flatbush.) (Countersign, Hand.) 

The Commissary will deliver one sheep to the order of 
the commanding officer of each Brigade, to make broth for 
the sick. ‘ 

Colonel Whitcomb’s Regiment to encamp as soon as pos- 
sible in the vacant space in the Pennsylvania Brigade that 
was left for the Sixth Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant- 
Colonel Hartley. 

The General Court-Martial in the Third Brigade, of 
which Lieutenant-Colonel McDuffee was President, is dis- 
solved. 

All the spades, pickaxes, and bill-hooks now in pos- 
session of the respective Regiments, except four spades and 
four pickaxes to each Regiment, are to be immediately 
brought in ‘to the Chief Engineer: those on Mount Inde- 
pendence to be brought to the Landing; those on the west 
side to be brought to Head-Quarters. 


(Parole, Pensacola.) 


Enclosed in General Gates’s Letter of SeprEMBER 2, 1776. 
General Arnoup’s Protest. 


As the Court have refused accepting my principal evi- 
dence, Major Scott, after my having declared to them, on 
honour, that he had punctually obeyed my orders respecting 
the goods he had in charge from Montreal to Chamblee, and 
of course is not in the least interested in the event of Colonel 
Hazen’s trial, I do solemnly protest against their proceedings 
and refusal as unprecedented, and I think unjust. 

. B. Arnot, Brig. Gen. 


1273 


Minute of the Court. 


General Arnold having offered a Protest to the Court, for 
the entry of it on their Minutes, which appears to them 
illegal, illiberal, and ungentlemanlike, for these reasons they 
have objected to its entry and refuse the same. 

The Court likewise directed the President to demand 
satisfaction of the General ; which he accordingly did, in the 
following words: 


“Sir: As you have evidently called in question, not only 
the honour, but the justice likewise, of this Court, by the 
illiberal Protest you exhibited, the Court have directed me, 
and as President of this Court I esteem it my duty, to inform 
you that you have drawn upon yourself their just resentment, 
and that nothing but an open acknowledgment of your error 
will be conceived as satisfactory.” 


To which General Arnold returned the following Letter : 
“Ticonderoga, August 1, 1776. 

“ GentLemEN: The very extraordinary vote of the Court, 
and directions given to the President, and his still more 
extraordinary demand, are, in my opinion, ungenteel and 
indecent reflections on a superior officer, which the nature 
and words of my protest will by no means justify; nor was 
it designed as you have construed it. I am not very con- 
versant with Courts-Martial, but this I may venture to say, 
they are composed of men not infallible. Even you may 
have erred. Congress will judge between us; to whom I 
will desire the General to transmit the proceedings of this 
Court. This I can assure you, I shall ever, in publick 
or private, be ready to support the character of a man of 
honour; and, as your very nice and delicate honour, in your 
apprehension, is injured, you may depend, as soon as this 
disagreeable service is at an end, (which God grant may soon 
be the case,) I will by no means withhold from any gen- 
tleman of the Court the satisfaction his nice honour may 
require. 

“ Your demand I shall not comply with. 


‘“B, Arnoup. 
“'T’o the Court-Martial.” 


—o 


Enclosed in General Gates’s Letter of SEPTEMBER 2, 1776. 
Ticonderoga, August 6, 1776. 

Sir: The Court-Martial, ever desirous of rendering their 
proceedings clear and intelligible, have thought proper to 
mention to your Honour the principles on which their deter- 
mination was grounded, in regard to the testimony of Major 
Scott, which, if your Honour should esteem necessary, may 
be transmitted to Congress. 

From Major Scott’s overstrained zeal to serve as Judge 
Advocate during the course of the trial; from his own ac- 
knowledgment in the face of the Court that he had never 
furnished Colonel Hazen with any written orders from Gen- 
eral Arnold; from his appearing extremely solicitous to give 
evidence in the cause; from his application to the Court to 
cross-examine a witness; and lastly, from the purport of the 
testimony of divers witnesses, proving that the goods were 
delivered to Major Scott, and, while under his care, con- 
ducted in such a disorderly manner that part of them must 
unavoidably have been damaged or lost previous to their 
arrival at Chamblee; that Colonel Hazen never had the pos- 
session of the goods, and that he could not possibly have 
taken them, (granting he had been authorized so to do,) not 
having sufficient store room; from these concurring circum- 
stances, we beg leave to assure your Honour that we were 
constrained to believe Major Scott so far interested in the 
event of Colonel Hazen’s trial, as to render his testimony 
inadinissible. 

We are your Honour’s most obedient humble servants. 


By order of Court: 
To Major-General Gates. 


Enocu Poor, President. 


Enclosed in General Gates’s Letter of SEPTEMBER 2, 1776. 
August 6, 1776. 
Sir: We do not make a doubt of your having heard that 
this Court has taken umbrage at some part of General 
Arnold’s behaviour in the course of his prosecution of Colo- 
nel Hazen. Weare sensible men of rank should be treated 
with delicacy. We are also sensible that it is our duty to 
maintain the dignity and authority of the Court-Martial, and 
that an attempt to lessen the one, or render the other con- 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. . 1274 


~ 


temptible, is proportionably a greater offence, as the person 
who makes the attempt is in a station more elevated; and 
that the passing over such attempts must have the worst 
effects in the discipline of the Army We know. we have 
power to compel parties before us to decent behaviour, and 
to punish insults offered to us. Tis a power incident to 
Courts, and without which they would be ridiculous and 
nugatory. Tis a power, however, we wish not to exercise 
in the case of General Arnold especially; a power, however, 
we must use in his case unless he gives this Court the satis- 
faction they have demanded; justice to the Army and to our 
country requires it of us. 

The case is shortly this: A witness was offered to the 
Court to support the charge brought by General Arnold 
against Colonel Hazen, to whom exception was taken, that 
he was interested in the event of the trial, and therefore not 
admissible. ‘The Court, after hearing the allegations of both 
parties, adjudged that he was interested, and rejected him. 
Other witnesses were called, and the trial went on. After 
some time General Arnold again pressed for the admission 
of the above witness, at the same time observing to the 
Court, that he would enter a protest on their Minutes unless 
his request should be granted. He was refused; he then 
offered his protest against our proceedings, couched, as we 
think, in indecent terms, and directly impeaching the justice 
of the Court. If he thought by his protest to stop the 
proceedings, he certainly has not considered how far that 
practice would lead. If either party has a right to stop the 
proceedings by protest, both parties must have the right, 
and then there needs nothing more to screen every offender 
from punishment; and, on the other hand, it would expose 
a person who might have the misfortune to be obnoxious 
to his superior officer to perpetual persecution; however 
conscious of his innocence, in vain would he expect redress 
from a General Court-Martial, for in the very moment when 
he has a well-grounded expectation of an honourable acquit- 
tal, a protest appears and blasts it all, and sends him back to 
his room a melancholy prisoner. But, on the contrary, if his 
design was no more than, by an entry of his protest upon 
our Minutes, to operate against the justice and equity of our 
proceedings, we must and do consider ourselves as an im- 
proper conveyance to our superiors of that protest which 
was so replete with crimination and abuse. We would add, 
that the illiberal sentiments of the protest was not the only 
injury offered us; the whole of the General’s conduct during 
the course of the trial was marked with contempt and dis- 
respect towards the Court, and by his extraordinary answer 
he has added insult to injury. 

We mention these things that you may know what were 
our motives in this matter; and our principal design in this 
is, that through you General Arnold may know the light in 
which we have seen the matter, which, we flatter ourselves, 
you will readily see the propriety of; and, from the regard 
you have for the honour, the discipline, and the subordi- 
nation of the Army, you will not, by a sudden dissolution, 
put it out of our power to obtain that satisfaction we are 
entitled to. 


To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


Enclosed in General Gates’s Letter of SepTeEMBER 2, 1776. 
Ticonderoga, August 7, 1776. 

Dear Sir: I have now before me Colonel Poor’s letter 
of the 6th instant, signed by order, and as President of the 
Court-Martial, couched in the most artful terms, to deceive 
and gloss over their private resentment, under an appear- 
ance of the greatest concern to keep up discipline, &c. In 
regard to the power of the Court-Martial, I know of none 
they have to vilify and abuse any officer, as a Court, much 
less as private men, under the idea of being a Court, which 
in fact has been the case. And I appeal to every private 
gentleman present at the Court, whether there was not the 
grossest abuse offered me by Colonel Hazen, who claimed 
the protection of the Court, and was by them countenanced. 
The gentlemen say that the illiberal sentiments of the 
protest was not the only injury offered, for that my whole 
conduct during the course of the trial was marked with 
contempt and disrespect toward the Court. Had that been 
the case, those gentlemen, who are so very quick of appre- 
hension, would have pointed out at least one instance of 
it, which they have not done, and I defy them to doit. I 


1275 


wish not to have the Court dissolved, but that they may 
have every satisfaction they are entitled to as a Court or 
gentlemen. I beg the whole proceedings may be Jaid before 
Congress. ‘Their decision will ever be a Jaw to me. 

I am, with the greatest respect and esteem, dear sir, your 


obedient, humble servant, rey Maen ats 


To Major-General Gates. 


P.S. Enclosed is Major Scott’s evidence, which I beg 
may be transmitted with the other papers. 


From General Arnoxp to General Gares.—Enclosed in General GaTeEs’s 
Letter of SEPTEMBER 2, 1776. 


Crown-Point, August 17, 1776. 

Dear Genera: About two o’clock this afternoon, Colo- 
nel Hartley acquainted me that a party of his men, who were 
posted seven miles down the Lake, as a covering party to 
the oar-makers, had made a large fire as a signal that the 
enemy were approaching. I sent Colonel Hartley with one 
hundred men in batteaus to secure the retreat of the party, 
if attacked, and ordered the two light schooners down the 
Lake to cover them. They were no soon under way than 
Commodore Wynkoop fired a shot and brought them to, and 
soon after sent me a note, (copy of which I enclose, with my 
order to the Captains of the schooners, and answer to the 
Commodore’s note.) I waited some time expecting the 
vessels to sail, but finding they did not, I went on board the 
Commodore, when he ordered them under sail. He refuses 
to be commanded by any one, and imagines his appointment, 
which is by General Schuyler, cannot be superseded. I 
have shown him such parts of your instructions as I thought 
necessary, which has brought him so far to reason. He 
says if you think proper to turn him out, he will quit the 
vessel. I have given him to understand that I shall at all 
events pursue your orders, and that if he did not incline to 
remain in the service, he would not be compelled to it. 
Colonel Hartley is not yet returned. 

I am, with sentiments of respect and esteem, dear Gene- 


ral, your obedient, humble servant, BoAtciee 


Saturday night, eight o’clock. 
To the Hon. Major-General Gates. 


Sunday noon.—I am this moment acquainted by a mes- 
senger from Crown-Point that the oar-makers made a false 
alarm. H. Gares. 


Enclosed in General Gatus’s Letter of SEPTEMBER 2, 1776. 
‘ Crown-Point, August 17, 1776. 
Sir: You will immediately get your vessels under sail, 
and proceed down the Lake seven or eight miles. If you 
make any discovery of the enemy, you will immediately 
give me notice; if none, return as soon as possible. 
B. Arnoxp, Brig. General. 


To Captains Seaman and Premier. 
Enclosed in General Gatxs’s Letter of Sepremser 2, 1776. 
On board the Royal Savage, August 17, 1776. 

Sir: I find, by an order you have given out, that the 
schooners are to go down the Lake. I know no orders but 
what shall be given out by me, except sailing orders from 
the Commander-in-Chief. If an enemy is approaching, | 
am to be acquainted with it, and know how to act in my 
station. 

I am, sir, yours, Jacosus Wynkoop, 


Commander of Lake Champlain. 
To B. Arnold, Brigadier-General. 


Enclosed in General Gares’s Letter of SrpTEMBER 2, 1776. 


Sir: I am surprised you should pretend to contradict my 
orders to the Captains of the schooners, at this time, when 
we are alarmed by a signal of the approach of the enemy; 
and much more so, as I acquainted you some time since that 
the Commander-in-Chief had appointed me to take com- 
mand of the Navy on the Lake. Had I not received this ap- 
pointment, from my rank in the Army, and as Commander- 
in-Chief of this post, it is your duty to obey my orders, which 
you have received and executed for some time past. You 
surely must be out of your senses to say no orders shall be 
obeyed but yours. Do you imaginé that Congress have given 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1276 


you a superior command over the Commander-in-Chief, or 
that you are not to be under his direction? If you do, give 
me leave to say you are much mistaken; and if you do not 
suffer my orders to be immediately complied with, by send- 
ing to the Captains of the schooners to obey them, I shall 
be under the disagreeable necessity of convincing you of 
your error by immediately arresting you. 
B. ARNOLD, 
Brigadier-General and Commander-in- Chief 


of the Fleet on Lake Champlain. 
To Commodore J. Wynkoop. 


Enclosed in General Gares’s Letter of SEPTEMBER 2, 1776. 
Crown-Point, August 17, 1776. 

Sir: I have understood that General Arnold is to have 
the command of the Navy; and if that be so, he ought to 
have shown me his power to it; but instead of that, he sent 
an order for two of the schooners to get under way and go 
down the Lake, upon some information, he says, he had of 
the approach of the enemy. Was it not his duty to have 
communicated it to me, and my orders to have been given 
to the vessels? I have contradicted them till he acquainted 
me.with some accounts of the enemy, and then I imme- 
diately issued out my orders for them to go down. Sir, if 
that be the case, I would be glad of my dismission from the 
service, for I accepted of this command upon these condi- 
tions. Major-General Schuyler has a letter, which I brought 
up to him from Congress, that no man was to take the com- 
mand from me; and when he had read the letter, he told 
me that I need not to fear, that no one should have it but 
me; and the Congress of New-York promised me that if any 
one should arrive here authorized to take the command by 
the honourable Continental Congress, I was to be dismissed 
the service, and have the command of one of the frigates 
building up the North River; for I am resolved to go under 
command of no man. _ I will receive general orders to sail, 
and how far, and will obey the Commander-in-Chief’s orders; 
but if I have the command, I expect to give the orders to the 
Captains of the fleet, when I receive them from the Com- 
mander-in-Chief. I refer your Honour to a copy of my 
warrant, a copy of Major-General Schuyler’s letter, and his 
orders, here enclosed. Sir, if you find my grievance well 
founded, I hope your Honour will be pleased to redress it. 

I am, sir, with all due respect your Honour’s most obe- 
dient and very humble servant, 

Jacosus Wynkoop, Comd. 


To the Hon. Major-General Grates, Ticonderoga. 


Enclosed in General Gates’s Letter of SepremMBer 2, 1776. 
In Committee of Safety, New-York, April 13, 1776. 
Ordered, That Captain Jacobus Wynkoop do inlist the 
number of Mariners desired by Major-General Schuyler for 
the service of the Lakes, with all possible despatch. ‘That 
Captain Wynkoop proceed to Albany with said Mariners to 
General Schuyler, and take his directions as to the vessels 
on the Lakes, until the honourable the Continental Congress 
shall have appointed him to that command, or some other 
gentleman shall arrive at the Lakes authorized to take the 
command. 
Extract from the Minutes: 
Joun McKesson, Secretary. 


Enclosed in General Gates’s Letter of SEPTEMBER 2, 1776. 

Albany, March 8, 1776. 
Sir: [am honoured with yours of the 4th instant. The 
Continental Congress have resolved that Captain Wynkoop 
should be employed upon the Lakes under Commodore 
Douglass. Whether the latter gentleman means to engage 
in that service, I do not know. Of this Congress can very 
speedily inform itself, as he resides near New-York. Should 
he not engage, there is no person I would more willingly 
have to command the vessels than Captain Wynkoop. At 
any rate, I wish you to send him up the soonest possible, 
with a sufficient number of sailors for the two schooners and 

sloop. 
I am, sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, 
Pu. ScHUYLER. 


To Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq., &c., &c. 


1277 


Enclosed in General Gares’s Letter of SerremBer 2, 1776. 
Fort George, May 7, 1776. 
Sir: You are immediately to repair to Ticonderoga, and 
take the command of all the vessels on Lake Champlain, 
which you will, with the greatest expedition, put into the 
best condition possible for immediate service. 


I am, sir, your humble servant 
» sir, your humble servant, Pu. Scouyner. 


To Captain Wynkoop. 
Enclosed in General Gares’s Letter of SEPTEMBER Q, 1776. 
Ticonderoga, August 18, 1776. 
Sir: [have this moment received your letter from Crown- 
Point, of yesterday evening. It is my orders you instantly 
put Commodore Wynkoop in arrest, and send him prisoner 
to Head-Quarters, at Ticonderoga. You will, at the same 
time, acquaint the officers of the fleet that such of them as 
do not pay an implicit obedience to your commands are in- 
stantly to be confined and sent to me for trial. 
I am, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 
Horatio Gates. 


To Brigadier-General Arnold. 


Enclosed in General Gates’s Letter of SrepTemMBeR 2, 1776. 

Crown-Point, August 19, 1776. 
Dear Generat: I received yours of yesterday, and have 
ordered Commodore Wynkoop to Head-Quarters. No other 
person in the fleet has disputed my orders. I believe the 
Commodore was really of opinion that neither of us had 
authority to command him. He now seems convinced to 
the contrary, and sorry for his disobedience of orders. If 
it can be done with propriety, I wish he may be permitted 
to return home without being cashiered. 

I am, very respectfully, &c., &c., 


To Major-General Gates. 


B. Arnoup. 


Extract of a Letter from Major-General Gates to Major-General Scuuy.er, 
dated Aucust 20, 1776, at TiconpErRoGA. Enclosed in General GatEs’s 
Letter of SEPTEMBER 2, 1776. 

Captain Wynkoop’s letter to me of the 17th instant you 
will find in the packet. J am happy in having discover- 
ed so early, and upon so unimportant an occasion, the 
refractory disposition of Mr. Wynkoop. It might have ope- 
rated, in some serious moment, to the entire ruin of our 
maritime affairs. As General Arnold has requested I 
would not send him off in arrest, he has my pass to go at 
liberty to Albany ; but he must, on no account, be sent back 
here. 


Another extract from Major-General Scuvy.LerR to Major-General Gates, 
dated at Aupany, Avucust 25, 1776. Enclosed in General Gares’s 
Letter of SEPTEMBER 2, 1776. 

Your favour of the 20th instant was yesterday delivered 
me by Captain Wynkoop. He is to remain at this place. 
The want of subordination and discipline in an army can- 
not be too much lamented. It is the source whence all 
disorder and misfortune arise. 


GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. 
Lebanon, August 31, 1776. 
Sir: Adjutant-General Reed’s letter of the 24th instant 
-came to hand Tuesday morning, the 27th; yours of the 
same date, yesterday. On receiving the former, I advised 
with my Council. We concluded to send Benjamin Hun- 
tington, Esq., one of my Council, with direction to take 
with him Major Ely, at New-London, or officer there well 
acquainted with the people on Long-Island, to proceed there, 
and to consult and agree with some of the sure friends of 
our cause, with secrecy as far as the circumstances would 
admit, for a number of their men, assured friends and well 
acquainted on the Island, to join with a body from this 
State, if possible to accomplish your wishes, to cause a 
- diversion to the enemy, to harass them on their rear, and 
to prevent their excursions in pursuit of the provisions the 
Island affords. I hear they sailed for the Island yesterday. 
His return is expected the beginning of next week. If he 
succeeds according to our hopes, no exertions of this State, 
I trust, will be wanting at this critical conjuncture to harass 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1278 


and to keep the enemy at bay, to gain time and every 
advantage the case may admit. 

Shall give the earliest intelligence of our proceedings, that 
you may cooperate with our designs. ‘The race is not to the 
swift, nor the battle to the strong. It is nothing with God 
to help, whether many, or with those that have no power. 
He hath so ordered things, in the administration of the affairs 
of this world, as to encourage the use of means, and yet so 
as to keep men in continual dependance upon him for the 
efficacy and success of them; to make Kings and all men 
to know the reins of the world are not in their hands, but 
that there is One above who sways and governs all things 
here below. 

Iam closing. A post comes in, and brings the letters, 
copies of which are enclosed, Now expect Mr. Hunting- 
ton’s speedy return. Have sent for my Council. My own 
thoughts, and such as come to me, are, to send forward four 
or five of the companies now stationed at New-London, with 
four field-pieces, I hope six pieces, to join those men which 
may be ready for the service on Long-Island ; four or five 
companies to follow from New-London as soon as they can 
be marched down; and also to order on other companies to 
take the places of such as are removed from thence. 

I am inclined to think we shall fall upon some measure 
similar to what is mentioned. No delay can be admitted at 
this critical moment. Please to give me the earliest intelli- 
gence how we may best serve agreeable to your desires. 
Shall send in the morning this intelligence to Governour 
Cooke, of Providence, and ask his assistance in the best 
way he shall think the circumstances of that State will 
admit. 

September 1st.—Enclosed is copy of another letter, dated 
yesterday, from Southold, that you may observe the con- 
tents. I hope to pursue our measures so as to stop the 
enemy getting into Suffolk County. 

I am, with esteem and regard, your Excellency’s most 


obedient, humble servant, Tene Teas 


To His Excellency General Washington. 


Sag Harbour, August 30, 1776. 

May tr pLease your Exceixency: I have just received 
an account of our cruel and unnatural enemy, the English, 
having possessed themselves of so much of Long-Island as 
to destroy the communication between this end of it and the 
city of New-York. 

Tam honoured by General Washington with the command 
of a detachment of two hundred men, for the protection of 
the inhabitants, stock, &c. This detachment I think is in 
danger; also insufficient for the purposes mentioned; but 
am resolved, notwithstanding, to keep our reputations clear 
and unsullied, and, with our feeble force, to endeavour to 
distress our enemies all in our power. 

I have prevailed upon the Rev. Mr. Buell to transcribe 
the account he received from the express relative to the 
communications being cut off, and to direct it to your Ex- 
cellency, that, if you should think it advisable, you might 
order a number of men to cross the Sound at night, which 
I conceive they might do without danger from the shipping 
stationed there. 

I have endeavoured to transmit his Excellency General 
Washington an account of my having wrote to your Honour 
concerning this matter, and sent him my returns, a duplicate 
of which I transmit to your Honour, that if mine should mis- 
carry, this not. 

I am, with all imaginable respect, your Excellency’s most 
obedient, humble servant, 

Henry B. Livineston, 
Lieut. Col. and Commanding Officer. 


To His Excellency Governour Trumbull. 


Sag Harbour, August 30, A. D. 1776. 


May ir pLeAse your Excettency—Sir: I have this 
hour direct intelligence from the west end of this Island per 
a post, that the Ministerial Army (supposed to be about 
sixteen thousand) are on this side our Army upon the Island; 
have lined across the Island from the Sound to the south 
side, so that we on the east end can have no access to our 
Army. Upon Tuesday last General Washington came over 
from New-York, upon this Island, with six thousand men. 


1279 


There have been several engagements. Four or five/thou- 
sand ’tis supposed have fallen, inclusive of both armies. 
The armies are within half a mile of each other. A con- 
stant fire is kept up. It’s supposed the grand battle will be 
upon the morrow or next day. We have lost, killed and 
taken, (as the post says,) near three hundred Riflemen; 
the enemy have two hundred Horse. ‘Their riders were to 
dine the day before yesterday at Hempstead. They have 
the command of the west end of the Island entirely. 

The post relates, that upon Tuesday about five thousand 
Regulars attempted to land a little below York Ferry; our 
people met them, and the post says killed about two thou- 
sand, and drove the residue back. We learn by the post 
the Hessians fight terribly. 

I am now, sir, present with Colonel Livingston, who ad- 
vises to write, in conjunction with himself, to your Honour, 
as proposing and submitting of it to your Honour’s wisdom 
to determine whether it will not be conducive to the gene- 
ral good, and for the preservation of this end of the Island, 
to throw a number of troops over to our assistance at the 
present time. 

Confiding in your Excellency’s patriotick spirit and supe- 
rior wisdom, in all possible haste, I am, with great esteem, 
your Excellency’s most humble, most obedient friend and 


rant 
servant, Sou. Bue... 


Suffolk County, Southold, August 31, 1776. 

Honourasie Sir: We are sorry to acquaint you that 
we have received several expresses from the middle of this 
Island, acquainting us of the Regular troops having surround- 
ed our lines at the west end, and stopped our communica- 
tion to the Army and Provincial Congress. ‘Their scouting 
party consists of about three hundred Light-Horse and four 
hundred Foot, together with a number of Tory recruits, and 
to all appearance are about penetrating into this County, as 
they have already marched as far as the western post, or 
Hempstead Plains, where they took prisoner Brigadier-Gene- 
ral Nathaniel Woodhull, Commander-in-Chief of the Militia 
of this Island. We must beg tlfe favour of you to aid and 
assist us with men and ammunition, as our men are chiefly 
drawn off, and are now in the Army, so that we are not 
able to raise more than seven hundred and fifty men in the 
whole County that are capable to bear arms. If you think 
proper to send us men, which we think we really need, we 
must beg you would send what provisions you think they 
will want, all but fresh, which we can make out to supply 
them with. By the best account we can leara of the 
strength of the regular Army now landed on this Island, 
they consist of about fifteen thousand or twenty thousand 
men. 

At a Committee meeting: 

Signed per order: 
Roserr Hampsteap, Chairman, 


Original come to hand September Ist, nine o'clock, P. M. 
Jontu. ‘T’RUMBULL. 


GUILFORD (CONNECTICUT) COMMITTEE. 
. In Committee Meeting of Inspection, 
Guilford, August 31, 1776. ; 
This meeting being called on account of a letter received 
from the Congress of New-York, dated Harlem, August 28, 
1776, desiring the Committee of Guzlford would assist in 
removing the stock from Long-Island, and also the people 
that were desirous of removing; whereupon it is considered 
and voted, that this Committee will comply with the above 
request, and that Nathaniel Ruggles, Esq., Samuel Brown, 
Esq., Solomon Leek, Nathaniel Stone, and Samuel Lee, 
Jun., be a Committee to carry the same into execution. 
A true copy of record. ‘Test: 
Samu. Brown, 


Clerk of Committee of Inspection for said Guilford. 


MALTBY GELSTON TO GOVERNOUR TRUMBULL. 
Bridgehampton, August 31, 1776. 
Sir: Having received intelligence by Benjamin Huntington, 
Esq., and Major Ely, that your Honour has proposed send- 
ing a number of troops to our assistance on the east end of 
Long-Island ; pursuant thereto the Joint Committee of South 


CORRESPONDENCE, PRPCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1280 


and East-Hampton request that your Honour will immedi- 
ately put your purpose in execution, as our danger is ex- 
tremely great, having just received information that a large 
number of Horse and Foot of the Ministerial Army are pro- 
bably marching into this County, and are now in possession 
of the two western Counties on this Island. Sir, should 
your Honour comply with the above request, it is probable 
we can save the inhabitants and stock from falling into the 
hands of our enemies; and unless we have some speedy 
relief, we must fall a sacrifice to our cruel enemies. With 
regard to provision for your troops, we can supply them with 
plenty of fresh meat. For further intelligence, the express 
will inform your Honour. 
Signed by order of the Committee: 
Matrtsy Gevston, Chairman. 


To His Excellency Jonathan Trumbull, Esq. 


COLONEL REED TO COLONEL SEYMOUR. 
Camp at Cambridge, August 31, 1776. 

Sir: Iam directed by his Excellency General Washing- 
ton to inform you that he has given orders that Major French, 
and some other prisoners at Philadelphia, should remain at 
Hartford, instead of proceeding to this camp, as was pro- 
posed, Should there be any doubt of their parole of honour 
given at Philadelphia being vacated by this change of their 
destination, you will require them to renew it before they 
are allowed the same indulgences with the other gentlemen 
now under the care of the Committee over which you pre- 
side. Should they have advanced beyond Hartford before 
this letter reaches you, his Excellency requests you will 
immediately despatch an express for their return, as their 
coming to this place will be attended with many inconve- 
niences both to the service and themselves. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient, humble 


servant 
- Jos. Rrerp. 


To Col. Seymour, Chairman of the Committee, Hartford. 


Boston, September 26, 1776. 

On the 31st of August last was taken by the schooner 
Hannah and Molly and the Dolphin privateers, and carried 
into Frenchman’s Bay, the brigantine Royal George, com- 
manded by Dennis Doyle, having on board the following 
articles, viz: two hundred tierces of pork, two hundred and 
thirty-one barrels of beef, two hundred and seventy firkins 
of butter, one-hundred and sixty-nine barrels of oatmeal, 
eleven tierces of beef, one crock of butter, twenty-five sacks 
of split peas, twenty-five boxes of candles, thirty boxes of 
soap, twenty barrels of pork. She was bound from Water- 
ford, in Ireland, to Halifax; out ten weeks; brings no news, 
excepting that they had an account in Ireland that the 
British troops had taken possession of the greatest part of 
Philadelphia, and had taken the Continental Congress pri- 
soners. . 

Yesterday Captain Odiorne, in the Washington privateer, 
carried into Newburyport a barque from New-York bound 
to St. Vincent’s, with provisions for one hundred and twenty 
men for six months. She sailed in company with five or 
six transports, under convoy of the Solebay frigate, in order 
to fetch troops from thence. . 

A French schooner, which sailed from Newburyport about 
a month ago, was taken by one of the Ministerial pirates, 
retaken by the Washington privateer from hence, and is now 
safe arrived there. ; 

A letter from Providence of 23d instant, says: “The 
Columbus vessel of war has sent a prize brig into Newport, 
loaded with lumber, bound for Europe.” 


JAMES LYON TO MASSACHUSETTS ASSEMBLY. 
Machias, August 28, 1776. 
HonovurasLte Gentiemen: I have often troubled the 
Court with my scribbling, and once with my presence, but 
neither known nor regarded, because I did not approach in 
a parliamentary way, though supported, or rather sent, by 
the most respectable men in this place. Do your Honours 
expect all the formalities of a Court from loggers and mill- 
men? I once more beg leave to approach, with due respect, 
and to speak with freedom, without offence. My subject is 


1281 


the country which lies between Penobscot and Nova-Scotia ; 
and should I appear to express myself with too much energy 


and pathos, I hope it will be imputed to my exquisite sensi-' 


bility of my subject; I feel what I say, and mean, if possi- 
ble, that your Honours should feel it likewise. 

It has often been asserted, if we may credit human testi- 
mony, by members of this honourable Court, that the eastern 
country is a moth; that it has cost more than it is worth ; 
and that it would be wisdom in the Government to neglect 
it utterly, and suffer it to sink. I suppose that part of the 
country east of the Penobscot is meant, for the other part is 
in some measure represented, better known, and surely worth 
saving. I shall, therefore, take it for granted that the part 
only where I live is the moth to Government. I readily 
grant that your Honours are competent judges of the qualifi- 
cations of your own members; but since you never yet pre- 
tended to infallibility, it is not impossible that ignorant and 
illiterate men have, by some means or other, crept in among 
you. But whenever this happens, [ blame not this honour- 
able Court, but those who sent them. Were I permitted 
even to name what I think the necessary qualifications in a 
good statesman, I should say, he ought to be a gentleman of 
enlarged mind, well furnished with historical facts, and an 
extensive acquaintance with men and things, and the Con- 
stitution of his own country in particular, and with every 
part of his dominions; he ought also to be a gentleman of 
established integrity and extensive benevolence, who esteems 
the happiness of every part of the State his own highest 
happiness and glory. Such a person will do honour to a 
publick station, and diffuse peace and joy through the State; 
while the person destitute of these qualifications is really a 
nuisance and a curse to the publick in any exalted sphere. 
Have these gentlemen, therefore, who speak and think so 
lightly of this eastern country, all these necessary qualifica- 
tions? Have they any of them? Not to mention their 
profound acquaintance with history, ancient and modern, 
and the grand and interesting occasions of the rise and fall 
of the States, Kingdoms, and Empires, do they know any 
more of a valuable part of their own dominions than they 
know of the extent of country and the nature of the soil in 
the moon? And are not their integrity and benevolence 
strongly to be suspected, when they openly oppose every- 
thing that is motioned for the benefit of this infant country, 
if attended with a trifling expense, and publickly declare 
their willingness that thousands of wholesome inhabitants, 
and as brave a people as any on the face of the earth, should 
perish in all the horrours of famine and war? But they are 
my superiors. Our situation is far more deplorable than the 
situation of the Boston people ever was, till the town was 
shut up; and perhaps we are as useful members of the State. 
Yet donations were generously heaped upon them from 
almost every quarter. But did we ever ask for charity? 
Some of the principal inhabitants of this place, it is true, 
petitioned for a scanty pittance for their Minister; and the 
ostensible reason assigned for not granting it was, the peti- 
tion does not come before us in a parliamentary way. ‘The 
sums asked for, with this single exception, have always been 
requested as a loan, which we think we shall be able to pay, 
with interest, when the times are settled. I suspect, how- 
ever, that this honourable Court, in general, have too con- 
temptible an opinion of this part of the eastern country. I 
beg leave, therefore, to speak a few words in its commenda- 
tion. I have travelled over a great part of Pennsylvania, 
New-Jersey, New-York, Connecticut, Rhode-Island, Boston 
Government, and Nova-Scotia, and been an inhabitant of 
all these States, except Connecticut and Rhode-Island, and 
call myself something of a judge of lands; and I must say, 
that this eastern country, in my opinion, is equal to any [ 
ever saw. The climate, if not so pleasant as some others, is 
more healthy, and the natural increase of inhabitants greater; 
the soil is exceedingly natural to grass, and when properly 
subdued, will produce quantities of beef, butter, cheese, &c. 
It produces excellent wheat, rye, barley, oats, peas, beans, 
hemp, flax, and some Jndzan corn in the internal parts, and 
almost all kinds of roots. ‘The proportion of barren lands is 
probably less than in most other countries. ‘To these things 
I must add the fishing on the coasts, which will in time sup- 
port an incredible number of people, and furnish our navy 
with able seamen. However meanly, therefore, people may 
think of this eastern and extensive portion of the Continent, 
I assert, without claiming the spirit of prophecy, that it will 


Firru Serites.—Vot. I. 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROSEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


81 


1282 


one day vie with the other States of America in greatness 


ahd glory, if not give them laws. Your settlements here 
are promising children in their minority, who must be ten- 
derly nursed, and when grown to manhood will become the 
s\tpport and consolation of their aged parents. Should your 
Honours, notwithstanding, think them a moth, and not worth 
keeping, I beg you dispose of the country, together with the 
right of dominion, and give us, the inhabitants, the offer. 
We vill engage to procure purchasers, who will give you 
fifteen times as much as it has cost you. We shall then 
soon become a free and independent State ourselves, And 
I assure you we shall think Nova-Scotia worth annexing to 
our dominions. But if your Honours think us worth keep- 
ing, | beseech you, by all the tender emotions of the human 
heart, and by everything sacred, to take some care of us. 
The coast would be worthy of a guard were there not an 
inhabitant upon it; but the inhabitants amount to thousands, 
who are a hardy, brave people, and acquainted with the 
climate and the nature of the soil, and therefore are better 
than twice the number that could be sent here, for such 
would have everything to learn. But—pardon my free- 
dom—instead of encouraging and supporting us hitherto, as 
we ought to have been, this honourable Court has neglected 
us, and taken our privateers, our principal strength, which 
cost us our blood, from us. And in consequence of this, 
a number of industrious fishermen, and all on which we 
depended for present subsistence, have been taken by British 
robbers, and a number of our respectable people—men, 
women, and children—carried into captivity. If any of 
our people have represented these two privateers as useless 
while here, they certainly mistook our true interest. They 
were a terrour to our enemies, and, under God, if I mistake 
not, our salvation last summer. Now they are gone our 
enemy’s barges infest our harbours and take our vessels. 
Should your Honours now ask what I mean by all this, I 
reply, I earnestly request you to send one of your frigates, 
or two or three of your ablest privateers, to take the ship 
that infests our coast, and clear the way for fishermen and 
coasters; and then, perhaps, some generous persons may be 
disposed to send us bread, and take some of our lumber. I 
ask for a small army, to subdue Nova-Scotia, or at least 
that some person or persons may have leave to raise men, 
and to go against that Province at theirown risk. I believe 
men enough might be found in this country who would 
cheerfully undertake it without any assistance from Govern- 
ment. ‘The people this way are so very anxious about this 
matter, that they would go in whale-boats rather than not 
go, provided they might call what they take their own, in 
common with the good people of that Province. I confess 
I am so avaricious, that I would go with the utmost cheer- 
fulness. I hope, however, I should have some noble views, 
for I think it our duty to relieve our distressed brethren, and 
bestow upon them the same glorious privileges which we 
enjoy, if possible, and to deprive our enemies, especially 
those on this Continent, of their power to hurt us. 

With these views, the Committee of this place once peti- 
tioned for leave to go against that Province. And had our 
request been granted, in all probability that country had 
now been entirely ours, and vast quantities of provision 
would have been cut off from our enemies. Messrs. Shaw, 
Foster, and Smith, would now do the business. But were 
our General Court, at their own expense, to take Nova- 
Scotia, the other States of America would have no preten- 
sions to any part of it; and the acquisition would be un- 
speakably great. That Province is invaluable, and would 
make ample amends for the expense, and we must have it, 
or our fishing is lost. Now it is nearly defenceless, and 
nearly nine-tenths of its inhabitants would bid us a hearty 
welcome; and now it may be taken without much loss of 
blood, if any, but hereafter it may cost us very dear. 

I highly approve. of the noble spirit and resolution of 
Captain Eddy, and heartily wish him success, and all the 
honour of reducing Nova-Scotia, provided our General 
Court do not see fit that any of their own subjects should 
share it with him. ‘The reduction of that Province is a 
matter of the utmost consequence to this place, and would 
relieve us of many of our distresses. 

Should it be thought that 1 meddle with matters which 
do not belong to me, and that the Committee of Machias 
ought to have written, I acknowledge that their writing 
would have been the parliamentary way; but at present, 


1283 


this is almost impracticable, for they are much distressed 
and broken to pieces: two of them are taken by the enemy, 
and one at the westward. Indeed, we are all in a poor, 
broken situation. If, therefore, the Committee cannot write, 
why may not I—especially when I write nearly the serse 
of all the members of the Committee whom I have seen, 
and the sense of almost every inhabitant? The meauest 
subject of a free State may complain, when aggrieved, to the 
highest Court, and draw near to the supreme authority with 
filial confidence and freedom. JI mean to dono more. This 
is my birthright; and should feel, if,1 neglect to improve it 
when confidence and the distresses of all around,me com- 
mand, your Honours yourselves would blame me. 
forget myself, and intrude too far. 

I am, with great deference and respect, your Honours’ 
most faithful but distressed servant and subject, 

Jas. Lyon. 


To the Honourable the Council and House of Commons of 
the State of Massachusetts-Bay. 


P.S. Iam heartily sorry that the officer I recommended 
to this honourable Court has not acted with all that dignity 
and honour that could be wished. When I wrote in bis 
favour, I had no knowledge of his inclinations to impose on 
the publick. 

The vessels lately taken going out of this place were a 
brig from St. Croix, John Coulson master, the sloop Unity, 
formerly belonging to Captain Ichabod Jones, and a sloop 
belonging to Mr. Jonathan Pierson, of Newbury. 


RESOLVE OF THE GENERAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, 
August 31, 1776. 


Resolved, That a Committee of suitable persons be ap- 
pointed immediately to repair to the State of New-Hamp- 
shire, and apply to the Government there, and, if practicable, 
with the loan of as many Cannon as can be spared from this 
State, to effect the fixing out the Continental Ship now under 
the direction of Mr. Langdon ; and to take immediate mea- 
sures that such number of Cannon and other necessaries, as 
without distressing the State may be lent to the Continent, 
may be safely and expeditiously transported to Portsmouth. 
This Ship to be fixed out for the purpose of attacking the 
Milford, or other ships of war distressing our coasts. 

And in case said Ship can within any reasonable time be 
equipped for the sea, 

Resolved, That two or more Colony armed Vessels be 
directed to act in concert with her; and that the Committee 
be, and hereby are, empowered to engage as many sea-coast 
Soldiers east of Boston as may incline to enter for said ser- 
vice, and in general to do everything necessary for effecting 
the aforesaid purpose; and that the pay of the sea-coast 
men continue, in addition to emoluments of the sea service. 
The said Cannon and other articles, that may be lent as 
aforesaid, to be returned as soon as the cruise shall be over, 
or as soon as they shall be called for by this Government. 


In Council, September 2, 1776. 

Whereas Benjamin Greenleaf and Oliver Wendell, Esqs., 
and Captain George Williams, are appointed a Committee 
to repair to Portsmouth, in the State of New-Hampshire, to 
procure the Continental Frigate to cruise after the Milford 
and other Frigates of the enemy, that are infesting the sea- 
coast.of these United States: 

Resolved, That the said Committee be directed to repre- 
sent to the Legislative authority of the State of New-Hamp- 
shire the expediency of forthwith passing an act to prohibit 
the exportation of Lumber, for a limited time, similar to that 
passed by this State for that purpose. 

Sent down for concurrence. 

Joun Avery, Dep. Secretary. 


In the House of Representatives, September 2, 1776. 
J. Warren, Speaker. 
Joun Avery, Dep. Secretary. 


Read and concurred. 
A true copy. Attest: 


AMERICAN PRISONERS IN HALIFAX, _ 


The following Prisoners are still confined in one room, at 
Halifax, among felons, thieves, robbers, negroes, soldiers, 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCE™DINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


But I 


1284 


&c., which we here publish for the satisfaction of their 
anxious friends : 
James Lovell and Richard Carpenter, of Boston. 
Consider Howland, Master, and Jacob Taylor, Mate, of 
the privateer brig Washington. 
Bigelow, Kemp, Peak, and Sessions, Bunker- Hill. 
Corporal Cruise, and Cornelius Turner, Riflemen. 
David Wells, Dorchester-Neck. 
Captain Francis Proctor, of Philadelphia. 
Corporal Jeremiah Low, of Fredericksburg. 
Colonel Ethan Allen, of Bennington. 
John Gray, Arlington. 
Barnabas Castle, Saratoga. 
Preston Denton, Stillwater. 


Belonging to the State of Connecticut. 


Sergeant Devt Munson, Walling ford. 
Sergeant Zachariah Brinsmade, Woodbury. 
Corporal Charles Steward, Stamford. 
Corporal Roger Moore, Salisbury. 
Corporal Samuel Lewis, William Gray, David Goss, and 
Adoniyah Maxum, of Sharon. 
Ebenezer Mac and Levi Barnum, of Norfolk. 
Flowers, New-Hartford. 


In the Hospital. 


Amos Green, Norwich. 
Jonathan Matthews, Goshen. 
Wilkam Drinkwater, New-Milford. 


In the King’s Yard. 
John James Burkie, (a Swiss,) New-York. 


Twelve Canadians. 


Not one of Colonel Allen’s men died until after their 
return from England; then Anthony Belisle, a Canadian, 
died off Cape Fear. 

All in the Jail, but Sessions, are well and in good spirits, 
but wishing greatly for an exchange. 


LETTER I.—TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS-~ 
; BAY. 


GentLemMeNn: Conscious of an upright design to promote 
and perpetuate the liberties of the State, and that I have 
given you no just occasion to suspect my patriotism while 
I have had the happiness of residing among you, I promise 
myself that you will hear with candour what I have now to 
offer. 

The peculiarity of the times hath made it necessary to 
alter the forms of Government in almost every Colony upon 
the Continent, and hath afforded an opportunity of moulding 
them so as to favour the original rights of human nature. 
In some these rights are more fully and better secured than ~ 
in others; this we may ascribe to the different manners and 
usages of the inhabitants which must be consulted, that so 
confusion may be prevented, and invincible prejudices be 
gratified; though it 1s your felicity to have enjoyed from the 
beginning a form of Government that contained the leading 
principles of liberty, so that you want not, in this important 
crisis of America, to establish a form absolutely and entirely 
new, but to have the present corrected and improved, in 
order to its being perfect. Your Legislature always con- 
sisted of more than one branch; and it is of the highest 
consequence that it should continue to do so. A gentleman, 
(to whom you are under great obligations, and whose name, 
was I to mention it, would meet with universal respect,) in 
a letter to his friend, containing Thoughts on Government, 
printed at Philadelphia, thus expresses himself from page 
the 10th to the 14th: 

‘A representation of the people in one Assembly being 
obtained, a question arises, whether all the powers of Go- 
vernment, legislative, executive, and judicial, shall be left in 
this body? I think a people cannot be long free, nor ever 
happy, whose Government is in one Assembly. My reasons 
for this opinion are as follow: 

“1. A single Assembly is liable to all the vices, follies, 
and frailties of an individual; subject to fits of humour, starts 
of passion, flights of enthusiasm, partialities of prejudice, and 
consequently productive of hasty results and absurd judg- 
ments; and all these errors ought to be corrected and de- 
fects supplied by some controlling power. 


1285 


“2. A single Assembly is apt to be avaricious, and in | 


time will not scruple to exempt itself from burdens which it 
will lay without compunction on its constituents. 

“3. A single Assembly is apt to grow ambitious, and 
after a time will not hesitate to vote itself perpetual. This 
was one fault of the Long Parliament; but more particu- 
larly of Holland, whose Assembly first voted themselves 
from annual to septennial, then for life, and after a course 
of years, that all vacancies happening by death or otherwise 
should be filled by themselves, without any application to 
constituents at all. 

“4. A Representative Assembly, although extremely well 
qualified, and absolutely necessary as a branch of the Legis- 
Jature, is unfit to exercise the Executive power, for want of 
two essential properties, secrecy and despatch. 

“5. A Representative Assembly is still less qualified for 
the Judicial power, because it is too numerous, too slow, and 
too little skilled in the laws. 

“6. Because a single Assembly, possessed of all the 
powers of Government, would make arbitrary laws for their 
own interest, execute all Jaws arbitrarily for their own inte- 
rest, and adjudge all controversies in their own favour, 

* But shall the whole power of legislation rest in one 
Assembly? Most of the foregoing reasons apply equally to 
prove that the Legislative power ought to be more complex; 
to which we may add, that if the Legislative power is wholly 
in one Assembly, and the Executive in another, or in a sin- 
gle person, these two powers will oppose and encroach 
upon each other, until the contest shall end in war, and the 
whole power, Legislative and Executive, be usurped by the 
strongest.” 

The wisdom of the Continent, so far as it can-be collected 
from the forms that have been already established, hath given 
it in favour of a complex Legislature, against its consisting 
of one branch only. From his Excellency Archibald Bul- 
lock’s speech to the Provincial Congress of Georgia, it seems 
that the whole Legislature rested in that one representative 
body; but no publication, that I have been able to get the 
sight of, has informed us whether the Georgians have yet 
agreed upon and fixed their form of Government. It may 
be only the original temporary expedient continued. South- 
Carolina was the first that resolved upon a fixed plan, and 
concluded that the Legislative authority should be vested in 
the President and Commander-in-Chief, the General Assem- 
bly, and Legislative Council. I do not object to the Legis- 
lature’s consisting of more than two branches, though these, 
well modelled, might suffice, but to a single person’s making 
the third branch. The author of that celebrated pamphlet 
Common Sense, judiciously observed, in that or one of his 
letters signed Forester, that it was too much for any one 
man whatsoever to be intrusted with the power of negativing 
the acts of two large legislating bodies. I have not his 
words, and can only give you his meaning, which is so level 
to the understanding of every mortal, that when once men- 
tioned it is a wonder that it is not universally assented to. 
The abilities and good qualities of a Rutledge may prevent 
the South-Carolinians finding a speedy disadvantage from 
their having invested the President with so great a power; 
but while men are fallible, changeable, and mortal, the rights 
of a people should not depend upon the abilities and good 
qualities of a President; no, not for a year. 

The Virginians, in their plan of Government, declare: 
“ The Legislative department shall be formed of two distinct 
branches, who, together, shall be a complete Leyislature. 
They shall meet once, or oftener, every year, and shall be 
called the General Assembly of Virginia. One of these 
shall be called the House of Delegates; the other shall be 
called the Senate.” 

New-Jersey have agreed that the Government of that 
Province should be vested in a Governour, Legislative 
Council, and General Assembly; but legislation is confined 
to the Council and Assembly unitedly, and the Governour 
has no further concern therein other than as constant Presi- 
dent of the Council, and having a casting vote in their pro- 
ceedings. 

The rest of the Colonies that had their forms of Govern- 
ment to settle, have not yet agreed upon, or published the 
same. However, it is extremely probable that they will in 
general determine upon having more than a single branch 
for the Legislature. Could I suppose that this Colony would 
consent to set aside the Council, and to intrust an Assembly 


CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, &c., AUGUST, 1776. 


1286 


vith the sole power of legislating, I should dread the con- 
gequences—not for myself as an individual, for having been 
plready transplanted, I am not strongly rooted to a par- 
t.cular spot, and can easily remove to a free soil wherever 
t» be met with. I should dread the consequences on account 
of the publick ; for such Assembly would soon give us as 
great a cause for complaining as ever the British Legisla- 
tur? has done, would be full as arbitrary and tyrannical, and 
far more-dangerous, from their being in the midst of us, 
instead of three thousand miles distant. We are fighting 
agains. a tyranny without us; let us guard against a tyranny 
within us; or the only difference in our case will be, that 
instead of being devoured by aliens, we shall be devoured 
one of another. Gentlemen, let us retain a Council as an 
essential branch of the Legislature, that so our laws, by 
being subject to the revisal of that Board, may be the more 
matured for publick service, and that so, should the Assem- 
bly fall into the vices, follies, and frailties of individuals, 
they may have the assistance of the Council to recover 
them before they have rendered themselves ridiculous, or 
have thrown the State into a convulsion. But while Iam 
arguing for the continuance of a Council as one branch of 
the Legislature, [ would not be thought to approve of its 
continuing upon the usual footing. It should upon no ac- 
count whatsoever have a vote in its own election, and I am 
glad to find that that absurdity is more attended to than for- 
merly, It should also be so independent of the House, as 
that its members may be in nowise under any undue in- 
fluence from that. ‘The Council hath only the name of a 
separate branch of the Legislature, unless they are entirely 
free to act their own judgments. Wherein one branch 
sways the other to go against its own opinion, it therein 
engrosses the whole power. It is upon this principle that 
the King of Great Britain is absolute; for though he doth 
not act without the Parliament, by places, pensions, honours, 
and promises, he obtains the sanction of the Parliament for 
doing as he pleases. The ancient form is preserved, but 
the spirit of the Constitution is evaporated. Whether it 
would be best that the choice of the Council should remain 
with the House, or be taken up by the publick, who are 
the fountain of all civil power, and may resume the exercise 
of it as oft as they judge necessary or expedient, I am at a 
loss to determine. But however chosen, the Board should 
certainly be considered as much the Representatives of the 
people as the House. In South-Carolina, the General 
Assembly choose the Legislative Council. In Virginia, 
the electors at large choose the Senate, (or Council,) voting 
for them at the same time that they vote for the House of 
Delegates. *Tis after the same manner in the Jerseys. The 
Senate or Council of Virginia consists of twenty-four mem- 
bers, which are changed by rotation, six new ones being 
chosen annually in the room of six that go out, till the whole 
are changed, And it is so settled that the same individuals 
cannot be rechosen till they have been out of the Senate four 
years; but then, after the first rotation, each set will con- 
tinue in as long. When Councillors are chosen by the peo- 
ple annually, and can be displaced, or rather passed by, at 
pleasure, it seems unnecessary to insist upon a change; but 
it may be prudent for the electors to make it once in a while, 
that so the legislative power may not continue almost in- 
variably among a certain set. Should the Council be chosen 
by the House, then, I apprehend, a settled change by rota- 
tion becomes requisite, and it might be effected after some 
such manner as the following: Let us suppose the number 
of the Council thirty. Let it be agreed that none of these 
shall serve more than three years successively, while they 
depend solely upon the annual election of the House for 
serving longer than the first, and that ten of them shall be 
dropped every year to make room for the admission of new 
ones. After the Council hath been chosen, let the House 
immediately determine upon the ten who shall not be eligi- 
ble on the following election. By this means the people, 
if they approve of it, will have the opportunity of concluding 
upon returning them the next year to the House, and of 
enjoying their assistance among the Representatives, and 
they themselves will be under no temptation to deviate from 
their own sentiments, or to alter their own opinion, that they 
may secure an election the ensuing year. Let no one that 
is thus declared ineligible, and so left out, be eligible again 
till he has been out of the Council as long as he was suc- 
cessively in it. ‘This mode of rotation is nearly the same 


1287 


with what was proposed by a writer in the New-York paper 
some months since, and I have used his expressions wherein 
they would serve. The said writer, in support of his plan 

observes: ‘These kinds of rotation would be an hinderance 
to individuals conspiring to engross the management of pub- 
lick affairs into their own hands, to the exclusion of others 
equally deserving; would excite a laudable ambition in the 
rising generation to qualify themselves for the first posts of 
honour and importance in the State, while the door of ad- 
mittance was kept open by the Constitution, and not secared 
by a party; would disconcert the plans of any dark, deep, 
designing knave (such there will be in America as well as 
in the rest of the world) that might mean to exalt himself 
into a degree of power dangerous to the publick, while he 
was making himself popular, and deceiving the generality, 
by bawling out and stunning every one near him with the 
cry of liberty, and would increase the number of persons 
qualified for business in any of the upper departments of 
the State.” I shall beg the liberty of troubling you further 
in some following letters, with more of my thoughts on a 
plan of Government. BeforeI close the present, would 
repeat the fifth article in the Declaration of Rights made by 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEF OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1288 


the Representatives of the good people of Virginia, assem- 
bled in full and free Convention, wherein it is asserted “that 
the Legislative and Executive powers of the State should be 
distinct from the Judicative; and that the members of the 
two first may be restrained from oppression by feeling and 
participating the burdens of the people, they should, at 
fixed periods, be reduced to a private station, return into that 
body from which they were originally taken, and the vacan- 
cies be supplied by frequent, certain, and regular elections.’ 
The same arguments that weigh for their being reduced to 
a private station, weigh also for their being kept for a time 
in that private station. The reasons, gentlemen, why I 
shall sign my real name, are, an apprehension that you 
ought to know every man that proposes a plan of Govern- 
ment, that so from their characters you may judge whether 
they have interested views and are biassed, and that I may 
be at liberty to pass by unnoticed any writers I please, to 
avoid altercation about what I advance, for it is not disputa- 
tion or victory, but the good of the State, that is proposed 
by your very humble servant, Wir cies Gh aan 


Roxbury, August 31, 1776. 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 
In Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, July 5, 1776. 
Present: George Clymer, Chairman, Joseph Parker, James 
Biddle, George Gray, John Cadwalader, Owen Biddle, 
John Nixon, David Rittenhouse. 


Resolved, That Mr. James Dunlap be employed as Sur- 
geon of the Naval Armament (the ship excepted) and Ar- 
tillery and superintendance of the Hospital, and that he be 
allowed 10s. per day and three rations. 


The Fly armed vessel having arrived at New-York with 
six Cannon for the use of this Province, being a part of the 
twenty ordered by Congress, 

Resolved, That Messrs. Levi Hollingsworth and Thomas 
Richardson be requested to go to New- York, and endeavour 
to convey the said Cannon to this city in the most expedi- 
tious manner; that they be authorized to hire carriages for 
that purpose, either in this city or any other place, as they 
may judge most proper. 

Upon application of Congress for a quantity of Flints for 
the use of the Army under General Washington, by order 
of the Board Robert Towers, Commissary, was directed to 
deliver thirty thousand of them; and in order to their being 
conveyed to New-York with the greatest expedition, four 
chaises were employed for that purpose, two of which set 
off yesterday evening, and the other two four o'clock this 
morning, with a request to the different Committees to aid 
and assist with fresh horses, if found necessary. 


Adjourned to five o’clock; when the following Members 
met: George Clymer, Chairman, Owen Biddle, George 
Gray, John Nixon, Joseph Parker, David Rittenhouse, John 
Cadwalader. 

By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on Michael 
Hillegas, Esq.,in favour of Colonel Samuel Miles, for £1,000, 
for the use of the Battalion under his command. 

Captain Joseph Moulder having exhibited a list of neces- 
saries to equip his military Company for service, 

Resolved, That Robert Towers, Commissary, supply such 
articles of said list as he has in store. 

That Captain Moulder procure such articles as the Com- 
missary can’t furnish, on the most reasonable terms, and bring 
in a bill for cost, for payment. 

Resolved, That Mr. Palmer and Mr. Nicholson be re- 
quested to examine and value the Arms collected from the 
Non-Associators in this city, and make report of such valua- 
tion to this Board, and that they be paid a reasonable allow- 
ance for their trouble. 

- Captain Alexander was desired to deliver Robert Towers, 
Commissary, all the Powder and Arms taken out of the Brig 


Nancy near Cape May. 


As the Militia of this Province is immediately to be called 
into service, it will be necessary to collect a considerable 
quantity of old Linen for Bandages and Lint; the Committee 
therefore most earnestly requests the good women of this 
City to furnish as much as they can spare. The bearer, 

, Is empowered to receive the same, and such 


charitable ladies as will take the trouble to make Lint and 
furnish it will merit particular thanks from the publick. 

Resolved, That Robert Eastbourne and be 
employed to collect the old Linen, &c., as mentioned in the 
above address. 

Resolved, That Dr. Thomas Bond, jun., be requested to 
procure all the Rags in the Commissary’s store to be made 
into Bandages and Lint, and this Committee will defray the 
expense. 

It being reported to this Committee that there is at present 
scarcity of suitable Linen for making Tents to accommodate 
the Associators who are about to march to the assistance of 
our brethren of the Colony of New-Jersey, and that there is 
a number of Awnings in this city suitable for that purpose, 

Resolved, That the Committee of Inspection and Ob- 
servation be requested to apply to all such persons who are 
possessed of the same, to spare them to the publick upon this 
pressing emergency, allowing them a reasonable price for the 
same; and it is hoped that no persons will be so lost to all 
regard to the publick welfare to refuse to spare the same. 
If any such there be, they are to return their names to this 
Committee, that a proper estimate may be made of their 
attachment to their country. 


In Committee of Safety, July 6, 1776. 

Present: George Clymer, Chairman, Juseph Parker, 
Samuel Howell, James Biddle, Samuel Morris, Jun., Tho- 
mas Wharton, Jun., George Gray, Samuel Miles, Owen 
Biddle, Daniel Roberdeau. 

By order of the Board, Thomas Palmer was directed to 
deliver to Robert Towers, Commissary, the whole number of 
Rifles made by him by order of this Board. 

By order of the Board, Robert Towers, Commissary, was 
directed to deliver to Colonel Timothy Matlack, for the use 
of his Battalion, forty Rifles, made by Mr. Palmer, taking a 
receipt to be accountable for the same. 

Resolved, ‘That Dr. Dunlap be authorized to employ a 
Surgeon’s Mate, whose pay shall be $18 per month, and 
two rations per day. 


Resolved, That the pay of the following Officers employed 


on board the armed Boats in the service of this Province be 
as follows, and to commence the Ist day of June last: 


Bats walnias sn 5 ss aas htiem See ween Aa ocoseryos £3 10 per month. 
Garpenterprae. tele sicvis' olieisleiotefelely bis be a lelnWiepol tarerate 4 0 do. 
GUDNer... «sien wren. abne caw dae nee een ane 4 0 do. 


That the offices of Steward and Clerk be held by one 
person, whose pay shall be £4 10s. per month. 

That the pay of the following Officers employed on board 
the Provincial Ship and Floating-Battery be as follows, and 
to commence the Ist day of June last, viz: 


Boatswain's Mates,s 50 »on000»\sss bisews tafe semen --+£3 10 0 per month. 
Gunner’s Mate........+. Brarveiate siveis a eteternene ate 3 10 0 do. 
(QVuartermastersse. 054 oP pes oe Soetaehemo 7 tO do. 
Quarter-Gunners.......... eis astots oes sete oon G do. 
Dtewarldssc aciclesice afen- sere @its Give lauaatere Walariellic.e.e 4 00 do. 
Steward’s Mate..... Ee ase CI eters Meier sa” OO do. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, for 


1289 


£1,400, in favour of Captain Joseph Cowperthwaite and Mr. 
opel Biddle, being for account of Continental Powder- 

ill. 

Congress having requested this Board to recommend four 
gentlemen as suitable persons as Captains to four Companies 
of Germans to be raised in this Province for the Continental 
service, 

Resolved, That the following gentlemen be recommended 
to Congress as proper persons to be appointed Captains to 
the four Companies aforesaid, viz: Daniel Burkhard, Geo. 


Hubley, Jacob Bunner, Beryamin Weiser. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on Michael 
Hillegas, Esq., in favour of John Maxwell Nesbitt, Pay- 
master to the Provincial Forces, for £5,000. 


The President of the Congress this day sent the following 
Resolve of Congress, which is directed to be entered on the 
Minutes, to this Board: 

“In Congress, July 5, 1776. 

“ Resolved, That copies of the Declaration be sent to the 
several Assemblies, Conventions, and Councils of Safety, 
and to the several Commanding Officers of the Continental 
Troops, that it be proclaimed in each of the United States, 
and at the head of the Army. 

“ By order of Congress: 

“Joun Hancock, President.” 


In consequence of the above Resolve, Letters were wrote 
to the Counties of Bucks, Chester, Northumberland, Lan- 
caster, and Berks, enclosing a copy of the said Declaration, 
requesting the same to be published on Monday next at the 
places where the election of Delegates are to be held. 


Adjourned to five o’clock; when the following Members 
met: George Clymer, Chairman, Samuel Howell, Owen Bid- 
dle, James Biddle, John Nixon, John Cadwalader, Joseph 
Parker, Thomas Wharton, Jun. 


Resolved, That Mr. Maurice Rogers, Cashier and Clerk 
of Accounts to the Committee of Accounts of this Board, be 
allowed for his services £110 per year. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on Michael 
Hillegas, Esquire, in favour of Colonel Samuel Miles, for 
£1,000, being for the use of the Troops under his com- 
mand. 


Ordered, That the Sheriff of Philadelphia read, or cause 
to be read and proclaimed at the State-House in the City 
of Philadelphia, on Monday, the 8th day of July instant, at 
twelve o’clock at noon of the same day, the Declaration of 
the Representatives of the United Colonies of America, and 
that he cause all his Officers and the Constables of the said 
city to attend the reading thereof. 

Resolved, That every Member of this Committee in or 
near the city be ordered to meet at the Committee Cham- 
ber before twelve o’clock on Monday, to proceed to the 
State-House, where the Declaration of Independence is to 
be proclaimed. 

The Committee of Inspection of this City and Liberties 
were requested to attend the proclamation of Independency 
at the State-House on Monday next, at twelve o’clock. 

In Committee of Safety, July 8, 1776. 

Present: George Clymer, Chairman, Joseph Parker, John 
Nixon, Owen Biddle, Michael Hillegas, George Gray, James 
Biddle, David Rittenhouse, Thomas Wharton, Jun., John 


Cadwalader, Samuel Morris, James Mease, Samuel Howell. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on Michael 
Hillegas, Esq., Treasurer, for £10,000, in favour of John 
Nixon and others, the Committee of Accounts. 


Resolved, That Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary, deliver 
out as much Powder to each Battalion of Associators as will 
make eight rounds, to be used in training them; and it is 
recommended to the Officers to have the Cartridges for that 
purpose made up at the rate of eighty to the pound, which 
Mr. Towers will acquaint them of. 

Resolved, That Mr. John Dunlap print three hundred 
copies of the Rules and Regulations for the government of 
the Continental Army, for the use of the Associators going 
into the Continental service. ' 

Resolved, That the Iron-Masters employed in casting 
Cannon or Shot for the publick service in the Counties of 


Chester, Lancaster, and Berks, be permitted to employ any ° 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1290 


of the Soldiers, prisoners of war at Lancaster and Reading, 
as labourers in the said business, giving an account to the 
Committees of Lancaster and Reading of the times of such 
Soldiers as they shall employ. 


Resolved, That Captain Boyce be requested to give leave 
of absence for one week to Thomas Prudden, now belonging 
to this Board, to assist Captain Delaney in preparing neces- 
saries for the Battalions. 


Robert Towers, Commissary, was directed to deliver Colo- 
nel Samuel Miles as many Knapsacks and Canteens as he 
may have occasion for, for the use of the Provincial Batta- 
lions under his command. 


Resolved, That Doctor Adam Kuhn be appointed Phy- 
sician and Director-General of the Hospital for the Provin- 
cial Troops, under orders for New-Jersey. 

Resolved, ‘That Doctor Kuhn be requested to adjust a 
plan for the establishment of said Hospital. 


Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that 
no persons employed by, or by order of this Committee, in 
making Guns, Gunlocks, Chevaux-de-Frise, Piers, or any 
other work for the account of the publick, should quit their 
employments to march with the Militia now to be drawn out, 
without special leave of this Board. 


Adjourned to five o’clock; when the following Members 
met: Owen Biddle, Chairman, Samuel Howell, Joseph Par- 
ker, David Rittenhouse, George Gray, Thomas Wharton, 
Jun., James Biddle, Samuel Miles. 

By order of the Board, Robert Towers, Commissary, was 
directed to deliver Colonel Samuel Miles, or his order, two 
hundred weight of Lead, for the use of the Troops under his 
command. 


Resolved, That the Committee of Assembly for superin- 
tending the printing the emission of Eighty-Five Thousand 
Pounds, by the Resolve of Assembly, be authorized to 
employ those persons appointed by Assembly to sign said 
money that will best expedite the signing of the same. 


Resolved, That Doctor Charles Bensel, Joseph Ferree, 
and Leonard Stoneburner, be appointed to collect all the 
Leaden Window Weights, and other Lead, in Germantown 
and its neighbourhood, for which the liberal price of six 
pence per pound will be allowed; and they are authorized 
to draw on this Board for the same. 


In Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, July 9, 1776. 
Present: James Mease, Chairman, David Rittenhouse, 
Joseph Parker, George Gray, Samuel Morris, John Cad- 


walader, George Clymer, Thomas Wharton, Jun. 


By order of the Board, Robert Towers, Commissary, was 
directed to deliver to Colonel John Cadwalader, nine Pro- 
vincial Firelocks, for the use of the Associators of his Bat- 
talion. « 


By order of the Board, Robert Towers, Commissary, was 
directed to deliver to Colonel Hames, for the use of an Artil- 
lery Company of New-Jersey, two hundred pounds of Lead, 


receiving six pence per pound for the same. 


Resolved, That Doctor Dunlap be empowered to pur- 
chase all such Drugs, Medicines, Chirurgical Instruments, 
and necessaries for the use of the Hospital under his care, 
as shall be requisite for that service, upon the best terms he 
is able, and send in the accounts to this Board for payment. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on Michael 
Hillegas, Esq., in favour of Colonel Samuel Miles, for £500, 
for the use of the ‘Troops under his command. 


Upon application to Congress by this Board, for the loan 
of a sum of Money for the service of this Board, the fol- 
lowing Order was sent to this Committee by Robert Morris, 
Esq., viz: 

‘© In Congress, June 28, 1776. 

“Resolved, That the Treasurers be empowered to advance 
to the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania, a sum not 
exceeding $100,000, the Colony of Pennsylvania to be 
accountable. ‘ 

“ Extract from the Minutes : 

“Cuas. THomson, Secretary.” 

Resolved, That the above Order of Congress for $100,000 
be put into the hands of John Nivon, Esq., and others, the 
Committee of Accounts of this Board. 


1291 


Resolved, That it be recommended to the Committee of 
Inspection of the County of Bucks, immediately to appoint 
some fit and trusty person to cause all the Fire-Arms col- 
lected from the Associators to be repaired and made fit for 
service, with all despatch, and the accounts of such repairs, 
certified by such person, and countersigned by the Chairman 
of the said Committee, with the reasonable charge of such 
person so employed, shall be paid by this Board. 


Robert Towers, Commissary, was directed to furnish Colo- 
nel Miles with samples of Powder, that he may make choice 
of that that will best suit the Rifles, and five hundred F'lints. 


Resolved, That Doctor John Davis, of the Rifle Batta- 
lion, in the service of this Province, be authorized to pur- 
chase a case of Surgeon’s pocket Instruments. 


Resolved, That such Prisoners from North-Carolina as 
choose, may be permitted to write to their friends there; 
such Letters to be inspected by this Committee; and the 
Jailer is to take care that all the paper delivered in to the 
Prisoners, be used in such Letters, or returned him. 


The Memorial of Ludwick Kargher, agent, Victualler for 
the three Battalions in the pay of this Province, being read 
and considered, this Committee recommended him to the 
Delegates of this Province in Congress, to apply to the 
honourable Congress for redress. 


Adjourned to five o’clock; when the following Members 
met: James Mease, Chairman, Samuel Howell, John Nixon, 
Samuel Morris, Jun., George Gray, Joseph Parker, David 
Rittenhouse, James Biddle. 


By order of the Board, Robert Towers, Commissary, was 
directed to deliver Clement Biddle, Esq., Deputy Quarter- 
master-General, the following articles, for the use of the 
Continent, taking a receipt for the same, viz: fifty Picks, 
fifty Spades, one hundred Shovels, fifty Handbarrows, thirty 
Wheelbarrows, fifty Hatchets, fifty Pitching-Axes. 


By order of the Board, Robert Towers, Commissary, was 
directed to deliver to Colonel Thomas McKean, of the Fourth 
Battalion, the following articles: twelve hundred F'lints, one 
quarter cask of Powder, (to be made into small cartridges 
for training,) sixty Pikes, Powder and Lead to supply sixty 
Riflemen. 


The honourable Congress sent the following Resolve to this 
Board, which is directed to be entered on the Minutes: 

“Resolved, That the Committee of Safety of Pennsylva- 
nia be directed to take the parole of Allan McDonald, of 
Kingsborough, who is now confined in the Jail of this city, 
and upon his signing his parole, that they assign him his 
place of residence, and treat him agreeable to resolutions of 
Congress. 

“ Extract from the Minutes: 

“Cuas. Tuomson, Secretary.” 


Agreeable to the above Resolve of Congress, the said 
Allar@Mc Donald gave his parole and word of honour to go 
to Reading, in Berks County, and other matters, as will 
appear by his parole. 


In Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, July 10, 1776. 
Present: Owen Biddle, Chairman, Joseph Parker, John 
Nixon, Alexander Wilcocks, Samuel Howell, James Biddle, 
George Gray, George Clymer, Samuel Morris, Jun. 


Resolved, That Doctor Dunlap be desired to receive the 
Bandages and Rags that Doctor Bond received, and had 
made by order of this Board. 


Yesterday ten of the men confined in Jail, that were taken 
with Captain Campbell, some time past, were discharged, they 
having been qualified to proceed to Yorktown, and reside 
there, or within such distance as the Committee of Inspec- 
tion of that town shall limit. 


Robert Towers, Commissary, was directed to deliver Cap- 
tain Cowperthwaite four Fire-locks, with the Accoutrements, 
for the use of his Light-Infantry Company. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Joseph Moulder, for £25, to be charged to his 
account for purchasing Tin for the use of the Province. 


Resolved, That this Committee will pay £50 to any per- 


son or persons who shall apprehend Major Rogers and deli- 
ver him to this Board. 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1292 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Captain Francis Wade, for £70, which is direct- 
ed to be charged to his account. 


Resolved, That Mr. Towers be directed to deliver to Gene- 
ral Roberdeau’s order, all the Provincial Arms in his pos- 
session, that a just distribution be made of them amongst the 
four Musket Battalions of Associators in this city, 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, and others, the Committee of Accounts, in favour of 
George Spangler, for £10, for the defraying the expenses 
of Captain Campbell’s men discharged from confinement and 
ordered to Yorktown, which is directed to be charged to his 
account. | 

Resolved, That George Spangler conduct the Prisoners 
of War from this city to Yorktown, there to be stationed 
under the care of the Committee of that town. 


In Committee of Safety, July 11, 1776. 
Present: Alerander Wilcocks, Chairman, George Clymer, 
James Mease, Samuel Howell, Joseph Parker, Owen Bid- 
dle, Samuel Miles, Thomas Wharton, Jun., David Ritten- 
house, John Nixon, George Gray. 


By order of the Board, Robert Towers, Commissary, was 
directed to deliver Mr. Clement Biddle, Quartermaster-Gene- 
ral, the following articles, taking a receipt for the same: three 
hundred and fifty Knapsacks, nine hundred Cartouch-Boxes, 
nine hundred Bayonet Belts, one thousand Brushes and 
Wires, six hampers Tent Pins, twelve Awnings, Intrench- 
ing ‘Tools to make up one half of the whole quantity in 
store. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of John Pollard, for £23 12s. 6d., the amount of 
five Rifles purchased by Colonel Timothy Matlack, for the 
use of his Battalion. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Messrs. B. Smith, William Ball, and B. Harbi- 


son, for £25, for purchasing Awnings for making Tents. 


Captain Loxley and Mr. Daniel King are hereby ordered 
to take immediate possession of Morgan Bustead’s Air Fur- 
nace, for the publick use, and this Committee will be answer- 
able to the said Bustead. 


Resolved, That Mr. Robert Smith, Sailmaker, be request- 
ed to attend Messrs. Smth, Ball, and Harbison, to inspect 
and value such Awnings as they may show him, for which 
they are to pay the several owners agreeable to the valua- | 
tion, and which he is desired to make up with all possible 
speed into Tents. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, for 
£250, in favour of Mr. Abraham Mason, for the purchase 
of Canvass for Tents. 


Resolved, That Mr. Kimble and John Young, Jun., be 
desired immediately to deliver Mr. Robert Towers, Commis- 
sary, such Fire-Arms as are in their possession; and such as 
are fit for use, or may conveniently be made so, be valued 
by him, and this Committee will pay for them. 


The Board understanding that Captain Lovley and Mr. 


_King are about to erect a Boring Mill near the city, it is 


recommended to them to complete the work without loss of 
time, as it may be immediately employed greatly to the 
publick service. 

Resolved, That Mr. Owen Biddle procure, for the use of 
this Province, double the quantity of Intrenching Tools already 
provided. 

In Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, July 12, 1776. 

Present: Samuel Howell, Chairman, Michael Hillegas, 
Owen Biddle, Joseph Parker, James Biddle, David Ritten- 
house, Samuel Miles, Thomas Wharton, Jr., Samuel Morris, 
Jun., George Clymer, John Nixon, John Cadwalader. 


This Committee some time past freighted and hired the 
Brigantine Nancy, Captain Montgomery, on a voyage for pro- 
curing Arms and Ammunition on account of this Province; 
and having engaged to secure the value of the said vessel to 
the owners in case of loss; and whereas the said Brigantine 


1293 


Nancy, on her return from St. Thomas’s with Powder and 
other goods, was run on shore near Cape-May and lost; in 
consequence thereof the owners of said vessel exhibited an 
account against this Committee for the value of the said 
brigantine, and other matters therein mentioned: 

Therefore, Resolved, That Robert Morris, Thomas Whar- 
ton, Jun., and Robert Whyte, Esquires, the Committee for 
importing Powder, Arms, &c:, be authorized to settle the 
above-mentioned Account, and make report to this Board. 


Resolved, That Messrs. George Gray, James Biddle, 
George Clymer, and Owen Biddle, be a Committee to draw 
up a plan for the support of the families of the poor Asso- 
ciators that are gone and now going upon the present expe- 
dition into the Jerseys, and make report of their proceedings 
to-morrow. 

The Powder Committee report, that they have examined 
the Accounts exhibited by Joseph Shallcross § Co.,respecting 
the loss of the Brigantine Nancy, amounting to £1,457 10s., 
and find it reasonable and just. In consequence thereof an 
Order was drawn on John Nixon, Esquire, and others, the 
Committee of Accounts, in favour of said Joseph Shallcross 
& Co., for the said sum of £1,457 10s. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esquire, and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Henry McKeever, for £4 15s., being the price of 
a Rifle sold Colonel Matlack for the use of his Battalion. 


Upon application of General Roberdeau for the following 
articles, for the use of the armed Brigantine Venus, going on 
a voyage for Arms and Ammunition, Robert Towers, Com-, 
missary, is directed to deliver them; and are as follows: half 
a hundred of Gunpowder; sixty pounds of Musket Shot, sixty 
Swivel Shot, twelve two-pound Shot. 


Resolved, That the pay of the Artillery Company of this 
Province, under the command of Captain Proctor, be in- 
creased to Continental pay. 


A Letter was this day received from James Potts, Esq., 
enclosing his Commission as Major in the Musket Battalion 
in the service of this Province, desiring leave to resign his 
appointment. . 

Resolved, That Major James Potts have leave to resign 
his Commission. 


Adjourned to three o’clock ; when the following Members 
met: Samuel Howell, Chairman, George Clymer, Owen Bid- 
dle, James Biddle, Thomas Wharton, Junior, George Gray, 
Samuel Miles. 


Lieutenant Webb, of the armed boat Bull Dog, having 
been suspended from duty by a Court-Martial during the 
pleasure of the Commodore, who has resigned his appoint- 
ment as commander of the fleet, 

Therefore, Resolved, That the said Lieutenant John Webb 


be restored to his command as Lieutenant. 


The honourable Congress having requested this Board to 
recommend proper persons as Lieutenants and Ensigns to 
the four Companies of Germans to be raised in this Province 
for the Continental service, 

Resolved, That the following gentlemen be recommended 
to Congress as proper persons to be appointed as aforesaid: 

As First Lieutenants: Frederick Rowlwagon, Peter 
Boyer, William Rice, Jacob Bower. 

As Second Lieutenants: George Hawbecker, John Lau- 
denberger, George Schaeffer, Frederick Yeiser. 


As Ensigns: John Weidman, Christian Helm, Jacob Cra- 


mer, Christian Godfried Swartz. 


The following Representation was this day drawn up, ap- 
proved, and copies directed to be sent to the Committees of 
Inspection and Observation of the different Counties of this 
State: 

Whereas the Assembly, in one of their late Sessions, did 
authorize and direct the Committees of Inspection and 
Observation to collect all the Arms from Non-Associators 
within the Province, which, there is great reason to believe, 
has not in many places been executed with sufficient care 
and diligence: And as there is a pressing and immediate 
necessity of arming all the Associators in the Province, our 
lives, our fortunes, and liberties depending probably on the 
efforts made this campaign; the respective Committees of 
Inspection and Observation are reminded of this important 
part of their duty; and the Committee of Safety most ear- 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1294 


nestly recommend to them a vigorous exertion of all their 


power to accomplish the views and intentions of the As- 
sembly in this respect. 


In Committee of Safety, July 13, 1776. 


Present: George Clymer, Alexander Wilcocks, Owen Bid- 
dle, Joseph Parker, Samuel Morris. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esquire, and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of John Cobourne, for £250, which is directed to be 
charged to his Account. 


In Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, July 15, 1776. 
Present : James Mease, Chairman, George Clymer, David 
Rittenhouse, Samuel Morris, Samuel Howell, Joseph Parker, 
John Nixon, George Ross. 


By order of the Board, Robert Towers, Commissary, was 
directed to deliver to Colonel George Ross fifteen Rifles, for 
the use of his Battalion of Associators, taking receipts for 
the same. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esquire, and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Doctor Harris, for £100, to be charged to his 
Account, for manufacturing Gunpowder. 


At a Board held yesterday evening at the Coffee-House, 
the following Resolve was entered into: 

Resolved, That Mr. Towers be directed to put up in boxes 
one hundred thousand Musket Cartridges, to be sent to Jersey, 
agreeably to a requisition of Congress, to be replaced imme- 
diately by the Marine Committee. 

Resolved, ‘That no person at present employed in any 
branch of the manufactory of Small Arms should be suffered 
to leave that necessary business, and every officer of the 
Militia is requested to pay proper attention to this resolve. 


By order of the Board an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esquire, and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Messrs. Wilcocks, De Haven,and Peters, for £500, 
to be charged to their Account. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esquire, and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Samuel Morris, Esq., for £650, towards the pay- 
ment of Timber for Chevaux-de-Frise at Billingsport. 


By order -of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esquire, and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Robert Smith, for £500, to be charged to his ac- 
count, for building Chevaux-de-Frise, &c., at Bullingsport. 

Abraham Marshall having applied to this Board for leave 
to resign his commission as Captain of a Company in the 
Musket Battalion in the service of this Province, 

Resolved, That the said Abraham Marshall have leave 
to resign. 


Resolved, That Mr. Joseph McClellan, at present a Lieu- 
tenant in the Battalion of Musketry, be, and he is hereby, 
appointed a Captain in said Battalion, in the room of Cap- 
tain Marshall, resigned. 


Resolved, That Mr. James Lang, at present an Ensign in 
the Musket Battalion, be, and he is hereby, appointed a 
Lieutenant in said Battalion,in the room of Joseph Mc Clellan, 
promoted. 


This Board being informed that Mr. John Baker, of Nor- 
rington, has a number of Provincial Fire-Arms in his posses- 
sion, by order of the Board he was directed to deliver them 
to Colonel Hill, taking a receipt for the same. 


Ordered, That the Commissary inquire into the value of 
the Musket lost by Jasper Carpenter, in the service, and 
supply him with one of equal value out of the publick store. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esquire, and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Benjamin Wetherby, for £50, being for the pay- 
ment of a House purchased of him, on the Land purchased 
for account of Congress for erecting Fortifications at Billings- 
port, which sum is directed to be charged to account of Con- 
gress, 

By order of the: Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esquire, and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Captain James Sterling, for $100, being towards 


1295 


the payment of the expenses of thirteen Men, applied for as 
an escort to the Prisoners from Burlington, going, by order 
of Congress, to Yorktown, in this Province. 


Resolved, That, agreeable to the request of General Rob- 
erdeau, the thirteen Men that go as a Guard with the party 
under the command of Captain Sterling, with the Prisoners 
from Burlington, be allowed Horses at the expense of the 


Continent. 


By order of the Board, Reuben Hains was directed to 
furnish Jacob Miers with ten shilling Beer, as he may want 
It. 


In pursuance of a requisition from Congress to this Com- 
mittee, to order all the British Officers prisoners in this city, 
immediately to the respective places of their destination, 

Resolved, That the said Officers be required to leave this 
city within twenty-four hours, and repair straightway to the 

‘places where they are ordered to reside; and that a copy of 
this resolve be served on each of them, to the end it may be 
strictly complied with. 


Whereas the Assembly of this Province did, in a former 
Session, resolve “That if any Associator called into actual 
service shall have a family not of ability to maintain them- 
selves in his absence, the Overseers of the Poor, with the 
concurrence of one Justice of the Peace of the City or 
County where such Associator did reside, shall immediately 
make provision, by way of out-pension, for the maintenance 
of such family; and a true and proper account being kept 
thereof, shall be returned to the Assembly, in order that the 
same may be made a Provincial expense, and paid accord- 
ingly;” and as it is the opinion of this Committee that the 
funds of the said Overseers will prove greatly insufficient 
whenever any considerable number of Associators shall be 
drawn into actual service, and that the administering to the 
wants of such families by the hands of the Overseers will 
not be satisfactory to the Associators, or be likely to answer 
the good ends proposed, 

Therefore, Resolved, That this Committee will, out of 
the funds of which they have the disposition, make such 
provision as shall be thought necessary to answer the said 
purposes, and that it be recommended to the Committees of 
Inspection and Observation of the City of Philadelphia and 
the several Counties in the Province, to nominate and ap- 
point a proper number of judicious persons, residing in the 
said City and Counties respectively, to distribute to such 
distressed families the allowance they shall judge reasonable ; 
and that the said Committees be empowered to draw, as 
they shall see occasion, on this Board, for the necessary sums 
of money, to be by them lodged in the hands of the persons 
so nominated and appointed, to be applied as is above direct- 
ed; the said Committees to return accounts to this Board 
of the expenditure of the same. 

Resolved, That the above be published in the different 
Newspapers of this City. 


In Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, July 16, 1776. 
Present: Owen Biddle, Chairman, George Clymer, Sam- 
uel Howell, Robert Morris, Thomas Wharton, Jun., James 
Biddle, Alex. Wilcocks, James Mease. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Adam Zantzinger, for £163 15s., which, with 
one other order on Rtobert Towers to deliver two hundred 
pounds Gunpowder, is in full for eight hundred and fifty-five 
pounds of Saltpetre manufactured at Lancaster, and received 
by the Commissary for account of this Board. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of John Morton, for £310, being the balance of the 
Brig Dolphin’s freight, a bill having been drawn for said 
sum by Stephen Ceronza on this Committee, in favour of 
said Morton, which bill has not yet appeared, and this is in 
full discharge of it. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Robert Ritchie, for £48 5s. 6d., for an old Snow 
for a Hulk, an Anchor, Caboose, &c. 


By order of the Board, ‘an Order was drawn on Michael 
Hillegas, Esq., in favour of Colonel Samuel Miles, for £500, 
for the use of the Troops under his command. 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1296 


In consequence of the following Resolve of Congress, Mr. 
McDonald was discharged from his confinement, and his 


parole taken: 
“In Congress, July 15, 1776. 


“Resolved, That Alexander McDonald, son of Captain 
Allan McDonald, be liberated on his parole and allowed to 
reside with his father. 

“ Extract from the Minutes: 

“Cuas. THomson, Secretary.” 


By order of the Board, and in consequence of the request 
of the Marine Committee of Congress, an Order was drawn 
on John Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, 
in favour of Captain James Sterling, for £252 10s., which, 
with the Order drawn yesterday in his favour, is £300, the 
amount of the Requisition of the said Committee. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Joshua Tomlinson, for £200, being so much ad- 
vanced him towards Gun-barrel making. 


Resolved, That Mr. Thomas Penrose and Mr. Arthur 
Donaldson be requested, and they are hereby authorized, to 
fix the two piers at their proper stations in the line of the 
upper Chevaux-de-F'rise, near Fort Island, and also to fasten 
the Boom thereto. 


The Committee taking into consideration the extraordi- 
nary trouble of Captain Whyte in attending and directing 
the building and sinking Chevaux-de-F'rise, and other publick 
services out of doors, are of opinion he is entitled to receive 
£150 for such services, and an order is drawn in his favour 
on John Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, 
for that sum. 


The honourable Continental Congress having desired 
this Board to settle an allowance for the maintenance of 
Mrs. Conolly, and the Board taking the same into conside- 
ration, do resolve, That Mrs. Conolly be allowed 30s. per 
week for the time she has been detained by Congress, and 
that in future she be allowed 25s. per week, until otherwise 
directed by Congress. 


In Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, July 17, 1776. 


Present: James Biddle, Chairman, Joseph Parker, Tho- 
mas Wharton, Jun., George Gray, Michael Hillegas, Sam- 


uel Morris, Jun. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Thomas Nevill, for £200, and charge the same 
to the account of Nevill, Roe, Derry, & Kinsley, for purcha- 


sing Lead for the use of the Province. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of William McHenry, for £24, being the amount of 
eight Muskets purchased by Colonel Thomas McKean for 
the use of the Associators of his Battalion. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Mr. Allan McDonald, for £7 10s., being so much 
allowed for taking him and his son to Reading’, which is 
directed to be charged to account of Congress, they being 
two of the North- Carolina prisoners released from confine- 
ment by order of Congress. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on Michael 
Hillegas, Esq., in favour of Colonel Samuel Atlee, for the 
use of the Battalion under his command, for £600. 


The families who have Leaden Window or Clock Weights 
are earnestly requested to give them up immediately to the, 
persons appointed to collect them. Such families may be 
assured that they will be supplied as soon as possible with 
Weights of Iron, and it is hoped the trifling inconvenience of 
being for a few days without them will not be put in com- 
petition with the danger that may arise to this country from 
the want of a sufficient quantity of Lead for our defence. 


It being recommended to this Committee by the Conven- 
tion to take the necessary steps respecting the Guard direct- 
ed by Congress to be kept in this City : 

Resolved, That the four Companies of Militia in this City 
and Liberties detained by General Roberdeau as Guards for 
this City, viz: Captain Smyther’s of the First Battalion, 
Captain Peters’s of the Second, Captain Wharton’s of the 


1297 


Third, and the Company late commanded by Captain Burk- 
hard of the Fourth, be required to attend their duty regu- 
larly and punctually under the orders and command of Cap- 
tain Peters. And the Commanding Officers of the said 
Companies are required to enroll into the same all such 
Associators as, from particular circumstances, cannot march 
with the Militia now called into service for the Flying-Camp. 
And all such Associators are earnestly exhorted to enroll 
themselves in some one of the said Companies for this ne- 
cessary and important service, in which they are to continue 
during the absence of the Companies to which they respec- 
tively belong. : 


: 

Resolved, That the baggage taken on board the Trans- 
port, and now in the care of Mr. Robert Towers, Commis- 
sary, be-valued by some indifferent person, and such part of 
it as is needful for the publick service be delivered to Clem- 
ent Biddle, Deputy Quartermaster-General, on his order or 
application for that purpose. 

In Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, July 18, 1776. 

Present: James Biddle, Chairman, Michael Hillegas, 
James Mease, Samuel Howell, George Gray, Samuel Mor- 
ris, Jun., James Parker. 

By order of the Board, Robert Towers, Commissary, was 
directed to deliver to Clement Biddle, Deputy Quartermas- 
ter-General, half a ton of Buck and Swan Shot for the use 
of the Flying-Camp in the Jerseys, to be charged to Con- 
gress. 

Resolved, That the Marines on board the Ship and Float- 
ing Battery be allowed 50s. per month, to commence the Ist 
day of June last. 


The Committee agree with John Kerlin for fifty Muskets 
and Bayonets, to be made according to pattern, at 85s. each. 


Resolved, That Colonel Hockley be requested to prove 
such Guns as shall be made by John Kerlin for the use of 
this Committee. 

In Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, July 19, 1776. 

Present: Alexander Wilcocks, Chairman, John Nixon, 
Samuel Howell, Joseph Parker, George Gray, Michael 
Hillegas, Thomas Wharton, Jun. 


By order of the Board, Robert Towers, Commissary, was 
directed to deliver to Peter De Haven one hundred pounds 
of Copper for,mounting of Firelocks for the use of this Pro- 
vince. 


’ By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, for 
£46 11s. 3d., being in favour of Mr. Peter De Haven for 
one hundred and eighty-six pounds four ounces of Saltpetre 
manufactured at the Provincial Works. 


Resolved, That Mr. James Carter be appointed one of 
the Committee for superintending the making of Firelocks, 
and the Gun-lock Manufactory, for the use of this Province. 


The Committee, taking into consideration the extraordi- 
nary trouble of Mr. Samuel Morris, Jun., in attending and 
directing the building of Chevaux-de-Frise, procuring logs, 
and other publick services out of doors, are of opinion he is 
entitled to receive £150. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, for 
the above sum of £150, in favour of Mr. Morris, for the 
purpose aforesaid. 


The order of this Board placing the Guard to be kept in 
this City, under the command of Captain Peters, being made 
under the apprehension that Captain Peters was the officer 
of highest rank now in Town, the said Order is now altered, 
and the Guard will receive the command of Lieutenant- 
Colonel Nixon. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of Mr. Thomas Savadge, for £400, to be charged to 
his account, for the Salt Works to be erected at the charge 
of this Province. > 


Resolved, That Mr. Howell, Mr. Hillegas, and Mr. Gray, 
be a Committee to settle all the Accounts of Mr. Arthur 
Donaldson, and pass them for payment. 


Resolved, That Robert Towers, Commissary, be autho- 
Firru Sertes.— Vor. I. 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1298 


rized to exchange the thin plate Copper that he has belong- 
ing to this Province for other good Copper to any trades- 
man that may apply for the same. 

Wm. Govert, Secretary. 


In Committee of Safety, July 20, 1776. 

Present: Alexander Wilcocks, Chairman, George Clymer, 
John Nixon, Michael Hillegas, Owen Biddle, Joseph Par- 
ker, Samuel Howell, Samuel Morris, Jun. 

By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 
favour of John Mitchell, Commissary of Provisions, for 
£1500; which is directed to be charged to his Account. 


Resolved, That Brigadier-General McKinley have per- 
mission to purchase in Lancaster fifty Rifles. 


Resolved, 'That Mr. Gray and Mr. Parker be a Com- 
mittee for settling the Account of George Kitts, for furnish- 
ing the Troops under the command of Colonel Atlee with 
Provisions, and that the said Committee be authorized to 
draw on Michael Hillegas, Esq., Treasurer, for the balance. 


Resolved, That Mr. John Mitchell be requested to settle 
the Account of Provisions furnished the Boats under the 
command of Commodore Caldwell by sundry persons at 
Wilmington, at the time they were going down the Bay 
where the Roebuck was on shore on the Brandywine. 


Resolved, That the Directors of the Provincial Lock 
Manufactory be requested to direct to be repaired at said 
Works the Arms belonging to the Associators of Colonel 


Lewis’s Battalion. 
Wm. Goverr, Secretary. 


In Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, July 22, 1776. 

Present: Samuel Howell, George Clymer, Samuel Morris, 
George Gray, Joseph Parker, Michael Hillegas, John 
Nixon. 

Agreeable to a Resolve of the 20th, Mr. Gray and Mr. 
Parker, a Committee to settle the Accounts of George Kitts, 
report that they have settled the same and find a balance of 
£418 15s. 8d. due him, for which they have drawn an 
Order in his favour on Michael Hillegas, Esq., Treasurer. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, for 


‘£600, in favour of Michael Bright; which is directed to 


be charged to the Commissioners and Assessors of Berks 
County, for the payment of Firelocks made in that County 
for the use of this Province. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
Nixon, Esq., and others, the Committee of Accounts, in 


favour of Maurice Rogers, for £73 6s. 8d., being his salary 


for eight months as Clerk to the Committee of Accounts. 


The Convention this day sent the following Resolve to 
this Board, viz: 


“In Convention of the State of Pennsylvania, 
Monday, July 22, 1776, A.M. 


“ Moved and Resolved, 'That the Committee of Safety 
for this State lay their Accounts and Proceedings before this 
Convention. 

“Ordered, That Mr. Clymer communicate this Resolve 
to the said Committee. 

“ Extract from the Minutes: 

“ Joun Morris, Secretary.” 


Resolved, That the Minutes of this Board be laid before 
the Convention, and that this Committee furnish the state 
of their Accounts relative to the expenditure of all moneys for 
the service of this Colony. 


Resolved, That Mr. Parker and Mr. Samuel Morris be 
a Committee to examine and settle the Accounts of Captain 
Richardson, Captain Falconer, and Captain Simmons, and 
when adjusted be authorized to pass the same. 
Wm. Goverr, Secretary. 


Council of Safety Chamber, July 24, 1776. 
Present: David Rittenhouse, Owen Biddle, James Can- 
non, Joseph Blewer, Frederick Kuhl, Colonel John Bull, 
and ‘I%mothy Matlack, a quorum of gentlemen appointed by 
the Convention of the State of Pennsylvania, and George 
Ross, Esq., Vice-President of Convention. 


82 


1299 


The following Resolution of Convention was read: 


‘¢In Convention for the State of rite 
July 24, 1776, A. M. 


«Resolved, That the Members of the Council of Safety, 
before they enter upon the execution of their office, shall 
take and subscribe the following Oath or Affirmation, viz: 

ah , do declare that I do not hold myself bound 
to bear allegiance to George the Third, King of Great Bri- 
tain, and that I will, steadily and firmly, at all times, pro- 
mote the most effectual means, according to the best of my 
skill and knowledge, to oppose the tyrannical proceedings 
of the King and Parliament of Great Britain against the 
American States, and that I will, according to the best of 
my judgment, execute with fidelity the trust reposed in me 
as a Member of the Council of Safety.’ 

«And that the Vice-President of this Convention admin- 
ister the said oath or affirmation to such a number of the 
said Council of Safety as may be sufficient to make a quo- 
rum, and then that the President of the said Board for the 
time being qualify the rest. 

“Joun Morris, Secretary.” 


Thereupon the said Declaration was taken and subscribed 
accordingly, and Mr. Ross withdrew. 
Mr. Rittenhouse was requested to take the Chair for the 
day. 
Samuel Morris, Sen., Esq., appeared and took the quali- 
fication directed by the Convention. 


Dr. Thomas Young, of Philadelphia Rifle Battalion, laid 
an Account before the Board for necessaries supplied by him 
for the said Battalion, amounting to £12 19s. 5d., and cer- 
tified by William Shippen, Jun., Surgeon-General and Di- 
rector of the Hospital. 

Ordered, That Michael Hillegas, Esq., be requested to 


pay the said Account, and charge it to Congress. 


It being represented to this Board that a number of Colo- 
nel Miles’s men were sick in the Barracks, and stood in 
need of better accommodations and necessaries for their 
recovery, 

Resolved, That Dr. Thomas Parke be directed to attend 
them, and have the necessary provision for their accommo- 
dation made. 

Resolved, That Captain Peters be authorized to have the 
stage in the State-House yard fitted up for the accommo- 
dation of the Guard, and that he provide a sufficient number 
of Camp-Kettles for their use. 


On motion, Agreed, That an order be issued to Thomas 
Palier to deliver Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary of Stores, 
the seventeen Rifles, and to Mr. Balwin to deliver Mr. Tow- 
ers eight Rifles, and that Mr. Towers deliver them to Captain 


John Douglass. 


Agreed, That Sacheverell Wood be appointed Door- 
Keeper. 


An order was drawn in favour of John Willis for £4, for 
a Rifle delivered Colonel Matlack; and that the same be 
charged to him. 


Resolved, That Colonel Bull be empowered to procure 
sixty Pikes and a sufficient number of ‘Tomahawks for the 
use of the Battalion, and that the arms of his Battalion be 
repaired at the Provincial Factory. 


In Council of Safety, July 24, 1776, P. M. 


Present: David Rittenhouse, Owen Biddle, James Can- 
non, Frederick Kuhl, Edward Bartholomew, Timothy Mat- 
lack, John Bull. 


A Letter from the Committee of Berks County was laid 
before the Board; and the same being considered, and it 
being therein represented to the Board that some misrepre- 
sentation of the intention of Congress has arisen among the 
Associators of this State and the Officers who were ap- 
pointed to form the Flying-Camp, with respect to the march 
and arrangement of the Associators and Militia who were to 
compose the said Camp; and in order that it may be better 
understood, it is 

Resolved, That all the Militia who may be furnished and 
equipped agreeable to the Resolve of Congress, do march to 
such place as they have been respectively ordered by Con- 
gress; and that the persons who have been appointed Cap- 
tains in the Flying-Camp and have not inlisted twenty-five 
men for the service, do return them to their respective corps 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1500 


of Associators to which they formerly belonged, and con- 
tinue with them; the appointment of the Officers for the 
Flying-Camp still to continue, and the men already inlisted 
to be considered as bound by their inlistment, and to be con- 
tinued in service when the Militia may be permitted to 
return, and subject to the further orders of the Convention 
or of this Board. And it is further recommended that those 
Companies which have been raised to form the Flying- 
Camp, which already consist of twenty-five Privates and 
upwards, do immediately proceed to Trenton or Brunswick, 
as heretofore directed. 

Resolved, That this Board will allow the Officers who 
were appointed to command the Flying-Camp all such rea- 
sonable expenses as have accrued in the recruiting service. 


The following Letter was wrote to the Committee of 
Berks County, and signed by the Chairman: 


“Gentitemen: Your Letter of the 22d instant to the 
Hon. Benjamin Franklin, Esq., President of the Conven- 
tion, was referred by the honourable Convention to the 
Council ofeSafety. They must acknowledge the laudable 
zeal with which your Committee has at all times carried into 
execution the recommendation of such powers acted under 
the people, but particularly your ready and cheerful obe- 
dience to the ordinance of Convention for disarming of 
Non-Associators. ‘The embarrassments you labour under in 
consequence of resolves of Congress, and others, which, from 
the confused state of the times, appeared somewhat contra- 
dictory, appear to be excusable. In order to render the 
intention of Congress more plain and comprehensive, and to 
answer their expectations, the Council of Safety have en- 
closed you their Resolution upon that matter, requesting that 
you will take such measures to publish it through your dis- 
trict as will be most effectual and expeditious, and that you 
would encourage the Associators to turn out upon this very 
important emergency. ; 

“ By order of the Council of Safety.” 


In Council of Safety, July 25, 1776. 
Present: David Rittenhouse, Chairman, Timothy Mat- 
lack, Samuel Morris, Sen., Joseph Blewer, Owen Biddle, 
Frederick Kuhl, James Cannon, B. Bartholomew, John 
Moore. 


Mr. Bartholomew and Mr. Moore took and subscribed 
the qualification directed by Convention. 


Moved and Agreed, Vhat Jacob S. Howell be appointed 


Secretary to this Board until further order be taken herein. 


Hlenry Keppile appeared, and took and subscribed the 
qualification directed by Convention. 


A Resolve of Convention was read, which is as follows: 
“‘Tn Convention for the State of Pennsylvania, 
July 24, 1776, A. M. 

On motion, Resolved, That the two Companies of fifty 
men each now raising by the Committee of Westmoreland, 
for the defence of the frontiers, be considered as Militia in 
actual service from the time of their inlistment to the 5th day 
of August next; and also, that it be referred to the Council 
of Safety to consider whether they will keep the same in 
pay until the 15th day of September next, provided the offi- 
cers or any of them should not be sooner appointed in, or 
any of the men before that time enter into the Continental 
Battalion now to be raised in Bedford and Westmoreland 
Counties. 

“ Extract from the Minutes: 

“Joun Morris, Secretary.” 

The above being considered, 

Resolved, ‘That the said two Companies be continued in 
pay until the 15th of September next, and that application 
be made to Congress to defray the expense thereof. 

Mr. Wharton appeared, and took and subscribed the quali- 
fication directed by Convention. 


— 


In Council of Safety, July 26, 1776. 
Present: David Rittenhouse, Chairman, Samuel Morris, 
Sen., Frederick Kuhl, Timothy Matlack, Joseph Blewer, 
James Cannon, Henry Keppely, Owen Biddle, Thomas 
Wharton. 


Mr. Rittenhouse and Mr. Morris were appointed to wait 
on Mr. Samuel Howell and Mr. Samuel Morris, Jun., to 


1301 


know whether they will serve in this Council; who report, 
that they both decline serving for the present. 


A Petition was presented fiom Charles Lawrence, Wil- 
liam Watkins, and Robert Tatnall, Captains of Guard Boats 
stationed at Darby Creek, setting forth the inconvenience of 
taking their Provisions from the Fort, and praying that 
Mr. Sketchly Morton may be appointed to supply them in 
future. 

Ordered, That Mr. Sketchly Morton do supply the said 
Boats with Provisions until further orders. 

Two Orders were drawn on Michael Hillegas, Esq., in 
favour of Benjamin Davis—one for £79 15s. for Colours, 
Drums, &c., supplied Colonel Miles’s Battalion; the other 
for £60 11s. 9d., for Colours and Drums supplied Colonel 
Atlee’s Battalion. 

An Order was drawn on M. Hillegas, Esq., in favour of 
John Messersmith for £12 10s. 


On a Petition from John Peal, Boatswain of the Ranger, 
setting forth that he was in confinement, and prays to be 
released and removed to another boat, 

Ordered, That a Court-Martial be held on the said Peal, 
and a Court of Inquiry on the officer who confined hin, as 
soon as possible, and report the sentence to this Board. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver Colonel Robert Lewis fifty Muskets and Bayo- 


Metss. 


In consequence of an application made by Daniel King 
to have Captain Loxley returned to this city, the following 
Letter was wrote to General Roberdeau, signed by the Chair- 
man: 


“Sie: As you are not unacquainted with the resolutions 
of the late Committee of Safety to have a number of brass 
field-pieces cast, and the necessity which gave rise to it, it 
will be needless to enlarge thereon; but as the Board have 
not had the success they wish in their attempt to cast iron 
cannon, it becomes more necessary for this Board to pro- 
mote and forward the said intention to the utmost of their 
power; but the absence of Captain Lovley with his artil- 
lery company, who has the chief management and superin- 
tendence of the foundry, has occasioned almost the entire 
stoppage of that important business. ‘The Council of Safety 
have therefore to request you to return Captain Loxley to 
the cannon foundry, as he will be likely to serve his country 
more effectually in that station than any other. A day’s de- 
lay in this business may be attended with the most serious 
consequences ; we do therefore hope it will be done as soon 
as possible.” . 


. 


In Council of Safety, July 27, 1776. 


Present: Samuel Morris, Chairman, David Rittenhouse, 
Frederick Kuhl, Thomas Wharton, Jun., Joseph Blewer, 
Owen Biddle, Henry Kepple, James Cannon, Colonel John 
Bull. 

By order of the Board, Robert Towers was ordered to 
deliver to Colonel Porter seven Muskets, taking his receipt. 


Resolved, That John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq., be appoint- 
ed ‘Treasurer to this Board, and that he enter into bond with 
two respectable Freeholders for £5,000, for the faithful dis- 
charge of his office. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of Marshall Edwards for 
£2 5s. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of Edward Bartholomew, 
for £500, towards Haversacks, &c., purchased for the use 
of the Militia, and directed the same to be charged to his 
Account. 


By order of the Board, Robert Towers was ordered to 
deliver Colonel Clement Biddle, Deputy Quartermaster- 
General, or his Assistants here, two tons of Lead and two 
tons of Powder, made into Cartridges, for the use of the 
Army under General Mercer; to be charged to Congress. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of Colonel George Ross, 
for £63 16s., being for Arms purchased for the use of his 
Battalion; to be charged to his Account. 

| * 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1302 


By order of the Board, Robert Towers was ordered to deli- 
ver Peter Dehaven § Co., one hundred weight of Brass, for 
the use of the Gun Factory. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of Peter Dehuven & Co., 
for £500, for the use of the Gun Factory. 

By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on Michael 
Hillegas, Esq., Treasurer of the Province, in favour of John 
M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer to this Board, for £10,000, to 
be charged to Mr. Nesditt’s Account. 

By order of the Board, Robert Towers was ordered to 
deliver Colonel Thomas Smith and the other Members of 
Convention, for Bedford County, five hundred weight of 
Powder and half a ton of Lead, for the use of the Associa- 
tors, to be delivered to the Committee of Inspection for said 


County, and by them distributed. 


By order of the Board, Robert Towers was ordered to 
deliver Major Swoop forty Muskets for the use of the First 
Battalion of York County, and eight for the use of the Third 
Battalion of said County. 


Mr. Wharton, Mr. Morris, and Mr. Keppele, being a Com- 
mittee to examine the Accounts of Jos. fox, Esq., do report 
that they have inspected said Accounts and vouchers, and 
find the same right. 


In Council of Safety, July 29, 1776, P. M. 
Present: David Rittenhouse, Chairman, Thomas Whar- 
ton, Jun., James Cannon, Frederick Kuhl, Joseph Blewer, 
Samuel Morris, Sen., H. Keppele, Jun., John Moore, Qwen 
Biddle, Timothy Matlack, John Weitzel. 


By order of the Board, Robert Towers was directed to 
deliver Major Bell twenty stand of Arms for the use of Colo- 
nel Montgomery’s Battalion. 


Mr. John Weitzel appeared, and took and subscribed the 
qualification directed by Convention. 


On motion, Resolved, That the Resolve of the 15th instant, 
July, of the late Committee of Safety, recommending to the 
Committee of Inspection and Observation of this City and 
the several County Committees of this Province, to nominate 
and appoint a proper number of judicious persons residing in 
the said City and Counties, respectively, to distribute to dis- 
tressed families, whose husbands are now in actual service, 
the allowance they may think reasonable; and that the said 
Committees be empowered to draw, as they shall see occa- 
sion, on the Board for the necessary sums of money, to be 
by them lodged in the hands of the persons so nominated, to 
be applied as above directed, the said Committee to return 
accounts to this Board of the expenditure of the same, be 
and hereby is agreed to and confirmed. , 

Ordered, That Messrs. Peter Dehaven & Co. do in future 
superintend the contract made by Joseph Fox, Esq., with 
John Nicholson, for Arms. 

By order of the Board, Captain William Richards was 
directed to deliver Mr. John Colburn two new Cables and 
as much small rigging as he may want for sinking the pier 
for fixing a Boom at Fort Island. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary 
of Stores, was directed to deliver Mr. Thomas Hazlewood 
two hundred pounds Brimstone for the use of the Fire-Rafts. 


Ordered, That Mr. Morris, Mr. Wharton, and Mr. Kep- 
pele, be a Committee to inspect and pass Accounts relative 
to the Flying-Camp and Militia. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver Colonel James Moore, of Chester County, fifty 
Muskets, for the use of his Battalion. 

Resolved, That Mr. Rittenhouse, Mr. Kuhl, and Mr. 

Biddle, be a Committee to superintend the work at Fort 
Island, and to audit and settle the Accounts respecting the 
same. 
By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of Captain John Hazle- 
wood, or his son, for £20, to be charged to Captain Hazle- 
wood’s Account. 

By order of the Board, Mr. R. Towers was directed to 
deliver Colonel Rankin, of York County, eight Muskets for 
the use of his Battalion. 


1303 


In Council of Safety, July 29, 1776, P. M. 
Present: David Rittenhouse, Chairman, Owen Biddle> 
James Cannon, Frederick Kuhl, Thomas Wharton, Timothy 
Matlack, Joseph Blewer, Samuel Morris, Sen. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver Colonel Rankin thirty stand of Arms, or as many 
as may be fit for service, not exceeding that number. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Bridges was directed 
to deliver Colonel Clement Biddle, Deputy Quartermaster- 
General, all the Tents in his possession belonging to the 
late Committee of Safety. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver Colonel Jonathan Paschall sixty stand of Arms 
for the use of bis Battalion. 


On motion, Resolved, That an application be made to 
Convention to determine the matter respecting the command 
of the Fleet of this State. 


In Council of Safety, July 30, 1776. 

Present: David Rittenhouse, Chairman, Owen Biddle, 
Joseph Blewer, Frederick Kuhl, S. Morris, Sen., Timothy 
Matlack, James Cannon, Henry Keppele, Jun. 

Captain Joseph Blewer was directed to purchase a quan- 
tity of Powder from Mr. Joseph Carson. 

Ordered, That Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary, be 
desired to make a return to this Board of all the Military 
Stores under his care immediately. 


Resolved, That Mr. Biddle and Colonel Matlack be a 
Committee to inquire of the Board of War whether steps 
have been taken by that honourable Board to erect a Re- 
doubt at Billingsport; and if they have not, to inquire 
whether Congress expect the direction of the erecting of 
that Fortification to be in the present Council of Safety of 
this State. 


Ordered, That Captain William Richards be desired to 
make a Return to this Board of all the Stores under his 
care immediately. 


—_— 


In Council of Safety, July 31, 1776, A. M. 
Present: David Rittenhouse, Chairman, Timothy Mat- 
lack, Samuel Morris, John Moore, Henry Keppele, Jun., 
Frederick Kuhl, Joseph Blewer, John Weitzel, James Can- 
non, John Bull, Owen Biddle. 


Ordered, That George Fetterman and James M. Daniel 
be detained from proceeding with the Associators to New- 
Jersey, and that they be desired to use the utmost diligence 
in procuring ‘Timber for making Gun Carriages. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Joseph Ferree was desired to 
deliver Mr. John Mitchel, Commissary for victualling the 
Navy, twenty-five bushels of Salt out of the stores at Ger- 
mantown. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., ‘Treasurer, in favour of Jesse Roe, for £50, 
towards Lead purchased for this State; to be charged to his 
Account. 


A Letter from the honourable President of the Congress 
was read, requesting this Board immediately to send to 
General Mercer, for the service of the Flying-Camp, ten 
six-pounders and an equal number of four-pounders, out of 
the stores of this State. 

Ordered, That Captain Joseph Blewer procure and for- 
ward the Guns to General Mercer. 


By order of the Board, Captain Hazelwood was directed 
to deliver Mr. James Mease fifty barrels of Combustibles, 


to be charged to Congress. 
Information being lodged, upon oath, with this Board by 


John Walker, that John Hale and Martha Ash, Arthur 
Thomas and his two sons, John and Arthur, were con- 
cerned in or privy to the escape of Colonel Kirkland out 
of the Prison of this State, the following Warrants were is- 
sued: 
**In Council of Safety, Philadelphia, July 31, 1776. 
“To Captain Ricuarp Perers, or the Officer of Guard: 
“Sir: You are directed forthwith to seize the persons of 
John Hale and Martha Ash, as persons charged upon oath 
with a conspiracy against the State, and confine them, one 
in the Jail and the other in the Workhouse of this City, 


~ 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1304 


and take proper care that they do not converse with each 
other. 
“By order of the Council of Safety: 


“Davin Rrrrennouse, Chairman.” 


“In Council of Safety, Philadelphia, July 31, 1776. 
«State of PENNSYLVANIA, Ss. 

“ You are authorized and required to seize the bodies of 
Arthur Thomas, his two sons, Arthur Thomas and John 
Thomas, or either of them, and to secure their papers, they 
standing suspected, by evidence taken on oath, of having 
conspired against the State; and in so doing this shall be 
your sufficient warrant. 

“By order of the Council of Safety: 

“Davin Rirrennouse, Chairman. 


“To Joseph M. Lane, present.” 
In Council of Safety, July 31, 1776, P. M. 
Present: David Rittenhouse, Chairman, Timothy Mat- 
lack, James Cannon, Owen Biddle, John Weitzel, Henry 
Keppele, Jun., Samuel Morris, Sen., Joseph Blewer. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Robert ‘Towers, Commis- 
sary, was desired to deliver to Mr. Robert Martin and others, 
Delegates in Convention for Northumberland County, seven 
hundred and fifty weight of Powder, and fifteen hundred 
weight of Lead, to be delivered to the Committee of Inspec- 
tion for that County, and by them distributed to the Militia 
in such quantities as they may stand in need of for the de- 
fence of said County. 


On motion, Resolved, That all such workmen as are 
necessary to be employed at the Iron Works in casting of 
Cannon or Shot for the publick, be ordered not to leave 
their respective works, nor to march with the Militia, unless 
by special direction of the Convention or this Board. 


By order of the Board, Mr. R. Towers was directed to 
deliver Captain Joseph Blewer a sufficient quantity of Am- 
munition to prove ten six-pound and ten four-pound Can- 
non. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Towers was desired to deliver 
Captain James Hindman, of the Maryland: Independent 
Company, twenty-three rounds of Ammunition for each 
man in his Company, and twenty Hatchets; to be charged 
to Congress. 

On motion, Resolved, That all such workmen as are 
necessary to be employed at the Iron Works in casting of 
Cannon or Shot for the publick, be ordered not to leave 
their respective works nor to march with the Militia of this 
State, unless by special direction of the Convention or this 
Board. 

Deposition of Joun Waker. 


“On the 31st day of July, 1776, before the Council of 
Safety of the State of Pennsylvania, came John Walker, of 
the City of Philadelphia, and being sworn on the Holy 
Evangelists of Almighty God, did depose and say, that 
about six or eight days after the time of Colonel Kirkland’s 
escape from the Jail, John Hale ordered this deponent to 
fill a pair of new saddle-bags with oats, and John Hale 
himself put into the saddle-bags a bottle, (which this depo- 
nent apprehended to be a bottle of brandy or other spirits,) 
and put a cloth over it; that the saddle-bags, thus filled, 
were put on a horse belonging to John Hale, and the horse 
delivered to a son of Arthur Thomas, and the horse was in 
the evening, about four or five o’clock, taken away by Mr. 
Thomas’s oldest apprentice; that some time afterwards, the 
deponent heard Arthur Thomas, Jr., say, that he had assisted 
Colonel Kirkland in his escape; and also that the deponent 
did hear the said Arthur Thomas, Jr., say to John Hale, 
that Colonel Kirkland rode the first night after his escape 
forty miles to the house of a man in New-Jersey, who, Mr. 
Thomas said, had been taken up the day before for having 
entertained a soldier at his house; that Mr. Kirkland made 
his escape, through some surprise, out of a window; that 
Mr. Kirkland was lost for several days, and when he was 
found he did not know the person who found him, and drew 
his knife, charging him to ‘keep off, but that on his giving 
the watchword, Kirkland went with him; that Colonel 
Kirkland had attempted to go on board the man-of-war by 
means of a boat, but that the man-of-war was gone too far 
off, and the boat was obliged to return; that he also heard 
the said Arthur Thomas tell Mr. Hale that Captain Bauger 


1305 


refused to break his word of honour, which he had pledged 
for the liberty he enjoyed; that the said Thomas damned 
him for talking of honour to or among thieves and rogues ; 
and that the said Arthur Thomas said to Mr. Hale, that it 
was not the thing for him (meaning Captain Bauger) not 
to go off after the trouble. they had taken to send him a 
horse ; that Mrs. Ash told this deponent that she had heard 
one of the Thomases say to Mr. Hale that he (Mr. Thomas) 
had furnished Colonel Kirkland with a rope for the purpose 
of making his escape from jail; that this deponent under- 
stood the horse above-mentioned was intended for the use 
of Colonel Kirkland to facilitate his escape; and further this 
deponent saith not. 
“ Joun Waker, his > mark.” 


Martha Ash was brought before the Board by order, and 
being examined, made and subscribed the following Deposi- 
tion: 

“In Council of Safety for the State of Pennsylvania. 
«¢ PENNSYLVANIA, SS: 

“On the 38ist day of July, 1776, appeared personally 
before the Council of Safety for the said State Martha Ash, 
who, being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty 


God, did depose and say, that some time after the escape of 


Colonel Kirkland she heard one of Arthur Thomas’s sons 
inform John Hale that he had assisted Colonel Kirkland 
with a ladder of rope to make his escape from the Jail, but 
which of the said Thomas’s sons it was she cannot recol- 
lect; and she doth further depose and say, that some time 
after the escape a boy returned a horse to the said Hale, 
which had been obtained from him, with a pair of saddle- 
bags that contained some oats and biscuit, and that this 
deponent believed that the said Kirkland made his escape 
with the same horse ; that this deponent mentioned such her 
suspicion to the said Hale, who replied, that he believed he 
had. Marrua AsuH, 


—_—_ 


In Council of Safety, August 1, 1776. 
Present: Samuel Morris, Chairman, David Rittenhouse, 
Henry Keppele, Jun., Fred. Kuhl, Owen Biddle, James 
Cannon, Timothy Matlack, Joseph Blewer, John Moore, 
John Bull, Thos. Wharton, Sen. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary, 
was desired to deliver to Mr. Henry Wynkoop, of Bucks 
County, a quarter cask of Powder, to be by him delivered 
to the Associators as he shall see convenient. 


Moved, That Jacob Barge be requested to attend this 
Board to-morrow morning at seven o’clock; otherwise Mary 
Hutton may remove her goods to such place as she may 
think proper within the city, &c., subject to the claims of 
rent as if the same were not removed. 


Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Council of Safety 
that the Rules and Regulations of the late House of Assem- 
bly respecting the Associators ought to be complied with, 
and that no Company or Companies ought to be permitted 
to leave a Battalion so as to leave less than six Companies 
in a Battalion, nor be permitted to leave their respective 
Battalions until at least six Companies of Supernumeraries 
can agree to form a new Battalion. 


By order of the Board, John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq., 
Treasurer, was directed to pay an Order drawn on this 
Board by James Pollock and Samuel Laird, Commissioners 
of Cumberland County, in favour of John Pollock, for £600, 
towards purchasing Muskets ; to be charged to their Account. 


By, order of the Board, Mr. R. Towers, Commissary, was 
desired to deliver to Daniel King one of the old Cannon in 
the State-House yard to bore. 


By order of the Board, Commodore Davison was desired 
to deliver to Colonel Matlack twelve Rifles from on board 
the ship Montgomery. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver Colonel Clement Biddle, Deputy Quartermaster- 
General, or his Assistants here, one ton of Grape Shot and 
one ton of Buck Shot, to be forwarded to the camp in Jersey, 
to be charged to Congress. 


Colonel James Moore, of Chester County, made applica- 
tion for fifty Bayonets or Tomahawks, thirty Hatchets, one 
hundred Screws, and one hundred Worms, for the use of the 
Battalion. Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary, was desired 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1306 


to supply Colonel Moore with the above articles, taking his 
receipt. 

By order of the Board, Joseph Ferree, Esq., of German- 
town, was desired to deliver to Mr. Carpenter Wharton 
twenty bushels of the Salt stored under his direction, on 
Mr. Wharton’s producing John M. Nesbitt, Esq.’s, certifi- 
cate of his having accounted with him for the same, at 7s. 6d. 
per bushel for the Salt, and 6d. per bushel for carriage and 
storage. 


By order of the Board, John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was desired to pay to Colonel Kirkbride, £138 15s. 6d., 
for seventy-two Arms purchased for the use of his Batta- 
lion. 

Resolved, That an application be made to Congress for 
eleven hundred stand of Arms for the service of the Flying- 


Camp. 


A Letter was received from Captain John Hamilton, of 
the Congress, and Captain James Montgomery, of the Chat- 
ham, armed-boats, resigning their commissions in the service 
of this State, as they expected to ‘serve in a larger sphere of 
action, whereby they may have an opportunity of rendering 
their country some more essential service than they have 
any prospect of here. 

Therefore, Resolved, That their resignations be accepted; 
a they are hereby discharged from the service of this 

tate. 


Vhe Board then adjourned till three o’clock, afternoon, 
when the following Members met: 

Samuel Morris, Sen., Chairman, James Cannon, David 
Rittenhouse, John Moore, Frederick Kuhl, Owen Biddle, 
Thomas: Wharton, Jun., Timothy Matlack, Joseph Blewer, 
Henry Keppele, Jun., John Bull. 


Ordered, That Colonel Matlack be desired to make the 


necessary inquiry of Congress respecting the authority this 
Board has over the State Prison, &c. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of Jacob Miers, for £24 
13s. 23d., for men’s wages, for work done at Fort Island, 
for which he is to be accountable to the workmen, and the 
sum charged to his Account. 


By order of the Board, Joseph Ferree, Esq., of German- 
town, was desired to deliver to Henry Huber, one ton of 
Saltpetre out of the stores in Germantown under his direc- 
tion. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was desired 
to deliver Henry Huber three hundred weight of Sulphur; 
to be charged to Congress. 


In Council of Safety, August 2, 1776. 
Present: Thomas Wharton, Junior, Chairman, James 


Cannon, Timothy Matlack, John Weitzel, Owen Biddle, 
Frederick Kuhl, John Moore, John Bull, H. Keppele; Jun., 


Samuel Morris, Sen., David Rittenhouse. 


The following Accounts were passed, and J. M. Nesbitt, 
Esq., ‘Treasurer, desired to pay them: 


One Account of Bartram Gabreath for. .....2cccccsceccces £411 3 
One Account do. Os) MiMy 0/6.ciclayscle. ora %ehtacetreters akte us a ty) 
PLOUGH EEE OINEY'S oA CCOUM Uveleteichs oy) oie. ece/dn 00.0 ose ste) cvelteisceyareis 60 9 4: 
Benjamin Wallace’s Account. ....+.eeereesececcescecece D3 0 
BAiidhees BOY SU ANCCC UMM jo arare iealaleloisisr alele ica) siela.citveltie lee les todd 
Sketohiyiortonss  CCOUNUs 2016 siseai asian ele asin.s opieiasialein 314 7 
MT ORWUR A SUA CCOUDt eis aleve e stcc c\a ccton sselerectic se sv cuaveiend 5.070 
Do. (1D i PRPEREL cron leche’ oko d veeitclle: G)-a) efile mtonatatelene matensie ae 415 0 
Peter ender sors A CGOUN bea» <0 =, o's 0. ¥in.a.cloinis oleneiisy's se elas) oie 30 0 0 
Daniel, EVANS :s A CCOUMNtS oe.a «ccc cieve <0 sss p osiasetetelveieie matey 3 Lond 
Andrew Gyer’s ACCOUNL. ....ccreecec cre cectesceceeeens 9 1756 


By order of the Board, the following Warrant was issued 

for apprehending John Thomas and Arthur Thomas, Jun.: 
‘©In Council of Safety, Philadelphia, August 2, 1776. 

“Sir: You are hereby authorized, empowered, and re- 
quired, to go in search of, and seize, the persons of John 
Thomas and Arthur Thomas, Jun., or either of them, and 
to deliver them to the keeper of the State Prison of the city 
of Philadelphia ; and make return to this Council; and for 
so doing this shall be your sufficient warrant. 

«By order of the Council: 
“Tos. Wuarton, Jun., Chairman. 


“To Mr. Mains.” 


A Warrant was issued for apprehending John Hatton, 
Sen., and John Hatton, Jun., in form following: 


1307 


“In Council of Safety, Philadelphia, August 2, 1776. 


“Sir: You are hereby directed to go to the Committee 
of Inspection of Salem County, in the State of New-Jersey, 
and to apply to them for proper powers and assistance to go 
in search of, and take, the persons of John Hatton, Sen., 
and John Hatton, Jun., and bring them before the Council, 
unless the Committee of Inspection should object to their 
being brought out of that State; in such case you are to 
leave them in the custody of the said Committee, they being 
charged with treasonable practices against the States of 
America. And you are further desired to use your best 
endeavours to seize Colonel Kirkland, whom this Board has 
reason to suspect is still in Jersey; and in so doing this shall 
be your sufficient warrant. 

“ By order of the Council: 

“Tos. Wuarton, Jun., Chatrman. 


“'To Mr. James Read.” 


“N. B. The more secrecy you observe, the more likely 
to effect your purpose.” 


With the above Warrant the following Letter was sent to 
the Committee of Inspection of Salem County: 


“ GenTLEMEN: In the course of our inquiry into the case 
of Kirkland’s escape from the jail of the city, evidence 
appears against John Hatton, of your County, and his son, 
sufficient to induce us to request you will exert your utmost 
endeavours to secure them. We have sent you an officer 
in whom we can confide, who will assist in taking him, and 
also bring him to this city, if you shall think it proper to 
send him here. 

“We apprehend that Colonel Kirkland is still in your 
County, somewhere about Merris’s River, as it appears 
probable, from circumstances given in evidence before us, 
that he failed in his attempt to get on board of the men-of- 
war. We make no doubt but that you will use every means 
in your power to secure a man so dangerous to the liberty 
of thiscountry. The reward which is offered for taking bim 
is considerable, and perhaps may excite some, who would not 
from other motives, to endeavour by all means to secure him. 
From your attachment to the cause of liberty, we expect 
exertions of a more extended kind, and on more generous 
principles, and firmly hope your endeavours will meet with 
success in securing two men who are enemies to our country 
and dangerous spies upon our actions. 

*¢ By order of the Council : 

“'THos. Warton, Jun., Chairman.” 

An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Trea- 


surer, for £10, in favour of Henry Huber, Powder-Maker; 
to be charged to his Account. 


In Council of Safety, August 5, 1776. 
Present: David Rittenhouse, Chairman, Samuel Morris, 
Joseph Blewer, John Weitzel, James Cannon, Henry Kep- 
pele, Jun., Fred. Kuhl, Thos. Wharton, Jun., Owen Biddle. 
By order of the Board, the following Accounts were passed, 
and John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, desired to pay them: 


John Bruse’s Account, amounting tO........seeeeeee. £12 10 0 
Daniel Evans’s do...... QO eee cece eee cette cere IS ols ht) 
Jeremiah Baker’s do...... Uinta te icc TOS ropa CHAS rLe Tig 8) 2 
Henry Litman’s do...... Ose Areas ctehe telecine iP Bik 
William Perkins, one Account, ...cc- ccs oececs ccc DT LtieO 
Do. do. COVEN Rate a He Re ee 9 11 10 
George Hoofnagle, one Account...........- dedi Sndce O20 
Do. do. COMetcias coe Rena hee coe ene 26 6 8 
FONG UrKEG SY. CCOUNM tala stseede tele a ctcmnart tine cere etl eo mG 
Jer. Smith’s LGW a aidan acu ce AOC cucrtsn zoe Da A) 
William Dewees*s doit ttis so tsteten ee neice cheese out 3 00 
John Winters! 1 Mdoas ta tasricle cen sive s sisi ie ee eae oF 19s 
Wralliams Ballisc URdO Je piaris tie cis reieterecsivete ston eatae ote 018 10 
Wim- Waltman svdo ast ss tteccislsecisiostteren cic cae cies are ou: LG 
William Rush, one Account. iis e506 oo. oss wie clsleloe ules 33 15 6} 
Do. do. Aisi sta tse terete olsdieteretcire tremmselsietctets te als 
Do. do. DG .s > ca pieles tics stip we siemlon iy etm ela 128 1 03 
ETonny Sinith. icciciciten's Veisiceie.aislélesce talarectatate stew nites, 6. 310 0 
WET A SENS weno > Sioroo OOrL ae ONG Jaa8 Joanoce ade 310 0 
BEN TAMIN VV ANAC » sioisa 6 voces mo ol oele dvd states newer ete 2 Lhd +b 
JOHAR SHUPETe Ne eS econ teas cee ey sere eet kee Melpl O 
Stagye Hepburii’. x os 5'. vis. see viasinininore aaah eh atic’ 143 3 43 


By order of the Board, Abm. Mason was directed to de- 
liver to Thomas Hazelwood as much old Sail-cloth as he 
may want to cover Fire-rafts. 

By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of Peter Dehaven & Co., 
for £500; to be charged to their Account. 


By order of the Board, John Hanlon was directed to 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1308 


deliver Colonel Paschal, of Philadelphia County, seventeen 
Rifles, which Mr. Dehaven was desired to repair. 


Mr. John Hubly appeared, took and subscribed the quali- 


fication directed by Convention. 


Resolved, That an Order be drawn on Mr. Nesbité, in 
favourof Mr. Lodowick Lowman, for £200, to be delivered 
to the Committee of Inspection and Observation of Lancas- 
ter County, and by them distributed to the Wives and Fami- 
lies of poor Associators, who are now in actual service; and 
an Order was drawn accordingly. 


A Letter was received from John McKinley, Esq., Chair- 
man of the Committee of Newcastle County, dated August 
2, 1776, from Colonel Bedford, informing this Board that 
they had sent a certain Alexander Morris to this city, under 
Colonel Bedford's care, he being a person strongly suspect- 
ed of practices inimical to the States of America. Whereupon 
the Board ordered the said Maurice to be committed to the 
State Prison. 

The following Order was sent to Colonel Bedford for that 
purpose : 

“In Council of Safety, August 5, 1776. 

“Str: You are hereby required and empowered to send 
the body of Alexander Maurice, in your custody, to the State 
Jail in the city, he being inimical to the American States, 
for which he is to answer; and for so doing this shall be 
your sufficient warrant. And the said Jailer is hereby re- 
quired to receive the body of the said Alexander Maurice, 
and keep him in safe custody until properly discharged. 

“ By order of the Council: 

“ Davin Rirrennouse, Chairman. 


“To Colonel Bedford, at the Barracks,” 


The following Letter was sent to the Delegates of this 

State in Congress: 
“In Council of Safety, August 5, 1776. 

“GentLemeN: The Militia of this State having been all 
ordered out by the honourable Congress, this Board finds it 
impossible to supply them with arms as fast as they come 
in, and they seem uneasy at being detained. You will 
oblige this Board by applying to Congress on behalf of this 
Board for as many of the arms lately brought in as they 
possibly can spare, to be returned when the Militia is dis- 
charged, or as fast as they can be made by the workmen 
employed by this Board. 

“‘ By order of the Council : 


“Davin Rirrennouse, Chairman. 


“To the Delegates in Congress for the State of Pennsylva- 
tees 
nia. 


The Board adjourned till five o’clock, afternoon. 


When the following Members met: David Rittenhouse, 
Chairman, Samuel Morris, Sen., Joseph Blewer, John 
Hubly, John Bull, Thomas Wharton, Jun., Frederick Kuhl, 
Owen Biddle, John Moore, James Cannon. 


In consequence of a Warrant issued by this Board, Lieu- 
tenant James Read brought John Hatton; whereupon, the 
Board committed said Hatton to the State Prison, for ex- 
amination. 

** In Council of Safety. 

“ Whereupon, John Hatton, Sen., stands charged before 
the Council of Safety aforesaid, of practices inimical to the 
States of America; you are therefore hereby required and 
enjoined to receive into your custody the body of the said 
John Hatton, and him safely keep, until he be duly dis- 
charged by the said Council, or by order of Congress; and 
for your so doing, this shall be your warrant. Given under 
my hand this fifth day of August, 1776. 

“ By order of the Council: 

“DPD. Rirrennouse, Chairman. 


“To Mr. Robert Jewell, Keeper of the State Prison.” 


By order of the Board, Mr. R. Towers, Commissary, 
was directed to deliver Major Fullerton twenty-five stand 
of Arms for the use of Colonel James Crawford’s Battalion, 
of Lancaster County, taking his receipt for the same. 


Major Aaron Leverin’s Account, amounting to £26 6s, 
Gd., for nine Muskets, was passed by the Board, and J. M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, desired to pay it. 

By order of the Board, Mr. R. Towers was desired to 
deliver Major Aaron Leverin the nine Muskets above men- 
tioned, for the use of Colonel Hill's Battalion. 


1309 


The following Accounts were passed by the Board, and 
directed to John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in order for 
payment: 

James Pennel’s Account for £4 6s. 3d., for Wood deliv- 
ered at Chester, for the use of the Pennsylvania Musketry. 


Roland Harris’s Account for £5 15s. Td., for Provisions - 


supplied a Company of Continental Troops; to be charged 
to Congress. 


In Council of Safety, August 6, 1776. 
Present: David Rittenhouse, Chairman, John Moore, 
Owen Biddle, Thomas Wharton, Jun., Samuel Morris, 
John Bull, James Cannon, Frederick Kuhl, John Hubly, 
Joseph Blewer. 


By order of the Board, the following Accounts were 
passed, and John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq., directed to pay 
them, to wit: 

James McCleland’s Account, amounting to £2 12s.; to 
be charged to Congress. 

Robert Thomson’s Account, amounting to £2 6s. 8d.; to 
be charged to Congress. 

Colonel James Moore’s Account, amounting to £41 13s. 
8d., for necessaries for his Battalion. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary 
of Stores, was directed to deliver Colonel John Bull thirty- 
five stand of Arms, for the use of his Battalion, taking his 
receipt. 

In consequence of a request of this Board to the Com- 
mittees of Inspection and Observation of the different Coun- 
ties to appoint suitable persons to hear the complaints of the 
Families of those Associators that have gone to Camp, and 
to supply them with such necessaries as they may stand in 
need of, the Committee of this City and Liberties have 
recommended the following gentlemen for that purpose, viz: 

For the First Battalion: Isaac Coats, William Moulder, 
Jacob Schriner. 

For the Second Battalion: 
Guyer, Ephraim Bonham. 

For the Third Battalion: George Meade, Richard De- 
mois, Robert Baily. 

For the Fourth Battalion: George Greene, Frederick 
Dushon, Peter Knight. 

For the Fifth Battalion: John Hart, John Tittermary 
William Drewry. 

Resolved, therefore, That they be, and are hereby ap- 
pointed accordingly. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver Colonel James Smith, of York County, twenty- 
four stand of Arms, for the use of Captain McDonald’s 
Company, in his Battalion, taking his receipt. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver Colonel Richard Thomas, of Chester County, 
one hundred stand of Arms, for the use of his Battalion, 
taking his receipt. A 

The Board proceeded to the choice of a President and 
Vice-President, by ballot; when Mr. Thomas Wharton, 
Jun., was chosen President, and Mr. David Rittenhouse, 
Vice-President; and Mr. Wharton took the chair accord- 
ingly. 

Resolved, That the Town of Lancaster shall be supplied 
with sixty stand of Arms, as soon as it is in the power of this 
Council. 


Resolved, That twenty-three bundles of Blankets, which 
Colonel Miles left at Chester, in the Publick Stores, under 
the care of Mr. Nicholas Fairlamb, be delivered to Clement 
Biddle, D. Q. M. G. of the Flying-Camp, for the use of 
the Pennsylvanians in New-Jersey, to be forwarded to him 
by his Assistant immediately. 


Moses Bartram, Gasper 


In Council of Safety, August 7, 1776. 

Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun.. President, David Rit- 
tenhouse, Vice-President, Samuel Morris, Frederick Kuhl, 
James Cannon, Henry Wynkoop, Owen Biddle, John 
Hubly, Timothy Matlack, Joseph Blewer, John Bull. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary, 
was directed to deliver Colonel Matthew Dill, of York 
County, twenty-three stand of Arms, for the use of his Bat- 
talion, taking his receipt. Signed by Mr. iS. Morris. 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1310 


By order of the Board, Mr. R. Towers was directed to 
deliver Colonel James Moore, of Chester County, thirty 
stand of Arms, for the use of bis Battalion, taking his 
receipt. 

By order of the Board, an order was drawn on J. M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of Colonel Thomas Smith, 
for £13 7s. 6d., for carriage of Ammunition to Bedford 
County. 

By order of the Board, Mr. R. Towers was directed to 
aeliver Major Fullerton twenty stand of Arms, for the use 
of Colonel Crawford's Battalion, of Lancaster County, 
taking his receipt. 

Resolved, ‘That the Mustermaster do pass Colonel Rich- 
ard Thomas’s Battalion of Chester County, with the present 
number of Officers and Men. 


By order of the Board, an order was drawn on Mr. J. M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of Mr. John Britton, for 
£662 10s., being for fifty thouSand feet of three-inch Plank, 
purchased by order of the late Committee of Safety, per 
resolve of the 21st June last, for the Fortification at Bullings- 
port; to charge to Congress. 


An application from Colonel Richard Thomas, of Chester 
County, for Accoutrements, was laid before the Board. 

Mr. Robert Towers was ordered to supply him, if in his 
possegsion; if not, Colonel Thomas was desired to purchase 
them, and bring his Account to this Board. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver sixty stand of Arms for the use of his Battalion. 


Resolved, That so many Workmen, employed by Colonel 
William Dewees, as will keep one fire at work in the making 
Gun-Scalps for the publick service, be detained from march- 
ing to Camp in New-Jersey. 


Resolved, That the Deputy Quartermaster General’s 
Assistants be authorized to quarter Troops in the several 
places of worship in this city, in turn, provided they cannot 
procure suitable Quarters elsewhere. 

Ordered, That the said Assistants furnish the Wardens 
or Elders of the several places of worship with a copy of 
the above Resolve. 


Resolved, That Colonel Matlack lay before the Con- 
vention the necessity of-raising the Flying-Camp, and to 
request them to take the most effectual measures to en- 
courage the same by allowing what may be esteemed a 
sufficient bounty. 


As any delay to the marching of the Associators of the 
State now in the city will be attended with great incon- 
veniences to the publick service, be it therefore 

Resolved, That Colonel John Bull be requested to ex- 
amine into the state of all the Companies of the said Asso- 
ciators, and that all such as are sufficiently provided are 
hereby ordered to proceed forward to the Camp without 
delay. 


By order of the Board, Captain William Richards was 
directed to deliver Mr. John Coburn what Rope he may 
have occasion for on account of the State. , 


By order of the Board, Mr. Wert was ordered to assist 
Mr. John Coburn with the Sloop under his command in any 
matters he may be required for the advantage of this State. 


Resolved, ‘That Mr. Owen Biddle be desired to procure 
the necessary Clothing for Colonel Atlee’s Battagion, and 
forward them to him with all despatch. 

By order‘of the Board, Captain Welliam Richards was 
directed to deliver Mr. Wade, a Rigger, such Tackle, Ropes, 
Blocks, and Anchors, as he may apply for, for the use of 
the Fortifications at Lillingsport, and charge the same to 
Congress. 

A Letter was received from John Kirk, resigning his 
Commission as an Ensign in the Battalion of Musketry in 
the pay of this State; which resignation was accepted by 
the Board. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on J. M.- 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of Mr. William Hays; 
for £500, for the use of Mark Bird, Esq.; to be charged to 
Mr. Bird’s Account. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver Colonel Bartram Galbraith, of Lancaster Coun- 
ty, fifty stand of Arms, for the use of his Battalion, 


1311 


Mr. Henry Wynkoop appeared, took and subscribed the 


qualification directed by Convention. 


By an order of the Board, J. M. Nesbitt, Esq., was de- 
sired to pay Peter Hewes £3 6s., and John Traxler £3 


13s. 1ld., and charge the same to Congress. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on Messrs. 
John Nixon, James Mease, and Thomas Wharton, Jun., 
the Committee of Accounts of the late Committee of Safe- 
ty, in favour of John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer to 
the Board, for £29 5s. 6d., being the balance in their 
hands belonging to the late Committee. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on Messrs. 
John Nixon and others, Committee of Accounts for the 
late Committee of Safety, in favour of John M. Nesbitt, 
Esq., Treasurer to this Board, for £3 2s. 84d., being the 
balance of Money put into their hands by the late Com- 
mittee of Safety by the honourable Congress for the purpose 
of purchasing Arms. 

By order of the Board, J. M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was desired to pay the following Accounts, viz: 

Samuel Pugh’s Account, amounting to £11 19s. 3d.; 
to be charged to Congress. 

Peter Mather’s Account, amounting to £4 11s. 6d.; to 
be charged to Congress. 

John Wager twenty shillings, for going express to Wil- 
mington. 

By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on Mr. 
Nesbitt, in favour of Mr. Owen Biddle, for £250, towards 
purchasing Clothing for Colonel Aélee’s Battalion; to be 


charged to Mr. Biddle’s Account. 


John Conner was brought before the Board, and charged 
with stealing a Jacket from John Mackey. He was commit- 
ted to the Workhouse; and the following Warrant signed by 
the President: 

“You are hereby required to receive the body of John 
Conner, aud keep him in custody until he is discharged by 
this Board, or a due course of law, he being charged with 
theft; and in so doing, this shall be your Warrant. 


“To Mr. Thomas Apty, Keeper of the Workhouse.” 


In Council of Safety, August 8, 1776. 

Present: Thomas Wharton, President, David Ritten- 
house, Vice-President, Samuel Morris, Sen., John Bull, 
John Hubley, Gwen Biddle, John Moore, Joseph Blewer, 
Fred. Kuhl, Henry Wynkoop, James Cannon, John Weatzel. 

Resolved, That the Mustermaster do pass Colonel John 
Bull’s Battalion, of Philadelphia County, with the present 
number of Officers and Men. 


By order of the Board, John M. Nesbitt, Esq., was de- 
sired to pay the following Accounts: 

Josiah Wood & Son’s Account, amounting to £19 5s., 
for Hatchets. 

Stephen Sutton’s Account, amounting to £9 7s. 6d., for 
two Rifles. 

Alexander Ruther ford’s Account, amounting to £77 1s., 
for Cartouch-Boxes. 

James Webb’s Account, amounting to £6 Os. 9d., for 
stocking Rifles, &c. 


Resolved, ‘That the Deputy Quartermaster General, or 
his Assistants, do forward the marching of such parts of 
Companies now in this city as are completely armed and 
accoutred to the Camp in New-Jersey, and that such men 
as are not yet armed be permitted to remain, under such 
Officer as the Commanding Officer shall direct, until they 
can be properly equipped. 

Colonel Bull requested to see the above Resolve put 
into execution. 


By order of the Board, Mr. R. Towers was directed to 
deliver Lieutenant-Colonel Brian a quarter cask of Pow- 
der, for the use of Colonel Kezchlin’s Battalion, of Bucks 
County. 


Resolved, That the Wagons employed by Colonel Bull 
for the carriage of the Baggage of his Battalion to Camp be 
permitted to go, unless the persons to whom they belong are 
willing to return. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John M. 


Nesbitt, Ksq., Treasurer, in favour of Messrs. Isaac Coats; 
William Moulder, and Jacob Schriner, for £50, towards 


PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1312 


supplying the families of such poor Associators of the First 
Battalion of this City and Liberties as are now in actual 
service. 


Resolved, That the Mustermaster do pass Captain Tho- 
mas Heslip’s Company of the First Battalion of Chester 


‘County, commanded by Colonel James Moore, with the 


present number of Officers and Men. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of Colonel Kirkbride, 
for £86 3s. 9d.; to be charged to his Account. Also an 
Order in favour of Francis Clarke for £37 10s. 


Resolved, That Henry Bingham be discharged from the 
Militia now marching to the Camp in New-Jersey, he being 
employed in making Gun-Barrels for this State. 


A Letter was received from the President of the Conven- 
tion of the State of New-York, acquainting this Board that 
they had sent to this City William Sutton, to be confined 
here as a person inimical to the liberties of America. He 
was therefore committed to the State Prison, and the follow- 
ing is a copy of his Mittimus: 

‘In Council of Safety for the State of Pennsylvariia. 

“Whereas William Sutton being sent by the Convention 
of the State of New-York to this Council, to be confined in 
the Jail of this City, upon a charge of being an enemy to the 
rights and liberties of America, you are, therefore, hereby 
required and enjoined to receive into your custody the body 
of the said Wilham Sutton, and him safely keep, at his own 
expense, until he be duly discharged by this Board or by 
order of Congress; and for your so doing this shall be your 
warrant. 

“ Given under my hand this 8th day of August, 1776. 

“ By order of the Council: 
(Signed by the President.) 


“To Robert Jewell, Keeper of the State Prison.” 


By an order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of Arthur Donald- 
son, for £200, to be charged to his Account. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver Captain James McConnell four Rifles, taking his 
receipt. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, for £250, in favour of Mr. Henry 
Wynkoop, to be by him paid to the gentlemen appointed by 
the Committee of Inspection and Observation of Bucks 
County, to be distributed amongst the families of poor Asso- 
ciators of that County who are now in actual service. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, for £250, in favour of Mr. Henry 
Wynkoop, for the purpose of equipping the Militia of Bucks 
County. 


By an order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
M. Nesbitt, Esq., in favour of Jane Taplin; to be charged 
to Congress. 


A Letter was received from the Committee of Inspection 
of Chester County, informing this Board that a certain James 
Me Connaughy, with several others, had greatly abused and 
insulted several persons and their families, whereby many of 
the Militia were discouraged from marching, and therefore 
had ordered said Mc Connaughy to be apprehended and sent 
to the city; and he being brought before the Board, and 
several witnesses appearing, who, upon oath, charged him 
with committing violent breaches of the peace, he was there- 
fore ordered to be confined in the common Jail of this city, 
and the following Mittimus granted: . 


‘In Council of Safety for the State of Pennsylvania. 

“ Whereas James Mc Connaughy stands charged before this 
Council of breaking open the house of Paul McKnight in 
the dead of the night, committing violent breaches of the 
peace, and appears to be a very dangerous person: You are 
therefore hereby required and enjoined to receive into your 
custody the body of the said James McConnaughy, and him 
safely keep until he be discharged by the authority of this 
State ; and for your so doing this shall be your Warrant. 

‘Given under my hand this 8th day of August, 1776. 

“ By order of the Council: 
“'THos. WHARTON, Jun., President. 


“To Mr. Thos. Dewees, Keeper of the Jail of Philadelphia.” 


1313 


The Council then adjourned to four o’clock afternoon, 
when the following Members met: David Rittenhouse, Vice- 
President, Owen Biddle, Samuel Morris, Sen., Joseph 
Blewer, George Gray, Frederick Kuhl, John Moore, John 
Hubly, Henry Wynkoop. 


Resolved, That the Deputy Quartermaster-General, or 


his Assistants here, be empowered to quarter the Militia now 
on their march towards the Camp in New-Jersey in such 
private houses as are empty, and this Board will make a 
reasonable allowance to the owners. ‘The Commanding 
Officers are strictly enjoined to prevent injury being done to 
such houses. 


Mr. George Gray appeared, and took and subscribed the 
qualification directed by Convention. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John M. 
Nesbitt, Esquire, Treasurer, in favour of Messrs. Ephraim 
Boneham, Moses Bartram, and Jasper Guyer, for £50, for 
the purpose of supplying the families of poor Associators of the 
Second Battalion of this city, who are now in actual service. 

Resolved, That the Mustermaster do pass Colonel Jona- 


than Paschall’s Battalion, of Philadelphia County, with the 
present number of Officers and Men. 


By order of the Board, John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was directed to pay James Robinson £425, for one hundred 
stand of Arms, bought by Mr. Robert Towers for this State. 


Council of Safety, August 9, 1776. 
Present: Thomas Wharton, President, David Ritten- 
house, Vice-President, Samuel Morris, James Cannon, John 
Hubly, Owen Biddle, John Bull, Frederick Kuhl, Timothy 
Matlack, John Moore, Joseph Blewer, Henry Wynkoop. 


Resolved, That the President, Mr. Morris, and Mr. Kep- 
pele, be appointed a Committee to examine and settle Ac- 
counts. 


Resolved, That Mr. Morris, Mr. Biddle, and Mr. Kuhl, 


be appointed a Committee for carrying on the Salt Works, 
erected by the late Committee of Safety in New-Jersey, 
under the care of Mr. Savage. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of Captain John Hazle- 
wood, or his son, for £20; to be charged to his Account. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver Mr. Abraham Mason twelve pieces of Duck, for 
sails for one of the Armed Boats. 


The following Commissions were filled up, agreeable to 
recommendation of Colonel Samuel Miles, in his Battalion : 
John Carpenter, First Lieutenant; David Sloan, Second 
Lieutenant; Thomas Boyd, Second Lieutenant; Septimus 
Davis, Ensign—Commissions dated August 9, 1776. James 
Holmes, Third Lieutenant; Joseph Brown Lee, Third Lieu- 
tenant—Commissions dated April 15, 1776. 


Ordered, That Adjutant Francis Mentges, of Colonel 
Ailee’s Battalion of Musketry, have a Lieutenancy, in con- 
sequence of General Mercer’s recommendation, and of Mr. 
Mentges’s merit. 


Ordered, That Mr. John McGowen have a Commission 
as Third Lieutenant in, Colonel Miles’s Battalion. 


Resolved, That Mr. Rittenhouse, Mr. Biddle, Colonel 
Matlack, Captain Blewer, and George Clymer, Esquire, be 
appointed a Committee to fix upon a plan for the Fortifica- 
tion at Billingsport, and to employ suitable Engineers and 
workmen to carry the same into execution. 


By order of the Board, John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was directed to pay the following Accounts, viz: 


Captain Peters’s Account, amounting to £23 5s. 3d.— £17 0s. 10d. charged 
to this State; and £6 4s. 5d. charged to Congress. 


Captain Peterman’s Account, amounting tO.........05. £514 9) ¢ 
Captain Weintz’s Account, amounting to....-..+. pete 310 015 
Captain Joseph McClean’s Account, amounting to....... 310 3] © 
Captain Henry Pauling’s Account, amounting to....... 3 9 9/5 , 
Captain John Edwards’s Account, amounting to........ 416 0( 23% 
Captain Swink’s Account, amounting to........ ceeeeee i? > PS es 
Captain Thomas Heslip’s Account, amounting to........ 3 2 3|5 ™ 
Captain John Read’s Account, amounting to.....+..64. agi Eee 
Captain Green’s Account, amounting t0........eeseeee Me ak Basa 
Valentine Winhalt’s Account, amounting tO.....ss.e.ee. 618 4} 


Richard Reily’s Account, amounting to £13 3s. 5d., for Provision for 
supplying sick soldiers. 

John Willis’s Account, amounting to £4 5s., for a Rifle. 

Colonel Hugh Lloyd’s Account, amounting to £53 9s. 11d., for main- 
tenance of his Battalion during engagements with the Roebuck. 


Firru Series.—Vot. I, 


PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


83 


1314 


Samuel Rain’s Account, amounting to £1 3s. 6d. 

Captain Israel Wheaton’s Account, for Arms, &c., purchased, amount- 
ing to £47 16s. 10d.—€3 13s. 4d. charged to Congress; £44 3s. 6d. charged 
to this State. 


Colonel Hugh Lloyd’s Account for Arms purchased of Non-Associators, 
amounting to €102 7s. 6d. 


The honourable Congress having requested this Board to 
recommend two proper persons for Lieutenants to a fifth 
Company of Germans to be raised in the State for the Con- 
tinental service, 

Resolved, That the following gentlemen be recommended 
to Congress as proper persons to be appointed as aforesaid: 
as First Lieutenant, Lewis Van Lindensdorf; as Second 
Lieutenant, Philip Schrawder. 


By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on J. M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., in favour of Captain James McConnell, for 
£50, for the use of a Company of Militia for the Flying- 
Camp under his command, to be charged to his Account; 
and an Order in favour of Captain William Hustin for £50, 
for like purpose, to be charged to his Account. 


Mr. John Woolsey, a Canadian prisoner, appeared, and 
produced his permission to come to this city from Reading, 
and signed a parole not to go more than eight miles from 
hence. 


Resolved, That Mr, Rittenhouse, Mr. Gray, and Mr. 
Michael Hillegas, be appointed a Committee to examine 
and pass the Accounts of Mr. Kercher, Commissary. 


Resolved, That Colonel Thomas Hockley be requested 
to get the Arms of his Battalion repaired in the best and 
most expeditious manner. 


Resolved, That Henry Tredor be appointed Pilot of the 
Ship Montgomery. 

Resolved, That Mr. David Rittenhouse be requested to 
have the new Cannon proved, annealing them first, if he 


Shall think proper. 


Resolved, That two pieces of heavy Cannon, with Car- 
riages, Furniture, Shot, and Cartridge-Paper, be sent to 
Camp in New-Jersey, agreeable to a requisition made in 


behalf of General Mercer. 


The honourable Congress having resolved that the Paper- 
Makers in Pennsylvania be detained from proceeding with 
the Associators to New-Jersey, all officers of the State are 
required to pay a strict regard to the same. 


— 


In Council of Safety, August 10, 1776. 
Present: David Rittenhouse, Vice-President, Timothy 
Matlack, Samuel Morris, Sen., Fred. Kuhl, Henry Keppele, 
John Hubly, James Cannon, Joseph Blewer, John Moore, 
Owen Biddle, John Bull. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbztt was directed to pay 


the following Accounts : 


Win. Morris’s Account, amounting to........ Me e a 

Rachael Ingram ..ecccseececsseccceecece eo | 

Jacob Wyley ....0+++ Fee UREN sce Cine 
George Wright. .ccessseccerrcccerceceeeeee 2 15 6} ae 
Rachael, Davis... sci. s co o0cncnn ssc ccvcencses 1 00) 

Christian Dull... .cecceccersccoes Melsstaletstar ALS Iso 

Captain Lawrence ...seeesesecsecceceeeseee 37 19 0 

Doctor James Dunlop ...eesecccesceseccvecs 1) RNG 


Ordered, That the case of the Deserters from the Con- 
tinental Army, which are in the custody of Colonel Haslett, 
be referred to the Board of War. 


By order of the Board, Peter Dehaven § Co. were 
directed to deliver to Colonel Bull, of Philadelphia County, 
twenty stand of Arms for the use of his Battalion. 


Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Board that the 
present dissatisfaction which prevails in the Naval Depart- 
ment of this State, arising from a disputed command, will 
greatly weaken the defence provided for the River Delaware, 
and that a hearing of the Officers before Convention, and a 
speedy determination of that matter, would be conducive to 
the security of this State. 

By order of the Board, an Order was drawn on J. M. 
Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of Joseph Mather, Trea- 
surer to the Committee of Inspection of Philadelphia Coun- 
ty, for £200, to be applied to the relief of families of poor 
Associators, of Philadelphia County, now in actual service ; 
Mr. Mather being empowered by the Committee of Phila- 
delphia County for that purpose, per their Minutes of the 
Ist August, instant. 


1315 


In Council of Safety, August 12, 1776. 
Present: Thos. Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit- 
tenhouse, John Hubly, Samuel Morris, Sen., Jos. Blewer, 
Henry Keppele, Fred. Kuhl, John Moore, John Weitzel. 
By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 


to deliver Colonel Dill, of York County, ten stand of Arms’ 


and thirty-four 'Tomabawks, for the use of his Battalion. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Jewell, Keeper of the 
State Prison, was directed to take under his care Thomas 
Story, a sick Soldier, belonging to the Continental Army, 
and provide a Physician to attend him. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Holton, of York 
County, four Muskets, taking his receipt. 


A Letter was wrote to Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq., the 
President of the Convention of New- York, acquainting him 
that William Sutton is now confined in the State Prison of 
this city. 

By order of the Board, J. M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was directed to pay Elias Batner’s Account, amounung to 
£9 15s., for Budge Barrels for Ship Montgomery, &c. 

By order of the Board, J. M. Nesbitt, Esq., was directed 
to pay John Mear’s Account of £9, for three Guns deli- 
vered to Colonel Henry Haller, of Berks County Militia. 

By order of the Board, J. M. Nesbitt, Esq., was directed 
to pay Mr. Benjamin Flower, £15 10s. 9d., for Sash Weights 
sold Thomas Nevell. 

By an order of the Board, Mr. R. Towers was directed 
to deliver Captain Henderson eight pounds of Powder, he 
paying for the same, or giving a receipt to return the quan- 
tity. 

By an order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to 
pay Colonel Richard Thomas £11 3s. 4d., for diet of men 
of his Battalion on their march, to be charged to Congress; 
and £6 16s. 6d., for Priming-Wires and Brushes; to be 
charged to his Account. 

By order of the Board, J. M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was directed to pay Colonel Rachard Thomas, of Chester 
County, £196 3s., for eighty-one Firelocks, bought of Non- 
Associators ; to be charged to Colonel Thomas’s Account. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver Major Boyd, of Colonel John Ferree’s Battalion, 
of Lancaster County, six Rifles, taking his receipt. 

By order of the Board, J. M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was directed to pay Captain Robert Craig £12 3s. 6d.— 
£2 5s. Gd. to be charged to Congress, and £9 18 to be 
charged to Colonel Bartram Galbreath. 


In Council of Safety, August 13, 1776. 

Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit- 
tenhouse, Samuel Morris, Sen., John Hubly, Fred. Kuhl, 
Owen Biddle, James Cannon, John Weitzel, Joseph Blewer, 
John Moore, Henry Keppele. 

By an order of the Board, an Order was drawn on John 
M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour of John Colburn, for 
£250, towards sinking Piers, &c.; to be charged with his 
Account. 

By an order of the Board, J. M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was directed to pay to Captain Wiliam Scott, for Arms pur- 
chased for, £53; to be charged to Colonel Thomas Hockey’s 
Account. 

By an order of the Board, J. M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was directed to pay to Thomas Davis £250, towards Piers 
built for the service of this State; to be charged to his Ac- 
count. j 

By order of the Board, J. M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was directed to pay to Captain Thomas Fisher, £46, for 
Arms purchased, to be charged to Colonel Richard McAl- 
lister, of York County; and £33 10s. for Mileage; to be 
charged to Congress. 

By order of the Board, J. M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was directed to pay Schetchly Morton £8 7s. 84d., for Pro- 
vision supplied the Guard-Boats stationed at Darby Creek. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary 
of Stores, was directed to deliver Colonel Bartram Galbreath 
twenty stand of Arms, for the:use of his Battalion. 

The Mustermaster was directed to pass Captain Jacob 
Lush’s Contpany, of Colonel Lewis’s Battalion, with the 
present number of Officers and Men. 


PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1516 


By order of the Board, J. M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was directed to pay Mr. Nicholas Hicks £500, to be 
charged to his Account. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver Lieutenant Wiliam Rowan, of Colonel Francis 
Holton’s Battalion, of York County, twenty-four stand of 
Arms, taking his receipt. 

- By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 

Matthew Delany’s Order, in favour of Peter Delany, for 
£14, being for four months’ service as Express Rider, to 
the 14th July Jast. 

By order of the Board, J. Md. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was directed to change such Maryland Money as may be 
offered to him, by any of the Troops now on their march 
to the Camp; and if any loss happens thereon the Board 
will bear it. 

By order of the Board, Robert Towers was directed to 
deliver Captain Ross, of Colonel Porter’s Battalion, of Lan- 
caster County, eight stand of Arms, taking bis receipt. 

By order of the Board, John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esquire, 
Treasurer, was directed to pay to Robert. Towers £97 19s. 
74d., for his Accounts to 10th August. Also to pay Jacob 
Hiltzheimer £1 10s., for carrying sixty stand of Arms to 
Chester. 

By an order of the Board, J.M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was directed to pay an Order drawn by the honourable 
Convention, and signed by Benjamin Franklin, Esq., Pre- 
sident, for £10,000, on account of publick service of this 
State. 

By order of the Board, Robert Towers was directed to 
deliver Mr. Nicholas Hicks twenty-five Wheelbarrows, four 
Pickaxes, and two Woodaxes, for the service of carrying on 
Fortifications at Billingsport. 

By an order of the Board, John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq., 
was directed to pay Major John Andrews, of Colonel Me- 
Allister’s Battalion, of York County, £6, for Mileage for 
twelve men one hundred and twenty miles; to be charged 
to Congress. 

By an order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to 
pay Daniel Daney £4 15s., for a Rifle; to be charged to 
Colonel Timothy Matlack. 


; In Council of Safety, August 14, 1776. 

Present: David Rittenhouse, Vice-President, Samuel 
Morris, Sen., Joseph Blewer, Fred. Kuhl, John Hubly, 
Henry Keppele, James Cannon, John Moore, Owen Biddle, 
John Weitzel, John Bull, George Gray. 

By order of the Board, John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasu- 
rer, was directed to pay to Captain Joseph Blewer £81 1s. 
6d., for eighteen Muskets, bought of him by the directions 
of this Board. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
to Captain John Paxton £5, and Nathaniel Coulter £6, 
for two Rifles, for Colonel Miles’s Battalion. 

By order of the Board, Mr, Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Jean Laughey £15 15s. 2d., and Major James Cunning- 
ham £10 15s., for Shot-Pouches for a Company of the 
Flying-Camp. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Colonel Hockley £43 5s., for Arms purchased; to be charged 
to Colonel Hockley. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Captain Peck £7 3s. 6d.—£4 10s. to be charged to Con- 
gress, and £2 3s. 6d. to be charged to this State; and to 
pay Townsend and John White £123 15s. 4d., for one 
thousand and sixty pounds of Copper. 

By an order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to 
pay Ebenezer Lundy £135 15s.; to be charged to the Com- 
mittee of Inspection and Observation of Bucks County. 

By an order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers, was di- 
rected to deliver Lieutenant-Colonel Holton, of Fourth 
Battalion, of York County, twenty Muskets, for the use of 
said Battalion. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
the following Accounts, viz: 


James Cunningham’s Account, amounting to £8 8) For diet of men 
John Jameson’s.....++. Dome nermet dows. « 413 marched to 
William Kelly’s.....+.. DO. ow see do..... 413 this City; to 
Matthew Swan’s......- Doan re do..... 5 8[  becharged to 
Jacob Cook’s. ...+e..4. Dosis oes dae do...-. 5 2J Congress. 


And Lieutenant-Colonel Holton’s Account for £21 6s., 


, 


1317 


for four Rifles; to be charged to Colonel William Smith’s 
Account. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver Messrs. Bromall and @rigson fifty weight of Brass, 
upon their producing a certificate from J. M. Nesbitt, 'Trea- 
surer, for their having paid the prime cost of the same. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
to Captain John McElhallon £52 12s, 3d., for dieting 
men on their march to this city, on their way to Camp in 
New-Jersey; to be charged to Congress. 

By order of the Board, John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Trea- 
surer, was directed to pay Captain John Read £9 Os. 4d., 
for repairing of Arms. 

By order of the Board, John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Trea- 
surer, was directed to pay James Dunken 20s. 10d., for 
diet for two men on their march to this city; to be charged 
to Congress. 

By order of the Board, Mr. John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Trea- 
surer, was directed to pay Alexander Rutherford £82 5s., 
for Cartouch-Boxes and Bayonet-Belts—£68 5s. to be 
charged to Colonel James Crawford, of Lancaster County, 
and £14 to be charged to Colonel Richard Thomas, of 
Chester County. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
to Captain Joseph Blewer £8, for Musket, Lock, &c. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbett was directed to pay 
Colonel Bartram Galbreath £83 12s. 6d., for Drums, &c. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Mr. Joseph Mather £150, for the purpose of supplying the 
Militia with Camp-Kettles, &c.; to be charged to the Com- 
mittee of Inspection of Philadelphia. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbztt was directed to pay 
Patrick Ryan £1 10s., fora Musket—to be charged to Colo- 
nel Jonathan Paschall, of Philadelphia County;and £2 10s., 
for a Gun to Hugh Jones—to be charged to.Colonel Jona- 
than Paschall. 

By order’ of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Barbard Keats £9 5s., for Rifle and a Gun; to be charged 
to Colonel Joseph Ferree’s Account. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbztt was directed to pay 
to John Davidson £75 4s. 6d., for Cartouch-Boxes, &c.; 
to be charged to Colonel James Moore’s Battalion, of Ches- 
ter County. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Arthur Miller £4, for a Gun; to be charged to William 
McMullen, of Colonel McKean’s Battalion. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbztt was directed to pay 
to Fred. Antes, Esq., £25, it being for an experiment 
made on an eighteen-pounder Cannon, according to an 
agreement with the late Committee of Safety. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Captain Thomas Millard £79 12s., for Arms purchased, 
and to be charged to Colonel Thomas Hockley’s Account. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Adolph Gillman £7 9s. 11d., for meals of Militia on their 
march to this city. 


Resolved, 'Vhat the Troops under Captain Procter’s com- 
mand be augmented to two hundred men, to be formed into 
two Companies, to be under the direction of one Command- 
ing Officer, with the rank of Major, and each Company to 
have one Captain-Lieutenant and three Lieutenants. 

Resolved, ‘That the said Troops be commanded by Thomas 
Procter, Esq., with the rank, pay, and allowance, of Major, 
and to be recruited by him for the same time, and on the 
same terms, as those already raised have been. 


Captain Welpert having waited on this Board with the 
compliments of Mr, President Hancock, and to request that 
the Board would recommend some other gentleman as First 
Lieutenant of the Fifth Company of the German Battalion 
to be raised in this State for the Continental service, in the 
place of Lewis Van Linkensdorf, heretofore recommended 
as First Lieutenant, who has also been appointed Adjutant 
in the said Battalion— 

The Board therefore do recommend Mr. Bernard Hub- 
ley, Jun., as First Lieutenant in the said Company instead 
of the said Lewis Van Linkensdorf. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Robert Porter £30 10s., for Cartouch-Boxes and for Car- 
touch Belts and Bayonet Belts; to be charged to Colonel 
Richard Thomas. 


* 


PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1318 


In Council of Safety, August 15, 1776. 

Present: David Rittenhouse, Vice-President, John Hubly, 
Samuel Morris, Sen., James Cannon, John Weitzel, Joseph 
Blewer, Frederick Kuhl, Henry Keppele. 

By order of the Board, Mr. John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Trea- 
surer, was directed to pay Fullerton & Moran £282 17s. 6s., 
for repairing Galleys. 

By order of the Board, John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was directed to pay to Lieutenant-Colonel David Thomas 
£109 2s. 6d., for Arms purchased for the use of his Batta- 
lion of Riflemen, of Philadelphia County; to be charged to 
his: Account. 

By order of the Board, the Mustermaster was directed to 
pass Captain Jacob Hetherling’s Company, of Colonel Mont- 
gomery’s Battalion, of Chester County, with the present num- 
ber of Officers and Men. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
to Captain Nathan Gibson £12, for Shot-Pouches, &c., for 
the use of his Company; to be charged to Colonel Jonathan 
Paschall, of Philadelphia County. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
to Captain Robert Craig £16 2s., for Blankets, purchased 
for the use of his Company; to be charged to Colonel Bar- 
tram G'albreath. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Colonel Thomas Hockley £100; to be charged to his Ac- 
count. 

By order of the Board, Mr. R. Towers was directed to 
deliver Colonel Thomas Hockley seventy Tomahawks, for 
the use of his Battalion. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Peter Dehaven &§& Co. £500, for the use of the Gun-Fac- 
tory; to be charged to their Account. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directéd to pay 
to Jacob Howell £250 towards Intrenching Tools and Pikes; 
to be charged to his Account. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
the following Accounts: 

To Thomas Richardson £6, for a Gun; to be charged to 
Colonel John Ferree, of Lancaster County. 

To Josiah Wood £16 12s. 6d., for Pikes. 

To Solomon Matthews £3 2s.4d., ) For work at Magazine 

To John Hay, £3, in Reading. 

To Captain J. Ross £4 5s. 6d., for Shot Pouches; to be 
charged to Colonel Porter, of Lancaster County. 

To Lieutenant-Colonel Watson £44 4s. 1d., for repair- 
ing Arms, &c. 

By order of the Board, John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was directed to pay Abraham Moore, of Coventry Town- 
ship, Chester County, £30, on account of Arms to be made 
for the service of this State. 


Resolved, ‘That the Commanding Officer of each Batta- 
lion or Company of Associators, belonging to this State, be 
required forthwith to return to the Council of Safety a list 
of the names of the Associators who have deserted from their 
respective Corps, that they may be dealt with according to 
their deserts. 

Ordered, That the above Resolve be published in all the 
publick papers of this City. 

In Council of Safety, August 16, 1776. 

Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Ritten- 
house, Samuel Morris, John Hubly, Henry Keppele, Fre- 
derick Kuhl, George Gray, Owen Biddle, James Cannon, 
John Moore, Joseph Blewer, John Bull. 

By order of the Board, John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
was directed to pay Captain Thomas Twibell, of Colonel 
James Wilson’s Battalion, of Cumberland County, £13 13s. 
Ad., for mileage to this city, for eighty-two men; to be charged 
to Congress. 

By order of the Board, Messrs. Mease & Caldwell were 
directed to pay John Clark, of Captain Robert Elton’s Com- 
pany, in Colonel Moore’s Battalion, a month’s advance. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay: 

Captain John Paxton for mileage for sixty men to this city, 
£7 10s.; to be charged to Elton. 

Colonel Crawford’s Account for Arms, &c., £205 14s. 9d.; 
to be charged to Colonel James Crawford, 

Captain William Scott, for Arms bought, £22 12s. 6d.; to 
be charged to Colonel Thomas Hockley, 


1319 


Nathaniel Porter, for Arms bought, £22 14s.; tobecharged 
to Colonel Hockley. 

William Brown’s Account, amounting to £13 10s. 103d., 
Boat hire. 

John Davison, for Cartridge-Boxes, &c., £27 19s. 6d.; to 
be charged to Captain William Smith, of York County. 

By order of the Board, Messrs. Mease & Caldwell were 
desired to pay a month’s advance to Morris Cunningham, 
of Colonel McPherson’s Battalion. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesditt was directed to pay 
Thomas McKinsey £16 12s. 6d., for Cartouch-Boxes—£8 
11s. to be charged to Colonel William Smith, and £8 Is. 
6d. to be charged to Colonel Dill. 

By an order of the Board, Mr. Towers was directed to 
deliver Mr. Thomas Mendenhall three quarter-casks of Pow- 
der, and charge to his Account. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Mr. Thomas Mendenhall’ £57 3s. 9d., which, with the 
above Powder, is in full for three hundred and three and 
three-quarter pounds Saltpetre delivered Robert Towers. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Robert Porter £4 5s. 6d., for Cartouch-Boxes, for the use 
of Colonel William Smith’s Battalion, of York County. 


Permission was given to one Officer belonging to each 
of the Battalions of prisoners confined at Lancaster, now 
on parole at Carlisle, to go to Lancaster, and continue for 
such space of time as is sufficient to muster the prisoners 
belonging to their respective Battalions, and directed to the 
Committee of Inspection of Cumberland. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Robert Towers was directed 
to deliver the Quartermaster-General’s Assistant four thou- 
sand Priming-Wires and Brushes, twenty thousand F'lints, 
two hundred Ramrods, one ton of Rifle Powder, cannon Car- 
tridge-Paper, and a number of Musket Cartridges, leaving a 
sufficient number for this State; to be charged to Congress. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Mr. James Old £1,500, on account of Cannon and Shot, 
cast for the use of this State; to be charged to his Account. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesdztt was directed to pay 
Mr. John Baker £60, on account of repairs done to Arms 
of Associators going into service; to be charged to his Ac- 
count. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Major Benjamin Loxly £100 towards the Cannon Foun- 
dery and Boring Mill erected for this State; to be charged 
to his Account. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
to Thomas Porter £50; to be charged to his Account. 

By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay 
Captain Wilkam Brown £35 8s. 11d., being the balance 
of his Account. 


Messrs. Mease S& Caldwell were requested to advance 
Lieutenant-Colonel William Clark £150, and Lieutenant- 
Colonel Frederick Watts £10, in order to assist the Offi- 
cers of their Battalion, as it will promote the service in 
forwarding men to camp. 


Resolved, That the Committee of Inspection and Obser- 
vation of Lancaster County be requested to assist Captain 
Matthew Smith in procuring one hundred and sixty Rifles, 
and that they direct the Gunsmith in their County to make 
that quantity of Rifles with all convenient despatch, so as 
not to hinder them from repairing the Arms of the Militia 
now on their march to Head-Quarters in Jersey. 


By order of the Board, Mr. Nesbitt was requested to pay 
Lieutenant Lewan £2 19s. 9d., for repairing Arms, Xc.; to 
be charged to Colonel William Smith. 


The Board then adjourned to seven o’clock afternoon, 
when the following Members met: Thomas Wharton, Jun., 
President, Owen Biddle, John Bull, Henry Keppele, John 
Hubly, James Cannon, Samuel Morris, Sen. 


Captain Ayres, of the armed boat Camden, was directed 
to pay Hugh Whiteford the wages due to his slave Jacob 
Kelly, and discharge said Kelly from the service of this 
State. 

An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasu- 
rer, in favour of Mr. Owen Biddle, for £250, towards 
clothing purchased for Colonel Atlee’s Battalion; to be 
charged to his Account, 


PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1320 


In Council of Safety, August 17, 1776. 

Present: Thomas Wharton, Junior, President, Samuel 
Morris, Sen., John Hubly, James Cannon, Owen Bid- 
dle, Joseph Blewer, John Bull, Frederick Kuhl, George 
Gray. 

An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt in favour of 
Mr. Adam Zantzinger, for £75, and an Order on Mr. 
Robert Towers for four quarter-casks Powder, being for four 
hundred weight Saltpetre. 


The following Accounts were passed, and Mr, Nesbitt 
directed to pay them: 

Captain Nathaniel Porter's Account, £1 2s., for repair- 
ing Arms belonging to Colonel Hockley’s Battalion. 

An Account for mileage of six Companies of Colonel 
Hockley’s Battalion, viz: Captain Whealson’s Company, 
£8 12s. 10d.; Captain Ralston’s Company, £10 12s. 11d.; 
Captain Hartman’s Company, £10; Captain Scoti’s, £7 6s. 
8d.; Captain Miller’s, £6 9s.; Captain Porter’s, £6 12s.; 
making in the whole £49 13s. 5d.; to be charged to Con- 
gress. 

Captain Joseph Blewer’s Account for a Gun delivered 


_ Robert Towers, £3. 


Thomas Tufts Account £21, for Medicine-Chests, &c., 
made for Drs. Duffield and Delany for publick service; to 
be charged to Congress. 

Major John Boyd’s Account, for Arms purchased, £54; 
to be charged to Colonel John Ferree. 

Henry Debearer for £1 7s., for six Bullet-Moulds; to be 
charged to Colon! Timothy Matlack. 

Captain Samuel Holstein for Arms taken from Non-As- 
sociators, amount £39 13s.; to be charged to Colonel Jona- 


than Paschall. 


Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary, was directed to deliver 
to Major Evans one Musket and Cartouch-Box. 


Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver Major John 
Boyd one Rifle, to be charged to Colonel Ferree. 


An order was drawn on Messrs. Mease & Caldwell for 
£38 Os., 6d., for Blankets purchased by Captain Padon; 
to be charged to Colonel Bartram Galbreath, and to be de- 
ducted out of men’s wages. 


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Samuel Johnston £3 Os. 
9d., for breakfasts for eighty-one men of Captain Peeble’s 
Company of Riflemen, and 4s. 2d. for breakfast for five men 
on guard. 

An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of William 
Kennard for £5, on account of Sails he is making for one 
of the Galleys; to be charged to his Account. 

An Order was drawn on Mr, Nesbitt in favour of George 
Taylor for £1,000 towards Shot cast by him for the service 
of this State; to be charged to his Account. 

An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Captain 
Valentine Opp, of Bucks County, for £228, to enable him 
to pay a bounty of £3 to each person who shall inlist him- 
self in his Company for the Flying-Camp; to be charged to 
his Account. (To inform Cominittee.) 


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Colonel Robert Lewis, 
of Philadelphia County, £251 17s. 3d., for Arms taken 
from Non-Associators ; to be charged to Colonel Lewis. 


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Capenhave 
£1 3s. 4d., for two meals of victuals for twenty-four men; 
to be charged to Congress. 

Also, to pay Peter Holsten £2 7s. 3d., for Dinners for 
sixty-three men of Captain Nicholas Buttinger’s Company; 
to be charged to Congress. 


Resolved, That Captain Valentine Opp’s Company do 
march to Camp in Jersey immediately on their receiving the 
Bounty of £3 each, with such Arms as they may have, and 
such as have no Arms will be furnished at Camp: they are 
also to march. 


In Council of Safety, August 19, 1776. 

Present: David Rittenhouse, Vice-President, James Can- 
non, Joseph Blewer, Frederick Kuhl, Samuel Morris, John 
Hubly. 

There not being a quorum met, it was agreed that the 
Vice-President should call a meeting at five o’clock, after- 
noon, when the following Members met: David Ritten- 
house, Vice-President, Joseph Blewer, James Cannon, F’. 


1321 


Kuhl, Henry Keppele, Samuel Morris, Sen., John Weitzel, 
John Moore. 


Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver Colonel Mark 
Bird thirty stand of Arms, taking his receipt. 


Mr. Peter Dehaven was directed to deliver Captain Paul- | 


ing four Rifles, taking his receipt. 

John M. Nesbitt, Esq., was directed to pay Hugh Cun- 
ningham £14 10, for six Guns purchased for the use of 
Captain James Barber’s Company, of Colonel Bartram Gal- 
breath’s Battalion; to be charged to Colonel Galbreath, 


Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver Captain Ca- 
penhaver, of Colonel Timothy Green’s Battalion, three Mus- 
kets, and take his receipt. 


Information being given that the Guards of this City are 
weakly manned, and that the duty has fallen heavy upon a 
few in consequence of the neglect of some Associators to 
enrol themselves in the Companies stationed here by order 
of General Roberdeau, agreeable to the recommendation of 
the late Committee of Safety, and that uneasiness has arisen 
amongst those who have done the duty of Guards, from a 
misapprehension of the proper authority to be exercised by 
the Commanding Officer: the Council having made. in- 
quiry into the matter, are of opinion that the Captain of the 
Guards has acted in the line of his duty, and has duly dis- 
charged the part of an active and prudent officer. And to 
prevent any future complaint arising from the causes afore- 
said, 

Resolved, That every Associator belonging to this City 
and Liberties, capable of doing duty, who has not marched 
with the Militia to the Camp in New-Jersey, and who 
neglects to enrol himself in some of the four Companies of 
Guards, and to attend the service in his turn, shall be deemed 
a Non-Associator, and be subject to all the fines and penalties 
of such. 

That the Associators on duty as Guards in this city are 
actually in Continental service, entitled to the same pay and 
rations and subject to the same rules and regulations as the 
Militia of this State now in New-Jersey. 


The following Accounts were passed, and Mr. Nesbztt 

directed to pay them, and charge the same to Congress, 
VIZ: 
Captain Robert McKee, for mileage of two Men of his 
Company, belonging to Colonel Ferree’s Battalion, Lancas- 
ter County, (seventy-seven miles each, at ld.,) £0 12 10 

Valentine Vanhalt’s Accounts for Meals: 

Captain John Rowland’s Company, of Colonel 


Ferree’s Battalion, of Lancaster County, - 2 9 6 
Captain Jacob Carpenter's Company, of Col. 

Ferree’s Battalion, - - - - wtp 29120) 16 
Captain Bauman’s Company, of Col. Ferree’s 

Battalion, - - - - - - 3 4 6 
Captain Alexander Martin’s Company, - =A Zp Asn d 
Captain Cappenhaven’s Company, of Colone 

Green’s Battalion, Lancaster County, - 415 0 


In Council of Safety, August 20, 1776. 
Present: Thomas Wharton, President, David Ritten- 
house, Vice-President, Frederick Kuhl, James Cannon, 
Joseph Blewer, John Hubly, Henry Keppele, Samuel Morris, 
Sen., John Moore, George Gray, Owen Biddle. 
John M. Nesbitt, Esq., was directed to pay Captain 
William McMullen £62 16s. 6d., for Arms purchased from 


Non-Associators, and account to Mr. Towers. 


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Archibald 
Thomson £18 7s., for Arms purchased for Colonel Thomas, 
of Philadelphia County, and Shippen & Way £29 16s. 3d., 
for work delivered to Captain Richards. 

Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Charles Stultz, for work 
for Artillery Companies, £3 8s., and James Davison, for 
nursing a sick man belonging to the Congress galley, 
£1 16s. 

Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Colonel Glalbreath 
fifteen Cartouch-Boxes, taking his receipt. 


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Lewis Trimble £8 8s., 
for Wood delivered at Chester, for the use of Colonel Miles’s 
Battalion. 


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Thomas Miles 20s., for 


PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1322 


rifling a Gun and mending a Lock belonging to Captain 
Thomas Turbet’s Company, to be charged to Colonel James 
Wilson, Cumberland County. 


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Philip Shilling £5 5s., 
for twenty-eight Powder-Horns delivered for the use of Col. 
William Smith’s Battalion, of York County. 

_ Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay the following Accounts, 
viz: 

Captain McNary’s Account for Meals for his Company 
of the Fourth Battalion, of York County, commanded by 
Colonel Smith, amounting to £10 4s., to be charged to 
Congress; and £6 17s., for Drums, &c., to be charged to 
the Colonel. Captain Lepper’s mileage of seven men of his 
Company of Third Battalion, of Cumberland County, £3 
10s. 


Agreeable to the determination of the Board yesterday, 
Commodore Davison and the Captains of Galleys were 
summoned to attend the Board on Thursday next, precisely 
at two o’clock, afternoon. 


James Mc Conneaughy was brought before the Board, and 
was permitted to be enlarged from his confinement, upon 
giving security that he would appear at the next Court of 
Judicature that may be held in the County of Chester for 
the trying of offences and misdemeanours; and, in the mean 
time, to march to the Camp in New-Jersey, and there re- 
main until the return of said Army; which was done accord- 
ingly, himself bound in the sum of £1,000, and William 
Graham in £500, for the performance thereof. 


The Board then adjourned to five o’clock, afternoon. 


— 


August 20, 1776, five o’clock afternoon. 
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, Owen Bid- 
dle, George Gray, Samuel Morris, Sen., John Hubly, John 
Moore, John Weitzel. 


Information being given by Francis Hopkinson, Esq., 
that a certain George Craws had fraudulently obtained large 
sums of money from divers persons by means of Deeds for 
Lands forged by him anda certain Anthony Sypher ; where- 
upon the following Warrant was issued : 


‘In Council of Safety for the State of Pennsylvania, 
August 20, 1776. 


“You are hereby required to cause George Craws to be 
taken and brought before the Council to answer a charge 
exhibited against him for forgery, by Francis Hopkinson, 
Esq.; and for your so doing this shall be your order. 

“THomas Wuarton, Jun., President. 
“To Captain Richard Peters.” 


A similar Order was given to cause Anthony Sypher to 
be brought before the Council. 


John Hutton, of New-Jersey, was before the Council, he 
being suspected of facilitating the escape of Colonel Kark- 
land from his confinement in this city; and after examina- 
tion, he was admitted to be enlarged from the State Prison 
on his entering into a recognizance of £500 for his good 
behaviour. At the same time John Hales was brought be- 
fore the Council, and was admitted to bail for his good and 
peaceable behaviour, under a penalty of £1,000, and suffi- 
cient surety. 


In Council of Safety, August 21, 1776. 

Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Ritten- 
house, John Hubly, Frederick Kuhl, James Cannon, Samuel 
Morris, Sen., Owen Biddle, Henry Keppele, Joseph Blewer, 
John Moore. 

John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, was directed to pay 
Benjamin Gibbs £8 11s. 1d., for an Anchor and Block de- 
livered Captain White. 

*Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Esther Burk £2 3s. 6d., 
for nursing sick Soldiers belonging to Colonel Miles’s Bat- 
talion. 

Lieutenant Benjamin Broomback and Ensign Michael 
Cypher were summoned to attend the Board on Saturday 
morning next, the 24th instant, at eight o’clock in the fore- 
noon, to answer for leaving their Colours without leave of 
their Commanding Officer. 

Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Colonel Bartram Gal- 
breath £12, for Blankets for the use of his Battalion, to be 


1323 


charged to Colonel Galbreath’s Account; and £1 17s. 64d., 
for Bayonet-Scabbards; also, £6 17s. for Cartouch-Boxes 
and Powder-Horns. 


A Petition from Joseph Greenway, Third Lieutenant of 


the Ship Montgomery, in the service of this State, was laid 


before the Board, praying that he may have leave to resign 
his commission, as he has an opportunity of serving his coun- 
try in a more essential manner than he is now able to do; 
which request was granted, and he is discharged from the 
service aforesaid. 

Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Dr. Frederick Otto for 
attending on a man wounded at Cape May, in the service of 
this State, £6 11s. 3d. 


Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Richard Chew £19 16s. 
8d., for thirty-five barrels of ‘T'ar delivered William Rich- 
ards, 

Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel John Paschall 
18s. 6d., for altering Colours belonging to his Battalion; to 
be charged to his Account. 

Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Dr. Samuel Duffield for 
attending a man wounded in working a Chevaux-de-f'rise, 
£2 5s. 

Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay £12 10s. for mileage for 
two men for Colonel Galbreath’s Battation; to be charged 
to Congress. 

Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel David Thomas, 
for a meal’s victuals for Captain Pauling and Captain How- 
ell’s Companies of Associators, of his Battalion of Phaladel- 
phia County, £6 11s. 9d.; to be charged to Congress: and 
£1 4s. for Shot-Pouches bought by him for the use of his 
Battalion; to be charged to the Colonel. 

In Council of Safety, August 22, 1776. 

Present: David Rittenhouse, Vice-President, Mr. Samuel 
Morris, Sen., John Hubly, Frederick Kuhl, James Cannon, 
Henry Keppele, Joseph Blewer. 

John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq., was directed to pay Colonel 
Thomas Hockley £191 16s. 6d., for Arms, Blankets, &c., for 
the use of his Battalion; to be charged to Colonel Hockley. 


Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary, was directed to deliver 
Benjamin Segur four Grubbing-Hoes and four Falling-Axes; 
to be delivered by him to Mr. Nicholas Hicks, at Billings- 
port. 

Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Colonel Hugh Lloyd, 
of Chester County, eighty-three Cartouch Boxes; taking his 
receipt. 

The Vice-President being under a necessity of attending 


the Convention, Mr. Owen Biddle was requested to take 
the Chair. 


In consequence of an Order, granted the 20th instant, 
George Craws was brought before the Board, with his trunk, 
in which was found, among a number of papers, the sum of 
£498 Os. Sd., in four bundles, viz: One bundle £102, one 
bundle £46 Os. 8d., one bundle £50, two bundles of $400 
each, (£300)—£498 Os. 8d.; which was delivered to Mr. 
Frederick Kuhl, by order of the Board, and he requested to 
keep in his possession. 

Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Major Loxly one ton 
of Copper and four hundred weight of Block-Tin. 


An Order was drawn on John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esquire, 
for £200, in favour of Robert Semple, Esq., to be charged 
to the Committee of Inspection and Observation of Cumber- 
land County, it being for the purpose of assisting the fami- 
lies of poor Associators who are now in actual service. 


An Order was drawn on Mr, Nesbitt in favour of Mark 
Bird, Esq., for £107 2s. 6d., being for Arms taken from 
Non-Associators, for the use of his Battalion; to be charged 
to his Account. 

Messrs. Dehaven & Carter were directed to deliver Cap- 
tain Alexander Martin, of Colonel Peter Grub’s Battalion, 
of Lancaster County, eleven stand of Arms, and twenty 
Cartouch Boxes. 

Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay to Mrs. Connolly £6 5s., 
for five weeks’ allowance, at 25s. per week, from 16th July 


to 2ist instant, agreeable to Resolve of the late Committee 
of Safety, 16th July last. 


After examination of George Crawes, it appeared from 


PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1324 


his own confession, and papers found in his chest, that he 
was guilty of forgery and fraud; he was, therefore, sent to 
the State Prison, and the following Warrant of commitment 
was granted: ' 
‘In Council of Safety for the State of Pennsylvania, 
August 22, 1776. ; 

“You are hereby authorized, empowered, and required, 
to confine George Craus in a room by himself in the State 
Prison, without pen, ink, and paper, and feed him on bread 
and water, and permit no person to hold any intercourse 
with him, except by special order from this Board, he being 
guilty, by his own confession, of forgery and fraud. 

“ By order of the Council: 

(Signed by the President.) 


“To Robert Jewell, Esq., Keeper of the State Prison.” 


The Council then adjourned to two o’clock, P. M., 

When the following Members met: Thomas Wharton, 
Jun., President, Owen Biddle, George Gray, John Hubly, 
James Cannon, Frederick Kuhl, John Moore, John Weitzel, 
Samuel Morris, Sen., Henry Keppele, Jun., Joseph Blewer. 


John Maxwell Nesbitt, was directed to pay Captain Reese 
Johns, of Colonel Hockley’s Battalion, of Chester County, 
£7 2s. Gd., for mileage for thirty-eight men; to be charged 
to Congress. 


According to a Summons of the 20th instant, Commo- 
dore Davison and the Captains of the Galleys appeared 
before the Board, and after hearing the Captains’ reasons 
why Commodore Davison should not be continued in the 
command, and the Commodore’s answer thereto, it was 
agreed that the determination should be referred to a future 
day. 

In Council of Safety, August 23, 1776. 

Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, Frederick 
Kuhl, Samuel Morris, Sen., Owen Biddle, John Hubli, 
Joseph Blewer, James Cannon, David Rittenhouse, Henry 
Keppele. 


Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary, was directed to deliver 
to Captain Conrad Sneider four Guns and four Cartouch- 
Boxes, for the use of his Company, of Colonel Joseph 
Armstrong’s Battalion, Cumberland County. 


Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary, was directed to deliver 
George Gerber eighty-four pounds of Powder. An Order 
was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, in favour 
of George Gerber, for £63 15s., which, with the above 
eighty-four pounds of Powder, is in full for three hundred 
and thirty-nine pounds of Saltpetre. 


John Maxwell Nesbitt was directed to pay the following 
Accounts, viz: 

Captain James Young’s Account for a Musket delivered 
Captain James McDonald, of the Flying-Camp, £4 16s. 

Major Caleb Davis, for necessaries for the Chester County 
quota for the Flying-Camp, purchased under the direction* 
of the Committee of Inspection, to be charged to his Ac- 
count, £202 10s. 

Baldwin &§ Taylor, for repairing Arms belonging to 
Colonel Hockley’s Battalion, to be charged to the Colonel, 
£28 13s. Od. 

Samuel Raine, for two weeks’ Board of a sick soldier, 
belonging to Farmer’s Company, of Colonel Miles’s Regi- 
ment, £1 10s. 

Captain James Mc Candle’s, for Diet of his Company, of 
Colonel Wilham Smith’s Battalion, York County, to be 
charged to Congress, £35 11s. 9d. 

Captain James’s Account for Mileage twenty-one men 
belonging to Colonel Hockley’s Battalion, £3 10s., to be 
charged to Congress, and £2 13s., for Sundries, to be 
charged to Colonel Hockley. 

Captain John Hart, Mileage, &c., his Company, of 
Colonel Lloyd’s Battalion, Chester County, £5 14s. 3d.; 
to be charged to Congress. 

Colonel Bird, of Berks County, for Rations for his Bat- 
talion, to be charged to Congress, £145 5s. 10d. 

Captain Price, for Mileage, &c., of Colonel Lloyd’s Bat- 
talion, Chester County, to be charged to Congress, £6 8s, 
Td. 

Major John Jones, for Diet of Captain Alexander Mar- 
tin’s Company, Colonel Grub’s Battalion, £2 3s. 3d.; to be 
charged to Congress. 


1325 


Mr. Rohert Towers was directed to deliver Colonel Hugh 
Lloyd, of Chester County, forty-eight Muskets and one 
hundred and twenty-seven Bayonets, for the use of his Bat- 
talion, taking his receipt. 

Adjourned to four o’clock, P. M., when the following 
Members met: Thomas Wharton, President, George Gray, 
Owen Biddle, Samuel Morris, Sen., Joseph Blewer, Fred- 
erick Kuhl, Henry Keppele, Jun. 

John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, was directed to pay 
the following Accounts, viz: 

George Gray, Esq., for Arms taken from Non-Associa- 
tors, &c., delivered to Colonel Jonathan Parshall, to be 
charged to the Colonel, £171 6s. 

Leonard Creamer, for two Rifles delivered Captain Jacob 
Carpenter, for the use of his Company, of Colonel John 
Ferree’s Battalion, (to be charged to the Colonel,) £7 18s. 

Captain Jacob Snyder, for Bread and other Provisions 
for his Company, the Commissary refusing to serve them, 
£3 0s. Sd.; to be charged to Congress. 


Leave was given to Mr. Robert Jewell to suffer George 
Craws to have the liberty of the State Prison. ; 


An Order was given to Mr. Owen Biddle to deliver Mr. 
James White forty bushels of Salt out of the Stores at Ger- 
mantown. 


Resolved, That the Commanding-Officers of the several 
Battalions and Companies now in quarters, or that may 
arrive here, be directed to order proper persons to attend at 
the Commissary of Provisions’ Office, in Fufth Street, near 
Market Street, with Returns, to receive their Provision, every 
morning, between the hours of six and nine o'clock. 


In Council of Safety, August 24, 1776. 
Present: David Rittenhouse, Vice-President, Owen Bid- 
dle, Fred. Kuhl, Samuel Morris, Sen., John Moore, John 
Hubly, James Cannon. ; 


Mr. Hubly was directed to write to Lancaster, and give 
‘direction to the Committee of Inspection to allow Mr. 
Brooks, confined in Jail there, to the liberty of the Prison 
yard, if the Committee think Mr. Brooks will not thereby 
make his escape. Likewise, that the Committee take Bar- 
rington’s parole of honour, and send him to his brother 
officers at York or Cumberland County. 


Resolved, 'That application be made to the Board of War 
for sixty stand of Arms, to supply the Militia now on their 
way to Camp. 


John M. Nesbitt, Esq., was directed to pay Captain 
Hazlewood £20, for the use of Fire-Rafts; to be charged 
to Captain Hazelwood. 

Peter Dehaven & Co. £500, for the use of Gun-Lock 
Factory; to be charged to their Account. 

Captain Andrew Boon, of Second Battalion, of Chester 
County, for Drums, Fifes, &c., for his Company, £6 2s. 6d. 

Robert Jewell, for Board of John Hatton, £2 3s. 4d.; to 
be charged to Congress. * 

In Council of Safety, August 26, 1776. 

Present: David Rittenhouse, Vice-President, Samuel 
Morris, Sen., Henry Keppele, Jun., John Hubly, John 
Moore, Fred. Kuhl, John Weitzel, George Gray, Owen 
Biddle. 

John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, was directed to 
pay the following Accounts, viz: 

Thomas Apty, for Fees of State Prisoners confined .in the 
Workhouse, to be charged to Congress, £1 Qs. 

Thomas Webber, for fourteen and a half cords of Wood, 
delivered at Fort-Island, £12 16s. 6d. 

Captain Cowden, of Colonel Bird’s Battalion, £9 3s., 
for Canteens, to be charged to the Colonel; and £5 10s. for 
support of his men, to be charged to Congress; also £3 11s. 
Sd., for repairing Arms, to be charged to this State. 

George Houston, for repairing Drums, &c., £3 17s. 

John Gamble, for twenty-four Cartouch-Boxes for Cap- 
tain Robert Culberson’s Company; of Colonel William 
Clark’s Battalion, Cumberland County; to be charged to 
the Colonel. c 

William Pollard, for expenses of himself and three others, 
of the Light-Horse, escorting Ammunition to Camp in New- 
Jersey; to be charged to Congress. 


PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1326 


Thomas M. Waters, for Stone delivered at Fort-Island, 
for sinking the Piers. 

Colonel John Ferree, of Lancaster County, for Arms, 
&c., purchased for his Battalion, to be charged to his Ac- 
count, £79 18s. 6d. 

Jeremiah Baker, for Wood delivered to the Barracks of 
this city, £62 19s. 5d.; to be charged to Congress. 

Captain Rowland, 5s., for mending a Drum. 

An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Robert 
Smith, for £500, for the purpose of building Chevaux-de- 
Frise and other works at Billingsport; to be charged to his 
Account. 


An Order was drawn on J. M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
in favour of Samuel Morris, Esq., for £500, for the purpose 
of purchasing Logs, &c., for building Chevaux-de-Frise at 
Billingsport; to be charged to his Account, 

Joseph Ferree, Esq., Germantown, was directed to deliver 
Doctor Harris one ton of Saltpetre, out of the Store under 
his care. 


An Order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt, in favour of Doctor 
Harris, for £50; to be charged to his Account. 


Captain William Richards was directed to deliver Mr. 
Robert Smith, for the use of the Works at Billings- 
port, to be charged to Congress. 


Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary of Stores, was directed 
to deliver Captain David Howell five Muskets, and Messrs. 
Dehaven &§ Co. to deliver Captain Howell six Rifles, for the 
use of his Company, of Colonel Thomas’s Battalion, Phala- 
delphia County. 


In Council of Safety, August 27, 1776. 

Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit- 
tenhouse, John Moore, Frederick Kuhl, Owen Biddle, 
George Gray, Joseph Blewer, Henry Keppele, Jun., Sam- 
uel Morris, Sen., John Weitzel, John Hubly. 

John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, was directed to pay 
the following Accounts, viz: 

Captain Joseph Blewer, £23 6s., for repairing a Shallop 
damaged in sinking the Piers at Fort-Island. 

John Stacy, for Flat hire, £5 5s. 

Colonel Joseph Armstrong, of Cumberland County, for 
repairing Arms, £6 5s. 6d. 

Captain Robert Culberson, £1 14s., for repairing Arms 
belonging to his Company, of Colonel Armstrong’s Bat- 
talion. 

George Capehart, for seven days’ Flat hire. 

Colonel Robert Pecbles, for an Order drawn by James 
Pollock and Samuel Laird, Esqs., Commissioners of Cum- 
berland County, for £200, being in part for one hundred 
Muskets made by Colonel Peebles; to be charged to said 
Commissioners. 

Captain Peter Hoffnagle, £58 10s., for Arms purchased 
for the use of his Company, of Colonel George Ross’s Bat- 
talion, of Lancaster County, and to be charged to the 
Colonel. 

Mr. John Stelwell, £23 11s. 6d., being for expenses in 
saving Powder out of the Brig Nancy, paid by Captain 
Wiliam Pollock. 

Captain Thomas Bell, £399 18s., for freight for one 
hundred and forty-two barrels of Powder and fifty-three 
tons of Lead. 

Francis Clark, £9, for twelve Cutlasses' delivered to Mr. 
Towers. 

Jacob Zoll, for dieting Captain Richards’s Company, of 
Colonel Thomas Potts’s Battalion, £2 18s. 6d. For diet- 
ing Captain Weaver’s Company, of Colonel Bulls Battalion, 
£1 16s. 9d. To be charged to Congress. 


Resolved, That Mr. Rittenhouse make application to the 
Paper-Makers to supply the Commissary with a quantity of 
Musket Cartridge Paper. 

A present scarcity of Cartridge Paper makes it neces- 
sary for this Board to recommend to the Printers in this State 
to spare a quantity of Paper to our Commissary, Robert 
Towers, Esq., for the purpose of making Cartridges. 

An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Trea- 
surer, in favour of Thomas Savage, for £400, towards 
erecting and carrying on the Salt Works on Tom’s River, in 
New-Jersey, for the service of this State. 


1327 


The Board adjourned to three o’clock, P. M.; at which 
time the following Members met: David Rittenhouse, Vice- 
President, John Hubly, Joseph Blewer, John Moore, Owen 
Biddle, Samuel Morris, Sen., Frederick. Kuhl, John Weit- 
zel, Henry Keppely, Jun., James Cannon. 

John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq., was directed to pay the fol- 
lowing Accounts, viz: 

James Bringhurst, for Sash Weights, &c., £94 1s. 11d. 

John Elmslie, for Shot Moulds, &c., £11 8s. 4d. 

Captain James Murry £6 6s., for Canteens, &c., for his 
Company, of Colonel Bird’s Battalion, of Lancaster County; 
to be charged to the Colonel. 


The Council having heard the complaints made against 
Commodore Samuel Davison, with the proofs brought to 
support them, and taking into consideration the situation of 
the Naval Armaments belonging to.this State, are of opin- 
ion, that most of the charges made against the said Samuel 
Davison are frivolous, and discover a dangerous spirit of 
licentiousness amongst the other officers, inconsistent with 
the duty they owe their country, and not to be justified on 
military principles, which exacts a due obedience at all 
times to the orders of superiors. But as it appears to the 
Council that the officers of the fleet in general have not that 
respect for, nor confidence in, the said Samuel Davison 
which is absolutely necessary to give vigour and efficacy to 
the command, and that notwithstanding the known merit of 
said Davison, yet the charge of incompetency to so impor- 
tant a trust is not altogether without foundation: It is there- 
fore 

Resolved, That the said Samuel Davison, Esq., be no 
longer continued in the command of the Naval Armament 
of this State, and he is accordingly dismissed from the same. 

Resolved, That Captain Henry Dougherty be appointed 
to the command of the Galley building at Kensington by 
Mr. Williams, and that she be called the Delaware. 

Resolved, That Captain John Rice be appointed to the 
command of the Galley called the Convention. 


Acreeable to a Resolve of the honourable Congress and 
by direction of the Board, the following Commissions for Pri- 
vateers were granted, viz: 

To John Hamilton, of the Brig General Mifflin, of twelve 
carriage guns and ninety men, owned by John Cox, John 
Chaloner § Co. 

To Charles Furgeson, commander of the Brig General 
Putnam, of twelve carriage guns and ninety men, owned by 


Matthew Irwin, Berjamin Harbeson & Co. 


‘In Council of Safety, Philadelphia, August 27, 1776. 
“Fifty Dollars Reward. 


‘Whereas a dangerous riot was excited this day, at or 
near the barracks of this city, and at the same time a great 
violence and abuse offered to the family of Mr. Lawrence 
Fegan, whereby his wife was wounded, his house robbed, 
and his property destroyed to a great amount: In order to 
discourage such wicked and mischievous practices for the 
future, and to bring the offenders to condign punishment, 
the Council of Safety hereby offer a reward of fifty dollars 
to any person who shall apprehend and convict the ring- 
leaders and perpetrators of the above-mentioned riot and 
robbery. 

“By order of the Council : 

“ Davip Rirrennouse, Vice President.” 


In Council of Safety, August 28, 1776. 


Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit- 
tenhouse, Samuel Morris, Sen., Owen Biddle, John Moore, 
John Hubly, Frederick Kuhl, Joseph Blewer, George 
Gray. 

John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, directed to pay 
the following Accounts, viz: 

Samuel Culberson, £7 2s. 6d., for three Muskets deliver- 
ed to Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary. 

John Kerlin, for dieting twenty-eight Companies of Mili- 
tia, on their march towards the Camp in New-Jersey; to be 
charged to Congress. 

Thomas McHenry. £35 14s., for Cartouch-Boxes and 
Bayonet Belts delivered Mr. Commissary Towers. 

Captain Benjamin Savage, the balance of mileage for 
his Company, £5 9s. 3d., he having left order for £2 13s. 
6d. on the road; to be charged to Congress. Also £8 9s. 


PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1328 


6d., for Arms for his Company, of Colonel Simith’s Bat- 
talion; to be charged to said Colonel. 

Captain McCandess, 14s. 1d., for mileage for two men 
of his Company, distance eighty-five miles; to be charged 
to Congress. 

John Martin, for dieting three Companies of Militia, on 
their march to Camp, £7 7s. 9d.; to be charged to Con- 
gress. 

Michael Holman, £5 4s., for repairing Arms, &c., be- 
longing to Captain Elijah Davis’s Company, of Colonel 
David Thomas’s Battalion; to be charged to the Colonel. 

Mr. Robert Jewell, £2 12s. 6d., for support of three 
Prisoners in the State Prison. 

Conrad Pegeon, £9 Os. 9d., for Repairs at the Barracks. 


An Order was drawn on Michael Hillegas, Esq., Trea- 
surer to the Congress, in favour of John M. Nesbitt, Esq., 
Treasurer to this Board, for $70,000, being the residue of 
$100,000 lent by Congress to this State. 


An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Trea- 
surer, in favour of Mr. Owen Biddle, for £100; to be 
charged to his Account. 


Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver to Messrs. 
Jos. Sherer, George Dollinger, and Casper Stoever, Jun., 
for the use of the Frontiers of Lancaster County, three 
hundred pounds of Powder and nine hundred pounds of 
Lead; and to deliver to Peter Spiker, Esq., Messrs. Charles 
Shoemaker, and Hieronymous Henning, three hundred weight 
of Powder, and nine hundred pounds of Lead, for the use 
of the Frontiers of Berks County. 


An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Trea- 
surer, in favour of Captain Hazlewood, or his Son, for £20, 


on account of the Fire-Rafts; to be charged to Captain 
Hazlewood. 


Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary, was directed to deliver 
Mr. Gustavus Resberg, Assistant Deputy Quartermaster 
General, for the Flying-Camp, one ton Rifle Powder, one 
ton of Cannon Powder, and Lead in proportion; to be for- 
warded to General Washington, at New-York. 


John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, was directed to pay 
John Jones £9 18s. 3d., for dieting Troops on their march 
towards Camp; to be charged to Congress. 


Messrs. Dehaven & Carter were directed to deliver Col. 
Bird, of Lancaster County, twelve stand of Arms. 


Mr. Robert Towers was directed to deliver to Colonel 
Bird, of Lancaster County, fifteen Cartouch-Boxes. 


Directions were given to John M. Nesbitt, Esq., to send 
a number of Arms and a quantity of Powder belonging to 
him, now at Ege-Harbour, by wagons, to the Camp at 
Amboy; and this Board engage to pay the amount, and 
expenses incurred. 


Resolved, That the Commanding Officer of the Troops 
now in the city be directed to proceed with all their men to 
Amboy, either by land or water, to-morrow morning, with- 
out any exception, and not to wait for any Arms or Accou- 
trements, as care will be taken to supply them when they 
arrive at camp. ‘The necessity which gives occasion to the 
present orders is such that nothing will detain any men that 
are properly attached to the cause. 


An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Trea- 
surer, in favour of Arthur Donaldson, for £200, towards the 
Floating Battery now building under his direction; to be 
charged to his Account. 


In Council of Safety, August 29, 1776. 

Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit- 
tenhouse, Samuel Morris, Sen., Owen Biddle, Joseph Blewer, 
James Cannon, Frederick Kuhl, John Hubly, John Weitzel, 
George Gray. 

Mr. Benjamin Harbeson was ordered to deliver to Colo- 
nel Ferree, of Lancaster County, eight Camp Kettles for 
the use of his Battalion, and to deliver Major Ewen twenty 
Camp Kettles for Colonel Porter’s Battalion. 


Commissions were filled up for James Whitehead and 
George Shaffner, Gentlemen, as Ensign’ in Colonel Samuel 
John Atlee’s Battalion of Musketry, and dated the 19th 
instant, August. 


An Order was drawn on John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq., 


1329 


Treasurer, in favour of Captain William Richards, for £400; 
to be charged to his Account. . 


An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Trea- 
surer, in favour of Lieutenant Matthew Hand, for £30, for 
the purpose of inlisting men for Flying-Camp; to be charged 
to his Account. 


An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq., 'Trea- 
surer, in favour of Samuel High, one of the Commissioners 
of Berks County, for £600, on account of Arms making 
in that County; to be charged to the Commissioners. 


Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary, was directed to deliver 
Major Ewen one hundred stand of Arms for the use of Colo- 
nel Porter’s Battalion, of Lancaster County. 


John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, was directed to 
pay the following Accounts, viz: 

Captain John Withers, of Colonel John Ferree’s Battalion, 
Lancaster County, for Arms purchased for the use 
of his Company; to be charged to the Colonel. 

Captain Andrew Bean, £103 15s., for Arms purchased 
for his Company; to be charged to Colonel Ferree. 

Valentine Vankhold, for dieting five Companies of Militia, 
on their march towards the Camp, £13 4s. 9d.; to be charged 
to Congress. 

Major John Jones, for dieting three Companies of Militia, 
£7 15s. 3d.; to be charged to Congress. 

Michael Holman, for a Rifle, &c., for Captain David 
Howell’s Company; to be charged to Colonel David 
Thomas. 

John Britton, for Boards, Scantling, &c., delivered to 
Mr. Robert Smith, at Billingsport, for building Barracks, 
&c., £216 19s. 2d.; to be charged to Congress. 

Woolery Meng, forseven Cartouch-Boxes delivered to Cap- 
tain Thomas Duncan, £3 3s.; to be charged to Colonel 
Fill. ° 

Sebastian Graeff, for Arms and Accoutrements delivered 
to General Roberdeau, £19 4s. 6d.; to be charged to Colo- 
nel Matlack. 

Lieutenant George Moore, for five stand of Arms left at 
Camp, £20; to be charged to Colonel Matlack. 

Captain Paul Zantzinger, for Arms left at Camp, £74 
11s.; to be charged to Colonel Matlack. 

Jacob Braiser, for repairing Arms belonging to Colonel 
Peter Grub’s Battalion, £1 9s. 9d. 

Samuel High, for two Rifles delivered to Captain Jacob 
Graul, £7 2s. 6d.; to be charged to Colonel Henry 
Haller. 

Captain Samuel Patton, for expenses procuring Provi- 
sions for his Company, £1 7s. 6d.; to be charged to Con- 
gress. 

Captain Morrison, mileage for sixty-seven men, ninety 
miles, £25 2s. 6d., to be charged to Congress; and £6 10s. 
for a Rifle, to be charged to Colonel Porter. 


In Council of Safety, August 30, 1776. 
Present: Samuel Morris, Sen., Chairman, Owen Biddle, 
John Hubly, John Moore, Frederick Kuhl, John Weitzel, 
James Cannon, George Gray. 
John Maxwell Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, was directed to 
pay the following Accounts, viz: 


Benjamin Marshall, for sundries for the use of the Fleet 


of this State £58 9s. 2d. 

Christian West & Co., for victualling four Companies of 
Colonel Ross’s Battalion, Lancaster County, £110 3s. 9d.; 
to be charged to Congress. 

Benjamin Brooks, £18 16s. 10d., and Peter Gauber, 
£1 11s.; for repairing Arms belonging to Colonel Potts’s 
Battalion. 

Benjamin Broomback, for fifty-five breakfasts for Captain 
Adams’s Company, Colonel Grub’s Battalion, £2 1s. 3d.; 
to be charged to Congress. 

Thomas Miles, for two Rifles, for Captain Elijah Davis’s 
Company, (to be charged to Colonel David Thomas,) 
£12 


James Brooks, £4 12s. 3d., for stocking Guns belonging 
to Colonel Potts’s Battalion. ; 

Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary, £87 5s. 2d., for Salt- 
petre purchased, making Cartridges, &c. 

Martha McAllen, 20s.; to be charged to this State. 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1330 


Tobins Rudolph, £2 10s., for Horse hire going in search 
of Arthur Thomas; to be charged to Congress. 

To pay for Wagon hire £6 15s., for service of this 
State. 

Captain Jacob Towns, £75, for Bounty money for his 
Company, who have entered the Flying Camp; to be charged 
to Congress. 

Resolved, That the Commanding Officers of the Militia 
who have returned from Camp with their Troops be required 
to deliver into the hands of Mr. Robert Towers, Commissary, 
all such Arms and Accoutrements belonging to this State, as 
may be in their possession, in order that the same may be 
put into the hands of such Associators as are not provided 
and ready to march to New-Jersey. The expenses of such 
collection will be discharged by this Board. 


Thomas Haney, a Mulatto, was brought before the 
Board, and charged by Captain Charles Stuart with theft ; 
whereupon he was committed to the common Jail. 


Agreeably to Resolve of the honourable Congress, and by 
direction of the Board, a Commission was granted for the 
privateer Brig called the General Montgomery, commanded 
by James Montgomery, mounting twelve carriage guns, navi- 
gated by one hundred men. 


Whereas some designing, ill-disposed persons have spread 
false reports that the number of Troops now in New-Jersey 
is too great; that many, in consequence, have been discharged 
by the Generals; and that there is not any occasion to for- 
ward the ‘Troops who have not yet been at Camp: the 
Council therefore, to frustrate the designs of such persons, and 
to hasten the march of the Associators to Camp in Jersey, 
make known, that there is an immediate necessity for the 
Associators to hasten their march to the said Camp with all 
expedition, and pay no regard to any reports which do not 
come from this Council or other proper authority. 

Ordered, That the above be published in handbills, and 
distributed about this city. 


In Council of Safety, August 31, 1776. 
Present: Thomas Wharton, Jun., President, David Rit- 
tenhouse, Owen Biddle, Samuel Morris, Sen., Joseph Blewer, 
John Moore, Frederick Kuhl, John Hubly. 


John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, was directed to pay the 
following Accounts, viz: 

Colonel David Thomas, for incidental charges in march- 
ing his men to this city on their way to Camp in New-Jer- 
sey, £4 Os. 9d.; to be charged to Congress. 

Jacob Bakerstee, £103 1s. 4d., for Cartouch-Boxes, 
&c., delivered for tle use of the Militia of Lancaster and 
Cumberland Counties; to be charged to the Colonels. 

To pay an Account for rifling and stocking Guns, &c., 
£9 6s. 

Thomas Clifford & Sons, £15 1s. 10d., for Sash Weights 
delivered to Mr. Thomas Nevill. 

Mr. John Hubley, £82 7s. 4d., Linen bought by him; 
to be charged to Mr. Owen Biddle. 

Thomas Miles, £12, for two Rifles for the use of Captain 
Thomas Morrison's Company; to be charged to Colonel 
Porter. 

Josiah Wood, £30, for one hundred Pikes delivered to 
Mr. Towers. 

Captain Nicholas Dean, 25s., for mending a Drum. 


Resolved, That William Farley, Michael Purviance, 
Arthur Canaday, and Edward Reily, belonging to our 
Fleet, be allowed leave of absence from the vessels they 
belong to for four weeks from this date, for the only pur- 
pose of working at Mr. James Wharton’s Ropewalk, on 
cordage for the Continental Frigates; to be at all times 
subject to Mr. Wharton’s orders; and in case of any alarm, 
that they do immediately repair on board of their respective 
boats or vessels. 

Resolved, That Mr. Wharton and Mr. Biddle be appointed 
to employ proper persons to bring the Coal from Virginia, 
contracted for by the late Committee of Safety. 

An Order was drawn on John M. Nesbitt, Esq., Treasurer, 
in favour of Captain Joseph Copperthwarte, or his order, for 
£800; to be charged to his and Colonel Clement Biddle’s 
Account. 


84 


1331 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 


At a meeting of the Council of Safety for the Province 
of Maryland, at the City of Annapolis, on Saturday, the 
6th day of July, 1776: 

Were present: The Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, 
Esq., Charles Carroll, Barrister, Benjamin Rumsey, and 
James Tilghman, Esquires. 

The above Members were qualified before Mr. Allen 
Quynn, by taking the oath prescribed by the Convention. 

Mr. Richard Ridgely, Assistant Clerk, was qualified be- 
fore Mr. Quynn, by taking the oath prescribed by the Con- 
vention. , 

The Hon. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., was ap- 
pointed President, and the Hon. Charles Carroll Vice- 
President. ; 

Copy of Letter No. 1 was sent to Lieutenant-Colonel 
Henry Hollingsworth. 

Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Sunday, July 7, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain George Stricker 45s. for the carriage of Powder 
from Frederick-Town to Skipton District, in Frederick 
County. 

Copy of Letter No. 2 was sent to Brigadier-General 
Buchanan, and copy of No. 3 to Colonel John Weems and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Rezin Hammond, respectively. 

The Council contracted with John Yost for the making 
of three hundred Muskets, at £4 5s. each, and one hundred 
Rifles, at £4 15s. each, to be delivered at the times and in 
the proportions expressed in his bond. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to the said John Yost £150, common money, to enable him 
to comply with his contract. 

Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Rezin 
Beall £387 5s. 2d., on account of his Company. 

Copy of Letter No. 4 was sent to Captain James Hind- 
man and *Lieutenant William Harrison, respectively, and 
copy of No. 5 to Captain Edward Veazey. 

Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain Patrick Sim £6 16s. 3d., for sundries furnished 
his Company. 

Copy of Letter No. 6 was sent to Mr. Archibald Bu- 


chanan. 
Council adjourns till to-morrow morning, ten o’clock. 


Je Monday, July 8, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day. 

Copy of Letter No. 7 was sent to Mr. Matthias Ham- 
mond, 

Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Mr. 
William Niven two bars of Steel. 

Copy of Letter No. 8 was sent to Mr. Stephen Steward. 

Ordered, ‘That the Treasurer of the Western--Shore pay 
to Dr. Wetsenthal, for the use of John Hart, £72, common 
money, for Jeather Breeches for the Troops. 

Copy of Letter No. 9 was sent to Colonel Thomas Dor- 
sey. 

Ordered, That Michael Hart and Lawrence Keenan, of 
Captain John Fulford’s Company of Artillery, be discharged 
from the service of this Colony. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to William Thomas £6, currency, for tvo Muskets. 

Ordered, That half a month’s pay be advanced by the 
Paymaster to Colonel Smallwood’s Battalion. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain Peter Adams, £65 4s. 10d., on account of his 
Company. 

Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to Captain John 
Hi. Stone, £30 2s, 11d., on account of his Company. 

Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Pa- 
trick Sim £20 9s. 5d., on account of his Company. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1332 
Ordered, That Lieutenant Nicholas Buxton Moore be 


empowered to hire any number of men, not exceeding fifty, 
to assist in throwing up Intrenchments for the protection of 
this City. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-.Shore pay 
to Dr. Charles F. Weisenthal £35, for a journey to Vir- 
ginia, in consequence of a Resolution of Convention of May 
ast. 


Copy of Letter No. 10 was sent to Thomas Smyth, Esq.; 
copy of Letter No. 11 to Charles Ridgely, Sen., John Wes- 
ton, and John Skinner, respectively ; No. 12 to the Depu- 
ties in Congress, and No. 13 to Mr. Alexander. 


Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores render an exact 
account of all the Stores, of what kind soever, now in the 
Magazine at Baltimore-Town. 


Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Oliver Whiddon £3 15s., currency, for stocking six 
Muskets. 

Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Patrick 
Sim £34 1s., on accountof his Company. 

Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to Dr. Michael 
Wallace £31 10s., on account of the Hospital. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Tuesday, July 9, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day. 
Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Daniel Grant, of Baltimore-Town, £3 for Expresses. 


Ordered, That the following Advertisement be inserted 
in the Maryland Gazette: 


“Wanted immediately, for the use of the Province, three 
thousand four hundred Canteens, Wooden Bottles, or Kegs, to 
hold one quart each, three thousand four hundred Knapsacks 
with Haversacks, and five hundred small iron Pots, or Ket- 
tles, with bales to supply the place of Camp-Kettles. Any 
person or persons willing to contract for supplying the same 
are desired to send their proposals to the Council of Safety 
as soon as possible. 


“ By order: R. Riveety, Clerk.” 


Dr. Richard Tootell was appointed Surgeon to the Bat- 
talion of Militia to be stationed in the City of Annapolis 
and Baltimore- Town, to supply the place of Colonel Small- 
wood’s Battalion; Thomas Henry Howard Surgeon’s Mate 
to the said Battalion. 


Commissions issued to Mr. Robert Tyler, appointed Colo- 
nel, Thomas Williams Lieutenant-Colonel, Thomas Snow- 
den First Major, and John Macgill Second Major of the 
Upper Battalion of Militia in Prince George’s County. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Henry Gaither 29s. 4d., currency, for Thread for the pub- 
lick service. 


Ordered, That Colonel Smallwood furnish the Council of 
Safety with a Roll of the Troops of his Battalion which 
marched under a Resolve of the last session of the Convention 
to Philadelphia; also, an account of their Arms, Accoutre- 
ments, Camp Utensils, and Baggage. 

That the Captains James Hindman, John Allen Thomas, 
and Edward Veazey, do the like with respect to their Com- 
panies. 


That Dr. Michael Wallace furnish the Council, as soon as 
possible, with a list of the Medicine he takes with him for 
the use of Colonel Smallwood’s Battalion. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain Barton Lucas £37 12s. 9d., on account of his 
Company. 

Ordered, That Thomas Yates be appointed Captain of 
a Company of Militia to be raised in Baltimore County, for 
the Flying-Camp, in the room of Captain Stephenson, who 
resigned, 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain Yates £69 15s., his First Lieutenant, Edward 
Ogleby, £46 10s., Second Lieutenant, John Ogleby, £46 
10s., and Ensign Joseph Lewis £37 5s. 

Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to Charles Wal- 
lace, Esq., Paymaster, £1,000. 


1333 


Commissions issued to John Kidd, John Hancock Beanes, 
and Alexander Roxburgh, appointed First Lieutenants in 
Colonel Smallwood’s Battalion of Regular Forces. 

To Hatch Dent, Benjamin Chambers, Henry Chew Gai- 
ther, William Ridgely, and Edward Praul, appointed Se- 
cond Lieutenants. 

To Walker Muse, appointed Third Lieutenant. 

And to Walter Brooks Coxe, James Furnandis, Peter 
Brown, John Gassaway, and William Courts, appointed 
Ensigns of said Battalion. 


Ordered, That the Resolve of Convention regulating the 
rank of Officers in the Flying-Camp be immediately pub- 
lished in the Maryland Gazette, and two hundred Hand- 
bills of the same printed, to be circulated through the Pro- 
vince. 

Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock. 

Wednesday, July 10, 1776. 

Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Lieutenant William Sterett, for the extra subsistence of 
Captain Samuel Smith’s Company, £58 2s. 1d., common 
money. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Colonel William Smallwood £500, on account of the 
Continent, 


Ordered, That the following Notice be given in the 
Maryland Gazette : 


“ Wanted, immediately, a number of Labourers. Per- 
sons applying to the Commander of the Artillery, at An- 
napolis, for that purpose, will meet! with encouragement. 


** By order : R. Rinee ty, Clerk Ass’t.” 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain John Day Scott £10 17s. 10d., on account of 
his Company. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Patrick Sim 
£5 13s. 11d., on account of his Company. 


Copy of Letter No. 14 was sent to Mr. Jesse Hollings- 
worth; copy of No. 15 to Thomas Smyth, Thomas Bed- 
ing field Hands, and Joseph Nicholson, Esqs.; copy of No. 
16 to Brigadier-General Buchanan, and Colonels Thomas 
Dorsey, Aquila Hall, and Wilham Buchanan; copy of 
No. 17 to Edward Parker, of Cecil County; copy of No. 
18 to Mr. Amos Garret; copy of No. 19 to Mr. Stephen 
Steward; and copy of No. 20 to Messrs. Archer and Har- 
ris, of Harford County. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Mr. Beriah Maybury £5 12s. 6d., for Boat hire, to 
transport the Troops to the Head of Elk. 

Copy of Letter No. 21 was sent to Mr. Richard Dal- 
lam; copy of No. 22 to Mr. William Whetcroft ; and copy 
of No. 23 to Colonel Thomas Dorsey. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Lieutenant William Harrison £200, currency, on ac- 
count of Captain Veazey’s Company. 

Ordered, That the said ‘Treasurer pay to Robert Rey- 
nolds, for the use of John Annis, 21s. 7d., for repairing the 
Guard-House in Annapolis. 

Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to Mr. Francis 
Smith £31 10s., for Leather Breeches. 

Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 

Thursday, July 11, 1776. 

Council met. Present as on yesterday. 


Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain Bennet Bussey, - - - - - - £69 15 


To First Lieutenant Joshua Mills, - - - 46 10 
To Second Lieutenant Azel Hitchcock, - 46 10 
To Ensign Aquila Amos, - - - - - 87 5 


To advance to their Recruits. 

Copy of Letter No. 24 was sent to the Committee of 
Observation for Harford County; copy of Letter No. 25 
to Colonel Josiah Carvell Hall; copy of No. 26 to Captain 
Edward Tillard, and copy of No. 27 to the Committee of 
Observation for Baltimore County. 

Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Cap- 


* 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1334 


tain William Brogden twelve pounds of Gunpowder, and 
Arms and Accoutrements to equip his Company. 


Ordered, That Captain James Brice detach a Sergeant 
and twelve Privates of his Company to relieve the Guard 
at the Magazine, near Captain James Tootell’s. 

Ordered, That the Contractors for Provisions furnish 
Rations for such of Colonel Josiah Carvell Hall’s Battalion 
of Militia as shall have passed inspection, and are at th 
City of Annapolis and Baltimore-Town. , 


Several Resolutions of the Associators of the City of 
Annapolis, of this day, were presented. to the Council of 
Safety, by a Committee for that purpose appointed, and 
read. 

Ordered, That the said Committee be informed that 
Captain Fulford has received orders to employ as many 
men for the protection of the City as can conveniently 
work at the Intrenchments. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Friday, July 12, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day, except Mr. Rumsey. 


Joseph Nicholson, Jun., Esq., a Member of the Council, 
attended, and was qualified before Mr. Jenifer, by taking 
the oath prescribed by the Convention. 


Ordered, ‘That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Colonels Thomas Ewing £60 on account of Captain 
Daniel Bowie’s Company, £40 on account of Captain 
Nathaniel Ramsey’s Company, and £10 on account of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Ware. 


Copy of Letter No. 28 was sent to Lieutenant-Colonel 
Henry Hollingsworth, and copy of No. 29 to Mr. Elisha 
Winters, of Chestertown, enclosing the following Order: 

“That Colonel Henry Hollingsworth deliver to Mr. 
Elisha Winters four hundred Bayonets, of different size 
sockets.” 


Copy of Letter No. 30 was sent to Mr. Jesse Hollings- 
worth, and copy of No. 31 to Mr. Charles Ridgely, Sen. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Lieutenant Daniel Jenifer Adams £390, to purchase 
Clothing for Captain Rezin Beall’s Company. 

Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to Captain James 
Nicholson £250, for the use of Mr. Jesse Hollingsworth. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Mr. Daniel Hughes 
£500, on account of his contract for Cannon. 


Commission issued to Alexander Furnival, appointed First 
Lieutenant of Captain Nathaniel Smith’s Company of Ma- 
trosses. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain Nathaniel Smith £50, on account of his Com- 
pany. 

Adjourned till three o’clock, and met accordingly. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to the Clerk £20, for Expresses, and other purposes. 

Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to Mr. Stephen 
Steward £600, on account of the Row-Galleys. 


Ordered, That Captain John Kilty and Mr. John Ball ° 


be requested to examine into the state and condition of any 
Vessels which they can Jearn on the Eastern-.Shore are for 
sale, and report to the Committee of Safety their opinion of 
them respectively, their value and burden, what the owners 
will take for them, whether they are fast sailers, and suf- 
ficieatly substantial for armed vessels. 


Commission issued to Nicholas Buxton Moore, appointed 
Second Lieutenant of Captain Nathaniel Smith’s Company 
of Matrosses. 


Ordered, That Warrants issue, agreeable to a recom- 
mendation from the Committee of Observation for Baltimore 
County, to Philip Graybill as Captain, John Lhora First 
Lieutenant, Christian Myers Second Lieutenant, and Martin 
Stugart Ensign; also to George Peter Keephart Captain, 
Samuel Gerrock First Lieutenant, William Ritter Second 
Lieutenant, and John Lindenberger Ensign, of the two 
Companies of Germans to be raised in Baltimore County. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to the Officers of each of the said Companies $860, for 


1335 


Bounty money, for their respective Companies, in the fol- 
lowing proportion, to wit: To each Captain three hundred 
dollars, to each Lieutenant two hundred dollars, and to each 
Ensign one hundred and sixty dollars. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 
Saturday, July 13, 1776. . 
Council met. Present as yesterday. 


Ordered, That copies of the Letters received from the 
President of the Congress, of the Sth instant, be sent to the 
several Committees of Observation in each County and Dis- 
trict in this Province respectively. 

Ordered, That Warrants issue, agreeable to the recom- 
mendation of the Committee of Observation for Harford 
County, to the following persons, to command the Rifle 
Company to be raised there, to wit: Alexander Lawson 
Smith Captain, James White Hall First Lieutenant, Wil- 
liam Bradford Second Lieutenant, Jostas C. Hall Second 
Lieutenant. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain Smith three hundred dollars, to the First and 
Second Lieutenant two hundred dollars each, and to the 
Ensign one hundred and sixty dollars, to be advanced as a 
Bounty to the said Company. 

Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay Captain John 
Allen Thomas £50, Continental currency, to defray the 
expenses of his march to Philadelphia. 

Ordered, That the Paymaster advance to Captain T’ho- 
mass Company half a month’s pay. 


Copy of Letter No. 32 was sent to the Deputies of this 
Province in Congress. ° 


Adjourned till three o’clock, and met accordingly. 


Ordered, That Colonel Robert Tyler march a Company 
out of his Battalion of Militia, to the City of Annapolis, by 
Tuesday evening next, and take care that they come well 
armed. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Colonel Thomas Ewing £200, on account of the lower 
Battalion of Militia for the Flying-Camp. 


Copies of Letter No. 33, was sent to the Committees of 
Observation for St. Mary’s, Charles, Calvert, and Prince 
George’s Counties. 

Ordered, That the proprietor of Poplar-Island immedi- 
ately remove from thence the whole of the Stock, except 
such part thereof as are used for the purpose of tillage. 

That the proprietors of Tilghman’s, Sharp’s, Baron, and 
James Islands, and also of the Islands from Hooper’s to 
Cagre’s Straits, immediately remove from them all the 
Stock, except such part thereof as are used for the purpose 
of tillage. 


Adjourned till Monday morning, ten o’clock. 


Monday, July 15, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on Satur- 
day. 
John Hall, Esq., a Member of the Council, attended, 
and was qualified before Mr. Jenifer, by taking the oath 
prescribed by the Convention. 


Copy of Letter No. 34 was sent to Lieutenant-Colonel 
Alexander Somerville ; a copy of No. 35 to Captain Rezin 
Beall; a copy of No. 36 to Brigadier-General Dent; and 
copy of No. 387 to Colonel Richard Barnes. 

The Council contracted with William Jacob, of Baltimore- 
Town, for the making of double-seamed 'Tents at 17s. each, 
and single-seamed Tents at 12s. each. 

Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Wil- 
liam Jacob all the Tenting Linen which was delivered into 
the Magazine by Mr. Edward Parker, of Cecil County. 

Copy of Letter No. 30 was sent to Captain John Allen 
Thomas, and copy of No. 39 to Captain James Hindman. 

Ordered, That Mr. John Hammond be requested imme- 
diately to furnish three thousand feet of Plank; and that the 
same, if oak, be two and a half inches thick, if pine, three 
inches thick, for the use of the Province. 

Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Charles Carroll, Fsq., Barrister, £6 10s., for so much 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1336 


advanced to discharge James Byn’s Account against the 
Province. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Oliver Whiddon £5, for 
a Rifle. 


Adjourned till three o’clock, and met accordingly. 


Copy of Letter No. 40 was sent to Brigadier-General 
Hooper. 

Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Cap- 
tain Ehsha Riggs, for the use of his Company, six Mus- 
kets, thirty Gun-Flints, seventy-two Cartouch-Boxes, and 
a quantity of Ammunition, sufficient for his Company. 

That the said Commissary deliver to Edward Timmons 
six Muskets, to be repaired. 

That the said Commissary deliver to George Gordon 
twelve Muskets, to be repaired. 


Ordered, That the Contractor for Provisions furnish such 
of the Militia of the Flying-Camp with Rations as shall be 
stationed in or march to Annapolis. 


The Council contract with Messrs. Charles Ridgely and 
Howard for three hundred Kettles, for the prices and on the 
conditions mentioned in an agreement of this day. 


Ordered, That Captain James Young’s Company of Mi- 
litia for the F'lying-Camp march immediately to Baltimore- 
Town. 

Ordered, That the Contractor for Provisions supply the 
said Company with Rations. 


Ordered, ‘That the ‘Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Messrs. Selby & Howard £3 11s. 9d., for Bayonet 
Sheaths furnished Captain Svms’s Company. Also, £38 
5s., for Leather Caps furnished Captain Thomas’s Com- 
pany. 

Wiliam Campbell was appointed Second Lieutenant of 
Captain fulford’s Company of Artillery. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to William Niven £10 of common money on account. 


Ordered, That James Taylor be requested to go to Bal- 
timore- Town and take the dimensions of the Carriages of 
the Kighteen-Pounders. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Major Price £17 Is. 1d. : 

That the said Treasurer pay to Major Price £48 8s. 9d., 
being the difference of pay directed to be paid by a Reso- 
lution of Convention on the third day of this instant. 

That the Treasurer pay to William Clayton 12s., the 
amount of his Account. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Mr. Patrick Burk 34s., 
the amount of his Account. 

‘Ordered, That Major Price continue at Annapolis till 
the further orders of the Council. 


Ordered, 'That Warrants issue, agreeable to the Recom- 
mendation of the Committee of Frederick County, to the 
following persons, to raise and command the two German 
Companies to be raised there, to wit: William Heiser, Cap- 
tain; Jacob Cotz, First Lieutenant; Adam Smith, Second 
Lieutenant ; Paul Christman, Ensign. Henry Fisher, Cap- 
tain; Charles Balsall, First Lieutenant; Michael Bayer, 
Second Lieutenant; Jacob Crummith, Ensign. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shoré pay 
to each of the said Captains three hundred dollars, each 
Lieutenant two hundred dollars, and each Ensign one hun- 
dred and sixty dollars, for Bounty money for their respective 
Companies. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Tuesday, July 16, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as. on yester- 
day. 

Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to John Hurt £4 10s. for Boat hire, in transporting Troops 
to the Head of Elk. 

Copy of Letter No. 41-was sent to Captain Nathaniel 
Smith ; copy of No. 42 to Colonel James Johnson ; and copy 
of No. 43 to the several Committees of Observation in this 
Province. é . 

The Hon. George Plater, Esq., Member of the Council, 
attended, and was qualified before Mr. Jenzfer, by taking the 
oath prescribed by the Convention. 


1337 


Ordered, That Messrs. James Brice, John Bullen, Charles 
Wallace, William Wilkins, Beriah Maybury, John Brice, 
John Campbell, Joshua Fraizer, and Allen Quynn, or any 
two of them, be requested to direct from time to time, under 
the Commanding Officer for the time being, at the City of 
Annapolis, the labourers working on the Fortifications and 
Breastworks in the City of Annapolis, and to engage and 
employ such others as they shall apprehend necessary, upon 
such terms as they may agree. 


Ordered, That the Contractor for Provisions furnish Cap- 
tain Yates’s Company of Militia for the Flying-Camp with 
Rations. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Mr. Cornelius Garretson £4 11s., for tipping seventy- 
eight Bayonets. 

That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay to Mr. 
Thomas Pryse £39 12s. 10d., the amount of his Account. 


Richard Dorsey was appointed Third Lieutenant of Cap- 
tain Nathaniel Smith’s Company of Matrosses. 

Ordered, ‘That the Matrosses and Militia who assist in 
throwing up Intrenchments in the City of Annapolis, be 
allowed an addition to their pay of 9d. per day. 


Ordered, 'That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Isaac 
Harris half a faggot of Steel; also, eighty-four Muskets, to 
be repaired. 

Adjourned till three o’clock, and met accordingly. 


Copy of Letter No. 44 was sent to Benton Harris, Esq., 
Chairman of the Committee of Observation for Worcester 
County, and No. 45 to the several Committees of Observa- 
tion on the Kastern-Shore. 


Ordered, That a Warrant be made out, agreeable to a 
Resolution of Convention, to Lemuel Barret, Esquire, ap- 
pointed Captain of the Rifle Company to be raised in Fred- 
erick County; and that Warrants be made out, agreeable to 
a recommendation from the Committee of Observation for 
Frederick County, to Peter Contee Hanson, First Lieute- 
nant; James Lingan, Second Lieutenant; and Richard 
Dorsey, Third Lieutenant, of said Company. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to the Officers of the said Company eight hundred and 
sixty dollars, in the proportions herein before mentioned, for 
Bounty for the said Company. 

That the Treasurer of the said Shore pay to William 
Smyly, for the Committee of Observation for Worcester 
County, £150, common money. 

That the said Treasurer pay to John Brice £10 currency; 
the same to be deducted out of William Nivens’s Account 
against the publick, for not enrolling agreeable to the Reso- 
lutions of Convention. 

That the said ‘Treasurer pay to John Brice £10, on 
account of Thomas Wilson. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Captain John Boone 
45s. 8d., for a Guard out of his Company to watch the 
motions of the Fowey. 


Mr. Carroll has leave of absence. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to James Tilghman, Esq., £300, for the purchase of Fire- 
Arms, and £100 for the purchase of Blankets; the same to 
be lodged with the Committee of Observation for Queen 
Ann’s County for those purposes. 


Ordered, That the Company of Militia belonging to the 
South-Rwer Battalion, now on duty inthe City of Anna- 
polts, be discharged. 

Copies of Letter No. 46 were sent to the several Com- 
mittees of Observation for the Counties on the Western- 
Shore, respectively. 

Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 

a Wednesday, July 17, 1776. 

Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day, except Mr. Carroll. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Allen Quynn £3 7s. 6d., for six and three-quarter cords 
of Wood for the Breastworks in ‘the City of Annapolis. 

That the said Treasurer pay Daniel Coulter 46s., on 
account of the Hospital. 


Copy of Letter No. 47 was sent to Captain David Craw- 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1338 


ford; copy of No. 48 to Brigadier-General Dent, or the 
Commanding Officer in Saint Mary’s County; and copy of 
No. 49 to Mr. Thomas Ringgold, Mr. Aquila Brown, and 
Dr. Ringgold, on Kent Island. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to George Plater, Esq., £14 2s. 8d., for expenses attending 
his journey to Somerset County. 

Abraham Berthand was appointed Third Lieutenant of 
Captain Fulford’s Matross Company. 


Adjourned till three o’clock, and met accordingly. 


Ordered, 'That the Committee of Observation for Queen 
Ann’s County be requested immediately to provide Barracks 
on Kent Island for Captain Dean’s Company. 

That Captain Dean’s Company of Flying-Camp Militia, 
as soon as they can be provided with Arms, march down to 
Kent Island for the protection thereof. 

That a barrel of Gunpowder and four hundred pounds of 
Lead be immediately sent over to Kent Island, to the care 
of Thomas Ringgold, Aquila Brown, and Dr. Ringgold, 
for the use thereof. 

That Major Price detach a Guard to Kent Island with, 
the said Powder. 


Christopher Rabreck, of Baltimore-Town, agrees with 
the Council to supply the Province with one thousand Pri- 
ming-Wires and Brushes at 7s. 6d. per dozen, to be delivered 
in two weeks from this day. 


Ordered, That the Committee of Observation for Queen 
Ann’s County be requested to deliver all the publick Arms 
in their possession to Captain Deans. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Thomas Smyth, Esq., £400, to defray the expenses of 
the carriage of warlike stores from Chinkoteque to Chester- 
town. 


That the said Treasurer pay Samuel Morris £4 6s. 4d. 
That the said Treasurer pay to Samuel Messersmith £7 
1s. 9d., for mending Muskets. 


Copy of Letter No. 50 was sent to Thomas Smyth, Esq., 
and No. 51 to Captains Barnes and Elhott, Kent Island. 


Ordered, That Captain Henry Hall be paid by the 
Treasurer of the Western-Shore £35 14s. 8d., to discharge 
the pay of his Company of Militia. 

Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 

ee Thursday, July 18, 1776. 

Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 


day, except Mr. Hall. 


Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores send from the 
Magazine near Captain Tootell’s, to the City of Annapolis, 
four barrels of Gunpowder. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Septimus Noel £7 10s., for Boat hire, to transport the 
Troops to Head of Elk. 


Ordered, That three Four- Pounders, mounted on carriages, 
with their necessary apparatus, and a sufficient quantity of 
Powder and Ball, be sent down to St. Mary’s County, 
and that Major Price be requested to provide the neces- 
sary carriages to transport the same with all convenient 
speed. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Mr. Hugh Hopewell £300, for the use of the Command- 
ing Officer in St. Mary’s County, to supply the Militia on 
duty there with Provisions. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Dr. Charles Troope £4 
As. 6d. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Mr. Hugh Hopewell, for 
the use of Colonel Somerville, £50 currency. 

That the said Treasurer pay to James Taylor £11 19s. 
Qd., on account of Gun-Carriages. 

Copy of Letter No. 52 was sent to Colonel Thomas 
Ewing; copy of No. 53 to the Commanding Officer in S¢. 
Mary’s County; copy of No. 54 to Lieutenant-Colonel 
Somerville ; copy of No. 55 to Charles Ridgely, Sen.; and 
copy of No. 56 to Captain Nathaniel Smith. 

Ordered, That the Commanding Officer in St. Mary’s 
County take under his charge the Schooner lately taken 
from the enemy, unload her, and put her to what use he 


1339 


may think best for the publick service; likewise the Sloop 
which is now aground, if it can be done with safety. 


Ordered, 'That Colonel Jostas Carvil Hall be requested 
to command such of the Officers in his Battalion who have 
enrolled the number of men expressed in their respective 
Warrants, to march with their several divisions immediately 


yo the City of Annapolis. 
Ordered, That Major Benjamin Nicholson be requested 


immediately to deliver the Province Arms in his possession 
to the Commanding Officer of the Flying-Camp Militia at 
Baltimore- Town, or his order. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Richard Sprigg £250, for a Schooner. 


Ordered, That Major Price immediately proceed to St. 
Mary’s County and take the command of the Regular Troops 
and Militia. 


Ordered, That all persons between Annapolis and St. 
Mary’s County be requested to give their aid and assistance 
in getting down the Cannon, Ammunition, &c., to St. 
George’s Island, in the County aforesaid. 


Commissions issued to John Bullen, appointed Captain, 
and Benjamin Harwood First Lieutenant, of an Indepen- 
dent Company of Militia, in Anne-Arundel County. 

Ordered, That Captain Bullen detach a Sergeant and 
twelve Men of his Company to relieve the Guard at the 
Magazine, in the neighbourhood of Captain James Tootell. 


Ordered, That the ‘Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Samuel Price £5 5s., for three reams of Writing Paper. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 
Friday, July 19, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as yesterday, 
except Mr. Tilghman. 


Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Cap- 
tain Bullen twelve Muskets and Accoutrements, with a 
sufficient quantity of Powder and Ball for the same. 


Mr. Hall attended. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to William Wilkins £300, to be applied towards defraying 
the expense of the Breastworks. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Philip Merony 
£500, common money, to be lodged with Messrs. John 
Hanson, Jun., and Christopher Edelen, for the purchase of 
Fire-Arms. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Philip Meroney 
£12, for two months’ services as Adjutant to Colonel Baker 
Johnson’s Battalion of Militia. 


Copy of Letter No. 57 was sent to Colonel Thomas 
Dorsey, and copy of No. 58 to the Honourable John 
Page, Esquire, President of the Council of the Colony of 
Virginia. 

Adjourned to three o’clock, and met accordingly. 

Ordered, ‘That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Ed- 
ward Timmons eighteen Muskets, to be repaired. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Edward Timmons 22s., for repairing Arms for the 
Militia. 

Copy of Letter No. 59 was sent to Doctor Charles Fred- 
erick Weisenthal; copy of No. 60 to John West, Esq., 
Chairman of the Committee of Observation at Alexandria; 
and copy of No. 61 to Mr. Stephen Steward. 

Ordered, That Captain Thomas immediately proceed 
with his Company to St. Mary’s County, and put himself 
under the direction of the Commanding Officer there. 

Ordered, ‘That the Commissary of Stores furnish each 
Non-Commissioned Officer and Private of Captain Thomas’s 
Company with twenty-three rounds of Cartridge with Ball. 

Ordered, That the Contractor of Provisions furnish Cap- 
tain ‘Thomas's Company with two days’ Rations. 

Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to 
George Gordon twenty-four Muskets to be repaired. 

Ordered, That the Defence’s small tender convey Cap- 
tain Thomas’s Company to the mouth of Patuxent, in St. 
Mary’s County. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1340 


to the Committee of Observation for Charles County £200, 
on account of Captain Rezin Beall’s Company. 


Copy of Letter No. 62 was sent to the Committee of 
Observation for Charles County; and copy of No. 63 to the 
Deputies of this Province in Congress. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Saturday, July 20, 1776. 
. Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day. 
Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Patrick Burk 23s. 9d., for cartage. 
That the said Treasurer pay to James Hodges £3 15s. 


for expenses. 


Ordered, That the Commissaries of Stores deliver to Cap- 
tain James. Hindman as much Osnaburgs as will make 
Splatterdashes for his Company; also some Cutteau Knives 
and Cartridges, to fill his Cartouch-Boxes. 


Ordered, That Isaac Harris deliver the publick Arms in 
his possession to Captain James Disney, to be used by said 
Disney's Company during their station in Annapolis, or 
until the further order of the Council. 

That Isaac Harris take Captain Disney’s receipt for the 
same, and return it to be filed here. 


Ordered, ‘That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to George Gordon £5 6s. 6d., for repairing twenty-four 
Muskets. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Mrs. Elizabeth Man £10, 
for the rent of her House for Barracks. 


Ordered, That the Committee of Observation for Kent 
County deliver to the bearer thereof, Richard Berry, ten 
swivel Guns, also four brass Blunderbusses, and all the 
Muskets and Broadswords belonging to the publick at Ches- 
tertown that have been brought up Indian River or Chinko- 
teaque; also all the Powder and Arms of every kind im- 
ported in the Brig Friendship, Captain Martin commander. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Lieutenant Philemon Warfield, £22 18s. 2d., on ac- 
count of Captain Henry Hall’s Militia Company. 


Ordered, That £500 be lodged in the hands of Messrs. 
John Hanson, Jun., and Christopher Edelen, of Frederick- 
Town, for the purchasing Arms, &c., for the Flying-Camp; 
and that they be requested to lay out and expend the same 
agreeable to the instructions heretofore sent to the Commit- 
tee of Frederick County on that subject. 


Copy of Letter No. 64 was sent to Major Henry Shryock. 
Adjourned to three o’clock, and met accordingly. 


Ordered, That the several Militia Companies now on 
duty in the City of Annapolis, be discharged for the pre- 
sent. ; 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-.Shore pay 
to Samuel Harris £13, for transporting Troops to the Head 
of Elk. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Oliver Wheddon £3 15s. 
for a Musket. ; 

That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Elisha Riggs 
£85 Is. 3d., to discharge the pay of his Militia Company. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Joshua Wilson 
Selby £67 16s. 6d., to discharge the pay of his Milita Com- 

any. 
: That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Vachel Gaither 
£23 Os. Sd., to discharge the pay of his Militia Company. 


Adjourned till Monday morning, ten o’clock. 


Monday, July 22, 1776. 


Council met. Present, the same Members as on Satur- 
day. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to the Clerk £30, for Expresses, and other purposes. 

That the said Treasurer pay to William Johnson £12 
Qs. 6d., for making Tents. 

That the said Treasurer pay to John Denwood £300, 
for the use of the Committee of Observation for Somerset 
County. 

That the said Treasurer pay to George Woolsey £406 
15s. 8d., for demurrage of the Brig Rogers. 


1341 


Copy of Letter No. 65 was sent to Brigadier-General 
Dent; copy of No. 66 to Captain Isaac Perkins ; and copy 
of No, 67 to Brigadier-General Hooper. 


Adjourned till three o’clock, and met accordingly. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer pay to Mr. John Ball 36s., 
for the use of his House for Barracks. 

That the said Treasurer pay to James West 24s. 9d. for 
three hundred and ninety-six Flints. 


Copy of Letter No. 68 was sent to the Committee of 
Observation for Kent County, and copy of No. 69 to Mr. 
Thomas Ringgold, Mr. Aquila Brown, and Dr. Ringgold, 
Kent Island. 

Denwood Turpinand Solomon Ward having been ordered 
up under a Guard from Somerset County, by the Committee 
of the Council of Safety, and being brought before this 
Board, and the Depositions taken against them baving been 
read, and the prisoners heard in their own defence; and 
alleging they had offended through ignorance of the true 
state of publick affairs, and promising to conduct themselves 
better for the future, it was ordered and adjudged, that the 
said Denwood Turpin and Solomon Ward be conducted 
back again, under a Guard, to Somerset County, and remain 
in custody until they give bond in the sum of £300, currency, 
each, with good security, to be approved of by the Com- 
mittee of Observation for said County, with condition that 
they do not correspond with the enemies of American liberty; 
and further, that they obey all orders of the honourable 
Congress and Convention; and that on giving bond, with 
such security, and paying all charges, they be ‘severally 
discharged. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain Oneas Campbell, for the use of the Committee 
of Observation for the Lower District of Frederick County, 
£300, common money. 


Whereas it hath been represented to the Council of 
Safety, by Physicians and others, that the intolerable 
stench arising from Slaughter-Houses, and spreading Green 
Hides to dry in the City of Annapolis, may be productive of 
pestilential disorders, and ill consequence to the Troops, and 
others residing in the said city: 

Therefore, Ordered, That no Butcher, or other sperson, 
shall, after the 26th day of this instant, presume to slaughter 
Bullocks, Muttons, or any kind of Meat, or put up Green 
Hides to cure, within the limits of said city, for and during 
the term of three months thence next ensuing. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Tuesday, July 23, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day. 
Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to William Niven, for the use of Mrs. Priscilla Pinkney, 
£10 8s. 3d., for the use of her House for Barracks. 


Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores furnish Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel William Hyde with what Arms and Accou- 
trements may be necessary to arm one Battalion of the Fly- 
ing-Camp. 

Alexander McGee, of Baltimore County, having been 
brought before this Board, in consequence of a charge ex- 
hibited against him,,and a Letter written by the Committee 
of Observation for Baltimore County; and Mr. William 
Buchanan having been examined on oath, in support of the 
said charge, and fully proving the same, and the said Alex- 
ander McGee having been heard in his own defence, and 
alleging nothing material, it is ordered and adjudged, that 
the said Alexander McGee be conducted back to Baltimore- 
Town under a Guard, and there remain in custody until he 
give bond in the sum of £300 currency, with good security, 
to be approved by the Committee of Observation for said 
County, with condition that he do not in any manner cor- 
respond with or give intelligence to the enemies of America ; 
and further, that he obey all orders of the honourable Con- 
gress and Convention; and that on giving such bond and 
paying all expenses of conveying him to Annapolis and 
back again, he be discharged from custody. 


Adjourned till three o’clock, and met accordingly. 


‘ Copy of Letter No. 70 was sent to John Yost, of George- 
town. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1342 


Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores send in a Wagon 
to be procured for that purpose, to the Committee of Obser- 
vation for Skipton District, in Frederick County, eight hun- 
dred pounds of Lead, and to the Committee of Observation 
for the Middle District of Frederick County, eight barrels of 
Gunpowder. 

Ordered, That Captain James Hindman detach a Guard 
with said Powder and Lead. 

Ordered, ‘That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Doctor Charles Alexander Warfield £400, to enable him 
to carry on a Crude Nitre Manufactory. 

That the said Treasurer pay Captain Good £500, for the 
purchase of Arms and Blankets. 


Ordered, ‘That as soon as the enemy, which are now in 
Potomack River, leave the Colony of Maryland, or there 
appears to the Commanding Officer at St. George’s, in St. 
Mary’s County, no further occasion for detaining the Fifth 
Independent Company now there, that Captain John Allen 
Thomas march the said Company to the northward and join 
the Troops already sent from hence. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Wednesday, July 24, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 


day. Mr. Rumsey attended. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain William Grayble £100, to subsist his Company 
of Germans. 


Copy of Letter No. 71 was sent to the Committee of 
Observation for Skipton District. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain James Hindman £20, to defray the expense of 
the carriage of eight barrels of Gunpowder and eight hundred 
pounds of Lead from Annapolis to Frederick County. 

That the said Treasurer pay to William Niven £26 12s 
7d., the amount of his Account. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Walter Wright £3, for 
six cords of Wood. 

That said Treasurer pay to Captain Thomas Yates £40, 
to be accounted for. 

That said Treasurer pay to John McFadon £400, to 
enable him to carry ona Linen Manufactory. 


Warrant issued to James Howard, appointed Second Lieu- 
tenant to Captain Daniel Dorsey’s Company of Militia, in 
the room of John Lhora, who resigned. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 
Thursday, July 25, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yesterday. 


Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of the Eastern-Shore pay 
to Robert Lloyd Nichols, Esq., Paymaster of the Regular 
Troops on the Eastern-Shore, £1000 currency. 


Ordered, That no person whatever be permitted to em- 
bark on board any Man-of-War, ‘Tender, or other Vessel, in 
order to remove out of this Colony to Great Britain; and 
that the Committees of Observation and Military Command- 
ers see that this order be strictly executed until the meeting 
of the next Convention. 


Ordered, That Captain John Gunby march with his In- 
dependent Company to Cambridge, in Dorchester County, 
and be stationed there according to the directions of the 
Committee of Observation for said County. 

Also, further Ordered, That Captain Thomas Woolford 
march with his Independent Company to Princess Ann, in 
Somerset County, and be stationed there according to the 
directions of the Committee of Observation for said County. 


Copy of Letter No. 72 was sent to Brigadier-General 
Johnson; copy of No. 73 to Major Price; copies of No. 74 
to the Commnittees of Dorchester and Somerset Counties, re- 
spectively; copy of No. 75 to the Hon. Matthew Tilghman, 
Esq.; and copy of No. 76 to Colonel Richard Barnes. « 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Mr. Samuel Barber £12, for two months’ service as Ad- 
jutant to Colonel John Hall’s Battalion of Militia. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Mountjoy Bailey £18 for 
three months’ services as Adjutant to Colonel Murdock’s 
Battalion. ; 


1343 


That the said Treasurer pay to Vincent Price £12 for 
two months’ services as Adjutant to Colonel Richardson’s 
Battalion. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Oliver Whiddon £3 15s. 
for a Musket and Bayonet. 


Ordered, 'That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Wil- 
liam Johnson fifteen pieces of Cruder, to be made into Tents. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer ofthe Western-Shore pay 
to the Trustees, for building the new Church in the City of 


Annapolis, £42 2s. 6d., for Plank. 


Ordered, That the Soldiers in this Colony who may work 
at the Intrenchments in the City of Annapolis be allowed 
the additional pay of 14d. per day. 

Warrant issued to Mr. Thomas Beall, appointed Captain 
of the Rifle Company to be raised in Frederick County, in 
the room of Lemuel Barrett, who has never acted agreeable 
to his warrant. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 
Friday, July 26, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yesterday. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to the Committee of Observation for Baltimore County 
£1,000 currency, for the purchase of Arms and Blankets. 


Ordered, That Captain Hindman detach one Sergeant 
and twelve Men to relieve the Guard at the Magazine in 
the neighbourhood of Captain James Tootell. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western- Shore pay 
to Richard Willis 45s. 

That the said Treasurer pay to James Royston £4 10s. 6d. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Thomas Delahay £3 15s. 

That the Treasurer pay to Captain James Hindman £100, 
Continental money. 


The Rev. John Scott having appeared before the Council, 
agreeable to his Recognizance entered into before George 
Plater and John Hall, Esq., in Somerset County, 

The Memorial of Jostah Polke, Esq., of the County afore- 
said, against the said John Scott, together with sundry Depo- 
sitions taken at the request of each party, were read, and 
the allegations of both of them heard; and thereupon, the 
Council taking the same into consideration, 

Ordered, That the Reverend John Scott repair to Kent 
County, on the Eastern-Shore of this Colony, and there 
remain until the next Convention, and that he have posses- 
sion of the Sloop Liberty, purchased by him of Peter Hub- 
bert, for the purpose of recovering his family and effects, if 
he think proper. 

And further Ordered, That he appear at the next Con- 
vention to be held at the City of Annapolis, there to answer 
such matters as may be objected against him, and that he 
give security in the sum of £500 currency to pay due obe- 
dience to this order: And further, that he be permitted to 
pass through Talbot County to take his family from thence, 
and that he repair to Chestertown in eight days from this 
time. 


Copy of Letter No. 78 was sent to the Deputies in Con- 
gress; copy of No. 79 to Josias Beall, Esq.; copy of No. 
80 to John Hanson, Jun., Esq.; copy of No. 81 to James 
Tilghman, Esq.; and copy of No. 82 to the Committee of 
Observation for Baltimore County. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Eastern-Shore pay 
to Colonel Wilham Richardson £300 currency, to be lodged 
with the Committee of Observation for Caroline County, for 
the purchase of Arms and Blankets. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 
Saturday, July 27, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yesterday, 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western- Shore pay 
to Dr. Thomas Bourk £28 6s. 8d., the amount of his Ac- 
count for Medicine. 

That the said Treasurer pay to David Russell 13s. 6d. 
for carting. 

That the Treasurer of the Eastern-Shore pay to James 
Murray, Esq., Chairman of the Committee of Observation 
for Dorchester County, £100 currency, for the purchase of 
Arms and Blankets. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1344 
Ordered, That the Petition of Andrew Beall and Wil- 


liam Hamilton, of Prince George’s County, be taken into 
consideration on Monday, the 5th of August next, and that 
a copy of the above order be sent to each party. 


Copy of Letter No. 83 was sent to Mr. Richard Dallam; 
copy of No. 84 to Messrs. Gordon and Patten, of Baltimore- 
Town; and copy of No. 85 to Mr. Gerard Hopkins, son of 
Richard. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Mr. Gerard Hopkins, son of Richard, £50, to be ac- 


counted for. : 


Ordered, ‘That Commissions issue to the following per- 
sons, appointed Officers of Militia Companies in Skipton 
District, in Frederick County, to wit: Daniel Cresap, Cap- 
tain; Samuel Hobbs, First Lieutenant; John Hench, Second 
Lieutenant; Jacob Hagle, Ensign. Andrew Hynes, Cap- 
tain; Isaac Mekrakin, First Lieutenant; Ezekiel Cox, Se- 
cond Lieutenant; Robert Floory, Ensign. Charles Clinton, 
Captain; Dickinson Simkins, First Lieutenant; John House, 
Second Lieutenant; John Hays, Ensign. 

And to the following persons in Caroline County, to wit: 
John Thomas, Captain; John Gardiner, First Lieutenant ; 
Henry Lyon, Second Lieutenant; Richard Estep, Ensign. 
Richard B. Mitchell, Captain; Peter Fernandis, First Lieu- 
tenant; William Barnes, Second Lieutenant; Charles Gar- 
diner, Ensign. 

Caleb Jones appearing before this Board, in consequence 
of a charge exhibited against him before the Committee of 


- Observation for Somerset County, and of the security there 


given for his appearance, and the said Committee not having 
transmitted the proofs on which said charge was founded, 
Ordered, That said Caleb Jones recognize in the sum of 
£1,000 currency for his appearance before the Council of 
Safety on Friday, the 16th day of August next. Which 


recognizance was accordingly taken. ‘ 


Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay to 
Captain Bennet Bussey £10 on account of his Company. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Mr. Isaac Griest £50 
for the purchase of Camp Utensils for Colonel Jostas C. 
Hall’s Battalion. 

Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Mr. 
Griest ninety-two Iron Pots, seven Frying Pans, three Iron 
Kettles, four Skillets, and sixty Wooden Dishes. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Mr. George Weltz £500, to be lodged with the Com- 
mittee of Observation for the Upper District of Frederick 
County, for the purchase of Arms and Blankets. ~ 

Adjourned till Monday morning, ten o’clock. 

Monday, July 29, 1776. 

Council met. Present the same Members as on Satur- 
day, except Mr. Plater. 


Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
Captain Peter Mantz £28 15s. on account of his Com- 
pany. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Henry Massey Hanson 
£150, for the use of Colonel Jostas Hawkins. 


Copy of Letter No. 86 was sent to Brigadier-General 
Dent; copy of Letter No. 87 to the Deputies of this Pro- 
vince in Congress; copy of No. 88 to Colonel Alexander; 
Somerville; copy of No. 89 to Colonel James Kent; and 
copy of No. 90 to Colonel George Dashiell. 


Ordered, ‘That Captain Nathan Smith send to the City 
of Annapolis, in the Ship Defence, five Eighteen-Pounders 
mounted on carriages, and all the Eighteen and Nineteen- 
Pounders not mounted. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to David Keer £10 2s. 6d., for Vinegar for the Hospital. 

That the said ‘Treasurer pay to Captain James Nicholson 
£764, on account of the Ship Defence. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Messrs. John Hanson, 
Jun., and Christopher Edelen, for the purchase of Arms 
and Blankets, £400. 

That the said Treasurer 
a Musket. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Walter Alexan- 
der £500, to be lodged with the Committee of Observation 
for Cecil County, for the purchase of Arms and Blankets. 


pay to William Howard £4, for 


1345 


That the said Treasurer pay to Michael Coxhenderfer, 
of Frederick County, £300, to enable him to carry ona 
Stocking Manufactory. 

That the Treasurer of the Eastern-Shore pay to Levi 
Hitch £750, for the use of Colonel George Dashiell. 


Ordered, That Captain John Brooke march such of his 
‘Company as are already raised to Drum Point, in Calvert 
County. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Tuesday, July 30, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain Edward Burgess £400, for the purchase of 
Arms and Blankets. / 

That the said Treasurer pay to Messrs. Charles Ridgely 
and Howard £100, on account of their contract. 


Ordered, That John Yost deliver to Captain Edward 
Burgess all the Muskets he has made for the publick. 


Copy of Letter No. 91 was sent to Lieutenant-Colonel 
Henry Hollingsworth; copy of No. 92 to Archibald Bu- 
chanan; copy of No. 93 to Mr. Jacob Schley; copy of No. 
94 to the Commissioners of the Gunlock Manufactory, in 
Frederick-Town; copy of No. 95 to Major Thomas Price ; 
and copy of No. 96 to Brigadier-General Chamberlaine. 


Ordered, That the Commanding Officer at the City of 
Annapolis be requested to take into his custody the body of 
William Warren Clayten, and him safely bring immediately 
before the Council. 

Ordered, That Captain Peter Mantz immediately march 
to Leonard-Town, in St. Mary’s County, and be stationed 
in that County, to supply the place of Captain John Allen 
Thomas*s Company, who are to march to the narthward. 

Also Ordered, ‘That he take such station in said County 
as may be directed by Major Thomas Price, or in his ab- 
sence by the Committee of Observation for said County. 

And further Ordered, 'That the said Captain Mantz and 
his Company be furnished with Rations by the Contractor 
at the publick expense, and that he remain in St. Mary’s 
County until the further order of this Board. 


Commission issued to Charles Greenbury Griffith, ap- 
pointed Colonel of the Battalion of Militia to be raised in 
Frederick County for the Flying-Camp, in the room of 
Otho Holland Williams, who resigned. 

Commissions issued to the following persons, to command 
a Company for the Flying-Camp, to wit: 

Belain Posey, Captain, dated July 5, 1776. 

Henry Boarman, \st Lieutenant, dated July 16, 1776. 

John Forbes, 2d Lieutenant, dated July 17, 1776. 

Gerard Fowke, Ensign, dated July 27, 1776. 

Ordered, 'That the Commissary of Stores deliver to John 
Dean thirty-one Cartouch-Boxes, sixty Gun-Slings, fourteen 
Iron Pots or Kettles, one bolt of Osnaburg, and one quire 
of Cartridge-Paper. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western- Shore pay 
to the Clerk £20, for Expenses. 

Copy of Letter No. 98 was sent to Mr. Isaac G'riest. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 
rat Wednesday, July 31, 1776. 

Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day. 

Copy of Letter No. 99 was sent to Major Thomas Price; 
copy of No. 100 to Thomas Jones, Esq., Chairman of the 
Committee of Observation for Northumberland County, Vir- 
ginia; and copy of No. 101 to Captain Thomas Conway. 

Ordered, ‘That the Commanding Officer at the City of 
Annapolis be requested to take into his custody the bodies 
of William Yeldel and a servant man at Whitehall, a Cooper 
by trade, and them safely bring before the Council. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Robert Collett 30s., for painting Gun-Carriages. 

Adjourned till three o’clock, and met accordingly, 

Copy of Letter No. 102 sent to Mr. Joshua Gilpin, and 
copy of No. 103 to Mr. Alexander McFadon., 


Firrs Series.—Vot. I. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1346 


Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain Peter Mantz £50, to be accounted for. 

That said Treasurer pay to John Gordon and Matthew 
Patten £400, on account of their contract. 


The Council contracted with John Gordon and Matthew 
Patten for the making two thousand six hundred Knapsacks 
and Haversacks, on the terms specified in an agreement of 
this day. 

Ordered, ‘That the Commanding Officer of the Schooner 
Resolution immediately proceed to Indian Landing with 
the Powder in her, and there land the same. 

That Captain James Tootell be requested to receive at 
Indian Landing, from the Commanding Officer of the Schoo- 
ner Resolution, fifty barrels and nine half-barrels of Gun- 
powder, and procure Carts at the publick expense to convey 
the same to the Magazine, near his house. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Thursday, August 1, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yesterday. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Joseph Nicholson, Jun., Esq., £16 16s., for twenty-four 
days’ attendance as a Member of the Council. 


Commissions issued to the following Officers of Compa- 
nies belonging to Colonel James Kent’s Battalion of Militia 
for the Flying-Camp, to wit: 

Isaac Perkins, Captain, dated July 5. 

Abraham Falconer, 1st Lieutenant, dated July 5. 

Jesse Cossen, 2d Lieutenant, dated July 4. 

James Henry, Ensign, dated July 11, 1776. 


Greenbury Goldsborough, Captain, dated July 19. 
Woolman Gibson, 1st Lieutenant, dated July 27. 
John Thomas, 2d Lieutenant, dated July 27. 
Perry Benson, Ensign, dated July 27. 


Joshua George, Captain, dated July 23. 

William Veazey, third, 1st Lieutenant, dated July 16. 
John Stockton, Jun., 2d Lieutenant, dated July 20. 
Richard Bird, Ensign, dated July 29. 


Copy of Letter No. 104 was sent to Captain George 
Woolsey. 


Ordered, ‘That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Cap- 
tain Peter Mantz twenty-five pounds of Powder, and Lead 
in proportion; also three Cartouch-Boxes. 


Ordered, That the ‘Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to John Hall, Esq., £16 2s. 6d., the amount of his Account 
for expenses incurred in Somerset County, and £17 10s., for 
twenty-five days’ attendance as a Member of the Council, 
to this day inclusive. 

That the Treasurer aforesaid pay to Walter Wright £3, 
for guarding six men from Cambridge to Annapolis. 


Ordered, 'That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Ser- 
geant Chalmers two barrels of Musket Powder, for the 
Committee of Observation for Dorchester County. 


Council contracted with Mr. Archibald Buchanan for the 
making two Row-Galleys on the like terms of the contract 
with Messrs. Galloway and Stewart. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Friday, August 2, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 


day, except Mr. Nicholson. 


Copy of Letter No. 105 was sent to Brigadier-General 
Hooper; copy of No. 106 to Committee of Observation for 
Dorchester County; and copy of No. 107 to the Deputies 
of this Province in Congress. 

The Council appointed Christopher Richmond, Esquire, 
Paymaster to Colonel Smallwood’s Battalion of Regular 
Troops. 

Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Benjamin Ogle, Esq., £25 5s., for one thousand and ten 
pounds of Lead. 

That the said Treasurer pay to John Grace £22 9s., for 
the carriage of Powder and Arms from. Philadelphia to the 
Magazine near Captain Tootell’s. 

Commissions issued to the following Officers of a Com- 
pany in Kent County, belonging to the Eastern-Shore Bat- 
talion of Militia, for the Flying-Camp, to wit: 


85 


1347 


Thomas Smyth, Jun., Captain, dated July 9, 1776. 
James Wilhamson, \st Lieutenant, dated July 10, 1776. 
Nathaniel Kinnard, 2d Lieutenant, dated July 20, 1776. 
Josiah Johnson, Ensign, dated July 22, 1776. 


Copy of Letter No. 108 was sent to Brigadier-General 
Dent. 

Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Messrs. Jenifer § Hooe £500, common money. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Saturday, August 3, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yesterday. 


Copy of Letter No. 109 was sent to Thomas Smyth and 
Thomas Ringgold, Esqs., and copy of No. 110 to Mr. 


George Scott. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain Thomas Smyth £350, for the purchase of Mus- 
kets, and £150 for the purchase of Blankets, to be expended 
for those purposes by the Committee of Observation for 
Kent County. 

Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Cap- 
tain Thomas Smyth twenty pieces of Cruder, 400 Cartouch- 
Boxes and Slings, 688 Bayonet-Belts, and 688 Gun- 
Slings. 

Ordered, That Mr. Francis Sanderson deliver to Captain 
Thomas Smyth thirty Camp-Kettles. 


William Bartlett Townsend was brought before the Coun- 
cil, and the Depositions transmitted thither by the Commit- 
tee of Observation for Worcester County, as well as sundry 
Depositions produced by said Townsend, were read; and, 
after consideration of the sane, 

Ordered, That the said William Bartlett Townsend be 
committed to the custody of a Guard until the next Con- 
vention shall take order in the premises. 


Ordered, That Captain James Tootell be requested to 
send to the City of Annapols the fifty-four Muskets re- 
ceived from Philadelphia into the Magazine near his house 
on Thursday, the 1st instant. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to George Gordon 40s., for repairing F'ire-Arms. 


Ordered, That Francis Sanderson deliver to Colonel 
Thomas Ewing thirty Camp-Kettles for the use of Captain 
Posey’s and Captain Lowe’s Companies of Militia for the 
Flying-Camp. | 

Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Col- 
onel Thomas Ewing one hundred and seventy-two Haver- 
sacks for said Companies. 

That Mr. Isaac Giriest deliver to Colonel Ewing one hun- 
dred and seventy-two wooden Bottles for said Companies. 


Ordered, That Colonel Thomas Ewing march his Bat- 
talion in detachments or Companies, as they shall be armed 
and accoutred, to the City of Philadelphia, subject to the 
orders of Congress. 


Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Captain Alexander H. Magruder £300, for the purchase 
of Arms. 


Ordered, That the Committee of Observation of Balti- 
more County deliver to Colonel Ewing eighty-four Muskets, 
out of those collected by them for the Flying-Camp. 


Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to each 
Captain of Colonel Ewing’s Battalion, when ready to march, 
ten pounds of Powder, and Ball in proportion. 


Basil Clarkson, Joseph Wheland, John Evans, and Ro- 
bert Howith, were brought before the Council, in conse- 
quence of a charge exhibited against them by the Commit- 
tee of Observation for Dorchester County, and the several 
Depositions transmitted by the said Committee to this Board 
were read, and the said prisoners heard. 

Thereupon, it is Ordered, That the said Basil Clarkson, 
Joseph Wheland, John Evans, and Robert Howith, be com- 
mitted to the Jail of this County, under a Guard, to be ap- 
pointed by Colonel Joseas Carvel Hall, till the further order 
of this Board, or until the next Convention shall take order 
in the premises. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Mr. John Bullen £110, for two Horses and a Team. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1348 


That the said Treasurer pay to Mr. Frederick Green 
£600, for printing Bills of Credit. 

Adjourned till Monday, 5th August, 1776. 

FS) Monday, August 5, 1776. 

Council met. Present, the same Members as on Satur- 
day. . 

Copy of Letter No. 111 was sent to Jesse Hollingsworth; 
copy of Letter No. 112 to Messrs. Vanbibber &§ Harrison; 
and copy of No. 113 to Captain James Tootell. ‘ 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to William Stone £312, for Cannon. 

That said Treasurer pay to Hugh Hopewell £8, for ex- 
penses. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Lieutenant George Dent, 
for the Committee of Observation for Charles County, for 


the purchase of Arms, £200. 


Commissions issued to the Officers of Colonel Hall’s Bat- 
talion of Militia for the Flying-Camp, dated as follows: 

John Disney, Captain, dated July 13. 

Henry Ridgely, 1st Lieutenant, dated July 13. 

Jonathan Sellman, 2d Lieutenant, dated July 13. 

Edward Spurrier, Ensign, dated July 13. 

John E, Howard, Captain, dated July 16. 

Thomas Lansdale, 1st Lieutenant, dated July 6. 

William Riley, 2d Lieutenant, dated July 24. 

Robert Morrow, Ensign, dated July 12. 


Zachariah Maccubbin, Captain, dated July 20. 
John Christie, 1st Lieutenant, dated July 24. 
Thomas Lingan, 2d Lieutenant, dated August 5. 
Wilhkam Wilmot, Ensign, dated August 5. 


Bennet Bussey, Captain, dated July 20. 

Jos’a Mills, 1st Lieutenant, dated July 26. 
Azel Hitchcock, 2d Lieutenant, dated July 24. 
Aq. Amos, Ensign, dated July 19. 4 
Aquila Paca, Captain, dated July 24. 

J. B. Hall, 1st Lieutenant, dated August 5. 
Michael Gilbert, 2d Lieutenant, dated August 5. 
John Patterson, Ensign, dated August 5. 


Daniel Dorsey, Captain. 

Joseph Burgess, \st Lieutenant, dated July 6. 
Joseph Howard, 2d Lieutenant, dated August 5. 
Michael Burgess, Ensign, dated July 23. 
Edward Norwood, Captain, dated August 5. 
Samuel Goodman, 1st Lieutenant, dated July 15. 
J. W. Dorsey, 2d Lieutenant, dated July 18. 
Richard Talbott, Ensign, dated July 12. 


Thomas Hammond, Captain, dated August 5. 
Thomas Mayo, 1st Lieutenant, dated August 26, 
Jos’a Meriken, 2d Lieutenant, dated August 5. 
Andrew Hammond, Ensign, dated August 5. 


Thomas Yates, Captain, dated July 19. 

Edward Oldham, \st Lieutenant, dated July 20. 

James Ogleby, 2d Lieutenant, dated August 5. 

Joseph Lewis, Ensign, dated July 26. 

Ordered, That Captain Yates rank as youngest Captain 
of the said Battalion. 


Commissions issued to John Hawkins, First Lieutenant, 
John Nevile, Second Lieutenant, and Samuel Earle, Ensign, 
of Captain Dean’s Company of Militia for the Flying-Camp, 
dated as follows: First Lieutenant, July 7, Second Lieuten- 
ant, July 18, Ensign, July 16. 

Also, to the following Officers of Colonel Ewing’s Bat- 
talion : 

James Young, Captain, dated July 7; James Bond, Ist 
Lieutenant, dated July 12; John Smith, 2d Lieutenant, 
dated July 15; James Toole, Ensign, dated July 5. 

Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 

dit Tuesday, August 6, 1776. 

Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day. 

Commissions issued to the following Officers of a Com- 
pany of Militia, for the Flying-Camp, of Colonel Charles 
Greenbury Grifith’s Battalion : 

Jacob Good, Captain, dated July 4. 

John B. Thompson, 1st Lieutenant, dated July 15. 


1349 


John Ghiselin, 2d Lieutenant, dated July 15, 

John Smith, Ensign, dated July 15. 

And to the following Officers of a Company belonging 
to the Eastern-Shore Battalion : 

Walter Alewander, Captain, dated July 24. 

Andrew Porter, 1st Lieutenant. 

Harman Anant, 2d Lieutenant, dated August 3. 

George Hamilton, Ensign, dated July 25. 

Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Mr. 
Samuel Earle one bolt of Osnaburghs, for Captain Dean’s 
Company. 

That the same Commissary deliver to Doctor Richard 


Tootell, a quantity of Brown Rolls sufficient to make twenty 
Beds for the Hospital. 


Ordered, That William Jacob, of Baltimore-Town, de- 
liver to Samuel Dorsey one Tent with polls, completely 
finished. 


Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to James Taylor £4 5s., for a Musket. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Robert Wood, of Frede- 
rick County, £300, to enable him to erect a Slitting Mill. 

Ordered, That Captain Young, Captain Howard, Cap- 
tain Bussey, and Captain Yates, immediately march their 
Companies to Baltimore- Town, the three last to be station- 
ed there as part of Colonel Josias Carvil Hall’s Battalion, and 
Captain Young to be subject to the order of Colonel Ewing. 

That Captain Good’s Company proceed immediately up 
the Bay to the Head of Elk, and from thence to the City of 
Philadelphia, to join the Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, That Captain Armstrong deliver to Henry 
Carey the effects belonging to said Carey in his possession, 
that he may have an opportunity of making sale thereof, and 
that the Schooner, together with the boy, be retained, sub- 
jéct to the further order of this Board; and that the said 
Carey return thither to receive the same. 


The Council contract with Samuel Dorsey, of Elkridge, 
for the making of Tents, double seamed, at 17s. each, and 
single ‘Tents at 12s. each. 


Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to 
Samuel Dorsey thirty pieces of Cruder and two pounds of 
Thread, to be made into Tents. 


Copy of Letter No. 114 was sent to Edward Parker, 
and copy of No. 115 to Messrs. Archer § Harris. 


Adjourned till three o’clock, and met accordingly. 
Carroll attended. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Berjamin Rumsey, Esq., £17 10s., for twenty-five days’ 
attendance as a Member of the Council. 

That the said Treasurer pay Zachariah Gaither £6, for 
two Muskets. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Colonel Jostas Carvil 
Hall £1,125, to provide necessaries for his Battalion; the 
same to be deducted out of their pay. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Young £125, 
on account of his Company. 

That the said Treasurer pay to William Wilkins £300, 
on account of the Fortifications. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Jacob Good £75, 
on account of his Company. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Henry Ovelman £15, for 
Wagonage. 

Copy of Letter No. 116 was sent to Colonel Ewing, and 
copy of No. 117 to Mr. Isaac Griest. 


Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Jacob 
Good ten pounds of Powder, and Ball in proportion. 

Ordered, That Lieutenant-Colonel Hyde have Arms de- 
livered him by said Commissary, for the three Companies 
to be retained at Baltimore-Town, in proportion to what 
may be left for the remaining six Companies. 

Ordered, ‘That the ‘Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Lieutenant-Colonel Hyde £150, on account. 

- Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Myr. 


Wednesday, August 7, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day, except Mr. Ramsey. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1350 


to Charles Wallace, Esq., Paymaster, half a month’s pay, 
Continental currency, for Captain John Allen Thomas’s 
Company. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Thomas £41 
3s. 1d., the amount of his Account filed. 

That the said ‘Treasurer pay to Major Thomas Price £54 
As. 6d. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Joseph Hobbs, Jun., £3 
10s., for a Musket. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Henry Griffith £9 10s., 
for fourteen Muskets. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Colonel Charles Green- 
bury Griffith £600, to answer contingent expenses in march- 
ing his Battalion to Philadelphia. 


Copy of Letter No. 118 was sent to the Deputies of this 
Province in Congress; copy of No. 119 to Lieutenant-Col- 
onel Henry Hollingsworth; copy of No. 120 to Captain 
John Brook ; copy of No. 121 to the Deputies in Congress ; 
copy of No. 122 to Captain James Nicholson ; copy of No. 
123 to Messrs. Samuel and Daniel Hughes; copy of No. 
124 to Captain Edward Tillard; copy of No. 125 to 
George Scott, Esq.; and copy of No. 126 to Mr. Nicols, 
Talbot County. 

The Council appointed Henry Shryock Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel of the Frederick Battalion of Militia for the Flying- 
Camp. 

Ordered, That Colonel Charles Greenbury Griffith march 
his Battalion, in detachments or companies, as they shall be 
armed and accoutred, to the City of Philadelphia, subject 
to the orders of Congress. 


Commissions issued to the following Officers of Compa- 
nies in Colonel Griffith’s Battalion : 

John Reynolds, Captain, dated July 18. 

Moses Chapline, 1st Lieutenant, dated July 24. 

Christopher Orndorf, 2d Lieutenant, dated July 20. 

Nathan Williams, Ensign, dated July 22. 

Henry Hardman, Captain, dated July 19. 

Daniel Shell, 1st Lieutenant, dated July 19. 

Jonathan Morris, 2d Lieutenant, dated July 19. 

John Rench, Ensign, dated July 19. 


Philip Meroney, Captain, dated 

Elisha Beall, 1st Lieutenant, dated July 27. 
John Hellen, 2d Lieutenant, dated July 20. 
Wilkam Beatty, Jun., Ensign, dated July 10. 


And the following Officers of a Company in the Eastern- 
Shore Battalion of Militia for the Flying-Camp: 

John Darnes, Captain, dated July 12. 

Thomas Lane Emory, 1st Lieutenant, dated July 23. 

Samuel W. Thomas, 2d Lieutenant, dated July 23. 

John Jackson, Ensign, dated July 23. 

Ordered, That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Cap- 
tain Jacob Good one Rifle. 

That the said Commissary deliver to Captain Thomas 
18 Camp-Kettles and 104 Canteens, 

Ordered, That the said Commissary deliver to Colonel 
Griffith 588 Knapsacks and Haversacks, 110 Camp-Ket- 
tles, 105 Tents, 678 Priming-Wires with Brushes, 658 
Canteens, 50 pounds Gunpowder and Lead in proportion, 
100 Gun-F ints, and as many Cartouch-Boxes, with Slings, 
Bayonet-Belts, and Gun-Slings, not exceeding 588 of each, 
as may be necessary for his Corps. 

Ordered, That William Jacob and William Johnson, of 
Baltimore-Town, or either of them, deliver to Captain Tho- 
mas eighteen ‘Tents. 

The Council appointed Samuel Griffith Quartermaster, 
and Mountjoy Bailey Adjutant, to Colonel Grifith’s Bat- 
talion. 

Commissions issued to John Davidson appointed First 
Lieutenant, Henry Neale Second Lieutenant, and Robert 
Chesley Third Lieutenant, of Captain Thomas’s Independent 
Company of Regular ‘Troops. 

Ordered, That Lieutenant William Campbell deliver to 
Captain Thomas the Rifle in his possession belonging to the 
publick. 

William Warren Clayten having been called before the 
Council and examined, 

Ordered, That he recognize in the sum of £150, cur- 
rency, for his good behaviour, and conforming himself to 


1351 


the Resolves of the honourable the Congress and Conven- 
tion. 

Ordered, also, That he deliver to the Commissary of 
Stores a Musket, Bayonet, and Cartouch-Box, in his pos- 
session, belonging to the publick. 

The Recognizance was accordingly taken, James Mawe 
security. Thereupon, it is 

Ordered, That he be discharged. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Thursday, August 8, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day. 
Copy of Letter No. 127 was sent to the Committee of 
Observation for the Middle District of Frederick County. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Major Price £300, to be lodged with the Committee of 
Observation for the Middle District of Frederick County, for 
the purchase of Arms and Blankets. 

That the said Treasurer pay to William Lavely £5 11s. 
Id., for one thousand and ten pounds of Bread furnished to 
the Hospital in Baltimore- Town. 

That the said Treasurer pay to John Leypold 45s., for 
three days’ services in examining Flour in Baltimore- 
Town. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Mr. Robert Cummins 
£1,000. 


Adjourned till three o’clock, and met accordingly. 


. Commissions issued to the following Officers of a Com- 
pany in Colonel Griffith’s Battalion: 

Benjamin Spyker, Captain, dated July 26. 

Greenbury Gaither, 1st Lieutenant, dated July 26. 

Richard Anderson, 2d Lieutenant, dated August 5. 

Nicholas Seybert, Ensign, dated August 5. 

Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to the Hon: Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq., £23 2s., 
for thirty-three days’ attendance as a Member of the Coun- 
cil, including this day. 

Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Friday, August 9, 1776. 

Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Eastern-Shore pay 

to Lieutenant Berkit Falcon £300, to be expended in 

purchasing Arms by the Committee of Dorchester County. 


Copy of Letter No. 128 was sent to the Committee of 
Observation for St. Mary’s County. 


Ordered, That Captain Peter Mantz march immediately 
from St. Mary’s to Annapolis, on his way to Philadelphia, 
and that he leave his Baggage at the mouth of Patuzent, 
where a Pilot-Boat is to be sent for the same. 


Ordered, That Captain Uriah Forrest remain in St. Ma- 
ry’s County, subject to the direction of the Committee of 
Observation for said County, until the further orders of the 
Council. 

Ordered, That Captain Richard Berry proceed with the 
Pilot-Boat under his command to the mouth of Patuxent, 
and there take on board the Baggage belonging to Captain 
Peter Mantz’s Company; and that he bring with him a 
Nine-Pounder belonging to the publick, now at the mouth of 
Patuxent River. 

Commissions issued to the following Officers of a Com- 
pany of Militia for the Flying-Camp, to wit: 

Thomas Bourk, Captain, dated August 2. 

Berkit Falcon, 1st Lieutenant, dated August 2. 

John Lynch, 2d Lieutenant. 

James W. Gray, 3d Lieutenant, dated August 2. 

Also, to Thomas Wyn Lockerman, \st Lieutenant, dated 
July 17, and Levin Handy, 2d Lieutenant, dated August 2, 
of Captain Potter’s Company of Militia for the F'lying- 
Camp. 

Copy of Letter No. 129 was sent to the Deputies of Ma- 
ryland in Congress. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1352 


Saturday, August 10, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day. 
Commissions issued to Benjamin Galloway, appointed 
Captain, and Aaron Welch, First Lieutenant, of a Company 
of Militia in Colonel John Weems’s Battalion. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to John Yost £50, common money, being the balance due 
him on his contract with the Council of Safety in November 
last. 

Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to said John Yost 
£400, to enable him to manufacture good substantial Mus- 
kets for the publick. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Uriah Forrest 
£80, on account of his Company. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Joseph Eastman £4 10s., 
for a Musket. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Christopher Rabreck £34 
19s. 2d., for ninety-three and a third dozen Priming-Wires 
apd Brushes. 

That the said Treasurer pay to William Jacob £14 17s. 
3d., for Tent making. 


Adjourned till Monday morning, ten o’clock. 

Monday, August 12, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on Satur- 
day. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to John Parker £3 5s., for a Musket. 

That the said Treasurer pay to John David £13 10s., for 
nine days’ hire of his Schooner, to transport Captain John 
Allen Thomas’s Company from St. Mary’s County to An- 
napolis. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Captain John Dean £30, 
to provide subsistence for his Company; the same to be 
charged the Contractor. 


Ordered, 'That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Colo- 
nel Thomas Ewing, for Captain Young’s Company, 15 
Camp-Kettles, 86 Knapsacks and Haversacks, and 86 
wooden Bottles. 


Copy of Letter No. 130 was sent to Colonel Thomas 
Ewing, and copy of No. 131 to Mr. Gerrard Hopkins, of 
Baltimore- Town. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of the Western-Shore pay 
to Edward Timmons £3 12s. 6d., for a Musket. 

That the said Treasurer pay to Captain Belain Posey 
£76 6s. 6d., for Arms and Blankets, and £125 on account 
of his Company. ° 

Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 

an Tuesday, August 13, 1776. 

Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day. 

Copy of Letter No. 132 was sent to Colonel Wilhiam 
Hyde. 

Ordered, That the Committee of Observation for Har- 
ford County deliver to Colonel William Hyde all the Mus- 
kets and Blankets in their possession belonging to the 
publick. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Daniel 
and Samuel Hughes £2,000, on account of contract, for a 
Cannon-Foundry. 

Commission issued to William Perry, appointed Quarter- 
master to the Fourth Battalion of Militia, in the room of 
Nicholas Thomas, who resigned. 

Ordered, That Eastern-Shore Treasurer pay to Samuel 
Edmondson £70, currency. 

Ordered, That the Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Isaac 
Stmmons £5, for two Guns. 


Captain Campbell’s Company was commissioned. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Henry 
Ridgely, Jun., £4 10s., for a Musket and Bayonet. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
William Waters £175, for a Boat. 

Ordered, That Commissary of Stores deliver to Ste- 
phen Steward ten Swivel-Guns, with Furniture, one-half 


1353 


y of Cannon Powder, and six pounds Musket Pow- 
er. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 

Wednesday, August 14, 1776. 

Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day. Mr. Nicholson attended. 

Copy of Letter No. 133 was sent to the Committee of 
Observation for Northumberland County, in Virginia. 

Ordered, That the Western-Shore Treasurer pay to 
Charles Wallace £5,000, currency, on account of Salt 
contract. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
James Nicholson £100, currency, to sdefray the expenses 
of Powder imported in Virginia. 

Captains Tillard, Hanson, Forrest, and Deakins’s Com- 
panies, for the F'lying-Camp, commissioned. 

Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 

Thursday, August 15, 1776. 

Council met. Present as on yesterday. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore ‘Treasurer pay Captain 


John Deale £7 3s. 4d., currency, for Militia on duty on 


Fowey alarm. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Abraham 
Simmons £7 17s. 4d., on same alarm. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Thomas 
Watkins £53 17s. 6d., for his Company on duty in Anna- 
polis. 

. Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Richard 
Weems £3 11s. 4d., for his Company on duty. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Belwood 
£11 10s., for Boat hire. 

Ordered, That said ‘Treasurer pay to the Committee of 
Observation for Prince George's County £50, for Arms and 
Blankets. 

Ordered, That the Western-- Shore Treasurer pay to Jo- 
siah Dorsey £12 5s., for Boat hire. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to George Gough £11 
7s. 6d., for Boat hire. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to James Tootell £31 
16s. 7d., for finding Rations for Guard at Magazine. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Wiliam Thomas 
£12 5s., for Boat hire. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to David Crawford 
£6 1s. 8d., for carriage of Powder. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Dr. Smith Bishop 
£71, for Medical attendance on Captain Watkins’s Com- 
pany of Regular Troops. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Richard Bryan 
£13 18s., for amount of his Account. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Daniel 
Dorsey £14 3s., for Arms and Blankets. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain James 
Young £75, for pay of his Company of Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel Thomas 
Ewing £500, on account of his Battalion. 


Copy of Letter No. 134 was sent to Colonel Henry Hol- 
lingsworth. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Cap- 
tain John Hammond £4 10s., for Provision, on Otter 
alarm. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to said Hammond 16s. 
8d., balance of Account of his Company on duty, on Otter 
alarm. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 
Friday, August 16, 1776. 


Council met. Present as on yesterday. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
John Gunby £4 54s. 3d., on account of his Company. 

Ordered, That said ‘Treasurer pay to Captain Peter 
Mantz £125, currency, for advance for his Company. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Brice £20, 
for Horse hire. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Pitt £16 12s. 
6d., for Boat hire for Flying-Camp. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1354 


Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Pitt £73 15s., ~ 
for his Look-out Boat. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Mantz £2 
4s, Td., for balance of Account filed. 

Ordered, 'That the Committee of Worcester County de- 
liver to Captain John Watkins all the Muskets belonging to 
the publick in their possession, 


Copy of Letter No. 135 was sent to Captain John Wat- 
kins; No. 186 to Tent-Makers respectively; No. 137 to 
Captain Dean; No. 138 to Captain Bourke. 


Ordered, That Captain Darnes deliver, out of the Arms 
in his Company, to Captain Dean, so many as will make 
up the deficiency in his Company which may be occasioned 
by the return of Arms to those who lent them upon condition 
that they did not march out of the County. 


Copy of Letter No. 139 sent to Committee of Dorchester 
County; No. 140 sent to Edward Parker ; No. 141 to the 
Linen Manufactories; No. 142 to Jesse Hollingsworth; No. 
143 to Deputies in Congress. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Major 
Lodowick Weltmer eight hundred dollars, on account of his 
German Battalion. 


No. 144 to Captains Smyth and Ringgold. 
Ordered, That Captain John Fulford be empowered to 


purchase and provide a Scow, Boats, and Intrenching Tools, 
sufficient to carry on, prosecute, and complete the Fortifica- 
tions at Annapolis. 


No. 145 to Mr. John Gordon, of Balttmore- Town. 


Ordered, That Captain John Hanson immediately march 
his Company to the City of Annapolis, and there apply for 
the further orders of the Council of Safety. 


Ordered, 'That Captain John Brooke immediately march 
his Company to Drum-Point, and there take his station till 
further orders from the Council of Safety. And the Com- 
mittee of Observation are requested to assist in borrowing 
Arms from the Militia, to be used by said Company whilst 
at that station. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
Robert Bowie, for use of the Committee of Prince George’s 
County, £300, currency, for Arms and Blankets. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Saturday, August 17, 1776. 
Council met. Present as on yesterday. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Messrs. 
Shaw & Chisholme, £72 12s. 11d., for repairing and stock- 
ing Guns. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to James Taylor £9, 
for Carriage Wheels for Cannon. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel William 
Richardson £259 15s. 8d., for pay of Fourteenth Battalion 
of Militia, on duty. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Patrick Hanan 
£43 16s., for Tent Poles. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Lieu- 
tenant James Williamson, for use of Captain Thomas Smyth, 
£135, for pay and subsistence of his Company. 

Ordered, ‘That said Treasurer pay to Isaac Harris £95 
11s., for his services as Armourer. 

Ordered, That Mr. Thomas Ringgold pay to Lieutenant 
James Williamson, for the use of Captain Thomas Smyth, 
£30, Continental currency, to defray the expenses of his 
march to the Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel 
Hyde, for the use of— 


Thomas Jones, - - - - - - + - £28 99 
Captain fitter, i acer Set anearl G= 60 18 2 
epiain 16Oms, - isi caro oreo 56 14 8 
Lieutenant Parker, - - - - - - 48150 


for amount of their several Accounts. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel William 
Hyde £4 5s. 11d., currency, for expenses of Guard escort- 
ing Wagons. 

Ordered, That the said Treasurer pay to Joshua Frizzy 
£6, for carrying Troops to Head of Elk. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Tillard 
£200, on account of Arms and Blankets. 


1355 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Simon 
Nicols, for the use of Captain Spyker, £143 15s. 144d., for 
Arms and Blankets. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Clayton 
£20, for Cart hire. 

Ordered, ‘That said Treasurer pay to Captain John Tho- 
mas, for the use of Captain Edward Plowden, £53 7s. 10d., 
for his Company, on duty. 

Ordered, That said ‘Treasurer pay to Captain John Tho- 
mas, £39 16s. 4d., for his Company on duty. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Simon Nicols, for 
use of Captain Deakins, £250, for Arms and Blankets. 

Ordered, That said 'Treasurer pay to Henry Sibell £5, 
4s., for boarding sick Soldiers. 

Copy of Letter No. 146 was sent to Captain Francis 
Deakins. 

Ordered, 'That Eastern-Shore Treasurer pay to Colo- 
nel William Richardson £15 8s., for his attendance as a 
Member of the Board of Accounts. 

John Millington, of Captain Hindman’s Company, per- 
mitted to go to his home, in Talbot County, for the recovery 
of his health. 

Copy of Letter No. 147 was sent to Colonel Henry Hol- 
lingsworth. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Isaac 
Griest, Quartermaster, £100, for procuring necessaries for 


Colonel Hall’s Battalion. 


Ordered, 'That the Committee of Observation for Kent 
County, be requested to deliver to Colonel Richardson such 
of the Military Stores belonging to this Province under their 
care, as he may require from them. 


Ordered, 'That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel 
William Richardson £500, on account of his Battalion. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Mary Dorsey 52s. 
6d., for Wood, for Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain John Ham- 
mond £4 10s., for expenses in marching his Company to 
station. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Cornelius Mills 
£37s. 6d., for three cords of Wood. 

Copy of Letter No. 149 was sent to Captains George 
and Alexander. 


Captain Burgess’s Company commissioned. 


Ordered, That the said ‘Treasurer pay to Captain Bur- 
gess £125, currency, on account of his Company. 


Ordered, ‘That Commissary of Stores deliver to Cap- 
tain Burgess ten pounds Powder, and Lead equivalent, and 
twenty-five Gun-F lints. 


Adjourned till Monday, ten o’clock. 


Monday, August 19, 1776. 


Council met. Present as on Saturday, except Mr. Ni- ’ 


> 


cholson. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to James 
Hopkins £10, currency. 


Ordered, 'That Commissary of Stores deliver to Colonel 
Hall what Linen he may want to clothe his Battalion. 


Permit, granted to John Pullen, of Sloop Dolphin, to go 
to the Virginia side of the Potomack, and take in Tobacco 
or other produce, and transport the same to Maryland. : 


Commissions issued to John Phillips, appointed Captain, 
Arthur Dashiell First Lieutenant, Michael Jones Second 
Lieutenant, Jonathan Huffington Ensign, of a Company in 
the First Battalion of Militia. Also, to John Dashiell, 
Second Lieutenant, William Dommick, Ensign, of a Com- 
pany in the First Battalion of Militia. 


Ordered, 'That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
John Dean £37 8s. 6d., currency, for subsistence of his 
Company. 

Ordered, That Commissary of Stores deliver to Captain 
John Dean eighty-six Priming Wires and Brushes, and one 
hundred and fifty yards: Country Linen. 

Ordered, 'That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
John Dean £125, on account of his Company. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Daniel Coulter 
40s., for attending the Hospital. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1356 


Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Charles Carroll, 
Esq., £5 15s., for Provisions for Captain Thomas’s Com- 
pany. 

Ordered, 'That the Commissary of Stores deliver to Cap- 
tain John Dean eighty-six Gun-Slings and Bayonet Belts. 


Copy of Letter No. 150 was sent to Colonel Henry 
Hollingsworth ; £300 for subsistence for Flying-Camp. 

Copy of Letter No. 151 was sent to Committee of Kent 
County. 


James Layfield being brought before this Board, and the 
Depositions taken before the Committee being read, and he 
being heard in his own defence: 

Ordered, 'That he give security for his good behaviour 
and obeying all orders of Congress and Convention, himself 
in £100, and two seturities in £50 each, or one good secu- 
rity in £100. 

And not being able to give such security here, 

Ordered, That the Committee of Somerset County be 
requested to take the security; and that on giving the same, 
he be discharged. 

Ordered, 'That he recognize in the sum of £100, cur- 
rency, for his appearance before the Committee of Somerset 
County, on or before the 10th day of September next. 

Which was accordingly done. 


Copy of Letter No. 151 was sent to Colonel Thomas 


Ewing. 


Adjourned till next day. 
Tuesday, August 20, 1776. 
Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 
day. . 
Copy of Letter No. 152 was sent to Mr. Jesse Hollings- 
worth. ; 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Richard 
Harwood, Jun., £3, for Militia duty of his Company. 


Caleb Jones having appeared before the Council of Safety, 
and producing several Depositions in his favour, which being 
read and considered : 

Ordered, That he enter into recognizance, with good 
security, in the sum of £200, currency, each, for his good 
behaviour, and his paying due obedience to the orders of 
the honourable Continental Congress and Convention. 

And the said Caleb Jones not having any security present, 

Ordered, That he be recognized in the sum of £100, 
currency, for his appearance before the Committee of Som- 
erset County, and that they be requested to take bond, with 
security and condition as above; and that on giving such 
bond, the said Caleb Jones be discharged. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Wil- 
liam Nevin & Company £20, for advance on account here- 
after. 

Ordered, 'That the said Treasurer pay to Lieutenant John 
Dorsey £4 10s., for a Musket and Bayonet. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Richard Fleming 
£3 5s., fora Gun. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel Richard 
Barnes £311 6s. 10$d., for pay of his Battalion. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Wednesday, August 21, 1776. 
Council met. Present as on yesterday. 


Ordered, That the Commanding Officer of the Fortifi- 
cations in Annapolis get the turf necessary for the work from 
ground belonging to the publick, and not injure private pro- 
perty, if it can possibly be avoided. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
Thomas Hammond £34 2s. 3d., currency, for Muskets. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Joshua 
George, for use of Committee of Cecil County, £500, for 
Arms and Blankets. 


Copy of Letter No. 153 was sent to the Committee of 
Kent County; No. 154 to Isaac Griest; No. 155 to John 
Hancock, Esq. 

Mr. Steward was authorized to lay out any sum not ex- 
ceeding £3,000 of the money he may receive from Congress, 
for the purchase of Marine necessaries for the use of this 
State. 


1357 


Ordered, 'That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Joseph 
Brown 50s. for a Musket. 

Ordered, That Eastern-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
John Watkins £900. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to James 
McKenzie £3 10s., for a Musket. 


Copy of Letter No. 156 was sent to Mr. Samuel Dorsey. 


Ordered, That Eastern-Shore ‘Treasurer pay to Bri- 
gadier-General Chamberlaine £100 on account of Maga- 
zine. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to William 
Shireleff 24s., for Barracks for Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel John Ad- 
dison £14 7s. 1d., for subsistence of a Company of Flying- 
Camp. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Thomas Rose £3 
16s. 9d., for subsistence of part of the Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, That said ‘Treasurer pay to William Johnson 
£53 |1s. 44d., for Tent-making. 

Adjournnd till next day, ten o’clock. 


Thursday, August 22, 1776. 
Council met. Present as on yesterday. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Mat- 
thew Tilghman, Esq., £7 10s., for Boat hire for part of 
Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, 'That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Major 
Jenatius Fenwick £131 6s. 7d., for Militia on duty. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Johnson 
£35 19s. 114d., for amount of his Account. 

Ordered, 'That said Treasurer pay to Peter Rambo, for 
use of John Young, £287 6s. 6d., for Knapsacks and Guns. 

Ordered, ‘That said ‘Treasurer pay to Pollard Edmond- 
son, for use of Delahay and Robinson, £13, for Boat hire 
for Flying-Camp. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Friday, August 23, 1776. 
Councilmet. Present the same Members as on yesterday. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Cap- 
tain Uriah Forrest £64 14s. 7d., for subsistence of his Com- 


any. 
. eileen That said Treasurer pay to Captain Uriah For- 
rest, for the use of Doctor Reeder, £10 9s. 6d., for attending 
Captain Thomas’s Company. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Cap- 
tain Uriah Forrest, for use of Elias Smith, £2 6s. 8d., for 
Barracks for Captain J. A. Thomas’s Company. 

Ordered, hat said Treasurer pay to Captain Forrest, for 
use of Henry Sewell, 33s., for travelling expenses for part of 
the Artillery Company going to St. George’s. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Forrest, 
for the use of Doctor Robinson, £5 6s. G6d., for attendance 
of his Company. . 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Forrest, 
for use of Francis Brooke, 20s., for services at the Camp at 
St. George’s. 198 


Ordered, That William Jacob and William Johnson, as /, 


soon as they have a sufficient quantity of Tents for a Com- 
pany, immediately send the same to Annapolis, and to con- 
tinue to send the same in such quantities until the further 
orders of this Board. 


Commissions issued to Andrew Beall, Jun., appointed 
Captain; Jostas Shaw, appointed First Lieutenant; William 
Ferguson, appointed Second Lieutenant; Joshua Wilson, 
appointed Ensign, of a Company in Colonel Tyler’s Batta- 
lion of Militia. 


Ordered, 'That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to William 
Belwood £7, for Boat hire for Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, ‘That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Jacob 
Kenpots 40s., for House rent for Soldiers. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Samuel Howard, 
for use of Captain Brice, £7 1s, 4d., for attendance at Mag- 
azine. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Thomas 
£5 13s. 9d., for Boat hire for Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, ‘That said Treasurer pay to Josiah Dorsey £5 
13s. 9d., for Boat hire for Flying-Camp. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1358 


Ordered, That said Tyeasurer pay to Captain William 
Brogden £23 2s, 8d., for his Company on duty. 

Copy of Letter No. 155 was sent to Captain Darnes; 
No. 156 was sent to Edward Parker. 

Ordered, ‘That Commissary of Stores send to Captain 
Deans eighty-six Knapsacks with Haversacks, to be returned 
in case Captain Deans has already marched. 

Ordered, 'That Eastern-Shore Treasurer pay to the Com- 
mittee of Talbot County £500, for the purchase of Arms 
and Blankets. 

Ordered, That a Court-Martial be held for the trial of 
Captain Richard Bennett Hall, and Lieutenants Wright, 
Ryley, and Mulliken. 

That Major Snowden be President of said Court, and the 
following persons Members of the said Court: Captains 
David Crawford, Thomas Skinner, R. Beall, Hend. Ma- 
gruder, Josh. Selby, Thomas Richardson ; Lieutenants John 
S. Brooke and Humphry Belt. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Edward 
Timmons £3, for repairing Arms. 

Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Saturday, August 24, 1776. 

Council met. Present the same Members as on yesterday. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Mary 
Tiplett £60, for Barracks. 

Ordered, 'That said Treasurer pay to Benedict Edward 
Hall, for use of Amos Garrett, £47 11s. 6d., for Bayonets 
and Arms. 

Copy of Letter No. 156 was sent to General Washington. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay Monsieur 
Pelissier Dhugé £7, Continental currency, for his services 
as a French Engineer. 

Ordered, That Elisha Winters be requested to deliver 
to Captain Darnes forty Muskets. 

Ordered, ‘That Commissary of Stores deliver to Captain 
Darnes two pieces Osnaburgs. 

Copy of Letter No. 157 was sent to Captain Darnes; 
No. 158 was sent to the Committee of Observation for Bal- 
timore County. 

Ordered, That Commissary of Stores deliver to Captain 
Bourke two pieces Osnaburgs. 

Ordered, 'That Commissary of Stores, at Baltimore- 
Town, deliver to Captain Bourke 100 Cartouch-Boxes, 
Gun-slings, and Bayonet-Belts, 100 Knapsacks with Haver- 
sacks, 10 pounds Powder, and Lead equivalent, 6 Camp 
Kettles, 18 Tents, 100 Wooden Bottles, and 25 Gun- 
flints. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John 
Hammond, Esq., £30 3s., for Plank. 

Copy of Letter No. 159 was sent to Mr. Stephen Steward. 

Ordered, That Captain Darnes have the Knapsacks 
with Haversacks sent to Kent Island, for the use of Captain 
Dean. 

Ordered, ‘That Western-Shore 'Treasurer pay to Ben- 
jamin Bradford Norris, for the use of the Committee of 
Harford County, £300, for Guns and Blankets. 

Ordered, That Commissary of Stores deliver to Captain 
Gunby two pieces Check Linen. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel 
Samuel Beall £105 2s., for amount of his Account, 

Ordered, That Commissary of Stores deliver to Cap- 
tain Gunby 16 Camp Kettles, 16 Tents, 90 Knapsacks with 
Haversacks, and 90 wooden Bottles. 

Zabdael Potter was appointed Surgeon Assistant to Colo- 
nel William Richardson’s Battalion for Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Cap- 
tain Edward Norwood £20 15s. 9d., for Mileage of his 
Company. 

Copy of Letter No. 160 was sent to Commissary’s Deputy 
at Baltimore-Town. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore ‘Treasurer pay to Cap- 
tain Gunby £95 16s. 2d., on account of his Company. 

Ordered, That the Paymaster advance to Captain Gunby 
one month’s pay, ending the 3d day of September, 1776. 


1359 


Copy of Letter No. 161 was sent to Colonel William 
Richardson. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
Daniel Dorsey 30s. 6d., for cooking for his Company. « 


Ordered, That Commissary of Stores at Baltimore-Town 
deliver to Captain Bracco 40 Bayonet-Belts, 42 Cartouch- 
Boxes, 20 Gun-Slings, and 104 Canteens, for use of his 
Company. Also one bolt of Osnaburgs. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
Daniel Dorsey £5 10s., for two Guns. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Disney 
£99 16s. Sd., for balance of Account. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Gunby 
£22 2s. 8d., for and on account of his Company. 


Ordered, That Eastern-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel 
Ennalls £365 19s. 1d., on account of Militia. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
Thomas Harwood £100, on contract for a Linen Manufac- 
tory. 

Adjourned till next day, ten o'clock. 


Monday, August 26, 1776. 


Council met. Present as on yesterday. 


Ordered, That Commissary of Stores at Baltimore-Town 
deliver to Captain Bennett Bracco fifteen Tents and six 


Camp Kettles. 


Ordered, That said Commissary immediately send to An- 
napolis whatever Stores have been heretofore ordered to be 
sent to this place. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore ‘Treasurer pay to Major 
Philip Fenwicke £119 2s. 6d., for Militia on duty. 


Ordered, That Paymaster advance to Captain Bracco’s 
Company one month’s pay, ending on the 3d day of Sep- 
tember next, and half a month’s pay besides. 


Ordered, That the Western-Shore Treasurer pay to James 
Steward £10, for Baggage-Wagon for the Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, That the Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Wil- 
liam Jacobs £43 2s., for Tent making. 


Ordered, That Commissary of Stores at Annapolis 
deliver to William Jacob all the tenting Linen now in the 
Magazine, one-half whereof to be delivered to William 
Johnson. 


Copy of Letter No. 162 was sent to Captain Nicholson; 
No. 163 was sent to Mr. Samuel Dorsey. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
Disney 33s., for ten Iron Pots. 

Ordered, That said ‘Treasurer pay to Captain James Dis- 
ney £9, for two Guns. 

Ordered, 'That said Treasurer pay to Edward Edgarly 
£7 10s., for one month’s pay as Adjutant. 

Ordered, That said ‘Treasurer pay to Captain Edward 
Norwood £69 3s., for pay and account. 

Ordered, That Commissary of Stores at Baltimore deliver 
to Colonel Hyde what Hunting-Shirts he may want for his 
Company, and send the residue to Annapolis. 

Ordered, That Captain Nathaniel Smyth be requested 
to deliver to Colonel Hyde forty Muskets. 


Ordered, 'That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
Bracco £61 12s. 6d., for amount of his Account. 

Ordered, 'That said ‘Treasurer pay to Joshua Merriken 
£5 14s., for duty of his Militia Company. 


Ordered, That Commissary of Stores at Baltimore deliver 
to Captain Woolford 98 Canteens, 98 Knapsacks with Haver- 
sacks, 18 Tents, 18 Camp-Kettles, and 98 Priming-Wires 
and Brushes. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to William 
Jenkins £4 10s., for Wagon hire. 

Ordered, ‘That Paymaster advance to Captain Woolford 
one month’s pay, ending the 3d September. 

Ordered, ‘That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
Woolford half a month’s pay, Continental currency. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Abel Hill 
18s., for duty in Militia. 


Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel Weems £5 
11s. 6d., for Militia on duty, 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1360 


Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Lindsay 
£7 10s. 6d., for Militia on duty. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Brigadier-General 
Beall £112 4s. 11d., for and on account of his Company. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Major Thomas 
Snowden £75 16s. 8d., for Gun-Carriages. 

Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 

a Tuesday, August 27, 1776. 


Council met. Present as on yesterday. 


John Hanson Briscoe appointed Surgeon to the seven 
Independent Companies. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Abraham 
Bonham £21 19s., on account of subsistence of Flying- 
Camp. 

Daniel Jenifer appointed Surgeon Assistant to Doctor 
Briscoe. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John C. 
Lindsay £14 11s. 8d., for subsistence of Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore ‘Treasurer pay to Lieuten- 
ant John Watkins £6 3s. 2d., for Militia duty. 


Daniel Jenifer Adams was commissioned as Brigade- 
Major to General Beall. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Dr. 
Briscoe £20, to purchase a set of Surgical Instruments. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
Norwood £4 12s. 6d., for Drum and Fife. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel Jos. C. Hall 
£77 10s., for pay of Flying-Camp. 


Ordered, That Commissary of Stores deliver to Colonel 
Hall twenty Tents; and the Committees of the several 
Counties are requested to deliver all the Blankets they have 
purchased for the use of the publick. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel 
Hyde £45, for pay. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Park £3 10s., 
for a Gun. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to General Beall £45 
Os. 1d., for balance of Account. 

Ordered, That the Board of Accounts allow and pass 
General Beall’s Account. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Thomas 
Howard £11 2s. 11d., for pay and subsistence as Surgeon’s 
Assistant. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Thomas 
Woolford £47 6s., currency. 


Ordered, That Commissary of Stores exchange with 
Captain Hanson 40 Guns, 86 Cartouch-Boxes, Belts, and 
Slings, Priming-Wires and Knapsacks, 16 Tents, and 16 
Camp-Kettles. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Thomas 
Mayo £3 18s. 6d., for Militia on duty. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Daniel 
Dorsey £80 13s. 11d., for and on account of his Company. 

Ordered, 'That said Treasurer pay to Captain Aquila 
Paca £93 4s. 9d., for and on account of his Company. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Colonel J. C. Hall 
£5, fora Rifle. 

Ordered, 'That said ‘Treasurer pay to Captain Robert 
Bowie £19 15s. 10d., on account of Company. 

Ordered, That Colonel Hall be requested to march his 
Battalion with all convenient speed to Philadelphia, subject 
to the orders of Congress. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 


Wednesday, August 28, 1776. 
Council met. Present as on yesterday. Mr. Nicholson 


attended. 

Ordered, That Elisha Winters be requested to deliver 
to Captain Greenbury Goldsborough twenty Muskets. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Charles 
Carroll, Esq., for use and by order of William Nevin, £27, 
currency. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John 
Shellman £6 17s., for subsistence of Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Green £6 Qs. 
Ad., for Sponges and other things for Cannon. 


1361. 


Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Messrs. Craik § 
Jenifer £96 16s., for attendance on Captain Beall’s*Com- 
pany. 

Ordered, That if Mr. Bruff can repair and make fit for 
-service seventy of the best Guns deposited in his hands for 
that purpose by the Committee of Talbot County, within 
eight days after the receipt of this order, he do the same; 
but in case he cannot repair and render them fit for service 
by that time, he deliver them immediately to Captain Golds- 
borough. who.will have them expeditiously repaired by 
Elisha Winters, in Chester- Town. 


Ordered, That Eastern-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
Greenbury Goldsborough £40, for subsistence of his Com- 
pany. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Captain 
Thomas Hammond £88 4s. 9d., for Guns. 

Ordered, That said ‘Treasurer pay to Christopher Edelin, 
for the use of the Committee of Observation for Frederick 
County, £250, for use of Prisoners. 

Ordered, ‘That Commissary of Stores deliver to Captain 
Goldsborough, for use of Flying-Camp Militia on the Kast- 
ern-Shore, two hundred and fifty Knapsacks with Haver- 
sacks. 

Copy of Letter No. 164 was sent to John Hanson, Esq. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Major 
Elijah Robinson £8 18s. 9d., for Provisions at Otter alarm. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Allen Quynn 13s. 
9d., for Cartage of Wood for Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, ‘hat said Treasurer pay to Benjamin Ogle, 
Esq., £35 5s., for Cartage. 

Ordered, That said ‘Treasurer pay to Thomas Parran 
£3 15s., for Boat hire. 

Ordered, That Messrs. Shaw & Chisholme deliver to 


Elisha Winters six pounds wrought Wire for Gunstocking. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Christian 
Librant 50s., for Wagonage. 

Ordered, That said ‘Treasurer pay to William Tuck £3 
10s., for a Gun. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to the Clerk £20, for 
Expresses. 

David Murrow appointed Surgeon to Colonel Hall’s Bat- 
talion, and William Annin Assistant Surgeon. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Z. Mac- 
cubbin £76 14s., for amount of his Account. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Joseph Earle, Esq., 
for use of Captain Isaac Perkins, £100, on account of his 
Company. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Elenor Kirby 15s., 
for attending at the Hospital. 


Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 
Thursday, August 29, 1776. 
Present as on yesterday. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Jacob 
Bond £3 10s., for a Blunderbuss. 

Ordered, That Captain Maybury and Joseph Middleton 
be requested to value the Vessels engaged to go for Coal to 
Virginia, and report to the Council of Safety an estimate 
of their real value. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John 
ay and John Ball £22 9s. 6d., for going to the Eustern- 

ore. 

Ordered, 'That Eastern-Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel 
John Ennalls £106 7s. 6d., for Militia duty. 

Ordered, That Western--Shore Treasurer pay to Colonel 
John Ennalls £16 2s., for Militia on duty. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to Lieuten- 
ant John Deaver, for use of Mr. Goldsmith, £55 5s. 6d., for 
Militia on duty. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to James Manyard 
18s. 6d., for Barracks for Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Cornelius Mills 
£7 10s., for one month’s pay as Adjutant. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Belwood 
£5, for Boat hire. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Zachariah 
Maccubbin £7 17s., for two Muskets and Bayonets. 

Firern Series.—Vot. I. 


Council met. 


MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


86 


1362 


Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Thomas 
Hanson £119 13s. 10d., for balance of his Account. 

Ordered, 'That said Treasurer pay to Hugh Hopewell 
£6, for Boatage. 

Ordered, ‘That said Treasurer pay to Captain Thomas 
Hammond £138 3s. 4d., for balance of his Account. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Hugh Hopewell 
£6 15s., for Boatage. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to James Tilghman, 
Esq., £2 14s., for thirty-one days’ attendance in Council 
of Safety. 

Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 

Friday, August 30, 1776. 


Council met. Present as on yesterday, 


Ordered, That Western-Shore ‘Treasurer pay to Daniel 
Richardson £20, for Boatage. 

Ordered, That the said ‘Treasurer pay to Major John 
Cradock £25, for pay and subsistence. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to William Thomas 
£4 10s., for Boatage. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Alexander Howard 
Magruder £35 7s. 1d., for and on account of his Com- 


pany. 
Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Oliver Whiddon 
£2 17s. 8d., for repairing Guns. 


Ordered, 'That Commissary of Stores at Annapolis deli- 
ver to Captain Magruder 64 Cartouch-Boxes, 62 Gun- 
Slings, 53 Knapsacks, with Haversacks, 8 Camp-Kettles, 
and 20 Hunting-Shirts. 


Ordered, That Western--Shore Treasurer pay to Richard 
Berry £150, Continental currency, to procure Coals from 
Virginia. 

Permit was granted to Mr. Richard Berry to go to the 
Commonwealth of Virginia for Coal for the use of this 
State. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to John 
King £4 7s. 6d., for Expresses for Congress. 


Copy of Letter No. 165 was sent to the Committee of 
Charles County ; No. 166 to Mr. Robert Berry. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore Treasurer pay to William 

Wilkins £300, on account of the Fortifications at Anna- 
olis. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Henry Dennis £8, 
for being Adjutant to the T'wenty-Eighth Battalion. 

Ordered, ‘That said Treasurer pay to Messrs. Jenifer and 
-Hooe £1,074 6s. 9d., for amount of their Account. 

Ordered, 'That said 'Treasurer pay to Captain John E. 
Howard £53 19s. 5d., for balance of his Account to this 
day. 

Adjourned till next day, ten o’clock. 

‘ jin Saturday, August 31, 1776. 

Council met. Present the same Members as on yester- 

day, except Mr. Carroll. 


Ordered, That Eastern-Shore ‘Treasurer pay to Dr. 
John Hindman £3 11s. 6d., for attending Captain. Golds- 
borough’s Company of Flying-Camp. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Dr. Hindman £12 
13s. 6d., for attending Captain Hindman’s Company. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore 'Treasurer pay Captain 
Alexander H. Magruder £100, on account of his Com- 
pany. 

Ordered, That Western-Shore ‘Treasurer pay to Captain 
Robert Martin £12 7s. 6d., for Boat hire. 


Ordered, That Brigadier-General Chamberlaine be re- 
quested, and he is hereby empowered, to hire a Sergeant 
and eight Men for guarding the Magazine on the Eastern- 


Shore. 


Ordered, That Western-Shore ‘Treasurer pay to Colonel 
Jeremiah Jordon £353 7s. 1d., for Militia on duty. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Timothy Bowes 
£2 13s., for amount of his Account. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to James Boyd £8 
2s. 6d., for Bayonets. 

Ordered, That said ‘Treasurer pay to Captain Darnes 
£345 1s. 6d., for and on account of his Company. 
Ordered, 'That the said Treasurer pay to Nicholas Har- 


1363 


wood 28s., for two days’ attendance as Assistant Clerk in 
the Council of Safety. 


Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to John Johnson £9 


2s., for thirteen days’ attendance in Council of Safety as , 


Assistant Clerk. 


NORTH-CAROLINA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1364 


Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Thomas 
Yates £85 4s. 9d., for balance of his Account. 

Ordered, That said Treasurer pay to Captain Bussey 
37s. 6d., balance of his Account. 


Adjourned till Monday, ten o’clock. 


NORTH-CAROLINA COUNCIL OF SAFETY. 
Monday, July 8, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment on the 5th instant. 


Thomas Jones, Esq., one of the Members for the District 
of Edenton, appeared, subscribed the ‘Test, and took his seat 
accordingly. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Tuesday, July 9, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Resolved, That three tons of Powder be sent from the 
Brigades of Edenton, Halifax, and Newbern, to Wilming- 
ton, to be sent from thence to Charlestown; and that Gen- 
eral Vail and General Jones see the two tons ordered from 
their Brigades sent off, and that the Committee of the Town 
of Newbern send the ton from that Brigade to Wilnington. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Wednesday, July 10, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Resolved, That the Judges of the Courts of Justice for 
hearing and determining Maritime matters, at the Ports of 
Edenton, Bath, Newbern, and Wilmington, shall, before 
they enter upon the execution of their respective offices, take 
the following Oath, to wit: 

“J, A B, do swear, upon the Holy Evangelists of Almighty 
God, that I will, in all cases which may come before me as 
Judge of the Court of Justice for hearing and determining 
maritime matters, at the Port of , execute the said 
office with integrity, impartially, and according to the best 
of my skill and ability. So help me God.” 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Thursday, July 11, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Whereas this Council have received certain information 
that many persons within this Province, inimical to the 
liberties of America, have offered larger sums of the Bills of 
Credit emitted by the Congresses held at Hillsborough and 
Halifax, than at the rate of eight Shillings in exchange for 
Spanish milled Dollars; and also that many persons, equally 
disaffected, have asked and demanded in payment for articles 
of merchandise, higher prices when to be paid in said Bills 
of Credit than they have for the same articles when to be 
paid for in Proclamation Money, debenture Bills, or in Gold or 
Silver, with a manifest intention to depreciate and undervalue 
the said Dollar Bills of Credit, emitted for the eX press 
purpose of securing and defending the lives, liberties, and 
properties of the good people of this Province: 

It is therefore Resolved, That the Cominittees of the 
several Counties and Towns in this Province do immediately 
call on every such person within their respective Towns and 
Counties, and on proper proof being made thereof, to cause 
such person or persons to render an inventory, on oath, of 
all and singular their Real and Personal Estate ; and in case 
of neglect or refusal, they do direct the Commanding Officer 
of the County forthwith to cause such suspected person or 
persons to be apprehended and sent to this Board. 


Whereas it appears that the Salt Works directed by the 
Congress to be established in this Province will not furnish 
a sufficient quantity of that necessary article for the con- 
sumption of the inhabitants thereof; and it being requisite 
that other Works be erected for that purpose, and Mr. 
Richard Blackledge being willing and desirous of under- 
taking a Salt Work, exclusive of the other Commissioners: 

Resolved, That Mr. Richard Blackledge be allowed at 
the rate of 20s. per day for every day he shall attend the 
said Works himself, or by some skillful person, to com- 
mence from the time he shall begin to erect said Works. 

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay to 
the said Richard Blackledge the sum of £500, to enable 


him to erect and carry on said Salt Works, he first giving 
bond with security in the sum of £1,000 for the faithful 
discharge of the trust hereby reposed in him, and for the due 
application of the money hereby granted; and be allowed 
the same in their accounts with the publick. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 

Friday, July 12, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Resolved, That Captain James Middleton, Captain James 
Nixon, Captain John Robinson, Captain William Evans, 
and Captain Henry Toomer, who lately commanded Com- 
panies of Militia in the County of New-Hanover, do, within 
two months from the date hereof, return, on oath, to this 
Board, lists of their respective Companies, containing the 
number of Officers and Men under their command, together 
with the time each continued in service. 


Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay 
into the hands of John Simpson, Esq., for the use of the 
publick, £3,000, to be applied by this Board in defraying 
such publick contingencies as may happen during the sitting 
of the Council of Safety at Halifax; and be allowed in their 
Accounts with the publick. 


Adjourned tll to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Friday, July 12, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 
Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


A Saturday, July 13, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


; Sunday, July 14, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Monday, July 15, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

It appearing to the Council that the Rev. George Mickle- 
john, of Orange County, has not, agreeable to the Resolve 
of the Provincial Congress, removed himself into the County 
of Perquimans, in that part of the said County on the south 
side of the river, which he ought to have done, in pursuance 
of the said resolve, within fourteen days after the passing 
thereof; for which disobedience, 

It is Resolved, That the said George Micklejohn be im- 
mediately removed into the said County, at his own expense, 
in order to carry into execution the said resolve of Congress ; 
and that the Commanding Officer of the Second Regiment 
of the County of Orange see this resolve carried into 
effect. 


Resolved, ‘That the following persons be appointed Com- 
missioners, viz: Mr. francis Brice, at the Town of Wilming- 
ton; Mr. John Green, at the Town of Newbern; Robert 
Hardy, Esq., at the Town of Edenton; Thomas Respess, 
Sen., Esq., at the Town of Bath: to purchase within their 
several districts Gunpowder, Lead, and Cannon Ball, Sail 
Duck, Osnaburgs, coarse Linens, coarse Cloths, Blankets, 
Shoes, and Leather, for the use of the Continental Troops 
stationed in this Province, and make a just return of the 
purchases made by them to this Council; and that each of 
the said Commissioners are hereby empowered to draw on 
either of the Treasurers for the sum of £1,000, first giving 
bond, with good and sufficient security, in the sum of £2,000, 
to the Hon. Samuel Johnston, Esq.}; President of the Con- 
gress, and his successors in office, for the faithful application 
of such moneys; and that they render a true and just ac- 
count to the Provincial Congress; and also, that they pro- 
duce to such Treasurer the bond, properly executed, before 
any money is advanced by him. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


1365 


Tuesday, July 16, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay to 
Captain John Forster the sum of £500, for so much by him 
advanced for the use of the publick, to be accounted for in 
the settlement of his Accounts; and be allowed in their 
Accounts with the publick. 

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay to 
Nicholas Long, Esq., Deputy Quartermaster-General, the 
sum of £600, for so much by him advanced for the use of 
the publick, to be accounted for in the -settlement of his 
Accounts; and be allowed in their Accounts with the pub- 
lick. 


The Council adjourned to the Town of Halifaz, in the 
County of Halifax. 


Halifax, July 21, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

It appearing to the Council that there is an absolute 
necessity for placing in the hands of Matthew Lock, Esq., a 
sum of money, to pay off the Militia in the Sulisbury Bri- 

ade, ; 

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay to 
Matthew Lock, Esq., Paymaster to the Salisbury Brigade, 
the sum of £3,000, to be hereafter accounted for; and that 
they be allowed in their Accounts with the publick. 

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay to 
Matthew Lock, Esq., Paymaster to the Salisbury Brigade, 
a further sum of £2,000, to be hereafter accounted for ; and 
that they be allowed in their Accounts with the publick. 


Resolved, That Mr. Robert Rowan or Mr. Peter Mallet, 
or either of them, their factors, agents, or clerks, at Cross 
Creek, do deliver to the Commissaries of the Salisbury Dis- 
trict, three hundred bushels of Salt, such Commissaries first 
producing an order from under the hand of Brigadier-Gene- 
ral Rutherford, before any of the sald Salt is delivered to 
them. 


Brigadier-General Person, one of the Members of the 
Council of Safety, appeared, and took his seat. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Monday, July 22, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


The Continental Congress having, on the 4th day of July 
last, declared the Thirteen United Colonies free and inde- 
pendent States : 

Resolved, That the Committees of the respective Towns 
and Counties in this Colony, on receiving the said Declara- 
tion, do cause the same to be proclaimed in the most publick 
manner, in order that the good people of this Colony may 
be fully informed thereof. 

Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 

Tuesday, July 23, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 


Resolved, That Brigadier-General Person immediately 
furnish forth five hundred Men, properly armed and accou- 
tred, from the Hillsborough Brigade, and that Colonel Jo- 
seph Taylor have the command of the same; and that he 
march with the ‘Troops with all expedition to the Western 
frontiers, and join Brigadier-General Rutherford. 


The Council being informed that William Miller and 
Andrew Wilson, (the former in close confinement, the latter 
on his parole,) in Hahfax, are dangerous persons to the 
liberties of this country; and it being necessary that they 
should be immediately separated: 

Resolved, That William Miller be sent to the County of 
Johnston on his parole, within three miles of the Court- 
House, and that he appear at the house of Mr. John Smith 
once every day; Andrew Wilson to the Town of Hillsbo- 
rough, on his parole, within the limits of that Town; and 
that he appear once every day at the house of Mr. William 
Courtney; and that the Commanding Officer of the County 
of Halifax see this resolution faithfully carried into execu- 
tion. 

Resolved, That William Clarke, who was ordered by the 
_ Congress to remove himself to the Town of Nixonton, and 
remain on his parole within the limits of the said Town, have 
his parole extended to the County of Pasquotank, and there 

* 


NORTH-CAROLINA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1366 


to remain, unless it shall be otherwise ordered by this Council 
or the Congress. 


The Council received from James Pamplin, in three 
wagons from Virginia, two tons of Gunpowder and one 
barrel of Jesuits’ Bark. 

Resolved, 'That twelve hundred and twenty-two weight 
of Gunpowder be immediately sent off from this place for 
the District of Salsbury; that two hundred and twenty-two 
weight of which be left at Hillsborough, to replace that 
quantity sent by Doctor Burk to General Rutherford; the 
remaining one thousand weight to be forwarded by General 
Person to the District of Salisbury; and that four hundred 
weight be also sent to Hillsborough, for the use of that Dis- 
trict, to be disposed of as Brigadier-General Person may 
direct. : 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Wednesday, July 24, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 
Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Thursday, July 25, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Whereas the Representatives of the United States of 
America, in Congress assembled, at Philadelphia, on the 4th 
day of July last, declared the Thirteen United Colonies free 
and independent States, and that the good people thereof 
were absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown; and 
that the said Declaration renders the Test, as directed to be 
subscribed by the late Congress at Halifax, improper and 
nugatory : 

Resolved, That a Test, as follows, be substituted in lieu 
thereof, and subscribed by the Members of this Board: 


We, the subscribers, do solemnly profess, testify, and de- 
clare, that we do absolutely believe that neither the Parlia- 
ment of Great Britain, nor any member or constituent 
branch thereof, hath a right to impose taxes upon these 
Colonies, to regulate the internal police thereof; and that all 
attempts, by fraud or force, to establish and exercise such 
claims and powers are violations of the peace and security 
of the people, and ought to be resisted to the utmost; and 
that the people of this Province, singly and collectively, are 
bound by the Acts and Resolutions of the Continental and 
Provincial Congresses, because in both they are freely repre- 
sented by persons chosen by themselves; and we do solemnly 
and sincerely promise and engage, under the sanction of 
virtue, honour, and the sacred love of liberty and our coun- 
try, to maintain and support all and every the Acts, Reso- 
lutions, and Regulations, of the said Continental and Pro- 
vincial Congresses, to the utmost of our power and abilities. 
In testimony whereof, we have hereto set our hands, at 
Halifax, this 24th day of July, 1776. 

Corns. Harnett, Joun Simpson, 
Wiuute Jones, Jos. Jno. WILLIAMs, 
Tuos. Person, Tuos. Jones, 
Wuirmitnt Hitt, James Coor. 
Tuomas Eaton, 


Resolved, That the thanks of this Board be given to 
Brigadier-General Ashe and the Officers and Soldiers under 
his command, who so readily and spiritedly assisted in quel- 
ling the late unhappy mutiny among the Regular Troops in 
Wilmington. 

Resolved, That John Hunter, Jun., be immediately sent 
off to the Town of Martinborough, there to remain on his 
parole within the limits of the said Town, and that the 
Commanding Officer of the County of Halifax see this 
Resolution carried into execution. 

Resolved, further, That the said Hunter appear once 
every day at the house of Mr. George Falconer, between 
the hours of six and twelve o’clock, in the Town aforesaid; 
in default of which, (sickness excepted,) and in case he shall 
break the limits aforesaid, Mr. George Falconer is hereby 
required to send the said Hunter immediately to Halifax 
Jails 

In order to’ encourage the importation of common Salt, 
an article essentially necessary and greatly wanted in this 
Colony: 

Resolved, That all known friends to the Amertcan Inde- 
pendency will, on application to this Board, be permitted to 


1367 


export any kind of Staves or Heading, first entering into 
bond, with sufficient security, to import in return Salt, Arms, 
Ammunition, and other warlike stores, to the full amount of 
the net proceeds of such Staves and Heading. 


Whereas it is absolutely necessary to prevent, as far as 
possible, all kinds of forestalling and imposition on the inha- 
bitants of this Colony in the article of common Salt : 

Resolved, That for the future no retailer of Salt shall be 
permitted to receive more than twenty-five per cent. on the 
prime cost for any Salt purchased in this Colony, and that 
the Committees of the respective Counties and ‘Towns see 
that this Resolve be strictly observed, and send under guard 
to this Board every person who shall presume to take or 
receive a greater advance than is hereby allowed and per- 
mitted for Salt purchased in this Colony as aforesaid. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 
Friday, July 26, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Whereas it is necessary that the directions of the Congress 
respecting Exportation, be fully and strictly observed: 

Resolved, That the Commissioners of the different Ports 
do receive from the Captains of all Vessels, on oath, a Mani- 
fest of their Cargo, before they grant any clearance or per- 
mit to leave this Colony; and that the Commanders of the 
Armed Vessels, the Companies of Militia on the sea-coast, 
and of the different Forts in this Colony, are hereby em- 
powered and required to stop and detain all Vessels, and 
prevent their leaving this Colony until they produce proper 
clearances from the Commissioners of the Ports of Edenton, 
Bath, Newbern, or Wilmington. 

Resolved, That Colonel Folsome deliver to Brigadier- 
General Person one hundred bushels of Salt from Cross- 
Creek, out of the quantity intended for Granville County. 


Resolved, That Robert Neilson, master and owner of the 
Brigantine Polly, be permitted to export to some Port in 
Spain and Portugal the following articles, to wit: sixty 
thousand pipe Staves, four thousand five hundred hogshead 
Staves, three thousand weight of Beeswax, and twenty bar- 
rels of Turpentine, be having entered into bond, with security, 
in the sum of £5,000, to import into this Province the net 
proceeds of the Staves above mentioned, in Salt, Arms, 
Ammunition, and other warlike stores. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


es 


Saturday, July 27, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Whereas Robert Neilson, master and owner of the Brig 
Polly, in the Port of Edenton, hath agreed to import into 
this Colony a quantity of Salt, Arms, and Ammunition, and 
hath given bond and sufficient security to perform the same 
within eight months from the date hereof: 

Resolved, That it be recommended to the Commissioners 
of the Port of Edenton to suffer the said Brig Polly, with 
her cargo, consisting of sixty thousand pipe, and four thou- 
sand five hundred hogshead Staves, three thousand weight 
of Beeswax, and twenty barrels of Turpentine, to depart 
this Province for some of the Ports belonging to the King- 
dom of Portugal or Spain, for the purposes aforesaid. 


Brigadier-General Person, one of the Managers of the 
Tron Works in this Colony, produced to this Council their 
Report on the same; also, a Deed and Trust in behalf of 
the publick, and a Bond from Wilcocks and England ; which 
were approved, and ordered to be filed. 


Ordered, That Wilham Turner be immediately commit- 
ted to Jail for passing Counterfeit Money. 


Ordered, 'That Jonathan Carpenter, William Carpenter, 
and Benamin Carpenter, be committed to Jail till further 
orders from this Council, they being strongly suspected of 
passing Counterfeit Money. 


Resolved, That it be recommended to the Commissioners 
for superintending the Iron Works in this Province, to pay 
to Mr. James Mills £6 15s., for his expenses nine days in 
attending the Council and making report with-respect to the 
said Works. 


Whereas there appears to have been no Paymaster ap- 
pointed to the Independent Companies on the sea-coast in 
this Colony: 


NORTH-CAROLINA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, JULY, 1776. 


1368 
Resolved, That Mr. John Easton, of Carteret County, is 


hereby appointed Paymaster to the two Independent Com- 
panies commanded by Captain James Anderson and Captain 
Enoch Ward, in the District of Newbern; and that Richard 
Caswell, Esq., Treasurer for the Southern District in this 
Colony, do, on receiving bond and security in the sum of 
£5,000, payable to the Hon. Samuel Johnston, Esq., Presi- 
dent, and his successors, pay into the hands of the said John 
Easton, Esq., the sum of £1,000, Proclamation Money, for 
the purposes aforesaid. 

Resalved, That Richard Caswell, Esq., Treasurer of the 
Southern District, do, on receiving bond and security for 
faithfully accounting for the same, pay into the hands of 
Captain James Anderson the sum of £200, for the purpose 
of procuring good and sufficient Guns, Drums, and Colours, 
for the use of his Independent Company, on the sea-coast 
in this Colony. 


Resolved, That Mr. Richard Cogdell do furnish from the 
Magazine in Newbern,*to Captain James Anderson, fifty 
weight of Gunpowder, and one hundred weight of Lead, for 
the use of his Independent Company. 


Resolved, That Captain James Anderson, who commands 
the Independent Company stationed at Occacock, do, as soon 
as possible, send an Officer, with a sufficient number of men 
under his command, to Cape Hatteras Banks, and to remove 
three pieces of iron Ordnance over the said Banks to Pam- 
lico Sound, and to transport the Cannon from thence to 
South Key, on Black Water, and there deliver the same to 
the Virginia Commissioners appointed by the Convention 
of that Colony to build and fit out two Galleys for the pro- 
tection of the trade of Occacock ; and that all the expense 
attending the hiring of carriages, &c., will be paid by this 
Colony. 

The Continental Congress having, on the fourth day of 
this instant, July, declared the Thirteen United Colonies of 
America free and independent States: 

Resolved, That Thursday, the first day of August next, 
be set apart for proclaiming the said Declaration, at the Court- 
House in the Town of Halifax. 'The Freeholders and In- 
habitants of the County of Halhfax are requested to give 
their attendance at the time and place aforesaid. 


Ordered, That the Council of Safety leave this Town 


next frtday week, for some interior part of this Colony. 
Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Sunday, July 28, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 
Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Monday, July 29, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Resolved, ‘That Captain Christopher Dudley do immedi- 
ately deliver, out of the Magazine in the Town of Halifax, 
to William Sheppard, Esq., Chairman of the Committee of 
the County of Surry, one hundred and fifty pounds of Gun- 
powder, for the use of the said County, and take his receipt 
for the same; and which the said Committee must account 
for to the next Congress. 


Resolved, That Matthew Lock, Esq., do furnish the Com- 
mittee of Surry County with five hundred weight of Lead, 
out of the quantity he may receive from the Managers of 
Chiswell’s Mines; to be accounted for to the publick by the 
said Committee. 


Whereas, by a Resolution of the Continental Congress, 
entered into on the 24th day of June last, with respect to 
Treason, as also one other Resolution, entered into on the 
26th day of the same month, giving a Bounty to non-com- 
missioned Officers and Soldiers who may be willing to inlist 
into the Continental service for the term of three years, have 
been transmitted to this Council: 

Resolved, That copies of the same be immediately sent 
to the respective Counties and Towns in this Colony, to be 
made publick. 


Stephen Scarborough, of Wake County, being brought 
before this Council for passing Counterfeit Money, was ex- 
amined, and committed to Halifax Jail. 

Stephen Scarborough having deposed on oath that he 
received a quantity of Counterfeit Money, which was found 


1369 


upon him, of a certain William Harrel, living in Wake 
County, 

Resolved, That John Cook, of Bute County, be, and he 
is hereby, directed to apprehend and bring the said Willcam 
Harref immediately before this Board; and the said John 
Cook is hereby empowered to take with him such assistance 
as he may think necessary to carry this order into execution, 

Resolved, also, That the said John Cook be, and he is 
hereby, directed to search the said Harrel’s house, his desks, 
chests, &c., for Counterfeit Money. 


The Council, taking into consideration the requisition of 
John Page, President of the Council of State in the Colony 
of Virginia, of three hundred Men to join the Virginia 
armament, destined against the Overhill Cherokees: — = 

Resolved, That General Rutherford be, and he is hereby, 
directed to order three hundred Men, from the District of 
Salisbury, to march with all possible expedition to Stal- 
nacker’s, on Holstein River, to act in concert with the Vir- 
ginia forces against the Overhill Cherokees. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Tuesday, July 30, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Ordered, That Benjamin Sherwood be immediately sent 
for and brought before this Board, to give testimony against 
sundry persons to be examined respecting Counterfeit Money ; 
and that John Geddy see this resolve carried into execution. 


The Council being of opinion that Shadrach Kennebrew, 
on his examination respecting persons concerned in making 
and passing Counterfeit Money, has given testimony of the 
greatest importance, and with great candour and ingenuity 
discovered all he knew: 

Resolved, That the said Kennebrew, for the reasons above 
mentioned, ought not to be prosecuted for the part which 
he has taken in passing Counterfeit Money, but that it be 
recommended to the Congress to admit him an evidence for 
the Province against other offenders. 


Resolved, That Lewis Wilhiamson, Ananias Randale, 
Howel Edmunds, Michael Harris, Benjamin De Berry, 
Benjamin Branch, James Sikes, and Jacob Kinnebrew, be 
immediately committed to the Jail of Halifax for further 
examination. 


Resolved, That the Colonel of Dobbs County do take an 
inventory of the Estate of Thomas Harrison, who has been 
suspected of being an enemy to this Colony; and that he 
keep the said Harrison in custody until he pay the expense 
of bringing him to this Council, and give security in the sum 
of £500, payable to the President of the Congress and his 
successors, for his future good behaviour. 


Resolved, That the Colonel of the County of Dobbs do 
take an inventory of the Estate of Wilkam Taylor, who has 
been an enemy to this Colony, and that he keep the said 
Taylor in custody until he pay the expense of bringing him 
to this Council, and give security in the sum of £150, pay- 
able to the President of the Congress and his successors, for 
his future good behaviour. 


This Council having received information from the Com- 
mittee of the County of Surry that Michael Henderson, pres- 
ent Ranger, has been guilty of malpractices in that office, 

Resolved, That Mr. John Snead, Major Joseph Winston, 
and Mr. Paul Patrick, be appointed Ranvers in the said 
County of Surry, in the room and stead of the said Michael 
Henderson. ’ 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Wednesday, July 31, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Resolved, That Colonel Joel Lane, Commissioner for the 
County of Wake, be empowered to receive one hundred 
bushels of Salt out of that taken by the Court-Martial here- 
tofore held at Cross Creek, and the Commissioners, or in 
their absence Colonel Folesome, deliver the same, and that 
Colonel Lane distribute the same in the most equitable man- 
ner amongst the Officers and Soldiers who turned out in the 
late expedition to Moore’s Creek; and that Samuel Smith, 
of Granville County, be empowered to receive one hundred 
bushels, and distribute the same in like manner. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


NORTH-CAROLINA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1370 


Thursday, August 1, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 
Resolved, That Mr. John Gale or William Calvert be ap- 

pointed to the command of the Brigantine Betsey, now lying 

in Edenton Bay, and laden with a cargo of Tobacco on the 

Continental account, and bound on a voyage to Europe; and 

should they both refuse to take the command of the said 

Brigantine, in that case the Committee of the Town of Eden- 

ton be empowered to appoint some person well skilled in the 

art of navigation, and who is a known friend to the Ameri- 
can independency, to the command of the said Brigantine 

Betsey. 

Resolved, That Robert Smith, Esq., of Edenton, be per- 
mitted to export to any of the French or Neutral Islands in 
the Sloop Betsey, James Ferguson, master, the following 
articles, to wit: twenty thousand hogshead Staves and 
Heading, he having entered into bond, with security, in the 
sum of £1,000, to import into this Province. the net pro- 
ceeds of the Staves above-mentioned in Salt, Arms, Ammu- 
nition, and other warlike stores. 


Resolved, That Henry Montfort be allowed an additional 
sum of £80, for four hundred weight of Powder imported 
into this Province and sold to Samuel Johnston, Esq., for 
the use of this Province; that the Treasurers, or either of 
them, pay him the same, and be allowed in their Accounts 
with the publick. 


Resolved, That the Sheriff of Halifax County do, on 
receiving a certificate from Mr. Willie Jones or Joseph John 
Williams, that James Lowe, now a prisoner in the Jail of the 
said County, hath given bond and security in the sum of 
£100 for his future good behaviour, release and discharge 
him from the said Jail. 


Resolved, That Thomas Collins, now confined to Halifax 
Town on parole, be discharged therefrom, on giving security 
in the sum of £500 to the Council for his future good be- 
haviour; and to this end that he have leave to go home, on 
condition that he appear before this Board in thirty days from 
this time, with his securities, or failing thereof, return again 
to Halifax on parole as before. : 


Whereas there appears to have been no Paymaster ap- 
pointed to the Independent Companies on the sea-coast in 
this Colony: 

Resolved, ‘That Colonel Samuel Jarvis, of Currituck 
County, is hereby appointed Paymaster to the Independent 
Company commanded by Captain Dennis Dauge, in the 
District of Edenton, and Wiliam Wilkinson Paymaster to 
the two Independent Companies commanded by Captain 
Wilkiam Purviance and Captain Selby Harney; and that the 
Treasurers, or either of them, do, on receiving bonds and 
security, the former in the sum of £2,500, the latter in the 
sum of £5,000, payable to the Hon. Samuel Johnston, Esq., 
President, and his successors, for the faithful discharge of 
their offices, pay into the hands of the said Samuel Jarvis 
the sum of £750, and into the hands of William Wilkinson 
the sum of £1,000, for the purposes aforesaid. 


Hezekiah Alexander, Esq., one of the Members of this 
Board, appeared. 


Resolved, That Samuel Jarvis, Esq., be appointed Com- 
missioner for the Port of Currituck, in this Province, and 
that he enter into bond with security in the sum of £5,000 
for the faithful discharge of his office. 


Resolved, That Daniel Fisher be immediately brought 
before this Council to answer such complaints as may be 
exhibited against him, and that Mr. Chappel Gree be ap- 
pointed to execute this Resolve. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock, 


Friday, August 2, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Resolved, That the three Wagons now at Whitfield’s Fer- 
ry, on Neuse River, be directed by Quartermaster-General 
Long to proceed to Captain Stephen Cobb’s, on Cotentnee 
Creek, and there to receive from said Stephen Cobb a fult 
load of Bacon and Pork belonging to the publick, and pro- 
ceed with the same to Wilmington, and deliver it to the said 
Quartermaster-General Long, or his order, and that he so 
dispose of the said Bacon and Pork either to the Commis- 
saries, or to private persons, as he may judge most for the 
benefit of the publick. 


1371 


Resolved, That Mr. Charles Bonfield, of Edenton, deliver 
out of the Publick Magazine in that Town to Captain Den- 
nis Dauge twenty-five weight of Gunpowder, for the use 
of his Independent Company on the sea-coast in this Pro- 
vince. 

Resolved, That John Smith, of Halifax County, be im- 
mediately brought before this Council for passing Counter- 
feit Money; that Mr. Philip Harney and Mr. William Har- 
ris be summoned to appear as witnesses at the same time; 
and that the Commanding Officer of said County see this 
resolution carried into execution. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


° 
— 


Saturday, August 3, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Whereas it appears to the Council, by the oath of James 
Williams, of the County of Perquimans, that a certain John 
Pitts did, on the night of the twenty-fifth day of July last 
past, in a clandestine manner, take from this deponent, and 
carry out of the said County of Perquimans, the following 
Negro slaves, to wit: 4bb, Toby, Martin, and all, as also 
four Horses, being part of the estate of Joseph Williams, 
deceased; and in order to do justice to the legal representa- 
tives of the said Joseph Williams, these are therefore to em- 
power you, or either of you, to make diligent search within 
the limits of this State for the said Negro slaves and Horses, 
and when found, take the same into your possession, as also 
the body of the said John Pitts, and them bring before the 
Council; and should the said John Pitts make resistance, in 
that case you must call to your aid sufficient force in order 
that this order may be carried into execution. 


Whereas this Board, anxious to detect all persons con- 
cerned in counterfeiting the currency of this State, and influ- 
enced by reports injurious to Mr. William Edwards’s cha- 
racter, and by misinformation, ordered Mr. Edwards to be 
brought before us for examination, and he was brought and 
examined accordingly, we, in justice to injured innocence, 
and to prevent that imputation of guilt which might arise 
from the circumstance of apprehending Mr. Edwards, do, 
with infinite pleasure, declare, that, after the strictest scrutiny 
into his conduct, the charge was found totally groundless, 
and he was most honourably acquitted. 


Resolved, That Brigadier-General Person and Mr. Joseph 
John Williams do each of them agree with a proper person 
for the purpose ‘of instructing the inhabitants of Anson 
County, and other the western parts of this Colony, in their 
duty to Almighty God, and for explaining to them the jus- 
tice and necessity of the measures pursued by the Unated 
States of America, as the only means under God of sup- 
porting and maintaining our civil and religious liberties, and 
thereby induce the good people of this Colony'firmly to unite 
in supporting their just rights and privileges; and that the 
persons who may be intrusted with the execution of this 
important service be by the said General Person and Mr. 
Joseph John Williams, supplied with the sum of £25 each, 
in order to defray their travelling expenses, and that the 
Treasurers, or either of them, pay the same, and be allowed 
in their Accounts with the publick. 


Resolved, That Mr. James Mills, of Bute County, be 
employed immediately to proceed to the Northern States, 
there to contract in behalf of this State with one or more 
persons well skilled in the art of casting Pig Iron, Cannon, 
Cannon-Ball, and Hollow Ware, and that it be reeommended 
to the Delegates in Congress for this State to give Mr. Mills 
such aid as may be necessary, by advice and a proper supply 
of money. 

Resolved, That either of the Treasurers pay into the 
hands of Brigadier-General Person the sum of £1,000, for 
the use of the Commissary who may be appointed to furnish 
with Provisions the Detachment ordered from the District of 
Hillsborough to reinforce General Rutherford, and that he 
take bond and security from the said Commissary to account 
with the next Congress for the due application of the said 
sum. 

Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 

Sunday, August 4, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


NORTH-CAROLINA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1372 


’ ; Monday, August 5, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Resolved, That John Webb, of Halifax, be permitted to 
export to any of the French or Dutch Islands, in the Sloop 
King- Fisher, James Ducaine Master, eighteen thousand 
Hogshead Staves, he having entered into bond and security 
in the sum of £2,000 to import into this Province the net 
proceeds of the Staves above mentioned in Salt, Arms, Am- 
munition, and other warlike stores. 

Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 

Tuesday, August 6, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 


Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay 
into the hands of Mr. Walter Gibson, Commissary to the 
Newbern and Wilmington Brigades of Militia at Wilnington, 
the sum of £1,000, it appearing to the Council the said 
Walter Gibson is in advance that sum to the publick, and 
be allowed the same in the settlement of their Accounts 
with the publick. 


The Continental Congress, on the 4th day of July last, 
declared the Thirteen United Colonies of America free and 
independent States; and as it appears that there is no Com- 
mittee in the County of Cumberland: 

Resolved, That Colonel Ebenezer Folesome and Colonel 
David Smith, or either of them, on receiving the said Decla- 
ration, call a general meeting of the inhabitants of the said 
County, and that they, or either of them, cause the same to 
be read and proclaimed in the most publick manner, in order 
that the good people of this State may be informed thereof; 
and that at the same time the Resolve of the said Congress 
respecting Treason be published, and that he proclaim the 
same to the Regiment stationed at Cross Creek. 


Resolved, That John Crook be allowed the sum of £16 
for himself, William Wood, and Edmund Dinson, for bring- 
ing under guard to this Council a certain William Harrard, 
of Wake County; that the Treasurers, or either of them, 
pay him the same, and be allowed in their Accounts with the 
publick. 

Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 

Wednesday, August 7, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 


Captain Hardy, owner of the Brig Betsey, bound on a 
voyage to Hamburg, on Continental service, having repre- 
sented to this Board that he himself risks the vessel against 
the danger of the seas and the barratry of the masters, and 
that Gale and Colvert, nominated by this Board as proper 
persons to take the command of her, are strangers to him, 
and he apprehends unacquainted with those seas to which 
she is bound, 

Resolved, That the former Resolution respecting this 
matter, so far as it relates to Gale and Colvert, be rescinded, 
and that the Committee of Edenton do appoint any known 
friend of American Independence to the command of the 
said Brig. 

Resolved, ‘That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay 
unto Mr. James Davis the sum of £125, being for the half 
year’s Salary due him the Ist day of June last, agreeable to 
an Act of Assembly, and be allowed in their Accounts with 
the publick. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 
Thursday, August 8, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay 
into the hands of Captain Thomas Bloodworth the sum of 
£300, to enable him to pay off his Minute Company, and 
that he account for the same with the next Provincial Con- 
gress, and be allowed the same in the settlement of their 
Accounts with the publick. 


Resolved, That Henry Buford be allowed the sum of 
£40, for six months’ rent of the northeast Bridge, from the 
18th February, 1776, to the 18th August, inclusive, for 
sundry Troops, Wagons, Horses, &c., passing and repassing 
the same, and that the Treasurers, or either of them, pay 
him the same, and be allowed in their Accounts with the 
publick. 


- 


1373 


Resolved, That Austin Parrat and Michael Henry be 
discharged from custody, they first entering into bond for 
their personal appearance at the next Congress, and that 
Francis Roberts be committed to Jail, there to remain until 
further orders. 


Ordered, That Benjamin Branch and Jacob Kennebrew 
be discharged from custody, they entering into bond for their 
appearance at the next Congress. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock, 
Friday, August 9, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


The Representatives of the United States of America, in 
General Congress assembled, at Philadelphia, the 4th day 
of July, 1776, having determined that the Thirteen Unzted 
Colonies are free and independent States, and in consequence 
thereof have published a Declaration of Independence: 

Resolved, That it be recommended to the good people 
of this now independent State of North-Carolina to pay the 
greatest attention to the Election, to be held on the 15th 
day of October next, of Delegates to represent them in Con- 
gress, and to have particularly in view this important con- 
sideration: that it will be the business of the Delegates then 
chosen not only to make laws for the good government of, 
but also to form a Constitution for this State; that this last, 
as it is the corner-stone of all law, so it ought to be fixed 
and permanent; and that, according as it is well or ill 
ordered, it must tend in the first degree to promote the hap- 
piness or misery of the State. 

Resolved, also, That it be recommended to the inhabi- 
tants of this State to elect five Delegates, properly qualified, 
for each County, to sit and vote in the next Congress, as 
business of the last importance will come before them. 


Whereas the Provincial Council, heretofore held at John 
Smith’s, on Neuse River, did order and direct by Resolve 
that the Books, Papers, and Accounts belonging to Anthony 
Warwick § Co., in the possession of Lewis Williamson, 
should be delivered to the said Anthony Warwick & Co., 
and it now appearing to this Council that the carrying the 
said Order and Resolution into effect would be injurious to 
many of the inhabitants of this State, 

Resolved, therefore, That the said Resolution be rescind- 
ed, and that the said Lewis Williamson keep in his posses- 
sion the said Books and Papers till further orders. 


Richard Dunnivan, lately belonging to the Syren man- 
of-war, a prisoner on parole in Halifax, came before the 
Council and moved that he might be naturalized and admit- 
ted to the privileges of a free citizen of this State, and to this 
end declared that he was willing to take an oath of alle- 
giance to the State; which being granted, and he having 
taken and subscribed to an oath for that purpose, 

Resolved, therefore, That the said Richard Dunnivan be 
discharged from his parole, and that he be henceforward 
considered as a member and free citizen of this State. 


William Miller, a prisoner on parole in Halifaa, but late 
of Wilmington, came before the Council, and moved that 
he might be admitted to the privileges of a free citizen; and 
to this end declared he was willing to take an oath of alle- 
giance to this State; which being granted, and he having 
taken and subscribed to an oath for that purpose, 

Resolved, therefore, That the said William Miller be dis- 
charged from his parole, and that he be henceforward con- 
sidered as a member and free citizen of this State. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Saturday, August 10, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Samuel Ashe, Esq., one of the Members of the Council 
of Safety for the District of Wilmington, appeared. 


Whereas there is now on hand in the Town of Halifax a 
large quantity of Beef and Pork purchased by John Webb 
for the use of the publick, a great proportion of which, for 
want of due management and care, is much damaged and 
unfit for the use of the Army, and as there is also a con- 
siderable quantity of Provisions belonging to the publick in 
the Town of Tarborough, under the care of Colonel Irwin, 
part of which is also damaged ; in order, therefore, to pre- 
vent the total loss thereof, 


NORTH-CAROLINA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1374 


Resolved, That Colonel Nicholas Long be empowered 
and required to dispose of the said Beef and Pork in the 
best and most advantageous manner he may think proper, 
either at publick or private sale, and may, if he judge it ne- 
cessary, give three months’ credit to the purchasers, and 
make return of such sale to the Congress. 

Resolved, That Colonel Willis Alston do procure Wa- 
gons and ‘Team and a guard of twelve good and trusty men, 
properly armed, with an Officer to command them, in order 
to transport a guantity of Ammunition and other articles 
from the Town of Halifax to Wilmington. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


’ ; Sunday, August 11, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. . 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Monday, August 12, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

This Board being informed there is in the County of 
Halifax, on a place called Great Fishing Creek, a Lead 
Mine, and some of the Ore having been produced and tried, 
from which it appears there is a probability of procuring 
Lead for the use of this State; therefore, for employing pro- 
per persons to examine and make a more full discovery of 
the quality and quantity of the said Ore, 


Resolved, That either of the Treasurers pay into the 
hands of Francis Ward or John Williams the sum of £50, 
Proclamation money, and that they do account for the due 
application of the same to the next Congress. 


Resolved, That Colonel Nicholas Long deliver to Fran- 
cis Ward and John Williams five pounds of Gunpowder, for 
the use of blowing rocks in exploring the Lead Mines on 
Fishing Creek. 

Resolved, That Richard Dunnovan, lately a prisoner on 
parole at Halifax, be allowed £1 16s., for three weeks’ 
board, and that the Treasurers, or either of them, pay him 


the same, and be allowed in their Accounts with the pub- 
lick. , 


It appearing to this Board, by the oath of Frances Pitts, 
wife of John Pitts, that on or about the fourth of this instant 
August, that as the said John Pitts was travelling the high- 
road through the County of Halifax, he was assaulted and 
inhumanly beat by a certain James Sweeny, and by him 
robbed of a Horse, one Watch, nine Dollars in Bills, one 
Gold Ring, one Trunk, one Dutch Blanket, one Tobacco- 
Box, and one Tickler: 

Resolved, therefore, That Bottom Stegall be hereby au- 
thorized and empowered to take with him such aid and 
assistance as he may judge necessary to apprehend the said 
Sweeney, and bring him before this Board, or a Committee 
of the County of Halifax, to answer the above charge. 


Resolved, That Mr. James Williams and Mr. Joseph Tur- 
ner do take into their possession three Negroes, now in the 
Town of Halifax, and one at the Plantation of Mr. James 
Colton, the property of the Heirs of Mr. Joseph Williams, of 
Perquimans County, deceased, and deliver them into the 
hands of Colonel Wilhkam Skinner, to be by him secured 
for the use of the Orphans, agreeable to the Will of the said 
Williams, until the further order of Congress. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock 
Tuesday, August 13, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


It appearing that Nicholas Long, Esq., Quartermaster- 
General of the Continental Troops, hath advanced large 
sums of money for Supplies for the said ‘Troops, as also for 
Colonel Muhlenberg’s Virginia Regiment: 

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pa 
into the hands of Nicholas Long the sum of £1,000, to be 
accounted for by him at the next Provincial Congress, and 
that they be allowed the same in their Accounts with the 
publick. 

It appearing that Henry Giffard, Commissary of the 
Militia stationed at Cross Creek, under the command of 
Colonel Lolesome, hath advanced a large sum of money for 
Supplies for the said Militia: 

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay 


1375 


into the hands of the said Henry Giffard the sum of £400, 
to be accounted for by him at the next Provincial Con- 
gress, and be allowed the same in their Accounts with the 
publick. 


James Childs, of Anson County, charged on oath with 
practices inimical to the cause of liberty, was brought before 
the Council, and being examined, declared that he was a 
preacher of the New-Light Baptist persuasion ; that one of 
the tenets of his church was not to bear arms, either offen- 
sively or defensively, and that he had preached this doctrine 
not only in his particular church, but in all the churches of 
his communion, and that he had inculcated it by the terrors 
of excommunication. And the said James Childs, being 
required to take an oath of allegiance to this State, re- 
fused: . 

Resolved, That the aforesaid doctrine, especially at this 
crisis, has an evil tendency, and that James Childs, by 
preaching the same, and by excommunicating such of his 
followers as did not implicitly subscribe to this doctrine, and 
by refusing to take the oath of allegiance, deserves to be con- 
sidered as an enemy to this State; therefore, that he be sent 
to the Town of Edenton, on his parole, within the limits of 
the same, not to depart therefrom without permission of this 
Council or the Congress. 


Resolved, That Colonel Ebenezer Folesome take into his 
possession and keep safe all the Salt which he rendered an 
account of to this Board; except such as has been otherwise 
ordered, subject to the further order of this Council. 


On the application of Mr. Wyriot, from Georgia, 

Resolved, That the Officers from that State be permitted 
to recruit Soldiers in this State, provided they do not inlist 
any Regular Soldiers or Marines, already engaged here in the 
Continental service or the service of this State, or indented 
Servants or Apprentices, without first obtaining leave from 
their masters. And it is recommended to the several County 
and Town Committees to afford them all possible assistance, 
as the Soldiers about to be inlisted are to be on the Conti- 
nental establishment. 


Resolved, That Thomas Erskin, now a prisoner at Hah- 
fax, be removed to Harrisburg, in the County of Granville, 
there to remain on his parole, within one mile of the said 
Town, until further orders of this Council or the Provincial 
Congress. 


“ To the Jailer of Havirax County : 

“‘ Herewith you will receive the body of James Sweeny, 
charged on the oath of Frances Pitts, wife of John Pitts, 
of having feloniously stolen from the said Joha Pitts one 
Horse, one Watch, nine Dollars in bills, one Gold Ring, 
one Trunk, one Dutch Blanket, one ‘Tobacco-box, and one 


Tickler.” 


John Campbell, a prisoner on parole in Halifax, came 
before the Council, and moved that he might be admitted to 
the privileges of a free citizen, and to this end declared that 
he was willing to take an oath of allegiance to this State; 
which being granted, and he having taken and subscribed to 
an oath for that purpose: 

Resolved, therefore, That the said John Campbell be 
discharged from his parole, and that he be henceforward 
considered as a member and free citizen of this State. 


Resolved, 'That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay 
into the hands of Willis Alston, Esq., the sum of £50, for 
the purpose of employing Guards for the Town of Halifaa, 
to be accounted for at the next Congress, and be allowed 
the same in their Accounts with the publick. 


Malcom McNiel and Joseph Smith, prisoners on parole at 
Halifax, came before this Council, and being desirous to 
take an oath not to take up or bear Arms, on any pretence, 
against the inhabitants of the United States of America, nor 
carry out more than £50 of Gold and Silver, equal in value 
to £50 Carolina currency, and they having subscribed to 
an oath for that purpose : 

Resolved, ‘That the said Malcom MeNiel and Joseph 
Smith be permitted to leave this State, and proceed to any 
of the French or Neutral Islands in the West-Indies, and 
that they have leave from this Board to take shipping 
from any Port in this State where they can obtain the 
same. 


The Council adjourned to Wake County, at the house of 
Mr. Joel Lane. 


NORTH-CAROLINA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1376 


Wake County, Wednesday, August 21, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


The Council proceeded to make choice of a President, in 
the room of Cornelius Harnett, Esq., who has leave of ab- 
sence; when Samuel Ashe, Esq., was unanimously chosen, 
and placed in the Chair accordingly. 


It being represented to the Council by Captain John 
Jones that he, at the request of Richard Blackledge, applied 
to Richard Nassau Stevens, of Bath-Town, for certain Ket- 
tles to the said Stevens belonging, for the purpose of making 
Salt by boiling; that he (John Jones) agreed to give the price 
demanded by Stevens, but that Stevens refused to take it, 
unless paid in old Proclamation or Continental money: 

Resolved, That the said John Jones be, and he is hereby, 
empowered to apply again to the said Stevens for the Kettles 
above-mentioned ; and if he shall refuse to receive payment 
for the same in the Dollar Bills of this State, then, and in 
such case, to take them unpaid for, and refer the said Stevens 
to this Council for remedy. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Thursday, August 22, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

The Petition of the Committee of the Settlements of 
Watauga and Holstein, called by them Washington District, 
and of the inhabitants thereof, was read, setting forth the 
manner in which they first settled that country, and the 
nature of their title, showing, that from the commencement 
of the present dispute between Great Britain and the Colo- 
nies, they have adhered to the Association and Resolutions 
of the Continental Congress, and promoted as far as they 
could the common cause of liberty; that the said Settle- 
ments are within the bounds of this State, and praying that 
they may be received into and considered as part thereof. 
The said Petition being considered, 

Resolved, That the Council do approve of the conduct of 
the Committee and inhabitants of the above-mentioned Settle- 
ments in regard tosthe present disputes; and that it be, and 
is hereby, recommended to the freemen of the said Settle- 
ments to hold a free and impartial election at some con- 
venient place in the said District, on the 15th day of October 
next, then and there to elect five Delegates to represent the 
said District; and that it be recommended to the Delegates 
so elected to attend at Halifax-Town, in this State, on the 
10th day of November next, then and there to lay their case 
before the Congress of this State. 


Whereas the Cherokees, unprovoked by the inhabitants 
of Watauga and Holstein, and instigated under the influence 
of Cameron, Stewart, and other emissaries of the British 
Government, by the refusal of the said inhabitants to join 
and codperate with the enemies of America, have attacked 
the said inhabitants of Watauga and Holstein, murdered 
some of them, ravaged their country, destroyed their crops, 
and driven off their stocks of Cattle and Horses, and carried 
off other effects: 

Resolved, That it be recommended to the gentlemen, 
Officers and Soldiers of the armaments which have marched 
or may march from Virginia and this State against the 
Cherokees, to restore to the owners, on recapture, all such 
Cattle, Horses, and other effects, sufficient proof being first 
made of the property. 


Christopher Neal, Esq., Judge of the Court of Justice 
for Port Newbern, exhibited his Account against the Brig 
William, Captain Drew commander, lately condemned in 
the said Court, whereby it appears there is a balance due to 
the publick of £108 18s. 6}d: 

Resolved, ‘That the said Christopher Neal pay the said 
sum of £108 18s. 64d., into the hands of the Southern 
Treasurer, and take his receipt for the same. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Friday, August 23, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Whereas the Council have received information that John 
Cowper, of Beaufort County, Merchant, has at this time 
by him a large quantity of common Salt, which he refuses to 
dispose of, pretending, as it is said, that he keeps the same 
for the use of two of the Independent Companies on the sea 


board; and whereas the numerous armaments now in the 
Be 


1377 


service of this State on the frontiers are in the greatest want 
of Salt : 

It is therefore, Resolved, That James Bonner, Esq., do 
immediately call on the said John Cowper, requiring him 
to deliver, upon oath, an exact account of the quantity of 
Salt he has now in his possession, and that the same remain 
in the care of the said John Cowper for the use of the pub- 
lick, until he receives the further order of this Board; and 
that the said James Bonner immediately certify to this Board 
the exact quantity of said Salt. 


Whereas this Board have had information that the Cher- 
okees of the Lower, Middle, and Valley Settlements have 
abandoned their Towns, and that the force already collected 
under General Rutherford, with the three hundred men 
marched from Hillsborough District is fully adequate to the 
protection and security of the frontiers: 

Resolved, That the Brigadier-General of Hillsborough 
District be directed to countermand the raising or marching 
of the remaining two hundred ordered from the said District, 
until further orders from the Council. 

Resolved, That Colonel Ebenezer Folesome furnish to the 
Commissioners appointed to manage and superintend the 
Iron Works, fifteen bushels of the publick Salt in his pos- 
session, for the use of the labourers at said Works. 


Whereas sundry persons of the Militia in Hillsborough 
District, disregarding the Resolutions of Congress relative 
to the Militia, and also in contempt of an Order of this 
Council, lately issued, directing the raising and marching of 
five hundred men to the assistance of General Rutherford, 
have failed to attend the Musters in their respective Coun- 
ties, and when draughted have refused or neglected to march, 
and by such conduct incurred the penalties by the Resolu- 
tions of Congress inflicted: 

Resolved, That the Colonels in the respective Counties 
be, and they are hereby, directed to hold Courts-Martial for 
the trial of such delinquents; that they administer the fol- 
lowing Oath to the Members thereof, to wit: ‘ You shall 
swear well and truly to try and determine, according to the 
evidence in the matter now before you, between the inde- 
pendent State of North-Carolina and the prisoner to be 
tried ;’ that they inquire into facts and pass sentence, and 
return their proceedings to this Board, deferring execution 
until further orders of the Council or the Congress. 


Resolved, That Conner Doud be directed to sell the Salt 
in his possession, being about one hundred and ten bushels, 
to the Whigs who bore armis in the late expedition against 
the Tories at Moore’s Creek, at 10s. per bushel, not selling 
more than half a bushel to each man. 


Resolved, That Mr. Archibald Simpson be directed to 
sell ten bushels of his Salt to Henry Giffard, Commissary 
for the Horse under the command of Colonel Folesome, at 
10s. per bushel. : 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 
Saturday, August 24, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Read the Petition of a number of inhabitants of Cumber- 
land County, complaining of many abuses committed by 
Colonel Ebenezer Folesome ; which was ordered to be filed, 
and that notice be given at a future day for a hearing of the 
parties. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 
Sunday, August 25, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 
Monday, August 26, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 


Resolved, That a copy of the Valuation and A ppraisement 
of sundry Vessels some time since sunk to obstruct the navi- 
gation of Cape Fear River, be transmitted to Nicholas Long, 
Esq.; that he apply to the Committee of Wilmington for the 
Inventories therein mentioned, and take into his possession 
the Masts, Yards, Sails, Rigging, Cables, Anchors, and other 
apparel to the said Vessels belonging, and deposite them in 
the care of one or more trusty person or persons, there to 
remain subject to the further orders of the Council or Con- 
gress, and that he transmit an account of his doing herein, 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


NORTH-CAROLINA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1378 


and an Inventory of the various articles, and with whom 
lodged, to this Board. 

And whereas the Council are informed that a certain 
William Campbell, late owner of the Ship Alexander, a 
vessel sunk for the purpose above-mentioned, refuses to de- 
liver up the Sails, &c., to her belonging, detaining them until 
he shall be allowed for sundry materials prepared for the 
repair of the said Ship Alexander : 

Resolved, That Nicholas Long call on said William Camp- 
bell for delivery of the Sails and other articles aforesaid, and 
on his refusal to deliver them, summon sufficient aid and 
take them by force, and proceed to take care of them as 
above directed. 

Resolved, also, That the Committee of Wilmington be, 
and they are hereby, directed to appoint five indifferent per- 
sons to value and appraise the materials prepared for the 
repairs of the Ship Alexander, lately belonging to William 
Campbell, the said Campbell first deposing on oath that they 
were actually prepared for that purpose, and render an In- 
ventory and Appraisement thereof to next Congress, that 
they may determine of said Campbell’s claim for the said 
materials. 


Resolved, That the Commissioners or Colonel Folesome 
deliver to Mr. James Williams sixty bushels of Salt, out of 
that taken at Cross Creek, for the use of the County of 
Chatham, he or they complying with the Resolution of 
Congress respecting the same. 


It appearing on examination of Major James Moore’s 
Account, rendered to, and allowed by, the last Congress, 
that there was an error in extending the pay of fifty-two 
Privates in the Minute-service, for twenty-eight days, at 
1s. 103d., of £26 Os. 1d., it being carried out £112 Os. 3d., 
instead of £138 Os. 4d.: 

Resolved, That the said James Moore be allowed the sum 
of £26 Os. 1d., for said error; that the Treasurers, or either 
of them, pay him the same, and be allowed in their Accounts 
with the publick. 

Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 

Tuesday, August 27, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 


Wilham Crawford having applied to this Board for leave 
to depart this State for the Island of Bermuda: 
Resolved, He have leave accordingly. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Wednesday, August 28, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Resolved, That Reneca Julian and James Walker be sent 
to the Jail of Halifax, it appearing to this Council that they 
are both inimical to this State ; and that Messrs. William Bell, 
Richardson Owen, and Francis Harper, Commissioners 
appointed by Congress to take care of the estate of Prisoners 
put out of this State from the County of Guilford, take an 
inventory of the Estate of the said Reneca Julian, and to 
take all the care in their power to prevent waste and em- 
bezzlement; and to make return thereof to next Congress, 
but at the same time pay particular attention to his wife and 
children, to see that they do not want the common neces- 
saries of life; and that his Estate shall remain where it was, 
except Arms and Ammunition, under the protection of this 
Council, until some future order of this Board or the Con- 
gress; and that the Colonel of Wake County do see the first 
part of this Resolve carried into execution. 


Jacob Elliot, Abraham Woodward, James Wilson, Wil- 
liam Draper, John Underhill, and Reneca Julian, being 
brought before this Board from Guzlford County as persons 
inimical to the cause of America, 

Resolved, That the aforesaid persons, by equal propor- 
tions, pay to Thomas Jenkins, Captain of the Guard, for 
himself and seven others, the sum of £20 8s. 6d., for their 
expense in bringing them before this Council. 

Resolved, That Thomas Jenkins be allowed the sum of 
£3 8s. ld. for himself and Guard bringing to this Board 
James Walker, of Guilford County. That the Treasurers, 
or either of them, pay him the same, and be allowed in their 
Accounts with the publick. 


John Hamilton appearing before this Board in behalf of 
John Hamilton & Company, and suggesting that they had 


87 


1379 


been aggrieved by the determination of this Board relative 
to the Brigantine William, directed by the Congress held at 
Halifax, in April last, to be seized as British property, and 
praying an appeal from the determination of this Board to 
the next Congress, and that all further proceedings be stayed 
until the direction of Congress be had thereon : 

Resolved, That the said John Hamilton, in behalf of the 
Company, be permitted to appeal to the next Congress ; and 
that the said John Hamilton & Company, and all other 
persons, the Officers of the Courts of Justice excepted, who 
have received any moneys arising from the sale of the said 
Brigantine William, replace the same in the hands of Chris- 
topher Neale, Esq., until the resolution of the next Congress. 


Resolved, That Messrs. Francis Price and George Merrick 
be appointed Commissioners for the Port of Wilmington, in 
this Province, and that they enter into bond, with security, 
in the sum of £5,000, for the faithful discharge of their 
office. 


Resolved, That the Commissioners appointed at the Ports 
of Edenton, Bath, Newbern, and Wilmington, be empowered 
to give permits to Vessels to load with Staves and Heading 
for any of the French, Spanish, Dutch, or Danish Islands, 
in the West-Indies, the owner or owners of such Vessels first 
giving bond, with a good and sufficient security in the sum 
of £2,000, which bond must be made payable to the Presi- 
dent of the Congress of this State, and his successors, that 
Salt, Arms, Ammunition, and other warlike stores, shall 
only be imported, in return for the net proceeds of such 
Staves and Heading; and that no person or persons shall be 
entitled to this privilege but known friends to the American 
independency. 


Resolved, That Mr. William Brown be appointed Com- 
missioner for the Port of Bath, and that he enter into bond, 
with security, in the sum of £2,000, for the faithful discharge 
of his office; which bond is to be lodged with the President 
of the Provincial Congress. 


The Council adjourned to Salisbury, in the County of 
Rowan. 


Salisbury, September 6, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 
James Hunter and Joseph Dobson, both of Guilford 


County, voluntarily came before the Council, moved that 
they might be admitted to the privileges of free citizens, and 
declared that they were willing to take an oath of allegiance 
to this State; which being granted, and they having taken 
and subscribed to an oath for that purpose, 

Resolved, That they henceforward be considered as free 
citizens and members of this State. 


Jacob Williams, of Anson County, being brought before 
this Council for having spoken some words inimical to the 
cause of liberty, and regardless of a solemn declaration by 
him signed at the Congress at Hillsborough, 

Resolved, That the said Williams enter into bond, with 
security, in the sum of £300, conditioned that he appear at 
the next Congress to be held at Halifax, and not depart 
without leave; otherwise to be committed to the common 
Jail of Salisbury, there to remain until further orders of this 
Council or Congress. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 
Saturday, September 7, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Resolved, That the Troops stationed on the frontiers of 
Tryon County, by order of General Rutherford, for the pro- 
tection of this State, be continued till further orders of this 
Board, General Rutherford, or the Congress. 

Ambrose Mills and John Austin, of Tryon County, having 
been brought before this Board, for acting inimical to the 
cause of American freedom, and after examination, it was 
thought proper to discharge them, the first having entered 
into bond and taken the oath of allegiance to this State, the 
other having also taken the said oath of allegiance. 

Adjourned till Monday morning, eight o’clock. 


ts Monday, September 9, 1776. 
Net according to adjournment. 


On the Petition of Mary Hughs, wife of Joseph Hughs, 


NORTH-CAROLINA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776. 


1380 


for leave for her husband to appear before this Board, to be 
admitted as a free citizen of this State, 

Resolved, Vhat the said Joseph Hughs be permitted to 
appear before this Council, on or before the 11th of this 
instant, September, for the purpose aforesaid. 


Read in Council, the Petition of James Hepburn, on 
parole to Mecklenburgh County, and a Certificate from 
Waightstill Avery, Esq., one of the Committee of the said 
County, showing that the said James Hepburn cannot pro- 
cure a house within the limits of his said parole: 

Resolved, That the said James Hepburn have leave to 
remove himself to the Town of Salisbury, there to be on 
parole, within the limits and bounds of the said Town, and 
within two miles thereof. 


Read, the Petition of Michael Holt, late of Orange 
County, at present under confinement in the City of Phila- 
delphia, praying releasement, &c.; also a Petition from the 
Committee of said County, setting forth, that, in their opinion, 
the releasement of the said Michael Holt would not in any- 
wise injure the cause of liberty in this State. This Board, 
taking the said Petition into consideration, and having collect- 
ed all the evidence for and against the said Holt, with respect 
to his march in order to join McDonald’s Army, find many 
circumstances in his favour; inasmuch, when he was fully 
acquainted with the intention of the ‘Tories, he did actually 
return home, and was the means of inducing a number of 
others to follow his example, without a junction with the 
Scotch Army: 

Resolved, That he be recommended to the Continental 
Congress as an object of compassion, and that the Delegates 
from this State use their utmost endeavour to get him dis- 
charged from his present imprisonment, in order that he may 
return home to his family; he first taking an oath to this 
State, a copy of which is ordered to be enclosed to the said 
Delegates. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Tuesday, September 10, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Whereas, in February last, James Mc Coy, with a number 
of men, was employed in disarming the ‘Tories for some time, 
and was allowed at Congress the sum of £102, for the pay- 
ment of the men in that department; and whereas a certain 
controversy has arisen among the men, concerning the dis- 
tribution of the money, and application having been made 
to this Board concerning the same: It is the opinion of this 
Council that the said James McCoy, in order that equal jus- 
tice be done, pay each man according to the time of his 
being in actual service. 


Resolved, That Colonel Ebenezer Folesome, or, in his 
absence, the Commissioners at Cross Creek, deliver thirty 
bushels of the publick Salt to Captain John Hamlin, to be 
by him distributed in the following proportions, to wit: 
eighteen bushels among the Officers and Soldiers of the 
Company in the late expedition, and twelve bushels among 
the families of the Officers and Soldiers in the present expe- 
dition against the Indians. 


Benjamin Booth Boote, lately a prisoner in South-Caro- 
lina, from this State, permitted to return on _ parole, 
came before this Board, and took an oath of fidelity to the 
State: 

Resolved, therefore, That he be discharged from such 
parole, and that he be henceforward considered as a friend 
and free citizen of this State. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Wednesday, September 11, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Resolved, That John Dunn be paroled to the Town of 
Salisbury, there to remain until further orders of this Council 
or Congress, and to appear once a day at the house of Mr. 
Maxwell Chambers; and further, that he enter into bond, 
with security, in the sum of £1,000, for his future good 
behaviour, and in case of breach of his parole, to be 
committed, by the Committee of the ‘Town, to close 
prison. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


1381 


Thursday, September 12, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


George Wolfendon, Thomas Ferguson, James Morgan, 
and James Gibson, offered to the Council sundry pieces of 
Linen, claiming the several bounties, pursuant to a Resolve 
of the Congress held at Hillsborough, on the tenth day of 
September, 1775. The Board, examining into the premises, 
and finding that the said several pieces of Linen were manu- 
factured in this State, pursuant to the said Resolve of Con- 
gress, and that they are so near in quality that a determination 
cannot be had with precision, but that they are entitled to 
the several bounties in the said Resolve: 

It is Resolved, That the ‘Treasurers, or either of them, pay 
unto the said George Wolfendon, Thomas Ferguson, James 
Morgan, and James Gibson, £23 15s., each, it being their 
equal part of the several bounties allowed by the said Resolve; 
and that the same shall be allowed the ‘Treasurers in their 
Accounts with the publick—the parties being present, and 
consenting to an equal dividend of the aforesaid bounties. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Friday, September 13, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Joseph Hughs came before this Board according to the 
prayer of a Petition exhibited by his wife Mary. 'The Coun- 
cil taking the same into consideration, 

Resolved, That the said Joseph Hughs be paroled to the 
limits of the Town of Salisbury, there to remain unul further 
orders of this Council or Congress, and to appear once a 
day at the house of Maxwell Chambers; and in case of a 
breach of parole, to be committed by the Committee of the 
Town to close prison; and further, that he enter into bond 
with security in the sum of £500, for his future good beha- 
viour. 


Resolved, That the several Militia Officers and Captains 
of the Forts and Garrisons on the frontiers of Rowan and 
Tryon furnish Mr. Avery with a sufficient escort of men for 
a guard on his way to General Rutherford, and also to give 
the said Avery all the necessary aid and assistance in their 
power. 


Resolved, That Abel Armstrong, or any other officer of 
the Militia of the District of Salsbury, furnish Joseph 
Thompson and James Gallaspee, Wagoners in the service 
of this State, on their way to and from Chiswell’s Mines, 
with a guard of four men to escort them to and from the 
same. 


Resolved, That Jesse Nighton pay unto James Hacket, 
for himself, James Kerr, and Robert Grier, the sum of £1 
10s., for bringing the said Nighton before this Board pursu- 
ant to its order. 


The Council adjourned to the Town of Halzfaz, in the 
County of Halifax. 


Halifax, September, 27, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


The Council proceeded to make choice of a President in 
the room of Samuel Ashe, Esq., who has leave of absence ; 
when Willie Jones, Esq., was unanimously chosen, and 
placed in the chair accordingly. 


James Walker, who was imprisoned by order of this 
Board, for acting inimical to the liberties of America, was 
brought before the Council and discharged, on taking and 
subscribing fo an oath of allegiance to the State. 


Whereas it appears, from the oath of William Alston, 
that Hance Hamilton, of Granville County, is a person 
inimical to the liberties of America: 

Resolved, therefore, That his Honour the President issue 
a Warrant to bring the said Hamilton before the Congress, 
to be examined concerning the premises. 


It appearing that James Walker, who was imprisoned on 
suspicion of his being an enemy to the States, is a pauper, 

Resolved, That the expenses and fees attending the 
conveyance and imprisonment of the said James Walker be 
paid by the publick. 

Resolved, That the several Sheriffs and Collectors of 
Duties in this State do attend the next Congress, to be held 
at Halifax, on the 10th day of November next, then and 
there to settle their accounts of Taxes and Duties received, 

# 


NORTH-CAROLINA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776. 


1382 


and prepare themselves to pay at that time all sums of 
money which may be due from them to this State. 


Resolved, 'That it be recommended to the Officers of the 
Continental Forces in this State, and the Officers of the 
Provincials, not to suffer any Soldiers to be or appear at the 
ensuing election of Delegates for the various Counties and 
Towns in this State, such only excepted as have a right to 
vote upon the occasion. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 
' Saturday, September 28, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Resolved, That the ‘Treasurers, or either of them, pay to 
Philip.Perry the sum of £3, for apprehending Elijah King, 
a deserter from Captain Brinkley’s Company, in the Third 
Regiment of Continental Troops in this Province. 


Adjourned till Monday morning, eight o’clock. 


—_—— 


Monday, September 30, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 7 


Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay to 
John Daves, Quartermaster to the Second Regiment of 
Continental Troops in this State, £200, to enable him to 
procure Forage, &c., for the Horses in the said Regiment,, 
and be allowed in their Accounts with the publick. 


Resolved, That John Daves be appointed Ensign in Cap- 
tain Crawford’s Company, in the Second Regiment of Con- 
tinental Troops in this State. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Tuesday, October 1, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Resolved, That John Plummer, Messenger and Door- 
Keeper to this Board, be allowed £27 12s. 2d., for his ser- 
vices, and that Richard Caswell, Esq., Treasurer of the 
Southern District in this State, pay the same, and be allowed 
in his Accounts with the publick. 


Resolved, That the’ Horses now in possession of sundry 
persons in Bute and Granville Counties, the property of 
Josiah Martin, Jate Governour, be brought to the next Con- 
gress in as good order as they received them of the Com- 
mittee of Bute County. 


William Stuart, a prisoner, who was committed on sus- 
picion of being a confidential emissary and spy of Josiah 
Martin, was brought before this Board, and on examination 
the allegations not appearing true, the said William Stuart was 
discharged on taking the State oath, without payment of fees. 
It appearing that the said William Stuart is very poor: 

Resolved, That the Prison fees due from said Stuart be 
paid by the publick. 


Resolved, That the Commissary of Stores, or his Deputy, 
or Captain Forster, at Wilmington, do deliver to the Com- 
missioners at Edenton, appointed to fit out the armed vessel 
King Taminy, out of the publick stores at Wilmington, such 
materials as the said Commissioners may apply for, taking a 
receipt for the same. 


Resolved, That Sylvanus Pendleton, Esq., Commander 
of the armed Brig King Taminy, fitted out by this State, 
do, with all possible expedition, proceed to Occacock Bar, 
and there lie for the protection of the trade until the return 
of the Pennsylvania Farmer from her intended cruise ; and 
then that the said Sylvanus Pendleton shall immediately 
proceed to sea on a cruise for the term of one month, against 
the enemies of the United States of America, and to take 
as many of the merchant ships, the property of the subjects 
of Great Britain, as may be in his power, and for that pur- 
pose to cruise between the latitudes of thirty-two and thirty- 
five and ten, and to keep within the distance of eighty 
leagues of the American shore ; and that after the expiration 
of the one month’s cruise, the said Sylvanus Pendleton shall 
return to Occacock Bar; and should he take any prizes, the 
same must be sent to Occacock, or some other convenient 
Port. 

Resolved, That Joshua Hampstead, Esq., Commander of 
the armed vessel Pennsylvania Farmer, fitted out by this 
State, do immediately proceed to sea, and cruise for the term 
of one month, against the enemies of the United States of 


1383 


America, and to take as many of the British ships, the 
property of the subjects of Great Britain, as may be in his 
power; and for that purpose to cruise between the latitudes 
of thirty-two and thirty-five and ten, and to keep within the 
distance of eighty leagues of the American shore; and that 
after the expiration of the one month’s cruise, the said Joshua 
Hampstead shall return to Occacock, and should he take any 
prizes, the same must be sent to Occacock, or some other 
convenient Port. 


Samuel Andrews and Thomas Kersey, who were com- 
mitted to the Jail in Halifax, were brought before this Board, 
and discharged on taking the State oath, and entering into 
recognizance for their appearance at next Congress. 


The Council adjourned to meet at this ‘Town of Halifax, 
on the 17th of October instant. 


Thursday, October 17, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 
Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 


Friday, October 18, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning 


. 9 
g, eight o’clock. 


Saturday, October 19, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Resolved, That General Moore be desired to lay before 
this Board on Monday morning a state of the Continental 
Forces in this State. 


Resolved, 'That Ambrose Knox & Company, William 
Brown, John Chace, and Daniel Cartwright, be permitted 
to send to sea the Sloop Polly, taken into possession by 
Andrew Little and Robert Hardy, in consequence of a Re- 
solve of this Board, on the said Ambrose Knox & Company, 
Wilkiam Brown and John Chace’s giving bond and security 
to the President of the Congress of this State, and his suc- 
cessor, in the sum of £135, being the value of Daniel Cart- 
wright’s part of said Sloop, and on leaving one-third part of 
the debts left in the hands of Welham Skinner, subject to the 
payment of such demands as may be due this State from the 
said Daniel Cartwright, on account of a cargo shipped by 
this State on board the said Sloop commanded by the said 
Daniel Cartwright. | 

Resolved, That Andrew Little and Robert Hardy be 
directed to attend the execution of the above Resolve, and 
on the said Resolve’s being complied with, to grant a cer- 
tificate thereof to the Commissioner of the Port of Edenton. 


Adjourned till Monday morning, eight o’clock. 
Monday, October 21, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Mr. John Chase made application for Letters of Marque 
and Reprisal for the Sloop Polly, belonging to Ambrose & 
Company, William Brown, John Chase, and Daniel Cart- 
wright, of this State, and hath also delivered in a schedule 
of the number of guns, the names of the officers, the pro- 
visions and warlike stores on board, and hath given bond 
and security agreeable to the Resolutions of the Continental 
Congress : 

Resolved, That Commissions issue for the said Sloop 
Polly, accordingly. 

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay to 
Henry Giffard, Commissary to the detachment of Militia 
in service under Colonel Folesome, the sum of £500, to 


enable him to pay in part for the Provisions purchased for 
said Companies. 


Whereas it hath been represented that the armed Brig 
Pennsylvania Farmer, ordered by this Board on a cruise, is 
not at this time fit to proceed to sea, and that the Jamaica 
Fleet, the object in view, may pass our latitudes before tite 
said Brig can be in readiness, and thereby defeat the pur- 
pose of said cruise: 

Resolved, That Sylvanus Pendleton, Esq., Commander 
of the armed vessel King Taminy, fitted out by this State, 
do immediately proceed to sea, and cruise the term of six 
weeks against the enemies of the United States of America, 
and to take as many of the British ships as may be in his 
power, sending the same as soon as possible into some of 
the ports in this State for trial and condemnation; and for 


NORTH-CAROLINA COUNCIL OF SAFETY, OCTOBER, 1776. 


1384 


that purpose to cruise between the latitudes of thirty and 
thirty-six, and that after the expiration of the said term of 
six weeks the said Sylvanus Pendleton shall return with the 
said vessel to Occacock, or some other convenient Port within 
the limits of this State. 


The armed vessels King Taminy and Pennsylvania 
Farmer being ordered on a cruise against the enemies of the 
United States of America, . 

Resolved, That Captain John Forster, Commander of the 
armed Brig the General Washington, now lying at Wilming- 
ton, do proceed with all possible despatch to Occacock Bar, 
and to remain within the said Bar, in order to protect the 
trading vessels which may be coming into or going out of that 
port, until one of the aforesaid armed vessels shall return 
there, or he shall be otherwise ordered. 


Whereas it is represented by the Commissioners for esta- 
blishing a Manufactory of Guns in the District of Hillsbo- 
rough that proper iron for that purpose cannot be obtained 
in this State, and that our currency will not purchase it in 
any other: 

Resolved, therefore, That Samuel Johnston, Esquire, be 
directed and empowered to draw on the Continental Trea- 
sury in favour of the said Commissioners, or either of them, 
or their order, for £100, to be considered as part of the sum 
of £1,000 voted by Congress for the above-mentioned pur- 
pose. 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 
Tuesday, October 22, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 
Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 
Wednesday, October 23, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Whereas, by a Resolve of this Board of the 30th of Sep- 
tember last, Joshua Hampstead, Esq., Commander of the 
armed Brig Pennsylvania Farmer, was directed to proceed 
to sea, and cruise for the term of one month within eight 
leagues of the American shore; and whereas the time and 
distance prescribed in the aforesaid Resolve may in a mea- 
sure frustrate the intentions of the said voyage: 

Resolved, 'That the said Joshua Hampstead be permit- 
ted to cruise for the term of six weeks between the latitudes of 
thirty and thirty-six, for the purpose aforesaid. 


A Resolution of the Continental Congress of the 16th of 
September last, leaving it to the Council of State to suspend 
or execute a former order of Congress, dated the 3d of the 
said month, directing Brigadier-General Moore to march two 
North- Carolina Continental Battalions to New- York, being 
read and considered, and it appearing from General Moore’s 
return that the Continental Battalions in this State are far 
from being complete, that they are sickly, and ill-provided 
with clothing, and by no means prepared to march to a 
northern climate; and further, that if two Battalions should 
march to New-York, the remainder would not be adequate 
to the defence of the State in case of an attack: 

Resolved, That the execution of the said Resolution be 
suspended. 

Resolved, also, That General Moore be required to sta- 
tion for the present the Continental Forces in this State in 
the District of Newbern and Wilmington at such places as 
he may think best for the recovery of their health, and to 
use every means in his power to have them immediately 
recruited to their full complement. 


Resolved, That Nathaniel Rochester, Commissary of 
Stores, be, and he is hereby, directed to deliver to General 
Moore’s order as much Osnaburgs as may be necessary to 
make Tents for the Continental Battalions in this State, and 
Bell-Tents for securing their Arms, and one Bell-Tent to 
every Company, allowing thirty yards for a Tent for every 
eight men, and twenty yards for each Bell-Tent, thirty-five 
yards for a tent for the Non-Commissioned Officers of each 
Company, and one hundred yards for a Hospital Tent for 
each Battalion. 


Whereas Samuel Johnston, Esq., on the application of 
Mr. Peter Mallet, Acting Commissary of the Fourth, Fifth, 
and Sixth Regiments, and at the instance of Mr. Willie 
Jones, paid to the said Peter Mallet £3,000 during the recess 
of the Council : 


1385 


Resolved, 'That the Council do approve of the said pay- 
ment, and that Mr. Johnston be allowed for the same in his 
Account against the State, in like manner as if a Warrant 
for the money had issued previous to the payment thereof. 

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay to 
Mr. Peter Mallet, Commissary to the Sixth Regiment of 
Continental Forces in this State, the sum of £1,000, and 
be allowed the same in their Accounts with the publick. 

Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock, 

Thursday, October 24, 1776. 

Met according to adjournment. 

Resolved, That Mr. Nathaniel Rochester, Commissary 
of Stores, send to Tarborough for sundry Woollens_pur- 
chased of Colonel Irwin for the publick, and convey them 
to Wilmington, and that he employ Tailors to cut out and 
make up the same and all other publick Cloths in his pos- 


session, such finer Cloths as are intended for Officers ex- . 


cepted, into short Coats and Breeches, and dispose of them 
to the Soldiers, taking care that no one man have more than 
one short Coat and one pair of Breeches. - 


Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o’clock. 
Friday, October 25, 1776. 
Met according to adjournment. 


Resolved, That Richard Caswell, Esq., publick Trea- 
surer of the Southern District, pay into the hands of Colo- 
nel James Thackston the sum of £248, for the purpose of 
recruiting men in this State according to the new system, 
and that he debit the Paymaster for the same. 

Resolved, further, That the said Colonel James Thack- 


ston account with the Paymaster for the aforesaid sum. 


Whereas this Council are well informed that certain Offi- 
cers in the service of the State of South-Carolina have 
inlisted sundry Regulars of this State out of the North- 
Carolina Continental Troops now in Georgia: 

Resolved, That this Board do utterly disapprove of such 
measure; that it is unjustifiable, and has an obvious ten- 
dency to obstruct the regular service in this State, and to 
endanger the common defence of North and South-Caro- 
lina; and therefore that General Howe be, and he is hereby, 
directed to reclaim the Soldiers so as above-mentioned in- 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1386 


listed by the South- Carolina Officers; and he is also further 
directed to remand the whole of the North-Carolina Troops 
now in Georgia immediately to this State. 


Whereas the Council are informed that many things be- 
longing to the State, such as tory Horses and Wagons, 
condemned by last Congress, and also Horses which have 
been purchased by the publick, and have strayed away, are 
now dispersed about in different parts, so that they will pro- 
bably be lost if longer unattended to: 

Resolved, therefore, That Nicholas Long, Esq., be, and 
he is hereby, directed and empowered to take into his pos- 
session all such Wagons and Horses; and for the disposition 
thereof he is directed to employ in the service such of the 
Wagons and Horses as are fit for the same, and to sell such 
as are not, rendering an account of his proceedings to the 
Council or the Congress. 


Thomas Erskine, a prisoner on parole in Halifax County, 
having represented to the Council that his constitution is so 
impaired by sickness and the effects of the climate, that 
death must probably be the consequence unless he is allowed 
to remov out of this State, and that in leaving it he has 
no intentions adverse to the United States; and having also 
made oath that he will not, directly nor indirectly, commu- 
nicate to the enemies of the free and independent States of 
America any intelligence whatever which may tend to their 
prejudice: 

Resolved, That he be permitted to leave this State, and 
that he immediately go to Edenton, and depart from thence 
in the first vessel that sails for the West-Indies. 


Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Board that the 
Commissioners appointed in Cumberland County to inven- 
tory the effects of the Tories, deliver to Mr. Alexander 
Stewart's order the Cloths of the said Stewart taken out of 
the possession of Mr. Gilless, upon the said Gilless or some 
persons proving that the same were lodged with him as the 
property of the said Stewart. 


Resolved, That Captain Dudley be directed to deliver to 
the Colonel of each Battalion of Continental Forces in this 
State eleven sets of Simms’s Military Guide, and two sets 
of the New System of Military Discipline, they giving a 
receipt for the same. 

By order: 
J. Guascow, Secretary. 


Wiue Jones, President. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION. 

At a meeting of a Provincial Congress for the Province 
of New-York, at the Court-House in the Town of White- 
Plains, in the County of Westchester, on Tuesday, July 9, 
1776: 

The Deputies from a majority of the Counties appeared, 
and they produced their Credentials, and proceeded to the 
choice of the following Officers, to wit: 


General Narnanten WoopnnuLt, President. 
Joun McKesson, and } ; 
Secretaries. 
Roserr Benson, 
Doorkeeper. 


The Deputies from the City and County of New-York 
not producing their Credentials, the Secretaries informed the 
House that soon after the late election for Deputies to repre- 
sent the City and County of New-York, Colonel Remsen 
delivered in to Congress a certified extract of the Minutes of 
the General Committee of the City and County of New- 
York, whereby it appeared that an election was held, and 
twenty-one Members were chosen, pursuant and agreeable 
to the Resolutions of the Provincial Congress of this Colony, 
to represent the said City and County, and that five of them 
be a quorum; that the said extract is mislaid, and cannot be 
found at present. 

Ordered, That the Deputies present from New-York 
take their seats, and that they take measures to procure a 
copy of their Credentials. 


The Deputies from the City and County of Albany ap- 
peared, but have omitted or forgotten to procure and bring 
with them a copy of their Credentials. 


The Deputies from the County of Orange produced their 

Credentials in due form, whereby it appeared that at an elec- 

, tion for choosing of Delegates, conformable to the Resolutions 
| 


| 
\ 


of the late Provincial Congress, Colonel William Allison, 
My, Little, John Herring, David Pye, and Mr. Outwater, 
were chosen, with full powers to represent said County. 
Ordered, 'That the Deputies present take their seats. 
The Deputies from the County of Suffolk produced a 
Certificate from the Committee of said County, dated the 
27th of June, 1776, and signed by Wilkam Smith, Chair- 
man, whereby it appears that General Nathaniel Woodhull, 
Ezra L’ Hommedieu, John Sloss Hobart, Burnet Miller, 
Thomas Dearing, David Gilston, Wm. Smith, and Thomas 
Tredwell, Esquires, or any three of them, were duly elected 
to represent said County in this Congress, with powers to 
establish a new form of Government. 
Ordered, That the Deputies from Suffolk take their seats. 
The Deputies from the County of Dutchess produced 
their Credentials, by which it appears that Zephaniah Platt, 
Esq., Mr. Sackett, Gilbert Livingston, Esq., Dr. Crane, 
and Henry Schenck, were duly elected, and constituted with 
full powers to represent said County in this Congress. 
Thereupon, Ordered, That the said Deputies from Dutch- 
ess County take their seats. 


The Deputies from Westchester, attending, produced their 
Credentials, whereby it appeared that Colonel Lewis Gra- 
ham, Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt, Major Lockwood, Wil- 
liam Paulding, Jonathan Platt, Mr. Haviland, Mr. Mills, 
Gilbert Drake, Jonathan G'. Tompkins, General Morris, and 
Gouverneur Morris, were duly elected, with full powers to 
represent the said County in this Congress. 

Ordered, That the Deputies present from Westchester 
County take their seats. 

The Deputies from the County of Queen’s, attending, pro- 
duced a Certificate of the Committee of said County, whereby 
it appeared that at an election held on the 24th ult., Colonel 
Jacob Blackwell,Ca,tain Jonathan Lawrence, Waters Smith, 


1387 


Samuel Townsend, Cornelius Van Wyck, James Townsend, 
and the Rev. Abraham Ketletas, and Benjamin Sands, were 
elected to represent said County, until the second Tuesday 
in May next, with power to determine of the subject of erect- 
ing and constituting a new form of Government, to the exclu- 
sion of all foreign jurisdiction, was read and filed. 

Thereupon, Ordered, That the said Deputies from Queen’s 
County take their seats. 


The Deputies from Charlotte County did not produce 
any Credentials. 


The Deputies from Cumberland County, attending, pro- 
duced a Certificate, signed by James Clay, Chairman of the 
County Committee, and dated at Westminster, the 28th June 
last, whereby it appears that Colonel Joseph Marsh, Simon 
Stevens, and John Sesscins, have been duly elected to repre- 
sent said County in this Congress, and invested with full 
powers of legislation, &c. 

Ordered, That the Deputies from Cumberland County 


take their seats. 


Ordered, That the Resolution empowering the General 
to call out the Militia be published. 


Ordered, That the Secretary draw up the Resolutions 
lately passed, relative to the Stock on Nassaw and Staten 
Islands, into form,.so that they may be published. 


All the new Members present, that is to say, Colonel Van 
Cortlandt, Mr. Yates, Mr. Ketletas, Mr. Mills, Mr. Sacket, 
Mr. Stephens, Mr. Platt, Mr. Sessins, Mr. Crane, Mr. Jona- 
than Platt, Mr. W. Smith, Mr. Miller, Mr. Adgate, and such 
of the old Members who had not been sworn, took the gene- 
ral oath of secrecy. 

Mr. Benjamin Smith refused to take the oath of secrecy, 
and was therefore desired to withdraw and consider the mat- 
ter maturely, and he accordingly withdrew. 


Mr. Jay, seconded by Mr. Van Wyck, moved that, 

Whereas the Rev. Mr. Ketletas, one of the Deputies from 
Queen’s County, has been solemnly devoted to the service 
of God and the care of souls, has good right to expect and 
claim an exemption from all such employments as would 
divert his attention from the affairs of that Kingdom which 
is not of this world: 

Resolved, That the said Mr. Ketletas be at liberty to 
attend this House at such times only as he may think proper, 
and that his absence be not considered as a neglect of his 
duty. 

Debates arose thereon, and the question being put, it was 
carried in the affirmative, in manner following, that is to say: 

For the Motion. Against the Motion. 


8 New-York, 3 Orange, 

4 Queen’s, 4 Suffolk, 

6 Albany, 5 Dutchess, 

3 Tryon, 2 Cumberland, 


2 Charlotte. 4 Westchester. 


23 votes. 18 votes. 

A Letter from the Delegates of this Colony at Conti- 
nental Congress, of the 2d July, instant, on the subject of 
Independence, and requesting Instructions from this Congress, 
was received and read. 

A Letter from the Delegates of this Colony at Conti- 
nental Congress, enclosing the Declaration of Independence, 
was received and read, and is in the words following, to wit : 

(The Letter not inserted in the Minutes. ] 

The Declaration of Independence, enclosed in the above- 
mentioned Letter, was then read, and is in the words follow- 
ing, that is to say: 


“A Declaration by the Representatives of the UntrEep States 
or America in general Congress assembled. 

‘¢ When, in the course of human Events, it becomes neces- 
sary for one People to dissolve the political bands which 
have connected them with another, and to assume among 
the Powers of the Earth the separate and equal Station to 
which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, 
a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that 
they should declare the causes which impel them to the 
Separation. 

‘‘We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men 
are created Equal, that they are endowed by their Creator 
with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, 
Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness—That to secure 
these Rights, Governments are instituted among men, de- 
riving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1388 


that whenever any Form of Government becomes destruc- 
tive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or 
to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its 
Foundations on such Principles, and organizing its Powers 
in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect 
their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate 
that Governments long established should not be changed 
for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Expe- 
rience hath shown, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, 
while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abol- 
ishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when 
a long train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably 
the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under 
absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to 
throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for 
their future Security. Such has been the patient Sufferance 
of these Colonies; and such is now the Necessity which 
constrains them to alter their former Systems of Govern- 
ment. ‘The history of the present King of Great Britain 
is a history of repeated Injuries and Usurpations, all having 
in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny 
over these States. ‘To prove this, let Facts be submitted 
to a candid World. 

“ He has refused his assent to Laws the most wholesome 
and necessary for the publick Good. 

‘“‘He has forbidden his Governours to pass Laws of im- 
mediate and pressing Importance, unless suspended in their 
Operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so 
suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. 

“He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommoda- 
tion of large Districts of People, unless those People would 
relinquish the Right of Representation in the Legislature, a 
Right inestimable to them, and formidable to Tyrants only. 

“He has called together Legislative Bodies at places 
unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of 
their publick Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them 
into compliance with his measures. 

‘‘ He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for 
opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of 
the People. 

“ He has refused for a long time, after such Dissolutions, 
to cause others to be elected ; whereby the Legislative Pow- 
ers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the People 
at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean 
time exposed to all the dangers of Invasion from without, 
and Convulsions within. 

‘He has endeavoured to prevent the Population of these 
States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturali- 
zation of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage 
their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new 
appropriations of Lands. 

“He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by re- 
fusing his assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers. 

‘He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for 
the tenure of their Offices, and the amount and payment of 
their Salaries. 

“‘ He has erected. a multitude of new Offices, and sent 
hither swarms of Officers to harass our People, and eat out 
their substance. 

“He has kept among us, in times of Peace, Standing 
Armies, without the consent of our Legislatures. 

‘He has affected to render the Military independent of 
and superior to the Civil Power. 

“He has combined with others to subject us to a Juris- 
diction foreign to our Constitution, and unacknowledged by 
our Laws; giving his assent to their Acts of pretended Le- 
gislation : 

“For quartering large bodies of Armed Troops among 
us: 

“ For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from Punishment 
for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabi- 
tants of these States: 

“ For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the World: 

“For imposing ‘Taxes on us without our consent: 

“For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of Trial 
by Jury: 

“For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pre- 
tended offences: 

“For abolishing the free system of English Laws in a 
neighbouring Province, establishing therein an arbitrary Gov- 
ernment, and enlarging its Boundaries, so as to render it at 


1389 


once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same 
absolute rule into these Colonies: 

“For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valu- 
able Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our 
Governments: 

“For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring 
themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases 
whatsoever. 

‘He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us 
out of his protection, and waging war against us. 

“He has plundered our Seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt 
our ‘Towns, and destroyed the Lives of our People. 

“ He is, at this time, transporting large Armies of foreign 
Mercenaries to complete the works of Death, Desolation, 
and ‘Tyranny, already begun with circumstances of cruelty 
and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous Ages, 
and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized Nation. 

“‘ He has constrained our fellow-citizens taken captive on 
the high seas to bear arms against their country, to become 
the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall 
themselves by their hands. 

“‘ He has excited domestick Insurrections amongst us, and 
has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our Frontiers 
the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare 
is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and 
conditions. 

‘In every stage of these Oppressions we have petitioned 
for redress in the most humble terms: our repeated Petitions 
have been answered only by repeated Injury. A Prince, 
whose character is thus marked by every act which may 
define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the Ruler of a free People. 

‘Nor have we been wanting in attentions to our British 
brethren. We have warned them, from time to time, of 
attempts by their Legislature to extend an unwarrantable 
Jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the cir- 
cumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We 
have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and 
we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred 
to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably inter- 
rupt our connections and correspondence. ‘They, too, have 
been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We 
must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity which denounces 
our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of man- 

‘kind, Enemies in war, in peace, Friends. 

“We, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED 
STATES OF AMERICA, in Generat Coneress As- 
sembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for 
the Rectitude of our Intentions, do, in the Name, and by 
the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly 
Publish and Declare, That these United Colonies are, and 
of Right ought to be, Free anp INDEPENDENT STATEs ; 
that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British 
Crown, and that all political Connection between them and 
the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dis- 
solved; and that as Free ann InpEPENDENT Srates, they 
have full power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract 
Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and 
Things which Inperenpent States may of right do. And 
for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on 
the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to 
each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honour.” 


Ordered, That the said Letter and Declaration be re- 
ferred to a Committee, to consist of Mr. Jay, Mr. Yates, Mr. 


Hobart, Mr. Brasher, and Mr. William Smith. 
A Letter from Colonel Joseph Reed, Adjutant-General of 


the American Army, was received and read, and is in the 
words following, that is to say: 


“* Head-Quarters, New-York, July 5, 1776. 


“‘GenTLEMEN: I am directed by the General to solicit 
the attention of your honourable body to the Resolve of the 
Continental Congress touching the prisoners-of-war. By 
that resolve they are put wholly in the disposition of the 
Legislature of the respective Colonies, who are authorized 
to appoint a Commissary to make provision for them, and 
they are to be taken to such places as shall be deemed the 
most secure, 

“There are now a number of prisoners in the Jail, some 
of them of some rank ; their expenses run much higher than 
if in the country, and in our present situation extremely dan- 
gerous. His Excellency requests no time may be lost in 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1390 


removing not only those who have been taken prisoners-of- 
war, but those committed for practices against the State; and 
if some direction was taken with respect to the prisoners for 
debt, it would be proper, as there is too much reason to fear 
that, in case of an attack, if the doors were not opened by 
the Jailer, the whole would rise and force them open. Any 
assistance that may be wanted for this purpose, the General 
begs leave to tender. I have also in charge to mention to 
you the impropriety of suffering Burrows to continue in the 
care of the Jail, as from his connections, his appointment, 
and other circumstances, there is the utmost reason to sus- 
pect him. 

“The distance to which the Congress has removed will 
make it very difficult to have their advice and assistance on 
occasions which frequently present. ‘The General would 
suggest the propriety of their appointing a small Committee 
in the City to regulate such matters of internal concern as 
daily present themselves. 

“The great hurry and engagements of the General pre- 
vent his writing personally; but he begs his respectful com- 
pliments may be made to your honourable body. 

“T have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient 
and very humble servant, 

“ JosepH Reep,Adjutant-General.” 


Ordered, That the said Letter be referred to a Commit- 
tee, to consist of Mr. John Van Cortlandt, Mr. Gansevoort, 
and Colonel L. Graham. 


Ordered, That Mr. Miller, Mr. Jay, and Colonel Ren- 
selaer, be a Committee to take into consideration and report 
on all the Letters received from Congress and our Delegates 
on the subject of the new Regiment to be raised in this 
Colony, and also Colonel Fleming’s Letter, and the Letter of 
William Goforth,* of the 6th instant, complaining of being 
superseded in his rank, and resigning his commission as 
Major. 


\ White-Plains, P. M., July 9, 1776. 
The Convention met. 


Present: General Woodhull, President. 

New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Mr. Van Cortlandt, Mr. Jay, 
Colonel Brasher, Mr. Rutgers. 

Avsany.—Mr. Yates, Mr. Gansevort, Colonel Renselaer, 
Mr. Adgate. 

SurroLtx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Hobart, Mr. Miller, 
Mr. Gelston, Mr. William Smith. 

Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. W. Harper. 

Orance.—Colonel Allison, Mr. Little. 

CumBertanp.—Mr. Stephens, Mr. Sesscins. 

Dutrcuess.—Mr. Platt, Mr. Crane, Mr. Sacket. 

Westcuester.—Colonel L. Graham, Colonel Van Cort- 
landt, Major Lockwood, Mr. Paulding, Captain J. Platt, 
Mr. Haviland, Mr. Mills, Colonel G. Drake, Mr. Tomp- 
kins, General Morris, Gouverneur Morris. 

Cuarvotre.—Mr. Webster. 

Queen’s.—Mr. S. Townsend, Mr. J. Townsend, Mr. Van 
Wyck, Mr. Ketletas. 


A Letter from P. T. Curtenius, of the 3d instant, request- 
ing an advance of £5,000, on account; and mentioning that 


* New-York, July 6, 1776. 
GENTLEMEN: Having, in the course of the last year, been called by 
you from private life, without any solicitation, to the most honourable 
of all services, that of my country, I obeyed the call, and have, to the 
utmost of my poor abilities, exerted myself for the general good; and 
having, on my return home, found my toil amply rewarded, inasmuch 
as I had so far fallen under your notice as to be appointed to a Majority, 
which promotion I view as great as I could reasonably expect, or even 
have desired. Nevertheless, when I look over the arrangement which 
you were pleased to make the last year, and call to mind that you then 
Deters medion the First Regiment should take rank of the Second, and 
find that I had the rank of fourth Captain in the First, and that Lewis Du- 
bois, Esq., had the rank of fourth Captain, and Jacobus Bruyn, Esq., that 
of seventh in the Third Regiment, I view my appointment as speaking 
two things: first, that you have found men of greater merit than myself, 
and men who are better qualified for the publick service, of which I am 
extremely glad; and, secondly, that your now appointing me to serve 

under two junior officers, is no more than taking the most génteel wa 
of discharging me from the publick service as an officer. Perhaps it 
may be said this is no time to dispute about rank. If so, I would just 
beg leave to inform you that, when in Canada last winter, I viewed this 
argument to be of great force, but at present conceive myself to be in 
the state in which I was when I left home, and beg leave to decline the 
service, and with the utmost deference to subscribe myself, as in reality 
I am, a true friend to the free and rising States of America, and at the 

same time your most obedient and most humble servant, 
Wituiam Gorortn. 


To the Hon. the Provincial Congress of the Colony of New-York. 


1391 


the British had landed on Staten-Island without opposition, 
and detachments had advanced towards Bergen-Point and 
Elizabethtown, 
Thereupon, Ordered, That Peter Van B. Livingston, Esq., 
as Treasurer of this Congress, advance to Colonel Peter T. 
—Ourtenius the sum of £5,000, on account, and take his 
receipt for the same. 


A Letter from Colonel Malcom, enclosing a Certificate 
from Doctor John Jones, of the qualifications of Wilham 
Adams, as a Surgeon, and requesting the said Adams be 
appointed Surgeon to his Regiment, was read: 

Ordered, That William Adams be, and he is hereby, 
appointed Surgeon to the Second Regiment of Militia, (raised 
for reinforcing the Continental Army at New- York,) whereof 


William Malcom, Esq., is Colonel. 


Mr. Robert Yates, Mr. Veeder, Mr. Newhurst, Mr. Paris, 
Mr. H. Schenck, and Mr. Harper, took the general oath of 
secrecy. 

The Committee appointed to take into consideration the 
Letter from our Delegates in Continental Congress, and the 
Declaration of Independence, reported the following, which 
was unanimously agreed to, and is in the words following, 
that is to say: 

‘In Convention of the Representatives of the State i 
New-York, White-Plains, July 9, 1776. 

“ Resolved, unanimously, That the reasons assigned by 
the Continental Congress for declaring the Unated Colonies 
free and independent States, are cogent and conclusive; and 
that while we lament the cruel necessity which has rendered 
that measure unavoidable, we approve the same, and will, 
at the risk of our lives and fortunes, join with the other 
Colonies in supporting it. 

* Resolved, That a copy of the said Declaration, and the 
aforegoing Resolution, be sent to the Chairman of the Com- 
mittee of the County of Westchester, with orders to publish 
the same with beat of drum, at this place, on Thursday 
next, and to give directions that it be published with all 
convenient speed in the several Districts within the said 
County, and that copies thereof be forthwith transmitted to 
the other County Committees within the State of New- 
York, with orders to cause the same to be published in the 
several Districts of their respective Counties. 

“ Resolved, That five hundred copies of the Declaration 
of Independence, with the two last-mentioned Resolutions 
of this Congress for approving and proclaiming the same, be 
published in handbills, and sent to all the County Com- 
mittees in this State. 

‘“‘ Resolved, That the Delegates of this State in Conti- 
nental Congress, be, and they are hereby, authorized to 
consent to and adopt all such measures as they may deem 
conducive to the happiness and welfare of the United 
States of America.” 


Ordered, That copies of the aforesaid Resolutions be 
transmitted to the Continental Congress. 


General Morris’s daughter being extremely ill, he re- 
quested and obtained leave of absence. 


Resolved, 'That the Sheriffs of this State do, and they 
are hereby respectively authorized and directed to retain and 
keep in their custody all persons of whatever kind which 
are or may be in their custody, until the further order of this 
Convention; or until such of them as may be confined for 
debt on civil process shall be released by the plaintiffs so 
brought against them. 

Ordered, That the above-mentioned Resolution be pub- 
lished. 


Ordered, That Mr. Bancker, Mr. Brasher, and Mr. Paul- 
ding be a Committee to consider of and report the proper 
places for the reception and means of support of the poor 
inhabitants of the City and County of New-York. 


The Committee appointed this morning to take into con- 
sideration the Letter of Adjutant-General Reed, reported 
several Resolutions, which, being amended, were agreed to, 
and are in the words following, that is to say: 

Resolved, That the Committee appointed to carry into 
execution certain Resolves of this Congress with respect to 
disaffected persons, and the Committee appointed to confer 
with General Washington, and examine into the conspiracy 
lately discovered, be, and they are hereby, united and made 
one Committee. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1392 


Resolved, That the following powers be, and they are 
hereby, given to them, in addition to those before vested in 
the said Committee, to wit: 

A power to dispose of all Prisoners that shall be taken in, 
or brought to, tlie City of New-York, other than Prisoners 
of War. 

A power to appoint a Commissary to provide for the said 
Prisoners. 

A power to remove, if they should think necessary, all 
Prisoners confined in the City of New-York, other than 
Prisoners of War as aforesaid, to such place or places of 
safety as they shall think proper. 

A power to inquire into the conduct of Burrows, the 
Jailer of the Jail in the City and County of New-York; 
and, if they should think it necessary that he should be re- 
moved from his office, to request the Sheriff to appoint a 
more suitable person in his stead. 


And whereas this Congress, on the 30th June last, being 
then about to adjourn to this place, were under the neces- 
sity of giving General Washington the trouble of appre- 
hending and securing such dangerous and disaffected persons 
as he should think necessary for the security of this Colony 
and the liberties of America; and whereas that business may 
now be conveniently executed by the above-mentioned Com- 
mittee : 

Resolved, That it would be unreasonable longer to burden 
the General with matters for which this Congress ought to 
provide; and, therefore, that the said business be, and it is 
hereby, referred to the said Committee, and that they be, 
and hereby are, authorized and directed to execute the same; 
and further, that they carry into execution all such resolves 
of the Continental Congress, and comply with all such 
necessary requisitions of the General, as require so much 
despatch as to render an application to this Congress im- 
practicable, or attended with dangerous delay. 

Resolved, 'That the following persons, to wit, Mr. Hobart, 
Mr. Morris, Colonel L£. Graham, Mr. Gansevort, Mr. Ran- 
dall, and Colonel Remsen, or any three of them, constitute . 
the aforesaid Committee. That Mr. Tredwell and Mr. Jay 
be, and they are hereby, discharged from the said Commit- 
tee, and that the said Committee be, and they hereby are, 
authorized and empowered to administer to Colonel Remsen 
an oath similar to that taken by the other Members of the 
said Committee on their former appointment. 

Resolved, unanimously, 'That the said Committee be, and 
they hereby are, permitted to proceed in the business unto 
them committed, in such manner as to them shall appear to 
be most agreeable to the dictates of justice and humanity, 
and most advancive of the publick good, the oath which 
they have taken notwithstanding. 

White-Plains, Wednesday Morning, July 10, 1776. 

The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Jay, Colonel Brasher, Mr. Rutgers, Mr. 
Harper. 
A.gany.—Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Robert Yates, Mr. 
Gansevort, Colonel Rensselaer, Mr. Adgate. 
Surroitx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Hobart, Mr. Miller, 
Mr. Smith, Mr. Grelston. 
Durcuess.—Mr. Platt, Mr. Sackett, Dr. Crane, Mr. H. 
Schenck. 
Westcuester.—Mr. G. Morris, General Morris, Major 
Lockwood, Mr. Mills, Captain Platt, Mr. Paulding. 
Queen’s.—Mr. Ketletas, Mr. S. Townsend, Mr. J. Town- 
send, Mr. Van Wyck. 

Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Paris, Mr. New- 
kirk, Mr. Hader. 

Cuartorre.—Mr. Webster. 

Cumpertanp.—Mr. Stephens, Mr. Sessions. 


The Deputies from Tryon County delivered in the Cre- 
dentials of their election, but the same not being signed by 
their Chairman, or attested by the Clerk, one of the said 
Deputies, to wit, Mr. Benjamin Newkirk, informed the 
Congress that the said Credentials were by him copied from 
the Minutes of the Proceedings of Tryon County Commit- 
tee, and that he neglected to have the same signed by the 
Chairman and attested by the Clerk. Whereupon the said 
Mr. Newkirk was examined on oath; and it appearing to” 
the satisfaction of the Congress that Mr. Isaac Paris, John 


1393 
Moore, William Harper, Volkert Vador, and Benjamin 


Newkirk, were duly elected and empowered to represent 
the said County of Tryon in this Congress, and instructed 
to give their vote in favour of a new Government wholly 
independent of all foreign jurisdiction, 

Ordered, That they take their seats. 


Mr. Robert Harper, one of the Deputies from New-York, 
delivered in a Certificate of a Sub-Committee appointed by 
the General Committee for the City and County of New- 
York to superintend the election of Deputies, bearing date 
the 20th of June last, and signed by Garret Abcel, Chair- 
man, and others, the said Sub-Committee, and attested by 
Joseph Winter, Secretary, whereby it appears that at an 
election held in and for said City and County, on the 
19th day of June last, John Jay, James Duane, Philip 
Livingston, Robert Harper, Francis Lewis, Garret Abeel, 
Isaac Stoutenburgh, Daniel Dunscomb, William Deming, 
Abraham Brasher, Henry Remsen, John Morin Scott, 
James Beekman, Evart Banker, Isaac Roosevelt, John 
Broome, Abraham P. Lott, Peter V. Zandt, John Van 
Cortlandt, Anthony Rutgers, and Thomas Randall, were, 
by a majority of votes, elected Deputies for the City and 
County of New-York, until the second Tuesday of May 
next, unless dissolved by their own power, or a new form of 
Government shall render their attendance unnecessary. — 


Mr. Hopkins, General Morris, Mr. Dearing, and Mr. 


LT? Hommedieu, took the general oath of secrecy. 


” Mr. Yates moved that one hundred and fifty men be raised 
and paid by this State, to guard the frontiers of the County 
of Albany. Thereupon, 

Ordered, That Mr. Samuel Townsend, Mr. W. Smith, 
Mr. L. Platt, Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Moore, Mr. \Ste- 
phens, and Mr. Webster, be a Committee to take into con- 
sideration the propriety of raising and imbodying an armed 
force to guard and protect the frontiers of this State, and 
that they report with all convenient speed. 


Mr. Morris delivered in a number of Depositions and 
Examinations (taken by the Secret Committee) relative to 
the conspiracy lately discovered; which were read. 

The President, by order, gave the charge of secrecy to 
the Members on the matters contained in the said Deposi- 
tions and Examinations, until further order. 


Resolved and Ordered, That the style or title of this 
House be changed from that of “The Provincial Congress 
of the Colony of New-York,’ to that of “The Convention 
of the Representatives of the State of New-York.” 

Whereupon, 


White-Plains, Wednesday Afternoon, July 10, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: General Woodhull, President, and the same 
Members as in the forenoon, except Colonel Brasher, of 


New-York. 


Mr. Jay, from the Committee appointed to take into con- 
sideration the Letters and Resolutions received from Con- 
gress on the subject of raising another Regiment in this 
Colony, delivered in the Report of the said Committee; which 
being read, was taken into consideration, and ordered to be 
recommitted. 

And Ordered, That Mr. Hobart and Mr. Morris be 
added to said Committee. 


A Letter from the Committee of Kingston, in Ulster 
County, dated July 1, 1776, requesting that some Gunpow- 
der may be sent to them, as their County stands much in 
need of that article. 

A draft of an Answer to the aforegoing Letter, inform- 
ing them that a Member of this House is sent to Newport, 
in Rhode-Island, to conduct the conveying a quantity of 
Gunpowder belonging to this Colony from thence to Red- 
Hook, in Dutchess County, a part of which is intended for 
the use of Ulster County. 


Resolved, That Mr. Ketletas, Mr. Samuel Townsend, and 
Colonel Broome, or any two of them, be a Committee to 
confer with his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of the 
Continental Troops, concerning the preservation of the 
Horses, Cattle, and all other live stock, of the Counties of 
King’s and Queen’s, as well from unnecessary distress as from 
the hands of our enemies; and after such conference, that 
the said Committee be empowered to take such steps in 


Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1394 


regard to the premises as they, in conjunction with the Com- 
mander-in-Chief, may think proper. 

On motion, 

Resolved, ‘That Tuesday next, the 16th instant, be ap- 
pointed to take into consideration the Resolve of the Conti- 
nental Congress recommending to the several Assemblies 
and Conventions to form such Constitutions (where the same 
was not already done) for the government of their respective 
Colonies as the Representatives of the people shall judge 
most conducive to the welfare and happiness of the same, 
and that all the Members do attend on that day. 


On motion, 

Resolved, That the Rev. Mr, Lewis be requested to open 
the deliberations of this Convention every morning with 
prayer. 

Ordered, That Mr. Sacket wait upon Mr. Lewis and 


communicate to him the aforegoing Resolution. 


A Letter from the Committee of East and South Hamp- 
ton, relative to the stock of Cattle, was read.* 


Ordered, That Mr. William Smith and Mr. Miller pre- 


pare a draft of an Answer to the said Letter. 


A draft of a Letter to Egbert Benson, Esq., Chairman 
of the Dutchess County Committee, relative to the Powder 
from Rhode-Island, was read and approved, and is in the 
words following, that is to say: 

‘¢ White-Plains, in Convention of the State of 
New-York, July 10, 1776. 

“Sir: By the enclosed Resolve you will see that a 
quantity of Gunpowder is consigned to your care for the 
use and in the proportions of the Counties therein men- 
tioned. Such part of it as is intended for the Counties 
northward of Dutchess, (except Cumberland and Giloucester,) 
you will send up to the Committee of the County of Albany, 
together with a copy of the before-mentioned resolve. The 
remainder you will keep in store until the respective County 
Committees, who are entitled to it by the said resolve, shall 
send for the same. Yours, &c. 


“ By order. 
“P.S. The Powder for Cumberland and Gloucester, 


Colonel Marsh takes with him via Connecticut River, for 
their use, and perhaps the proportion for Charlotte. 


“To Egbert Benson, Esq., Chairman of Dutchess County 
Committee.” 
Thursday morning, July 11, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 
Opened with prayers by the Rev. Mr. Lewis. 


Present: General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Rutgers, Mr. Jay, Mr. Harper. 
Arpany.—Col. Renselaer, Mr. Gansevort, Mr. R. Yates, 

Mr. Abraham Yates. 

Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Hobart, Mr. L’ Homme- 
dieu, Mr. Dearing, Mr. Gelston, Mr. Miller, Mr. Smith. 
Dourcuess.—Mr. H. Schenck, Mr. Sacket, Dr. Crane, Mr. 

Hopkins. 

Orance.—Colonel Allison, Mr. Little. 

QueeEn’s.—Captain Lawrence, Mr. J. Townsend, Colonel 
Blackwell, Mr. Van Wyck. 

Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk, Mr. Vader, Mr. Paris, 
Mr. Moore. 

Wesrtcuester.—General Morris, Mr. Morris, Major Lock- 
wood, Colonel Cortlandt, Colonel L. Graham, Captain 
Platt, Mr. Mills, Mr. Paulding, Mr. Tompkins. 

CumperLanp.—Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stephens. 

Cuarvtotre.—Mr. Webster. 


The House took into consideration the arrangement of the 
Treasury of this State. 


* Hast-Hampron, July 5, 1776. 
Gentiemen: At a meeting of the joint Committees of South and East- 
Hampton, taking under our most serious consideration the situation of 
the stock now on Montock, at the east end of Long-Island, we look upon 
it that there is danger of said stock falling into the hands of our enemies, 
unless some speedy measures are taken to prevent the same. We, 
therefore, request that some effectual measures may be taken, which 
shall be thought most beneficial to the owners of said stock in particular, 
and America in general. We look upon it, that the stock at Montock 
might be of great service for the support of our armies, if they should be 
protected there. Gentlemen, we look upon it as a matter of great im- 
portance; therefore beg your speedy direction. 
Weare, gentlemen, your humble servants. 
Signed by order of the meeting: 
Mattsy GE.ston, Chairman. 
To the Provincial Congress of New-York. 


88 


1395 


Resolved, That the same be postponed, and that next 
Thursday be appointed to take the same into consideration. 


Mr. Morris, from the Committee to whom was recom- 
mitted the Report on the Letters and Resolutions of Conti- 
nental Congress relative to the raising another Regiment in 
this State, reported the draft of a Letter to be written to 
the Continental Congress; which being read, was unani- 
mously taken into consideration, and the same being again 
read, paragraph by paragraph, and some amendments made 
therein, was unanimously agreed to, and is in the words 
following, that is to say: 


‘* In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, 
White-Plains, Westchester County, July 11, 1776. 


«Sir: In pursuance of a Resolution of your honourable 
House, of the 17th of June last, we have passed a resolve 
to authorize the Commander-in-Chief to call out all or any 
part of our Militia whenever he might think it necessary ; of 
which we enclose you a copy, marked No. 1. 

“We have also taken into consideration the recommend- 
ation of the Congress relative to the providing of clothing 
for the troops, and passed the resolution of which we en- 
close you a copy, marked No, 2. 

“ As soon as we had received the resolution of Congress 
for raising a Regiment in this Colony, in order to provide 
for those officers who had served in Canada, we relerred it 
to a Committee, expecting from them an arrangement which 
would preserve the rank of those officers, and thereby pre- 
vent all disgusts and just grounds of resignation, it being our 
opinion that inferior officers should not be raised over their 
superiors, unless in cases of extraordinary and distinguished 
merit. And although we could not forbear observing that the 
recommendation of Mr. Dubois tended in some measure to 
impair that liberty of nomination, without which the privi- 
lege would be ineffectual, yet, as we conceived that such 
instances were not frequent, we had determined to comply 
with the request. 

“« But, sir, we are much surprised and most deeply affected 
by the resolution of Congress of the 26th June, by which 
it appears that your honourable House had taken from us the 
right of nominating not only the Field-Officers, but also the 
Captains and Lieutenants of that Regiment—a measure so 
contrary to the common usage hitherto observed and _prac- 
used upon in all similar cases, as to raise a discrimifation 
highly invidious to this State; and it is our great misfortune 
not to perceive the force of those three reasons which your 
honourable House had thought fit to assign to us. 

“The first, sir, is, that the Congress was furnished with a 
list of the officers who had served in Canada, and were 
therefore enabled to appoint without our interposition. We 
shall readily admit that the Congress may in this, and in 
other cases, have sufficient information to enable them to 
make such appointments; yet we submit it to their superior 
wisdom, whether the ability they may thence derive to per- 
form an act, can constitute a right of doing it. And if we 
suppose those appointments did (by the common usages) 
appertain to us, then how far the mere capacity of making 
them, could vest the right in any other body whatsoever. 

“The second reason, sir, is, that the Congress have 
appointed only such officers as were originally appointed 
and recommended by us, and that we should probably have 
fixed our choice on the same persons. We shall acknow- 
ledge it to be merely possible that in the course of human 
affairs, we might by some chance have fixed upon those 
persons which are agreeable to your honourable House, and 
it is strictly true, that the greater part of the officers were 
appointed and recommended by us the last year, although 
not to the same rank and commissions which your honour- 
able body have thought fit to confer upon them; but it is 
equally true that several of them have never been recom- 
mended or appointed by us, and one of them, if not more, 
has never been in the service at all; and we are really at a 
Joss to conceive that our nomination of officers in a Régi- 
ment disbanded after the term of its inlistment was expired, 
can, upon the raising of a new regiment, deprive us of that 
right of nomination, and vest it in the Congress; nor can we 
be of opinion that another body ought to claim the right of 
choosing for us, from the mere conjecture that their choice 
would be similar to ours, even if that conjecture should be 
well-founded; but we are sorry to observe, sir, that the 
arrangement made by your honourable House is materially 
different from that which we had prepared. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1396 


“The third reason for depriving us in this instance of the 
right of nomination is, the good of the service and the danger 
of delay. 

‘Weare deeply impressed with the idea that your respect- 
able body were actuated by the purest intentions of serving 
their country, and we entertain so well-founded an opinion 
of their wisdom and integrity, that we shall not presume to 
apologize for that piainness of speech which distinguishes free- 
men, and which can never give offence to those who, from 
the dignity of their private characters, impart lustre to the 
offices they hold. We shall observe, therefore, that although 
the necessity of the case has in all ages and nafions been the 
fruitful source of extraordinary power, yet it has but too 
frequently sown with tares the fertile fields of liberty, and - 
blasted the fair fruits of patriotism and publick spirit. The 
whole history of mankind bears testimony against the pro- 
priety of considering this principle as the parent of civil 
rights, and, therefore, a people jealous of their liberties must 
forever reprobate it. At the same time we take leave to 
assure you, sir, that, however we may be calumniated by 
individuals, whose censure we consider as praise, we shall 
ever continue ready, with our lives and fortunes, to support 
the cause and rights of America. 

“We are extremely sorry to inform the Congress that the 
good of the service will not be promoted, nor the danger of 
delay prevented, by the measures which they have taken, as 
many spirited and good officers have been so disgusted that 
some have resigned; and we have but too much reason to 
apprehend that others will refuse to accept of their commis- 
sions. We beg, therefore, that your honourable House will 
excuse us from interfering in the further arrangement of this 
Regiment, and make out the few appointments which remain. 

“We have received from Wilham Goforth, a brave and 
good officer, who served the last campaign in Canada, a 
letter containing his reasons for quitting the service, of which 
we enclose you a copy, marked No. 3, and also the copy of 
a letter from Colonel £leming, on the same subject, marked 
No. 4. 

“We daily expect other resignations, and pray leave to 
observe, that we think the case of Lieutenant-Colonel Cort- 
landt is attended with singular hardships. He is a young 
gentleman of affluent circumstances, good family and exten- 
sive connections; he entered the service last year as a Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel, and served with spirit and fidelity, and has 
done the like this year; he is now inferior in rank to Mr, 
Dubois, who entered the service last year as a Captain. If 
by such neglect, many respectable inhabitants among us, 
with their numerous and extensive connections, be digusted 
and remain inactive, we flatter ourselves that this Colony 
will not be censured for the ill consequences which may 
result from it. 

“The day before yesterday we took into consideration 
the Declaration of your honourable House, proclaiming the 
United Colonies free and independent States, and thereupon 
came to a resolution, of which we enclose you a copy, 
marked No. 5. 

‘‘Governour Tryon has inlisted into the service of the 
King of Great Britain certain disaffected persons belonging 
to this Colony, New-Jersey, &c., some of whom are now in 
custody. We are really at a loss what to do with them, 
there being no laws according to which they can be tried 
and punished, and ex post facto laws are liable to many ob- 
jections. We unanimously join in requesting the favour of 
your honourable House to advise us what would be proper 
to do in this case. 

“ We take the liberty of suggesting to your consideration 
also, the propriety of taking some measures for expunging 
from the Book of Common Prayer such parts, and discon- 
tinuing in the congregations of all other denominations all 
such prayers as interfere with the interest of the American 
cause. It is a subject we are afraid to meddle with, the 
enemies of America having taken great pains to insinuate 
into the minds of the Episcopalians that the Church was in ~ 
danger. We would wish the Congress would pass some 
resolve to quiet their fears, and we are confident it would do 
essential service to the cause of America, at least in this State. 

‘“We have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, 
sir, your most obedient and most humble servants. 

° By orders ja 
“To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of the Con- 

tinental Congress,”’ 


1397 


Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed and signed 
by the President, and, together with copies of the Letters 
and Resolutions therein referred to, be transmitted. 

A Letter from Samuel Tucker, Esq., President of the 
New-Jersey Congress, enclosing a Resolution of the said 
Congress, dated July 3d, authorizing this State to apprehend 
any of the inhabitants thereof at present residing in New- 
Jersey, and ordering the inhabitants thereof to aid those at 
New- York in the premises ; and that a Committee of Secrecy 
is appointed to correspond with the Committee of Secrecy 
of this State, was read and filed. 


Thursday afternoon, July 11, 1776. 

Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present: General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Harper. 

Arpany.—Mr. Abm. Yates, Mr. Robert Yates, Colonel 

Renselaer, Mr. Adgate. 

Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Smith, Mr. L’ Homme- 
dieu, Mr. Miller, Mr. Gelston, Mr. Dearing. 
Dutcuess.—Mr. Platt, Mr. Schenck, Mr. Sacket, Mr. 

Hopkins, Dr. Crane. 

Westcuester.—Mr. Tompkins, Major Lockwood, Mr. 
Paulding, Captain Platt, Mr. Mills, Col. Van Cortlandt. 
Trvon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Paris, Mr. Vader, 

Mr. Newkirk. 

Orance.—Colonel Allison, Mr. Little. 
CumBerLanp.—Mr. Stephens, Mr. Sessions. 
Cuartorre.—Mr. Webster. 

Queen’s.—Mr. J. Townsend, Captain Lawrence, Colonel 

Blackwell, Mr. Van Wyck. 

On motion, Resolved, That the General Committee of the 
County of Tryon be, and they hereby are, authorized and re- 
quested to employ proper persons to take the Leaden Weights 
out of all the windows in the said County, and apply so 
much thereof as may be immediately necessary to the use 
of the Militia of the said County; that an exact account be 
kept of the quantity taken from each house, to the end that 
payment may be hereafter made for the same; and that the 
said Committee do transmit an account thereof to this Con- 
vention, with all convenient speed. 

_ Ordered, That Colonel Curtenius deliver to Major Web- 
ster, (one of the Deputies from Charlotte County,) or his 
order, 1,500 lbs. of Lead, for the use of the Militia of the 
County of Charlotte, and to Mr. John Sessions, one of the 
Deputies from Cumberland County, 3,000 lbs. for the use of 
the County of Gloucester, and 4,500 lbs. for the use of the 
County of Cumberland. ; 

And Ordered, That Colonel Curtenius charge the same 
to the said Counties respectively, to the end that the same 
may be paid for by the said Counties respectively, when they 
shall be thereunto required. 

And Ordered, That Major Webster do forward, in the 
most safe and expeditious manner, the said 1,500 Ibs. of Lead 
to the General Committee of Charlotte County; that Mr. Ses- 
sions forward, in the same manner, the said 3,000 Ibs. of Lead 
to the General Committee of Gloucester County, and the said 
4,500 lbs. to the General Committee of Cumberland County. 

And Ordered, further, ‘That the said Committees be, and 
they hereby are, respectively required to attend carefully to 
the disposition of the said Lead for the use of the Militia of 
the said Counties respectively. 


Whereas it has been represented to this Convention that 
the Troop of Horse of the County of Westchester have re- 
fused to furnish their quota of men lately directed to be raised 
to reinforce the Continental Army of New- York: 

Resolved, That Mr. Harper, Major Lockwood, Mr. Tom- 
kins, and Mr. Lawrence, be a Committee to inquire into the 
truth of the said representation. 


A Letter from the Hon. John Hancock, Esq., enclosing 
the Declaration of Independence, was read and filed, and 
is in the words following, that is to say: 


‘* Philadelphia, July 6, 1776. 

“Gentiemen: Although it is not possible to foresee the 
consequences of human actions, yet it is nevertheless a duty 
we owe ourselves and posterity in all our publick councils 
to decide in the best manner we are able, and to trust the 
event to that Being who controls both causes and events so 
as to bring about his own determinations. Impressed with 
this sentiment, and at the same time fully convinced that our 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


* 


1398 


affairs may take a more favourable turn, the Congress have 
judged it necessary to dissolve all connection between Great 
Britain and the American Colonies, and to declare them 
free and independent States, as you will perceive by the 
enclosed Declaration, which 1 am directed to transmit to 
you, and to request you will have it proclaimed in your 
Colony in the way you shall think most proper. 

“The important consequences to the American States 
from this Declaration of Independence, considered as the 
ground and foundation of a future Government, will natu- 
rally suggest the propriety of having it proclaimed in such a 
manner as that the people may be universally informed of it. 

‘1 have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient, 
and very humble servant, 

“ Joun Hancock, President. 
“To the Honourable Convention of New- York.” 


A draft of an Answer to the same was read and approved 
of, and is in the words following, that is to say: 

“ July 11, 1776. 

“Sir: Your letter of the 6th July instant, enclosing a 
copy of the Declaration of Congress proclaiming the United 
Colonies free andindependent States, and requesting us to pro- 
claim and publish the same in this Colony, has been received. 

“It gives us pleasure to inform you that, having been 
informed of that Declaration by our Delegates, we have an- 
ticipated the request of Congress, by our Resolutions of the 
9th instant, a copy of which was enclosed in a letter we did 
ourselves the honour of writing you this morning. 

“We have the honour to be, &c., &c. By order. 

“To the Hon. John Hancock, Esq.” 
White-Plains, July 12, 1776. 

A draft of a Letter to the Committees of East and South 
Hampton, in answer to theirs received on the afternoon of 
the 10th instant, was read and approved of, and is in the 
words following, that is to say: 

*‘In Convention of the Representatives of the State if 
New-York, White-Plains, July 12, 1776. 

“ GentLemen: Taking into consideration your letter of 
the 5th instant, applying to us for directions relative to the 
preservation of the stock at Montauck,—since the date of 
your Jetter you must have understood that Colonel Living- 
ston, the commander in that quarter, has applied to the 
County Committee for their advice and assistance respecting 
the preservation of the stock and making necessary defence 
in your quarter. We also understand, from Messrs. Dearing 
and L’ Hommedieu, that persons are appointed by the Com- 
missary-General to lay up all the stock in those parts fit for 
use, and also boats to be provided to remove the rest in case 
of danger. Viewing things in this light, we hope your fears 
are subsided. In case they are not, from the measures already 
taken, we shall expect to hear from you, and shall not be 
wanting in supporting all the friends of the common cause 
of America. We are, Nc. 


“'To the Committees of East and South Hampton.” 


A Memorial of several Officers, complaining of improper 
appointments by Congress, and that they have been super- 
seded in rank by the late appointments in the Third Regi- 
ment to be commanded by Colonel Dubois, was read.* 


*Wuire-Priains, July 12, 1776. 

Gentiemen: Whereas we have had the honour to serve in the Con- 
tinental Army by your appointment last year, we beg leave to mention 
to you a state of facts, which we esteem as real grievances, and look up 
to you for direction or redress. 

When first the dire alarm of war was sounded in our land we willingly 
stepped forth and offered our services to our bleeding country, and were 
much pleased with the appointments which you honoured us with. 
Urged on by the same motives which first induced us to engage, we 
endured all the hardships of a most severe campaign with a pleasing for- 
titude, not doubting but whilst we were doing our duty we should meet 
with the applause of our country, and that an equal distribution of honour 
would have been conferred on those who had not merited the reverse. 
But this has not been the case; a few have been promoted to high rank, 
while others of equal standing and merit are superseded or entirely 
neglected. : , ; } 

Among the many instances of this procedure that might be given, the 
most recent is the late arrangement of the officers of a regiment to be 
commanded by Lewis Dubois, Esq., the injustice of which will, we hope, 
fully appear to your honourable House, if you will please to look over the 
copy of the arrangement itself, which we take the liberty of enclosing to 
rou. 

We humbly desire you, gentlemen, to take this matter into considera- 
tion; and are, with due respect, (in behalf of the disbanded officers that 
served in Canada,) gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servants, 

Samui. Sacker, 
Aaron Aorson, 
Ricuarp Piarr. 


To the Honourable the Convention of the State of New-York. 


a 


1399 


The Resignation of Lieutenants Aorson, Pearsee, Plat, 
Gano, and Van Wagener, on account of younger Lieute- 
nants being appointed to a Captaincy in Colonel Dubovs’s 
Regiment, was read. 


Mr. Jay reported a draft of a Letter to the President of the 
Continental Congress on the subject of these Resignations, 
which was read and approved of, and is in the words follow- 
ing, that is to say: 

; ‘In Convention of the Representatives of the State va 
New-York, White-Plains, July 12, 1776. 

“Sir: Nothing but regard to their duty could induce the 
Convention of New- York again to call your attention toa sub- 
ject so disagreeable as complaints against the arrangements of 
the Canada Regiment formed by your honourable House. 

“They this day received certain papers relative to that 
business from a number of officers who think themselves 
deeply affected by it, of which papers the enclosed are 
copies; from thence it appears that, besides other appoint- 
ments out of the line of rank, three Sergeants, a Corporal, 
and a Lieutenant fire-worker have been raised over the heads 
of commissioned officers. 

“We have the honour to be, &c., 

“ Naruit. Woopuut., President. 


‘The Hon. John Hancock, Esq., President of Continental 


Congress.” 


Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed 
by the President, and transmitted, together with copies of 
the Memorial and Resignation of the Officers. 


Ordered, That Colonel Curtenius deliver to Nathaniel 
Sacket, Esq., or his order, six thousand pounds of Lead, for 
the use of the Militia of the County of Dutchess, and that 
he charge the same to the said County. 

Mr. Sampson Duyckinck came from the City of New- 
York, and informed the Congress that three Ships-of-War 
had passed the Fort and Battery at New-York, and sailed 
up Hudson’s River; that they were fired upon from all the 
Batteries along the banks of the river; that he believes 
they have already passed King’s Bridge: 

Thereupon, Ordered, That Mr. Jay, Major Lockwood, 
Mr. Mills, Colonel Drake, and Mr. Schenck, be a Commit- 
tee to take such measures on this occasion as to calling out 
such parts of the Militia, sending Expresses to the Forts in 
the Highlands, and all such other measures as they shall 
think necessary. 


Saturday morning, July 13, 1776. 
Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Rutgers, Mr. Jay, Colonel Brasher. 
Axpany.—Mr. A. Yates, Mr. R. Yates, Mr. Adgate. 
Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Miller, Mr. Smith. 
Uuster.—Mr. Wisner. 

Dorcurss.—Mr. Platt, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. G. Livingston, 

Mr. Schenck. 

Orance.—Colonel Allison, Mr. Little. 
WesrcuesteR.—Major Lockwood, Captain Platt, Colonel 

G. Drake. 

Queren’s.—Mr. James Townsend, Colonel Blackwell, Cap- 
tain Lawrence. 
Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Vader, Mr. Paris. 


CumBerLanp.—Mr. Stephens. 


Mr. Gilbert Livingston and Mr. Wisner took the general 
oath of secrecy. 


The Deputies for Queen’s County represented to the 
Convention that the Militia of the said County are destitute 
of Ammunition, and therefore request that a supply may be 
immediately ordered for them. * 

Thereupon, Ordered, That Mr. Norwood, the Commis- 
sary of Military Stores, deliver to Captain Jonathan Law- 
rence, or his order, ten thousand Cartridges, of differant 
sizes, filled with Powder and Ball, and one thousand F'lints, 
for the use of the Militia of Queen’s County, and charge 
the same to the said County. 


Ordered, That Colonel Curtenius deliver to Captain J. 
Platt, or his order, fifteen hundred pounds of Lead—one 
half thereof in Ball; and if Colonel Curtenius has no Ball 
in store, that he call on Mr. Norwood, who in such case is 
ordered to deliver to Colonel Curtenius, or his order, seven 
hundred and fifty pounds of Ball, for the purpose aforesaid ; 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1400 


and that Colonel Curtenius charge the same to the said 
County, for the use of the Militia thereof. 


A draft of a Letter to Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt was 
read and approved of, and is in the words following, that is 
to say: 

“ White-Plains, July 13, 1776. 

“Sir: Be pleased to order such a number of your Regi- 
ment to guard the stores in which provision and other effects 
belonging to the publick are lodged, at and near Peekskill, as 
you may think necessary. Colonel Drake will afford them 
the necessary supplies of bread and pork. 

‘As it would not be prudent, on every little alarm, to call 
great numbers of the inhabitants from their farms, we hope 
the detachments you may order on service will not be greater 
than the exigency of affairs may require. 

‘“‘We are, sir, your most obedient servants. 


“'T'o Colonel Pterre Van Cortlandt.” 


Ordered, 'That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed 
by the President, and transmitted immediately. 


A draft of a Letter to Lieutenant-Colonel Hammond 
was read and approved of, and is in the words following, 
that is to say: 


By order. 


‘* White-Plains, July 13, 1776. 

“Sir: We last evening ordered Colonel Thomas to send 
you a reinforcement of forty or fifty men, together with one 
hundred pounds of lead and two quarter casks of gunpowder, 
all of which we hope you have received. 

“There is no great reason to apprehend that any consider- 
able incursions into the country will be made by parties from 
ships in the river, and therefore are of opinion it would not 
be expedient for great numbers of the Militia to leave their 
farms at this busy season of the year. 

“Great attention should be paid to the conduct of the dis- 
affected among us, and care taken to prevent any unusual 
gatherings of them; and let all such of them be apprehended 
and secured as may give any aid to the enemy, or threaten 
to give you any molestation. 

“Colonel Drake will give the necessary orders for provi- 
sions, and we hope the Whigs of this County will distinguish 
themselves by their zeal and alacrity on this occasion. 

“We are, sir, your very obedient servants. 


“To Lieutenant-Colonel Hammond.” 


Ordered, That a copy be engrossed and signed by the 
President, and immediately transmitted. 


A draft ofa Letter to his Excellency General Washington 
was read and approved of, and is in the words following, 
that is to say: 

‘Saturday morning, July 13, 1776. 

“Sir: On being informed yesterday afternoon that two 
ships-of-war had gone into the North-River and passed by 
all the fortifications on York-Island, the Convention imme- 
diately sent an express to the commanding officer of the 
fort at the Highlands, advising him thereof. Last evening, 
advice arrived that two frigates and two or three tenders 
were at anchor at Tarrytown; whereupon, the Convention 
sent the inhabitants a supply of powder and ball, and took 
immediate measures for reinforcing the inhabitants along 
that shore. ‘This morning the Convention were informed 
that the frigates and tenders still lay there at anchor, and 
that several barges were busy in sounding the river. Ano- 
ther detachment of the Militia has been directed to guard 
the stores in that neighbourhood, in which are’$undry effects 
belonging to the publick. ‘The Convention will endeavour 
to prevent their making incurstons into the country, and beg 
leave to suggest to your Excellency the propriety of keeping 
a strong guard at King’s Bridge, the destruction of which 
they apprehend to be an object with the enemy. 

“TI have the honour to be, with esteem, your Excellency’s 
most obedient servant. By order. 


“To His Excellency General Washington.” 


Saturday afternoon, July 13, 1776. 


The following Members met, and for want of a sufficient 
number of Members, adjourned till to-morrow morning, to wit: 


New-Yorx.—Major Abcel, Mr. Jay. 

Avpany.—Mr, A. Yates, Mr. R. Yates, Mr. Adgate. 
SurroLtx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Smith, Mr. Miller. 
Durcuess.—Mr. Platt, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. G. Livingston. 


1401 
Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Paris, Mr. Vader. 


Utsrer.—Mr. Wisner. 
Orance.—Mr. Little. 
CumBerLAND.—Mr. Stephens. 


Sunday morning, July 14, 1776. 
The same Members met, and adjourned till to-morrow 
morning. 


Monday morning, July 15, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. Opened 
with prayer. 
Present: General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Colonel Broome. 
Avsany.—Mr. A. Yates, Mr. R. Yates, Mr. Adgate. 
Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Smith, Mr. Miller. 
Durcuess.—Mr. G. Livingston, Mr. R. R. Livingston, 
Dr. Crane, Mr. Platt, Mr. Sacket, Mr. Schenck. 
Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Vader, Mr. Paris. 
Wesrcuester.—Mr. Haviland. 
Orance.—Mr. Little. 
Queen’s.—Mr. Ketletas. 
Cuartotre.—Mr. Duer. 
CumBerLanp.—Mr. Stephens. 
Uxster.—Mr. Wisner. 


Mr. Duer and Mr. Robert R. Livingston took the gene- 
ral oath of secrecy. 


Ordered, That Colonel Curtenius or Mr. Norwood deliver 
to Henry Wisner, Jun, Esq., six thousand pounds weight of 
Lead, for the use of the Militia of Ulster County, and four 
thousand pounds weight of Lead for the use of the Militia 
of Orange County, and charge the same to those Counties 
respectively. 


A Letter from General Washington, dated yesterday, by 
express, was received and read, and is in the following 
words, to wit: 

‘* New-York, Head-Quarters, July 14, 1776. 

“ GenTLEMEN: The passage of the enemy up the North 
River is an event big with many consequences to the pub- 
lick interest. One particularly occurs to me, well deserving 
your attention, and to prevent which I shall gladly give every 
assistance in my power consistent with the safety of the Army. 

“Tam informed there are several passes on each side of 
the river, upon which the communication with Albany de- 
pends, of so commanding a nature, that an inconsiderable 
body of men may defend them against the largest numbers. 
It may be that on board these ships there may be troops for 
this purpose, who, expecting to be joined by the disaffected 
in that quarter, or confiding in their own strength, may en- 
deavour to seize those defiles. In which case, the mter- 
course between the two Armies, both by land and water, 
will be wholly cut off, than which a greater misfortune could 
hardly befall the State and Army. I must entreat you to 
take the measure into consideration, and, if possible, provide 
against an evil so much to be apprehended. 1 should hope 
the Militia of these Counties might be used on such an 
emergence until further provision was made. 

“T have also thought it very probable these ships may 
have carried up arms and ammunition to be dealt out to 
those who may favour their cause, and codperate with them 
at a fixed time. I would, to guard against this, submit to 
your consideration the propriety of writing to the leading 
men on our side, in those Counties, to be very vigilant in ob- 
serving any movement of that kind, in order that so danger- 
ous a scheme may be nipped in the bud: for that purpose 
to keep the utmost attention to the conduct of the principal 
Tories in those parts; any attempts of intercourse with the 
ships; and all other circumstances which may lead to a dis- 
covery of their scheme and the destruction of their measures. 

“Tam, gentlemen, very respectfully, your obedient and 
humble servant, Go. WasHineron. 


“'To the Hon. the President of the Provincial Congress of 
New- York.” 


A draft of an Answer to the Letter just received from 
General Washington, was read and approved of, and a copy 
transmitted by the same express, and is in the words follow- 
ing, that is to say: 

** White-Plains, July 15, 1776. 

“Sie: Your letter of the 14th instant was read in Con- 
vention. ‘They see the importance of securing the passes 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1402 


your Excellency mentions, and will immediately take the 
measures you are pleased to recommend, and every other 
which they conceive will tend most to the security of this 
State. Your Excellency was informed by our letter of the 
13th, of the precautions we had used in order to prevent any 
intercourse between the disaffected people of our State and 
the ships of the enemy, and to repel any attempts they might 
make to land. ‘They see the necessity of watching with the 
utmost vigilance the steps of the Tories in this and the neigh- 
bouring Counties, and shall give your Excellency the earliest 
notice of any resolutions that they may form for this purpose. 
‘We have the honour to be, &c. 
“ His Excellency General Washington.” 


Ordered, 'That Peter V. B. Livingston, Esq., advance 
to Henry Wisner, Jun., Esq., the sum of £50, to be by 
him disposed of in defraying the expenses of transporting a 
quantity of Lead to the Counties of Orange and Ulster, Mr. 
Wisner to render an account of the expenditure thereof. 

Ordered, That Peter Van B. Livingston, Esq., advance 
to Nathaniel Sacket, Esq., the sum of £40, to be by him 
disposed of in defraying the expenses of transporting a quan- 
tity of Lead to Dutchess County, Mr. Sacket to render an 
account of the expenditure thereof. 

Die Lune, P. M., July 15, 1776. 

The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present: General Woodhull, President. 

New-Y orx.—Colonel Broome, Major Abcel, Mr. Jay. 
Arpany.—Mr. A. Yates, Mr. R. Yates, Mr. Adgate. 
SurroLtK.—General Woodhull, Mr. Miller, Mr. Smith. 
Uxster.—Colonel De Wit, Major Tappen, Mr. Cantine, 

Colonel Paulding, Mr. Wisner. 

Dutcuess.—Dr. Crane, Mr. G. Livingston, Mr. R. R. 

Livingston, Mr. Platt, Mr. Hopkins. 
Westcuester.—Mr. Haviland, Mr. Tompkins, Mr. Paul- 

ding, Mr. Mills. 

Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Vader, Mr. Paris. 
Orance.—Mr. Little. 

Cuarvorre.—Mr. Duer. 

CumpBerLanp.—Mr. Stephens. 

Credentials of the Deputies for Ulster County were read, 
approved, and filed. 

Ordered, That the Deputies for Ulster County take their 
seats. 

Wiliam Duer, Esq., one of the Deputies from Charlotte 
County, delivered in Convention a Certificate of the Com- 
mittee of the said County, dated the 28th ultimo, subscribed 
by John Williams, Chairman, and attested by John Gibson, 
Clerk, of the election of Deputies for the said County, to serve 
in this Convention. The said Certificate was read and filed. 

Ordered, That the Deputies from Charlotte County take 
their seats. 

Ordered, That Mr. Jay, Mr. Robert Yates, Mr. Duer, 
Mr. Robert R. Livingston, and Colonel De Wit, be a Com- 
mittee to take into consideration General Washington’s Let- 
ter received and read this morning, and that they report 
thereon with all possible speed. 

Two Letters from Colonel Hammond,* at Tarrytown, in- 

* July 14, 4. D. 1776. 
These lines are to inform the honourable Congress that Captain Wil- 
liam Dutcher is willing to raise a Company of forty men, to protect the 
inhabitants along the shore of the North River from the mischievous 
attempts of the Ministerial ships now lying in the river near Tarry- 
town, in compliance with the requisitions of Congress yesterday, on sup- 
position that the honourable Congress will immediately put the men 
under pay, so that the multitude may return to their respective habita- 
tions to secure their harvests. 
From your friend and servant in the common cause, 
James Hammon, Lt. Col. 
To the Hon. Provincial Congress, now sitting at the White-Plains. 
P. S. We have taken one John Fowler returning from on board of one 
of the men-of-war, whom we are soon going to send under guard to the 
Plains. 


N. B. Pray, sir, send an answer to the above as soon as is any ways 
consistent. Yours, as above, J. Hammon, 


Tarrytown, July 15, 1776. 

Sir: The men who came down with Captain Hunter from Bedford, for 
the sake of expedition came on horseback. Their horses have been 
kept here, as they expected to be immediately relieved. As they have 
been very serviceable to us, would beg that the Congress would be 

leased to make them an allowance for the extraordinary expense they 
itis been at in this emergency. 

I much fear that without a reinforcement we shall be put to it for our 
complement of men to-night, as some are continually going away without 
leave, to take care of their harvests. From your most humble servant, 

James Hammonp, Lt. Col. 
To Brigadier-General Woodhull, President of the Convention of the State 
of New- York. 


1403 


forming the Convention that the men posted there are very 
desirous of being relieved, in order to attend their harvests, 
were read: 


Thereupon, Ordered, That Colonel Thomas relieve, by - 


detachments from his Regiment, such of the Militia stationed 
at Tarrytown as may incline to return home; and that the 
number of Militia to be stationed there be one hundred and 
fifty, exclusive of Captain Townsend’s Company. 


A Letter was wrote and sent to Colonel Hammond, in- 
forming him that one hundred and fifty men are sufficient 
to be stationed at Tarrytown, for the present, and that such 
further aid will be afforded them as the Convention may 
think necessary; and that they be relieved, so that the bur- 
den be equally borne by all the Militia. 


A draft of a Letter to Lieutenant-Colonel Hammond was 
read and approved of, and is in the words following, that 
is to say: 

‘In Convention for the State of New-York, ; 
White-Plains, July 15, 1776. 

“Srr: We are surprised to find that any of the men under 
your command at Tarrytown have left their station without 
permission from the commanding officer. We flattered our- 
selves that no part of the Militia of this State would have 
forsaken their duty from pecuniary considerations, especially 
at a season when everything dear to a freeman is at stake. 
Assure such of the officers and men as have done their duty 
that they, and all others of the Militia who may be called 
into service, shall receive the like pay and rations as Conti- 
nental troops, and that those now at Tarrytown shall speedily 
be relieved. 

“‘ We are, sir, your very humble servants. 


“To Lieutenant-Colonel Hammond.” 
Resolved and Ordered, That Mr. Tompkins and Mr. Ha- 


viland be a Committee to have the staircase of the room in 
which this Convention sits, closed; and also that they be a 
Committee to procure Guard to be stationed at the Jail. 


Resolved, unanimously, 'That if his Excellency General 
Washington should think it expedient, for the preservation 
of this State and the general interest of America, to abandon 
the City of New-York, and withdraw the ‘Troops to the north 
side of King’s Bridge, that this Convention will cheerfully 
cooperate with him in every measure that may be necessary 
for that purpose. 


A draft of a Letter to his Excellency General Washington, 
to enclose the above Resolution, was read and approved of, 
and is in the words following, that is to say: 

. ‘¢In Convention, July 15, 1776. 

‘Sir: One or two pettiaugers have been observed going 
to and from the ships-of-war at Tarrytown. Had the detach- 
ment of Militia stationed there been supplied with boats, 
they would certainly have taken them. ‘The Convention 
take the liberty, therefore, of requesting your Excellency to 
send them four whale boats, which they will take care to man. 

“Tam directed by the Convention to transmit the enclosed 
resolution to your Excellency; and have the honour to be, 
with the greatest respect, your Excellency’s most obedient 
servant. By order. 

“ His Excellency General Washington.” 

Colonel De Wit, Major Christopher Tappen, Colonel Levi 
Pawling, and Major Garret Abeel, took the general oath of 
secrecy. ; 


By order. 


—- 


Friday Morning, July 16, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment, 
Present: General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Jay, Colonel Broome, Colonel Lott, Mr. 
Bancker, Major Abeel, Mr. Dunscomb, Mr. Harper. 
Apany.—Mr. A. Yates, Mr. R. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Colo- 
nel Renselaer. 
Cuartorre.—Mr. Duer, Mr. Webster. 
Surroix.—General Woodhull, Mr. Smith, Mr. Miller, Mr. 
Dearing, Mr. L? Hommedieu, Mr. Gelston. 
Uxster.—Colonel De Wit, Major Tappen, Col. Pawling, 
Mr. Cantine. 
Durcuess.—Mr. R, R. Livingston, Mr. G. Lwingston, Dr. 
Crane, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Platt, Mr. Schenck. 
Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Paris, Mr. Veder, 
Mr. Newkirk. 
Cumsrrtanp.—Mr. Stephens, Mr. Sessions. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1404 


Orance.—Mr. Little. 
Wesrcuester.—Mr. Haviland, Mr. Pawling, Mr. Mills, 
Colonel G. Drake, Major Lockwood. 


A Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Hammond,* with a 
Return of the men under his command, posted at Tarry- 
town, and requesting that some person be appointed to fur- 
nish them with Provisions: 

Resolved, That George Coombe be, and he is hereby, 
appointed Commissary of Provisions, to such of the Militia 
as now are or may be stationed at and in the neighbourhood 
of Tarrytown; that he supply the said Militia with fresh 
Provisions one half of the time, and the other half with 
salt Provisions, out of the Provincial Store. 


A draft of a Letter to Colonel Hammon, acknowledging 
the receipt of his, was read and approved of, and is in the 
words following, that is to say: 

‘* White-Plains, July 16, 1776. 

“Str: The Congress duly received your letter of this day, 
and, pursuant to your request, have come to the enclosed 
resolution, by which you will see they have appointed George 
Coombe Commissary, and that suitable measures are taken 
for the regulating of the supplies of provision for the Militia, 
both fresh and salt. Yours, &c. By order. 


“Colonel Hammon.”’ 


Ordered, That the same be copied, and, together with 
the Resolution appointing Mr. Coombe Commissary of Pro- 
visions, be immediately transmitted. 


A Letter from Joseph Travis,t dated at Peekskill, yesterday, 
in substance complaining that the harvest is great and the 
labourers few, they expect to be attacked every moment by 
the Regulars and Tories, and are obliged to keep something 
of a guard over the stores, was read and filed. 


A Petition from Samuel Smith, as also the Petition of 
Cadwallader Colden,{ Jun., Esq., both confined in Ulster 


* Heap-QuartTers, Tarrytown, July 16, 1776. 
GENTLEMEN: We having no proper orders from you in what manner 
the Militia shall be found with provision, the men have eat nothing but 
salt provision as yet. They find much fault, as there has been no per- 
son appointed by you as Commissary. I desire that there may bea 
person appointed for that purpose. George Combe has done this business, 
but he is unwilling to buy cattle without proper orders. 
Iam, gentlemen, your humble servant, 
James Hammonp, Lt. Col. 
To the Honourable Provincial Congress. 


Tarrytown, July 16, 1776.—Return of the state of the forces under 
Colonel Hammond’s command. Upon mustering the Regiment, at five 
o’clock this morning, agreeable to the Colonel’s orders— 


Appeared upon parade, fit for duty..........sceeseeeeee 129 men. 
Upon guard . os acs ciesis th viele s oe ob veie tone tba pemeonseaea 10 
LOFT, <'s'cie.ce se 0 0 Gd0c 0.0 08hip oases spine sine 139 


Joun G. Granam, 2d Major. 

} Peexsxi1, July 15, 1776. 
GenTLEMEN: We, the inhabitants of Cortlandt’s Manor, are very desi- 
rous to have your approbation what is best for us to do. The harvest 
is considerable great, and the labourers but few, and as we expect to be 
attacked every moment by the Regulars and Tories, we are obliged to 
keep something of a guard, on the account of the stores at our place, as 
well as our preservation. I should be very desirous to have a few lines 
from the honourable House, concerning matters of encouragement what 
is best to bedone in these matters. I have written in haste, alone, because 

just had this immediate opportunity. 
From your friend and well wisher, Josepu Travis. 


To the Hon. the Congress of the Province of New-York. 


{Uxster County Jai, July 6, 1776. 

GenrLemen: The enclosed copy ofa letter which I wrote to the General 
Committee of this County, [dated Hanover Precinct, June 27, 1776,] I beg 
leave to refer you to, as it contains a true relation (to that time) of a most 
arbitrary, cruel treatment to me; and as, instead of meeting redress where 
I applied for it, 1 was most unexpectedly sent here, where I am now con- 
fined in the common jail with a criminal, &c., I shall now relate the truth 
of what passed in the County Committee when I appeared before them 
pursuant to their order, a copy of which 1 also enclose. No evidence or 
proof in any shape appeared to contradict what I had set forth in my letter 
to the Committee, nor did any new matter appear against me, only that 
the officers who had searched my house declared they could find no arms 
at all, which gave suspicion that [ must have secreted them. When they 
searched my house, and asked me for arms, I told them that there were 
but two guns in the house, the one a left-handed one for my own use, 
which was broke in the stock, and at these times did not think worth while 
to have it mended: the other, a fowling-piece, belonging to Dr. Antill, 
which my youngest son appeared with at the training; that all the spare 
arms that had been in the house I had caused to be disposed of to the 
soldiery. I did not show them these guns, as I made no doubt they had 
seen them standing in the common room; likewise, my son’s pistols and 
sword hung up in my best bedroom, where some of these officers lodged 
the remainder of the night; and if they did not see them, I could not 
help it. It is true, my.own pistols I forgot to tell them of, as they lay 
on a shelf of a closet in my bedroom, where they had been out of sight 
for a year or two, and one of them has the cock broke. I have been 
the more particular about this trifling cireumstance, as it seemed to be 
the only matter before the Committee that they hinged upon, They 


1405 


Jail, with copy of Mr. Colden’s Letter to the Committee of 
Ulster County, and the Warrant for his commitment, were 
respectively read. 

Ordered, That both Petitions and Papers be referred to 
the General Committee of Ulster County, and that a Letter 
be wrote to the Committee, enclosing the said Petitions. 


A draft of a Letter to the Committee, informing them of 
this reference, was read and approved of, and is in the words 
following, that is to say: 

“In Convention of the Representatives of the State of 
New-York, White-Plains, July 16, 1776. 

“Str: Enclosed you have a petition from Samuel Smith, 
a prisoner confined in Kingston Jail; also a letter and peti- 
tion of Cadwallader Colden, Jun. 

“This Convention have taken the petitions under con- 
sideration, and thought most expedient to refer the prayers 
thereof to your Committee, whom we doubt not will take 
such proper steps as the present times will admit of. 

“We are, sir, your most obedient servants. By order. 


« Robt. Boyd, Jun., Esq., Chairman of the General Commit- 
tee of Ulster County.” 


A draft of a Letter to Mr. Colden, informing him of the 
same, was also read and approved of, and is in the words 
following, that is to say: 


“In Convention of the Representatives of the State of 
New-York, White-Plains, July 16, 1776. 


«Sir: The Congress received your letter to them respect- 
ing your confinement, and have directed me to inform you 
that they have transmitted all the papers relative to your 
ease to the Committees of Ulster County, to whom it is 
referred. 

“JT am, sir, your most obedient servant. 


“To Cad. Colden, Jun., Esq.” 
Ordered, 'That copies of the aforegoing Letters be en- 
grossed, and signed by the President, and transmitted imme- 


diately. 


By order. 


It being represented to the Convention that considerable 
quantities of salt Pork is stored in different places at and in 
the neighbourhood of Peekskill, where the same is much 
exposed to the enemy: 

Resolved, That the Sub-Committee at Peekskill be, and 
they hereby are, authorized and directed immediately to 
cause all Provisions and other stores, as well private as 
publick property, which are stored in places within their dis- 
trict, and so situated as to be in danger of being taken by 
the enemy, to be removed to such places of safety as the 
said Committee shall think proper. 


Ordered, That a Commission issue to Cornelius J. Du- 
bois, as Second Lieutenant in John L. De Wit’s Company, 
in Colonel Humphrey’s Regiment, of Dutchess County. 


A Letter from Colonel Hammond,* at Tarrytown, was 
read. The Colonel therein informs the Convention that the 
ships-of-war have left that harbour, and are sailing up the 
river, with a fair wind, towards the Mighlands : 


Thereupon, Resolved, 'That Colonel Van Cortlandt and 


had indeed a letter, dated last January, said to be written by one Hamil- 
ton to his brother, in which my name was mentioned; but this letter was 
found to be the same that had been handed to several committees last 
winter, and which by them had been judged to be forged by some ma- 
licious person, on purpose to make mischief. 

The Committee then asked me if I would sign the Association agreed 
upon in Provincial Congress, the 20th of June. I told them that I was 
willing to take the oath prescribed by the resolve of that day, relating 
to the secreting of arms; but as to signing the Association, I desired 
some days to consider of it. But that not being granted, I said, rather 
than go to jail, which I found was like to be the case, I would sign it. 
But then they were for adding another clause to it, of their own forming, 
upon which I positively refused to sign it; whereupon I was committed 
to this jail, as I have already said, and here to remain till discharged by 
them, or the Provincial Congress. Now, as the County Committee 
have adjourned not to meet till summoned, and as they are so dispersed 
that they cannot be soon called, if they inclined to take the matter of my 
discharge under consideration, but more especially as I have little reason 
to expect any favour or indulgence from men who have acted thus arbi- 
aay obliges me to appeal to your honourable House, where I doubt 
not I shall meet with that speedy relief my situation and the justice of my 
case merits at your hands; and am, gentlemen, your most humble ser- 
vant, Cap’r Coipen, Jun. 


To the Honourable the Provincial Congress of the Province of New-York. 


*Tarrytown, July 16, 1776. 
Sir: The shipping have all left this harbour, and are now sailing up 
the river, with a fair wind. I likewise have marched my men up the 
river. The number of my men one hundred and twenty. 
I am your humble servant, James Hammonp, Lt. Col. 


To the Chairman of the Provincial Congress. 


7 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1406 


Mr. Z. Platt be directed to repair immediately to the High- 
lands, in order to call out such Militia as they may think 
necessary ‘for the defence and security of this State; to direct 
their stations, to reinforce the garrisons of the Forts Mont- 
gomery and Constitution, if expedient, and to supply such 
forces as may be called out, or to appoint proper persons 
for that purpose. 

And Resolved, That the Militia so employed shall receive 
Continental Pay and Rations. 


Ordered, That Peter V. B. Livingston, Esq., advance 
to Colonel Van Cortlandt and Mr. Z. Platt the sum of five 
hundred Dollars, to be disposed of by them in procuring 


Provisions for the forces which may be called out to service 
in the Highlands. 


Whereas this Convention have the greatest reason to 
believe that the British Armies in New-York and Canada 
will endeavour, by means of Hudson’s River, to effect a 
junction, and thereby cut off all intercourse between the 
Eastern and Southern States; and whereas the country con- 
tiguous to the Sound and Hudson’s River will be greatly 
exposed to the ravages and invasions of a cruel and unnatu- 
ral enemy, which, if not prevented, will render them a scene 
of ruin and desolation; and whereas, from the situation of 
said country, intersected with defiles and narrow passes, it 
will be extremely practicable to repel the hostile attempts 
of the enemy, provided the inhabitants exert themselves in 
its defence with the union, spirit, and alacrity of men de- 
termined to defend their rights and transmit the blessings of 
freedom to posterity; and whereas it is the indispensable 
duty of this Convention, by every means in their power, to 
provide for the happiness and security of their constituents, 
reposing the highest confidence in their virtue and publick 
spirit: 

Therefore, Resolved, That one-fourth part of the Militia 
of the Counties of Westchester, Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange, 
be forthwith drawn out for the defence of the liberties, pro- 
perty, wives and children, of the good people of this State. 

And as at this busy season of the year the service may be 
inconvenient to many of them, 

Resolved, That each man be allowed twenty dollars as a 
bounty, with Continental pay and subsistence, and be con- 
tinued in the service until the last day of December next, 
unless sooner discharged. 

Resolved, That it be recommended to such of the inha- 
bitants who remain at home to give all possible assistance to 
the families of those spirited persons who step forth in defence 
of the rights and liberties of this invaded country, and that 
the Sub-Committees of the several Districts in those Coun- 
ties pay particular attention to see that this recommendation 
be complied with. 

Resolved, That the Brigadier-Generals and the Field- 
Officers of the Militia of each County be directed to adopt 
the most equitable and expeditious mode of raising the levies 
and of furnishing with Arms those who are not supplied, the 
price of the Arms to be deducted out of each man’s pay, 
and that they be authorized to call on the Committee of 
each County for their assistance. 

Resolved, That these levies be formed into Companies, 
to consist of one Captain, two Lieutenants, three Sergeants, 
three Corporals, one Drummer, one Fifer, and fifty Privates, 
and that the Captains and Subalterns be appointed by the 
Field-Officers of each Regiment of Militia from which the 
quotas are to be raised out of the Militia Officers, having in 
such appointments a regard to their respective ranks and the 
dates of their commissions, if a sufficient number of such are 
willing to serve; if not, that they be at liberty to appoint 
such others as they may think properly qualified. 

Resolved, That each Regiment shall consist of ten Cap- 
tains and one Surgeon, under the command of one Colonel, 
one Lieutenant-Colonel, and one Major, and to have one 
Adjutant and one Quartermaster ; that the Field-Officers 
and Surgeon be appointed by this Convention, and the 
Quartermaster and Adjutant in each Regiment by the Colo- 
nel thereof, and the Non-Commissioned Officers by the 
Captains of each Company under whom they go into ser- 
vice. 

Resolved, That each man furnish himself with a Blanket 
and Knapsack, and every six men with a Pot or Camp- 
Kettle. 

Resolved, That two Deputy Commissaries be appointed 


1407 


to provide four months’ Provisions for six thousand men, to 
be deposited in two Magazines, one on each side of the 
river, at such places as his Excellency General Washington 
shall think proper to appoint. 

Resolved, 'That all the men now raised in the Counties 
of Ulster and Orange be stationed in the Highlands, on the 
west side of the Hudson River, to guard those defiles the 
possession of which Brigadier-General Clinton shall think 
most conducive to the safety of the State. 

Resolved, That the men raised in the Counties of West- 
chester and Dutchess repair immediately to Peekskill, and 
that General Washington be requested to appoint an Officer 
to take the command of all the levies, on both sides the 
river, to fix upon what station they shall occupy, and to 
nominate the two Deputy Commissaries for the ‘Troops on 
each side the river. 

Resolved, ‘That all the Troops raised in the above Coun- 
ties shall be subject to the Articles of War established by 
the Continental Congress. 

Resolved, That the Brigadier-Generals and Committees 
of the respective Counties be immediately furnished with 
copies of those Resolutions. 

Resolved, That the following gentlemen be, and they 
hereby are, appointed Field-Officers of the Regiments of 
the Militia to go into immediate service, viz: in Westchester 
County, Thomas Thomas, Colonel ; , Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel; Ebenezer Purdy, Major. 


A draft of a Letter to Colonel Van Cortlandt was read 
and approved of, and is in the words following, that is to 
say: 

‘‘In Convention of the Representatives of the State 3 
New-York, White-Plains, July 16, 1776. 


“Sir: In our letter of the 13th instant you were requested 
to order a sufficient guard at the stores of publick provisions 
at or near Peekskill. We understand by a letter from Mr. 
Joseph Travis, of yesterday, and a person from Peekskill, 
that there are about fifty men who are very anxious to be 
relieved. We likewise understand that fifty men in that 
neighbourhood are willing to be engaged to continue in that 
service during the present necessity. We think this the 
most eligible method, and that they shall be engaged on the 
like terms that the Continental Troops are, with respect to 
pay and rations; and further, leave to you the appointment 
of a Commissary to supply the men on that station with 
provisions, half salt and half fresh, the salt to be taken out 
of the publick stores. If a sufficient number of men cannot 
be obtained to remain on the spot, we wish you would see 
that those on that service be frequently relieved. The 
Militia who have been or may be on that service to be 
allowed the like pay and rations. 

“We are, sir, your very humble servants... By order. 


“ Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt.” 


The Convention took into consideration the danger to 
which the Continental Ships building at Poughkeepsie, to- 
gether with the stores belonging to them, will be exposed, 
should the enemy’s ships pass the fortifications in the High- 
lands. 

Resolved, That a Letter be immediately despatched to 
the Commissioners for superintending the building of those 
Ships. 

Thereupon a draft of a Letter was read and approved 
of, and is in the words following, that is to say: 


“GerntLemen: The enemy’s ships have left Tarrytown, 
about ten o’clock this morning, with an intention, as we 
conceive, to destroy the Continental ships. We have there- 
fore to request that you will exert your utmost abilities and 
attention to defend those ships from the hostile attempts of 
the enemy; but should you be of opinion that their preser- 
vation is not practicable, you will use your utmost endea- 
vours to preserve the plank, rigging, and other stores, from 
falling into their power. We recommend particularly to 
your attention the security of the plank, which may here- 
after be made a beneficial use of, for the safety of the State. 
Should you stand in need of assistance, you must apply to 
the nearest Field-Officer or Committee in your District. 

“Yours, &c. By order. 


“To Jacobus Van Zandt, Esq.; in his absence, to the Cap- 
tains Lawrence and Tuder, or either of them, at Pough- 
keepsie.” 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1408 


Tuesday afternoon, July 16, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: General Woodhull, President. 

New-Yorx.—Colonel Lott, Colonel Broome, Mr. Duns- 
comb, Major Abeel, Mr. Bancker. 

Axsany.—Mr. A. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Colonel Renselaer. 

Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. L’Hommedieu, Mr. 
Smith, Mr. Dearing, Mr. Miller, Mr. Gelston. 

Uxsrer.—Colonel Pawling, Major Tappen, Mr. Cantine, 
Colonel De Wit, Mr. Wisner. 

Durcuess.—Mr. G. Livingston, Mr. Landon, Dr. Crane, 
Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Schenck. 

Westcuester.—Mr. Mills, Colonel Drake, Major Lock- 
wood. 

Orance.—Mr. Little. 

Trvon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Paris, Mr. Vader, 
Mr. Newkirk. 

CumperLanp.—Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Sessions. 

Cuartorre.—Mr. Webster. 


A Resolution* of the General Committee of Dutchess 
County, whereby it is resolved, that any five of the Depu- 
ties from said County, met in Convention, be a quorum to 
represent the said County, was read and filed. 


A Letter from Egbert Benson, Esq.,t Chairman of the 
Committee of Dutchess County, was read and filed. 

Ordered, That Colonel De Wit, Mr. Gilbert Livingston, 
Mr. Miller, and Colonel Renselaer, be a Committee to take 
the said Letter into consideration, and report on the same as 
soon as possible. 


A Certificate from the Committee of Westchester County 
recommending and appointing Ekjah Miller First Lieuten- 
ant in Captain Thomas’s Company, in Colonel Drake’s 
Regiment of Militia, now in service at New-York. 

Ordered, That a Commission issue immediately. 


Colonel Lewis Dubois attending, produced his Accounts 
for billeting his Company of Troops in Colonel Clhinton’s 
Regiment last year; requested the Convention to direct some 
mode by which the same may be audited, (as not a suffi- 
cient number of the Committee appointed to audit Accounts 


*In GeneraL Committer, Dutcuess County, July 13, 1776. 
Resolved, That five of the Representatives elected for this County be 
a quorum to represent the same in the Convention of the Representatives 
of the State of New-York. 


An extract from the Minutes: Revusen Hopkins, Secretary. 


{Dutrcuess County, July 12, 1776. 

Sir: Iam now, by the direction of the Committee, to acquaint you with 
a dangerous insurrection that has happened in this County, but which, 
through the extraordinary exertions of our friends, is now happily sup- 
pressed. We have not been able as yet, with any tolerable degree of 
precision, to discover how many persons were engaged, though we have 
reason to believe that the number was great; and had they not been 
opposed with spirit and in season, they would in a few days have become 
formidable. There were about two hundred imbodied and actually in 
arms. They had furnished themselves with arms by previously going 
about in small parties the night before and disarming the friends of 
liberty. We have apprehended several. The rest are skulking in the 
woods; however, we shall endeavour to have ‘them all taken. The 
number of delinquents in this affair is so great that we are at a loss how 
to proceed; and, for that reason, must entreat the advice of Congress 
respecting the matter as soon as possible. Our own jail, with safety, 
will not contain above twenty persons, considering the number of debtors 
already in confinement, and therefore we have sent those actually taken 
in arms to Connecticut; a few to be closely confined, and the others to 
be disposed of in the Towns till the pleasure of Congress can be known. 
About five hundred of the Militia of Connecticut, upon a report that the 
insurgents were very numerous, and were collecting fast, came to our 
assistance, and have left bills for subsistence unpaid to a considerable 
amount, and applications have already been made to the Committee for 
payment. You will please to lay this matter also before Congress, and 
that we may be directed how these bills are to be discharged. We 
would observe, that should they not be paid, our warmest friends will in 
many instances be sufferers, as the troops were obliged to quarter them- 
selves wherever it was most convenient. Indeed, the Committee con-. 
ceive this expense ought by all means to be borne by the country. 

We are now confirmed in a sentiment I mentioned when I appeared 
last before Congress, namely: that it will be impossible to preserve peace 
in the County and effectually to carry into execution the Resolutions of 
Congress, without a standing military force equal to what we requested 
at that time; and therefore must beg that we may still be indulged in 
raising another company for the service of the County. We are confi- 
dent that the Colony might rather have maintained a regiment for six 
months than have suffered the loss it will sustain by the Militia’s being 
called out to quell this insurrection at this critical season of the year. A 
future call may be prevented by a sufficient military force to overawe 
the disaffected. : 

I have the pleasure to inform you that many inhabitants of the County, 
upon this alarming occasion, behaved with becoming resolution; and 
testified a spirit and zeal worthy of men engaged in the cause of free- © 
dom. 

I have the honour to be (by order of the Committee) your most obe- 
dient servant, : Easert Benson, Chairman. 


To Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq. 


1409 


are now present,) that he may be enabled to receive pay- 
ment for the same. 

Ordered, That Colonel Broome and Mr. Bancker be a 
Committee to examine and audit those Accounts, and that 
a Certificate of such examination, and their approbation of 
the said Accounts, be a sufficient voucher to the Treasurer 
for the payment thereof. 

On motion of Mr. Duer, 

Resolved, unanimously, That a Secret Committee be ap- 
pointed to devise and carry into execution such measures as 
to them shall appear most effectual for obstructing the Chan- 
nel of Hudson’s River, or annoying the enemy’s ships in 
their navigation up the said River; and that this Convention 
pledge themselves for defraying the charges incident thereto. 

Resolved, That Mr. Jay, Mr. Robert Yates, Major Tap- 
pen, Mr. Robert R. Livingston, Mr. Gilbert Livingston, 
and Mr. Paulding, be the said Committee. 

Ordered, That Mr. Duer and Colonel Broome be a Com- 
mittee to wait upon Governour Trumbull for the purposes 
mentioned in the Resolutions of this Committee, of the 
instant. 

A draft of a Letter to his Excellency General Washing- 
ton was read and approved of, and is in the words following, 
that is to say: 

“White-Plains, July 16, 1776. 

‘Sir: We cannot but express our satisfaction at the un- 
remitted attention which your Excellency manifests to the 
interests of this State. We see the force of your observa- 
tions, and have taken and shall continue to take every 
measure which we conceive most conducive to defeat the 
designs of our enemy. This will in part appear from the 
enclosed Resolutions. 

“Weare extremely sorry that the low-state of our finances 
reduces us to the necessity of applying to your Excellency 
for a loan, which it may perhaps be inconvenient for you to 
make, but we shall take the earliest care to replace what 
nothing but urgent necessity would have induced us to 
borrow. 

“ As our Troops are but ill supplied with ammunition, 
we hope that your Excellency will order them an immediate 
supply, as part of them are already in motion, as well as 
direct the Commissary-General to take the necessary steps 
for their subsistence. New levies, who have never seen 
service, will, without doubt, require a commander of some 
experience; such a one we trust your Excellency will sup- 
ply as soon as possible. 

“Our apprehensions of an attempt on the part of our 
enemies to cut off the communication between the city and 
country, by landing above King’s Bridge, makes us wish 
to have some force ready to hang on their rear, in case such 
a step should be taken; for which reason we have not only 
called out all the force we could possibly collect, (exclusive 
of that which may probably be wanted in the frontier Coun- 
ties,) but would take the liberty, if it should meet your 
Excellency’s approbation, to suggest the same idea to Gov- 
ernour Trumbull, who, by forming a camp at Byram River, 
of six thousand men, might render any designs which the 
enemy may have to land above King’s Bridge extremely 
hazardous. 

“We have just been informed that the ships which sailed 
this morning, have anchored about ten or twelve miles below 
Fort Montgomery; we have great reason to believe that 
they design to pass it, and burn our shipping at Poughkeep- 
ste. We shall be happy to codperate with your Excellency 
in every measure which may tend to secure the liberty of 
America, which we conceive to be nearly connected with 
the preservation of this State. 

“We remain, with the greatest respect, your Excellency’s 
most obedient servant. By order. 

“'To His Excellency General Washington.” 


«P,S. We have this moment heard that the Pheniz is 
aground in Haverstraw Bay, and have some reason to be- 
lieve it.” 

Ordered, 'That a copy thereof be engrossed, signed by 
the President, and, together with a copy of the Resolutions 
for calling out one-fourth of the Militia of the Counties of 
Westchester, Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange, be immediately 
transmitted. 


Resolved, That Mr. Duer and Colonel Broome, or either 
of them, be authorized to receive the Money requested by 


Firra Series.—Vot. I. 


/ 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


89 


1410 


this Convention on loan from his Excellency General Wash- 
ington, and that they cause the same to be conveyed’to this 
Convention with all possible safety and despatch. 


Whereas the present dangerous situation of this State de- 
mands the unremitted attention of every Member of this 
Convention: 

Resolved, unanimously, That the consideration of the ne- 
cessity and propriety of establishing an independent civil 
Government be postponed until the Ist day of August next; 
and that in the mean time, 

Resolved, unanimously, That all Magistrates and other 
officers of justice in this State, who are well affected to the 
liberties of America, be requested, until further orders, to ex- 
ercise their respective offices: Provided, That all processes 
and other their proceedings be under the authority and in the 
name of the State of New-York. 

Resolved, unanimously, That all persons abiding within 
the State of New-York, and deriving protection from the 
laws of the same, owe allegiance to the said laws, and are 
members of the State; and that all persons passing through, 
visiting, or making a temporary stay in the said State, being 
entitled to the protection of the laws during the time of such 
passage, visitation, or temporary stay, owe during the same 
time allegiance thereto. 

That all persons members of, or owing allegiance to, this 
State, as before described, who shall levy war against the 
said State within the same, or be adherent to the King of 
Great Britain, or others, the enemies of the said State, within 
the same, giving to him or them aid and comfort, are guilty 
of treason against the State; and being thereof convicted, 
shall suffer the pains and penalties of pEaTH. 

Ordered, 'That the Chairman of the Central Committee of 
the City and County of New-York cause the aforegoing Re- 
solution to be publickly read at the City Hall of the said city as 
soon as possible, giving due notice, by ringing of the bells, to 
all the inhabitants, that none hereafter may plead ignorance. 

And Ordered, That the same, together with the Resolu- 
tion relative to Magistrates, &c., exercising their respective 
offices, be published in the newspapers. 

Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to the Ge- 
neral Committees of the Counties and the Sub-Committees 
in the Districts of the several Counties in this State imme- 
diately to apprehend and secure all such persons whose going 
at large at this critical time they shall deem dangerous to 
the liberties of this State: Provided, always, 'That the par- 
ties arrested by the Sub-Committees have a right of appeal 
to the General County Committee, who may recommit or 
discharge them as to them shall seem meet, and that the 
County Committees report the steps they have taken in con- 
sequence of this Resolution. 


Mr. Dunscomb, Colonel Lott, Mr. Sands, and Mr. Low 
don, appeared and took the general oath of secrecy. 


Wednesday morning, July 17, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Colonel Broome, Colonel Lott, Mr. Duns- 
comb, Mr. Harper, Mr. Bancker, Colonel Remsen. 
Apany.—Mr. R. Yates, Mr. A. Yates, Mr. Adgate. 
Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Dearing, Mr. Gelston, 
Mr. Hobart, Mr. Miller. 
Utster.—Colonel De Wit, Major Tappen, Mr. Contine, 
Mr. Wisner. 
Orance.—Mr. Litile. 
Durcuess.—Mr. Schenck, Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr. Hop- 
kins, Dr. Crane, Mr. Landon, Mr. G. Livingston. 
Westcuester.—Mr. Mills, Colonel Drake, Mr. Paulding, 
Major Lockwood, Colonel Graham. 
Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk, Mr. Va- 
der, Mr. Paris. 
Quren’s.—Colonel Blackwell, Captain Lawrence. 
Cumprrtanp.—Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stephens. 
Cuartorre.—Mr. Duer, Mr. Webster. 


A Letter from Colonel Malcomb,* of General Scott’s Bri- 


* Colonel Marcom requests that the honourable the Congress will 
oblige him with orders on P. T. Curtenius and Commissary Norwood for 
Arms and Pouches. There are of both in store, and his Regiment are 
destitute. He hopes to receive it by Lieutenant Cole. About seventy 
Firelocks and one hundred Pouches. 


Came at Greenwicn, July 16, 1776. 


1411 


gade, was read and filed. ‘The Colonel informs the Con- 
vention that many men in his Regiment are without Arms 
and Pouches, and requests an order on the Commissary for 
those articles. 


Colonel Hoffman and Mr. Outwater took the general oath 
of secrecy. 


Resolved, That the Commissioners who superintend the 
building of the Ships at Poughkeepsie would be justified in 
suspending that work, and suffering the Carpenters and others 
employed thereon to labour under the direction of the Secret 
Committee of this Convention on such vessels or works as 
they may think proper to build and erect for the defence of 
Hudson's River. 

Resolved, That the Commissioners would be justified in 
suffering the materials intended for the purpose of building 
the Continental Ships to be employed by the Secret Com- 
mittee in such a manner as to them shall seem best calcu- 
lated for exercising the trust reposed in them. 

Resolved, That this Convention will immediately apply 
to the honourable the Congress for their approbation of this 
measure. 

Resolved, That the Commissioners of the Continental 
Ships and Captains Lawrence and Tudor be immediately 
furnished with a copy of these Resolutions. 


Resolved, That the Secret Committee have power to im- 
press Boats, Vessels, Teams, Wagons, Horses, and Drivers, 
when they shall find it necessary for the publick service, as 
well as to call out the Militia, if occasion should require. 


Resolved, That the Treasurer of this State be ordered to 
furnish the gentlemen of the Secret Committee with the sum 
of £5,000 in advance, in order to enable them to expedite 
the important business with which they are intrusted. 


Ordered, That Peter Van Brugh Livingston, Esq., ad- 
yance to Messrs. Jay, Robert Yates, Tappen, Robert R. 
Livingston, Gilbert Livingston, and Paulding, the Secret 
Committee, or either of them, the sum of £5,000, to enable 
them to expedite the important business with which they are 
intrusted. 


Wednesday afternoon, July 17, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: General Woodhull, President. 

New-Y orx.—Colonel Remsen, Major Abeel, Mr. Bancker, 
Colonel Lott. 

Orance.—Mr. Little, Mr. Outwater. 

Cuartotre.—Mr. Webster. 

Cumperianp.—Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stephens. 

Atpany.—Colonel Renselaer, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Gansevort, 
Mr. A. Yates. 

Dotrcness.—Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Landon, Mr. R. R. Lwing- 
ston, Mr. Schenck, Dr. Crane, Colonel Hoffman. 

Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Gelston, Mr. Dearing, 
Mr. Miller, Mr. Hobart. 

Westcuester.—Major Lockwood, Colonel Drake, Mr. 
Mills, Colonel Graham. 

Usstrer.—Mr. Wisner, Major Tappen, Mr. Contine. 

Queen’s.—Colonel Blackwell, Captain Lawrence. 

Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Vader, Mr. New- 
kirk, Mr. Paris. 


Ordered, That Colonel Renselaer have leave of absence, 
to go home, and to return as soon as possible. 

Ordered, That Leonard Gansevort, Esq., of Albany, 
have leave of absence, to return home, and that he send 
down some other Deputy or Deputies from that County, with 
all possible despatch. 


Mr. Thomas Outwater, from Orange County, appeared in 
Congress, and produced his Credentials, signed by John 
Cole, Deputy Chairman, and attested by John Coleman, 
Clerk, which were read and filed. It is thereby certified 
that Colonel Isaac Sherwood, Joshua Smith, and Thomas 
Outwater, were duly elected to represent the Precincts of 
Orange-Town and Haverstraw, in Orange County, in this 
Convention; and that any two of the Deputies attending 
for the County of Orange, shall represent the whole County, 
as if all their Deputies were present. 

Ordered, That Mr. Outwater take his seat. 


Whereas, the Committee of the White-Plains have in- 
formed this Convention that James Horton, Jun., William 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1412 


Sutton, and John Sution, are engaged in schemes and prac- 
tices against the peace of this State and liberties of the 
inhabitants thereof, and are persons so dangerous that they 
ought not to be permitted to go at large :* 

Thereupon, Ordered, 'That Lieutenant Alexander Hunt 
do immediately take the bodies of James Horton, Jun., Wil- 
liam Sutton, and John Sutton, and commit them severally 


to close confinement, in safe custody, in the Jail at the White- 
Plains. 


And Ordered, That Albert Ogden, the Keeper of the said 
Jail, do receive them, the said James Horton, Jun., William 
Sutton, and John Sutton, respectively, and keep them in safe 
custody until further order. 


The Letters from General Scott + and Colonel Malcom, 


which were received and read this morning, were again read. 


* JOHN JAY TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS. 


Wuire-Puains, July 13, 1776. | 
GenTLEMEN: The enclosed is a copy of an examination taken by the 
Committee of Safety of this County, of which you will be pleased to make 
the proper use. It appears to me expedient that Robert Sutton should 
be appreliended. 
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, Joun Jay. 


To John Sloss Hobart, Esq., and others, the Committee of the Convention 
of the State of New-York, now in the City of New-York. 


In Commitres or Sarety, Wuite-Prains, July 12, 1776. 

r. , being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelist of 
Almighty God, deposeth and says: That some time after William Sutton 
returned home from Governour Tryon’s ship, he (this deponent) was 
informed by said Sutton as follows: That our people were to be cut off 
from New-York, and that the King’s forces were to land about ten miles 
from Mamaroneck; that Hudson’s River was to be occupied by them; that 
the fleet was to be drawn up ina line before New-York, with intent to 
keep the forces there in action, in order to give the transports a better 
opportunity of running up the North-River, with intent to cutoff the com- 
munication between the country and city; that the King’s standard was 
to be hoisted, and that then the Tories would haveachance. That said 
Sutton further informed this deponent that Robert Sutton, of Long-Island, 
would join the Regulars, with seven hundred men, well equipped; that 
a proclamation would be issued out by the King’s party’; that then the 
people would know what they had to expect; and that there would be 
forty-five thousand troops sent over to America this summer. And this 
deponent says that he heard John Sutton, son of the aforesaid William, 
declare that the Regulars would land between Mamaroneck and Horse- 
Neck, and that he would join them. And this deponent further says, 
that he heard James Horton say that he was sure the Ministerial Army 
would conquer us, and that matters would soon be settled. And further 
says not. 


By order of the Committee: Joun Tuomas, Jun., Chairman. 


The Committee is of opinion that the within deponent is a person 
whose evidence may be relied upon; they never hearing of anything 
that might give them a contrary opinion. By order of the Committee of 
Safety: Joun Tuomas, Jun., Chairman. 


Committers Cuamper, Wuite-Prains, July 12, 1776. 

r. , being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of 
Almighty God, deposeth and says: That some time after William Sutton 
returned home from Governour Tryon’s ship, he (this deponent) was 
informed by said Sutlon as follows: That our people were to be cut off 
from New-York, and that the King’s troops were to land about ten miles 
from Mamaroneck; that Hudson’s River was to be occupied by them; that 
the fleet was to be drawn up in a line before New-York, with intent to 
keep the forces there in action, in order to give the transports a better 
opportunity of running up the North-River, with intent to cut off the 
communication between the country and city; that the King’s standard 
was to be hoisted, and that the Tories would then have a chance. That 
said Sutton further informed this deponent, that Robert Sutton, of Long- 
Island, would join the Regulars, with seven hundred men, well equipped; 
that a proclamation would be issued out by the King’s party; that the 
people would then know what they had to expect; and that there would 
be forty-five thousand troops sent over to America this summer. And this 
deponent says, that he heard John Sutton, son of the aforesaid William, 
declare that the Regulars would land between Mamaroneck and Horse- 
Neck, and that he would jointhem. And this deponent further says, that 
he heard James Horton say that he was sure the Ministerial Army would 
conquer, and that matters would soon be settled. And further says not. 

By order of the Committee: Joun Tuomas, Jun., Chairman. 


In Committers or Sarety, Wuire-Prains, July 13, 1776. 
The within deponent came before this Committee, and made oath that 
he saw Joshua Gidney, of Dutchess County, havea long listof men’s names 
who would join the Ministerial Army; that said list of names was 
delivered to Governour Tryon, by said Gidney, in the presence of this 
deponent. And this deponent further says, that he heard Caleb Fowler, 
Jun., of Northcastle, degrade the service he had beenin, and that if he went 
again, he would go like a man and join the Ministerial Army. 
By order of the Committee: Joun Tuomas, Jun., Chairman. 


{| New-York, July 16, 1776. 

Sir: This will be delivered to you by Lieutenant Cole, of my brigade. 
He is from Queen’s, and should have been under the command of the 
Richmond Captain, had he not proved a villain, and joined the enemy. I 
do not know what to do with him in the present situation of things. He 
has twelve men with him, now in camp; he expects, by the evening, to 
be made up to twenty-five. It would be a great pity to lose so stout and 
handsome a young fellow. I could provide him with a Second Lieute- 
nancy, but he has too much spirit to be degraded. I like him well, and 
wish something may be done for him by Congress. 

Is it possible, sir, that the Congress can sustain the clamours of the 
Army and the murmuring of the inhabitants, occasioned by their retreat ? 
For God’s sake, for the honour of the State of New-York, and for their 
own honour, bring them back, if possible. 

I am, sir, your most obedient servant, Joun Mori Scorr. 


To the President of the Congress of the State of New-York. 


1415 


Ordered, That Colonel Curtenius immediately deliver 
such Arms as are in store, fit for use, and not appraised at 
a higher value than £4 10s., to Colonel McDougall and 
Colonel Ritzema, for the use of their respective Regiments, 
until they are supplied with Arms for the men they now 
have; and that he deliver the residue of all Arms, now in 
store, fit for use, and not of a higher value than aforesaid, to 
Colonel Lasher and Colonel Malcom, for the use of such men 
in their respective Regiments as aré destitute of Arms, and 
in proportion to the number of men in each of those last- 
mentioned Regiments who are destitute of Arms. 

And Ordered, That Mr. Richard Norwood deliver to 
Colonel Malcom seventy Pouches and Belts, for the use of 
his Regiment, taking Colonel Malcom’s receipt for the same. 


Ordered, That Colonel Remsen and Major Abeel, to- 
gether with Mr. Bancker, be a Committee to examine and 
audit all special Accounts which cannot be delayed until an 
Auditor-General is appointed; and that the Treasurer of the 
Convention of this State do pay, on such Accounts as they may 
audit, the sum or sums by them certified to be due thereon. 


Resolved, That the following gentlemen be, and are 
hereby, appointed Field-Officers of the Regiments of Militia 
to go into immediate service, viz: 

In Ulster County: Levi Pawling Colonel, Thomas Jan- 
sen, Jun., Lieutenant-Colonel, Samuel Logan Major. 

In Dutchess County, First Regiment: Jacobus Swart- 
wout Colonel, Reuben Ferris Lieutenant-Colonel, Israel 
Thompson Major. Second Regiment: Morris Graham 
Colonel, Roswell Hopkins Lieutenant-Colonel, William 
Barker Major. 

In Westchester County: Thomas Thomas Colonel, ——— 
Lieutenant-Colonel, Ebenezer Purdy Major. 

In Orange County: Isaac Nicoll Colonel, Gilbert Cooper 
Lieutenant-Colonel, Hendrick Vande Linden Van Bruyck 
Major. 

A Letter, or Report,* dated the 16th July instant, from 
John McDonald, Miner, was read and filed. He thereby 
informs the Convention that he has already cleared out two 
pits at the Lead Mine in Nine Partners ; he informs the 
state or appearances of the said Mine, and he is to proceed 
to clear out other two pits, and will report thereon. 


Ordered, 'That the said Report be filed. 


A Letter from Egbert Benson, Esq., Chairman of the 
Committee of Dutchess County, dated the 12th instant, was 
again read. 

Mr. Gilbert Livingston, from the Committee appointed 
to report on the said Letter, brought in their Report; + which 


*Lirrte Nive Partners Mine, July 16, 1776. 

Honovurasie GENTLEMEN: In compliance with your directions have 
used the atmost of my endeavours in clearing two pits, or shafts, at the 
northeast end of the mine hill, and met with great difficulties in them, 
owing to the water; Jonathan Landon and Ezra Thompson, Esquires, being 
very punctual from time to time inspecting the same. This day Mr. 
Landon have with sincerity taken inspection of the appearances, and 
thereby he ordered me to make up a report of the circumstances thereof, 
as he was intending going to New-York. In the first pit discovered a 
small quantity of lead, in three different places, about two inches diame- 
ter, lying about five foot distant, not in a continued vein; the bottom is 
free’from any prospect. The second pit is more likely, by the appear- 
ances of the spar, and found lead in four places, about two or three 
inches diameter, six foot distant, not containing in a continued vein; the 
bottom is entirely void of the appearances of mines. Both pits are not 
worthy of pursuing at present unless further promising discoveries be 
made. ‘To-morrow am going to clear the pit of fifty foot deep, and an- 
other small pit, by order of Mr. Thompson, which | shall finish with all 
convenient speed, and immediately thereafter shall repair for New-York, 
and transmit the full account of my proceedings, unless I receive further 
instructions. The truth of this small report, &s., Landon will describe 
more at large to you. Iam, honourable gentlemen, your most obedient, 
humble servant, Joun McDonatp, Miner. 


} Resolved, That the Committee of Dutchess County be directed to keep 
the disaffected persons that are or may be taken prisoners, in the County 
in some convenient place, under guard, (the most dangerous to be closely 
confined,) till the further direction of this Convention. 

And in order to carry the same more effectually into execution: 

Be it further Resolved, That an additional Company, consisting of one 
Captain, one Lieutenant, two Sergeants, two Corporals, one Drum, one 
Fife, and fifty Privates, be immediately raised in said County, on the 
same footing that the two Companies lately raised in said County are; 
and that the command of the Company be given to as 
Captain, and as Lieutenant; the Captain to appoint the 
Sergeants and Corporals; to be under the command and direction of 
Captain Commandant Melancthon Smith. 

Resolved, That the Committee of Dutchess County, after carefully ex- 
amining all and every account that may be brought to them by any per- 
son that has furnished provisions or other comfort to any of the Militia 
of the sister State of Connecticut, which so generously gave their assist- 
ance to the friends of liberty in said County, to quiet the dangerous in- 
surrection lately existing there, certifies the same to be reasonable and 
just, and on being endorsed by the Auditors of Accounts, the Treasurer 
of this State is hereby directed to pay the same. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1414 


he read in his place, and delivered in to the Chair, when the 
same was again read, 


Ordered, 'That the further consideration thereof be post- 
poned till to-morrow. 


Mr. Abm. Yates, from the Committee appointed to report 
on the Letter from the Committee * who conferred with his 
Excellency General Washington, relative to the Horned 
Cattle and Sheep on Nassau-Jsland, brought in their Report, 
which he read in his place and delivered in at the table, 
where the same was again read. 


Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be post- 
poned till to-morrow. 


A Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel James Hammond, 
dated this day, was read and filed. He thereby informs the 
Convention that he had then mustered his Regiment and 
only forty-six men appeared; that his men are very much 
fatigued; that one of his Companies are gone off; that the 
Ministerial fleet is now in Haverstraw-Bay, and that he 
would be thankful for a speedy relief. 

Thursday morning, July 18, 1776. 

The Convention met pursuant to adjournment, and opened 


with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Lewis. 


Present: General Woodhull, President.  « 

New-Yorx.—Mr. Harper, Major Abeel, Mr. Bancker, 
Colonel Lott. 

Aupany.—Mr. Abm. Yates, Mr. Adgate. 

Uxsrer.—Mr. Wisner, Colonel Pawling, Colonel De Wit, 
Mr. Contine. 

Durcuess.—Mr. Landon, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Schenck, Dr. 
Crane, Colonel Hoffman. 

Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. L’ Hommedieu, Mr. 
Smith, Mr. Dearing, Mr. Miller, Mr. Gelston. 

Orance.—Mr. Little, Mr. Outwater. 

Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Paris, Mr. New- 
kirk, Mr. Veder. 

Queen’s.—Colonel Blackwell,Captain Lawrence, Mr. Ben. 
Sands, Mr. S. Townsend. 

Westcuester.—Colonel Graham, Colonel G. Drake, 
Major Lockwood, Mr. Mills, Mr. Tompkins, Mr. Havi- 
land. 

Cuar.otrre.—Mr. Webster. 

Cumpertanp.—Mr. Stephens, Mr. Sessions. 


Mr. Richard Norwood returns about twenty-three thou- 
sand F'lints in store at New- York. 

Ordered, That Mr. Richard Norwood, Commissary of 
Colony Stores, deliver to Henry Wisner, Jun., Esq., two 
thousand Flints for the use of the Militia of Ulster County, 
and one thousand Flints for the use of the Militia of Orange 
County, and that Mr. Norwood take Mr. Wisner’s receipt 
for the same. 


The President informed the Convention that two prison- 
ers, said to be named George Davy and William Tucker, 
have been apprehended by Major Graham, and are now in 
prison; that they produced some paper purporting to be a 
pass from John Dennis, Esq., Chairman of the Committee 


*New-York, July 12, 1776. 
GentLemen: We have conferred with the General concerning the 
removal of the stock back again to the pastures from whence they were 
driven. He was much chagrined at the proposal, and absolutely refused 
his consent, mentioning the unhappy consequences of not seasonably 
removing the stock from Staten-Island. He is of opinion that all means 
should be used with the utmost expedition to remove the stock from 
Long Island, for which promised to give all necessary assistance. We 
are of the same opinion, and hope your House will not lose a moment in 
giving peremptory orders concerning a matter of such vast importance. 
We are just informed by General Putnam that one of Lord Howe’s 
fleet arrived yesterday. The utmost despatch is necessary: we need use 
no arguments, the affair of Staten-Island being fresh in our minds. 
Weare, gentlemen, your humble servants, 
Asm. Kere.tas, 
Samu. TownsEnpD, 


Jno. Broome. 


To the Provincial Congress. 


_ 


+ Manor or Cortianpr, Croton Ferry, July 17, 1776. 
This morning mustered the Regiment, and upon parade appeared forty- 
six men. Our men are at present very much fatigued. Captain Ledue’s 
company, in defiance of us all, waded through the ferry and are gone off. 
The Ministerial ships are still riding in Haverstraw-Bay. We have been 
very peaceable last night. We should be very thankful for a speedy 
relief. From your humble servant, James Hammonp, Lt. Col. 


To the Hon. Gentlemen of the Provincial Congress. 


I this minute received intelligence from a man on Cortlandt’s Manor, 
that the Tories told him, before the shipping came up, when they would 
come; and that when they came the Tories were to collect to assist them. 


To Brig. Gen. Woodhull, President of the Provincial Congress. 


1415 


at New-Brunswick, but that they are represented as suspi- 
cious persons. 

Ordered, That Colonel Hoffman and Mr. Lockwood be 
a Committee to hear and examine the said prisoners, and 
report thereon with all convenient speed. 


Colonel Levi Pawling informed the Congress of sundry 
difficulties which had arisen in the Company whereof Petrus 
Schoonmaker had been elected Captain, in the Town of 
Rochester, in his Regiment. 'The same were considered. 

Thereupon a draft of a Letter to the Committee of 
Rochester was read and approved of, and is in the words 
following, that is to say: 


“Genttemen: The Convention being informed that 
Captain Petrus Schoonmaker still declines taking the com- 
mand of his Company, and as it may be necessary for the 
Commander-in-Chief to call out the whole Militia of this 
State, it is absolutely necessary that officers for that Com- 
pany should be appointed. 

“Tam therefore directed by this Convention to acquaint 
you that they expect you will once more desire Captain 
Schoonmaker and his subalterns to take the charge of the 
Company; and if they should refuse, immediately to call 
the Company to.a new election, and if the choice shall fall 
upon the same persons, and they still decline to accept, and 
the Company refuse to elect others, the Convention are of 
opinion that the Company, by such conduct, will forfeit 
their right of election, and in that case request you imme- 
diately to appoint proper officers for them, who have by 
their uniform conduct shown themselves friends to the inter- 
ests of their invaded country. 

“‘ Blank commissions are enclosed, which you will please 
fill up as soon as the appointments are made. | am directed 
to urge you to use all possible despatch in the execution of 
this business. 

“T am, very respectfully, gentlemen, your very humble 
servant. By order. 


“To Committee of the Town of Rochester, Ulster County.” 


Resolved, That the President be authorized and ordered, 
and he is hereby authorized and ordered, to absolve all the 
Members and the Secretaries of this Convention from their 
oath of secrecy, relative to the Committee appointed to carry 
into execution resolutions of the Congress of this Colony of 
the 5th day of June last, relative to persons dangerous and 
disaffected to the American cause, and those of equivocal 
character, and all the proceedings of that Committee, except 
so much thereof as relates to the names of persons not already 
apprehended or summoned. 


The Report of the Committee relative to Horned Cattle 
and other Live Stock on Nassau-Island, was again read; 
and, being read, 

Ordered, That it be recommended that the following 
gentlemen be added to the Committee who brought in that 
Report, viz: Colonel De Wit, Colonel Lott, Mr. Lawrence, 
Samuel Townsend, Mr. Miller, Colonel Drake, Mr. Tomp- 
kins, Colonel Blackwell, Major Abeel, Mr. Dearing, Mr. 
Gelston, and Mr. Hobart. ‘Vhat every Member of this Con- 
gress have a right to attend this Committee, and every Mem- 
ber who attends shall have a vote; and the said Committee 
reconsider the said Report, and report thereon with all con- 
venient speed. 


A Letter from David Mathews, Esq., a prisoner, now at 
the White-Plains, was read. He therein desires to be heard 
before this Convention. A Member informed the Conven- 
tion that this request is made by Mr. Mathews with the 
design to exculpate himself from a charge of having sup- 
ported some disaffected persons now in custody, and of 
having sent them on board of the ships-of-war. 

Another Member informed the Convention that John L. 
C. Roome requests that he may be sent a prisoner or his 
parole to Shrewsbury. 

Ordered, That the said Letter and Applications be re- 
ferred to the Committee appointed to deal with dangerous 
and disaffected persons, and those of equivocal character. 


Mr. Yates, from the Committee appointed to report of the 
number of Rangers proposed or necessary to be raised in and 
for the defence of the frontier Counties, delivered in their 
Report, which was read. The same being read a second 
time, Mr, De Wit moved, and was seconded, that Rangers 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1416 


be also raised and stationed in Ulster County, or that the 
Report be recommitted. 

Thereupon, Ordered, That said Report be recommitted 
to Mr. De Wit, Mr. Little, and the Committee who brought 
in the said Report, and that they report with all convenient 
speed. 

Whereas the navigation of Hudson’s River is become 
obstructed so that the fifteen hundred pounds weight of 
Lead lately ordered to be sent from New-York to Charlotte 
County, cannot be transported up that river: ) 

Therefore, Ordered, That the Committee of the County 
of Albany supply to Major Alexander Webster fifteen hun- 
dred pounds weight of Lead, if that quantity can be spared 
by the said Committee; and if so much cannot be spared 
from the City and County of Albany, that then the said 
Committee be, and hereby are, requested to cause so much 
Lead to be taken out of the windows of the houses in Albany 
as to supply that quantity of Lead to the Committee of 
Charlotte County; that a particular account be kept of any 
Lead taken or received from any person for the purpose 
above-mentioned, that a compensation may hereafter be 
made for the same, and that the said Lead be charged to 
Charlotte County, to the end that the same may be fully 
paid for by Charlotte County, when thereunto required. 


: Die Jovis, 4 ho. P. M., July 18, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: General Woodhull, President. 

New-Yor«x.—Colonel Remsen, Colonel Brasher, Colonel 
Lott, Major Abeel, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Harper, Mr. 
Dunscomb. 

Aupany.—Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Adgate. 

SurroLtK.—General Woodhull, Mr. L’Hommedieu, Mr. 
Smith, Mr. Dearing, Mr. Hobart, Mr. Miller, Mr. Gel- 
ston. 

Uxtstrer.—Colonel De Wit, Mr. Contine. 

Westrcurester.—Colonel L. Graham, Colonel G. Drake, 
Major Lockwood, Mr. Mills, Mr. Tompkins, Mr. Havi- 
land. 

Dutcuess.—Mr. Landon, Mr. Schenck, Dr. Crane, Colo- 
nel Hoffman. ; 

Orance.—Mr. Little, Mr. Outwater. 

QueeEn’s.—Colonel Blackwell, Captain Lawrence, Mr. J. 
Townshend, Mr. Ben. Sands. 

Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Paris, Mr. New- 
kirk, Mr. Veder. 

Cumpertann.—Mr. Stephens, Mr. Sessions. 

Cuartotre.—Mr. Webster. 


A Letter from Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt and Cap- 
tain Z. Platt, dated this day, at Peekskill, was read and 
filed. ‘They thereby inform the Convention of the station 
of the enemy at Haverstraw Bay; the number of the Militia 
already.come and coming in from the different Counties; 
that General Clinton had six hundred men at Fort Mont- 
gomery, and sent home a considerable number of the Militia ; 
that one of the tenders had beat up the river within two 
miles of Fort Montgomery, and has been obliged to return; 
that the Militia have had a skirmish with one of the tenders, 
and obliged her to remove; that General Ten Broeck, from 
Dutchess County, and General Fellows, from Massachusetts, 
conclude they have six hundred men, and expect to have 
twelve hundred men by the evening. 

Ordered, ‘That a copy of said Letter be sent to General 
Washington. 

Thereupon, a draft of a Letter to his Excellency General 
Washington was read and approved of; and is in the words 
following, that is to say: 


“Sir: I have the honour to enclose a copy of a letter 
this moment received from Colonel Van Cortlandt and Cap- 
tain Z. Platt, who were sent from this Convention for the 
purpose of providing for and stationing the Militia that might 
come down from the country to guard the river, and assist 
the other Militia at the forts in the Highlands. 

“Tam, respectfully, sir, your most obedient servant. 

“ By order. 
“ His Excellency General Washington.” 


Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed 
by the President, and transmitted by Sampson Dyckman. 


The Committee appointed this morning to report what is 


1417 
necessary to be done with Horned Cattle and Live Stock on 
Nassau-Island, delivered in their Report, which was read ; 
and, being again read by paragraphs, and many amendments 
made, on reading the fourth paragraph, Mr. Dunscomb moved, 
and was seconded by Colonel Lott, that the words “ with a 
bounty” be obliterated. Debates arose thereon, and the 


question being put, it was carried in the affirmative, in man- 
ner following, that is to say: 


For the affirmative. Negative. 
4 Suffolk. 5 Dutchess. 
2 Cumberland. 4 Ulster. 
4 Queen’s. 8 New-York. 


2 Charlotte. 4 Westchester. 


3 Orange. —_ 

3 Tryon. 21 votes.—Mr. Drake and Mr. 
— Graham dissenting. 

18 votes. 


Ordered, That the words be not obliterated; and the fur- 
ther consideration of the Report postponed till to-morrow. 


Mr. Hobart, from the Committee appointed to carry into 
execution the Resolutions of this Congress, of the 5th June 
last, as to dangerous and disaffected persons, reported their 
determination as to the following Prisoners, that is to say: 


Place of destination and 


‘ > 
risoners’ names. 
P nature of confinement. 


‘ature of their crimes. 


David Mathews, 


Esq..esseeeees Treasonable practices 
against the States of 
AMETICHs « oo 2 cree cece Litchfield jail, in the Coun- 


ty of Litchfield, in the 
Colony of Connecticut, 


John L.C.Roome, to be put in safe custody. 


ESq-.-ccseeess Notoriously disaffected to 
the rights and cause of 
AMETEC 2x00 « «ese wivie'>\ ore The same jail and same 
Gilbert Forbes.. ./Treasonable practices} confinement. 
against the States of 
SAMETECHs ole pier ciale thatel s The same jail and same 
confinement. 
William Forbes. ./The same crime......... The same jail and confine- 
ment. 
James Mason..../The same crime......... The same jail and confine- 
ment. 
Thomas Coyne..|The same crime........- The same. 
John Clark...... UHeISAMG CTIMIE. 61s 6 so oe The same. 
Nathan Gyre..../The same crime......... The same. 
Lazarus Gyre..../The same crime.......-. The same. 
Jonathan Baker. ./The same crime........- The same. 
Isaac Youngs... .|Counterfeiting the bills of 
credit of the States of 
AMMMETUCEs 2ie « e\epicin vos aie The same. 
Israel Youngs. .../The same crime......... The same. 


Thomas Vernon. .|Corresponding with and 


supplying the enemies 
with provisions, &c..../The same. 
Counterfeiting the bills of 
credit of the United States 


Of AINETLCtis 1m o]se.siaiahel Albany jail, and in safe 
RynerVanHoesen|Too good a pilot to be} custody. 


trusted at large........|.4lbany, to be supported at 
the publick expense, 
under the directions of 
the Albany Committee. 

+eeeeees-/Lhose two persons, the 
Committee are of opin- 
ion that they be permit- 
ted to inlist in the Regi- 
ments, which they are 
ready to do. 

Resolved, That this Convention does agree with their 
Committee in their said Report, and that the said Prisoners 
be disposed of agreeable to the determinations mentioned in 
the said Report. That the Committee prepare the draft of 
a Letter to the Committee of Litchfield, respecting the case 
and imprisonment of those Prisoners, agreeable to the direc- 
ions now given or mentioned; that the Committee request 
Captain Moses Seymour, of the Connecticut ‘Horsemen, if he 
should arrive with his party this evening, or early to-morrow 
morning, to take the care and guard of those Prisoners to 
Litchfield. That if Captain Seymour should consent to 
take the charge of those Prisoners, and be ready to depart 
before the meeting of this Convention in the morning, that 
the President sign such Letter to the Committee of Litch- 
field concerning thoSe persons, and to be sent with them, as 
the said Committee shall prepare and the President approve 
of. 

Ordered, That the said Committee prepare a draft of a 
Letter to the Committee of Albany, to attend the Prisoners 
who are to be sent to Albany, and that they report the same 
with all convenient speed. 


The order of the day, for taking into consideration the ap- 
pojntment of an Auditor-General of Accounts, being read, 
rdered, 'That the same be deferred till to-morrow. 


Henry Dawkins.. 


Jacob Losee and 
George Watts..|..... 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1418 


‘ Friday morning, July 19, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. Opened 
with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Lewis. 


Present: General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Dunscomb, 
Col. Lott, Major Abeel, Col. Remsen, Col. Brasher. 

Axpany.—Mr. Abm. Yates, Mr. Adgate. 
Surrotx.—-General Woodhull, Mr. Dearing, Mr. Gelston, 
Mr. Smith, Mr. Miller, Mr. L’? Hommedieu, Mr. Hobart. 
Utster.—Colonel De Wit, Mr. Contine. 
Orance.—Colonel Allison, Mr. Little, Mr. Outwater. 
Durcuess.—Mr. Schenck, Mr. Landon, Colonel Hoffman. 
Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk, Mr. 
Vader, Mr. Paris. 
Westcuester.—Mr. Haviland, Colonel Drake. 
Queen’s.—Colonel Blackwell, Captain Lawrence, Mr. 
Townsend, Mr. Sands. 
Cumpertanp.—Mr. Stephens, Mr. Sessions. 
Cuarvorre.—Mr. Webster. 


Colonel Allison brought in the joint_and several Bond of 
John Carpenter,* of the Precinct of Cornwall, in Orange 
County, and Colvill Carpenter, of the Precinct of Goshen, 
in Orange County, Yeomen, unto Isaac Roosevelt, Natha- 
niel Woodhull, Abraham Yates, Jun., John Thomas, Jun., 
Petrus Ten Broeck, John Herring, and Jacobus Bruyn, 
Esq., in the sum of £400, New-York money, with condi- 
tion to pay £200 to the obligees on the 8th of July, 1778; 
which was read and filed. Also, a Certificate of William 
Allisont and Israel Seely,t that the said John Carpenter has 
erected’a good Powder-Mill in Orange County, which those 
gentlemen had seen going with eighteen stampers. The 
said John Carpenter and his co-partner having applied for 
the loan of money without interest, for the erecting of a 
Powder-Mill, agreeable to the resolution of the Congress of 
the Colony of New-York, of the 9th day of March last, 
which was then agreed to, and he having since erected the 
said Powder-Mill, 

Therefore, Ordered, That Peter Van B. Livingston, 
Esq., as Treasurer of this Convention, deliver or pay to the 
said John Carpenter the sum of £200, in part of the money 
to the loan of which he is entitled by the said resolution, 
taking the receipt of the said John Carpenter for the same. 


The Convention resumed the consideration of the Report 
of the Committee relative to Horned Cattle and other Live 
Stock on Nassau-Island. On reading the fourth paragraph, 

On motion of Mr. Hobart, 


Ordered, unanimously, That the fourth paragraph be 
obliterated. 


* Know all men by these presents, That we, John Carpenter, of the 
Precinct of Cornwall, in the County of Orange, and Province of New- 
York, Yeoman, and Colvill Carpenter, of the Precinct of Goshen, County 
and Province aforesaid, Yeoman, are held and firmly bound unto Isaac 
Roosevelt, Nathaniel Woodhull, Abraham Yates, Jun., John Thomas, Jun., 
Petrus Ten Broeck, John Harring, and Jacobus Bruyn, in the just and full 
sum of four hundred Pounds, current money of New-York, to be paid to 
the said Isaac Roosevelt, Nathaniel Woodhull, Abraham Yates, Jun., John 
Thomas, Jun., Petrus Ten Broeck, John Harring, and Jacobus Bruyn, or 
to their survivor or survivors, or any future Congress; to which pay- 
ment well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, 
and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. 

Sealed with our seals, dated the eighth day of July, in the year of our 
Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six. 

The condition of this obligation is such, that if the above bounden John 
Carpenter and Colvill Carpenter, them or either of them, their or either of 
their heirs, executors, administrators, or any of them, shall well and 
truly pay, or cause to be paid, unto the above-mentioned Isaac Roosevelt, 
Nathaniel Woodhull, Abraham Yates, Jun., John Thomas, Jun., Petrus Ten 
Broeck, John Harring, and Jacobus Bruyn, or either of them, or either of 
their survivor or survivors, or any future Congress, the just and full sum 
of two hundred Pounds, current money aforesaid, on the eighth day of 
July, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy- 
eight, without any fraud or other delays, then this obligation to be void, 
or else to remain in full force and virtue. Joun CARPENTER, 

CoxLviLt CARPENTER. 

Sealed and delivered in the presence of 

Henry Wisner, Jun., 
Wiuiam Jackson. 


} Wuire-Prarns, July 19, 1776. 
These are to certify, that at the request of John Carpenter, of Goshen, 
Orange County, I have been to see his Powder-Mill, built in said County, 
and that she was set agoing while I was present, and, in my opinion, 
went exceeding well with eighteen stampers, a good stone house and 
yard, and many other things necessary for drying and securing the 
powder. Witness my hand. WitiraM AL.ison. 


{ Gosuen, July 15, 1776. 
These are to certify, that I was called on by John Carpenter some time 
before the tenth day of June last, to see that his Powder-Mill was built 
and finished. I went the same day and saw her agoing; and, as far as [ 
am a judge, I think she went exceeding well, everything appearing to 
me to be in good order. Witness my hand. IsRAEL SEELY. 


1419 


The fifth paragraph being read, was entirely obliterated, 
and another substituted in its stead, and marked No. 4. 


Mr. Hobart moved, and was seconded, that a Bounty be 
allowed to the said ‘Troops. 

Objections were made against the said motion, as being 
contrary to the sixth rule, because that matter was deter- 
mined yesterday. 

Debates arose whether Mr. Hobart’s motion is disorderly 
and against the said rule. It was determined to be disor- 
derly, in manner following, that is to say: 


That the motion is disorderly. That the motion is not disorderly. 


6 Albany. 4 Suffolk. 
5 Dutchess. 3 Tryon. 
8 New-York. 4 Queen’s. 


4 Westchester—Colonel Drake 
4 Ulster. (dissenting. 
3 Orange. 

2 Cumberland. 


32 votes. 


_ Thereupon, Resolved, That the said motion is disorderly, 
and that it be rejected. 


Mr. L’ Hommedieu moved, and was seconded, that the 
Continental Troops now stationed in Suffolk County, which 
were raised out of the Militia of said County, be considered 
as part of the one-fourth of the Militia now ordered to be 
draughted from the Militia in Suffolk County. 

Some debates arose thereon. 

Ordered, That it be deferred till the afternoon. 


The Committee for carrying into execution the Resolu- 
tions of the Congress of this Colony of the 5th of July, 
reported, that, agreeable to the order of yesterday, they 
had prepared a Letter, which was signed by the President, 
and transmitted with the Prisoners to Litchfield; the draft 
whereof was read, and is in the words following, that is 
to say: 


2 Charlotte. 


13 yotes. 


‘* White-Plains, July 19, 1776. 

“‘GentTLEMEN: As this State is now attacked by the com- 
mon enemy, and our jails are in general so near to the 
sea-coast and the banks of Hudson’s River as to render it 
extremely imprudent to continue prisoners of a certain cast 
any longer in them, the Convention have therefore come to 
a resolution to send thirteen prisoners, who are accused of 
notorious disaffection to the rights and liberties of the’ Ame- 
rican States, of counterfeiting the currency of the States, of 
corresponding with the enemy, or of engaging in treasonable 
conspiracies, to be confined in your jail till we shall have 
formed a civil constitution and established courts of justice, 
that they may be brought to trial, which cannot be done 
while our whole attention is engaged about the means of 
resisting the enemy. ? 

“The Convention have observed such a zeal in our 
brethren of Connecticut, upon every occasion, to give all 
assistance to their neighbours, that it is scarce necessary to 
mention to you that his Excellency General Washington 
has recommended them to send all our prisoners, whose 
remaining in this State would be attended with dangerous 
consequences, to Connecticut. 

“T am directed to request that you will cause all the pri- 
soners, except David Mathews, John L. C. Roome, Israel 
- and Isaac Youngs, to be furnished with provisions, at the 
same rate that the Continental troops receive; but if you 
should judge it improper for them to cook their own provi- 
sions in jail, you will please to take such other methods as 
you shall judge best for supplying them, only observing to 
have it done at the cheapest rate, and the Convention will, 
with the utmost pléasure, repay the expense. 

“Tt has given me great pain to observe that Mr. Mathews, 
the Mayor of the city of New-York, is among those accused 
of treasonable practices; but I must observe to you, that 
though the evidence against him renders it necessary that he 
should be confined till he can be tried, yet they are by no 
means of so black a dye as those against the other conspira- 
tors, and therefore | trust he will receive from you every 
indulgence consistent with his safe confinement. 

“This will be handed to you by Abraham De Peyster, 
Esq., the Commissary who has the charge of subsisting the 
prisoners on the road; to him I beg leave to refer you for 
further particulars; and am, with great respect, gentlemen, 
your most obedient servant. 

By order. 


“To the Committee at Litchfield, Connecticut.” 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1420 


: Friday Afternoon, July 19, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: General Voodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Major Abeel, Mr. Dunscomb, 

Colonel Remsen, Mr. Harper, Colonel Lott. 
Atpany.—Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Adgate. 
SurroitK.—General Woodhull, Mr. Hobart, Mr. Smith, Mr. 

IL’ Hommedieu, Mr. Miller, Mr. Dearing, Mr. Gelston. 
Uxsrer.—Colonel De Wit, Mr. Contine. i 
Westcnester.—Colonel Drake, Major Lockwood, Mr. 

Haviland. 

Queen’s.—Colonel Blackwell, Captain Lawrence, Mr. JS. 
Townshend, Mr. Benjamin Sands, Mr. James Town- 
shend. 

Cumpertanp.—Mr. Stephens, Mr. Sessions. 

Durcuess.—Mr. Landon, Mr. Schenck, Colonel Hoffman. 

Orance.—Mr. Little, Mr. Outwater, Colonel Allison, 

Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Veder, Mr. New- 
kirk, Mr. Paris. 

Cuarvotre.—Mr. Webster. 

A Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Hammen,* of the Mi- 
litia now stationed at the banks of Hudson’s River, at Cort- 
landt’s Ferry, dated this day. Colonel Hammond informs 
Congress that a Member of this Convention has informed 
him that a complaint is exhibited against him to this Con- 
vention, charging him with deficiency of duty on the night 
the enemy’s ships came up to Tarrytown, as also a charge 
relative tosome pork. ‘The Colonel requests an opportunity 
of vindicating himself before this Convention. 

Thereupon, Ordered, That Lieutenant-Colonel Hammen 
attend this Convention to-morrow afternoon, at five o’clock, 
with his witnesses, to answer to a complaint exhibited 
against him of neglect of duty as an officer, and a com- 
plaint relative to some pork. 

And Ordered, That Major Graham take the command 
of the Militia now under the command of Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Hammen, until further orders, or until a superior officer 
of his Regiment shall attend to command them. 

Ordered, 'That the following persons attend this Conven- 
tion to-morrow afternoon, at five o’clock, as witnesses on a 
complaint exhibited against Lieutenant-Colonel Hammen, 
relative to some pork, to wit: Martinus Van Wart, Joseph 
Legget, Saml. Purdy, Jun., Thomas Deane, and Jacob 
Buckhont; and that the following persons attend, at the 
same time, as witnesses on a complaint exhibited against 
the said Lieutenant-Colonel Hammen, for neglect of duty 
as an Officer, to wit: Daniel Martling, Wm. Forshe, Sen., 
Lieutenant Wm. Hunt, Jon’n G. Tompkins, Isaac Buys, 
Abm. Acker, James Requau, Cors. Van Tessel, Thomas 
Buys, John Paulding, Danl. Requaw, Weaver, and 
John Hammen. 

Ordered, 'That the Committee of Westchester County 
be requested to meet on Monday next, for the trial of the 
Prisoners now confined in the Jail of Westchester County. 


The Convention then resumed the consideration of the 
Report of the Committee relative to Horned Cattle and Live 
Stock on Nassau-Island. The fourth paragraph being again 
read, several amendments were then made. 

Mr. L’ Hommedieu’s motion of this day was again resumed, 
and being again read, is in the words following, to wit: 

“‘T move that the Troops now stationed in Suffolk Coun- 
ty, which were raised out of the Militia of said County, be 
considered as part of the one-fourth of the Militia now 
ordered to be draughted from the Militia in Suffolk Coun- 
ty.” 

Debates arose on the said motion, and the question being 


*CortTLanpT’s Ferry, July 19, 1776. 

Sir: I am informed by a member of the Convention that a complaint 
is made against me by one of the House, that I was deficient in per- 
forming my duty on the night that the enemy’s ships came to Tarry- 
town, and also that there is a charge exhibited against me relative to 
some pork sent by me to New-York for the use of the troops. 

I confide, sir, in the justice of your honourable House, that no senti- 
ments prejudicial to my reputation will be entertained until I have an 
opportunity of vindicating myself, when I doubt not I shall prove to the 
honourable Convention that the charges are entirely groundless. I 
should, sir, have immediately waited on the Convention upon receiving 
notice of the complaints, had I not been stationed here, and been fearful 
that my leaving this post without orders would be detrimental to the 
service and injurious to my reputation. But, sir, whenever the Conven- 
tion will be pleased to order my attendance upon them, I shall gladly 
embrace the opportunity of showing that I have endeavoured to serve 
them to the utmost of my abilities. So no more at present, but remain, 
sir, your very humble servant, James Hamman, Lt. Col. 


To General Nathaniel Woodhull. 


1421 


* put thereon, it was determined in the negative, in manner 
following, that is to say: 


For the Negative. For the Affirmative. 


: 5 Dutchess. Albany. 
4 Queen’s. 4 Ulster. 
8 New-York. 4 Suffolk. 
4 Westchester. 2 Cumberland. 
3 Tryon. 3 Orange. 
2 Charlotte. —_ 
_ 19 votes. 


26 votes. 
Therefore, Ordered, That the said motion be rejected. 


Mr. Hobart then moved for leave to give notice of a mo- 
tion to be made to-morrow, for reconsidering of some Bounty 
to be allowed to the ‘Troops, to be raised by this draught of 
the Militia, agreeable to the sixth rule of this Convention. 

Debates arose thereon, and the question being put, it was 
carried in the affirmative, in manner following, that is to say: 


For the Affirmative. 
2 Cumberland. 4 
2 Charlotte. 
4 Suffolk 
4 Westchester. 
3 Orange. 
3 Tryon. 
5 Dutchess. 
4 Queen’s. 


27 votes. 

The Convention then gave permission to Mr. Hobart to 
move that matter immediately. 

Thereupon Mr. Hobart moved that ten dollars Bounty be 
allowed to each Non-Commissioned Officer and Private of 
the Militia of Suffolk, King’s and Queen’s Counties, who 
will be draughted into the present service. 

Debates arose thereon, and the question being put there- 
on, it was carried in the affirmative, in manner following, 
that is to say: 

For the Affirmative. 


For the Negative. 
Ulster. 


New-York and Albany equally 
divided. 


For the Negative. 


4 Suffolk. 5 Dutchess. 
2 Charlotte. 8 New-York. 
3 Tryon. 4 Ulster. 

4 Westchester. == 

4 Queen’s 17 votes. 

2 Cumberland. 

3 Orange. 

22 votes. 


Resolved, therefore, That the Non-Commissioned Officers 
and Privates of the said Troops be allowed ten dollars 
Bounty to each man. 


The fifth, sixth, and seventh* paragraphs of the said 
Report were then ‘severally read, and being separately 
amended and corrected, were approved of. 


Colonel Lott had leave of absence for a few days. 


Ordered, That the Secretary prepare a set of Resolu- 
tions agreeable to the said Report. 

Ordered, That the appointment of an Auditor-General 
of Accounts for this State be deferred till to-morrow. 


Die Sabbati, 9 ho., A. M., July 20, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. Opened 
with prayer. 
Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 

For New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Colonel Remsen, Colonel 
Brasher, Mr. Harper, Major Adeel. 

Aupany.—Mr. Adgate, Mr. Abm. Yates. 

Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Hobart, Mr. L’ Homme- 
dieu, Mr. Dearing, Mr. Gelston, Mr. Miller, Mr. Smith. 

Durcuess.—Major Schenck, Mr. Landon, Colonel Hoff- 
man, Nathl. Sackett. 

For Uustrer.—Mr. Contine, Colonel De Wit. 

Wesrcuester.—Colonel G. Drake, Major Lockwood, 
Colonel L. Graham, Jno. Tompkins. 

Orance.—Colonel Allison, Mr. Outwater, Mr. Little. 

Trvon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Paris. 

Cuarvorre.—Major Webster. 

Queen’s.—Colonel Blackwell, Captain Lawrence, Mr. 
Ben. Sands, Mr. Saml. Townshend, Mr. James Town- 
shend. 

Cumpertanp.—Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stephens. 

* Major Abeel moved, and was seconded by Mr. Harper, that those 

Troops to be raised on Nassau- Island be allowed 103d. per day for their 

rey the Affirmative: 2 Cumberland, 4 Queen’s, 4 Suffolk, 6 Albany, 


2 Charlotte, 4 Westchester, 3 Tryon—25. 
r the Negative: 4 Ulster, 3 Orange, 5 Dutchess, 8 New-York—20, 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1422 


Resolved, 'That the President have power, and is hereby 
authorized, to forward any Letters by express, and of sending 
any Messengers, without delaying for the directions of this 
Convention. 


A Letter from Colonel Henry Ludenton,* of Dutchess 
County, dated the 19th instant, was read and filed. He 
hereby informs that there are many vacancies of Captains 
and Subalterns in his Regiment, besides that the offices of 
First and Second Major are also vacant. He recommends, 
with the advice of the Precinct Committee, Mr. Robinson 
and Mr. Gee for Majors, and requests twenty blank Com- 
missions by the bearer, who says part of the Regiment is to 
march to-morrow, and that they have delayed for Commis- 
sions. 

On reading the said Letter from Colonel Ludenton, of 
Dutchess County, and considering the state of his Regiment 
at this critical time, 

Resolved, That Commissions be issued to the two gentle- 
men therein named, as Majors of that Regiment, in the order 
they are named in the said Letter, and that twenty other 
Commissions be signed by the President and countersigned 
by one of the Secretaries, and transmitted to Colonel Luden- 
ton, to be filled up for the Captains and Subalterns of his 
Regiment, when necessary, by the Precinct Committee and 
himself; that the said Precinct Committee and Colonel Lu- 
denton do return to this Convention an exact list of the 
names, rank, and dates of the Officers commissioned, which 
they shall fill up and deliver. 

And Resolved, That the sending blank Commissions to 
a Precinct Committee shall not from this instance be drawn 
into precedent. 


A draft of a Letter to Colonel Ludenton was read and 
approved, and is in the words following, to wit: 


‘Sir: Agreeable to your request, in your letter of yes- 
terday, we now send you twenty blank commissions, to be 
filled up by you, in conjunction with the Committee of the 
precinct, for the Captains and Subalterns wanted in your 
regiment, and have likewise enclosed two commissions ap- 
pointing Mr. Robinson and Mr. Gee Majors. As the Con- 
gress were not informed of Mr. Gee’s Christian name, you, 
together with the Committee of the precinct, are requested 
to Insert it. 

“Tam, sir, your very humble servant. 


“To Colonel Henry Ludenton.” 


A Letter from General Washington was received and 
read, and is in the words following, to wit: 

‘* Head-Quarters, New-York, July 19, 1776. 

“ GentLemMeN: By Messrs. Broome and Duer I was yes- 
terday favoured with your several resolves of the 16th instant. 
The spirit of decision in which they are formed will, I doubt 
not, appear in their execution, and as far as I can codperate, 
I shall most cheerfully contribute all my aid and assist- 
ance. 

“The state of this Army would make it improper for me 
to send up any General officer in the Continental service to 
take the command of the levies proposed to be raised; and 
from the nature of the service, I should apprehend a knowledge 
of the country and its inhabitants would be very necessary. 
General Clinton, on all accounts, appears to me the most 
suitable person; and as the appointment is made dependent 
on me, I shall nominate him, unless some objection should 
be made or difficulty arise which I do not now know. 

“The Deputy Commissaries I will take advice upon, and 
have them appointed as scon as possible. 


By order. 


* REDERICKSBURGH, July 19, 1776. 

These may inform your Honours that I meet with some difficulty in 
furnishing my quota of men for the present emergency, for want of com- 
missions in the regiment which I have the honour to command. We 
have a number of officers chosen already that have no commissions, and 
several more must be chosen in order to have the regiment properly 
officered. And whereas I have applied to the County Committee for 
blanks to be filled up, and there are none to be had, therefore I, in con- 
junction with the Committee of this precinct, would desire that there 
might be about twenty blank commissions sent up by Mr. Myrick, the 
bearer hereof. } ; 

I would further acquaint your Honours that the regiment is destitute 
of Majors, and would be glad if your Honours would appoint two gen- 
tlemen to that office, and fill up commissions for them. There are two 
gentlemen that [ do, with the advice of the Committee, nominate, viz: 
Mr. Gee—his Christian name I am not able to tell—of Philip’s Precinct, 
and Captain Ebenezer Robinson, of this Precinct. These gentlemen are 
doubtless known by several of the members of the honourable House. 

From your humble servant, Henry Lupenrton, Colonel. 


To the Hon. Provincial Congress. 


1423 


“The state of the Pay Office here did not admit a full 
compliance with your request of the loan of £20,000, there 
not being so much in the Paymaster’s hands at this time. 
However, that so good a work might not be delayed, I imme- 
diately gave a warrant for $20,000, and as circumstances 
will admit shall make up the remainder. 

“ | have enclosed the resolution to Governour Trumbull 
on the subject of forming a camp at Byram River, for the 
security of the communication with New-York, but at the 
same time I very much doubt his ability to carry it into 
execution. 

“ "The quota of troops to be furnished by Connecticut for 
the assistance of this Army is not half completed, notwith- 
standing the most urgent and pressing instances on the sub- 
ject, which affords a very dull prospect of fixing a new camp 
adequate to the intended design; and I very much fear the 
attempt would obstruct the raising the levies now ordered, 
and in the end prove ineffectual; at the same time I most 
heartily approve the measure, and should rejoice to see it 
carried into execution in the completest manner. 

Since writing the above, your favour of the 18th instant, 
enclosing Colonel Cortland?’s and Captain Platt’s report, is 
come to hand. ‘The spirit and alacnity of the Militia in so 
readily turning out at this trying season is a very encouraging 
circumstance, and does them great honour. 

“T observe Colonel Fellows, of Massachusetts-Bay, men- 
tioned as having marched in. If his troops compose a part 
of those destined for this Army, it is my intention that all, 
under that circumstance, should come immediately down, and 
be properly arranged. And I observe there will be the less 
inconvenience, as Messrs. Cortlandt and Platt observe that 
they had such a surplus of men as to enable them to dis- 
charge a number. 

“fam, gentlemen, with the greatest respect and esteem, 
your most obedient and very humble servant, 

“Go. WasHINGTON. 


“P.S. With respect to ammunition, I had flattered my- 
self that the Provincial stock would not only have been suffi- 
cient for the purposes of its immediate defence, but in case 
of necessity have assisted us. I shall endeavour, under a 
late direction of Congress, to procure what is to be had from 
the adjoining mills.” 

An Order for Gunpowder from his Excellency General 
Washington was enclosed, in the words following, to wit: 


_ New-York, July 19, 1776. 
“ Srr: Please deliver to the order of the Convention of 
the State of New-York fifteen hundred weight of Powder, 
- for which this shall be your sufficient warrant. 


“Go. WasHINGTON. 
“To John Livingston, Esq.” 


Mr. Miller,.of Suffolk County, had leave of absence, and 
Certificate that he is a Member given to him, to prevent his 
being delayed or obstructed by Sentinels in his passage 
through the City. 


A Certificate and Pass was given to Mr. John Franks, of 
Suffolk County, Merchant, at the request of the Members 
of this Convention from that County. 


Ordered, ‘That Sa. Dyckman proceed immediately, as 
Express, with General Washington’s Letter to the Secret 
Committee, and that he take a private Letter for Colonel 
Cortlandt, which is now in this Hall. 


Colonel Remsen produced a Letter from Daniel Tilling- 
hast to Jacobus V. Zandt, Hen. Remsen, and Lewis Pin- 
tard, informing that he had received by Captain Jauncey, 
and stored, one hundred and forty-three casks of Gunpowder 
and eighty-one bales Merchandise for this Colony. ‘Colonel 
Remsen informs the state of the Merchandise, and that he 
expects it to arrive at New-York, and desires the direction of 
Convention as to its disposition. 

The Convention directed Colonel Remsen to store the 
said bales of Merchandise until the further order of this Con- 
vention. 


The Resolutions formed on the Report of the Committee 
appointed to consider of General Washington’s answer rela- 
ting to Horned Cattle on Nassau-Island, aud to devise means 
to preserve them from the enemy, were read; and being again 
read by paragraphs, and agreed to, and approved of, are in 
the words following, to wit: 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1424 


“In Convention of the Representatives of the State of 
New-York, July 20, 1776. i 

“This Convention having taken into consideration the 
expediency of removing the stock from Nassau-Island, t 

“Resolved, That it will not be for the publick good, pro- 
vided it were practicable, to remove the Stock from the 
Island, except such Cattle, Sheep, and Hogs as are fit for 
the use of the Army. 

“Qd. That the common Stock in Suffolk, King’s, and 
Queen’s Counties, be put-in such convenient and secure 
places in each County as may be most convenient to be 
guarded by a sufficient number of Troops, and to be drove 
off into the interior parts of Nassau-Island, whenever the 
Commanding Officer or Officers of the said Troops shall 
order, to prevent such Stock from falling into the enemy’s 
hands ; leaving, if he shall judge it safe and necessary, with 
each large family three milch Cows, two Cows to a middling 
family, and one to a small family: and if the said Command- 
ing Officer finds that he cannot prevent the Stocks falling 
into the enemy’s hands, he may order them to be killed or 
destroyed. , 

“3d. And to the intent that no person may be a loser by 
said Stock being so killed or destroyed, 

“Resolved, That the oath or affirmation of the owner of 
Cattle, describing the number, age, and qualities, shall be 
a direction for the valuation of such Cattle drove from his 
possession: Provided, ‘That no person who has joined, or 
shall go over to and join the enemy, or who has been, or 
shall be in anywise aiding or assisting to the enemy, shall, 
in consequence of this Resolve, be entitled to a compensa- 
tion for any loss he shall or may sustain. 

“Ath. That the Commanding Officer of each Battalion 
of Minute-men and Militia in Suffolk, King’s, and Queen’s 
Counties, be ordered immediately to draught out one-fourth 
part of the Minute-men and Militia of said Counties to carry 
these Resolves into execution; and that the Field-Officers 
of the Minute and Militia Regiments in each County do 
appoint Captains and Subalterns to command such draughts 
out of the Minute and Militia Officers as they shall judge 
most proper; and that the draughts be formed into Compa- 
nies, to consist of one Captain, two Lieutenants, three Ser- 
geants, three Corporals, one Drummer, one Fifer, and fifty 
Privates. And in case any draught shall be left after the 
Companies are completed, and not sufficient to form another 
Company, Officers shall be appointed for them in the follow- 
ing proportion: one Captain and one Lieutenant, two Ser- 
geants and two Corporals for forty Privates; two Lieuten- 
ants, two Sergeants, and two Corporals for thirty Privates ; 
and one Lieutenant, one Sergeant, and one Corporal for 
twenty Privates ; each man to find his own arms and accou- 
trements. That the Field-Officers of the said Militia so to 
be draughted be appointed by this Convention ; the ‘Troops 
so raised to have Continental pay and rations, and to con- 
tinue in service until the last day of December next, unless 
they shall be sooner discharged. ‘That the Non-Commis- 
sioned Officers and Privates of the said ‘Troops who shall 
furnish themselves with a good and sufficient Musket or 
Firelock, Cartouch-Box and Belt, and Bayonet or Hatchet, 
shall be allowed ten dollars bounty to each man. 

“5th. Resolved, That the Brigadier-General of Suffolk 
and Queen’s Counties be directed to order the Militia of 
those Counties to hold themselves in readiness to march into 
either of the said Counties, or any other part of Nassau- 
Island, on the shortest notice, with five days’ provisions: 
and that the President of this Convention be, and is hereby, 
directed to write a Letter to the Colonel of the Militia of 
King’s County, ordering that he hold his Regiment in the 
like readiness to march to any part of Nassau-Island, with 
five days’ provisions. | 

“6th. Resolved, That Colonel Josiah Smith, of Suffolk 
County, be First Colonel of the Troops to be raised by 
draughts from the Militia on Nassau-Island ; that Colonel 
John Sands be Second Colonel of those Troops, with the 
rank of Colonel, but with the pay of a Lieutenant-Colonel, 
and that Abraham Remsen be Major; that Colonel Ben. 
Birdsall, at. south side of Queen’s County, take the com- 
mand of one Company of those draughts, with Captain’s pay, 
saving his rank. . 

“7th. Resolved, That the Rations of the said Troops be 
estimated at the rate of 104d. each, which they are to receive 
in Money in lieu of Provisions. \ 


\ 
j 


1425 


* 8th. And whereas the protection of Nassau-Island is of 
vast importance to these States, there being one hundred 
thousand Horned Cattle, a much larger number of Sheep, 
besides other Stock and Provisions, on the same; and if the 
Stock be all removed, the inhabitants, amounting to about 
thirty thousand, must remove or perish: 

“Resolved, That the necessity of the protection and secu- 
“rity of the said Island be stated in a Letter to the Congress, 
enclosing a copy of the aforegoing Resolutions, and request- 
ing their directions what further measures may be necessary 
for the security and protection of the said Island. 

“Oth. Resolved, That his Excellency General Washing- 
ton be made acquainted with these Resolutions, and be 
informed that there are on Nassau-Island great numbers of 
Horned Cattle and Sheep fit far the use of the Army, and 
that it be submitted to his Excellency whether it would not 
be proper that the Commissary-General should be requested 
to give a preference in purchasing at present those Cattle and 
Sheep on account of their exposed situation.” 


Colonel Remsen (according to order) brought in the draft 
of a Letter to the Delegates of this Colony in Congress ; 
which was read and approved of, and is in the words follow- 
ing, to wit: 

“GentTLEMEN: The Convention, after the most mature 
deliberation, have agreed to sundry resolutions for the pre- 
servation of the stock on Nassau-Island and the protection 
of the inhabitants; a copy of ther I am directed to enclose. 
These resolves are to be carried into execution without 
delay. 

“The draughts, we expect, will compose a corps of be- 
tween seven and nine hundred men, and is the only measure 
that promises (with such aid as his Excellency General 


Washington has already or may hereafter grant for the same > 


purpose) to be effectual to prevent the enemy from procur- 
ing a supply of fresh provisions from that Island. We hope 
the same will be approved of by Congress. 

« An attempt for a total removal of the stock, computed 
to be near one hundred thousand head of horned cattle, be- 
sides a much greater number of sheep and hogs, &c., would 
take up much time, and be attended with very great if not 
insurmountable difficulties. And were it possible to remove 
all the stock and to find pastures and provender for the same, 
it necessarily follows that the inhabitants, supposed to be 
from twenty-five to thirty thousand in number, must imme- 
diately abandon their habitations to find shelter and subsist- 
ence elsewhere, which cannot be procured in this and the 
nearest sister States, the inhabitants of New-York having 
removed their families into every part where they could find 
accommodations. 

“These considerations have induced the Convention to 
relinquish the thoughts of removing the stock from the Island, 
and to the utmost of their power to protect them there, and 
to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy. If 
Congress should be of opinion that any further steps are 
necessary for the defence of the Island, we beg their direc- 
tions. 

“T am, most respectfully, gentlemen, &c. 


“To the Delegates in Congress for the State of New-York.” 


Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed 
by the President and transmitted. 


Mr. Hobart, according to order, brought in a draft of a 
Letter to his Excellepcy General Washington, to attend the 
last aforegoing Resolutions; which draft was read and ap- 
proved of, and is in the words following, viz: 


«Sir: I have the honour to enclose your Excellency, by 
order of the Convention, a copy of sundry resolves which 
were yesterday agreed to for the defence of the inhabitants 
and protection of the stocke upon Nassau-Island, and beg 
leave to submit to your consideration a short statement of 
the situation and circumstances of that Island and its inhabi- 
tants, from which you will see the inutility of any attempts 
for a total removal of the stock from thence. 

‘Tt is supposed there are near one hundred thousand head 
of horned cattle, besides a much larger number of sheep and 
other stock, the removal of which would necessarily consume 
the greater part of the campaign. But supposing the same 
could be effected in a short time, vast numbers of the stock 
must inevitably perish for want of subsistence, as it could 
not be procured within any reasonable distance; besides, 


Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1426 


such a measure would reduce the inhabitants, computed from 
twenty-five to thirty thousand, to the most deplorable and 
insupportable difficulties and distresses. 

“These considerations have induced the Convention to 
give over the thoughts of removing the stock from the Island 
as not only impracticable, but not advancive of the publick 
service, especially as the waste and common lands in the 
eastern part of Queen’s and in Suffolk Counties are so 
covered with thickets of wood as to render it too dangerous 
for foraging parties to attentpt to penetrate. 

“T trust that the Militia now to be raised, which is ex- 
pected to form a corps of between seven and nine hundred 
men, with the troops already stationed at the east end of 
the Island, may be sufficient to remove the stock from those 
places which are most exposed, and prevent the depreda- 
tions of small detachments; and should the enemy attempt, 
with their main army, to fix themselves on any part of the 
Island, I doubt not but your Excellency will give a good 
account of them. 

“The Convention have received information that there 
are a considerable nuinber of fatted cattle and sheep on the 
Island ; they submit whether it would not be proper that the 
Commissary-General should be requested to give the prefer- 
ence in purchasing those cattle. 

“T cannot conclude without expressing my wishes that the 
detachment under Lieutenant-Colonel Livingston may be 
continued at their present post, for that part of the Island 1s 
so much exposed to be insulted by the enemy’s cruisers that 
I fear the inhabitants would totally abandon the country 
should those troops be drawn off. 

“[ have the honour to be, Xc., 


“To His Excellency General Washington.” 


Die Sabbati, 5 ho. P. M., July 20, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 
For New-Yorx.—Mr. Harper, Col. Remsen, Mr. Bancker, 
Major Abeel. 
Auspany.—Mr. Abm. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 
SurroLx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Hobart, Mr. Gelston, 
Mr. Smith, Mr. Dearing. 
Tryon.—Mr. Paris, Mr. Harper, Mr. Moore. 
Uuster.—Colonel De Wit, Mr. Contine. 
Durcuess.—Mr. Henry Schenck, Mr. Sacket. 
Wesrcuesrer.—Colonel Gilbert Drake, Mr. Haviland. 
Cuaxrxtorre.—Major Webster. 
Orance.—Colonel Allison, Mr. Little. 
QoueeEn’s.—-Mr. Samuel Townshend, Mr. James Townsh:nd, 
Mr. Benjamin Sands, Captain Lawrence. 
Cumprertanp.—Mr. Stephens, Mr. Sessions. 


Colonel Remsen had leave of absence to go to New-York. 


The Committee to whom was referred the consideration 
of the number of Rangers in and for the northern Counties, 
delivered in their Report, which was read; and being again 
read, much time was spent therein until night, and the fur- 
ther consideration thereof postponed till Monday. 


Resolved, That the President and five or more Members 
be a Committee to receive and answer Letters, and do any 
other necessary business during the adjournment of the 
House, until their next meeting. 


A Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Weisenfels, dated the 
14th instant, was again read.* He thereby informs that 


* New-York, July 14, 1776. 

Sir: Mr. Jonathan Holmes not having been able to perform the con- 
dition of the resolves of the honourable House, dated June 27, and 
obtained another resolve of July 12, which certificate, required in said 
resolve, cannot be granted by Captain Riker, because he can produce 
but eleven able-bodied men and a little boy, which number has always, 
according to former resolves, entitled a person only to an Ensigney; and, 
inasmuch as Mr. Pelton can produce a certificate from his Captain for 
having inlisted nineteen men, I would humbly recommend him for a 
Lieutenant’s commission. He is a good officer, and already experienced 
in military discipline. ose 

Please to allow me to make another observation in Mr. Pelton’s favour: 
that he has inlisted his men during the contest, and Mr. Holmes only 
during the term of six months and nine months; which, in my humble 
opinion, ought not to meet with the encouragement that the former 
deserves. Mr. Holmes, therefore, will be glad, I fancy, to accept of an 
Ensign’s commission. : ¢ 

I leave these premises to your Honour’s consideration, and humbly 
entreat the favour, that, for the good of the service, you will be pleased 
to grant my request. f ; 

I am, with much respect, sir, your most humble and obedient servant, 

Frep. WEISSENFELS. 


To the President of the Honourable Provincial Congress of New-York. 


90 


1427 


Jonathan Holmes had not complied with either of the reso- 
lutions of the Congress of this State, of the 27th of June or 
12th instant; that he had only brought to the Regiment 
eleven men, and a boy who would not pass muster; that his 
men were inlisted, some for the term of six, and others nine 
months; that P. Pelion had inlisted nineteen men, and 
during the present contest. Hud 

A Certificate of Captain Riker* was also read, certifying 
that Mr. Daniel Pelton had inlisted nineteen men. 

Ordered, That the said Daniel Pelton be appointed 
Second Lieutenant, and Jonathan Holmes Ensign, of Cap- 
tain Riker’s Company, and that their Commissions issue 
accordingly. 


Die Solis, 9 ho. A. M., July 21, 1776., 
The Convention met, pursuant to the call of the Presi- 
dent, agreeable to the order of yesterday. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Colonel Brasher, Major Abeel, 
Mr. Harper. 
Axupany.—Mr. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 
SurroLxk.—General Woodhull, Mr. Hobart, Mr. Gelston, 
Mr. Smith, Mr. LZ’? Hommedicu, Mr. Dearing. 
Orance.—Colonel Allison, Mr. Little. 
Uxsrer.—Colonel De Wit, Mr. Contine. 
Dutcuess.—Colonel Hoffman, Captain Platt, Mr. Sackett, 
Mr. Henry Schenck. 
Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Paris. 
Cuarvtotre.—Major Webster, Mr. Duer. 
Quren’s.—Mr. Samuel Townshend, Mr. James Townshend, 
Mr. Lawrence. 
Cumpertann.—Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stephens. 


Captain Platt, from the Committee appointed to repair 
to the Highlands, and take measutes for the protection of the 
country, informed Convention that a number of men from 
the neighbouring States are now doing duty on Hudson’s 
River, and that many of them have left their affairs in such 
a situation at home that their continuance for any consider- 
able time must be attended with very great inconveniences, 
asking the direction of Convention on the subject. 

The President, with a number of Members, being there- 
unto authorized by Convention, are of opinion that it would 
be improper to give the Committee any direction in the 
premises, but do advise that the matter be considered by a 
Council of War, and conceive it would be advisable, if con- 
sistent with the good of the service, that at least a part of 
the men should be dismissed, and their places supplied by 
draughts from the neighbouring Militia of this State. 

Captain Platt further informs that the men have gene- 
rally come on horseback, and that many of them are with- 
out money to carry themselves home, and requesting direc- 
tions in the premises. 

Ordered, That the Committee do provide for the Horses, 
as well as the Men, and that when any of the Men are 
ordered home, the Committee, at their discretion, do appoint 
a Commissary to make provision for them on the road, or 
give them a reasonable allowance for their subsistence on 
their return. 


Resolved, That whenever any Officers of the Militia of 
this State shall do duty with any Militia Officers from the 
neighbouring States, they submit themselves to the orders of 
all Officers of superior rank, in the same manner as if the 
whole belonged to this State. 


Die Lune, 9 ho. A. M., July 22, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 

‘For New-Y onx.—Mr. Harper, Major Abeel, Mr. E. Banc- 
ker, Colonel Broome, Colonel Brasher, Mr. Dunscomb. 
For Ausany.—Mr. Ad. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 
SurroLKx.—Major Smith, Mr. Gelston, Mr. L’ Hommedieu, 

Mr. Dearing. 
Uustrer.—Mr. Contine, Colonel De Wit. 
Dorcuess.—Col. Hoffman, Mr. Hf. Schenck, Mr. Sacket. 


* Wepnespay, July 11, 1776. 
Genrtemen: This is to certify that Mr. Jonathan Holmes brought into 
my Company eleven able-bodied men, and one small boy that is too 
small to pass muster. From your obedient, humble servant, 
Asrauam Riser, Captain. 


To the Honourable Provincial Congress of New- York. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1428 


Westcuester.—Colonel Drake, Mr. Haviland, Mr. Paul- 
ding, Mr. G. Morris, Major Lockwood. 

Orance.—Colonel Allison, Mr. Little. 

Quren’s.—Mr. Samuel Townshend, Mr. James Townshend, 
Mr. Jona. Lawrence. 

Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Paris, Mr. Volkert 
Veder. 

Cuarvorre.—Major Webster, Mr. Duer. 

Cumpertanp.—Mr. Sessions, Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stephens. 


Resolved, unanimously, That the Colonels of each Regi- 
ment of Troops to be draughted from the Militia of the Coun- 
ties of Dutchess, Westchester, Ulster, Orange, Suffolk, 
Queen’s, and King’s, be each of them respectively a Muster- 
master of the several Regiments draughted or inlisted in the 
said Counties; and that eaeh of the said Colonels do return 
upon oath to this Convention a Muster-Roll of the Regiment 
by him so mustered as aforesaid; and that no person so 
draughted or inlisted receive his Bounty until he shall have 
passed muster. 

Resolved, unanimously, That one-half of the Bounty to be 
given to the draughts from the Militia in the said Counties be 
sent to the Committee of each County, to be paid unto the 
said ‘Troops immediately upon and after their passing muster 
as aforesaid, and that the remainder of the Bounty be paid 
when the said Troops shall be mustered by the Continental 
Mustermaster at their respective places of rendezvous; and 
that his Excellency General Washington be requested to 
cause the said musters to be completed with all possible 
despatch. 

Resolved, That the Treasurer of this State do pay into 
the hands of the gentlemen hereafter named, (Members of 
this Convention,) on the behalf of the Committees of the 
Counties hereinafter mentioned, the following sums of money, 
to be by the County Committees applied in payment of the 
Troops to be draughted from the Militia of the said Coun- 
ties, and that the said Committees respectively do render an 
account to this Convention of the disposition of the said 
sums of money, viz: 


In Dutchess County, Colonel Anthony Hoffman. ....seeees $10,000 
In Westchester County, General Morris....cessceeeesseees 5,000 
In Ulster County, Colonel De Wit...cssseccesssccsscscne 5,000 
In Orange County, Colonel Allison. ...-seeseccrececcceee 4,000 
In Suffolk County, Mr. Gelston.......220. sale = olelelis <iei siete 2,000 
In Queen’s County, Mr. Townshend. «2.21. .0eessessvcecee 2,000 
Tn BK ingyoekista eioieleteloleeis slerelttis ieee le cyelslon! sistelersinyete actions 600 

$28,600 


General Morris informed this Convention that Colonel 
Joseph Drake* is Colonel of the First Regiment of West- 
chester County; that as such he conceives it was his right, 
in a tour of duty, to have taken the command of the one- 
fourth part of the Militia now ordered on service, and that 
Colonel Drake and many other officers conceive themselves 
injured by the preference given to Colonel Thomas Thomas 
and the other Field-Officers nominated by this Convention 
for that service. ‘ 

Ordered, That General Morris, Mr. Duer, and Mr. 
Gouverneur Morris, be a Committee to confer with Colonel 
Drake and Colonel Thomas, and endeavour to accommo- 
date and settle this matter, so as to prevent inconveniences 
and the resignation of Colonel Drake, and that they report 
as soon as possible. 


A Letter from John Alsop, Esq., dated the 16th instant, 
resigning his seat in the Continental Congress, which had 
been received and read some days ago, was again read, and 
is in the words following, to wit: 


‘¢ Philadelphia, July 16, 1776. 
“ HonouraBLE GentLemen: Yesterday our President 
read in Congress a resolve of your honourable body, dated 
the 9th instant, in which you declare New-York a free and 


* Wuire-Pxiains, July 22, 1776. 
Sir: I last Friday received orders from General Morris to call my 
Regiment together, in order to select every fourth man out for imme- 
diate service, according to a resolve of the Convention for the State of 
New-York. Have since understood that those men were to be com- 
manded by the Field-Officers of the County Militia. And being further 
informed, by a resolve of Convention, that Colonel Thomas is appointed 
to the command, as I look upon myself slighted, or rather superseded, 
I beg the Convention will take the matter into consideration. If it 
should be my commission that is wanted, I am free and willing to give 
it up. The dilemma that I am now in, I cannot act and save my 
honour. : 
From, sir, your very humble servant, Josery Drake. 


To the Honourable the President of the Representatives of the State of 
New- York. 


1429 


independent State. I can’t help saying that I was much 
surprised to find it come through that channel. ‘The usual 
method hitherto practised has been for the Convention of 
each Colony to give their Delegates instructions to act and 
vote upon all and any important question. And from the 
last letter we were favoured with from your body, you told 
us that you were not competent or authorized to give us in- 
structions on that grand question; nor have you been pleased 
to answer our letter of the 2d instant, any otherwise than 
by your said resolve transmitted to the President. I think 
we were entitled to an answer. 

“T am compelled, therefore, to declare, that it is against 
my judgment and inclination. As long as a door was left 
open for a reconciliation with Great Britain upon honour- 
able and just terms, I was willing and ready to render my 
countryeall the service in my power, and for which purpose 
I was appointed and sent to this Congress; but as you have, 
I presume, by that declaration, closed the door of reconcili- 
ation, | must beg leave to resign my seat as a Delegate from 
New- York, and that 1 may be favoured with an answer and 
my distission. 

“T have the honour to be, with esteem, gentlemen, your 
most obedient, humble servant, Joun Axsop.” 

Resolved, unanimously, 'That the Convention do cheer- 
fully accept of Mr. Alsop’s resignation of his seat in the 
Continental Congress, and that Mr. Alsop be furnished with 
a copy of this resolution. 

Ordered, That Mr. Duer and Mr. Morris be a Commit- 
tee to prepare a draft of a Letter to the Delegates of this 
Colony, to cover a copy of the last above resolution or dis- 
mission of Mr. Alsop, and that they report with all conve- 
nient speed. 

The Convention then proceeded to take into further con- 
sideration the Report of the Committee on the raising and 
appointment of Rangers in the northern Counties of this 
State.* ‘The same was read, and being again read by para- 


* Your Committee, to whom is referred the appointment of Rangers in 
the northern Counties of the State of New-York, report: That from the 
best information they can obtain, the inhabitants in the western and 
northern parts of the County of Albany,-and the inhabitants of the Coun- 
ties of Tryon, Charlotte, Cumberland, Gloucester, Orange, and Ulster, are 
more immediately exposed to the Indians, and that several families in 
some of the above-mentioned Counties, in consequence of the danger 
they apprehend, have moved, and others, it is probable, will move into 
the interior parts of this State, to the inevitable ruin of many, and the 
great distress of the publick. ; : , Oey, 

Your Committee do further report, in order to induce those inhabit- 
ants to remain on their possessions, and to afford them a protection 
against the occasional inroads of the Indians : 

Resolved, That five hundred and fifty men, officers included, be raised 
in the Counties aforesaid, and taken into the pay and service of this 
Convention, and confined to the service of these Counties, unless called 
forth to the defence of a neighbouring County or State, by the consent 
of the County Committees of the respective States. 

That in like manner two hundred men be raised in the County of 
Tryon, to be employed as scouting parties to range the woods, as the 
Committee of the said County shall think proper. 

That in like manner two hundred and fifty men be raised in the 
Counties of Gloucester and Cumberland, to be under the command of a 
Major, to be appointed by this Convention. 

That also in like manner one hundred and twenty men, to be divided 
into two Companies, be raised in the County of Charlotte. 

That in like manner fifty-five men be raised in the County of Orange. 

That the said Rangers be formed into Companies, each consisting of 
one Captain, one Lieutenant, three Sergeants, three Corporals, and forty- 
two Privates, except in the Counties of Charlotte, Orange, and Albany. 

That the officers be nominated, for approbation and appointment, by 
the respective County Committees, and that they issue warrants for 
levying their troops, and that it be strongly recommended to them to nomi- 
nate persons of sober and active dispositions for these appointments. 

That the pay of the officers and privates be the same as the pay of the 
Continental troops. 

That a bounty be allowed to each non-commissioned officer and pri- 
vate of twenty-five dollars, upon his passing muster. 

That to each Captain there be allowed 16s., to each Lieutenant 12s., 
and to every non-commissioned officer and private 10s. per week, in lieu 
and in stead of all rations and provisions. 

That the officers and privates furnish themselves each with a good 
musket or firelock, powder-horn, bullet-pouch, and tomahawk. 

That the said Companies be under the order and direction of the 
authorities before-mentioned, or such other person or persons, as this or 
a future Convention or other Legislature of this State shall direct. 

That each officer of the respective Companies of Rangers do, before 
he receives his commission, take an oath before the Chairman of the 
County Committee, where he shall receive his recommendation, that he 
will once in every month, or as soon after as possible, transmit to the 
Convention or Legislature of this State, a muster-roll of the names and 
rank of every officer or private under his command, and that any officer 
who shall return a false muster-roll of the officers or privates under his 
command, shall, on conviction thereof, be cashiered and lose his pay, 
and be forever thereafter rendered incapable of holding any office, civil 
or military, in this State. 

That certified copies of the foregoing resolves be transmitted to the 
respective General Committees of the said Counties. 

That the said Rangers continue in such service until they be discharged 
by this or some future Convention or other Legislature of this State. 

July 20, 1776. 


* 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1430 


graphs, on reading the paragraph ascertaining the number of 
Rangers for Albany County, Mr. Yates moved that it be 
obliterated, and the following inserted in its stead, viz: 

“That there be raised in the City and Count} of Albany: 
two hundred men, officers included, to be at the disposal of 
the Committee of the said County; one hundred and twenty- 
five to be employed as scouting parties to range the woods, 
and the remainder to guard the stores, provisions, ammuni- 
tion, and vessels, in and about the said City, in conjunction 
with the Militia of that City.” 

Debates arose thereon, and the question being put on said 
motion, it was carried in the affirmative, in manner following, 


to wit: 
For the Affirmative. 
6 Albany. 
5 Dutchess. 
2 Charlotte. 


For the Negative. 
4 Suffolk. 
8 New-York. 
2 Cumberland. 


3 Tryon. ats! 

4 Ulster. 14 votes. 

4 Queen’s. 

3 Orange. Westchester divided. 
27 votes. 


The further consideration thereof postponed till the after- 
noon. 


Die Lune, 4 ho. P. M., July 22, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 

For New-Yorx.—Colonel Broome, Colonel Brasher, Mr. 
Dunscomb, Major Abeel, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Harper. 

For Ausany.—Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. 
Bleecker. 

SurroLK.—Major Sinith, Mr. Gelston, Mr. Dearing, Mr. 
Hobart, Mr. Woodhull, Mr. L’ Hommedieu. 

Uxster.—Mr. Contine, Colonel De Wit. 

Durcuess.—Col. Hoffman, Mr. H. Schenck, Mr. Sackett. 

WestcxesterR.—Major Lockwood, Colonel G. Drake, Mr. 
Haviland, Mr. Morris, General Morris. 

Orance.—Mr. Little, Colonel Allison. 

Queen’s.—Mr. Samuel Townshend, Mr. Van Wyck, Mr. 
James Townshend, Captain Lawrence. 

Cuartotre.—Mr. Duer, Major Webster. 

Cumspertanp.—Mr. Sessions, Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stevens. 


Trron.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Veder, Mr. Paris. 


Colonel Broome informed the Congress that he had fully 
inquired into the character of Christopher Templer, and finds 
that he bears the character of a hearty friend to the Ameri- 
can cause. 

Ordered, That he be discharged, and that he be allowed 
6s. a day for his loss of time since he was committed, 
amounting to 48s. 

And Ordered, That the Treasurer of this State pay to 
the said Christopher Templer the said sum of 48s., for his 
loss of time, and take his receipt for the same. 

Ordered, That Colonel Broome give a Pass to the said 
Christopher Templer to return to New- York. 


The Convention then resumed the consideration of the 
Report of the Committee on the raising and appointment of 
Rangers in the northern Counties of this State. 

On reading the paragraph relating to the nominations of 
Officers, Mr. Morris moved (and was seconded by Mr. 
Duer) that “the Officers of the Rangers be appointed by 
this Convention.” 

Debates arose thereon; and the question being put thereon, 
it was carried in the negative, in manner following, to wit: 


For the Affirmative. 
4 Queen’s. 
4 Westchester. 


For the Negative. 
6 Albany. 
5 Dutchess. 
2 Cumberland. 


4 Ulster. 8 votes. 

8 New-York. 

4 Suffolk. Tryon and Charlotte equally divided. 
29 votes. 


Therefore the said motion was rejected. 


Mr. Duer then moved a new amendment to the said para- 
graph, which was unanimously agreed to. 

The whole of the said Report being read, amended, and 
agreed to, was delivered to Mr. Duer and the former Com- 


~ mittee, to be converted into Resolutions. 


Mr. Morris, from the Committee for that purpose, reported 
the draft of a Letter to the Delegates of this State at Con- 
gress, on the subject of the dismission of John Alsop, Esq., 


1431 


as a Delegate; which was read and approved, and is in the 
words following, viz: 


‘‘GenTLEMEN: I am directed by this Convention to en- 
close you the copy of a letter which they received from John 
Alsop, Esquire, together with two copies of their resolution 
on that subject, one of which they request you to deliver to 
him. . 

“The Convention are much surprised to Jearn that a 
measure which they conceived necessary in this State, to 
show their warm approbation of the measures of Congress 
and to strengthen the bands of Continental union, should 
disgust any gentleman; nor can they discover how their 
approbation of the Declaration of Independence can be 
construed an instruction to you to act or vote upon an occa- 
sion where every act was already performed, and every vote 
received. And they are equally astonished to find them- 
selves censured for declaring at one time that they were not 
competent or authorized to give instructions on that grand 
question, when, in fact, they had no such authority; and for 
making such declaration at another time, when they had 
received from their constituents a full authority for the 
purpose. 

“JT am further directed, gentlemen, to assure you, that if 
the measure of Independency had originated with this Con- 
vention, they would gladly bear whatever measure of blame 
Mr. Alsop should in his wisdom think meet to confer upon 
them; as, on the other hand, they take care that all persons 
who avow sentiments inimical to the cause and rights of 
America shall be prevented from affording aid or assistance 
to the common enemy. But as this grand step in American 
affairs has been taken by that honourable body of which 
Mr, Alsop was once a member, the Convention are of 
opinion that it belongs to them, and to them only, to deter- 
mine upon the little cavils of those who wish to keep open 
a door for thetr reconciliation. 

“TY am directed, therefore, to desire that you will lay this 
letter, together with the copy of that gentleman’s favour, and 
the resolution of the Convention in consequence of it, before 
the Congress, since they will best be able to investigate the 
meaning of the writer, and determine how far his knowledge 
of the publick transactions may or may not be safely trusted 
in his custody. 

“J have the honour to be, gentlemen, with great respect, 
your most obedient and humble servant. 


“To the Delegates of the State of New- York at Congress.” 


Ordered, That a copy of the said Letter be engrossed, 
and signed by the President, and transmitted, with a copy 
of the Letter of John Alsop, Esq., of the 16th instant, and 
two certified copies of the Resolution of this Convention 
thereon, of the 22d instant, therein enclosed. 

Resolved, unanimously, That a Letter be wrote to General 
Gates, requesting the favour of him to communicate to this 
Convention a candid state of our military operations in the 
Northern Department; particularly with respect to the number 
of our forces, the state of health in which they are, and the 
intelligence he has received of the strength and designs of 
General Burgoyne’s Army; and assuring him of every possi- 
ble exertion in this Convention to repel an invasion of the 
enemy in that quarter. 

Resolved, That Leonard Gansevort and Jacob Cuyler, 
Esqs., be a Committee from this Convention to wait on Ge- 
neral Gates with the said Letter, and that they be directed to 
transmit to this Convention, as soon as possible, the General’s 
answer; and to make every observation which they may 
think will give to this Convention a full insight into the state 
of our Northern Army. 

Ordered, That Mr. Morris and Mr. Robert Harper be 
a Committee to prepare a draft of such Letter, as above 
mentioned, to General Gates, and also to prepare a draft of 
a Letter to Leonard Gansevort and Jacob Cuyler, Esqs., on 
the subject mentioned in the above Resolutions. 

Whereas this Convention, upon an opinion that Thomas 
Thomas, Esquire, was the first Colonel of the Militia of the 
County of Westchester, did tender unto him (the said Thomas 
Thomas) the command of the Regiment draughted from the 
said Militia, which he did accept of; and whereas this Con- 
vention are now assured that Colonel Joseph Drake is the 
first Colonel of the said County; and whereas it has been 
represente | to this Convention, on the part of the said Joseph 
Drake, that his reputation may be materially injured, from a 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1432 


suggestion that the appointment of the said Thomas Thomas 
proceeded from an opinion that the said Joseph Drake was 
unfit to hold the said commission: In justice, therefore, to him, 
the said Joseph Drake, 

Resolved, unanimously, That this Convention have a high 
opinion of the integrity, talents, and military virtue, of the 
said Joseph Drake; and that the preference given to him, 
the said Thomas Thomas, in the aforesaid appointment, was 
merely owing to the mistake above mentioned. 

Ordered, That a certified copy hereof be sent to Colonel 
Drake, without delay. 


Die Martis, 8 ho. A. M., July 23, 1776. 


The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. Opened 
with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Lewis. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 
For New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Major Abeel, Mr. Duns- 
comb, Mr. Harper, Colonel Broome, Colonel Brasher. 
For Atpany.—Mr. Abm, Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Eleecker. 
For Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Gelston, Major 
Smith, Mr. L? Hommedieu, Mr. Dearing, Mr. Hobart, 
Mr. Miller. 

Dutcuess.—Mr. Sackett, Mr. Henry Schenck, Mr. Hoff- 
man. 

Orance.—Mr. Hen. Wisner, Mr. Little, Colonel Allison. 

Queen’s.—Mr. Samuel Townshend, Mr. Van Wyck, Mr. 
James Townshend, Captain Lawrence. 

Westcuester.—Colonel Gilb. Drake, Mr. Morris, Gene- 
ral Morris, Mr. Haviland. 

Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Veder, Mr. Paris, 
Mr. Newkirk. 

Cuartorre.—Mr. Duer, Major Webster. 

CumperLanp.—Mr. Sessions, Colonel Marsh, Mr. Ste- 
phens. 


Mr. Duer informed the Convention that on the account 
of sundry matters now before the Convention, and yet to be 
considered, he desires to continue his attendance at present 
in the Convention ; that he was appointed to wait on Gover- 
nour Trumbull with Colonel Broome with the despatches from 
this Congress, and that they are intrusted with very impor- 
tant despatches from General Washington to Governour 
Trumbull; that Mr. Hobart has consented to go with Colo- 
nel Broome on that service, if agreeable to this Convention, 
instead of Mr. Duer: 

Resolved, That Mr. Hobart and Colonel Broome be a 
Committee to wait on his Honour Governour Trumbull, of 
the State of Connecticut, for the purposes mentioned in the 
Resolutions of this Convention on the 16th instant. 


The Convention were informed that Provisions are very 
scarce and dear in the City of New-York; that Provisions 
have notwithstanding been shipped for exportation, and fallen 
into the hands of the enemy: 

Therefore, Resolved, That no Provisions whatever shall 
be laden for exportation on board of any Ship or Vessel at 
the Port of New-York, or from any other part of this State, 
unless for the use of the crew of such Ship or Vessel, or for 
the necessary supply of any of the United States of Ame- 
rica, until further order; and that the City and County of 
New-York shall be first applied to for their permission to 
export any Provisions for the purposes aforesaid, which said 
Committee are hereby empowered to judge and determine 
upon the propriety of granting such supplies. 

Resolved, That in all cases where a breach shall be made 
in the above Resolution, the Vessel and Cargo shall be for- 
feited to the use of this State, and the persons guilty of in- 
fringing it shall be held up as enemies to the United States 
of America. 

Mr. Morris, from the Committee for that purpose, reported 
the draft of a Letter to Major-General Gates, which was 
read and approved of, and is in the words following, to wit: 

“July 23. 

“Sra: Iam directed by the Convention of this State to 
make it their earnest request that you will do them the ho- 
nour of communicating a full state of the military operations 
which you now superintend. It is by no means an idle 
curiosity which prompts the Convention to inquire into the 
number of forces under your command, and their situation 
as to arms, health, provisions, and other necessaries, as also 
what intelligence your Honour may have obtained of the 


1433 


strength and design of General Burgoyne. But as the war 
is now brought to our doors, and this State invaded at each 
extremity, the utmost attention and strictest inquiry are 
necessary in the Legislature, that they may be enabled to 
give all the assistance in their power to the several armies 
employed in our defence. 

“Jam further directed to inform your Honour that this 
letter will be handed to you by Leonard Gansevort and 
Jacob Cuyler, Esquires, a Committee of this Convention, 
who are sent to receive such intelligence as you may think 
necessary to give a complete idea of the situation of our 
Northern Army, and to assure your Honour that the Con- 
vention will make the most strenuous exertions to repel any 
invasion which may be meditated against us in your depart- 
ment. 

‘1 have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, sir, 
your most obedient, humble servant. 


* Major-General Gates.” 


Ordered, That a copy of the said Letter be engrossed, 
and signed by the President, and transmitted to Messrs. 
Gansevort and Cuyler unsealed ; that a copy of the Resolu- 
tion of this Convention to write to General Gates be therein 
enclosed. 


Mr. Morris, from the Committee for that purpose, reported - 


the draft of a Letter to Messrs. Gansevort and Cuyler, which 
was read and approved of, and is in the words following, to 
wit: 


‘GENTLEMEN: I am directed by the Convention to en- 
close you a copy of two resolutions of this date, together 
with a letter to Brigadier-General Gates, at Ticonderoga, 
which we leave open for your perusal. 

“Tt is the wish of the Convention that you should imme- 
diately wait on General Gates with his letter, and that you 
should likewise exert yourselves in obtaining every intelli- 
gence, from your own observation, which you think will tend 
to give this House a full insight into the state of our North- 
ern Army. 

“Tn the letter which this Convention has ordered to be 
wrote to General Gates, they have chiefly confined their 
inquiries to the number of our forces, the state of health they 
are in, and General Burgoyne’s designs. 

“From motives of delicacy, this Convention has not 
thought proper to inquire of General Gates whether proper 
harmony prevails amongst the officers, and subordination 
amongst the troops. ‘These are objects of infinite conse- 
quence, and on which the fate of a battle has often depended. 
The Convention, therefore, wish you will pay particular 
attention to obtain proper information on these points. Your 
own prudence and knowledge of the world will lead you to 
obtain these inquiries in the most delicate manner possible. 

“You will be pleased to transmit General G'ates’s answer 
by express, together with your own observations, in writing, 
in case you should be detained in joining the Convention. 

“Tam, &c. 


To Jacob Cuyler and Leond. Gansevort, Esqs., Albany. 
« July 23.” 


Ordered, That a copy of the said Letter be engrossed, 
and signed by the President and transmitted, with copies of 
the Resolutions relating to their going to the Northern Army 
therein enclosed. 


Mr. Duer, according to order, brought in a set of Reso- 
lutions formed on the Report of the Committee for the raising 
and appointment of Rangers in the northern Counties ; 
which, being read, were again read by paragraphs, and 
amended, and the same being read the third time, were 
unanimously agreed to, and are as follows, to wit: 

Whereas, from the best information this Convention has 
obtained, the inhabitants in the western and northern parts 
of the County of Albany and the inhabitants of the Counties 
of Tryon, Charlotte, Gloucester, Cumberland, Ulster, and 
Orange, are greatly exposed to the Indians, and several 
families in some of the above-mentioned Counties, from the 
dangers they apprehend, have already removed, and it is 
probable others will remove into the interior parts of this 
State, to the inevitable destruction of many, and to the great 
distress of the publick: In order, therefore, to induce those 
inhabitants to remain in their possessions, and to afford them 
a protection against the inroads of the Indians, 

Resolved, unanimously, That there be raised in the Coun- 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1434 


ty of Albany one hundred and twenty-six men, officers in- 
cluded, to be employed as scouting parties to range the 
woods; and that the same be divided into two Companies, 
each Company to consist of one Captain, two Lieutenants, 
three Sergeants, three Corporals, and fifty-four Privates. 

That in like manner, and for the same service, two hun- 
dred and one men be raised in the County of Tryon, to be 
divided into three Companies, each to consist of one Cap- 
tain, two Lieutenants, three Sergeants, three Corporals, and 
fifty-eight Privates. 

That in like manner, and for the same service, two hun- 
dred and fifty-two men be raised in the Counties of Glou- 
cester and Cumberland, for the joint defence of both Counties; 
and that those men be divided into four Companies, each 
Company to consist of one Captain, two Lieutenants, three 
Sergeants,.three Corporals, and fifty-four Privates. 

That in like manner, and for the same service, one hun- 
dred and twenty men be raised in the County of Charlotte, 
to be divided in the following manner, viz: two Companies, 
each to consist of one Captain, one Lieutenant, three Ser- 
geants, three Corporals, and forty-two Privates; and one 
party to consist of one Lieutenant, one Sergeant, one Cor- 
poral, and seventeen Privates. 

That in like manner, and for the same service, two hun- 
dred and one men be raised in the County of Ulster, to be 
divided into three Companies, similar to those of the County 
of Tryon. 

That one Company be raised for the County of Orange, 
to consist of one Captain, one Lieutenant, three Sergeants, 
three Corporals, and forty-seven Privates. 

That the Commissioned Officers of the Companies of the 
Counties of Albany, Tryon, Charlotte, Ulster, and Orange, 
be nominated, for approbation and appointment of this Con- 
vention, by the respective County Committees; and that the 
said County Committees issue Warrants for levying those 
‘Troops to such persons whom they propose to nominate for 
Companies; and it hereby is strongly recommended to them 
to nominate persons of sober and active dispositions for these 
appointments. 

That the Commissioned Officers of the Counties of Cum- 
berland and Gloucester be nominated by the mutual consent 
of the Committees of both Counties, and that Warrants issue 
to the Captains of each Company in the same manner as 
before directed. 

That the Pay of the Officers and Privates be the same 
as the pay of the Continental 'T'roops. 

That a Bounty be allowed to each Non-Commissioned 
Officer and Private of twenty-five dollars upon his passing 
muster. 

That to each Captain be allowed sixteen shillings; to 
each Lieutenant, fourteen shillings; and to each Non-Com- 
missioned Officer and Private, ten shillings per week, in lieu 
of all rations. 

That the Officers and Privates furnish themselves each 
with agood Musket or Firelock, Powder-Horn, Bullet-Pouch, 
and Tomahawk, Blanket, and Knapsack. 

That the Companies in the Counties of Albany, Tryon, 
Charlotte, Ulster, and Orange, be confined to the service of 
those Counties, unless called forth to the defence of a neigh- 
bouring County or State by the mutual consent of the 
bordering County Committees of the respective Counties 
or States. : 

That the Companies in the Counties of Cumberland and 
Gloucester be under the command of a Major, to be appoint- 
ed by this Convention. 

That the Major commanding the Rangers in the Counties 
of Gloucester and Cumberland shall march to the relief of 
any of the neighbouring Counties or States, upon a mutual 
application from the County Committees of such respective 
Counties or States, or upon an application from the Conti- 
nental Officer commanding in the Northern Department, 
provided that such Continental Officer do not call these 
Companies out of the said three Counties of Cumberland, 
Gloucester, and Charlotte. 

That each Officer of the respective Companies of Rangers 
shall, before he receives his Warrant, take an oath before the 
Chairman of the County Committee from whence he is to be 
recommended, that he will once in every month, or as soon 
after the expiration of any month as possible, transmit to 
the Convention or Legislature of this State a muster-roll of 
the names of every Officer or Private under bis command, 


1435 


and their respective times of inlistment and service; and 
that any Officer who shall return a false muster-roll shall, 
on conviction thereof, lose his pay, and be cashiered, and 
forever thereafter rendered incapable of holding any office, 
civil or military, in this State. 

That all the Companies of Rangers shall, at any future 
time, be under the direction and command of such person or 
persons, and be continued so long in the service, as this 
Convention or a future Legislature of this State shall please 
to appoint, not exceeding the duration of the present war, 
and that all these Troops be subject to the Continental 
Rules of War, till further orders from this Convention, or a 
future Legislature of this State. 

Resolved, That one-half of the Bounty be paid by the 
Captain of each Company to every able-bodied man when 
he shall pass muster, and that so soon as the first muster- 
roll of every Company shall be received by this Convention, 
the other half shall be remitted by this Convention to the 
respective County Committees of Albany, Tryon, Orange, 
Ulster, and Charlotte Counties, and to the Major command- 
ing the Gloucester and Cumberland Rangers, to be by them 
issued to the Captains of their respective Companies, and 
immediately disbursed to the men. 


Ordered, That certified copies of the aforegoing Reso- , 


lutions be transmitted, with all despatch, to the respective 
Committees of the Counties afore-mentioned. 


‘The Committee appointed to take into consideration the 
expediency of raising a Company of men to guard the Stores 
and Vessels with Provisions and Ammunition in the City of 
Albany, delivered in their Report, which was read; and the 
same being again read and amended, was unanimously 
agreed to, and is in the words following, to wit: 

Resolved, That seventy-five men, officers included, be 
raised, to guard the Stores and Vessels with Provisions and 
Ammunition in and about the City of Albany; that they 
be under the pay of this State ; that they be imbodied into 
one Company, to consist of one Captain, two Lieutenants, 
four Sergeants, four Corporals, one Drummer, and one Fifer, 
and sixty-two Privates; that they furnish themselves each 
with a Gun or Musket, one Pouch or Cartouch-box, one 
Tomahawk or Cutlass; that they be allowed Continental 
pay, and be subject to the Continental Rules and Articles of 
War; and that instead of Rations, the Captain be allowed 
sixteen shillings, the Lieutenants twelve shillings, and the 
Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates seven shillings per 
week, That they be under the direction of the Committee 
of the City and County of Albany, and in their absence 
the Sub-Committee of the City of Albany; that they be con- 
tinued in the said service until the first day of December next, 
unless sooner discharged by this or a future Convention or 
Legislature of this State. 


3 Die Mercurii, 9 ho. A. M., July 24, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 

For New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Colonel Brasher, Mr. 
Dunscombe. 

Aupany.—Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 

Surroix.—General Woodhull, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Miller, 
Major Smith, Mr. L’ Hommedieu, Mr. Dearing, Mr. Gel- 
ston. 

Uxusrer.—Mr. Contine, Major Parks, Colonel De Witt. 

Durcuess.—Mr. Landon, Mr. Sackett, Mr. H. Schenck, 
Colonel Hoffman. 

Westcnester.—Mr. Morris, Mr. Haviland, Colonel Gil. 
Drake, General Morris. 

Queren’s.—Mr. Van Wyck, Mr. Samuel Townshend, Mr. 
James Townshend, Major Lawrence, Mr. Wat. Smith. 

Orance.—Mr. Little, Mr. Outwater, Mr. Wisner. 

Cumperianp.—Mr. Sessions, Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stevens. 

Cuartotre.—Major Webster, Mr. Duer. 


On reading the Report of the Committee of Westchester 
County, which was read and filed, 

Ordered, That the Keeper of the Jail of Westchester 
County do discharge Robert Sutton out of custody on ac- 
count of any order of detention by this Convention. 

Ordered, That Captain Jeremiah Wool be requested to 
send, by the first safe and convenient opportunity, to John 
McKesson, one of the Secretaries of this Convention, all the 
papers by him seized and taken from the several persons of 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1436 


the name of Youngs, at or near Cold Spring; and also the 
papers taken in like manner from Isaac Ketchum, 


Mr. L’ Hommedieu, from the Committee appointed to 
report such amendments as are necessary further to encour- 
age the manufacture of Saltpetre,* brought in the Report of 
the said Committee, which he read in bis place, and delivered 
in at the table, when the same was again read. 

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be post- 
poned till the afternoon. 


A Letter from the Chiefs of the Onenhoghkuage and 
Tuscarora Nations of Indians, to Henry Wisner, Jun., Esq., 
of Ulster County, dated the 4th of June instant, was read 
and filed. ‘They thereby request a supply of Gunpowder, 
Lead, and Flints; give assurance of their peaceable dispo- 
sition and neutrality, and invite the inhabitants to trade with 
them in Gunpowder and Goods. 

Resolved and Ordered, That two hundred weight of Gun- 
powder, with an adequate supply of Lead and Flints, be 
sent as a present to those Indzan Nations by this State; that 
Henry Wisner, Jun., Esq., be, and is hereby, authorized to 
forward the said Gunpowder, Lead, and Flints, to the said 
Indian Chiefs. 


Colonel De Witt informed the Convention that there are 
a number of Indzans in some parts of the County of Ulster 
to whom it would be good policy to distribute a small supply 
of Gunpowder. ‘That there are also a few very indigent 
persons on the Delaware who are very hearty friends of the 
American cause, but that they are destitute of Gunpowder, 
and have applied to the Committee of Rochester, and to the 
County Committee of Ulster County, for a small supply of 
that article, which could not there be furnished to them. 

Ordered, That seventy weight of Gunpowder be delivered 
by Henry Wisner, Jun., Esq.,to Major Arthur Parks, Dirck 
Wynkoop, William Peek, and Andrew Stewart, Esqs., or 
either of them, to be distributed gratis to the said Indzans in 
Ulster County, and to such indigent friendly inhabitants of 
Ulster County, near the Susquehannah, as they may think 
proper. 


Ordered, That Mr. Wisner and Mr. Gouverneur Morris 
be a Committee to prepare and report a draft of a Letter to 
the said Onenhoghkuaga and Tuscarora Indian Nations, 
acquainting them of the said presents, and of the dispositions 
of this State towards them. 

And also a Committee to report a draft of a Letter to the 
Superintendents of Indzan Affairs, to cover a copy of the 
said Letter from the Indians, and of the Letter in answer 
thereto, and to acquaint them of what has been ordered by 
this Convention, 


On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That a Committee be 
appointed to inquire into and report what Officers were in 
the service of this State last year who merit the further 
patronage of this Convention, and to devise modes of pro- 
viding for all such deserving Officers who stood forth in 
defence of the liberties of America in the dawn of this 
dispute. : 

Ordered, That General Morris, Colonel Hoffman, and 
Abraham Yates, Esq., be a Committee for the purpose above 
mentioned. 


The Convention took into consideration the state of the 
Treasury. After sometime spent therein, 


*Your Committee, to whom the consideration of making such amend- 
ments as should be necessary to the resolutions of the Committee of 
Safety of this State, of the 17th of 4pril last, for encouraging the manu- 
facturing of Saltpetre, are of opinion, that, for the further encouragement 
of setting up that necessary manufacture in this State, it will be neces- 
sary to prolong the time mentioned in the said resolution, and that the 
several Committees appointed by the said resolution be empowered and 
authorized to purchase, on account of this Convention, all well refined 
Saltpetre that shall be made in this State, and offered to them for sale 
before the first day of July next, at the rate of 7s. per pound. 

That the several Committees appointed to purchase Saltpetre have 
liberty, from time to time, to draw on the Treasurer of this State for 
such sum or sums of money. as they stand in need of for the purpose of 
purchasing Saltpetre; and the Saltpetre so purchased be sent by the said 
Committees to any Powder-Mill or Mills in this State, to be manufac- 
tured into Powder, taking a receipt of the manufacturer, or his agent, for 
the quantity so delivered. 

That Henry Wisner, Esq., be added to the Committee for the encour- 
aging the manufacturing Saltpetre, and for purchasing the same in Orange 

ounty. 

That Henry Wisner, Jun., Esq., be added to the Committee for the 
encouragement of the manufacture of Saltpetre, and for purchasing the 
same in Ulster County. 

That Henry Skenk and John R. Livingston, Esqs., be added to the Com- 
mittee for the encouragement of the manufacture,of Saltpetre, and for 
purchasing the same in the County of Dutchess. : 


1437 


Resolved, unanimously, That £200,000, in Bills of Credit, 
be immediately struck, and issued for the publick exigencies 
of this State. And that Mr. Roosevelt, Mr. Bancker, Colonel 
Brasher, Mr. Tredwell, and Mr. Harper be a Committee 
to report the most expeditious and useful ways and means 
for carrying the same into execution. 


Resolved, unanimously, That Comfort Sands, Esq., be, 
and he is hereby, appointed Auditor-General of the Publick 
Accounts of this State during the pleasure of this Conven- 
tion; and 

Resolved, That the said Auditor-General be allowed a 
salary at and after the rate of £300 per annum; to be paid 
to him quarterly. 

Resolved, That Mr. Gouverneur Morris, Mr. Duer, and 
Mr. L’ Hommedieu, be a Committee to report upon the mode 
of auditing and passing the publick Accounts of this State, 
and such other matters as may be necessary for the regula- 
tion of the ‘Treasury of this State. 


Mr. Duer gave notice that he intended to-morrow to move 
this Convention that the order for furnishing two hundred 
weight of Gunpowder to the Indians at Onenhoghkwaga 
and Tuscarora be reconsidered, if a majority of the Con- 
vention, pursuant to the sixth standing rule, consent to such 
motion; and he moved, seconded by Mr. Abraham Yates, 
that the sense of the Convention be taken, whether he shall 
be permitted to make such motion. Debates arose thereon, 
and the question being put, it was determined in the affirm- 
ative, in manner following, to wit: 


For the Affirmative. 
6 Albany. 


For the Negative. 
4 Westchester. 


5 Dutchess. 3 Orange. 
2 Cumberland. 4 Queen’s. 
8 New- York. 4 Suffolk. 
2 Charlotte. —_ 
4 Ulster. 15 votes. 

27 votes. 


Therefore, Ordered, That Mr. Duer have leave to make 
such motion for the reconsideration of the said order. 


On the recommendation of the Members from Cumberland 
County, the Convention unanimously agreed to appoint Joab 
Hoisington, Esq., to be Major of the Rangers to be raised 
in the Counties of Gloucester and Cumberland. 

Ordered, That the Secretaries prepare a draft of a Com- 
mission for him. 


Die Mercurii, 4 ho. P. M., July 24, 1776. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 
For New-Yorx.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Duns- 
combe, Colonel Brasher. 
Durcuess.—Colonel Hoffman, Mr. Landon. 
* Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk, Mr. Veder. 
Avsany.—Mr. Yates. 
Westcuester.—Colonel Gil. Drake, Mr. Haviland, Mr. 
ompkins, Mr. Mills. 
Cuarvorre.—Major Webster, Mr. Duer. 
Cumperztanp.—Mr. Sessions, Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stevens. 
Surrotx.—Gen. Woodhull, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. I? Homme- 
dieu, Mr. Smith, Mr. Miller, Mr. Gelston. 
Orance.—Mr. Wisner, Mr. Outwater, Mr. Little. 
Uxster.—Mr. Contine, Major Parks, Colonel De Witt. 
Queen’s.—Mr. Samuel Townshend, Mr. James Townshend, 
Mr. Wat. Smith. 


Resolved, That the Treasurer of this State do advance 
the following sums to the Deputies of the different Counties 
where the Rangers are to be raised—being one-half of the 
Bounty resolved on by this Convention for those forees— 
taking a receipt of the several Deputies of each County 
for the respective sums undermentioned, to wit: 


To the Deputies of Albany County.......... ooese £600 


eee eee ees 


To the Deputies of Tryon County... ....cccssesessene ceeee» 960 
To the Deputies of Cumberland County, for the Rangers, to 

be raised in Gloucester and Cumberland Counties...... 1,200 

To the Deputies of Ulster County.....eseessnees statninte, o'eietea 960 

To the Deputies of Orange County......... ccsecccececceee 265 

To the Deputies of Charlotte County....... W shlosieitatis accuses weO TE 

€£ 4,560 


The Committee appointed to examine into two charges 
against Lieutenant-Colonel James Hammon—the first, that 
he had not acted uprightly in the purchase of some pork, on 
account of this State; and the other, of a neglect of duty, in 
that evening when the enemy’s ships lately proceeded up 
Hudson’s River—reported that they had examined all the 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1438 


witnesses which appeared or were brought before them, as to 
each of the said charges, the substance of whose testimony 
they reported. 

The said Committee further reported, that it appears to 
them that the charges exhibited against Lieutenant-Colonel 
Hamman are entirely groundless ; and that, therefore, Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel James Hamman ought to be acquitted from 
all further trouble in the premises, that he may immediately 
return to his duty. 

The Evidence given to that Committee, whereon they 
founded their Report, was read and filed.* 


Resolved, That this Convention agrees with their Com- 
mittee in the said Report. 


A Petition of William Eagles, of the City of New-York, 
Carpenter, setting forth his services to his country, and his 
skill as a mechanick, was read; he thereby prays for employ- 
ment. 

Resolved, 'That Messrs. Jay, Robert Livingston, Yates, 
Tappen, Gilbert Livingston, and Paulding, be requested to 
employ the said William Eagles, agreeable to the prayer of 
his petition, or in any other way wherein they may find him 
most useful to this State. 


The Committee appointed to devise means for employing 


‘Mr. James Stewart in the service of this State, delivered in 


their new Report, which was read; and being read a second 
time, the Convention proceeded to hear the same read by 
paragraphs. Several paragraphs were read and amended. 
The whole afternoon being spent, for want of light the 
further consideration thereof is deferred till to-morrow. 


The Convention having this day appointed Joab Hoising- 


*The Examination of the Evidences against Colonel Hamman, in respect to 
his behaviour as an officer on the evening of the day on which the enemy’s 
ships came to anchor off Tarrytown, in this County, and as a buyer of 
pork for this State. 


Lieutenant Daniel Marlin, being sworn, deposeth and saith, That upon 
seeing the fleet drawing near Tarrytown, the 12th instant, ordered his 
Sergeant to warn the men—this was about seven o’clock; that said Ser- 
geant afterwards told the deponent he had been with Colonel Hammond 
to warn him, and that thereupon the said Colonel mounted his horse 
and set out directly to warn Captain Vermilie; that the said Colonel and 
a brother of this deponent had some words, as the deponent heard from 
some of the men, but cannot recollect from whom; and that the said Colo- 
nel arrived at Tarrytown between twelve and one o’clock the next morn- 
ing, as his said brother informed him. And further this deponent saith 
not. 

Samuel Purdie, Jun., being sworn, deposeth, That Colonel Hammond 
agreed with him for four barrels pork at £4 5s. per barrel. That after- 
wards the said Colonel told him that Colonel Drake was dissatisfied with 
the bargain, and asked him, the said Colonel Hammond, if he did not 
think the people would take the pork again. That Hammond said he 
told the said Drake that he did not choose to go about to countermand 
what he had done, for that he knew that some of the people wanted the 
money; that he would sooner take it himself than do so. That he, the 
deponent, after this, delivered the said pork to the said Colonel Hammond. 
That either at that time, or some time before, the said Colonel told the 
deponent that the said Colonel Drake had wrote to him, the said Ham- 
mond, for a number of prime barrels of pork, which the deponent thinks 
he, the said Hammond, said were about eight in number. That the next 
day after the said Hammond had received the said four barrels pork from 
the deponent, he told the said deponent, it having been repacked, that he 
had made three barrels of prime pork out of the four barrels aforesaid, 
and that he did allow the deponent but £4 for the remaining barrel. 
That the deponent heard others call the said repacker of the said 
pork by the name of Thomas Hunt, and heard him say that he was au- 
thorized by the Congress to that employment. The deponent further 
saith, that he was present when the said repacker was repacking the 
pork of James Requaw, and that he saw several pieces of the said pork 
rejected by the said repacker, and that afterwards he, the deponent, saw 
the said Requaw carrying back several pieces of the said rejected pork in 
his cart. And the deponent saith that he heard the said Colonel Hammond 
say to the said Requaw, that he would as soon see his pork,repacked as 
any of his neighbours, if the repacker thought it would do. The depo- 
nent further saith, that he saw several prime pieces of pork taken by 
Joseph Leggett, while the said Hunt was repacking pork, which he, the 
said Leggett, had sold the said Hammond, and that the deponent did not 
hear the said Leggett, or any other person, desire the said packer to put 
in any pieces into the barrels but what he thought proper; nor doth he 
know that any pieces were taken out of any of the said barrels after 
having been repacked. ' 

Jonathan G. Tompkins, Esq., being sworn, deposeth and saith, That 
near nine o’clock in the evening of the 12th instant, he called at Colonel 
Hammond’s, and found a man advising him to warn his men to muster, 
for the enemy’s ships were coming up the river. The said Colonel 
asked the deponent whether the report was a matter of fact; this depo- 
nent told him it was, and desired said Colonel to warn his officers imme- 
diately. That the Colonel turned to a certain Justice Deane, and bor- 
rowed his horse, and set off directly with the deponent, without so much 
as going into his own house first, to warn Captain Vermilier; and he, 
the said Colonel, also desired the aforesaid man to warn all he came 
across, and that they should influence others to do the same. That the 
said Colonel informed the deponent that he was under the necessity of 
ordering the people to meet at his house, as he had the ammunition there; 
that Captain Requaw was sufficiently warned, being in a field from which 
he could see the vessels as they came up. ‘T'hat the deponent parted with 
the said Colonel about two miles from the river where the road strikes 
off to Captain Vermilier’s. ‘That the said Colonel went towards the said 
Captain’s, and the deponent to the river at Tarrytown. That about ten 


1439 


ton, Esq., Major of the Rangers to be raised in the Counties 
of Gloucester and Cumberland, a draft of a Commission for 
him was read and approved of, and is in the words following, 
to wit: 

“©TIn Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York. 
« To Joas Horsineron, Esq., greeting : 

“ Whereas this Convention did; on the 23d day of July, 
instant, direct and order the raising and imbodying two 
hundred and fifty-two men, officers included, in the Counties 
of Gloucester and Cumberland, for the joint defence of both 
Counties and of the neighbouring Counties and States, to be 
divided into four Companies, to be under the command of 
a Major: Now, therefore, we, the Representatives of the 
State of New-York, reposing especial trust and confidence 
in your patriotism, martial valour, vigilance, conduct, and 
fidelity, do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you to 
be Major of the said four Companies of Rangers, so to be 
raised as aforesaid, for the defence of American liberty, and 
for repelling every hostile invasion thereof. You are, there- 
fore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Major, 
by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto 


belonging; and we do strictly charge and require all officers 


and soldiers under your command to be obedient to your 
orders as Major. And you are to observe and follow such 
orders and directions, from time to time, as you shall receive 
from this or a future Convention of the State of New-York, 
or the Congress of the United States of America, or Com- 
mander-in-Chief for the time being of the Army ofthe Unzted 
States of America, or any other your superior officer, accord- 
ing to the rules and discipline of war, in pursuance of the 
trust reposed in you. ‘This commission to continue in force 


o’clock the deponent returned to the said Colonel’s, and was told that he 
had not returned since he had set out with the said deponent; and the 
deponent believes that the said Colonel was active in collecting his men; 
and further saith not. 

Captain Benjamin Vermilie being sworn, deposeth and saith, That on 
the evening of the 12th instant Colonel Hammond came to his house, 
early in the evening, and gave him orders to warn the men as fast as he 
could. After the said deponent had warned the Corporal to acquaint 
the Sergeants to come down to Tarrytown, this deponent went to Mr. 
Vantassel’s, and found the Colonel there; that scarcely an hour after the 
deponent with the Colonel went down to the river; but the hour of the 
night he could not tell, as he had no watch. 

Peter Allair, clerk to Colonel Hammond’s Regiment, being sworn, de- 
poseth and saith, That Colonel Hammond’s son-in-law, about nine o’clock, 
warned him to turn out on the alarm; that he went to alarm some men, 
then returned to the Colonel and charged all the guns there; that he after- 
wards went to Vantassel’s, and that the Colonel was there before him. 
And the deponent believes that the said Colonel made no unnecessary 
delay in going down to Tarrytown; the time of night he knew not. 

Lieutenant Cornelius Vantassel being sworn, deposeth and saith, That 
on the aforesaid evening he went to the house of Lieutenant Martin, 
where he found Colonel Hammond, about one or two o’clock, and found 
him doing his best to prepare and forward the men to the shore; that he, 
the Colonel, got the deponent a hat-full of cartridges for his men, who 
had before but three ur four rounds a man; and that said Colonel was 
busy in furnishing others with cartridges also. 

Joseph Youngs being sworn, deposeth and saith, That William Paul- 
ding, Esq., told the Committee of this place, ( Westchester,) that Colonel 
Hammond had been warned at ten o’clock on the evening the enemy ap- 
peared off Tarrytown, and did not go to Tarrytown till ten o’clock the 
next day; but the deponent going down to the said town found, by the 
information of credible persons, that Colonel Hammond had been down 
at about one in the morning; and further saith not as to that matter. 
That he was present when Joseph Drake asked Hammond if he could 
portyare him some pork; the Colonel replied he could; that Hammond 

ought some by Drake’s order, who told him he allowed him to give £4 
and £4 5s. per barrel for prime pork. After he had bought it, Drake 
told Hammond the Congress would not allow so much, and asked him 
whether he could not return it to the people again. Hammond told him 
he could not, for that he would rather lose the five shillings. ‘Young then 
advised Hammond to keep the pork, for that he would not lose by it. 

Joseph Leggett doth affirm, That he was present when Requaw’s pork 
was repacked by. the aforesaid Hunt, and told the company, of which 
Colonel Hammond and the repacker Hunt were two, that the pork was 
very much moulded; and that he saw the said repacker put several pieces 
to his nose, and throw them aside; but did not see or learn that Colonel 
Hammond gave the repacker any orders or instructions about the said 
pork. The affirmant further saith, that in his opinion the said pork was 
not merchantable; that he, the affirmant, saw Colonel Hammond cull one 
barrel of pork out of four or five, but that the remaining three were good 
pork and merchantable. 

Martinus Van Woort being sworn, deposeth and saith, That he sold 
Colonel Hammond five barrels pork; that he was present at repacking 
the same; that the said Colonel Hammond, upon a door which ha had 
laid down, took and laid the prime pieces of the said five barrels; that 
four barrels were filled by the repacker Hunt; and that a barrel was filled 
with part of the prime pork, and marked by the repacker; the remainder 
of the said prime pieces of pork the deponent took back; and also that 
he, the deponent, heard the repacker commend the whole of the said 
pork as he was repacking it; and that he does not know whether Ham- 
mond took the said barrel prime pork to himself or not. 


From the foregoing evidences it appears to this Committee that the 
charges exhibited against Colonel Hamman, both in regard to the affair 
of the pork and neglect of duty as an officer, are entirely groundless; 
and that therefore the said Colonel ought to be acquitted from all further 
trouble on these accounts, and returned to his Regiment immediately. 


July 24, Vi76. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1440 


until the end of the present war, unless sooner révoked by 
the Congress of the United States of America, or the Con- 
vention or Legislature of the State of New-York. 

“Dated at White-Plains, in Westchester County, the 
twenty-fourth day of July, one thousand seven hundred and 
seventy-six. 

‘By order of the Convention.” 


Ordered, That a copy of the said Commission be engrossed 
and signed by the President, and countersigned by one or 
both of the Secretaries, and delivered to the said Major Joab 
Hoisington. ? 


Thursday Morning, July 25, 1776. 
The Congress met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 

For New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Mr. Dunscomb, Mr. Rut- 
gers, Mr. Harper, Colonel Brasher. 

For Atsany.—Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Bleecker. 

For Surroitx.—Gen. Woodhull, Mr. Smith, Mr. L’ Homme- 
dieu, Mr. Gelston, Mr. Tredwell. 

For Uuster.—Mr. Contine, Major Parks. 

For Queen’s.—Mr. James Townsend, Mr. Samuel Town- 
shend, Mr. Smith. 

For Durcuess.—Colonel Hoffman, Mr. Landon, Mr. 
Sacket. 

For Oranee.—Mr. Outwater, Mr. Little, Mr. Wisner. 

For Westcnester.—General Morris, Mr. Morris, Mr. 
Mills, Mr. Haviland, Mr. Tompkins. 

Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Newkirk, Mr. Harper. 

Cuarvotre.—Mr, Duer, Mr. Webster. 

Cumpertanp.—Mr. Marsh, Mr. Sessions. 


A Letter from Colonel Pzerre Van Cortlandt and Zepha- 
niah Platt, Esq., dated at Peekskzll, on the 28d instant, was 
read and: filed. 

They thereby inform, that by a Council of War held at 
Fort Montgomery, it was agreed that three hundred men 
will be a sufficient guard on the east side of Hudson’s River, 
from Anthony's Nose to Croton. That the New-England 
forces will depart on Saturday next, and request that such 
of the new levies as are raised may be on the ground by that 
ume. ‘That in order to discharge the subsistence of the men 
and horses and other necessary expenses, they want immedi- 
ately £600, and request that sum to be paid to the bearer, 
John Levinus. 

Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of this State do pay to 
John Levinus the sum of £600, for the use of Colonel 
Pierre V. Cortlandt and Captain Zephaniah Platt, avree- 
able to their request, for discharging the subsistence of the 
Troops who have been attending on duty on the east side 
of Hudson’s River with their horses, and such other expenses 
as have accrued and they choose to discharge in that ser- 
vice; and that the Treasurer take a receipt of the said John 
Levinus for that sum. 

Ordered, 'That Brigadier-General Morris command that 
the men draughted from the Militia in his Brigade be marched 
immediately to the mouth of Croton River, to perform duty 
and be under the command of the officer or officers com- 
manding the American troops and Militia there. 

And Ordered, That Captain Townshend, of Westchester 
County, return to duty with his Company, at the mouth of 
Croton River, and such places adjacent, as such Command- 
ing Officer as aforesaid shall direct. 


A draft of an Answer to Colonel Van Cortlandt and 
Captain Platt was read and approved of, and is in the words 
following, to wit: 


‘‘GentTLEMEN: I am directed to inform you, that, agree- 
able to the request of your letter of the 23d instant, which 
was this day delivered, the Convention have issued an order 
upon the ‘Treasury for the sum of £600, to be paid to John 
Levinus, and to be accounted for by you; and that they 
have further given orders to General Morris for marching 
those men draughted from his Brigade, and also that Cap- 
tain Townshend march with his Company to the mouth of 
Croton River immediately. 

“T have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient 
servant. 


“To Colonel Van Cortlandt and Zephaniah Platt, Esq.” 


A Letter from Mr. Balthazar De Hart was read and 
filed. He therein sets forth, that he had served his country 


1441 


Jast campaign as an officer, with much fatigue and diligence ; 
that he is ready to continue his services to his country, and 
requests to be further employed in some military department. 

Ordered, That the said Letter be referred and delivered 
to the Committee appointed to report a method of employ- 
ing the Officers who served with reputation last year and 
are now unemployed. 


A Member informed the Convention that Balthazar De 
Hart could give useful information as to many disaffected 
persons at Shrewsbury, who keep up a communication with 
the enemy: 

Ordered, That Mr. Wisner and Mr. L’ Hommedieu be a 
Committee to examine Mr. Balthazar De Hart as to such 
disaffected persons and communication with the enemy as 
he knows or can give information of, 


A Letter from Mr. Andrew Adams, Chairman of the 
Committee of Litchfield, dated the 22d instant, was read 
and filed, and is as follows: ) 

Litchfield, July 22, 1776. 

“Sir: The Committee of this town have duly received, 
by the hand of Aéraham Depeyster, Esq., your letter of 
18th instant, together with twelve prisoners sent here to be 
confined in our jail. The @ommittee, sensible of the situa- 
tion of the State of New-York, and grateful for the good 
Opinion you express of our zeal in the common cause, are 
entirely willing to give all possible aid in our power toa 
neighbour State. But the situation of our jail in this town 
is such at. present, having on hand near forty prisoners of 
war, a number of which we are obliged to keep confined, 
besides six other prisoners sent here from Fazrfield and 
Dutchess Counties to close confinement, for disaffection to 
the rights and liberties of the United States of America, 
corresponding with the enemy, &c., together with a number 
of other criminals for various crimes, all to be confined 
in two very uncomfortable rooms—the whole jail consist- 
ing of but three, one of which is occupied by a woman, 
confined for murder,—that renders the confinement of those 
prisoners in this jail incompatible either with the publick 
safety, or even with the safety of the prisoners’ lives, some 
of whom are now sick. We have, however, received them 
for the present, trusting that, upon the above information, 
your Convention would think their immediate removal abso- 
lutely necessary, to which their earliest attention is requested, 
as our jail is not sufficient for the prisoners we before had, 
besides others expected from within this County. For the 
above reasons, Mr. Depeyster has not committed to our care 
the Mayor of your city, but has taken for him private lodg- 
ings, under the care of a particular gentleman, for his safe 
custody, until he can know your pleasure in the premises. 
To him we beg leave to refer you for further particulars ; and 
are, with great respect, your most obedient, humble servants. 

“Signed by order. Anprew Apams, Chairman.” 


Ordered, That Mr. Landon, Mr. L’ Hommedieu, and 
Mr. Wisner, be a Committee to consider the state of the 
Prisoners lately sent to Litchfield, and to report what may 
be necessary to be done in their case. 


Ordered, That Colonel Hoffman and Captain Rutgers 
proceed to Harlem, and make proper inquiry whether this 
Convention can be there properly accommodated with con- 
venient lodgings. 


On motion, Resolved, That Mr. Yates, Mr. William 
Harper, Mr. Wisner, and Mr. Contine, be a Committee to 
reconsider whether any and what quantity of Gunpowder 
shall be sent to the Indians at Onenhoghkwaga and Tusca- 
rora, and in what manner. : 


Ordered, 'That Mr. Gelston and Mr. Smith of Suffolk 
County, be added to the late Committee appointed to report 
the best method for encouraging the manufacture and import- 
ation of Salt. 


Ordered, That Mr. Robert Harper and Colonel Brasher 
be a Committee to prepare and report a draft of a peremptory 
Resolution, that the Committee of Albany return to this Con- 
vention a copy of their Proceedings against Abraham Cuyler, 
Henry Cuyler, Stephen DeLancey, John Duncan, Benjamin 
Hilton, and John Monier, whom the said Committee have 
sent prisoners to Hartford, in Connecticut. 


The Committee appointed to take into consideration and 
report the most proper mode for employing in the service of 
this State Mr. James Stewart, late Lieutenant in Colonel 


Firtru Series.—Vot. I. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1442 


Livingston’s Regiment, delivered in their Report, which was 
read; and the same being read, paragraph by paragraph, and 
amended, was agreed to, and is in the words following, to wit: 

Resolved, That the said James Stewart is deserving a 
Captain’s Commission in the service of this State, and that 
a Warrant be immediately given to him to raise a Company 
with all possible despatch, 

That the said Company ought to consist of Scotch High- 
landers, or as many of them as possible, and that they serve 
during the war, unless sooner discharged by this Convention, 
or a future Legislature of this State. 

That the said Company shall consist of one Captain, one 
Lieutenant, one Ensign, four Sergeants, four Corporals, one 
Drum, one Fife, and not less than sixty-two Privates. 

That a Bounty of fifteen dollars be allowed to each Non- 
Commissioned Officer and Private. 

That they be entitled to Continental Pay and Rations, and 
subject to the Continental Articles of War, till further orders 
from this Convention or a future Legislature of this State. 

That the said James Stewart shall not receive pay as a 
Captain until he shall have returned to this Convention, or 
a future Legislatare of this State, a regular muster-roll, upon 
oath, of thirty able-bodied men, duly inlisted. 

That the Treasurer of this Convention be ordered to 
advance to the said James Stewart £144, in order to enable 
him to advance the bounty to those he maye inlist, taking his 
receipt to account for the same to the Treasurer of this State. 

That as soon as the said James Stewart shall have re- 
turned to this Convention, or a future Legislature of this 
State, a regular muster-roll of thirty able-bodied men, duly 
inlisted, certifying that the said men have been mustered, 
in the presence of a person to be appointed by the Chair- 
man of the Committee of the City and County of Albany, 
or of a person to be appointed by the Chairman of the Com- 
mittee of the City and County of New-York, that then, and 
not before, the said James Stewart shall be authorized to 
draw upon the Chairman of the Committee of the City and 
County of Albany for the further sum of £100, in order 
that he may be enabled to proceed in his inlistment, giving 
his receipt to account for the same to the Treasurer of this 
State; and that when the said James Stewart shall have 
duly inlisted and mustered, in the presence of a person to be 
appointed by the Chairman of the Committee of the City 
and County of Albany, the whole of his Company, or as 
many as he can inlist, that then he shall be entitled to re- 
ceive of the said Chairman of the County Committee the 


' Yemaining proportion of bounty due to the non-commis- 


sioned officers and privates which he shall have inlisted. 

That if the said James Stewart shall not be able to com- 
plete the inlistment of this Company, that he shall make a 
report of the same, with all despatch, to the President of 
this Convention, or to a future Legislature, who will either 
order his Commission to issue, or make such further provision 
for his trouble in recruiting as the equity of the case shall 
require. 

That the Treasurer of this Convention be ordered to remit 
into the hands of John Barclay, Esquire, of the City of 
Albany, the sum of £288, on or before the last day of 
December next, in order to enable him to make unto the 
said James Stewart the disbursements aforesaid. 

That the said James Stewart shall be authorized to engage 
to each man the sum of 7s. per week, billeting money, till 
such time as further provision is made for the subsistence of 
his recruits. 

That the said Company, when raised, shall be either 
employed as an independent Company, or incorporated into 
any Battalion as to this Convention, or to a future proper 
authority of this State, shall appear advisable. 


Die Jovis, 5 ho. P. M., July 25, 1776. 

The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Colonel Brasher, Mr. Bancker. 
Ausany.—Mr. Abm. Yates. 

Surro_K.—General Woodhull, Mr. Gelston, Mr. Smith, 

Mr. Tredwell, Mr. L’ Hommedieu. 

Cuartorre.—Mr. Duer, Major Webster. 
Durcuess.—Mr. Landon. 

Wesrcuester.—Mr. Morris, Gen. Morris, Mr. Tompkins. 
Queen’s.—Mr. Wat. Smith. 


91 


1443 


Orance.—Mr. Wisner, Mr. Outwater. 
Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper. 


Mr. Gouverneur Morris informed the Convention that 
sundry Pilots have lately gone off and disappeared. 


Sundry Affidavits,* with respect to inimical declarations 
and threats used by William Sutton and his son John Sut- 


*In Commitree or Sarery, Wuire-Puains, July 15, 1776. 
Mr. came before this Committee, and made oath that William 
Sutton did, about fourteen days ago, at the house of Nicholas Morrell, at 
Mamaroneck, declare, in the presence of this deponentand James Reynolds, 
cabinet-maker, of New-York, and several others, whose names this depo- 
nent does not at present recollect, that, in case independency was declared 
by the Continental Congress, there were three Colonels in the service that 
would join the Ministerial Army; and further says not. 
By order of the Committee: Joun Tuomas, Chairman. 


William Sutton, being examined by the Committee appointed for that 
purpose, says: That he was at first for choosing a Congress, &c., and 
afterwards opposed it, and protested against it; that his reasons for his 
change of conduct was, his hearing that the Assembly had taken, or was 
about to take, the matter into consideration. That he had reccived several 
letters from Judge Jones, but that there was not a word of politicks in 
either of them; that he had never received any letter from any of the De- 
lanceys, except one from James Delancey, enclosing the Protest against 
choosing Deputies. Thatseveral people went on board the Governour’s 
ship, while he (the said Sulton) was there with his boat, amongst whom 
were James Horton, Esq., Captain Ebenezer Shield, one Holmes, of Cort- 
landt’s Manor, Gabriel Purdy, Isaac Gidney, and several of the Haineses. 

That Governour Tryon said, from what he heard, he expected that 
there would be friends of Government enough, with the forces that would 
come; that the friends of Government would be protected. That he never 
received any letter,from Wilkins or Seabury; that none of the Delanceys 
have ever endeavoured to influence him to take the part he has done. 

Captain Richie, being asked, says he never saw a letter from Wilkins 
and Seabury to William Sutton. . 


Ix Committee or Saretry, WuitE-Piains, July 23, 1776. 

William Sutton, being examined before this Committee relative to the 
charge laid against him, (dated 12th instant,) utterly denies the same, 
excepting that Governour Z'ryon told him that when the fleet arrived 
there would be a proclamation published, declaring all those Rebels who 
would oppose their measures, and all these who would come into them 
should have a pardon; that the Governour further told him that there 
would be some shipping sent into the Sound. 

In respect to the second charge, he says that he might have said that 
there would be three or four Colonels that would revolt and oppose inde- 
pendency in case it was declared, but does not know their names. But 
It appears to this Committee that said Sutton either knows who they are, 
or the person who gave him the information, but declines to discover 
them. By order of the Committee: 

Joun Tuomas, Jun., Chairman. 


In Commirrer or Sarety, Wuire-Puains, July 23, 1776. 
Mr. appeared before this Committee, and maketh oath that 
William Sutton did, about fourteen days ago, at the house of Nicholas 
Morrel, declare, in the presence of this deponent, James Reynolds, and 
several others, whose names this deponent does not at present recollect, 
that in case independency was declared by the Continental Congress, 
there were three Colonels in the service who would join the Ministerial 

party. By order of the Committee: 
Joun Tuomas, Jun., Chairman. 


The above deponent is a man of good character, and well known to 
this Committee; and if the Congress requests to have him before them, 
his name shall be given up to them. By order of the Committee of 
Safety: Joun Tuomas, Jun., Chairman. 


In Commirree or Saretry, Wuite-Puarns, July 23, 1776. 
John Sutton, being examined before this Committee, declares that the 
charge alleged against him is groundless; that he might have said the 
Regulars would land between Mamaroneck and Horseneck; but if he did 
say it, that was only an opinion of his own. By order of the Commit- 
tee of Safety: Joun Tuomas, Jun., Chaiyman. 


In Commirree or Sarety, Wuiter-Puains, July 23, 1776. 
James Horton, being called before this Committee, by order of the 
Convention of the State of New-York, and being examined respecting 
his saying ‘*that he was sure that the Ministerial Army would conquer 
us, and that matters would soon be settled,’’ says, that he might have 
made use of such words, but does not recollect. that he did; that he had 
no design or reason for saying so, only that the fate of war was uncer- 
tain; and further says, that he never knew of any conspiracy whatever 
against the United States of America. And whereas it has been reported 
that he went on board of the Governour’s ship and swore a new alle- 
giance to the King: voluntarily declares, under oath, that he never 
swore allegiance since he was first qualified as a Justice of the Peace; 
and the only reason he had for going on board the Governour’s ship 
was, that he heard William Sulton (who was then on board) was going 
to England, and that he had business of a private nature to settle with 

said Sutton. By order of the Committee: 
Joun Tuomas, Jun., Chairman. 


This Committee prays that the Congress would take Mr. Horton’s 
case into consideration as soon as possible. 


Westchester, July 24, 1776. 

Benjamin Lyons, of the White-Plain, being a man of repute, and a mem- 
ber of this Committee, being sworn on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty 
God, deposeth and saith, that he was coming from New-York in a boat, 
some time last March, as near as the deponent can recollect the time, 
when Joseph Bull was in company at the same time; and a dispute arising 
between the deponent and said Bull respecting the propriety or impro- 
priety of independency, when the said Bull declared to the deponent 
that when independency was set up, he (the said Bull) would meet the 
deponent in the field of death; and further the deponent saith not. 

Bensn. Lyon. 


Sworn before this Committee the ae and year as above. 
By order of the Committee; oun Tuomas, Jun., Chairman. 


In CommitTer or SAFETY FOR THE County oF ; 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1444 


‘ton, taken before the Committee of Safety of Westchester 


County, together with the Examinations of the said William 
Sutton and John Sutton, were received from the said Com- 
mittee, and read and filed. ‘ 

It thereby appearing to this Convention that the said 
Wilkam Sutton and John Sutton are both persons whose 
going at large might endanger the liberties of Ameriea: 

Resolved, unanimously, That the Committee of Safety of 
Westchester County be requested to have them, respectively, 
confined in safe custody. 


Major Webster mentioned to the Convention sundry cir- 
cumstances relating to the forwarding of money for the 
raising of Rangers in Charlotte County, and other matters 
relating to the publick service, which require his going to 
that County; that he will return speedily, or send down 
another Member to this Convention, and requested leave of 
absence. 

Ordered, That Major Webster have leave of absence, 
and that in the mean time Charlotte County be considered 
as represented by Mr. Duer, and have a voice in this Con- 
vention as usual. 


The Convention were informed that a certain Hen 
Chase* has been committed to the Jail at White-Plains, by 
an order from the Mayor. 


Die Veneris, 9 ho. A. M., July 26, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, Presidént. 

For New-Yorx.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Bancker, Col. Bra- 
sher, Mr. Dunscomb. 

Avpany.—Mr. Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Adgate. 

Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Smith, Mr. LZ’ Homme- 
dieu, Mr. Gelston, Mr. Dearing. 

Uxsrer.—Colonel De Wit, Mr. Contine, Major Park. 

Dercuess.—Mr. Landon. 

Westcuester.—Mr. Mills, Mr. Morris. 

Orance.—Mr. Wisner, Mr. Outwater, Mr. Little. 

Queen’s.—Mr. Samuel Townshend, Mr. James Townshend, 
Mr. Wat. Smith. 

Cuarvorre.—Mr, Duer. 

CumBerLanp.—Mr. Sesstons, Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stevens. 


Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 


Ordered, That seven thousand five hundred weight of 
Lead be supplied and delivered by Colonel Curtenzus to 
Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. Sessions, or either of 
them, for the use of the Rangers and the inhabitants of the 
Counties of Gloucester and Cumberland, and that Mr. Rich- 
ard Norwood, Commissary to deliver stores, deliver to the 
said Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. Sessions, or either 
of them, two thousand Flints, for the use of the same 
Rangers and inhabitants. 

And Ordered, That the ‘Treasurer pay to the said Colo- 
nel Marsh, Mr. Stevens, and Mr. Sessions, on their receipt, 
the sum of £70, to enable them to transport the said Lead - 
and Flints to the Committees of the Counties of Gloucester 
and Cumberland, and that Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stevens, and 
Mr. Sessions, the Deputies in this Convention from Cumber- 
land County, be accountable for the expenditure of that 
money. 


Mr. Wisner brought in (according to order) the Testimony 
of Balthazar De Hart,+ Esq., which was read and filed. 
It thereby appears that the inhabitants at Deal, Monmouth, 


* Wuire-Piains, July 25, 1776. 
We, the humble petitioners, now are confined in Jail upon suspicion, 
without money or friends. We beg you will bestow your charity upon 
us. Henry Cuase, Jonn Smirn, 
Joun Cameron, Joun Tuomas. 
To the Honourable Congress. 


{The Examination of BartHazar De Haert, of the County of Oraner, 
Attorney at Law, who has for some time past been in SHREWSBURY, in 
Monmovuru County, in New-Jersey. 


He saith, that when he left Shrewsbury, as he conceives, far the greatest 
part of that place was inhabited, or rather infested, with Tories or per- 
sons disaffected to the common cause of America, and that he has under- 
stood, from information, that their disaffection has been greatly increased 
by a number of persons who have gone from the city of New-York there, 
and, as he has understood, secretly labour to deceive the lower set of 
people, the higher being almost all disaffected; that he knows that Joseph 
Wardell, John Corlies, and George Allen, went the week before last, or 
last week, to General Howe’s camp, on Staten-Island, after, as they pre- 
tended, two negroes who had run away from William Kipping and the 
said John Corlies; that they staid some time there; that this examinant 
has been informed, and indeed believes, that those three persons are dis- 


1445 


County, of New-Jersey, are disaffected; that sundry persons 
therein named have had some correspondence with the enemy 
as therein mentioned, and that several suspicious characters 
from New-York are in Monmouth County : 

Ordered, That three copies thereof be prepared, one to 
be sent to General Washington, another to the Convention 
of New-Jersey, and a third to the Committee of Monmouth 
County, and that Mr. Duer and Mr. Morris report Letters 
to accompany the same. 


The Committee to whom the Letter from the Ouenhogh- 
kuaga and Tuscarora Indians to Mr. Wisner was referred, 
reported, that it is their opinion that Mr. Wisner be required 
to answer said Letter, and in his answer to inform them that 
he makes them a present of seventy pounds of Gunpowder, 
one hundred and fifty pounds of Lead, and one hundred and 
fifty Flints, and that he hopes it will not be long before we 
will be enabled to supply them in a way of trade with any- 
thing they may stand in need of; and that Mr. Wisner charge 
this Convention with the said Gunpowder, Lead, and Flints, 
and the expense of necessary transportation. 

Resolved, unanimously, ‘hat this Convention agrees with 
their Committee in the said Report. 


The President informed the Convention that Mr. Fred- 
erick Jay, from the Committee of the White-Plains, has 
applied to him, and says that Captain Townshend’s Com- 
pany has always been considered as under the direction of 
the said Committee, and that they have speedy occasion for 
them. 

The Convention took the same into consideration, and 
are of opinion that Captain Townshend should leave a Ser- 
geant and six men to guard the Court-House, and the residue 
of the Company, on account of the present danger from the 
enemy in Hudson’s River, proceed to Hudson’s River. 


The Committee appointed to consider the state of the 
Prisoners lately sent to Litchfield, and to report what may 
be necessary to be done in their case, brought in their Report, 
which consisted of a Letter of request to Governour Trum- 
bull, which was read and approved, and is in the words 
following, to wit: 


“Sir: Lam directed to acquaint you that this Conven- 
tion lately sent thirteen prisoners from New-York to Litch- 
field, in your Colony, with a request to the Committee of 
that County to secure them in close confinement. We were 
induced to take this measure, as we esteemed it unsafe to 
venture such persons in any parts of this State, now attacked 
by the enemy. ‘The crimes alleged against those prisoners, 
and the disposition we requested to be made of them, you 
will see by the enclosed copy of our letter to the Committee 
of Latch field. 

“The Committee of Litchfield, by their letter of the 22d 
instant, the copy of which we enclose, informs us that, from 
the number of prisoners already confined in their Jail, it is 
incompatible with the publick safety, and with the safety of 
the lives of those prisoners, to keep them any time in that 
Jail where they are now confined, and desire measures may 
be taken for their immediate removal. 

“We make no doubt of the readiness of the people of 
your Government to give this State all necessary assistance 
in securing those persons; but as we are unacquainted in 
what proper places they may be secured, take the liberty to 
request your Honour that you will be pleased to give orders 


affected, and heard that, for that very reason, the negroes were delivered 
to them by Howe’s order; that he has heard that they had a long conver- 
sation with some of Howe’s officers. And further, he saith, that he was 
informed by Captain Jacob Dennis, a Militia officer that had been ordered 
to guard Deal shore in that township, that he could scarce persuade a 
man to go there with him, and that the examinant knows that his brother, 
who is another Militia officer there, could by no means prevail on his 
men to go to defend that shore—(the Whigs telling him they expected 
that, if they went there,-they would be delivered by the Tories to the 
enemy on their landing;) and that he was informed by the said Captain 
Dennis, that the inhabitants along Deal shore told him they did by no 
means thank him for guarding them, and that they would much rather 
have the Regulars than the Yankees there. And he (this examinant) 
was further informed by the said Captain Dennis, that there were some 
vessels of force lying off Shark River, which, he supposed, were landing 
some men there to get provisions, as he observed flat-bottomed boats 
with them. And further this examinant saith, that he saw some armed 
vessels off Deal shore last Saturday, and observed some boats which 
seemed to be going on board said vessels, and that he verily believes 
that the inhabitants along that shore have communication with the enemy. 
And that this examinant further saith, that Isaac Low, William Walton, 
Anthony Van Dam, John Roome, William Kipping, Hulet, a dancing-master, 
with a number of other persons from New-York, ave there, whose names 
this examinant does not recollect. And further, this examinant saith 
not. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


* 


1446 


for the removal of those prisoners to such secure and conve- 
nient places in. your Government as you shall judge best. 
“This will be handed to you by Abraham Depeyster, 
Esq., who will give you a particular account of the state of 
the prisoners, and will be ready to obey any orders you shall 
give respecting their removal. 
“T have the honour to be, &e. 
“ His Honour Governour Trumbull.” 


Ordered, ‘That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed 
by the President, and (together with the copies of the Letters 
therein mentioned) transmitted by Mr. Depeyster. 


The same Committee, by order, prepared at the table a 
draft of a Letter to the Committee at Litchfield. Being 
read and approved of, is in the words following, to wit: 


*¢In Convention, &c. 

“GentLtemen: Your favour of the 22d day of this in- 
stant, informing us that the prisoners sent to your care can- 
not be confined in your Jail with any degree of safety to 
their lives, has been duly received. 

“Tn order that they may be removed as soon as possible, 
this Convention have requested Governour Trumbull that 
he will give orders for their removal to such places in your 
Government as he shall judge safe and convenient. 

“Mr. Depeyster will hand you this, who has orders to 
settle with your Committee for your charge of subsisting 
those prisoners while in your care. 

“Tam, most respectfully, &c. 

“'To Andrew Adams, Chairman, and the Members of the 

Committee of Litchfield.” 


Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed 
by the President, and transmitted by Mr. Depeyster. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of this State advance to 
Abraham Depeyster, Esq., as Commissary for prisoners sent 
into Connecticut, the sum of £20, on his receipt; the said 
Abraham Depeyster to be accountable for the same. 


Mr. Duer, according to order, reported the two following 

Letters, which were read and approved, viz: 
“A. M., July 26, 1776. 

“Sir: I am directed by the Convention to transmit to 
your Excellency a copy of the Examination of Balthazar 
De Hardt, relative to the conduct of the Tories in Mon- 
mouth County, in New-Jersey, and to acquaint you that we 
have likewise sent duplicates to the President of the Con- 
vention of the State of New-Jersey, and to the Chairman of 
the Committee of Monmouth, in order that measures may be 
taken for preventing the pernicious practices of such parri- 
cides to their country. I have the honour to be, &c. 
“ His Excellency General Washington.” 

“A. M., July 26, 1776. 

“Sm: [am directed, by the Convention of this State, to 
transmit to the Committee of your County the Examination 
of Balthazar De Hardt. It is with great concern that they 
find any inhabitants of the County of Monmouth so lost to 
every principle of virtue and patriotism as to aid and assist 
the forces of the tyrant of Great Britain, who is aiming to 
stab to the vitals the liberties of America. As yours is a 
maritime County, such practices will be peculiarly perni- 
cious to the publick cause. We doubt not, from the char- 
acter you bear, you will exert yourselves in putting a stop 
to all communication with the enemy, and in punishing such 
offenders. Jam, sir. 


“To the Chairman of the Committee of Monmouth County, 
New-Jersey.” 

Ordered, That a copy of each of the said Letters be en- 
grossed, and signed by the President, and transmitted, with 
a copy of the Examination of Balthazar De Hart enclosed 
in each. 

Mr. Duer, from the, same Committee, further reported — 
(according to order) a draft of a Letter to the President of 
the Convention of New-Jersey, to cover a copy of the 
Examination of Balthazar De Hart; which was read and 
approved, and is in the words following, viz: 

“A. M., July 26, 1776. 

“Sir: Iam directed, by the Convention of this State, to 
transmit to the honourable body over which you preside, the 
Examination of Balthazar De Hart. We have sent du- 
plicates to General Washington and the Chairman of the 


1447 


Committee of the County of Monmouth, in order that the 
most effectual measures may be passed for preventing any 
communication with our tyrannical enemy. 

“The Convention are sorry to observe several inhabitants 
of this State hinted at in this examination. Unfortunately 
for the safety and reputation of this State, too many of its 
inhabitants have been seduced from that sacred duty which 
they owe to their country, by either giving countenance and 
aid to our enemies, or by deserting its defence at this dan- 
gerous crisis. 

“The characters of these persons, we confess, are equi- 
vocal; but as we conceive them to owe allegiance to your 
State, during their temporary stay, we therefore submit to 
your Convention what measures it will be most proper to 
pursue, so as to ensure the publick safety. Iam, &c. 


“To the Hon. Samuel Tucker, Esq., President of the New- 


Jersey Convention.” 


Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed 
by the President, and transmitted, with a copy of the Exami- 
nation of Balthazar De Hart therein enclosed. 


Mr. Robert Harper, from the Committee appointed for 
that purpose, delivered in their Report * relating to the Troop 
of Horse of Westchester County, which was read. 

Ordered, 'That the consideration thereof be postponed till 
the afternoon. 


Mr. Robert Harper, from the Committee, also reported 
(according to order) the draft of a Resolution, to be sent to 
the Committee of Albany, relating to Henry Cuyler and 
others, by them sent prisoners to Connecticut, which was 
read and filed.t After sundry debates thereon, 

Ordered, That it be deferred till to-morrow se’nvight. 


Mr. Harper also delivered in the Report of the Commit- 
tee for preparing a plan for the emission of Bills of Credit 
of this Colony, to the amount of £200,000, which was read, 

.and again read paragraph by paragraph. 
Ordered, That it remain for further consideration. 


William Sutton sent in a Petition, setting forth his ill state 
of health, and requesting a release from confinement in 


Prison. ¢ 


* Wuite-Piains, July 26, 1776. 

The Committee appointed to inquire into the present state of the Troop 
of Horse belonging to the County of Westchester, do report, that, accord- 
ing to the evidence they have had, Samuel Tredwell, Captain of the said 
Troop, by order of General Morris, was applied to by Colonel Thomas 
to furnish five men for reinforcing the Army at New-York, which number 
of men were, by order of Congress, the complement required from the 
said Troop, and the said Tredwell utterly refused to comply therewith, 
but said he was willing to march with his whole company when called 
upon: 

UT noretires Resolved, That this Convention do forthwith cite the said 
Captain Tredwell to appear before them to-morrow morning, at ten 
o’clock, in order to answer for his said conduct as aforesaid. 

And Resolved secondly, That if the said Captain Tredwell doth not give 
full satisfaction to this Convention, with respect to his conduct as above, 
that the said Captain be immediately cashiered. 

Rosert Harpur, Chairman. 


—_— 


} Resolved, That the Chairman of the Committee of the County of 
Albany do, upon receipt hereof, send to this Convention a copy of their 
proceedings against lm. Cuyler, Henry Cuyler, Stephen Delancy, John 
Duncan, Benjamin Hilton, and John Monier, and also of the misdemea- 
nors with which those persons stand charged, agreeable to a resolve of 
this House bearing date the 26th of June last, of which an authentick 
copy was sent to the said Chairman, but to which no answer has yet 
been received by this Convention. 

[This did not pass.] 


t The Petition of Wit1am Sutton, now confined in Jail. To the honour- 
able Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, most 
humbly showeth : 

That the intelligence or report spread abroad by him he received from 
the Governour at the time he was down with the shipping, some time 
last fall; that he has not, since that time, received any letter or any intel- 
ligence from the Governour, of any kind, on any subject whatever; that 
he has not corresponded with any person or persons belonging to the 
Ministerial Army, either before or since that time; that your petitioner 
did not convey to the honourable Committee his meaning, if he said, on 
the Declaration of Independency, three or four Colonels would revolt, 
as he only meant to be understood they would lay down their arms. 
Your petitioner begs leave to mention that his present situation is ren- 
dered very miserable by the ill state of body he labours under, having for 
some weeks past been severely handled with a very bad cough, and for 
the greatest part of the time attended with a fever; and as it produces 
something of the phthisical kind, the want of air is very distressing. 
Your petitioner, therefore, humbly prays that the honourable Conven- 
tion would indulge him to return to his family and business, as the gen- 
tlemen of the Convention must be very sensible how inconvenient it 
must be for a farmer to be absent at this busy season. Your petitioner 
would be willing to give any security for his remaining on his own farm 
as well as that he will not hold any correspondence with the Ministerial 
Army, their aiders or abettors; that he will not influence, or endeavour 
to influence any person or persons to aid the Ministerial or discourage 
the American arms. Your petitioner humbly prays that he might not 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1448 


Ordered, That Doctor Graham be requested to visit him, 
and report his state of health to this Convention in the after- 
noon.* 


Colonel De Witt, with consent of a majority of the votes 
of the Counties here represented, gave notice that he in- 
tended to move for a reconsideration of the order for draught- 
ing one-fourth part of the Militia of Ulster; and that the 
Rangers to be raised in that County may be considered as 
a part of the said one-fourth part of the Militia of the said 
County. 


Die Veneris, 3 ho. P. M., July 26, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 
For New-Yorx.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Brasher, 
Mr. Dunscombe. 
Aupany.—Mr. Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Adgate. 
CumBerLAnp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stevens. 
Wesrcuester.—Mr. Mills, Mr. Haviland. 
Uxsrer.—Colonel De Witt, Major Parks, Mr. Contine. 
Dutrcuess.—Mr,. Sackett, Mr. Landon. 
Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Smith, 
Mr. Gelston, Mr. L’ Hommedieu, Mr. Dearing. 
Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 
Orance.—Mr. Wisner, Mr. Little, Mr. Outwater. 
Queen’s.—Mr. Samuel Townshend, Mr. James Townshend, 
Mr. Wat. Smith. 


Cuarvtotre.—Mr. Duer. 


Colonel De Witt moved, and was seconded by Mr. Wis- 
ner, that the Resolutions passed on the 17th instant, relative 
to the draught of one-fourth part of the Militia, and the 
Resolution relative to raising Rangers, so far as it respects 
the Counties of Ulster and Orange, be reconsidered. 

Debates arose thereon, and after much time spent there- 
on, Mr. De Witt, with leave of the House, withdrew his 
motion, as being inconsistent with the sixth Rule of this 
Convention. 

Mr. Wisner then moved, and was seconded, that the Con- 
vention proceed to take into consideration the Report of the 
Committee for making amendments to the Resolutions of the 
Committee of Safety for making Saltpetre, which passed 
27th April last. 

Debates arose thereon, and the question being put, it was 
carried in the negative, in the manner following, to wit: 

For the Affirmative. For the Negative. 


3 Orange. 8 New-York. 
4 Suffolk. 2 Charlotte. 
4 Ulster. 4 Queen’s. 
6 Albany. 3 Tryon, 
_ 2 Cumberland. 
17 votes. 


19 votes. 
Dutchess equally divided. 


Therefore the said motion was rejected. 


The Memorial of Alexander Stewart,+ praying to be re- 
lieved from service in the Troops in which he has been 
draughted, was read. 


be farther removed from his family, as it would increase his anxiety of 
mind, and naturally retard his getting rid of a disorder which, if not 
speedily removed, will prove fatal. He further begs leave to request 
the honourable House would take into consideration the extreme youth 
of his son, now confined with him, as well as that the time when he is 
charged with making the expression, was when he saw his father’s sub- 
stance wantonly destroyed by flames, and grant such relief as they, in 
their wisdom, shall think fit. And, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. 
Wixuiam Sutton. 
*Wuite-Puains, July 26, 1776. 
Sir: According to the desire of the honourable Convention, I have 
duly examined with respect to the indisposition of Mr. William Sutton. 
I find that he labours under a violent harassing cough, phthisick, and 
disorder of his lungs, attended with universal decay; for the cure of 
which, or even to preserve him from imminent danger of a supervening 
consumption, I should judge it necessary that he have a free air, proper 
diet and exercise, which, in the present situation he is now in, cannot 
be exhibited. From, gentlemen, your obedient, humble servant, 
Jno. Aucustus Granam, M. D. 


To Brigadier-General Woodhull. 


} To the honowrable Convention of the Representatives of the State of New- 
York: The Memorial of ALEXANER STEWART most humbly showeth: 


That your memorialist came to New-York in December, 1774, a passen- 
ger, recommended to Messrs. Mercer &§ Ramsay, to take charge of a ship in 
the Mediterranean trade. The disturbance then being so great between 
Great Britain and the Colonies, your memorialist could not accomplish his 
desires; he still continuing in expectation of a reconciliation, waited until 
an opportunity to leave the Continent and return to his country and 
friends was cut off, except by stealth. In this situation your memorialist 
remained, without pursuing or attempting to pursue any business, except 
an offer made by Mr. Grigg, of Horse-Veck, who was about to employ 


1449 


Ordered, That the said Memorial be referred to Mr. Duer, 
Mr. Bleecker, and Mr, Wisner, to report thereon. 


Resolved, That Brigadier-General Morris be requested 
immediately to furnish this Convention with a report of the 
number of draughts made from his Brigade, together with 
the number and condition of their arms. 

Ordered, That General Morris be immediately furnished 
with a copy of the aforegoing Resolution. 


John Thomas, a prisoner in Westchester Jail, who says he 
deserted from the ship-of-war named the Lively, was brought 
up into the Convention and examined, and the substance of 
his examination is as follows, viz: 

John Thomas, born in Old England, came over two years 
ago; that he was pressed on board a ship-of-war, and turned 
over to the Lively; was at the battle of Bunker’s Hill; that 
he deserted from the ship Lively, at the southeast side of 
Long-Island, opposite New-England, about eight weeks 
ago; that he has not been on board the ships in Hudson’s 
River, or on board of the fleet at the Hook, or Staten-Island; 
that he has been at work on shore; that he was wounded at 
Bunker-Hill, and does not choose to fight again; that he 
will work on forts or batteries, but will not go in battle, for 
if taken he will die an ignominious death; that he landed 
at Killingsworth; that he worked with John Cromwell, three 
miles from hence. 

Ordered, That John Thomas be recommitted. 


Wilkam Sutton, Esq., examined, says he was on board 
Governour Tryon’s ship in November last; that he was on 
board his boat, near the ship, six weeks; was on board 
Governour Tryon’s ship several times; that he knew Go- 
vernour Tryon was an enemy to his country; that he was 
obliged to go on board, to save his life; that Governour 
Tryon said there would be some ships in the Sound; that 
he thinks Governour Tryon said the King’s standard should 
be erected, but he does not recollect that he fixed the place; 
that the Governour said there would be troops enough; that 
Kempe and Holland were on board, and the Council fre- 
quently on board. 

Ordered, That William Sutton be recommitted. 


Resolved, unanimously, That Lieutenant Peter Graham* 
. be confined as a prisoner, upon his parole, to his own house 
and within a mile of the same, with permission to go to the 
City of New-York when the health or sustenance of his 
family may require; and that Mr. Morris be ordered to take 
his said parole. 


Die Sabbati, 9 ho. A. M., July 27, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, Esquire. 

For New-Yorx.—Colonel Brasher, Mr. Bancker, Mr. 
Dunscombe. 

For Utster.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Contine, Major Parks. 

Westcuester.—Mr. Mills. 

For Arsany.—Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. 
Bleecker. 

For Durcuess.—Mr. Landon, Mr. Sackett, Colonel Hoff- 
man. 

For Qureen’s.—Mr. Smith, Mr. Samuel Townshend, Mr. 


James Townshend. 


him, but the vessel being purchased for a privateer, put a stop to that 
employ. This week, when adraught was made for troops to go into the 
Continental service your memorialist was among the number draughted 
in the company of Captain Bloomer, of Mamaroneck. Your memorialist 
being a North-Britoner, and having all his property there, and having a 
number of relations engaged in the regular Army, conceives it extremely 
hard that he should be called forth to the field, under these circumstances, 
to meet the near connexions he has there; although his sincere wishes 
are that the country may avoid the slavery with which they are threat- 
ened. Your memorialist therefore humbly prays that the honourable 
Convention would take his case into consideration, and give him such 
relief as they in their wisdom shall think fit, and, as in duty bound, he 
will ever pray, &c. ALEXANDER STEWART. 


I certify the honourable Convention that the within matter is true, to 
the best of my knowledge, and that what is related since Mr. Stewart’s 
being in America has come within the compass of my knowledge. 

Cuarves Duncan. 


*I, Lieutenant Peter Graham, do hereby solemnly promise, upon my 
word of honour, to Gouverneur Morris, on behalf of the State of New- 
York, that I will not depart from within a mile of my own house, unless 
to the City of New-York, when the health or sustenance of my family 
may require it, according to a resolution of the Convention of the Repre- 
sentatives of the State aforesaid, in that case made and provided. 

Given under my hand, at Harlem, the 31st day of July, 1776. 

P. Grauam, Lieut. 60th Regt. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1450 


For Surrovx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. 
Smith, Mr. L? Hommedieu. 

For Oraner.—Mr. Little, Mr. Outwater, Mr. Wisner. 

For Trron.—Mr. Newkirk, Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper. 

CumBerLANnp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Sessions. 

Cuartotre.—Mr. Duer. 


Ordered, 'That Mr. Richard Norwood deliver to Major 
Arthur Parks, Dirck Wynkoop, William Peek, and Andrus 
De Witt, Esqs., or either of their order, two hundred Flints, 
to be by them distributed gratis to such Indians in Ulster 
County, and to such indigent friendly inhabitants of the said 
County, near the Delaware, as they may think proper. 

Ordered, 'That Colonel Curtenius deliver to Major Parks, 
Dirck Wynkoop, Wilham Peek,and Andrus De Witt, Esys., 
or either of them, or their or either of their order, two bun- 
dred and fifty pounds weight of Lead, to be by them distribu- 
ted gratis to such Indians in Ulster County, and to such 
indigent friendly inhabitants of the said County, near the 
Delaware, as they may think proper. 


Ordered, That Peter Van Brugh Livingston, Esq., as 
Treasurer, pay to Colonel De Witt twenty dollars, to be by 
him delivered to the Rev. William Lewis, for attending and 
praying with this Convention, and that Colonel De Witt 
return the thanks of this Convention to Mr. Lewis, for such 
attendance. 

Ordered, That Peter Van Brugh Livingston, as 'Treasu- 
rer, pay to Colonel Joseph Marsh the sum of £61 1s. 8d., 
on account, for sundry disbursements by him made, in trans- 
porting a quantity of Gunpowder from Newport, in Rhode- 
Island, to Red-Hook, in Dutchess County, and take Colonel 


Marsh’s receipt to account for the same. 


A Letter from Colonel Isaac Nicoll, dated at Goshen, on 
the 22d instant, was read and filed.* He thereby recom- 
mends Mr. Henry White for Surgeon to his Regiment. 


A Letter from Colonel Jacobus Swartwout, dated at Fish- 
kill, the 25th instant, was read and filed.t He thereby 
recommends Dr. Osborn for Surgeon to his Regiment. 


A Letter from Dr. Samuel Cookt to Mr. Zeph. Platt, 
dated at Poughkeepsze, the 24th instant, was read and filed. 
He thereby highly recommends Dr. Forman as a proper per- 
son, and well qualified to be Surgeon to a Regiment. 

Ordered, That those gentlemen respectively be examined 
by Dr. John Jones and Dr. Bard, if they choose to be em- 
ployed in the Army, and bring Certificates that they are 
duly qualified. 

‘* New-York, July 24, 1776: 


“Srr: [ have been honoured with your favour of the 
20th, with its several enclosures. I observe the statements 
of your honourable body on the impracticability of removing 


* GosHEN, July 22, 1776. 
GenTLemeEN: I understand that a Surgeon is wanting to the Regiment 
which I am to have the command of ; would therefore recommend Dr. 
Henry White, of this County, as a proper person for that station, and 
should be glad, if consistent, that he might be appointed. 
Iam, gentlemen, yours, &c., Isaac Nico... 


To the President of the Honourable Convention of the independent State 
of New-York, at White-Plains. 
} Fisuxiw1, July 25, 1776. 
Genrtiemen: In these times of distress and danger, when the lives and 
health of the soldiers are daily exposed, and, for want of good doctors, 
are often rendered incapable of doing the publick services, Joudly calls 
upon every well-wisher to the cause now embarked in, to recommend 
such persons whose skill and abilities are known and can be depended 
upon; and as the bearer hereof, Dr. Osborn, hath for many years resided 
near me, and hath been respected as a person having skill and abilities 
in that profession, I humbly pray the honourable Convention of the State 
of New-York will take the matter into their consideration, and if they 
think Dr. Osborn capable, that they will appoint him Doctor to my 
Regiment. 
I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your very humble servant, 
Jacosus SwaRtTwour. 
To the Hon. Convention of the State of New-York. 


+ PoucHKEEpsig, July 24, 1776. 

Sir: T understand the Provincial Congress have ordered two regiments 
raised from the Militia of this County for our common defence, and I 
am informed that the Congress have the appointment of the Surgeons. 
Dr. Forman has a desire of serving in one of them, if the Congress would 
think proper to appoint him. He has served the last war as Surgeon’s 
Mate, by which means he has had an opportunity of being acquainted 
with disorders incident to an Army; and as he has ever been engaged 
in the cause of his country, and is desirous to serve them in that capa- 
city, would be glad of your assistance in a particular manner. I am 
informed that Colonel Graham has promised him his assistance to pro- 
cure him a surgeoncy in his regiment. 

I am, sir, your humble servant, 


To Captain Zephaniah Platt, in Provincial Congress. 
P. S. All your family and friends are well. 


SaMvuEL Cooke. 


1451 


the stock from Nassau-Island, and the measures they have 
adopted for securing them there, and protecting the inhabi- 
tants, and sincerely wish they may prove adequate. 

“T have long sin¢éeand frequently requested the Commis- 
sary to purchase all the fatted cattle and sheep from the 
Island that he possibly could, in preference to any other. He 
informs me that he has had many from thence, and that he 
now has persons employed in different parts for that pur- 
pose. The expediency of the measure strikes me so forci- 
bly, that you may depend every means in my power will be 
directed to its execution. 

“ Agreeable to your request, I shall gontinue Colonel 
Livingston at his present post, for the protection of the in- 
habitants against the insults of the enemy’s cruisers, unless 
something should happen to make his removal necessary. 

“When the several regiments are raised, and I am cer- 
tified thereof, and of the places of rendezvous, I will direct the 
Mustermaster-General to attend and complete the musters. 

“ Governour Trumbull having informed me by letter yes- 
terday, that since the arrival of the fleet at the Hook many 
of the enemy’s frigates and ships have been stationed be- 
tween Montauk-Point and Block-Island, to intercept the 
trade from the Sound, (and in which they had been but too 
successful in taking several provision vessels,) and of the im- 
possibility that any should escape falling into their hands, 
he had ordered the armed vessels in the service of Con- 
necticut to stop and detain all vessels going down the Sound, 
with provisions, till the Continental Congress or the Conven- 
tions of the States to which they belong could be apprized 
of the hazards attending their proceeding in their voyages, 
and give orders thereon,—I beg leave to recommend the 
matter to the consideration of your honourable body, and 
submit it to them, whether it may not be expedient to lay 
a general embargo or prohibition upon all exports of this 
kind from your State, except such as the Congress or your- 
selves may order. The propriety of keeping the enemy 
from supplies of this sort and providing a sufficiency for our 
own Army, is so evident, that words are unnecessary upon 
the subject. However, I cannot but observe, as my opinion, 
that the former will be impossible to effect unless some gene- 
ral restraining regulation is come into. No care, nor indus- 
try, nor honesty on the part of the exporters, will be able to 
elude the vigilance and activity of their almost innumerable 
cruisers. But when it is considered that as long as a free 
export of any articles of this nature is tolerated, disaffected 
persons may easily fall into their hands with impunity, nor 
any means be left us to ascertain their guilt; when there 
is strong reason to believe that some have designedly done 
so, and almost incontestable proof, from sundry depositions of 
deserters and others, that a ship that went from hence sailed 
with no other view and joined the enemy at the Hook,—I 
incline to think the measure not only advisable, but neces- 
sary, especially as the large consumption of provisions by 
our Army affords, and will afford, a ready cash market for 
all that individuals may have to dispose of, and take away 
every objection of injury on that head. Were it otherwise, 
private advantages and emoluments must always give place 
to the publick good, when they are incompatible. 

“The last deserters from the enemy inform us, since they 
have heard of our forming a camp at Amboy, they have 
talked much of turning their views to Long-Island, and 
regaling themselves with large supplies of provisions they 
intend to get from thence. ‘This is an additional circum- 
stance to induce the Commissary to purchase the cattle there 
before any other. 

“‘T have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your 
most obedient servant, Go. WasHINGTON. 

«“P,S. When the ships-of-war, &c., run up the river, I 
wrote Governours Trumbull and Cooke for some of their 
row-galleys, supposing they might be of service in attempt- 
ing something against the ships. I expect three or four every 
hour, besides one I have. If the Secret Committee are form. 
ing any plan against the ships, in which they think they may 
be usefully employed, if they will let me know, I shall be 
glad to codperate with them, and furnish every assistance 
the galleys can give, if not otherwise materially engaged. 

‘Tam just now informed that the ship mentioned above 
to have gone to the enemy, was fitted out by the Congress, 
under the command of a Captain Hilton, who has acted this 
base part.” . 


Ordered, That a copy of the postcript of the aforegoing 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1452 


Letter be immediately transmitted to the Secret Committee 
of this Convention now at Poughkeepsie. 

The following Letter from Governour Trumbull was re- 
ceived and read: 
‘* Lebanon, July 17, 1776. 

“Sir: [have received credible information that there has 
lately been intercepted and taken several provision vessels 
bound to or from your Colony through the Sound; that 
there are three or four men-of-war, frigates, and cutters, 
cruising off Block-Island, and that it is scarcely possible for 
any vessel bound to sea to escape them. I have kept out 
the armed sloop the Spy, Captain Niles, cruising off Block 
Island, to give notice of danger to vessels passing that way, 
and merely for the publick service have been obliged to give 
him orders to stop any provision vessels bound to sea when 
danger is apparent. In consequence whereof, he has detained 
a ship laden with wheat and flour from New-York, which, 
if she had proceeded, must undoubtedly have fallen into 
the hands of the enemy, and of which I understand the Cap- 
tain is fully persuaded. I trust you will think that nothing 
but the common good would have induced me to have taken 
this step, and that you will readily approve the measure 
when you consider the reason and motives of my conduct 
therein. Whenever there is a fair prospect of the ship’s sail- 
ing with safety and avoiding the enemy, no objection arises 
to her or any other vessel’s sailing, if within the rules of the 
Continental Congress. I have acquainted the Congress and 
General Washington with my proceedings, and furnished 
them witha number of affidavits supporting the above informa- 
tion. The General, I dare say, will show you them, if desired. 

“Tam, with great truth and regard, sir, your obedient, 
humble servant, JONATHAN ‘T’RUMBULL. 


‘ Hon. President Woodhull.” 


A draft of an Answer to Governour Trumbull was read 
and approved of, and is in the words following, to wit: 

‘¢ In Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, 

at the White-Plains, July°27, 1776. 

“Sir: Iam directed by the Convention to return you 
their thanks for your prudent care and attention in prevent- 
ing the enemy from making capture of vessels laden with 
provisions. ‘The reasons which influenced your Honour’s 
conduct have had their full weight upon the councils of this ° 
Convention, which you will perceive by the enclosed copy 
of a resolution, which I am also directed to send you. 

“Tam, sir, with great respect, your Honour’s most obe- 
dient and humble servant. 
“'To the Hon. Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Governour, &c.” 


Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed 
by the President, and transmitted, with a copy of the Reso- 
lution of this Convention of the 23d day of July, to prevent 
the exportation of Provisions, therein enclosed. 


A Certificate signed by Wilkam Cross, Chairman of the 
Committee of Hanover Precinct, in Ulster County, was read 
and filed. It is thereby certified that on the 27th day of 
June last, at an election held in the presence of John Barkley 
and John Houston, two members of the Committee, James 
Monnel, Sen., was elected Second Lieutenant, and John 
Barber elected Ensign, of Captain Henry Van Keuren’s 
Company of Militia, agreeable to the rules and orders of the 
late Provincial Congress of this State. 

Ordered, That Commissions issue for the said two gentlemen. 


A Letter from Colonel Henry Remsen,* one of the Mem- 


* New-York, July 24, 1776. 

Sir: I beg you will be pleased to represent to the honourable Conven- 
tion the absolute necessity of instituting a Court of Admiralty for the 
State of New-York, as several cargoes that are perishable now waita 
determination or decision of such a Court, viz: 

A sloop retaken by Captain Rogers, in company with a Continental 
armed vessel, laden with flour and lumber, owned in Newport. The 
flour, if not disposed of soon, must perish. 

Two vessels with oil, and one with molasses. The oil is wasting 
daily, and it is necessary the whole should be sold, in order that the 
original owners should have their proportion, as well as to prevent too 
great a loss that will arise from the goods lying in store. 

{ further beg leave, by your means, to apply to Convention in behalf 
of the poor and necessitous families in this city, who have not been able 
to procure lodgings and shelter in the country for want of money; and 
also for the poor of the city in our alms-house. I am confident the Con- 
vention will not suffer the real poor to perish for want of support, but 
cheerfully grant them a subsistence, in some way the least burdensome 
to the State—a maintenance it is our indispensable duty, as Christians, 
to grant them. No more is desired; and [ trust the Representatives of 
the State will readily enter into measures necessary to feed the hungry 
and clothe the naked. 1 have the honour to be, sir, your obedient and 
humble servant, Henry Remsen. 

To General Woodhull. 


1453 


bers for the City of New-York, was read and filed; it bears 
date the 24th instant. He thereby mentions that several 
cargoes that are perishable wait the determination or decision 
of a Court of Admiralty; that three vessels have been re- 
taken; that the owners are delayed, and want their propor- 
tions. 


Colonel Remsen further presses the necessity of the Con- 
vention making some provision for the Poor in the Alms- 


House at the City of New-York. 


Ordered, That the institution of a Court of Admiralty in 
this State be taken up on Wednesday next. 


A Letter ftom Henry Wilmot,* Deputy Chairman of the 
General Committee of New-York, dated the 26th instant, 
was read and filed. He therein mentions, that the Com- 
mittee had taken separate Bonds of Henry Durland and 
Thomas Fleet to the President of this Convention, for their 
respective good behaviour to the State, and abiding by the 
determinations of Congress. 

The said Bonds, viz: one of Henry Durland and the 
other of Thomas Fleet,+ which were received in Mr. Wil- 
mot’s Letter, were also read and filed. 


A Letter from Robert Yates, Esq., Chairman of the Com- 
mittee for obstructing the navigation of Hudson’s River, 
dated at Poughkeepsie, on the 22d instant, directed to the 
General Committee at New-York, and by them sent to this 
Convention, was read and filed. 

They thereby inform, that they have determined to fit 
out two armed Vessels at Albany; { that they want Gunners 
and persons used to cannon on board of ships; they request 
such to be sent to them, and mention Alexander Dean and 

Wessels as having been recommended to them. 
They also request combustible materials, to make  fire- 
arrows, and that money be adVanced to such persons as 
may be sent to them, to defray their expenses. 


* New-Yors, July 26, 1776. 

Genriemen: I have it in charge from the General Committee of this 
City and County to enclose you Henry Durland and Thomas Fleet’s sepa- 
rate bonds, for £100 each. On a close examination, it appeared to the 
Committee that Durland might at times have made some unfriendly ex- 
pressions to some people, which he declared were only for argument’s 
sake; and he readily complied with every requisition that has been taken 
from suspected persons. wah 

Fleet also satisfied the Committee in that respect, but was unwilling to 
sign the bond, which he at last complied with, rather than go back to 
jail. 
Y The Committee thought it better to let these men go to their families 
than to keep them any longer in confinement; and they make no doubt 
but their conduct will meet with your approbation. 

Tam, with due esteem, gentlemen, your most obedient and very humble 
servant, Henry Wiimor, Dep. Ch’n. of the Gen. Committee. 


The Honourable Convention. 


+ Know all men by these presents, That I, Thomas Fleet, of Oyster- 
Bay, am held and firmly bound unto Nathaniel Woodhull, President of 
the Convention of the State of New-York, in the sum of five hundred 
Pounds, lawful money of New-York, to be paid to the said Nathaniel 
Woodhull, or to his executors, administrators, or assigns, for the payment 
of which sum I do bind myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, 
jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. 

Sealed with my seal, dated the twenty-fifth day of July, one thousand 
seven hundred and seventy-six. 

The condition of the above obligation is such, that if the above bounden 
Thomas Fleet shall, on reasonable notice to him given, or left at the usual 
jlace of his abode, attend the Convention of the said State for the time 
bein or a Committee thereof thereunto duly authorized and appointed, 
and answer such matters as may be alleged against him, and in the mean 
time, shall, neither directly or indirectly, contravene or oppose the mea- 
sures of the Continental Congress, or of the said State of New-York, but, 
on the contrary, shall approve himself a good friend to the American 
cause, then the above obligation shall be void; otherwise, to remain in 
full force and virtue. Tuomas FLeer. 

Sealed aud delivered in the presence of 


{ PoveuKerpsie, July 22, 1776. 

GentLemen: The Secret Committee appointed by the Convention of 
this State for the purpose of devising ways and means to protect the 
navigation of Hudson’s River, have determined to fit out two armed ves- 
sels at Albany. In order to effect this matter, persons are wanting to act 
as gunners, or who are in anywise used to the management of cannon 
on board of ships. You will therefore please to procure as many men 
as possible qualified for this business, and let them proceed immediately 
to this place, and bring with them combustible materials for fire-arrows. 
You will advance the money necessary to defray the expense of the men 
on their journey and to purchase the materials; and by drawing on Mr. 
G. Livingston here, you will be immediately reimbursed. The necessity 
and importance of this business, we trust, will induce you to exert your- 
selves upon this occasion; and we conceive that it would conduce more 
to the publick cause if the fitting out of privateers was neglected, that we 
might Ave the service of the seamen on the river. 

By order of the Committee: 


To the Committee of the City of New-York. 


N. B. Two persons are mentioned to us, Alexander Dean, who may 
be found by applying to Captain Ten Wyck, in McDougall’s Regiment, 
and Wessels, 


Rosr. Yates, Chairmun. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1454 


A Letter from Henry Wilmot,* covering the above, and 
sent by express, to be paid by this Convention, was also 
read and filed; it is dated July 26, 1776. 

Thereupon, a Letter to Captain Hazelwood was read and 
approved of, and is in the words following, to wit: 


“Sir: [am directed by the Convention of the State of 
New-York to desire the favour of you immediately to repair 
to Poughkeepsie, with the combustible materials necessary 
for charging fire-ships and making fire-arrows. 

‘When you arrive at that place, you will inquire for Mr. 
Jay and Mr. Robert R. Livingston, Members of a Secret 
Committee, appointed by this House to annoy the enemy’s 
ships in Hudson’s River, and concert with them the most 
effectual measures for carrying their designs into execution. 
If these gentlemen are not at that place, you will be pleased 
to inquire of Captains Lawrence and Tudor, who live at that 
place, where they are, and make the utmost despatch in 
joining them. 

“Tt will, however, be necessary that you should wait on 
General Washington, and obtain his permission for coming 
up; which, from Mr. Duer’s representation, we doubt not 
you will effect. 

“ Should you stand in need of any money or assistance, 
in order to forward the materials, be pleased to apply to 
General Washington, who, we flatter ourselves, will give 
every necessary direction to the Quartermaster-General. 

“‘T am directed by the Convention of this State to enjoin 
to you the most profound secrecy in conducting this matter. 

“Tam, most respectfully, &c. 


“Captain Hazelwood.” 


Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed 
by the President, and transmitted by the Messenger. 


John Thomas, a Mariner, who says he deserted from the 
Ship Lively, into which he had inlisted as a Marine, now a 
prisoner in the Jail at this place, was brought before the 
Convention and examined. He gave no material intelli- 
gence. He was discharged, and a certificate given to him 
to permit him to go through the country to the eastward of 
Hudson’s River, to acquire his living by labour and indus- 


try. 


Die Sabbati, P. M., July 27, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Briyadier-General Woodhull, President. 

For New-Yorx.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Dunscombe, Mr. 
Bancker, Colonel Brasher. 

Avpany.—Mr. Abm. Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Adgate. 

Queen’s.—Mr. Samuel Townshend, Mr. James Townshend, 
Mr. Wat. Smith. 

Westcuester.—General Morris, Mr. Tompkins, Mr. Mor- 
ris. 

Uustrer.—Mr. Contine. 

Dutrcuess.—Mr. Hoffman, Mr. Landon, Mr. Sacket. 

Cumpertanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Sessions. 

Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Newkirk. 

Orance.—Mr. Little, Mr. Outwater. 

Cuarvotrr.—Mr. Duer. 


SurrotK.—General Woodhull, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Gelston. 


The Committee appointed to examine William Sutton 
reported, that they had carefully examined him, but cannot 
obtain any further intelligence, information, or satisfaction 
from him. 

Thereupon, Resolved, That William Sutton be imme- 
diately sent, under safe and proper guard, at his own expense, 
to the Jail of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania; 
that he there subsist himself; and that a Letter be wrote 
to the Chairman of the Committee of the City and County 
of Philadelphia, mentioning his state of health, and enclosing 
a copy of the evidence against him; and that General Morris 
be requested to see this resolution cariied into execution. 


* New-York, July 26, 1776. 
Sir: This enclosed letter is conceived by Mr. John Ray, Jun., and 
myself to be of so much consequence to the State as to forward it by 
express, who has agreed to go at the same price you pay Mr. Dyckman, 
if he goes to the White-Plains, and he should not find your honourable 
House removed to Harlem. The other letters | have taken out of the 
post office, as they have lain there several days and no opportunity 
offered. I have told the express you would order him to be paid the 
customary charge. 
I remain, with due esteem, sir, your most obedient and very humble 
servant, Henry Wixtmor, Dep. Chairman of Gen. Com. 


To the Hon. Nuthaniel Woodhull, President of New-York Convention. 


1455 


General Morris informed the Convention that he should 
direct the said William Sutton to be delivered into the care 
and charge of Lieutenant Alexander Hunt, to be conveyed 
to the Committee of the City of Philadelphia, at his own 
expense; and requested the Convention to determine what 
allowance shall be made to Lieutenant Hunt for his trouble 
in the premises. 

Resolved, That the said William Sutton do pay to Ales- 
ander Hunt twelve shillings per day (exclusive of his neces- 
sary expenses) for every day ke shall be employed in pro- 
ceeding to Philadelphia with the said William Sutton, and 
returning. 

Ordered, That the Jailer of the Jail of the County of 
Westchester do deliver the body of William Sutton to Lieu- 
tenant Alexander Hunt. 


A draft of a Letter to the Chairman of the Committee of 
Philadelphia, to attend William Sutton, was read and ap- 
proved of, and is in the words following, to wit: 

“In Convention, &c., White-Plains, &c. 

“‘Srr: From information, received upon oath, respecting 
the publick character of a certain William Sutton, of this 
County, of which we send you copies, we have reason to 
believe him an enemy to the rights and liberties of America, 
and therefore have some time past confined him to the Jail 
here; but on account of his infirm state of health, which he 
conceives to be under peculiar bad circumstances, and also 
the probability of his corresponding with the enemy, we have 
resolved to send him, at his own expense, to the Jail of your 
city, where he is to be maintained at his own charge. Of 
this, sir, I am ordered by the Convention of this State to 
acquaint you, and to request that you may give such assist- 
ance as may be required. 

“Tam, respectfully, &c. 


“'T’o the Chairman of the Committee of the City of Phila- 
delphia.” 


Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed 
by the President, and, with certified copies of the evidence 
against William Sutton, delivered to Lieutenant Alexander 
Hunt, to be delivered at Philadelphia. 


The Committee appointed to consider the case of Alex- 
ander Stewart, and his Petition or Memorial, delivered in 
their Report; which was read, and is in the words following, 
to wit: 


“ Your Committee appointed to examine into the case of 
Mr. Alexander Stewart, report: 

“That, according to the best information they have been 
able to obtain, the said Alexander Stewart arrived at New- 
York in the latter end of December, 1774, with an intent to 
take the command of a vessel, in the employ of Mercer & 
Ramsey. 

“That on account of the dispute between the United 
States of America and Great Britain, the owners of the 
vessel which he was intended to command, did not think 
proper to send the ship to sea. 

“That on this account he retired into the County of 
Westchester, where he has since lived a private life at the 
house of his relative Mr. Charles Duncan, formerly a Lieu- 
tenant in the service of the King of Great Britain. 'That 
Mr. Charles Duncan has not signed the General Association, 
but that in other respects his conduct has been inoffensive. 

«That Mr. Alexander Stewart refused to sign the Gene- 
ral Association, assigning for reason that, as he had no interest 
to induce him to stay in the country, and, as he only waited 
for a passage to return to Scotland, his native country, such 
a measure might prove fatal to him. 

«That the said Alexander Stewart was draughted on the 
24th day of this present month as a private soldier to rein- 
force the Continental Army. ‘That the Convention of the 
State of New-York, on the 16th instant, unanimously came 
to a resolution, in which it was enacted, that all persons 
abiding within the State of New-York, and all persons 
deriving protection from the laws of the same, owe allegiance 
to the said laws, and are members of the said State; and 
that all persons passing through, visiting, and making a tem- 
porary stay in the said State, being entitled to the protection 
of the said laws, during the time of such passage, visitation, 
or temporary stay, owe, during the same time, allegiance 
thereto. 

“That under this description, the said Alexander Stewart 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1456 


is a member of this State; but how far it will apply to the 
making him subject to our military laws, the Committee 
leave it to the wisdom of your House to determine. 

“That the said Alexander Stewart acknowledges himself 
a subject of the King of Great Britain, and claims the pro- 
tection of the law of nations, by which the subject of one 
nation is not compelled, by the State in which he makes a 
temporary stay, to bear arms against the Sovereign to whom 
he owes allegiance. 

‘“‘ Your Committee have thought proper to confine them- 
selves to a mere state of facts, thinking the case of Mr. 
Stewart so peculiarly nice, as to merit the mature considera- 
tion of the whole House. © W. Durer.” 


On reading and considering the said Report, the Conven- 
tion came to a determination thereon, in the words following, 
to wit: 

Whereas a certain Alerander Stewart, of Dundee, in 
North Britain, Mariner, having been draughted as one of 
the Militia of the County of Westchester, hath claimed an 
exemption from serving in the said draughts as a subject of 
the King of Great Britain, which he declareth himself to 
be: 

Resolved, 'That the said Alexander Stewart is entitled to 
such exemption. 

Resolved, That Alexander Stewart having declared him- 
self to be a subject of the King of Great Britain, with whom 
this State is now at open war, therefore the said Alexander 
Stewart is to be treated according to the law of nations, of 
which he hath claimed the benefit. 

Resolved, That the said Alexander Stewart ought to be 
taken prisoner, and kept in custody until such further order 
as this Convention may, upon examining more fully into the 
peculiar circumstances of his case, establish. 

Thereupon, Ordered, That Alexander Stewart, late of 
Dundee, in North Britain, Mariner, at present of Rye, in 
Westchester County, in the State of New-York, who hath 
declared himself a subject of the King of Great Britain, 
with whom this State is now at open war, be immediately 
taken into custody, a prisoner, by Albert Ogden, the keeper 
of the Jail in Westchester County, who is hereby commanded 
to keep him safe in custody unul the further order of this 
Convention. 


A Certificate of Dr. Samuel Bard,* dated this day, was read 
and filed. He thereby certifies that he has examined Dr. 
Cornelius Osborne, respecting his knowledge in Physick and 
Surgery, and thinks him qualified for the office of Surgeon 
to a Regiment. 

Resolved, That the said Cornelius Osborne be, and is 
hereby, appointed Surgeon to the Regiment of Militia now 
in Continental service under the command of Colonel Cor- 
nelius Swartwout, of Dutchess County. 

Another Certificate of Dr. Samuel Bard,t dated this day, 
was read and filed. He thereby certifies that he has ex- 
amined Dr. William Mead, respecting his knowledge in Phy- 
sick and Surgery, and that he finds him qualified for the 
office of Surgeon to a Regiment. 

Ordered, That the said William Mead be, and is hereby, 
appointed Surgeon to the Regiment of Militia now in Con- 
tinental service under the command of Colonel Thomas 
Thomas, of Westchester County. 


John Sutton, (son of William Sutton,) by order, was 
brought to the bar of the House to be discharged. 

The President, by order, gave him an admonition in the 
words following, to wit: 


“Mr. Surron: You stand charged before the Convention 
of the Representatives of the State of New-York with being 
inimical to the rights and liberties of America. In pity to 
your youth and in hopes of your amendment, you are dis- 
charged. Learn to revere the lenity of that. Government 
which hath dealt so kindly with their avowed enemy, and 
henceforth respect that attention to the rights and liberties 
of mankind which hath now befriended you. 

“In the name of this Convention I admonish you to beware 

* Wuite-Piains, July 27, 1776. 
I hereby certify that I have examined Dr. Cornelius Osborne respecting 
his knowledge in Physick and Surgery, and that I think him qualified for 
the office of Surgeon to a Regiment. Samve. Barp, M. D. 


+ Waire-Piains, July 27, 1776. 
I hereby certify that I have examined Dr. William Mead respecting his 
knowledge in Physick and Surgery, and that I find him qualified for the 
office of Surgeon to a Regiment. Samvet Baro, M. D. 


1457 


in future how you shall dare to offend the majesty of the 
people of this State, and in this solemn manner warn you 
that any future transgression shall not pass unpunished.” 


On motion of Mr. Duer, 

Ordered, That the Secretaries, with all their records, 
files, and papers, and the Treasurer, with the treasury and 
his books, files, and papers, belonging or appertaining to the 
Treasury, do respectively attend this Convention at Harlem, 
on Monday next, at nine of the clock, in the forenoon. 


Die Lune, 4 ho. P. M., July 29, 1776. 


The Convention of the Representatives of the State of 
New-York met in the Church at Harlem. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Harper. 

Anpany.—Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Bleecker. 

Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Gelston, Mr. Smith. 

Uxstrer.—Colonel De Witt. 

Dutecness.—Mr. Landon, Colonel Hoffman. 

Queen’s.—Mr. Samuel Townshend, Mr. James Townshend, 
Mr. Ben. Sands. 

Kina’s.—Colonel Covenhoven. 

Tryon.—Mr. Moore. 

The Convention of this State having adjourned on Satur- 
day last from the Court-House at the White-Plains, in West- 
chester County, to meet at this place, at nine o’clock this 
morning, the Members above-mentioned having from time 
to time arrived, and now assembled, for want of a sufficient 
number to proceed to business, they adjourned till nine o’clock 
to-morrow morning, to meet in this Church. 


—= 


Die Martis, 9 ho. A. M., July 30, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Beekman, Col. Brasher. 
Axusany.—Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Bleecker. 
Surrotxk.—General Woodhull, Mr. Gelston, Mr. Sinith. 
Unster.—Colonel De Mit. 

Durcuess.—Colonel Hoffman, Mr. Landon. 
Wesrcuester.—Mr. Gouverneur Morris, General Morris. 
Orance.—Mr. Outwater. 

Queen’s.—Mr. Samuel Townshend, Mr. Sands, Mr. James 

Townshend, 

Kine’s.—Mr. Covenhoven. 

Tryon.—Mr. William Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Newkirk. 
Cuarvotre.—Colonel Williams, Mr. Duer. 
Gioucester.—Mr. Olcott. 


Peter Olcott, Esq., one of the Deputies from Gloucester 
County, produced his Credentials, dated at Newbury, the 
28th June, ultimo, subscribed by Jacob Bayley, Esq., as 
Chairman, by himself as Clerk, and six other principal 
inhabitants, members of the Committee of the said County, 
whereby it appears that he is elected and returned a Member 
of this Convention by the inhabitants of the said County, 
(only three dissenting,) and that the inhabitants are forward 
for having a form of Government, &c. The said Creden- 
tials were read and filed. 

Ordered, That Mr. Olcott take his seat. 

Colonel Wilhams. and Mr. Olcott were severally sworn, 
and took the general oath of secrecy. 


The Petition of Richard Cantillon,* of Amenia Precinct, 


° 
*To the Honourable the Convention of the Representatives of the State of 
New-York: 

The petition of Richard Cantillon and John Parkinson, of Dutchess 
County, humbly showeth: That your petitioners conceive themselves 
acquainted with the various branches of the Linen Manufactory; that 
your petitioners find, from the great scarcity of linen, that it is exceed- 
ingly necessary to have some manufactories of that kind set up in this 
State to supply the necessities of the inhabitants thereof, and of the 
Army; that your petitioners intend to set up a very extensive Linen 
Manufactory in Dutchess County in this State, if they may be favoured 
with a resolution and order of this Convention, to exempt themselves and 
their labourers and manufacturers from being draughted into the Militia, 
when called out into actual service; that your petitioners will always 
cheerfully give a preference to the Convention of this State, by reserving 
for their use, on their order, such manufactures as they may from time 
to time have made, and may be fit for or wanted for the use of this State. 
Your petitioners, therefore, humbly pray that your petitioners and the 
manufacturers and labourers which they shall employ in the said busi- 
ness (not to exceed the number of twelve, exclusive of your petitioners) 
may, by order or resolution of the Convention of this State, be exempted 
from being subject to be draughted or called out into actual service in the 
Militia of the said County of Dutchess. And your petitioners, as in duty 
bound, shall ever pray. Ricwarp CanTILLon, 


New-York, July 29, 1776. Joun Parkinson. 
Firts Series.—Vot. I. 


/ 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


92 


1458 


and John Parkinson, of Charlotte Precinct, in Dutchess 
County, was read. They therein set forth their acquaint- 
ance with several branches of the Linen Manufactories in 
this State, the necessities of setting up such Manufactories 
in this State, their intentions to set up a Linen Manufactory, 
and they thereby offer a preference of their manufactures 
for the use of the State, and praying for such resolution of 
this Convention as may exempt their manufacturers (to the 
number of twelve) from being draughted into the publick 
service. 

Resolved, That the said Richard Cantillon and John 
Parkinson, together with such manufacturers and Jabourers 
as they may statedly employ in the business of the Linen 
Manufactory in that County, (not to exceed the number of 
twelve men, besides the said petitioners,) shall, while so 
employed in the said manufactory, be exempted from being 
subject to be draughted or called out into actual service in 
the Militia of the said County of Dutchess. 


As the Doorkeeper is necessarily in such a situation as to 
hear many of the debates of this Convention, 

Ordered, That he be sworn to secrecy. 

Thereupon he was sworn, in the words following: “I 
do solemnly swear, on the Holy Evangelists, that I will not 
divulge any matter or thing which I may hear agitated, 
moved, or debated, in this Convention, unless by leave of 
the President, or upon publication thereof in the newspapers. 


So help me God.” 


The Committee to whom was referred the reconsideration of 
ways and means for supplying the good people of this State 
with Salt, reported the following Resolutions, which were 
read; and the same being again read, paragraph by para- 
graph, and amended, were unanimously agreed to, and are 
as follows: 

Resolved, unanimously, That this Convention will, upon 
good security, lend to the first five persons skilled in the 
process of extracting Salt from sea water, who shall apply 
for the same, a sum of money not exceeding £500 to each 
person, for the term of two years from this date, without 
interest, for the purpose of erecting Salt Works within this 
State. 

Resolved, unanimously, That such Works be erected at 


such place or places as, in the opinion of the respective 


County Committees where such Works shall be erected, shall 
be most proper: Provided always, that the said Works be 
not erected within less than fifteen miles of each other, on the 
sea-coast. 

Resolved, unanimously, That this Convention will receive 
Salt at 8s. per bushel, in payment of the respective sums 
advanced to the different adventurers: Provided, the said 
Salt be manufactured by the person who shall offer it in 
payment, and that the same be tendered for payment before 
the expiration of two years after the loan of the money. 

Resolved, unanimously, That if any of the said Works 
should be destroyed by the enemy, this State will lose one- 
half of the money which has been appropriated for the 
purpose of erecting such Works, out of the money advanced 
on loan by this State to the proprietor. 

Resolved, unanimously, 'Vhat nothing in the aforegoing 
Resolves shall extend to the loan of any sum of money to any 
person who shall not apply before the first day of October 
next, nor then, unless upon condition that the Works shall 
be completed within three months of the said loan. 


On motion of Mr. Gouverneur Morris, 

Resolved, That whereas Dr. Samuel Bard hath under- 
taken to erect a Salt Work in this State, and is about to go 
to Philadelphia for the completion thereof, it be recom- 
mended to the Committee of the City and County of New- 
York, that during the absence of the said Samuel Bard his 
house be not taken up for the use of the Troops which are 
or may be stationed in the said City. 


A Letter or Certificate of Colonel Samuel Drake, dated 
the 26th instant, was read and filed.* He thereby certifies 
that Mr. Stephen Halsey, the Surgeon of his Regiment, has 
done the duty of Surgeon to that Regiment since the eighth 
day of July, instant. 

The Certificate of Dr. John Jones, dated the fifteenth day 

*Camp at Greenwicn, July 26, 1776. 
I do hereby certify that Dr. Stephen Halsey has done the duty of a 


Surgeon for my Regiment since the 8th of instant; and I desire his 
warrant may be made out accordingly. Samvuet Drake, Colonel. 


To the Provincial Congress, at the White-Plains. 


1459 


of July, instant,* certifying that he had examined Dr. Stephen 
Halsey, and finds him competently qualified to act as Sur- 
geon of a Regiment, was again read, and was now filed. 

Ordered, That the said Dr. Stephen Halsey be, and he is 
hereby, appointed Surgeon to the Regiment whereof Samuel 
Drake, Esq., is Colonel, and that his pay commence from 
the eighth day of July, instant. 


An Affidavit of Abraham Fort, taken before Johannes 
Sleght, Chairman of the Committee of Kingston, in Ulster 
County, on the 16th instant, was read and filed. Informa- 
tion is therein contained that-a number of disaffected persons 
who had inlisted in the Continental service, and as such 
received the money of the Continent, have deserted from 
Lunenburgh, and gone back of the mountains, behind Cock- 
sackie; that Butler was at the Susquehannah, with such 
number of Indzans as he thoucht sufficient, and they intended 
to come through the woods and attack Hurley- Town. 

A Letter from Johannes Sleght, Esq.,¢ Chairman of the 
said Committee at Kingston, dated the 23d day of July, 
instant, was received by Mr. Beekman, and read. ‘They 
thereby acknowledge the receipt of sundry Prisoners on 
parole, with a Letter from this Convention dated the 19th 
June. 

Another Letter, of the 24th of July, from the same Com- 
mittee, was also read. They therein request an explanation 
of the parole of the said Prisoners, as to the limits within 
which they are to be circumscribed; and also therein declare 
that it will oblige them and the inhabitants to have those 
Prisoners removed. 

Ordered, Vhat those Letters and the Affidavit be referred 
to Colonel De Witt, Mr. Beekman, and Mr. Duer, to consider 
thereof, and report thereon with all convenient speed. 


Die Martis, 4ho. P. M., July 30, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 
New- Yorx.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Beekman, Colonel Brasher, 
General Scott, Mr. Van Cortlandt. 
Uxustrer.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Contine. 
Ausany.—Mr. Ab. Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Adgate. 
Dourcuess.—Colonel Hoffman, Mr. Landon, 
Kine’s.—Mr. Covenhoven. 
Guoucester.—Mr. Olcott. 
Queen’s.—Mr. Jonathan Lawrence, Mr. Sam. Townshend, 
Mr. Jas. Townshend, Mr. Ben. Sands. 
Cuarvorre.—Colonel Williams, Mr. Duer. 
Surroitx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Gelston, Mr. Smith. 
Orance.—Mr. Outwater. 


Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk, Mr. Moore. 


Dr. Joseph Gerreau, a Frenchman, with Hyam Solomon, 
the Distiller, as his interpreter, applied to the Convention for 
encouragement for making Salt, or imparting the knowledge 
of that art, which the said Joseph Gerreau professes to 
understand. 

Ordered, That Mr. Duer, Mr. Harper, and Mr. Morris, 
be a Committee to treat with Monsieur Gerreau, concerning 
the process of manufacturing Salt, in a cheap and expeditious 
manner, which he professes to understand, with power to 
engage to give him any sum not exceeding £200, for commu- 


* This is to certify that I have this day examined Dr. Stephen Halsey. 
I find him competently qualified to act as Surgeon of a Regiment. 
Dated in New-York, July 15, 1776. Joun Jones, WM. D. 
} Kinesron, July 23, 1776. 
Gentiemen: Your letter of the 19th June, together with the prisoners 
therein mentioned, we have received. We understand, by their parole, 
that the said prisoners are to reside in this town, or any where within six 
miles thereof, and that they are not at liberty to pass and repass, when 
and where they please, within six miles of said town. Understanding 
their parole in this sense, we have confined them to the town spot only, 
and to their respective lodgings after nine o’clock in the evening. The 
gentlemen officers understand that they are allowed by their parole to 
pass and repass, when and where they think proper, within the distance 
of six miles of this town; and that our confining them to any less space 
than that of six miles, is a breach of the parole; and that they, in point 
of honour, are not bound any longer by said parole. Notwithstanding, 
they have agreed and promised to abide by said parole in everything, 
strictly, until the sense of Congress can be had in this matter; but at the 
same time do request that (if the Congress should be of opinion that they 
cannot have the diberty of recreating themselves when and where they 
think proper, in the full extent of six miles round this town) their parole 
may be returned them, and themselves sent to some other part of the 
country, where, upon their parole, they can be admitted to more liberty. 
Signed by order of the Committee. Jonannis Stecut, Chairman. 


To the President of the Convention of the Representatives of the State 
of New-York, or to the Committee of Safety. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


1460 


nicating the same; and to call to their assistance such person 
of chemical knowledge as they may think proper, in order to 
ascertain the utility of Mr. Gerreaw’s process. 


A Letter from several Captains of the respective Compa- 
nies of Militia in King’s County was read.* They thereby 
request that the Militia of their respective Companies may 
be excused from being draughted, agreeable to the Resolu- 
tions of this Convention of the twentieth day of July instant, 
and mentioning that their whole Militia engage to turn out 
whenever necessary for the purposes mentioned in the said 
Resolutions. 


The said Letter was taken into consideration, and the 
question put, whether this Convention will grant the request 
contained therein. 

Resolved and Agreed, unanimously, That the request of 
the said Captains, by their said Letter, be not granted; and 

Ordered, That Colonel Covenhoven inform those gentle- 
men of this determination. 


A Member informed the Convention that the Sloop Non- 
such and her cargo, which had been taken by the enemy, 
and afterwards retaken, 1s in a perishing condition—in a dan- 
gerous situation on the south side of Nassau-Island, for want 
of a proper Court of Admiralty in this State. 

Resolved, unanimously, That Colonel Henry Remsen and 
Mr. Robert Ray, or either of them, be, and they hereby are, 
empowered by this Convention to treat with Mr. Isacher 
Poluck upon the sale of the Sloop Nonsuch and her cargo, 
Wilham Hefferman Master, and to take from the said Isa- 
cher Poluck good and sufficient security to the President of 
this Convention for the payment of such moneys as may be 
decreed for the salvage of the said sloop and cargo to the 
captors, and for the fees upon the libelling and adjudication 
thereof, &c. 


* Die Mercurii, 9 ho. A. M., July 31, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Colonel Brasher, Captain Rutgers, Mr. Ro- 
bert Harper, Mr. Beekman, Mr. John Van Cortlandt. 

Avpany.—Mr. Abm. Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Adgate. 

Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Gelston, Mr. Smith. 

Unuster.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Contine. 

Durcuess.—Colonel Hoffman, Mr. Landon. 

Westcuester.—Mr. Morris, Colonel Graham, General 
Morris. 

Orance.—Doctor Outwater, Mr. Little. 

Queen’s.—Mr. Samuel Townshend, Mr. James Townshend, 
Mr. Sands. 

Kine’s.—Mr. Covenhoven. 

Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 

Curarvtotrre.—Colonel Williams, Mr. Duer. 

CumBerLanp.—Mr. Sessions, Colonel Marsh. 

Grioucester.—Colonel Alcott. 


The Letter of the Committee for devising ways and means 
to protect the -navigation of Hudson's River, subscribed by 
Robert Yates, their Chairman, and dated 22d July, was again 
read. 

Thereupon, Ordered, That Mr. Alexander Dean, of the 
City of New-York, be requested forthwith to proceed to 
Poughkeepsie, in Dutchess County, and on his arrival there 
that he wait upon Messrs. John Jay, Robert R. Livingston, 
Robert Yates, Gilbert Livingston, Christopher Tappan, and 
William Paulding, or either of them, and that he observe 
such directions as shall be given him by them, or either of 
them. 

Ordered, further, That all officers, civil and military, be, 
and they hereby are, requested to aid and assist the said 


* July 26, 1776. 

Whereas Colonel Rutgers Van Brunt, agreeable to the resolves of the 
said State, has demanded. every fourth man of our Companies, we, the 
Captains of the King’s County Militia, pray the Congress to indulge us 
with the men under our command as Militia to execute the said resolves 
of the 20th instant, relating to King’s County stock, without being paid, 
provided it be in the said County of King’s; and we promise to be ready, 
with the men under our command, whenever called on by the command- 
ing officers, think it necessary to drive the stock into an interior part of 
the Island, we are also ready to perform the same; and also are ready to 
guard the coast, agreeable to the said resolves, and protect the inhabi- 
tants. 
Cors. Van Deseer, Captain, 
Rem. WiLuiamson, Captain, 
Barnarpus Suypam, Captain, , 
Aprian Van Brunt, Captain. 


Jno. Van Dersixt, Captain, 
LamBeErTH Suypam, Captain, 
Barent Jounson, Captain, 
Joun Titus, Captain, 


1461 


Alexander Deane, that he be not interrupted in his journey 
to Poughkeepsie as aforesaid. 

Resolved, unanimously, That the several Brigadier-Gene- 
rals in this State do make return to the Convention, or future 
Executive power thereof, on or before the first day of Sep- 
tember next, of the state of the Militia of their several Bri- 
gades—containing in such state the names and rank of the 
officers, the number of men, the condition of their arms, 
the draughts from time to time made, and the number of 
men now actually serving as draughts as aforesaid; or in de- 
fault of such return, that the said Generals do show good 
cause why the same could not by them be made. 

Ordered, That certified copies of this Resolution be im- 
mediately transmitted to the respective Brigadier-Generals 
of the Militia in this State. 


A Letter from Colonel Joseph Drake to Brigadier-Gene- 
ral Morris, dated at New- Rochelle, on the 24th July instant, 
relating to his Regiment refusing to be draughted, and his 
intention to resign his commission, was read.* 


Ordered, ‘That Mr. Duer, Colonel Hoffman, and General 
Morris, be a Committee to take the said Letter into con- 
sideration, and report thereon as soon as possible. 

The Letter was delivered to the said Committee. 


Resolved, unanimously, That Richard Morris, Esq., be 
appointed Judge of the High Court of Admiralty of this 
State. 

And Ordered, That John Van Cortlandt, Esq., wait on 


Mr. Morris, and request his acceptance of that office. 
Resolved, unanimously, That John McKesson, Esq., be, 
and he is hereby, appointed Register of the High Court of 
Admiralty of this State. 
Resolved, unanimously, That Robert Benson, Esq., be, 
and he is hereby, appointed Marshal and Provost-Marshal 
of the said High Court of Admiralty in this State. 


Ordered, That Mr. Morris, Colonel Brasher, Mr. Yates, 
Mr. Samuel Townshend, and Mr. William Smith, be a Com- 
mittee, to whom Mr. McKesson is directed to deliver tables 
or bills of such fees as have been heretofore established or 
usually taxed or taken in the former Court or Courts of 
Admiralty in this State. That the said Committee take 
such fees into consideration, and report what fees may be 
proper to be established by this State, to be taken and re- 
ceived by the officers of the Court of Admiralty to be esta- 
blished in the same. 


A Letter from Cornelius C. Roosevelt, + who has for some 


*New-Rocuette, July 24, 1776. 

_ Dear Sir: Your favour of yesterday I received, enclosing the resolu- 
tions of Convention. I met the south'part of my Regiment yesterday, 
according to your request of last Friday. I first proceeded to the nomi- 
nation of Captains (in the manner we did the last time we raised men) 
to turn out as volunteers to command the Companies now to be raised; 
but they as one man peremptorily denied going, at any rate at present. 
I then, as before, proposed to the Lieutenants, who also, with one voice, 
positively refused. They all as one man determined not to go under 
any person to degrade their Colonel, whose right it was. I must tell 
you that I never saw so much spirit of resentment as there seemed to be 
running through the Regiment, even from the Captains down to the 
lowest private. I am well persuaded that [ cannot get five men out of 
this part of the Regiment, without dragging them along like criminals, 
which disagreeable task I hope you will excuse me from, their refusal 
being on my account, which makes it the worse for me todo. What 
will be done I cannot tell. This [ can say, that | am sorry from my 
heart that the service should suffer on my account; but at the same time 
am happy in the thought of having a conscience void of offence in 
bringing about this matter. 

From, sir, your very humble.servant, 


To Brigadier-General Morris, at White-Plains. 


Josery Drake. 


} New-York, July 26, 1776. 

Gentiemen: The contract Mr. Curtenius made for supplying the 
Artillery Company with provisions in my behalf, I did by no means ex- 
pect to deviate from; but Captain Hamilton demanding one and a half 
pound of beef, or eighteen ounces pork, which was half a pound of beef 
or six ounces pork more than my contract stipulated, therefore could 
not grant the extraordinary supply without the price being raised equi- 
valent thereto. As I was confident what I had hitherto received would 
by no means compensate for what it cost, which is evident by the fol- 
lowing accurate detail, whata ration stands me in agreeable to the allow- 
ance demanded, to wit: one and a half pound of beef, or eighteen ounces 
pork, 7d.; one pound of bread, 2d.; one quart of beer, 1d.; peas, meal, 
candles, soap, &c., 2d.—123d.; and which [ granted upon Captain Hamil- 
ton’s most sanguine assurances of my being recompensed for the same. 
Enclosed is, therefore, gentlemen, my account, with vouchers, agreeable 
to which I expect to be paid, and at that rate will continue supplying the 
said Company. For less, no person can, without sinking money, on 
account of the exorbitant price of beef, pork, and flour, is enhanced to. 
Should therefore be glad the honourable Convention would favour me 
with an answer per the first conveyance, in order that I might provide 
myself accordingly. 

ages in the interim, with the greatest respect, gentlemen, your most 
obedient and most humble servant, Corns. C, Roosevetrt. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, JULY, 1776. 


* 


1462 


time past acted as Commissary for Captain Hamilton’s troops, 
dated the 26th instant, was read. He therein sets forth that 
he had been obliged to supply Captain Hamilton’s Company 
with a much larger quantity of Provisions than the rations 
stipulated for, which has enhanced the prices so that each 
ration, as by him delivered, cost him 124d. His Accounts 
were enclosed. 

A Letter from Captain Hamilton,* of the same date, on 
the same subject, and a Certificate of John Pollard, Quar- 
termaster of the Army, certifying the allowances of Provi- 
sions delivered to each man as a ration, were also read. 

Ordered, That as Captain Hamilton’s Company was 
formerly made a part of General Scott’s Brigade, that they 
be henceforth supplied with Provisions as a part of that 
Brigade. 

That Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. Landon, and Colonel 
Graham, be a Committee to take the said Letters and Ac- 
counts into consideration, and report thereon. And the 
sense of the Convention was signified to that Committee that 
it is necessary to make compensation to Cornelius C. Roose- 
velt for the extraordinary quantity of Provisions which have 
issued to that Company beyond his contract. 


The Convention were informed that Thaddeus Noble, 
from King’s District, is attending with thirty Muskets, pur- 
suant to his contract made on the 26th day of April last 
with Jacobus Van Zandt, on behalf of the State; that he 
has not furnished them with steel ramrods, according to con- 
tract; and that Mr. Jacobus Van Zandt, with wliom he had 
contracted on behaif of this State, is in Dutchess County. 

Ordered, That the said Thaddeus Noble deliver the said 
Arins to Colonel Peter T. Curtenius,as Commissary. That 
Colonel Curtenius view and examine the said Arms, or cause 
them fo be viewed and examined, so as to determine whether 
they are made according to contract, (the ramrods excepted,) 
and that Colonel Curtenius send to this Convention a certi- 
ficate how far the said Arms are made according to contract, 


and how much should be deducted on each for the defect of 
steel ramrods. 


A Letter from Joseph Robinson, Esq., Deputy Chairman 
of the Committee of Queen’s County, ands Noah Smith, was 
read and filed.— They thereby certify that William Ludlam, 
Jun., had been duly elected Captain of the Minute Com- 
pany of the Township of Jamaica, in the stead of John J. 
Skidmore, Esq., promoted to a Majority. 

Ordered, That a Commission issue to Captain William 
Ludlam as Captain of that Company. 


Die Mercurii, 4 ho. P. M., July 31, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.— Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. Rutger, Mr. Beek- 
man, Mr. Dunscomb, General Scott. 
Avsany.—Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Adgate. 
Surroitk.—General Woodhull, Mr. Gelston, Mr. Smith. 


* GenTLEMEN: I am obliged to trouble you to remove a difficulty which 
arises respecting the quantity of subsistence which is to be allowed my 
men. Enclosed you have the rate of rations which is the standard allow- 
ance of the whole Continental and even the Provincial Army; but it 
seems Mr. Curtenius cannot afford to supply us with more than his con- 
tract stipulates; which, by comparison, you will perceive is considerably 
less than the forementioned rate. My men, you are sensible, are, by 
their articles, entitled to the same subsistence with the Continental troops; 
and it would be to them an insupportable discrimination, as well as a 
breach of the terms of their inlistment, to give them almost a third less 
provisions than the whole Army besides receives. I doubt not you will 
speedily put this matter upon a proper footing. Hitherto we have drawn 
our full allowance from Mr. Curtenius, but he did it upon the supposi- 
tion that he should have a further consideration for the extraordinary 
supply. At present, however, he scruples to proceed in the same way 
until it can be put upon a more certain foundation. 

I am, gentlemen, with the utmost esteem and respect, your most obe- 
dient and most humble servant, 

A. Hamitton, Captain of New-York Artillery. 
The Honourable the Provincial Congress. 

July 26, 1776. 

{ Jamaica, July 26, 1776. 

GentLemen: By the appointment of John J. Skidmore to a Majority, 
the Captain’s berth to our Minute Company became vacant. We there- 
fore desire to inform you that the said Company have chosen (agreeable 
to the recommendation of the Congress before us, two of the members 
of the Committee for the Township of Jamaica) William Ludlam, Jun., 
for their Captain. We therefore pray you would send up as soon as 
possible a commission for the said William Ludlam, Jun., as Captain in 
our first Regiment. 

We are, with great respect, gentlemen, your very humble servants, 

Joseru Rosinson, Dep. Chairman, 
Noau Smiru. 


To the Honourable the Provincial Congress. 


1463 


Uxustrer.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Contine. 

Durcuess.—Colonel Hoffman, Mr. Landon. 

Wesrcuester.—Mr. Morris, Colonel L. Graham, General 
Morris. 

Orance.—Dr. Outwater, Mr. Little. 

Queen’s.—Mr. Samuel Townsend, Mr. James Townsend, 
Mr. Benjamin Sands, Major Lawrence. 

Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 

Cuaruotre.—Mr. Duer, Colonel Williams. 

Cumpertanp,—Mr. Sessions, Colonel Marsh. 

Guioucester.—Mr. Olcott. 


A Memorial of Lieutenant-Colonel Stockholm and Major 
Livingston, in Colonel Lasher’s Regiment, to General Scott, 
was read. They therein set forth that a Committee of the 
late Provincial Congress, who treated with them on the sub- 
ject of going into service, had engaged that they should not 
be called out of the city, and assign that reason for the 
unwillingness of the Companies of that Regiment to encamp 
with the Brigade. 

Ordered, That the Secretaries prepare a copy of the 
appointment of the Committee referred to in that Memorial, 
and such other entries as relate thereto; and that the said 
Committee endorse such certificate thereon as may prevent 
any apprehension’ of the assurances by them given to the® 
officers of Colonel Lasher’s Regiment, when they conversed 
on the subject of entering into the service of this State 
only. 

On motion, Resolved and Ordered, That the General 
Committee of Dutchess County, or their Sub-Committee of 
Safety, be requested to cause the Powder. Mill of Mr. John 
R. Livingston, (with the Stores and Magazines thereunto 
appertaining,) in the said County, to be guarded; and for 
that purpose that they order Captain Melancton Smith to 
detach a Sergeant and six Privates out of one of the two 
Companies under his command in the said County to guard 
the same. 


A Letter wrote and handed to a Member by Mr. Richard 
Hetfield, sisned Wiliam Dutcher, Captain, Daniel Martling, 
(by order,) First Lieutenant, George Monson, Second Lieu- 
tenant, was read. They thereby offer to raise a Company 


out of Colonel Joseph Drake’s Regiment, to serve under 
Colonel Thomas.* 


Mr. Morris moved, and was seconded by Mr. Duer, that, 
by a resolve of this Convention, the Officers whose names 
are subscribed to that Letter, be ordered to raise a Company 
out of Colonel Joseph Drake's Regiment, and immediately 
to join Colonel Thomas’s Regiment: 

Debates arose thereon. General Scott offered some rea- 
sons for deferring such resolution at present, lest it might 
injure the service, by placing Officers in service out of their 
proper tour of duty or rank. 

Mr. Morris opposed Mr. Scott’s being permitted to speak 
or interfere in the debates of this Convention, and assigned 
for reason, that as, by the resolution of the late Congress of 
the 15th June that no officer in the pay of this Colony or 
of the Continent should be elected, General Scott was ineli- 
gible, and therefore not entitled to a seat or voice. General 
Scott claimed his seat on behalf of his constituents. Debates 
ensued thereon. 

Thereupon, on motion of Mr. Morris, seconded by Mr. 
Duer, 

Resolved, That on next Tuesday this Convention will take 
into consideration the case of General Scott’s election, and 
the said resolution above-mentioned, and the propriety of his 
taking his seat as a Member of this Convention. 


A Letter from George Townsend, Esq., Chairman of the 
Committee of Queen’s County, requesting the loan of money 


* As an evidence of our inclination of raising a Company in the Regi- 
ment under Colonel Thomas Thomas, pursuant to a late resolve of Con- 
gress for the State of New-York, we hereby certify to the honourable 
Members of the said Congress, that we are willing to turn out as Militia 
officers for that purpose, and to go in the service under him, notwith- 
standing the Congress has omitted appointing Joseph Drake, Esq., Colo- 
nel of the above-mentioned Regiment, and that we are humbly of opinion, 
from the conversation we have had with the men in our Company, and 
others, that we can, without the least difficulty, raise a full Company for 
the purpose aforesaid; and we pray that sume plan may be adopted for 
the purpose of completing the Regiment, in case Colonel Joseph Drake 
should refuse appointing Militia officers, pursuant to the resolve afore- 
said. Wiriram Durcuer, Captain. 

Daniex Martiine, Ist Lieutenant, (by order.) 
Grorce Monson, 2d Lieutenant. 
30th day of July, 1776. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1464 


for the necessary expenses of the County, was read, and is 
in the words following, to wit: 
‘*In Committee, Queen’s County, July 24, 1776. 
“GentLemen: This County being under a necessity: of 
an immediate sum of money for defraying the necessary 
expenses of the County, we desire that you will make appli- 
cation to Congress for the sum of £400, for the use of this 
County, and transmit the same to Joseph Robison, Esq., 
who is chosen our Treasurer. 
“Signed by order of the Committee. 
“* Attested: Grorce ‘Townsenp, Chairman. 
“ Jeroms. Remsen, Jun., Clerk. 


“To Colonel Blackwell, Captain Jonathan Lawrence, 
Benjamin Sands, Samuel Townsend, James Townsend, 
Abraham Keteltas, Cornelius Van Wyck, Walter Smith, 


Esqs., or either of them.” 


Resolved, 'That this Convention, pursuant to the request 
of the County Committee of Queen’s County, by their Letter 
of the 24th instant, subscribed, by their order, by George 
Townsend, their Chairman, will lend to the said Committee 
of Queen’s County the sum of £400, for defraying the 
necessary expenses of the County, to be charged to and paid 
by the said County of Queen’s County, in the like manner 
as the sums of money lent to other Counties in this State for 
the like purposes. 

And Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of this State do pay 
the said sum of £400 to Samuel Townsend, Esq., one of the 
Members of this Convention from Queen’s County, for the 
use of the said County Committee, to defray the necessary 
expenses of the said County, taking the said Samuel Town- 
send’s receipt for the same. : 


Application was made to the Convention, on behalf of the 
Troop of Horse in Queen’s County, that they conceive it 
hard to be draughted with the common Militia or Foot, on 
the late resolution of this Conventicn for draughting one- 
fourth part of the Militia into actual service, as they have 
been at the expense to equip themselves as ‘Troopers under 
the authority of this State. 

Ordered, That Brigadier-General Woodhull determine as 
he shall think proper on this application, and give his direc- 
tions accordingly. 


Ordered, That Sa. Dyckman, the Messenger, be called 
on to take the following oath, viz: 

“] do swear on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God 
that I will diligently and faithfully execute the office of an 
express to the Convention of the State of New-York; that 
I will keep all the secrets with which I am or shall be 
intrusted; and that I will not suffer any papers committed 
to my charge to be examined by any other person or persons 
than such as, by this Convention or a future Legislature of 
the State, may be authorized to examine the same.” 


Adjourned to eight o’clock. 


Die Jovis, 8 ho. A. M., August 1, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 

New-Yorx.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Rutgers, Mr. Dunscombe, 
Colonel Brasher, Mr. Beekman, Colonel Lott. 

Avsany.—Mr. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 

Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. William Smith, Mr. Gel- 
ston, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Miller. 

Uustrer.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Cantine. 

Dourcuess.—Colonel Hoffman, Major Landon. 

Wesrtcuester.—Mr. Smith, General Morris, Mr. Morris, 
Colonel Graham, Mr. Mills. 

Orance.—Mr. Little, Mr. Outwater. 

Queen’s.—Mr. Samuel Townsend, Mr. James Townsend, 
Mr. Benjamin Sands, Mr. Walter Smith, Colonel Black- 
well, Mr. Van Wyck, Major Lawrence. 

Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. William Harper. 

Cuartorre.—Colonel Williams, Mr. Duer. 

CumpBerLaAnp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Sessions. 

Guioucester.—Mr,. Olcott. 


Sampson Dyckman, attending, was called in and sworn 
as the Messenger of this Convention, by the form of the 
oath for that purpose agreed to and entered in the Minutes 
yesterday. 


Resolved, That the Militia of the Counties of Charlotte, 
Cumberland, and Gloucester, in this State, be formed into 


1465 


two separate Brigades, anything in the resolution of the 
Provincial Congress of this Colony, on the 22d day of Au- 
gust last past to the contrary notwithstanding. 

That the Militia of the County of Charlotte compose one 
Brigade, and the Militia of the Counties of Gloucester and 
Cumberland the other Brigade. * 

And Resolved, That Jacob Bayley, Esq., of the Town- 
ship of Newbury, in Gloucester County, be appointed Brig- 
adier-General of the Militia of the Counties of Gloucester 
and Cumberland. That Simon Stevens, Esq., of the own- 
ship of Springfield, in the County of Cumberland, be ap- 
pointed Major of Brigade of the said Brigade; and that 
Commissions issue for those gentlemen immediately. 

Resolved, That Lieutenant-Colonel James Hamman be 
the Lieutenant-Colonel of the Militia of Westchester County, 
draughted or to be draughted into actual service under Col- 
onel Thomas Thomas. 


On two Returns delivered in and read, though very im- 
perfect and not worth preserving, on motion of Colonel 
De Witt, who explained the said Returns, 

Ordered, That Abraham Smedes, who has been duly 
elected First Lieutenant in Captain Matthew Janse’s Com- 
pany of Shawangunk Precinct, in Colonel Jonathan Has- 
brouck’s Regiment of the Militia of Ulster County, receive 
a Commission for that office. 

And Ordered, That Cornelius Dubois, who has been an 
officer of Horse, had been duly elected Second Lieutenant 
in Captain John De Witt’s Company from Ulster County, 
in service as a part of the Continental Army, in General 
Scott’s Brigade, to continue an officer of Foot while in that 
service, have a Second Lieutenant’s Commission issued to 
him. 

The said Commissions were issued accordingly, and de- 
livered to Colonel De Witt. 


The Report of the Committee for issuing a second emis- 
sion of Bills of Credit in this Colony was read; and being 
again in part read by paragraphs, debates arose thereon, and 
it was recommitted to the former Committee, and Mr. Duer, 
to report again with all convenient speed. 


Mr. Morris moved, and was seconded by Mr. Duer, that 
a Committee be appointed to take into consideration and 
report a plan for instituting and framing a new form of Gov- 
ernment. ‘The same was unanimously agreed to. 


Mr. Adgate moved, and was seconded by Mr. Moore, in 
the words following, viz: “I move that the Committee to 
be appointed by this Convention to report a form of Gov- 
ernment, be directed first to prepare and report a Bill of 
Rights, ascertaining and declaring the essential rights and 
privileges of the good people of this State as the foundation 
for such form of Government.” 

Debates arose thereon. Mr. Morris moved for the pre- 
vious question, which was carried in the negative. 


Mr. Duer moved that the words “be directed first to 
prepare and”’ be obliterated, and the words “do report the 
same time” there inserted; which being debated, was car- 
ried in the affirmative by a great majority. 

The question being then put on Mr. Adgate’s motion, as 
thus amended, it was unanimously carried in the affirmative 
and agreed to. 

The following gentlemen were then named by different 
Members to be of that Committee, viz: Mr. Jay, Mr. Ho- 
bart, Mr. Wm. Smith, Mr. Duer, Mr. Morris, Mr. Robert 
R. Livingston, Colonel Broome. 

General Scott having been named, Mr. Robt. Harper 
moved that he be appointed one of that Committee. 

Mr. Morris opposed, and assigned for reason the resolu- 
tion of the late Congress, onthe 15th day of June last, and 
that next Twesday is fixed to consider whether Mr. Scott is 
entitled to a seat. 

Debates arose, and the question being put on the said 
motion, it was carried in the affirmative, in manner follow- 
ing, viz: 


For the Affirmative. For the Negative. 


8 New-York. 5 Dutchess. 

6 Albany. 4 Westchester. 

3 Tryon. 4 Suffolk. 

4 Ulster. 2 Cumberland. 
= 1 Gloucester. 
21 votes. 4 Queen’s. 

20 votes. 


Ordered, That Mr. Scott be one of that Committee. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. | 


1466 


The other members of the Committee being named, 

Resolved, That Mr. Jay, Mr. Hobart, Mr. Win. Smith, 
Mr. Duer, Mr. Morris, Mr. Robert R. Livingston, Colonel 
Broome, General Scott, Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Wisner, 
Sen., Mr. Samuel Townsend, Colonel De Witt, and Mr. 
Robert Yates, be a Committee to take into consideration 
and report a plan for instituting and framing a form of Gov- 
ernment. 

That the said Committee do prepare and report, at the 
same time, a Bill of Rights, ascertaining and declaring the 
essential rights and privileges of the good people of this 
State, as the foundation for such form of Government. 

And Ordered, That the said Committee report on the 
26th day of August instant. 


Die Jovis, 4 ho. P. M., August 1, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 

New-Yorx.—Colonel Lott, General Scott, Mr. Van Cort- 
landt, Major Abeel, Mr. Beekman, Mr. Rutgers, Mr. 
Robt. Harper. 

Axpany.—Mr. Abm. Yates, Mr. Adgate. 

Surrotc.—General Woodhull, Mr. Miller, Mr. Smith, Mr. 
Tredwell. 

Westcuester.—General Morris, Mr. Morris, Mr. Mills, 
Colonel Graham. 

Uxsrer.—Mr. Wisner, Jun., Colonel De Witt, Mr. Can- 
tine. 

Dutcuess.—Colonel Hoffman, Mr. Sackett, Mr. Landon. 

Quren’s.—Mr. Sands, Mr. Van Wyck, Mr. Smith, Mr. Jas. 
Townsend, Mr. Saml. Townsend. 

Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 

Orance.—Mr. Outwater, Mr. Little. 

Cuartotre.—Mr. Duer, Colonel Williams. 

CumperLanp.—Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stephens. 


A Petition of Alexander Robertson, Marinus Willett, and 
Symes, was read. ‘They thereby set forth that Symes 
is well skilled in the art of extracting Salt from sea water; 
that they are desirous of setting on foot a proper work for 
that purpose, and request the encouragement of this Con- 
vention, agreeable to their resolution for that purpose. 
Ordered, That Mr. Morris and Mr. Harper be a Com- 
mittee to examine Mr. Symes relative to his knowledge in 
the art of extracting Salt from sea water, and that they re- 
port with all convenient speed. 


A Letter from George Townsend, Esq.,* Chairman of the 
Committee of Queen’s County, dated the 31st instant, was 
read and filed. ‘Therein was enclosed a copy of the late 


*I~ CommitTEE, QuEEN’s County, July.31, 1776. 
Sir: Enclosed we send you a Declaration published by Governour 
Tryon, and set up by Sheriff Willett, in this County. We desire you 
will lay the matter before the Congress, and have their direction in the 
affair. Signed by order of the Committee: 
Gerorce TownseEnpD, Chairman. 
To Captain Jonathan Lawrence. 


P. S. We beg that you will take the sense of the Congress what shall 
be done with the County records, in order to secure them. 


By Ricnarp Viscount Hows, of the Kingdom of IRELAND, and WILLIAM 
Howe, Esquire, General of his Majesty’s Forces in America, the King’s 
Commissioners for restoring peace to his Majesty’s Colonies and Plantations 
in Nortru-Am_enrica, &c., &c. Declaration. 

Whereas, by an act passed in the last session of Parliament to pro- 
hibit all trade and intercourse with the Colonies of Mew-Hampshire, 
Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, the three lower Counties on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, 
North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, and for other purposes 
therein mentioned, it is enacted, that “it shall and may be lawful to and 
for any person or persons appointed and authorized by his Majesty to 
grant a pardon or pardons to any number or description of persons, by 
proclamation in his Majesty’s name, to declare any Colony or Province, 
Colonies or Provinces, or any County, Town, Port, District, or place, in 
any Colony or Province, to be at the peace of his Majesty; and” that 
‘‘ from and after the issuing any such Proclamation in any of the afore- 
said Colonies or Provinces, or if his Majesty shall be graciously pleased 
to signify the same by his royal Proclamation, then, from and after the 
issuing such Proclamation,”’ the said ‘act, with respect to such Colony 
or Province, Colonies or Provinces, County, ‘Town, Port, District, or 
place, shall cease, determine, and be utterly void:”? | ; 

And whereas the King, desirous to deliver all his subjects from the 
calamities of war and other oppressions, which they now undergo, and 
to restore the said Colonies to his protection and peace, as soon as the 
constitutional authority therein may be replaced, hath been graciously 
pleased by letters patent under the great seal, dated the sixth day of 
May, in the sixteenth year of his Majesty ’s reign, to nominate and ap- 
point us, Richard Viscount Howe, of the Kingdom of Ireland, and William 
Howe, Esquire, General of his Forces in North-America, and each of us, 
jointly and severally, to be his Majesty’s Commissioner and Commis- 
sioners for granting his free and general pardons to all those who, in the 
tumult and disorder of the times, may have deviated from their just alle- 
giance, and who are willing, by a speedy return to their duty, to reap the 


1467 


Declaration of Richard Viscount Howe and Wilham Howe, 
attested by William Tryon, certified as a true copy and 
subscribed Thomas Willett, Sheriff; which was also read 
and filed. 

Resolved, That the said Thomas Willett, late Sheriff of 

ueen’s County, be taken into custody, and brought imme- 
diately before this Convention, to answer for his conduct in 
having certified, subscribed, and published the late Declara- 
tion of Richard Viscount Howe and William Howe, attested 
by William Tryon, late Governour of New-York, contrary 
to the resolutions of Congress and the Convention of the 
Representatives of this State in such cases lately made and 
provided. 

And Ordered, That General Scott be requested to direct 
that the above Resolution be duly executed. 


The Committee appointed to consider of and report on 
the Letter from the Committee of Kingston, relative to the 
Scotch Prisoners from the Royal Army placed at Kingston, 
brought in their Report. 

The same being read, it was postponed until further 
inquiry can be made and information obtained, 


A Letter from Colonel Ritzema to Mr. McKesson,* one 
of the Secretaries, dated this day, was read. He therein 
mentions that his Regiment is without a Major; that a Major 
is a useful officer; that Captain Billings is at present doing 
Major duty; and that Colonel Ratzema requests that a Major 
may be appointed. 

Ordered, 'That the said Letter be referred to the Com- 
mittee appointed to inquire what Officers, who served last 
campaign, remain unprovided for. 


Ordered, 'That Colonel Hoffman and Mr. Abm. Yates 
be discharged, at their request, from the Committee ap- 
pointed to inquire and report the names of the Officers who 
served last campaign and are not provided for; and that 
Colonel Lott and Mr. Bleecker be of that Committee, in- 
stead of the Members hereby discharged. 


Ordered, 'That Colonel Hoffman and Mr. Tredwell have 
leave of absence. 


A Letter from Corns. C. Roosevelt, Clerk to Colonel Cur- 
tenius, was read and filed. He thereby acknowledges the 
receipt of twenty-six Muskets from Thads. Noble. 

A Certificate,¢ “signed by William Allen, William Els- 


benefits of the royal favour; and also for declaring in his Majesty’s 
name, any Colony, Province, County, Town, Port, District, or place, to 
be at the peace of his Majesty: 

We do therefore hereby declare, that due consideration shall be had 
to the meritorious services of all persons who shall aid and assist in re- 
storing the publick tranquillity in the said Colonies, or in any part or parts 
thereof; that pardons shall be granted, dutiful representations received, 
and every suitable encouragement given, for promoting such measures as 
shall be conducive to the establishment of legal Government and peace, 
in pursuance of his Majesty’s most gracious purposes aforesaid. 

Given at Staten-Island the fourteenth day of July, 1776. 

Howe. 
Wo. Howe. 

The above is a true copy of the original Declaration. 

Wm. Tryon. 


The above is a true copy. Tuos. WiLLeETT, Sheriff. 


* New-York, August 1, 1776. 

Dear Sin: I have long waited, with the utmost impatience, for the de- 
termination of the Convention of our State, for the filling up the vacant 
Majority in my Regiment, and can hardly conceive why it has so long 
been delayed. The office is of so much importance thata Regiment can’t 
exist without its being filled, for which reason the eldest Captain in the 
Regiment (Billings) has been appointed, in general orders, to act as Ma- 
jor to the Regiment till further orders, and will, in all probability, soon 
be appointed to that office, for no other reason but his being the eldest 
Captain. This gentleman is no ways equal to that station, nor do I think 
entitled to it, as there are several elder Captains than himself of the old 
establishment. Let me, therefore, beg of you, sir, to urge this matter 
with the Committee who has the regulation of the arrangement of the 
military officers in hand, that a Major be immediately appointed to the 
Regiment, and his commission be sentto me. Captain Goforth told me 
he would not accept of it. If I am not mistaken, I think Captain Griffin 
comes next in turn. However, I don’t pretend to dictate, but only to 
refresh your memory. All I want is, that the Majority be well filled: 
it is matter of indifference to me who is the person. 

Your good offices herein will much oblige your humble servant, 

Runs. Rirzema. . 


To John McKesson, Esq., at the Convention of the State of New-York, 
Harlem. 


P. S. Lieutenant Miller’s commission is still in my hands. The En- 
signey in Captain Horton’s Company vacant, as also in Denton’s. 


} This is to certify, that the muskets which Mr. Noble contracted for, to 
deliver in complete order, like unto King’s muskets, is deficient at least 
ten shillings to be equal to the contract, as we have examined the said 
muskets attentively, and do upon honour declare that they are worth 
no more than fifty-four shillings. 

Wiiuiam ALLEN, 


Gui_tiAm Varicx, 
Wituiam Exsworrn, 


Micuart GAntrer. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1468 


worth, Guilliam Varick, and Michael Ganter, Gunsmiths, 
enclosed in said Letter, was also read and filed. They 
thereby certify that the Muskets which Mr. Noble contracted 
to deliver in complete order, like unto King’s Muskets, are 
deficient at least 10s. each of being equal to the contract. 
They have examined the said Muskets attentively, and do 
upon honour declare, that they are worth no more than 54s. 
each. 

The Convention being informed that said Nodle had 
been put to great expense in bringing the said Muskets by 
land, on account of the ships-of-war in Hudson’s River, by 
which means the Muskets were also injured in their appear- 
ance, 

Resolved, therefore, 'That Mr. Noble be allowed 10s. on 
each Musket for his extraordinary expenses in bringing them 
down by land, and for the injury they have received there- 
by, and that he be paid 54s. for each Musket, agreeable to 
the valuation of the said William Allen and others. 

Ordered, That Peter Van Brugh Livingston, Esq., pay 
to Thads. Noble the sum of £53 4s., in full for twenty-six 
Muskets by him made on contract with the Congress of this 
State made in April last, and in full for the allowance made 
to him by this Convention for extraordinary expenses in 
bringing down the said Muskets by land, and take his receipt 


for the same. 2 


Mr. Robert Harper and Gouverneur Morris reported that 
they have examined Peter Sim as to his skill and knowledge 
in the art of extracting Salt from sea water, and think him 
well skilled in that art; and that in their opinion the appli- 
cation of the said Stm and his copartners in every respect 
comes within the resolutions of this Convention for encou- - 
raging the manufacturing of Salt. 

Resolved, That the said Alexander Robertson, Marinus 
Willet, and Peter Sim, and their copartners, shall have the 
sum of £500 on loan, on their joint and several bond or 
obligation, conditioned for the payment thereof to the Trea- 
surer, according to the said Resolutions. 

Ordered, That the Secretaries do prepare such Bond ; * 
and that on the receipt thereof by the Treasurer, duly exe- 
cuted by the said Alexander Robertson, Marinus Willet, 
and Peter Sim, and their copartners, and conditioned for the 
payment of £500, he do advance to them that sum, taking 
a receipt for the same. 


On motion of Mr. Duer, 

Resolved, unanimously, That the Colonels of the respect- 
ive Regiments in the County of Charlotte do make return 
to this Convention, or to a future Executive power of this 
State, on or before the first day of September next, of the 
number of men in their respective Regiments, the state of 
their arms, and the number of the levies which have been 
draughted from each Battalion; and that Colonel Williams be 
directed to send copies of this order to the respective Colo- 
nels. 

John Van Cortlandt, Esq., reported that he had waited 
on Richard Morris, Esq., to inform him of the unanimous 
vote of this Convention to appoint him Judge of the Court 
of Admiralty in this State; that Mr. Morris declines to 


* Know all men by these presents, That we, , are held and 
firmly bound unto Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq., President’of the Conven- 
tion of the Representatives of the State of New-York, in the sum of one 
thousand pounds, lawful money of the said State; for the payment 
whereof, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, and administrators, 
jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. 

Sealed with our seals, dated the day of August, in the year of 
our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six. 

Whereas the above bounden hath received on loan from the 
honourable the Convention of the Representatives of the State of New- 
York, for the term of two years from the thirtieth day of July last, the 
sum of five hundred pounds, lawful money aforesaid, as an encourage- 
ment to erect works within this State, for extracting salt from sea water, 
agreeable to certain fesolutions of the said Convention made and passed 
on the thirtieth day of July: 

Now, therefore, the conditions of the above obligation are such, that 
if the above bounden shall and do, on or before the day 
of next, erect and complete works within this State for the 
extracting of salt out of sea water, at such place or places as the County 
Committee of the County where such works are to be erected shall deem 
most proper, and at least fifteen miles distant on the sea-coast from any 
other works of the like kind, and also that if the said , his heirs, 
executors, or administrators, shall and do, well and truly, pay, or cause 
to be paid, unto the said Nathaniel Woodhull, his executors, administra- 
tors, or assigns, for the use of the Representatives or future Legislature 
of this State, the said sum of five hundred pounds, lawful money of 
New-York, or twelve hundred and fifty bushels of good white merchant- 
able salt, manufactured by the said as aforesaid, on or before 
the thirtieth day of July which will be in the year of our Lord one thou- 
sand seven hundred and seventy-eight, then the above obligation to be 
void; but on failure of either of the above conditions, to be and remain 
in full force and virtue, 


1469 


accept that office, and will wait on this Convention to thank 
them for the honourable testimony they have given him of 
their esteem; that he assigns for the reason of his declining 
the office his intention to decline all publick business, and 
devote his time to settle his affairs and arrange them for the 
benefit of his children; and that he had requested Mr. Cort- 
landt in his behalf to return his sincere thanks to this Con- 
vention, and to assure them that he will always be ready to 
support his country with his life and fortune. 


Friday morning, August 2, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: General Woodhull, President. 

For New-Yorx.—Colonel Remsen, Mr. Van Zandt, Colo- 
nel Lott, Major Abeel, Mr. Roosevelt, Mr. Bancker, Mr. 
Harper, Mr. Beekman, Mr. Dunscombe, Colonel Brasher. 

For Atsany.—Mr. Abm: Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Adgate. 

For Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Smith, Mr. Miller. 

For Utster.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Cantine, Mr. Wisner, 
Jun. 

For Quren’s.—Mr. James Townsend, Mr. Samuel Town- 

- send, Mr. Smith, Mr. Van Wyck, Mr. Sands. 

For Durcuess.—Mr. Sackett. 

For Orance.—Mr. Little, Doctor Outwater. 

For Westcuester.—Mr. Morris, Mr. Mills, Mr. Platt, 
General Morris. 

For Trron.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 

Kor Cumpertanp.—Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stephens. 

For Cuartotrre.—Colonel Williams. 


Resolved, That Colonel Henry Remsen be, and he hereby 
is, empowered to dispose of Julius Cesar Thomson, and also 
with , both of them now confined in the Jail 
of the City of New-York, in such manner as the said Henry 
Remsen shall think proper. 


"Messrs. Wm. Smith and Rutgers, who were appointed 
yesterday for the purpose, reported that Thads. Noble, of 
King’s District, in the County of Albany, agrees to contract 
with such persons as this Convention shall direct, to make 
one hundred good Muskets, as near as he can in imitation 
of the arms called King’s Muskets, with steel ramrods, to 
be delivered at the price of £3 10s. each, within six months 
from the time of such contract. ‘The Committee also report 
that the said Nodle requests the loan of £100 from the 
Treasury to enable him to perform such contract. 

Ordered, That those two gentlemen be a Committee to 
carry such contract into execution with the said Thaddeus 


Noble. 


Resolved, That the Secretaries do examine the Minutes 
of this Convention, and do select therefrom the several Con- 
tracts made by and on behalf of this State, and do deliver 
the same to the Auditor-General to be filed with the Trea- 
sury Bond. 


A Letter from the Committee of the City of New-York, 
dated the Ist instant, and sizned by John Berrien, Esquire, 
their Chairman, was read and filed. They thereby inform 
that they are reduced to great difficulties by the frequent 
sales of Bohea Tea at higher prices than that limited by the 
Convress; that the growing evil is so great that it requires 
speedy redress. 

Ordered, That the said Letter be committed to Colonel 
Remsen, Mr. Harper, and Mr. Abeel, to take the same into 
consideration and report thereon. : 


A Letter from John Berrien, Henry Wilmot, Fras. Bas- 
sett, and eight others of the Committee of the City of New- 
York,* dated the 30th day of July last, was read and filed. 
They thereby inform that the Police of the City is neglect- 
ed, the Magistrates absent, their time entirely engrossed by 
matters which ought to be determined by Magistrates, and 
requesting the Convention to provide relief in the premises. 


* New-York, July 30, 1776. 

We, the subscribers, members of the General Committee for this City 
and County, beg leave to lay before you the particular situation and diffi- 
culties we have for some time past and do now labour under. Not one 
Magistrate being in the city, occasions every complaint, both criminal as 
well as of civil nature, to be brought before the Committee. The busi- 
ness for which the Committee was appointed would alone take up their 
whole attention at any time; notwithstanding which, we have cheerfully 
undertaken, and, to the best of our power and abilities, faithfully execu- 
ted every business that has been brought before us, though this burden 
has falle upon only a few, sometimes ten, twelve, and never more than 
sixteen or eighteen members, who have given their constant attendance 
to the publick service. The time the Committee was elected for will 
expire the 8th day of next month, and we conceive the publick or the 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1470 


Ordered, That Colonel Remsen, Colonel Brasher, and 
Mr. Roosevelt, be a Committee to take the said Letter into 
consideration, and to examine the Charter of the City of 
New-York, and report what may be necessary and right to 
be done in the preinises. 

And Ordered, That a Letter be wrote to the said Com- 
mittee, informing them of the steps this Convention have 
taken relative to the said Letter, and requesting them to 
exert themselves with that zeal they have heretofore shown 
in keeping the peace and good order of the City. 


Colonel Remsen informed the Convention that the Books 
of Account of the Receiver-General of Quit Rents, which 
have been paid in this State, remain in the City of New- 
York, that they can be obtained and lodged in any such 
place of safety as the Convention may think proper. 

Resolved, That the Chairman of the General Committee 
of the City of New-York, or, in his absence, the Deputy 
Chairman, take with him such guard of armed men as he 
may deem sufficient, together with Mr. James Moran, and 
proceed to the late Custom House in the-said City, and 
there seize and take into his custody all the Books of the 
late Receiver-General of New-York which in any wise re- 
late to the Quit Rents of this State, and transmit the same 
by the first conveyance or opportunity, safely locked up or 
secured in a proper box or chest for that purpose, to the 
Secretaries of this Convention at Harlem. 

And Ordered, further, That Mr. James Moran do faith- 
fully show unto the said Chairman, or Deputy Chairman, 
all such Books and Papers as he may know to relate to or 
concern the Quit Rents of this State of New-York, or any 
moneys heretofore received on account thereof. 

Resolved, unanimously, That all Quit Rents formerly due 
and payable to the King of Great Britain within this State, 
are now due and owing unto this Convention, or such future 
Government as may be hereafter established in this State. 


The A gent of the Commissary-General of American Army 
applied for leave to export Salt to Connecticut to preserve 
Provisions for the Army. 

Ordered, That the Commissary-General be, and he hereby 
is, permitted to export two thousand four hundred bushels of 
Salt to Connecticut. 


Resolved, unanimously, That the twenty-seventh day of 
August instant be kept throughout this State as a day of 
Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer to Almighty God. for the 
imploring of His Divine assistance in the organization and 
establishment of a form of Government for the security and 
perpetuation of the Civil and Religious Rights and Liberties 
of Mankind, and to supplicate his further protection in the 
war which now rages throughout America. 

Ordered, That the aforegoing Resolution be published in 
all the publick Newspapers throughout this State. 


Resolved, unanimously, That three Sermons suitable to the 
occasion be preached on that day before this Convention; 
and that the Rev. Mr. Schoonmaker of Harlem, the Rev. 
Mr. Provost * of the County of Albany, and the Rev. Dr. 


Convention will not desire us, such a few individuals, to sacrifice our 
whole time to the publick service, and at this sickly season our constitu- 
tions also, when so many of our fellow-citizens, men of large property, 
are enjoying all the advantages of a rural life much in the same manner 
as if this Continent was in a state of peace. We therefore wish the 
Convention would devise any measure that would in any ways ease us of 
our present difficulties; for be assured we are, with all due esteem and 
respect, gentlemen, your most obedient, and very humble servants, 

Joun Berrien, Simon ScHERMERHORN, 

Henry Witmor, Lewis Tuizov, 

Frans. Bassert, Witiiam Lawson, 

Samui. CowrertHwalit, JoHn CAMPBELL, 

Vicror Bicker, Joun Stace. 

Samu. Jounson, 


To the Honourable the Convention of the State of New-York. 


*Camp Manor or Livineston, August 11, 1776. 
Sir: I lately received the resolve of the honourable Convention, in 
which I am requested to preach before them on the 27th of this month. 
As Iam convinced of the justice of the cause they are engaged in, and 
duly sensible of the honour intended me by their appointment, if I fol- 
lowed my own inclination L should very readily comply with their 
request. But so many things occur which would render it highly incon- 
venient for me to officiate upon this occasion, that I must rely upon their 
goodness to excuse me. I can’t presume to take up your time with so 
inconsiderable a subject, therefore shall mention my reasons for desiring 
this indulgence to James Duane, Esq., and Colonel Hoffman, two worthy 
members of the Convention, and flatter myself they will prove satisfac- 
tory to that respectable assembly. 
I am, sir, your most humble servant, Samv. Provoosr. 


To Brigadier-General Woodhull, President of the Convention of the State 
of New- York. , 


1471 


Rodgers of the City of New-York, be requested to officiate 
on this occasion. 

Ordered, That Mr. Bancker and Colonel Brasher wait 
on the Rev. Mr. Schoonmaker and some of his Consistory, to 
request the use of the Church at Harlem on this occasion. 


The Worshipful Richard Morris, Esq., waited on this 
Convention, and was introduced. He declines accepting 
the office of Judge of the Admiralty in the most polite man- 
ner; assured the Convention that he most heartily joined 
with his countrymen, and was ready to support them with 
his life and fortune; but from the situation of his family 
and property, the remainger of his life was necessary for 
attention to his own affairs, and that therefore he declined 
the office. 


Die Veneris, 4 ho. P. M., August 2, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 

New-Yorx.—Mr. Beekman, Mr. Dunscombe, Mr. Bancker, 
Mr. P. Van Zandt, Major Abeel, Mr. Harper, Mr. Rut- 
gers, Colonel Lott, Colonel Brasher. 

Apany.—Mr. Abm. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker, 
Colonel Livingston. 

Surro_x.—General Woodhull, Mr. Smith, Mr. Miller. 

Queen’s.—Mr. Ben. Sands, Mr. Van Wyck, Mr. Watt 
Smith. 

Utster.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Cantine, Mr. Wisner, Jun. 

Durcuess.—Mr. Landon, Mr. Sackett. 

Tryon.—Mr. Newkirk, Mr. Harper. 

Wesrcnester.—Mr. Mills, Captain Platt, Col. Graham. 

Orance.—Mr. Outwater, Mr. Little. 

Cumpertann.—Mr. Stephens. 

Cuartotre.—Colonel Williams. 


Ordered, That Daniel Shaw,* Commander of the private 
sloop-of-war called the Harlequin, be, and he hereby is, per- 
mitted to purchase from James and Alexander Stewart, or 
any other person, twelve hundred weight of Gunpowder for 
the use of the said sloop. 


A Letter from Frederick Jay,t Esq., Deputy Chairman 
of the Committee at the White-Plains, dated yesterday, was 
read and filed. ‘The Committee mention their great want 
of Captain Townsend’s Company, now stationed at Hud- 
son’s River, by order of this Convention, and request orders 
to recall them. 

Ordered, 'That the said Committee recall Captain Town- 
send’s Company as soon as the Committee shall judge that 
the said Company can, with safety, be spared from their 
present station. ; 


A draft of a Letter to the Committee at Kingston, rela- 
tive to the Prisoners there on parole, and in answer to their 
Letter, was read and approved, and is in the words follow- 
ing, to wit: 

“GentLemen: The Member who is possessed of the 
paroles granted to the Prisoners in your care is absent, so 
that it is out of the power of this Convention to judge of the 
differences of opinion with regard thereto. As soon as we 


* To the Honowrable the Representatives of the State of New-York in Con- 
vention assembled : 

The memorial of Daniel Shaw, commander of the private sloop-of-war 
called the Harlequin, in behalf of himself and the owners of the said 
sloop, humbly showeth: That your memorialists have, at a great ex- 
pense, purchased and fitted out the said sloop for the purpose of cruising 
against and annoying the enemies of the United States of America; that 
the said sloop is now ready to proceed to sea in every respect, excepting 
the want of powder, but that your memorialists are unable to furnish 
themselves with that article, notwithstanding they have diligently exerted 
themselves for that purpose; and they are apprehensive their intentions 
will be defeated, unless they shortly procure a supply; that your memo- 
rialists are, therefore, under a necessity of applying to your Honours, 
and do not doubt attention will be paid to their petition, as the Conven- 
tion were pleased to recommend and encourage the fitting out of priva- 
teers to cruise against the enemies of America. Your petitioners, there- 
fore, pray your Honours to furnish them with twelve hundred weight 
of powder, out of the publick stock, for the purpose aforesaid. Aind 
your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &c. 

Danie. SHaw, 
In behalf of himself and the owners. 

New-Yore, July 30, 1776. 


} Wuire-Puiains, August 1, 1776. 
The Committee of Safety being in great want of Captain Townsend’s 
Company, now stationed at the Worth River, by order of the Conven- 
tion, they therefore request that you would lay the same before the 
Convention, and give the Committee orders to recall them. 
1 am your very humble servant, Frepericx Jay, D. Chairman. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1472 


receive them, the Report of the Committee appointed for 
that purpose will be considered and immediately transmitted 
to you. In the mean time, you may keep them to their 
paroles in the manner you conceive to be right; and should 
you be apprehensive of any danger from them before you 
receive directions for their removal, the Convention has 
directed me to order them to close confinement, which is 
left to your discretion. I am, gentlemen, Xe. 


“P.§S. Enclosed is a copy of the resolutions of the Con- 
tinental Congress, relative to Prisoners, for your direction.” 


Colonel John Williams has leave of absence until the 26th 


instant, and Charlotte County is to be represented by Mr. 
Duer. 


Saturday morning, August 3, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 

For New-Yorx.—Col. Remsen, Major Abeel, Mr. Harper, 
Mr. Dunscombe, Mr. Van Zandt, Colonel Brasher, Mr. 
Rutgers. 

Ausany.—Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker, 
Colonel Livingston. : 

Surro.x.—General Woodhull, Mr. Miller, Mr. Smith. 

Dutcuess.—Mr. Sackett, Mr. Landon. 

Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 

Uxustrer.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Wisner, Jun. 

Westcuester.—Mr. Morris, Mr. Mills, Captain Platt, 
Colonel Graham, General Morris. 

Orance.—Mr. Little, Dr. Outwater. 

CumBerLann.—Mr. Stephens. 

Queen’s.—Mr. Smith, Mr. Sands, Mr. Van Wyck. 
William Smith, Esq., and Captain Rutgers,* reported 

that they had contracted with Thaddeus Noble, of King’s 

District, in the County of Albany, to make and deliver to 

them on or before the 3d day of February next, on behalf 

of this Convention, one hundred good Muskets, at the price 
of £3 10s. each; and that £100 be advanced to him out 
of the Treasury, to enable him to perform that contract. 

For the security whereof, the said Thaddeus Noble and 

Matthew Adgate, Esq., have executed their joint and several 

bond to Peter Van Brugh Livingston, Esq., Treasurer. 
The said Contract and Bond being approved of, 
Ordered, That they be filed with the Treasurer, and that 

he advance to the said Thaddeus Noble the said sum of 
£100, taking his receipt for the same. 


A draft of a Letter to Messrs. Jay, Livingston, and Yates, 
three of the Members of the Committee to report the organi- 
zation of a new Government, was read and approved, and 
is in the words following, to wit: 


“GentLtemen: I am directed to inform you that a Com- 
mittee, of which you are members, is formed for the organi- 
zation of a new Government; that this Committee is ordered 
to report on the 26th instant. You are therefore desired to 
meet upon this important business as early as possible, and 
to infornt those gentlemen who are with you of the Secret 
Committee, of the time when such Report will be made, as 
the Congress will then expect their attendance. 

“Tam, &c. By order. 


“To Messrs. Jay. Livingston, Yates, and the other gentle- 
men of the Secret Committee.” 


Ordered, That the Secretaries do digest the Minutes of 
this Convention with all the despatch possible, and that they 
be empowered to employ such Clerks as they may think 
necessary for that purpose. 


A. Letter from Abm. Cuyler and others, dated 29th ult., 
at Hartford, was read and filed, and is in the words follow- 
ing, to wit: 

. ‘¢ Hartford, July 29, 1776. 

“GentLtemen: We have heretofore, by Colonel Van Cort- 
landt, applied to you to be released from our banishment, and 
by him we are informed, a few days past, that you had not 
yet, then, been furnished by the Committee of Albany with 

*Your Committee, who was ordered to contract with Mr. Thaddeus 
Noble for fire-arms, do report, that Mr. Noble agrees to make for this 
Convention one hundred guns, at the rate of £3 10s. each, to be delivered 
in good order, with steel ramrods, and engageth to make the guns, as 
near as he can, in imitation of the King’s arms. 


WixuraM Smirn, 


Antuony Rutcers. 
N B. He prays to have advanced £100. 


1473 


the proceedings of the cause of our removal. We conceive 
their delay much to our disadvantage. Permit us, therefore, 
again to call your attention to our unhappy situation, separate 
from our respective business, wives, and families, supporting 
ourselves at an expense which must eventually injure our- 
selves and families; suspected to be inimical to our country, 
which opinion we hope in the course of time to remove from 
our unfriendly brethren, by our future deportment and con- 
duct. Notwithstanding the inference that might have here- 
tofore been drawn to our disadvantage, from the freedom 
with which we have either approved or condemned publick 
measures, we make no doubt of convincing every real friend 
to America that we are sincerely so; for the observance of 
which we are ready to give security. We therefore rely 
that you will do us the justice to grant us speedy relief, in 
ordering us to return to our respective homes, there to pursue 
our business unmolested, by which you’ll oblige, gentlemen, 
your obedient, humble servants, 

“ Apo. C. CuyLer, 

“ Joun Duncan, 

“ Srep. De Lancey, 


Mr. Morris moved, and was seconded by Mr. Duer, that 
“‘a peremptory order issue to the Committee of Albany to 
return their proceedings against the said Abm. Cuyler and 
others, without delay.” 

Debates arose on the said motion, and the question being 
put thereon, it was carried in the negative, in manner fol- 
lowing, viz: 

For the Affirmative. 
2 Charlotte. 


Bens. Hitton, 
Jno. Monrer.” 


For the Negative. 
5 Dutchess. 


3 Orange. 3 Tryon. 

4 Queen’s. 6 Albany. 

4 Suffolk 2 Cumberland. 
4 Westchester. 4 Ulster. 


8 New-York. 


17 votes. se 
28 votes. 


Therefore the said motion was rejected. 


On motion of Colonel Remsen, seconded by Colonel 
Lott, 

Ordered, That a Letter be wrote to the Committee of 
Albany, enclosing a copy of the former Order of this Con- 
vention, and of the said Letter from the Committee, and 
desiring to know the reason of their delay. 

Ordered, That Colonel Remsen and Major Adee! be a 
Committee for that purpose. 


A Letter from Stlvester Salsbury, Esq., Captain of the 
Troop of Horse in Ulster County, dated the first instant, 
was read and filed. He therein mentions that Colonel Johs. 
Snyder, in consequence of the late resolution of this Con- 
vention for draughting one-fourth part of the Militia of Ulster 
County, had directed that the said Troop of Horse (whereof 
he is Captain) should be draughted ; that the Troopers are 
ready to serve as Horsemen, but refuse to serve on foot, and 
he requests directions in the premises. 

The Convention took the same into consideration; and 
thereupon, 

Resolved, That the ‘Troopers in the several Troops of 
Horse in the Militia of this State, imbodied by, and under 
the authority of the said State, who have provided them- 
selves with proper horses and accoutrements as Troopers, 
be not compelled to serve as foot soldiers. 

Ordered, That Colonel De Witt transmit a copy of this 
Resolution to Captain Salsbury. 


The Committee to whom was referred the regulation of 
the Treasury, delivered their Report, which was read. 

Ordered, ‘That the consideration of that Report be post- 
poned till Wednesday next. 


Mr. Harper, from the Committee appointed to take into 
consideration Letters of Cornelius C. Roosevelt and Captain 
A. Hamilton, respectively, bearing date on the 26th day of 
July last, and the Accounts which accompany the same, 
delivered in the Report of the said Committee, which was 
read. 

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be post- 
poned till Monday next. 


A Letter from Pierre Van Cortlandt and Zeph. Platt, 
Esqs., was received and read, and is in the words following, 
to wit: 

‘* Head-Quarters, mouth of Croton, August 2, 1776. 

“GentLemen: The enemy’s ships lie off here, and their 
barges row up and down the river o’nights; and notwith- 


Firra Series.—Vot. I. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1474 


standing our utmost exertions, some infamous rascals must 
have given them information that the New-England troops 
went off on Saturday last, and not a sufficient number 
coming in to guard the shore. ‘They landed at one Bailey’s, 
on Sunday night, and went back half a mile, and drove off 
one pair of oxen, two cows, one calf, one heifer, and eleven 
sheep; no doubt had the assistance of some Tories on shore. 
We have since got some assistance from General Clinton’s 
Brigade, and several companies came in, and more hourly 
expected, that we are in hopes soon to have such an arrange- 
ment as will effectually cut off all kind of communication. 
Hope there may be soon some discreet, smart officer appointed 
to take the command, and a proper Commissary, that the 
business may be conducted with spirit and regularity. 

“We must confess, gentlemen, that as yet things have 
not been so well regulated as we should have been glad to 
have seen; but the many difficulties and disadvantages we 
had to encounter must only apologize. We consider our 
appointment as merely pro tempore; and cautious of assuming 
too much authority to ourselves, lest it might give disgust to 
some of the military corps; and having such an extensive 
shore, and frequent movements, were obliged to deal out 
provisions in different places; and not being able to give any 
man assurance that he should continue any considerable 
time in office, has made it difficult to get proper persons to 
act in different departments. Add to this, having to deal 
with new, raw troops, every few days, by reason of their 
frequent changes—and, sorry to say, many of them very 
refractory—that on the whole, our station has not been the 
most desirable. However, are willing to serve in any depart- 
ment that may be for the good of our country. Remain, 
gentlemen, your very humble servants, ; 

“ Prerre Van Cortianpt, 
“ ZepHa. Piatt. 


“To the Representatives of the Convention of the State of 
New-York.” 
Die Lune, 9 ho. A. M., August 5, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Col. Brasher, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Van Zandt, 
Major Abeel, Mr. Dunscombe, Mr. Beekman. 
Avpany.—Mr. Adgate, Mr. P. R. Livingston, Mr. Abm. 
Yates. ; 
Uxster.—Mr. Cantine, Major Parks, Mr. Wisner, Jun 
CumperLanp.—Mr. Stephens, Colonel Marsh. 
Dorcuess.—Mr. Sackett, Mr. Robert R. Livingston. 
Orance.—Mr. Little. 
Cuar.otre.—Mr. Duer. 
Guioucester.—Mr. Olcott. 
SurroLtx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Smith, Mr. Miller. 
Westrcnester.—Colonel Gl. Drake, Mr. Gouv. Morris. 
Tryon.—Mr. Harper. 


Mr. Sackett, a Member for Dutchess County, requested 
an order on the Commissary of Provincial Stores, for three 
thousand Flints, for the use of the Militia of the said County: 

Thereupon, Ordered, That Mr. Norwood deliver to Na- 
thaniel Sackett, Esq,, or his order, three thousand Flints, for 
the use of the Militia of Dutchess County, and that Mr. Nor- 
wood take a receipt, and charge the same to the said County. 


Resolved, unanimously, That Lewis Graham, Esq., be 
appointed Judge of the Court of Admiralty of this State, 
and that a draft of a Commission to him for that purpose be 
prepared as soon as possible. 

Ordered, That Mr. Morris, Colonel Brasher, Mr. Yates, 
Mr. Samuel Townsend, and Mr. Robert R. Livingston, be a 
Committee to prepare and report a draft of such Commission; 
and that the same Committee (exclusive of Mr. Wn. Smith, 
who desires to be excused) do report such Fees as they may 
think proper to be established, to be taken by the Officers of 
the Court of Admiralty of this State. 


Robert R. Livingston, Esq., a member of the Secret 
Committee for obstructing the navigation of Hudson’s River, 
and who is also since appointed a member of the Committee 
for preparing a form of Government, informed the Conven- 
tion that he has it in charge to purchase anchors and cables, 
and other matters, for the use of that Committee; and must 
proceed to the stores and wharves of the City of New-York 
for that purpose, unless the Convention think proper to ap- 
point some other fit person for the purpose. 


93 


1475 


Resolved, That John Berrien, Esq., be, and is hereby, 
appointed Agent at New-York, for the said Secret Commit- 
tee, to purchase and forward such articles as that Committee 
may direct; and that this Convention will allow him a com- 
pensation for his trouble in the premises; and that Mr. Liv- 
ingston send proper directions to Mr. Berrien for whatever 
may be at present necessary. 


On application of Colonel Remsen, and reasons by him 
assigned to the Convention, a Certificate was made and issued 
for Mr. Joseph Hallett, in the words following, viz: 


5? 

“Mr. Joseph Hallett, the bearer hereof, late a member 
of the Convention of the Representatives of this State, and 
a gentleman attached to the cause and interest of the United 
States of America, having frequent occasion to pass and 
repass to and from New-York to Newark, in New-Jersey, 
on the business of this State, he is, therefore, hereby per- 
mitted to pass and repass to and from the City of New- York 
to Newark, in New-Jersey, on all occasions, without delay 
or interruption, whereof all officers, civil and military, within 
this State are requested to take notice. 

“ By order of the Convention.” 


Ordered, That the said Certificate be signed by the Presi- 


dent, and countersigned by one of the Secretaries. 


Resolved, That this Convention will not in future grant 
Passes to any person whatsoever, unless to Members and 
Officers of this Convention, or to such persons who may 
be by them employed during the time of their actual ser- 
vice. 


Resolved, That a Letter be wrote to General Washington, 
requesting him to issue general orders that every Member or 
Officer, or other person having a Pass from this Convention, 
may be permitted to pass without interruption; and that Mr. 
Morris and Mr. Robert R. Livingston be a Committee to 
prepare and report a draft of such Letter. 


The application of Captain Wilkam Goforth and John 
Houston, dated the 3d instant, was read and filed.* They 
thereby make application for such encouragement, and on 
such terms for the erecting a Salt Work as has been granted 
to others by this State. 

Ordered, That Mr. Gouverneur Morris and Mr. William 
Smith be a Committee to examine Captain Goforth relative 
to his skill in the art of extracting Salt from sea water. 


Whereas his Excellency General Washington is in want 
of the use of a good Telescope; and whereas a good Tel- 
escope is absolutely necessary for the Commander-in-Chief 
of the Continental Army, to discover the arrangements and 
operations of the enemy: 

Resolved, That the Chairman of the General Committee 
of the City of New-York, with such other members of that 
Committee as he may think proper, take and deliver to his 
Excellency General Washington, for his use, the Telescope 
which belongs to, and is a part of the apparatus of the 
College at New-York. 

No. 2. Resolved, That the Convention of this State of 
New-York will indemnify the governours of the College at 
New-York, for any injury, loss, or damage, that may happen 
to the ‘l’elescope belonging to the said College, from the time 
of its being delivered to the Chairman of the General Com- 
mittee of the City of New-York, for the use of his Excel- 
lency General Washington, until the redelivery thereof to the 
said College, the governours thereof, or their order. 


General Morris informed the Convention that Colonel 
Joseph Drake has resigned his commission; that no levies 
have yet been made out of that Regiment. 

Colonel Drake’s late Letter to General Morris, dated the 
24th July, and his Letter to the Convention of the 22d July, 
were respectively read. ~ 

Resolved, That this Convention accept of Colonel Joseph 
Drake's resignation. That Mr. William Smith be appointed 
instead of Colonel Hoffman (now absent) one of the Com- 


*To the Honourable the Provincial Congress of the State of New-Yorx : 
GenTLeMeEN : Having been informed that your honourable body, after 
taking into consideration the great distress which the good people of this 
Province must shortly be reduced to for the want of Salt, have deter- 
mined to advance moneys to certain companies for the purpose of 
encouraging the manufacturing so essential an article, therefore, we the 
subscribers are influenced to make application to your Board for such 
encouragement, and on such terms as have been granted to others. 
des tela tp In behalf of themselves. 
August 3, 1776. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1476 


mittee to examine into and report on the conduct of Colonel 
Joseph Drake. 

Resolved, That the Committee appointed to examine into 
the conduct of Colonel Drake, do report on Friday next, 
and that they be empowered to send for Colonel Drake, 
and such evidences as they shall think necessary for that 
purpose, 


A Letter from William Dutcher, Captain, Daniel Mart- 
ling, First Lieutenant, and George Munson, Second Lieu- 
tenant, dated the 380th day of July last, and received on the 
3st July, was read and filed. ‘hey therein set forth their 
willingness to raise a.Company and serve under Colonel 
Thomas, and that they are of opinion that they can raise a 
Company without difficulty. 

Resolved, That Captain William Dutcher, Lieutenant 
Daniel Martling, and George Munson, be, and they hereby 


are, authorized to raise one Company of Volunteers, to serve 


‘mm the Regiment of Militia of Westchester County, com- 


manded by Colonel Thomas; and that so many of the said 
Company as do now belong to the Militia of Westchester 
County be considered as a part of the number ordered to be 
raised by draught from the respective Regiments of the said 
Militia to which they do belong. 

Ordered, That General Morris write a Letter to Captain 
Dutcher, directing him to call on Colonel Thomas for a pro- 
portion of the Bounty Money for his men. 


A Letter from the Committee of the City of New-York 
was received and read, and is in the words following, viz: 
** Committee-Chamber, New-York, August 3, 1776. 


“Sir: This Committee have lately received information 
of a motion now depending before your honourable House 
respecting the rights of this City and County to say who 
shall represent them in the General Convention of this State ; 
a motion which has greatly alarmed their fears, and which 
they conceive is big with absurdity and ruin (should it be 
drawn into precedent) to the future freedom and happiness 
of this State; nor could they have believed at this early 
dawn of establishing a free community and settling its con- 
stitution, any member of your honourable Convention could 
have so soon lost sight of the natural rights of men, and of 
that power by which alone he is entitled to a seat in your 
honourable House. ‘The Committee Jament the forlorn and 
deserted situation of this place by its inhabitants, or they 
would have pleaded with you by petition, and instructed 
their own members on this threatened violation of their 
undoubted rights; but as that cannot be done, they should 
think themselves inexcusable should they rest in silence 
without using the only means in their-power to prevent the 
introduction of a principle so dangerous and unjust—a prin- 
ciple which has been combated (though unsuccessfully) by 
all the worthy members of a tyrannick State, with whom we 
are now at war, viz: to pray that your honourable House 
would be pleased to order the motion erased from your 
Journals, and buried in eternal oblivion. The Committee 
beg you will lay these their sentiments and prayer before 
the honourable Convention, requesting that the most favour- 
able construction may be given both to the mode and matter 
of this address, as flowing from hearts zealously attached to 
the happiness of the State. 

“1 am, by order, and on behalf of the Committee, very 
respectfully, your obedient, humble servant, 

, “ Joun Berrien, Chairman.” 


Tuesday Morning, August 6, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 

For New-Yorx.—Colonel Remsen, Mr. Bancker, Major 
Abeel, Mr. Beekman, Mr. Dunscombe, Colonel Lott, Mr. 
Roosevelt. 

For Atsayy.—Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Adgate, Colonel 
Livingston. 

For Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Smith, Mr. Miller. 

For Utster.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Contine, Major Parks, 
Mr. Williams. 

For Trvon.—Mr. Harper. 

For Durcurss.—Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr. Sackett, Mr. 
Landon. 

For Orance.—Mr. Little. 

For Westrcuester.—Mr. Morris, General Morris, Colonel 
Drake, Colonel Graham. 


1477 


For Cuariorre.—Mr. Duer. 
For Cumpertanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stephens. 
Groucrster.—Mr. Olcott. 


A Letter from Colonel Snyder, of Kingston, in Ulster 
County, dated August 1, 1776, on the subject of the Militia, 
and whether the Troop of Horse ought to be draughted with 
the Militia of Foot, the Company of Troop refusing to be 
draughted, which gives great uneasiness, and probably will 
cause a mutiny: 

Ordered, That Colonel De Witt, Major Parks, Mr. Lit- 
tle, Colonel Drake, and Mr. Morris, be a Committee to take 
into consideration the several resolutions which respect the 
Militia, and report on the subject with all possible speed. 


A Certificate of Dr. Malachi Treat,* dated yesterday, 
was read and filed. He thereby certifies, that he has care- 
fully examined Mr. Henry Whate, both in physick and sur- 
gery, and has the pleasure to inform all whom it may 
concern, that he is well acquainted with the principles and 
practice of both, and qualified for discharging his duty in 
either. 

Resolved, That Mr. Henry White be, and is hereby, 
appointed Surgeon to Colonel Isaac Nicoll’s Regiment of 
Militia now called into the Continental service for a limited 
time. 


Mr. Morris reported that Mr. William Smith and himself 
have examined Dr. Samuel Bard, and find him skilled in 
the process of extracting Salt from sea water; that Dr. Samuel 
Bard will give his Bond for the money to be lent to him, 
or will give other security if the Convention shall think 
proper. 

Resolved, That Dr. Samuel Bard must give security for 
the money which shall be lent him by this Convention, and 
that the Treasurer of this State, on receiving the Bond of 
Dr. Samuel Bard, with such security as this Convention 
shall approve of, conditioned for the payment of £500, do 
advance to him that sum, taking his receipt for the same. 


The said Committee further report, that they have also 
examined Captain Wiliam Goforth, and find him skilled in 
the process of extracting Salt from sea water, and in the 
method of erecting a work for that purpose; that Aaron 
Oarson, Jonathan Piercy, John Houston, and Richard Platt, 
are to be his copartners, and are ready to become bound 
with him for the money which may be lent to them agree- 
able to the Resolutions of this Convention of the 29th day of 
June last for encouraging the erecting of Salt Works. 

Resolved, That the joint and several Bond of the said 
William Goforth and-his copartners will be sufficient secu- 
rity for the sum of £500, and that the Treasurer of this 
State, on receiving the joint and several Bond of William 
Goforth, Aaron Oarson, Jonathan Piercy, John Houston, 
and Richard Platt, conditioned for the sum of £500, do 
advance to them that sum, taking their receipt for the same. 


Mr. Robert R. Livingston (according to order) reported 
the draft of a Letter to his Excellency General Washington, 
which was read and approved, and is in the words following, 
to wit: 

‘A. M., August 6, 1776. 


“Sir: IT am directed by the Convention to make their 
apology to your Excellency for not sooner expressing their 
approbation of the appointment which you havg made to the 
command on Hudson’s River. It gives them great pleasure 
to find that your Excellency hath chosen for this important 
post a gentleman whose good sense and tried resolution do 
honour to the choice, which, united with his intimate know- 
ledge of the country, cannot fail of rendering him useful to 
the publick. ‘They have, however, some reason to fear that 
either from delay or misapprehension, General Clinton hath 
not that evidence of his authority which he ought to have, 
or else that he doth not conceive of it in its full latitude. 
The Convention would therefore esteem it a particular 
favour, if, sir, you would transmit to him his appointment, 
with the resolution which subjects the levies on both sides of 
the river to his command. 

“« By the removal of General Clinton from the fortifica- 
tions in the Highlands, the command of one of these forts 


* These are to certify, that I have carefully examined Mr. Henry White, 
both in Physick and Surgery, and have the pleasure to inform all whom 
it may concern, that he is well acquainted with the principles and prac- 
tice of both, and qualified for discharging his duty in either. 

New-York, August 5, 1776. Maracuy Treat. 


* 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1478 © 


hath devolved on Major Schuyler, a very young officer, and 
new to the service. Your Excellency will best be able to 
determine whether the fort is of such a nature as to be in- 
trusted with this young gentleman alone, or whether it would 
be proper to send thither a more experienced officer. 

“The Convention beg leave to inform your Excellency, 
that till Commissaries are appointed, the Convention are 
deprived of two of their members, who are directed to sup- 
ply this post tll your Excellency shall send proper officers 
to supply their place, which they flatter themselves will be 
done as early as possible. 

“ Upon a suggestion that the telescope belonging to King’s 
College would be of use in discovering the arrangements and 
operations of the enemy, the Convention have made an order 
for delivering it to your Excellency, of which I am also 
directed to enclose you a copy, and hope that it may in some 
measure contribute to the furthering your designs. The 
Convention have further directed me to inform your Excel- 
lency, that their own members and persons employed by 
them in the publick service have frequent occasion to pass 
and repass where guards are placed, are often impeded; 
they do therefore submit it to your Excellency’s considera- 
tion, whether it would not be proper to give orders that those 
persons who shall appear to be members of the Convention, 
and those who shall have permission signed by the President, 
be suffered to pass without interruption. At the same time, 
that no imposition may happen, I take leave to enclose the 
copy of a resolution restricting the issuing of all such per- 
missions, except to those who are actually engaged in the 
publick service; and lest mistakes should arise with respect 
to members, it is intended that each one shall have a certifi- 
cate thereof signed by the President. 

“| have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your 
Excellency’s most obedient, humble servant.” 


Ordered, That a copy of this Letter be engrossed, and 
signed by the President, and transmitted. 


Thomas Willett, being brought here by a guard, was 
ordered in and examined. 


Examination before the Convention of the 
agt. Representatives of the said State, Jugust 6, 
Thomas Willett, Esq. 1776. 

That he did publish, according to the order of William 
Tryon, Esq., late Governour of the Colony of New-York, 
the Declaration of Richard Viscount Howe and General 
Howe, of which he acknowledges that paper shown to him, 
and attested under his own hand, to be a true copy; that 
his brother, Edward Willett, being requested by Edward 
Willett, Sen., to call at his house, he did so call, and then 
received the Declaration, of which the aforesaid paper is a 
copy, and delivered it to the examinant; that examinant 
received it last Monday fortnight; that he first published it 
last Friday week; that with the aforesaid Declaration he 
received a letter from the said William Tryon, purporting 
that the paper enclosed in the said letter was a true copy 
of the Declaration of Lord Howe and General Howe, his 
Majesty’s Commissioners, who had requested him, said 
William Tryon, to publish the same throughout his Govern- 
ment, and therefore desiring examinant to make the same 
known throughout his County; that examinant had not, 
previous to the said publication, seen or heard of the Decla- 
ration of the Congress proclaiming these States independent ; 
that examinant doth not remember to have seen or heard of 
a resolution of the Provincial Congress of New-York pro- 
hibiting all intercourse between the inhabitants of this State 
and the King’s ships or the said William Tryon; that 
examinant conceives himself to owe a duty to the said Wil- 
liam Tryon, because of the commission of Sheriff which 
examinant holds under the King of Great Britain; that he 
had heard of the Declaration of Independence; that exami- 
nant does not remember that he ever saw the Declaration 
of Independence aforesaid until very lately; that examinant 
did know, at the time of publishing Lord Howe and General 
Howe’s Proclamation aforesaid, that this State was at war 
with the King of Great Britain; that at the time of pub=. 
lishing the Proclamation last mentioned, examinant had good 
reason to believe that the Continental Congress had declared 
independency; that examinant did really believe the said 
Congress had made such Declaration; that examinant con- 
ceived that when the several Colonies in America had 
acceded to the Declaration of the Congress, the same would 


The State of New-York 


#1479 


so operate as to make them independent States; that he doth 
not know that the Committee of Queen’s County published 
the Declaration of Independence in the said County, nor 
hath be ever heard that they did; that shortly after the 
Declaration of Independence publickly made at the City 
Hall of the City of New-York, a report thereof prevailed, 
at which time, or about that time, examinant heard of the 
same from divers persons. The examinant being asked 
whether he did at that time consider himself Sheriff under 
the King of Great Britain, declines answering the same. 
Being asked whether he made the said publication in pur- 
suance of any duty he owed to the said William Tryon, 
declines answering the same. Being asked whether he did 
consider himself as owing allegiance to the King of Great 
Britain, declines answering the same. Being asked whether, 
as Sheriff as aforesaid, he conceived himself bound to exe- 
cute any process which he might receive in the name and 
by the authority of the State of New-York, declines answer- 
ing the same. That at the time of publishing the said 
Declaration, he considered himself as acting in the character 
of a Sheriff, or of a private person; and being asked whe- 
ther, upon the receipt of any Declaration from this Congress, 
he would publish the same, declines giving an answer. That 
the paper shown to him as aforesaid is in the handwriting of 
one Lawson, a schoolmaster in Flushing. That he doth not 
know of any person or persons in Queen’s County who have 
applied for or received any pardon or pardons from the afore- 
said Commissioners; that the name of the Attorney with 
whom he conversed on the subject of the Declaration was 
Thomas Hicks, of Queen’s County, on Long-Island, who 
told him, that as it was published by the Congress, he did 
not think there was any harm in publishing it; that the 
more publick it was made the better. 
Tuos. WILLETT. 
The State of New-York 


act. 


2 Interrogatories by W. Duer. 
Thomas Willett, Esq. 


Question. The superscription of the Letter expresses 
itself to be on His Majesty’s service. Did you conceive 
yourself in the service of the King of Great Britain when 
you complied with the order contained in it? 

Answer. He does not choose to answer this question. 

Question. The Declaration of Lord Howe and General 
Howe promises due consideration to the meritorious services 
of those who aid and assist in restoring the publick tranquil- 
lity. Do you think the publishing this Declaration a merit- 
orious service ? 

Answer. He does not choose to answer. 

Question. Did you ever see or hear of the Resolution of 
this Convention, July 16, requiring all Officers to issue Pro- 
cess, &c., in the name of the State of New-York? 

Answer. | have seen it after I had published Lord Howe’s 
Declaration. 

Question. How many of Lord Howe’s Declaration have 
you published ? 

Answer. Five; one in each Town of the County. 

Question. Did you conceive, when you published this 
Declaration, that you was aiding and assisting the King of 
Great Britain or his adherents? 

Answer. He did not. 

Question. Do you conceive Governour Tryon an adhe- 
rent of the King of Great Britain? 

Answer. Declines answering. 

Qu. Do you conceive Governour Tryon an enemy to the 
State of New-York? 

Ansr. Declines answering. 

u. Have you signed any of the Associations recom- 
mended by this Convention. 

Answer. No. 

Question. Do you at this day consider yourself as a sub- 
ject of the State of New-York, and that you owe allegiance 
to said State? 

Ansr. Declines answering. 

Qu. Do you look up to the State of New- York for the pro- 
tection of the laws, or do you look up to any other authority ? 

Declines answering. 

Qu. As the Continental Congress have published a De- 
claration of Independency which has been acceded to by 
the other States, do you conceive that all the inhabitants of 
America are bound by such Declaration ? 

Declines answering. 


‘ 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1480 


Qu. Do you think Lord Howe’s Declaration implies that 
he has power to treat with the Colonies for an accommo- 
dation ? 


Answer. No. 


Question. Did you conceive the Declaration of Lord 
Howe favourable or unfavourable to the liberties of Ame- 
rica? 

Declines answering. 


Tuos. WiLLeTT. 


Tuos. Wituert. 


The foregoing is the Examination of Thomas Willett, Esq., 
taken before the Convention of the State of New-York, on 
the 6th day of August, 1776. 


Thomas Willett, by order, withdrew. 


Resolved, That Edward Willett, brother of the said Tho- 
mas Willett, and Edward Willett, Sen., Lawson, a School- 
master at Flushing, and Thomas Hicks, Esq., Attorney at 
Law, be immediately apprehended and brought before this 
Convention ; that they be apprehended by separate parties, 
and kept separate till brought before this Convention. 

Resolved, That Brigadier-General Woodhull direct the 
Captain of the Troop of Horse in Queen’s County to appre- 
hend the said persons separately, and bring them separately 
before this Convention. 

Resolved, That Thomas Willett, late Sheriff of Queen’s 
County, be conveyed by his present Guard to the Jail of 
the City and County of New- York, and there confined until 
the further order of this Convention. 

And Ordered, That Smith, Corporal of the Guard, 
having the care of the said Thomas Willett, be, and he 
hereby is, directed and requested to convey the said Thomas 
Willett to the Jail of the City of New-York, and there de- 
liver him to Daniel Goldsmith, the Keeper of the said Jail, 
who is hereby required to receive the said Thomas Willett 
into his custody, and him safely keep until the further order 
of this Convention. 


A Memorial of Daniel Haucxhurst, on behalf of Townsend 
& Noble, proprietors of an Anchor Forge, was read. The 
Memorial sets forth that they had contracted with the Con- 
tinent to supply Anchors for the American Ships now build- 
ing; that the Militia on the west side of Hudson’s River 
had taken out of their store about fifty barrels of Pork, a 
quantity of Peas, and three hogsheads of ‘Tobacco, which 
will speedily render them unable to proceed with their works. 
He prays restitution, and that the workmen who have left 
the works, as part of the Militia, may be ordered to return ; 
and that they may be further supplied with twelve sledge- 
men. 


Ordered, That Colonel Graham, Colonel Livingston, and. 
Mr. Wisner, Sen., be a Committee to take and consider of 
the said Memorial, and report thereon. 


Ordered, That Colonel De Witt write a Letter to Colonel 
Johannes Snyder, informing him that his Letter has been 
received, and is committed to a Committee, who will report 
some general regulations relating to the Troops, which may 
probably be adopted; and that in the mean time Colonel 
Snyder proceed to draught and forward one-fourth part of 
the other Militia of his Regiment, as soon as possible. 


A draft of a Letter to the Committee of the City of New- 
York was read and approved, and is in the words following, 
to wit: 


“Sir: I herewith enclose you copies of two resolutions 
of the Convention of this State, for obtaining the telescope 
belonging to the College of New-York, for the use of his 
Excellency General Washington. ‘The Convention request 
you to call on Mr. Moore, the President for the time being, 
or such governour of the College as may have the care of 
that telescope, and produce the resolve marked No. 2, and 
request the delivery of that telescope for the use of bis 
Excellency, which we presume will procure it without diffi- 
culty. If by that means you do not obtain the said tele- 
scope, then we desire that, in pursuance of the resolution 
No 1, you cause the said telescope to be taken out of the 
City-Hall of the City, in the presence of yourself and some 
others of the Committee; and when, by either means, you 
have obtained the said telescope, please to have it safely 
delivered to his Excellency the General. 

“Tam, respectfully, sir, your very humble servant. 

“ By order. 


“To John Berrien, Esq., Chairman, &c.” 


148] 


Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed 
by the President, and transmitted. 


Ordered, That the consideration of the propriety of Mr. 
Scott’s taking his seat as a Member in this Convention, be 
deferred till to-morrow. | 


Die Mercurii, 8 ho. A. M., August 7, 1776. 


The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 

For New-Yorx.—Colonel Remsen, Major Abeel, Colonel 
Lott, Mr. P. P. Van Zandt, Mr. Dunscombe, Mr. Roose- 
velt, Mr. Bancker, Captain Rutgers, Mr. Beekman, Colo- 
nel Brasher. 

For Avpany.—Mr. Ab. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker, 
Colonel P. Livingston. 

For Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Win. Smith, Mr. 
Miller. 

For Dutcurss.—Mr. Sac] ..,  r. Landon, Mr. R. R. 
Livingston. NS 

Utster.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. C ontine, Major Parks, Mr. 
Wisner, Jun. 

Westcuester.—Mr, Morris, Colonel Gil. Drake, Mr. 
Haviland. 

Orance.—Mr. Wisner, Mr. Little. 

Queen’s.—Colonel Blackwell, Captain Lawrence. 

Tryon.—Mr. William Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 

Cumsertanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stephens. 


On motion of Mr. Gouverneur Morris, 

Ordered, 'That Mr. Morris, Mr. Robert R. Livingston, 
and Mr. Roosevelt, be a Committee to report proper regula- 
tions for establishing a Fund in this State, and that they 
report with all convenient speed. 


A Certificate of Dr. Malachi Treat * was read and filed. 
He thereby certifies that he has examined Mr. William Fore- 
man upon the practice of Physick and Surgery, and has 
found his experience in both such as recommends him to 
the attention of the publick, and qualifies him for the duties 
of a Surgeon of a Regiment. 

Ordered, That Mr. William Foreman be, and he is hereby, 
appointed Surgeon to Colonel Morris Graham’s Regiment, 
now in actual service. 


The Memorial of Abel Noble and Peter Townsend was 


again read.t 


Colonel P. Livingston, from the Committee appointed to 
take into consideration the Memorial of Abel Noble and Peter 
Townsend, by their agent William Hauchurst, do report, as 
their opinion, that so much of the Pork and Peas as have been 
taken from the said Noble and Townsend by the Militia, upon 
due proof being made that the same was expended for the use 
of the said Militia stationed on Hudson’s River, ought to be 
replaced by the Commissary appointed to furnish provisions 
for that department; that the Tobacco, said to be taken by 
the Militia, ought to be paid for by the officer commanding 
the party at that station, on due proof being made that the 


*T hereby certify that I have examined Mr. William Forman upon the 
practice of Physick and Surgery, and have found his experience in both 
such as recommends him to the attention of the publick and qualify him 
for the duties of a Surgeon of a Regiment. Matacuy Treat. 

New-York, August 6, 1776. 


1To the Honourable House of Convention of the Representatives of the State 
of New-York: 

The memorial of Abel Noble and Peter Townsend, proprietors of Stir- 
ling lron Works, Anchor Works, &c., by William Hawxhurst, their agent, 
humbly showeth: That your memorialists have made a contract for 
making anchors, steel, and broad-bar, and large square iron, to a con- 
siderable amount, for the Continental service, which were to be made 
with all possible expedition; that your memorialists have already con- 
structed a new work for wroughting the said anchors, and have made a 
considerable progress therein; but unfortunately for your memorialists, 
the men-of-war’s arrival up the Worth River have occasioned the country 
to raise the Militia, whereby the workmen and labourers are taken from 
the said works; that your memorialists had, just before the arrival of 
said men-of-war, lodged at Case’s store, at Haverstraw Landing, fifty-eight 
barrels of pork, one hundred bushels of peas, five hogsheads of tobacco, 
and sundry other necessaries for the use of the people employed at the 
said works; of which said provisions, &c., the Militia have taken forty 
barrels of pork, seventy-five bushels of peas, and three hogsheads of 

‘tobacco; by means of all which, and the loss of time already sustained, 
your memorialists are unable to perform their contract this season, unless 
oe Honours shall give them relief by discharging the workmen and 
abourers from the said Militia, and supplying them with the like quan- 
tity of pork, peas, and tobacco, as have been taken from them as afore- 
said, and also with ten or twelve sledgemen; which your memorialists 
humbly pray your Honours will do as speedily as possible. 

7iwuraM Hawxuorst. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1482 


same was expended by the Militia under his command, to 
be by him deducted out of the pay of the said party. 
Ordered, That the said Report be filed. 
Resolved, That this Convention does agree with their 
Committee in the said Report. 


Ordered, That Colonel Peter R. Livingston, Colonel 
R. R. Livingston, and Mr. Wisner, Sen., be a Committee 
to report what and how many Artificers shall be exempted 
from being draughted into the Militia from the different 
manufactories in this State, and that they report on or before 
Saturday next. 


A Letter from Richard Speaight,* dated the first day of 
August, instant, was read. He therein sets forth that he is 
at Goshen, where he has been sent a prisoner-of-war by the 
Committee of the City of New- York, as a person disaffected 
to the American cause; that he is ready to accept of em- 
ployment as a Chemist or Surgeon to a Regiment in the: 
Army, and therefore requests a discharge. 

Ordered, That the said Letter lie on the table. 


Resolved, That the several members of the Committee 
for carrying into execution the Resolutions of the Congress 
of this State, on the 5th day of June last, with respect to dan- 
gerous and disaffected persons and those of equivocal cha- 
racters, be absolved, and they are hereby absolved from their 
oath of office to carry those Resolutions into execution, 
and from all further duty required of them by those Resolu- 
tions. 

And Ordered, That the President do absolve all the 
Members of this Convention and the Secretaries from their 
oath of secrecy as to the matters contained in those Reso- 
lutions. And that he further absolve all the Members of 
this Convention and the Secretaries from the oath of secrecy 
by them respectively taken, and everything thereon charged, 
so that the same from henceforth be null and void. 

Which was done accordingly. 

Resolved, That henceforth, until further order of this Con- 
vention, all matters charged on the Members as matters of 
secrecy, be charged to them to be kept secret upon their 
honour respectively. 


Isaac Roosevelt, Esq., to whom was committed the care 
and management of getting Plates engraved+ for issuing 
the Bills of Credit of this State, framing the devices of those 
Plates, getting the said Bills of Credit printed and signed by 
the respective signers, and delivered to the ‘Treasurer, made 
report of his proceedings in the premises, in writing, which 
is in the words following, to wit: 


“Mr. Presipent: In pursuance of the resolutions of the 
5th March and 8th May, 1776, of the then Provincial Con- 
gress for the emission of a Paper currency, to amount of 


* GosHEN, August 1, 1776. 

Honovrep Frienps—GentTLemen: Know, that through malice and 
enmity after seven months’ imprisonment, and just opened shop in town, 
(York,) and getting into a good living trade, [ was, through misinforma- 
tion, sent to this place, (by the Committee,) a prisoner on parole, from 
my family and business, and, without doubt, unless soon relieved, the 
whole of my substance (which is but little) must be spent, and fs wife 
and two children suffer for want of bread as well as myself, as I have 
no allowance made me here to live upon, nor had I any to bring me up, 
which cost me upwards of five pounds, and am now at great expense, 
that soon will sink all I have got. Whatever accusation can be laid 
against me, I am willing to clear myself before your honourable body. 
I must own I have never signed the Association. For why? Because 
it was never presented to me, neither do I know the contents. 

To be short, gentlemen: So far I am a friend to America; (let any 
person say what they will, out of prejudice to me, as I have a great 
many enemies, especially my late partner, whom I lay all my troubles 
to, on account of his advising me to go to England ;) that I am willing to 
assist the Army in my business, which I flatter myself, as many things 
are much wanting in the Army, I would be of service in preparing many 
chemical medicines that are now not to be got. I would even enter in 
the service as a Doctor to any one of the Regiments where a vacancy 
mizht offer, as well as prepare medicines for the rest of the Army, as I 
believe my abilities are well known in the chemical business, 

If the honourable Congress will consider me in the above Letter he 
and grant me relief, which may be the saving of a wife and two small 
children from distress, the thanks and prayers will ever be for your wel- 
fare, and all assistance wanting will be given by your Honours’ most 
obedient servant, RicHARD SPEAIGHT. 


To the Hon. Provincial Congress of the Province of New-York. 


t In Commirree oF THE ConvENTION OF THE STATE OF 
New-York, July 14, 1776. 
Ordered, That John McKesson, as Secretary of the Convention of the 
said State, receive from Isaac Roosevelt, Esq., all the Plates, Borders, and 
Engravings made for printing the emission of Money or Bills of Credit 
issued by order of the late Congress of this Colony, and that the said 
John McKesson get those Plates, Borders, and Engravings conveyed to 
the White-Plains by the best conveyance he can readily obtain. 
Henry Remsen, Gouverneur Morris, 
Lewis Grauam, Leonarp Gansevoort. 


1483 


£55,000, I now report that I have executed the said reso- 
lution in manner following, to wit: 


2,350. ..s.00. Bills of 10 Dollars each, is........... 23,500 Dollars. 
2.35 0sidsiate obiale os dogetGheskuae do. sux SeREeE 2 11,750 do. 
Te eacicy Sma ae Coram cetetetsl- (10; ciate catielabeieie eats 7,050 do. 
bi rare wiatesinteie GOs cGetrws's ae Oe ote enteteis ets tie vie 4,700 do. 
BO,000) a. neces HOw tLe oes S GOs. Saieten la bioleled eral» 30,000 do. 
SO 000s. sletsier,s ont GO neiee-o te sie. Ossie diisiecis (e's 2,0 20,000 do. 
Se U Stetetere esterases C@ats sein eetae AG eeietacisistete'sc\s «'s.0 8 15,000 = do. 
30,0002 7.0. st! 6 ho). HeL-BNs sik Comm tiawaet. ssi s 10,000 do. 
S30 OOD tiem 6 .\+/ae Gey UP Boe sae (0) 5455) (nce aeoe 7,500 do. 
SUIS Stabe OGs si) le Oisienie COME isietstemia tte +> 5,000 do. 
BO;O00s 2. tee se ee CO's 1-0, sete cts Ohh ot Aah edtoeans 3; (D0 a OO. 


at eight Shillings, £55,300. eee 
“That the said overplus of £300 arises from the last- 
mentioned denomination of one-eighth of a dollar, which in 
the above recited resolution, of the 5th of March, was stipu- 
lated to be twenty-four thousand Bills. ‘That I could not 
conveniently comply with the resolution in that respect, as 
the plates were all set for striking off the lower denomina- 
tions together on one sheet, and the arrival of the British 
fleet and army renders it necessary to finish the striking them 
off speedily, it did therefore not admit of taking the printing 
press down to make an alteration, And as that denomina- 
tion is very useful in small change, I judged it would meet 
with the approbation of this Convention. I have therefore 
paid the said Bills into the Treasury of this Convention, 
amounting to the said sum of £55,300, as per receipt.” 


Resolved, That this Convention does fully approve of 
the conduct of Isaac Roosevelt, Esq., and the signers of the 
late emission of the Bills of Credit of this Colony or State, in 
having issued £300 more than was ordered to be issued by 
the resolution of the late Provincial Congress, of the 8th 
day of March and the 5th day of May last past; that the 
same shall pass current as the other money of this State, and 
be of equal credit, and that the said sum of £300 be con- 
sidered as a part of the sum mentioned in the bill for a fur- 
ther emission of Bills of Credit of this State now before this 
Convention, and that provision be therein made for the can- 
celling thereof by this State by issuing £300 less than the 
sum mentioned in the said bill now under consideration. 


Mr. Isaac Roosevelt also produced the Receipt of Gerard 
Bancker, Deputy Treasurer, on behalf of Peter V. Brugh 
Livingston, Esq., the Treasurer of this State, for the said sum 
of £55,300, which was read, and is hereunto annexed: 


* Received at different times, from Mr. Isaac Roosevelt, 
sundry parcels of money, amounting to £55,300, which was 
emitted by orders of Convention of the State of New-York, 
and which Mr. Roosevelt had printed and signed by order of 
said Convention. Received for P. V. B. Livingston, Trea- 


surer. Gerarp Bancker. 
“Harlem, August 3, 1776.” . 


Robert R. Livingston, Esq., according to order, reported 
a draft of a Letter to the Delegates of this State at Congress 
on the subject of having resolved that the City of New-York 
be deserted if necessary, and on different arrangements of 
Militia and Rangers ordered to be raised for actual service ; 
which was read, amended, and approved of, and is in the 
words following, to wit: 

** Harlem, August 7, 1776, A. M. 

“GentLemEN: As the defence of this State is intimately. 
connected with the safety of America, this Convention have 
not only exerted their utmost strength, but cheerfully agreed 
to sacrifice local attachments and a great share of their pro- 
perty to the attainment of these desirable ends. This will 
fully appear by the paper No. 1, and the other enclosures. 
We regret an unfortunate mistake which prevented your 
receiving them much. earlier, since we cannot but flatter our- 
selves that a communication of them to the Congress would 
at the same time have afforded pleasure to that honourable 
body, and called forth every aid which they could render 
to the cause of liberty and a sister State in our critical situa- 
tion. 

“ We can with pleasure assure you, that by far the greater 
part of the levies ordered by the Congress to be raised from 
our Militia are completed and at their several stations; that 
almost the whole of those draughted in consequence of the 
enclosed resolution will, by the time this reaches you, be at 
those posts which it is thought necessary to occupy, lest the 
enemy should cut off the communication between the Army 
at New-York and the country. The whole number of 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1484 


draughts from the Militia of this State, exclusive of the Con- 
tinental Battalion raised therein, will amount, as we con- 
ceive, when completed, to about nine thousand men. The 
stations the last levies will occupy on our frontiers in the 
Mighlands and on Long-Island prevent their adding to the 
strength of the Army at New-York, much as it needs their 
assistance. 

“Tt gives us great pain to inform you that the aid received 
from our sister States is very inadequate to our expectation, 
none of them having yet completed the levies directed by 
Congress; which leaves us reason to fear that instead of using 
every means that human wisdom dictates for insuring suc- 
cess, we shall, (with inferior numbers,) on the doubtful issue 
of a single battle, hazard the glorious cause for which we 
have hitherto struggled. 

“A considerable detachment from the Flying-Camp might 
supply their defect, and afford us a speedy succour, without 
the least danger to the Middle Colonies, since it is now 
evident that the blow is aimed at New-York, and may per- 
haps be struck while you are deliberating on this measure. 
The season of the year, and the immediate demand for 
troops, obliged us to give very considerable bounties; we 
flatter ourselves, therefore, that our burdens will not be 
increased by any delay to take into the pay of the Conti- 
nent all but those ordered to be raised for the defence of the 
city of Albany. Such as are to be employed on the frontiers 
are doubtless of general utility, and rendered necessary by 
the extreme weakness of the Northern Army. Should the 
Congress think otherwise, we propose to retain them at our 
own expense, since we are determined to neglect no measure, 
(however burdensome,) if within our reach, which we con- 
celve necessary for the safety of America. 

“ You will see, from one of the enclosures, that a Secret. 
Committee were appointed for obstructing the navigation 
of Hudson’s River. “In the execution of this design they 
must necessarily run into some expense, as the forts in the 
Mighlands were not properly furnished with cannon, boats, 
fire-ships, booms, &c. ‘This has hitherto been a Continental 
object, and under the immediate direction of Congress; we 
hope, therefore, our endeavours to render their work effectual 
will meet the approbation of that honourable body, and be 
considered as a Continental charge. Your prudence will 
suggest the use to which this letter and the enclosures ought 
to be applied, to which we submit it; and are, &c. 


“To the Delegates for the State of New- York at Congress.” 


Ordered,,'That a copy of the said Letter be engrossed, 
and signed by the President, and transmitted to the Dele- 
gates of this State at Congress, with copies of all the Reso- 
lutions and Orders therein mentioned. 


Major Abeel, from the Committee appointed to report on 
the Letter of the General Committee of the City of New- 
York, relative to Prisoners apprehended in Bergen woods, 
and now in Jail, brought in their Report. Which Report 
was read. 

Thereupon, Resolved, That the General Committee of the 
City of New-York do order the persons mentioned in their 
Letter of the 2d instant* to have been taken up by order 
of his Excellency General Washington, to be detained in the 
Jail of the said city until the further order of this Convention, 
and that the said Committee order a reasonable daily subsist- 
ence to such of them as are in indigent circumstances; and 
also to all such persons as may hereafter be there confined 
for the safety of this State, and who are unable to support 
themselves. 

And Resolved, That this Convention will provide for the 


*CommitTer CuamBer, New-York, August 2, 1776. 
GentLemen: Agreeable to your resolution of the 16th instant, we 
herewith transmit you the names of sundry persons taken up in Bergen 
woods, near Bull’s Ferry, by order of the General, and brought before 
this Committee as disaffected persons to these States. On examination, 
each of them declared they considered themselves bound in allegiance to 
George the Third, King of Great Britain, and were not pleased with the 
independence of this country, though they offered to swear they would 
not take arms for or against these States. Some of them, we are informed, 
are in indigent circumstances, and have large families. We conceived 
ourselves under the necessity of committing them to jail as prisoners of 
the State, and doubt not, as they were members of this State, you will 
speedily give such orders respecting them, and make such provision as 
you shall think their circumstances require. } 
I am, gentlemen, by order and in behalf of the Committee, your obe- 
dient, humble servant, Joun Berrien, Chairman. 


Tortes—James Holden, James Holden, Jun., Robert Crannell, James 
Potter, Edward Drury, David Purdy—this person’s pettiauger was sent on 
board the Phenix since she went up the Worth River: with what cargo 
unknown. ; 


1485 


payment of such subsistence, when the accounts thereof are 
presented properly authenticated. 


The Committee to whom was referred the consideration 
of the state of the Troopers in the Militia, reported the fol- 
lowing Resolutions, which were unanimously resolved and 
agreed to: ; 

Whereas the service of Troopers does materially differ 
from that of others in the Militia, whereby it may frequently 
happen that Horse may not be necessary for the defence of 
the State at the same time with Foot, and, on the contrary, 
Foot may not be necessary at the same time with Horse; or 
when both are necessary, yet not in equal proportions: 

Therefore, Resolved, unanimously, Vhat the establishment 
of the Troopers shall be considered as totally different from 
that of the other Militia in this State, so that any general 
order for draughting the Militia shall apply only to the Foot 
soldiers, and every general order for the Troops of Horse 
shall apply only to them. 

Whereas the defence of this State may require the imme- 
diate service of the several Troops of Horse in the Counties 
of Ulster, Orange, Dutchess, and Westchester : 

Therefore, Resolved, unanimously, That General Clinton 
be, and he hereby is empowered to order out the whole or 
any part or detachment of the said Troops, or either of them, 
for such time or times as he may think necessary, until the 
last day of December next, unless otherwise ordered by this 
Convention or future Executive power of this State; and that 
provision shall be made for their pay and subsistence. 

Ordered, That the former of the above two Resolutions 
be printed in the publick Newspapers, and that the latter of 
the said Resolutions be served on General Clinton, and on 
the several Brigadier-Generals of the Counties therein men- 
tioned, with directions to communicate the same to the 
several Colonels commanding the said ‘Troops. 


Resolved, That the consideration of the propriety of Gen- 
eral Scott’s being admitted to a seat in this Convention be 
further postponed till #reday next. 


Die Jovis, 9 ho. A. M., August 8, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 
New-Y orx.—Colonel Remsen, Major Abeel, Col. Broome, 
Mr. Bancker, Mr. P. Van Zandt, Mr. Beekman, Mr. 
Roosevelt. 
Aupany.—Mr. Abm. Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Adgate, 
Colonel Livingston. 
Surroitx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Smith. 
CoumperLanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. sStevens- 
Uxtster.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Contine, Mr. Wisner, Jun. 
Dourcuess.—Mr. Sackett, Mr. Landon, Mr. Robert Liv- 
ingston. 
Orance.—Mr. Little. 
Queen’s.—Colonel Blackwell, Major Lawrence. 
Wesrcuester.—Mr. Morris, Mr. Tompkins, Mr. Havi- 
land. 


A Letter from John Berrien and Henry Wilmot, Esquires, 
dated and received yesterday, was read and filed. ‘They 
therein mention that they had, by application to the Rey. 
Mr. Inglis, obtained the Telescope belonging to the College 
for the use of his Excellency General Washington, and 
delivered it to his Aid-de-Camp, whom the General had 
sent to receive it; that Mr. Inglis readily consented to the 
delivery of it, and the General had been anxious to obtain it. 
That they had procured all the Books and Papers belonging 
to the Receiver-General’s office, and sent them, under a 
guard, by Lieutenant Thomas Lawrence. 

Ordered, That the Secretaries take the care and charge 
of all the Books and Papers taken from the Receiver-Gen- 
eral’s office until further order. 


The Convention was informed that Thomas Hicks, Esq., 
Edward Willett, Sen., and Edward Willett, Jun., brought 
in custody by a guard of the Troopers of Queen’s County, 
were attending: 


State of New-York vs. Epwarp Witterr: 

Edward Willett, Sen., being brought in and examined, 
says, that he (the examinant) delivered to Edward Willett 
a letter for the Sheriff of Queen's County, but does not 
know whether it was from Governour Tryon; that he got 
said letter at Jamaica, from Nathaniel Mills; thinks Mills 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1486 


said he got it from Livingston or Depeyster, but does not 
know exactly; that Mills said he had received that letter 
the same morning he had delivered it to the examinant, but 
declared he did not know the contents; that he never con- 
versed with the Sheriff since he received the said letter. 
The Examination of the said Edward Willett, Sen., by 


him subscribed, is on file, 


Edward Willett, Jy., brother of Thomas Willett, examined, 
says, that he did deliver to his brother (Sheriff Willett) a 
letter from Governour Tryon, enclosing a Proclamation from 
Lord Howe and General Howe; that Mr. Edward Willett, 
of Flushing, give said letter to the examinant; that he did 
not ask Edward Willett where he got it, nor did said Edward 
tell him; that he hath never read said letter; that he heard 
his brother say it was from Governour Tryon, and saw the 
Proclamation contained in the said letter; that he does not 
know whether his brother intended to publish the said letter 
upon the receipt thereof; that no conversation passed between 
them relating to the said Proclamation ; that he hath had no 
conversation upon the Declaration of Independence with his 
said brother: that the Declaration of Independence was 
read off at the head of the Companies in Queen’s County, 
nearly about the time the said letter was received; that he 
had heard of the Declaration of Independence frequently 
before the said publication thereof. 

The Examination of the said Edward Willett, Jun., by 
him subscribed, is on file. 

State of New-York 


vs. 


Thomas Hicks, Esq. 
Believes he saw a letter from Governour Tryon, enclosing 
a Declaration of Lord Howe and General Howe, which was 
sent to Sheriff Willett; does not remember that the Sheriff 
asked him how far he would or would not be safe in publish- 
ing that Declaration. ‘That examinant, upon conversing 
with the said Sheriff, did at first consider the publishing of 
the said Declaration as trifling; but upon adverting to a reso- 
lution of the Convention, did tell him ‘ that examinant did 
not know how far the said publication might, under that 
resolution, be considered as adhering to the enemy, and 
consequently treason, wherefore examinant was of opinion 
that the publishing said Declaration was dangerous.” That 
said Sheriff declared to examinant that he was determined 
to publish the same, for that he would do his duty let the 
consequences be what they would, or something to that 
effect; which declaration was made, as examinant thinks, 
posterior to the delivery of his opinion as aforesaid, but is 
not certain. Does not remember that the Sheriff gave as a 
reason for publishing said Declaration that the Congress had 
published it themselves, although he may have given the 
same as a reason; and does not think, from the general tenor 
of the conversation, that the Sheriff meant to ask his advice 
or to be guided by it, but that it was a mere matter of chat 
or ‘news between them. ‘That examinant does not believe 
he should have had any conversation with the said Sheriff 
upon the subject, had he not asked to see the said Declara- 
tion, being curious to know what terms were offered, and 
having heard from Doctor Johnson that the Sheriff had re- 
ceived it. Examinant may have told the Sheriff during the 
course of the conversation, that as the Congress had published 
it there could be no harm for him to do it, but does not recol- 
lect that he did. Does not recollect whether he had any 
conversation with the Sheriff upon the subject of the Decla- 
ration of Independence: they possibly might have had. 
Tuos. Hicks. 


Resolved, That Thomas Hicks, Esq., Edward Willett, 
and Edward Willett the younger, be discharged, the evi- 
dence which had. been given against them not appearing 
sufficient for their detention. 

Resolved, That Messrs. Samuel Riker, Joseph Robinson, 
and William Furman, or any two of them, be, and are here- 
by, authorized and required to call before them Nathaniel 
Mills, of Jamaica, and examine him from whom and when 
and where he received a letter or packet directed to the 
Sheriff of Queen’s County, and which he lately delivered to 
Edward Willett. 'That they, or any two of them, do like- 
wise call before them and examine all such other persons 
as they may think necessary to discover by what means or 
communication that letter was brought from the enemy. 
That they be, and are hereby, authorized to command to 
their assistance from time to time any number of the 'Troop- 


Examined before the Convention, &c., August 8, 
1776. 


1487 


ers or Militia which they may think necessary, and to send 
for, search for, and secure persons and papers; and, ifhey 
shall think proper, to send them to this Convention; and 
that they report their proceedings in the premises to this 
Convention with all convenient speed. 


* Resolved, That the Committee appointed yesterday to 
report Regulations for establishing a Fund in this State, be, 
and is hereby, dissolved. 


Whereas there might probably be a want of Cash in the 
Treasury of this State before more can be obtained other- 
wise than by loan: 

Resolved, That Mr. Roosevelt, Mr. Bancker, and Mr. 
Beekman be a Committee to borrow and procure on Joan 
for this State, any sum not exceeding in the whole the sum 
of £10,000, to be repaid in a short time, without interest ; 
for payment whereof [this Convention] shall be liable, and 
will fully indemnify the said Committee and each of them. 


Die Jovis, 4 ho. P. M., August 8, 1776. 
Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Brigadier-General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorx.—Colonel Broome, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Van 
Zandt, Mr. Roosevelt, Mr. Dunscombe, Mr. Beekman. 
Avsany.—Mr. Abm. Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Adgate, Mr. 
P. R. Livingston. 

Surrotx.—Mr. Woodhull, Mr. Smith, Mr. Tredwell. 

Dourcuess.—Mr. Sackett, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Henry 
Schenck. 

Cuar.otrtre.—Mr. Duer. 

Westcuester.—Mr. Morris. 

Tryon.—Mr. Newkirk, Mr. Harper. 

QueeEn’s.—Major Lawrence, Colonel Blackwell. 


CumpBerLanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stevens. 


A Letter from his Excellency General Washington, dated 
this day, giving the intelligence received by two deserters 
from the Solebay man-of-war, was read, and is hereinafter 
inserted, viz : | 

‘* New-York, August 8, 1776. 

“Sir: By this I mean to communicate to your honour- 
able body the substance of the intelligence I received yester- 
day from two deserters that came from the Solebay man-of- 
war the evening before. They inform that they were in 
the engagement at Sullvan’s Island, and give nearly the 
same account that was transmitted by General Lee, which 
you would see published by Congress. 'They add that they 
left South-Carolina about three weeks ago, with General 
Clinton and his whole army, who are now arrived and landed 
on Staten-Island, ‘They also say that part of Lord Howe’s 
fleet, with Hessian and Aighland troops on board, have got 
in, and that the remainder, with a considerable body, is hourly 
expected, which those that have come in parted from in a 
gale of wind off the banks of Newfoundland. 

“As the accounts given by those men are direct and circum- 
stantial, and their authenticity corroborated by many other 
things that have occurred, it is not to be doubted but the 
number of the enemy’s army will greatly exceed ours. Their 
force, which was generally expected would be considerable 
of itself, the unexpected augmentation of General Clinton’s 
army, makes it more so. On the other hand, ours does not 
come up to the intended establishment. Under those cir- 
cumstances, and as we may expect the period just at hand 
when they will make their vigorous push, I submit it to the 
consideration of your honourable Body whether it may not 
be necessary for your exertions to be employed in calling 
in the most expeditious manner such reinforements as you 
can obtain to the aid of this Army. 

“J have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient servant, 

“Go. WasuineTon,” 


A Letter of this date from his Excellency General Wash- 
ington, relative to the Militia called forth from the Counties 
of Dutchess, Ulster, Westchester, and Orange, was read, and 
hereafter follows, viz: 

‘* New-York, August 8, 1776. 

“Sir: I have been favoured with your letter of the 6th 
instant, and am happy to find the nomination I made of 
General Clinton, in consequence of your request to appoint 
an officer to the command of the levies on both sides of 
Hudson's River, has met the approbation of your honour- 
able body. His acquaintance with the country, abilities, and 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1488 


zeal for the cause, were the motives that induced me to make 
choice of him. However, I am led to conclude from that 
part of your letter which desires me to transmit him his ap- 
pointment, with the resolution subjecting the levies on both 
sides of the river to his command, that your honourable 
body entertain ideas of the matter somewhat different from 
what I do or ever did. 

* When I was honoured with your letter of the 16th ult., 
with the resolves of Convention upon this subject, the state 
of the Army under my command would not allow me to 
send a General Officer in the Continental service to com- 
mand the levies you then proposed to raise, supposing I had 
been authorized to do it; but considering myself without 
power in this instance—the levies altogether of a Provincial 
nature, to be raised by you, and subj-ct to your direction— 
I esteemed the nomination of a General Officer over them 
intrusted to my choice, a matter of favour and of compli- 
meut, and as such I gratefully felt it. I am persuaded I 
expressed myself in this manner to the gentlemen who were 
pleased to attend me on the occasion, and that they had the 
same ideas. Under the influence of this opinion, all I 
expected was, that an appointment would be made in con- 
formity to my nomination, if there was no objection to the 
gentleman I proposed; conceiving then, as | do now, if he 
was approved by Convention he was their officer, and deri- 
ving his appointment and authority from them. In this light, 
I presume, General Clinton must be viewed, and his power 
over the levies you alluded to flow from you. Lest acci- 
dent may have mislaid the letter I wrote you on the subject, 
I have enclosed an extract of it, so far as it had related to 
it: ‘It is not in my power to send an experienced officer at 
this time to the post you mention. I trust that Colonel 
Clinton will be equal to the command of both the Highland 
fortifications. ‘They are under his direction at present.’ 

“Jn respect to the two Commissaries, I thought the matter 
had been fixed; but as it is not, | have requested Mr. Tirum- 
bull, who has the charge of this, to wait upon and agree with 
the Convention on proper persons to conduct the business in 
such a way that their purchases and his may not clash; to 
him, therefore, I beg leave to refer you upon this subject. 

‘“‘] am extremely obliged by the order for the telescope. 
I have obtained it, and will try to employ it for the valuable 
purposes you designated it. 

“‘] shall pay proper attention to your members, and 
persons employed in their service, and give it in general 
orders that they be permitted to pass our guards without 
interruption. 

“ Before I conclude, I cannot but express my fears that 
the enemy’s Army, so largely augmented, should possess 
themselves of the whole stock on Long-Island. When the 
further reinforcement arrives, which they hourly expect, they 
may do it without a possibility on our part of preventing — 
them. I wish the Convention may not see cause to regret 
that they were not removed. 

“T+have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your 
most obedient servant, Go. WasHINGTON.” 


The Convention having taken General Washington’s 
Letter into consideration, 

Resolved, unanimously, That Brigadier-General Chnton 
be, and he hereby is, appointed to the command of all the 
levies raised and to be raised in the Counties of Ulster, 
Orange, and Westchester, agreeable to the Resolution of 
this Convention, of the day of July last. 

Resolved, That General Clinton be informed of this 
appointment, and directed immediately to send express.to 
the Counties of Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, and Westchester, 
and order them to hasten their levies, and to march them 
down to the fort now erected on the north side of King’s 
Bridge, leaving two hundred men, under the command of a 
brave and alert officer, to take possession of and throw up 
works at the pass of Anthony’s Nose. 

Resolved, That General Clinton be requested to order 
the Troops of Horse belonging to the Counties of Ulster, 
Orange, and Westchester, immediately to march to such 
posts as he may think proper that they should occupy, in 
order to watch the motions of the enemy’s ships-of-war, 
now in Hudson’s River. 


A draft of a Letter to General Clinton, to accompany the 
above Resolutions, was read and approved of, and is in the 
words following, to wit: 


1489 


‘In Convention, &c. 


“Sir: [have the pleasure to inform you, that with the 
approbation of General Washington, you are appointed to 
the command of the levies Jast raised by order of the Con- 
vention of this State, which the Convention hope will be 
agreeable to you. 

“The accounts received of General Washington are of a 
very alarming nature, and require our utmost exertions ; you 
are, therefore, to send express to Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, 
and Westchester Counties, and order the new levies to march 
with the utmost expedition to the post erected on the north 
side of King’s Bridge, since it is of the last importance to 
prevent the enemy occupying that-post, and cutting off the 
communication between the Army in town, and the country. 
You will observe that the Convention direct two hundred 
men to be left to guard the pass on Anthony’s Nose; you 
cannot be ignorant of its importance. They therefore doubt 
not that you will take care to order works to be thrown up, 
and supplied, if possible, with a couple of cannon, which we 
suppose may be obtained from Kingston. The guarding the 
coasts against any attempts from the shipping, is submitted 
to your discretion, in which the Convention repose the utmost 
confidence, 

“T would just add, that it is the intention of the Conven- 
tion that you should march yourself with those levies that 
are nearest at hand, and Jeave orders for the remainder to 
follow you as soon as they can be collected. 

“Tam, respectfully, &c. 


“To Brigadier Clinton.” 


Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed 
by the President, and transmitted, with a certified copy of 
the Resolutions relating to Brigadier-General Clinton, and 
the Militia put under his command, therein enclosed. 


Resolved, That Colonel Josiah Smith be, and he hereby 
is, ordered immediately to march all his new levies to the 
western end of Nassau-Island, and within two miles of 
Brigadier-General Greene’s encampment; and that he obey 
such orders as he may receive from time to time from 
Brigadier-General Greene. 

Ordered, That General Woodhull forward the last pre- 
ceding Resolution to Colonel Jostah Smith, by express; or 
that he direct the Captain of the Troop of Queen’s County 
to forward it by one of his ‘Troopers, with a letter of direc- 
tions to Colonel Sinith. 


A draft of a Letter to his Excellency Generab Washing- 
ton, to cover copies of the Resolutions for calling the Militia 
to the fortification beyond King’s Bridge, and Col. Smith’s 
Regiment to General Greene’s Brigade, was read and ap- 
proved of, and is in the words following, to wit: 


“Sir: [am directed by the Convention of the State of 
New- York to enclose to your Excellency sundry resolutions 
which they have entered into, in consequence of part of your 
letter of this date. ‘The Convention have further measures 
in contemplation for the security of this State, which they 
conceive of the utmost importance to the general cause of 
America. So soon as they are determined on, I shall give 
your Excellency immediate notice; and at the same time 
answer your two letters of this date in a more particular 
manner than the hurry of business will at present admit of. 

“I have the honour to be, most respectfully, &c. 


*“'To his Excellency General Washington.” 


Ordered, That a copy of the said Letter be engrossed, 
and signed by the President, and, together with copies of the 
Resolutions above-mentioned, transmitted to the General 
immediately. 


A Letter from Captain Abraham Le Dieu,* of Westches- 


*TarryTown, August 8, 1776. 

Sir: I would beg leave to represent to the honourable Convention for 
the State of New-York the disagreeable situation of part of the Regiment 
I belong to is in, for want of the complement of men to fill up the Regi- 
ment under Colonel Thomas. The Militia Companies, near this place 
in particular, are under the necessity of turning out to guard the shore 
against any inroads of the enemy, now in Hudson’s River. The men 
under my command, as Captain of a Militia Company, think it very hard 
that they must turn out and do duty for Continental pay only, when those 
that are raised by a resolve of your Convention are entitled to a bounty, 
with aitiuetied pay: &e. 

As I, nor the officers under me, never have had any offers or orders 
to raise a Company to join Colonel Thomas’s Regiment, think it my dut 
to give this information; and that I, and the men under me, think it har ; 
for the above-mentioned reasons, not to be put upon an equal footing with 
the Militia in the Second Regiment. i 

I think I could raise a Company in a short time, if I had orders for 


Firta Serres.—Vot, I. 94 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1490 


ter County, offering to raise a Company of Volunteers, as 
a part of Colonel Thomas’s Regiment, was read and con- 
sidered. 

Thereupon, Resolved, That Captain Abraham Le Diew 
be, and is hereby, authorized to raise one Company of Vol- 
unteers to serve in the Regiment of Militia of Westchester 
County, called into service and commanded by Colonel 
Thomas ; and that so many of the said Company as do now 
belong to the Militia of Westchester County be considered 
as part of the number ordered to be raised by draughts from 
the respective Regiments of the said Militia to which they 
do belong. 

And Ordered, That Lieutenant-Colonel Hamman and 
the Major of the said Regiment do determine on the Sub- 
alterns who shall be called into service in that Company, 
having regard to the rank of the Officers of the Regiment to 
which they belong, agreeable to the resolutions of this Con- 
vention for calling out part of that Regiment into actual 
service. 

And Ordered, further, That the said Captain Le Dieu 
apply to Colonel Thomas for a proportion of bounty mo- 
ney for his men, and show him this copy of our Resolution; 
and that Captain Le Dieu join Colonel Thomas’s Regiment 
with his said Company as soon as possible. 


Friday Morning, August 9, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: General Woodhull, President. 

New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Mr. Dunscombe, Captain Rut- 
gers, Major Abeel, Mr. Roosevelt, Mr. Brasher, Mr. 
Beekman, General Scott. 

Avsany.—Mr. A. Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Colonel Livingston, 
Mr. Adgate. 

Surrotx.—Gencral Woodhull, Mr. Smith, Mr. Tredwell, 
Mr. Hobart. 

Uusrer.—Mr. Contine, Colonel De Witt. 

Cumpertanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stephens. 

Durcurss.—Major Schenck, Mr. Sackett, Mr. Landon, Mr. 
Ri. R. Livingston. . 

Ornance.—Dr. Outwater, Mr. Wisner. 

Westcnester.—General Morris, Colonel Drake, Mr. 
Morris, Colonel Graham, Mr. Haviland. 

Cuarvtotre.—Mr, Duer. 


Trron.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 
Queen’s.—Mr. Smith, Major Lawrence. 


The Examination of Jacob Halsted,* of Orange County, 
Farmer, taken before A. H. Hay, Esq., the 7th August, 


that purpose; and, should the Convention be of opinion that it would be 
for the good of the State to order a Company raised to join the Regiment 
now in service, would beg the liberty of offering myself as Captain 
thereof, and that the subaltern officers under me may be appointed by 
Colonel Hammon and self. I should be very glad of an answer by the 
bearer; and am, sir, your humble servant, Asranuam Le Diev. 


To Brigadier-General Woodhull, at Harlem. 


* The Examination of Jacop Haustrep, of Orance County, Farmer. 


The examinant saith: That he lived lately’on the west bank of Hud- 
son’s River, near the Donderberg, on the south moiety of a farm bought 
by himself and Caleb Seaman, of James Lilly, until his house was burnt, 
in the manner hereinafter mentioned. That on the seventeenth of July 
last, a sloop passed his house to the Donderberg, and he went to drive off 
his cattle into the woods, and did not return till the sloop had gone down 
the river, when he learned from the said Seaman that a barge had been 
ashore, and carried off one of the examinant’s calves, which he believes 
to be true, because on going to the place where he understood they Janded, 
he found several musket cartridges, and ever since has not been able to 
discover the calf. ‘That the next day he observed one of the ships-of- 
war (the smallest of the two) and a schooner anchor in the river, nearly 
opposite to his house; that two boats came off from the ship-of-war, 
and landed a little above his house, upon whith he retired to the distance 
of about three hundred yards to the side of the mountain, out of sight of 
his house; that he heard a knocking at his house, and directions to the 
men who had the care of the barges to come along, for there was nobody 
there, upon which the examinant fired upon the barges; that the compa- 
ny then ran from the house to the barges, some up to their waists in the 
water, and rowed off till the schooner came more in shore, and then three 
barges came on shore, appearing to be fuller of men, to the southward of 
the house abouttwo hundred yards, where he observed them shoot several 
hogs; that some of the company went to his house, and soon after the ex- 
aminant discovered his house on fire; upon which he retired to take care of 
his children at Stephen Parr’s, a mile off, leaving the crews on shore at his 
departure. That he has since missed nine of his hogs; that he had re- 
moved some of his effects before the burning of his house, but he has lost, 
besides the house, which was totally consumed, as well as he can recollect, 
a cupboard that cost three pounds; a case, with bottles, that cost twelve 
shillings; an old one, with two bottles jn, and some deeds, bonds, and 
writings in it; six common sitting straw-bottomed chairs, a churn, two 
pails, a flax hatchel that cost ten shillings, two half-worn saddles, two 
or three pounds of flax, two or three pounds of wool, an iron pot, five 
bushels of Indian corn, three bushels of salt, a linen and a woollen 
spinning-wheel, with sey pe of lumber, such as barrels, and some 
stockings and cloths. That the house was a framed one, of about thirty 


1491 


1776, wherein he gives a particular account of the burning 

of his house near the Donderberg, by some of the crew be- 

longing to the ships-of-war now in Hudson’s River. 
Ordered, To be filed, and lie on the table. 


The Petition of James Cargill,* Saltpetre maker, pray- 
ing to be exempted from military duty. Referred to the 
Committee appointed to consider and report what Manu- 
facturers ought to be exempted from military duty. 


The Report of the Committee appointed to take into 
consideration and report on the Letters from Cornelius C. 
Roosevelt and Captain Hamilton, was read. 

Whereupon the Convention came to the following Reso- 
lutions: 

Resolved, unanimously, That the Company of Artillery 
formerly raised by Captain Hamilton, under the authority 
of this State, be, according to a resolution of the late Con- 
vention, of the 17th day of June last, considered as a part 
of the number ordered to be raised by the Continental Con- 
gress from the Militia of this State, and therefore that the 
said Company be, and hereby is, incorporated into General 
Scott’s Brigade. 

Resolved, unanimously, That Cornelius C. Roosevelt be 
allowed a reasonable compensation for the Beef and Pork 
which he has furnished to Captain Hamilton’s Company of 
Artillery since the 27th day of June last, beyond the con- 
tract by him made with this Convention, and that such 
compensation be adjusted by the Auditor-General of this 
State, and that the said Cornelius C. Roosevelt do no longer 
supply the said Company with Provisions. 

Ordered, That General Scott, Captain Hamilton, and 
Cornelius-C. Roosevelt, be, each of them, furnished with a 
copy thereof. 

Ordered, That Mr. Ogden, the Keeper of the Jail of 
Westchester County, furnish Rinter Van Housen and Henry 
Dawkins, now in his custody, with Provisions for their sub- 
sistence, and that he be allowed 14d. per day for each of 
them till further order. 


Sundry Resolutions, relative to persons who have or may 
hereafter join or assist the Army or Navy of Great Britain, 
were moved by Mr. Duer, and read. 

Ordered, That the same be taken into consideration 
to-morrow morning. 


Mr. Robert R. Livingston, according to order, reported 
the draft of a Letter to General Washington, which was read 
and approved of, and is in the words following, to wit: 


“Sir: We received your Excellency’s favours of yester- 
day, and have, agreeable to your request, made out General 
Clinton’s appointment. 

« As your Excellency seemed to think the Militia neces- 
sary, and had accordingly called them out, both from this 
and the New-England States, we, upon finding that they 
served with great reluctance at this busy season of the year, 
and were constantly quitting their posts to return to their 
farms, raised troops at great expense, in order to supply their 
place, conceiving that they would be considered in the same 
point of view, and entitled (agreeable to the resolutions of 
Congress with respect to the Militia called out in time of 
actual invasion) to Continental pay and subsistence. If in 


feet long and twenty wide, with four sash windows, a few of which were 
broken. That he thinks he can’t get such another house for less than a 
hundred and fifty pounds; and the value of the rest of his loss he esti- 
mates at twenty pounds more. That the examinant has no estate but 
that farm, a few household goods saved by concealment, and outstanding 
debts of about twenty pounds. That he has one blind eye, occasioned 
by an indisposition in his head, with which he is still affected; sees badly 
with the other; is forty-one years old, and has nine children, one of 
whom is a soldier in Captain Blauvelt’s Company, of General Scott’s 
Brigade. That he and his family would now be out of doors, if they 
were not taken in by their friends. Jacosp HaLstep. 


Sworn before me this 7th day of August, 1776. A. Hawkes Hay. 


This is to certify, that the bearer, Jacob Halsted, is the person who had 
his house burnt by Captain Wallis, and from the character he bears, credit 
may be given to his deposition, and that he has always been friendly to 
the American cause. A. Hawkes Hay. 

Gitst. Cooper, Colonel. 


E. W. Kiers. 


*The Petition of James Cargill humbly showeth: That your petitioner 
finds the tending of military duty greatly breaks in on his time of manu- 
facturing saltpetre, which he is beginning in Orange County, and there- 
fore would humbly entreat this honourable body to clear him of all such 
duty, that he may properly attend the above business without losing so 
much time; and your petitioner shall ever pray. James CaRGILL. 


“To the Honourable the Convention of the State of New-York. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1492 


this we have been mistaken, we only lament the error so far 
as it may have given your Excellency some trouble, since 
no pecuniary consideration shall make us relax those mea- 
sures that are necessary to add strength to the great cause 
in which we are now engaged. We shall, therefore, retain 
the levies in our pay, subjecting them, however, implicitly 
to your Excellency’s command, till you shall think them 
unnecessary. In the mean while, the duty we owe our 
constituents, obliges us to request that your Excellency will 
be pleased to hint the utility of this measure to the Con- 
gress, in which case we dare safely rely upon their justice 
for reimbursing our expenses, except as to the bounty, for 
which, considerable as it is, we expect no compensation. 
In order to avoid the confusion that will arise from the ap- 
pointment of officers who may afterwards be removed, if our 
levies should be placed on the Continental establishment, 
we shall appoint, as Commissaries, the persons Colonel 
Trumbull nominated, especially as their characters are unex- 
ceptionable; and we beg that he will take the direction of 
them till we are informed by Congress of the light in which 
they are to be considered. 

“We consider the order mentioned in your letter as an 
additional proof of that attention to the members of this 
Convention which your Excellency has before so frequently 
manifested, and which they conceive themselves bound 
gratefully to acknowledge. We see in the same point of 
view the communication of that interesting intelligence re- 
ceived from the deserters. 

“Tt is our great misfortune that at this important crisis 
this State is unable to make those exertions which the cause 
of America requires. From the disaffection of some amongst 
us; from the want of arms; from the exposed situation of 
Long-Island and our frontiers; from the possession of one 
County by the enemy, and the probability of our being soon 
called upon to reinforce the Northern Army, we are unable 
to add much strength to the troops under your Excellency’s 
command, being, by the several reasons above-mentioned, 
deprived of the assistance of nzne Counties out of fourteen 
which compose this State. Notwithstanding all these diffi- 
culties, we are determined to combat every obstacle and to 
strain every nerve in defence of the rights and liberties of 
America, which we conceive to be most materially inte- 
rested in the safety of this State. By our resolution for 
ordering the several draughts made in the Counties of Suf- 
folk, Queen’s, King’s, Westchester, Dutchess, Ulster, and 
Orange, to the environs of New-York, we hope in about 
six days to add near three thousand men to your Army. 
We lament exceedingly that we should have occasion to 
complain of the languid efforts which the neighbouring States 
have made for our assistance. From the zeal they professed 
for the publick cause, from the vicinity of some of them to 
this invaded country, and from the dangerous situation in 
which Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Jersey 
must be in, should the enemy succeed in their designs against 
this State, we expect the most strenuous and expeditious 
exertions. How great our concern at finding so consider- 
able deficiency in the establishment for this Army, your 
Excellency may easily judge from the feelings of a patriotick 
bosom on the importance of the cause and the dangers to 
which it is by this means eXposed. We flatter ourselves, 
however, that this supineness will not be of any duration, 
and that the Continental Congress will devise means of 
affording the most expeditious and effectual assistance to 
preserve a State, the loss of which, from its geographical 
situation and the political character of too many of its 
inhabitants, would be almost fatal to the cause of American 
liberty. 

““We have the honour to be, with great esteem and 
regard, your Excellency’s most obedient servants. 

“ By order.” 
Friday Afternoon, August 9, 1776. 

The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present: General Woodhull, President. 
New-Yorsx.—Mr. Bancker, Mr. Roosevelt, Mr. Beekman, 

Captain Rutgers, Major Abeel, General Scott. 
Axpany.—Mr. A. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 
Surrotx.—General Woodhull, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Hobart, 

Mr. Smith. 

Unster.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Contine. 
Queren’s.—Mr. Smith, Major Lawrence. 


1493 


Durcurss.—Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr. Landon, Mr. 

Sackett, Major Schenck. 

Oranee.—Dr. Outwater, Mr. Wisner. 
Wesrcursrer.—Mr. Morris, Colonel Graham, Mr. Havi- 

land. 1 
Cumspertanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stephens. 
Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 

A Letter from Colonel J. Hardenbrook, of Brigadier- 
General Scott’s Brigade, dated this day, complaining of a 
deficiency of Arms and Accoutrements in the Companies 
under his command. 

Ordered, That Colonel Curtenius deliver to Lieutenant- 
Colonel Johannes Hardenbergh seventy-two Guns, Muskets 
or Firelocks, for the use of such of his men as are unprovi- 
ded, taking Colonel Hardenbergh’s receipt to be accountable 
for the payment of the value of those Arms, and for that 
purpose stoppage be made out of their pay. 

Ordered, That Mr. Norwood deliver to Lieutenant- 
Colonel Hardenbergh one hundred and sixty-two Cartouch- 
Boxes or Pouches, for the use of such of his men as have 
none, taking Colonel Hardenbergh’s receipt to be account- 
able for the payment of the value of the same, and for that 
purpose that their proper stoppages be made out of their 
pay. 

A Letter from Joseph Drake, late Colonel of the First 
Regiment of Militia in Westchester County, dated at New- 
Rochel, August 6, 1776, wherein he sets forth his conduct 
relative to draughting men out of his Regiment, together 
with his reasons for his resignation, was read and filed. 

Ordered, That the same be referred to the Committee 
appointed to inquire into and report on the cause of the delay 
made by Colonel Drake in draughting the men out of his 
Regiment, agreeable to the Resolutions of this Convention. 


Saturday Morning, August 10, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: General Woodhull, President. 

New-Yorx.—Mr. P. Van Zandt, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Roose- 
velt, Major Abeel, Mr. Beekman. 

Axpany.—Mr. A. Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Adgate. 

Surrotx.—Mr. Smith, Mr. Tredwell, General Woodhull, 
Mr. Hobart. 

Utstrer.—Mr. Contine, Mr. Wisner, jun. 

Quren’s.—Mr. Smith, Major Lawrence. 

Orance.—Mr. Wisner, Dr. Outwater. 

Wesrcnester.—Mr. Morris, Mr. Haviland, Judge Gra- 
ham, General Morris. 

Dourcness.—Major Schenck, Mr. Sackett, Mr. Landon, Mr. 
R. R. Lavingston. 

Cuarvorre.—Mr. Duer 

Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 

Cumpertanp.—Mr. Stephens, Colonel Marsh. 


Whereas certain machines now in the City of New- York, 
said to be the property of Captain Foy, and left in the care 
of John H. Cruger, Esq., are found to be immediately neces- 
sary in the manufacturing of iron for the publick service; and 
whereas the said-John H. Cruger is not now in the said 
City, whereby any application to him for the sale of the said 
machines is become impracticable: 

Resolved, therefore, That Anthony Jelang be, and he is 
hereby, empowered to take, for the use of Samuel Ogden, 
Esq., of Boonton, all and singular the said machines, upon 
the especial trust and confidence, to be signified by the 
execution of the power unto the said Anthony as aforesaid, 
given, that he (the said Samuel) shall well and truly pay and 
satisfy unto the said John H. Cruger the just and full value 
of the several matters and things by the said Anthony, as 
Clerk or Agent to him the said Samuel taken as aforesaid, 
the said value to be adjusted by the said John H. Cruger 
and the said Samuel Ogden, and in case of dispute between 
them, by a Committee of this Convention or some future 
representative body of this State, thereunto to be appointed; 
and that the said Anthony do, upon his corporal oath, make 
return unto this Convention immediately of the several things 
by him taken as aforesaid. 

A Certificate, dated at Mamacotting Precinct, the 19th 
June last, signed by J. R. De Witt, Chairman of the Com- 
mittee of that Precinct, was read and filed. He thereby 
certified that the men of the train band of the northeast 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1494 


district of the said Precinct had duly elected the following 
Officers, under the inspection of five members of that Com- 
mittee, viz: John Newkirk Captain, William Rose First 
Lieutenant, Matthew Neely Second Lieutenant, and Moses 


_ Miller Ensign. 


A Letter subjoined from Lieutenant-Colonel Claughry, 
dated the 10th day of July last, was also read. He informs 
that the inhabitants there are exposed, and have not any 
officers, and requesting the Commissions to be issued imme- 
diately. 

Ordered, That the said Commissions be issued imme- 
diately. 


The Committee appointed for that purpose, reported a 
draft of Commission to the, Judge of the High Court of 
Admiralty of this State; which was read and approved, and 
is in the words following: 


“To Lewis Graham, Esq., greeting : 

“We, the Representatives of the State of New-York in 
Convention®met, reposing especial confidence and trust in 
your judgment, learning, and integrity, do hereby commis- 
sionate you, during the good pleasure of the said Convention, 
to be Judge of the High Court of Admiralty, in the said 
State, giving and granting unto you, the said Lewts Graham, 
by these presents, all and singular the rights, liberties, privi- 
leges, powers, and emoluments, to such Judge of the Court 
aforesaid, within the said State belonging or in anywise 
appertaining. 

“ Given at Harlem, the 
of our Lord 1776. 
“ By order: 

PMATTCSL « 


day of August, in the year 


NatuanreL Woopuutt, President. 
Joun McKesson, / peer: 
Secretaries. 
Rosert Benson, 


A.M., Saturday, August 10, 1776. 

Whereas a number of the inhabitants of this State, by 
removing from one County to another, have, by that means, 
avoided military duty in either, to the great injury of this 
State: 

Therefore, Be it resolved, and it is hereby Resolved, That 
every person between the ages of sixteen and fifty, abiding 
and continuing in any County for the space of fourteen 
days, be enrolled and appear in the Militia of the County 
in which he so abided, under the penalty of 40s. for every 
day’s difference on which he or they shall not be so en- 
rolled, and after notice is given him or them by the officer 
of the beat in which they shall reside: Provided always, 
That this Resolution shall not extend to such persons as are 
in the service of this State or of the Continental Congress. 


—— 


Die Sabbati, 4 ho. P. M., August 10, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. Present: 


New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Mr. Roosevelt, Mr. Beekman, 
Major Abeel. 

Arpany.—Mr. A. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 

Surrotx.—Mr. Smith, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Hobart. 

Dorcness.—Mr. R. R. Lwingston, Mr. Platt, Mr. Sackett, 
Major Schenck. 

Uuster.—Mr. Contine, Mr. Wisner, Jun. 

Wesrcuester.—Mr. Haviland, General Morris, Mr. Mor- 
ris, Judge Graham. 

Tryon.—Mr. Harper. 

Queen’s.—Mr. W. Smith, Major Lawrence. 

Cuarvotre.—Mr. Duer. 

Oraneoe.—Dr. Outwater, Mr. Wisner. 

CumBerLann.—Mr. Stephens. 


Brigadier-General Woodhull being necessarily absent, with 
the consent of the Convention, Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., 
was unanimously chosen President pro tempore, and accord- 
ingly took the chair. 


The Convention resumed the consideration of the Resolu- 
tions which were debated this morning, and adjourned over, 
and the same being agreed to, are in the words following, 
to wit: 

Resolved, That one-fifth part of the Militia of the County 
of Albany be immediately draughted, and marched with the 
utmost expedition to the encampment to the northward of 
King’s Bridge, to continue in service one month after their 
arrival at the said encampment, unless sooner discharged, 
and that the officers commanding this reinforcement be 


1495 


appointed by the Brigadier-General or Commander-in-Chief 
of the Militia of that Brigade, who is desired to pay all proper 
attention to the rank of the respective officers. 

Resolved, That one-half of the Militia of King’s and 
Queen’s Counties be immediately ordered to march and put 
themselves under the command of the officer commanding 
the Continental Troops on Nassau-Island, to be continued 
in service until the Ist day of September next, unless sooner 
discharged by order of this Convention. 

Resolved, That the above levies be formed into Compa- 
nies, to consist of one Captain, two Lieutenants, three Ser- 
geants, three Corporals, one Drummer, one Fifer, and fifty 
Privates; and that the Captains and Subalterns be appointed 
by the Field-Officers of each Regiment of the Militia from 
which the quotas are to be raised, out of the Militia officers, 
having, in such appointments, regard to their rank and the 
dates of their commissions, if a sufficient number of such are 
willing to serve; if not, that they be at liberty to appoint 
such others as they may think properly qualifyed, and that 
the non-commissioned officers be appointed by the Captains 
of each Company under whom they are to serve. 

Resolved, That those Troops to be raised in the County 
of Albany shall be under the command of one Colonel, one 
Lieutenant-Colonel, and one Major, and have one Adjutant, 
one Quartermaster, and one Surgeon. The Field-Officers 
of the levies to be raised in the County of Albany to be 
appointed by the Brigadier-General and the County Com- 
mittee of the said County. ‘The Troops or levies to be 
raised in King’s and Queen’s Counties to be formed into 
one Regiment, under the command of one Colonel, one 
Lieutenant-Colonel and one Major, and have one Adjutant 
and one Quartermaster. The Field-Officers of those to be 
raised in the Counties of King’s and Queen’s to be appointed 
by this Convention, and the Adjutant and Quartermaster of 
each Regiment to be appointed by the Colonel of such 
Regiment. 

Resolved, That each man be furnished with a good Mus- 
ket or Firelock, Bayonet or Tomahawk, a Blanket and 
Knapsack, and every six men with a Pot or Camp-Kettle. 
And to the intent that the levies so raised may not be unfur- 
nished with Arms, the Committees in the different Town- 
ships and Districts in the said Counties, and the Colonels of 
the Regiments, are hereby empowered to furnish all such 
as have no Arms, by taking them from those who are not 
draughted, and such other persons in the Districts’as have 
Arms, the same being valued by the Committees of each 
District, the amount of such valuation hereafter to be paid 
to the proprietors of said Arms by this Convention, or the 
Arms restored in the same order to their former proprietors, 
and that one penny per mile be allowed during their march 
for subsistence money, and one day’s pay for every twenty 
miles between home and rendezvous, going and coming. 

Resolved, That the officers and men who compose this 
Regiment shall receive Continental pay and rations during 
the time they are in service, agreeable to their several 
ranks. 

Resolved, That the Resolutions of this Convention rela- 
tive to calling out every fifth man from the Militia of the 
County of Albany, be submitted to General Washington, 
and if he shall think them necessary, be sent to the Briga- 
dier-General of the County of Albany by express. 

Resolved, 'That General Morris be desired to order out 
the whole Brigade, with five days’ provisions, to take pos- 
session of such parts of the Sound and Hudson’s River as 
he thinks most exposed to the enemy; and that the said 
Militia continue in service, and under Continental pay and 
subsistence, for ten days, unless sooner discharged by this 
Convention; that each man who shall not have arms, bring 
with bim a shovel, spade, or pickaxe, or a scythe, straight- 
ened, and fixed on a pole. 

Resolved, That General Clinton be empowered to call in 
such part of his forces as he may think necessary to reinforce 
the post to the northward of King’s Bridge. 

Resolved, That General Morris be ordered immediately 
to apprehend and secure the persons ordered to be appre- 
hended by this Convention yesterday, and that he be fur- 
nished with a list of these persons’ names. 

Resolved, That the Commanding Officer of the Militia 
in the Counties of Orange, Dutchess, and Ulster, be imme- 
diately ordered to hold their whole Militia in readiness to 
march, with five days’ provisions, on the earliest notice ; 


_ NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1496 


and that when they march, they leave a sufficient guard to 
prevent insurrections of slaves, and to guard the prisoners in 
the respective Counties. 

Resolved, unanimously, 'That whenever the whole Militia 


, of any County in this State shall be ordered to march, that 


they bring with them all the disarmed and disaffected male 
inhabitants from sixteen to fifty-five years of age, who shall 
serve as fatigue-men to the respective Regiments, 

Resolved, That whenever the whole or any part of the 
Militia of this State shall be ordered out on actual service 
by this Convention or any future Legislature of the State, 
and any Colonel, or other commanding officer of a Regi- 
ment, or any Captain, or other commanding officer of a 
Company, shall neglect or refuse to comply with such orders, 
the Brigadier-General of the Brigade to which such officer 
shall belong, shall immediately suspend him from his office, 
and with all convenient speed order a General Court-Mar- 
tial for his trial; and he being thereof duly convicted before 
such Court by the oath or affirmation of two or more 
credible witnesses, shall be casbiered and rendered incapa- 
ble of thereafter holding any military office within this 
State. - 

Resolved, That when any man who shall have been 
draughted in pursuance of the orders of this Convention, 
shall absent himself and neglect to appear, after being duly 
notified, the Field-Officer of the Regithent to which such 
offender shall belong, shall, upon due proof of the same, by 
the oath or affirmation of two or more credible witnesses, 
raise from the estate of the offender, by distress and sale, so 
much money as shall be sufficient to hire a man to serve 
in his stead, and apply the same to that purpose, provided 
the same shall not exceed the sum of £30, and provided, 
also, that nothing in this resolution shall be construed to 
excuse the said absentees from serving with the other draughts 
from the Militia. 

Resolved, That if any Militia officer in the service of 
this State shall, during the present invasion, resign his com- 
mission, after having received orders to proceed upon duty 
from this Convention or ‘his superior officer, without the 
permission of the Convention of this State, or shall not repair 
with all possible despatch to such place or places as he or 
they may be ordered by the Convention of this State or by 
his superior officer, shall, upon good proof before a General 
Court-Martial, be rendered incapable of hereafter holding 
any military employment under this State; and that the 
name of such officer shall be held up in all the publick 
newspapers as a deserter of his country’s cause. 

Ordered, That the foregoing Resolves relative to the 
neglect of duty or resignation of Officers of the Militia, be 
published in the newspapers. 


Resolved, That William Paulding, Esq., be, and he here- 
by is, appointed Commissary of the Militia raised and to 
be raised in this State to the northward of King’s Bridge, 
while in service on the east side of Hudson’s River, under 
the command of Brigadier-General Clinton. That he sup- 
ply them with rations, agreeable to the Continental esta- 
blishment, and that he make provision for continuing that 
supply; that he advise with Colonel Trumbull, the Com- 
missary-General, on the mode of purchasing provisions and 
keeping his accounts, so that he may be enabled to keep his 
accounts in the same method with the Continental accounts 
of provisions, and that he take his future directions on this 


subject from Colonel Trumbull till further orders; and also 


that for this purpose he be, and hereby is, authorized to 
purchase, on the account of this State, any such provisions 
as may be necessary; for payment whereof, this Convention 
will provide means. 

Thereupon, a draft of a Letter to Mr. Paulding was read 
and approved, and is in the words following, to wit: 


‘“‘ Sra: General Clinton has been appointed to command 
the levies lately raised and draughted, or to be draughted, 
from the Militia to the northward of King’s Bridge, and is 
ordered, with the greatest part of his troops, to the fortifica- 
tions a little to the northward of King’s Bridge. You will 
see by the copy of the enclosed resolution, that you are 
appointed Commissary for those troops while in service on 
the east side of Hudson’s River, under General Clinton’s 
command, until further orders, and that you are to take your 
further directions on this head from Colonel Trumbull, the 
Commissary-General. We desire your immediate attendance 


1497 


to this business, and doubt not but you will exert your utmost 
endeavours to perform the same in the best manner. 
“Tam, sir, your very humble servant. By order. 


“To William Paulding, Esq.” 


Ordered, That the same be (together with Mr. Paul- 
ding’s appointment) copied, signed by the President, and 
transmitted. 

Resolved, That Colonel Cortlandt and Captain Platt be 
empowered to act as Commissaries in supplying the Troops 
under the command of General Clinton with Provisions till 
Mr. Paulding, who is appointed Commissary, shall join 
those forces. 

Resolved, That the first above-mentioned gentleman be 
empowered to purchase, on account of this State, six hundred 
barrels of Flour, and as many pine Boards as they can pro- 
cure, not exceeding ten thousand—the Flour and Boards to 
be delivered as near to King’s Bridge as possible by water 
carriage. 

Resolved, That the same gentlemen be empowered to 
impress Wagons, Carts, &c., in order to enable them to 
carry into execution these Resolutions, paying a reasonable 
price for the same. 

Resolved, That the above gentlemen transport, as quick 
as possible, fifteen hundred pounds weight of the Powder at 
Mr. Livingston’s powder-mills, belonging to this State, to 
General Clinton’s encampment at King’s Bridge. For 
which purpose, 

Resolved, That the order from General Washington, in 
favour of this Convention, on John Livingston, for fifteen 
hundred pounds weight of Powder, be endorsed by the Pre- 
sident, ordering the said Powder to be delivered to Colonel 


Van Cortlandt and Captain Z. Platt, or their order. 
An attack upon the City of New-York being daily ex- 


pected, in which case the stores belonging to this State in 
the custody of Colonel Curtentus and Mr. Norwood will be 
in danger of being destroyed: 

Therefore, Ordered, 'That Colonel Curtenius be, and he 
is hereby, directed to dispose of the Lead belonging to this 
State, and now in his possession, in the following manner, 
to wit: That he send thereof to Stamford, in Connecticut, 
twenty tons; to General Clinton’s encampment, near King’s 
Bridge, ten tons; and the residue thereof to Orange- Town, 
in Orange County; and that Colonel Curtenius send to 
General Clinton’s encampment as many Bullet-Moulds and 
Ladles as Mr. Duer shall please to direct; and that Colonel 
Curtenius use the utmost despatch in executing this order. 

And Ordered, That Mr. Norwood, the Commissary, 
cause to be conveyed to General Clinton’s encampment, on 
the north side of King’s Bridge, five hundred Pouches with 
Belts, sixty thousand Cartridges, of different sizes, filled with 
Powder and Ball, and five hundred Flints. 


Whereas this Convention has received information that 
the inhabitants of King’s County have determined not to 
oppose the enemy: 

Resolved, unanimously, That a Committee be appointed 
to repair forthwith to the said County, and inquire concern- 
ing the authenticity of such report; and in case they find it 
well founded, that they be empowered to disarm and secure 
the disaffected inhabitants, to remove or destroy the stock of 
grain, and if they shall judge it necessary, to lay the whole 
County waste; and for the execution of these purposes they 
be directed to apply to General Greene, or the commander of 
the Continental ‘Troops in that County, for such assistance 
as they shall want. | 

And Ordered, That Mr. Duer, Colonel Remsen, Mr. 
Hobart, and Colonel De Witt, be the Committee. 


Resolved, That A. H. Hay, Esq., be appointed Com- 
missary for the Militia raised and to be raised in this State 
to the northward of King’s Bridge, while in service, on the 
west side of Hudson’s River, below the Highlands, under 
the command of General Clinton; that he supply them with 
rations, agreeable to the Continental establishment; that he 
advise with Colonel Trumbull, the Commissary-General, on 
the mode of purchasing provisions and keeping his accounts, 
so that he may be enabled to keep his accounts in the same 
method with the Continental accounts of provisions, and that 
he ay his future directions on this subject from Colonel 
Trumbull until further orders; and for this purpose Colonel 
Hay is hereby authorized to purchase on account of this 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1498 


State such provisions as he shall find necessary for the sup- 
port of the said Militia while in service as aforesaid, for pay- 
ment whereof this Convention will provide means. 


Sunday Morning, August 11, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Abm. Yates, Esq., President pro tem. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Mr. Roosevelt, Major Abeel. 
Avpany.—Mr, A. Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Adgate. 
Surrotx.—Mr, Smith, Mr. Tredwell. 

Unster.—Mr. Wisner, Jun., Mr. Contine. 
Westcuester.—Mr. Morris, General Morris. 
Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 
Durcuess.—Mr. Landon, Mr. Schenck, Mr. Sackett. 
Orance.—Dr. Outwater, Mr. Wisner, Mr. Smith. 


A sufficient number of Members not appearing, adjourned 
till to-morrow morning, at nine o’clock. 


Monday Morning, August 12, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Abm. Yates, Esq., President pro tem. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Major Abeel, Mr. Roosevelt. 
Avsany.—Mr. A. Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Adgate. 
Surrotk.—Mr. Smith, Mr. Tredwell; Mr. Hobart on 
Utsrer.—Mr. Contine, Mr. Wisner, Jun. 
Durcuess.—Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr. Sackett. 
Orance.—Mr. Wisner, Dr. Outwater, Mr. Joseph Smith. 
Westcuester.—Mr, Morris. 

Queen’s.—Colonel Blackwell. 
Cumpertanp.—Mr. Stephens. 
Cuarvtorre.—Mr. Duer on duty. 
Tryon.—Mr. Harper. 


A draft of a Letter to Messrs. John Jay and R. R. Living- 
ston, requesting their attendance, was read and approved, and 
is in the words following, to wit: 


“GrnTLEMEN: As you are both of the Committee for 
the forming of a new Government, the Convention think it 
highly proper that you should attend upon that business 
immediately, unless your presence is absolutely necessary in 
the Secret Committee, of which I am directed to inform you ; 
and am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant.” 


Ordered, 'That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed 
by the President, and transmitted. 


Tuesday Morning, August 13, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Abm. Yates, Esq., President pro tem. 
Queen’s.—Colonel Blackwell, Captain Lawrence. 
Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 

Cumprrtanp.—Mr. Stephens, Colonel Marsh. 
Orance.—Mr. Wisner, Dr. Outwater, Mr. Smith. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Beekman, Mr. Roosevelt, Mr. Bancker, 

Colonel Broome, Major Abeel, Colonel Brasher, Captain 

Denning. 

Aupany.—Mr. A. Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Colonel Living- 
ston, Mr. Adgate. 

Westcnester.—Mr. Morris, Mr. Haviland, Judge Gra- 
ham, Major Lockwood. 

Surrotx.—Mr. Smith, Mr. Tredwell; Mr. Hobart on ser- 
vice. 

Dourcuess.—Mr. R. R. Livingston, Major Schenck, Mr. 

Landon. 


Resolved, That from the information received by General 
Clinton of the business in which the Secret Committee are 
engaged, it will be improper to call Mr. Jay and Mr. Yates 
from that Committee. 

Resolved, That Mr. Robert R. Livingston have leave of 
absence, in order to attend on that Committee. 


Resolved and Ordered, That Colonel Jeromus Remsen, of 
Queen’s County, Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholas Covenhoven, 
of King’s County, and Major Richard Thorne, of Queen’s 
County, be, and hereby are, appointed Field-Officers of the 
Militia ordered to be draughted from King’s and Queen’s 
Counties, and put under the command of the officer com- 
manding the Continental Troops on Nassau-Island, pursu- 
ant to the Resolutions of the Convention of this State on 
the 10th instant. 


1499 


Doctor John Morgan, Director-General of the Hospital, 
attending, was admitted. He informed the Convention that 
General Washington had directed him to have all the sick 
removed to proper places out of such parts of the City as 
are closely built and inhabited; that a list of houses had 
been handed to him for the purpose by private persons, but’ 
that as he is a stranger, and does not know what particular 
houses might be proper to be exempted, and therefore re- 
quests the directions of this Convention in the premises : 

Resolved, That his Excellency General Washington be, 
and he is hereby, empowered to apply the following houses, 
to wit: Mr. Apthorpe’s; Oliver Delancy’s and Robert Bay- 
ard’s, at Bloomingdale; William Bayard’s, at Greenwich ; 
Mr. Watts’s, near Kepp’s Bay; Robert Murray’s, on Incklam 
Bergh; Mr. William McAdam’s, and the houses and build- 
ings occupied by Mr. Watson, near the old Glass-House ; 
Nicholas Stwyvesant’s; Peter Stuyvesant’s; Mr. Elliot’s ; 
Mr. Horsemanden’s, commonly called Frog Hall; Widow 
Leake’s, near Kepp’s Bay; for the use of the General Hos- 
pital of the American Army. 

Ordered, That the General Committee of the City of 
New-York do, on application by Dr. John Morgan, Director- 
General of the Hospital of the Continental Army, appoint a 
proper Committee of their body to ascertain and designate 
to him such houses on Nassau-Island, to be by him used as 
a General Hospital, as he may from time to time have occa- 
sion of for that purpose. 


A Petition or Memorial of Captain Jacobus Roos was 
read.* He therein complains that his late appointment to 
be one of the Captains of the detachments of Militia in 
Ulster County was superseded. The copy of that appoint- 
ment, therein contained, was also read; and General Clin- 
ton, now present, gave some information to the Convention 
on that subject. 

Resolved and Ordered, That Captain Jacobus Roos have 
leave to raise a Company for immediate service; that he 
may choose any two Lieutenants who have commissions in 
Colonel J. Hasbrouck’s Regiment, of the Militia of Ulster 
County, and are desirous to go into service; that from time 
to time, as soon as he shall have inlisted two or more men, 
he send them to join the Troops at Peekskill, until further 
orders; that if he shall inlist and bring into the service a 
full Company, he shall be entitled to the like pay and the 
same rank in the Regiment as if he had raised a Company 
when he was first appointed. 


* To the Honourable the Convention of the State of New-Y orx, now convened 
in the Town of Harem. 

GENTLEMEN: I am extremely sorry matters are so conducted in 
raising the new levies in Colonel Jonathan Hasbrouck’s Regiment, in 
Ulster County, (in which Regiment I have the honour to command a 
Company,) that I am obliged and bound by the principles of honour to 
represent the state thereof to this honourable Convention, and pray they 
may take the same into consideration, and grant me such relief in the 
premises as to them shall seem meet; which Is as follows, viz: That on 
the evening of the 24th of July, I received notice to appear, on the morn- 
ing of the next day, at ten o’clock, at the house of Colonel Hasbrouck. 
I then asked the messenger whether I should notify my subalterns to 
attend also; to which I was answered, no. Agreeable to the aforesaid 
notice, | did appear at the time and place already mentioned. On my 
appearance there [ found it was for the purpose of arranging the officers 
to command the new levies aforementioned, and that neither Captain Rea 
nor Captain Tearpenning were there present, who were both superior 
to me in command in the Regiment; and have, since that time, had such 
information as will amount to full proof that neither of the aforesaid 
gentlemen had any notice thereof. I being nextin rank in the Regiment 
to these gentlemen, I was appointed by Colonel Hasbrouck, Major Jansen, 
and Major Dubois, (which will more fully appear to this honourable 
House by the enclosed copy of a certificate from the aforenamed gentle- 
men,) to be a Captain, to command one of the companies. On my 
return home I found great uneasiness prevailing among my subalterns, 
as also among sundry other officers belonging to the Regiment; com- 
plaining loudly that they were unfairly dealt with, not being notified of 
the arrangement aforesaid, and sundry persons being appointed over 
them; particularly Lieutenants who never had any commission, either 
civil or military. However, I, from a due sense of the importance of 
the matter, immediately proceeded to raising the men, but found such 
difficulties as could not possibly be surmounted without absolutely pro- 
ceeding to a draught; which appeared to be wholly owing to the appoint- 
ment of Lieutenants who had never been their choice. All this hap- 
pened on the 2d instant, August. Immediately on this, there was an 
express despatched from Lieutenant-Colonel Jansen to Brigadier-General 
Clinton, then at Fort Montgomery, informing him of the bad success we 
had in raising men; to which the General answered that it was out of 
his power to remedy the matter; also, that if the Field-Officers had com- 
mitted an error, they only must rectify it, in the best manner they could. 
The express who went to General Clinton met with Colonel Hasbrouck, 
at Fort Montgomery, who then wrote a letter to Major Jansen, informing 
him that he (Colonel Hasbrouck) was informed the principal objection 
the men had to turning out as volunteers was, their objection to me being 
appointed a Captain; which I believe to be an absolute falsehood. The 
only reason, (as before mentioned,) by all that 1 could learn among the 
men, was, that their own officers had no chance; which they thought 
was their indubitable right, agreeable to the resolves of the State of New- 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1500 


A Letter from General Washington, dated the 11th instant, 
relative to Troops called out, was read, and is as follows, 
to wit: 

** New-York, August 11, 1776. 

“¢GenTLEMEN : In answer to your favour of the 9th, with 
which I have been honoured, I beg Jeave to inform you that 
I neither wish or expect anything more than that the levies 
raised by you will be in Continental pay from the time they 
were called into service; that troops employed in a general 
cause should be supported at the general expense, Is so evi- 
dently just, that I cannot see any objection to it. It is true, 
when the proceedings of your honourable body for raising 
those levies were first communicated to me, and it was men- 
tioned by the Committee who brought them, that it was 
expected they would be paid by the States, I did not con- 
ceive myself authorized to take into service so large a num- 
ber of men, and therefore could not say the States would 
pay them. But the situation of our affairs being much 
changed and requiring their service, | cannot but consider 
them as much entitled to Continental pay as any troops in 
this Army. In this light I am persuaded Congress will view 
them. It is so obvious and so equitable, that no application 
from me can be necessary. ‘The bounty, I imagine, as you 
yourselves do, will be the expense of the State, for which’ 
indemnification will not be made by the publick. My letter 
of the 8th was not meant to comprehend this subject, it was 
particularly designed to explain my ideas of the authority 
from whence General Clinton’s powers were derived. 

“T have requested Mr. Trumbull to take the direction of 
the Commissaries, and to see that the levies are properly 
supplied with provisions. I am extremely concerned that 
the quotas of men to be furnished by the neighbouring States 
have proved so deficient. ‘The busy season and harvest, to 
which it has been ascribed, being now over in a great de- 
cree, I flatter myself, from the zeal they have heretofore 
manifested, they will afford every possible assistance. They 
are well apprized of the importance of this State in the pre- 
sent contest, and the necessity of maintaining it against the 
attempts of the enemy. 

“In respect to the Militia of Aléany County, as you are 
pleased in your proceedings of the 10th instant to submit 
the propriety of calling them out to my determination, I 
would advise that they should not, unless the necessity for 
bringing them here should be extremely great. They other- 
wise should remain in their County, to afford succour to the 
frontier parts of the Government, if it should be necessary. 

“T have enclosed a copy of Lieutenant McMichael’s report 
transmitted me by General Schuyler, from whence it will 
York. In this letter from Colonel Hasbrouck to Major Jansen, he desired 
the said Major Jansen should call the five Companies in that quarter toge- 
ther, and consult the officers of said Companies, and raise the men in 
the best manner they could. On which Major Jansen called the Companies 
together, accordingly, on the 6th of August, and made an offer to all the 
Captains of said Companies who choose to turn out, and try their success 
in raising men, promising at the same time the Captain who should raise 
the most volunteers should be the officer who should have the command; 
to which measure I was opposed, as being, in my opinion, contrary to 
the resolves of the Convention of the State of Mew- York, and my appoint- 
ment in consequence thereof; therefore would not submit the matter. 
However, my remonstrance in this particular did not succeed, being 
answered by Major Jansen that he was not bound by the resolves of the 
State, and acted as he thought proper in the affair. On this, about 
twenty-six men turned out under Captain John Graham, three of which 
number formerly turned out under me. After which some of the fore- 
said companies were obliged to draught the men, and as yet I do not 
know whether the whole is completed. 

Now, gentlemen, you'll easily perceive, by the above narrative, how 
inconsistent theconduct of my Field-Officers hath been with your resolves. 
I humbly conceive that if the whole of the men could not be obtained as 
volunteers, but that a part must be draughted, with equal propriety the 
whole might, to be put under me; but there was no necessity for this, 
more than in the other case, as I had inlisted ten men, and had a number 
more promised to inlist, and am full of the opinion that the grand obsta- 
cle was owing to the appointment of Lieutenants, as before recited. To 
make you, gentlemen, clear in this matter, you must understand that the 
Colonel’s son is one of them whom he hath long heen anxious about 
getting into commission; another is a brother-in-law to Major Dubois, and 
Major Jansen’s cousin, and the third is a cousin to Col. Hasbrouck. 

Gentlemen, in this matter I view my reputation and honour as sensibly 
touched, therefore pray that in your great wisdom you'll be favourably 
pleased to grant me such relief in the premises as to you shall seem meet. 


And thereon J shall, as in duty bound, forever pray. 


SHawanGonk Precinct, August 7, 1776. Jacozgus Roos. 


This is to certify, to whom it may come, that Captain Jacobus Roose, 
Lieutenant Johannis Jansen, and Lieutenant Johannis Bruyn, are appointed 
as officers, agreeable to a resolve of Provincial Congress, dated July the 
16th, 1776. In witness whereof, we, the Field-Officers of Colonel Has- 
brouck’s Regiment, have hereunto set our hands. 

JonaTHAN Hasprouck, Colonel. 
Jowannis Jansen, Major? 
Lewis Dusors, Major. 


At Newsuren, this 25th day of July, 1776. 


1501 


appear, if the intelligence contained in it be true, that their 
aid may be required there. 

“T have desired General Greene, on the application of 
the Committee sent to King’s County, to afford them any 
assistance he conveniently can for executing the business 
they are upon. 

“ Before I conclude I would observe, the letter of the 9th, 
which I acknowledged to have received, is without any sig- 
nature; I presume it has been omitted through the hurry of 
business. 

“1 have the honour to be, with great respect, gentlemen, 
your most obedient servant, Go. WasHineTon.” 


The Intelligence of Lieutenant McMichael was read, and 
is as follows: 


Intelligence brought from Osweeo by Lieut. McMicnaru. 


“ Was informed at Oswego that three Regiments of Min- 
isterial troops had arrived at Oswego Lake, at which place 
they were joined by a number of Tories and Indians, under 
the command of Colonel Johnson, and was to embark imme- 
diately on board two armed vessels, batteaus, and canoes, 
and proceed to Oswego, at which place they were to be 
joined by Colonel Butler, with all the Indians under his 
command, and likewise by Colonel Caldwell, with what 
Regulars could be spared from Niagara. They intend re- 
pairing Oswego fort as quick as possible, in order that they 
might hold a treaty with the Indians, and be able to defend 
themselves against any attack; immediately after the treaty, 
they are to march with all their forces against Fort Stanwix 
and the German Flatts, at the latter of which places they 
intend to fortify at Johnstown, and to secure all the provis- 
ions they can. Was lrkewise informed that the main army, 
under the command of General Burgoyne, was marching to 
Crown-Point and Ticonderoga, to besiege those places. 
Was further informed that an Indian man, named Thomas 
Davis, was sent from Niagara by Colonel Butler (as a spy) 
to the German Flatts, and he is to inform said Butler of the 
particulars that pass at the German Flatts during the treaty. 
This intelligence came from a person that resides at Oswego 
that was a Sergeant in the Regulars last war, and likewise 
from a party of Indians which I conversed with, that had left 
Colonel Johnston four days before, and had come as spies. 

| “ KE pwarp McMicuaet.” 


A Letter from his Excellency General Washington, dated 
the 12th instant, relative to his having apprehended danger- 
ous and disaffected persons, was received and read, and is 
as follows, viz: 

“ Head-Quarters, New-York, August 12, 1776. 

“GenrLemen: As the time is certainly near at hand, and 
may be hourly expected, which is to decide the fate of this 
City and the issue of this campaign, I thought it highly im- 
proper that persons of suspected character should remain in 
places where their opportunities of doing mischief were much 
greater than in the enemy’s camp; I therefore have caused 
a number of them to be apprehended and removed to some 
distance, there to remain until this crisis is passed. Having 
formerly mentioned this subject to your honourable body, I 
would not again trouble them in a business which former 
connections, obligations, and interests, must make very un- 
pleasant, and which, I apprehend, must have been in danger 
of failing in the execution, unless done with all possible 
secrecy and despatch. I postponed this most disagreeable 
duty ull the last moment; but the claims of the Army upon 
me, an application from a number of well-affected inhabitants 
concurring with my own opinion, oblige me to enter upon it 
while time and circumstances would ‘admit. I have ordered 
a very strict attention to be paid to the necessities of the 
gentlemen apprehended, and to their comfortable accommo- 
dation in every respect, both here and at the places of their 
destination. I have also wrote to the Committee of Queen’s 
County that this step is not to be construed as making their 
property liable to any injury or appropriation, unless they 
should receive directions from your honourable body, to 
whom I have referred them on this subject, being resolved, 
in all cases where the most absolute necessity does not re- 
quire it, to confine myself wholly to that line which will 
exclude every idea of interfering with the authority of the 
State. Some of those gentlemen have expressed doubts and 
raised difficulties from engagements they lay under to your 
honourable body, or some Committees. They do not appear 
to me to deserve much attention, as they cannot with any 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1502 


propriety be charged with a breach of any part under their 
present circumstances ; but I beg leave to submit to your 
consideration the propriety of removing the pretence. 

“T am, gentlemen, with great respect and regard, your 


_ most obedient and very humble servant, 


“Go. WasHINGTON. 
“'To the Convention of the State of New-York.” 


The Convention, having taken the said Letter into consi- 
deration, came to the following determination, that is to say : 

Whereas certain Members of the Convention, by autho- 
rity from the same, did take the parole of sundry persons, ' 
inhabitants of this State; and whereas his Excellency Gene- 
ral Washington hath since found it necessary to cause some 
of the said persons to be made prisoners : 

Therefore, Resolved, unanimously, That the said several 
Paroles be, and they hereby are, declared totally void as to 
any obligations thereby laid upon those who have been, since 
the giving of the said Parole, made prisoners as aforesaid. 

Ordered, That a certified copy of the preceding Resolu- 
tion be enclosed to his Excellency General Washington. 


A Letter from Brigadier-General Scott to the Conven- 
tion, dated this day, was read and filed. He therein sub- 
mits to their determination whether it might not be the most 
politick, considering Willett Taylor’s connection with a large 
family of well-attached warm Whigs, to accept of such secu- 
rity as he offers, to wit: his voluntary oath that he will not, 
directly or indirectly, injure the American cause, or commu- 
nicate any intelligence to the enemy; and a security in a 
heavy penalty from himself and John Bogert. 

Thereupon, Resolved, That General Scott be empowered, 
with the permission of his Excellency General Washington, 
to dispose of Willett Taylor, Esq., within this State. 


A draft of a Letter to his Excellency General Washing- 
ton, was read and approved, and is in the words following, 
Viz: 

“Tuesday, A. M., August 13, 1776. 

“Sir: Iam directed by the Convention to return their 
thanks to your Excellency for the attention you have paid 
to the removal of suspicious and dangerous persons from the 
environs of the City of New-York. Deeply sensible, with 
your Excellency, of the importance and necessity of this 
measure, the Convention had entered into a resolution for 
that purpose previous to their arrival at this place; but the 
difficulty of preparing proper lists, the danger of giving the 
alarm to some by the apprehension of others, and the dila- 
toriness of proceedings inseparable from a large body, to- 
gether with the great urgency of our other publick affairs, 
delayed the completion of this business until your Excel- 
lency had taken it under your immediate cognizance. 

“The delicate state of the present juncture did, in the 
opinion of this Convention, from the nature of the case, fully 
vest your Excellency with all the civil power necessary for 
the immediate safety of the Army under your command, 
and consequently of the American cause; and considering 
the great divisions which have prevailed among the inhabi- 
tants of the State of New-York, by sparing this House that 
disagreeable task, you have conferred upon them a conside- 
rable obligation. 

“'The Convention, sir, are at a loss to conceive on what 
foundation those gentlemen who had given their paroles to 
a Committee of this House could assume the opinion that 
any danger would, after their caption, result from it, since 
evidently the parole is by that effectually destroyed; but 
as doubts may remain in their minds, a resolution is enclosed 
to your Excellency, which, when you shall have made it 
known to them, must certainly obliterate all their scruples. 

“Tam further directed to inform your Excellency that 
the intelligence with which you have honoured them from 
the Northern Department fully convinces them of the pro- 
priety of preserving as much force as possible in the upper 
Counties, at the same time we hope that the assistance given 
to us by the neighbouring States will be sufficient to defeat 
the designs of our foes in this quarter. 

“ General Clinton will give your Excellency full informa- 
tion with respect to the troops under his command, seven 
hundred of which are now at the fort to the northward of 
King’s Bridge, and more of them would have been there if 
the essential service of depriving the enemy of water did 
not demand considerable detachments along the banks of 
Hudson’s River. 


1503 © 


“The Convention are very happy that your Excellency 
hath attributed to its proper cause the omission of a signature 
to the letter which we had the honour of writing to you on the 
9th instant. The fault lay with the Secretaries, who, in a 
great hurry of business, neglected the presenting of it to 
the President, for which we must pray your Excellency’s 
excuse. 

“1 am further directed to enclose you the copy of a letter 
from General Scott, with relation to one of the prisoners who 
hath lately been taken by your order, and the copy of our 
resolution upon that subject. 

**] have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, your 
Excellency’s most obedient and very humble servant. 

“ By order. 


“To his Excellency General Washington, &c.” 


Ordered, That a copy of the said Letter be engrossed, 
and signed by the President, and transmitted. 


A Letter from Colonel Blauwvelt,* of the south side of 
the Mountains, in Orange County, mentioning the exposed 
situation of that part of the County, and requesting aid, was 
received and read. 

Thereupon General George Clinton informed the Con- 
vention, in substance, that there are at King’s Bridge, and 
from thence to Croton River, fourteen Companies, consist- 
ing of about seven hundred men, officers included, besides 
some of the Westchester Militia; that he has been informed 
and believes that the men-of-war are scarce of water, having 
no more than a supply for ten days; that it is therefore 
necessary to keep a vigilant and numerous guard, so as to 
prevent their obtaining a supply of fresh water; that he has 
left about three hundred men, besides a few of the new 
Continental troops raised in this State, on and along the 
shores near Tappan, three hundred to guard the Eastern- 
Shore, and near two hundred at Peekskill, but the last 
mostly unarmed; that he expects his Brigade will consist of 
about seventeen hundred men; that he finds he can expect 
but few men from Westchester County; that he has ordered 
in the Troops of Horse from Kingsten and Blooming-Grove, 
and directed Colonel Cooper to order one of those 'l'roops to 
King’s Bridge as soon as they arrive at Tappan. General 
Clinton also requested to be informed how his Brigade will 
be supplied with ammunition, tents, and provisions. Gene- 
ral Clinton was then informed of the resolution of this Con- 
vention, of the 10th instant, appointing Commissaries, &c., 
and ammunition shall be sent to him. 

Ordered, ‘That Mr. Outwater inform Colonel Blawvelt of 
the measures taken by General Clinton for the security of 
Orange County. 


Major Lawrence informed the Convention that the Letter 
from Governour Tryon to Willett, the Sheriff of Queen’s 
County, was conveyed through the hands of Colonel Mar- 
tin, and that the inhabitants of Queen’s are satisfied that 
Colonel Martin, and his son Dr. Martin, should be appre- 
hended. 


*ORANGETOWN, August 10, 1776. 

Sir: Some days since I received a copy of the resolutions of your 
House for drawing out a fourth part of the Militia of the Counties of 
Westchester, Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange, for the defence of this country. 
Whereupon, I immediately gave orders to the Captains of this Battalion 
to call their Companies together, and endeavour to get their proportion, 
which was immediately complied with; and though the officers have made 
repeated trials, they have not been able to furnish their quota. The men, 
it seems, would not be unwilling to inlist, if they knew that they would 
have to guard their own shore, untilan attack should be made somewhere 
else in this State, and then to march to the assistance of the place attacked. 
It may not be amiss to inform you that I have but about one hundred pri- 
vates left in my Battalion, and am obliged to guard the shore for about 
seven miles, to prevent those from on board the British ships-of-war from 
landing in this place, which duty keeps about the one-half of my Battalion 
in constant motion. Indeed, they have not time to take the necessary 
care of their farms. One of the Companies that was raised in the north- 
ern part of this County has been a day or two among us; but it is now 
ordered to King’s Bridge. Should we be obliged to raise our quota, and 
have them taken away, we shall not only find it difficult to get grain in 
the ground, but shall also be too weak to prevent the enemy from land- 
ing. This much I have thought it my duty to say, that the honourable 
Convention might know the situation; and if it is fully considered, I 
think no one will be surprised to find our men backward in inlisting, as 
no one who has the feelings of a man would choose to leave his parents, 
his wife, and his children, exposed to the fury of acruelenemy. But if, 
after all that has been said, the Convention should be of opinion that I 
must raise or draw out the quarter part of my Battalion, I shall readily 
obey orders, let the consequence be what it will. Only beg that I may 
be informed how to proceed, where volunteers do not offer; for lam at 
a loss what construction to put upon some paragraphs in the resolution. 

I am, sir, your very humble servant, 

Jouannis D. Buavvext, Colonel. 


To Brigadier-General Woodhull, President of the honourable Convention 
of the State of New-York. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1504 


Richard Norwood, Commissary of Arms, &c., for this 
State, made returns of the stores in his custody, which was 
read. 

Therefore, Ordered, That Mr. Richard Norwood, Com- 
missary, deliver so many of the Arms fit for use now in his 
store, or which he first may obtain, to Captain James Stewart, 
as will be sufficient to arm the men inlisted in his Company. 


The Convention were informed that one Burga is brought 
here a prisoner from Long-Island. 

Ordered, That Mr. Landon and Judge Graham be a 
Committee to take his examination, and report the same. 

Resolved, That the President of this Convention, with so 
many of the Members as may be able to assemble imme- 
diately, be, and they hereby are, empowered, in case of 
urgent necessity, to cause the Treasury and publick Papers 
of this State to be removed to such place of safety as they 
may think proper. 

Die Martis, 5 ho, P. M., August 13, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President pro tem. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Roosevelt, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Beekman, 
* Major Abeel, Colonel Broome, Captain Denning. 
Axsany.—Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Adgate, 

Colonel Livingston. 

Surrotx.—Mr. Smith, Mr. Tredwell; Mr. Hobart absent 
by order. 

Utster.—Mr. Contine, Mr. Wisner, Jun. 

Dorcuess.—Mr. Sackett, Mr. Schenck, Mr. Landon. 

Wesrcnester.—Mr. Haviland, Major Lockwood, Mr. 
Morris. 

Orance.—Mr. Smith. 

QureEn’s.—Colonel Blackwell, Major Lawrence. 

Trvon.—Mv. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 

CumpBerLanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stephens. 


The House resumed the consideration of the Report of 


the Committee appointed to form a plan for the emission of 


Bills of Credit, to the amount of £200,000, agreeable to the 
Resolution of the Convention. ‘The same being again read 
by paragraphs and amended, was unanimously agreed to. 

Thereupon, Resolved, That Bills of Credit to the said 
amount of £200,000, or $500,000, be immediately printed, 
and of the following denominations, viz: 


OOOO ersten Bills of 10 Dollars each..........-200,000 Dollars. 
SIMU Bg oao056 c GO eereyiD ares ed Onto ehetereanteieys -»--100,000 do. 
OAT cis diotaods donate dONerc se bice veisteteots 60,000 do 
PUI ad biccaiese do We stOietet< AOsisvec eer tietse ates 40,000 do 
LOD}S66 Rao: chemin do. 1-2 ClOoWsitte cusaetetae ss 52,933 do 
ODSR67iretarletestnats do... 1-4 AO tia lesevetesteietens ehinve 26,4663 do 
TOS 86 Teterrclcte terete Ose ad - Gis estates clestercrcreresere 13,233} do 
ND Reldeh ood s04- COltetepel = Grid Ovreterel SACO HAGO 6,6162 do 

GUM ES ooo doe do... 1-8....do.emitted,extra- ta 

ordinary in the last emission.......++...0 190 do. 


“¥500,000 do. 


On the face of each of the said Bills shall be impressed 
the Arms of the City of New-York; and underneath, the 
words “’ Tvs death to counterfet,”’ with the same devices of 
those of a like denomination of the Jast Bills emitted by the 
Congress of this Colony. 

And Resolved, That the Plates now in possession of this 
Convention, corresponding with the above respective de- 
nominations of Bills, be altered so far only as to make theut 
agree with the style of this State; and the said Bills shall 
be in form following: 

“This Bill shall pass current in all payments in this State 
for Spanish milled dollars, or the value thereof, in 
gold or silver, according to the resolution of the Convention 
of New-York on the 13th day of August, 1776.” 

Excepting those of the denomination of one-quarter dol- 
lars, which shall be in form following: 

“This Bill shall pass current in all payments in this State 
for two Shillings, being equal to one-fourth of a Spanish 
milled dollar, or the value thereof, in gold or silver, accord- 
ing to the resolution of the Convention of New-York on the 
13th day of August, 1776.” 

Also, excepting those of one-eighth of a dollar, which 
shall be in the words following: 

‘«'This Bill shall pass current in all payments in this State 
for one Shilling, being equal to one-eighth of a Spanish milled 
dollar, or the value thereof, in gold or silver, according to the 
resolution of the Convention of New-York on the 13th day 
of August, 1776.” 


1505 


Also, excepting those of one-sixteenth of a dollar, which 
shall be in form following: 

“This Bill shall pass current in all payments in this State 
for six Pence, being equal to one-sixteenth of a Spanish 
milled dollar, or the value thereof, in gold or silver, according 
to the resolution of the Convention of New-York on the 13th 
day of August, 1776.” 

And that on the face of the Bills of the last-mentioned 
denomination of the one-sixteenth of a dollar, be impressed 
the Arms of the City of New-York; and underneath, the 
words “’ Tis death to counterfeit,” together with such other 
devices as Isaac Roosevelt, Esq., hereby appointed for that 
purpose, shall direct. 

That all the said Bills shall be numbered by 
and signed by any two of them, the said signers, respectively, 
to be delivered by them to the said Isaac Roosevelt, and to 
be by hirn delivered to the Treasurer of this State as soon 
as finished. 

Resolved, That the said Isaac Roosevelt be, and he is 
hereby, directed and requested, upon the delivery of the said 
Bills to him by the Printer of the same, to cause to be 
administered to him, by the President of this Convention, 
the following Oath: 

“T, A B, do solemnly swear, by the Holy Evangelist 
of Almighty God, that from the time that the letters were 
set and fit to be put in the press for printing the Bills 
of Credit now by me delivered to you, until the Bills were 
printed &nd the letters afterwards distributed into the boxes, 
I went at no time out of the room in which the said let- 
ters were, without locking them up so that they could not 
be come at without violence or a false key, or other art 
unknown to me; and therefore to the best of my knowledge 
no copies were printed off but in my presence, and that all 
the blotters and other papers whatsoever impressed by the 
said letters whilst set for printing the said Bills, to the best 
of my knowledge were here delivered to you, together with 
the stamps; and in all things relating to this affair I have 
demeaned myself honestly and faithfully to the best of my 
knowledge and understanding. So help me God.” 

Resolved, That such person as the said Isaac Roosevelt 
shall agree with to alter and engrave the said plates shall 
take the following oath: 

“T, A B, do solemnly swear, by the Almighty God, that 
I have not engraved or altered more plates than I delivered 
to Isaac Roosevelt, as directed by this Convention of New- 
York, of the like kind, or in imitation of the same, neither 
have I kept a copy or copies, draft or drafts of the said plates, 
neither will I engrave more of the like kind, without the 
order of the Convention of the Representatives of this 
State.” 

And shall deliver them to the said Isaac Roosevelt, who 
shall deliver them unto Samuel Lowden, Printer, or such 
other Printer as shall be directed by this Convention, and 
take his receipt for the same; and when the said Samuel 
Lowden, or such other Printer as shall be employed, has 
completed and finished the printing the quantity and sorts 
of Bills hereby directed to be struck, he shall redeliver the 
said stamps to the said L, Roosevelt, which shall be sealed 
with the several seals of the said Isaac. Roosevelt and the 
President of the Convention of this State, and deposited in 
the office of the Secretary of this Convention, until the further 
order of this or some future Convention or Legislature ot 
this State; the receipt of the said Isaac Roosevelt to the 
said Samuel Lowden, or such other Printer, shall be a suffi- 
cient voucher for such delivery. 

Resolved, That the publick faith of this State be pledged 
for the redemption of the said Bills of Credit, and that this 
Convention, or some future Legislature of this State, will 
make effectual provision for that purpose. 

Resolved, That if any of the inhabitants of this State shall, 
after the Ist day of November next, within or without this 
State, or any person whatsoever shall, within this State, after 
the said Ist of November, forge or counterfeit any of the 
Bills of Credit issued by the Continental Congress, by the 
Assembly or Convention of any of the United States, or 
alter the sum expressed in any of the said Bills of Credit, 
or shall offer or cause to be offered in payment any such 
counterfeit, forged, or altered Bill of Credit, knowing the 
same to be counterfeit, forged, or altered, and shall be thereof 
convicted by a petit jury, after a presentment by a grand 


Firru Series.—Vot. I. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1506 


Jury, in a Court to be erected in this State by this Con- 
vention, or any future Legislature, or shall stand mute, or 
peremptorily challenge abové the number of twenty of the 
panel, shall suffer death as a felon. 

Resolved, That the said Isaac Roosevelt be, and he is 
hereby, authorized and desired to apply to and contract with 
proper persons to sign the said Bills of Credit, and to report 
their names to this Convention, to be inserted in the bill or 
resolution now before this Convention for issuing such Bills 


of Credit. 


Colonel Livingston, from the Committee appointed for 
that purpose, delivered in their Report relative to the exemp- 
tion of certain Artificers and Manufacturers in this State from 
military duty; which was read, and deferred for further con- 
sideration. 


Mr. Wisner, appointed to inquire into the state and quan- 
tity of Military stores in the City belonging to this State, and 
of a proper place of safety to which they may be sent, 
made his Report. 

Ordered, 'To remain till further inquiry may be made. 


Mr. Landon, according to order, reported the examination 
of Burga,* taken by Judge Graham and himself, wherein 
the examinant states that Captain Samuel Hallet, of Queen’s 
County, his son Joseph Hallet, John Greenock, Jun., Samuel 
Ryder, and a negro of Captain Hallet, went, on the 9th, 
from the mill of Mr. Vandeveere to Barren-Island, in Jamaica 
Bay, and from thence to the British,on Staten- Island, where 
they yet remain, was read and filed. 


Whereas certain Members of this Convention, by autho- 
rity from the same, did take the parole of sundry persons, 
inhabitants of this State; and whereas his Excellency Gene- 
ral Washington hath since found it necessary to cause some 
of the said persons to be made prisoners : 

Resolved, therefore, unanimously, That the said several 
paroles be, and they hereby are, declared totally void, as to 
any obligations thereby laid upon those who have been since 
the giving the said paroles made prisoners as aforesaid. 


Die Mercurii, 9 ho. A. M.,, August 14, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President pro tem. 
New-Yorx.—Colonel Broome, Major Adeel, Mr. Beek- 
man, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Jay, (on duty,) Mr. Roosevelt. 
Axupany.—Mr. Abm. Yates, Col. Livingston, Mr. Bleecker, 

Mr. Adgate. 
Surrotx.—Mr. Smith; Mr. Hobart on duty. 
Westcuester.—Mr. Haviland, Judge Graham, Mr. Mor- 
ris, Mr. Lockwood. 
Queen’s.—Colonel Blackwell. 
Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 
Durcuess.—Mr. H. Schenck, Mr. Sackett, Mr. Landon. 
Uuster.—Mr. Contine, Mr. Wisner, Jun. 
Ornanoe.—Mr. J. H. Smith. 
CumBertanp.—Mr. Stephens. 
Kine’s.—Mr. Polhemus. 


King’s County not having elected any Deputies since May 
last, [Mr. Polhemus] declared that the County Committee 
had met and directed him to attend as a member, in pursu- 
ance of the last election in May, until another election is had. 

Ordered, That Mr. Polhemus take his seat, and represent 
King’s County, except in matters which relate to the for- 
mation of Government. 


A Letter from Colonel Jeromus Remsen, Jun., of Queen’s 


* Isaac Bragau, of Queen’s County, being examined, says, that on Friday, 
the 9th instant, Captain Samuel Hubbel asked the examinant to go with 
him to Jamaica Bay a-clamming ; that the day following, early in the morn- 
ing, the examinant, together with Joseph Hallet, the son of Captain Hallet, 
John Greenock, Jun., Samuel Ryder, and a negro man belonging to Cap- 
tain Hallet, went from the mill of Mrs. Vandevere to Barn-Island, in 
Jamaica Bay, where they arrived about twelve o’clock. About half an 
hour after, Captain Hallet called to a man fishing in a canoe, and desired 
him to take the examinant and Samuel Ryder to shore, and told the 
examinant that now was his time (Captain Hallet’s meaning) to push; 
by which expression the examinant thought he meant to go to the fleet 
at Staten-Island, as Captain Hallet told the examinant the day before he 
would go there if he had an opportunity, and as he and the other three 
persons went out at the Gut, and have not since returned; but that Cap- 
tain Hallet did not tell the examinant where he was going at that time; 
and that all the baggage Captain Hallet had with him was one loaf of 
bread, half pound butter, and a small piece of smoked beef. 

Isaac Bragav. 


95 


1507 


County, dated the 10th instant, was read and filed.* He 
therein mentions the election of William Lawrence, late 
Lieutenant, to be Captain in a’ Company of Militia of New- 
town, in the stead of Jonathan Lawrence, now Brigade 
Major, and requests, for the good of the American cause, that 
his commission issue. 

A Certificate, signed by Philip Edsall, Deputy Chairman 
of the Committee at Newtown, by order of the Committee, 
dated the 10th instant, was also read. They thereby 
certify that on the 9th instant the Company whereof Major 
Lawrence was late Captain, had duly elected William 
Lawrence to be Captain, in the presence of Captain Samuel 
Moore and Colonel Jeromus Remsen, two of the Committee, 
and they thereby recommend him for a Commission. 

Ordered, That a Commission issue to the said William 
Lawrence, as Captain, and that it be tested the 9th instant. 


The Convention were informed that by the election of 
William Lawrence to be Captain, a Lieutenancy is become 
vacant in the said Company, and that they have elected a 
Lieutenant. 

Ordered, That a Commission be signed by the President, 
and countersigned by one of the Secretaries, and delivered 
blank, to be transmitted to the Committee at New- Town, for 
a Lieutenant in Captain Lawrence’s Company, and that the 
Committee of New- Town report to this Convention the gen- 
tleman whose name they insert in that Commission as Lieu- 
tenant. 


A Letter from Messrs. William Furrman, Joseph Robin- 
son, and Samuel Riker, dated 10th instant, was read and 
filed.t ‘They thereby inform that in pursuance of the order 
of this Convention of the Sth instant, to examine Nathaniel 
Mills, of Jamaica, and any other persons whom they should 
think necessary, respecting a Letter which passed through 
the hands of Mills to the late Sheriff of Queen’s County, 
they had traced the said Letter down to Elizabeth Hicks, a 
young lady of Rockaway, as appears by the Examination 
therein enclosed ; that the said Elizabeth Hicks refused to 
give her affirmation to what she had declared, or even to 
sign her name to her Examination. 

~The Examination of Nathaniel Mills, Caleb Mills, and 
Joshua Mills, and the notes of the Declaration of the said 
Elizabeth Hicks, were read and filed. ¢ 

Ordered, That Messrs. Wilkam Furman, Joseph Robin- 
son, and Samuel Riker, the Committee who examined 
Elizabeth Hicks, of Rockaway, respecting the Letter or 
paper which she acknowledged to have received and de- 
livered to Joshua Mills on a first day, be, and hereby are, 
authorized and requested to cause the said Elizabeth Hicks 
to be apprehended and kept in safe custody until she dis- 
cover on oath (or affirmation, if she is one of the people 
called Quakers) from whom she received the said paper, 
or subscribe a declaration on her oath or affirmation that she 
does not know or has not any reason to suspect of whom 
she received the same; and if the said Elizabeth Hicks shall 
refuse to make such discovery or to make and subscribe such 
declaration on oath or affirmation as aforesaid, that she be 


* Newtown, August 10, 1776. 
Sir: By the enclosed you will see that Lieutenant William Lawrance 
is chosen Captain, in the room of Jonathan Lawrence, Esq., now Brigade 
Major, and also that he is recommended by the Committee of Newtown 
to the honourable Convention of the State of New-York for a commission; 
and as a Captain is much wanted in that Company at this time, I hope, 
for the good of the American cause, he will be speedily furnished with a 

commission. I am, sir, your very humble servant, 
Jerons. Remsen, Jun., Colonel. 


{ Jamaica, August 10, 1776. 
GENTLEMEN: We being appointed by,your honourable House to ex- 
amine Nathaniel Mills, of Jamaica, and any other person or persons which 
we should think necessary, respecting a letter which passed through the 
hands of Mills, directed to the Sheriff of Queen’s County, which order 
we have executed to the best of our ability, and traced it down to Eliza- 
beth Hicks, a young lady of Rockaway, as will appear by the several 
enclosed examinations. As our inquiry of course must stop there, we 
thought proper to require her affirmation on what she had declared, 
which she refused to comply with, or even sign her name to her exami- 
nation. We are, gentlemen, with respect, your very humble servants, 
‘Wm. Furman, 
Josepn Rosinson, 
Samu. Riker. 


To the Honourable the Representatives of the State of New-York. 
} State of New-York 
vs. Examination taken, Jamaica, August 9, 1776. 
Narnaniet MIs. 
Examinant says he received of his son, Caleb Mills, a packet of letters, 
directed to Thomas Willett, Esq., Sheriff of Queen’s County, and that he 
knew nothing of the contents thereof, and that he never conversed with 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1508 


confined in the Jail of Queen’s County, there to remain until 
she make discovery or such declaration as aforesaid. 


Whereas the manufacture of Saltpetre is highly worthy of 
publick encouragement, not only as it is an article imme- 
diately necessary for the defence and preservation of every- 
thing we hold dear, and may be hereafter of considerable 
importance to our commerce, but likewise as it is at all times 
the soundest policy and essential to the safety of a State 
never to be dependant upon foreign supplies, which are ever 
precarious, for the means of defence and self-preservation ; 
and as the expiration of the time limited for the publick 
encouragement of the manufacture of that article in this 
State is so near at hand that no one is likely to be induced 
thereby to set up new works for that purpose: 

Therefore, Resolved, That the Committee formerly ap- 
pointed for encouraging the manufacture of Saltpetre in this 
State, and purchasing the same, and the members thereof, 
severally, be, and they hereby are, empowered and autho- 
rized to purchase, on account of this Convention, all well- 
refined Saltpetre made in this State that shall be offered to 
them for sale before the Ist day of July next, at the rate of 
six shillings per pound. 

And that the said Committees and the members thereof, 
severally, be empowered to send, from time to time, the Salt- 
petre so purchased, by the most expeditious and safe con- 
veyance, at the publick expense, to any manufacturer or 
manufacturers of Gunpowder in this State, his or their agent 
or agents, taking a receipt of the person to whom it shall be 
so sent for the quantity delivered; which receipt shall be a 
sufficient voucher to the Auditor-General of this State for 
passing and allowing their accounts. 

And that such sum or sums of money be advanced to the 
said Committees from time to time as the Convention or 
Levislature of this State for the time being shall think neces- 
sary to enable them to execute the above Resolutions. 

And that Henry Wisner, Henry Wisner, Jun., Henry 
Schenck, Peter R. Livingston, and Samuel Haviland, Esqs., 
be added to the Committees already appointed for encour- 
aging the manufacture of Saltpetre, and purchasing the same 
in the Counties to which they respectively belong. 


A Letter from Richard Peters, Esquire, Secretary to the 
Continental Board of War, dated at Philadelphia, the 6th 
instant, requesting a list of all the Prisoners of War now in 
this State, and also requesting a list of the Officers and ‘Troops 
raised in this State, the dates of their commissions and times 
for which their men were inlisted, was read, and referred to 


Judge Graham and Mr. Tredwell. 


Comfort Sands, Esq., the Auditor-General, communicated 
an Account of Mr. Abraham Livingston* of the number 
of Rations which, as Commissary, he had furnished to the 
Troops in the State of New-York; at the foot of which 
Account, there are a number of charges which he, the Au- 
ditor-General, does not think himself authorized to allow, 
without the direction of Congress, and praying that he may 
have some direction accordingly; which, being read, was 


the said Sheriff anything about the same; that he can’t tell by what 
means the letter came amongst us. Naruanrex Mixts. 


State of New-Yor« 
vs. 
Caves Mitxs. 
Examinant says he received the above letter of Joshua Mills, son of 
Amos Mills, of Hempstead, on Sunday, the 21st day of July last, and the 
same day delivered it to his father, not knowing anything of the contents 
of said letter, or from whence it came. Cates Minus. 


Examination taken, Jamaica, August 9, 1776. 


State of New-Yor« 
agt. 
Josnua Mitts, Jun. 
The examinant saith that he received the letter above mentioned of 
Elizabeth Hicks on the highway; that he did not know the contents, and 
that it was only delivered to him with a request to forward it to the 
Sheriff. Josnua Mitts. 


{einai taken, Hempstean, August 9, 1776. 


State of New-Yor« 
agt. 
Exizasetu Hicks. 

The examinant says that a stranger gave a paper to her last first day a 
fortnight; whether there was anything wrote on the outside she does not 
know; that it was given to her with a request to give it to Nathaniel 
Mills ; and further saith that she had not the least knowledge of the per- 
son that delivered it, from whence it came, nor by whom sent, nor nothing 
more relating to said paper. 


Examination taken, Hempstean, August 9, 1776. 


*Mr. Abraham Livingston has lately delivered in an account of the 
number of Rations which he, as Commissary, furnished to the Troops 
in the State of New-York. At the foot of the account there are a number 


1509 


referred to a Committee, consisting of Colonel Broome and 


Mr. Bancker. 


A Letter from Captain Alexander Hamilton, of the Artil- 
lery Company, informing that the First Lieutenancy in his 
Company is vacant by the resignation of Lieutenant John- 
son, and recommends a promotion of the inferior officers, was 
received and read, and is in the words following, that is to 
say: 

“ GentLemen: It is necessary I should inform you that 
there is at present a vacancy in my Company, arising from 
the promotion of Lieutenant Johnson to a Captaincy in one 
of the row-galleys, (which command, however, he has 
since resigned for a very particular reason.) As Artillery 
officers are scarce, in proportion to the call for them, and as 
myself and my remaining officers sustain an extraordinary 
weight of duty on account of the present vacancy, I shall 
esteem it a favour if you will be pleased as soon as possible 
to make up my deficiency by a new appointment. It would 
be productive of much inconveniency should not the inferior 
officers succeed in course; and from this consideration, I 
doubt not you will think it proper to advance Mr. Gulliland 
and Mr. Bean, and fill up the Third Lieutenancy with some 
other person. I would beg the liberty warmly to recom- 
mend to your attention Thomas Thompson, now First Ser- 
geant in my Company, a man highly deserving of notice 
and preferment. He has discharged his duty in his present 
station with uncommon felicity, assiduity, and expertness. 
He is a very good disciplinarian, possesses the advantage of 
having seen a good deal of service in Germany, has a tole- 
rable share of common sense, and is well calculated not to 
disgrace the rank of an officer and gentleman; in a word, I 
verily believe he will make an excellent Lieutenant, and his 
advancement will be a great encouragement and benefit to 
my Company in particular, and will be an animating ex- 
ample to all men of merit to whose knowledge it comes. 

“Myself and my officers will be much obliged to the 
honourable Convention to favour us with our commissions 
with all convenient speed, as they may be highly requisite 
under some circumstances that may possibly hereafter arise. 

“Tam, with the utmost respect, gentlemen, your most 
obedient and most humble servant, A. Hamitton, 


“Captain of New-York Artillery. 
“To the Hon. the Convention of the State of New-York. 
«* August 12, 1776.” 


Ordered, That Colonel Livingston call on Captain Ham- 
ilton and inquire into this matter, and report to this House. 


A Letter from the Auditor-General,* requesting to know 
whether the publick are to pay Mr. Pettzt (the Doorkeeper’s) 
board and diet, was read. 

Resolved, That the charge brought against this Conven- 
tion in Thomas Pettit’s account for his Board be disallowed, 
and that the Auditor-General be informed thereof. 
of charges which the Auditor-General does not think himself authorized 
to allow, without the direction of Congress, and prays that he may have 


some directions accordingly. The exceptionable charges are— 
James Honnam’s and Nehemiah Carpenter’s salaries as Deputy-Commis- 


saries at Fort Constitution. ...eccecseccccsscceseseeee £31 2 103 
John King, Jun., ninety days pay as Clerk, at 8s......... 36 0 0 
Wiiliam Hodge, six months pay as Clerk..........04- Ber eh tH) 
James Cock’s assistance at Horn’s Hook........2eeeee0e++ ll O O 
Barnt and John Sebring, for fifty-five days attendance for 

EWA SU OSiivar srecje svavelse coe sive SiaSieicehel Peace te, aly ae 
Abraham Morris, one month and ten days work........... 9 6 8 
Isaac Ball, Jun., four and three-quarter months Clerk hire, 

BLOG aac SA GEO AC OU TL ODE LOCOE OCT CES SIEE CCRC one eats: 
Matthew Daniel, three and a half months boat hire, at £20, 70 0 0 
John Henry, Clerk hire,......ccceccsess BPctstel a oeiiiaic tet. 's 48 0 0 
My service as Commissary two months, at $125 per month, 

PUG a TALIS ofalsielners. oisialsie( os icdiels) eielestehdiejeictal latest tere series uel O.0 0.0 

£343 6 2: 
Abraham Livingston has received per order of Congress..€9,600 0 0 
He returned to the Treasurer at White-Plains.......... 1,324 16 0 
RREMAINASeareteres cle cet slepele’ wieder ciaice selete tualcEe Osea) Rae) 
The amount of his accounts as he furnishes them....... 8,324 2 4 
(Dueito him as the accounts stand <--ccssssecesrceoens £48 18 4 


But he is still to credit some provisions he omitted. 
August 12, 1776. 


* Harvem, August 13, 1776. 
Sm: Mr. Pettit, the Doorkeeper of the State, in his account brought 
in to me to audit, has charged for his board since he came from New- 
York, which I have not as yet allowed. “Will you please to direct me 
whether I am to make an allowance for his board, and if so, how much. 
I am, sir, your most humble servant, Comrort Sanps. 


To the Honourable the Convention of the State of New-York. 
* 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1510 


The Report of the Committee for exempting certain 
Manufacturers from military duty was read, amended, and 
agreed to, and is in the words following, that is to say: 

As every possible encouragement ought to be given to 
such Manufacturers as are necessary to enable us to carry on 
our military operations with effect, 

Therefore, Resolved, That the following persons be ex- 
empt from military duty in this State while actually employ- 
ed in the several Manufactories hereafter mentioned, to wit: 
one Founder, two Keepers, one Stock-Jobber, one Mould- 
er, two Fillers, one Ore-Burner, one Ore-Breaker, four 
Miners, and four master Colliers, at each Furnace for melting 
iron-ore into pigs and castings; two men at each fire, and 
two attendants to supply the same with coal, at every forge 
for making of bar-iron; two Firemen and one Coal-carrier 
to each fire at the several Steel Manufactories ; ten Anchor- 
Makers, four Carriers, and one Bellows-Man to each bellows, 
at the Anchor-Forge in the County of Orange ; the Master 
Workman and six Labourers at each Salt Works set up in this 
State by contract with this Convention; the Master Work- 
man and two Attendants at each Paper Mill,* and the Master 
Workman or Overseer of each Powder-Mill, together with 
three Labourers to every twenty Mortars used in such Mills, 
and so in proportion when they exceed or fall short of that 
number. Provided, always, ‘That the several proprietors 
of the above-mentioned works do give in a list of the names 
of all the persons at their respective works entitled to the 
benefit of this exemption, to the commanding officer of the 
district in which they reside, who shall keep a register there- 
of; and that no person be entitled to the benefit of such 
exemption until his name be so registered. Provided, also, 
That nothing in the above resolutions contained be con- 
strued to exempt any person from military duty, when, in 
case of alarm or invasion, the whole military force of the 
County in which they reside shall be called out into actual 
service. 

Ordered, 'That the same be published in the newspapers. 


A Letter from John Schenck, Secretary, to the Committee 
of Poughkeepsie, dated the 9th instant, enclosing sundry 
Accounts for Arms purchased and hired by said Committee 
for the use of the State, were read, and committed to Mr. 


Schenck, Mr. Bleecker, and Mr. Tredwell. 


A Letter from Robert Boyd, Chairman of Ulster Com- 
mittee, to the Deputies of Ulster County, was read. They 
have chosen a new Treasurer for said Committee. Their 
former Treasurer, Colonel Hardenbergh, refuses to deliver 
up the cash in his custody. Committed to Mr. Contine, 


Mr. Adgate, and Mr. Eacker. 
A Letter from Colonel Remsen to Mr. John McKesson,t+ 


*A Memorial humbly recommended to the consideration of the Honourable 
Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, held at 
Harem, August, 1776. 

Your Memorialists humbly propose that an immediate order of this 
honourable Convention be issued to prevent the paper-makers from being 
compelled or permitted to go upon military service, since, in the present 
infant state of that necessary manufactory, the check it would receive in 
either of these cases would, in all human probability, entirely suppress 
the manufactory, which has been for many months past, and is at present, 
the only means of supply of paper to every department and business in 
the State, which, without it, would be laid in the most distressing and 
extensive difficulties, which will be obvious to every one upon the least 
consideration. ‘The Continental Congress, sensible of this, have lately 
passed an order respecting the paper-makers of Pennsylvania, similar to 
this now requisite in this State, where it is hoped the same reasons will 
have a similar effect. 

If this matter should be thought deserving the notice of this honour- 
able House, it is humbly requested that they would, as speedily as pos- 
sible, issue their orders, since the least delay may irretrievably ruin some 
paper manufactories which have supplied the Continental stores with 
great quantities of stores absolutely necessary for publick service, have 
supplied several other necessary businesses, and are now, by being com- 
pelled into military service, upon the very point of dissolution, —_ 

The inaccuracies in this hasty expression of our sentiments will be 
excused it is hoped, by, gentlemen, your most humble servants, 

Joun Hott, Printer. 
Cuarves Loor.ey, 
Tuos. Eims, 


Paper-makers. 


} August 11, 1776. 
Dear Sir: Colonel Nicholas Covenhoven, from King’s County, called 
on me to request 1 would apply for commissions for the following per- 
sons, to command the troops draughted from his Regiment, viz: John 
Lane Captain, Nicholas Van Brunt First Lieutenant, Michael Van Kleef 
Second ditto—for one Company. Harmanus Caspar, Lieutenant, to coni- 
mand twenty men, but to be under the command of Captain Lane. 
Colonel Covenhoven informed me that the men are all raised, and now 
at Jacques’ Bay, and ready for any duty they may be ordered upon. 
Be so good to deliver the enclosed to Major -fbeel. 
I am, respectfully, sir, your obedient and humble servant, 
Henry Remsen. 


To John McKesson, Esq. 


1511 


informing that Colonel Covenhoven, of King’s County Militia, 
requests Commissions for the following Officers, to command 
the draughts of the Militia in the said County, pursuant to 
the Resolves of the Convention of 10th instant, to wit: 
Thomas Lane Captain, Nicholas Van Brunt First Lieute- 
nant, Michael Van Cleef Second Lieutenant, for one Com- 
pany; Harmanus Casper Lieutenant, to command twenty 
men, but to be under the command of Captain Lane— 
these not being Officers of the Militia, was read, and com- 
mitted to Colonel Blackwell, Mr. Harper, and Mr. Wisner, 
Jun. 


A Letter from General Scott, of the 13th instant, addressed 
to John McKesson, Esq., stating some difficulties in having 
Taylor Willett committed to his disposal, and also requiring 
that the Commissions of the Officers of his Brigade be dated 
previous to the 14th June, otherwise they will lose their 
proper rank, was read. 

Ordered, That Mr. McKesson inform General Scott that, 
in consequence of the absence of the President, new Com- 
missions cannot at present be issued, and that the Convention 
do not conceive that they can properly further interfere in 


regard to Willett Taylor. : 
A Letter from Joseph Trumbull, Commissary-General, 


was received and read. * 

Thereupon, Resolved, That this Convention will furnish 
Joseph Trumbull with the whole or such part of the salted 
Pork belonging to this Convention, and which is now stored 
in Westchester County, as he shall stand in need of for the 
immediate use of the Continental Army now at New-York 
and its neighbourhood, agreeable to the request of his Letter 
of this day. 

And Ordered, ‘That the persons who have the whole or 
any part of the said salted. Pork in their possession do deliver 
to the bearer hereof, Mr. Daniel Gray, the whole or such part 
of the said Pork as he shall think proper to take, for the 
use aforesaid, and his receipt for the same shall be to them 
a sufficient voucher for such delivery. 


Thursday, A. M., August 15, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President pro tem. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Major Abcel, Colonel Broome, 
Mr. Roosevelt, Mr. Jay, (the two last on duty.) 
Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. ' 
Axsany.—Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Adgate, Colonel Liv- 
ingston, Mr. Bleecker. 
Kine’s.—Mr. Polhemus. 
Cuarvorre.—Mr. Duer. 
Surrotx.—Mr. Wm. Smith, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Hobart. 
Orance.—Mr. Jno. Smith, Mr. Wisner. 
Wesrcuester.—Mr. Morris. 
Uxsrer.—Mr. Wisner, Jun., Mr. Contine, Col. De Witt. 
Dotcuess.—Mr. H. Schenck, Mr. Sackett, Mr. Landon. 
The Member for King’s departed before sundry of the 


other Members came in whereby there was a representa- 
tion of the Colony. 


A Letter from General Washington, of the 14th instant, 
was received and read, and is as follows, to wit: 


™ 


‘“* New-York, August 14, 1776. 
“ GenTLEMEN: I have no objection to your taking Willet 
Taylor, Esq.’s parole, or such other security as you may 


* New-York, August 14, 1776. 

GentLemen: I have been informed that you have, in Westchester 
County, about one thousand barrels pork, which you had purchased 
and stored for the use of the State of New-York, to lie by till occasion 
should call for the use of it. Large numbers of men are now coming 
into this city and its neighbourhood, in defence of the liberties of our 
country. I have been disappointed of some pork which I expected, and 
have sent into Massachusetts-Bay for about three thousand barrels from 
thence, which are now on their way, but not arrived, and I have not now 
on hand so much as [ could wish. Some of yours is in such situation 
that it may soon be had. I must therefore request the favour of you 
to give Mr. Daniel Gray, the bearer, an order on the persons who are 
possessed of your pork, for the whole or such part thereof as you shall 
judge proper, that he may take immediate and effectual care to get it to 
this city and its neighbourhood. His receipts shall be your vouchers 
against me for it, and I will pay the cash for the pork on demand, or 
replace it when my pork arrives, or return the same if we have not 
oecasion to use it; or settle the whole matter in such way and manner as 
shall be most agreeable to you. I hope you’ll not deny my request, in 
the present situation—it is of importance to the general service. 

I am, gentlemen, with respect and esteem, your most humble servant, 

‘Jos. TRuMBULL. 

‘To the Honourable Congress of the State of New-York. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1512 


esteem sufficient to prevent him from taking an unfriendly 
part against the United States of America. 
“T am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
“Go. WasHINGTON.” 


Ordered, That the same be taken into consideration to- 
morrow morning, at which time Mr. Taylor is requested to 
attend. 

And it is also Ordered, That Mr. Tredwell notify the 


Witnesses also to attend. 


A Letter from Rd. Benger, of the 27th July, was read 
and committed to Colonel Broome. 


A Letter from Henry Wilmot,* of the 14th instant, en- 
closing the examination of John Sloane and Thomas Clarke, 
committed by General Putnam, and requesting directions 
relative to them, was read, and referred to Mr. T'redwell, Mr. 
Abeel, and Colonel Livingston. 


Colonel Livingston, who was directed to inquire into the 
facts stated by Captain Alexander Hamilton’s Letter, read 
yesterday, reported that the facts stated by Captain Hamil- 
ton are correct. ; 

Thereupon, Resolved, That whereas Thomas Thompson, 
late a Sergeant in Captain Hamilton’s Company of Artillery, 
has been represented to this Convention as a person who 
has discharged his duty in his office as aforesaid with un- 
common fidelity, assiduity, and expertness : 

Therefore, Resolved, That the said Thomas Thompson 
be promoted to the rank of a Lieutenant in the said Com- 
pany, and that this Convention will exert themselves in pro- 
moting from time to time such privates and non-commis- 
sioned officers in the service of this State as shall distinguish 
themselves by their sobriety, valour, and subordination to 
their officers. 

Ordered, That this Resolution be published in the news- 
papers of this State. 

On motion of Mr. Duer, 

Ordered, That copies of the last Resolution be transmit- 
ted to the Officers commanding the New-York Regiments, 
to be by them communicated to their Regiments. 


Ordered, That Mr. Morris be added to the Committee 
with Colonel Broome, on the Letter from R. Benger, read 
yesterday. 


A Letter from Jacob Cuyler and Leonard Gansevoort, 


* New-York, August 14, 1776. 

GENTLEMEN: Enclosed you have the examination taken after the com- 
mitment of John Sloane and Thomas Clarke. ‘They were first examined 
by General Putnam, on which I was sent for; and, with his approbation, 
they were committed to jail, which the Committee approved of, and now 
wait for your further directions, or to send them to the Convention, as 
the General thinks something further with them ought to be done imme- 
diately. 

The Committee received from Rye an account that information had 
been given the Committee there, that Benjamin Clapp had purchased a 
box of tea at New-York, and that the vender would not take any other 
but hard money for the same; that, on Clapp’s examination before them, 
he declared he did not know the person from whom it was purchased; 
that John Hitchcock, a carman, had sent it to him. Hitchcock was sent 
for by this Committee, but he would give no “answer to any proper ques- 
tion put to him, and only said, if he had done wrong, he must suffer for 
it. Without taking notice of the great contempt he showed to the Com- 
mittee, they were unanimously of opinion, that he was a person whose 
going at large might be of dangerous consequences to this State, and 
therefore ordered him to jail. The Committee would be glad to receive 
some instructions from the Convention, as it clearly appears to them he 
has violated the resolves of the Congress, both with respect to the price 
and money he paid for it, and that he has done it to screen a person of 
much more consequence to the publick than a carman. 

George King, a lad, apprentice to McLean, the shoemaker, was com- 
mitted for breaking open and robbing the house that Benjamin Davies 
lived in of £5 10s. Abraham Jones, another apprentice, was concerned 
with him, but he has not yet been taken. 

If this mode of application to the Convention, to obtain their answer 
as soon as possible, is most agreeable to the Representatives of this City 
and County, what other instructions the General Committee may from 
time to time want, shall be applied for in this way, by, gentlemen, your 
most obedient, humble servant, Henry Wiimor. 


To the Representatives of New-York. 


* John Sloane says he worked at Hobuck for Mr. Bayard. He stopped 
work after Mr. Bayard went away, for fear he should not get paid; that 
he afterwards went in the ferry-boat, had some encouragement given 
him from Mr. Murray to work in his salt works at the back of Long- 
Island, and got a boat to go there; was on his way, off Red-Hook, betwixt 
Gibbet-Island and Long-Island, when taken. One Thomas Clarke was with 
him. Sloane says he did not know where Mr. Murray’s salt works 
stood, but was going to Red-Hook to inquire. It is better than two 
months since applied to to work with Mr. Murray. ’ 

Thomas Clarke says he left Hobuck to go to Long-Island, with an inten- 
tion to go to Mr. Murray’s salt works, but was taken off Red-Hook, near 
eleven o’clock at night; was in a boat, which he believes belongs to Mr. 
Bayard. The reason of his going away was, he was afraid of being 
taken by Captain Johnson on a suspicion of carrying some persons on 
board the men-of-war; confesses he carried Captain Benson to Staten- 
Island some time ago; it was before the fleet arrived. 


_ 


1513 


Esqs., Commissioners sent to the Northern Army, was re- 
ceived and read, and is in the words following, to wit: 
“ Albany, August 9, 1776. 

“Str: On Sunday, the 27th July, about ten o’clock, A. 
M., we received your letter covering two resolutions and a 
letter to Major-General Gates, and at about two, P. M., we 
set out for Ticonderoga, in obedience to your requisition, 
from whence we returned last night, and now, by express, 
transmit you the enclosed papers. ‘The General has been 
so very particular with respect to some matters, that it would 
be trespassing on your patience to repeat them. ‘The letter 
from the General, and the papers therein referred to, will 
give a full and explicit idea of the state of our Army in that 
quarter and their operations. You will find among the 
papers a list of the vessels now lying at Crown-Point with 
one month’s provisions on board, and they propose by the 
middle of next week to proceed down Lake Champlain to 
some narrow pass in the Lake, to annoy the enemy, should 
they come out; and also another list of those on the stocks 
and intended to be built, from which you will be enabled to 
judge whether any and what dependance can be made on 
that part of our defence. 

“It appears to us that the enemy will not be able to get 
a fleet superior in number to ours, nor officers better skilled 
to command them than Brigadier-General Arnold and Com- 
modore Wynkoop; we conceive, therefore, that the com- 
mand of the Lakes cannot be taken from us this year, and 
that the greatest dependance can be made upon that de- 
fence. 

“ We are extremely happy to inform you that the unhappy 
differences which have subsisted between the New-England 
and Southern troops are more or less subsided, and that there 
seems to be more harmony and concord between them than 
there has been from report; but we are apt to think that it 
has been greatly exaggerated by persons who perhaps would 
wish it to be so. : 

“You will observe in the map the full extent of the old 
French l\ines which are now repairing; and we do assure 
you, that from their appearance and the character of the 
Pennsylvania and Jersey troops that are stationed there, 
we have the greatest expectations that, should the enemy 
attempt to force them, they will receive as bloody a repulse 
as that of General Abercrombie in the last war. 

“The fortifications on the heights of Mount Independence 
are exceedingly well calculated, in our opinion; but as we 
cannot be persuaded that the enemy will ever come up so 
high to land as to come within the reach of cannon-shot 
from that battery, we conceive it unnecessary to expatiate 
on its utility. Besides the redoubts marked out upon the 
map, there are to be three others erected—one upon an emi- 
nence to the northeast corner of the old French lines, and 
two between that and the redoubt marked “old redoubt,”’ 
being the second from the fort. These redoubts, together 
with those marked out upon the plan or map, will, we con- 
ceive, be sufficient to oppose the landing of the enemy at 
the place the most advantageous to them, and, indeed, the 
only one where it will be possible for them ever to effect it. 

“That we might inform ourselves of everything that was 
carried on, above, we took our tour by the way of Lake 
George, and returned by the way of Skenesborough ; hence 
we have received all the intelligence that was to be obtained 
at those posts and upon the communication, and it is with 
great satisfaction we inform you that everything flows through 
a proper channel, and the whole well organized. There is 
nothing so much wanted as medicine and artillery: the 
want of the former is so great, that it is shocking to behold 
the number of sick that die daily for the mere want of that 
article; but as we suppose that Dr. Samuel Stringer has 
been with you, and has given you a state of the hospital 
at Fort George, we shall say no more on that subject. 

“We enclose you a copy of the examination of two 
French officers, who were examined by Major-General Gates 
and sent down to this place, as also the examination of one 
Lieutenant Whitcomb, of our Army, who has been out on a 
scouting party. From them you will collect all the intelli- 
gence with respect to the movements of the enemy that is 
in our power to communicate. 

“ Major Bzgelow, who went out with the flag from Gene- 
ral Gates to St. John’s, is not yet returned ; what detains him 
we know not; he has now been out twenty-two days. 

“We hear from the German-Flats that General Schuyler 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1514 


and Mr. Douw have not yet finished the treaty with the 
Indians, and that there are between sixteen hundred and 
seventeen hundred Indians there, and it is expected that 
they will finish by Monday; that the Indians show very 
friendly dispositions, and extremely lament perfidy of indi- 
viduals who have been so base as to take up the hatchet 
against their American brethren. 

“ General Grates requested of us to forward his despatches 
by our express, and to beg the Convention to forward them, 
without a moment’s loss of time, to Congress. 

“ We are, sir, with the greatest respect, your most obedient 
and most humble servants, 

. “ Jacos Cuyier, 
“ LZOoNARD GANSEVOORT. 
“To Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq., President of the Conven- 
tion of the State of New- York. 


“P,S. General Waterbury has about twelve hundred 
men with him at Skenesborough, and were daily coming in 
there from every quarter from the eastward.” 


Ordered, That the said Letter and Papers therein en- 


closed be referred to the consideration of a Committee, to 
consist of Mr. Duer, Mr. Tredwell, and Mr. Marsh. 


Die Veneris, 9 ho. A. M., August 16, 1776. 
Present: Abm. Yates, Jun., Esq., President pro tem. 
New-Yor«x.—Colonel Broome, Mr. Beekman, Captain 
Denning, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Dunscomb, Colonel Lott. 
Atpany.—Mr. Abraham Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 
Surrotx.—Mr. W. Smith, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Hobart. 
Uuster.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Contine. 
QuereEn’s.—Colonel Blackwell, Mr. J. Townsend, Mr. W. 
Smith, 
Doutcness.—Mr. H. Schenck, Mr. Sackett, Mr. Landon. 
Wesrcuester.—Mr. Morris, General Morris, Mr. Havi- 
land, Judge Graham. . 
Orance.—Mr. Wisner, Mr. Jos. Smith. 
Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 
Cuartotre.—Mr. Duer. 
Cumpertanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stephens. 


Captain Denning informed the Convention that William 
Tundran, the Pilot, had informed him that the navigation of 
the East River may be very easily obstructed between the 
Battery and Nutten-Island ; that Tundran further informed 
him that the depth of ‘water at a particular place which he 
could point out, did not exceed five fathoms, and that the 
navigation could be obstructed in four hours after proper 
vessels are prepared for that purpose. 

Ordered, That Captain Denning wait on his Excellency 
General Washington and give him the above information, 
and that William Tundran is one of our best pilots. And 
that Captain Denning further inform his Excellency that it 
will be agreeable to the wishes of this Convention that the - 
navigation of the East River should be there obstructed, if 
he shall think it advantageous for the defence of this State. 


The Convention were informed that a number of Cannon 
are yet lying beyond the King’s Bridge, and so exposed 
that they may be taken by the enemy, should an attempt of 
that kind be made; at the same time, that they are neces- 
sary for the defence of the Works at General Clinton’s 
Encampment. 

Resolved, That General Clinton be requested with all 
possible despatch to remove all the Cannon fit for use, 
which lie near the road to New-Rochelle, to his Encamp- 
ment, and that this Convention will defray the contingent 
charges. 

Resolved, That General Clinton be requested to employ 
as many Carpenters as possible, to make Carriages for sueh 
Guns as he thinks necessary for the defence of the Works to 
the northward of King’s Bridge. 


A Certificate of William Miller, Deputy Chairman of the 
General Committee of Westchester County, was read and 


filed.* He thereby certifies that Zephaniah Miller is ap- 


*This is to certify that Zephaniah Miller is appointed a Lieutenant to 
Captain Micah Townsend, upon his First Lieutenant Samuel Townsend 
being promoted to a Captaincy, which said appointment has received 
the universal approbation of the General Committee for the County of 
Westchester. . : 

By order of Committee: Wm. Mitter, Deputy Chairman, 
T’o the Honourable Convention of the Representatives of the State of 

New-York. 


1515 


pointed a Lieutenant to Captain Micha Townsend, upon 
his First Lieutenant Samuel Townsend having been promo- 
ted to a Captaincy; which said appointment had received 
the universal approbation of the General Committee for the 
County of Westchester. 

Ordered, That a Commission be issued for the said Z. 
Miller, as Lieutenant of Captain Micha Townsend’s Com- 
pany. 

Two Letters from David Matthews, Esq., one to Gene- 
ral Woodhull, the other to his wife, with a Mittimus enclosed ; 
also a Letter from the Committee of Litchfield, and another 
from Moses Seymour, were respectively read, and referred to 


Mr. Morris and Mr. Hobart. 


Two Letters from the Secret Committee at Poughkeepsie, 
by Captain Henry Benson, were read, and are in the words 
following, to wit: 

‘* Poughkeepsie, August 13, 1776. 


“Sir: Among other measures devised for the defence of 
Hudson’s River, we have purchased and are fitting out two 
sloops, each of them more than a match for a tender. We 
have given Captain Benson the command of one, Captain 
Caswell of the other. It will be impracticable to get a 
sufficient number of men for them here, or, in our opinion, 
elsewhere, unless permission be given to the Captains to 
inlist them from among the new levies. We have written 
to General Washington on the subject, and hope this expe- 
dient will meet with the approbation of the Convention. 

“The State of Connecticut has sent us twenty cannon— 
ten twelves and ten six-pounders—with fifty rounds of shot 
to each cannon. 

« Business grows upon our hands, and if Messrs. Yates, 
Jay, and Livingston, are recalled, a quorum will not be left, 
and consequently nothing further can be done. We beg the 
direction of the Congress on this point, for we have not the 
least reason to expect that the state of our affairs here will 
admit of our return to the Convention by the 26th instant. 

“We are, sir, your humble servants. 

“ By order of the Secret Committee: 
“Rost. Yates, Chairman. 


“To Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq., President of the Conven- 
tion of the State of New-York.” 


‘** Poughkeepsie, August 14, 1776. 

“Sir: We find it necessary to direct Captain Benson to 
endeavour to purchase at New-York a number of articles 
for the armed vessels now fitting out here, which we cannot 
procure at this place, and beg that all possible assistance 
may be given him. As the Convention now sit at Harlem, 
and the moneys advanced to us will not be more than ade- 
quate to the expenses already incurred, we do not think it 
advisable to give Captam Benson any money to carry with 
him, but request the favour of your honourable House to 
supply him with as much money as may be necessary for 
the purpose above mentioned. As we may be shortly under 
the necessity of requesting further supplies, we hope care has 
been taken to put the treasury in such a condition as that 
no delays in a matter so important may be occasioned. 

“We have applied to General Washington for an order 
on John B. Lavingston for as much powder as may be 
necessary for both vessels, and we think it would not be 
improper that the General should be properly informed of 
the state of your Magazines, and thereby be led to perceive 
the propriety of our applying for Continental powder. 

“ We are your most humble servants. 

“By order of the Committee: 
“Roper. Yates, Chairman.” 


Ordered, That the said Letters be referred to Mr. Duer 
and Colonel De Witt. 


Mr. Duer, from the Committee to whom was referred the 
Letters from the Secret Committee at Poughkeepsie, having 
reported thereon, the Convention agreed to a recital, in the 
words following, namely: 

Whereas the Secret Committee, appointed by this Con- 
vention to devise means for annoying the enemy’s ships, 
and obstructing the navigation of Hudson’s River, having, 
by their letter received this day, informed the Convention 
of their fitting out two armed vessels at Poughkeepsie, and 
giving the command of one of them to Captain Henry Ben- 
son, who they have sent dowa to New-York to procure and 
purchase sundry articles necessarily required in fitting out 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1516 


said vessels, and requesting the Convention to supply Cap- 
tain Benson with money for that purpose: 

Ordered, That Peter V. B. Liwingston, Esq., as Trea- 
surer of this Convention, advance to Captain Henry Benson 
the sum of £500, for the purpose aforesaid, and take his 
receipt for the same. 


Resolved, That Captain Eccun be, and he is hereby, di- 
rected to deliver the Continental Salt* now on board of his 
Vessel, at Fire-Island Inlet, to the Commissary-General or 
his order, 

Ordered, That a copy of the foregoing Resolution be 
served on Captain Eccun, and that one other copy thereof, 
with a copy of Captain Denning’s Letter to this Conven- 
tion, be immediately sent by Captain Eccun to Joseph Trum- 
bull, Esq., the Commissary-General. 


Resolved, unanimously, That Mr. Thomas Grant be re- 
quested to furnish this Convention with an inventory of the 
Medicine which he has lately received by Captain Eceun, 
with the price of each article, in order that this Convention 
may have the preference of purchasing such articles as they 
think necessary for the use of the inhabitants of this State. + 


*Sir: The bearer of this is Captain Exceen, of the brig Friendship, 
loaded by me in April last, by direction of a Committee of Continental 
Congress, with wheat and flour for Lisbon. He is returned with his brig 
to Fire-Island Inlet with a load of salt. He had orders to apply to the 
Convention of whatever State he arrived at, on his return to this Conti- 
nent. He now waits your directions. 


Your most humble servant, Ww. Dewnine. 


Friday morning. 

He left Lisbon seven weeks and four days ago this day. Captain 
Exceen says his cargo consists of one hundred and ninety-seven moys of 
salt on board, on account of the Continental Congress; that he had medi- 
cines on board, (three or four hogsheads) belonging to Thomas Grant, 
shipped by Long, about or between £300 or £400 sterling. 


To Abm. Yates, Jun., Esq. 


} Newars Mountam, August 19, 1776. 

Honovuras_e GentLeMeEN: On Saturday last, being in the city, though 
very lame, and an inflammation to my wound succeeding my travel, and 
necessity required my being home that evening, was obliged hastily to 
answer your resolve of the 16th, or leave it undone, on such paper and 
in such order I should otherwise be ashamed of, for which I craved your 
indulgence; the substance of which [ shall repeat, though I have no copy, 
neither can I be certain if I mentioned what I was determined on at 
writing, to have the privilege of exportation as if the whole had been 
military stores, as part of it with much propriety falls under that denomi- 
nation. This isa material article for me to insist upon, as otherwise 
my vessel may be unemployed. 

If the Convention or either of the gentlemen of that body have an incli- 
nation to employ the brig Friendship, (a swift sailer,) wholly or in part, 
I shall be glad to know their proposals soon. 

You shall be welcome to take all the medicines, and drugs for medi- 
cines in particular, and the few other articles contained in the invoice, 
such as pepper, paper, raisins, and currants. If you think proper, all the 
rest must go together. Copy of invoice herewith send you. Amount, 
with charges at foot, about £340 sterling, of which the medicines is the 
better half. I shall be fully content to take the generous price the Con- 
gress published should be given for military stores. As an example of 
which, £30 currency was given for powder, cost in Europe £ 4 sterling, 
or thereabouts. I mean to have £30 for every £4 sterling at foot of 
invoice, or in that proportion for what you take. When I receive your 
answer in the affirmative, I will send you the original invoice. I sup- 
pose them to be well laid in, as they were bought for ready money. 

That no time may be lost, you may send order to Captain Alexander 
Exceen, now at Long-Island, for the delivery of them to your order. 

Iam, with great respect, honourable gentlemen, your most obedient, 
humble servant, Tuos. GRANT. 


To the Hon. Convention of the State of New-York. 
Invoice, S§c., per Friendship, viz: 
Lisgon, June 20, 1776. 


8 bags, containing 911 lbs. pepper.....-..++- at 250 per Ib.. 227,750 
2 barrels, containing alqrs. prunes.......... at 300 per A.. 5,250 
4 bales, containing 96 reams paper.........-. at 880 per R.. 84,480 
TO barrels Praising atieretslsicles cl-\eclclelos sc siete e's A ANOS. pe chalets 44,000 
4 barrels currants, 228 lbs. net, at..........6. 45 per lb.. 32,760 
No. 2. 1 cask, 632 lbs. saltpetre, at......... 200 per lb.. 126,400 
No. 4. 1 cask, 85 lbs. gum Arabic, at....... DAD Merdacteres 20,400 
No. 7. 1 bottle, 130 Ibs. oil vitriol, at....... 150 per lb.. 19,500 
No. 10. 1 barrel, 94 lbs. crem. tart., at....... 150 per.lb.. 14,100 
No. 11. 1 cask, 434 lbs. sulphur, at......... 60 per lb 26,040 
No. 12. 1 barrel, 66 Ibs. liquorice ball, at..... TOU sa: crete 9,900 
No. 13. 1 barrel, 50 lbs. camphor, at........ L200 ss. ae tent 60,000 

No. 14. 1 tin canister, in a box, 64 lbs. oil 
CAPA, At eeccccrecccrscessecccs SOUR aene crete 23,040 
No. 15. 1 barrel, 62 lbs. raddish, at.......... OU serene 12,400 
No. 16. 1 cask, 185 juniper-berry, at........ 150. Gace 27,750 
In same, cask 56 Ibs. magnes., at.. 320........ 17,920 

No. 17. 1 bottle, in a barrel, 71 lbs. argent 
FVAVUUM siete woke re ere epreleioies shalele cteisis THO terete esees 53,250 

No. 18. 1 tin canister, in a box, 61 lbs. oil 
BIMONUS, Hts sates ccclecse eleres 6 ele Ae Jalilleticninaces 18,300 
No. 20. 1 cask, 920 lbs. magnes., at......... S200. Fe oie 294,400 
No. 22. 1 box, 12 reams fine paper, at....... 2,400........ 28,800 
1,146,440 
Charges...sececsessesese+. 86,882 


RialS cee eane.e 00 s 0 0:0-00/e.sie Lecoarenes 


1517 


A draft of a Letter to the Committee of Ulster County, in 
answer to theirs of the 4th instant, was read and approved, 
and is in the words following, to wit: 

‘¢ Harlem, August 16, 1776. 

‘‘Gentiemen: Your letter of the 4th instant, directed to 
the Members of Ulster County, has been laid before this 
Convention, in answer to part of which the enclosed resolu- 
tions have been passed, and are now sent for your direc- 
tion. 

“The Convention has further directed me to acquaint 
you that no fees have been ordered by the Convention for 
the Treasurers appointed by the County Committees, and, 
as far as hath come to our knowledge, no fees have been 
demanded by the Treasurers in the other Counties. It is 
therefore hoped that the Treasurer of Ulster County will 
not be singular in demanding fees for the payment of so 
small a sum. 

“The intention of the Convention on passing the Resolu- 
tions for raising the Rangers was that they should be mus- 
tered by each commissioned officer of the Company, and 
each of the said officers to return a muster-roll of the Com- 


pany to which he belongs, on his oath of office, and under . 


the penalty in the said resolutions mentioned. 
“Tam, gentlemen, your most obedient servant. 


“ By order. 
“To the Chairman and Members of Committee of Ulster.”’ 


— 


Die Sabbati, 9 ho. A. M., August 17, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President pro tem. 
New-Yor«x.—Mr. Bancker, Colonel Scott, Captain Den- 
ning, Mr. Dunscomb, Mr. Beekman. 
Avpany.—Mr. A. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 
SurroLtx.—Mr. William Smith, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Hobart. 
Durcuess.—Mr. Schenck, Mr. Sackett, Mr. Platt. 
Orance.—Mr. Wisner, Mr. Jo. Smith. 
Westrcuester.—Mr. Morris, General Morris. 
QuereEn’s.—Colonel Blackwell, Mr. James Townsend, Mr. 
William Smith, Colonel Lawrence. 
Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 
Uustrer.—Mr. Contine, Mr. De Witt. 
Cuarvorre.—Mr. Duer. 
Cumpertann.—Mr. Stephens. 


Captain Platt informed the Convention that Colonel Van 
Cortlandt and himself are much in want of cash to defray 
charges accrued for the support of the Militia which have 
been called to service on the banks of Hudson’s River, and 
also to supply Brigadier-General Clhinton’s Brigade with 
tents, huts, provisions, and other necessaries. 

Ordered, That Peter V. B. Livingston, Esq., as 'Trea- 
surer of the Convention of this State, advance to Colonel 
Van Cortlandt and Captain Platt the sum of £1,000 on 
account, for the purposes above-mentioned, taking the receipt 
of either of those gentlemen for that sum. 


General Morris informed the Convention that Mr. David 
Dan, under his direction, has raised the greater part of a 
Company, to serve in Colonel Thomas’s Regiment, and he, 
with Mr. Morris, recommended the said David Dan as a 
very fit person to be appointed Captain of a Company, and 
requested that a Captain’s Commission be issued to the said 
David Dan, as a Captain in that Regiment. 

Ordered, 'That a Commission be issued to him imme- 
diately. 

General Morris further informed the Convention that his 
present Brigade-Major is now employed as an Aid-de-Camp 
to a General Officer, and is now in actual service, and the 
General recommended Captain Pell to be the Bri- 
gade-Major of the Militia of Westchester County. 

Resolved, unanimously, That the said Captain Pell 
be appointed a Major of Brigade of the Militia of Westches- 
ter County, and that a Commission issue to him for that 
purpose. 


Your Committee, to whom was referred the consideration 
of the Letter from the Committee of Kingston, report, that 
they are of opinion that it will conduce much to the relief of 
the inhabitants, as well as to the safety of the prisoners of 
war now at Kingston, to remove the said prisoners with all 
possible despatch to Morris- Town, in the County of Morris, 
New-Jersey ; that the Committee of the Township of Kings- 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1518 


ton be directed to cancel the old paroles given by the said 
prisoners, and to engage them under new paroles to pro- 
ceed to said place; that blank printed powers be sent to the 
Committee of Kingston for this purpose, that they may be 
taken with more accuracy, and that the said Committee be 
directed to send a guard with the said prisoners to Morris- 
Town aforesaid, and to enclose to the Chairman of the Com- 
mittee of Morris-Town aforesaid a certified copy of the 
paroles given by these prisoners; that the Committee of the 
Township of Kingston be, and they are hereby, authorized — 
to remove the ‘Tories now in their Jail, or those whom they 
conceive the most dangerous, to such place of safety as they 
shall think proper; that a letter be wrote to the Committee 
of Kingston, enclosing those resolutions. 
Wm. Durr, Chairman. 

Which said Report, being read and changed in the form 

of Resolutions, was agreed to. 


A draft of a Letter to the Committee of Ulster County 
was read and approved, and is in the words following, to 
wit: 

“In Convention of the Representatives of the State of 2 . 
New-York, Harlem, August 17, 1776. ; 

“GentLemMeN: You'll perceive by the enclosed resolu- 
tions that the prisoners residing among you are to be sent to 
Morris County. With regard to the difference of construc- 
tion to that part of their paroles which respects the latitude 
intended to be given them therein, the Convention give it as 
their opinion that the prisoners are entitled to the privilege 
of passing and repassing within six miles in every direction 
from your Court-House; which I am directed to request you 
to communicate to the prisoners, and also to transmit a copy 
of this letter, with the other papers, to the Committee of 
Morris County. 

“Tam, gentlemen, your very humble servant. By order. 


‘The Chairman and Members of the Committee of Ulster 
County.” 


Whereas it is of the utmost consequence to the safety of 
the City of New-York and the security of the Continental 
Army now on Long-Island that the communication between 
that City and Island should not be obstructed by the ene- 
my’s ships: 

Resolved, That Captain Rutgers and Patrick Dennis be 
requested and empowered by this Convention to stop up the 
channel between the Grand Battery and Governour’s Island, 
in case they shall deem the same practicable, and that this 
Convention will defray all the charges incident to the exe- 
cution of this design. 

Resolved, That General Morris be empowered to pur- 
chase a Sloop belonging to Jesse Hunt, at New-Rochelle, 
and to order the same to be immediately delivered to the 
above-named gentlemen at New-York, loaded with Stone. 


A draft of a Letter to General Washington, to enclose the 
above Resolution, was read and approved, and is in the words 
following, to wit: 

“¢ Harlem, August 17, 1776. 


“Sir: Mr. Denning hath made the Convention acquaint- 
ed with your Excellency’s sentiments upon obstructing the 
navigation of the East-River, between the Grand Battery 
and Governour’s Island. We now take the liberty of en- 
closing the copy of our resolution for that purpose, which, 
together with the letter, will be handed to your Excellency 
by the gentlemen of the Committee, to whom, we make 
no doubt, sir, that you will afford every assistance in your 
power. 

“‘T have the honour to be, &c.” 


Ordered, That Captain James Stewart, with such part 
of his Company as is already inlisted, join Colonel Malcom’s 
Regiment, as a part thereof, until: further order; and that 
Colonel Malcom be requested to exert his usual care and 
diligence in having that Company properly provided and 
trained in the military art. 

The Petition of several inhabitants of Queen’s County, 
respecting the release of Doctor David Brooks, was read. 

Therefore, Resolved, 'That the said Petition be referred 
to his Excellency General Washington, in consequence. of 
whose orders the said David Brooks was apprehended. 

Ordered, That Major Lawrence and Mr. Js. Townsend 
wait upon his Excellency with the said Petition. 


1519 


Ordered, That Reuben Weed be First Lieutenant of 
Captain Dennis’s Company. 

An Account of John Dunlap against the Secret Com- 
mittee and the Committee for trying disaffected persons and 
those of equivocal characters, &c., as their Doorkeeper, from 
19th June to 19th August, was read and examined, in which 


he states his whole account...........scssscssebeccercesees £24 8 
And credits by cash of John McKesson.... £2 16 
by cash of John McKesson, at 
another time... 6 00 
by cash received of Abm. 
Deperster ei cisistensive. 4 16 13 12 


Balance duececssescossedssteenvserstostscavvoodeccecbeatecseatens £10 16 


Ordered, That the said Account of John Dunlap be de- 
livered to the Auditor-General, to audit the same to this 17th 
day of August only, and that the said John Dunlap be, and 
he is hereby, discharged from the service of the said Com- 
mittee and of this Convention. 


Ordered, That Mr. Wm. Smith, Mr. Harper, and Mr. 
Tredwell, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Sacket, Mr. Stephens, and Mr. 
Contine, or any five of them, be a Committee of Safety for 
this State from the adjournment of this Convention on this 
day until their next meeting; that every member who shall 
attend have a vote or voice, and that the said Committee be, 
and are hereby, empowered to take such measures and ex- 
ercise such powers during that time as shall appear to them 
necessary for the safety of the State. 


The Report of John McDonald,* of the progress he had 
made in opening the Lead Mine at Nene-Partners, in Dutch- 
ess County, and the accounts and papers accompanying the 
same, were read. 

Ordered, That the above Committee of Safety take into 
consideration the accounts and other papers delivered in 
by Mr. John McDonald, and that they report on Monday 
morning. 

Mr. Hobart and Mr. Duer, a Committee to consider the 
case of Lieutenant Bleecker, and others in like circum- 
stances. 

Mr. Harper to be furnished with £25, on account of Tryon 
County, on his receipt, on behalf of Tryon County, the 
County to be accountable for the same. 


Resolved, That Peter Van B. Livingston, Esquire, as 
Treasurer of this Convention, advance to Wm. Harper, a 
member of this Convention, for the County of Tryon, the 
sum of £25; and that the said sum be charged to the said 
Wm. Harper and the said County, to be repaid to the said 
Treasurer by the said Wn. Harper, or the said County, when 
either shall be thereunto required. 


* GENTLEMEN: In compliance with the commands of the honourable 
Provincial Congress, on the 13th June, 1776, I repaired, with all possible 
diligence, to the Great Nine-Partners, in Dutchess County, and there con- 
ducted myself and labourers with all endeavouring to work and open 
the pits or shafts of the mine. After concluding the repairing and clear- 
ing out the rubbish, considered on Mr. Moses Harris’s information rela- 
tive to this mine, which at large is in report drawn by me in March last, 
under the declaration of Jonathan Landon, Esq., to which may compare 
this report of its circumstances, as in the manner following: 

Beginning at the northeast end of the hill, where have cleared two 
pits, and discovered in the first a small quantity of lead ore, lying in 
three different places, about three inches diameter; and in the second 
pit found ore in four sundry spots, in proportion equally to the first pit, 
about four foot distant from one appearance to another, their bottoms 
being examined, and appeared disagreeable to the least prospect. Third- 
ly, beginning to the southwest, about the middle of said hill, there 
cleared two pits which appeared equally in quantity and quality agree- 
able to the situation of the first and last pit cleared at the foresaid north- 
east end of the hill. The vein of sparr appears three inches broad; 
and where Mr. Harriss undertook to make an advantageous discovery, 
have digged eighteen foot length, and about three foot deep; there I found 
a vein of ore containing two inches broad, at whjch spent four days, and 
raised near three or four hundred weight of lead ore; but it appears to 
be sometimes decreasing and increasing, which being the usual case in 
the former trials done, I remarked that it is possible to procure a little 
quantity of ore in east vein or branches in this bounds; therefore, if 

our Honours incline to prosecute, peradventure in expectation to face 
into a body, the method is, to open and search the ground where sup- 
posed such do most frequently lie. As I have in my former report 
described at large the dimension and situation of the mine hill, I’ll 
proceed no farther concerning adventuring for the publick purpose, but 
leave it to your Honours’ serious consideration. 

Gentlemen, I am your most obedient, humble servant, 

Joun McDonatp, Miner. 


GENTLEMEN: Ezra Thomson, Esq., was very punctual looking and pro- 
viding anything wanted to the mine. He surveyed four times each week, 
sometimes inspected three times in a day, when occasion offered, and 
assisted us with his horses, by which attendance spent much of his har- 
vest employment. I am yours, &c., Joun McDonatp, Miner. 


GENTLEMEN: In compliance with the desire of the Congress, I super- 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1520 


Ordered, That the papers belonging to Isaac Ketcham, 
now in the hands of the Secretary of this Convention be 
delivered to the said Isaac Ketcham; and that Captain 
Jeremiah Wool be, and he is hereby, directed to obtain and 
transmit to this Convention, with all convenient speed, the 
whole expense which has occurred, by apprehending, 
securing, and keeping, and maintaining, Israel Youngs, Isaac 
Youngs, Philip Youngs, Isaac Ketcham, and Henry Daw- 
kins, and the summoning witnesses against them, rendering 
the said accounts as particular as possible. ‘That Captain 
Wool therewith transmit an account of the moneys by him 
taken or received from the said Isaac Ketcham, and what 
disposition has been made thereof, together with any part of 
such money as remain in his hands. 


A Letter from his Excellency General Washington, re- 
commending the removal of the women and children from 
New-York, was received and read, and is in the words fol- 
lowing, to wit: 

‘* Head-Quarters, New-York, August 17, 1776. 


“ GentLemeN: When I consider that the City of New- 
York will, in all human probability, very soon be the scene 
of a bloody conflict, I cannot but view the great number of 
women and children and infirm persons remaining in it with 
the most melancholy concern. When the men-of-war 
passed up the river the shrieks and cries of those poor crea- 
tures running every way with their children, was truly dis- 
tressing, and I fear will have an unhappy effect on the ears 
and minds of our young and inexperienced soldiery. Can 
no method be devised for their removal? Many, doubtless, 
are able to remove themselves, but there are others in a 
different situation. Some provision for them afterwards 
would also be a necessary consideration. It would relieve 
me from great anxiety if your honourable body would imme- 
diately deliberate upon it, and form and execute some plan 
for their removal and relief, in which I will codperate and 
assist, to the utmost in my power. In the mean time, I have 
thought it proper to recommend to persons under the above 
description to convey themselves without delay to some 
place of safety, with their most valuable effects. 

“‘T have the honour to be, with much regard, gentlemen, 
your most obedient and very humble servant. 

“Go. WasHINGTON.” 


The same being read and considered, 

Resolved, That the women, children, and infirm persons, 
in the City of New-York, be immediately removed from the 
said city, agreeable to General Washington’s request of this 
House, in his Letter of this date. 

Resolved, That Colonel Lott, Mr. James Beekman, Mr. 
Berrian, Chairman of the Committee of the City and County 
of New-York, and Mr. John Campbell, a member of the 


intend Mr. John McDonald’s proceedings of the mines, and he carefully 
conducted himself and labourers in working to satisfaction, and that, 
preceding to the 13th of August, 1776, and keeped regular accounts of 
the same, and has drawn a report of the appearances, the truth of which, 
as far as I could judge, may be depended on. As to the old Irishman, 
one Higgins, who, 1 understand, formerly applied to your Honours 
several times, with a sample of lead ore, proposing to be from an advan- 
tageous prospect discovered by himself, which sample of ore I found, by 
examination, he got from other persons, and that he had no discovery 
of his own, therefore do not give the least dependance to what he says 
relative to mines, &c.; also, he is very disagreeable to the neighbours. 
I was under the necessity to employ him as a labourer, owing to the 
scarcity of workmen here. 

1 also send the account of the labourers’ work, which is one hundred 
and nine days. Also what money I have advanced, which is £7 11s. 6d. 
I also advanced £2 to Mr. McDonald. 

I have taken all the tools and ore, for which I gave my receipt, and 
shall wait your order for the delivery of them. Mr. McDonald’s be- 
haviour was very agreeable to all the neighbours. 

Gentlemen, I am, with respect, your very humble servant, 

Ezra Tuomson. 


I, Ezra Thomson, Esq., at the Great Nine-Partners, Dutchess County, 
do hereby acknowledge to have received from the honourable Pro- 
vincial Congress for the Colony of New-York, by the hands of John 
McDonald, inspector and accountant of the mine, the following inventory 
of mining tools which hath been used in clearing and repairing the pits 
or shafts, &c., of the mines here, from the 25th June, 1776, and preceding 
the 13th of August thereafter, 1776, for which tools I become under the 
obligation to keep safe in my possession, waiting their further instruc- 
tion relative to this mine, or until the same is delivered to any having 
their punctual orders, as witness my hand this day of August, 1776. 

Ezra ‘THomson. 


Viz: Liron maul, hammer or sledge, weighing ; 2 spades or sho- 
vels; 2 iron picks; 4 iron wedges; 1 broad-faced axe; 1 womble or auger, 
of one inch diameter; 1 hand-saw; 10 fathom rope, with one iron hook; 
1 windlass wheel, for the use of drawing rubbish from pits or shafts; 2 
buckets, eighteen inches deep, with iron hoops and handles, and which 
are left full of lead-ore, supposed to weigh about three or four hundred 
weight; and after it is well dressed, supposing to be three hundred 
weight. 


—_ = — ~~, 


1521 


said Committee, be empowered to remove such persons to 
such place or places in this State as they shall think proper, 
and that this Convention will pay the expense incurred by 
such removal and maintenance of such persons as the said 
Committee shall think in such indigent circumstances as not 
to be able to remove and subsist themselves. 

Resolved, That the General Committee of the City of 
New-York be earnestly requested to give all possible assist- 
ance to the above gentlemen in carrying into execution the 
above resolutions in the most humane and expeditious man- 
ner possible. 

Ordered, That Peter Van B. Livingston, Esq., as Trea- 
surer of this Convention, advance to Colonel Lott and Mr. 
James Beekman, or either of them, the sum of £200, to 
enable them to carry into execution certain resolves of this 
Convention, of this day, for removing the women and children 
and infirm persons out of the City of New-York, and take a 
receipt to account for the same. 

Resolved, unanimously, That the Committee appointed 
this day for the removal of the women, children, and infirm 
persons from the City of New-York, do immediately report 
to this Convention the names of all such indigent and infirm 
persons whom they think entitled to the charitable exertions 
of this State, together with the number of each family, the 
maladies under which they may labour, and the place or 
places to which they are removed, to the end that this Con- 
vention may discharge the duty of faithful guardians of the 
publick interest and happiness, by relieving the complaints 
of the infirm and the wants of the indigent in the most 
humane and economical manner possible. 


A draft of a Letter to his Excellency General Washington, 
communicating the preceding Resolution, was read and ap- 
proved, and is as follows: 

' “‘Farlem, August 17, 1776. 

“Sir: I am directed to inform your Excellency that 
immediately upon the receipt of your favour of this morning, 
respecting the women and children and infirm persons 
remaining in the City of New- York, the Convention appoint- 
ed a Committee for the purpose of removing and providing 
for such persons. I enclose a copy of the Resolves for that 
purpose, and hope you will soon be relieved from the anxiety 
which their continuance in town has occasioned; and have 
the honour to be, with very great respect, your most obedient, 
humble servant. By order. 


“'To General Washington.” 
A Letter from his Excellency General George Washing- 


ton, in answer to the Letter respecting the obstructing the 
navigation of the Kast River, was received and read, and is 
in the words following, that is to say: 
“* New-York, August 18, 1776. 

“¢GenTLEMEN: [ have been honoured with your letter of 
the 17th, with the resolution of your honourable body for 
obstructing the channel betwixt the Grand Battery and 
Nutten-Island. Waving gone into a considerable expense 
for stopping that of the North River, and such as 1 am not 
certain I shall be justified in, and the obstructions there being 
far from complete, it will not be in my power to engage in 
the business you propose, or undertake to advance any part 
of the money which will be necessarily expended in the 
execution. At the same time give me leave to assure you, 
gentlemen, that I shall most readily afford you such assist- 
ance as may be derived from the labour of the troops here, 
that.can be spared from other service, to facilitate the design, 
which will be of great importance, if it can be executed. I 
have been also honoured with your favour and resolution of 
the same date, and am exceedingly obliged by the ready 
attention you have paid to my recommendation for the 
removal of the women and children and infirm persons from 
this city. 

I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, gentle- 


men, your most humble servant 
J i Go. WasaAINGTOoN.” 


COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 
Die Lune, 9 ho. A. M., August 19, 1776. 
The Committee of Safety met: Present: William Smith, 
Ksq., Chairman; Mr. Yates, Mr. Thomas Tredwell, Mr. 
Adgate, Mr. Harper, Mr. Jos. Smith, Mr. Sackett, Mr. 
Stephens, Colonel Marsh, Mr. Duer, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. 
Robert Harper, Mr. Van Zandt, Mr. Sands. 


Firta Series.—Vot. I. 96 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1522 


Captain Woodhull, of the Orange County Troop, ap- 
pearing in the Committee for a line to General Clinton, 
signifying their approbation of discharging that Troop: 

Thereupon, a draft of a Letter to General Clinton was read 
and approved of, and is in the words following, to wit: 


«Sir: Application has been made to us as a Committee 
of the Convention, in their adjournment from Saturday last, 
by Captain Woodhull, of the Orange Troop, with your 
permission, as he says, to request a dismission from present 
service at Hudson's River. If you should be of opinion 
that they may return home, consistent with the publick 
safety, you will no doubt give them permission, as it will 
certainly be a benefit both to them and the State if they can 
be allowed to give some attention to their farms even for a 
short time. This matter we, however, submit entirely to 
your judgment, as you can form the best opinion what men 
you can relieve from duty, and at what time their services 
may be dispensed with. We are, &c. 


‘To General Clinton.” 


The case of Captain John Wisner, stated, is as follows, 
to wit: , 

‘That he had inlisted about twenty Riflemen in Orange 
County, and about twenty at Susquehannah; that the men 
in Orange County, through means of the Committee, have 
inlisted in the Militia; that he has been ordered by the Field- 
Officers of the Militia of Orange County, with a Lieutenant, 
to raise thirty-eight men of the Militia for the present ser- 
vice; that he has inlisted upwards of forty men; that by a 
letter from HI. Wisner, Esq., he bas permission to fill up 
that Company, but that without part of the bounty he can- 
not supply his men with arms. 

Ordered, That Mr. Sacket and Mr. Tredwell be a Com- 


mittee to report thereon, with all convenient speed. 
The Committee took into consideration Accounts and 


papers of John McDonald, presented on Saturday last; and 

Resolved, 'That it is the opinion of this Committee that 
John McDonald, Miner, should be authorized to prosecute 
the exploring the Lead Mine in the Great Nine-Partners 
of Ezra Thomson, Esq., till further orders from this Con- 
vention or a future Legislature of this State, on the same 
condition he was before employed to work in said Mine; 
and that he report his proceedings monthly to the Conven- 
tion or Legislature of this State. 


The Committee took into consideration the apparent ad- 
vantage to the safety of this State to have the obstruction$ 
of the navigation of Hudson’s River fully completed. 

Resolved, That Mr. Duer be, and is hereby, authorized 
and requested immediately to consult with his Excellency 
General Washington on the subject of aiding him to obstruct 
the navigation of Hudson’s River, opposite to Mount Wash- 
ington, and, if the General shall approve of the measure, that 
he be authorized to codperate with his Excellency, and pur- 
sue such measures as may be necessary for that purpose; and 
if Mr. Duer think it necessary, he may despatch S. Dyckman, 
the Messenger, to any place where he shall think proper. 


A Letter from General Morris, dated yesterday, at New- 
Rochelle, was read.* He signifies his opinion that it would 
be most prudent to discharge the Militia of his Brigade at 
present, with orders to hold themselves in readiness to march 
on the first notice. 

Ordered, That Mr. Jos. Smith inquire of his Excellency 
General Washington whether the discharge of that Brigade 
at present will interfere with any plan which he has laid, or 
directions which he may have given, for the defence of that 


* New-Rocue._e, August 18, 1776. 

Sir: I have the pleasure to inform that, agreeable to direction of 
Congress, the Militia of the County have turned out with great cheer- 
fulness. As there is no enemy in the Sound, and considering the present 
season to the farmer, I take the liberty to recommend the dismissing the 
Militia for the present, ordering the Captains to parade and discipline 
their men once a week, and that they hold themselves in readiness to 
march on the shortest notice. 1am particularly inclined to the measure, . 
as the five days’ provision will be out to-morrow, and no Commissary 
of Provisions provided. The arms have been examined—the greatest 
part in good repair, and such as wanted are put in the hands of armour- 
ers, so that I am in hopes the major part of the Militia will be tolerably 
well armed. 

A soldier having misbehaved, is confined, and I shall order a Court- 
Martial for his trial to-morrow. An officer is also charged with misbe- 
haviour, and I shall direct an inquiry into that matter; being determined, 
while I am honoured with the command, to use my best endeavours to 
preserve strict discipline. Ihave the honour to be, sir, your obedient 
servant, Lewis Morais. 

To Abraham Yates, Esq. 


1523 


part of the County, and if their discharge will not interfere 
with such plan or direction, that they be discharged. 


CONVENTION. 
Tuesday Afternoon, August 20, 1776. 

The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President pro tem. 
New-Yorx.—Col. Broome, Mr. Dunscomb, Mr. Bancker; 

Mr. Jay and Mr. Roosevelt absent on duty. 
Durcuess.—Mr. Sacket, Mr. Schenck, Mr. Landon. 
Auspany.—Mr. Abm. Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Adgate. 
Queen’s.—Mr. Sands, Mr. Townsend, Major Lawrence, 

Colonel Blackwell, Mr. Samuel Townsend. 
Surrorx.—Mr. Smith, Mr. Hobart, Mr. Tredwell. 
WesrcuesteR.—General Morris. 
Cuartorre.—Mr. Duer. 
Kine’s.— Mr. Polhemus. Tryon.—Mr. Newkirk. 
Uuster.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Contine, Col. Paulding. 
Cumpertanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stephens. 


Resolved, That Dr. John Cregier be authorized to act as 
Surgeon to Colonel Levy Paulding’s Regiment, in General 
Clinton’s Brigade, until another Surgeon shall be appointed 
- to said Regiment by this Convention. 


Colonel Jacobus Swartwout, attending, was admitted. He 
brought in the Muster-Rolls of ten Companies of his Regi- 
ment now in service near King’s Bridge, in General Clin- 
ton’s Brigade. ‘The said- ten Muster-Rolls were annexed 
together, under seal, in the Convention; and thereupon the 
said Jacobus Swartwout, Esq., being duly sworn on the Holy 
Evangelists, did depose and swear, that he hath, according to 
the best of his knowledge, truly mustered the ten Companies, 
now in service under his command as Colonel; that the said 
ten Muster-Rolls contain the names and rank of the Officers, 
non-commissioned Officers and Privates of the said Regi- 
ment, as the different Companies appeared at the time of 
mustering each Company respectively; and that the said 
Regiment is near King’s Bridge, as a part of General Clin- 
ton’s Brigade. Colonel Swartwout’s affidavit is endorsed 
on the back of the said Muster-Rolls, subscribed by himself, 
and by Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President pro tempore. 


Resolved, That Colonel Josiah Smith be, and he is here- 
by, authorized to provide a Surgeon for his Regiment, and 
to procure a Hospital for the reception of the sick. 


A Letter from Wiliam Miller * Deputy Chairman of the 
Committee of Safety for Westchester County, dated August 
17, 1776, concerning some Prisoners of War brought from 
Bedford to White-Plains, and Tories lately confined in 
their Jail, was read; and also a Letter from said Prisoners, 
requesting subsistence money. 

Thereupon, Resolved, ‘That John McKesson and Robert 
Benson be the Commissioners in this State to dispose of and 
provide for ali Prisoners of War within the same, agreeable 


*In ComMITTEE OF SAFETY FOR THE CouNTY OF 
WestTcHEsTER, August 17, 1776. 

GentLemen: The officers who were confined to Bedford as prisoners 
of war, upon the Militia of that place being called away, have been sent 
to this Committee, and this Committee have limited them within the 
White-Plains. As they came from Bedford indebted for their subsistence 
there, and must become indebted here also, they are solicitous that the 
money engaged to them by the Convention be paid, in order to defray 
their expenses. 

We further inform you, that a large number of dangerous and disaf- 
fected persons are apprehended and now in jail, and many more will 
soon be brought to us. We find our jail greatly burdened, and beg 
that your honourable House will take them under consideration, and 
direct what must be done with them. ‘ 

As we are frequently at a loss for the resolutions of Convention to 
proceed upon, we earnestly desire your honourable House will order 
your Secretary to furnish us with the same, which will greatly advance 
the good of the country and our safe conduct. Be pleased to let Mr. 
Frederick Jay have them, who is one of our Committee. 

By order of Committee: Wm. Minter, Deputy Chairman. 


To his Excellency Brigadier-General Woodhull, at Haerlem. 


Wuirt-Piarns Jari, August 18, 1776. 

GenTLEMEN : Our confinement at present is the cause of our troubling 
your honourable House with this our imperfect petition. We have con- 
versed with the Deputy Chairman of the General Committee of this our 
County, who we have desired to wait on you, and will, if called on, 
deliver our sentiments fuller than we are able to set forth with ink and 
paper. Gentlemen, as we are convinced we are confined on no other 
principle than for the safety of the States of America, we rather applaud 
than blame you for it; we have not been wise enough to associate with 
you, still we are not unwise enough not to consider that self-preservation 
is the first law of nature. Still, gentlemen, we flatter ourselves that what 
we say here (joined to what the person we send will add) will convince 
your honourable House that our enlargement will in nowise endanger 
the States of America, which being done to the full satisfaction of your 
House, we doubt not (trusting in the goodness of the members that com- 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1524 


to the Resolutions of the honourable the Continental Con- 
gress, of 21st May last, in that case made and provided; and 
also to dispose of and provide for such other Prisoners within 
this State as may from time to time be committed to their 
care; that the said Commissioners do keep a regular account 
or journal of their transactions and disbursements; and that 
this Convention will make them, the said Commissioners, a 
reasonable compensation for their trouble and services in 
that department. 

A Letter from Jonathan G. Tompkins,* dated August 
18, 1776, relating to Josiah and Isaac Brown, imprisoned 
at White-Plains, was received and read. 


The Petition of fifteen Prisoners confined in the Jail at 
W hite-Plains, presented by Mr. Miller, Deputy Chairman 
of Westchester County, wherein they represent that they are 
confined as persons dangerous to the safety of the State, and 
being desirous of being enlarged, they are willing to bind 
themselves either to aid in repelling the enemies of the State 
when necessary, or surrender themselves into the custody of 
any Jailer, as this or any future Convention or Legislature 
may direct, was read. 

Whereupon Mr. Miller was called in and examined as to 
the said fifteen Prisoners, and testified in regard to them 
respectively, as follows, viz: Joshua Purdy has never been 
friendly to the American cause, is a man of influence, and 
towards whom lenity would be advisable. Gabriel Purdy 
has acted unfriendly to the cause of America. Caleb Mor- 
gan he does not know, but has heard he isa ‘Tory. Of 
Wm. Barker, John McCord, John Bailey, Bartw. Haynes, 
and Joseph Purdy, he knows nothing favourable. Gilbert 
Horton is a man of no influence. Jsaac Browne has been 
neutral. Jostah Browne says he will join in the defence of 
the State, and has generally understood that he was a Whig. 
Edmund Ward he don’t know. Samuel Merrit has been 
active against, and Jonathan Purdy has been publickly in- 
citing others to act against us. And as to Philip Fowler, he 
is reputed a bad man. Which information being considered, 
the question was put, “Shall any of the Prisoners be re- 
leased?” and passed in the negative, in manner following, 
that is to say: 


For the Negative. For the Affirmative. 


4 Ulster. 4 Westchester. 
2 Charlotte. 4 Queen’s, 

§ Albany. _— 

8 New-York. 8 votes. 


2 Cumberland. 
— Suffolk only 2 Members, no vote. 
22 votes. 


Resolved, That the Committee of Safety of Westchester 
County be empowered, if they shall think it consistent with 
the safety, or conducive to the advantage of the State, to 
release Joshua Purdy, Isaac Browne, and Josiah Browne. 


The Credentials of King’s County was again taken into 
consideration and read, and the further consideration thereof 
deferred till the morning. 


pose your body, and that the safety of the State is the only motive of 
your confining us) but that we may have our enlargements. Our pro- 
posal is, first, that we will in nowise resist or oppose the authority of 
the States of America; secondly, that whenever an attack shall be made 
on the said States, if we cannot find a resolution sufficient to join our 
brethren and neighbours in repelling force by force, then and in such 
case we will repair immediately to the common jail of our County, or to 
such other place as you in your wisdom shall think proper; and thirdly, 
for the performance of said propositions we are willing to bind ourselves 
under the ties of bonds or solemn oaths. So, gentlemen, we rest it here, 
only referring you to Mr. Miller, and desiring you to take our case into 
mature consideration; and your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever 
pray, &c. . 
Epmunp Warp, 
Josrepu Purpy, 
Samue. Menirr, 
JoNATHAN Purpy, 
Puimire Fowter, 
Joun Bes.ey, 
Gitgert Horton, 
Isaac Brown, 


Jostan Brown, 
Bartuw. Hains, 
Josuua Purpy, 
GasRiEL Purpy, 

Cates Moregan, 
Wivuiam Barker, Jun., 
Joun McCorp. 


* Heap-Quarters, Mamaroneck, August 18, 1776. 
Genriemen: I having been informed that a petition has or is likely 
to be sent to your Board by a number of persons now confined in this 
County jail as suspected persons, many of which I shall not take upon 
me to say anything in favour of, but only in two of the Browns, the 
names;of which are Josiah and Isaac Brown, | having had some oppor- 
tunity of knowing their political sentiments, and am fully of the opinion 
that they may have their liberty; and I make no doubt that if they have 
an opportunity, will be able to convince the publick they are not enemies 
to this State. And I flatter myself that Iam such a well-wisher to the 
United States of America, that I would not speak well of one who did not 

deserve it. From your very humble servant, 
JonatHan G. Tompkins. 


To the President of the Convention of the State of New-York. 


eC SS 


—_ 


" Die Mercurii, 9 ho. A. M., August 21, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President pro tem. 
New-Yorx.—Col. Broome, Mr. Dunscomb, Mr. Bancker, 
Major Van Zandt. 
Axpany.—Mr. Abm. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 
Surrotk.—Mr. W. Smith, Mr. Tredwell, Mr, Hobart. 
Wesrcnester.—Judge Graham, Mr. Morris, Gen. Morris, 
Mr. Haviland. 
Durcuess.—Mr. Sacket, Mr. Schenck. 
Uxsrer.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Contine. 
Orance.—Dr. Outwater, Mr. Jo. Smith. 
Queen’s.—Mr. James Townsend. 
CumpertAnp.—Colonel Marsh. 
Tryon.—Mr. Newkirk. Cuartorre.—Mr. Duer. 


Mr. Tredwell informed the Convention that Captain John 
Wisner, of Orange County, appointed to command a Com- 
pany of the Militia of that County, ordered into actual ser- 
vice, has been, and now is, attending for money to discharge 
the bounty of his men, in order to enable them to purchase 
arms. 

Ordered, That Peter V. B. Livingston, Esq., as Trea- 
surer, advance to Captain John Wisner £580, to enable him 
to pay one-half of the bounty to the Non-Commissioned 
Officers and Privates of his Company, as part of the Militia 
of Orange County, raised, or to be raised, agreeable to the 
Resolutions of this Convention of the day of July last. 
Captain Wisner to be accountable to this Convention or their 
order, and to the Colonel of the Regiment to which he 
belongs, for the disposition of that money. 

And whereas the Colonel of the Regiment to which 
Captain Wisner belongs is at present on duty in General 
Chinton’s Brigade: 

Ordered, That Colonel Allison and Colonel Hawthorne, 
or either of them, be, and are hereby, empowered, autho- 
rized, and requested, to muster the men of Captain Wisner’s 
Company previous to their receiving one-half of their bounty. 


The Credentials of the Member from King’s County were 
read and considered, and the question put, Whether the said 
Credentials are sufficient; which was decided unanimously 
in the negative. 

Thereupon, Resolved, Whereas it appears by the Cre- 
dentials produced from the Committee of King’s County to 
this Convention that the election for Representatives in 
Convention was not held at the time mentioned in the Reso- 
lution of the Jate Congress for holding such election, nor in 
conformity to the said Resolutions : 

Resolved, therefore, That the said election was unlawful, 
and all and singular the matters and things thereby tran- 
scribed, merely void. 

Whereas it is just and necessary that all the inhabitants 
of this State should be represented in this Convention at 
this very important crisis, when matters of the greatest mo- 
ment to the present generation and to all posterity are now 
immediately in agitation; and whereas by reason of the 
irregularity of holding the election in King’s County, and 
of sundry defects in the Credentials of the Representatives 
of the said County chosen, the said Representatives could 
not be received into this Convention : 

Resolved, therefore, That the Committee of the said 
County be required to hold an election according to the 
true intent and meaning of the Resolution of the 31st day 
of May last, on Saturday next, the 24th instant. 

Resolved, further, That the Committee of King’s County 
be informed that the Credentials, by them made and de- 
livered to this Convention, bearing date 19th instant, are 
materially defective, in that it does not appear from the said 
Credentials whether any or what powers are given to the 
Representatives therein named, when, in fact, the said Re- 
presentatives ought to be expressly authorized to assist in 
forming and establishing a new form of Government, and 
consequently of agreeing, on the part of their constituents, to 
the general independency of America. 

Ordered, 'That the foregoing Resolves be immediately 
transmitted to the Committee of King’s County. 


The Committee to whom was referred the papers pre- 
sented by John McDonald, on the subject of the Lead Mine 
in Dutchess County, reported; which being considered, was 
recommitted to the same Committee, with the addition of 


Mr. Landon. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


* 


The Committee to whom the Report on the papers of 
John McDonald was recommitted, reported the following 
Resolution, which was agreed to: 

Resolved and Ordered, That the Treasurer of this State 
do advance to John McDonald, Miner, the sum of £6, to 
enable him to advance to Donald Morrison 12s. a week, for 
the term of ten weeks, unless the said Donald Morrison 
shall sooner be able to labour; that the said Donald Mor- 
rison do repay the money so lent to him, either in money or 
labour, to the said McDonald, and the said John McDonald 
to be accountable to this Convention for the said sum of 
£6, provided the said Donald Morrison does not decease 
before he shall be able by his labour to earn or pay the whole 
or any part of that money; in which case, the said John 
McDonald shall be liable to refund so much only of the said 
money as the said Donald Morrison has or might have earned 
by his labour. * 

Mr. Duer moved a resolution as to the Prisoners in West- 
chester. After many debates, Mr. Jay moved for the pre- 
vious question, which was carried. 

Thereupon, Resolved, That Mr. Jay, Mr. Morris, and 
Mr. Duer, be a Committee to report upon the mode of con- 
fining, securing, or otherwise disposing of the Prisoners now 
taken up and confined in the Jail of Westchester by order of 
this Convention, 

On motion of Mr. Duer, 

Ordered, That Colonel Curtenius, as Commissary of this 
State, be ordered to pay to Colonel Wiliam Malcom, or bis 
order, the sum of £60 5s., being the purchase money of 
sixteen Muskets and five Bayonets, disbursed by Captain 
Jonathan Blake for the use of his Company in Colonel Mal- 
com’s Battalion; and the said Colonel Malcom do, on the 
receipt of this money, give a receipt to Colonel Curtenius 
for sixteen Muskets and five Bayonets, specifying their marks 
and quality, that the said Guns and Bayonets. may hereafter 
be paid for or returned to the publick store of this State by 
the said Colonel Malcom. 


Whereas it has been represented to this Convention that 
Colonel Josiah Smith’s Regiment, lately ordered to General 
Greene’s encampment on Nassau-Island, are destitute of 
camp equipage: 

Ordered, That Mr. Hubbard and Mr. James Townsend 
be a Committee to inform the Continental Quartermaster of 
the state of that Regiment, and to request of him, without 
delay, to furnish them with proper camp equipage; and in 
case the said Quartermaster should not be able or willing to 
afford them the said necessary supplies, that then the said 
Committee take the most speedy and effectual means for 
obtaining them, and this Convention will defray the expense 
thereof, and add it to their Account against the General 
Congress. 

Ordered, That the said Colonel Smith be, and he hereby 
is, authorized to appoint an Adjutant and Quartermaster to 
his Regiment, and that he recommend to this Convention a 
Surgeon for the same. 


A Letter, dated the 12th instant, from Abraham C. Cuy- 
ler, John Duncan, Stephen De Lancey, John Monier, and 
Benjamin Hilton,} prisoners sent and confined in Hartford 


*I have received of Mr. Bancker £54 6s., the amount expense of 
cleaning the pits or shafts, &c., of the mine in the Great Nine-Partners, 
Dutchess County, including this day, August 21, 1776. 

Joun McDonatp. 

To John McKesson, Esq., Secretary. 


{Harrtrorp, August 12, 1776. 

Genriemen: On our arrival here the 19th of June last, we requested 
our friend Colonel V. Cortlandt to lay our very disagreeable situation 
before you, and in consequence requesting relief; but learning from him 
that the proceedings of the Committee of Albany had not been transmit- 
ted to Congress, notwithstanding that Board had been wrote to for that 
purpose, an answer not being received, has caused this delay. We 
then furnished Mr. Cortlandt with a letter containing our accusation from 
that Board to his Honour Governour Trumbull, which we beg leave to 
observe is couched in general terms, without anything specific. Never- 
theless finding no relief, we, on the 29th ultimo, renewed our request to 
you by letter through Colonel Cortlandt, who informs us a further refer- 
ence to the Committee of Albany is yet thought needful, which causes a 
further delay to our relief. We could hope this reference might be 
dispensed with, as our respective cases must be well known, as some 
members of your House were 1n the Committee at the time we suffered 
transportation, unheard and unquestioned ; therefore earnestly request 
your giving us such relief as you judge our disagreeable situation re- 
quires. And are, gentlemen, your very humble servants, 
Aspro. C. Cuyter, Srerpuen De Lancey, 
Joun Duncan, Jno. Monier, 
Jno. Monier for Bensn. Hitron. 


To the Hon. John Woodhull, Esq., President of the Convention of the 
State of New-York, at Harlem. 


1527 


Jail, by order of the Committee of Albany, praying to be 
released from their disagreeable situation, was read. 

Also, a Letter from the said A. C. Cuyler,* of the same 
date, requesting permission to return home to visit his sick 
wife, whom he represents as unable to take care of bis chil- 
dren and large family, and in the mean time to settle some 
of his private affairs, was read. 


Also, a Letter from Henry Van Schaack, another prisoner, 
sent to and confined at Hartford, declaring his, innocence, 
and complaining of the injustice of his being transported 
thither under appearances of guilt, and praying to be suffered 
to appear before the Convention to be heard, and condemned 
or acquitted, was read.t 

A copy of a Letter from the said Henry Van Schaack, 
Andrew, and Munro, to the Committee of Albany, referred to 
in the preceding Letter, was read. 


*Hartrorp, -fugust 12, 1776. 
GentiemeEN: Should your House not think proper to grant us 1mme- 
diate relief on our application of this day, I beg leave further to trouble 
you with a request to return home for a few days, to visit a sick wife, 
who is at present unable to take care of my children and large family, 
and in the mean time to settle some of my private affairs, which, on my 
sudden removal, were left unsettled, where I also may have an opportu- 
nity of removing that jealousy which is now entertained against me. I 
flatter myself that when you consider the many inconveniences myself 
and friends suffer, and that only ona supposition of guilt, of which fam 
at any time ready to exculpate myself, you’ll at least grant this re- 
quest. 
I remain, gentlemen, your very humble servant, A.C. Cuvier. 


To the Hon. Members of the Convention of the State of New-York. 


{ Harrrorp, August 12, 1776. 

GentLemen: As you preside over the State of New-York at this 
critical and very alarming juncture, for the safety and welfare of its 
inhabitants, it gives me a right to inform you that I have been trans- 
ported hither unheard, unquestioned, and contrary to the principles of 
the Bill of Rights published by the honourable the Continental Congress 
in February, 1776, as well as subsequent resolves by that Board. As the 
post is at this moment going off, I have no time to state at large the griev- 
ances I Jabour under. I shall, therefore, be brief, and acquaint you that 
1 am conscious to myself that [ have neither said or acted in opposition 
to the measures pursued by the United Councils of the Continent, or 
those recommended by the Provincial Councils. It therefore appears 
hard that the most sacred rights I hold in society should be violated. I 
have been sent hither under every appearance of guilt, without being 
allowed an opportunity of knowing the crimes for which I have suffered 
transportation, That I may not be charged with neglecting to apply for 
a knowledge of my supposed crimes to that power which inflicted the 
punishment, I take the liberty of enclosing a copy of a letter wrote to 
the Albany Committee, signed by myself and others in the same situa- 
tion. 

As I have suffered a long confinement, torn from my family and 
friends, my affairs going to ruin, and obliged to maintain myself at a 
very great expense in this State, and now under order to go to New- 
London, what punishments will follow them Ged knows; but proceedings 
so vague and loose promise nothing but indefinite punishments. To you, 
genlemen, as the guardians of those rights which are held valuable in 
zociety, I now appeal for a stop to further punishment, by suffering me 
to appear before you, there to be condemned or acquitted. As Iam 
known among many of you, gentlemen, I hope this can be granted with- 
out any apprehensions of my deviating from my parole. Should there, 
however, be any doubts, I will readily be at the expense of a guard to 
conduct me to you. 

I remain, with great respect, gentlemen, in haste, your most obedient, 
humble servant, Henry Van ScHAAck. 


To the Honourable the Members of Convention for the State of New- 

York. 

{Avpany Tory Jam, August 1, 1776. 

GentLemen: We have just now received your letter of this date, by 
which we find that, contrary to the most reasonable expectations, we are 
forced to go off to-morrow morning. The reasons for our expectations 
are so forcibly pointed out in our former letters, that we shall forbear to 
recapitulate them now; and only observe, that although we are forced to 
leave this in the morning, the same severities are still exercised respect- 
ing admittance of those who have business with us, so that at this hour 
we are in no situation to do anything. As this probably will be the last 
time you will be troubled with letters from us, we hope you’ll excuse 
us for requesting to know whether we are to go with or without a guard 
from here to Colonel Hoffman’s Landing, as we purpose to go by land 
from here, provided there is no objection. Should there be any, on 
account of sending a guard with us, and you are disposed to take suffi- 
cient security, (we conceive, as we are to maintain ourselves,) the Board 
will have no objections to our transporting ourselves in the cheapest 
manner, so that our persons are delivered according to the tenor of your 
orders. If this be refused, can we have a pass for a couple of men to 
take our horses down to Redhook ? 

As we have been confined for a long time, and, for some time past, 
treated like malefactors, Christian charity obliges us to believe that your 
Board have received information concerning us of a very criminal nature 
indeed; and as we are entirely to guess from whence such information 
proceeded, we now request our crimes may be stated, the accusers’ 
names mentioned, that we may have opportunity, as well in Connecticut 
as here, to clear our characters of any aspersions that may be before 
your Board. Should the crimes of which we are supposed to be guilty 
or stand accused of justify the unremitting severities with which we 
have been treated in our confinement, we dread the reception we are to 
meet with in acountry where we are strangers and friendless: we mean 
should we be transported unheard and unquestioned. 

Weare, &c., H. Van Scwaacg, 

JosepH ANDERSON, 
| Joun Munro. 
&e. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1528 


Ordered, That the three Letters last mentioned lie on the 
table for the perusal of the Members. 


‘By a Letter from the Committee of Newtown, in Queen’s 
County, it appears that Captain Richard Lawrence, Com- 
mander of the Troop of Horse in said Town, has, through 
infirmity, resigned. 

Thereupon, Ordered, That Commissions be immediately 
sent to Daniel Lawrence as Captain, Samuel Riker as First 
Lieutenant, Jonathan Lawrence Second Lieutenant, Thomas 
Betts Cornet, pursuant to the recommendation of said Com- 
mittee. 


Thursday Morning, August 22, 1776. 


The Convention met pursuant to adjournment, and at 


ring of bell. 


Present: Abm. Yates, Jun., Esq., President. 

New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Colonel Broome, Major Van 
Zandt, Colonel Brasher; Colonel Lott on service, Mr. 
Beekman on service. ~* 

Aupany.—Mr. A. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 

Surrotx.—Mr. Smith, Mr. Tredwell; Mr. Hobart on ser- 
vice. 

Uxusrer.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Contine. 

CumBerLAND.—Colonel Marsh. 

Dotcuess.—Mr. Landon, Mr. Sacket, Mr. Schenck. 

Westcnester.—Mr. Haviland, Judge Graham, General 
Morris. 

Orance.—Dr. Outwater, Mr. Joseph Smith. 

Tryron.—Mr. Newkirk. 

Cuarvorre.—Mr. Duer. 

Queen’s.—Mr. S. Townsend, Mr. Sands; Mr. Joseph 


Townsend on service. 


A Letter from Adjutant-General Reed, dated yesterday ,* 
enclosing, by direction of General Washington, for the peru- 
sal and advice of the Convention, a Letter from Governour 
Martin to the General, dated on board the Sovereign trans- 
yort, on the 16th instant, wherein he requests that his wife 
and children, and all or any of, his father-in-law’s family, 
with whom they reside at Rockaway, may be permitted to 
go on board the fleet, and with great confidence expects a 
favourable answer, with such passports as General Washing- 
ton shall judge expedient to enable him to open an immediate 
intercourse with his family, and to provide them the necessary 
facilities for going on board, were respectively read. 

Thereupon a draft of a Letter to Colonel Reed, in answer 
to his of yesterday, was read and approved, and is in the 
words following, viz: 

; ‘* August 22, 1776. 

“Sir: [have laid your letter of 21st instant, enclosing 
another from the late Governour Martin, before the Con- 
vention of this State. The Convention are of opinion that 
no great detriment can arise to the publick cause in suffering 
the late Governour Martin’s wife and children to go to Staten- 
Island, and therefore cheerfully concur with his Excellency’s 
inclination to grant this indulgence. With respect to his 
father-in-law and family, they do not conceive them entitled 
to the same favour, unless Lord Howe should be disposed 
to liberate Mr. Bancker, late a Member of this Convention, 
and at present a prisoner upon his parole at Staten-Island, 
together with his family and Dr. Martin, a brother-in-law to it, 
particularly, as the gentleman who has made the application 
is at present a prisoner of this State, upon his parole at Rocka- 
way. Iam, therefore, desired to entreat the favour of you 
to lay this matter before General Washington, and to entreat 
the favour of him to propose this exchange to Lord Howe. 
Should a refusal be given to this exchange, the Convention 
are of opinion that none of the family should be permitted 
to depart, as they may be exchanged hereafter for more 
valuable citizens, whom the fortune of war may deliver into 
the enemy’s power. 

“1 am, sir, your very obedient servant. 


“'T'o General Reed.” 


*Heap-Quarrers, New-York, August 21, 1776. 
GenTLEMEN: I am directed by his Excellency General Wushington 
to forward the enclosed letter for your perusal and advice. The General 
is inclined to grant the request it contains, if it shall not appear to you, 
who, from your situation, must be better able to judge what consequences 
will follow it, do not advise him against it. ‘The messenger will go on 
to King’s Bridge, and has orders to call on return, and wait for an answer. 
You will please to return the letter at the same time. 
I am, with great respect, gentlemen, your most obedient and very 
humble servant, Jos. Reep. 


Per order. 


= 


———— 


1529 
The Letter or Report of Abm. W. De Peyster, Esq., 


relative to the disposition of the Prisoners in Connecticut, 
was read, and is in the words following, to wit: 
“ Harlem, August 21, 1776. 

“GentLemen: In obedience to the orders received from 
the President of the honourable Convention, I waited upon 
Governour Trumbull, at Lebanon, to take his directions for 
the disposition of the thirteen prisoners left at Litchfield ; 
when his Honour was pleased to order that Gilbert Forbes 
and William Forbes should remain in Litchfield Jail, in the 
custody of Lynde Lord, Esq., the Sheriff of that County ; 
that D. Mathews, Esq., should be removed from thence to 
Hartford Jail, to the care of Wilhams, Esq., Sheriff 
of Hartford County; and that John L. C. Broome, Esq., 
Nathl. Gyre, Lazarus Gyre, Jonathan Baker, James Mason, 
Isaac Young, Israel Young, Thomas Coyne, John Clark, and 
Thomas Vernon, be committed to the County, (say custody 
of Prosper Whetmore, Esq., Sheriff of the County of New- 
London,) to be confined in the Jail in the town of Norwich, 
in the said County. ‘The Governour, at same time, wrote 
letters of instruction to the Sheriffs, respectively, advising 
them of the manner in which the prisoners were to be treated. 
The one to the Sheriff of Hartford County, respecting Mr. 
Mathews, the Governour informed me contained a permission 
to let Mr. Mathews walk about the town in the daytime, with 
some person as his guard, who he was to be at the expense 
of, and who was every evening to see him safely in his lodg- 
ings in Jail, where, I understand, he was to have his quarters. 

« Assoon as the Governour dismissed me, I set out for Litch- 
field. When J arrived there I found that the Committee of 
that town, in my absence, had permitted all the prisoners, 
who had been put in close confinement, (except Gilbert 
Forbes,) to go at large about the town, as the keeping them 
shut up in jail would have endangered their lives. ‘The 
Sheriff had taken. the two Youngs at his own house. Broome 
had his quarters in the Jailer’s apartments, adjoining the Jail. 
The others were at work in different places, some in harvest, 
and others at their respective trades, as journeymen. Mr. 
Mathews, during my absence, I understand, had, agreeable 
to his promise, strictly confined himself to Captain Seamour’s 
house, in which I had left him. This change in the prisoners’ 
situation from that in which they were when I left Litchfield, 
made the account I brought them of their removal very un- 
welcome; and they now, to a man, solicit as much to remain 
at Litchfield as they had before to be conveyed to some 
other place. The Mayor was very desirous indeed to remain 
at Litchfield, and urged as a reason, among many others, for 
his being left there, that he was not in very affluent circum- 
stances, and he was apprehensive that living at Hartford 
would be very expensive; that he boarded at Captain Sea- 
mour’s at a moderate rate; that the expense of travelling 
was very high; that he did not know how long he would 
remain a prisoner, and therefore he was desirous to live at as 
little expense a8 possible; and as the Convention had been 
pleased to order that he should maintain himself at his own 
expense, he thought it not unreasonable that he should have 
liberty to live where he would be at the least expense; that 
Captain Seamour would be his security, and undertake to 
keep him safe in his own house. Broome was equally anx- 
ious to remain at Litchfield, and offered the same reasons. 
At length, at the request of Captain Seamour, and by con- 
sent of the Committee of that place, | agreed to leave the 
above two gentlemen in the custody of Captain Seamour, 
who engaged to be security for their safe custody, and to see 
them safe, at their own expense, to the places respectively 
assigned them by the Governour, in case either the Gover- 
nour or the Convention, upon their being informed of what 
I had done, disapproved of their remaining at Litchfield ; 
for which purpose I left in Captain Seamour’s hands Mr. 
Mathews’s warrant of commitment, together with the above- 
mentioned letter to the Sheriff of Hartford, to be delivered 
by him to the said Sheriff, in case the Mayor should be 
ordered to Hartford. As the two Youngs were likewise to 
live at their own expense, the Sheriff of Litchfield, at whose 
house I found them, thought it not amiss that they be also 
left, especially as they would be immediately under his eye, 
and kept by him confined within the walls of his house, 
unless when he (the Sheriff) thought proper to Jet them take 
alittle air in the streets, when he would attend to them him- 
self. Upon this, and with approbation of the Committee, I 
agreed to leave the two Youngs also, upon the same con- 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1530 


dition as above-mentioned, that they repair to Norwich, under 
a guard, at their own expense, in case the Governour or 
Convention insisted on their removal; which the Sheriff 
promised me to see performed by them. I however directed 
Sheriff Lord to take bond for them in the penalty of £500, 
to be executed by them and their brother Joseph, who was 
expected at Litchfield the next day, with condition that 
they repair to Norwich, as aforesaid, as soon as advised 
thereof; that they, in the mean time, demean themselves as 
good subjects of the States; and, lastly, that they strictly 
conform themselves to the directions of the said Sheriff as 
to their behaviour; which bond I prepared before I left 
Litchfield. As a further security, I caused the Youngs to 
deposite into the hands of the Sheriff all the money they had 
with them, which, I was told by the Sheriff, amounted to 
about £200. 

“Soon after this I set out for Norwich, with Nathan Gyre, 
Lazarus Gyre, James Mason, Jonathan Baker, Thomas 
Coyne, John Clarke, and Thomas Vernon, under a guard of 
three men besides an officer; but we had not proceeded 
more than two miles from the town of Litchfield, before I 
was under a necessity to leave old Gyre upon the road, so 
very sick that had I conveyed hima mile farther the jolting 
of the wagon, over such'rough and stony roads as we had to 
travel, would inevitably have deprived him of what little life 
he had left. ‘The other six I conveyed safe to Norwich, 
and delivered into the custody of the Sheriff of the County 
of New-London. 

“In my way down to Norwich I again called on the 
Governour, and acquainted him with my leaving the Mayor, 
Broome, and the two Youngs, at Litchfield. He replied, 
it was very well; for his part, he had no objections, provided 
the Convention of this State approved of it. He added, 
that the Jails at Hartford and Norwich were small. Indeed, 
I found the Jail at Hartford pretty full of prisoners, and 
Norwich but barely large enough to contain the six I left 
there. 

‘Upon my return again through Lebanon, the Governour 
made out a new warrant for old Gyre to be kept in custody 
of the Sheriff of Litchfield, which was delivered to the said 
Sheriff on my arrival there, and he accordingly took charge 
of him; so very ill, however, that it is more than probable 
he is now dead. 

“ Before I left Litchfield the last time, I discharged the 
Sheriff’s demands against the Convention for the support of 
the prisoners up to August 6th, for which I took his Jailer’s 
receipt. I have only to add, that the Sheriff of New-London 
begged I would request the Convention of this State to send 
some money to Norwich for the support of the six prisoners 
I left with him, as soon as they conveniently could. 

“Tam, gentlemen, with the utmost respect, your most 
obedient and very humble servant, 

“A.W. De Peysrer. 
“To the Hon. the Convention of the State of New-York.” 


Ordered, That the said Report be referred to the same 
Committee to whom was referred the Letter of David Ma- 
thews to his wife, and the Letter of the Committee of Litch- 


field. 
A Letter from Andrew Bostwick,* dated at Goshen, the 


* Gosnen, August 15, 1776. 
Dear Sim: In consequence of my unfortunate situation, | have enclosed 
a petition to the President of the Convention, praying for that relief which 
the tumults and convulsions of the times have hitherto prevented me from 
getting. Suffer me, therefore, my friend, to request your influence with 
the members, that I may have redress. I request no more than that 
freedom which will enable me to be serviceable to my creditors, my family, 
and my country. I doubt not your willingness to assist me, in doing 
which you'll ever oblige, dear sir, your most unfortunate friend, 
Robt. Benson, Esquire, at Harlem. Anpw. Bostwick. 
To the Honowrable the Representatives of the State of New-York in Conven- 
tion assembled: The Petition of ANDREw Bostwick, an insolvent debtor, 
now confined in the Jail of the County of ORANGE, humbly showeth : 
That your petitioner, through sundry losses and disappointments in 
trade, is rendered incapable of making full payment to his creditors, by 
which means he hasbeen in actual confinement for near seventeen months; 
that your petitioner has no desire to be discharged from the payment of 
his just debts, without making all the satisfaction to his creditors that is 
in his power; and is apprehensive that a resolve of the honourable Con- 
vention, permitting the Sheriff to release him from confinement on such 
conditions as they shall deem meet and proper, cannot, in the least, injure 
the creditors, but, on tlie contrary, will better enable him to settle his 
affairs with them more to their mutual advantage than he could do while 
continued in confinement. Your petitioner, therefore, most humbly prays 
this honourable Convention that they would take his case into their con- 
sideration, and grant such speedy relief as the nature and necessity of 
the case requires. And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever 
pray, &c. Anpw. Bostwick. 


1531 


15th instant, enclosing a Petition to the Convention “ pray- 
ing for that relief which the tumults and convulsions of the 
times had hitherto prevented him from getting,” was receiv- 
ed, and the Petition read. 

Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee appointed 
for the relief of Prisoners imprisoned for Debt. 


The Petition of Abel Noble and Peter Townsend, pro- 
prietors of Sterling Iron Works, praying that one hundred 
and fifty workmen employed at their Works may be exempt 
from serving in the Militia, was read. 


Mr. Outwater, from the Committee appointed to confer 
with Captain Benson, reported, that Captain Benson says 
he has made a thorough search for the articles ordered by 
the Committee of Safety for fitting out the vessels preparing 
for Hudson’s River; that he requested to borrow the arti- 
cles directed to be bought out of the Continental store at 
Poughkeepsie ; that the sloops will be of no use but in the 
river, the beams of their decks not being substantial or strong 
enough to go to sea. : 

Ordered, That the consideration of said Report be de- 
ferred until Mr. John Jay is present. 


A draft of a Letter to his Excellency General Washing- 
ton, relative to a report that the City of New-York was to 
be burnt if the Troops left it, was read and approved, and 
is in the words following, that is to say: 


‘© Tn Convention of the Representatives of the State of 
New-York, Haerlem, August 22, 1776. 


“Sir: The Convention of this State have received infor- 
mation from one of the Deputies of the City and County 
of New-York of a report prevailing amongst the Army, 
‘that if the fortune of war should oblige our troops to aban- 
don that city, it should be immediately burnt by the retreating 
soldiery, and that any man is authorized to set it on fire.’ 

“The Convention will cheerfully submit to the fatal neces- 
sity of destroying that valuable city whenever your Ex- 
cellency shall deem it essential to the safety of this State or 
the general interest of America. Yet the duty which they 
owe to their constituents obliges them to take every possible 
precaution that twenty thousand inhabitants may not be re- 
duced to misery by the wanton act of an individual. They 
therefore entreat your Excellency to take such measures in 
preventing the evil tendency of such a report as you shall 
deem most expedient. 

“ [have the honour to be your Excellency’s most obedient 
and very humble servant. By order: 

“Apa. Yates, President. 
“ His Excellency General Washington.” 


Die Jovis, 8 ho. P. M., August 22, 1776. 

The Convention met on a summons of the Members and 

ring of the bell. Present: j 

New-Yorx.—Colonel Broome, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Jay; 
Colonel Lott, Captain Rutgers, Captain Denning, Mr. 
Roosevelt, on duty. 

Arpany.—Mr. Adgate. 

Surrotx.—Mr. W. Smith, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Hobart. 

Uuster.—Mr. Contine, Mr. De Witt. 

Dourcuess.—Mr. Sacket, Mr. Schenck. 

Quren’s.—Mr. Samuel Townsend, Mr. Jos. Townsend, 
Mr. Ben. Sands. 

Wesrcnester.—Mr. Zeb. Mills, General Morris, Mr. 
Gouv. Morris. 

Oraner.—Mr. Outwater, Mr. Jos. Smith. 

CuarLotre.—Mr. Duer. 


Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., being absent, and the Con- 
vention suddenly and unexpectedly convened, William 
Smith, Esq., was chosen President for the evening. 


Mr. James Townsend and Mr. Hobart delivered a copy 
of a Letter from Brigadier-General Livingston, of New-Jer- 
sey, to his Excellency General Washington, which was read, 
and is in the words following, to wit: 


“May ir PLEASE your Exceniency: In the utmost 
haste I must inform you that very providentially I sent a spy 
last night on Staten-Island, to obtain intelligence of the 
movements of the enemy, as many things, apparently new, 
were seen from our lines. He has this moment returned in 
safety. The substance of his information I must give you 
in short: He went on Staten-Island about midnight, and got, 
undiscovered, to the house of the person to whom he was 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1532 


sent, who informed him that the whole force of the enemy, 
of every kind, was thirty-five thousand men, fifteen thousand 
of whom were left on the Island, but all the rest embarked ; 
that they expected to attack every hour, he thinks this night 
at farthest ; it was to be on Long-Island and up the North- 
River; that the fifteen thousand men were to land and attack 
on Bergen-Point, Elizabethtown-Point, and at Amboy. He 
has heard the orders read, and heard the Generals talk of 
it. ‘The wagons are all Jaid out and ready ; that they appear 
very determined, and will put all to the sword. They are in 
great want of provisions; pork tolerably good, but flour ex- 
ceedingly bad. They have eat up all the cattle, and are 
now killing and barrelling up all the horses they meet with, 
All the field-pieces are taken on board except two. The 
information may be depended on. 'Ten pounds have been 
given for a cow, and ten dollars for a sheep. That the Tories 
on the Island are very ill-treated lately, so that the inhabi- 
tants, who at first were so pleased, would now be willing to 
poison them all. ‘They take from them everything they 
choose, and no one has anything they can call their own. 

“Tam, with great respect, &c., &c., 

« Wituiam Livineston. 
‘¢ Flizabethtown, August 21, 1776.” 

Mr. Hobart further informed the Convention that the 
enemy are landed on Nassau-Island; that the Rifle Regi- 
ment are retreated to the lines; that the enemy have landed 
a party of Light-Horse, and between thirty and forty pieces 
of Artillery. 

Ordered, That Mr. Hobart, Mr. Duer, Mr. Jay, Mr. 
Morris, General Morris, and Mr. Benjamin Sands, be a 
Committee to take the said Letter and intelligence into con- 
sideration, and report thereon to-morrow morning, and to 
write to General Washington to know whether he desires 
General Morris’s Brigade to be called out. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer remove the Treasury and 
Papers and Accounts near to the Church in Harlem to-mor- 
row morning. 

Ordered, That Mr. Gerard Bancker remove all the 
Books and Papers of the late General Assembly of this 
State to Harlem to-morrow morning. 

Die Veneris, 9 ho. A. M., August 23, 1776. 

The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Colonel Broome, Major Van 

Zandt, Mr. Dunscomb, Colonel Brasher. 
Axpany.—Mr. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 
Surroix.—Mr. Smith, Mr. Tredwell. 
Dourcuess.—Major Schenck, Mr. Sacket, Mr. Landon. 
CumperLanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stephens. 
QueeEn’s.—Mr. Samuel Townsend, Mr. James Townsend. . 
Uuster.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Contine. 
Wesrcnester.—Judge Graham, Mr. Haviland. 
Orance.—Mr. Outwater, Mr. Jos. Smith. 
Trron.—Mr. Newkirk. 

Die Veneris, 3 ho. P. M., August 23, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President. 
New-Yorx.—Colonel Broome, Mr. Dunscomb, Colonel 
Brasher, Mr. Bancker. 
Auspany.—Mr. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 
SurroLx.—Mr. William Smith, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Hobart. 
Dutrcuess.—Mr. Schenck, Mr. Sacket, Mr. Landon. 
Quren’s.—Mr. Samuel Townsend, Mr. James Townsend, 
Mr. Benjamin Sands, Major Lawrence. 
Westcuester.—Mr. Haviland, Judge Graham, 
Uustrer.=Mr. Contine, Colonel De Witt. 
Orance.—Mr. Outwater, Mr. Jos. Smith. 
CumpBerLanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stephens. 
Cuar.otre.—Mr. Duer. 


Mr. Duer, from the Committee appointed to consider of 
and report on the Letter from Brigadier-General Livingston 
to his Excellency General Washington, brought in the Report 
of the said Committee, which was read. 

' The same being read a second time, and some time spent 
therein, 

Mr. William Smith moved, and was seconded by Mr. 
James Townsend, that the said Report of the Committee on 
the said Letter be postponed for further consideration. 


_—. 


1533 


Debates arose thereon, and the question being put, it was 
carried in the negative, in manner following, to wit: 


For the Affirmative. 


For the Negative. 
4 Queen’s. 


6 Albany. 

2 Cumberland. 
8 New-York. 
3 Orange. 

2 Charlotte. 

5 Dutchess. 

4 Ulster. 

4 Suffolk. 


34 votes. 

Therefore the said motion was rejected. 

After much time spent on said Report, 

On motion of Mr. William Smith, 

Ordered, That the said Report be committed to the 
Deputies from Suffolk and Queen’s, and that they report 
to-morrow morning. 

Mr. Duer, for Charlotte County, dissented. 

Ordered, That Mr. Dunscomb and Mr. Robert Harper 
be added to the Committee for removing the women, chil- 
dren, and infirm persons, out of the City of New-York. 


Die Sabbati, 9 ho. A. M., August 24, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. R. Harper, Mr. Bancker, Col. Broome ; 
Mr. Roosevelt, Mr. Dunscomb, Colonel Lott, Captain 
Rutgers, Captain Denning, on duty. 
Apany.—Mr. A. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 
Surrotx.—Mr. Hobart, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. W. Smith. 
Uxster.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Contine. 
Tryon.—Mr. Newkirk, Mr. Harper. 
Wesrcuester.—Mr. Gouverneur Morris, Mr. Haviland, 
Judge Graham. 
Orance.—Mr. Outwater, Mr. Wisner. 
Durcuess.—Major Schenck, Mr. Sacket, Mr. Landon. 
Cuartorre.—Mr. Duer. 
Cumpertanp.—Mr. Stephens, Colonel Marsh. 
Quren’s.—Mr. S. Townsend, Mr. James Townsend, Mr. 
Benjamin Sands. 


On motion of Mr. Hobart, 

Resolved and Ordered, That the Members of Suffolk and 
Quceen’s Counties now present join the other Members from 
those two Counties, now sitting as a Committee to reconsi- 
der the Report of the Committee on the Letter of Brigadier- 
General Livingston to his Excellency General Washington ; 
and the President and other Members proceed as a Com- 
mittee of Safety on all business relating to this State, or on 
which this Convention might proceed, until Members suffi- 
cient to form a Convention come in. ; 

The Committee consisting of the Members of Queen’s 
and Suffolk, came into the Convention without delay, and 
reported, in substance, the following Resolutions; which 
being read, and unanimously agreed to, are in the words 
following : 

Resolved and Ordered, 'That Brigadier-General Woodhull, 
or, in his absence, Lieutenant-Colonel Potter, march without 
delay one-half of the western Regiment of Militia of Suffolk 
County, with five days’ provisions, into the western part of 
Queen’s County, and that the officers of the Militia in 
Queen’s County immediately order out the whole Militia of 
that County, together with. their Troop of Horse, and that 
the said officers of Militia and Troop of Horse use all pos- 
sible diligence to prevent the stock and other provisions in 
Queen’s County from falling into the hands of the enemy, 
either by removing them out of their way, or if that cannot 
be effected, by destroying them, until they shall receive more 
particular directions from this Convention. 

And Ordered, further, That the Captain of the Troop 
of Horse in King’s County, with his Troop, join the said 
Militia, and that the inhabitants of Queen’s County, not of 
the Militia, do assist in executing the above orders whenever 
they shall have notice from the commanding officer of the 
Militia that their assistance is necessary. 

Ordered, 'That the Secretaries prepare several copies of 
these Resolutions, and send them to Brigade-Major Law- 
rence, in Queen’s County, and to Lieutenant-Colonel Potter 
and General Woodhull, in Suffolk County, by Samuel Dyck- 
man, the Messenger. 

The Members of Westchester and Charlotte Counties 


© 
NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1534 


having come into the Convention while the last resolutions 
were considering, there were Members sufficient to form a 
Convention, which prevented the necessity of proceeding as 
a Committee of Safety, and abrogated their power. 


The President informed the Convention that Dr. Treat * 
has sent a quantity of Medicines and Hospital Stores belong- 
ing to the publick to his (the President’s) chamber in Har- 
lem. 

Thereupon, one of the Members informed the Conven- 
tion, that four of the Members had directed them to be sent 
to the President at Harlem, as Dr. Treat thought they were 
not safe in the City, and a justification of their conduct in 
this matter. ‘The Convention approves and justifies their 
conduct in this matter. 


A Letter from the Committee at Monmouth County, in 
the State of New-Jersey, in answer to one addressed to 
them by this Convention, was received and read, and is in 
the words following, to wit: 


‘In Committee, Monmouth County, Freehold, August 17, 1776. 

“Sr: We have received yours of the 26th ultimo, en- 
closing the examination of Balthazar De Hart, and have 
much reason to expect and believe the contents truly stated. 
It has been, and still continues our misfortune, that many 
parts of this County are exceedingly infested with Tories of 
the most inveterate disposition, owing, we suspect, in a great 
measure, to the malign influence of our late Attorney-Gene- 
ral and his execrable junto. 

“The township of Shrewsbury, from the bad disposition of 
a great proportion of its inhabitants, from its vicinity to the 
shore, and consequent aptitude for dealing and correspond- 
ing with the enemy, and all this under the patronage of such 
a Committee as you may justly suppose a disaffected major- 
ity would naturally constitute, must as naturally offer itself 
as an asylum to refugee Tories from any other quarter, and 
hence you will easily account for so many disaffected per- 
sons from your city having seated themselves there, who by 
means of a kind of stage or post established between that 
town and New- York, have, we fear, given the enemy intel- 
ligence of all your measures, and may, perhaps, continue to 
do so, if passes from that Committee are admitted at or near 
your city. 

“We have the pleasure to inform you that, having had 
a notification of almost every article contained in Mr. De 
Hart’s examination, we had, previous to the receipt of your 


- letter, entered fully into the affair, and taken such steps as 


we hope will cut off the communication with the enemy, 
bring some offenders to justice, and perhaps return you some 
of your late inhabitants. Particularly a guard had been 
already posted, by order of General Mercer, upon the whole 
Shrewsbury and Middletown shores, who have orders to 
seize and detain all craft belonging to said shores, and to 
apprehend every suspicious person who may be found within 
their respective districts. ‘There had been also apprehended 
a number of the inhabitants of Shrewsbury, against whom 
proofs of disaffection were proffered, some of whom we have 
bound in heavy bonds, and another, a person of first property 
in the town, is now under confinement, and we expect will 
take his trial upon the Treason Act, as soon as our new 
Legislature shall be established. 

“Persons, by order of your Convention, and under ap- 
pointment of this Committee, have inventoried and appraised 
a number of estates in that and our other townships, which 
lately belonged to a set of refugees who, finding the country 
too hot for them, have fled and joined the Ministerial Army, 
which wicked and traitorous step, some scores of our inbabit- 
ants have taken, though they were chiefly persons of the. 
most abandoned characters and desperate fortunes. 

“We have cited the three persons mentioned in your 
letter to have been at General Howe’s camp, and although 
they went by Colonel Taylor’s permission, who granted 
them a flag, yet, as they had not been qualified, we have 
put them under oath, but have not been able to make any 
very important discoveries. Not choosing to trust the busi- 
ness to the Town Committee, for reasons betore hinted, we 

* New-York, August 19, 1776. 
Sir: By order from Messrs. William Denning, Charles De Witt, James 
Beekman, and John Sloss Hobart, | send to your care all the medicines, 
sheets, lint, &c., now in my possession belonging to the Congress of the 


State of New-York, which you will receive by one Demerer, a carman. 
I am, sir, your very humble servant, Maracuy Treat. 


To the Hon. Abraham Yates, Jr., Esq. 


o 
NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776.. 


1535 


had also, before the receipt of your favour, constituted a 
Sub-Committee from our own body, who were authorized 
to cite every inhabitant of New-York then within the town- 
ship of Shrewsbury, to appear before them, and show cause 
why they should not be immediately removed whence they 
came, agreeable to a late requisition from your State, and an 
express ordinance of our own, respecting persons deserting 
the place of their abode, when in danger of being attacked ; 
who have cited them accordingly, and give them till the 
24th instant to procure, if practicable, from New- York, such 
certificates as may satisfy the friends of freedom here. 

«A number of armed vessels have frequently been, for 
days together, at anchor and hovering near the coast, and 
we doubt not have had frequent intercourse with, and re- 
ceived some supplies from, the disaffected in this County. 
But they have not as yet been able to effect anything to 
purpose; and as our guards are now on the spot, and we 
have given peremptory orders that all the stock be imme- 
diately driven from all the beaches and adjacent meadows, 
we flatter ourselves that the enemy will be disappointed in 
any future attempt they may make to procure provisions. 

“Our maritime situation, at the same time that it has been 
favourable to the pernicious designs of our inveterate ene- 
mies, has subjected the Committee of this County to almost 
innumerable difficulties from the beginning of these troubles, 
and we believe we may justly say we have spent more time 
and undergone more vexation and fatigue than any other 
Committee in this State, as on every extraordinary occasion 
our members were to be convened from an extent of seventy 
or eighty miles. However, blessed be God, we hope we 
have almost completed a victory over them, and we humbly 
confide on his Almighty aid for a universal conquest over 
every other enemy to American freedom. 

“We heartily thank you for your friendly communica- 
tions, and shall, with the utmost cheerfulness, concur with 
you in every measure for the publick safety. 

‘And now, that the same all-wise Director and powerful 
supporter of true civil and religious liberty may bless the 
Convention of the State of New- York with unanimity, wis- 
dom, and fortitude, in the arduous task assigned them, and 
that they may speedily obtain the desirable end of all their 
patriotick exertions, is in sincerity and truth the most ardent 
wish of their friends, brethren, and humble servants, the 
Committee of Monmouth County. 

«Signed by order: Joun Hotmes, Chairman. 


“'T’o the President of the Convention of the State of Nevw- 
York.” 


Ordered, 'That it be referred to a Committee to consist 
of Colonel Broome and Colonel De Witt. 


A Letter from the Committee of the County of Cumber- 
land was received and read, and is in the words following, 
that is to say: 


Province of New-York, 
Cumberland County,§ °° 


To the Honourable Gentlemen of the 
Provincial Congress of this Province: 


“Upon the handbills from you sent to us, purporting 
the expediency of instituting civil government according to 
the exigencies of the County, the major part of whom have 
agreed thereto and elected their Delegates, and empowered 
them with their authority to agree with you in forming a 
mode of government independent of the Crown, in the most 
mild, just, and equitable manner possible, for the regulating 
their internal police, and the preservation of the rights, liber- 
ties and property of the people; all which subjected, never- 
theless, to those regulations, conditions, and restraints, here- 
with transmitted you by the hands of the Delegates of this 
County; to all which they are, by their constituents in the 
premises, limited and restrained in such manner, that if they 
break over end violate those sacred instructions herewith 
sent you, in behalf of us and our constituents, in matters of 
such infinite importance and delicacy, the County Commit- 
tee declare, in behalf of the few patriotick people thereof, 
that they mean to, and hereby resolve to reserve to them- 
selves the full liberty of an absolute disavowance thereof, 
and of every clause, article, and paragraph, of such an insti- 
tution. 

“ Also, it is hereby acceded to, and fully meant and in- 
tended by the good people of this County, that they, not- 
withstanding this compliance with the requisition of the said 


1536 


handbills above-mentioned, so directed to us for the pur- 
poses aforesaid, have fully and absolutely reserved to them- 
selves and their heirs, &c., the full liberty of pursuing their 
former petition in behalf of the people included and specified 
therein some years ago, and referred to the Great and Ge- 
neral Assembly of the ancient, ever-respectable, and most 
patriotick Government of the Massachusetts-Bay Province, 
that the whole district described in said petition may be 
hereafter remitted to that Province, and reserving to them- 
selves also the right of offering their pleas, arguments and 
proofs in full, to induce a reunion thereof to that ancient 
jurisdiction, for those important reasons to be adduced, when, 
where, and before whom the parties concerned shall be 
admitted to offer the same. As in duty bound shall ever 

ray. 
“The whole whereof, so as offered to your ever-respect- 
able gentlemen, submitted with due congratulation of all the 
good people of said County. 

“ By order of the County Committee : 
“ James Cuay, Chairman of said Committee. 


“Copy compared with the original, and extracted there- 
from. 
“< Attest: Exx. Day, Clerk of said Committee. 


“Protests instantly entered. 
“ ELKaNnaH Day, 

“ Joun Bripenor, Esq., 

“« Joun Norron. 

‘¢ Westminster, June 21, A. D. 1776.” 


Ordered, 'That the said Letter be referred to a Commit- 


tee, to consist of Mr. Morris, Mr. Duer, Mr. Hobart, and 
Mr. Schenck. 


Test: Exx. Day, Clerk to 


said Committee. 


Die Sabbati, 4 ho. P. M., August 24, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Adm. Yates, Jun., Esq., President. 

New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Mr. R. Harper. 
bers absent on business. 

Avsany.—Mr. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 

Surrotx.—Mr. Tredwell, Mr. W. Smith, Mr. Hobart. 

Dutcness.—Mr. Sacket, Mr. Schenck, Mr. R. R. Living- 
ston. 

Cuarvorre.—Mr. Duer. 

Westcuester.—Gouverneur Morris, Mr. Haviland, Gene- 
ral Morris. 

Quren’s.—Mr. S. Townsend, Mr. J. Townsend, Mr. Ben. 
Sands. 

Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Newkirk. 

Orance.—Mr. Outwater, Mr. Wisner. 

Cumpertanp.—Mr. Stephens, Colonel Marsh. 


Hugh Doyle, \ate a soldier in Captain Palmer’s Compa- 
ny, in one of the Regiments of this Colony, attending, was 
admitted. He informed the Convention that he had lately 
been taken by the enemy on Staten-Island, and detained a 
prisoner in irons twenty-five days; that by inlisting in the 
enemy’s regiment of volunteers, he had a dangerous oppor- 
tunity, and made his escape on Wednesday last. He gave 
such information as he had to communicate. 

Ordered, That Peter V. B. Livingston, Esq., as Trea- 
surer of this Convention, advance to Hugh Doyle eight 
Dollars, to support him in his return to his family at Nevw- 
Haven. ; 

Resolved, and Ordered, That Peter Van B. Livingston, 
Esq., as ‘Treasurer of this Convention, advance to Colonel 
Isaac Nicoll £72, to enable him to pay the one moiety of 
the bounty due to eighteen Privates of his Regiment, and 
muster the said men; Colonel Nicoll to be accountable to 
this Convention for the disposition of that money.* 

And Resolved, That Brigadier-General Clinton be, and 
is hereby, requested to give out in orders, that the Colonels 


Five mem- 


*GenTLEMEN: There is great complaints among the troops concern- 
ing their bounty, many of them having no money to purchase necessa- 
ries, having left at home what little they had for the use of their families, 
expecting to have received the remainder of their bounty agreeable to 
your first resolution. I can but think the good of the service and honour 
of the Convention is concerned. Hope you will take it into considera- 
tion, and afford speedy relief ‘in the premises. Am, gentlemen, your 
very humble servant, Zepua. PLatr. 


To the Convention of the State of New-York. 
[An order was made immediately (in pursuance of this letter) that the 


Colonels return their Muster-Rolls; but no notice is taken of this letter in 
the Minutes. ] 


1537 


of the respective Regiments in his Brigade, who have not 
returned the Muster-Rolls of their Regiments to this Con- 
vention, do return the same immediately, in order that they 
may be mustered by a Continental Mustermaster, and receive 
the other moiety of their bounty money. 


Captain Benson having attempted, by order of the Com- 
mittee for the obstructing the navigation of Hudson’s River, 
to purchase Sails and Rigging for two armed Sloops, which 
cannot be purchased, 

Resolved, That the Committee for stopping the channel 
in the East River be requested to furnish Captain Henry 
Benson, on account of this State, with such Rigging and other 
articles as he may want, and which are now in their posses- 
sion, taken from the Vessels by them employed in stopping 
the channel aforesaid. 


A Request of Major Hendrick Van De Linde Verbryck * 
to Brigadier-General Clinton, requesting a dismission from 
the present service, on account of his ill state of health, was 
read and filed. 

General Clinton’s Letter to Major Van Bryck, + submitting 
his application to this Convention, was also read and filed. 

Resolved, That this Convention consent to the dismission 
of Major Van Bryck from the present service, on account of 
his ill state of health, agreeable to his request. 


Barrent Miller, Esq., came into the Convention and took 


his seat, as a Deputy for Suffolk County. 


The Committee, consisting of the Deputies from Suffolk 
and Queen’s Counties, appointed yesterday evening, to re- 
consider the Report of the former Committee on the Letter 
of General Livingston to his Excellency General Washing- 
ton, brought in their Report. Eight paragraphs thereof, with 
the recital, being read, amended, and agreed to, paragraph 
by paragraph, is in the words following, that is to say: 

Whereas the enemy’s troops have landed on the west- 
ern shore of Nassau-Island and penetrated into the heart of 
King’s County, and this Convention have received intelli- 
gence that they. are in extreme want of provisions and re- 
freshments; and whereas it will be extremely difficult, if not 
impracticable, to prevent them from ravaging and plunder- 
ing the southern part of the said Island, whereby their pre- 
sent necessities may be greatly relieved: Inasmuch, therefore, 
as it is the duty of this Convention to prefer the general cause 
of America to the interest and conveniente of individuals: 

Ist. Resolved, That all the Horses, Horned Cattle, and 
Sheep, belonging to the south side of the ridge of hills in 
Queen's County, be forthwith removed, and put into the 
fields at the east end of Hempstead Plains, there to be and 
remain, under a sufficient number of keepers, at the discre- 
tion of Brigadier-General Woodhull, until he shall judge it 
necessary to remove them farther eastward; and when he 
shall think the same necessary, that he do direct them to be 
_ drove into such part of Suffolk County as he shall think 
proper: Provided, notwithstanding, That nothing in this 
resolve shall extend to prevent each large family from 
retaining four milch Cows, each middling family three, and 
each small family two; nor each farmer from retaining one 
pair of Horses. 

2d. Resolved, That it be recommended to the inhabitants 
of Queen’s County, residing to the south of the ridge of 
hills, immediately to remove all their Grain now in the 
barns and barracks, to some convenient place, at a distance 

* Kine’s Brings, August 23, 1776. 
To Grorce Ciinton, Esq., showeth: 

That whereas I was appointed by the State of New-York a Major in 
Colonel Isaac Niicoll’s Regiment, at which time I was not well, and 
should have declined accepting had I not been persnaded to it. And as I 
still continue unwell, and think myself not able for the service, hope 
your Honour will be so good as to get me a dismission; and by so doing 


you will greatly oblige your petitioner. 
H. V. D. L. Versrycx, Major. 


_ 


} Kina’s Briver, Jugust 24, 1776. 

Sir: It would be a high piece of presumption in me to dismiss any 
gentleman from the service of the State who is intrusted with an office 
in my Brigade by the Convention, especially one of such importance as 
that of a Major ofa regiment. Your application, therefore, ought to be 
to that body who gave you your appointment. And I doubt not, upon 
a representation of the state of your health, which I am convinced is 
really such as to render you unfit for service, they will readily grant you 
a dismission fromthe same. I could wish it suited you to continue with 
us, in which case I would endeavour to make your duty as easy as the 
nature of your office and the times would admit of. Atthe same time I 
cannot advise you in a matter of so delicate nature. 

Iam your most obedient servant, 


To Major Verbryck. 
Firtu Series.—Vot. I. 


Geo. Ciinron. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1538 


from the buildings, that the same, without endangering the 
buildings, may be burnt, whenever it shall be impracticable 
to prevent the enemy from getting possession of it. 

3d. Resolved, unanimously, That whenever Brigadier- 
General Woodhull, or the commanding officer for the time 
being, shall judge that it is the design of the enemy to 
possess themselves of such Grain, he do send a sufficient 
number of men to burn and destroy the same; and that the 
said General or commanding officer at the same time cause 
all the Horses and Cows which were left with the different 
families to be driven away or killed; and that all the Mills 
at the same time be dismantled by taking and carrying away 
the upper stone. 

4th. Resolved, unanimously, That Briyadier-General 
Woodhull, with the ‘Troops under his command, take post 
on the high ground running through Nassau-Island, as near 
the enemy as he may think expedient, for the purpose of 
opposing their incursions; and that whenever it shall appear 
probable to him that the enemy will gain possession of those 
heights, and of the country to the northward and eastward of 
the same, he retreat, removing or destroying the stock and the 
grain, and dismantling the Mills, in manner above directed. 

5th. Resolved, unanimously, That such of the Militia of 
General Woodhull’s Brigade as are, or shall be, in actual ser- 
vice, shall be entitled to Continental pay and rations agreeable 
to their respective ranks. 

6th. Resolved, unanimously, That Robert Townsend be 
a Commissary to supply the Brigade with Provisions, till 
such time as General Washington shall give further orders 
for that purpose; and that Mr. William Smith and Mr. 
Samuel Townsend be a Committee to wait on General 
Washington with a copy of these Resolutions, and submit 
the expediency and necessity of the same to his considera- 
tion and advice. 

And whereas it will be extremely difficult, if not im- 
practicable to effect the good purposes of these Resolutions 
without an additional force to the Militia, ordered out by a 
Resolve of this morning for calling out a part of General 
Woodhull’s Brigade : 

Ordered, 'That said Committee submit to his Excellency’s 
consideration the propriety of ordering Col. Smith’s and Col. 
Remsen’s Regiments of Militia to join the said Brigade. 

Ordered, That the said Committee do request General 
Washington's opinion relative to the propriety of calling 
forth further detachments of the Militia of this State into 
action; and if called out, to what place. 

Ordered, That a copy of the aforegoing Resolutions be 
immediately transmitted to the Delegates of this State in the 
General Congress. 

A Letter from his Excellency General Washington, con- 
tradicting the report that New-York was to be abandoned 
and burnt, was received and read, and is in the words fol- 


lowing, to wit: 
‘* New-York, August 23, 1776. 


“ GenTLEMEN: I am favoured with yours of the 22d, 
acquainting me with a report now circulating ‘that if the 
American Army should be obliged to retreat from this city, 
any individual may set it on fire.’ I can assure’ you, gen- 
tlemen, this report is not founded upon the least authority 
from me; on the other hand, I am so sensible of the value of 
such a city, and the consequences of its destruction to many 
worthy citizens and their families, that nothing but the last 
necessity, and that such as should justify me to the whole 
world, would induce me to give orders for that purpose. 

“The unwillingness shown by many families to remove, 
notwithstanding your and my recommendation, may, perhaps, 
have led some persons to propagate the report with honest 
and innocent intentions; but as your letter first informed me 
of it, [ cannot pretend to say by whom or for what purpose 
it has been done. As my views with regard to the removal 
of the women and children have happily coincided with your 
sentiments, and a Committee appointed to carry them into 
execution, I submit it to your judgment whether it would 
not be proper for the Committee to meet immediately in this 
city, and give notice of their attendance on this business. 
There are many who anxiously wish to remove, but have 
not the means. 

«T am, with much respect and regard, gentlemen, your 
most obedient and very humble servant, 

“Go. WasHIneTon, 


“To the ‘Hou. Convention of the State of New-York.” 


97 


1539 


Die Solis, 8 ho. A. M., August 25, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Abm. Yates, Jun., Esq., President, pro tem. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Mr. Rt. Harper; Mr. Roosevelt, 
Mr. Dunscomb, Colonel Lott, Captain Denning, Captain 
Rutgers, on duty. 
Ausany.—Mr. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker. 
SurroLtk.—Mr. Miller, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Hobart. 
Westcnester.—G. Morris, Mr. Haviland,Gen. Morris. 
Tryon.—Mr. Newkirk, Mr. Harper. 
Orance.—Mr. Outwater, Mr. Wisner. 
Ucsrer.—Mr. Contine. 
Dorcuess.—Mr. Schenck, Mr. R. R. Livingston. 
Cuarvotre.—Mr. Duer. 
Queen’s.—Mr. J. Townsend, Mr. Benjamin Sands. 


CumsBertanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stevens. 


The Committee, consisting of the Members of Queen’s 
and Suffolk Counties, brought in the residue of the Report 
of the Committee on the Letter of Brigadier-General Living- 
ston, of the 2Ist instant, to General Washington, which was 
adjourned over last evening for want of time. ‘The Con- 
vention took the same into consideration, and the following 
paragraphs thereof being read, amended, agreed to, and 
resolved on, are as follows, to wit: 

Whereas by reason of the cruel and unnatural invasion 
now made upon this State, many of the inhabitants thereof 
may be compelled to abandon their peaceful habitations, and 
be exposed to all the miseries of want and the horrors of 
war; and whereas the same regard to the rights of human 
nature which leads mankind to brave every danger an! 
endure every distress in the great cause of freedom, teaches 
them to behold with pity, and with generosity to relieve the 
distresses of their fellow-creatures; and since it is most (say 
more) especially the duty of those who are called on to 
superintend the general welfare of the State, to lighten as 
far as possible the burden of calamity which oppresses their 
constituents: 

Therefore, Resolved, That the several Committees through- 
out this State be, and they hereby are, authorized and 
required to quarter upon the inhabitants of their respective 
Counties and Districts all such unfortunate persons as may, 
in consequence of the aforesaid invasion, be driven away 
from their places of abode, paying all possible regard to the 
conveniences of such inhabitants, and that they do assess 
moderate prices to be paid to such inhabitants, for the per- 
sons so quartered on them. 

Resolved, also, That such persons whom circumstances 
wil) admit, do maintain themselves and their families; and 
. that this Convention will provide ways and means to defray 
the expenses of maintaining the indigent: Provided always, 
That no person shall be deemed entitled to’ the publick 
benevolence for more than ten days, unless he or she shall 
within that time produce a certificate of indigence from the 
Chairman of the Committee of the County or District where 
he or she formerly resided. And also, that no person, by 
virtue of their removal as aforesaid, shall be construed to 
gain a residence in the place to which they shall remove. 

Resolved, That the several Committees above mentioned 
do return monthly to this Convention an exact account of 
such indigent persons as shall appear to be entitled to the 
publick benevolence, together with the names of the per- 
sons on whom they are quartered, and the contracts made for 
their maintenance, in order that this Convention, or a future 
Legislature, may make immediate provision for fulfilling such 
agreements, 

Ordered, That the Secretaries prepare a copy of these 
Resolutions, to be immediately despatched to the Chairman 
of the Committee of Flushing. 

Monday Morning, August 26, 1776 

The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Abm. Yates, Jun., Esq., President pro tem. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Mr. Harper, General Scott, 
Colonel Remsen, Mr. Beekman. 
Atpany.—Mr. Yates, Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Adgate. 
Surrotx.—Mr. Smith, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Gelston, Mr. 
Dearing, Mr. Miller, Mr. L’ Hommedieu. 
Wesrcuester.—Mr. Morris, Judge Graham, Mr. Havi- 
land, General Morris. 
Uusrer.—Mr. Contine, Colonel Paulding. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1540 


Dourcness.—Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr. Landon, Major 
Schenck. 
Tryon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Veder, Mr. Newkirk. 
Oranee.—Dr. Outwater, Mr. Wisner. 
Cuarvotrre.—Mr. Duer. 
UMBERLAND.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stephens. 
Queen’s.—Mr. Samuel Townsend, Mr. James Townsend, 


Colonel Blackwell. 
Ordered, That Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Wilham Smith, and 


Mr. James Townsend, be a Committee to draw up and report 
Instructions for Brigadier-General Woodhull, and that they 
report with all convenient speed. 


Mr. Gouverneur Morris, from the Committee appointed 
on the , brought in their Report, which, being read 
and amended, and unanimously agreed to, is in the words 
following, that is to say: 

Whereas divers persons who had been represented to this 
Convention as notoriously disaffected to the American cause, 
and whose going at large ought to be restrained, have, by order 
of this Convention, been arrested, and now remain confined 
in the Jails of some of the Counties of this State: 

And whereas justice and the publick safety demand that 
the degrees of restraint should be proportionate to the dan- 
ger arising from the disaffection, evil disposition, and influence 
of the said Prisoners : 

Resolved, unanimously, That the General Committees of 
the Counties in which they are so confined, being possessed 
of more knowledge of the characters and principles of each 
of the said Prisoners than this Convention can readily ac- 
quire, be, and they hereby are, authorized and directed so 
to dispose of the said Prisoners as that no undue and unne- 
cessary severity be shown them on the one hand, and the 
safety of the publick against their machinations provided for 
on the other: Provided, always, That the said Committees 
shall not have power to tolerate any person or persons who 
already have been, or may hereafter be, confined in Jail for 
treasonable practices avainst the State. 

Ordered, ‘That copies thereof be sent to the County Com- 
mittees, and published in all the newspapers. 


On the application of Samuel Mabbit, of Dutchess Coun- 
ty, who assures that he is about to erect a Flaxseed Mill in 
that County: 

Resolved, 'That,an exemption from military duty be 
granted to six persons, who shall be employed in erecting a 
Flaxseed Mill and carrying on the business of said Mill when 
the same shall be erected: Provided, 'That the names of 
such persons be registered with the Brigadier-General of the 
County of Dutchess, and that he be furnished with a copy 
of this Resolution. 

On reading the Petition of Charles Shaw,* the Conyen- 
tion came to the following determination : 


*To the Honourable the gentlemen of the Convention of the State of Nuw- 
York, in Convention assembled: The Memorial of Cuar.es Suaw, hum- 
bly showeth : : 

That your memorialist has, in conjunction with his partner, an in- 
surance made in England to the amount of £2,100 sterling now depend- 
ing unrecovered, owing to the present unhappy disputes, as he is unable 
to transmit the necessary proofs; that he is also equally interested with 
his partner in bills of exchange to the amount of £1,100 sterling, now 
in litigation before the Court of Chancery in England; that he has also 
an inheritance in England to the value of £1,200 or upwards; that your 
memorialist is anative of Great Britain; that he left there numerous con- 
nexions; that he is married in this country, and has children, which he 
sincerely wishes, with their posterity, may remain freemen, and in order 
thereto, he has with cheerfulness contributed, and never, directly or indi- 
rectly, either by act or deed, given aid or comfort to the enemies of Ame- 
rica; that he acted as a committee-man for the City and County of New- 
York, in which capacity he flatters himself he gave satisfaction to his 
constituents—he is confident he acted honestly; that he loves this coun- 
try, and wishes to spend his days in it, and hopes to see his offspring 
happy in it; that he has stood clear even of the suspicion of being un- 
friendly to it in any instance whatsoever, and flatters himself the above 
reasons will justify him in the minds of the gentlemen of the Convention, 
when he prays they will exempt him from appearing with the sword 
drawn and in the field of action, and therefore begs the honourable gen- 
tlemen of the Convention will exempt him from the militia duty that 
may be exacted from him by the Captain of the district in which he now 
resides; that your memorialist has hired a small house and eight or ten 
acres of Jand in the borough-town of Westchester, where he has placed 
his family; that he should wish to remain there, but that nevertheless if 
his being an Englishman should create any fears of the members of the 
community in which he resides, (confident they have no other,) he is 
ready to go to such place as the gentlemen of the Convention shall direct, 
though should prefer Claverack, where his wife has some connexions ; 
and hereby solemnly declares to the gentlemen of the Convention that he 
loves this country and the freedom of its inhabitants; that he never has, 
directly or indirectly, by act or deed, taken any step to injure either, and 
never will, and is ready to ratify this declaration in whatever solemn 
manner the Convention shall think proper. Cuas, Suaw. 


Westcuester, August 22, 1776. 


1541 


Whereas Cherles Shaw hath, by his Memorial presented 
to this Convention, averring his attachment to the American 
cause, shown sufficient cause why he ought not be compel- 
led to actual service in the Militia: Upon consideration of the 
said Memorial : 

Resolved, That the said Charles Shaw be exempted from 
said service. 


General Morris suggested sundry reasons to the Conven- 
tion for his attendance at Philadelphia. 
Ordered, That General Morris attend at Congress at 


Philadelphia, and return with all possible despatch. 


The Convention were informed that the Committee, who 
were appointed for that purpose, cannot proceed in the re- 
moval of the Poor from the City of New-York without a 
supply of cash. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of this State advance to 
James Beekman, Esq., one of the members of the Commit- 
tee appointed to remove the indigent women and children 
and infirm persons out of the City of New-York, the sum of 
£1,000, to enable the said Committee to complete the 
business for which they were appointed. 


A Letter from General Woodhull, dated at Jamaica, 25th 
August, was read. 

Ordered, To be referred to the Committee for drawing 
Instructions for General Woodhull. 


The Committee appointed to wait on General Washing- 
ton with the Resolutions for calling out the western Suf- 
folk Regiment and Queen’s County Militia, to prevent the 
stock falling in the enemy’s hands, do report, that, accord- 
ing to order, they waited on his Excellency, and conferred 
with him on the subject above-mentioned, and that he seemed 
well pleased, but said he was afraid it was too late. Your 
Committee told him the Convention had sent an express to 
General Woodhull, on Saturday morning, to imbody the 
western Regiment of Suffolk, and all the remaining part of 
the Militia of Queen’s, and march to the high grounds on 
the western part of said Counties; but as the said Conven- 
tion was apprehensive that General Woodhull would not 
have a sufficient force to drive off the stock and repel the 
ravaging parties of the enemy, thought it most conducive to 
the publick welfare that the Regiments above-mentioned 
should be applied for, that he might thereby be enabled 
more effectually to carry the resolves of the Convention into 
execution; upon which General Washington appeared well 
satisfied with the proceedings of the Convention, and said 
that he should at all times, when he had it in his power, be 
ready to give them any assistance consistent with the pub- 
lick good, and that he would immediately give orders that 
Colonels Smith’s and Remsen’s Regiments should march into 
Queen’s County, to join General Woodhull; and as to call- 
ing out any more of the Militia, he asked what time we 
thought it would take to have the Militia of Westchester 
County imbodied; we told him we thought at least four or 
five days; upon which he made no reply. Your Commit- 
tee do further report, it was the General’s opinion, that our 
Commissary should continue to supply the troops under 
Brigadier-General Woodhull, and that he consult with the 
Commissary-General, that they might not interfere with one 


another in purchasing provisions. Ch kay iae 0) Thal 
AEE 


WivwuiaMm Smita. 


Ordered, That Colonel Curtenius be, and he hereby is, 
requested to contract with proper persons for making two 
thousand Pouches with Belts, without delay, and at the 
cheapest rate he can procure the same, and that he send 
five hundred of them, as soon as finished, to General Clin- 
ton’s encampment, for the use of his Brigade. 


A Letter from Gilbert Livingston and Christopher Tap- 
pen,* Commissioners for building vessels at Poughkeepsie, 


* PoucHKEEPSIE, August 24, 1776. 

Sir: Mr. Van Zandt, one of the Commissioners for building ships for 
the Continental Congress, now carrying on in this place, is unwilling to 
take the blacksmiths off from their work at the ships, unless he has a 
warrant from the Continental Congress. As our Convention, before we 
left it, had resolved to apply to Congress for such warrant, we have long 
expected it; and if it is come to hand, beg it may be sent us by this 
conveyance, as our stay here will be fruitless, unless we can have the 
assistance of the smiths at the ship-yards 

We find, by a resolve of your honourable House, that the 26th current 
is appointed for the day on which a Committee of the House is to report 
a form of Government for this State, and that three of our Committee are 
members of the same; and as Mr. Paulding has lately been appointed to 
a post which requires his presence at a distance from us, we wish your 


* 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1542 


dated the 24th instant, wishing to be permitted to take their 
seats in Convention before the Committee report a form of 
Government, and suggest, as their opinion, that it would be 
well to secure a State to govern, before they discussed a 


form to govern it by, was read, and committed to Mr. R. R, 
Livingston and Mr. EL? Hommedieu. 


Ordered, 'That Mr. L’ Hommedieu be added to the Com- 


mittee to draw Instructions to General Woodhull. 


Resolved, ‘That the Rev. Mr. Joseph Treat continue his 
services as Chaplain to Colonel Lasher’s and Colonel Mal- 
com’s Battalions, in Brigadier-General Scott’s Brigade, and 
that the Rev. Mr. John Eliot be Chaplain to Colonel Samuel 
Drake’s and Colonel Humphrey's Regiments—Mr. Treat’s 
pay to commence from the time of calling the said Brigade 
into service, and Mr. Eliot’s pay from the 7th instant. 


Ordered, That General Scott be, and he is hereby, au- 
thorized to receive, out of the store of this State, such Cots 
and half Cots now in store as he may find necessary for the 
use of the Surgeons for dressing the wounded of his Brigade, 
or as he may find otherwise necessary for the use of the sick, 
General Scott giving a receipt for the same; and that General 
Scott make such disposition of those Cots in his Brigade as 
he may think proper.* 

Ordered, That fifty blank Commissions be sent to the 
Committee of the County of Albany. 


Ordered, That Mr. Adgate, Mr. Bleecker, and Mr. Duer, 
be a Committee to nominate a suitable character for Major 
of a Regiment of the Militia in the County of Albany. 

Ordered, That the nomination of the Officers for the 
Albany Rangers be committed to the same Committee. 


It was moved that three hundred stand of Arms be for- 
warded for the use of the Militia of Gloucester. Being 
considered, it was referred to Mr. Duer, Mr. Hobart, and the 
others of the Committee appointed to hear their Govern- 
ment application. 


A Letter from John Sleght, Chairman of Kingston, was 
received and read, stating that the women surround the 
Committee Chamber, and say if they cannot have tea their 
husbands and sons shall fight no more, was received, and 
referred to the Members attending from Ulster County. 


Whereas the Convention have reason to suspect that a 
correspondence Is carried on between the enemy’s Army, 
now on Nassau-Island, and the family of Colonel Josiah 
Martin, at Rockaway, on said Island; and whereas it is the 
duty of this Convention diligently to watch over and sup- 
press every intercourse which may endanger the publick 
good or safety: 

Therefore, Resolved, That Briigadier-General Woodhull 
be, and he is hereby, requested and authorized to cause the 
house of the said Colonel Josiah Martin immediately to be 
searched for papers, by a discreet and spirited officer, who 
shall engage, upon his word of honour, to General Wood- 
hull, not to divulge any matters which may be contained in 
letters of a private nature, and to transmit to the Convention 
of this State every paper which may concern the publick 
weal. 

And whereas Dr. Samuel Martin, son of the said Colo- 
nel Martin, is at present a prisoner upon his parole at Rock- 
away, on Nassau-Island; and whereas, on account of the 
vicinity of the enemy’s Army in which the said Dr. Martin 
has frequent and intimate connection, it would be inconsistent 
honourable House would give us leave to take our seats in Convention, 
(though we are convinced the works carrying on here are of the utmost 
importance to this State,) as it gives us great pain to think, that notwith- 
standing the sense of the House appeared to be, at the time we left it, 
first to endeavour to secure a State to govern, before we established a 
form to govern it by, yet that a day is fixed to take up this important 


business, when a part of its body is absent by the command of the 
House. 
We are, sir, with great respect, your very humble servants, 
CurisTopHer TAPPeEN, 
Gitzert Livineston. 
To Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq., President of the Convention of the State 
of New-York. 


* New-York, August 26, 1776. 
Genriemen: I am under the necessity of applying to you, that I may 
have the privilege of drawing some cots for the use of the sick of my 
Regiment, as I find there is a number in store belonging to this State 
which cannot be delivered without your particular order; therefore, must 
request the favour that the necessary order may be sent, as the sick suffer 
much for the want of them, and they are not to be had elsewhere at 
present, &c. Iam, gentlemen, your humble servant, 
‘ Samver Draxe, Colonel. 
To the Provincial Congress. 


1543 


with good policy to suffer the said Samuel Martin to remain 
any longer on his parole at said place: 

Therefore, Resolved, That the said Brigadier-General 
Woodhull be, and he is hereby, requested and authorized to 
cause the said Dr. Samuel Martin immediately to be appre- 
hended and conveyed to this Convention, in order that he 
may be sent to reside in some more secure and distant place. 

Whereas considerable expenses have accrued to this State 
in suppressing the designs of evil-minded and disaffected 
persons against the liberties of America; and whereas the 
publick economy requires that such expenses should be 
ascertained in the most exact manner, in order that such 
means may be devised for reimbursing the same as justice 
and sound policy may hereafter dictate : 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of this Convention do keep 
a distinct and accurate account of all sums of money which 
already have been, and may hereafter be, disbursed by order 
of the Convention for the purpose of apprehending, secu- 
ring, and subsisting disaffected persons, and of quelling 
insurrections within this State. 

A draft of a Letter to General Woodhull, in answer to his 
received yesterday, was read and approved of, and is in the 
words following, to wit: « August 26, 1776. 


«Sir: Yours of yesterday is just come to hand; in an- 
swer to which, we would inform you that Robert Townsend, 
the son of Samuel Townsend, Esq., is appointed Commissary 
for the troops under your command, of which we beg you 
would give him the earliest notice; and that we have made 
application to General Washington for the Regiments under 
the command of Colonels Smith and Remsen to join you. 
He assured our Committee that he would issue out orders 
immediately for that purpose, and we expect that they are 
upon the spot by this time. a 

“You have enclosed some resolutions and orders for your 
more particular direction. Confiding in your known pru- 
dence and zeal in the common cause, and wishing you the 
protection and blessing of Heaven, we are, with respect, 
your very humble servants. 


“To Brigadier-General Woodhull. 


«P.S. General Washington desires that Mr. Townsend 
‘may consult with the Commissary-General, that they may 
not interfere in their purchases.” 


The Committee appointed to draw Instructions to General 
Woodhull reported a draft which was agreed to, and are in 
the words following, that is to say: 

“You are hereby ordered, with the troops under your 
command, to take post on the heights, near the western 
boundaries of Queen’s County, or in such other place or 
places in the Counties of Queen’s, King’s, or Suffolk, as you 
shall think most convenient for preventing the incursions and 
depredations of the enemy. And you are hereby empow- 
‘ered and directed to order out the whole or any further part 
of the Militia, and other inhabitants of said Counties, when 
and where you shall think them necessary, to protect the 
inhabitants, removing or destroying the stock and other pro- 
visions, and for the other purposes mentioned in the resolu- 
tions herewith sent you. You are also to do all in your power 
‘to prevent all intercourse with the enemy, by securing and 
sending to this Convention all such persons as shall be any 
‘way aiding or assisting them, or opposing any measures which 
have been, or shall hereafter be, directed by this Convention ; 
and to search the houses of such persons for papers, as you 
shall suspect to have had intelligence from the enemy; and 

ou are also at liberty to mount on horseback any number 
of the Militia that you may think necessary.” 
COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 
Tuesday Morning, August 27, 1776. 
The Committee of Safety met. 


Present: Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Hobart, Mr. Wm. Smith, Mr. 
Dearing, Mr. James Townsend, Mr. Duer, and Mr. R. R. 
Livingston. . 

Mr. Hobart was unanimously chosen Chairman. 

Present: Colonel De Witt, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Stephens, Mr. 
Wm. Harper, Major Parks, Colonel Marsh, Mr. Wisner, Jr., 
Mr. Bleecker, Mr. Yates, who went to Church, Mr. Mills, 
Mr. Lockwood, and Colonel Van Cortlandt. 

A Letter from General Woodhull was received and read, 
and is in the words following, to wit: 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1544 


«Jamaica, August 27, 1776. 

“GenTLeMEN: | am now at Jamaica, with less than one 
hundred men, having brought all the cattle from the west- 
ward and southward of the hills, and have sent them off 
with the Troops of Horse, with orders to take all the rest 
eastward of this place to the eastward of Hempstead Plains, 
and to put them into the fields, and set a guard over them. 
The enemy, I am informed, are intrenching from the heights, 
near Howard’s, southward. 

“‘T have now received yours, with several resolutions, which 
I wish it was in my power to put in execution, but unless 
Colonels Smith and Remsen (mentioned in yours) join me 
with their Regiments, or some other assistance, immediately, 
I shall not be able, for the people are all moving east, and 
I cannot get any assistance from them. 

“JT shall continue here as Jong as I can, in hopes of a re- 
inforcement, but if none comes soon I shall retreat, and drive 
the stock before me into the woods. Colonels Smith and 
Remsen, I think, cannot join me. Unless you can send me 
some other assistance, | fear I shall soon be obliged to quit 
this place. I hope soon to hear from you. 

“Tam, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant, 

“ NatHu. WoopHuLu. 


“'To the Hon. the Convention of the State of New-York.” 


Major Lockwood informed the Committee that the ene- 
my’s ships are at Whate-Stone. . 

Thereupon, Resolved and Ordered, That Mr. Hobart and 
Mr. R. R. Livingston be a Committee to wait on his Ex- 
cellency General Washington, and confer with him rela- 
tive to the state of Nassau-Island, and what measures may 
be necessary for distressing the enemy thereon, or defending 
or removing the inhabitants; and that they report the result 
of their deliberations thereon to this Committee or the Con- 
vention of this State. 


A Letter from Captain Denning was read, dated this day. 

Ordered, ‘That Captain Rutgers be requested immediately 
to proceed to the City of New-York, and afford all possible 
aid, attention; direction, and assistance, in stopping or im- 
peding the navigation of the East-River, and that he employ 
all such persons as he shall think proper, to give him aid. 


Mr. Dearing chosen Chairman unanimously, in the room 


of Mr. Hobart. 


Ordered, That copies of the Resolution and Letter of 
yesterday, to General Woodhull, be made and sent by the 
express going to Long- Island. 


On motion of Mr. Duer, 

Resolved, unanimously, That Colonel Drake,* or the next 
commanding officer of the Westchester Militia, do immedi- 
ately call out as many of the Militia, with five days’ provi- 
sions, as he shall think sufficient to watch the motions of the 
enemy’s ships now in the Sound, and to prevent all commu- 
nication with the disaffected inhabitants in said County; 
and that he send notice, from time to time, to the Conven- 
tion of every remarkable occurrence; and for that purpose, 
that he is hereby empowered to press Horses when he shall 
think it necessary. 

Ordered, ‘That the Secretary enclose a copy thereof in a 
Letter to Colonel Drake. 


Ordered, That Mr. Newkirk take that Letter and show 
it to the Commanding Officer at Horn’s Hook. 


The application of Mr. Jonathan Platt, for some Commis- 
sions for Officers in Colonel Thomas’s Regiment, was read. 


An Express arrived from New-London, and communica- 
ted a copy ofa Letter from Erastus Wolcott to the Committee 
of Saybrook, and is in the words following: 

‘* New-London, August 24, 1776. 

““GentLemen: Yesterday in the morning appeared at 
the east end of Fisher’s Island two of the enemy’s armed 
frigates and a brig, and this morning they passed by this 
harbour, standing to the westward. I thought it best to give 
you this intelligence by express, that you may keep a good 
look-out, and take what measures your prudence will suggest, 


* New-RocueE Le, August 27, 1776. 
Sir: I have but just time to inform you that two men-of-war are now 
anchored between Hart and City Islands; they have but just. come to an 
anchor. I thought best first to rally as many of the Militia as possible; 
there is one more that is gone past Frog’s Point. In a hurry, from 
yours, JoserH Drake. 


To Brigadier-General Morris. 


=. 


1545 


and must leave to you whether or not to forward this from 
town to town by express, if no direct opportunity offers; 
this may much depend on what is already known of their 
being in the Sound, and by observing their motions. 
“fam, gentlemen, with esteem and regard, your obedi- 
ent humble servant, Erastus Wo.corr. 


“To the Committee at Saybrook.” 


Mr. L’Hommedieu moved, and was seconded, that his 
Excellency General Washington be acquainted that the 
Committee of Southold, at the east end of Nassau-Island, 
have mounted four cannon * as field-pieces, viz: three six- 
pounders and one three-pounder, to prevent depredations of 
the enemy along the Sound, and to enable the inhabitants 
to make a stand at certain passes; and that his Excellency 
be requested to send a sufficiency of powder, ball, and car- 
tridge-paper, for the said cannon, to the care of Colonel 
Livingston ; and that Colonel Teircy be directed to except 
such number of men from the common militia duty as will 
be sufficient to manage said cannon, they keeping a number 
of horses ready to remove the said cannon to such places 
as shall be necessary. 

The said motion was unanimously agreed to. 


Ordered, That Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr. Schenck, Colo- 
nel Broome, Colonel Remsen, and Mr. Duer, be added to 
the Committee of this morning, to whom was referred the 
Letter from Kingston, received and read this morning. 


Ordered, That Mr. Hobart, Mr. Dearing, Mr. L’ Homme- 
dieu, Mr. Miller, Mr. W. Smith, Mr. Van Wyck, and Mr. 
Samuel Townsend, be a Committee to report ways and 
means for the sale of fat Cattle on Nassau and Shelter 
Islands. 

A Letter from Captain Crigier, dated the 23d instant, 
about his Privateer, was read. 


Ordered, That a copy of the Letter from Erastus Wol- 
cott, dated New-London, August 24, 1776, be immediately 
transmitted by express to Brigadier-General Woodhull,-and 
that he be requested to cause all the Stock on the sea-coast 
of Long-Island, which are most exposed to the enemy’s 
depredations, to be drove with all possible despatch so far 
into the interior part of the country as to be out of danger 
from the enemy. 


Ordered, That Mr. Duer, Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr. W. 
Smith, Mr. Hobart, Mr. James Townsend, Mr. Dearing, and 
Mr. Tredwell, or any five of them, be a Committee of Safety 
until the next adjournment, or until there shall be members 
sufficient to form a Convention, and that all members who 
attend be members and have votes. 


Ordered, That the Committee appointed to report a form 
of Government postpone their Report until Wednesday next. 
Tuesday Afternoon, August 27, 1776. 
The Committee of Safety met. 


Present: Mr. Dearing, Chairman. Mr. Duer, Major 
Parks, Mr. Harper, Mr. Yates, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Adgate, 
Col. Hoffman, Major Lockwood, Mr. Mills, Mr. L’ Homme- 
dieu, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Gelston, Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. 
Miller. 

Mr. Abraham Van Rants, of Brunswick, from whence 
he is just arrived in a boat, with his family, says that he 
understood that last night fifteen hundred men surrounded 
the house of Mr. Duryee, (who lives about a mile to the 
southward of his house;) that they took his arms, horses, 
and wagon; that two Captains (say Companies) of the 
Militia in the neighbourhood of Bedford were disarmed and 
perhaps taken prisoners. 


Mr. Berrien, Chairman of the New-York Committee, and 
Mr. Campbell, applied for more money to enable them to 
remove the Women, &c.; and also for money to be sent 
to the places where they are sent, to wit: New-Windsor, 
Mamaroneck, New-Rochel, Rye, 

It being suggested that it would be proper to have a guard 
over the Records this night, 

Ordered, That Captain Sampson Dyckman be requested 


to attend the Convention immediately. 


*In Commirree, Sourno.p, August 19, 1776. 
These certify that the Committee of Southold have expended £24 17s. 
4d, in mounting four cannon as field-pieces, for the protection of the east 
end of Long-Island, 


By order: Rosert Hempstep, Chairman, 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1546 


Resolved, That the Records and Papers belonging to the 
Convention of this State, as also the Chest belonging to 
the Receiver-General’s Office, be immediately conveyed to 
General Clinton’s encampment at or near King’s Bridge. 

And Ordered, That one of the Secretaries do see them 
safely conveyed to the said encampment, and remain with 
them till further orders. 


Ordered, That Mr. Isaac Willet be, and hereby is, 
authorized and empowered to procure and impress as many 
Boats as he possibly can, and, proceed with them up the 
Sound to General Clinton, and put them under his direction; 
and this Committee does hereby engage that the Convention 
of this State will bear and defray any expense or damage 
that may accrue thereby. 

Ordered, That Colonel Hoffman and Mr. L? Hommedicu 
call on Captain Shaw and request him to spare as many men 
as he can, to assist in taking the Boats up to General Clinton. 

Ordered, That Captain Benson procure a guard of 
twenty men of his Company to guard the Store, and to 
watch if any of the enemy’s Boats should attempt to land at 
Harlem, and that he post a proper guard at the house of 
Mr. Bogart, wherein the Records of the Convention of the 
said State are kept. 


Whereas the Committee of Safety have reason to suspect 
that Nicholas Covenhoven, Esq., has given intelligence to 
the enemy of the Resolutions of this Convention: 

Resolved, That Captain Benson be, and he is hereby, 
authorized immediately to apprehend the said Nicholas 
Covenhoven, and him safely convey to the Convention of 
this State, in order that he may be examined on such mat- 
ters as to them shall appear necessary. 

Resolved, That Colonel Pierre Van Cortlandt be, and he 
is hereby requested and authorized to examine all papers in 
the custody of Nicholas Covenhoven, Esq., and to transmit 
to the Convention of this State all such papers as may in 
anywise concern the publick weal. 


A Letter from General Woodhull was received and read, 

and is in the words following, to wit: 
‘* Westward of Queen’s County, August 27, 1776. 

“GentLemEeN: Enclosed I send you a copy of a letter 
from Colonel Potter, dated the 26th instant, who left me 
yesterday at eleven o’clock, after bringing about one hundred 
men to me at Jamaica. Major Smith has, I expect, all the 
rest that was to come from Suffolk County. There has about 
forty of the Militia joined me from the Regiment in Queen’s 
County, and about fifty of the Troop belonging to King and 
Queen’s County, which is near all I expect. I have got all 
the cattle southward of the hills, in Keng’s County, drove to 
the eastward of the cross-road between the two Counties, 
and have placed guards and sentries from the north side to 
the south side of the Island, in order to prevent the cattle 
going back, and to prevent the communication of the Tories 
with the enemy. Iam within about six miles of the enemy’s 
camp; their Light-Horse has been within about two miles, 
and unless I have more men, our stay here will answer no 
purpose. We shall soon want to be supplied with provision 
if we tarry here. 

“1 am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 

§ Naru’ WoopHutt. 


‘'T’o the Hon. Convention of the State of New-York.” 


CONVENTION. 
Wednesday Morning, August 28, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Abm. Yates, Jun., Esq., President pro tem. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Major Abeel, Mr. Harper, Mr. 
Jay, Colonel Brasher, Mr. Beekman, 
Atpany.—Mr. Yates, Mr. Adgate. 
SurrouK.—Mr. Hobart, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Miller, Mr. 
L’ Hommedieu, Mr. Smith, Mr. Dearing, Mr. Gelston. 
Unsrer.—Col. De Witt, Mr. Wisner, Jun., Major Parks. 
Wesrcuester.—Colonel Drake, Mr. Mills, Major Lock- 
wood, Colonel Cortlandt, Mr. Morris. 
Orance.—Dr. Outwater, Mr. Wisner, Mr. Little. 
Cumpertanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stephens, Mr. Sessions. 
Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Veder. 
Queen’s.—Mr. Van Wyck, Mr. Samuel Townsend, Mr. 
James Townsend, Major Lawrence. 
Cuarvorre.—Mr, Duer. 


1547 


The Convention were informed that Mr. Z. Mills stands 
in need of a further supply of cash, to enable him to remove 
the Military Stores of the State, agreeable to a late order of 
this Convention. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of this Convention advance 
to Zebediah Mills, Esq., the further sum of ten Dollars, to 
enable him to complete the order of this Convention for 
removing the Military Stores belonging to this Convention 
from the City of New-York to Westchester County, and 
take his receipt, to be accountable for the same. 


The Proceedings of the Committee of Safety on yesterday 
were read to the Convention, approved of, and confirmed. 


Robert Harper returned from Flushing, and produced a 
receipt* from John Talman, Esq., Chairman of Flushing, 
for £200, for supporting the poor and indigent persons sent 
thither from the City of New-York. 

Ordered, 'To be filed. 


General Woodhull’s Letter received yesterday afternoon 
by the Committee of Safety, was again read and taken into 
consideration. 

Major Lawrence gave the following intelligence: that Dr. 
Riker told him that a number of scattering troops had posted 
themselves on the ridge of hills between New-Town and 
Jamaica; that they had been in many of the houses, had 
taken victuals and drink, but had not plundered, as he under- 
stood. 

Ordered, That Major Lawrence wait on General Wash- 
ington, with a copy of General Woodhull’s Letter, and 
inform him that Colonels Smith and Remsen’s Regiments 
may be sent to join General Woodhull, by the way of Flush- 


ing, and by what means. 


A draft of a Letter to General Washington, to be sent by 
Major Lawrence, was read and approved of, and is in the 
words following, that is to say: 

‘“* Wednesday Morning, August 28, 1776. 

«‘Srr: Tam commanded by the Convention to enclose to 
your Excellency the copy of a letter they received last even- 
ing from General Woodhull. ‘The Convention are of opinion 
that the enemy may be prevented from getting the stock 
and grain on Long-Island, if the Regiments under the com- 
mand of Colonels Smith and Remsen be sent to join General 
Woodhull. ‘That this junction may be effected, and how, 
Major Lawrence (who is a member of this Convention, and 
the bearer hereof) will inform your Excellency. 

“] have the honour to be, with great respect, your Excel- 
lency’s most obedient, humble servant. By order. 


“To His Excellency General Washington.” 
Ordered, That Mr. Van Wyck do repair immediately to 


Flushing, to gain intelligence of the situation of the enemy, 
and what places are now occupied by General Woodhull ; 
that he do, with all possible expedition, despatch a boat to 
the Convention with the information he can collect, at the 
same time pointing out the most suitable place for the rein- 
forcement to join General Woodhull to land, and that he be 
empowered to impress boats, men, and horses, for carrying 
this order into execution. 

Ordered, That Mr. Van Wyck and Major Lawrence 
have leave to employ Sa. Dyckman, the express, for a few 
hours. 

Whereas the Convention has received information that 
John Rogers, a servant of Brigadier-General Morris, has 
manifested a disposition extremely inimical to the rights and 
liberties of America, and that there is room to suspect that 
he will take the first opportunity to join the enemy: 

Ordered, therefore, That Captain Benson, of Harlem, be 
requested and directed to apprehend the said John Rogers, 
or cause him to be apprehended and brought before this 
Convention. 


The Committee to consider the Letter from Robert Yates 
and Gilbert Livingston,* members of the Committee to 
obstruct Hudson’s River, dated at the instant, 
reported a draft of a Letter to the Delegates of this State at 
Congress, which was read and approved of, and is in the 
words following, that is to say: 

*Fiusuine, August 26, 1776. 

Received from Robert Harper the sum of £200, ordered by the honour- 
able Convention of the State of New-York to defray the expenses of such 


poor families as have been sent here from New-York by order of the 
said Convention, Joun TaLman. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1548 


‘* Harlem, August 28, 1776. 

“ GrntLemen: The Convention of this State consider 
the fortification of Hudson’s River and the obstructing of its 
passage in the Highlands, of the last importance, and have 
reason to believe that the Congress view it in the same 
light. They have appointed a Committee to superintend 
that work, who inform them that they are greatly delayed 
for the want of smiths, unless they may be permitted to 
employ those that are now engaged in building the Conti- 
nental frigate at Poughkeepsie, which therefore they desire 
you immediately to request of them. ‘The Convention hope 
that you will succeed in your application, since the finishing 
of the ships is of far inferior importance to the security of 
the river; and even were it otherwise in itself, then it must 
doubtless be so now, when the former will, in al] probability, 
depend upon the latter. ‘They beg that you will urge this 
matter as soon as possible, since you need not be informed 
that delay will work the same effect as a refusal. 

“| have the honour to be, gentlemen, your most obedient, 
humble servant. By order. 

“To the Delegates of the State of New-York, at Con- 


gress.” 


Ordered, 'That a copy thereof be engrossed, and signed 
by the President, and transmitted. 


Ordered, That Mr. L’ Hommedieu, Colonel De Witt, 
and Mr. Wisner, be a Committee further to consider and 
report on the said Letter from the said Committee at Pough- 
keepsve. 

Ordered, That Captain Rutgers and Mr. Landon be, 
and they are hereby, requested and authorized to direct and 
manage the transportation of Colonel Smzth’s and Colonel 
Remsen’s Regiments in the best and most convenient man- 
ner, to join Brigadier-General Woodhull; and for that pur- 
pose that they be hereby authorized to impress’ Boats and 
Craft of any kind which they shall think proper. 


Ordered, That Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Wisner, and Mr. John 
Moore, be a Committee to consider and report whether any 
and what further means can be devised for supplying the 
Troops raised in this State with Clothing and Blankets. 


A Letter from General Woodhull, dated this day, was 
received and read, and is as follows, that is to say: 
“Jamaica, August 28, 1776. 


“‘GenTLEMEN: I wrote two letters to you yesterday, one 
by express and another by Mr. Harper, and also sent my 
Brigade-Major to you to let you know my situation; and I 
expected an answer to some of them last night, but my 
express informed me he was detained till last night for an 
answer. I have now received yours of the 26th, which is 
only a copy of the last, without a single word of an answer 
to my letters, or the message of my Brigade-Major. 

“ | must again let you know my situation. I have about 
seventy men, and about twenty of the Troop, which is all 
the force I have or can expect, and I am daily growing less 
in number. ‘T'he people are so alarmed in Suffolk, that 
they will not, any more of them, march; and as to Colonels 
Smith’s and Remsen’s Regiments, they cannot join me, for 
the communication is cut off between us. 

“T have sent about eleven hundred cattle to the. great 
fields of the plains yesterday. About three hundred more 
are gone off this morning to the same place, and have ordered 
a guard of an officer and seven privates. ‘They can get no 
water in those fields. My men and horses are worn out with 
fatigue. The cattle are not all gone off towards Hempstead. 
I ordered them yesterday, but they were not able to take 
them along. I brought yesterday about three hundred from 
New-Town. think the cattle are in as much danger on the 
north as on the south side, and have ordered the inhabitants 

* PouGHKEEPSIE, August 26, 1776. 

Sir: Captain Hazelwood, who came up to us by request of Conven- 
tion, has fitted a fire-vessel, as we conceive, in a masterly manner, and 
given such instructions to some persons we have here employed, with 
respect to mixing fire combustible, &c., that we think we can now carry 
on our works without further assistance. He has, in general, been very 
assiduous, and of very much use to us. We are unhappy at this time 
not to have a quorum of our Committee present; therefore must beg 
leave to submit to your honourable House the consideration of any 
reward this gentleman may have reason to expect from this State for his 


extraordinary expense and trouble in this business. 
We are, with respect, your very humble servants, 
Curis’r Tarren, 
Gitsert Livineston. 
To Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President of the Convention of the State 
of New-York. 


footing in America. 


1549 


to remove them. If you cannot send me an immediate 
reinforcement, I am afraid I shall have no men with me by 
to-morrow night, for they consider themselves in an enemy’s 
country; and if I can have no reinforcement, I beg you will 
send very particular directions what I shall do with the 
stock: whether I shall kill them or leave them, for I shall 
not be able to get them all together, and tend them, if the 
men I have will all stay with me. I beg you would imme- 
diately send at least two members, as a Committee, that I 
may liave their advice, for unless you do, | must quit, for I 
hope the Convention does not expect me to make brick 
without straw. 
“T am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
“ Natui. WoopHuULL.” 


Ordered, That Mr. Hobart and Mr. James Townsend, 
as a Committee of this Convention, be, and hereby are, 
directed to repair to General Woodhull with such instruc- 
tions as the Convention shall think proper to give, and to 
assist him with their advice. 

And Ordered, That General Woodhull and the said Com- 
mittee be, and hereby are, instructed that they cause all such 
Stock and all such Grain in Queen’s County and the west- 
ern part of Suffolk County as may be in danger of falling 
into the enemy’s hands, and cannot be removed to places of 
safety, to be destroyed. 

Ordered, That the said Committee be, and they hereby 
are, empowered to impress horses, boats, and persons to con- 
vey themselves to General Woodhull with the utmost de- 
spatch. 

And Resolved, That the Convention will defray the ex- 
penses of the said Committee in the premises. 


A Letter from D. Mathews, received by Mr. De Peyster, 


was read, and is as follows: 


“ Litchfield, August 12, 1776. 


“Str: I did myself the honour of addressing you by let- 
ter when I was brought to the White-Plains, and have since 
taken the liberty of writing to Mr. Morris relative to my 
treatment, the answer to both which letters I now enclose 
you, it being a commitment issued by Mr. Trumbull. If 
this is to be my treatment, the Lord deliver me. I have 
been a Crown officer upwards of twenty years, and was 
Chief Magistrate of the city of New-York, and a subject of 
the King of Great Britain when I was taken, (independence 
not being then declared,) and I am thought to believe that 
my rank was equal to any prisoner taken by the King’s 
troops during this unhappy contest, and I believe you will 
not find such a commitment issued against any one of them 
that sustained the character of a gentleman. I had some 
hopes that the acquaintance you had in the family would at 
least have obtained here the treatment of a gentleman, 
but it seems I have nothing to expect but what is due to 
the worst of felons, and had it not been for the kind inter- 
position of Mr. De Peyster, (for whom I shall ever entertain 
the highest esteem,) I should in all probability have been in 
the land of spirits ere this. . 

“It amazes me to think that the State of New-York 
should send me to be-dealt with as Mr. Trumbull should 
think proper. I was in hopes after independence was de- 
clared, that nothing savouring of the extension of that ancient 
statute, so justly complained of, would have found the least 
I conceive I was as much entitled to 
bail in the State of New-York as Mr. Sayre lately was in 
London, for I believe his crime, and the witnesses to prove 
them were much alike. I offered any security; even some of 
the warmest Whigs would have been bail for my appearance 
whenever demanded. But it seems prison was the word, 
and every commitment sticks close to it. 

“T assure you, sir, if I could have entertained the least 
idea of receiving the treatment I have received, I should 
have embraced the opportunity of giving that kind of bail 
which is commonly called leg-bail, which I had frequent 
opportunities of doing after 1 was seized; but as I never 
could reconcile it to myself either to leave my family or join 
the King’s Army, and knowing at the same time that my 
departure would give my enemies every advantage they 
wished for, I rejected every proposal of that kind, in full ex- 
pectation that | should be done by as those gentlemen would 
wish to be done by were they so unfortunate as to be taken 
prisoners; but it seems | expected too much. I have only 
now to make myself as contented as possible, for it would 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1550 


seem that I am fixed here for life, as I am only to be de- 
livered by due course of Jaw. 

“1 should not have troubled you, sir, with another letter, 
had I not been requested to inform you of my treatment; 
and as this will be the last I shall presume to trouble you 
with, I shall ask one favour, which is, that if Iam not suf- 
fered to go to my family, I may be permitted to reside at 
Hartford, on giving security (for my word of honour, it 
seems, is of no validity in my own State,) to remain there, 
as I have some friends there who would accommodate me 
with the comforts of life, and I might there have an oppor- 
tunity of seeing Mrs. Mathews. If this is thought unrea- 
sonable I shall say no more about it, and shall still remain 
one of those who wish that America may never lose her . 
liberties, nor her sons meet with oppression. 

« Am, sir, your very humble, obedient servant, 

“D. Maruews. 


‘General Woodhull.” 


The copies of his Commitment, a Letter to Mrs. Mathews, 
and a Letter from Moses Seymour, Sheriff of Litchfield 


County, therein enclosed, were also read,* 


Thereupon a draft of a Letter to the said David Mathews 
was read and approved of, and is in the words following, to 
wit: 


*To the Keeper of the common Jail in Hartrorp, in the County of Hart- 
FORD, greeling: 

Whereas David Mathews, Esq., of the City, County, and State of 
New-York, is sent into this Government by the Provincial Convention of 
the Representatives of the State of New-York, being accused in that State 
of treasonable practices against the States of America, with request that 
he may be safely kept and confined in this State until he may be brought 
to trial for said crime, which, from the particular circumstances of said 
State of New-York, cannot at present be done: 

These are, therefore, in the name of the Governour and Company of 
the State of Connecticut, to command and require you to receive the said 
David Mathews, Esy., of the hands of Abraham De Peyster, Esq., of said 
State of New-York, within said prison, and him safely to keep until de- 
livered in due course of law. Hereof you may not fail. 

Dated in Lebanon, the Ist day of August, A. D. 1776. 

Jonru. TRumBuL1, Governour. 


LircuFrie.p, August 12, 1776. 

Dear Satzy: I received yours by Mr. Chapman, who was so kind as 
to come and see me, and I never was more rejoiced to see a friend, he 
being the only person I have seen since my arrival here that I had seen 
before. I shall always esteem him for his great goodness. He stayed 
with me the greatest part of the day, although the Committee here wanted 
to have sent him away immediately; and if I had not told them I would 
leave their town instantly, if I was denied the pleasure of conversing with 
a friend, they would have taken him away. He has given me an invi- 
tation to his house, at Stratford, and I have wrote to the Congress for 
leave to reside there, but don’t expect they will comply with it, as they 
don’t seem inclined to deal by me as I would wisn to deal with all men. 
I was extremely glad to hear that you and children were well, and that 
Mr. Chapman had seen you. 

When I first came to this place I was very much dissatisfied, and wrote 
to the Congress that they had fixed me in a place where I never could 
hear from my family, and that I wasvalso deceived in my expectations; 
for I was told by some of the Congress that, on my arrival here, I was 
to be indulged with my liberty as far as the town extended. The letter 
was addressed to Gouverneur Morris. On their receipt of that letter they 
were pleased to deliver me over to the Governour of this Colony, to whom 
they sent Mr. De Peyster for orders what was to be done with me. 

On Mr. De Peyster’s arrival here from the Governour, and showing me 
the enclosed commitment, I found that [ had no favour to expect from 
the Congress. I therefore prevailed.on him to let me remain here, until 
he could go back to the Governour and get his consent for that purpose, 
and this day he returned with the Governour’s leave for me to remain 
here. Mr. De Peyster has behaved to me like a gentleman and a Chris- 
tian, and I beg if ever you meet with him you will show him every 
civility, and recommend him to all my friends. He has done more than 
I could have expected. May God reward him! 

Ever since my arrival here I have been at the house of Captain Moses 
Seymour, who, together with his wife, have behaved in the most genteel, 
kind manner, and have done everything in their power to make my time 
as agreeable as possible. ‘They have nothing of the Yankee about them. 
He is a fine, merry fellow, and she is a warm Protestant, and if it was 
not that the thoughts of home were continually in my mind, I might be 
happy with my good landlord and his family, to whom I wish you could 
send some tea, if it were possible, as there is none to be bought here. 

[I have sent you the enclosed commitment, in order that you may for- 
ward it by the first opportunity, to let some folks see how I am treated, 
and that the very thing which the Congress complained of as a grievance, 
which was that of sending persons abroad for trial, is now put in execu- 
tion by themselves. ‘ . 

Tell my good friend Mr. Bache, I received his letter, by the hands of 
Mr. Sheldon, who desired to know the contents, which being read to him, 
he took up his bed and walked, and | never expect to see him again. I 
only mention this for his diversion, for I am under the same obligations to 
him, but he little knows how times have altered men here, for if he had 
wrote in favour of the angel Gabriel, it would have been the same thing. 
If I should be so happy as to get to Stratford, I shall immediately let you 
know of it. Give my love to Messrs. Bache, Sherry, and Cortlandt, and 
their wives. Kiss all the children for me, and be of good cheer, for I 
hope my deliverance is at hand. 

Dri dear Sally, yours, affectionately, 


To Mrs. Mathews, at Flatbush. 


D. Maruews. 


The Congress were much afraid I should run away if I had my liber- 
ty; but this good man, with whom I lodge, and who never heard of me 


1551 


** Wednesday Morning, August 28, 1776. 

“Sire: The Convention direct me to inform you that they 
have received yours to the President, and that they have 
examined also your letter to Mrs. Mathews; that you never 
was taken up as a British subject, nor to be considered as 
a prisoner of war. Your rank, therefore, is immaterial ; you 
well know the cause of that treatment which you deem so 
cruel. You well know that you stand charged with being 
concerned in a deep conspiracy against the rights and liber- 
ties of America; and however innocent you may be, it is 
the duty of the Convention that you be secured for trial: 
that you were privy to it, in a great measure, your own 
examination evinces. The Convention direct me to remind 
you, that you are not sent to Connecticut for trial, but for 
security; that they never heard of bail being taken in similar 
cases; that your fellow-citizens would, most probably, upon 
your going at large, have been their own avengers ; that you 
shall have a fair and candid trial, when the exigencies of 
the State will permit, and that they have too great respect 
for the liberties of mankind to make any unnecessary inroads 
upon that sacred ground. What opportunities you may 
have had to escape, and what reasons to stay, the Conven- 
tion do not know; but they know the charges against you, 
and their duty. to the publick. 

“The Convention do further direct me to assure you, sir, 
that they have not the least objection to inform not only the 
British Government, (say Governours and Generals,) but 
all mankind, that they have taken precautions for their own 
safety, and confined persons accused of treasonable designs 
and conspiracies; and they do sincerely wish with you, that 
America may never lose her liberties, nor her sons meet 
with oppression. By order. 


“To D. Mathews, Esq.” 


Ordered, ‘That the same be engrossed, and signed by the 
President, and transmitted. 


A Letter to Governour Trumbull, on the same subject, 
was read and approved of, and is in the words following, 
Viz: 

‘Wednesday Morning, August 28, 1776. 

*‘Sir: The Convention direct me to return your Honour 
their sincere thanks for the attention you have been pleased 
to pay to the prisoners we have been under the necessity of 
sending iato your State. We now take the liberty of en- 
closing to your Honour the copy of an intercepted letter 
from D. Mathews, Esq., to his wife, from which it appears 
that he deeply resents the treatment he received from the Con- 
vention. It is with the utmost regret that we feel ourselves 
under the necessity of requesting your Honour to secure 
that gentleman in such manner as to prevent his escape and 
all improper correspondence. ‘The troubling you with our 
prisoners is a matter for which necessity alone can apologize. 
This State has suffered so much from disaffected persons, 
that a greater degree of severity towards them would be 
justifiable, especially as all lenity hath been by them attri- 
buted to fear. Notwithstanding such high provocation, we 
have in no instance invaded the nights of humanity, it 
might therefore be expected that we should be surprised to 
see such a designed misrepresentation of our conduct, but 
nothing of this kind is new. ‘The crime of which Mr. 


before, has such an opinion of me that he has wrote to them he will be 
answerable for me whenever they shall call for me. A prophet has no 
honour in his own country. It is possible times may change. 


LircuFiE.p, August 12, 1776. 

Sir: Upon the second arrival of Mr. De Peyster here, Messrs. Mathews 
and Roome, upon finding that they could not be suffered to be nearer 
home, were so desirous of remaining prisoners in this town, that I pre- 
vailed upon Mr. De Peyster to consent to leave them in my custody, pro- 
vided our Committee had no objection, and it should not be disapproved 
of by Governour Trumbull. The Committee’s consent was accordingly 
obtained before Mr. De Peyster left town with the other prisoners, and 
since his return from Lebanon he tells me the Governour has no objec- 
tion to their remaining here. For the satisfaction, therefore, of the 
honourable Convention of your State, I take this opportunity to assure 
you, sir, that I shall keep the above-mentioned gentlemen safe within 
certain limits in this town, under my particular direction; and shall either 
surrender them to the respective places assigned by Governour Trum- 
bull at any time whenever your honourable Convention demand their 
appearance, either before them, or before any other court, have them 
forthcoming and ready to be delivered into the custody of such person 
as shall be sent for them by the said Convention. I hope, sir, what I 
have done will meet with your approbation and the approbation of the 
other members of your House, who, I suppose, meant no more by send- 
ing the above gentlemen into Connecticut than their being put into safe 
custody, and at a distance from Niw- York, the present seat of war. 

Iam, sir, your humble servant, Moses Seymour, 


To Nathaniel Woodhull, Esq. 


NEW-YORK CONVENTION, AUGUST, 1776. 


1552 


Mathews stands charged, is no less than treason against 
the rights of Ameria, and yet it seems he considers his con- 
finement as unjust. We are confident, sir, that in com- 
mitting him to prison, you will avoid every circumstance 
of unnecessary rigour; but the instance we enclose you of 
his unfriendly intentions demands that great care should be 
taken to prevent the character of these States from being 
unjustly stigmatized by such willful misrepresentations. 
‘‘T have the honour to be, sir, &c. By order. 


“'T'o Governour Trumbull,” &c. 


A Letter from Joseph Drake, at New-Rochell, dated 
this day, was received and read, in the words following, to 
wit: 

** New-Rochell, August 28, 1776. 

“Srr: I received the resolve of the Committee of Safety 
yesterday, enclosed to me by John McKesson, Esq. Pur- 
suant to my directions, I have ordered a party to guard from 
Rye-Neck to Rodman’s Neck, of the Militia of this County. 
Colonel Graham’s Regiment is at present stationed at Frog’s 
Neck. The enemy lay yesterday and all Jast night by 
Hart-Island; this morning they removed a little to the 
southward of Miniford’s Island, where they at present lay. 
They have not been able to plunder much. They got from 
Mineford’s Island four horned cattle and some poultry, which 
is all we have been able to learn they have plundered. I 
immediately sent Captain Hunt, with about fifty men, from 
New-Rochel, who, with the help of a part of Colonel 
Graham’s Regiment, drove off all the cattle from the Island, 
to the amount of thirty-odd head. I should be glad to be 
informed if Colonel Graham’s Regiment is to remain on 
Frog-Neck, if that is not improper it will be a very great 
ease to the County at this season, especially as it will take 
almost all the Militia to guard the whole. I conceive it will 
take nigh half of my Regiment to guard from Rodman’s 
Point to the snuff mills. Colonel Budd is to send one 
hundred men, and to guard from there to Rye-Neck. I find 
it very difficult for the men to provide five days’ provisions 
at this time of the year; therefore, I thought it proper to 
appoint Theophilus Barlow Commissary for the time being. 
I am apprehensive, if ever I should come to an engagement 
with the enemy, we should be in great want of powder, as 
we have not above six rounds a man for all the Militia. 
You may rely on my utmost vigilance to frustrate the inten- 
tions of the enemy in all their motions while here. 

“From your very humble servant, 

JosepH Draxer.” 


Ordered, To be referred to Mr. Morris and Mr. Jay. 


On motion, Resolved, That the Governour of Connecticut 
be requested to send into Suffolk County one thousand 
Troops for the protection of the Inhabitants and security of 
the Stock on Nassau-Island, as the strength of Long-Island 
is now within his Excellency General Washington’s lines, 
and cannot be had. 

A draft of a Letter to several Towns in Connecticut, re- 
questing their assistance in removing the Stock from Long- 
Island, was read and approved of, and is in the words fol- 
lowing, to wit: 

‘© Wednesday Morning, August 28, 1776. 

“GrentLtemen: The Convention of the State of New- 
York are under the melancholy necessity of again calling 
upon their sister States for their assistance, in a matter in 
which not only they, but the whole continent, are interested. 
The enemy, who have landed upon Long-Island, will, we 
fear, have it in their power to possess themselves of the 
whole stock, which amounts to between eighty and one hun- 
dred thousand of cattle and as many sheep, as our forces are 
confined to their lines. These articles will doubtless be of 
the greatest use to the enemy; for the want of some of them 
we know they are already distressed. We must therefore 
request you immediately to afford all the assistance in your 
power to forward the removal of the stock from the Island, 
and to provide for them in your State, till some further direc- 
tion can be given with respect to them, and to lend your aid 
to each of the inhabitants that may wish to remove. The 
importance of these objects need not be enlarged upon, nor 
need arguments be urged to induce you to every necessary 
exertion. The readiness and publick spirit which the Com- 
mittees in Connecticut have ever shown in carrying into 
execution all measures of publick utility, leave us no room 
to doubt but that they will exert themselves on this occa- 


1553 


sion, which is of the utmost importance to the general cause 

of America. 

“To the Chairman of Stonington, New-London, Groton, Lyme, Seabrook, 
Guilford, New-Haven, Stratford, Fairfield, Milford, Norwalk, Stanford, 
and Horseneck, in the State of Connecticut; who are directed to forward 
the same.”’ 


A draft of a Letter to Governour Trumbull, on the same 

subject, was read and approved, and is as follows, to wit: 
‘Harlem, Wednesday morning, August 28, 1776. 

“Sir: I enclose you a copy of a letter which the Con- 
vention of this State have directed to the several Committees 
of your State, requesting their assistance in removing the 
inhabitants and stock from Long-Island. 'The Convention 
are sensible that their first application should have been to 
your Excellency, but necessity has obliged them to dispense 
with form, which they doubt not you will consider as a suf- 
ficient apology. ‘The Convention, therefore, find themselves 
under a necessity of applying to your Excellency for one 
thousand men, or any greater force which can be speedily 
obtained, who, they conceive, may greatly contribute to the 
security of the Island, and at the same time, in some mea- 
sure, codperate with our Army in the lines, or at least greatly 
weaken the attack of the enemy. The Militia of Long- 
Island are, for the most part, shut up within the lines, so 
that nothing can be done for its defence without your assist- 
ance. ; 

“T have the honour to be, &c. By order. 


“To His Excellency Governour Trumbull, of the State of 
Connecticut.” 


Ordered, That Mr. Gelston proceed to Connecticut, with 
the Letter to Governour Trumbull and the Committees, and 
that this Convention will bear his expenses. 


Wednesday, 5 o0’clock, P. M., August 28, 1776. 

Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President. 

For New-Yorx.—Mr. Beekman, Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. 
Jay, Mr. Bancker, Major Abeel. 

Avpany.—Mr. A. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Colonel Rensselaer. 

Surrotx.—Mr. Miller, Mr. Tredwell, Mr. Dearing, Mr. 
Gelston. 

Uustrer.—Col. De Witt, Mr. Wisner, Jun., Major Parks. 

Queen’s.—Mr. S. Townsend. 

Dorcuess.—Mr. R. &. Livingston. 

Westcuester.—Mr. Morris, Col. Van Cortlandt, Major 
Lockwood, Colonel Drake. 

Orance.—Mr. Outwater, Mr. Little, Mr. Wisner. 

CumpBertanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Stephens, Mr. Sessions. 

Crarvorre.—Mr, Duer. 

Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Veder. 


Mr. Jay and Mr. Morris reported two Resolutions and the 
draft of a Letter to Colonel Drake, relative to the Militia, 
and the appointment of Theodosius Bartow as Commissary 
pro tem.; were read, and are in the words following, that is to 
say : 

** Thursday morning, August 29, 1776. 

“Srr: I am directed by the Convention to inform you 
that they approve of your conduct relative to the defence of 
the coast, and refer the whole of that business (in General 
Morris’s absence) to your discretion. ‘They confirm your 
appointment of .Mr. Bartow as Commissary, and have en- 
closed an order on the ‘Treasurer for one thousand dollars. 
As to powder, they are much at a loss, but have ordered 
General Clinton to afford you all the supply which the store 
of this State wil] admit of. 

“Tam, very respectfully, sir, yours, &c. 


“To Colonel Joseph Drake.” 


“ Resolved, That Theos. Bartow, Esq., be empowered to 
act as Commissary, till further order, to the Militia employed 
to defend the coast of Westchester County, on the Sound; 
that he have an order on the Treasurer of this Convention 
for one thousand Dollars, and that he account for the same 
to this Convention, or the Legislature of this State for the 
time being. 

“ Resolved, That General Clinton do furnish Col. Joseph 
Drake with such a quantity of Cartridges, or Powder and 
Lead, out of the store of this State, in his possession, as he 
may think necessary to the defence of the coast of West- 
chester.” 


By order. 


NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1554 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of this Convention advance 
to Theodosius Bartow, Esq., the sum of one thousand Dol- 
lars, to enable him to execute the order of this day appoint- 
ing him to act as Commissary to the Militia employed to 
defend the coast of Westchester County, and take his receipt 
to be accountable for the same. 


The Examination of Colonel Covenhoven was read, as 

follows : 
“Harlem, August 28, 1776. 

“Left Long-Island on Sunday morning; came last from 
Welpelmus Stothoof’s Island. On the day that the enemy 
landed, as he was returning from the lines, he was taken by 
a party of the enemy; they treated him roughly, took from 
him his sword and cockade, and carried him to Head-Quar- 
ters; was politely received by General Howe, who asked 
him if he would stay home and send his produce, which he 
promised to do. He understood from the officers that eight 
thousand men had landed the first day. They sent for him 
the second time on the same day; ordered him to get fowls, 
&c.; under pretence of which he went off, got a horse, and 
went to General Washington ; asked him what part he should 
take; who directed him to go back, and he was to collect 
information, and send it to General Washington; which he 
did, and got back without having been missed; they never 
questioned him further. He afterwards met with some Hes- 
stans, who took him with them to get cows, and agreed 
among themselves to put him to death after he had showed 
them the cows, as they were forbid to kill any cattle ; they 
spoke this in the Hessian language; showed them a cow, 
and he left them; most of the stock had been driven off 
before. He then went to the FYatlands, where he saw many 
Regulars; saw Governour Tryon, but did not speak to him; 
Generals Howe, Clinton, and Pecket, were on the Island; 
the enemy were joined by few people from the Island; saw 
many people from Staten-Island, not armed. Left it on 
Sunday, with design to come to Congress; when got to 
McGowen’s was arrested. Does not think it safe Congress 
should continue here; they talked in the camp of landing 
above this. The party that carried him to General Howe 
carried also his sword and cockade, but it was not noticed 
by the General. Heard at the Flatlands that seventeen sail 
of transports were going round in order to land at Morisania; 
the enemy proposed to attack the line the day after they 
landed, but were repulsed, and seventeen Hessians killed.” 


Mr. Morris read two Letters, whereby the Convention is 
informed that Captain Berrien refused to pay any attention 
to the order of this Convention exempting Mr. Chs. Shaw 
from military service, or the order which in like manner 
exempts R. Morris, Esq. 

Ordered, That Captain Berrien do attend this Conven- 
tion immediately, to show the cause of his conduct in the 
premises. 


A Letter from General Washington, received by Major 
Lawrence, was read, and is as follows: 


‘‘ Long-Island, August 28, 1776. 


“Sir: I was just now honoured with your favour of this 
date, with General Woodhull’s letter, and should esteem 
myself happy were it in my power to afford the assistance 
required; but the enemy having landed a considerable part 
of their force here, and at the same time may have reserved 
some to attack New-York, it is the opinion not only of 
myself, but of all my General Officers I have had an oppor- 
tunity of consulting with, that the men we have are not 
more than competent to the defence of these lines, and the 
several posts which must be defended. ‘This reason, and this 
only, prevents my complying with your request. 

‘“T shall beg leave to mention, in confidence, that a few 
days ago, upon the enemy’s first landing here, | wrote to 
Governour Trumbull, recommending him to throw over a 
body of one thousand men on the Island, to annoy the 
enemy in their rear, if the state of the Colony would admit 
of it. Whether it will be done, I cannot determine. That 
Colony having furnished a large proportion of men, I was, 
and still am doubtful whether it could be done. If it could, 
I am satisfied it will, from the zeal and readiness they have 
ever shown to give every possible succour. I am hopeful 
they will be in a condition to do it, and, if they are, those 
troops I doubt not will be ready and willing to give General 
Woodhull any assistance he may want. But cannot the 


Firra Serms.—Vot. I. 98 


1555 


Militia effect what he wished todo? ‘They, I believe, must 
be depended on in the present instance for relief. 

“‘T have the honour to be, in great haste, sir, your most 
obedient servant, Go. WasHINGTON. 


“The Hon. Abraham Yates.” 


Mr. Duer moved the following Resolution, that is to say: 

Resolved, That whereas, from the vicinity of the enemy’s 
Ships of War now in the Sound, and the situation of their 
Army on Nassau-Island, it would be very practicable for a 
small party of men to surprise this defenceless town, and to 
remove all its inhabitants; and whereas, from the present 
invasion of this State, thereby cause the communication 
between this Convention and their constituents to be cut 
off: 

Therefore, Resolved, That the Convention of this State 
will forthwith adjourn from hence to 

Mr. Jay moved that it be postponed until to-morrow. 

The previous question being put, (whether it be postponed 
until to-morrow,) it was carried in the negative, in manner 
following, to wit: 


For. Against. 
2 Cumberland. 4 Ulster. 8 New-York. 
4 Westchester. 2 Charlotte. 4 Queen’s. 
— 3 Orange. 4 Suffolk. 
6 votes. 6 Albany. — 
3 Tryon. 34 votes. 


Mr. Livingston then moved that they would adjourn, to 
meet at Fishkill; and the question being put, it was carried 
in the affirmative, in manner following, to wit: 


For the Affirmative. For the Negative. 


6 Albany. 4 Westchester. Mr. Morris dis- 
3 Orange. 4 Suffolk. {senting. 

4 Ulster. 4 Queen’s, 

3 Tryon. 2 Charlotte. 


8 New-York. Mr. Jay dissenting. 2 Cumberland. 


24 votes. 16 votes. 


Thurday Morning, August 29, 1776. 
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment. 


Present: Abm. Yates, Esq., President. 
New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Mr. Harper, Mr. Abcel. 
Axupany.—Mr. Abm. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Colonel Rensse- 

laer. 

Uxsrer.—Colonel De Witt, Mr. Wisner, Major Parks. 
SurroiK.—Mr. Smith, Mr. Miller, Mr. L’ Hommedieu, Mr. 

Dearing, Mr. Tredwell. 

Orance.—Dr. Outwater, Mr. Little, Mr. Wisner, Jun. 
Wesrcnester.—Major Lockwood, Mr. Tompkins, Colonel 

Cortlandt, Colonel Drake, Mr. Morris. 
Queen’s.—Major Lawrence, Mr. Samuel Townsend. 
Durcuess.—Colonel Hoffman, Mr. R. R. Livingston, Mr. 

Landon, Major Schenck. 

CumperLanp.—Colonel Marsh, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Stephens. 
Cuarvotrre.—Mr. Duer. 


Tryon.—Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Veder. 


A Letter from Mr. Van Wyck,* at Flushing, who was 
sent yesterday from Congress to inquire whether the com- 
munication between this and Jamaica is open and safe by 
the way of Flushing, was received. He mentions that the 
Troops may pass safely that way, if they can be got there 
this evening; that the enemy’s ships lie between Thorne’s 
Point and Great-Neck. Referred to Mr. Smith, Colonel 


Hoffman, and Mr. Tredwell. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of this Convention advance 
to Z. Platt, Esq., the further sum of £700, to enable him 
to execute the order of this Convention, appointing him 
Commissary for the time being, to provide Provisions for the 
Troops under the command of Brigadier-General Clinton, 
and to pay for a quantity of Boards purchased by virtue of 
said order, and take his receipt for the same. 


*FLusHIne, August 28, 1776. 
GentLemen: I am informed by Thomas Thomas, a member of the 
Committee, who just came from General Woodhull, that he was at 
Jamaica, and that he just came from Whight Stone. The ships of war lay 
between Thorne’s Point and Great-Neck ; that there can be no danger of 
bringing up our men to this place, if can get them up this evening. I 
think it will be proper to send this intelligence off as soon as possible 
by the same boat, as I cannot get any other. 
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant, 
Corns. Van Wyck. 
P.S. I am just going to Jamaica to the General. 


To Henry Yates, Esq., Member of Convention of the State of New-York. 


NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1556 


Mr. Tompkins came into Convention, and informed that 
Mr. Lounsbury was come into Westchester County with a 
commission from General Howe to raise Rangers; that a 
party of Rangers (say Militia) went in pursuit of him, and 
were under the necessity of killing him, as he would not 
surrender; another was wounded and four were taken pri- 
soners, all his recruits. ‘The commission from Lord Howe, 
and other papers found on him, were read and filed. 

Committed to Colonel De Witt, Mr. Livingston, and Mr. 
Tompkins. 

On motion, Resolved, unanimously, That Mr. John Me- 
Donald, employed as a Miner by this Convention, be directed 
to proceed upon a further discovery, for the space of twenty 
days, in exploring the Lead Mines in the Nine Partners, in 
Dutchess County, then to return and report to this House ; 
and that he be allowed eight shillings per day while so 
employed; and that he be allowed to employ two men 
besides himself; and that he be furnished with one-quarter 
hundred weight of Powder. 

Carried unanimously. 


The Committee to whom was referred the Letter. from 
Mr. Van Wyck, brought in their Report, as follows: 

“ Your Committee, to whom was referred the considera- 
tion of the letter from Mr. Van Wyck, and several letters 
from General Woodhull, do report, that there would be 
danger of a letter falling into the enemy’s hands, and there- 
fore they think it best that a member be sent to him to give 
him an account of our proceedings upon the subject of his 
letters, and in confidence of the substance of the letter we 
received from General Washington.” 

Ordered, That Mr. Samuel Townsend be requested to 


proceed to Long-Island on the above business. 
The Committee, to whom was referred the Papers, &c., 


received from Mr. Tompkins, found upon Mr. Lounsbury, 
killed by a party of Militia in Westchester County, report 
as follows: 

“That the prisoners be kept in close custody till they are 
examined, That the Chairman of the Committee of West- 
chester County be requested to take the examination of the 
prisoners, and transmit them to the Convention of this 
State.” 

Ordered, That Bloomer Nelson, Samuel Haines, Josiah 
Disberry, and Jacob Schureman, be committed to the Jail at 
Kingston, in Ulster County, and there kept in close and 
secure custody till further orders. 

And, Ordered further, That Colonel Joseph Drake be 
directed to provide a proper Guard, and to see this order 
executed. 


Ordered, That the Treasurer of this Convention pay to 
Jonathan Tompkins, Esq., the sum of twenty Dollars, to be 
by him delivered to Mr. Elood, as a reward for his spirited 
conduct in apprehending Wilkam Lounsbury, (a notorious 
enemy to the cause of America,) in Westchester County. 


Mr. Harper, agreeable to notice given last night, moved 
for a reconsideration of the determination of the House last 
night for removing the Convention to Fishkill. 

Debates arose, and the question being put, it was as fol- 
lows, that is to say: 

For reconsidering. 


4 Suffolk. 
4 Westchester. 
4 Queen’s. 


Against it. 
6 Albany. 


2 Charlotte. 
4 Westchester. 


2 Cumberland. 8 New-York. 
_— 3 Tryon. 
14 votes. : 3 Orange. 


26 votes. 


Resolved, That the Convention will meet in the English 
Church at Fishkill, on Monday next, at nine o’clock ; that 
a Committee of Safety, to consist of Mr. Duer, Colonel 
Cortlandt, Colonel Van Rensselaer, Mr. Robert Living- 
ston, and Major Schenck, with Mr. Yates, the President, 
be appointed to act for this State till the Convention 
meet. 


The Convention having been informed by their Secret 
Committee of the services of Captain Hazlewood, in pre- 
paring Fire-Rafis and giving useful information relative to 
the obstructing the navigation of Hudson’s River, think him 
entitled to the thanks of this House; and, as a compensation 
for his expenses and trouble, 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of this Convention pay to 


Ls 


—- =~ 


1557 


the said Captain Hazlewood the sum of £300, out of the 
Treasury of this State, for his services as aforesaid. 


Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to consider 
what number of the Militia can be speedily called out for 
the defence of this State. 

Colonel Hoffman, Mr. Wisner, Jun., Colonel De Witt, 
Colonel Cortlandt, and Mr. Duer, were appointed the said 
Committee. 


Resolved, That it be recommended to the inhabitants of 
Long-Island to remove as many of their Women, Children, 
and Slaves, and as much of their Stock and Grain, to the 
Main, as they can, and that this Convention will pay the 
expenses of removing the same. 


Ordered, That John Rogers, a servant man of General 
Morris, apprehended by order of this Convention as being 
notoriously disaffected, be conveyed under a proper guard to 
the Jail in Westchester County, to be kept in close custody 
till further orders; and that Captain Benson cause this order 
to be duly executed. 


A Letter from Peter T. Curtenius, with a list of articles 
such as he contracted for by order of this Convention, 
was received and read, and is in the words following, to 
wit: 

“Harlem, August 28, 1776. 

“ GenTLEMEN: I am in advance, on account of the Con- 
vention, above £4,000, and have engaged clothing and other 
articles to the amount of at least as much more. Should be 
glad this honourable House would be pleased to give an 
order on the Treasurer for £10,000, that I may be enabled 
to make good my engagements. 

“Tam, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 

“ Perer T. Curtentus. 


“PS. Mr. Roosevelt has about £2,800, which he told 
me I could have, if the Convention would give me an order 
on him. 


‘CA list of Articles which I have contracted for, and have in store, viz: 

*© 1500 pair buckskin breeches, 3000 shirts, and 200 dozen Germantown 
stockings, at Philadelphia; the last article something doubtful whether 
the whole quantity will be got. 

©1000 yards linen, given out to be made in shirts at Hackensack. 

‘*45 pieces osnaburgsatold Mr. Paulding’s, about three thousand yards; 
may do to make shirts. 

‘© 150 pair leather breeches in my store. 

‘¢600 pair shoes in ditto, and can get about 2000 pair more. 

- 348 dressed deer-skins at Hackensack; about 500 pair buckskin 
breeches engaged in different parts of the country, and believe I can get 
more at Bethlehem.”’ 

Resolved, That Peter T. Curtenius be empowered to 
borrow the sum of £10,000, and that the Convention of 
this State pledge the publick faith to the persons of whom 
he may borrow this sum for the repayment of the same, and 
that the receipt or receipts of the said Peter T. Curtenius 
shall be vouchers to the person or persons of whom the 
whole or any part of this sum may be borrowed, and to the 


Treasurer of this Convention for payment of the same. 


Ordered, 'That the Treasurer of this State, and the Secre- 
taries of the Convention, do immediately remove, with the 
Treasury and Records of this State, to £¢shkill, in Dutchess 
County, and that they there join the Convention at nine 
o'clock, on Monday next. 


—- 


COMMITTEE OF SAFETY. 


Harlem, August 29, 1776. 
The Committee of Safety met. Present: Abraham 
Yates, Jun., Esq., President, Colonel Cortlandt, Colonel 
Van Renselaer, Mr. Robert R. Livingston, Mr. Duer, Mr. 
Bleecker. 


Colonel Phinehas Fanning waited on the Committee 
with a Letter from Colonel Josiah Smith, Colonel of the 
Draughts of the Militia of Suffolk, Queen’s, and King’s 
Counties, stationed at Brookland, in King’s County, in- 
forming the Committee that his Regiment is ordered by 
General Washington to withdraw from Long-Island and 
wait the further orders of the Convention of this State. 

Thereupon, it was Ordered, ‘That Colonel Josiah Smith 
do, with all possible despatch, march his Regiment to Horn’s 
Hook, there to receive further orders from Mr. Samuel 
Townsend and Major Lawrence, and that he apply to the 
Commissary-General for five days’ provisions, and to the 
Quartermaster-General for baggage-wagons, it being of the 


NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1558 


utmost consequence that this Regiment should march with- 
out delay. 

And Resolved, That Mr. Samuel Townsend and Major 
Lawrence be requested and authorized to attend the Regi- 
ment commanded by Colonel Smith, in order to supply the 
said Regiment with provisions, and to devise the most safe 
and expeditious means of transporting the said Regiment 
from Long-Island; and that they be authorized and em- 
powered to impress horses, wagons, boats, vessels, &c., for 
that purpose; for the payment of which, and every other 
necessary expense, this Committee pledge the publick 
faith. 

Ordered, ‘That the ‘Treasurer of this State pay to Mr. 
Samuel Townsend and Major Lawrence the sum of £100, 
to be by them accounted for to the Convention of this 
State. 


Resolved and Ordered, That the Brigadier-General or 
Commanding Officers of the Militia in the Counties of 
Orange, Ulster, Westchester, and Dutchess, do hold their 
Militia in readiness to march at a moment’s warning, with 
five days’ provisions, and as much ammunition as possible ; 
there being the greatest reason to imagine that the whole 
force of this State may in a few days be wanted to repel the 
invasion of our merciless and tyrannical enemy. 

Ordered, 'That the Secretaries transmit certified copies 
of the aforegoing Resolution to the Brigadiers of the Counties 
therein mentioned, with the utmost despatch. 


Resolved and Ordered, That Captain Sickles and twelve 
men keep guard this night at such places as the motions of 
the enemy can be best watched, and that he make return 
to this Committee of all such persons who shall refuse to 
obey. 


King’s Bridge, August 30, 1776. 
The Committee of Safety met. Present: Abraham 
Yates, Jun., Esq., Chairman, Colonel Van Cortlandt, Colo- 
nel Renselaer, Mr. Robert R. Livingston, Mr. Duer, Mr. 
Bleecker. 


The Committee were informed that the Continental 
Troops, with all the Militia, had, by order of General Wash- 
ington, left Long-Island and come over to the city. 

Thereupon a draft of a Letter to General Washington 
was read, approved, and is in the words following, to 
wit: 


“Sir: In our way to Fishkill, agreeable to an adjourn- 
ment of the Convention, we are informed that the Army 
on Long-Island is removed to the City of New-York; and 
anxiety to know the fact, as well as to be informed whether 
you think any measures necessary for us to take, induces us 
to trouble your Excellency at this time for an answer hereto. 
We have ordered, last night, all the Militia of the Counties 
of Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, and Westchester, to be ready 
on a minute’s warning, with five days’ provisions. We shall 
wait the return of our messenger at this place; and are, sir, 
your most obedient and very humble servant. By order. 


“ His Excellency General Washington.” 


Ordered, That the same be copied, and transmitted by 
express. 


A Letter from Brigadier-General Clinton, dated dt King’s 
Bridge, August 30, 1776, was read, and is in the words 
following, to wit: 


“Gentiuemen: The Brigade under my command mur- 
mur extremely for want of the remaining bounty due to 
them. It is my opinion that when they are mustered by 
the Continental Mustermaster, that there will be no defi- 
ciency in the Muster-Rolls sworn to by the Colonels of the 
respective Regiments, and returned to your Convention. I 
therefore wish most earnestly that the Convention would 
dispense with that part of the resolution with respect to the 
levies that relate to the mode of mustering my Brigade, as 
it is very uncertain when they can be mustered agreeable to 
the manner therein prescribed. As, from the present situ- 
ation of our military operations, it is extremely probable that 
our Army will make the grand stand at the post I occupy, 
and as it is of the utmost consequence that harmony should 
prevail amongst the troops, I flatter myself the Convention 
will have no scruple in complying with my request. I shall 
desire General Washington to have my Brigade mustered as 


1559 


soon as possible, and shall make a regular return to the 
Convention of the whole Brigade. 
“Tam, gentlemen, your most obedient servant, 
“Gro. Cuinton, Brigadier-General. 


«'T’o the Honourable the Convention of the State of New- 
York.” 


The said Letter being immediately taken into consider- 
ation, 

Resolved and Ordered, That the Treasurer of this State 
pay to General Clinton, or his Order, the sum of £7,000; 
and that General Clinton account for the same to the Con- 
vention or a future Legislature of this State. 


Colonel Thomas informed the Committee that he had in 
his hands the sum of £251 12s., being part of the interest 
of the Loan-Office money due from the County of West- 
chester, and prays to know the opinion of the Committee 
with respect to the disposal of it. 

Thereupon, Resolved and Ordered, That the said Colonel 
Thomas pay the above sum into the hands of the President 
of this Committee, and that the President give his receipt 
and pay the same to the ‘Treasurer of this State; and that 
this order shall be considered by the Supervisors of West- 
chester County as a voucher for the sum so paid, in as full 
and ample manner as if the same had been paid to Abraham 
Lott, Esq., the late Treasurer of this State. 


General Clinton informed the Committee that a consi- 
derable number of the Cartridges which were lately ordered 
from Norwood’s Store, in New-York, to his encampment, 
were damaged by the rain in coming up the river to King’s 
Bridge, and prayed to know the sense of the Committee 
with respect to the disposal of them. 

Ordered, ‘That General Clinton be requested to send the 
damaged Powder contained in the said Cartridges to the 
Powder-Mills of John R. Livingston, Esq., in Dutchess 
County, who is desired to remanufacture the same, and that 
this Committee pledge the publick faith for the defraying 
the contingent expenses. 


Captain Brinton Payne’s Examination relative to John 
Woolly being taken, is as follows, to wit: 


“The examinant having observed that a boat went from 
the house of one Woolly, on Long-Island, to the ships of 
the enemy, took with him a party of men on the night of the 
29th of August instant, and crossed the Sound to the house 
of the said Woolly; that having paraded his men, as they 
were going toward the river they were met by John Woolly, 
who is the owner of the above-mentioned boat, as this ex- 
aminant has been informed, and another person, whose name 
he has forgot; that he imagines from their conduct they mis- 
took him for persons belonging to the ships; that he charged 
him with having been on board; that Woolly owned he had 
been on board, but alleged that he had been taken by the 
barge of the enemy’s ships; that they refused to give to this 
examinant any information of the state of the shipping. 

“ Brinton Payne.” 


Resolved, That General Clinton be requested to cause 
further examinations to be taken relative to the capture of 
John Woolly and his companions; and that he cause the said 
John Woolly, and the person apprehended with him, to be 
sent under a sufficient guard to Poughkeepsie Jail, in Dutchess 
County ;* and that a copy of this Order, sent by General 
Clinton, shall be a sufficient mittimus to the Jailer of the 
said County. 

Mr. Ebenezer Hazard, Deputy Postmaster for the New- 
York Department, waited on the Committee, and requested 
their opinion on the most proper place of safety and con- 
venience to the publick to which he should remove his 
office, as an invasion of the City of New-York is hourly 
expected: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Com- 
mittee of Safety that Mr. Hazard, Postmaster for the Dis- 
trict of New-York, should immediately remove his office to 
some convenient place near Dobbs’s Ferry till further orders 
from the Postmaster-General. 


Whereas the Convention have granted an exemption from 
military duty to Mr. Charles Shaw; and whereas Richard 
Morris, Esq., is exempt therefrom by his commission, agree- 
able to the regulation of the Militia of this State; notwith- 
standing which, as this Committee are informed, Captain 
Varian insists on their serving in the Militia, this Commit- 


NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, AUGUST, 1776. 


1560 


tee are of opinion that Captain Varian should, agreeable to 
the Resolution of the Convention of this State, consider the 
said Charles Shaw and Richard Morris as exempt from 
military duty, and that a contrary conduct will be considered 
as a high contempt of the authority of this State, and punish- 
ed as such. 


At the House of Mr. Odell, in Philipse’s Manor, 
August 31, 1776. 
The Committee met. Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., 
Esq., Mr. Robert R. Livingston, Mr. Duer, Colonel Cort- 
landt, Colonel Renselaer. 


A Letter from General Washington, dated yesterday, was 
received and read, and is in the words following, to wit: 


* August 30, 1776. 


“Sim: Your favour of this date is just come to hand. 
Circumstanced as this Army was in respect to situation, 
strength, &c., it was the unanimous advice of a council of 
General Officers to give up the Long-Island and not, by 
dividing our force, be unable to resist the enemy in any one 
point of attack. ‘This reason, added to some others, par- 
ticularly the fear of having our communication cut off from 
the main body, (of which there seemed to be no small pro- 
bability,) and the extreme fatigue our troops were laid under 
in guarding such extensive lines, without proper shelter from 
the weather, induced the above resolution. 

“It is the most intricate thing in the world, sir, to know 
in what manner to conduct one’s self with respect to the Mili- 
tia. If you do not begin many days before they are wanted, 
to raise them, you cannot have them in time; if you do, they 
get tired and return, besides being under very little order or 
government whilst in service. However, if the enemy have 
a design of serving us at this place, as we apprehend they 
meant to do on Long-Island, it might not be improper to 
have a body in readiness to prevent or retard a landing of 
them on the east of Harlem River, if need be. 

“In haste, and not a little fatigued, I remain, with great 
respect and esteem, sir, your most obedient, humble servant, 

“Go. WasHineTon. 


“The Hon. Abraham Yates, Esq., President of the Con- 
gress of the State of New-York.” 


The said Letter was immediately taken into consideration, 
and the Committee came to the following Resolution, to wit: 

Whereas, from the operations of the enemy and the intel- 
ligence received, there is strong reason to think that their 
Army intend to make a landing at or near King’s Bridge, 


‘in order to cut off the communication betwixt New-York 


Island and the Main: 

Resolved, That the inhabitants of New-York Island and 
those parts of Westchester County which are most exposed 
to the depredations of the enemy, do forthwith drive their 
Horned Cattle, Horses, Hogs, and Sheep into the interior part 
of this State, and that General Washington be requested to 
make this order publick, and to give all possible assistance 
in carrying it into execution when he shall think neces- 
sary. 

A draft of a Letter to General Washington, in answer to 
his received this day, was read and approved, and is in the 
words following, to wit: : 

** August 31, 1776. 

“Sra: We had the honour of your Excellency’s letter of 
yesterday, and see the weight of the reasons which induced 
you to quit the lines on Long-Island. We acknowledge the 
difficulty of managing the Militia so as to render them use- 
ful, which is in some measure owing to their being ill-ap- 
pointed and unused to camps, and of consequence suffering 
more than those who have got into a regular way of pro- 
viding against inconveniences. We are so fully satisfied of 
the enemy’s design to land above New-York, and of the 
mischiefs that will result therefrom, that we cannot, by any 
means, advise your Excellency to trust for its prevention 
to any Militia which we can at this time call out, who, after 
the great draughts we have already made, cannot be expe- 
ditiously collected well, ill armed, and we fear some of them 
not so well affected as we would wish. We know no coun- 
try so capable of being defended as that above the bridge. 
Should the enemy once occupy it, we have reason to dread 
the consequences. We take the liberty to hint these things 
to your Excellency, though we are persuaded they have not 


1561 


escaped your observation, in order to convince our constitu- 
ents and the rest of the Continent engaged in the same cause 
that we are willing to make any sacrifices which the general 
interest demands. 

“ We enclose a resolution for the removal of the cattle 
from the Island of New-York, which your Excellency will 
cause to be executed if you think it necessary, as we have 
no force that we can trust with its execution. We cannot 
but hope that the Commissary will give every relief to the 
inhabitants by purchasing from them all the stock that are 
fit for the use of the Army 

« We have directed Colonel Smith to go to Long-Island, 
in order to destroy the cattle, which will otherwise serve as 
a supply to the enemy. 

“If by calling in the outposts the force of an Army is so 
much concentred that any part of them could safely be 
spared, we are fully persuaded that three thousand Rangers 
could be very usefully employed on Long-Island, and not 
only barass the enemy but prevent their foraging parties from 
ever getting beyond the Cross-Plains, which extend quite 
across the Island, and by that means save at least two-thirds 
of it from the enemy. Your Excellency knows how to 
pardon, on the score of our sincerity for the general welfare, 
our stepping somewhat out of the regular line, and suggesting 
such ideas as our knowledge of the country induces us to 
believe useful. We have the honour to be. 


‘His Excellency General Washington.” 


Ordered, That a copy thereof be engrossed, signed by 
the President, and, together with the aforegoing Resolutions 
relative to the driving the Cattle from New-York Island, be 
immediately transmitted by express. 


Colonel Jeromus Remsen followed the Committee from 
Harlem, and requested to know the sense of the Committee 
relative to the disposition of the Regiment of Militia under 
his command, and lately come from Long-Island. 

After mature deliberation, the Committee came to the 
following Resolutions, to wit: 

Whereas Colonel Remsen’s Regiment is composed of the 
inhabitants of King’s and Queen’s Counties, which said 
Counties are at present occupied by the enemy; and whereas 
it is the duty of the Representatives of this State diligently 
to watch over the safety of their constituents, and to prevent 
their falling into the hands of a tyrannical enemy, who may 
compel them to bear arms against their country : 

Therefore, Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended 
to such of the said Militia who are attached to the cause of 
this invaded country, to form themselves into Companies, 
consisting of one Captain, one Lieutenant, one Ensign, three 
Sergeants, three Corporals, one Drum, one Fife, and fifty 
Privates. 

Resolved, That these Companies be commanded by the 
same Colonel, Captains, and Subalterns, under whom they 
have hitherto served; and in case any Officer or Officers 
should decline accepting his or their commissions, the same 
should be tendered to the next commissioned Officers in 
rank, till the whole Companies are properly officered; and 
that in case, from the decline of a sufficient number of Offi- 
cers to accept commissions, there should be any vacancies, 
the Company where such vacancy may be shall nominate 
an Officer, to whom the Convention of this State will grant 
a commission, whenever the said nomination shall be ap- 
proved of by Brigadier-General Woodhull and Colonel 
Remsen. 

Resolved, That these Troops, when raised, shall be enti- 
tled to Continental pay and rations, with a bounty of £4 
to each man on passing muster, and that they continue in 
service till the last day of December next; and that if any 
men should choose to inlist for the space of three years, or 
during the war, they shall receive a bounty of twenty dollars 
per man on passing muster. 

Resolved, That each man furnish himself with a good 
Gun or Musket, Cartouch-Box or Bullet-Pouch, a Blanket 
or Knapsack, and every six men with a Pot or Camp- 
Kettle. 

Resolved and Ordered, That Colonel Remsen, with his 
Regiment of Militia, join General Clinton, at King’s Bridge, 
till further order from the Convention or Committee of Safety 
of this State; and that he be authorized to grant furloughs 
to such of his Militia of whose attachment to the American 
cause he is well assured, to visit or remove their families from 


NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776. 


1562 


Long-Island: Provided always, That no man obtaining 
such furlough be permitted to carry his arms with him. m 
Resolved and Ordered, That the President pay to Colonel 
Remsen the sum of £251 12s., in payment of the pay due 
to his Regiment of Militia, taking his receipt for the same. 
Which said sum the President immediately paid to Colo- 
nel Remsen, in presence of the Committee. 


A Letter from Robert G. Livingston, dated at Newark, 
August the 27th, 1776, setting forth that Captain Anthony 
Rutgers refuses to receive from him in payment Continental 
money, was read and filed. , 

Ordered, That the said Letter be referred to the Con- 
vention. 

The Committee proceeded to Croton River. 

Croton River, at the house of Jno. Blagge. 

The Committee, taking into consideration the necessity 
of having the earliest intelligence, came to the following 
Resolution, to wit: 

As, in the present alarming situation of affairs, it is neces- 
sary that the Convention of this State should have the earliest 
intelligence from the Northern and Southern Armies: 

Be it Resolved, That Mr. Hazard, Postmaster for the 
New-York Department, be requested to direct the Post, 
between New- York and Albany, to ride for the present time 
on the east side of Hudson’s River weekly; and that a Letter 
be written to the Postmaster-General on this subject, inform- 
ing him of the reasons on which this Resolution is founded. 


Colonel Van Cortlandt introduced a Letter from James 
Teller, which was read. 

Thereupon, it was Resolved, 'That it is the opinion of this 
Committee that Mr. James Teller is entitled to the rank of 
Captain; and 

Ordered, That he join General Clinton’s Brigade, with 
all possible despatch; and that he apply to Colonel Thomas 
for the first moiety of bounty due to his men, showing him 
this Resolution. 


Fishkill, in Dutchess County, September 2, 1776. 
The Committee of Safety met. 
Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., the President. 
Colonel Van Cortlandt, Mr. Duer, Colonel Renselaer, 
Committee members. Mr. Duane, Colonel Livingston, Mr. 
Cuyler, General Ten Broeck. 


Colonel Renselaer informed the Committee that he had 
received intelligence that the garrisons in Forts Constetution 
and Montgomerie were ill armed, and otherwise in a situa- 


‘tion ill calculated to annoy the enemy. The Committee 


taking the same into consideration, came to the following 
Resolution : 

Resolved, That General Ten Broeck, Mr. Duane, Mr. 
Cuyler, and Colonel Livingston, be a Committee to visit 
Forts Constitution and Montgomerie, and that they report 
with all possible despatch the state of the works, the number 
and health of the soldiers, the condition and number of their 
arms, the quantity of ammunition, ball, &c., the number of 
gunners, matrosses, Nc., and every other matter which may 
tend to give to the Convention of this State a full and clear 
view of these important fortresses. 

Resolved, That the said Committee show General Clinton 
a copy- of the above Resolution; and that they request him 
to give all possible assistance in carrying the same into exe- 
cution. 


Fishkill, P. M., September 2, 1776. 
The Committee of Safety met. 


Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President. 

Colonel Van Cortlandt, Colonel Renselaer, Mr. Duer, of 
the Committee: Mr. Stephens, Mr. Sessions, members for 
Cumberland County ; Mr. Moore, Mr. Harper, Mr. Veder, 
for Tryon County ; Mr. Tenbroeck, Mr. Adgate, for Albany 
County; Colonel Williams, Mr. Webster, for Charlotte 
County. 

A member informed the Committee that a number of 
indigent infirm persons, who had been sent out of the City 
of New-York by the Committee for that purpose appointed, 
have been on board a sloop at Lshkill Landing eight or 
nine days, and that they complained much of their distressed 
situation. 


Whereupon, it was Resolved and Ordered, That Mr. 


1565 


Peter Murford, acting Chairman of the Committee of Rum- 
bout Precinct, be requested to attend this Committee at nine 
o’clock, to-morrow morning. 

Ordered, That the Secretaries furnish him with a copy 
of this order. 


—_— 


Fishkill, Tuesday, A. M., September 3, 1776. 

The Committee met. 

Present: Abraham Yates, Jun., Esq., President. 

Mr. Duer, Colonel Renselaer, Colonel Cortlandt, Mr. 
Schenck, of the Committee. Mr. Robert Harper, Mr. 
Contine, Colonel Wilhams, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Harper, Mr. 
Webster, Mr. Ten Broeck, Mr. Sesstons, Major Lockwood, 
Mr. Sacket, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Veder, Mr. Smith, Colonel 
De Wit. 

Mr. Murford, the Deputy Chairman of Rumbout Precinct, 
pursuant to the order of yesterday, attended. He informed 
the Committee of Safety that by reason of his absence, the 
said Committee had not met till yesterday; that they have 
proceeded to the consideration of devising means to provide 
for the indigent persons now at Captain Bush’s Landing, 
and lately sent from New-York by order of that Committee, 
and that some part of the Committee of Rumbout are to 
meet this afternoon on that service. 

Ordered, That Major Schenck give his aid to the said 
Committee in placing the said Poor, agreeable to their merits, 
and a maintenance supplied to them. 

Ordered, That the Treasurer of this State pay to Peter 
Montfort, Esquire, Deputy Chairman of the Committee of 
Rumbout Precinct, on his receipt, the sum of £100, on 
account, to be applied to the maintenance of the Poor lately 
sent from the City of New-York to Fishkill Landing, the 
Committee to be accountable, and render an account of the 
disposition and expenditure of that money. 


A Letter from General Washington was received and read, 
to wit: 

‘* New-York, September 1, 1776. 

“Sir: I was yesterday honoured with your favour of that 
date, and should have answered it by the return of the per- 
son who brought, it had I not been engaged then in a multi- 
plicity of business, which occasioned me to forget it till he 
was gone. 

“Jn respect to the cattle on this Island, I shall desire the 
Commissary to purchase as many of them from the inhabi- 
tants as he can conveniently, and will afford every assistance 
the situation of affairs will admit of to have the remainder 
secured ; but as to those on Long-Island, it is impossible for 
me to take any measures‘or give any assistance to prevent 
their falling into the enemy’s hands. I am persuaded the 
number of Rangers you mention, were they to exert them- 
selves, might be of service, and annoy the foraging parties of 
the enemy not a little; but, sir, I cannot spare any men for 
that purpose. ‘Though our force is called ia from the out- 
posts, and collected upon this Island, yet it will not be more 
than competent to the defence of the several kinds necessary 
to be maintained; nor is it perhaps so great by any means 
as common estimation and report make it. 

“YT am extremely obliged by your opinion on the defen- 
sible state of the grounds above King’s Bridge, though they 
had not escaped my observation. ‘Their importance I am 
fully sensible of; and, as far as the critical situation of things 
will allow, their defence shall be attended to, to prevent, if 
possible, the enemy from possessing them. 

“J have the honour to be, very respectfully, sir, your 
most obedient servant, Go. WasHINGTON. 


«P.S. As the posts at King’s Bridge are of such great 
importance, I think it will be well and extremely necessary 
to be favoured with your friendly exertions, in affording 
every aid in your power for their defence. Cannot some 
more Militia be prevailed on to give their assistance, and in 
whom you can confide? I will not enlarge, being fully 
assured you will do all you can.” 


Ordered, 'That Major Lockwood proceed immediately to 

‘estchester County, or elsewhere, and endeavour to see 
Colonel Smith and Colonel Remsen, in order to obtain intel- 
ligence from them of the state of their respective Regiments, 
and that he be empowered to order the said Regiments to 
repair to General Chnton’s encampment, at King’s Bridge, 
in case Colonel Smith finds it impracticable, from the dispo- 
sition of his troops or other circumstances, to transport them 


NEW-YORK COMMITTEE OF SAFETY, SEPTEMBER, 1776. 


1564 


to Long-Island ; and that he inform Colonel Smith, in con- 
fidence, that means have been devised, and are now actually 
carrying into execution, to give him assistance in opposing 
the-enemy on Long-Island. 

And Resolved, That Major Lockwood be empowered to 
impress Horses, wherever he may have occasion for the 
same, to expedite his journey. 

Whereas the Committee of Safety have received informa- 
tion that the Regiments of levies commanded by Colonel 
Smith are either dispersed or have been disbanded without 
the permission of this State, and that sundry men in Colonel 
Remsen’s Regiment of King’s and Queen’s County Militia 
have been suffered to disperse and take their arms with them, 
contrary to an express order from this Committee: 

Therefore, Resolved, unanimously, That General Clinton 
be requested to inquire into the truth of such intelligence, 
and that in case he finds the same true, that he be authorized 
to use the most effectual means of apprehending and detain- 
ing as many of the said levies and Militia as possible, even 
if they produce passes, till further order of the Convention 
or the Committee of Safety of this State; it being of the 
utmost consequence to the publick safety that so large a 
number of armed men should not be added to the enemy’s 
power on Long-Island. 

Resolved, unanimously, That it be recommended to the 
Committees of Westchester, Horse-Neck, Stamford, and 
Norwalk, diligently to watch all boats passing from the main 
to Long-Island, and to suffer no soldier belonging to any 
Regiment in the service of this State to pass over to Long- 
Island armed, even though he should produce an officer’s 
pass;-and that Major Lockwood be requested and autho- 
rized to forward copies of this Resolve to the said Commit- 
tees respectively, by express, if he finds that Colonels Smith’s 
and Remsen’s Regiments are either dispersed or disbanded, 
and have received no orders to rendezvous on Long-Island. 


Mr. Gerardus Bancker informed a Member of the Con- 
vention that on Saturday last, at the White-Plains, he heard 
Manning Bull say that Brigadier-General Woodhull was 
taken prisoner on Long-Island, and that soon after, on the 
same day, he heard Dr. Robert Graham say the same. In 
consequence of the said information, suspicion arose in the 
minds of the Members whether a correspondence is not kept 
up between some person or persons in Westchester County 
and the enemy on Long-Island. 

Thereupon, a Letter was written to the Committee of 
Westchester County, in the words following, to wit: 


“Str: This Committee have been informed that Doctor 


Graham and Manning Bull had very early intelligence of 


General Woodhull’s being taken prisoner on Long-Island. 
We are apprehensive that a correspondence is kept up be- 
tween those persons, or some other in your County, and the 
enemy. You are therefore earnestly requested to make strict 
inquiry into this matter, by inquiring of whom they had their 
information, and report your proceedings with all possible 
despatch. You'll be pleased likewise to transmit to this 


-Committee or the Convention your proceedings in the affair 


of Lownsbury, as also the commission and other papers 
found upon him. We are, &c. 


“To the Chairman of Committee of Westchester County.” 


A Letter from Philip Livingston, Esq., one of our Dele- 
gates at Continental Congress, was received and read, and 
is in the words following, to wit: 

‘* Philadelphia, August 30, 1776. 

«Sir: Your favour, dated 28th, came to hand by the 
post, who returned before we had any opportunity to apply 
to Congress, as you desired. ‘The application was imme- 
diately agreed to, and their resolve to employ the black- 
smiths (who are now engaged in building the frigates) for 
the purpose of obstructing the navigation of Hudson’s River, 
is here enclosed. We wish much to hear from you what is 
done in that affair, and what more is proposed to be done. 
The advices from New- York respecting the. attack of the 
British troops on our Army on Long-Island are very various 
and uncertain. We could wish to hear from you as often 
as time will permit; our anxiety, as you may easily judge, 
is not small, and particular accounts, as often as possible, 
would be very agreeable. Many particulars that most chiefly 
concern us, as Members of your State, and are more inter- 
esting now than ever, we are not informed of. We know 
you are much engaged in affairs of the greatest moment, but 


1565 


perhaps one of your Secretaries may find time to despatch 
us a few lines every day or two. | A considerable number 
of troops have, since Tuesday, marched from here to Amboy, 
say about three thousand, and as many more will probably 
be despatched within one week more. Mr. Lewis and 
Colonel Floyd beg to assure you that they are as well as 
the subscriber. Sir, your most obedient servant, 


3 “Pui. Livineston. 
“Mr, Abraham Yates, Jun. 
A Resolution of Congress, enclosed in and of the same 
date with the aforegoing, was also read, and is in the words 
following, to wit: 


‘** Continental Congress, August 30, 1776. 

“The Convention of New-York having represented that 
for want of Blacksmiths they are greatly delayed in obstruct- 
ing the passage of Hudson’s River, which 1s an object of 
great importance: 

«Resolved, That the Convention of New-York be em- 
powered to employ, for the purpose aforesaid, the Black- 
smiths that are now engaged in building the Continental 
Frigates at Poughkeepsie. 5 

“Ordered, That the Secretaries transmit a copy of the 
said Resolution to the Secret Committee without delay.” 

P. M., September 3, 1776. 

The Committee met pursuant to adjournment. 

Present: Abm. Yates, Esq., President. 

Mr. Duer, Colonel Cortlandt, Colonel Rensselaer, Major 

Schenck, of the Committee of Safety. 

For New-Yorx.—Mr. Bancker, Mr. Harper. 

For Ausany.—Mr. Yates, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Ten Broeck. 
For Surrotx.—Mr. Smith. 

For Durcuess.—Mr. Sackett, Colonel Hoffman. 

For Westcuester.—Judge Graham. 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY 5, 1776. 


1566 


For ‘Trvon.—Mr. Harper, Mr. Moore, Mr. Veder. - 
For Utstrer.—Colonel De Wit. 

For Cuartorre.—Major Webster, Colonel Williams. 
For Cumpertanp.—Mr. Stephens, Mr. Sessions.. 


It being suggested that the Military Stores of Lead, &c., 
belonging to this State, and which were lately, by order of 
the Convention, sent to the White-Plains, in Westchester 
County, are in danger, from the number of disaffected per- 
sons in that County, of being destroyed: 

Thereupon, the Committee came to the following deter- 
mination, to wit: 

Whereas this Committee have reason to think that the 
Stores belonging to this State, which are stored in West- 
chester County, are by no means secure from the designs of 
our open or secret enemies: 

Therefore, Resolved, That the Chairman of the Commit- 
tee of Westchester County deliver to the bearer hereof, Mr. 
John Cregier, all the Stores belonging to this State, and 
lately sent to be stored in the said County by order of the 
Convention of this State; and Mr. Cregier is hereby re- 
quested and authorized to convey the same to the landing 
at Tarry-Town, and from thence by water to the Fshkill- 
Landing. 

Resolved, further, That the said Committee be requested 


_ to furnish a proper guard over the said Stores until the arrival 


thereof to the Iishkills as aforesaid; and also that they 
afford Mr. Cregier all the aid in their power in the execu- 
tion of this business. 

And Ordered, That the Treasurer of this Convention 
advance to Mr. John Cregier the sum of sixty Dollars, to 
enable him to pay the expenses of transporting the Stores 
belonging to this State from Westchester County to the 
Fishkill-Landing, and take his receipt to account for the 
same. 


—s— 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. 
Friday, July 5, 1776. 
A Letter from Captain Crawford, a prisoner of the 26th 
Regiment, was read, requesting leave to visit the Prisoners 
in the several places where they are confined. 
Resolved, That, in the present situation of affairs, such 
leave be not granted. 


The Committee on Ways and Means brought in a Report, 
which was read. 

Ordered, To lie on the table. 

The Account and Vouchers of Mr. Price being laid before 
Congress, 

Resolved, That they be referred for adjustment to the 
Board of Treasury. 


The Board of War brought in a Report: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That a Regiment be raised out of 
the Officers who served in Canada, on the same terms on 
which the Regiment to be commanded by Colonel Dubois 
is to be raised; and that the following persons be appointed 
Officers of the said Regiment: Seth Warner Colonel, Samuel 
Safford Liecutenant-Colonel, Elisha Painter Major. Wart 
Hopkins, John Grant, Gideon Brownson, Abiather Angel, 
Simeon Smith, Joshua Stanton, Seely, Jacob Vors- 
boroug, Captains; John Allen, Fusset, Wal- 
bridge, Deane, James Gold, Sill, Ebenezer Hide, 
Gamaliel Painter, First Lieutenants; Ebenezer Beaumont 
Adjutant. 

Resolved, That the President write to Governour Cooke, 
requesting him to order fifty Ship-Carpenters to be engaged, 
on the best terms, at the expense of the Continent, and sent 
to General Schuyler, at Albany, as soon as possible, in order 
to build Vessels for the defence of the Lakes. 


The Committee of Congress, appointed to confer with 
the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania, the Committee of 
Inspection and Observation for the City and Liberties of 
Philadelphia, and the Field Officers of the five Battalions 
of the said City, reported, that they have had a meeting 
with the Committees and Officers aforesaid, and have agreed 
to the following Resolutions, viz: 

That all the Associated Militia of Pennsylvania, (excepting 
the Counties of Westmoreland, Bedford, and Northumber- 
land,) who can be furnished with arms and accoutrements, 
be forthwith requested to march, with the utmost expedition, 
to Trenton, (except the Militia of Northampton County, who 


are to march directly for New-Brunswick,) in New-Jersey ; 
and that the said Militia continue in service until the Flying- 
Camp of ten thousand men can be collected to relieve them, 
unless they shall be sooner discharged by Congress: 

That the Militia march by Companies to the place of 
rendezvous: 

That the said Militia be taken into the Continental pay, 
and receive the same pay, allowances and rations with the 
Continental Troops, from the time they begin their march 
until they return to their respective homes : 

That those of the three Battalions of the Pennsylvania 
Troops now remaining in the Province, be ordered to march 
immediately for New-Brunswick, in New-Jersey : 

That the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania provide 
as many tents as they can for said Militia: 

That the Committee of Inspection and Observation in the 
several Counties furnish a good kettlé to every six men, and 
give all the assistance in their power, that the said Militia 
be well armed and equipped, and march with the greatest 
expedition: 

That the Committees of Inspection for the several Coun- 
ties of Pennsylvania be desired to order such ‘Troops as they 
may raise for the Flying-Camp to be marched to Trenton ; 
the Resolve of Congress passed yesterday to march them 
to Philadelphia to the contrary notwithstanding. 

Whereupon, Resolved, That this Congress highly ap- 
prove the foregoing Resolutions, and recommend it to the 
good people of Pennsylvania to carry the same into execu- 
tion with the same laudable readiness which they have 
hitherto manifested in supporting the injured rights of their 
country. 

Resolved, That Colonel Hazlet, of the Battalion in Del- 
aware Government, be ordered to station one Company at 
Lewistown, and to march the remaining seven to Wilming- 
don, and there remain until further order of this Congress. 


Resolved, That the Commissioners for Indian Affairs in 
the Southern Department, while on actual service, receive 
four Dollars a day. 

The Committee on the Treasury reported that there is 
due to John Walker, Esquire, one of the Commissioners of 
Indian Affairs in the Southern Department, the sum of 
869 67-90 Dollars, for several Horses, a Wagon and Geers, 
and expenses in travelling two thousand five hundred miles. 

Ordered, That the said Account be paid. 


1567 


The Committee appointed to consider the state of Geor- 
gia, brought in their Report, which was taken into consi- 
deration; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That for the defence of Georgia 
there be an addition of two Battalions, (one of them to con- 
sist of Riflemen,) to be raised on the same terms on which 
other Continental Battalions are now ordered to be raised : 

That blank Commissions for the Field-Officers be sent to 
the Convention of Georgia, to be filled up with the names 
of such persons as the said Convention shall judge proper: 

That it be recommended to the Assemblies, Conventions, 
or Councils of Safety, of Virginia, North and South-Caro- 
lina, to permit the raising 'Troops, for the purpose aforesaid, 
within their respective States; and, if requested, to afford 
their advice and assistance with regard to suitable persons 
for Captains and Subalterns, and that blank Commissions be 
delivered to the Delegates: 

That four Galleys be built at the expense of the United 
States, under the direction of the Convention of Georgia, 
for the further defence of the said State. 

And whereas the Delegates of Georgia have represented 
the necessity of erecting two Forts, one at Savannah and 
the other at Sunbury ; 

Resolved, That two Companies of Artillery be raised, 
consisting of fifty men each, Officers included, for the pur- 
pose of garrisoning such Forts, in case they shall be erected, 
by and at the expense of Georgia; and that blank Commis- 
sions be delivered to the Delegates, for the Officers, to be 
filled up by the Assembly or Convention of the said State. 


Resolved, 'That General Washington be empowered, if 
he shall judge it advisable, to order three of the fullest 
Regiments, stationed in Massachusetts-Bay, to be immedi- 
ately marched to Ticonderoga; and that an equal number 
of the Militia of that State be taken into pay, and imbodied 
for its defence, if the Government of Massachusetts-Bay 
judge it necessary. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration ; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That Mr. John Coburne, who has 
acted as an Assistant Conductor of Military Stores in Canada, 
and has produced certificates of his having done his duty in 
that station, be allowed Lieutenant’s pay, from the first day 
of March to the first day of June last: , 

That a Chaplain be appointed to each Regiment in the 
Continental Army, and that their allowance be increased 
to thirty-three Dollars and one-third of a Dollar a month: 

That immediate steps be taken in the several Colonies to 
procure Lead: 

That the Postmaster-General be directed immediately to 
have Expresses established between this City and New- 
York; and that General Washington be desired to send off 
Despatches to Congress every day. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration ; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the Secret Committee be 
directed to send forthwith to General Lewis, at Williams- 
burgh, five tons of Powder, for the use of the Troops in the 
Southern Department, part of which is to be forwarded to 
South- Carolina : 

That the British Officers and Soldiers who are Prisoners, 
and now in New-Jersey, be sent from thence to the Town 
of York, in Pennsylvania; and that the Convention or Com- 
mittee of Safety of New-Jersey be requested to carry this 
Resolve into immediate execution: 

That four Companies of the Militia be directed to remain 
in Philadelphia, to guard the Continental Stores in that 
City. 

The matters to this day referred, being postponed, 

Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 


Saturday, July 6, 1776. 
A Letter of the 5th, from the Convention of New-Jersey, 
was received and read. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration ; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That Carpenter Wharton be ap- 
pointed Commissary to supply with Rations the Militia who 
are immediately to march from Pennsylvania to New-Jersey, 
until the Commissary-General shall order otherwise: 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY 8, 1776. 


1568 


That William Sherman, Jun., be appointed Paymaster of 
Colonel Warner’s Regiment: 

That Major Rogers be sent to New-Hampshire, to be dis- 
posed of as the Government of that State shall judge best. 


Sundry Letters were received and read, viz: 

One from General Washington, of the 4th and 5th July; 

One of the Ist, from General Schuyler to General Wash- 
ington; and 

One of the 24th of June, from Brigadier-General Sullivan 
to General Schuyler: 

Resolved, That the same be referred to the Board of War. 


Resolved, That the Agents in Massachusetts-Bay and 
Rhode-Island be directed to send the Arms taken out of the 
Scotch Transports to General Washington, at New-York. 


Resolved, That a copy of a Letter received from T. Green 
be forwarded to General Washington, and that he be desired 
to send for such parts of the Stores therein mentioned, as he 
shall think proper. 


Application being made by William Kelsay, who has raised 
a Company in New-Jersey, for a sum of Money to defray 
the expenses of said Company to New-York: 

Ordered, That Mr. Mease advance one month’s Pay to 
Captain Kelsay, for the use of his Company; he to be ac- 
countable. 


The Congress proceeded to the election of Members for 
the Committee on Indian Affairs, in the room of those ab- 
sent; and, the ballots being taken, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. P. 
Livingston, and Mr. Huntingdon, were chosen. 

Resolved, That Mr. Floyd, Mr. Rodney, and Mr. Clark, 
be added to the Committee to inquire into the miscarriages 
in Canada. 


Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to 
deliver one ton of Powder to the Convention of New-York; 
they to be accountable: 

That General Schuyler be directed to collect and audit the 
publick Accounts of the late General Montgomery, and to 
include his pay and the allowance for his table in the ad- 
justment. 


The Board of Treasury laid before Congress an Account 
of James Warren, Esq., late Paymaster-General of the United 
Colonies : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the following allowances be 
made, viz: 

For Assistants from 27th July, 1775, to 4th May, 1776, 
the sum of 276 Dollars: 

For sundry articles purchased for the use of the Office in 
New-York, 3 Dollars and 49-72 parts of a Dollar: 

For Horse hire to William Wynthrop, Esq., and for his 
attendance and expenses in Philadelphia, 100 Dollars. 

Ordered, 'That Mr. Warren pay the balance in his hands 
to Ebenezer Hancock, Esq., Deputy Paymaster-General for 
the Eastern Department. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock, on Monday. 


Monday, July 8, 1776. © 

A Letter of the 4th, from General Washington, and one 

of the 6th, from the Convention of New-Jersey, were laid 
before Congress, and read. 


Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to send 
four tons of Powder, and a sufficient quantity of Cartridge- 
Paper, to General Mercer, for the use of the Flying-Camp. 


Resolved, That an Order for 20,000 Dollars be drawn 
on the Treasurers, in favour of James Mease; he to be 
accountable. 


A Letter of this day, from Mrs. Connolly, was laid before 
Congress and read. 

Resolved, That it be referred to the Committee of Safety 
of Pennsylvania, and that it be recommended to said Com- 
mittee to make proper provision for Mrs. Connolly till further 
order of Congress. 


Resolved, 'That the Commanding Officer of the Military 
Associators of Philadelphia be directed not to order Captain 
Peters out of the City, as his service and attendance is ne- 
cessary in the War Office. 


Resolved, That the Postmasters, while in office, be ex- 
cused from all military duty. 


1559 


A Letter of the 4th, from the Convention of Maryland, 
enclosing Resolutions for raising three thousand four hundred 
men for the Flying-Camp, was received and read. 


Resolved, That Major-General Gates be informed that it 
was the intention of Congress to give him the command of 
the Troops whilst in Canada, but that they had no design 
to vest him with a superior command to General Schuyler 
whilst the Troops should be on this side Canada; and that 
the President write to Major-General Schuyler and Major- 
General Gates, stating this matter, and recommending to 
them to carry on the military operations with harmony, and in 
such a manner as shall best promote the publick service. 

That a copy of the foregoing Resolution be transmitted to 
General Washington. 


The Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania, having recom- 
mended Daniel Burkhard, George Hubley, Jacob Bunner, 
and Benjamin Weiser, to be Captains of the four Companies 
of Germans to be raised in that State: 

Resolved, That they be approved, and that Commissions 
be granted to them accordingly. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That General Washington be 
vested with discretionary power to call to his assistance, at 
New- York, such of the Continental Regiments in the Mas- 
sachusetis-Bay as have not already received orders to march 
to Ticonderoga, and that the General Court of that State be 
requested to supply their places with Militia, if they think it 
expedient: 

That General Washington have permission to call forth 
and engage in the service of the United States so many 
Indians of the St. John’s, Nova-Scotia, and Penobscot Tribes 
as he shall judge necessary; and that he be desired to write 
to the General Court of the Massachusetts-Bay, requesting 
their aid in this business, and informing them that Congress 
will reimburse such expenses as may be necessarily incurred 
in consequence of the foregoing Resolution: 

That the Commissary-General have full power to supply 
both Armies, that upon the Lakes as well as that at New- 
York, and also to appoint and employ such persons under him 
and to remove any Deputy-Commissary as he shall judge 
proper and expedient, it being absolutely necessary that the 
supply of both Armies should be under one direction. 


The Congress then proceeded to the election of a Deputy 
‘Quartermaster-General for the Flying-Camp; and, the bal- 
lots being taken, Clement Biddle was elected Deputy Quar- 
termaster-General for the Flying-Camp and for the Militia 
of Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, ordered to rendezvous at 
Trenton. 

Resolved, That to-morrow be assigned for the election of 
a Deputy Mustermaster-General for the Flying-Camp and 
Militia aforesaid. 

Resolved, That the Committee for providing Medicines 
be directed to supply the Militia aforesaid with a sufficient 
quantity of suitable Medicines. 


Resolved, That an Order for 60,000 Dollars be drawn on 
the Treasurers, in favour of the Delegates of Georgia, for 
the use of the Continental Battalions, the State of Georgia 
to be accountable. 


Resolved, That General Washington be empowered to 
appoint suitable places of rendezvous for the new Battalions 
raising for Canada, and communicate the same to the As- 
semblies of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Buay, Connecti- 
cut, and New-York; also, to issue his orders for supplying 
the men with Rations, ‘Tents, a month’s Pay advance, and 
other necessaries. 

Resolved, That Mr. Mease be directed to advance one 
month’s Pay to such of the Militia as will engage to serve in 
the Fying-Camp. 

Resolved, That an Order for 5,000 Dollars be drawn on 
the Treasurers in favour of Mr. George Evans, Contractor 
for supplying the Delaware Battalion, he to be accountable. 


A Letter of the 5th, from the Committee of Safety of 
Sussex, in Delaware Government, with sundry papers en- 
closed, was laid before Congress and read. 

Resolved, That the same be referred to the Delegates of 
Maryland and Delaware. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 
Firra Series.—Vot. I. 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY 10, 1776. 


1570 


Tuesday, July 9, 1776. 
_ The Board of War brought ina Report, which was taken 
into consideration: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That Abraham Sheppard be ap- 
pointed Captain, Samuel Finley First Lieutenant, William 
Kelly Second Lieutenant, Henry Bedinger Third Lieuten- 
ant, of the Virginia Rifle Company; and that the Delegates 
of Virginia be empowered to write to the several County 
Committees in that State where they think it most proper 
and probable for the men to be raised, requesting the said 
Committees to recommend Officers for the appointment of 
Congress, to fill up Colonel Stevenson’s Regiment, the Offi- 
cers so recommended to have power immediately to inlist 
their men, and Commissions be sent them as soon. as pos- 
sible, and that 7,000 Dollars be paid into the hands of Col- 
onel Stevenson, for bounty money and other regimental 
expenses: 

That a further sum of 5,000 Dollars be paid into the 
hands of said Colonel Stevenson, and 2,500 Dollars to the 
Delegates of Maryland, foy the use of the said Regiment, 
they to be accountable. 


Resolved, That Mr. Palfrey, late Aid-de-Camp of Gene- 
ral Washington, have the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the 
Continental Army. 


The Congress proceeded to the election of a Deputy Mus- 
termaster-General for the Flying-Camp and Militia ordered 
to rendezvous at Trenton; and, the ballots being taken, 
Jonathan B. Smith was elected. 


Resolved, That an Order for 10,000 Dollars be drawn 
on the Treasurers in favour of the Committee of Secret Cor- 
respondence, for the purchase of two Vessels, they to be 
accountable. 


The Committee to whom the Petition of William Poole 
was referred brought in their Report: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That 20 Dollars be paid to the 
said William Poole for his present support, till regulations 
are made for the relief of disabled Soldiers. 


Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Duché be appointed Chap- 
lain to Congress, and that he be desired to attend every 
morning, at nine o’clock. 


Resolved, ‘That the Committee of Safety of Pennsylva- 
nia release Allan McDonald, of Kingsborough, a prisoner 
in the Jail of Philadelphia, on his parole, and that upon 
signing the parole he be treated agreeable to former Resolu- 
tions of Congress. 


Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to settle a 
cartel for exchange of Prisoners. 

The Members chosen: Mr. Braxton, Mr. Wilson, and 
Mr. Harrison. 


Resolved, That such of the Militia as are employed in 
making Gun-Locks, and such as are employed in making 
Cannon and Powder, be detained from marching on the pre- 
sent occasion to New-Jersey. 


Resolved, That five of the Committee appointed to inquire 
into the causes of the miscarriages in Canada be a quorum 
to proceed to business. 


The Committee on the Treasury, to whom the claims of 
John Walker and Willie Jones, Esqs., Commissioners for 
Indian Affairs in the Southern Department, were referred, 
reported that there is due— 

To John Walker, Esq., for one hundred and thirty-nine 
days he was employed in the Southern Department, at the 
rate of 4 Dollars a day, 556 Dollars: 

To Willie Jones, Esq., for his expenses attending Indian 
affairs at Salisbury, and travelling to sundry places, 250 
Dollars; and for ninety-five days on duty, at 4 Dollars a 
day, 380 Dollars: 

Ordered, 'That the said Accounts be paid. 


A Memorial from Ludwick Karcher was presented to 
Congress and read: 
Resolved, That it be referred to the Board of War. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 


Wednesday, July 10, 1776. 
Resolved, That one month’s Pay be advanced to the. 
Militia of Pennsylvania ordered to march to Trenton; the 
same to be paid after the men are mustered. 


That Mr. J. Mease be directed to deliver to Mr. C. Bid- 


99 


1571 


dle, the Deputy-Quartermaster-General for the Flying-Camp 
and Militia, such Tents and other articles as he has belong- 
ing to the Continent, and which may be wanted for the 
Militia and Flying-Camp. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the Committee of Lancaster 
be empowered and directed to keep a guard over the Pri- 
soners in the Barracks of that Borough, and to surround the 
said Barracks with a stockade fort: 

That the Privates, who are prisoners in the Town of 
Reading, be removed to the Borough of Lancaster. 


A Letter from Ephraim Anderson was laid before Con- 
gress and read: 
Resolved, That the President write to General Washing- 
ton on the subject, enclosing Mr. Anderson’s Letter, and 
that Mr. Anderson be referred to the General. 


The Committee appointed to draw up Rules and Orders 
for the government of the Houyse, brought in their Report, 
which was read :* » 

Ordered, To lie on the table. 


The Standing Committee for Indtan Affairs brought in a 


Report, which was read: 
Ordered, 'To lie on the table. 


Resolved, That the Committee for providing Medicines 
be directed to furnish Dr. Allison with a set of Instruments, 
and that the Director-General be directed to supply him 
with proper Medicines. 


The Committee to whom the Cartel between Brigadier- 
General Arnold and Captain Forster, and the several papers 
thereto relating, were recommitted, brought in their Report, 
which was read, as follows: 

That, having made diligent inquiry into the facts, they 
find that a party of three hundred and ninety Continental 
troops, under the command of Colonel Bedel, was posted at 
the Cedars, about forty-three miles above Montreal; that 
they had there formed some works of defence, the.greater 
part of them picketed lines, the rest a breastwork of earth, 
with two field-pieces mounted: 

That on Wednesday, the 15th of May, Colonel Bedel 
received intelligence that a party of the enemy, consisting of 
about six hundred Regulars, Canadians, and Indians, were 
on their way to attack his post, and were then within nine 
miles of it; that Colonel Bedel thereon set out himself for 
Montreal, to procure a reinforcement; whereupon, the com- 
mand of the Cedars devolved on Major Butterfield : 

That on Thursday, a reinforcement, under the command 
of Major Sherburne, marched from Montreal for the Cedars, 
while a larger detachment should be getting ready to pro- 
ceed thither with Brigadier-General Arnold : 

That on Friday, the 17th, the enemy, under the command 
of Captain Forster, invested the post at the Cedars, and for 
two days kept up a loose, scattering fire; that Major Butter- 
jield proposed, from the very first, to surrender the post, and 
refused repeated solicitations from his officers and men to 
permit them to sally out on the enemy: 


* Report of the Committee on the Rules and Orders of the House, brought in 
Jury 10, 1776. Ordered to lie on the table. 

The Committee appointed to draw up Rules and Orders for the govern- 
ment of this House, have agreed to the following Report: 

Ist. No Member shall read any printed paper in the House during 
the sitting thereof, without leave of Congress. 

2d. No Member shall speak more than twice in any one debate, with- 
out leave of the House. 

No motion shall be debated until the same be seconded. Whena 
motion shall be made and seconded, it shall be reduced to writing, if 
desired by the President or any Member, delivered in atthe table, and 
read by the President, before the same shall be allowed to be debated. 

When a motion is made and seconded, the matter of the motion shall 
receive a determination by the question, or be laid aside by general con- 
sent, or postponed by the previous question, before any other motion be 
received. 

When the House is sitting, no Member shall speak (or whisper) to 
prota so as to interrupt any Member who may be speaking in the 

ebate. 

aa), two Members rise together, the President shall name the person 
to speak. 

No Member shall depart from the service of the House without per- 
mission or order from his constituents. 

No person shall be appointed to any office of profit, unless he shall 
have the consent of seven Colonies, nor shall any ballot be counted, 
unless the person for whom the ballot shall be given be first named to 
the House before the balloting be gone into. 

If a question in a debate contain more parts than one, any Member 
may have the same divided into as many questions as parts. 

That so soon as nine Colonies are present in the House, the Congress 
proceed to business. 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY 10, 1776. 


1572 


That on Sunday afternoon, a flag being sent in by the 
enemy, Major Butterfield agreed to surrender the fort and 
garrison to Captain Forster, capitulating with him, whether 
verbally or in writing does not appear, that the garrison 
should not be put into the hands of the Savages, and that 
their baggage should not be plundered: 

That at the time of the surrender, the enemy consisted of 
about forty Regulars, one hundred Canadians, and five hun- 
dred Indians, and no cannon; the garrison had sustained no 
injury from their fire, but the having one man wounded ; they 
had twenty rounds of cartridges a man, thirty rounds for one 
field-piece, five for another, half a barrel of gunpowder, 
fifteen pounds of musket-ball, and provisions sufficient to 
have lasted them twenty or thirty days: Major Butterfield 
knew that a reinforcement was on its way, and moreover, 
was so near the main body of the army that he could not 
doubt of being supported by that: 

That immediately on the surrender, the garrison was put 
into the custody of the Savages, who plundered them of their 
baggage, and even stripped them of their clothes: 

That Major Sherburne, having landed on Monday, the 
20th, at Quinze Chenes, about nine miles fiom the Cedars, 
and marched on with his party, consisting then of one hun- 
dred men, to within four miles thereof, was there attacked 
by about five hundred of the enemy: that he maintained his 
ground about an hour, and then, being constrained to retreat, 
performed the same in good order, receiving and returning 
a constant fire for about forty minutes, when the enemy, 
finding means to post advanced parties in such a manner as 
to intercept his farther retreat, they also were made prison- 
ers of war: 

That they were immediately put into the custody of the 
Savages, carried to where Major Butterfield and his party 
were, and stripped of their baggage and wearing apparel : 

That two of them were put to death that evening, four or 
five others at different times afterwards, one of whom was 
of those who surrendered on capitulation at the Cedars, and 
was killed on the eighth day after that surrender; that one was 
first shot, and, while retaining life and sensation, was roasted, 
as was related by his companion now in possession of the 
Savages, who himself saw the fact; and that several others, 
being worn down by famine and cruelty, were left exposed 
in an island naked, and perishing with cold and hunger: 

That while Major Sherburne was in custody of the enemy, 
Captain Forster required of him and the other officers to sign 
a cartel, stipulating the exchange of themselves and their 
men for as many of equal condition of the British troops in 
our possession; further, that notwithstanding the exchange, 
neither themselves nor men should ever again bear arms. 
against the British Government; and for the performance 
of this, four hostages were to be delivered, which they, being 
under the absolute power of the enemy, did sign: 

That on Sunday, the 26th, the prisoners were carried to 
Quinze Chenes, when it was discovered that General Arnold 
was approaching, and making dispositions to attack them: 

That Captain Forster, having desired Major Sherburne to 
attend a flag, which he was about to send to General Arnold, 
for confirmation of the cartel, carried him into the council 
of Indians, then sitting, who told him that it was a-‘mercy 
never before shown in their wars, that they had put to death 
so few of the prisoners; but that he must expect, and so 
inform General Arnold, that they should certainly kill every 
man who should thereafter fall into their hands: 

That Captain Forster joined in desiring that this bloody 
message should be delivered to General Arnold; and more- 
over, that he should be notified, that if he rejected the cartel, 
and attacked him, every man of the prisoners would be put 
to instant death: 

That General Arnold was extremely averse from entering 
into any agreement, and was at length induced to do it by 
no other motive than that of saving the prisoners from cruel 
and inhuman death, threatened in such terms as left no doubt 
it was to be perpetrated, and that he did in the end conclude 
it, after several flags received from Captain Forster, and a 
relinguishment by him of the unequal article restraining our 
soldiers from again bearing arms: 

That the prisoners, so stipulated to be given up to the 
enemy, were not in the possession of General Arnold, nor 
under his direction, but were, at that time, distributed in 
various parts of the Continent, under the orders of this 
House: . 


15738 


That four hostages were accordingly delivered to Captain 
Forster, who were immediately plundered and stripped by 
the Savages; and on his part were delivered one Major, four 
Captains, sixteen Subalterns, and three hundred and fifty-five 
Privates, as specified in a certificate of Captain James Osgood 
and others, of whom no specification by their names or num- 
bers has yet been transmitted ; that he retained twelve Cana- 
dians, alleging, in his justification, express orders so to do; 
and that, living in a military Government, they were to be 
considered even in a worse light than deserters from his 
Majesty’s armies; these he carried away in irons, but after- 
wards released: that he permitted the Indzans to carry into 
their countries several other natives of the United States, for 
purposes unknown: 

That, during the time of their captivity, not half food was 
allowed the prisoners; they were continually insulted, buf- 
feted, and ill treated by the Savages; and when the first 
parties of them were carried off from the shore to be de- 
livered to General Arnold, balls of mud were fired at them, 
and at the last parties, musket balls. 

The Congress, taking into consideration the foregoing 
Report, came to the following Resolutions: 

Resolved, That all acts contrary to good faith, the laws 
of nature, or the customs of civilized nations, done by the 
officers or soldiers of his Britannick Majesty, or by foreigners 
or Savages taken into his service, are to be considered as 
done by his orders, unless indemnification be made, in cases 
which admit indemnification, and in all other cases, unless 
immediate and effective measures be taken by him, or by 
his officers, for bringing to condign punishment the authors, 
abetters, and perpetrators of the act : 

That the plundering the baggage of the garrison at the 
Cedars, stripping them of their clothes, and delivering them 
into the hands of the Savages, was a breach of the capitu- 
lation on the part of the enemy, for which indemnification 
ought to be demanded: 

That the murder of the prisoners-of-war was a gross and 
inhuman violation of the laws of nature and nations; that 
condign punishment should be inflicted on the authors, 
abetters, and perpetrators of the same; and that, for this 
purpose, it be required that they be delivered into our 
hands: 

That the agreement entered into by General Arnold was 
a mere sponsion on his part, he not being invested with 
powers for the disposal of prisoners not in his possession, nor 
under his direction; and that, therefore, it is subject to be 
ratified or annulled, at the discretion of this House: 

That the shameful surrender of the post at the Cedars is 
chargeable on the Commanding Officer; that such other of 
the prisoners as were taken there, showed a willingness and 
desire to fight the enemy; and that Major Sherburne, and 
the prisoners taken with him, though their disparity of num- 
bers was great, fought the enemy bravely for a considerable 
time, and surrendered at last, but on absolute necessity; on 
which consideration, and on which alone, it is resolved, that 
the said sponsion be ratified; and that an equal number of 
captives from the enemy, of the same rank and condition, 
be restored to them, as stipulated by the said sponsion: 

That, previous to the delivery of the prisoners to be 
returned on our part, the British Commander in Canada be 
required to deliver into our hands the authors, abetters, and 
perpetrators of the horrid murder committed on the prisoners, 
to suffer such punishment as their crime deserves; and also 
to make indemnification for the plunder at the Cedars, taken 
contrary to the faith of the capitulation ; and that, until such 
delivery and indemnification be made, the said prisoners be 
not delivered : 

That, if the enemy shall commit any further violences, by 
putting to death, torturing, or otherwise ill treating the pri- 
soners retained by them, or any of the hostages put into 
their hands, recourse be had to retaliation, as the sole means 
of stopping the progress of human butchery; and that, for 
that purpose, punishments of the same kind and degree be 
inflicted on an equal number of the captives from them in 
our possession, till they shall be taught to respect the violated 
rights of nations: 

That a copy of the above Report and Resolutions be 
transmitted to the Commander-in-Chief of the Continen- 
tal Forces, to be by him sent to Generals Howe and Bur- 


; goyne. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY 11, 1776. 


1574 


Thursday, July 11, 1776. 

Sundry Letters were received and read, viz: 

One of the 9th, from the Convention of New-Jersey ; 

One of the same date, from the Committee of Easton; 
three from Officers, (prisoners,) desiring leave to come to 
Philadelphia. 

Resolved, That the Letter from the Convention of New- 
Jersey be referred to the Board of War, who are desired to 
report thereon as soon as possible. 


Resolved, That Mr. T. Matlack be directed to deliver to 
Mr. C. Biddle, Deputy Quartermaster-General for the Fly- 
ing-Camp, such of the Continental stores in his possession 
as may be necessary for said Flying-Camp. 


The General having recommended the following gentle- 
men to be Officers of the two remaining Rifle Companies of 
Colonel Stevenson’s Battalion at New-York, viz: Philemon’ 
Griffith Captain, Thomas Hussey Lucket First Lieutenant, 
Adamson Tannehill Second Lieutenant, Henry Hardman 
Third Lieutenant; Richard Davis Captain, Daniel Cres- 
sop First Lieutenant, Nieman Tannehili Second Lieutenant, 
Henry Hardman Third Lieutenant: 

Resolved, That they be accepted, and Commissions grant- 
ed to them accordingly. 


Resolved, That an Order for 213 Dollars and one-third 
be drawn on the Treasurers, in favour of the Delegates for 
Maryland, to defray the expenses of transporting Powder to 
Maryland, they to be accountable. 

Three Petitions, one from Major Melchior, one from John 
Doyle, and one from Beryamin Flower, were presented to 
Congress, and read. 


Resolved, ‘That they be referred to the Board of War. 


A Petition from John Cox was presented to Congress, and 
read. 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the Secret Committee be 
directed to sell Mr. Cox half a ton of Powder, for the use of 
the private vessel of war by him fitted out. 


A Petition from Cox, Ferman, and others, was presented 
to Congress, and read, together with a Memorial from the 
Committee of Inspection and Observation for the City and 
Liberties of Philadelphia, recommending their case to the 
notice of Congress. . 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the Petitioners have leave 
to dispose of the goods mentioned in their ‘Petition. 


A Letter.of the 10th, from General Washington, and five 
Letters, of the 5th and 6th, from Governour Trumbull, were 
laid before Congress, and read. 


The Board of War, to whom the Letter from the Con- 
vention of New-Jersey was referred, brought in a Report, 
which was taken into consideration. Whereupon, 

Resolved, That a Letter be written to the Convention of 
New-Jersey, informing them, that as they have not enclosed 
to Congress copies of General Washington’s and Brigadier- 
General Livingston’s Letters, no judgment can be formed 
by Congress concerning the contents of them, until copies 
are sent; that measures are taking in Pennsylvania and 
Maryland for forming the Flying-Camp; that, in the mean 
while, the associated Militia are marching, in great numbers, 
from Pennsylvania, for the defence of New-Jersey ; that am- 
munition has been, and will be, supplied by this Congress, 
for the defence of New-Jersey ; that, with regard to the pay 
of the Militia, Congress will observe the same rule of con- 
duct towards New-Jersey as towards other Colonies. 


The Congress resumed the consideration of the Report 
from the Standing Committee for Indian Affairs, and there- 
upon came to the following Resolutions : 

The Congress are so fully persuaded of the necessity of 
protecting the frontiers of New-York from the incursions of 
the enemy, that they recommend that business to General 
Schuyler’s immediate attention, and direct that if the situa- 
tion of affairs will admit of it, he take proper steps for erect- 
ing a Fort at Oswego, and building Galleys on Lake Ontario, 
and pursue such other measures as may be best fitted to 
answer the views of Congress. 

That Posts be taken and Forts erected at Presque Isle, 
Le Beuf, and Kittaning, and a Battalion be raised to erect 
and garrison the same. 

That the Commissioners of Indian Affairs in the Middle 
Department be directed to inquire what Naval force on 
Lake Erie will be necessary to secure to the United States. 


1575 


the command of the navigation of that Lake, and report the 
‘result of their inquiry as soon as possible to Congress. 

That it be notified to the Convention of Virginia that 
the Congress are willing to take into Continental possession 
the Forts at the mouths of Wheeling and the Great Kan- 
haway, and the Fort at Pittsburgh, now in possession of 
that Colony; and also to receive, on the Continental Estab- 
lishment, the Garrisons in these Forts, if the said Conven- 
tion shall desire it. 

The Marine Committee reported that, in pursuance of 
the order of Congress, they have called before them divers 
of the inferior officers belonging to the ships Alfred and 
Columbus, and having heard their complaints against the 
Captains, Saltonstal and Whipple, in their presence, are of 
opinion that the charge against Captain Saltonstal does not 
appear to the Committee to be well-founded, and that the 
charge against Captain Whipple amounts to nothing more 
than a rough, indelicate mode of behaviour to his Marine 
officers : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the Marine Committee be 
directed to order the Captains, Saltonstal and Whipple, to 
repair to their respective commands; and that it be recom- 
mended to Captain Whipple to cultivate harmony with his 
officers. 

Doctor Franklin, one of the Commissioners to Canada, 
laid before Congress an account of his expenditures, — 

Resolved, That the same be referred to the Board of 
Treasury. 


The President acquainted Congress that last evening 
“information was given to him of a conspiracy or plot carrying 
on for liberating the Prisoners in the Jail of Philadelphia, 
and other evil designs ; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That a Committee of five be 
appointed, and that they, together with the President, be 
directed to make strict inquiry into the truth of the matter; 
and, if they find the information well grounded, to take such 
steps as they shall judge prudent and effectual for defeating 
the machinations of the conspirators ; and, in case of neces- 
sity, to call upon the Brigadier-General, or Commanding 
Officer of the Associators, for the aid of the Military. 

The Members chosen, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Stockton, Mr. 
Gwinnett, Mr. Morris, and Mr. Wilson. 


A Letter from Mr. Mease was laid before Congress and read. 

Resolved, That an Order for 40,000 Dollars be drawn 
on the ‘Treasurers, in favour of Mr. Mease, to enable him to 
advance a month’s Pay to the Military Associators of Penn- 
sylvania, ordered into New-Jersey, and to those who engage 
to form the Flying-Camp; he to be accountable. 


The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due— 

To Thomas Amor, for boarding General Lee’s Guard the 
sum of 34 22-90 Dollars: 

To Colonel Nelson, for expenses of an Express, the sum 
of 4 84-90 Dollars: 

To Casper Miller, for Provisions, &c., for General Lee’s 
Guard, the sum of 33 27-90 Dollars: 

To Thomas Dundas, for Rifles supplied Colonel Irwine’s 
Battalion, the sum of 313 78-90 Dollars, and that the same 
ought to be charged to said Battalion: 

To Joseph Hewes, Esq., for expenses paid for the carriage, 
guard, &c., of Gunpowder to North-Carolina, the sum of 
660 34-90 Dollars: 

To Timothy Matlack, on account, 200 Dollars : 

To Wilham Trickett, for Stationery, the sum of 204 
51-90 Dollars ; 

Ordered; ‘That the said Accounts be paid. 


The Committee, to whom the Letter from John Macpher- 
son, of the 31st of May, was referred, reported, that they 
have examined Mr. Macpherson respecting the contents of 
his Letter, who alleged, that he had a promise of being 
appointed Commander-in-Chief of the American Navy, by 
Messrs. Randolph, Hopkins, and J. Rutledge, a Committee 
of Congress to whom he communicated an important secret, 
but that he produced no evidence in support of such allega- 
tion; that they inquired of Mr. Hopkins about this promise, 
in the presence of Mr. Macpherson, and that Mr. Hopkins 
declared he recollected nothing of the kind: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the application and request 
of Mr. Macpherson is unreasonable. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY 14, 1776. 


1576 


Friday, July 12, 1776. 

Sundry Letters were laid before Congress and read, viz: 

One of the 11th from Brigadier-General Wooster; one 
from Mrs. Conolly ; and one of the 10th, from the Conven- 
tion of New-Jersey. 

Resolved, That the last be referred to the Board of War. 

Resolved, That the Committee appointed on the 8th of 
May last, on the Instructions given to Commodore Hopkins, 
be discharged; and that the matters to them referred be 
committed to the Marine Committee, who are invested with 
the same powers as the Committee now discharged were at 
their appointment; and that the said Marine Committee be 
directed to proceed .to inquire, as well how far the said 
Commodore has complied with the instructions given him 
by the Naval Committee, as into the complaints reported 
by the Marine Committee on the 13th of June, to have 
been exhibited against him. 

The Committee appointed to examine the claims of Mr. 
Charles Walker, tor the hire and expenses of his Sloop 
Endeavour, and the damages he has sustained in consequence 
of her being taken into the service of the United Colonies, 
and brought from New-Providence to New-London by Com- 
modore Hopkins, brought in their Report, which was taken 
into consideration ; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the said Sloop Endeavour 
be restored to the said Charles Walker, with all her Stores 
and Materials, as she came from sea, and now lies at New- 
London: 

That the sum of 2,000 Dollars be paid to the said 
Charles Walker, for the hire of her, and in lieu of all losses, 
damages, premiums of insurance, and expenses whatever : 

That the said Charles Walker be permitted to invest the 
balance of the said 2,000 Dollars, or what remains, after 
defraying his expenses, and paying for the repairs of the 
outfit of his vessel, in produce, and export the same. 


The Committee appointed to prepare articles of Confede- 
ration brought in a draft, which was read: 

Ordered, That eighty copies, and no more, of the Con- 
federation, as brought in by the Committee, be immediately 
printed and deposited with the Secretary, who shall deliver 
one copy to each Member: 

That the Printer be under oath to deliver all the copies 
which he shall print, together with the copy sheet, to the 
Secretary, and not to disclose, either directly or indirectly, 
the contents of the said Confederation : 

That no Member furnish any person with his copy, or 
take any steps by which the said Confederation may be 
reprinted; and that the Secretary be under the like injunc- 
tion. 

The Committee appointed to take into consideration the 
Memorial of the Director-General of the American Hospital, 
brought in their Report, which was read. 

Ordered, ‘Vo lie on the table. 

Resolved, That Mr. Hopkinson be added to the Marine 
Committee. 

Resolved, That the Secretary be empowered to employ 
an Assistant Clerk. 

The Committee on the Treasury, to whom the Account 
of Dr. Franklin, one of the Commissioners to Canada, was 
referred, reported, that there is due to said Dr. Franklin the 
sum of 1221 18-90 Dollars; of which— 

560 Dollars to be charged to Brigadier-General Arnold ; 

124 Dollars advanced to Charles Carroll of Carrollton, 
Esq.; 

164 Dollars and 78-90ths, paid for Bedding, &c., for the 
use of the Commissioners, and which now remain deposited 
with the Commissary of Stores at Albany; and 

372 Dollars and 30-90ths, expended by Messrs. Frank- 
lin and J. Carroll, in their journey to, and from, and in, 
Canada: 

Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid. 

Adjourned to nine o’clock, on Monday next. — 


The Congress being called together on 
Cunday, July 14, 1776. 
Two Letters. from General Washington, dated 11th and 
12th, were laid before Congress, and read. 


Resolved, That an Order for 20,000 Dollars be drawn — 


on the Treasurers, in favour of Colonel Clement Biddle, 


1577 


Deputy Quartermaster-General, for the use of the Flying- 
Camp and Militia ordered to the Jerseys, he to be account- 
able: 

That Colonel Biddle be directed to use every method 
to forward the Flour at Trenton, to the places where it is 
wanted: 

That he be empowered to appoint an Assistant : 

That he be directed to furnish Tents, Camp-Kettles, and 
Canteens, for an Army of twenty thousand men, including 
such of those articles as he has received from Mr. James 
Mease: 

That Colonel Biddle be directed to employ one or more 
Armourers for the Army in New-Jersey: 

That application be made to the Convention of New- 
Jersey to supply all the Lead they possibly can for the 
Flying-Camp and Militia: 

That application be made to the Committee of Safety of 
Pennsylvania, desiring them to supply the Flying-Camp and 
Militia, in the Jerseys, with as many Musket Cartridges, well 
balled, as they can possibly spare: 

That the Secret Committee be directed to supply the Com- 
mittee of Safety of Pennsylvania, with a quantity of Powder, 
equal to that spared to the Continent in Cartricges. 

That an Express be sent to overtake the Powder-Wagons 
gone to Virginia, with a Letter to Colonel F’. Lewis, desiring 
him to send in the return Wagons all the Lead he can collect 
at Fredericksburgh: 

That the Committee, or Council of Safety of Virginia, 
be requested to send to Philadelphia, by the return of the 
Wagons, as much of the Lead they now have at Williams- 
burgh as they can spare, and to order from the Mines fifteen 
or twenty tons more of Lead to Philadelphia, as soon as 
possible: 

That a Letter be written to the Commanding Officer in 
the Jerseys to march such of the Militia and F'lying-Camp 
to Brunswick, or other places in the Jerseys, as he may 
judge necessary, and most conducive to the publick service ; 
provided that this does not interfere with any prior direc- 
tions of General Washington: 

That the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania be request- 
ed, immediately, to order to the several places of their desti- 
nation all the British Officers, prisoners in this City; their 
wives not to be desired to go until the weather is more 
suitable : 

That the Commanding Officer in Pennsylvania be desired 
to issue fresh orders, and exert himself, to forward the imme- 
diate march of the Militia to New-Jersey; the service re- 
quiring their being immediately imbodied, as appears by the 
advices received by express from General Washington: 

That the Deputy Quartermaster-General be directed to 
request the use of some house of publick worship, to cover 
the Troops during their short stay in this City. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 


Monday, July 15, 1776. 

Sundry Letters were laid before Congress, and read, viz: 

One from Mr. J. Jay, of the 6th, enclosing a Memorial 
from Samuel Tredwell Pell, of the Manor of Pelham ; 

One from the Committee of Lancaster, of the 11th; 

One from the Committee of Reading, of the 13th; and 

Two from the Convention of New-York, of the 11th, 
with sundry Papers enclosed; among which were the follow- 
ing Resolutions: 

‘*Tn Convention of the Representatives of the State of New-York, 
White-Plains, July 9, 1776. 

“ Resolved, unanimously, That the reasons assigned by 
the Continental Congress for declaring the United Colonies 
Free and Independent States are cogent and conclusive; 
and, that while we lament the cruel necessity which has 
rendered that measure unavoidable, we approve the same, 
and will, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, join with the 
other Colonies in supporting it. 

“« Resolved, 'That a copy of the said Declaration and the 
aforegoing Resolution be sent to the Chairman of the Com- 
mittee of the County of Westchester, with orders to publish 
the same, with beat of drum, at this place, on Thursday 
next, and to give directions that it be published with all 
convenient speed in the several Districts of the County; 
that copies also be sent to the Chairman of the several Coun- 
ties within the State of New-York, with orders to cause the 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY 15, 1776. 


1578 


same to be published in the several Districts of their respect- 
ive Counties. 

__ “ Resolved, unanimously, That the Delegates of this State, 
in the Continental Congress, be, and they hereby are, author- 
ized to concert and adopt all such measures as they may 
deem conducive to the happiness and welfare of the United 
States of America. . 


“ Extract from the Minutes: 
“ Rosert Benson, Secretary.” 
Resolved, That the Letters from the Convention of New- 


Faces with the papers enclosed, be referred to the Board of 
ar: 


That the General’s Letters, of the 10th, 11th, and 12th, 
be referred to the Board of War. 


Resolved, That the Committee of Sa fety of Pennsylvania 
be empowered to pay to the Officers ordered from New- 
Jersey to Pennsylvania the money ordered by Congress to 
be advanced for Subsistence. 


Resolved, That the case of the Officers ordered from New- 
Jersey to Pennsylvania, be referred to the Board of War, and 
that they be directed to examine into the conduct of said 
Officers and their Servants; and to order them to such places, 
and to be disposed of in such manner, as they shall think 
proper. 

Resolved, That the sum of 55 Dollars be paid to Major 
Henry Sherburne, for his expenses from the 6th of June, the 
time he left Canada, to this day; with a further allowance 
of eight days’ expenses to join his Regiment. 


Resolved, That two Members be elected for the Board 
of ‘Treasury, in the room of two who are absent. 


The Members chosen, Mr. P. Livingston and Mr. Read. 


A Letter from an Officer of Colonel Hazen’s Battalion 
was laid before Congress, and read: 

Resolved, That it be referred to the Committee appointed 
to inquire into the causes of the miscarriages in Canada. 

A Petition and Memorial of Captain James Ross was 
received and read. 

Resolved, That it be referred to the Committee of Claims. 


Resolved, That it be recommended to Patrick Henry, 
Esq., Governour of Virginia, to give orders for manning and 
sending to sea, under convoy, the Brigantine fanny, Captain 
Tokely, which is loaded on account of the Continent. 


Resolved, That a Committee, to consist of a Member from 
Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New- 
Jersey, be appointed to consider the propriety and means 
of augmenting the Flying-Camp: 

The Members chosen, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Stone, Mr. 
Read, Mr. Morton, and Mr. Stockton. 


Resolved, That the Battalion which is to garrison the 
Posts of Presque Isle, Le Beuf, and Kittaning, be raised in 
the Counties of Westmoreland and Bedford, in Pennsylvania, 
in the following proportions, to wit: seven Companies in 
Westmoreland, and one Company in Bedford : 

That the Commissioned Officers of the several Companies 
be appointed by the Committee of the County in which 
they are to be raised. 

Resolved, That to-morrow be assigned for electing the 
Field Officers of the German Battalion. 

Resolved, That a Chief Physician be appointed for the 
Flying-Camp, and that his pay be four Dollars a day. 

The ballots being taken and examined, Doctor William 
Shippen, Jun., was elected. 

Resolved, That to-morrow be assigned for electing a Com- 
missary of Military Stores, and a Deputy Adjutant-General 
for the Flying-Camp. 

Resolved, That Thursday morning be assigned for taking 
into consideration the Report of the Committee of Ways and 
Means. 

Resolved, That Alexander McDonnald, son of Captain 
McDonnald, be liberated on his parole, and allowed to re- 
side with his father. 

A Petition from John Hannum was presented to Congress 
and read. 

Resolved, That the same, together with the papers ac- 
companying it, be referred to the Secret Committee. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock to-morrow. 


1579 


Tuesday, July 16, 1776. 

Sundry Letters were laid before Congress and read, viz: 

One from General Washington, of the 14th; 

One from Brigadier-General Sullivan, of the 2d, from 
Crown-Point ; 

One from the Committee of Lancaster, of the 13th; 

One from Samuel Blackden, of the 16th; 

Resolved, 'That the Letter from General Washington be 
referred to the Board of War: 

That Samuel Blackden be referred to the Deputy Pay- 
master and Deputy Commissary-General in the Northern 
Department. 


Resolved, That General Washington be desired to lodge 
Powder with such persons as he may think proper, for the 
use of such parts of the State of New-York as he may 
apprehend exposed to danger, and that the Commanding 
Officer in New-Jersey do the same in that Colony; and that 
General Washington and the said Commanding Officer in 
New-Jersey be empowered to draw from the Mills of Messrs. 
Wisner, Livingston, and Ford, any Powder which may be 
requisite for these purposes, or for the use of their respective 


Camps. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration ; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That there be appointed, by the 
Commanding Officer of each Regiment in the Continental 
Army, a Sergeant-Major, Quartermaster Sergeant, Drum- 
Major and Fife-Major, who shall respectively hold no other 
appointment but those before-mentioned, and that their pay 
be one Dollar a month each more than that allowed to a 
Sergeant, Drum, or Fife, in said Regiment : 

That a Beating Warrant be made out to John Doyle, to 
be a Captain of a Company of Riflemen, to be raised for 
three years, unless sooner discharged by Congress; his com- 
mission to be given him as soon as his Company is full: 

That a Paymaster be appointed to each Regiment in the 
Army of the United States, with a salary of 26 Dollars and 
two-thirds a month : 

That the application to Congress from Mr. Rowland 
Chambers, desiring to be appointed Paymaster to the New- 
Jersey Troops at New-York, cannot be complied with, as 
such an appointment would interfere with the duty of the 
Paymaster-General, within whose department it properly lies: 

That half a Dollar a week be allowed to each ‘of the 
Connecticut Light-Horse, who have joined the Army at New- 
York, for the maintenance of his Horse, for so long time, 
only, as the General shall think it necessary for such Horse 
to continue in the service: 

That General Schuyler be directed to take every possible 
precaution to cleanse the Army under his command from the 
infection of the small-pox : 

That it be recommended to the Convention of Pennsyl- 
vania, now sitting, to take such measures as they may judge 
proper and necessary for procuring as much Lead, within 
that State, as can be obtained for the supply of the Flying- 
Camp: 

That three Commissioners be appointed by Congress to 
repair, as soon as may be, to New-York, there to audit the 
Accounts of the Commissary-General, Quartermaster-Gene- 
ral, and Director-General -of the Hospital, and all other 
Accounts of the Army; the said Commissioners to take an 
oath for the faithful execution of their trust : 

That three Commissioners be appointed, for the like pur- 
poses, in the Northern Army : 

That General Washington be informed that the Bounty 
granted by the Resolution of Congress, of the 26th of June, 
was intended as a general regulation, and to extend to all 
such men, now in the Continental service, and all others 
who will inlist for the term of three years, to be computed 
from and after the expiration of the term of their present 
inlistment. 


Resolved, That Monsieur Kirmovan be appointed an 
Engineer in the Continental service, with the pay of sixty- 
Dollars per month, and the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel : 

That he be ordered immediately to repair toNew- Jersey, 
and put himself under the command of the Officer command- 
ing the Flying-Camp. 

Resolved, That Richard Humpton be employed in the 


Continental service, with the rank and pay of Lieutenant- 
Colonel : 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY 17, 1776. 


1580 


That Samuel Dawson be employed in the Continental 
service, with the rank and pay of Captain: 

That they be ordered to repair immediately to New- 
Jersey, and put themselves under the command of the Officer 
commanding the Flying-Camp. 

Resolved, That General Washington be desired to call to 
his assistance, at New-York, two thousand of the men who 
have marched into New-Jersey to form the Flying-Camp ; 
and that the Convention of New-Jersey be requested imme- 
diately to supply their places with an equal number of the 
Militia of that State: that Letters be written to the States 
of Massachusetts-Bay, Connecticut, and New-Jersey, setting 
forth the situation of our affairs in the New-York Depart- 
ment, and pressing them immediately to comply with the 
requisition of Congress of the 3d of June : 

That the situation of our Army at New York be pointed 
out to the State of Connecticut; and that it be earnestly 
recommended to that State immediately to send all the 
Militia thereof which can be spared into New-York, to 
reinforce the Army there, and continue in service until the 
proportions requested of the several States shall arrive. 


The Congress proceeded to the election of a Commissary 
of Military Stores for the Flying-Camp; and, the ballots 
being taken, Benjamin Flower, Esq., was elected. 


A Letter from S. Chase, Esq., of the 8th, was laid before 
Congress and read: 

Resolved, That the same, together with the Petition of 
Mr. Mentges, read the 12th, be referred to the Delegates of 
Pennsylvania and Maryland. 


A Petition from Captain Benedict was presented to Con- 
gress and read ; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That a copy of said Petition be 
sent to General Schuyler, and that he be desired to order 
the Accounts of Captain Benedict to be settled and paid, or 
to inform Congress of the reasons why payment ought to be 
withheld. 


Resolved, That Mr. Wisner be empowered to employ a 
proper person to manufacture Gun-Flints. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 
Wednesday, July 17, 1776. 
Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed imme- 
diately to deliver to Mr. J. Mease half a ton of Saltpetre, to 
be by him forwarded to Colonel Moylan, Quartermaster- 
General. 


Sundry Letters were laid before Congress, and read, viz: 

One from the Convention of New-York, dated the 12th, 
with sundry papers enclosed: which were referred to the 
Board of War; 

One from Brigadier-General Wooster; 

One, of the 11th, from Richard Ellis; and 

One, of the 15th, from Carpenter Wharton. 


Resolved, That an Order for 15,000 Dollars be drawn 
on the Treasurers, in favour of Carpenter Wharton; he to 
be accountable. 


The Board of War, to whom the Letter of General 
Washington, of the 14th, was referred, brought in their 
Report, which was taken into consideration ; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That General Washington, in re- 
fusing to receive a Letter said to be sent from Lord Howe, 
addressed to “ George Washington, Esq.,” acted with a 
dignity becoming his station; and therefore this Congress 
do highly approve the same, and do direct that no letter or 
message be received, on any occasion whatsoever, from the 
enemy, by the Commander-in-Chief or others the command- 
ers of the American Army, but such as shall be directed to 
them in the characters they respectively sustain. 


Ordered, That the above be published. 


The President informed Congress that he had been under 
the disagreeable necessity of committing Captain Gamble to 
prison, on account of his ill behaviour ; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the Board of War be di- 
rected to inquire into the conduct of Captain Gamble, since 
he was made prisoner of war, and report specially to Con- 
gress. , 

The Congress took into consideration the Report of the 
Committee on the Memorial of the Director-General of the 
American Hospital ; 


; 


1581 


Whereupon, Resolved, That the number of Hospital Sur- 


geons and Mates be increased in proportion to the augment- 
ation of the Army, not exceeding one Surgeon and five 
Mates to every five thousand men, to be reduced when the 
Army is reduced, or when there is no further occasion for 
so great a number: 

That as many persons be employed in the several Hospi- 
tals, in quality of Storekeepers, Stewards, Managers, and 
Nurses, as are necessary for the good of the service, for the 
time being, to be appointed by the Directors of the respect- 
ive Hospitals: 

That the several Regimental chests of Medicines and Chi- 
rurgical Instruments which now are or hereafter shall be in 
the possession of the Regimental Surgeons, be subject to the 
inspection and inquiry of the respective Directors of Hospi- 
tals and the Director-General ; and that the said Regimental 
Surgeons shall, from time to time, when thereto required, 
render account of the said Medicines and Instruments to the 
said Directors, or if there be no Director in any particular 
department, to the Director-General; the said accounts to 
be transmitted to the Director-General, and by him to this 
Congress; and the Medicines and Instruments not used by 
any Regimental Surgeon to be returned when the Regiment 
is reduced to the respective Directors, and an account thereof 
by them rendered to the Director-General, and by him to 
this Congress: 

That the several Directors of Hospitals in the several 
departments, and the Regimental Surgeons, where there is 
no Director, shall transmit to the Director-General regular 
returns of the number of Surgeons’ Mates and other Officers 
employed under them, their names and pay; also, an ac- 
count of the expenses and furniture of the Hospital under 
their direction ; and that the Director-General make report 
of the same, from time to time, to the Commander-in-Chief 
and this Congress: 

That the several Regimental and Hospital Surgeons, in 
the several departments, make weekly returns of the sick to 
the respective Directors in their departments : 

That no Regimental Surgeon be allowed to draw upon 
the Hospital of his department for any stores except Medi- 
cines and Instruments; and that when any sick person shall 
require other stores, they shall be received into the said 
Hospital, and the rations of the said sick persons be stopped, 
so long as they are in the said Hospital; and that the Di- 
rectors of the several Hospitals report to the Commissary 
the names of the sick, when received into, and when dis- 
charged from the Hospital, and make a like return to the 
Board of ‘Treasury : 

That all extra expenses for Bandages, old Linen, and 
other articles necessary for the service, incurred by any 
Regimental Surgeon, be paid by the Director of that depart- 
ment, with the approbation of the commander thereof: 

That no more Medicines belonging to the Continent be 
disposed of till further order of Congress: 

That the pay of the Hospital Surgeons be increased to 
one dollar and two-thirds of a dollar by the day; the pay 
of the Hospital Mates to one dollar by the day; and the 
pay of the Hospital Apothecary to one dollar and two-thirds 
of a dollar by the day; and that the Hospital Surgeons and 
Mates take rank of Regimental Surgeons and Mates: 

That the Director-General and the several Directors of 
Hospitals be empowered to purchase, with the approbation 
of the Commander of the respective departments, Medicines 
and Instruments, for the use of their respective Hospitals, 
and draw upon the Paymaster for the same, and make report 
of such purchases to Congress. 


Resolved, That the second paragraph in the third page 
of the Report be recommitted. 


Resolved, That Nicholas Hauseigger be Colonel, George 
Stricker Lieutenant-Colonel, Ludowick Weltner Major, of 
the German Battalion. 

Resolved, That another Company be added to the Ger- 
man Battalion : 

That David Welper be appointed Captain of said Company. 

Resolved, That Samuel Brady be First Lieutenant, Wil- 
liam McMurray Second Lieutenant, Henry Fortney Third 
Lieutenant, of Captain Doyle’s Independent Rifle Company. 

The Congress proceeded to the election of a Deputy Pay- 
master-General for the Flying-Camp; and the ballots being 
taken, 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY 17, 1776. 


1582 


Richard Dallam, Esq., was elected. 
Resolved, That Colonel Smallwood, from Maryland, be 


ordered to repair, as soon as possible, with the Troops under 
his command, to New-York, and put himself under the 
command of the General : 

That the General be informed that these Troops are to be 
considered as part of the two thousand which he was em- 
powered to call to his assistance from the Flying-Camp, by 
the Resolution passed yesterday. 


Resolved, ‘That it be earnestly recommended to the Con- 
vention of New-Jersey to cause all the Stock on the sea- 
coast, which they shall apprehend to be in danger of falling 
into the hands of the enemy, to be immediately removed, 
and driven back into the country to a place of security. 


Resolved, 'That a Committee of three be appointed to 
revise the Journals, and direct what parts ought to be pub- 
lished : 

The Members chosen, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Lynch, Jun., 
and Mr. Hopkinson. 


Resolved, That the Committee appointed on the 11th of 
this month, to make strict inquiry, &c., be directed to apply 
to the Convention of Pennsylvania, now sitting, and request 
them to appoint a Select Committee of their body to confer 
with them on a matter of importance relating to that State. 


A Petition from Jean Baptista de Vidal, of Canada, was 
presented to Congress, and read. 

Resolved, That it be referred to a Committee of five, and 
that they be directed to inquire into the character of the 
Petitioner, and all others in similar circumstances, applying 
for relief, and report thereon to Congress : 

The Members chosen, Mr. Rush, Mr. Paca, Mr. Hey- 
ward, Mr. Chase, and Mr. Walton. 


Resolved, That Mr. J. Adams, Mr. Harrison, and Mr. 
Morris, be a Committee to bring in a Resolution for subject- 
ing to confiscation the property of the subjects of the Crown 
of Great Britain, and particularly of the inhabitants of the 
British West-Indies, taken on the high seas, or between high 
and low water mark. 


The Congress took into consideration the Report of the 
Committee on the Rules and Orders for the government of 
the House; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the following Rules be ob- 
served: | 

1. So soon as nine States are present, the Congress pro- 
ceed to business. 

2. No Member shall depart from the service of the House, 
without permission of the Congress, or order from his con- 
stituents. 

3. No Member shall read any printed paper in the House, 
during the Sitting thereof, without leave of the Congress. 

4. When the House is sitting, no Member shall speak to 
another, so as to interrupt any Member who may be speaking 
in the debate. 

5. Every Member, when he speaks, shall rise from his 
seat, and address himself to the Chair, and when he has 
finished, shall sit down again. 

6. No Member shall speak more than twice in any one 
debate, without leave of the House. 

7. When two Members rise together, the President shall 
name the person to speak. 

8. No motion shall be debated, until the same be sec- 
onded. 

9, When a motion shall be made, and seconded, it shall 
be reduced to writing, if desired by the President or any 
Member, delivered in at the table, and read by the President, 
before the same shall be allowed to be debated. 

10. When a motion is made and seconded, the matter of 
the motion shall receive a determination by the question, or be 
laid aside, by general consent, or postponed by the previous 
question, before any other motion be received. 

11. If a question in a debate contain more parts than 
one, any Member may have the same divided into as many 
questions as parts. 

12. No person shall be appointed to any office of profit, 
unless he shall have the consent of seven States, nor shall 
any ballots be counted, unless the person for whom the bal- 
lots shall be given be first named to the House before the 
balloting be gone into. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 


1583 


Thursday, July 18, 1776. 

The Delegates from Maryland laid before Congress the 
Credentials of a new appointment made by their Convention, 
which were read, as follows: 

**In Convention, Annapolis, July 4, 1776. 

“ Resolved, That the Hon. Matthew Tilghman, Esq., and 
Thomas Johnson, Jun., William Paca, Samuel Chase, Tho- 
mas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, and Robert Alea- 
ander, Esqs., or a majority of them, or of any three or more 
of them, be Deputies to represent this Colony in Congress, 
in as full and ample manner as the Deputies of this Colony 
might have done under any appointment heretofore made, 
until the next Convention shall make further order therein. 

“Extract from the Minutes: G. Duvatt, Clerk.” 


A Letter from General Washington, of the 15th, was laid 
before Congress, and read; also, sundry intercepted Letters 
from Lord Howe to Governours Franklin, Penn, Eden, 
Dunmore, Martin, and Wright, together with sundry Letters 
to several private persons. 

The several Letters being opened by order of Congress: 

Resolved, That the Letters from Lord Howe, with the 
Proclamations enclosed, be referred to a Committee of three, 
and that they be directed to examine the private Letters, and 
deliver to the persons to whom directed, such of said Letters 
as contain nothing but private matters. 

The Members chosen, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Payne, and Mr. 
Carroll. 

A Letter of the 17th, from General Washington, enclosing 
sundry Despatches from General Schuyler; also, a Letter of 
the 16th, from Brigadier-General Mercer : were received and 


read: 
Resolved, That these be referred to the Board of War. 


A Letter of the 14th, from the Committee of Inspection 
for the County of Cumberland, was read: 

Whereupon, Resolved, ‘That the sum of 2,600 Dollars be 
sent to the Committee of Inspection and Observation for the 
County of Cumberland, for the use of the Troops raising in 
that County for the Flying-Camp; the said Committee to 
be accountable. 

Resolved, That a Member be added to the Board of War. 

The Member chosen, Mr. Carroll. . 

The Committee appointed to prepare a plan of Treaties 
to be entered into with Foreign States or Kingdoms, brought 
in their Report, which was read: 

Ordered, To lie on the table. 


Resolved, That the draft of Ephraim Blaine, for two 
thousand Dollars, on account of Blankets, purchased by 
order of Congress for the Continental Troops in Virginia, be 
paid, and charged to the account of said Ephraim Blaine. 


Resolved, That the Convention of Pennsylvania be in- 
formed that the Congress have agreed to the raising a Bat- 
talion in the Counties of Westmoreland and Bedford, for 
the defence of the Western Frontiers, and that they be 
requested immediately to recommend proper persons to Con- 
gress for Field Officers for said Battalion. 

Resolved, That two Members be added to the Committee 
appointed to contract for the making Cannon: 

The Members chosen, Mr. Chase and Mr. Heyward. 

Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 


, Friday, July 19, 1776. 
Resolved, That two months’ Pay be advanced to Colonel 
Kirmovan; he to be accountable. 
Resolved, 'That an Order for 400 Dollars be drawn on 
the Treasurers,in favour of David S. Franks, in full of Brica- 
dier-General .D. Wooster’s draft, in his favour, on Jonathan 


Trumbull, dated at Chambly, the 30th of May, 1776. 


Resolved, That the Subaltern Officers of the German 
Battalion do not rank from the dates of their Commissions, 
but that their ranks be established hereafter by Congress. 


The Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania having recom- 
mended frederick Rowlwagen, Peter Boyer, William Rice, 
and Jacob Bower, for First Lieutenants; George Shaffer, 
George Hawbecker, John Landenberger, and Frederick Yei- 
ser, for Second Lieutenants; John Weidman, Christian Helm, 
Christian Godfried Swartz, and Jacob Cramer, for Ensigns, 
of the four German Companies raising in PennsyWwania: 

Resolved, 'That they be accepted, and that Commissions 
be granted to them accordingly. 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY 19, 1776. 


1584 
Resolved, That the Declaration, passed on the 4th, be 


fairly engrossed on parchment, with the title and style of 
“ The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States 
of America,” and that the same, when engrossed, be signed 
by every Member of Congress. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That General Schuyler be desired 
to inquire into the complaints of the Soldiers under his com- 
mand, and give strict orders that no higher price be charged 
for the goods furnished to the Soldiers, than the first cost of 
them, and five per cent. for charges: 

That the Resolution of Congress prohibiting any officer 
from holding more offices than one be sent to General 
Schuyler : 

That a Letter be written to General Schuyler requesting 
him to recommend, in the strongest terms, harmony between 
the Officers and Troops of the different States; to discounte- 
nance and suppress all Provincial reflections and ungenerous 
jealousies of every kind, and to promote, by every possible 
means, discipline, order, and zeal, in the publick service. 


Resolved, 'That it be earnestly recommended to the 
Convention of Pennsylvania to hasten, with all possible 
expedition, the march of the Associators into New-Jersey, 
agreeable to a former request of Congress. 


Resolved, That the Delegates of Maryland be directed 
to inform the Commanding Officer of the Maryland Troops 
that Congress expect he will immediately march with his 
Troops to New- York. 


The Committee appointed to prepare a Resolution for 
subjecting to confiscation the Property of the Subjects of 
Great Britain, &c., brought in the same, which was read: 

Ordered, 'To lie on the table, and that the same be taken 
into consideration on Monday next. 


The Congress proceeded to the election of a Deputy 
Adjutant-General for the Flying-Camp; and the ballots 
being taken, Samuel Griffin, Esq., was elected. 

Resolved, That Mr. Griffin, as Deputy Adjutant-General, 
have the rank of Colonel. 


Resolved, That the Secret Committee be empowered to 
contract with Mr. Mirtle for the importation of goods to the 
amount of £30,000 sterling, at his risk, and £15,000 sterling 
at the risk of the Unated States of America, for the publick 
service: 

That the Marine Committee be empowered to purchase 
a swift sailing Vessel, to be employed by the Secret Com- 
mittee in importing said goods. 


The Committee appointed to inquire into the causes of 
the miscarriages in Canada, brought in a Report, which was 
read : 

Ordered, To lie on the table. 


Resolved, That the Committee have leave to sit again. 


The Committee to whom the Letters from Lord Howe 
to Mr. Franklin, &c., were referred, brought in a Report, 
which was taken into consideration’: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That a copy of the Circular Let- 
ters, and the Declarations enclosed from Lord Howe to Mr. 
William Franklin, Mr. Penn, Mr. Eden, Lord Dunmore, 
Mr. Martin, and Sir James Wright, late Governours, which 
were sent to Amboy by a flag, and forwarded to Congress 
by General Washington, be published in the several Gazettes, 
that the good people of these United States may be informed 
of what nature are the Commissioners, and what the terms, 
with the expectation of which the insidious Court of Britain 
has endeavoured to amuse and disarm them, and that the 
few who still remain suspended by a hope founded either in 
the justice or moderation of their late King, may now, at 
length, be convinced, that the valor alone of their country 
is to save its liberties. 

The Congress proceeded to the election of Commissioners 
for settling the Accounts at New-York; and, the ballots 
being taken, Mr. William Denning, Mr. Thomas Smith, and 
Mr. James Stevenson, were elected. 

A Letter of the 2d, from General Lee, at Charleston, enclo- 
sing sundry papers, was laid before Congress and read: 

Ordered, That an extract of General Lee’s Letter be 
published. | 


Resolved, That the Committee appointed to contract for 


1585 


the making Cannon, be empowered to contract with Messrs. 
Hughes for one thousand tons of Cannon, on the terms by 
them proposed. 


Resolved, That the Paper-makers in Pennsylvania be 
excused from proceeding with the Associators to New- 
Jersey. 

Adjourned to nine o’¢lock, to-morrow. 


Saturday, July 20, 1776. 
Resolved, That the Letter from General Lee, with the 


papers enclosed, which were received and read yesterday, 
be referred to the Board of War. 


Resolved, That the thanks of the United States of America 
be given to Major-General Lee, Colonel William Moultrie, 
Colonel William Thompson, and the Officers and Soldiers 
under their command, who, on the 28th of June last, repulsed, 
with so much valor, the attack which was that day made on 
the State of South-Carolina by the Fleet and Army of his 
Britannick Majesty : 

That Mr. President transmit the foregoing Resolution 
to General Lee, Colonel Moultrie, and Colonel William 
Thompson. 


A Petition and Memorial of Monsieur Pelisster was pre- 


sented to Congress and read: 
Resolved, That it be referred to the Board of War. 


The Committee appointed to settle a Cartel for the 
exchange of Prisoners, brought in their Report, which was 
read : 

Ordered, 'To lie on the table, and that the same be taken 
into consideration on Monday next. 


The Convention of Pennsylvania having directed the 
common Prisoners to be removed from the new Jail to the 
old, and the said new Jail to be given up to the Congress 
for the use of the State Prisoners, 

Resolved, That Robert Jewel be appointed Keeper of the 
said new Jail, and that he take the custody of the Prisoners 
committed to his charge. 

Resolved, That the plan of Treaties be printed for the use 
of the Members, under the restrictions and regulations pre- 
scribed for printing the plan of Confederation; and that in 
the printed copy, the names of persons, places, and States, 
be omitted. 

Resolved, That Brigadier-General Lewis be directed to 
forward to South-Carolina the whole five tons of Powder 
sent to him for the use of Virginia and South- Carolina. 

Resolved, ‘That the sum of 3.000 Dollars, part of the 
10,000 Dollars voted for the Commissioners of Indian A ffairs 
in the Middle Department, be advanced to Mr. J. Wilson, 
to be by him forwarded to the Commissioners appointed to 
attend the treaty at Pittsburgh. 


Resolved, That the sum of 210 Dollars be advanced to 
the Captain of the Guard who is to escort the Prisoners from 
New-Jersey to the place of their destination, in order to 
defray expenses; he to be accountable. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That a Brevet commission of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel be granted to Monsieur Jaque Antoine de 
Franchessin, a Knight of the order of St. Louzs, an ex- 
perienced officer in the French service, and who is well 
recommended in letters from abroad ; and that he be ordered 
to join the Flying-Camp. 

Resolved, That Doctor Senter be recommended to Doctor 
Morgan, who is desired to examine him, and if, upon ex- 
amination, he be found qualified, to employ him in the Hos- 
pital as a Surgeon. 

A Letter of the 19th from General Washington, enclosing 
sundry papers; and 

A Letter of the-13th from Governour Trumbull, with a 
list of the Cannon at New-London, were laid before Con- 
gress and read. 

Resolved, That the Deputy Quartermaster-General for 
the Flying-Camp be directed to deliver to Colonel Small- 
wood, for the use of the Maryland Troops, such necessaries 
in his possession, belonging to the Continent, as the said 
Troops may want. 

The Delegates of Pennsylvania produced Credentials of 
a new appointment, which were read, as follows: 


Firrua Series.—Vot. I. 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY 20, 1776. 


1586 


**In Convention for the State of Pennsylvania, 
Saturday, July 20, 1776. } 
“The House met according to adjournment; when, ac- 
cording to the order of the day, they immediately proceeded 
to the election of Delegates to serve in the Continental Con- 
gress, and chose for that service Dr. Benjamin Franklin, 
Colonel George Ross, George Clymer, Esq., Robert Morris, 
Esq., Colonel James Wilson, John Morton, Esq., Doctor 
Beryamin Rush, Colonel James Smith, and George Taylor, 
Esq. 
“True extract from the Minutes: 
“ Joun Morris, Secretary.” 


Resolved, That Colonel Haslet be ordered to march im- 
mediately with his Battalion to Philadelphia, and there wait 
the further orders of Congress. 


Resolved, That the sum of 200,000 Dollars be sent to 
the Deputy Paymaster-General for Virginia; he to be 
accountable. 

The Convention of Pennsylvania having recommended 
gentlemen for Field-Officers of the Battalion ordered to be 
raised for the defence of the Western Frontiers, Congress 
proceeded to the election; when, 

Eneas M‘ Coy was elected Colonel ; George Wilson, Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel; Richard Butler, Major. 


Resolved, That the sum of 12,500 Dollars be advanced 
to Colonel M‘Coy, for the Bounty and expense of raising 
said Battalion; he to be accountable. 

John Boyd was elected Paymaster to said Battalion. 


~ The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due— 

To Captain Dundee, for his Subsistence, to the 19th in- 
stant, and for carriage of Baggage, 86 Dollars: 

To Dr. Beaumont, to the same date, 85 22-90 Dollars: 
To Ensign McLeod, to the 20th instant, 110 6-90 Dol- 
ars: 

To Finley Miller, Surgeon’s Mate of the Twenty-Sixth 
Regiment, to the 19th of July, instant, 79 Dollars: 

To Arthur Wadman, Lieutenant of the Twenty-Sixth Re- 
giment, to the 22d of July, instant, 162 60-90 Dollars: 

To James Gill, Surgeon of Artillery, to the 19th of July, 
instant, 74 Dollars: 

To Jacob Shalets, Lieutenant of Artillery, to the 19th of 
July, instant, 74 Dollars: 

To Lieutenant Idbetson Hamar, to the 19th of July, in- 
stant, 40 Dollars: 

To Captain Hesket, for carriage, 75 30-90 Dollars; and 
that the same ought to be paid, agreeable to their request, 
to Peter Dundee, Captain of the Royal Fusileers: 

That there is due to Michael Brecht, for Provisions and 
attendance of sick Soldiers at Reading, the sum of 17 42-90 
Dollars: 

To Bryan Lefferty, a hostage sent by General Schuyler, 
from Tryon County, for his subsistence and expenses from 
thence to Philadelphia, 41 30-90 Dollars: 

Ordered, 'That the said Accounts be paid. 


Resolved, That Dr. Franklin may, if he thinks proper, 


return an answer to the Letter he received from Lord Howe. 


The Committee appointed to devise ways and means for 
increasing the F'lying-Camp, brought in their Report, which 
was taken into consideration: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That Brigadier-General Lewis be 
directed to order two Battalions of the Continental Troops, 
in Virginia, to march, with all possible despatch, to the 
Flying-Camp, in New-Jersey, under the command of Briga- 
dier-General Mercer; and that if the Governour and Privy- 
Council of Virginia shall have reason to apprehend an 
invasion of that State, and shall call to its defence an equal 
number of Minute-Men or Militia, the same, while in service, 
shall be on the pay and support of the Continent: 

That the Convention of Pennsylvania be requested to 
augment their quota for the Flying-Camp, with four Batta- 
lions of Militia; and the Convention of New-Jersey to raise, 
for the said Flying-Camp, three Battalions of Militia, in 
addition to those formerly desired by Congress, and to send 
the same, with all possible despatch, to the said Flying- 
Camp. And that these several Battalions be officered, paid, 
and provided, as directed by the former Resolutions for 
forming the Flying-Camp. 

Resolved, That in case Mr. Heyman Levy order any 
Money to be paid in Albany to the Deputy Paymaster- 


100 


1587 


General for the Northern Department, the same shall, upon 
advice of such money so paid, be repaid to him or his order 
in Philadelphia. 

Adjourned to nine o’clock, on Monday. 

Monday, July 22, 1776. 

A Letter of the 20th, from the Convention of New- 
Jersey, and one of the 19th, from Ephraim Anderson, and 
a Petition from Levy Allen, were laid before Congress, and 
read. 


Resolved, That the Letter from General Washington, 
received and read on Saturday last, be referred to the Board 


of War. 


The Congress took into consideration the Report of the 
Committee respecting an exchange of Prisoners; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the Commander-in-Chief in 
each department be empowered to negotiate an exchange 
of Prisoners, in the following manner: one Continental offi- 
cer for one of the enemy of equal rank, either in the land 
or sea service; soldier for soldier, sailor for sailor, and one 
citizen for another citizen: 

That each State hath a right to make any exchange they 
think proper for Prisoners taken from them, or by them. 


Resolved, That the several Commanders-in-Chief in each 
department be directed to exchange any Officer in the 
British service, now a prisoner in any of these States, of 
or under the rank of Colonel, for Colonel Ethan Allen. 

Resolved, That the persons taken prisoners with Colonel 
Ethan Allen, be put upon the same footing as those in the 
Continental service, and exchanged accordingly, as opportu- 
nity presents. 


The Congress resumed the consideration of the Report of 
the Committee on Ways and Means; and, after debate, the 
same was disagreed to. 


The Committee appointed to contract with Messrs. 
Hughes, for one thousand tons of Cannon, for the use of 
the United States, reported that they have executed the 
contract, in which is a covenant to advance the said Messrs. 
Hughes 8,000 Dollars. 

Resolved, That an Order for 8,000 Dollars be drawn on 
the Treasurers, in favour of Daniel and Samuel Hughes, 
they to be accountable. 


Resolved, That the Board of Treasury be directed to 


make immediate preparation for striking a further sum of five 
millions of Dollars, in Bills of Credit. 


The Congress resolved itself into a Committee-of the 
Whole, to take into consideration the Articles of Confede- 
ration. 


Resolved, That Captain Joy have liberty to employ eight 


of the Prisoners in the business of casting Cannon. 


The Board of ‘Treasury reported, that they have examined 
the Account of the Committee of Lancaster, for preserving 
the peace of the Borough, keeping the Prisoners in order, 
and for the protection of the Magazines, and find, that there 
is due, for the pay of the Guard, as follows: 

39 days to Captains, at 26 2-3 Dollars per month, 34 
60-90ths Dollars ; 

76 days to Lieutenants, at 18 Dollars per month, 45 54- 
90ths Dollars; 

27 days to Ensigns, at 13 1-3 Dollars per month, 12 
Dollars ; 

143 days to Sergeants, at 8 Dollars per month, 38 12- 
90ths Dollars; 

421 days to Corporals, Fifers, and Drums, at 7 1-3 Dol- 
lars per month, 102 60-90ths Dollars; 

1470 days to Privates, at 6 2-3 Dollars per month, 326 
60-90ths Dollars; the whole amounting to 559 66-90ths 
Dollars : 

Ordered, That the same be paid. 


The Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the 
Whole, to take into consideration the Articles of Confedera- 
tion; and, after some time, the President resumed the chair, 
and Mr. Harrison reported, that the Committee have made 
some progress in the matter to them referred; but, not 
having come to a conclusion, desire leave to sit again. 

Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, again re- 
solve itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into their 
further consideration the Articles of Confederation. 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY 23, 1776. 


1588 


The Marine Committee having recommended the follow- 
ing gentlemen for Officers of the Rawleigh, namely, 

Peter Shores, John Wheelwright, Josiah Shackford, Lieu- 
tenants; George Jerry Osborne, Captain of Marines; Ste- 
phen Meads, First Lieutenant; Nathaniel Thwing, Second 
Lieutenant; 

Resolved, That they be accepted, and that Commissions 
be granted them accordingly. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 


Tuesday, July 23, 1776. 

Sundry Letters were received and read, viz: 

Two from General Washington, of the 21st and 22d, with 
three papers enclosed in the latter: 

One of the 16th, from Governour Cooke: 

Two from Brigadier-General Mercer, of the 20th and 22d, 
with two papers enclosed in the latter: 

Resolved, That the Letters from General Washington 
and Brigadier-General Mercer, be referred to the Board of 
War. 


Resolved, That the Report of the Committee on the 
Cartel entered into between Brigadier-General Arnold and 
Captain Forster, and the Resolutions passed thereon, be pub- 


lished. 


Resolved, That twenty Dollars be advanced to Isaac 
Manes, a wounded soldier, of Captain Cheeseman’s Com- 
pany, and that he be sent to the General Hospital. 


The Board of War reported, that they have heard and 
considered the several matters alleged against the arrange- 
ment made in the Regiment ordered to be raised under 
Colonel Dubois, and are of opinion, that no good purpose 
would be answered by making any alteration therein; and 
although many worthy Officers who served in Canada are 
yet unemployed, the Board can only lament that they are 
not in the service, but hope something will, in future, turn 
up to enable Congress to place them in stations equal to 
their merit: 

The same being again read, was agreed to. 

On the remainder of the Report from the Board of War, 
the Congress came to the following Resolutions: 

That General Washington be informed that Congress have 
such an entire confidence in his judgment, that they will 
give him no particular directions about the disposition of the 
Troops, but desire that he will dispose of those at New- 
York, the Flying-Camp, and Ticonderoga, as to him shall 
seem most conducive to the publick good: 

That the Congress approve of General Washington’s 
having lent to the Convention of New-York, the sum of 
Money mentioned in his Letter of the 19th instant: 

That Monsieur S¢. Martin be appointed an Engineer, with 
the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and that he be directed to 
repair to New-York, and put himself under the command of 
General Washington. 


Resolved, That Dr. David Griffith be appointed to the 
stations of Chaplain and Surgeon in the Third Virginia Bat- 
talion, he being a person of uncommon merit, and there being 
very few Surgeons of abilities who will enter into the Army 
in that State: this appointment not to be drawn into prece- 
dent: 

That Mr. Griffith draw pay in both these capacities, for 


the time he has served in the Regiment. 


The Committee of Claims reported, that there is dae— 

To Dennis Lefferty, for 26 weeks’ Board, the sum of 
52 Dollars, and that the same ought to be paid to Timothy 
Matlack : 

To William White, for boarding General Lee’s Guard, the 
sum of 40 60-90 Dollars: 

To George Haas, for carrying Money to New-York, the 
sum of 26 60-90 Dollars: i 

To William Bradford, for the expenses of a Guard escort- 
ing Money to New- York, the sum of 88 57-90 Dollars: 

To Rachel Evans, for boarding a sick Soldier, the sum of 
3 Dollars: 

To Robert Owen, Jun., for Provisions furnished several 
Rifle Companies, 64 86-90 Dollars: | 

To Peter Grosels, for Provisions to several Rifle Compa- - 
nies, the sum of 61 46-90 Dollars; and that this ought to be 
paid to Robert Owen, Jun. 

Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid. 


V 


1589 


Resolved, That in order to hasten the march of the 
Troops, the several Committees of Lancaster, York, Cum- 
berland, Berks, and Northampton Counties, in Pennsylvania, 
be empowered to muster the Troops that shall march from 
their respective Counties, and to draw for one month’s Pay 
on Mr. James Mease, Paymaster; and that they certify the 
Muster-Rolls, and send to the Paymaster the Receipts for 
the Moneys that shall be so advanced. 


Resolved, That a Member be added to the Board of Trea- 
sury, in the room of one absent: 


The Member chosen, Mr. G. Clymer. 


Agreeable to the Order of the Day, the Congress resolved 
itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into their 
further consideration the Articles of Confederation; and, after 
some time, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. Har- 
rison reported, that the Committee have made further pro- 
gress in the matter to them referred, but not having come to 
a conclusion, desired leave to sit again. 

Resolved, Vhat this Congress will, to-morrow, again re- 
solve itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into their 
further consideration the Articles of Confederation. 


A Petition from a number of inhabitants of Chester County, 
in Pennsylvania, was presented to Congress and read, pray- 
ing that John Griffith, a soldier in the Continental Army, an 
experienced artificer in making and dressing fullers’ shears, 
may be released from the Army, and ordered to return home, 
to follow his trade: 

Resolved, That the prayer of the Petition be granted. 


A Petition from sundry Canadians was presented to Con- 
gress, and read ; 
Resolved, That it be referred to the Canada Committee. 


The Marine Committee having recommended Richard 
Palmes to be Captain of Marines: 

Resolved, 'That he be accepted, and that a Commission 
be granted to him accordingly. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 


yf Wednesday, July 24, 1776. 
A Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel William Allen was laid 
before Congress, and read, requesting leave to resign his 
Commission : 


Resolved, That leave be granted. 


The Marine Committee having recommended Benjamin 
Thompson to be a Lieutenant of Marines in Captain Palmes’s 
Company: 

Resolved, 'That he be accepted, and that a Commission 
be granted to him accordingly. 


Resolved, That the Committee appointed to revise the 
Journal be empowered to employ a proper person to make 
an Index thereto. 


The Board of Treasury reported, that the pay of Briga- 
dier-General Wooster, commencing the 22d day of June, 
1775, and calculated to the 22d day of July, 1776, being 
thirteen months, at 125 Dollars per month, amounts 1,625 
Dollars; out of which is to be deducted 173 Dollars and 
24-72 parts of a Dollar, paid him by John Winslow, Esq., 
the Paymaster; the residue due to the General is 1,451 
Dollars, and 48-72 parts of a Dollar: 

Ordered, That the same be paid. 


Resolved, That the sum of 100 Dollars be advanced to 
Captain Robert Johnson, to be deducted out of his pay on 
the settlement of his Account. 


A Petition from George Kitts was presented to Congress 
and read: 
Resolved, That it be referred to the Board of War. 


The Congress resumed the consideration of the Report of 
the Committee appointed to prepare a Resolution for con- 
fiscating the Property of the Subjects of the Crown of Great 
Britain: 

Whereas the United States have, by a long series of 
oppressions, been drawn into a war with Great Britain, and 
at last to the necessity of declaring themselves free and 
independent States; and, as it is impossible to distinguish 
among the Subjects of the same Sovereign between those 


-who are friends and such as are enemies to the rights of 


America and mankind, it is become necessary to consider as 
enemies all the Subjects of the King of Great Britain and 
* 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY 24, 1776. 


1590 


all others who aid, abet, adhere to or in anywise assist him 
in his unjust and cruel designs against these States ; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That all the Resolutions of this 
Congress, passed on the 23d day of March last, and on the 
3d day of April last, relating to Ships and other Vessels, 
their Tackle, Apparel, and Furniture, and all Goods, Wares, 
and Merchandises, belonging to any inhabitant or inhabitants 
of Great Britain, taken on the high seas, or between high 
and low water mark, be extended to all Ships and other 
Vessels, their Tackle, Apparel, and Furniture, and to all 
Goods, Wares, and Merchandises, belonging to any subject 
or subjects of the King of Great Britain, except the inha- 
bitants of the Bermudas and Providence or Bahama Islands, 
or to any other person or persons who adhere to him, or 
in anywise aid or abet him in his unjust war against these 
States. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration ; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the Regiment of Rangers, 
now in the pay of the State of South-Carolina, be placed 
upon Continental establishment, and that it consist of a 
Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant, a Major, ten Captains, 
twenty Lieutenants, a Surgeon, a Paymaster, twenty Ser- 
geants, and five hundred Privates : 

That the pay of the Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant of 
Rangers, be the same as that of a Colonel of Foot; the 
Major’s pay, that of a Lieutenant-Colonel ; a Captain’s that 
of a Major; the Lieutenant’s that of a Captain; and the 
Sergeant’s that of an Ensign of Foot of the Continental 
Forces: that the Surgeon be allowed 33 Dollars and 1-3d 
a month; the Paymaster 26 Dollars and 2-3ds; and the 
Privates 124 Dollars per month, to provide themselves with 
Horses, Guns, and Provisions, for themselves and Horses: 

That the said Rangers be liable to act on horseback or 
foot, as occasion may require : 

That the like number of Rangers be raised in the State 
of Georgia, and put upon Continental establishment : 

That these be entitled to the same pay, and subject to 
the same duties as the Carolina Rangers: 

That the Rangers raised in the State of South-Carolina 
be subject to the articles formed by the Convention of that 
State for the government of the forces raised therein. 


Resolved, That Colonel Knozx’s plan for raising another 
Battalion of Artillery be approved, and carried into execu- 
tion as soon as possible : . 

That General Washington be desired to recommend proper 
Officers to compose this Corps. 


Resolved, That General Washington be empowered to 
agree to the exchange of Governour Skene for Mr. James 
Lovell: 

That General Washington be authorized to take into Con- 
tinental pay the Horse proposed by Mr. Lary, upon the 


terms by him mentioned. 


On motion, Resolved, That the Report of the Committee 
on Gold and Silver Coins be recommitted : 


That Mr. Jefferson be added to that Committee. 


Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to 
take into consideration, and report their opinion, on the 
proposal made by the President of South-Carolina, and 
communicated to the House by a Delegate of that State, 
respecting General Lee: 

The Members chosen, Mr. S. Adams, Mr. Rutledge, and 
Mr. Hall. 


Agreeable to order, the Congress then resolved itself into 
a Committee of the Whole, to take into their further con- 
sideration the Articles of Confederation; and, after some time, 
the President resumed the chair, and Mr. Harrison reported, 
that the Committee have made further progress in the matter 
to them referred; but, not having finished, desire leave to 
sit again: 

Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, again 
resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into 
their further consideration the Articles of Confederation. 

A Letter from General Washington, of the 28d, with 
sundry Papers enclosed, among which was a Letter from 
Mr. Fraesh to Lord Stirling ; also, 

A Letter from the Council of Safety of North-Carolina, 
being received, were laid before Congress and read. 


Resolved, That the Letter from Mr. Fraesh to Lord 


1591 


Stirling be referred to the Committee appointed to contract 
for casting Cannon: 

That the General’s Letter, with the other papers enclosed, 
be referred to the Board of War. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 


Thursday, July 25, 1776. 
Resolved, That two months’ Pay be advanced to Mons. 
Jaque Antoine de Franchessin; he to be accountable. 


A Memorial of Samuel Holden Parsons, of Lyme, in 
Connecticut, was presented to Congress and read: 

Resolved, That it be referred to a Committee of three: 

The Members chosen, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. 
Sherman. 

A Memorial from sundry Officers who served in Canada, 
and are now unemployed, was laid before Congress and 


read : 
Resolved, That it be referred to the Board of War. 


Agreeable to order, the Congress resolved itself into a 
Committee of the Whole, to take into their further consider- 
ation the Articles of Confederation; after some time, the 
President resumed the chair, and Mr. Harrison reported 
that the Committee have made further progress in the con- 
sideration of the Articles of Confederation; but, not having 
gone through, desired leave to sit again. 


A Letter of the 23d, from General Washington, enclosing 
a Letter from Governour Trumbull to the General; also, 


A Letter from Governour Trumbull, of the 19th, with ~ 


sundry Depositions; and, 

One of the 16th, from the Committee of Safety of New- 
Hampshire, were laid before Congress and read. 

Resolved, That the Letter from General Washington be 
referred to the Board of War. 


The Committee of Claims reported, that there is due— 
* To Francis Gurney, for expenses of himself and others, 
escorting Money to Cambridge, in February last, the sum 
of 162 Dollars and 84-90ths, over and beside the moneys 
advanced to him: 

To Henry Wisner, Esq., for the expenses of an Express 
paid by him, the sum of 20 Dollars: 

To Thomas Dewees, for boarding Prisoners of State, 437 
Dollars and 68-90ths : 

To David Lennox, for expenses in going after Deserters, 
the sum of 31 Dollars and 86-90ths, to be paid to David 
Sproat : 

To Wilham Trickett, for Stationery, the sum of 43 Dol- 
lars and 76-90ths: 

To Philip Nolan, for ferriages of General Lee’s Guards, 
4 Dollars and 12-90ths: 

To Elizabeth Slaving, for boarding and nursing a sick 
Soldier, 4 Dollars : 

To John Piling, for Chairs for the War Office, the sum 
of 12 Dollars : 

To John Kerling, for Provisions for General Lee’s Guards, 
4 Dollars and 54-90ths. 

To Isaac Cooper, for his attendance as a guard over 
Powder, the sum of 11 Dollars: 

To Furman and Hunt, for necessaries furnished the 
Prisoners at Trenton, the sum of 47 Dollars and 87-90ths: 

To John Bates, for Camp-Kettles, the sum of 98 Dollars 
and 60-90ths. 

The Committee of ‘Treasury also reported, that there is 
due— 

To Elyah Bennet, Post-Rider in the service of the Unz- 
ted States, from Hartford, in Connecticut, to various places, 
the sum of 1,331 Dollars and 66-90ths, deducting 819 Dol- 
lars and 86-90ths, which he has received from the Colony of 
Connecticut, the balance being 511 Dollars and 70-90ths ; 

To Michael Philips, employed by Brigadier-General 
Wooster in making sundry repairs in the Citadel and Hospi- 
tal in Montreal, carting, &c., 397 Dollars and 75-90ths, 
deducting the sum of 96 Dollars and 7-90ths, which he re- 
ceived from Major Nicholson, the balance being 301 Dollars 
and 68-90ths: 

To James Budden, for the expense of a detachment of 
the Troop of Light-Horse escorting 300,000 Dollars to 
New-York, the sum of 82 Dollars: 

Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid. 


Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, resolve 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY 29, 1776. 


1592 


itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into further 
consideration the Articles of Confederation. 
Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 


Friday, July 26, 1776. 


Congress proceeded to the election of three Commission- ~ 


ers to liquidate and settle the Accounts in the Northern De- 
partment; and the ballots being taken, 
Mr. James Milligan, Mr. John Carter, and Mr. Wells, 


were elected. 


The Committee on the Treasury laid before Congress the 
Account of Messrs. Price and Haywood, with the balance 
due to them: 


Ordered, 'To lie on the table. ' 


Resolved, That the substance of the conference between 
General Washington and Adjutant-General Patterson, which 
was transmitted to Congress by General Washington, be 
published. 


Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, 
to take into further consideration the Articles of Confedera- 
tion; and, after some time, the President resumed the chair, 
and Mr. Morton reported, that the Committee have made 
further progress; but, not having concluded, desire leave to 
sit again. 

Resolved, That this Congress will, on Monday next, re- 
solve itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into 
further consideration the Articles of Confederation. 


A Letter from Brigadier-General Sullivan, with sundry 
Papers enclosed, were laid before Congress, and read: 
Ordered, To lie on the table. 


Resolved, That an Order for 2,000 Dollars be drawn on 
the Treasurers, in favour of Dr. W. Shippen; he to be ac- 
countable. 

The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 

Adjourned to ten o’clock, on Monday. 


Monday, July 29, 1776. 
Sundry Letters were laid before Congress, and read, viz: 
Three from General Washington, of the 22d, 25th, and 
Q7th: 

One from General Schuyler, of the 17th, and one from 
General Gates, of the 16th; 

One, of the 25th, from J. Reed, Adjutant-General, and 
one from Brigadier-General Mercer, of the 26th ; 

One, of the 20th, from Governour Trumbull; 

One, of the 25th, from the Convention of New-Jersey, 
and one from the Council of Massachusetts-Bay; 

One from Mons. Kirmovan, Engineer, with a plan and 
draughts, and one, in Latin, without signature ; 

One from Brigadier-Genera] Sulhivan, of the 29th, de- 
siring to recall his Petition for leave to resign his commis- 
sion: 

Also, two Petitions, one from G'eorge Nicholson, and one 
from James Livingston. 

Resolved, That General Washington be empowered to 
appoint another Aid-de-Camp: 

That the Letters from General Washington, General 
Schuyler, and General Gates, and the Letter from Mons. 
Kirmovan, be referred to the Board of War. 

That the Letter from the Convention of New-Jersey be 
referred to the Committee on the ways and means of aug- 
menting the Flying-Camp; and that Mr. Clark be added 
to the said Committee: 

That the Letter from the Adjutant-General be referred 
to the Committee appointed to revise the Articles of War: 

That the Petition of James Nicholson be referred to the 
Commissioners who went to Canada: 

That the Petition from George Nicholson be referred to 
the Committee on Canada Affairs: 

That the Latin Letter be referred to the Marine Com- 
mittee. 

Resolved, That an Order for 47 Dollars be drawn on the 
Treasurers, in favour of Josiah Fessenden, in full for ser- 
vices, expenses, and horse-hire. . 

A Letter, of the 20th, from the Council of Virginia, was 
received and read. 

The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration ; 


1593 


Whereupon, Resolved, That General Washington be em- 
powered to order the Regiment lately raised in Connecticut, 
under the command of Colonel Ward, wheresoever he shall 
think the service requires it: 

That Mons. Jean Artur de Virmonet, who appears to be 
a young gentleman of merit, and has held a Lieutenant’s 
commission in the service of France, be appointed a Brevet 
Captain; and that Mons. Marie Fidel Dorre be sent as a 
volunteer, to be employed by General Washington as he 
shall think proper: 

That Mons. Christopher Pelliser, who has suffered con- 
siderably by warmly espousing and taking an active part in 
the cause of America, in Canada, be appointed an Engineer 
in the service of the United States, with the pay of 60 Dol- 
lars a month, and rank of Lieutenant-Colonel;. and that he 
be directed to repair to New-York: 

That the Returns of Colonel Elmore’s Regiment, made 
into the War Office by Brigadier-General Wooster, be trans- 
mitted to General Washington, with blank Commissions for 
the Officers; and that General Washington be directed to 
order the said Regiment to join him, and that he fill up the 
said Commissions with the names of such Officers as appear 
with their respective Companies in the said Regiment. 

That John Brown be commissioned as Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel, and that’ Robert Cockran, now acting as eldest Captain 
in the said Regiment, be commissioned as Major of the same, 
in the room of Major Israel Curtis, deceased. 

Resolved, That a Lieutenant-Colonel be appointed for 
the Second Pennsylvania Battalion, in the room of William 
Allen, who has resigned : 

The ballots being taken, Joseph Wood, Esq., was elected. 


Congress then resolved itself into a Committee of the 
Whole, to take into their consideration the Articles of Con- 
federation; and after some time, the President resumed the 
chair, and Mr. Morton reported, that the Committee have 
made further progress in the Articles of Confederation; but 
not having finished, desire leave to sit again. : 


A Petition from Samuel Morris was presented to Con- 
gress, and read. 


The Committee on Spies brought in a further Report, 


which was read: 
Ordered, To lie on the table. 


Resolved, That the Jailer be directed to allow the Pri- 
soners from North-Carolina the use and benefit of the yard, 
under the inspection of the Guard, provided it may be done 
with safety. 

Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, resolve 
itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into their fur- 
ther consideration the Articles of Confederation. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 


Tuesday, July 30, 1776. 
A Letter of the 28th, from Brigadier-General Mercer, 
was laid before Congress and read, requesting six Light- 
Horse may be sent to him: 
Whereupon, Resolved, That the President write to S. 
Morris, Esq., Captain of the Light-Horse, and request him to 
send six of his Company to Brigadier-General Mercer. 


Congress being informed, by a Letter from the President 
of South-Carolina, that the Cherokees have commenced hos- 
tilities against that State, and that he has ordered a body of 
men to march against them, and has applied for assistance to 
the neighbouring States of North-Carolina and Virginia: 

Resolved, That it be recommended ‘to the States of Vir- 
ginia, North- Carolina, and Georgia, to afford all necessary 
assistance to the State of South-Carolina, and to codperate 
with that State in prosecuting the war against the Indians 
with the utmost vigor: 

That the President write to the Governour and Council 
of Virginia, the Council of Safety of North-Carolina, and 
the President of Georgia, relative to the above subjects. 


Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to take , 


into consideration the State of North-Carolina, and report 
thereon to Congress. 

The Members chosen: Mr. Harrison, Mr. S. Adams, and 
Mr. Lynch. 

Congress took into consideration the Report of the Com- 
mittee appointed to inquire into the miscarriages in Canada, 
wherein they represent as their opinion— 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY 30, 1776. 


1594 


“That the short inlistments of the Continental Troops in 
Canada have been one great cause of the miscarriages there, 
by rendering unstable the number of men engaged in mili- 
tary enterprises, by making them disorderly and disobedient 
to their officers, and by precipitating the commanding offi- 
cers Into measures which their prudence might have post- 
poned could they have relied on a longer continuance of their 
troops in service: 

“That the want of hard money has been one other great 
source of the miscarriages in Canada, rendering the supplies of 
necessaries difficult and precarious, the establishment of pro- 
per magazines absolutely impracticable, and the pay of the 
Troops of little use to them: 

“That a still greater and more fatal source of misfortunes 
has been the prevalence of the small-pox in that Army, a 
great proportion whereof has thereby been usually kept unfit 
for duty.” 

With this the Congress concurred. 


On the further consideration of the Report, Congress came 
to the following Resolutions: 

That Col. Bedel be tried by a Court-Martial for leaving 
his command at the Cedars, and for declining to return to 
the same with Major Sherburne’s reinforcement: 

That Major Butterfield be tried by a Court-Martial for 
surrendering to the enemy the post at the Cedars, and also 
such other Officers as were with him and consented to that 
surrender. 

The Committee having further reported, that in the course 
of their inquiries they had reason to believe that General 
Prescott’s Baggage was plundered by some licentious per- 
sons, in violation of the faith of the capitulation: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That General Schuyler be desired 
to make strict inquiry into the same, that the persons guilty 
thereof may receive due punishment, and ample indemnifi- 
cation be made to General Prescott: 

That Colonel Bedel, Dr. Fay, and Lieutenant House, be 
subjected to this inquiry. 

That so much of the Petitions of Colonel Easton and 
MajorBrown as prays that the charges against them of having 
been concerned in plundering the Officers’ Baggage taken 
at Sorel, be submitted to a Court of Inquiry, is reasonable, 
and that General Schuyler be desired to order Courts of In- 
quiry on them as soon as possible. 


Resolved, That General Montgomery’s promise, to give to 
the Troops concerned in taking the Vessels on the Sorel, 
“all the publick Stores, except Ammunition and Provisions, 
on board thereof,” be confirmed, and that General Schuyler 
be directed to cause an inquiry to be made into the particu- 
lars and value of the said publick Stores, (Ammunition and 
Provision excepted,) and to certify the same to Congress, 
with the names of the Officers and Soldiers entitled thereto: 

That so much of Major Brown’s Petition as prays that 
an allowance be made to him for extraordinary services, be 
referred to General Schuyler, who is desired to certify Con- 
gress whether any and what reward may, with justice, be 
demanded by him: 

That Major Brown’s Accounts be settled by the Com- 
missioners appointed to adjust Accounts in the Northern 
Department. 

Resolved, That the Committee be discharged from pro- 
ceeding on so much of the Petition of Colonel Easton as 
prays a continuance of his rank and pay; and so much of 
Major Brown’s Petition as prays an examination into his 
rank and pay, and that they be referred to the Board of 

ar. 

That General Schuyler be desired to inquire into the con- 
duct of Colonel Hazen, who is charged with having beaten 
and ill-treated Francois Guilot de la Rose, a Continental 
Captain of Canadian Militia, and also to have ill-treated 
Charles Robert de la Fontaine, a Canadian, at Chambly, 
and put such conduct into a proper channel for trial and 
punishment. 

That it be recommended to General Schuyler, whenever 
the pay of Officers or Soldiers is stopped on account of any 
charge ayainst them, to have such charge determined by trial 
as speedily as possible, that there may be no delay of justice. 

Resolved, That General Wooster acted properly in stop- 
ping the Goods of Bernard & Wadden, who were carrying 
the same, without permission, to the Indzans in the upper 
country. 


1595 


Resolved, That the Committee have leave to sit again, 
and that they be instructed to inquire in what manner the 


Goods of Bernard & Wadden were disposed of. 


Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to sup- 
ply the three Rifle Companies, now in town from Lancas- 
ter, with eleven pounds of Powder and forty-four pounds of 
Lead. 

Resolved, That 500,000 Dollars be sent to the Pay- 
master-General. 

That 60,000 Dollars be sent to R. Dallam, Deputy Pay- 
master-General, for the use of the Flying-Camp. 


Congress proceeded to the election of a Clerk or Assistant 
to the Auditor-General, when William G'ovet was elected. 

Resolved, That William Govet be allowed the salary of 
533 Dollars and 1-3d per annum. 


Resolved, That all publick Claims and Accounts that are 
at this time unsettled be referred to the Committee of Trea- 
sury, and that the Committee of Claims be discharged from 
proceeding further upon any Claims or Accounts, and that 
all the Books and Papers in the hands of the Committee of 
Claims be delivered to the Auditor-General. 

The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the Resolution of the 17th 
of January last, allowing to Officers 1 Dollar and 1-3d for 
every man they inlist, be extended to Officers who inlist for 
the new Army for three years: 

That General Mercer’s Letter, relative to the building of 
Boats, be referred to General Washington, with direction to 
give such orders therein as he shall judge necessary, and that 
he be desired to avail himself of the Shipwrights and other 
Artificers now in the Flying-Camp. ; 

That General Mercer be allowed a Secretary while he 
has a separate command: 

That a number of Four and Six-pounders, not exceeding 
ten of each, be immediately sent to General Mercer, to be 
mounted on the Works: he is now erecting; and that the 
Council of Safety of Pennsylvania be requested to forward 
them to Amboy, in New-Jersey: 

That Congress approve of General Schuyler’s intention 
to publish such parts of the Treaty with the Svx-Nations as 
may have a tendency to dispel the apprehensions of the 
frontier inhabitants: 

That the Commissioners for Indian Affairs, in the Middle 
Department, be instructed to thank Cayashuta, in the name 
-of the great Council-fire, for his frendly conduct at Neagara, 
communicated by Peter Richman, (whose Indian name is 
Queda,) and to inform him that it would be very agreeable 
to Congress to receive a visit from him. 


A Letter of the 29th, from General Washington, and 
one from the Council of Massachusetts-Bay ; also, a Letter 
of the 23d, from Governour Cooke, with sundry Papers 
enclosed ; being received, were read. 

Resolved, That the two first be referred to the Board of 
War. 


The Board of War laid before Congress a Letter received 
from General Washington. 
Ordered, That they return an answer. 


Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, 
to take into consideration the Articles of Confederation ; 
and, after some time, the President resumed the chair, and 
Mr. Morton reported that the Committee, not having yet 
finished, desired leave to sit again. 

Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, resolve 
itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consider- 
ation the Articles of Confederation. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 


Wednesday, July 31, 1776. 

Resolved, That 20,000 Dollars be advanced to Mr. Mease, 
he to be accountable: 

That Mr. J. Mease be directed to pay John Pollock 
2,666 Dollars and two-thirds, and that the same be charged 
to the Account of the Committee of Inspection of Cumber- 
land, who are to be accountable. | 

Resolved, That the Medical Committee be directed to 
provide and send forward such a quantity of Medicines as 
may be necessary for the Hospital in the Northern Army: 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, AUGUST 1, 1776. 


1596 


That the said Committee be directed to procure and for- 
ward such a quantity of Medicines as may be necessary for 
the Hospital in the Southern Department. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That five tons of Musket Powder 
be sent immediately to General Washington, at New- York: 

That the Commissary-General be directed to furnish with 
Rations, and the Deputy Paymaster-General, in the State of 
Massachusetts-Bay, be ordered to pay, any Militia which 
the General Assembly of that State shall think proper to 
call in, to replace the Continental ‘Troops ordered from 
thence. 


The Committee appointed to inquire into the causes of 
the miscarriages in Canada, brought in a further Report, 
which was taken into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the conduct of Colonel Ni- 
cholson, who commanded the post at Point Levi, and who, 
after the determination of the Council of War to retire from 
before Quebeck, is said to have deserted his said command, 
and left the party to shift for themselves, be submitted to a 
Court of Inquiry : 

That the Committee be discharged from so much of Colo- 
nel Easton’s Petition as prays a settlement of his Accounts, 
and that the same be referred to the Board of ‘Treasury. 


The Committee appointed to take into consideration the 
State of North- Carolina, brought in their Report, which was 
taken into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That four tons of Gunpowder and 
six Four-pounders, or such others as can be procured, of the 
weight proper for Field-pieces, be immediately sent to North- 
Carolina: 

That the Delegates of that State employ some proper 
person, as a Commissary, to purchase in this City or the 
neighbourhood thereof, Clothing for the Troops raised in that 
State for the Continental service: 

That the three Independent Companies of Rangers raised 
in that State, be taken upon the Continental pay and esta- 
blishment, and that their pay and appointment be as already 
resolved by the Convention of that State, and that they rank 
as the Rangers raised in South-Carolina and Georgia. 


Resolved, That an Order for 266 2-3 Dollars be drawn 
on the T'reasurers, in favour of Colonel James Easton, to be 
accounted for by him on the final settlement of his Ac- 
counts: 

That two months’ Pay be advanced to Monsieur St. Mar- 
tin, he to be accountable. 


Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, 
to take into consideration the Articles of Confederation; and, 
after some time, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. 
Morton reported that the Committee, not having come to a 
conclusion, desired leave to sit again. 

Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, resolve 
itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consider- 
ation the Articles of Confederation. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 


Thursday, August 1, 1776. 
A Letter, of the 30th of July, from Brigadier-General 
Mercer, and one of the same date, from Brigadier-General 
Roberdeau, and sundry others, were laid before Congress, 
and read. 
Resolved, That the two first be referred to the Board of 
War. 


Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, 
to take into consideration the Articles of Confederation; and, 
after some time, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. 
Morton reported that the Committee have made further 
progress, but, not having come to a conclusion, desired leave 
to sit again. : 

Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, resolve 
itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consider- 


ation the Articles of Confederation. 


A Letter of the 30th of July, from General Washington, 
with sundry Papers enclosed; also, one from General Schuy- 
ler, of the 20th, and one from Colonel Dubois, of the 17th, 
were laid before Congress, and read. 


Resolved, That they be referred to the Board of War. 


1597 


The Board of War reported the draft of a Letter to 
General Washington, in answer to his directed to them; and 
the same being agreed to, | 

Ordered, That it be transcribed, signed by the President, 
and forwarded. 

The said Board brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration. 

Whereupon, Resolved, That Colonel John Brown be 
allowed the rank and pay of a Lieutenant-Colonel in the 
Continental Army, from the 20th day of November last, to 
this time: 

That James Easton is entitled to the rank of a Colonel in 
the Continental Army, from the first day of July, 1775, and 
to the pay of a Colonel from that day until he shall be dis- 
charged, which ought to be done as soon as a Court of 
Inquiry shall report in his favour, or a Court-Martial shall 
determine upon his conduct, and their sentence is carried 
into execution, there being no vacancy to which he can be 
appointed; but should he be honorably acquitted, his past 
services will recommend him to the confidence of Congress 
for future employment. 


Resolved, Vhat an Order for 2,666 2-3 Dollars be drawn 
on the Treasurers, in favour of Ludwick Karcher, for victual- 
ling the Militia passing through Philadelphia to the Flying- 
Camp, he to be accountable. 


Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 
Friday, August 2, 1776. 
The Declaration of Independence being engrossed and 
compared at the table, was signed by the Members. 


Resolved, That two months’ Pay be advanced to Mon- 
sieur Pellisier, he to be accountable. 


Resolved, That the Secret Committee and Marine Com- 
mittee be discharged from fitting out Vessels with Cargoes 
to Bermudas. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration. 

Whereupon, Resolved, ‘That 200,000 Dollars be sent to 
Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Deputy Paymaster-General in 
the Northern Department : 

That General Washington be instructed to employ in the 
service of the States as many of the Stockbridge Indians as 
he shall judge proper: 

That one hundred old Arms, belonging to Congress, be 
delivered to the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania, to be 
repaired at the Continental expense, and put into the hands 
of the soldiers destined for the F'lying-Camp, the said Coun- 
cil to be accountable: 

That the Paymaster-General, and the several Deputy 
Pay masters-General, in the service of these States, be di- 
rected to make Weekly Returns to Congress of the state of 
the Military Chests under their direction: 

That Jonathan Trumbull, Esq., Deputy Paymaster-Gene- 
ral in the Northern Army, be directed to transmit to Con- 
gress, as soon as possible, an account of all the Moneys 
which have passed through his hands since his appointment 
to that office: 

That the Commissary-General and Deputy-Commissaries 
in the several departments, be directed to transmit to Con- 
gress, weekly, an account of the sums of Money they may 
respectively receive from the Paymasters : 

That the Quartermaster-General, and Deputy Quarter- 
masters-General, in the several departments, be directed to 
transmit, weekly, to Congress, an account of the Moneys 
they respectively receive from the Paymaster-General, or 
Deputy Paymasters-General : 

That the Commissary-General, Quartermaster-General, 
Deputy-Commissaries, and Deputy Quartermasters-Gene- 
ral, be directed to make Monthly Returns, at least, of the 
stores under their direction, and the distribution of them: 

That the Commanding Officer in each department be 
directed to make Returns, once a month, to Congress, of 
the drafts made by him upon the Paymaster in his depart- 
ment. 

Resolved, That Mr. Walton be appointed a Member of 
the Mariae Committee, in the room of Mr. Gwinnett, who 
is absent. 

Resolved, That 100 Dollars be advanced to Thaddeus 
Sturges, to be accounted for by him, and deducted out of 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, AUGUST 5, 1776. 


1598 


his pay on the settlement of his Accounts; that the Board 
of Treasury be discharged from proceeding on his Accounts, 
and that they be referred for settlement to the Commis- 
sioners appointed to settle the Accounts in the Northern 
Department. 

The Marine Committee, to whom it was referred to in- 
quire into the conduct of Commodore Hopkins, brought in 
their Report, which was read: 

Ordered, 'To lie on the table, to be taken into consider- 
ation on Monday next. 


Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, 
to take into consideration the Articles of Confederation ; and, 
after some time, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. 
Morton reported that the Committee, not having finished, 
desired leave to sit again. 

Resolved, 'That this Congress will, to-morrow, resolve itself 
into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consideration 
the Articles of Confederation. 


The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due— 

To Benjamin Thompson, for 131 days’ service, viz: from 
the Ist of December to the last of May inclusive, as Clerk 
of the Hospital at Montreal, at the rate of 2-3ds of a Dollar 
per day, 122 Dollars: 

Ordered, 'That the same be paid. 

Adjourned to nine o’clock, to-morrow. 

Saturday, August 3, 1776. 

The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is dae— 

To Thomas Whitbeck, for carrying Money from Phila- 
delphia to Ticonderoga, in October last, the sum of 75 1-4 
Dollars: 

To Samuel Johnson for 209 meals of Victuals, 20 Dol- 
lars and &1-90ths: 

To George Hoffnagle 1 Dollar and 45-90ths: 

To Michael Saddleman, for 708 meals of Victuals, 70 
Dollars and 72-90ths: 

To Richard Chiney, for 540 Meals furnished the Militia 
on their march to New-Jersey, 54 Dollars: 

Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid. 


The Committee on the miscarriages in Canada brought 
in a further Report, which was read : 

Ordered, 'To lie on the table, to be taken into considera- 
tion on Monday next. 


A Letter from Neil McClean was laid before Congress, 
and read: 
Resolved, 'That it be referred to the Board of War. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 
Adjourned to ten o’clock, on Monday. 


Monday, August 5, 1776. 
Two Letters from General Washington, of the 31st of 
July and 2d of August; one from the Council of Virginia, 
of the 27th of July, with copies of sundry Letters from 
North-Carolina and South-Carolina, enclosed; one from 
E. Anderson, of the 31st of July; and sundry Resolutions 
passed by the Convention of Pennsylvania, were laid before 
Congress, and read : . 
Resolved, That they be referred to the Board of War. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the Commanders of all Ships 
of War and Armed Vessels in the service of these States, 
or any of them, and all Letters of Marque and Privateers, 
be permitted to inlist into service on board the said Ships 
and Vessels, any Seamen who may be taken on board any 
of the Ships or Vessels of our enemies, and that no such 
Seamen be entitled to receive the wages due to them out 
of the said Prizes, but such as will so inlist, and that all 
other Seamen so taken, be held as Prisoners of War, and 
exchanged for others taken by the enemy, whether on board 
of Vessels of War or Merchantmen, as there may be oppor- 
tunity : 

That Lieutenant-Colonel Rufus Putnam be appointed an 
Engineer, with the rank of Colonel, and pay of 60 Dollars 
a month. 


A Petition from Eseck Hopkins, Commander-in-Chief of 
the Continental Fleet, was presented to Congress, and read, 
setting forth, that “he has been informed that certain com- 


1599 


plaints, interrogatories, and report, charging him with sundry 
crimes and misdemeanors, had been exhibited to the honour- 
able Congress; the purport of which complaints, &c., he is 
ignorant of; and praying that he may be furnished with 
copies thereof, and of all other proceedings against him, 
which are now before this honourable body; and that time 
may be allowed him to prepare for, and a day assigned for, 
his being heard before Congress in his own defence.” 

Resolved, That the prayer of the Petition be granted; 
and that Friday next be appointed for hearing Commodore 
Hopkins. 

Resolved, That the Marine Committee be directed to 
order the Ships and Armed Vessels belonging to the Con- 
tinent out on such cruises as they shall think proper. 


Resolved, That Monday next be assigned for hearing and 
determining the appeal against the verdict and sentence 
passed on the Schooner Thistle. 


Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to 
deliver to the Delaware Battalion as many of the Arms 
lately imported as will be necessary to arm them com- 
pletely: 

That they deliver to the Council of Safety of Delaware 
Government 193 of the said Arms, in lieu of so many had 
from them: 

That the remainder of the said Arms be delivered to the 
Council of Safety of Pennsylvania, who are to be account- 
able. 


Resolved, That the Delaware Battalion, when armed, be 
ordered to New-Jersey, subject to the further orders and 
directions of the General. 


The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due— 

To J. Symes, a prisoner of the Royal Highland Emi- 
grants, 28 Dollars, for fourteen weeks’ allowance, from the 
24th of April to the 30th of July. 

Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid. 


Ordered, 'That the Board of War furnish the Committee 
of Treasury with the names of the British Officers and 
other Prisoners who are entitled to the allowance made by 
Congress of two Dollars a week, with the times of their 
captivity, and the places where they are quartered. 


Resolved, That the pay of an Assistant Clerk to the 
Board of War be 266 2-3d Dollars a year. 


Resolved, That an Order for 1,000 Dollars be drawn on 
the Treasurers, in favour of Francis Lewis, Esq., and that 
the same be charged to the Account of the Paymaster-Gen- 
eral, it being for so much received by him, by the order of 


Mr. Lewis. 


Congress took into consideration the Report on Messrs, 
Price and Haywood’s Accounts; and, after some debate, 

Resolved, That the said Accounts be recommitted, and 
that the Commissioners to Canada be desired to attend the 
Board of Treasury at the examination of said Accounts, 


Resolved, That an Order for 53 Dollars and 1-3d be 
drawn on the ‘Treasurers, in favour of Monsieur Artur Ver- 
monit, it being two months’ advance, for which he is to be 
accountable. 


A Petition from Lewis de Linkensdorff was presented to 
Congress, and read: 

Resolved, That it be referred, with the papers accom- 
panying it, to the Board of War. 


Congress took into consideration the Report of the Com- 
mittee on the causes of the miscarriages in Canada; and, 
after debate, 

Resolved, That it be recommitted. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 
Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 


Tuesday, August 6, 1776. 
A Letter of the 5th, from General Washington, enclosing 
copies of Letters between him and General Howe, respect- 
ing the exchange of Prisoners, and sundry other Letters and 
Papers ; also, one from Brigadier-General Mercer, of the 4th, 
were laid before Congress and read: 
Resolved, That they be referred to the Board of War. 
Resolved, That the Medical Committee be directed to 


supply the Director-General of the Hospital with such Medi- 
cines as he may want. 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, AUGUST 7, 1776. 


1600 


Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to 
deliver to the Delegates of North-Curolina half a ton of 
Powder, for the use of the frontier inhabitants of that State. 


Resolved, That General Schuyler be directed to apply to 
General Burgoyne, and propose a general exchange of Pri- 
soners on the terms agreed to by Congress, and particularly 
the delivering Brigadier-General Prescott, in possession of 
the United States, in lieu of Brigadier-General Thompson, 
in the possession of the enemy. 


A Letter from the Convention of New-Jersey to their 
Delegates, was laid before Congress, and read: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the Convention of the State 
of New-Jersey be requested to make such provision for keep- 
ing open the communication between that State and New- 
York, by way of the Ferries over the Rivers Passaick and 
Hackinsack, as to them shall appear to be most effectual, 
and that this Congress will reimburse the expenses of such 
service to the State of New-Jersey: 

That it be recommended, in the most earnest manner, to 
the Convention of New-Jersey to order their Militia imme- 
diately to march and join Brigadier-General Mercer. 


Resolved, That the Commissioners for Indian Affairs in 
the Middle Department be directed to inquire and inform 
Congress whether it will be most for the publick good that 
the Troops raised and to be raised for the Garrisons on the 
Ohio and its waters should be supplied with Provisions by 
contract or by a Commissary; that if a Commissary be 
thought necessary, they recommend some proper person for 
that office to Congress, and in the mean time take such 
measures as they think best for victualling the said ‘Troops. 


Resolved, That a Member be added to the Committee 
appointed to inquire into and remedy the defects of the Pow- 
der made at the Mills. 


The Member chosen: Mr. Rush. 


Mr. G. Clymer, one of the Joint Treasurers, being ap- 
pointed a Delegate to Congress by the Convention of Penn- 
sylvania, 

Resolved, That for the future there be only one Conti- 
nental ‘Treasurer. 


Resolved, That an additional sum of 300 Dollars be given 
to each of the Continental ‘Treasurers, on account of their 
extraordinary trouble and faithful service during the last 
year. 


Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole 
to take into consideration the Articles of Confederation; and 
after some time the President resumed the chair, and Mr. 
Morton reported, that the Committee not having come to a 
conclusion, desired leave to sit again. 


Resolved, That it be recommended to the Council of 
Safety of Pennsylvania to stop Mr. Wilmore from proceed- 
ing to New-York. 


Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, resolve 
itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into considera- 
tion the Articles of Confederation. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 
Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 


Wednesday, August 7, 1776. 

Resolved, That an Order for 5,000 Dollars be drawn on 
the Treasurers, in favour of the Committee of Lancaster, for 
the purpose of carrying into execution the Resolution of 
Congress respecting the Prisoners, the said Committee to be 
accountable: 

That an Order for 30,000 Dollars be drawn on the Trea- 
surer, In favour of James Mease, for the use of the Militia 
marching to New-Jersey, he to be accountable. 


Resolved, That James Brisben, who is employed in the 
Post Office, be excused from military duty. 


A Letter from Captain N. Biddle to the Marine Com- 
mittee, was laid before Congress and read: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That General Washington be di- 
rected to propose an exchange of Lieutenant Josiah for a 
Lieutenant of the Navy of Great Britain, and that the 
General remonstrate to Lord Howe on the cruel treatment 
Lieutenant Josiah has met with, of which the Congress have 
received undoubted information. 


Resolved, That Dr. Rush be added to the Medical Com- 
mittee. 


1601 


‘A Memorial from George Measam was presented to Con- 


gress and read: ' 
Resolved, That it be referred to the Board of War. 


The Committee appointed to revise the Articles of War, 
brought in their Report. 


The Board of War reported, that there is dae— 

To Messrs. Giasson, Hertel, and De la Magdelaine, Ca- 
nadian prisoners, at Bristol, for their Board and Lodging, 
from the 15th of November to the 31st July last, being thirty- 
seven weeks, each at 2 Dollars a week, 222 Dollars, and that 
the same ought to be paid to John Green, their Assignee: 

Ordered, That the same be paid. 

Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, 
to take into consideration the Articles of Confederation; and 
after some time the President resumed the chair, and Mr. 
Morton reported, that the Committee, not having yet finished, 
desired leave to sit again: 

Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, resolve itself 
into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consideration 
the Articles of Confederation. 


Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 
Thursday, August 8, 1776.- 

Resolved, That the sum of 700 Dollars be paid to Jona- 
than Meredith, in full of Ephraim Blaine’s Draft in his 
favour, for Shoes purchased from him for the use of the Con- 
tinental Army, and that the same be charged to the Account 
of the said Ephraim Blaine. 

Resolved, That the sum of 60,000 Dollars be advanced 
to the Delegates of New-Hampshire, for the use of that 
State, which is to be accountable. 


Resolved, That it be recommended to the Council of 
Safety of Pennsylvania to take proper measures for providing 
Quarters for the Troops passing through Philadelphia to the 
Flying-Camp, during their continuance in this City. 

Resolved, That the Colonel, or Commanding Officer of 
the Delaware Battalion, and the Colonels, or Commanding 
Officers of the several Battalions of Militia now in Phila- 
delphia, be ordered instantly to march to Amboy, in New- 
Jersey, and that such of the Militia as want Arms be left, 
under a proper Officer, till they can be provided therewith, 
and then marched without any further delay: 

That the Board of War be directed to see this Resolu- 
tion carried into immediate execution. 


Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to take 
* into immediate consideration the State of the Army in the 
Northern Department, and our Naval force on the Lakes; 
and that Mr. Chase be directed to attend the said Board, 
and give them all the information in his power; and that 
Mr. /Villiams be desired to furnish the said Board with an 
extract of the Letter he has received from Governour Trum- 
bull relative to the said Army and Naval force, and that the 
said Board report thereon as soon as possible. 


Two Letters from General Washington, with sundry 
Papers enclosed, one from General Schuyler, dated at the 
German-Flats, August the 1st; one of the 29th of July, from 
General Gates, with copies of two Letters enclosed, were 
received and read. 

Resolved, That a Letter be written to General Lee, to 
inform him of the intelligence received, that the Troops from 
Charleston are arrived at New-York, and to direct him, in 
case the British Troops have left the Southern Colonies, to 
repair, with all possible expedition, to Philadelphia, and 
there wait the orders of Congress. 

Resolved, 'That to-morrow be assigned for electing four 
Major-Generals and six Brigadier-Generals. 

Resolved, That the Post-Riders be exempted from Mili- 
tary duty. 

Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to sup- 
ply Colonel Galbreath with nine pounds of Powder and 
twenty-seven pounds of Lead, for the use of three Compa- 
nies of his Battalion. 

The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is dae— 

To George Kennedy, for three Rifles purchased in Fre- 
derick County, Virginia, for the use of Captain Morgan’s 
Company of Riflemen, and to be charged to the said Com- 
pany, the sum of 40 Dollars: 


Firtus Series.—Vot. I. 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, AUGUST 9, 1776. 


1602 


To William Webb, for services in, and articles purchased 
for, the use of the Treasury Office, 137 54-90 Dollars; to 
be charged to the account of Contingent Expenses: 

To Captain Thomas Haslet, for Subsistence of thirteen 
men of his Company, on their march from Chester County 
to New-Jersey, 9 82-90 Dollars: 

To Captain Benjamin Wallace, for Subsistence of his 
Company on their march from Chester County to New- 
Jersey, 32 20-90 Dollars: 

To Captain Matthew Boyd, for Subsistence of fifty-three 
men of his Company, in Colonel Moore’s Battalion, on their 
march from Chester County to New-Jersey, 27 42-90 Dol- 
lars: 

To Tobias Rudolph, for the hire of two Horses and a 
Chair, by Captain Alexander Graydon, to conduct Money 
to Ticonderoga, and for one of the said Horses which was 
lost at Albany, 125 54-90 Dollars: 

To Mr. Smith, at the City ‘Tavern, for the expense of a 
Guard at his house over Prisoners of War brought from Bur- 
lington, 16 27-90 Dollars: 

To John Tomkins, for the Subsistence of Capts. Crowlle’s, 
Heister’s, and Ludwigg’s Companies of Militia, on their 
march to New-Jersey, 21 36-90 Dollars: 

To Captain James McCandless, for Subsistence and Fer- 
riages of his Company, of the Fourth Battalion of York 
County Militia, on their march to New-Jersey, 41 78-90 
Dollars: 

Ordered, 'That the said Accounts be paid. 

Resolved, That an Order for 2,000 Dollars be drawn on 
the Treasurer, in favour of the Delegates of Georgia, for the 
use of the Continental Forces in that State; the said Dele- 
gates to be accountable. 

Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, 
to take into consideration the Articles of Confederation ; 
and after some time, the President resumed the chair, and 
Mr. Morton reported, that the Committee have made fur- 
ther progress in the matter referred to them; but not having 
yet come to a conclusion, desired leave to sit again. 

Resolved, That this Congress will, to-morrow, resolve 
itself into a Committee of the Whole, to take into considera- 
tion the Articles of Confederation. 


Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 


Friday, August 9, 1776. 

Congress having proceeded to the election of a Regimental 
Paymaster for the Delaware Battalion, 

John Yates, Esq., was elected. 

Resolved, 'That a Committee of three be appointed to 
devise a plan for encouraging the Hessians and other Foreign- 
ers, employed by the King of Great Britain, and sent to 
America for the purpose of subjugating these States, to quit 
that iniquitous service: 

The Members chosen, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Jefferson, and 
Mr. Stockton. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was 
read: 

Ordered, To lie on the table. 

Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to 
deliver to the order of the Board of War such articles in 
their possession, belonging to the Continent, as, in the opinion 
of the said Board of War, are necessary for the Delaware 
Battalion : 

That the said Committee be directed to send to General 
Washington thirty thousand Flints. 

A Petition from William Bell & Co. was presented to 
Congress, and read: 

Resolved, That it be referred to the Committee on Go- 
vernour Trumbull’s Letter. 

Resolved, That Mr. Mease be directed to supply the 
Captains now in Philadelphia, belonging to Colonel Hand’s 
Battalion, with such sums of Money as will be sufficient to 
pay the Bounty voted to non-commissioned officers and 
soldiers who inlist for three years. 

The Delegates of Pennsylvania and Maryland, to whom 
the Petition of Lewis de Linkensdorf was referred, brought 
in their Report, which was taken into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That Lewis de Linkensdorf be 
appointed Adjutant to the German Battalion ordered to be- 
raised for the Continental service. 


101 


1603 


Agreeable to the Order of the Day, Congress proceeded to 
the election of four Major-Generals ; and the ballots’ being 
taken and examined, 

William Heath, Joseph Spencer, John Sullivan, and Na- 


thaniel Greene, Esqs., were elected Major-Generals. 


The Congress proceeded to the election of Brigadier- 
Generals; and the ballots being taken, 

Colonel James Read, Colonel Joh Nixon, Colonel Ar- 
thur St. Clair, Colonel Alexander. McDougal, Colonel 
Samuel Holden Parsons, and Colonel James Clinton, were 
elected Brigadier-Generals. 


Resolved, That the hearing of Commodore Hopkins be 
postponed to Monday next, at eleven o'clock, and that Cap- 
tain Jones be directed to attend at the same time. 


Resolved, That 10,000 Dollars be advanced to Colonel 
John Haslet for the use of his Battalion, he to be account- 
able. 


Resolved, That William Brown, Master-Carpenter, who 
is come from the Camp on furlough, be ordered not to return, 
his service being necessary at the yard. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 

Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 

Saturday, August 10, 1776. 

Resolved, That Isaac Cooper, Ship-Joiner, be ordered 
not to go to New-Jersey, his service being wanted : 

That Wiliam Whiting, a wounded soldier, be sent to the 
Hospital of Pennsylvania, and supported at the expense of 
the United States; and in case he dies, that the expenses 
of his funeral be paid by the United States. 


The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due— 

To Jeremiah Dougan, in part payment of his Account 
against the Continent, 319 Dollars and 60-90ths, with which 
he is to be charged : 

To Daniel Smith, for the weekly allowance of the fol- 
lowing prisoners of war, viz: James Hughes, 'Town-Major 
of Montreal, and Captain Duncan Campbell, from the 19th 
January to the 18th July last, twenty-four weeks and six 
days, at 2 Dollars a week, 99 Dollars and 38-90ths. 

Major Dunbar, Major Stopford, Lieutenant Harrison, 
Lieutenant Shuttleworth, Lieutenant McDonald, and Cap- 
tain Algeo, from the 26th April to 12th July last, eleven 
weeks each, at 2 Dollars a week, 132 Dollars: 

To Colonel Jacob Stroud, for expenses of wagon-hire, in 
conducting Canadian Prisoners, and part of the Twenty- 
Sixth Regiment, from Walpeck, in New-Jersey, to Reading 
and Bristol, in Pennsylvania, 219 Dollars and 54-90ths, 
out of which 84 Dollars and 12-90ths is a charge against 
the British Troops, and 135 Dollars and 42-90ths for the 
expense of the Canadians: 

To John Bates, for one hundred and forty Camp-Ket- 
tles, delivered to Colonel Matlack, 186 Dollars and 60- 
90ths : 

To Thomas Nevill, for the materials and making Travel- 
ling-Carriages for the Cannon sent to North-Carolina, 257 
Dollars and 25-90ths : 

To William McGill, for expenses of the First Pennsyl- 
vania Battalion, on their march to Canada, which is to be 
charged to J. Shallus, Quartermaster of the said Battalion, 
14 Dollars and 45-90ths : 

To Joseph Haight, for the allowance to Captain Francis 
Stuart and John Leslie, of the Twenty-Sixth Regiment, 
from the 26th April to 11th July, and to Dr. Huddleston, 
of the Seventh Regiment, from the 26th April to the 1st 
July last, as prisoners of war, 63 Dollars: 

To Captain Joseph Spur, of Colonel Moore’s Battalion, 
for the subsistence of his Company, of twenty-eight men, 
on their march from Chester County to New-Jersey, the 
sum of 25 Dollars and 18-90ths: 

To Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Park, for the subsistence 
of six men of Colonel Moore’s Battalion, on their march 
froin Chester County to New-Jersey, 16 Dollars: 

To Michael Gratz, for Indian goods provided by him in 
May and June last, and delivered to the Commissioners for 
Indian Affairs in the Northern Department, 653 Dollars 
and 87-90ths: 

Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid. 


The Committee further reported that they have had under 
consideration the Accounts of Messrs. Price and Haywood, 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, AUGUST 10, 1776. 


which were recommitted to them, and having reéxamined 
the same, find a balance due to them, amounting to 59,962 
Dollars and 53-90ths, which they are of opinion ought to 
be paid in silver and gold. 
Ordered, That the said sums be paid accordingly. 


Resolved, That the Board of Treasury be directed to 
devise ways and means for paying Messrs. Price and Hay- 
wood, and report to Congress. 


Resolved, That an Order for 3,000 Doliars be drawn on 
the Treasurers, in favour of the Delegates of Delaware Go- 
vernment, for the purpose of paying one month’s advance 
to the Battalion of Militia marching from that Government 
to the Flying-Camp. 


The Board-of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That Commissions be made out 
and sent to General Washington, to be delivered to the 
several Officers recommended in the list exhibited by the 
said Board, to fill the vacancies mentioned in the said list, 
excepting those persons recommended to fill the vacancies 
occasioned by Officers being in captivity, which ought not 
to be filled, but to be left open, until those Officers shall be 
redeemed, and excepting the case of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Tyler, who is to have a Commission for Colonel of the 
Regiment lately commanded by Colonel Parsons, promoted ; 
and that Lieutenant-Colonel Durkee have a Commission of 
Colonel of the Twentieth Regiment, and that Major Pren- 
tice be made Lieutenant-Colonel of the Regiment in which 
he is now Major; and Major Knolton Lieutenant-Colonel of 
the Twentieth Regiment. 


The Marine Committee brought in a Report, which was 
read. 

Ordered, 'To lie on the table. 

The Committee on the causes of the miscarriages in Ca- 
nada, brought in a further Report, which was read. 

Ordered, 'To lie on the table, to be taken into consider- 
ation on Tuesday next. 


Resolved, That John Hughes be supplied with necessary 
Clothes, by the Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital, at 
the expense of the United States. 


Resolved, That William Tudor, Judge Advocate Gene- 
ral, have the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the Army of the 
United States, and that he be ordered immediately to repair 
to the discharge of his duty at New-York. 


Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to 
deliver to Colonel J. Wilson, for the use of three Companies 
of his Battalion, now in Philadelphia, eleven pounds of 
Powder, and forty-four pounds of Lead: 

That the said Committee be directed to deliver to the 
order of the Marine Committee such quantity of Arms and 
Ammunition as may be necessary for the use of the Conti- 
nental Frigates. 


The Committee on sundry Canadian Petitioners, reported: 

That the Rev. Mr. Louis Lotbiniere was, on the 26th of 
January last, appointed, by General Arnold, Chaplain to the 
Regiment under the command of Colonel James Livingston, 
and acted in that capacity until the retreat of the Army from 
Canada, and was promised by General Arnold the pay of 
£14 10s., per month, including Rations; and that there is 
now a balance of 124 Dollars 84-90ths due, and that the 
same ought to be paid to him, and he continued a Chaplain 
in the pay of the United States: 

That Jean Tisseul ought to receive nine months’ pay as 
a Private, and a present of 20 Dollars for particular service, 
the whole amounting to 80 Dollars, and that he be permitted 
to inlist in the Artillery at New- York: 

That Pierre du Calvert ought to receive 106 Dollars and 
2-3ds, for eight months’ pay as an Ensign, and a Commis- 
sion as a Brevet Lieutenant: 

That Alexander du Clos ought to receive 33 Dollars and 
1-3d, for five months’ pay as a Private, and be discharged, 
with permission to inlist again in the service, at his elec- 
tion : 

That Jean Baptist du Vidal ought to receive 56 Dollars 
for seven months’ pay as a Sergeant, and be discharged, or 
continued in the service, at his election: 

That Louts Russe ought to receive 32 Dollars fer his ser- 
vices as a Nurse and Attendant on the sick, and a present 
of 40 Dollars on account of his humanity to them: 


1604 


1605 


That Juet a Voir ought to receive a present of 10 Dol- 
lars, and be discharged, or continued in service, at his elec- 
tion : 

That La Junesse ought to receive a present of 40 Dol- 
lars, and be discharged: 

That John Hamptreneck ought to receive 186 Dollars 
and 2-3ds, as Deputy-Commissary, from the 15th of Sep- 
tember to the 5th of February, and 164 Dollars for his pay 
as a Captain from the 5th of February to this day, being 
six months and five days; the whole amounting to 350 
Dollars and 60-90ths: 

That John Diamond and Walker Moody ought to receive 
a present of 40 Dollars each: 

That Andrew Pepin ought to receive 33 Dollars and 
39-90ths, for five months’ pay as a Private, for his services 
as a Volunteer, and be continued in pay as a Lieutenant: 

That all persons who have acted as Volunteers in Canada, 
and retreated with the Army, be referred to General Schuy- 
ler; and that he be directed to inquire into their services and 
characters, and to order them such rewards and wages as 
shall appear to have been merited: 

That 300 Dollars be advanced to Colonel James Living- 
ston, and his general Account against Congress referred to 
the inspection and determination of General Schuyler. 

Resolved, That the said Report be agreed to. 

The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 

Adjourned to ten o’clock, on Monday. 

Monday, August 12, 1776. 

A Letter from General Washington of the 8th, with sun- 
dry Papers enclosed, and one from General Mercer, with one 
enclosed to him from Colonel Dickinson, were read. 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, AUGUST 13, 1776. 


Resolved, 'That the Letter from General Washington, 


with the Papers enclosed, be referred to the Board of War: 

That the Letter from Brigadier-General Mercer, with the 
enclosed Letter from Colonel Dickinson, be communicated 
to the Convention of Pennsylvania. 


Sundry Resolutions, passed by the Convention of New- 
York, were laid before Congress, and read. 


A Letter from a gentleman at Cape Frangois, in Hispa- 
niola, dated July the 23d, was also read. 
Resolved, That it be referred to the Secret Committee. 


That the Delegates of North-Carolina be empowered to 
send by water, at the risk of the Continent, the Military 
Stores necessary for that State. 


On application of one of the parties, 

Resolved, That the hearing the appeal against the sen- 
tence passed on the Schooner Thistle, be postponed to 
Monday, the 26th instant. 


The Council of Safety of Pennsylvania ‘having recom- 
mended Philip Schrauder, as a Second Lieutenant of the 
Fifth Company of Germans, to be raised in that State: 

Resolved, That he be accepted, and that a Commission 
be granted to him accordingly. 


A Letter of the 3d, from the Council of Virginia, and one 
of the same date, from Brigadier-General Lewvs, were read. 


Agreeable to the Order of the Day, Commodore Hopkins 
attended, and was admitted; when the Examination, taken 
before the Marine Committee, and the Report of the said 
Committee in consequence thereof, were read to him; and 
the Commodore being heard in his own defence, and having 
delivered in some further answers to the questions asked him 
by the Marine Committee, and two Witnesses being, at his 
request, introduced and examined, he withdrew. 

Congress then took into consideration the Instructions 
given to Commodore Hopkins, his Examination and Answers 
to the Marine Committee, and the Report of the Marine 
Committee thereupon ; also, the further defence by him made, 
and the testimony of the Witnesses; and, after some debate, 
the further consideration thereof was postponed. 

The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 

Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 

Tuesday, August 13, 1776. 

Resolved, That the Eighth Virginia Battalion be taken 
into pay from the 27th day of May last, and the Seventh 
from the 17th day of June last. 


The Marine Committee having recommended William 


* 


1606 


Barnes for First Lieutenant on board one of the Frigates 
built at Philadelphia, Thomas Vaughan, Second Mate of the 
Ship Alfred, to be Third Lieutenant of the Washington 
Frigate, commanded by Thomas Reed, Esq., and Elisha 
Hinman to the command of the Cabot: 

Resolved, ‘That they be accepted, and that Commissions 
be granted to them accordingly; and that Captain Saltonstal 
be ordered to discharge, Mr. Vaughan, that he may repair 
to the command to which he is now appointed. 

Colonel Mercer, of the Third Virginia Battalion, being 
promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General, and William 
Christian, who was appointed Colonel of the First Batta- 
lion, having declined to accept his Commission, and Colonel 
William Peachy, of the Fifth Battalion, having resigned, 
Congress proceeded to the election of Officers to fill the 
vacancies occasioned thereby, and the ballots being taken, 
Charles Scott, George Weeden, and Isaac Reade, Esquires, 
were elected Colonels; Alexander Spotswood, Thomas Mar- 
shall, and Robert Lawson, Esquires, Lieutenant-Colonels; 
and James Junis and John Green, Esqs., Majors. 


The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is dae— 

To Conrad Alster, for two hundred and fourteen Meals 
supplied to the Militia on their march to New-Jersey, the 
sum of 21 36-90 Dollars: 

To James Davis, for seventy Meals supplied Captain 
Clark’s Company of Militia, on their march to New-Jersey, 
7 9-90 Dollars: 

To Major Blackden, for the hire of a Sleigh and two 
Horses from Albany to Quebeck, Cash expended going ex- 
press from General Arnold to Sorel, and for a Horse, Bridle, 
and Saddle, lost at Dechambeau, in the service of the Colo- 
nies, the sum of 153. Dollars. 

Ordered, 'That the above Accounts be paid. 

The Board of Treasury, to whom it was referred to devise 
ways and means for paying Messrs. Price and Heywood, 
brought in their Report : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That an Order be sent to General 
Schuyler and General Gates, to pay all the Specie that they 
may have in their hands, belonging to the United States, to 
Messrs. Price and Heywood, in part of the balance due: to 
them from the said States, and transmit an Account thereof 
to Congress : 

That the Committee of Treasury be directed to use their 
endeavours to procure Gold and Silver, as quickly as poss 
ble, to discharge the remainder: 

That Messrs. Price and Heywood be allowed at the rate 
of five per cent. per annum interest, for the balance that may 
be due to them, after deducting the sum that shall be paid 
them by Generals Schuyler and Gates, from the time of such 
payment, until the said balance is paid. 


Resolved, That Mr. J. Mease be directed to advance one 
month’s Pay to the Officers and Men from Maryland, on 
their march to the Flying-Camp: 

That the Deputy Quartermaster-General be directed to 
supply the Troops from Maryland with such articles as they 
may stand in need of, out of the Stores in his hands belonging 
to the Continent. 

Resolved, That the 5,000,000 of Dollars, last ordered to 
be emitted, consist of the following numbers and denomina- 
tions, viz: 


76,923 Bills, of 30 Dollars each......- dover datetttrete cite + $2,307,690 
76,923 Bills, of 8..... Oa svoleh oie sco] Sick a/noidie.chetest aim, were ebeare 615,384 
76,923 Bills, of 7..... CQeeciecteicters F cctetestetes isnt aciele's 538,461 
76,923 Bills, of 6..... Osea laterals Heel fetes orele hortdnor 461,538 
716,924 Bills, of 5.....dO..ccccrccssceccccercccens .-. 384,620 
76,923 Bills, of 4..... UO dhromiatestete, cleferistelomin.euatalay nieciaie 307,692 
76,923 Bills, of 3....-dO.-ceesscscceseces Abuonoos .-» 230,769 
76,923 Bills, of 2.....d0..-.+0 BS hi CC o ic 153,846 
615,385 Bills.......- Elitevocie s clevesieretee(6e 6 See's dines s ce'etOs DUN OUM 


Resolved, That an Order for 2,666 2-3 Dollars be drawn 
on the Treasurers, in favour of Ludwick Karcher, for the 
purpose of victualling the ‘Troops marching to the Flying- 
Camp, he to be accountable. 

The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That General Washington be in- 
formed that Congress have not received the Treaty between 
the State of Massachusetts-Bay and the St. John’s and 
Micmac Indians, and that he be requested to. send a copy 
thereof: 

That the Secret Committee be directed to furnish Colonel 


1607 


Wilson with twenty-three Muskets, twenty-two pounds of 
Powder, and eighty-eight pounds of Lead, for the use of his 
Battalion of Militia. 

The said Board having recommended William Caldwell 
to be Paymaster of Colonel Baldwin’s Regiment of Conti- 
nental ‘Troops raised in Massachusetts-Bay, and William 
Lawrence to be Paymaster of Colonel Shee’s Battalion of 
Continental Troops, raised in the State of Pennsylvania: 

Resolved, That they be accepted, and that Commissions 
be granted to them accordingly. 


Resolved, That an Order for 296 1-3 Dollars be paid to 
the Order of Messrs. Stmon and Campbell, in full of a Draft 
in their favour by George Morgan, at Pittsburgh, June 3, 
1776, and that the same be charged to the Account of 
the Commissioners for Indian Affairs in the Middle Depart- 
ment. 


Resolved, That the Marine Committee be directed to 
deliver to James Mease the Sheeting, in their hands, for the 
use of the Continental ‘Troops. 


Congress being informed that Alewander Ross is detained 
at Pittsburgh: 

- Resolved, That it be recommended to the Commissioners 
for Indian Affairs to inquire into this matter, and, if they find 
no new cause for detaining him since he was before the 
Committee of Congress, and they think it proper, that they 
permit him to pursue his journey into the Indzan country. 


Resolved, That a Member be added to the Committee 
appointed to consider the application of the Rev. Mr. 
Leonard. 

The Member chosen, Mr. Hail. 


A Letter of the 12th, from Brigadier-General Mercer, 


was read: 
Resolved, That it be referred to the Board of War. 


Congress took into consideration the Articles of War, 
and, after some time spent thereon, the further consideration 
thereof was postponed till to-morrow. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 
Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 


Wednesday, August 14, 1776. 
A Letter of the 12th, from General Washington, with a 
General Return of the Army at New- York, and sundry other 
Papers enclosed, being received, was read : 
Also, sundry Letters from England were read. 
Resolved, That the Letter from General Washington, with 
the Papers enclosed, be referred to the Board of War. 


On request of the Delegates of New-Jersey, 

Resolved, That the Tutors in Princeton College be de- 
tained from going to the Flying-Camp, and that the said 
Tutors be directed to continue in the said College exercising 
their several functions. . 


The Committee appointed to devise a plan for encouraging 
the Hessians and other Foreigners to quit the British service, 
brought in a Report, which was taken into consideration: 
Whereupon, Congress came to the following Resolution : 

Whereas it has been the wise policy of these States to 
extend the protection of their laws to all those who should 
settle among them, of whatever nation or religion they might 
be, and to admit them to a participation of the benefits of 
civil and religious freedom; and the benevolence of this 
practice, as well as its salutary effects, have rendered ‘it 
worthy of being continued in future times : 

And whereas his Britannick Majesty, in order to destroy 
our freedom and happiness, has commenced against us a 
cruel and unprovoked war; and unable to engage Britons 
sufficient to execute his sanguinary measures, has applied 
for aid to foreign Princes, who are in the habit of selling 
the blood of their people for money, and from them has 
procured and transported hither considerable numbers of 
foreigners: And it is conceived that such foreigners, if 
apprised of the practice of these States, would choose to 
accept of lands, liberty, safety, and a communion of good 
laws, and mild Government, in a country where many of 
their friends and relations are already happily settled, rather 
than continue exposed to the toils and dangers of a long and 
bloody war, waged against a people guilty of no other crime 
than that of refusing to exchange freedom for slavery; and 
that they will do this the more especially when they reflect 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, AUGUST 15, 1776. 


1608 


that after they shall have violated every Christian and moral 
precept, by invading and. attempting to destroy those who 
have never injured them or their country, their only reward, 
if they escape death and captivity, will be a return to the 
despotism of their Prince, to be by him again sold to do the 
drudgery of some other enemy to the rights of mankind : 

And whereas the Parliament of Great Britain have 
thought fit, by a late act, not only to invite our Troops to 
desert our service, but to direct a compulsion of our people, 
taken at sea, to serve against their country: 

Resolved, thérefore, That these States will receive all 
such foreigners who shall leave the Armies of his Bretannick 
Majesty in America, and shall choose to become members 
of any of these States; that they shall be protected in the 
free exercise of their respective religions, and be invested 
with the rights, privileges and immunities of natives, as 
established by the laws of these States; and, moreover, that 
this Congress will provide, for every such person, fifty acres 
of unappropriated lands in some of these States, to be held 
by him and his heirs in absolute property. 

Resolved, That the foregoing Resolution be committed to 
the Committee who brought in the Report, and that they 
be directed to have it translated into German, and to take 
proper measures to have it communicated to the foreign 
troops; in the meanwhile that this be kept secret. 

Resolved, That Doctor Frankhn be added to the said 


Committee. 


The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due— 

To Captain William Ross, for Subsistence and Ferriage 
of his Company of 67 men, of Colonel Smith’s Battalion, on 
their march from York County to New-Jersey, the sum of 
52 Dollars and 49-90ths : 

To Daniel Smith, for Captain Gamble’s allowance, from 
26th April to 10th August instant, being 15 weeks, at 2 
Dollars a week, the sum of 30 Dollars: 

To John Davis, for 33 days hire of a Wagon transporting 
the Baggage of Captain Hay’s Company of Colonel Irwin’s 
Battalion, from Carlisle to New-York, 110 Dollars, and for 
41 Meals supplied Captain Thomas Turbutt’s Company, of 
Colonel Wilson’s Battalion, on their march from Cumberland 
County to New-Jersey, the sum of 4 Dollars and 9-90ths: 

To John Eshenbach, for 19 Meals supplied Recruits of 
Captain Cluggage’s Company, of Colonel Hand’s Battalion, 
1 Dollar and 81-90ths : 

To Colonel Clement Biddle, for 150 Camp-Kettles, 200 
Dollars : 

To Dr. John Coates, for a set of Surgeon’s Instruments, 
lost on his march with General Arnold from Cambridge to 
Quebeck, the sum of 26 Dollars and 60-90ths: 

To Sarah Campbell, for nursing and boarding 7 sick men 
belonging to Captains Beaty, Benezet, and Miller’s Com- 
panies, 30 Dollars and 7-90ths : yt Te: 

Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid. 


A Petition from Elisha Swift and Adonyah Spanborough 
was presented to Congress and read: 

Resolved, That it be referred to the Delegates from Penn- 
sylvania and Connecticut. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration ; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That Mons. Werbert, now serving 
in the Continental Army at New-York, as an Engineer, be 
appointed Assistant Engineer, with the rank and pay of 
Lieutenant-Colonel; and that his pay commence from the 
time of his engaying in the service. 

That General Mercer be directed to discharge or grant 
furloughs to Joseph Kerr, hatter, a private of Captain Will’s 
Company in the First Battalion, and to Phalip Mause, 
stocking weaver, a Private in Captain King’s Company of 
the Fourth Battalion of Philadelphia Militia: these two 
persons being applied for by Messrs. Mease and Caldwell, 
Commissaries, to whom their services are indispensably 
necessary in making and providing clothing for the Army. 

Resolved, That the remainder of the Report be postponed 
till to-morrow. 

The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 

Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 


Thursday, August 15, 1776. 
The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration : 


1609 


Whereupon, Resolved, That James Livingston, having 
been appointed a Colonel of a Regiment by General Mont- 
gomery, have a Colonel’s Commission given him, with orders 
to inlist as many Companies of Canadians as are willing to 
engage in the service; and that the Commander-in-Chief, in 
the Northern Department, be directed to recommend to 
Congress proper persons for Officers under him. 


The Council of Safety of Pennsylvania having recom- 
mended Mr. Bernard Hubley, Jun., as First Lieutenant in 
the Fifth Company of the German Battalion, 

Resolved, That he be accepted, and that a Commission be 
granted to him accordingly. 


A Petition from Return Jonathan Meigs, in behalf of 
himself and others, was presented to Congress, and read : 
Resolved, That it be referred to the Board of War. 


Resolved, That an Order for 30,000 Dollars be drawn on 
the Treasurers, in favour of James Mease, for the use of the 
Militia going to New-Jersey. 

Resolved, ‘That the sum of 500 Dollars be lodged in the 
hands of the Auditor-General, for the purpose of discharging 
small debts, he to be accountable. 


Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to 
deliver to Colonel McCallister eight stand of Arms, for the 
use of his Battalion, the said Committee taking security for 
the return of the said Arms: 

That the said Committee be directed to deliver to the 
Delegates of North-Carolina five tons of Lead, for the use 
of the Troops in that State. 


The Committee to whom the Letter from Governour 
Trumbull, of the 19th July, with sundry Depositions and 
Papers, was referred, brought in their Report, which was 


read: 
Ordered, To lie on the table. 


A Petition from Jeremiah Dugan was presented and 


read: 
Ordered, To lie on the table. 


Congress resumed the consideration of the Instructions 
given to Commodore Hopkins, his Examination and Answers, 
&c.; and, thereupon, came to the following Resolution: 

Resolved, That the said Commodore Hopkins, during his 
cruise to the southward, did not pay due regard to the tenor 
of his Instructions, whereby he was expressly directed to 
annoy the enemy’s Ships upon the coasts of the southern 
States, and that his reasons for not going from Providence 
immediately to the Carolinas are by no means satisfac- 
tory. 

At the request of the Delegates from Pennsylvania, the 
further consideration of the Report was postponed till to- 
morrow. 


A Letter of the 14th, from General Washington, one from 
General Schuyler, of the 7th, and one of the Sth, from Ge- 
neral G‘ates, being received, were read. 

Resolved, That 500,000 Dollars be sent to Mr. Trum- 
bull, Deputy Paymaster-General, for the use of the Army in 
the Northern Department. 

Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to de- 
liver, to the order of the Marine Committee, such Stores by 
them imported as are necessary for the Fleet. 

The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 

Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 


Friday, August 16, 1776. 

A Letter of the 15th, from General Washington, was 
read. 

The Board of Treasury, who were appointed to prepare 
Instructions for the Commissioners appointed to settle the 
Accounts of the Army at New-York, and in the Northern 
Department, brought in a draught, which was read and agreed 
to, as follows: 


“ To fe ae BB Fp ee BER oe, Po 
“GentLemeN: You are appointed Commissioners by the 
Congress to liquidate the accounts of the Army in ; 


You will, therefore, proceed immediately to , and 
apply to General to direct all persons who have 
been engaged in transacting publick business, to lay their 
accounts before you. In your examination, you will observe 
the utmost exactness, taking care not to allow any accounts 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, AUGUST 17, 1776. 


1610 


for which proper vouchers are not produced. No officer is 
permitted to hold two commissions ; consequently, is not to 
receive pay for two. 

“Every Colonel of a battalion ought to produce muster- 
rolls, certified by the Mustermaster, or such other person 
as may have been appointed by the commanding officer to 
muster the men, of the number his battalion, from time to 
time, consisted of. 

“No allowance of pay, or rations, is to be made to any 
officer for men who have not been actually in the Conti- 
nental service. 

“Tf, in the settlement of these accounts, you shall discover 
any frauds to have been practised, or abuses committed by 
misapplication of publick moneys, you shall take particular 
notice of them, and make especial report to the Committee 
of Treasury. When you have completed this business, you 
are to transmit a copy of your proceedings, with accounts, to 
the Committee of ‘Treasury, to be by them finally adjusted 
and discharged.” 

Ordered, That a copy be made out, and delivered to the 
respective Commissioners. 


Resolved, That the sum of 250,000 Dollars be sent to 
Ebenezer Hancock, Esq., Deputy Paymaster-General, for the 


. use of the Army in the Eastern Department. 


Resolved, That the sum of 1,000 Dollars be advanced to 
Captain John David Whelper, for the Bounty Money, &c., 


of his Company, he to be accountable. 


A Petition from Dr. Samuel Stringer was presented, and 
read : 


Resolved, That it be referred to the Medical Committee. 


Resolved, That the Medical Committee be empowered to 
purchase such, Medicines as they judge proper and useful for 


the Army. 


Resolved, That a Member be added to the Committee to 
whom were referred the Letters and Papers respecting the 
murder of Mr. Parsons. 


The Member chosen, Mr. J. Adams. 


The Committee to whom the Letter from General Put- 
nam, in favour of the Rev. Abzel Leonard, was referred, 
reported, ' 

“That it appears, from a further Certificate of General 
Putnam, that Mr. Leonard performed the duty of a Chap- 
lain to other Regiments than that of the General’s, for the 
space of eight months, for which he has had no compensa- 
tion; and that it also appears that Mr. Leonard’s services at 
that time in the Army were very necessary and useful.” 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the sum of 300 Dollars be 
paid to the said Mr. Adbiel Leonard, as a reward for his 
services. 


Resolved, That the Letters received yesterday from Ge- 
neral Washington, General Schuyler, and General Gates, be 
referred to the Board of War. 


Congress resumed the consideration of the Instructions 
given to Commodore Hopkins, his Examination and Answers, 
&c., and, thereupon, came to the following Resolution: 

Resolved, That the said conduct of Commodore Hopkins 
deserves the censure of this House, and this House does 
accordingly censure him. 

Ordered, 'That a copy of the Resolutions passed against 
Commodore Hopkins be transmitted to him. 


The Secret Committee having informed Congress that a 
quantity of Powder, about five tons, was arrived in New- 
Jersey: 

Resolved, That the said Secret Committee be directed to 
send the said Powder to Brigadier-General Mercer, for the 
use of the Flying-Camp, under a proper guard.* 

The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 

Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 

Saturday, August 17, 1776. 

A Letter of the 13th, from General Washington, was 
read. 

The Delegates of New-Jersey laid before Congress a Re- 
solution of their Convention, empowering any one of them 
to represent the said State, in these words: 

* Reconsidered, and ordered to the City of Philadelphia, it appearing 


to Congress that for the present there is a sufficient quantity of Powder 
in the Jerseys for the use of the Troops. 


1611 


‘©TIn Provincial Congress, New-Jersey, Burlington, 
June 22, 1776. ; 
“Upon the question, whether one or more Delegates shall 
be a quorum to represent this Province in Continental Con- 
gress, it was carried in favour of one. 
“ Extract from the Minutes: 
“ Witiiam Parrerson, Secretary.” 


The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due— 

To John Bates, for one hundred and eighty-seven Camp- 
Kettles, delivered to Clement Biddle, Deputy Quartermaster- 
General, 249 Dollars: 

To George Bunner, for a Rifle purchased by Lieutenant 
Moses Rawling, from John Piper, in Maryland, for the use 
of Captain Grier’s Rifle Company, and to be charged to 
said Company, 10 60-90 Dollars: 

To Messrs. Gibson and Aston, for five Rifles furnished 
Captain Morgan’s Company of Riflemen, by persons in 
Frederick County, Virginia, and certified by the Commit- 
tee there, and to be charged to the said Morgan, 65 30-90 
dollars: 

To James Mercer, for five hundred and ninety-seven Meals 
furnished to the Militia on their march to New-Jersey, 59 
63-90 Dollars: 

To William Clayton, for 454 Meals supplied the Militia 
on their march to New-Jersey, 45 36-90 Dollars: 

To William Allibone, for his expenses in search of Flint- 
Stones, by direction of the Board of War, 6 Dollars: 

To Joseph Hinzey, for seven Chairs and a Stool, for the 
use of the Treasury Office, 15 80-90 Dollars: 

To William M‘ Carroll, for the Passage of Prisoners taken 
by Captain Barry from Egg-Harbour to Philadelphia, with 
their maintenance on the road, 4 56-90 Dollars: 

To Colonel Henry Haller, 425 39-90 Dollars, of which 
sum 20 Dollars are to be charged to Captain Nelson, for two 
Rifles delivered to him by David Miers; 14 54-90 Dollars 
to the Army, for Rations supplied Captain Nelson’s Com- 
pany; 24 Dollars for contingent expenses of three Express- 
es; and 3866 75-90 Dollars for Provisions for the Prisoners at 
Reading, with Fire-Wood, Salt, Straw, &c., including 39 
days’ service of said Haller : 

To George Struylys, for entertainment of the Militia, on 
their march to New-Jersey, 78 64-90 Dollars: 

To Robert Jewell, for sundry bills for the repair of the 
Old Jail in Philadelphia, and work done at the New Jail, 
178 53-90 Dollars: 

Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid. 


The Committee on Indian Affairs, to whom sundry Let- 
ters and Papers from Pittsburg were referred, having examin- 
ed them, laid the same on the table, and desired they might 
be read, which was done. 


Resolved, That an Order for 50 Dollars be drawn on the 
Treasurer, in favour of George Morgan, for the use of Peter 
Long’, for his services in the Indian country. 

Resolved, That the Accounts of George Morgan, Esq., 
be referred to the Board of Treasury. 


A Letter, of this day, from Martin Johnson, Lieutenant of 
Artillery, was laid before Congress and read; wherein he 
desires Congress to inquire into the circumstances of Mr. 
Anstruther’s diamond ring, which he acknowledges he has; 
that he never made a secret of it; that he did not break open 
Mr. Anstruther’s trunk; he found the ring some time after 
the garrison capitulated, and thought it to be a prize; and, 
for the truth of what he asserts, refers Congress to the Cer- 
tificates of several principal Officers. 

Resolved, That Lieutenant Martin Johnson be directed 
to deliver the Ring to the Secretary of the War Office, who 
is ordered to send the same to Mr. Anstruther, the owner. 


Congress resumed the consideration of the Report of the 
Committee to whom was referred Brigadier-General Woos- 
ter’s Letter, requesting an inquiry into his conduct while he 
had the honour of commanding the Continental Forces in 
Canada, which was read, as follows: 

That Brigadier-General Wooster produced copies of a 
number of Letters which passed between him and General 
Schuyler, and of his Letters to Congress; from which it 
appears that he, from time to time, gave seasonable and due 
notice of the state of the Army under his command, and 
what supplies were, in his opinion, necessary to render the 
enterprise successful; that a number of Officers and other 
gentlemen from Canada, who were acquainted with his con- 


' 
' 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, AUGUST 19, 1776. 


1612 


duct there, and who happened occasionally to be in this 
City, were examined before the Committee; to which Let- 
ters, and the Minutes of the examination of the witnesses 
herewith exhibited, the Committee beg leave to refer Con- 
gress for further information, and report, as the opinion of 
the Committee, upon the whole of the evidence that was 
before them, that nothing censurable or blameworthy ap- 
pears against Brigadier-General Wooster. 
The Report, being again read, was agreed to. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration ; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That Gustavus Risberg be ap- 
pointed Assistant to Clement Biddle, Deputy Quartermaster- 
General to the Flying-Camp, and that he reside at Phala- 
delphia. | . 

Resolved, 'That General Washington be desired to pro- 
pose an exchange of his Britannick Majesty’s Prisoners, 
captivated at St. John’s and Chamblee, for those in the ser- 
vice of the United States, taken in Canada: 

That Major Megs be exchanged for Major French, and 
Captain Henry Dearborn for an Officer of his rank: 

That in case a general exchange of Prisoners should not 
be agreed to, that provision be made for supplying our Pri- 
soners in Canada with necessaries, by procuring and sending 
bills of exchange, drawn by Britesh Officers, prisoners in 
these States; or, if such cannot be obtained, that cash be 
sent to them. 

Resolved, That it be recommended to the Convention of 
Maryland, to raise and arm two Battalions upon the Conti- 
nental establishment: 

That the men for the said Battalions be inlisted to serve 
during the war, unless sooner discharged by Congress: 

That the said Convention recommend to Congress suit- 
able persons for Field Officers of the said Battalions, and 
appoint all the other Officers: 

That the said Battalions be taken into Continental pay 
so soon as they are armed and accoutred for service, and 
accordingly mustered : 

That 20,000 Dollars be sent to the said Convention, to 
defray the expenses of raising the said Battalions; to be 
accounted for to Congress. 


Colonel Biddle having, by order of General Mercer, 
applied for the following articles, viz: 500 Firelocks with 
Bayonets, and 500 Bayonets with scabbards of different 
sizes, 200 spare Ramrods, 4,000 Priming-Wires, and 20,000 
Flints : 

Resolved, That Mr. J. Mease, Commissary, be dirgeted 
to provide and deliver to Colonel Bzddle, or his order,-the 
above articles, or as many of them as can be procured. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 
Adjourned to ten o’clock, on Monday. 


Monday, August 19, 1776. 

A Letter of the 12th, from General Washington, with 
the Proceedings and judgment of a Court-Martial against 
Colonel Donald Campbell enclosed, was read: 

Resolved, That the Proceedings and judgment of the 
Court-Martial be sent to General Schuyler, for his appro- 
bation or disapprobation. 

Another Letter, of the 14th, from General Washington, 
with Papers enclosed, relative to Mr. Nubile, a foreigner, 
was read: 

Resolved, That this Letter, with the Papers enclosed, be 
referred to the Board of War. 

A Letter of the 14th, from Commodore Hopkins, was 
read: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That Commodore Hopkins be 
directed to repair to Rhode-Island, and take the command 
of the Fleet formerly put under his care. 

A Letter of the 19th, from Lieutenant Martin Johnson, 
was read: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the stoppage of Lieutenant 
Martin Johnson’s pay be taken off, and that he receive what 
is due to him. 

A Letter of the 19th, from Brigadier-General Wooster, 
was read: ) 


Ordered, To lie on the table. 
The Board of War having recommended Captain James 


1618 


Chapman to be Major of Colonel Tyler’s Battalion, and 
Captain Thomas Dyer to be Major of Colonel Durkee’s : 

Resolved, That they be accepted, and that Commissions 
be granted to them accordingly. 

Resolved, That the Board of Treasury be empowered to 
employ another Press to print the Bills of Credit, and that 
Matthew Clarkson and Walter Shee, Esqs., be appointed 
Superintendents of the Press, in addition to those already 
appointed for that service. 

A Petition from Chapman Ashur was presented to Con- 
gress, and read. 

The Committee on Indian Affairs, to whom the Letters 
from the Commissioners of Indian Affairs in the Middle and 
Southern Departments were referred, brought in a Report, 
which was taken into consideration; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That it be left to the discretion of 
the Commissioners in the Middle Department to postpone 
the holding the Treaty with the Indians in their department 
to such time as they think best; and that if, by continuing 
at Pittsburgh in the mean while, they are of opinion they 
shall be able to bring the Indians into a friendly disposition, 
and to render the ‘Treaty more general, they be desired to 
continue there : 

That the invitation given by the said Commissioners to 
such of the Stix Nations of Indians as live on the waters of 
the Ohio, to attend the said Treaty, be approved: 

That the said Commissioners be instructed to make dili- 
gent inquiry into the murder lately committed by Indzans in 
the neighbourhood of Pittsburgh, on one Crawford; and 
that as soon as they discover by whom the same was com- 
mitted, they demand due punishment on the offender or 
offenders, which being granted, this Congress will not con- 
sider the same as a national act: 

That the said Commissioners invite such of the Indian 
Chiefs and Warriors of their Department as they think best, 
to visit Congress at Philadelphia, after the conclusion of the 
Treaty with them: 

That the following extract from the speech of Logan, an 
Indian Chief, be transmitted to the Commissioners for the 
Middle Department, viz: “ We still hear bad news. Con- 
neodico and some of us are constantly threatened. And 
the Bear-Skin, a trader from Pennsylvania, amongst others, 
says, a great reward is offered to any person, who will take 
or entice either of us to Pittsburgh, where we are to be 
hanged up like dogs by the Big-Knife. This being true, 
how can we think of what is good? ‘That it is true, we 
have no doubt; and you may depend on it, that the Bear- 
Skin told Metopsica every word of what I have mentioned.” 
And that they be directed to do all in their power to remove 
every jealousy of the United States, or either of them, from 
the minds of the Indians. And, as it may possibly happen, 
that the persons concerned in the Indian trade, in order to 
engross to themselves or to the traders of their own State, 
the whole of the said Indian trade, may, by false suggestions, 
endeavour to poison the minds of the said Indians, and ren- 
der thein inimical to any other State, and to involve such 
State in an Indzan war, that it be therefore recommended to 
the Assemblies and Conventions of the several States from 
which trade is carried on with the Indians, that they take 
the most effectual measures to prevent the traders of their 
respective States from pursuing a practice so dangerous to 
the peace of the United States: 

That so much of the Indian speech as relates to the Nan- 
ticokes, be sent to the Convention of Maryland, and that 
they be requested to give Congress such information upon 
the subject as they can obtain: 

That agreeable to the proposition from the Commissioners 
for Indian Affairs in the Southern Department, Mr. Galphin 
and Mr. Ray be desired to invite such of the Headmen of 
the Creeks, as they shall think expedient, to visit Congress 
at Philadelphia, and that Mr. Galphin or Mr. Ray be re- 
quested to attend them hither, and that Congress will defray 
the expenses of such journey. 

Resolved, That the part of the Report respecting the 
neutrality of the Indians, be postponed. 

Resolved, That the sum of 1,200 Dollars be advanced 
to the Commissioners appointed to audit and settle the Ac- 
counts of the Army at New-York, and in the Northern 
Department, they to be accountable. 

Congress resumed the consideration of the Articles of 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, AUGUST 20, 1776. 


1614 


War, as revised by the Committee for that purpose appoint- 
ed; and, after some time spent thereon, the further consider- 
ation thereof was postponed. 


Resolved, That Captain Archibald Hamilton be permit- 
ted to reside at New-Brunswick, until the further orders of 
Congress. 


The Committee to whom was referred the Petition from 
Elisha Swift, &c., brought in their Report. 


The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is dae— 

To Jacob Vanderheyden, for Clothing supplied the Army 
in Canada, viz: to Captain Ten Eyck’s Company, £256 
15 5; to Captain John Visher’s Company, £188 14 5; 
to Captain John Visgar, £34 6 6; to Captain John 
Gram, £52 0 7; to General Arnold, for the Army, £4 
19 0; for Shoes purchased by order of the Commissioners 
of Congress, £21 12 0; the whole amounting to £595 7 
11, lawful money of Canada, equal to 1,984 59-90 Dol- 
lars : 

To George Morgan, Esq., for the balance of his Account 
for sundries supplied for the Middle Department, to be 
charged to the Commissioners for Indian Affairs in the said 
department, 377 75-90 Dollars: 

To Robert Irwin, for the hire of four Teams, and their 
Ferriage, to New-York, 162 20-90 Dollars : 

To Christian Voigt, for one hundred and sixteen Meals 
supplied the ‘Troops on their march to New-Jersey, 7 33-90 
Dollars; and that the same be paid to George Hufnagel: 

To George Hufnagel, for six hundred and sixty-six Meals 
supplied the Troops on their march to New-Jersey, 42 25- 
90 Dollars : 

To Colonel Jeremiah Dugan, for the balance of his Ae- 
count, for supplies to the Army in Canada, exclusive of 
sundry articles for which he has produced no vouchers, 698 
45-90 Dollars: 

Ordered, ‘That the said Accounts be paid. 


The several matters to this day referred, being post- 
poned, 


Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 


Tuesday, August 20, 1776. 
A Letter of the 18th, from General Washington, with 
sundry Papers enclosed, was laid before Congress, and read: 
Resolved, That the same be referred to a Committee of 
five: 
The Members chosen, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Franklin, Mr. 
Rutledge, Mr. J. Adams, and Mr. Hooper. 


A Petition from Harduin Mertlet, was read, and referred 
to the Canada Committee. 


The Committee to whom was referred the Petition from 
Dr. Stringer, brought in their Report, which was taken into 
consideration ; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That Dr. Morgan was appointed 
Director-General and Physician-in-Chief of the American 
Hospital : 

That Dr. Stringer was appointed Director and Physician 
of the Hospital in the Northern Department only: 

That every Director of a Hospital possesses the exclusive 
right of appointing Surgeons and Hospital Officers of all 
kinds, agreeable to the Resolutions of Congress of the 17th 
of July, in his own department, unless otherwise directed by 
Congress: 

That Dr. Stringer be authorized to appoint a Surgeon 
for the Fleet now fitting out upon the Lakes: 

That a Druggist be appointed in Philadelphia, whose 
business it shall be, to receive and deliver all Medicines, 
Instruments, and Shop Furniture, for the benefit of the Unz- 
ted States : 

That a salary of 30 Dollars a month be paid to the said 
Druggist for his labour. 

Congress proceeded to the election of a Druggist; and, 
the ballots being taken, Dr. William Smith was elected. 

The Board of Treasury reported, that there is due— 

To Joseph Haight, for sundry supplies of Provisions and 
Wood for the British Prisoners at Burlington, from the 
10th June to the 18th July last, 277 36-90 Dollars ; 

Ordered, That the same be paid. 

A Letter from Mease and Caldwell was laid before Con- 


gress, and read: 


1615 


Resolved, That it be referred to a Committee of three: 
The Members chosen, Mr. Walton, Mr. Morris, and Mr. 
Paine. 


Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, 
to take into their further consideration the Articles of Con- 
federation ; and, after some time, the President resumed the 
chair, and Mr. Morton reported that the Committee having 
had under consideration the Articles of Confederation, had 
gone through the same, and agreed to sundry articles, which 
he was ordered to submit to Congress. 

The Report of the Committee being read, 

Ordered, That eighty copies of the Articles of Confeder- 
ation, as reported from the Committee of the Whole, be 
printed under the same injunctions as the former Articles 
were printed, and delivered to the Members under the like 
instructions as formerly. 


Resolved, That Mr. Hamilton Young be permitted to 
reside in Pennsylvania, until the further orders of Con- 
gress. 


The Committee appointed to prepare a device for a Great 
Seal for the United States, brought in the same, with an 
explanation thereof: 

Ordered, To lie on the table. 


A Letter of the 19th, from General Washington, was 
read. 


Information being given to Congress that the crews of 
some of the American Vessels have risen against their Cap- 
tains, and piratically seized the Vessels, and that one of them 
being carried into England, the Pirates have been publickly 
countenanced, and the Vessel and Cargo taken by Adminis- 
tration, and sent to victual their Fleet and Army in America : 

Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to 
inquire into the circumstances of the captures, and report 
thereon. 

The Members chosen, Mr. Franklin, Mr. Morris, and 
Mr. Jefferson, 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 
Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 
Wednesday, August 21, 1776. 
A Petition from Prudehome la Junesse was read, and 
referred to the Board of War. 


The Committee to whom the Memorial of Samuel Holden 
Parsons was referred, brought in their Report, which was 
read. 

Whereupon, Resolved, That Bazil Bouderot, mentioned 
in the said Memorial, be sent to the State of Massachusetts- 
Bay, and there delivered to the Council of the said State, 
and that it be recommended to the said Council to proceed 
against the said Baztl Bouderot according to the laws of 
their State; but, if they have no law by which crimes com- 
mitted out of their State may be tried within the same, that 
then they confine the said Bazil Bouderot until the situation 
of publick affairs will admit his being removed to Nova- 
Scotia, where the crime is alleged to have been committed, 
and there submitted to a fair trial, according to the ancient 
laws of that Province. 


The Committee to whom part of the Report from the 
Committee on Spies was recommitted, having brought in a 
Report, the same was taken into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, ‘That all persons, not members of, 
nor owing allegiance to, any of the United States of America, 
as described in a Resolution of Congress of the 24th of June 
last, who shall be found lurking as Spies in or about the 
Fortifications or Encampments of the Armies of the United 
States, or of any of them, shall suffer death, according to the 
law and usage of nations, by sentence of a Court-Martial, or 
such other punishment as such Court-Martial shall direct. 

Ordered, That the above Resolution be printed at the 
end of the Rules and Articles of War. 


Resolved, 'That 500,000 Dollars be sent to the Pay- 
master-General for the use of the Army at New-York. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the Cannon Committee be 
directed to contract for the immediate casting of six Six- 
pounders, six T'welve-pounders, four eight-inch Howitzers, 
four six-inch Howitzers, and six cchorn Mortars, to be made 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, AUGUST 22, 1776. 


1616 


of brass, if a sufficient quantity of that metal can be pro- 
cured; if not, to be cast of iron, and sent, as soon as possible, 
to General Gates for the use of the Northern Army, and 
that the said Committee provide also Carriages, and every- 
thing necessary to complete the said Artillery for service: 

That Major-General Ward be authorized and requested, 
if his health will permit, to continue in the command of the 
Forces in the service of the United States, in the Eastern 
Department, until further orders : 

That the Cannon Committee be authorized to possess 
themselves of the Copper said to be at New-London, be- 
longing to the United States. 


Resolved, That Colonel Henry Knox be authorized to 
draw upon the Paymaster-General for Money sufficient to 
pay for any quantity of Copper that can be procured for the 
use of the United States, he to render an account of the 
sums drawn for, and the Copper purchased. 


Resolved, That the Letter from General Washington, read 
yesterday, and that of the 12th, with the Papers enclosed, 
be referred to the Board of War. 


A Letter to the Committee of Secret Correspondence 
was read. 


Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to 
revise the Resolutions of Congress, respecting the place 
where Prizes are to be carried into, and to bring in such 
further Resolutions as to them shall seem proper. 

The Members chosen, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Morris, and 
Mr. J. Adams. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 
Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 


— 


Thursday, August 22, 1776. 

A Letter of the 20th, from General Washington, enclosing 
a copy of Major Bigelow’s Journal, and General Carleton’s 
Order of the 4th of August; also, a Letter of the 16th, from 
General Schuyler, were read. 

Resolved, That the Letter from General Washington, with 
the Papers enclosed, be referred to the Board of War: 

That the Letter from General Schuyler be referred to the 
Committee appointed to inquire into the causes of the mis- 
carriages in Canada. 


The President laid before Congress a Warrant for appre- 
hending Thomas Reed, Patrick Ballantine, and Robert Gil- 
more, and informed that, in consequence thereof, a party of 
Light-Horse have brought the prisoners to Philadelphia, 
where they are confined, under a guard, at the Indian Queen 
Tavern. 

Resolved, That the Prisoners be sent for examination to 
the Council of Safety of Pennsylvania. 


Resolved, 'That 1,400 Dollars be paid to Alexander Tod, 
it being in full of an Order in his favour, drawn by George 
Morgan, for goods purchased for the ‘Treaty at Pattsburgh, 
and that the same be charged to the Accounts of the Com- 
missioners for Indian Affairs in the Middle Department. 


Resolved, That an Order for 2,000 Dollars be drawn on 
the Treasurer, in favour of Colonel Mark Bird, who has 
contracted to cast Cannon for the United States, he to be 
accountable. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was read. 
Ordered, Yo lie on the table. 


The Committee to whom the Letter from General Wash- 
ington, of the 18th, was referred, brought in a Report, which 
was read. 


Ordered, To lie on the table. 


Congress then resolved itself into a Committee of the 
Whole, to take into consideration the form of a Treaty; and, 
after some time, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. 
Nelson reported that the Committee have had under con- 
sideration the matter to them referred; but, not having had 
time to go through the same, desired leave to sit again. 

Resolved, That Congress will, to-morrow, resolve itself 
into a Committee of the Whole, to take into consideration 
the plan of Foreign Treaties. 

A Letter of the 18th, from the Council of Safety of 
Maryland, was read: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That 26,666 2-3 Dollars be ad- 
vanced to the Council of Safety of Maryland, for the use of 


1617 


the Troops raised for the Flying-Camp, they to be account- 
able. 


A Letter from Brigadier-General Lewis; also a Letter 
from the Committee of Carlisle, in Cumberland County, 
Pennsylvania, enclosing a Memorial from the Officers, 
prisoners there, were read, and referred to the Board of 
War. 


The Marine Committee having recommended Dudley 
Saltonstal to the command of the Frigate Trumbull ; Jona- 
than Maltbay First Lieutenant, and David Phipps to be 
Second Lieutenant of the said Frigate; Wilson to be 
First Lieutenant of the Washington, and John Nicholson 
to be Second Lieutenant of ditto; John Hodge to command 
the Montgomery Frigate at New-York: 

Resolved, That they be accepted, and Commissions granted 
to them accordingly. 

Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to 
deliver to Major Nichols a number of Muskets, sufficient to 
arm the Marines under his command, in this City. 


The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is due— 

To Robert Jewell, for a Writing Desk, Stools, &c., for 
the Board of War, the sum of 31 60-90ths Dollars: 

To John Bates, for 120 Camp-Kettles, delivered to 
Deputy Quartermaster-General C. Biddle, 160 Dollars: 

To John Bogart, for the expenses of burying a Soldier 
of Captain Harman’s Company, and for maintenance and 
nursing of him, and one other soldier, belonging to Captain 
Willet’s Company, both of the First Pennsylvania Batta- 
lion, 19 30-90ths Dollars; and for the expense of Guards 
escorting Powder, &c., 5 31-90ths Dollars; both amounting 
to 24 61-90ths Dollars; and to be paid to Joseph Burrell : 

To Oswald Eve, for surveying the Inlets to the northward 
of Cape May, by order of a Committee of Congress, 224 
55-90ths Dollars: 

To Richard Bache, Stephen Pascall and Michael Hille- 
gas, for superintending the Press from December the 13th, 
1775, to February the 3d, 1776, at printing the second 
emission of Continental Bills of Credit, and of the 10,000 
Dollars struck for the purpose of exchanging torn and 
ragged Bills, 45 days each, at two Dollars, agreeable to a 
Resolve of Congress, 270 Dollars: 

To James Budden, for hire of Wagons and expenses of 
Prisoners, &c., to Reading and Carlisle, 164 54-90ths 
Dollars: 

Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 
Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 


Friday, August 23, 1776. 
A Letter of the 21st, from General Washington, enclosing 
a copy of a Letter from hin to Lord Howe, together with 
his Lordship’s Answer, was read: 
Resolved, 'That the same be referred to the Board of War, 
with orders to publish the General’s Letter to Lord Howe, 
and his Lordship’s Answer. 


A Petition from William Holton was read, and referred 
to the Marine Committee. 

A Petition from James McHenry was read, and referred 
to the Medical Committee. 

A Petition from Lewis Prahl, Gunsmith, was read, pray- 
ing that the workmen in his Manufactory may be exempted 
from going to the Flying-Camp, and that two of his work- 
men who have inlisted may be discharged : 

Resolved, 'That the prayer of the Petition be granted. 


The Delegates from Pennsylvania and Connecticut, to 
whom the applications from the Convention of Pennsylvania, 
and the inhabitants settled under Connecticut, in the Town 
of Westmoreland, was referred, brought in a Report, which 
was taken into consideration: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That six Companies on the Con- 
tinental Establishment be raised in Pennsylvania, and posted 
along the frontiers of the Counties of Northampton and 
_ Northumberland, and parts adjacent, till further orders of 

- Congress : 

That suitable persons be recommended to Congress by 
the Convention of Pennsylvania, for a Lieutenant-Colonel 
and Major, to command the said Forces, and that the said 
Convention appoint the Captains and Subalterns : 

That two Companies on the Continental Establishment 


Firrs Serres.—Vot. I. 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, AUGUST 26, 1776. 


1618 


be raised in the Town of Westmoreland, and stationed in 
proper places for the defence of the inhabitants of the said 
Town and parts adjacent, till further orders of Congress; 
the Commissioned Officers of the said two Companies to be 
immediately appointed by Congress : 

That the pay of the Men to be raised as aforesaid, com- 
mence when they are armed and mustered, and that they 
be liable to serve in any part of the United States, when 
ordered by Congress: 

That the said ‘Troops be inlisted to serve during the war, 
unless sooner discharged by Congress. 

Resolved, That any number of Troops, ordered into the 
service of the Continent by Maryland, above the quota of 
that State, be taken into Continental pay. 


A Letter from Mrs. Temple, of Charlestown, in Massa- 
chusetts-Bay, was laid before Congress, and read: 

Resolved, That it be referred to a Committee of three. 

The Members chosen, Mr. Hooper, Mr. Heyward, and 
Mr. Stone. 


Resolved, That an Order for 30,000 Dollars be drawn on 
the Treasurer, in favour of Mr. James Mease, for the publick 
service, he to be accountable. 


Congress resumed the consideration of the Report from 
the Marine Committee : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the Marine Committee be 
authorized and empowered to purchase materials, in all such 
parts of America as they may think proper, for building more 
Ships of War, and that the said Committee report to Con- 
gress a plan of the Ships that should be built in addition to 
the present Navy. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 
Adjourned to ten o’clock, on Monday. 


Monday, August 26, 1776. 
Three Letters of the 22d and 23d, from General Wash- 


ington, with sundry Papers enclosed; a Letter from William 
Finnie, Deputy Quartermaster-General of the Southern 
Department, were read and referred to the Board of War. 


A Letter of the 18th, from General Schuyler, was read ; 
and the same, together with the Minutes of the Treaty held 
with the Indians at the German-Flats, were referred to the 
Standing Committee on Indian Affairs. 


A Letter from William Coxe and others, owners of three 
Privateers fitting out in Philadelphia, was read, and referred 
to the Marine Committee. 


A Petition from George Measam was read, and referred 
to the Board of War. 


Congress proceeded to the election of sandry Officers, 
when Jonathan Dayton was elected Regimental Paymaster 
of Colonel Dayton’s Battalion; Robert Durkee and Samuel 
Ransom were elected Captains of the two Companies ordered 
to be raised in the Town of Westmoreland; James Wellis 
and Perin Ross First Lieutenants, Ashael Buck and Simon 
Spalding Second Lieutenants, and Heman Swift and Mat- 
thew Hollomback Ensigns, of the said Companies. 

On application from the Convention of the State of Penn= 
sylvania, 

Resolved, That 100,000 Dollars be lent to the said Con- 
vention of Pennsylvania, to be put into the hands of the 
Council of Safety, the said State to be accountable. 

Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to send 
to Captain Durkee 200 lbs. Powder, and a proportionable 
quantity of Lead, for the use of the two Companies to be 
raised at Westmoreland. 

Resolved, That an Order for 500 Dollars be drawn on 
the Treasurer, in favour of Mr. Philip Schuyler, in full for 
500 Ibs. of Powder, purchased on the Eastern- Shore, tor the 
use of the Continental Forces. 

Resolved, That the President be empowered to give orders 
for the payment of the Bills drawn by the Treasurers of 
North-Carolina, for the use of the Continental Forces in 
that State. 

On application of the parties, 

Resolved, That the hearing and determining upon the 
appeal against the verdict and judgment passed upon the 
Schooner Thistle, be further postponed to Monday, the 9th 
of September next. 


102 


1619 


A Petition from sundry Paper-Makers was presented to 
Congress, and read, praying ie Nathan Sellers, an Asso- 
ciator in Colonel Paschall’s Battalion, and who was marched 
to New-Jersey, may be ordered to return, to make and pre- 
pare suitable Moulds, Washers, and Utensils, for carrying on 
the Paper Manufactory: ' 

Resolved, That the prayer of the Petition be granted. 

Congress resumed the Report of the Committee on dis- 
abled Soldiers and Seamen, and came to the following 
Resolutions: y 

Whereas, in the course of the present war, some Com- 
missioned and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Army and 
Navy, as also Private Soldiers, Marines, and Seamen, may 
lose a limb, or be otherwise so disabled as to prevent their 
serving in the Army or Navy, or getting their livelihood, and 
may stand in need of relief: 

Resolved, That every Commissioned Officer, Non-Com- 
missioned Officer, and Private Soldier, who shall lose a limb 
in any engxgement, or be so disabled in the service of the 
United States of America as to render him incapable after- 
wards of getting a livelihood, shall receive, during his life, or 
the continuance of such disability, the one-half of bis monthly 
pay from and after the time that his pay as an Officer or 
Soldier ceases; to be paid by the Committee as hereafter 
mentioned: 

That every Commander of any Ship-of-War or Armed Ves- 
sel, Commissioned Officer, Warrant Officer, Marine or Sea- 
man, belonging to the United States of America, who shall lose 
a limb in any engagement in which no prize shall be taken, 
or be therein otherwise so disabled as to be rendered inca- 
pable of getting a livelihood, shall receive, during his life, or 
the continuance of such disability, the one-half of his monthly 
pay, from and after the time that his pay as an Officer or 
Marine or Seaman ceases; to be paid as hereafter mentioned. 
But, in case a prize shall be taken at the time such loss of 
limb or other disability shall happen, then such sum as he 
may receive out of the net profits of such prize, before a 
dividend is made of the same, agreeable to former orders of 
Congress, shall be considered as part of his half-pay, and 
computed accordingly: 

That every Commissioned Officer, Non-Commissioned 
Officer, and Private Soldier, in the Army, and every Com- 
mander, Commission Officer, Warrant Officer, Marine or 
Seaman of any of the Ships-of-War or Armed Vessels 
belonging to the United States of America, who shall be 
wounded in any engagement, so as to be rendered incapable 
of serving in the Army or Navy, though not totally disabled 
from getting a livelihood, shall receive such monthly sum as 
shall be judged adequate by the Assembly or other repre- 
sentative body of the State where he belongs or resides, upon 
application to them for that purpose, provided the same doth 
not exceed his half-pay. 

Provided, That no Commissioned Officer, Non-Commis- 
sioned Officer, and Private Soldier, in the Army, Commander, 
Commission Officer, Warrant Officer, Marine or Seaman of 
any of the Ships-of-War or Armed Vessels, belonging to the 
United States of America, who shall be wounded or disabled 
as aforesaid, shall be entitled to his half-pay or other allowance, 


unless he produce to the Committee or Officer appointed to - 


receive the same, in the State where he resides or belongs, 
or to the Assembly or Legislative Body of such State, a Cer- 
tificate from the Commanding Officer, who was in the same 
engagement in which he was so wounded, or, in case of his 
death, from some other Officer of the same Corps, and the 
Surgeon that attended him, or a Certificate from the Com- 
mander of the Ship-of-War or Armed Vessel engaged in the 
action, in which any Officer, Marine, or Seaman, received 
his wound, and from the Surgeon who attended him, of the 
name of the person so wounded, his office, rank, department, 
regiment, company, ship-of-war, or armed vessel, to which 
he belonged, his office or rank therein, the nature of his wound, 
and in what action or engagement he received it: 

That it be recommended to the several Assemblies or Le- 
gislative Bodies of the United States of America, to appoint 
some person or persons in their respective States, who shall 
receive and examine all such Certificates as may be present- 
ed to them, and register the same in a book, and also what 
support is adjudged by the Assembly or Legislative Body 
of their State, to those whose case requires but a partial 
support, and also of the payment from time to time of every 
half-pay and other allowance, and of the death of such dis- 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, AUGUST 27, 1776. 


1620 


abled person, or ceasing of such allowance, and shall make a 
fair and regular report of the same quarterly to the Secre- 
tary of Congress or Board of War, where a separate record 
shall be kept of the same: 

That it be recommended to the Assemblies or Legislative 
Bodies of the several States, to cause payment to be made 
of all such half-pay or other allowances as shall be adjudged 
due to the persons aforenamed, on account of the United 
States. 

Provided, That all such Officers and Soldiers that may 
be entitled to the aforesaid pension, and are found to be 
capable of doing guard or garrison duty, shall be formed into 
a Corps of Invalids, and subject to the said duty; and all 
Officers, Marines, and Seamen, of the Navy, who shall be 
entitled to the Pension aforesaid, and shall be found capable 
of doing any duty on board the Navy, or any department 
thereof, shall be lable to be so employed. 

Ordered, That the above be published. 


The Medical Committee, to whom Dr. M‘Henry’s Pe- 
tition was referred, brought in a Report: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That Congress have a proper sense 
of the merit and services of Dr. M‘Henry, and recommend 
to the Directors of the different Hospitals belonging to the 
United States, to appoint Dr. M‘Henry to the first vacancy 
that shall happen, of a Surgeon’s birth in any of the said 
Hospitals. 


A Letter of the 22d, from Colonel James Wilson, was 
read, and referred to Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Franklin, and Mr. 
J. Adams. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 
Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 


Tuesday, August 27, 1776. 
A Letter of the 23d, from General Mercer, was read, 
and referred to the Board of War. 


A Petition from Pelatiah Webster, was presented to Con- 
gress, and read, praying leave to sell the Sloop Betsey, 
belonging to Abiel Wood, of Pownalborough, in the Pro- 
vince of Mane, from selling of which he is restrained by 
the Committee of Inspection of the City and Liberties of 
Philadelphia, on account of exceptions taken to the political 
character of the owner: 

Whereupon, Resolved, 'That the Petitioner have leave to 
sell the said Sloop; the money arising from the sale to be 
lodged in the hands of the Assembly of Massachusetts-Bay, 
and by them disposed of in the same manner as the other 
estate of the owner. 


Resolved, That Zebulon Butler, Esq., be appointed to 
supply the two Companies ordered to be raised in the Town 
of Westmoreland, with Provisions; and that he be allowed 
therefor, at the rate of 1-12th part of a Dollar per Ration, 
until further order of Congress. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That it be recommended to the 
Legislature of the Commonwealth of Virginia, to provide 
Clothing for the Continental Troops raised in that State ; 
the expense of the said Clothing to be paid out of the Con- 
tinental Military Chest for the Southern Department, and 
deducted out of the soldiers’ pay : : 

That Mr. Measam, who petitions to be provided for on 
the score of his having served in Canada, and also desires 
payment of an Account against the Continent, be referred to 
the Treasury Board, for a settlement of his Account. 


Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to de- 
liver to the Maryland ‘Troops, such Arms as are in their 
possession, belonging to the Continent, and not already 
appropriated; the State of Maryland to be accountable for 
such Arms delivered to their ‘Troops. 


The Committee, to whom the Letter from Colonel Wil- 
son was referred, brought in a Report, which was taken into 
consideration: Whereupon, Congress came to the following 
Resolutions: ; 

Congress proceeding to take into further consideration the 
expediency of inviting, from the service of his Britannick 
Majesty, such Foreigners as are engaged therein, and expect- 
ing that, among the Officers having command in the said 
Foreign Corps, there may be many of liberal minds, possess- 
ing just sentiments of the rights of human nature, and of the 


a ae 


1621 


inestimable value of freedom, who may be prompted to 
renounce so dishonourable a service, by the feelings of hu- 
manity, and a just indignation at the office to which they 
are devoted by an infamous contract between two arbitrary 
Sovereigns, and at the insult offered them, by compelling 
them to wage war against an innocent people, who never 
offended them, nor the nation to which they belong, but are 
only contending for their just rights; and willing to tender 
to them also, as they had before done to the soldiers of their 
corps, a participation of the blessings of peace, liberty, pro- 
perty, and mild government: 

Resolved, That this Congress will give to all such of the 
said Foreign Officers, as shall leave the Armies of his Bri- 
tannick Majesty in America, and choose to become citizens 
of these States, unappropriated lands, in the following quan- 
tities and proportions, to them and their heirs in absolute 
dominion: to a Colonel, 1,000 acres; to a Lieutenant-Co- 
lonel, 800 acres; to a Major, 600 acres; to a Captain 400 
acres ; toa Lieutenant, 300 acres; to an Ensign, 200 acres ; 
to every Non-Commissioned Officer, 100 acres; and to 
every other officer or person employed in the said Foreign 
Corps, and whose office or employment is not here specifi- 
cally named, in the like proportion to their rank or pay in 
the said Corps; and, moreover, that where any Officers 
shall bring with them a number of the said Foreign Soldiers, 
this Congress, besides the Jands before promised to the said 
Officers and Soldiers, will give to such Officers further re- 
wards, proportioned to the numbers they shall bring over, 
and suited to the nature of their wants; provided, that such 
Foreign Officers or Soldiers shall come over from the Armies 
of his Britannick Majesty, before these offers shall be re- 
called. 


Resolved, That this Congress agrees to the proposition 
from General Howe, that in exchanges of Prisoners, the 
choice shall be made by the respective commanders for their 
own officers and men; provided the respective commanders 
shall also have a right to make choice what citizens shall be 
given in exchange by the other. 


Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole, 
to take into consideration the plan of Foreign Treaties; and, 
after some time, the President resumed the chair, and Mr. 
Nelson reported, that the Committee have gone through the 
same, and made sundry amendments therein. 

Resolved, That the plan of Treaties, with the amend- 
ments, be referred to the Committee who brought in the 
original plan, in order to draw up instructions pursuant to 
the amendments made by the Committee of the Whole. 

That two Members be added to the said Committee: 

The Members chosen, Mr. R. H. Lee and Mr. Wilson. 


A Petition from the Deputy Commissary-General was 
read, and referred to the Board of War. 


Sundry Members of the Committee, appointed to revise 
the Journals, and superintend the printing thereof, being 
absent, 

Resolved, That four Members be added to the said Com- 
mittee, and that any two be a quorum: 

The Members chosen, Mr. Heyward, Mr. Hooper, Mr. 
Williams, and Mr. Walton. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 
Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 
Wednesday, August 28, 1776. 

A Letter of the 26th, from General Washington, enclo- 
sing a copy of a Letter to him from Lord Drummond ; also, 
a Letter of the 27th, from Captain Wade, were read: 

Resolved, That the Letter from Captain Wade be referred 
to the Board of Treasury, and that they be directed to send 
him 100 Dollars, for which he is to be accountable. 


A Petition from Jacob Bankson, and one from Jean Lan- 
geay, were read, and referred to the Board of War. 


Resolved, That an Order for 500,000 Dollars be drawn 
on the ‘Treasurer, in favour of the Marine Committee, who 
are to be accountable for the expenditure thereof. 


Resolved, 'Vhat an Order for 5,000 Dollars be drawn on 
the Treasurer, in favour of the Delegates of Georgia, for 
the purpose of purchasing Rifles for the Troops ordered to 
be raised for the defence of that State, and for defraying the 
expenses of their march to Georgia; the said Delegates to 
be accountable for the expenditure thereof. 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, AUGUST 28, 1776. 


1622 


Congress being informed that one of the Virginia Bat- 
talions was on their march to New-Jersey, and that they 
intend to pass through Yorktown and Philadelphia, 

Resolved, That the Commanding Officer of the said Bat- 
talion be directed to continue their march from Yorktown, 
by the nearest route, to New-Jersey, there to be subject to 
the orders of General Washington. 


The Marine Committee having recommended Joseph 
Greenway to be Third Lieutenant on board the Delaware 
Frigate, commanded by Charles Alexander, Esq., 

Resolved, That he be accepted, and a Commission granted 
to him accordingly. 

A Petition from Jacob Fowler was read, and referred to 
the Standing Comunittee for Indian Affairs. 


Resolved, That the Marine Committee be directed to 
lend ten bolts of light Duck to the Delegates of Maryland, 
for the use of the Troops from that State, provided the 
same can be done without prejudicing the Marine service. 


Resolved, That an Order for 312 Dollars and 24-90ths 
be drawn on the Treasurer, in favour of the Medical Com- 
mittee; the same being for a box of Rhubarb bought by them 


of Pelatiah Webster. 


The Delegates of Virginia produced new Credentials of 
their appointment, which were read, as follows: 


June 20, 1776. 

“'The Convention proceeded, according to the Order of 
the Day, to the appointment of Delegates to represent this 
Colony in General Congress; and, the Members having pre- 
pared tickets, and put the same into the ballot-box, Mr. 
Treasurer, Mr. George Mason, Mr. Blair, Mr. Holt, and 
Mr. Henry Tazewell, were appointed a Committee to ex- 
amine the same, and report upon whom the majority falls; 
and it appearing, from the report of the Committee, that the 
majority was in favour of George Wythe, Thomas Nelson, 
Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, and Francis Light- 
foot Lee, Esquires: 

“ Resolved, therefore, That the said George Wythe, Tho- 
mas Nelson, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, and 
Francis Lightfoot Lee, Esqs., be, and they are hereby, ap- 
pointed Delegates to represent this Colony in General Con- 
gress, for one year from the 11th of August next. 

« Resolved, That any three of the said Delegates be a 
sufficient number to represent this Colony in the said Gene- 
ral Congress. 

“A copy: Joun Tazewe in, Clerk Conv.” 


The Committee to whom the Letter from Mease & Cald 
well was referred, brought in their Report, which was taken 
into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That five bundred pounds of Gun- 
powder be delivered to the said Mease & Cauldwell, for the 
purpose of procuring Deerskins, to make Breeches for the 
Soldiery in the service of the United States, they to be 
accountable. 

That the Secret Committee be directed to fall upon pro- 
per ways and means of procuring a further supply of Deer- 
skins, for the like purpose, from Georgia and South-Caro- 
lina. 


The Committee to whom was referred the Letter from 
Harriot Temple to the President of Congress, brought in a 
Report, which was taken into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That, upon the said Harriot’s pro- 
ducing to the Quartermaster-General an account of the 
Trees which were cut down upon the Farm of Robert Tem- 

le, Esq., for the purpose of supplying the Continental Army 
with Wood for firing, or for the purposes of Fortifications, so 
far as from the nature of the circumstances such destruction 
can be ascertained by her, the Quartermaster-General of the 
Continental Army shall make her a just compensation for the 
same, in such manner as other persons have been paid who 
have supplied the Army with Wood for these purposes; and 
the Quartermaster General, in his Accounts, shall be allowed 
for the same by this Congress. 


Congress took into consideration the Report of the Com- 
mittee for inquiring into and rectifying the defects in the 
Powder manufactured for the United States: 

And, thereupon, Resolved, ‘That there be an Inspector 
or Inspectors sufficiently qualified to judge the goodness of 
Gunpowder, who shall examine every cask of Gunpowder 


‘ Vireinta, scT. In Convention, THurspDay, ; 


1623 


manufactured, or to be purchased on account of the United 
States, by the most approved method of ascertaining the 
quality of Gunpowder, the said Inspector or Inspectors to 
receive one-eighth part of a Dollar for every hundred weight 
of Powder he or they shall so examine: 

That no Gunpowder be received into the publick Maga- 
zine for the use of the United States of America, or delivered 
from the Powder-Mills for that purpose, but such as has been 
approved of by the publick Inspector, as to its quickness In 
firing, strength, dryness, and other necessary qualities: 

That the Inspector mark each Cask approved with the 
letters U. S. A., and such other marks as are necessary to 
distinguish the several sorts of Gunpowder: 

* That every maker of Gunpowder mark every Cask in 
which he shall pack his Gunpowder with the first letters of 
his name: 

That Gunpowder be put into no Casks but such as are 
well seasoned and dry: 

That it be recommended to the Legislatures of the several 
States of America to cause suitable Inspectors to be appoint- 
ed, to examine and determine the quality of all Gunpowder 
manufactured within their jurisdiction, and that no person be 
allowed to vend any Gunpowder, manufactured in any of the 
States of America, unless the same, in the judgment of such 
Inspector, shall be of sufficient quality, and to make such 
laws for executing this or any other regulations for promoting 
the manufacture of good Gunpowder as to them may seem 
most convenient. 


Ordered, 'To be published. 


Congress then proceeded to the election of an Inspector 
of Gunpowder; and, the ballots being taken, 
Robert Towers was chosen. 


Resolved, That 500,000 Dollars be sent to the Paymas- 
ter-General at New-York. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 
Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 
Thursday, August 29, 1776. 

A Letter of the 27th, from R. H. Harrison, the General’s 
Secretary, and one of the 28th, from General Mercer, both 
giving an account of an action on Long-Island on the 27th, 
were read, and referred to the Board of War. 

A Letter of the 28th, from Richard Dallam, Deputy Pay- 
master-General for the Flying-Camp, was also read: 

Whereupon, Resolved, That an Order for 10,000 Dollars 
be drawn on the Treasurer, in favour of Gustavus Risburg, 
and that the same be charged to the Account of Mr. Dal- 
lam: 

That the Letter from Mr. Dallam be referred to the Board 
of Treasury. 


It being represented by Dr. Franklin, one of the late 
Commissioners to Canada, that Mons. Bernard Mousac 
de la Marquisie had a Commission given him by the said 
Commissioners, to be a Captain and Engineer in one of the 
Regiments to be raised there, and that he lost his Commis- 
sion, with his Baggage, at Chambly: 

It was, thereupon, Resolved, That a new Commission be 
granted to him. 


A Letter of the 3d, from Lord Sterling, was read, and 
referred to the Cannon Committee. 


The Marine Committee having recommended Alpheus 
Rice to be First Lieutenant of Marines, on Board the Brig 
Hamden, commanded by Hoysted Hacker, Esquire: 

Resolved, That he be accepted, and a Commission granted 
to him accordingly. 


The Committee appointed to consider the claims of Ca- 
nadians who have been in the service of the Continent, 
reported, 

That Samuel Morrison, who appears, by the Certificates 
of Lieutenant-Colonels Williams and Brown, to have been 
at the siege of Quebeck two months and six days, and to 
have rendered essential service in several capacities, and had 
been promised a Commission of Captain, which he never 
received, be allowed the sum of 40 Dollars, in full for his 
said services: 

That the Petition of Hardouen Merlet, for a Pension, in 
consideration of his services, not being supported by any 
Certificate or Voucher relating to such services, no allowance 
can at present properly be made to him: 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, AUGUST 30, 1776. 


1624 


That there be paid to Francis Bourignon the sum of 
45 1-3 Dollars, due to him for his service as a Private three 
months, and as a Sergeant four months, in Colonel Hazen’s 
and Colonel Brown’s Regiments. 

The said Report being read, was agreed to. 


A Letter of the 2d, from General Lee, at Charlestown, 
with an intercepted Letter enclosed, was read. 


Resolved, That Mr. J. Mease be directed to provide pro- 
per Clothing for the German Battalion, and also for the two 
Virginia Battalions, on their march to New-York, the cost 
of which Clothing to be deducted out of the pay of the men 
by stoppages. 

Resolved, That the Secret Committee be directed to pro- 
vide proper Arms for the German Battalion; and, in case 
they cannot otherwise provide Arms, that they be empow- 
ered to apply to this purpose those ordered to be put into 
the hands of the Marines: 

That the said Committee be directed to deliver to Mr. 
James Mease the bale of Cloth in their possession, for the 
publick service, he to be accountable: 

That the said Committee be directed to import the Me- 
dicines ordered by the Medical Committee. 

The Committee of Treasury reported, that there is dae— 

To Joseph Sheerer, for account of Captain Cowden, for 
six hundred and eight Rations due to his Company of Militia 
at the time of their march from Lancaster County, on their 
way to New-Jersey, 54 4-90 Dollars: 

To Joseph Sheerer, for Account of Captain James Mur- 
ray, for seven hundred Rations due to his Company of 
Militia, at the time of their march from Lancaster County, 
on their way to New-Jersey, 61 20-90 Dollars: 

To Richard Cheney, for thirteen hundred and eleven 
Meals, supplied the Militia on their march to New-Jersey, 
122 66-90 Dollars: 

To David Jones, for his pay as Chaplain to the Third 
and Fourth Pennsylvania Battalions, from the 13th of June 
to the 29th of August, inclusive, 84 40-90 Dollars: 

To Josiah Fessenden, for services as an Express, including 
horse hire and travelling expenses, 89 Dollars : 

Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid. 


The Board of War brought in a Report, which was taken 
into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That George Measam, Esq., be 
continued in the office of Superintendent, Commissary of 
Stores, except Artillery Stores, for the Northern Army, with 
the pay of 33 1-3 Dollars per month. 


Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed to 
devise ways and means of regulating the Post Office, and of 
establishing Advice Boats between the Southern Colonies 
and Philadelphia, so as to facilitate and expedite the con- 
veying of intelligence from one part of the Continent to 
another. 

The Members chosen, Mr. Heyward, Mr. Jefferson, and 
Mr. Morris. 


Resolved, That the Letter enclosed in that of General 
Lee’s, of the 2d, and which was found on Long-Island, in 
South- Carolina, be published. 


A Letter from Monsieur Le Chevalier Saurelle, was read, 
and referred to the Board of War. 


Resolved, That the Committee to whom the plan of 
Treaties, with the amendments, was recommitted, be em- 
powered to prepare such further Instructions as to them shall 
seem proper, and make report thereof to Congress. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 
Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 
Friday, August 30, 1776. 
A Letter of the 29th, from General Washington, and one 
of the 22d, from Governour Trumbull, were read. 
Resolved, That the Letter from Governour Trumbull be 
referred to the Board of Treasury. 


Resolved, That the Duck, in the hands of Mr. Green, at 
Rhode-Island, be made up into Tents, and forwarded, with 
all possible expedition, to General Washington. 

Resolved, That Mr. J. Mease be directed to purchase all 
the Linen in this City, suitable for Tents, and have the same 
made up, as soon as possible, and report to Congress imme- 
diately the quantity that can be procured. 


1625 


A Memorial from David White, of the County of Somer- 
set, in New-Jersey, was presented to Congress, and read. 

Whereupon, Resolved, That, from the state of facts in 
the said Memorial, Congress have no objection to Mr. 
White’s being excused from bearing Arms, but remit the 
same to the Assembly of New-Jersey, to whom the inquiry 
and determination properly belong. 

A Memorial from Mr. Kosciusko was read, and referred 
to the Board of War. 

Congress took into consideration the Report of the Com- 
mittee on Governour Trumbull’s Letter of the 19th of July, 
and, after debate, the Report was recommitted, for the pur- 
pose of stating the facts and circumstances which induced 
Governour Trumbull to stop the vessels going out of the 
Sound. 

The Committee for regulating the Post-Office, brought in 
their Report, which was taken into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That the communication of intel- 
ligence with frequency and despatch, from one part to another 
of this extensive Continent, is essentially requisite to its 
safety;.that, therefore, there be employed on the publick 
Post-Roads a Rider for every twenty-five or thirty miles, 
whose business it shall be to proceed through his stage three 
times in every week, setting out immediately on receipt of 
the Mail, and travelling with the same by night and by day 
without stopping, until he shall have delivered it to the next 
Rider; and that the Postmaster-General be desired, either 
by the use of Way-Bills, or by such other means as he shall 
find most efficacious, to prevent delays in the Riders, or to 
discover where they happen, that such dilatory Riders be 
discharged. 

And, as it is requisite that the Deputy Postmasters should 
attend with punctuality at their several Offices for the receipt 
and delivery of Letters, 

Resolved, That it be recommended to the Assemblies and 
Conventions of these States, to consider how far it may be 
consistent with the policy and the good of their respective 
States, to excuse such Deputy Postmasters from those pub- 
lick duties which may call them from attendance at their 
Offices, and to proceed therein as to their wisdom shall 
seem best. 

Resolved, That three Advice Boats be established ; one 
to ply between the State of North-Carolina and such Port 
as shall be most convenient to the place at which the Con- 
gress shall be sitting ; one other between the State of South- 
Carolina and the said Port; and one other between the 
State of Georgia and the same Port; that such Advice 
Boats be armed, and put under the direction of the Secret 
Committee, who are empowered to freight them with such 
merchandises or commodities, as, without retarding their pas- 
sage, may, together with the usual postage on Letters and 
other Papers transmitted by them, contribute to defray the 
expenses of the said Boats. 

The Convention of New-York having represented that, 
for want of Blacksmiths, they are greatly delayed in ob- 
structing the passage of Hudson’s River, in the Highlands, 
which is an object of great importance: 

Resolved, Vhat the Convention of New-York be empow- 
ered to employ, for the purpose aforesaid, the Blacksmiths 
that are now engaged in building the Continental Frigates 
at Poughkeepste. 

The Committee to whom the Petition of William Bell & 
Co. was referred, brought in their Report, which was taken 
into consideration : 

Whereupon, Resolved, That it be recommended to Go- 
vernour Trumbull to permit the Sloop Freemason, Epaphros 
Mygat, Master, with her Cargo, belonging to the Petitioners, 
to proceed on her voyage to the Island of St, Eustatia, so 
soon as the said Master shall judge she may sail without 
falling into the hands of the enemy on the coast. 

The Committee appointed to inquire into the claims of 
sundry Canadians, report that there is due— 

To Andrew Pepin, for two months’ services as a Captain, 
and six months’ services as a Lieutenant, together with Ra- 
tions during the time of his said services, the sum of 201 
Dollars and 1-3d: 

To James Pillewr, for five months’ services as a Private, 
and three months’ services as a Lieutenant, together with 
one Ration a day, during the said three months, 99 Dollars 
and 1-3d, 


/ 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 2, 1776. 


1626 


Ordered, That the said Accounts be paid. 

f The Committee on the Treasury reported, that there is 
ue— 

To Melchior Meng, for Wagon and Horse-hire, carryin 
Money to New- York, escorted ty Mr. Fullerton and Bi ag 
the sum of 28 Dollars and 4-90ths : 

To John Bates, for 150 Camp-Kettles, delivered to 
hess Biddle, Deputy Quartermaster-General, 200 Dol- 
ars ; 

To Jacob Hilzheimer, for Expresses to Albany, New- 
York, Boston, Burlington, &c., between the 11th of May 
and 13th of August, 1776, and for keeping a Continental 
Horse, the sum of 537 Dollars and 60-90ths : 

To Captain John Thacher, for the pay of his Independent 
Company, in the service of the United States, at New-York, 
under General Lee, 405 Dollars and 9-90ths: 

To George Haas, for conveying Money to Albany, 21 
days, at 2 Dollars, and expenses of himself, Horse-hire, and 
Ferriages, 100 Dollars and 71-90ths; and for carriage of 
Captain Gamble’s Baggage from Philadelphia to Reading, 
16 Dollars : the whole 116 Dollars and 71-90ths : 

To Robert Jewell, 333 Dollars and 62-90ths, viz: for his 
Account for entertaining Prisoners in Jail, from the 23d of 
July to the 20th of August, inclusive, 234 Dollars and 60- 
90ths ; for his Account for entertaining ten Deserters, from 
the 23d of July to the 20th of August, 42 Dollars and 
85-90ths, and his Account for making three pine Tables, 


- two pine Desks, a Book-case, Sign-board, &c., for Treasury 


Board, 61 Dollars and 69-90ths: 

To William Clayton, for 303 meals of victuals supplied 
the Militia on their march to New-Jersey, 30 Dollars and 
27-90ths : 

To Thomas Cheesman, for carriage of 32 cwt. 3 qrs. 1 Ib. 
Saltpetre, from Egg-Harbour to Cooper’s Ferry, opposite 
to Philadelphia, 22 Dollars and 52-90ths: 

Ordered, ‘That the said Accounts be paid. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 
Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 


Saturday, August 31, 1776. 


A Letter of the 25th, from Major-General Schuyler, at 
Albany, was laid before Congress, and read. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 

Adjourned to ten o’clock, on Monday. 

Monday, September 2, 1776. 

A Letter of the 31st of August, from General Washington, 
enclosing the determination of a Council of War, and the 
reasons for quitting Long-Island, and a copy of a Letter 
from Lord Stirling : 

Also, one of the 23d, from General Gates, with sundry 
Papers enclosed; one from sundry Field-Officers in the 
Army at Ticonderoga, dated the 19th of August, with: the 
proceedings between a Court-Martial and Brigadier-General 
Arnold: 

Also, a Letter of the 23d, from Captain John Nelson, and 
one from Benjamin Harrison, Junior, Deputy Paymaster- 
General, with his Weekly Account, were read, and referred 
to the Board of War. 


Congress being informed that General Sullivan was come 
to Philadelphia, with a design to communicate a message 
from Lord Howe, 

Ordered, That he be admitted, and heard before Con- 
gress. 

A Petition from Michael Fitzgerald, one from John 
Weitzel, and one from James Paul Govert, were read and 
referred to the Board of War. 

A Petition from Peter Diethery was read, and referred to 
the Medical Committee. 

A Letter from William Bausman, of Lancaster, was read ; 

Whereupon, Resolved, That an Order for 1,333 1-3 Dol- 
lars be drawn on the Treasurer, in favour of the Committee 
of Lancaster, for defraying the expenses of the Barracks 
ordered to be built in that Borough; the said Committee to 
be accountable. 

Resolved, That an Order for 4,577 63-90 Dollars, be 
drawn on the Treasurer, in favour of Francis Lewis, Esq., 
and charged to the account of Jonathan Trumbull, Deputy 


1627 


Paymaster-General, the same being for so much paid by 
Mr. Lewis’s order to the said Jonathan Trumbull. 


A Memorial from Francis G'uillot was presented to Con- 
gress and read, 
Resolved, That it be referred to the Marine Committee. 


The Committee to whom was recommitted the Report of 
the Committee appointed for ascertaining the value of the 
several species of Gold and Silver Coins current in these 
States, and the proportion they and each of them bear and 
ought to bear to Spanish milled Dollars, brought in their 
Report, which was read: 

Ordered, To lie on the table. 

A Petition from the Officers of the First and Second 
Virginia Battalions was presented to Congress and read: 

Resolved, That it be referred to the Board of War. 


Resolved, That an Order for 30,000 Dollars be drawn on 
the Treasurer, in favour of J. Mease, for the publick service ; 
he to be accountable. 

General Sullivan being admitted, delivered the verbal 
message he had in charge from Lord Howe, which he was 
desired to reduce to writing, and then withdrew. 

Resolved, That Mr. Jefferson, Mr. R. H. Lee, and Mr. 
Hooper, be a Committee to draw up an account of the late 
action on Long-Island, and lay the same before Congress, 
in order for publication. 

Resolved, 'That an Order for 120,000 Dollars be drawn 
on the Treasurer, in favour of the Delegates of Rhode-Island, 
and charged fo the account of that State ; to be accounted for, 


Congress being informed that Donald McDonald, who 
was sent to this City from North- Carolina, is considered by 
Lord Howe as a Brigadier-General in the service of his 
Britannick Majesty : 

Resolved, That Brigadier-General McDonald be admit- 
ted to his parole, and liberated upon his signing the form 
prescribed by Congress.* 


*The execution of this Resolution was suspended by Congress in the 
afternoon. 


CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 2, 1776. 


1628 


A Petition from Anthony Mosengeil was presented to 
Congress and read: 

Resolved, That it be referred to the Assembly of the State 
of New-Jersey. 


Resolved, That the Board of War be directed to prepare 
and bring in a plan of Military operations for the next cam- 
paign. 

Resolved, That the Continental Agents be empowered 
and required to inspect, or appoint some suitable person or 
persons to inspect, all Gunpowder manufactured or purchased 
in, or imported into, the respective States wherein they reside, 
on account of the United States; except in those States 
where an Inspector is appointed by Congress. 

Ordered, ‘That the above be published, with the Reso- 
lution respecting Gunpowder, passed on the 28th of Au- 
gust. 

The Committee of the Treasury reported, that there is 
due— 

To Robert Erwin, Wagonmaster, for the hire of Wagons 
going to Egg-Harbour for Powder, viz: Adam Weaver, 


‘Joseph Champeney, Michael Grossman, Israel Fry, Jacob 


Hindman, and George Raser, one trip each, and David 
Bove, Wilham Park, and Alexander Miller, two trips each, 
making twelve trips, allowing five days to each, at 4 Dollars 
a day, 240 Dollars: 

To Captain James Stirling, 664 14-90 Dollars, being for 
the balance of his account for the expense of a Guard 
appointed to convey a number of British Prisoners from 
Burlington to Lancaster, and Frederick County, in Mary- 
land, with Wagon and Horse-hire, amounting to 1,464°14- 
90 Dollars, of which sum he received from the Committee 
of Safety of Pennsylvania, and for which they are to be 
credited, July 16th, 1776, 100 Dollars; Judy 17th, 1776, 
700 Dollars; and there remains 664 14-90 Dollars. 

Ordered, That the above Accounts be paid. 


The several matters to this day referred, being postponed, 
Adjourned to ten o’clock, to-morrow. 


END OF THE FIRST VOLUME OF THE FIFTH SERIES. 


Wasuineron, February 19, 1848. 


INDEX 


TO THE FIRST VOLUME OF THE FIFTH SERIES. 


Abbot, Moses, member of New-Hampshire Assembly, 59 


Abbott, Francis, Letter from, to R. Devens, — - - 779 
Abeel, Major, (N. Y.,) killed on Long-Island, - - 1184 
Abercrombie, General, repulse of, referred to, - - 1513 
Aboyderroy, one of the instigators of hostilities, - 1046 
Abraham, a Mohawk, speech of, at German- Flats, - 1038 

A second speech of, - - - - - 1045 
Absence, parole of, granted to be peed Mitchell, - 874 


Absent Members: Mascachuaniis Council addxese) 702, 830 


Absentees, to be treated:as cowards, . - - 966 
Estates of, sold to pay for substitutes, - - - 1496 
Abstract of Major Bigelow’s Journal, - - - 986 
Abstracts, Massachusetts Council instruct Committee 
on, - - - - - - - - - 280 
Accounts, Washington asks for an Auditor of, - - 189 


Massachusetts Council appoint a Committee on, 269, 312 
Congress appoint Commissioners of, - - - 1590 
Sundry, ordered by Congress to be paid, - - 1566, 
1568, 1575, 1576, 1586, 1587, 1588, 1591, 1598, 1602, 
1603, 1606, 1608, 1611, 1614, 1617, 1624, 1626, 1628 


Accoutrements, Colonel Hardenburgh applies for, - 868 
Colonel R. Thomas applies for, - - - 1310 
Acteon, one of Sir Peter Parker’s Fleet, - - - 436 
The crew of, fire and ee ae ey - - - - 439 
The guns of taken up, - - - 805, 940 
Active, one of Sir Peter Palen Fleet, - - - 486 
Acts, list of, offered in New-Hampshire Assembly, - 62 


Inquiry into the price of printing the, - - wuiy fo 


Copies of, passed by New-Hampshire Assembly, 87, 95 
Adam, an Ocquaga sachem, speech of, - - - 1049 
Adams, John, Letter from to General Gates, - 21 

To Mrs. Adams, - - - - 170, 184, 907- 8, 944 

To Massachusetts Assembly, - - - - 571 

To Dr. Franklin, - - - - 726 


102, 348, 466, 637, 1025 


Extracts of Letters from, - 


Letter from, to General Heath, on the Army, oe hss) 
Adams, Captain, valuable capture by, - - - 589 
Adams, Captain Isaac, Letter rom to the Lancaster 

Committee, - - - - 673 
Adams, Samuel, Letter fone to R. H. Lee, - - 347 

Gates’s expressions to, in relation to S. Chase, - 864 

Leaves Philadelphia for Boston, - - - - 1172 

Arrival of, at Boston, - - - 1225 
Adams, John, (of Taunton ,) Nate sith Cutler, - 971 

Application of, for prisoners to work in his shop, - 971 

Order to deliver certain prisoners to, - - - 972 
Adams, Daniel J., recommendation of, - - - 1174 

Appointment of, as Brigade Major, - - - 1360 

An order to, for purchase of clothing, - - - 1334 
Adams, William, sentence on, for desertion, - - 1270 
Adams, Captain Peter, money paid to, - - - 1331 
Adams, William, appointment of, as Surgeon, - - 1391 
Adams, Andrew, to New-York Convention, - - 1446 
Adderton, the Indians ask for one, as Truckmaster, - 845 
Addison, John, oes of, to a Lieutenant-Colo- 

nelcy, : - - - - 808 
Address, the Fiel d Officers’, to Sullivan, - - - 127 

Of sundry Officers to General Roberdeau,_ - - 170 

Dr. Elmer’s, on the Declaration of Independence, - 811 

Baptists’, to the Governour of Virginia, - - 905 

At the opening of the election at Dover, - - 1057 

General Roberdeau’s, to the eae Associa- 

tors, - - - - -- = 1062 

The City of Montreal’ s, to bere e® - - - 1341 
Adjutant-General, General Mercer asks for an, - - 470 

Mr. Ross recommended as a Deputy, - . - 470 

Weekly returns ordered to the office of, - - 503 

Blanks ordered to be furnished by the, - - - 505 
Adjutants, arrest of neglectful, ordered, - - - 503 

Remissness of, at Head-Quarters, = - - 678 
Adlum, John, a Captain in the enemy’s Fortieth, - 813 


Admiralty, Letter from the British, - : . - 122 
Decision of the Philadelphia Court of, - - = 1229 
Extract of a Letter from the British, = - - - 1255 
Question of establishing a Court of, in New-York, 1453 
Appointment of a Judge of, in New-York, - - 1494 

Advertisement, Captain Conway’s reply to an, - - 526 
An, in the Maryland Gazette, - . - - 1332 

Advice Boats, Congress resolve to establish,  - - 1625 

Affair, statement of the, near Sandy Point, - - 525 

Affidavits, sundry, from Weschester Committee, - 443 


Africa, France and Spain prepare armaments against, 31 


Agency, Letter of, to persons of ores cols, - - 704 
Agent, appointment of a Navy, - - - 244 
Agnew, General, quartered at Billop’s eae - - 950 
Agrarian law, inquiry into the propriety of the, - - 735 
Acriculture, evident disposition of America to, - - 1227 
Aids-de-Camp, Washington asks an increase of, = - 575 


Congress allow additional, - - - - 636, 1592 
Aiken, James, paid for loss at Bunker-Hill, — - - 48 


Air Furnace, M. Bustead’s, taken for publick use, - 1292 
Aisquith, William, member of Baltimore Committee, 115 
Alarm, General Greene’s proposition for signals of, - 417 
General Lincoln on the subject of, signals, - - 460 
Signals of, established, - . - - 1187 
Publick worship suspended ancien the, - - 1213 
Dispositions ordered in case of, - - - - 1248 
Alarm List, appointments from the, for Canada, - 287 
Draughts ordered to be made from the, - = 519 
Albany, Massachusetts sends ship-carpenters to, - 303 
Letters from the Army detained at, : - - §12 
General Gates to the Officer commanding at, - 548 
Committee to Governour Trumbull, —- - 889, 1084 
Committee to General Schuyler, - - - - 817 
Mayor of, imprisoned at Hartford, - - - 889 
Committee to New-York Convention, - - - 889 
Committee, conduct of, censured, - - - 890 
Mayor of, celebrates the King’s birthday, - - §80 
Extract of letters from, - - - 923, 1070 
Arrival of stores at, - - - - - - 968 
Large remittance received at, - - - - 1198 


Mr. "Brown ordered to find tie most direct route to, 1205 


Deputies from, appear without credentials, - - 1385 
A guard ordered to the frontiers of, County, - - 1393 
Lead ordered to be taken from windows in, - - 1416 
Company raised in, to guard stores, - - - 1435 
Armed vessels ordered to be fitted out at, - - 1453 
Resolutions for draughting Militia of, County, - 1494 
Alden, Colonel, complaint of, against Colonel Wayne, 206 
Aldridge, Captain, Mezhington sends a bprien of, to 
Congress, - - 576 
Alexander, Conn Robert, Maryland Council of 
Safety to, - - - - 114 
Order of the same to, - - - . - - .993 
Is charged with making a repechensinle speech, - 1057 
Waits for marching orders, ~ - - 1134 


Alexander, W., appointed Captain Meryland Militia, 1340 
Alexander, Hezekiah, a member of North-Carolina 


Council, - - - - - S - 1370 
Alexander, owner of ship, eies the sails, - mR ef 
Alexandria, fears of Dunmore at, - - = oo 407, 

Maryland Council of Safety to Committee of, - 433 
An advertisement posted in, - 526 
Committee pay a bill to Maryland teat of Safety, 942 
Alfred, an order to equip the ship, for a cruise, - 1106 
Lying at Providence not manned, - - - 1172 


Committee of Congress report on the officers of, - 1575 


Algie, Captain, the parole of, taken, - - ~ 78a 
Allain, Captain, information given by, - - - 799 
Information of, contradicted, - - - =i 2S 
Ts confined in the Tory jail at Albany, - - - 968 
Allair, Peter, testimony of, taken, - - ° - 1439 


1631 1632 
Allason, John, and family, on board brig Maria, - 152 | Ammunition, troops arrive at Skenesborough without, 753 
Allcock, Mr., recommended to Maryland Council of Application for, from Paxtown Committee, - - 948 
Safety, - - - - - 614 Order in Council to prohibit exportation of, - - 1089 
Allen, Ira, to New EHameehite Gonturae of Shicty, - 177 Pennsylvania Council of Safety furnish, to a Mary- 
Fourth Captain of Green-Mountain Boys, — - - 377 land Company, - - - - - 1304 
Allen, Lewis, resolve on petition of, - - - - 277 | Amos, John, discharged oe Baltimore Committee, - 466 
Allen, Jolley, property of, confiscated, —- - - 277 Order for arrest of, - - - - - - 993 
Allen, Colonel Ethan, Lee i inquires of General Clinton Amos, Aquila, Esq., money advanced to, - - - 1333 
for, - - - - - - - - 440 Commission issued to, - - - - - - 1348 
General Clinton fo lne to Lee concerning, - - 440 | Anant, Harman, appointed Lieutenant of Maryland 
Reported as sent to the North, - - - 489 Militia, - . - S - 1349 
Congress is petitioned to oir exchange for, - - 498 | Anchors beet from Ribany to tenets Gates, ~ a a (e 
Washington refers to the case of, - - - oh ost B Washington’s reply to Schuyler concerning, - “oe 
Washington writes to Howe concerning, - - 679 Non-arrival of, at Albany, - - - - ~ «872 
Howe refers case of, to Carleton, - - = eet e766 Contract for supplying, - a - - 1480 
Case of, recommended to Schuyler, = - - - 820 | Anderson, Major, commendation of, - - - 2 
Washington agrees to exchange Major French for, - 853 | Anderson, Ephraim, referred to Washington, - - 155 
Letter from, to the Connecticut Assembly, - - 860 Letter from, to President of Congress, - - ~\ 45} 
Major French applies to Howe to be exchanged for, 902 Report from, on his fire-ships, —- - - - 692 
Sends a list of his CRIMES Shah's to Connecticut Reference of, to Washington, - = 1571 
Assembly, - - - - 928 | Anderson, Joseph, promoted to Lieutenant, — - - 453 
Congress directs that any British siiear be offered in Anderson, Mr., vain efforts of, with Eastern Indians, - 839 
exchange for, - - - - 1587 | Anderson, Richard, appointed Second Lieutenant, - 1351 
Allen, Lieutenant-Colonel, ative of, in Philadelphia, André, Lieutenant, (prisoner,) reported attack on, - 759 
bom Crown-Point, - - - $50 André, Peter, delega te from Eastern Indians, - — SS8 
Allen, Levi, petition of, to Congress, - - - 498 | Andrew Doria, prize captured by the, - 569 
Allen, George, communication of, with the enemy, - 602 | Andrews, Benj., Member of Georgia Council of Safety, 6 
Allen, William, resignation of, - - - 533, 1589 Andrews, Dr. Thomas, arms to be proved before, - 154 
Allen, John, appointed by Congress a First Lieutenant, 1565 | Andrews, John, petition of, to New-York Convention, 854 
Allen, Captain Heman, reports. to the Green-Mountain Andrews, Samuel, discharge of, on oath, - - - 1383 
Boys from Congress, - - 565 | Angel, Abeather, ‘appointed Captain ‘by Congress - 1565 
Alliance, treaty of, with the St. Ashi s ane Mick inats. 840 Ann, capture of the snow, - - 1226 
Treaty of foreign, passed in Congress, - - - 1179 Anna, one of Dunmore’s fleet, bernie - - 152 
Allibone, William, report from, on flint quarries, - 410 | Annabella, arrival of the prize brig, - - - - 134 
Allison, Robert, promoted to Second Lieutenant, - 1124 Inventory of sundries on board the, — - - - 209 
Allison, Dr., Congress orders supplies to, - - - 1571 Call for the articles taken in the, - - - 414, 625 
Alsop, John, Letter from, to New-York Convention, - 368 | Anna Maria, capture ofthe ship, = - - - - 80 
Asks leave to resign seat in Congress, - - - 3869 | Annapolis, proceedings of Maryland Convention at, - 5 
Objects to the Declaration of Independence, - - 159 Appropriation for fortifying, - - - - - 114 
New-York Convention accepts resignation of, - 977, Militia ordered to, - - - ” . w 154 
29, 1431 Meeting of Associates ate - - - - St 
Altamaha, Lee’s account of the river, - - - 1131 Supplies of salt provisions advised to be kept at, - 893 
Altiére, Jacques, recommendation from, - - - 1209 Discharge of Militia at, - - - - - 1340 
Ambassadors, necessity of, at foreign courts, - - 347 Order relating to butchers at, - - - - 1341 
Mr. Deane proposes an interview with, at Paris, - 1016 Cannon ordered to, - - : - - - 1344 
Amboy, correspondence with the enemy from, - - 17 | Anne, call for articles taken in the transport, - - 414 
Enemy threaten to attack, - . - - - 18 | Anne Arundal, people of, instruct their Delegates, - 1054 
Great disaffection at, - - - - - =11° 39 Reply of the Delegates to the people of, - - 1055 
Disposition of persons apprehended at, - - - 104 | Annin, William, appointed Surgeon to a Baltimore 
March of Colonel Brodhead to, - - - - 139 Regiment, - - = = “ = - 1360 
Strong position for an encampment near, - - 140 | Annis, John, paid for repairing guard-house,_ - - 1333 
Pennsylvania Militia ordered to, - - - - 330 | Anniversary, 4th of June celebrated at Albany, - - §90 
Pennsylvania Riflemen arrived at, - - - - 369 14th of August, 1765, celebrated at Boston, - - 972 
Flying-Camp encamped at, - - . - - 371 | Anson, (N. C. A people of, to be instructed in their 
Extract of Letters from, - - - - 499, 909 duty to God, - - : - - - 1371 
Colonel Haslett’s Battalion ordered to, - - - '784 | Anstruther, Captain, baggage of, plundered, - - 1291 
Return of Colonel Mifflin’s Artillery at, - - - "[R7 Dr. M. Fohnsol ordered to restore a ring to, - - $Gh 
A large schooner directs her course towards, - - 887 | Answer, Governour Cooke’s to Howe’s Declaration, - 606 
Enemy have four brass pieces opposite, - - 951 Patrick Henry’s to the Baptist Churches, - - 906 
Troops in Philadelphia ordered to march to, - - 1192 Carleton’s, to the city of Montreal, - - - 1241° 
General Mercer orders Hake hundred men to be Anthony’s Nose, pass of, to be defended, - - - 250 
leiviat e+ 205 - - - - - 1194 Connecticut Militia called to, - - - - 375 
Ammunition ordered to the camp at, - - - 1328 Works ordered to be thrown up at, ~— = - - 855 
Amboy, the privateer, = - - - - - - 120 Orders for strongly fortifying, - - - - 1488 
America, narrative of the master of sloop, - - - 410 Two hundred men ordered to be left at, - - 1489 
Gentlemen of fortune*in France embark for, - - 1018 | Antigua, capture of a brig from, - - 134 
Price of lands in, will reimburse expenses of the war, 1020 | Antill, Lieut. Colonel, ordered to march a Albany, - 654 
Amherst, (Mass. ,) proceedings of Committee, - - 1178 Aorson, Lieutenant, resignation of, - - - 1399 
Amherst, (N. H. ,) Declaration of Independence readat, 719 Appeals, New-Hampshire Assembly abolish Ghar of 72 
Ammunition, scarcity of, in New-Jersey, - . - 87 Copy of the act abolishing the Court of, - - 90 
Supply of, to towns in New-Hampshire, : - 55 Committee of, apppinid by the “ New-Hampshire 
Massachusetts soe Westminster Mareyork) Grants,” - - - - 566 
with, 0s - = 821 | Appointments, Jay’s ee on the puibfect of}. .- ee 40 
Captain Veeders apalibd to Ghise for. - - - 339 Remarks of New-York Convention upon, bs ee REDE 
Hancock promises, to New-Jersey, - 346 | Aquatanajoy, one of the instigators of Indian hostilities, 1048 
Captain Barnes applies to poet Garner af Archer, John, Letter to, from Maryapd Council of 
Safety for, - - - - - - 384 Safety, - - 154 
To be furnished to Captains biify, not to men, - 886 | Archer & Harris to Maryland Coane of Safety 862, 888 
Supply of, sent by Gates to Waterbury, - -- 397 | Archer, George, appointed Lieutenant, - - - 1124 
Gates forbids waste of, for salutes, - - ~ - 397 | Armament, purpose of the French and Spanish, - 134 
Seasonable arrival of, on Sullivan’s Island, - - 435 | Armed vessels, act of Miaka Levee! to fitout, - 56 
Muscongus Island in great want of, . : pmra'77 Copy of es said act, - ss ‘4 ‘ - 90 
Soldiers at Head-Quarters to be careful of, - - 503 Two, ordered to be fitted out at ‘Albany, - ~ a5 tt 
Continental Regiments furnished with, - « - 515 Ordered to stop all provision vessels,  - - - 541 
Return of, on Long-Island, - - - - - 541 Distress for want of, - - - - “1 675 
Mercer orders, to Elizabethtown, - - = - 620 List of Continental, on Lake Chaplain, - - 1201 
State of each man’s, to be examined, - - - 654 Marine Committee order purchase of, - = A 
Arrival of a cargo of, for Maryland, - - - 666 Powers granted to, by North-Carolina, - = a 


INDEX. 


1633 INDEX, 1634 


Arms, Clinton supplied with funds to purchase, - 391 | Army, cause of desertion in the Northern, - - 827 
The Scotch, sent to Washington, - - - - $399 Gates’s Letter to Gov. Trumbull on the state of his, 899 
Washington’s orders relative to prisoners’, - - 399 Arrangements of the, at New-York, - - - 914 
The British, removed from City Hall, New-York, - 419 Reported strength of the English, - - - 945 
Baltimore Cibiarivistas appoint persons to collect, - 523 Melancholy state of the Northern, « - - 951 
Mr. Stone sends, to the Maryland Council of Safety, 556 Arrival of reinforcements at Skenesborough, - - 988 
Arrival of a cargo of, for Maryland, - - - 666 Return of Mercer’s, at Perth- -Amboy, - a - 1079 
A quantity of, brought into Chester, - - -~ 691 Reformation made by Gates in the Northern, - 1099 
A large supply of, arrive at New-London, — - - 699 A Hessian Colonel hints a desire to ped the Ameri- 
Ordinance to secure Nonmea-getstore in big ay can, - - - = 2 wAL1I0 

vania, = - 709 Attempts to intercept intelli gdnuel to a from the, 1123 
Maryland Conacl of Safety firnish fd to pur- Connecticut Council of Safety vote supplies for the 
chase, - ot) FBI SS1 Northern, - : > z = - 1189 
alitmone Gomeniltzs Pavértive for, - - - 758 Infected persons forbidden to join nthe Northern, - 1203 
Order for delivery of, to Colonel Haslett’s Battalion, 783 Repulse of the Ministerial, on Long-Island, - - 1212 
Arrival of one thousand stand of, from Havre, - 786 Strength of the enemy’s, on Staten- Island and Long- 
Colonel Ewing begs to Maryland Council of Island, - - - - - - - - 1214 
Safety for, - - - - - - 892 Abuse of American prisoners in the British, - - 1254 
Paxtown gunsmiths to repair, at publick expense, - 948 Order to print the Rules and Regulations for the, - 1289 
Number of, at Snow-Hill, Maryland, - - - 974 Embarcation of the, from Long-Island, - - 1233 
General Ward sends, to New-York, — - - - 926 Damaged provisions for the, sold in North-Carolina, 1373 
Order in Council to prohibit exportation of, - - 1089 Inquiry ordered into the state of the Northern,  - 1433 
Repairs of Pennsylvania Associators’, ordered, = 1298 Large consumption of provisions by the, —- - 1451 
Taken from the Scotch transports, disposed of, - 1568 Call on New-York to reinforce the Northern, - 1492 
Congress deliver one hundred old, to Pennsylvania Resolve of New-York Convention relative to the, - 1518 
Council of Safety, - - - - . - 1597 New-York Committee of Safety notice a report pre- 
Armstrong, Bennet, recantation of, - - - 408 vailing in the, - - - - . - - 1531 
Armstrong, William, aes Lieutenant of the Washington’s reply to the report concerning the, - 1538 
Flying-Camp, - - - - - - $849 The enemy’s, on Nassau-Island, - - . - 1555 

Armstrong, Gen. John, oreneds to report to Congress, 720 Removal of the, from Long-Island, - - - 1558 
Letter from, to President of Congress, - - - 904 Washington’s reasons for withdrawing, from Long- 

Wish of, to ‘be recalled, - - - - - 905 Island, - - - - - ~ 1560 

Armstrong, Dr. James, and Dr. Morgan, appointed to Congress orders equipments for an, of Sreciiy thou- 

the Hospital, - - - - - . - 920 sand, - - - - - - - 15T7 

Army, the state of Sullivan’s, - - - = - 3 Schuyler ordered to cleanse the Northern, - - 1579 
E. Gerry on appointments to the, - - = 1}.Q2 Commissioners to.audit the accounts of the, - - 1579 
Offence given by appointments to the, - - - 40 Connecticut called on to reinforce Washington’s, - 1580 
New-Hampshire increases her quota for Northern, - 55 Small-pox in Northern, a great source of disaster, - 1594 
Wretched state of the, at Crown-Point, - - - 103 Congress ordered medicines to the Northern, - 1595 
Washington’s distress about the Northern, - - 106 Board of War directed to consider the state of the 
Three Regiments from Boston ordered to Northern, 125 Northern, - - - - - - 1601 
Facts in regard to the, in Canada, - - - 128 Instructions for the settlement of accounts of the, - 1609 
Retreat of the, to Ticonderoga and Crown-Point, - 118 Advance made to Commissioners for settling ac- 
Misrepresentations concerning the Northern, - 131 counts of the, - - - - - - - 1613 
Gen. Ward ordered to send troops to the Northern, 143 | Arnold, General Benedict, report on the capitulation of, 159 
Small-pox a greater terror to the, than the enemy, - 145 Captain Forster sends a flag to, - - - - 161 
Washington’s orders to reinforce the Northern, - 173 Articles of capitulation agreed to by, - - - 163 
High spirits of the New-York, - - - 184, 952 Letter from, to the Canada Commissioners, - - 165 

+ Two additional Regiments ordered from Massachu- Orders of, relating to artificers, - - - - 209 

setts tothe, - : - Sih Grit RS Engaged in removing the troops from Crown-Point, 238 
Trumbull authorized to arnt the Notthern; - - 193 Departs for Skenesborough, - - - - - 512 
Orders to proclaim Independence in the Northern, 194 Selected to command fleet on Lake Champlain, - 604 
Independence welcomed by the, - - - - 205 Gates highly commends, —- - - - - 649 
Importance of settling rank in the, - - - 220 Return of Ordnance, &c., from, - - - - 681 
Wretched condition of Schuyler’s, - - - 232 Violation of his capitulation, the ney ofa flag, - 682 
Three thousand of the Northern, in Hospitals, - 238 Sundry requisitions from, = - - - 746 
Resolve to procure stockings for the, - - - 302 Undertakes command of the Hake fleet} - - "47 
General Return of Washington’s, - - 831, 507, 639 Letter from, to General Schuyler enclosed to Wash- 
Account of the retreat of the Northern, - -/ 339 ington, - - - - - - - - 772 
Importance of speedily reinforcing the Northern, - 361 Washington’s compliment to, - - - - 952 
Great sickness prevalent in the Northern, — - - 367 Conduct of, at the trial of Colonel Hazen, - - 802 
Gates’s account of state of Northern, - - - 376 The only Brigadier in the Northern Department, - 815 
Discord and disorder in Northern, - - - 390 Orders to, in relation to the fleet, - - - - 826 
Penalties for retarding letters to and from Northern, 397 Ogden’s qualified remark as to the prudence of, - 901 
Account of the proceedings of the British, - - 436 On the eve of a cruise down the Lake, - - 969, 986 
Anxiety of Congress to reinforce Washington’s, - 450 Orders of, disputed by Captain Wynkoop, - - 1002 
Washington’s report of Howe’s, to his brother, - 509 Appeals for the sentence of a court-martial, - - 1072 
Reinforcements for the, urged from Maryland, - 531 Sails with the fleet from Crown-Point, - - - 1166 
March of reinforcements for the, - - - - 550 Dispute of, with Captain Wynkoop, — - - - 1187 
Governour Trumbull’s account of the disasters of Schuyler approves the appointment of, - - - 1217 

the Northern, - - + =} fit = th y= 1606 Is on the best terms with General Waterbury, - 1218 
Departure of Clinton’ s, from the South, - - 632 Colonel Brown’s charges against, - - - 1219 
The Northern, brigaded by Gates, - - - - 653 The court-martial demands the arrest of, : - 1268 
Improvement in the health of the Northern, - - 661 Protest of, against the court, - - - - 1072 
Reported amount of the British, - - - - 662 Reply of, to the court- martial, - - - - 1273 
Resolves of Congress relative to promotion in the, 668 Orders of to Captains Seaman and Premier, - - 1275 
Washington’s concern at the commission of crimes Report of a Committee to Congress on the cartel of, 1571 

in the, - . - - - - - - 667 Correspondence of, with— 
President of Congress, on filling vacancies in the, - 725 General Gates, 206, 207, 238, 239, 261, 340, 357, 358, 
Want of clothing in the Northern, - - aot 397, 563, 825, 988, 1002, 1051, 1073, 1129, 
Order for purchase of tents, &c., for Continental, - 732 1266, 1274, 1277 
Prosperity of a state depends on the discipline of its, 739 Colonel Hartley, = - - - - - 207, 487 
Washington sends Congress a General Return of the, 762 Captain Wilson, — - - . - - - 512 
An appeal to the, to discard jealousies, &c., - = F677 * General Schuyler, - - - - - 680, 1033 
Gates sends a list of wants for his, to the New-York Samuel Chase, . - - - - 810 

Convention; .- 6 i aceon Vege) <1 44 Captain Wynkoop, - -~— = "1003, 1186, 1275 


Return to Congress of the Northern, - - - 96 | Arnold, Captain James, marches with the first com- 
Strength of the New-York, - - - : - §810 pany from New-Hampshire, - - - - - 428 


Firru Series,—Vot. L 103 


1635 


INDEX. 


Arnold’s Hall, patriotick toasts drank at, - - - 54 
Arrest, resolve to, suspected persons in Connecticut, 424 
Articles, between Major Sherburne and Capt. Forster, 162 
Between General Arnold and Captain Forster, - 163 
Order for, taken in the transports, - - - 625 
List of, wanted for Lake Champlain, - - - 745 
Enumeration of, wanted by Eastern Indians, - 845 
Of alliance with the Eastern Indians, - - - 848 
Articles of War, an act to form, in New-Hampshire, - 86 
New-York levies made subject to the, - - - 448 
Colonel Reed’s letter referred to Committee on, - 576 
Troops called out in New-York subjected to the, - 1407 
Artificers, draught of, made by Arnold, - - - 207 
List of, sent from Crown-Point, - - - - ,209 
Gates complains of the laziness of his, - - - 261 
A Regiment of, ordered to join Lord Stirling, - 503 
Part of Lee’s Guard ordered to join Ford’s Com- 
pany of, - - - - - - - 503 
Captain Eayrs’ s Gomony of, recommended, - 514 
Large arrears due to the, - - - - - 545 
Reasons for forming one corps of, - - - 642 
Captain Eayrs’s Company of, demand more pay, - 754 
Return of Brewer’s Regiment of, - - - 765 
Artificial Fire-Workers’ petition to Congress, - - 1191 
Artillery, train of, taken at the Cedars, - - - 169 


Return of Knox’s Regiment of, - 


331, 332, 639, 


763 


Necessity for a well-regulated body of, - - - 502 
Knox’s plan for increasing the corps of, - - 502 
A body of, ordered from Philadelphia to Mercer, - 690 
Muster-Roll of Colonel Mifflin’s, - - 787, 788 
Increase of the Massachusetts Regraent of, recom- 
mended, - - - - - . - - 1224 
Northern Army greatly in want of, - - - 1513 
Congress order, ‘for defence of Georgia, - - 1567 
Consress approve Knox’s plan for increase of, - 1590 
Artillerymen, distressing want of, by Washington, - 643 
Artillery Officers, encouragement held out to French, 1228 
Arundel, Captain, melancholy fate of, - - - 150 
Manner of his death explained, - - - 151, 204 
Arundel, resolve to supply the town of, with ammu- 
nition, - - ~ - - - - - 302 
Ash, William, examination of, - - - - - 120 
Arrest of, with wife and family, - - - - 120 
Ash, Martha, suspected of aiding Kirkland’s escape, - 1303 
Deposition of, = - - - - - - 1305 
Ashe, Brigadier-General, thanks of North-Carolina 
Council to, = - - - - - - 1366 
Ashe, Samuel, Esq., member of North-Carolina Coun- 
cil, - - ‘ < : - - - - 1373 
Chosen President of the Council, - - - - 1376 
Leave of absence granted to, - ‘ “ - 1381 
Ashley, Oliver, appointed Captain by atown meeting, 30 
Ashley, Samuel, member of the New- anne es Le- 
gislative Council, - - - - AT 
Appointed Mustermaster and Paymaster - 57, 83 
Ashley, Captain, list of men taken at the Cedars, 167, 168 
Asia, arrival of the British ship, . = . mee ar 
Assembly, objections to a single, - - - - 1284 
Remarks upon a representative, - - - - 1285 
Assessors, of prices, Lee recommends, - - - 1132 
Association, articles of, by inhabitants of Donegal, - 221 
People of the Green Mountains form an, - - 566 
The disaffected refuse to sign articles of, : - §90 
Reasons given for not signing, ~~ - 1010 
Associators, patriotick determination of ihe Doeasee 103 
Number of, imbodied in Bucks County, ° - - 171 
Meeting of, at Annapolis, - a 4 4 ~AhtS1 
First Battalion of Lancaster, ready to march, - 188 
Complaint against some of the Lancaster, - = M221 
Names of, in Donegal and other places, - - 222 
Desire of the Philadelphia, for a campaign, - - 349 
March of the great body of, from Philadelphia, - 368 
The Philadelphia requested to inlist inthe Guard, - 388 
A call upon the Philadelphia, : - - - 467 
Petition from the Lancaster, - - 535 
Company of Lancaster formed for the FijuerdGam 573 
Address of William Atlee to the Lancaster, - - 573 
Negroes charged with intent to injufe Lancaster, - 673 
A Battalion of, reach the Flying-Camp, - - 674 
Ordinance to give to vitafek ria the arms of the 
Non-Associators, - - e710 
Reference to desertion of, font he Flying Cane 744 
Appointment of persons to take care of the families 
of,-- : : : - 7187, 932 
Notice from commander te in Philadelpitia - - 833 
Comments on the same by a Private, - Pe - §33 
Washington’s Address to the Pennsylvania, in New- 
Jersey, - - - - - - “ - 849 


1636 


Associators, continued desertion of, from the HAying 


Camp, - - - - a ie - 894 
Good conduct of the Colonel of the Ponneyieie - 910 
Pennsylvania Council of Safety resolve to puphee 

names of deserters, - - - - - 962 
Proceedings of the Pennsylvania, - 978 
Arrival of a Battalion of Philadelphia, at oye raid 983 
General Mercer’s soknowled ane to the Penn- 

sylvania, - - - - - 1061 
Captain Peters requested to noua fapanl guards of, 1180 
Pennsylvania Council of Safety to the State, - - 1229 
Powder ordered to be delivered to the Battalion of, 1289 
Provision for the relief of the families of, - 1296, 1308 
Names of deserting, ordered to be sent to Pennsy]- 

vania Council of | Safety, - - - - - 1318 
Arms, &c., to be delivered for use of, - - - 1330 

Astin, David, sentenced to Seiypine lashes for steal- 
ing, - - - - 1137 
Atalanta, sloop- area Capea Bee oad, . - 382 
Atlee, William H., Chairman of Lancaster Committee, 221 
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 255 

Letter from, to officers and others relative to prison- 

ers, - - - - - - . - =i BOT 
Letter from, to the Pennsylvania Council of dance 411 
Letter from, to Benjamin Franklin, - - 534 
Letter from, to the Board of War, . - - 535 
Letter to, from John Hartley, - - - - 931 
Letter to, from W. Cox, - - - - - 1061 
Letter to, from James Work, - - - - 1158 

Atlee, Colonel Samuel J., arrival of his Battalion at 

Amboy, - - - - - - - 499 
Recommends Francis Men teas - - - - 187 
Application on behalf of, to the Lancaster Commit- 

tee, - - - - - - 572 
March of, to New Yond - - - - - 895 
Commended to Washington, - - - - 909 
Refuses to serve under Roberdeau and Ewing, - 908 
Extract of a letter from one of the officers of, - 1212 
Journal of, detailing action on Long-Island, - - 1251 

Auchmuty, James, a prisoner of war, disposed of, - 22 
Examination and parole of, - - - - = 42D 
Auditor, Washington asks for an, of Accounts, - 189 
Auditor-General, salary of the New-York, - - 1437 
Congress appoint an assistant,  - - - - 1595 
Money advanced to, for paying small debts, - - 1609 
Augustine, Georgia advises reduction of, - : - 1052 
Austin, Benjamin, letter from, to Thomas Cushing, - 460 
Austin} John, oath of allegiance taken by, - - 13879 


Avery, John, Gov. Trumbull receives a letter from, - 20 
Deputy Secretary of Massachusetts Council, 134, 360, 551 


Letter from, to Colonel Williams, - - - Ae TT 
Sworn as Clerk to Indian Conference, - - - §39 
Letter to, from Timothy Langdon, : - - 874 
Letter from, to Richard Peters, - - - - 1130 
Avery, Mr., Commissary, ordered to send a statement 
of his magazine to Schuyler, = - - - - 512 
Appointment of, for the Canada Department, not 
Schuyler’s, - - - - . - - 793 
Weekly Returns ordered from, - - - - 1083 
Awnings, order for purchase of, for tents, - - 1288- 
Persons refusing to sell, to be reported, - - 1288 
Axes, call for, by Gates, - - - - - - 207 
Provision of, for the Canada soldiers, - - =\e.70 
Careless loss of, in the Northern Army, - = 232 
Schuyler complains of the want of, - a e297 


A supply of, sent to Gates, - 260, 261, 603, 623, 922 


Vote of Connecticut to purchase, for Schuyler, - 380 
Sent by Gov. Trumbull to General Sohugien - 899, 624 
Waterbury asks for more, - - - - 679 
Another call for, from the same, - = a Sie Senay 
A supply of, sent to Skenesborough,  - - “Ni hie 
Eight hundred, sent by Governour Trumbull, - 776 
Another supply of, from Governour Trumbull,  - 925 
A party ordered to be employed in grinding - 1127 

Twenty-four ordered to be supplied to each Regi- 
ment, = - - - - - - 1271 

Azambuja, Count de, President of Royal Council of 

Spain, - - - - - - - : 

B.. 

Babbage, Christopher, appointed an Ensign of Massa- 
chusetts Militia, . - : - - - 95 

Bachop, Captain Peter, taken prisoner and sent to 
Savannah, = - - - - b =a he 
Bacon, William, Major, in Brewer’s artificers, - - 65 
Badger, Colonel, Canada recruits apportioned to, - 57 
Badger, Stephen, to James Bowdoin, - - - 1239 


Bailey, ‘Colonel, one of the Newburgh Committee, - 30 


1637 


Bailey, John, Chairman of Poughkeepsie Committee, 338 
Bailey, Ensign Frye, petitions for leave to resign, - 681 
Bailey, Mountjoy, oie of Colonel Murdock’s 
Regiment, - - 1342 
Appointed Adjutant of Gbionsl Griffith’ 8 Bliialion, 1350 
Baily, a Tory, enemy land at the farm of, - - - 728 
The enemy drive off cattle from the farm of, - - 1476 
Bake-houses, activity of the, at Baltimore, - - 182 
Baker, Colonel Otis, appointed Paymaster, - 950 
Chosen member of the Committee of Safety, - - 85 
Baker, Moses, pares Sieh) in Wingate’s ey 
ment, = - - 60 
Member of the New Hampshire fe oeTibhyt - <a'162 
Baker, Amos, appointed Surgeon’s Mate, - - 329 
Baker, William, of Waterhouse’s Company, flogged 
for dewertiau - . - 505 
Baker, William, of Bobneon? s Company, flowed for 
desertion, - 506 
Baker, Francis, to Maryladd Counce of Safety, = 930 
Resignation of, - - - - 931 
Bakerstown, resolve to supply, Seite ammunition, - 322 
Balch, Mr., a member of the New-Hampshire Assembly, 72 
Baldwin, Nahum, appointed Paymaster, - - 50 
Appointed Mustermaster also, = - - - 60 
Baldwin, Lieutenant-Colonel, Chief Engineer toGates, 653 
Baldwin, Samuel, chosen Lieutenant in Massachusetts, 663 
Baldwin, Lieutenant oN orders from Marine Com- 
mittee to, - - 1118 
Baldwin, Rev. Bpudezdr, Garentcct Cooks aaioys 
as Chaplain, - - - - - - - 1121 
Ball, Burgess, a court-martial on, - - - 9 
Ball, John, applies for the building of a row- bully, - 136 
Ball, John, Chairman of Northborough Committee, - 179 
Ball, John, payment ordered to, for ‘rent of Barracks, 1341 
Ballantine, Patrick, carried prisoner to Philadelphia, - 1616 
Ballard, Sergeant, grants a pass without authority, - 550 
Excused, on account of ignorance, ~~ - - - 550 
Balls, Arnold secures six tons of} &e.) = - - 165 
Amusing account of the enemy’s waste of, - - 174 
Order for supply of, to Falmouth, - . - - 271 
Balsell, Charles, recommendation of, - - - 251 
Appointed Second Lieut. of a German Company, - 1336 


Baltimore, Committee of, to the Maryland Council of 


Safety, - - - - 101, 183, 524, 569 
Proceedings of, Chunmitivel - - 115, 
182, 345, 409, 522, 635, 668, 758, 907, 993, 1056 
Maryland Council of Safety to, ‘County Committee, 184 
Company of Independents raised aes - - 364 
Special meeting of Committee of, - - 466 
Maryland Council of Safety to Committee of, 594, 1133 
Proceedings of, County Committee, - - - 1156 
An account of stores in magazine at, ordered, - 1132 
City of, illuminated in honour of independence, - 633 
Bancroft, Mr., concurrence of, with Mr. Deane, - 1015 
Bander, Frederick, discharged from service for age, - 947 
Banks, Moses, cashiered by court-martial, - - 567 
Baptist Churches, Address of the, to the Governour of 
Virginia, - - - - - - - 905 
Barber, Edward, resolve on petition of,  - - - 273 
Barber, Nathaniel, Me peal gh ole ha re- 
turns from, - - - - 586 
Receipt from, to fone Bardi - - - - 927 
Strong recommendation of, - - - - - 986 
General Ward introduces, to the President of Con- 
gress, - - - 830 
Barber, Major, gives Wrornation of a Ran Si deuarthiin 1033 
Barber, John, elected an Ensign, - - - - 1452 
Bard, Dr., undettakes the erection ofa salt work, - 1458 
Skilled in making salt from sea water, - - - 1477 
Barge, Jacob, Captain of Pennsylvania Rifles, - F187 
Barge, Alexander, appointed Ensign in Flying-Camp, 349 
Barger, Michael, recommended as a Lieutenant of a 
” German Company, - - - 251 
Barker, Major, member of New- Hanivehire Awe mba 65 
Barker, Nathaniel, Jr., Deputy Commissary aiideettp Gy 210 
Barker, Jacob, resolve on petition of, 291 
And others, of Nova-Scotia, petition of, - - - 703 
Barker, Dr., taken into custody at Albany, - - 1050 
Barker, Samuel, Adjutant toa Maryland Battalion, - 1342 
Barker, William, AME veut of New-York Mili- 
tia, - - - - 1413 
Bar Lead, Boney for Pata Giattye of, - = = 89 
Supply of, sent to Gates, - ~ - 261 


Barlow, Theophilus, appointed Geinimniesary pro tem. "@ 1552 
550 


Barnard, Benjamin, letter from to Washington, - - 3 


Barnardstown, (Mass.,) proceedings of Committee, - 247 
Barnes, George, a violent Tory, - - - - 120 
Barnes, Charles, extract of a letter from, - - - 179 


INDEX. 


*¥ 


1638 


Barnes, Colonel Richard, letter from to the etd ih 


Géuncil of Safety, - - - - ~ 262 
Letters to, from the same, - - - 344, 518, 571 
Mr. Wolstenholme’ s letter to, - - - §20 

Barnes, Colonel Richard, declines serving in Massa- 

chusetts Militia, “ 2 x f - 43.292 


Barnes and Elliott, Captains, to Maryland Council of 


Safety, - - - - 363, 383, 387, 667 
Barnes, A., Chairman of St. Mary’s Committee, - 807 
Barnes, Captain Henry, extract of a letter from, - 958 
Barnes, William, appointed a Second Lieutenant of 

Maryland Militia, - - m - 1344 
Barnes, William, appointed by Gakrede piri Lieu- 

tenant of a frigate, - - = é - 1606 
Barnstable, Massachusetts, Gemmitize? - z nid] 

Protest of the inhabitants of, - - r 2 S47 
Barrack-Master, order to furnish houses for the sick, - 255 
Barracks, an Sider to erect a stockade around the Tare 

caster, - - = - - - - BT a5) 

An addition ordered to the Lancaster, ~ - 1135 
Barrett, Lemuel, aye to Pealcse Council of Sey 

for lead, - 249 

Reply ofthe Maryland ‘euked of ‘Safety to, - -iJ553 

Chairman of Skipton Committee, - - < - 563 

Appointed Captain of a Rifle Company, - - 1337 

Thomas Beale appointed in place of, - - - 1343 
Barrett, Col., Gates refers Cumberland Committee to, 717 
Barrington, Dr. William, (a prisoner,) applies to be 

Faleaved on parole, - - - - a =e | 

Asks for his baggage, - - : - - ar7i61 

Application of, for parole cranted, - - - 1325 
Barrow, Captain, to the New-Hampshire Committee 

of Safety, - - - - - - - $81 

Barry, Captain, assistance by, to save the Nanee - 14 
Powder and sail-cloth delivered to, - a i 42 
Captures made by, - - - ~ - 41, '759 

Bartlett, Major Thomas, a vote to pay, - - - 52 
Appointed Mustermaster and Paymaster, = - 57, 83 

Bartlett, Josiah, letter from, to Governour Weare, - 136 
Letter from, to John Langdon, - - - - 348, 

496, 637, 758, 893, 1060 

Letter from, to Colonel Whipple, - - . 1024, 1179 

Partial returns from the Regiment of, - - - 875 
Bartlett, John J. P., Chairman of Kittery Committee, - 249 
Bartlett, Captain John, taken Peas ae in the ee of 

Errol, - - 1067 
Bartlet, Ephraim, a Eauien killed ne lehtneote - 1163 
Barton, Joseph, letter from, to Henry Wisner, - - 139 
Bartow, Theodosius, appointed Commissary, - - 1553 

New-York Convention advance money to, - - 1554 
Bartram, Ebenezer, to Governour Trumbull, — - - $40 
Bass, Major Joseph, appointed Paymaster, - - 84 
Basset, Major Barachiah, resolve on petition of, - 283 
Batcheldor, Captain, ordered to fit out vessels of ob- 

servation, - - - - - - - 307 
Bath, New-Hampshire, vote to supply fire-arms to,e- 50 
Battalion, pay of a Continental, - = 865 
Battalions, Massachusetts raises seven, for the Norther 

Amy, - - - - - - - 288 
Batteau- Masten appointment of a, by Gates: - - 654 
Batteaus, Gates sends a number of to Arnold, - - 357 
Carpenters employed in building, at Ticonderoga, -' "748 
Use of, for fishing, prohibited by ‘Gates, - - 800 
Batten, Lieutenant, ~ decease of, - - = - 1126 
Batteries, ten, on North River open on the enemy, - 230 
Battis, John, a delegate of the Eastern Indians, - 838 
Battle, Isaac, appointed Lieutenant of Matrosses, - 274 
Battle, Massachusetts resolves to pay losses in,- 286, 302 
Between the Fincastle Militia and Cherokees, - 464 
Bay of Fundy, an expedition to the, from Halifax, - 973 

Bayard, John, Colonel of Second rps Fs Bat- 

talion, - - - - <"el'P] 

Bayard’s Hill, igual to bi made from, for aceon - 913 

Bayley, Colonel Jacob, New-Hampshire Committee of 

Safety to, - - - - - - 427 

S. Metcalfto, - - - - - - 458, '798 

Unable to fuetts a company of working-men, - - 749 

Letter from, to Gates, - - - - - 988, 989 

Letter from, to the New- Sas Committee of 

Safety, - - - 1190 


Appointed by ee Hampshire Brigadier-General, - 1465 
Bayley, Ensign Frye, petitions for leave to resign, - 681 


Bayonets, supply of, ordered to the Flying-Camp, 1538, 184 
Four hesdreds sent to be fitted to muskets, - - 218 
Richard Dallam proposes to make, - s - 491 
Arrival of a number of, at Chester, - 2 - 691 
Pride of the British in the use of, - A a > 887 

Beach, Zerah, appointed Ensign, - - e - 1271 


1639 


Beacons, resolve for erection of, - - le - 292 
General Lincoln on the subject of, - s - 460 
Beal, Lieutenant Benjamin, ordered to Ticonderoga, - 209 
Beale, Ensign, testimony of, in case of Captain Bell, - 9 
Beall, Thomas, recommended by Frederick-Town 
Committee, - - - - - 251 


Appointed Captain of Rifles, - - - 1343 
Beall, Captain Rezin, orders to, ‘from Maryland Council 


of Safety, - - - - - - - - 343 
Reported dangerously wounded, - - - 383, 429 
Wound declared not mortal, - - - - 431 
Reported on the recovery, - - - - - 591 


Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 11738 
Beall, Gare! Josias, to Maryland Council of Safety, - 5538 

Reply of the Maryland Council of Safety to, - - 593 
Beall, Elisha, appointed Lieutenant in Flying-Camp, - 1350 
Beall, Andrew, appointed Captain, - - - - 1357 
Bean, Mr., recominended for promotion, - - - 1509 
Beanes, John H., commissioned as First Lieutenant, - 1333 


Beating Orders, forni of, in Massachusetts, - 276, 296 
Joseph Mayhew appointed to sign, - - - 303 
Beatty, William, appointed Ensign in Flying-Camp, - 1350 
Beaumarchais, M., proposals of, to Mr. Deane, - - 1013 
“Mr. Dubourg’s distrust of,  - - - - - 1014 
Count de Vergennes’ recommendation of, - - 1014 
Mr. Deane makes a contract with, - - - 1015 
Letter from, to the Secret Committee, - - - 1025 
Assumes a fictitious signature, - - - - 1023 
Entire confidence of Ministers in, - - - 1018 
Proofs of his being the agent of Ministers, —- - 1020 
Beaumont, Ebenezer, appointed Adjutant by Congress, 1565 
Beaver, prizes sent in by the sloop-of-war, - - 172 
Bedel, Colonel Timothy, report from his command at 
the Cedars, - - - - - - - 158 
List of the men of, made prisoners, —- - 167, 168 
Letterffrom, to Gates, - . - - - 239, 261 
Ordered to repair to Crown-Point, - - - 358 
Petition of the officers of, to Gates, - - - 3898 
Court of Inquiry ordered on, - - - - 654 
Court-Martial ordered to sit on, - - - 655, 1594 
Applies to Gates for a guard home, - - - TAT 
Is cashiered and ordered home, - - - - 748 
Approval of the sentence on, °- - - - 801 
Bedford, prisoners-of-war sent to township of, - “1 22 
Congress resolve to raise a Battalion in, . - 409 
Militia in the neighbourhood of, captured, = - - 1545 
A Company ordered to be raisedin, = - - 1578 


Bedford, Mr., ee eatin: Hazelwood to 
New- York, - 186 

Bedinger, Henry, appointed Tsibartaseare ”, Rifles Hy 
Congress, - - - 1570 
Bedlow, William, letter ean 'B New-York Gancnead 730 
Beef, no scarcity of, in Northern Amy, - - - 562 
Arrival of a transport with, at Boston, - - ~ 643 
Large supply of fresh, at Ticonderoga, - - - 969 
To be issued with flour, &c., in lieu of rations, - 1272 
Beeswax, permission to export, from North-Carolina, - 1367 
Belding, Captain, neglect of duty of, - - - 205 

Belknap, Jesse, appointed Lieutenant of Green Moun- 
tain Boys, - - - - - - 377 
Bell, John, to the Sussex Seach of Safety, - - 10 
Appointed Muster and Paymaster, - . 57, 83 
Member of the New-Hampshire Assembly, - - 64 
Letter from, to Meshech Weare, - - - = 479 
Bell, Captain Thomas, spoken at sea, - - - 659 
Bell, Richard, information given by, - - - - 1034 
Bellows, Major John, a vote to pay, - - - - 50 


Bellows, Col., to New- -Hampshire Committee of Safety, 361 
Bells rung at Boston on proclamation of Independence, 426 
Bell-Tents, order for delivery of, to General Moore, - 1384 


Belton, George, Gilliland’s charges against, - - A486 
Belton, Joseph, introduced to Washington, - - 496 
Benedict, Captain, accounts of, ordered to be adjusted, 410 
Pay of, stopped, - - - : - - - §56 
Petition from, referred by Congress to Schuyler, - 1580 
Bennett, Matthew, collector of fire-arms, - - my) 172 
Bennett, William,. resolve to deliver powder to, = 296 
Bennington, plenty of stores at, = - - - 552 
Benson, Robert, Secretary to New- York Congress, - 203 
Tattar to, from J. McKesson, - - - sy 
Letter to, from General Scott, - - 981 


Appointed Secretary to the New-York (ineaitant 1365 
Appointed Marshal and Provost-Marshal to the High 


Court of Admiralty, - - - - 1461 
Benson, Egbert, letter to, from Winship - 256, 337 
Letter from, to New- York Convention, - - 355, 1408 
Letter from, to Militia officers in Western Connec- 
ticut, ~ - - - “ ps p =D 


INDEX. 


1640 


Benson, Egbert, Chairman of Dutchess Com Com- 


mittee, - - - - - - - A472 
Letter to, from General Gates, - - - - 1114 
Letter to, from New-York Convention, - - - 1394 


Benson, Captain, appointed to the command ofasloop, 935 
Benson, Perry, appointed Ensign in Flying-Camp, - 1346 
Benstead, Alexander, appointed Quartermaster of 


Bucks County Associators, —- - - - 171 
Benton, Ensign Selah, named for promotion, - - 646 
Berdt, Dennis de, letter from, to Colonel Reed, - 372 
Bergen, Washington sends Militia to, - - ~ Add 

Mercer proposes to station men at, - - - 964 
Three thousand or four thousand expected at, - 1193 
Bergen-Neck, stock still found on, - - - - 120 
Necessity for strong guards on, - - - = 895 
Bergen-Point, repulse of an enemy’s party at, - - 578 
Colonel Bradley’ s Regiment repulsed at, = - “ctl 
Berks County Committee pay a pee to Mr. de Rou- 
ville, - . - 1109 
Letter from Parmer ania Gonued ef ae to, Com- 
mittee, - . - - - - : - 1300 
Ammunition to be delivered to, - - - - 1328 
Berkshire, number of men to be raised in County, - 291 
Field- Officers chosen for, - - - - - 293 
Militia, march without canteens, - - - - 701 
Bermuda, the British propose to fortify, - - - 1019 


Bernard, Wooster’s defence against the charge of rob- 
bery, - oe - - - - - - 138 
Berrien, John, letter from, to New-York Convention, 821 
Appointed agent for the Secret Committee, - - 1475 
Refuses to obey an order of New-York Convention) 1554 
Summoned before the Convention, - - 1554 
Berry, John, appointed Lieutenant of Minto wane - 320 
Berry, Robert, letter from Maryland Council afSafety to, 1191 
Berry, Biehard: arms and ammunition tobe deliveredto, 1340 
Sent with his pilot-boat to Patuxent, - - - 1351 
Permitted to go to Virginia for coal, - - - 1363 
Berryhill, Andrew, to Committee of Upper Paxton, - 948 

Berthand, Abraham, appointed Lieutenant of Ma- 


trosses, - - - - - - - - 1338 
Betsey, the brig, one of Dunmore’s fleet, - - - 152 
Betsey, resolve to furnish a guard to the sloop, - - 272 
Betsey, capture of the sloop, - - - - - 780 
Betsey, resolve to appoint a commander for brigantine, 1370 

Resolve respecting, rescinded, = - - - 1372 
Betsey, permission to sell the sloop, - : - 1620 


Proceeds of, to go to Massachusetts Assembly, - 1620 
Betton, James, member of New-Hampshire Assembly, 59 


Betts, Thaddeus, Clerk to Norwalk Committee, - - 804 
Betts, Thomas, appointed Cornet to ukeee County 
Horse, 3 - - - - - - 1528 
Beverly, order to furnish shot to town va - - 268 
Resolve to supply cannon to, - - - - 297 
Biddle, Captain, British ship captured by, - - 638 
Wreck of his prize, - - - - 647 
Biddle, Clement, letter from, to R. Peters, - 948 


Knapsacks, &e., ordered to be delivered to, - 1291, 1292 
Elected by Congress Deputy Quartermaster-General, 1569 


Bigelow, Major, bearer of a letter to Burgoyne, - - 548 
Is sent with a flag to Carleton, - - - - 796 
Safe return of, - - - - - - 888, 889 
Abstract of the Journal of, - ~ - - - 986 
Copy of a paper delivered to, - - - - 987 
Transmits it to Washington, - - - - 1081 

Biggs, Lieutenant, remarks of, on swearing, in the 

Army, - - - - - nfl a - 926 

Bill, Mr., recommended by John Jay, - - -ia 49 


Bill of Costs, for transporting hard money, - - 44 
Bill of Rights, New-York Convention appoint a Com- 


mittee to draw up a, - - - - 1466 
Billings, Thomas, published as inimical, - - - 179 
Billings, Sylvanus, published as inimical, - - - 179 
Billings, Captain Andrew, named for Bee - 646 

Ordered to do duty as Major, - - - 1137 


Billings, Henry, appointed Lieutenant of Bib Defence, 1009 
Billingsport, chevaux-de-frise erected at, - - - 1326 
Billop’s farm, the enemy quartered at, = - - - 950 
General Agnew occupying, house, - - - 951 
Bills of Credit, counterfeiters of punished, - - 43 
Order for payment of, in New-Hampshire, 
Act of New-Hampshire to prevent forging, - 56, 72, 88 


' 

‘ 
i 
~J 


Purchase of paper for, by New-Hampshire, - 57, 83 
Amount of, ordered to be emitted, - - 57, 82 
Stripes given for passing counterfeit, in Massachu- 
Fhe ee - - - “Alle - - 247 
Made felony, in Rhode-Island, to apniertest Con- 
tinental, - - - 377 


Appointment ofa Goliad to sign publick, 293, 296 


1641 


Bills of Credit, made felony, in nat to coun- 
terfeit,  - - : - - - 
Ordinance of Pennsylvania to prevent counterfeiting, 
Continental, made a legal tender in New- ged - 
Speedy redemption of, ‘recommended, - ’ 
Resolve of North- Carolina Council of Safety rela- 
tive to, - 
Order of New- York Convention rohit issue of, - 1437, 
Congress order a further issue of, - - - - 
Form of, issued in New-York, - - - - 
Faith of the State of New-York pledged to redeem, 
Counterfeiters punishable with death in New-York, 
Bird, Dr. Jonathan, recommended for a surgeoncy, - 
Bird, Richard, appointed Ensign in Flying-Camp,  - 
Bird, Colonel Mark, contracts to cast cannon, - - 
Birdsall, Colonel Benjamin, ordered to command one 


company of the Nassau-Island Militia, - 539, 
Birdsey, John, denounced as inimical, — = - - 
Birdsey, Gershom, denounced as inimical, - - 


Bishoprick, project of Ministry for establishing, - 
Bitter-rum, Dr. Potts orders a Ries E daily, ‘to each 
soldier, - - - - - 
Black Hole, a rival of the Calcutta, in the Thames, - 
Blackledge, Richard, establishes salt works in North- 
Gerolie - - - - - - - - 
Black River, Admiralty proceedings against the ship, 
Blacks, Drummond sends the, to West-Indies, - - 
Blacksmiths, mistake of, in work for a saw-mill, - 
Congress ‘order the employment Gry Furs - 
Blagge, John, New-York Committee of Safety meet at 
house of, ~ - - - - - - - 
Blaine, Ephraim, letter from, to President of Congress, 
Blair, Archibald, Clerk to Virginia Council of cn 
Blake, Robert, undertakes to furnish cartridges, &c., 
Blake, Ensign Timothy, promotion of, to Livuecuiney) 
Blanchard, Augustus, appointed a Captain, - - 
Blanchard, John, member of New-HampshireAssembly, 
Blanchard, Joseph, and others, petition of, - - 
Blanford, Militia of, inoculated without orders, - - 
Blankets, E. Blaine’s account of, - - - 
Ordered to be collected for troops in Maryland, - 
Price of, at St. Eustatia, = - - - - - 


Baltimore appoints a Committee to collect, - - 
An arrival of, at New-London, - - - - 
Difficulty of procuring, - - - S 3 


Application for, - - 
Maryland Council of Safety shipply frit to parhnese 
831, 

Cecil County Committee offer to collect, = - - 

An arrival of, from France, - - - - - 

Difficulty of procuring, in Baltimore, - 

MaryJand Council of Safety purchase, of E. Parlier; 
Blank Returns, Adjutant-General ordered to furnish, - 
Blauvelt, Colonel Johannes D., to New-York Conven- 

tion, - - = - - - - 
Blazing- Star, men ordered for defence of, ferry, - 

One of the enemy’s posts on Staten- Island, - - 

Major Knowlton ordered to attack, - - - 
Bledsoe, Anthony, a Justice of the Peace, - - 
Bledsoe, Major A., account of a battle given to, - 
Blewer, Captain Joseph, a vote to pay accounts of, - 
Block Island, commerce of, with the enemy, - - 

Intercourse with, prohibited by Connecticut, - 

Enemy’s vessels cruising off, - - 
Blockmakers, inquiry ordered concerning, - 
Blodget, Lieutenant William, Greene recommends, to 

sign passes, - - - - - - - 

Authority given to, as recommended, - . : 

Is appointed Aid-de-Camp to Greene, - 

Letter from, to Washington, - - 
Bloody flux, enemy on Staten-Island afflicted with, - 
Blunfield, Thomas, thirty-nine lashes to, for desertion, 
Blunt, Lieut. Colonel, General Howe despatches home, 

Lord Germaine acknowledges letters by, - - 


1189, 


Board of Accounts, expenses referred to, - - 
Board of Treasury, letter from Washington referred to, 
Letter from General Schuyler referred tatett Ss 2 
Mr. Price’s accounts referred to, - - - 2 
Board of War, order from, to Washington, - - 
General order of, for information, - - 3 ~ 


Military ordered to be sent to, from Boston, - 
Letter from Washington referred to, 


INDEX. 


195 


389, 484, 537, 834 


Letter from General “Schuyler aera to, - 394 
Letter from William Goddard referred to, = - - 441 
Letter from Mr. Greenleaf referred to, - - - 459 
Letter from General Mercer referred to, - 469, 958 
Letter from William Atlee to, - ° - 535 
Petition of George N icholson referred 6, - - 636 


Board of War, letter from Washington to, - - 641 
Memorial from George Measam referred to, - 726, 1157 
Letter from Joseph Trambull to, - - 3 a 7D 
Lists of Prisoners ordered to be sent to, - 784 
Report to Congress from, = bs s - 931, 1565 
Petition referred to, - - - - - - 962 
Letter from New Jersey Convention to, - - 978 
Return of Mercer’s army made to, - - - 1079 
Recommendation by, of Pretidhome la Jeunesse, - 1094 
Letter to, from General Charles Lee, - . - 1130 
Memorial from Chevalier Sauralle referred to, - 1180 
Sundry petitions referred to, : - - 1191, 1192 
Letter to, from the Virginia Council, - - - 1243 
Case of deserters: from Continental Army referred 

to, - . S - - - 1314 
Case of officers ordered fbn NewsJéreey to Penn- 
sylvania, referred to, - - - - - 1578 
Another member added to, - - - - - 1583 
Pay of an assistant Clerk to, fixed, - - - 1599 
Congress direct, to inquire into the state of the 
Northern Army, - - - - : - 1601 
Congress direct, to prepare a plan of operations for 
the next campaign, - - - - - - 1628 
Boards, Colonel Cortlandt ordered to purchase pine, - 1497 
Boarman, Henry, appointed Lieutenant in the Flying- 
Camp, - - - - - - - - 1345 

Boats, Arnold asks for a large number of, - - - 340 
Necessity of building, for use of the Army, - - 470 
Preparation of, to board unarmed vessels, —- - 634 
Washington desires Mercer to have flat- bottomed, 

in Newark Bay, - . - - - - 675 
Congress authorize, for Flying-Camp, - - 690 
Maryland Council of Safety order purchase 6 flat, - ‘782 
Pay of officers in the Pennsylvania armed, - - 1288 
Power given to impress needful number of, - - 1546 
Number of, ordered to be sent to General Clinton, - 1546 

Bogart, Mr., represented as a ‘‘ good Whig,” - - 934 
A ouard placed at the house of, - - - - 1546 
Records of New-York Convention kept at the house 

of, - - - - - - - - - 1546 

Bohea tea, E. Burr charged with exceeding price of, - 732 
Complaints against the high price of, - . - 1469 

Boltwood, Robert, advertised as inimical, - - - 11738 

Bond, form of, from masters of armed vessels, - ar SOL 

Bond, James, appointed Lieutenant of Flying-Camp, 1348 

Bond, Shadrack, appointed collector of fire-arms,, - 524 

Bond, Colonel William, death of, from putrid fever, - 1268 

Book of Common Prayer, New-York Convention re- 

commend to Congress an alteration of the, - 1396 

Boote, B. B., takes the oath of allegiance, - - 1380 

Boothe, James, Clerk to Delaware Assembly, - - 618 
Chosen Clerk to the Convention, - - - - 1179 

Boring-Mill, persons sent to erect a, - - - 1292 

Boston, letter from Committee of, to Massachusetts 

Council, - - - - - - 247 
An order to suspend smilie? hulks at, - - - 268 
Resolve for further fortifying, - - - - 269 
Decoy ships to be employed at, - - - - 280 
Vote of money to Selectmen of, - - - - 307 
Prisoners removed from Truro to, - - - - 310 
Assembly request Washington to pice two Bite 

ments from, - - . - 314 
Connecticut troops Retsil from siete by fear 

of small-pox, - - - - - - 401 
Camp proposed in the vicinity of, - . > - 405 
Independence proclaimed at, - - - - 425 
Call on Congress to aid in defence of, - - - 461 
Massachusetts Council to the Selectmen of, - - ATT 
Dread of small-pox at, - . - - - - 541 
Return of Ordnance Stores aty tithe - - - 586 
Return of Stock and Tools at, —- - - - 587 
Prize Ship sent into, by Commodore Hopkins, - 587 
Two Regiments from, arrive at New-York, - - 638 
Mr. Bowdoin relates to the Indians the conduct of 

the enemy at, - - - - - - 842 
Number of persons with small-pox at, - - - 1172 
Authority of General Officers at, expired, - - 1225 

Bostwick, Andrew, Pee of, to the New-York Con- 

vention, - . - - . - 1510 

Boucher, Captain, Major Price® gives aid to, = - Gre 

Boudelot, Basil, sent to Massachusetts, - - - 1615 

Bounties, order in Council extending, to seamen, - 1089 

Bounty, New-Hampshire offers, for mahtfactire of 

fire-arms, - - 49 
New- Hampshire offers, for elantihecute! of Wai lead 

and saltpetre, - - - - ‘ = 60 
New-Hampshire offers, to recruits for Canada, 54, 178 
New-York offers a large, to Militia, - 447, 1406, 1421 


1643 


Bounty, resolve of Massachusetts concerning the, on 


saltpetre, - - - - - - - 270 
Massachusetts gives a large, to her Militia, - - 460 
Allowed to Militia of Nassau- Island, - - - 539 
Manner of paying, prescribed, == - - - 539 
Extravagant demand of, by Boston Militia,  - - 584 
Colonel McDougall asks permission to offera, - 602 
Fraud used by soldiers to procure the, - - - 676 
Pennsylvania pays, to Associators to join Flying- 

Camp, - - - - - - - - 884 
Payment of, a State expense, - - 897 
Amount of, paid to seamen by Saeernout Trumbull, 987 
Maryland Council of Seer pays, to German Com- 

panies, - - - 1335, 1336 
Maryland Council of Safety pays, to a Rifle Com- 

pany, - - - - 1335, 1337 
No person to receive, peters passing muster, - - 1428 
Complaints among the troops concerning their, - 1536 
Granted to Colonel Remsen’s Regiment, — - - 1561 
Congress pass a general resolve regulating, - - 1579 

Bourke, Thomas, letter from, to ‘Maryland Council of 

Safety, - - - - - - 430, 1024 
Letter to, from Maryland Colne of Safety, - - 974 
Appointed Captain in Flying-Camp,_ - - - 1351 


Boush, Captain Nathaniel, testimony of, - - 9 
Bowdoin, James, letter to, from William Sever, 248, 567, 805 


Letter to, from Joseph Trumbull, - - - 485, 1189 
Letter to, from Joseph Palmer, - - - 516 
Letter from, to Massachusetts Council, - 58, Bo 971 
Letter to, from Massachusetts Council, - 702 
Information given by, to Washington, - - - 835 


Letter from, to Washington, - - - - - 661 


Letter to, from Richard Derby, - - - - 663 
Letter from, in relation to Eastern Indians, - - 836 
Letter to, from Washington, - - - - - 952 
Letter from, to Meshech Weare, - - 990, 1010, 1051 
Letter from, to Governour Cooke, - - - - 1155 
Letter to, from the same, - - - - 1172 
Letter from, to Colonel John Tenshi - - - 1266 
Letter to, from Stephen Badger, - - - 1239 
Bowen, Jabez, Secretary to the Rhode-Island Marine 
Committee, - - - - - - - 623 
Bower, Jacob, recommended for appointment, - - 1293 
Appointed by Congress First Lieutenant of Germans, 1583 
Bowers, Jerathmeel, ‘letter to, from the Massachusetts 
Council, . - - - - - - 133 
Resolve on a petition of, - - - - - 299 
Bowie, Captain, reported as missing, - . - 1250 
Bowman, Lieutenant, sent with armourer to Ticon- 
deroga, - - 209 
Box, Major, aiiereat to ae the as Brpedes Major, - 915 
Boyd, Robert, Jun,, Chairman of Ulster Committee, - 793 
Letter to, from New-York Convention, - - - 1405 
Boyd, Thomas, commissioned as Lieutenant, - - 1313 
Boyd, John, elected by Congress as Paymaster, - 1586 
Boyd’s Hole, Dunmore’s fleet near, - - - 490 


Boyer, Michael, appointed Lieutenant Br Geeniene. - 1336 
Boyer, Peter, recommended for appointment, - - 1293 


Congress appoint, Captain of Germans, - - 1583 
Boynoe, Mr., and family, on board Dunmore’s fleet, - 152 
Bracco, Bennet, to Maryland Council of Safety, 361, 592 


Brackett, Dr., to New-Hampshire Committee of Safety, 1226 
Bradbury, John, resolve on the accounts of, —- - 298 
Bradford, John, letter to, from President of Congress, 34 


Inventory of prizes furnished by, - - - - 209 
Mr. Glover complains of interference of, - - 478 
Call made upon, for prize articles, - - - 625 
Letter to, from the Marine Committee, - - - 670 
Washington’ s orders to, - - . - 770 
Dispute ‘of, with Glover, referred to Goniness aye by) 
Letter from, to Washington, - - S GOT 
Bradford, William, nominated as Lisntehant of Rifles, 183 
Receives the appointment, - - 5 A - 1335 
Bradley, Philip B., to Governour Trumbull, - 898 
Letter from, to Washington,- , - % 4 ~ 70 
Bradley, Colonel, Regiment of, at Bergen-Point, TE | 
Brady, Samuel, appointed First Lieutenant by Con- 
gress, - - - - - - 1587 
Bragan, Isaac, examination of, - = - 1506 


Brainard, Mr., member of New- ‘Hampshire Assembly, 65 


Braithwaite, Mr., a deserter from the fleet, - - 628 
Branch, Benjamin, discharged on security, - - 1573 
Branson, Ware, sent to Lebanon as disaffected, - 981 
Brass, fifty pounds of, to be delivered to Messrs. Bromall 
and Grigson, - - - - 1317 
Blunderbusses to be delivered to Mr. Lane, - - 1127 
Brasstown Creek, houses and corn on, destroyed, - 941 
Bratts, Mr., ammunition delivered to, - - - 1181 


\ 


INDEX. 


1644 


Brazee, John, a prisoner, money and liberty given to, 47 
Brearly, Colonet: brings news from Allentown, - Sy 


Brent, William, House of, fired by Dunmore’s fleet, - 593 
Brewer, Solomon, appointed Adjutant of Massachusetts 
Militia, - - - - : - - 281 
Brewer, Col. Samuel, camp equipage furnished to, - 551 
Letter from, to Gates, - - - - - - 1130 
Brewer, Colonel Jonathan, return of his artificers, - 765 
Brewster, John, pee ed ag of New-Hampshire 
Militia, : - - 64 
Brice, James, one éf the aiuapole Chminites - 181 
Brice, John, one of the Annapolis Committee, - - 181 
Brice, Adjutant, prisoner, escape of, - - - - 1250 
Bricket, James, appointed Colonel in Continental ser- 
vice, - - - - - - - - $14 
Promoted to be Brigadier-General, - - - 320 
Declines to be inoculated, - - - 361 
Ordered to command levies for worhern Army, 361,512 
Arrival of, at Ticonderoga, - - - - 900 
Bridge, Captain, vote to pay the roll BE - - - 300 
Bridge, Rebecca, resolve on petition of, - - - 805 


Bridges, Thomas, permitted to work at his trade, - 1135 


Bridgetown, New-Jersey, exposed state of, - - 469 
Enemy carry off cattle from, - : = 4 - 469 
Declaration of Independence read at, - = eel 1 

Brig, capture of a, from Antigua, = - - - - 780 
Invoice of the cargo of same, - - 4 = TSO 

Brigade-Majors, Mr. Ross recommended as one, = or 
Ordered to inform the Engineer of all exemption 

from fatigue duty, - - - - 4 - 503 
Represented as deficient in duty, - - * - 503 
Ordered to make daily reports, —- - ~ cans 


Brigades, arguments for copareS the Masterh and 
Southern, - - - 177 


Return of Scott’ s, reara’ s, and Wadsworth’ s, 331, 332 
Three, in Northern Army commanded by Colonels, 604 
Brigadiers, Washington refers vacancies to, - - 641 
Sentiments of Washington on the choice of, - - 815 
Congress pass an order for election of, - - - 832 
Lee submits a question to his, - - 5 - 905 
Brigantine, New-Providence sloop converted into, - '732 
Brigs, Connecucut unfortunate in the purchase of - 476 
Brmer: Mr., Mr. Hancock vga to vente te pay- 
ment of money from, - 2 ~ 8636 
Washington permits Mr. Palfrey to negotiate with, 
for Mr. Hancock, - - - 675 
Bringhurst, George, appointed euvenant of miyiag 
Camp <i =), oe Ss ns id Pea 
Bringhurst, James, paid for sash-weights, - - - 1827 
Brisben, James, excused from duty, - —- a - 1600 
Brisco, J. H., appointed Surgeon, - + s - 1360 
Bristol, Massachusetts, men to be raised in, = - - 289 
Field-Officers appointed for, - - : “ - 292 
Bristol, Sir Peter Parker’s flag-ship, - - ~ - 436 
Britain—see Great Britain. 
British, Administration informed of Mr. Deane’s arrival 
at Paris, - - - - - - if - 1018 
Guards, arrival of, at Staten-Island, - “ = BLO 
Forces, our out-parties surrounded by, : - 1212 


Officers, (prisoners,) to the Bragident’ By Congress, 222 


Brittain, A., member of Baltimore Committee, - - 115 
Britton, Captain, examination of, - - - - 1064 
Broad-axes, a promise of, to Gates, - - = - 922 
Broad Creek, Delaware, great disaffection at, - =e 
Brodhead, Colonel, march of, to Amboy, - - ~eto 

Mercer proposes to send, to Staten-Island, - - 370 


Brogden, Captain William, powder, &c, delivered to, - 1334 
Broken cannon, A. Hobart asks for, - - z 4s 
Bromfield, Henry, to Washington, - ‘ 
Bronson, Nathan, member of Georgia Counte of Safety, 6 


Brooke, Captain John, men enrolled by, - 614 
Ordered to Drum- Point, - - - 634, 1348, 1354 
Ordered to Huntington, - - 757 
Letter to, from Mar ryland Council of Seen . - 806 

Brooke, Major Richard, resignation of, - - - 960 

Brookfield, petition from Committee of, - - 551 

Brooking, James, appointed a Lieutenant of Ciken 

Mountain Boys, - - - . - = edd 

Brooks, William, deserter, examination of, - - | 997 

Brooks, James,. testimony of, - - - - - 1081 

Brooks, Mr., liberty of prison-yard granted to, - - 1325 

Brooks, Dr. David, Sr of, ‘referred to Wash- 

ington, - - - - 1518 

Broomback, Dr. B., Bie pod with dash his colours, - 1322 

Broome, John, to New-York Convention, - 374, 954 

Broome, Colonel, introduced by Washington to Goy- 

ernour Trumbull, — - - - - - - 450 


Broome, Samuel, sent to Connecticut for saltpetre, - 1214 


\ 


| 


| 
: 
4 
: 
{ 


1645 INDEX. 1646 
Broome, prizes taken by the privateer, =~ - - 1226 | Bullitt, Captain, Washington’s reply. to Lee’ s recom- 
Brown, John, and family, on board Dunmore’s fleet,- 152 mendation of, - ts p O17 
Brown, Jesse, post rider, vote to pay, - - - 241 | Bullman, suspected of tite the capePe of officers, 
Brown, Samuel, resolve on petition of, — - . - 273 prisoners, p i : - 596 
Brown, Benjamin, appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, - 293 | Bulloch, Archibald, Preedan of Caonzie Council of 
Brown, Dr. William, asks for Flying-Camp Hospital, 377 Safety, - = - ¢ é 2 u 6 
Brown, Hugh, joins the Indians in South- Carolina, - 489 Chosen Governour of aonmias - - - - 170 
Brown, a deserter, recapture of, - - - - 487 Proclamation issued by, - - - ° = 13 
Is received by General Gates, - - - - 547 | ‘Bunch of Grapes,” celebration at the, - - - 972 
Sent to Albany with charges, - - - - 548 | Bunker-Hill, soldiers who fought at, in Howe’s army, 197 
Brown, John, prisoner, permitted to attend Capp Rae otesits resolves to pay fag losses at, - - 75 
Goodwin, - - - 535 A prisoner taken at, arrives in Boston, - - 587 
Brown, John, ‘appointed i Congress Trenance Col- The enemy seem to have forgotten, —- : - 887 
onel, - - - - - - - 712 | Bunnel, Isaac, taken into custody at ‘Amboy, - =| 3S 
Extraordinary services of, - - - - - 984 Bunner, Jacob, recommended for appointment, - 1289 
Memorandum of said services, = - - - - 1218 Appointed Captain by Congtess, - - - - 1569 
Copy of a letter from, to Schuyler, < S - 1218 | Burbeck, Captain, ordered to New- York, - - - 6438 
Congress refer petition of, to Phage - - 1219 General Ward replies to the orders to, - - - 753 
Requests a court of inquiry, - - - - 1221 Washington repeats his orders to, é 2 amt tiG 
Commissioned by Congress as Tenterint Colonel, 1593 | Burd, Colonel Samuel, to Lancaster Committee, 4, 412 
Rank of, settled by Congress, - . - - 1597 Ordered from Flying-Camp to New-York, - - 909 
Brown, Captain, letter to from Colonel Drake, - - 1030 | Burga, a prisoner, brought from Long-Island, - - 1504 
Brown, Lieutenant, acquitted by court-martial, - - 1135 Examination of, - - - - - - - 1506 
Brown, Peter, appointed Ensign, - - - - 1333 | Burgess, John M., certificate of, — - : - - 527 
Brown, William, appointed Commissioner for Port of Burgess, Captain, accoutrements to be delivered to, - 906 
Bath, - - - - - - - 1379 Company of, commissioned, - - - 1355 
Browne, John, Chairman i the Boston Committee, - 247 | Burgess and Lane, to Maryland Council af Safety, - 1230 
Brown, Josiah, certified ‘‘a good Whig,” - - 1524 Burgess, Joseph, appointed Lieutenant Flying-Camp, 1348 
Brownfield, resolve on petition from, - - - 321 Burgess, Michael, appointed Ensign Flying-Camp, - 1348 
Brownson, Captain Gideon, to Gates, —- - 340, 398 Burgoyne, Lieutenant- General, information of, - - 
Appointed Captain by Congress, - : - - 1565 The lakes fortified against, - - - - - 118 
Bruere, Richard, a British Midshipman, taken prisoner, 22 Arrival of, with his army, —- - - - 130 
Examination and parole of, - i - - bia) 26 Plans of, anticipated by Westnet - . - 194 
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - - 623, 1096 Reported strength of the army of, - - - - 198 
Brundage, Daniel, an enemy to liberty, - - - 128 Washington enclosed to Schuyler a letter for, - 352 
Brunswick, New-Jersey, proper place for rendezvous, - 140 Schuyler’s speculations on the movements of, - 394 
Resolve on petition of Committee of, - - - 283 Washington’s letter for, is enclosed to Gates, 453, 473 
Company posted at, to stop deserters, - - - 885 Schuyler purposes writing to, concerning the ae 
Brunswick, Virginia, proceedings of Committee of, - 633 of prisoners, - - - - - - 474 
Brunswickers, Burgoyne hangs eight, - - - 626 Indians and Canadians imbodied by, - - - 477 
Great desertion from the corps of, - - - 129 Howe is informed of the letter addressed to, - - 501 
Brush, Smith, elected Ensign Queen’s County, - 258 Schuyler entertains no apprehensions of, —- - 561 
Bruyn, Jacobus, promotion of, referred to, - - 203 Colonel McLean’s report of the force, &c., of, - 626 
Bryan, Jonathan, member of the Georgia Council of Report of his arrival at St. John’s, . - - 682 
Safety, - - - - - - - - 6 Rumored retreat of, to the mouth of Sorel, - - 824 
Bryant, Lieutenant, wounded by scaling cannon, - 259 Unable to compete with the Lake fleet, - - 903 
Bryant, Ensign, court-martial ordered on, - - 677 Reported retreat of, to Montreal, &c., - - - 956 
Censured, and ordered to duty, - - - - 678 Major Bigelow hands to Captain Craig the letter for, 986 
Buchanan, Andrew, member of Baltimore Committee, 115 Promises to spend the winter in New-York, - - 1077 
Buchanan, Archibald, letter from, to Maryland Coun- Schuyler directed to apply to, for exchanges, - 1600 
cil of Safety, - - - - - - - 634 | Burk, Captain, arrival of, at Marblehead, - - - 662 
Buchanan, Brigadier-General, letter to, from Maryland Burke, Thomas, letter from, to General Lee, - - 98 
Council of Safety, - - - - - 101, 153 | Burke, Peter, thirty-nine lashes to, for desertion, - 911 
Buchanan, Richard, letter to, from Magyiand Council Burkhard, Daniel, recommended to Congress, - - 1289 
of Safety, - = - 102 Appointed by Congress a Captain, - - - 1569 
Letter to, from Micsland Corned ‘of Sie - 667 | Burlington, New-Jersey, Convention removed from, - 37 
Contract made with, for row-galleys,  - - - 1346 | Burnaby, Captain, Howe’s envoy to Governour Cooke, 896 
Buck, Asahel, appointed Lieutenant by Congress, - 1618 | Burnham, George, application for release of, - - 1051 
Buckhast, George, employed on Lancaster Barracks, 1135 | Burnham, Josiah, sentenced to be whipped, - - 1270 
Buckland, Stephen, letter from, to Governour Trum- Burr, Captain Ephraim, report of the conduct of, - 470 
bull, - - - - - - - - 660 | Burr, Major Aaron, letter to, from Major Ogden, 603, 901 
Bucklin, Captain, successful cruise of, — - - - 659 Letter from, to Timothy Edwards, - - - 887 
Buckner, Colonel, makes charges against Lieutenant Burr, Elijah, confession of, relating to tea, - - 732 
Jones, - ; ee = - - 736 Recommended to the favour of the publick, - 0733 
Bucks County, proceedings of Commiten of, - - 171 | Burrell, Colonel, list of paonets from Regiment of, at 
Committee of, order the repair of fire-arms, - = rikeeg 1 the Cedars, - - - - 167, 168 
Buckwith, Lee’s character of, - - - _ - 428 | Burroughs, James, clerk to Atarosbaraueh Committee, 128 
Budd, Mrs., keeper of a Tory house, - - - 1164 Burrows, (prisoner, ) caution in guarding, advised, - 19 
Buell, Ticutenene: Colonel, Deputy yertcanartan at Bush, Soloman, appointed Lieutenant and Adjutant 
Fort George, - - - . - - 562 in Flying-Camp,-— - - - - - - 349 
Ordered to join his Regiment, 7 - ~ - 681 | Bussey, Josiah, promoted to First Lieutenant, - =4n801 
Washington declines to interfere with, - “ - 694 | Bussey, Captain Bennet, order to pay money to, - 1333 
Buell, Rev. Solomon, letter from, to Governour Trum- Commission issued to, - ~ - - 1348 
bull, - - - - - 1236, 1261, 1278 | Bustead, Morgan, air furnace of, taken for Publick 
Bulkely, Richard, proclamation of, - - = - 959 use, - “ - - : - - - - 1292 
Bull, Thomas, letter from, to Gates, - - - - 359 | Butchers, order respecting, at Annapolis, - - - 1841 
Bull, John, Chairman Philadelphia Committee, - - 467 | Butler, John, thirty stripes to, for desertion, — - - 226 
Bull, Joseph, sent to Lebanon as disaffected, - - 981 | Butler, Colonel attempts of, to gain over Indians, - 395 
Bull, Colonel, an order to muster the Battalion of, - 1311 Calls a second meeting at Niagara, - - 16 
Bull, Manning, reports the capture of General Wood- Butler, Captain, anxiety of, to resign, - < - 601 
hull, = ~ ~ > - - - - 1564 | Butler, John, transactions of, rented « “ - 866 
Bullen, John, one of the Annapolis Committee, - 181 | Butler, Lieutenant, reported missing - - - 1250 
Appointed Captain of an Independent Company, - 1339 Death of, reported, - - : - - - 1195 
Bullet-Moulds, General Waterbury asks for, = - - 629 Killed in battle on Long-Island, - . « - 1244 
Demand for, repeated, - - - - 717 | Butler, Richard, elected Major by Congress, - - 1581 
Bullets, too large for the guns at Si eneshorueh, - 629 | Butler, Waterbury sends a supply of, to Gates, - - 795 
Bullitt, Colonel, accompanies Lee to Haddrell’s Point, 437 | Butterbee, Benjamin, sentenced to be drummed out 
Appointed Deputy Adj. General South-Carolina, - 632 ofthe army, - eiiepi ton mike - - 1272 


1647 


INDEX, 


Butterfield, Major, surrender of, at the Cedars, - - 159 
Congress refuses to ratify cartel of exchange of, - 160 
Copy of his capitulation, —- = . - 162 
Articles of Major Sherburne itn by, - . - 163 
His testimony on the breach of convention, - - 165 
Is ordered to Crown-Point, - - - - - 358 
A court-martial ordered on, - - 655 
Cashiered, and declared incapable of ever ie 

office, - - - . - - - - 748 
Sentence of the court approved, - - - - 801 
Report of Committee to Congress on, - - - 1571 
Decision of Congress thereupon, - - - - 1594 

Byram River, desire of New-York Convention to for- 

tify, - - - - - - - - 449 
Propriety of a camp at, suggested, - - - 1409 
Opinion of Washington in relation to, - - - 1423 

Byrd, Major Tom, hurried escape of, - - 401, 214 

Byrd, Otway, one of General Lee’s aids, - - - 437 

C. 

Cables sent from Albany to Gates, - - - - 773 
Disappointment in the arrival of - - - n: 872 

Cabot, order to equip the, for a cruise, - - - 1106 

Cadwalader, Dr., certificate of, - ° “ ~) 532 

Cadwalader, Colonel John, firelocks ordered to, - 1290 

Cajaghsoda, a Seneca sachem, long talk of, = - - 395 

Cahaggan, Hugh, thirty-nine stripes, and drummed 

out of camp, - - - - - - - 914 

Calbiac—see De Calbiac. 

Calcott, Lieutenant, bearer of a flag from Lord Howe, 549 
Arrival of, in the Merlin, at Newport, - 605 

Calderhead, W., and family, on board Lord Danie, s 

fleet, - - - - - 152 

Calderwood, Mr., eeapierian as Lieutenant of Ma- 

rines,  - - - - - - - - 683 

Caldwell, Billy, goes off with the officers for Lebanon, 596 

Caldwell, Rev. James, letters to, from A. Clarke, - 811 

Caldwell, William, appointed Paymaster, - - 966, 1607 

Caldwell, Lieutenant, wounded in the hand, - - 1254 

Calfe, John, appointed Vapiain of the New- “Hampshire 

Militia, - - - - 64 

Calhoun, J., Antal of artic Comnaent - =i LD 

Calvert, Pierre du, Congress grant a brevet to, - - 1604 

Cambridge, resolve to remove Harvard College to, - 272 

Cambridge Blues, (Eastern-Shore, Md.,) march of, - 430 

Campbell, Lieutenant- Colonel, capture of, - - 105 
A prisoner at Boston, - - - - - - 789 
Discharges four of his servants, - - - - 959 
Order of Massachusetts Council relative to, - - 971 

Campbell, sloop, one of Dunmore’s fleet, - - - 152 

Campbell, John, one of Annapolis Committee, - - » 181 

Campbell, Colonel, cashiered by court-martial, - - 840 
Gates refers his sentence to Schuyler, - - - 358 
Is reported to Schuyler as having left the army, - 825 
Proceedings in case of, sent to Washington, - - 915 

Campbell, Captain Robert, narrative of, - - - 419 
Judge Christian’s accusation against, - - - 421 

Campbell, Colonel, of the Scotch Highlanders, - - 662 

Campbell, Captain, of Royal Emigrants, parole of, - 783 

Campbell, Captain John, captures made by, - - §809 

Campbell, Dr. William, arrives at New-York in Sir 

Peter Parker’s fleet, - - - - - - 949 
Campbell, Archibald, examination of, - 996 
Campbell, William, appointed Lieutenant Marre 

Artillery, - - - - - - Be PT 
Campbell, John, admitted to peeaie - - 1375 
Campbell, William, owns ship sunk in Cape Fear 

River, - - - - - - - 1378 

Camp equipage, General Howe’s an of, - - 106 
Resolution relating to, - - - = - 551 
Howe complains of the want of, - - - « 88 
Howe acknowledges the receipt of, - - - 963 

Camp-kettles, Lancaster Committee resolve to pur- 

chase, - - - - - 188 
Massachusetts csepiyiin a Committe to provide, - 288 
Appropriation for purchase of, —- - : - 289 
Resolution for providing, - ps « - 294 
Fifty pounds granted for cheater of, - - - 297 
Tin supplied to Timothy Newell for, - - - 322 
Resolve relating to distribution of, - - =~ 551 
Order for, to Colonel Reed’s Massachusetts Regi- 

ment, - - - - - - - 585 
Massachusetts Militia detained hes want of, - 684 
A number of, made for Maryland Council of Safety: 781 
Order of, for the Philadelphia guard, - ss - 1299 

Cameron, Alexander, at the head of Cherokees, - 805 

Canada, Boston troops destined for, - - - 3 
Misfortunes i in, imputed to Congress, - = = 40 


Canada, Gates sent to, with full Pawan - . ies Ot 
Fear of the small-pox in, - - = 428 
Facilities given to recruiting adieten for, in Naw 

Hampshire, . - - - 54 
Conference of Now-Famap ities aries on the 

affairs of, - - - - - - 55, 79 
Resolutions thereupon, - - - - 65 
Advance pay granted to Reginients for, - - 69 
Washington’s letter to Lee on the affairs of, - 97 
Facts with regard to the army in, - - - - 128 
Sullivan’s services in, complimented, - - - 127 
Description of the retreat from, - - - - 134 
Sullivan asks to retire from the army in, - - 235 
Massachusetts resolves to raise five thousand men 

for, &0,, [- ate - - - ~ in Q87 
Route prescribed for the troops Hestined for, - - 298 
Resolve to supply powder to the troops for, - - 805 
Advance of pay to officers destined for, - - 311, 315 
Lee’s opinion as to giving up, —- - - 429 
General Howe has no control over oe in, - 501 
Reference to Committee on disasters in, - - 983 
Prisoners in, allowed to return home, - - - 1166 
Lieutenant Whitcomb sent to get information of the 

enemy in, - - - - - - - 1202 
Addition made to the Committee on, - - - 1568 
Report of Committee on disasters in, - - - 1594 
Further report on, - - - . - 1596, 1598 
The report on, recommitted, - - : - 1599 

Canadian officers, four, sent to General Gates, - - 97 
Particulars collected from examination of, - - 798 
Good character of the, - 4 - 799 

Canadians, the Regiment of, ondaraa to Albany, - 656 
Gates sends to Congress the examination of two, - 796 
Carleton’s conduct towards, exposed, - - - 799 
Barbarous treatment of, friendly to the United States, 969 
Number of naked and destitute, at Albany, - - 1031 
Colonel Livingston ordered to inlist,  - - - 1609 

Canasadagua, order to burn and destroy, - - - 146 

Canceaux, fishing boats captured by the, - - 428, 479 

Canfield, Major, reported march of, to New-York, - 957 

Cannon, difficulty about the, at Providence, - - 40 
The, left by Commodore Hopkins at New-London, 45 
New-Hampshire votes to borrow from Massachusetts, 69 
A demand for, taken at Providence, - = -* P19 
Order to account for, left at New-London, - - 144 
The enemy had no, at the Cedars, - “ - 159 
Messrs. Hughes apply for a contract for, - - 219 
An account furnished of the New-London, - - 262 
Purchase of, in Connecticut, for a Massachusetts 

brig, - - 248 
Resolve to rae sundry pts vie 265, 273, 296, 297 
Massachusetts appoints a committee to purchase, - 266 
Richard Darby is supplied with, - - = oh OF: 
Resolve to place, on the gurnet, - - 5 - 74 
Resolve to SPADE a committee of inquiry as to 

casting, - - - - - - 74 
The “ Rising isp euppies with, - : - 283 
Balls purchased for, at Truro, - - Z - 298 
Manufacture of, encouraged, - - a - 808 
Massachusetts votes to lend, to New-Hampshire, - 310 


Gov. Trumbull unable to send, to Washington, 400, 450 


Connecticut orders, from Salisbury Furnace, - - 456 
Arnold calls for more heavy, - + : - 680 
A. Hobart casts, for Thomas Durfee, - - - 748 
Good position for mounting, at Tarrytown, - - 791 
Ordered from Livingston’s Manor, - E - 923 
Connecticut furnishes, for defence of Hudson River, 935 
Massachusetts unable to supply, to New-Hampshire, 990 
Two hundred brass, to be sent from France, - - 1022 
Maryland Council of Safety order, to rte - 1133 
Order for sending, to Portsmouth, - - - 1283 
Arrival of, at New-York, for use of Becieanaial - 1287 
Rusty, found in old works at Crown-Point, - - 1239 
Order for sending, to New-Jersey, . - - 1314 
Exposed situation of, near King’s Bridge, - - 1514 
Erection of, on east end of Nassau-Island, - - 1545 
Prisoners employed in casting, - - = - 1587 
Contracts ordered by Congress for casting, - - 1615 
Colonel Mark Bird contracts to cast, - 2 - 1616 
Cannonade, duration of the, at Sullivan’s Island, - 438 
Canteens, order to fill, every night, at New-York, - 225 
Massachusetts appoints a committee to provide, - 288 
Resolve relative to providing, - - - = 294 
Measures taken to distribute, - - - - 551 
eDelay in furnishing, accounted for, - - - 609 
Order at Head-Quarters to provide, - - -" BFS 
Massachusetts Militia detained for wantof, - - 684 
Colonel Ewing applies for,- - ~ = - «= 882 


1649 INDEX. 1650 
Cantillon, Richard, ‘petition from, - . - - 1457 | Cartel, Major Sherburne is forced to signa, = - 161 
Cape Cod, harbour open to the enemy, - - - 146 Rumour that the Foreign pus insist on the settle- 
Cape Elizabeth, cannon supplied to, - - - 298 ment of a, . ¢ 4 a ~ - 52 
Cape Fear River, Clinton’s proclamation ati, < 2” 307 Lord Gerinains forbids a, with Rebels,” = - - 1104 
Vessels sunk in, to obstruct, - - - - 1377 Report to Congress on Arnold and Foster’ S,- - 1571 
Cape Frangois, extrhiot of a letter from, - - - 88] Congress order the above to be printed, - - 1583 
General Lee to the Governour of, - - - - 1227 A plan of, reported to Congress, - - = - 1585 
Cape Nicola Mole, extract ofa letter from, = - - 904 | Carter, Josiah, chosen Ensign ‘of Massachusetts Militia, 663 
Information received from, - - - - - 1011 | Carter’s Valley, Indians encamped oy ee - - 973 
Cape Sable, inquiry as to, Indians, - - - - 846 | Cartouch-Boxes, order to supply Flying-Camp with,~ 153 
Capen, Jonathan, resolve on petition of, - - - 313 Application for, &c., from Cecil County, Md., - 782 
@aptain of the Guard, Heath’s orders to the, - - 1237 | Cartridge-Paper, General Gates in want of, - - 887 
Captains, thirty die of small-pox in Northern pasiehe - 129 Scarcity of, - . - a 2 - 1326 
Three killed by the Indians, - - - - 613 | Cartridges, daily returns of, to Head- Quarters orieven 504 
Schuyler asks Governour Trumbull for five sea, - 829 Damaged, to be returned to Commissary, —- - 767 
Capture, act of New-Hampshire, defining legal, = 92 Colonel Drake to be supplied with, - - - 1553 
Condemnation of a, necessary, - - - nos Order for remanufacture of, damaged, - - - 1559 
Captures, resolve respecting, in Massachusetts, - - 279 | Carts, order for impressment of, - - 1497 
Cardrop, Captain T., ordered, with carpenters, to -Al- Cartwright, Richard, King’s birthday edlebrated. at the 
bany, - - - = S ot e945 house of, - - = - 890 
Carey, Henry, order for reatortig property to, - - 1349 | Cartwright, Daniel, Captain of wsen “Polly! “ - 1383 
Cargill, James, prays excuse from military duty, - 1491 | Cary, Simeon, appointed Colonel of Massachusetts 
Cargo, account of the ship Peggy’s, - & - 662 Militia, - = = = - - - - 292 
Ofa schooner taken by Major Fallen, - - - 665 Arrival of, at New-York without his Regiment, - 727 
Carleton, General, conduct of, in’75, —- - - 12 | Cash, sloop Congress captures a large amount of, - 708 
His son painted as an Indian, - - - - 27 | Casks, order to fill all empty, with fresh water, - - 225 
Howe expects, in New-York, - - - - 105 Gunpowder, to be marked U.S. A., - - - 1623 
Reported to be at St. John’s, - - . - 238 Initials of maker’s name to be put on, - - - 1623 
Enemy waiting arrival OE ieee - - - - 453 | Castel, Captain, appointed to command a sloop, - 935 
Arrival of, at Quebeck, - - - - - 480 | Catawba, thirty-five persons killed on river, — - - 613 
Plans of, said to have miscarried, - - - - 488 | Catharine, order for delivery of schooner, - - - 301 
Does not move with Burgoyne, - - - - 626 | Cat-Schooners recommended for the ferries, —- - 743 
Gates sends a flag to, - - - - - - 682 | Cat’s sleep, France and Spain sleeping a, - - - 926 
Howe refers the case of Colonel Allen to, - - 711 | Cattle, Georgia proposes to pay the Indians in,- — - 8 
Reported return of, to Quebeck, - - : - 776 The enemy drive off, from New-Jersey, - - eR 
Conduct of, to the ‘Canadians, - - - 789 Number of, on Montauk Point, - - - - "46 
Gates acquaints Trumbull with reply of, - - 899 Fat, sent to Ticonderoga, - - - - - 454 
Calls for provisions from England, - - - 904 Cash required for purchase of, —- - . - 824 
Schuyler’s remarks on the conduct of, - - 985, 999 General Greene proposes to remove the, from Long- 
Copy of his order, handed to Major Bigelow, - 987 Island, - - - - - - - - 967 
Washington transmits the above to Congress, - 108% General exportation of, forbidden, - : - - 1240 
Orders of, contrasted with Howe’s reply, = « - 1094 Enemy consume all the, on Staten-Island,_ - - 1532 
Lord Germaine’s despatches to, - 1103, 1104, 1105 Three hundred, brought from Newtown, - - 1548 
E. Gerry’s opinion of the orders of, - - 1147 Order for removing, from New-York Island, - - 1561 
Sundry letters, written in the name of the roseeree Colonel Smith ordered to Long-Island to destroy, - 1561 
sent by, - - - - - - - - 1167 | Caughnawaga, list of prisoners at, - - - - 165 
Parole of American praia. to, - - - - 1168 Condition of the, Indians represented, - - - 867 
A Proclamation by, - - - - 1240 | Cavalry, necessity of, for protection of the South, - 436 
Address of the City of Montreal tb) - - - 1241 Lee’s application for, submitted to Congress, - 911 
Reply of, to the Address, - - - - - 1241 | Cavendish, New-York, ammunition supplied to, by 
Carlisle, Captain, list of Company of, acdeseaaet - 167, 169 Massachusetts, - - - - - - - 322 
Sentenced to be cashiered, - - - - 1124 | Cayashuta, a Chief, thanks of Congress to, - - 1595 
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, report of attack on the prison- -| Cayugas, arrival of the, at German- Flats, - - 715 
ers at, disproved, - - - - - - ‘759 | Cecil County Committee, Maryland Council of Safety 
Carmichael; James, disability of, for duty, - - = "582 to, - - - - - - - . - 1090 
Carnes, Thomas, Steward of General Hospital, - - 648 | Cedar Creek, Dunmore and the Tories at, - ssw i | 
Carney, James, ignominious punishment of, - - 1269 | Cedar Swamp, encampment of Tories at, - - . 2 
Carolina Packet, capture of the brig, - - - 1226 | Cedars, the capitulation at the, - - - - 158 
Carpenter, Captain Lieutenant, attached to Stirling’s Number of prisoners taken at the, - - - 169 
Brigade, - 2 = - = - - coast fe Losses of Bedel’s Officers at the, - s a ~ SOS 
Carpenter, Benjamin, committed to Jail, - - - 1367 Murders committed at, the subject ofa flag, - - 682 
Carpenter, Jasper, musket supplied to, for lost one, - 1294 Report of a Committee to Congress on the case of, 1571 
Carpenter, John, commissioned as First Lieutenant, - 1313 Resolve of Congress touching the enemy’s con- 
Carpenter, John, powder-mill erected by, - - - 1418 duct at, - - - - - - - - 1573 
Carpenter, Jonathan, committed to Jail, - - - 1367 | Center, Al., appointed an Ensign, - - - - 1126 
Carpenter, William, Romntitted to Jail,’ = - 1367 | Centurion, arrival of the British ship, - - ad if 
Carpenters, fifty sent from Philadelphia to Schuyler, - 194} Cerberus, Americans.detained on board the, - - 550 
Captain Lester raises a company of, - - 239 | Certificate, Colonel Brown’s, relating to Col. Allen, - 498 
Schuyler complains of non-arrival of, - - - 23 Rey. Mr. Fendall’s, relating to Sandy-Point,-, - 528 
Arrival of, at Skenesborough, - - - - A474 Warren Dent’s, on the same subject, - - - 528 
Inlistment of, in Rhode-Island, completed, - - 549 Of sundry persons on the same subject, - - - 5627 
The Pennsylvania, arrive at Albany, - - - 563 Dr. Cadwalader’s, of a soldier’s disability,  - 532 
Number of gondolas per week prescribed to, - 629 | Chaillé, Peter, to Maryland Council of Safety, - a17, 1174 
Schuyler to Gates on the subject of, - - - 648 | Chain, consultation about pant a, across the North- 
Full allowance of rum insisted on by the, - - '730 River, - - - - 546 
Number of, employed on batteaus, - - ‘748 Description of ene! won in the SoreT - - 2735 
Waterbury to the company of, at ‘Walltannatawl - 1004 | Challenge, Washington is informed of a, - - ome, 
Small number of, fit for duty at Skenesborough, - 1238 | Chamberlain, James, uss Captain of Connecti- 
Order for, to make gun-carriages,-  - - = 1514 cut Militia, = - -  - 1099 
Carr, Lieutenant, death of, -  - - 1126 | Chamberlaine, Gen., to Maryland Cauiven of Safety, 627, 667 
Carroll, Charles, of Carrollton, letter to, oni enol: 166 | Chambers, Rowland, recommended as Paymaster, - 172 
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 618 Application of, rejected by Congress, - - - 1579 
Elected amber of Maryland Convention, - - 863 | Chambers, Lieutenant-Colonel, reports from Graves- 
Carroll, Charles, Barrister, letter to shih Council end, - - - patie ty - - 602, 628 
of Safety, - - - - 614] Chambers, Benjamin, commissioned by Maryland as 
One of the Anne Avandéll County Delepates: - 1055 Lieutenant, - - - - - - * - 1333 
Appointed Vice President of ees Council of Chambly, Wooster sends certain officers to, - - 12 
Safety,  - - - - > - - 1331 Difficulties of the army ‘at, - - : : - 130 


Fiery Series.—Vot. I. 


104 


Chapman, Colonel Samet to Serres Trumbull, - 1085 
Chapman, Simon, appniaied Ensign of Connecticut 


Militia, - - - - - - 1099 
Chapmen, dealing with, Paden - - - - 459 
Chappell, Captain Frederick, money to, for raising 

seamen, - - - - - - - - 1008 

Governour Trumbull mentions to Schuyler, - - 1115 
Charles County, Maryland Council of Safety to Com- 

mittee of, - - - - - 433, 1191 

Charleston, S. C., General pe s jens from, - - 435 
Ps tracis: oiileter from, - - - 632, 685, 805 
Intelligence of matters at, - - - - 719, 940 
Ships anchored off, bar, - - - - - 632 
Izard’s opinion of the defeat of the British at, - 1242 


Charlestown, New-Hampshire, camp equipage or- 
dered to, - - - - - - - syEDOL 
Charlestown, Mass., Indians told of the burning of, - 842 
Committee to General Gates, - - - - 1170 
‘Charlestown Cutter,” resolve to discharge the brig, - 316 

Charlestown No. 4, New-Hampshire Committee of 
Safety to Selectmen of, - - - - - 1117 
Charlotte, capture of the sloop, - - - - 23 
Charlotte schooner, one of Dunmore’s fleet, = - mii ye 


Charlotte County, Delegates from, fail to present cre- 


dentials to New-York Convention, - - - 1387 
The Deputies from, take their seats, —- - - 1402 
Represented by Mr. Duer, - - - - - 1444 
Charlton, resolve on petition from town of, : - 296 
Charming Sally, capture of the ship, - - - - 1226 
Chase, Samuel, one of the Canada Commissioners, - 166 

Recommends Captain Stricker and Mr. Wyelpers - 187 


Letter from, to General Gates, —- - 410, 864 
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Sate 531, 618, 669 


Letter from, to Richard Henry Lee, - - - 672 
Letter to, from Captain Stricker, - - - - 569 
Letter from, to General Arnold, - - - - 810 
Elected a member of Maryland Convention, - - 863 
One of the Anne Arundel Delegates, - - - 1055 
Directed to attend the Board of War, - - - 1601 
Chase, Captain, arrives with a valuable cargo, - - 141 
Chase, Thomas, makes return of stock, &e., - - 9587 
Chase, Captain William, list of prizes captured by, - 1010 
Chase, Henry, committed to jail at White-Plains,  - 1444 
Chastellier, Chevalier, a friend of Dr. Franklin, - - 1021 
Chatham, arrival of the British ship, - - - doe t 


Chaumont, Monsieur, Mr. Deane accepts the offer of, 1015 
Chauncey, Charles, subscriptions for inlistments paid 


to, - . - - - - : - 179 
Chauncey, Isaac, pavertioen as inimical, - - - 1173 
Cheever, David, resolve on petition of, — - - - 309 
Cheever, Ezekiel, receipt of, for arms, = - - 360, 399 

Return of ordnance stores from, - - - - 586 
Damaged cartridges to be returned to, - - - 768 
Cherokees, numerous tribe of, in Georgia, - . 7 
Defeated by Fincastle Militia, — - : - - 464 
Outrages committed by, in South-Carolina, - 95, 568 
Take up the hatchet in South-Carolina, - - 481 
Preparations for attacking the, - = . - 488 
Lieutenant Williamson commands against, - - 612 
Inhabitants of Watauga, &c.., attacked by, + - 1376 
Their towns abandoned by, - - . - 1377 
Cherry Point, two large cannon mounted A: - - 615 


1651 INDEX. 1652 
Chambly, proceedings of a council of war at, - - 164 | Cheshire’s Mill, three Companiaa ordered to be post- 
Copy of a General Order issued at, - - - 987 edat, - - 358 
Champlain, “Samuel, appointed Lieutenant of Connec- Chesley, Robert, appointed Lieutenant of Maryland 
ticut Artillery, - - - - 294 Militia, - - - 1350 
Champlain, Samuel, apralcasd Third Ligeienant a Chester, Jonathan, a fort pale on the de of, - - 242 
the Colony ship, - - - - - - 699 | Chester, Colonel, letter to, from Colonel Trumbull, - 1082 
Champlain—see Lake Champlain. : Chester, arrival of a Continental ship at, - - - 691 
Chance, valuable captures made by the,  - 589 | Chester County, proceedings of Committee of, - - 932 
Chandler, Joseph, apponiee Captain First fanadinn Chesterfield, powder ordered to the Selectmen of, - 50 
Regiment, - - - - - 58, 83 | Chevaux-de-frise, near Mifflin’s post, - - 752, 887 
Chandler, C. Gy: to Governour Trumbull, - - - 859 General Mifilin at a loss where to sink, - - - 790 
Chandler, Lieutenant, decease of, - - - - 1126 Timber ordered for, at Billingsport, - - 1326 
Chapin, Noah, appointed Lieutenant of Connecticut Chew, Captain Richard, letter to, from J. Wilkingon, - 216 
Militia, - = iy ie - - - - - 1099 | Chew, Joseph, Secretary for Indian affairs, - - 868 
Chaplain, Congress appoint a, - - - - - 117 | Chew, Captain, Marine eammitice order a command 
_Chaplains, change in the establishment of, - - 148 to be offered to, : - - - 1107 
Washington orders due respect to, - - - 226 | Chief Justice, form of commission as in New-Hamp- 
Importance of, in an army, - . 2 Maisie - 970 shire, = - - - - 49 
Congress order ahecioiment of, for all the Regi- Act of New- Prana to establish the style of, - 56, 
ments, - - - - - - 1567 ay oh Ly dee 
Chapline, Moses, Bepomied lientenant of Miganee Recital at large of the act establishing, - : sp 
Camp~ - - - - 1350 | Child, Major Jonathan, MOREY, for ammunition voted 
Chapman, Captain, runs fom Ganisin Biicke, - - 706 to, - - OG 
Chapman, Captain James, to act as Major, 966 | Child, Colonel sph to ee “Hampshire Commit 
Appointed by Genes: Mee in Colonel Tyler's tee of Safety, - - - - - 341 
Battalion, - - - - - 1613 | Child, Lemuel, resolve on petition of, - - - 305 


Child, Nathaniel, appointed Ensign Flying- Camas - 349 


Childs, Major, introduction of, to Gates, - - 989 
Childs, James, sent to Edenton as inimiéal, —- - 1875 
Chingotague, difficulty of getting flour to, - - 383 
Mr. Hooe’s purchases at, - - - - - 591 
Chiswell’s Mines, five tons of lead ordered from, - 613 
Indians suspected of a design to attack, - - 613 
Choctaws, numerous tribe of, in Georgia, - - . Ff 
Choiseul, Due de, all eyes in France turned on the, - 1018 
The friend and patron of General Hopkins, - °- 1020 
Choptank, flint-stones reported in River, - - - 619 
Christian, Paul, recommended as Ensign, - - - 257 
Receives the appointment, - - 1336 
Christian, Judge Robert, Captain Campbell's seed 
Ba: to,. = - - . - - - 419 
Infamous conduct of, - - - . - - 421 
Christian, Colonel William, resignation of, - - 1053 
Christie, Robert, called upon to read Independence, - 523 
Commitment of Alexander McGee sent to, - - 635 
Threats against, for not reading the Declaration of 
Independence, - - - 668 
Letter from, to Maryland Count i seapies . - 930 
Christie, Gabriel, sends a gun to Maryan Council of 
Safety, - - - 1092 


Christie, John, appointed one at of DGTAM Bria 1348 
Church, danger apprehended by Episcopalians to the, 202 
Ministerial project for appointing protectors to the, 462 


Church, Dr., sent from Norwich to Watertown, - - 683 
Churches, the King’s portraits removed from, - - 419 
Address of the Baptist, to Governour of Virginia, - 905 
The established, all shut up in New-York, - - 949 
Independence read in the Boston, - - 972 
Circular Letters, Connecticut sends, to all her towns, - 731 
Governour Trumbull issues; - 858 
City Hall, (New-York aba) Declaration bE Independence 
read at, - - 419 
Nine Tories sent to he by Cee - - - 887 
City Island, in the Sound, plundered by SUSY, - 1215 
Civil Liberty, Dr. Price’s pamphlet on, —- - 170 
Clagett, Wyseman, member of the NeweHamaciies 
~ Assembly, . - - - - AT 
Appointed Notary Pohick, - - z : 58, 84 
Chosen member of Committee of Safety, - - 85 
Clagett, Horatio, will thankfully accept a Lieutenant’s 
commission, - - - - - - - 1230 
Claims, all BubHck, rere to the Committee of Trea- 
sury, - - - - - 1595 


jeutenant of Flying-Camp, 188 
pintant of Massachusetts 


Clark, Robert, apROTne 
Clark, William, apPowntes 


Militia, - - - - 268 
Clark & Nightingale, invoice of Ahte forte - - 309 
Extract of a letter from, - - - - - 943 
Clark, Nathan, letter from, to Schuyler, - - - 377 
Letter to, from General Gates, - - - - A474 
Clark, Captain Thomas, testimony of, - -  - 58 
Examination of, - - - - - 1512 
Clark, Captain Samuel, letter from, to Wapcds: Warren, 778 
Chosen Captain of the Chelsea Militia, - - - 778 
Clarke, Abraham, letter from, to Colonel Dayton, - 785 
Letter from, to the Rev. James Caldwell, - - ig 
Clarke, James, published as an enemy, - - - 1056 
Clarke, William, parole of, extended, - - - 1365 


1653 


Clarkson, Basil, apprehension of. + + * = 217 
Petitions to be heard before et ag Council of 
Safety, - - - - - - - 218 
Is committed to jail, - - - - - - 1347 
Clarkson, George, twenty stripes to, for mutiny, - 225 
Clarkson, Matthew, appointed by Congress superin- 
tendent of the Press, - - > - 1613 
Claudge, Francis, convicted of desertion and rein- 
listment, aS - : : - 965 
Clay, James, Chairman of Cinberiba Committee, - 565 
Clayton, W. W., order for arrest of, - - - - 1342 
Compelled to ‘give security, - - - - - 1350 
Cleanliness, Washington’s orders enforcing, = - - 227 
Clemens, Francis, a prisoner of war, disposed of, - 22 
Clerk, Robert, elected Lieutenant of Volunteers, - 121 
Clerk, Lemuel, 5th Captain of Green Mountain Boys, 377 
Clerk, General Mercer asks for aes - - 371 
Cleveland, Captain, appointed to brig Respatas - 670 
Clinton, Lieutenant-General Sir Henry, Lee’s infor- 
mation of, - - - - - - 95 
George Johnson’s defence of - : = - 99 
Howe waits the arrival of, - : - - - 105 
Lee, the evil genius of, - - - - - 215 
Reported repulse of, in South-Carolina, - - 348 
Proclamation issued by, - - - - - 437 
Exchanges compliments with Lee, - - - 440 
Note from, with a present, to Lee, - - - 489 
Strange rumour at Albany concerning, - - - 603 
State of his Army, described by Lee, - - - 612 
Is suspected of corresponding with Lee, - - 742 
Arrival of, at Staten-Island, - : - - - 789 
Rumour of Sir Peter Parker’s quarrel with, - - 818 
Ignorant of his position at Haddrell’s Point, - - 904 
Commands a division on Long-Island, - - 1256 
Clinton, General Sse letters to, fon General 
ashington, - - - - 227, 601, 853 
Letters from, to Wachiip tent 354, 544, 728, 819 
Letter to, from Colonel A. Hawkes Hay jr. - 337 
Washington names, to command the New-York 
levies, - - - : - - - - 449 


New-York Convention approve the nomination of, 852 
Appointment of, to the command of the levies, 854, 1488 


Authority from which his powers are derived, - 897 
Brigade of, under the orders of Heath, - ~ a 1 
Letter to, from Colonel Hopkins, - “ z - 1262 
Petition to, from Colonel Graham and others, - 1263 


Draught of a letter from New-York Convention to, 1489, 

1522 
Boats ordered to be sent to, - - - - - 1546 
Ordered to furnish ammunition to Colonel Drake, - 1558 


New-York Convention advance money to, - - 1559 
Clinton, Colonel James, letters from, to Washington, 259 
Letter from, to Dutchess County Committee, - - 337 
Letter to, from Poughkeepsie Committee, —- - 338 


391, 485, 951 
883, 912, 1603 


Letters to, from Washington, - “ 
Promotion of, to be a Brigadier, - - 


Promotions announced in General Orders, - =a 914 
Brigade of, assigned to Putnam, - - - ~ i915 
Washington sends commission to, - 951 
Clinton, Charles, oe Captain of Maryland 
Militia, - - - 1344 
Clocks, leaden weights Buen Bite in Newco - 369 
Clos, Alexandre du, discharged by order of euletees 
‘with permission to reinlist, - - 1604 
Cloth, Connecticut orders homemade ie Wet eaidiecs 456 
Difficulty of procuring, for coats, &c., - - “wits 
Clothing, resolve of New-York Convention, respect- 
ing, - - - 201, 203 
High price cheand to the Northern troops for, - 232 
Massachusetts resolves to procure, for the army, - 309 
Connecticut Council of tet vote to purchase, for 
the army, - - - - 650, 731, '732 
Governour Trumbull fees ae men to purchase, - 699 
Invoices of, sent by Governour Trumbull to Schuyler, 1115 
Clough, Zaccheus, recommendation respecting, 479, 1240 
Clouston, Captain John, appointed to sloop Freedom, 268 
Clymer, George, Chairman Pennsylvania Council of 
Safety, - - - . - - - - 186 
Coakley, Dr., and family, on board Dunmore’s fleet, - 152 
Coal, vessels ‘ordered to James River for, - - - 1155 
Maryland Council of Safety order the purchase of, - 1191 
Coat-money, Lt. Gilman ordered to return, to soldiers, 609 
Cobb, William, letter to, from Nicholas Matselis, - 454 
Cobble-Hill, works on, nearly complete, - : =) 872 
Signal from, supposed of enemy’s landing, - - 505 
Cobman, John, paid by Comers as assistant Con- 
ductor of Stores, - - - 1567 
Cochran, Dr. John, letter fom! to T. Mekeunt. - 104 


INDEX. 


1654 


Cochran, Robert, teers ae a yorcnet - 712 
Commissioned, - - 1593 
Cochran, John, aypatnted Bnsigit i in Elying Gump. =)<D73 
Cockade, Militia officers to wear a distinguishing, - 1139 
Cocke, Cadet, testimony of, - - - - - 9 
Coe, John, letter from, to the commanding officer at 
Powles Hook, - - - : 3 - 258 
Letter from, to Washington, « - - - 874 
Coffin, Colonel Peter, appointed Mustermaster of Ma- 
trosses, = - - - - - - Pe ey te 
Coffin, Mr., resolve respecting estate of, - - - 806 
Coffin, Micajah, bearer of letters to Washington, - 550 
Coffin, Captain, capture of, in the Nevis, - : - 1067 
Cogan, Patrick, to be Second Lieutenant, - - -/1126 
Coggswell, Dr., and others, memorial of, - - sigs 695 
Cohos, great terror of the inhabitants of, - - 261 
Letter to Sullivan on the subject of, = - : - 64 
Another, to New-Hampshire Committee on cere: 625 
Examination of Canadians sent from, - 796 
Coit, Nathaniel, Jun. aug Captain- Riera 
‘of Artillery, - - 244 
Coit, William, appointed to mecind the Colony ship) 244 
Colburn, Daniel, appointed a Major,- * - - 51, 70 
Colby, John, a vote to hear, on his petition, = a 12 
Colden, Cadwalader, Jun., released from Jail, but limit- 
ed to the confines of his farm, - - . - 791 
Reasons of Ulster Committee for imprisoning, - 792 
Petition of, to New-York Convention, - = e097 
Letter from, to the same, - - - - 1113, 1404 
Reply of Convention to, - - - - - 1405 
Cole, Lieutenant, Gen. Scott’s remarks concerning, - 1412 
Colefox, Ebenezer, deserter, examination of, - - 197 
Affidavit of, - - - - 402 
Coles, Midshipman Winer deposition of - - 526 
Collas, John, and others, resolve on petition of, - - 315 
Collectors, appointment of, at Lancaster for arms, - 221 
Resolve respecting delinquent, - - - 282 
Collier, James, appointed Lieutenant in Elyine Canny 573 
Collins, Thomas, release of, ordered on bail, - - 1370 
Colonies, harvests in, suffering for want of labourers, walls 
British Ministry confident of subduing, - - - 462 
Colony ship, Connecticut builds a, at Saybrook, - 244 
Appointment of officers for the, - - - 244 
Colony Stores, Massachusetts orders the Gorinieaty 
to secure, 2 - - - - - - 278 
Colours, description of the American, — - - - 610 
Coltz, Jacob, recommended for commission, - - 257 
Appointed First Lieutenant of German company, - 1336 
Columbus, capture of a brig by the ship-of-war, - - 1280 
Report of the examination of the officers of, - - 1575 
Combustibles, quantity of, ordered for Mr. Mease, - 1303 
Commander-in-Chief, calm and determined spirit of, - 347 
Commanding Officer, each, of a department, ordered 
to make monthly returns of drafts upon him, - 1597 
Commissaries, neglect of, in Canada, : - - 562 
Three at Perth- -Amboy, with equal powers, - - 638 
Commissary, General Arnold asks fora, - - - 165 
Complaint of a Rhode-Island, - - - An1T7 
General Waterbury asks fora, — - - - - 563 
Commissary-General, Flying-Camp in want of a, - 638 
Order to the, to make monthly returns of all moneys 
passing through his hands, - - : - 1597 
Commissary of Stores, George Measam recommended 
for, - - - - - - - - 726 
Necessity for a, at Grats River, - - - 729 
Commissary of Provisions, General Heath to ‘die; - 1237 
Commissioners, Arnold to the Canada, - - - 165 
British, appointed to dispense pardons, - - - 451 
British, appointment of, illusory, - - - - 500 
Colonel Patterson urges the great powers of, - 501 
Washington expresses to Gates his opinion of, - 650 
Order of Maryland Council of Safety to Gun- ae - 667 
North-Carolina Council appoints, - - - 1364 
Congress appoints, to settle Army accounts, - - 1592 
Draught of instructions to the, - - . - 1609 
Commissions, New-Hampshire remonstrates on the 
allowance of extravecant, in money transactions, 87 
Officers in Northern Army hold double, = e ORy 


Blank, given to a Committee in Massachusetts, 288, 568 


Resolve. of Congress against double, - - - 891 
Schuyler’s letter on holding double, - - - 562 
Canadian officers forced to burn their, - - - 749 
Description of the burning, in Canada, ~ - - 828 
Commitment, of John Lewis, for drinking the King’s 
health, - - - - 109 


Committee of Treasury, all ibliek olaints referred to, 1595 
Committees—see names of States, Counties, Kc. 
Commodore, Colonel Tupper acts as, of row-galleys, - 


751 


1655 


Common Prayer, reform in the book of - - - 8 
Common Sense, remarks on the pamphlet entitled, - 1019 
Commonwealth, use of titles ridiculous in a, - - 631 


Complaints, Pennsylvania Council of Safety appoint 


a Committee to hear, - - - - - 1309 
Conant, Ebenezer, appointed Adjutant Massachusetts 
Militia, - - - - - - - 281 
Conductor, Gates ie: a watchful eye on the, = - 955 
Confederation, plan of, submitted to Congress,- 347, 348 
Treaty of, and Union, expected by Governour Cooke, 377 
Subject of, under consideration, - 3 - 496, 838 
Assemblies anxiously look for, - - - - 637 
Delay in completing the, regretted, - - - 1025 
Articles of, agreed upon in Committee of the Whole, 1179 
Draught of, ordered to be printed, - - - 1576 
Conference, proceedings of a, of General Officers, - 125 
Minutes of a, of officers, —- 224 
Congress desire a, with a Pomme of beerian 
nia Convention, - - - - - 387 
At Watertown, with Waster Indians, - - - 838 
Renewal of the, with Eastern Tudians - - - 844 
Opening of the, with the Six-Nations, - - - 856 
Schuyler engaged in, at German-Flats, - - - 1035 
Congress order the, between Washington and Colo- 
nel Patterson to be printed, = - - - - 1592 
Congress, Continental, General Wooster, to a Com- 
‘mittee’ of, - - > - 12 
Resolution of for Aner BRE teneyletn a and New- 
Jersey, - - - - - - - - 14 
Approves proceedings of Pennsylvania Conference, 15 
Warning privately laid on the table of, - - - 118 
Agree to replace troops ordered from Boston, - 144 
Resolutions of, relating to the Cedars, - - - 161 
Resolve to urge upon the States to send their quotas, 368 
Relating to double commissions, - . - 391 
Supremacy of, a dogma of political faith, = - - 415 
Letter from General Lee to a member of, - - 428 
Maryland Council of Safety to their delegates in, - 484, 


593, 723, 805, 806, 863 


Is conjured to send powder to Georgia, - - 436 
Memorial of William Goddard to, - - - - 442 
Respect to members of, at Versailles and Madrid, - 462 
Memorial to, in relation to Colonel Allen, - - 498 
Howe’s proposal of exchange referred to, = - 501 
A member of, to General Lee, - - a - 532 
Petition of George Nicholson to, - - - 636 
Memorial of Regimental Surgeons to, - - - 694 
Petition of Mary Giddins, to, - = = 708 
Petition of George Measam to, - - - 725, 1157 
Letter from Massachusetts Council to, - - - 733 
New-Jersey Convention to their Delegates i in, - 742 
Schuyler requests his opinions on the subject of _ . 
Crown-Point to be laid before, - “ ‘ os OS 
Composition of the ration, as ordered By -- - 865 
Petition of Major Meigs and others to, - - - 962 
Transactions of, known to the British Court, - - 1023 
General Wooster addresses, - - . a - 1060 
Memorial of Redmond Burke to, - - 4 - 1108 
Washington sends sundry papers to, - - =4:110 
Memorial of Chevalier Sauralle to, ° - 1180, 1209 
Petition of Commodore W ynkoop to, - - - 1185 
Petition of Jean Laugeay to, - 2 - - 1191 
Petition of Paul Fooks to, - = a x = 1499 
Continued unanimity in, - = i - 1193 
Memorial of Colonel William Maxwell t0,t8:/ = -, 1204 
Petition of Lieutenant-Colonel John Brown to, - 1219 


Pennsylvania Council of Safety receive a resolve of, 1289 


Draught of a letter from New-York Convention to, 1395 
Proceedings of, - - ° - - ++ 1565, 1628 
Indian chiefs invited to visit, - (t aelBi3 
Congress, the privateer, captures made by, - 708, 758 
Congress, Provincial—see States by name. 
Congress, President of—see Hancock, John. 
Connaway, Levin, to the Sussex Council of Safety, - 11 
Connecticut, delay of, in furnishing men, - - wae kT 
Builds a Colony ship at Saybrook, - - - 244 
Proceedings of the Council of Safety of, - - 240, | 


378, 456, 699, 569, 624, 683, 731, 1005, 1099, 1189 
Governour of, sends hve galleys io New- York, - 378 
Resolutions of relating to arrests, - 8 ~ 424 
Return of Colonel Webb’s riflemen, - - ened 
Three thousand men arrive at New-York from, aed 11 
Selectmen of Fairfield to Council of Safety of, — it 
Bravery of men on board the galleys, - - - 855 
Colonel E. Allen to Assembly of, - - - 860, 928 


Arrival of thirty sail with troops from, - - 
Governour of requested to send troops to Suffolk, - 1552 
Letter from New-York Convention to towns in, - 1552 


INDEX. 


1656 


Conner, John, charged with stealing a jacket, - - 1311 
Conner, Brigade Major, recommended by General 
Armstrong, - - - - - - 905 
Connolly, Mrs., allowance of niece for, - - 1290 
Letter from, to Congress referred, - 1568, 1576 
Connor, Samuel, appa ar in Canada Regi- 


ment, - - - . - OT 
Promoted to Theutendn Calonkl - . : 59, 83 
Introduced by Gates to Waterbury, - - - 826 
Conquest, fondness of England for, - - - - 483 
Conquestadore, Pepiain Johnson and crew removed 
to the, - - = 5 
Contee, John, to Maryland Beane of Saleiy - - 554 
Continental money, £40 of, burned, - - - 121 
Establishment, Mecklenburg Regiment on, - - 721 
Armed vessels, list of, on Lake Champlain, - - 97 


Contract, Schuyler ddvises a supply of rations by, - 1152 
Contractor, views of the duty ofa, - - - - 1152 
Convention—see States, &c., by name. 


Convention, enemy’s breach of, - “ . 28165 
Testimony on breach of, at the Cedars, > - 166 
Convention, advice on the formation of a,in Delaware, 741 
Convention, the row- galley, Cae Rice appointed 
to command, ~ - - - - 1327 
Converse, James, urges ae promotion of Captain King, 551 
Conway, ‘Captain Thomas, states the affair at Sandy 
Point, - - - 621 
Reply to a, ayeke of, ay Macgliid iti ens . - 531 
Safe arrival of, with a cargo of arms, &c., - - 666 
Letter to, axe Maryland Council of Safety, - - 690 
Maryland Council of Safety announce arrival of, to 
the Delegates in Congress, - - -) 724 
Conway, General, motion of, i in Parliament, for Howet s 
powers, rejected, - - - - : - 836 
Cook, Thomas, resolve to grant petition of, - - 2277 
Cooke, Governour N., call upon, for carpenters, - 32 
Letter to, from Washington, - - - 141, 769 
Letter from, to Washington, - - 378, 475, 767 
Letter from, to President of Congress, - - 877, 549 
Letter from, to New-Hampshire Convention, - - 605 
Letter from, to General Gates, = - - - - 659 
Answer of, to Lord Howe, - - - - 606 
Chairman of the Marine Committee of BhodesIsland, 623 
Letter to, from James Bowdoin, - - - 661, 1155 
Letter to, from Massachusetts Council, - - - 701 
Washington transmits to Congress a letter from, - 762 
Letter from, to James Bowdoin, - - - - 1172 
Letter from, to Massachusetts Council, - - - 1222 


Cooke, Col. J. P., Washington is authorized to callon, 45 


Letter from, to Governour Trumbull, - - 873, 1120 
Cooke, Captain George, recommended to Maryland 2 
Council of Safety, . - : - - 591 
Pay roll of galley oommnannen by, - - - 1264 
Cooley, Captain, refuses to take arms against ts King, 970 
Coombe, George, appointed Commissary of Provisions, 1404 
Cooper, William, Speaker pro tem. of Massachusetts 

House of Representatives, . - - - 145 
Cooper, John, thirty stripes to, for mutiny, - - 225 
Cooper, Gilbert, appointed Lieutenant-Colonel New- 

York Militia, - - - - - - - 1413 
Coor, James, member of North-Carolina Council, - 1366 
Copeland, David, engaged to supply the peachiryy 

troops on their march through Chester, = - 943 
Copp, David, appointed Bens bi New- “Hampshire 

Assembly, - 50 

Vote to appoint made pall; - - - - 68 

Copper, coin, devices on op dlani shite, - - 76 
One hundred pounds of, ordered to Mr. De Haven, 1297 
Order for exchanging thin plate for other, - - 1298 
The cannon committee ordered to possess themselves 

of the, belonging to the United States, at New- 

London, - - - 1616 
Copperthwaite, Captain, fire bien to te delivered to, - 1291 
Coppin, Samuel, prisoner of war, disposal of, - - 22 
Cordage, Mr. Ivers undertakes to manufacture, - - 821 

A supply of, at Poughkeepsie, “© - - - - 968 
Corlies, John, communicates with the enemy, - - 602 
Corn, scarcity of, at Chincoteague, - - - -* 383 
Cornish, Elisha, to Governour Trumbull, - - - 132 
Cornwallis, Lord, with Clinton, in South-Carolina, - 438 

Arrival of, at Staten-Island, - - - - - 789 

Commands a division on Long-Island, - - = 1256 
Corps of invalids, Congress orders that wounded sol- 

diers be formed into a, - - - - - 1620 


Correspondence—see names of individuals. 
Correspondence—see Secret Correspondence. 
Correspondence, Massachusetts appoints a Committee 


Of in): As GR ah a Mes’ oleh ED 


1657 INDEX, 1658 
Corsa, Isaac, one of the disaffected, sent to Lebanon, 981 | Coxhenderfer, Michael, manufactory of stockings car- 
Cortlandt, Lieuténant-Colonel Philip, Mr. Jay on the ried on by,” - . - . . - ~ 1345 
case of, - = = = « ° - 40 | Crabb, Richard, recommended as Major, - - - 592 
Injustice done to, in promoting Dubois, - - 202 | Crafts, Colonel Thomas, to Massachusetts Council, - 874 
His case said to be one of great pte - = 1396 | Craig, Captain, Major Bigelow’s interview with, - 986 
Letter from, to General Gates, —- - = 1122 Is “bearer of Carleton’s order, “ - - - 987 
Cortlandt, Colonel Pierre, to New-York Cunvention, - 544 | Cramer, Jacob, recommended for appointment, - - 1293 
Cortlandt’ s Manor, order to seize the disaffected at, - 1030 Appointed Ensign in German company, - - 1583 
Coss, Daniel, to be severely reprimanded, - - - 1270 | Crane, armament provided for the row-galley, - - 243 
Cosen, Jesse, appointed Lieutenant in Flying-Camp, 1346 Governour Trumbull sends, to New-York, = - - 378 
Cosset, John, held to bail for good behaviour, - - 459 Engaged in the affair at Tarrytown, - . = 151 
Coudroy, M., French Engineer, obtains leave to come Craw ford, Captain John, prisoner, to Jasper Yeates, - 138 
to America, - - - - - - - 1018 Congress refuses, permission to visit prisoners, - 1565 
Mr. Dean makes extravagant promises to, - - 1020 Crawford, Captain David, letter to, from Maryland 
Coulter, Dr., services of, recommended, - - - 686 Council of Safety, - 7 . = - - 386 
Council of Officers, minutes ofa, - - - - 236 | Crawford, William, permitted to leave ogh Cans “1375 
Offence taken by Schuyler and Gates at a rumored, Craws, George, arrested for forgery, - - - 1322 
held at New-York, - - - - 794, '795, 856 Brought before the Committee, - - - - 1323 
No such, held at New-York, - - - - 933, 952 Committal to State Prison, - - - - - 1324 
Proceedings of a, - . . - - - - 1346 Liberty of the prison allowed to, - - - - 1325 
Council of Safety—see States, &c., by name. Credentials, Delegates from New-YorkCity ritmertd their, 1385 
Council of War, proceedings of a, at Chambly, - - 164 Albany Delegates failtobring, - . - - 1385 
Minutes of a, held at Crown-Point, - - - 2233 Charlotte Delegates fail to bring, - - - - 1387 
Minutes of a, held at Fort Montgomery, - - 544 Error in, of Tryon Delegates, - - - - 1392 
Question before a, at King’s Bridge, - . - 1216 King’s County Delegates present defective, - - 1525 
Counterfeit money, persons suspected of passing, - 1367 Maryland Deputies present to Congress new, - 1583 
Stephen Scarborough arrested for passing, - - 1368 | | Pennsylvania Deputies present to Congress new, - 1586 
Order to search sundry places for, - - - 1369 Virginia Deputies present to Congress new, - - 1622 
Counterfeiters—see Bills of Credit. Creeks, numerous tribe of, in Georgia, - - - 7 
Countersign, regulations respecting the, - - - 679 Defeated by Fincastle Militia, - ~~ - - 464 
Coursey, Mr., taken prisoner, - - - - - 1250 Lee is petitioned to march against the, - - - 685 
Court of Captures, session of the, at Salem, = - - 664 The head men of, invited to visit Congress, - - 1613 
Court of Inquiry, Massachusetts orders a, to try sus- Cregier, Captain, to Thomas Randall, - - 141, 536 
pected persons, . . - 3ii His crew ask the dismissal of, —- - ~ - 5387 
Question as to ordering, on Calouel Bie cron 334, 503 | Cregier, Dr. John, to act as Surgeon of Paulding’s Re- 
‘ Selectmen of Symsbury hold a, - - - - 459 giment, - - - - - - - - 1323 
Order to hold a, at Perth- Amboy, - - - - 638 | Creighton, John, to Sussex Committee of Safety, - 11 
Colonel Bedel’s, ordered to sit again, «- - - 654 | Creighton, ship, captured by Captain Johnson, - - 148 
On Captain Romans, - - - - - - 657 | Crespigny, Claude, to Ralph Izard, - - - - 1148 
Ordered on Lieutenant Mesier, - - . - 914 Mr. Izard’s reply to, - x : - - - 1242 
Lieutenant-Colonel Brown asks for a, - - - 1221 | Cressop, Daniel, appointed First Lieutenant, - - 1574 
Court, Maritime, New-Hampshire establishes a,- - 73 | Cresap, Daniel, commissioned as Captain, - - 1344 
Viote to neal a Judge of, - - - - %5 | Creswell, James, to W.H. Drayton, - = - - 610 
Act to establish.the fees of, - - - - = SS Said to be a respectable preacher, - - - - 611 
Duties of, defined, - - - - - - 92 | Crocker, Peleg, resolve to grant petition of,  - - 2274 
An appeal from the, to Congress, - - : - 94 | Crocket, John, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 808 
Court-Martial, proceedings of, on Captain Ball, - 9 | Crofts, Thomas, Sheriff of Boston, Se decid pee 
Proceedings ofa general, - - 225-227, 567, 604 dence, - - - - - 425 
On Lieutenant Williamson, of the Virginia forces, - 362 | Crops, measures taken ‘oi secure the planting of - 948 
A general, ordered at New-York, - - - - 504 | Crosby, Mr., a missionary to the Indians, - - - 903 
A general, ordered at Ticonderoga, —- - - 653 | Crosier, John, complains of Jesse Hollingsworth,  - 1057 
Maryland Sen of Hes recommend, to General Cross, Henry, suspected as inimical, - - - 239 
Hooper, - - - - - 723 | Croton River, shipping at the mouth of, - - - 728 
Proceedings of, on Liseemen Peter Jones, - - 736 Militia draughts sent to, - - - - - 1440 
Neglect of witnesses to attend, to be punished, - 768 New-York Committee proceed to, = - - 1562 
Gates sends to Congress the proceedings of, in the Crown-Point, the small-pox at, - - - 29, 45 
case of Colonel Bedel, - - - - 795,891 Consequences of the army’s retreat to, - - - 46 
Gates threatens a, on the officers from Massachusetts, 797 Wretched state of the army at, - - - - 103 
Proceedings of, in the case of Colonel Zedtwitz, - 1159 Mr. Cushing’s letter from, - - - - - 128 
A general, ordered at Ticonderoga, = - - - 1268 Description of the retreat to, - - - - 131 
Maryland Council of Safety order a, - - - 1358 Great mortality at, - - - - - - 132 
Courtenay, Hercules, applies for instructions, - - 635 Letter to the commanding officer at, - - - 145 
Courts, William, appointed Ensign, - - . - 1333 Reinforcements preparing for, = - - - - 145 
Courts of law, act to establish, in New-Hampshire, - 84 Two postriders appointed for, = - - - 145 
Courts Martial, General Heath prefers garrison, - 1144 Is made the Head-Quarters of Northern Arar any & f 
Covenhoven, John, Vice-President of New-Jersey Con- Pronounced not tenable, = - - - . - 233 
gress, = - - . - - 1 Post for, established at Watertown, - - - $315 
Letter from, to Weebingtont - - - = - 566 Massachusetts sends nine hundred tents to, - - 322 
Letter from, to New- -Jersey Delegates in Congress, 742 Lieutenant-Colonel Allen leaves for Philadelphia, - 350 
Covenhoven, Nicholas, suspected abgving intelligence Probability of suppressing small-pox at, - - 361 
to the enemy, - - - - - - 1546 Washington declines a positive warts as to hold- 
New-York Convention order Orruck of, - - 1546 ing, - - - - - - - 390 
Examination of, - : > r - - - 1554 March of troops from New- Japemigiee ordered for, 406 
Cowardice, the soldiers to be shot who show, - = - 965 Washington’s surprise at the determination to retire 
Cowards, absentees to be treated as, - - - - 966 from, - - - - - - - - 444 
Cowney, Michael, prisoner of war, “disposal of, - = anyieee Washington to Gates on the subject of, - 450, 650 
Cowper, John, ordered to socouttt! on oath, for the Instructions to Colonel Hartley as commander at,- 474 
quantity of salt in his possession, == - - 1377 Capture of the miller at, —- - - . - 479 
Cows, high price given for, by the enemy, - - 1532 Scarcity of provisions at, —- - - - 512 
Each large family allowed to retain four, - - 1537 Position of, described by Schuyler, - . - 559 
Coxe, Samuel: prisoner of war, disposal of, - a Ticonderoga preferable to, as a post, - - - 561 
Examination and parole of, - - - - - 24 Intention to keep a small force at, —- - - 561 
Cox, John, letter from, to Jasper Yates, - - - 254 Oar-maker under protection of garrison at, - - 630 
Congress Wathorizer powder to be wold to, - - 1574 Schuyler’s remarks upon, - - - ° - 794 
Cox, William, letter from, to Richard Peters, - - 961 Newburg Committee to commander, at, - an VOR 
Letter from, to William Atlee, = - - - 1061 A scout sent from, to St. John’s, - = s - 828 
Cox, Ezekiel, commissioned Second Linbtehant - 1344 Gates jokes with Putnam about, - = = 900 
Coxe, Walter B., appointed Ensign, - - - - 1333 Alarm caused by abandonment of, - - 933, 952 


1659 


Crown-Point, list of the naval force at, - - - 1123 
Extract of a letter from, - - - - - 1188 
Cuckoldstown, Tryon tries to inlist men at, - - 120 
Cumberland, Massachusetts, number of men to be 
raised in, - - - - - - 291 
Field Officers chosen for, - - - - - 292 
Petition from Committee of, to Gates, - - - 564 
Gates’s reply to Petition of, - - - - - 717 
Committee of, to Massachusetts Council, — - - 568 


Cumberland, Pennsylvenia, Committee, to President of 


Congress, - - - - - 827, 619, 994 
Committee, attend the reading of Independence, - 871 
Account of money advanced by Committee of, - 895 

Cumberland County, North-Carolina, no Committee 

in, - - - - - - - - - 1372 
Declaration of Independence proclaimed in, - - 1372 
Inhabitants of, complain of Colonel Folesom, - 1377 

Cumberland, New-York, to the New-York Conven- 

tion, - - . - - - - 1535 

Deputies from, County, in Newey out Convention, 1387 
Cummings, Samuel, reported to New-Hampshire As- 

sembly, - - - - - - - - 68 
Cummings, Thomas, reported to New-Hampshire As- 

sembly, - - - - - - - - 68 
Evidence declared insufficient to prove disaffection, 

in either, - - - - - - - - 68 

Cummings, John, appointed Brigadier-Genera]l, . - 291 
’ Declines serving, .  - - - : - - 320 
Cunningham, discontent at the discharge of, - - 406 

Examination of, - - - - - - - 431 
Cunningham, Robert, reaches Williamson’s camp, - 489 
Cunningham, James, to Maryland Council of Safety,- 907 


Cunningham, Provost-Marshal, an infamous fellow, - 1254 
Currituck, a Commissioner appointed for the port of, 1370 
Cursing and swearing, general orders to check, - 768 
Curson, Samuel, to Comfort Sands, - - = - 463 
Curtenius, Colonel Peter T., requested to purchase 
cloth for the New-York troops, - - - - 203 
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - - - 1557 
Is empowered to borrow £10,000, - - - 1557 
Curtis, Captain, Howe’s commendation of, - - 105 
His Majesty’s satisfaction at the conduct of, - - 1102 
Curtis, Lieutenant William, ordered to Ticonderoga 


with carpenters, - - - - - - 209 
Curtis, Major Israel, decease of, ~ - - - 1593 
Cushing, Charles, letter from, to his brother, —- - 128 
Cushing, Thomas, a resolve to supply, with lead,  - 298 

Letter to, from Benjamin Austin, - - a - 460 
Letter to, from General Lincoln, - - z - 460 
Memorandum of sundries received from, = ee Oe 
Letter to, from James Warren, - - -  - 804 
Letter from, to Major Hawley, - - = - 891 
Letter from, to President of Congress, - - - 902 
Cushing, Joseph, to John Taylor, - Sy te - 551 
Cushing, Theophilus, letter to, from yea ESS 

Gouncil of Safety, - - 684 
Custom-House, books, &c., of the, Bont A Nowe York 

Convention, - - - - . - 824 
Cutlasses, a supply of, sent to Washinoton! 2 - 359 
Cutts, Samuel, member of New-Hampshire House of 

Representatives, - - za 59, 67 
Cuyler, Mr., sent prisoner to Eligabethiown, - - 38 
Cuyler, C., a British Aid-de-Camp, - - m =a DY 

Bearer of Howe’s despatches to England, - - 1258 
Cuyler, Henry, representations respecting, groundless, 889 
Cuyler, Abraham C., disarmed by Albany Committee, 890 

To the New-York Convention, - is - 1472, 1526 

Asks leave to visit his sick wife, - 2 - 1527 

Order to Albany Committee to return their pro- 

ceedings against, rejected, - - - 14738 
Cuyler, Jacob, letter Fons to New-York Ganyentiom 1513 
Cypher, Ensign Michael, taeaieed with lcaving his 

colours, - - - = - 1322 

D. 
Dagworthy, John, Justice of Peace in Sussex County, 

Delaware, - - - = 2 abl 
Daitt and Lawless, an order to stop the sailing of - 959 
Dallam, Richard, letter to, from gal Council of 

Safety, - — - - 154, 616 

Letter from, to Maryland Crane of Safety, - 363, 491 

Appointed Deputy-Paymaster of Flying-Camp, - 1582 
Dalton, Tristram, letter from to E. Gerry, - : —aa61 
Dalton, John, sends at to a ie Council of 

Safety, - - - 942 
Dame, Theophilus, appointed a Calsienin New- Traine 

shire, - - - - 62 
Dan, David, appointed a Captain, Siete bLomerasmiey | (1) Wr | 


INDEX. 


1660 


Dangerfield, Col. en Seat of Regiment of, - 150 
Resignation of, - - - - 1053 
Dangerous persons, list of soneidare New-York, - 448 


Darnes, Captain John, letter from, to Maryland Coun- 
cil of Safety, - - - 


- 591, 1077, 1091, 1191 


Letter to, from Maryland Council of Safety, 1117, 1133 
Disagreeable situation of, - - - - - 665 
Commission issued to, - - - - - - 1350 
Dartmouth, prizes carried into, - - - 972, 973 
Dashiell, Lieutenant Joseph, letter from to Shee 
Council of Safety, - - - 362 
Dashiell, John, Clerk to Somerset Committees Mary- 
‘ land, - - - 385 
Appointed Second Pieitenant Maryland Militia, - 1353 
Dashiell, Colonel George, letter to from Maryland 
Council of Safety, - - - - 635 
Dashiell, Arthur, “PPOs First Rhebtefant a 
land Militia, - - 1355 
Davidson, John, peeointen First Tehtendnt Maryland 
Militia, - - - - - - - - 1350 
Davie, John, capture of, as suspected, — = - - 512 
Davis, Asa, appointed Mustermaster and Paymaster, {| 57 
Davis, John, thirty-nine stripes to, for mutiny and de- 
sertion, - - - - - - - 225 
Davis, Elias, apnoten Lieutenant sea-coast Com- 
pany, - - - - - - - - - 303 
Davis, Israel, resolve on petition of, - - - - 323 
Davis, Gabriel, appointed to take care of families of 
absent Associators, - - - - - - 534 
Recommendation of, by Associators,  - - - 536 
Letter from, to Lancaster Committee, - - =. S709 
Davis, Henry, twenty stripes to, for desertion, - - 677 
Davis, Benjamin, ‘‘that infamous villain,” capture of, 752 
Davis, John, appointed Ensign Maryland Militia, - 1382 
Davis, William, (prisoner,) sent to William Atlee, - 1158 
Davis, Dr., capture of, by the enemy, - - - 1213 
Authorized to purchase surgical instruments, - 1291 
Davis, Septimus, commissioned Ensign, - - - 1313 
Davis, Richard, appointed Captain by Congress, - 1574 
Davison, Commodore, appears before Pennsylvania 
Council of Safety, : - - - - 1324 
Charges against considered fivoltue - - - 1327 
Dismissed from command of Naval armament, - 1327 
Davy, George, apprehended as suspicious, - - 1414 
Dawes, Major Thomas, Screg to coals the Gurnet, 300 
Unable to attend, - - 305 
Dawson, Mr., (late of British army, = to Head: 
Quarters, - - - - 3887 
Dawson, Samuel, Congress give rank and pay of a 
Captain to, - - - 1580 
Ordered to Newalersey! - - - - - 1580 
Day, Elkanah, return of the Company of, - - »- 1263 
Dayton, Colonel, letter to, from H. Glen, - - es 110 
Movement of, to Fort Stanwix, - - - 175 
Arrival of, at Fort Stanwix, - - - - - 394 
Letter to, from General Schuyler, - - - - 511 
Letter to, from Adam Clarke, - - - - 785 
Letter from, to the Indian Chiefs, - - - - 872 
Ordered to command at Fort Stanwix, - - - 901 
List of Officers in Battalion of, — - - - - 979 
Indian explanation of the talk with, —- - - 1040 
A Court-Martial recommended on the officers of, - 1142 
Dayton, Ebenezer, narrative of, - - - - 1234 
Dayton, Jonathan, appointed Paymaster, - - - 1618 
Deakins, Captain Francis, letter to, from Maryland 
Council of Safety, - : - 992 
Deal, New-Jersey, inhabitants oF ieetecied: - - 1414 
Dean, Lieutenant Gilbert, sent with prisoners to New- 
York Congress, - - - - - 23 
Dean, Captain “John, Sag of, ordered to Rent 
: Island, . - - - 387, 1338 
March of the company of, to ened Island, - - 665 
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - 627, 1134 
Letter to, from Maryland Council of Safety, - - 974 
Company of, want water, - - - - ~ APF 22 
Dean, Captain Stewart, captures made by, - - 1067 
Deane, Silas, Captain Parker ordered to consult, -(l57 
Reported arrival of, at Rhode-Island,  - - 261, 397 
Letter to, from C. W. F. Dumas, - - - 589, 1021 
Despatch for, from Marine Committee, - oe ye 
Letter to, from Secret Committee, - - 809, 1011 
Addenda to the letter to, = = - - - - 1017 
Letter from, to Count de Vergennes, - wl - 1105 
Accepts the offer of M. Chaumont, — - - - 1015 
Makes a contract with Beaumarchais, - - - 1015 
Makes extravagant promises to M. Coudray, - - 1020 
Deane, Samuel, chosen Lieutenant by Associators, - 171 
Deane, Mr., appointed Captain of Marines, - ~- 348 


&) 
=a 


fh 
A 
} 


1661 


Deane, Barnabas, articles Boparied by, on Continental 


INDEX, 


account, - - . - 1108 
Deane, Mr., appointed First Lieutenant) in Colonel 
Warner's Regiment, - - ~ 1565 
Dearborn, Joseph, appointed Captain by New-Hamp- 
shire, - 50 
Dearborn, Dr. L., member of New! Hampshire feuce 
of Representatives, - - 59 
Dearborn, Captain Henry, tale prisoner at Quebeck| 553 
Leave oranted to, to return home on parole, - = ,DO9 
Washington offers an exchange for, - - - 997 
Dearborn, ‘Colonel Henry, Congress order proposal to 
be made for exchange of, - - - - - 1612 
’ Death, traitors in New-York punished with, - - 1410 
Counterfeiters of bills of credit to suffer, - - 1506 
Debate, fatigues of, more painful than those of war, - 185 
Debeaux, Mary, examination of, — - - - 1068 
De Berdt, Dennis, letter from, to Colonel Recs - 372 
Debtors, release of, at New-York, on proclamation of 
Independence, - - - - - - - 174 
De Calbiac, Baron, letter from, to Washington, 509, 679 
Washington’s reply to, - - - - . - 642 
Letter from, to Richard Peters, - - - - 934 
De Chartres, Duc, two French fleets under, ~~ - - 709 
Declaration—see Independence. 
Declaration, copy of Lord Howe’s, - - - 605, 1466 
Thomas Gumerall’s, to General Howe, - - - 866 
Decoy ships, resolve to procure two, at Boston, - 280 
Dee, Daniel, appointed Lieutenant of Matrosses, - 549 
Deer leather, New-York uses, for soldiers’ clothing, - 203 
Deer skins, capture of three hundred raw, - - 941 
Breeches made of, for soldiers, = - ~ - - 1622 
Defence, brig, arrival of, at New-London, - - - 340 
Order for repair of, —- . : - - - 458 
Stores of, transferred to a sloop, - - - - 476 
Expenses on, to be stopped, - - - - - ATT 
Protest of the agent of, - - - - - 662 
Provision voted for, by Connecticut Council of 
Safety, - - - - - - - - 1006 
Defence, ship, Colonel Kent declines command of the 
Maryland, - - - - - - - 591 
Attack on, at St. George’s River, - - - - 615 
Ordered to Annapolis, - - - - 1344 
De Graff, Governour of St. Tdetatia’ faery disposi- 
tion of, - - - - - - 180 
De Haas, Colonel, orders to, For General Arnold, - 165 
Opinion of, as to Crown-Point,— - - - - 650 
Proposes to administer on the effects of the Baron 
de Woedtke, - -- - - - - - 698 
Promotions in the Battalion Of, 2h - - 1124 
De Haas, John P., Jun., appointed Bictsipat: - - 1124 
De Hart, Balthazar, examination of, - - - - 602 
Committee appointed to examine, - : - 1441 
.Testimony given by, as to the disaffected, - - 1444 
Testimony sent to Washington, - - - - 1446° 
De Heister, General, Lord Stirling surrenders to, = -_-:1246 
De Lancey, Stephen, disarmed by pula Committee, 890 
Committed to-the Tory jail, - - 890 
Delaney, John, frequent journeys of, with es - - 336 
Delap, Messrs. S. & J. H., Capt. Parker addressed to, 156 
Letter to, from the Marine Committee, - - - 158 
Despatches sent to, by Marine Committee, - - 671 
De la Plain, the Sieur, is bearer of a letter from Gen- 
eral Lee to the Governour of Cape Frangois, - 1228 
Delaware, report to Congress from committee of, —- 9 
Movements of, to form a Flying-Camp, - - - 82 
Proceedings of, Assembly, - - - - - 617 
Convention called to form a Government for, - - 618 
Oath taken by an elector in, - - - 7 - 618 
Advice on the choice of Convention for, - =! 741 
Compliment to a Regiment from, - - . Bes) 
Battalion of, ordered to Amboy, - - - 833, 1599 
Address to the voters of Dover, in, 2 2 - 1057 
Proceedings of the Convention of, . c - 1174 
System of ‘Government Gf - - = 2 - 1174 
Battalion, officers of, ordered to Amboy, - - 1601 
Congress advances money to the Delegates from, - 1603 
Delaware, launch of the ship, - « = - 3868 
Delawares, the tribe of, represented at Fort Pitt, = 36 
Sachems of the, at the German-Flats,  - . - 1038 


Delegates in Congress— 
Maryland Council of Safety to their, - 114, 
219, 434, 492, 531, 556, 593, 634, 805, 863, 975 


Massachusetts resolve to pay their, - - - 294 
From Maryland to their Council of Safety, - - 618 
A proposition to appoint a large number, - - 1224 
An election for, in North- Carolina, - - ~ 1373 
Delegation, John Adams proposes a plan of, _ - - 571 


Denaquara, Joseph, one of the Eastern Indians, - 838 
Dennis, John, Captain, to New-Jersey Congress, - 16 
Letter to, from Washington, - - - - - 256 
Dennis, Captain Jacob, information given by, - - 603 
Denny, Captain, execution done by battery of, - - 150 
Dent, Brigadier-General John, nowy with, about 
rank, - - - 215, 220 


Letter to, from Maryland Council af Safety, 343, 386, 724 
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 363, 

465, 481, 522, 757 
Complaint of, on the appointment of Major Price, - 554 


Commission sent to, for the Flying-Camp, — - - 628 
Refuses the commission sent to him, - - - 707 
Is elected a member of the Convention, - - 863 
Dent, Warren, certificate of, relating to Sandy-Point,- 530 
Dent, Lieutenant, reported missing, - - - - 1250 
Dent, Hatch, appointed Second Lieutenant, - - 1333 
Denton, Captain Daniel, to General Woodhull, - - 543 
Report on commissions for the Company of, - - 544 
De Peyster, Abraham Ae port of, conterire pri- 
soners, = - - 1529 
Letter received by, fon D. Matthews, - - - 1549 
Depyster, Lieutenant, killed by lightning, - - - 1163 
Deposition, of Janet Williams, - - . - al 8 
Of John Rumby, - - - 218 
Of Dr. John Thomas on ates of sais Point - 525 
Of Midshipman Coles and Elliston on affair of Sandy- 
Point, - - 526 
Of Messrs. Baileys Huston hid je iy on affair 
at Sandy-Point, : - - - 528 
Of Messrs. Matthews and Stoddart - - 528 
Enclosed to Washington by New- York Conventions 622 
Of John Walker, - - - : - - - 1304 
Of Mrs. Martha "Kah: - - - - - - 1305 
Deputy Commissary, Colonel Hay asks fora, - - 729 
Deputy Postmaster removes his office to Dobbs’ Ferry, 1559 
Derby, Richard, Jr., authorized to receive duck for the 
brig Salisbury, - - - : : - - 271 
Resolve to furnish, with cannon, - - - - 274 
Letter to, from Timothy Pickering, - - - 426 
Letter from, to President of Congress, - - 650, 859 
Letter from, to James Bowdoin, - - - - 663 
Letter from, to Washington, - - - - = elope 
Letter to, from Massachusetts Council, - - - TOL 
Deringer, Henry, appointed Captain of Flying-Camp, 349 


De Nouville, J. B., is permitted to go to Philadelphia, 1109 
Deschambault, determination to abandon, - - 164 

Deserters, examination of, and intelligence received 
from, from British Army and Fleet, - 104, 142, 196, 
353, 546, 692, 813, 870, 950, 957, 996, 1183 


Measures to procure the return of, from the North- 


ern Army, - - : - - - 237, 260 
Washington’s remarks to Schuyler on, - - - 391 
Governour Trumbull’s Proclamation relating to, - 399 
Action of Hampshire Committee touching, - - 588 


- Proceedings of Pennsylvania Associators relative to, 978 
The case of, referred to the Board of War, - - 1314 
Desertion, frequency of, from the enemy, - - =a "95 
Sentence of American courts martial for, = - 505, 
677, 966, 1270 
Remission of punishment in case of, - 506 
Spirit of, in Clinton’s and Sir Peter Parker’s iced 612 
Cause of, in the Northern Army, - - - —aeO? 
Prevalence of, in Mercer’s Flying-Camp, — - - 865 
Resolves of New-Jersey relating to, —- - =e RSS 
Despatch, P. Parker appointed to command the brig, 156 
Purchase of, for use of Secret Committee, - 670 
Despatch, schooner, captured by Captain Fisk, 405, 552 
Despatches, Congress asks for daily, from Washington, 1567 
Detachments, General Mifflin’s trouble in managing, - 791 
Devens, Richard, letter to, from J. Palmer, - - 585 
Letter to, from Francis Abbott, - - A - 779 
Device, Committee on a, for great seal, - - - 944 
Devonshire, capture of enemy’s ship, - - - 589 
Dewees’ Inlet, enemy’s ship grounds on, - - - 440 
Dewitt’s Corner, letter for the camp near, - - 406 
De White, Captain Joseph, captures made by, - - 1067 
Dewitt, John, letter from, to General Gates, - - 658 
De Woedtke, Baron, letter from, to Gates, a - 495 
Retires to the General Hospital, - - - - 649 
Decease of, - . . - - - - 698 
Col. De Haas proposes to administer on rt tas of, 698 
General Gates communicates to Congress death of, '796 
Dr. Potts ordered to disclose a communication from, 924 
D’hugé, Pelieirson, bearer of a letter to Washington, 1133 
Diamond, John, Congress makes presents to, = - 1605 
Dickerson, General, commands two thousand men for 
Flying-Camp, - . - - - . - 909 


1663 


Dickerson, James, (prisoner,) examination of, - 
Dickinson, mutiny on board the snow, - - . 
Dickinson, Colonel, Battalion of, march to Woodbridge, 850 

Letter to, from General Mercer, See aoe 674, 744, 895 


Letter to, from an officer, - - - 895 
Desertions from the Regiment of, - - - - 885 
Dictator, Beaumarchais hints at the propriety of a, - 1023 
Diggs, William, twenty stripes to, for desertion, - 768 
Dike, Colonel Nicholas, order to, from Massachusetts 
Council, - - - . - - - - 804 
Diligent, bales broken open on board the, - - 1208 
Dimmock, Major Joseph, ordered to muster men for 
service at Martha’s Vineyard, - . - - 296 
Dinner, three hours allowed for, in general orders, - 503 
Disaffected, caution recommended against the, - - 259 
Great number of, on the North River, - . - 352 
President Woodhull promises vigilance against, - 353 
Mr. Benson’s measures against the, = - - - 356 
Washington’s account of the, to his brother, - - 509 
Refusal of the, to muster in South-Carolina, - - 610 
Industry of Lieutenant Skinner in apprehending the, 887 
Increase of the, in New-York, - - - - §889 
Washington sends more, to Governour Trumbull, - 981 
Order to seize the, on Cortlandt’ s Manor, - - 1030 


To serve as fatigue-men to Militia Regiment, 1496 
iba aha to keep an account of expenses of arrest- 


ing, - - - - - - - 1543 
Report to the New-York Convention concerning, - 1543 
Disaffection, proofs of, in Delaware, - - - - 4) 
Disberry, Josiah, committed to jail in Kingston, - 1556 
Discharges, Washington only to grant, - - - 914 
Discipline, Gates’s sentiments on, asked for = - ~ » 22 
Colonel Reed’s letter to Congress on, - - - 576 
John Adams on the subject of, - - - 739 
Exactness of, urged in general orders, - — - 1138 


Disney, John, appointed Captain in Flying-Camp, - 


Dississoway, Mr., suspicions against, - 18 
Distinctions, difficulties produced by Colonial, - - 394 
Deprecated by General Schuyler, - - - - 396 
Dobson, Joseph, admitted to citizenship, - - - 1379 
Dobbs’ Ferry, enemy’s ships above, - - : - 336 
The gondolas attack ships near, - - - - 785 
New-York Post Office removed to, - - - 1559 
Dock-yards, fire in the, at Halifax, - - - 1209 
Doll, Casper, appointed First Lieutenant in Flying- 
"Camp, - - - - . - 349 
Doll, Leonard, appointed Sear: Een in mle 
ing-Camp, = - - - 349 
Dollars, Captain Cuwphell ie chnes a sum of Spaniels 809 
Dolphin, brigantine, one of Dunmore’s fleet, —- - 152 
Dominion, lust of England for, - 483 
Dommick, William, appointed Ensign of Maryland 
Militia, - - - - 1355 
Donegal, association of gechradsfteasts of - - - 221 
Doolittle, Ephraim, Clerk to a Convention of Com- 
mitteas: - - - - - - - - 241 
Doorkeeper, New-York Lege as administer oath 
of secrecy to their, - - - 1458 


Dorchester (Md.) Committee to Gonneil of Safety, 217, 251 
Letter to, from Council of Safety, - 570, 686, 723, 975 
Dorchester, (Mass. ») resolve to fill ue four Compa- 
nies at, - - - 265 
Dorchester ernie Arai of ‘daria re ordered to, 1223 


Dorre, M. F., sent by Congress to Washington, - 1593 
Dorset, Convention of the Green Mountains at, =KAOD 
Dorsey, Colonel Thomas, letter to, from Maryland 
Council of Safety, - - 114, 154, 326, 418, 433 
Letter from, to Council of Safety, - - - - 135 
Dorsey, Richard, recommended as Lieutenant of Rifles, 257 
Receives the appointment, - - 1337 
Dorsey, Richard, SPP oHaS nectt Theatenayt of Ma- 
trosses, - - 1337 
Dorsey, John, jouer from to “Maryland Council of 
Safety, - - 342 
Applies for Baieeon s Mate i in Flying-Camp, - 1091 
Dorsey, Daniel, appointed Captain in Flying-Camp, - 1348 
Dorsey, J. W., appointed Lieutenant in Flying-Camp, 1348 
Dorsey, Samuel, contracts to make tents, - - - 1349 
Doty, David, annie Wagonmaster-General by 
Gates, - - - 801 
Dougherty, Captain Henry, appointed to command a 
Galley, - - - 1337 
Douglass, Sergeant asset euiten of ees - 225 
Douw, Volkert P., Commissioner at German-Flats, - 1038 
Dove, Captain, instructions to, for look-out vessels, - 360 
Dover, England, extract of a letter from, - - - 684 
Captain Johnson and crew confined in, Castle, - '756 
Dover, (Del.,) Address. to the Electors of, - + 1057 


INDEX. 


> 


Dow, Reuben, letter from, to the N ew Hania As- 

sembly, - - - - - - é 
Downes, Captain, list of men of, taken at the Cedats, 
Downing, Richard, member of New-Hampshire House 


of Representatives, - - - - - = 
Doyle, Hugh, escape of, from the enemy, - - ~ 
Advance made to , by New-York Convention, - - 


Doyle, John, appointed by Congress he of Rifles, 
Beating Warrant made out for, - - 
Drake, Colonel Joseph, arrival of, at Blizabethtelen) + 
Reasons assigned to New -York Convention for 
resigning, - - - - - - 
Letter from to New-York Convention, - - 1214, 
Complains of having been superseded, - - 
New-York Convention expresses a high opinion 2 
Regiment of, refuses to be draughted, - - - 
Resignation of, - - = = a - 
: Discussion on the resignation ar - - - - 
Letter from, to General Morris, - = ~ 
Is ordered to call out Westchester Militia, - - 
Letter to, from New-York Convention, - y 
General Clinton directed to send ammunition to, - 
Is ordered to furnish a guard to prisoners, - = 
Drake, Jacob, chosen Lieutenant Bucks Associators, 
Drake, Colonel, Samuel, letter from, to Washington, - 
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - - 


Drake, Col. Gilbert, to Captains Brown and Osborn, - 

Draper, William, declared inimical, - - - « 

Draught, Massachusetts resolves to raise men by, —- 
Militia, on Eastern-Shore of Maryland, - - - 
Disposition of, from Hooper’s Brigade, - - - 

Drayton, W. H., letter to, from Francis Salvador, - 
Letter to, from Colonel A. Williamson, - 3 
Letter to, from James Creswell, - - 

Drew, John, pppenniga Capea of New- Hampshire 

Militia, - - - 
Druggist, anppiiment oe by Congress, - - - 


Drugs and Medicines, necessity for a supply of, - 
Drummond, Lord, to General Washington, - 
Sketch of a proposition of, to Lord Howe, - 
Washington’s reply to the letter of, —- - 
Disregards his parole, - - - - - 
Congress resolves to take no notice of, - - 
Washington encloses a letter from, to Congress, 
Drum-Point, express from Annapolis to, established, - 
Colonel Somerville advises a company at, - J 
Council of Safety order Captain Brooke to, - - 
Drunkenness, punishment for, by court-martial, - 677, 
Dubois, Colonel Lewis, remarks on the promotion of, 
New-York Convention refer to the promotion of, - 


Remonstrance against the promotion of, - - 
Several of his officers resign, - - 3 
Regimental arrangement of, - - - = 


Is authorized to offer a bounty to recruits, 
Letter from, to Washington, - - 
Colonel Cortlandt’s remarks on en hes of, 
Letter to, from Washington, - - - - 
Complaints against appointments in Beriment of, - 
Rank of, settled by Congress, - - - 
Dubois, Mrs. Ann, County Committee meet at house of 
Dubois, Abraham, chosen Lieut. of Bucks Associators, 
Dubois, Cornelius, Jun., appointed Second Lieutenant, 
Commission issued to, - - - 


Letter from, to ihe Presidents of Congress, - a 


Dubourg, Barbeu, letter from, to Dr. ‘Franklin, : - 


Mr. Deane’s interview with, - - - - 
Zeal of, in the American cause, - - - - 1013, 
Expresses distrust of Beaumarchais, = - - 

Du Calvert, Pierre, brevetted by Congress 2d Lieut., - 


Duché, Rev. Jacob, appointed Chaplain to Congress, - 
Duck, order to send, to Washington, - - é 
Made use of for tents; - - - “ = 


Massachusetts orders, for brig Salthune: - 

A quantity of, brought by a French vessel to Bastar 

Connecticut orders. the purchase of raven’s, - - 

Ten bolts of, loaned to the Massachusetts Delegates, 
Duckett, John, Clerk to Annapolis Associators, - 
Du Clos, Alexander, paid by Congress for services, - 
Dudley, John, appointed Paymaster New- “Hampshire 


Militia, - - 
Is a member of the Rognail i Safaty - - - 
Dudley, Samuel, member of New- Hanipaty House 
of Representatives, - - - 
Dudley Indians, resolve relative to iuerdieie of, - 
Duer, William, introduced by Washington to Govern- 
our Trumbull, - - - - - - - 


Letter from,to Washington,- - - -— = 


1664 


1622 


1604 


305 


450 — 
1236 


1665 


Dufee, Colene], Gen. Wooster’s reasons for confining, 12 
Duffield, Abraham, appointed Ensign, == - = 349 
Dumas, C. W. F., letter from Arthur ‘Lee to; i» 80; 929 
Letter to, from Silas Deane, - - - 589, 881, 1021 
Letter from, (in French,) to Secret Committee, - 875 
Translation of the same, = + - - - - 878 
Remarks on the timidity of, - - - - - 1018 
Dumfries, extract of a letter from, + - - 490 
Dunbar, Major, (Royal Fusileers,) parole af - - 783 


Dunham, Azariah, (Commissary- -General,) draft in 


favour of, - - - - - - - =i 0al9 
Mercer complains of his unfitness for the office, - 638 
Dunlap, Brica, arrest of, for murder, = - - - 340 
Sent to General Gates under guard, - - - 398 
Dunlap, John, account of, against New-York Conven- 
tion, - - - - - - 1519 
Discharged from service of New-York Cotventionns 1519 
Dunlap, Dr. James, employed as Surgeon, - - 1287 
Authorized to engage a mate, ~—- - - - 1288 
Authorized to purchase drugs, &c., - ~ ~ 1290 
Dun Luce, the, one of Dunmore’s fleet, - - - 152 
Dunmore, Lord, recruiting in Delaware, - - - 9,11 
Loses his china by a shot, - - - - - 150 
List of ships in the fleet of, - - - - 152 
News received at Annapolis of his RGawacuit 
Gwinn’s Island, - - - - - - 341 
Maryland invaded by, - - - 386 
Rumoured variance of, with Ge caain Ee enone - 432 
Maneeuvres of, in the Petontucks - - - - 490 
Exit of, from the Capes of Virginia, — ~ - 862 
A deserter from, offers his services to Marslond 
Council of Safety, - - - - - - 907 
Arrives with Sir Peter Parker at New-York, - - 949 
Order to the purchasers of the estate of, - - 960 
Washington informs Congress of his arrival, - 995 
Dunmore, attack on ship-of-war, —- - - - 213 
Supposed to have been abandoned and burnt, - 214 
Dunn, John, bond required of, for good behaviour, - 1380 
Dunnell, Captain Jacob, extract of a letter from, - 382 
Dunnivan, Richard, admitted to citizenship, —- - 1373 
Allowance made to, for board, while prisoner, - 1374 
Dunstable Committee of Safety, report suspected per- 
sons, - - - - - - - 68 
Dunworth, ihenicanae challenges Captain Talbot, - 577 
Dupree, St. George, General “Wooster’s. reasons for 
confining, - - - - - - - 12 
Durand, Benjamin, thirty stripes to, for being drunk 
on guard, - - - - - - - 1137 
Durkee, Lieutenant-Colonel, Ee s remarks 
on promotion of, - - - 641, 915 
Appointed Colonel by Congress, vice Arnold pro- 
moted, - - - 1604 
Durkee, Robert, apaniied Gantein rr Congress - 1618 
Durland, Henry, bond required of, for good behaviour, 1453 
Durroch, Henry, chosen Lieutenant of Bucks ees 
Associators, - - - - - 171 
Duryee, Mr., arms, wagon, horses, &c., an peered - 1545 
Du Simitiere, an ingenious painter in Philadelphia, - 944 
Dutcher, Captain William, willing to raise a gates 1402 
Is authorized to raise volunteers, - - - 1476 
Dutchess, proceedings of Committee of, - 144, 1096, 1408 
Letter to Committee of, from Colonel J. Clinton, - 337 
Mr. Benson to the Deputies of, County, - - - 355 
Committee to New-York Convention, - - - 472 
Depositions from, County, - - - - - 1386 
Insurrection in, County, - . - - - 1408 
Additional company to be raised in, County, - - 1415 


Duvall, Gabriel, Clerk to Maryland Convention, - 6 


Letter from, to Gerard Hopkins, - - - =a OV; 
Du Vidal, Jean, Congress pay, as a Sergeant, - - 1604 
Duyckinck, Major, ordered to Amboy, - - - 18 

Letter from, to General Livingston, - - - 38 
Dyer, Samuel, order to seize, as inimical, - - - 80 

Measures taken by Massachusetts Council on, - 427 
Dyer, Eliphalet, member of Connecticut Council of 

Safety, - - - - - - - - 240 

Sent to emtdi with Washington, - - - 776 
Dyer, Captain Thomas, to act as Brigade Major, - 966 

Appointed Major by Congress, = - 1613 
Dying man, speech ofa, - - . - - - 751 
Dykman, Cornelius, denounced as an enemy, - - 804 
Dykman, Samuel, messenger to the New-York Con- 

vention, - - - - . - - - 1464 

E. 
Eager, John and James, published as enemies, - - 179 
Eagle, Lord Hoye dates his circular on board the, - * 895 
First Lieuteng#ft of, sentto Amboy, - - - 896 


Firrnu Es.—-VoL. I. 


INDEX. 


1666 


Eagle, the master of the, West-Indiaman, to hisowners, 958 
Eagles, William, asks employment as a carpenter, - 1438 
Eames, Captain Jeremiah, New- ot Hits fee Committee 
of Safety to, - " - - 264 
Proceeds to Cohos with thity men, - - - 748 
Karl of Errol, capture of the ship, - - - - 1067 
Earle, Joseph, Maryland Council of Safety offer the 
commission of Colonel to, - - - - 738 
Resignation of, - - - _ ~ » - 863 
Earle, Samuel, appointed Ensign in Flying-Camp, - 1348 
Earltown Committee to Lancaster Committee, - ee ee | 
Eastabrook, Captain Joseph, testimony of, - - 166 
List of his men taken at the Cedars, = - - 169 
Eastborne, Robert, employed to collect old linen, - 1288 
Eastern- Shore, Maryland Council of Safety to Com- 
mittees of - - - - 365, 366 
Visit from the enemy dead a the people of, - 723 
East Florida, Lee’s desire to conquer, - = - 436 
Expedition planned avainst part of, - - - 685 
Lee arranges an expedition against, - . 720 
An irruption into, recommended by Georgia, - 1052 
East Haddam, Tory prisoners removed to, - - 1008 
East Hampton, draught of a letter to Committee of, - 1398 
Eastman, Enoch, appointed Lieutenant of Green 
Mountain Boys, - - - - - - 377 
Easton, John, appointed Paymaster of North-Carolina 
Militia, - - - - - - - - 1368 
Easton, Colonel, Congress grant a court of inquiry to, 1594 
Rank of, settled by Congress, - - - - 1597 
East River, instructions relating to Ferries, - - Al4 
Chevaux-de-frise ordered to be sunk in, - - 887 
New-York Convention prepare to obstruct, - - 998 
Facilities offered for obstructing, - - - 1514 
Captain Rutgers appointed to direct the clerhe 
tion of, - - - - - - - - 1544 
Eastwood, Captain, insolent demand of, on the Goy- 
ernour of St. Eustatia, - - - - - 180 
Eaton, Thomas, member of North-Carolina Council, - 1366 
Eayrs, Captain, General Ward recommends his com- 
pany of artificers, - - - - - 514 
His company refuse. to go to New aenkt - - 754 
Eccleston, Hugh, deposition taken before, - 688, 689 
Eccun, Captain, ‘arrives with a cargo of salt, - - 1516 
Ordered to deliver it to Commissary-General, - - 1516 
Eddy, Bernard, captain of Rhode-Island carpenters, - 377 
Illness of, at Williamstown, - - - - - 1003 
Noble spirit of, commended by Washington, - - 1282 
Eden, Governour, takes passage in the Levant, - - 152 
Cunningham saw, on board the Fowey, - - 432 
Maryland Council of Sek rete, at this informa- 
tion, - - - - - 434 
His letter to, and reply om Wvolsientolnt - - 616 
Edgar, Captain, ordered to Perth Amboy, - - 600 
Edmonds, Thomas, concerned in the escape of ee 
from Lebanon, . - - . - - - 596 
Edwards, Timothy, appointed to carry specie to 
Schuyler, - - - - - - - 269 
Resolve on the petition of, - - . - 273 
Washington’s instructions to, - - - 892, 886 
Letter to, from Aaron Burr, - - - - - 887 
One of the Commissioners at German-Flats, - - 1038 
Edwards, Enoch, appointed Surgeon in Flying-Camp, 349 
Edwards, Marshall, appointed Lieutenant and Quar- 
termaster in Flying-Camp, - - - - 349 
Edwards, William, honourable acquittal of, - 736, 1371 
Edy, Captain Jonathan, bearer of a petition from Ons- 
low, in Nova-Scotia, - - - - - 733 
Eells, Captain, has charge of suspected persons, - 989 
Ordered to escort them to Connecticut, - - 990 
Instructions given to, on that occasion, - - - 990 
Effigy, the King’s, burnt at Baltimore, — - - - 633 
Egg-Harbour, prizes carried into, - - - - 336 
Arrival of a storeship at, ~ - - - - 1060 
Egmont, Lord, settlement of, in Monde broken up, - 1076 
Eilbeck, Mr., takes refuge in Dunmore’s fleet, - - 152 
Elder, William, prisoner-of-war, disposal of, —- - 22 
Examination and parole of, - - - - - 24 
Elderkin, Jedediah, member of Connecticut Council, - 240 
Elderkin, Colonel Joseph, advance made to, for tents, 550 
Elderkin, Dr. Joshua, advance made to, for tents, - 1907 
Elderkin, Bela, Aas Lieutenant of Marines in 
Connecticut, - - - - 1100 
Election of officers in uber! s iGoemtrs New-York, - 257 
Elections, measures recommended to preserve the 
purity of, - a hs Aegan iis - “os - 735 
Success of our Government dependent on, - - 812 
General Hooper arranges for his Brigade to attend 
the Maryland, - - - - - a - 666 


105 


1667 


INDEX, 


Elections, begin in Anne Arundel County, Maryiand, 724 
Regulations respecting, in Delaware, - - 1178 
North- Carolina recommends great attention ib. - 1373 

Electorates, principal cause of. European wars, - - 1015 

Eliot, John, Colonel Drake asks the appointment of, 

as Chaplain to his Regiment, - - - - 1145 
Congress appoint him for two Regiments, - - 1542 

Elizabeth, trial of the prize brig, = : - - 1173 

Elizabeth Islands, resolve to furnish forces at, - - 316 
Governour Trumbull removes the stock from, - - 540 

Elizabethtown, extract of a letter from the camp at, - 575, 

814, 1119 
Point, immense labour in erecting works at, - - 785 
Speech of a lady on parting with “her children at, - 870 
Five hundred men to be left at, - - - - 1194 

Elk, Maryland, vessels employed to carry troops to, - 100 
Flint quarry near at the head of, river, - . - 633 
Committee of Safety order the quarries near, ex- 

plored, - - - - - - - 690 
Preparations at, for forwarding Maryland troops, - 943 
Elkins, Henry, appointed Captain in a Canada Regi- 
ment, - 65 
Ellery, William, appointed Captain of the Clonbester 
Company, - oie M2UL 

Elliot, Samuel, letter for to Corrinne Trumbull, - 134 
Testimony g given by, Task : - 1080 

Elliott, Captain, letter from, to Maryland Council of 

Safety, - - - 363 
Reply to, of Marrland Coated of Safety, - - 668 

Elliott, Tucop, declared inimical, - 4 was 

Ellis, Mr., introduced to M. Dumas, - 30, 880 

Ellis, Major, member of New- ‘Hampshire Pee aint - 64 

Ellis, Richard, offers his services to Congress, - - 185 

Elliston, Midshipman Cuthbert, deposition of, - - 526 

Elmer, Dr., address of, on Independence, - - - 811 

‘Elmore, Colonel Samuel, ordered to New-York, - 669, 

712, 776 
Is ordered to join Schuyler, - - - : - 820 
His Regiment refuse to march without pay, - - 985 
Ordered to Tryon County, - - - - - 1153 
Return of the Regiment of, - - . - - 1198 

Elmslie, John, paid for shot-moulds, - - - 1327 

Ely, Dr. John, skill of, in treating small-pox, - >: 145 
Is sent to the Northern Army, - - = Bees] 
Instructions of Connecticut Council of Safety to, - 241 
Arrives at Albany, and is sent to Gates, * = 260 
Sent by Gates to General Waterbury, - - - 396 
Governour Trumbull’s apology for sending, to the 

army, '_ od > < > = ~ 400 
Arrival of, nt Skenesborough, - - - 424, 4'74 
Schuyler’s reply to Governour Trumbull concerning, 561 
Governour Trumbull receives a report Toe - G07, 
Return of, to Connecticut, - - = " - 660 

Embarkation, the enemy’s, at Staten-Island,_ - = S24 
Washington informs Congress ofthe, - mu S35 

Emerson, Mr., member of New-Hampshire Assembly, 61 

Emerson, Jacob, letter from, to Massachusetts Council, 959 

Emerson, Rev. William, strange letter to, from a pri- 

soner, - - - - - 1167 

Emery, Noah, Clerk to Now. Faure Legislative 

Council, - - - - - x * a=; spy, 
Extra pay ‘voted t0;, acs - - - - =)¥ <69 
Appointed Paymaster, - - - - - = see 

Emmerson’s Landing, quantity of flint-stones at, - 942 

Emms, Richard, (prisoner, money and berty shies 

ed tO ane - - - ss 47 

Emory, Thomas L. , appointed Tieeleeenee Colonel a 

Eastern- Shore, Maryland, Battalion, - - - 1350 

Empire, the British, compared to “a fine and noble 

porcelain vase,’ - - - ~ 483 

Encampments, cooking i in the streets of, praiiden - 1126 

Endeavour, sloop, restored to Captain Walker, - - 1576 

Enemy, movements of the, near the Hook, - - 
Movements of the, ‘in Georgia, - - " 7 
Disaffected Americans more dangerous than he) - 410 
Appearance of the, off Cape- May, - w= os Pee 
Maneuvres of the, about Staten-Island, - - 18 
Cattle from New-Jersey driven off by the, - - 19 
Dread American riflemen, - ~ - . ~) 199 
Contempt shown by the, at Quebeck, - - DA) 
Are driven from Gwinn’s Island, - - be - 149 
Number of, found dead, - = m 2 5} 
Two ships of, pass the North River hahence - - 223 
Doings of,on Lake Champlain, - - ns aT 
Constructing ships at St. John’s, - - - ~2os 
State of, on Staten-Island, - - Bel 
Plan proposed for attacking, on ape a - 370 
A small party of, land in New-Jersey, . - - 510 


1668 


Enemy, last ship of, repasses Charleston bar, - - 720 
Force of, daily increasing, - - - - ‘T27, 933 
Distress of, for want of fresh provisions, - =) 914 
Intelligence brought from, by two gentlemen of Vir- 

ginia, - - - - 887 
Appearance of, on analy Ghejerae - - - 888 
Skirmish of, with American riflemen, - - - 1136 
Engagement of a detachment with, —- - - 1183 
General Mercer’s account of a skirmish with, - 1194 
King and Queen’s County occupied by, - - 1561 

Engineer, difficulty of procuring an, - - - 220 
Appointment of an, with the rank of Colonel,  - 367 
Regiments ordered to attend at store of, - - 503 
Chief, rectifies a mistake in his report, - : - 503 
Rufus Putnam recommended as chief, - - - 641 
General Lee asks for an, = - - - - - 722 
Colonel Thomas requires an, at Tarrytown, - - 791 
A distingaishey French, desires to enter the ser- 

vice, . - - - - - 1017 

Engineers, noch to be made to, when Regiments are 

exempted from fatigue duty, - - 503 
Difficulty of Prorininen in the Nortlere Army, - 614 
Small pay of, - - - 721 
M. Coudray obtains derniscen to bring Pronel to 

America, - - - - - - - 1018 
French, promise of an honourable reception to, = 1028 

Englishmen, the city of Paris swarms with, - - 1018 

Ensign, an, added to the company on the gurnet, - 78 

Enterprise, captures made by the privateer, = - - 809 
Armament of the, (Captain Dixon,) + - - 869 
Prizes sent into Boston by the, - - - - 972 
(Captain de White,) capture made by, - “ - 1067 

Epes, Benjamin, postrider, resolve to pay, « - 302 
Gunpowder furnished to, - - - - =A oul 

Episcopalians, New-York Convention shia to O aeet 

the fears of, - - - - =~ 202 

Erskine, Sir William, pb Be Howe “ ee the 

absent,”’ - 105 

Erskine, General Waa to the HN of Suffolk 

County, - - - - - - 5 ae | 

Erskine, Thomas, PUB Sh on parole, removed to 

Harrisburg, - - - - 3 ae 
Permitted to go to the West Indies, - = - 1386 

Essex, number of men raised i in, for Northern Army, 289 

Estabiook Nehemiah, chosen Moderator, = Son 86 
Member of the New-Hampshire Assembly, - wives 4G 

Estates of New-Jersey Refugees, resolve concerning, 726 

Estatoe, order for destruction of, - - - - %50 
Corn at, destroyed, - ~ AOAT 

Estep, Richard, appointed Racin Marland Militia, - 1344 

Europe, the owe of, will not always sleep, - - 926 
Mr. Deane’s speculations on the interests of, - 1015 

Evans, John, sent prisoner to Maryland Council of 

Safety, - - . - - ¥ wd - 686 
Mareman’s deposition against, - - fe awe G87 
Moses Yell’s deposition against, - - s - 688 
Is committed to Jail, - - - s A - 1347 

Evans, Colonel Stephen, member of New Hampaiizp 

Assembly, - - - - - - 61 

Evans, John, thirty-nine stripes to, for deveann) - 225 

Evening, Abraham, a non-associator, order to arrest, - 183 
Discharge of, by Baltimore Committee, - “ - 345 

Everett,\Captain, list of his men taken at the Cedars, 168 

Ewes, under five years old not to be killed in Connec- 

ticut, - - - - - - - BP) 

Ewing, Captain, offers to dispose of his ship, - 885 

Ewing, Colonel Thomas, Ce Rare Council of Safety 

to, 2 - 387, 783, 906 
To the Maryland ‘Coane of ‘Sefety, = "BT, 

809, 892, 1023, 1055 
Application of, for canteens, - - MAES! 
Reported as under marching orders, - - - 863 
Ordered to march to Philadelphia, - - - 1367 

Examination, of seven persons from enemy’s fleet, - 196 
Of Ebenezer Colefox, a deserter, - - 2 on 
Of Emanuel Josephson, an escaped prsgner; - 198 
Of William Gardener, a prisoner, - - man 1); 
Of Elijah Stephens and C. Smith, deserters, - - 198 
Of James McFarlan, deserter aus the Fifty-Fifth, - 199 
Of Abraham Van Duzar, a visiter to Staten-Island, - 200 
Of sundry deserters from enemy’s fleet, - -, 353 
Of Cunningham, - - - - * x 5) et 
Of Richard Turpin, a deserter, - - - - 452 
Of William Poor, as to the escape of prisoners, - 596 
Of John White, on the same subject, - - 597 
Of Balthazar de Hart, as to the Tories of Rloseucaes 

County, New-Jersey, - - 4 - 602 
Of the master of the Peggy, - - . - 661 


1669 


Examination, of Peter Shocker, in nad ah to a priso- 


INDEX. 1 


ner, - : - - - - - 760 
Of all strangers without passes, évdered by Phila- 
delphia Committee, - ~ - - - - 787 
Verbal, of the Canadian Captains, - - - 798 
Report of Captain Mesnard’s, = - - - - 828 
Of Richard Shea, a deserter, - - - 813 
Of Joshua Ferris, as to his: visits to the Beir, 855, 856 
Of Thomas Givens, a deserter from the Sixty- Fourth, 950 
Of sundry persons escaped from the enemy, - 996, 997 
Of Captain Britton, arrived with ~ fleet from Hali- 
fax, - - - - ~ 1064 
Of Daniel Redfield, a patented Paves, - “ - 1215 
Copy of an, taken by the Committee of White-Plains, 1412 
Of witnesses against Lieutenant-Colonel Hammon, 1438 
Of John Thomas, a prisoner, - d s - 1449 
Of William Sutton, Esq., a prisoner, - - - 1449 
Of Thomas Willet, publisher of Howe’s declaration, 1478 
Of Edward Willet, Senior and Junior, on the same 
subject, - - - - - - - 1485-6 
Of Jacob Halsted, on the burning of his house, - 1490 
Of Isaac Burga or Bragau, on his riley os with 
the enemy, - - 1506 
Of Nathaniel, Caleb, ahd Soult Mills, as to same, 1507, 
1508 
Of Elizabeth Hicks, on the same subject, — - - 1508 
Of John Sloan and Thomas Clarke, on the same 
subject, - - - - - - - ~ 1512 
Of Colonel Covenhoven, as to treatment while a 
prisoner, - - - - - 1554 
Of Captain Brinton Payne, avintive to Johzi Wobileys 1559 
Exeter, New-Hampshire, Assembly meet at,  - - AT 
Powder-house at, to be guarded, - - . oe Sl 


General Court and Committee of Safety sit at, - 381 
Experiment, arrival of the ship of war, at Charleston, 438 
Exportation, resolve of North-Carolina Council rela-~ 

tive to, - - - - - - - - 1367 
Express, private letters not to be sent by, - - - 196 
Expresses, David Grant to be paid for, - ts - 1332 

Congress orders, between Philadelphia and New- 

York, - - - - - - + - 1567 
Extortion, Lee complains of, in venders to the army, 1132 

F. 
Fairfield, Selectmen of, to Connecticut Council of 

Safety, - - - - - - - - TTT 

Cannon, shot, &c., voted to, - - ~ - 1005 

Letter from General Heath to Committee of, - - 1215 

Prisoners sent to, l- - - - 1215 
Fair-Haven, transports convoyed by, sloop of war, - 1115 
Fairholm, Johnston, taken into custody at Amboy, - 38 
Faith; flagrant violation of, by the enemy, - - - 350 

Measures taken to make the enemy more mindful of, 352 
Falcon, Berkit, appointed First Lieutenant of Captain 

Bourk’s Company, - - - - - 1351 
Falconer, William, letter from to Annoy Falconer, 249 
Falconer, Abraham, ge bbe First Lieutenant in 

Flying-Camp, - - - - - - 1346 
Fallen, Major, captures an enemy’s schooner, - - 665 
Falmouth, resolve to raise a Company of Matrosses at, 271 

Appointment of officers for the Company at, - - 274 

Resolve to supply the Company at, = - - Q77 

An order to furnish cannon, &c., to, - - 308, 321 

The burning of, related to the Indians - - - 842 

Letter to the representative of, - - 4 - 1205 

Certificate from commissioned oflicersat, = - - 1207 
Fanny, brig, one of Dunmore’s fleet, - > i] 29 
Fanny, capture of the brig, - - - - a4) 780 

Invoice of the cargo of, - - : q =") 780 
Fanny, examination of debGtidts from the transport, - 997 
Fanny, Governour of Virginia requested to send brig, 

tosea, - - - - ~ - - - 1578 
Farmer, sloop-of-war, transports convoyed by, -  —-_ -_—« 973 
Farmer, Captain, slightly wounded, - - 3 - 1184 
Farnsworth, Captain, ordered to Sa for New- 

Hampshire troops, - ut O11 
Farnsworth, Joseph, SP ona ‘Adjutant ar MassAerhie 

-setts Militia, - - - - = Sango 5 
Fassett, John, First risuesane Green Mountain Boys, 377 
Fassett, Jonathan: 3d Captain Green Mountain Boys, 377 

Letter from, to General Gates, - - - - 1222 
Fasting and Prayer, New-York Convention appoint a 

day of, - - - - - - - - 1470 
Father, the Eastern Indians desire a, - - - §39 
Fatigue men, the disaffected ordered to serve as, - 1496 
Favier, Isaac, examination of, - - 2 2 - 996 
Fay, Dr. Jonas, Clerk to Green Mountain Convention, 565 

Congress orders that he be subjected to inquiry, - 1594 


Feenes, Mr., and family, on board Dunmore’s fleet, - 
Fees, vote to establish, in New- -Hampshire, = - 
Copy of the bill of, in court maritime, - - - 
Fegan, Lawrence, violence offered to family of, - 
Felling axes, Schuyler sends a number of, to Gates, - 
Gov. Trumbull sends a number of, to Gates, - - 
Gates orders more, from General Waterbury, - 


Fellowell, John, chose on Captain Bucks Associators, 


Fellows, John, appointed Brigadier-General, - - 
Letter to, from Colonel Joshua Porter, - - - 
Ordered to march to Lake Champlain, - - - 
. Ordered to exchange posts with General Scott,  - 
Brigade of, assigned to Putnam, - . - - 

Felt, Daniel, appointed Lieutenant of Matrosses in 

Massachusetts, - - - - - 


Declines accepting the service, - - 
Fendall, Rev. Henry, certificate of, as to Sad yoPoitt} 
Fenton, Joseph, Jun., chosen Surgeon Bucks Asso- 

ciators, - - = = = 
Ferguson, William, appointed Liebtenarit 4 in Golsnel 
Tyler’s Maryland Battalion, —- - - 
Fernandis, Peter, PU AD eh First Lieutenant of Mary- 


land Militia, - - - - 
Ferries, New-Jersey Gonvehition to theic delebutes 
concerning, = . - - - - - 

No person aliswed to cross, without a pass, - - 
Resolves of New-Jersey relative to, - - - 
Ferris, Joshua, examination of, : - - 


Ferris, Reuben, appointed Lieutenant wigs? df Newé 
York Militia, a ae . - 
Fidelity, the South-Carolina Militia tails an oath of, - 
Field artillery, loss of, in Canada referred to, - - 
Fielding, Commodore, sails from Plymouth, - . 
Field-O/ fficers; address of the, to General Sullivan, - 
Nomination of, for Pennsylvania German Battalion, 
New-York Convention dissatisfied with Congress 
appointing, . = - - - 
Remonstrance of, at Crown Polne . - - 
Schuyler’s reply to remonstrance of, . - 
Appointment of, for the Massachusetts troops, 
The right ofa Colonel to, on his court-martial, —- 
Congress require recommendations of, for a new 
Battalion, - - - - 
Washington sustains the remonstrance of Schtiylér’s; 8; 
Opinions of, in relation to Crown-Point regarded 


as valid by Washington, - - - - - 
Gates owns no authority to appoint, = - - - 
Washington invites his, to dinner, - - - 
Of the picket, to be punctual on parade, - - 


Inquiry ordered by Massachusetts into the choice of, 
Captain King desires to be appointed one of the, - 
Several Militia regiments without, - . 
Of the Hampshire, Massachusetts, Battalion, sit 
with small-pox, - - - - - . 
Schuyler’s arguments against remonstrance of his, - 
Quantity of paper required by Heath’s, - . - 
Washington’s respect for the recommendation of, 


to fill vacancies, - - fs ‘ a 
General Gates addresses Washington on in opinions 
of the, as to Crown-Point, = < i] = 
A meeting of, at Worcester, to choose company 
officers, - - = q 


General Gates’ s, apply for pay ia ratios - - 
Harmony among the, at Ticonderoga, - - 
Colonel Fitch asks for the appointment of, to His 
Regiment, - - - - - % - 
Lee submits a question to his, - - 2 
At Ticonderoga, to the President of Comptess: - 
Number of men to be commanded by one of the, - 
Appointment of, by New-York Convention, - nite 
Field-Pieces, distance for firing, prescribed by Lee, - 
Fincastle, brigantine, one of Dunmore’s fleet, - - 
Fincastle, sloop, tender to sloop-of-war Otter, - d 
Fincastle, fight of Militia at, with the Cherokees, < 
Fines, warrant for mee of, by Baltimore Com- 
mittee, - < = as - - - 
Remission of, by Baltimore Committee, - 
ius 807, 
Appointment of a collector of, - = i 
New-Jersey imposes, on Militia refusing to ad tistun 
Finley, Dr., recommended as Surgeon, - - 
Finley, Samuel, appointed Lieutenant by Con grata) < 
Finnie, William, to the President of Congress, - - 
Copy ofa letter from, to Mifflin, (enclosed, ) - - 
Fire-Arms, bounty given for manufacture or,” = - 
Means of supplying, discussed in New-Hampshire 
Assembly, - - - T : - = . 


292, 


551 
551 


552 
559 
578 


641 
650 


663 
775 
776 


891 
905 
1072 
1127 
1407, 
1498 
100 
152 
152 
464 


345 


- 345, 


1050 
524 
746 

1091 

1570 
991 
992 

49 


54 


1671 


Fire-Arms, vote to supply sundry towns with, - = i456, 
17, 79, 81, 82 

Inquiry into most effectual mode of supplying, - 76 
Price given for, - - - - - : Sa in: 
Addition made to the price of, = - - 2 
Proper proof of, - - - - - - - 154 
Resolve of Bucks Associators respecting,  - - 171 
Collectors of, appointed, - - . - - 172 
Quantity of, arrived at Martinique, - - - 266 
Resolve to supply Falmouth with, - - - - 271 
Resolve to encourage manufacture of, - . - 308 
Three cases of, forwarded to Washington, - - 3859 
Connecticut pays a premium for, - - - - 456 
Firelocks, price of, in Maryland, — - - - 153, 155 
Repairs of, for the Flying-Camp, - - - - 218 
To be had, on Kent-Island, - . - - - 665 
Firemen exempted from military duty, —- - - 257 
Fire-Rafts, sum paid in New-Hampshire for, - aly a! 
Plan of Dutchess County for, approved, - - 337 
Poughkeepsie Committee prepare, : - - 338 
Washington’s instructions respecting, - - - 601 
Arrival of, at Fort Montgomery, - - - - 544 
Delay in preparing the, - - - - - 728 
Captain Hazlewood paid for the use of his, - - 1325 
Fireship, the story of Wooster’s, — - - oe - 40 
Fireships, the slow progress in, at New-York, - - 621 
Anderson reports the completion of two, - - 692 
Success of the, in driving the enemy off, — - - 983 
Fire-vessels, Captain Hazlewood fits out.a number of, 1545 
Fish, Nicholas, appointed Brigade-Major to Scott, - 913 
Disappointment of, at not receiving commission, - 953 
Acknowledges the reception of commission, - - 982 


Fish, the arrival of, in France, embarrasses Mr. Deane, 1019 


Fisher, Henry, recommended for German Company,- 251 
Appointed Captain of a German Company, - - 1336 
Fisher, Jabez, letter to, from Andrew Hamilton, - 34i 
Fisher, D., Clerk to Brunswick, Virginia, Committee, 633 
Fisher, Daniel, ordered before North-Carolina Council, 1370 
Fisher’s Island, the stock driven from, - - 46, 400 
Enemy’s ships appear off, - - - - - 1144 
Fishing, use of the batteaus for, prohibited, —- - §00 
Fishing Boats, capture of, by the Canceaux, - - 428 
Fishkill, New-York Convention adjourn to, — - - 1555 
Convention to meet in the English Church at, = 1556 
Treasury and State records removed to, - - 1557 
Distress on board a sloop at, - . - - 1562 
Meeting of the Committee of Safety at, - - - 1562 


Convention vote money for support of the poor at, - 1563 


Military Stores removed from Westchester to, - 1566 
Fisk, Captain John, schooner Despatch captured by, 405, 
426, 552 

Fisk, Stephen, chosen First Lieutenant of Martha’s 
Vineyard Company, - - - = : - 295 

Fitch, Colonel Jonathan, Washington authorized to 
call on, - - - - = e = eA 
The call made on, for his levy, - - i - 822 
Letter from, to Governour Trumbull, - - 896, 938 
Regiment of, ordered to New-York, — - - - 891 
Fitz-Randolph, James, insulted for being Whig, = HtS8 
Flag, rejection of Lord Howe’s letters by - - = 231 
Lord Howe sends a, to General Mercer, - = 338 
From Sir Peter Parker fired on, - - = 5 437 
Lee sends a, to Clinton, with a present, - - 440 
Lord Howe sends another to Washington, - at AT] 
Another, with a letter for Miss Moncrieff, - - AT71 
Lieutenant Calcott sent into New-York with a, - 549 
Granted to escort Mrs. Livius to Quebeck, ’ - - 553 

Governour Cooke communicates the purport of, to 
Convention, - - <f a - 605 
Notice of General Gates’s to Carleton - - - 682 
Conjectures as to the detention of, - = 796 
Flatbush, the enemy encamped at - - - 1143, 1212 
Action with the enemy at, - ies : SU Pa} 


Flaxseed mill, workmen on the, exempted from duty, 1540 
Fleet, the enemy’s, driven from Gwinn’s Island, 154, 341 
Plan proposed for destroying the British, - - 155 


Examination of deserters from the, at New-York, - 196 
Report of the arrival of Lord Howe’s, - - mn 224 
A French, reported at Rhode-Island, - een 26 1 
General Howe waiting the arrival of the, . - 370 
Supplies furnished to enemy’s, at New-York, - 403 
Number of families take refuge in Dunmore’s, - 432 
Proceedings of Sir Peter Parker’ s, in the South - 436 
Statement “of damage done to Sir Pekar Parker’s, - 4389 
Anderson prepares for destruction of the,.  - - 451 
Maneuvres of Dunmore’s, in the Potomack, - - 490 
A powerful, within view of Washington, - - 509 
Several of the enemy’s, ne@ Block- Island, - - 558 


INDEX. 


Fleet, Arnold’s preparations for a, on Lake Champlain, 563 
Scattering arrival of the enemy’s, at New-York, - 643 
Gates gives command of the Lake, to Arnold, - 649 
A French, reported on the way to Quebeck, - - 652 
Sickness in a part of Dunmore’s, - - - - TR 
Report of the number of enemy’s, arrived, - - 769 
Gates gives an account to pees Convention 

of his, - - - - + - 774,797 
Orders to Arnold for risk PORTER ofhis, == - 826 
Report brought by deserters from Lord Howe’ s, - 870 
Colonel Hartley suggests to Gates an alteration in 

the position of the. Lake, - - - - Se S88 
Captain Harris falls in with 2 of one hundred and 

eight sail, - - - 888 
Appearance of the eviews! S, off Sandy: Looks 909: 
The report es a French, in the St. anh dis- 

credited, - - - - - 923 
Washington’ s report on the Pivmentation of the 

enemy’s, - - - - 932, 950 
Lords Dunmore and Campbell on nubooed Sir Peter 

Parker’s, - - - - - - - - 949 
Arrival of land division of Lord Howe’s, - - 952 
Number and armament of the Lake, - - - 969 
Arnold’s, well fitted and manned, - - - - 1188 
Names of ships composing the enemy’s, - - 1214 

Fleet, Thomas, gives bond for good behaviour, - - 1453 

Fleming, Mr., and family, on board Dunmore’s fleet,- 152 

Fleming, Col., marches against Tories in Maryland, - 214 

Fleming, Edward, reasons of, for resigning, = - - 204 

Fletcher, Daniel, ise Nat Major of Massachusetts 

Militia, - - - - 293 

Fletcher, Thomas, rete? from, to ne Mabsachasette 

Council, - - - 990 

Flint, Royal, appointed Paythaever of the Connecticut 

Militia, - - - - - 242 

Flint, Samuel, refuses to accept a commission, - 178, 971 

Flints, the Board of War advertises for, - - - 34 
New-Hampshire votes to supply sundry towns with, 79, 

. 81, 82, 85 
Deficiency of, in Washington’s army, - - - 173 
Order for supply of, to Falmouth, - - - W271 
Resolve to supply County of Sunbury, - - - 291 
Governour Cooke sends, to Washington, - 359, 378 
Allibone’s report on quarries of, - + - - - 410 
Discovery of, on Penn’s Creek, - . - - 533 
A barrel of, arrives at Chester, = - - - 691 
Thirty thousand, sent from Philadelphia to New- 

York, - - - - 1287 
A supply of, sent to Titian Chiefs, - - 1486, 1445 
Order for supplying the Rangers with, - - - 1444 
To be distributed gratis to Indians in Ulster, - - 1450 
Dutchess County Militia to be supplied with, - 1494 
Congress orders thirty thousand, for Washington, - 1602 

Flint-Island, inexhaustible supply of flints on, - - 139 

Flintstone found eG in Sussex County, New- 

Jersey, - - - - - - - 139 
Maryland Gaurol of Sear makes inquiry con- 

cerning, - - - - - 807 
Quantities of, on Wye Rives and Chopin: - - 619 
Found on the wharves in Baltimore, = - - - 633 

Floating-battery, pay of the officers of the, - - 1288 
Allowance to the Marines on board the, - - 1297 

Flood, a great, at Skenesborough, - - - - 954 

Floory, Robert, CO ee as Ensign of Maryland 

Militia, - - - - - 1344 

Flora, ship, spoken in sea, swith Highlanders on board, 662 

Florida, danger from the savages of, - - - a 7 

Flour, application to Colonel Fonda for, - - =! 1110 
A quantity of, damaged at Baltimore, - - - 182 
Plenty of, in the Northern Army, - - - - 232 
Massachusetts Committee ordered not to purchase 

more, - - - - - 307 
J. Hollingsworth reports the, in his beards! - - 325 
Difficulty of transporting, to Chingoteague, . - 383 
Price of superfine, at St. Eustatia, — - : - 464 
Small quantity of, at Skenesborough, - - - 563 
Order for, to be sent to Crown-Point, - - - 653 
False report of the quantity of, at Fort etic y - 173 
Livingston’s indebtedness for, : - - 824 
Three thousand barrels of, at Fort Eid wand; - 872 
Mr. Glen’s difficulties in the purchase of, —- 1001, 1070 
Mr. Glen’s anxiety to have Ten Eyck’s, _ - - 1085 
Captain Fasset asks Gates for a barrel of, —- - 1222 
Carleton forbids the exportation of, - - - 1240 
Colonel Cortlandt ordered to purchase six hundred 

barrels of, - ~ - - - - - 1497 

Flower, Benj., petitions Congress for an appointment, 156 
Is appointed a Commissary in Flying-Camp, 691, 1580 


1672 


1673 


Floyd, William, letter from, without address, - - 
Flucker, Major Thomas, a refugee, - - ° 
Flushing, Long-Island, enemy’ s Light- horse pillage, - 

The indigent of New- York sent to, - - 3 


Fly, the armed ship, Capt. Edgar, ordered to pmboy, 
Arrives at New-York with cannon, - : 
Flying-Camp, orders for the movement of the, - - 


Troops furnished for, by Maryland, - - - 
Militia ordered to serve till formation of, - - 
Pennsylvania troops for, sent to Trenton, - - 
Maryland troops for, sent to Philadelphia, — - - 
Notice of, ina letter from Philadelphia, - - - 


Preparations at Lancaster for, - - - - 
Preparations in Maryland for, . - - . 
Militia ordered to be raised for, - - ais Oe 5s 
Election of company officers to serve in, - - 
A Company of, ordered to Annapolis, - - - 
Men ordered to be raised for, in Easton, Penn. - 
Militia in New-Jersey serving in place of, - - 
Order to supply the Militia for, with cartouch-boxes, 
March of, to Philadelphia intended, - - - 
Washington’s impatience for arrival of, - - - 
Maryland Council of Safety purchase bayonets for, - 
Smallwood’s uneasiness about command of, - - 
Offer to procure tents, &c., for, - - - - 
E. Winter employed to repair arms for, - - - 
Difficulty of finding blankets for, - - - - 
Arms and ammunition needed for, - - - 
Inlisting for, in the lower Counties of Maryland, + 
Officers appointed to, by Philadelphia Committee, - 
Letter from Reading relating to, - . - 
Congress call on Pennsylvania Council of Safety to 
furnish ammunition LO nn i= - - - - 
General Mercer appointed to command the, - - 
Four tons of powder sent to Mercer for use of, —- 
Five Companies foi, ordered in Cumberland County, 
Pennsylvania, - - - - - - - 
Sufficient provision secured for,  - - - - 
Congress act on Washington’s letters respecting, - 
Dr. Shippen appointed Surgeon-General to, - - 
Philadelphia Committee of Safety appoint officers for, 
Mr. Wharton asks the Commissaryship to,  - - 
Kent-Island Militia weakened by, - - - - 
Major Otho Williams declines a commission in, 363, 
Monsieur Kirmoven, Engineer, ordered to, - - 
Mercer proposes Amboy as the post for, : i 
Company of, ordered to Kent-Island,  - - - 
Militia for, not to draw pay till they march, - - 
One thousand troops from Maryland on their way 


to join, - - - 1 a bs 
Difficulties as to subsisting the Maryland, - - 
E. Winter engages to repair arms for, - - - 


An Adjutant-General and Secretary required for, - 
Two Battalions ordered from Virginia for, - - 
Four Battalions ordered from Pennsylvania ene to 
Three Battalions ordered from New-Jersey for, - 
Arrangement of, left to Washington, - - - 
Frederick County unable to arm her, - - 3 


Lancaster Associators form a Company for, - - 
Colonel Greene ordered to join, - - - - 
Officers of, have no command over stores in Ma- 

ryland,  - - - - - 
Paymaster aed to each Babar in, - - 


Militia for, come in slowly, - - - A “ 
Supply of money ordered for, - - - - 
Congress authorize building boats for, - - - 
General Dent rejects the commission of Brigadier in, 
Captains in, complain of want of’guns, - - - 
Maryland Council of Safety advance money for, - 
Letter from Virginia Council to President of Con- 
gress on, - - - . - 
Maryland supplies her, with atc bottles, . - 
Effectual measures ordered for filling the quotas for, 
Difficulty in preventing desertion from the Penn- 
sylvania, ~- - - - - : - - 
“Linen wanted for the, - - - - - 
Reported strength of the, in Next leney. - - 
Washington orders two thousand men from, - - 
Bounty ‘paid to Pennsylvania Associators to join, - 
Mercer prepares to send part of, to New-York, —- 
A detachment from, to assist in defence of New- 
Work; - - 
March of three estat of, nee Colonel Bad, - 
Departure of Commissioners from Philadelphia to 
form the, - - - - - - - 931, 
Mr. Gustavus Risberg to procure articles for, - - 
Account of money advanced by Cumberland Com- 
pany for, - - - - - - - - 


INDEX. 


325 
1216 
1547 

600 
1287 

4 

5 
15 
15 
32 
34 
35 

101 

114 

121 

136 

137 

138 

153 

154 

173 

184 

215 

216 

218 

225 

224 

252 

253 

254 


327 
327 
327 


328 
330 
346 
346 
349 
350 
363 
521 
367 
371 


387 


387 
434 


Flying-Camp, two of ence Rela Battalion order- 


ed to, - - - - - 
Appointment ari a committee to mayer and pass 
accounts for, - - - - - * 
Cannon ordered to Mercer for use of, - - - 


Application to Congress for arms for, - - - 
Money advanced for inlisting men for, - - : 
Maryland Council of Bs IM vote mpner to purchase 
arms for, - - . - - 
Maryland Council of eerie vote money on account 
of subsistence for, - - - ‘ ~ a 
Congress receive resolutions from Maryland Con- 
vention relating to, - - : 
Pennsylvania Council of f Safety Bipply ities teats 
tridges to, - - - - - 
Congress appoint a conanitied to consider means 
of : augmenting, - - - - 
Congress appoint a chief Physician for, - - 
Conoress request Pennsylvania Council of uae 
to supply lead for, - - - - 
Congress appoint a Deputy Adjutant- Genera for, - 
Report of ways and means to increase, - - - 
Folsom, Nathaniel, member of New-Hampshire Legis- 
lative Council, - - - - - = 
Folsom, Lieutenant- Colonel, pended to dismiss peti- 
tions against, dismissed, - - - - 7 
Folsom, Major- General NG, return of men raised by 


1674 


1053 
1302 
1303 
1306 
1329 
1340 
1360 
1569 
1577 


1578 
1578 


1579 
1584 
1586 

47 


60 


order of, - - - - - - - 875 
Folsome, Colonel Ehenezer anos of abuses 
committed by, - . - - - 1377 
Fonda, Major, letter to, from H. Clee. - - 42,110 
Fooks, Paul, petition of, to Congress, - - - 1192 
Forage, scarcity of, for horses, i in New-York, - - 124 
W. Finnie suggests the propriety of allowing, ~ 992 
Forbes, Mayor of New-York, still confined as a con- 
spirator, - - - - - - 260 
Forbes, William A, named to succeed Gente Waric 646 
Forbes, Gilbert and William, committed to Litchfield 
jail, - - - - - : - - - 731 
Forbes, John, appointed Lieutenant in Flying-Camp, 1345 
Forbisher, sent by merchants of Montreal to Congress, 13 
Force, New-York Convention apply to Governour 
Trumbull for an additional, - - - - 1196 
Forces, pay of the Massachusetts, established, - - 287 
Mercer’s return of his New-Jersey, - - - 575 
Monthly return of the South-Carolina, - - - 682 
Number of, in New-Jersey to consist of sixteen 
thousand men, - - - - - - 785 
Amount of, under General Mercer, . - 1194 
Statement of Continental, in North- Carchne called 
for, - - - - - - - - - 1383 
Ford, Colonel Jacob, examination taken before, -* 200 
Foreign alliance, a plan of, considered by Congtces, - 347 
Colonel Reed’s desire for, - - - - 372 
Treaty of, passed in Committee of the Whole, - 1179 
Foreign Officers, Congress offers land to all, who will 
leave the enemy’s service, - . - - - 1621 
Form of small bills issued in New-Hampshire, - - 
Forman, Joseph, letter soca to Sussex Council of 
Safety, - - - - - - ~\ seit 
Forman, Dr. William, complaints against the appoint- 
ment of, - - - - - - 1263 
Recommended by Dr. Choke. - - - - 1450 
Appointed Surgeon in Colonel Graham’s Regiment, 1481 
Forrest, Captain, ‘arrest and cruel treatment of, in Ire- 
land, - - - - - 180 
Forrest, Captain, pedered to St. Mary’ s County, 862, 906 
Forster, Captain, commands the enemy at the Cedars, 159 
Congress demands the delivery of, - - 160, 682 
Lancaster Committee refer to the conduct of, - 759 
The conduct of, approved by Lord Germaine, - 1103 
The conduct of, defended by Ebenezer Sullivan, - 1167 
Report of a committee to Congress on the conduct 
of, - - . - - - - - - 1572 
Forster, Captain John, commander of the armed brig 
Washington, - - - - - - - 1384 
Fort Constitution, information of the ships given to, - 352 
General Clinton’s measures to defend, - - - 354 
Seven hundred men stationed at, - - - - 546 
Poughkeepsie Committee send boards to, —- - $71 
Appointment of a committee to visit,  - - 1562 
Fort Daniel, salute fired by, in honour of Fidapanae 
ence, - ; - 549 
Fort Edward, repair So the oad to, ouderads - - 358 
Three thousand barrels of flour at, - - - - 872 
Fort George, letter from Schuyler at, - - - 206 
Sick of Northern Army sentto, - — - ~ 232, 337 
Extract of a letter from an officer at, - - CES] 


1675 


Fort George, Gates to the commanding officer at, - 
Order to reinfaeee the guard at, - - ~ + 
Colonel Reed ordered to auilent the recovered men 

at, and return to the army with them, - - - 
Hospitals i in progress at, - = er = 
Gates reports three toahara sick he - - - 
Another report of the sick at, - - - - 
Dr. Potts’s report of the hospitals hl ian E 
Fort Liberty, salute fired by, in honour of Midepand: 


ence, - - - - : - - . 
Fort Montgomery, Sage Ss Clinton’s measures to 
defend, ~ - - > 4 = 2 


Council of War held at, - - - - - 
Extract of a letter fara! - - - - - 
One thousand men reported at, - - - : 
Appointment of a committee to visit,  - - - 
Fort Moultrie named after its gallant defender, - - 
List of officers who served at, - - - - 
Fort Ontario, large force of the enemy reported at, - 
Fort Pitt, conference with Indians at, - - - 
Mr. William Harrison brings advices from, - - 
Fort St. John’s, British troops landed at, - - - 
Fort Schuyler, name of Fort Stanwix changed tof 5 
Fort Stanwix, movement of Colonel Dayton to, - - 
Arrival of Colonel Dayton at, - - ns = 
Washington expresses his satisfaction that taking 
post at, gives no umbrage to the Indians, - - 
Schuyler reports the repairing of, - - 3 Mi 
Schuyler thinks the enemy will not venture to pass, 
Report of the enemy’s intention to attack, + - 
Washington hopes it will be ready, . - - 
Repair of, reported to Lord Germaine, - - - 
Colonel Dayton assigned to the command of, - 
Rapid progress of the works at, - - : 
Extract of a letter dated at, - - 3 a 
Colonel Dayton changes the name of, - 
Explanation of the treaty held at, - - . - 
Schuyler believes an attack on, meditated, - - 
Fort Sullivan, Lee’s praises of the garrison at, - - 
Fort Washington, extract ofa letter dated off, - - 
Fortification, Massachusetts appoints a Committee of, 
Fortney, Henry, appointed Third Lieutenant in Cap- 
tain Doyle’s Company, - 2 ‘ : hy 
Fosdick, Thomas U., Sergeant-Major, named for pro- 
motion, - = = - - - - 
Fosdyke, Captain, volunteer commander son fire-ship, 
Foster, John, a Bunker-Hill soldier, - - - E 
Foster, Benjamin, Chairman of Machias Committee, - 
Letter to, from Massachusetts Council, - - - 
Foster, Ebenezer, appointed Adjutant Massachusetts 
Militia, - - - - - - : 
Foster, Reuben, Chairman of Newbury Committee, - 
Fowey, ship of war, one of Dunmore’s fleet, - - 
Battery opened on the, at St. George’s, - . 
Governour Eden seen on board the, = - 


- 1082, 


INDEX. 


397 
502 


512 
581 
651 
776 
857 


476 


TAT 
816 
820 
866 
901 
985 
1001 
1119 
1049 
1084 
215 
855 
272 


1581 


646 
983 

48 
149 
515 


268 
548 
152 
634 
432 


Fowke, Gerard, appointed Ensign in Elying-Camp, - 1345 


Fowler, Caleb, toryism of, deposed ta, >. . - 623 
Fowler, Tent Samuel, petitions for leave toresign, - 681 
Fowler, Captain, arrival of, at Egg-Harbour,  - =i aes 
Fraill, Robert, letter from, to President of Congress, - 35 
France, Lee’s opinion on the sentiments of, - - 96 
Trade with the Colonies and, - - - a BA 
Evasive answers given by, to the British Envoys, - 462 
Prospects of a war between England and, - 610, 960 
Two fleets of, at sea, - - - a ‘ - 709 
Arrival of a ship from, with ammunition, - - 786 
Disposition evinced by, towards America, - - 862 
Rumour of a war with Portugal and, - x «1001 
Benefits resulting to, from American Independence, 1227 
The interest of, to furnish supplies to America, - 1228 
Franchessin, J. A. de, appointed Brevet Lieutenant 
Colonel by Congress, - - = “ - 1585 
Advance of pay to,” - = 6 4 Lhe ome bey 
Francis, one of the St. John’s Indians, - Ha (ER ed rt SA 
Franklin, Dr. Benjamin, letter to, for M. Dubourg, - 6 
Spoken of as Governour of Pennsylvania, - Sth) 
Letter from, to Lord Howe, - “ A <, - 482 
Letter from, to Washington, - ~ 5 - 496 
Letter to, from William Atlee, = - . * - 534 
Mr. Deane encloses a letter from, to M. Dumas, - 589 
Letter from, to John Adams, - 4 + - 726 
Device for the great seal proposed by, - - - 944 
Letter to, from Lord Howe, - - - = - 9979 
The friendship of, the best recommendation in 
France, - - - a - . - 1021 
Letter to, ‘from Colonel Sieben a! - ~ - 1106 
Letter to, from John Fraser, - ; ~ 1185 
Letter from, to General Gates, = he ea - 1193 


Franklin, Dr. Benjamin, accounts of, laid before Con- 


1676 


gress, - - - - - eae - 1575 
Order for payment of accounts of, - - - 1576 
Congress permit, to answer Lord Howe’s letter, - 1586 

Franklin, Governour William, proceedings of New- 

Jersey Congress relating to, = - - - 16 
Sent to Wallingsford on parole, - - - - 46 
General Howe’s notice of, - - - - - 106 
Sent to Connecticut, - - - - - - 119 
Passes through Hartford, - ~ - - - 182 
Declared an enemy to the United States, —- - 240 
An open letter to, sent by Washington to Congress, 350 
Permitted to reside at Middletow Deter 380 

Franklin, schooner, captures made by, 662, 1116, 1172, 1173 
Franks, John, pass eranied to, iby. Neu York Conven- 
tion, - - - - 1423 
Fraser, John, prisoner, ene Eom to Dr. Franklin, - 1135 
Wraser, Colonel John G., letter from to General Gates, 1238 
Fraud, in relation to inlistments in New-York, - 676 
Frazer, General, said to be with Carleton at St. John’s, 238 
At Isle-aux-Noix with two thousand Germans, - 799 
Carleton’s promotion of, approved by the King, - 1104 
Frazer, Captain Alexander, civility of, to Mase Bige- 
low, - - - - - - 987 
Frazier, ‘Captain John, has leave to rite from New- 
Hampshire, - - - ~ - - - 60 
Frazier, General, extract of a letter from an officer of, 1259 
Trederick County Committee to Magpand Council of 
Safety, - - - - - - - 592 
Fredericktown, proceedings of Deputies # - - 251 
Maryland Council of Satety vote mene for support 
of prisoners at, - - - - 1190 
Freedom, commander spindle to the sens - - 268 
Freeman, Cesar, prisoner of war, disposal of, - seul ee 
Freeman, Sergeant, wounded at Perth-Amboy, - - 600 
Freeman, Samuel, a scout, information given by, - 1034 
Freemason, the sloop, permitted to depart, - - 1625 
French, Major, prisoner of war, Washington sends to 

Congress a letter from, - - - - - 620 
Letter from, returned to Washington, - - - 669 
Another letter from, to Washington, - - mere re itd 
Washington’s reply to the letter from, + - - 823 
A second letter from Washington to, - : - 853 
Reply of, to the letter from Washington, — - - 902 
Reply of, enclosed to General Howe by Washington, 997 
Is ordered to remain at Hartford, - - - - 1280 
A proposition to exchange for Major Meigs, - 1612 

French gentleman, desire of a, to enter American ser- 
vice, - - - - - 362 
French gentlemen, Wahine at sends co to Nene 
London, - - - - - - - - 770 
French frigate, arrival of, at Martinique, - + - 610 
Frenchmen, three, suspected of being spies, - - 544 
French Islands, Governour of the, directed to protect 

American vessels, - - - - - - 610 
Inhabitants of, informed of the Declaration of Inde- 

pendence,. = - - - 1106 

Friendship, capture of pe nel Gifciar Miche 181, 249 
Friendship, one of Sir Peter Parker’s fleet, - - 436 
Friendship, Captain Stone claims brig, as his property 782 
Frigates, launch of two, at Philadelphia, - - 348 
Arms, &e., ordered for the Continental, - - 1604 
Frog Point, three of enemy’s ships anchor near, - 1185 
Frog’s Neck, Colonel Graham’s Regiment at, - - 1552 
Frost, Samuel, Sergeant, named for promotion, - 645 
Frothingham, Ensign, appointed Adjutant of Colonel 
Wheelock’s Regiment, - - - - - 1271 
Froult, Adam, discharged from service for age, - - 947 
Fry, Colonel Richard, commander of Kentish Guards, 549 
Fryburg, resolve on a petition from, - - - 321 
Frye, Brigadier-General, anecdote of, from Washing- 
ton, - - - - - - - - 98 
Fugleman, in new jail at New-York, - - - 854 
Fuller, Archelaus, appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, - 292 
Fuller, Lieutenant, honourable acquittal of, = - - 676 
Fuller, Colonel, saved him from court-martial, - - 1170 
Fundy, report of troops sent up the Bay of, - - 939 
Expedition formed at Halifax for Bay of, — - - 973 
Furgeson, Charles, privateer commission granted to, - 1327 
Furlough, John Adams expresses a wish for a, - - 184 
Furloughs, order against giving to men, on discharge 

from hospitals, - - - - - - 698 
General Greene complains of Gen. Heard’s giving, 870 
No one but Washington to grant, at New-York, - 914 

Furnandez, Ensign, killed on Long-Island, — - - 1250 
Furnandis, James, appointed Ensign Maryland line, 1333 


Furneaux, Captain of the Syren, one of Sir Peter Par- 
ker’s fleet, - - s he ~ ye - 


436 


1677 


Furnival, Alexander, nerenee First Lieutenant of 


Matrosses, - - - 1334 
Fusils, twenty thousand sent rh France’ to the Col- 
onies, = - - - 1022 
Fassett, Mr. ., appointed First Lfeuténart in Colonel 
Warner’ s Regiment, ‘- - - - - 1565 
G. 
Gadsden, Mr., John Adams’s tribute to the merits of, 1025 
Gage, schooner, tender to the Roebuck, - - - 152 
Gage, Governour, Mr. Bowdoin relates the conduct of, 
to Indians, - - - - - 842 
Gaines, Major George, Reinber of New- Hiatugaines 
Assembly; - - - - 60 
Appointed Muster-Master By CoveMad: Weare, - 1101 


Gaither, Henry, Maryland Council of Safety vote to 
pay, for thread, - - - - - - 1332 
Gaither, Henry C., commissioned Second Lieutenant 


Maryland line, - - - 1333 
Gaither, Greenbury, appointed Fisst Tibatdhatit Mary- 
land line, - - - - - - - 1351 
Galbraith, Colonel, letter from to Lancaster Committee, 121 
Letter to, from George Ross, - - = vo 
Gale, Lieutenant-Colonel Jacob, ee from to New- 
Hampshire Council of Safety, - - - - 875 
Galio, distinction drawn by, between civil and religious 
power, - - - - - - - - 735 
Galleys, delay in constructing, accounted for, - - 968 
Captains of, appear before Pennsylvania-Council of 
Safety, - - - - - - . - 1324 
Congress order, for defence of Georgia, - - 1567 
Order to construct, on Lake Ontario, - - - 1574 
Galloway, pea inr appointed Captain in Maryland 
line, - - - - 1352 
Gamble, ‘Captain, prisoner of war, allow ved aservant, 535 
Committed to prison by order of Congress, - - 1580 
Gano, Lieutenant, mistake made with rank of, - - 393 
Resignation of, - - - - . - - 1399 
Gansevoort, Lieutenant C., letter to, from Gen. Gates, 339 
Gansevoort, Lieutenant-Colonel Peter, letter to, from 
General Gates, - - - - 397, 969, 1002 
General Gates charges, with stopping a letter, - 512 
Schuyler replies to the charge against, - - - 648 
Letter from, to John McKesson, - - - - 697 
Letter to, from Governour Trumbull, - - - 698 
Letter from, to General Gates, = - - '778, 955, 1266 
Gansevoort, Leonard, leave of absence granted to, - 1411 
Gansevoort & Cuyler, draft of a letter to Messrs., from 
New-York Convention, - - - - - 1433 
Gardener, William, deserter, examination of, - a eels 


Gardiner, John, commissioned First Lieutenant of 
Maryland line, - - - 1344 


Gardinev, Charles, appointed Enel of Maryland line, 1344 
Gardiner, Alexander, an escaped prisoner, advertised, 684 
Gardiner, John, thirty-nine stripes to, for desertion, - 965 
Garrett, Amos, letter to, from petal Os Council of 
Safety, - - - - 153 
Letter from, to Warylatid Council ie Safety, - - 1091 
Garrock, Samuel, recommended for commission, - 182 
Appointed First Lieutenant of German Company, 
Maryland, - - - 1334 


Gassaway, John, appointed Biaign of Maryland line, - 1333 

Gates, Samuel, Chairman of Petersham Committee, - 247 
Gates, Major-General, letters to— 

From Schuyler, - 206, 396, 423, 453, 581, 629,648, 

715, 730, 747, 999, 1000, 1050, 1083, 1153, 1221 

From Governour Trumbull, - 20, 

660, 858, 925, 937, 956, 1188 

From Ebenezer Hazard, - . 20, 195, 207, 869, 


From Elbridge Gerry, —- - - crane 1146 
From President of Congress, - : z - 116 
From Rev. John Rodgers, . a? 195 


From General Arnold, - 238, 939, 340, 358, 568, 
581, 825, 988, 1002, 1073, 1129, 1266, 1274, 1277 


From Colonel Bedel, - - i 239, 261, WA 
From Harmanus Schuyler,- — - - - 9339, 717 
From Captain Veeders, - - - “ ee 3!) 
From Captain Brownson, - - é - 840, 398 
From General Waterbury, - - 8517, 


474, 629, 679, 795, 872, 954, 968, 1001, 
1050, 1071, 1114, 1154, 1187, 1238, 1265 


From Colonel William Winds, - - - - 859 
From Thomas Ball, - - ~ a - 359 
From General Washington, - z - 650, 951 
From Lieutenant Colonel Gansevoort, 773, 969, 1266 
From Samuel Chase, - - 2 - 410, 864 
From Walter Livingston, - - - 2 - 454 
From Baron de Woedtke, - - =| Pe Wis 


al 


INDEX. 


1678 


Gates, Major-General, letters to— 


From Robert Yates, - - . - - - 486 
From William Gilliland, - - . - - 486 
From Lieutenant Colonel Hartley, - - 486, 564, 


604, 630, 682, 888, 902, 955, 1114, 1154, 1238 
From Captain C. Wynkoop, a 582, 857, 1003, 1276 


From Robert Morris, - - - 572 
From Richard Varick, - - 603, 
623, 752, 73, 824, 872, 922, 968 
From John Dewitt, - - - 658, 753 
From Poultney Committee, —- . - - 658 
From New-York Convention, « - - - 1432 
From Colonel John Stark, - - - - T75 
From Newbury and Haverhill Committee, - - 798 
From General Poor, - - - - 802, 1273 
From Dr. Jonathan ‘Potts, - - - 857, 1146 
From Major Hawley, - - - - 958, 1086 
From Rev. William Gordon, — - - - 925, 1074 
From Colonel Jacob Bayley, - - - 938, 989 
From the Carpenters at Williamstown, - - 1003 
From Quartermaster Hughes, - - - - 1064 
From Colonel Mott, - - - - - 1071 
From the Rev. Mr. Olcott, - - - - 1170 
From Commissary Gilbert, - - - - 1074 
From Colonel Philip Cortlandt, - - - 1122 
From Colonel Samuel Brewer, - - - - 1130 
From Samuel Hunt, - - - - - - 1170 
From Dr. Franklin, - - - - - - 1193 
From Colonel Phinney, - : - - - 1204 
From Captain Fassett, —- - - . - 1222 
From Dr. Kennedy and others, - - . - 1266 
From the Court-Martial, in relation to General 
Arnold’s conduct, - - - - - - 1273 
From Colonel John G. Fraser, - - - - 1238 


Letters from— 


To Schuyler, - 260, 511, 986, ey 1165, 1218 


To Governour Trumbull, - - - 899, 1073 
To President of Congress, - - 375; 
649, 795, 1123, 1124 1267 

To General Arnold, - - 206, 
261, 857, 397; 1051, 1073, 1129, 1277 

To Moses Morse, - ° - = 287 
To Lieutenant Gansesoré - - - - 339 
To Harmanus Schuyler, - - . - 340, 453 
To General Waterbury, - - 358, 396, 


424, 563, 698, 730, 826, 927, 900, 924, 955, 1002 


To General Washington, - - 376, 450, 650, 1197 
To Commanding Officer at Fort George, - - 397 
To Lieutenant Colonel tee - ao 955, 1002 
To Nathan Clarke, - 474 
To Lieutenant Colonel Hatley, - 547, 969, 1203, 1265 
To the Commanding Officer at atin . - 548 
To Richard Varick, - - - 658, 872 
To Cumberland Committee, - - - = TE, 
To New-York Convention, - - - - 713 
To Colonels Bayley and Hurd, - - - - TI4 
To Dr. Jonathan Potts, - - - - - 924 
To General Putnam, (private,) - . - - 900 
To Major Hawley, - - - - + - 901 
To the Rev. Mr. Olcott, - - - - - 1073 
To Egbert Benson, - - - - - - 1114 
Allusion to, by a French officer, - ~ - - 15 
Harmony recommended to, with Schuyler, - - 115 
Mr. S. Adams’s remarks on the difference between 
him and Schuyler, - - - - - 347 
Appointment of, over Sullivan, spoken of, - - 389 
Reported harmony of, with Schuyler, - . - 394 
Petition of Colonel Bedel’s officers to, - - - 398 
Great reliance upon, in Congress, - - - 532 
Lady of, leaves Philadelphia for Virginia, —- - 579 
High compliment to, from Mr. Ogden, - - - 603 
Notice of the flag sent to Carleton by, - - - 682 
Petition of Captain Samuel Young to, - - - 698 
The only officer empowered to fill vacancies, = 125 
Petition to, from the inhabitants of Shelburne, - 803 
A message to, from Samuel Chase, - - - 810 
Orders of, to Arnold, on command ‘of fleet, - - 826 
Refers Colonel Campbell’ s case to Washington, - 916 
A létter from Francis Lewis to the lady of, - 945, 1180 
A General Return of the forces commanded by, - 1199 
Instructions of, to Lieutenant Whitcomb, - - 1202 
Congress Sota to, the nature of his appoint- 
ment, - - - - - - - 1569 
General Orders of, - - 653, 800, 1124-1128, 1268 
Gazettes, Congress orders Howe’s circular to be pub- 
lished in the, - - - - - - 1584 
Gedney, Joshua, toryism of, aoe to, - - - 623 


Gee, Mr., appointed Major in Ludenton’s Regiment, - 1422 


1679 


* 
Gelston, Dr. Samuel, ordered before the pie as suS- 


INDEX. 


ected, - - - $813 
Gelston, Maltby, letter Froud to Newe York Congress - 1394 
General Court-Martial, orders for, - - 504, 
505, 1126, 1127, 1128 
General Hospital, Gates cautions against desertions 
from the, - - - - - - - - 3897 
Dr. Morgan writes to Washington on the subject of, 416 
Nurses, &c., required for the, - - - - 647 
Return of sick in the, - - - - - +9 BOT 
Greene’s, reported to be in a comfortable state, - 898 
Private houses appropriated for use of, - - - 1499 
Remarks on the regulations of the, . - - 920 
Small-Pox patients ordered to the, - - - 1128 
General Mifflin, privateer’s commission granted to brig, 1327 
General Montgomery, privateer’s commission granted 
to brig, - - - : - - - 1330 
General Officers, a Saieeenue of; %'- - - - 125 
Minutes of a conference of, - - - - - 224 
Proceedings of a council of - - - 224, 236 
Washington’ s, concern at the council of, — - - 450 
Quantity of paper required by Greene’s, - - 578 
Governour Trumbull’s remarks on jealousies of, - 608 
Washington to Gates on the Council of, - - 650 
Harmony among the, in the Northern Army, - - 776 
Gates assures Congress of the harmony among his, ‘797 
Washington’s reason for asking for more, —- - 814 
Application for one of the, to supply Gen. ey ard’s 
place, - - 860 
Number of, Spnamiad oF Gener - - - 883 
Determination of a Council of, — - - -. = 1246 
General Orders, Lewis’s, at Gwinn’a Island, - =| 915 
Issued at Head-Quarters, New-York, - - - 225, 
502, 653, 676, '767, 911, 964, 1137-1142, 1247 
Issued by Gates, - - - 653, 800, 1124-1128, 1268 
Issued by Mercer, - - - - - - 1061 
Issued at German-Flats, - - - - - 453 
General Putnam, privateer’s commission granted to 
brig, - - - - - - - 1327 
General Washington, armed bre ordered to Occacock, 1384 
Generals, names of the British, in America, - ale itd 
George Ill., leaden statue of, melted into bullets, - 144 
The arms of, burned in Worcester, - - -oaD 
The letters, cut out of a flag on Long-Island, - 543 
Effigy of, burned in Huntington, - - - - 643 
Political interment of, at Savannah, - - - 882 
George, transport ship, inventory of articles on board, 209 
Call for articles taken in, - - - - - 414 
Order given for the articles taken in, - - - 625 
George, ship- oir Commodore Hopkins, sends in 
a prize, - . - - - . - 587 
George, Captain, Prien to, from Maryland Council of 
Safety, - - - - 993 
George, Joshua, enema a Captain i in iipineedansnl 1346 
is George Washington, Esq.,”’ Lord Howe’s letter to, 
rejected, - - - - - - - - 329 
« Col. Reed’s account of the flag, with the letter to, - 353 
Letter from General Howe to, also rejected, - - 389 
Howe’s account of the address to, given to Lord 
Germaine, - - - = - = - 789 
Carleton’s letters also addressed to, - - - 901 
Order of Congress approving the rejection of the 
letters to, - - - - - - - 1580 
Georgia, proceedings of the Council of Safety of - 6 
Importance of, to the common cause, - - - 435 
Answer of Council of Safety of, to Lee’s questions, - 1052 
Lee’s advice as to fortifying, - Z “ = leat 
Officers permitted to recruit in North-Carolina, - 1375 
North-Carolina troops in, to be sent back, - - 1386 
Resolve of Congress for the defence of, r - 1567 
Money advanced for the use of, - - - 1569, 1621 
Congress order a Regiment of Rangers to be raised 
in, - - - - - - : - - 1589 
Gerard, M., Mr. Deane has an introduction to, - - 1014 
Gerchard, Anthony, arrest of, at Crown-Point, - - 902 
Germaine, Lord George, correspondence of, with Gen- 
eral Howe, 105, 121, 788, 963, 980, 1101, 1102, 1256 
Correspondence of, with Governour Tryon, - - 122, 
123, 949, 1103 
Letter from, to William Hay, - f 06831 
Letter to, from Colonel Guy Johnson, - - - 865 
Letter to, from Lord Howe, - - “ . - 895 
Letter from, to Sir Guy Carleton, - 1103, 1104, 1105 
German-Flats, artillery and stores sent to, - - 176 
Numerous meeting of Indians expected at, - - 287 
Conference with Indians to be held at, - - 238 
Number of Indians arrived at, - - - ~atio3 
Reported intention of the enemy against, - - 816 


1680 


German-Flats, the conference at, Repent to Lord 


Germaine, - - - - - - 866 
Schuyler returns from, - - - 923 
Schuyler’s speech at the opening of cenereree at, - 1035 

Germans, Maryland raises two Companies of, - - 32 
Captain Stricker recommended as Field-Officer in 

the Maryland Battalion of, - - - - 114 
Two Companies of, ordered to be raised in Balti- 

more, - - - - - - - 115 
Congress resolves to raise a Regiment of, Wes - 124 
Appointment of officers to, in Baltimore, - - 182 
Arms to be purchased for a Company of, _ - - 722 
Two thousand, at Isle-aux-Noix, under Frazer, - 799 
Two thousand, at St. John’s, under Carleton, - 799 
Two thousand, at Montreal, said to be under Bur- 

goyne, - - . : - - 799 
Desertions from the ony s arp of, - - 799, 1078 
Information given by a deserter from, - - - 800 
Certain resolves of Congress distributed among the, 1193 

Germantown, price given ‘for window-leads i in, - - 1290 
Gerreau, Dr. ‘Joseph, professes to manufacture salt, - 1459 
Gerrish, Colonel, member of New- sHampebie Assem- 
bly, - - - - - - - - 65 
Gerrock, Samuel, appointed Lieutenant of Germans, - 1334 
Gerry, Elbridge, letter from, to General Warren, - 14 
Letter from, to General Gates! - - - 21,1146 
Letter to, from Major Hawley, - . - - 403 
Arrival of, at New-York, - - = - ° = 452 
Letter to, from Tristram Dalton, - - - - 461 
Gervais, J. L., letter to, from Colonel J. Huger, - 973 
Gheselin, John, appointed Lieufenant in Flying-Camp, 1349 
Gibbins, John, prisoner-of-war, disposal of, . - 2 
Gibson, James, letter from, to Maryland Council of 
Safety, - - - 893 
Gibson, Woolman, appointed Lieutenant in Flying- 
Camp, - - 1346 
Gibson, Walter, Commissary ys North- Carolina Bri- 
gade, - - 1372 
Giddins, John, iailea on on We Algedi - - 708 


Gifford, Henry, advances money for Militia supplies, - 1374 


Gilbert, Joseph, letter from, to General Gates, - - 1074 
Gilbert, Michael, apppinied Lieutenant in Flying- 
Camp, - - - : - 1348 
Giles, Benjamin, Fisaiee of New- ata Legisla- 
tive Council, - - . - - - - AT 
Instructions to, - - - - - - 211 
Letter from, to Meshech Were - - - 480 
Letter from, to New-Hampshire ‘Council of Salety, - 568 
Giles, Mr., Apothecary-General, - - - 652 
Gillereart, ‘John, appointed Lieutenant in the Plying- : 
Camp, - - . - - : - 573 
Gilliland, Mr., noted as unfit to serve, - - - 393 
Gilliland, William, letter from, to General Gates, - 486 
Gilliland, , suspicions against, - . - 564 
Court of Inquiry into the accounts of, - - - 801 


Gilliland, Mr., recommended for promotion, —- - 1509 
Gilman, Colonel David, complaint of a Magistrate 


against, - - - - - - - - nb 
Summoned before New- Hampshire rege -%hOD 
Payment of the staff-roll of, - - - 57, 82 
Censure of, by New- -Hampshire ees - - 8 
Appears before the Assembly, and the complaint 
against him is dismissed, - - = Seessil. 
Letter from, to New- -Hampshire Gonneil of Safety,- 517 
Is appointed to command New-Hampshire levies, - 991 
Gilman, Colonel Nicholas, ordered to Limes guard at 
Exeter powder-house, - : - 56, 81 


Gilman, Dr. Josiah, appointed to receive saltpetre, &c. , 62, 87 

Gilman, John T., member of New-Hampshire As- 
sembly, - - - - “ - 62 

Gilman, Colonel P., letter from, to New- -Hampshire 


Council of Safety, - - - - 248 
Gilman, Lieut. John, order to, from New- “Hampshire 

Council of Safety, - - - - 609 
Gilmore, Robert, carried prisoner to Philadelphia: - 1616 
Gilpin, Joseph, letter to, from Ate aod Council of 

Safety, - - 690 
Girardeau, John, nieces of Georgia ceaee of Safety, 6 
Givens, Thomas, deserter, examination of, - - a 


Glen, H., letter from, to Colonel Fonda, - - 110 
Letter from, to Walter Livingston, 175, 1001, 1070, 1085 


Letter from, to General Schuyler, . - - 76 
Letter from, to Colonel Dayton, - - - 42, 110 
Letter from, to John Petrie, - - - - Som 16 
Gloucester, resolve to supply town of, with cannon, 265, 273 
Appointment of officers for Company at, - ~/ p29 
Resolve for supply of Matrosses at, - = achd = hee 


Resolve for paying Selectmen of, - == - 298 


_. 


1681 


INDEX. 


1682 


Glover, Jonathan, letter from, to Washington, - « 478 | Government, New-York Convention appoint a com- 
Washington refers the case of, to Congress, - 815,817 mittee to frame a, - - - - 1465, 1472 
Glover, Col: ., march of the Regiment of, to Norwich, 514 | Governour’s Island, the officers “of to General Heath, - 3 

Attached to Sullivan’s Brigade, - = 913 The best fortified post of the army, - - ~ 1111 
Goddard, William, letter from, to the Bost of War, - 441 Channel between Grand Battery and, stopped, - 1518 

Memorial of, to "Congress, % - - - 442 | Govitt, William, Bockegaty to Philadelphia Council of 

‘Washington’s remarks on the nitistdal of, - - 642 Safety, : - " - 388 
Goforth, Major William, reasons iat for quitting the Elected by Congress riecteanpe se dina Garauah - 1595 

service, - - - - - - 202, 203 | Grace, ship, one of Dunmore’ s fleet, - - 0 - 152 

Resignation off una, - - - - 1390 Grafton, removal of prisoners to, —- - = L017 
Goforth, Captain William, skilled in Ree ins salt, - 1477 | Graham, Colonel Morris, letter to, from General Beet 1185 
Gold and Silver, committee appointed to procure, 48, 61 Petter to, from General Heath, with sides; - - 1216 

Amount of, in New-Hampshire treasury, - - 59 Petition of, to General Clinton, - - - 1263 

Committee appointed to carry, to Schuyler, - - 67 Appointed Colonel of New-York Militia, - - 1413 

Congress order exertions to procure, - - - 1606 | Graham, William, surety of James Conneaughy, - 1322 
Gold, James, appointed First Lieutenant of Warner’s Graham, Dr. James A, + report from, - - - - 1448 

Regiment, - - - - 1565 Graham, Lieutenant Peter, a prisoner on parole, - 1449 
Goldsborough, Captain, bagareld to take the place of Graham, Lewis, appointed Judge of aint igs - 1474 

Captain Hindman, - - ‘722 Draft ‘of the commission for, - . - 1494 
Goldsborough, aot lala appointed Captain in sr Ai Graham, Dr. Robert, General ‘Woodhull’ capture re- 

ing-Camp, - - 1546 ported by, : ; . 5 - 1564 
Goldsmith, Daniel, to Neue Yorks Oe; veuian: - - 853 | Grahame, Charles, letter to, from T. ys aes: - 808 

Is “ Continental Jailer,” — = - - 854 | Grain, New-Jersey, harvest of, suffering for want of 
Gondolas, Maryland Council of Safety Bitiats patehale reapers, - - - - - : - - 172 

of timber for, - - - - - a W219 Order for removal of all, to a distance, - - - 1537 

Equipment of, on Lake Ghiags hha - - 236 Burning of, to prevent the enemy from getting, - 1538 

A number of, ordered to be built at Skenesborough, 238 Order to destroy, in Queen’s County, - - - 1549 

Washington asks Governour Trumbull for, - 352 | Grand Battery, obstructions Sal hace Nutten-Island 

Nondeseript character of Schuyler’s, — - - - 376 and, . - : : - - - 1028 

Washington’s advice to Schuyler as to his, - - 391 Grandfathers, formation of a pean of, - - - 543 

Non-arrival of expected, at Ticonderoga, —- 629 | Granger, Peter, a French neutral, sent with Dr. Ey 

An offer to build, for Maryland Council of Siiksbr it - 634 to the Northern Army, - - 242 

Captain Wyncoop’ s letter on the subject of, - - 680 | Grannis, John, hada Captain of Marines “s 

Articles wanted for, on Lake Champlain, — - - 745 Rhode- Island, - - - 623 

Number of, sent from apne opi ah onsih to Ticonde- Is assigned to thes ee ahiph - - . - 1222 

roga, - - - - - - - 795 Request of Rhode-Island respecting, answered, - 701 

Armament of the enemy’s, - - - - - 951 | Grant, Major-General James, on Staten-Island, - chee 

Preparations for building in Maryland, - - - 960 Commands the enemy’s Fortieth Regiment, - - 413 

Commanders of, on Lake Champlain, - - - 969 Is killed in the battle on Long-Island, - - 1194, 1212 
Good, Captain, recommended to niasodsit Council of General Parsons brings in a watch ae hat recog- 

Safety, - : - - 482 nized as belonging to, —- - - - 1195 

Is appointed Captain i in pCa sy - - 1348 | Grant, Daniel, vote to pay bill of, for Sexqutory - - 1332 

Is ordered to join the Flying-Camp, — - - - 1349 Grant, Thomas, letter from, to the New-York Conven- 
Goodman, Samuel, appointed Lieutenant in Flying- tion, - - - - - - - 1516 

Camp, - - - - - - - - 1348 Is requested to furnish an phot opie of medicines, 
Goodrich, Briger, commander of the Lady Susan, - 152 &c., received by him, - - - . - 1516 
Goodrich, Captain Charles, declared an enemy, - - 33 | Grant, John, appointed a Captain in Warner’s Regi- 

Is captured on board a North-Carolina sloop, - - T4l ment, - - - - - - 1565 
Goodwin, Captain, prisoner-of-war, promises parole, - 535 | Grant, Elijah, appa a | Paymaster in New-Hamp- 

A servant is allowed to, - - - - 2 B35 shire, - - 7 - -igh 00 
Gordon, Lewis, letter from, to President of Congress, 137 | Grant, Duncan, ial and sentence of, - - - 505 
Gordon, Captain A., and others, ret tate ebay Grant, Mrs., applies for permission to go on board the 

complaints of, - - - - - 223 enemy’s fleet, - : - : - - 622, 628 
Gordon, John, letter from, to Miacwlane Council of Granville, Militia of, inoculated without orders, - - 779 
Safety, - - - - - - - 3884 | Grapplings, Captain Varick proposes to send, to Gates, 968 

Letter i from Maryland Council of Safety, - - 976 | Graves, John, committed to jail, - - - - 183 
Gordon, William, promoted to a First Lieutenancy, - 453 | Graves, Captain of sloop-of-war Viper, conduct of, - 419 
Gordon, Rev. Willian: letter from, to Gen. Gates, 925, 1074 | Graves, B., letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, 554 

Letter from, to the inhabitants of Massachusetts-Bay, 1289 | Graves, Admiral, inquiry as to a pass from, - - 874 
Gordon & Patten, saddlers, recommendation of, - 569 | Gravesend, Howe’s reasons for not landing at, - - 105 

Letter to, from Maryland Council of Safety, - - 617 Landing of the enemy at, - - - - - 1120 
Gordon, Colonel Patrick, killed in a scouting party, - 626 | Gray, Major, General Wooster’s reasons for confining, 12 
Gordon, General, shot by a scout at St. John’s, - - 829 | Gray, Alexander, resolve on the accounts of, - - 802 

Carleton terms the killing of, “assassination,” - 901 | Gray, Lieutenant, killed on Sullivan’s Island, - - 439 

The scout’s reason for shooting, - - - - 923 | Gray, Colonel, Regiment of, ordered to Long-Island,- 711 

First news of the death of, comes to Washington Gray, Ebenezer, appointed Brigade-Major, - - 1249 

in Carleton’s order, - - - - - - 1081 | Gray, James W.,appointed Lieutenantin Flying-Camp, 1351 

The King approves the appointment of, - - - 1104 | Graybill, Captain Sane recommended by Baltimore 
Gorget, the Indians refuse a, with the King’s arms, - 841 Committee, - - . * (182 
Gorham, Sturgis, to Barnstable Committee, — = - 147 Muster-roll of, - - - - 524 
Gospel, London Society for propagating the, - - 902 Letter from, to Maryland Council oe Safety, - - 722 
Gough, Caleb C., letter from, to Maryland Council of Maryland Gouned of Safety issue a commission to, 1334 

Safety, - - - - - - - - 51 | Grayson, William, appointed by Washington as one 
Gould, Frank, escape of, from an enemy’s ship, - 659 of his Aids, - - - - - - 1141 
Gould, Ensign, ordered to guard the mortars from Great Britain, arrival of feeiiotbeaiani from, - - 220 

Boston, - - - - - pte Appearance of a rupture of, with France, - - 960 
Gouter, John; a lad, diackanged from service, - 947 Arguments for France taking part against, - 1227, 1228 

Government, Jay’ s anche on formation of, = - - 40 Maryland prohibits her Citizens from. removing to, - 1342 

Rapid formation of new, in the United States, - 103 | Great Fishing Creek, lead mine discovered at, - - 1374 

A matter of ‘everlasting concern,’ —- - - 118 | Great Kanhaway, Congress paaiene to take possession ) 

New-Jersey completes her form of, - - - 347 of fort at, - - - - 1575 

Comments on the New-York, — - - - - 857 | Great Seal, device for, as Nong to Gonads - - 1615 

Delaware resolves to form a new, - - - - 617 | Greaton, Colonel John, letter from, to General Heath, 697 

General Lee’s remarks on elective, - - - 631 Promotions in the Regiment of, - - - - 801 

Congress complimented on their capacity for, - 734 Presides at a General ‘Court-Martial, - -- 1121 

A list kept of every speculation upon, - - - 944 Commands First Brigade in absaniod of Jyreeias - 1137 

Address to the voters of Delaware on, - . - 1057 | Greely, Joseph, son of, “wounded at Bunker- Hill, - 49 

The system of, adopted by Delaware, - - ~- 1174 | Green, Daniel, instructions to, as to East River Ferries, 414 

Firra Serims.—Vor. I. 106 


1683 


Green, Capt., list of Company of, taken at the Cedars, 
Green, Colonel, ordered to march to the Flying-Camp, 
Green, James, Secretary of North-Carolina Committee 
of Safety, - - - - - - - 
Green, John, thirty-nine stripes to, for desertion, - 
Thirty-nine stripes to, for breaking guard, - - 
Green, Richard, exiled, from, Boston, - - - 
Green, John, appointed Major by Congress, - - 
Greene, Gen. Nathanael, letters from, to Washington, 


196, 371, 418, 452, 486, 510, 542, 559, 577, 602, 


628, 643, 696, 711, 727, 750, 824, 870, 887, Ieee 
Letter to the President of Congress, - - - 
Letter to, from Colonel Varnum, - - - - 
Paper required for the Brigade of, - - . 
Promotion of, to be Major-General, —- 5 : 
Promotion of, announced in general orders, - - 
Confined to his bed on Long-Island with a raging 

fever, - - - - - - - = 
Serious illness of, reported, - - % 


Appointment of, by Congress as Brat Generals - 
Greene, Mr., copy of a letter from, sent to Washington, 
Greene, F., letter from, to Washington, - - - 
Greene, Thomas, invoice from, - - - - 
Greene, Eben., a hostage, letter written in his name, 
Greenleaf, Dr. John, requested to furnish medicines, - 
Greenleaf, Moses, appointed Lieutenant of sea coast 

Company, - - - - - 
Greenleaf, B., President of heasedbhinsetts Council, - 

Letter from, to President of Congress, - - - 
Greenleaf, Sheriff, letter to, from John Avery, - - 

Letter from, to Massachusetts Council, - - - 
Green Mountain Boys, appointment of oflicers for, - 
Green Mountains, convention of the people of, - - 

Schuyler’s remarks on the difficulties of a march to, 
Greenwalt, Colonel Philip, the Lancaster Committee 

are unable to equip, - - - - - - 
Greenway, Joseph, resignation of, - : - - 
Is appointed by Congress Third Lieutenant of the 
Delaware frigate, - - - - 
Greenwich, Connecticut, Committed’ to Washington, 


Grenadiers, gallantry of Sergeant Jasper of the, - 
Grenel, Thomas, published as an enemy, - - - 
Greyhound, ly of the British ship, = + - - 
General Howe, a passenger in, - - - - 
Americans detained on board, - - - - 


Griest, Isaac, member of the Baltimore Committee, - 
Maryland Council of Safety gives an order on, 668, 
Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to, - 783, 
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - 832, 

Griffin, Colonel, letter to, from President of Congress, 
Is appointed Deputy-Adjutant General to the Flying- 


Camp, - & 
Is ordered to repair to prympe acne - - - 
Junction of, with General Mercer, - - - 


Formal appointment of, by Congress, - - - 
Griffith, John, soldier, pension granted to, - - 
Released from the army by Congress, - - - 
Griffith, Benjamin, disarmed as inimical, 
Griffith, Colonel C. G., recommended ty 
Delegates, 
Is appointed a Colonels in Flying-Camp, . - 
Is ordered to Philadelphia, - - - - 
Griffith, Samuel, appointed CraeeBritiatrae - - 
Griffith, Philemon, appointed Captain, - - 
Griffith, Dr. David, appointed Chaplain and Surgeon, 
Grimes, Daniel, sentence of, for desertion remitted, 
Grimes, commander of galley Spitfire,  - - - 
General Greene makes serious imputations against, 
Grindstones, serious inconvenience for the want of, at 
Skenesborough, - - - - - - 
Gates calls very urgently for, - . 
Gross, Israel, Chairman of the Truro Gomme - 
Groton, proposition to erect a Fort at, - - - 
Connecticut Council of Safety vote se and sup- 


Maryland 


plies for building a Fort at, - - - - 
Grout, Elijah, member of New-Hampshire Assem- 
bly, - - - - = : 


Letter to, from New- oHalnipebire seats of Safety, 


Grubb, Colonel Peter, about to march to the Jerseys, 
Complaint against for refusing receipts, - - 
Battalion of, ordered to Elizabethtown, - - - 


Grubbing Hoes, Captain Varick promises to Gates, - 
Grymes, John, effects of, taken on Long-Island, - 


Guadaloupe, four Battalions arrive at, - - - 
Guard, resolve to furnish sloop Betsey with a, - - 
A city, established in Philadelphia, - - Z 


Asked for at Shelburne, on Lake Champlain, - - 


INDEX. 


167 
595 


621, 
921, 
1029 
125 
543 
579 
883 
914 


Guard, number and prices pee of the oe at Crown 


1684 


Point, - - - - 630 
Composition of the enemy’s, on tyten: -Teland, - 951 
Kept at the house of Abraham King, - . - 1216 
Resolution respecting the Philddelphia, - ~ 1296 
Philadelphia, put into Continental service, - - 1821 

Guard-Boats, patrol of the enemy’s, - - - - 750 


Guilford, Connecticut, Committee, ‘proceedings of, - 1279 
Gulf of St. Lawrence, ‘American squadron to cruise in, 1106 


Gumerall, Thomas, Heslaration of, - - - - 866 
Gun- barrels, Governour Trumbull asks Schuyler forold, 400 
Schuyler’s reply to the request for, - - - 581 
Gunby, Captain, aL heal of, ordered to Dorchester 
County, - - . - - - - 1342 
Gun-flints, order to ehiploy a manufacturer of, - - 1580 
Gun- locks, an order es he ard Council of 
Safety, - - - - - 667 
Gunners, establishment rok, on Wola armed vessels, - 268 
Appointment of, for Matrosses, : - . - 322 
Schuyler asks Washington for, - - - - 716 
Washington has no, to spare, - A - 820 
Want of, at Albany, for armed vessels, - - - 1453 


Gunpowder, a supply of, voted for Haverhill, Bath, and 
other Towns, - - 


New-Hampshire Assembly appoint a Committee to 


call on Washington for, - - - - - 69 
New-Hampshire Assembly vote to borrow, of Mas- 
sachusetts,  - - - - - 74 
Washington’ s reply to tthe ca for, - - - 107 
Great scarcity of, in Sussex County, New-Jersey, - 139 
Great scarcity of, in Ulster County, and in Easton, 
Pennsylvania, - - - - - - 125, 137 
One thousand pounds a week geen: at 
Dutchess County Mills, - - - 144 
Application for, from Dorchester, Maryland, - - 217 
Connecticut votes to give two hundred pounds of, 
to Selectmen of Westmoreland, - - - 241 
Arrival of a large quantity of, at Martinique, - - 266 
Resolve of Massachusetts to supply sundry towns 
with, - - - - = - 271, 279, 282, 291, 310 
Commissary-General of Massachusetts directed to 
receive all, due from Continental Government, - 282 
Resolve to supply the forces from Canada with, - 305 
Resolve to supply Bartholomew Putnam with, - 312 
Four tons of, ordered to General Mercer in New- 
Jersey, = '« - - - - - 327 
Wagons loaded with, for Wiauginay - - - 366 
Gates forbids the waste of, for AS and evening 
guns, - - - - - 397 
A sloop with a cargo of, g srounceal and set fire to by 
Sir Peter Parker, - . - - - 438 
Another sloop with, grounded on Stono Tiled! - 440 
Price of, at St. Eustatia, - - - 463 
Bridgetown, New-Jersey, Commitee ase for two 
hundred pounds of, - - - - 469 
Twelve hundred barrels of, taken from sim Hope : 
at Pulling-Point Gut, - - 478 
Order on Colonel Pitkin to sell fifty pounds a - 549 
Seventeen half-barrels of, es in schooner 
Despatch, - 552 
Mr. Stone sends, fou Philadelphia - Maryland 
Council of Safety, - - 556 
General Rutherford asks North- Carolina Obitinites 
of Safety for, - : - - - 613 
Seven tons and a half of, arrive at Georgetown, 
South-Carolina, - - - 632 
Order for delivery of five barrels of, to Colonel Da- 
shiell, = - - - - - 635 
One hundred and ae -three barrels of, arrive at 
Chester, - - - - - 691 
Arrival of four tons of, fat Nana Tenders - - 699 
Payment made for making, in Connecticut, - 700 
Congress returns, loaned by Cea to Washt 
ington, - - 718 
Maryland Gabel of Safety bewtd fiwe denen of, . 
Dorchester Committee, - - . - 723 
Arrival of ten tons of, from France, = - - 158, 786 
General Ward sends a supply of, to Norwich, - 
Washington requested to receive, from Providence, 943 
General Heath ordered to detain all the, at a) s 
Bridge, - - 1230 
A supply of, Peceved at WrallietnsGetene - - 862 
An apology for delay in sending, to Gates, - - 872 
Colonel Dayton sends two barrels of, to Indian 
chiefs, - - a - - . - - 872 
Paxtown Committee apply for,  - - - - 948 
Poughkeepsie asks a supply of, for armed vessels, - 954 
Arrival of ten thousand pounds of, in Philadelphia, 1025 


\ 


| 


- 54, 55, 79, 80, 81, 85 


926 — 


1685 INDEX. 1686 
Gunpowder, Maryland Council of Safety send a Os al Half pay, grant of, in certain cases, - - - - 1619 
tity of, to Baltimore, - 1133 | Halifax, Nova-Scotia, Howe’s arriyal from, - - 2 
Charles County Committee apply for, és Maryland Rumours at Boston from, = - - - - 46 
Council of Safety, - onl lp 1 Resolve relative to fugitives to, - - - -. 283 
An order to send, to Washitreton & ee: aks - 1328 Arrival of the army from, the intended signal for 
North-Carolina Couto order, to Charleston, - - 1363 executing the plot against Washington, - apvhl? 
North-Carolina Council receive two tons of, from Letter from Colonel Allen, dated in the jail at, - 860 
Virginia, - - - - 1366 Arrivals at, and other news from, - - = - 939 
Washington when to News York Geeta an orderfor, 1423 Secretary’s proclamation at, - - - - - 959 
Receipt ‘of one hundred and forty-three casks of, - 1423 Extract of a letter from, - - - ~ rane ie 
A supply of, sent to Indian chiefs, - - 1436, 1445 Blockhouses, &c., erected at, - - - - 1209 
Order for purchase of, for sloop Harlequin, - - 1471 List of American. prisoners in, - ~ 1283 
Order to send fifteen hundred weight of, to King’s Halifax, North-Carolina, Council of Safety of North- 
Bridge, - - - - - - - 1497 Carolina adjourn to, - - 1365 
Colonel Drake aesleine of the scarcity of, - - 1552 Reading the Declaration of Independence oe - 1368 
John McDonald to be furnished with, - - - 1556 Names of persons sent to the jailin, - - - 1381 
Damaged, sent to mills for remanufacture, - - 1559 | Hall, James W., appointed Lieutenant,  - - - 1335 
Order for supply of, to Pennsylvania Council of Hall, Josias, appointed Lieutenant, - - - 1335 
Safety, - - - - . - - - 1577 Hall, Colonel Josias C., letter to, from Maryland Poa 
Washington authorized to draw from the mills any cil of Safety, - - - - p =n 1d 
quantity of, required for his camp, - - - 1579 Two Companies of the Battalion of, ordered to An- 
General Mercer has same authority to draw, - - 1579 napolis, - - rs * - a aut 1h 
Arrival of five tons of, in New-Jersey, - - - 1610 Order for delivery of guns to, - - - - 616 
Order for delivery of five hundred pounds et; to Battalion of, ordered to Philadelphia, - - - 1360 
Mease & Caldwell, - - Zs - - 1622 | Hall, Stephen, resolve to grant the petition of, - - M74 
Congress resolve to appoint Inspectors of, - - 1622 | Hall, Lieutenant-Colonel Jeremiah, recommended for 
Not to be received, unless approved by Inspector, - 1623 promotion, - - - : mee 154 | 
Each cask of, to be marked U.S. A., - - - 1623 | Hall, Alexander, appointed Lieutenant, - ~ - 349 
Continental agents required to inspect, - - - 1628 | Hall, J. B., appointed Lieutenant, - - - - 1348 
Guns, purchase of, by Col. Child in New-Hampshire, 341 | Hall, Captain Richard B., court-martial ordered on, - 1338 
General Johnson making, for Maryland, - - 491 Hall, John, member of Maryland Council of Safety, - 1335 
Order of Maryland Council of Safety to purchase, - 1090 | Haller, Henry, letter from, to President of Congress, 35, 254 
Captain Fassett asks General Gates for baht and Hallet, Lieutenant Jonathan, named for promotion, - 646 
handy, - - - - - - 1222 | Hallet, James, certificate made and issued for, - - 1474 
Gun-scalps, persons engaged in making, ae to Afeet 947 | Hallock, Captain William, letter to, from Marine Com- 
Gunsmiths in Upper-Paxtown to repair arms, - - 948 mittee, - - - - - - - - 977 
Gurnet, resolve to place cannon on the, - - - 274 | Halsey, Stephen, Colonel Drake asks a surgeoncy for, 1458 
Resolve to fortify the, - . - - . - 300 Certificate of the qualifications of, - - - - 1359 
Resolve to appoint an Engineer for works at, - 305 Is appointed Surgeon to Colonel Drake’s Regiment, 1459 
Gusten, Peter, appointed Brigade Major to Heard, - 677 | Halstead, Jacob, examination of, touching the burning 
Gutteridge, master of schooner Despatch, killed, - 552 of his house by the enemy, - - - - 1490 
Gwin’s Island, letter from the camp before, - - 149 | Hamer, Ibbetson, prisoner-of-war, to President of 
Particulars of Dunmore’s rout from, - - - 150 Congress, - - - - - - - 140 
' Description of, as left by the enemy, - - - 151 | Hames, Colonel, order for delivery of lead to, - - 1290 
Brigadier Lewis preparing an expedition against, - 213 Hamilton, Andrew, to Jabez Fisher,-  -  - - 341 
Americans in possession of, - - - - - 214 | Hamilton, John, excused from military duty, - - 575 
Officers and soldiers at, complimented, - - - 215 | Hamilton, Captain Archibald, sent as a suspected per- 
News of. Dunmore’s retreat from, at Annapolis, - 341 son to Congress, - ~ - - 934 
Number of deaths on, reported by Cunningham, - 432 Is permitted to reside at New- rahe - - 1614 
Hamilton, Captain John, resignation of, - - - 1306 
H. Hamilton. John, privateer’s commission granted to, - 1327 
Hackensack, necessity of keeping ferries at, open, - 742 | Hamilton, George, appointed Ensign, < = - 1349 
Number of disaffected in the neighbourhood of, - 819 Hamilton, John, permitted to appeal to Congress, - 1379 
Hacker, Captain Hoysted, commander of the sloop- -of- Hamilton, Hance, declared inimical, ~ = ee - 1381 
war'Fly, - - - - - - - = /137 Hamilton, Captain A., to New-York Convention, - 1462 
Orders to, from Commodore Hopkins, - - - 137 Company. of, incorporated with Scott’s Brigade, - 1491 
Letter to, from the Marine Committee, - - - 1107 Vacancy in the Company of, - - - 1509 
Hackett, James, appointed a Lieutenant-Colonel in Hamman—see Hammond, v5 bree Colonel James. 
New- Hampshire, - - - - - 49 |} Hammond, Colonel, letter to, from Maryland Council 
Ts assigned for service in Gannia® - - a, OF of Safety, « = 2 2 : ms 4 mies (ie: 
Voted that he be Colonel, - - - - - 67 | Hammond, Matthias, Quartermaster, - de - - 113 
Vote to promote rescinded, . = = = - 68 | Hammond, Captain, of the Roebuck, in Dunmore’s 
Resignation of, - - - - - - - 69 fleet, A a bs 2 - 150 
Haddrell’s Point, Lee views the fortifications at, - 437 Rumour of the ieee of, kip dvi - - 432 
Lee passes from, to Sullivan’s Island through ‘the Governour Eden’s account of, —- a 2 - 616 
midst of the fire, = - - - - - - 439 | Hammond, brigantine, one of Dunmore’s fleet, - - 152 
The situation of, described, - - 904 | Hammond, Lientenant-Colonel James, letter to, from 
Hadlock, James, appointed a Contain in sete siete New-York Convention, - z “ 2 - 258 
shire Militia, ; as = - - 50 Letter from, to Washington, - - 355 
Resignation of, - - - - 58, 83 Letter to, from New-York Convention, 1403, 1409, 1410 
Hagen, “Lieutenant Robert, renogstinn of, - - 453 Letter from, to New-York Convention, - - - 1404, 
Hagle, "Jacob, commission of Ensign issued to, - - 1344 ne 1414, 1420 
Hague, extract of a letter from, : - - - 861 Charges made against, - - - ~ - - 1420 
Haines, Samuel, appointed Lieutenant i in the Flying- Which are shown to be groundless, - - 1488 
AID eV theres ale sb, Js sos os Serle aR tes AO Appointed to command the Westchester County 
Haines, Samuel, committed to jail in Kingston, - 1556 Militia, - = - 1465 
Hale, David, letter from, to President of Congress, - 9 | Hammond, Thomas, appointed Captain in Flying- 
Hale, Colonel John, petitions preferred against, - = t SO k Camp, - - - 1348 
Petitions against, dismissed, -. - = - - 69} Hammond, Andrew, appointed Ensign tt siertiv= 
Resignation of, ~ - - - - - osneh'lO Camp, - “ : - 1348 
Hale, Towithan, money for fire-arms granted to, - 54) Hamond, John, a bvphet ted examination of, - - 997 
Hale, Colonel Enoch, member of the ‘New- -Hampshire Hampshire, Mass.. number of men to be “ahr coale in, - 289 
‘Assembly, * 2 C - - - - 62 Field-Officers chosen for, - - - - - 2293 
Appointed Mustermaster, — - = = ~) eh meme e Success in raising the levies in, - - - 552 
Hale, Lieutenant, killed on Sullivan’s Island, - =. 409 Convention of Cemmiitee of the County of, - - 588 
Hales, John, accused of aiding in escape of Colonel Committee for raising men in, report, - * - 79 
Kirkland, =e nena =) te sd 0S | Hampstead, Joshua, commander of an armed brig, - 1382 
Is admitted to bail, - - - - - - 1322 Ordered on a cruise of six weeks, - - - 1384 


1687 INDEX. 1688 
Hampton, Virginia, intelligence of Dunmore from, - 862 | Hancock, John, correspondence of, with— , 
Hampton, Richard, employed by rate: with rank Meshech Weare, - s ~ eas L _ - 3881 
of Lieutenant-Colonel, - - - - 1579 Carpenter Wharton, - - - . « - 350 
Ordered to the Jerseys, - 1580 Colonel James Wilson, - - - . - 1110 
Hampton, East and South, ata atl Gantdatton to Bond from owners of a privateer given to, rs - 954 
the Committees of, - - . - - 1398 | Hancock, privateer, captures made by, = - - 662, 
Hancock, John, correspondence of, Withee 874, 972, 990, 1172, 1173 
William Allen, - - - - - - - 533 | Hand, Faicbel, permitted to go to Philadelphia, - 387 
Ephraim Anderson, - - - - - - 451 Reports from, on Long-Island, — - - - 418 
Ephraim Blaine, - . - - - - + 223 Greene sends i in a Regimental report rat ies - - 750 
John Bradford, - - - - - - - 34 | Hand, Wm., charged with passing counterfeit money, 1369 
British Officers, prisoners, - - - ~ 222, 223 Haridbill, copy of a, issued by New-Hampshire, 57, 83 
Governour Cooke, - - - - - $877,549 | Hand- -grenades, Schuyler asks Washington for, - - 474 
Cumberland Committee, ~ - - - 337, 619 Poughkeepsie Committee order the purchase of, - 954 
Richard Derby, Jun.,  - - - - - 550,859 | Hands, Thomas B., resigns his seat in the Maryland 
Colonel Lewis Dubois, - - - “ “ - 393 Gounen of Safety, - J - 385, 594 
Rev. Mr. Duché, - - - - - - 116 | Handy, Levin, appointed “SLR in Flying-Camp, 1351 
Field-Officers at Ticonderoga, - - - - 1072 | Haney, Thomas) committed to jail for theft, - - 1330 
William Finnie, - - - - - 991 | Hannum, John, petition of, referred to Secret Com- 
Benjamin Flower, - - - - - - 691 mittee, - - « < " “ - 1578 ° 
Robert Fraill, —- - - - ~ - 35 | Hanover, New- Hampshire, proceedings at, - + $0 
General Gates, - 115, 375, 649, '795, 1123, 1124, 1267 Evil- -disposed persons about, - . é - 948 
Lewis Gordon, - - - - - - 137 | Hanson, John, Jun., letter from to Maryland Council 
Benjamin Greenleaf, - - - - - = 459 of Safety, - - 251, 325, 569, 737, 1134, 1190 
Colonel Griffin, - - - - - - - 495 Letter to, from Maryland Gonna of Safety, - 544, 851 
David Hale, - - - - - - - - 9 | Hanson, Deter C., recommended as Lieutenant of 
Henry Haller, - - - - - - 85, 254 Rifles, - - 1 
John Hanson, - - - - - - - 940 Is appointed by Maryland Conic oe Safety as vase 
Benjamin Harrison, - - - - = 31, L117 tenant of Rifles, - - 1337 
Colonel R. H. Harrison, - - - - - 1183 | Hanson, T., letter from, to Maryland Coaticll of Safety: 521 
Joseph Hart, - - - - 103 Hanson, Colonel Samuel, of Sam., advertisement by, - 526 
Colonel Haslett, - - - - u, 482, rig 4 Deine. Colonel Hedrdistin at Sandy-Point, 3 - 529 
General Heath, - - - . Hanson, John, offers his services to Congress, - - 940 
Commodore Hopkins, - - - - - - o0f Hanson, Captain John, ordered to Annapolis, - - 1354 
John Jay, - - - - - - - - 40 | Hardenbrook, Mr., body of, found at Burdett’s Ferry, 1144 
- Monsieur Kirmovan, - - - - - - 367 Hardenburgh, Colonel Johannes, to New-York Con- 
Lancaster Committee, - - : - 4, 219, 1230 gress, - - : - - ~ 126 
General Charles Lee, - - - - 493, 832, 1130 Letter from, to Newtons Convention, - - - 868 
Colonel F. Lewis, . - - - 366 Letter from, to Washington, - - - - - 790 
General Andrew Lewis, - - 494, 736, 1053, 12438 Order for supplying arms to, - - - - - 1493 
* Maryland Convention, - - - > : - 1024 Refuses to deliver up the cash in his hands, - - 1510 
Maryland Council of Safety, - - - - - 1090 | Harding, Captain Seth, trial of, - - - - 134 
Massachusetts Assembly, - - - - 3, 367 Promotion of, recommended, - - - - 841 
Colonel William Maxwell, - - - - - 1203 Is ordered to repair his brig, - - - - - 458 
James Mease, - - - - - - 33, 116 Reports the brig as unfit for service, - - - 476 
General Mercer, - - - 327, Is ordered to dismantle the Defiance, “ - = 732 
369, 388, 469, 499, 599, 613, 691, 750, 908, 1193 Receives orders to sail on a cruise, - 1006 
Dr. Morgan, = - 979 | Hardman, Henry, appointed Captain i in Colonel Grif 
Captain Samiiel Movtié} - - - - - 669 fith’s Battalion, - - - 1350 
Colonel William Moultrie, - - + - - 494 | Hardman, Henry, appointed ee Rp ee Lieutenant 
Colonel Moylan, - - - - - - - 9384 in Captain Griffith’s Rifles, - - 1574 
Captain John Nelson, - - . - - - 1129 | Hardman, Henry, appointed by Gengtess: Lieutenatt 
New-Hampshire Assembly, - : - ~ - 965 in Captain Davis’s Rifles, - . = “i - 1574 
New-Jersey Provincial Congress, - - 1 | Hard money, Connecticut Bewdsy to Schuyler, - - 48 
New-Jersey Convention, - 11, 346, 440, 495 New-Hampshire votes to send, to Schuyler, - - 67 
New-York Convention, 33, ro 228, 1395, 1397, 1898, 1399 Consultation on the means of raising, - ‘ 69 
Governour Page, - - - - 465, 736 Resolution for procuring, - - - 294, 313 
William Palfrey, . - - - . - - 156 | Hare, Henry, Baron de Woedtke asks the arrest of, - 475 
Christopher Pellissier, - - - - - - 726 Is compelled to give bond, - - - - 1679 
Pennsylvania Council of Safety, - - - 12,327 | Harford, Maryland Council of Safety to Committec 
Pennsylvania Convention, - - - 387, 495, 690 of, - - - - - - - 155,183 
General Read, - - - . - - - 883 R, Dallam offers to deliver arms at, - - - 363 
Colonel Joseph Reed, - - - - - 576, 934 | Hargisdes, William, and family, on board Dunmore’s 
General Roberdeau, - - - - - 116, 326 fleet, - - - - . - - - 152 
George Ross, - - - - - - 35, 103 | Hargrové, Lieutenant, mortally wounded, - - - 1148 
Governour Rutledge, - - - - - 555 | Harlem, New-York Council of Safety meet at, - 1457, 1557 
General Schuyler, - 115, 253, 338, | Harlem River, Heath advises a floating bridge over, - 1121 
394-410, 472, B88, 691, bea "856, 1030, 115], 1217 Propriety of posting men east of, - - - - 1230 
Dr. Shippen, - - - - 346 | Harlequin, brig, capture of, by an American privateer, 589 
Colonel Smallwood, - - - - - - 388 Account of the cargo of - - 7 - 780 
General Sullivan, - - - - - - - 770 | Harlequin, sloop, owners ask a privateer’s commission 
Colonel William Thompson, - - - 494, 940 for, - - - - ~ - - - 794 
Matthew Tilghman, - - 5, 215 Owners of, give bond “ye President of Congress, - 954 
Governour Trumbull, - 19, 28, 42, 43, 44, 45, 262, ne Purchase of ammunition ordered for, - - - 1471 
Joseph Trumbull, - - 136, | Harney, Philip, witness against John Smith, - = 1371 
451, 618, 643, 691, 726, 7150, 870, 966 | Harnet, Cornelius, excepted from seat in Cpe} 
Governour Tucker, - - - 37, 138, 172, 468 Prockaniasidn® - 437 
William Tudor, - - - - - - §83 Is President of North Gadel tie Coiracil of Safety. 613, 
Virginia Council of Safety, - - - 366, aS 736 736, 1356 
Virginia, Governour of, - - - - 494 | Harper, William, appointed pugs of New- big 
Virginia Battalion, - - - - - - 1191 Militia, - 50 
General Ward, - - - - - - 34,1156 | Harper, Christopher, thirty-nine piripeed to, rae ile 
Washington, - - - 82, sertion, - - - - 1139 
33, 115, 155, 185, 223-253, 329-346, 350, 367, 388, | Harper, William, New York Cotvention sdveinee 
339, 409, 434, 466, 484, 499, 537, 540, 55D, 575; 594, money to, - - - - - - - 1519 
636, 638, 668, 669, 677, 690, 726, 814, 832, 834, 883, Harpswell, resolve for supplying fire-arms to, - - 802 
884, 915, 930, 932, 949, 951, 963, 977, 980, 994, 995, | Harrard, William, brought under guard to North-Caro- 
1081, 1094, 1110, 1120, 1135, 1186, 1158, 1211, 1244 lina Council, - - - - - - - 1372 


1689 


Harriman, Captain, member of hai on ey As- 


sembly, - - ~ - - - 63 
Harrington, Moses, re hatin Massachusetts 
Militia, - - - - - - 663 
Harris, Thomas R. , prisoner of war, dispgaed of, mY 22 
Examination and parole of, - - 25 
Harris, James, letter to, from abn: Seer! of 
Safety, - - - - - 154 
Harris, Benton, letter to, Gueiatt Maryland Council of 
Safety, - - - - - - - 364 
Chosen Chairman of Doxéhestan Committee, - - 365 
Harris & Archer, letter to, from ean Council of 
Safety, - - - - - - 782 
Letter from, to Maryland Council of eae - 882 
Harris, Captain, intelligence brought by, - - - 888 
Harris, John, ammunition in possession of) .vix - 948 
Letter from, to Lancaster Committee, - : - 1181 
Harris, George, petition of, to New-York Convention, 1163 
Harris, William, witness against John Smith, - - 1371 


Harrison, Benjamin, letter from, to President of Con- 
gress, - - . - - - - - 31 


Submits an account of cash on hand, - - - 1117 
Harrison, Dr. William, letter to, from Maryland Coun- 
cil of Safety, . - - - - - - 102 
Money advanced to, on account of Captain Veazy’s 
Company, - - - . - - 133 
Harrison, Colonel R. H., letter to, from Dr. Wither- 
spoon, - - - - - 172 
Letter from, to D. iain chakt “ky - - 643 
Letter from, to General Mifflin, - - - - 886 
Letter from, to President of Congress, - - - 1183 
Harrison, Captain, good policy of, - - - - 150 
March of, to St. George’s, - - - - - 592 
Harrison, J. C., Clerk to Dorchester Committee, ~ ~218 


Harrison, Gilbert, resolve on petition of, - - - 281 
Harrison, Colonel William, letter os to iit ray 
Council of Safety, - - - 433 
Attempts to lead the Militia at Sandy-Point, - - 525 
His statement of the affair there, - - - «027 
Joins Colonel Samuel Hanson, - - - = §29 
Vindicates the conduct of the Militia, - - - 531 
Harrison, Joseph W., to Maryland Council of Safety, - 666 
Harrison, Lieutenant, prisoner of war, signs parole, - 783 
Harrison, Mr. William, niin 3 brought by, from Fort 
Pitt, - - - : - 1228 
Harrison, Thomas, accent to give pail for good beha- 
viour, . - - - - - - - - 1369 
Harrison’s Brewery, a guard ordered to be stationed at, 677 
Hart, Michael, released from Jail, - - - = 401 
Maryland Council of Safety order discharge of, from 
service, - - - - - 1331 
Hart, Joseph, letter aan to Piositient of Gon arose} - 103 
Chosen Colonel of Bucks Associators, - - - 171 
Hart, William, chosen Captain Bucks Associators, - 171 
Hart, Joseph, chosen Ensign Bucks Associators, - 171 
Hart, Christopher, articles delivered to for Schuyler, - 919 
Hart-Island, plundered by the enemy, —- - - 1215 
Hartford, Connecticut Assembly convened at, - - 2% 
Intelligence from the army given at, - - - 661 
Letter from Washington to Committee of,  - - 823 
The Birdseys advertised in, Courant, - - - 732 
Number of Tory prisoners sent to, - - - §890 
Arrival of the prisoners at, - - - - - 1172 
Letter from the prisoners at, - - . - 1526 


Hartley, Colonel Thomas, correspondence of, with 
General Gates, - - 176, 486, 547, 564, 604, 630, 
682, 888, 902, 955, 969, 1114, 1154, 1203, 1265, 1238 


The Journal of, is sent to Schuyler, apiths - 206 
Arrival of, at Crown-Point, - - - - - 207 
Copy from the Journal of, - - - - - 209 
Instructions for, - - - - - - A74 
Letter from, to General trail - - - - 487 
Is ordered by Arnold on an expedition, - . - 1002 
Letter from, to General Sullivan, - - - - 1098 
Harvard College, apparatus of, removed to Cambridge, 272 


Harvest, want of men in New-Jersey for the, - - 172 


Colonel Hays’ Regiment very anxious about their, - 337 
General Clinton’s Militia are engaged in, - - 355 
General Mercer obliged to discharge many men for, 370 
New-Jersey Militia are permitted to secure their, - 470 
Made a prevailing excuse for tardiness, - . - 509 

The ladies of New-Jersey and Connecticut assist in 
securing the, - - - 578 
Harwood, Thomas, letter from “ Charles Grahtto; - 808 
Harwood, Benjamin, appointed Lieutenant Militia, - 1339 
Hasenilious, F. C., appointed Captain, = - - - 187 

Haskell, Captain, letter to, from Massachusetts Coun- 
cil, - - - - - - - - - 360 


INDEX. 


1690 


Haslett, Colonel, Battalion of, ordered to Wilmington, 170 
Letter to, from President of Congress, - - - 482 
Letter to the officers of his Battalion, from the Pre- 

sident of Congress, - - - - - 739, 783 
Congress make disposition of his Battalion, - - 1566 
Is ordered, with his Battalion, to Philadelphia, - 1586 

Hatch, Captain Joseph, Muster- ‘Toll of, - - - 1264 

Hatch, Silas, chpointad Locate snant at Martha’s Vine- 

yard, - - - . - 295 

Hatchet, metaphorical scanning of burying the, - 1046 

Hatter, application for the discharge of a, - - - 931 

Hatton, John, relieved from tax by Baltimore Com- 

mittee, - - - - - - ~  §22 

Hatton, John, Sen., warrant for ayipdetbeiattite of, - 1307 
Is committed to State Prison, - - - - 1308 
Liberated on giving bail, —- - - - - 1222 
Board of, to be charged to Congress, - = - 1325 

Hatton, John, Jun., warrant for apprehension of, - 1307 

Hauseigger, Nicholas, recommended as Colonel, - 187 
Adjutant Ryoni is convicted of assaulting and beating, 1125 
Appointed Colonel of a German Battalion, - 1581 

Havana, a Spanish fleet reported on the way to, . - 904 


Haverstraw, enemy’s ships anchored in Bay of, 374, 389, 452 


Goods are removed from the stores at, - - - 545 
Ships reported to be still at, - - - 551, 580, 1414 
Colonel Isaac Nicoll sent to command at, - - 729 
Ship Phoenix grounds in Bay of, - - . - 1409 
Haverhill, vote to supply fire-arms to, - - 50, 77 


Selected as a place of rendezvous, - - inti 1 


Resolve on account of Selectmen of, - - - 292 
Hawbecker, George, recommended as Lieutenant of 

Germans, : - - - - - - 1293 

Is appointed Lieutenant of Germans, - - - 1583 

Hawkins, Col. James, to Maryland Council of patet ie 592 


Hawkins, George F., certificate of, - - - 527 
Hawkins, John, appointed Lieutenant in Divide: Oantn, 1348 
Hawley, David, appointed Lieutenant of Connecticut 


Colony ship, - - > - - - - 244 
Advances to, for raising seamen, - - - - 1008 
Hawley, Major Joseph, Mr. Gerry sends a copy of the 
Declaration of Independence to, - 14 
Correspondence of, with A sileeclines Gevulehins = §52, 
891, 927, 958 
Correspondence of, with General Gates, 951, 958, 1086 
Governour Trumbull refers Schuyler to, - - 1185 
Hay, William, suspected of unfriendliness, - 239, 564 
Hay, Col. A. Hawkes, to Gen. George Clinton, - 387, 355 
Letter to Washington, - - - - 452, 580, 728 
Letter from Washington, - - - - 886 
Is appointed Commissary of Militia, - - - 1497 
Hay, Major Udney, patronizes George Belton, - - 486 
Court of Inquiry ordered on accounts OL, ee oe - 801 
Appointed Assistant Deputy Quartermaster General, 800 
Hay, William, elected a Captain of Volunteers, ~ 21 
Appointed a Captain in Flying-Camp, - - - 188 
Hays, Patrick, elected a Lieutenant of Volunteers, - 121 
Appointed Lieutenant in Flying-Camp, : 187 
Hays, John, appointed Ensign Maryland Militia, —- - 1344 
Haywood, Thomas, Dr. Morgan refers to, as his friend, 921 


Hazard, Ebenezer, letter from, to Gates, 20, 195, 227, 869 


Letter from, to Robert Livingston, - - - 1214 
Ordered to remove his post office, - - - 1559 
Hazelet, Lieutenant Samuel, resignation of — - - 453 


Hazen, Joshua, chosen Lieutenant by town-meeting, 30 


Hazen, William, resolve on complaint of, - - - 314 
Hazen, Colonel. Moses, Congress order a court on, - 1544 
Schuyler promises inquiry ‘into the conduct of, - 984 
Objects to the rank of the court, - - - - 358 
Court ordered to consist of Field- Officers, - - 653 
Arnold’s conduct on the trial of, - . - - 862 
Is honourably acquitted, —- - - ~ 1124 
Gates sends proceedings of the court to Gonaeere - 1268 
Hazlet, James, appointed Lieutenant in Flying-Camp, 349 
Hazlewood, Captain, is sent to Washington, - - 186 
Letter to, from New-York Convention, - - - 1454 
Fits out a fire-ship in a masterly manner, - - 1548 
Receives £300 and a vote of thanks, - - 1556 
Heach, John, appointed Lieutenant Maryland Militia, 1344 


Head, Jas. ., appointed Major New-Hampshire Militia, 83 


Head-Quarters, General Orders from, New-York, 225-227 
502-507, mise 678 

Lord Howe ready to strike a blow at, - 367 
Flag from Lord Howe arrives at, - - « - 369 
Messrs. Hampton and Dawson ordered to, - - 3887 
An orderly Sergeant to attend at, daily, - - 502 
Daily returns of cartridges to be made to, —- - 504 


Heard, Colonel, advanced to the rank of Brigadier, + #16 
Destruction of an enemy’s tender by, - - «© Q3 


1691 INDEX. 1692 
Heard, Colonel, intelligence received from, - = 38 | Hessians, said to be preparing for an attack, - - 9380 
Return'of Brigade commanded by, 3831, iad 639, 763 Various rumours concerning the, - - - 951, 967 
Required to furnish certain returns, — - - 556 Are supposed willing to quit the enemy’s service, - 1063 
Paper required for Brigade of, — - - - - 579 Congress send propositions to be distributed among, 1064 
Concurrence of, with General Mercer,- - - 619 A Colonel of, signifies his readiness to desert, - 1110 
Furloughs granted by, to another Regiment, -- 870 Manner of conveying papers to the, —- - - 1193 
Ordered to “Long-Island, - : 7 . - 915 Seventeen, reported killed, - - - - - 1554 
Letter from, to Washington, - - - - 933 Proceedings of Congress relating to, - - 1602, 1607 
Heath, General William, letter to, from officers at Gov- Hetherling, Captain Jacob, Company of, to be passed, 1318 
ernour’s Island, - . - - - - 3 | Heulet, Benedict, a Tory, not worth sending away, - 887 
Correspondence of, with Washington, - : - 578, | Hewes, Joseph, letter from, to Samuel Johnson, «MT 
"1029, 1082, 1120, 1121 Hey, William, letter to, Baia Lord Germaine, - - §31 
Letter to, from Colonel Greaton, - - - - 697 | Heyligger, Mrs. Alletta, claim of, against schooner 
Letter to, from John Adams, - - - - 739 America, 5 re 6 * er OF | 
Made President of a Court of Inquiry, - - - 503 | Heywood, Seth, complaint of Pend in muster-roll of, 285 
Promoted to the rank of Major-General, - 883, 1603 | Hick, William, halen into custody at Amboy, - -- 88 
Promotion announced in general orders, - - 914 Hicks, John, joins General Howe, - - - - 46 
Last brigade order of, - - - - - 922 Hicks, Thomas, attorney, order for arrest of; inte - 1480 
Colonel "Martin i is babeeninended to,- 4 & - - 998 eaniiniion and discharge of, - 8 2 - 1486 
Letter to, from Colonel Carey, - - - - 998 | Hicks, Elizabeth, a treasonable letter traced to, - 1507 
Correspondence of, with Mifflin, - - - 1113, Order authorizing the arrest of, - . ‘ - 1507 
1122, 1144, 1145, 1184, 1211 Examination of, - = = 2 - 1508 
Letter from, to Colonel Nicoll, - - - 1122 | Hide, Ebenezer, appointed Theuieame itt - panes 
Letter from: to the Assistant Commissary of Pace Higgins, Reuben, resolve on petition of, a . O74 
visions, - - - - - - - - 1122 Higgins, Lieutenant John, decease of, - - - 653 
Letter to, from Colonel Knox, = - - - 1143, 1150 | Highlanders, the corps of, sail from the Clyde, - wo) 122 
Correspondence of, with Major Henley, - 1151, 1162 Five thousand, said to be in Howe’s army, - - 197 
Correspondence with Colonel Morris Graham, 1185, 1216 Seven hundred and eb in Beige) of the Ame- 
Letter from, to the Fairfield Committee, - - 1215 ricans, - 3 u - 14 
Leiter from, to Lieutenant Umstead, - - - 1215 Landing of, from ihe Senn fleat, - - - 587 
Letter to, from Colonel Joseph Reed, - - 1230. Reported arrival of two thousand,- - - ° - 600 
Letter from, to Lieutenant Langdon, - - - 1262 Transports with, arrive at Staten- Talend - - 818 
Letter from, to the Commissary of Provisions, - 1237 Sent by Lord Howe up the Bay of Fundy, - 989, 973 
Letter from, to the Captain of the Guard, —- - 1237 Expected to find America already conquered, slide 
Letter to, from James W. Payne, - - - - 1238 General Howe punishes, for refusing to fight, - 1112 
Hedge, Lemuel) disarmed and advertised, - - 959 Highlands, designs of the enemy against the passes 
Heiser, Rich’d, recommended as Captain ofGermans, 251 in-the, 4\.- e - i é - Q27 
Heister, William, appointed Captain ofGermans, - 1336 Washington orders the defence of, - : - 256 
Helena, brig, one of Dunmore’s fleet, * - - 152 Committee of New-York Convention survey the, - 423 
Hellen, John, appointed by se nae Lieutenant in An account of what Washington did for the, - - 484 
Flying-Camp, - - - - 1850 New-York Militia ordered to paca the paaete in 
Commissioned by Congress as Tasitennts in Flying- the, - : ¢ E ' - 871 
Camp, - a ‘ . & - - - 1587 New-York Militia ordered out for (pees of ie. - 1406 
Helm, Christian, recommended as Ensign, - - 1293 | High treason, a law for the Yeti 2 of, recom- 
Hempstead Plains, enemy in possession of, - - 1261 mended, - - - >|, 408 
Fifteen hundred head of cattle driven from, - - 1261 | Highways, an act for better regulating, in Nowe Hamp- 
Hempstead, Robert, letter from, to Gov. Trumbull, - 1279 shire, 15 
Henderson, Josiah, Corporal, reduced to the ranks, - 1270 | Hill, James, appointed Captain a Nei Hampshire 
Henderson, Michael, removed from office of Ranger, 1369 Militia, - eed, 


Hendly, Thomas, appointed Aid-de-Camp to Heath, - 964 
Hendricks, James, President of a court-martial in Vir- 
ginia, - - - - - - - - 362 
Hendrickson, Daniel, refuses a First Lieutenancy, - 571 
Henly, Major, named by Washington for promotion, - 641 


Assigned as Brigade Major to “Clinton, - - - 915 
Colonel Knox’s eulogy of, - - - - - 1150 
Correspondence of, with General Heath, —- 1151, 1162 
Henry, Patrick, letter to, from General Lee, - 95, 630 
Is made Governour of Virginia,. - - - - 170 
Letter to, from the President of Congress, - - 494 
Letter to, from North-Carolina Convention, - - 613 
Address of Baptist Association to, - - - 905 
Reply of, to the Address, - - : - - 906 
Henry, brig, capture of, by American privateers, - 588 
Henry, Captain, valuable prizes taken by, - - 589 
Henry, William, enon of work on Lancaster 
Barracks, - “ 4 =] 135 
Henry, James, appointed Brent in Kinane doan! - 1346 
Henry, Michael, discharge of, ‘ordered on bail, - - 1373 


Henshaw, Lieutenant- Colonel, to General Washington, 950 
Hepburn, James, is permitted to remove to Salisbury, 1380 


Herbert, Thomas, acquitted of the charge of theft, - 768 
Herbs, dry, wanted for the Hospital, -- = - 647 
Herenden, William, sentenced for desertion, - - 505 

Herrick, Colonel Henry, letter from, to Massachusetts 
Council, - - - - - - - - 178 

Is appointed second Captain of Green Mountain 
Boys, - - - - - . - 377 
Letter to, from Mitassehiusetts Council, - - - 971 
Hescoat, Captain, removal of, to Burlin ston, = yh PLT 
Hessians, reported sailing of the, from Plymouth, - 517 
Arrival of four thousand, - - - 660 
Sailing of transports with, for Nowadays - - 664 
Transports with, put into Halifax, - - - 669 
Arrival of, at Statenslslard, - - - = ~ ied S 
Enemy believed to be waiting for more, - - §19 
Not much esteemed as soldiers, - 4 = SST 
Rumoured arrival of the remainder of, - - - 911 


Hill, Captain, booms alley Lay Washinton - 71 
Hill, Whitmill, member of North-Carolina Council, - 1366 


Hill, Colonel, ‘order to deliver arms to, - - 1294 
Hillhouse, William, letter from, to Nathaniel Shim - 145 
Member of Connecticut Council of Safety, - - 244 
Hillsborough, independence proclaimed at, - - 719 
Order for raising men in, countermanded, - - 1377 
Hilton, Captain, baseness of - - - - - 558 
Account of the conduct of, sent to Secret Committee 
of New-York Convention, - - 1451 
Hindman, Captain James, to Mardand iGoaaet of 
Safety, - - - - - 251 
_ Letter to, from Maryland Council ne Safety, - - 344 
Company of, relieved by Captain Goldsborough, - 722 
Ordered to farnish an account of his men, arms, 
oy - - - - - - - - 1332 
Pennsylvania Council of ere ela: with ammu- 
nition, - - 1304 
Hindman, William, letter Ebr: to Marrland Council of 
Safety, - - - + : - - 343 


Hines, William, chosen [Peis of Bucks Associators, 171 
Hingham, resolve to supply the town of, with powder, 279 
Hingston, Capt. John, brings intelligence from Picking 


Creek, - - 1228 
Hinman, Colonel Benjamin, Wasbinptehs authorized 
to call on, - - - - - 45 
March of the Regubeaie of, - - - - 957 
Hinman, Elisha, appointed by Congress A command 
the Cabot, - - - - - - 1606 
Hitchcock, Colonel, assigned to Mifflin’s Busade - 915 
Letter from, to Washington, - - - - - 1067 
Hitchcock, Lieutenant Azel, money advanced to, for. 
recruiting, - - - - - - 1333 
Is commissioned as Pivotettania in Flying-Camp, - 1348 
Hite, Jacob, murdered, and fey carried off by the 
Indians, - - - - 1228 


Hobart, John Sloss, fetear to, Poti Gonaral Spencer, - 373 
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - - 1233, 1260 
Hobart, Aaron, letter from, gic - - - 748 


eee 


1693 


Hobbs, Samuel, commissioned as Lieutenant by Mary- 


INDEX. 


land, - - - - - - - - 1344 
Hobby, Lieutenant, court-martial ordered on, - - 769 
Acquittal of, by the court, - = - - 1140 
Hodge, Michael, appointed Lieutenant of Matrosses, - 303 
Hodges, Captain, associate in infamy of ee - 2155 
Hoebuck Ferry, guard ordered at, - - 912 
Hoisington, Colonel, letter to, from Generil Sullivan: - 3 
Hoisington, Major Joab, muster of a Company under, 1264 
Appointed a Major of Rangers, - - - - 1437 
Draft of the commission for, - - - - - 1439 
Holcomb, Lieutenant, court-martial ordered on, - 964 
Discharged from arrest, - - - - - 966 
Holden, Colonel, Regiment of, ordered to King’s 
Bridge, - - - - 790 
Holgate, “Matthew, es Eieatenast in Rifing? 
“Camp, - . - - 349 
Holland, treatment of an planta tow ardat - - - 627 
Refuses to renew, her prohibition, - - - 1078 
Hollingsworth, Jesse, Spapbe Ha asissl of, with Mary- 
land Council of Safety, - 100, 
113, 153, 182, 375, 384, 782, 960, 915, 1076 
Complaint lodged against, by J. Crosier, - 1057 
Baltimore Committee consider the complaint aguthot 1156 
Hollingsworth, Colonel Henry, correspondence of, 
with the Maryland Council of Safety, - 113, 
184, 614, 666, 808, 942, 960, 972, 1055, 1134 
Order on, for bayonets, - - - 218 
Refuses provisions to Captain Thomsy - - - 872 
Gives a satisfactory explanation, - - - 943 
Hollis, suspected persons at, reported to New- Hamp- 
shire Assembly, . - - - 68 
Hollomback, Matthew, appointed Ensign by Generis) 1618 
Holman, Jonathan, appointed Colonel of Massachu- 
setts levies, - - - - - - - 293 
Arrival of, at head-quarters, - - “ 2 a Day 
Holmes, Captain, suspicions entertained against, - 247 
Testimony on oath concerning, - - - - 760 
Holmes, James, escape of, from the Cherokees, - - 1149 
Commissioned as Third Lieutenant, = - - - 1313 
Holmes, Jonathan, appointed Ensign of Riker’s Com- 
pany, - - : - - - - - 1427 
Holstead, Latimer, Clerk of Norfolk Committee, Vir- 
ginia, - - - - - - - - 407 
Holstein, battle near great island of, - = - - 464 
Further account of the affair at, - - - 481 
Holt, Benjamin, sentenced to be stripped at the post, 1270 
Holt, Michael, efforts to obtain discharge of, - - 1380 
Holton, Habakuk, fine on, remitted, - - - - 345 
Home sickness, a terrible disorder, - - - - 1217 
Begins to prevail about the middle of October, - 1221 
Honourable, Lee’s sarcasm on the epithet, - - 631 
Hooe, B., letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, he 591 
Hook, movements of the enemy near the, - - 1 
New-York provision-vessels join enemy at, - - 558 
Six ships enter the, - - - - - - 600 
Ten ships reported to be entering, - - - 628 
Further reports from the, —- . - - 675, 750 
Thirty ships at one time enter, = - - - - 712 
General Greene reports forty sail at the, - - 127 
Colonel Hand’s report from, - - - - 887 
Sir Peter Parker, with twenty-five sail, arrives at, - 949 


Hooper, General Henry, correspondence of, with the 
Maryland Council of Safety, 
Hooper, William, letter to, from General William Liv- 


344, 430, 492, 665, '722 


ingston, - - - - - 2 =i210 
Hope, ship, aground in Pulling-Point Gut, with a cargo 
of powder, - - : a - 478 
Twelve hundred barrels of darpo Of taken out and 
carried into Boston, - - - : z - 478 
Hopkins, Commodore Esek, cannon left at New- 
London by,” - - - - a - 45, 262 
Orders from, to Captain Hacker, - - = ah 187 
Valuable prize sent into Boston by, - : ar 687 
Prisoners taken by, sent to Windham jail, —- - 683 
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 994 
Ordered to be censured by Congress, - - - 1025 
Letter from Marine Committee to, - = - 1106 
Inquiry into conduct of, transferred to Marine Com- 
mittee, - - - - . - - - 1576 
The Committee report in the case of, - . - 1598 
Petitions to be heard in Congress, - - ¥ - 1598 
Petition to be heard, granted, - - a - 1599 
Attendance of, in Congress, - - = A - 1605 
Did not pay due regard to his instructions, - - 1609 
Censured by Congress, - - 1410 
Ordered to Rhode- Island to take ediindine of a 
feet, -"See- 2 a ee. IE 


1694 


269, 277 


Hopkins, Mark, order on, for gold and silver, - 


Appointed Brigade abe to bs Fellows’s Bri- 
ade, = - - 912 
Hopkins, ‘Daniel, appointed to sign bills in Massa- 
chusetts, - “ - - 308 
Hopkins, Wait, chosen first Captain of Given Moun- 
tain Boys, - = = a - 377 
Receives appointment of Captain in Warner’ s Regi- 
ment, - - . - : - 1565 
Hopkins, Gerard, cortespandanice of, with the Mary- 
land Council of Safety, - - 617, 666, 906, 1133 
Hopkins, William, Chairman of Oyster Bay Committee, 511 
Letter from, to ‘the Committee, - - - - 511 
Hopkins, Sarah, asks for discharge of her servant, - 761 
Hopkins, Brigadier, in French service, desire of, to 
come to “America, - - - - 1020 
Hopkins, Roswell, letter from, to General Genre 
Clinton, - - - 1262 
Is appointed LisnterneaGloriel om! Nests York 
Militia, - - - - - - - 1413 
Hopper, John, thirty-nine stripes to, for detection! - 1137 
Hops, Lieutenant, high recommendation for Marines, 487 
Declines to accept the Marine service, - - - 683 
Horned Cattle, report of a committee in ‘relation to, - 1415 
Discussion of the report on, - : - - - 1417 
Great number of, on Nassau- Island, - - - 1425 
Order for removal of, to Hempstead Plains, - - 1537 
Hornet, Marine Committee offer to purchase the sloop, 1181 
Horn’s Hook, Colonel J. Smith’s Regiment ordered to, 1557 
Horse, three Regiments of, under Colonel Seymour, 
ordered to New-York, —- - - - 124 
The Connecticut, ordered home, - - - - 125 
More useful on emergencies than Militia, - - 142 
A company of, raised ke Governour oe on Staten- 
Island, - : - - - 200 
Troops of Light, exempted from garrison duty, -. 871 
Captain Salisbury’ s, refuse to do duty on foot, - 713 
Troops of, ordered to watch ships in the Hudson, - 855 
Roll of a troop of, from King’s and Queen’s Counties, 953 


See also Cavalry and Light- - Horse. 
Horses, the enemy ‘killing and barrelling up, - 1110, 1532 


Order for removal of, from seaboard, - - - 1537 
Farmers allowed to retain only one pair of, - - 1537 
Officer at Westchester authorized to impress, - - 1544 
Horsey, Isaac, letter from, to Sussex Council of Safety, 11 
Hortalez, Roderique, & Co., the assumed signature of 
Beaumarchais, - - - - - - - 1023 
Horton, James, deposition to the toryism of, - - 623 
Examination of, - - - - - - 1443 
Horton, James, Jun., arrested ard sent to prison, - 1412 
Hosmer, rikiss member of Connecticut ot at of 
Safety, - - - - 240 
Hospital, petition from Porentodeh for erection eh - 212 
Number of sick in the General, at Lake George, - 238 
Director of the, appointed for the Flying-Camp, - 346 
Dr. Brown recommended to take charge of the 
Flying-Camp, - - - - - - 371 
Medicines wanted for the Werther, - - 649 
The Director of the Northern, in want of Sareea 651 
Colonel Josiah Smith authorized to procurea, - 1523 
Hospital Apothecary, pay of, fixed by Congress, - 1581 
Hospital Mates, number and pay of, increased, - - 1581 


Rank of, superiour to that of Regimental Surgeons, 1581 


Hospital Officers, Directors authorized to appoint, - 1614 
Hospital Regulations, as agreed upon at New-York, - 108 
Hospital Stores, Dr. Treat sends, to President of New- 
York Convention, - - - - - - 1534 
Hospital Surgeons, number and pay of, increased, - 1581 
To take rank of Regimental Surgeons, - - - 1581 
Hostages, demanded of Major Sherburne, - - 161, 163 
Hotham, Commodore, arrival of, expected, - - 105 
Three hundred and four sail leave England under, - 662 
House, John, commissioned as Second Lieutenant in 
Maryland Militia, - - - - - - 1344 
Ordered by Congress to be subjected to inquiry, - 1594 
Houston, Dr. James, held to bail by Baltimore Com- 
mittee, - - - 182 
Houston, John, member of Gearic Gorn of Safety, 6 
Houston, Robert, Jetter from, to ‘Sussex Committee, - 11 
How, Nehemiah, Chairman of Poultney Committee, - 659 
Howard, Thomas H., appointed Surgeon’s Mate, - 1332 
Howard, James, appointed Second Lieutenant, - - 1344 
Howard, John E., appointed Captain, . - - 1348 
Howard, Joseph, ‘appointed Second Lieutenant, - 1348 
Howe, Lieutenant-General Sir William— 
Arrives at the Hook, - - - £ x ~ 29 
Encamps on Staten- ‘Island, - - - = 20 
Movements of, detailed in a letter, - aon etl B4 


INDEX, 


1695 
Howe, Lieutenant-General Sir William— 
Washington’s intelligence of,  - = big vive FBO 
Account of the retreat of, from Boston, - - - 97 
Letter from, to Lord Germaine, 105, 121, 963, 980, 1256 
Force that landed with, - - - - 106 
A portion of the army of, land on Staten-Island, - 119 
Washington speaks of the arrival of, - - - 193 
Arrival of, at New-York, with ten thousand men, - 347 
Letter to, from Washington, - - » 352, 679, 997, 1026 
A letter from, is rejected, = - - > - - 389 
Washington’s interview with the Adjutant-Gene- 
rad Of, mmie - - E “ "4 - - 500 
Washington’s report of this interview to his brother, 509 
Washington’s confidence in the honourable charac- 
terof, - - - - - ~ . - 693 
Reply of, to Washington on the subject of exchanges, oe 
Washington transmits to Congress the letter of, - 762 
Extract of a letter from, to Lord Germaine, - - 788 
Major French encloses a letter for, to Washington, 902 
Letter from, to Washington, - - - - 932, 1026 
Washington refers to information received from, - 1099 
Conduct of, contrasted with that of Carleton, - - 1095 
Sundry letters to, from Lord Germaine, - - 1101, 1102 
Proclamation by, on Long-Island, - - - - 1221 
Congress agrees to proposition of, for exchanges, - 1621 
Howe, Admiral Lord Viscount— 
Information of the sailing of, - - - - 27 
Expected arrival of, = - - - - - - 35 
Washington’s information concerning, - - - 39 
Arrival of, with a considerable army, = - ol vt hy Fs) 
Reported on his passage to New-York, - - - 142 
Sends a flag, with a letter, which is rejected, - - 231 
Arrival of, at Bergen reported, = - - - - 327 
Is the bearer of a letter to Colonel Reed, - - 372 
Character of, as given in De Berdt’s letter, - - 372 
Sends a flag to General Mercer at Amboy, - 328, 360 
Reed’s comments on De Berdt’s letterby, —- - 415 
Letter and Declaration of, enclosed to New-Jersey 
Convention, - - - - - - - 441 
Washington informs Gates of the arrival of, - - 450 
Letter and Proclamation of, mentioned by Adams, - 466 
Sends a flag to Washington, - : - - 471 
Letter to, from Dr. Franklin, - - - - - 482 
Ten of his fleet reported entering, - - - - 484 
Washington’s report to his brother of, - - - 509 
Sends a flag and letter to Governour Cooke, - - 549 
Reuben Swain desires permission to apply to, for 
the liberation of his son, - - - - - 550 
Benjamin Barnard desires permission to’ apply to, 
for the liberation of his brother and son, - - 550 
Copy of the letter of, to Governour Cooke, - - 605 
Governour Trumbull’s remarks on the letter of, - 608 
Willingness of, to agree to an exchange of prisoners, 675 
Mr. Tracy has an interview with, about exchanges, 727 
Expresses his regard for America, and especially for 
Massachusetts-Bay, - < - - ~ 785 
Preparations of, to attack New- Y otk! - - - 870 
Letter from, to Lord Germaine, - - - - §895 
Letter from, to Dr. Franklin, - - - - 979 
Lord Drummond’s idea of the powers of, - - 1026 
Note from, accepting Lord Drummond’s offer, - 1027 
Strange report of, circulated by the post-rider, - 1065 
Copy of a letter to, from Washington, - - - 1094 
Reply of, to the letter from Washington, - - 1095 
Is directed to inquire into Shuldham’s neglect, - 1102 
‘ Rumoured proposition of, for peace, contained in 
general orders, - - - - - 1139 
Extract of a letter from, to Mr. Stéphane, - - 1255 
Copy of the declaration of, - - = z - 1466 
Exchange of prisoners proposed to, —- - - 1528 
Congress approves Washington’s rejection of the 
letter of, - - - - - - - - 1580 
Dr. Franklin is permitted to answer letter of, - - 1586 
Intercepted letters from, laid before Congress, - 1583 
Washington is directed to remonstrate with, on the 
case of Lieutenant Josiah, - - - - - 1600 
Howe, John, printer, joins General Howe, - - 46 
Howe, Cyprian, appointed mats be Colonel’ “of Mas- 
sachusetts Militia, - “ r - 292 
Howe, Brigadier-General Robert, is exeepted from 
pardon i in Clinton’s proclamation, - - 437 
Arrives with Lee and others at Haddrell’s Point - 4387 
Sets out for Georgia with Lee, - - - - 940 
Howell, Jacob S., appointed Secretary to Pennsylvania 
Council of Safety, - “5 . id - 1300 
Howell, Samuel, declines serving in Pennsylvania 
Council of Safety,  - - - - - - 1300 


Howith, Robert, sent prisoner to Maxplaad Council of 


1696 


Safety, - - . - - - - 680 
Mareman’s deposition against, —- - - - 687 
Yell’s deposition against, - - - 688 
Committed to Jail by Maryland Gonncil of Safety,- 1347 

Hubbard, Nehemiah, Bi cet Baynasint of Connec- 
ticut Regiment, - - - - 699 
Hubbee, Eleazer, elected Biieiba of Golbael Cooke’s 
Regiment, - - - - - - 1121 
Hubley, Major, goes to tnice an inventory of Baron de 
Woedtke’s effects, - - - - = - 698 
Hubley, George, examined by Lancaster Committee,- 760 
Recommended.for acaptaincy, - - - - 1289 
Appointed by Congress Captain of Germans, - 1569 
Hubley, John, letter from, to William Atlee, - - 931 
Hubley, Bernard, recommended as First Lieutenant, - 1317 
Appointed by Congress First Lieutenant of Ger- 
man Company, . - - - - - 1609 
Hudson River, passage of enemy’s shipsup, - - 231 
Movements of enemy’s ships in, - - - - 374 
Measures of Secret Committee of New-York Con- 

vention for the defence of, : - - - 392 
A chain asked for to obstruct, - - - - 486 
Mr. Jay borrows cannon for defence of, - = 625 
Cannon is procured for defence of, - - - 935 
Enemy’s ships of war sailing up, - ~ - ~ - 1399 
Measures ordered to obstruct the channel, - - 1409 
Navigation of, partially obstructed, - - - 1416 
Captain Townshend’s Company sent to, - - 1445 
Two sloops fitting out for defence of, - - - 1515 
Mr. Duer ordered to consult with Washington about, 1522 
Fortification of, eminently important, - - - 1548 
Post rider ordered to take east side of, - - - 1562 

Hudson’s Bay ships, attention of Giriaedtes Hop- 

kins called to the capture of the, = - - - 1106 
Huffington, Jonathan, ee Ensign in Maryland 

Militia, - ~ - 1355 
Huger, John, Seuretart a Sonth- Garstinal - - 756 
Huger, Colonel Isaac, letter from, to J. L. Gervais, - 973 
Hugg, Captain, muster-roll of Artillery Company of,- 788 
Hugget, Benjamin, Washington commands arrest of,- 819 
Hughes, Samuel, Rai ea Naan introduced to Con- 

gress, = - - 219 
Letter from Maryland Comer of Safarp ta Danieland, 806 
Congress order a contract to be made with, for can- 

non, - - - - - - - - 1585 
Contract with, made and confirmed, - - - 1587 

Hughes, Isaac, appointed Lieutenant- Colonel, . - 349 
Hushes, Ensign, return of, to Crown-Point, = - - 682 
Hughes, Hugh, Assistant Graarigreurven Seber de- 
livery of articles by, - - - - 919 
Return of sundries shipped to Tykes 1 - 1050, 1064 
Hughes, Joseph, Becanily required of, for good beha- 
viour, - - - - 1381 
Hughes, John, hnwenvs assumes expense in pletanea, 1604 
Hulks, proposition to sink, in North River, — - - 224. 
Order to suspend sinking, at Boston, - - - 268 
Hull ships, schemes for taking the, - - - 908 
Hull, Massachusetts, inhabitants removed fom, and 
guard stationed at, - - - - - - 1224 
Humanitas, to the Lord Mayor of London, - - 754 
Humiliation and Prayer, Basenobubetss resolves to 
appoint a day of, - 310 
Hunt, Captain, of the Sphins one a Sir Pater) Posie 
er’s fleet, - - - - - - 436 
Hunt, Samuel, letter fron to Geter Gates, - - 1170 
Hunt, Lieutenant Alexander, W. Sutton sent to Phila- 
delphia under charge of, - - - - - 1455 
Hunter, John, and family, in Dunmore’s fleet, - - 152 
Hunter, Captain Alexander, examination of, - - 996 
Escape of, - - - - - - - - 1109 
Hunter, Mr. James, ordered to wait on Congress for 
supplies, - - - - 991 
Hunter, John, Jun., sent to Mattnnsberdugh on Beals 1366 
Hunter, James, admitted to citizenship, - - - 1379 
Hunting-shirts, Squier’s account of, - - - - 455 
Washington recommends the Foaps to wear, - - 677 
A terrour to the enemy, - 677 
Maryland Council of Safety coma to Col. eine 783 
The enemy dressed in, like the Americans, - - 1195 
Huntington, Samuel, delegate to Congress from Con- 
necticut, - - - - - - - 43 
Huntington, Mr.,, referred to, to prepare transports, - 195 
Huntinston, Jabez, member of Connecticut Council 

of Safety, soem, deo: Weipa eee ve |< (R40 

Instructions to, for purchase of clothing, - - 683 
Huntington, Captain Joshua, arms ordered to, - - 244 
Huntington, Jedediah, to Governour Trumbull, - 510, 898 


1697 INDEX. 

Huntingtown, Capt. Brookes moves his Company to, 757 | Independence— 

Hurd, Colonel John, ammunition voted to, - 51 Day fixed for proclaiming, in North-Carolina, - - 
Appointed to fix off Canada Rep panias from Cohos, 70 Consideration of, in New-York Convention, - - 
Money advanced to, - - - anil Order in Congress for engrossing, - - - 
Letter from, to New- -Hampshire Council of Safety, 110, Declaration of signed in ‘Congress, - - - 

480, 625, 748 Fac Simile of, opposite - - - - - 
Letter from, to General Sullivan, - - - - 263 | Independence, sloop, commission asked for, = - 
Letter to, from Colonel Joseph Wait, - - - 479 | Independence, brig, reported ready for sea, - 6567, 
Letter to, from General Gates, —- - - - 774 | Independence galley, Washington’s pleasure at hear- 
Letter from, to Meshech Weare, - - - 927 ing of the good behaviour of the,  - - - 

Hurd, James, appointed Major New- Famapshire Militia, 57 Independent Company, old men unite to form an, - 
Letter from, to New-Hampshire Council of Safety,- 110 Proposal for inlisting an, in Connecticut, = - . 

Hurly-Town, meditated attack upon, - - - 1459 | Independent Point, extract of a letter from, = 

Hurt, John, Massachusetts Council of Bafots pay, fog Indian Affairs, Mr. Cushing’s letter referred to the 

boat hire, - - - - 1336 Committee on, - ~ 

Hutchins , Capt., complaint against, by Col. ‘Wainentcls 41 | Indian Chiefs, Galonel Baas s letter to hel - - 

Hutchinson, Thomas, resolve respecting estate of, 306, 316 Are invited to visit Congress, - - - 

Hutchinson, Col., march of Regiment of, to Narvich: 514 | Indian faith, little dependence to be Nagai on, - 
Arrival of, at New-York, — - - - - - 638 | Indian goods, order to send to General Schuyler, . 
Is assigned to Mifflin’s Brigade, - - - - 915 Are sent from Ticonderoga to General Schuyler, - 

Hutton, Mary, i is permitted to remove her goods, - 1305 Officer in charge of, left to pursue his own route, - 

Hyde, Colonel William, letter to, eon Maryland Coun- Order to intercept the, from England for Canada, - 

cil of Safety, - - - - 929 | Indian Landing, schooner Resolution sent to, with 

Hydraulics, abstruse paohiousin in wee’ - - - 791 powder, - - - - - - - - 

Hynes, Andrew, commissioned as Captain by Mary- Indians, danger to Georgia from sundry tribes of, — - 

land, - - - - - - - - 13844 Conference held with, at Fort Pitt, - - - 

I General Lee’s advice concerning the, - - - 

. Fear of, on the Androscoggin, — - - . - 

Ilsley, Major Daniel, eamplsint of, against Colonel Murderous attacks of certain, - - 
Mitchell, - - - - - - 1205 Advice from, brought by George Morea Est - 
Petition from, to Re achasttts Gener - - 1207 Treaty held with, at Pitisburgh, - - - 
Certificate in favour of, - - - - - 1207 Fears entertained in New-Jersey of, in a ert 

Independence— event, - . - - - - - - 
Delegates of New-York not empowered to vote for, 14 Savage conduct of the, at the Cedars, - - - 
Committee in Congress to prepare draught of, - * 49 Commissioners prepare to confer with, - - - 
Committee on, report to Congress, - - - 66 Alarming news from, at Savannah, - - - 

_ Lee’s letter to P. Henry on the subject of, - - 95 Washington recommends inlistment of the Eastern, 
Jefferson sends a copy of, to R. H. Lee, - - 118 Resolve of Congress to call into service the Eastern, 
Declaration of, read at Philadelphia State House, - 119 Colonel Hartley’s capture of a party of, - - 
Effects of the Declaration of, in New-Jersey, - 139 Colonel Hartley’s pursuit of a party of, - - - 
Order for the proclamation of, at the head of Massa- General Schuyler prepares to meet the, - - 

chusetts Regiments,-- - - . . - 142 Large meeting of, expected at German Flats, - 
Remarks of John Adams upon, - - - - 170 Prisoners, recommended by Gates to kind treatment, 
Illumination of Nassau-Hall in honour of, —- - 73 Arrival of a number of, at German Flats, - - 
Washington giccpaprogamaiign of, in the Northern Battle of the Fincastle Militia with, —- - - 
Army, - - - - 194 Message and belt sent to Schuyler by, - - 
New-York Convention adopts the Speen of, - 205, Apology of, for tardiness in reaching German Flats, 
348, 349, 1391 Express a belief that America is an overmatch for 
Approbatory reception of, by the Army, - 205, 649 Great Britain, - - - - . - - 
Declaration of, sent to General Gates, - - = 227 Colonel Hartley instructed not to commence hostili- 
Declaration of, is received in Connecticut, - - 244 ties with, - - - - - - - - 
Remarks of Samuel Adams on, - - - 347 Delay of the conference with, at German Flats, 563, 


Maryland Council of Safety sends the Deeeton 


to Committee of Observation, - - - - , 364 
New-Jersey Congress resolves to support, - - 369 
New-York Committee of Safety order the reading of, 

at City Hall, - . - - ~ 7 Pee 
Reception of, in New-Hampshire, - - - - 881 
Read at Portsmouth with great parade, - - - 428 
Virginia Council order the publication of, - - 464 
Proceedings at Newport in relation to, - - - 476 
Opposition of Mr. Morris to, - « e =) ABR 
Baltimore Committee prepare to proclaim, - - 523 
Publication of, at Newport, Rhode-Island,_ - - 549 
Read at Williamsburgh, Virginia, - - - - 568 
Ceremony of reading, at Providence, - - - §82 
Welcome reception of, at Ticonderoga, - - 603, 630 
Col. St. Clair is appointed to read, at Ticonderoga, 630 
Read at the Court House in Baltimore, - w = 638 
The Sheriff proclaims, at Amherst, New- pita petite, 719 
Proclaimed at Richmond, Virginia, - - 56 
Order for distributing copies of, - - e irs 
Abram Clark’s remarks upon, - - 3 =: 926 
Read at Bridgetown, New-Jersey, - - - oy 814 
Interpreted to the Indians at Watertown, - =) 847 
Governour Tryon encloses a copy. of, to "Lord Ger- 

maine, -. - - - 4 - 949 
Published in the tate at iit: on cet Lord’s 

day, . a : . - - 972 
Mr. Deane urges the publication of, - . - 1016 
Is announced in the English papers, - - - 1021 
Propriety ofinforming the French Islands of, - 1106 
People in England said to laugh at, - - 1148, 1242 
Massachusetts House of Representatives express 

entire satisfaction at, - = - 1225 
Pennsylvania Council bE Safety ae aes copies of, 1289 
Order for the publication of, at Philadelphia, - - 1289 
Proclamation of, ordered in ’North-Carolina, . - 1865 


Firru Serires.—Vot. I 


Disaffected prisoners returned by the, - - - 
Heavy expense of the war with, in Virginia, - - 
The Cherokee, declare war, - - - ms - 
Lee advises Riflemen to be sent against, - - 
Suspected design of, at Chiswell’s Mines, - - 
Arrival of eleven hundred at German Flats, - - 
Favourable impression made on the, at Philadelphia, 
Washington advises employment of the Piockhndaa 


Schuyler’ s chagrin at the delays of, — - - 

Certain of the Mickmack and St. John’s sent to 
Washington, - - - - = 

Great quantities of ram BABES by, - - - 


1698 


1368 
1387 
1584 
1597 
1597 


374 
804 
998 
543 


858 
682 


902 
872 
1613 
1204 


697 


701 
715 


Congress approves the employment of the Stock- . 


bridge, - - . - - - - « 
Number of, at German Flats reported, - - 
The Canadian, refuse to fight against United States, 
Schuyler about to open conference with, - - 
Mr. Bowdoin’s letter to Washington concerning the 

Eastern, - - - - -. + . - 
Conference with the Eastern, at Watertown, - - 
Sir Guy Johnson’s report on, to Lord Germaine, - 
Address of commanding officer at Niagara to the, - 
The Canada, said to be : against United States, - 
Case of the Stockbridge, as related by Mr. Sergeant, 
A number of, join Colonel iar and the Cepeda 

Militia, - - - 


Resolve not to join a war PHN United States, - 
Burgoyne fails in his efforts to inlist, - - ” 
Depredations committed by the, in Virginia, - - 
Carleton is ordered to inlist the, - - 4 “3 


Of the North, South, and West ‘for war, & 7 
The Susquehannah alone peaceably disposed, - 
Desirous of going to Cumberland, - - a 
Most of the Stockbridge induced to go to New-York, 
Treaty with the St. John’s and Mickmack, ratified, 
The Penobscot ask for a French Priest, - se 


107 


725 
793 
799 
825 


836 
838 
866 
867 
888 
903 


939 

969 

969° 
973 
1105 
1181 
1181 
1208 
1221 
1223 
1223 


1699 


Indians, the Stockbridge, change their mind about 


INDEX. 


going to New-York, - - - - . - 1265 
Ammunition sent to the, - - - 1436, 1449 
The Ulster, supplied with lead and flints, - - 1450 

Indigent, New-York Convention resolve to support the, 1539 
Monthly account of, to be made to Convention, - 1539 
Indigo, a cargo of, arrives at Egg-Harbour, - - "742 
Industry, sloop, capture of, by the Hancock, - - 990 
Ingliss, Rev. Mr., loans Washington a telescope, 824, 1485 
Inimical, all persons to be disarmed in Middlesex, - 1088 
Inlisting Orders, Massachusetts resolve to issue, si 318 
Copy of the New-Hampshire, — - - - 991 
Inlistment, form of, in Massachusetts, — - + - 291 
Of men to serve at Martha’s Vineyard,- — - - 295 
Committee of, in Massachusetts, to take every 

twenty-fifth man, = - - - - - 318 
Form of, for men so draughted, - - - - 320 
Allowance by Congress to officers for, - - - 620 
Circulars sent by Connecticut to all towns respect- 

ing, - - - - - - - 731 

Inlistments, subscription to encourage, - - - 179 
Unusual terms of, in New- Hampshire, : - - 248 
Form of, established in Massachusetts, - - - 276 
Committees appointed to apportion, - - - 288 
Of men out of their own towns regulated, - - 310 

Innis, James, appointed a des by Congress, (called 

erroneously Junis,) - - ~ - 1606 

Tnoculation, John Adams rédommendit - - - 1038 
Attempted by several officers, = - . - 129 
Prohibited in Massachusetts, except at Boston, - 146 
Petition to erect a hospital for, - - - 212 
Great desire for, in Northampton, NM desdolesetts, - 263 
Militia receive, without orders, - - - - 779 
Carpenters and officers from Rhode-Island receive, 984 

Inspectors of Rfergretine Congress resolves to ap- 

point, - - - - - - 1622 
State Legislatures Peeoueenden to appoint, - 1623 

Instructions, for Benjamin Giles she New- aca 

Council of Safety, - - - - 211 
To Captain Niles, of the schooner Spy. - - - 240 
To Dr. Ely, from Connecticut Council of Pongo - 241 
To Captain John Johnson, - - - 256 
To the Committee on Abstracts, Maasdthuxétis: - 280 
Lord Stirling’s, in relation to East River ferries, - 414 
Lord Stirling’ s, in relation to North River ferries, - 415 
To Colonel Hartley, at Crown Point, - - - 474 
Of Pennsylvania to her Delegates, - - - §95 
Mr. Courtney applies to Baltimore Committee for, 636 
To Colonel Se i from Connecticut Council 

of Safety, - . - - - 683 
General Gates’s, to Amold on the Lake fleet, - 826 
To the officer in ett Se of ee sent to Connec- 

ticut, - - 990 
Of Anne “Avandal Genny to Sher DElepaten - - 1054 
To Lieutenant Whitcomb, by General Gates, - 1202 
To General Woodhull from New-York Convention, 1543 
Of Congress, to the Auditors of Army Accounts, - 1609 
Instruments, Mr. Stone promises to procure, - - 669 
Regimental Surgeons petition Congress for, - - 695 
Insurance, rate of, from London to Jamaica, - - 1020 

Insurrection, account of an, in Dutchess County, New- 

Morks#™%.< - - - - - - - 1408 

Intelligence, measures of New-York Convention to 

procure the earliest, - 1562 

Intercourse, the King of Portugal prohibits with the 

United States, - - o 6 

Interpreter, offer of services to sCoubrass by a French 

and Spanish, - - - S E z - 1192 

Mr. Preble is engaged as, at Piscataqua, - - 1209 
Interrogatories, Mr. Duer’s, to Thomas Willett, - - 1479 
Interview, Washington’s, with Colonel Patterson, - 500 

Reference to this, in a letter to General Howe, - 679 
Intrenching tools, Schuyler’s demand for, - - - 232 

Washington forwards all that can be spared, - - 390 

Great deficiency of, urged, - - = « - 472 
Intrenchments, hire of men ordered to work on, - 1332 
Invalids, Congress orders the formation of a corps of, 1620 
Inventory, of sundries taken in the ship Lord Howe, - 209 

Of sundries taken in the brig Annabella, - - 209 

Of materials in prize ship George, - - 209 

Ordered, of articles belonging to sunken tips, - 1378 
Invoices, of prize cargoes sent to Washington, - - 209 

Of Scotch arms, &e., sent to Washington, - - 899 
Ireland, subjects of, arrested for correspondence with 

America, - - - - « - a - 180 
Capture of a store-ship from, - - 553 
Kindness of a gentleman of, to Colonel salen - 861 
Capture of the Continental Congress reported i in, - 1280 


Irey, negro, imprisoned by Lancaster Associators, - 
Irish property, a pee laden with, seo, aha po oan 


ture, - 
Tron for guns not to tbe hav ip North- Gasoline; - - 
Iron-masters authorized to employ soldiers, - - 
Tron-works, petition from proprietors of the Stirling, - 
Workmen i in, exempted from Militia duty, - - 
Salt to be supplied to labourers in, - - - 
Irvine, Colonel, is taken prisoner, = - 


Irvine, John, Shosen Lieutenant of Bucks Addsaintors: 
Irvine, Jared, chosen collector of fire-arms, for Bucks 


Associators;! - - - - - - 
Isaac, safe arrival of the ireichip) - - - - 
Isabella, capture of the, by an American privateer, - 
Iselton, Mathias, deserter, examination of, - - 
Isham, Captain, Commissary Trumbull wa for the 

services of, = - - - - 
Isle-aux-Noix, occupation of, by the ierthamn Army, - 

Burgoyne’s advanced guard at, - - - + 


Two thousand Germans eader Frazer at, - 
‘Sons of Britain” Ne Ss at the murder and Beale 


ing at, - - - 
Enemy seem to draw foie itenbat toward 
Return of Major Bigelow from, - - 


Ivers, Mr., undertakes to supply cordage, - - 
Izard, Ralph, letter to, from C. Crespigny, : 
Letter from, to C. Crespigny, - - 


J. 


Jackson, Richard, elected Captain in Queen’s County, 
Jackson, John, appointed Ensign of Eastern-Shore 

(Maryland) Battalion, - - - - 
Jacob, imprisoned by Lancaster A ceeintores - - 
Jacob, William, contracts to make tents for Maryland, 
Jail, discharge from, of ten men taken with Captain 


Campbell, - - - - - - - 

In Litchfield, incapable of receiving more, - - 
Jails, the Connecticut, filled with prisoners, - - 
Unfitness of the New- York, for confinement of pri- 
soners, -  - - - - : . : 


Jamaica, capture ofa sloop from, - - - 
Jamaica man, capture of a, by Captain Foust : 
Jamieson, Niel, takes refuge i in Dunmore’s fleet, - 


Jamieson, John, chosen Captain in Bucks Associa-. 


tors, - - = 2 
Jansen, Thomas, aepotutad Libntenant/Colonel of the 
New-York Militia, - - - C “ z 
Jarvis, Colonel Samuel, appointed eC in North- 


Carolina, - - - - - 
Jarvis, Samuel, Esquire, bAnaiited Cuhimastoner for 
Gurituck, - - - - - - 

Jasper, Sergeant, presented with a sword, - - 


Jauncey, James, sent as disaffected to Lebanon, 
Permitted to go to New-York for his family, - 
Jay, John, letter from, to President of. Cone 

Letter from, to Edward Rutledge, - - 
Letter to, from Lewis Ogden, - - - 
Procures a loan of cannon from Connecticut, 
Letter from, to New-York Congress, - - 
Jay, Frederick, letter to, from Washington, = - 
Jefferies, David, Paymaster, money supplied to, - 
Jefferson, Thomas, letter from, to Richard Hews se 
Device for a seal proposed by, 
Jenifer, Daniel, of St. Thomas, Prepideat of the ‘Mary- 
land Council of Safety, - - - 325, 342, 
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 
Letter from, to Washington, introducing M. D’hugé, 
Jenifer, Colonel, arrival of, with Lee and others, at 
Haddrell Point, - - 3 
Jenifer, Dr. Daniel, ‘appointed Assistant-Surgeon, - 
Jenkinson, Sir Charles, purpose of, in France, - - 
Jennings, Thomas, arrival of, at Annapolis, - - 
Jennings, Richard, complaint against, to Meryiend 
Council of Safety, - - - - 
Jersey, people of, drive their cattle from the boast, - 
Jersey Regiment, ge te committed by some of 
the, - - ” - - 
Jerseys, twenty-one sundred men to be pouta in the, 
General Mercer appointed to command forces in 
the, - - - - - - 
Rapid increase A the army in hilehes - - : 
Three thousand Militia assembled in the, = - ~ 
(See also Vew-Jersey.) 
Jesuits’ bark, North-Carolina Council aye a barrel 


of, - - - - - 
Jewell, Robert, epee webtior of the new Jail, - 
John, schooner, Mr. Hooe declines loading the, - 


John, brig, capture of the, - - - Z s 


1700 


673 


610 
1384 
1289 
1112 
1304 
1377 

130 

171 


172 
1226 
589 
353 


1082 
131 
626 
799 


888 
955 
986 
821 
1148 
1242 


1366 
1585 

383 
1226 


ESE ST 


1701 INDEX. 1702 

John Grimes, sloop, one of Dunmore’s fleet, -  - 152 { Julian, Reneca, committed to Halifax jail, in North- 

Johnson, Colonel, aapalnted one of the Newbury Carolina, - - - - - - - 1378 
Committee, - - - - 30 Inventory of the estate of, ordered, . - - 1378 

Johnson, George, letter feott, to General Lee, - - 99 | July 4th, importance of remembering the day, - - 144 

Johnson, E.; letter from, to the Maryland Council of Juno, ship, capture of the, - - - - - 589 
Safety, - - - - = 100, 1147 K 

Johnson, Samuel, letter 63 ris Jos. Hewes, - - 117 ; 

Johnson, Captain Henry, captures made by, - 134, 148 | Kaghneghlories, a sachem of the Six Nations, - - 868 
Prisoners rise on, and carry to Dover, - - = 684 | Kanady, Thomas, affidavit of, - % , “ - 403 
Treatment of, in the Thames, - - : - 754 | Kanaghwidiga, a young sachem of influence, - 868 
Lenity of, to his prisoners, the cause of his capture, 755 Kaquatanawje, one of the instigators of the Onondagas, 1048 

Johnson, John, appoinies canaad of Boeke Asso- Kargher, Ludwick, is advised ‘to apply to Congress for 

ciators, - - - 171 “redress, &e., - - 1291 

Johnson, James, whipped for devettion, - - - 225 Memorial of, referred the Bosrd of War, - - 1570 

Johnson, Captain John, instructions ta) - - 256, 415 Payment made to, for victualling Militia, - - 1597 

Johnson, B., to Maryland Council of Safety, 363, 482,517 | Kearney, Philip, taken into custody at Amboy, - - 38 

Johnson, General haat to Pee Council of Kearney, Michael, taken into custody at Amboy, - 38 

Safety, amenity = - - 490, 522 | Keating, Garret, Chairman of Skenesborough Com- 
Letter from Maryland Countil of Safety to, - - 570 mittee, - - - SIAL. ote. - 128 

Johnson, Sir John, reaches Burgoyne, —- - - 866 | Keenan, Lawrence, ‘release of, from jail, - - - 101 

Johnson, Mr., arrival of, from England, - - - 814 Order for discharge of, from service, - - 1331 
Has a conference with Washington, - - - 835 | Keephart, George P. , appointed Captain sie Ghana 

Johnson, John, applies for the place of Surgeon’s Company, - - = 1834 

Mate,< - © - - = + = 1091 | Kegs, Maryland Ganeil of Safety Gideraciumber of, 668 

Johnson, Colonel Guy, acneM of at Staten-Island, - 835 Keif, ‘Richard, thirty-nine stripes to, for stealing, - 914 
Indians of the Six Nations embark in set of - 868 Keighley, John, letter from, to Massachusetts Council, 262 
Letter from, to Lord Germaine, - - 865 | Keith, Israel, appointed Aid-de- -Camp to Gen. Heath, 964 
Deception practised by, on the Onoudayas, - - 1046 Kelby, Patrick, testimony of, - - - - 1081 

Johnson, Obadiah, letter from, to Governour Trum- Keller, Stoffel, chosen Ensign of Bucks Associators, wil 

bull, Se ee LN Me A) 45 8 - - 873 | Kelly, Moses, ‘appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, vice Gil- 

Johnson, Captain-Lieutenant, assigned to Spencer’s man, resigned, - = . 57, 83 

Brigade, . - - - - - 913 Made Muster and Paymaster Br Canada Regiment, 57, 83 
Johnson, Lieutenant Martin, pareereeds in plundering Kelly, Corporal, the murderer of, arrested, - - 340 
the baggage of Captain "Anstruther, - - - 1221 | Kelly, Robert, chosen Lieutenant-Colonel of Massa- 
Ordered to deliver a ring to the War Office, - - 1611 chusetts ‘Militia, : - : - 663 
Stoppage removed from pay of, - - - - 1612 | Kelly, John, reprimanded and Boca . - 1370 

Johnson, Josiah, appointed Ensign, - - - - 1347 | Kelly, William, appointed Lieutenant of Rides - - 1570 

Johnson, Lieutenant, resignation of reported, - - 1509 | Kemp, Jason, trial and sentence of, for desertion, - 505 

Johnson Hall, pillage of, by American officers, - - 1032 | Kenion, Cornelius, promoted to Second Lieutenant of 

Johnson, Colonel Philip, intrepid conduct of, - - 1251 New-Jersey Regiment, -' - - - 453 

Johnstown, embezzlement of effects at, - - - 511 | Kennebrew, Shadrach, admitted as States’ evidence, - 1369 

Jones, General, one of the British commanders, ate OT Order for discharge ‘of, on security, - - 1373 

Jones, Joseph, appointed Captain, - - - - 349 | Kennedy, Captain, sent as prisoner to Elizabethtown, 38 

Jones, Jacob, thirty stripes to, for sleeping on post, - 914 | Kennedy, James, examination of, - = - - - 661 

Jones, Thomas, Major of the Baltimore Battalion, - 524 |) ° Mr. Bowdoin encloses Gap onen of, to Washing- 
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 1089 ton, - - - - 836 

Jones, Judge, a Tory yd indulgence to, recom- Kennedy, Dr., and OrbeES to General Gates) - - 1266 

mended, - - - - - - - 898 | Kensington, the galley building at, named, - - 1327 

Jones, Thomas, Giannah of Northumberland Com- Kent, Colonel James, declines the command of the 

mittee, - - - - - - 689 Defence, - - ae 591 
Jones, Lieutenant “Peter, proceedings of a court- Letter to, from the Maryland Canieil of Safety, - 635 
etre on, - - - “ - - - %36 Resignation of, - - . - 858, 863 
Acquittal of, by the court, - - - . - 737 | Kent Island, a reinforcement aed fi at, - - 363 
Jones, Captain John Paul, orders to, from Marine A good armourer reported to be at, — = - - 365 
Committee, - - - - - 784, 977 Ammunition sent to, | - - - - - - 386 

Jones, Colonel, (Dedham,) aphbintment of Justice of People of, apprehend an attack, - - - - 387 

the Peace solicited Pots i> ai pat hee (1239 Captain Dean’s Company arrive at, op gletit (= B27 

Jones, Caleb, ordered to enter into ahi - 1344 Scarcity of water for the troops on, - - 722 
Discharge authorized on security, - - - 1356 Orders of Maryland Council of Safety relating to, - 1338 

Jones, Michael, appointed Lieutenant in Captain Phil- Kent County, Letter from Maryland Council of! Safety 

lips’ s Company, - - - 1355 to Committee of, - - - - - 493, 1055 

Jones, Thomas, Esq., member of the North- Carolina Kentish Guards, fine appearance of the, - - - 549 

Council, - - - - - - 1363, 1366 | Kentucky, the settlers of, set about fortifying, - - 1228 

Jones, Willie, member of North- Carolina Council, - 1366 | Keowee, letter from the camp below, - - ‘749,780 
Chosen President of the Council, - - - - 1381 | Keppele, John, Captain of Pennsylvania Rifles, - - 187 

Jordan, Captain, resolve to furnish, with a guard, - 272 | Keppele, Henry, qualified as a member of Pennsylva- 

Jordan, Colonel veremian, to Maryland Council of nia Council of Safety, - - . - - 1300 

Safety, . - - - = -s ae, 382 | Kerlin, John, contracts to make muskets, - - - 1297 

Josephson, Emanuel, ardoaination Off HiT Y= 198 | Ker, Joseph, hatter, application for discharge of, -- 931 

Joshua, examination of negro,adeserter,- - - 692 A furlough granted to, by Congress, - - 1608 

Josiah, Lieutenant James, ill-treatment of, on board the Kersey, Thomas, discharged on taking the State oath, 1383 

Cerberus, - - - ++ 659 | Ketcham, Isaac, papers of, to be given up to him, ~- 1520 
An appeal to Warhingtons in ‘the case of aA 832 | Ketletas, Rev. Mr., New- York Convention Sop: cer- 
Washington promises interference, - 910 tain privileges tod i= - - - - 1887 
Washington writes to Lord Howe on the pabiect of 1094 | Keyman, Dr., Wolstenholme sends, to Col. Baris! - §20 
Lord Howe promises inquiry into the case of, - 1095 | Keyport, George Pp, eee iended as Captain of Ger- 
Congress directs a remonstrance to Lord Howe on mans, = - - - - - 182 

the treatment of, = - 5 - - - - 1600 | Kiashuta, a Mingo chief, a conference with, - Jt 86 

Journal, copy of Colonel Hartley’s,- -  -  - 207 | Kiechlein, Colonel, list of prisoners from Regiment of, 1251 
Lieutenant Whitcomb’s, of a scout, - - - 828 | Kidd, John, commissioned as First Lieutenant, - - 1833 
Major Bigelow’s, sent to Schuyler, - - - 986 | Killigrove, Henry, prisoner of war, disposal of, - - 22 
Of transactions on Long-Island,  - - - - 1251 Killingworth, proceedings of Committee of, - - 566 

Journals, Congress appoint a Committee to revise the, 1582 | Kilpatrick, William, promoted to Second Lieutenant, 801 

Joy, Captain, authorized to ones ray in cast- Kilsay, Captain William, advance ordered for Com- 

ing cannon, - - - - 1587 any of, - - - - - oir Ge 

Judge Advocate General, Gauss pee a, - - 883 | Kimball, Samuel, member of New-Hampshire Abdesh 

Judson, Ephraim, Chaplain to Ealone Ward’s Regi- bly, : “ - - - 64 

ment, - - - - - 873 Kimball Rinne Ghaseniand of \Gouwey Committee, - 111 


1703 


Kimball, Asa, agent of Sunbury Committee, Massa- 


chusetts, - - - - + - - - 91 
Resolve for delivery of ammunition to, - - - 291 
Kimball, Asa, one of the Nova-Scotia agents, . - 704 
Kimball, Richard, of EXIDUTENs gunpowder delivered bin 
to, * = = =* - - 
King of Great are an xy 4 abolish appeals to, - 54 
New- Hampshire substitutes the Speaker of ‘the 
House of Representatives for the, —- - - 64 
John Lewis committed for drinking health to, - 109 
Coat of arms of, taken from the State House and 
burnt, - - - - - “i vh dD 
Approves the conduct 7 Garernunt Tryon, - - 123 
The leaden, in the Bowling-Green, run up into 
balls, - - - - - 144, 368 
Two men confined for bine Pealth 10; he By 6) 
Adherence to, declared treason in New-Jersey, - 412 
Arms and picture of, burnt at City Hall, New- BA OLE 419 
Every sign of, burnt at Boston, - - 426 
Praying for, made penal in Phodetsdand - - 415 
Coat of arms of, burnt at Providence, - - - 583 
Property of the subjects of, confiscated, - - - 594 
Effigy of, burnt in Baltimore, - - - - 633 
Indians resolve to support the Government of, - 867 
Governour Tryon informs Lord Germaine of the de- 
struction of the statue, arms, &c., of, - - - 949 
King, Captain, desires to be appointed a field-oficer, 551 
King, George, declines a judgeship, - - - - 58 
King, Josiah, resolve on the petition of, - - - 320 
King, Abraham, letter from, to Peter Livingston, - 1216 
Kine Taminy, armed brig, sent ona cruise, - 1382, 1383 
King, Elijah, a deserter from Papiain Brinkly’ s Com- 
any, - - - - - - 1382 
King’s Bridge, General Mifflin sent to ost Ate. eee 
An attack expected at, - - - - - - 28 
Two of the enemy’s ships pass, - - - - 230 
Twenty-one cannon planted at, - : - - 347 
A working party ordered to, - - - - - 504 
A detachment of three hundred men sent to, - - 505 
Three Companies under Colonel Holden ordered 
to, - = > . : - - - 790 
General Clinton directed to send the new levies to, 855 
Importance of the post at, - - - - - 871 
Washington’s orders to Mifflin in relation to, - - 886 
General Heath appointed to command at, - - 922 
The destruction of, supposed to be enemy’s object, 1400 
Fifteen hundred weight of powder ordered to, - 1497 
Flour and pine Boards ordered to, - - - 1497 
Records, &c., of New-York Convention sent to, - 1546 
The supposed destruction of enemy’s army, - - 1560 
Defensible state of the grounds above, - - - 1563 
King’s County, roll of a Troop of Horse from, - - 953 
Letter from Captains in, to New-York Convention, 1460 
Inhabitants of, resolve not to oppose the enemy, - 1497 
Resolve of New-York Convention respecting, - 1497 
No Deputies elected in, - - - - - 1506 
Election in, declared unlawful and void, - = 1525 
King’s College, Washington receives the telescope 
belonging to, - - - - - S - 1478 
Kingston, difficulty about removing prisoners from, - 1146 
Draught of a letter to the committee of, = Sei bral 
Prisoners ordered to be removed from, to Morris- 
town, - - - - - - - 1517 
The women in, sean about their tea, - - 1542 
Names of prisoners sent to the Jail in, - : - 1556 
Kinnard, Nathaniel, appointed Second Lieutenant in L 
Flying-Camp, - = -~ 1347 
Kinney, John, appointed ieeen of New-Jersey Been 
ment, - - 7 
Kinsey, Mr. , letter to, Seal the New- “Jersey Agent, read 
in Congress, - 440 
The letter to, found to We ine same as ‘enil Reed’ s, 467, 468 
Manner of ae receiving it explained, - = - 469 
Kirk, John, resigns his commission of Ensign, - - 1310 
Kirkland, S., copy of an intercepted letter from, - 867 
Employed by the London Society as Missionary, - 902 
Kirkland, Col., arrest of persons privy to escang of, - 1303 
Order for the seizure of, - - a 1307 
Kirmovan, Mons., letter to, from President of Congress 367 
Commission delivered 10,00= < 387 
Appointed Engineer, with rank of cone Colonel, - 1579 
Ordered to New-Jersey, - “ & 4 - 1579 
Congress advance two months’ pay to, - - - 1583 
Kissaday, Allen, sentenced to be flogged, - - - 1272 
Kittaning, Congress order post to be taken at, - - 1574 
Kittery, letter from Gommitiee of, to Portsmouth Com- 
mittee, - - - - 249 
Resolve on EA rave from Colnmities of, - 2 QAR 


INDEX. 


1704 


Knapsacks, offer to the Margland Ronneil, of Safety to 


. make, - - - - - 384 
A plan of sent to Cora & Patten, - - - 617 
Price in Philadelphia for making, - - - 617 
Maryland Council of Safety coated for, - - 1345 

Knight, William, appointed a Justice of the Peace in 

“New- Hampshire, wi, Wages - - 58, 85 

Knowles, Deacon, a Mustermaster and Pay- 

master, - ~ - 57, 83 
Member of fey tiaopshize ‘Anesinbhaie - 7 wpe 
Knowlton, Major, orfered to confer with General Mer- 
cer, - “ - - - 224 
Mercer proposes . aa, to Siaten aut - - 370 
Letter to, from General Mercer, - - : - 413 
Part of the plan of, preferred to Mercer’s, —- 444 
Congress appoint him Lieutenant-Colonel, - 915, 1604 
Knowlton, Ezekiel, chosen gop iain of Massachusetts 
Militia, - - - - 663 

Knox, Colonel Henry, letter font # eon: - 502 
Plan of, for increasing the Artillery, - - - 502 
Return of Artillery commanded by, - 331, 507, 639 
Paper required for the Regiment of, —- - - 579 
Pass from, necessary to all Artillerymen, - - 415 
Plan of, is submitted to Congress, - - - 500 
Letter from, to General Heath, - - - 1143; 1150 
Congress order the purchase of copper by, - - 1616 

Knox, Lieutenant, imprisoned in Philadelphia, - - 622 


Kosciusko, memorial from, referred to Board of War, 1625 
Kounosorago, Peter’s speech i in behalf of the tribe at, 1048 


Kresen, John, chosen Lieutenant Bucks A ssociatora, 171 
Kuhl, Frederick, Captain of Pennsylvania Rifles, - 187 
Kuhn, Dr. Adam, appointed Paysig ian and Director- 
General, - - - - - - 1290 
Plan for a ‘Hospital aces to, - - - - 1290 
L. 
Laboratory, two hundred working-men to parade at 
New-York,  - - - - - . - 225 
Tools to be delivered from the, - - - - 505 
A place to be procured for a, at Ticonderoga; - 654 
Quartermasters to apply at New-York, for ammu- 
nition carts, - . - - - - - 964 
Number of spears reported at, - - - - 966 
Labour, the Associators of Annapolis resolve to perform, 181 
Labourers, Maryland Council of palsy advertises for a 
number of, —- - - 1333 


Lacey, Capt., mortally sana near Re oe 1023, 1148 


Lacey, Hugh, receives a conditional pardon, - - 912 
Ladies, patriotism of the Connecticut and New-Jersey, 578 
Lads, a number of young, sent to New-York, - - 595 
Lady Augusta, sloop, one of Dunmore’s fleet, - - 152 
Lady Charlotte, tender, capture of the, - - - 150 
Lady Gage, sloop, one of Dunmore’s fleet, - - 152 
Lady Gower, sloop, one of Dunmore’s fleet, —- - 152 
Lady Juliana, ship, capture of, - : - - 589 
Lady Stanly, sloop, one of Dunmore’s fleet, - - 152 
Lady Susan, sloop, one of Dunmore’s fleet, - - 152 
Lady Washington, galley, attacks the Phenix, - - 751 

Pay-roll of the officers of, - - - 1263 
Lady William, one of Sir Peter Parker s fleet, - - 438 


La Jeunesse Prudhomme, applies for a commission, - 1093 


Congress make a present to, - - - - 1605° 
Lake Champlain, necessity of holding superiority on, 233 
Six Companies ordered to be raised on, - - 236 


Gates’s views as to ee means of keeping com- 


mand of, - - - - - 375 
Topography of, as given by yaar - - - 561 
Hopes of a formidable fleet on, - - - - 682 
List of articles wanted for vessels on, - - - 745 
Number and list of armed vessels nny - - 48, 797 
Sea Captains asked for on, - - 829 
Arnold’s command on, disputed 4 Wy ake - 1002 
Complete list of the armed vessels on, - - 1123, 1201 

Lake George, a General Hospital established at, - 238 
S. Chase’s views of the importance of, - - -, 410 
Lambert, Captain, reported ready to sail, - - - 805 
Lambs, the slaughter of, forbidden, - - - - 728 
Lancaster, letter from the President of Congress to the 

Committee of, - - - - - - 3, 219 
Letter from Colonel Burd to the same, - - 4, 412 
Letter from Colonel Galbraith to the same, - - 121 
The Committee of, are requested to keep a Ans 

on the prisoners at, - - - - - 


Proceeding of the Committee of, - - 171, 
188, 221, 327, 411, 759, 885, 946, 1062, 1079, 1135 
Letter from Colonel Robert Thompson to Com-. 
mittee of, - - - - 
Letter from William Atlee to Associntors of,- = 


~ 498. 
573 


1705 


Lancaster, examination by Gomes sage to the 


Lebanon prisoners, - - - - 596 
Negroes imprisoned at, for ateinpt to injure Asso- 
ciators, - - - - - - 673 
Letter to ‘Committee of, from Gabriel Davis, - sitll 
Letter to Committee of, from R. Potts, - . - 783 
Letter to Committee of, from John Harris, - 948, 1181 
Letter from Committee of, to the President of Con- 
gress, = - - : - - 1230 
The town of, to be supplied with ammunition,  - 1309 
County of, to be supplied with arms, &c., —- - 1328 
Resolve of Committee of, relative to prisoners at, - 1571 
Land, Georgia grants one hundred acres of, to every 
man who inlists, - - - - 213 
Limitations to descent of, pituoedi - - 510 
Mr. Deane’s opinion that all the expenses of the 
war may be defrayed by, - - - - - 1020 
Congress offer, to foreign officers, - - - 1621 
Lander, Captain, capture of a sloop by, - : - 553 
Landlords, the power of, in New-York, - - - 510 
Landon, Major, General Ten Broeck asks the promo- 
tion of, - - - - - - - - 1122 
Lane, Joel, North-Carolina Council meet at house of, 1375 
Lang, James, promoted to be Lieutenant, - - - 1294 
Langdon, John, appointed Capa, with the rank of 
‘Colonel, - - - - - - 52, 73 
Letter to, from Schuyler, - - - - - 259 
Letter to, from Josiah Bartlett, - - - 348, 
496, 631, 758, 893, 1060 
Letter to, from William Whipple, - . 118, 368, 497 
Appointed Continental Agent, - - 893 
Langdon, Timothy, Judge of the Court of ‘Grotares - 664 
Letter from, to John Avery, - - - > - 874 
Langdon, Pearson, prisoner, examination of, - - 1069 


Langdon, Lieutenant, letter to, from General Heath, - 1262 
Langford, George, resolve on the petition of, - - 285 
Langworthy, Edward, Secretary of Georgia, - - 213 
Lansdale, Thomas, appointed Lieutenant in Flying- 
Camp, - - - - - - - - 1348 
Lansing, Captain, sent with stores to German-Flats,- 42 
Lansing, John, Jun., appointed Secretary to Schuyler, 1070 
Larabee, Timothy, appointed Paymaster Connecticut 


Militia, - - - - - - - - 456 
Lasher, Colonel John, list of officers in Regiment of, 918 
Bravery of his Battalion on Long-Island, - - 1184 
List of his Regiment taken prisoners, - - - 1251 
Latham, William, Jun., appointed Captain-Lieutenant, 244 
Lauchlin, Jacob, appointed Captain in Flying-Camp, 349 
Laudenberger, John, recommended as Lieutenant, - 1293 
Appointed by Congress Lieutenant of a German 
Company, - - - - - - - 1583 
Laugeay, Jean, petition of, to Congress, - - - 119i 
Lauregais, Count, mysterious conduct of, - - - 1013 
Count de Vergennes’s opinion of, - - - 1014 
Lavely, William, fine remitted to, - - - - 636 
Lavely, George, fine remitted to, - - - 636 
Law, act of New- -Hampshire to ‘alter the style # pro- 
cesses at, - - - - - = thutinie 
Law, Richard, member of Conkectient Council of 
Safety, - - - - - - - 244 
Desired to compile laws for feyal service, - - 700 
Sent to confer with Washington, - - - oe 110 
Letter from, to Governour Trumbull, - - - 989 
Lawrence, Richard, charged with aiding enemy, - 23 
Is seen with Howe on Staten- Island, - - - 120 
Reported to have been appointed Collector, - - 120 
Commands a Regiment on Staten-Island, - - 87 
Lawrence, Dr. John, taken into custody at ‘Amboy, - 38 
Lawrence, negro, deserter, examination of, —- - 692 
Lawrence, Richard, thirty-nine ake to, for deser- 
tion, - - - - - - 768 
Tawrence, John, recommended as Dasmanteh - 869, 918 
Appointed Paymaster to Regiment late McDougall’s, 966 
Lawrence, William, promoted by election, - - 1507 
Commissioned as Captain by.New-York, — - - 1507 
Lawrence, Captain Richard, resigns on account of 
infirmity, - ~ - 1528 
Lawrence, Daniel, appainied Captain Queen’ s County 
Horse, - . - : - - - 1528 
Lawrence, Jonathan, appointed Lieutenant Queen’s 
County Horse, - - - - 1528 
Lawrence, Major, intelligence given bys - - - 1547 
Lawrence, William, appointed saymiastey to Shee’s 
Battalion, - - - 1607 
Laws, code of ordered for Colitinental real service, 700 
Lawson, Mr., order for arrest of, = - @ : - 1488 
Lawson, Robert, spoceied Lieutenant-Colonel by 
Congress, . okie Me of G08 


INDEX, 


Layfield, James, sent under guard to Annapolis, - 384 
Ordered to give security for good behaviour, - - 1356 
Lead, bounty given by New-Hampshire for bar, - 60 
A supply voted to sundry towns, = - (79, 81, 82, 85 
The King’s statue of, run into bullets,” - - 144, 368 
Arnold secures a large quantity of, - - - 165 

Washington orders to Me sent to Schuyler i in lieu of 
ball, - - - - - - - 193 

Schuyler makes an urgent demand for, - - s* Uo 

Non-arrival and subsequent arrival of, reported, 260, 261 

Order for supply of, to Continental vessels, - - 298 

Lemuel Barrett applies to Maryland Council of 
Safety for, . - - . - 343 

The President of @uugreak calls upon itp for, 366 

The President of Congress calls on F. Lewis for, - 367 

Pressing demand for, in New-Jersey, - - - 369 

Connecticut votes a supply of, to Wethersfield, - 3879 

Bridgetown Committee apply to Congress for, - 459 

A quantity of, sent to Fredericktown, - - - 553 

Virginia hires men to work her mines offna = - 611 

Great want of, in North-Carolina, - . - - 613 

Arrival of a quantity of, at Chester, - - - 691 

A French ship arrives at Philadelphia with, - 786 

A quantity of, reported at the house of Mr. Gurren 948 

The Virginia mines produce, abundantly, - - 973 

Fifty-three tons of, arrive from France, - - - 1034 

A supply of, sent to Indian chiefs, - - 1486, 1445 

Order for supplying the Rangers with, - - - 1444 

Distributed gratis in Ulster, New-York, - - 1450 

General Clinton directed to furnish Colonel Drake 
with, - - - - - - - - 1553 

Congiess order steps to be taken to procure, - 1567 

Application to New-Jersey Convention for, - - 1577 

Congress applies to Virginia Council of Safety for, 1577 

Congress applies to Pennsylvania Council of Safety 
to supply Flying-Camp, - - - - - 1579 

An order to supply North-Carolina troops with, - 1609 

Lead Mines, report relative to, at Nine Partners, - 1413 

Progress made in opening, - - - - - 1519 

McDonald ordered to continue exploration of, — - 1522 

McDonald ordered to extend his examination of, - 1556 

Leaden weights, a Committee appointed to collect, from 
windows, - - - - - - - 1290 
Families requested to give up, for public use, - 1296 
Ordered to be taken from windows in Tryon County, 1399 

Learned, Colonel, tools for fascines delivered to Regi- 
ment of, - - - - - 503 

Leavitt, Moses, appointed Captain of New-Hampshire 
Militia, « - - - - - 64 
Lebanon, absconding of Buh officers from, - - 411 

Examination relative to escape of prisoners from, - 596 

Dangerous persons strolling about, - - - 946 

Washington sends more disaffected to, - - - 981 

Le Beuf, Congress order a fort at, - - - - 1574 
Lecky, James, held to bail in Dublin for correspond- 
ing with America, - - - - - 180. 
Le Dieu, Captain Abraham, Ge to raise a Company 
of Volunteers - - - - - 1489 
Draft of a letter to, from New-York Convention, - 1489 
Ordered to join Colonel Thomas’s Regiment, - 1490 
Ledue, Captain, Company of, go off without leave, - 1414 
Ledyard, Young, appointed by Connecticut Lieuten- 
ant of Matrosses, - - - “ - - 1007 
Lee, General Charles— 

Conference of, with Colonel McIntosh, - - 6 
Georgia Council of Safety ask the opinion of, - 8 
Instructions of, to General Wooster, - - > i eh 

Leiter from, to— 

Edmund Pendleton, - - - - - 95 
Patrick Henry, - - - - - 95, 630 
Colonel Thompson, - - - - - - 99 
Member of Congress, - - - . - 428 
Virginia Convention, - - - - - 612 
Richard Peters, - - - - - o SPI 
Governour of Cape Frangois, - . - = 1227 
Letter to, from— 
Washington, - - ~ - - - 97, 916 
Thomas Burke, - - - - - - 98 
Governour Page, - - - - - - 218 
George Johnson - - - 99 

Hancock sends copy ofa fatter ftom! to Washington, 434 

Views the fortifications at Haddrell’s oint, - - 437 

Passes over to Sullivan’s Island in midst of ‘the fire, 439 

General Clinton’s return of civilities to, - - 489 

Thanks of Congress addressed to, - - 493, 1585 

Petition of sundry parishes in Georgia to, - - 685 

Clinton suspected of corresponding with, = - - 742 

Is ordered by Congress to the North, - - - 832 


1707 


Lee, General Charles— 


Clinton and Sir Peter Parker beaten by, - 869 
Submits a pola to his Brigadier and Field Ofi- 

cers, - - 905 
Washington entire ss eh alieutiold off for Cavalry: 910 
Sets out with General Howe for Georgia, - - 940 


Announces his intention to “breakup” East Florida, 959 
Questions prepare to, by Georgia Council of 
Safety, - - - - 1052 
Reply of, to the chants of Coates! - 1130 
Letter from, to the Board of War, - 1131 
Arrival of, in Philadelphia, - - - 1222 
Directed to repair to Philadelphia, - - 1601 
Lee, Arthur, letter from, to C. W. F. Dumas, 30, 929 
Incautious confidence of, - - - - 1014 
Arrival of, in France, - - - 1105 
Lee, Richard Henry, letter to, from Phowidts Jeffersons 118 
Letter to, from Samuel Adams, - - - - 347 
Letter to, from Samuel Chase, - - - - 672 
Lee, Ensign, sentenced to be reprimanded, - - 1269 
Lee, Jos. Brown, commissioned as Third Lieutenant, 1313 


Lee; schooner, arrival of, at Marblehead, - - - 662 

Leeds, Jonathan, appointed Lieutenant of Artillery, 
Connecticut, - - - ~ - 244 

Lee’s Guard, part of, drdueed ‘3 join artificers, - - 503 


Lefferts, Judge, enemy take shelter in the house of, - 1137 
Leggett, Joseph, testimony of, in Colonel Hammond’s 


case, - . - - - - - - 1489 
Leigh, Joseph, Committee appointed to consider peti- 

tion of, - - - - + - - se 13 

Money voted to, - - - - - - - 74 


Le Maitre, Captain, Carleton’s interest in, supported, 1104 

Leonard, Enoch, dil eigen eae Massachusetts 
Militia, - - - - - 268 

Leonard, Daniel, Snbiinted Hieatonine Colonel Mas- 


sachusetts Militia, - - - - - - 293 
Leaves his Regiment onthe march, - - 197 
Leonard, Rev. Abiel, paid by Congress as Chaplain) - 1610 
Leonardtown, Maryland, ammunition sent to, - - 386 
Meeting of the Committee os - - 520 


Lepers, case of the Colonies compared to that at the, 786 


Leslie, Lieut., prisoner at Lancaster, signs parole, - '83 
Lester, Captain, Company of, recommended to Schuy- 

ler, - - - - - - - - S0EES0 

Is sent to General Schuyler, - - - - 239 

Letter I., To inhabitants of Massachusetts- Bays - 1284 
Letters, Congress resolve to write, to Massachusetts- 

Bay, Connecticut, and New-Jersey, - - - 368 


Letters—see names of indviduals. 

Levant, store-ship, Governour Eden on board the, - 152 
Levering, Aaron, appointed Captain in Flying-Camp, 349 
Leviathan, schooner, capture of, by the Cerberus, - 199 
Levins, Mrs., applies for leave to join her husband, - 461 
Lewis, Brigadier-General Andrew, court-martial or- 


dered by, - - : - : - - - 9 
Requisition from, - - - - - - - 31 
Arrival of, at Gwinn’s Island, - - - - 149 
First gun at Gwinn’s Island fired by, - - - 150 
Orders of Congress to, - - - 494 


Letter from, to President of Cstidresk; - _ 736, 1053, 1243 
Lewis, Lieutenant- Colonel, Washington authorized to 


call on, - - - - - 45 

Letter from, to eoveniour Trumbull, - - - 970 
Lewis, John, elected Lieutenant in Queen’ s ek Gla 

Militia, - : 258 


Lewis, John, imprisoned fer aridWing wine s health, 109, 373 
Lewis, Robert, appointed Colonel in Flying-Camp, 253, 349 
Lewis, Rev. Isaac, appointed Chaplain in Connecticut, 329 
Lewis, Rev. William, sivas haat gs Convention with 
prayer, - - - 1394 
Twenty dollars ana fhanles of Conmonuen Sivin to, 1450 
Lewis, Colonel Fielding, letter to, from President of 


Congress, - - - - - - 366 
Lewis, Colonel Morgan, dite ppomenient of, - - 376 
Is appointed Deputy Quartermaster- General of the 
Northern Army, - - - - : - 1270 
Lewis, Francis, letter to, from William Palfrey, - - 696 
Letter from, to Mrs. Gates, - - - - 995, 1180 
Lewis, Richard, examination of, - - - - 1070 
Lewis, Ensign Joseph, money advanced to, - - 1332 
Maryland ‘Council, of Safety issue commission for, - 1348 
Lewistown, Delaware, a company ordered to, - amey lt 
Company at, ordered to Philadelphia, - - 739 
Lexington, brig, capture made by, - -~— - 71, 757 
Lhora, John, appointed Lieutenant of German Com- 
pany, =! [0 stereo Se te ob OB. 
Resignation of, - - - - oe - 1342 
Libels, notice of, filed against captured vessels, - - 664 


INDEX. 


1708 


Liberty, schooner, Governour Skene’s, new sails pro- 
cured for, - =) Happy ise SES 
Armament of the, - - - - - 969 
Liberty Hall, in Boston, celebration held at; °* = oreo 
Liberty Pole, assemblage at asia in Worcester, Massa- 
chusetts, - : - 51S 
Liberty Tree, flag of defente hoisted on the stump of 972 
Licking Creek, arrival from, of pads iy Ar and 
settlers at Fort Pitt, - - - 1228 
Life-Guards, Washington’ s, receive the flag of truce,- 472 
Light aig sh martial aarti of the Connec- 
ticut, - - - 174 
Lightfoot, Henry) North- Carolina bills counterfeited 
ieee 2 WLU SOG 
Light-horse, Washingt iniurrassed for support of,- 39 
A Regiment of British, exercise in a church at 
Boston, - - - - 46 
Washington gpenue of the Conndeticut; - 189, 192 
Exempted by laws of Connecticut from garrison 
duty, - - - - : - . - 371 
Colonel Seymour asks the dismissal of his troop of, 371 
Washington discharges Seymour’s Regiment of, - 389 
Governour Trumbull is informed of the discharge of, 414 


Desertion of a party of New-Jersey, = - - - 453 
The decision of Congress asked for in regard to 

raising, - - - - - - - - 500 
Seymour’s, arrive at home, - - - . - 513 
Sailing of Burgoyne’s, from Plymouth, - - - 517 
Congress resolve to take into pay, the vgs Caro- 

lina, - 555 
A squadron of ondereal to te Fimecanph - 669 
Roll of a troop of, from Queen’s County, - - 953 
Pillaging of General Howe’s, on Long-Island, - 1216 


Colonel Graham ordered to attempt a surprise on 


Long-Island, - - - - - - - 1216 


Congress allows half a sels a week to the Con- 
necticut, - - - - 1579 
Light-House, a flag hoisted on, at Sanity: Fev - 600 
The flag on, found to be a signal to the ships, - 600 

Lilly, Captain John, a noted Tory, has his house burned 


by the enemy, - - - - 546, 559 

Limes, Christopher, oraee for atest of, - - - 993 

Reprimanded and discharged, - - - - 1056 
Lincoln, General Benjamin, letter from, to Massachu- 


404 
460 


setts Council, - - - - - - 
Letter from, to Thomas Gngtinger - - - 
Letter to, from J. Palmer, - - 
Lincoln, resolve to supply town of, with Howden + 
Action on the report of the Committee of, - - 324 
Lindeman, Henry, discharged from service for age, - 
Lindenberger, John, recommended as Ensign, - - 
Is appointed Ensign of a German Company, - 
Lindley’s Fort, attack by Indians on a party at, - . 
Linen, old, wanted at the General oe - 


Order of Maryland Council of Safety fr - 182, 807 
- 3 


Prices of 3 in Maryland, - - 738 
Hemp manufactured into, for Maryland, - 88 
Call upon the ladies for donations of old, - 1287 
Money advanced for carrying on a factory of, - 1342 
Bounties paid by North-Carolina for, - - - 1381 
Manufactory, proposition to establish, in Duteess 
County, New-York,- -  - - - ~~ = 1458 
a Radek workmen in, lay from Militia 
duty, - - - 1458 
Maryland ‘Council of Safety to the lenufactarets of, 975 
Lingan, James, recommended as Lieutenant, - J10854 
Receives the appointment, - - - - - 1337 
Lingan, Thomas, appointed Lieutenant, - = - 1348 
Linkensdorf, Lewis de, appointed Adjutant, - - 1602 
Linn, Christopher, testimony of, - ~ - - 1081 
Lint, ladies requested to make and furnish, - - 1287 
Lion, Patrick, thirty stripes to, for sleeping on post, - 1137 
Lisbon packet, letter from the Captain ofthe, - - 462 


Lisbon, arrival of a ship from, at Philadelphia, - 1024, 1060 


Lispenard, Leonard, cattle belonging to, maimed, - 225 
List of British ships arrived from ‘Halifax, - - = OO 
British Generals arrived from Halifax, - - SOW 
Persons taken into custody at Amboy, - - - 88 
Vessels in Dunmore’s fleet, - - - “ - 152 
Prisoners at Caughnawaga, - - = G - 165 
Prisoners taken at the Cedars, - - - 167, 168 
Artificers sent to Ticonderoga, - - - - 209 
Officers who served late campaign in Canada, - 229 
Officers who served, and who did not serve, in Du- 
bois’s Regiment, —- - - - - 230 
Articles wanted for gondolas, Bebe - 236, 745, '746 
Officers for the Green Mountain Boys, - - -* 977 
Prize articles called for by Washington, = a a4 


1709 


List of dangerous persons in New-York sent by Wash- 


ington to City Committee, - - - - 448 
British armed vessels on American statin - - 463 
Articles taken in transports, - - - - 625 
Officers and servants, prisoners, who sign parole, - 783 
Continental armed vessels on Lake Champlain, - 797, 

123, 1201 
Persons sent by Albany Committee to Governour 

Trumbull, - - - - - - 889 
Tories on Long-Island sent to Washington, - - 899 
Officers in sundry Regiments, == - - - 918 
Forces at Halifax, authentick, - - - - 939 
The Maryland troops, - - - - - - 976 
Prisoners sent to Connecticut, = - - - 989, 990 
Companies for a Baltimore Battalion, - f - 1156 
Prisoners, - - - - - - - 1182 


Officers of Pe ylvania Battalion made prisoners, - 1250 


Officers who have sent for their baggage, - - 1250 
Articles contracted for by P. T. Curtenius, - - 1557 
Litchfield, prisoners ordered to the jail of, - 731, 1419 
Letter from New-York Conreae to Committee 
of, - - - - - - 1419, 1446 
Letter from Figtnutitiee of, to New-York Conven- 
tion, - - - - - - - - 1441 
State of the jail in, represented, - - - - 1441 
Prisoners in, suffered to go at large, - - - 1529 
Prisoners in, unwilling to leave, - . - - 1529 
Lithgow, Colonel, sworn as aMesD Teta at the Indian 
conference, - - 839 
Little, Henry, confined for areakane King’s s health, - 373 


Little, Colonel, dispute of an officer of, with one of 


Varnum’s,  . - - - - 718 
Littlefield, John, pees of, saith) enemy, - - 403 
Lively, frigate, cruising off Cape Henry, - - - 153 
Liverpool, frigate, arrival of, at Halifax, - - - 939 


Livingston, General William, correspondence of, with 
General Washington, 17, 18, 38, 104, 851, 909, 1110 
Appointed Provincial Bngstiertces eral in New- 


Jersey, - - - - 348 
Letter from, to William Hooper, in Gane - 1210 
Letter to, from Colonel Joseph Reed, - - - 1231 

Livingston, "Walter, order to H. Glen to purchase flour, 110 
Dispute settled between Trumbull and, - - - 193 


Letter to, from H. Glen, - - 175, 1001, 1070, 1085 
451 


Call of, upon the Commanding General, - - 
Letter from, to General Gates, - - - - 454 
Letter from, to Washington, ~- - - - 824 
Livingston, Van B., Treasurer New-York Gongcaest - 126 
Livingston, Robert ihe one of the Secret Committee 
of New-York, - - - - - - - 392 
Letter from Washington to, - - - - - 448 
Letter from, to Washington, - - - - 870 
Letter to, from Ebenezer Hazard, - - - _ 1214 
Livingston, John R., powder-mill of, completed, - 144 
Livingston, Lieutenant-Colonel, New-York Conven- 
tion ask that he may be continued on Nassau- 
Island, - ~ - . - - - - 538 
Washington agrees to the request concerning, - 558 
Livingston, Gilbert R., named for an Ensigney, - - 646 
Livingston, Colonel Henry B., letter from, to Wash- 


ington, - - - - - 696, 1235, 1260 
Letter from, to erent Trumbull, - - 1235, 1278 
Livingston, Robert G., General Ten Broeck asks pro- 


motion for, - - - - - - - 1122 
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - - - 1182 
Livingston, Peter, letter to, from Abraham King, - 1216 


Livingston, Major William S., Brigade-Majorto Stirling, 915 
Appointed by General Greene one of his Aids, 967, 1137 
Ordered to be confined and brought to trial, - - 1248 
Letters from, to Nicotine i! (by order of General 


Greene,) - - . - 982,998 
Livingston, hen the PAciditor Cnet hesitates at 
account of, - - - - - 1508 
An exhibit of the account ae (notes ) - - - 1508 
Livingston, Philip, to New- York Convention, - - 1564 
Livingston, James, appointed Colonel by Congress, - 1608 
Is authorized to inlist Canadians, - - - 1609 
Livius, Mrs., is permuted to agin her husband st Que- 
beck, - - - 553 
Mr., is ‘appointed Chief Justice of Canad, - - 1105 
Lloyd, Boymer, reported to be with Dunmore, - - tii 
Lloyd, Henry, resolve relative to estate of, - - 306 
Loan, New-York Conpeanan Rpply to Washington 
for a, - - - - 446 
New-York Convention appoint a Cormites 5 pro- 
cure a, - - ~ - 1487 
Lockerman, Shocnnn Wz appointed Lieutenant in 
1351 


Flying-Camp, - =A ned ditt alti e hike hie Gre 


INDEX. 


Lockwood, Major, sent to Westchester Mounty for 


intelligence, - - - - - - 1563 
Is authorized to impress horses, - - . - 1564 
Loga, ship, one of Dunmore’s fleet, - - - -\' 152 
Logan, Mr., and family, with Dunmore’s fleet, - - 152 
Logan, Samuel, appointed Major New-York Militia, - 1413 
Logan, the Indian chief, extract from a speech of, - 1613 
L’ Oiseau, peptein, a Canadian, rapaaiiones te derived 
from, : - 799 
Is confined in the Tory jail at Albany, » - - 968 
London, Oliver’s letter from, - « ~ - 149 
Mayor of, is refused information as to the powers of 
the Commissioners to America, - - - - 500 
Account of captures by American hidbineey pub- 
lished at, - - - - - 588 
Extract from a gazette pbblienad ae: imy (a= - - 626 
Humanitas to the Lord Mayor of, - - - o 54 
Intelligence from, of Carleton and Burgoyne, - 903 
Good understanding between the Court. of, and Ver- 
sailles,  - - - - - - 1012 
Long, Captain, member of New- sHoapaiie Assembly} 60 
Is also a member of Committee of Safety, - - 85 
Long, Hugh, chosen Lieutenant Bucks Associators, - 171 
Long, Pierce, sent to Massachusetts to borrow can- 
non, - - - - - - 860 
New- -Hampshire Gammiites of Safety asked to ap- 
point Colony Agent, - - - - - 1227 
Long, Nicholas, advances money for supply of troops, 1374 
Long-Island, New-York— 
Boats from, assisted the enemy to land, - - - 200 
Return of ammunition, &c., in the forts on, - - 542 
Extract of a letter from, - - - - 543, 1195 
Washington advises the purchase of the cattle on, - 558 
One hundred thousand cattle are driven from, - 652 
Washington anticipates an attack on, - - - 851 
Fears that the enemy will get the stock on, - - 853 
Conjectures as to the forces under Lord Howe 
landing on, - - - - - : - 870 
Number of the troops raised on, - - - - $871 
Enemy expected to attack, simultaneously with 
New-York, - - - - - - 951, 1063 
Three thousand ‘‘red coats’ landon, - - 1112, 1213 
Americans set fire to their haystacks on, : - 1112 
Howe’s landing and proclamation on, - - - 1121 
Reinforcements sent to American troops on, - - 1158 
Engagement with the enemy on, - - - - 1184 
Arrival of Washington and suite on, - - - 1195 
Account of the battles on, - - - - 1195, 1243 
Order for removal of inhabitants and stock from, - 1196 
Difficulty of procuring intelligence from, - - 1214 
A council of General Officers advise the abandon- 
ment of, - - - - - - - 1230, 1246 
Is evacuated by the Americans,. - , - - - 1231 
Colonel Atlee’s journal of transactions upon, - - 1251 
Communication of New-York with, obstructed, - 1278 
A committee appointed to assist in removing stock 
from, - - - - - - - - 1279 
Stock on the coast of, driven into the interior, - 1545 
New-York Convention ask assistance of Connecti- 
cut in removing inhabitants and stock from,  - 1553 
Order for Saki of ee children, and slaves 
from, - - - 1557 
Continental toons and Militia Losiias bis arden - 1558 
No soldier allowed to pass to, with arms, —- - 1564 
Order for strict watch on boats passing to, - - 1564 
Congress appoint a committee to prepare an account 
of the action on, == - - : . - 1627 
Long-Island, South- Carolina— 
A letter found on, published by order of de Se la 250 
Enemy under Clinton land at, - apr ae’y 
Clinton remains some days on, - ‘ 440 
Longley, Robert, appointed Lieutenant- Colonel of the 
“Massachusetts Militia, - - = “ - 293 
Lookout-Boat, order to pay J. Pitt for his, . - 1354 
Lord Howe, ship, inventory of sundries on board of, - 209 
A call for the articles taken in the, - - 414, 625 
Lord’s Day, act for the more strict observance of, - 6 
Declaration of Independence = in the churches 
at Boston on the, - - - - - 972 
Lord Shuldham, armed victualler, aunt to Quebeck, - 1105 
Loring, Levi, appointed Lieutenant of Matrosses, - 274 


Losses, Massachusetts resolve to pay, in the battles of 
Lexington and Bunker-Hill, —- 


Lotbiniere, “Louis, appointed Chaplain by Arnold, - 

Retained in service by order of Congress, — = - 
Lothrop, Isaac, appointed Mustermaster of Matrosses, 
Lott, Colonel, leave of absence granted to, - t 


Loud, William, letter from, to John Taylor, - : 


1710 


275, 286, 295, 302 


1604 
1604 
277 
1421 
477 


1711 


Loudon, Samuel, letter from, to the Nenvesas Con- 


vention, - - - 935 

Lounsbury, William, a Tory ineden killed, - - 1236 
Had been commissioned by General Howe to raise 

Rangers, - - - - . - - - 1556 


New-York Convention reward the soldier who killed, 1556 
Lovell, Mr. James— 


Massachusetts Council anxious for release of, - 381 
Proposal to exchange Governour Skene for, - - 502 
Mr. Huntington’s account of the proposal t to eXx- 
change, - - - - - - 510 
Is confined at Halifax, - - = - 587 
Washington makes the offer of Siene for, - 679 


General Howe agrees to the offer for, - - TL, 765 
The case of, mentioned by Washington to Schuyler, 820 
Colonel Allen mentions the finding, in Halifax jail, 860 
Congress authorize the exchange of Skene for, - 1590 
Lovewell, Jonathan, member of New-Hampshire As- 60 
sembly, - - - - - - - - 60 
Lovewell and others, letter to, from New-Hampshire 
Committee of Safety, - - - - - 805 
Low, Isaac, Washington removes suspicion from, - 980 


Low, John, Ensign, “decease of, - - - - 1124 
Lows, Captain John H., certificate of4 aie - = (527 
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - 942, 1230 
Lowe, James, ordered to be discharged on security, - 1370 
Lower Counties, Maryland Council of Safety to Com- 
mittees of, - - - - - 252 
Lowes, Captain, on board Deamces s fleet, - - 152 
Lowrie, Mr., recommended by Mercer as Commissary- 
General of the Flying-Camp,_ - - - 638 


Loxley, Captain Benjamin, muster-roll pia tillony of,- 787 
Presence of, required at the cannon foundry, - - 1301 
Lucas, Captain, advance of money for Company of, - 1332 
Luckett, Thos. H., appointed Lieutenant by Congress, 1574 
Ludden, Joseph, chosen Adjutant of Massachusetts 
Militia, - - - - - - - - 285 
Ludenton, Colonel Henry, vacancies in Regiment of, 1422 


Letter from, to New-York Convention, - - - 1422 
Ludlam, William, commissioned Captain of a Minute 

Company, - - - - - . - 1462 

Ludlow, David, sentence of, for desertion, - - 505 


Ludwick, Christoffel Captain of Pennsylvania Rifles, 187 
Lumber, New- -Hampshire Assembly TesuREraG to pro- 


hibit the exportation of, - - - - 1283 
Lumley, George, fine remitted to, ‘al Baltimore Com- 
mittee, - - - - - - ~ 1056 
Lush, Captain Apres Mastenes ie aera to pass 
Company of, - - 1315 
Lux, William, letter from, fOr Maryland Connell of 
_ Safety, - - 101, 342 
Member of the Maryland Council vii Safety ane - 115 
Lux, George, Secretary,to Baltimore Committee, - 345 
Lycurgus, ‘veneration for Congress equal to that ‘for, - 734 
Lyman, Abel, chosen Lieutenant by town meeting, - 30 
Lyman, Theodore, chosen Adjutant of Massachusetts 
Militia, - . - - - - - - 285 
Lyme, ammunition voted to the town of, - - a ey 


Lynch, John, appointed Lieutenant in Flying-Camp, 1351 
Lyon, Matthew, Lieutenant of Green Mountain Boys, 377 
Lyon, Hugh, letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, 882 
Lyon, James, letter from, to Massachusetts Assembly, 1280 
Lyon, Henry, appointed Lieutenant Maryland Militia, 1344 


Lyons, Patrick, sentence of, for desertion, &c., - - 677 
Lyons, Benjamin, deposition of, —- - - - 1443 
: M. 
Mabbit, Samuel, proposes to establish a flaxseed mill, - 1540 
Macaroni, sloop, capture of, by the enemy, - 197 
Maccubbin, Zachariah, appomted Capjeing in Plying- 
Camp, - - 1348 
Machias, letter Pde Commitee of, us ME ccanh tect 
Assembly, - - - - - 148 
Destitute condition of the Ronals hp - - - 894 
Situation of the Committee of,  - - - 1282, 1283 
Machin, Lieutenant, ordered to the Highlands,- 485, 601 


Mackall, Colonel, orders from, to Colonel Somerville, 614 
Mackell, Benjamin, 4th, letter from, oMarilend Coun- 


cil of Safety, - - - 628 
Mackay, Captain, capture of, * anin Wicks, 181, 249 
Mackay, John, letter from, to Washington, - - 1086 
Mackenzie, Captain Robert, Home, s Paymaster-Ge- 

neral,  - - - 980 
Maclay, William, letter Bek to the Secretary a the 

Board of War, - - - - - 533 
Maclean, Colonel Allen, capture of one of the ue 

teers of, - - . - - ~ tne. 

Arrives at London fon Quebeck, - x. - 626 


INDEX. 


1712 

Macpherson, John, APP setOn of, sialon by Con- 
gress, = - - 575 
Maddison, Rey. Mr., el of, from Baslaids - 814 
Washington has an interview with, - - 835 

Madrid, the Court of, give evasive answers to aCe 
Britain, - - - - - - - 462 
Opinions ertertbined at, = - 861 

Magazine, Maryland Council of Safety: ‘prepare to 
build Asa- - - - - 184 


Baltimore Committee appoint persons a builds - 345 
Baltimore Committee order the purchase of land for, 409 


Connecticut Council of Safety resolve to build a, - 458 
Plan of, adopted at Baltimore, - . - - 668 
Notice of the building, at Baltimore, - - 1133 


Guard to be hired for, on Eastern- Shore, Malesia: 1362 
Magazines, Lee recommends the getablichinens of, for 

provisions, = - - - 1132 

Magaw, Colonel, small nhaben of men in Basie of, 28 
Magistrates, in New- York, requested to continue their 


functions, - - - - 1410 
New-York City Committee complain of hie sbeinoe 
of the, - - - 1463 
Magruder, Samuel W., Bina of Rrederieh Eaanty 
Committee, -  - “54° ~ date O92 
Main, order for removal of women, &c., raid sanigs 
Island to the, - - - 1557 


Major Peacock, appointed Pied tenant in Biginst Gero: 349 
Majorbeggaduce, ammunition supplied to the town of, 324 


Major-Generals, Washington asks for more, —- - 762 
The request urged upon Congress, - - - 814 
Congress pass an order for election of, - -  - 832 
Congress proceed to the election of, - - - 1603 

Malignants, internal, to be guarded against, —- - 776 

Maltby, Jonathan, appointed First Lieutenant of frigate 

Trumbull, - . : - - - 1617 

Mamaroneck, intention i the enemy to land near, - 622 

Manchester, New-York, town of, asks forammunition, 359 

Mantz, Captain Peter, ordered to St. Mary’s, - 667, 723 
March of, in obedience to orders, - . - - 689 
St. Mary’s County Committee ask the removal of, - 807 
Letter from, to Maryland oan of Nalpiys - - 831 
Ordered to ‘Annapolis, - - - - 862 
Asks for a Major’s commission, - - - - 1149 
Ordered to Leonardtown, - - - 1345 
Ordered to Philadelphia via Annapolis, - - - 1351 

Manufactories, persons employed in, exempted from 

military duty in New-York, - - - - 1510 

Manufactory, money advanced for a, of nitre, in Ma- 

ryland, - - - - 1342 


Money advanced to SNE a Mies in [Maxon - 1342 
Money advanced to establisha stocking, i in Maryland, 1345 
A linen, established in Dutchess County, New-York, 1458 


Manufacturers, exempted from military duty, _ - - 1510 
Manufactures, America a market for French, - = «piel 
Marauding, orders to prevent, - - - “ - 1128 
Marblehead, resolve to supply with cannon, - 296, 319 
Appointment of Gunners for Matrosses at, - - 322 
Arrival of prize-ship Peggy at, - - 662 
A prize brig sent mnto, (and ship,) = - -1116, 1172 
Vessels chased into, by the Milford frigate, - - 1226 


March, Captain George, a Committee to examine 


charges against, - - - . yf 
Ordered to confine himself to his focal - - 58, 85 
Report of Committee against, - - : si84 
Constable ordered to arrest, - - - - -Aend 
Disarmed, and security required of, ''4le,< - 85 
Marching Orders issued to Regiments for Canada ant 
New-York, - . . - - a - 550 
Mareman, Joseph, deposition of, — - - - - 686 
Maria, brig, one of Dunmore’s fleet, - = = - 152 
Marine Committee, letters from, to— 
Captain Parker, - - - - 4 -s41bG 
John Bradford, > - - - % - 670 
Captain Cleveland, - - - - 4 - 670 
Captain John Paul Jones, - - - : - 84 
Captains Jones and Hallock, - - - - 977 
Commodore Hopkins, - - * A - 1106 
Captain Hacker, - - - sd 2 - 1107 
Nathaniel Shaw, Jun.,~— - - 4 - 1107, 1108 
Lieutenant Baldwin, - - 5 ~ ~J11418 
Captain William Stone, - s =1181 
Acquittal by, of Captains Saltonstall and Whipple, 187 
Jonathan Glover appeals to the authority of, - - A78 
Petition of Mary Giddins to, - - - - - 708 
Marines, pay of, in Floating Battery, - - - 1297 
Details of, draughted at Ticonderoga, - - - 656 


Maritime Coutt, resolve to adjourn Massachusetts 316, 321 
Session of, at Salem, - - - - - 664 


— 
A 


acne: pi 


eS ee a 


. 


1713 


INDEX. 


1714 


Maritime force, American, on Lake Champlain, - 969 | Maryland Council of Safety, correspondence of, with— 
Maritime officer, Cémmittee of Nomination for, in Captain Alexander, - - - - - = 998 
New- -Hampshire, - - - - - - 658 John Archer, - . 2 S " 4 - 154 
Appointment of a, in New-Hampshire, - - - 84 Messrs. Archer and Harris, - - - “ fe 862 
Market, order for the good behaviour of soldiers to Francis Baker, - - - 4 930 
persons who come to, in New-York, - - - 911 Baltimore Convention, - 101, 183, 524, 569, 594 
Strict enforcement of the order required, - - 1137 Baltimore County Committee, — - - . 184, 1133 
Marble, John P., sent to France in the Despatch, - 670 Colonel Richard Barnes, — - 252, 348, 518, 571, 592 
Marlin, Lieutenant D., testimony of, - - - - 1488 Captain Barnes, - - = 363, 383, 387, 668 
Marquesie, Monsieur de la, - - - - 338, 692 A. Barnes, - - - « 2 $ p - 807 
Receives a commission from Congress, - - - 1623 Samuel Barrett, - = : . - 348, 553 
Marriages, act of New-Hampshire to regulate, - 56, 74 Rezin Beall, - - a = - - 843, 1173 
Marselis, Nicholas, letter from, to William Cobb, - 454 Josias Beale, - ~ - ~ ; " - 594 
Marsh, Joel, chosen Committeeman at Hartford, - 30 Robert Berry, = - - = é : - 1191 
Marsh, Captain, refuses to have Dean’s Company on Thomas Bourke, - - - a - 430, 974, 1024 
his plantation, - - - - - - = 722 Bennet Bracco, - - 2 a f - 362, 592 
Marshall, Abraham, leave to resign granted to, - - 1294 John Brooke, - - - 4 - - 557, 806 
Marshall, Thomas, appointed Lieutenant-Colonel by Richard Brooke, - - - - Z s - 960 
Congress, - - - = - - 1603 Richard Buchanan, - - - = = 101 
Marston, ‘William, appointed heeshey of Massachu- General Buchanan, - - - « = -8 459 
setts Militia, - ~ - = - - - 295 Archibald Buchanan, - - - ~ - 634, 637 
Martha’s Vineyard, resolve to station one hundred Charles Carroll, (Barrister,) - - - - - 614 
men at, - - - - - - - - 286 Cecil County Committee, - - - - - 1090 
Selection of officers for the Company at, - 295 Peter Chaillé, — - - - . - - - 7 
Martin, Captain Nicholas, letter from, to Maryland Moses Chaillé,_ - - - - - - - 1174 
Gone of Safety, - - - - - - 465 General Chamberlain, - - - - - 627, 667 
Complaint lodged against, - - - - - 739 Charles County Committee, - - - 433, 1191 
Martin, Captain Alexander, letter from, to Lancaster _ Samuel Chase, - - - = 7 é - 669 
Committee, - - 673 Robert Christie, - - a r A A - 930 
Martin, Joseph, meatal ofa have of Ponhery - 914 John Contee, - - - - - - -* "604 
Martin, Monsieur, recommended as ; Engineer to Gen- © Thomas Conway, = = = 2 As - 690 
bral Heath, - - - - - 998 Captain Crawford, - - = “ : - 386 
Martin, Colonel, of the Newaletiey fevies wounded, - 1158 John Crockett, - - - - - : - 808 
Martin, Colonel ‘Josiah, Governour Tera: s letter con- James Cunningham, - - - 907 
veyed by, - “ - - 1503 Richard Dallam, - - - - 154, 363, 491, 615 
Inhabitants of Queen’s Keieanty dealt the arrest of, 1503 John Dalton, = 2 _ “ 942 
Family of, suspected of corresponding with enemy, 1542 Captain Darnes, - - 591, 1077, 1091, 1117, 1133 
House of, ordered to be searched by a discreet per- Joseph Dashiell, - - - - - - - $62 
son, y - - - - - - - 1542 George Dashiell, - - é 4 e 2 7635 
Martin, the late Governour, leave asked for the family Francis Deakins, - - - - - 992 
of, to go on board Lord Howe’s fleet, - - 1528 John Dean, - - - - . - 627, 974, 1134 
Martin, Dr. Samuel, inhabitants of Queen’ s County Delegates in Congress, . - 114, 219, 
ask arrestof, - ° - - - - - 1503 434, 492, 531, 556, 593, 618, 634, 723, 805, 863, 975 
Is a prisoner on parole at Rockaway, - - - 1542 General John Dent, - - - - 343, 
An order for the apprehension of, - - - 15438 386, 431, 465, 481, 522, ‘554, 628, 707, 723, '724, 757 
Martindale, Captain, loss of the books and papers Ae 859 Dorchester Committee, - 219, 570, 686, '723, 975 
Martinico—(See next word.) Thomas Dorsey, - 114, 135, 136, 154, Bee 408, 433 
Martinique, extract of a letter from, - - 382 John Dorsey, - - - - - - 342 
Arrival at, of Captain Wickes in ‘the Feast - 609 Samuel Dorsey, - - - - - - 1091, 1156 
Rumours at, of a war in Europe, - - - - 610 Joseph Earle, - - - - - - - 738 
Good disposition of the French at, - - - 626 Eastern Shore Committees, - - - - - 365 
Arrival of a French brigantine from, = - - - 907 Captain Elliott, - 363, 387 
Washington encloses a letter to Congress from, - 911 Thomas Ewing, 387, 751, 783, 809, $92, 906, 1023, 1055 
The Governour of, ordered to assist American ves- Frederick Committee: - - - - 592 
sels, - - - - - - - - 1179 Amos Garrett, - - - - - - 153, 1091 
Maryland— Captain George, - - - - - - - 993 
A Rifle Regiment raised by, - - - 32 James Gibson, - - - - - - - §93 
Militia of, ordered to march to Piitadetphis - - 1386 Joseph Gilpin, - - - - - - - 690 
John Adams compliments the Militia of, - - 348 John Gordon, - - - - - - 617, 976 
Credit of the money of, in Philadelphia, - - 492 Caleb C. Gough, - - - - - - - 251 
Smallwood’s Battalion pass Woodbridge, - - 600 B. Graves, - - - - - - - - 654 
Enrollment of men to serve in Militia of, — - - 614 Philip Graybill, - - - - 722 
High compliment to the Shirtmen of, - - - 786 Isaac Griest, - - 668, 783, BLE 1056, 1077, 1090 
Bravery of the Battalion of, - - - -  - 1184 Gunlock Commissioners, - - - 667 
Value of captured vessels paid by State of, - - 1191 Colonel J. C. Hall, - - - - - - 184 
Extract of a letter from an officer in Battalion of, - 1195 Mathias Hammond, - - - - . - 113 
Gallantry and skill displayed by troops of, - - 1244 Thomas B. Hands, - - - 385 
Delegates from, Passi their credentials to Con- John Hanson, 251, ot 560, 594, "57, 831, 1134, 1190 
gress, © - - - - - - - 1583 T. Hanson, - - - Stay. 
A month’s pay aavaieed to officers and men from, 1606 Harford Committee, - - - - - 155, 183 
Order for supplying the troops from, —- - - 1606 Benton Harris, - - - - - - - 364 
Congress advance $20,000 to, for raising Battalions, 1612 Harris & Archer, - . - - - ‘782, 862 
Congress advance money to, for the Flying-Camp, 1616 Captain Harrison, - - - - ~ - 101 
Any number of troops to be taken into Continental Colonel William Harrison, - - - - - 431 
pay, - - - - - - - - 1618 Joseph W. Harrison, - - -" : - 666 
Order for delivering arms to the troops of, - - 1620 Colonel James Hawkins, - : - - - 592 
Marine Committee loan duck to the Delegates from, 1622 James Hindman, - - - - - 257,344 
Maryland Convention— William Hindman, - - - - - - 343 
Proceedings of the, - - - - - = 5, dl Jesse Hollingsworth, - - - - 100, 
Letter from Basil Clarkson to, — - - ~ - 218 113, 150, 182, 183, 219, 384, 782, 960, 975, 1076 
Letter from Alexander Wilson to, - - - 20 Henry Hollingsworth, - - - Se & bp 
Lee’s sarcasm against the, - - - - - 429 184, 614, O08, 942, 960, 992, 1055, 1134 
Resolve to support independence, - - - 993 Gerard Hopkins, - - - 617, 666, 906, 1133 
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 1024 B. Hooe, - - - - - - 383, 591 
Congress notices the reception of a letter from, - 1569 General Hooper, - - - 344 a 224 665, 685 
Congress recommend them to raise two Battalions, 1612 Daniel Hughes, - - - - - 806 
Maryland Council of Safety, correspondence of, with— Colonel William yee, - - - - - 929 
Robert Alexander, - - - - - - 114 E. Johnson, - - - - - 100, 1174 


Firrr Sertes.—Vot. I. 


1715 INDEX. 1716 


Maryland Council of Safety, correspondence of, with— Maryland Gazette, advertisement by Council of Safety 
Colonel James Johnson,~— - - - - - 345 in, - - - - - - 1333 
B. Johnson, - - - - - 363, 482, 517 Resolve fative to rank of bfieers! published in, - 1333 
General T. Johnson, - - - - 490, 522, 569 Council of Safety order a notice to be published i in, 1333 
Captain Thomas Jones, - . - - 689, 1089 | Maryland money, Pennsylvania Council of Safety order, 
Colonel Jeremiah Jordan, - - * = 342, 382 to be received from the Maryland troops at par, - 1316 
Colonel James Kent, - - « » - 635, 808 | Maryland Regulars, First Battalion of, arrive in Phila- 

Kent County Committee, - - - - 493, 1055 delphia, - - - - - - - - 350 
Linen manufacturers, - - - 2 “ - 975 | Marylander, extract of a letter from a, in New-York, - 1232 
Captain John Hawkins Lowe, — - - 942, 1230 | Marylanders are roused to independence bY Virginia, 214 

- 252 | Mason, Jonathan, chosen Ensign, - - - 663 


Committees of lower Counties, - 


William Lux, - - 4 + “ = - G42 Massaehusettoee 

Hugh Lyon, - - ° 4 . rs = 862 New-Hampshire resolves to borrow cannon from, - 69 
Alexander McFadon, - ~ * a : - 690 John Adams compliments the people of, - ~ "405 
Benjamin Mackall, fourth, - = = 5 » § 628 Congress direct a call for more troops from, - - 193 

Captain Peter Mantz, - = “ “ - 831, 1149 ‘Plain Truth” to the Justices in, - - - - 210 

Captain Nicholas Martin, = - > = 4 = 465 Impatience of J. Adams at delay of troops, - - 466 

Captain Philip Meroney, — - - : M - 590 «A Watchman”’ to the inhabitants of, - - - 567 

Nicholas R. Moore, - c - a -' « 315 Return of the Fourth Regiment of Foot of, - - 644 

James Murray, - - - - - = 491,521 J. Adams complains of not hearing from, —- - 908 

Captain James Nicholson, - - nee 806, 1117, 1155 Condition of the Militia honourable to, - - - 1198 

Samuel Nicholls, - - - - - 807, 942 Letter to the inhabitants of, - - 2 G - 1284 

Robert N. Nicols, . - - - - - 554 | Massachusetts Assembly— 

Northumberland, Virginia, Committee, - - - 941 Letters to, from General Washington, 108, et 192, 576 ¢ 
Committee of Observation, - - - - - 364 Resolves of, - - - - - 65 

John Page, - : - - - 2950 Letter to, from the biesiaent® of Congrede 2 - 367 i 
Edward ‘Parker, “, - 2 153, 782, 970, 1217 Letter to, from Captain Fisk, - - - 405 ; 


Mr. Patton, - - - “ “ - 884 Letter to, from John Adams, - - = - 571 


Captain Perkins, - he - “ 492, 976, 1174 Petition of the inhabitants of St. John’s to, - 703 
Richard Peters, - - - - “ = «| 784 Appeal of Enos Stone to, - - - - 718 
Robert Porteus, - “ . 4 . ‘ - 964 Letter to, from James Lynn, - - - “ - 1280 
Lieutenant Pownall, - 2 2 = A - 863 | Massachusetts Council— 
President of Congress, - = z - 1090 Proceedings of, - : - - - - 551, 1100 
Major Thomas Price, - - 518, 570, 590, 615, 689 Petition to, from Brookfield, Connecticut, = - - 551 
Joseph Richardson, - = 4 i + - 929 Order of, in relation to Tories, - - - ae Oe, 
Colonel William Richardson, - = - 992, 1134 Conference of, with the Indians, - - -l  . 888 
Charles Ridgely, - - + = - 114, 219, 409 Treaty concluded by, with the Indians, - - - 848 
Thomas Ringgold, - - - - 386, 493, 737 Application of New-Hampshire to, for cannon, - 860 
Charles Rumsey, - - - - “ 2 - 614 Are requested by Board of War to PP point a Gene- 
Francis Sanderson, - - . 3 a ~ 781 ral Officer, - 3 aOR 
Jacob Schley, - - : ae "667 Petition to, of Daniel Tastee = ~ G “ Ley 
George Scott, - - = 430, 491, 737, 807 Sundry messages from, as - Pa = - 1223 
Major Henry payee - - - - 466 Correspondence of, with— 
Colonel Jos. Sim, - 4 ns t “4 - 807 Absent members, - “ - - - '702, 830 
John Skinner, - - - : o SES bA John Bachellor, - - . - . f oat 
Colonel William gitliwoad, - = ee | Committee of Boston, - - 247 
Thomas Smyth, - - 114, 153, 216, 386, 553, '707 James Bowdoin, : - - 58, 585, 702, 971 
Captain Nathaniel Smyth, - = 344, 409, 685, 976 Jonathan Bowers, - - - = ~ “F384 
Somerset Committee, - 2 = DTO Governour Cooke, - - - - - - 1222 
Col. Alexander Somerville, 325, 343, 409, 429, 614, 634 Colonel T. Crafts, - - - - - - 874 
Stephen Stewart, - - 113, fe 153, 385, 433, 1133 Committee of Cumberland, Sai - - 568 
Thomas Stone, - - 4 219, 669, 930 Theephilus Cushing, - nate As - 684 
St. Mary’s County Caininitices 4 Ps - 408, 862 The Delegates in Congress, - - - 733, 805 
Tent-makers, - - - % a "4 - 9OF4 Richard Darby, * « = - ~ - "701 
John A. Thomas, - - = - . - 343, 892 Colonel Nicholas Dike, - - - - - 801 
Nicholas Thomas, - s e 4 -  4ra8 1 Jacob Emerson, * = = = - 959 
Richard Thompson, — - - . . : SEUSS Thomas Fletcher, - - . - - - 990 
James Tilghman, - - - os - - 482, 594 Colonel Foster, - - - - - - §15 
Matthew Tilghman, - a - . oti sal Benjamin Greenleaf, - - - - -~ 958 
Edward Tillard, - - - ss - 153, 155, 806 Captain Haskell, - - 340 
Richard Tootell, - = so iiee C x sits 6 | Joseph Hawley, 268, 361, 552, 700, 79, 691, 927, 958 
James Tootell, - - - . ns f 2 757 Colonel Henry, “ c - 178 
Dr. Tootell, - . = ~ a “ - 993 Colonel H. Herrick, - - - - - - 971 
Colonel Robert Tyler, - a u = 113.9864 John Kiegly, prisoner, - - - - - 262 
Messrs. Van Bibber and Harrison, « A. TO General Lincoln, — - - . -\.- - 404 
Captain Veazy, - - = 2 2 TAI01 Colonel J. Mitchell, - - - - - - 874 
John Veazy, Jun., - * = a Bees yet all Deacon T. Newell, - - - - - 585, 608 - 
Virginia Council of Safety, - - S “ - 433 Richard Newton, - RF ote - - - 361 
William Walters, - - - = “ i, = SB4 Joseph Nye, - 3 4 4 - - 684 i 
General Washington, - - - - . ~ $183 Peter Penniman, - - - - - 1087, 1116 
Captain Watkins, - - - = anf Lia 4 Timothy Pickering, - - - - - - 778 
Colonel J. Weems, = - = 101,216 Committee of Reading, - - - - - 971 
Dr. Weisenthall, - - - 112, 133, 758, 942, 1091 Governour of Rhode-Island, = - - - - 701 
John West, - = = - - 407, 433 Committee of Salem, - - - - - 958 
Committee of Western-Shore, - é . - 3866 Boston Selectmen, - - - - - Pol ie ty by f 
John Weston, -, . - - - - up sy Northfield Selectmen, - - - - 4Q7 
William Whetcroft, = - - - 2 ~ eid Francis Shaw, - - - - -~ - 804, 1208 
Colonel Otho Williams, - + E . - 521 Stephen Smith, _ “ +5 <4 : - 703 
Elisha Winters, - i - - - 2218, 465, 613 Walter Spooner, = - - - - - rai] 
George Woolsey,- - - - + 688, '707, 809 Joseph Trumbull, =, en mL . 
Committee of Worcester, -  - - = «= 593 Governour Trumbull, IS big kh od: es be tle ee y 
Turbutt Wright, - = - - - - 665, 722 General Ward, - - - - - - - 146 / 
John Yost, - - - - - §24, '707 General Warner, = - - - - 663 
List of troops furnished DYs, 0 emus onal ee General Washington, -  - 380, 702, 727, 830 
Proceedings of, - ~ - - - 1331 | Massachusetts General Court— 

Maryland Gazette, Captain Gonway’ s statement, im- Circular from, to the several towns, - - - 2 

peaching the courage of the Maryland Militia, Letter from, to President of Congress, - - - 3 


appears in, = - - - - - - - §25 Resolve of the, - - - - - - - 1283 * 


1717 


Massachusetts House of Representatives— 

Appoint post-riders, , - . - - - . 

Messages from the Council to, —- - - ” 
Massachusetts, Colony brig, Captain of, sent to Boston, 
Massey, Samuel, Lieutenant of 2d Fenmeien Bat- 

talion, = - 

Mastin, Captain of Maryland Militia at Shudy:Point, - 
Maston, Captain, arrival of, at Philadelphia, —- - 
Masts, resulve relating to a number of, - - - 
Masury, Richard, appointed Lieutenant of Matrosses, 
Match-Coats, delivery of, to a Baltimore Company, - 
Mather, Mrs. Hannah, resolve on petition of, - - 
Matlack, Colonel, sent to Philadelphia with a report, 
Matrosses— 

Payment to a Company of New-Hampshire, - : 


Officers for the Gloucester Company of, - : 
Resolve to raise a Company of, for Falmouth, - 
Captain Saltonstall’s Company of, - - - 
Appointment of officers for the Falmouth Com- 

pany of, - - - - - - - - 


Form of inlistment of, in Massachusetts, - 
Appointment of officers for the Newburyport ae 
aie Dope 7 : " 
Order to fit out a (Company ae at Selent| - - 
Order to supply the same with necessaries, - - 
Guns supplied to the Marblehead Company, - 
“Matter of Fact,’ a communication to the Publick 
Ledger, - - . - - - - - 
Matthews, John, certificate of, relating to Sandy-Point, 
Matthews, David, denies his disaffection, - - - 
Strong appeal from, to the New-York Convention, - 
Arrives at Hartford, and returns to Litchfield, - 
Desires to be heard before New-York Convention, - 
Mr. De Peyster receives a letter from, - - - 
Complains of the severity of his treatment, - - 
Asks leave to go to Hartford, - - - - 
Letter from, to his wife, - - - - - 
Copy of the commitment of, - - - - - 
Draught of a letter to, from New-York Convention, 
Is not considered a prisoner of war, —- - - 
Maugerville, Nova-Scotia, petition of people of, - - 
Meeting® of the people ‘of Sunbury County at, - 
Maurepas, Count, Mr. Deane’s opinion of, - . 
Maurice, Alexander, committed to State prison, - 
Mause, Philip, application for at of, - - 
A furlough granted to, - - 7 
Mawe, James, becomes surety for W. W. Clay Ete - 
Maxwell, Colonel William, list of officers in Batta- 
lion of, - - - - - - - 
Letter from, to the President of fo spc - ~ 
Memorial to Congress from; - - - - - 
Maybury, Beriah, member of Annapolis Committee, - 
Maryland Council of Safety order payment to, - 
Mayhew, Captain, sent by Arnold in charge of Indians, 
Approbation of, by General Gates, - - - 
Mayhew, Joseph, appointed to sign beating-orders, - 
Mayo, Thomas, appointed Lieutenant, - - - 
Mayor, the New- York, put in confinement, - - 
. Humanitas to the Lord Mayor of London, - - 
Mead, Lieutenant-Colonel John, YY eer autho- 
rized to call on, - 
Mead, Dr. William, Bpaoitals Shrecon in Gatortol 
Thomas's Regiment, - - : + 
Meads, Stephen, appointed Lieutenant of Marines - 
Measam, George, goods placed in the hands of, - - 
Béndou of, to ‘Congress, - - - an hoo, 
Mease, James, Commissary, order to, from President 
of Congress, - - - - - 
Letter to, from Prveidint of Goatees - - - 
Mease & Caldwell, letter from, to R. Peters, - - 
Medal, device prepared for a gold, - - - - 
Medford, barracks of, asked for as a small-pox hospital, 
Mediator, Lord Howe is said to come as a, - - 
Medie, Colonel, commands 55th British Regiment, - 
Medical Gentlemen, Gates orders a consultation of, - 
Medicines— 
Resolve to supply certain Heotment2 with, -  - 
Additional resolves relating to, - - - 
Order to supply money to ‘Dr. (Gieenlaat for, - - 
Dr. Stringer endeavours to procure, —- - - 
Congress furnishes, at Philadelphia, —- - - 
Catalogue of, necessary for the army, - - - 
Suffering i in Northern Army for want of, - : 
New-York Convention order an Babb of, - - 
Receipt of, from Dr. Treat, - - 
Meigs, Major R. J., Major French iat to Be ex- 
changed for, - - - - - 
Washington agrees to the aveliatize: - - - 


INDEX. 


145 
1223 
663 


171 
529 

41 
315 
508 
907 
316 
762 


1718 


Meigs, Major R. J., letter to General Howe asking 
exchange of, - - - - - - - 902 
Petition of, to Congress, d 7 - - 962 
Washington offers Major French fur; - . - 997 
Congress pass an order respecting - - - 1612 
Me skrakin, Isaac, commissioned First Lieutenant, - 1344 
Melally, Michael, al) ys Lieutenant of ship Oliver 
Cromwell, - - - - . - 1189 
Melchior, Isaac, peter of, to Congress, - : - 156 
Captain of Pennsylvania Rifles, - é! aS |r 
Mellen, Captain James, acts as Major to Ward’ s Regi- 
ment, - - - = - - - 966 
Meloon, Isaac, Feeolve on petition of, - - - 279 
Ma morandans relating to posts and expresses, - - 196 
Of sundries for equipment ofa brigantine, - - 248 
Of an interview between Washington and Colonel 
Patterson, - - - - - 500 
Of sundries received from Thormae, Guanine: . - 702 
For the Nova-Scotia Agents, - - 706 
Of extra services performed by Lisnigauers Galonel 
Brown, - - - - - : - - 1218 
Memorial, of Conway and others to New-Hampshire 
General Court, - - - - 1M 
Of Surgeon’s Mates to Lord fatale - - - 191 
From citizens of New- York to General Washington, 335 
Captain Aldridge’s, sent to Congress by Washing gton, 676 
Of Regimental ! Surgeons to Congress, - . - 694 
Of Regimental Surgeons to General Washington, - 695 
Of George Measam to Congress, - - 725 
William Stone’s , to Maryland Council as Safety, - 738 
Of P. La Jeunesse, asking a Captain’s commission, 1093 
Of the Chevalier Sauralle to Congress, - - 1180, 1209 
From Colonel William Maxwell to Congress, - 1204 
Of officers, relating to appointments by Congress, - 1398 
Of Alexander Stewart to New-York Convention, - 1448 
Of Townsend & Noble to New-York Convention, - 1481 
Of Captain Jacobus Roos to New-York Convention, 1499 
Of Paper-makers to New-York Convention, - - 1510 
Of Charles Shaw to New-York Convention, - - 1540 
Mendon, report of Committee appointed to repair to, - 267 
Removal of prisoners from, to Grafton, - - - 1117 
Men-of- War, insolence of the British, in West Indies, 1060 
Mentges, Francis, petitions to be appointed Major, - 186 
A Lieutenancy i is granted to, ~ - - - 1313 
Menzies, Major, death of, reported, - - - - 105 
Reported death of, confirmed, - - - - 789 
Mercenaries, employment of foreign, by the enemy, - 192 
Dr. Franklin to Lord Howe on his, - - - - 482 
Washington hopes to render a good account of the, 953 
Mercer, General Hugh— 
General Livingston is referred to, - - - riz 
Return of, to Elizabethtown, - - - 18, 39 
Washington’s orders to, - - - - - 174 
Correspondence of, with Washington, - - - 120, 
140, 328, 369, 371, 413, 443, 556, 574, 600, 619, 638, 
673, 691, 761, 813, 834, 851, 865, 885, 894, 909, 964 
Major Knowlton directed to confer with, - -~ 224 
Letter to, from the President of Congress, - 327, 388 
Is appointed to command the Flymg-Camp and 
Militia, - - . - - - - - 388 
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 369, 
469, 499, 599, 750, ore 691, 908, 1193 
Letter from, to Major Knowlton, - - - 413 
Plan of, for attacking Staten-Island, — - - - 443 
Return of forces ander! - - _- 557, 964, 1079 
Letter from, to Col. John Dickinson, 638, 674, 744, 895 
Opinion of, as to the prudence of attacking Staten- 
Island, - ese - - e - 675 
Returns thanks to ps ee ea Associators in gen- 
eral orders, = - - - 1061 
Orders of, discharging the Philadelphia Meeneattae 1119 
Mercereau, Justice, Governour Tryon offers a reward 
for taking « dead or alive,” - - - - 121 
Mercereau, Captain John, brings intelligence from 
Staten-Island, - - - - - - - 369 
Merchandise, arrival of large UE RONy of, for New- 
York, - - - 1423 
Mercury, packet, daapateh of, oo General ihe! - 105 
Mercury, brig, capture of, on a whaling voyage, - 550 
Merkle, John Philip, sent to France in. brig Despatch, 670 
Mermahue, Captain, arrival of, at Philadelphia, - - 946 
Meroney, Captain Philip, letter ED to bm thie 
Council of Safety, - - 590 
Appointed Captain in the ates Gone - - 1350 
Merrick, George, appointed Commissioner in North- 
Carolina, - - - - - - - 1379 
Merrikin, Joshua, appointed Lieutenant in Flying- 
Camp, - Sie ola’ ihe - - = 1348 


1719 INDEX. 
Meserve, Gideon, chosen Adjutant of Massachusetts Militia— 
Militia, . os ‘ess se egni b= 285 First Company of, arrive at Skenesborough, - —- 
Mesier, Lieutenant araberat Lord Stirling’s instruc- Enrollment of Maryland, for service at New-York, 
tions to, - - - - - - - - 415 Activity of, on the North-River, - - - - 
Court of inquiry ordered on, - - - 914 Ignorance manifested by, at St. George’s, —- - 
Is discharged from arrest, - - - - - 965 The Worcester, Maryland, permitted to return home, 
Mesnard, Captain, a Canadian officer, arrival of, - 799 Major Price, of Maryland, dismisses his, - - 
Report of the examination of, - 828 Maryland Council of Safety inquire as to, sent to 
Messagas from Massachusetts Council, - - 1223, 1224, 1225 New-Jersey,  - - - = = : - 
Messesages, tribe at the Cedars composed of, - - 1032 The enemy repulsed by, at Croton River, - - 
Attack of, on a party of Americans, — = - 1033, 1035 A greater expense than Regulars, - - . - 
Messier, John, charges brought against, - - - 758 Ordinance of New-Jersey enforcing attendance of, 
Metcalf, William, British midshipman, a ae? of Commissions wanted for the Chelsea, - - - 
war, i ‘ F : ‘ - - 22 Difficulty of filling up draughts from the Salem, - 
Examination and disposal of, ' - : - - 25 The Jersey, again taking the field after harvest, — - 
Metcalf, S., to Colonel Jacob Bayley, - - 488, '798 A body of New-Hampshire, arrive at Ticonderoga, - 
Micklejohn, Rev. George, order for removal of, - - 1364 Rapid arrival of, at Skenesborough, —- - - 
Mickmack Indians, resolve respecting the, - - 323 Washington desires that ie should oe them- 
Letter from Mr. Austin concerning,  - - - 460 selves, - - - _ 
Proposal to engage the, - - - - - 585 Fears entertained that the, wil ny too aie at New- 
A treaty made with, - - - - - 848 York, - - - - - - - . 
Middleborough Falls, Captain Fassett anual at, - 1222 Order of, to Ticonderoga, - - - - - 


Middlesex, number of men to be raised in, - - 289 
Resolves of Committee of, - . - - - 1087 
Middleswart, Dennis, chosen Lieutenant of the Bucks 
County Associators, - - - - - Swe 
Middleton, Mr., compliment to, as a aspeaker, - - 732 
Middletown, prisoners not allowed to enter, - - 380 
Proceedings of Committee of, - - - - 732 
Midkiff, , Suspicions against, - - - - 564 
Mifflin, Brigadier-General, sent to King’s Bridge, - 20 
Letters from, to Washington, - 27, 336, 579, 790 
Workingmen ordered to report to, - - - 225 
Letter to, from R. H. Harrison, - - - - 886 
A high encomium passed on, by Gates, - - $900 
Brigade of, assigned to General Heath, - - - 915 
Copy ofa letter to, enclosed to Congress, - - 992 
Letters to, from General Heath, 1118, 1122, 1145, 1184 
Letters from, to General Heath, - - - 1144, 1211 
Mifflin, Colonel Samuel, general muster-roll of Artil- 
lery of, - - - - - - - 787, 788 
Mileage, measures for paying to troops, - - - 361 
Colonels ordered to bring in accounts of, —- - 1128 
Miles, Colonel Samuel, detachment from Regiment of, 
ordered to New-Jersey, - - - - - 41 
Commands the Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment, - 187 
Joins General Mercer with one thousand Riflemen, 348 
Is ordered to. join Washington at New-York, - 865 
Marches with his Regiment from New-Jersey, - 895 
Refuses to serve under Roberdeau or Ewing, - 908. 
Washington mentions the arrival of, at New-York, 910 


Reported missing after the battle on Long-Island, - 1212 
Milford frigate, arrival of the, at Halifax, - - - 


Chases sundry vessels into Boston, - - - 1155 
A vessel escapes from, into Marblehead, - - 1226 
A ship is ordered out to attack, - - : - 1283 
Military Chests, weekly returns of the state of, ordered, 933 
Military Guide, order for the distribution of Simms’s, 1386 
Military Stores, Captain Tinker furnished with, - - 243 


Return of, ordered by Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 1303 
Removed from New-York to Westchester County, - 
Order for removal of, to Fishkill, - - = - 1566 


Sent by water to North-Carolina at Continental risk, 1605 
Militia— 

An act to form and regulate in New-Hampshire, - 86 
The Pennsylvania, march to the Jerseys, ~ - 103 
Congress orders the Maryland, to Philadelphia, - 136 
The Massachusetts, considered sufficient for defen- 

sive war, - - - - - - - 148 
The Ghuneciicnt begin to come in, - s ee eg! 
Mr. Adams’s anxiety about the Massachusetts, - 184 


The Pennsylvania, reported to be “all in motion,” 186 
New-York Convention authorize Washington to call 


for, - - - - - - - - 201, 203 
Schuyler complains that no Eastern have come in, | 232 
A compliment to the Jersey, . - : - 257 
A draught of, ordered in Massachusetts, - - 316 


The Pennsylvania, ordered from Trenton to Amboy, 330 
Great numbers of, turn out in New-Jersey, Pennsyl- 


vania, Delaware, and Maryland, - - - 3848 
Mr. Benson’s difficulties with, at Red-Hook, - - 856 
Firelocks ordered to be borrowed from the Maryland, 365 
The South-Carolina take an oath of fidelity, - «| 3437 
New-York Convention resolve to call out, - - 01447 


Conduct of a party of Maryland, at Sandy-Point, - 525, 
526, 527, 530 

Colonels of the Nassau-Island, to act as Muster- 
Masters, - - - - ‘ s . - 539 


Desertion from the Pennsylvania, - - - 
Clamorous disposition of, from the Middle States, - 
General Greene complains of the non-arrival of, - 
Connecticut Council of Safety order, to New-York, 
Instructions of Anne-Arundel County relative to, - 
Order concerning inlistments of, in Massachusetts, 
The New-Hampshire and Connecticut destitute of 
tents,--). ~~". (maeth minehln dit dm sells ~ ee ie 
No provision yet made to pay the Boston, - - 
Difficulty of knowing how to conduct oneself to- 
wards, - - - - - - - 1230, 
Companies of, at Annapolis discharged, - - 
Hillsborough draughts of, refuse to march, - - 
Resolutions of New-York Convention calling out, - 
Resolve concerning rank of, officers of different 
States, - - - - - - - - 
Brigadier-Génerals ordered to make return of the 
state of their Brigades, - - - 
Of Charlotte, Cumberland, and Cinteeties Brigades: 
General orders for Pag ae to apply ack ‘to in- 


fantry, - - B 
Resolution of Newevork "ee rere. to olifotes 
enrollment of, - = & 2 


Resolutions for draughting the Albany Goanty - 
Resolutions respecting resignation of officers of, - 
General Morris requests the discharge of the, of his 


Brigade, - - - - 
General Woodhull’ s Brigade of, entitled to GGG 
nental pay, - - - - i. e * 


Some of the Bedford, disarmed and made prisoners, 
The New-York, to be held in readiness to march, - 
Col. Remsen authorized to grant furloughs to his, - 
Washington calls on the New-York Convention for 


more, - - - 
Order hastening the han mt; to Newekorsey! - 
Army in New-York to be reinforced by the Con- 

necticut, - - - - - 


Congress assume the pay of the Mazsechnsshts, - 
Miller, Nathan, letter from, to Governour Trumbull, - 


Miller, Jacob, appointed Major, - - - - 
Miller, James, appointed Lieutenant, - - - 
Miller, Charles, extract of a letter from, - - - 


Acts as issuing storekeeper at Boston, - - - 
Miller, Lieutenant B., honourable acquittal of, - - 
Miller, William, resolve of North-Carolina relating to, 

Discharged from prison, and admitted to citizenship, 
Miller, Elijah, commissioned First Lieutenant, - - 
Miller, Mr., New-York Convention give a certificate 

cof membership to, - - 


Miller, Moses, elected Ensign of wae York Militia, - 
Miller, Zephaniah, appointed Lieutenant, - - 
Miller, William, Deputy Chairman of Westchester 
Committee, letter from, and examination of, - 
Miller, Barrent, ie his seat in Sap tits Conven- 
tion, - - - 
Miller, Jedediah, wiiney Bdeanbed to, iy removing the 
military stores from New-York, - - - - 
Milligan, Lieutenant Jacob, daring courage of, - - 
Milligan, John, permitted to go home for health, - 
Mills, Ambrose, takes the oath of allegiance, - - 
Mills, Caleb, examination of, - - - - 
Mills, James, sent by North-Carolina to th northern 
States to contract for casting cannon, - - 
Mills, Joshua, money advanced to, for recruits, - - 
Appointed Lieutenant in Flying-Camp, - - 
Examination of, - - - - - 


797 
826 


851 


871 
872 
895 
908 
967 
1005 
1054 
1101 


1198 
1224 


1560 
1340 
1377 
1406 


1427 


1461 
1464 


~ 1485 


1494 
1494 
1496 


- 1522 


1538 
1545 
1558 
1561 


1563 
1577 


1580, 


1596 
177 
268 
544 
643 
750 
657 

1365 

1373 

1408 


1423 
1494 
1514 


1523 
1537 
1547 

439 
1355 
1379 
1508 


1371 


1333 — 


1348 
1508 


tt 


1721 


INDEX. 


Mills, Lieutenant, commands battery at Black Rock, - 777 
Mills, Nathan, a committee appointed to examine, - 1486 
Report of the committee on examination of, - - 1507 
Mills, Peter, a prisoner, examination of, - : - 1070 
Mills, Ww eights ordered from the New-Jersey,  - - 369 
Operations of the pichiemspedrs* sapped by a 
flood, = - - - - - 955 
Order for dismantling, in Mente in a certain 
event, = - - - - - - 1538 
Minden, Selectmen of, to the Mieeteehilise tis Council, 1087 
Mineford’s Island, plunder of, by the enemy, - ~ 1552 
Ministerial Agents, number of, in New-York, - - 255 
Ministerial Army, force of the, at St. John’s, - - 479 
In Canada, unable to join Lord Howe, - - - 929 
Ministerial fleet, part of the, in Nyack Bay, - - 337 
‘* Ministerial Pirate,” engagement of Captain Cregier 
witha, - - - - - - . - 141 
Ministerial plan, development of the, in Georgia, - 181 
Ministers, conduct of the British, reprobated,  - - 862 
Ministry, the French, evade Mr. Deane’s application, - 1016 
Mino, James, resolve to pay, for taking census, - - 302 
Minute-Men, a draught of, ordered in Sussex, - - 539 
Minutes of a Council of War, - - - . - 233 
Of a council of General Officers, - - - - 236 
Of the Convention of New-Hampshire Grants, - 566 
Miscellaneous papers, —- - 1-47, 95-266, 326-1288 
Missing, names of the, after the battle on Long- 
Island, - - - - - - - 1194, 1212 
Missionaries, the London Society stop the salaries of 
the, - - - - : . - - 903 
Mitchell, John, lester from, to Sussex Committee, - 11 
Mitchell, Captain “Dairy resolve to pay the Com- 
an of, - - 298 
Mitchell, Richard Bs ates inant afl Contains te - 431 
Appointed a Captain of Maryland Militia, = - - 1344 
Mitchell, Colonel J., asks for leave of absence, - - 874 
Major Ilsley’s complaint against, - - . - 1205 
_ Massachusetts Council Sees to pace into the 
conduct of, —- - - 1208 
Mocballe, Captain, introduced to Ggeress by Wash- 
ington, - - . - - - 951 
Moccasins, a supply of, Plestaed at Head- erm - 800 
Moderator, a Justice of the Peace at Chelsea, chosen, 778 
Mohawk River, proposal to station a Regiment at, - 795 
Mohegans, the design of inlisting the, laid aside, - 43 
Desire teachers to be sent among them, - - 903 
Are represented at the German-Flats, — - - - 1038 
Molly, the, arrives with arms and ammunition, - - 666 
Maryland Council of saiaty write to wae Caney 
concerning, - 690 
Maryland Council of Si Pe ertalaie dhe: Dale: 
gates on arrival of, - - - - - - 724 
Puts into the Great Wicomico, Virginia, : - 729 
Maryland Council of Safety give order for cargo of, 941 
Monck, Mr., Attorney-General of Canada, - - 1105 
Moncrieff, Miss, a flag of truce bears a letter to, - 471 
Moncton, Lieut. Colonel, wounded through the body, 1254 
Money— 
Disappointment of Washington in not receiving, - 193 
Town of Moultonborough in want of, - ~ - 362 
Two boxes of, received of scigh Spriggs, Massa- 
chusetts, - - - - - 284 
Washington lends, to New: York Ganeation 445 
Schuyler’ s great need of, - - - AfTA, 563, 794 
Prisoners at Quebeck suffer for want of, - 583 
Application of a prisoner of war for, = - - - 623 
Small amount of, in the hands of Paymasters, - 675 
Supply of,received at New-York, - . - - 815 
Walter Livingston’s distress for, - - - - 824 
Schuyler finds it necessary to borrow, - - - 856 
Poughkeepsie Committee apply to New-York Con- 
vention for, == - - - - - - $871 
Colonel Cooke applies to Governour Trumbull for,- 873 
Captain Varick receives a remittance of, - - 922 
Offer of, to the Maryland Council of Safety, - - 930 
Congress order a sum of paper, to be printed, - 935 
Account of advances of, by Cumberland Committee, 995 
Maryland Council of Safety apply to Congress for, - 1024 
Pennsylvania Council of Safety receive an order 
for, - - - ~ : - - - 1250 
New-York Convention ask Washington for a loan 
of, - - - - - - - 1409 
Queen’ s County Caaimiiice ask New-York Convent 
tion fora loanof,  - - - - - - 1469 
Captain Rutgers refuses to receive Continental, - 1562 
Monier, John, disarmed by the Albany Committee, and 
committed to the Tory jail, - - - - 890 
Monitor, the New-Hampshire Assembly choose a, - 69 


1722 


Monmouth, the Tories in, sei by the New-Jersey 


Militia, - - - - . - - 139 
Conduct ‘of the Woridadt in, represented, - - - 602 
Washington writes to President Tucker plete 3 

disaffection i in, - - - - - 819 
Suspicious persons from New-York in County of, - 1445 
Examination of De Hart by the Committee of, - 1446 
Letter from Committee of, to New-York Conven- 

tion, - - - - - - 1534 

Monnel, James, atest Enain of New-York Militia, 1452 
Monopoly, the thirst of England for, : - - 483 
Montagnie’s Tavern, a court of inquiry meet at, - 503 
Montague, Captain, ‘commander of the Fowey, - - 152 
Montauk Point, number of cattle on, - - 46, 696 
Measures to moron ies eae from getting stock 

on, - - - - - - 192 
Enemy’ s ships Bete yeen Blois Island and, - - 541 
Enemy’s men-of-war cruising off, - . - - 1189 
Danger of the stock on, falling into enemy’s hands, 1394 

Montford, Henry, additional allowance to, for import- 
ing powder, - - ‘ - 1370 
Montgomery, Captain of the tae Nope - - 14 

Montgomery, John, Chairman of Cumberland Cont 
mittee, - - - - - 328 

Montgomery, the late Genory appointments of re- 
ferred to, - - - - « a Lengoo 
Schuyler engages to examine the accounts of - 472 
Congress orders the accounts of, to be audited, - 1568 
Congress resolves to respect the promises of, - 1594 
Montgomery, Captain James, resignation of,  - - 1306 


Takes command of privateer General Montgomery, - 1330 


Montgomery, privateer, captures made by, 588, 659, 958 
Monthly return of forces in South-Carolina, . - 632 
Montreal, inhabitants of, ready to rise, - - - 128 


Rumours injurious to Arnold for seizures at, - - §10 
Sundry letters from hostages at, - - - 1167, 1168 
Address of the City of, to Carleton, — - - - 1241 
Moody, Walker, Congress make a present to, - - 1605 
Mooney, Hercules, Major ofthe New-Hampshire levies, 991 
Moore, 8. R., asks races Council of bgt for a 
Lieutenancy, - 215 
Moore, John, appointed Mision in a Piying-Camp, - 349 
Moore, Cadwalader, difficulty about commissioning,- 543 
Is appointed an Ensign, = - - - . - 564 
Moore and Clarke, freebooters from Florida, - - 1076 
Moore, Alexander, thirty-nine stripes to, for desertion, 1139 
Moore, Major James, errour in accounts of, corrected, 1375 
Moore, Brigadier-General, called upon fora statement 
of Continental forces in North-Carolina, - - 1383 
Reports the Battalions incomplete, . - - 1384 
Moore, Lieutenant N.B., is authorized to hire men, - 1332 
Commissioned as Lieutenant of Matrosses, - - 13834 
Moores, Daniel, information given by, = - . ai TKS 
Moores, Samuel, chosen Monitor in peal tees 
Assembly, - - 69 
Morey, Col., member of New-Hampshire yAlbasinblyie 63 
Committee appointed to examine the accounts of,- 77 
Report of the committee on the accounts of, - §&0 
Letter to, from Ebed Greene, : - - - 1168 
Morgan, Tsaac, chosen committeeman at Hartford, - 3 
Mors gan, George, brings intelligence from the Indians, 137 
Morgan, Mordecai, appointed Lieutenant in Flying- 
Camp, - - - - 349 
Morgan, Captain, Washington se fa the suspicion 
‘against, . - - - - - - - 499 
Morgan, Dr., letter from, to Washington, - - - 416 
Letter from, to President of Congress, - - - 419 
Copy of a letter to, from General Gates, - - 1114 
Attends upon the New-York Convention, - - 1499 
Appointed by Congress Director- General, &e., &e., 1614 
Morgan, John, thirty ‘stripes to, for sleeping on post, - 965 
Morgan, Captain, recommended to Congress by Mr. 
Deane, - - : - - - - - 1015 
Sloop of, armed in France by order of Mr. Deane, - 1015 
Morisania, seven transports preparing to land at, - 1554 
Morrell, Philip, sentenced to be flogged, - - - 1272 
Morris, Lewis, witness against Daniel Shelly, - - 4 
Morris, Gouverneur, letter from, to Washington, - 334 
Morris, Robert, letter to, from Golanel Reed, - - 415 
Letter from, to Colonel Reed, —- - - - 467 
Expresses iis reasons against Independence, - 468 
Letter from, to General Gates, - - - =~ 872 
Letter from, to Washington, - - - - 943 
Morris, Lewis, appointed one of General Lee’s ree 437 
Morris, Mr., recommended to eae Council of 
Safety, - - - 522 
Morris, Captain Samuel, ioaddia to, faa Bichideris of 
Congress, - - - - - - - 669 


1723 


Morris, John, Secretary to Pennsylvania Convention, 711 
Morris, General, ordered to take post on the Sound, - 910 
Leave of absence granted to, on account of illness 
in his family, - - - . - - - 1391 
Letter to, from Colonel Drake, - - - - 1461 
Requests the discharge of his Brigade, - - - 1522 


New-York Convention order arrest of a servant of, 1547 
Morris, Lewis, appointed Aid to General Sullivan, - 965 
Morris, Captain Joseph, appointed Judge Advocate, - 1127 
Morris, Samuel, Sen., takes his seat in Pennsylvania 


Convention, - - - - - - - 1299 
Morris, Samuel, Jun., declines serving in Pennsylvania 
Convention, - - - - - - - 1800 
Morris, Jonathan, Beal Lieutenant in the air 
Camp, - - 
Morris, Richard, appointed Admicalty Rion in New- 
York, - . - - 1461 
Declines accepting ‘ne appointment, - - 1468, 1471 


Capt. Berrien refuses to exempt, from military duty, 1554 
New-York Convention regard his commission as an 


exemption, —- . - - - - - 1559 
Morris, ship, is spoken at sea, - - - - - 659 
Anxiety of Washington for ‘safe arrival of, - - '762 
Arrives with a cargo of arms, &c., from France, - 1024 
Morrison, Captain, of the Bristol, killed, - - - 439 
Morrison, Donald, advances Bidered to, - - - 1525 
Morrison, Samuel, paid for services in Canada, - - 1623 
Morrow, Dr. David, asks for a Surgeoncy, - - 627 
Appointed a Surgeon i in the Flying-Camp,__- - 1361 


Morrow, Robert, appointed Ensign in Hiying: Gere - 1348 


Morse, Joshua, employed as post- -rider, - - 145 
Morse, Moses, to commanding officer at awn iPsine 145 
Letter to, from General Gates, - - ~ - 237 
Mortar, Captain Arundel killed by a, - - - 214 
A, bursts on board arow-galley, - . - - 681 
Mortars, France promises brass, for the Colonies, - 1022 
General Ward sends, from Boston to New-York, - 1075 
Morton, James, flogged for desertion, = - - 1270 
Morton, Sketchly, appointed to supply guard Boats - 1301 
Moschitoes, plague of, on Long-Island,  - - 249 
Mosely, Lieutenant- Colonel, Say Be march cof to 
New-York,  - - - - 957 
Moses, John, held to bail: for ch peice - - 459 
Moth, the Eastern country considered asa, - - 1281 
Mother, address of a New-Jersey, to her sons, - - 870 
Mott, Colonel Samuel, declines command of a North- 
ern Regiment, - - - - - - - 2241 
Consents to retain his Colonelcy, - - - - 242 
Arrives at Skenesborough, - - - - - 1071 
Domestick affliction of, - - - - - 1072 
Moulder, Captain John, artillery muster-roll of, - - 788 


Moulton, Johnson, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Seventh 
Regiment, - - ~ - - - - 3 
Moulton, Colonel Jonathan, letter to, from Committee 
of Moultonborough, - - - 362 
Letter from, to New-Hampshire Gpundil of Safety, 1147 
Moulton, Captain Josiah, member of New-Hampshire 
Assembly, - - - - 61 
Chosen a member of the Gosnen be Safety, - =H ese 
Moultonborough, Committee to Colonel J. Moulton, 


on want of money at, for publick service, - - 362 
Moultrie, Colonel, Lee’s commendation of, - ed 
Gallantry of, in defence of Sullivan’s Island, - - 435 
Apologizes to Clinton for firing on a flag, —- - 437 
Fort at Sullivan’s Island named after, - - - 440 
Garrison of, consisted of Second Regiment of Pro- 
vincials, - - - - : 5 -' 438 
List of officers who served whtehe - 493 
Thanks of Congress voted to, - a i 494, 1585 
Washington’s mention of, - - “ t - 917 
Mount Independence, Gates recommends a road to be 
made from Number Four to,” - - - mee Ag) 
Three Brigades stationed at, - - - = .- 48 
Supineness of the Brigades at, - = - - 800 
Two Guards ordered to be mounted at, - = =) 1127 
Ample materials at, for building huts, - - - 1198 


Order for hastening construction of guard room at, 1271 
Mount Washington, proposed obstruction of river at, 392 
No cannon mounted beyond, . - - - 1030 
Letter from Gen. Heath to commanding officer at,- 1262 


Mouse, Mr., found unqualified¢for a Surgeoncy, - 652 
Mowat, Captain, an American officer, sent to Charles- 
ton, express, by General Lee, - - - - 437 
Mowatt Captain, of the Canceaux, captures twenty sail 
of fishing boats, = - - - 428, 479 
Moylan, Colonel, a call on, by “Mifflin, for armourers, 28 
A pass from, necessary to allof the Quartermaster’ s 
department, - - - - - - - 415 


INDEX. 


1724 


Moylan, Colonel, makes a return to Washington, - 919 
Letter from, to the President of Congress, -° - 934 
Ships sundry articles to General Gates, - - - 1064 
Orders by, to be obeyed as if given by an Aid, ~- 1141 

Muckelno, Captain, capture of, by Captain Wickes, - 249 

Muegford, Captain, attack on, at Nantasket, = - 664 

Muhlenburg, Colonel, with Virginia Battalion on Sul- 

livan’s Risiand, - - - - - - 439 
Uneasiness of, as to the rank of his Resitient Lk 
Mulford, Colonel, command of the Militia at Hunting- . 

ton offered to, =i - - - - - 1233 
Mulliken, Lieutenant, court- «EA ordered on, - 1358 
Mumford, Thomas, letior from, to Gov. Trumbull, 718, 858 


Mamford. James, thirty-nine stripes to, for desertion, - 1139 


Munday, Sergeant William, named for promotion, - 646 
Munro, Captain, resolve to pay the roll of, - - 300 
Munro, John, Tory prisoner, sent to East Haddam, - 1008 
Munro, Edmund, appointed Quartermaster, —- - 1128 


Murray, John, prisoner of war, disposal of, —- - | 23 


Murray, James, Chairman of Dorchester Committee,- 217 
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - 491, 521 
Murray & Sanson, Mr. Palfrey collects drafts on, - 696 
Muse, Walker, appointed Lieutenant in Maryland 
Militia, - - - - - - - - 1833 
Musick, instruments of, ordered for Schuyler, - - 453 
Musket-Balls, a quantity of, arrive at Chester, -. - 691 
Musket-Cartridges, return of, on Long-Island, - - 542 
Ordered to be put up in boxes for New-Jersey, - 1294 
Musketeers, Battalion of, raised in Pennsylvania, - 186 
Musketry, Atlee’ s Regiment of, sent to Washington, - 885 
Muskets, great deficiency of, in Washington’s army, - 107 
Report from ap Wecrane of, to Maryland Council 
of Safety, - - - - - - 363 
Prices of, in Maryland, - - - 365, 366 


Order of Maryland Council of Safety EaNourER Tae - 594 


Winter’s contracts to make, for Maryland, - - 614 
Maryland Delegates to the Council of hai on the 
subject of, - - . - - 618 
Arrival of a number of, from eis, - - - [758 
Prices paid for, in Virginia, - - - - - 892 
Kirlin contracts to make, - - - 1297 
Mustermaster, appointment of a, by (oe anaes Weare! 1101 
Each Colonel to act as, for his own Regiment, - 1428 
Mustermaster-General, Mr. Goddard asks ‘to be made, 442 


Mustermasters, advances to, for paying Regiments, * 70, 83 
Are empowed in New- -Hampshire to take into ser- 


vice any respectable man who raises a company, 77 
List of persons appointed as, in New-Hampshire, - 88 
Appointment of, in Massachusetts for Matrosses, - 277 
Muster-Roll of Captain Graybill’s Germans, - - 524 
General, of Mifflin’s Artillery, - - - - "(87 
Of individual companies of Artillery, — - - 87,788 
Of Captain Hatch’s Rangers, - - : - 1264 
Myers, Christian, recommended as Lieutenant of Ger- 
mans, - - - - - -. 182 
Receives the appointment of Tanta af Germans, 1334 
Mygate, Captain, stopped from sailing with provisions, 379 
Mystick, disposal of ammunition in store at, - - 69 
A Mc. 
McAlister, Hector, on board Dunmore’s fleet, - - 152 
McAlpine, John, account of the arrest of, - - Se be) 
Thirty-nine lashes to, for desertion, - - - 1137 
McCaa, Mr., and family, on board Dunmore’s fleet, - 152 
McCall, Dr., Mr. Rodney sends a pamphlet to, - - 170 
McCall, Captain John, order for march of, to New- 
York, - - - - - - 1006 
Equipment and expenses of, paid - - - - 1007 
McCalla, William, publickly reprimanded, - - - 1126 
McCallister, Colonel, order.for SUPPLY of oars to Bat- 
talion of, - - - - - 1609 
McCammon, John, Rosen Benge Backs Associators, 171 
McClaghry, Tietienants Colonel, , joins General Clinton, 355 
McClanahan, Colonel, landing of, at Gwin’s Island, 151 
McCleave, Captain of the Row- -Galley Ee 243, 751 
Court of Inquiry ordered on, - - - 1140 
McClellan, Joseph, adage oh Can afi Penney a 
nia Rifles, - 1294 
McClelland , Ensign Bayi) Biogen Tiatienenc? in Mas- 
sachusetts, - - - - - 663 
McClenaghan, Thomas, ia warrel maker, - - 171 
McClintock, S., letter from, to William Whipple, - 734 
McConn, Hugh, sergeant, named for promotion, - 646 
McConnaughy, James, committed to jail, - - - 1312 
Liberated on giving security, - - - ~ - 1322 
McConnel, Andrew, two sons of, captured by Indians, 137 


McCormick, James, thirty-nine lashes to, for deser- 
on, - - - - - - - - - 


911 


1725 


McCoy, Eneas, elected Colonel by Congress, - - 
McCoy, Gilbert, reward merited by, - - - - 
Refuses to receive a reward, - - . - 
McCoy, James, employed in iariatag Tories, - - 
McCoy, Thomas, recommended for an Ensigncy, — - 
Receives the appointment, in Pennsylvania Batta- 
lion, - - 969, 
McCrea, Dr., appolated 1st Surebu of Arnold? s fleet, 
McCrellis, Lydia, ea dite of her deceased husband 
paid to, - - . < - - 
McCubbin, Z.., member of Baltimbre Committee, - 
McCullum, R., resignation of, - - - - - 
McDermott, William, prisoner-of-war, stig eit of, = 
Examination of, - - - - - - 


McDonald, Sergeant, dying exhortation of - -— 


McDonald, Lieutenant, (of Dayton’s Regiment.) sus- 
pected of embezzlement, - - - - - 
Cashiered by court-martial, - - - - - 
McDonald, Lieutenant Angus, prisoner, sent to Hart- 
ford, - - - - “ . 
McDonald, Mr. Albany Committee muvee restraint 
upon, - - - : : : A 
McDonald, Allan, gives parole to go to Reading, = - 
Congress order the release of, on parole, - - 
Is permitted to reside with his father, - - - 
McDonald, Alexander, liberated on parole, - - 
McDonald, John, report from, on a lead mine, - - 
Progress of, in opening the mine, - - - - 
Ordered to continue his explorations, - - - 
Report of Committee on papers presented by, - 
Ordered to make further explorations, - . - 
McDonald, Donald, Congress recognize as Brigadier- 
General, - - - - - - - ‘4 
Resolve to admit to parole, - - - - . 
Execution of the resolve respecting, suspended, - 
McDougall, Colonel Alexander— 
Court-Martial to meet near camp of, - - - 
Names of officers in the Regiment of - - 
Letter from, to Washington, - = = 3 
Promoted to be Brigadier-General, - - 
Promotion of, announced in general orders, - - 
Recommends Mr. Lawrence as Paymaster, - - 
Three officers of his Regiment killed by lightning, - 
The election of, in Congress as Brigadier, - . 
McElwain, James, made to give bond, - b - 
McEwing, Malcom, Lord Stirling’ s instructions to, - 
McFadon, Alexander, letter to, from Maryland Coun- 
cil of Safety, - - - - Z 4 
Advance made to, for linen FECT, - e . 
McFarlan, James, British deserter, examination of, - 
McGee, Alexander, committed to ‘prison, - - - 
Gives bond for good behaviour, - - : : 
McGill, Captain John, recommended for promotion, - 
Is appointed Major in Colonel Tyler’s Battalion, - 
McGowan, John, promise of a Lieutenancy to, - - 
McGregore, James, refuses a Majority,  - - c 
McGuire, Daniel, thirty-nine lashes to, for desertion, - 
McHenry, Dr., return of, from Philadelphia, - - 
Congress recommends, as a Hospital Surgeon, - 
McHugh, Matthew, British officers run off in debt to, 
Mcllvaine, William, thirty lashes to, for desertion, — - 
McIntosh, Colonel, report of Lee’s conference with, - 
Successful skirmish of, - - - c y i 
Retaliates on East- Florida, - - - a Z 
McKay, Captain, prisoner- -of- -war, makes his escape, - 
McKeach, Thomas, Gates is solicited to pardon, - 
McKean, Thomas, Chairman of Committee of Con- 
ferees, - - - - - - - - 
Letter to, from Dr. Cochran, - - 4 
Opinion of i in regard to appointment of Delevates: - 
McKeever, Henry, paid for a rifle sold to Col. Matlack, 
McKesson, John— 
Letter from, to Robert Benson, - : oy ae 
Secretary to the New-York Convention, - u 
Letter to, from Lieutenant-Colonel Gansevoort, - 
Letter to, from David Matthews, - - 
Chosen Secretary to New-York Convention, - - 
Appointed Register of High Court of Admiralty, - 
McKinstry, Captain, list of men of, taken at the Cedars, 
McKissack, Mr., chosen Ensign of Bucks Associators, 
McLane, Colonel, cepored on the march to St. John’s 
River, - - - - - 2 2 
McLellan, Alexander resolve on petition of, = - - 
MeMasters, the family of, Mr. Waldron dislikes to 
punish, - - - : : EC u 
McMichael, Lieutenant Edw ard, a scout, report from, 
Deserted to the enemy, - - 
Brings intelligence from Oswego, - - - - 


- 1030, 


- 985, 1033, 


INDEX. 1726 
1586 | McMurray, William, appointed Lieutenant in Captain 
956 Doyle’s Company, - - - - 1581 
969 | MeNiel, Malcom, permitted to cave North- Carolina, - 1375 
1380 McPherson, Captain, march of, to St. George’s, - 592 
956 McQuieston, Major William, asks leave to resign, - 70 
1126 Ni 
1129 | Nails, a supply of, sent to General Gates, - - - 623 
General Waterbury asks for deck, - - - eit! 958 
53 | Nancy, brig, run ashore to avoid the enemy, - 14 
115 Committee appointed to settle with owner for loss of 1292 
1124 | Nancy, sloop, release of, to the owners, - - - 74 
22 | Nancy, sloop, capture of, by the Atalanta, - - 382 
24 Attempt to run away with, - Sm ae 
439 Recapture of, by the privateer Schuyler, - - 943 
Nancy, ship, capture of, with invoice of cargo, - - 940 
511 Order for delivery of the arms, &c., on board, - 1287 
1032 | Nanjemoy, supposed ghiect of the enemy in the Poto- 
mack, - - - - 465, 518 
890 | Nama, Rees, appointed neon in ae Flying-Camp,- 349 
Nantasket, importance to Boston of maintaining, - 405 
1085 Commodore Hopkins captures a large ship in, Roads, 587 
1291 Inquiry about the fortifications at, - - - 908 
1569 | Narrative of the case of Captain Campbell, of New- 
1578 SOK Ji = - - - - . - - 419 
1291 Ebenezer Dayton’s, - - - - - - 1234 
1413 | Narrows, capture of four men at the, - - - 27 
1519 General Greene requests Washington to visit the, - 727 
1522 Several of the enemy’s ships enter the, - - - 785 
1526 Several of the enemy’s ships at anchor below, - 870 
1556 More than two hundred sail within the, - - 887 
Movements of the enemy in and out of, 963 
1627 Various reports from, - - - - 982, 1111, 1155 
1627 | Nassau Hall, illumination of, - - 173 
1627 | Nassau Island, situation and panes tree of, - - 538 
It is determined not to remove the stock from, - 538 
504 Troops ordered to be raised on, - - - - 539 
644 Appointment of officers for the Militia of, — - - 539 
1068 Difficulty of removing the stock from, - - - 557 
883 Colonel Smith is ordered to march the new levies to, 854 
914 Resolves of New-York Commitee of Safety concern- 
918 ing, - - - - - - - - 1424 
1112 Importance of protecting, - - - - - 1425 
1603 The enemy land on, - - - - - - 1532 
1079 General Woodhull directed to take post on, - - 1538 
414 Conference ordered with Washington on the state 
of, - - - - - - - - 1544 
690 Cannon are ered at east end of, - - - 1545 
1342 | Nathaniel and Elizabeth, wreck of the prize ship, - 647 
199 | Natobeobwit, Sebattis, an Eastern Indian chief, - §88 
635 | Naval Officer, Committee appointed to nominate a, in 
1341 New-Hampshire,_ - - - - - - 58 
113 | Naval Department, Gates reports all well in his, - 986 
1332 Dissatisfaction in the Pennsylvania, —- . - 1314 
1313 | Navy, state of the enemy’s reported by Lee, - - 632 
70 An order to procure salted provisions for the, - 634 
768 Difficulty of procuring articles necessary for the, - 793 
920 Instance of a false alarm from the, - - - 888 
1620 Great need of reform in the little, - - - - 927 
411 Order for delivery of sundries for, to N. Shaw, - 1108 
768 | Navy prizes, instructions of Marine Committee con- 
6 cerning, - - - - - - 784 
481 | Neal, Captain, muster- tol of Artillery aaa of, =. 783 
1076 Mortally wounded near Temawsey, ——- - 1148 
133 | Neale, Henry, appointed Lieutenant in Capt. Thema? s 
939 Company, : : - - - - - 1350 . 
Necessity, argument against power derived from,  - 202 
15 | Neely, Matthew, elected Second Lieutenant, - - 1494 
104 | Neff, Rudolph, appointed Captain in Flying-Camp, - 349 
1192 Negroes, inveigled by the enemy from Georgia, - 7 
1293 In Now Jersey arm themselves, - - - =« 9G 
A Regiment of eight hundred on Staten- Island, - 486 
201 Numerous dead bodies of, float ashore from Tie 
539 more’s fleet, - - - - - - - 518 
697 | Neilson, Robert, ’ permitted to export certain articles, 1357 
1085 | Nelly, frigate, a ptize-ship sent into Portsmouth, bigs 
1385 | Nelson, William, appointed Ensign of Lancaster Asso- 
1461 ciators, - - - - - = - 573 
167 | Nelson, Captain John, letter from, to President of 
171 Congress, - - - - - - 1129 
Nelson, Bloomer, eee fel to jail in Kingston, - 1556 
939 | Nero, the King of Great Britain called “a cruel and 
292 bloody,” . - - 813 
Nesbitt, Licdnabe? Colsiel, Caileten! s Seameioe of, 
1076 approved, - - - - - - - 1104 
816 | Netherland, Cadet, testimony of, in Ball’s case, - 9 
1050 | Neveau, Peter, proceedings of New-Hampshire As- 
1501 sembly, in case of, - - - - - Spr 3 | 


1727 


Nevill, John, appointed marco eat in the Flying- 


Camp, . - - - - - 1348 
Nevis, ship, Captain Coffin, capt of, - - - 1067 
Nevitt, Captain, one of the ‘conferees with Indians, - 36 

Reply of, to the talk of Kiashuta, - - - 37 
Newcastle, New-Hampshire, vote to build a bridge A 48 
Committee appointed to build a bridge at, - - 55 
Expenses of Committee paid, - - . - 69 
Joint Committee proposed on subject of, —- - 70 
Report of the Committee on state of,  - - ~ 12 
Tnlisted soldiers at, refuse to work, - - - 248 
Progress of fortress at, - : . - - - 517 
New-England, forces from, uneasy about small-pox, - 129 
Arrival of reinforcements from, = - * - - 347 
Desire of the, Militia to return home, - - - 546 
A large body of, Militia return home, = - - 728 
Intercourse between Machias and, interrupted, - 894 
New-Hampshire— 
Massachusetts promises a loan of cannon to, - - 310 
Application of, to General Ward for ammunition, - 515 
The Militia from, begin to reach Northern Army, - 797 
Colonel Whipple i is bearer of a sum of money to, - 893 
Massachusetts is unable to supply cannon to, - 990 
Massachusetts General Court send a committee to, - 1283 
Congress advance money for the use of, - - 1601 
New-Hampshire Assembly— 
Meeting of the, - - - - - =i “49 
Instructions of Portsmouth s their Representatives 
in, - - - - - - - - - 706 
Adjournment of, - - - - - - = 8ST 
New-Hampshire Convention— 
Governour Cooke to, - - - - - - 605 
New-Hampshire Legislative Council— 
Proceedings of, - - - - - - 47, 60 
A committee appointed by, to nominate a Commit- 
tee of Safety, - - - - - 58, 82 
Letter to, from Colonel Gale, - - - - 875 
New- Hampshire House of gaia chem 
Proceedings of, - - : - 59-87 
New- Hampshire Gonuiies of ae ul 
Persons composing, - - - . - - 85 
Letter from, to— 

Colonel Wyman, - = - - - = (212 

Captain Woodward, - - - - - - 212 

Selectmen of New-Market, - - - - 248 

Captain Eames, - - - - mulstenints 264 

Colonel Joshua Wingate,- = - - - 406 

Colonel Jacob Bayley, = - - - - - 427 

Benjamin Giles, - - - : - - 568 

Lieutenant John Gilman, - - - - - 609 

Messrs. Lovewell and others, - . - - 805 

Committee of War, in Massachusetts-Bay, - - 860 

Major George Gains, - - - - - 1101 

Selectmen of Charlestown, - - - - 1117 

Petition of the Selectmen of Portsmouth to, - - 212 
Proceedings of, - - - - - ai *) 12 479 
Petition of Warren to, - - - . - = Ol Y 
Letter to, from— ; 

Colonel Hurd, - - - - ary 480, 625, 748 

Tra Allen, - - E = 2 wield 7 

Colonel P. Gilman, - = 4 = - 248, 517 

Captain R. Parker, - = s - a - 65 

Colonel Jonathan Childs, - S - S - 341 

Colonel Bellows, — - - 4 - 4 <6 

Captain Barrow, - - “ = wit er. ASR 

H. Wentworth, = a F- -! - 461, 462 

Colonel Jonathan Moulton, - - = = 1147 

Colonel Jacob Bayley, = - “ : < - 1190 

Colonel T. Stickney, - ie IL - - 1205 

Dr. Brackett, - - 4 4 : - 1226 
New-Hampshire Grants— 

Attack of savages on, apprehended, — - - =) «29 
Proceedings of Committees in, - 4 = BP over 
Convention of the inhabitants of - - =e nDOO 
New-Haven, not considered a proper place for the dis- 
affected, - - - - - = a - 898 
Numerous excuses of the Militia at, —- - 938 
Powder voted to, by Connecticut Council of Satay 1005 
Enemy’s ships pass the harbour of, - - - 1205 
New-Jersey— 
Measures for the defence of, - - 14 
Militia, bodies of, stationed at Amboy and Bikzings 
Star, - - - - - - - 140 
Militia, number of, permitted to return home) - 140 
Militia are relieved by Pennsylvania troops, - - 470 
Completes her form of Government, — - - ~ ae 
A copy of the same sent to R. H. Lee, - - - 347 
Three Battalions required from, for Flying-Camp, - 495 


INDEX. 


1728 


New-Jersey— ‘ 
Errour in the return of troops in, - - w 1S es 
A letter from Washington to the, Associators, - 849 
A general return of Mercer’s forces in, - - 964, 1077 © 
False reports regarding number of troops in, - - 1229 
Represented in Congress by one Delegate, - - 1611 


New-Jersey Convention— 
Letters to, from the President of Congress, he 346, 440 


Ordinanee of, for punishing Traitors, - - 412 
Letter from, to Washington, - - - - - 556 
Action of, on the subject of refugees, - - 726 
Sundry resolves P= - - - 743, 885, 995 
To their Delegates i in Congress, - - - - 742 
A letter to, from Washington, - - - - 819 
Letter from, to the Board of War, - - - - 978 
Copy of De Hart’s examination sent to, - - 1446 
New-Jersey Provincial Congress— 
Resolve of, to support the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, - - - - = - - 369 
New-Light Baptist, evil tendency of the doctrine 
preached by a, - . . - - - - 1375 
New-London— 
Fresh provisions on the islands near, - - - 142 
Cannon left at, by Commodore Hopkins, — - - 144 
Erection of fortifications at, - - -  *e - 144 
A vote to purchase medicines for Regiment at, - 245 
Commodore Hopkins’s return of cannon left at, - 262 
Additional pay allowed to workmen at, - - - 3879 
Arrival of a cargo of ammunition, &c., at, - - 699 
Prisoners sent to the jail in, - - - - - 889 
Arrival of vessels from West-Indies at, - - - 1130 
An express sent from, to New-York Convention, - 1544 
New-Market, letter to Selectmen of, from New-Hamp- 
shire Committee of Safety, - - - - 248 
New-Purchase, great distress at, - - -. 610 
New- Rochelle, order for purchase of a Hote at, - 1518 
New-Town, three hundred cattle brought from, - 1548 
New-Utrecht, forty sail off the shore of, - - - 713 
The British forces march through, . - - 1212 
New-York— 


Delegates not empowered to vote for independence, 14 


Delegates prevented by an old instruction, - - i117 
Governour Tryon’s threat to burn the city, - - 121 
Principal operations of the enemy against, - 123, 142 


General return of the army at, - 331, 332, 639, '763 
Memorial from inhabitants of the eat of, to Wash- 


ington, - - - - - 335 
Importance of strenethiontats the army in, - - 367 
Independence read at the City Hall, in, . - 418 
Captains of row-galleys ordered from Newport to, - 475 
Return of officers in the First Beer of Foot, - 644 
Extracts of letters from, - - 647, 


751, 982, 1066, 1067, 1111, 1144, 1162, 1183, 
1184, 1194, 1214, 123 2, 1233, 1247, 1250 


Mayor of the city Bf ranined at Hartford, - - 731 
Sullivan’s account of the state of the army at, - 770 
Regiments from, scandalously deficient, - - 96 
Number of troops fit for service at, - . - 835 
Report that a battle has been fought near, - =) 872, 
Colonel Cooke’s Regiment ordered to, - - - 873 
Eighty sail of ships standing in towards, - - 908 
March of troops to, —- - - - - - 909 
Speedy attack on, by the enemy rumoured, - 950 
Strong indications of an attack on, - - 1110, 1497 
Bravery of the First Battalion of, - - - - 1184 
Scarcity and dearness of provisions in, - - - 1432 
Washington recommends removal of women, &c., 
from, - - - - - - 1520 
New-York Gotnnitise of Safety— 
Resolves of, - - - - 257, '728 
To inhabitants of City and Gblongs - - - 374 
Extract from the Minutes of, - - - - 1185 
New-York Congress— 
Resolves of, - - - - - - 202, 203 
Petition to, from the crew of the General Putnam, - 537 
Petition of Jonathan Purdy to, - - - @ 2ST 
Letter to, from William Goforth, - - - - 1390 
Alteration of the style and title of, - - - 1393 
Letter to, from John Jay, - - - - - 1412 
Letter to, from General J. M. Scott, = - - - 1412 
New-York Convention— 
Resolve to cooperate with Washington, - - 203 
Approve the Declaration of Independence, - - 205 
A pass issued for the members of, - - - 374 
Correspondence of, with Washington, - - - 392, 


446, 449, 538, 557, 852, 854, 917, 997, 
998, 999, 1028, 1196, 1230, 1560 
Resolve of, defining treason, - - 447 


1729 


New-York Convention— 


~ Resolves’ of, - - - 639, bane te 


Appeal to, from Captain Sahshuny, 
Appeal to, from Colonel sa as - - 
Proceedings of, - - 


Petition of Abel Noble Ae P. Townenna to, - 


Petition of George Harris to, - 


City Deputies to, fail to produce credentials, - 
Draught of a letter from, to their Delegates in Con- 


5 
Petition of William Sutton to, - - 


- 854, 


gress, = - - - 1425, 1431, 1483, 


Petition of Richard Cantillon and John Lana 


to, - - - - - - - 
Memorial of paper-makers to, - - 
Letter from Washington to a Committee of, 
Letter to Washington from a Committee of, 
Letter to, from— 
Colonel Reed, - “ 
President of Congress, 
Colonel! Parke, - 
Egbert Benson, - 
John Alsop, - - 
John Broome, - - 


INDEX. 1730 


1410 
713 
714 

1385 

1112 

1163 

1385 


1548 
1447 


1457 
1510 


255, 448 
392, 423 


374, 954 


Newfoundland, Commodore Hopkins ordered to de- 


stroy the British fisheries at, — - - - - 1106 
Newgate prison, petition in relation to, - - - 133 
Connecticut Council of Safety order a guard for,’ - 879 
Newkirk, John, elected Captain of New- York Militia, 1494 
Newland, Captain, discharged from arrest, - - 658 
Newman, Captain Wingate, prize sent in by, - 958, 990 
Arrival of, at Newburyport, - - - : - 990 
Account of engagement of, with a sloop-of-war, - 990 
Prize captured by, arrives at Newbury, - - - 1172 
Newport, Lord Howe sends Lieutenant Calcott to, 
with a flag, - - - - - - - 549 
Intelligence received from, - - . - 659, 888 
Newspaper, General Howe receives the first news of 
Independence from a, ___ - - - - - 121 
Newton, resolve relative to town of, - - . - 299 
Newton, Richard, letter from,to Massachusetts Council, 361 
Is released from prison, - ° - ‘ - 361 
Newton, William, prisoner, examination of, — - - 1069 
Niagara, state of the enemy’s garrison at, - . - 3895 
Three Oneidas sent to, for intelligence, - - =) SBT 
Nicholas, one of the Eastern Indians, a 838 


Nichols, Dr. ., member of New-Hampshire Peete te 9 64 


Colonel P. Van Cortlandt ae Zz. Platt, saat 544, 7129 Nichols, William, appointed Paymaster in Connecticut, 699 
Dutchess County Committee, - - - 472 Nichols, Samuel, inquiry of, about flints, - - ih BOF 
Richard Brueré, a prisoner, - - - 623, 1096 Reply of, to the inquiry, = - - - - - 942 
Colonel Isaac Nicoll, > - - ~ - 729 | Nicholson, B., member of Baltimore Committee, - 115 
William Bedlow,~ - - - - - - '730 | Nicholson, Captain James, letter from, to Maryland 
General Gates, - - - - - - 773 Council of Safety, - - a al ~— 408 
Colonel Philip Cortlandt, - - - - - 774 Letter to, from Maryland Council of Sale) - - 806 
Colonel Joseph Drake, - - - - - 790 Receives an order for cargo of the Molly, - - 941 
Ulster County Gomuttees - - - - 791 | Nicholson, George, petition of, = = a - 636 
John Berrien, - - - . - - - 824 Asks Congress for a military appointment, - - 636 
Daniel Goldsmith, - - - - - - 853 | Nicholson, Captain, ordered to Philadelphia, - - 634 
Colonel T. Thomas, - - . - - - §55 Letter to, from Maryland Council of Safety, - - 1155 
Colonel Hardenburgh, - - - - - 868 | Nicholson, J., letter to, from Joseph Earle, - - 738 
John Schenck, - - - - - - $871 Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 1117 
Governour Trumbull, - - - - - 888 | Nicholson, Galencl John, Schuyler psaposps to send, 
Albany Committee, - - - - - - 889 to the Mohawks, - . 4 7 - 95 
General J. M. Scott, - - - - 934, 953 List of officers in the Regiment oR = 4 - 919 
Samuel Loudon, - - - - * - 935 Is ordered to Tryon County, New-York, - - 1153 
Captain Smith, a prisoner, - - - - 936 Return of the Regiment commanded by, - - 1199 
Philip Livingston, - - - - - - 977 | Nicholson, James, Jun., member of Morland Council 
Major Nicholas Fish, - - - - 982 of Safety, - atioa4 
Cadwalader Colden, - - - - - - 1113, 1404 | Nicholson, John, posinied Tianeatant of the Paper. 
General Ten Broeck, - - . - - 1322 Washington, - - . ~ - 1617 
Westchester Committee, - - - - - 1145 | Nicoll, Isaac, letter from, to Nee ‘Eat Convention, - 729 
Colonel Samuel Drake, - - - - - 1145 Glinton sends to Petand at Haverstraw, - - 729 
Johannes Sleght, — - - - - - - 1146 Is ordered to Fort Washington, - - =A 129 
Robert G. Livingston, - - - - - 1182 Is appointed Colonel of New-York Militia, - - 1413 
General N. Woodhull, — - 1184, ha 1546, 1548 | Nicols, Robert L., letter from, to Maryland Council 
Colonel Josiah Smith, - - - 1911 of Safety, - - < “ E ~ - 554 
Comfort Sands, - - - - - - 1214 | Nicolson, Colonel, asks for a court of inquiry, - - 351 
Joseph Drake, - - - - - - - 1214 Schuyler promises to attend to the case of, - - 473 
John S. Hobart, - - - - - 1233, 1260 Washington declines advising a station for, - - 933 
Cornelius C. Roosevelt, - - - - - 1262 Regiment of, refuse to march without pay, - - 985 
The City Committee, - - - - - 1476 | Niger, rumoured orders to Captain Talbot of the, - 1063 
Joseph Trumbull, - - - - - «1511 Passes the harbour of New-Haven, - _ - 1205 
Henry Wilmot, - - - - - - 1512 | Niles, Captain Robert, instructions for, - - - 240 
Messrs. Cuyler and Gansevoort, - - - 1513 Affidavit of, - tte = hae - < - 402 
Their Secret Committee, - - - - - 1515 | Nine-Partners, insurrection of Tories at, - = - 360 
Thomas Grant, - - - - - - 1516 Report in relation to the lead mine at, - < - 1413 
Monmouth Committee, - - - - - 1534 | Ninety-Six, prisoners sent to the Jail of, - - - 407 
Cumberland Committee, - - - - - 1535 White Indians made prisoners at, - a . - 610 
General Clinton, - - - - - - 1558 | Nixon, Thomas, a deserter from the enemy, - an 403 
Letter from, to— Nixon, Colonel John— 
President of Congress, - - - 201, 205, 228 Return of officers in Regiment of, - - - - 644 
Colonel Hammond, - - - - - aw) 208 Promoted to be Brigadier, - be 7 - 883 
Colonel P. Van Cortlandt, - - - - 259 Promotion of, announced i in General Oniere. - 914 
Governour Trumbull, - - - - - 1196 Brigade of, assigned to General Greene, - ~ 915 
The City Committee, ae Hem whaney lye) 1480 Copies of Colonel Hand’s reports.tOoni=) i imtene*t bet 
Congress receive resolutions of, - - - 1577 Letter to, from Lord Stirling, P me é - 1111 
New-York Island, order for driving cattle Gua the in- Election of, in Congress as Brigadier, - - - 1603 
terior, - - - - - - - 1560 | Nixon, Lieutenant- Colonel John, commands a Guard 
Newbern, North- Carolina, Gontinentl forces stationed of Philadelphia, - ~ 1297 
in, - - - - - - - - - 1384 | Noa, William, appointed Prien in Flying-Camp, - 349 
Newbury, New-Hampshire, Committee Gis to Noble, Captain, list of Company of, made prisoners at 
order the affairs of, - - asad the Cedars, - - - 3 « “ - 168 
Copy of a letter fain Committee of, to Gani ata 797 | Noble and Townsend, petition from, - - * - 1112 
Arrival of prize-ships at, —- - - - - 1172 | Noble, Thaddeus, certificate relative to muskets BA Fie 
Newburyport, resolve eelaiiee to town of, - - - 297 by, - - - - ~ - - - - 1467 
Officers for the Companies at, - - - - 303 Allowance made to, for expenses on, - - 1468 
Mustermaster appointed for, - - - - 309 Contract with, for making muskets for New- Yorls - 1469, 
Arrival of prize vessels at, - - - 973, 990 1472 
Newell, Deacon TESTA tin supplied cu for camp- Nock, Nicholas, sentence of, by court-martial, - - 1269 
kettles, - - - - - - - 822 | Noel, Edward, Chairman of Dorchester Committee, - 686 
Letter to, from Masnehasatta Council, - - - 885 | Noel, Septimus, paid for bast hire by Maxed Counge 
Letter from, to Massachusetts Council, - - - 608 of Safety, - - a41338 
Firru Serres.—Vot. I. 109 


1731 


Non-Associators, resolve not to employ, - - - 181 
Names of, in Annapolis, published, — - - - 182 
Ordinance for disarming all, - - - - 534, 709 
All who refuse to enrol in the Guard considered as, 1321 

Noorstrant, Captain Daniel, a Lieutenant appointed for, 511 

Norfolk, proceedings of Committee of, - - - A407 

North, William, appointed Ensign in Flying-Camp, - 349 

Northampton, resolve of Pennsyly ania ey 

to defend, ~ - - a - 709 

Northborough, Massachusetts, procsauauee of Com- 

mittee of, - - - - - - - ~ 179 

North-Carolina— 
Sir Peter Parker’s fleet leaves, —- - - - 437 
Clinton proclaims rebellion in, - 437 
Letter from Council of Salety of, to the Gouna af 

Virginia, - - - 613 
Letter from Gen. Rutherhord to Getncil af Safety of, 613 
Currency of, counterfeited, - - - - - 633 
Council of Safety of, exonerate Mr. Edwards, - 735 
Prisoners from, permitted to write to friends, - - 1291 
Proceedings of Council of Safety of, — - - - 1363 
Rangers, taken into Continental service, - - 1596 


Congress order payment of drafts from Treasurer of, 1618 
Northern Army—see Army. 


Northfield, Selectmen of, to Massachusetts Council, 427 
North River, passage of, obstructed, - . - - 105 
Order for sinking hulks in, - - - - - 125 
Enemy’s ships pass the batteries on, - - = 223 
Captain Johnson ordered to superintend ferry, 256, 415 
Information given to the enemy in, - - - 580 
Infested by pirates, —- - - - - - 75h 
Chevaux-de-frise sunk in, - - - - - 887 
Enemy driven from, by the fire-ships, - - - 983 
Cannon recovered from the tender in, - - - 1082 
assage of the enemy up, big with consequences, - 1401 


Northumberland, Pennsylvania, Council of apron re- 
solve to defend, - 709 
Northumberland, Vir ginia, Maryland Cpuce of Batety 
to Committee of, — - - . - 941 
Norwalk, Connecticut, araesedined Gi Gomuneice of, 804, 957 
Norwell, Moses, appointed rae of a sea-coast 


Company, - - - - 3803 
Norwich, Washington desires order to be lodged at, nat 
Eastern troops ordered to embark at, for Northern 
Army, - : - - - - - - 194 
Ammunition sentto, - - - - - 210 
Prisoners sent to the Jail in y by Garnentient Council 
of Safety, - - ~ - 731 


Norwood, Edward, appointed Green in Flying. Camp, 1348 


Notary Publick, committee appointed to nominate, 58, 84 
Nottingham Company, the furnace of, blown up, . 364 
Nova-Scotia, inhabitants of, penton Massachusetts for 
protection, - - - - - - 703 
Good feeling of the people of for American cause, 664 
Enemy’s force in the Province of, - - - - 939 
Request for an American force to be sent against, - 1282 
Noyes, Josiah, to Massachusetts Council, - - - 568 


Noyes, Captain Joseph, eae muteniiateries Be 


Matrosses, - 277 
Number-Four, Gen. maiows prileredl by We way of, - 552 
Prevalence of small- -pox at, - - - 552 
Gates recommends a road from, to Fort ladeoustte 
ence, - - : - - - 717 
Names of aides idedlatse atjeritie - - 797 
Apprehended deficiency of supplies at, . - 891 
Gates’s ire at the inoculation at, - - - - 901 
Major Hawley to Gates on the subject of, — - - 958 
Villanous practice of the Doctor at, —- - - 1051 
New-Hampshire Council of Safety to Selectmen of, 1117 
Nurses, male and female, wanted at General Hospital, 647 
Nutten- Island, Washington declines advising expendi- 
ture of money for obstructions aty (Vi - - 1028 
Nyack, part of the enemy’s fleet Lea - - 337 
Sailing of the same from, - - - - 374 
Nye, Joseph, Jr., letter from, to Massackusatts Council, 587 
Letter to, from Massachusetts Council, - - 684 
Oakum, a call for, from Skenesborough, - - - 717 
Great want of, for the Lake fleet, - - - - 968 
Oar-Makers, arrival of, at Crown-Point, - - - 630 
Colonel Belding ordered to deliver tools to, - - 680 
False alarm made bythe, - - ~ 1275 
Oars, Arnold asks for one hundred ae fifty, - - 358 
A number of, sent to Gates from Crown-Point, 604, 630 
An order to cut, within sight of Crown-Point, 604, 630 
Not to be used for any other than their designed 
purpose, - - - - - - - 1125 
An order for the collection of - " m Pen tl gy | 


INDEX, 


1732 


Oath, form of, for an election in Delaware, - - 618 
To be taken by the infected with small-pox, - - 1128 
Prescribed for members of Delaware Convention, - 1174 
Taken by members of the shares ag Council of 

Safety, - - - - - - - 1299 
Taken a the judges in North-Carolina, - - 1363 
Taken by the printer of Bills of Credit, - - - 1505 

Obrian, Captain, information against, recanted, - - 567 
Difficulty i in managing the crew of, - - - 664 

Observation, order to fit out a vessel ‘of, - - - 307 
Maryland Council of Safety to Committee of, - - 364 

Occacock, prizes carried into, - - - - - 1382 
Armed brig General Washington ordered to, - - 1384 

Ochquaques, | complaint of the, ‘to Schuyler, - - 1031 

Ocnore Creek, Indians encamped at, - - - 749 

Odin, John, bearer of money Bem Congress to New- 

Hampshire, - - - - - - 53 
Payment made to for his services, - - - ees k 4 

Odiorne, Captain, prizes captured by, - - - 1280 

Oenousel, Indian camp at, deserted, - - - 941 

Officers, rights of British, serving in America, - - 123 
List of, who served in ‘Canada, -: 229 
Of Third Regiment of New- Yorkers Stat pepnio eds 230 
List of, in Dubois’s Regiment, = - - - 230 
Election of, in Queen’s County, New- Yank, - - 257 
British, confined in jail for breaking parole, - - 261 
Appointment of, for Gloucester, Massachusetts, - 271 
For the Matrosses at Falmouth, - - - - 274 
For a company at Martha’s Vineyard, &e., = - 295 
For the sea-coast men at Newburyport, - - 303 
Advance of pay to, destined for Canada, - $11,315 


Appointment of, in sai for the Nyiogs 
Camp, - - - 349 


Remarks on the behaviour of, at Heel Quaners - 502 
In the Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts foot, - 644 
In the First Regiment of New-York foot, - - 644 
In the Nineteenth Regiment Connecticut, (Webb’s,) 645 
Complaints of the remissness of certain, at New- 
York, - - - - - - 677 
List of, in Colonel Lesh s Revinent - - - 918 
List of, i in Colonel Van Schaick’s Regiment, - - 918 
List of, i in Colonels Nicheeant s and Wyncoop’ s Re- 
giments, - 919 
Roll of, in King tat Gicewe S Gutern Lietintonel 953 
On every duty, to be apportioned to number of men, 1127 
Certificate of the, in relation to Captain Brown, - 1219 
List of, taken prisoners on Long-Istland, - - 1250 
New-York Convention complain of Congress as- 
suming the right to nominate, - - 1395 
The Board of War ask for a list of, in NEE Xo - 1508 
Certain, to be taken from those who served in Ca- 
nada) - - - - - -. = 1565 
Ogden, Lewis, letter from, to John ore - - 121 


Ogden, Colonel Matthew, leter from, to Aaron Bye 603, 901 


Made President of a General Court- Martial, - - 1127 
Ogeechee River, vessels cut out of, by the enemy, - 719 
Ogleby, Lieutenant Edward, money ar to, by penta, 

land Council of Safety, - 1332 
Ogleby, Lieutenant John, money paid a by Mary- 

land Council of Safety, - 1332 
Ogleby, James, appointed Liettetane in the Fyne 

Camp, - - - - - - - - 1348 
Oglevie, Captain nity offers to march with his Com- 

pany, - - - 614 
Oguhaenjes, Indian name roe Bice, Goneetending at 

Niagara, - - - - - - - ~i0GG7 
Ojaghet, a Cayuga sachem, speech of, — - - - 1047 


Olcott, Colonel, one of the Newbury Committee, - 80 


Olcott, Rev. Mr. B., letter to, from General Gates, - 1073 
Letter from, to General Gates, = - - - - 1170 
Olcott, Peter, takes his seat in New-York Conven- 
tion, - - - - - - - - 1457 
Old corps, return of names of officers of the, ordered, 1271 
Oldham, Edward, Adee Lieutenant in the Flying- 
Camp, -) - - - 1348 
Oliver, Thomas, ee fom to Dend Phipps, - - 135 
Letter from, to Edward Winslow, - - - - 149 
Onaquagh Indians, Mr. Crosby missionary to, - - 903 
Oneidas, the only tribe willing to join the Americans, 697 
Kirkland’s letter from the, intercepted, - - - 867 
Three, sent to Oswego for intelligence, - - - 872 
Complaints of the, to General Schuyler, - - - 1031 
Speech of a sachem of, at German-Flats, - - 1039 
Onion River, Colonel Waite ordered to protect, - 177 
Governour Trumbull’s fears about, - - - - 190 
Colone! Hurd reports a change of command at, - 625 
A set of sad dogs settled at, - - - - 798 
Lodowick Potter and family carried off om - 803 


1733 


Onslow, Nova-Scotia, petition from, to Massachusetts 
Council, - - - - - 
Ontario, no prospect of galleys being built on, - - 
Order by Congress for construction of galleys on, - 
Ontrane, Mattahu, one of the Eastern Indians, - - 
Onwasgwinghte, speech of, at German-Flats,  - . 
Opp, Captain Valentine, ordered to New-Jersey, - 
Orange County Committee, letter from Washington 
toh . 7 J 7 - - : 
Proceedings of, - ~ - - - - - 
Deputies from, in New-York Convention, — - - 
Troops from, desire their discharge, —- - - 
Orcut, Jacob, thirty-six stripes to, for counterfeiting, - 
Order from New-Hampshire Council of Safety to Lieu- 


tenant Gilman, - - - - - - 

- General Heath’s last Brigade, - - - - 

Orderly Books, daily inspection of, required, -+  - 
Companies furnished with, at epee: 

Office, - - - - - - - 


Orderly Sergeants, each brigade to ad one, daily to 


Head- Quarters, - = “ - % - 
Ordered to bring their dinners with them, = - - 

Orders, New-Hampshire Ai idle a committee to give 
out inlisting, - - as # < = 


Form of, for Mustermasters in New-Hampshire,_ - 
Gates’s, on the management of the Lake fleet, - 
In Council, at the Court of St. James, - - - 
Mercer’s, relieving the Philadelphia Associators, - 
Officers to see all, properly executed, - - - 
Washington’s, to General Putnam, - ~ - 
See General Orders. 
Ordinance of Pennsylvania Convention relative to 


Non-Associators, - - - - - - 
Of Pennsylvania Convention to prevent counterfeits 
of bills of credit, - - - - - - 
Proposed, relating to treason, - - - - 


Ordnance, return of, at Ticonderoga, - - - 
Mortification of the King at the loss of his, at Boston, 


Return of brass and iron, taken by the enemy, — - 
Ordnance Stores, return of, at Boston, = - - - 
Arnold’s return of, to General Schuyler, - - 


Orford, aera tall ammunition voted to town 


of, 
Orndorf, Christopher, appointed Tipe ebeencn ob in Flying 


Camp, - - - - 
Osborn, Captain, Eay £0; font Galena Drake, ° 
Osborn, Dr., recommended for a Surgeoncy, - - 
Appointed Surgeon to Colonel Swartwout’s ae 
ment, = - 
Osborn, George Te appointed Captain of Marines i) 

Congress, - 


Osgood, Captain, list of prisoners eieated a - - 
List of his Company, taken at the Cedars, - - 
Petition of, and others, to General Gates, - 

Osnaburghs, two pieces of, lent to Captain Darnes, - 
Order for delivery of, to General Moore, - - 

Oswegatchie, arrival of the Ministerial troops at, - 
General Schuyler sends a scout to, - - 
Enemy from, meditate attacking Fort onwist - 

Oswego, Schuyler regrets there is no fort at, - - 
Schuyler expresses his intention to take posses- 


sion of, - - - A 2 
The enemy manifest a ae to Gch hold of, - - 
A scout sent to, by Schuyler, - - e é 


Lieutenant MeMichael brings intelligence from, - 
Congress order the erection of a fort at, - - 
Otis, Joseph, remarks of, on the proceedings at Barn- 
stable, - - - - - - - - 
Otis, James, resolve to pay interest on notes due to, - 
Otter, sloop-of-war, driven from Gwin’s Island, - 
Otter Creek, Gates recommends a bridge over, - - 
Oughquagys, one of the Six Nations, - a 4 
Peter’s speech in behalf of the, = - - ws a 
Outwater, Thomas, member of New-York Convention, 
Overhill Cherokees, Lee’s advice to make an example 


of, - - - : - - - - - 
Preparing to make war on Virginia frontiers, - 
Lee advises that Riflemen be sent against, - - 


North-Carolina forces to act with Virginia against, 


Towns, twelve hundred men ordered to march 
against, - - - - - - < 2, 
Owen, John, clerk of Symsbury Committee, - - 
Owens, a soldier, killed at Perth-Amboy, - a - 


Owings, John C., declines acting as Collector, - 
Owings, Richard, summoned before Baltimore Com- 
mittee, - - - - - - ° - 
Oxford, Maryland, exposed situation of, - - : 
Oyster-Bay, letter to Committee of, - - : - 


INDEX, 


733 
472 
1574 
838 
1046 
1320 


336 
648 
1386 
1522 
347 


609 
922 
502 


505 


502 
676 


58 
70 
826 
1088 


1734 


Pp. 

Paca, Aquila, appointed Captain, - - - 1348 

Paca, William, one of the Maryland Delegates in ous 
gress, - - - - - - - 492 
Packer, John, coselvs to pay the roll of, - - - 300 

Packwood, Captain, arrival of, at New-London with 
arms, - - 699 
Page, Sam. <j Bppointed MelarNews Tian pehire Militia, 57, 83 
Page, John, letter from, to General Lee, - - - 21 3 
Is President of the Virginia Council of Safety, - 4383 
Letter from, to the Maryland Council of Safety, - 250 


Letter from, to the President of Congress, 465, 611, 736 


Letter to, from Colonel Stephens, - - - §92 
Page, William, letter from, to General Gates, - - a at 
Paine, Samuel, appointed Captain by town meeting 30 

Volunteers 0 go on a scout, - - - - 2263 
Painter, Elisha, appointed Major, - - - - 1565 
Painter, Gamaliel, appointed Lieutenant, - - - 1565 
Palfrey, William, Congress assigns the rank of Lieu- 

tenant-Colonel to, - - - - - 156, 1570 

Collects drafts on Murray & Sanson, - - - 696 
Pallas, Clinton’s proclamation dated on board, - - 437 
Palmer, Joseph, letter from, to James Bowdoin, . - 516 

Letter from, to Richard Devens, - - - - 585 

Letter from, to Benjamin Lincoln, . - - 701 
Palmes, Richard, supeied pena of peed by 

Congress, - - 1589 
Palmetto, the tree haene les - - - - =°6905 
Pamphlets, on the American question, sent to Mr. 

Dumas, - - - - - - =e 929 
Paper, purchase of, in ere ee ae a Bills of 

Credit, - - - - - 83 

Quantity of, required a Generals Heath and Greene, 578 

Asked for at Hull, Massachusetts, - - - 9d85 

Twelve quires a month allow ed to each Regiment, - 678 


Ready money given for whited brown and “white, - 1126 
Paper-makers excused from going with Associators to 


New-Jersey, - - - - - - 1314 
Congress exempt from hiatps - - - 1585 
Paper money, ordinance to prevent ecuneeteats of, - 710 
Pardons, Morris’s letter on the subject of, - - - 467 
Dr. Franklin to Lord Howe on his offer of, - - 482 
Parke, Andrew, Lieutenant in the King’s Eighth, - 163 
Parke, Colonel, letter from, to New- York Convention, 335 
Application of, for leave of absence, - - - 601 
Parker, Captain John, his soldiers complain of, - 48 
Payment made of retarded wages to Fhe of, 52, 72 
Resolve to pay the roll of, - - - - 300 
Parker, Joseph, ae oan New- “Hampshire 
Militia, - - 50 
Parker, Benjamin, eheren emis of News Ham penite 
Council of Safety, - - - - - - 85 
Parker, Admiral Sir Peter, notice of, - . - 95 
Circumstantial account of the proceedings of, _ - 436 
Narrow escape of, . - - 2 2 - 439 
Lee’s account of the fleet under, - - - - 612 
Withdrawal of, from Charleston, - - = '720 
Rumour of the death of, in Philadelphia - - 742 
Arrival of, at NewYork, - 949 


Parker, Edward, letters to, from Marylandi Contd " 


Safety, - - - - - 153, 782, 975, 1117 
Parker, Capt. Peter, letter to, from Marine Committee, 156 
Parker, Timothy, appointed Lieutenant of a Colony 

ship, - - - - - - - - 244 

Declines the appointment, - - - - - 425 
Parker, James, found among pirates in Virginia, - 429 
Parker, Captain Robert, letter from, to New- veel 

shire Council of Safety, - - 265 


Parker, Captain of the British fleet, Sapplies farnhed 
to, from the Westchester shore, - on FQ9 


Parker, Stephen, letter from, to Jonathan Tacit - 893 
Parker, John, Lieutenant-Colonel of a Regiment of 
Artificers, - - - - - 3 - G5 
Parkinson, John, petition of R. Cantillon and - - 1407 
Parks, John, prizemaster of ship Friendship, - Se LS] 
Parliament, dissolution of the English and Irish, - 709 
Parmenter, Jonathan, ee oe Massachusetts 
Militia, - - - - a - 280 
Parnham, Captain, march of, fo St. Gorse g54 0 - §92 
Parole, grant of, to John Simpson, - - = «i »Q83 
Sundry prisoners give, - . ~ i - 24, 25, 45 
Major Meigs returns from Quebeck on, - - 583 
Inquiry into the breach of, by British officers, - 596 
Order touching the secrecy of countersign and, - 679 
A number of officers at Lancaster sign, - - %83 
Of suspected persons taken, - - - : - 989 
List of officers and their servants who have signed, 783 
Major French misinterprets his, - - > « 823 


1735 INDEX. 1736 
Parole, form of, required for certain Tory prisoners, - 1008 | Payne, Benjamin, letter from, to James oe - 133 
Given by American prisoners to Carleton, - - 1168 Letter to, from George Pitkiat - - - 1051 
New-York Convention declare the, of certain per- Payne, John, appointed Major Manesblaitetts Militia, 292 
sons void, - - - - - - 1502, 1506 | Payne, Captain Brinton, return of, from a scout, - 748 
Parrat, Austin, discharge of, on security, - - - 1378 Examination of, in the case of Woolsey, - - 1559 
Parry, Caleb, Lieutenant-Colonel Pennsylvania Mus- Payne, James W., letter from, to General Heath, - 1238 
keteers, - - - - - - - 186 | Peabody, Stephen, appointed atayor New- “Hampshire 
Mortally vis aa on ees lahend, - - - 1183 Militia, - - - 50 
Death of, - - - 1184 | Peace, General awe’ s opinion of the ee pee of, - 106 
Parsons, Colonel S. ce x promoted to iaeation, - 883, 1603 Franklin’s comments on, to Lord Howe, - - 483 
Promotion of, announced in general orders, - - 914 Lord Drummond’s pretended desire to make pro- 
Brigade of, assigned to General Spencer, | - - 915 posals of, - ss t e - . - 1026 
Missing after fe battle on Long-Island, - - 1195 Reported proposition of, contradicted, - - - 1139 
Partisan corps, proposition ofa, —- - - - 224 | Peace and Plenty, sloop, one of Dunmore’s fleet, - 152 
Paschall, Col. Jonathan, order to muster Battalion of, 13813 | Peal, John, Boatswain of the Ranger, court ordered on, 1301 
Pass, copy of, for aerate a6 of New-York Convention, 3874 Pearis, , house of, a rendezvous for enemies, - 407 
No person over fourteen to cross New-Jersey ferries Persee, Lieutenant, resignation of, - - - - 1399 
without, - - - : - - - 772 | Pearsly, Lieutenant Robert, appointed Wagonmaster- 
Necessary i in Pennsylvania for every traveller, - (87 General, - - - » : . - 1126 
Necessary for every one connected with the army,- 885 | Peas, General Me arty, vende a few, to General 
Mr. Atlee’s, for Sergeant Sutherland, a prisoner, - 1094 Guess: - “ a . . - 679, 730 
Passaick, necessity of ‘keeping ferries open over the,- 742 Thanks of Genin Gates for a present of, = - 698 
Passamaquoddy Indians, inquiry as to feelings of the, 846 | Peck, Dr. Charles, cele as Surgeon by Colonel 
Passes, persons appointed to grant, - - - - 226 Gooke, - - 1121 
Refusal to act, of those named to grant, - - 256 | Peek, William, appointed Bawada Major to General 
New-York Convention appoint Committee to grant, 504 Spencer, - - : - 678 
Brigadiers to grant to their respective Brigades: - 504 Appointed Aid-de- Gath to General Spenser - 966 
No inferior officers at liberty to grant, - - 506 | Peek, Major, to serve as Brigade ese to General 
Lieutenant Blodget appointed to sign, for oneal Parsons, - - - 915 
Greene, - - - - - - - 577 | Peekskill, letter orn Galonal Van Cortlandt at, - 422 
New-York pusetitn grant, to none but their own Several thousand American troops at, - - - 546 
members and officers, - - - 1475 A party of the enemy land at, - 4 b - 559 
By the President of the Near Contain) Schuyler requests boards to be sent to, - - - 1221 
authentick,  - < - - - - - 912 An attack expected at, - < “ < - 1404 
Required fon travellers through Middlesex, - - 1088 Order for removal of stores from, - - - - 1405 
Passport, Mr. Wolstenholme receives a, from Maryland Peggy, ship, a prize sent into Marblehead, - - 661 
Council of Safety, - - - - - - 621 Deposition of the master of, - e - 836 
Paterson, William, Secretary to Provincial sibaaaeee Peirce, Major Isaac, Aid-de- Camp to Gates, - - 681 
of New-Jersey, . - - - - 172, 369 ape of, - - - 828 
Chosen Secretary to the New-Jersey Convention, - 744 | Pelissier, Monsieur Ghvistep tied letter Ron to the 
Patrick, Paul, appointed a Ranger in North-Carolina, 1369 President of Congress, - “ : ’ - A466 
Patriotism, the pure flame of, rare, - - - - 1025 Losses sustained by, for joining the cause of inde- 
Beautiful definition of, - . ~ - - - 1059 pendence, : - - - - ~ AGT 
Patten, Matthew, member of the New-Hampshire As- Asks for an advance of pay, - é. “ " - 25 
sembly, - — - i, Fas gti Go eee TEE Oe Congress appoint him Engineer, with the rank of 
Chosen a member of the Committee of Safety, - 85 Lieutenant-Colonel, - - 5 x a - 1593 
Patterson, William, and family, disposal of, - - — 22 Congress grant him an advance of pay, - - 1597 
Patterson, William, elected Lieutenant volunteers, - 121 | Pell, Dr. Salua, appointed Surgeon, - " = L329 
Appointed Captain i in Flying-Camp, - - - 188 Pell, Captain, appointed Brigade-Major to Westches- 
Patterson, Colonel, list of his Regiment taken at the ter Militia, - : = 1517 
Cedars, - - - . - - - - 167 | Pellenger, Frederick, erecies of a leier fein - - 817 
Reed’s Brigade assigned to, temporarily, —- - 1125 Pelletreau, Elias, chosen leader of an Independent 
Patterson, Adjutant-General, bearer of flag from Howe, 472 Company, 5 ‘ fi i f sila SBS 
Substance of interview with Washington, -  - 500 | Pelton, Adjutant Benjamin, named for promotion, - 646 
Politeness of, towards the American General, - 501 |. Pelton, Daniel, appointed Lieutenant of Capt. Riker’s 
Patterson, John, appointed Ensign, - - . - 1348 Company, : a : : e ¥ - 1427 
Patterson, Lieutenant William A., appointed Assistant Pendleton, Edmund, President of Virginia Convention, 9 
Engineer by Gates, - - - 801 Receives a letter from General C. Lee, - - - 95 
Patton, Matthew, letter ‘from, to Maryland Corea of Copy of Lee’s letter to, as President of Convention, 612 
Safety, - - - - = = = 384 | Pendleton, Sylvanus, Captain of brig King Taminy, - 1382 
Patuxent, Captain Mantz ordered to leave his baggage Ordered on a cruise of six weeks, - - - 1383 
at the mouth of, - ~ - - 1351 | Penet, Monsieur, Mr. Deane’s embarrassment with, - 1011 
Paulding, William, appointed Corea aaee of Militia, 1496 | Penhallow, Samuel, complaint of, against Col.Gilman, 54 
Draught of a letter from New-York Convention to, 1496 Report of a committee on the complaint of, - 58, 78 
Paulus-Hook, letter to Pane of, from John Is appointed a Judge in New-Hampshire,_ - 58, 85 
Coe, - . - 258 | Penhallow, John, Town Clerk of Portsmouth, N.H.,- 706 
Pawling, Henry, cpapinied Gepeain in lying s@aukps: 349 | Penniman, Peter, letter from, to Massachusetts Coun- 
Pawling, Levi, appointed Colonel New-York Militia, - 1413 cil, - - « - 1087 
Pawling, William, letter to, from Robert Yates, - 511 Letter to, fom Mastachauetts Goute?: - ~$116 
Pay, allowance of, to members of New-Hampshire Penn’s Creek: flint quarries discovered on, - - §33 
Assembly, - - - - - 53 Pennsylvania— 
Allowance of, to ag Ais of Committee of Safety, 86 Measures for the defence of, - “ < of) 14 
Of officers in Massachusetts regulated, - - - 280 The troops of, are ordered to Amboy, - - - 3833 
Advance of, to those destined for Canada, - . 311,315 The spirit of liberty reigns in, - - - - §32 
Increase of, to inferior officers, - + - - 677 Return of the, forces serving in New-Jersey, - 557 
Pay Abstracts, order for carefully preparing, - 503, 504 Instructions of, to her Delegates, - - - - 594 
Paymaster, R. Chambers recommended as, . - 172 Number of troops from, in New-Jersey, - - 599 
Washington advises a, to each Regiment, - - 174 Difficulty of preventing desertions from, Militia, - 750 
No officer holding inotion commission can be, = 1137 Militia clamorous to return home, - = -° 762 
Paymaster-General, a large sum remitted to the, - 786 Washington addresses the Associators of,  - - 849 
Order requiring weekly returns from the, —- - 1597 Washington expresses his confidence in the troops of, 850 
Paymasters, discussion relating to, in New- -Hampshire Numerous desertions from the troops of, in New- 
Assembly, - - - > - . - Q1 Jersey, - - - - - - 895 
The appointment of, recommended, - - - 80 Bravery of the, Baithiidrs on gree Island, - - 1184 
Advances made to, - - ~ - . - 83 Names of, officers taken prisoners, - - - 1250 
Washington is authorized to appoint, - - - 914 New delegates from, to Congress, - - - 1586 
Inquiry as to the manner of appointing, - - 1343 | Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, correspondence 


Pay-Roll of officers for the edler Lady Washington, - 1263 


of, with the President of Congress, 


12, 327, 495, 690 


1737 


Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, sabe ait of, 


with General Washington, - - 124, 186 
Proceedings of, - - - - 349, 962, 1180, 1287 
Letter to, from General Roberdeau, - - - 674 
Letter from, to the Pennsylvania Associators, = 1229 


Congress send an order to, pr one hundred thou- 


sand dollars, - - - 1290 
Directed to lay their accounts before Lee 
Convention, - - - - - . - 1298 
Letter from, to Delegates in Congress, - - - 1308 
Congress advances money to, - - - - 1618 
Pennsylvania Convention, letter to, from the Presi- 
dent of Congress, - - - . - 387, 409 
Proceedings, of, - - - - - 709, 864, 884 
Rex sulations of, ‘for the sale of salt, - - - 946 
Ordinance proposed by, relating to treason, - - 1210 
Pennsylvania Farmer, brig, ordered on a cruise, - 1382 
Reported not ready for sea, - - - - - 1383 
Pennsylvanians, some of the, refuse to march, - - 1194 
Penobscot Indians, inquiry concerning the, —- - 460 
Proposition to engage the, in the United States ser- 
vice, - - - - - - - 585 
Fletcher’s report of his mission to the, - -" = 990 
Pensacola, extract of a letter from, - - - - 706 
Pension, grant of, by Congress in certain cases, - 1619 
Pepin, Andrew, Congress be the rank of Lieute- 
nant to, - - - - - - 1605 
Percy, General, one of the British commanders, - 27 
Perkins, Captain, letter to, from ER eae Council of 
Safety, - - - ~ 492 
Letter from, to Maryland Goiatieal of Satetyall - 1174 
Appointed a Captain in the Flying-Camp,_ - - 1346 


Perley, Asa, agent for the Sunbury Committee, Nova- 
Scotia, - - - - - - - 291, 704 


A supply of ammunition is voted to, - - - 291 
Perley, Isaac, Clerk to the Maugerville meeting, - 706 
Perry, Rufus, “ieutenent of the Green Mountain Boys, 377 
Perry, Edward, release of, from confinement, - - 297 
Perry, William, recommended to eet fora Council of 

Safety, - - - 831, 893 

Is appointed Quarrarmaster f Maryluiil Militia, - 1352 
Perry, Rev. Mr., recommended for a Chaplaincy, - 970 
Person, Brigadier-General, member of North-Carolina 

Council, - . - > - . - 1365 
Perth- Amboy, return of frees at, - - - 557,963 

Extract of a letter from the camp at, - - - 1079 

See, also, Amboy. 

Pest- House, provision made for small-pox at the, - 360 
Petards, Monsieur pe furnishes, to the American 

army, - . - - - - - 467 
Peter, schooner, eipnies of, by Captain Wickes, - 249 
Peter, one of the negroes imprisoned at Lancaster, - 673 


Peter, chief warriour r of the Oneidas, speech of, 1045, 1048 
Peters, Captain, brings Major Rogers to Philadelphia, 1 


The War Office requires the services of, - - 116 
Command of the guard transferred from, to Colonel 
Nixon, - - - - - - - - 1297 
Congress requests that he be not ordered away, - 1568 
Peters, ‘Richard, Jun., Secretary to the Board of War, 33, 34 
Letter to, ein Fickiscal Roberdeau, - - - 349 
Order of ‘the Board of War issued by, - - 532, 833 
Sundry letters to, - - - - - 533, 535 
Letter to, from General TaEy - 719 
Letter from, to the Maryland Counbil oe Safaty, - 784 
Letter to, from Mease and Caldwell, - - - 931 
Letter to, from the Baron de Calbiac, - - - 934 
Letter to, from Clement Biddle, - ~ - - 945 
Letter to, from William Cox, - - - - 961 
Letter to, from John Avery, - - - - - 1130 
Peters, Jethro, Clerk to Northborough Committee, - 179 
Petersham, Convention of Committees at, - - 245 
Proceedings at, in relation to Tories, - - - 240 
Petition of— 
Inhabitants of Truro to Massachusetts, - - - 146 
Benjamin Flower to Congress, = - - - - 156 
Isaac Melchior to Congress, - - ~ - - 156 
Joseph Blanchard and others, prisoners, - - 175 
Francis Mentges, for an appointment, - - - 186 
Selectmen of Portsmouth to New- EE ea Com- 
mittee of Safety, = - . - 212 
Basil Clarkson to Maryland Goins of Safety. - 218 
Colonel Bedel’s officers to General Gates, - 398 


The inhabitants of Shelburne to General Gates, 455, 803 


Levi Allen to Congress, in behalf of Colonel Allen, 498 

Town of Warren to aeons Sc agape Committee of 
Safety, - - - - - 517 

Jonathan Roland and ethers to stéenctstas Com- 
mittee, - - - - - - - - 535 


INDEX. 


Petition of— 


Brookfield Committee to Massachusetts Council, - 551 
George Nicholson to Congress, - - - - 636 
Captain Aldridge, sent to Congress, — - . - 676 
Colonel Bedel’s officers, for leave to resign, - - 681 
Sundry parishes in Georgia to General Lee, - - 685 
Captain Young, to be informed of his sentence, - 698 
Inhabitants on St. John’s, Nova Scotia, to Massa- 
chusetts Assembly, - : - . “ = OS 
Mary Giddins to Congress, - - - - = “76GB 
George Measam to Congress, - . - 725, 1157 
John Andrews to New-York Convention, — - - 854 
Major Meigs and others, prisoners, to Congress, - 962 
The officers of the two Old Vi irginia Regiments, - 1093 
Cadwalader Colden to New-York Convention, - 1097 
Abel Noble and Peter Townsend to New- York 
Convention, - - - - 1112 
George Harris to New-York Convention, - - 1168 
Commodore Wynkoop to Congress, - “ - 1185 
Jean Laugeay to Congress, - - ‘ > - 1191 
Paul Fooks to Congress, - - 4 3 - 1192 
Daniel Ilsley to Massachusetts Council, - - 1207 
Captain John Brown to Congress, - £ - 1219 
Colonel Morris Graham to General George Clinton, 1263 
Jonathan Purdy to the New-York Congress, - - 1237 
William Sutton to the New-York Convention, - 1447 
R. Cantillon and J. Parkinson to the New-York 
Convention, - - - - - - - 1457 
Captain Jacobus Root to New-York Convention, - 1499 
Andrew Bostwick to the New-York Convention, - 1530 
Charles Shaw to the New-York Convention, - - 1540 
Petitioners, shoals of, in London, from America, - 149 
Petrie, John, letter to, from John Glen, - 2 SETIO 
Pettibone, Colonel Jonathan, Chairman of Symsbury 
Committee, - - - - - - - 458 
Letter from, to Governour Trumbull, = - E; - 1085 
Pettit, Charles, extract of a letter to, i 2 352 
Pettit, Thomas, account of, disallowed by New- York 
Cénvention, - - - - - - - 1509 
Phelps, James, order to supply powder to, - - 549 
Philadelphia— 
Troops for the Flying-Camp ordered to, - 4 
Extracts of letters from, - . 708, 7Al, 1077 1243 
Regulations for the sale of salt in, - - 946 
Establishment of a post from, to Ticonderoga, Kener 
for, - - - - 1124 
Declaration of Tideen dente érderad * be read at, 1289 
Congress order five tons of powder to, - - - 1610 
Prisoners carried to, by a party of Light-Horse, - 1616 
Philadelphia Committee— 
Appoint officers for the pap seit - - - 349 
Resolves of, - - - - 467, 787 
Appointment of the, by “ite Ganiventiaits - - 532 
Name persons to distribute money to the poor, - [771 
Proceedings of, - - - - - - 1061, 1119 
Letter to, from the New-York Convention, - - 1455 
Philbrick, Major Samuel, appointed Mustermaster and 
Paymaster, = - - - - - - 57, 83 
Phillips, Peter, acomplaint about appointment of, - 177 
Phillips, Nathan, resolve on the petition of, - - 320 
Phillips, Colonel, sent to Lebanon as disaffected, - 981 
Phillips, Major-General, orders to Carleton relating to, 1104 
Phillips, John, appointed Captain of Maryland Militia, 1855 
Phinney, Colonel, Regiment of, marches to Ticon- 
deroga, - - - - - - 4 - 126 
Letter from, to General Gates, = - - 2 - 1204 
Phips, David, letter to, from Thomas Oliver, — - 135 
Appointed Lieutenant of the peer Trumbull, by 
Congress, - - - 1617 
Phenix, eval of the Britieh ship! ottvar< = = ey 
Passage of, up the North River, - - 2 ge? | 
Reported aground in Haverstraw-Bay, - - 446, 1409 
Men wounded on board the, - - - - 452 
Engagement of the galleys wit - - u sf275I 
Damage reported to be suistdindd by, - - - 1064 
Pickaxes, a supply of, sent to Gates, - - 623, 773 
Pickering, John, ee ie) paid for drawing 
bills, - - - - 53, 715 
Is appointed Notary Publick, - - - 58, 84 
Pickering, Ephraim, cited before New-Hampshire 
Assembly, - -y- - - - - 70 
A committee appointed to inquire into objections 
against, - - - - - - - - 
Pickering, Col. Timothy, Companies at Salem under,- 323 
Letter from, to Richard Derby, — - - - - 426 
Letter from, to Massachusetts Council, - « a 278 
Pickering, Timo‘hy, Judge of Maritime Court, - - 664 
Pickering, Lieut., captures an enemy’s brig aground,- 440 


/ 


1739 


INDEX. 


Piercy, Lord, British Commander, ashore, - a TOY 
Piermont, ammunition voted to town of, - - - 80 
Pierson, Moses, and others, petition of, - - 455, 803 
Pig-Iron, an order for forty tons of, - - - - 731 
Aaron Hobart asks for, - - - - - 748 
Pigot, General, one of the British commanders, - = ae 
Pikes, Colonel Bull ordered to Procure sixty for his 
Battalion, - - - - - - 1299 
Pillaging, some of New-Jersey Revit engaged in, 1125 
Pilling, Jonathan, petition of, to Lancaster Committee, 761 
Pilots, disappearance of sundry, - - - - 1443 
Pinto, the pensioner of the Court of St. James, - - 929 
Pipe, Captain, a Delaware chief, a conference with, - 3 
Piper, Colonel, General Mercer proposes to send to 
Staten- Island, : - - - - 370 
Reported missing pies the battle on Long-Island, - 1212 
Pirates, a vessel driven on shore with eighteen on 
board, - - - - - - - - 429 
Captains Parker and Wallace two notorious, - - 751 
Publickly countenanced in England, - - - 1615 
Piscataway, Maryand Council of Safety send powder na 
to, - > = = = = 
Piscataway eidine Oiioced s plan for embarking at,- 443 
Pitkin, Colonel William, letter from, to Goyernour 
Tratabull, - - ote - - ed £O 
Fears the destruction of his powder-mill, - - 245 
Order on, to sell powder to James Phelps, - - 549 
Sundry orders upon, by the Connecticut Council of 
Safety, - - - - - - - - 1100 
Pitkin, Colonel George, asks leave to retire, = - - 970 
Letter from, to Benjamin Payne, - - . - 1051 
Pitts, John, charged with kidnapping, - - - 1371 
James Sweeny is charged with assaulting and rob- 
bing, - - - - - - - 1374 
Pittsburgh, Congress asenans to take possession of 
the Fort At wit - - - - - - 1575 
Pittsfield, Massachunetrs proceedings of Committee,- 733 
Pittsylvania, Virginia, proceedings of Committee, - 489 
Place, objections made to the tenure of more than one, 706 
‘Plain Truth,’”’ address of, to Massachusetts Justices, 211 
Plan, Mercer’s, for attacking Staten-Island, - - 443 
Plank, Maryland Council of | Safety order a guantty of, 1335 
Plat, Lieutenant, resignation of, - - 1399 
Plater, George, letter to, from Captain J. ne There - 634 
Qualifies as a member of the Maryland Council of 
Safety,  - - - - . - - - 1336 
Expenses of, to Somerset paid, - - 1338 
Platt, Richard, appointed Brandes Major to McDou- 
gall’s Brigade, - - - 915 
Platt, Zephaniah, letter from, rs Sih -York epi 
tion, - - - - 422, 544, 729 
Is appointed Goritieci? of New: York Militia,  - 1555 
Plot, discovery of the New-York, - - - = Al] 
The Albany Tories detectéd in a, - - - - 357 
Plymouth, Massachusetts, resolve to erect a fortifica- 
tion at, = . - - - - - - 266 
Number of men ordered from, County, - - - 289 
Field-Officers appointed for, County, - - - 292 
Plymouth, England, sailing of the Hessians from, - 517 
Pocomoke, a vessel is despatched to, with flour, - 219 
Point-Alderton, American battery erected at, - - 553 
Point-au-Fer, General Sullivan fortifies,  - - - 798 
Point-de-Chambly, American army halt at, - 129 
Point-Look-Out, forty sail approaching, - 216, 325, 341 
Polhemus, Mr., King’s County represented by, - - 1506 
Police, New-Hampshire reserves the right of internal, 66 
New-York City, neglected, - - ‘ 4 - 1469 
Politics, two knotty problems in, = - = om GOT 
Polk, John, report of, to Sussex Cannmiute of Safety, 11 
Polk, Lieutenant-Colonel, (S. C.,) joins Col. Thomas, 489 
Polke, Josiah, memorial of, examined into, - - 1343 
Polliphemus, Captain, arrives at Crown-Point, - - 487 
Polly, schooner, application to forbid departure of, - 461 
Is sent to Quebeck with Mrs. Livius,  - - = eho 
Polly, ship, capture of, by American privateer, - - 780 
Invoice of the cargo of, . - - '780 
Polly, brig, arrival of, at Pailedstphie - - - 946 
Polly, brigantine, permitted to sail from North-Carolina, 1367 
Polly, sloop, owners permitted to send to sea, - - 1383 
Letters of marque and reprisal granted to, - - 1383 
Pomeroy, Josiah, chairman of Warwick Committee, - 959 
Pomona, frigate, conduct of th®, at St. Eustatia, - 180 
Pond, Capt un, prizes captured by, - - - - 1163 
Poole, William, resolution for the relief of, - - 1570 
Pooplopen’s Kall, necessity of fortifying south side of, 545 
Poor, New-Hampshire provides for rearing the chil- 
drenofthe,  - - - - - . = 56 
Pennsylvania provides for families of, Associators,- 349 


1740 


Poor, Salem order the Boston, to be removed, - - 426 
Inquiry into misapplication of donations to the, - 478 
Order of Pennsylvania to her Overseers of the, - 535 
New-York Convention vote mQnRY to remove and 

support, - - - - - 1341, 1563 

Poor, Colonel Enoch, Presiden of a Court-Martial at 

Ticonder oga, - °- - - - - - 604 
Letter from, to ‘General Gates, - - - 802, 1273 
Poor, William, is examined on escape of prisoners, - 596 


Says he was forced, and escaped from the officers, - 597 


Is suspected of aiding in the escape, - - - 598 
Poplar-[sland, Maryland Gagan! of Sate order stock 
removed ‘from, - - - 1335 
Poplin, recommendation Bmidiiies af conparans 
Z.Clough, - - - - - 479 
Pork, purchase ‘of, by Samuel Squiers, - - - 455 
Schuyler apprehends a scarcity of, - - - 562 
Small supply of, at Skenesborough, - - - 563 
Arrival of a large quantity of, at Boston as prize, - 5&7 
Washington’s orders respecting the Irish, - - 642 
A transport arrives at Boston with, - - = 643 
General Ward’s reply to Washington concerning 
the Irish, : - - 75 
New-York Convention dptbet Cormeen Trumbull 
with, - - - - - - - - 1511 
Porter, Colonel, the Lancaster Committee resolve to 
assist, - - - - - 2221 
Porter, Stephen, Suing Lieutenant in the Flying- 
Camp, - - - - - - - 349 
Porter, Colonel, objects to being meat from Haverhill 
for trial, - - - - - 927 
Porter, Andrew, appointed Lieutenant ef Maryland 
Militia, - - - - - - - 1349 
Porteus, Robert, letter from, to Maryland Council of 
Safety, - - - - - - 3864 
Port Tobacco, Maarend, the pelt -pox Brosh out 
at, - - - - - - 592 
Portsmouth, N. H. veers from the Selectmen of, - 212 
Letter from Kittery Committee to the Selectmen of, 249 
March of a Militia Company from, - - - 381 
Declaration of Independence proclaimed at, - - 427 
One hundred and fifteen men are raised from the 
First Regiment of, - - - - - - 462 
An arrival at, from Holland, - - - - - 1116 
A prize ship brought into, - — - - - 972, 1172 
The people of, instruct their Representatives, - 706 
Cannon ordered to be transported to, - - - 1283 
A Committee appointed to visit, - - . - 1283 
Portugal, edict of the King of, - - - - 6, 462 
Rumoured rupture of, with Great Britain, = - - 960 
Appearances of quarrel between France and, - 1011 
Portuguese, reported seizure of American vessels by 
the, - - - - - - - 659, 786 
Washington credits the reported conduct of the, - 762 
The report concerning the, is contradicted, - - 1024 


Posey, Belain, appointed Captain in Flying-Camp, - 1345 


Post, resolve to appoint persons to ride, - - - 315 
Lee complains of the irregularity of the, - ~ 719 
Colonel Hay establishes a weekly, - - Be Ue pps 
Established between Philadelphia and Ticonderoga, 1124 


Resolve of New-York concerning the, to Albany, - 1562 


Postage, the Eastern troops receive letters free of, - 1124 
Postmaster, a blank commission for a, sent to Gates,- 261 
Postmasters, exempted from military duty, - - 1568 
Postmasters General, letter to the British, - - - 462 
Post Office, directions emanating from the, - - 196 
William Goddard, the institutor of the, - - nat) 
The Committee on the, report to Congress, - - 1625 
Post rider, Joshua Morse is appointed a, - - =m hae 
Governour Trumbull employs a, from Lebanon, - 937 
Schuyler appoints a, to meet Trumbull’s, — - - 1084 
Post riders are exempted from military duty, - - 1601 
Potomack, the enemy from Gwin’s Island enter the, - 
Notice of Dunmore’s fleet in the, - - = - 2 
Departure of the enemy from the, - - - 863 
Potter, Colonel Gilbert, letter from, to Gen. BVond: 
hill 0 dee oie le "1184 
Potter, Lodaw ea carried off, with wife andl philivent 803 


Potter, Zabdael, appointed Aaeatant Surgeon, - 1134, 1358 


Potter, Lieutenant-Colonel, gone off with himself, - 1260 
Potts, James, appointed Ensign i in Flying-Camp, - 349 
Potts, Major James, resignation of, - “ a - 1293 
Poits, Dr. Jonathan, letter from, to Gates, - - 857, 1146 
Letter to, from General Gates, - « - - 924 
Application of, to Dr. Morgan, - - - - 920 
Gates requests that medicines may be sent to, - 1114 
Potts, R., letter from, to Lancaster Committee, - - 783 


Bopehest Colonel} Garfenius directed to contract for,- 1541 


1615 - 


1741 


Poughkeepsie, supposed design of the enemy on, - 
Embarrassment of committee of, for want of cash, - 
Arrival of stores at, = - - - - - - 
Ships building at, in danger from the enemy, - 1407, 
Captain H&zlewood sent to, with combustibles, — - 
Letter from the Commissioners at, to New-York 

Convention, - - - - - : - 
A Continental frigate building at, - - - . 
New-York Convention authorized to employ the 

blacksmiths at, - - - - - - 

Poultney, Committee of, to General Gates, - - 

Powder—see Gunpowder. 

Powder-Horns, return of, ordered to Adjutant-General, 

Powder-Mill, New-Hampshire loans money to build a, 
Erection of a, in Dutchess County, New-York, = - 
Quantity of powder manufactured by, per week, - 
Colonel Pitkin entertains fears for his, - - - 
Massachusetts resolves to erect a,in Sutton, - - 
Certificate of the completion of a, in Ulster, New- 

York,. - - - - - - - - 
Owners of a, in New-Haven, paid by Connecticut 
Council of Safety, - - - - - - 
John Carpenter erects a, in Orange County, New- 
York, - 
Guard ordered at Livingston’s, in Dutchess County, 

Powel, Lieutenant-Colonel, the promotion of, by Carl- 

ton, approved by the King, - - - - 

Powell, Jeremiah, letter to, from Joseph Trumbull, - 
President of Massachusetts Council, - - - 

Powell, John, sentenced to be flogged for desertion, - 

Power, James, declared to merit a reward, - - 
Refuses to receive any reward, - - - - 

Powers, resolve to vest certain, in Massachusetts Coun- 

cil, - - - - - - - - - 
Granted to a committee of New-York Convention, 

Powers, Lieut. Nahum, acquitted by a court-martial, - 

Powles Hook, Mercer proposes to station four hun- 

dred men at, - - - - - - - 
The whole force under Mexcer ordered to, - - 

Pownal, Lieutenant, resignation of, to Maryland Coun- 

cil of Safety, - - - . - - - 

Prahl, Lewis, workmen of, exempted from military duty, 

Prate, John, appointed Ensign by General Gates, . - 

Praul, Edward, commissioned Lieutenant of Maryland 

Militia, - . - - - - - - 

Prayer, the New-York Convention is opened with, - 

Preble, John, appointed Captain Matrosses at Fal- 

mouth, - - - - - - - - 

Preble, Mr., engaged as interpreter at Piscataqua, —- 

Preliminaries, Lord Howe’s powers insufficient to 


settle, - - - - - - - - 
Prentice, Captain N. S., a member of New-Hampshire 
Assembly, - - nt z = Z 


Appointed to fix off a Company, - - - - 
Money advanced to, - - - - - - 
A supply of ammunition voted to,-, = - - 
Is chosen a member of the Committee of Safety, - 
Prentice, John, appointed Lieutenant of Marines to 
Connecticut Colony ship, - - - - - 
Prentice, Major, promoted to Lieut. Colonelcy, 915, 
Prescott, Col. William, letter from, to Gen. Heath, - 
Prescott, Henry, member of the New-Hampshire As- 
sembly, - - - - . - - - 
Prescott, General, case of, mentioned to Washington, 
Exchange of, for General Thompson proposed,_— - 
Schuyler promises to punish the plunderers of, —- 
Congress order indemnification to, for baggage, - 
Schuyler is directed to apply for exchange of, - 
President of Congress—see Hancock, John. 
Presque Isle, Congress resolve to raise a garrison for, - 
Post is ordered to be taken at, = - - - ~ 
Preston, prisoners removed from New-London to, - 
Prevost, Robert, appointed Paymaster to Ritzema’s 
Regiment, - - - - - - - 
Price, Dr., pamphlet of, highly commended, —- - 
A copy of his pamphlet sent to General Gates, - 
Price, Major Thomas, correspondence of, with Mary- 
land Council of Safety, 
Supersedes General Dent in command, - - . 
Displeasure of Dent at the appointment of, - - 
Reasons of the Maryland Council of Safety for ap- 
pointing, - - - - - - s . 
Is ordered to continue at Annapolis, - - - 
Sent to take command in St. Mary’s,  - - - 
Price, Deputy Commissary-General, Schuyler’s com- 
plaint against, - - - - - - - 


Price, John, sent under guard to Maryland Council of | 


Safety, - - : x M f ya 3 


INDEX. 1742 
446 | Price, Mr., Captain Deane engages boats from, - - 1135 
S71 | Price, Vincent, appointed Adjutant of Colonel Rich- 
968 ardson’s Regiment, - - - - - - 1343 
1409 | Price, Francis, appointed Commissioner for the port of 
1454 Wilmington, - - - AE odor _ - 1379 
Price and Haywood, Congress direct the Board of 
1541 Treasury to devise the ways and means of paying, 1603 
1548 Board of Treasury report on accounts of, - - 1606 
Priest, John, sentenced for desertion, - - - 505 
1565 | Priest, the Indians desire to have a French, - - 839 
658 | Priestly, Lieutenant, a court-martial is asked for on, - 1144 
General Heath refers the case of, to Washington, - 1145 
1126 A court-martial is ordered on, - - : - 1185 
76 | Prince George, ship, verdict of the jury in case of, - 1226 
144 | Prince George’s Committee, the President of, to Mary- 
144 land Council of Safety, = - = 2 2 - 554 
245 | Prince, Job, sworn as French interpreter to Indians, - 839 
272 | Princess Royal, recaptured ship, arrives at Halifax, - 939 
Princeton, illumination of Nassau Hall in, - - 173 
374 The Company at, ordered to stop deserters, - - 885 
Tutors in College to continue their duties, - - 1607 
1189 | Printer, Congress order the oath of secrecy adminis- 
tered to, - - -" - - - - 1575 
1418 | Printers, all in Virginia to publish Declaration of In- 
1463 dependence, - - oat - - - 464 
Are requested to furnish paper for cartridges, - 1326 
1104 | Prisoners— 
206 Order for removal of, to York, — - - - - iil 
260 New-Jersey Congress ask to be relieved from, - 16 
1270 Washington calls upon New-York Convention to 
956 provide for, = - - - - ~ Boe a 
969 List of, placed at disposal of New-York Congress,- 22 
Capture of, and information from, at the Narrows, - 27 
304 Proceedings of the Connecticut Committee on, - 46 
1392 Great number of, at Lancaster, = - - - - 103 
1271 Mischief done by mixing of, with the people, - 104 
Forty-nine Tory, taken at Hartford, Connecticut, - 132 
964 Twenty-two, taken from a British barge, arrive at 
1193 Farmington, - : - - - - - 182 
Captain Smith, of the Seventh Regiment, captures a 
863 number of, - - - - - - =; 1D} 
1617 Murder of, by the enemy, at the Cedars, - - 160 
801 List of, at Caughnawaga, —- - - - - 165 
List of, taken at the Cedars, - - - - 167, 168 
1333 Are hired to the farmers in Massachusetts, - - 178 
1394 The arms taken from Scotch, sent to Washington, - 210 
At Reading ordered to be removed to Lancaster, - 219 
274 British Officers, address the President of Congress, - 222 
1209 Capt. Forster’s treatment of, noticed by Congress, - 253 
Letter relating to the, at Reading, - - - - 254 
231 Washington’s anxiety about the Tory, at New-York, 255 
Removal of, from Truro to Boston, - - - 310 
59 The British officers, ordered to be removed from 
70 Philadelphia, - - - - = 327, 1295, 1577. 
71 Serious question as to the Tory, in New-York, - 334 
81 A proposal to remove the, from New-York to Farm- 
85 ington, - - - - - - - - 351 
Are forbidden to enter Middletown, in Connecticut, 380 
700 Lancaster Barracks are filled with, - - - 411 
1604 A letter from Northfield relative to, - - > Ava 
3 Resolve for security of, in Hartford jail, - - - 437 
In Canada not undey control of General Howe, - 501 
60 The receipt of, at Lancaster acknowledged, - - 533 
501 Captain Sterling arrives at Lancaster in charge of, - 535 
820 Escape of, from the Rose, - - - - - 547 
984 Officers, from St. John’s received at Frederick, - 569 
1594 Reculations concerning, by Hampshire Committee, 588 
1600 Examination relative to escape of, from Lebanon, - 596 
Release of the, at Charlestown, - - - - 610 
391 General Greene reports sundry Tory, of Queen’s 
1574 County, - - - - - - - - 621 
1190 Merchant sailors not considered as, - - - 675 
Washington asks for an act declaring who shall be, 675 
966 Proposal made to General Howe for exchange of, - 679 
170 Taken by Commodore Hopkins, sent to Windham, 683 
1193 Prospect of exchanging the Yankee privateer, - 727 
Disposal of, by Connecticut Council of Safety, - 731 


518, 570, 580, 615, 667, 689 


522 
554 


724 
1336 
1339 

562 


929 


Horrible treatment of Captain Johnson and crew, - 755 


Reported attack on, at Carlisle disproved, — - - '%59 
Application of sundry, for their baggage, - - 761 
Capture of, by Colonel Williamson’s scouts, - - 780 
List of all, ordered to be sent to Board of War, - 784 
Marine Committee recommend kind treatment of, - ‘784 
Lord Howe’s proposal concerning exchange of, - 785 
Washington to Schuyler on the subject of, - - 820 
Notice to, from Long-Island to attend Washington, 869 
Ensign Fisk escorts a party of, from Albany, - = 888 
Colonel Allen sends a list of, taken with him, = 928 


17435 


Prisoners— 
Arthur Lee suggests a differenve in the treatment of 
the Scotch, - - - - - - ~ 


Mr. Adams wishes to employ in his nail factory, - 
Instructions to the escort of, sent to Connecticut, - 
Orders of the Connecticut Council of Safety in rela- 
tion to, - - - - - - - - 
At Norwich are allowed to take the air, - - 
Sundry, taken by Captain Suydam, - - - 
Resolve of Middlesex Committee relating to, - - 
Removal of, from Mendon to Grafton, - - > 
Sundry orders in Massachusetts Council touching, - 
Escape of American, from Quebeck,  - - 
Account of expenses attending, at eederick-Town n, 
Difficulty about removing, from Kingston, - - 
American, are allowed to return home from Canada, 
A list of, sent to Lancaster Committee, - - - 
Taken in a skirmish on Long-Island,  - - - 
Maryland Council of Safety vote money for support 
of, at Frederick, - - - - - 1190, 
Disposal of, taken on Long-Island, - - - 
Taken by Lieutenant-Colonel Brown in Canada, - 
A return of, taken by the enemy on Long-Island, - 
At Hartford ordered to be continued there, - - 
List of American, in Halifax, - - 3 ‘ 
Placed at disposal of the respective Colonies, - 
Determination of New-York Convention pa eedean 
The Litchfield jail too full to receive more, - 
Board of War request a list of, (of “ths in New: 
Yorkiia= - - - - 
Order for removal of, foe Kinwaton to Morristown 
Letters from, at White-Plains, “to New-York Con- 


vention, - - 
Testimony of Mr. Miller respecting, at White- 
Plains, - ‘ 


The New-York Che ehhion eshaet to else the; at 


White-Plains, - - - ~ - 
Report in relation to, in Gonvceuet - - - 
The Litchfield, permitted to go at large about town, 
Resolution respecting the treatment of, - - - 


Order of Congress relative to British,  - - % 
A Committee appointed to settle a cartel for ex- 

change of, - - - - - - - 
Resolution of Congress relative to, at Lancaster, - 
Information given “of a conspiracy among the, at 

Philadelphia, - - - - - - - 
Resolutions of Congress regarding an exchange of, 
Appropriation by Congress for weekly allowance to, 
Washington is requested to propose an exchange of, 
Certain, sent to Pennsylvania Council of Safety for 


examination, - - - - “ - : 
Pritchard, Thomas, promoted to Second Lieutenancy, 
Privateers, American, in Cadiz Bay, - - £ 3 
Commissions granted to, - - - - . 
Privateering, thousands of schemes for, - - - 
Private houses, Militia marching to New-Jersey to be 
quartered in, - . - - - . ae 
Privates, New-York Convention promise promotion to, 
Prize, act of New-Hampshire defining, - - 


Proceeds of, on condemnation, - - - “ 
Washington’s directions to Mr. Watson concern- 


ing, = = — = - = = - 
Captain Wickes captures a, - - - : Z 
Schooner America eondenined as lawful, ~ = 


The Hancock privateer takes a valuable, - - 
Prize Money, distribution of, to cia case in Massa- 


chusetts, - - - - - “4 
Prizes, agents are forbidden to sell the cargoes of, - 
Captain Cregier captures several, - - - : 


Immense value of, taken by American privateers, - 

Captain Bucklin brings i in five, - - - é 

Six sent in, laden with rum and sugar, - - : 

List of valuable, made by Captain Nott, - : 
Probasket, Abraham, a prisoner, examination of, —- 
Proceedings— 


Georgia “Council of Safety, - - - - 
Virginia Convention, - - - - 4 . 
Conference between a Committee of Congress and 
the Pennsylvania Council of Safety, - - - 
At Hanover, New-Hampshire,~  - - a § 
New-Hampshire Legislative Council, - = - 
New-Hampshire House of Representatives, - 
Conference of General Officers, - 2 1) 224, 
Council of War at Chambly, - 
Bucks County, Pennsylvania, G@omtmttees - - 
Annapolis, Maryland, Associators, - u 2 


Baltimore Committee, - ~ 


345, 409, 522, 635, 738, 907, 993, 


INDEX. 1744 


182, 
1156 


Proceedings— 
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Committee, - 221, 
533, 572, 595, hi 759, 946, 1135 
Connecticut Council of Safety, - 240, 
378, 424, 456, 624, 683, 699, 731, "1005, 1099, 1189 


Gonsention on Conimitieaea in Petersham; - - Q45 
Petersham Committee, - - - - - - 246 
Barnstable, Massachusetts, Committee, - - Q47 
Philadelphia Committee, 253, 349, 388, 467, TUL, 787 
Massachusetts Assembly, - - - 265 
Pennsylvania Council of Safety, - 349, 962 1287 


Worcester, New-York, Committee, - 354 
Provincial Congress of New-Jersey, —- - - 369 
Somerset, Maryland, Committee, - - - - 384 


Norfolk, Virginia, Committee, = - - - - 407 
Symsbury Committee, - - > - - 458 
Rhode-Island Assembly, - = 4 - 6475 
Pittsylvania, Virginia, Committee, 4 489 
New-York Gényeption: - 538, B54, 911, 999, 1385 
Convention of New-Hampshire Grants, - - - 565 
Killingworth Committee, = - - - - 566 
Convention of Committees in Hninpeie Massa- 
chusetts, - - - - - - * - 588 
Brunswick, Virginia, Committee, - - - -. 633 
Worcester, Massachusetts, Committee, - - - 684 
Massachusetts Council, - - - - '702, 1100 
Pennsylvania Convention, - - - - 709, 864 
Middletown, Connecticut, Committee, - - 732, 1087 
Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Committee, - - - 733 
North-Carolina Council of Safety, - 735, 1363, 1546 
New-Jersey Convention,  - - - - 743, 995 
Cumberland, New-Jersey, Committee, - - S11 
Watertown Conference, - - - - - 838 
Paxtown Committee, - . - - - 948 
Norwalk, Connecticut, Gminiten! . - - 957 
Warwick, Massachusetts, Committee, - - - 959 
Reading, Pennsylvania, Committee, . - - 962 
Maryland Convention, - - - - - - 993 
Williamstown Committee, - ayneti= - - 1004 
Conference at German-F ats, - - - - 1035 
Dutchess County, New-York, Committee, - - 1096 
Berks County, Pennsylvania, Committee, - - 1109 
Court-Martial on Colonel Zedtwitz, - - - 1159 
Delaware Convention, - - - - * - 1174 
Admiralty Court, Philadelphia, - - - - 1229 
Guilford, Connecticut, Committee, - - - 1279 
Maryland Council of Safety, - - - - - 1331 
New-York Committee of Safety, - - - 1543, 1553 
Continental Congress, - - - - - - 1565 
Proclamation, by Governour Bullock, - - - 212 
Sir Henry Clinton’s, to the Carolinas, - - - 437 
President Rutledge’s, to convene the South-Carolina 
Assembly, - - - - 756 
By the British sorcunky at Halifax! . - - 959 
By General Washington, at New- York, - - 998 
General Howe’s, on  Long-Island, - - - 1121 
General Carleton’s, = - - - - 1240 
Proctor, Captain, pay of his Company hpreaatl - 1293 
Is promoted to a Majority, - - - - - 1317 
Promotion, Washington’s remarks upon, - - - 642 
Necessity for a control of, by Congress, - - 740 
Promotions, a number of, enclosed to Washington, - 883 
Propositions, sketch of Lord Drummond’ S, - - 1027 
Protector, Captain Conway’s row-galley, - - - 525 
Protest, against the proceedings at Barnstable, - - 147 
Mr. Colden’s, referred to, - - =e - ‘792 
Arnold’s, against the court-martial, - - - 1272 
Arnold’s, the court refuses to enteron record, - 1273 
Providence, difficulty about cannon taken at, - - 40 
Arrival of Captain Chase at, with a valuable cargo, 141 
Declaration of Independence read at, - - - 582 
A quantity of prize powder at, -- = - - 943 
List of prizes taken by a privateer of, - - - 1010 
Providence, sloop, ordered to cruise about Bermuda, - 784 
Providence, the Rev. Mr. Gordon’s reliance on, - - 925 
Provincial Congress—see States, by name. 
Provincial Corps, Governour Tryon raises a, = - 122 


Provincial ship, pay of officers of the Pennsylvania, - 1288 
Provisions, incredible waste of, in the Northern Army, 232 
Connecticut furnishes a supply of, to Capt. Tinker, 243 


Great scarcity of, at Martinique, * - - 65 
Resolve to preyeat exportation a from Massaehee 
setts, - - - - - - 280 


Colonel Winds calls on General Gates for, - - 359 
Washington’s surprise at Schuyler’s want of, 389, 390 
Large supply of, sent by Gates to Gen. Waterbury, 396 
Expediency of stopping exportation of, - - 540 
Extravagant waste of, admitted by Schuyler, -  - 562 


1745 


Provisions, an order to furnish, to frigates in the East- 


ern department, - - - - - - 618 
Mercer’s troops grumble at the quality of, — - - 638 
Reported plenty of, in the Northern Army, - - 661 
Great consumption of, at German-F ats, - - 715 
Guard at Annapolis complain of a deficiency of, - 757 
The enemy said to be in want of fresh, - - - 814 
Probability of Carleton’s wanting, - - - 904 
Return of, at Skenesborough, - - - 1201 
Return of number of men at Skenesborough jal 

drew, - - - - - 1202 
Return of, in magazine ae Bscanderdin, - - 1202 
Resolve of New-York Convention touching exportof, 1432 

Provision vessels, Governour Trumbull orders deten- 

tion of, - - - - - 401 
Washington approves Gor. Pram baliia embargo on, 559 
Entry into Boston, by mistake, of an Irish, - - 694 

Provoost, Robert, recommended as Paymaster, - - 918 
Provost, Rev. Samuel, declines to ane ee before the 
New-York Convention, - : - 1470 
Prudden, Thomas, leave of absence peated to, - - 1290 
Prussia, Mr. Deane’s desire of applying to, - - 1015 
Proposals for supplying military stores from, - - 1020 
Publick Ledger, ‘‘ Matter of Fact” to the printer ofthe, 861 
Pugh, Willoby, purchase of rations from, .- - - 973 
Pullen, John, permitted to go to Virginia for tobacco, 1355 
Pulling-Point Gut, prize ship aground in, - 478,817 
Pullion’s Landing, Morris’s plan of attacking, - - 443 
Punctilio, essentials should not be sacrificed to, - - 830 
Purdie, Jonathan, Jun., petition of, - : y - 1237 


Purdie, Samuel, testimony of, in Col. Hammond’scase, 1458 
Purdy, Ebenezer, appointed Major, - - - 1407, 1413 


Purser, no provision made for a, - - - 119 
Purviance, S., member of Baltimore Goinmitted, - 115 
Purysburgh, General Lee’s letter from, = - - - 959 


Putnam, Major-General Israel— 
An allusion to, by a French officer, - - - 9 15 


Letter from, to Miss Moncrieffe, - - é Ay 1 
Is ordered to consult with his Brigadiers, - - 769 
Private letter to, from General remieres - - - 900 
Washington’s orders to, - si L - 1149 
Takes command on Long-Island, - E: = - 1193 
Putnam, Bartholomew, powder delivered to, = - 312 
Putnam, Daniel, refuses to accept acommission, 178, 971 
Putnam, Jeremiah, resolve on accounts of, - - 281 
Putnam, Joseph, refuses to accept a commission, 178, 971 
Putnam, Rufus, recommended bP mated" as En- 
gineer, - < vB 41 
Is engaged in =n North River, - - 790 
Is appointed Engineer, , with rank of Colonel, - 918, 1597 
Putrid fever, prevalence of, in Greene’s Brigade, 196 
Q. 
Qualhatchie, South Carolina, ordered to be destroyed, '750 
Quantico, Virginia, the enemy’s ships water at, - - 593 
Quartermaster, Arnold desires to have a, - - - 165 
Quebeck, Major teh s predicuen Congernine cap- 
ture of, - * - wi aad? 
Reported repulse of ty Rehets at, - a 423 
Unhappy situation of the army at, - - - - 128 
Arrival of seventy-two ships at, - < si - 480 
Report of the French fleet and army going to, - 510 
Major Meigs reports the number of prisoners at, - 583 
Colonel Maclean’s report in London, from, - - 626 
Mysterious manceuvres of a fleet at, - * - '799 
Reported to be cleared of the rebels, - ~ SS 
Petition of the prisoners at, to Congress, - - 962 
All the prisoners at, allowed to return home, - - 1166 
List of those who signed the parole at, - - - 1169 
Queder, Indian name of Peter Ryckman, - - 395 
Queen Anne’s Coankin Maryland, blankets Sah ea 
to troops, 865 
Chairman of Connnites of, Maryland Gane of 
Safety, - - - & - 722 
Queen’s County, Nees i Reece of patos in; =) 257 
Mr. Morris’s letter touching the sentiments of, - 334 
Letter from Washington to the Committee of, - 896 
Roll of a troop of Light-Horse from, — - - - 953 
Deputies from, to New-York Convention, - - 1386 
Ammunition supplied to the Militia of, - - - 1399 
New-York Convention loan money to ihe Commit- 
tee of, - bs - 1464 
Militia and Taghicione of, aaa Due - - 1533 
Queen’s Loyals, a Regiment of, being raised, - - 152 
Quereau, Benjamin, and others, memorial of, - - 335 
Quinze Chiens, the enemy abandon, - - - 165 
Quit rents, order for securing books relating to, - 1470 
Resolve of New-York Convention concerning,  - 1470 


Firru Serims.—Vot. | 


INDEX. 


1746 


R. 
Rabreck, Christopher, agrees to supply priming-irons, 

D., - < - - - 1338 
Ragamuflins, Dunmore’s, join Loi toned - - 893 
Ragg, Lieutenant John, prisoner, sent to Fairfield, - 1237 
Rags, a call for, for lint, bandages, &c.,_- - - 1288 
Rahway River, three hundred craft in, —- : - 620 
Ramsey, William, deposition taken before, . - 526 
Rand, Daniel, sentenced to be flogged for desertion, - 1270 
Randall, Thomas, letter to, from Captain Cregier, 141, 536 

Distress against the effects of, suspended, - - 636 
Randall, Lieutenant, Tories put under charge of, - 887 
Randolph, ship, launch of the, - - - - - 368 
Raney, Lieut., desires employment in the sea service, - 874 
Ranger, ship, one of Sir Peter Parker’s fleet, - - 436 


Rangers, petition for a parepany of, in New- ened 
‘shire, - - - - + 14 


Gallantry of the South- Carolus - - - 435 
Colonel Thompson’s, in the van on Sullivan’s lend 439 
Assistance of the, solicited at Ninety- Six, - - 610 
Howe authorizes Major Rogers to raise a Battalion of, 789 
Report in relation to raising, &c., in New-York, - 1429 
Mr. Duer’s resolution in relation to, - - - 1433 
Order for supplying lead and flints to, - - - 1444 
Raised, for service on Long-Island, - - - 1561 
Congress takes into pay the South-Carolina, - - 1590 
Congress order a Regiment of, to be raised in Geor- 
gia, - - - : - - - - - 1590 
Congress take into pay the North-Carolina, - - 1596 
Rank, Complaints of the New-York Convention about, 228 
Colonel Henshaw’s letter on the subject of his, - 950 
Rankin, James, makes a promise of sai - @+)} 2293 
Is released from confinement, - A - 222 
Ransom, Thomas, sixth Captain of Grepa Mountain 
Boys, - - - - - - - 377 
Ransom, Samuel, appointed Captain by Coote - 1618 
Raritan, number ifs craft reported in River, - - 620 
Mercer asks for row-galleys in the, - - ~WECTD 
Rathburn, Valentine, Chairman of Pittsfield Commit- 
tee, Massachusetts, - - - " a as 33 
Ration, component parts of the Continental, - - 865 
Schuyler’s remarks on the price of the, - - - 1151 
Rations, regulations regarding, for the sick, - - 678 
Price of, in the Northern Army, - - bs mT by fa 
Washington declines interfering in the dispute about, 1096 
Ray, John, Deputy Chairman of the New-York Gene-_ 
ral Committee, - - - 374 
Raymond, Paul, appointed te ColonelbE Maa: 
sachusetts Militia, - - " . - 293 
Raymond’s Mill, Colonel Hartley sak for a guard at, 1238 
Read, Colonel James, letter to, from John Trumbull, - 512 
The command of a Brigade given to, - . - §12 
Promoted to Brigadier, - - - 883, 1269, 1603 
Promotion of, announced in General Orders, - =i 914 
Is taken ill at Fort George, - - - - - 1268 
Read, Captain, solicits a discharge.,. - - « - 543 
Read, George, President of Delaware Convention, - 1179 
Reade, Isaac, appointed Colonel by Congress, - - 1606 
Reading, Pennsylvania, order for renaGKINg prisoners 
from, : - - > - - - 219 
Proceedings of the Committee of, - - - - 962 
Resolve of the Committee respecting prisoners, - 1571 
Reading, Maryland, resolve respecting overseers at, - 303 
Letter to Committee of, from Massachusetts Council, 971 
Rebel Army, Howe’s affected contempt for the, - 869 
Rebel Pirate, Captain Wickes is denounced asa, - 609 
Rebels, the New-England, denounced by Carleton, - 12 
General Howe’s account of the, - - - meat is) 
Lord Germaine’s news from the, - - - = 123 
Captain Hammond’s plans to annoy the, - - 150 
No cartel of exchange to be made with, - - 1104 
Remarks of a British officer concerning, - - 1259 
Receiver-General, the chest of the New-York, sent to 
Clinton’s camp at King’s Bridge for safety, - 1546 
Reconciliation, Mr. Alsop wishes a door left open for, 368 
Colonel Reed professes himself no enemy to, - 415 
Howe’s notions of, commented on, - - = 3471 
Records, a guard put on the New-York, . - - 1545 
The New-York, are sent to King’s Bridge for safety, 1546 
Red Hook, a guard at, magomnren gads - - “fh QT 
Mr. Benson’ s letter ‘from, - - - - 855 
Orders for occupying the ‘wood py to, - - - 1150 
Red Lion, attack upon the guards at, - ° - 1183 
Redfield, Daniel, detained on board enemy’s ships in 
the Sound, - - - ; « - 1214 
Destruction of a sloop belonging to, - - - 1214 
The examination of, on release, - - - - 1215 
Mr. Duer sends the examination of, to Washington, 1236 


110 


1747 


Redoubt, Colonel Ogden to command the New-Jersey, 
Reed, Adjutant-General Joseph— 
Letter from, to the New-York Convention, 19, 1389, 1525 
Receives the flag esas the letter to « George 


901 


Washington, Esq.,” & - . - - 329 
Extract ofa letter een to Giiarics Pettit, «+ - 352 
Letter from, to Mrs. Reed, - - - 372 
De Berdt’s letter to, brought by Tice Howe, - - 872 
Letter from, to Robert Morris, + - - 415 
Mr. Morris’s reply to the letter of, - - - 467 
Letter from, to President of Congress, me rodoging 

prisoners, - . - - - 934 
Leiter from, to General Heath, - - - 998, 1230 
To General: William Livingston, - - - - 1231 
To Colonel Seymour, of Connecticut Light Horse, - 1280 
To, from the New-York Convention, - - - 1525 

Reed, Jonathan, apppuited Colonel of Massachusetts 

Militia, - : - - 293 

Camp- Kettles neieees for Ne edinent) of, - - 585 
Reed, John, appointed Captain in the Flying-Camp, - 573 
Reed, Lieutenant- Colonel, Washington sends import- 

ant papers by, to the care of Congress, - - 932 

Reed, Lieutenant-Colonel, aus the sepa without 
leave, - : ~ 1266 


Reed, Col. Seth, farlonghe planted to, fi ee health, - 1070 
Reed, Thomas, carried prisoner to Philadelphia, - 1616 
Reede, Deacon, General Gates is requested to assist 


with boats, = - - - - - = 1222 
Reeve, Lieutenant, ee of a flag from Lord Howe 
to General Mercer, - - - - - - » 828 
Refugees, laws of Connecticut touching, - : - 43 
Resolve concerning estates of, in Newplenmay, - 726 
Regiment, return of Knox’s Artillery, - - 331 
Gallantry of Colonel Thompson’s, in the Boat - 439 
The First Virginia marches to New-York, - - 973 
Regimental Hospitals, Greene corp /sins of the state 
of his, = - - - - - - 898 
Regimental Paymaster, each Battalion of the Flying- 
Camp to havea, - - - - : - 618 
Regimental Surgeons, order for a meeting of the, - 503 
Increase made in the pay of, - - - - 504 
Are ordered to keep a register of their sick, - - 678 
Memorial from the, to Congress, - - - - 694 
Memorial from the, to Washington, - - - 695 
Regiments, number of men apportioned to the New- 
Hampshire, - - - - - - - 80 
Are not to be dispersed about in portions, - - 796 
Colonels Elmore’s and Nicholson’s refuse to march, 985 


Persons appointed to transport Smith’sand Remsen’s, 1598 


Regulars, gallantry of the North-Carolina, - - - 435 
The number of, at St. John’s, —- " - - 829 
Captain Lowe desires his Company to be made, - 1230 

Regulations for the sale of salt in Pennsylvania, - 946 

Reid, Lieutenant-Colonel Robert, asks leave to resign, 70 

Reigart, Adam, Lancaster Committee meet at house of, 221 

Religion; a toleration of, secured by the Government 

of Delaware, - - - - - - «1179 

Remonstrance of the Field-Officers to Berar ets - 233 
Schuyler’s reply to the same, - 234 

Remsen, Abraham, ps Major of acer tonal 

Militia, - - - - 339 
The draught fea Neseau-telact are aecleted to, - 1424 

Remsen, Colonel Henry, leave of absence granted to, 1425 
Letter from, to General Woodhull, - - - 1452 
Resolutions concerning the Regiment of, _ - - 1561 
Ordered to join Clinton at King’s Bridge, — - - 1561 
Authorized to grant furloughs to his Regiment, - 1561 
Money advanced to, for use of his Regiment, - 1562 
Permits some of his men to go off with their arms, 1564 


Rench, John, appointed Ensign in the Flying-Camp, 1350 


Rendezvous, Haverhill is selected a8 OR; oie a4 
Renown, ship, capture of one of the convoy wy - 662 
Rensselaer, Major, bearer of a letter to Washington, - 108 
Rensselaer, Colonel, leave of absence granted to, - 1411 
Reply, Roberdeau’ a to oh address of the Second Bat- 
talion, - Seg 
Schuyler’s, to the fotki aie of aye Field- Officers, 234 
Colonel Reed’s, to the flag-officer on refusing the 
_ letter, - - - - - - - - 329 
Of the Commissioners to the Six Nations, - - 1041 
Report, of a joint Committee in the Devas 
Assembly, - - - - - - 
Of a Committee to Congress, on the surrender of the 
Cedars, - - - - - - 158 
Of a Committee on Arnold’ s cope haste - - 159 
Of-a joint Committee on the ha ae at Mendon, 
Massachusetts, - - - - 2267 
On commissions for Captain ‘Demban’ s Company, - 544 


INDEX. 


Report, of Captain Mesnard’s examination, - - 828 
Of Captain Lambeth Suydam, - . - += 1068 
Reports, quantity of paper required for, - - 578 
Representation, Pennsylvania Council of Safety send 
a, to the several Counties, - - - 1293 
Reprisal, Continental ship bai Picaaeran + the, 
killed, - - - ~ md d & 
Action of with the Shares - - - - - 609 
Captures made by, - - - - =. - 741 
Arrival of prizes captured by, - - - - 759 
Republick, virtue the only sure basis of a, - - 734 
Resignation, Colonel Drake’s reasons for his, - - 790 
Resignations, letter to the President of Congress on — 
the subject of, - - - - - - - 1399 
Resolution, schooner, ordered to Annapolis, - - 1133 
Is employed to convoy vessels to James River, - 1156 
Is sent to Indian Landing with powder, - - 1346 
Resolutions, of Congress for defence of New-Jersey, 
New-York, and. Pennsylvania, - - - - 14 
Of New-Hampshire Assembly, to raise troops for 
Canada, - - - - - - - - 65 
Of Congress, in relation to the Cedars, - - - 161 
Of the Annapolis Associators, = - - 181 
Joint, of Committee of Congress and the Daneete 
vania Council of Safety, - - - - 1565 
New-York Convention send sundry, to Conroe - 1577 
Resolve, of Massachusetts to raise three Regiments for 
Northern Army, - - . - - - 144 
Of the Massachusetts General Court, > - - - 1283 
Resolves, of the Massachusetts Assembly, - 265-326 
Of the inhabitants of Sunbury, Nova-Scotia, - - 705 
Of the New-Jersey Convention, - . - - 743 
Restrictions, names of persons under, in Connecticut, 246 
Retreat, an account of Howe’s, from Boston, - - OF 
Washington’s reasons for, from Long-Island, - 1244 
The, not caused by want of confidence in the troops, 1248 
Retaliation, a Committee of Congress recommend, - 160 
Orders to Washington relating to, - - - - 253 
Justice and policy require, - - - - 350 
The fear of, all that saves Colonel Cale) - - 860 
A resort to, resolved on by Congress, - - - 1573 
Return, Regiments are ordered to make, - - - 225 
Resolve on Major Bassett’s, - - - 283 


Of the army at New-York, - 


329, 331, 507, 639, nie 


Of troops in the service of the United States, - 507 
Of ammunition, &c., in the forts on Long-Island, - 542 
Of the troops in New-Jersey, - - 556, 964, 1079 
Correction of an errour in Mercer’s, = - - - 574 
Of ordnance, &c., at Ticonderoga, - - 581, 586 
Monthly, of forces in South-Carolina, - - - 632 
Of the Fourth Regiment of Massachusetts Foot, - 644 
Of the Seventh Connecticut Regiment, - - 645 
Of the sick in Hospital at Fort George, - - 807 
Partial, from Colonel Bartlett’s Regiment, —- - 875 
Of sundries sent to Schuyler from New-York, - 915, 
1050, 1064 
Of Colonel Elmore’s Regiment, - . - - 1195 
Of Colonel John Nicholson’s Regiment, - - 1199 
Of all the United States forces under Gates, - - 1199 
Of provisions at Skenesborough, - - - - 1201 
Of the number of men who drew provisions, - - 1202 
Of the prisoners taken on Long-Island, - - - 1258 
Of brass and iron ordnance taken by the enemy, - 1258 
Of killed, wounded, and missing on Long-Island, - 1258 
Of Elkanah Day’s Company, - - - - 1263 
Returns, estimate of paper requisite for, - - - 676 
Revenge, privateer, ships captured by the, ~ - 589 
Armament of the, - - - - - 969 
Revolution, J. Adams’s remarks on Dey - - - 170 
Preparations for a history of the, - - - - 944 
Reward, ship, capture of, by the Hancock, - - 972 
Reynolds, Daniel, appointed Capiein 9 in a Canada Re- 
giment, - 65 
Reynolds, John, Lesher eric in Plying- -Camp, 1350 
Reynolds, ship, capture of the, - 589 
Reynor, Captain, Howe’s commendation bE - - 105 
The King’s satisfaction at the conduct of, - ~ 1102 
Rhinehart, “Michael, gun-barrel maker, -> - - 171 
Rhinelander, Frederick, Washington advises arrest of, 819 
Rhode-Island— 
Howe’s talk of taking possession of,  - - - 105 
Dispute about appointing a Commissioner for,  - 177 
Order to send to Washington the flintsin, - 141 
Washington unable to spare a General Officer fon - 141 
Reported arrival of a French fleet at, - - 261, 397 
Resolve to appoint a Committee to confer with, - 299 
Resolutions of the Assembly of, - - - - 475 
Governour Cooke entreats Washington’sattention to, 378 


1749 


Rhode-Island— 


The Governour of, to the President of Congress, - 549 
Marine Committee of, to Massachusetts Council, - 623 
Letter from the Massachusetts Council to the Go- 
vernour of, - - - - - - a 701 
Howe’s reasons for deferring his attack upon, - 789 
Rice, Adjutant, recommended “by Mr. Adams, - - 20 
Rice, Hopkins, thirty-nine stripes to, for desertion, - 225 
Rice, Samuel, order on the complaint of, - - - 285 
Rice, Thomas, letter from, to Massachusetts Council, - 1116 
Rice, Benjamin, promotion of, - - - - - 1124 
Rice, William, recommended as First Lieutenant,  - 1293 
Appointed by Congress First Lieut. of Germans, ~ 1583 


Rice, Captain John, appointed to galley Convention, - 1327 
Rice, Alpheus, appointed by Congress Lieutenant of 


Marines, - - - 1623 
Richards, Captain John, of the Eiseoe pathet - = 462 
Richards, Smith, Captain of Marines, - : - 374 
Richards, ew William, return of stores ordered 

from, - - - - 1303 
Richardson, caeanets Medic at Tientera naan 

of Massachusetts Militia, - - - - - 
Richardson, Benjamin, appointed ith of Massa- 

chusetts Militia, - - - - 
Richardson, JoeB hy letter aie to Maryland Council 

of Safety, - - - 
Richardson, Colonel William, letter to, rah Maryland 

Council of Safety, - - - - 992, 1134 
Richmond, Col. William, letter feo, to Washington, - 888 
Richmond, Christopher, recommended as Paymaster,- 618 

Is appointed to Col. Smallwood’s Regiment, 723, 1346 
Richmond, Staten-Island, Tryon Swears in his Tories 

at, - - - - - - - - 122 
Richmond, brig capture of, by the sloop Congress, - 708 
Richmond, Virginia, Independence proclaimed at, - 756 


Ridgeley, Charles, letter to, from Maryland Council of 
Safety, - - - - 114, 219, 409 
Ridgeley, Charles, of Yuille member of Baltimore 
Committee, = - - - - - - - 
Ridgeley, Lieutenant, missing after the battle on Long- 
Island, - - 1250 
Ridgeley, Richard: Clerk a the Maryland Council of 
Safety, - - . - 1331 
Ridgeley, William, peeirniciond as Setond Tiadienant 
of Maryland Militia, - - - - 1333 
Ridgeley, Here appointed Lieutenant i in cine Flying- 
Camp, - 1348 
Ridley, Major Fonda’ s Clerk, ddverts ith ae enemy, - 1050 


Rierdon, Jeremiah, prisoner, ‘disposal of, - - - 22 
Rifle Regiment, return of Hand’s, - - - - 750 
Washington calls on Mercer for a, - - - $851 
Rifle-shirts, the enemy wear, to deceive, - - - 1162 
Riflemen, Maryland raises two Companies of, - - 382 
Lee’s orders to his, as to their firing, - - =i) 99 
Prisoners at Lancaster dress as, - - - - 104 
Second Battalion of Pennsylvania, sent to Amboy,- 369 
Two Companies of, join Colonel Williamson, - 48s 
Favourable ground at Crown-Point for, - - - 630 
Two Battalions of, join Washington, - - - 908 
Smart firing between the enemy and the, on Long- 
Island, - - - - - - - - 
a one dress of a, that of the ancient Roman sol- 
- - 944 
Rifles, sovter oh the Maryland Couneil of Salety to pur- 
chase, - - 594, 667 
Price offered for, he the Cornell of Safety, - - 737 
Orders for the delivery of, - - - - 1288 
Order to General McKinley to paren - - 1298 
Rigging, orders for furnishing, to Captain H. Benson, 1537 
Rigas, ‘Captain Elisha, ordered to Annapolis with his 
Company, - - - - - - - $26 
Order for delivery of arms, &e., to, - - - 1336 
‘Rights of Great Britain,” &c, falsehoods of a pam- 
phlet so called, - - - - 929 
Riker, Captain Abraham, certificate fare - - - 1427 
Riker, Samuel, appointed beatliet of Queen’ s County 
Light-Horse, - - 1528 
Riley, William, area Liehtenade in the Flying- 
Camp, - - - - - - - 1348 
Ring, Lieutenant Martin Johnson is ordered to raetoré 
“Mr. Anstruther’ 3p) - 1611 
Ringgold, Thomas, letter to, arg Maryland Goutal 
of Safety, - - - - - 386, 493, 737 
Riot, reward offered for taking the ringleaders of a, - 1327 
Risberg, Gustavus, recommended for appointment, - 949 
Is appointed Assistant to Commissary Biddle, - 1612 
Rising Empire, brig, employed as a convoy, - - 30 
Resolve to supply cannon to the, - - - - 283 


INDEX, 


Rittenhouse, David, Vice President of Pennsylvania 
Council of Safety, - - - - - - 
Ritter, William, sduomenaen as Lieutenant of a Ger- 
man Company, - . - - 
Is appointed Lieutenant of a Garang Conrpalin - 
Ritzema, Col. Rudolphus, letter from, to Washington, 
Letter to, from Washington, - - - - -. 
A Court ‘of Inquiry ordered on, - - - 
Found guilty of disrespect to Lord Stirling, - 
Is released from arrest, - - - - - 
Letter from, to Colonel Sevey, - - - 
Nominations to vacancies in the Regiment of, - 


Recommends Mr. Provoost as Paymaster, 
Regiment of, without a Major, —- 
Rivers, Nanticoke and Wicomico, blocked up, - - 


1750 


1309 


182 
1334 
333 
324 
503 
504 


Impor tance of communication across the Jersey, 675, 676 


Roach, Captain, leave asked to forbid the sailing of, in 
the Polly, - - - - ? 

Is sent to Quebeck with a flag and Mrs. Livius, - 
Roach, Richard, sentenced to be flogged, - - - 
Roberileats Colonel Daniel, address to, - 


Reply of, to the address, —- - . - 
Letter to, from the President of Gores: - - 
Is appointed Provincial Brigadier, - - . - 
Letter from, to Richard Peters, - - - - 
Concurrence of, with General Mercer, - - - 


Letter from, to Pennsylvania Council of Safety, = - 


Colonels Miles and Atlee refuse to serve under, - 
Letter from, to Washington, - - - - 996, 
Letter to, from Washington, - - - - - 
Address of, to the Pennsylvania Associators, - - 
Order for the delivery of arms to, = - - - 
Order for the delivery of armament for brigantine 

Venus, - - - - - - - 


Letter to, from Pennsylvania Committee of S detye 
Roberts, Daniel, member of Georgia Council of Safety, 
Roberts, William, chosen Captain of the Bucks Asso- 

clators, - + - - - - 
Roberts, William, Gieemen of Aanapoks Associators, 
Roberts, Eliphalet, sppbinied aie of Marines in 

Connecticut, - - - - - 
Roberts, Francis, meted to ait in North-Carolina, 
Robertson, Col. John, resolve to pay the abstract of, - 
Robinson, Amos, chosen Clerk of a town meeting, - 

Member of the New-Hampshire Assembly, - - 
Robinson, Joseph, examinations held before, = - 
Robinson, Captain Ebenezer, appointed Major, - - 
Rochester, draught ofa letter to the Committee of, - 
Rochford, Lord, sent to Paris to counteract Mr. Deane, 
Rockaway, a treasonable letter traced to a young 

lady of, - - - . - - - - 
Rockingham, ship, escape of Capt. Hunter from the, - 
Rodgers, Rev: John, letter from, to General Gates, - 
Rodgers, John, sent as disaffected to Lebanon, - - 
Rodney, Cesar A., correspondence of, with Thomas 

Rodney, - 169, 740, 741, 833, 944, 1092, 1192, 
Roe, Adjutant, firmness shown by, - - - = 
Roebuck, ship, Capt. Hammond, of Dunmore’s fleet, - 

A letter from Governour Eden dated on board the, 

Arrival of the, at St. George’s, —- - A 
Rogers, Major Robert, is placed under guard at Phila- 

delphia, - - 

Congress order, to be sent to New-Hampshire, 33, 136, 

New- “Hampshire rire hepato appoint a Committee to 

inquire about, - - - - 


An order for the arrest 363 is Meera - = 
Is arrested by order of Washington, — - - a 
Makes his escape from Philadelphia, - - - 


Finds his way to General Howe, - - - - 
Is empowered by Howe to raise a Beeiment of 
Tories, - - - - 
Fifty pounds rew ai Gf for the siaiahapsien of, 
Rogers, Captain, number of prisoners taken by, - 
Prizes captured by, = - - - - 
One hundred stand of arms among the Abpiiee of, - 
Rogers, Lieutenant, killed in battle near Temawsey, - 
Rogers, brig, demurrage paid on, by Maryland Council 
of ‘Safety, - - - . - - - 
Rogers, John, New-York Convention order arrest of, - 
Is arrested, and sent to Westchester jail, - - 
Roland, Jonathan, petition of, - - - ‘ 


Roll ofa Troop of Horse from King’s County - 
Roll of a Troop of Horse from Queen’ s County, 2 
Rollis, Ichabod, member of New-Hampshire Assembly, 
Romans, Captain, court of inquiry ordered on, - - 


Rood, Azariah, petition of, to General Gates, - = 
Roome, J. L. C., attempts to correspond with prisoners, 
Asks to be sent to Shrewsbury on parole, - é 


461 
553 
1269 
170 
171 
326 
348 
349 
619 
674 
908 
1063 
1064 
1062 
1292 


1293 
1301 
6 


171 
181 


700 
1373 
280 
30 
65 
1070 
1422 
1415 
1018 


1507 
996 
195 
981 


1228 
1235 
150 
616 
634 


1 
1568 


1236 
1291 


1751 


INDEX. 


Roos, Captain Jacobus, memorial of, : - - 1499 
Is authorized to raise a Sees for immediate 
service, - - - - - 1499 
Roosevelt, Smelt ; letter from, to the New-York 
Convention, - - - - - - 1262, 1461 
Compensation ordered to be made to, - - - 1462 
Roosevelt, Isaac, report made by, - > - - 1482 
Root, Jesse, Chairman of the Committee on Prisoners, 
in Connecticut, - - - - - - 46 
Letter to, from Washington, - - - - 822 
Money advanced to, as Paymaster of Connecticut 
troops, - “i Me - - - - - 1006 
Ropes, Benjamin, appointed Lieutenant of Massachu- 
setts Militia, - - - = - - - 295 
Ropes, a call for, from Skenesborough, - - cha bd 
A quantity of, procured for Gates, - - 752 
Ropewalk, men from the fleet sent to work at Whar- 
ton’s, - - - - - - - - 1330 
Rose, arrival of the British ship, - - - - 27 
Passes, with the Phenix, up North River, = - - 452 
Great depredations committed by the, - - - 345 
A deserter from the, swims on shore, - - - 546 
Attack upon the, by the row-galleys, - - - 751 
Rose, Lieutenant, a witness on the trial of Lieutenant 
Jones, - - - - - - - eT ST 
Rose, William, elected a First Lieutenant, - - 1494 
Ross, George, letter from, to President of Congress, - 20, 
103, 188 
Letter from, to Colonel Galbraith, - - - - 385 
Is President of the Lancaster Committee, - - 188 
Colonel of First Battalion Lancaster Associators, - 188 
Vice President of Pennsylvania Convention, - - 711 
Rifles ordered to be delivered to, - - - - 1294 
Ross, Daniel, General Mercer wishes to have, as Bri- 
gade Major, - - - - - - - 371 
Joins General Mercer with the hope sed ita 490 
Is recommended to Congress, - - 490 
Ross, Captain, retakes the Yankee, and carries ur to 
London, - . - - - - - - 754 
Infamous conduct of, to Captain Johnson, - - 755 
Ross, Ensign, sentenced to be reprimanded, — - - 1125 
Ross, Captain James, petition of, referred to Commit- 
tee on Claims, - - - - - - 1578 
Ross, Alexander, detention oi! at Pittsburgh, - - 1607 
Ross, Perrin, appointed First Lieutenant by Congress, 1618 
Rossetter, Thomas, appointed ii ia in Flying- 
Camp, - - - - - 349 
Rotation na inquiry into the piaprieey of a, - - 735 
Route prescribed for troops destined for New-York 
and Canada, = . - ~ - - 3841, 398 
Rouville, Jean B. de, passport granted to, - - 1109 
Rover, ship, captured by an American privateer, - 589 
Row-battery, a brig with a company of Highland Emi- 
grants on board is captured by a, - - - 632 
Row-galleys, application of Washington for, - 142, 352 
Massachusetts establishment for the, - - - 307 
Connecticut Council of Safety vote to send, to 
Washington, - - - - - - 380 
An attack at St. George' s by enemy’s, - - 382 
Governour Trumbull orders two, to New- Fork) 401, 540 
Captain of the Newport, ordered to New- York, - 475 
Two, arrive from Rhode-Island, - + - - 638 
Mercer asks for, in the Raritan, - - - 673, 674 
Arnold calls for heavy cannon for his, - - - 680 
Attack of the, on enemy’s ships in North-River, - 751 
Gallantry displayed by the men of the, - - - 855 
Three, at Ticonderoga, ready for launching, - - 969 
Lee recommends, for defence of Georgia, = - 1131 
Maryland Council of Safety contract for two, - 1346 
Rowlwagen, Frederick, recommended as First Lieu- 
tenant, - - 1293 
Ts appointed by Congress First Lilenteridat of Ger- 
mans, - - - - - 1583 
Roxburgh, Alex., uae sib bs as First Lieutenant,- 133 
Royal George, brigantine, capture of the, - - - 1280 
Royal Highland Emigrants, capture of a Company of, 632 
Royal Savage, schooner, one of the Lake fleet, - 683 
Armament of the, by Wyncoop, - - - - 969 
Extract of a letter dated on board, - - - 1096 
Royalty, every vestige of, destroyed, - - - 949 
Ruggles, Brigadier, and son, join the British at ahr 
‘fax, - - - - - - - 46 
Rules and Orders, bai: of the Committee « on, to 
Congress, - - - - 1571 
Report on, adopted by Congress: - - - - 1582 
Rum, allowance of, to soldiers for Canada, 70 
General Waterbury asks for a supply of, 357, 629, 730 
Wyncoop asks, for his carpenters,” — = - 547 


1752 


Rum, incredible consumption of, at German-Flats, - '715 
High price of New-England, - . - - 780 
Washington orders, to each soldier, —- - - 913 
Mr. Hollingsworth asks, of Maryland Council of 

Safety for his workmen, - - - - - 961 
Half a pint of, is allowed to each man i day, - 966 
Half a gill per man, is ordered, - - -, 1270 

Rumford, ‘Jonathan, appointed to ‘supply the Maryland 

troops on their march through Wilmington, - 943 

Rumley, John, deposition of, before Eastern- ‘Shore 

Committee, - - - - - - 218 

Rumney, New- -Hampshire, aift inition supplied to, - 80 

Rumsey, John, Maryland arms proved before, - - 154 

Rumsey, Charles, letter from, to Maryland Council of 

Safety, - - - - - - - 614 

Rumsey, Col. Benjamin, letter to, from David Morrow, 627 

Rush, Jaccb, letter from, to Washington, . - - 34 

Russe, Louis, rewarded by Congress for humanity to 

the sick, 2 - - - - - 1604 

Russell, Eleazer, appointed Maritime Officer in New- 

Hampshire, - - - J Pa... 58, 84 
Reasons of, for not signing Aatbclation® - - 1010 

Russell, John, appointed Captain of Martha’s Vine- 

yard Company, . > - - - - 295 

Russell, Dr., Gov. Trumbull supplies medicines to, - 956 
Receives an order on Smith & Coit, - - - 1007 

Russia, Mr. Deane’s views of the interest of, - - 1015 
Death of the Empress of, - - - - - 1075 

Russia Duck, Washington orders the, made intotents, 951 

Rutgers, Captain sags Ha A ie as Continental mo- 

ney, - - 1182, 1562 
Sent to New-York to Asaidt in obstructing East- 

River, - - - - - - - - 1544 
Ordered to furnish transportation for two Regiments, 1548 

Rutgers, Hermanus, killed on Long-Island, —- - 1184 

Rutherford, Brigadier-General, letter from, sent to 

Congress, - - - - - - - 611 
Ordered to march against the Indians, - - - 613 
Copy of a letter from, to North-Carolina Council, - 613 

Rutledge, Edward, letter to, from John Jay, - - 40 

Rutledge, John, made Governour of South-Carolina,- 170 
Letter to, from the President of Congress, - Si 39) 
Letter from, to the Governour of Virginia, - - 611 
Letter to, from Colonel A. Williamson, - - - 749 
Proclamation issued by, - - - - - 756 

Ryan, Mr. Adjutant, sentenced to be severely repri- 

manded, - - - - - - - - 1125 

Ryckman, Peter, escapes from the enemy, - - - 395 
Meets the officers who absconded from Lebanon, - 3896 

Rye, New-York, inhabitants of, all Tories, - - 1163 

Ryerson, George Thomas, promoted to Lieutenancy, - 653 

Ryley, Lieutenant, court-martial ordered on, - - 1358 

S. 

Safety, Committees and Councils of—see States, Cities, 

&c., by name. 

Safford, Joseph, appointed Second Lieutenant Green 

Mountain Boys, - - - - - et | 

Safford, Samuel, appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, - 1565 

Sag-Harbour, communication of New-York with, cut 

off, - - - : - - - - - 1235 

Sailors, Washington asks Congress to define the term, 675 
Schuyler calls on Governour Trumbull for two or 

three hundred, - - - - - - - 697 
Schuyler informs Congress of his call for, —- e715 
Number of, wanted for the galleys, - - - 965 

Sails, Captain Varick uses the, ordered for schooner 

Liberty, - - - - - C + - 923 

Salem, appointment of officers for the Company at, - 295 
Resolve to supply cannon to, - - - ~ 297 
A Company of Matrosses ordered for, - - - 307 
Order to supply Company at, with all necessaries, - 312 
Maritime Court adjourns to, - - - - 316, 321 
Field carriages lent to Selectmen of, - - oe 317 
Arrival of Captain Fisk at, from a cruise, - - 552 
Captures made by a letter of marque of, - - 6438 
Letter to Committee of, from Massachusetts Council, 958 
Prize ship sent into, by Captain Fisk, - - 972,973 

Salem County, letter from hte apt Council of 

Safety to Committee of, - - 1307 

Salisbury, A eta save ordered fora a brig ‘Haile 

ing at, - - 271 

Salisbury, Gofiricudeat predicts of cannon » font at, 540 
Swivels ordered for the navy from furnace at, - - 793 

Salisbury, North- acum the Council of Safety ad- 

journ to, - - - - - 1379: 


Salisbury, Abraham, apebieed Sevond Teientenane of 
Green Mountain Boys, - - - - - 377 


1753 


Salisbury, Captain raed ‘a of, refuse aay on 


foot, - 713 
Salt, E. Johnson’s report to “Maryland Coun of 

Safety on, - - - - - 100 
Great quantity of, at Norwich, Connecticut, - - 870 
Regulations for the sale of, in Pennsylvania, - - 946 
Resolve concerning, in Dotehess County, - - 1096 
Price of, regulated ‘by Philadelphia Committee, - 1119 
Rate of allowance of, for the men, - - - 1126 


North-Carolina encourages the importation of, 1366, 1367 
New-York Convention is asked to encourage man- 


ufacture of, — - - - - - - - 1459 
New-York Convention ee exportation of, to 
Connecticut, - - - - - - 1470 
New-York Convention appoints a Committee to ex- 
amine the skill of Captain Goforth in the manu- 
facture of, - - - - - - ‘= 1475 
Report of the Committee on the examination, = - 1477 
Dr. Bard skilled in extracting from sea-water, - 1477 
Order for all Continental, to be delivered to the 
Commissary-General, - - - 1516 
Saltonstall, Captain Dudley, acdiittal of, e Congress, 187 


Report of the Committee to Congress in the case of, 1575 
Is appointed to command frigate Trumbull, - - 1617 


Saltonstall, Nathaniel, Captain of Matrosses, - - 242 
Saltonstall, Wint., affidavit made before, - - - 402 
Saltpetre, New-Hampshire purchases casks for, - 52 
Exchange of, for gunpowder, — - - - 53, 77 
Price of, fixed in New- Spar igh - - 62, 72 
Report of a Committee on, - - 62, 72 
E. Johnson’s report to Maryland Council of Safety 
on, - - - - - - - - 100 
Massachusetts appropriates a large sum for the pur- 
chase of, - : - - - 270 
Massachusetts pays a bounty for raiafackurel of, - 270 
Massachusetts Commissary-General to receive and 
pay for, - - - - - - - - 278 
Massachusetts directs Alex’r Speppard to receive,- 283 
Resolve on the subject of, - - - 306 
A French ship arrives at Pailadolphia with . - 786 
A messenger sent to Connecticut for a supply of, - 1214 
Report of a Committee for encouraging manufac- 
ture of, - - - - - - - - 1436 
Resolutions encouraging the manufacture of, - 1508 
Half ton of, ordered to be sent to Colonel Morgan, 1580 
Salt Works, appointment of a Committee for carrying 
on, - - - - - - - - - 1313 
Thomas Savage paid for erecting, - . - - 1326 
Insufficient supply from the North-Carolina, - - 1363 
Richard Blackledge erects, in North-Carolina, - 1364 
Resolution touching erection of, in New-York, - 1458 
Messrs. Goforth and Houston propose to erect, - 1475 
Saluda River, account of the panick on, - - - 406 
Salvador, Mr., scalped by the Indians, - - ‘749, '780 
Samson, Captain Simeon, commands Massachusetts 
Brigantine, = - ai- tie RSL runeihiod or. 248 
A cruise proposed for, - - - - - - 584 
Recommendation of, - - - - - - 804 
Sanderson, Francis, letter from, to spe hits Council 
of Safety, - - - 781 
Sands, Comfort, letter to, Sara Saniiél Curso, - - 463 
Letter from, to New- York Convention, - - - 1214 


Appointed ‘Auditor-General of Publick Accounts, - 1437 
Sands, John, appointed second Colonel of draughts of 


Nassau-Island Militia, - - - - - 539 
Sands, Sergeant, killed on Long-Island, - - - 1250 
Sandwich, resolve to pay Selectmen of, - - - 296 
Sandwich packet, General Howe despatches the, to 

Englandj- - -— = - = - - 788 
Sandy Hook, number of sail reported below, - - 484 

Rapid arrival of the enemy at, - - - 750, 909 

See Hook. 

Sandy Point, Capt. Conway’s statement of the affair 
at, - - - - - - - - - 525 
Counter-statements and depositions concerning, 526-7 
Mr. Harrison’s remark on Conway’s landing at, - 531 
Sargeant, John, missionary to Stockbridge Indians, - 903 
Sergeant, Colonel, Regiment of, march to Norwich, - 514 
Arrival of, at New-York, = - - ~ - - 638 
Sash weights, an order to pay for, - - - 1327 
Sauce, Greene recommends as a substitute for itieas, 196 
Sauralle, Chevalier, memorial of the, - - 1180, 1209 
Savage, Captain, of the Sea Flower, arrival of, - - 1067 


Savages, apprehended danger to Georgia from the, - 6 


The Cedars delivered up to the custody of, - - 160 
Employment of the, by the enemy, - - - 192 
Savannah, Declaration of Independence read at, - 882 
Saville, victualling ship, parole of the master of, - 23 


INDEX. 


1754 
Sawin, Samuel, chosen Second Lieutenant Massachu- 
setts Militia, - - - . - - 663 
Sawyer, Captain, list of the Company of, taken at the 
‘Cedars, - : : - - - 167 
Sawyer, Robert, twenity lashes to, for mutiny, &c., - 225 
Sawyer, Manassah, chosen Captain i in Massachusetts, 663 
Saybrook, Connecticut, Colony ship building at, - 244 
Letter from Erastus Wolcott to the Committee of, - 1544 
Scammell, Alexander, appointed aid to Gen. Sullivan, 965 
Scarborough, Stephen, arrested for oe counterfeit 
money, - - - - - - 1368 
Scheffer, George, recommended far a Tieutenaienes 1293 
Schedule of workmen i in Stirling Iron Works, - - 1112 
Schenck, John, letter from, to New-York Convention, 871 
Schermerhorn, Cornelius, appointed Quartermaster, - 1122 
Schlatter, Graudus, appointed First Lieutenant of the 
Flying-Camp, - . - 349 
Schley, Jacob, letter to, from Maryland Contigsl of 
Safety, - - 667 
Schnyder, Christian, appointed Captain in she Plying- 
Camp, - - 349 
Schooner, oe Hooper, of Maryland, makes prize 
of a, - : - 7123 
Schoonmaker, pe aain Betis dificulty i in the Com- 
pany of, - - - 1415 
Schrack, David, appointed First Licntenaiet in Piying- 
Cam ywegie - 349 
Schrawder, Philip, recerinended oe a Liowten ancy 1314 
Appointed by Congress Lieutenant of a German 
Company, - - - - - - - 1605 
Schureman, Jacob, committed to jail in Kingston, - 1556 


‘Schuyler, Major-General Philip, correspondence pea 


With the President of Congress, 115, 253, 338, 394, 410, 
472, 473, 555, 691, "14, 856, 983, 1030, 1151, 1217 
With General Washington, - - - 193, 
232, 338, 351, 352, 390, 394, 473, 559, 693, 716, 793, 
820, 932, 985, 1031, 1095, 1142, 1164, 1220, 1264 

With Gerernour Myawiball; - 29, 145, 237, 239, 395, 
399, 580, 696, 699, 826, 924, 937, 1083, 1115, 1204 


With General Gates, - - - 206, 
260, 396, 423, 453, 454, 511, 581, 629, 648, 715, 

730, 747, 999, 1000, 1050, 1083, 1153, 1217, 1221 
Difficulties of, from the clashing of commands, ae 2. 
Is requested to cultivate harmony with Gates, rem 9 
A letter to, from H. Glen, - - - - - 176 
Condition of, at Crown- Point, - - - 190 
Remonstrance of Col. Stark and Field- Oficer to,- 233 
Reply of, to the remonstrance, = - - - 234 
Letter to, from General Sullivan, - - - - 235 
Letter from, to General Sullivan, ~ - - - 236 
Letter from, to John Langdon, - - - = 259 
To Jeremiah Powell, - - - - - 259 
Massachusetts Assembly order specie rs be sent to, 269, 
277 

Want of harmony between Gates and, spoken of, - 347 
Gates submits to the command of, at Albany, - 375 
Letter to, from Nathan Clark, - : : - 377 
Arrival of, at the German-Flats, - - - - 395 
Letter from, to Colonel Dayton, - - - - 511 
Mr. Morris ‘alludes to certain insinuations against,- 5'72 
Letter to, from General Arnold, - - . 680, 1033 
Encloses Arnold’s letter to Washington, - - 772 
Letter from, to General Waterbury, —- - 825 
Copy of an intercepted letter to, from S. Kirkland, - 867 
Colonel Butler’s remarks to the Indians about, - 867 
Communication from the Oneida chiefs to, - - 868 
Sundry articles delivered to Mr. Hart for, = - - 919 
Return of, from the German Flats to Albany, - 923 
Grants a furlough to Colonel Seth Reed, - - 1070 
Copy of a letter from, to N. Woodhull, Esq., 1185, 1276 


Copy of a letter to, from Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, 1218 


Copy of a letter from, to Captain Wyncoop, - - 1277 
Congress order an explanatory letter to, - - 1569 
Is directed to apply to Burgoyne, - - - - 1600 


Schuyler, Hermanus, letter from, to wa hte Gates, 339, 717 


Letter to, from General Gates, - - - 340 
Schuyler, Colonel, with a Soapeny of carpenters, at 
Skenesborough, - - 424 


Schuyler, Major, commands a ae in ‘the Hightundd, - 1478 
Schwartz, Christian G., appointed Ensign of | Germans, 1583 
Schweighauser, John D., foreign agent of Marine 


Committee, a - - 2 - 158 
Scophelites, name given to those who jdinell the Royal 
cause, - - - - - - - - 406 
Scotch, rancour of the, against America, - - - 929 
Scotch fleet, landing of Highlanders from the, - - 537 
Scotch Highlanders, James Stewart is authorized to 
raise a Company of, - - - - - - 1442 


1755 


Scott, Brigadier-General John M., letter from, to New- 

York “Congress, - - - x 4 122, 
Examination of deserters by, - - 

Return of the Brigade of, —- - 


INDEX. 


1412 


197-8 
331, 507, 639, '763 


Ordered to exchange posts with General Fellows, - 769 
Brigade of, under General Putnam, : - - 915 
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - 934, 953, 981 
Right of, to a seat in the Convention contested, - 1463 
Scott, Captain William, resolve to pay the Company of, 295 
Scott, George, letter from, to Maryland Council of 
Safety, - - - - 430 
Is applied to by Maryland fer liens : - - 738 
Council of Safety gives an order on, for linen, - 807 
Scott, Captain, of ship-of-war Experiment, killed, - 439 
Scott, John, to Maryland Council of Safety, = - - A491 
Scott, Lieutenant, prisoner, arrives at Boston from 
Halifax, - - = - . - 587 
Scott, Dr., with Governour Eden on board the Bybee 616 
Scott, Captain, appointed Judge Advocate of a court- 
martial, - - - - - - - 655 
Scott, Major, testimony of, refused by wha sta: - 1272 
Reasons for refusing the testimony of, - - 1273 
Scott, Captain John D., money advanced to, Fix his 
Company, - 1333 
Scott, Rev. John, proceedings of Racers Caunod 
of Safety against, - - - - - 1343 
Scott, Charles, appointed Caloeel by Ponsress: - 1606 
Scout, report of the Oswego, - - 1034 
Scow, Maryland Council of Safety ace the ers ka 
of a, - - - - - 782 
Mr. Hollingsworth reports the SMe ig a, - - 961 
Scudder, Colonel, information of the enemy from, - 1 
Scudder, Enoch, testimony of, relative to Tories, sfetyll 
Scurvy, prevalence of, on Staten-Island, - - - 199 
Sea-coast Company, resolve relating to the, - - 273 
Another, ordered to Martha’s Vineyard, - - 286 
Appointment of officers for the, - - - - 303 
Sea Flower, the, Captain Savage, arrives in the Sound, 1067 
Seal, J. Adams on a Committee to prepare a Great, - 944 
Seaman, Zebulon, elected First Lieutenant in Queen’s 
County, - - - - - - - - 258 
Seaman,. Captain, Arnold’s orders to, - - - 1002 
Seamen, Congress order the shipment of, in France, - 157 
Arnold asks for a number of, - - - 582 
An order to draught, from the troops at iennderaee 654 
Washington sanctions Schuyler’s efforts to procure, 820 
Proclamation at Halifax relating to, = - - - 959 
Money voted by Connecticut for raising, - 1006, 1008 
Order in Council extending bounties to, - - 1089 
General Waterbury asks for a few, - - - 1188 
Congress authorize inlistment of captured, - - 1598 
Resolve of Congress respecting disabled, - - 1619 
Sears, Barnabas, appointed Major of Massachusetts 
Militia, - - - - - 293 
Secrecy, oath of, os we members of the New- Mork 
Convention, - - - - - - - 1387 
The members . are absolved from, in certain cases, - 1415 
Is administered to the doorkeeper, - - - 1458 
The order regarding, is rescinded, - - ss - 1482 
Secretary, General Mercer asks for a, for Flying-Camp, 470 
Congress authorize Mercer to appoint a, - - 1595 
Secret ‘Correspondence Committee— 
Goods ordered to be shipped to address of the, - 158 
Letter to, from Captain Wickes, - . - 180, 249 
Letter from, to Silas Deane, - - x “ - 809 
Letter to, from C. W. F. Dumas, - - “ Sa 
Letter from, to Washington, - - - . - 943 
Letter to, from Silas Deane, - “ ‘ * ii 4 1 
Letter to, from Baron de Beaumarchais, = - 1021 
Are authorized to impress wagons, boats, &c., ~ 1411 
Copy of a letter from Washington sent to, - - 1452 
An agent appointed at New-York for, - - - 1475 
Letter from, to the New-York Convention, - - 1515 
Congress order the purchase of vessels for use of, - 1595 
Seely, Abner, chosen Major by town meeting, - - 30 
Seely, Mr., appointed Captain in Warner's Regiment, 1565 
Selectmen, of New-Market, in New-Hampshire, Com- 
mittee of Safety to the, — - - - 248 
Of the towns in Massachusetts directed to lend mili- 
tary tools, - - # - 85 
Sellers, Nathan, Congress nae Hiechanta of, - 1619 
Sellew, John, chosen Commissary at Truro, — - », 285 
Sellman, Jonathan, appointed Lieutenant in Flying- 
Cum piipaant\ Tndlusalt tn iba felcAl cust ad ee 
Seneca, Colonel Williamson destroys, —- - ~ealae 
Extract of a letter from the camp near, - - - 1023 
Intelligence received from, - - - 1148 
Senecas, arrival ofa part of the, at rps Flats, - 715 


1756 


Senegal, arrival of the British ship-of-war,- = - - 7 
Senter, Joseph, appointed Lieutenant- Colonel of New- 
Hampshire Militia, - - - - - - 50 
Senter, Dr., recommended to Congress, - - - 125 
Congress recommend, to Dr. Morgan, - - 920, 1585 
Sentries, complaint against, for unauthorized firing, - 505 
Twenty-five, on guard nightly at Crown-Point, - 630 
Not allowed to sit on post, - - - - - 914 
Sergeant, serious accident to Captain Coxe’s, - - 724 
Sergeant, yeuesaiideutenant of aden os in Heath’s 
” Brigade, - - - - 913 
Sergeant, Colonel, Beton: of, Aepite < <p Mifflin, - 915 
Sermons, New-York Convention resolve to have three 
preached, - - - 1470 
Sever, William, letter tres to Faces Bow dows 248, 567, 805 
Sevey, Colonel, letter to, from Colonel Ritzema, - 628 
Sewing-thread, Maryland Council of Baicty order a 
quantity of, - - - 782 


Seybert, Nicholas, appa paves in iar. Cuinps 1351 
Seymour, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas, disposition of 


the Regiment of, —- ° - - - - 39 
Letter to, “from Washington, - - - - 124, 371 
Arrival of, with his Light-Horse, at New-York, - 142 
Is informed that his horses cannot be received, - 142 
Asks for his discharge, - - - - - - 371 
Letter from, to Governour Trumbull, — - - 205, 1074 
Governour Trumbull is informed of the discharge of, 414 
General Wadsworth’s letter relating to troops of, - 417 
Letter to, from the Adjutant-General, - - - 1280 

Seymour, Mr., recommended by Mr. Deane, - - 1015 
Seymour, Moses, D. Matthews committed to the 
charge of, : - . . - . - 1172 
Letter from, to Nathaniel Woodhull, - - - 1551 
Shackford, Josiah, Sppotitee by Congress Lieutenant 
of frigate, - : ~ - - 1588 
Shade, a Shawnee chief, a aihibereaie with, - = 86 
Shadford, Anthony, tone of, to the Lancaster Com- 
mittee, - - - - - 761 
Shaffer, George, appointed Lieutenant of oma by 
Congress, - . . - - 1583 
Shaffner, “George, appointed pre of Penney rani 
Militia, - - - 1326 
Shallcross & Co. reid for ae oe aie Nancy, - - 1293 
Shallop, Captain Blewer is paid for repairing a, - - 1326 
Shallops, five, with soldiers on board pass Perth- 
Amboy, - - - - - 600 
Shallus, Jacob, ernoiited isha - - - - 1124 
Shamoken, John White examined by Committee of, - 599 
Shark, row-galley, the Connecticut, sent to New- 
York, = - - - - - - 401, 457, 541 
Shark, sloop-of-war, engagement of, with the Reprisal, 609 
Runs from Captain Wickes, - - - 706 
Shattuck, Mr., member of New- Fempente aca, 64 
Shaw, James, chosen Lieutenant of Bucks Associators, 171 
Shaw, Nathaniel, letter to, from Governour Trumbull, 144, 


360, ach 829, 1004 


Letter to, from William Hillhouse, - - 145 
Appointed agent for Connecticut, - - - 243 
Letter from, to Washington, - - - - - 3859 
Sends to Washington a prize turtle, —- . - 717 
Letter to, from Washington, - - - - 770 
Letter to, from the Marine Committee, - - 1107, 1108 
Connecticut refunds to, his advances for brig, - 1190 
Shaw, William, sent to Washington with Indians, 702, 837 
Indians introduced to Massachusetts Council by, - 838 
Shaw, Francis, receipt of, to Thomas Cushing, - - 702 
Letter from, to Massachusetts Council, - - 804, 1208 
Shaw, Dr. Thomas, appointed Surgeon’s Mate, - - 873 
Shaw, Captain Daniel, gives bond to President of Con- 
gress for the privateer Harlequin, — - - - 954 
Memorial of, to Congress, - ~ - - - 1471 
Shaw, John, Assistant Quartermaster at Trenton, - 949 
Shaw, Josias, appointed Liepienant in Colonel Aplats 
Battalion, - - 1357 
Shaw, Charles, memorial ak to eee York Conven- 
tion, - - - - - - - 1540 
Is exempted from military duty, - - - 1541, 1559 
Captain Berrien refuses to exempt, from duty, - 1554 
Shawnees, representation from the, at Fort Pitt, - 36 
Shea, Richard, deserter, examination of, - - - 813 
Shee, Colonel, state of the Regiment of, - - - 28 
Shee, Walter, appointed Superintendent of the press, 1613 
Sheep, the slaughter of, forbidden in Connecticut, - 752 
A fat, strays from Gates’s Head-Quarters, = - - 1127 
Each Brigade to have a, for use of the sick, - - 1272 
Great number of, on Nassau- Island, - - - 1425. 
Price paid for, by the enemy, - - - 1532 
Order for removal of, to Hemhastendeletos, - - 1537 


1757 


Sheerer, Michael, lakigg takes Daniel ei to 


Lancaster, - . 
Sheffield, Archas, apodintéd Lidwienade of iadatlety’ in 
Connecticut, - - - . - 244 
Shelburne, petition from inhabitants of, to Gates, 455, 803 
A stockade fort erected at, - - - - - 455 
Shelby, James, good conduct of, in Indian battles, - 466 
Shell, Daniel, appointed Lieutenant in Flying-Camp, - 1350 
Shells, the enemy throw, filled with molasses, - - 129 
Upwards of sixty thrown on Sullivan’s Island, + = 438 
Shelly, Daniel, allegations against, - - - - 4 
Shepard, James, appointed Captain of New-Hampshire 
Militia, - - - - - - - 650 
Sheppard, James, appointed et of Massachusetts 
Militia, - - - - - 268 
Sheppard, Aleaander dirdotad to receive saltpetre, - 283 
Sheppard, Abm., appointed Captain by Congress, - 1570 
Sherburne, Colonel Samuel, appointed Mustermaster 
and Paymaster in New-Hampshire,_ - - 57, 83 
Sherburne, Edward, de yet in a Canada. 
Regiment, - - 65 
Sherburne, Major Henry, ferd@rde to Telief” of Bedel, - 129 
March of from Montreal to the Cedars, - - 159 
Is met by the Indians in great force, - - - 160 
After a brave contest is overpowered, - - - 160 
And forced to sign a cartel, - - - - 161 
A compliment to the conduct of, by Content - 162 
A copy of the articles with Forster signed by, - 162 
Is sent by Arnold to the Canada Commissioners, - 165 
Is highly complimented by Arnold, . - - 166 
Colonel Greaton expresses an indifferent Saiyistich of, 697 
Congress pay the expenses of, - 1578 
Sherman, Roger, Delegate in Congress froin one 
necticut, - - - 48 
Sherman, William, appointed Paymaster By Congress, 1568 
Sherwood, Benjamin, witnesses against counterfeiters, 1369 
Shewell, Joseph, published as an enemy, - - - 1119 
Shewell, Stephen, published as an enemy, - « - 1119 
Ship-Carpenters, two Companies of, on the march, - 145 
Massachusetts resolves to send, to Albany, - - 303 
Employed at Poughkeepsie in building rafts, - - 546 
Congress resolves to employ fifty for Albany, - - 1565 
Ship George, distribution of proceeds of the prize, - 134 
Shipman, ey mak eephie: A he named for ie ei 
tion, - 646 
Shippen, Dr. ywilliata! letter to, from the Preaitailt of 
Congress, - ~ - - - - - 346 
Has a conference with Dr. Weisenthall, - - 758 
Appointed Chief Physician, &c., to Flying-Camp, - 1578 
Ships, list of British, and their force, - - - 27 
Two sent up North River to obstruct satp pltest - 121 
Massachusetts resolves to equip two, for Colony use, 134 
Captured by an American privateer, —- - - 209 
Capture of British, to be tried before the Maritime 
Court, - - - - - - - 316, 320 
Of the line, eleven put in commission in London, - 929 
Of war, the Continental, in want of guns, - - 1155 
Of war, Marine Committee instructed to report a 
plan for building, - - - 1618 
Shirley, Alexander, losses of, at Bunker:Eill paid, 52, 71 
Shirtmen, the enemy call Captain Smith’s Company,- 151 
Handsome parade of, in Philadelphia, - . - 786 
Shirts, a supply of, received at Head-Quarters, New- 
York, - - ~ - - - - - §800 
A supply of, received at Ticonderoga, - - - 1269 
Shecker, Peter, examination of, on oath, - - - 760 
Shoes, a supply of, received at Head-Quarters, - - 800 
High price paid for in Philadelphia, —- - - 1192 
Shops, leaden weights taken from all the, in New- 
Jersey, - - - . iy “9369 
Shora, John, recommended as Heute be Germans, 182 
Shores, Peter, appointed Lieut. of frigate Rawleigh, - 1588 
Shot, Arnold secures a good supply of, - i «65 
An order to supply the town of Beverly with, - 268 
Thousands of the enemy’s, gathered on Sullivan’s 
Island, - - - - - wi 499 
An ordél of Connecticut Council of Safety ion of 7S { 
Shot-Moulds, payment for, ordered, - - - 1327 
Shreve, John, appointed Ensign by General Cates - 657 
Shrewsbury, New lary, people of, slow in turning 
out, - - - - - 388 
Greater portion of its sa bairreneh Tories, « - 602 
An asylum for Tories from all quarters, - - 1534 
Shryock, Major Henry, letter to, from the Maryland 
Council of Safety, - - - 466 
Is appointed Lieutenant-Colonel in a: Piyttig Catnip 1350 
Shugart, Martin, recommended as Ensign of Ger- 
PARES, hele HS TAR ot eR AMR a ta a 18) SOR RS 


. INDEX. 


Shuldham, Vice Admiral, Lord, uncertainty about, - 105 
Arrival of with the transports, = - - : - 122 
Displeasure of the King at the neglect of, — - - 1102 

Shute, Mr. Samuel, appointed Ensign, - - - 1269 

Shuttleworth, Lieutenant, signs parole at Lancaster,- 783 

Sick, resolve to furnish Colonial Regiments sd dbase 

for the, - z o * é 4 - 317 
Serious increase of, in the General Hospital, - - 417 
Great increase of, at New-York, - - - - 678 
Reported to be convalescent at Fort George, - 776 
Two thousand reported to be, on Staten-Island, - 813 
Augmented number of, at Head-Quarters, - - 835 
Return of, in the General Hospital at Fort George, 857 
A sheep given to each brigade to make broth forthe, 1272 

Sickles, Captain, guard of, to watch the enemy’s mo- 

tions, - - - = - - - - 1558 

Signals, General Lincoln’s ideas on the proper alarm, 461 
Two guns ordered as, of the enemy’s landing, - 505 

Sill, Mr., appointed Lieutenant in Warner’s Regiment, 1555 

Silliman, Colonel, letter to, from Washington, - ait” 39 
Impossibility of subsisting the horses of, - - 106 
Advises the horsemen not to do duty on foot, - 513 

Silver and Gold, amount of, in New-Hampshire treas- 

ury, - - - - - - - - 59 
Massachusetts resolves to send a large sum in, eh 

Schuyler, - . - - 277 

Sim, Colonel Joseph, lattoe from, to Maryland Ohi. 

cil of Safety, - - - - - 

Sim, Captain Patrick, paid for supplies to his Com- 

pany, - - - . - 1831, 1333 

Sim, Peter, report of Obiiatiae a fieaaic ae to examine, 1468 

Simonds, Captain, member of New-Hampshire As- 

sembly, - - - - il hihi - miele: 

Simpkins, Dickinson, appointed Lieutenant Maryland 

Militia, - - - - - - - - 1344 

Simpson, John, prisoner of war, DE ) - 22 
Examination and parole of, - - - 23 
Was wounded at battle of Bunker- “Hill, - - 48 

Simpson, John, member of North- Carolina Council of 

Safety, - - - - - - - 1366 

Six Nations, Kiashuta pneaks the determination of the, 36 
The warriors of, conclude to take the advice of the 

United States, - - - - - - - 138 
Expected arrival of, at German Flats, - - - 396 
Reported neutrality of the, - - - . - 480 
A conference opened with the, - - - - 856 
Union of, with the Caughnawagas, &e., - - 867 
Fifty of the warriors of, embark in quest of Colonel 

Johnson, - - - - - - 868 
Probability of some of the, ey Carteret - - 983 
Speech of the Commissioners to the, - - - 1035 

Skene, Governour, threats from, to Nek: a powder- 

mill, - - - - - 178 
Proposal to exchange for Mr. Lovell - - 502,510 
Washington offers to Howe the exchange of, - 679 
General Howe agrees to the proposal, - See © PAL )) 
Sails ordered by, for the schooner Liberty, are found, 923 
Congress authorize the exchange of, for Mr. Lovell, 1590 

Skene, “Major, (Governour’s son,) arrives at Quebeck, - 584 

Skenesborough, proceedings of Committee of, - - 128 
Militia ordered to, in aid of the carpenters, - - 206 
Artificers sent to, from Crown-Point, - - - 209 
Gates sends General Waterbury to, - . - 340 
Waterbury’s first letter to Gates from, - - - 424 
Failure of the gondolas to arrive at, - - - 454 
Sixty carpenters reported at work at, - - - 454 
The Militia begin to arrive at, - - - - 512 
General Arnold visits, - - - 512 
The position of, explained By Sehurpien’ - - 560 
The Massachusetts Battalion are ordered to, - - 576 
More carpenters arrive at, &c.,- - i - 649 
Operations of the mill at, ‘obstructed by a flood, - 955 
Troops at, ordered to Ticonderoga, - - - 955 
Colonel Wynkoop i is left in command at, - - 955 
Extract of a letter from, - - & : - 988 
Return of provisions on hand at, - - é - 1201 
Number of men at, who drew provisions, - - 1202 
Sickness among the carpenters at, - : a a 
Ague and fever the prevailing disease at, - - 1238 

Skidmore, John J., promoted to a Majority, — - - 1462 

Skimmer, Captain, prize taken by, sent into Salem, - 973 

Skinner, Thomas, taken into custody at Amboy, - 38 

Skinner, Cortlandt, joins the enemy on Staten-Island, 200 

Skinner, John, letter from, to Maryland Council of 

Safety, - - - - - - - - 364 

Skinner, Captain, sends in a prize ship, - - - 662 

Skinner, rete ee OM ay in arresting the dis- * 

affected, - any tae SOs, 


1759 


Skinner, Abraham, list of Tories certified by, - - §898 
Skinner, Colonel William, order to deliver slaves to, - 1374 
Slapp, John, one of the Committee for building Fort 
at Royalton, - - - - ° ae) 
Slaughterhouses, reall dem ordered to remove all, be- 
yond the limits of the City of Annapolis, - - 1341 
Slaves, efforts of the enemy to excite the, - - - 192 
Importation of, in Delaware prohibited, - - 1178 
Sleght, Tohannes, Chairman of Ulster Committee, - 126 
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - - 1146, 1459 
Slitting Mill, money advanced for erection of, - - 1349 
Sloan, David, commissioned Second Lieutenant, - 1313 
Sloane, Johnyexamination of, - - - - 1512 
Sloop, a, is offered to the Maryland “home of Safety, 362 
Sent to New-Providence by Commodore Hopsins, - 476 
A, captured by Captain Lander, - - - 553 
Ponnectcut Council order the purchase of a, - 935 
Sloops, two purchased at Poughkeepsie, - - - 935° 
Fitted out for defence of Hudson River, —- - 1515 
Not sufficiently substantial for sea service, - - 1531 
Small, Jonathan, apnienced to receive thirty- -nine 
lashes, - - - - - - - 1269 
Small-arms, See inkion’s s deficiency in, - - - 173 
Resolve empowering agents to purchase, - - 292 
Invoice of, sent to Washington, - - - 360 
Makers of, in Pennsylvania, exempted aera march- 
ing with Militia, = - - - - - 1294 
Small bills, New- -Hampshire dou it eena to 
issue, - - - - - - - 4 
Form and amount of, issued, . - - - 
Small-pox, a bounty given to conquer the fears of, - 28 
Care taken to preserve the army at New-York from, 102 
Prevalence of, at Crown-Point, - - - - 103 
Washington urges measures to suppress, = - - 106 
Great havock made by, in the Northern Army, - 118 
Mortality from, very great among the officers, - 129 
More dreaded than the enemy, - - - - 145 
Boston made quite a hospital by, - - - - 145 
Massachusetts Council forbid inoculation for, - 146 
Loss of the enemy from, on Staten-Island, - - 151 
Reported to be gradually disappearing from the army, 177 
The troops at Boston infected with, = - - - 190 
Petition to establish a hospital for inoculation for, - 212 
Danger apprehended from, in Philadelphia, - - 220 
Dr. Elyi is sent by Connecticut to the Northern ‘aii 
to report on, - ~ - - - - 241 
Schuyler hopes to prevent the spread of, - - 260 
An Indian lad is infected with, - - - - 330 
Breaks out on board of Captain Harding’s brig, - 260 
Precautions taken against, at Salem, - - 426 
Massachusetts Legislature authorize inoculation a5 448 
Selectmen of Boston urged to suppress, - - 477 
Continued spreading of, at Boston, = - - - d41 
Appearance of, at Port Tobacco, Maryland, - - 592 
A Regiment from Boston arrives at New-York, not 
free from, - - - - - - - 688 
Cases of, ordered to be forthwith reported to the ‘ 
General, - - - - ~ - 654, 656, 657 
Prevalence of, on Staten-Island, - - - - 813 
Great cause of desertion from the Northern Army,- 827 
Anger of Gates at the inoculation for, - - - 901 
The carpenters at Williamstown inoculated for, - 1004 
Number of persons reported at Boston with, - - 1172 
The Virginia Battalion ordered to avoid Philadel- 
phia on account of, - - - - - - 1191 
Gates informs Washington of the declension of, - 1197 
Total eradication of, from the army of the North, - 1268 
Smallwood, Colonel Willem, is ordered to Fiuladal; 
phia, - - - - 31 
Letter from, to foriand Council rx cain - 101 
Embarks at Annapolis for Elk, - - - - 155 
Captain Stricker is recommended by, - - ets | 
Apprehension of, of being SBPPRPARES in his com- 
mand, - - 215 
Arrives at Pailedalpnin ate the First Battalion oF 
Maryland Regulars, - - - - 350 
Is ordered by the President of Hieeee to join 
Washington, - - - - - - 388 
The enemy land near iy estate of, on the Poto- 
mack, - - - -f - 593 
Ordered to halt his ania at MRS Tear - 600 
The Maryland Delegates in Congress advance mo- 
ney to, - - - - - 618 
Is reported to be New: York - - - - 670 
Maryland Council of Safety approve the advance to, 723 
Report of the onePaes landing on the farm of, not 
drue, . - 723 
Arrival of, ith his Buitalion, at Ei esbetheumas - 750 


INDEX. 


Smallwood, Colonel William, his Battalion complain 


of the provisions issued at Philadelphia, - " 
Washington orders Battalion of, to New-York, = 
The arrival of, at Nees Sati neuer OF Washing- 
ton, - =" 
Regiment of, attached to Sullirane s eon - 
Gallant conduct of the Battalion of, — - - e 


Appointed to command Stirling’s Brigade, - - 
List of the Battalion of, made prisoners on Long- 


Island, - - - - - - - 
Half a month’s pay aiesnncd to Battalion of, - 
Ordered to make return to Maryland Council of 

Safety of troops, arms, &c., - 7 . : 
Maryland Council of Safety ‘order payment, to, on 

Continental account, - - - 


Ordered by Congress to New- ey - - - 
Smedes, Abraham, commissioned First Lieutenant, - 
Smedley, Lieutenant, g gallantry of, applauded, - - 

Affidavit made by, - - 
Smith, John, 3d, member of ton “Hampshire ope 


bly, - - - - 
Smith, Ebenezer, cee a ce “Uneate hie 
sembly, - - - - - - - 
Smith, Capt., of Seventh Regiment, boards an enemy’s 
tender, - - - - - - - - 
Captures several prisoners, - - - - 
Smith, Jonathan, Captain of Second Pennsylvania 
Battalion, - - 
Smith, Alexander feria rest as - Captain <i 
Rifles, - : - - - - - 
Receives the appointment, - - - . - 
Smith, Chauncey, examination of, - - 


Smith, Jonathan, appointed Colonel of pan Bese 
Mita - - - - - - ~ - 
Smith, Adam, recommended for an appointment, — - 
Appointed First Lieutenant, - - - - 


| Smith, Benjamin, resolve on the petition of, - - 
en ale Nathan, resolve on the petition of, - ° 
Smith, Colonel Isaac, resolve on the abstract of, - 


Smith, George, (Philadelphia,) appointed Captain in 
Flying-Camp, - 

Smith, John, First Tenens RS Mecota te Pace 

Smith, Colonel Josiah, appointed First Colonel of 


draught of Nasauietsland Militia, - = DBO: 
Directed to join General Greene, - - - - 
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - - - 
Authorized to employ a Sprgean and procure hos- 
pital, - - - - 2 . 
Camp equipage setts for, - - - 


- Authorized to appoint Quartermaster ~a Agbntang 


Regiment of, ordered to Horn’s Hook, - - 
Transportation ordered for, to Long-Island, - - 
Regiment of, dispersed without authority, = 4 


Smith, Captain Nathan, to Maryland Council of Salbty, 


Smith, Stephen, to Massachusetts Council, . 
Smith, Jonathan, letter to, from Stephen Parker, - 
Smith, Dr. Adam, author of “ Wealth of Nations,” an 
enemy to the American cause, - - - 
Smith, Captain, RHSODEE : to the Newoiork regio 
tion, - - 


Smith, William S., aa Aid ny Gen. bt reeeey - 


Smith, we volunteer, deserts to the enemy, - 
Smith, Major Thomas, the Militia threaten, _—_- 1079, 
Smith, Joseph, Jun., elected Captain in Col. Cooke’s 
Regiment, - - - - - 
Smith, John, (East-Hampton,) appointed enna 
of ship Oliver Cromwell, - - = 


Smith, Robert, awnings inspected “a alae bY, pen 


Smith, Major Jeffrey, “pusillanimity charged against, - 

Resignation of, - - - - 2 a é 
Smith, ‘Captain Matthew, ordered to procure rifles, - 
Smith, Francis, paid for leather breeches, - - - 


Smith, John, appointed Lieutenant in Flying-Camp, - 
Smith, John, appointed Ensign in the Flying-Camp, 
Smith, Robert, (North-Carolina,) permitted to eARON 
sundries, - - - . ~ - 
Smith, John, arrested for passing comers money, - 
Smith, Joseph, permitted to leave North-Carolina, - 
Smith, Benjamin, (New-York Convention, ) refuses to 
take the oath of secrecy, - - - - 
Smith, Samuel, petition of, to NewYork Centons 
tion, - > : 5 = . 
Smith, Simeon, appoinigg Captain in Warner’s Regi 
ment, = - 

Smith, Joseph B., elected by renga eosin Mus- 
termaster-General of the Flying-Camp,_ - 
Smith, Dr. William, appointed Druggist by Congress, 

Smiths, delay occasioned by the want of, - : 


1760 


771 
835 


910 
913 
1194 
1247 


1251 
1331 


1332 


1333 
1582 
1465 
341 
402 


61 
61 


150 
152 


171 


183 
1335 
198 


293 
251 
1336 
273 
281 
284 


349 
377 


1424 
1489 
1211 


1523 
1526 
1526 
1557 
1558 
1564 
685 
703 
893 


1050 
1081 


1121 


~ 


1761 


Smiths, the New-York Convention ask Congress for 


the Poughkeepsie, - . - - 1548 
Smyley, Samuel, recommended to Maryland Council 
of Safety, - - - - - 217 
Smyth, John, taken into nustony at Amboy, - - 38 
General Livingston’s confidence in, = - - 105 
Smythe, Thomas, letter to, from Maryland Council of 
Safety, - - - - 114, 386, 153, '737 
Letter from, to Maryland Gohaeil of Safety, - 216, 553 
Sends a sample of wooden bottles, - - - 707 
Smyth, Nathaniel, order to, from Maryland Council of 
Safety, - - - - - - - 344, 409 
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 976 


Letter to, from Maryland Council of Safety, - - 976 
Smyth, Thomas, appointed Captain in Flying-Camp, - 1347 
Snead, John, appointed a Ranger in Surrey County, 


North-Carolina, - - - - - - 1369 
Snowdon, Thomas, commissioned First Major, - - 1332 
Snow Hill, arms at, belonging to Maryland, - - 974 
Snyden, Dennis, denounced as an enemy, - - 648 
Snydtn, Jesse, denounced as an enemy, - - - 648 
Snyden, William, denounced as an enemy, - - 648 
Snyden, Samuel, denounced as an enemy, - - 648 
Snyden, Robert, denounced as an enemy, - - 648 
Snyder, John, mistake concerning, corrected, - - 648 
Snyder, Colonel John, ashe of, to New-York Con- 

vention, - - - - 714 
Soap, allowance of, ‘maneeeion for clematiness - 196 

Ordered for Regiments at Ticonderoga, : 656-7 
Soldiers, price of goods for, regulated, - - - 556 
Complaints of the country people against the, - 677 
Resolve relating to employment of sea-coast, - 1283 
Order forbidding, to appear at elections, - - 1382 
Allowance of clothing for, - - - - - 1385 
Resolve of Congress relating to disabled, —- - 1619 
Soldiery, deerskin breeches ordered for the, = - - 1622 
Solebay, frigate, one of Sir Peter Parker’s fleet, - - 436 
Report of deserters from the, - - - 818, 1487 
Sollers, T., member of the Baltimore Committee, ATS 
Solomon, the wisdom of, requisite to endure slander, - 1204 
Solon, resolves of Congress, compared to the laws of, 734 
Somerset, Maryland Council of Safety to Committee of, 570 


Somerville, Col. Alexander, correspondence of, with 
Maryland Council of Safety, 325, 343, 409, 429, 614, 634 


Somes, Benjamin, appointed Lieutenant of the Glou- 


cester Company, - - - - - - 271 
“Sons of Liberty” celebrate their anniversary, - - 972 
Sorel, situation of the army at the mouth of the, - 128 

Reported retreat of Burgoyne to the, - - - 824 
Arrival of the chain intended for the, - - = 935 
Soscoholaana, a Mohawk chief, speech of, - - 1041 
Sound, enemy’s ships in, obstruct communication, - 1205 
Enemy’s ships cruise in the, - - - 1212, 13835 
Westchester Militia watch the enemy in the, - - 1544 
South-Carolina, reported repulse of Clinton in, -. - 348 
Capture of a schooner belonging to, — - - - 382 
Hancock sends an express to Washington with the 
news from, - - - - - - - 4384 
Extract of a letter from, - - - - - 481 
Washington gives to the army the news from, - 506 
Monthly return of the forces in, - . - - 632 
Proclamation by the President of, - - - - 756 
Question whether the forces of, are Continental, - 905 
Washington holds up the troops of, as an example, 913 
Extract of a letter from a field officer of, - - 941 
First Colony to Ha bt on a plan for a fixed Legis- 
lature, - - - - ~ 1285 
Officers from, inlist men from the North- Carolina 
troops, - - - - - - - - 1385 
Congress takes into pay the Rangers of, - - 1590 
Southampton, New-York, meeting of grandfathers at, 543 
Draught of a letter from Neston rk Convention to 

Committee of, - - - - = - 1398 
Southold, Committee of, erect cannon on east end of 

Nassau-Island, - - - - 1545 
Southouse, Mr., appointed Judge of Gommort Pleas 

for Montreal, - - - - - 1105 
South River, the Company from, on anty at | Annapolis, 

discharged, - - 1337 
Spades, a quantity of, hey front Aang * Gaian - 623 

General Waterbury asks for, - - - - - 679 
A second call for, from Skenesborough, - 2) 17 
Number of, sent to Skenesborough, , - - «) TTS 
General Gates complains of the want of, - - 872 
Captain Varick sends, to Gates, - - - - 922 
Spades, Gates orders Waterbury to send him, - - 955 

Spafford, John, appointed Lieutenant of Green Moun- 
tain Boys, - - - é * : - 3877 


Firry Series.—Vot. I 


INDEX. 


Spain, Great Britain endeavours to stop the trade of, 


1762 


with the United States, - - - - -'' €$6 
Lee’s opinion as to the sentiments of, - - - 96 
Cominerce of, with the American Colonies, - - 134 
Evasive answers given by, to England, - - 462 
Appearance of rupture of, with England: - - 960 
Rumour of war with Portugal, - - - - 1011 
Spalding, Simon, appointed Lieutenant by Congress, - 1618 
Spangler, George, conducts prisoners to Yorktown, - 1292 
Sparham, Dr., declines going with the fleet, = - - 988 
Speaight, Richard, offers his services as Surgeon, - 1482 
Spears, Mercer sends twelve hundred to Washington, 894 
Specie, Schuyler sends for, on his Indian treaty, - 395 
Order of Congress to pay the account of Price & 
Heywood in, - - - - 1606 
Spedden, Mr., and family, on rat aes Drinhirata s fleet, - 152 
Specch, Mr. Bowdoin’ s, to the Indians, - - 840, 841 
At the opening of the Conference at German- Flats, 1035 
Speedwell Pembroke, brig, capture of, on a whaling 
voyage, - . - - - 550 
Spencer, General Joseph, commits Toha Lewis to 
prison, - - - . - 109 
Letter from, to abe Hobart, - - - - 373 
Recommends Levi Allen, - - - - - 498 
Paper required for Brigade of, - - - 579 
Appointed Major-General, - - - - 883, 1603 
Appointment of, announced in General Orders, - 914 
Sphinx, Captain Hunt, one of Sir Peter Parker’s fleet, 436 
Spicer, Nathan, deserter, examination of, - - - 353 
Affidavit made by, ~ - - 401 
Spikes, quantity of, sent from ‘Alberiy to Garenl > - 623 
Spiten Devil, two galleys sent to lie at, - - - 647 
Tupper’s uncertainty about retreating to, - - 767 
Spitfire, row-galley, engagement of, with the enemy, - 751 
Splatterdashes, ordered for Captain Hindman’s Com- 
pany, - - - - - - 1340 
Split Rock, Arnold proposes to post BiG fleet at, - 796 
An order for the fleet not to pass, - - - - 826 
Spooner, Walter, letter to, from Massachusetts Council, 30 
Spotswood, Alexander, appointed Lieutenant-Colonel 
by Congress, - - - - - - 1606 
Sprague, Major Joseph, to command Companies at 
Salem, - - - - - - - 323 
Sprigg, Richard, an order to pay, for a schooner,’ - 1339 
Spriggs, George, Treasurer of Massachusetts, directed 
to receive boxes of money from, - - - 284 
Sprowle, Mr., and family, on board Dunmore’s fleet, - 152 
Spunges, resolve to supply Falmouth with, - - 321 
Spurrier, Edward, appointed Ensign in Flying-Camp, 1348 
Spy, Connecticut armed brig, instructions for, - 240 
Spy, sloop, cruising off Block- Island, - - - 1452 
A ship from New-York detained by the, . - 1452 
Spy, intelligence from Long-Island brought by a, = _:1531 
Spyker, Benjamin, appointed Captain in Flying-Camp, 1351 


Squier, Samuel, letter from, to Governour Trumbull, 455, 750 


Squires, Captain, commander of the Otter, - mi15S 
Stacey, William, appointed rage of Massachusetts 
levies, - - - = “s és - 293 
Leaves his Regiment on the Atal - - a eTOy 
Staddle, Christopher, promotion of, - - : oy24 
Staff Officers, resolve of Massachusetts to appoint, - 294 
Stamp Office, anniversary of the fall of the, - - 944 
Stanley, Sir Hans, purpose of, in France, - - - 1013 
Stanton, Captain, ordered with his row-galley to New- 
York) >< : > e = - 458, 541 
Court of Inquiry ordered on, - - - - 1140 
Stanton, Joshua, auiot Captain i in Warner’s Regi- 
ment, - - - - - - - 1565 
Stark, Colonel Tans letter from, to Gates, - - 15 
A paper from, is enclosed to Washington, - - 827 
Promotions in the Regiment of, - - 4 - 1126 
Stark, Ensign, promoted to a Lieutenancy, - - 1126 
Starr, Daniel, appointed wiv of sha in 
Connecticut, ~ - - . - 244 
State-House, Philadelphia, procession to, to hear Inde- 
pendence read, 119 
A stage erected in the yard éf fas the Philadelphia 
cuard, - - - 1299 
Statement, Captain Gian wey 8, of the re at Sandy 
Point, - - - . - - §25 
Colonel Harrison’s, of the affair at Senay Point, = §27 
Staten-Island, threatening mancuvres of the enemy 
against, - - - - - - - = 18 
General Howe lands and encamps on, - - oh ta20 
Tories on, hide the cattle for the enemy, - oY SR 
Treachery of the people of, - - - - - 989 
Howe’s reasons for debarking on, - - <1) 105 
No opposition made to Howe’s landing on, - - 122 


111 


1763 


Staten-Island, people of, welcome the arrival of Howe, 122 
J. Adams speaks his opinion of the people of, - 184 
Mr. Stone informs the Maryland Couneil of Safety 

that Howe remains at, - - - - - 220 
It is not deemed advisable to make adescent upon, 224 
Difficulty of procuring a spy for service on, - - 328 
Howe’s troops cantoned along the shores of, - - 369 
Captain Mercereau brings intelligence from, - - 369 
General Mercer forms a “plan of attack on, - 370,443 
Bad weather prevents Mercer’s designs on, - - 470 
Discussion of a plan of attack on, - - - - 619. 
Prevalence of small-pox on, - - - - - 813 
Arrival of Hessians, &c., at, - - - 818, 982 
Reported embarkation of the, troops ein: - - 824 
Arrival of Clinton at, from South-Carolina, - - §851 
Whole force of the enemy united at, - : - 944 
Amount of the force on, ascertained, - - 951,1109 
Loyalty of the people of, praised by the Ratan - 1103 
A spy brings intelligence from, + 1110, 1531 
Statesman, qualifications for a good, - 1281 
Statue of George Ill. in New- York, pulled down by 
the people, - - 144 
Staves, permission ernie by North- Garolihart to ex- 
port, - - - - - -. + 1367 
Stedman, John, resolve on the iention of, - - 283 
Steel, William, SOU N Ht Lieutenant of Lancaster 
Associators, - - - - - 573 

Steel, Ensign, dismissed the service by Solitimiartsal: - 658 

Steel, Aaron Hobart asks for fifty weight of, - - 748 
Maryland Council of Barty order delivery of, to Mr. 

Niven, - - 1331 
Maryland Consett of Salety brdés delivery oft to Mr. 
Harris, - - - 1337 

Steel, Captain, dcratiahde a Rifle Canova - - 909 

Steel, James, testimony of, —- ~ - - - 1081 

Steel, William, testimony of, - - - - - 1081 

Steigleman, Jacob, discharged on account of age, —- 947 

Stein, Augustus, testimony of, in case of Colonel 

Zedtwitz, - - - . - 1159 

Stephens, Colonel Adam, to President of Virginia 

Council, . - - - - - 892 

Stephens, Bliaty dvtnmnauon of, - - - - 1198 
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 386 
Letter to, from Maryland Council of Safety, - - 433 

Stephens, Mr., detained on board the Sei as a 

hostage, - - - 1215 

Stephens, Philip, first Secretary to ite Adicibaltgs ex- 

tract of a letter to, from Lord Howe, - - - 1255 
Stephens, Simon, appointed Major of Brigade, - - 1465 
Stephenson, Captain, is captured by an American pri- 
vateer, - - - - - - : - 589 
Sterett, Lieutenant William, money voted to, for Smith’s 
Company, - - - - - - 1333 
Sterret, Lieutenant, missing after the battle on one 
Island, - - - - “ - - - 1250 
Steuart, intrigues of, with the Indians, = - - - 481 
Stevens, Captain John, list of the men of, made pri- 
soners, - - - - - - - - 167 
Stevens, Caleb, New-Hampshire; inlists for Canada, - 381 
Stevens, Elnathan, Chairman of Killingworth Com- 
mittee, - - - - - - - - 566 

Stevens, Dr., Gates asks the arrest and imprisonment of, 1073 
Conduct of, explained and justified, = - - - 1170 
Letter from to General Gates, 2 = SoyT7i 

Stevens, Richard, refuses to receive North- Caroling 

money, - - - - - 1376 

Stevenson, George, ibttas featnth to President of Con- 

oress, - . - - - - - 619, 994 

Stevenson, Cornelius, letter from, to Dr. Franklin, = - 1106 

Stevenson, Captain, superseded by Thomas Yates, - 1332 

Steward, appointment ofa, for the Bev, Moses in 

lieu of Purser, - - : 

Stewart, Stephen, letter to, ve Maryland OpatoH of 
Safety, - - - 1138, 154, 1133 
Letter from, to Maryland Coutied ee Safety, - - 136 

Stewart, Captain, (prisoner,) signs parole at Lancaster, 783 

Stewart, Col. William, letter from, to Gen. Waterbury, 1051 

Stewart, Alexander, clothes to be delivered to, - - 1386 
Asks to be released from service with the troops, - 1448 
Report on the case of, - - - s a - 1455 
Taken into custody as a prisoner, - - = - 1456 

Stewart, Captain James, authorized to raise a Com- 

pany of Scotch Highlanders, - - - - 1442 
Ordered to join Colonel Malcom’s Regiment, - 1518 
Stickney, Colonel Thomas, letter from, to ha als 
shire Committee of Safety, - - - 1205 
Stickney, Jonathan, resolve on the petition of, - - 301 
Stiles, Captain J oseph, muster-roll of the Artillery of, 788 


INDEX. 


1764 


Stirling, Lord— 


Letter to, from Colonel Weissenfels, = : - 41 
Memorial addressed to, - - - - - 191 
Instructions of, to Captain Johnson, - - - 256 
Instructions in relation to East River ferries, - - 414 
A Regiment of artificers is ordered to join, = - 503 
Colonel! Ritzema’s disrespect to, - - - - 504 
Paper required for the Brigade of, - - - - 579 
Letter from, to Washington,- - - = 601, 1245 
Nominations to vacancies in the Brigade of, - - 645 
Return of artificers ordered to join, - - - 765 
Gives notice to prisoners to attend Washington, - 869 
List of officers in the first Battalion of, - - - 978 
Letter from, to Colonel Nixon, - - - 1111 
Evidence of, on the trial of Colonel Zedtwitz, - 1159 
Reported missing after the fight on Long-Island, - 1195 
Taken prisoner by the enemy, = - - - 1212, 1231 
Plunderers of his house ordered to restore, - - 1348 
Stirling, Captain, pay under, to be furnished with 
horses, - - - - - 1294 
Stock, Congress order removal of, ath Jerey coast, -" 440 
Removal “of, not deemed necessary from Nassau- 
Island, - - - - . - - - 538 
New-York Convention sabia dee the loss of, on 
Nassau, - - - - 538 
Removal of, from Fisher’ s atid Elizabeth's Islands, - 540 
Maryland Council of Safety order removal of, from 
Islands, - - - - ~ - - - 1335 
Importance of removing, from Long-Island, - 1414 
Resolve of New-York Convention’ in Frelation iliGreto! 1424 
Order for the removal or destruction of, in Queen’s 
County, - - - - - - - 1533 
Order for the removal of, frou the coast of New- 
Jersey, - - - - - - - - 1535 
Order for driving, from the coast to the interior of 
Long-Island, - - - - - - - 1545 
New-York asks assistance from Connecticut in 
removing, - - - - - - 1553 
Recommends to Ne wevereey the removal of, - - 1582 
Stock and Tools, Chase’s return of, in Boston, - - 587 
Stockbridge, Dr. Benjamin, is continued in jail, - 283 
Stockbridge Indians, Washington authorized to em- 
ploy, - - - - - . - - 821 
Instructions to Mr. Edwards concerning, — - ~ 822 
Mr. Edwards is ordered to engage as many as pos- 
sible, - - - - - - - - 985 
Stocking Manufactory, pone advanced for car yee 
on a, - - - 1345 
Stocking-weaver, Mease & Caldwell ask “fot the dis- 
charge ofa, - - - - - - - 931 
Stockings, resolve to procure, for the use of the army, 302 
Stockton, Judge, Delegate in Congress from New- 
Jersey, - - . - - 347 
Stockton, John, Jr., mu pialon rhhtenanth in the Fly- 
ing-Camp, - - 1346 
Stoddart, William, deytiniote of relating to Sandy- 
Point, - - - - - - - 528 
Stone, Thomas, Delegate in Congress from Maryland, 219 
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 219, 


492, 531, 556, 669, 930 


Stone, Enos, statement of, to Massachusetts Assembly, 718 
Stone, William, memorial of, to banish Council of 
Safety, - - - ah e738 
Stone, Captain William, letter to, fou ite Marine 
Committee, - - - . - - 1181 
Stone, Captain J. H., money pe to, on account of 
his Company, - - - - 1331 


Stone, a sloop load of, éfdered ‘fbr Captain Rutgers, - 1518 
Stono Inlet, a sloop with powder aground in, - - 440 
Stopford, Major, prisoner of war, signs his parole, - 783 
Storekeeper, George Measam asks to be appointed, - 1157 


Storer, James, chosen Ensign of Chelsea Militia, - 778 
Stores, leaden weights list to be taken from, in 
New-Jersey, - - - 369 


Stores, safe arrival of all, at Nae roi New-York, 1083 
Captain Benson ordered to procure a guard for, - 1541 
Storm, the enemy make an attack in a severe, - - 1212 


Stormont, Lord, remonstrance of, to the French Court, 861 
Mr. Deane says he came express from London, ~- 1012 
Story, Thomas, a sick soldier, taken care of,  - - 1314 
Stratagem, success of the privateer Hancock’s,- 874, 972 
Stricker, Captain George, the seth hei in Congress 
recommend, - - - - . - 114 
Proposed as Lieutenant-Colonel be a German Bat- 
talion, - - - - - - - - 187 
Receives his appointment, - - - - 492, 1581 
Letter from, to Samuel Chase, - - - - 569 
Order for paying, for carriage of gunpowder, - - 1331 


1765 


INDEX. 


Stringer, Dr. Samuel, letter from, to General Gates, - 651 
Powers of, questioned by Dr. Morgan, - - - 920 
Ordered by Gates to Ticonderoga, - - 924 
Accused of preferment hunting, - - - 1114 
Gates complains of his delay in New-York, - - 1271 
Appointed Director and Physician for Northern de- 

partment only, - - - . - : - 1614 
Requested to appoint a Fleet Surgeon, - 1614 
Strong, Mr., recommended by Mr. Cox to Mr. 
Peters, - - - - 961 
Strong, Joseph, Me atin: Lin as Chaplain, . - 1085 
Stuart, William, takes the State oath in North-Caro- 
lina, - - - - - 1382 
Stugart, Martin, appointed pnaign Ao Pile Com- 
pany, = - - - - 1334 

Sturgeon, three ye of, sent os General Gates, - - 454 

Subjects, resolve confiscating property of the King’s, - 594 

Subscription, for encouraging inlistments, - - 179 

Suffolk, General Erskine to the inhabitants of, - - 1211 
County Committee to Governour Trumbull, - - 1261 
Deputies from, in New-York Convention, - - 1386 
Militia of, ordered into Qucens County, - - 1533 
Alarm of the people of, - - - - 1548 
Governour Trumbull is ed to send a thousand 

men to, - - - - - - 1552 

Suffrage, instructions of Pepe Ssrangel County on, - 1054 

Sugar, amount of, taken in prize ships, - - - 908 

Sugar- Town, reduced to ashes by Colonel Wilham- 

son, - - - - - - - - 750, 781 

Sullivan, General John— 

Letter from, to Colonel Hoisington, — - - - 3 
New-Hampshire calls puRoy her men to join the 

army of, - - - > - - « ~ 57 
Uncertainty of the <anhearninae of, . - - 110 
Address to, from his field-officers, - - - 127 
Reply of, to the address, _—- - - > - 127 
Satisfaction of, at the post of Ticonderoga, - - 206 
Schuyler receives a remonstrance from, - - 232 
Letter from, to General Schuyler, - - - - 235 
Letter to, from General Schuyler, - > - - 236 
Letter to, from Colonel Hurd, — - - - - 2263 
The retreat of, a masterly feat, = - - - - 339 
Washington regrets the proposed resignation of, - 389 
Halt of, with the army at St. John’s, - - - ATT 
Reception of, at New-York, - - - - - 510 
Letter to, from Committees of Newbury and Haver- 

hill, - - - - - - - - 548 
Brigade of, not contented with Continental allaya 

ance, - . - 562 
Letter of resignation from, rape oo lie on the 

table in Congress, - - - - - - 594 
Governour Trumbull alludes to the disgust of, - 607 
Discontent of, caused by appointment of Gates, - 637 
Is induced to withdraw his resignation, - - 637 
Is ordered to return to New-York, - - - 637 
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 770 
Is promoted to the rank of Major-General, - 883, 1603 
Promotion of, announced in General Orders, - - 914 
Letter to, from Colonel Hartley, - - - - 1098 
Appointed to command on Long-Island, —- - 1120 
Washington encloses to Congress a report from, - 1136 
Reported missing after the battle on Long-Island, - 1194 
Taken prisoner, and carried on board the fleet, - 1212 
Permitted to return on metole with a message ‘from 

Lord Howe, - - - - - - 1231 
Is sent to Philadelphia to deliver the essere - 1245 
Arrival of, at Philadelphia, - - - - 1626 
Ts directed by Congress to reduce Lord Hone S 

message to writing, sae Re bh ido wiiip taht my LORF 

Sullivan, Captain HDRHEZ SG taken puROnEs at the 

Cedars, - - - - 167 
Letter written in his name rns eaten! Seta, - 1167 

Sullivan’s Island, enemy’s account of the action at, - 249 
General Lee’s account of the repulse from, - see AS 
Circumstantial account of transactions before and 

after the attack upon, - - - - - 436 
Manner of the enemy’s approach to, - - - 438 

Sullivan’s Island, name of the fort on, changed, - 440 
Topography of, described, - - - - - 904 
Washington congratulates Lee on the repulse from 916 
The Fiftieth Regiment almost cut off at, i» 951 

Sulphur, large bounty given by New- -Hampshire i 

making, - - - - - 60, 87 
Process for refining, tenn eee - - - - 531 
Propositions by Connecticut for making, - - 1009 

Sunbury, Nova-Scotia, John White examined by Com- 

mittee of, - - - - - ~ - 599 
Resolves of the County of, - - - - - 05 


1766 


Sundays, army excused from fatigue duty on, - - 768 
Order against working on, revoked, - - ~ 1247 
Superior Court, (Massachusetts, ) a ‘Adams's anxiety 
about the, - - - - - 103 
Resolve to bring forward all causes in Hee - - 278 
Surgeon, Colonel ‘Nicoll asks for a, to his Regiment, - 730 
High compliment to the, of the Yankee privateer, - 755 
Surgeon- Major, Dr. Tootell asks for the office of, - 101 
Dr. Weisenthall’s definition of the title of, - - 112 
Surgeons, resolve of Congress relating to, - - 1128 
Meetings of, held at Ticonderoga, - - - 1266 
Resolve to communicate to each other the state of 
their sick, - - - - - =~ 1272 
Power to appoint, vested in the hvicigat of the 
Hospital, - - - - - . = - 1614 
Surgeons’ Mates, memorial of, sent to Congress, - 189 
Copy of the memorial of, to Lord Stirling, : - 191 
Discontent of Regimental, at Hospital regulations, 416 
Surinam, arrival of a Dutch gentleman from, - - 951 
Surry, North- Carolina, aphointnent of Rangers in the 
County of, - - - - - 1369 
Surveyors employed i in the Worenare Ney - - 33 
Surveyorship, Mr. Goddard resigns the, of the Post 
fice, - - - - - - 442 
Suspected persons, Massachusetts fanalae to inquire 
into, - - - - - - - 311 
Additional oe given to the court to try, - - 312 
Connecticut resolves to arrest, = - - - 424, 457 
Names of, published by Pittsylvania Committee, - 489 
Washington sends a number of, from New-York, - 896 
Washington bespeaks the indulgence of Governour 
Trumbull to, - - - : . - - 897 
Washington informs New-York Convention of his 
disposal Of Hing - - - - - 917 
Washington sends two to Philadelphic, - : - 934 
A number of, apprehended, - - - 989 
Parole of many, taken, - - - 989 
Washington causes the removal of siege - - 1501 
Sussex, Delaware, report to the Committee of, - - 10 
Snssex, Massachusetts) number of men to be raised 
Tie ee - - - - - - - - 289 
Sutherland, Sergeant, prisoner, a pass for, - - 1094 
Sutlers, prohibited in the Northern Army, - - 581, 687 
Wagoners prefer engaging with, to publick employ- 
ment, - - - - - - - - 773 
Sutton, Massachusetts, resolve for building a powder 
mill at, - - - - - - - = 272 
Sutton, William, deposition relating to, - - - 622 
Committed to the State prison, - - - 1312, 1412 
The commitment of, reported to New-York Conven- 
tion, - - - - - - - - 1315 
Asks to be released on account of his health, - 1447 
Dr. Graham makes a report on his health, - - 1448 
Examined and recommitted, - - - - 1449 
Ordered to be sent to Philadelphia, - - - 1454 
Put under charge of Lieutenant Hunt, - - - 1455 
Sutton, John, deposition proving toryism of, - 622, 1443 
Is arrested and committed to prison, - - - 1412 
Is admonished and discharged, - - : - 1456 
Sutton, Robert, deposition against, - . - - 622 
Is ordered to be discharged, - - - - 1435 
Suydam, Captain Lamberth, report made by - - 1068 
Swain, Reuben, letter from, to Washington, = - - 550 
Swansey, unhappy disputes in the town of, — - - 299 
Swartwout, Jacobus, appointed Colonel of New-York 
Militia, - - - - - - - - 1413 
Sweeny, James, charged with beating Pitts, —- - 1374 
Warrant for the arrest and commitment of, - - 1375 


Swift, Samuel, appointed Lieutenant in Flying-Camp, 349 
Swift, Herman, appointed Ensign by Congress, - 1618 


Swivels, Maryland Council of Safety order casting of, 114 
Schuyler calls on Washington for, - =, 474 
General Johnson engaged in making, for Marland 491 
An order for sending, to General Gates, - =i) $79 
Governour Trumbull orders, for Schuyler, - - 1115 

Symes, Mr., skilled in making salt, - - “4 - 1466 
A committee appointed to examine the skill of, - 1466 

Symonds, John, appointed Paplain Matrosses, Massa- 

chusetts, - - - : - 308 
Symonds, Captain, commands the Solebay frigate, - 436 
Symsbury, Connecticut, meeting of the Committee 

of, - - ° - 458 

Sypher, Anthony, ened for ride - - - 1322 

Syren, frigate, Captain Furneaux, - - - - 436 

St. Ann’s, order to destroy the post at, - - - 165 


St. Augustine, British troops in, — - - - J 7 
Lee’s expedition against, - - - - - 805 
Extract of a letter from, . - - “ - 1076. 


1767 


St. Clair, Colonel Arthur— 


The promotion of, recommended, - - 176 
President of the court of inquiry on Colonel Bedel, 239 
High praise bestowed on, - - - - - 604 
Reads the Declaration of Independence at Ticonde- 
roga, - - - - - . - 630 
Opinion of, on siardohiae Crown-Point,  - - 650 
Promoted to the rank of Brigadier, - - 883, 1603 
Promotion of, announced in general orders, - 914, 1270 
Colonel Maxwell complains of the promotion of, - 1204 
St. Eustatia, extract of a letter from, - 180, 609, 626 
Samuel Curson’s letter from, with prices, = - - 464 
St. George’s Island, troops from the fleet land at, 382, 429 
Lord Dunmore’s operations near, - - - - 386 
Major Price’s description of, . - - - 590 
Report from the upper camp of, - - . - 615 
Vessels dismantled and on shore at, + - - 723 
People ordered to assist in carrying cannon to, - 1339 
St. George’s Parish, petition of inhabitants of, to Lee, 685 
St. James, orders in Council at the Court of, - - 1088 
The Court of, laugh at American independence, - 1242 
St. John, the prize brigantine, sent into Salem, - - 972 
St. Johns, troops with “the small- -pox at, - - - 130 
The enemy building ships at, - - - - 238 
Prisoners from, are “received at Fredericktown, - 569 
Account of the enemy’s forces at, - - - - 697 
Schuyler reports to Washington the rumours from, 716 
Journal of a scout from Crown-Point to, - - §28 
Colonel Hartley has three spies watching near, - 888 
Reported junction of the enemy’s forces at, - - 939 
St. John’s Indians, resolve respecting the, - - 323 
Mr. Austin’s inquiry into presents for the, - - 460 
Mr. Bowdoin proposes engaging the, - - - 585 
Massachusetts Council hold a conference with, - 838 
Copy of the treaty concluded with, - - 848 
St. John’s river, Nova-Scotia, petition of the paiple as 
to Massachusetts, - - - 703 
St. Lawrence, report of a French Heent in the river, - 749 
The report of a fleet in, disbelieved at Albany,  - 923 
An American squadron ordered to cruise in the 
Gulf of, n-ia6 == . - - - . - 1106 
St. Martin, Monsieur, is employed as engineer, - 669 
Congress gives the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel to, 1588 
An advance of pay is made to, - - - 1596 


St. Mary’s, enemy’s ships in the river, 252, 325, 347, 431 
County, ammunition ordered to, by Maryland Coun- 


cil of Safety, - - - ~ - - - 386 
Maryland Council of Safety to the commanding ofhi- 
cerat, .- - - - - - - - 408 
Committee of, ask for the removal of Captain Mantz, 807 
Letter to Committee of, from Maryland Council of 
Safety, - - - . . - - - 862 
Three four-pounders are ordered to, - - - 1338 
Officer ordered to take charge of vessels at, - - 1338 
Major Price is ordered to take command at, - - 13839 
St. Paul, inhabitants of the parish of, petition Lee, - 685 
St. Paul, Mr., arrives in London from Versailles; - 861 
St. Pierre, extract of a letter from, | - - - - 706 
ibs 
Tabellions, appointment of, in New-Hampshire, - 84 
Tafts, William, chosen First Lieutenant Massachusetts 
Militia, - - - - - - - - 663 
Tagus, Spanish and French fleets in the, - - - 462 
Tailors, order for employment of, - - - - 1385 
Talbot, Captain of the Niger, rumoured orders to, - 1063 
Talbott, Benjamin, promoted to Second Lieutenancy, 801 
Talbott, Richard, appointed Ensign in Flying-Camp, - 1348 
Talbut, Captain, accepts a challenge from Lieutenant 
Dunworth, - - - - - . - 577 
Asks command of one of the fireships,- - - 628 
Talks, copies of, with the Indians sent to Washington, '702 
Tannehill, Adamson, appointed Lieutenant by Con- 
gress, - - ~ - - - - 1574 
Tannehill, Nieman, appointed qcuitannts by Congress, 1574 
Tappan, Dr., Colonel Clinton asks for appointment of, 108 
Tappan Sea, enemy’s ships pass the, - - - 329 
Tar-makers, Schuyler orders, to Fort George, - - 716 
Tarpaulin Cove, order to place cannon at, - - 284 
Tarrytown, part of enemy’s fleet anchored at, - 258, 353 
A letter from, asking Washington’s assistance, - 355 
Engagement of the row-galleys off, —- - - 781 
A favourable position for cannon at, = - - ~ Ol 
Enemy’s ships anchor at, - - - 1400 
Detachment from Colonel Tatras: s Regisrees or- 
dered to, - - - - - - . - 1403 
Return of Colonel Hammond’s forces at, = - 1404 
Enemy’s ships weigh anchor from, -— = - 1407 


INDEX. 


1768 


Tash, Thomas, member Pei tie magi 60 


Is appointed a Major, - - - 63 
The appointment of, rescinded aiid ahrilled) oe WOT 
Taunton, an application for prisoners to work at a nail 
factory i in, ~ ihe Be ee af ork sett ae OU 
Tavernkeepers, resolve of Pertisylvania concerning 
licenses of, — = - - - - - - 864 
Taxation, an act to regulate, in New-Hampshire, - 76 
Taxes, act to enforce the ‘pay ment of, in New-Hamp- 
shire, - - - - - 54 
Heavy, ‘deemed pafimictent’ in 1 Newsiuisen - - 139° 
People of Truro ask an easement of their, = - 146 
Lord Drummond’s propositions for imposing, - 1027 
Taychannee, speech of, at the German-Flats,  - - 1041 


Taylor, Col., state of Monmouth County described by, 2 
Taylor, James, prisoner, money and liberty granted to, 


Taylor, Richard, fine remitted to, = - - - 115 
Taylor, John, of Massachusetts, published as inimical, 179 
Taylor, Hon. John, letter to, from William Loud, - 477 
Letter to, from Joseph Cushing, - - - - 551 
Taylor, Willet, a prisoner, state of, represented, - 934 
New-York Convention serie General Scott to 
dispose of, - - - - - 934 
Difficulty of deciding in the case of - : - 953 
Is ordered to give security for good behaviour, - 1369 
General Scott is ordered to consult Washington on, 1502 
New-York Convention decline to interfere further 
in case of, - - - - - - 1511 
Washington does not object 5 the parole of, - - 1511 
Taylor, Adjutant, ordered to do duty as Brigade-Major, 1140 
Taylor, Mr., employed to cant clothing for the 
army, = - - - - 1218 
Taylor, Colonel Joseph, of North- Gatoline. ordered to 
join General Rutherford, - - - - - 1365 
Tazewell, J., Clerk to Virginia Convention, - - 9 
Tea? J. Hollingsworth engages to refund his over- 
charge for, - - - - - - - 1196 
The women of Kingston remonstrate against being 
deprived of, - - - - - - - 1542 
Teams, Massachusetts resolves to procure, - - 309 
Want of, at Skenesborough, - - - - - 629. 
Tehagagwangey, deputed to lead back the Onondagas, 1048 
Telescope, the College, loaned to Washington, - - 824, 
1475, 1485 
Washington’s acknowledgment of the, - - 853, 1488 
Teller, Dr. ’ Abraham, recommended as Surgeon, - 1263 
Teller, James, entitled to rank as Captain, - - 1562 
Is ordered to join Clinton’s Brigade, - - - 1562 
Temawsey, a bloody battle near, —- - - 1148 
Temple, Robert, General Howe asks peciiteeion FORM 
to land at New-York, - - - . - 932 
Temple, Mrs. Harriet, Congress receive a letter from, 1618 
Is paid for trees cut down by the troops, - - 1622 
Templer, Christopher, discharged from confinement, - 1430 
Ten Broeck, Gen. Petrus, ordered to the Highlands, - 227 
Letter from, to the New-York Convention, - - 1122 
Ten Broeck, Lieutenant, is sent er Indians to Fort 
George, - - - - - 339 
Tender, cannon recovered from the, binkk in North 
River, - - - - - - 1082 
Ten Eyck, Mr., Hai ipod the Albany ee for his 
flour, . - . - - - - 1071 
Eagerness of Mr. Glenn to have the flour of, - - 1085 
Tennant, Mr., Chaplain, introduced to Gen. Gates, - 195 
Tent-Makers, engagement of a number of, at Balti- 
more, - - - - - . - - 783 
Baltimore refuses to spare any of her, - - - 832 
Letter from Maryland Council of Safety to the, - 974 


Tents, provision of, by Pennsylvania Council of Safety, 15 


Country linen provided for, at Annapolis, - - 153 
Only one thousand of the enemy’s, at St. John’s, - 177 
Linen for, required to be sent to Baltimore; - - 182 
Difficulty of procuring, in Maryland, — - - - 216 
None in the Continental stores, - - - 220 
Resolve to apply flour money to the ure lass of, - 293 
Massachusetts orders. her Commissary-General to 
purchase, - - - - - - 293 
Massachusetts sends nine ainda) to Crown-Point, 322 
Connecticut appoints a Committee to purchase 
cloth for, « - - - - - 380, 456 
Difficulty of finding media for, in Connecticut, - 400 
A working party ordered to apply to Putnam for, - 536 
Connecticut votes money for the purchase of, - 550, 
731, 732, 1007 
Uncomfortable condition of, at St. George’s, - - 634 
Samuel Sait ongrged in sar for Connecti- 
cut, : - - - 731 
Scarcity of, at Skenesborough, - - - - 872 


1769 INDEX. 1770 
Tents, extreme want of, in Washington’s army, - 950 | Thompson, Archibald, dice Nt i ope’ in V2 Fly- 
Order to send the Massachusetts, to Ticonderoga, - 955 ing-Camp, - - 349 
Maryland Council of Safety order the purchase ‘of, - 992 Thompson, Matthew, of heudori (eatiinonty of, - - - 403 
Maryland Council of Safety propose a price for, - 1091 | Thompson, James, and others, account of a battle 
Are reported to be had at New-York, - - - 1134 given by, - - - - - - - - 464 
All to be struck the moment the alarm is given, - 1137 | Thompson, Colonel Robert, to Lancaster Committee, 498 
Maryland Council of Safety call for all that are made, 1156 | Thompson, Colonel, (New- Hampshire,) too sick to go 
Scarcity of linen suitable for, - - - - 1288 to New-York, - - - ~ “ g - 891 
Maryland Council of uxt contract for, with double Takes command of his Regiment, - - - 938 
seams, - - - - 1335, 1849 | Thompson, James, recantation of, - - - 1061 
Test, the members of North- Garalivia Council bap sen Thompson, John B. ee Lieutenant in Fiyitig? 
'to- subseribe the, - - - 1366 Camp, - - “ s ‘ - 1348 
Test Act, M: assachusetts, ectorre' in telatiot: to thas - 308 | Thompson, Israel, dppoitited Major, - - - - 1413 
Inquiry into the existence of the, - - - - ‘700 | Thompson, Julius Cwxsar, Colonel Remsen empowered 
Mr. Cushing answers the inquiry concerning 891 to dispose of, - - : 2 z e - 1469 
Testimony, Major scarpimmalal on the breach of Con Thompson, Thomas, Sergeant, recommended for pro- 
vention, - 165 motion, - - - “ a u 3 - 1509 
Of Eastabrook ait Wilkins, on the bredolt of Con- Piéuroted’ to a Lieutenancy, 2 J 3 - 1512 
vention, - - - - 166 | Thompson, Ezra, certificate of, = : - 1520 
Of Matthew Thompson, afb ond On) - - - 403 | Thompson, Benjamin, LE Lieutenant Méiities 
Thanks, vote of, in Congress to Lee and his officers,- 493 by Congress, - - - : = - 1589 
Proceedings of Congrtss on the vote of, - - 1585 | Thornhill, John, an escaped atic reward offered 
Thayer, Lieutenant, ordered with carpenters to Ticon- for, - - - - - - 684 
deroga, - - - = - = 209 Thornton, Matthew, member of the New-Hampshire 
Thistle, schooner, Goingtass appoint a day to hear the Assembly, - - - - - - ida 1 
appeal i in the case of the, - - - - - 1599 Chosen member of the Council of Safety, - 85, 211 
Postponement of the hearing of, - — - - - 1618 Letter from, to Benjamin Giles, - - : - 568 
Thomas, General, arrival of, at the Sorel, - - - 129 | Thread, order of Maryland Council of Safety for, - 183 
Recommends a retreat, - - - - = 129 Money voted by Mar iend Council of po to pay 
Death of, reported, - - - - - - 130 for, - - - - 1332 
Mr. Cushing’s defence of,  - - - - - 131 | Three Brothers, prize schognke: sent into Portsinouth, 972 
Fell a victim to the small-pox, —- - - - 816 | Thunder, ship, one of Sir Peter Parker’s fleet, - - 436 
Thomas, schooner, one of Drummond’s fleet, - 152 | Thunder storm, account of a dreadful, at New-York, 1112 
Thomas, Captain John A., orders to, from n Maryland Thwing, Nathaniel, appointed Lieutenant of Marines 
Council of Safety, - - - - 344 by Congress, - - - - - - - 1588 
Enrollment of the Company of, - - - - 431 | Ticonderoga, Washington orders troops to, - Sins Powter 
Letter from, to George Plater, = - - - - 634 Route of the Massachusetts troops for, prescribed, - 206 
Ordered to the North with his Seisileatih - - 667 Artificers ordered to, from Crown-Point, - - 209 
Reported on the march, - - - - 724 Colonel Trumbull examines the ground opposite, - 232 
Agreement made by, for transportation, - - 808 Remonstrance against removing the army to, - 233 
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 892 Is established as the Head-Quarters of the Northern 
Arrival of, at Philadelphia, - - - - - 930 Army, - - - - - - - - 260 
Approves of Col. Hollingsworth’s arrangements, - 943 Gates instructs Colonel Hartley to retreat to, - - 474 
Ordered to make return of men, arms, &c.,  - - 1332 News in New-Hampshire of the intended stand of 
Advance of pay to the Company of, —- - - 1332 the army at, - - - - - - 479 
Ordered to St. Mary’s County, = - - - 1339 The advantages of, search by Schuyler, - - 560 
Thomas, John, Jun. geet Chairman of Westchester Alleged superiority of, to Crown-Point, as a BOP - 561 
Committee, - . - - 354, 623 Declaration of Independence read at, - - 630 
Letter from, to Nagy ort Cdavention - - - 1145 Extract of a letter from, 659, 682, 748, 175, 776, 969 
Thomas, Edmund D., = Ube ied Ensign of es Mi gelgtied Return of ordnance and ordnance stores at, - - 681 
Militia, - - - - - 453 Men employed in repairing the road to, : TT 
Thomas, Gelonel itt hai seats from, to Washiiieten, 791 Troops at Skenesborough ordered to, - - - 955 
Letter from, to the New-York Convention, - - 855 High spirits of the army at, - - - =" 969 
Appointed Colonel of New-York Militia, - 1407, 1413 Letter from the Field-Officers at, to the Presiden of 
Col. Drake complains of the preference shown to, - 1428 Congress, - - - - - - - 1072 
The preference of, a mistake, - - - - 1482 Number of effective men at, - . ~ - 1188 
Ordered to pay over moneys in his hands, - - 1559 Return of the forces at, - ~ - - - 1200 
Thomas, Nicholas, Maryland, resignation of, - 831, 1352 Return of provisions in the magazine at, —- 1201, 1202 
Thomas, Mr., Clerk to Midkiff, arrest of, - - - 902 Washington is empowered to order three Regiments 
Thomas, Captain, volunteer commander of es from. Massachusetts to, - - - - - 1567 
missing, - - - - - 983 | Tiebout, Henry, named for promotion, - - - 646 
Thomas, Arthur, charged with acuistint Kirbland’s Tilghman, Matthew, President of Maryland Conven- 
escape, - - : - - - - - 1303 tion, - - - - - - - - 5 
Thomas, John, warrant for apprehending, - - - 1306 Letter from, to the President of Congress, - 31, 215 
Examination of, on Kirkland’s escape, - - - 1449 Letter from, to the Maryland Council of Safety, - 491 
Is discharged, - - - - - - - 1454 Letter to, from Maryland Council of Safety, - 571, 831 
Thomas, Arthur, Jun., warrant for apprehending, - 1306 | Tilghman, James, letter to, from St. Joseph Dashiell,- 362 
Thobias, Col. Richard, order to pass the Battalion of, 1310 Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 482 
Thomas, William, payment ordered to, for muskets, - 1331 Letter to, from Maryland Council of seta - 594 
Thomas, John, appointed Captain of Militia, - - 13844 Letter to, from B. Bracco, - - 592 
Thomas, John, appointed Lieutenant in Ee ones 1346 | Tilghman, Edward, appointed Brigade-Major to Lord 
Thomas, Samuel, appointed Lieutenant, - - 1350 Stirling, - : - - 1140 
Thompson, Ebenezer, Secretary to New- Blentipshiré Tillard, Edward, letter feet to Maryland Council of 
House of Representatives, - - 47, 59 Safety, : : ’ - - - 153 
Chosen member of the Council of Safety, - - 85 Letter to, from Maryland Council of Safety 155, 806 
Thompson, Colonel William, letter to, from Gen. Lee, 99 Appointed Captain in the Flying-Camp, - - 863 
Gallantry of, at Sullivan’s Island; - - - - 485 | Tillinghast, Daniel, letter to, from the President of 
The Rangers of, stationed at advanced post, - - 439 Congress, - - - - - - aug ek 
The thanks of Congress voted to, - - - - 494 Letter from,. to Washington, - - - 359, 399 
Washington’s approbatory mention of, - - - 919 Letter from, to R. H. Harrison, - - : - 643 
Acknowledges the thanks of Congress, - - - 940 Large quantity of powder received by, - - - 1423 
Thompson, General, is taken prisoner, = - - 130 | Tilton, Captain, troops ordered to apply to, - = "68 
A number of officers captured with, = - 477 | Timber, fate of a raft of, from Crown-Point, - - 487 
Washington refers to the case of,- = - — = 815, 820 Diligence in procuring, for gun-carriages ordered, - 1303 
Letter from, dated at Quebeck, - - - - 1166 | Tin, not to be had at Easton, Pennsylvania, — - - 137 
Schuyler is ‘directed to apply for exchange of, - 1600 A supply of, furnished Mr. Newell for camp-kettles, 322 
Thompson, A., arrested in Ireland for American cor- The supply of, at Lancaster exhausted, - - - 534 
respondence, - - - - - - - 180 Philadelphia destitute of, = - - - - 635 


1771 


Tinker, Captain Jehiel, commander of the row-galley 


Crane, - - - 243,751 
Letter from, to riepaats eabal - - - 425 
Court of inquiry ordered on, - - - . - 1140 

Tisseul, Jean, ia by Congress for services as a pri- 
vate, - - - 1604 
Permitted * cet! in he Asiillcrs at N eeatosk, - 1604 
Titcomb, Jonathan, appening Mustermaster at New- 
buryport, - - - - - - - 309 
Titcomb, Captain, Peed of, all sick, - - 1154, 1217 
Title, Abraham Clarke eps toa question as to his 
proper, - . - - - - 786 
Toasts drank, at Breen on the celebration of Inde- 

pendence, - - - - - - 426, 972 
At Worcester, Massachusetts, - - - - 515 
At Huntingdon, Long-Island, —- - - - 543 
At Arnold’s Hall, - - . - - - 549 
At Hacker’s Hall, - - - - - - 583 

Tobacco, scarcity of, at Chingoteague, - - - 383 
The purchase of, at Chingoteague, - - - 591 


Beaumarchais asks for twelve hundred hogsheads of, 1022 


J. Pullen is permitted to go to Virginia for, - - 1355 
Mr. Deane Hopes to Preah the admission of, into 
France, - - - - 1016 
Method advised me the. sHipmeat of - - - 1019 
Todd, William, Clerk to Pittsylvania Committee, - 489 
Todd, Ensign Job, principles of, suspected, - _- 685 
Tomahawks, Colonel Bull is ordered to procure a num- 
ber of, - - - - - - - - 1299 
Tomawsey, recent signs of Indians discovered at, - 1023 


Tompkins, Jonathan ren testimony of, in the case of 
Colonel Hammond, - 
Letter from, respecting prisoners, - = 
Reward paid to, for apprehending ieateam ohne - 
Tom’s River, New-Jersey, salt-works erected on, = - 
Toole, James, appointed Ensign in the Flying-Camp, 
Tootell, Dr. Richard, letter from, to Maryland Council 


1438 
1524 
1556 
1326 
1348 


of Safety, - - - - - - - 101 
The application of, noticed, - - - - - 433 
Makes a requisition as Surgeon Major, - - - 593 
Dr. Wiesenthall makes a request concerning, - 942 
Reasons of, for not marching with his Regiment, - 993 
Is appointed Surgeon to the Battalion at Annapolis, 1332 

Tootell, James, an order to, from Maryland Council of 

Safety, - - - - - ~ - - 757 

Tories, encampment of, at Cedar Swamp, - - - 2 
Testimony of Enoch Scudder concerning, - poe AI 
General Wooster’s account of, in Canada, - - 12 
Conduct of the Monmouth County, - - - 41 
Reception of, at Halifax, = - - - . 46, 98 
Plot of, at New-York discovered, - = bing - W7 
Forty-nine taken prisoners at Hartford, - - 132 
The Monmouth, crushed by the New-Jersey Militia 139 
Colonel Seymour’s opinion of the, - - 205 
Communication relating to the treatment of, - - 210 
An order not to injure, “but by process of law, - 211 
An insurrection of, on the Eastern-Shore of ‘Mary- 

land, : - - - i - - 214 
Washington’ s orders to Clinton concerning, - - 227 


The Rev. Mr. Gordon writes about the, in Boston, - 228 


Proceedings in Petersham, Connecticut, inregardto, 245 
Restrictions imposed upon, in Connecticut, - - 246 
Provision in Massachusetts for deserted families of, 286 
Resolve in Massachusetts to sell the chaises of, - 312 
Object of the Sneniys 8 ships! in the Hudson to arm 

the, - - - - 330, 452 
Washington’s letter to the Newent Convention 

concerning, - - - - - - - 333 
Danger to be feared from permitting, in or near 

New-York, - - - - - - - 335 
An officer ordered to watch the motions of, - - 336 
Insurrection of, in Dutchess County trifling, - - 337 
Desperate designs of, about Albany, - - 338, 357 
The President of New-York Convention promises 

to watch the, - - - - - - - 3054 
Are compelled to appear in the ranks, - - - 356 
Insurrection of, at Nine Partners, - - - - 360 
Major Hawley’s desire for the punishment of, - 404 
The influential, in South-Carolina mispleased at the 

King’s dian allies, - - - 481 
Discovery of a plot formed by, at Albadee - - 500 
Washington’s account of the, to his brother, - - 509 
Dissatisfaction of the, at Howe’ s proclamation, - 532 
House ofa noted man among, burnt by the enemy, 546 
The enemy expected five hundred, to join their ships 

in North River, - - - - - - 547 
Testimony concerning the Monmouth, - - - 602 
Attempt to intercept the visit of, to St. John’s, - 630 


INDEX, 


Tories, list of, taken prisoners in the ship Peggy, 662, 663 
The town of Poultney contains no, - - - 659 
Violent temper against, in Massachusetts, — - - 700 
Order relating to, in Massachusetts Council, - - 702 
Enos Stone’s account of an outrage by, - - 718 
Charles Goodrich advertised as having joined, - 733 
Mr. Colden’s association with the New-York, - "792 
General Greene sends nine, to the City Hall, New- 

York, ie - - - - - : - 887 
General Greene furnishes Washington with a list of, 
on Long-Island, - - - - - - 898 . 
At New-London to be taken care of, - . - 1004 
Not treated well by the enemy on Staten-Island, ~- 1110 
British army greatly incensed against, - - - 1112 
Howe compels the, to embark with his army, - - 1112 
List of, in the Westchester jail, New-York, - - 1145 
The animosity of, towards Schuyler, —- - - 1204 
Necessity of vigilantly watching the principal, - 1401 
List of, taken up in Bergen woods, - - - 1484 
Committee of Kingston are permitted to remove the, 1518 
Swarms of, continue to infest Monmouth County, - 1534 
Torrey, John, epEpinien eaeaians fof Massachusetts 
Militia, - - - - - 281 

Tortola, a prize om sent into WPortemontht - - 926 

Tory jail, in Albany, number of persons committed to, 890 
L’Oiseau and Allain are confined in the, - - 968 

Totten, Jacob, chosen First Lieutenant of Militia, - 511 

Towcloth, tents made of, - - - - - - 730 

Towers, Robert, ordered to make return of military 

stores, = - - - - - - - 1303 
Appointed inspector of gunpowder by Congress, - 1623 
Townsend, W. B., sent prennes to Moryiand Council 
of Safety, - - - - 343 
Ordered to be placed shies Are) - - - 1347 
Townsend, Peter, pegtion of, to New-York Conven- 
tion, - 1112 

Townsend & Noble, Militia ee off gonds ee - 1480 
Memorial of, to New-York Convention, - - 1481 

Townsend, Robert, appointed Commissary to General 

Woodhull, - - - - - - 1543 

Townsend, Captain, ordered to duty at Croton res - 1440 

Toxaway, Colonel Williamson orders the destruction of, '750 

Trade, Great Britain strives to prevent American, - 31 
State of, between the Colonies and foreign nations, 134 
Men may not justly spill each other’s blood for, - 483 
French frigates directed to protect American, - 904 

Train, a Company of the, parade in Boston, - - 972 
Draught of every twenty-fifth man from, deemed 

illegal, - - - : - - - - 1225 

Training Band, portion of men from the, for Canada, - 287 
Draughts ordered to be made from the, - - - 319 

Traitors, ordinance of New-Jersey for punishing, &c., - 412 
Rhode-Island passes an act for punishment of, - 549 

Transports, Washington calls for articles taken in, 414, 625 
Enter Boston through mts - - - - 643 
Arrival of, at Staten-Island, - - - 818 

Travel, expenses of, paid to ten of Massachusetts 

Assembly, - - - - - - 326 

Traverse, Monsieur, is sent to General Silluany - 548 
The New bury Committee write to General Gates by, 797 
General Gates uncertain about the character of, - 1050 

Travis, Joseph, letter from, to New-York Congress, - 1404 

Treachery, instance of ungrateful, - - - - 542 
Of two men against Captain Wilson, - - - 888 

Treason, resolve of New-York Convention to punish, - 447 
Mr. Waldron’s notions of, | - - - - - 1076 
Ordinance of Pennsylvania defining, = - - - 1210 
Made punishable by death in New-York, —- - 1416 
Congress. resolve what shall be, - - - - 1600 

Treasurer, Congress resolve there shall be one, - - 1600 

Treat, Rev. Mr. topephy continued in service as Ghepe 

lain, - - 1542 

Treat, Dr: Mm letter eo to the NawsVark omnhtec of 

Safety, - . - - - - : - 1534 

Treaties, instruction of Pennsylvania concerning, - 595 
Report to Congress of the Committee appointed on, 1583 
Resolve to print the plan of, - - - - - 1585 
Congress adopts the report of the Committee on, - 1621 

Treaty of alliance, with St. John’s and Mickmacks, - 848 
Congress asks for a copy of the Indian, - - 1606 

Tredor, Henry, appointed pilot of ship Montgomery, - 1314 

Trees, Congress pay for Mrs. Temple’s, - - 1622 

Trefethen, William, member of New- SHamtpstie ‘Age 

sembly, - - - - - - - - 60 

Trent, Major, one of the conferees at Fort Pitt, - - 86 

Trenton, New-Jersey Convention remove to, - - $87 
Pennsylvania Militia ordered from, to Amboy, - 380 
The Company at, ordered to stop deserters, - - 885 


1772 


1773 


Treutlen, J. A., member of Georgia Council of Safety, 


INDEX. 


1774 


6 , Trumbull, Governour, letter to, from— 


Troopers, exemptions claimed by the Connecticut, - 389 
Not to be required to serve on foot, = - - 1473 
General orders for Militia draughts not to apply to, 1485 

Troops, arguments against uniting ate Eastern and 

Southern, - - - 177 
The New-Hampshire, on the bonita to Crown- Pont, 211 
Pay of, in the Middle Department, - - - 504 
Washington recommends the exercise of the, - 505 
Glorious examples offered for the American, - - 506 
Order for raising, on Nassau-Island, — - - - 589 
Three hundred of the New- -England, return home,- 544 
Discontent of General Lewis’s, - * - - 631 
At Perth-Amboy dissatisfied with the Hiovisienes - 638 
Danger to the agateh of, at New ses from the 

privies, - - - - 676 
Change ordered in the katate of, at NeéwlV orks - 676 
Means ordered for plat tel fresh water to the 

New-York, - - - 678 
General Greene asks for more, on plot Talent - 713 
Washington informs Congress of the sickness oF his, ‘727 
New, on arrival, to apply t to Captain Tilton, - - 768 
Board of War require a list of chlye in the Con- 

tinental, - . - - 784 
United States, not requited to aay at New-Jersey 

ferries, - . . - - - 885 
The Massachusetts aria New-Hampshire, eiidea 

from Skenesborough to Ticonderoga, - - 955 
General Greene reports the good pies of his, - 967 
A list of the, for Maryland, - - . - 976 
The Eastern, receive letters free of aoseages - - 1124 
Quartered at Philadelphia in the places of worship, 1310 
False reports one the number of, in New- 

Jersey, - 1330 
List of the New-York, required by the Board Gf 

War, - - - 1508 
Concord resambtianda® among the Basten and 

Southern, - - - - - - - 1513 
Complaints among the, about their bounty, - - 1536 
New-York Convention opel a lege ea to pro- 

vide for their, - - - - - 1548 
Governour Trumbull is eitrentea to at one thou- 

sand to Suffolk County, - - - 1552 
The whole body of, leave Todusialded, - - - 1558 
Importance of harmony among the, inculcated, - 1558 
Use of a house of w eral ste to, while in New- 

York City, - - - - 1577 
Order for supplying the Maryland?) - ~ - 1606 
Congress appropriate a sum for victualling the, - 1606 

Trowbridge, John, elected Lieutenant in in aie Cooke’s 

Regiment, - - - - 1121 

Truck- house, the Waster Indians an for’ aes - 839 

Truckmaster, difficulties of the, at Machias,  - - 703 
Mr. Bowdoin’s promise to the Indians relative to, - 842 

Truck trade, measures ordered to prevent abuses in 

the, - - - - - - - 1225 

Trumbower, Philip, chosen Lieutenant of Bucks Asso- 

ciators, - - - - : - - 171 

Trumbull, Jouepillnil 
Correspondence of, with the President of Congress, 19, 

136, 451, 618, 643, 691, 726, saab 870, 966, 1182 
Letter from, to General Gates, - 20 

To Jeremiah Powell, - - - c - 206 

To James Bowdoin, - . - 2 . - 485 

To Board of War; - - - - . OTT 

To New-York Convention, - - - - 1511 
Letter to, from Massachusetts Council, - - - 361 
Is authorized to supply the Northern Army, - - 193 
Is highly spoken of, by Schuyler, - - - = 235 
Congress decides between Livingston and, - at 423 
Ordered to supply the New-York levies, - - 897 
Applies to Colonel Chester for an officer, - - 1082 

Trumbull, Governour— 

Correspondence of, with— 
The President of sid sibaerg 28, 42, 43, 44, 45, 262, 476 


General Schuyler, - - 


29, 145, 237, 239, 


395, 399, 580, 699, 825, 924, 937, 1083, 1115, 1204 


Washington, - > 


-45, 106, 190, 352, 378, 400, 414, 


450, 540, "55S, 776, 821, 897, 981, 1028, 1148, 1277 


Genartl Wadawerui - : ? 
General Gates, - 
New-York Convention, - 


Letter to, from— 
Nathan Miller, - - - - 
William Pitkin, 
Colonel Seymour, - - - 


E. Cornish, - - - . 


470, 803, 935 
660, 858, 925, 937, 956, 1073, 1188 


888, 
1196, 1445, 1451, 1452, 1453 


177 


- 178, 776 
205, 513, 1074 


192 


Samuel Elliot, - - - - ° = - 134 
Philip B. Bradley, - - . - - - 328 
Ebenezer Bartram, - - - - - - 340 
Timothy Parker, - . - - - 425 
Samuel Squier, - - - - - 455, 730 
Jedediah Huntington, - - - - 5610, 898 
John Jay and others, - - - - - 624 
Stephen Buckland, - - - . - - 660 
Thomas Mumford, - - - . - '718, 858 
Andrew Ward, Jun., - - - - 830, 856 
Town of Woodstock, - - - - - 859 
Obadiah Johnson, - = - - - - 873 
Colonel Cooke, - - : - - 873, 1120 
Albany Committeé, - i - - - 889, 1084 
Colonel Jonathan Fitch, - - - - 891, 938 
Colonel Benjamin Hinman, — - - - - 957 
George Pitkin, - Bee ce ie ee ee - 970 
Oliver Wolcott, + - ~ - - - 970 
Colonel Lewis, - - - - - - 970 
Richard Law, - - - - - - - 989 
Colonels Pettibone and Chapman, - - - 1085 
Suffolk, New-York, Committee, - + - 1261 
Rev. Solomon Buell, - - 1236, 1261, 1278 
H. B. Livingston, _- - - - - 1235, 1278 
Robert Hempstead, - - - - - - 1279 
Maltby Gelston, - - - - - - 1279 


Letter from, to— 


N. Shaw, - - - - 144, 360, 476, 829, 1004 
William Williams, - - - - - - 606 
Massachusetts Council, - - - . - 1147 
James Bowdoin, - - - - - - 1189 
Order from, in favour of Dr. Russell, —- - - 1007 
Highly complimented by General Gates, - - 1198 


Trumbull, Colonel] John, examines the ground oppo- 


site Ticonderoga, - - - - - 232 
Letter from, to Colonel Read! - - 512 
Made Deputy Adjutant-General of ite Northern 

Army, - - - - - 604, 653. 
Letter from, to Garand Gansevoort, - - - 698 
Letter from, to James Bowdoin, - - - - 1266 

Trumbull, Jonathan, Jun., his pay chest empty, - - 563 
A supply of money forwarded to, - - - - 821 
Is ordered to transmit to Congress an account of all 

moneys, &c.,  - - - - - - 1597 

Truro, petition of the inhabitants, showing the exposed 

situation of, - - - - - - 146 
Commissary chosen for the rfees at, - 285 
Resolve to purchase cannon ball for’ Gortmitice of, 298 
Removal of prisoners from, to Boston, - - - 310 

Truxton, Thomas, commander of He 8 Patties 

ence, - 374 

Tryon, Governour, coupled wir ‘tle deal ‘by tana 

ay, - - - - - - - 40 
Howe’s account of his visit on board ship, - - 105 
Deemed unworthy to be trusted with a letter, ed a 
Plot against Washington’s life traced to, - 117 
Letter from, to Lord Germaine, - - - 122, 949 


Letter to, from Lord Germaine, - - 122, 123, 1103 
The King expresses great Satya at the conduct 


of, - - - - - - - ne hee 
Efforts of, to inlist men on Staten- jared’ - - 200 
New-York Convention at a loss concerning men 

inlisted by, = - - - - - - - 202 
A list of Tories’ names delivered to, - - - 623 
Colonel Allen ascribes his ill treatment to, - - 860 
Copy of Colonel Zedtwitz’s letter to, - - - 1160 


Colonel Zedtwitz reported to have been bribed by, 1210 
New-York Convention inform Congress of the ac- 


tions of, - - - - . - - - 1396 
Tryon County, New-York, order to continue troops on 
the frontier of, - - - - - 2" 1379 
Errour in the éredenitials of the Depnues from, - 1392 
Tubs, Samuel, Lieutenant, a murderer is sent to Gates 
under charge of, - - - - a4 =) 809 
Tucker, Samuel, letter from, to the President of Con- 
gress, = - - - 2, 37, 138, 172, 413, 468 
Letter to, from Westaamon: - - - 489, 819 
Letter from, to the Board of War, - - - - 978 
Tucker, Captain, prize ship sent in by, - - - 662 
Tucker, William, apprehended as a suspicious person, 1414 
Tudor, William, recommended to Congress, - - 576 
Is appointed Judge Advocate General, - - - 883 
Leaves Philadelphia for Boston, - - - - 1172 
The rank of Colonel assigned to, - - - - 1604 
Is ordered to New-York, = - - - - 1604 


Tundran, William, one of the best pilots in New <Pots 1514 
Tupper, William, resolve on the petition of, — - 279, 324 


1775 


Tupper, Colonel, acts as Commodore of row-galleys,- 751 
Washington sends to Congress the report from, — - 762 
The letter of, detailing the engagement with the 

enemy’s ships, - - - 766 

Turf, ordered from a certain spot fer ‘ie Annapolis 

fortifications, - - 1356 
Turnbull, Captain, lens into arene at A gl - 38 
Turner, William, comnts for passing counterfeit 

money, - - - - - - - 1367 

Turpentine, serinecish to export from North-Carolina, 1367 

Turpin, Edward, deserter, examination of, - - 452 

Turpin, Dunwood, ordered to give security, - - 1341 

Turtle, Mr. Shaw sends a prize, to Washington, ait LT 

Tuscaroras, Peter’s speech in behalf of, - - - 1048 

Tyler, Colonel Robert, letter from, to Maryland Coun- 

cil of Safety, - - - - . - (113, 364 
Commission of Colonel issued to, - - - - 1332 


A company from Battalion of, ordered to Annapolis, 1335 
Tyler, Mr., witnesses against, - - - - - 336 
Tyler, Lieutenant Colonel, Washington’ s remarks on 


promotion of, - - - - - - - 641 
Commands the Regiment on the promotion of Col- 

onel Parsons, - - - - - - =| 915 
Congress promotes to a Coloneley, —- - - 1604 


Tyler, Ensign Dudley, recommended for promotion, - 644 
Tyng, William H., Sheriff, joins the enemy at Halifax, 46 
Tyonderoga—see "Ticonderoga. 


Tyrannicide, sloop, resolve to supply with cannon, - 273 
Sends in a prize, - - - - - - - 426 
Captures enemy’s schooner Despatch, - - - 552 
Account of captures made by, - - - - 972 

Tyranny, spiritual, the worst sort of, - - - 735 

U. 

Ulster County, letter from Committee of, to Provincial 
Congress, - - - - - - 125 
Letter from Committee of, to New- York Convention, 791 
Order for delivering flints and lead to Indians in, - 1450 
Troop of Horse refuse to be draughted, - - 1477 

Draught of a letter from New-York Convention to 
Committee of, - - - - - - 1517, 1518 

Umstead, Lieutenant George, escorts prisoners to Fair- 
eld, - - - - - - - - 1215 
General Heath’s orders to, - - - - = 1215 
Delivers the prisoners to Fairfield Committee, - 1216 
Reports the performance of his service, - - 1237 

Unanimity, absolute, a chimera, - - - - 429 

Underhill, John, inimical to the American cause, - 1878 

Underwood, Thomas, commands sooprolimae Ata- 

Janta, - - - - - - - 382 

Unicorn, the snow, one of Lord Dance’ s fleet, - 152 

Union, the advantages of, enforced, - - - aed 1 
Success in the contest dependent on, - - - 555 


United Colonies, the cause of the, popular in Paris, - 1020 


Ask no foreign aid or alliances, - - - - 1021 
United States of America, first so called, - - - 14 
A Frenchman’s views of the, - - - = IG 
Return of the army in the service of the, - =, ~H07 
Lord Howe deigns to use the term, - ; = 78> 
Maryland resolves to maintain free the, - - - 993 


Persons disabled in the service of the, provided for, 1619 
Up, Valentine, chosen Canta, of Bucks Gounty As- 


sociators, - - - - spit dL 
Upham, William, resolve on ie Tatty éF - - 316 
Upper Cohos, guns ordered to be sent to, - - 749 
Upper Paxton, Pennsylvania, Andrew Berryhill to com- 

mittee of, - - - - - - 948 

Evil disposed persons in the Been none itit a - 948 
U.S. A., order to mark casks of cunpowder with the 

letters, - - - - - - - 1623 
Utensils, return of, on Toneaiana a er Z Syd 
Vie 
Vacancies, nominations for, in Lord Stirling’s Brigade, 645 

Reasons of Congress for retaining the power to fill, 725 
Van Bibber & Harrison, letter to, from the Maryland 

Council of Safety, - - - - - - 782 
Van Brockel, Mr., examination of, - - - 1069 
Van Bruyck, H. V. Bp appointed Major AFINEW -York 

Militia, - - - 1413 


Van Cortlandt! Colonel Pierce stir to, ener New- 
York Convention, - - - 259, 1400, 1407, 1440 
Letter from, to New-York Convention, 422, 544, 729, 1473 


Two Companies of his Regiment ordered to New- 


York;*/.- - - - - - - - 504 
One thousand pounds advanced to, and Captain 

Platt, - - - - - - - - 1517 

Van Duzar, Abraham, examination of, - . - 200 


INDEX. 


1776 


Van Dyke, Colonel, part of Regiment of, at Skenes- 


borough, - - - - - - - - 547 
Van Epps, ” Ernest, is sent to Colonel Fonda, - - 110 
Orders to, from Major Glen, - - - - - 175 
Van Hoesen, Ryner, too good a pilot to be trusted at 
large, - - - - - - - - 1417 
Van Houter, Resolvert, sent express to Panlustidokt 258 
Van Howenberg, fee: General Ten Broeck recom- 
mends, - - - - - - - 1069 
Van Linsdendorf, Lewis, recommended for a Lieu- 
tenancy, - - : - - - - 1314 
Appointed Adjutant of a German Battalion, - = _:1317 
Van Ness, David, Gen. Ten Broeck asks promotion of, 1122 
Van Rensselaer, ‘James, is appointed Captain, - - 232 
Performs the duties of Aid-de- -Camp, - - - 453 
Van Schaack, Henry, removed as a disaffected person, 1008 
Asserts oe innocence to New-York Convention, - 1527 
Van Schaick, Colonel, Captain Varick obtains an 
order from, - - - - - - - 773 
List of officers in the Regiment of, - - - 918 
Van Tassel, Lieutenant Cornelius, testimony of, - 1439 
Van Wagener, Lieutenant, resignation of, - - 1399 
Van Woort, Martinus, testimony of, - - 1439 
Van Wyck, Captain, killed in his tent by lightnings - 1163 
Van Wyck, Mr., sent to Flushing for intelligence, - 1547 
Letter from, to the New-York Convention, - - 1555 
Report of a committee on the letter of, - - - 1556 
Van Zandt, Jacobus, letter from Captain Cregier to, - 141 
Draught of a letter to, from New-York Convention, 1407 
Var, Ambrose, one of the Eastern Indians, - - 838 
Speech of, at the Conference, - - - 839, 842 


Varian, Captain, ordered to exempt certain persons 
from military duty, - - - : - 
Varick, Captain Richard, correspondence of with Gen. 


Gates, - 603, 623, 658, 752, 775, 824, 872, 922, 968 
Person named to replace, in McDougall’ s Regiment, 646 
Letter from, to General Washington, - - 744, 772 
Letter to, from General Washington, - - - 886 
Sundry requisitions made by, - - - - 746 
Extract of a letter from, to General Schuyler, - 795 

Varnum, Colonel J., letter from, to General Greene, - 543 
Is recommended by General Greene for promotion, 922 
Dissatisfaction of, at not being among the late pro- 

motions, - - - - - - - 950 
Colonel Hitchcock complains of the anomie of, 1067 
Letter from, to General Washington, - - - 1150 

Vaughan, Brigadier-General, with Clinton in South- 

‘Carolia? - - - - - 4388 

Vaughan, Thomas, apooneed Third Lieutenant of 
frigate Washington, - - - - 1606 
Veal, Moses, appointed Lieutenant of een Moun- 
tain Boys, - - - 3717) 
Veazey, Captain Basar, letter to, fio Marglidnd 

Council of Safety, - - - 102 

An order from Maryland Gouri of Satay to, - 1332 


Is killed in the engagement on Long-Island, 1195, 1250 
Veazey, John, Jun., ‘letter from, to Maryland Council 

of Safety, - - - - - 781, 961 
Veazey, William, appointed Taeaiaannty in the Flying- 


Camp, - - - - - - 1346 
Vechten, Teunis V., Schuyler rece money may be 

delivered to, ‘. - - - - - - 824 
Veeden, Captain, company of, sent toSkenesborough, 206 
Vegetables, scarcity of, in New-Jersey, - - - 120 


Army at New-York permitted to commute rations 


for, - - - - - - - - - 676 
Venus, brigantine, departs on a voyage for arms, - 1293 
Verbryck, Major H. V. D. L., asks his dismission, - 1537 
Vergennes, Count de, Mr. Deane’s interview with, - 1012 

Letter from Mr. Deane to, - - - - 1105 


Vermillion, Benjamin, testimony of, in Galore! Ham- 
mond’s case, - - - - - - - 1439 


Verplank’s Point, enemy’s ships remain near, - - 544 
Versailles, evasive answer given by the Court of, to 
Great Britain, - - - - 134 
Reply of the Court of, to Lord Siaeainn - - 861 
Silas Deane’s introduction at, = - - - 1012 
Versereau, Lieutenant, killed in his tent by poh - 1163 
Vessels, Massachusetts orders the equipment of two,- 134 
List of British armed, on the American station, - 463 
Articles wanted for the Lake Champlain, - - 745 
Maryland appoints herons to examine such, as are 
for sale, - - - - - - 1334 
Captains of, required i give, on oath, Rt irs - 1367 
Several provision, captured by the enemy, - - 1452 
Purchase of, ordered for the Committee of Secret 
Correspondence, - wo Ae monn de © i TOAD 
Mutiny in the crews of American, - - - 1615 


1777 


Veteran Guards, (Connecticut,) order for march of, to 
New-York, - - - 1006 
Equipment of, reported and expenses paid, - - 1007 
Victuals, troops ordered to keep two days’, dressed, - 1137 

Vidal, J. B. du, Congress give to, the choice of dis- 


charge or continuance in service, = - - 1604 
Viper, sloop-of-war, entrance of, into Machias, - - 149 
Conduct of, in case of the sloop America, - - 419 
Stationed between Grand Menan and Seguin, - 1208 
Sloops captured by, - - : - - - 1208 
Virginia— 
Convention of, reform the Prayer-Book, - - 8 
Letter from the President of the Council of, to Gene- 
ral Lee, - - - - - - - - 213 
Letter from the President of Congress to the Coun- 
cil of Safety of, - - : - 366 
Reply of the Council of, to the Bromitans of Ca gress, 465 
The Maryland Council of Safety to the Council of, 433 
A Battalion from, at Sullivan’s Island, - - - 439 
Council of, order publication of Independence, - 464 
President of Congress to the Governour of, - - 494 
Address of the Baptists to the Governour of, - - 905 
Copy of President Ratledge s letter to the Conven- 
tion of, - - - 611 
Copy of a letter eet (ees ir to the Conven- 
tion of, - - - - - . - - 612 
Two gentlemen of, bring iptebligenna from the 
enemy, - - - : -. 887 
Letter from Colonel Stephens to the Council, of, - 892 
Price paid for muskets in, - - - - - 892 
March of the First Continental Regiment of, - 973 
Petition of officers of the two old Regiments of, - 1093 
Letter from the President of Congress to the com- 
manding officer of the, Battalion, —- - - 1191 
Letter from the Council of, to the Board of War, - 1243 
The Battalion from, taken into Continental pay, - 1605 
The Legislature of, to provide clothing for her 
troops, - - - 1620 
Battalion from, ordered, to join Seance - - 1622 
The Delegates from, produce new credentials, - 1622 
Virmonet, J. A. de, Congress appoint, Brevet Captain, 1593 
Vister, Lieutenant-Colonel, a witness in the case of 
Colonel Nicholson, - - - . - - 351 
Voir, Juet 4, Congress make a present to, - - 1605 
Volunteers, encouragement to, for inlisting, —- - 859 
Captain Dutcher authorized to raise a Company 
of, - - - - - - - - - 1476 
Captain Le Dieu authorized to raise a Company 
of, - - - - . - - - 1480, 1490 
Congress order inquiry into services of, in Canada, 1605 
Vorsborough, Jacob, appointed Captain in Colonel 
Warner’s Regiment, - - - - - 1565 
Vote, instructions regarding the right to, - : - 1054 
Voters, act of New- peepee declaring who shall be 
legal, - - - - - - 56, '72 
Voting, proposal to give the Delegates th power of, 
for a Colony, - - - - - - 1192 
W. 
Wadman, Lieutenant Arthur, pnsones of war at Bor- 
dentown, - 988 
Wadsworth, General Tames, appointed inet . 
Connecticut, - - - - - 8 
Arrival of, at New- ork. - - - oy 41 


331, 507, 639, 763 
417, 470, 712, 935 


Return of the Brigade - - 
Letter from, to Governour Trumbull, 


Quantity of paper required for Brigade of, - - 579 
Letter to, from Governour Trumbull, - - - 803 
Brigade of, assigned to Spencer, - - - - 915 
President of the Court on Colonel Zedtwitz, - 1159 
Wadsworth, Major, General Ward’s disposition of, - 1116 
Wages, amount of, to members of New- -Hampshire 
~ Assembly, - - - - - - Pray fs) 
Resolution to pay in advance, - - - - 265 
Wagon, accident to a, at Hammond’s Bridge, - - 724 
Wagoners, complaints against the, - . - 795 
Wagons, Maryland Council of Salety send money tS 
pay ‘for, . - - - - 386 
Lee recommends a regular seeabtohiiens of, - - 720 
Difficulty of procuring, in harvest time,- —- 872 
Messrs. Van Cortlandt ang Platt authorized to im- 
press, - - - 1497 
Wait, Captain, list of men of, — ¥ the techies 167, 169 
Wait, Colonel, letter from, to Colonel Hurd, - - 479 
Wake County, North- Carolina, the Council of Safety 
adjourn to, —- - - 1375 
Wakefield, New- -Hampshie, powder Shen to the 
town of, - - - - 85 


-Firta Series.—Vot. I. 


INDEX. 


1778 


Walbridge, 


, appointed First Lieutenant in War- 


ner’s Regiment, - - - - - 1565 
Waldeckers, s sailing of the, from Pismonahe - - 517 
Waldron, Thomas Wis, letter from, to Governour 

Weare, - - - . - - 1075 
Wales, Nathaniel, eRe of Connecticut reparan of 

Safety, - - - - - - 240 
Wales, Lieut. Nathaniel, panitiega for leave to resign, 681 

Arms delivered to, reat Capt. Stedman’s Company, - 781 
Walker, Captain Timothy, appointed Mnstermaster 
and Paymaster, - - - 60 
Member of New-Hampshire epatanly - . - 59 
Chosen member of the Council of Safety, —- - 85 
Walker, Jeremiah, Moderator of a Baptist Association, 906 
Walker, Captain, powder brought from Virginia by, - 1133 
Walker, John, deposition of, - - - - 1304 
Walker, Tames} committed to the Halifax sah North- 
Carolizay« - - - - - - - 1378 
Takes the oath of allegiance, . - - - 1381 
Expenses of, paid by the State, - . - - 1281 
Walker, Captain Charles, order to restore a vessel to, 1575 
Walkill, New-York, a powder-mill erected at, - - 374 


Wall, William, evidence of, against Daniel Shelly, - 4 
Denounced as an enemy, - - - 
Wall, Ann, evidence of, against Daniel Shelly, - - 4 


Wallace, Charles, one of the Annapolis Committee, - 181 
Maryland Council of Paley order £1,000 to be 
paid to, - - - - - - 1332 
Wallace, Captain, examination of deere from, - 452 
Fires a house and steals hogs, _ - - - 453,545 
Burns the house of one of his Tory friends, - - 546 
Wallace, Hugh, letter from, to Washington, = - - 869 


Wallace, Benjamin, thirty-nine lashes to, for desertion, 1138 
Wallace, Dr. Michael, money paid to, for Hospital, - 1332 
Maryland Council of Safety order an account from, 1332 


Wallingford, Governour Franklin sent to, on parole, - 45 
Wallis, Newell, an Indian, asks a commission, - - 702 
Is one of the Eastern tikes, - - - 838 
Walters, William, letter from, to Maryland Creed a 
Safety, - - - - - - - 384 
Chairman of Somerset Conny Committee, - - 384 
War, fatigues of, less painful than those of debate, - 185 
Minutes of a Council of, — = - - - = 233 
Against America, unjust and. unwise, - - - 483 
Preparations for, in Europe, - - - - - 627 
Gates declares it a defensive, - - - - 826 
The Middle States begin to taste the sweets of, - 908 
New articles of, passed in Congress, - - - 1179 
War Office, circular letter from the, - - - - 784 
Order from the, to Militia Battalion in Philadelphia, 833 
Order from the, for marching of the troops, - - 1192 


Ward, Colonel, regiment of, not filled, - - = 9 


Complement of men for, not yet completed, - - 542 
Washington is requested to give orders to, - - 669 
Washington orders, to New-York, - - - 712 
Put under marching orders, - - - - - 776 
Ward, Major-General— 
Letter to, from the President of Congress, - ats 1156 
Express sent to, for powder and lead, - - 77 
Asks leave to resign, - - - - - ae yi 
Correspondence of, with Washington, - - 107, 


142, 194, 209, 210, 448, 451, 514, 
585, 642, 662, 753, 917, 926, 1075, 1116 


Correspondence with Massachusetts Council, - 146 
Letter to, from Samuel B. Webb, - - - - 413 
General Lee’s sneer at, - - - - - 428 
Order from, to the Navy Agent, - - - - 625 
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - §30 
Intends to retire from service, - 859 


Is requested to hold the oiicetee at eeeer 1156, 1616 
Ward, Major, a conferee at Fort Pitt, - - - 36 


Ward, Joseph, Aid-de-Camp to General Ward, - - 625 
Ward, Henry, Secretary of Rhode-Island Assembly, - 475 
Ward, Andrew, Jr., letter from, to Gov. Trumbull, 830, 858 
Ward, Samuel, J. Adams’s opinion of, - - - 1025 
Ward, Solomon, ordered to give security, - - - 1341 
Wardell, Joseph, communication of, with the enemy, 602 
Warder, Mr., of Einlad elite CRaROTA IRAE conduct 
of, in Paris, - - 1019 
Warfield, Dr. Charles A., “Maryland Gene of Safety 
encourage the crude nitre manufactory of, - - 1342 
Warner, Captain, resolve to pay the men of, - - 295 
Warner, Thomas, the King’s Proctor at Antigua, - 420 
Warner, General igi tank letter from, to Massachu- 
setts Council, - 663 
Warner, Colonel Seth, of Nene vor, daa to idee 
Cumberland frontier, - - |) E17 
Appointed by Congress a Gatewal’ of Repalars, - 1565 


112 


1779 


Warner, Captain Seth, of Connecticut, money voted 


to, "for raising seamen, —- - - - 1006 
Warren, James, letter to, from John Whittier, - - 1 
Fetter to, from Elbridge Gerry, - - - - 14 
Letter to, from Benjamin Payne, - - - - 133 
Appointed second Major-General of Massachusetts 
Militia, \)-.)..'- - - - - - - 280 
Letter to, from Captain Samuel Clarke, - - - 778 
Letter from, to Thomas Cushing, - - - - 804 
John Adams’s high opinion of, - - - - 1025 
Letter to, from Thomas Rice, - - - 1116 
Warren, petition from the town of, to ewe Hampshire 
Committee of Safety, - - - - - 517 
Warren, ship, a Captain of Marines appointed for, - 623 
Warren, privateer, accident on board the, - - - 663 
Prize captured by the, - - - - - 973, 1226. 
Warren, Capt. Seth, engages to go to Lake Champlain, 937 
Warw rick, Massachusetts, proceedings of Committee of, 959 
Warwick, Anthony & Co., resolve to deliver papers 
to, rescinded, - - - - - 1373 
Ordered that Levi Williams peitin the papers of, - 1373 
Washington— 
Uneasiness of, in relation to prisoners of war, - 22 
New-Hampshire appoints a Committee to call on, 
for powder and lead, - - - - - 69 
One of the guards of, executed for conspiracy, - 117 
Recommends Lieutenant Wilpert, - - - 220 
Massachusetts ssemiOly desire the Council to write 
to, - - - - - - - - 314 
Memorial to, from the citizens of New-York, - - 335 
General Lee’s remarks on the character of, - - 429 
Is requested by the New-York Convention to ap- 
point a commander for their levies, - - - 447 
Entire confidence of Robert Morris in, - - - 468 
The lady of, at Mr. Morris’s, on the Schuylkill, 468, 509 


INDEX. 


Interview of, with the British Adjutant-General, 471, 500 


Colonel Seymour’s account of his interview with, - 523 
Congress allows another Aid-de-Camp to, - - 631 
A prize turtle sent to, by Mr. Shaw, = - - tts 
The powder loaned to, is returned to Connecticut 
by Congress, - - ~ - - - 718 
Connecticut Council Br Safety appoint a Committee 
to confer with, - - - - - 732 
The Eastern Indians profess obedience Bs - - 839 
Return made to, by the Quartermaster-General, - 919 
Proclamation of, advising removal of women, &c., - 998 
Orders from, to General Putnam, - - - - 1149 
New-York Convention resolve to cooperate with, - 1403 
Copy of De Hart’s examination sent to, - - 1446 
Urges the removal of women and children from 
New-York, - - - - ~ - - 1520 
Discretionary powers granted to, - - - - 1569 
Correspondence of, with— 
Egbert Benson, - ~ - = = 256, 357 
Board of War, - - - - ~ - 33, 641 
James Bowdoin, - - - - - 661, 952 
Baron de Calbiac, - - - - 509, 542, 679 
Colonel James Clinton, - 108, 259, 391, 485, 951 
General George Clinton, - - 227, 
354, 544, 601, 728, 819, 853 
Governour Cooke, - - - 141, 378, 475, 659 
Lord Drummond, - - - - - 1026, 1127 
Colonel Lewis Du Bois, - - - 7122, 868, 1082 


Major French, a prisoner, - - 


777, 823, 853, 902 


General Gates, 376, 450, 650, 827, 916, 951, 1197 
Colonel A. Hawkes Hay, - - - 580, 728, 886 
General Heath, 578, 1029, 1082, 1120, 1121, 1144 


352, 679, 711, 765, 932, 997, 


General Howe, 


1026 


Lord Howe, - - - - 1094, 1095 
General William Livni, - 17, 

18, 38, 3K 851, 909, 1110, 1531 
Robert R. Livingston, - - - 448, 870 
General Mercer, - - - 120, 


140, 328, 369, 371, 413, 443, 556, 574, 600, 638, 


761, 813, 834, 859, 865, 885, 894, 909, 964, 


New-York Convention, - A A 


1064 
255, 


333, 353, 392, 422, 423, 446, 448, 551, 852, 854, 896, 
917, 997, 998, 999, 1028, 1196, 1230, 1400, 1401, 
1403, 1409, 1416, 1422, 1425, 1450, 1451, 1477, 1487, 
1489, 1491, 1500, 1501, 1502, 1511, 1518, 1520, 1521, 
1531, "1538, 1547, 1554, 1558, 1560, 1563 

President of Congress, - - 1,’oar 
33, 115, 124, 155, 173, 185, 188, 223, 254, 329, 350, 
367, 387, 388, 389, 409, 434, 444, 466, 484, 499, 537; 
540, 555, 559, 5115, 594, 620, 636, 638, 668, 669, 675, 
690, 692, '725, 726, 762, 814, 818, 819, 832, 834, 883, 
884, 910, 915, 930, 932, 949, 951, 963, 977, 980, 994, 
995, 1025, 1063, 1081, 1094, 1110, 1120, 1135, 1136 


1780 
Washington— 
Correspondence of, with— 
Colonel! Ritzetna; - - - - \ 333, 334 
General Roberdeau, - - - - 996, 1063, 1064 
General Schuyler, - - - 193, 
232, 338, 351, 352, 390, 394, 473, 559, 693, 716, 793, 


"820, 932, 985, 1031, 1095, 1142, 1164 


Colonel Seymour, of the Light- “Horse, : 124, 371 
Nathaniel Shaw, Jun., —- - - 359, 770 
Governour Trumbull, - 465, 
106, 142, 192, 352, 378, 400, 414, 450, 558, 712, 
776, 821, 897, 981, 1028, 1143, 1277 

Captain Richard Varick, - - - 744, 772, 886 
General Ward, - - - ~ 107, 
142, 194, 209, 210, 448, 451, 514, 585, 642. 662, 


753, 917, 926, 1075, 1116 


Letter to, from— 


Benjamin Barnard, - - = 4 . -58 050 
William Blodget, = - - - + - 982, 1029 
John Bradford, - - - - - 4 - 770 
Philip B. Bradley, - - - 4 . - 470 
Henry Broomfield, - - - - " - 938 
John Coe, - - - - - : aay a 
John Covenhoven, - - - - a - 556 
Captain Dennis, - - - - fs - 256 
Richard Derby, Jun., - - : . ot Fon 
Colonel Samuel Drake, - ~ - - - 789 
William Duer, - - - - 4 ita bone 
Dr. Franklin, - - - : 45 i - 496 
Jonathan Glover, - - - - x BROS je 
General Greene, - 27, 


196, 371, 418, 486, 510, 542, 559, 577, 602, 621, 


628, 


643, 696, 711, 727, 870, 887, 898, 921, 967, 1029 
F. Greene, - - - 359 
Colonel James Hammond) - - - + 1300 
General N. Heard, - - - - - - 933 
Lieutenant-Colonel William Henshaw, = - - 950 
Colonel Hitchcock, - - - - - - 1067 
Walter Livingston, - - - - - 824 
William S. Livingston, = - - 982, 998 
Colonel H. B. Livingston, - - 696, 1235, 1260 
Colonel McDougall, - - a 869, 918, 1068 
John Mackay, - - - - 1086 
Maryland Council of Safety, - - 1133 


Massachusetts Council, - 
General Mifflin, - 


380, 702, 727, 830 
ap 336, 579, 790 


Dr. Morgan, - : - - - - 416 
Gouverneur Morris, - - - - - - 334 
Robert Morris, - - - - - - - 943 
Colonel William Richmond, - - - - 888 
Jacob Rush, - - - - ~ - - 34 
Colonel Silliman, - - . - ~ - 389 
Lord Stirling, - . - - - - 601, 1245 
General John Sullivan, - - - - - 1136 
Reuben Swain, - - - - - - 550 
Colonel Thomas Thomas, - - - - - 791 
Daniel Tillinghast, - - - - - 359, 399 
Colonel J. Varnum, - - - - - - 1150 
Hugh Wallace, - - - . - - 869 
William Watson, - - - - - - 859 
Joshua Wentworth, - - - - - - 1173 
John Winthrop, - - : - - 702, 830 
N. Woodhull, - - . - 258, 538, 602, 622 
Abraham ¥ates, Jun., . - - - - 1237 
Letter from, to— 
Timothy Edwards, - - - - - 822, 886 
Colonel. Samuel Elmore, - > - - 712, 820 
Colonel] Fitch, - - - - - - - 822 
Hartford Committee, - - - - -, $23 
Frederick Jay, - - - - - - - 981 
General Lee, - - - - - - 97, 916 
Lieutenant Machin, - - - - - - 485 
Massachusetts Assembly, - - - 108, 143, 576 
New-Jersey Convention, - - a - 980 
Orange County, New-York, Detatoitios - .- 336 
Pennsylvania Associators, - - - - - 849 
Pennsylvania Council of Safety, - - 124, 186 
Queen’s County, New-York, Committee, - - 896 
Samuel Tucker, - - - - 439, 484 
John Augustine Washinosan: - - - - 509 
William Watson, - - - 107 


Robert Yates, - - - 
Washington, John A., letter to, from his brother, - 
Washington, row-galley, engagement of the, - - 

Col. Tupper hoists his commander’s flag on board, - 
Washington, brig, the Captain of, loses his books, &e, * 
Washington, frigate, launch of the, at Philadelphia, - 
Washington, privateer, recapture made by, - 


351, 484, 935, 954 
09 


751 
765 
859 
946 


- 1280 


1781 


Washington District, settlkement in North-Carolina so 


INDEX. 


called, . - - - - 1376 
Inhabitants of, advised to bond Delewatas to North- 
Carolina Council, - - - - - - 1376 
Wasp, schooner, ordered on a cruise, - - - 1118 
Waste, inevitable, in the Northern Army, - - 416, 562 
Watauga Fort, the Indians retire from, - 974 
“Watchman” to the sacle of Massachusetts. 
Bay, - - - - 567 
Water, scarcity of good, on Kontmend, : - 722 
Importance of maintaining supencrity-o. on the, - 952 
Waterbury, General David— 
Appointed Brigadier by Connecticut,  - - - 28 
Arrival of, at New-York, . - - - - 41 
Is met by Schuyler at Saratoga, - . - - 235 
Ordered to Skenesborough, - - - . - 340 
Correspondence of, with General Gates, - - 357, 
358, 396, 424, 474, 564, 629, '753, 795, 826, 872, 
900, 924, 954, 955, 968, 1002, 1050, 1071, 1114, 
1154, 1187, 1238, 1265 
Troops of, not arrived at Skenesborough, —- - 547 
Extract of a letter from, - - - - - 797 
Letter to, from General Schuyler, - - - - 825 
Letter to, from Governour Trumbull, = - - 858, 925 
Ordered to Ticonderoga, - - - - - 955 
Letter from, to the carpenters at Williamstown, - 1004 
Letter to, from Colonel William Stewart, - - 1051 
Commendation of, by General Schuyler, ° - 1083 
Return of provisions made by, —- - - - 1201 
Extract of a letter from Schuyler to, - - - 1203 
General Gates expresses a high opinion of, - - 1218 
Waterman, Abijah, Prpgintsd Adjutant of ; Massachu- 
setts Militia, - - =| o2l 
Waters, Peter, testimony Aen haters, - - - 385 


Watertown, establishment of a post between Northern 


Army and, - . - - “ - 238 
Persons employed to ride Epa from, to Ghovwne 
Point, - - - - - - - 315 
Independence proclaimed ae - - - - 426 
Dr. Church is sent prisoner to, = - - - - 683 
Conference with Indians held at, - - - - 838 
Rey. Mr. Gordon suspects the opening his letters at, 1074 
Massachusetts General Assembly convene at, - 1226 
Watkins, Captain, march of half the Company of, - 635 
Letter to, from Massachusetts Council of Safety, - 859 
Watson, William, correspondence of, with Washing- 
ton, - - - - ~ - - 107, 859 
Watson, Jack, suspicions against, - - = - 564 
Watson, James, Captain of Lancaster Associators, - 573 
Wayne, Col. Anthony, Col. Alden’s complaint against, 206 
Weare, Meshech— 
Member of New-Hampshire Legislative Council, - 47 
Member of New-Hampshire Committee of Safety, - 85 
Letter to, from Colonel Hurd, - - 110, 625, 927 
From Fosiah Bartlett, - - = 2 <b 136 
From John Bellows, - x - = 34 479 
From Benjamin Giles, —- - = fe - 480 
From James Bowdoin, - - - - 990, 1010 
From Eleazer Russell, - - - - - 1010 
From Thomas W. Waldron, - - - - 1075 
Letter from, to the President of Congress, - - 881 
To Colonel Joshua Wingate, - - “ - 406 
To Colonel Jacob Bayly, - - - - a AQT 
To James Bowdoin, - - - - 2 - 1051 
To Major George Gains, - - - 1101 
Weatherbee, Samuel, appointed Capen for the Canada 
expedition, - - = «256-50 
Weaver, Samuel, thirty-nine lashes ri for décerion) - 768 
Weavers, scarcity of, in Harford County, Maryland, - 883 
Webb, Samuel B., letter from, to General Ward, - 413 
Letter from, to Governour Trumbull, - - wa A14 
Order from, for articles taken in the transports, - 625 
Webb, Colonel Charles, officers in the Regiment of,- 645 
Webb, Lieutenant Charles, named for promotion, - 646 
Webb, Lieutenant John, restored to his command, - 1293 
. Webb, John, permitted to seit staves from North- 
Carolina, : - 1372 
Webster, Ebenezer, appointed Captain New- “Hamp- 
shire Militia, - La G4 
Webster, Lieutenant rans eadiotne for tetive toresign, 681 
_ Wedderburn, Mr., sent to Paris to counteract Mr. 
Deane, - - - - - 1018 
Weed, Reuben, appoihted First Lieutenant of Captain 
Dennis’s Company, - - - te e - 1519 
Weedon, George, appointed Colonel by Congress, - 1606 


Weekly Returns, ordered to the Adjutant-General, 503, 504 


Weems, Colonel John, correspondence of, 4a Mary- 
land Council of Safety, : - of 


101, 116 


Weibert, Monsieur, appointed Assistant Engineer, 


1782 


with rank of Lieutenant- Colonel, - - - 931 
The proceedings of Congress are approved of, - 1608 
Weidman, John, recommended as Ensign, - - 1293 
Is appointed Ensign by Congress, - - - 1583 
Weights, iron substituted for lead, in shops, clocks, &e., 1296 
Weissenfels, Colonel Frederick, letter from to Lord 
Stirling, - - s ‘ t U ah] 
Certificates of, relative to arrangement of Yorkers, 394 
Copy ofa letter from, to the New-York Convention, 1426 
Weisenthall, Dr. C., correspondence of, with Mary- 
land Council of Safety, - . - 112, 433 
Report from, to the Maryland Comet of Safety, 758, 1091 
Letter from, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 942 
Money voted to, for the use of John Hart, - - 1331 
Money voted to, for a journey to Virginia, - - 1332 
Weiser, Benjamin, recommended as Captain, - - 1289 
Is appointed by Congress pentane of German Bat- 
talion, - - - 1569 
Welch, Aaron, anid First Lieutenant in Glove! 
Weems’s Battalion, - - : - - 1352 
Welden, Capt., ordered to convoy vessels from Bastar 30 
Wellis, James, appointed First Lieutenant by Con- 
gress, - - - - - - - 1618 
Wells, Mr., mention of discharge of from service, - 169 
Welper, Lodowick, recommended as Major, - <a t 
Is appointed by Congress apts of a German Bat- 
talion,  - - - 1581 
Weltner, David, appointed Captain ai a Comma Bat! 
talion, - - - - - 1581 
Wentworth, Colonel Joshua’ peraooed before New! 
Hampshire Assembly, — - - - - - 70 
Letter from, to Washington, - - - - 1173 
Wentworth, Captain, bearer of money to Sohd vier. - 259 
Wentworth, Capt. Jonathan, cashiered and published 
as a scoundrel, - - - - - 604 
Sentence of the court approved by Cree - - 657 
Notice of, in a letter from Ticonderoga, - - 748 
Wentworth, H.., letter from, to New-Hampshire Com- 
mittee of Safety, - - - 461 
Wentworth, Joseph, letter ne to ive Gar etire 
Committee of Safety, - - - - - 462 
Wereat, John, member of Georgia Council of Safety, 6 
West, Stephen, firelocks for sale by, - - - 153 
West, John, correspondence of, with Maryland Coun- 
cil of Safety, - - - - - - 407, 433 
West-Point, fortifications at, going on with spirit, - 935 
Westchester, New-York, Committee, proceedings of, 354 
Letter from, to New-York Convention, - - 1145, 1523 
Deputies to the Convention from, - - - - 1386 
Troop of Horse refuse to furnish their quota, - - 1397 
Report concerning the Troop of Horse of, - - 1447 
Committee empowered to release certain prisoners, 1524 
Military stores removed to, from New-York, - - 1547 
Cattle in, ordered to be driven into the interior, - 1560 
Letter to the Committee of, from the Convention, - 1564 
Persons in, suspected of intercourse with enemy, - 1564 
Military stores removed from, to Fishkill, - - 1566 
Western-Shore, Margnd Council of Bulety to the 
Committee, - 366 
Westfield, Major Sunaay Cel Ten Brovek neks 
for the promotion of, - - - - - 1122 
Westminster, New-York, "Massachusetts supplies with 
ammunition, - - - - . 321 
Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, sie gee resolve to raise 
a Battalion in, - - - - - - 409 
Seven Companies ordered to be raised in, - - 1578 
Weston, John, unable to supply guns to Maryland, - 252 
Wethersby, Capt., Gates’s opinion of the conduct of, 827 
Wetmore, Izariah, charge of stealing made against, - 1164 
Wetmore, Timothy, the Moloch of the Tories in Rye, 1164 
Whaleboats, Colonel Clinton asks for, — - - =)| 338 
New-York Convention ask Washington for four, - 1403 
Wharton, Mr., John Alsop thought to be influenced by, 759 
Wharton, Carhenien? recommended as Assistant Com- 
missary, - - - 771 
Appointed by Coniics tens Comitisesay 1118, 1567 
Wharton, Thomas, member of Pennsylvania Council 
of Safety, - - - - : - - 1300 
Is elected President of the Council, - - - 1309 
Wheat, complaints among the farmers about their, - 872 
Carleton permits general exportation of, - - 1240 
Wheaton, Mason, permitted to improve an estate, - 325 
Wheeland, Joseph, sent prisoner to Maryland Council 
of Safety, - - - - - - - 686 
Depositions against, - - - 687, 688 
Committed to “jail by order of the Courieil, - - 1347 
Wheeler, Mr., member of New-Hampshire Assembly, * 65 


1783 


Wheeling, Congress gti to take fee ianrtee of the 


fort at, - - - 1575 
Wheelock, Moses, appointed Major Mascagiuetts 
Militia, - - - - 293 
Wheelwright, John, apposateal Aide tnentt of ae 
Rawleigh, - - - - : - - 1588 
Whetcomb, ‘Colonel, Regiment of, march for Ticon- 
deroga, - - : - ~ - - - 926 
Declines a commission, - - - - 1156 
Whetcroft, William, letter to, from Maryland Council 
of Safety, - - 154 
Whetstone Point, Maryland Couned of Safety refise 
to fortify, - - . ~ - - - - 101 
Mr. Allcock’s services at, - «+ = - - - 614 
Captain Smith has five spare eighteen-pounders at, 614 
Whidden, Oliver, paid for stocking muskets, = - - 1332 
Whigism, synonymous with patriotism, - - - 740 
Whigs, a call upon the New-York, - - - - 259 
Patriotick conduct of the, - - 356 
Whipple, Colonel William, letter from to ohn eno! 
don, - - Site Li 368, 497 
Letter to, from J. ‘McClintock, - - - - 734 
Leaves Philadelphia for New-Hampshire, - - 893 
Letter to, from Josiah Bartlett, = - - - 1024, 1179 
Whipple, Captain, acquittal of, by Congress, - - 187 
A Committee of Congress report on the case of, - 1575 
Whitcomb, Lieutenant, the journal of, while a spy, - 828 
Shoots General Gordon for refusing to surrender, - 901 
General Gates’s instructions to, - - - - 1202 
Whitcomb, John, Esq., Maj. Ilsley’s complaint against, 1208 
White, Philips, Speaker of the House of Representa- 
tives, New-Hampshire,— - - - - - 85 
Chosen a member of the Council of Safety, - - 85 
White, John, sent prisoner to Lancaster, - - - 412 
Concerned in-the escape from Lebanon, - - 596 
Examination of, by Shamoken Committee, - 597, 599 
White, Captain, account of prizes captured by, » 589, 780 
White, James, appointed Deputy Commissary for 
Pennsylvania, - - - - - - - 1118 
White, Henry, recommended for Surgeoncy, - - 1450 
Appointed Surgeon of Colonel Nicoll’s Regiment, - 1479 
White, David, excused from bearing arms, - - 1625 
White-Hall, order for arrest of a servant at, - - 1345 
Whitehead, James, commissioned Ensign in Penn- 
sylvania, - - - - 1328 
Whitemore, Joseph, prc Wietitonank of the Ma- 
trosses, - - - - - - - 303 
White- Plains, New- York, Congress sit at, - -/) »23,'228 
Petition from sundry prisoners at, - - - - 1444 
Prisoners brought from Bedford to, - - - 1523 


Letter to New-York Convention from prisoners at, - 1523 


Whitestone, Major Livingston reports enemy’sships at, 1544 
Whiting, Leonard, reported to the New-Hampshire 
Assembly as disaffected, - - 3 4 =e68 
Acquitted by the Assembly, - - - - 68 
Whiting, Benjamin, charged and greene - - 68 
Whiting, William, appointed to este ig to 
Schuyler, - - - 277 
Whiting, Charles, erebineca Aid to Gantt Boencen 966 
Whiting, William, a wounded soldier, sent to the 
Hospital, . - - - - 1603 
Whiting, row-galley, Hanan stores ordered for the, - 243 
Sent to New-York by Governour Trumbull, - - 378 
Engaged with enemy’s ships at Tarrytown, - - 71 
Whitney, Aaron, friendship of, for the Tories, - - 246 
Whitney, Reuben, resolve on petition of, - - - 274 
Whittemore, Major, appointed to sign beating orders, 277 
Whittier, John, letter from, to James Warren, . - 1 
Appointed Colonel of Massachusetts Militia, - - 292 
Whittlesey, Ensign Charles, named for promotion, - 646 
Whittlesey, Azariah, meer ed Master of Connecticut 
Colony ship, - - - 699 
White, Captain, one beaared te ity pounds a to, 
for extraordinary Services, = - * - 1296 
Wickes, Captain, assists in saving the Nancy, - - 14 


Brother of, (Third Lieutenant of Reprisal,) killed, - 14 


Letter from, to the Committee of Secret Corres 
spondence, - = “ - 180, 249 
Makes an attack upon the Sharks - - 2 - 609 
Number of prizes captured by, == - . Brg s| 
Honours paid to, at St. Pierre, - - G - 706 
Arrival of prizes taken by, - 4 - 59 


Wiggin, Joshua, Doorkeeper of the iNet: aa 
“Assembly, paid, - 
Wiggins, Mark, eae Cotas Captain of News -Hampshire 


“Militia, - - 64 
Wigglesworth, Béwand, séliclve ‘s aifrisls with arms, &c., 266 
Appointed Captain of Matrosses, - - = 303 


INDEX. 


1784 


Wilcocks, Alexander, letter from, to the a 


Convention, - - 220 
Chairman of the Philadblphia: Coiniadtins of Safety,- 220 
Wild Cats, scows in the Raritan so called, - - 674 
Wilkie, John, commander of the Lady Gowen; ~ - 152 
Wilkins, Captain Daniel, testimony of, on the case of 
the Cedars, = - - - - - - - 166 
List of his Company made prisoners, —- - - 168 
Wilkins, William, one of the Annapolis Committee, - 181 
Wilkinson, Major Jos., letter from, to Capt. R. Chew, - 216 
Commands the Calvert County ‘Militia, (Maryland, ) 459 
Wilkinson, William, appointed Paymaster, 370 
Will, William, a Captain of Pennsylvania Rifles, - 187 


Willard, Levi, chosen Captain at Hartford, - - 30 


Willard, Colonel Aaron, camp equipage ordered to, - 551 
Letter to, from John Avery, - - - - TTT 
Willen, Lieutenant Levi, principles of, pumpscton) - 685 
Willett, Thomas, order for the arrest of, - - - 1467 
Examination of, before New-York Convention, - 1478 
Committed to jail, - - - - - 1480 
Willett, Edward, order for arrest of, - - a - 1480 
Examined and discharged, - - - - - 1486 
Willett, Edward, Sen., order for arrest of, - - - 1480 
Examination of, - - - - - - - 1485 
Discharged, - ~ - - - - - 1486 
William, ship, one of Dunmore’s fleet, —- - - 152 
William and Charles, one of Dunmore’s fleet, - - 152 
William, schooner, testimony of three men of the, - 1064 
William, brigantine, appeal granted in the case of, - 1379 


Williams, Captain of an enemy’s tender, willing to quit 
his service, - - - - - - - 18 
Williams, Captain, commands the Active, one of Sir 


Peter Parker’s fleet, - - - - - - 436 
Williams, Jarret, deposition of, 111 
Williams, Captain Edward, sent with Blackaeiiais ‘a 

Skenesborough, - - 209 
Williams, William, member of et naetions Gouna of 

Safety, - - - - 240 

Acts as Clerk to the Connects deunea of Safety, 242 
Chosen a Delegate to Congress from Connecticut, - 244 
Letter from, to Governour Trumbull, — - - - 606 
Williams, Lieutenant Seat (Virginia) a court-mar- 
tial held on, - - - - - - 362 
Dismissed and Heainarsed out of camp, - - - 362 
Williams, Major Otho H., declines a Regiment in 
Flying-Camp, - - - 363 
Letter from, to Maryland Gatinell of Salty: - - §21 
Col. Griffith receives the appointment refused by, - 1345 
Williams, Jonathan, chosen Lieutenant of Chelsea 

Militia, - - - 778 
Williams, Thomas, Bea er at Philadelphia, - - 811 
Williams, John, Clerk ofa Baptist Association, - - 906 
Williams, Thomas, thirty-nine lashes to, for desertion, 911 
Williams, Henry, thirty-nine lashes to, for desertion, - 966 
Williams, Thomas, commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel 

by Maryland, - - - - 1332 


Williams, Nathan, appointed Raion in Biginelanmp! 1350 


Williams, PEM Fe member of North-Carolina Council, - 1366 
Williams, Jacob, ordered to give tr for appear- 
ance, - - - ae - - 1379 
Williamsburgh, Virginia, the GeosetGed ned at; is- 8 
Extract of a letter from, - - - . - 151 
General Court-Martial held at, = - - - - 3862 
Declaration of Independence read at, - - - 568 
Intelligence received from, - - - 756, 959 
Williamson, Col. A., letter from, to W. H. Drayton, - 488 
Exertions of, to collect his troops together, - - 610 
Is ordered against the Lower Cherokees, - - 612 
Forces under, amount to eleven hundred men, - 613 
Letter from, to Governour Rutledge, - - - 749 
Marches against the Indians, - - - - 780 
Account of his battle with the Indians, - - - 1148 
Williamson, Lieutenant eee appointed Batteaumas- 
ter by Gates, - - - - - 654 
Williamson, James, hy Bete First Ti Gaea in the 
Flying-Camp, - - - - - 1347 
Williamson, Lewis, ordered to hold Balt | paves - 1373 
Williamstown, carpenters inoculated at, - - 900 
Proceedings of the Committee of, - - - 1004 
Colonel Brewer abuses the Doctor at, - - - 1150 
Willoughby, Captain John, evidence given by, - - 9 
Willson, Dorrington, append, Lieutenant of Lancas- 
ter Associators, - - - - 573 
Willy, Benjamin, flogged for deserted - - - 1270 
Wilmington, Delaware, a Company ordered to, - ee iil 
Wilmington, N.C., Continental forces stationed in, - 1384 


Wilmore, Mr. , Congress recommend that ie going to 
New-York be stopped, - = - 1600 


1785 


Wilmot, William, vise date neg in the -, 


Camp, - 1345 
Wilmot, weety letter fed i to NewsYork eaten 
tion, - . - : - - 1453, 1512 
Wilpen, ‘Oaptains of German pee ec ordered to 
Philadelphia, - - 499 
Wilpert, John D., revointnetidéd by Washington to 
Congress, . - - - - 124 
Recommendation of, comes too late, - - - 186 
Recommendation of, transferred by Congress to Ma- 
ryland Convention, - == - - - - 220 
Wilson, James, prisoner of war, disposal of, = - 2 


Wilson, Capt., member of New- -Hampshire Assembly, 61 
Wilson, William eg Lieutenant in oa Flying- 


Camp, - - - - 349 
Wilson, Captain, letter fos to Artold, : - - §12 
Ts taken prisoner with thirty men, - - - 888 
Wilson, Colonel James, letter from, to the President 
of Congress, . - 1110 
Wilson, Joshua, appointed Ensign i in Colonel Tyler s 
Battalion, - 1357 
Wilson, Andrew, a dangerous seesoti - - - 1365 
North-Carolina Council take order concerning, + 1365 
Wilson, James, inimical to America, - - - 1378 
Wilson, George, elected Lieut. Colonel by Congress, 1586 
Order for supplying ammunition to Battalion of, - 1607 
Wilson, Mr., Nite elec of frigate Wash- 
ington, - mum - - 1617 
Windham, prisoners sent t6 the jail of, - - - 683 | 
Window weights, orders to take all leaden, - - 307 
President of Congress recommends Virginia to use, 366 | 
New-Jersey Congress order the use of, - - - 369 
Winds, Colonel William, letter from, to Gates, - - 359 
Wingate, Joshua, appointed Colonel of New- -Hamp- 
shire Militia, - - - : - - 57, 83 | 
Is ordered with his Regiment to Ticonderoga, = - $26 
Assigned, on his arrival, to Stark’s Brigade, - - 1125 


Winn, James, a sick soldier, the board of, paid, - 651 
Winslow, Captain, head-carpenter, sent to Schuyler,- 29 
Winslow, Edward, letter to, from Thomas Oliver, - 
Winslow, Kenelm, Convention of aia ee meet at 

house of, - - - - 
Winslow, petition from the fe re oft to Massachusetts, 
Winston, Major Joseph, appointed Ranger in Surry 

County, North-Carolina, - - - 1369 
Winter Hill, barracks at, used as a Hospitah - - 146 
Winter, Joseph, Secretary of New-York Committee, 257, 374 
Winter, Jacob, Sen., made to give security, - - 1079 
Winter, Jacob, Jun., made to give security, - - 1079 
Winter, Philip, made to give security, = - - 
Winters, Elisha, correspondence of, with Maryland 


Council of Safety, - - - - 18, 465, 613 
Engaged in making arms for Maryland, - - 365 
Winthrop, John, letter from,to Washington, - 702, 830 
Wisner, Henry, letter to, from Joseph Barton, - - 139 
Wisner, Captain John, case of, stated, - - - 1522 
Bounty for Company advanced to, - > - 1525 
Witherspoon, Dr., letter from, to Colonel Harrison, - 172 
Delegate in Congress from New-Jersey, : - 347 
Woburn, resolve on return of estates in, - - 306 
Woedtke, Baron de, retires to the General Hoepital - 649 
Decease of, - - - - - 698, 771, '796 
Wolcott, Captain, sent with stores to German-Flats, - 42 
Wolcott, Dr., is the bearer of the turtle to Washington, 717 
Wolcott, Oliver, appointed Brigadier-General, - 936, 1006 
Letter from, to Governour Trumbull, - - - 970 
Wolcott, Erastus, copy of a letter from, to Saybrook 
Committee, - - - 1544 
Wolstenholme, Daniel, detamed by Major Prices rt 518 
The case of, stated by Colonel Barnes, - - - 519 
Letter from, to Colonel Barnes, - - - - §20 
Leonardtown Committee grant a passport to, - 521 
Correspondence of, with Governour Eden,’ - - 616 
Maryland Council of Safety refuse to permit the 
departure of, - - - - - - - 689 


Women, wanted at the General Hospital, - - - 647 
Washington advises the removal of, from New- 
York, - - - - - - - 997, 1520 
New-York Convention resolve to remove, - - 999 
The young, in Chester, go to the plough, —- - 1181 
Wood, resolve to pay a committee for procuring, - 273 
Wood Creek, removal of obstructions in, , 358, 424, 629 
Great rise in the waters of, - . - - - 1268 
Wood, Major Joseph, recommended for promotion, - 572, 
984, 1000 
lator of, by Congress, as Lieutenant-Colonel, - 1593 
Wood, Sacheverell, appointed Doorkeeper to Penn- 
sylvania Council of Safety, aril tnt pytal “wie! 1299 


INDEX. 


- 1079 | 


Woodbridge, New-Jersey, Militia of, wish to defend, 18 


Colonel Dickinson’s Battalion sent to, - - - 350 
Troops ordered to assemble at, - - - «= 370 
Smallwood’s Battalion pass, - - - - 600 
Mercer orders four hundred men to be left at, - 1194 
Woodbridge, Ruggles, appointed Colonel in Massa- 
chusetts, - - - - - - - - 293 
Leaves his Regiment on the march, —- - - T9T 
Is forbidden to enter Skenesborough, - - - 1071 
Detained at Skenesborough by inoculation, - - 1265 
Wooden Bottles, eee ‘Council of Safety give an 
order for, - - - 668, 737, 1055 
Samples of, are sent ne Thomés Smyth, - - 707 
Woodhull, General Nathaniel— 
Chosen President of the New-York Convention, - 1385 
Letters from, as President of the New-York Con- 
vention, - - 202, 205, 228, 
258, 353, 446, 538, 602, 622, 853, 854, 896 
Correspondence of, with the Convention, . - 1184, 
1385, 1544, 1546, 1548 
Letter to, from Captain Denton, - - . - 543 
Letter to, from General Gates, - - - 773 
Is joined ‘by Colonels Smith and Remsen, - - 1196, 1543 
Draught of instructions to, - - - - - 1543 
Asks for a reinforcement, - - - - - 1549 
Letter to, from Moses Seymour, - - - - 1551 
Reported capture of, - - - - - - 1564 
Is taken prisoner on Long-Island, - - 1233, 1260 
Cruelly treated by the enemy, —- - - - 1261 
Woodhull, Col., joins Clinton at Fort Montgomery, - 355 


Woodhull, Captain, asks the discharge of his troop, - 1522 


Woodman, Lieutenant, prisoner, indulgence asked for, 104 
Woods, Henry, Major of the Seventh Regiment, . 3 


| Woodstock, letter from the town of, to | ama 


Trumbull, - - 859 
— Woodward, David, dhoses Captain sé Hertford. - - 30 
_ Letter to, from the New- ead ae Committee of 
Safety; - - - - 272 
Woodward, Benjamin, in the Norfolk jail, - - - 429 
Woodward, Joseph, Chairman of the rape Mountain 
Convention, - - - - - - 565 
Woodward, Abraham, imimical, - = - - 1378 
Wool, resolve to procure, - - 324 
Woolcombe, pea east a prisoner, aoe 
sal of, - - - 2 
Examination and parbte of,- = 26 


Woolford, Captain S. , ordered to Princess ne Ma., 1342 
Woolsey, George, letter from, to Maryland Council of 


Safety, - - - - 633, 809 
Maryland Chanete of Safety offer to ta a a ves- 
sel from, - - - 707 
Maryland ounce of Safety pay demurrage to, - 1340 
Woolsey, John, a Canadian prisoner, signs parole, - 1314 
Wooly, ‘John, sent under guard to General Clinton, - 1262 
Captain Payne’ s examination relative to, - - 1559 
Ordered to Poughkeepsie jail, - - - - 1559 
Wooster, General— 
Letter from, to a Committee of Congress, —- 12, 13 
Presides at the Chambly Council of War, — - - 164 
Letter from, to the Continental Congress, - - 1060 
Congress approve his conduct, in case of goods 
stopped, - - - - . - 1594 
Congress find nothing eenenrabld i in the conduct of, 1612 
Worcester, Massachusetts, notice from Committee of, 178 
Resolve to adjourn the Court at, - - . - 267 
Number of men to be raised in the County of, - 290 
Field Officers chosen for,  - - - - - 293 
Meeting of the inhabitants of, - - - - 515 
Proceedings of the Committee of, - - - 684 
Worcester, Maryland, letter from Council of Safety to 
Committee of, - - - - - - - 593 
Work, James, letter from, to William Atlee, = - - 1158 
Working parties, five Regiments only at Head-Quar- 
ters turn out daily, - ~ - - - - 503 
Are sent to King’s Bridge, - - - - - 504 
Are ordered to parade at the Laboratory, . - 505 
Worthen, Captain Daniel, athe eee at 
Plymouth, - - 50, 81 
Member of the New- -Hanapahive Addembly! : Sand | 
Worthington, B. T. B., one of the Anne Arundel 
Delegates, - - - 1055 
Wright, Alexander, appointed Batipn in the Flying- 
“Camp, - - - 349 
Wright, Jonathan, pracaied Tiontonant af the Green 
“Mountain Boys, - - - - - - 377 
Court-Martial ordered on, - - - - 1358 
Wright, Turbutt, letter from, to Maryland Council of 
“Safety, - - Pt - - 663, 72 


1787 


Wright, Jonathan, Ebi ite} sie oy for deser- 


tion, - - - ae 
Wyandots, the tribe of, enreeeniad 41 Fort Pitt, - 
Wye River, flint-stones found on, - : - - 


Report from persons sent to explore, - - 
Wyllys, John P. pmppouiled Brigade- Major to Wads- 
worth, - 
Wyman, Isaac, appointed Colonel of a Canada. Regi 
ment, - - 
Letter to, from Now Hanes Gaunnil of Safety, - 
Ordered with his Regiment to Ticondenyg*. - - 
Is assigned to Stark’s Brigade, - - - 
Court-Martial ordered on, - 


INDEX. 


6, 69 
212 
826 

1125 

- 1272 


Wyman, Captain, list of the Company of, ‘taken 
prisoners, - 167 
Wynkoop, Captain iaroba letter cour to Gates, - 547, 
680, 857, 1276 
Letter from, to Arnold, - - - - 1002, 1275 
Refuses to obey the orders of Arnold, - - 1003 
Letter to, from General Arnold, - - - 1003, 1275 
General Gates orders the arrest of, - - - 1051 
General Gates repeats the order to arrest, - 1073, 1187 
Schuyler will not undertake to dismiss, - - - 1083 
Is ordered to Albany, there to remain, - - - 1153 
Petition of, to Congress, = - - - - - 1185 
General Schuyler’ s order to, - - - 1186 
Copy of his order to two Captains of the fleet, - 1187 
Schuyler encloses his memorial to Congress, - - 1217 
Is said to be totally unfit to command, - - - 1218 
Appointment of, by New York Convention, tempo- 
rary only, - - . - - 1222 
General Gates's letter to Congress on the case of, - 1268 
Copy of a letter from General. Schuyler to, - - 1277 
Wynkoop, Colonel, Regiment of, move from Fort 
George, - - : - - - - - 697 
Letter from New-York Convention enclosed to, - 774 
List of officers in the Regiment of, - - - 919 
Wynkoop, Henry, member of Pennsylvania Council of 
Safety, - - - - - - - - 1311 

Wyoming, the officers escaped from Lebanon reach, 597 
Vigilance of the people of, - - - - 599 

Wyriot, Mr., soldiers recruited in North-Carolina on 

application of, - - - . - - - 1075 
Y. 

Yankee Hero, application for release of the crew of, - 389 
Account of the wounded on board the, - - - 664 
Proposal for exchange of prisoners taken in, - - 727 

Yankee, privateer, prize captured by the, - - - 148 
Seized by the prisoners and carried into Dover, - 684 
Account of the treatment of prisoners of the, - - 754 
British merchants desire to hold the ee of, 

responsible, = - - - - 756 
Yankees, a good example set iS the Carolinians to, - 497 
Yates, Robert, and others, letter to, from General 

Washington, - - - “ - - 351, 484 

Letter from, to General Gates, - - - - 486 
Letter from, to William Pawling, - - : - 611 
Letter from, to Washington, - - : - 935, 954 


Yates, Abraham, Jr., Chairman of the suis Com- 
mittee, - - - 
Correspondence of mitt Washinton, - 

998, 999, 1028, 
Yates, Abraham, chosen pro ferapore President of the 
New-York Convention, - : - 
Yates, Thomas, appointed Captain i in Marlend Militia, 
The Council of Safety order payment of money to, - 
The Council of Safety 1 issue a Commission to, - 
Youngest Captain in rank in the Battalion, - - 
Yates, John, elected Paymaster by Congress, - - 
Yeates, Jasper, letter to, from Captain Crawford, — - 
Letter to, from John Cox, - + - - 
Yeiser, Frederick, recommended as Seen Lieu- 
tenant, - - - - - . - 

Is commissioned by Gonurenn - - - 
Yeldel, William, order for the arrest of, 

Yell, Moses, deposition of, . - - 
York County, Pennsylvania, proceedings of Com- 
mittee of, - - - - - 
A letter from, soni in the Baltimore Comanetes, - 
York County, Massachusetts, number of men raised in, 
York Ferry, repulse of the enemy from, - - - 
Yorkers, arrangement of three Battalions of, in Canada, 
Yost, John, letter to, from Maryland Council of Safety, 


The reply of, to Maryland Council of Safety, - - 
Makes a contract for muskets and rifles, - - 
Young, Captain Samuel, list of the men of, prisoners 
at the Cedars, - - - - - . 


Found not guilty of denoting his post, - - - 
Petitions to know his sentence, - 
Young, Captain James, Maryland ON eA of Safety 
advance money to, - - 


Commissary ordered to furnish Georene of, - : 
Company of, ordered to Baltimore, - + - 
A commission is issued to, - : - - - 
Young, Mr., Hamilton, sent to Congres: asa pie p eae 
person, - - - - 


Is permitted to reside in penis ae . 


Younghusband, Capt., commander of the Lady Stanley, 

Younglove, Ensign, heroick death of, - 
Youngs, Joseph, ‘testimony of, in the case of Colbnel 
Hammond, - - - - - - - 

Z. 

Zantzinger, Captain Paul, of First Battalion of Lan- 
caster Associators, - - - - - - 
His account of rifles ADIL by Lancaster Com- 
mittee, - = = - c 
Zechariah Baily, ay capture of - : - 


The crew of, recaptured and taken into Daven - 
Zedtwitz, Col. Herman, severely wounded at Quebeck, 
Proceedings of a court-martial upon, - - : 
Is cashiered by the Court, - - - - - 
Copy of his letter to Governour Tryon, - - - 
Testimony of Augustus Stein in case of, - - 
The self-defence of, - - - - - = 
Court said to have been divided on the case of, _  - 
Copy of the order for the Court on, ~— - - - 


1788 


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1937 


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1332 
1332 
1348 
1348 
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138 

254 


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1583 
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688 


222 
523 
290 
1279 
393 
524 
707 
1331 


168 
658 
698 


783 
906 
1336 
1348 


934 
- 1615 
152 
- 1001 


1439 


188 


221 
148 
684 
645 
1159 
1160 
1160 
1160 
1161 
1204 
1247 


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